Director's Annual Report 2025

Our mission is to inspire our students to Excel in Learning, Succeed in Life and Enrich our Communities.

Rita Russo
Director of Education

Paul Brown
Chairperson of
the Board

It has been such an honour to serve the 榴莲视频 (榴莲视频). As I present this 2025 Annual Report 鈥� my final report as Director of Education 鈥� I am filled with immense gratitude for the journey we have shared.

Throughout years of challenge and change, I have remained in awe of our students. Their passion, brilliance, and energy are the heartbeat of our board; they are the reason we do this work, and they continue to be my greatest source of inspiration.

This report is a celebration of the resiliency, joy, and optimism that defines 榴莲视频. Within these pages, you will see the tangible results of our collective commitment to excellence. We are more than just a school board; we are a community that believes in the potential of every learner.

Our schools are safe, inclusive, and vibrant spaces where we set high expectations. We see every student as a capable learner, and we strive to ensure they feel seen, heard, and reflected in the environments where they grow.

On behalf of my Trustee colleagues, it is a听genuine pleasure to share the Kawartha Pine听Ridge District School Board 2025 Annual Report.This report is a vibrant collection of pictures and听stories, illustrating the energy, dedication, and听impactful accomplishments of our students and听staff throughout the past year.

While the world continues to evolve, our deep commitment to the transformative power of public education guides our work. We believe it is essential for building strong, inclusive, and flourishing communities across our region.

As locally elected Trustees, we live in and are deeply connected to the communities we represent. This unique position ensures that we are well-equipped to make local decisions in the public interest that directly address the diverse needs of the students and families we serve. We remain accountable and open to you, the families and communities that entrust us with their future.
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Read the full messages from the Director and Chairperson in the 2025 Director's Annual Report.听

Culture of Care at Kaawaate East City PS!

Kaawaate East City Public School (KECPS) is proud听to celebrate the incredible moments of growth and听connection that happen at their school each day. One听shining example comes from the compassionate and听dedicated work of Educational Assistant, Allison Frost,听whose commitment to building trusting, collaborative听relationships with families and 榴莲视频鈥檚 youngest learners听truly reflects the heart of the KECPS school community.

This year, the Kindergarten team of Susan Newberry, Annette Bigg and Allison has been working closely with听Mirha, a Junior Kindergarten student diagnosed with听cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Through trust, consistency,听and genuine care, Allison has partnered with Mirha鈥檚 family听to create a supportive environment where Mirha feels听safe, confident, and ready to explore her world.

Literacy in Action 鈥� LDAO Partnership at Charles Bowman PS

In addition to providing daily foundational Tier 1 reading听instruction in all Kindergarten to Grade 8 classrooms, educators听across 榴莲视频 are bringing to life a Multi-Tiered System of Support听(MTSS) to ensure access to foundational language skills for听all students. This tiered approach is a proactive, preventative听strategy that is responsive to learners鈥� unique听strengths, skills and needs in literacy.

This year, primary and junior educators at Charles Bowman Public School partnered with听the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario听(LDAO) to highlight successful evidence-based听Tier 2 intervention strategies in the classroom听for students who require increased support to听achieve literacy success. In collaboration with the听Early Intervention Teacher, classroom educators听have been creating opportunities for additional instruction and听practice of foundational concepts and skills in small groups or听1:1 learning opportunities throughout the week.

Designing for the Future at CCI!

At Cobourg Collegiate Institute (CCI), creativity is thriving! This year, students in the Fashion Arts program have been busy crafting beautiful items like clothing, keychains, pocket hearts, and even AirPod cases. These projects are part of an exciting journey in the Fashion Arts program, where students explore a mix of tools and techniques, skills and industry knowledge, including practical sewing, fabric arts and design fundamentals!听

This unique learning and hands-on experience helps prepare students for exciting opportunities in the world of fashion, and beyond, including creative projects, portfolio building and potential careers in design or related fields.

Read more in the full Director's Annual Report.

Engineering Wins at C.R. Gummow PS!

C.R. Gummow Public School (PS) is alive with excitement after an incredible season in FIRST LEGO League! This year, Gummow sent four teams to the Queen鈥檚 University competition and achieved outstanding results, with both the Grade 5 and Grade 8 all-girls teams qualifying for the Ontario Provincial Robotics Tournament.

In FIRST LEGO League, organized by FIRST Robotics Canada, teams are assessed on design and coding in a variety of categories: the Robot Game (designing and programming an autonomous robot to complete missions), Robot Design, Innovation Project, and Core Values, which together evaluate performance, coding, engineering, problem-solving, teamwork, and sportsmanship. 听students truly know rather than relying on predetermined expectations or traditional 鈥榦ne right way鈥� methods,鈥� he explains.

