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NNDSB brings Hockey Canada Skills Academy to Parry Sound, Seguin

June 30, 2022 By Deb

Thursday, June 30, 2022

NNDSB brings Hockey Canada Skills Academy to Parry Sound, Seguin

A partnership between Near North District School Board (NNDSB), Hockey Canada and the Townships of Parry Sound and Seguin will enable students in Grades 8-12 at Parry Sound High School (PSHS) to earn credits while building their hockey skills and confidence.

The program will launch in September 2022 and run for the first semester only (September through January) at the Bobby Orr Community Centre in Parry Sound and in the second semester only at Humphrey Arena (the program in second semester will also be open to Grade 8 students at Humphrey Public School).

The program delivery will be provided by PSHS teacher AJ Wheaton, who is a qualified Hockey Canada Skills instructor. Students will be able to work towards a high school credit and a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) pathway in health and wellness.

“We look forward to providing this innovative programming for our students that will improve their learning experience, student success and student engagement,” says Dawn Buckland, principal of PSHS.

Participants in the program will do their off-ice learning at PSHS as part of a physical education credit and the hockey skills curriculum from Hockey Canada, then apply those skills on the ice at the arenas. Students will spend time on specific skills areas like skating, shooting, passing and goaltending. They will also develop essential life skills such as learning about balanced nutrition and mental health. Students will have an opportunity to experience the game of hockey in a non-competitive environment that focuses on a holistic approach to health, wellness and skill-building.

NNDSB Director of Education Craig Myles has been instrumental in seeking out opportunities for the board to provide innovative programming. “It’s imperative that NNDSB meets the needs of our communities, while providing innovative programming that engages students. The Hockey Canada partnership is a great opportunity for our students to build their skills and learn about health and wellness. Sport provides the opportunity for people to develop in a multitude of ways, and this partnership will enable students to develop many essential life skills.”

Board Chair Jay Aspin says the partnership embodies the board’s commitment to Excellence in Relationships and Excellence in Teaching and Learning. “Staff continue to create partnerships that offer NNDSB students the best opportunities for learning. There are many ways to teach about health and wellness, and the Hockey Canada partnership is just one way NNDSB is transforming educational experiences in tandem with Canada’s game.”

Manager of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Parry Sound, April McNamara, says, “I thank NNDSB for bringing an exciting program to the youth of Parry Sound. There are so many benefits to bringing youth together on the ice.”

Seguin Township Manager of Community Services Dominique O’Brien says staying active is fundamental to support youth mental and physical health. “We are so pleased that Hockey Skills Canada is making this program accessible to Seguin kids. The Township looks forward to welcoming the organization to our arena this winter.”

Anyone interested in more information should contact Principal Dawn Buckland at Parry Sound High School, 705-773-7979.

NNDSB central program staff are also working to expand the program to other secondary and elementary schools for the 2023-2024 school year in different regions of the board. Details on the progress will be released accordingly.

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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

Filed Under: Media Releases, News and Announcements, NNDSB Featured, NNDSB Shared News

Letter to Families – Director of Education’s year-end message

June 29, 2022 By Deb

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we prepare for the end of another school year and look forward to the summer of 2022, I want to thank you for your valued contribution to the education of your children.

The past two-and-a-half years have been difficult for everyone; our home and work lives still look different than they did in February 2020. I am proud of the way Near North District School Board (NNDSB) staff and students reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic and embraced new ways of teaching.

That also meant that NNDSB students and families had to embrace new ways of learning. Family support is imperative to education and our students couldn’t have managed as well as they did without you in their corners.

I want to congratulate NNDSB’s 2022 graduates who begin their journeys into the community, post-secondary, apprenticeship or the world of work. To all, the best of luck in whatever your future holds. I am confident that the education you received at NNDSB will serve you well on whatever path you are on.

It appears that the next school year will look and feel much as it did in the fall of 2019; I am reluctant to use the term “normal” but have hope for a return to a more familiar way of teaching and learning. I hope all of you take time during the break to reflect on the challenging time we have been through, and enjoy a safe, healthy and happy summer.

