Friday, Oct. 14, 2022

Before-school childcare program opens at Mapleridge PS

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is pleased to announce that a new before-school childcare program has opened at Mapleridge Public School in Powassan for the 2022-2023 school year.

Currently, the District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board (PSDSSAB) operates an after-school program for school-aged children at Mapleridge. “We are pleased to be piloting this expansion of our School-Age Program in Powassan to include before-school care for children ages 4-12 starting at 7:30 a.m.,” said Brenda Wiltshire, manager of directly operated childcare programs for the PSDSSAB.

NNDSB’s Superintendent of Early Years, Gay Smylie added, “NNDSB values its strong partnership with PSDSSAB as we work together to provide services that benefit children and their families. We are so fortunate to expand the program to provide care for children before the school day starts. This takes the pressure off families that need to get to work but also ensure their children are cared for before the school day starts.”

This expansion was a result of data obtained in the annual childcare viability survey, which is supported by the Nipissing and Parry Sound Social Services Administration Boards. Due to an increase in need for before-school care, the Parry Sound DSSAB was willing to expand its current offering at Mapleridge. This is wonderful news for the families of Powassan and surrounding area and for students who will now experience one less transition in their school day.

Families wishing to register for the program can contact the Parry Sound DSSAB office at 1-800-661-3230.

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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, Oct. 12, 2022

Vice-Chair Cochrane moves to correct misinformation about funding allocation in Parry Sound

Near North District School Board (NNDSB)’s Vice-Chair John Cochrane brought forward a notice of motion that aims to correct misinformation circulating about the new JK-12 school and allocation of spending in Parry Sound.

The Vice-Chair is the Zone 4 Trustee for Parry Sound and filed the notice of motion in response to a letter to the Board and a meeting he was invited to attend. The letter, from the Town of Parry Sound, expressed concerns about the area’s potential population growth and council’s desire for another accommodation review around the new Parry Sound JK-12 school.

Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “Our Vice-Chair has been the model of integrity, transparency and solid initiatives towards the betterment of our students, particularly in the Parry Sound area he represents. It is not surprising that he is requesting this report as he has indicated that it is important that all stakeholders in that region be provided with accurate information regarding our board’s operations. Our Board takes very seriously the provision of correct information or the correction of misinformation which may impact our students negatively.”

Vice-Chair Cochrane wanted to act quickly on behalf of his constituents and bring the matter to the Board. He requested that a report be researched and written, presented to the Board in open session and made available to the public, consistent with the Board’s commitments to accountability and transparency.

“It’s important to me that constituents know NNDSB is willing to work with all levels of government,” said Vice-Chair Cochrane. “NNDSB wants what is best for students, and that is to get an education in Parry Sound that prepares students for the future.”

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

Monday, Sept. 19, 2022

Board Highlights – Sept. 13, 2022 meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022.

Elder McQuabbie provides opening prayer

Elder Wanda McQuabbie of Henvey Inlet First Nation offered the opening prayer of Tuesday’s Board meeting, the first of the 2022-2023 school year.

In addition to being a traditional knowledge keeper, Ms. McQuabbie is an Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) teacher for NNDSB at Britt Public School. She expressed her appreciation for being at the meeting. She spoke about her gratitude for the inclusive culture that lives in Near North schools and how important it is for Indigenous students to be “seen and acknowledged” in Near North schools.

Director of Education Craig Myles said he was encouraged to hear Elder McQuabbie’s comments that speak to NNDSB’s inclusive culture that acknowledges and honours the voices of Indigenous students and works to share those voices with all students and staff.

Student Trustees sworn in for second term

NNDSB’s two student trustees were sworn in at Tuesday’s meeting as they committed to serving a second term at the Board table.

Cecilia Darling, a Grade 12 student at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, swore her oath as the Student Trustee. Later in the meeting, she gave her report, which included an extensive list of back-to-school activities and fundraisers taking place in the first two weeks of school.

Indigenous Student Trustee Allen Lewis Trodd is also returning for a second term with the Board. The Grade 12 student at Parry Sound High School swore an oath at the beginning of the meeting, and later gave his report about the latest meeting status of the Indigenous Youth Circle. The group is scheduled to meet next at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School.

Board sets 2022-2023 meeting schedule

The Board received the 2022-2023 meeting schedule. Trustees meet on the second Tuesday of the month from September through June. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 11, the last one before the municipal election Monday, Oct. 24.

The inaugural meeting of the new Board of Trustees will be held Nov. 15.

