March 15, 2021
Evergreen Heights Education Centre students in Mr. McMurray’s Grade 4/5 class recently explored the forces of tension and compression when building bridges.
Students were tasked to use the technological problem-solving skills to design, build, and test a frame structure (e.g., a bridge, a tower) that would withstand the application of an external force. Blake and Avery designed a bridge that was so strong it was able to hold up Mr. McMurray’s truck!
Way to go, students!
March 12, 2021
Students at Parry Sound High School are receiving additional help in math and literacy thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Parry Sound.
Fundraising efforts by the Rotary Club have allowed for a donation of $15,000 for online tutoring services. Math, literacy, and tutoring for success are just some of the opportunities available for students needing extra support in those areas.
Operated by the school’s student services department, students are tutored by qualified individuals. Students who were previously struggling in their classes were able to pass them and receive the class credit thanks to the tutoring service.
“Parry Sound High School is very thankful that the Rotary Club of Parry Sound identified a need for our students early on in the pandemic,” said Parry Sound High School Principal Dawn Buckland. “In doing so, the Rotary Club of Parry Sound has provided support to bridge learning gaps for many of our students through free tutoring.”
The service has helped at least eight students achieve and exceed their goals, with more students expected to join. One student, who was not struggling in their class, wanted to increase their grade beyond a 70 per cent and they were able to do that thanks to the additional supports.
Rotary Club of Parry Sound member Karen Cox said “Our Rotary Club is dedicated to helping our community meet unexpected needs during the COVID pandemic. We knew our local Parry Sound High School students were struggling with the challenges of learning online and in school at this time.”
Cox added “We acquired enough funding to underwrite an online tutoring program to assist those most in need. We reached out to the caring staff at PSHS so they could help get the program up and going. We believe the program has been gaining traction and will hopefully meet our intent that no student will lose a year of learning due to COVID.”
This isn’t the first act of generosity from the Rotary Club of Parry Sound. Earlier this year, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) was able to offer support for purchasing healthy snacks for at-home learners through grocery gift cards thanks to the Rotary Club.
Whether students learn remotely or in-class, a nutritious breakfast and snacks are imperative to learning. NNDSB has offered a robust nutrition program in the form of snack and/or breakfast programs to students for years in all school. These programs allow students to choose a variety of healthy foods each day while at school. The support of the Rotary Club has allowed NNDSB to expand on that program to include at-home learners.
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Parry Sound for your continued generosity to NNDSB schools, students, and their families.
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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:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca
March 9, 2021
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:
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
Since the onset of COVID-19, cleaning measures have been strengthened at all Near North District School Board (NNDSB) buildings – measures that have kept COVID-19 numbers low in board schools.
Deb Lamb, an NNDSB facilities supervisor says custodians are frequently cleaning high-touch and high traffic areas in their buildings, in addition to increasing the concentration of cleaning disinfectant solution.
“We’ve really upped the disinfectant. We have peroxide disinfectant that we use on door handles, walls, push plates, push bars, light switches, desks, sinks, taps, toilets, stalls.”
Lamb added that custodians are actively cleaning commonly touched items and constantly monitoring the cleanliness of the building throughout the school day because preventative measures are key in keeping everyday viruses along with COVID-19 from spreading.
“Custodians are really the first line in keeping our children from being sick.”
Director of Education Craig Myles said, “Our custodians play a vital role in maintaining a safe environment for students, staff, and the community. Each day custodians come into work, ensuring that health and safety remain top of mind. Without their dedication, our facilities would not be in a condition to support a safe teaching and learning environment. Thank you for keeping our schools a safe place to learn.”
In comparison to other school boards and regions in Ontario, the number of COVID-19 positive cases in NNDSB schools has been very low. Jason Mirtl, NNDSB’s acting Manager of Plant and Facilities says this is in part to the outstanding job the custodians are doing each day.
“It really does speak volumes of the great work that our custodians are doing every day to meet enhanced sanitizing requirements for the safety of staff and students. The custodial staff have played a vital role in preventing further spread.”
