April 16, 2021

OSSLT field test a multi-faceted opportunity for NNDSB

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is proud to be one of a handful of school board’s participating in this year’s optional field test of the new online Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).

The field test, which runs between March and June, allows students in Grades 10 and 11, and non-graduating Grade 12 students, to attempt the test and, if successful, have it counted on their transcript. If the student is not successful, it does not count against them since this year is a trial of the new system.

Earlier this school year, the Ministry of Education waived the literacy graduation requirement for all students graduating during the 2020-2021 school year. Graduating students do not need to take the field test.

Field testing allows students and educators to become accustomed to the new assessment model. This pilot time also benefits the board’s IT department with the implementation of a new system-wide format.

Working collaboratively with EQAO’s support services, NNDSB technology staff continue to ensure both computers and the backend system can withstand the format. The field test also assesses the bandwidth and security measures for the deployment of a safe exam browser (SEB) on all school devices used to administer the test.

NNDSB Technology Department Manager Glenn Morrison says, “Once we understood and clarified the requirements with the support folks at EQAO, our IT department teams were responsive and did great work to ensure these network requirements were met and the required client software was installed where needed. Feedback received from those schools who have recently completed OSSLT testing was very positive”

This pilot will replace the former written by hand assessment and is slated to roll out across all provincial school boards for the 2021-2022 school year. These digitized assessments can be adaptive and allow for a more student-focused experience, which in turn helps to reduce test anxiety and allows students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in different ways.

The new online OSSLT is only available for students learning in-person, because a proctor is required to supervise the assessment. During the time of COVID-19, proper cleaning and room schedules ensure cohorts are not cross-contaminated.

Families, students, and staff can view the online test and its platform through EQAO’s online practice test.

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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:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

April 6, 2021

Humphrey Public School students embark on community nature trails project

Grade 6 students at Humphrey Public School have been involved in an exciting project. In collaboration with Whispering River Music and Seguin Township, students have embarked on an art project for the local community to reflect on how COVID-19 has impacted their lives.

“We started by reflecting on the emotions that have arisen during this time. Next, we discussed our experiences, and from there we brainstormed 12 questions that might encourage others to reflect on their experiences,” said teacher Pam Moorhouse.

Some of the questions included:

• Where have you found joy this year?
• Have you been angry?
• What are you grateful for?
• What have you lost? What have you found?
• How has COVID affected your life?

After brainstorming questions, students spent time sketching, while listening to local musicians Brenda Muller (cello) and Zach Louch (bass) play music that was inspired by the student’s questions (through Microsoft Teams). The pair are music teachers at Whispering River Music.

Brenda led the students through some conversations around the importance of humans sharing stories to help them get through difficult times. She will be coming back to help the students compose music inspired by their art!

Students picked a question to focus on and created an art response. These pieces were painted onto wooden signs that the students put in the woods on the Humphrey Nature Trails across the street. The community is encouraged to add their artistic responses.

This project is the first part of a bigger Creative Communities project that Whispering River Music has embarked upon.

The Creative Communities project is based on an old storyteller’s saying: When you tell one story, you should always tell two. That way the stories will lean on each other. The public is invited to paint their stories on wood and to let their stories “lean” on the students’ stories. In many ways, communities are comprised of stories that lean on each other to create a shared cultural experience. It is our hope that the practice of leaning stories on each other will create a River of Community through the forest to support us all in difficult times.

Historically, humanity has created art to help communities and individuals transcend, persevere and endure. In keeping with that tradition, students reviewed the archaeological find of Cave Art near Lascaux, France, where 17,000-year-old paintings were discovered, that have been inspired by the paintings of even earlier artists. The paintings, like stories leaning on each other, are layered and nestled into the walls of the cave.

Perhaps the most compassionate image from the Lascaux Caves is that of many hands outstretched on the cave wall, created by painting over the artists’ hands and leaving a silhouette imprint. Whispering River Music and Humphrey Public School are inviting contributors to sign their story-art pieces with a silhouette of their hands on the back of their boards. In this way, their hands can join hands with the hands painted so long ago, and with those of the students.

Students and staff at Humphrey Public School would like to thank Gray’s Paint and Flooring, Ryan Wettlaufer and Cornerstone Carpentry for the donation of materials.

“Stay tuned…other classes are going to be adding their art and music to this ever-evolving project soon,” exclaimed Moorhouse.

