Near North District School Board

Safe Schools Supports Parents, Teachers with Keeping Kids Safe Online

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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.

Maurice Switzer Educates Students and Teachers Through Story

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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.

Running for a Reason

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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.

Return to School Guidance Document

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August 26, 2020 – On Friday August 21st Near North District School Board released its comprehensive Return to School Guidance Document prepared to guide staff and families as they prepare for Startup.

On August 11th Near North District School Board released a summary document to support parents and staff.  Adjustments were made to reflect the latest in Ministry directives. Friday marked the communication of the full plan.

To access (through the NNDSB website) please follow this link: https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/blog/launch-of-nndsb-back-to-school-guideline/23494/

The information contained within this Guidance Document falls within the Ministry of Education’s current parameters and meets both provincial and local health authorities’ regulations.  It is critical to note that information and directives are fluid and in a state of frequent change. The material on the website document will be updated once received to reflect the most recent Ministry directives and public health recommendations. Please continue to review our website for refinements.

Student safety and well-being are the number one priority as we return to school. Information on health regulations and self-screening are available in the document.

In the coming days, the Near North Board will follow this document with information regarding a staggered entry for students to begin school which supports the necessary health and safety processes and protocols required. Transportation information will follow shortly as well.

We look forward to welcoming our students back to school.

 

Contact:

Maureen Egan
Exec Assistant to the Director of Education​
Near North District School Board​

Tel: (705) 472-8170 Ext: 5028

West Ferris Students Receive Vale COVID-19 Challenge Grant

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June 19, 2020 –West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS) STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) program students have received one of eleven worldwide Vale COVID-19 challenge grants for their construction and distribution of the UV Cube sterilizer box. The Vale challenge was launched earlier this year to expand solutions against COVID-19, including risk monitoring and prevention and patient monitoring.

Tessa Summers, Fionna Truong, Ella Kelso and Emily Yates 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. The UV Cube is a do-it-yourself sterilizer, about the size of a small oven, made from materials found at the local hardware store. Using high-intensity ultraviolet light, the cube can sterilize everything from medical masks to mobile phones to shoes.

The students are all members of FIRST Team 1305 Ice Cubed, a competitive robotics team consisting of kids from across North Bay. They used their contacts with other FIRST Teams across the country to facilitate the construction and delivery of UV Cubes to health care providers. The funding from Vale will enable the production of fifty kits, which will be donated to small and medium medical clinics in Canada. In North Bay, the UV Cubes will be distributed to the North Bay Regional Health Centre, Casselhome, Easthome, LIPI, Lakeshore Dental and Northern Shores Pharmacy.

To learn more about the STEAM program visit the WFSS website at https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/west-ferris/academics/steam/

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought
Information/Communication Officer
Near North District School Board
(705) 472-8170, extension 5010
Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

NNDSB Establishes a New Governance Manual and By-laws

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June 9, 2020 – The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) intends to adopt a new governance manual and by-laws at the June 22, 2020, regular board meeting. Since inauguration, a complete review of board governance policies, procedures and by-laws was a priority of the board and was further assisted by recommendations of both the Ontario Ombudsman and the Ministry of Education Special Advisors.

The Director of Education retained Wayne Joudrie to lead this process and develop policies, procedures and by-laws that would guide and direct the activity of the NNDSB while reflecting best practices and legislative requirements for Ontario school boards. Mr. Joudrie was a Ministry of Education Special Advisor assigned to work with the NNDSB. He has held prominent senior leadership positions across the education sector, including superintendent of education, superintendent of schools, director of education and executive director of the Public Council of Ontario Directors of Education.

Governance and accountability play an essential role in supporting and improving public confidence in the NNDSB and Ontario’s publicly funded education system. Once approved, the draft governance manual and by-laws will accommodate recommendations put forth by the Ontario Ombudsman and Special Advisors.

“Since taking office, our Board of Trustees have been clear and persistent about their commitment to transparent, accountable and ethical governance. The completion of our governance manual and by-laws is a significant priority for our Board of Trustees and our Senior Administration. These documents are essential to provide both management and Trustees with the framework necessary to provide professional and effective delivery of education services. This accomplishment will provide another key cornerstone to further restore the public’s confidence in our organization.”  Jay Aspin, Chair.

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought
Information/Communication Officer
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

NNDSB Board Allocates Funds for 3:2 Consolidation 

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January 29, 2020 – The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) Trustees have approved the allocation of approximately $1.4 million to commence necessary renovations to Chippewa and West Ferris facilities to continue offering existing and expanded programming.    

Funds will be used to prioritize renovations and building upgrades that will assist in improving student success and achievement, while ensuring equitable access to NNDSB programs and facilities.  

