Near North District School Board

Board approves audited 2020-2021 financial statements

By

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021

Board approves audited 2020-2021 financial statements

As recommended by the Audit Committee, Near North District School Board last night approved the draft audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended Aug. 31, 2021. The audit was conducted by KPMG and resulted in a clean audit opinion. No significant control deficiencies were noted, indicating that the finance department continued to work effectively during the disruptions presented by the pandemic.

Highlights of this year’s statements include an increase to operating accumulated surplus of $3.1 million, and additions to capital assets of $8.9 million.

Chair of the Audit Committee, John Cochrane said, “Once again, thanks to a totally impressive team effort led by our Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck, and Manager of Finance Wende Proulx, our audited financial statements are a shining example of the way your Board wisely spends our taxpayer funds. Congratulations to all involved!”

The Audit Committee also presented a year-end report, which Trustees approved, and will forward to the Ministry of Education for the year ended Aug. 31, 2021.

The statements may be found in the agenda package from last night’s meeting.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

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

Chair, Vice-Chair acclaimed at organizational meeting

By

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021

Chair, Vice-Chair acclaimed at organizational meeting

Chair Jay Aspin and Vice-Chair John Cochrane were acclaimed at tonight’s organizational meeting of Near North District School Board (NNDSB), signalling trustees’ continued support of Board leadership.

Director of Education Craig Myles, as secretary of the Board, presided over tonight’s meeting until the Chair was elected.

The two have held these positions with this Board since it was elected in the fall of 2018, through elections and acclamations.

Much has been accomplished under the leadership of Chair Aspin and Vice-Chair Cochrane. Among the highlights are the appointment of a new Director of Education,  consistent efforts to improve transparency and processes, the creation and implementation of a governance manual and the development of a Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) that sets the course for the board through 2026.

After his acclamation, Chair Aspin addressed the Board, thanking trustees for their continued confidence.

Chair Aspin is entering his 21st year as a school board trustee, and has held elected public office for 43 years, including six terms as a North Bay councillor and a Member of the 41st Canadian Parliament.

“It is both an honour and a privilege to continue to serve as your Chair. I look forward to continuing to work with Board members, Director Myles and his senior leadership team to support the achievement and well-being of our students and staff,” said Chair Aspin.

After his acclamation, Vice-Chair Cochrane said, “I would like to thank my fellow board members for their on-going support of my work as Vice-Chair, and Chair of the Audit and Finance Committees,”. “My thoughts are focused, of course, on completing our much-needed school in Parry Sound. Our Board remains intent on pupil and staff safety throughout this coming year.”

Director Myles is grateful that Chair Aspin and Vice-Chair Cochrane were willing to let their names stand for another term. “This board has made remarkable progress in so many areas under the leadership of Chair Aspin and Vice-Chair Cochrane. NNDSB is fortunate to have a stellar group of trustees who are passionate about the work they do on behalf of students. I believe that more good things are to come with them guiding the Board for another year.”

This will be the final year of this Board’s mandate; the next municipal election will be held Monday, Oct. 24, 2022.

Chair Aspin said, “As this is our last year of this term as the Board of Trustees, let’s continue to reform and rejuvenate the board with the good work we have achieved together since 2018.”

The Chair said the key challenges the Board will focus on this year include providing quality education while keeping staff and students safe and healthy in the face of COVID-19, full implementation of the MYSP, completion of new school builds at Fricker and the Parry Sound JK-12 build, support improvements in human resource allocation, effective continued expansion of community partnerships and communications and to advance the North Bay facilities study.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

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

Safe Cycling program rolling with funding partnership

By

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021

Safe Cycling program rolling with funding partnership

A class set of bicycles has been purchased for Near North District School Board (NNDSB) students in Grades 7 and 8 to learn more about walking and wheeling to school. The Safe Cycling with NNDSB project is a partnership between the board, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, Ride Smart and Ontario Provincial Police. It was funded through a grant from Ontario Active School Travel, a program of Green Communities Canada (GCC), a non-profit organization that promotes active school travel, and the Government of Ontario.

The $30,000 grant enabled the purchase of a fleet of bicycles, safety equipment, a portable trailer to store the bikes, and CanBike Level 4 accreditation for all teachers participating in the program.

