Student-led anti-vape campaign draws a crowd

October 24, 2025 By Brett

Friday, Oct. 24, 2025

Student-led anti-vape campaign draws a crowd

Students at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School (AHSS) recently launched their student-led anti-vaping campaign with a lunchtime barbecue, featuring free food, games, activities, and the unveiling of a student-built anti-vape gazebo.

The student-led initiative is an evolution of the school’s anti-vaping measures, which began more than two years ago with the installation of vape detectors, student education and staff training.

AHSS Principal Heather Hickey said the event was held to celebrate the incredible work and ideas of students who contributed to the construction of the anti-vape gazebo and the organization of the anti-vaping campaign.

More than 600 students participated in the school-wide extended lunch barbecue, enjoying great food, fun, and community spirit. The celebration featured a variety of student-requested games and activities, including frisbees, footballs, washer toss, ladder toss, tetherball, and art stations. The event also saw around 50 vapes collected from students in exchange for cessation tools like suckers and gum.

“The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has been a vital partner in our efforts to address vaping in schools,” said Hickey. “From the initial installation of vape detectors, they supported us by providing educational resources for students and parents, attending school events and parent-teacher nights to raise awareness about addiction and the health impacts of vaping. In our second year, they continued their support as we piloted the Zeptive app, an initiative aimed at helping students who want to quit vaping,” she said.

Thanks to many community partners, including the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, students were given a green light to design and build the gazebo under the guidance of construction teacher Carter Schaffner. The gazebo will act as the gathering point for lunchtime activities.

Hickey said all the hard work is paying off, noting that staff have seen a noticeable decline in the number of students leaving school property to vape compared to previous years. She said the improvement is supported by proactive communication between the administration team and incoming Grade 9 families, helping to educate and set expectations early.

Additionally, stronger relationships between staff and students have fostered open conversations about vaping, including support for those looking to reduce or quit. These positive connections have contributed to a more informed and health-conscious student body.

“Student participation is key in all of the steps along the way; it gives students pride in having an active role in contributing to the ideas as vapers and non-vapers. When students help create the messaging, it resonates more with their peers,” Hickey said. “They understand the language, the culture, and the real-life contexts in which vaping happens. This makes the campaign more relatable and impactful.”

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NNDSB Board Highlights – October 14, 2025

October 17, 2025 By Brett

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025.

Board receives JK-12 Parry Sound build update

Trustees received a report with updates about the status of the JK-12 Parry Sound school.

Although the occupancy date is not confirmed, progress is being made in construction, safety compliance and regulatory approvals. Specifics can be found in the report.

In his comments to the Board of Trustees, Director of Education Craig Myles noted that to keep all stakeholders and rightsholders informed with the same information, this report, like all JK-12 Parry Sound build updates, can be found on the Parry Sound build page.

Revised suicide risk management AG for consultation

NNDSB’s suicide risk management administrative guideline (AG) has been revised, and the draft AG is available on the website for consultation.

The guideline had not been updated since 2018, and reflects updated training and materials. The revised AG has been streamlined to ensure that all staff and members of the public will be able to locate the most up-to-date information from the website.

The draft revised guideline will begin its 30-day consultation.

Director’s report to the Board

The Director of Education’s report to the Board of Trustees included acknowledging the Indigenous Education Team, which provided a virtual Truth and Reconciliation learning session for all NNDSB students and staff on Monday, Sept. 29.

The Safe Schools team partnered with Ontario Northland on a rail safety project. The partnership is in advance of the launch of the Toronto to Timmins Ontario Northland train, which will travel through many communities of NNDSB.

Myles’ report noted that educators have begun collecting Acadience reading screening assessment data. Last school year, more than 16,000 assessments were completed. On average, students in Grades 1-6 increased their reading fluency by 13.8 words per minute, and accuracy increased on average by more than four per cent. The number of students reaching grade-level benchmarks increased by an average of five per cent per grade over the course of the 2024-2025 school year. As educators gain comfort with the assessments, there is an increased focus on appropriate instruction for each student based on beginning-of-year assessments. To date, K-8 educators have reviewed 85.3 per cent of screening assessments on all students in their classes.

Director Myles’ report noted that four staff members attended a Welcome to North Bay event, which was held for newcomers to North Bay. Staff in attendance provided school and program information for potential NNDSB families and recruited staff.

Trustee honoraria calculated for 2025

2025 marks the fourth year of this Board’s term of office, which will end Nov. 14, 2026. The honorarium for trustees is calculated using a base amount, enrolment amount, attendance amount and distance amount.

