NNDSB taking steps on path to truth and reconciliation

September 30, 2021 By Deb

Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021

NNDSB taking steps on path to truth and reconciliation

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) recognizes it has a role to play in truth and reconciliation. As outlined in the 94 Calls to Action that act as way finders – concrete steps to move forward in acknowledging the truth of Canada’s history with Indigenous Peoples – there is a role for education in the difficult and uncomfortable work of reconciliation.

It is imperative that the board climbs the mountain as requested by the Commission.

The path to truth and reconciliation will be slow and painful, but the steps must be taken. The Board of Trustees has proactively acknowledged this, and endeavours to be part of the change. In addition to opening meetings with a land acknowledgement, Board meetings now open with a prayer from an Elder. The Indigenous Trustee, elected by members of the First Nations to represent them on the Board, is actively consulted and her input valued in decision-making on issues that affect Indigenous students.

As an institution, NNDSB is taking steps in response to the Calls to Action, including:

working to eliminate educational gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children (have staff positions to support Indigenous families in education)
on-going consultation with First Nations communities regarding new capital builds to ensure Indigenous students feel welcome and represented in NNDSB schools
offering Indigenous language classes to all interested students at 12 schools
formation of an Indigenous Youth Advisory Circle with membership of up to two students per secondary school. Once formed, the Youth Circle will determine a process for nomination and selection of an Indigenous Student Trustee to the Board
providing resources and building capacity to support all staff and students in understanding Indigenous history, culture, perspectives, and ways of knowing
encouraging and supporting non-Indigenous staff who want to take a First Nation, Metis and Inuit Additional Qualification course
partnering with Anishinabek Education System (AES) to place two full-time cultural advisors/knowledge keepers in schools on a regular basis
successful AES pilot project applicant to be one of five boards in the province to provide cultural competency training to administrators

The federal government has legislated Sept. 30, 2021 as the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day. NNDSB wants the day to be acknowledged in a way that is

most appropriate and meaningful to members of the eight First Nations that are NNDSB community partners, and other Indigenous Peoples in our schools. Schools have been given the flexibility to provide community-relevant programming.

The legacy of residential schools weighs heavy in the hearts of survivors and their families, who have been subjected to 200 years of colonization and systemic discrimination. NNDSB will continue to climb the mountain and strive to do better.

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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 September Meeting

September 24, 2021 By Josh

Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

Board Highlights for September Meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021.

Elder Evelyn McLeod provides opening prayer

The Board of Trustees welcomed Elder Evelyn McLeod of Nipissing First Nation to provide the opening prayer of the Board meeting.

Elder McLeod offered a smudge prior to her prayer, which was offered in the Nipissing dialect of the (Ojibwe) language.

New Student Trustee Darling sworn in

NNDSB’s new Student Trustee, Cecilia Darling was sworn in at the Board’s Sept. 21 meeting.

In her initial report, Student Trustee Darling noted many students are excited to be returning to school and are taking advantage of the warm weather to safely socialize.

Her report also noted that several of the secondary schools have been giving orientation tours to new students, have been holding spirit days and are organizing their elections.

Student Trustee Darling also promoted the launch of the Student Voice initiative and noted that she has created a video to encourage student participation.

NNDSB acknowledged in ombudsman’s report

NNDSB has been acknowledged in the 2020-2021 annual report of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario for making positive changes regarding transparency and process in response to closing Widdifield Secondary School. In the 2019 report, Ombudsman Paul Dubé had identified areas for improvement, and provided 14 recommendations.

Twelve of the recommendations have been implemented. The remaining two are reliant on the Ministry of Education’s update of its Pupil Accommodations Review Guideline.

In his report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles said he has “met “proactively and regularly with counsel from the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office to provide further reports on the board’s continued diligence towards the implementation of the recommendations”. He noted that governance and best practice recommendations are now “firmly entrenched in our established practice”.

Summer school enrolment increased

A report from Superintendent Melanie Gray and Principal Jamey Byers detailed the successful summer school program provided by NNDSB. The program helped learning recovery and increased credit accumulation while creating more partnerships that benefit students.

