The 32nd Annual Evening of Applause recognizes the globally celebrated Day of Anti-Racial Discrimination, and features nominated and deserving students from Kindergarten to post- secondary from all four school boards and educational institutions across Nipissing District.  This year’s celebration will take place on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at Ecole Secondaire Catholique Algonquin.

The Near North District School Board is pleased to honour 4 nominated and deserving students.  Please click on the link beside each nominee to learn about the amazing contribution they have made to their school and community.  Congratulations to all our nominees!!

Emma Dupuis – Grade 10 @ F.J. McElligott Intermediate Secondary School
Learn more about Emma Dupuis

Olivia McVeety – Grade 4 @ M.T.Davidson Public School
Learn More about Olivia McVeety

Take Action Team – Grades 5-8 @ White Woods Public School
Learn more about the Take Action Team

William Saentaweesuk – Grade 2 @ Woodland Public School
Learn more about William Saentaweesuk

As we move forward with streamlining specific protocols I am pleased to let you know that our office almost unilaterally has heard great things from our media partners regarding our Communication Guideline.  There has been positive feedback from organizations expressing their understanding of our desire to stick to these protocols including the setting up of appointments through the Communications Officer and waiting to the very end of meetings for any comments they may wish to garner.  As well we have received an increase in the request for comments and information from the Media.  We have also been contacted by new media outlets, in particular French language based media outlets.  The central coordination of effort as outlined, has enabled us to provide prompt responses to information requests and there have been no complaints and/or concerns expressed by any media sources.

Overall this is a very good news story in our overall attempt to display openness and transparency in an organized and professional way.

Governance:

Chair Aspin was invited to attend the monthly principal meeting to introduce himself and to speak directly to our school leaders about the work and dedicated efforts of the newly formed board.  In his short time with this group he was able to convey the dedication and honest desire of the Board of trustees.  The focus of the newly formed ad hoc committees was relayed as well as the intent to take necessary time to review pertinent information but to continue to move forward and to take on challenging decisions and move forward.  These committees are: the Parry Sound Building Committee; The Culture Committee; the Multi Year Plan Committee; and the Governance Committee.  Much time was spent addressing the deep desire of the group to adhere to a strong governance model and to ensure oversight while remaining at arm’s length and at the policy level in their work.

Partnerships:

The Near North District School Board is recognized in all of the geographical areas we serve as a strong partner.  Much time and dedication throughout years of effort have afforded us strong partnerships with many organizations.  Some of these are business oriented and extremely formal.  Others are less structured but remain focused on deep collaboration and a strong sense of unity to enhance the organizations involved and ultimately our students.  I am quite sure you will be overwhelmed by the number of partnerships included in the following pages.  It goes without saying that any partnership is relationship driven and I am humbled to be able to share these with you.  Our teachers, coordinators, and senior team staff continue to put much time into honouring and building upon these relationships, and continue to find ways to move our organization forward to address efficiencies, propose stronger opportunities for students via coordinated services, and include incredibly, rich and divergent experiences for our learners while maintaining and growing our sense of community throughout our region.

Jackie Young
Director of Education

The NNDSB Parent Involvement Committee will be hosting a free workshop for parents entitled Creating Quality Education Learning Environments on Monday March 4, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The workshop will be led by Annie Kidder who is a highly influential figure in Ontario and Canada as the Executive Director of People for Education.  Ms. Kidder became involved in public education in Ontario in the late 1990’s and since then has become an expert on education policy and funding. She regularly provides advice to policy-makers and government, and her writing on education has been published in a range of media.

During this workshop, Annie will explore how we can build quality learning environments – schools that support strong relationships both inside the school and with the community, and that have a culture that encourages risk-taking, gives students a real voice and ensures that all students have opportunities to learn.

Participants can attend online or in person at the following locations:

 

• North Bay, NNDSB Board Office, Board Room
• Parry Sound, Parry Sound High School, Board Room
• SOUTH RIVER: Almaguin Highland Secondary School, Board Room;

To register online click here.

