Dear Strath Community,

In an effort to alleviate any confusion, we are sharing the following information.

Please be advised that buses are cancelled today. When buses are cancelled in the morning, they do not run in the afternoon either. The schools remain open.

The safety of our staff is vital. We anticipate absences that may require combining cohorts to ensure student safety. 

Please stay safe everyone! And if we don't see you today, have a wonderful Family Day Weekend!

Monday, March 21, 2022 is World Down Syndrome Day. 

To show our support for inclusion and the rights of people with Down syndrome, we wear wacky socks! Please "Rock your socks" on our first day back to school to show how much James Strath cares. Remember, at James Strath, learning, relationships and belonging matters!!

https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

As announced in the newsletter, our Spirit Wear store is open again! 

Click here!

There are lots of great items to choose from!

August 3, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Happy Summer! I hope you are feeling rejuvenated by the sunshine. It has been wonderful to get outside and to visit with friends and family.

This update provides the latest news on the return to school plan, announced today by Education Minister Stephen Lecce. The Minister said schools will be open again for in-person learning, starting September 7. We look forward to seeing staff and students! 

The provincial memo shared with all school boards today indicated:  

• Students will return to in-person learning daily for the full school day. 
  
  
• Remote learning will remain an option for families who wish it.

• Students in Grades 1-12 and staff will be required to wear masks while indoors and on school buses, while those in Kindergarten will be encouraged to wear masks.

• Masks will not be required outdoors, and children will not be required to stay in their cohorts when outside.

• Extra-curricular and inter-school sport activities will be permitted with some modifications; for example, high-contact sports such as basketball will take place outdoors.

• Secondary students will continue to take a maximum of two subjects at a time.

• While vaccination will not be mandatory for staff or students, immunization will still be encouraged. Local vaccination clinics will continue to run. 

• Students and staff will still be required to self-monitor daily for symptoms of illness and stay home if unwell.

• Enhanced cleaning and handwashing will remain in effect.  

• School arrival and departure times will continue to be planned for maximum distancing. 

• School boards will continue to work with local health units to monitor and respond quickly to concerns. 

Learn more about the province’s return to school plan by reading: COVID-19: Health, safety and operational guidance for schools (2001-2022).

We still believe in-person learning is best for students, as reflected in the increase in mental health issues reported during the pandemic. We also recognize that, for a number of reasons, some families prefer to have their children learn online. Families who are interested in online education will be able to confirm their choice of online learning beginning next week. Watch for more information. 

If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to take advantage of the many vaccine clinics for ages 12 and up. For dates and locations, please visit the website of your health unit.   

This update also has information on steps taken by KPR to ensure classrooms are properly ventilated.  

 Continue to enjoy the sunshine. See you in September! 

 Sincerely, 

Rita Russo
Director of Education 

KPR NEWS 

Ventilation

Student and staff well-being is our highest priority. KPR has been improving ventilation in schools over the past year as follows:  

• Most KPR schools have centrally controlled air refresh systems, monitored and maintained in top condition by qualified staff. At these schools, we installed higher grade air filters (MERV 13). The systems also have alarms so that we can identify and fix problems immediately.  
• We upgraded the minimum amount of fresh air in our air exchange systems from 20% to at least 35%.  
• We placed over 400 stand-alone HEPA (high efficiency particulate air)filter units in classrooms that were not serviced by a mechanical HVAC system.  
• Air inside our schools is totally exchanged 1-2 hours before students and staff arrive each day. 
• We hired an independent HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) consultant to review our plans and ensure we are taking the best possible steps for the next 5 years. 
• KPR is continuing to apply $10.75 million in federal and provincial funds for COVID-related improvements over the rest of this year. They include replacement of older HVAC systems at 10 elementary and secondary schools, as well as installation of five new portables and 206 hands-free bottle filling stations. We also have upgraded the HVAC systems in 40 portables. 
• All new schools being built meet or exceed health and safety standards.  

As a result, all classrooms in KPR will be serviced by a stand-alone HEPA unit or mechanical HVAC system, and all schools will have hands-free water bottle filling stations, by the end of 2021. 

Youth Vaccinations  

Health officials continue to encourage everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated to defend against COVID. Local health units are continuing to hold immunization clinics for ages 12-17 and adults; see our KPR Youth Vaccination information page more information. You may also visit the Covid-19 Vaccines for Youth for additional information.

August 9, 2021

To All KPR Families,

This update focuses on two important matters: the opportunity for families interested in online learning to confirm their choice, and further details on the provincial return to school plan.

After we updated families and staff last week on the provincial COVID safety plan for the 2021-22 school year, the provincial government announced two new points:

• as part of an additional $25 million in funding province-wide, stand-alone HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter units will be placed in all Kindergarten classrooms, whether or not they are already served by a mechanical ventilation system
• students will be able to participate in sports indoors as well as outdoors.

These steps will be in addition to those announced last week:

• Students will return to in-person learning daily for the full school day. 
• Remote learning will remain an option for families who wish it.
• Students in Grades 1-12 and staff will be required to wear masks while indoors and on school buses, while those in Kindergarten will be encouraged to wear masks.
• Masks will not be required outdoors, and children will not be required to stay in their cohorts when outside.
• Extra-curricular and inter-school sport activities will be permitted with some modifications.
• Secondary students will continue to take a maximum of two subjects at a time.
• While vaccination will not be mandatory for staff or students, immunization will still be encouraged. Local vaccination clinics will continue to run.  
• Students and staff will still be required to self-monitor daily for symptoms of illness and stay home if unwell. 
• Enhanced cleaning and handwashing will remain in effect.  
• School arrival and departure times will continue to be planned for maximum distancing. 
• Music, field trips, assemblies, nutrition programs and cafeteria use will resume, with some modifications and in consultation with local public health partners.
• School boards will continue to work with local health units to monitor and respond quickly to concerns. 

Learn more about the province’s return to school plan by reading COVID-19: Health, safety and operational guidance for schools (2001-2022).

Provincial and local health authorities also continue to urge all Ontarians ages 12 and up to obtain their two vaccinations as soon as possible, as the best protection against COVID-19. The Education Minister also told the media that there were no plans at this time to make COVID-19 immunization mandatory for students or education staff.

Virtual Learning for 2021-22 School Year

While we continue to focus on face-to-face learning as the ideal learning model for students, we also will continue to offer virtual school this year. Families interested in online education must confirm their registration for virtual learning for their children or teens by Friday, August 20 at noon. An opt-in portal for parents and guardians to complete only if they wish their children to learn online is now open at http://optout.kprdsb.ca/ .

Please note: if you indicated initial interest in online learning in the spring, but now wish to return to in-person learning, you do not need to take any steps. Students will automatically be re-registered in their last school attended prior to virtual learning. Only those interested in virtual learning need to complete the form here.

Those interested in virtual learning must complete the form here even if they indicated initial interest in the spring.

Secondary quadmesters will start September 7, November 11, February 1 and April 21, for all high schools. Secondary students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning in September 2021 and February 2022.

Elementary students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning at the following designated times in the school year: beginning of September, Fall Progress Report (mid-November), Term 1 Final Report (early February), and spring 2022.

School Offices

School offices are closed for summer and will reopen August 25. Families new to KPR can still register online at School Registration (kprschools.ca) . For student transcripts, please call 705-742-9773 or toll-free 1-877-741-4577, ext. 3444.

Finally, we wish to reassure families and staff that all classrooms and learning spaces in KPR schools will be served by efficient, school-wide air exchange systems or portable HEPA units. In schools where ventilation work is continuing this fall, portable HEPA units will be used until the work is completed. Last week’s message to you has further details on ventilation; it is available here.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

To All KPR Families,

As you may have heard, the provincial government today made an important announcement about COVID-19 safety requirements for education workers.

We are awaiting further information from the Ministry of Education as to how school boards must implement the new requirements. Highlights of today’s announcement by Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore include: 

• the province continues to urge voluntary immunization as the best choice for protecting against the spread of COVID-19
• the Ministry of Education will be introducing a vaccination disclosure policy for all employees of school boards, private schools and licensed child care settings for 2021-22
• employees who decline to be vaccinated will be required to complete regular rapid tests for COVID; this will begin with a minimum of once a week, with the frequency of testing increasing according to the level of risk in the community
• effective August 18, all children turning 12 years old before the end of 2021 are eligible for vaccination against COVID
• school boards will work with the province and local public health units to run voluntary vaccination clinics in or near schools to make voluntary vaccination more accessible for eligible students, their families and education staff.

We continue to work closely with the four health units within our area as we finalize our Return to School plan and prepare for the upcoming school year. We will continue to share further information with staff and families as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Thursday, August 19, 2021

To All KPR Families,

It’s hard to believe we’re approaching the end of summer! With thoughts of the return to school at the top of families’ and staff members’ minds, we are pleased to share the attached Return to School Plan with you.  The plan is also available from the homepage of the KPR website: www.kprschools.ca  

The plan provides further details outlining how KPR will be putting new provincial requirements into operation when classes resume September 7. It is aligned with province-wide Ministry of Education and public health officials’ directives, which we have been sharing with you through the summer. Moving forward, we also will continue to work collaboratively with our four local health units. Should there be a confirmed case of COVID in a school, the health unit will oversee case and contact management. They will determine the specific steps that students or staff need to take, such as testing, self-isolation or self-monitoring for symptoms. 

Following are some highlights of the plan.

The School Day

• Students will return to in-person learning daily, beginning September 7, for the full school day.  
• Secondary students will continue to take a maximum of two subjects at a time.
• Music, field trips, assemblies, nutrition programs and cafeteria use will resume, with health and safety protocols such as masking, physical distancing and capacity limits.
• Extra-curricular and inter-school sports activities will be permitted indoors and outdoors with health and safety protocols in place.  
• Remote learning will remain an option for families who wish it. Families interested in online education must confirm their registration for virtual learning for their children or teens by Friday, August 20 at noon. As previously communicated, an opt-in portal for parents and guardians to complete only if they wish their children to learn online is open at http://optout.kprdsb.ca/ . Please note that, even if you expressed interest in online learning previously, you still must confirm it now at http://optout.kprdsb.ca/ . Students returning to in-person classes do not need to take any steps; they will be re-registered automatically in the home school they last attended in person.

Health and Safety Measures

• Students in Grades 1-12 and staff will be required to wear masks while indoors and on school buses, while those in Kindergarten will be strongly encouraged to wear masks. 
• Masks will not be required outdoors, and children will not be required to stay in their cohorts when outside. 
• Stand-alone HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter units will be placed in all Kindergarten classrooms, whether or not they are already serviced by a mechanical ventilation system. In addition, all KPR classrooms and learning spaces will be serviced by mechanical ventilation systems or HEPA filters.
• School arrival and departure times will continue to be planned for maximum distancing. 
• Enhanced cleaning and hand hygiene practices will remain in effect.

Vaccinations, Self-screening and COVID Contact Management

• Students and staff will still be required to self-monitor daily for symptoms of illness and stay home if unwell. 

• Voluntary vaccination clinics in or near schools this fall will make vaccines even more convenient and accessible for eligible students, their families, educators and school staff.
• Individuals who are fully vaccinated may not be required to isolate after a COVID exposure, provided they have no symptoms.
• Local public health units will determine the isolation and testing requirements for all COVID exposures in schools, through contact and case management. Schools will work collaboratively with local health units to communicate all required information to staff and families.
• As always, we will inform staff and families of confirmed cases in their school as soon as possible, in cooperation with public health.

We look forward to seeing everyone back in September!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Friday, September 3, 2021

To All KPR Families,

We’re almost there! School starts this Tuesday, September 7. We are excited to be able to gather in person with most students and staff once again! We also look forward to working with students and families who chose virtual learning for September.

This week’s update includes new resources flowing from the Return to School Plan we shared August 19.

I would like to share a personal video message with everyone. Please take a minute to watch this back-to-school video. We approach the coming year with hope and optimism, while ensuring that we follow all required COVID-19 protocols in our gradual return to the many activities that enrich school life.

The first day of school is one of the most exciting days of the year for many staff, students and families. To celebrate, we welcome you to share first day pictures, using #kprfirstday on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. We can hardly wait to see your posts!

Attached are several posters about our COVID protocols, based on provincial guidelines. We hope you will find these useful for self-screening and preparing for school each day.

The Minister of Education has asked us to share a message with families today as well. Please click here to read it.

Enjoy the long weekend and see you next week!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Updated School Screening Tool
The provincial government has updated the school screening tool. It now includes shortened COVID symptom lists that are specific to students versus employees and visitors; a reduced timeline for isolation in case of possible COVID exposure (10 days instead of 14); and guidance for individuals who are fully vaccinated. The screening tool is available online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

If your child is ill, please keep them at home. If your child has any of the symptoms listed in the screening tool, please follow the directions provided about isolation and testing. The attached posters include a screening tool summary with the new symptom lists and our illness protocol. They also outline how we will communicate with families about COVID cases in schools.

Please be sure to complete the screening every day for every child in your family.

Vaccination
As part of the province-wide COVID-19 vaccination campaign, health units are coordinating voluntary walk-in clinics at select KPR schools during September and October. Appointments will not be required. See details here. We also will send details on nearby clinics via School Messenger to local school communities. All vaccination clinics will take place toward the end of the school day and into the evening. Students, staff, families and local community members are able to attend the clinics.

