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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Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

Sundridge Centennial Public School event brings community together

It was more than just an open house at Sundridge Centennial Public School (SCPS) last week. Billed as a “Welcome Back BBQ and Community Safety Event,” the gathering was attended by about 112 families who enjoyed a barbecue prepared by SCPS parent council and met with a variety of community partners to receive valuable information.

SCPS principal Jill Cooper said that Sundridge Centennial works hand in hand with the Village of Sundridge and Strong Township to support families. Together they realized they could combine the school’s traditional open house with community partnerships to amplify important safety messaging in a fun and engaging way that is convenient and informative for parents and entertaining to students.

In addition to the 350 guests, representatives from the fire department, OPP, Wilson Bus Lines, District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board (DPSSAB) and physical literacy researchers from Nipissing University were all on hand to share important information with families.

“Guests were encouraged to engage in our community partners’ presentations by circulating with a “Sundridge Centennial Safety Passport.” Each community partner had a meaningful topic to present and discuss including take away packages of pamphlets, flyers, or items,” Cooper said. “Once parents and students had visited a presentation, they were given a sticker to add to their passport. After gaining six out of a possible eight stickers families could put their passport into a draw for our door prize, a donated new bicycle from Nipissing University’s Physical Literacy Research Department and North Bay Cycle Works.”

OPP officer Melissa Thomas engaged with students as they explored her cruiser and discussed cyber safety and bullying prevention. Officer Thomas also reviewed online safety tips with parents and reminded them to monitor children’s online activities.

The Sundridge Strong Fire Department brought their pumper truck to the event for children to explore and discussed fire safety including the importance of having working carbon monoxide detectors and how to create effective fire evacuation plans.

One of the highlights of the evening was a presentation by Nipissing University researcher Dr. Brenda Bruner, in which she shared the results of a collaborative research study conducted with SCPS over the course of the past few years. The study focused on how to improve physical literacy knowledge with families and staff and ultimately support student’s in developing healthy balanced lifestyles.

The presentation included the sharing of data from the self-reported habits of students’ screen time, physical activity, and sleep schedules.

SCPS parent Lisa Rogers said, “I think it’s great to have that research about our own area and our kids. We know that movement and sleep is absolutely a key ingredient in their being successful learners. This information is so powerful, we can look at it and figure out what to do next to do their very best every day.”

Anita Skilliter, whose children also attend SCPS said, “I think the data makes sense. For younger kids, movement is so important but so is sleep. As they get older, we kind of forget about that, and that not only affects them physically but mentally and that starts to affect sleep and other aspects of life as well.

“We try to avoid screens as much as we can. As much as they love it, it slowly starts to affect every aspect of their lives. Then they may not live up to their potential,” Skilliter said.

Fellow parent Susan Kotkowski said the data wasn’t necessarily surprising. “You kind of anticipate the effect of social media and electronic devices but seeing the concrete numbers come out of it is intriguing. I’m interested to see how they apply the information to school activities,” said Kotkowski.

Cooper highlighted how events like this embodies Near North District School Board’s multi-year strategic plan’s goals of excellence in communication and excellence in relationships both with families and community partners.

“Our school community works collaboratively to support each other and the healthy development of our children,” Cooper said. “By providing larger scale events in collaboration with these important services, families have the opportunity to connect with various providers, become informed of current information and research and engage with each other in making connections and building constructive relationships.”

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Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

Board Highlights – September 2023 meeting

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

Student trustees take oath of office

Trustees welcomed the 2023-2024 student trustees to the Board at its meeting last night. Both student trustees attend Chippewa Secondary School.

Student Trustee Dora Chen says she ran for office because, “I believe students should have a say in their own education.” She has been a member of student council, a student senator and is the student representative on the Chippewa renaming committee.

Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson has a history of involvement at school and in the community. She wants to ensure Indigenous youth “feel comfortable and heard at school.”

Trustee Louise Sargent said the student trustee positions are valuable as they bring the viewpoints of students to the Board. She said she looked forward to working with Student Trustee Chen and Indigenous Student Trustee Benson. “The students are very fortunate to have you,” said Trustee Sargent. 

Strategic plan progress review

A comprehensive progress review of the multi-year strategic plan was presented to trustees in the agenda package. The review updates stakeholders on the work to date of the 2021-2026 plan, with a focus on the progress achieved in the 2022-2023 school year, and the goals for the 2023-2024 school year.

The update shows the board is in the recovery period and growth toward a change in culture and operational processes can be expected for another couple of years.

In his verbal report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles said the board must “stay the course with that plan on a constant, cyclical basis

The full progress review can be found here.

Committee meetings scheduled 

In addition to the committee-of-the-whole, there are several committees of the Board whose work helps to conduct business more effectively. The public is invited to attend public committee meetings.

