November 27, 2020

Robots are taking classrooms by storm, but not like any of those futuristic type movies. Instead, students are being immersed in valuable experiential learning opportunities, which will help them in their careers after secondary school.

Grade 9 students at Northern Secondary School have incorporated robotics in ways that you didn’t think were possible – robots and woodshop?! Well, it’s happening.

Since COVID-19 and enhanced protocols came into place, along with the implementation of an octomester format for the 2020-21 school year, technology teacher, Kevin Baker, and media studies teacher, Carmen O’Brien, worked together to create learning that provides a transferable skillset that students use in both classes thus making for an easy transition from one class to the next in a mode of extended learning.

Both classes incorporate robotics in various ways, which introduces students to a wide range of possible extracurricular and career options.

In Baker’s class, students are introduced to electrical, woodworking, and hydraulics while they construct a fully operational robot to pick masks up off of the floor.

“We are learning the basics of hydraulics with wooden arms. The task is to pick-up masks from the ground and of course no one wants to pick them up with their hands, so we are building a robot,” stated Alex, who noted that there was a lot of planning, designing, building, and learning by trial and error. “I’m very satisfied with the completed project.”

This is a culminating assignment for the students, who at the end of the Octomester, present their completed robot to Baker and test it out. Students design their robot to be a combination of a VEX Robotics, electrically driven chassis with a wooden, hydraulic arm mounted on top. The remote-controlled robot is designed to pick up an unused mask from the floor.

“Woodworking is an amazing skill to have,” stated Alex. “I’ll definitely be using it further down the road.”

A few doors down, students in O’Brien’s class learn how to program robots from scratch using programming blocks in the EV3 LEGO programming software.

“Students have learned how to program robots, how to use three different sensors; touch, ultrasonic, and colour sensors,” explained O’Brien. “They’ve used those sensors to detect objects that are in front of the robot and programmed the robot accordingly so that it can move autonomously through either a maze or through the

First Lego League mission board, and accomplish different missions at the same time.”

O’Brien added that programming can be challenging, so students develop problem-solving skills to identify which parts of the program work, which ones don’t, and why, to get their robots to successfully complete the mission or maze.

“Robotics is becoming more and more prominent in the job market,” stated O’Brien. “If we look at this pandemic, more companies are switching to automation because robots won’t get sick, won’t need time off and can work 24 hours a day.”

She noted that this not only introduces students to a possible career avenue but also helps them develop much desired problem-solving skills that they can use in their everyday lives.

As part of Near North District School Board’s on-going commitment to educating students for the future, as a parent or guardian, learning doesn’t stop once you graduate.

Last week, in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, NNDSB hosted an informational session on “Online Risks and Emerging Trends” to educate parents and guardians on developmentally appropriate strategies for parents to engage in conversations with children and youth about online safety. Dozens of families from across the region participated in the event.

During this 60-minute presentation, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) outlined three areas for consideration: content, contact, and conduct. Parents were encouraged to get involved with what their children are doing online. The best approach? Put the child in the driver’s seat and let them be the teacher as they demonstrate their newest game or app. This allows parents to understand what kind of content their child is accessing, and provides the opportunity to ask questions about how the newest platform works. Like all safety practices, such as wearing a seat belt, adults must be providing constant reminders about being safe online.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection outlined how children use the internet to create, post, and share content, which can lead to issues of conduct. Also discussed was how to begin conversations about difficult topics related to child safety online, such as sending or receiving nude pictures, cyberbullying or how to address issues of extortion.

Board Trustee Fry attended the session and provided praise for the amount of information provided to parents and echoed the need for continued communication between parents, educators and students so that every environment, whether in-person or online, are safe spaces for all.

NNDSB would like to extend a sincere thank you to Karyn Kibsey and Samantha Falk from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection for their insight, and expertise. Parents are encouraged to visit protectkidsonline.ca for more information.

November 16, 2020

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has proudly introduced the onset of a new multi-year strategic plan to set the stage for the next five years.

Together with the executive team, trustees have spent the last several months reviewing reports, and analyzing data from the Board’s sizeable geographic area to ensure the strategic plan provides the leadership and transparency the communities have come to count on from NNDSB. During this process, the Board took the opportunity to recast the mission, vision, and values to align with the future directions of NNDSB. The Board is committed to ensuring the plan is a living document that emerges as goals are reached and new goals emerge.

“I would like to commend the Multi-Year Strategic Planning Committee for the dedication they have shown. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are proud of this work,” remarked Chair Jay Aspin, “and we appreciate the patience of the public as we take the time to get this right”.

The plan can be distilled into four strategic priorities, which will help ensure NNDSB makes steady progress toward established outcomes and enable the Board to maintain and improve student experience and performance.

“We thank everyone who participated in the strategic planning process, whether in-person, online, completing our survey, or by submitting comments. We have listened to the feedback and considered it carefully” stated Director of Education Craig Myles.