While the province has not made vaccination mandatory for students or staff, it does require staff to disclose their vaccination status to their employer. Staff who decline vaccination must complete rapid tests at least once a week, and more often if needed.

Ventilation
All KPR classrooms and learning spaces will be serviced by portable HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter units or mechanical HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) air exchange systems. In addition, all Kindergarten, Learning and Life Skills and music classrooms, as well as childcare spaces will have portable HEPA units. 

More information about ventilation in schools is available on our website. You can access it here.

COVID Protocols
We continue to receive provincial guidance about COVID protocols and to work collaboratively with our four local public health units. KPR is taking a gradual, cautious approach to resuming school activities during September, to ensure health and safety while we monitor the local public health situation.

Please note the following: 

• Grades 1-12 students and all staff must wear masks indoors and on school buses; Kindergarten students are strongly encouraged to wear masks. Please send students with an extra mask in case one gets dirty.
• Music, field trips, nutrition programs, cafeteria use, clubs, extra-curricular activities and inter-school sports may resume gradually, with safety protocols including masking, distancing and capacity limits.
• There will be no indoor assemblies at this time. Outdoor gatherings can take place, with health and safety protocols in place.
• Volunteers and regular visitors are not permitted at this time while we work through the new vaccination disclosure guidelines. Scheduled parent meetings and orientations with staff may continue.
• Enhanced cleaning procedures remain in effect
• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette are very important! Please see attached resources for reminders to share with students.
• Students do not have to remain in their class cohorts while outside and do not have to wear masks outdoors. Students will be permitted to use playgrounds and outdoor equipment; hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette will be emphasized.
• Students can share learning materials in the classroom; students will be reminded to wash or sanitize their hands when using shared items.
• There will be no high-contact sports played indoors at this time (for example, basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, wrestling), but these activities may continue outdoors.
• Should there be a confirmed case of COVID, the health unit will oversee all case and contact management, and identify steps students and staff must take, such as testing, self-isolation or self-monitoring; families and staff will be informed of confirmed cases, as soon as possible.
• If exposed to COVID, fully vaccinated individuals may not be required to isolate, provided they have no symptoms; local health units will make these decisions in each case, and communicate with those directly affected.

If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to review our Return to School Plan .

Free Mental Health Parent Conference
All KPR parents, caregivers and staff are invited to join us online at our free, 20^th Annual Virtual Parent Conference:

Saturday, October 16
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Featuring Dr. David Templeman
You’ve Got This! Mental Health After COVID: Getting Back to Normal

While the event is free of charge, registration is required. Please register here.

Registrants will receive a link to the virtual presentation, and benefit from practical advice on supporting your child's or teen's mental health from Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. David Templeman. He is an engaging speaker and author of A Teenager's Guide to Life: The Secret to Living Life and Being Happy.

This year’s event also marks the Parent Conference’s 20^th anniversary. As we “Celebrate 20 Years of Learning!”, we have a special surprise for KPR registrants. Attendees who provide their contact information also will be eligible to win one of five copies of Dr. Templeman’s book.

We offer sincere thanks to the Parent Involvement Committee for their invaluable input and support of the conference each year.

Friday, September 10, 2021

To All KPR Families,

It is wonderful to be reunited with students and staff, as we share in the excitement of a new school year!  We love the energy and enthusiasm in our school buildings and virtual classrooms!

Students and staff have been settling into the back-to-school routine. Thank you to all families for your patience and support during what has been an incredibly busy transition for everyone. Schools and staff have implemented many changes in response to COVID-19, and they have done their best to help students experience a sense of normalcy while continuing to follow COVID protocols.

I also offer sincere appreciation to students, parents and caregivers, who have had to navigate through almost three years of unprecedented changes and challenges.  To all families new to the KPR family, I offer a heartfelt welcome, and to those who are returning, welcome back!

This update provides further information for families as we embark on a new school year. I continue to wish everyone a healthy, successful school year!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Vaccination Clinics

Walk-in vaccination clinics for students, families and community members have begun and are continuing across KPR. Clinics are coordinated by local public health units. No appointments are needed. If not yet fully vaccinated, we encourage all eligible students, staff and families to take advantage of the clinics. We have shared details on nearby clinics via School Messenger with local school communities. For clinic dates and times, please visit here.

Daily Screening

It is very important that families complete screening every day, for every child in the family.

The provincial government has updated the school screening tool. It now includes shortened COVID symptom lists that are specific to students versus employees and visitors; a reduced timeline for isolation in case of possible COVID exposure (10 days instead of 14); and guidance for individuals who are fully vaccinated. The screening tool is available online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

If your child is ill, please keep them at home. If your child has any of the symptoms listed in the screening tool, please follow the directions provided about isolation and testing.

Daily Protocols

We also remind everyone of the following protocols in place:

• Grades 1-12 students and all staff must wear masks indoors and on school buses; Kindergarten students are strongly encouraged to wear masks. Please send students to school with an extra mask in case one gets dirty.
• Frequent handwashing or hand sanitizer use, respiratory etiquette and enhanced cleaning are emphasized at every school.
• At this time, no assemblies or high-contact sports are being held indoors. Outdoor gatherings can take place, with health and safety protocols.
• Because of the increased traffic flow during student pick-up and drop-off times, and the increased difficulty in maintaining physical distancing, we are asking family members to wear masks while on school property at these times.

Should there be confirmed cases of COVID in schools, the health unit will oversee case and contact management, and identify steps students and staff must take, such as testing, self-isolation or self-monitoring. If exposed to COVID, fully vaccinated individuals may not have to isolate if they have no symptoms; local health units will make these decisions in each case, and communicate with those directly affected. All families and staff will be informed of confirmed cases, as soon as possible. If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to review our Return to School Plan .

Friday, September 24, 2021

To All KPR Families,

In my travels to schools across KPR during the first three weeks of classes, I have been impressed by the high levels of learning already achieved and the many caring acts displayed by students and staff alike. Nothing brings me more joy than experiencing the positive energy and sheer fun that students and staff bring to learning every day.

It also was great to see many KPR schools participating in the Student Vote program leading up to the federal election. The parallel voting program has students researching parties’ platforms and, based on what they discover, voting for the party of their choice. This is one of many meaningful ways our schools teach civic engagement and citizenship!

I have also seen many classes preparing posters and artwork for Afghan refugees coming to our area. I am proud of the warm welcome staff and students of all ages have been extending to new Canadians, many of whom have fled difficult circumstances that are unimaginable to most of us.

School bus driver shortages continue to be a problem in many areas of Ontario, and are directly affecting local routes. Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO), the consortium that oversees student busing in our area, continues to work closely with school bus companies to address this matter. We are pleased that the number of routes delayed or cancelled is being gradually reduced, and we hope to have all students who qualify for busing accommodated as soon as possible.

We recognize and regret the inconvenience and disruption caused to families by delays or cancellations of a number of routes, due to difficulty in filling bus driver positions. The reality is that local bus operators rarely are able to have extra drivers available on short notice to support driver absences. We are hopeful that busing routes will continue to be stabilized and supported, and we know STSCO is working closely with operators toward that goal.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Schools are continuing to prepare students in age-appropriate ways for meaningful, respectful recognition of Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, coming this Thursday, September 30.

We are inviting students and staff to wear orange on September 30. More importantly, however, KPR schools will use this solemn day to teach about the harm caused by the residential school system, to honour residential school survivors and their families, and to remember the children who never returned home. Teachers also will focus on tangible steps everyone can take to support the journey of healing and reconciliation.

Most importantly, the learning about this day will continue throughout the school year. We have provided age-appropriate resources for staff to further their students’ understanding of this important issue, and to support those affected by its tragic legacy. At all times during the school year, our actions will focus on what it truly means when Every Child Matters.

I also want to let families know that the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has worked with Indigenous communities and many partners to produce a unique, one-hour, commercial-free primetime broadcast on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The special will broadcast and stream live starting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 30 on APTN, CBC, CBC Gem, and the French-language ICI TÉLÉ and ICI.TOU.TV. I hope you are able to join us in watching this important broadcast, and in learning more about reconciliation. 

Graduation Ceremonies

We know many students and families are anxious for news on fall commencement ceremonies for our recently graduated Grade 12 students.

Due to continuing public health directives and physical distancing requirements, we are sharing that the upcoming fall Grade 12 events will be celebrated virtually.

We understand and appreciate that this is disappointing news, and not the environment we were hoping for this past June when we postponed these events.

Schools will be working on plans to provide opportunities for students to attend school on a scheduled basis for pictures, awards or certificates, and greetings with school staff. You will be contacted directly by your home school with details.

Volunteers

We also appreciate the constant, irreplaceable support of thousands of volunteers throughout KPR. Many are eager to return to schools to work with students once again.

We hope to welcome volunteers back into our schools very soon. After developing and implementing procedures for staff to meet provincial mandates for disclosing their vaccine status, we are working on finalizing protocols for volunteers. In the meantime, school councils have been continuing their invaluable work, meeting remotely to plan for the school year with staff.  

Thank you to all volunteers, and to families for supporting your children’s learning!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Thursday, September 30, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Today is a solemn and important day being recognized in age-appropriate ways by all schools throughout KPR, and by Canadians nationwide. It is the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, devoted to recognizing the harm caused by residential schools, honouring residential school survivors and their families, and remembering the children who never returned home.

At KPR, reconciliation does not focus on one day alone. Throughout the year, we provide resources and supports for staff to better understand this tragic legacy, and to pass on that understanding to students in a meaningful and respectful way. We are truly fortunate to have many people of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry who are willing to share with our students their rich knowledge and lived experience in Indigenous culture, contributions and wisdom. I offer them a heartfelt thank you for their willingness to help us better educate staff and students about residential schools and the ways we all can support reconciliation.

It is also important that we acknowledge the continued, traumatic effects of residential schools. This is a current reality, not an historic issue. Residential school survivors walk among us, as do their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We believe that, as educators, we must be mindful of how this day has impact on everyone in different ways.  

We invite you to join us in learning more about, and discussing, the realities of residential schools, and in wearing orange today as a tangible demonstration that Every Child Matters. We all can take steps towards creating lasting bridges with one another for true reconciliation. Please join us in tuning in to a unique one-hour, commercial-free broadcast at 8 p.m. this evening. This special recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will broadcast and stream live on APTN, CBC, CBC Gem, ICI TÉLÉ and ICI.TOU.TV.

KPR also welcomes Wednesday’s provincial announcement that mandatory First Nation, Métis and Inuit content and learning will be added to the curriculum for Grades 1-3. We also look forward to hearing how we will be affected by today’s announcement of $24 million to be spent province-wide to better support Indigenous students in schools.

Wishing you a meaningful day of reflection.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Friday, October 8, 2021

To All KPR Families,

I love this time of year; cool, crisp evenings and the vibrant colours of the trees remind me how fortunate we are to live in this lovely part of the world.

October marks several important celebrations. In addition to recognizing National Custodial Workers Day October 2 and World Teachers’ Day October 5, October also marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, Canadian Autism Awareness Month, Islamic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month and Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. We are truly fortunate to serve, and work with, a diverse group of staff and students, all of whom bring unique gifts to the learning environment.

Our annual Parent Conference also is held every October. This year’s virtual conference takes place Saturday, October 16 at 9 a.m., with a focus on child and youth mental health. You still have time to register for this year’s online conference.

We also remind everyone that voluntary, drop-in COVID vaccination clinics are continuing at schools across KPR, as noted on our website.

Finally, we are pleased the provincial government today announced it would be distributing free menstrual products to schools under a partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart. This program will mesh well with KPR’s Menstrual Equity (ME) project, announced last spring to ensure schools are more inclusive to individuals who menstruate, including those who identify as trans, gender non-binary or genderfluid. In addition, ME aims to ensure that all individuals can participate fully in school regardless of their socio-economic status.

KPR’s ME project, championed by the Student Trustees, ultimately aims to provide free menstrual pads and tampons in at least one male washroom, as well as in female and all-gender washrooms, in every KPR school. KPR Trustees wrote to the Education Minister in the spring about the program, and in the same letter requested free menstrual products for students province-wide.

We thank everyone for continuing to do all you can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Stay well and enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Volunteers
KPR is pleased to welcome volunteers, placement students and third-party contractors back into our schools, with approval of a new vaccination disclosure process for this group. For the health and safety of all, the following people must complete a vaccine attestation form and provide proof of vaccination before assisting in a school setting:

• volunteers including parents, guardians and community members
• college/university placement students (including teacher and nursing candidates as well as early childhood education, education assistant or child and youth worker students).

Volunteers and placement students can complete the vaccine attestation form here. Fully vaccinated individuals have priority at this time. Unvaccinated people may be able to volunteer at a later date, with rapid COVID testing measures.

After completing the attestation form, volunteers and placement students must print or bring an electronic copy of their vaccination receipt to the school when volunteering. You can obtain proof of vaccination at 
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccine-booking-support#vaccination-receipts 

Third party providers such as bus drivers, professional services and contractors complete the attestation process through their employer. We thank them all for their cooperation as we welcome them back to our schools!