Brighton PS

Learning and Loving Math

As part of the Ministry of Education鈥檚 2025-2026 Responsive Education Programs (REP) allocation, school boards were provided with funding to support math achievement, including hiring math coaches with a focus on Grades 3 and 6 in 19 elementary schools.

At Brighton Public School (PS), students and teachers are seeing the results of this additional, focused support. Rob Lappano, Grade 3 teacher at Brighton PS, explains how his math instruction has changed.

鈥淚 now use a wide variety of open-ended mathematical tasks drawn from the Scope and Sequence and the Math Up programs, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through multiple strategies and representations. This shift helps me assess what students truly know rather than relying on predetermined expectations or traditional 鈥榦ne right way鈥� methods,鈥� he explains.

East Northumberland SS

Supporting Math Creatively and Collaboratively

The team of math teachers at East Northumberland Secondary School (ENSS) has been working collaboratively over the past five years to support students in achieving success in math and establishing a strong foundation for achievement.

Brad Bresee, Math Department Lead, explains that the team adopted a common approach for teaching MTH 1W1 (Grade 9 Math) with a focus on inclusion for all learners.

鈥淭his work does not happen with one person. It takes a team of math teachers working together and building on the work of the educators before them,鈥� Brad emphasizes.

Planning for Success in High School!

High school is an exciting time filled with growth, opportunity and unique experiences that foster success and build confidence in learning, life and community.

As students begin to plan for this next chapter in their educational journey, there is much to look forward to 鈥� meaningful learning, caring staff, specialized programs, extra-curricular sports and activities, a supportive school community, and much more! While preparing for high school can be an exciting time, it may also come with questions and uncertainties.

Indigenous Cultural Knowledge Credit

As part of 榴莲视频鈥檚 strategic priority of honouring Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, the Indigenous Cultural Knowledge Credit is an opportunity for Indigenous youth in Grades 9-12 to earn up to two Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits for engagement in cultural learning outside and inside school settings. This includes both extra-curricular and community-based learning and engagement.

As part of this learning and following a holistic approach, students develop and grow essential understandings, and identify and make connections with the land, and value Indigenous knowledge, oral traditions and language. Through revealing the learning, building meaningful relationships, deep reflections and responding for the future, the participating students gain not only new learnings, but also a greater sense of听confidence, care and cultural connections.

School Within a College 鈥� Expanding Options for Students!

School within a College (SWAC) began through Peterborough Alternative and Continuing Education (PACE at PCVS) in 2016. The program focuses on a mature classroom environment, opportunities for post-secondary exploration through dual credit opportunities, and helps 榴莲视频 students earn the required credits for their secondary school diploma. The classroom operates out of Fleming College 鈥� Sutherland Campus in Peterborough.

To date, SWAC students have earned 1,370 secondary school credits, 332 Fleming College credits and 119 have graduated high school!听

Amy Semple has been a high school teacher for nearly 10 years and has supported many students to reach their goals.听鈥淲orking closely with students has allowed strong connections and real support with more than just education,鈥� shares PACE Vice-principal Kelly Eastman.

Bowmanville HS

Leading the Way in Literacy

Bowmanville High School (BHS) continues to lead the board in literacy achievement, consistently reaching high levels of success on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). This sustained success is illustrative of 榴莲视频鈥檚 Board Action Plan strategy to provide evidence-based instruction in literacy, informed by ongoing assessment, to tailor differentiated and intensive supports.

Principal Dave Boone explains that this success reflects the hard work and dedication of teachers, led by Department Lead Theresa Rutherford, whose focus on strong, direct instruction as a key evidence-based strategy continues to build a strong foundation in literacy and improve student outcomes.

Camborne PS

Launching a Year of SHINE

Camborne PS students and staff have launched the SHINE at Camborne campaign鈥攕preading kindness, respect, and inclusion throughout the school!

The SHINE campaign aims to create a more inclusive and supportive school culture, strengthen relationships, and promote ongoing participation in acts of kindness and community-minded initiatives. Each letter in SHINE represents a core value at Camborne PS:

S 鈥� Support others and help each other succeed

H 鈥� Honour kindness, respect, and diversity

听I 鈥� Include everyone in learning and play

N 鈥� Nurture a safe and welcoming school community

E 鈥� Engage actively in making our school a better place

Adam Scott CVI

Specializing in SHSMs

Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute (CVI) is a leader when it comes to providing Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) programs for its students. The school uses a collaborative approach to provide five SHSMs in the areas of Arts & Culture, Construction, Manufacturing, Sports, and Transportation.

