Friday, Dec. 15, 2023

Industry and education unite at Parry Sound High School showcase

Parry Sound High School (PSHS) is working on bridging the gap between industry partners and students while promoting the skilled trades as a career option.

Last year, PSHS hosted a construction and transportation dinner after the development of their construction and mining pecialist high skills major (SHSM) program. Members of various Parry Sound-area industries were invited to have a meal and discuss the school’s programs and how to move forward with industry support.

From this meeting the PSHS Tech and Trades Showcase was born. The event saw many industry representatives visit PSHS where they had the opportunity to tour the school’s construction, automotive and culinary arts classrooms and have discussions with teachers about skilled trades education and career pathways.

The tour was followed by an opportunity for industry partners to showcase their businesses directly to students.

“Students had the opportunity to talk directly to employers and view presentations that will inspire questions and develop opportunities for co-op placements, Ontario youth apprenticeship program (OYAP) training and future meaningful well-paying careers,” said Blair Cousins, hospitality and culinary arts teacher and technology team leader. “So often, opportunities are missed because people are not aware they are there. The more engaged our industry is with the school, the greater the opportunity our students have to explore potential prospects. We would like to follow the lead of the Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) multi-year strategic plan to continue create and grow community partnerships with our local Parry Sound-area stakeholders.”

Joel Constable, McDougall Township councillor and construction business owner said that young people have many different career avenues available to them and it’s important them to be aware of the rewarding opportunities available in the trades.

“Businesses are here for recruitment, to encourage students to look at their industries at that critical time when young people are starting to make choices. I see one of the biggest benefits of the showcase is getting students into summer jobs. To get them exposed to the industry and hopefully encourage them to pursue it. It’s an easy way to try something out. They will get to make some money, but also the get the experience of being there and seeing what the future potential is.”

NNDSB Trustee Jeanie Fuscaldo, who helped to facilitate the Tech and Trades Showcase, said that there has been a decline in skilled tradespeople across all sectors that has been rapidly increasing over the past decade.

“One of our guest attendees said it best ‘10 years ago you would be coming to us for a job, today we find ourselves in a position where we are competing to hire and retain you, the employees.’ By providing our students with information and direction about a variety of pathways into the trades, we’re helping remove barriers and open doors they may not have known existed. These pathways keep our students engaged in their education and build a solid foundation for their future goals,” Fuscaldo said.

Cousins described the showcase as a ‘second step’ in a program of engagement in the trades which will grow to include students a young as Grade 7. Future steps include giving younger students the opportunity to attend trades showcases, a greater focus on construction, green energy, technology and workplace safety and the growth of Skills Ontario competitions to extend to students in Grades 7 and 8 in Parry Sound and eventually across NNDSB.

“NNDSB has been proactively supporting our tech and trade programs, which allows us have partnerships with local businesses in the Parry Sound region,” Fuscaldo said. “Together we will be able to create unique opportunities for mentorship, training, apprenticeships, and employment, all of which support the needs of our students and families and contribute to our healthy, vibrant communities for generations.”

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Friday, Dec. 15, 2023

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.

Director shines spotlight on staff PD

In his report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles expressed his gratitude to people around the Board table and NNDSB staff for their work in the first part of the school year. He expressed his wishes for all to have a safe and happy holiday.

His report also explained some of the professional activities that educators participated in during their Nov. 24 PA day. Among the topics covered were a full-day workshop on de-streamed classes for Grade 9 educators, a Mining Matters workshop that included a tour of Redpath Mining to explore careers and training in the trades, an experiential learning event for guidance counsellors and intermediate teachers and a virtual workshop that engaged participants with resources that are authentic and respectful to Indigenous Peoples.

Chair congratulates committees on work

In her report to the Board, Chair Erika Lougheed thanked trustees for their on-going leadership and participation on committees. She noted that many committees have held their first meetings and have elected chairs, and will be reviewing committee terms of reference.

Lougheed also thanked staff for “making so many beautiful memories” for students. She said the activities that students are participating in are important for them and their families.

Projections indicate increased attendance next year

A report to the Board of Trustees showed that student enrolment at NNDSB has increased to a level not seen since the 2015-2016 school year.

As of Oct. 31, 2023, the board’s enrolment was 10,155 students, an increase of 145 students since October 2022, and showing that enrolment has rebounded since the low point of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.

Preliminary projections for the 2024-2025 school year are a total of 10,238 students.