Virtual School Transitions
Students can transfer between the Virtual High School and in-person learning at the start of each quadmester by contacting Guidance staff at their home school within the following timelines:

Quadmester                                                                Transfer Timelines
Quadmester 2 (November 11-January 31)                   November 1-17, 2021
Quadmester 3 (February 1-April 20)                             January 20-February 7, 2022
Quadmester 4 (April 21-June 30)                                 April 8-27, 2022 

For elementary students, transition times will be mid-November, early February and spring 2022. We will share more specific details once they are confirmed. Elementary families wishing to move their children between virtual and in-person learning will need to contact the principal of their home school.

Make high school work for you! Join us October 27 at 6:30 p.m. to learn about the variety of exciting pathways open to students after high school: work, college, university, apprenticeships and more. Register by October 25 at https://bit.ly/3Du2DkE

Questions? Email jaime_nobes@kprdsb.ca 

Friday, October 15, 2021

To All KPR Families,

This Saturday, October 16 marks the 20^th anniversary of KPR’s annual Parent Conference. On the advice of our Parent Involvement Committee, we are offering the conference online for the second consecutive year, to reach as many families as possible.  

We’re excited to see close to 900 people registered for this free, virtual conference – and it’s not too late to join us! To hear child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. David Templeman offer practical advice on the mental health of your children and teens, please register here by the end of today. You will receive a link to the presentation once registered.

Here are the conference details:

Saturday, October 16
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Featuring Dr. David Templeman
You’ve Got This! Mental Health After COVID: Getting Back to Normal

Dr. Templeman is an engaging speaker and author of A Teenager's Guide to Life: The Secret to Living Life and Being Happy. We will be recording and posting his presentation on our website at kprschools.ca in the coming week as well.

Next week also is Local Government Week. To mark the week, and in honour of KPR’s 13 hard-working Trustees, I would like to provide a bit of information about our Trustees and school board.  

Dating back to 1807, school board Trustees are the oldest form of democratically elected representation in Ontario. They are elected every four years during municipal and school board elections. Our board includes 10 Trustees elected from across our 7,000-square-kilometre area, as well as one Trustee appointed by Alderville, Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, and two student Trustees chosen by their peers.

Since joining KPR, I have seen Trustees continually place students at the centre of their decision making through challenging times. I am proud to share their focus on equity and inclusion, student success, and support for the mental and physical well-being of students and staff – all while being responsible stewards of public funds. For more information, visit https://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_board/boardroom/trustees/trusteeresponsibilities.html

Next week also marks a day that is important to us: October 21 is the 21st annual Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day. We will join fellow Ontarians in honouring these Early Learning Heroes. ECEs bring special expertise in early learning to our Kindergarten classrooms, working in tandem with teachers to create the best possible learning environments for our youngest students. We offer our ECEs sincere thanks for their caring, professionalism and hard work every day!

Enjoy this beautiful weather while it lasts!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Virtual Post-Secondary Pathways Night
Make high school work for you! Join us at our Virtual Post-Secondary Pathways Night, October 27 at 6:30 p.m., to learn about the exciting pathways open to students after high school, and the high school programs that will help them access those pathways. This online event will offer information on school-to-work opportunities, college, university and apprenticeships, including details on admission requirements, fees, scholarships and deadlines. Register here by October 25. If you have questions, please email jaime_nobes@kprdsb.ca 

Refreshing Our Website
KPR is committed to accessible, transparent, timely communication. We are reviewing our website - www.kprschools.ca - to improve online services. We appreciate and welcome the input of students, staff, families and community members as part of this review. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey about the website. Your feedback will help us create an improved website for families and community members, and make it easier for you to the find information you need. Thank you for your participation.

COVID Prevention
Walk-in vaccination clinics are continuing across KPR, with many at school sites. We encourage all eligible students, staff and families who are not yet fully immunized to take advantage of these clinics operated by local health units. For clinic dates and times, please visit here.

We also thank families for continuing to take the following steps:

• screening every child and teen in your family every day, using the provincial self-screening site
• keeping sick children and teens at home
• wearing masks, distancing and washing hands or using hand sanitizer often while at schools, workplaces and in the community
• adults wearing masks during the very busy drop-off and pick-up times at school each day.

Thank you for everything you do to protect the health and safety of all!

Friday, October 22, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Thank you to more than 640 parents and caregivers who took time out of their busy weekend to join us at our 20^th Annual Parent Conference October 16! We all left with a wealth of practical tips from child and youth psychiatrist Dr. David Templeman on supporting our children’s and teens’ mental health.

If you missed his presentation – titled You’ve Got This! Mental Health After COVID: Getting Back to Normal - no worries! This engaging presentation is posted on our website.

We know students benefit when their families are engaged in their children’s and teens’ learning. I extend to all families our great thanks for your role in being our most important educational partners! You are students’ first, life-long teachers, and by being actively involved in their education, you make their success possible. Please stay committed and support us as we work to inspire all students to excel in learning, succeed in life and enrich our communities.

On Wednesday, October 27, Ontario’s child welfare societies will mark Dress Purple Day to raise awareness about the important role we all play in supporting vulnerable children, youth and families. It also celebrates the people who care for families, and  shows children and youth they are not alone. We hope you will join us in “going purple” to focus on the right of all children and youth to safety and well-being, and to reassure them that help is available. 

For information, please visit http://www.oacas.org/dresspurpleday/ The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services website also offers vital information about the legal requirement for everyone in Ontario, including members of the public and professionals who work with children, to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

There is nothing more precious than our children and teens. Thank you for entrusting us with the critical responsibility of educating your children.

Enjoy your weekend!

Sincerely,
Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Self-screening and Masking for Parents at School
We thank families for continuing to protect the safety of students and staff by:

• self-screening every child and teen in your family, every day, using the provincial self-screening site
• keeping sick children and teens at home
• wearing masks, distancing and washing hands or using hand sanitizer often at schools, workplaces and in the community.

Because of increased traffic flow and difficulty maintaining physical distancing during student pick-up and drop-off times, we continue to ask family members to wear masks while on school property during these busy periods.

Virtual Post-Secondary Pathways Night
There’s still time to register for KPR’s Virtual Post-Secondary Pathways Night, taking place October 27 at 6:30 p.m.  The event will explore the exciting pathways open to students after high school, and the high school programs that will help them access those pathways. Register here by October 25.

Website Survey
As we review our website, we remind families, staff and students of the opportunity to improve our online services and ensure our website better meets their needs. Please complete our website survey to help us identify ways to make needed information easier for you to find online. Thank you for your participation.

Take Our Kids to Work Day
Every November, Grade 9 students participate in Take Our Kids To Work Day (TOKTWD), spending time at their parents’ or other workplaces to experience the world of work. The Learning Partnership, which sponsors TOKTWD, has announced TOKTWD will take place virtually November 3. KPR students will attend school as normal, where they will participate in a variety of virtual career exploration activities. The Learning Partnership also has a Family Guide with resources for families on exploring careers.

Community Members Wanted
KPR’s Board-wide Parent Involvement Committee provides invaluable advice on engaging families and communities in education. In addition to its nine parent representatives, that committee is now seeking three community representatives who do not have children in KPR schools. Applications are welcome until 4 p.m. November 4.

Friday, October 29, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Aaniin. Hello. Bonjour. All of us at KPR look forward to marking the 5th annual Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month throughout November, as well as Treaties Recognition Week November 1-7.

As educators, we want to ensure ALL students and staff continue their journey in understanding and awareness of Indigenous cultures, ways of knowing and contributions to society. It is our work to continue creating environments that honour Indigenous knowledge, culture, perspective and history, and to ensure Indigenous students, staff and community see themselves reflected in schools.

We chose the month of November as Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month as it already includes several longstanding observances: Treaties Recognition Week November 1-7, Inuit Day November 7, Indigenous Veterans Day November 8 and Louis Riel Day November 16. We also encourage students and staff to post pictures of themselves wearing their favourite moccasins on social media during Rock Your Mocs Week November 14-20.

Our Indigenous Education Department is busy year-round, creating resources and opportunities for staff to learn authentically and to share that learning with students. As an educational institution, we take action towards reconciliation through our commitment to learning centred on authentic First Nation, Métis and Inuit lived experience. We are fortunate to work closely with elders and representatives of Indigenous peoples locally, as we move forward towards reconciliation. Please stay tuned to updates on social media, including the KPR Indigenous Education Department accounts on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

In other news, the province yesterday announced it would make take-home PCR (polymerase chain reaction) self-collection test kits available to all schools in Ontario. We look forward to receiving details on how this COVID prevention initiative will be applied at KPR.

I wish everyone a restful and healthy weekend.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Virtual School Transfers
Here’s information you need to know if you are planning to transfer your child or teen between virtual and in-person learning.

Virtual Elementary School (VES)

• To move your child from in-person classes to VES, please complete the opt-in portal at https://optin.kprdsb.ca/ between November 12 and noon on November 19.
• VES teachers will contact new VES families during the week of November 22. New classes will begin November 29.
• To move from VES to in-person learning, please contact your home school principal.

Virtual High School (VHS)

• Please contact your home school’s Guidance staff between November 1-17 to move between virtual and in-person learning for the next quadmester.
• Transfer times later in the school year will begin January 20 and April 8; watch for details.

Menstrual Equity
KPR is pleased to proceed with the Menstrual Equity (ME) program in participating schools over the coming weeks. In the first year of a two-year plan, all secondary schools and 36 pilot elementary schools will receive tampons and pads that students can access for free in at least one girls’ washroom and one all-gender washroom.   

The ultimate goal of the ME program, championed by Student Trustees, is to be more inclusive of all individuals who menstruate, including those who identify as trans, gender non-binary or gender-fluid. ME also aims to ensure all students can participate fully in school, regardless of socio-economic status and ability to afford menstrual products.  

The province-wide free menstrual product program recently announced by the Ministry of Education will help to support the Menstrual Equity program approved by KPR Trustees last spring.

Friday, November 5, 2021

To All KPR Families,

On November 11, all KPR schools will be recognizing an exceptionally important event: Remembrance Day.

Every year, all schools and departments join in honouring the sacrifices made by Canadian men and women to protect the rights and freedoms we cherish today. We believe it is vital that we lead young Canadians – most of whom have never experienced war – in paying their respects to the people who stepped forward so that current and future generations could live in peace and freedom. I know our schools do wonderful work in helping to maintain the significance of these connections with our children, youth and community.

We also join in recognizing Veterans’ Week November 5-11 , and Indigenous Veterans Day November 8. These remembrances become increasingly vital as we lose, from year to year, so many voices of those who personally experienced these wars.

We also remain mindful of students and families who have come to us after fleeing war and conflict around the world. We never know how those around us may be affected by the observances we share.

This week, we also join in recognizing Treaties Week, and in acknowledging we all are treaty people. The treaties reached by Indigenous peoples and European settlers who stayed on this shared land are key to reconciliation. They are just as relevant today as they ever were.

As noted by Karine Duhamel of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights: “These agreements are not old, obsolete, or pointless. First Nations’ own histories and accounts of Treaty processes uphold important principles of reciprocity, respect and renewal rooted in thousands of years of experience and presence on these lands…The Treaties hold the keys to a new path forward as living agreements.”

One of many excellent sources of information on treaties is https://facingcanada.facinghistory.org/ Please join us as we continue our learning.

We also bring good wishes to those of you who observed All Saints Day earlier this week, and to those who continue to celebrate the five days of Diwali, the festival of lights celebrating the triumph of light over darkness.

Finally, I wanted to share some good news: enrolment is up significantly at KPR.

As of this week, we have about 1,100 more elementary students than we were expecting and 30 more secondary students. Since provincial funding is tied directly to enrolment, this is a positive development. Thank you for choosing KPR!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Virtual Learning
Reminder: here are the dates to keep in mind if you are considering moving your child or teen into or out of virtual learning:

    Virtual Elementary School (VES)

• The opt-in portal to move your child from in-person classes to VES opens Friday, November 12 at  https://optin.kprdsb.ca/ . It will remain open until noon November 19.
• Students new to VES will start virtual classes November 29.
• If you wish to move your child back to in-person classes, please contact your home school principal.

Virtual High School (VHS)

• If you’d like to move your teen into or out of Virtual High School, please contact your home school’s Guidance staff now.

Women in Trades
On November 18 at 6:30 p.m., join us in discussions with inspiring women who work in skilled trades. They include a welder, auto technician, electrician, truck and coach technician, carpenter, millwright and mason. To register, visit https://www.tradeswomen.ca/

​

Friday, November 12, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Aaniin! Tawnshi! Atelihai! Greetings!

This warm welcome in Ojibwe, Michif and Inuktitut – the languages of area First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples – comes to you during Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month.

In honour of this month, KPR has launched a year-long Passport to Reconciliation program encouraging staff and students to engage in weekly learning focused on Indigenous knowledge, culture, perspective and history. Students will learn directly from Indigenous voices, then share what they have learned with others. One way of sharing will be through social media, using the hashtag #ReconciliACTIONatKPR.

These activities are part of larger efforts to give authentic voice to Indigenous peoples, whose contributions have been missing from education for too long. Our efforts also include weekly virtual learning opportunities with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers; Leadership Councils for Indigenous students; and a weekly Virtual Gathering Space on Edsby for Indigenous staff, students and families. The virtual gatherings take place Mondays from 4-5 p.m. for Kindergarten-Grade 6 Indigenous students and families, and Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m. for Grade 7-12 Indigenous students and families.