This year, over 170 Adam Scott students are participating across the five SHSM programs. This represents over a third of Grade 11 and 12 students being involved in a program.

Mental Health and Well-Being In Action

Good mental health is fundamental to every student鈥檚 ability to learn, succeed, and reach their full potential. 榴莲视频 uses a tiered approach for planning and delivering a continuum of services focused on supporting the mental health and well-being of students.

Universal mental health promotion (Tier 1) is foundational for every student and embedded in the everyday work of staff and educators within and beyond the curriculum. This work begins with students in Kindergarten and continues throughout a student鈥檚 academic journey.

Well-Being For All

Burnham Public School (PS) has created a strong foundation for student success by focusing on creating a mentally healthy environment for both the adults and students in the building.

Principal Martha Harp-McMurray has made well-being a leadership focus throughout her past five years at the school.

鈥淎t our first staff meeting, I let everyone know 鈥� teachers and support staff 鈥� that I was here for them and that they were important to me. I wanted them to be able to do their jobs, and if there were barriers preventing them from doing what they needed to do, then I needed to know so I could help.鈥�

Roger Neilson PS

Positive School Climate

Students, staff, and community at Roger Neilson Public School (PS) continue to foster an environment of inclusion and engagement through their data-driven ideas and positive actions.

During the 2024-25 school year, Roger Neilson鈥檚 Positive School Climate Team was championed by parents on the School Council, educators at the school, student leaders and a community member from the Before and After School program.

All Kindergarten to Grade 6 students participated in surveys, which confirmed a largely positive and inclusive school climate. Examining the results collaboratively, the Team initiated a series of actions that began last year and continues into this year.

Crestwood SS

A 鈥榣egacy of peace鈥� 鈥� Washroom Initiative

The Positive School Climate Teams at Crestwood Secondary and Intermediate Schools collaborated last year to develop strategies aimed at ensuring washroom spaces at the schools are welcoming and inclusive for all students. Connected to the Board Action Plan and school improvement goals surrounding belonging and identity-affirming mental health practices, the committee proposed that the washrooms could be improved through the creation of a student-led piece of art.

Through partnerships with artists at Trent University, staff and community members, Crestwood Secondary School (SS) students created a Jackson Pollock-inspired mural with the goal of 鈥榣eaving a legacy of peace.鈥�

Newcastle PS

Project of Heart Growing

Beginning in the 2024鈥�2025 school year, all students and staff at Newcastle Public School (PS) engaged in courageous and meaningful work to explore the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada.

The Project of Heart is a national initiative that invites students to learn about the history of residential schools, honour the children who never returned home, and commit to Truth and Reconciliation through education and action. Students and staff approached this work with care, respect, and courage.

Thomas A. Stewart SS

Creativity, Curriculum & Indigenous Guidance

The 鈥�All Our Relations鈥� installation brings together curriculum learning, personal storytelling, and Indigenous ways of knowing.

Created by students in Lesley Givens鈥� Grade 9 Visual Art NAC1O (Expressions of First Nation, M茅tis and Inuit Cultures) class at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, with support from the Indigenous Education Department, the installation and interpretive plaque were displayed in the main entrance foyer of 榴莲视频鈥檚 Education Centre beginning December 2025.

Hillcrest PS

EDI Club Leading the Way

Hillcrest Public School鈥檚 (PS) collaborative approach to fostering equity and inclusion is successfully creating a sense of belonging for all.

Student voice and a supportive school staff have been central to implementing a wide variety of strategies and activities focused on further enhancing the positive learning environment at Hillcrest.

The school鈥檚 Equity (EDI) Club, with students in Grades 5-8, meets weekly with teachers Jordan Thackeray and Jenn Wicklund to brainstorm ideas for promoting equity, diversity and inclusivity at Hillcrest PS.

Supporting Success with the Every Student Matters Census

Every Student Matters. This simple statement is the reason we collect data about the backgrounds, experiences and needs of students and school communities. We want to address opportunity gaps - so every student has the chance to be successful - and we want to close achievement gaps, so every student IS successful.

To support this goal, and as required by the Ministry of Education, we conducted the Every Student Matters Census from November 26-December 10, 2025, to better understand the diversity and needs of students and school communities.

The Census gathers demographic data to help:

better understand the needs of students and school communities,
identify and address barriers to student success, inclusion and well-being, and
allocate resources and improve programs and services for the benefit of ALL students.

Connecting Through Rhythm at Smithfield PS

What started out as a team building and wellness activity for school staff, turned into a powerful, school-wide experience that strengthened community, boosted well-being, and filled the halls with laughter and rhythm.

