The Near North District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Wally Easton to the role of Interim Executive Officer to assist the board and staff during the transition to retirement of Superintendent of Business, Liz Therrien. Mr. Easton’s appointment is effective Feb. 1, 2021.

NNDSB staff and some of the board’s stakeholder groups have been notified that effective March 1, 2021, Mr. Easton will transition into an Acting Senior Business Official (SBO) role while the board recruits a permanent replacement. Mr. Easton will assume all of the reporting relationships and duties assigned to SBO Therrien to ensure the continued effectiveness of business within our board and school community. Additionally, he will support the board with the executive search and mentor the permanent successor to ensure they are well-settled.

Mr. Easton has an extensive knowledge of NNDSB through his role as a Special Advisor to the Minister of Education. His broad experience and expertise are valued assets that will benefit the board as it solidifies its Multi Year Strategic Plan, and its focusses on strong fiscal management, growing positive relationships and innovative learning.

In addition to his work as a Special Advisor, Mr. Easton has served as a policy analyst with the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association from 2012 to 2018 and was responsible for the analysis of various financial, business and labour matters related to education. Prior to that, he was the Associate Director, Corporate Services and Treasurer for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board.

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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

Secondary schools within Near North District School Board (NNDSB) have found new ways to host information open houses.

Historically, open houses for prospective students entering secondary school grade 7-12 would be held in person.

As the pandemic continues and best practice keeps people social distancing, secondary school information open houses are being held virtually. Information sessions are important for students and families to have a smooth transition, ease the nerves, and learn about programming options before starting secondary school.

NNDSB has six secondary schools across communities in Parry Sound, North Bay, Mattawa, Sturgeon Falls and South River. One of two secondary schools in North Bay, Chippewa Secondary School, kicked-off the first open house on Jan. 19.

With 168 families attending the virtual session, it was right in line with in person numbers that would have occurred in years prior. Principal Julie Beaudoin stated families were engaged, came prepared with excellent questions, and staff were very impressed with the turnout.

The virtual open houses support families in remaining safe and following COVID-19 restrictions and allow students and families to attend from the comfort of their own homes, with no need to arrange schedules and or transportation to an in-person event.

“We were so pleased to see close to 70 families attend our virtual “Excelleraider” and International Baccalaureate (IB) session. The small group sessions allowed for a more personalized approach, speaking to both specific and holistic questions regarding the program and its benefits to students,” said Kim Larivee, coordinator and team lead for Chippewa’s IB program.

“The student services presentations were very well attended, especially since it was our first time delivering virtually. We enjoyed the small group setting and the ability for parents to ask questions casually. Our technology ran very smoothly and we were able to share our screen for participants very easily in order to demonstrate the course selection process,” said Colleen Point, Chippewa’s team lead for student services.

“We were ever so grateful to have our parents join us for our virtual evening. It was the first of its kind! We look forward to working closely with your student as they continue in their academic journey! See you in September,” exclaimed principal Beaudoin.

For up-to-date information regarding upcoming open house sessions at NNDSB secondary schools, visit nearnorthschools.ca.

Media Contact:

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

 

Students of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) who use assistive technology devices are able to benefit from a unique opportunity this school year.

In the fall of 2020, NNDSB launched a new training initiative to provide targeted individualized coaching support on their assistive technology devices for students with a learning disability.

NNDSB has entered into a partnership with LEARNStyle, Ontario’s largest provider of coaching services for students with learning disabilities. LEARNStyle has more than 20 years’ experience providing coaching support for school boards, families, the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

Five hours of virtual coaching sessions are provided to students with a consistent LEARNStyle coach using individual, needs-based strategies activated by assistive technology to foster independence.

Although students have increasing access to technology, they sometimes struggle to use it well for learning purposes and this program is designed to integrate technology through proven learning strategies.

Since launching this program on Sept. 25, 2020, 54 students have been registered and more than 65 coaching sessions have been completed with positive results.

Students are reporting the strategies they are learning have improved their writing and research assignments. One student said the strategies he has learned have benefited his ability to feel more comfortable participating in class, become a better writer, and use a computer more efficiently.

Parents and teachers are also invited to coaching sessions, in order to continue the support for students.

