Odessa Public School

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Parent Council serving pancakes to our students during Kindness week.
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News From the Tiger’s Den - December 15th

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Information for Tiger Families</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Tiger Families, </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/8102ba6b-2812-4d6e-9190-24bdacb26a30" alt="2025December30" width="384" height="511" style="width:384px;height:511px;display:inline-block;float:right"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to all of the families that braved the snowy weather and joined us for a terrific evening of "Winter Magic" at Odessa PS. We had over 75 families attend and enjoy some scavenger hunt fun, a wagon ride through the snow, as well as delicious hot chocolate and cookies. The wagon rides were a definite favourite for a lot of the children and it was the perfect night for a horse drawn wagon ride. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The results are in for the door decorating contest are in! Thank you to all the students, staff and families that voted on their favourites in each of the three categories. </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The winners are....</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tigers Choice Award</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for their favourite door goes to Door 18, Mrs. Allen's classes Polar Express. The prize for this award is a Pizza Party.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Snow Much Fun Award </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">for the door that made you smile or laugh the most was awarded to Door 17, Ms. Young's classes Fireplace Door. They win a Movie and Popcorn party next week.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Snowflake Award</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for the door that was the most creative or unique went to Ms. Esford's Favourite Holiday Movie Door. The second place door in this category was Mrs. Dafoe, Mrs. Grant and Ms. McAuley's advent calendar door. Ms. Esford is going to share her prize of a milkshake party with the Kindergarten class.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All of the doors were AMAZING!!! We had so much fun creating them and sharing them with family and friends.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are excited about our </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Spirit Week</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> this week in the Tiger's Den. Make sure to mark your calendar for all of the different days for dressing up.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: Wear Your Festive Hat and Socks</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuesday</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: Plaid and Sparkles Day</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wednesday</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: Holiday Sweater Day</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thursday</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: Cheery Colours Day</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: Pyjama Day</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Merry Market is also happening this week. This market is being run by the School Council. An information sheet along wtih a shopping list was sent home last week. Thank you to the School Council for putting on this fun event!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As always, please reach out to us if you have questions or need support.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Take care,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krista Esford, Principal</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Winter Magic Fun at Odessa Public School</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/a427ce05-dcf2-436f-bc55-5fb9acf908e3" alt="2025December29" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Doors of the Tigers Den</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/d786ed60-1361-4498-9718-867f72dbcfc6" alt="2025December27" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/11f3b379-20af-490f-b905-9505b7e8f23d" alt="2025December28" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><img src="/images/2217496f-a032-4d7c-88e3-6f38ae49cd28" alt="2025October22" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><br></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Odessa Lost and Found</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8d5773c2-9701-4d0c-bf8a-f8b7dda2eb1e" alt="2025October23" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Important Links for Families</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fodessapublicschool.entripyshops.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cesfordk%40limestone.on.ca%7C9249cf4f26894cf7037408ddf1373da3%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638931941822133075%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ecy5PgJbemRaTCQDcQW2cVBEJiBGMYvAWoHD3RV%2BZsI%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Odessa Public School Spirit Wear eStore</span></a></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.school-day.com/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Day</span></a></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.loyalist.ca/media/lf4ps1su/autumn-guide.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Loyalist Township Online Registration Guide</span></a></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How to Order Hot Lunch through LunchBox</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><ie-document data-lexical-document-id="8c734ab0-3399-4236-840e-05e9a7800e18"></ie-document><ie-document data-lexical-document-id="6ee06426-d7c5-4020-9c16-469b0b20dea7"></ie-document></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Events for the Calendar </strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/25fcf3bc-96f4-434f-8244-dee00f308992" alt="2025December31" width="323" height="430" style="width:323px;height:430px;display:inline-block;float:right"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, December 15th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Wear Your Festive Hat and Socks</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuesday, December 16th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Plaid and Sparkles Day, School Council Meeting at 6:30 pm</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wednesday, December 17th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Holiday Sweater Day, Kid's Holiday Shop</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thursday, December 18th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Cheery Colours Day, Kids Holiday Shop</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday, December 19th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> PJ Day</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, December 22nd</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- First Day of Winter Break</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, January 5th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- First Day Back to School</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Contact Us</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">10 North St.