With support from Co-curricular Arts Funding, the Smithfield Public School (PS) community welcomed Ron Cross to facilitate a Djembe Drumming workshop with staff in September. This session was so well received that Ron returned the following month, to facilitate a full-day djembe drumming experience for every student!

Arts are Alive at 榴莲视频

Opportunities to participate in the arts continue to be important aspects of the educational experience at all 榴莲视频 schools 鈥� students can communicate, create and collaborate in so many different ways!

Athletics

榴莲视频 students had another successful year in athletics, with students enjoying recreational and competitive opportunities 听to be active and have fun!

Read more in the full Director's Annual Report.

Leading with Kindness: Student Voice in Action!

At 榴莲视频, students and staff show kindness and compassion in many ways 鈥� in small everyday moments, and large acts of care. In recognition of World Kindness Day on November 13th, Student Trustees Nevyn Ghori and Julia Redwood worked with Student Senate Leaders across the Board to capture what kindness means to 榴莲视频 students.

鈥淏eing kind doesn鈥檛 need to be a big gesture, sometimes it鈥檚 just the simple things. Acknowledging, respecting and accepting people are all acts of kindness that we can do for others and ourselves. That鈥檚 what our message was all about - spreading kindness can be simple,鈥� shares Julia, Student Trustee.

Growing Little Forests for a Greener Future!

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榴莲视频 is committed to building social responsibility and enhancing accountability across all areas 鈥� including environmental stewardship!听

One of the ways schools bring this commitment to life, is through partnerships with organizations like GreenUp, a Peterborough-based, non-profit focused on programming that inspires and empowers environmentally-healthy and sustainable action in our community.

We have recently made an agreement with GreenUp to also support this important work in Clarington and Northumberland schools.

This October, Otonabee Valley and Prince of Wales Public School students teamed up with GreenUp to plant 鈥淟ittle Forests鈥� in their school yards. These micro-forests are planted densely with native species to accelerate forest development. They quickly become self-sustaining, biodiverse habitats that support the environment, and attract pollinators.

Kenner CVI

Community Spirit in Action

School communities honour Terry Fox鈥檚 legacy in different ways, modelling his courage and perseverance with Terry Fox Runs and other school-based events.听

Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute's (KCVI) Annual Terry Fox Colour Run took place on Thursday, October 9 and it was an incredible success! Fun incentives like the chance to bedazzle Mr. Haughton鈥檚 head helped drive the campaign, motivating both intermediate and secondary school students to meet their fundraising goal of $600.听

Clarke HS

Supporting Bethesda House

Clarke High School (HS) might be small in size, but its generosity and school spirit are significant! The close-knit school community had a meaningful impact this holiday season on families in need, through their donations to Bethesda House, a local organization that supports women, children and pets who are impacted by gender-based violence, through shelter, counselling, housing and outreach services.

Students and staff generously donated close to $800 worth of donations, as well as 200 items including, non-perishables, spices, and health care items.

East Northumberland SS

Community Spirit in Action

East Northumberland Secondary School (ENSS) also rallied in support of Terry Fox this year! The school鈥檚 43rd Terry Fox Fundraising Campaign kicked off in September with their annual Pancake Breakfast. The event had a great turnout with 343 students, staff and community members, raising $1,715 of the school鈥檚 amazing $16,015 total amount raised for Terry Fox this year!

鈥淭o date, ENSS has raised $1,295,104.21 to help fight cancer!鈥� shares ENSS staff member, Paul Hussey.

Ganaraska Trail PS

A Tradition of Remembrance

Every year at Ganaraska Trail Public School (PS), Kindergarten classes are joined by the Legion Colour Guard, who proudly leads students into the nearby Union Cemetery accompanied by the sound of bagpipes. As part of this tradition, the children sing O Canada, Peace in Our Fingers, and Soldiers, Sailors to honour those who served.

This beloved Ganaraska Trail PS tradition began in 2011, started by a retired Kindergarten teacher Merna Zahn.

鈥淪tudents place their handmade poppies on the veterans鈥� plots 鈥� an act of remembrance that helps even our youngest learners understand gratitude, respect, and the importance of honouring our community鈥檚 history. Over time, this ceremony has become a cherished part of who we are as a school,鈥� shares the Kindergarten team at Ganaraska Trail PS.