NNDSB’s monthly Letter to Families will resume on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, and priority news will be shared as necessary through the summer.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles

Director of Education

Filed Under: News and Announcements, NNDSB Featured, NNDSB Shared News

Measuring metrics substantiates board’s efforts to improve accountability, transparency

June 16, 2022 By Deb

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Measuring metrics substantiates board’s efforts to improve accountability, transparency

As it wraps up the first school year operating under its multi-year strategic plan (MYSP), Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is forging ahead with plans to make evidence-based decisions that contribute to student achievement and well-being.

NNDSB staff regularly gather evidence in a variety of initiatives to create a fulsome view of progress toward achieving excellence in the four priority areas. The board has chosen two key indicators upon which to provide regular reports for each of the four priority areas of the MYSP – Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Communication and Excellence in Relationships – and will be measuring to assess progress and alignment. The use of quantitative metrics contributes to NNDSB’s commitment to improved accountability and transparency.

Board Chair Jay Aspin says, “Our board is pleased with the implementation of these quantitative metrics for the purpose of assessing the board’s progress with its Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Coupled with the qualitative metrics we recently released, these metrics provide a full assessment of the progress of our plan. Our board has spent much time and effort developing and implementing an effective five-year plan which is regarded as our ‘road map for success’. It is commendable that we are among the top boards in the province that have actually extended the effort to develop these metrics to fully measure the progress of our strategic plan which speaks directly to accountability and performance.”

At the Board meeting Tuesday, June 14, MYSP Committee Chair Bill Steer spoke to a report that outlined the indicators that have been selected for each of the four priority areas.

“The MYSP is the key document that brings all educational matters and audiences of our Board together,” say Steer. “Now we can continue to share quantitative and qualitative measures that will make a difference and reflect upon the four pillars contained within the plan,” he says.

In the pillar of Excellence in Teaching and Learning, metrics that address supporting students’ success in literacy and numeracy were measured. In literacy, it was noted that 33 staff members have been trained to identify students at risk of reading outcomes without supports, and that 500 PowerUp literacy licenses were purchased to support the needs of students in Grades 7 and 8 who may benefit from targeted literacy learning opportunities. All math educators learned about the new de-streamed math curriculum, which includes coding and financial literacy.

The Excellence in Innovation pillar, the metrics being measured are the number of students participating in experiential learning opportunities (Special High Skills Majors and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship programs), as well as the use of a profession learning portal for staff.

New partnerships were measured in order to evaluate progress in the Excellence in Relationships pillar of the MYSP. In the 2021-2022 school year, six new partnerships were forged. Two of these resulted in the emergence of two significant programs – the personal support worker (PSW) program and the coop program with Northern Ontario Film Studios.

While looking at Excellence in Communications, the MYSP committee looked into engagement in website and social media platforms, and the number of positive news stories that were published by media outlets. Analytics shows that the number of visitors to the board’s website has increased more than 48 per cent since September with longer session durations during a visit. The board was featured in 91 positive news stories between September 2021 and May 2022, an average of 10 per month.

The setting of key indicators and measuring their affiliated metrics is further proof of NNDSB’s commitment to goal setting and achievement at school, department and board levels.

More information about quantitative data related to the MYSP can be found in the Board’s agenda package.

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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

 

 

Filed Under: Media Releases, News and Announcements, NNDSB Featured, NNDSB Shared News

NNDSB approves $168.3 million compliant budget

June 15, 2022 By Deb

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

NNDSB approves $168.3 million compliant budget

At its meeting last night, trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) approved the 2022-2023 budget, as recommended by the finance committee.

Finance Committee Chair John Cochrane provided a report and presentation of the compliant budget, which will have revenue and expenses of $168.3 million with a $62,930 surplus.

The budget process is managed through the lens of the board’s multi-year strategic plan (MYSP) ensuring that NNDSB is managed efficiently and is financially sustainable year over year.

Board Chair Jay Aspin says, “Our board is very pleased with all the contributors in our system that have assisted us in achieving our financial goals for this past year. Moving forward, our board has endorsed a 2022-23 budget that will continue to move the board solidly forward with many positive enhancements. Among the most notable for the coming year will be the consolidation of three elementary schools to a new Fricker elementary school in North Bay, and the consolidation of two elementary schools with an existing high school to build a combined K-12 school in Parry Sound. As well, we have invested in the second year of implementation of our multi-year strategic plan, focusing our priorities on student well-being and achievement which includes the tripling of the student mental health allocation.”

