Thursday, April 2, 2026
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The monthly Letter to Families is intended to keep you apprised of news that affects all students and families of Near North District School Board (NNDSB).
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This letter to families is being distributed a day early, because tomorrow is Good Friday, so there is no school. We wish all of our students and staff a safe and happy long weekend. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, April 7.
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The approved calendar for the 2026-2027 school year is now available. Here is a link to the school-year calendar.
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Looking for a unique cultural experience for your family? Host an international secondary school student this upcoming school year!
Student exchange organization, YES Canada, in partnership with NNDSB, is welcoming international students from a range of countries to study at local secondary schools in North Bay, Parry Sound, Mattawa, Sturgeon Falls, South River and surrounding areas. Students are arriving to begin programs in September, November, January and April and will be staying for a range of durations – two, three, five, 10, and 12 months.
Hosting is a fantastic way for your family to experience another country and culture in the comfort of your own home and establish life-long friendships and connections that span across the globe.
Host families provide a home away from home in a safe and nurturing environment, three meals per day and the opportunity for the student to become a family member. A monthly stipend to offset the cost of hosting is provided, as well as ongoing guidance and support from the experienced YES Canada team before and during a student’s stay. 2 Our Mission is to provide opportunities that empower all learners to develop their potential by providing diverse pathways which lead students to become model citizens who achieve life goals and contribute to the betterment of society.
Ready for your next cultural adventure? Apply today to learn more about hosting an international student with YES Canada!
For more information or to become a YES Canada Host Family, email homestay@youthedservices.ca or call 416-624-6220 ext. 410 or visit the YES Canada website.
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The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is hosting two sessions for families about upcoming EQAO mathematics assessments. There is one webinar for families of primary students, and one for junior students.
These free webinars will cover how EQAO assesses students’ mathematics learning. EQAO staff will discuss mathematics questions from the mathematics component of the division’s (primary or junior) assessment. Participants will hear how these math questions help assess the skills students are learning in class. Staff will also highlight valuable insights and resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning.
EQAO Math Session for Parents/Guardians of Primary Students will be held Tuesday, April 7 at 12 noon.
EQAO Math Session for Parents/Guardians of Junior Students will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 12 noon.
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School Mental Health Ontario has launched a four-part parent/caregiver webinar series focused on key mental health and substance use health topics identified by parents and caregivers in Ontario. The webinars will feature a presentation by leading experts on the topics.
The first session about balanced device use has already been held. Upcoming webinar topics and dates are: conversations about vaping, April 10; conversations about body image, May 7; conversations about anxiety, June 5. 3 Our Mission is to provide opportunities that empower all learners to develop their potential by providing diverse pathways which lead students to become model citizens who achieve life goals and contribute to the betterment of society.
Parents and caregivers can submit questions in advance via this link.
All sessions will be uploaded to the By Your Side learning hub.
Here is the link to register for these free webinars.
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In addition to staying informed via the board’s website, families can find NNDSB on Facebook and Instagram.
Sincerely,
Near North District School Board