The program uses the Ride Smart Cycle Education program to prepare students for safe use of bicycles, including which type of bike is safe for a variety of roadways, emergency braking, hand signals and shoulder checks. In addition to learning how to cycle safely, “students learn how active transportation can reduce their carbon footprint”, says Emily Samuel, principal of safe schools for NNDSB.

Safe Cycling with NNDSB was recently launched at the Humphrey Community Centre, where students displayed their cycling knowledge and skills, and where community partners were acknowledged.

In his opening remarks, NNDSB Chair Jay Aspin noted that supporting students to become confident and capable cyclists was an excellent application of experiential learning that supported the board’s commitment to Excellence in Teaching and Learning, one of the pillars of the board’s multi-year strategic plan.

Superintendent Gay Smylie added that, “Walking and wheeling to school supports healthy brain development, which can lead to improved learning and academic outcomes. Research proves that kids who move more aren’t just healthier, they also tend to do better academically, behave better in class and miss fewer days of school.”

The Government of Ontario is providing $1.5 million through March 2022 to GCC to support new active school travel initiatives across the province that will help prepare students for learning and improve safety in school zones. This follows a previous investment of $3.5 million toward 28 active school travel projects benefiting 52 communities across Ontario between 2017-2020.

“In recent decades we have seen a significant decline in rates of walking to school and a marked increase in traffic volumes in school zones,” said Kate Berry, Ontario

Active School Travel program director with GCG. “This initiative is a great opportunity to reverse these trends by expanding on the previous work in the Near North region to rebuild a culture of active school travel. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with and support our local partners to implement this exciting initiative.”

Walking and cycling to school (while maintaining social distancing) are considered safe and healthy activities by public health authorities. Safe Cycling with NNDSB, GCC and its many partners are working to make active transportation the “new normal.” Benefits to active school travel include improved physical and mental health and well-being, increased cognitive function and social development that improves academic performance, safer school zones through traffic calming and reduced congestion, and improved air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

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

Convenor grateful for colleagues’ support of OFSAA event

By

Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021

Convenor grateful for colleagues’ support of OFSAA event

Many hands make light work, and Craig Nodwell is grateful for all the hands that have helped him put together this year’s Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) Boys’ AA volleyball championship.

Nodwell is a teacher-coach at Chippewa Secondary School and the convenor of the championship, being held tomorrow through Saturday in North Bay. COVID-19 caused the cancellation of last year’s championship (which was scheduled for North Bay) and the virus continues to affect day-to-day operations. Near North District School Board (NNDSB) and OFSAA have protocols that must be followed that caused modifications to typical OFSAA championships.

Nodwell says area secondary schools – even those located outside of North Bay – are making some sort of contribution to the championship. The tournament’s home team is Chippewa, but the principal of West Ferris Secondary School offered gyms for games to be held, the principal of F.J. McElligott Secondary School in Mattawa provided two staff members to act as convenors to run two of the gyms, staff at Northern Secondary School in Sturgeon Falls convened the Nipissing District Athletics (NDA) league this year, which provided a direct route to hosting OFSAA and a staff member at Laurentian Learning Centre was released to help with photography and media projects for the championships.

The executive team at NNDSB has been supportive of Nodwell’s efforts, the COVID-19 management team has guided him in the processes to safely run the tournament and some students are getting optional certifications towards their Specialist High Skills Majors.

“There are so many cool, collaborative projects at Near North,” says Nodwell.

Students have missed out on organized sports for almost two years. Nodwell says there are five students on Chippewa’s team who returned for a fifth year at secondary school just to play volleyball and “it meant a lot to finish their athletic careers on the right note (by participating in a provincial tournament).” Despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, as a convenor and coach, Nodwell wants to put on “the best championship we can…I want it to be a show for these student athletes.”

NNDSB’s Director of Education, Craig Myles, says “As a life-long athlete, coach and teacher, I am so encouraged to see the return of sporting competitions. OFSAA is the pinnacle of sports in Ontario secondary schools. My hope is that these opportunities for students will continue to resurface as we navigate through the changing COVID-19 environment.”