This project has been funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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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:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

March 26, 2021

Students at North Bay’s Sunset Park Public School hosted special dignitaries for a lesson in social studies.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce, along with Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, joined Mme. Anna Pearson’s Grade 6 French Immersion class on March 17 for a lesson on the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“As a strong believer in the value of parliamentary democracy and informed debate, it was an honour for me to engage with the students of Sunset Park Public School in a thoughtful conversation about the importance of human rights, freedom and Canada’s role on the world stage,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “I sincerely thank Anna Pearson for the opportunity to meet her incredible students – they are today’s leaders.”

“It was really enlightening because some of the information that Minister Lecce told us was new,” exclaimed student Aerynn Kelly, who noted, “It was a really good learning experience for me.”

Echoing her classmate, Rory Corbeil shared, “It was really cool to meet with and ask the Minister a question. People don’t get to do that often and it was really exciting and fascinating to hear what he knew about human rights and the United Nations.”

Students asked Minister Lecce several questions including What is a right? In what ways are human rights important to Canadian citizens? and What do you think is the most important human right in Ontario?

Student Wilson Garbutt shared his experience with meeting the Minister. “It was really cool and exciting to have the Minister of Education visit us because for a lot of students, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.” He added, “I really liked when he answered all of our questions and gave us some questions to answer.”

“The students were very impressive. Their knowledge of Canadian rights and freedoms was inspiring,” said MPP Fedeli. “It was a pleasure to have this opportunity to chat with them, and share that those freedoms were hard-fought, and not found in every country around the globe. It was a fun experience.”

A thrilled Mme. Pearson noted Sunset Park Public School is an amazing school with awesome students and it was great to have Minister Lecce and MPP Fedeli see it first-hand.

“It was really nice that Minister Lecce touched upon some things that we are going to learn about in the rest of our unit on Canada and the global community,” she said, Mme. Pearson added that having Minister Lecce ask the students thought-provoking questions will help students make a connection later on in the unit. “It will be really neat because I’ll be able to pull those into the lesson and say ‘Do you remember when Minister Lecce was talking about this? Well, we’re going to explore that in further detail now.’”

NNDSB Board Chair Jay Aspin expressed his appreciation for the visit. “Our board is pleased that Education Minister Stephen Lecce and MPP Vic Fedeli provided their time to interact, in a most meaningful way, with our Grade 5-6 French Immersion students at Sunset Park Public School. We are very proud of the quality of our students and this opportunity provided first-hand evidence of that pride for our provincial leaders.”

“NNDSB has so many incredible learning opportunities happening in our classrooms each and every day,” said Director of Education Craig Myles. “We are thrilled to have Minister Lecce take notice and have him experience some of our offerings.”

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Sunset Park’s Grade 6 French Immersion students for welcoming our guests into their classroom, Mme. Pearson, and Principal Kim Pauli for their strong leadership and commitment to NNDSB’s core values,” acclaimed Director Myles, who shared his appreciation. “I also want to thank Minister Lecce and MPP Fedeli for attending Sunset Park Public School and actively engaging with our students. We look forward to welcoming you to NNDSB again in the future.”

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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:

Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

March 25, 2021

Culinary arts students at Parry Sound High School had some special guests join them recently. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, and Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka dropped in for a virtual lunch-hour tour on March 16 to explore the school’s renowned Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) tourism and hospitality program and state-of-the-art industrial kitchen.

“I want to thank Parry Sound High School and Blair Cousins for inviting me to speak to his impressive class of culinary arts students as they diligently prepared a veritable feast of dishes,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “We want to ensure students consider all available career options, including those in the skilled trades, and have the opportunity to explore them as they consider their futures. Parry Sound High School’s prestigious program is the gold standard of practical skills training.”

An impressed Minister Lecce spoke with students about the hands-on learning opportunities and real-world experiences captured during their lunchtime cooking.

Student Kendra Potvin said, “It was an honour to speak on behalf of SHSM and as a co-op student in the hospitality course, since hospitality and tourism has been one of my favourite courses to take in high school. It was great to show what hard work goes into our kitchen each and every weekday.”

Students in the program run the cafeteria, which sees the entire school community enjoy nutritious meals, all while learning how to cook and bake.

“It was pretty cool to be able to talk to Minister Lecce and talk about my Cookie Monster cake,” said student Dakota Walker. “It was cool that he took an interest in our class out of the many classes he could have chosen.”

NNDSB Chair Jay Aspin said, “Our board was exceptionally pleased to host Minister Lecce and Mr. Miller to view and appreciate first-hand our fabulous culinary program at Parry Sound High School. The program has a long 30-year history of success and is regarded as one of the best culinary programs in the province.”