Largest number of students attended summer school

Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Melanie Gray provided a report to the Board that outlined the very successful summer learning program offered by NNDSB.

More than 60 staff were hired to provide education to 576 students from NNDSB and across the province. The summer learning program theme was celebrate, experience, plan, which allowed students to celebrate their prior learning, experience new opportunities and plan for their futures.

The number of students was greater than last year, with the largest increase (220 per cent) in co-operative education.

Among the experiences provided through the power learning program (literacy focus for students in Grades 1-4 and math focus for students in Grades 5-8) were: books donated though Nipissing University’s Books for Brook initiative; guests from the Friendship Centre who shared Indigenous teachings and traditions; staff from fire departments and construction-related fields speaking about their careers; and Science North scientists participating in Ask a Scientist sessions. All camps incorporated outdoor play and promoted positive social interaction.

With funding support from the NNDSB Board of Trustees, NNDSB also launched its first Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) camp this summer. The three-week camp for students in Grades 7-10 involved hands-on problem-solving while working on foundational literacy and numeracy skills. The students interacted with 3D printers, drones, coding and robotics.

COVID-19 management discussed

The Board was updated on how COVID-19 is being managed by NNDSB in schools.

The board is following the guidance of the Ministry of Education, and no additional local measures have been put into place by the Nipissing Parry Sound District Health Unit at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

All staff, students and visitors are encouraged to self-screen daily before attending school. Masks are not required and will be provided at school for students staff and visitors who choose to wear them.

Schools are permitted to run clubs, activities, sports teams, bands and other extracurricular activities. Field trips will also be permitted, and schools will be available for community use.

Safe schools report presented to Board

Following several violent incidents in the United States last year, Vice-Chair John Cochrane requested a report that outlined the initiatives that keep NNDSB students and staff safe.

A report was provided that outlines the three pillars of the safe schools framework (citizenship and community, conflict resolution, and bullying awareness) and the initiatives that fall under each of the pillars.

The report outlined the board’s partnerships, initiative and pilot projects that all work in tandem to help provide inclusive, welcoming places for NNDSB students to learn. A media release has been issued on the report.

“This is just another example of how the work of the multi-year strategic plan all focuses on student achievement and well-being,” said Director Myles. “Our team and our partners all work together to educate staff and students to help keep them safe.”

Report from the Director of Education

Myles had a lengthy report to the Board.

He thanked executive council and staff for their efforts in getting the board’s facilities prepared for the start of a new school year, taking place predominantly in-person. He noted that NNDSB staff have built momentum as they work towards the four priorities of the multi-year strategic plan (MYSP) – excellence in communication, excellence in teaching and learning, excellence in relationships and excellence in innovation.

Myles also reviewed the leadership framework that will manage succession planning and retention strategies that will continue to build leadership capacity in the board. The framework provides current leaders enrichment opportunities and future leaders a foundation built upon learning and collaboration.

As part of his monthly report, Myles will be sharing data that illustrates the work being done in the strategic priority areas. This month, growth in excellence in innovation was shown by noting that NNDSB has exceeded its planned participation rate in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) by 16 per cent. Seven per cent of NNDSB’s Grade 11 and 12 students participate in the program, where the provincial average is 4.3 per cent.  In excellence in relationships, the Director reported that 100 per cent of the 24 personal support worker (PSW) grads who are NNDSB’s first cohort have been hired, answering a critical community need. The administrator of one of the training sites, Belvedere Heights, spoke highly of the living classroom model for educating the students. Courses are running in Parry Sound, North Bay and now Mattawa, and intake is underway for the next PSW course starting in February 2023.

Trustees, senior staff attend sharing circle

Both Myles and Chair Jay Aspin noted in their remarks their gratitude to attend the sharing circle hosted by Wasauksing First Nation. The sharing circle supports nurturing relationships following the damage of the Shaptotaun at Parry Sound High School this spring.

Aspin said he found the sharing circle “really moving” and was proud of the work of First Nations Trustee Nichole King to bring the board together with First Nations rightsholders to continue building relationships. These sentiments were echoed by Myles.

“Participating in the sharing circle gave us the opportunity to reflect on the importance of relationships to Indigenous Peoples and how we can continue to take action keeping  spaces safe and welcoming for youth and their communities.”

