Near North District School Board

Highlights from January Board Meeting

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Board Highlights

Jan. 14, 2021

Trustee professional development

Trustees of NNDSB are taking advantage of professional development opportunities in the areas of the role of the board and human rights.

Chair Aspin, Vice-Chair Cochrane and Trustees Fry, Steer, Sargent and King were designated to attend the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Education Symposium, scheduled on Jan. 28, 2021. The annual symposium covers topics that affect the role of trustees, and the environments in which school boards operate. This year’s event will be held virtually.

The Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education extended an invitation to all trustees of all Boards of Education to attend two half-day sessions that comprise the Intensive Human Rights Program for School Board Leaders, offered by Osgoode Professional Development. The session will provide an overview of equity principles and the Ontario Human Rights Code, with a specific focus on anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism. Chair Aspin, Vice-Chair Cochrane and Trustees Sargent, Fry, Breault, Steer and King will attend this virtual training on behalf of NNDSB.

This training will complement the work of NNDSB’s recently struck committee, the Equity Advisory Circle, which reflects the board’s on-going commitment to equity and inclusion.

Thanks are expressed to the Trustees for participating in these valuable and timely professional development opportunities.

Trustees approve International Education Agreement

The Board approved the International Students COVID19 Readiness Plan 2020. With this approval, the board is one step further in the process of being in a position to accept international students seeking education in Ontario.

The health and safety of staff and students remains a top priority of NNDSB. This plan, working in tandem with Government of Canada travel parameters, the Ministry of Education, and organizations that facilitate international student applications, will help NNDSB cultivate an environment that welcomes international students and enriches the diversity of the student body, in support of tenets in the Board’s new strategic plan.

Reports Presented

NNDSB: A Year in Review

Director of Education Craig Myles gave an overview of highlights accomplished in calendar year 2020 at NNDSB, including the distribution of the Director’s Annual Report, the creation of a framework to support succession planning and improved governance, communications and partnerships.

Most significantly, NNDSB is pleased to have implemented all of the recommendations from the Ombudsman’s Report, and acted on all of the items identified in the Special Advisor’s report.

The report substantiates achievements in each of the five objectives mentioned above, and outcomes of this work will be integrated into the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP).

Board Chair Jay Aspin expressed his appreciation for the effective leadership of Director Myles of a dedicated team, which resulted in these significant accomplishments in the midst of a pandemic.

Multi-Year Strategic Plan

An update was given on the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. The plan’s priority areas are excellence in teaching and learning, excellence in innovation, excellence in relationships, and excellence in communication. The creation of a more fulsome plan, which outlines how NNDSB will work toward meeting the five-year goals, is on schedule.

The MYSP board team will be distributing templates created for departmental planning that aligns the MYSP to the Board Improvement Plans for Student Achievement and Well-being. Planning will include the creation of SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time bound) goals, enabling progress to be monitored, and evidence-informed adjustments to be made when appropriate.

This process aligns all action plans to board priorities.

Chair Aspin said the MYSP will act as a compass for the board, directing its operation for the next five years. Six major areas of work include the implementation of the MYSP, student achievement and well-being, two new school builds, board resources reorganization, North Bay capital property assets utilization, and high school athletics facilities.

Click here to view the MYSP page.

Retirement announced

The retirement of Superintendent of Business Liz Therrien, effective Feb. 28, 2021, was announced. Ms Therrien has provided leadership as Superintendent of Business, and Treasurer to the Board for 10 years.

Committee membership

In keeping with the established governance by-laws, the NNDSB Board of Trustees confirmed membership for each of the Board’s committees. Please refer to the website under Board and Trustee Committee Meetings for current membership.

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

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

Additional Information Regarding Ontario Premier’s Announcement – Jan. 13

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January 13, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Further to our communication about the provincial state of emergency, which comes into effect Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., updated information has been provided from the Ministry of Education and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit regarding the use of masks at school while outdoors.

According to the health unit, if physical distancing is not possible outside, students and staff will be required to wear masks.

Scarves may not be substituted for masks.

Students are encouraged to bring extra masks to school in case masks get wet when outside.

Thank you.

Near North District School Board

Celebrating achievement, striving for excellence

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An impressive list of achievements was presented to trustees of the Near North District School Board on Jan. 12, acknowledging the work that has been accomplished in calendar year 2020, and outlining next steps in the board’s strategic plan roadmap.