The Board heard that enrolment is expected to increase by 3.2 per cent and it is projected that there will be 141 more elementary students, and 161 more secondary students enrolled in NNDSB than this year. As a result, there were no teacher layoffs this spring.

NNDSB will receive $1.8 million as one-time funding through the COVID-19 Learning Recovery Fund to provide temporary staffing supports for learning recovery, the implementation of the first year of de-streamed Grade 9, delivering remote learning, supports for special education and maintaining enhanced cleaning standards. The board will focus these funds toward administrative and special education support for the virtual school, supporting early and later literacy, and English language learners across the board.

The board continues to budget for a deficit in special education, with a projected deficit of $192,000 in 2022-2023. The board continues to allocate additional funds to ensure that the special education needs of students across the board are well-supported, and special education staffing has remained consistent.

As prepared, the budget shows a $1.3 million transportation deficit. The Ministry will be allocating a two per cent increase included in the provincial allocation, and if the board receives a full two per cent increase to its transportation funding, the deficit would be reduced to $1 million.

This year, the Ministry of Education provided a 5.45 per cent cost update to the non-staff portion of the school operations allocation. This funding is to help boards manage increases in commodity prices (electricity, natural gas, facilities insurance, etc.) and additional money to support the increased costs of running ventilation systems longer and replacing filters more often.

Funding also included a provision for labour negotiations, as collective agreements expire on Aug. 31, 2022. The provision is subject to the outcome and conclusion of negotiations

The Ministry’s Pupil Foundation Grant includes a new component for broadband network operations. The funding supports network connectivity, infrastructure, security and operations in schools and board buildings.

There is a significant increase in funding for mental health. The Ministry has increased the base amount of the allocation to support student mental health from $100,858 to $301,723 per board and increased the per pupil amount from $1.34 to $6.67.

The board continues to examine staffing to ensure that positions, roles and responsibilities match Ministry funding parameters, and the four priorities of the MYSP. This ensures alignment of resources and initiatives to the goal of student achievement and well-being.

“It has been a challenging year to keep our staff and students safe in the midst of the second year of a very difficult and disruptive pandemic and remain fiscally responsible” says Chair Aspin. “We have approved a solid, strategic financial plan and look forward to the year ahead.”

Details on the budget may be found within the Board’s agenda package. Information about education funding process can be found on this page of the Government of Ontario website.

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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

 

Filed Under: Media Releases, News and Announcements, NNDSB Featured, NNDSB Shared News

Students, community partner laud board’s PSW program

June 1, 2022 By Deb

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Students, community partner laud board’s PSW program

The first class of personal support worker (PSW) students is about halfway through Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) unique program, which re-engages learners while assisting to close the gap in employment needs in the healthcare sector. The program sees students learn in living classrooms – they learn theory and often within hours are on the floor putting into practice what they’ve just learned.

The program is running in Parry Sound and North Bay, with community partners Belvedere House and Cassellholme, which are providing the classroom space and mentorship of the PSW students.

The in-class sessions will wrap up June 30, then students will have to fulfil placement hours in both long-term care and community care settings.

In North Bay, instructor Nancy Corbett is no stranger to Cassellholme. She’s been a registered practical nurse (RPN) there for 25 years and has worked as a preceptor for practical nursing students.

She loves teaching in the living classroom, where students start to learn slowly with portering and feeding residents before they learn about hygiene and other aspects of care. Corbett says when students get to shadow PSWs, they learn by seeing others do the work, then get to try it themselves. She says living classrooms “are the way to teach. It’s the way to go,” because of the shortened timeframe between learning and doing.

The hands-on learning is what appealed to Arianna Poullas. The North Bay resident studied for a year at college but didn’t enjoy learning in a classroom from a textbook. The PSW program appealed to her because after theoretical learning, there is application of the knowledge.

“I like being able to do things with my hands,” says Poullas. “It makes things make sense to me.”

She says the small class size helps the group all feel like family, and says it’s been like that since the first day. The students are supportive of each other, and Poullas says this is the best program she’s ever been involved in. She says learning by reading “just doesn’t stick in my head”; she likes being out on the floor and is happy to not be learning solely by books.

