Elementary students from across Near North District School Board (NNDSB) participated in a get active challenge as part of NNDSB’s Thrive in a Hive campaign, led by the board’s mental health team.
Way to go, students!
Watch the short video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaFJ0gq8nto
March 18, 2021
The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board meeting of Tuesday, March 16, 2021.
There are many on-going professional development opportunities available to trustees serving boards of education. In addition to its monthly online sessions, Ontario Public School Board’s Association (OPSBA) offers trustee development modules.
Trustees are able to take advantage of training from the Ministry of Education (governance and election resources) and from the Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA).
A report provided by Superintendent Gay Smylie explained that NNDSB’s new online registration process is a move towards an inclusive and equitable registration process that demonstrates excellence in relationships, communication and innovation.
Updates to the registration form include the option of non-binary choices, including non-disclosed and self-identified under the gender section. This follows a school community survey conducted in 2019 titled This is Us. There is a space on the registration form to reflect any student’s chosen identity. The report on the new process states, “We want all students to feel welcomed and accepted; registering a self-identified gender should be as easy as registering a binary gender type.”
The form now allows for the selection of the language stream the student is entering, with a drop-down menu for the selection of English, French Immersion, and Extended French.
Sections of the form now reflect the acceptance of digital documentation. Parents and guardians are able to attach photos of the student’s proof of age and proof of address, and digital signatures are acceptable. These modifications, approved by legal counsel, will alleviate the need for identification to be seen and verified by school staff.
Additionally, the new form can be utilized by students registering in elementary and secondary schools and streamlines the process. Rather than going to a central location and being forwarded to schools, parents and guardians will now email the complete package to the secretary at the student’s school.
The new registration process came into effect on Monday, March 8, 2021.
Recruitment has begun to select a Superintendent of Business at NNDSB, overseen by the ad hoc SBO Search Committee.
The committee endorsed the use of the Ontario Education Services Corporation executive search firm and has set a timeline that would tentatively see the potential candidate selected by mid-April 2021.
The search committee is comprised of the Interim SBO, the Director of Education, the Interim Manager of Human Resources, Board Chair Jay Aspin, Board Vice-Chair John Cochrane, and Trustee Nichole King.
Trustees were provided with a report from Interim Superintendent of Business Wally Easton on the progress of the construction of a new W.J. Fricker School.
The school has been closed and is scheduled for demolition with a new school to be built on the same site. With input from board staff, the architect’s design is 80 per cent completed, which allows the design to be submitted to the Ministry of Education for approval. The 20 per cent to be finalized allows for tweaking before the project goes to tender.
The estimated cost of construction is $14.8 million, which is $2.4 million over the amount allocated by the Ministry. The shortfall has been discussed with the Ministry, which suggested trying to reduce the cost of the school.
The construction of the new school will take at least 10 months, and a delay to the already tight deadline with a redesign will not allow for a September 2022 opening. The report states there is money in reserve to cover the construction shortfall, but permission is required from the Ministry to do that. It was also pointed out that the tender could include requests for separate pricing on some finishes, which would allow for flexibility in choices.
The report recommends proceeding with the design as it is and completing the process for Ministry approval.
The Multi-Year Planning Committee, responsible for developing, setting the direction for and assessing the framework of the 2021-2026 multi-year plan, has become a standing committee of the Board. The committee re-appointed Trustee Bill Steer as its Chair, and adopted its terms of reference, which was approved by the Board of Trustees.
The move to a standing committee means that once the strategic plan is developed, it will be monitored to ensure all departments were on track. Board Chair Jay Aspin called the multi-year strategic plan “a key goal we would like to accomplish this year…it’s our five-year anchor”. The committee has established its chair and adopted its terms of reference, which was approved by the Board of Trustees. Members of the committee are one trustee appointed as chair, one trustee as a general member, the Chair of the Board of Trustees is an ex-officio member, and the Director of Education or designate.
Other parties may attend as observers but are not able to participate or vote.
Among the committee’s responsibilities are developing a multi-year planning process, establishing timelines (benchmarks) to evaluate the current plan and assist in planning new strategic direction, providing recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding facilitator options and their costs, developing the 2021-2026 NNDSB multi-year plan, and discussing/co-ordinating with the Director of Education regarding the need for and use of staff resources.