Among the highlights of the board’s accomplishments are the creation of a Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) for 2021-2026, the distribution of the Director’s Annual Report, the creation of a finance manual and a streamlined budget reporting process, aggressive application for grants to enhance services of the Board, the initiation of board office reorganization, increased communication and presence on social media, the creation of a draft framework leading to comprehensive succession plans for all staff, and the successful consolidation of North Bay secondary schools.

Director of Education Craig Myles said, “We are pleased at the significant progress we have made and we will continue to look at systemic improvement in all areas of Board structure and function.”

Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “our Board has come a long way this past year, resulting from our diligent work and our Director’s strong, effective leadership in the guidance of a dedicated team.” He pointed out this was accomplished during a “disruptive pandemic”.

While celebrating achievement, NNDSB is committed to carefully plotting the direction of the board. With input from a variety of sources and the guidance of facilitators, five objectives for change were identified: leadership; governance; financial accountability; human resources; and public confidence. These areas are addressed in the MYSP and its focus on excellence: Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Excellence in Relationships; Excellence in Innovation; and Excellence in Communication.

Of the MYSP Director Myles said, “We have invested much time and effort in the design of a thorough MYSP, understanding the important part it will play in providing a clear direction for NNDSB over the next five-year period.”

Board Chair Aspin said major challenges in the year ahead include the construction of two new schools, a board resources reorganization, and the review of secondary school athletic facilities.

The MYSP, said Chair Aspin, will provide direction for the board for the next five years, beginning Sept. 2021. Through aligning goals of the MYSP, improvement will be made to student achievement and well-being, a “continual responsibility” of the board.

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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

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

Information Regarding Ontario Premier’s Announcement – Jan. 12

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Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Province of Ontario has declared a second state of emergency and imposed a stay-at-home order effective Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., as outlined in a provincial news release.

An extension of remote learning was announced for schools in Southern Ontario, but schools in the north, including Near North District School Board, will continue to operate in-person. MacTier Public School will continue to engage in virtual learning.

Below are changes that affect staff and students in NNDSB:

  • Masks are now required for students in Grades 1-3 (in-person learning)
  • Masks are now required outdoors, if social distancing cannot be maintained (in-person learning)
  • There are enhanced screening protocols (in-person learning)
  • There is expanded targeted testing (in-person learning)

We will continue to share information with you as it becomes available. Please know that we take the safety of our students, staff, and community with the utmost importance. Information regarding our enhanced cleaning protocols can be found on our website nearnorthschools.ca.

Thank you.

Near North District School Board

Message from the Director of Education – January 8, 2021

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January 8, 2021

Dear Parents/Guardians:

All schools in the Near North District School Board, with the exception of MacTier Public School will re-open on Monday, January 11, 2021, for in-person learning.

MacTier Public School will continue remote learning until Jan. 25 because it is located in the Muskoka Simcoe District Health Unit region.

As previously indicated, staff or students that live outside of our Health Unit district are able to return to their school in the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit region when we resume in-person learning on January 11, 2021. Transportation will be provided to students who live in other health unit regions to attend schools in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit region.

Please see the attached communication from Medical Officer of Health James Chirico for the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit. 

If you have any questions regarding your child(ren)’s learning, please reach out to their principal. They are best suited to address any questions that you may have.

Also, please monitor the board’s website nearnorthschools.ca for updates and follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We will continue to share accurate and timely information, Ministry correspondence, and resources with you as they become available.

Additional resource material, including learning, mental health, and supports, can also be found on our website’s menu sections. The Province’s news release can be found here.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this time.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles

Director of Education

Air Filtration Units Installed at NNDSB Schools

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January 8, 2021

Near North District School Board has received Ministry of Education COVID-19 related funding in the amount of $356,200 to increase the efficiency of heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems to optimize air quality in NNDSB schools.

Facilities staff are in the process of installing the new HVAC equipment in all regions of NNDSB. The installation of portable classroom units will be completed by Jan.10, 2021. Installation of all other equipment should be complete by the end of January 2021.

The new units will optimize air quality in schools, improving the well-being of NNDSB students and staff and helping students and staff to be more productive and comfortable. Air quality is essential to a healthy building. It can impact a building’s structural integrity, energy efficiency and occupant health.