The COVID-19 protocols caused the cancellation of the usual banquet, but the committee has created a red-carpet registration night featuring semi-formal attire, swag bags and team photos. Student volunteers are helping out to welcome teams to the city and the school.

The championship will feature team and player introductions, and there will be signage around the facilities to acknowledge the achievement of the visiting teams.

Fans will be absent from the championship because of the protocols of both NNDSB and OFSAA, but games will be streamed. YourTV will broadcast the quarter-final and semi-final games from Chippewa, and Sunday’s championship final at 1 p.m.

Nodwell notes that the stringent protocols are in place to keep everyone safe and following them means that student athletes are able to play and compete.

“The health and safety of our staff and students is paramount,” says Myles, “so I would like to recognize everyone who is going above and beyond to organize these events for students amidst the health and safety considerations, with a special thanks to Craig Nodwell. Best of luck to the athletes!”

Visit OFSAA’s page for more information about the championship, including the schedule.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

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

Board Highlights for November Meeting

By

Friday, Nov. 19, 2021

Board Highlights for November Meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021.

Board updated on Indigenous Youth Circle

Allen Lewis Trodd, a student at Parry Sound High School, gave Trustees an update on the work of the Indigenous Youth Circle. That group will be meeting to ensure Indigenous student voices are part of the conversation at NNDSB.

Lewis Trodd introduced himself as Anishinaabe and Coast Salish, and said he is involved in the Indigenous Youth Circle because he and his peers “are trying to make school a nice place”.

He said his school provided a safe cultural space, in which students can gather and spend time together, “which makes people happy”. He noted not all schools have space and opportunity for Indigenous students, and the group wants to change that.

Lewis Trodd said he was happy to be at the meeting, and said it was important to have Indigenous voices at the (Board) table. He wrapped up his presentation saying that if you listen, you can learn.

The Indigenous Youth Circle is in the process of determining what the role of Indigenous Student Trustee will look like and how they want to select an Indigenous Student Trustee on the Board.

Revised administrative guidelines presented

The Board received a report about updated administrative guidelines, which are operational protocols that ensure a best practice approach to operations. The public has 30 days in which to provide input.

Three administrative guidelines that have been revised following the 30-day public consultation were shared with Trustees.

Revisions to the Student Conduct Management, Emergency Response Plan and Bear Protocol administrative guidelines were presented.

Board in compliance with elementary class size

In her report to the Board, Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck confirmed NNDSB is in compliance with the government’s limits on class size.

The board is required to maintain 100 per cent of its primary classes below 23 and 90 per cent of the classes below 20. Board must also maintain a maximum board-wide average class of 23.3 for Grades 4-8.

Highlights of Superintendent Van Haesendonck’s report that 91.5 per cent of primary classes have 20 or fewer students, and that 100 per cent of primary classes have 23 and fewer students. The average junior/intermediate class size is 23.29.

District-wide PSW program launched

In his report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles spoke of the launch of the personal support worker (PSW) living classroom program, which has now secured partners in Sturgeon Falls, North Bay, Mattawa and Parry Sound.

The program will see participants 18 and older train to become PSWs in a classroom that is located in a healthcare facility. Rather than having to wait for placement modules to practice theoretical learning, students will be able to move between the theoretical and practical application of knowledge regularly.

Participant intake is taking place, with program registration taking place in January. The program will begin in March 2022.

In addition to becoming a fully-trained PSW, students who have not yet completed their Grade 12 can earn up to six credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Chair Jay Aspin, who also sits on the Board of Directors of Ontario Health, noted the need for PSWs in the province, and called the program “a real winner. I can see nothing but growth and goodwill.”

This collaborative program exemplifies the dedication of the board to align all decisions with the pillars of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. The PSW program can be situated within the board’s commitment to Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Relationships.

Environmental working group will be established

Director Myles, via his report to the board, shared that NNDSB’s program department will be establishing an environmental education/environmental stewardship working group during the 2021-2022 school year. The group will be comprised of educators from both elementary and secondary panels, administrators and system leaders.

Staff and students are already participating in several environmental initiatives, including the walking school bus (planned to start soon with Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services), a whole-school focus on electronic communications as an environmental strategy and recognition for Take Me Outside Day.