Throughout these efforts, our focus is on active learning, moving from “I don’t know” to “I need to find out.” We all have much to learn! Please visit here for details and resources and watch for updates on social media.

Schools also will recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week November 21-27, to focus on year-round efforts promoting safe schools and positive learning environments. Please join us in learning more about bullying and its effects on student learning and well-being, and in wearing pink during Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. Resources are available on the Ministry of Education website and the Safe and Caring Schools section of our website.

You can read your school’s code conduct, which covers issues including bullying, on the school website. All KPR school websites are accessible from the Find a School section of kprschools.ca. Our central belief is that bullying is never acceptable, under any circumstances. I will discuss bullying further in next week’s update.

In the meantime, I wish everyone a happy, healthy end to your week.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Inclement Weather
As you may remember, KPR changed our inclement weather practices last year as part of pandemic management. At that time, we decided to close schools to students on inclement weather days.

This year, however, given increasing vaccination rates, ongoing pandemic prevention and provincial easing of cohort restrictions, we will return to our previous practices. This means that, on inclement weather days, schools will remain open for students and staff. We recognize, however, that many students will still not be able to attend school when buses are cancelled due to weather.

 We encourage families to check the status of buses when weather and driving conditions are bad, before heading to school. You can check the Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario website at stsco.ca, or local radio and news media.

Status of Flags at Schools
You may have noticed that, throughout Veterans’ Week, our schools raised and then lowered their flags to honour and recognize Indigenous Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Day. We have had our flags lowered since spring to honour and grieve Indigenous children and victims, and to recognize the ongoing trauma, of the residential school system.

We adopted this position, in part, based on correspondence shared publicly last week from the Assembly of First Nations to the federal government, regarding treatment of flags for Veterans’ Week. This correspondence provides us with authentic Indigenous perspective to proceed in a good way. Going forward, flags will be raised and lowered in accordance with our regular protocols. We will continue to recognize, throughout the year, the devastating impact of residential schools and the importance of Indigenous culture, perspectives and voices in our schools.

PRO Grants
School Councils: have you applied for your provincial Parents Reaching Out grant? Details on the grant, which supports family engagement in learning, have been sent to schools and posted on our website.

Friday, November 19, 2021

To All KPR Families,

Thank you for your support as we continue working with local health partners to keep schools safe. We appreciate your ongoing understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times.

We are encouraged by today’s announcement that Health Canada has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11. We continue to work with our public health units to plan school- and community-based vaccine clinics. Watch for details soon.  

Yesterday, the provincial government announced further COVID measures in schools, including:  

• all students will receive a kit of five rapid antigen tests to take home for Winter Break
• in consultation with local health units, take-home polymerase chain reaction (PCR) self-collection kits also may be available for students and staff
• only virtual school-wide assemblies will be allowed for elementary students when they return in January
• reminding everyone of the federal rules for international travellers returning to Canada (details are in KPR NEWS below).

We will share details on testing kit distribution when finalized by the Ministry of Education.

Secondary Programming
The province also announced a return to the normal semester system in high schools, with students once again taking four courses a day starting in February. We appreciate this will be welcome news to students and staff, and we ask for your patience as schools begin the significant task of timetabling for next semester.

Finally, this week in Ontario is dedicated to a critical issue that can affect any of us at any time: bullying. In recognizing Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, we draw attention to a problem that arises all too often in communities and schools.

We want all students to feel they belong and are safe at school. Bullying is a serious issue with far-reaching consequences for students, their families, peers and the community.

All too often, both in-person and online bullying occur when a responsible adult is not there to see it. Our most important message to students and families experiencing bullying is this: Please tell us. 

Please report bullying right away to the school, whether in person or online through our Report Bullying web link. Our staff care about students’ well-being and success.

Excellent resources on what to do if your child is bullied, witnesses bullying, or is bullying others, also include https://www.prevnet.ca/bullying/parents and kidshelpphone.ca

We truly want to do our best for your children and teens. We know you have entrusted us with the most precious people in your lives, and we want to work with you to make school as positive an experience as possible.

As I wrap up this week’s note, I also want to celebrate education assistants (EAs) and child and youth workers (CYWs), who play a critical role in students’ success. EAs and CYWs form close relationships with students and families, and make a vital difference to student well-being, belonging and learning. I thank them for their caring contributions, and wish everyone a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Inclement Weather
On inclement weather days when buses are cancelled due to poor weather and roads, KPR schools will remain open for students and staff. As always, families have final say on whether they wish their children to attend school on those days.

International Travel
Families planning to travel during Winter Break have asked when their children will be able to return to school. We adhere to the following public health rules:

• unvaccinated children who travel outside of Canada must not attend school or day care for 14 days after arriving home; they also must follow public health requirements for testing  

• children fully vaccinated against COVID-19 who travel outside Canada can return to school immediately if they are symptom-free and pass the school screening questionnaire.

For details, please see the federal requirements here. No restrictions were noted for children who travel within Canada, as long as they are symptom-free and pass the school screening questionnaire.

Provincial Survey
The Ontario Public School Boards Association wants to hear from families about learning during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Please complete the survey by November 30.

January 3, 2022

Dear KPR Families,

Today, the provincial government has announced that students will participate in remote learning, beginning Wednesday, January 5.

Beginning January 5, schools will provide learning for students to complete at home. This learning will take place in a variety of ways, through previously assigned work or new work, using the classroom teachers’ regular communication platforms (e.g., Edsby, Google, D2L), based on students’ age and grade.

Learning during this period will involve a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities for all students. Synchronous learning refers to real-time teaching when the students and teacher are connected live, while asynchronous education involves online posting or distribution of resources that can be completed by students independently.

Planning to accommodate students registered in the Learning and Life Skills (LLS) program (elementary and secondary) who cannot be accommodated by virtual learning, to attend in-person with teachers and support staff is being finalized. Additional information will be shared in the coming days.

Learning for students enrolled in the virtual elementary and secondary schools will continue as normal.

Families requiring technology supports for students during this period are asked to complete the form linked here: KPR Technology Request. Requests received by Wednesday, January 5^th at 9 pm will be deployed on Friday, January 7^th at the student’s home school, with later requests being met the following week.

Please note:  To be responsive to the learning requirements in the secondary quadmester model, we will be prioritizing secondary student requests ahead of elementary student requests for devices. Families will require student OEN numbers to complete their request, which can be found on students’ report cards (Report cards are available in Edsby). If you do not have an OEN# or it will not work in the google form, please email kpr_technology@kprdsb.ca with student name, date of birth and home school.

We will continue to provide further information to parents and families in the coming days as it is made available to us.

We thank you for your continued support of our students in these challenging days.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

January 7, 2022

Dear KPR families, 

As students and staff are engaged in remote learning, and we continue to navigate an ever-changing landscape of provincial restrictions and guidelines, I would like to emphasize the importance of our collective wellbeing and mental health.

We know that the holiday season and the start of a new year can be a stressful time. For many of our students, staff and families, another period of remote learning, with accompanying community restrictions, can contribute to feelings of isolation, increased anxiety and challenges both at school and at home.

Please be kind and patient with both yourselves and those around you. As we lead up to Bell Let’s Talk Day on January 26, we continue to prioritize the mental health and well-being of all students and staff.

We encourage everyone to explore the different strategies and resources we have available online to support Student Mental Health. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, there are a number of ways that you can seek help. Please speak with your child’s classroom teacher or their principal who can help to direct you to resources and support within the Board, or in your community.

In addition to Bell Let’s Talk Day, I would also like to remind everyone of several important dates this month. Today is Christmas Day for our Orthodox Christian faith communities. We wish everyone observing this holy day a healthy and happy celebration.  This month is also Tamil Heritage Month and January 27 is Family Literacy Day.

While we continue to await further guidance from the province about the return to in-person learning, we have included some news and reminders below.

I would like to end by sharing a positive story. If you have yet to come across the heartwarming videos featuring KPR student Callan Perks from Lakefield District Public School, I encourage you to take a moment out of your day to listen to some of the motivational wisdom shared by “Coach Cal.”  After being selected to act as the “Next Gen” head coach and delivering an inspirational pre-game speech to the Peterborough Petes, Callan was invited to the Ellen DeGeneres show on January 5, 2022. Here is a link to his interview with Ellen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=105&v=0qSndnNgaMs&feature=emb_logo

Continue to take good care of yourself and each other. Practice kindness, engage in wellness, connect with the land, connect with whatever and whoever brings you joy.

Sincerely,
Rita Russo,
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Secondary Quadmesters

In consideration of ongoing public health concerns within our communities, KPR has made the difficult decision to remain with the secondary quadmester system for the rest of the school year. This will reduce the number of student contacts to two cohorts as opposed to four. While we had hoped to move forward with the regular semester system, student and staff safety continues to be our top priority. 

Technology for Remote Learning

Families who requested technology supports for students during the remote learning period were able to pick those devices up earlier today (if the request was received by Wednesday at 9pm).  Requests received after Wednesday night will be addressed next week. Requests can still be made using the form linked here: KPR Technology Request.

Families will require student OEN#s to complete their request, which can be found on students’ report cards (report cards are available in Edsby). If you do not have an OEN# or it will not work in the Google form, please email kpr_technology@kprdsb.ca with student name, date of birth and home school.

Learning and Life Skills and In-Person Special Education Classes - Daily Screening Requirement

Students registered in the Learning and Life Skills (LLS) program (elementary and secondary) and primary students with special needs who cannot be accommodated by virtual learning will begin attending school in-person with teachers and support staff next week.  Parents/guardians of eligible students have already been contacted, and those who have selected this option for their children must screen for COVID symptoms each day, as follows.

Please note that everyone attending school in-person MUST complete the updated provincial COVID school screening tool every day, prior to arriving at school. This provincial screening tool has been updated with additional symptoms and is available here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ . Students/families must confirm that they have completed it by filling out the KPR Daily Screening Confirmation Form.

If students arrive at school with COVID symptoms, or other illness, or they become ill during the day, parents/guardians will be contacted to pick them up and bring them home right away. Students will not be able to return to class until they pass the screening tool. We thank you for your support in keeping everyone healthy.

Updated Provincial Screening Tool and Vaccination Clinics

During the remote learning period, we encourage families to follow the public health guidelines in place to help keep everyone safe. If you or someone in your household has symptoms of illness, or has been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID, please follow the direction provided in the updated provincial COVID school screening tool: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

We also encourage everyone to take advantage of opportunities to book first, second and booster vaccinations. Please visit your local public health unit for information on upcoming opportunities.

Durham Region Health durham.ca/VaccineAppointments   

HKPR Health Unit District https://www.hkpr.on.ca/2021/09/01/vaccination-clinics/ics/ 

Peterborough Public Health www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/walkin 

Hastings Prince Edward Health Unit canadaehs.com/hpepublichealth/students

January 28, 2022

Dear Families,

Reflecting on my first year as Director of Education with KPR, I continue to be inspired by our students and their families who have persevered through unprecedented challenges to continue learning, supporting one another and embodying the KPR spirit! 

Each year, I am required to report on the Board’s multi-year strategic plan. This year, through the Director’s Report for 2021, we have tried to capture a sampling of the many student and staff accomplishments experienced at KPR. The stories and snapshots are evidence of the resiliency, joy and optimism students across all grade levels bring to our schools each and every day. Highlighted in the document are students and staff engaged and excelling in learning, inspiring each other to succeed in life, and enriching our communities. I continue to be humbled to serve the KPR community and thank you for your ongoing support.  

Yesterday was International Holocaust Remembrance Day, to remember and pay tribute to the more than six million Jewish people who were murdered. Tomorrow, January 29, we remember the victims and survivors of the Quebec City Mosque attack. Both of these atrocities have deep roots in intolerance and hate. Antisemitism and Islamophobia are real and are experienced by many. We must call this out when we see or hear it happening. 

As you enter the weekend, I ask you to keep the people of Williams Lake First Nation in your thoughts as they prepare to uncover missing children and unmarked burials from St Joseph’s Mission School. As a learning community we must educate ourselves and others to ensure the past is never repeated. Only truth can bring light and healing to this dark past.

As we welcome February, we proudly celebrate Black History and Black Excellence by honouring the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians past and present. It is also a time for learning and listening to acquire new knowledge. Students will benefit from many focused learning opportunities throughout the month of February. 

As we continue to remain hopeful that COVID-19 will soon be behind us, please remember to self-screen every day and stay home if you are ill. Continue to take care of yourself and those around you. Relationships and connection matter. It's been an exceptionally difficult time and sometimes a friendly smile, a short email or a quick call can make a difference.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

January 31 PA Day

Just a reminder that Monday, January 31 is a PA Day for all students. Enjoy the long weekend! 

School-Based Vaccination Clinics

Local public health units have planned a number of vaccination clinics in KPR schools during the day, to increase access for families. Information packages and consent forms will be shared directly with schools that have been chosen for a clinic. Written consent is required for elementary students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children will not receive a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a signed consent form.

February 4, 2022

It may be hard to believe based on this week’s weather, but Ontario’s Wiarton Willie has predicted an early spring is on the way! As we all know, folklore has it that if a groundhog sees its shadow on February 2, it will retreat into its burrow and we will have six more weeks of wintry weather. Seeing no shadow is said to predict an early arrival of spring-like temperatures.

