Near North District School Board

Annual Elementary Staffing Re-Organization for all NNDSB Schools

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NNDSB Parents/Gaurdians,

This communication is to inform you that Monday, November 30, 2020 is the date of our annual Elementary staffing re-organization for all NNDSB schools. Re-organization occurs every fall in response to evolving enrollment data, to optimize class sizes and to accommodate ministry staffing guidelines. This year due to the impact of COVID-19 and the creation of the At-Home Learning Program/Virtual School, this process has been delayed. As in prior years, the re-organization process may result in changes to your child’s class and/or teacher.

Following the registration window, families who completed the transfer application process requesting their child move between in-person (classroom) and at-home (virtual) learning programs, will begin their new placement on November 30, 2020. Please note, this date is a change from the previously communicated start date of November 23, 2020. Students will continue to be supported by their current educator until the re-organization has been completed on Monday, November 30, 2020.

We understand these changes can be difficult for students and families. School and central staff are working to minimize the disruption of learning and make this transition as seamless as possible. The alignment of these processes (remote learning transition and staffing re-organization) will help to ensure minimal disruptions to families and allow continued commitment to the COVID-19 preventative measures.

Please do not hesitate to contact your school or remote learning administration if you have any questions regarding this information.

NNDSB Schools Celebrate Pink Shirt Day

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November 18, 2020

Across Canada, schools are celebrating Pink Shirt Day as a day to stamp-out bullying. Today, students within Near North District School Board are encouraged to wear pink as a symbol of anti-bullying.

As Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week continues, today, secondary students will participate in a workshop created and hosted by Kylee Bakowski with Amelia Rising Sexual Violence Support Centre. Students in grades 9-12 will examine the impact of bystander intervention, when and where it typically occurs and how to safely intervene.

Elementary students will be learning how to “Speak Up and Help Out” when they are confronted with mean, rude or bullying-type behaviour through a video presentation and additional resources provided by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

Parents will also have the chance to learn more about emerging online trends via a Zoom presentation this evening, hosted by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. This presentation is open to the public and the connection information can be found on the Board’s website.

NNDSB Announces New Reporting Tool During Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

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November 16, 2020

Near North District School Board is working to make schools safer by implementing a safe schools framework that focuses on three key concepts: citizenship and community; conflict resolution; and bullying awareness.

All school boards across the province are participating in an annual Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week November 16 – 20 and this year, NNDSB has some extra special activities lined-up. On Monday, November 16, 2020, students heard from local leaders including Mayor McDonald of North Bay, Mayor McGarvey of Parry Sound, Chief McLeod of Nipissing First Nation, and Mayor Savage of Nipissing-West. These leaders taught students about community and citizenship; challenging them to engage in civic activities that will promote safe and inclusive environments. Lessons and activities for all elementary and secondary students will continue throughout the week, each day focusing on an aspect from our safe schools framework.

To further our commitment to providing safe, inclusive spaces for all students, NNDSB has created a reporting tool that will allow any student, parent or community member to report a concern for student safety, particularly as it relates to bullying. The SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool is an online form that can be completed anonymously, should the sender choose. It is then sent to the school’s principal for further investigation. While it is still our recommendation that students, parents or community members speak directly to a teacher, principal, vice-principal, or other school staff member regarding issues of conflict or bullying, the SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool is another method in which we can ensure the lines of communication are open between our schools and the communities we serve. The SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool can be accessed directly from the NNDSB website.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Taking a Page From His Own Book

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Photo of Alastair McPherson
Alastair McPherson holds a copy of From out of the Shadows outside of Chippewa Secondary School.

November 13, 2020

Students in Near North District School Board read from an all-star list of authors throughout their education, now, one of their fellow students has joined that list.

After being inspired by authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, R.A. Salvatore and V.E. Schwab, as well as games such as Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, Alastair McPherson, a grade 12 student from Chippewa Secondary School, put pen to paper to create his own story.

From Out of the Shadows is the result. A fantasy series which involves an elf and a human, who must learn how to set aside their differences in order to survive the deadly attacks of the Dark Elves. Meanwhile, a dwarf and a gnome find themselves taken prisoner and must fight for their lives to survive. On opposite ends of the world, both pairs of heroes must struggle against the forces of darkness—and decipher what diabolical plot the Dark Elves are trying to unleash.

While not the first story he’s written, From Out of the Shadows is the first to see publication. This is the first book of a four book series. The second book is expected to be released in the near future.

Writing narratives and analyzing stories over the course of his elementary and secondary schooling has really helped him develop his writing skillset. Alastair also credits a writer’s craft course and support from his teachers for aiding in becoming a published author.

“I remember in grade five, my teacher told me that I was going to publish a book one day,” he recalled. “I have had a lot of support from (friends and peers) and some of them have even helped me with editing”. He added that staff members at Chippewa have also posted on the school’s website and social media accounts.

