Near North District School Board

Letter to Families – Seeking homestay families

By

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

YES Canada student exchange is seeking families to host international secondary school students from countries around the world who are scheduled to attend schools in the Near North District School Board this fall. We are welcoming students from Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, France and Japan for durations ranging from two months to the full school year.

Host families are responsible for providing three meals a day in a safe and nurturing environment. Host families are compensated with a monthly stipend of $500.

These international students have planned their study abroad program months in advance and are excited to learn more about the exchange country’s culture and language.

Students are required to comply with all Government of Canada and Public Health requirements during COVID-19 including any testing and quarantine requirements both prior to departure and upon arrival in Canada. Additionally, protocols and expectations regarding COVID-19 safety are provided to both the student and host family throughout the process – including prior to arrival and throughout the program. The YES Canada team are available to answer questions and provide information.

These exchanges are important as they connect individuals and cultures and remind us of the common interests, passions and goals. It is also a great way to establish life-long friendships and connections.

If you are interested in hosting an international secondary school student or would like to learn more about YES Canada’s homestay program, please contact scott@youthedservices.ca or call 416-623-6220 ext. 403.

To review program details, click here.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

 

Students from across Ontario join NNDSB in summer

By

Wednesday, July 23, 2021

Students from across Ontario join NNDSB in summer

For six weeks every summer, students from across Ontario come to the Canadian Ecology Centre in Mattawa and earn secondary school credits that are granted by the Near North District School Board (NNDSB). The partnership between the board and the Centre has been going for approximately 30 years and has seen thousands of students learn in the “School of Experiential Education” over the summer months. Students attend for a two-week session, earning a secondary school credit (in an in-residence setting) through experiential learning. Courses from Grade 9-12 in geography, science, biology, physics and kinesiology are offered each summer.

Laura Kielpinski is the Director of Operations and Education at the Centre. In a non-COVID year, the Centre would be running four high school courses concurrently, with 80-90 students attending for a two-week session. Because of COVID, the Centre is running at 50 per cent of capacity, and some of the courses are blended, with some online and some in-person.

Kielpinski says the summer credit courses connect outdoor learning to academics, enriching the learning experience for students, whose classroom is primarily the outdoors, located within Samuel d Champlain Provincial Park. For example, the Grade 11 biology students came to a cold-water stream and monitored how heart rates changed in cold water. Kielpinski says the Centre “inspires intrigue and inquiry in learning.”

The students live on-site, experiencing a camp-like environment with cabins, campfires and canoes. “Students live here, learn here, eat here, play here,” she says. The teachers that are hired for each two-week course are outstanding educators who can bring creativity to their students; they aren’t confined by buildings and time.

The Centre is usually full by the end of the calendar year for the next summer’s program, says Kielpinski. Some students come because they are “reach aheaders” – they want to get a credit under their belt early, enabling more flexibility for options the next school year. Others just learn better outdoors and away from books. Many students are surprised to learn there are no textbooks for courses at the Canadian Ecology Centre.

NNDSB’s secondary summer school principal Jamey Byers says, “We are grateful that we have such a long-standing relationship with the Canadian Ecology Centre; it benefits students in so many ways and is a great facility. The educators and staff there have passion for what they teach, and the students are the beneficiaries of that passion.”

The first week of the 2021 summer program saw two classes – Grade 9 geography and Grade 11 biology.

Maya Yemm and Taryn Wozney are Grade 9 students, attending the Centre for the first time. Maya attends Ashbury College in Ottawa, and Taryn is a student at West Ferris in North Bay.

Maya liked being outside in nature and found there was a lot of cooperation among students in the course, it was not independent study. She said that helped her understand her peers better. She also thought that seeing things – such as an aquifer – made the lessons more real.

Taryn liked that the course was hands-on, and not just delivered from textbooks. She would recommend the summer course for anyone who likes being outside, and not confined to a classroom. She took the summer course to give her more flexibility to take courses she was interested in when school resumes in September.