“It was a real pleasure to virtually tour Mr. Cousin’s Culinary Program at Parry Sound High School with the Minister Lecce and board members of Near North Public School Board,” said MPP Norm Miller. “The knowledge and skill the student’s displayed were truly impressive. When I was hiring in hospitality, I would have loved to have had access to young people with this training. These skills will serve them very well whatever path they choose to pursue.”

Along with the professional-grade kitchen and excellent programming available for students, teacher Blair Cousins leads students to explore their passions for cooking, decorating, and possible career avenues after secondary school.

“We were honoured to have Minister Lecce and MPP Miller choose our class to visit,” said Mr. Cousins. “We had the opportunity to showcase how we operate both as a classroom and a working kitchen.”

Mr. Cousins added students were happy to have Minister Lecce engage with them and talk about their work. “I was also able to discuss the SHSM program with Minister Lecce and appreciated his support for this valuable program,” Mr. Cousins noted.

“It was an honour to have Minister Lecce visit our highly acclaimed culinary program,” said Director of Education Craig Myles. “Having the Minister take notice of the incredible SHSM programming offered for students at Parry Sound High School reinforces the high calibre of learning for students and the strong leadership of Blair Cousins.”

SHSM supports students in planning for a career in the skilled trades. The hospitality and tourism program allows students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace.

Students learn about food preparation and hospitality services, connect with hospitality employers, participate in training and certification in customer service and safe food handling, and gain apprenticeship opportunities upon graduation.

Closing out the visit, Mr. Cousins presented Minister Lecce with the school’s cookbook ‘PSHS Eats’ as a token of appreciation for his time.

This cookbook was the fourth edition, first created by former teacher Nancy Beers and updated by Mr. Cousins and Ms. Ina Greenwood. The cookbook includes many recipes created or improved by students over the past 10 years with the Grade 11/12 class using these cookbooks for about 80 per cent of recipes used in class.

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Parry Sound High School’s tourism and hospitality students for welcoming our guests into their classroom, Mr. Cousins, and Principal Dawn Buckland for their strong leadership and commitment to NNDSB’s core values,” shared Director Myles, who offered his appreciation. “I also want to thank Minister Lecce and MPP Miller for attending and seeing the first-hand experience students are receiving at NNDSB. We look forward to welcoming you to NNDSB again in the future.”

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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:

Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

March 9, 2021

Fully digital school registration improves accessibility

In a move that removes barriers to registering students in the Near North District School Board, a fully digital registration process has been launched today that eliminates the need for an in-person visit to schools and streamlines the process for administrative staff.

The transition to an online system was initially put in place to eliminate the need for parents to attend schools to register their kindergarten students. In light of NNDSB’s COVID-19 protocols relating to in-person visits, the board wanted a process that kept in-person contact to a minimum.

Superintendent Gay Smylie notes that COVID-19 has created many opportunities for NNDSB to provide innovative solutions to problems that previously did not exist. Since the pandemic began a year ago, parents haven’t been able to register their children in the usual way.

NNDSB’s fully digital system eliminates the need for a visit to the school for registration. Parents and guardians are able to send digital copies of student identification. The new practice, which meets Ministry of Education requirements, and Ontario Student Record guidelines, helps keep people safe, and makes the process more accessible for families that may lack transportation to the school, or the ability to print and scan.

“An online registration format provides inclusive options for parents to register right from the comfort of their own homes as well as submit and sign required documents electronically,” says Smylie.

This is just one way the NNDSB is moving forward in its commitment to excellence in communications and building relationships.

While this new system is being introduced in tandem with the annual kindergarten registration campaign, the new online process is for use by any parent/guardian who has children to register, regardless of age or grade. Students transferring from out of area or from other boards will register using this same process.

Once a parent/guardian confirms student eligibility at a particular school, they can access the new registration forms in one of three ways:

• a fillable PDF or Word document can be downloaded, completed, and emailed to the appropriate secretary right from your computer or phone
• a printer-friendly the Word document can be downloaded, printed off, filled out, and either scanned and emailed, or mailed to the appropriate secretary
• the secretary of the school can mail out or prepare for pickup a registration package to families who would prefer to use paper copies

If submitting the form electronically, the parent/guardian will send it to the appropriate secretary. Secretary names and email addresses can be found on the Find Your School page of the board’s website. The secretary information is helpful for registration purposes and improved communication for families at all schools. The secretary is often the first contact that a family has with its school, so it’s important to start and cultivate the relationship.

