Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

Board Highlights – September 2023 meeting

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

Student trustees take oath of office

Trustees welcomed the 2023-2024 student trustees to the Board at its meeting last night. Both student trustees attend Chippewa Secondary School.

Student Trustee Dora Chen says she ran for office because, “I believe students should have a say in their own education.” She has been a member of student council, a student senator and is the student representative on the Chippewa renaming committee.

Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson has a history of involvement at school and in the community. She wants to ensure Indigenous youth “feel comfortable and heard at school.”

Trustee Louise Sargent said the student trustee positions are valuable as they bring the viewpoints of students to the Board. She said she looked forward to working with Student Trustee Chen and Indigenous Student Trustee Benson. “The students are very fortunate to have you,” said Trustee Sargent. 

Strategic plan progress review

A comprehensive progress review of the multi-year strategic plan was presented to trustees in the agenda package. The review updates stakeholders on the work to date of the 2021-2026 plan, with a focus on the progress achieved in the 2022-2023 school year, and the goals for the 2023-2024 school year.

The update shows the board is in the recovery period and growth toward a change in culture and operational processes can be expected for another couple of years.

In his verbal report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles said the board must “stay the course with that plan on a constant, cyclical basis

The full progress review can be found here.

Committee meetings scheduled 

In addition to the committee-of-the-whole, there are several committees of the Board whose work helps to conduct business more effectively. The public is invited to attend public committee meetings.

As always, a calendar of upcoming meetings was included in the agenda package.

Upcoming public meetings include the audit committee on Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. and the special education advisory committee on Sept. 21 at 1 p.m.

Attendance details may be found on this page of the Board agenda.

Audit committee seeks community member

Trustee Shane Hall, Chair of the Audit Committee, mentioned in his report that the committee is looking to add a community member to the committee. This is a volunteer position.

For more information, please see the posting.

Two NNDSB schools are Eco champions

Two NNDSB schools were recognized with EcoSchools certification for environmental excellence this year.

Nobel Public School earned a platinum status for points achieved in alignment with eco-action and Silver Birches Elementary School earned gold status for points achieved in alignment with student well-being in the environment.

Participation in the EcoSchools program is just one way the NNDSB is furthering the goals of the multi-year strategic plan, particularly the pillars of excellence in teaching and learning and excellence in innovation.

Board meeting dates confirmed

The Board set the dates for its upcoming meetings.

The organizational meeting will be held Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. The Board chose to move the March meeting from the proposed date of March 12 to March 19 because the 12^th falls during March Break.

Virtual attendance will be facilitated via Zoom, and the meetings will be hosted in person from the North Bay Board room.

Trustees support SBO’s OSBIE nomination

Trustees voted in favour of supporting the nomination of NNDSB’s Superintendent of Business, Seija Van Haesendonck, to the board of directors of Ontario School Board Insurance Exchange (OSBIE) Northeast Region.

SBO Van Haesendonck is currently a director, and Director Myles said he hoped trustees would “support her serving her second term.” Myles added that it reflects well on NNDSB to have a superintendent on that board.

The elections for OSBIE directors take place in early November.

PIC continues to support NNDSB families

The Board agenda package contains a year-end report from the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) which summarizes the committee’s activities.

In the 2022-2023 school year, NNDSB’s PIC provided three presentations which resulted from the previous year’s survey to school councils. There was a session on

mental health, a session on bullying prevention and a session on equity and inclusion.

The committee also provided opportunities for school council reps to attending virtual networking sessions.

The committee also received $19,500 in Parent Reaching Out funds to support 14 approved projects.

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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.

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

New year kicks off with two new student trustees

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) Chair Erika Lougheed and Director of Education Craig Myles welcomed trustees back after summer break and warmly greeted two new student trustees at Tuesday’s Board meeting.

Student Trustee Dora Chen and Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson were appointed following their recommendation by the Near North Student Senate (Chen) and the Indigenous Youth Council (Benson). Both students attend Chippewa Secondary School.

Chen has been a member of student council, a student senator and is the student representative on the Chippewa renaming committee. She ran for office because she wants to “give students in NNDSB a voice at the Board table, as I believe students should have a say in their own education.” She also wants to advocate for initiatives that will benefit students.

Chen says she is most passionate about French language education, as well as education funding, especially creating opportunities for students interested in the arts.

Benson has a history of community involvement, including being a figure skating coach, organizing donations for Fort Albany, raising money for the food bank and organizing events for Indigenous students at school.

She wants to act as a voice for all Indigenous youth in NNDSB, and to “ensure they feel comfortable and heard at school. I aim to fulfil the needs and rights of Indigenous students.”