As always, a calendar of upcoming meetings was included in the agenda package.

Upcoming public meetings include the audit committee on Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. and the special education advisory committee on Sept. 21 at 1 p.m.

Attendance details may be found on this page of the Board agenda.

Audit committee seeks community member

Trustee Shane Hall, Chair of the Audit Committee, mentioned in his report that the committee is looking to add a community member to the committee. This is a volunteer position.

For more information, please see the posting.

Two NNDSB schools are Eco champions

Two NNDSB schools were recognized with EcoSchools certification for environmental excellence this year.

Nobel Public School earned a platinum status for points achieved in alignment with eco-action and Silver Birches Elementary School earned gold status for points achieved in alignment with student well-being in the environment.

Participation in the EcoSchools program is just one way the NNDSB is furthering the goals of the multi-year strategic plan, particularly the pillars of excellence in teaching and learning and excellence in innovation.

Board meeting dates confirmed

The Board set the dates for its upcoming meetings.

The organizational meeting will be held Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. The Board chose to move the March meeting from the proposed date of March 12 to March 19 because the 12^th falls during March Break.

Virtual attendance will be facilitated via Zoom, and the meetings will be hosted in person from the North Bay Board room.

Trustees support SBO’s OSBIE nomination

Trustees voted in favour of supporting the nomination of NNDSB’s Superintendent of Business, Seija Van Haesendonck, to the board of directors of Ontario School Board Insurance Exchange (OSBIE) Northeast Region.

SBO Van Haesendonck is currently a director, and Director Myles said he hoped trustees would “support her serving her second term.” Myles added that it reflects well on NNDSB to have a superintendent on that board.

The elections for OSBIE directors take place in early November.

PIC continues to support NNDSB families

The Board agenda package contains a year-end report from the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) which summarizes the committee’s activities.

In the 2022-2023 school year, NNDSB’s PIC provided three presentations which resulted from the previous year’s survey to school councils. There was a session on

mental health, a session on bullying prevention and a session on equity and inclusion.

The committee also provided opportunities for school council reps to attending virtual networking sessions.

The committee also received $19,500 in Parent Reaching Out funds to support 14 approved projects.

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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, Sept. 15, 2023

New year kicks off with two new student trustees

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) Chair Erika Lougheed and Director of Education Craig Myles welcomed trustees back after summer break and warmly greeted two new student trustees at Tuesday’s Board meeting.

Student Trustee Dora Chen and Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson were appointed following their recommendation by the Near North Student Senate (Chen) and the Indigenous Youth Council (Benson). Both students attend Chippewa Secondary School.

Chen has been a member of student council, a student senator and is the student representative on the Chippewa renaming committee. She ran for office because she wants to “give students in NNDSB a voice at the Board table, as I believe students should have a say in their own education.” She also wants to advocate for initiatives that will benefit students.

Chen says she is most passionate about French language education, as well as education funding, especially creating opportunities for students interested in the arts.

Benson has a history of community involvement, including being a figure skating coach, organizing donations for Fort Albany, raising money for the food bank and organizing events for Indigenous students at school.

She wants to act as a voice for all Indigenous youth in NNDSB, and to “ensure they feel comfortable and heard at school. I aim to fulfil the needs and rights of Indigenous students.”

Chair Lougheed encouraged the student trustees to “get in and ask questions”. Trustee Julie Bertram welcomed them, and said she was looking forward to their participation which is “important in these types of rooms.”

The organizational Board meeting, in which trustees elect the year’s Chair and Vice-Chair and select the committees they would like to work on, will be held Nov. 14, 2023.

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Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023

TOROS return a ‘totally awesome’ success

After a three-year hiatus, Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) Theatre Outreach On Stage (TOROS) made a triumphant return this month with its production of Back To The 80s: The Totally Awesome Musical.

The troupe put on four very well-attended performances at the West Ferris auditorium earlier this month; the show delighted audiences with its mixture of humour, dancing and hit songs from the 1980’s.

“TOROS has been legendary in our North Bay community since 1987, so it’s great to have it back in production after three years of being on pause. For many TOROS alumni, it has been a life-changing event. Some have gone on to work as professional artists or promote the arts within their own communities,” TOROS producer Shannon Falconi said.

Back to the 80s director and Chippewa Secondary School graduate Jessica Soule participated in numerous theatrical productions during high school.

“We chose to do the musical Back to the 80’s because it was fun and lively. The play is a jukebox musical, which means that it features popular songs, in this case, from the ‘80’s. It also featured a large cast with various speaking roles, so we were able to be inclusive while casting,” Soule said.