Students Sebastian Altamirano and Liam Ferrell are both heading to Grade 11 in September. They met this summer in the biology class at the Canadian Ecology Centre.

Sebastian says he has difficulty concentrating and going to school online “didn’t work. I was distracted.” This is his first year taking the summer course and he loves going to school in the outdoor setting, where the class moves around a lot. Although there was an adjustment period, he likes the fast pace of the day, and the learning.

This is Liam’s third summer at the Canadian Ecology Centre. He loves that his classes are enriched with nature, are creative and that his two weeks is a unique blend of school and camp.

Located several hours north of his London, ON home, Sebastian likes the environment that he has not seen before. The rocks and forests are different than what he’s used to, and he saw red squirrels and a black bear during his session at the Centre.

Liam likes taking his mandatory course in the summer which allows him to take the electives he wants at his secondary school in Milton.

Sebastian says the teachers at the Centre have helped him to learn about himself. Students complete journals in which they reflect on course material and their day and their experiences. He says he has learned much about himself and how he manages; his newfound self-awareness will serve him well as he can communicate to his teachers about how he learns best.

Liam says students will love coming to school at the Centre. He describes how lessons come to life when the learning takes place outdoors, and that the education is delivered in ways that can’t be in a typical classroom.

Students interested in pursuing summer credit courses should contact their secondary school guidance counsellors and or visit the Canadian Ecology Centre’s website for more details and upcoming courses.

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For more information, please contact:

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

Experiential learning offers value beyond the classroom

By

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Experiential learning offers value beyond the classroom

Experiential learning provides students the time and space to participate in the process of learning by engaging in real life situations via hands-on activities and reflection.

At Near North District School Board (NNDSB), it’s a process that is valued and that educators are encouraged to use. Students learn by doing and reflect on the experience. It builds on student curiosity and empowers them to drive their own learning and make meaning from the work they are doing.

Examples of this take place in all schools in NNDSB, frequently in the outdoors. One example of this multi-faceted learning is the paddle-making exercise that Grade 6 students at Mattawa District Public School experience every year. Students incorporate math lessons using fractions and measurement. They learn technology safety procedures (working with tools) and incorporate social studies and history, in learning the historical and contemporary contributions of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples.

The paddle-making exercise results in students graduating from the school with a custom, hand-made canoe paddle.

Pre-COVID, the exercise took place in the wood shop of F.J. McElligott Secondary School as a means of supporting the transition from elementary to intermediate school, which is in the secondary school building. Although the tradition was paused during COVID, the Outdoor Education Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students at F.J. McElligott look forward to once again teaching the Mattawa students how to use their paddles, the parts of canoe and boat safety. In the process of instructing the elementary students, in the annual paddle dip, the secondary students complete their practical canoeing exam.

This is one of the many ways learning and mentorship takes place in NNDSB schools every day.

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For more information, please contact:

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

 

 

Federal funding for schools’ energy improvement costs

By

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Federal funding for schools’ energy improvement costs

Funding through the federal government’s Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF) has paid for almost $300,000 worth of work that has been completed at two Near North District School Board (NNDSB) schools.

CAIF is designed to help school boards make energy efficiency improvements and retrofits that reduce energy use, costs and carbon pollution. The funding covered projects that were federally approved and already completed.

Funding covered the installation of a rooftop HVAC/ERV and controls at Chippewa Secondary School ($116,844), which will improve energy efficiency, and roof and insulation replacement at Mattawa District Public School ($175,060), which will reduce heat loss. The $291,904 investment in NNDSB schools will create cost savings for the board.

The work was completed in the fall of 2020, and the board, with the assistance of the Ministry of Education, applied for CAIF when the new funding was announced.

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For more information, please contact:

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

NNDSB initiatives enable students to be role models for younger students

By

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

NNDSB initiatives enable students to be role models for younger students

Traits like being generous, compassionate, cooperative and considerate aren’t just being talked about in Near North District School Board (NNDSB) schools, they’re being modelled. Staff carefully plan initiatives that are designed to build character and create role models in schools. The initiatives provide the opportunity for leadership by older students, while giving younger students people to look up to.