NNDSB continues to actively pursue opportunities to support the safety and well-being of students and staff. The board adheres to health and safety protocols as per the Ontario Government, Ministry of Education and local health authorities. NNDSB is grateful for Ministry of Education support.

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

Message from the Director of Education – January 7, 2021

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January 7, 2021

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The Government of Ontario has declared that elementary and secondary schools in the North, including those in the Near North District School Board, will be open for in-class learning beginning Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. The status of in-person learning at MacTier Public School (which is under the authority of another health unit) will be determined tomorrow, at which time further communication will be provided.

The area, along with the rest of the province, remains under lockdown as it pertains to businesses and other restrictions for a further two weeks.

At NNDSB, the health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our number one priority. Our schools continue to implement every measure as outlined in the NNDSB Return to School safety protocols.

I know the new year has already seen a challenge with the mandated province-wide shutdown, which saw students learn virtually for the week. I understand your frustrations but rest assured that NNDSB staff are doing their best to address the needs of students amid the COVID-19 challenge.

If you have any questions regarding your child(ren)’s learning, please reach out to their principal. They are best suited to address any questions that you may have.

Also, please monitor the board’s website nearnorthschools.ca for updates and follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We will continue to share accurate and timely information, Ministry correspondence, and resources with you as they become available.

Additional resource material, including learning, mental health, and supports, can also be found on our website’s menu sections. The Province’s news release can be found here.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this time. Stay safe and I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2021.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles
Director of Education

Virtual Event for Students, Educators, and Parents

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Building Your Future

Join the conversation to discover your pathway options alongside patio design and construction expert Paul Lafrance from the HGTV network. Please consider this an invite for educators, parents and most importantly, students!

During the conversation, Paul will share his experiences leading up to when he became host of the hit TV shows Decked Out, Deck Wars, Disaster Decks and Custom Built.

More recently, he has appeared on Canada’s Handyman Challenge and Home to Win. Paul will also be joined by his daughter Promise Lafrance who shares his passion for the trades.

Date: January 14th, 2021

Time: 9:15 – 10:45 am

Agenda:

9:15 – 9:45 am – Pathways discussion

9:45 – 10:45 am – Paul Lafrance!

10:45 – 11:15 am – Pathways Q&A

Once registered, you will receive an email TWO days before the event with your link to attend!

To view the poster, click here.

Engaging Students in Remote Learning Information and Resources

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Supporting a Smooth Transition to Remote Learning:

To ensure an smooth transition to remote learning, we ask families to consider the following:

  • Families that need the use of board-provided technology to access remote learning are asked to complete the Technology Request Survey to communicate technology needs. Families that have devices for their students are not required to complete the survey.
  • Inform the school if there have been changes to your e-mail, phone number or other contact information. This information is critical to support ongoing school/parent communication during times of remote learning. Reach out to your child's school if communication is not being received.
  • Visit the Near North Passport to Learning webpage to access a variety of resources and helpful links to support remote learning including technical support, information about virtual learning platforms, and instructional resources.
  • Review the Tips for Remote Learning document to learn about best practices for remote learning.
  • Contact the family help desk number if you are unable to login to you NNDSB parent or student account: (705) 472-5169 (North Bay), (705) 773-7975 (Parry Sound)

Minimum Requirements for Engaging Students during Remote Learning:

The information below (related to Policy/Program Memorandum No. 164) provides an overview of the requirements related to synchronous learning and the appropriate use of the synchronous learning exemption form.

During remote learning period, students and parents will be provided with a daily schedule or timetable that includes 300 minutes of learning opportunities, with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. Programming will be based on the full Ontario curriculum and include opportunities for guided instruction, large and small-group learning, synchronous check-ins, and asynchronous independent work.

  Division   Grade Level of Students   Daily Minimum Synchronous Learning Time Requirement
  Elementary Kindergarten 180 minutes
Grades 1 to 3 225 minutes
Grades 4 to 8 225 minutes
  Secondary Grades 9 to 12 The higher of 60 minutes for each 75-minute class period** or 225 minutes per day for a full course schedule

Teachers will be available to students at all times during the teachers' assigned teaching timetables, as they would be if they were face-to-face in a classroom setting. Educators have been directed to use their professional judgement to provide some flexibility to students on an individual basis when students are unable to participate in synchronous learning.

Process for Exemption from Synchronous Learning:

To ensure equitable access to learning, Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) No. 164, requires school boards to allow students to be exempted from the minimum requirements for synchronous learning - for example, this may be because of poor internet connectivity or family scheduling, etc. 