The Multi-Year Plan Committee will meet as required and provide regular reports to the Board.
In March 2021 the Multi-Year Plan Committee met with the executive team and the system principals to refine the Board Improvement Plans for Student Achievement and Well-being. Feedback from the system team has shown the necessity of refining departmental improvement plans to include more specific process (action) goals to the objectives.
Communications, Program and Facilities will be aligned to the MYSP in late March and will ensure the creation of SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound). Progress will be monitored and adjustments made as appropriate.
The managers of the HR, Business/Finance and IT departments will be supported in building capacity to engage in the planning that aligns to the MYSP.
Department planning is scheduled to begin in late March after Ramsay Partners has engaged in sessions to redefine board office department roles and task performance in addressing operational gaps. Teams must feel settled before engaging in collaborative plans that ask them to see their place in the work toward the department goals.
In a presentation to the Board, Corporate Affairs Officer Liana Blaskievich, who is a member of the committee, said all departments and the work they do will lead to student achievement and well-being. “Everyone is aware of the destination, and all paths lead to that destination,” she said.
Acting on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, trustees approved the appointment of KPMG as the Board’s external auditors for a period of three years, with the option of two one-year extensions.
The Parry Sound Architect Selection Committee has been dissolved, and the Parry Sound Build Committee has assumed oversight for the construction of the new Parry Sound build.
At February’s Board meeting, +VG Architects (The Ventin Group) was announced as the successful bidder of the tender to design the new facility, which will include a childcare centre, an EarlyON Child and Family Centre, and a JK-12 school.
Trustees approved a $15,000 application to the NNDSB Trustee Initiative Fund, which supports organizations and projects that encompass students from across the board, to Near North Student Robotics Initiative (NNSRI), FIRST Team 1305, a competitive robotics team.
NNSRI supports STEM programming for students aged 6 through secondary school, from communities around the board’s catchment area.
Funding for 2021 was requested to buy tooling and materials for prototyping and building a robot at the high school level for this year’s competition, and next year’s expected full season.
The money will also support the establishment of a FIRST Tech Challenge team, buy LEGO equipment to support less able teams at the elementary school level, help fund registration costs at the provincial level for two levels of FIRST Teams, support event costs of 180 students from ages 9-14 to participate in a FIRST Lego League, and support team and event costs for the potential annual FIRST Lego league tournament.
The application says students get real-time experience that offers experiences in designing, building, programming and driving robots, learn engineering, scientific and business principles, interactions with professionals from the community, creating team businesses and presentation documents, developing written and verbal communication skills and the ability to compete at local, provincial and international level competitions.
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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)
Information Communication Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca
March 16, 2021
The Ministry of Education has made temporary changes to the community involvement graduation policy to remove barriers due to COVID-19.
Students graduating in the 2020-2021 school year will be required to have a minimum of 20 (reduced from 40) community involvement hours. Several policy restrictions have been waived, allowing principals discretion to: allow students to earn hours during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day (for example, students with a spare, or on alternative programming); to earn hours through duties normally performed in the home; and to allow students aged 14 and older to count up to a maximum of 10 hours from paid employment to count towards their graduation requirement if they complete a reflection exercise on how their work provided service.
While students must provide confirmation of their completed hours, the paper-based tracking system currently in place may not be practical. For graduation 2021, schools have the flexibility to accept confirmation of community hours through a variety of electronic means. Students are encouraged to consult school administration or guidance for details.
Students are encouraged to continue to seek out volunteer opportunities, keeping in mind public health unit recommendations.
Students may be able to fulfill the graduation requirement by volunteering virtually. There are many ways in which students can develop an awareness of civic responsibility while supporting and strengthening their communities. They might consider:
Students and their families are encouraged to speak with their school administration or guidance to share their ideas to fulfill community involvement hours.
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For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca
March 16, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This letter is to advise you of temporary changes that the Ministry of Education has made to the community involvement graduation policy, to remove barriers for students who are facing challenges due to COVID-19.
Students graduating in the 2020-2021 school year will be required to have a minimum of 20 (reduced from 40) community involvement hours. Several policy restrictions have been waived, allowing principals discretion to: allow students to earn hours during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day (for example, students with a spare, or on alternative programming); to earn hours through duties normally performed in the home; and to allow students aged 14 and older to count up to a maximum of 10 hours from paid employment to count towards their graduation requirement if they complete a reflection exercise on how their work provided service.
