Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023.

Literacy supports outlined for trustees

Trustees were presented with a report that outlined NNDSB’s response to the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) Right to Read Report. Every month at the Board meeting, progress within an area of the multi-year strategic plan (MYSP) is highlighted; last night Excellence in Teaching and Learning was highlighted, with an emphasis on literacy.

Trustees heard that before the OHRC’s report release, a central team of program and special education staff worked to identify key priorities, actions and performance measures that have informed the plan to support improved literacy outcomes for all students. Key objectives include engaging staff in professional learning, initiating strategic investments in literacy resources, providing evidence-based assessment tools and implementing timely and effective literacy intervention programs.

Read more in this media release.

Director’s report highlights program successes

Director of Education Craig Myles’ report highlighted key pathway initiatives being implemented at the Laurentian Learning Centre. The personal support worker (PSW) program is now in its second session, with 34 graduates expected from the Parry Sound, North Bay and Mattawa classes. There will be a third session in Parry Sound. To date, 100 per cent of grads have been offered employment.

Information sessions are now being held for the new custodial services training program, scheduled to begin in March. This program, like the PSW program, aims to fill community needs for trained custodial workers. The program is for adults 18 years or older, who either have or are working toward their secondary school diploma.

These programs illustrate NNDSB’s commitment to Excellence in Teaching and Learning and Excellence in Innovation by helping people gain skills and knowledge that will also fill labour gaps in our communities.

TOROS administrative guideline received

After months of work from the ad-hoc Theatre Outreach on Stage (TOROS) committee, trustees received a report that included the administrative guideline for the program.

TOROS was on hold for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic and is being restarted this spring and summer.

The report outlines that the guideline may require updating once the program is started.

Administrative guidelines can be found on the board’s website.

Gender identity, expression admin guideline received

Trustees received the board’s gender identity and gender expression administrative guideline at its meeting. The document will help ensure that all members of the educational community are provided with a safe and respectful place at school.

The guideline recognizes there are gender-diverse people who may request accommodation on the part of a school and/or board, including how students are addressed in records, washroom access, dress code, sports and extracurricular activities, change rooms and student support and advocacy.

The Ontario Human Rights Code outlines equal rights and opportunities and freedom from discrimination for all persons in the delivery of educational services. The administrative guideline will help NNDSB staff implement appropriate accommodation solutions.

Trustees approve 2023-2024 school year calendar

Trustees approved the 2023-2024 school year calendar following public consultation about the date of a board holiday. The public was able to provide feedback on whether a board holiday took place on the Friday before the start of March Break, or at the end of the school year.

More families indicated they wanted the day to take place on Friday, March 8.

The 2023-2024 school year calendar was planned in collaboration among the district’s four co-terminus school boards.

Although the Board has approved the calendar, it still needs to be approved by the Ministry of Education. Once it is approved, it will be posted on the NNDSB website.

Festival of the Sound to receive Trustee Initiative funds

Festival of the Sound successfully applied for $20,000 from the NNDSB Trustee Initiative Fund, which supports organizations and projects that include students from across the board.

Festival of the Sound is a world-renowned chamber and classical music festival in Parry Sound. It takes place over three weeks with dozens of concerts. Last fall, elementary students in Parry Sound collaborated with artists in an experience that inspired creativity through music. This year, the Festival of the Sound would like to grow its partnership with the board by offering performances of Sounding Thunder: The Song of Francis Pegahmagabow to intermediate and senior division students in all regions of NNDSB.

The funding application notes that more than 1,000 students from across the district will be attending the production, which enriches students’ understanding of Indigenous history, culture, perspectives and worldviews.

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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.

The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for March 28, 2023.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
(705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

Staff outline proactive plans that support student literacy

Trustees received a report at last night’s Board meeting that outlined Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) response to the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) Right to Read Report.

Every month at the Board meeting, achievement in an area of the multi-year strategic plan (MYSP) is highlighted; last night Excellence in Teaching and Learning was highlighted, with an emphasis on literacy.

Trustees heard that prior to the OHRC’s report release, a central team of NNDSB program and special education staff worked to identify key priorities, actions and performance measures that have informed the plan to support improved literacy outcomes for all students. Key objectives include engaging staff in professional learning, initiating strategic investments in literacy resources, providing evidence-based assessment tools and implementing timely and effective literacy intervention programs.

Board Chair Erika Lougheed was excited to hear about all the initiatives that are benefitting NNDSB students. “It’s reassuring to know that staff are proactively seeking out resources designed to help educators help students,” she said. “The fact that staff are working ahead of Ministry of Education deadlines shows the commitment of this team to student achievement.”

