Friday, March 22, 2024

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

Trustee proposes Living Consciously course

The Board approved a motion from Trustee Bill Steer to request that the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) petition the Ministry of Education to create and develop a mandatory secondary school course that addresses Living Consciously (the course’s draft working title).

Trustee Steer’s notice of motion at committee of the whole notes the relevance of the course’s title; “Consciously suggests there is intention, through education, experiences and awareness, to initiate change. Living is what humankind does within a climate of kindness, trust and happiness.”

The motion says there are four areas to be addressed: equity, inclusion and diversity (social norms); food security and nutrition; wellness (active lifestyle choices and mental health) and climate change (mitigation and living with); in accordance with OPSBA’s mission, vision and values.

Director’s Update shares system successes

The report to the Board from Director of Education Craig Myles included recognition of Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson for her work on the necessities drive for northern First Nations. Under her leadership, schools across the district worked with community partners to collect necessities to be shipped north.

The Director’s update always includes examples that illustrate commitment to pillars of the multi-year strategic plan.

This month, excellence in innovation was illustrated by news that West Ferris Secondary School has launched a podcast, The Trojan Voice, led by teacher candidate b Wrauley and media arts teacher Robin Bartlett. Students are learning about podcast production while sharing their experiences with listeners. To illustrate the pillar of excellence in teaching and learning, Myles referred to NNDSB’s 2023-2024 math achievement action plan. The plan demonstrates the board’s commitment to provincial priorities while recognizing the unique needs of our communities to ensure a continued focus on high achievement in mathematics. Myles also shared that the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is hosting webinars for

families to learn about primary and junior assessments of reading, writing and mathematics. The Director’s update also congratulated teacher Cody Lacelle at F.J. McElligott, under whose guidance the school was able to have a women’s hockey team for the first time in 50 years.

Under the pillar of excellence in relationships, Director Myles reported on two projects being worked on by staff at the library services and student support centre. Staff are helping many community partners with the Joy of Reading celebration taking place April 13 at Emsdale Community Centre. The staff have also partnered on Community Oriented Outdoor Literacy to create two outdoor story hikes that promote literacy and a healthy lifestyle. The groups are currently deciding on the next story to showcase on the hike, which should be available to the public in the spring.

The Director’s update also referenced the staffing shortages facing schools across the province. Myles noted principals face challenges in staffing in teaching and non-teaching roles. The lack of supply personnel has a direct impact on student achievement, safety and well-being. Myles acknowledged the work of “incredible staff” who persist in the face of challenging staff shortages.

OPSBA report highlights provincial issues

Trustee Steer, NNDSB’s rep on the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) presented a report to the Board about OPSBA efforts that highlight several provincial issues.

He reported that negotiations continue through central bargaining and that many boards are reporting deficit budgets, with transportation being a financial challenge. The report also outlined a continuous professional leaning plan for trustees, and that discussions are taking place on the relationship between municipalities and school boards.

Trustee Steer also reported that the Canadian School Boards’ Association is trying to get a national school food policy request into the next federal budget.

Indigenous Student Trustee Benson provides update

Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson provided the Board with an update of activities and achievements of the Indigenous Youth Circle (IYC).

She reported that Northern Secondary School is consistently having drumming lessons and students are looking forward to ribbon shirt/skirt workshops, and wampum bracelet workshops. Students in Grades 11 and 12 also had an employment training program, and attended an Indigenous mentorship program at Nipissing University, visited the Witness Blanket at Canadore College and represented their school at the recent North Bay powwow.

Students at Chippewa will be having a moccasin workshop and a dream catcher workshop for Grades 7 and 8 students. Drumming lessons continue at Chippewa, and OKIMAKAN is starting to plan dancing workshops and planning for the Robinson Huron Treaty flag campaign.

Parry Sound High School is continuing to teach drumming, is selling Oshki Shkode merchandise and will visit the Witness Blanket in coming weeks.

IYC has been asked to review a draft addressing discrimination document and provide input.

Indigenous Student Trustee Benson also told trustees about the recent necessities drive for Northern communities. Recognizing the high cost of essentials in the North, administration, staff and each school community came together to fundraise or donate items through the first two weeks of February. At Northern, money was raised and bags of clothing were gathered. Chippewa raised more than $700 and purchased necessary items, and an anonymous donation of feminine hygiene products was made. West Ferris partnered with the Indigenous Friendship Centre and had a successful baby drive, collecting more than 1,000 diapers. Students at F.J. McElligott, Almaguin and Parry Sound also fundraised and donated items. In total, almost a room  full of items was donated. Baby formula and some of the diapers were distributed by the OPP via the ice road to Fort Albany, and the rest of the items were brought to Cochrane to be taken to Moosonee.