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Odessa, Ontario, K0H2H0</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">613-386-3022</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">odesa@limestone.on.ca</span><br><img src="/images/50ffcf70-7ef1-46f4-a824-35d7c4f9a68e" alt="Odessa1" width="187" height="187" style="width:187px;height:187px;display:inline-block;float:right"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit us on the web at </span><a href="https://www.odessa.limestone.on.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">odessa.limestone.on.ca</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
2025-12-12 18:04:34.942 +0000 UTC
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News From the Tiger’s Den - December 8th

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Information for Tiger Families</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Tiger Families, </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/d59fc0e0-6a72-42e1-b7fc-5a8eb4cb4a26" alt="2025December19" width="358" height="477" style="width:358px;height:477px;display:inline-block;float:right"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Time is flying by and there are only ten days left until the holiday break. We had a very eventful week as Odessa last week that finished off with our Success Assembly and Jingle Bell walk. At the December Success Assembly, we had lots to celebrate. Congratulations to Mr. Schneider's and Ms. Young's classes for winning the November Green Team Award. They received a banner and Odessa Green Team stickers to thank them for the effort and energy that they put into composting and recycling. Mrs. Allen's class was also celebrated for having 100% family participation in Knowledgehook. If you have not connected to your child's account we encourage you to do so. Five students were celebrated this month as our "Tigers in the Spotlight". These students are nominated by educators at Odessa for doing hard things. This month, Alex and Aaria were celebrated for effort and growth in their literacy skills. Paisley and Carson received awards for their kindness, responsibility and readiness to learn. English was celebrated for his personal growth and accomplishing some significant goals that he set for himself. We couldn't be more proud of these five Tigers for their effort and growth. Keep up the excellent work!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Junior Boys and Girls Volleyball teams competed at the Recreational Junior Tournament at NDSS on Thursday, December 4th. Both teams played well and demonstrated excellent sportsmanship. The coaches were very proud of their skill development over the course of the season. Thank you to Ms. Young, Mme. Morrow and Mr. Legge for the time and energy they put into coaching the teams. Congratulations on a great season!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The school enjoyed the Jingle Bell walk on Friday. Thank you to all of the families who sent in food for the food drive. As a reminder, the food drive runs all of next week and there is an opportunity to donate items at the Winter Magic Night on Wednesday.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As always, please reach out to us if you have questions or need support.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Take care,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krista Esford, Principal</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tigers in the Spotlight</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9b271d8a-cd88-43bd-b5db-96608909bcd9" alt="2025December24" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4e9dd967-a550-4a93-b784-feb6eb4ec4f4" alt="2025December23" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/5cdb7040-6996-446e-9086-89d020d5b989" alt="2025December22" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fe332907-883e-4f97-ae8c-a3c519095035" alt="2025December8" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e75f5f0f-b380-4696-aab0-6d03aebe51e7" alt="2025December1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e275ff0d-de00-4a4d-a5ab-c18fcecc2015" alt="2025December12" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c12dd1e1-dcbc-4595-9a9e-bb01fee6cd15" alt="2025December13" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><img src="/images/2217496f-a032-4d7c-88e3-6f38ae49cd28" alt="2025October22" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Odessa Tigers Junior Boys and Girls Volleyball </span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/ec6df1ba-bb9e-4d44-8855-51b1845cc82a" alt="2025December20" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/72448785-52ab-4c84-a354-f706ab586bac" alt="2025December21" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Odessa Lost and Found</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8d5773c2-9701-4d0c-bf8a-f8b7dda2eb1e" alt="2025October23" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Important Links for Families</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fodessapublicschool.entripyshops.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cesfordk%40limestone.on.ca%7C9249cf4f26894cf7037408ddf1373da3%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638931941822133075%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ecy5PgJbemRaTCQDcQW2cVBEJiBGMYvAWoHD3RV%2BZsI%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Odessa Public School Spirit Wear eStore</span></a></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.school-day.com/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Day</span></a></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.loyalist.ca/media/lf4ps1su/autumn-guide.