Current enrolments are 7,017 students in the elementary panel and 3,138 in secondary.

Trustees approve draft auditor’s report

Trustee Shane Hall, who chairs the audit committee, reported on the draft audited consolidated financial statements, audited by KPMG, which outline the board’s financial position as Aug.  31, 2023.

NNDSB ended up with a surplus of just over $1.5 million, more than budgeted. This was because revenue was higher and expenses lower than budgeted for 2023.

The Board approved a recommendation from the audit committee to accept the draft audited consolidated financial statements. 

Finance Committee’s terms of reference modified

Trustees approved changes to the finance committee’s terms of reference. The changes include modifying the number of trustees from five to no less than two and no more than four trustees.

The committee will meet at least quarterly, but will schedule additional meetings as needed, and provide regular reports to the Board.

Student trustees update Board on school activities

Both of the student trustees presented reports to the Board.

Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson reported on the numerous activities taking place at each of the secondary schools. Students at Chippewa continue to hold beading workshops, are making ribbon skirts and shirts and hosted a social at lunch. Northern is also holding beading workshops, are making ribbon skirts and

shirts, celebrated Rock Your Mocs, and sent out cards to veterans on Remembrance Day. Students of F.J. McElligott attended the Indigenous Youth Circle (IYC) for the first time in November. They reported that they have had workshops, a speaker and a college fair program for Indigenous students. West Ferris runs weekly women’s drumming lessons, and are working on getting merchandise for the Indigenous centre. They want men’s drumming lessons at times that are more available to students. Parry Sound High School notes they have too many drummers and are planning to get drums for junior and senior students. Some Indigenous students began attending hunt camps within their communities and students are having Thursday lunches with First Nations communities. They are also fundraising for their upcoming powwow. The IYC is hoping that members will be able to visit elementary schools to show Indigenous representation and inspire youth to be leaders. IYC is hoping to host a round dance to be a potential learning opportunity. Indigenous Student Trustee Benson also reported that she would like IYC members to collected funds, toys, gifts, clothes and more to be sent to families in Northern remote communities in time for Christmas.

Student Trustee Dora Chen reported that students are busy with athletics programs across the board, including men’s volleyball teams from Chippewa and Almaguin Highlands who attended OFSSA. Student Trustee Chen reports that secondary schools have increased their outreach to feeder schools, with senior students acting as ambassadors. Students also participated in Noah Strong Day on Nov. 15. Anti-bullying and prevention week was marked with students wearing pink and sharing photos on the Student Senate Instagram account. Student Senators discussed a new well-being and mental health initiative, and discussed the creation of a monthly newsletter to be send to students across the board, focusing on well-being. Chen

also reported that the Career Pathway Education Initiative planned by Student Senate has begun. Chippewa Secondary School hosted a fair for students in Grades 10-12 to learn about post-secondary and career opportunities. West Ferris Secondary School had a resume-building workshop with students in collaboration with YES employment.

Trustees rescind renaming motion

Trustees voted to rescind the December 2022 motion in which the Board approved the renaming process at Chippewa Secondary School.

Trustee Louise Sargent filed the notice of motion in which she wanted the December 2022 decision pulled back. In explaining why she brought the motion forward, Trustee Sargent explained that “in order to have the discussions…we need to rescind the December 2022 motion.”

The motion, requiring the support of two-thirds of the Board, passed.

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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.

Friday, Dec. 8, 2023

NNDSB teachers mining for student career opportunities

A group of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) and Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSCDSB) educators donned their hard hats and safety vests to get an eye-opening look into the world of mining at a recent professional development opportunity.

The initiative, in collaboration with The Canadian Ecology Centre and Mining Matters, saw educators tour Redpath Mining facilities in North Bay and engage in an earth science and mineral resources instructional development workshop. The goal of the day’s activities was to bring awareness about how vast the mining industry is and how it has direct impacts on local industry and employment opportunities. Educators will then pass this knowledge along to their students.

Lesley Hymers, manager of education and outreach programs with Mining Matters said, “There is a lack of awareness of modern mining and the wide range of careers that are available in the sector. Skilled trades are in high demand in the mining industry. There are many opportunities for youth in the near north to work where they live or work abroad, earn a good living, and enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.”

While touring Redpath facilities, educators were able to speak with many different tradespeople about their personal pathways to the industry and how they can encourage their students to explore the broad range of career opportunities the mining industry has to offer.