Student Trustee Chen updates Board

Student Trustee Dora Chen provided the Board with an update of secondary school activities and achievements.

Her report to the Board included information on school spirit days, team-bonding activities and a winter carnival.

Events for NNDSB students include March Break trips to Ottawa, Italy, the U.K. and Paris, a regional music competition for Chippewa’s senior band and guitar ensemble (the band received a silver plus award and an invitation to play at nationals in May), plays were performed at West Ferris and Chippewa, and West Ferris and Parry Sound High Schools are preparing for upcoming arts fests.

Chippewa hosted a Shoot for Change event with students and teachers playing basketball against each other to raise money for Nipissing University’s Black Student Funded Scholarships. Student leaders have also started planning the second Jack Lyons Memorial Hockey Exhibition, which will raise money for One Kids Place.

Almaguin Highlands Secondary School raised awareness of bullying on Pink Shirt Day and ran a teacher versus student volleyball game.

Several NNDSB schools participated (or will be) in NOSSA championships and Chippewa’s boys varsity hockey and boys curling teams will be going to OFSSA this month.

Student Senate has begun selections for Senators for the 2024-2025 school year.

Student Senate is creating initiatives for the upcoming Sikh and Asian heritage months, with a goal of helping all students learn about new cultures, traditions and ideas.

Student Senate ran a board-wide spirit day that was a huge success. Almaguin Highlands won the Heart of Gold spirit trophy.

Report outlines math achievement action plan

A report to the Board outlined NNDSB’s math achievement action plan, in response to the requirement that all publicly funded school boards were required to adopt provincial student achievement priorities and metrics to help students improve EQAO scores in reading, writing and math.

Board math leads were required to determine specific board and school priorities and then develop, implement and monitor a math achievement action plan that includes meaningful key performance indicators, and to report three times a year (Nov. 15, March 28 and July 15).

The report notes that on-going professional learning for educators, math facilitators and principals has been a key priority across the district. The math lead and coordinator visited all 19 priority schools with a specific focus on Grade 3 and 6 classroom visits. Student progress has been monitored through monthly assessments and data has informed educator learning sessions.

Additional supports include a Math for Families page on the NNDSB website, school-based family math nights and an NNDSB virtual family math night taking place in the coming months.

Mid-year MYSP report provided to Trustees

The MYSP 2023-2024 mid-year report was included in the agenda package for Trustees.

The report notes that the data is but a small part of the significant progress NNDSB has made toward the realization of MYSP priorities.

Below are some highlights in each of the four strategic priorities:

Excellence in teaching and learning: provincially-recognized NNDSB summer learning programs that deliver continual learning and gap closing to ensure smoother transitions to the new school year; before and after school tutoring programs; implementation of strategies for students with challenging behaviours to accommodate their needs and allow them to realize their full potential; educators increased their understanding and use of literacy and math diagnostics and literacy screeners to better support student strengths and needs.

Excellence in innovation: NNDSB has been asked to share nationally about the living classroom environment and vocational training programs; Hockey Skills Canada program expanded; custodial services training program in collaboration with community partners;  Seven Stones School in collaboration with the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre; Forest School training for educators, robotic and coding opportunity expansion.

Excellence in relationships: continue fulfilling community need for personal support workers (PSW) in partnership with long-term care facilities; partnership with North Bay Battalion in anti-bullying and character education; partnering with Canadore College to increase placements for early childhood education; partnering with Nipissing University in tutoring initiative.

Excellence in communication: parent web accounts support parents and guardians with increased engagement in their child’s learning; monthly letter to families; monthly newsletter for staff; website posting of reports like the MYSP reports and Director’s Annual Report.

Ombudsman provides three recommendations

Trustees received a report with three recommendations from the Ombudsman of Ontario, Paul Dubé, regarding in-camera (closed) meetings held by the Parry Sound Build Committee.

The report concluded with three recommendations from the ombudsman. NNDSB has affirmed with the ombudsman that it is committed to implementing the recommendations

The report outlines that the committee’s errors resulted from the Ministry of Education direction to not discuss items publicly due to its strict communications embargoes.