Students are encouraged to continue to seek out volunteer opportunities, keeping in mind public health unit recommendations.
Students may be able to fulfill the graduation requirement by volunteering virtually. There are many ways in which students can develop an awareness of civic responsibility while supporting and strengthening their communities. They might consider:
Students are encouraged to speak to their school administration about fulfilling these requirements.
Sincerely,
Near North District School Board
March 15, 2021
Evergreen Heights Education Centre students in Mr. McMurray’s Grade 4/5 class recently explored the forces of tension and compression when building bridges.
Students were tasked to use the technological problem-solving skills to design, build, and test a frame structure (e.g., a bridge, a tower) that would withstand the application of an external force. Blake and Avery designed a bridge that was so strong it was able to hold up Mr. McMurray’s truck!
Way to go, students!
March 12, 2021
Students at Parry Sound High School are receiving additional help in math and literacy thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Parry Sound.
Fundraising efforts by the Rotary Club have allowed for a donation of $15,000 for online tutoring services. Math, literacy, and tutoring for success are just some of the opportunities available for students needing extra support in those areas.
Operated by the school’s student services department, students are tutored by qualified individuals. Students who were previously struggling in their classes were able to pass them and receive the class credit thanks to the tutoring service.
“Parry Sound High School is very thankful that the Rotary Club of Parry Sound identified a need for our students early on in the pandemic,” said Parry Sound High School Principal Dawn Buckland. “In doing so, the Rotary Club of Parry Sound has provided support to bridge learning gaps for many of our students through free tutoring.”
The service has helped at least eight students achieve and exceed their goals, with more students expected to join. One student, who was not struggling in their class, wanted to increase their grade beyond a 70 per cent and they were able to do that thanks to the additional supports.
Rotary Club of Parry Sound member Karen Cox said “Our Rotary Club is dedicated to helping our community meet unexpected needs during the COVID pandemic. We knew our local Parry Sound High School students were struggling with the challenges of learning online and in school at this time.”
Cox added “We acquired enough funding to underwrite an online tutoring program to assist those most in need. We reached out to the caring staff at PSHS so they could help get the program up and going. We believe the program has been gaining traction and will hopefully meet our intent that no student will lose a year of learning due to COVID.”
This isn’t the first act of generosity from the Rotary Club of Parry Sound. Earlier this year, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) was able to offer support for purchasing healthy snacks for at-home learners through grocery gift cards thanks to the Rotary Club.
Whether students learn remotely or in-class, a nutritious breakfast and snacks are imperative to learning. NNDSB has offered a robust nutrition program in the form of snack and/or breakfast programs to students for years in all school. These programs allow students to choose a variety of healthy foods each day while at school. The support of the Rotary Club has allowed NNDSB to expand on that program to include at-home learners.
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Parry Sound for your continued generosity to NNDSB schools, students, and their families.
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Information about Near North District School Board:
Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on social media.
For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca
March 9, 2021
In a move that removes barriers to registering students in the Near North District School Board, a fully digital registration process has been launched today that eliminates the need for an in-person visit to schools and streamlines the process for administrative staff.
The transition to an online system was initially put in place to eliminate the need for parents to attend schools to register their kindergarten students. In light of NNDSB’s COVID-19 protocols relating to in-person visits, the board wanted a process that kept in-person contact to a minimum.
Superintendent Gay Smylie notes that COVID-19 has created many opportunities for NNDSB to provide innovative solutions to problems that previously did not exist. Since the pandemic began a year ago, parents haven’t been able to register their children in the usual way.
NNDSB’s fully digital system eliminates the need for a visit to the school for registration. Parents and guardians are able to send digital copies of student identification. The new practice, which meets Ministry of Education requirements, and Ontario Student Record guidelines, helps keep people safe, and makes the process more accessible for families that may lack transportation to the school, or the ability to print and scan.
“An online registration format provides inclusive options for parents to register right from the comfort of their own homes as well as submit and sign required documents electronically,” says Smylie.
This is just one way the NNDSB is moving forward in its commitment to excellence in communications and building relationships.
While this new system is being introduced in tandem with the annual kindergarten registration campaign, the new online process is for use by any parent/guardian who has children to register, regardless of age or grade. Students transferring from out of area or from other boards will register using this same process.