Because summer programming took place online, students from across Ontario were able to take NNDSB courses. The online system allows students whose home board may not be offering that course to register and learn with NNDSB. It also accommodated students in this board, who may have not been able to secure transportation to North Bay.

Approximately 500 students took part in summer high school credit programs, an increase of 28 per cent over the previous year.

There were 80 credits earned this summer through the co-op program; some remote, some in-person and some blended. A new partnership included a co-op at the Virtual Robotics Training Academy (VTRA) a high-tech educational company. A NNDSB student was their first co-op student working to develop and test a virtual robotics simulator.

The board also developed two new courses. The Health for Life course is an alternative to traditional in-school gym credits, and a Learning Strategies course focuses on personal wellness and healthy communities. Learning Strategies was advertised to Grade 8 students to get a head start on their secondary school credit accumulation.

The board also enjoyed another summer of collaboration with the Canadian Ecology Centre. More than 140 students from across Ontario registered with NNDSB and learned in the outdoors at the CEC.

Upcoming Board meetings scheduled

At its September meeting, the Board of Trustees brought forward the meeting schedule for the 2021-2022 school year.

Regular meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: Tuesday, Oct. 12; Tuesday, Nov. 16; Tuesday, Dec. 7; Tuesday, Jan. 11; Tuesday, Feb. 15; Tuesday, March 15; Tuesday, April 12; Tuesday, May 17 and Tuesday, June 14.

NNDSB Board of Trustee meetings will continue to be held virtually using Zoom. Links to the meetings can be found at the top right corner of each meeting’s agenda package. Agenda packages are posted on this page two business days before the meeting.

Focus of MYSP shifts to implementation

Director of Education Craig Myles spoke about his responsibility for implementing the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP), which was approved at the June Board meeting.

The official launch of the plan took place at the August conference for principals, vice-principals and managers, where the alignment of improvement plans in all areas of the board were reinforced. The four priority areas are Excellence in Communications, Excellence in Building Relationships, Excellence in Teaching and Learning and Excellence in Innovation.

Ensuring that all staff understand the alignment of all strategic plans to the four priorities is a key component of the MYSP.

Myles outlined achievements in each of the four areas already, including communications protocols and tools, new learning and childcare partnerships, supporting learning recovery with diagnostic assessment tools and instructional resources, remote learning readiness, a leadership learning framework and innovation in using more technology in the classroom and in delivering professional development for staff.

New Zone 2 trustee appointed

The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Caren Gagne as the NNDSB Trustee for Zone 2.

Ms. Gagne is a resident of Zone 2 and operated a business there with her husband for 40 years. She has been a dedicated volunteer, giving her time to many organizations, all of which worked at bettering the community.

Trustee-elect Gagne will be sworn in at the Board’s Oct. 12 meeting.

Virtual school enrolment numbers

Superintendent Tim Graves submitted a report that says NNDSB has 226 students enrolled in virtual learning for the school year. There are 122 elementary and 104 secondary students enrolled in NNDSB’s virtual school.

New and returning educators are working at the virtual school. Staff connected with families prior to Sept. 7 to ensure students felt prepared for the start of school.

The board is providing devices and internet access to support students.

Consultation process streamlined

Superintendent Gay Smylie presented a report to the Board that proposed a new process to streamline the consultation process required for development, creation or update of operational policy and guidelines.

Currently, trustee approval is required to proceed to a public consultation on a proposed guideline, policy or update. To avoid delay and time at a public meeting to have a consultation approved, NNDSB’s executive council sought the Board’s expressed approval to move all administrative guidelines to public consultation once approval has been provided by executive council.

This process expedites the consultation process while upholding the integrity and intent of the Board’s governance policies.

Extraordinary Circumstances By-law approved

The Board approved the addition of an Extraordinary Circumstances By-law to its governance manual. The new by-law gives the Chair the authority to act on behalf of the Board to invoke the Extraordinary Circumstances By-law to temporality set aside specific by-laws when faced with an emergency or extraordinary circumstances.

The examples given in the presentation were situations encountered while operating during COVID-19. The addition of the Extraordinary Circumstances By-law provides a tool to support efficient governance, while maintaining stringent accountability measures that include advising trustees upon invocation and a ratification of the decisions at the following regular meeting.

