Updates for Families: April 10, 2025

Dear KPR families, 

With the widespread impacts of the ice storm still being felt in local communities, I want to acknowledge the difficulties faced by families who were without power for extended periods of time, the many who lost food and other perishable items, and those who had damage to their homes and properties. We appreciate the patience and understanding of students and families throughout these challenges and thank KPR staff for stepping up to help schools re-open as quickly as possible.  

It was inspiring to see many examples of school communities coming together to support one another. When Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School re-opened early last week, many students and staff did not have power. The school rallied – with school staff checking-in on students and organizing grab-and-go food options, access to a hot shower or laundering opportunities, live music, and an amazing hot breakfast with the support and partnership of a local restaurant. There are more stories like this, and it makes my heart happy to hear them. Thank you, everyone, for your support and compassion during a difficult time. 

KPR joined communities across the country on April 9 to celebrate diversity and raise awareness about bullying on the International Day of Pink. We know there is more to do, and we continue to work alongside students, families and communities to create welcoming, inclusive environments, free from bullying that stems from hateful beliefs, discrimination, homophobia or transphobia. 

Special observances in April have also included World Autism Day and World Heath Day. In the days ahead, we will recognize Vaisakhi, Passover, Good Friday, Holy Friday and Easter on KPR’s Events Calendar and in our digital communications. My best wishes to all those who are recognizing these observances in the coming days and weeks. 

Take good care of yourself and each other, 

Rita Russo 
Director of Education 

KPR NEWS 

PA Day Learning 

The April 11 Professional Activity Day will focus on the following areas:  

• Artificial Intelligence (all grades)  

• Literacy (Kindergarten-Grade 3 and secondary schools)  

• Code of Conduct – Vaping (Grades 4-8), and  

• School Improvement Planning (all schools)  

Further details on PA Day plans can be found on the KPRDSB website. 

2025-2026 Elementary Virtual School 

Elementary Virtual School is primarily intended for students who learn best in the online environment or who require a virtual environment due to underlying medical conditions for themselves or their family members. The purpose of this survey is to gather information from families who are interested in enrolling their child(ren) in an elementary (K-8) virtual school next year (2025-2026).  Should this apply to your family, please complete one survey for each child, by May 2, 2025, to help inform planning for the 2025-2026 school year.  

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