“There are more than 150 jobs in the mining industry including in the skilled trades, engineering, science and technology, construction, management, community and safety and environment and earth sciences,” Hymers said.

Kevin Baker, tech-ed instructor and mining specialist high skills major (SHSM) lead at Northern Secondary School, said he is interested in any opportunity to learn about career pathways for students.

“This particular opportunity focused on a leading industry in North Bay. Many people are unaware of how much mining is implanted in the North Bay area. Northern Secondary School began offering a SHSM program in mining two and a half years ago, and I am still learning about the mining industry and these opportunities present a bunch of new learnings,” Baker said.

Baker feels that getting out in the community and learning about local businesses is important.

“It provides opportunities to develop community partnerships, enables us to learn of their needs, and helps us present and create material that our students may apply to future employment opportunities,” Baker said. “I use what I learn from these opportunities to create projects and activities which enable students to develop skills our community needs.”

After touring two different Redpath sites, the group participated in a Mining Matters instructional development workshop. Here, they learned about the Mining Matters organization and the teacher training and school programs that are available. Educators also learned about the life cycle of a mine, undertook a geological mapping and data interpretation activity, participated in hands-on learning connecting minerals and elements to everyday products, and connecting job descriptions and training.

“The workshop was well received. Teachers have reached out to me directly seeking additional materials and resources and to deliver content to their students,” Hymers said. “Teachers will have access to a folder of electronic resources that will include a series of earth science and minerals resources hands-on learning activities and resources that they can implement in their classrooms.”

“Currently, our workforce is experiencing a shortage of skilled tradespeople. I was a licensed journeyperson myself for 30 years before moving into teaching,” Baker said. “One of the reasons I turned to this profession was to teach about the trades and help students develop some of the transferable skills skilled trades workers use daily. Not all students want to pursue post-secondary educational pathways. The skilled trades provide directions for these students.”

To learn more about specialist high skills majors and the trades pathways available to NNDSB students visit the Near North District School Board website.

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Friday, Nov. 17, 2023

Parry Sound High School students to embark on a trip through history

A group of Parry Sound High School (PSHS) students and staff are preparing for a once in a lifetime trip to Italy next year.

Thirty-eight students and six staff will travel through history in Italy visiting important site in Western history and culture ranging from the Roman Empire, the Renaissance and the Second World War. The trip takes place from May 10-20, 2024.

The Second World War and the role of Canadian soldiers in the Italian campaign represents a significant part of the trip. One of the destinations students will visit is the site of the Battle of Ortana which was the most difficult battle for Canadians in Italy and saw more than 2,300 Canadian casualties.

The trip will also visit the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery. Each student researched the service file of a local WWII soldier killed, and then will visit the grave of that specific soldier in Moro River Cemetery.

PSHS history teacher Richard Lund said, “One of the most important aspects of our trip is remembrance. We want to honour the sacrifices made by more than a million Canadians who joined the military during WWII. When we visit Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, we will perform a last post ceremony, during which students will read the names of all the local veterans killed in WWII.”

As part of PSHS’s community remembrance project students are participating in a program called Homes of Heroes.

“Our Italy trip students have researched the 74 local veterans killed in WWII and have managed to find the addresses in town where 30 of them lived before the war,” Lund said. “Students are designing lawn signs to identify each of these veterans and where they lived. With the co-operation of property owners, our school intends to put up these lawn signs next November at each of the addresses where a WWII veteran lived. Our goal is to help people see personal connections between themselves and our local veterans.”

The trip has been financially supported through the generosity of community partners Rotary Club and Goodfellows Masonic Lodge, and a community remembrance project supported by Museum on Tower Hill, Town of Parry Sound, Downtown Business Association and Legion Branch 117.

Other fundraising contributions were made by 24 local Parry Sound businesses that donated to a silent auction which was held during a fundraising dinner last month at PSHS.

More than 200 guests attended the dinner at the PSHS cafeteria which was catered by hospitality teacher Blair Cousins and his students. The dinner and auctions raise over $6,500 to help offset the students’ trip costs.

In addition to the WWII sites, the trip will also visit the canal city of Venice and the famous Renaissance city of Florence. Students will get a first-hand look at ancient history when they visit the restored city of Pompeii which was famously destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The trip will conclude in the city of Rome where students will tour famous sites such as the Roman Forum, Coliseum and the Vatican.