The addition of one Extraordinary Circumstances By-law removes the need for all existing by-laws to be amended, saving time, work and resources.

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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.

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

Staff, partners discuss space at new Parry Sound school

September 23, 2021 By Josh

Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021

Staff, partners discuss space at new Parry Sound school

At the most recent meeting of the build committee of the new Parry Sound JK-12 school, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) staff, trustees and representatives of three First Nations met with the managing partner, principal architect and a technologist of +VG Architects to discuss priorities for learning spaces for the new school.

The August meeting began with a welcome circle, in which partners were acknowledged and encouraged to bring forward ideas and questions.

Much of the discussion was around creating a space that would feel like a second home for the students, who will attend for up to 14 years.

Among the topics discussed were how Indigenous teachings would not take place solely in Indigenous language and studies classrooms, how land-based learning and play is important for all students, and that there needs to be easy access from outside to connect with students and educators in the building, so Elders will be able to park and easily access the classrooms.

There was also discussion about incorporating more language through signage, and meaningful symbols throughout the school.

Another consultation meeting is to be scheduled in October. In the meantime, committee members and partners are asked to share feedback with Trustee Nichole King by email.

The build committee is one of several committees working on the project. The new school, creating a 21^st century learning facility for Parry Sound and area, is scheduled to open September 2023. All information about the build can be found here on NNDSB’s website.

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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

Ombudsman acknowledges positive changes made at NNDSB

September 22, 2021 By Josh

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021

Ombudsman acknowledges positive changes made at NNDSB

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is pleased to be acknowledged in the 2020-2021 Ontario Ombudsman’s Annual Report. The board was mentioned for the progress achieved regarding transparency and process in response to closing Widdifield Secondary School as well as 14 recommendations made to the board.

In the 2021 report, Ombudsman Paul Dubé commended the board for its commitment to “enhancing the transparency of its decision-making processes” and noted he was looking forward to receiving updates on the implementation of his recommendations. Following a thorough investigation, Dubé had identified the areas for improvement and gave 14 recommendations in the July 2019 report.

The 2020-2021 Ombudsman’s report details how NNDSB has implemented 12 of the 14 recommendations as of December 2020, including the adoption of a new governance manual that addressed not only the ombudsman’s recommendations, but those of a 2013 review, and by Ministry of Education advisors in 2020.

The two outstanding recommendations relate to updating NNDSB’s accommodation review policy and will be implemented once the Ministry of Education updates its Pupil Accommodations Review Guideline.

In addition to modifying its governance structure, NNDSB continues to proactively engage with the ombudsman’s office to ensure the momentum continues.

Director of Education Craig Myles continues to proactively engage with the Ombudsman’s Office on a semi-annual basis.

“NNDSB is proud of the positive transformative changes that have been made and will continue to move in the direction of transparent and open communication with all stakeholders. This commitment has been encapsulated as a key strategic pillar in the board’s 2021-2026 Multi-Year Strategic Plan” said Chair Aspin.

Following the ombudsman’s investigation, the Ministry of Education appointed two special advisors to review the board’s practices. NNDSB has continued to engage with the special advisors operationally following the completion of their report.

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Information about Near North District School Board:

Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on social media.

For more information, please contact:

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

Caren Gagne appointed Trustee for Zone 2

September 21, 2021 By Josh

Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021

Caren Gagne appointed Trustee for Zone 2

Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) appointed Caren Lee Gagne of Rutherglen as the Trustee for Zone 2.

Ms. Gagne is no stranger to Zone 2 and many of its residents. She and her husband owned and operated the business called Gagne’s Home Hardware and Esso for 40 years and live in Zone 2. During that time, she was involved in several boards and committees, volunteering for betterment of the community.

Her experience and volunteerism include Contact North, Nipissing East Community Futures Development Corporation, Mattawa Hospital, the Toronto Art Board, hosting fundraising musical events, secretary-treasurer for her church, and treasurer of the Mattawa Museum.

“Our board chose the successful candidate from applications submitted as the result of the vacancy of former Trustee Harry Fry who moved from the region” said Board Chair Jay Aspin. “Our board is pleased to have chosen a candidate with such credentials and experience from that Zone as Caren Gagne.”