Professional learning activities focus on instruction in five key components of reading instruction including phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. NNDSB educators attended webinars that have since been viewed more than 1,500 times. NNDSB also hosted a two-day summer learning literacy institute before the start of the current school year. Four full-time school-based literacy facilitators have been hired to facilitate professional learning related to evidence-based literacy instruction and intervention.

NNDSB has invested in pilot projects to explore and evaluate reading assessments. As a result, Acadience K-6 Reading was purchased to support evidence-based assessments in all schools and classrooms. During the fall of the 2022-2023 school year, 2,364 assessments were administered; this is in preparation for the Ministry of Education’s expectation that all students in year 2 of Kindergarten through Grade 2 will be screened for reading twice a year, beginning in 2023-2024.

The board has also made significant investments in instructional tools and resources that align with Ministry of Education priorities and OHRC recommendations. Among the resources purchased was the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum for each classroom in K-2. The resource focuses on eight phonemic awareness skills and additional activities to develop letter and sound recognition and language awareness. Primary classrooms have access to Flyleaf Publishing resources, including research-based instructional materials and books for beginning and struggling readers. There is also a phonics program available in all schools to be used for core instruction in the primary grades or for intervention with struggling students in any grade.

Research suggests that children who may be at risk for reading failure can learn to read if identified early and provided with systematic, explicit, and intensive instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension strategies. In addition to the resources mentioned, NNDSB has purchased technology-enabled literacy tools to support students in Grades 6-12.

Emerging readers in Grades 9 and 10 have been provided virtual tutoring support through one-on-one sessions with reading intervention coaches, and 63 teacher tutors have been hired to support before and after-school literacy and math programs. During Term 1 of this school year, more than 1,000 literacy-focused sessions were delivered to students across the board.

Board Vice-Chair Howard Wesley was complimentary of the program and special education teams’ efforts to equip staff with evidence-based tools that support the Ministry’s Plan to Catch Up. “I’m grateful to the team for its forward-thinking approaches that identify and support students who might need a little more help in the area of literacy. This report outlines to our families the work that goes on in classrooms every day to support our students,” said Vice-Chair Wesley.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
(705) 472-8170, extension 5010
Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

Board invites community to help name newest North Bay elementary school

A school naming committee has been formed by Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) Board of Trustees to support a process that invites suggested names for the new elementary school in North Bay. The committee is seeking input from members of the Near North community, including students, school councils, staff, community partners and local organizations.

Slated to open in September 2023, the new elementary school will be located at 790 Norman Ave. in North Bay and will accommodate Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 students. It will be home to the Grade 5/6 Extended French Program. As a result of the consolidation of three schools, students from E.W. Norman and E.T. Carmichael will attend the new build at the former W.J. Fricker school site.

Based on feedback received from all stakeholders, the committee will bring a recommendation of up to three names forward to the Board for consideration. NNDSB trustees, as elected representatives of their communities, shall approve the official name of the new school.

This is the first step in the process to engage the Near North community. Once submissions have been received by the deadline of Feb. 27, the committee will reconvene to shortlist the submissions using predetermined criteria as outlined in the administrative guideline School Openings, Closures & Consolidations. Further community consultation will follow.

Individuals or groups are invited to help name the new school in accordance with the following guidelines:

• the street on which the facility is located;
• the area which the facility serves;
• a geographical feature specific to Near North District School Board;
• wording that is supportive of the Board’s mission, vision and Multi-Year Strategic Plan, meets the best interests of the school’s students and is culturally responsive to the community.

Submissions should include reasoning for the name, background or history of the suggested name, and the submitter’s name, address, and email address. Please use this link to enter your submission. Submissions can also be dropped off in writing by 4 p.m. Feb. 27, 2023 to the attention of The New North Bay Public School Naming Committee, Near North District School Board Office, 963 Airport Rd., North Bay, ON.

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For more information contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
(705) 472-8170, extension 5010
Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

 

Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

Committee outlines details about new Parry Sound school

Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) Parry Sound Build Committee outlined details of the new school being built in Parry Sound. At its meeting this afternoon, the board’s capital projects manager, Marianne Speirs, provided details of the JK-12 school

Committee members approved an update to the community feedback report and that the site and floor plans of the new build are posted on the board’s website. Once prepared, these items will be found on the Parry Sound build page of the board’s website.

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For more information, please contact: 

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
(705) 472-8170, extension 5010
Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

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