Near North District School Board

Fun with Coding and Robots

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Students at Sundridge Centennial Public School had a visit from Justin Hawn, Near North District School Board’s technology-enabled learning and teaching coordinator, on Thursday, Jan. 15.

Hawn ran coding workshops with the Grade 4/5, Grade 5/6 and Grade 6/7 classes. Students had the opportunity to engage in a hands-on, technology-based learning experience using programmable Spheros robots, while developing their mathematics, coding and problem-solving skills.

This is another example of excellence in innovation and excellence in teaching and learning, as NNDSB focuses on student achievement and well-being.

two students work on coding while being supervised

 

Silver Birches students shine in Beaver Computing Challenge

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Students from Silver Birches Elementary School in North Bay participated in the University of Waterloo’s Beaver Computing Challenge with some outstanding results.

Grade 4/5 teacher Mr. Arbiter writes that the Beaver Computing Challenge is a national contest that introduces students to computational thinking and problem-solving. The challenge is designed to spark interest in computer science by presenting engaging, logic-based challenges that required creativity and analytical skills.

Several Silver Birches students achieved Distinction, placing in the top 25 per cent of all participants across Canada.

The hard work and dedication of Silver Birches students have paid off, says Mr. Arbiter, noting that students demonstrated exceptional and growing problem-solving abilities. Congratulations to these students! We celebrate your achievement and look forward to seeing continued success in future STEM opportunities, including next year’s contest.

Contract for construction of Parry Sound JK-12 school terminated

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Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

Dear NNDSB Families, Staff, Students, and Community Members,

Today, Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, in his capacity having control and charge over the administration of the affairs of the Near North District School Board (“NNDSB”) has directed the termination of the NNDSB’s contract with the general contractor for the new Parry Sound JK–12 School and Child Care Facility.

This decision followed an extensive period of review and engagement, including formal notices of default and opportunity for the contractor to resolve the outstanding concerns of NNDSB.

The notice of termination delivered earlier this morning referenced concerns with respect to:

  • The absence of a reliable and regularly updated construction schedule
  • The performance of work in accordance with the contract documents
  • The prompt correction of defective work and deficiencies
  • The registration of numerous construction liens against the project

After careful consideration, NNDSB has determined that continuing under the existing arrangement would place the project’s successful completion and timeline at risk.

As of today, NNDSB has regained full control of the project and is taking the necessary steps to ensure it is completed to the standard our community expects and deserves. This action was taken as a last resort and reflects the board’s responsibility to intervene when a major capital project is no longer on a reliable path forward.

NNDSB remains fully committed to delivering this state-of-the-art school safely and on target for opening in September 2026. We will secure a new general contractor and maintain close oversight of the project to support a smooth transition and minimize disruption.

Our focus is firmly on students and families, and on ensuring public resources are managed responsibly and in the best interests of the community.

Next Steps:

  • Current site safety protocols remain in place under NNDSB control.
  • Updates will follow as we transition to a new construction team.

Thank you for your patience and continued support. Our priority remains delivering a safe, modern learning environment where Parry Sound students can learn and thrive.

Parry Sound High School students return to class Monday

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Parry Sound High School students return to class Monday

It was announced at last night’s (Sept. 9) meeting of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) that the Town of Parry Sound has granted occupancy of Parry Sound High School to NNDSB.

Since then, the administration has been working with its partners to implement a plan for getting staff and students into classrooms.

We are pleased to share that the school will be ready to welcome students back to in-person learning on Monday, Sept. 15.

The transportation consortium has up-to-date busing information for all PSHS students on their BusPlanner Web Parent Portal. Details on how to access the portal can be found here. Please note that limited student parking is available in the student lot on Joseph Street.

Thank you for your patience as we worked through a number of challenges to ensure students can return safely to school. The administration and staff are very excited to welcome everyone back to the PSHS building on Monday.

