News

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to our generous sponsors, fantastic golfers, wonderful silent auction donors and amazing volunteers for making this year’s LLF Sandra Davison Memorial Classic another spectacular event! Celebrating 25 years, the tournament on June 13, 2024, raised $50,000 to help inspire excellence in education by supporting school and classroom initiatives, not funded by the Provincial government. We could not have done this without your continued support!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With much appreciation, the LLF</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/87139815-88a1-4603-b1f5-7476c4516244?fingerprint=ppb20251217014234" alt="LLF Golf Placemat 8" width="inherit" height="inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<img src="/images/a68d46ad-bb20-5e78-9109-4c654fd66ee1?fingerprint=ppb20251217014545" srcset="/thumbnails/a68d46ad-bb20-5e78-9109-4c654fd66ee1?fingerprint=ppb20251217014545 450w, /images/a68d46ad-bb20-5e78-9109-4c654fd66ee1?fingerprint=ppb20251217014545 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span><b><span><br> Embracing the Future of Education and Technology</span></b></span></p> <p><span>We are excited to welcome Curtis Carmichael to our LLF virtual Speakers' Series with, “<i>One Pedal at a time: Inspire Hope, Find Purpose, and Make a Difference</i>”. As an influential figure in Responsible AI and STEM education, Curtis brings a message of hope and transformative action to the students of Limestone District School Board. This event is set to inspire our students to look beyond the classroom and make meaningful changes in their communities and personal lives.</span></p> <p><span><b><span><br> Curtis Carmichael</span></b></span></p> <p><span><span>Curtis is a driving force in technology and social change, committed to empowering youth through education and community engagement. His passion ignites students across the country, inspiring them to pursue their interests with purpose and creativity. At the forefront of transforming STEM and AI education, Curtis engages in speaking events that connect with students from coast to coast. His powerful message motivates young minds to dive into learning and technology with enthusiasm.</span><br> <br> <span><strong>Speaking Dates<br> <br> </strong></span><span><span>📅</span><span>&nbsp;Date: May 7, 2024<br> </span><span>🎓</span><span>&nbsp;Audience: Grades 7 - 12</span><br> ---<br> <span>📆 Date: May 15, 2024 <span>🎓</span> Audience: Grades 4 - 6</span></span></span></p> <p><span><b><span>Charting New Paths</span></b></span></p> <p><span>Curtis' commitment to educational and technological empowerment is driven by his desire to elevate student potential and enrich communities. He chose to forgo a promising athletic career to focus on a greater cause: nurturing dreams and fostering potential through technology and education. His inspiring journey challenges young minds to embrace their capabilities and seize the opportunities that await them, making his story a powerful call to action.</span></p> <p><span><b><span>Celebrated Author and Visionary</span></b></span></p> <p><span>Curtis Carmichael, an award-winning author and social entrepreneur, showcases his expertise and dedication to empowering others. His methods are both practical and forward-thinking, giving students the tools they need to navigate their educational paths with confidence and creativity. </span></p> <p><span><b><span><span>Stay Connected With Us<br> <br> </span><span></span></span></b><span>Join the celebration of diverse voices, follow us on Twitter at&nbsp;<span><a href="https://twitter.com/LLFdn" target="_blank" title="@LLFdn"><span>@LLFdn</span></a>,&nbsp;<span>on&nbsp;</span><span>Instagram&nbsp;<br> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/limestonelearningfdn/" target="_blank" title="@limestonelearningfdn"><span>@limestonelearningfdn</span></a>,&nbsp;<span>or Facebook</span>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LLFdn" target="_blank" title="@LLFdn"><span>@LLFdn</span></a>.</span>&nbsp;Together, we're fostering a brighter future.</span></span><span><br> <strong>Delving Deeper</strong></span><span><span><br> </span></span></p> <p><span>Explore our previous Speakers' Series events:<br> <a href="/news___events/news_releases/speakers__series__a_path_to_everyday_resiliency" title="LLF Speakers' Series: A Path to Everyday Resiliency">LLF Speakers' Series: A Path to Everyday Resiliency</a> <a href="/news___events/news_releases/david_a__robertson_shares_inspiration_for_writing" title="LLF Speakers' Series: Establishing Safe, Caring and Respectful Digital Communities">LLF Speakers' Series: Establishing Safe, Caring and Respectful Digital Communities</a> <a href="/news___events/news_releases/l_l_f_speakers__series_with_roxane_brouillard" title="LLF Speakers' Series with Roxane Brouillard">LLF Speakers' Series with Roxane Brouillard</a></span></p> <p><span>Discover a world of knowledge with '<a href="/our_projects/books_are_back-phaseIII" title="Books Are Back!">Books Are Back!</a>' - your gateway to growth and learning.</span></p>

