Dear Families,

It was with a very heavy heart that we had to close all Limestone schools today for in-person learning. I appreciate how stressful this is for the students, staff, and families in Limestone.

Currently, it appears a full withdrawal of services by CUPE staff will extend into the start of next week at minimum. Given these circumstances, we anticipate LDSB schools and buildings will remain closed to students and the public for Monday, November 7. CUPE employees provide critical services in LDSB schools, and we cannot safely operate without those services. As a result, we will have to continue with teachers providing asynchronous learning tasks through pre-established methods like an online platform or e-mail.

As we move into next week, we will continue to action plans for distribution of resources, devices, and other supplies to further support learning.

We understand labour disruptions may create worries and uncertainty for students, families, and staff. We want to assure you that we will continue to communicate regularly with families to ensure that you have as much information as possible, so that you can make informed decisions and undertake contingency planning. Families will receive an update by Communicate e-mail on Sunday evening confirming whether schools remain closed to students and the public.

Limestone had hoped for a fair and mutually agreeable, negotiated settlement.  We hope that the current impasse is resolved soon, and the disruption to in-person learning and regular operations is short in duration.

As we collectively navigate these unchartered waters during this current labour impasse, I appreciate your patience and understanding.

Thank you,

Krishna Burra

Director of Education



Other LDSB Labour Updates:

CUPE Labour Update Nov. 3

CUPE Labour Update Nov. 2

CUPE Labour Update Nov. 1

CUPE Labour Update Oct. 31 - Potential Strike Nov. 4 

CUPE Labour Update Oct. 24