The investigation resulted in a much-needed update to Ministry of Education communication protocol for capital projects. Communication embargoes that otherwise may be in place will not apply to school board meeting discussions. This means that school boards will no longer be in the difficult position of potentially having to choose between complying with the Ministry’s embargo and the Education Act’s open meeting requirements.

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Wednesday, March 20, 2024

NNDSB and OSSTF teachers ratify new collective agreement

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) District 4 Teacher/Occasional Teacher Bargaining Unit representing secondary teachers and occasional teachers, have ratified a four-year local collective agreement covering the period from Sept. 1, 2022 to Aug. 31, 2026.

“OSSTF District 4 T/OTBU is pleased to announce that both OSSTF and NNDSB ratified a new four-year collective agreement, allowing OSSTF T/OT members to continue supporting students and providing opportunities for student learning and growth, while addressing the working conditions of our members,” said Parker Robinson, president of OSSTF District 4 T/OTBU. Robinson went on to say, “A big thank you goes out to our local negotiating team for the hard work they put in on behalf of our membership.”

Previously at the provincial table, a voluntary binding interest arbitration agreement was ratified between OSSTF, the Council of Trustees’ Association and Ontario Public School Boards Association.

“The new four-year collective agreement will continue to strengthen the relationship with valued secondary teaching and occasional teaching staff. Their contribution to a safe and positive learning environment that supports student achievement and well-being is greatly appreciated,” said NNDSB Chair Erika Lougheed. “We respect the efforts of the negotiation team in achieving this collective agreement.”

“NNDSB appreciates the essential work and commitment of teaching staff and their contribution to supporting the pillars of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP),” said NNDSB Director of Education Craig Myles. “NNDSB is grateful that the ratification of the four-year collective agreement has been completed.”

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Monday, March 4, 2024

New West Ferris Secondary School podcast amplifies student voices; first episode shares first experiences

The West Ferris Trojans have entered the podcast game. The first episode of The Trojan Voice was launched on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube last week and featured students telling stories about first experiences.

The Trojan Podcast club is the brainchild of teacher candidate b Wrauley who has a background as a former CBC radio producer and host.

“I have always wanted to start a podcast with students. During my fall placement I approached West Ferris media arts teacher Robin Bartlett, and she was totally on board and we’ve been having weekly meetings since,” Wrauley said.

Wrauley says the podcast tells the stories that are important to the students of West Ferris. Every episode will have a theme and students will present different audio pieces on that theme.

“The major focus of the club is increasing and amplifying student voices. The nice thing about that is that any teacher could listen to the podcast and draw a variety of links to the curriculum,” Wrauley said. “For example, our first episode is focused on the theme of “firsts”. So, we have a few students discussing their first friendships, first loves, first time playing a sport. In those stories there are a variety of links teachers could draw to their specific teachables.”

The first episode, appropriately titled Firsts features 17 student voices and producers. There are a total of eight stories including, First Love, First Snowfall, First Football Practice and First Rehearsal.

“Any student can pitch a story. We want the podcast to offer a variety of voices and styles, to be representative of the student population and a place where students’ voices can be heard,” Wrauley said.

Once a theme for an episode is decided on students share related stories. Then, along with Wrauley and Bartlett, the club works out the structure of the episode, deciding if it will be a group discussion or first-person narrative, and how sound effects could be employed.

Students then record their pieces in the West Ferris media arts room studio and do their own rough edit. Wrauley then takes over and, using their professional experience, cleans up the sound, trims the length of the piece and completes the final edit.

The club worked hard promoting the podcast leading up the launch, including enlisting the rest the school to vote on the name through an Instagram poll.

The day before the first episode went live a launch party was hosted in the media arts room which included food, lights, music, stickers, and buttons with the name of the podcast and different art created by Bartlett and various students.

“The Trojan Voice isn’t so much a “club” as it is a community. We want the listeners to be involved, and we hope that any student in the school feels welcome to come and share their stories,” Bartlett said. “Our meetings are meant to feel inclusive and so we invite students to get involved in all aspects, developing themes, recording, editing, artwork, music, and promotion.”

Wrauley said the podcast is already off to a fantastic start with hundreds of listens and more than 100 subscribers.

The next episode of the The Trojan Voice will be all about second chances, and can be found on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

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Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024

NNDSB student trustee trades knowledge and experience at provincial conference

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) Student Trustee Dora Chen shared her knowledge with fellow student trustees from across Ontario and brought home some new ideas from the recent conference of the Ontario Student Trustees Association (OSTA-AECO.)