<img src="/images/e4f67dea-2426-54d1-bc75-4d81fb853480?fingerprint=ppb20251217015113" srcset="/thumbnails/e4f67dea-2426-54d1-bc75-4d81fb853480?fingerprint=ppb20251217015113 450w, /images/e4f67dea-2426-54d1-bc75-4d81fb853480?fingerprint=ppb20251217015113 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span><strong> Cultivating Resilience</strong><br> The Limestone Learning Foundation proudly announces the return of the renowned Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe to our virtual Speakers' Series. In an event that reinforces the LDSB's commitment to mental health and well-being, this&nbsp;exclusive event will bring Limestone students together in an interactive session that promises to empower and enlighten.</span></p> <ul> <li><span><span><strong> <span>📆 </span></strong></span><strong>April 18, 2024</strong></span></li> <li><span><span><strong><span>🎓</span></strong></span><strong>LDSB Students in Grades 7-12</strong></span></li> </ul> <h4><span><strong><span><span>Dr. </span><span>Robyne Hanley-Dafoe</span></span></strong></span></h4> <p><span>A guiding force in the realms of resilience and wellness, Dr. Hanley-Dafoe is not just an expert — she's a living testament to the power of overcoming and thriving. Her return to our series is a testament to the lasting impact of her previous engagement and our ongoing dedication to supporting our students' growth and resilience.</span></p> <h4><span><strong>A Blend of Experience and Empathy</strong></span></h4> <p><span>With a narrative shaped by personal resilience and professional expertise, Dr. Hanley-Dafoe offers nearly two decades of insights from her university teaching and research. Her strategies are not just theory; they are lifelines crafted from experience, designed to foster resilience in the face of life's storms.</span></p> <h4><span><strong>Award-Winning Authorship</strong></span></h4> <p><span>Dr. Hanley-Dafoe's literary contributions, including her Silver Nautilus Award-winning book <em>Calm Within the Storm</em> and the insightful <em>Stress Wisely: How to Be Well in an Unwell World</em>, provide frameworks for understanding and mastering the intricacies of mental wellness.</span></p> <h4><span><strong>Journey with Us</strong></span></h4> <p><span>Embark on this enriching experience that dovetails with the LDSB's Mental Health and Substance Use Strategy, offering our students sustainable skills for life's challenges.</span></p> <h4><span><strong>Delving Deeper</strong></span></h4> <p><span>Explore our previous Speakers' Series events:<br> <a href="/news___events/news_releases/speakers__series__a_path_to_everyday_resiliency" title="LLF Speakers' Series: A Path to Everyday Resiliency">LLF Speakers' Series: A Path to Everyday Resiliency</a> <a href="/news___events/news_releases/david_a__robertson_shares_inspiration_for_writing" title="LLF Speakers' Series: Establishing Safe, Caring and Respectful Digital Communities">LLF Speakers' Series: Establishing Safe, Caring and Respectful Digital Communities</a> <a href="/news___events/news_releases/l_l_f_speakers__series_with_roxane_brouillard" title="LLF Speakers' Series with Roxane Brouillard">LLF Speakers' Series with Roxane Brouillard</a></span></p> <p><span>Discover a world of knowledge with '<a href="/our_projects/books_are_back-phaseIII" title="Books Are Back!">Books Are Back!</a>' - your gateway to growth and learning.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8745f23f-e134-5eb0-8ac9-c3dde9d01a78?fingerprint=ppb20251217014249" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone Music Celebration 2024: A Symphony of Learning and Performance</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone Learning Foundation is honored to support the Limestone Music Celebration 2024 with a grant of $10,000. On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Queen’s University’s Grant and Kingston Halls, we will witness an extraordinary gathering of 400-500 secondary music students from across the Limestone District School Board. This event promises a day filled with musical enrichment, education, and a spectacular evening performance.</span><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A Day of Musical Workshops</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students will have the unique opportunity to participate in instrument-specific workshops and clinics, led by local professional music educators and accomplished Kingston musicians. This immersive experience is designed to deepen their musical skills, foster collaboration, and enhance their appreciation for diverse musical genres and techniques.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Through Music</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In line with our commitment to inclusivity and representation, the Limestone Music Celebration focuses on a repertoire that reflects a wide array of voices. Works by Black composers, women, and Indigenous artists have been prioritized to ensure a rich, varied musical experience that resonates with all participants. This initiative is a step towards decolonizing our music rooms and departments, making sure every student sees themselves in the music they learn and perform.