PSW student Jillian Hewitt is also a part-time employee and single mom who enjoys the flexibility of the program.

She enjoys observing and learning from the PSWs, as she finds every person does things a little differently. Watching the others lets her find the best way for her to do the job.

Hewitt says the program is well-organized and the way it’s been taught has made the content “easy to absorb.” She feels supported by Corbett, her peers and staff at Cassellholme, and is confident in the skills she will have when she graduates after her placement hours.

Poullas loves working with Cassellholme’s residents and is hoping for a job in long-term care. She’s already been hired in the home’s Helping Hands program; Cassellholme Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jamie Lowery says it’s like a pre-PSW job position in which staff assist the PSWs.

Poullas is one of seven of the PSW students who have been hired as Helping Hands at Cassellholme. Lowery says the work that was done in vetting candidates has created a class of students who have “an inherent desire to be a PSW.” He says staff is “blown away” by the quality of students and of the course being taught.

NNDSB’s intake process is credited with successful inaugural classes.

Lisa Spencer, who facilitates specialist high skills majors and experiential learning for NNDSB says, “Our intake process consisted of an initial literacy assessment and interview where our team had the opportunity to meet and support each student individually. As a continuing education program, not all our students came to us with their high school diploma so really understanding the pathway for our students helped us to support the initiation process. We can see that our intake process is supportive, and we are very proud of all our students. They can earn their high school diploma while participating in a state of the art post-secondary program.”

Corbett says the interview process gleaned candidates who were best suited to the work of a PSW and who displayed the commitment needed to complete the course. Lowery says he was impressed with NNDSB and its flexibility in designing the program. Teaching learners to deal with difficult people is a skill that the PSW students can use in many aspects of life, not just at work.

He adds that for some, working as a PSW may be only the first step in a healthcare career. Cassellholme has a training budget for its staff which can help people meet their career goals.

There are plans to run the PSW program in September in West Nipissing and Mattawa, too. People interested in taking the PSW course can visit this page for more information. It contains links to an information session, information about the literacy assessment, and a fillable form to register interest in the program. Spaces are limited so potential students are urged to register as soon as possible.

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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

Filed Under: Media Releases, News and Announcements, NNDSB Featured, NNDSB Shared News

NNDSB staff get Caverhill Road Race running again

May 19, 2022 By Deb

Thursday, May 19, 2022

NNDSB staff get Caverhill Road Race running again

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) staff put in hundreds of volunteer hours to ensure that the Caverhill Road Race took place after a two-year hiatus caused by COVID-19 and its resulting restrictions.

The race, initially known as the Nobel Road Race, has been an annual spring staple in the community. This year, organizers Brigid Wright (principal of Nobel Public School) and Dawn Buckland (principal of Parry Sound High School) organized the May 7 event on short notice.

Buckland says, “In times of extreme staff shortage, it was amazing to see countless NNDSB staff and student volunteers work tirelessly to get the event up and running.” In addition to attending planning meetings, there were volunteers on race day all along the route.

The organizing team knows how important extra-curricular activities are to students and staff and are excited to begin the transition back to participation in such events.

The Caverhill Road Race is a single event organized and run by NNDSB staff, and features student-only categories. This year there were categories for Grade 3 and 4 girls, Grade 3 and 4 boys, Grade 5 and 6 girls, Grade 5 and 6 boys, Grade 7 and 8 girls and Grade 7 and 8 boys. The route is approximately three kilometres, finishing at Nobel Public School.

Among the race volunteers were Parry Sound High School students whose efforts on race day exemplify the character traits encouraged at NNDSB; the board supports students in being strong role models for their younger peers.

NNDSB is proud of its staff who are willing to go the extra mile and create memorable experiences and opportunities for students.

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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

Filed Under: Media Releases, News and Announcements, NNDSB Featured, NNDSB Shared News

Board Highlights of May meeting

May 13, 2022 By Deb

Friday, May 13, 2022

Board Highlights of May meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

In-person graduation ceremonies return

For the first time in two years, in-person graduation ceremonies are taking place at NNDSB schools.

Secondary school graduations are planned at each of the six secondary schools, and the Laurentian Learning Centre. Ceremonies are taking place between June 27 and 29.

