Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

NNDSB launches custodial training certificate program

Once again, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is leading the way in meeting community needs and addressing the multi-year strategic plan priorities of excellence in relationships and excellence in innovation.

NNDSB is pleased to announce the creation of a custodial training services certificate program. Virtual information sessions are taking place Feb. 7 and 9, with an in-person session scheduled Feb. 15. The program is expected to begin in March. It is being offered as part of the board’s continuing adult education program and is open to adults aged 18 and older who either have or are working towards a secondary school diploma (OSSD).

The course is split into two nine-week sessions. There will be nine weeks of in-class theory instruction combined with hands-on learning (8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and nine weeks of coop placement. Upon successful completion of the course, students can earn up to five secondary school credits towards their diploma.

Students will receive work-related certifications like first aid/CPR, fall arrest, power hand tool safety, worker safety awareness, infection prevention and control, workplace violence and harassment prevention, and clean sweep. Upon successful completion, students will receive an OSSD and custodial training services certificate.

In addition to graduating as a trained custodial worker, each graduate will be interviewed for a custodial position with NNDSB.

For details about the virtual and in-person sessions, see this program poster.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett

Communications Officer

Near North District School Board

1. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
2. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

Potential closure of NNDSB schools and board offices    

Due to the significant inclement weather forecast for the next 24 hours, there is the potential that some NNDSB schools and NNDSB board offices may be closed on Friday, Dec. 23.

NNDSB staff will continue to monitor the weather so please keep an eye on board communication and be prepared for cancellations and/or closures.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Game On! Unique fundraiser supports accessible playground at NNDSB school

Land of Lakes Public School in Burk’s Falls wants all gamers to put their thumbs to good use for a great cause. The school is participating in a unique fundraiser to support the purchase of accessible playground items including a wheelchair swing.

Fundraisers like this are an important tool to help support schools’ efforts to acquire additional equipment for its students.

In partnership with the I Have Resolve Foundation and Wawos charity, Land of Lakes is inviting gamers of all ages and abilities to participate in the Gaming for a Cause video game marathon on Dec. 27.

Entrants can play the video game of their choice and will sign up for 6-, 12- or 18-hour marathon gaming sessions. Participants then collect pledges and donations in support of Land of Lakes’ accessible playground equipment. Students can even earn volunteer hours for their gaming time!

Marathon entrants are invited to form teams to help them stay in the game for the long haul and donors who pledge more than $25 are eligible for a tax receipt.

Visit the Wawos Gaming for a Cause website to sign up, donate, and for more information.

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For more information, please contact:

Brett Hanson

Communications Coordinator

Near North District School Board

1. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
2. Brett.Hanson@nearnorthschools.ca

Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Board Highlights – Dec. 13, 2022 Meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022.

Targeted tutoring supports announced

NNDSB unveiled its tutoring supports programs that are funded through the Ministry of Education’s Plan to Catch Up. Three approaches have been developed that prioritize math, literacy and other foundational learning skills.

Students in NNDSB have access to before- and after-school tutoring, LEARNstyle corrective reading program and small group tutoring that takes place during the school day. More details may be found in this media release.

Enrolment tops 10,000 students

The number of students attending NNDSB schools has topped 10,000 students, higher than pre-pandemic enrolment levels.

Preliminary projections for the 2023-2024 school year indicate the board will see 10,086 students, up from 10,010 this school year. Enrolment dipped a little in 2019 and 2020, then increased in 2021 and 2022.

Improvements made to school trip guidelines

The administrative guideline that oversees the organization of school trips has been improved, with updates regarding the building of quinzees and increased safety measures regarding swimming and water safety.

An extensive package of information, including the safety guidelines, waivers and preparation needed for school outings and activities was included in the Board agenda package.

The update includes a principal/superintendent information and approval form, used to ensure that all safety precautions and Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA) guidelines are in place.

This administrative guideline was one of three presented to the Board following a 30-day public consultation process. This process demonstrates the board’s commitment to excellence in communication. Once the public has the opportunity to provide input, staff bring them forward as information items to trustees.

Director provides lengthy report

Director of Education Craig Myles provides a lengthy report to the Board, including students’ participation in various awareness weeks and information sessions provided to NNSDB families.