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">An Inspiring Composition</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The event will feature a special highlight: a composition by LDSB music teacher, Tim Stiff. His work, specifically crafted for a Massed Ensemble with inclusive and uplifting lyrics, is designed to celebrate the unity and diversity music brings to our lives.</span><br><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Spotlight on Creativity: Our Event Logo&nbsp;</strong></b><img src="/images/882271a5-4e33-5ca9-a684-1db02c08346e?fingerprint=ppb20251217014249" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit"><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the spirit of celebrating student talent and creativity, this year's Limestone Music Celebration is proud to feature a logo designed by an exceptional NDSS student. Lily Nicholls has brought her artistic vision to life in creating a logo that captures the essence of our musical gathering. Her contribution exemplifies the collaboration and talent across our schools, adding a unique and personal touch to our event. We applaud Lily's dedication and creativity in representing the Limestone Music Celebration to the community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Vision</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone Music Celebration 2024 embodies the Limestone Learning Foundation's vision of making arts education a vibrant and essential part of our students' lives. By supporting this event, we aim to provide a platform where students can experience the transformative power of music beyond the classroom, in a setting that encourages collaboration, celebrates diversity, and builds community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are proud to be part of this momentous occasion and look forward to the music and memories that will be created.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For more details on our initiatives and contributions to the Limestone District School Board, follow us on Twitter </span><a href="https://twitter.com/LLFdn" target="_blank" title="@LLFdn" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">@LLFdn</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, Instagram </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/limestonelearningfdn/" target="_blank" title="@limestonelearningfdn" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">@limestonelearningfdn</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, and Facebook </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LLFdn" target="_blank" title="@LLFdn" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">@LLFdn</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1df47d32-8b3a-54d0-9269-fc2134271137?fingerprint=ppb20251217013257" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2023 LLF Sandra Davison Memorial Golf Classic was held in the bright September sunshine this year,&nbsp;and what a day it was! This event is critical to the Limestone Learning Foundation’s fundraising&nbsp;platform, and it plays a huge role in bringing initiatives of the Limestone Learning Foundation alive in&nbsp;classrooms across the Limestone District School Board.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Together, this year's event managed to raise&nbsp;$50,000 to support the LLF’s upcoming projects, the most significant of which is the </span><a href="/our_projects/books_are_back_phase_2" target="_blank" title="Books are Back! Phas II" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Phase III of&nbsp;Books are Back!</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, which arrived in schools October 2023.</span><br><br><img src="/images/9f2b6c28-a6a7-57c5-b2b0-b34b39852a5c?fingerprint=ppb20251217014502" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit"><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A heartfelt thank you to all who volunteered before, during, and after the event to make it a huge success. Our volunteers' willingness to support the Limestone Learning Foundation with their time, efforts, and positive energy are greatly appreciated!&nbsp;Also, thank you to the staff at Loyalist Golf and Country Club, for their&nbsp;hospitality, their professionalism, and for their attention to detail throughout the day. The team at&nbsp;Loyalist have been great supporters of the LLF over the years, and it’s been great to have them partner&nbsp;with the Foundation.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, the LLF wishes to acknowledge the support of all of the sponsors for the event as well as the individuals&nbsp;and companies who provided silent auction items. So many have been partnering with the Limestone Learning Foundation for&nbsp;years, and it’s wonderful to have that continued support. It was also exciting to have a number of&nbsp;new supporters this year - thank you for showing an interest in the organization!</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Particular&nbsp;thanks to </span><a href="https://www.belairdirect.com/en/about-belairdirect.html?region=onen" target="_blank" title="BelairDirect" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BelairDirect</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> formerly&nbsp;Johnson Insurance, and Lenovo|CDW Canada, signature sponsors for the event. Thanks also to platinum&nbsp;sponsors, Fishburn Sheridan &amp; Associates Ltd., and Susan Creasy Financial Inc.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We can't wait to see everyone next year!&nbsp;To make your donation go to our </span><a href="/about_us/how_to_donate" target="_blank" title="donation page" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">donation page</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or visit&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/limestone-learning-foundation/" target="_blank" title="Canada Helps" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">www.Canadahelps.org</span></a></p>