Either way, students are enjoying the snow and outdoor activities this week at school! We appreciate the efforts of KPR custodians in keeping schools clean this time of year.  I would also like to recognize our outdoor education staff for sharing their love for learning in the outdoors, in all of the seasons, and particularly right now as they bring educational programs directly to schools.

Students have been actively participating in Black History Month, learning about the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians past and present, and engaging in important discussions about Black Canadian communities and culture. Schools are using resources such as these to support student learning. We look forward to continuing to expand our awareness and learning throughout the month and beyond.

This week, on February 1st, we celebrated the Lunar New Year, which is acknowledged by many Asian cultures. On February 16th, the Lantern Festival is a day to promote reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness. Traditionally, these days focus on spending time with loved ones, new beginnings, and sharing in the hope of good things to come. 

I hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing weekend.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo,
Director of Education

KPR NEWS 

In-School Vaccination Clinics

To support access to vaccination for 5-11 year olds, school boards are working with local public health units to host voluntary school-based vaccination clinics. The Ministry of Education has asked school boards to send vaccination consent forms to all students aged 5 – 11 years, to measure their school community’s interest in school day clinics.

A consent form and information letter from the local public health unit has been sent home with students this week.

If you would like your child to receive a COVID vaccination at an in-school clinic, please complete the consent form and return it to the school by February 8, 2022.

Returned consent forms will be provided to local public health units to inform their location planning for clinics.  Providing consent does not mean that a clinic will be offered at your child’s school.

If you do not consent to having your child vaccinated at an in-school clinic, please do not fill out/return the consent form. Children will not receive a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a signed consent form. 

Masks for Students

We have received a shipment of three-ply cloth masks from the province, which will allow us to distribute one to each student. We also have a limited supply of cloth masks available at schools for students who forget their mask, or need a new one throughout the day. 

Kindergarten to Grade 12 students must wear a properly-fitting cloth or non-medical mask that is large enough to cover their nose and mouth without gaping and is secured to their head with ties or ear loops. We thank staff, students and families for their support of this important protocol that helps to keep schools open and operating safely. 

Students are no longer required to wear masks outside, but we continue to remind students to stay six feet apart.

Please review KPR’s Mask Protocol for more information about masking.

Kindergarten Registration

There are only seven months until the 2022-23 school year! Please visit www.kprschools.ca/kindergarten for Kindergarten registration information and to learn more about our inclusive and engaging Kindergarten classrooms where students learn through play with our caring, professional teachers and early childhood educator teams.

February 11, 2022

Good afternoon everyone,

As we approach the weekend, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of compassion and kindness in our daily lives, and to say thank you to all of you who demonstrate these traits daily. The lengthy nature of this pandemic has caused stress and new pressures for so many students and families, underscoring the ongoing importance of respect and empathy in our schools and communities.  

As provincial restrictions begin to ease, we are pleased to be able to safely re-introduce extracurricular activities. With clubs, sports, and group activities resuming, we are especially thankful for everyone who helps provide these meaningful opportunities for our students.

In the spirit of kindness and compassion, I encourage you to reflect on the incredible teachers, custodians, maintenance workers, support staff, school administrators, trustees, and students we have at KPR. Please take a few minutes to review the 2022 OPSBA Awards and consider nominating someone in your school community who goes above and beyond. We have so many #KPRisAwesome people in our school district, and it would be wonderful to see them recognized provincially.

Happy weekend!

Rita

KPR NEWS

Extracurricular Activities Resuming

The provincial government announced yesterday that extracurricular activities may resume at all schools, including high-contact sports. In alignment with advice from public health officials, protocols will remain in place to help limit the spread of COVID-19, including masking and screening. Students may temporarily remove their mask where required, to enable active participation in activities such as playing basketball or musical instruments. Indoor curriculum-based programs including health and physical education and music, will continue with similar masking and other health and safety requirements in place.

These activities provide important opportunities for both physical activity and social connection, and we look forward to welcoming students back to clubs, sports and groups.

International Travel

For those planning to travel during March Break, please note the following public health guidelines about when children will be able to return to school:

• unvaccinated children who travel outside of Canada must not attend school or child care for 14 days after arriving home; they also must follow public health requirements for testing.
• children fully vaccinated against COVID-19 who travel outside Canada can return to school immediately if they are symptom-free and pass the daily school screening tool.

For more details, please see the federal requirements here.

No restrictions are noted for children who travel within Canada, as long as they are symptom-free and pass the daily school screening tool. 

In-School Vaccination Clinics

To support access to vaccination for 5-11 year olds, school boards are working with local public health units to host voluntary school-based vaccination clinics. Consent forms have been sent home with all students aged 5 – 11 years, to measure their school community’s interest in school day clinics.

Public Health Units have begun planning clinics at local schools, based on the number of consent forms received. Families will receive more information about clinic dates directly from their school.

Children will not receive a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a signed consent form. 

February 18, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

As we come to the end of another week, I continue to be impressed by the daily acts of kindness and compassion demonstrated by students and staff in our schools. As we receive positive news of restrictions easing provincially and in our schools, including welcoming back school volunteers, I encourage everyone to continue lifting each other up! 

I am pleased to share the re-launch of the #WeAreKPR campaign. Each week we will be sharing #WeAreKPR stories that highlight the amazing contributions of our students, staff and volunteers. The series started this week with a spotlight on Special Education Resource Teacher, Cindy Clitherow at Colborne Public School. To read Cindy’s story and future stories, visit our website and look for #WeAreKPR on social media. If you have someone you would like to nominate for this new campaign, drop an email to kpr_info@kprdsb.ca letting us know who they are and why they might be a good candidate to be featured in an upcoming #WeAreKPR story.

Yesterday, the provincial government announced a significant investment in public education, learning recovery, and mental health resources to support student’s academic success and overall well-being. We welcome this information and are working to better understand how these resources will be introduced in the 2022-2023 school year. 

On February 23, we invite you to take part in Pink Shirt Day. Pink Shirt Day, or Anti-Bullying Day, is next Wednesday and this year's theme is Lift Each Other Up. By wearing pink on this day, we demonstrate our collective stand against bullying and our shared commitment to inclusion and acceptance. 

I also want to draw your attention to an important issue in our communities. Since 2007, February 22 has been proclaimed Human Trafficking Awareness Day to help bring awareness to the magnitude of this issue and encourage Canadians to take steps to combat human trafficking. In response to PPM 166 - Keeping Students Safe: Policy Framework for School Board Anti-Sex Trafficking Protocols, our school district is currently developing an Anti-Sex Trafficking Administrative Regulation and Response Guide. More information about these and accompanying resources will be shared this spring.

If there is immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 911 or your local police service. If you or someone you know needs support or you want to report a potential case, call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010. The hotline is confidential, toll-free and open 24/7.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful Family Day long weekend. Enjoy the time doing whatever brings you joy!

Sincerely,
Rita Russo,
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Provincial Funding Announcement

Yesterday the provincial government announced a number of significant investments in mental health and learning recovery for students. Minister Stephen Lecce presented Ontario’s Learning Recovery Action Plan – a five-point plan to strengthen learning recovery in reading and math, including tutoring supports, summer programs and mental health resources to bridge learning gaps, support academic success and focus on overall student well-being.

School board administration is reviewing the details related to this announcement and we look forward to implementing programs and resources to support student success.

The full announcement is available here.

Elementary Report Cards

Elementary schools in KPR will be sharing Report Cards (for students in Grades 1- 8) and Communication of Learning Reports (for students in Kindergarten) with families via Edsby.  This document shows how to access reports electronically. At this time, reports can only be accessed through laptop/desktops via Edsby. If you access Edsby via a mobile device, please reach out to your child’s school office and request a printed copy of their report. Schools are aware that some of our families will need this option and will be happy to supply a printed copy of this important communication about your child’s learning.

Volunteers In School

Based on updated provincial guidance, and in discussion with local public health partners, we are pleased to be able to begin welcoming volunteers back into KPR buildings.  

Volunteers who did not already complete the vaccination attestation process in the fall, must attest using this online form.

After completing the attestation process online, volunteers must print or bring an electronic copy of their vaccination receipt to the school when volunteering. This can be shown at the school office or to your activity contact person at the school during the sign-in process.

As a reminder, all visitors to schools must also complete the provincial COVID-19 school screening tool prior to attending school each day: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

International Travel

For those planning to travel during March Break, please note that the Government of Canada recently announced changes to the requirements for on-arrival testing, isolation and wait times for returning to schools or child care.

We will provide more information in the coming days, once we receive clarification regarding the impact of these changes on schools. 

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,

On behalf of Build a Dream and in partnership with School Boards across Canada, you are invited to Skilled in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) - Keeping the World Moving, a FREE virtual event taking place on Tuesday, April 12 from 6:00pm-9:00pm EST for parents and high school students. 

Skilled in STEM: Keeping the World Moving is a trailblazing event that provides the necessary acknowledgment that individuals in skilled trades and STEM careers have been, and still are, heavily relied upon to keep the world moving during the Covid-19 pandemic. This interactive virtual event will highlight opportunities in a number of careers, along with Youth Apprenticeship Programs/Pre-apprenticeship to better assist students to make informed career choices. This event will include careers in:

• SKILLED TRADES

Industrial, Construction, Transportation

• STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math

Parents play critical roles in the education of their children. This is an opportunity for families to learn collaboratively about the many careers in these growing sectors. The event features:

• Top industry executives on our first LEVEL UP panel
• Keynote speakers and informative panelists
• Career planning advice by professionals
• FREE care package for the first 500 registrants that includes artisan chocolate
• Games, Prizes, Survey and More!

REGISTER TODAY AT: https://www.webuildadream.com/event/skilled-in-stem/ 

February 25, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I open this week’s message with concern for the safety of the people of Ukraine. Please join me with thoughts of care and support for the Ukrainian students, staff and community in our KPR family and beyond. Events like this can cause a variety of emotions. Support is available for students who may wish to speak with someone or to process their emotions. I would also like to remind you of the resources we have available online to support Mental Health.

As we come to the end of February, I am starting to feel energized by the lengthening daylight hours and I hope you feel that sense of optimism too. It was great to see students and staff wearing pink this week to Lift Each Other Up and share their commitment to stop bullying.

While we haven’t received provincial guidance yet on the impact of reduced public health restrictions on schools and classrooms, we continue to work with our local public health partners to help keep students and staff safe, and at the same time provide meaningful educational experiences for our students.

This week, I’m so pleased to introduce you to our next #WeAreKPR story, featuring Yassmin Sandoval and her students at Clarington Intermediate School. Mrs. Sandoval helps her students succeed in math by teaching the importance of making mistakes! Learn more about Mrs. Sandoval’s use of social emotional learning in math.

If you would like to nominate someone for #WeAreKPR recognition, email kpr_info@kprdsb.ca letting us know who they are and why they might be a good candidate to be featured in an upcoming #WeAreKPR story.

Thank you all for everything you do! Please continue to take care of yourselves and those around you and enjoy your weekend!

Rita

KPR NEWS

Travel Guidelines

As part of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the Government of Canada has announced a series of adjustments to the current border measures and requirements for international travel. 

As of February 28, 2022, the following changes will take place:

• Children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, will continue to be exempt from quarantine. They are no longer required to wait 14 days before attending school or child care.
• All unvaccinated travellers (including children under 12 travelling with unvaccinated adults) will continue to be required to follow federal requirements for testing and quarantining, including not attending school or child care for 14 days.

Changes have also been made to the pre-entry testing requirements. Visit the federal travel website prior to booking any travel arrangements: COVID-19 vaccinated travellers entering Canada - Travel restrictions in Canada.

Please remember to complete the COVID-19 school screening tool every day before coming to school or child care. 

Report Cards

Student Report Cards and Communication of Learning Reports (for students in Kindergarten) are available to families via Edsby. This document shows how to access reports electronically. At this time, reports can only be accessed through laptop/desktops via Edsby. 

For families who access Edsby via a mobile device, please reach out to your child’s school office and request printed copies of report cards. Schools are aware that some families will need this option and will be happy to supply a printed copy of this important communication about student learning.

School Year Calendar

At this week’s Board meeting, the Board approved minor changes to the 2022-2023 School Year Calendar.

Highlights of the calendar include:

• 1st day of classes – Tuesday, September 6, 2022
• Last day of classes – Wednesday, June 28, 2023 (revised)
• Winter Break – Monday, December 26, 2022 (Friday, Dec 23, 2022 will be the last day of school) through to Friday, January 6, 2023 (Monday, January 9, 2023 will be the first day of classes)
• March Break – (March 10 to March 17, 2023)

The calendar has now been submitted to the Ministry of Education for approval.

March 4, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Happy sunny Friday!

As we welcome a new month, we would like to acknowledge that March is Bangladeshi Heritage Month and Irish Heritage Month. We appreciate the valuable contributions and accomplishments of both the Bangladeshi and Irish communities in our schools, communities and beyond. March is also Nutrition Month. Ontario’s Student Nutrition Guidelines help schools choose a balance of healthy options for school lunch and nutrition programs.