Now retired, Ms. Gagne says as a businesswoman, she realizes the importance of a quality education, and would like to be part of preparing students to tackle anything they want in the future.

Trustee-elect Gagne will be sworn in at the Board’s Oct. 12 meeting.

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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

New childcare spaces coming to NNDSB schools

September 7, 2021 By Josh

Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021

New childcare spaces coming to NNDSB schools

Near North District School Board (NNDSB), in partnership with the District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board (PSDSSAB), is thrilled to announce new childcare locations to families in the district.

Three schools will join numerous others in offering childcare programs: Sundridge Centennial Public School, Magnetawan Central Public School and Land of Lakes Public School.

In these programs, children experience a fun and safe place to build friendships, engage in a variety of activities, and partake in a program that places a specific focus on outdoor recreation. Each program is licensed for a minimum of 15 children between the ages of 3.8 and 12 years of age. All PSDSSAB educators are trained in first aid and CPR.

“Parents in this region of NNDSB will be extremely pleased that the PSDSSAB is offering after school programs at Land of Lakes, Magnetawan, and Sundridge Centennial (Sundridge is also offering a before school program),” said Gay Smylie, NNDSB Superintendent of Education. “For years parents in this region have hoped that we would be able to host before and after school programs. We are grateful to the PSDSSAB for working alongside our Early Years team to make this a reality for the families in this area.”

“We are pleased to announce the expansion of our school-age program this September, which will now provide more options in more schools for before and after school care for families with children from Kindergarten to age 12,” said Brenda Wiltshire, Manager of Directly Operated Child Care Programs at the PSDSSAB. “This expansion comes in response to the feedback received through the Child Care Needs Survey distributed earlier this year, which helped us better understand the need for childcare for school-age children throughout the district. We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration with the Near North District School Board, a partnership that has helped make these programs possible.”

School-age programs are operated by various childcare partners throughout the school district. Additional information and how to register can be found on NNDSB’s website.

These additional programs bring NNDSB’s total to 16 schools offering either before and/or after school childcare programs.

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Information about Near North District School Board:

For more information, please contact:

Josh Casey
Communications Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

NNDSB statement on resumption of school sports

August 31, 2021 By Josh

Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021

NNDSB statement on resumption of school sports

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) recognizes that participation in sports is an important part of the school experience and encourages a sense of community, promotes physical health and overall well-being.

NNDSB is pleased to resume intramural and inter-school sports and clubs as outlined by the guidance from the Ministry of Education, COVID-19: Health, safety, and operational guidance for schools (2021-2022).

In addition, NNDSB schools will resume participation in OFSSA-organized championships and festivals this fall. We are in consultation with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and our co-terminus school boards to develop consistent health and safety protocols that are in alignment with Ministry of Education and public health guidance.

Please note practices and seasons may be off to a later start as boards confer and consult. NNDSB may cancel sports if so advised by public health. The pandemic is causing delays in decision-making that are frustrating to everyone. Because the safety and well-being of staff and students is an NNDSB priority, the timeframe of announcements reflects the careful consideration of our decisions.

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Information about Near North District School Board:
Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on social media.

For more information, please contact:

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

Board Highlights – special meeting Aug. 5, 2021

August 9, 2021 By Deb

Board Highlights – special meeting Aug. 5, 2021

Monday, Aug. 9, 2021

The following are the highlights of the special meeting of the Near North District School Board of Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.

COVID management, return to school

Trustees of Near North District School Board received an update on COVID-19 management and return-to-school plans during the special board meeting Thursday night.

Director of Education Craig Myles told trustees that the Ministry of Education released its return-to-school guidance document on Tuesday, Aug. 3. Senior staff will carefully go over the document to understand what the return-to-school would look like. NNDSB sent a letter to families on Aug. 4, outlining a few key points and assuring families that when staff have plans in place, they would be shared.

Superintendent of Education Melanie Gray added that the board’s facilities department was well on the way to achieving the work required on ventilation systems in advance of the return to school on Sept. 7.

The province and public health units are encouraging anyone over the age of 12 who can get vaccinated to do so. There are no plans for vaccination clinics to be held at schools in the board.

