Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024

This is Me survey results help NNDSB ensure equitable student outcomes

Data collected in the This is Me student demographic survey will help Near North District School Board (NNDSB) to identify and address systemic barriers and determine responsive programming and learning supports for all students.

At the NNDSB Board meeting on Tuesday night, System Principal of Student Well-Being and Equity Lisa Lamoureux, Principal of Student Achievement and Well-Being Chris Walkling and Data Analyst and System Planner Frank Albeartie presented the results of the This is Me survey, conducted in the spring of 2023. The census collects voluntary demographic student data that is used to identify, monitor and address inequities with respect to student outcomes.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, NNDSB collects demographic data to help identify groups of students being underserved to ensure that programs, supports, strategies, policies and teaching practices may be developed and revised. The data is used to honour students’ voices and learn more about their school experiences to be responsive to their needs.

Parents/guardians of students in JK to Grade 6 were asked to complete the survey with their child. In this group, there were 1,760 responses. There were 1,088 responses from students in Grades 7 and 8, and 1,221 responses from students in Grades 9-12.

Next steps for NNDSB will be determining how to use this information to promote inclusive and equitable learning environments and programs. The board will continue to ensure there are culturally responsive and relevant resources to support student learning, and that programs, supports, anti-racism and gender identity education are available for all students. Staff are actively working to ensure appropriate programs and supports are available, including anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism education, and continue to foster partnerships with community organizations to provide support to all student groups.

Helping in this endeavour will be the Grade 7 and 8 mental health modules that became part of the curriculum in September 2023. This is the second year the board has had Equity Coaches in schools to support equity learning with students and staff. Professional development is provided to coaches throughout the school year.

Additionally, Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and Learning and Innovation Fund for Teachers (LIFT) funds are being used to support equity learning and initiatives at school.

After the presentation, Director of Education Craig Myles thanked the presenters and stated, “The collection and analysis of data such as this is imperative in order to further our goals within the multi-year strategic plan (MYSP).”

More details about the census results can be found in this report in the Board agenda package.

-30-

Friday, Dec. 15, 2023

Industry and education unite at Parry Sound High School showcase

Parry Sound High School (PSHS) is working on bridging the gap between industry partners and students while promoting the skilled trades as a career option.

Last year, PSHS hosted a construction and transportation dinner after the development of their construction and mining pecialist high skills major (SHSM) program. Members of various Parry Sound-area industries were invited to have a meal and discuss the school’s programs and how to move forward with industry support.

From this meeting the PSHS Tech and Trades Showcase was born. The event saw many industry representatives visit PSHS where they had the opportunity to tour the school’s construction, automotive and culinary arts classrooms and have discussions with teachers about skilled trades education and career pathways.

The tour was followed by an opportunity for industry partners to showcase their businesses directly to students.

“Students had the opportunity to talk directly to employers and view presentations that will inspire questions and develop opportunities for co-op placements, Ontario youth apprenticeship program (OYAP) training and future meaningful well-paying careers,” said Blair Cousins, hospitality and culinary arts teacher and technology team leader. “So often, opportunities are missed because people are not aware they are there. The more engaged our industry is with the school, the greater the opportunity our students have to explore potential prospects. We would like to follow the lead of the Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) multi-year strategic plan to continue create and grow community partnerships with our local Parry Sound-area stakeholders.”

Joel Constable, McDougall Township councillor and construction business owner said that young people have many different career avenues available to them and it’s important them to be aware of the rewarding opportunities available in the trades.

“Businesses are here for recruitment, to encourage students to look at their industries at that critical time when young people are starting to make choices. I see one of the biggest benefits of the showcase is getting students into summer jobs. To get them exposed to the industry and hopefully encourage them to pursue it. It’s an easy way to try something out. They will get to make some money, but also the get the experience of being there and seeing what the future potential is.”

NNDSB Trustee Jeanie Fuscaldo, who helped to facilitate the Tech and Trades Showcase, said that there has been a decline in skilled tradespeople across all sectors that has been rapidly increasing over the past decade.

“One of our guest attendees said it best ‘10 years ago you would be coming to us for a job, today we find ourselves in a position where we are competing to hire and retain you, the employees.’ By providing our students with information and direction about a variety of pathways into the trades, we’re helping remove barriers and open doors they may not have known existed. These pathways keep our students engaged in their education and build a solid foundation for their future goals,” Fuscaldo said.