Students participated in Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. The Director relayed that students engage in various activities and educators are provided  resources to create safer spaces for all students. In tandem with the week, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) hosted a webinar about avoiding online sexual exploitation of children. The board’s Parent Involvement Committee hosted Part 1 of its speaker series with an overview of NNDSB’s mental health supports including the SNAP Schools pilot.

The teacher/coach of the hockey skills program that is running in Parry Sound has been working with a teacher coach in Mattawa. The program is to expand there in 2023.

Data that supports positive movement in the area of the board’s multi-year strategic plan (MYSP) in the area of excellence in teaching and learning include that more than 260 staff have completed or are nearing completion of the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation cultural competency training course that has been offered to all staff. Additionally, the board has positioned itself well to address the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read report. The board has taken a proactive approach to systemic learning, with significant investment made in evidence-based reading assessments and instructional resources.

Two new administrative guidelines are posted on the website for public consultation. The first is about gender identity and gender expression, the second is about Theatre Outreach on Stage (TOROS).

Post-consolidation renaming of Chippewa

Trustees received a report about the next phase of the 3:2 consolidation of secondary schools in North Bay, which involves renaming and rebranding.

There is an equity issue that is putting a priority on the renaming and rebranding of Chippewa Secondary School. It has been understood that the former Chippewa mascot is no longer appropriate, yet the school community needs an identity and mascot.

Next steps will follow NNDSB’s administrative guideline on school openings, closures and consolidations; the Director of Education through the Superintendent of Education will establish a naming committee and make a recommendation of a new name.

Multi-year strategic plan update provided

An update from the MYSP committee was included in the agenda package. The committee met Dec. 1, its first since the new Board took office. The update provided data to support program in relation to the four pillars of the MYSP with further information forthcoming next money as part of the committee’s semi-annual report.

Indicators of excellence in teaching and learning include that 2,364 assessments of SK to Grade 2 students for reading have been completed, 91 per cent of Grade 9 students in NNDSB are on track to earn their Grade 9 English credit and 86 per cent of Grade 9 students are on track to earn their Grade 9 math credit.

Indicators of excellence in innovation include 100 per cent employment rate and 33 per cent expansion of the personal support worker (PSW) program, exploration for three more schools across the region to participate in the new hockey skills program, EMHWare program to better track mental health referrals and expanded use of reading and math digital screening tools and learning supports.

Indicators of excellence in relationships include five new partnerships and eight new programs with built-in partnerships including childcare programs, Unlearning Bias and newcomer welcoming.

Indicators of excellence in communication include that NNDSB had 41 good news stories in local and national media outlets since Sept. 1 and a significant increase in page views and engagement on the board’s website and social media platforms.

Update about steps since shaptotuan vandalized

Following an October notice of motion and resolution, a report was presented to trustees that outlined the steps that have been taken since the shaptotuan was vandalized at Parry Sound High School (PSHS) last spring.

Administration is committed to building relationships with First Nation communities.

Since the vandalism occurred, a healing circle has been held and a Knowledge Keeper led a sharing circle for students affected by the vandalism. Actions to support Indigenous student well-being include: the creation of a principal of student achievement and well-being position with an Indigenous education portfolio; a mandatory Grade 11 course, Understanding Contemporary First Nation, Métis and Inuit Voices, was implemented board-wide; a new Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in arts and culture with an Indigenous studies focus was offered at PSHS; equity lead were implemented in all schools; the Indigenous Youth Circle gathered in person to talk about priorities of its members and a second Indigenous Education Lead Teacher Coordinator was hired.

On-going plans include the provision of culturally safe/appropriate spaces for Indigenous students at PSHS; encouraging youth voice; weekly drop-in sessions for secondary teachers with Indigenous Leads, continued development and nurturing of community partners, the hiring of a west region Indigenous Student Support. Worker and the development of several Indigenous Education administrative guidelines including cultural protocols, Indigenous language and appropriation.

National anthem notice of motion voted down

Trustee Jeanie Fuscaldo filed a notice of motion that requested the playing of the national anthem before all Board meetings. The motion was seconded by Trustee Louise Sargent, which allowed the topic to proceed to discussion.