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Loyalist Township Online Registration Guide</span></a></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How to Order Hot Lunch through LunchBox</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><ie-document data-lexical-document-id="8c734ab0-3399-4236-840e-05e9a7800e18"></ie-document><ie-document data-lexical-document-id="6ee06426-d7c5-4020-9c16-469b0b20dea7"></ie-document></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Events for the Calendar </strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/dacc18ae-70e4-4186-8e21-236d3d683ec5" alt="2025December18" width="223" height="297" style="width:223px;height:297px;display:inline-block;float:right"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wednesday, December 10th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Winter Magic Evening at Odessa (5pm to 7pm)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thursday, December 11th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> STEM Field Trip (Grade 5)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday, December 12th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> ESS Concert</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, December 15th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Wear Your Festive Hat and Socks</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuesday, December 16th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Plaid and Sparkles Day, School Council Meeting at 6:30 pm</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wednesday, December 17th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Holiday Sweater Day, Kid's Holiday Shop</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thursday, December 18th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Cheery Colours Day, Kids Holiday Shop</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday, December 19th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> PJ Day</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, December 22nd</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- First Day of Winter Break</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, January 5th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- First Day Back to School</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Contact Us</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">10 North St.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Odessa, Ontario, K0H2H0</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">613-386-3022</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">odesa@limestone.on.ca</span><br><img src="/images/50ffcf70-7ef1-46f4-a824-35d7c4f9a68e" alt="Odessa1" width="187" height="187" style="width:187px;height:187px;display:inline-block;float:right"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit us on the web at </span><a href="https://www.odessa.limestone.on.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">odessa.limestone.on.ca</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
2025-12-05 18:34:46.974 +0000 UTC
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News From the Tiger’s Den - December 1st, 2025

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Information for Tiger Families</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Tiger Families, </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/29cf544d-93aa-488c-b962-b033de951a86" alt="2025December7" width="354" height="472" style="width:354px;height:472px;display:inline-block;float:right"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy December! There will be lots of fun and exciting things happening at school this month. Stay tuned for information coming home each week. Remember to mark your calendars for December 10th so that you can join us for some "Winter Magic" from 5 pm to 7 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The construction continues and there has been some major progress with the paving. Beginning this week, there will be a change in the bus traffic and bus drop off and pick up for our students. This will now occur in between Ernestown ISS and Odessa PS. Drop off for our walking students will now return to the original spot (small gates the front of the school). </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For families dropping off their children, make sure that you go all the way to the circular turnaround. Please do not do u-turns in the middle of the road. This is a serious safety issue. </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There is a map included below for your reference.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There have been a number of cases of respiratory illness over the last two weeks at Odessa PS. The Health Unit has been following this closely and has asked the we include some of the reminder posters about when to stay home as well as what you can do to protect yourself and your family from illness.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our annual food drive begins this week and concludes on Friday, December 12th. Any families wishing to donate to the Food Drive should send the food items into the school and they will be collected in the hallway by the library. Our goal is to collect a minimum of 600 items for the food drive.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As always, please reach out to us if you have questions or need support.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Take care,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krista Esford, Principal</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3d6fdd3b-ada8-45ec-926c-973780f3dde1" alt="2025December11" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/fe332907-883e-4f97-ae8c-a3c519095035" alt="2025December8" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e75f5f0f-b380-4696-aab0-6d03aebe51e7" alt="2025December1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e275ff0d-de00-4a4d-a5ab-c18fcecc2015" alt="2025December12" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c12dd1e1-dcbc-4595-9a9e-bb01fee6cd15" alt="2025December13" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><img src="/images/2217496f-a032-4d7c-88e3-6f38ae49cd28" alt="2025October22" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Odessa Lost and Found</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8d5773c2-9701-4d0c-bf8a-f8b7dda2eb1e" alt="2025October23" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2025-26 Parent Council Meeting #4: Minutes</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Meeting Date: Nov 18, 2025</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Time: 6:30- 7:30</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Location: Odessa Public School Library</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Welcome and Introductions</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;Chairperson’s welcome</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attendance:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; - Parents Present: Stacey Waldram, Courtnie Storms, Katie Ramoutar, Rachel Moser, Courtney Sauve; Hailey DaCosta, Lindsay Kerr, Kim Keith, Erin Truesdell</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; - Staff Present: Courtney Bush</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; - Guests: No Guests</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Principal’s Report</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Indigo love of reading grant- they raised over $8,000 for the school. We need to spend the grant money by March 31 at Indigo stores. Administration is working on plans to spend it on classroom and library reading materials.