Writing a book series while going to school is a balancing act. Alastair makes use of every minute and that includes after school, weekends and summer holidays.

“I’m lucky because writing is something that I really like doing,” he explained. Now, he’s sharing that passion for writing with others.

After a classroom visit with Alistair, grade 7/8 teacher Jordaan Allison of White Woods Public School explained, “as an instructor, it was really helpful to have Alastair join us and talk about his process. We learned that the drafting process is actually shorter than the editing process. It really offered the students a way to connect and relate their own experiences and struggles with writing.”

He noted that having Alastair describe how he writes the introduction, body, and conclusion was really helpful for the students and relating his knowledge about leaving readers wanting more, especially when it comes to a series.

Allison added that it was exciting to show students that writing a book is within reach, especially if someone within their age demographic can write a book and have it published. “It was really inspiring, and it made me feel like I could write a book one day,” added Connor, a student in Allison’s class.

Alastair continues to help the students. He is reading their rough drafts and offering suggestions, which Allison feels is an important connection as the students trust Alastair and value his feedback. “Alastair went above and beyond our expectations.”

“Having a connection with someone, who is a professional, shows the students that writing is not just something that we do in school, but what people choose to do and for a career,” Allison said.

From Out of the Shadows is available for purchase at several places including Friesen Press.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Students at Mattawa District Public School Prepare to Make a Splash

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November 6, 2020

Photo of student plaining wooden paddle
Grade 6 students at Mattawa District Public School have hands-on experience with trades and math.

Mattawa, Ont. – Students at Mattawa District Public School (MDPS) are looking forward to making a splash with their experiential learning. Before they do that, they need to finish their canoe paddles.

The Paddle Build Project engages Grade 6 students at MDPS in an experiential learning opportunity as they build a canoe paddle from start to finish.

English kindergarten teacher, Jonathon O’Donoughue outlined how students pair traditional classroom learning with experiential learning. They start by determining their height and how tall the paddle needs to be as a result. Following that, they get to work applying their learned skills to the project. Before long they have a souvenir to take home with them at graduation.

The project has evolved since it was introduced in 2013, including more learning applicable to various aspects of the curriculum. “The students do experiential math, practical measurement, (and) fractions. It shows the students what real-life math is,” explained O’Donoughue.

“This project has curriculum connections that are responsive to the social studies and history curriculum, with goals connected to the historical and contemporary contributions of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Peoples,” stated Principal/Vice-Principal Tracy Bellaire.

Over the course of the project, students receive instruction in mathematics to accurately design and build their paddle, and learn about workshop and tool safety.

Dawson, a Grade 6 student at MDPS, said he enjoyed the project because it allowed him to be active and work with tools, as opposed to sitting at a desk.

Brooklyn, another student taking part in the project, expressed why she enjoyed the different way of learning; “this project helps me with my math and allows me to use actual measuring and fractions instead of reading about it in a textbook.” Additionally, Brooklyn expressed excitement in looking forward to the summer and being able to put her paddle to use.

In years past, the students would work with their older counterparts in the woodshop at FJ McElligott Secondary School (FJMSS). The project supports the transition from MDPS elementary to beginning their intermediate years at FJMSS.

“This Grade 6 to 7 transition event enables students to relate to and recognize the historic relationships between the local Algonquin and Voyageur Cultures who used these local waterways to travel and explore the lands,” said Bellaire.

Since COVID-19 has created some challenges, students and staff have come up with an alternative, completing the build at MDPS while continuing to honour its deeper meaning. The overarching goal of the project is to prepare MDPS graduating students for a smooth and positive transition to secondary school.

In years unaffected by COVID-19, students from MDPS join the FJMSS Specialist High Skills Major Outdoor Education students near the end of the school year to use their paddles. It is a mutually beneficial opportunity, as FJMSS students get to complete their practical canoeing exam and MDPS students get to learn about the parts of a canoe, boat safety, and paddling technique.

Students will be presented with their completed paddles at graduation as a symbol of their hard work and dedication throughout their time at MDPS. Some students plan on displaying them at home, while others will put them to use next summer. Meanwhile, the two schools look forward to once again working together after the pandemic passes.

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

Statement: West Ferris Secondary School Hold and Secure

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At approximately 2:45 p.m. on Nov. 4, West Ferris Secondary School was placed in a hold and secure due to a trespasser on the property. Staff acted quickly to ensure all students and staff were safe.

Police attended and safely handled the situation. The hold and secure was lifted shortly after 3 p.m.

Please refer any further questions to North Bay Police Service.

Rally for Ali Surpasses Fundraising Goal

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October 30, 2020

Trojan spirit was in full swing at West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS) after a week-long fundraising campaign for a four-year-old girl recovering from brain surgery.

Last week, students had a discussion about the situation, and asked administration how they could help. Quickly, staff and students came together to rally behind Ali and her family.