First Nations Trustee King said, “Our Board has a responsibility to our students to provide an inclusive and safe learning environment. Working together with our communities and bringing their voices forward will elevate the programs and services we can offer to First Nations students. We can do better, and this circle was a good start. I see the dedication of Board leadership in strengthening relations with our First Nations communities and I hope these relationships continue to strengthen moving forward.”

Trustees agree to adhere to Code of Conduct

As part of its commitment to good governance, a governance manual and code of conduct for trustees was developed in 2020. Annually, trustees must review the documents and agree to adhere to the code of conduct. Trustees did this at Tuesday’s meeting.

Trustees also voted to approve the development of governance policies regarding student trustees and trustee social media etiquette. Drafts are currently posted on the board’s website for public consultation.

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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, Sept. 15, 2022

Trustees resume meetings but work didn’t take a vacation

Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) met Tuesday night for the first time since their June meeting, but the work of the board did not take a summer break.

Trustees received reports about summer learning, safety and well-being initiatives and updating school administration teams on how COVID-19 is being managed at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

Throughout the summer, more than 60 summer staff members supported 576 students who experienced new opportunities and planned for their future by earning credits at summer school. Details about the summer learning program may be found in this media release. The number of students was greater than last year, and the largest increase was in the co-operative education program, which saw a 220 per cent increase in students. A new initiative enabled two students to develop and market a mobile app.

Despite a more “normal” feel to the start of the school year, NNDSB staff continue to navigate work in the face of COVID-19. The board follows the guidance of the Ministry of Education without additional local measures. All staff, students and visitors are asked to self-screen daily before attending a NNDSB building. Extracurricular clubs, activities and sports are permitted, as are field trips. The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is available as a support to school teams and community members.

Through the summer, board staff prepared for in-class learners, as well as those who are returning to school virtually. As of Sept. 2, there were 63 elementary and 51 secondary students registered at the virtual school, which also started Sept. 6.

In response to a trustee request, a safe schools report was compiled and presented, outlining all of the programs, partnerships and pilots that help to keep NNDSB students and staff safe. The report highlights the three pillars of the safe schools framework (citizenship and community, conflict resolution and bullying awareness) that work in tandem to support student achievement and well-being, the focus of the board’s multi-year strategic plan.

The first class of NNDSB personal support worker (PSW) students graduated last month, with 100 per cent of the grads securing employment. The 24 students are already filling labour gaps in their communities. Some are hired by the long-term care homes in which their living classrooms were located, and others are working for community organizations. The second cohort of PSW students has just begun its courses in Parry Sound, North Bay and Mattawa, and intake is underway for the courses that begin in February.

Capital projects also continued throughout the summer. Updates were provided on modifications to Chippewa and West Ferris following consolidation of the North Bay secondary schools.

The new Parry Sound school build committee, chaired by Board Vice-Chair John Cochrane, continues its work on the K-12 school, with its planned opening September 2024. Board Chair Jay Aspin met over the summer with MPPs Graydon Smith and Vic Fedeli to discuss several topics, including the Parry Sound build and the opportunities that the new school will provide for students.

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

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022

Partnerships, training, data and pilot programs contribute

to keep NNDSB schools safe for students and staff

Safe, welcoming and accepting learning environments are built, they don’t just exist. A report that was requested by Near North District School Board (NNDSB) Vice-Chair John Cochrane has been completed and was presented to the Board at last night’s meeting, detailing a wide range of programs, initiatives and partnerships that contribute to safer schools in which students can thrive.

Vice-Chair Cochrane requested the report in the spring, after multiple violent incidents at schools in the United States.

Presented by Superintendent Gay Smylie, the report outlined the safe school framework that creates safer learning spaces for students. The three pillars under which programs and initiatives fall are citizenship and community, conflict resolution and bullying awareness.

Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “In view of serious incidents in today’s society, particularly at schools in the United States, we must be diligent in ensuring the safety and well-being of students in our schools. I am confident – by the amount of care, consideration and effort toward this goal – that this is a serious priority of our board. The safe schools framework of programs developed by our staff have been carefully constructed, data driven in approach and are second to none.

NNDSB is supported in this work through several partnerships. Among the board’s partners are: the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) for its financial support of teacher training and presentations to families about online risk; the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for support to school teams, conversations with students and families, response to incidents and for transporting the board’s fleet of bicycles; North Bay Police Service (NBPS) for the provision of a liaison officer to support education initiatives, bullying awareness campaigns and safe school incidents; North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit for its assistance with public health campaigns related to cannabis use among youth, the dangers of vaping and promoting active school transportation; and Amelia Rising North Bay/Muskoka Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services for providing students and families with access to victim services and for providing resources to teachers and secondary students about healthy relationships, consent, abuse and how to seek help.

