Dear KPR Families,  

May is off to a busy start, and in recognition of Education Week and Canadian Mental Health Week I’m pleased to share some shining examples of student and staff success - as samples of the many wonderful things happening in schools. 

Check out the innovative drone and robotic technologies on display at Adam Scott CVI’s partnership event this week with OPG, and discover some of the incredible hands-on learning taking place through the STICS program at CCI, led by Construction Teacher Daniel Batty.  

Education Week also offers an opportunity to express appreciation to staff for all they do in support of public education. I want to share a special thank you to principals and vice-principals in recognition of National Principal’s Day on May 1st, and to EAs, CYWs and PCAs in recognition of World Education Support Personnel Day coming up on May 16th for their immeasurable contributions towards the well-being and success of students, staff and communities. 

It was inspiring to see many schools and staff teams join in on the conversation about mental health and wellness over the past couple days as part of Canadian Mental Health Week. I encourage everyone to learn about the recent success of Clarke High School’s Wellness Fair – featuring information booths from community partners, yoga and wellness activities, hydration stations, cuddles from furry friends and more! Mental Health Week is another important reminder to check in on those around you and prioritize your well-being as we approach the end of the school year.  

In closing, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the National day for Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People on May 5th. Thank you to KPR’s Indigenous Education Department for supporting us in this important learning, leading up to this day and throughout the school year. 

For more Information about this day, and other days of significance – including Jordan’s Principle Day (May 10), Moosehide Campaign Day (May 15) and International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (May 17) coming up next week, visit KPR’s Events Calendar.  

Sincerely, 

 
Rita Russo 

Director of Education 

KPR NEWS 

STSCO Busing Opt-in Period for 2025-2026 School Year  

Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO), which oversees busing in Peterborough, Northumberland and Clarington, will be continuing the “opt-in” program for next school year. The opt-in program requires families to confirm their children’s intent to ride the school bus if they are eligible for transportation. Messaging about opting-in was shared directly by STSCO with all eligible families. 

For more information on the opt-in process, visit the STSCO website.  

Share Your Feedback on KPR’s Policies and Administrative Regulations: Volunteers, School Councils and Regional School Councils  

The day-to-day work of our schools and the Board is governed by Board policies and corresponding administrative regulations, which are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain up-to-date, culturally relevant, and responsive. Students, staff, volunteers, families and community members are invited to share their feedback on the following three policies and associated administrative regulations by completing the online forms linked below by May 26, 2025: 

• Volunteers Policy and Administrative Regulation 

• School Councils Policy and Administrative Regulation 

• Regional School Councils (formerly School Councils’ Associations) Policy and Administrative Regulation 

Dear KPR Families, 

With the changing seasons, and Earth Day this week, I am mindful of our place on the land and care for it. I want to take a moment and thank the students and staff who have participated in, and supported environmental awareness, learning and ongoing clean-up efforts in schools and local communities in recent days. For year-round learning and reflection, the Indigenous Education Department’s Passport to ReconciliAction is a source of thoughtful resources focused on learning about the land, and offers many meaningful opportunities for connection. 

April 23 was Administrative Professionals’ Day, a day to recognize school and department secretaries, administrative assistants, HR, ICT and Finance staff, and all the office professionals at KPR. I want to express my sincere appreciation to all KPR’s administrative professionals for their dedication and significant contributions to supporting student success and helping to create safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools and offices. 

At this week’s Board meeting, we recognized outstanding volunteers from six KPR schools with Accolade Awards in honour of National Volunteer Week (April 27-May 3). We celebrate these individuals, and all volunteers in KPR schools, for supporting positive educational experiences for students and school communities. Please watch for #WeAreKPR stories that will be shared about these wonderful people on our @kprschools Facebook and Instagram accounts soon during National Volunteer Week. 

In the coming weeks, we will recognize National Principals Day on May 1, and the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S, on May 5. Information about these and other days of significance is available on KPR’s Events Calendar. 

Sincerely, 

Rita Russo
Director of Education 

KPR NEWS 

STSCO Busing Opt-in Period for 2025-2026 School Year  

Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO), which oversees busing in Peterborough, Northumberland and Clarington, will be continuing the “opt-in” program for next school year. The opt-in program requires families to confirm their children’s intent to ride the school bus if they are eligible for transportation. Messaging about opting-in will be shared directly by STSCO with all eligible families. 

For more information on the opt-in process, visit the STSCO 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.  

Share Your Feedback on KPR’s Policies and Administrative Regulations: Volunteers, School Councils and Regional School Councils