On International Women’s Day, March 8, we celebrate women and girls, in all their diversities. It is an opportunity to learn and raise awareness about gender equality, gender identity and gender expression, and the intersections of race, ethnicity, sexuality, faith, socioeconomic status, and ability. Port Hope High School student, Taylor Leadbeater, created a beautiful mural celebrating Canadian women. We are pleased to feature Taylor’s incredible artwork on the KPR website, in honour of International Women’s Day.

We continue to hold in our thoughts all people impacted by the global conflict in Ukraine. For our students, families and community, we recognize there will be many responses to the conflict. KPR’s Professional Services Staff have been sharing resources and strategies this week with schools to help support our students. The KPR website includes information about how to help students cope with tragic events.

This week’s #WeAreKPR story highlights the kindness and compassion of Queen Mary PS students! Over 100 students came together this fall to create cards, drawings and messages to welcome newcomers to the community. Learn more about this amazing act of kindness. 

I look forward to celebrating more positive stories like this in the weeks and months ahead.

Take care, 

Rita

KPR NEWS

Virtual Learning For the 2022-2023 School Year

KPR schools and classrooms continue to provide rich, varied in-person learning experiences for all students. For those who wish, we are also offering families the ability to choose online learning for the 2022-23 school year. While final details are still being confirmed, our online programs will continue to follow the same basic structure students have followed this year.  If parents and guardians register for the Virtual Learning Program now, they will be registering their child for the 2022/2023 school year.  An option to return to your home school will be provided to students prior to school start-up in September 2022.

The registration window for virtual learning during the 2022-23 school year is March 8, 2022 – March 29, 2022, and the registration link will be available on the www.kprschools.ca home page. 

Elementary virtual learning

• Virtual students will continue to participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning, following the same general schedule for the school day.
• Students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning at three designated times in the school year:  September 1, November 2022 (progress report time), and February 2023.

Secondary virtual learning

• Virtual High School will also include synchronous and asynchronous learning.
• Secondary schools in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board will be returning to a semester system beginning September 2022.  The Virtual High School, like all KPR secondary schools, will utilize a semester system, where students will take up to four credits in each semester.
• Students will be able to enter or exit full-time virtual learning at the semester start-up in September 2022 and February 2023.
• Registering now will confirm participation in virtual learning before the 2022-23 school year begins. Please note we cannot offer courses virtually if they have an in-person component (e.g., cooperative education).

Updated School Screening Tool

Completing the provincial screening tool daily, and staying home when ill, remains one of the most important things we can do to keep schools safe and healthy for everyone.

The COVID-19 school and child care screening tool has been updated to align with the recent changes made to federal travel requirements. If you’re planning to travel during the March Break, it is important to review the federal travel guidelines. 

Virtual Kindergarten Information Session

On March 30th at 6:30 pm, KPR is hosting a free, virtual Kindergarten Information Session to learn more about Kindergarten in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Parents, guardians, caregivers and grandparents are invited to learn valuable tips and tools, including a live Q and A, to support a successful school journey at KPR.  

Registration information is available at www.kprschools.ca/kindergarten.

March 10, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

As you know, yesterday Dr. Kieran Moore, the provincial medical officer of health announced a significant easing of public health restrictions within the education sector in line with changes within our broader communities. As outlined below, this means that schools will return to regular conditions in many ways following the March Break. 

We appreciate that our students, staff and families will need time to understand how the lifting of measures will affect day-to-day operations of our schools.

Above all, I want to stress the importance of collective respect, kindness and empathy for one another as we move forward. These are significant changes and everyone will have varying levels of comfort after living so long with the previous restrictions.

In particular, with respect to the wearing of masks and the significant role they can play in keeping students and staff safe, we recognize people will make individual choices on the wearing of masks. 

Schools will continue to promote respectful, welcoming and inclusive practices and communications within their school communities around this choice.

We continue to focus on the importance of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, enhanced cleaning protocols, ventilation, and stress the importance of staying home when unwell. Thank you for your continued support of these practices.

There are many important and significant dates coming up in the next two weeks that we recognize as a school board, and we invite you to acknowledge these with us.

• Black Mental Health Week (March 7-11) is a time to reflect on the barriers that exist for Black communities in accessing responsive mental health services and care. KPR’s Professional Services shared a number of important resources this week to support student learning and engagement about anti-Black Racism and Mental Health.
• Social Work Week (March 7-11) recognizes the essential and valuable contributions of Mental Health Clinicians and Social Workers in our schools and communities. Thank you for your valuable!
• Nowruz (Navroz), the Persian New Year on March 21, signifies a time of spiritual renewal and physical rejuvenation, as well as a spirit of gratitude for blessings and an outlook of hope and optimism. This day is recognized by many faiths including Bahá’í­, Islam and Zoroastrianism.
• International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, also on March 21, provides an important opportunity to recognize the ways in which racialized communities and marginalized populations continue to confront racism and acts of oppression. As we commemorate the Sharpeville Tragedy that took place in 1960, we acknowledge there is still much learning and action to do in proactively combating all forms of racial discrimination and injustice, and in creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all. 
• World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 #RockYourSocks and participate in the #LotsOfSocks campaign by wearing colourful or mismatched socks to celebrate inclusion and show support for equitable opportunities for people with Down Syndrome to fully participate in society.
• Spring Equinox, on March 20 – represents a time of conception, new growth and celebration of the season’s change from dark winter to brightening spring. And don’t forget to spring your clocks forward this weekend for Daylight Savings!
• National Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. On March 23, please take a moment to say thank you to your neighbourhood crossing guards for everything they do to keep you safe on your way to and from school!

Finally, I want to wish everyone a restful and much deserved March Break. I hope everyone stays safe, happy and well.

Take care, 

Rita

KPR NEWS

Changes to Provincial COVID Guidelines for Schools

As announced by Dr. Kieran Moore yesterday, the following changes will take effect March 21.

• Masks will no longer be required for students, staff and visitors in schools, school board offices and on student transportation. The new guidelines around mask wearing applies to all school boards in the province, and is a provincial directive.
• Eye protection for staff will also no longer be required. Those who are immunocompromised or who feel safer or more comfortable wearing a mask are encouraged to continue wearing masks.The government will continue to provide free masks and eye protection for schools. 
• Individuals will still be required to wear a mask when they are a household contact/close contact of someone with COVID-19 or COVID symptoms. The provincial school screening tool has been updated to reflect this requirement. 
• Under current federal travel requirements, upon return from international travel, individuals must wear a mask in public spaces for 14 days (including schools and child care), and monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• While daily screening is still required and extremely important, the verification of daily screening is not required. KPR’s Daily Screening Confirmation Form will no longer be in use.
• Vaccination disclosure policies will be discontinued in school settings, which also removes this requirement for staff, volunteers and service providers in schools. 
• In addition to regular volunteers, there are no restrictions to other visitors to schools. This includes spectators for events (arts, sports, ceremonies, conferences, etc), teacher candidates and other students on practicum placements.
• Rapid Antigen Tests will continue to be available for students and staff who may have symptoms of illness.
• Cohorting and distancing will no longer be required in schools. Elementary students can play and learn together across cohorts, classes and grades, both indoors and outdoors and during lunch and recess. Shared spaces, such as libraries, school cafeterias, tech labs, theatres and music rooms can be fully utilized without distancing. Programs across grades, such as reading buddies, can return. 
• Limitations on in-person gatherings and assemblies will also be removed; therefore, schools can begin to plan and host in-person events, such as proms, graduation ceremonies, and assemblies.

Remaining Health and Safety Measures for the 2021-22 School Year

Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette

Appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette will continue to be promoted and integrated throughout the school day.

Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfecting

Schools and school vehicles will continue with enhanced cleaning protocols in place. Required critical supplies and equipment, such as disinfectant, will continue to be provided to school boards through the province.

Ventilation Measures

School boards will continue to implement ventilation best practices outlined in 2021:B14 School Ventilation. This includes use of standalone HEPA filter units in occupied Kindergarten classrooms and in all occupied learning spaces without mechanical ventilation.

Updated Isolation Requirements

The provincial school screening tool has been updated to reflect new isolation requirements for those exposed to COVID-19. There are many different situations, but most questions can be answered by using the screening tool and reading the guidelines carefully.

• Asymptomatic individuals who are close contacts of someone with COVID or a symptomatic individual in the community are no longer required to isolate, but must self-monitor for 10 days following last exposure. During the self-monitoring period, close contacts must wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings and avoid activities where they need to take off their mask (for example, playing a wind instrument in music class or playing high-contact sports).
• Asymptomatic household contacts of someone with COVID or a symptomatic individual are also not required to isolate if they are 17 or younger and fully vaccinated; 18 and older and have already received their COVID-19 booster; or tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days and have completed their isolation period. Asymptomatic household contacts who are not required to isolate are also required to self-monitor for 10 days following last exposure, as outlined above. Children under 5 who are asymptomatic household contacts are required to isolate for 5 days.

Virtual Learning for the 2022-2023 School Year

Families who wish to, have the ability to choose online learning for the 2022-23 school year. Our online programs will continue to follow the same basic structure students have followed this year.   Registration for virtual learning for the 2022-23 school year is open until March 29, 2022.  An option to return to your home school will be provided to students prior to school start-up in September 2022.

Virtual Learning for the Rest of this School Year

While the lifting of restrictions is a welcome change for many, some students and families may find this transition challenging.  If there are families that would like to request a transfer to virtual learning, we will accommodate these requests as best we are able.  Families who would like to switch to virtual learning should discuss with their home school during the week of March 21-25.

March 18, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

I hope everyone is enjoying a safe and restful March Break this week. As we prepare for the return of students on Monday, I wanted to take a moment to share with you again the updated guidelines provided by the province. 

For the most part, there will be a return to pre-pandemic conditions in our schools next week, with a few notable exceptions: daily screening, masking when indicated by the school screening tool, and enhanced hand hygiene, ventilation and cleaning protocols. 

It’s important to note that we will all have differing comfort levels about the removal of restrictions, and I want to stress once again our collective commitment to respect, empathy and kindness. Our schools will remain safe and inclusive environments where everyone’s personal choice about wearing masks is respected. Thank you for your continued patience and resilience as we adjust our daily routines once again. 

This week I want to share a particularly timely and inspirational #WeAreKPR story with you. Students, staff, and community at Courtice North PS recently came together on short notice with an outpouring of love and kindness to show their support for the people of Ukraine. Truckloads of personal items were sent to Lviv, Ukraine, where they will go to children and families in need. Thank you to all of our schools who have participated in similar acts of kindness.

Enjoy your weekend, 

Rita

KPR NEWS

Changes to Provincial COVID Guidelines for Schools

As announced by Dr. Kieran Moore last week, the following changes will take effect March 21.

• Masks will no longer be required for students, staff and visitors in schools, school board offices and on student transportation. The new guidelines around mask wearing applies to all school boards in the province, and is a provincial directive.
• KPR schools are mask-friendly environments. Our schools will remain safe and inclusive environments where everyone’s personal choice about wearing masks is respected. The government will continue to provide free masks for schools. 
• Individuals will still be required to wear a mask when they are a household contact/close contact of someone with COVID-19 or COVID symptoms. The provincial school screening tool has been updated to reflect this requirement. 
• Under current federal travel requirements, upon return from international travel, individuals must wear a mask in public spaces for 14 days (including schools and child care), and monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• Vaccination disclosure policies will be discontinued in school settings, which also removes this requirement for staff, volunteers and service providers in schools.  
• Rapid Antigen Tests will continue to be available for students and staff who may have symptoms of illness.
• Cohorting and distancing will no longer be required in schools. Elementary students can play and learn together across cohorts, classes and grades, both indoors and outdoors. Shared spaces, such as libraries, school cafeterias, tech labs, theatres and music rooms can be fully utilized without distancing. 
• Limitations on in-person gatherings and assemblies will also be removed. This includes spectators for events (arts, sports, ceremonies); therefore, schools can begin to plan and host in-person events, such as proms, graduation ceremonies, and assemblies.

Remaining Health and Safety Measures for the 2021-22 School Year

Daily Screening

Daily screening is still required and extremely important to help keep schools safe. Please do not come to school when you are ill, and follow all of the other directions outlined in the school screening tool. Verification of daily screening is not required and KPR’s Daily Screening Confirmation Form is no longer in use.

Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette

Appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette will continue to be promoted and integrated throughout the school day.

Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfecting

Schools will continue with enhanced cleaning protocols in place. Required supplies, such as disinfectant, will continue to be provided to school boards through the province.

Ventilation Measures

School boards will continue to implement ventilation best practices outlined in 2021:B14 School Ventilation. This includes use of standalone HEPA filter units in occupied Kindergarten classrooms and in all occupied learning spaces without mechanical ventilation.

Updated Isolation Requirements

The provincial school screening tool has been updated to reflect new isolation requirements for those exposed to COVID-19. There are many different situations. If you have questions, they can usually be answered by using the screening tool and reading the results carefully. In general terms, please note the following changes:

• Asymptomatic individuals who are close contacts of someone with COVID or a symptomatic individual in the community are no longer required to isolate, but must self-monitor for 10 days following last exposure. During the self-monitoring period, close contacts must wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings and avoid activities where they need to take off their mask (for example, playing a wind instrument in music class or playing high-contact sports).
• Asymptomatic household contacts of someone with COVID or a symptomatic individual are also not required to isolate if they are 17 or younger and fully vaccinated; 18 and older and have already received their COVID-19 booster; or tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days and have completed their isolation period. Asymptomatic household contacts who are not required to isolate are also required to self-monitor for 10 days following last exposure, as outlined above. Children under 5 who are asymptomatic household contacts are required to isolate for 5 days.

