Dear Families,
I hope everyone had a good, short week following the Family Day Weekend. We have had a small taste of warmer weather recently, though we know there may still be more winter days to come. As we head toward the end of February, I would like to share a few updates with Limestone families:
2026-2027 School Year Calendar
Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar Survey. Approximately 3,700 responses were submitted from families, staff, and community members. We appreciate your time and providing the feedback.
As shared previously, the school year calendar for 2026-2027 presents unique challenges, with Labour Day falling unusually late on September 7, and Easter occurring just four days after March Break. Across all three school boards (Limestone DSB, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic DSB, and Hastings and Prince Edward County DSB) Option 1 was the preferred choice, and Option 2 ranked second and third, with only marginal differences in support.
Following further review of the potential calendars, and considering potential financial implications, it was determined that implementing Option 1 would create additional costs for all three boards. Given that Option 2 very closely aligns with Option 1, differing by only one day and without the associated financial implications, all three boards supported Option 2, with the school year starting September 1 (P.A. Day) and the first day of classes for students on September 2.
At Wednesday night’s Board Meeting, the Limestone Board of Trustees approved Option 2 for the 2026-2027 school year calendar, and this calendar will be submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval.
You Are Invited: Community Event: An Evening with Monique Gray Smith, Author of Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults – March 12, 2026
Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to a free in-person evening with author Monique Gray Smith. This special event will bring our community together to learn about care, reciprocity, connection to the land, and connection to one another.
Date: March 12, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. - Vendors and refreshments
6:45 p.m. - Doors open
7:00 p.m. - Speaker begins
Location: Queen's University, Duncan McArthur Hall, 511 Union St., Kingston
Light refreshments will be provided, and the first 50 attendees will receive a free copy of her book. Registration is required. Please register online in advance — we look forward to seeing you there!
This event has been made possible with the support of the Limestone Learning Foundation, Queen’s University Faculty of Education, and the Limestone District School Board.
2026-2027 Virtual School Survey
Families interested in enrolling their students in virtual school for the 2026-2027 school year should complete the Virtual School Survey. This helps with early planning for the next school year. This virtual school survey is not for registration and families will need to contact Elementary Virtual School to officially register their students for next year. If you have more than one student interested, please complete the survey for each student. The survey will remain open until Friday, March 13, 2026. Families can access the survey online. If you require a printed survey, please contact Principal Kate Myers by e-mail.
Ministry and Board Resources for Math and Literacy
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. Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage to learn more.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in Limestone school communities. We truly value the strong partnership we share with families and look forward to the second half of the 2025-2026 school year continuing positively for students, families, and staff.
Krishna Burra
Director of Education