Welcome to the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) Director's Snapshots of Excellence. The following is a snapshot from the past few months of innovative and fun learning opportunities, success stories and demonstrations of community engagement featuring students and staff from across the LKDSB. Get inspired and learn how our students are shaping our world.
Thanks to the efforts of our committed staff, LKDSB welcomed more than 21,900 students for the start of the 2018-2019 school year. Our schools were a flurry of activity throughout the month of September, as students and staff settled in to the new year. Our students are also committed to community outreach, such as supporting United Way of Chatham-Kent’s Red Feather campaign, the Terry Fox Run and Positivity Day.
Several LKDSB schools travelled to Pain Court, Ont. to visit the International Plowing Match, held Sept. 18-22. Students visited the rural education centres to learn more about local food and agricultural production, as well as engage in hands-on displays and activities.
Although Orange Shirt Day is officially held on Sept. 30, the LKDSB commemorated Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 27 to honour the survivors of residential schools, as well as the children and young people who never returned home. Staff and students were encouraged to wear orange on this day to promote learning and understanding about the residential school system and its impact on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people and communities.
On Oct. 5, the LKDSB recognized those who dedicate their time to support student success during Staff and Volunteer Appreciation Day. We encouraged schools to take pictures of their staff and volunteers and share the images on social media.
The Noelle's Gift Foundation has donated $35,000 to the LKDSB this year to support students and families in need. The funds are used to purchase essential items, such as eyeglasses, clothing, food, medicine and medical equipment. Additionally, Noelle’s Gift donated water bottles to every Grade 1 student across the LKDSB. The goal is to support students in using reusable bottles to promote drinking water as a healthy habit.
Students across the LKDSB also received visits from their local fire departments during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7-13. Firefighters shared information about fire safety, prevention and detection, as well as the importance of home safety plans.
Students throughout Chatham-Kent and Lambton County took a big bite of fresh, local apples during the Great Big Crunch event on Oct. 18. The Great Big Crunch is an event hosted by the Ontario Student Nutrition Program to promote the importance of healthy eating and the role of our Student Nutrition Programs in providing healthy food choices.
In collaboration with Chatham-Kent Lambton Administrative School Services (CLASS), LKDSB schools recognized National School Bus Safety Week Oct. 22-26 and School Bus Driver Appreciation Day on Oct. 24. School Bus Safety Week recognizes the importance of school bus safety within our communities. CLASS provides daily bus transportation to more than 17,000 students of the Lambton Kent and St. Clair Catholic district school boards.
The start of the school year is an exciting time for our system and we are proud of the commitment and dedication of our staff and volunteers who strive to promote student success and well-being. As well, LKDSB students and staff continue to engage with community partners to support local needs and develop understanding about the world around us.
We are proud of the students and staff who strive to make the LKDSB a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment for all. We appreciate all of the parents/guardians, families and community members who help to support students’ success every day.
Visit the LKDSB website to learn more about how we are fostering success for every student, every day: www.lkdsb.net.