Cousins described the showcase as a ‘second step’ in a program of engagement in the trades which will grow to include students a young as Grade 7. Future steps include giving younger students the opportunity to attend trades showcases, a greater focus on construction, green energy, technology and workplace safety and the growth of Skills Ontario competitions to extend to students in Grades 7 and 8 in Parry Sound and eventually across NNDSB.

“NNDSB has been proactively supporting our tech and trade programs, which allows us have partnerships with local businesses in the Parry Sound region,” Fuscaldo said. “Together we will be able to create unique opportunities for mentorship, training, apprenticeships, and employment, all of which support the needs of our students and families and contribute to our healthy, vibrant communities for generations.”

-30-

Friday, Dec. 15, 2023

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.

Director shines spotlight on staff PD

In his report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles expressed his gratitude to people around the Board table and NNDSB staff for their work in the first part of the school year. He expressed his wishes for all to have a safe and happy holiday.

His report also explained some of the professional activities that educators participated in during their Nov. 24 PA day. Among the topics covered were a full-day workshop on de-streamed classes for Grade 9 educators, a Mining Matters workshop that included a tour of Redpath Mining to explore careers and training in the trades, an experiential learning event for guidance counsellors and intermediate teachers and a virtual workshop that engaged participants with resources that are authentic and respectful to Indigenous Peoples.

Chair congratulates committees on work

In her report to the Board, Chair Erika Lougheed thanked trustees for their on-going leadership and participation on committees. She noted that many committees have held their first meetings and have elected chairs, and will be reviewing committee terms of reference.

Lougheed also thanked staff for “making so many beautiful memories” for students. She said the activities that students are participating in are important for them and their families.

Projections indicate increased attendance next year

A report to the Board of Trustees showed that student enrolment at NNDSB has increased to a level not seen since the 2015-2016 school year.

As of Oct. 31, 2023, the board’s enrolment was 10,155 students, an increase of 145 students since October 2022, and showing that enrolment has rebounded since the low point of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.

Preliminary projections for the 2024-2025 school year are a total of 10,238 students.

Current enrolments are 7,017 students in the elementary panel and 3,138 in secondary.

Trustees approve draft auditor’s report

Trustee Shane Hall, who chairs the audit committee, reported on the draft audited consolidated financial statements, audited by KPMG, which outline the board’s financial position as Aug.  31, 2023.

NNDSB ended up with a surplus of just over $1.5 million, more than budgeted. This was because revenue was higher and expenses lower than budgeted for 2023.

The Board approved a recommendation from the audit committee to accept the draft audited consolidated financial statements. 

Finance Committee’s terms of reference modified

Trustees approved changes to the finance committee’s terms of reference. The changes include modifying the number of trustees from five to no less than two and no more than four trustees.

The committee will meet at least quarterly, but will schedule additional meetings as needed, and provide regular reports to the Board.

Student trustees update Board on school activities

Both of the student trustees presented reports to the Board.

Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson reported on the numerous activities taking place at each of the secondary schools. Students at Chippewa continue to hold beading workshops, are making ribbon skirts and shirts and hosted a social at lunch. Northern is also holding beading workshops, are making ribbon skirts and

shirts, celebrated Rock Your Mocs, and sent out cards to veterans on Remembrance Day. Students of F.J. McElligott attended the Indigenous Youth Circle (IYC) for the first time in November. They reported that they have had workshops, a speaker and a college fair program for Indigenous students. West Ferris runs weekly women’s drumming lessons, and are working on getting merchandise for the Indigenous centre. They want men’s drumming lessons at times that are more available to students. Parry Sound High School notes they have too many drummers and are planning to get drums for junior and senior students. Some Indigenous students began attending hunt camps within their communities and students are having Thursday lunches with First Nations communities. They are also fundraising for their upcoming powwow. The IYC is hoping that members will be able to visit elementary schools to show Indigenous representation and inspire youth to be leaders. IYC is hoping to host a round dance to be a potential learning opportunity. Indigenous Student Trustee Benson also reported that she would like IYC members to collected funds, toys, gifts, clothes and more to be sent to families in Northern remote communities in time for Christmas.