The following are the honoraria amounts for the 2025-2026 school year: chair, $13,359.51; vice-chair, $10,609.51; trustee, $7,859.51.

Indigenous Student Trustee Trudeau’s report

Indigenous Student Trustee Riley Trudeau reported that the September Indigenous Youth Circle (IYC) meeting was held online. The group discussed their tradition of giving back, IYC merchandise and the election this year. IYC holds its first in-person meeting this month at Northern, at which a vote will be held on the art to be put on IYC merchandise.

Initiatives taking place throughout the board included an Orange Shirt Day event and fundraisers at Parry Sound High School to support the Drop or Georgian Bay Anishinabek Youth.

At Almaguin Highlands, IYC meets Monday for beading and event planning, which includes Truth and Reconciliation Week events and a Walk for Wenjack taking place this month.

At West Ferris, students attended a welcome powwow at Canadore College/Nipissing University. Announcements were made leading up to Orange Shirt Day, and the Walk for Wenjack event took place Oct. 16.

Northern students also attended the powwow and are making plans for the year. IYC will hold a group art activity next week, and is trying to recruit new members. The group wants to support the Wenjack Foundation, Friendship Centre and the NFN food bank, as well as work with Anishinabek Police Service again.

Student Trustee Bassi’s report

Student Trustee Dev Bassi reported that students across the district are settling in with academics, athletics and school spirit events.

In fundraising and spirit activities, students at Chippewa Secondary School raised more than $11,000 at its Terry Fox Run, students at West Ferris Secondary School collected more than 10,000 pounds of food for local shelters, F.J. McElligott students participated in a Truth and Reconciliation-focused assembly, and students at Northern Secondary School held their Walk for Wenjack.

Extracurricular activities are in full swing, with a number of sports teams up and running. Arts and other clubs are underway, too. Chippewa has begun auditions for musicals, and the “build the nest” initiative allows for students and staff to nominate students who have performed good deeds throughout the school. At Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, a new baking club is experiencing overwhelming participation.

Student Trustee Bassi reported that Student Senate met in person on Oct. 7. Senators were introduced to their roles and responsibilities, and announced its new initiative, Take Back Your Washrooms. The initiative is to raise awareness of the Safer Schools reporting tool, which allows students to anonymously report problems related to safety and inclusion.

As vice-president of public education at the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, Bassi met with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association to work on various projects regarding student trustees. He also met with the leadership team to discuss the upcoming November conference.

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next Board meeting.

Sundridge Centennial Public School’s Trunk or Treat returns

October 15, 2025 By Brett

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

Sundridge Centennial Public School’s Trunk or Treat returns

By popular demand, Sundridge Centennial Public School’s (SCPS) Halloween Trunk or Treat event is returning this year.

SCPS will once again open its doors and its parking lot on Halloween night to provide and warm space for trick or treaters and a gathering place for residents of the town and the surrounding rural community.

SCPS Principal Jill Cooper said, “Many of our rural community members do not get to experience trick-or-treaters. They want to show support and enjoy seeing the young community members dressed up, excitedly enjoying the evening.” She added that, “Trunk or Treat provides an opportunity to connect all community members, making a safe and enjoyable evening for all.”

Rural community members are invited to fill the trunks of their cars with Halloween candy they would ordinarily not have the opportunity to give out and congregate in town at the more centrally-located school. Visitors can warm up, use the restroom, enjoy hot chocolate, and trick-or-treat all at one convenient location.

“The school should act as the critical part of the community. When identifying needs that best support our community and our students, we should act to create a reasonable solution,” Cooper said. “Last year, we identified the need for a warming station and washroom in this area of town to benefit those out for the evening.”

“Last year we had 10 businesses, and five families join us at the school to hand out treats to local kids. Children and their families happily came to the school to trick or treat and enjoy some hot chocolate along with a quick washroom break before heading back out into the cold and wet weather,” Cooper said. “This year, we are expecting to see 14 community providers, and even more of our rural community members return to enhance the experience.”

Cooper also said that if the weather gets too scary this year, the entire event can be moved into the school gym and hallways.

Community members who are interested in participating in the SCPS Trunk or Treat are asked to follow the school’s food allergy policies and not bring treats with any nuts/peanut butter in them.

Reach out to notify the school of your participation at 705-472-5101 ext. 8023 or jill.cooper@nearnorthschools.ca by Oct 28.

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October Letter to Families

October 3, 2025 By Brett

Friday, Oct. 3, 2025

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is offering two webinars for parents and guardians this month.