Since the launch of the safe schools framework in 2020, many new initiatives have been implemented.

School-based staff have access to a bullying awareness and prevention SharePoint that incorporates lessons, resources and activities that challenge students to think about how their actions can cultivate safety and inclusivity in their class, school and communities. Staff also receive training in violence prevention and de-escalation.

Teachers are now mandated to successfully complete sexual abuse prevention training before they can be registered with the Ontario College of Teachers.

Principals and vice-principals receive safe schools newsletters and have access to a SharePoint with templates, Ministry of Education documents and frequently asked questions. These school administrators also perform assessments to determine areas of strength and areas for growth regarding the physical environment, activities for staff and circumstances related to staff work. The safe schools team is also enabling administrator capacity in utilizing restorative practices, as the team believes the practices can decrease suspension rates, augment open communications and repair relationships following a misbehaviour or high risk incident.

Many supports exist for students, families and community members. The SAFERSCHOOLS! reporting form allows for anonymous reporting of incidents that should be brought to a staff member. A safe arrivals pilot program was developed, and soon its associated administrative guideline will be presented. The program will see attendance taken within 15 minutes of the entry bell, and callouts made within 30 minutes of the entry bell. Staff have been instructed on how to educate students about healthy relationships, how to identify signs of potential sex trafficking or assault and how to support victims of trafficking or sexual assault. The board’s anti-sex trafficking administrative guideline expedites and tailors supports for victims, potential victims and impacted school workers.

The safe schools team will continue to seek data from a number of sources, including the school climate survey, mental health surveys, suspension and infraction rates, safe school reporting form data, SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool data and analytics from C3P. Among the safe schools team’s goals for the 2022-2023 school year are building staff capacity to enact preventative measures and responsive actions that ensure safe learning environments for all students, using data to determine areas of future investment, building partnerships that support welcoming school environments,  encouraging inclusivity and well-being and fostering greater family communication.

Eight schools will participate in a conflict resolution program that teaches students to Walk Away, Ignore, Talk it Out and Seek Help (WITS). Results from the pilot will determine future use. Vape detectors will be installed at one secondary school to measure the impact it has on vaping in school washrooms. The project will help principals identify which students may benefit from addictions counselling to reduce or quit e-cigarette use.

Two restorative practices learning sessions have been held, and principals and vice-principals who are interested in learning more will be invited to monthly restorative circles. The purpose is to engage in deep reflection about practices and consider how school issues and responses to them shift with the adoption and refinement of a restorative lens.

Vice-Chair Cochrane, who requested the report, said he is grateful to the safe schools team for the depth and breadth of its scope. “The team is constantly striving to make staff and students feel safe, welcome and included while they are involved in school-related activities. Student achievement and well-being is at the centre of every NNDSB improvement plan, and the work represented in this report furthers our efforts to achieve excellence in relationships. I appreciate the work of the safe schools team and am grateful for the contents of this important report.”

The report can be found in the Sept. 13 agenda package.

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

Monday, Aug. 29, 2022

NNDSB’s PSW graduates filling community labour gaps

The first graduates of Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) personal support worker (PSW) program are already filling labour gaps in local health care.

The program, which began in February, graduated 24 students this month and all of them – 100 per cent – are hired or have been offered employment in the field. Lisa Spencer, NNDSB’s Secondary Program Coordinator, SHSM and Experiential Learning says the goal of the program was to support community needs, and to contribute to the development of PSWs ready to start a career in healthcare.

Spencer says the wrap-around support that students receiced since inquiring about the program has helped develop “confident and proud PSWs” who graduated ready  to begin their careers as frontline healthcare workers.

The training that PSW students receive in NNDSB’s living classroom settings is outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Health Long-term Care and the Ontario Ministry of Education. The quality is assured by Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA), a provincially funded organization that ensures adult and continuing education programs are accessible, affordable and support student success.

The training, she says, “aligns with every other program in the province, and students have the experience and credentials of every other PSW in Ontario.”

The living classroom, however, offers what many believe is an advantage in training. Spencer says having the ability to learn on the floor means that students are instructed in the classroom, and their education is deepened by what they learn from the PSWs and nurses who work there.

In Parry Sound, both instructor Nicole Robinson and Belvedere Heights administrator Kami Johnson say the ability to learn in class then practice on the floor enriches the learning opportunities for students and enhances the relationships between students and staff, and students and residents.