This new process streamlines the process by eliminating steps, and is a friendlier way to welcome new families to NNDSB.

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

March 3, 2021

Innovative and entrepreneurial NNDSB STEAM students recognized by Education Minister

Fionna Truong, Ella Kelso, and Emily Yates may only be in Grades 9 and 10 at West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS), but the female trio has become a force to be reckoned with, catching the eye of Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Education.

Back in June 2020, NNDSB proudly shared that the WFSS’s science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) students were receiving one of 11 worldwide Vale COVID-19 challenge grants for their construction and distribution of a UV Cube sterilizer box. The trio along with fellow classmate Tessa Summers, all from FIRST Robotics Team 1305 built the UV Cube at the request of Fionna’s father, Dr. James Truong, to assist with the sterilization of Personal Protective Equipment at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. Two prototypes are actually already in use at the hospital’s emergency department and intensive care unit.

On Feb. 8, the students participated in a video conference with the Minister of Education, local dignitaries, and school administrators to be recognized for transforming their innovating plans into a business opportunity.

“It was inspiring to join MPP Fedeli to witness the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of these young women who have worked hard to deliver a solution to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Minister Lecce. “This government is creating the environment and taking further action to position Ontario as a global leader in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education — especially by encouraging more women to pursue these good jobs and exciting careers.”

Since then, Fionna, Emily, and Ella partnered with CBON Group to create FEME Innovations Inc. and the ‘Qube it^TR. In this venture, the three students are learning various aspects of starting a business from legalities, accounting, manufacturing, prototyping, distribution, and marketing.

Qube it^TR, which inactivates germs on everyday use items with ultraviolet or UV light, is in the process of gaining approval from Health Canada, United States Food and Drug Administration, and the Canadian Dental Association. Additionally an ISO 13485 certification. Once additional testing, field research, and marketing are complete, the first line of FEME Innovations’ ‘Qube it’ will begin production.

“I’m always blown away to see the incredible and innovative ideas that our students develop and bring to fruition,” said Craig Myles, NNDSB’s Director of Education. “Fionna, Ella, and Emily have reached a remarkable achievement and have become shining stars for young women and for STEAM. This is just one example that speaks volumes to the excellent work that NNDSB students and staff do each year.”

All three students credit WFSS’s STEAM program in helping them get to the point of being able to design and execute a fully functioning product.

“It was really cool to have Minister Lecce reach out and speak with us. It helped us realize that we are going to make a difference,” said Emily.

Along with starting a business, the young women all say they have become more confident in giving presentations and interviews.

“I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity of talking with the media and especially the meeting with Minister Lecce. This has been a big step to show myself that I have gained confidence through this venture,” stated Fionna.

At such a young age, Grade 9 student Emily says this entrepreneurial journey is a new and exciting opportunity that most people her age wouldn’t get to experience. “We had the opportunity to be a part of so many pieces throughout this process. It really opened your eyes to all the different components.”

Echoing her counterpart, Fionna stated all three were previously involved in the robotics, science, and technology aspects.

WFSS staff member and parent of Ella, Heather Kelso says “being part of FIRST Team 1305, a West Ferris STEAM student and being friends have all contributed to the success of this venture. This experience will help them continue to grow as individuals and embrace girl-power at its best.”

“It is rewarding to see young women actively pursue STEAM programming options in school. When this is paired with mentors such as Heather Kelso and supported by our community partners like FIRST Robotics Canada it really brings forward opportunities that can be life changing for our students,” said WFSS Principal Andy Gagne.

NNDSB’s Board of Trustees has supported robotics learning across the district by providing funds to enhance opportunities.

“Our Board has been an important and consistent supporter of the robotics initiative through contributions from our Trustee Initiative Fund. It is certainly gratifying to see this investment play a role in this significant result as we are focused on opportunities for our students to attain their full potential,” said Jay Aspin, NNDSB Board Chair.

Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said, “It is great to see the work that these young women have put into the creation of the UV Sterilization product they are now marketing. Their work with FIRST Robotics and Team 1305 wasn’t just about building robots – it built character and confidence.”

Speaking about the scope of their project, Fedeli said, “They took those skills and have created a COVID-related product that has the capacity to greatly assist frontline healthcare workers and could be put to use in many other areas. It is wonderful to see that they saw a challenge, collaborated, designed a solution, and learned how the production and marketing of it came together. Simply brilliant!”

All three young women hope to inspire others in pursuing their goals, strengths, and passions especially when it comes to women in STEAM.

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:

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