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Dear Families, 

Welcome back to the 2023-2024 school year! I hope you all found space for some holiday time this summer to enjoy with family and friends, and it has been a positive start to the new school year. I know my household has been a hive of activity this week as our three children returned to Limestone schools for the start of the year.   

The energy and excitement for the first week of school has been felt across the Limestone District School Board (LDSB). It is exciting to think of the knowledge, skills, friendships and memories students are about to gain. 

As we begin the school year, I would like to share some information with you: 

Updates to Reporting a Student Absence 

We have heard your requests, and we are pleased to now offer late arrival for all students (Kindergarten-Grade 12), and early departure for secondary students (Grades 9-12) as features in the SchoolMessenger attendance app.    

Now, when you report an absence for your student in SchoolMessenger, you have three options to choose from– full day, multiple day and late—with the additional option of early departure for secondary students. 

For more information and how-to instructions, please visit the Report a Student Absence page on the LDSB website. 

Limestone Board Policy 13: Delegations & Submissions 

LDSB Trustees are seeking feedback on changes and additions to Policy 13: Delegations and Submissions. These changes have already been adopted as an interim policy pending public feedback. 
 
Public input will be accepted until Thursday, September 21 with the goal of bringing feedback to the October 4, 2023, Education, Policy and Operations Committee meeting.   
 
There are significant additions to section 1.9.0 to provide context and details on why a delegation presentation may be declined or where there are other opportunities for delegates to provide input to the Board.    
   

To view the proposed changes and to provide your input/feedback, please visit the Policy 13: Delegations & Submissions page on the LDSB website. 

Yesterday, Education Minister Stephen Lecce shared a letter for parents/guardians of students in Ontario. To read, please visit the Ministry website. 

I wish you a wonderful school year, and I look forward to connecting with you in the coming days, weeks, and months. 

All the very best, 

Krishna Burra 

Director of Education