Virtual Learning for the 2022-2023 School Year

Families who wish to, have the ability to choose online learning for the 2022-23 school year. Our online programs will continue to follow the same basic structure students have followed this year.  Registration for virtual learning for the 2022-23 school year is open until March 29, 2022.  An option to return to your home school will be provided to students prior to school start-up in September 2022.

Virtual Learning for the Rest of this School Year

While the lifting of restrictions is a welcome change for many, some students and families may find this transition challenging.  If there are families that would like to request a transfer to virtual learning, we will accommodate these requests as best we are able.  Families who would like to switch to virtual learning should discuss with their home school during the week of March 21-25.

March 25, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It’s been wonderful to have students and staff back in our schools this week, filled with energy and enthusiasm. As mandates and restrictions lessen, we appreciate everyone’s ongoing empathy and kindness with each other. 

KPR schools and buildings are mask-friendly environments, where we continue to respect everyone’s personal choice about wearing masks. There are still situations where masks are required, as outlined in the school screening tool - such as after international travel, after illness with COVID-19 symptoms, or after close contact with someone with COVID-19 symptoms. We know that masks do reduce the risk of spreading illness, and masking is still encouraged by our public health unit partners, particularly for those who are at higher risk of serious illness. 

This week’s #WeAreKPR story features KPR’s two Student Trustees - Maryam Abdella and Ella Voliotis, who share their perspectives as student leaders. Student Trustees are valued members of the Board of Trustees, providing student voice and input on important issues.

• March 26 celebrates Earth Hour - at 8:30 pm on the last Saturday of March, people in over 190 countries and territories turn off their power to take action on, and raise awareness of, the issues facing our planet. For those who are able to, I encourage you to participate in this environmental activity. 
• March 26 is also Purple Day for Epilepsy, an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide.
• March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility, dedicated to celebrating Trans people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by Transgender people in Canada, and around the world.
• March 31 is also National Indigenous Languages Day, an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada to recognize and celebrate the very rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous languages. Languages are deeply personal and they connect individuals, families and communities across generations, distances and differences. 

Canada is committed to supporting those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has put measures in place to help Canadian citizens and permanent residents return home and to help Ukrainians come to, and stay, in Canada.  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced last week the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) to help Ukrainians and their family members come to Canada as quickly as possible and to provide them with the ability to work and study while in Canada. 

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is committed to welcoming and supporting families and children entering our district through the CUAET.  As temporary residents (either through a visitor visa, work permit or study permit), there are no fees and children can be registered at our schools. At KPR, we warmly welcome all children who arrive at our schools. Please join me in welcoming these new individuals and families to our KPR community.

I would like to close my message this week by highlighting C.R. Gummow PS for being one of the top fundraising schools across Ontario for the Terry Fox Foundation this year (14^th highest elementary school). Congratulations to everyone who participated, and a special shoutout to Teacher Laurel Merriam for her work organizing Terry Fox fundraising events at the school!

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend,
Rita

KPR NEWS

Daily Screening

Daily screening is still required and extremely important to help keep schools safe. Please do not come to school when you are ill, and follow all of the other directions outlined in the school screening tool.

Rapid Test Kits

Schools continue to have rapid test kits on hand for students to use when experiencing symptoms of illness. Anyone experiencing symptoms should follow the guidance of the school screening tool.

Virtual Kindergarten Information Session

On March 30th at 6:30 pm, KPR is hosting a free, virtual Kindergarten Information Session to learn more about Kindergarten in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Parents, guardians, caregivers and grandparents are invited to learn valuable tips and tools, including a live Q and A, to support a successful school journey at KPR.  

Registration information is available at www.kprschools.ca/kindergarten.

April 1, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I look forward to this opportunity to communicate with families each week. In doing so, I try my best to keep the messages positive, while also giving space for acknowledgement and reflection. Today’s apology by Pope Francis to Indigenous delegates from Canada on the conduct of some members of the Roman Catholic Church in Canada’s residential school system was significant. The impact of this message will vary from person to person as the emotions it may unearth are complex and may take time to process and be fully understood. As a KPR community of care, we are mindful of this and will provide support within our school communities as needed.  

We also want to recognize this week a number of other significant days and observances.

• This evening at sundown marks the beginning of Ramadan - the month of fasting (ending with Eid ul-Fitr on May 1 at sunset). We would like to wish a blessed Ramadan to all those observing this month of fasting and spiritual renewal.
• Tomorrow is World Autism Awareness Day and April is World Autism Month. I appreciate the many ways KPR students, staff, and families find ways to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism. Thank you for continuing to spread kindness and compassion in our schools and beyond.
• April is Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention Month. During this month, we honour the memory of the victims of genocide and reflect on the root causes of these tragedies, to help prevent them from happening again.
• April is also Sikh Heritage Month. Canada is home to over 500,000 Sikh Canadians, who have contributed to Canada through their achievements in all areas of society and have helped shape the diversity found within it. Sikhism’s core principles include equality, generosity, openness, and compassion.

I continue to be inspired by the accomplishments of our KPR students. Today, I would like to highlight a #WeAreKPR story featuring Calvin Karthik, a Grade 10 student from Kenner Collegiate, who won the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, an international science fair held in September in Salamanca, Spain. He was presented with the Award for his science fair project called “A Mighty Mushroom and the Power of Poop: Testing Biogas Production using Spent Mushroom Substrate Phase 2. Calvin will be competing in May on the Youth Science Canada team at a world level – an incredible accomplishment!

Lastly, I would like to thank all of the families  who attended Wednesday’s virtual Kindergarten Information Session. We had over 500 participants in attendance, and we are pleased to welcome many new learners and families to our KPR community!

I hope you enjoy your weekend.

Sincerely,

Rita

KPR NEWS

COVID Updates from Local Public Health

Local public health units continue to monitor COVID-19 infection rates, and provide support, as needed, to schools and local communities. Schools also continue to monitor absence rates and share information about possible exposure with affected families, when we are informed of these situations. We thank students, staff and families for staying home when they are ill, and completing the provincial screening tool daily. We know that masks do help reduce the risk of spreading illness, and masking is still encouraged by our public health unit partners, particularly for those who are at higher risk of serious illness. 

More information about COVID in local communities is available on local public health unit websites.

https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/ 

https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/novel-coronavirus-update.aspx

https://www.hkpr.on.ca/

https://www.hpepublichealth.ca/

Right to Read

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) recently released its findings from its Right to Read public inquiry. The report concludes that many students, in particular students who have been historically and currently marginalized, are encountering systemic barriers that limit their opportunities to learn to read. 

As an educational institution, we recognize the importance of protecting the rights of our students with respect to education, literacy, and providing equal opportunity for all learners.  This is an issue that aligns with KPR’s ongoing priority to support all learners through a culturally relevant and responsive approach to pedagogy, removing systemic barriers for historically and currently marginalized students, and the use of rich data about learners to inform evidence-based teaching and learning strategies for all students.

A cross-departmental KPR team is currently working through the recommendations and developing plans to refine and enhance our practices to best serve KPR students. In the meantime, schools will continue to use what they know about each learner to inform intentional planning, assessment and instruction through the integration of:

• Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy
• Assessment for, as and of Learning
• Readers Now/Lecteurs Maintenant
• Principles of Universal Design
• Differentiated Instruction, and
• Principles of Indigenous Education at KPRDSB.

We believe that all students can succeed, grow and learn and we look forward to continuing this important work.

April 7, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

April showers bring May flowers! Spring is a wonderful time to reflect, and practice mindfulness and gratitude. When we are faced with stress, challenges and feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to remember the cyclical nature of both the seasons and many aspects of our own lives. I know you join me in looking forward to sunnier days ahead for us all. We’re also looking forward to some important dates coming up in the next week:

• KPR schools are participating in the International Day of Pink on April 13. We wear pink to raise awareness and put a stop to bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and transmisogyny in our schools and communities.
• There are several significant religious days coming up later next week - best wishes to everyone who will be observing Vaisakhi, Good Friday, Easter and the Eve of Pesah. The Equity Diversity and Inclusion Calendar includes information about these and other days of significance. 

As a reminder, tomorrow is a PA Day for all students. KPR staff will spend the day learning about topics such as supporting student success, school goal setting, anti-sex trafficking support, Mental Health First Aid, as well as specific topics for each employee group.

Finally, I would like to give a shout-out to Courtice Intermediate School Teacher, Kaela Stewart, and the School Leadership Team who organized a fundraiser in support of World Down Syndrome Day. Staff and students brought in Toonie donations, which totalled $174.00 and on Friday, April 1st, staff and students rocked their funky socks to demonstrate support for diversity and people living with Down Syndrome. Way to go everyone!

Stay safe and well,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

COVID-19 Updates

There has been an increase in the number of COVID cases locally and provincially, and increased student and staff absences in some schools. We continue to monitor these situations and work with public health partners when absence rates rise over 30 per cent. In these cases, local public health partners may provide recommendations to specific school communities, to help stop the spread of illness.

Schools also continue to provide notifications about possible exposure with affected families, when we are informed of these situations. We thank students, staff and families for staying home when they are ill, and completing the provincial screening tool daily. We know that masks do help reduce the risk of spreading illness, and masking is still strongly encouraged by our public health unit partners, particularly for those who are at higher risk of serious illness.

Virtual Cooking Class – April 21

KPR families are invited to join us from your kitchen as we prepare a fabulous meal under the guidance of Indigenous Chef Charles Catchpole on Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm.

The event is being hosted as part of our Second Annual Virtual Environmental Symposium that will run on April 21 and 22, 2022, in celebration of the land. This year's theme continues to be 'Inspiring Hope' as we consider our connection to the environment and the land in which we live.  Once you register, you will receive the menu and a grocery list.

Please register online by April 13, 2022

Virtual High School Registration for Quad 4

The opportunity to transition between Virtual High School and in-person learning for Quadmester Four is available to students until April 22, 2022. Students and families should contact their home school if they would like to request a transfer. 

April 14, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

As we come to the end of this short week, I am inspired by the participation from students and staff during the annual International Day of Pink yesterday - it was wonderful to see everyone wearing pink and showing their support for equity, diversity and inclusion and in particular, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community! 

Today is Vaisakhi and I’d like to extend best wishes for a wonderful harvest festival and a Happy New Year to those in our KPR community who celebrate this very important day. For those who will be observing Good Friday and Easter this weekend, or Pesach (Passover) from April 16-23, I would like to wish you a meaningful and joyful celebration. Next week, we will be recognizing additional days of significance including the First Day of the Festival of Ridvan and Holy Friday for those following the Julian calendar. The Equity Diversity and Inclusion Calendar includes information about these and other days of significance. 

This week I want to share another inspirational #WeAreKPR story featuring Child and Youth Worker (CYW), Emily Hildenbrand, and Educational Assistant (EA), Jeffrey Fay at Apsley Central Public School. This exemplary team works in partnership every day to support student success and make a positive impact in their school community!

As we enter into the long weekend, I would like to extend my sincere best wishes for a safe and restful long weekend. I hope you and your loved ones are able to safely connect and find joy and happiness during this weekend and throughout the spring season. 

Sincerely,

Rita

KPR NEWS

Masking and COVID-19 Updates

While our schools continue to promote respectful and inclusive environments where everyone’s personal choice about wearing masks is respected, we strongly encourage all our students and staff to wear masks indoors at school.

As we have throughout the pandemic, we continue to work closely with our public health partners and will continue to provide important COVID-19 updates to our school communities and families. 

This week we have shared home to families further information directly from the Durham Regional Health Department, and the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit. Similar to information we shared last week to families on behalf of Peterborough Public Health, our local health unit partners strongly encourage the use of masks in indoor spaces as one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and those around us. This recommendation was reiterated earlier this week by Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

For those who have asked why, as a school district, we have not taken further action in this area, the Ministry of Education’s clear direction is that school boards are not public health authorities and do not have the authority to impose further health requirements for students and staff.

As such, while we cannot mandate mask use, we will continue to strongly encourage our students, staff and families to wear masks in school, in accordance with the provincial and local recommendations.

Masking, coupled with other public health measures such as physical distancing, proper hand hygiene, and staying home when sick, continue to be effective strategies for reducing the spread of COVID-19. We ask that everyone attending school continue to screen daily using the provincial screening tool at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

By working together and following the guidance of provincial and local health authorities, we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Online Graduation Requirements for Secondary Students

The Ontario Ministry of Education has mandated a new graduation requirement for secondary students to complete a minimum of two eLearning credits as part of the 30 credits required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). This requirement begins with the cohort of students who entered secondary school in the 2020-21 school year, which means they are now in Grade 9 or Grade 10.

Students that choose to complete the Online Graduation Requirement for the upcoming school year (2022/23), are asked to contact the guidance department at their secondary school by April 19th for timetabling considerations.

Families who choose to opt-out of the requirement to complete two e-learning (online) courses in secondary school must complete the opt-out form prior to Grade 12 and submit the completed form to your child’s school. 