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought
Information/Communication Officer
Near North District School Board
(705) 472-8170, extension 5010
Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

This spring,  Near North District School Board (“NNDSB”) students are invited to participate as part of approximately 5 500 volunteer grade 12 French as a Second Language students enrolled in either Core French, Extended French, or French Immersion courses. FSL students throughout the province of Ontario will challenge the internationally-recognized language exam called the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF). This exam is being offered through the support of the DELF Centres in the province and is based on the CEFR proficiency levels.

The DELF exam is an assessment of proficiency from an external lens, outside the required component of the regular French as a Second Language program. Upon successful completion of the exam, students will receive a DELF certificate awarded by the French Ministry of National Education (France).The DELF examinations are an opportunity for high school students to demonstrate their French-language skills and to be rewarded for their hard work at school.  The DELF examinations are recognized around the world, and your child will receive a diploma valid for the rest of his or her life! Beyond just personal satisfaction, the DELF represents official proof of your child’s French-language skills in a way that Francophone universities, French grandes écoles, and future employers can appreciate.

The DELF exam is administered in two steps:

Step One:

According to the exam schedule, students within same DELF levels complete the oral comprehension, written comprehension, and written production components.  The Exam schedule for 2019 is:

May 6, 2019 from 12:00pm to 2:30pm (DELF level B2)
May 7, 2019 from 12:00pm to 1:45pm (DELF level B1)
May 8, 2019 from 12:00pm to 1:40pm (DELF level A2)
May 9, 2019 from 12:00pm to 1:20pm (DELF level A1)

Step Two:

Students individually complete oral production and interaction exams as scheduled (between May 6 and May 17). All participants will receive details, including the exact date, time and location of their oral exam, via the contact information provided on the online registration and consent form.

Please note that individual student results will not be reported back to the school. All information and materials collected will be kept confidential and stored at the Ontario DELF Centre in Sault Ste Marie. Successful students will receive a diploma which will include their results and level of proficiency.

All students in a grade 12 FSL course during the 2018-2019 school year are welcome to challenge the DELF.  To choose the appropriate exam level, students are encouraged to have a conversation with their FSL teacher.

Please discuss this opportunity with your child and if they wish to participate, please complete the online registration and consent form. If you require a paper copy, please contact your child’s French teacher. Registrations and payments are due no later than March 8, 2019. Confirmation of participation will be sent to you at the e-mail address you provide.

There will be a $50 (non-refundable) fee for participating students. Please make your payment via School Cash Online. If you require financial assistance or additional information, please see your classroom teacher.

For more information please see http://delf-dalf.ambafrance-ca.org.

Students who complete the Chippewa International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma will be provided the equivalent of one full year of university credits to Nipissing University as a result of a recent policy implementation.   Under the new rules, students who successfully complete the IB program with at least six subjects, including three at a higher level, with a score of at least 24/45, will be considered for admission, with eligibility to receive credits for all IB courses (both standard level (SL) and higher level (HL)) completed with a score of 5 or higher.

“This is another example of how our Near North District School Board establishes  and maintains programing partnerships within our community to benefit our students.  We are very proud of our long-standing relationship with Nipissing University and we look forward to future growth initiatives. The strength of this   program recognized at the post-secondary level speaks to the high quality of our program.  Chippewa IB scores are consistently above comparable program scores across the country.  This international program offers an extensive selection of courses which provides students with a great opportunity for post-secondary success.”   Jay Aspin, Chair

Chippewa’s IB program, accredited in 2015, is a magnet program of the Near North District School Board. The IB Diploma Program is internationally recognized as representing one of the highest standards in university preparatory education.

There are two upcoming information nights being held at Chippewa Secondary School for parents of students interested in exploring the IB program. The first, on February 6th at 6:30PM, is for the parents of students currently enrolled in the pre-IB program in grade ten. The second information night is for parents of prospective grade nine students on February 13th at 6:30PM.