Trustee Initiative Fund supports purchasing books

Trustees approved a $16,233 expenditure from the Trustee Initiative Fund to purchase 1,400 copies of the book This is What I’ve Been Told, written and illustrated by NNDSB teacher Julianna Armstrong, to be included in a resource bag that will be given to all Year 1 and Year 2 kindergarten students.

It is part of a new initiative called Journey into Learning that welcomes kindergarten learners and their families into the board. In addition to hosting board-wide events for families, Journey into Learning includes a bag with a guide and resources.

This year, the Early Years Team wanted a bag that more closely aligned with the visions and priorities of NNDSB as outlined in the Multi-Year Strategic Plan, with hopes of strengthening the bond between home and school.

This is What I’ve Been Told is an introduction to Anishinaabe language and culture. The report to the Board noted that beginning the Journey into Learning with an intentional focus on Indigenous Education signals the board’s values and visions to stakeholders and supports many of the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, specifically in the Education, and Language and Culture sections. Through the Trustee Initiative Fund, the Board of Trustees provides funding to organizations and projects that encompass an expanse of students from across the Near North District School Board, as a unifying platform. This application was approved unanimously.

Board seeking new trustee to represent Zone 2

NNDSB is seeking a trustee in Zone 2, following the resignation of Harry Fry, effective June 30, 2021. The Education Act provides the Board with several options for filling the position.

At Thursday’s meeting, trustees reviewed all options and opted to accept applications for the position, which will begin no later than Sept. 28, 2021 and end on Nov. 30, 2022, consistent with all trustees elected in 2018.

Zone 2 covers the areas of Bonfield, Mattawa and Callander.

Capital projects updated

Trustees approved the additional expenditure of $588,127 for 2020-2021 capital projects.

A report from Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck recapped the $5,786,015 of allocations from the Ministry of Education. This includes school renewal and school condition improvement funding.

Higher tender costs at six sites, as well as two unanticipated projects that were undertaken for site health, safety and security reasons, resulted in the need for the extra funding.

When the current projects are completed, there will be approximately $138,000 of school renewal allocation and $2,400,000 in school condition improvement funding remaining for future projects.

Consultant’s report on Parry Sound school received

The Board received a report from consultant Lygia Dallip on the JK-12 Parry Sound school being built, as recommended by the Parry Sound Build Committee. The report outlined requirements and expectations of the Ministry of Education throughout stages of capital projects, as well as a timeline of the build.

Dallip was engaged as an independent consultant to review the Board’s process related to the project. Her report outlines how the Ministry of Education uses a formula to assess effective use of school space. It is imperative that boards accurately account for enrolment, and the report says NNDSB has consistently been plus or minus two percent in its estimation of projected enrolments.

Addressing the concern of elementary and secondary students in the same school, the report notes the JK-12 model is a “means of managing the impact of declining enrolment across all grades.” It is a way to provide stronger extra-curricular programs in all divisions while providing stronger program opportunities for Grade 7 and 8 and specialized secondary school program spaces. Several boards in Ontario have JK-12 schools.

Dallip’s report is available on NNDSB’s website.

Partial demolition tender awarded for Parry Sound

Trustees awarded the tender for partial demolition at the site of Parry Sound High School to CLC Infrastructure Inc. in the amount of $937,618 plus HST.

Tender documents were reviewed by the Parry Sound Build Committee, which provided a recommendation to the Board.

Work will begin immediately to allow most of the demolition work to be completed before school begins, although there may be some on-going site work and some interior work taking place into September.

A media release about the tender, and all news pertaining to the new JK-12 Parry Sound School be found under the capital planning section of NNDSB’s website.

Board thanks Interim Executive Officer Easton

In a committee of the whole meeting held just prior to the Board meeting, Trustees had the opportunity to thank Interim Executive Officer Wally Easton for his work at NNDSB since February. He will be leaving the Board this week and has helped transition Seija Van Haesendonck into her role of Superintendent of Business.

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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.

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

Partial demolition tender awarded for Parry Sound build

August 5, 2021 By Deb

Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021

Partial demolition tender awarded for Parry Sound build

At a special board meeting tonight, Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) awarded the tender for partial demolition at the site of Parry Sound High School to CLC Infrastructure Inc. The tender is in the amount of $937,618 plus HST.

