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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Friday, Jan. 12, 2024

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. 

This is Me survey results presented

Trustees were presented with demographic data trends by System Principals Lisa Lamoureux and Chris Walkling, and Data Analyst and System Planner Frank Albeartie. The data was collected last spring via the This is Me survey, which is mandated by the Ministry of Education.

The survey was confidential and voluntary. It asks questions about languages, Indigenous identity, ethnic/cultural background, racial identity, citizenship status, religious/spiritual affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation and (dis)abilities. The results and analysis give NNDSB a deeper understanding of the diversity of students in the board, and the cultural, social and demographic makeup of our students.

Survey results were presented in three sections: one for students in JK to Grade 6, one for students in Grades 7 and 8, and one for students in Grades 9-12.

Learn more in this media release.

Director looking forward to work in 2024

In his written report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles wished trustees, staff and students a Happy New Year after the winter holiday.

Myles reiterated that student achievement and well-being remains NNDSB’s number one priority and said student success is realized through an emphasis on the health, safety, care and respect of students and staff.

In his multi-year strategic plan (MYSP) update, Myles focused on Excellence in Relationships, one of four pillars of the MYSP. He highlighted the work of NNDSB students and their families who filled the shelves at area food banks, created cards for seniors and collected clothing. Myles also highlighted the relationships built with NNDSB students and local Indigenous partners and was happy to see the return of the big drum teaching at Parry Sound High School. He noted students from West Ferris and Chippewa participated in a winter solstice event. 

Student Trustee report to Board

In a written report, Student Trustee Dora Chen noted that NNDSB students are doing well in arts programs. F.J. McElligott students held a holiday drama performance prior to the winter break. Chippewa’s guitar ensemble and senior jazz band travelled throughout the community to bring holiday cheer to community members, and the school’s intermediate band showcased news skills in an exhibition holiday performance. Student Trustee Chen reported that cross-country skiing has begun, and intermural sports are taking place. West Ferris student leaders have started a Jack.org chapter to focus on mental health initiatives. They hope this will become a student helping student program. The school is also planning a Green Club, which focusses on the importance of environment needs and awareness. Student Senate has begun brainstorming ideas to promote upcoming student senator elections. It is hoped that creating an introductory video will explain the roles of student senators and student trustees to encourage applications.

Board approves capital projects list 

Trustees accepted a recommendation of the finance committee and approved $13,739,580 in capital expenditures for 2023-2024.

The capital branch of the Ministry of Education provides allocations on an annual basis for school condition improvement funding and school renewal funding.

The board’s 2023-2024 capital allocation for school renewal is $2,678,928, and its allocation for school condition improvement is $4,215,893.

The total cost of projects in 2023-2024 as recommended to the Board amounts to approximately $13,739,580. The projected costs exceed the allocations, but there are unspent capital funds available from previous years. There is also deferred revenue in the school renewal category in the amount of $4,791,2305 and capital allocations in the school conditions improvement category in the amount of $10,179.800.

The list of projects may be found here.

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Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024

This is Me survey results help NNDSB ensure equitable student outcomes

Data collected in the This is Me student demographic survey will help Near North District School Board (NNDSB) to identify and address systemic barriers and determine responsive programming and learning supports for all students.

At the NNDSB Board meeting on Tuesday night, System Principal of Student Well-Being and Equity Lisa Lamoureux, Principal of Student Achievement and Well-Being Chris Walkling and Data Analyst and System Planner Frank Albeartie presented the results of the This is Me survey, conducted in the spring of 2023. The census collects voluntary demographic student data that is used to identify, monitor and address inequities with respect to student outcomes.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, NNDSB collects demographic data to help identify groups of students being underserved to ensure that programs, supports, strategies, policies and teaching practices may be developed and revised. The data is used to honour students’ voices and learn more about their school experiences to be responsive to their needs.

Parents/guardians of students in JK to Grade 6 were asked to complete the survey with their child. In this group, there were 1,760 responses. There were 1,088 responses from students in Grades 7 and 8, and 1,221 responses from students in Grades 9-12.

Next steps for NNDSB will be determining how to use this information to promote inclusive and equitable learning environments and programs. The board will continue to ensure there are culturally responsive and relevant resources to support student learning, and that programs, supports, anti-racism and gender identity education are available for all students. Staff are actively working to ensure appropriate programs and supports are available, including anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism education, and continue to foster partnerships with community organizations to provide support to all student groups.

Helping in this endeavour will be the Grade 7 and 8 mental health modules that became part of the curriculum in September 2023. This is the second year the board has had Equity Coaches in schools to support equity learning with students and staff. Professional development is provided to coaches throughout the school year.

Additionally, Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and Learning and Innovation Fund for Teachers (LIFT) funds are being used to support equity learning and initiatives at school.

After the presentation, Director of Education Craig Myles thanked the presenters and stated, “The collection and analysis of data such as this is imperative in order to further our goals within the multi-year strategic plan (MYSP).”

More details about the census results can be found in this report in the Board agenda package.

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