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought
Information and Communications Officer
P: (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
Email: Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

Director of Education Update: January 2019

North Bay Secondary Schools

With a decision regarding the 2019/202 student transitions confirmed, the focus is now on communicating that message to the community.  All North Bay high schools remain open and the Fricker graduating Grade 8 students will be either moving to specialized programs offered at Chippewa and West Ferris or Widdifield as their receiving home school.  WJ Fricker remains open next year as usual and the work schedule for the new building has been reassessed.

Communication mechanisms include media releases and use of social media platforms.  In addition, radio ads highlighting the parent information nights for Chippewa and Widdifield will be released soon indicating the dates as February 13 and February 12, 2019.

Thanks to West Ferris staff and students who welcomed parents to their building to explain their programming expectations and offerings on January, 17, 2019.

3:2 Consolidation -Staff Input

On January 8, 2019, the Director met with any staff members from the three North Bay high schools who wished to share their thoughts/concerns/considerations regarding the 3:2 North Bay high school consolidation with trustees.  This information was shared with all Trustees.

Bus Cancellation Days

With inclement weather resulting in bus cancellations, Senior staff, principals and teachers have been focusing on communicating that that our schools remain open with learning opportunities during the day.  Parents can expect that classes may be combined, or teachers may work with small groups, as educators continue to welcome students and complete or update communication and lesson plans, offer extra support for individual students and work through EDSBY to communicate work that students could complete at home (as available).  We also continue to try to address equity issues for those students and families who may not have access to wifi in our pre-planning.

Enrolment

Overall our enrolment in the elementary panel throughout the region has increased by 199 students over projected enrolment.

Within the secondary panel enrolment has decreased across the region by 78 student.  Schools most affected were Northern, FJ McElligott, Parry Sound, Chippewa and Widdifield.  Again, some of the numbers can be explained and others are of concern with specific grade loss leaving us with questions.  Almaguin and West Ferris are both up in their overall FTE of 30 FTE for both schools combined.  Chippewa and Widdifiled are down a total of 39 FTE.

Some variances can be easily explained, and others require further analysis to understand trends and projections.

Parent Involvement Committee – Upcoming Speaker

Congratulations to our Parent Involvement Committee who have secured Annie Kidder as presenter for the Near North District School Board on March 4, 2019.  Ms. Kidder is a highly influential figure in Ontario and Canada as the Executive Director of People for Education

 “People for Education is a unique organization in Canada: independent, non-partisan, and fueled by a belief in the power and promise of public education. We create evidence, instigate dialogue, and build links so that people can see – and act on – the connection between public education and a fair and prosperous society.” (https://peopleforeducation.ca/)

Ms. Kidder is often on TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin discussing educational issues.

The Women of Lockerbie:

I had the distinct pleasure of attending the production of The Women of Lockerbie (By Deborah Brevoort) which completed its 4-day run just Friday.  The play dealt with some challenging and emotional subject matter of the crash of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland December 21, 1988 and the aftermath for those in Lockerbie and parents of a victim.  The performances of Grade 9-12 students from all three North Bay high schools enrolled in the night school theater arts program were profoundly moving.  Congratulations to all cast and crew who took part in this production.

Naagaanshki-Nishnaabemjik, The new language speakers leading the way

The NNDSB Indigenous Education team were successful in their application to the Ministry of Education for funding to support the delivery and development of a leadership opportunity for Indigenous students (Grades 7-12) in a culturally relevant context. Consistent with the priorities set as by the First Nation Advisory Council, Indigenous Education Advisory Circle and the Truth and Reconciliation: Calls to Action, the focus of the leadership gathering was to be around language revitalization.  Students from schools of the NNDSB that currently offer Ojibwe Language as well as Nibissing Secondary School on Nipissing First Nation alongside their language teachers, took part in a 3-day Language Learning and Leadership Gathering at Spirit Point with a focus on language revitalization and leadership through the development of a network of youth language leadership. Local Elders and Knowledge keepers supported this locally rich learning and leadership opportunity.

Jackie Young
Director of Education
January 22, 2019