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-Thank you to parent council and the lions club for the pumpkin patch pancakes!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-Our junior girls and boys volleyball are practicing. The tournament should be next week.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-Krista and Courtney have been running bingo/games club for the grades 5 and 6, and grades 3 and 4 from 12:25- 12:45 during second recess. Thank you to parent council for borrowing some of their games.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-Thank you to Ms Brooks 5/6 class for running the thoughtful Remembrance Day ceremony.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-Progress reports were sent home last Thursday. Thankful to staff for completing and ensuring that communication is happening with homes on student progress.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-PA day Recap- all educators went to a keynote by U of T Faculty. Story telling for safe spaces for critical dialogue. Speaker in the afternoon on AI. Educators also attended workshops on literacy, well being, physical education etc.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-Pink shirt day this Friday.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-The construction will be handed back over to the school in the coming week(s) to move bussing from the tennis courts to in between the schools. Information will be shared with families on the transition, with drop off and pick up instructions.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-School bus safety presentations start next week.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Jingle walk throughout the village of Odessa on Dec 5</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- non-perishable food donations requested.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Winter Magic Evening Dec 10</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> from 5-7. Drop in style.</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Treasurer’s Report (FROM OCTOBER MEETING)</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Current balance: [$12,214.23]</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Two classes have accessed a portion of their $400 for field trips.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Next month’s finance report should have the spirit wear revenue on it.</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Committee Reports</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Pro Grant Application</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $1000 for a parent/caregiver involvement, engagement night.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Something physical or wellness related would be good so the parents and kids could participate</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Option: Gould Lake programming- with Dan Moser!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Paint night is another option</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stacey will look into if its possible to do both. Decide before next meeting on event.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; January 13</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is the deadline for the grant.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Email Correspondence</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BAND app- SAC members download app for the offline conversations and planning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holiday Shop</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mix of donated and new bulk supplies.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The shop would be a lot for one day, consider splitting it across two days. [Approved- 2 days]</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Could mix kinders with older class to help with the buying process.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We could create a shopping list for each of the family members they need to buy for.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We should have an option for kids to participate who don’t have the money to spend, like a sponsor a kid option. Or SAC could allocate some money to cover the families who need it.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Confirmed Dec 17-18</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $2,000 for purchasing new gifts and wrapping/bags for kids to decorate [Approved]</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">o&nbsp;&nbsp; If you find something to purchase place it in Erin’s spreadsheet.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Will accept good quality donations of specific items, like small stuffies, mugs, books, hot wheels. Write letter to parents seeking donations by Dec 10</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Courtney will organize student leaders to collect donations from classrooms.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Brown craft paper will help for wrapping.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Let Stacey know if you can volunteer on either day, 9-2.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Decide if there needs to be a maximum amount, i.e., $15?</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;Spirit Wear</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Order numbers are lower than last year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kindness spirit wear did not meet minimum, so we will buy 3 more shirts and raffle them off [Approved]</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hit min order amounts on all other items.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Poinsettias/Gardens</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do it next year! First two weeks in November.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holiday Night</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No fundraising needed. Open house style/drop in style between 5-7.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fun Fair</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Last year was May 23</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This year there is a PA day on May 29, so let’s aim for May 28. Rain date Jun 5</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> [Approved]</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Grant final paperwork submitted from last year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We will want to submit for the Loyalist Grant again this year but for less $ than last year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For next meeting bring ideas of things we can do differently this year. Any improvements from last year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Durham Street Road Closure</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-&nbsp; Some SAC members attended the township meeting 3 weeks ago. Thanks to their efforts in raising concerns about the actual amount of traffic using Durham street, the township is reconsidering the proposal to close Durham at Main Street.