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NNDSB updates contingency plan, moves PSHS to remote learning

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Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025

NNDSB updates contingency plan, moves PSHS to remote learning

After thoughtful consideration, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has decided to move Parry Sound High School (PSHS) to remote learning. Though the list of unresolved items at PSHS is small, administration made the decision in order to give staff, students and families time to prepare for a remote start to the school year.

This move to remote learning affects secondary students (Grades 9-12) at PSHS only. Students in Grades JK-6 will attend school at McDougall Public School, and students in Grades 7-8 who would have attended the new JK-12 school will attend school at Nobel Public School.

NNDSB will post an updated contingency plan and revise the JK-12 Parry Sound school page on Aug. 27 to reflect this information.

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Chair commits to strengthening governance practice

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Monday, Aug. 25, 2025        

Chair commits to strengthening governance practice

The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) Board of Trustees wishes to address recent events concerning the unfair treatment of NNDSB administration.

As trustees, our foremost responsibility is to serve students, families and our communities with integrity and respect. In this instance, our actions created uncertainty and concern among staff and the public. We recognize that the way in which this matter was handled did not reflect the standards of fairness, professionalism and collaboration that our communities expect of us.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we extend a sincere apology to our NNDSB administration, to all employees of NNDSB and to the public. We deeply regret the impact this has had on trust and confidence in the important work of our school system.

Moving forward, the Board is committed to strengthening our governance practices. Our collective focus remains on providing safe, supportive and high-quality learning environments for all students.

We thank our staff, students, families and communities for their continued dedication and support.

Ashley St. Pierre

Chair of NNDSB

NNDSB releases PS JK-12 school contingency plan

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Friday, Aug. 15, 2025       

NNDSB releases PS JK-12 school contingency plan

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has prepared and published a comprehensive contingency plan as it continues to respond to the delay in the completion of the JK-12 school in Parry Sound. The plan for parents, caregivers and students is now posted.

The board acknowledges that this delay and the resulting confusion have affected students and their families. The plan ensures student safety and well-being and the continuation of learning, which are of paramount importance.

Since the news of the delay was confirmed, NNDSB staff have been working diligently behind the scenes to create a contingency plan that meets the needs of not only its students and staff, but also the board’s partner organizations. A contingency plan of this magnitude involves a variety of the board’s departments, as well as outside organizations, which have many roles in ensuring safe learning environments for students and staff.

Because of its nature, the contingency plan is fluid, and at times, changes may need to be made. Changes may be communicated via the board, the school, and/or the webpage.

The plan and FAQs can be found on the board’s website, on this page.

NNDSB will release Parry Sound JK-12 school contingency plan for students and families on Aug. 15

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Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025

NNDSB will release Parry Sound JK-12 school contingency plan for students and families on Aug. 15

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has prepared and is implementing a comprehensive contingency plan as it continues to respond to the delays in the completion of the JK-12 school in Parry Sound. Staff are diligently working to prepare welcoming and appropriately resourced learning environments for students, and will be ready to welcome students to school Sept. 2, 2025.

The board acknowledges that these delays and resulting confusion have affected students, families and staff. The plan has been carefully designed to consider all aspects of student safety and well-being. It will be released on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.

The ongoing delays have resulted in a contingency plan that meets the needs of students, staff, families and board partner organizations. A contingency plan of this magnitude must consider all board departments and outside organizations which contribute to the success of NNDSB.

The contingency plan will remain fluid, and changes may be required at which time communication will be shared. Information will be included on the webpage, and we will endeavour to keep it updated.

Biindigen

Mii gwi Anishinabek wewena nkenmaaminak dependajig maa kiing.
"We acknowledge in a good way, the original people of the land here"
We value the cultures, histories and relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (North America)

Connect With Us

Near North District School Board
963 Airport Road, P.O. Box 3110, North Bay, ON P1B 8H1
[P] 705-472-8170   [TF] 1-800-278-4922   [F] 705-472-9927