“None of this could happen without community support and we have been blessed with a great deal of it since our first trip in 2012,” Lund said. “I am fortunate to be able to witness the remarkable, lasting, deeply positive impact these trips have on our students, in so many different ways. In fact, years later, students and parents tell us this, whenever we run into them in town.”

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Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023

Erika Lougheed re-elected as Chair at NNDSB’s annual organizational meeting

The trustees of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) met Tuesday night for its annual organizational meeting.

Trustees re-elected Erika Lougheed (Zone 2) as their Chair and Indigenous Trustee Ashley St. Pierre was acclaimed as their Vice-Chair. They will serve for the second year of the Board’s four-year term. The 2022-2026 Board of Trustees is composed of these trustees.

Chair Lougheed was nominated by Trustee Shane Hall, who said he believes the Board needs consistency and continuity moving into the second year of its term. He said he has appreciated Chair Lougheed’s supportive and confident guidance in the past year, and noted that the relationships she has established with stakeholders, rightsholders, community groups and NNDSB staff are valuable.

Before the election, Trustee Lougheed said she would like to be able to help, now that the Board “knows the water we are swimming in.”

Chair Lougheed said she was honoured to be re-elected to the position by her fellow trustees. “This is a remarkable Board with so many passionate and talented trustees. I am proud to continue to lead this group into the second year of our term.”

Trustee Bill Steer nominated Indigenous Trustee St. Pierre, noting that she was a vocal advocate and he has witnessed her leadership.

Following her acclamation, Vice-Chair St. Pierre offered Trustee Steer a “big chi miigwetch” (thank you very much in Anishinaabemowin) for nominating her. She was encouraged by a knowledge keeper at Wasauksing First Nation to pursue becoming NNDSB’s Indigenous Trustee; now to be vice-chair “is a huge honour and I thank you for that and I hope I do it justice.”

Director of Education Craig Myles said, “We will continue to build on the momentum moving into the second year of the Board’s term. Having a returning Chair along with the fresh perspectives of a new Vice-Chair will benefit NNDSB as we continue to make progress in all areas of the multi-year strategic plan.”

He also thanked past Vice-Chair Howard Wesley for his work, acknowledging his stable and calm presence was valued at the Board table, and was an asset throughout his tenure.

Membership of trustees to the Board’s various committees was also determined and approved at last night’s meeting.

The regular Board meeting was held at 6:30 p.m., following the organizational meeting.

 

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Monday, Oct. 16, 2023

Board Highlights – October 2023 Meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.

CSS notice of motion needs further work

Trustee Julie Bertram provided a notice of motion regarding the Chippewa renaming committee that was moved and seconded at the committee of the whole meeting. Because it was seconded, discussion took place. Board Chair Erika Lougheed noted that two sets of directives could not be in place concurrently, as the proposed motion appeared to conflict with a motion passed by the Board in December 2022. The Chair advised that proposed action that alters the work of the committee must address the Board’s previous decision. The floor was opened for discussion, where consensus was reached to disregard the proposed notice of motion.

Student Trustees kick off year with PD

Trustees approved the attendance of Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson and Student Trustee Dora Chen at the Ontario Student Trustee Association (OSTA) general meeting next week in Toronto.

Sessions include the history of OSTA, breakout sessions, workshops and keynote and plenary speakers.

Board recognizes work of NBPS liaison officer

A report in the agenda package acknowledged the work of community and school liaison officers, and recognized North Bay Police Service (NBPS) Const. Roger Drolet for his service as the liaison officer for North Bay schools for two years.

Liaison officers work with school community stakeholders to provide education, violence prevention and emergency preparedness. NNDSB’s Safe Schools Team notes that Const. Drolet is an asset at school and board level. He has provided hundreds of students with education through school and class presentations on bullying, cyber-bullying, online safety, the distribution of intimate images, consent, the importance of reporting and more.

He also worked with other community agencies to provide educational presentations that countered discrimination under protected grounds. Const. Drolet also worked with school principals to review emergency preparedness plans and provide feedback on practices to ensure all students and staff were safe.

NNDSB is grateful for the contributions of Const. Drolet and wishes him well in his position of sergeant with NBPS.

Const. Al Bedard is the new liaison officer.

More than 1,100 students attended summer school

Trustees received a comprehensive report that outlined the success of NNDSB’s summer learning program.

In July and August 2023, NNDSB facilitated onsite and e-learning opportunities for students in the board and around the province.

More than 700 students took advantage of online learning and there were more than 400 students registered for K-12 in-person programming. The largest increase in students was secondary e-learning students who came from outside NNDSB.