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Similar input was shared from the community on the impact of the construction to the school and community members.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- SAC members attended meeting with Limestone, Loyalist, County and Triboard officials. This meeting was held in regards to the whole concept of the road changes and the school drop off, including the buses. Each entity had changed something in the design that the other party didn’t know about and it was determined that additional planning and traffic volume assessment would be undertaken.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-A traffic counter was added as a result from this meeting. They are doing additional research based on parents’ observations of actual traffic counts.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- School administration is meeting with the township on Thursday and we will know more details following this meeting. This might be the last week of using the tennis courts for busses.</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Adjournment</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Time adjourned: [8:15]</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/22568b64-b077-4b64-b434-f096c83a3470" alt="2025December6" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block;float:right"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fodessapublicschool.entripyshops.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cesfordk%40limestone.on.ca%7C9249cf4f26894cf7037408ddf1373da3%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638931941822133075%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ecy5PgJbemRaTCQDcQW2cVBEJiBGMYvAWoHD3RV%2BZsI%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Odessa Public School Spirit Wear eStore</span></a></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.school-day.com/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Day</span></a></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.loyalist.ca/media/lf4ps1su/autumn-guide.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Loyalist Township Online Registration Guide</span></a></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How to Order Hot Lunch through LunchBox</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><ie-document data-lexical-document-id="8c734ab0-3399-4236-840e-05e9a7800e18"></ie-document><ie-document data-lexical-document-id="6ee06426-d7c5-4020-9c16-469b0b20dea7"></ie-document></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fun Times at Games Club This Week</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/60293e3b-fc25-4a9c-a968-39d61b387c1a" alt="2025December17" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e814c7ea-f713-4aa0-90b1-8bd846bc3e3f" alt="2025December16" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Events for the Calendar </strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday, December 5th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Success Assembly at 8:30 am, Jingle Bell Walk</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/d75f3dd5-4029-488d-bb1d-8476e75b2454" alt="2025December5" width="215" height="287" style="width:215px;height:287px;display:inline-block;float:right"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wednesday, December 10th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Winter Magic Evening at Odessa (5pm to 7pm)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thursday, December 11th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> STEM Field Trip (Grade 5)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday, December 12th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> ESS Concert</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuesday, December 16th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> School Council Meeting at 6:30 pm</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wednesday, December 17th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Kid's Holiday Shop</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thursday, December 18th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Kids Holiday Shop</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday, December 19th-</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> PJ Day</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, December 22nd</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- First Day of Winter Break</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday, January 5th</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- First Day Back to School</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Contact Us</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">10 North St.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Odessa, Ontario, K0H2H0</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">613-386-3022</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">odesa@limestone.on.ca</span><br><img src="/images/50ffcf70-7ef1-46f4-a824-35d7c4f9a68e" alt="Odessa1" width="187" height="187" style="width:187px;height:187px;display:inline-block;float:right"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit us on the web at </span><a href="https://www.odessa.limestone.on.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">odessa.limestone.on.ca</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
2025-12-01 17:10:47.631 +0000 UTC
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Welcome to Odessa Public School – Home of the Tigers! We are proud to be a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 school, located beside Ernestown Intermediate & Secondary School in the vibrant and growing community of Odessa. Our dedicated staff work together to create a positive and engaging learning environment, offering a rich educational experience for every student. The Odessa Tigers enthusiastically represent our school in a variety of athletic competitions and special events throughout the District.

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Message from the Director - December 17, 2025