The focus will shift to further refine these strategic priorities and objectives in order to develop a more detailed five-year timeline. The plan spans a five-year term from 2021- 2026, and is expected to be approved at the June Board meeting with an anticipated implementation date for the September 2021 school year.

The Board looks forward to further engagement across our communities in the near future to further obtain input and acquaint the public with the plan.

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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.

November 16, 2020

Near North District School Board is working to make schools safer by implementing a safe schools framework that focuses on three key concepts: citizenship and community; conflict resolution; and bullying awareness.

All school boards across the province are participating in an annual Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week November 16 – 20 and this year, NNDSB has some extra special activities lined-up. On Monday, November 16, 2020, students heard from local leaders including Mayor McDonald of North Bay, Mayor McGarvey of Parry Sound, Chief McLeod of Nipissing First Nation, and Mayor Savage of Nipissing-West. These leaders taught students about community and citizenship; challenging them to engage in civic activities that will promote safe and inclusive environments. Lessons and activities for all elementary and secondary students will continue throughout the week, each day focusing on an aspect from our safe schools framework.

To further our commitment to providing safe, inclusive spaces for all students, NNDSB has created a reporting tool that will allow any student, parent or community member to report a concern for student safety, particularly as it relates to bullying. The SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool is an online form that can be completed anonymously, should the sender choose. It is then sent to the school’s principal for further investigation. While it is still our recommendation that students, parents or community members speak directly to a teacher, principal, vice-principal, or other school staff member regarding issues of conflict or bullying, the SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool is another method in which we can ensure the lines of communication are open between our schools and the communities we serve. The SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool can be accessed directly from the NNDSB website.

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

November 13, 2020

Students in Near North District School Board read from an all-star list of authors throughout their education, now, one of their fellow students has joined that list.

After being inspired by authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, R.A. Salvatore and V.E. Schwab, as well as games such as Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, Alastair McPherson, a grade 12 student from Chippewa Secondary School, put pen to paper to create his own story.

From Out of the Shadows is the result. A fantasy series which involves an elf and a human, who must learn how to set aside their differences in order to survive the deadly attacks of the Dark Elves. Meanwhile, a dwarf and a gnome find themselves taken prisoner and must fight for their lives to survive. On opposite ends of the world, both pairs of heroes must struggle against the forces of darkness—and decipher what diabolical plot the Dark Elves are trying to unleash.

While not the first story he’s written, From Out of the Shadows is the first to see publication. This is the first book of a four book series. The second book is expected to be released in the near future.

Writing narratives and analyzing stories over the course of his elementary and secondary schooling has really helped him develop his writing skillset. Alastair also credits a writer’s craft course and support from his teachers for aiding in becoming a published author.

“I remember in grade five, my teacher told me that I was going to publish a book one day,” he recalled. “I have had a lot of support from (friends and peers) and some of them have even helped me with editing”. He added that staff members at Chippewa have also posted on the school’s website and social media accounts.

Writing a book series while going to school is a balancing act. Alastair makes use of every minute and that includes after school, weekends and summer holidays.

“I’m lucky because writing is something that I really like doing,” he explained. Now, he’s sharing that passion for writing with others.

After a classroom visit with Alistair, grade 7/8 teacher Jordaan Allison of White Woods Public School explained, “as an instructor, it was really helpful to have Alastair join us and talk about his process. We learned that the drafting process is actually shorter than the editing process. It really offered the students a way to connect and relate their own experiences and struggles with writing.”

He noted that having Alastair describe how he writes the introduction, body, and conclusion was really helpful for the students and relating his knowledge about leaving readers wanting more, especially when it comes to a series.

Allison added that it was exciting to show students that writing a book is within reach, especially if someone within their age demographic can write a book and have it published. “It was really inspiring, and it made me feel like I could write a book one day,” added Connor, a student in Allison’s class.

Alastair continues to help the students. He is reading their rough drafts and offering suggestions, which Allison feels is an important connection as the students trust Alastair and value his feedback. “Alastair went above and beyond our expectations.”

“Having a connection with someone, who is a professional, shows the students that writing is not just something that we do in school, but what people choose to do and for a career,” Allison said.

From Out of the Shadows is available for purchase at several places including Friesen Press.

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

On November 9, two days before Remembrance Day, Mrs. Pearson’s grade six immersion class at Sunset Park Public School had the opportunity to speak with Historian Dr. Mike Bechthold about the role of aerial technology in wartime.

Bechthold also gave students the opportunity to virtually explore an Avro Lancaster Bomber, which was manufactured in Canada and played a large role for the Allies in World War II.

Learning opportunities were not limited to aerial conflict. Students also learned about Canada’s role in manufacturing, the value of the role women played in the manufacturing industry during wartime, and Canada’s wartime contributions to the Allied forces.