OSTA strives to empower students. The organization works to improve public education across the province and provide professional development for Ontario student trustees.

Chen is the Public Cabinet Northern Regional Representative at OSTA, and in that role, she made two presentations to her fellow members: on special education and NNDSB Student Senate’s career education initiative.

“I had the chance to present a session on special education in Ontario to small groups of other student trustees from school boards all over Ontario,” Chen said. “I spoke about what special education meant, the history behind it, how individual education plans are created and different programs for special education that are seen at different school boards.”

Chen also enlightened her counterparts about NNDSB career pathway initiatives such as the career pathway education fair. The event, hosted by NNDSB Student Senate, was held at Chippewa Secondary School and gave students the opportunity to meet local community members, businesses and professionals in a booth-style, walk-around event. Students learned about the many opportunities and options after graduating high school and several walked away with employment and volunteer opportunities.

Chen shared this information with the entire general assembly at the conference and received numerous questions from fellow student trustees who were interested in implementing similar events in their own school boards.

In addition to sharing her knowledge and experiences, Chen also had many learning opportunities of her own.

“I learned about a social media campaign to tackle equity, diversity, and inclusion. The social media campaign included a series of media posts which described heritage months and important milestones within Ontario education,” Chen said. “This could be useful to the NNDSB Student Senate, to help raise awareness about issues and lesser-known events which celebrate diversity in our schools.”

Chen also learned about an awareness campaign focused on consumer overconsumption and the stigma around wearing donated clothing called the “Clothing Closet”

“This initiative, received very well at other school boards, comprises a donation closet at schools in which students can trade in old pieces of clothing and receive new ones. This initiative would be useful at NNDSB schools as it could help educate students on the effects of overconsumption on the environment and bring down the stigma surrounding using donations,” Chen said.

Chen greatly values the networking opportunities available at the conference to shape and improve her activities as a student trustee.

“The professional development which I receive at the conferences through keynote speakers and breakout sessions allows me to gain skills vital in my role,” Chen said. “From meeting other student trustees, I not only learn about important initiatives which I can bring back and implement with the NNDSB Student Senate, but also, I am inspired by the amazing work which is done by student leaders all over the province. This encourages me to be the best student trustee that I can be.”

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Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024

Trustees approve 2024-2025 school year calendar

Trustees approved the 2024-2025 Near North District School Board (NNDSB) school year calendar following public consultation about the date of a board holiday. The public was able to provide feedback on whether a board holiday took place on the Friday before the start of March Break, or at the end of the school year.

More respondents indicated they wanted the holiday to take place on Friday, March 7, 2025.

The 2024-2025 school year calendar was planned in collaboration with the district’s co-terminus school boards.

Although the Board has approved the calendar, it still needs to be approved by the Ministry of Education. This is the school year calendar approved by Trustees, that will be submitted to the Ministry for approval.

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Thursday, Feb.15, 2024

Chippewa given green light to rebrand

A motion brought forward by Trustee Bill Steer was approved at Tuesday night’s Near North District School Board meeting. The approved motion voices Trustee support to the formation of a school-based committee to oversee the rebranding of Chippewa Secondary School.

The committee will not oversee renaming. The motion voices Trustee agreement with rebranding and the transition of rebranding to the school, which Trustee Steer noted is “good for students and the community.” In the process, the school will collaboratively choose a new mascot for use by teams and clubs.

Indigenous Trustee Ashley St. Pierre said this will be an opportunity to “learn from past mistakes and hurts” and is a chance to build relationships with community and First Nations partners.

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Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024

Local boards changing PA day due to solar eclipse

The four local school boards – Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board and Near North District School Board – have collaboratively decided to switch the PA day scheduled on April 26 to Monday, April 8 because of the solar eclipse.  April 26 will therefore be a regular school day.

The switch was made to ensure the safety of students. The eclipse will occur around dismissal time; there is concern for both traffic-related issues as there will be temporary darkness, as well as the possibility that students will try to watch the eclipse and risk damaging their eyesight.

In fact, the Canadian Association of Optometrists has issued a set of guidelines for safe viewing of the eclipse.  We invite you to consult their website to better understand the risks that influenced this decision.

The school boards are aware of the challenges that this change to the school calendar may entail, and we thank you for your understanding.

The boards are also grateful for the support of Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services , childcare centres and many employee groups in helping to facilitate this change.

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