<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;">I hope this message finds you well as we approach the end of the last school week of 2025 and the upcoming holiday season. &nbsp;I wanted to share a few updates with you before we head into the Winter Break:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">EQAO Results</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Ministry of Education recently released the 2024-2025 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results, and we are proud to share that Limestone achieved its strongest performance in four years, with gains across every testing category.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone’s results align with provincial outcomes in many areas and show notable improvements in others, including among specific student groups. In fact, Limestone’s performance is at or above the provincial average in nearly all measures.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These accomplishments reflect the collective efforts of Limestone’s educators, Educational Assistants, program teams, and school leaders—along with the commitment and support of students and families across the district. I am deeply proud of the dedication shown by Limestone staff, students, and families in achieving these results.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">More information on EQAO results is </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/limestone-s-eqao-results-improve-across-all-categories-20251205185556" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">available on Limestone’s website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, including a </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/2a916cd2-b224-4a93-a4b3-b0a57ae98e62/Letter-to-Parents-EQAO-Dec-3-2025.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">letter to families from Minister of Education, Paul Calandra</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 8 Information Nights</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board is hosting Grade 8 Parent Information Nights at secondary schools across the region for families and students. These events include a special presentation about the school, its programs, and the registration process.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Information nights are also a great opportunity to learn about the wide variety of programs available for secondary students in Limestone—including expanded opportunities, French immersion, the International Baccalaureate program, and more. We are very proud of the range and choice of different secondary programs we provide to the communities we serve.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/grade-8-information-nights-20251208194333" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">information night dates can be found on Limestone’s website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Inclement Weather Reminder/Tri-Board Transportation Reminder</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are now well into the inclement weather season and have already experienced some transportation cancellation days. Our transportation partner, Tri-Board Student Transportation Services (Tri-Board), works closely with school bus companies to determine whether it is safe to operate on days with adverse weather.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School buses function differently than family vehicles, and sometimes, even when roads seem safe for cars, conditions are not suitable for buses. Given the geographic size of our district, weather can vary significantly from one region to another. As a result, cancellations may affect only certain areas while others remain unaffected.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We understand that transportation cancellations can be disruptive for families, but safety is always Tri-Board’s top priority for the 30,000-plus students who ride the bus each day. </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/prepare-for-winter-related-bus-delays-and-cancellations--20251020203640" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more about how to prepare for winter weather and manage bus cancellation days on our website.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry and Board Resources for Math and Literacy</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many resources available designed to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that can make learning fun and effective for students and families. </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to learn more.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director’s Annual Report 2024-2025</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Director’s Annual Report offers a concise overview of the teaching and learning that occurred across the Limestone District School Board during the 2024-2025 school year. It highlights ongoing progress toward the Board’s strategic priorities, shares student achievement data, and showcases key initiatives and accomplishments from across the district and is </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/director-s-annual-report-2024-2025-" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">available on Limestone’s website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We hope all Limestone families enjoy a restful winter break filled with time with those who matter most in your lives. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back to school on Monday, January 5, 2026, ready for an exciting new year of learning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krishna Burra</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director of Education</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p>
2025-12-17 21:30:52.297 +0000 UTC
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Limestone’s EQAO Results Improve Across All Categories

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) has&nbsp;achieved&nbsp;its strongest&nbsp;Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO)&nbsp;performance&nbsp;in&nbsp;four years, with gains in&nbsp;</strong></b><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">every testing category</strong></b></u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;for the 2024-2025 school year.&nbsp;LDSB’s EQAO results&nbsp;align with provincial outcomes in many areas, while showing notable improvements in others and among specific student groups.&nbsp;Limestone’s 2024-2025 results are at, or above, the provincial average in&nbsp;almost all&nbsp;measures.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Results show an upward trend&nbsp;and momentum&nbsp;across all eight areas of assessment for students in Grades 3, 6, 9, and 10, including those with special education needs, underscoring&nbsp;the&nbsp;Board’s intention&nbsp;of&nbsp;making a positive difference in the lives of&nbsp;every student, in every classroom, in every school.&nbsp;</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"These results reflect the daily dedication of Limestone educators, educational assistants, program teams, and school leaders,” says Krishna Burra,&nbsp;LDSB&nbsp;Director of Education.&nbsp;“I want to acknowledge&nbsp;the efforts of those who have&nbsp;focused on implementing evidence-informed practices, providing targeted supports, and collaborating across schools to ensure student achievement and success.