Student Trustee Dora Chen reported that students are busy with athletics programs across the board, including men’s volleyball teams from Chippewa and Almaguin Highlands who attended OFSSA. Student Trustee Chen reports that secondary schools have increased their outreach to feeder schools, with senior students acting as ambassadors. Students also participated in Noah Strong Day on Nov. 15. Anti-bullying and prevention week was marked with students wearing pink and sharing photos on the Student Senate Instagram account. Student Senators discussed a new well-being and mental health initiative, and discussed the creation of a monthly newsletter to be send to students across the board, focusing on well-being. Chen

also reported that the Career Pathway Education Initiative planned by Student Senate has begun. Chippewa Secondary School hosted a fair for students in Grades 10-12 to learn about post-secondary and career opportunities. West Ferris Secondary School had a resume-building workshop with students in collaboration with YES employment.

Trustees rescind renaming motion

Trustees voted to rescind the December 2022 motion in which the Board approved the renaming process at Chippewa Secondary School.

Trustee Louise Sargent filed the notice of motion in which she wanted the December 2022 decision pulled back. In explaining why she brought the motion forward, Trustee Sargent explained that “in order to have the discussions…we need to rescind the December 2022 motion.”

The motion, requiring the support of two-thirds of the Board, passed.

-30-

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.

Friday, Dec. 8, 2023

NNDSB teachers mining for student career opportunities

A group of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) and Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSCDSB) educators donned their hard hats and safety vests to get an eye-opening look into the world of mining at a recent professional development opportunity.

The initiative, in collaboration with The Canadian Ecology Centre and Mining Matters, saw educators tour Redpath Mining facilities in North Bay and engage in an earth science and mineral resources instructional development workshop. The goal of the day’s activities was to bring awareness about how vast the mining industry is and how it has direct impacts on local industry and employment opportunities. Educators will then pass this knowledge along to their students.

Lesley Hymers, manager of education and outreach programs with Mining Matters said, “There is a lack of awareness of modern mining and the wide range of careers that are available in the sector. Skilled trades are in high demand in the mining industry. There are many opportunities for youth in the near north to work where they live or work abroad, earn a good living, and enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.”

While touring Redpath facilities, educators were able to speak with many different tradespeople about their personal pathways to the industry and how they can encourage their students to explore the broad range of career opportunities the mining industry has to offer.

“There are more than 150 jobs in the mining industry including in the skilled trades, engineering, science and technology, construction, management, community and safety and environment and earth sciences,” Hymers said.

Kevin Baker, tech-ed instructor and mining specialist high skills major (SHSM) lead at Northern Secondary School, said he is interested in any opportunity to learn about career pathways for students.

“This particular opportunity focused on a leading industry in North Bay. Many people are unaware of how much mining is implanted in the North Bay area. Northern Secondary School began offering a SHSM program in mining two and a half years ago, and I am still learning about the mining industry and these opportunities present a bunch of new learnings,” Baker said.

Baker feels that getting out in the community and learning about local businesses is important.

“It provides opportunities to develop community partnerships, enables us to learn of their needs, and helps us present and create material that our students may apply to future employment opportunities,” Baker said. “I use what I learn from these opportunities to create projects and activities which enable students to develop skills our community needs.”

After touring two different Redpath sites, the group participated in a Mining Matters instructional development workshop. Here, they learned about the Mining Matters organization and the teacher training and school programs that are available. Educators also learned about the life cycle of a mine, undertook a geological mapping and data interpretation activity, participated in hands-on learning connecting minerals and elements to everyday products, and connecting job descriptions and training.

“The workshop was well received. Teachers have reached out to me directly seeking additional materials and resources and to deliver content to their students,” Hymers said. “Teachers will have access to a folder of electronic resources that will include a series of earth science and minerals resources hands-on learning activities and resources that they can implement in their classrooms.”

“Currently, our workforce is experiencing a shortage of skilled tradespeople. I was a licensed journeyperson myself for 30 years before moving into teaching,” Baker said. “One of the reasons I turned to this profession was to teach about the trades and help students develop some of the transferable skills skilled trades workers use daily. Not all students want to pursue post-secondary educational pathways. The skilled trades provide directions for these students.”

To learn more about specialist high skills majors and the trades pathways available to NNDSB students visit the Near North District School Board website.

-30-

Friday, Nov. 17, 2023

Parry Sound High School students to embark on a trip through history

A group of Parry Sound High School (PSHS) students and staff are preparing for a once in a lifetime trip to Italy next year.

Thirty-eight students and six staff will travel through history in Italy visiting important site in Western history and culture ranging from the Roman Empire, the Renaissance and the Second World War. The trip takes place from May 10-20, 2024.