The projects that Parry Sound High School Construction Technology students made this year for their young peers at McDougall Public School are great examples of mutually beneficial activities. Mr. Buckland’s students made picnic tables and portable chalkboards that will be used this fall at McDougall Public School’s outdoor learning spaces. The portable boards can be used in any outdoor space and stored inside when not in use. They can be used at the new Parry Sound JK-12 school’s outdoor learning spaces in future.

These projects bring together many aspects of education that are important in NNDSB. In addition to the above-mentioned character building that takes place, the initiative at Parry Sound High School contributes to outdoor learning that schools in the district are fortunate to be able to provide, while at the same time creating role models of the secondary school students and very happy young learners.

The project involved a contribution from community partner Gray’s Paint & Flooring, that donated chalkboard paint and supplies.

These initiatives are subtle yet effective ways to help build character in students. By encouraging them to develop positive character traits, NNDSB staff enrich students’ lives outside of academics. These character traits help develop young adults, and give them a framework to make mindful, important decisions in life. They create a sense of community whereby our elementary students feel connected to the secondary school.

Other opportunities that are usually on the go in a non-COVID world include Iron Chef competitions for Grade 7 and 8 students hosted and mentored by the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Culinary Arts students and school-organized community pow wows, to which the five local First Nations are invited.

We look forward to the opportunities ahead.

For more information contact:

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

Invitation to Parry Sound build community presentation

By

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Invitation to Parry Sound build community presentation

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) would like to invite you to a community review of the new JK-12 school project on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 7 p.m. Together with NNDSB, The Ventin Group Architects (+VG) will be presenting an early look at the preliminary site plans and the new school’s conceptual floor plan layout.

Opening remarks will be offered by the Board of Trustees and senior administration before inviting Principal Architect, Paul Sapounzi, to review a presentation. The presentation will be approximately 30 minutes in duration, followed by an opportunity to address design-specific questions.

This is an exciting new school build for Parry Sound and surrounding areas. Please refer to the board’s website for the link to join the virtual presentation.

Information about Near North District School Board:

Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on Social media.

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

Letter to Families – Premier announces remote learning to continue

By

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Premier Doug Ford announced this afternoon that Ontario schools will remain closed to in-person learning for the remainder of this school year. Near North District School Board (NNDSB) students will continue to learn remotely until the end of the month.

While it is disappointing that staff and students won’t be able to see each other in person before the school year ends, the board looks forward to a return to face-to-face instruction.

If you have questions about your child’s learning, please reach out to their teacher.

NNDSB’s website features resources for families, including learning and mental health supports. The website, as well as the board’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, are updated regularly and are a great source of news and information for families.

We learned today that school boards are authorized, after consulting with public health units, to hold outdoor graduations. NNDSB will be reaching out to the health unit to discuss the possibility of outdoor graduations. If you have a student graduating, watch for communication from your child’s school regarding their graduation ceremony.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Letter to Families: Youth COVID-19 vaccine information

By

Friday, May 28, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit released information today regarding the safety and eligibility of COVID-19 vaccines for youth.

Health Canada has authorized the use of Pfizer-BioNTech has been authorized for use by youth 12 and older, and Ontario youths aged 12-17 are now eligible to register for vaccination.

Below are links and a brief description of the communication from the health unit.

Email to Parents – COVID-19 vaccine clinics for youth

Youth messaging – COVID-19 vaccine clinics for youth

Child and Youth COVID-19 fact sheet

Child and Youth COVID-19 poster

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Letter to Families: September 2021 decision

By

Friday, May 28, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In-Person Learning or Technology-Enabled Remote Learning:

an important choice for NNDSB families for the 2021-2022 school year

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) will be excited to welcome students and staff back to school in September 2021. The following information is important for families to review as you make the important decision about the mode of learning for your child(ren) for September.