NNDSB has also been communicating with Forestry Ontario about a tree-planting initiative in the spring of 2022, in which students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Environment programs will mentor students in feeder schools about the benefits of planting trees to improve the environment.

COVID-19 management updates

Superintendent Tim Graves provided Trustees with an update on board management of COVID-19. He acknowledged the work of NNDSB and its collaborative work with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (NBPSDHU) and the co-terminus boards, noting no schools in the district have been in an outbreak.

Chair Jay Aspin congratulated Superintendent Graves and his team on the work being done since the return to in-person learning. Despite pressure on the board to allow spectators to attend sports events, Chair Aspin noted NNDSB and the co-terminus boards stuck to their guns about protocols. Chair Aspin said the work done by NNDSB is “putting our students and staff first.”

Director Myles also thanked staff, the senior team, union partners and Trustees for their support of the COVID-19 management strategy. He said NNDSB has seen low numbers of COVID-19 cases “because of our strict adherence to protocols.”

Those protocols also include not permitting community use of schools to ensure to reduce the risk of transmission by reducing the number of people in buildings.

Effective Nov. 10, the Ministry of Education is requiring individuals who are subject to rapid antigen testing requirements must now provide negative test results three times a week (it had been twice weekly). Staff to whom the policy applies have been given a testing schedule and access to additional test kits.

Although new testing approaches were made available to public health units, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has opted not to implement them, citing low case counts and strong testing measures already in place.

NNDSB is working with Nipissing District Athletics (NDA) to allow spectators at school hockey games. The facilities’ COVID-19 policies and practices will be enforced.

Northern school boards identify challenges

In the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) report to the Board, a research project that detailed unique challenges facing Northern boards was shared.

OPSBA’s Northern Region meeting earlier in November saw the release of a report that identified four priority areas that require greater support from the Ministry of Education – Indigenous education, special education, experiential learning and mental health and well-being. The research, conducted by three Master of Applied Politics students, found that funding and staffing were the two greatest challenges facing the research participants.

The report’s final recommendations were: for the Ministry of Education to consult with Northern Boards and Authorities when determining funding packages, to address unique needs of communities in the North; to implement needs assessment for each Board or Authority to ensure equitable access to services for all students, regardless of where they live; implement flexibility in teaching qualifications for specialized staff in Northern regions, to ensure hiring based on relevant skills.

Marc Morin appointed to audit committee

The Board accepted the recommendation of the Audit Selection Committee and approved of the selection of Marc Morin of Mattawa to fill the external member vacancy on the Board’s audit committee, following a public application process.

Morin is a professor in the School of Business at Canadore College and has supported other boards in a similar audit committee capacity.

His three-year term is effective immediately and will end Nov. 16, 2024.

-30-

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.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Board provides update on new JK-12 Parry Sound school

By

Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021

Board provides update on new JK-12 Parry Sound school

With siding being installed this past weekend, the demolition at Parry Sound High School is 95 per cent complete.

The architect, the Ventin Group (+VG Architects), has reserved space for a design feature at the front of the building that will reflect Indigenous culture. In consultation with Trustee Nichole King, the First Nation representative on the Board, it was felt that students ought to have input into this space. Parry Sound High School Principal Dawn Buckland will work with students to ensure their thoughts and ideas are considered and incorporated into the build.

In meetings with the architect, NNDSB learned that the Parry Sound build is not immune from global supply chain challenges and significantly rising costs from the impact of COVID-19 resulting in overages. Administration is fully examining these challenges and results will be shared with stakeholders when the design is finalized.

Community members are invited to learn more via the Parry Sound Build Report page on the board’s website. The page is updated when required in order to answer questions from community stakeholders.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

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

 

West Nipissing General Hospital, Algonquin Nursing Home partner with Near North District School Board on PSW program

By

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021

West Nipissing General Hospital, Algonquin Nursing Home partner with Near North District School Board on PSW program

As a testament to the value of the program it is offering, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has just created its third and fourth Memorandum of Understanding in two weeks. West Nipissing General Hospital (WNGH) in Sturgeon Falls and Algonquin Nursing Home in Mattawa plan to provide living classrooms in order to train Personal Support Workers (PSWs).

