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

Feb. 16, 2021

Architectural firm selected for new school in Parry Sound

North Bay, ON – With tonight’s approval of the recommendation of the ad hoc Parry Sound Architect Selection Committee, the Near North District School Board is a step closer to bringing educational and child care opportunities under one roof for the families in the areas of Parry Sound, Nobel and McDougall.

“Our Parry Sound region has been very patient with the continuous delays with this project in the past,” said Chair Jay Aspin. “For this reason, I am extremely pleased that our board made the construction of this school a top priority. Vice-chair John Cochrane, who is Chair of our Parry Sound Build Committee will work diligently with our administration to complete the project in a timely manner. We look forward to the development of an educational facility of which we can all be proud.”

The board’s acceptance of the bid by +VG Architects (The Ventin Group) follows a multi-phase process in which short-listed candidates were scored in several categories. Chair of the selection committee, Trustee Nichole King, is satisfied with not only the outcome, but with the “thorough, independent process” navigated by the committee. The process guided the committee to its conclusion that the most qualified firm has been selected to design the new build.

+VG Architects, with offices in Brantford, Toronto and Ottawa, has experience with this type of project, and that experience was part of the committee’s support for the bid.

Director of Education Craig Myles is looking forward to welcoming a childcare centre, an EarlyON Child and Family Centre and a JK-12 school. “In consultation with +VG Architects, we look forward to creating flexible and shared learning spaces to promote the building of 21^st century skills, and to increase experiential learning opportunities that honour all learners in the Parry Sound region.”

The Near North District School Board is grateful for the support of the Ministry of Education for this capital project.

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

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