Board Chair Jay Aspin, in speaking about graduation, called them “a special time for trustees. It’s kind of like watching your garden grow.”

Outdoor education and PD opportunities

Director of Education Craig Myles’ monthly update included a rundown of professional development for staff in outdoor education.

The board’s early childhood educators and kindergarten teachers were invited to express interest in the Forest Practitioner course being offered by the Child and Nature Alliance in Canada. The course involves four days of in-person learning at the Canadian Ecology Centre in Mattawa, and 11 months of independent online study. The course is being offered in May and June.

The Outdoor Ways of Learning and Sharing (OWLS) program is another of the ways in which outdoor learning takes place at NNDSB. Initially a pilot project in 2019, OWLS delivered interdisciplinary outdoor learning experiences to primary students. The program has expanded to provide these opportunities in all grades.

Director Myles also updated the Board on the status of the newly created outdoor classroom at Sundridge Centennial Public School and noted that NNDSB has been asked to give a presentation on the success of the board’s CAN Bike program at the Ontario Healthy School Conference later this month.

Updates on 3:2 consolidation work

In his update, Director Myles provided an update to trustees on the status of work in the 3:2 consolidation.

At Chippewa Secondary School, the auditorium interior and exteriors updates are almost 90 per cent complete and power to the new field scoreboard and maintenance building will begin this month. A weather-related event damaged the new learning commons space, and assessment and correction work are beginning.

At West Ferris Secondary School, the hospitality suite and cosmetology classroom are complete, and the learning commons has some adjustments to be made, but the book collection and technology has been reinstalled and space will be ready for use this month.

Student Trustees’ reports detail school activities

Student Trustee Cecilia Darling reported on a busy spring for students at all NNDSB secondary schools.

Spirit days included “anything but a backpack” day and student versus teacher sports games.

Darling also reported that information about Student Senate has been distributed to schools and elections for next year’s senators will be taking place soon.

Indigenous Student Trustee Allen Lewis Trodd’s report updated trustees on the work of the Indigenous Youth Circle and the meaningful ways NNDSB schools recognized May 5, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People.

His report spoke to how he was personally impacted, and how important it is for others to see from an Indigenous point of view. Trodd also outlined his commitment to mentor the next Indigenous Student Trustee.

Infrastructure tenders awarded

Trustees moved to accept two recommendations to award tenders for work to be done at Argyle Public School ($526,562 plus HST) and Mapleridge Public School ($490,000 plus HST).

The work will see HVAC upgrades at Argyle Public School  and washroom and public announcement system upgrades at Mapleridge Public School.

These projects are part of more than $20 million in upgrades at NNDSB schools across the district. The work has been made possible in part by school condition improvement funding and by staff application for joint federal and provincial funding through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (CVRIS).

A media release issued May 12, 2022, outlined infrastructure investment in more detail.

Report shows board progressing towards goals

Trustees received a report that detailed survey results and progress that has been made towards achieving the goals outlined in the board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP).

Data collected from responses to an online survey shows the board is moving positively in the priority areas of Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Communication, Excellence in Relationships and Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Trustee Bill Steer, who chairs the MYSP Committee, says the committee will continue to identify data points and assess operations in order to evaluate progress. Among the next steps resulting from survey responses are improvements to web pages with literacy and numeracy content, increasing understanding of where information can be found, and increasing opportunities for stakeholders to be heard and increasing community involvement opportunities in schools.

This media release provides more details about the survey results and on-going assessment.

The full progress report can be found here.

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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

 

 

Filed Under: Media Releases, News and Announcements, NNDSB Featured, NNDSB Shared News

Update on infrastructure investments throughout district

May 12, 2022 By Deb

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Update on infrastructure investments throughout district

At its meeting Tuesday, May 10, 2022, Near North District School Board moved to accept two recommendations to award tenders for major upgrades at two schools. These are the latest investments in NNDSB buildings across the district.

The most recent awards are for $526,562 for an HVAC upgrade project at Argyle Public School in Port Loring and a $490,000 award to upgrade washrooms and PA systems at Mapleridge Public School in Powassan.

These tenders are the most recent of several investments in infrastructure in schools throughout NNDSB. This school year, with support from federal and provincial government funding, more than $20.5 million has been invested into several buildings across all areas of the board.