Chair Lougheed encouraged the student trustees to “get in and ask questions”. Trustee Julie Bertram welcomed them, and said she was looking forward to their participation which is “important in these types of rooms.”

The organizational Board meeting, in which trustees elect the year’s Chair and Vice-Chair and select the committees they would like to work on, will be held Nov. 14, 2023.

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Friday, July 7, 2023

NNDSB’s youngest learners connect with nature thanks to unique forest practitioner course

Over the course of the last two years, 19 kindergarten teachers and early childhood educators from the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) have participated in a forest practitioner course provided by the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada (CNAC) held at the Canadian Ecology Center and supported by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.

South Shore Education Centre kindergarten teacher Rhonda Hyatt said that many of the principles of the forest and nature school are incorporated in the kindergarten program.

“Early in the spring, when a few dandelions are popping up, we talk about one of our harvesting rules, are there a few or many? Some creatures depend on food from these plants early in the spring. Once there are many, many more dandelions in the yard, it’s a better time for us to pick some for bouquets or dandelion chains,” Hyatt said. “We chat about plants and berries that some people gather for food and other reasons.”

While engaged in outdoor learning, students are making decisions, pursuing their interests, learning from and connecting with the land, developing respect, and exploring relationships. Time spent in nature encourages children’s curiosity, and nurtures connectedness with the land and each other.

Educators learn about the principles of the Forest and Nature School through CNAC’s Practitioners Course. CNAC is committed to truth-telling and reconciliation. Connecting with Indigenous Peoples locally, building relationships, and co-creating programming with Indigenous partners are among CNAC’s commitments to responsibilities on this land. These understandings guide the learning and experiences of the practitioner’s course.

Aspects of the course focus on recognizing risk as an important part of play, reflecting on our own relationship with the land and engaging with local Indigenous Peoples.

Hyatt said that important lessons for these youngest learners are drawn from providing regular and repeated access to nature, offering time and space for children to dive deeply into play, and from teachers learning alongside children in play-based and inquiry-driven experiences. Importance is placed on always recognizing children as competent, capable, and curious.

“We walk gently in the bush, being careful not to damage young or fragile plants, or other living things. If we come across an animal such as a grouse or a bee, we give them space so that they don’t feel threatened by us,” Hyatt said. “The children are also reminded to give others space when they want time on their own, sometimes friends want a quiet spot, or some space to themselves.”

Hyatt said students’ observational skills are encouraged while engaging in outdoor learning with a philosophy of “look up, look down, look all around.

“When we do this, we might be looking to notice changes in plants, or we might be focusing on risks to be aware of. This can include checking the underside of the leaves on milkweed plants for monarch butterfly larvae, looking at leaves on the trees and on the ground, noticing low branches and thorn bushes and deciding together that it is not an area for running.” Hyatt said.

When gathered together to talk about their outdoor time together students discuss what they did that day such as following deer tracks, making a home for an animal, or climbing a log for a lookout point. They also talk about what they want to do and learn the next time, like, playing in puddles, investigating a hole in a tree or why there is a trail of tiny fluffy webs on the grass.

As the school year ends these young students can take their learning and appreciation of nature with them on their summer adventures and continue to connect with the land with their families.

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For more information contact:

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

Letter to Families – Armed Forced Day

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,

A weather advisory regarding air quality is still in place. With guidance from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is planning to allow its students to attend the scheduled Armed Forces Day on Wednesday, June 7.

Young people are among the vulnerable and at-risk groups. The health unit has recommended that participants be allowed to attend Armed Services Day with reduced exposure time and no strenuous activities.

As they would with any outdoor event, supervisors will monitor students for any signs of discomfort or distress. Parents and guardians who are concerned also have the option to not allow their child to attend.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

June 2023 Letter to Families

Friday, June 2, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The monthly Letter to Families, distributed on the first Friday of the month, is intended to keep you apprised of news that affects all students and families of Near North District School Board (NNDSB).

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We have come to the end of the 2023-2023 school year. The monthly Letter to Families will take a summer hiatus, but NNDSB families will continue to receive communication from the board on relevant and/or urgent topics. The regular monthly letter will be in your inboxes on Friday, Sept. 2 with news and details to get you and your students off to a great start for the 2023-2024 school year.

Warmest congratulations to all secondary school graduates on your well-deserved success. We are sure that NNDSB has prepared you well for your next adventures.

NNDSB wishes all students and families a safe and happy summer!

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Term 2 elementary report cards and kindergarten communication of learning reports will be printed and distributed to families on June 28, 2023. If your child will be absent that day, the report card will be mailed to your home. Term 2 reports cards and communication of learning reports will not be available in Edsby.