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The elementary school report provides assessments of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics written by&nbsp;students&nbsp;in Grades 3 and 6. The secondary school report provides similar information relating to the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test&nbsp;(OSSLT).&nbsp;</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Results&nbsp;at a Glance&nbsp;</span></h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 3 Improvements:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;LDSB students showed a 5% to 8% increase in Reading, Writing, and Math, with 75% meeting the provincial standard in Reading, 65% in Writing, and 65% in Math, outperforming provincial averages. Students with special&nbsp;education&nbsp;needs improved by 8% to&nbsp;9% in these subjects.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 6 Gains:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;Achievement rose in all areas, with 88% meeting Reading standards, 87% in Writing, and 51% in Math, matching or exceeding provincial rates.&nbsp;Students&nbsp;with&nbsp;special&nbsp;education needs&nbsp;made significant advances, especially in Writing with a 22% increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grades&nbsp;9 and 10 Results:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> LDSB’s Grade 9 Math scores were slightly below provincial levels but increased by 5% from the previous year, with&nbsp;students with special education needs&nbsp;performing better than&nbsp;students with similar needs in other&nbsp;jurisdictions.&nbsp;The Grade 10 OSSLT saw 95% participation and 84% success, a 3% rise, with continued improvement among&nbsp;students with special education needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 3 EQAO Results&nbsp;</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 3&nbsp;student&nbsp;achievement saw a&nbsp;5% to&nbsp;8% increase in all subject areas in Limestone, compared to the 2023/24&nbsp;assessment results, with&nbsp;75% meeting the provincial standard in&nbsp;Reading, 65% in&nbsp;Writing, and&nbsp;65% in&nbsp;Math.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Results for&nbsp;the province&nbsp;showed a slight&nbsp;increase&nbsp;from the previous year&nbsp;for&nbsp;all&nbsp;Grade 3&nbsp;subjects&nbsp;and&nbsp;were&nbsp;slightly lower&nbsp;than Limestone&nbsp;across Grade 3 assessment&nbsp;subjects.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This new data shows improvement in all subjects, with&nbsp;Math achievement showing the most significant difference for&nbsp;students&nbsp;in Grade 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Of significant note&nbsp;are&nbsp;the gains in achievement in Grade&nbsp;3&nbsp;Reading,&nbsp;Writing, and&nbsp;Mathematics made by Limestone&nbsp;students with special&nbsp;education&nbsp;needs&nbsp;– up&nbsp;9%,&nbsp;8%, and&nbsp;9% respectively,&nbsp;compared to the 2023/24&nbsp;assessment results.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 6 EQAO Results&nbsp;</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 6&nbsp;student achievement&nbsp;in Limestone&nbsp;also&nbsp;continues to&nbsp;build momentum with&nbsp;improvements in&nbsp;all subject areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In&nbsp;Reading, 88% of students&nbsp;met&nbsp;provincial standard&nbsp;in 2024/25&nbsp;– an increase of&nbsp;9% from the 2023/24 assessment&nbsp;and a higher rate than the province for&nbsp;2024/25.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Results in&nbsp;Writing&nbsp;showed an increase of 14% over the&nbsp;previous&nbsp;assessment year, with&nbsp;87% of&nbsp;students&nbsp;meeting provincial standard,&nbsp;at a higher rate than the province.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In&nbsp;Math,&nbsp;results were equal to&nbsp;the&nbsp;province,&nbsp;with&nbsp;51%&nbsp;of&nbsp;students&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;the provincial standard, an increase of 11% for Limestone compared to the&nbsp;previous&nbsp;assessment year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Like&nbsp;the&nbsp;Grade 3 assessment results, achievement&nbsp;in&nbsp;all subject areas&nbsp;for&nbsp;students&nbsp;in&nbsp;Grade 6 with special education needs&nbsp;in Limestone&nbsp;has increased, with significant gains in&nbsp;Reading and&nbsp;Writing&nbsp;by&nbsp;12% and&nbsp;22%, respectively,&nbsp;since the 2023/24&nbsp;assessment. This increase in achievement&nbsp;for&nbsp;students&nbsp;in&nbsp;Grade 6&nbsp;with special education needs&nbsp;is higher than the province&nbsp;by 3% to 10%&nbsp;across all&nbsp;subject areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Limestone&nbsp;students&nbsp;and staff have worked hard to achieve these gains across Reading, Writing, and Mathematics, including the strong improvements for&nbsp;students&nbsp;with&nbsp;special&nbsp;education needs,” says Burra.&nbsp;“The momentum we are seeing is the result of consistent, evidence‑informed practice—targeted instruction, early interventions, collaborative professional learning, and a sharp focus on what happens in classrooms every day.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“We are proud of this progress, and we are committed to sustaining it by continuing the practices that work and adjusting where they do not,” he adds.&nbsp;“Our goal remains steady improvement over time, not one‑year spikes, for every&nbsp;student,&nbsp;in every classroom,&nbsp;in every school.”&nbsp;</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Primary Assessment (administered in Grade 3):&nbsp;</span></h3><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Area of Assessment&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Province&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">75%&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">74%&nbsp;</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Writing&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">65%&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">65%&nbsp;</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mathematics&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">65%&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">64%&nbsp;</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Junior Assessment (administered in Grade 6):&nbsp;</span></h3><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Area of Assessment&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Province&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">88%&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">86%&nbsp;</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Writing&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">87%&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">85%&nbsp;</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mathematics&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">51%&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">51%&nbsp;</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grades&nbsp;9&nbsp;and 10&nbsp;EQAO Results&nbsp;</span></h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment:&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Results&nbsp;for&nbsp;Grade 9&nbsp;Math&nbsp;in Limestone&nbsp;are slightly lower&nbsp;compared&nbsp;to the provincial results. For all participating&nbsp;students&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Grade 9&nbsp;Math assessment,&nbsp;55% achieved the provincial standard in Limestone,&nbsp;and 58%&nbsp;achieved the provincial standard provincially.