There were 135 students who participated in summer cooperative education programs and more than 100 who participated in the Canadian Ecology Centre’s summer program. New programs this summer were well-attended, included a hospitality course that focused on baking, phys ed with a focus on volleyball, phys ed with a focus on basketball and the relaunch of Theatre Out Reach on Stage (TOROS).

Through the provincial e-learning system more than 600 students registered for NNDSB courses. This is a 300 per cent increase over last year’s registrations.

Elementary learners were welcomed to a fun environment that allowed space for social-emotional learning and growth. The program included instruction in phonemic awareness, decoding and reading fluency. In math, students received instruction in number sense concept. Virtual workshops with Science North were scheduled for each site, and students were guided through three stages of planning and coding their own video game.

The full secondary and summer learning program report can be found here.

Director’s update includes information about OWLS

Director of Education Craig Myles’ report – which always includes progress data on at least one pillar of the multi-year strategic plan – shared information on the Outdoor Ways of Learning and Sharing (OWLS) program.

The OWLS program, which is for elementary classrooms, is meant to help and support curricular expectations based on student and teacher needs, explore new and different ways to teach and engage students in the outdoor and experiential learning environment, discover and deepen connections and relationships between the academic and social-emotional learning, and observe and acknowledge learning of students as they participate in inquiry/exploration-based activities in the outdoor learning environment.

Heather Dabrowski, a co-founder of the program and teacher with NNDSB shared the OWLS approach with educators and health experts across the province at the Ontario Healthy Schools Conference in May. She will further promote the program at the Physical Health and Education Conference next month.

MYSP committee will hold community meeting

Trustee Bill Steer, who chairs the multi-year strategic planning committee, reported that a community meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is

a requirement of an amendment to the Education Act, resulting from the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act. The meeting will be held virtually, and anyone interested can watch for details on NNDSB’s website and social media accounts.

The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act requires that board engage with parents in the first two months and last two months of the school year regarding their multi-year plans.

Audit committee seeks public member

Trustee Shane Hall, who chairs the audit committee, noted the committee is still seeking a volunteer community member.

Candidates do not need to be accountants, but should have some relevant financial or business experience.

Anyone interested can learn more and apply here.

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next Board meeting.

Monday, Oct. 16, 2023

OPSBA reps tour NNDSB facilities, observe programs

Cathy Abraham, president, and Stephanie Donaldson, executive director of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), spent a day and a half touring Near North District School Board (NNDSB) facilities, and learning about unique initiatives in the district.

OPSBA advocates for public education in Ontario and represents member public school boards of all sizes and from all regions of Ontario. NNDSB is a member of the organization.

NNDSB is proud to be able to highlight the partnerships and programs that are being built in all areas of the board. Trustee Bill Steer, who led the tour, said “It was gratifying to lead our OPSBA guests on a tour of Near North District School Board and show off the exceptional work of our staff and the relationships that have been cultivated in support of student achievement and well-being. The OPSBA guests were able to see first-hand how our commitment to relationships – as a pillar of the multi-year strategic plan – enhances the education of NNDSB students.”

Director of Education Craig Myles was actively involved in the Board tour and was very proud to celebrate the fantastic programing that occurs on a daily basis across NNDSB. He praised the staff, students, volunteers and the communities for their active participation in support of student achievement and well-being.

The tour kicked off last Wednesday with a visit to Belvedere Heights in Parry Sound, where Abraham and Donaldson were able to see the living classroom where personal support worker (PSW) students learn their trade. They also learned about the living classroom custodial services program.

While in Parry Sound, they were shown Parry Sound High School (PSHS) and viewed the construction of the JK-12 school. Seeing construction of the new multi-million dollar school was one highlight of the tour.

Enroute to the next stop at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School (AHSS), Abraham and Donaldson enjoyed a gourmet bagged lunch prepared by Blair Cousin’s Specialist High Skills Major hospitality class at PSHS.

The Hockey Canada Skills Academy which debuted this September was highlighted at AHSS. Vice-principal Jamey Byers said, “During their visit they were able to speak with students and staff about some of the innovative programming at the school, along with how that innovation helps with the NNDSB core goal of student achievement and well-being.   

OPSBA guests then visited the culinary facilities and observed the food that students prepare for the menu each week in the cafeteria. They also visited a “Learning 4 Life” program in which students are learning from the land by making maple syrup. The trees around the school are tapped in the spring to make maple syrup, thanks to a partnership with Hubbert’s Maple.