Trustee Fuscaldo said the national anthem expresses pride in the heritage of people who settled and built Canada, and thought it was an expression of unity. Indigenous Trustee Ashley Ste. Pierre said she was taken aback when she saw the notice of motion; from an Indigenous perspective, the national anthem represents cultural genocide and the requirement that Indigenous people assimilate to what the settlers wanted. She added that playing the national anthem is not the way for the board to move forward, in truth and reconciliation. Indigenous Education Lead Amanda Mathias Mizzi said it may be unifying from a Canadian perspective but fails to acknowledge the nation-to-nation relationship between Canada and First Nations. Director Myles noted that part of his job was to protect NNDSB from being brought into disrepute, and asked trustees to consider the ramifications of their decisions. He said there are ripple effects, including how the decision would be seen by Indigenous students and staff.

After emotional discussion, the question was called, and the motion was voted down.

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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.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett (she/her)

Communications Officer

Near North District School Board

1. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
2. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

 Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022 

West Ferris and E.T. Carmichael team up to build 21st century skills 

West Ferris students mentored their younger peers at E.T. Carmichael Public School for STEAM Day. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) is a cross-curricular and cross-panel program with a focus on project-based learning using a variety of computer-based technologies. 

West Ferris is an Apple Distinguished School, and part of the STEAM program curriculum focuses on running outreach events in-house, and at other schools in the local educational community and across the province. 

About 90 STEAM students in Grades 9 and 10 and select senior STEAM students from the Grade 11/12 iCoach course led E.T. Carmichael students in workshops focusing on integrating science, English, math and art with video production, robotics and coding and help to promote 21st-century digital literacy skills. 

The iCoach course is designed to leverage the knowledge and skills that STEAM students have cultivated during Grades 9 and 10. Students enrolled in this course help to support the educational community by preparing and facilitating educational technology-related workshops, assisting teachers in planning lessons, and helping students to improve their use of educational technology to enhance their learning. 

Brent Yacoback, STEAM Coordinator at West Ferris said, “Outreach events like this help our students to hone their leadership skills while demonstrating their mastery of educational technology. This also gives our students the opportunity to give back to the greater educational community and spread awareness of the importance of learning 21st-century digital literacy skills, like learning to code.” 

One of the workshops had E.T. Carmichael students learning a new coding app called Swift Playgrounds. Students started by learning the various functions of the app and progressed to creating characters, instructions and functions with a partner. Finally, students using their coding knowledge to progress their character through a 3D world. 

Grade 6 student Trey said, “I liked it, it was really fun. We used strips of paper with commands and put them in an order for our sculpture to follow on the map we had.” 

Nichole, also in Grade 6 said “We used Swift Playgrounds and made the character teleport and move to the other side of the map to get the crystal. I thought the 

STEAM students made the lesson more fun. I forgot I was learning to code it was so fun.” 

The Grade 4/5 class participated in an art/technology project using stop motion animation. The project introduced students to an early film concept that is still used today. Students created their own plasticine or LEGO characters and pieces and a stop motion set. They then used the characters and set to create and film their own storyline. 

Grade 4/5 student Floyd said, “Doing stop motion with the STEAM students was a lot of fun. We used the iPad to take pictures and the computer to turn those pictures into a movie. Our movie was about saving animals with our superhero.” 

“As a part of the modernizing of the science curriculum, where STEM is emphasized, we actively look for these opportunities to bring enriching experiences to our students here at E.T. Carmichael,” said Principal Jamey Byers. “Developing student 21st century literacy skills, including coding, which I would consider is a means of approaching mathematics across all areas of the curriculum, is also at the forefront of the outreach event. Coding provides students with immediate feedback, is often hands-on, and can be tailored to students’ interests. All of what is being done with this event helps with aligning our goals from school to board to ministry. We are lucky to have this event here for our students and staff, I know the West Ferris STEAM staff have worked hard to organize it.” 

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For more information, please contact: 

Brett Hanson 

Communications Coordinator 

Near North District School Board 

(705) 472-8170, extension 5083 

Brett.Hanson@nearnorthschools.ca 

Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

Process begins to rename Chippewa Secondary School

Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) approved the initiation of the next phase of the 3:2 North Bay consolidation – the renaming and rebranding of Chippewa Secondary School.

Chippewa will begin the process in order to address the social justice and equity challenges associated with the current name.

Current students and staff understand that the school was named without consultation with or consideration for the Indigenous community. The renaming and rebranding process is not intended to erase the school’s history but to face it and do better in the future.

