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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Monday, May 1, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is looking to gauge interest in virtual learning for the 2023-24 school year.

We have created a survey for all NNDSB families to complete to let us know their interests and intentions for the next school year. The survey does NOT register your student for virtual learning next year but will help gauge interest. If we have enough interest each year, we can look at offering virtual learning within NNDSB. The link to the survey is at the bottom of this communication. The survey will close at noon on May 4, 2023.

Below are the requirements for the Virtual School program based on the Ministry of Education guidelines.

Virtual Learning – Asynchronous vs. Synchronous

In the past, NNDSB offered virtual learning for both elementary (VLE) and secondary school (VLS) students in both the synchronous (in real time, interactive with teacher and class) and asynchronous (with daily submission of work and check-ins but work done independently) formats. For most students, synchronous learning is the best way to support a positive learning environment. It is much more difficult to gain the full depth and breadth of experiences using the asynchronous learning method as there are limited interactions between peers and educators.

Virtual Learning: What would it look like?

• Virtual Learning: Elementary (VLE) – Classes would be split grades (e.g., one class with students from Grades 1-3, or one class Grades 3-6, etc.).
• Virtual Learning: Secondary (VLS) – All secondary students have already completed course selections for next year at their home schools. For students and families opting to attend VLS, every effort would be made to offer courses that students require for their chosen pathway to graduation, though there would be limited programming and new virtual courses would need to be selected which may not match what was chosen at the home school. Many of the online courses offered would be e-learning courses with no live component.
• Specialized Programming – NNDSB cannot offer French Immersion, Extended French, or any specialized programming virtually, due to limited numbers of students accessing those programs and the limited availability of qualified teachers.
• Special Education Classes and IEPs (Individual Education Plans) – Our experience over the past three years has shown that in-person learning is the best format to support students with special education needs, particularly those students registered in a special education class through the Identification, Placement and Review (IPRC) process. For this reason, all special education classes will remain in person only. Other students with special education needs would 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 virtual learning.

Form to show interest in Virtual Programming for 2023-2024 school year

If you are interested in choosing virtual learning for your child(ren) please complete this virtual learning interest form for each student who has interest in virtual learning for the 2023-2024 school year. Parents and guardians are asked to complete the form immediately as it will be used to plan for the 2023-2024 school year. The survey will close at noon May 4, 2023.  https://forms.office.com/r/Pv0wnP3U3P

If you have questions, please reach out to the Virtual School secretary at virtualschool@nearnorthschools.ca. Thank you for helping us to prepare for the next school year.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023

Police resolve possible threat to Chippewa Secondary School overnight

The safety and well-being of Near North District Board (NNDSB) staff and students is our top priority. Overnight, North Bay Police Services investigated a possible threat to Chippewa Secondary School and were able to quickly determine that there was no threat to staff or students.

The NNDSB would like to thank those who brought this to the attention of the police and administration, allowing for a quick resolution and confirming the safety of staff and students to attend the school. We appreciate the actions and communication of the North Bay Police Services throughout the investigation.

Chippewa Secondary School will be open as usual on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.

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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

Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.

Trustees provided with on-going PD opportunities

The elected and student trustees are regularly offered on-going professional development (PD) to help them understand their roles. PD is a standing item on the Board agenda.

This month, several opportunities were presented to trustees, including the annual Public Education Symposium (PES) presented by Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA). Read more about trustee professional development in this media release.

Director’s Annual Report

As required by the Education Act, the Director of Education must report annually on the activities within the system. The 2021-2022 report was provided to trustees in November (the inaugural meeting) and was submitted to the ministry in December. It is now available online.

Capital projects approved

Trustees approved 2022-2023 capital projects estimated at approximately $9,210,442.

Several of the projects are for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades that have been funded through COVID-19 resilience infrastructure stream (CVRIS) initiatives, but that require additional capital funding.

Other capital projects include bus loops, security camera upgrades, architectural studies and accessible washrooms.

MYSP Committee presents semi-annual report

The Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Committee meets four times a year and provides reports to the Board and stakeholders in January and June.

The report notes that it will take time for the MYSP to be embedded into the board’s culture and that 2022-2023 will be critical for implementing changes that align board actions toward meeting priorities of the plan.

This school year will focus on re-engagement, learning recovery and improving student outcomes, as guided by the Ministry of Education’s Learning Recovery Action Plan.

Committee Chair Bill Steer said across the system, staff are working together to achieve the goals set for board, school and student achievement. “The six-week cycles of plan, act, observe and reflect are helping staff monitor school effectiveness, which supports student achievement, equity and well-being for all students,” he said.

The MYSP report can be found here.

Student trustees report on

Both student trustees provided reports the Board, outlining events and activities at schools across the district.

Indigenous Student Trustee Allen Lewis Trodd reported that the Indigenous Youth Circle had met earlier that day to share ideas and talk about the concerns of Indigenous students. He also reported that a group called Oshkishkode was organized at Parry Sound High School. The group meets to share drumming and will be organizing the powwow at the school. Indigenous Student Trustee Trodd explained that the group name meant new fire, and represents the spark of the youth at the school.

Student Trustee Cecilia Darling reported that activities have resumed at the district’s secondary schools since the winter break. She reported on the social, athletic and other activities that are running at the schools, and noted that students are preparing for exams which will mark the end of semester one.

Committee membership completed

Trustees were appointed to committees at the inaugural Board meeting in November 2022, although there were a few committees that still required trustee appointments.

At Tuesday’s Board meeting, Trustees Shane Hall (primary east-west), Jeanie Fuscaldo (secondary east-west) and Julie Bertram (north) were appointed to the Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) Committee, a legislated committee. In the past, regional trustees were involved on an as-needed basis. NNDSB believes that consistent membership will be more beneficial for training and consistency.