AHSS Principal Heather Hickey said, “What a great opportunity it was to showcase just some of the programs and activities we have available to students at AHSS for our OPSBA guests. We hope they really enjoyed the conversations they had with our students and staff.”

Heading to North Bay, Abraham and Donaldson attended Nizhwaas Asiniik Skoonweh Kahn (Seven Stones Learning Centre). The school is an adult student re-engagement initiative run by NNDSB and the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre. Trustees Phillips and Sargent were able to join the OPSBA guests at this visit.

While in North Bay, the OPSBA guests also had the chance to learn about NNDSB’s partnership with the North Bay Battalion and the team’s role in anti-bullying initiatives. Abraham and Donaldson met with the Battalion president Mike Griffin to speak about the club’s work with NNDSB students.

Last Thursday, Abraham and Donaldson visited Northern Secondary School in Sturgeon Falls. They toured the school with Trustees Bertram and Sargent, and learned about the partnership with Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario (CSPNE), who share one building with NNDSB to provide secondary education in Sturgeon Falls. At Northern Secondary School Abraham and Donaldson visited the new Mining SHSM program which looks to provide another viable career path to NSS students.

Abraham had nothing but praise for NNDSB and its initiatives. “Students and parents of the Near North DSB should take pride in the innovative, high-quality programming provided at schools across the district. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to see up close the amazing things happening in public schools throughout the NNDSB, which support the unique needs and challenges of local students, families, and communities.”

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Monday, Oct. 16, 2023

Student trustees kick off year with professional development

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) approved the attendance of Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson and Student Trustee Dora Chen at the Ontario Student Trustee Association (OSTA) general meeting. The meeting takes place next week in Toronto.

Sessions for student trustees include the history and vision of OSTA, breakout sessions for public, Catholic and Indigenous student trustees, workshops that cover developing public speaking and presentation skills, social media campaign planning, mock budget simulations, designing effective community events, and seminars that cover Indigenous education, time and stress management as a student trustee, navigating university applications and scholarships, and conflict resolution and mediation. All student trustees will have to opportunity to hear keynote and plenary speakers and have sessions with OSTA’s board of directors.

Attendance at the OSTA general meeting is the most recent of the professional development opportunities provided to Indigenous Student Trustee Benson and Student Trustee Chen. In September they attended a student trustees’ orientation webinar hosted by the Ministry of Education. The session provided an updated overview of Ontario’s public education system, with a focus on board governance, and the opportunity to engage with peers across the province about their roles in representing the diversity of student voices at the board table.

Student Trustee Chen says, “I have had a successful start of my term as the student trustee for the 2023-2024 school year. I had the opportunity to attend a student trustee orientation, held virtually by the Ontario Ministry of Education earlier this fall. I was introduced to the OSTA president, whom I am very excited to collaborate with this year, to continue expanding the advocacy for student voice in the northern region.”

Indigenous Student Trustee Benson also attended the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Northern Region Caucus for a special gathering of Indigenous Student Trustees organized by OPSBA’s Indigenous Trustees Council last week.

Indigenous Student Trustee Benson says, “As a new Indigenous student trustee, I have already been given so many wonderful opportunities and learning experiences. Connecting with the Indigenous youth has sprung upon me so many great ideas and connections, I look forward to making more changes to ensure our youth are heard.”

Student Trustee Chen says, “I am looking forward to working with more student trustees from all over Ontario at the OSTA-AÉCO fall general meeting held in Toronto Oct. 19-22. I am grateful for these professional development opportunities, which have helped me learn about different leadership tactics, public speaking skills and outreach strategies, facilitating my transition into the role as student trustee, enabling me to better represent the students of Near North District School Board.”

Sarah Spence, principal of student achievement and well-being, says both student trustees have been involved in their respective councils before (Student Senate and the Indigenous Youth Circle) which has helped prepared them for these leadership positions. Additionally, the student trustees are coached by NNDSB staff.

Board Chair Erika Lougheed says the student trustees’ positions are important for several reasons. “Having the two student trustees’ reports lets the rest of the Board know what’s going on in NNDSB secondary schools, but more importantly the student trustees are leaders who bring student voice to the Board table.”

Director of Education Craig Myles says the student trustees are valuable members of their individual school communities, as well as to all students in general. “NNDSB is happy to invest in the personal and professional development of these outstanding young people. They have important roles representing their peers at NNDSB.”

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