In this first live webinar, EQAO will present the results of the 2024-25 primary (Grade 3) and junior (Grade 6) assessments of reading, writing and mathematics. Participants will also learn about the latest research and resources available on eqao.com. The session is approximately 45 minutes, followed by a live Q&A with EQAO staff.

The webinar takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. Here is the link to register.In this second live webinar, EQAO will present the results of the 2024-25 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) and the Grade 9 assessment of mathematics. Participants will also learn about the latest research and resources available on eqao.com. The session is approximately 45 minutes, followed by a live Q&A with EQAO staff.

The webinar takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m. Here is the link to register.

NNDSB invites families to participate in the 2025 Fall Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) survey. This survey will help measure the progress and implementation status of the 2021–2026 MYSP, which was developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders and launched in September 2021.

The MYSP focuses on four key pillars: Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Relationships and Excellence in Communication.

The MYSP committee has created metrics aligned with these pillars to assess how well the plan is being realized. The MYSP survey continues the board’s commitment to inclusive engagement and will provide valuable benchmarks to guide future decisions.

We encourage all families to share their feedback and help NNDSB stay informed and responsive to community perspectives. The survey is available on the board’s website and will remain open until Dec. 31, 2025.

October is Cyber Awareness Month, and school boards across Ontario are working with the Educational Collaborative Network of Ontario (ECNO) to provide resources for all age groups to help students and their families navigate the digital world safely.

NNDSB urges all families to visit the Cyber Awareness Month website. Resources are available for educators and are also suitable for sharing at home, divided into categories for students in Grades K-8 and Grades 9-12.

NNDSB has forged a new partnership with Operation Lifesaver, with a goal of education about the hazards surrounding rail property and trains.

With consideration of the pending return of Ontario Northland passenger rail service through this area, NNDSB brought presentations to schools for Rail Safety Week.

Nominations have opened for the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) annual awards, with nomination packages due Nov. 17 at 11:59 p.m. Members of the public are welcome to submit nominations.

Categories include Outstanding Service Award (School Board Staff and Volunteers), Student Achievement Pathways Awards (Student), Alumni Award (Trustee), Good Governance Award (Board of Trustees) and Emerging Leader Award (Trustee).

Details about each of the categories and instructions for nominating can be found here on the OPSBA website.

Schools will be sending home forms for families, including a permission form that deals with Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). If parents and guardians do not agree to receive electronic messages, neither the school nor the board will be able to communicate electronically.

If you want to ensure that you receive messaging from the school and board, complete this consent form and send it to your child’s school.

The Ministry of Education has a new webpage that shows students how their volunteer hours can help them build their future.

Secondary school students need to volunteer at least 40 hours to graduate. A new Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for Community Involvement recognizes students who go above and beyond in their community hours. There is a bronze certificate for 50 to 99 volunteer hours, a silver certificate for 100 to 199 volunteer hours and a gold certificate for 200 or more volunteer hours.

The webpage also shows students how highlighting volunteer experience on a resumé shows the skills that you have gained, and can also help with post-secondary applications.

The next meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public, and you are welcome to attend in person or join via Zoom. The meeting ID is 899 1167 8742 and the passcode is 859936. To attend by phone, dial in 1-855-703-8985.

Information about the Board, committees and their meetings can be found here.

In addition to staying informed via the board’s website, families can find NNDSB on Facebook and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

NNDSB Board Highlights – September 9, 2025

September 12, 2025 By Brett

Friday, Sept. 12, 2025

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025.

Krista Messenger sworn in as Zone 1 Trustee
Krista Messenger was sworn in at Tuesday night’s Board meeting as the Zone 1 Trustee, replacing Julie Bertram. Messenger was one of four applicants for the position, which will end next year following the municipal election.

Messenger is a familiar face at the Board table, having previously served as the executive assistant to NNDSB’s Director of Education and Secretary of the Board. She has served on the North Bay Public Library Board and is a corporate governance specialist at Ontario Northland. Messenger has three children in NNDSB schools.

Messenger acknowledges the unique challenges of the board, including addressing equity of access in a large geography, advancing Indigenous education, responding to enrolment and budget pressures and strengthening public confidence.

In his written report, Director of Education Craig Myles also welcomed new trustees Jay Aspin and John Arkwright (who were sworn in earlier) to the Board. Trustees Aspin and Arkwright were the runners-up in the 2022 municipal election and replace Trustees Chantal Phillips and Jeanie Fuscaldo, who resigned.