Parent Engagement and Rebuilding Connection

This fall, 榴莲视频 hosted a webinar Rebuilding Connection: Raising Socially Smart Kids in an Online World, where parenting expert, Ann Douglas provided many practical, compassionate strategies for helping children and teens build healthy relationships鈥攂oth online and offline.听

Some of the key ideas and takeaways from the event included:

Understanding the societal shifts that contribute to disconnection in families and communities.
Exploring the developmental impact of social media on children and youth across different age groups.
Empowering parents and caregivers with tools to foster digital literacy, emotional coping strategies, and real-world connection.
Reimagining community as a source of strength, support, and belonging for families.

Trustee Cathy Abraham

Dr. Harry Paikin Award of Merit

Congratulations to Trustee Cathy Abraham, recipient of this year鈥檚 2025 Dr. Harry Paikin Memorial Award from the Ontario Public School Boards鈥� Association (OPSBA)! This award is given to an active or retired public school board trustee for outstanding service as a trustee.

Dr. Kingsley Hurlington

King Charles Coronation Medal

In June the Board extended congratulations and appreciation to Kingsley Hurlington, Principal, Port Hope High School, on his receipt of the King Charles Coronation Medal for his work as a crisis responder with Kids Help Phone. The King Charles Coronation Medal is a special award facilitated by the Governor General鈥檚 office following the King鈥檚 coronation.

Trustee Angela Lloyd

Student Success Champion Award

Congratulations to Trustee Angela Lloyd, recipient of OPSBA鈥檚 2026 Student Success Champion Award! This award is presented to a trustee who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to equity through tangible governance initiatives that have directly contributed to improving outcomes for marginalized students within their school board.

OPP Campbellford Awards

Bobbie Brown, Principal, Brad Yhard, Vice-principal, and students Dmitri Anderson-Burtt and Cooper Bronson from Campbellford District High School were recognized this fall by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) with the Commissioner鈥檚 Citation for Bravery. Jackie Mahoney, Head Secretary and Laura Callahan, Secretary, were recognized by the OPP with the Commissioner鈥檚 Letter for Bravery. In presenting the recognition this past September, the OPP Central Region celebrated these students and staff for their contributions as individuals who assisted the OPP in supporting the safety of their school community.

2025 Anti-Racist and Equity Activism Award

榴莲视频 staff are leaders across the province. This year the Board of Trustees extended congratulations and appreciation to a number of 榴莲视频 staff members for provincial recognition and distinction.听

Megan Watson, Northglen Orchard Public School, was the recipient of the Elementary Teachers鈥� Federation of Ontario (ETFO) 2025 Anti-Racist and Equity Activism Award. This award recognizes an active ETFO member or group of members鈥� active involvement in anti-racist and equity activism in the classroom or community.

OPSBA Achievement Awards

OPSBA recognized 榴莲视频 staff members Teresa Laton, Queen Mary Public School, Jessica McIvor, Merwin Greer Public School, Laura Smith, Edmison Heights Public School and Helena Whittington, Waverley Public School with Achievement Awards. These awards recognize outstanding, exemplary, and/or unique contributions to the overall well-being of the school or community through in-school, board-wide, extra-curricular and/or volunteer activity.

Diversity Awards Clarington

榴莲视频 graduates are regularly recognized for their contributions to their local communities, and continue to make positive impacts in the rest of their educational journey. Congratulations to Alina Gregory from Courtice Secondary School who received the Clarington 2025 Diversity Leadership Bursary, for creating safe spaces for women and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through school events, care packages for Bethesda House, and community outreach. Photo courtesy Municipality of Clarington.

Merwin Greer PS

Blast From the Past - Time Capsule

Current and former students were invited to the opening of time capsules (created by the primary and junior divisions) this November at Merwin Greer Public School (PS).听

Merwin Greer first opened in the late 1960鈥檚 and created its first time capsule in 1972, which was opened in 2000. Students in 2000 then added new items, to be opened in 2025.

In addition to writing and artwork, the time capsules held videos (VHS) of the students, artwork, class lists and pictures, a roll of pennies, Pokemon cards, an article about the time capsule, and images of their favourite actors.

New School Capital Builds

Northglen Orchard Public School - We continue to be excited about the opening of Northglen Orchard Public School (PS) to help support the growing student population in the Clarington area, with space for 769 students, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, as well as a four-room childcare centre.

Highlands of Millbrook Neighbourhood School -听Funding to support the creation of 481 elementary student spaces and 73 licensed child care spaces in Millbrook, was announced as part of the Ministry of Education鈥檚 Capital Priorities Program in winter 2025.

Foster Northwest Neighbourhood School - Thanks to a Ministry of Education investment of $75.9M in capital funding, 榴莲视频 is building a new Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, 1,445-pupil-place school, plus a three-room childcare centre in the Foster Northwest Neighbourhood at Grady Drive and Ruddell Road in Newcastle.