The NNDSB is working to provide students with a sense of security and comfort during the transition.  Senior Administration and school staff continue to work on the implementation of the 3:2 School Consolidation through the ongoing review of budgets and workplans.     

 “The Board of Trustees is elated to see this project moving forward. Having the facilities in place to offer high quality, equitable and inclusive education to all students has been a priority for our board since taking office.   We are committed to making decisions that are in the best interests of our students and communities.”  Jay Aspin, Chair. 

For more information, please contact: 

Mairghread Knought 
Information/Communications Officer 
Near North District School Board 
Tel:  705-472-8170 ext. 5010 
Email: Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca 

NNDSB Appoints Craig Myles as Director of Education

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December 17, 2019 –  The Near North District School Board is pleased to announce that Craig Myles has been appointed the Director of Education, effective January 6, 2020.

“The board is pleased to have chosen an internal candidate for our Director. We are confident that his skills and extensive experience with the board will be a key component in moving the Near North forward to embrace the challenges ahead.  Craig’s strong background in secondary programming, familiarity with local educational opportunities and emphasis on board governance will allow him to hit the ground running. ” (Jay Aspin, Chair).

Craig Myles is in his 6th year as Superintendent of Student Success with the Near North District School Board. With more than15 years of experience as an educational leader, his portfolios have included school effectiveness, special education, safe schools, student success, alternative education, international education and secondary/elementary school supervision. Myles is known for his commitment to students and his focus on improving student achievement through the development and implementation of responsive teaching and learning practices. Under his leadership, the NNDSB has seen an increase in the graduation rate of 5.2% and an elevation of secondary school credit accumulation by 12%.

“This is an exciting opportunity for me to focus my years of experience in collaborating with trustees, administrators, teachers, support staff and parents to improve student learning and student success at the NNDSB. We are fortunate to have such innovative, caring and qualified educators and leaders in our schools and I look forward to my continued work with them to deliver equitable and inclusive high-quality education to all our students” (Craig Myles, Director of Education).

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought

Information/Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
Tel:  705-472-8170 ext. 5010
Email: Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

NNDSB MOVING AHEAD WITH 3:2 CONSOLIDATION AND NEW PROGRAMMING

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December 5, 2019 – Near North District School Board (NNDSB) Trustees were provided with an update on the North Secondary School 3:2 Consolidation at a Special Committee of the Whole Meeting on December 3, 2019.   Senior Administration and school staff continue to work on the implementation of the 3:2 school consolidation through the ongoing review of budgets and workplans.    

Trustees discussed options for programming at West Ferris Secondary School and Chippewa Secondary School for the 2020/2021 school year.  In addition to existing programs the NNDSB will be offering a new Near North Sports Program at West Ferris Secondary School.  Senior Administration confirmed their ongoing commitment to ensuring that all specialized programs are equitable and available to all students.   

“The Board of Trustees is committed to making decisions that are in the best interests of our students and communities.  While the decision to close a school is a difficult one, moving forward we will be able to continue providing quality programs and supports for our students.”  Jay Aspin, Chair 

For more information, please contact: 

Mairghread Knought 
Information/Communications Officer 
Near North District School Board 
Tel:  705-472-8170 ext. 5010 
Email: Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca 

NNDSB Re-Elect Chair and Vice-Chair

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December 4, 2019 – Last evening at the Annual Organizational Meeting of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB), Trustee Jay Aspin was re-elected as Chair and Trustee John Cochrane was acclaimed as Vice-Chair.   

 Chair Aspin expressed his gratitude to fellow Trustees for the significant  time and effort that has been spent working together over the past year to move forward a number of Board initiatives.   In addition to the decision to proceed with the closure of Widdifield, the Board of Trustees have begun moving forward with a new Multi-Year Plan, a review of the organizational structure, and recruitment of a new Director of Education. 

 Vice-Chair John Cochrane is confident in the commitment of his fellow Trustees and is hopeful  that the Board will be  successful in moving the Parry Sound project forward. 

 “We have turned the corner – We are entering our 2nd year of significant reformation towards regaining the public trust and reputation of the Near North District School Board.  While, there is a significant amount of work to be completed, this Board of Trustees have proven their ability to move forward and make informed decisions based on the best interests of our students and communities. ” Jay Aspin, Chair 

 For more information, please contact: 

Mairghread Knought 
Information/Communication Officer 
Near North District School Board 
(705) 472-8170, extension 5010
Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

Biindigen

Mii gwi Anishinabek wewena nkenmaaminak dependajig maa kiing.
"We acknowledge in a good way, the original people of the land here"
We value the cultures, histories and relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (North America)

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Near North District School Board
963 Airport Road, P.O. Box 3110, North Bay, ON P1B 8H1
[P] 705-472-8170   [TF] 1-800-278-4922   [F] 705-472-9927