For a fourth time, Aspin has rejoined the Near North District School Board, exhibiting his strong passion for education. In the past, he has chaired the board on two separate occasions, was elected President of the Northern Ontario School Trustees Association and elected a board member of the Ontario School Trustees Council, the forerunner of the current Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA).

In 2024, he was recognized by being awarded the Community Builders Award for Educational Commitment and Leadership in the region. He also received Bernadine Yackman Award from OPSBA for his dedication and outstanding contribution to education in Northern Ontario.

Beyond education, he served six terms on the North Bay City Council as well as a term as the Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming.
He has served on several public sector boards, including Ontario Health, Tribunals Ontario and Invest Ontario. Recently, the Lieutenant Governor inducted him to the Order of Ontario, Ontario’s highest civilian recognition.

Trustee Arkwright first ran for trustee in the 2022 municipal election motivated by a strong desire to be part of creating a solid education system for students. He firmly believes that children are our future and that strong supportive schools are essential to their success.

With a professional background in media, sales and marketing, Trustee Arkwright brings valuable experience in communication and relationship building. He is known for working with people in a straightforward and collaborative manner – an approach he believes will serve him well in his role as trustee.

Student Trustee report
Student Trustee Dev Bassi, whose appointment was recommended by the Near North Student Senate, provided his first report to the Board.

Bassi noted that activities have already started. Spirit days have already begun, as have extracurricular activities including cross-country running, boys’ volleyball, girls’ basketball, golf and tennis. At Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, the Talon theatre program has begun, and students are working on their productions.

Student Senate has not yet met, so Bassi noted the Senate report will have to wait until the October Board meeting.

Bassi noted that he is Vice-President of Public Education at the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA). He said he has already begun working with partners and was able to attend his first leadership retreat in July to learn about the role, how to effectively lead, and work with OSTA.

Indigenous Student Trustee report
Indigenous Student Trustee Riley Trudeau, serving her second term in the role, provided her report to the Board.

Trudeau noted that she is grateful to be able to serve a second term, and she looks forward to furthering the work of the Indigenous Youth Circle (IYC). IYC plans to hold its first meeting in person, in order to start the year’s work in a good way.

The group will plan its truth and reconciliation efforts, which include Orange Shirt Day and Walk for Wenjack.

PIC report
The Board’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) included a report in the agenda, which outlined the committee’s activities last year.

In 2024-2025, NNDSB received $19,500 from the Ministry of Education in Parent Reaching Out funding to support individual school councils to create parent engagement activities. Councils were invited to apply for funding by submitting an application to PIC.

Twelve projects were approved from across the district, with activities such as a trades awareness show, a coding night with a math and science focus, and expanding outdoor community space.

PIC also hosted sessions in May 2025 with author and speaker Katherine Martinko promoting digital wellness. Parents gained strategies for managing screen time and digital habits in the household, and students were encouraged to implement digital self-monitoring tools and to consider healthy alternatives.

More information on the Parent Reaching Out projects and upcoming PIC meetings can be found here.

Strategic Plan progress report presented
The annual Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) progress report was presented to trustees. The report covers achievement in the MYSP over the 2024-2025 school year.

The report outlines several revised and new actions, demonstrating that the MYSP is fluid and that new inputs may lead to changes to the plan.

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September Letter to Families

August 29, 2025 By Brett

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The monthly Letter to Families, distributed on the first Friday of the month, is intended to keep you apprised of news that affects all students and families of Near North District School Board (NNDSB). The September letter is issued on the Friday prior to the start of the first day of school.

Craig Myles, Director of Education for Near North District School Board, welcomes students and staff back to school for the 2025-2026 school year. An extra special welcome is extended to students and staff who are joining NNDSB for the first time.

We hope that everyone had a wonderful summer and is now ready to start a great school year.

School transportation is provided by Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (also called the consortium). The board does NOT operate the buses or make decisions about cancellations.

On Aug. 20, the consortium issued a media release about the availability of route information. As of Aug. 20, parents and guardians with portal accounts can go in and review the transportation details for their children.

All parents and guardians are encouraged to create a portal account and subscribe to NPSSTS Notifications to receive alerts through email and text messages. Instructions can be found on their website at www.npssts.ca.

The consortium suggests reviewing transportation details periodically leading up to the first day of school, as changes will continue to be made.

Any inquiries regarding changes to routing can be directed to the NPSSTS via email at info@npssts.ca. They will be reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate NPSSTS route planner or school board for processing.

Educators from NNDSB were featured in a recent episode of the Reading Road Trip, a podcast of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) of Ontario.

