See Yourself in Limestone

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As a follow-up to our previous messages about the upcoming Student Census survey, </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">the deadline for families to opt out has been extended to the end of day on Monday, November 17.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> If you wish to opt your student(s) out, please contact your school principal. </span><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families who have already opted out do not need to take any further action.</strong></b></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students who are opted out will not receive the survey in their e-mail inbox and will be provided with an alternative activity during the survey period.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Available Student Census Resources</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are resources about the Student Census for families and students available on Limestone’s website, including:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_census" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">About the Student Census</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (including a video)</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A list of </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Frequently Asked Questions and Answers</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> that includes information on privacy, confidentiality, and data use</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-introduction-to-student-and-family-guide-" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student and Family Guide</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; that explains the survey questions and why we ask them</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-4-to-6-questions" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Copies of the questions for the Grades 4 to 6 survey</span></a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-7-to-12-questions" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Copies of the questions for Grades 7 to 12 survey</span></a></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-student-and-family-question-guide" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Question Guide</span></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">About the Student Census</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Student Census is a voluntary survey for students in Grades 4 to 12. This important initiative aims to learn more about students' identities, academic achievement, and their experiences at school. By understanding more about the unique backgrounds, experiences, and needs of students, we can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for everyone.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The data is paired with academic information to help us understand what school is like for different groups of students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It is important to note that:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The survey is </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">optional</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Responses are </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">confidential</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">can choose to answer as much or as little of the survey as they wish</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Alison McDonnell</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent of Curriculum and Program Services: Early Years and Equity and Inclusion</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A reminder to families that the </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">See Yourself in Limestone Student Census is coming up the week of November 24 to 28</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Student Census is a voluntary survey for students in Grades 4 to 12. It gathers information about students’ identities and their experiences at school. This data is then paired with academic information to help us understand what school is like for different groups of students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It is important to note that:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The survey is </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">optional</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Responses are </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">confidential</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">can choose to answer as much or as little of the survey as they wish</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reminder: Opt-Out Deadline is Friday, November 14</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you prefer that your student not participate, you can opt them out by contacting your school principal.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Students who are opted out will not receive the survey in their e-mail inbox and will be provided with an alternative activity during the survey period.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Opt-out deadline:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Friday, November 14, 2025</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Census Resources</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are resources about the Student Census for families and students available on Limestone’s website, including:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student_census" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">About the Student Census</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (including a video)</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A list of </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Frequently Asked Questions and Answers</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> that includes information on privacy, confidentiality, and data use</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-introduction-to-student-and-family-guide-" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student and Family Guide</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; that explains the survey questions and why we ask them</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-4-to-6-questions" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Copies of the questions for the Grades 4 to 6 survey</span></a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-2025-grades-7-to-12-questions" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Copies of the questions for Grades 7 to 12 survey</span></a></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/student-census-student-and-family-question-guide" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Question Guide</span></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your continued partnership as we strive to foster a learning environment that prioritizes understanding the needs of all students and identifying gaps for improved service.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Alison McDonnell</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent of Curriculum and Program Services:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Early Years and Equity and Inclusion</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are sharing the following letter from Southeast Public Health, which contains important information for families:</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear parents, guardians and staff:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">RE: First Influenza A Confirmed Case of the Season</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please be advised that Southeast Public Health (SEPH) has received laboratory confirmation of the first case of influenza A for the </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2025-2026 </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">season. We are providing this information so that you will be able to take steps to ensure the best protection possible for yourself and your family.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Influenza causes mild to severe illness and can lead to serious health complications, even in healthy children and adults. Immunization is the best way to prevent influenza; even in years when there is a strain mismatch, the flu vaccine will still offer some protection. The influenza vaccine (flu shot) is available free of charge to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario who is 6 months of age and over. Contact your health-care provider or local pharmacy for your influenza vaccine if your family has not yet been immunized. For children under 5 years of age who cannot receive their immunization from their health-care provider, </span><a href="https://southeastph.ca/health-topics/respiratory-season-vaccines/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Southeast Public Health is offering clinics</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Next to immunization, the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection is to clean hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should only be used for children if they are assisted and should be stored out of reach of young children.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The symptoms of influenza include:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">fever (greater than 38.0°C/100.4 °F)</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">dry cough</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">chills</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">headache</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">muscle aches</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">loss of appetite</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">sore throat</span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">runny nose</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;Young children may also experience nausea and vomiting with the above symptoms.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them home until they are fever-free and their symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if they’ve had vomiting or diarrhea). When your child returns to school, we encourage them to wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days from when their symptoms started to help keep others healthy. To learn more about how to protect yourself, your family, and your community from respiratory illnesses, visit </span><a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/protection-respiratory-illnesses" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ontario’s respiratory illness page</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Regards,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Southeast Public Health</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/6bda65e0-3a9d-4d62-a1ab-8bec162cbe25/2025-11-05-influenza-letter-for-schools.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A PDF version of this letter is available online</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p>