The LKDSB International Education Program is actively seeking hosts for international students coming to the area in September. There is an urgent need for families in the Forest, Dresden, Sarnia, and Petrolia communities. We have students from Spain, France, Belgium, Taiwan, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Thailand, and Myanmar who would love to become part of your family. Students are coming for 1,3,4,5 or 10 months. Have you considered hosting?
On Monday, May 5, LKDSB will observe National MMIWG2S+ Awareness Day — a day to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people.
Originating in 2010 and symbolized by red dresses, this day is a powerful reminder of the individuals no longer with us and the urgent need for truth, reconciliation, and justice.
In our schools, this day invites reflection and learning. It is a time to acknowledge systemic injustices, uplift Indigenous voices, and help students become thoughtful allies and advocates for change.
To learn more about the significance of this day in educational spaces, please visit our newsroom: https://www.lkdsb.net/article/8925
LKDSB staff Caress, Amber, and Lindsey were ALL smiles as they got a head start on the fun, decorating those iconic Smile Cookies at Blenheim Tim Hortons in anticipation of the Smile Cookie Week kick-off! 😄
🍪 Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie Week officially kicked off on April 28th and runs 'til May 4th!
The local Tim Hortons locations supporting OSNP in Chatham-Kent (which helps boost the health and academic success of students across Chatham-Kent) include: ➡️ Blenheim (both locations), Thamesville, Ridgetown, and Tilbury!
Meet Quinn Sleightholm — a 5-year-old with a heart as bright as the glow sticks she ran with! 🌟 This Senior Kindergarten student from ICRPS raised an incredible $1,270 for Noelle’s Gift to Children, becoming the top individual fundraiser at the first-ever Light up the Night for Noelle – CK Edition. 🏃♀️💛 Quinn rallied support from family, friends, and her community to help kids in need — and she’s already planning to do it again! 🥇✨ Read more about Quinn’s amazing efforts and how she’s making a big impact at such a young age in our newsroom!
A Message from the Incoming Director of Education for the Lambton Kent District School Board:
“Today is a significant day for the Lambton Kent District School Board as it marks Director John Howitt’s official last day after six impactful years with the board, and an incredible 33-year career in education.
I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to Director Howitt for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service.
John’s legacy is clear: he consistently put students first. His unwavering commitment to student success, equity, and well-being has left a lasting mark on our system, and I know I speak for many when I say we are grateful for his vision and integrity.
As I officially begin in the role of Director of Education tomorrow, May 1st, I am both humbled and energized by the opportunity to lead a passionate and skilled team. I look forward to serving the incredible students, families and communities that call Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton ‘home’.
I’m excited for what lies ahead, and I’m honoured to be part of this journey with you.”
-Gary Girardi
🏅 Staff Spotlight: Bryan Cowden's Marathon Moment! 🏅
LKDSB's own Bryan Cowden crushed the 2025 Boston Marathon with a personal best of 2:52 – a goal 13 years in the making! 🏃♂️💨
From early morning runs to balancing work and training, Bryan's journey is an inspiration to friends, family and colleagues alike! 💪
When he's not running marathons, Bryan's giving back to the community, leading charity runs and inspiring the next generation of athletes. 🙌
Next stop? Chatham's first-ever Light Up the Night for Noelle run this Friday. April 25th! 🌟
Read his full story by visiting our newsroom!
🌍 Happy Earth Day! 🌱
Today, we’re proud to highlight Tomorrow’s Greener Schools, Today — a collaborative schoolyard greening initiative between the Lambton Kent District School Board, local public health units, and conservation authorities, with generous support from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
This project reflects two of LKDSB’s four strategic priorities:
🌿 Sustainable Stewardship – optimizing human, financial, and physical resources
🤝 Trusting Relationships – strengthening relationships through respectful collaboration
By working together, we’re transforming schoolyards into vibrant green spaces by planting trees that will grow into shaded play areas for students and communities to enjoy. 🍃
Elementary students are actively involved in planting, learning about ecology, environmental responsibility, and sun safety — all while making a real impact in their school communities.
As these trees mature, they’ll help cool our schoolyards, improve air quality, and create habitats for local wildlife — a lasting legacy of learning, care, and collaboration. 🌳💚
*Check out our first tree plant of the season, which took place at Wheatley Area Public School last week!*
We are thrilled to celebrate LKDSB International Student Alumni. Continue to follow us to learn about our alumni and the amazing things they have accomplished since leaving LKDSB.
Let's build something amazing! 🏗️✨
📅 Kindergarten Registration for schools in Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton is coming up on Wednesday, May 28th from 4:00PM-7:00PM. |
🔗 Visit www.LKDSB.net/Kindergarten to register today!
We can't wait to meet you!
📣 Reminder: All LKDSB schools and facilities will be closed on Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 21 for the long weekend.
Classes and regular hours will resume Tuesday, April 22.
Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and restful long weekend. 🌞
We are thrilled to celebrate LKDSB International Student Alumni. Continue to follow us to learn about our alumni and the amazing things they have accomplished since leaving LKDSB.
🚨 Reminder: Don’t miss out on spring events! 🚨
With field trips, track & field, exams, and graduations coming up, you NEED the FREE MyLKDSB app. Get real-time updates, news, and events from your school and the Board, plus instant notifications straight to your phone. 📲
Download today!