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone’s&nbsp;Grade 9&nbsp;Math results&nbsp;increased&nbsp;by&nbsp;5% as compared to last year.&nbsp;Results for&nbsp;students&nbsp;with&nbsp;special&nbsp;education&nbsp;needs&nbsp;achieving the provincial standard&nbsp;are&nbsp;higher than&nbsp;the province at&nbsp;34%&nbsp;for Limestone,&nbsp;compared to&nbsp;32% for the province.&nbsp;</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Province&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 20px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 321px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 9&nbsp;Math&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 85px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">55%&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 113px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">58%&nbsp;</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Grade 9 Mathematics continues to be a priority area,” says Steve&nbsp;Hedderson, LDSB Associate Superintendent of Human Resources&nbsp;and&nbsp;Curriculum&nbsp;and Program Services: Math and FSL.&nbsp;“Limestone’s&nbsp;five‑point improvement year‑over‑year shows the work is taking hold. We&nbsp;are deepening supports in Grade 9&nbsp;Math—explicit instruction, daily practice, and&nbsp;timely&nbsp;interventions—and aligning professional learning so teachers have the tools they need. We&nbsp;are focused on building&nbsp;Math confidence and competency for every&nbsp;student.”&nbsp;</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test&nbsp;- Administered in Grade 10:&nbsp;</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, 95% of first-time eligible&nbsp;students&nbsp;wrote the test&nbsp;in Limestone, compared to 94%&nbsp;of&nbsp;students&nbsp;in the province. With&nbsp;this&nbsp;high&nbsp;participation&nbsp;rate,&nbsp;84% of all&nbsp;students&nbsp;in Limestone&nbsp;were successful, an increase of&nbsp;3%&nbsp;compared to&nbsp;the 2023/24&nbsp;school year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">OSSLT&nbsp;results&nbsp;for&nbsp;students&nbsp;with&nbsp;special&nbsp;education&nbsp;needs&nbsp;continue&nbsp;to&nbsp;show&nbsp;an&nbsp;improvement&nbsp;for the&nbsp;2024/25&nbsp;year,&nbsp;with&nbsp;65% of&nbsp;Limestone&nbsp;students&nbsp;being successful&nbsp;on the assessment.&nbsp;</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 21px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 282px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 10 OSSLT&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 97px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 117px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Province&nbsp;</strong></b></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 282px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Participation&nbsp;Rate&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 97px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">95%&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 117px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">94%&nbsp;</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 21px;"><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 282px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Success&nbsp;Rate&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 97px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">84%&nbsp;</span></p></td><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 117px; background-color: transparent; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">85%&nbsp;</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Strong Grade 10 Literacy outcomes begin with strong participation,” says Stephanie Sartor, LDSB Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Program Services: Literacy Focus. “With 95% writing and 84% successful, up three points from last year, we are encouraged by the trajectory, including the continued improvement for students with special education needs. Literacy is a shared responsibility across subjects, and we will keep pairing explicit instruction with targeted supports so every learner can&nbsp;demonstrate&nbsp;success.”&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students in all publicly&nbsp;funded schools in Ontario&nbsp;are required to&nbsp;write provincial assessments, administered by EQAO, a provincial body that tests students’ skills in&nbsp;Literacy in Grades 3, 6,&nbsp;and 10 and&nbsp;Math skills in Grades 3, 6,&nbsp;and 9 in relation to Ontario&nbsp;curriculum expectations.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Successful completion of the&nbsp;Literacy requirement is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.&nbsp;The EQAO assessments have undergone significant&nbsp;updates, with the newer&nbsp;digital assessments offered entirely online through a digital platform for students over the past&nbsp;four&nbsp;years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“The dedication of Limestone educators,&nbsp;educational assistants,&nbsp;program team members, and school leaders will remain foundational to&nbsp;continued efforts moving forward,” says Burra.&nbsp;</span></p>
2025-12-05 19:00:45.215 +0000 UTC
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Education Minister Calandra's Letter to Parents - EQAO and Student Achievement Advisory Body

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The following message by the Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Education, is for parents and guardians regarding EQAO results and the appointment of a Student Achievement Advisory Body.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please select the following link to read (PDF): </span><a href="/documents/2a916cd2-b224-4a93-a4b3-b0a57ae98e62/Letter-to-Parents-EQAO-Dec-3-2025.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Letter to Parents and Guardians</span></a></p>
2025-12-03 16:57:22.383 +0000 UTC
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Land Acknowledgement

The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their culture and celebrate their commitment to this land.