Assistive technology can change the trajectory of students’ lives when supported by appropriate strategies to foster independence and that is the focus of this program.

The program is supporting students learning in-person and at-home, ensuring that NNDSB students are well supported.

For students to qualify for coaching and training on their assigned device, they must meet the Specialized Equipment Amount (SEA) Equipment criteria. If parents would like to join their child for their coaching session, this can be expressed on the informed consent form. In turn, they will be able to join the virtual coaching session on the Microsoft TEAMS platform.

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

Board Highlights

Jan. 14, 2021

Trustee professional development

Trustees of NNDSB are taking advantage of professional development opportunities in the areas of the role of the board and human rights.

Chair Aspin, Vice-Chair Cochrane and Trustees Fry, Steer, Sargent and King were designated to attend the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Education Symposium, scheduled on Jan. 28, 2021. The annual symposium covers topics that affect the role of trustees, and the environments in which school boards operate. This year’s event will be held virtually.

The Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education extended an invitation to all trustees of all Boards of Education to attend two half-day sessions that comprise the Intensive Human Rights Program for School Board Leaders, offered by Osgoode Professional Development. The session will provide an overview of equity principles and the Ontario Human Rights Code, with a specific focus on anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism. Chair Aspin, Vice-Chair Cochrane and Trustees Sargent, Fry, Breault, Steer and King will attend this virtual training on behalf of NNDSB.

This training will complement the work of NNDSB’s recently struck committee, the Equity Advisory Circle, which reflects the board’s on-going commitment to equity and inclusion.

Thanks are expressed to the Trustees for participating in these valuable and timely professional development opportunities.

Trustees approve International Education Agreement

The Board approved the International Students COVID19 Readiness Plan 2020. With this approval, the board is one step further in the process of being in a position to accept international students seeking education in Ontario.

The health and safety of staff and students remains a top priority of NNDSB. This plan, working in tandem with Government of Canada travel parameters, the Ministry of Education, and organizations that facilitate international student applications, will help NNDSB cultivate an environment that welcomes international students and enriches the diversity of the student body, in support of tenets in the Board’s new strategic plan.

Reports Presented

NNDSB: A Year in Review

Director of Education Craig Myles gave an overview of highlights accomplished in calendar year 2020 at NNDSB, including the distribution of the Director’s Annual Report, the creation of a framework to support succession planning and improved governance, communications and partnerships.

Most significantly, NNDSB is pleased to have implemented all of the recommendations from the Ombudsman’s Report, and acted on all of the items identified in the Special Advisor’s report.

The report substantiates achievements in each of the five objectives mentioned above, and outcomes of this work will be integrated into the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP).

Board Chair Jay Aspin expressed his appreciation for the effective leadership of Director Myles of a dedicated team, which resulted in these significant accomplishments in the midst of a pandemic.

Multi-Year Strategic Plan

An update was given on the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. The plan’s priority areas are excellence in teaching and learning, excellence in innovation, excellence in relationships, and excellence in communication. The creation of a more fulsome plan, which outlines how NNDSB will work toward meeting the five-year goals, is on schedule.

The MYSP board team will be distributing templates created for departmental planning that aligns the MYSP to the Board Improvement Plans for Student Achievement and Well-being. Planning will include the creation of SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time bound) goals, enabling progress to be monitored, and evidence-informed adjustments to be made when appropriate.

This process aligns all action plans to board priorities.

Chair Aspin said the MYSP will act as a compass for the board, directing its operation for the next five years. Six major areas of work include the implementation of the MYSP, student achievement and well-being, two new school builds, board resources reorganization, North Bay capital property assets utilization, and high school athletics facilities.

Click here to view the MYSP page.

Retirement announced

The retirement of Superintendent of Business Liz Therrien, effective Feb. 28, 2021, was announced. Ms Therrien has provided leadership as Superintendent of Business, and Treasurer to the Board for 10 years.

Committee membership

In keeping with the established governance by-laws, the NNDSB Board of Trustees confirmed membership for each of the Board’s committees. Please refer to the website under Board and Trustee Committee Meetings for current membership.