The LKDSB International Education Program is excited to highlight student successes. Our international students excel in sports, arts, academics, and community volunteerism. We are very proud of the students who have come to make LKDSB home this year. Today we are highlighting one of our Taiwanese students. Francesca has been studying with us since grade 10. Francesca has made a huge impact on her school, homestay, and the community. Recently she shared with us that she has been accepted to university next year. She has had many offers and scholarships to great schools across Ontario. In her free time, Francesca also enjoys squash, tennis, and badminton. She helps coach both squash and tennis. We are very proud of this young lady!
🏐 Lahey and Agar Take Flight with LKDSB’s Volleyball Family! 🏐
For Kenzie Lahey and Rowan Agar, volleyball at Chatham-Kent Secondary School has been more than just a game—it’s been a community, a family, and a launchpad for their futures. 🌟
Kenzie is off to Queen’s University to pursue Economics and continue her volleyball journey, while Rowan heads to Sheridan College for Athletic Therapy and varsity volleyball. Both leave behind a legacy of championships and academic excellence. 🏆📚
Their success is a testament to the incredible support from their coaches and the LKDSB athletic community. From former athletes to dedicated mentors, this tight-knit group has shaped them into the stars they are today. 🌠
“As an athlete, you take from the cookie jar, and we all need to fill it back up,” says Coach Elish Smith. This cycle of mentorship and passion for the game is what makes LKDSB special. 💪❤️
Read more about their inspiring journey and the community that helped them soar in our newsroom!
It’s Kindergarten Registration Day across LKDSB! 🏫🎒
Lions, Tigers, Bears? Knights, Bulldogs, Colts? Who are our future LKDSB stars joining us this September? 🦁🐯🐻⚔️🐶🐎
Drop your school mascot below and let us know!
We can’t wait to welcome our newest crew 🌟💙
Learn more & register today 👉 www.LKDSB.net/Kindergarten
#LKDSBForTheFuture
We are thrilled to celebrate LKDSB International Student Alumni. Continue to follow us to learn about our alumni and the amazing things they have accomplished since leaving LKDSB.
🚀 Exciting Opportunities with LKDSB’s Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program!
Students at Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) have the chance to gain hands-on experience and industry-recognized certifications through the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program. Open to Grade 11 and 12 students, SHSM allows them to explore career pathways in sectors like Construction, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and more—all while earning their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Through sector-specific courses, cooperative education placements, and certifications such as First Aid/CPR, Forklift Training, and Working at Heights, students develop valuable skills that prepare them for the workforce, apprenticeships, college, or university. Completing the program also earns them a Red Seal designation on their diploma, highlighting their specialized training.
Each LKDSB school tailors its SHSM offerings to student interests, providing opportunities to connect with industry professionals and local businesses. The program is completely free for families and helps students explore potential careers before they graduate.
🔗 Learn more about SHSM on our website: https://www.lkdsb.net/article/8479
#LKDSBForTheFuture
🌍 National Indigenous Languages Day 🌿
Today, we honour National Indigenous Languages Day – a day to recognize and celebrate the vibrant languages of Canada's First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. 🗣️ These languages are integral to the cultural fabric, history, and identity of Indigenous communities across Canada.
Across LKDSB, this day reminds us of the vital role education plays in preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages. 🌱 Language is more than words; it is the foundation of traditions, stories, and worldviews. By integrating Indigenous languages into our classrooms, we not only acknowledge the diversity of our students but also take an important step toward reconciliation.
Why does this matter in Canadian education?
• Cultural Preservation: Many Indigenous languages are endangered, and our schools can help keep them alive for future generations.
• Reconciliation: Supporting Indigenous language education is part of healing and building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Equity: Every student deserves to see their language and culture valued in the classroom, fostering a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.
Let’s continue to work together to support Indigenous languages and cultures, not just today but every day. 💬✨
On behalf of the International Education Team, we are thrilled to announce that we are offering an international experience for LKDSB educators who want to voluntarily teach for one month in Taiwan this summer. The approximate dates are July 8- August 2, 2025. Our partner in Taiwan has requested 1 principal and 4 elementary teachers. Please see your principal for the application form and additional details. The deadline for applications is April 4, 2025.
Celebrating Diversity: Exploring Ramadan Through Interactive Learning🌎✨
At LKDSB we know that understanding different cultures fosters empathy, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. And when students feel safe, seen, and connected, they thrive academically and socially. 💙📚
As Eid al-Fitr approaches, McNaughton Ave Public School students and staff reflect on a two-day Ramadan learning event that brought cultural awareness and connection to life. Led by LKDSB teacher Kathleen Brenders, Settlement Worker Wedad Ateya, and ELL Support Teacher Megan Gare, and supported by 12 amazing community volunteers and 7 student volunteers, this event engaged 39 classes in an interactive, hands-on exploration of Ramadan and Islamic traditions. 🕌🌙
Students explored:
✨ Traditional clothing, jewelry & spices
✨ Arabic writing & children's books
✨ Beautiful cultural artifacts & coffee sets
They even had their names written in Arabic, creating meaningful personal connections across languages and cultures. 💬📝
💬 Wedad Ateya: “The Month of Ramadan is about sharing, and that’s what brought us here—to share knowledge & bring communities together.”
💙 Thank you to all the volunteers, staff, and students who made this event a success. By learning from one another, we build stronger, safer, and more welcoming schools for all!
Learn more about the event but visiting our newsroom: https://www.lkdsb.net/article/8456