Robinson started her career in health care as a PSW and is now a registered practical nurse at Belvedere Heights. She can’t say enough about the increased learning opportunities provided to NNDSB PSW students via the living classroom.

For example, the students were able to provide palliative care to a resident, and they supplemented in-class learning by practicing and by watching the staff.

Robinson says her co-workers are excited to have the students in the building and will text her to let her know when there are learning opportunities; the students are invited to watch and participate in processes common in long-term care. The students are also invited to Belvedere Heights training sessions, so they are learning about new techniques and equipment.

“Hands down, this is the best way to learn,” enthuses Robinson. “The staff embrace my students and go the extra mile for them. They have been welcoming because they could be their next co-workers.”

Johnson echoes that sentiment. “I am blown away by the benefits of the living classroom,” she says, adding that there has been a huge positive affect on residents.

The addition of students to floor means that residents have increased numbers of interactions and relationships, and for staff, it means they get to know their future colleagues. Johnson says she has preceptors knocking on her door offering to support the PSW students.

The quality of the work of the 10 students who graduated from the Parry Sound program is excellent, says Johnson. “They are confident and competent,” she says. The students’ work has been a great addition to the team, and she says “a consistent team makes for improved resident outcomes and better quality of life. This is a critical program.”

The PSW program is but one example of the outcomes being achieved through the board’s multi-year strategic plan. In this instance, the focus on excellence in relationships and excellence in innovation has resulted in outstanding student success that is benefitting the communities where we work and live.

Johnson says she is excited continue supporting the PSW program, and also welcomes secondary school students who may want to try a co-operative education placement at the home.

The program will be running in Parry Sound and Mattawa in September, and it is the board’s intention to also run the PSW program in North Bay and West Nipissing. For more information on the program and intake requirements, visit the PSW page of NNDSB’s website.

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

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022

First Rider program initiates littlest learners on bus safety

Riding the school bus for the first time can be both a scary and exciting experience for the Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) youngest learners. That’s why since 2012 Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) has run the First Riders program.

NPSSTS Safety Officer Anna Leppinen said the First Riders program introduces students and families to the process of riding the school bus and what is expected of everyone involved. The roles of the bus driver, bus company, the consortium, families and students are all discussed.

The program is a wonderful introduction to how to ride the school bus safely, Leppinen said. Students watch a school bus safety video, receive a lesson on the rules of the school bus, and have the opportunity to ride on a school bus for the first time. Students learn safety tips, rules and expectations of their behaviour while riding the school bus and while waiting for the school bus to arrive at their stop.

After the video and discussion of bus rules students line up at several mock bus stops and safely board the bus as it makes the rounds. The First Riders then go on their first school bus ride all by themselves while families get their own lessons in school bus procedures.

First Rider hosts review the primary policies and procedures of student transportation with families. These include procedures around inclement weather days, arranging pick-up and drop-off locations, the process for locating a misplaced student and student behaviour management.

Parent Logane White said her daughter, Hali, had never been on a school bus and was nervous about riding for the first time. “We thought this was a great opportunity for her,” said White.

“She was very excited to participate in the First Rider program. She loved learning and asking questions, the bus ride and playing with the little demonstration buses. The package from NPSSTS with the colouring page and magnet were also a hit,” White said.

“I was happy about the safety video shown to the children and that my daughter was able to ride the bus alone. That really allowed her to have the full experience,” White said. “It is comforting to know she’s done it once before school starts.”

White feels it’s very important for both students and families to attend the program for many reasons. One being that the little riders are used to riding in car seats in personal vehicles.

“If we had not gone to this program, the first day would be very confusing for Hali to climb onto a giant bus that has no seat belts or car seats,” White said. “This helps ease the parents’ mind and children’s mind on that first day of school. It’s a big transition for little ones and this program helps with that transition,” she added.

Leppinen said bus drivers report overall satisfaction in young learners’ feelings of safety and comfort with loading onto the school bus for the first time. Families also seem to have a greater sense of direction in terms of who to approach for different requests for changes to transportation, she said.

The program has been popular and successful since its creation with participation numbers increasing steadily each year leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person sessions had been paused for the last two years but all areas of the program experienced steady participation numbers for its return in 2022.

Sessions ran in all areas served by NPSSTS and were offered in French and English. NPSSTS manages and coordinates all school transportation services for NNDSB and its four co-terminus school boards.

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For more information, please contact:

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