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

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

An impressive list of achievements was presented to trustees of the Near North District School Board on Jan. 12, acknowledging the work that has been accomplished in calendar year 2020, and outlining next steps in the board’s strategic plan roadmap.

Among the highlights of the board’s accomplishments are the creation of a Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) for 2021-2026, the distribution of the Director’s Annual Report, the creation of a finance manual and a streamlined budget reporting process, aggressive application for grants to enhance services of the Board, the initiation of board office reorganization, increased communication and presence on social media, the creation of a draft framework leading to comprehensive succession plans for all staff, and the successful consolidation of North Bay secondary schools.

Director of Education Craig Myles said, “We are pleased at the significant progress we have made and we will continue to look at systemic improvement in all areas of Board structure and function.”

Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “our Board has come a long way this past year, resulting from our diligent work and our Director’s strong, effective leadership in the guidance of a dedicated team.” He pointed out this was accomplished during a “disruptive pandemic”.

While celebrating achievement, NNDSB is committed to carefully plotting the direction of the board. With input from a variety of sources and the guidance of facilitators, five objectives for change were identified: leadership; governance; financial accountability; human resources; and public confidence. These areas are addressed in the MYSP and its focus on excellence: Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Excellence in Relationships; Excellence in Innovation; and Excellence in Communication.

Of the MYSP Director Myles said, “We have invested much time and effort in the design of a thorough MYSP, understanding the important part it will play in providing a clear direction for NNDSB over the next five-year period.”

Board Chair Aspin said major challenges in the year ahead include the construction of two new schools, a board resources reorganization, and the review of secondary school athletic facilities.

The MYSP, said Chair Aspin, will provide direction for the board for the next five years, beginning Sept. 2021. Through aligning goals of the MYSP, improvement will be made to student achievement and well-being, a “continual responsibility” of the board.

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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

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

January 8, 2021

Near North District School Board has received Ministry of Education COVID-19 related funding in the amount of $356,200 to increase the efficiency of heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems to optimize air quality in NNDSB schools.

Facilities staff are in the process of installing the new HVAC equipment in all regions of NNDSB. The installation of portable classroom units will be completed by Jan.10, 2021. Installation of all other equipment should be complete by the end of January 2021.

The new units will optimize air quality in schools, improving the well-being of NNDSB students and staff and helping students and staff to be more productive and comfortable. Air quality is essential to a healthy building. It can impact a building’s structural integrity, energy efficiency and occupant health.

NNDSB continues to actively pursue opportunities to support the safety and well-being of students and staff. The board adheres to health and safety protocols as per the Ontario Government, Ministry of Education and local health authorities. NNDSB is grateful for Ministry of Education support.

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

Media Release
For Immediate Release
December 23, 2020

The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is ready for the mandatory closure of all schools in the district from January 4-8, 2021.

As previously announced this week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated a province-wide shut down will come into effect on December 26. This means in northern Ontario, elementary and secondary schools will remain closed to students until January 11, 2021. A link to that announcement can be found here.

At this time, both elementary and secondary students will return to “in-class” learning on January 11, 2021.

NNDSB continues to be thankful for the resiliency of our school community as we navigate this together.

Since last school year’s mandatory closure of schools, NNDSB has learned from the unprecedented shift to student learning. Families can anticipate a continuation of student learning throughout the closure period.

NNDSB is proud to continue offering high-quality education for its students to achieve their fullest potential.

Regular updates will continue to be shared with families and posted to NNDSB’s website: nearnorthschools.ca.

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

December 21, 2020

**NNDSB Note: The following story was written by District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board**

The spirit of giving and helping those less fortunate is alive and well in the Nipissing District. Groups of local citizens have taken the time to let the less fortunate know that they are thinking of them through gestures of kindness.

“It’s very heartwarming to see the community support people who find themselves without the comfort of family and a home of their own – it shows that the community cares,” says Mark King, Chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board. “These are just some examples to illustrate that compassion.”

Teacher Stewart Bowness at Laurentian Learning Center (Near North District School Board) had been working with his students to bake homemade Christmas goodies, delivered last week to the low barrier shelter at 590 Chippewa street in North Bay.