The special meeting was called at the request of Board Chair Jay Aspin in response to a recommendation received from the Parry Sound Build Committee, which reviewed the tender documents and provided a recommendation to the board regarding the tender award.

Work will begin immediately.

Chair Aspin says, “Terrific teamwork from our board of Trustees and administration has resulted in this welcome news for the Parry Sound region. We are moving forward with a state-of-the-art K-12 educational facility which we expect will open September 2023.”

Most of the demolition work can be completed before school begins, although there may be on-going site work and some interior work taking place into September. The health and safety of all staff and students is paramount, and NNDSB will ensure the building is safe.

The partial demolition is required to fit the new JK-12 school on the existing site. This will allow for construction of the new school to begin in the spring, allowing 16 to 18 months for construction.

Upon review of the bids received, the board’s procurement team submitted a revised Approval to Proceed (ATP) to the Ministry of Education on July 27 seeking approval for an increased allocation to cover the professional fees and the demolition contract. The board received notice on August 3, 2021 that the increased allocation was approved by the Ministry, which increased the total funding of the build to $27,372,629.

“We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for its increased investment in this project that reflects the realities of our build at this time” says Seija Van Haesendonck, Superintendent of Business. She also expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s recognition of the time sensitivity of the revised request for ATP.

Staff and the architects, +VG Architects (The Ventin Group), have been meeting to discuss designs and site plans, which will be finalized in the next few weeks. In the fall, the board will submit a request to the Ministry of Education for approval to tender for construction.

“Our board is most appreciative of the valuable input we received through community support and give special recognition to Vice-Chair John Cochrane, our Parry Sound representative, and Nichole King, our Indigenous Trustee representative. They have been true regional board champions of this new school,” says Chair Aspin.

He adds that NNDSB is most appreciative of community support and the valuable input it has received for this project.

The board is grateful for the support of the Government of Ontario in efforts to bring this facility to the Parry Sound area.

All news pertaining to the Parry Sound JK-12 build can be found under the capital planning section of NNDSB’s website.

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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

North Bay students benefit from generosity of Rotary Club

July 30, 2021 By Deb

July 30, 2021

North Bay students benefit from generosity of Rotary Club

Students at five Near North District School Board (NNDSB) schools are benefitting from the generosity of the Rotary Club of North Bay.

A donation of $1,800 enabled the purchase of food items that supports breakfast and nutrition programs, specifically for special education students. In five NNDSB schools, 60 students will be helped by the donation of non-perishable food items that will supplement the breakfast programs into the new school year.

“The Rotary Club of North Bay is pleased to provide support for the Special Education Breakfast/Nutritional Programs with the Near North District School Board here in North Bay,” said Don Coutts, a club member. “One of the Rotary Club’s initiatives is providing assistance/support in various ways, for example, assistive devices, iPads, physiotherapy, sensory aids, just to name a few to those children and youth with disabilities in North Bay and area.”

NNDSB offers robust breakfast and nutrition programs at its schools to enhance student learning as a nutritious breakfast and snacks are imperative to learning. These programs allow students to choose a variety of healthy foods each day while at school.

One of the schools that received a food donation from the Rotary Club of North Bay was Woodland Public School.

“On behalf of our Woodland Public School community, we express our sincere appreciation to the Rotary Club for the generous donation of food items. This year, our Woodland Public School family has felt especially connected to the work of our local Rotarians as they’ve shown particular care for our in-person learners with special needs, and beyond this, they’ve named a graduating student from our school as the Rotary Student Ambassador. Our students and families benefit from the focus the North Bay Rotary Club and its members place on supporting children and youth in overcoming adversity. We are so grateful for their kindness and generosity,” said Principal Amanda Meighan.

“We are very grateful for the extremely generous food donation from the Rotary Club of North Bay to NNDSB face-to-face special education classrooms. The non-perishable food items will help to support our students now and into the fall,” said Pippa Madigan, NNDSB’s Elementary Program Coordinator. “We truly appreciate the generosity of our local partners in ensuring that our students have access to healthy foods each day while they are learning at school.”

NNDSB expresses its gratitude to the Rotary Club of North Bay for its continued generosity to the board’s schools, students, and their families.

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

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