Once a parent/guardian confirms student eligibility at a particular school, they can access the new registration forms in one of three ways:
If submitting the form electronically, the parent/guardian will send it to the appropriate secretary. Secretary names and email addresses can be found on the Find Your School page of the board’s website. The secretary information is helpful for registration purposes and improved communication for families at all schools. The secretary is often the first contact that a family has with its school, so it’s important to start and cultivate the relationship.
This new process streamlines the process by eliminating steps, and is a friendlier way to welcome new families to NNDSB.
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Information about Near North District School Board:
Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on social media.
For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca
Since the onset of COVID-19, cleaning measures have been strengthened at all Near North District School Board (NNDSB) buildings – measures that have kept COVID-19 numbers low in board schools.
Deb Lamb, an NNDSB facilities supervisor says custodians are frequently cleaning high-touch and high traffic areas in their buildings, in addition to increasing the concentration of cleaning disinfectant solution.
“We’ve really upped the disinfectant. We have peroxide disinfectant that we use on door handles, walls, push plates, push bars, light switches, desks, sinks, taps, toilets, stalls.”
Lamb added that custodians are actively cleaning commonly touched items and constantly monitoring the cleanliness of the building throughout the school day because preventative measures are key in keeping everyday viruses along with COVID-19 from spreading.
“Custodians are really the first line in keeping our children from being sick.”
Director of Education Craig Myles said, “Our custodians play a vital role in maintaining a safe environment for students, staff, and the community. Each day custodians come into work, ensuring that health and safety remain top of mind. Without their dedication, our facilities would not be in a condition to support a safe teaching and learning environment. Thank you for keeping our schools a safe place to learn.”
In comparison to other school boards and regions in Ontario, the number of COVID-19 positive cases in NNDSB schools has been very low. Jason Mirtl, NNDSB’s acting Manager of Plant and Facilities says this is in part to the outstanding job the custodians are doing each day.
“It really does speak volumes of the great work that our custodians are doing every day to meet enhanced sanitizing requirements for the safety of staff and students. The custodial staff have played a vital role in preventing further spread.”
As additional prevention measures, each NNDSB school has hand sanitizer located at every entrance and exit. When students enter the building in the morning and after recess, staff ensure students are wearing their masks and sanitizing their hands.
Upon entry to schools, students and staff are greeted by information posters and signage on safe practices to be followed to ensure the safety of all. Also, in the schools are appropriately placed directional arrows on the floor to ensure a safe and physically distanced traffic flow.
Though students and staff should not attend school when they are not feeling well, schools have an isolation area if people become unwell during the day. When that area has been occupied, it is immediately rendered unusable until a thorough cleaning has taken place, including the walls.
In the event of a positive COVID-19 case(s) associated with someone within the school community, additional custodians are brought to that school to help with a thorough sanitization of the building. The process includes washing down every chair and every desk in the affected room(s), all washrooms are washed from top to bottom and all touch points are sanitized – push bars, light switches, doorknobs, pencil sharpeners, doors, etc.
While the COVID-19 virus is new and easily transmitted, these enhanced cleaning measures have been implemented for years. Any time a school had an outbreak of pink eye or another communicable disease, an enhanced cleaning protocol was enacted by custodians.
“Our custodians really take health and safety seriously to provide a safe environment for students and staff,” said Lamb.
March 3, 2021
Fionna Truong, Ella Kelso, and Emily Yates may only be in Grades 9 and 10 at West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS), but the female trio has become a force to be reckoned with, catching the eye of Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Education.
Back in June 2020, NNDSB proudly shared that the WFSS’s science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) students were receiving one of 11 worldwide Vale COVID-19 challenge grants for their construction and distribution of a UV Cube sterilizer box. The trio along with fellow classmate Tessa Summers, all from FIRST Robotics Team 1305 built the UV Cube at the request of Fionna’s father, Dr. James Truong, to assist with the sterilization of Personal Protective Equipment at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. Two prototypes are actually already in use at the hospital’s emergency department and intensive care unit.
On Feb. 8, the students participated in a video conference with the Minister of Education, local dignitaries, and school administrators to be recognized for transforming their innovating plans into a business opportunity.