“It was a real pleasure and honour to accompany Jessica Mason and Brandon Lunel from Stewart Bowness’s class from our Laurentian Learning Centre as they exhibited their skills and showed their kindness by providing baked Christmas goodies to our neighbouring friends at the Low Barrier shelter across from Chippewa Secondary School,” says Jay Aspin, Board Chair of NNDSB.

Members of the West Nipissing Knitting Circle/Cercle de tricot and Sewing For a Cause/Coudre pour une cause, programs of the West Nipissing Community Health Centre in Sturgeon Falls, spent time knitting and sewing warm items such as hats, scarves, blankets and pyjamas for those staying in shelters at the Crisis Centre North Bay and the Warming Centre, offering a touch of hand crafted comfort. Many others in the community have made similar donations, including congregants of St. Andrew’s United Church who donated socks and warm winter wear as part of a church collection drive and One Kids Place who, in partnership with Your City Sports, was able to donate socks as part of their annual #sockraiser campaign.

King adds, “I’d also like to take this time to thank all of the people in the community and in the field of human services who have worked especially hard this year to ensure people’s needs are met. The community as a whole has really come together and it shows.”

Board Elections

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) held its annual organizational meeting on December 15, 2020. Trustees virtually elected Board leadership for the 2020/2021 year. The Board of Trustees and Director of Education proudly announce the re-election of Board Chair Jay Aspin, and Vice-Chair John Cochrane, effective December 15, 2020.

Aspin, who represents Zone 1; City of North Bay and Cochrane, who represents Zone 4; Parry Sound, have served as the incumbents of their respective positions, and served as Trustees for two years since their election by the public in 2018. “I am pleased Chair Aspin will continue in the role of Board Chair,” said Craig Myles, Director of Education. “While this has been a challenging year, I am confident that Jay Aspin’s leadership, along with the trustees’ wealth of expertise and skill will ensure that NNDSB is in a strong position to continue providing high-quality education to students in our region.”

The Board chairperson, along with all trustees, serve as stewards of NNDSB with statutory authority and obligation to guide the affairs of the organization. They set the strategic direction of the board in response to the needs of their region and work with the Ministry of Education to ensure alignment on issues such as strategic planning, policies and government direction. Trustees elect a chair and vice-chair each year of their four-year mandate.

“It’s a privilege to continue to serve this region as Chair of the Board and to be working with our talented trustees, the Director, and the administration in carrying out the responsibilities for Near North District School Board,” said Aspin. “I look forward to fostering a culture of collaboration and impactful change as we continue to develop a strong student centric focused organization in the face of COVID-19.”

Reports Presented

Director’s Annual Report 2019-2020

Director Myles presented the 2019-2020 Director’s Annual report, highlighting the breadth and scope of programming and system initiatives NNDSB has accomplished over the last year. This report is especially meaningful as it outlines the progress made in achieving the strategic pathways in the current multi-year strategic plan. Key areas of achievement are noted to be increased experiential learning, a more inclusive environment for all students, enhanced communication practices, and overall accountability. Click here to view the report.

Report to the Minister of Education

The Board reviewed and approved its third and final report for submission to the Minister of Education regarding the progress made towards fulfilling the recommendations from the special advisors’ report. This report represents the last in a series of three reports submitted by the Board on the journey to increasing public confidence and transparency. Major themes in the third report include succession planning, establishment of evidence-based organizational alignment, and governance capacity building.             

Multi-Year Strategic Plan Update

The Multi-Year Strategic Planning (MYSP) Committee provided a report to the Board regarding the next steps in the development of the new MYSP. This update follows the meeting in November at which the Board approved the MYSP draft framework. Information was presented to note the plan is being constructed to align with the board improvement plan for student achievement and wellbeing (BIPSAWB) and school improvement plans for student achievement and wellbeing (SIPSAWB). The Director’s Office has created a dedicated MYSP section on the website to highlight the progress, and provide a forum for continuous community feedback throughout the process. Click here to view the MYSP page.

Trustee Expenditures

Instilling public confidence through transparency and financial responsibility is key. As such, NNDSB is pleased to share the trustee expenditures report for the school year ended August 31, 2020. Overall, expenditures were $23,000 less than last year. View the full report here.