Rideau Heights Public School

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It is hard to believe we are already approaching the end of October.&nbsp; Excluding today and a handful of other days, we have enjoyed a beautiful and relatively warm fall. Since the start of the school year, it has been wonderful to see the momentum of learning and the wide variety of extracurricular activities taking place across Limestone schools. As we head into November next week, I want to share a few updates with you:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">See Yourself in Limestone – Student Census Survey</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Information was shared with families earlier this week regarding the upcoming See Yourself in Limestone Student Census. The census is a voluntary and confidential survey for students in Grades 4 to 12. </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note, there was one error in the message shared with you regarding the dates of the Student Census. The correct dates are November 24 to 28, 2025.</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As a reminder, families who do not want their student(s) to complete the survey must contact their school Principal by Friday, November 14, 2025. Opting out means the student will not receive the survey in their e-mail inbox.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By better understanding students’ identities and experiences, we can remove barriers and better support students in accessing what they need to succeed.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more about the Student Census and how it supports equity in Limestone: </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_census" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">limestone.on.ca/student_census</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reminder: Upcoming PA Day – November 14, 2025</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A reminder to families that Friday, November 14 is a Professional Activity (PA) Day for all Limestone students. </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There will be no classes for students on this day.</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Achievement Plan – Opportunity to Provide Feedback</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">An update on </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5bb14b2b-a709-4efa-9daa-9553a7b51f9a/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-October-29-2025-revised.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan is included in the most recent Board Meeting package (pages 37 through 39)</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This update is interim because we are still awaiting the release of 2024-2025 EQAO data and other provincial data. The plan outlines how the Board is working to support student success in three key areas:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Achievement in Core Academic Skills (literacy and numeracy)</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Preparation for Future Success (graduation rates, career pathways)</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Engagement and Well-Being</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families are encouraged to </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5bb14b2b-a709-4efa-9daa-9553a7b51f9a/LDSB-Regular-Board-Meeting-Agenda-October-29-2025-revised.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">review the update included in the October Board Meeting package</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and learn more about how Limestone is tracking progress and creating opportunities for all students. Once we have EQAO and other provincial data, another update will be shared.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As of today (October 30, 2025), we have still not received EQAO and other provincial data for the 2024-2025 school year. As a result, based on the </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/mission__vision___values" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone District School Board Strategic Plan</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> we have provided an interim report on our continued work to support improved student learning and well-being.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Question for Families:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> What feedback, if any, do you have regarding the Board's goals and high impact strategies focused on improving student learning and well-being? </span><a href="https://ca1.voxco.com/S2/?st=fu443Fws9prNw0zfWUOKuly9F1SpkMermbTzVyZ1st8%3D&amp;mod=0&amp;dlang=en" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Share your feedback with Limestone online here.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Free Access to IDELLO for the French as a Second Language Community</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are excited to share that Télévision française de l’Ontario (TFO) is offering free access to IDELLO for families in the French as a Second Language (FSL) community!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.idello.org/formations-et-evenements?utm_source=Idello&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Idello2025" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">IDELLO</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a rich online platform</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> that offers virtual training, events, and resources designed to support French-language learning for educators, parents, and students. It is a great way to explore engaging content and strengthen language skills at home.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day, IDELLO also features a special </span><a href="https://www.idello.org/002686794/journee-nationale-de-la-verite-et-de-la-reconciliation-5e-a-12e-annee?utm_source=Idello&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Idello2025" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">resource collection for Grades 5 to 12</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. These materials help students learn about the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and encourage thoughtful reflection on building a better future.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To request free access, families can contact TFO directly at </span><a href="mailto:support@idello.org" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">support@idello.org</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not miss this opportunity to bring meaningful French-language learning and cultural reflection into your home!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry and Board Resources for Math and Literacy</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many resources available designed to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that can make learning fun and effective for students and families. </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to learn more.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Inclement Weather Season</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we approach the inclement weather months (roughly early November to early April), our transportation partner, Tri-Board Student Transportation Services (Tri-Board), works closely with their school bus companies to determine if it is safe to offer school transportation on inclement weather days. School buses function differently than other vehicles, and sometimes, although it is safe for the average family vehicle to travel, it is not safe for a school bus to be on the road. Due to the geographic size of our district, weather conditions can vary significantly from one region to another. As a result, there are times when transportation cancellations may only apply to specific areas experiencing adverse conditions, while other regions remain unaffected. Having to cancel school transportation is understandably disruptive to families, but Tri-Board always puts the safety of their 30,000-plus bus riders first and foremost in their decision-making. Learn more about </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/prepare-for-winter-related-bus-delays-and-cancellations--20251020203640" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">how to help make the winter season and bus cancellation days easier for families to manage on our website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for the continued support and partnership as part of the Limestone community, and have a safe, and hopefully not a rainy, Halloween.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krishna Burra</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director of Education</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone is committed to supporting every student in achieving success. To do this, we need to better understand how students’ identities, experiences, and academic outcomes are connected. That is why we are launching our second </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">See Yourself in Limestone Student Census Survey</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> this November.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Student Census is a voluntary survey for students in Grades 4 to 12. It gathers information about students’ identities and their experiences at school. This data is then paired with academic information to help us understand what school is like for different groups of students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It is important to note that:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The survey is </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">optional</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Responses are </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">confidential</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">can choose to answer as much or as little of the survey as they wish</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The goal is to identify ways schools can better support students and ensure everyone has what they need to succeed. The insights we gain will help Limestone break down barriers and improve school experiences for all students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The census will be available from </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 24 to 28, 2025</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, and students will complete it during class time</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. If you prefer that your student not participate, you can opt them out by contacting your school principal.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Students who are opted out will not receive the survey in their e-mail inbox and will be provided with an alternative activity during the survey period.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Opt-out deadline:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Friday, November 14, 2025</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Watch the Student Census video and learn more about the student census online: </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_census" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">limestone.on.ca/student_census</strong></b></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have any questions, please contact your school principal, e-mail us at </span><a href="mailto:StudentCensus@limestone.on.ca" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">StudentCensus@limestone.on.ca</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, or call 613-389-2294.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Alison McDonnell</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent of Curriculum and Program Services:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Early Years and Equity and Inclusion</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Calvin Park PS ATLAS, Challenge, LEAP and CORE Programs</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">December 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Loughborough PS Challenge Program</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">December 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ernestown Intermediate and SS Gr. 7-8 Challenge Program</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">December 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please continue to check for the Information Night dates for the Extended French Immersion Programs at Harrowsmith PS, Module de L’Acadie, and Module Vanier. More information about all Choices at 7 Programs is available on the LDSB Website.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a3abb8d6-ace5-4a67-9235-d78c641f3e0e" alt="Choices at 7 Poster" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>