Board Chair Jay Aspin says, “Our board is grateful for the significant amount of federal and provincial government support to assist us in modernizing our facilities to keep our students and staff safe during these challenging times. Our firm commitment is to provide the best learning environment to promote student well-being and success in all regions of our board.”

Much of the infrastructure investment was for ventilation upgrades, and more than $6 million was provided to NNDSB following a rigid application process. NNDSB staff conducted thorough needs assessments then applied for funding to offset costs of upgrades to improve educational spaces throughout the board.

NNDSB’s Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck, says, “Through the support of the federal and provincial governments, the board has planned upgrades to ventilation systems at many schools across the region to provide enhanced air quality, in coordination with the HEPA filtration units purchased with federal and provincial funding. In addition to the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream – Education Related Projects (CVRIS-EDU) funding received as part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Board has directed Ministry of Education School Condition Improvement and School Renewal allocations to ensure the upgrades are completed, and to support other projects within our schools such as washroom upgrades.”

James Coventry, NNDSB’s manager of facilities and operations, says the board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) and the board’s core purpose – student achievement and well-being – has been helpful in guiding processes and making decisions.

Many projects have focused on ventilation systems and helping to optimize air quality of schools and supporting healthy and safe learning environments for students and staff.

Other infrastructure projects will help NNDSB provide students with a 21st century education by creating innovative learning spaces.

“NNDSB’s 2021-2026 MYSP outlines our key strategic priorities, one of which is Excellence in Innovation,” says Coventry. “Exciting upgrades in schools will allow our students to engage in future-oriented learning experiences that promote excellence in achievement and well-being. We are constructing learning commons and completing upgrades to libraries, classrooms (both indoors and outdoors), and technology shops,” he says.

“These projects will support our current programming as well as allow our students new opportunities,” adds Coventry.

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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

Filed Under: Media Releases, News and Announcements, NNDSB Featured, NNDSB Shared News

MYSP survey results show board progressing towards goals

May 11, 2022 By Deb

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

MYSP survey results show board progressing towards goals

Data from April’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) online survey has been compiled and shows Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is moving in a positive direction in the four priority areas: Excellence in Communication; Excellence in Relationships; Excellence in Teaching and Learning; and Excellence in Innovation.

Trustee Bill Steer, who chairs the MYSP Committee, presented a progress report to trustees at last night’s Board meeting. “The MYSP Committee and the Board will continue to identify additional numerical data points that will assess various aspects of our educational operations through the intent of the MYSP. The MYSP progress report is the next step in applying the plan,” he said.

The April survey gathered responses from staff, parents/guardians, students and community partners.

Baseline data was taken from internal sources and stakeholder interviews with Nanos Research, Ministry of Education special advisors and Ramsay Partners Inc. prior to development of the MYSP.

Respondents to the April survey overwhelmingly believed that the volume of communication from NNDSB had increased in the past two years, and almost 79 per cent of respondents were able to find all or most of the information they were looking for.

The majority of respondents (89 per cent) agree that NNDSB schools have innovative programs and 89 per cent agree that the board offers excellence in teaching and learning.

The survey responses also provided the board with some goals for improvement and next steps to continue building confidence with stakeholders. Among identified improvements are web pages for literacy and numeracy content, increasing understanding of where information may be found, investigating innovative options for students who live in areas of declining enrolment, and increasing opportunities for stakeholders to be heard and to increase community involvement in schools.

“The reliable saying ‘you can’t manage what you can’t measure’ holds true,” says Board Chair Jay Aspin. “Our MYSP Committee is developing both qualitative and quantitative measures to assist us with full measures to assess the progress of our recently created MYSP. Qualitative data has been developed from our pupils, employees, parents, partners and the public. Our board is very pleased with this data produced from this survey as it reflects the tremendous transition the board has undergone by establishing meaningful strategic goals then assessing delivery of these goals,” he says.

In addition to presenting the qualitative data from the survey, the MYSP progress report also shared quantitative information that outlines how NNDSB is working in all four priority areas to support the student, school, department and board improvement plans.

