Update for Families: February 9, 2024

Dear KPR families,

Our schools are full of positive opportunities for reflection this month.

We are currently celebrating Black History Month - a time for intentional recognition of the achievements, contributions and lived experiences of Black communities. In our learning at KPR, we recognize the value of celebrating and highlighting Black History and Black Excellence every day.

As we honour and celebrate the history, achievements, and excellence of Black communities around the world, we are mindful, in our schools and through our social media posts, to share multi-faceted stories that do not limit or reduce narratives of the Black Experience to trauma, struggle, and/or oppression, because there is so much more to the stories of Black communities.

Yesterday, the Ontario government announced new mandatory learning in Grades 7, 8 and 10 history on the exceptional contributions and history of Black Canadians, beginning September 2025. This new learning is welcomed and will complement the work already happening in our schools. 

Throughout the next couple of weeks, we have opportunities to celebrate family, love, and friendship, in all their forms.  For more information about upcoming days of significance, please visit KPR’s online Events Calendar.

Finally, I’d like to wish a Happy Lunar New Year to everyone in the KPR community celebrating this weekend.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo,
Director of Education

KPR NEWS

Elementary Report Card Change - Language Mark

Families of elementary students will be receiving their child’s Term 1 Report Card (Grades 1-8) or Communication of Learning (Kindergarten) between February 15-20. 

One change that families of Grade 1- 8 students may notice is that Language learning will be shared as one mark (as opposed to what was previously separate marks for reading, writing, oral communication and media literacy).  This change is due to the release of the revised Grades 1-8 Language curriculum, which was implemented in September 2023 across Ontario.  The curriculum outlines what students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade in Language, reflecting new strands of learning and new expectations that differ from the previous Language curriculum. 

In all grades, the Language curriculum has been intentionally designed to ensure that students:

• build solid foundations in language and literacy.
• develop their analytical and critical thinking skills, and reflect on their learning.
• acquire knowledge and skills across the four strands in order to understand, respond to, appreciate, and create a full range of texts.

This shift aligns with the use of one mark in other areas such as Math, Science and Social Studies over the past few years. As always, as part of intentional planning and instruction, educators will be able to speak to the curriculum expectations addressed this term and how students demonstrated this learning.

Kindergarten Virtual Information Series

Families planning for Kindergarten next school year are invited to attend our free virtual information series! Our Kindergarten team will guide you through everything you need to know about starting Kindergarten at the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. 

The first virtual session is Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 6:30pm - 7:15pm. Registration is now open: https://www.kprschools.ca/en/learning-and-programs/kindergarten-virtual-information-series.aspx

OPSBA Awards

The 2024 Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) Awards are an opportunity to recognize exceptional contributions made in our local schools or school communities!

Any member of the public education system can be nominated - teachers, education workers, school administrators, trustees, students, or community members.

To highlight and celebrate those who go above and beyond, fill out the online nomination form by April 5, 2024, at 4:30 pm.

For more details about the OPSBA Awards Program, click here.