Lambton Kent - District School Board

🎓 We couldn't be more #LKDSBProud of Superintendent Ben Hazzard, who leads LKDSB’s Elementary Program, on earning his Doctorate in Education from the Western University! His research is helping strengthen early literacy supports and student success across the district!

Did you know that LKDSB Trustees that help shape every student’s journey? They are:

🗳️ Elected by our communities
📚 Advocate for public education
🏫 Help set board policies and budgets
🤝 Represent local voices at the board table

Our trustees are the bridge between our schools and the communities they serve. They listen, lead, and make decisions that impact everything from school programming to student well-being. Whether they’re attending school events, engaging with families, or helping shape long-term strategies, their work is rooted in care, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of public education.

This Local Government Week, we celebrate the leaders who serve with heart, vision, and commitment—thank you for all you do to support LKDSB students, staff, and schools.

#LocalGovernmentWeek

Have you ever thought about hosting an international student? Canada Homestay Network will be holding 2 in-person information sessions. They are ready to answer any questions you may have and tell you some of the benefits of hosting a student. The sessions will take place on October 7 at the YMCA in Sarnia from 5:15-6:00pm., and October 8 at the Wallaceburg Arena (600 Wall Street) from 5:30-6:30 pm.

Director Girardi walked with students, and deposited an offering of a tobacco tie in honour of truth and reconciliation this morning at Lansdowne Public School. 🧡

This morning, Director Girardi was thrilled to visit NCIVS to help kick off the 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope! Over the years, LKDSB students, staff, and families have come together to raise an incredible $2,122,226 in support of cancer research! As we celebrate this milestone year, we can’t wait to see what our 2025 total will be. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and helped carry on Terry’s legacy. 🌟

Standing Together in Commitment to Truth & Reconciliation 🧡

At last night’s public board meeting, the Lambton Kent District School Board’s Board of Trustees and Executive Team wore their orange shirts in recognition of the upcoming Orange Shirt Day—a visible and heartfelt affirmation of our shared commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

This gesture is more than symbolic. It reflects our ongoing responsibility to listen, learn, and act in ways that honour the experiences of Indigenous children, families, and communities. As a public school board, we recognize the important role we play in advancing reconciliation and ensuring that Every Child Matters.

In the weeks ahead, we look forward to sharing stories, teachings, and school-based observances from across LKDSB that deepen understanding and strengthen relationships. These moments will continue to affirm our dedication to creating safe, inclusive spaces where all students feel seen, valued, and supported.

✨ Today is the first day of a new school year – but did you know that the learning never stopped this summer!

More than 1,800 LKDSB students took part in Summer Learning Programs, earning credits, reaching ahead, recovering courses, and exploring unique opportunities. From online learning and co-op placements to cultural experiences, Indigenous-focused programs, and international language classes, LKDSB students embraced learning in so many ways.

Congratulations to all students on their summer success! Learn more here: https://www.lkdsb.net/article/10981

Welcome Back to LKDSB! Here is a welcome message from Director Gary Girardi ahead of the 2025-2026 school year!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDZLOLp9hhk

Lots of learning - and a little bit of fun- this morning as we prepare leadership for the incredible school year ahead!

Today we celebrate International Youth Day — a time to recognize the power, creativity, and voices of young people around the world 🌍

At LKDSB, we are especially proud to celebrate the 22,000 incredible youth who make up our school communities across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton. You inspire us every day with your ideas, your kindness, and your drive to make a difference.

Youth aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow — you’re leaders right now. 💪✨

Let’s keep lifting each other up, learning from one another, and creating a better future together.

📢 Join the LKDSB Team!

We have open job opportunities available now. Explore and apply using your Apply to Education account.

👉 View jobs and apply here: https://network.applytoeducation.com/AttLogin.aspx

Summer math learning for teachers and students was a focus in Sarnia. The Lambton Kent District School partnered with the University of Michigan's TeachingWorks at Great Lakes Secondary School to offer a summer math camp for students, which also provided teachers with an opportunity to observe mathematics teaching practices. Each day, participants observed students working on mathematics in a live, two-hour class. The teachers for the week, Deborah Loewenberg Ball and Darrius Robinson, planned the lesson together with 50 LKDSB teachers and principals, who were observing. Then, after the class, they debriefed on what was observed and what could be implemented in their own classrooms.

Congratulations to our International Education Program graduates. Last week students from LCCVI, NCIVS, and GLSS walked across the stage and celebrated their hard work. Please join us in saying well done to Maria, Francesca, Giulia, Alex, Andrea, and Camille. These amazing young people have been wonderful ambassadors for their countries and their families. We are so proud of you!

It’s official! 🎉 At last night's Board Meeting, the Lambton Kent District School Board proudly approved the name for the new K-12 school in Forest: Blue Coast District School! 💙🏫 Read the full story and learn more about the journey behind the name: https://www.lkdsb.net/article/10292

Live from tonight's Board Meeting in Chatham, students from across Chatham-Kent were celebrated for their outstanding artistic talents through the newly expanded art recognition program. For the first time, both elementary and secondary students were honored, with selected artworks to be displayed at the Chatham Regional Education Centre for a year. Each young artist received a monetary award, highlighting LKDSB’s commitment to creativity, student voice, and success for all.

🚗 Hands-On Learning in Action at AMSS! 🔧 We were thrilled to welcome representatives from Progressive Auto Group to Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School today! They brought along a couple of vehicles to support the school's Transportation students with hands-on learning and skill development. 🙌 These vehicles will also be on display TONIGHT at the AMSS Open House at 6 PM — come check them out and see our incredible programs in action! 📸 Pictured (left to right): Guy Wilkinson (Transportation Teacher), Mackenzie Horner (AMSS Vice Principal), Dave Metcalf (HR Director, Progressive Auto Group), Jim Keane (AMSS Principal), Bryce Simon (AMSS Transportation student), Joe McIntyre (Director of Fixed Operations, Progressive), and LKDSB Director Gary Girardi! A huge thank you to Progressive Auto Group for investing in our students’ futures! 🚘👨‍🔧👩‍🔧

2025 Youth Diversity Symposium - "The Mosaic Of Us" with the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History. Staff and students were inspired by our Keynote speaker - Jason Sole, meditation with Shawna Regan, storytelling with Michelle Robbins, mosaic art with Lee Highgate, and motivational music and dance with Saidat and DJ KZ!

🚀 Big things are coming to AMSS! Join us June 4 @ 6 PM for our Tech Hub Open House and get a sneak peek at the hands-on programs launching this fall! 🎓 Grades 10–12 can explore high-demand careers in: 🔨 Construction | 👩‍🍳 Culinary | ✂️ Hairstyling | 💉 Health & Wellness | 🌿 Horticulture | 🚗 Transportation 💡 Tour our new greenhouses, commercial kitchen, salon, auto bays & more! 📚 Learn about SHSM, double credits, and real-world co-op placements. Get future-ready — see how AMSS is building pathways to success! 📍 Alexander Mackenzie SS, Sarnia 🔗 Learn more by checking our the Newsroom on our website!

Director of the Lambton Kent District School Board Gary Girardi said the board celebrates opportunities that allow them to support not only current LKDSB families, but also future and potential LKDSB families. "Expanding access to child care and wraparound services reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community and we’re proud to play a role in creating supportive, inclusive spaces for children to grow and thrive," said Girardi in a news release. Read more at www.SarniaNewsToday.ca