“It was inspiring to join MPP Fedeli to witness the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of these young women who have worked hard to deliver a solution to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Minister Lecce. “This government is creating the environment and taking further action to position Ontario as a global leader in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education — especially by encouraging more women to pursue these good jobs and exciting careers.”
Since then, Fionna, Emily, and Ella partnered with CBON Group to create FEME Innovations Inc. and the ‘Qube itTR. In this venture, the three students are learning various aspects of starting a business from legalities, accounting, manufacturing, prototyping, distribution, and marketing.
Qube itTR, which inactivates germs on everyday use items with ultraviolet or UV light, is in the process of gaining approval from Health Canada, United States Food and Drug Administration, and the Canadian Dental Association. Additionally an ISO 13485 certification. Once additional testing, field research, and marketing are complete, the first line of FEME Innovations’ ‘Qube it’ will begin production.
“I’m always blown away to see the incredible and innovative ideas that our students develop and bring to fruition,” said Craig Myles, NNDSB’s Director of Education. “Fionna, Ella, and Emily have reached a remarkable achievement and have become shining stars for young women and for STEAM. This is just one example that speaks volumes to the excellent work that NNDSB students and staff do each year.”
All three students credit WFSS’s STEAM program in helping them get to the point of being able to design and execute a fully functioning product.
“It was really cool to have Minister Lecce reach out and speak with us. It helped us realize that we are going to make a difference,” said Emily.
Along with starting a business, the young women all say they have become more confident in giving presentations and interviews.
“I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity of talking with the media and especially the meeting with Minister Lecce. This has been a big step to show myself that I have gained confidence through this venture,” stated Fionna.
At such a young age, Grade 9 student Emily says this entrepreneurial journey is a new and exciting opportunity that most people her age wouldn’t get to experience. “We had the opportunity to be a part of so many pieces throughout this process. It really opened your eyes to all the different components.”
Echoing her counterpart, Fionna stated all three were previously involved in the robotics, science, and technology aspects.
WFSS staff member and parent of Ella, Heather Kelso says “being part of FIRST Team 1305, a West Ferris STEAM student and being friends have all contributed to the success of this venture. This experience will help them continue to grow as individuals and embrace girl-power at its best.”
“It is rewarding to see young women actively pursue STEAM programming options in school. When this is paired with mentors such as Heather Kelso and supported by our community partners like FIRST Robotics Canada it really brings forward opportunities that can be life changing for our students,” said WFSS Principal Andy Gagne.
NNDSB’s Board of Trustees has supported robotics learning across the district by providing funds to enhance opportunities.
“Our Board has been an important and consistent supporter of the robotics initiative through contributions from our Trustee Initiative Fund. It is certainly gratifying to see this investment play a role in this significant result as we are focused on opportunities for our students to attain their full potential,” said Jay Aspin, NNDSB Board Chair.
Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said, “It is great to see the work that these young women have put into the creation of the UV Sterilization product they are now marketing. Their work with FIRST Robotics and Team 1305 wasn’t just about building robots – it built character and confidence.”
Speaking about the scope of their project, Fedeli said, “They took those skills and have created a COVID-related product that has the capacity to greatly assist frontline healthcare workers and could be put to use in many other areas. It is wonderful to see that they saw a challenge, collaborated, designed a solution, and learned how the production and marketing of it came together. Simply brilliant!”
All three young women hope to inspire others in pursuing their goals, strengths, and passions especially when it comes to women in STEAM.
Information about Near North District School Board:
Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on social media.
For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca
March 3, 2021
Mapleridge Public School students, in various grades, have been learning about customs and traditions of the past, how they can be enjoyed in the present and come to understand their purpose and relevance.
Last week, students were introduced to a game called Snow Snake, a traditional Iroquois winter sport dating back hundreds of years. Historically, the games were played when the men of the villages returned from their annual hunting trip. Snow snakes are hand-made from a flattened or carved piece of wood. The object of the game is to throw the snow snake the farthest distance along a smooth trough made in the snow.
With a combination of history learning and physical education, students have encompassed collaborative education, and exploring differing life experiences in a hands-on way they are sure to remember!
Mii gwi Anishinabek wewena nkenmaaminak dependajig maa kiing.
"We acknowledge in a good way, the original people of the land here"
We value the cultures, histories and relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (North America)