The ad hoc committees to rename Chippewa and the new build on the Fricker site each require two trustees. Trustees Julie Bertram and Louise Sargent were appointed to the Chippewa Renaming Committee, and Trustees Shane Hall and Bill Steer were appointed to the W.J. Fricker Renaming Committee, with Louise Sargent as an alternate.

Board alters meeting schedule

Trustee Louise Sargent brought forward a motion to the Committee of the Whole meeting regarding the scheduling of Board and Committee of the Whole meetings.

Trustee Sargent’s notice of motion wanted Committee of the Whole meetings to be held on the second Tuesday of the month and Board meetings to be held on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Trustee Sargent felt that by having two weeks between meetings, trustees would have time for fruitful discussion and to hear public input about issues in order to make informed decisions at Board meetings.

The change will be effective for the February 2023 meetings. Watch the website for meeting dates and agendas.

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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
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Board encourages professional development for trustees

Trustees and student trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) are provided with several professional development (PD) opportunities throughout the year, in alignment with the board’s goal of ensuring trustees are supported as part of the strategic commitment to Excellence in Teaching and Learning. At the Jan. 10 Board meeting, several opportunities were brought forward for consideration.

The two student trustees, Allen Lewis Trodd and Cecilia Darling, were approved to attend the 2023 Ontario Student Trustee Association Board Council Conference taking place in Ottawa. This conference is held annually in February and includes sessions to help student trustees better understand their role. The breakout sessions allow student trustees to work with their designated board councils.

Trustee representation at the 2023 Public Education Symposium (PES), presented by Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) was discussed. NNDSB is limited in the number of trustees able to attend due to registration availability and cost. This is the first time the event’s been held in person since 2020.

The Board determined NNDSB would be represented by Erika Lougheed and Howard Wesley as the Chair and Vice-Chair. The PES takes place Jan. 26-28 in Toronto and is the premier professional development event for trustees. Other NNDSB trustees who want to attend are being waitlisted.

PES keynote speakers include Roda Muse, secretary general of the Canadian Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Chief Cadmus Delorme of Cowessess First Nation, and Nicholas A. Christakis of Yale University. Among the workshops trustees may select are rules of order and parliamentary procedure, resetting the curriculum through the prism of the Right to Read report, teachings from the land, online verification skills, equity, diversity and inclusion and solutions to address recruitment and retention of French teachers. There are also sessions about school board governance, a communications workshop for trustees and the role of OPSBA.

At the Board meeting, Chair Lougheed shared that trustees can look forward to a session being developed by the board’s Indigenous Education team. “It’s important that trustees understand the breadth and scope of Indigenous Education at NNDSB,” said Chair Lougheed. “The session will demonstrate how it connects with departments and the Board’s role in supporting Indigenous Education.”

As part of the on-boarding process for NNDSB trustees following the municipal election, Rusty Hick, the former executive director of OPSBA, provided trustees with effective school board governance training. He led the new Board through a session outlining the roles and responsibilities of trustees of Boards of Education and Directors of Education. Hick also covered the powers and duties found in the Education Act, including that Boards are explicitly required to promote student achievement, ensure effective stewardship of resources, and develop and maintain and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and structures.

Following the October election, trustees were also provided with an orientation binder that provided additional resources to deepen their understanding of NNDSB including documents such as the 2021-2026 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, NNDSB Governance Manual, trustee committee information and the Director’s Annual Report.

At the monthly Board meetings, professional development is a standing agenda item, indicating the importance the board puts on trustees’ on-going learning.

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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

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

NNDSB announces targeted tutoring support programs

At their meeting last night, trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) heard that the board is using provincial funding to initiate small group and individual tutoring supports for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12.

The funding is part of the Plan to Catch Up, a Ministry of Education initiative to close gaps caused by the disruptions of COVID-19. Funding will be in place until March 31, 2023. All NNDSB schools have been invited to access funding to either initiate or extend opportunities to engage students impacted by learning disruptions.

Board Chair Erika Lougheed says the three-pronged approach to tutoring means support can be provided to students in both panels all across the district. “This funding will enable staff to support even the youngest learners if they need extra help,” says the Chair.

Three approaches have been developed that will prioritize math, literacy and other foundational learning skills:

• NNDSB has recruited permanent and occasional educators to facilitate before- and after-school tutoring programs in all regions of the board. Research shows that additional time and support can help students learn what they need to be successful. The Teacher Tutors have participated in training sessions to develop instructional/intervention approaches in math and literacy. Tutoring will take place in person with virtual help available when necessary. The typical group size is two to five, although groups up to 12 may be accommodated, and individual tutoring is also possible
• The board has entered into a partnership with LEARNstyle to support struggling readers in Grades 7-10. The corrective reading program will help students who need support with decoding, fluency and comprehension. Students will meet one-on-one with reading intervention coaches and work through a set of lessons. Each student is assessed prior to beginning with corrective reading to allow for an individualized program
• NNDSB’s program staff have developed a plan to recruit, hire and train post-secondary Faculty of Education teacher candidates to work with students in small groups during the school day. In the 2021-2022 school year, 32 students in the Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University supported tutoring programs, and the board will work with faculty and staff to determine opportunities to continue post-secondary tutor recruitment.

The approaches support the board’s multi-year strategic plan pillar of excellence in teaching and learning, and NNDSB’s commitment to student achievement and well-being.

Director of Education Craig Myles says recruiting and training Nipissing students will provide valuable support to students while they’re at school supplementing the work of classroom teachers.

Board Vice-Chair Howard Wesley says the plan ensures that NNDSB students, regardless of geography, have access to tutoring supports to aid student success.

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