Updates for Families: February 7, 2025

Dear KPR families, 

As the days start to get longer, and we have more daylight, February provides KPR schools with opportunities for both learning and celebration. I want to take a moment to reflect on and highlight two important themes for this month. 

February is Black History Month - a time for intentional recognition of the achievements, contributions and lived experiences of Black communities. As a school board, we recognize the value of celebrating and highlighting Black History and Black Excellence every day, in line with KPR’s strategic priority to create safe and inclusive spaces where the diversity and lived experiences of students and staff are valued and reflected in learning and working environments.  

Throughout this month, in collaboration with the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion department, we will be highlighting resources through KPR’s social media channels -@kprschools. In classrooms, students will be engaging in Black History Month learning in different ways, honouring and celebrating the stories, achievements, and excellence of Black communities, and learning more about the significant contributions of Black Canadians in fields such as technology, science, math, social justice movements, art, and so much more.  

Over the coming weeks, we will also be sharing stories from the 2024 Director’s Annual Report. Through the report, we celebrate and reflect on the past year in our life as the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Chairperson of the Board Jaine Klassen Jeninga and myself are pleased to launch our sharing of this year’s #WeAreKPR report, through this short video!  

With our Annual Report for 2024, we take pride in sharing our journey over the past year and celebrating all that makes KPR such a special place – with the help of KPR staff, families, countless volunteers, and community partners. Our success is the result of our collaborative efforts. Read the full Director’s Report on our website.  

For information about upcoming days of significance, please visit KPR’s Events Calendar. 

Take care, 

Rita Russo 
Director of Education 

KPR NEWS 

New School Announcements 

Last week, we were pleased to learn that KPR was approved funding for two new school builds, as part of the Ministry of Education’s Capital Priorities Program. The Ontario government announced funding for a JK-12 school and childcare centre in Newcastle and an elementary school and childcare centre in Millbrook.  

We are beginning initial planning and will be pleased to share more information with communities as these exciting projects move forward.  

OPSBA Awards 

Do you know an amazing trustee, teacher, education worker, school administrator, student or community member who deserves to be recognized for making a difference in their local school or community? Nominations are now open for the 2025 Ontario Public School Boards Association Awards!  

Nominations for awards are open until April 4, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., except for the Bernardine Yackman Memorial Award, which is open until June 6, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. 

More information is available through the Online Nomination Form.