<img src="/images/baa9884c-2079-54fa-9181-abaf69b69419?fingerprint=ppb20251217014726" srcset="/thumbnails/baa9884c-2079-54fa-9181-abaf69b69419?fingerprint=ppb20251217014726 450w, /images/baa9884c-2079-54fa-9181-abaf69b69419?fingerprint=ppb20251217014726 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div><span><span>The Limestone Learning Foundation is thrilled to host Roxane Brouillard author of&nbsp;<i>Mon chien-banane</i>&nbsp;- one of many titles sent to schools earlier this year as part of the LLF's Books are Back initiative. &nbsp;<i>Mon chien-banane&nbsp;</i>examines the themes of humour, dogs, parks, bananas and the absurd.&nbsp;<span>Sometimes&nbsp;things are not as they seem.&nbsp;A great lesson in judging people and situations based on&nbsp;perception&nbsp;but not fact. MY DOG BANANA is very&nbsp;a"peel"ing.</span><br> </span></span></div><span><span><i><br> </i><i>Mon chien-banane</i>&nbsp;est un bijou d’absurdité qui fera rire les petits&nbsp;<span>comme les grands. Roxane Brouillard signe ici son premier album avec cette comédie de situation désopilante.&nbsp;</span><span>Dans un parc, un enfant promène une banane au bout d’une laisse. Cette chose pour le moins inusitée, attire&nbsp;</span><span>l’attention des passants qui s’attroupent autour du jeune garçon. Une longue discussion s’en suit où les gens&nbsp;</span><span>essaient de comprendre pourquoi l’enfant promène une banane, pendant que de son côté, le garçon essaie de&nbsp;</span><span>leur faire comprendre que sa banane est un chien. Plus précisément, son chien-banane.</span><br> <br> <span>There will be two sessions 9:30 am - 10am, and 10:00 am - 10:30 am. The virtual MS Teams presentation will take place on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.&nbsp;<br> <br> These</span><span>&nbsp;sessions&nbsp;will be offered in French and is geared towards primary students in Grades 1-3.&nbsp;This interactive session will be approximately 30 minutes.<br> <br> LDSB educators register your classes at&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.office.com/r/BJEisHUMpq" target="_blank" title="Registration form">https://forms.office.com/r/BJEisHUMpq</a></span></span></span>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/54328807-673f-53a7-a5b5-7752c6c203d6?fingerprint=ppb20251217013751" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As a member of the Safer Schools Together team, Steven specializes in Social Media Awareness and Digital Threat Assessment. In his current role as a Senior Threat Analyst, he collects social media data that is used to assist schools in North America while addressing worrisome and threat-related online behaviours.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Steven’s experience and knowledge in both technology and the world of social media have enabled him to have a greater understanding and a more hands-on approach in data-collection and accurate threat assessments for school districts nationwide.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone Learning Foundation is pleased to present this exclusive engagement for Grade 4-8 elementary classes in the Limestone District School Board on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, as part of the LLF Speakers’ Series.&nbsp;</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Educators with the Limestone District School Board may register their classes at&nbsp;</span><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/Y74uqQBnA8" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://forms.office.com/r/Y74uqQBnA8</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<img src="/images/b02082d0-2898-5758-988f-0aa82c53222a?fingerprint=ppb20251217014637" srcset="/thumbnails/b02082d0-2898-5758-988f-0aa82c53222a?fingerprint=ppb20251217014637 450w, /images/b02082d0-2898-5758-988f-0aa82c53222a?fingerprint=ppb20251217014637 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span>The Limestone Learning Foundation, is pleased to present&nbsp;<a href="https://robynehd.ca/" target="_blank" title="Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe">Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe</a>&nbsp;for a virtual presentation exclusive to secondary students of the Limestone District School Board on April 25, 2023 from 9:50– 10:50 AM. Inspired by personal experience, Dr. Hanley-Dafoe specializes in resiliency, navigating stress and change.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> <br> </span><span>Dr. Hanley-Dafoe’s work compliments an area of focus in the LDSB's&nbsp;<a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=%2FUserFiles%2FServers%2FServer_352698%2FFile%2FStudents%2FHealth%2520%26%2520Wellness%2F2021-2024%2520MHSU%2520Strategy.pdf&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cdouglasja%40limestone.on.ca%7Cfd591285e89740ca4a6308db35f2f6de%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638163089855023146%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=uduTVLonNoP1d4wIntSKrHxoaUmy%2FGAaMaC4NpGavcY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank" title="Link to LDSB Mental Health and Substance Use Strategy">Mental Health and Substance Use Strategy</a>. During her presentation, she will provide realistic and sustainable strategies for understanding and practicing wellness, personal resiliency and emotion management, to expand student mental health knowledge.&nbsp;<br> <br> <a href="https://forms.office.com/r/PwetjiRvPJ" target="_blank" title="Registration form">Registration</a>&nbsp;is now open for LDSB secondary classes.&nbsp;</span>

<img src="/images/132f838b-a98f-52fb-8222-bc488f45bfd8?fingerprint=ppb20251217013147" srcset="/thumbnails/132f838b-a98f-52fb-8222-bc488f45bfd8?fingerprint=ppb20251217013147 450w, /images/132f838b-a98f-52fb-8222-bc488f45bfd8?fingerprint=ppb20251217013147 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span>Books are Back: Phase II&nbsp;<br> </span></p> <p><span>Students gravitate to new books and new stories - especially if they are windows into perspectives and lived experiences of others. Contemporary stories that stimulate positive discussion and empathy in equity, inclusion, resilience, and understanding.</span></p> <p> <span>Books are Back: Phase II will bring a variety of new books representing the voices of Indigenous, 2SLGTBQ+, Black and Authors of Colour to primary students in both English and French classes across the Limestone District School Board (LDSB).</span></p> <p> <span>“Books are Back” provides books that are </span><span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAu58SNSyc" target="_blank"><span>Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors</span></a></span><span><span>; Professor Rubin Sims-Bishop reminds us why this is crucial for children when developing a personal reading life. Grades 1-3 are wonderful times to build excitement about books and ideas. These books hope to do just that!</span><span> This fall, the Limestone Learning Foundation will fund a total of 277 book sets, either containing 18 new English titles or 9 new French titles, to LDSB’s 50 elementary schools.&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p> <span>In October 2021, the Limestone Learning Foundation launched Books are Back, providing all Grade 4 to 6 classrooms with book sets of 25 curated titles to further support Indigenous Education, Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity. These books ranged from graphic novels, small chapter books, to full-length novels with complex plots and sophisticated themes. The LDSB was able to leverage the Books are Back initiative to offer students three virtual author visits featuring two authors from the Books are Back collection.<br> <br> <span>See the Books are Back! Phase 2 catalogues: </span><a class="editor-link" href="/documents/c1dd8c43-9b00-5432-a1e3-e7c741b5df75?fingerprint=ppb20251217014805" target="_blank"> <span>English titles</span> </a><span> and </span><a class="editor-link" href="/documents/57140775-6827-51f9-b5c4-df237a7fe112?fingerprint=ppb20251217013816" target="_blank"> <span>French titles.</span> </a><br> </span></p> <p> <span><img src="/images/87fd6137-b486-544c-a67c-d4890d0e9718?fingerprint=ppb20251217014249" srcset="/thumbnails/87fd6137-b486-544c-a67c-d4890d0e9718?fingerprint=ppb20251217014249 450w, /images/87fd6137-b486-544c-a67c-d4890d0e9718?fingerprint=ppb20251217014249 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px">The Limestone Learning Foundation’s Books are Back program builds rich classroom libraries for independent reading. These are not textbooks, but important topical stories featuring high-quality, literacy authors’ works at appropriate reading levels not provided by government funding.&nbsp;</span></p>

<img src="/images/d7e2a50f-fbd9-5161-bc5b-7b93968af667?fingerprint=ppb20251217014957" srcset="/thumbnails/d7e2a50f-fbd9-5161-bc5b-7b93968af667?fingerprint=ppb20251217014957 450w, /images/d7e2a50f-fbd9-5161-bc5b-7b93968af667?fingerprint=ppb20251217014957 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p>Students in Grade 7 to 12 are invited to join <i>Re-Imagining a New Way Forward with Intention: A Conversation with Sheila Watt-Cloutier</i> on Monday, April 25, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. </p> <p>“Everything is connected,” says Sheila Watt-Cloutier when she is talking climate change. “Climate change is not just environmental. Climate change is about housing, it is about food security, it is about education.” Renowned environmentalist and author of <a href="https://inuit.uqam.ca/en/documents/right-be-cold">The Right to Be Cold</a>, Watt-Cloutier will share her insight about climate change, and how it affects everything, “We must now speak environment, economy, foreign policy, health, and human rights in the same breath.” During this enlightening and inspiring virtual presentation, Sheila will provide a clear, meaningful, and comprehensive understanding of the way these issues are interconnected, and what it means for the future of our planet.</p> <p>Teachers can register their classes to join the MS Teams Live Webinar using this link: <span><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FApr25Registration&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccrothersm%40limestone.on.ca%7C492136758953470afda008da1d6f9ff2%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C637854662499278514%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=4rDoo3SKX6u1L%2FxYhja1RLy9BgmYBO%2BsSYK0bZgY818%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://bit.ly/Apr25Registration</a>. Once registered, a MS Teams invite will be sent to your Board email address. </span></p> <p>This exclusive event for LDSB students has been made possible by a generous donation from the <a href="/">Limestone Learning Foundation</a>. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>About Sheila</b> <b>Watt-Cloutier, Environmental, Cultural, and Human Rights Advocate</b></p> <p>With a focus on solutions, Watt-Cloutier brings the realities of the Arctic―where Inuit today face profound challenges to their environment, their economy, their health, and their cultural well-being―to light. The challenges they face are clearly connected to the industries we support, the disposable world we have become, and the non-sustaining policies we create. Because her Inuit culture faces the most extreme challenges of globalization, Watt-Cloutier speaks from firsthand experience, and couples that with her extensive experiences as a global leader. </p> <p>Drawing upon her ancient culture, and speaking from a position of strength, not victimhood, she helps audiences find common ground. Her Arctic voice–not as far away as we might imagine–enlightens and inspires. With inclusive good will, it bridges some extremely divided gaps around the world.</p>

<img src="/images/edfbf6dc-ec7c-5da8-adb3-1502638331d2?fingerprint=ppb20251217015205" srcset="/thumbnails/edfbf6dc-ec7c-5da8-adb3-1502638331d2?fingerprint=ppb20251217015205 450w, /images/edfbf6dc-ec7c-5da8-adb3-1502638331d2?fingerprint=ppb20251217015205 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span>The Limestone Learning Foundation is seeking a Part-Time Development Officer&nbsp;responsible for leading, planning, designing, and executing the organization’s annual fundraising programs&nbsp;and events, including leading all annual giving campaigns, identifying, and submitting grant applications that are aligned with the Foundation’s strategic goals. The Development Officer builds and manages relationships&nbsp;with new and existing donors to ensure timely and meaningful appreciation is provided.&nbsp;<br> <br> If this exciting and dynamic opportunity aligns with your vision and values, please submit your resume and&nbsp;cover letter outlining how your knowledge, skills and experience will support and advance the work of the&nbsp;Limestone Learning Foundation by <strong>Thursday April 7, 2022, at 12:00PM</strong> to&nbsp;<br> <a href="mailto:LLF-Applications@limestone.on.ca?subject=LLF-Applications@limestone.on.ca">LLF-Applications@limestone.on.ca</a><br> <br> <br> <a class="editor-link" href="/documents/51325f98-5605-546a-9648-da89d9f8ce6e?fingerprint=ppb20251217013738" target="_blank"> <span>Development Officer Job Description</span> </a></span><br>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/e96d6479-fe34-5c1d-9545-74f5283da724?fingerprint=ppb20251217015139" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Author Zetta Elliott met virtually with more than 40 elementary classes to share her love of reading and writing. Her book, Dragons in the Bag, is one of the 25 titles from the Books Are Back initiative that has been gifted to every grade 4 - 6 classroom in the Limestone District School Board.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students had lots to say when asked what they thought about Zetta's message.&nbsp; Many shared that they liked when Zetta spoke about her own experiences and her creative process when writing. It was evident that Zetta brought an excitement to the idea of reading books and ensuring that as readers we question the voices we hear in books and those voices that are left out.&nbsp; One student offered that they liked "how the author never gave up on her dreams and stayed true to her ideas and did not settle even when people wanted to change her ideas."</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Zetta described the differences between "window books, mirror books and sliding glass door books" and emphasized the importance of easy access to books for all in which the reader can see themselves reflected.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A teacher noted that students left with the message of hope about their own writing and that they could all turn their ideas into something great.&nbsp;</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone Learning Foundation is pleased to support such a rewarding opportunity for the students in the LDSB, extending the Books are Back initiative to include virtual author visits.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">David A. Robertson, author of The Barren Grounds, will host a virtual visit for LDSB elementary classes on April 28, 2022.</span></p>