For more information about the online graduation requirement, please contact your child’s secondary school.

Virtual High School Registration for Quad 4

The opportunity to transition between Virtual High School and in-person learning for Quadmester Four is available to students until April 22, 2022. Students and families should contact their home school if they would like to request a transfer. 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Today, on EarthDay, I find myself reflecting on both our collective and individual responsibility to take care of the earth - to take only what we need, and give what we can to protect and preserve it. 

I was fortunate to be able to attend the virtual Environmental Symposium yesterday, along with 6,500 K-12 students, staff and community partners registered across both KPR and PVNC school boards. This year’s theme is Inspiring Hope and the enthusiastic participation at this year’s event was certainly a strong indicator of hope. 

KPR’s Indigenous Education Department has a different #ReconciliACTIONatKPR learning focus each month. This month, schools are learning about the land, climate change and Indigenous Climate Action. As we continue to learn and grow together, and inspire hope, let’s ask ourselves, what actions can I take to do better, now that I know better. Together, let’s commit to action.

Next week is National Volunteer Week, and I want to thank the many volunteers who make significant contributions and positive impacts on the educational experiences of students through extracurriculars, nutrition programs and lending support both in and outside of classrooms. At next week’s Board meeting, we look forward to honouring a few of our outstanding volunteers.

Yesterday was the first day of the Festival of Ridvan, and we extend good wishes to all those in our communities who will be celebrating. We also wish Orthodox Christian communities a meaningful Holy Friday. The Equity Diversity and Inclusion Calendar includes information about these and other days of significance.

Finally, April 27 is Administrative Professionals’ Day! Administrative professionals in KPR schools and Education Centres do so much important work every day, coordinating people and projects, in support of student success and we thank them for their contributions!

Happy weekend everyone!
Rita

KPR NEWS

Masking and COVID-19 Updates

While our schools continue to promote respectful and inclusive environments where everyone’s personal choice about wearing masks is respected, we strongly encourage all our students and staff to wear masks indoors at school, in accordance with provincial and local recommendations.

As we have throughout the pandemic, we continue to work closely with our public health partners and will continue to provide important COVID-19 updates to our school communities and families. 

Masking, coupled with other public health measures such as physical distancing, proper hand hygiene, and staying home when sick, continue to be effective strategies for reducing the spread of COVID-19. We ask that everyone continue to screen daily using the provincial tool at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

By working together and following the guidance of provincial and local health authorities, we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

It’s wonderful to see students and staff participating again in so many activities beyond our classrooms - through arts events, clubs, sports and other extracurriculars, and we truly appreciate the significant role of school and community volunteers in making these memories possible. At this week’s Board meeting, as part of National Volunteer Week, we presented six volunteers with Accolades certificates in recognition of their valuable contributions to students and schools, and featured them in this week’s #WeAreKPR story!

There are also many significant events and calendar observances I would like to highlight. May is Asian Heritage Month, South Asian Heritage Month, Jewish Heritage Month, and Dutch Heritage Month and we recognize the valuable contributions of these communities and their participation in building a more diverse and inclusive country.  

To those celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr on May 2, we extend best wishes on this special day. The Equity Diversity and Inclusion Calendar includes more information about days of significance.

Education Week and Mental Health Week are recognized annually during the first full week in May and May 5th is the National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender diverse people. KPR’s Indigenous Education Department will be sharing resources with schools, to support learning, raise awareness about this ongoing crisis, and take action. We remember the people who have lost their lives to colonial, gender-based violence, and their families and communities that live daily with the grief of losing loved ones.

Education Week is a time for students, educators and families to celebrate teaching excellence, student achievement and family partnerships with schools. Through education, we can develop knowledge, build confidence, and break down barriers to opportunity. Keep an eye on our social media next week as we share and celebrate the incredible efforts of students, staff, families and KPR school communities, in recognition of Education Week!

Canadian Mental Health Week provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental health. The Canadian Mental Health Association’s campaign this year is #GetReal, with a focus on empathy. By checking in with those around us, and really listening, we can see things through their eyes and develop better understanding. Resources from KPR’s Mental Health and Wellbeing team provide entry points into conversations, as well as possible actions and activities that are manageable and meaningful.  

Finally, May 1 is National Principals’ Day! As educational leaders, principals and vice-principals communicate and collaborate daily with students, staff, parents and community members, in support of student achievement, success and wellbeing. The commitment and contributions of KPR’s school leaders are deeply appreciated and valued. We recognize KPR’s principals and vice-principals for their leadership, and ability to overcome challenges to find creative, meaningful solutions for students.

Special thanks to all ambassadors of KPR and public education – especially to our amazing students and families! Your positivity, commitment and continued support is appreciated. 

Best wishes,
Rita

KPR NEWS

Tutoring Programs 

As part of the Ministry of Education’s learning recovery plan for language and math, tutoring opportunities are available for students. More information is available on our website. Questions can be directed to: kpr_tutoring@kprdsb.ca 

COVID-19 Updates

While our schools continue to promote respectful and inclusive environments where everyone’s personal choice about wearing masks is respected, we strongly encourage all our students and staff to wear masks indoors at school, in accordance with provincial and local recommendations.

We continue to work closely with our public health partners and will continue to provide important COVID-19 updates to our school communities and families. 

Please remember to stay home when sick, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, and continue to screen daily using the provincial tool at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

May 6, 2022

Dear KPR Families,

As Education Week and Mental Health Week come to a close, I am inspired by the actions of our KPR community, as we continue to emphasize how interconnected education and mental health are to student success. We continue to share student and staff progress and successes with #LearningMatters #BelongingMatters and #RelationshipMatters. We are fortunate to have access to resources from KPR’s Mental Health and Wellbeing team that include conversation starters, and other manageable and meaningful actions and activities. Thank you everyone for participating in our collective commitment to success and wellness for all. 

This week we also recognized May 5th as the National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender diverse people with important learning, from KPR’s Indigenous Education Department. 

Looking ahead to next week, May 10 is Jordan’s Principle Day. In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) determined the Government of Canada's approach to services for First Nations children was discriminatory. Jordan’s Principle is a child first principle and legal rule named in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a child with complex medical needs from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Jordan’s Principle ensures First Nations children receive the services and supports they need when they need them. This includes a wide range of health, social and educational needs, including the unique needs that First Nations, Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have. Please join me in learning more about this important issue, and sharing awareness with others.

May 12 is Moose Hide Campaign Day - a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys working together to end violence towards women and children. 

Thank you to all students, staff and families for their active participation in this important learning - together, we continue to prioritize the inclusion of authentic and diverse voices in all our school communities!  

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Policy Feedback Wanted!

KPR staff, families and community members are invited to provide feedback on Board Policy 7.1 Communications with the Community, 

Board policies and corresponding administrative regulations govern the day-to-day work of our schools and the Board. Policies are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they remain up-to-date, culturally relevant and responsive. 

Taking into consideration feedback received, recommended policy updates will be shared with the Board of Trustees in the fall. 

“I ❤️ Public Education” OPSBA Campaign

In an effort to showcase the diversity of voices in public schools across the province, the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) and Ontario Student Trustee Association’s (OSTA-AECO) Public Board Council is asking students, schools or families to submit a short clip (three to five seconds) holding a small sign with the phrase/image: “I ❤️ Public Education!” Participants can write this in their “first language” (which may or may not be English) or any non-English language typically spoken at home. The submissions will be used to create a two to three minute video showing the full range of diversity of ages, faces, voices, and places that make up our provincial public schools, and their collective love of learning and the shared values of public education. More information is available on the OPSBA website.

May 13, 2022

Dear KPR Families,

What beautiful weather we are having! I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy the sunshine today.

As we enter the home stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to recognize the students in Grades 3 and 6 writing provincial EQAO assessments in language and math during May and early June. EQAO results do not affect report cards, but they do provide information about student progress over time. We recognize the efforts of students, and the time spent by school staff who have helped prepare students for this provincial requirement. The EQAO website has information for families who want to learn more about the assessment. 

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. In many countries, including Canada, 2SLGBTQIA+ people still face prejudice, discrimination, stigma, hostility, and even violence. In our schools and communities, we celebrate our differences and stand together – those identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ and allies, to create safe, inclusive spaces for all our colleagues and community members. The Equity Diversity and Inclusion Calendar includes information about this date and other days of significance.

We are excited to recognize a Kindergarten educator team at Ganaraska Trail PS this week for their kindness, compassion, and ongoing commitment to family partnerships and communication! Learn more about their amazing teamwork and collaborative spirit in this week’s #WeAreKPR story. 

Sincerely,

Rita Russo,

Director of Education

KPR NEWS

School Screening Tool Update

As of April 25th, the federal government revised their travel requirements - vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks in public settings upon return from international travel.

Requirements are unchanged for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals who DO still need to mask in public settings (including school and child care) for 14 days upon return. Exemptions to this masking requirement include individuals who need to remove their mask for safety reasons; children under the age of 2; and children 2 to 5 who are unable to tolerate wearing a mask.

We remind everyone to continue using the school screening tool daily, and to follow the recommendations provided.  For more information about the travel requirement changes, please review the federal guidelines. 

KPR schools and buildings continue to be mask-friendly environments where everyone’s personal choice about wearing masks is respected.

Policy Feedback Wanted!

KPR staff, families and community members are invited to provide feedback on Board Policy 7.1 Communications with the Community. 

Board policies and corresponding administrative regulations govern the day-to-day work of our schools and the Board. Policies are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they remain up-to-date, culturally relevant and responsive. 

Taking into consideration feedback received before the end of June, recommended policy updates will be shared with the Board of Trustees in the fall. 

May 20, 2022

Dear KPR Families, 

I’d like to open this week’s message with a moment to reflect on the tragic shootings in Buffalo this past weekend that left 10 people dead and 3 wounded, almost all of them Black.  An incident like this elicits a range of emotions for us both individually and as an educational community. The tragedy makes us all too aware of the damage caused by acts of hate. It also demands that we acknowledge, confront and be intentional in dismantling the pervasive reality of anti-Black racism. We all have a vital role in affirming Black identities in our schools and workplaces and the action we must take when we witness acts of racism, in particular anti-Black racism, hate and discrimination.

Over the coming weeks, as part of our ongoing efforts to create and maintain safe and inclusive schools, all students from Grades 4-12 will be asked to participate in an anonymous School Climate Survey. The survey asks students for their opinion on key areas that research has shown to have an impact on student learning outcomes – with a focus on sense of belonging, relationships, safety, and wellbeing. 

Students can decide whether or not they want to complete the survey and can skip any questions they do not want to answer. The survey is anonymous and confidential, and the information collected will be used by schools to build safer spaces in which everyone is respected and feels that they belong. More information about the School Climate Survey will be shared by schools directly with families.

We know that school climates can be positively influenced by the many caring adults in our buildings, and by both the work that happens directly with students, and also the work in support of students. In closing this week’s message, I would like to recognize the outstanding service of Head Custodian, Donna Colpitts and the custodial team at Dr. Emily Stowe Public School who support student success in many ways - including, maintaining safe, clean and welcoming school environments! Learn more in this week’s #WeAreKPR story.

Wishing you a safe and restful long weekend!

Sincerely,

Rita Russo, 

Director of Education 

KPR NEWS

Secondary School Food Services Survey

KPR has created a food services survey for secondary school families. Through this survey, we would like to find out families’ opinions about food service options for lunch breaks and snacks at high schools, with a particular focus on cafeteria service. Other food service options currently include vending machines, food carts and pre-order lunch programs.

Please complete the survey by June 3, 2022.

New Northglen School Visioning Session

KPR is pleased to be moving forward with construction of a new $19.9 million elementary school to serve students and families in the Northglen neighborhood and surrounding Bowmanville area! The school will include 769 student spaces and 73 new licensed child-care spaces in four child-care rooms.

As part of the visioning process for the school design, we are inviting parents/guardians and community partners in the Bowmanville area to join us on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Charles Bowman PS to provide input on possible learning spaces and design features. More information is available on our website.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES ABOUT SCHOOL CLOSURES

In consideration of the following:

• continued power outages;
• recommendations in some regions to avoid unnecessary travel;
• safe school facility operations;
• ongoing clean-up and emergency services work; and,
• active power restoration efforts, in many communities;

the following schools/regions of schools will be CLOSED tomorrow (Tuesday, May 24) to students and non-essential staff.

City of Peterborough and Peterborough County Closures

ALL SCHOOLS CLOSED

Northumberland County and Quinte West Closures

Hastings Public School   

North Hope Central Public School

Percy Centennial Public School  

Plainville Public School  

Roseneath Centennial Public School

Municipality of Clarington Closures

Enniskillen Public School

All of the identified schools will be closed tomorrow, including those that currently may have power, and/or even if power is restored at those sites later this evening or overnight.

As a result of ongoing connectivity and power challenges, closed schools will not move to online learning for the day.

Virtual schools ARE ALSO CLOSED for the day.

All transportation to these identified schools is cancelled for the day.

As always, families should consider their own local circumstances when travelling to and from school, and we encourage everyone to be safe in walking or driving to schools that will be open. We also understand that some families may choose not to attend schools that remain open, depending on their personal circumstances and challenges related to this weekend’s storm.