Update for Families: November 25, 2022

Dear KPR families,

It’s been an incredibly difficult week for our KPR community and our thoughts remain with the Thomas A. Stewart students, staff and families, and all those in our schools and communities with connections to the MacHart (Hart & MacDonnell) family. So many people have been affected by this terrible tragedy and our hearts and minds are with all those who have been impacted. We continue to hold Rowghan MacHart in our thoughts as she remains in hospital.

As we approach December, there are a number of important days that support our work in creating safe, inclusive schools. I invite you to visit our Events Calendar to learn more.

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (November 20-26) is an opportunity to learn more about bullying and cyberbullying, and its effects on student learning and wellbeing. Bullying is a deliberate act that is persistent over time, with an intent to harm. When bullying is based on race, gender, creed, sexual orientation or other factors identified in the Ontario Human Rights Code, it is a form of discrimination. KPR schools are committed to providing safe, caring and restorative schools to support student learning, achievement and wellbeing. We encourage people to report all incidents of bullying as soon as possible to your school principal. KPR's online Report IT! Tool also continues to be available to students, staff and community. 

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, in memory of the  14 young women killed at Polytechnique Montréal and the many others who were injured because of their gender. Many women, girls, 2SLGBTQIA+, and gender-diverse individuals in our communities continue to experience violence and discrimination. As an educational organization, we must confront issues of gender inequality in all the forms in which they are found. To acknowledge the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women KPR schools will join others across our country and lower our school flags on December 6.

On December 10, International Human Rights Day, we recognize the important work the KPR community has done to raise awareness, effect meaningful change and positively influence human rights movements. This is a day to celebrate the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, a day when we should all think about what human rights means to our daily lives. We know there is still much more to do, and we are committed to taking action in support of systemic change. KPR’s Commissioner's Office of Human Rights, Equity & Accessibility (COHREA) was established last year as a resource for all members of the Board community to be part of the human rights conversation. COHREA provides human rights education, information, assistance and advice in fostering and supporting an inclusive culture free of discrimination and harassment.

Thank you for your support of safe and inclusive school environments.

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Letter from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and Masking Recommendations

Due to an increase of respiratory illnesses, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is strongly recommending masks for all indoor public settings, including schools and childcares. KPR schools are mask-friendly environments. Along with our local public health unit partners, we strongly encourage masking, while also respecting individual choice about wearing masks. Schools continue to have 3-ply masks available for students. Please use the screening tool, stay home when you are sick and clean your hands often to help keep everyone healthy.

This letter from Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, to Ontario parents and caregivers, shares some important information and reminders to help protect against the spread of respiratory infections. 

Parents Reaching Out Grants

All school boards receive Parents Reaching Out grant funding annually from the provincial government to support parent involvement and to lead projects with a focus on the identification and removal of barriers that prevent parents and families from participating and engaging fully in their children's learning. School councils are encouraged to submit applications for projects that will engage parents and families in their communities. Applications should be submitted by December 23 to be eligible for funding. More information is available in the Parent section of KPR’s website.