Accomplishments in the past year include improved and faster access to assistive technology for students, expanded course offering for all students through online learning, summer programs to help mitigate gaps due to COVID-19 disruptions, dedicated staff to support Indigenous education, optimized experiential learning opportunities and enhanced relationships with community partners via the equity advisory circle, as one example.

Director of Education Craig Myles said the MYSP survey gave stakeholders the opportunity to share feedback, while providing valuable information to NNDSB staff about progress and next steps.

“It’s vital that we keep lines of communication open with all stakeholder groups. The board needs to know how people feel about what we are doing,” says Myles. “The survey responses allowed us to assess how we are doing and provide direction to implement strategies focused on improvement.”

Here is the link to the full progress report with more details, data and accomplishments.

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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

 

Filed Under: Media Releases, News and Announcements, NNDSB Featured, NNDSB Shared News

Northern Ontario Film Studios and Near North District School Board strike a long-term deal for film training in Northern Ontario

May 10, 2022 By Deb

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Northern Ontario Film Studios and Near North District School Board strike a long-term deal for film training in Northern Ontario

The Northern Ontario Film Studios (NOFS) is delighted to announce a new partnership and filming initiative with Near North District School Board (NNDSB) to provide on-the-job training opportunities to NNDSB students in conjunction with NOFS film productions filming in Northern Ontario. This learning cooperative will play a crucial role in engaging students in exploration of the multitude of career pathways available within the Northern Ontario film industry by creating awareness and interest in the variety of careers immediately available for them once they graduate. This hands-on training will give students the foundational building blocks to enter this exciting and growing industry.

Northern Ontario Film Studios is the largest full-service film studio in Northern Ontario, providing both creative and production services to a wide range of clients in the film and television industry. With a vast array of film production experience, unparalleled in the region, the Northern Ontario Film Studios has created award-winning film and television content around the world.

With its sister company Hideaway Pictures, they have produced more than 60 films and provided production services, studio space and equipment rental for more than 100 film and television projects in Northern Ontario. Having three studio spaces in the North Bay and Sudbury area, they have created more 3,000,000 hours of work for Northern Ontario residents, amounting to more than 2,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the North. The gross economic impact to the Ontario economy is well over $150,000,000 in direct spend.

In 2019, NOFS built a permanent $2,000,000 turn-of-the-century town in Powassan, ON. It is the only one of its kind in the province which has garnered attention from the industry abroad and is sought after as a future filming location.

In 2021, NOFS and Hideaway Pictures announced a new $125,000,000 deal to bring over 25 new film and television projects to Northern Ontario in the next 5 years. President of Production David Anselmo says, “This partnership is the first step to developing the young talent we have in our region and keeping them at home to work and grow in a new and exciting industry. Twenty years ago, when I chose to pursue my passion as a filmmaker, I never had the opportunity to do it in Northern Ontario. This partnership is just another way NOFS can fulfill its mandate of creating long lasting cinema in the North.”

NNDSB is responsible for the public education of approximately 10,000 learners from across the Almaguin Highlands, North Bay, Mattawa, West Nipissing and Parry Sound areas. The board serves a wide variety of communities within a 17,020 square km area and operates 27 elementary schools, six secondary schools, and a variety of alternative and continuing education programs and services.

NNDSB engages with organizations from many sectors to enhance student success, professional learning and the educational environment. Partners include community organizations, post-secondary institutions, businesses, charitable foundations, health agencies, arts organizations and social service agencies.

Board Chair Jay Aspin says, “Our board is truly excited about this new dynamic connection. Transforming and enhancing our board through innovation and the advancement of new relationships form a key pillar of our recently created multi-year strategic plan. This partnership will assist us in achieving these goals as we engage with the Northern Ontario Film Studios resulting in opportunities to improve student success, professional learning and broaden our educational environment.”

Of the initiative, NNDSB Director of Education Craig Myles says, “It is important to Near North District School Board to continue to create innovative pathways that help students to make connections with the workforce and the community. This exciting new partnership with Northern Ontario Film Studios provides our students with an opportunity to explore the burgeoning film industry and seek further study and or employment in an exciting career in their home communities.”

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For more information, please contact studio manager Kaitlyn Greenough at 705.885.1660 or kaitlyn@hideawaypictures.com.

Filed Under: Media Releases, NNDSB Featured, NNDSB Shared News

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