Update for Families: May 19, 2023

Dear KPR Families,

Spring has definitely sprung these past couple of weeks, with many bugs, bees, flowers and trees coming to life! It is wonderful to see students and staff exploring the changing seasons, and learning about the cycles of growth in our natural environments.

Renewal continues to be our focus as an organization as we collaborate with students, staff, families and communities about priorities for our next Strategic Plan. Nearly 2,000 people have shared their thoughts and applied over 77,000 ratings in our online Strategic Planning conversations! 

There’s still time to share your thoughts and prioritize ideas related to these two questions: How can we best support the unique and diverse learning needs of all students?

How can we best support wellness, belonging and overall success for students, staff and communities?

Please take a few minutes to Share Your Voice and participate in both of these online conversations. It’s easy and confidential - your thoughts will be shared, but not your identity. The theme for KPR’s strategic planning is Your Voice, Your Plan because we want to ensure that our plan and future direction reflects the voices and lived experiences of all students, staff, families and communities.

We also invite interested students, staff, family and community members to participate in our Online Focus Group session, where you can share your thoughts in facilitated conversations about learning, well-being and relationships. Registration is required for this event, taking place May 31, from 6:00-7:30 pm. Learn more about Strategic Planning opportunities for input on our Portal Page. 

Earlier this week, we recognized the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Too many people continue to face gender-based violence and discrimination that is rooted in ignorance, fear and hate. As a school board, we continue to foster education that combats all forms of discrimination and creates safe and inclusive spaces for everyone. For information about Days of Significance, please visit the Events Calendar on our school board website.

This long weekend is Hiawatha First Nation’s 27th Annual Traditional Powwow. The celebration is taking place at the Lakeview Ceremonial Grounds located at 126 Paudash Street. All are welcome to join in the celebration of Michi Saagiig culture with Hiawatha First Nation.

I hope everyone has an opportunity to do something they enjoy during the long weekend, as we prepare for the last stretch of the school year.

Best wishes,

Rita Russo,

Director of Education

Summer School

Summer School registration is now open for a wide variety of in-person courses. Guidance Departments at every secondary school are available to help students register. Students can enroll in recovery credits, half or full credit courses this summer. More information is available on the school board website.

2023-24 School Year Calendar

The 2023-24 School Year Calendar has now been approved by the Ministry of Education. 

Highlights of the approved calendar include:

• 1st day of classes – Tuesday, September 5, 2023
• Last day of classes – Thursday, June 27, 2024
• Winter Break – Monday, December 25, 2023 (Friday, December 22, 2023 will be the last day of school) through to Friday, January 5, 2024 (Monday, January 8, 2024 will be the first day of classes)
• March Break – (March 8 to March 15, 2024)

The full elementary and secondary calendars are available on the Board website. 

Teachers for Kids

Teachers For Kids, Teachers For Kids (TFK) has been supporting the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of students in KPR since 1986. The organization raises funds to enable students to participate in school activities, extracurriculars, and field trips, and also provides school supplies, medical support, and personal care items to those in need.

Kawartha Pine Ridge is the only school board to have Teachers For Kids - serving students in the entire board. TFK is a registered charity that relies entirely on donations, with all funds going directly to students. Donations of $25 or more come with tax receipts. To learn more about TFK, please visit the TFK website.