WNGH and Algonquin Nursing Home are the two most recent organizations to commit to working with NNDSB to provide a living classroom, in which students will learn theory in an on-site classroom, then apply those skills on the floor of the hospital. Students will do their clinical work on WNGH’s long-term care and complex continuing care units, and in the long-term care home in Mattawa.

Student costs of this program will be subsidized; tuition is covered by NNDSB.

Cynthia Dèsormiers, President and Chief Executive Officer of WNGH, says the hospital is eager to partner because, “there is a critical shortage of Health Human Resources (HHR) throughout Ontario and in our community as well. This is a program that allows us to think outside the box while fulfilling a need at WNGH and in our community. This program will provide a great opportunity for people in our community to kick start a new career in health care, and with the tuition being waived in the first year, it is like a gift for those who may have financial difficulties.”

NNDSB’s Director of Education Craig Myles says the board has worked hard to bring this hands-on learning opportunity to learners 18 years and older. “We’re excited to offer this training, which is accredited through the Personal Support Worker Professional Association. NNDSB will be training PSWs who will be ready to begin work upon completion of the course.”

The PSW program is a collaborative effort of the board, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and community organizations. The other partnerships will see living classrooms set up in Cassellholme in North Bay, and Belvedere Heights and Lakeland Long-Term Care in Parry Sound. (Hyperlinks are to media release about those partnerships.)

Dèsormiers says the program and partnership “is a win-win for both the hospital and the students. This is an opportunity for us to grow our own PSWs, which usually leads to recruitment and improved retention when they are from the community.”

Jay Aspin, Chair of the Board of Trustees of NNDSB, says the PSW initiative is a great way to re-engage adult learners while addressing a critical shortage of healthcare workers. “NNDSB is proud of its role in helping to educate and train skilled PSWs that are in high demand in all areas of the board. This innovative program serves so many purposes in our communities, including marvelous opportunities for our students.”

Dèsormiers says WNGH is “grateful for the opportunity to partner this year and in future years to fill a huge need in healthcare, while providing great employment opportunities and careers for people in West Nipissing and surrounding areas.”

Spaces in each program are limited. Anyone interested should plan to attend the information session on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. online. (Meeting is hyperlinked.)

Students who do not yet have their Grade 12 are eligible to apply. They can earn up to six credits towards their diploma while taking this training.

NNDSB is seeking partnerships with local long-term care homes in all regions of the board to re-engage learners who are 18+ interested in training to become a PSW. Any long-term care home interested in partnering should contact Liana Blaskievich, NNDSB’s Officer Corporate Affairs at 705-472-8170 ext. 5056 or liana.blaskievich@nearnorthschools.ca.

-30-

Cutline information:
PSWs are often referred to as the backbone of healthcare. Here, a PSW at WNGH is seen with a patient.

For more information, please contact:

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

Trustees offer congratulations to retiring MPP Norm Miller

By

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021

Trustees offer congratulations to retiring MPP Norm Miller

The Board of Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has sent a congratulatory letter to Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Norm Miller, who recently announced his retirement. Miller will complete his term and will not run in next year’s general election.

The Conservative MPP has represented Parry Sound-Muskoka for 21 years.

Board Chair Jay Aspin and Vice-Chair John Cochrane, who represents students and families in the Parry Sound area, signed the letter, which notes MPP Miller’s influence has shaped the future of a generation of students and will continue to shape students due to support for the new JK-12 Parry Sound school that NNDSB is building.

“Inspired by his predecessor, his father Premier Frank Miller, Norm has always been a stalwart for the educational system in the Muskoka-Parry region,” said Chair Aspin. ”Our schools have been a key beneficiary of his service as his advocacy for the people of his riding and his diligence at Queen’s Park is reflected in the projects and legislation that have come to fruition during his tenure.”

Vice-Chair Cochrane said it has been a pleasure working with Miller and acknowledges the contribution of the MPP to many facets of life in the Parry Sound area. “Norm’s retirement is well-deserved,” he said.

During Miller’s terms in office, his private member’s Bill 228 Keeping Polystyrene Out of Ontario’s Lakes and Rivers Act was passed and became law, the Parry Sound Airport Industrial Park was expanded and its infrastructure upgraded, and students from Parry Sound High School were acknowledged in the House for their trip to France to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and for leading the Community Remembrance Project.