Donations were collected all week, and a virtual “Rally for Ali” was held on Thursday. The week’s fundraising goal was $1,500. Principal Andy Gagne – who is well known for only wearing black, said if the students reached their goal, he would direct the morning traffic wearing pink (Ali’s favourite colour) and continue wearing the colour for the rest of the school day. He was held to that promise on October 30, after the WFSS community almost doubled their fundraising goal.

Social Sciences Teacher Mark Robertson, a key staff planner behind the fundraiser, recognized the ability of the WFSS community to work collectively to make a difference. “It’s an overwhelming amount of support from the students,” said Robertson. “It really blew everyone away that we exceeded the goal.”

Robertson added that when students heard that they had exceeded the goal, they were excited and emotional.

Gagne expressed his gratitude to those involved in the initiative; “I am so proud of our students and staff for supporting this little girl and her family. The West Ferris community, the families that support our school, they just continue to demonstrate what it means to belong to this school. Trojan Pride!” he said.

WFSS remains committed to supporting the local community. Students support food drives, collecting items for the women’s shelters, the annual cancer walk, and other fundraising opportunities throughout the school year.

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

Secondary School Student Selected as OHL Prospect, Preparing for Season

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Photo of Alex Little
Alex Little, a West Ferris Secondary School student, was selected as a prospect for OHL’s Battalion earlier this year.

For Alex Little, 17, hockey is a passion. The West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS) student was selected as a prospect earlier this year by the North Bay Battalion in the Ontario Hockey League’s annual OHL Under-18 Priority selection, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Little moved to North Bay last year, he chose WFSS because of the increased program offerings, sports complex, and the positive atmosphere.

“Honestly I heard West Ferris was one of the nicest schools around. It has great people and I wanted to surround myself with a great atmosphere because I moved to North Bay and away from my family,” he explained that the weight room and sports complex are topnotch. “The weight room here is amazing. [The sports complex] has everything that you need from bikes to cardio to weight racks, dumbbells…it’s a very great setup.”

The Grade 12 student currently plays for the Powassan Voodoos, a Junior “A” team in the NOJHL (Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League). He was drafted 41st overall by the Battalion as they worked to build a contender.

“I think they have a great shot at winning in the future. They’re building up a young roster right now.”

Little said hearing his name during the draft was really cool since it is the OHL and that it was the Battalion made it even better. For him, it’s one step closer to having his dream come true.

“Right now, I’m training and trying to make the Battalion’s camp, so I can show them what I can bring to the team in the future.”

As he waits for training camp and exhibition season to begin, Little said staying personally fit during COVID-19 can be a challenge for some, he’s actually improved his workouts.

“I was actually able to work out harder to increase my strength and endurance,” explained Little.

He also acknowledges that having a good support system is key.

“Everyone that I’m surrounded by is always pushing me to be my best, it’s great.”

The Haliburton native ventured further north last year because there were more opportunities in hockey; the North Bay Trappers, the Powassan Voodoos, and ultimately the OHL’s North Bay Battalion.

“[I’m hoping to] have a good year with Powassan and then hopefully get on the Battalion roster and move onto higher levels of hockey in my life,” he said.

The 6’1” defender said some of his interests outside of hockey include being in weight rooms, playing video games, and hanging out with his billet brothers.

“My billet brothers and I shoot pucks, shoot baskets, play golf. Really anything to keep us busy and outside.”

Billet families are members of the community, screened by the teams, that invite junior players into their homes to be a part of their family during the hockey season, when the players are on teams that are not close to home.

As with any athlete, managing education, sports, and training is always a balancing act.

“I just try to make sure that I’m focused in class and get everything done during the school day, so that when we have a lot of practices or go on the road that I have everything done,” Little stated.

WFSS is able to offer a blended mode for all players and students who participate in extracurricular activities.

Echoing Little, Battalion General Manager and former professional hockey player, Adam Dennis said being a good student is transferable to being a solid player.

“As a hockey player, it is very important to understand that being a good student can be a big asset to your on-ice game. The ability to follow instruction, solve problems and work hard are things we expect from our players. This expectation needs to be carried over into all aspects of your life. To achieve that, players must prioritize their time with what’s important.”

Any hockey player has their own idol and for Little, it’s Alexander Ovechkin.

“He’s a great leader, plays hard, and is just somebody who enjoys the game. He shows to everyone how amazing of a career it is and if you put in the hard work, you can have the great life that he does.”

The dream for Little, who has been playing hockey since the age of six and on the ice since three, is to make it to the National Hockey League (NHL).

“Ever since I started playing the game, I loved it … just everything about the sport is amazing.” Little added that even though the chances of making it to the NHL are slim, it shouldn’t be a deterrent to have fun and enjoy the game. “I keep pushing through and enjoying what I’m doing, that’s a big thing because if you’re not enjoying it, you’re not going to push yourself to the next step.”

Dennis says Little is a smart player and that’s what makes him great at the game.

“Alex is a very composed defenceman that can affect the game at both ends of the ice. His smarts are his best asset.”

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

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)

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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