In accordance with PPM 164, the Near North District School Board has created an online Exemption Form to facilitate synchronous learning exemption requests.

Please note, students who have completed a synchronous learning exemption form will be provided with technology-enabled 'asynchronous' learning opportunities in accordance with the 300-minute instructional day. Furthermore, daily attendance is still required. 

Assessment, evaluation and reporting continues to apply to all students who have been approved for an exemption from the minimum requirements of synchronous (live, interactive) learning. Students will complete and submit the assignments and assessments and continue to receive feedback from educators.

Remote Learning Resources:

Passport to Learning logo

To support meaningful access to education, alternative learning approaches must be put in place for all exempted students– for example, asynchronous online, correspondence, print, or broadcast media (i.e. TVO Learn) instruction that is based on the individual student's needs and circumstances.

The Near North Passport to Learning website also contains many resources to support families accessing both synchronous and asynchronous learning resources.

Additional Information Regarding Temporary Move to Remote Learning

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December 31, 2020

Dear NNDSB Parents/Guardians,

We hope that you are enjoying some much-deserved rest and relaxation during the winter break. As we look forward to the start of the new year, we would like to take this opportunity to share additional information with you related to the reopening of schools in January 2021.

As you know, on December 21, the Ontario government announced changes to return to school plans for all schools following the break. Further to the information shared on December 23, 2020, we would like to share some additional details.

Elementary and Secondary Students Attending In-Person School

As mentioned previously, for the period of January 4-8, 2021, learning for all students will take place virtually and schools will be closed to students, with the exception of special education students in system classes and specialized classes. School staff will meet the morning of January 4 and educators will check-in with families before the end of the day. Virtual instruction will begin on January 5, 2021.

Based on current information from the ministry, students attending school in-person for face-to-face (F2F) learning will return to in-person learning at schools on January 11, 2021.

Elementary and Secondary Students Attending Virtual School

As a reminder, for students in virtual school, teaching and learning will continue as previously planned without changes. Your regular learning timetable will be followed beginning January 5, 2021.

Special Education – System classes/Specialized Program classes 

All high-needs, special education students in system classes/specialized program classes will attend remotely on January 4th, 5th and possibly the 6th. Teachers of specialized class programs will be contacting families who had previously selected in-school learning to determine if they would like to return to in-school learning or to continue remote learning until all in-school learning resumes. Parents/guardians, and students where appropriate, are encouraged to select the option that would best meet the needs of their youth and family. Efforts will be made to ensure that regular transportation will be available for in-school learners in fully self-contained specialized programs K-12 classes commencing on the date agreed upon by the school, family and transportation consortium (if required).

More information regarding the return to in-person learning for students in special education programming will be shared by your child’s teacher.

Technology Distribution

We realize that some of our students will need to borrow a device from the school in order to learn from home.  If your child has no other access to a device for at-home learning, please mention this to your child’s teacher or principal. We will do our best to distribute available devices as soon as possible. We recognize many of our families will be sharing one home device, and we are planning with this in mind.

Online Learning Resources

Please continue to refer to our Near North Passport to Learning website which offers a variety of resources and tools that cover a range of grades and subjects that may be helpful for students and parents during this time. Resources will continue to be updated and expanded upon on an ongoing basis, including mental health supports for students and families.

Click here to access our Near North Passport to Learning website: https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/learning-at-home/

The Ministry of Education recently announced the launch of two new portals, TVO Learn and TFOIDÉLLO, apprendre à la maison, which provide supports for students learning remotely by accessing additional educational resources developed by Ontario certified teachers.

In addition, secondary students can continue to access TVO’s Independent Learning Centre (ILC) Open House and Portes ouvertes pour les cours TVO ILC in French-language, which provide access to 144 Grade 9 to 12 courses. These ILC resources are designed to provide flexible learning opportunities to help students keep up with their learning or deepen their understanding of a specific subject.

Please continue to visit https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/  for updates.

Thank you for your ongoing support for public education and cooperation as we all do our best to minimize the transmission of COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles
Director of Education

Biindigen

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)

Connect With Us

Near North District School Board
963 Airport Road, P.O. Box 3110, North Bay, ON P1B 8H1
[P] 705-472-8170   [TF] 1-800-278-4922   [F] 705-472-9927