This decision is for the entire year.

NNDSB believes in-person learning best supports most students, however, we recognize that given unique circumstances, some families may want their child to learn remotely. In line with guidance from the Ministry of Education, NNDSB is offering a technology-enabled remote learning option in September.

Please review the information below to make an informed decision.

IN-PERSON LEARNING

Below are details of in-person learning which is subject to change based on the advice and direction of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and/or the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Teachers in both streams will continue to be expected to maintain a virtual learning environment in order to support a transition to remote learning should the need arise or where individual students are required to isolate for a limited time.

Elementary in-person learning

In-person learning for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 will be modeled on current practice.

  • Students will continue to be cohorted by class and staff will rotate from class to class as the schedule demands.
  • There will be a continued focus on reducing the number of educator contacts who are delivering instruction to each homeroom/cohort.

Secondary in-person learning

In-person learning will begin with the current safety measures in place. As we move through the school year, we hope to be able to incrementally resume more regular activities and operations.

  • We plan to organize our secondary schools into octomesters for at least the first semester.

If you are choosing this option for your child(ren), you are not required to do anything. It will be assumed that you are choosing in-person learning.

TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED REMOTE LEARNING (TERL)

NNDSB will offer technology-enabled remote learning for students who wish to learn virtually. With more students returning to in-person classes, our ability to offer a similar breadth of programs as was offered during the 2020-2021 school year will be limited. Students will be registered with the remote learning school for the entire school year and will not be attached to their current home school.

The remote school may be attended synchronously (in real-time, interactive with teacher and class) or asynchronously (with daily check-in but work done independently) but no paper packages will be made available.

Technology-enabled remote learning – elementary school (TERL-ES)

The TERL-ES will offer the full-day kindergarten program, the English program, Native Studies Language and Core French. NNDSB cannot guarantee French Immersion or Extended French programming for TERL-ES, pending registration numbers and given the limited availability of qualified teachers.

  • Families wanting French Immersion or Extended French should select in-person learning.
  • Like this year, TERL-ES will include multi-grade combined classes.
  • Students enrolled in the TERL-ES will be registered with the TERL school and not attached to their current home school.
  • Where Internet access is not possible, parents may request a technology-enabled asynchronous program that makes use of the Learning Management System and multi-media resources.

Technology-enabled remote learning – secondary school (TERL-SS)

The TERL-SS will offer a limited selection of courses in each grade level in all program pathways. Secondary students have already completed course selections for next year and for students and families opting to attend TERL-SS, every effort will be made to offer courses that students require for their chose pathways to graduation.

  • If students have selected courses not available at TERL-SS, they will have the option to select from a catalogue of e-learning courses.
  • System and school-specialized programs will only be available through in-person learning.
  • The TERL-SS will follow the same calendar and daily schedule as in-person programming.

Special Education, specialized program classes and IEPs

Our experience this year has shown that in-person learning is the best format to support students with special education needs, particularly those in congregated classes and alternative educations programs. For this reason, in the 2021-2022 school year, congregated classes and alternative education programs will return in-person.

Other students with special education needs will continue to be supported with the necessary accommodations, modifications or alternative programs provided in their Individual Education Plan (IEP), whether their choice is for in-person or TERL.

If you are choosing this option for your child(ren) you must complete a remote learning program request formfor each student who will be assigned to the remote learning school for the 2021-2022 school year. Parents and guardians are asked to complete the form by end of day Sunday, June 6, 2021. We require time to ensure our schools and programs are resourced and staffed appropriately.

If you have questions, please see the Looking Ahead to 2021-22 page on NNDSB’s website. It contains a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section; parents and guardians who have questions that are not answered here are encouraged to leave their question, which will be answered on the page (thus increasing the FAQs which are available to all).

Thank you for helping us to prepare. We’re ready to welcome your children back to our safe, caring and inclusive classrooms in September 2021.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

 

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)

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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