NNDSB educators are leaders in literacy, and last year, the literacy team was chosen as one of the recipients of the Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Awards by the Dyslexia Canada Board of Directors.

NNDSB educators Lisa Rogers, Courtney Berger and Kristen Roy participated in the IDA Ontario podcast that launched Monday, Aug. 18. The podcast is hosted by Kate Winn, classroom teacher and host of IDA Ontario’s podcast Reading Road Trip. The podcast is for “travellers” on the road to evidence-based literacy instruction.

The episode discusses how the board’s literacy team transformed reading outcomes for intermediate students through a targeted, data-driven, structured literacy intervention.

The podcast can be found here.

Looking for a unique cultural experience for your family? Try hosting an international high school student this coming school year!

Student exchange organization, YES Canada, in partnership with NNDSB, is welcoming international students from a wide range of countries to study at local high schools in North Bay, Parry Sound, Mattawa, Sturgeon Falls, South River and surrounding areas. Students are arriving to begin programs in November, January and April and will be staying for a range of durations, so apply now to ensure your family is considered to welcome a student.

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.

Hosting is a fantastic way to experience another country and culture in your own home, and it is also a great way to establish life-long friendships and connections.

Hosting opportunities are available for possible durations of two, three, five, 10 and 12 months.

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.

NNDSB’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) is holding its first meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All families are welcome and encouraged to attend. You can join the PIC meeting with this link.

The next meeting of the Board will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public, and you are welcome to attend in person or join via Zoom.

Information about the Board, committees and their meetings can be found here.

In addition to staying informed via the board’s website, families can find NNDSB on Facebook and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

NNDSB accepting applications for Zone 1 trustee

August 29, 2025 By Brett

Friday, Aug. 29, 2025

NNDSB accepting applications for Zone 1 trustee

Julie Bertram resigned as the Zone 1 Trustee of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) yesterday (Aug. 28, 2025), effective immediately.

As there are no runners-up to invite to fill the vacancy, NNDSB is seeking applicants to fill the role for the balance of the term, which will be until November 2026.

Eligible candidates can find the application information here.

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Update on Parry Sound JK-12 school construction

August 13, 2025 By Brett

Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025

Update on Parry Sound JK-12 school construction

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is providing an update regarding the construction of the new JK-12 school in Parry Sound.

It has now been confirmed that the new facility will not be completed in time for the first day of school in September 2025. While this is not the outcome we expected, NNDSB is implementing short-term solutions to ensure a smooth and safe start to the school year for all students.

JK-Grade 6 students who were set to attend McDougall Public School for September will attend that school location as originally planned. Students in Grades 9-12 will begin the school year at the current Parry Sound High School building. All Grades 7-8 students will attend the Nobel Public School site.

Once the new school building is complete, students and staff will transition to their new home.

Further updates for the public will be shared through the board’s website and social media channels. Families directly impacted by this delay will receive more detailed information via email.

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Parry Sound K-12 school update

August 7, 2025 By Brett

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Parry Sound K-12 school update

While construction issues with the new Parry Sound K-12 school continue to present timeline challenges, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) remains committed to advancing the project in collaboration with the Town of Parry Sound and the Ministry of Education. At this time, NNDSB is unable to confirm when the new school will be ready to welcome students.

In light of this uncertainty, contingency plans are being developed to ensure that all students, families, and staff begin the school year in safe, supportive learning environments.

NNDSB will share additional information as soon as the next steps are finalized.

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TOROS tickets on sale for Seussical the Musical

August 6, 2025 By Brett

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

TOROS tickets on sale for Seussical the Musical

Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) Theatre Outreach On Stage (TOROS) is proud to announce that tickets are now on sale for its annual summer musical production Seussical.

Grab your seat so you can experience a cast of 65 community students who are bringing this whimsical and vibrant musical to life on stage this summer. The production will take you on a journey through Whoville, reintroducing you to the familiar characters and stories from the world of Dr. Seuss. You will leave wondering about the All the Thinks You Can Think, smiling from ear to ear and humming that Anything’s Possible. You won’t want to miss this incredibly talented cast in this Amazing performance.

Seussical the Musical is the culmination of an NNDSB summer school program where students earn high school credits while learning about all aspects of theatre production.

Shows run at 7 p.m. on August 6, 7, 8, and 9. Tickets are $25 general admission and are available for purchase online on the NNDSB website.

Tickets can also be purchased in person at Creative Learning Toys, located at 181 Main St. West, North Bay. A limited quantity will be available at the door.

For more information regarding the show and ticket details, contact michelina.beam@nearnorthschools.ca

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