The Raider mascot has led to students feeling undervalued and underrepresented and has not been used for several years, leaving the school without a mascot or identity. At a recent school council meeting, members agreed that the conversation about a new name and mascot is in order.

Board Chair Erika Lougheed notes that prioritizing Chippewa for renaming and rebranding indicates that NNDSB understands the issue and is working to remedy a situation that has been difficult for generations of Indigenous students and staff.

NNDSB’s Indigenous Lead has advised that they will assist in the valued community engagement to move forward in a positive way.

Director of Education Craig Myles says the process demonstrates the board’s commitment to truth and reconciliation. He hopes that the process will entail meaningful discussion that acknowledges the past and forges a positive road forward.

Following the approval of the motion Myles, through the Superintendent of Education, will establish a naming committee. Stakeholders and rightsholders will have the opportunity to provide input, and the committee will eventually recommend a new name to the Board of Trustees. The report may be found here.

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Deb Bartlett

Communications Officer

Near North District School Board

(705) 472-8170, extension 5010

Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

For Immediate Release 

 Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 

Write about what you know; Silver Birches students use own stories to learn about storytelling, public speaking 

“Literacy is everywhere” is the lesson that Silver Birches Grade 6 teacher Shannon Falconi hopes students learn. As part of a recent six-week learning cycle, Falconi’s students have been learning the building blocks of good storytelling by writing personal narratives.  

After learning about the features of a short story: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution, students were tasked with writing a true event that happened to them that they could confidently share as a personal read-aloud with their class and other members of the Silver Birches community.  

“Powerful stories make for engaging and exciting read-alouds; the students’ goal was to hook and engage the reader using descriptive details to help visualize what was being read based on a true story about a problem they faced and how they persevered,” Falconi said.  

From a teacher’s perspective, this also helped Falconi build a rapport with students by understanding what their interests and hobbies were. It gives insight into how to engage students in their own learning, and selecting reading, writing, and speaking activities that interest them. 

“I was so proud to see the growth within the six weeks. They really showed their progress in becoming great authors,” Falconi said. Among the titles were The Day I Hit a Stop Sign, Weight-Lifting Challenge Leading to a Toe Injury, My Bike Accident and The Day My Friends Played a Trick on Me.  

The Grade 6 students were asked to share their stories at an “Open Mic for the Spartan Writing Wizards” event. This provided students with the opportunity to be proud of their writing and see themselves as growing authors.  

“We discussed their strengths and next steps as authors together as a class. This helped students learn from each other, be inspired, and accept constructive feedback with growth at the heart of it all,” Falconi said. “I’m certain that in the months to come, they will continue to grow and develop their literacy skills.”  

Falconi was impressed with all the narratives but one that stood out was entitled A Bad Day at the Pool about a student’s experience at a water park with their family. The student stayed in a hot tub too long, against their parents’ wishes, and began feeling unwell. The student then needed to cool down next to an air conditioner for several hours, all the while being comforted by the family cat. After relaxing and cuddling their cat, they felt so much better.  

The student went on to say, “I truly believe that Austin my cat healed me and that he really is a magical cat. Sadly, he passed away…but I know that he will always be in my heart and soul, healing me spiritually.”  Falconi said she thought that was an insightful perspective and a great way to conclude the narrative.  

Falconi wants students to learn that literacy and public speaking are applicable to the real world. Students will use public speaking skills in presenting their ideas in groups or discussions, in job interviews and advocating for their own unique needs and rights within their learning environment and community.  

“Having strong verbal communication skills will help the youth connect with others, improving their self-esteem and demonstrating their knowledge and expertise,” Falconi said. “Being literate will help these students achieve great success in their future; especially once they learn how it’s applicable to their lives and helpful in allowing them to be productive and contributing members of society.” 

Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) is built around the focus on student achievement and well-being. To evaluate progress, staff are working in six-week cycles of planning, acting, observing and reflecting. This process will ensure that student achievement and well-being remain the focus of work at NNDSB.  

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Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

NNDSB students mine science knowledge in workshop

“We got to look at cool rocks!” is just one of the highlights for Grade 4 students at M.T. Davidson Public School who participated in the recent Mining Matters virtual workshop.