The letter from NNDSB recognizes the collaboration that has taken place between NNDSB and Miller to align the board’s vision for students with the needs of the community.

Miller announced his retirement on Nov. 2, noting he is looking forward to spending more time with his family.

-30-

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

NNDSB expands PSW opportunity in living classroom program to Belvedere Heights, Lakeland Long-Term Care in Parry Sound

By

Friday, Nov. 12, 2021

NNDSB expands PSW opportunity in living classroom program to Belvedere Heights, Lakeland Long-Term Care in Parry Sound

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is excited to announce the expansion of the Personal Support Worker (PSW) training opportunity and a promising partnership in the Parry Sound region. The partnership with Belvedere Heights and Lakeland Long-Term Care are welcome news in an area where PSWs are in high demand.

NNDSB will provide PSW training on site at Belvedere Heights and Lakeland Long-Term Care in a living classroom environment. Participants in the program will do their theoretical learning in a classroom at Belvedere Heights, then be able to apply those skills on the floor of both long-term care homes, without having to wait for theory work to end before experiencing placement.

NNDSB hopes to help fill a growing demand for trained PSWs across the Near North region and to provide people 18 years of age and older with an exciting career path. NNDSB will work closely with community partners to establish a hands-on program, inclusive of placements, in partnered long-term care facilities.

A PSW looks after the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of someone who is not able to do so themselves, frequently in the elderly population. The main responsibilities of a PSW include ensuring the patient has healthy and nutritious meals, helping with daily tasks and working with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the best quality of care.

People who do not currently possess their Grade 12 are also eligible. This unique program allows NNDSB to support students in completing their OSSD in tandem with this program. If you are interested, you can request an educational assessment by contacting Trina Nelson in student services at Parry Sound High School, 705-773-7979 extension 8438.

NNDSB Director of Education Craig Myles, who has been instrumental in seeking opportunities for the board to provide this innovative programming states, “NNDSB is thrilled to expand this opportunity to the Parry Sound region. The program contributes to an emergent and vital need for the Near North region. We are proud to offer a program that supports adults (18+) to find a rewarding career path in the health care industry and respond to a community need.”

Supported by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, the student costs of this specialty program will be subsidized. Successful students of this program will become fully qualified as PSWs. The PSW program can be only the beginning of a journey into many healthcare opportunities. PSWs are employed in many care sectors such as homecare and assisted living and in various care facilities.

NNDSB’s partners in this program, are “excited by this awesome opportunity,” says Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged Administrator Kami Johnson.

“Our homes in Parry Sound are incredibly fortunate to work with a partner like our local high school,” says Steve White, administrator of Lakeland Long-Term Care. “Kami and I believe the Near North District School Board is not only going to make a difference in the lives of adults learning a new career, but in the daily lives of our seniors and most vulnerable.”

NNDSB is in the process of hiring qualified instructors for North Bay and Parry Sound. Instructors will be RNs or NPs with experience working in this field.  Please refer to www.nearnorthschools.ca  and select Join Our Team in the top right corner for employment information. NNDSB is excited by the expansion and still aiming for the new year to begin both programs. Registration is planned for January with an expected start of February 2022.

Spaces are limited. Anyone interested should plan to attend one of the two following information sessions: Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. online or Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. online. (Meetings are hyperlinked.)

NNDSB Chair Jay Aspin says, “The partnership in Parry Sound and the expansion of this programming is exactly what we aimed for. The alignment with the Board goals of excellence in innovation and excellence in building relationships is clear. We are eager to work in partnership with Belvedere Heights and Lakeland Long-Term Care on a sustainable pipeline of PSW students choosing highly rewarding programming in Northern communities.”

NNDSB is seeking partnerships with local long-term care homes in all regions of the board to re-engage learners who are 18+ interested in training to become a PSW. Any long-term care home interested in partnering should contact Liana Blaskievich, NNDSB’s Officer Corporate Affairs at 705-472-8170 ext. 5056 or liana.blaskievich@nearnorthschools.ca.

