La Salle Intermediate and Secondary School

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students and families are reminded that the equal consideration deadline for Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) </span><a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Xxb04a7rgk2nPKDeWTgwvh8EISEOpXRHkjVBXD0LbfFUMkhHWDlRS0tBSEdQSjdWT1dBWFpaMEI2Si4u" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">program applications</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is March 27, 2026. While SHSM applications are accepted on a continuous basis, students who apply by this date will be considered first and notified by April 24, 2026.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The SHSM is a specialized program for Grades 11 and 12 students that allows them to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting all requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The program includes industry-recognized certifications, a two-credit cooperative education placement, and hands-on experiential learning, with successful completion recognized by a red seal on the diploma.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span><a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Xxb04a7rgk2nPKDeWTgwvh8EISEOpXRHkjVBXD0LbfFUMkhHWDlRS0tBSEdQSjdWT1dBWFpaMEI2Si4u" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">online application takes approximately four minutes to complete</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more about SHSM on the </span><a href="https://expandedopportunities.limestone.on.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB Expanded Opportunities 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;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With March now underway, and March Break fast approaching, I would like to share a few updates with families:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Year Calendar is Approved</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Ministry of Education has approved Limestone’s recommended 2026-2027 school year calendar. The school year will begin with a P.A. Day on September 1, 2026, with the first day of classes for students on September 2, 2026. A </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-year-calendar" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">printable version of the calendar is available on Limestone’s website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Budget Survey</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustees are seeking feedback on the Limestone District School Board budget planning process for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Families are encouraged to take a few minutes to provide feedback on areas or priority. The survey is anonymous and can be accessed online at </span><a href="https://bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> . The survey closes March 23, 2026.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Video: Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO Highlights</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As previously shared, the Ministry of Education released the 2024-2025 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results in December, and we are pleased to share that Limestone has achieved its strongest performance in four years, with gains across every testing category.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone’s results are consistent with provincial trends in many areas and show meaningful improvement in others, including among specific student groups. In fact, Limestone is performing at or above the provincial average in nearly all measures.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These results reflect the collective efforts of Limestone educators, Educational Assistants, program teams, and school leaders—supported by the ongoing commitment of students and families across our district. We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work that contributed to these achievements.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are pleased to share a </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">video update with families on Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO Highlights</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">short video</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> provides an overview of Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan and how it guides our shared work to support student learning and well-being.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Through insights from members of the Limestone Senior Team, families will learn about the key priorities shaping our efforts, the thinking behind our actions, and how collaboration, evidence, and reflection help us improve. The video highlights how data, professional learning, and shared leadership work together to move learning forward, while keeping students, belonging, and continuous growth at the centre. It offers a look at how planning connects to practice as we work together toward positive outcomes for all Limestone students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Revisions to Grades 7, 8, and 10 History Curriculum</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Minister of Education has announced updates to the Grades 7, 8, and 10 History curriculum for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With these updates, in Grades 7, 8, and 10, students will learn about significant contributions of Black individuals and communities to Canada’s foundation as a nation, and the obstacles they faced in the pursuit of building an inclusive and prosperous country.&nbsp;The Grade 10 History course will also have new learning on extreme political and social ideologies, the Holocaust and rising antisemitism, and the Holodomor famine in Ukraine.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more about the updated curriculum on the </span><a href="https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry of Education’s Curriculum and Resources website.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Become a Homestay and Host an International Student: A Meaningful Experience for You and Your Family</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each year, LDSB welcomes more than 120 international students into schools across the district from countries around the world, including Brazil, Italy, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, France, Vietnam, Rwanda, and many others. Hosting an international student is a meaningful way to bring the world into your home while making a positive difference in a young person’s life. Limestone homestay families are carefully matched with students and supported by dedicated Limestone staff throughout the placement, so families are never on their own. Hosting offers opportunities for cultural exchange, the development of lasting relationships, and a monthly stipend to help offset costs. To learn more about how hosting works, the supports in place, and why many local families choose to open their homes, visit </span><a href="https://internationaled.limestone.on.ca/become_a_homestay" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">internationaled.limestone.on.ca/become_a_homestay</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry Resources for Reading and Math</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many resources available to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that make learning both fun and effective for students and families. To explore these tools, visit Limestone’s </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your continued partnership and support of student learning and well-being across Limestone. We are grateful for the role families play in helping students feel supported, connected, and successful, and we look forward to continuing our work together.</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;">The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of its 2026–2027 Student Trustees, who will be formally welcomed at the April meeting of the Board.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student trustees play an important role in bringing student perspectives to board-level discussions, helping ensure that student voice is reflected in decision-making across the district. For the upcoming term, LDSB looks forward to working with three engaged and passionate student leaders who represent rural, urban, and Indigenous student communities:</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Audrey Bateman – Rural Student Trustee</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A message from Student Trustee Bateman:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> I'm so excited to be your rural student trustee this year. This role is such a great place to create lasting change for the current and future classes. I'm really looking forward to connecting with the trustees and students from across the board to try and make school a&nbsp;more fun, inclusive, and memorable experience where we can. &nbsp;Everyone's voice matters!</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Victoria McCourt – Indigenous Student Trustee</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A message from Student Trustee McCourt</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: I applied for the Indigenous student trustee position because I feel that having a voice to represent Indigenous students, their issues and concerns is important. I would like to help celebrate and honour the Indigenous students in the Limestone District School Board. I look forward to helping create more opportunities for Indigenous students and I want our youth to feel proud of who they are and their Indigenous identity.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mathew Katz – Urban Student Trustee</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A message from Student Trustee Katz</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: I applied to become a student trustee to advocate for issues that both I and students from across LDSB are passionate about. I specifically hope to be able to work on issues related to environmental sustainability and anti-racism. Ultimately, I want to ensure students’ voices are heard and meaningfully represented.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board congratulates Audrey, Victoria, and Matthew on their appointments and looks forward to welcoming them at the April Board meeting as they begin their term as student trustees for the 2026–2027 school year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6101cb72-005e-4aad-b211-341230a8738b" alt="2026 2027 Student Trustees" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p>