Mining Matters is a charitable organization dedicated to educating young people to develop knowledge and awareness of Earth sciences, the minerals industry and their roles in society. In partnership with the Canadian Institute for Mining (CIM), Near North District School Board (NNDSB) and other area school boards, the workshop was delivered to 30 NNDSB classrooms and more than 580 students.

During the workshop, students learned about rocks, minerals, metals, mining and the diverse career opportunities available in the mining industry. The class was also provided with kits which included activity books, rock and mineral samples and a penlight to explore the unique features and transparencies of the different rock types.

Grade 4 teacher Maggie Preston-Coles said her class will continue to use the Mining Matters kits as they further explore rocks, minerals, and geological processes, as well as Earth and space systems as part of the science curriculum.

“The workshop was an excellent ‘hook’ to engage the students and introduce the topic of rocks and minerals. It’s important to study this subject matter because of the environmental considerations that we all need to be aware of and responsible for,” Preston-Coles said. “People of all ages need to know how they can conserve energy and care for the environment. We all need to know how serious the climate change crisis is and that we still have time to do something about it.”

Mark Wagner, incoming chair of the Northern Gateway branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining attended the workshop in the M.T. Davidson classroom.

“The Mining Matters program is something that CIM has been sponsoring for several years. It’s something that originated in the Northern Gateway branch, we were the first ones to participate in this sort of event,” Wagner said.

Wagner pointed out that there is a skills shortage in the mining industry. These types of events help to get young people exposed to the opportunities available in mining and helps to close the labour gap.

“There are so many different opportunities available in mining, from automation to geology, mining engineering and metallurgical engineering. There are over 60 mining suppliers in the North Bay area and it’s a huge economic force for the city and the region,” Wagner said.

The Grade 4 students had a great time learning about the importance of natural resources and mining. When asked what they liked about the workshop, one student said it was “good to learn about future occupations and how we use natural resources in so many products in our everyday lives.”

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For more information, please contact:

Brett Hanson
Communications Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Brett.Hanson@nearnorthschools.ca

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Friday, Nov. 18, 2022

Battalion players join NNDSB’s anti-bullying team

North Bay Battalion players are working with Near North District School Board (NNDSB) to create a video, lesson and activity that highlight the importance of using personal positive character traits to combat bullying. The video will support teachers in launching the conversation with their students and help children identify what their individual traits are, how those traits can be used to help others and how they support achieving their goals.

This initiative, Character Cards, is part of the board’s annual Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, Nov. 20-26. Content designed specifically for this week highlights various components of the Safe Schools Framework and incorporates lessons, resources and activities that challenge students to think about how their actions could help cultivate safety and inclusivity in their classrooms, schools and neighbourhood communities.

NNDSB sees the Battalion players as natural leaders who can help our students understand how their character traits can help them achieve their goals. Players are resilient, hardworking individuals who contribute to their team and their communities and demonstrate care and concern for others. We believe that these players are the ideal role models to support our students in identifying their own character traits and determining how they can put those traits to work to better their schools and their communities.

Players shared with the NNDSB team their own experiences about participating in bullying awareness and prevention programs.

Left winger Owen Van Steensel said that he’s happy schools are talking about bullying. He said that the Battalion talks about bullying and harassment and he feels these conversations create, “a really good environment and a safe space” for all players.

Defenceman Paul Christopoulos reiterated the importance of talking about bullying, sharing that Battalion coaches “bring in mental health and bullying awareness people to make us aware of how it affects your mental health. It’s important because it makes people aware that they have someone to talk to.”

Centre Dalyn Wakely believes all students should have access to an open line of communication to talk about bullying, whether with their teachers, friends or someone that they trust. Wakely’s advice to students who are being bullied is to “lean on the people that you trust and I’m sure they will help you.”

As part of Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, students will be creating their own hockey cards that outline their character traits and how they are helpful in having positive relationships. Battalion players will be visiting NNDSB schools starting with Alliance, Sunset Park and Vincent Massey. Players will be chatting with students about their character trait hockey cards.

Creating safe, welcoming and accepting learning environments in which all NNDSB students can thrive is of utmost importance to the board. NNDSB is thankful to the Battalion players for sharing their positive character traits with students and modelling positive contributions to communities. The Character Cards initiative exemplifies NNDSB’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning and excellence in relationships.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett

Communications Officer

Near North District School Board

1. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
2. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca