November Message from the Principal
As we move into November, there is much to celebrate at Katarokwi Learning Centre. We have seen a strong academic start to the year, with students demonstrating commitment to their learning and making meaningful progress toward earning their credits. We are especially proud to share that six KLC students have already graduated this school year. Congratulations to each of these students on reaching this important milestone!
Congratulations as well to our Transitions and KLC Junior students, who have successfully completed the Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement assessment and their first round of Term 1 exams. These are important accomplishments and reflect the hard work and perseverance our students continue to demonstrate.
Our Bridge, Paddle and Rise elementary programs have also had a busy and engaging fall. Students have been participating in a variety of hands-on and land-based learning experiences, creating opportunities to learn, explore and build connections beyond the classroom. With progress reports coming home soon, this is also an opportunity to recognize the growth students have made so far and to celebrate their learning as they continue through the school year.
On November 11, our school community will come together for our Remembrance Day assembly to pause, reflect, and honour those who have served and sacrificed. Many Thanks to the River Program students who are organizing and leading our assembly on Wednesday.
We will also be offering school photos on November 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the KLC gym.
As we continue through the fall, I want to thank our students for the effort they are putting into their learning and our staff and families for the many ways they support student success. We are proud of the progress happening across KLC and look forward to building on this positive start.
Kate Myers
Principal
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, November 11 - Remembrance Day Assembly at 10:30 am
Wednesday, November 11 - School Photos 9:00 - 1:00
Friday, November 13 - Elementary Progress Reports Distributed
Thursday, November 19 - Midterm Report Cards distributed for KLC Junior, Transitions and River
Friday, November 20 - PD Day
Thursday, November 26 - Monthly Recognition Banquet and Guest Speaker
Holiday Hampers - With Gratitude!
KLC will be creating our Holiday Hampers for a raffle draw in December. We are incredibly grateful to Kingston Canadians U18A hockey team who have donated the items and donations from their Food Drive to our Holiday Hampers. Please feel free to connect with your student's teacher if your family would benefit from a Holiday Hamper.
KLC Gr 11/12 Core Program Expectation Reminders
As we are well in to a new school year, it is a good time to remind students of the program expectations for those students taking e-learning courses and registered with KLC Core. KLC Core is an e-learning program with in person teacher support available. Each student will have their own in person schedule based on discussions with Guidance and Admin.
Students are reminded that they need to be engaging with their e-learning course each week and need to be making forward progress each week. This means that for students to be marked present for a week, they MUST:
1 - Log into their online course in Minds Online each week
2 - Complete and submit some work to your teacher each week.
Students who are not logging in regularly or not making forward progress, will have an initial reach out from their teacher, followed by a reach out from the Student Success Team. Should students go three consecutive weeks without engagement in their course, students may be referred to the Attendance Counsellor (under 18) for follow up and support or demitted from KLC (over 18).
Students are also reminded that Attendance and Participation is now also a part of your overall mark in your courses - 15% for Gr. 9 and 10 courses and 10% for Gr. 11 and 12 courses - as a result of new requirements through the Ministry of Education.
Please make sure you are connecting with your teacher if there are any circumstances that are making it difficult for you to engage with your e-learning course so that we can discuss how we might be able to support.
Each e-learning course will also have two assessments (one of which is the final exam/culminating assessment) that need to be complete in person. Students are encouraged to have conversations with their teacher about any supports needed for the successful completion of their in person assessments.
The KLC Closet
We keep clothing items on hand to support any student need and are always looking for donations. Please consider donating the following gently used items:
· t-shirts
· sweatshirts
· hoodies
· gym shorts
· sweatpants
· active wear pants
· running shoes
Also, new underwear, bras, and socks (with tags attached/in original packaging) are always needed.
For items that don't fit into the above categories, they are always welcomed at:
The Goodway Thrift Store : https://thegoodway.ca/
Salvation Army: https://sacfs.ca/programs/voucher-program-clothing-and-furniture
Value Village: https://stores.savers.com/on/kingston/valuevillage-thrift-store-2037.html
We do not have the capacity to accept household items.
Please bring your donations to Sarah's office located in the Success room. We give all items a quick refresh wash so they are ready to wear.
Thank you for your generosity!
CREATING BALANCE IN A DIGITAL WORLD
Digital wellness helps children develop healthy, balanced habits with technology and screen time. As students explore digital wellness at school, we want to share a few simple ideas families can try at home. By listening, learning together, and keeping communication open, we can help children develop a healthy relationship with technology.
WHY DIGITAL WELLNESS MATTERS
Digital wellness can help children:
- Develop healthy habits and daily routines
- Get enough sleep and enjoy restful evenings
- Balance online activities with offline experiences
- Build face-to-face connections
- Make time for physical activity, hobbies, and outdoor play
- Reflect on their technology use and make thoughtful choices
SUPPORTING DIGITAL WELLNESS AT HOME
- Monitor screen time: Use built-in device features to help track and manage screen time.
- Create a screen-free zone: Choose a time or place, such as mealtimes or bedrooms, where devices are put away.
- Try a 60-minute wind-down: When possible, aim for screen-free time during the hour before bed. Encourage relaxing alternatives such as reading, talking, or listening to music.
RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS
- Centre for Healthy Screen Use - Canadian Paediatric Society
- Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology
- Digital Literacy Resources for Parents
Human Growth and Sexual Health Curriculum - Elementary Students
As part of LDSB's commitment to ongoing transparency and communication with families, the document below outlines the Human Development and Sexual Health curriculum expectations for Grades 1-8.
Form 325 D List of H D and S H Instruction Expectations by Grade
Families can request to have their child or children exempted from instruction related to Human Development and Sexual Health expectations by completing and returning an exemption form for each child at least five school days before the start of instruction.
Form 325 B Exemption Letter Parent Request
Prior to instruction, your child's classroom teacher will inform parents/guardians when the expectations related to the Human Development and Sexual Health expectations in Strand D will be covered. For a more detailed overview of this process, please refer to Administrative Procedure 325: Exemption From Human Development and Sexual Health Instruction (listed under the Policies and Procedures section of the LDSB website), or contact the school.
Concussion Protocol
Please review the Concussion Information available on the Limestone District School Board webpage.
https://www.limestone.on.ca/concussion_protocols
Artificial Intelligence in Limestone
In the Limestone District School Board, we are committed to helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to navigate today’s digital world. Technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), is already part of students’ everyday lives, and learning how to use it in a thoughtful and responsible way is important for their success in school and beyond.
We want all students to feel safe, supported, and informed when using digital tools. Students are learning about how technology can affect learning, mental health, and well-being, and how we can help students build healthy, balanced habits with their use of technology.
Students are also exploring how tools like AI can support learning and problem-solving in positive and meaningful ways. Our focus is on helping students become confident and responsible digital citizens who can use technology thoughtfully and safely to support their learning and well-being, both at school and at home.
Learn More:
COMMUNITY NOTICES:
E-Scooter Information from City of Kingston
E-scooters are easy to find, but they aren't toys and aren't designed for kids. In Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old to ride wherever e-scooters are permitted.
In Kingston, e-scooters are not currently permitted. The City is developing a Micromobility Regulations Strategy — with updated rules around e-scooters, e-bikes and other lightweight, rideable transportation — to support safe, accessible and sustainable travel around Kingston. The strategy, which considers public engagement feedback and research into best practices, will be presented to Council for consideration later this year.
Find out more at Micromobility Regulations | Get Involved Kingston by Communications & Public Engagement.