Bechthold took to Twitter after the presentation and described the class as “attentive… with great questions.”  He also acknowledged Valour Canada and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum for assisting with the presentation.

“We are very pleased to see this learning taking place in our schools,” said Board Chair Jay Aspin. “We want to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices of those who fought and those who are still fighting, while educating the next generation.”

“Remembrance Day is a time of reflection,” added Director of Education Craig Myles.  “By learning about the past, we empower our youth to be the change-makers of the future.”

November 6, 2020

The Safe and Accepting Schools branch of Near North District School Board is pleased to be teaming up with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) to provide resources for parents and students during the annual Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week.

On Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 6:30-7:30pm, parents are invited to attend a Zoom presentation that will speak directly to the emerging risks and trends seen through the C3P’s operation of Canada’s tipline to report online sexual exploitation of children – Cybertip.ca. These trends include things such as an 81% increase in reports regarding online child abuse and exploitation since the onset of COVID-19, content children and youth are exposed to online, contact with others online, and the public nature of the internet including the creation and sharing of material, and the loss of control of that material.

In a time when children are online more than ever before, it is crucial that parents talk to their kids about online safety. Through developmentally appropriate methods for both children (ages 8-12) and youth (ages 13-17), parents will learn how to help their kids understand what to do when they see harmful content, and how to ‘flip’ conversations so that kids feel supported, not scrutinized. Parents can learn how to talk to their kids about these difficult topics with confidence. To register, simply email safe.schools@nearnorthschools.ca; the Zoom link and password will be provided to registrants the week of November 16, 2020.

During Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (November 16-20, 2020) students and teachers will begin to explore other resources provided by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Through a generous donation provided by the Kenora Sexual Assault Centre, all NNDSB students will be receiving booklets published by C3P regarding safety habits, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, how to set boundaries, getting out of uncomfortable situations, and seeking help from a safe adult. Also thanks to C3P, elementary and secondary teachers will gain free access to online resources, lesson plans and videos that provide researched, evidence-based tools that they can use to build the confidence and competence that our students need to navigate the virtual world safely.

Poster (JPG)

Poster (PDF)

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.

Approximately 180 classes in Near North District School Board (NNDSB) had the opportunity to listen to Knowledge Keeper Maurice Switzer on Wednesday, November 4. The presentations were to mark Treaties Recognition Week, which was introduced in 2016 by the Ontario Government, and runs during the first week of November.

In the morning, elementary students listened intently as Switzer read his book Grandpa… What is a Treaty Anyway? Students had the opportunity to ask questions afterward. The book, (a 2018 NNDSB project) which was authored by Switzer and illustrated by Jack Smallboy, features Phoenix and Migizi (the Ojibwe word for eagle) Eagle, and tells the story about how a treaty is a promise.

Further, it demonstrates how students can apply treaty learning to their lives. Additionally, Switzer used the book to explain that we are all treaty people.

In the afternoon, Switzer presented to secondary students about treaties followed by an opportunity to ask questions. Students asked questions about the significance of the wampum belt and how Switzer related treaties to current issues such as fisheries on the East Coast.

Students continue to learn through classroom and experiential learning opportunities about Indigenous teachings, and the relationship between Indigenous People and Canada.

November 4, 2020

Powassan, ON – Students at Mapleridge Public School in Powassan are hitting the ground running this school year.

Inspired by the fortieth anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, Grade 7/8 Teacher Patti Phillips introduced a “40 for 40” challenge to her students. The challenge entailed running 40 minutes a day for the 40th anniversary of Fox’s journey. Phillips kept her students engaged by making them aware of the milestones they had already reached and the ones they were close to achieving. “That was all they needed,” stated Phillips. “By Friday night, we had collectively run 591 kilometres.” That distance is further than Powassan to Montreal. One student in the class beat their personal goal of running more than 100 kilometres over the five-day period.

At the suggestion of Wesley Buell, a student in the running group, the class signed up for the virtual Toronto Waterfront Marathon, a 42 km race. The class completed the race and will be receiving a shirt and medal to display.

The learning taking place isn’t limited to physical education and keeping fit. Students are learning about numeracy by determining how many kilometres they need to run in the remaining school days in order to meet their fundraising target and budgeting a hypothetical trip to a location on their journey. Students are also learning about the history, culture, and attractions of various locations as they virtually pass through them.

Students are also enhancing their involvement in the community, learning to identify needs and bringing attention to them alongside their run. “Great things are happening at Mapleridge,” added Principal Alison Clarke.

The class is currently challenging themselves to run across Canada, tracking their route and where Terry Fox ran. In the future, the class hopes to keep running for a reason. In November, the class is running and posting online to bring awareness and donations for the Powassan Legion and its poppy campaign.

You can join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtags #POTOWNToYoTown, #ReasonToRun and #LetsRunAcrossCanada. You can follow Mapleridge Public School on Twitter at @MapleridgeNNDSB.