-30-

Cutline information:

PSWs are often referred to as the backbone of healthcare. Halle Stringer is a recent PSW grad working at Lakeland LTC, seen here with resident Dorothy O’Rourke.

For more information, please contact:

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

NNDSB launches innovative PSW living classroom program at Cassellholme North Bay

By

Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021

NNDSB launches innovative PSW living classroom program at Cassellholme North Bay

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is excited to announce the first of what it hopes will be many sustainable partnerships with long-term care facilities in all regions of the NNDSB.

NNDSB is proud to partner with Cassellholme in North Bay to provide Personal Support Worker (PSW) training in a living classroom environment at Cassellholme. Participants in the program will do their theoretical learning in a classroom at Cassellholme, then be able to apply those skills on the floor of the long-term care home, without having to wait for theory work to end before experiencing placement.

NNDSB hopes to help fill a growing demand for trained PSWs and to provide people 18 years of age and older with an exciting career path. NNDSB will work closely with community partners to establish a hands-on program, inclusive of placements, in partnered long-term care facilities.

A PSW looks after the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of someone who is not able to do so themselves, frequently in the elderly population. The main responsibilities of a PSW include ensuring the patient has healthy and nutritious meals, helping with daily tasks and working with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the best quality of care.

People who do not currently possess their Grade 12 are also eligible. This unique program allows NNDSB to support students in completing their OSSD in tandem with this program. If you are interested, you can request an educational assessment  by contacting Vice-Principal Sarah Spence at Laurentian Learning Centre, 705-472-5419.

NNDSB Director of Education Craig Myles has been instrumental in seeking out opportunities for the board to provide innovative programming. He stated, “Providing this type of opportunity is extremely important to the Near North community in that it serves adult students who need that leg up to a diploma and a rewarding career with many opportunities for growth. The program supports an emergent and vital need for the Near North region. We are proud to offer programs that support students and respond to a community need.”

Supported by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, the student costs for this specialty program will be subsidized. Successful students of this program will become fully qualified as a PSW. The PSW program can be only the beginning of a journey into many healthcare opportunities. PSWs are employed in many care sectors such as homecare and assisted living and in varied long-term care facilities.

NNDSB’s partner in this program, Cassellholme, has engaged employees in continued opportunities to learn as they earn and seek certification as Registered Practical Nurses (RPN), Registered Nurses (RN) or Registered Nurse Practitioners (NP). “Cassellholme is always looking for ways to be a community partner. By working with NNDSB, we can help foster a new generation of healthcare professionals which may very well be someone’s first step to a rewarding career,” said Cassellholme Chair Chris Mayne.

NNDSB is in the process of hiring a qualified instructor who is a RN or a NP with experience working in this field. Excited to start, NNDSB is aiming for the new year to begin this program. Registration is planned for January with an expected start of February 2022.

Spaces are limited. Anyone interested should plan to attend one of the two following information sessions: Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. online or Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. online. (Teams meeting information is hyperlinked.)

Near North District School Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “This is another proud moment for Near North District School Board in supporting our community. This innovative new program aligns with the Board goals of excellence in innovation and excellence in building relationships. We are enthused to work in partnership with Cassellholme and Ontario Health on what looks like just the beginning of highly rewarding programming in the North.”

“This partnership is a good example of increasing the accessibility of PSW training and education – a focus area of the North East Ontario Regional PSW Workforce Steering Committee,” said Michel O’Connor, Ontario Health North Eastern Region. The committee has come together to identify and to socialize some of the challenges affecting the retention, the recruitment and the sustainability of the PSW workforce. “We hope that the success of this collaboration will be sustained in the future and that the area will benefit from the investment in health human resources required to deliver healthcare services,” he said.

NNDSB is seeking partnerships with local long-term care homes in all regions of the board to re-engage learners who are 18+ interested in training to become a PSW. Any long-term care homes interested in partnering should contact Liana Blaskievich, NNDSB’s Officer Corporate Affairs at 705-472-8170 ext. 5056 or liana.blaskievich@nearnorthschools.ca.

-30-

Cutline information:

PSWs are often referred to as the backbone of healthcare. Here, a PSW is seen with a resident of Cassellholme.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@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)

Connect With Us

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