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Families are reminded to please connect with their current school before the end of June if they anticipate changing schools over the summer. If you plan on moving to a new home, please use the school locator tool to determine which school your child is eligible to attend. It’s best to make your school aware of this change now, so that your child will have a smooth transition in September.

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Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) is also hoping that families will provide them with updated information to assist with a smooth transition in September.

If your address and/or before and/or after school care is changing for next school year, advise your school before Friday, June 23. If you cannot notify the school by then, please notify by emailing registrations@nearnorthschools.ca. Moves may affect transportation.

NPSSTS is open all summer from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. They can be reached at 705-472-8840 or toll-free at 1-833-622-1636, or by email at info@npssts.ca.

Families can also visit www.npssts.ca for information on eligibility, walking distances, processes for making changes, registration for the parent portal and to subscribe to notifications.

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There is still time to register for summer school! Families will find information about this year’s programs and credit courses on the summer school page of the board’s website.

The full- and half-credit courses listed for Grades 9-12 are all e-learning courses. The courses run July 4-29 inclusive, and students must have access to a device and reliable internet to connect to course content.

Several additional learning opportunities are taking place in person. Check out the website for more information, including contacts and registration deadlines.

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A number of virtual learning camps will be offered to NNDSB students this summer. These assistive technology camps will increase independence, confidence, and self-advocacy of students in Grades 3-8 as they learn new strategies for using assistive technology tools. In addition, a specific high school-readiness program is being offered for students transitioning into Grade 9 in September.

There is also a coding and robotics program for students with ASD, with the aim of enhancing social and behavioural regulation skills in an authentic coding environment. The summer camp flyer with more information is available here. Please connect with your school’s resource teacher to learn more about registration for these virtual camps.

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The 2023-2024 school year calendar has been approved by the Ministry of Education, and uploaded to the board’s website.

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Upcoming NNDSB Board and committee meetings are as follows:

• Finance committee, Tuesday, June 6 at 11 a.m.
• North Bay Consolidation committee, Tuesday, June 6 at 1 p.m.
• Equity Advisory Circle, Wednesday, June 7, 9:30 a.m.
• Committee-of-the-Whole (Board), Tuesday, June 13 at 6 p.m.
• Full Board meeting, Tuesday, June 13 at 6:30 p.m.
• Parent Involvement Committee, June 14 at 10 a.m. via Teams
• Special Education Advisory Committee, June 15 at 1 p.m. via Zoom
• Audit committee, Tuesday, June 20 at 3 p.m.
• First Nations Advisory Council, Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m.

Information about the Board, committee and their meetings can be found here.

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Edsby is seeking input from its end users. If members of your family would like to participate as a parent or student, please see complete this survey. It is a simple two-step form.

Edsby uses the data to benchmark user satisfaction over time, understand differences in customers’ use of Edsby, determine where additional Edsby training might be required, and to guide decisions on where to focus engineering efforts.

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In addition to staying informed via the board’s website, families can find NNDSB on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Friday, May 19, 2023

Committee’s work remains grounded in Human Rights Code

The Chippewa Secondary School Renaming Committee met on May 17, 2023, to continue its work of determining the best path forward in selecting a new name for Chippewa Secondary School. The committee acknowledged that many voices and perspectives have been brought forward throughout this process. The committee, in alignment with the direction of the Near North District School Board, (NNDSB), continues to prioritize student well-being and the work of the committee remains grounded in the Human Rights Code.

Members heard and discussed the Feb. 16, 2023, statement from the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), which states, in part, that the “OHRC is aware and concerned about the increasing violence targeted at education officials for doing human rights work, adhering to the obligations set under the Ontario Human Rights Code and implementing government policy.” Like the OHRC, NNDSB remains committed to providing resources, increasing understanding and advancing the human rights of all. The OHRC acknowledges that educational officials continue to be the targets of hate and violence for doing this work, despite the fact that these officials have a legal duty to provide education and learning environments that follow and support the Human Rights Code. The full statement issued by the OHRC can be found here.

NNDSB remains committed to supporting all students, which includes removing barriers that perpetuate harm. The committee has learned, through this process, that NNDSB’s current School Openings, Closing and Consolidation Administrative Guideline requires updates that more closely reflect the mandates set forth in the Human Rights Code. Changes to that Administrative Guideline will follow the usual process for approval, including a 30-day consultation period. Once complete, the Administrative Guideline will ensure that the human rights of all people are prioritized and maintained in the opening, closing, or consolidation of any NNDSB school.

The committee looks forward to meeting again and continuing its work once the new administrative guideline is complete.

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