The Second World War and the role of Canadian soldiers in the Italian campaign represents a significant part of the trip. One of the destinations students will visit is the site of the Battle of Ortana which was the most difficult battle for Canadians in Italy and saw more than 2,300 Canadian casualties.

The trip will also visit the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery. Each student researched the service file of a local WWII soldier killed, and then will visit the grave of that specific soldier in Moro River Cemetery.

PSHS history teacher Richard Lund said, “One of the most important aspects of our trip is remembrance. We want to honour the sacrifices made by more than a million Canadians who joined the military during WWII. When we visit Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, we will perform a last post ceremony, during which students will read the names of all the local veterans killed in WWII.”

As part of PSHS’s community remembrance project students are participating in a program called Homes of Heroes.

“Our Italy trip students have researched the 74 local veterans killed in WWII and have managed to find the addresses in town where 30 of them lived before the war,” Lund said. “Students are designing lawn signs to identify each of these veterans and where they lived. With the co-operation of property owners, our school intends to put up these lawn signs next November at each of the addresses where a WWII veteran lived. Our goal is to help people see personal connections between themselves and our local veterans.”

The trip has been financially supported through the generosity of community partners Rotary Club and Goodfellows Masonic Lodge, and a community remembrance project supported by Museum on Tower Hill, Town of Parry Sound, Downtown Business Association and Legion Branch 117.

Other fundraising contributions were made by 24 local Parry Sound businesses that donated to a silent auction which was held during a fundraising dinner last month at PSHS.

More than 200 guests attended the dinner at the PSHS cafeteria which was catered by hospitality teacher Blair Cousins and his students. The dinner and auctions raise over $6,500 to help offset the students’ trip costs.

In addition to the WWII sites, the trip will also visit the canal city of Venice and the famous Renaissance city of Florence. Students will get a first-hand look at ancient history when they visit the restored city of Pompeii which was famously destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The trip will conclude in the city of Rome where students will tour famous sites such as the Roman Forum, Coliseum and the Vatican.

“None of this could happen without community support and we have been blessed with a great deal of it since our first trip in 2012,” Lund said. “I am fortunate to be able to witness the remarkable, lasting, deeply positive impact these trips have on our students, in so many different ways. In fact, years later, students and parents tell us this, whenever we run into them in town.”

-30-

Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023

Erika Lougheed re-elected as Chair at NNDSB’s annual organizational meeting

The trustees of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) met Tuesday night for its annual organizational meeting.

Trustees re-elected Erika Lougheed (Zone 2) as their Chair and Indigenous Trustee Ashley St. Pierre was acclaimed as their Vice-Chair. They will serve for the second year of the Board’s four-year term. The 2022-2026 Board of Trustees is composed of these trustees.

Chair Lougheed was nominated by Trustee Shane Hall, who said he believes the Board needs consistency and continuity moving into the second year of its term. He said he has appreciated Chair Lougheed’s supportive and confident guidance in the past year, and noted that the relationships she has established with stakeholders, rightsholders, community groups and NNDSB staff are valuable.

Before the election, Trustee Lougheed said she would like to be able to help, now that the Board “knows the water we are swimming in.”

Chair Lougheed said she was honoured to be re-elected to the position by her fellow trustees. “This is a remarkable Board with so many passionate and talented trustees. I am proud to continue to lead this group into the second year of our term.”

Trustee Bill Steer nominated Indigenous Trustee St. Pierre, noting that she was a vocal advocate and he has witnessed her leadership.

Following her acclamation, Vice-Chair St. Pierre offered Trustee Steer a “big chi miigwetch” (thank you very much in Anishinaabemowin) for nominating her. She was encouraged by a knowledge keeper at Wasauksing First Nation to pursue becoming NNDSB’s Indigenous Trustee; now to be vice-chair “is a huge honour and I thank you for that and I hope I do it justice.”

Director of Education Craig Myles said, “We will continue to build on the momentum moving into the second year of the Board’s term. Having a returning Chair along with the fresh perspectives of a new Vice-Chair will benefit NNDSB as we continue to make progress in all areas of the multi-year strategic plan.”

He also thanked past Vice-Chair Howard Wesley for his work, acknowledging his stable and calm presence was valued at the Board table, and was an asset throughout his tenure.

Membership of trustees to the Board’s various committees was also determined and approved at last night’s meeting.

The regular Board meeting was held at 6:30 p.m., following the organizational meeting.

-30-