About 30 students ranging from Grades 8 to 12 were involved in the production, contributing their talents as both cast and stage crew. The troupe worked hard throughout the summer, rehearsing five days a week since the beginning of July.

First-time TOROS participant Simon Lawrence was new to musical theatre and played Feargal, the class geek and comic relief.

“I really enjoyed my drama classes and wanted to do more shows,” Lawrence said. “It was a challenge to be prepared with props and not thrown off when you can’t find them on stage, but the first performance was incredible, the audience was full of laughter and delight. I would love to do more productions.”

“The audience seemed to enjoy the performances and some even dressed up in their best ‘80s outfit. Opening night was a hit, with a nearly full house. This fueled a lot of excitement among the cast for their first show,” Falconi said.

“We are in a rebuilding phase of TOROS, most cast members have never been on stage or in a musical production before,” Falconi said. “This was a completely new experience for some of the students and we are very proud of their courage to step outside of their comfort zones to try something different. This production is all about the students and celebrating their talent.”

Seasoned performer Abby Alexander has participated in West Ferris’s last three productions, Sponge Bob The Musical, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Pippin, as well as two summer challenge shows, Newsies and Chicago. Alexander played the lead female role of Tiffany Houston in Back to the 80s.

“The highlight of my experience was the cast. I had never had a cast that was so close-knit before. We became one big family, and I enjoyed coming to rehearsals to be with this group of people,” Alexander said. “The performances went well. The audience was very excited to be there and very lively. We had a very receptive audience.

“I plan on doing theatre for the rest of my life,” Alexander said. “It’s so worth it to meet people. In theatre it’s important to make connections. The more connections you have the more work you will get.”

“Programs like TOROS are important because they give students a sense of belonging. By the final show, we really became a family, and all the students had made lifelong friends. It’s a safe space for them to express their creativity. It also gives them career options, some of these students may go on to be professional performers,” Soule said. “The highlight for me has been seeing the growth in the students. Some of them have never done a production like this and most were terrified to audition. Together, we worked through their fears and in the end, everyone really came out of their shell to shine on stage.”

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Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope you and your students are enjoying the summer. We look forward to seeing your students on Sept. 5, the first day of the 2023-2024 school year.

This letter is being sent to advise you of the professional development activities that educational staff will be participating in on Wednesday, Aug. 30 and Thursday, Aug. 31. Notifying families at least 14 days in advance is a requirement of Provincial Bill 98 that came into effect July 27, 2023.

Below is a table that outlines what elementary and secondary educators will be covering, how the professional development is taking place and who is providing the training.

This letter is being sent in order to meet the 14-day window. For the rest of the school year, upcoming professional development activities will be included in the monthly letter to families, distributed on the first Friday of the month.

Professional development activities can be found here on the board website and will be posted at individual schools.

In addition to staying informed via the board’s website, families can find NNDSB on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Student exchange company YES Canada, in partnership with Near North District School Board, is seeking families to host international secondary school students from Japan, Sweden, Italy and Australia in September 2023 who will study for three or 10 months.

Welcoming an international student to your home is a great way to learn about another country and culture, build lifelong relationships, and share your home, language and culture with a secondary school student. During their stay, students will live with a local family and experience daily life in Canada while developing their English language skills through this immersion experience.

Host families provide a home away from home for these secondary school students, providing a safe and nurturing environment, three meals per day and the opportunity to become a family member. Host families are compensated with a monthly stipend to offset the cost of hosting. Host families are supported by a local coordinator and YES Canada staff during their student’s stay.

If you are interested in hosting an international high school student or would like to learn more about YES Canada’s homestay program and the benefits of becoming a host, please contact homestay@youthedservices.ca or call 416-623-6220 ext. 410.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Monday, July 17, 2023

TOROS Tickets On Sale Now!

The Near North District School Board’s Theatre Out Reach On Stage (TOROS) is proud to announce that tickets for their annual summer musical production Back to the 80’s The Totally Awesome Musical, are now on sale. Celebrate the history of TOROS while enjoying a pop culture trip down memory lane to an era that brought the world the Rubik’s Cube and some of the greatest musical hits ever!

Some of North Bay’s most talented intermediate and high school students will act, sing and dance their hearts out. Throw in a Star Wars dream sequence, high-energy dance routines, an 80’s dance party scene, large amounts of blue eyeshadow and hairspray, as well as some of the most popular songs ever written, and the result is a musical that will delight and amuse audiences of any age. Back To The 80’s is a high-energy musical with contemporary flair that you won’t want to miss!

Shows run at 7p.m. on August 10th to August 12th along with a special matinee performance on Sunday, August 13th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 and are available for purchase online and in person at approved community events.

Contact TOROS@nearnorthschools.ca for full ticket information.

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