As additional prevention measures, each NNDSB school has hand sanitizer located at every entrance and exit. When students enter the building in the morning and after recess, staff ensure students are wearing their masks and sanitizing their hands.
Upon entry to schools, students and staff are greeted by information posters and signage on safe practices to be followed to ensure the safety of all. Also, in the schools are appropriately placed directional arrows on the floor to ensure a safe and physically distanced traffic flow.
Though students and staff should not attend school when they are not feeling well, schools have an isolation area if people become unwell during the day. When that area has been occupied, it is immediately rendered unusable until a thorough cleaning has taken place, including the walls.
In the event of a positive COVID-19 case(s) associated with someone within the school community, additional custodians are brought to that school to help with a thorough sanitization of the building. The process includes washing down every chair and every desk in the affected room(s), all washrooms are washed from top to bottom and all touch points are sanitized – push bars, light switches, doorknobs, pencil sharpeners, doors, etc.
While the COVID-19 virus is new and easily transmitted, these enhanced cleaning measures have been implemented for years. Any time a school had an outbreak of pink eye or another communicable disease, an enhanced cleaning protocol was enacted by custodians.
“Our custodians really take health and safety seriously to provide a safe environment for students and staff,” said Lamb.
March 3, 2021
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 itTR. In this venture, the three students are learning various aspects of starting a business from legalities, accounting, manufacturing, prototyping, distribution, and marketing.
Qube itTR, 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
March 3, 2021
Mapleridge Public School students, in various grades, have been learning about customs and traditions of the past, how they can be enjoyed in the present and come to understand their purpose and relevance.
Last week, students were introduced to a game called Snow Snake, a traditional Iroquois winter sport dating back hundreds of years. Historically, the games were played when the men of the villages returned from their annual hunting trip. Snow snakes are hand-made from a flattened or carved piece of wood. The object of the game is to throw the snow snake the farthest distance along a smooth trough made in the snow.
With a combination of history learning and physical education, students have encompassed collaborative education, and exploring differing life experiences in a hands-on way they are sure to remember!
March 2, 2021
Mme Pearson’s Grade 5 French immersion class at Sunset Park Public School were joined virtually by Ms. Erica Kataquapit of Omushkegowuk Cree First Nation, who taught students about Wampum Belts, The Tree of Peace and their importance to the Haudenosaunee.
Students also learned about treaties and the agreements that provide the foundations for ongoing cooperation and partnership as we move forward together to advance reconciliation.
Kinana’skomitin Ms. Kataquapit!
March 1, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians,
NNDSB is pleased to share the following Child Care Viability Survey for 2021-2022. This short survey will help determine the number of child care programs that operate for school-aged children (ages 3.8-12 years).
The survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/childcareneeds2021-2022. If you require a paper copy of the survey, please contact your child’s school.
The Child Care Viability Survey is open from March 1 to March 12, 2021.
Child Care Needs Survey 2021 Poster EN-FR (1)
Child Care Needs Survey 2021 Poster FR-EN
Thank you,
Near North District School Board
March 1, 2021
Social Work Week is celebrated annually in Ontario during the first week of March.
NNDSB recognizes our dedicated social work team and their contributions to achieving mental health and well-being across our district.
With over 20,000 Registered Social Workers in Ontario, they play an essential role in the overall mental health and well-being of individuals in our communities.
This year’s Social Work Week theme is “You are Not Alone”. Resources can be found on the Ontario Association of Social Workers’ website: www.oasw.org/socialworkweek.
Happy Social Work Week!
The Grade 11/12 construction students at F.J. McElligott Secondary School are well on their way to constructing houses, well miniature versions that is.
Students are learning all about the design and construction of a house by making their own small versions. Starting with framing the floors, students then move onto constructing the walls, roofs, and finish with cedar shake shingles and wood siding.
The learning opportunities experienced by the students in this fun project are multi-curricular. Along with building, there is a strong sense of literacy through reading plans and numeracy through measurement and calculations. Some students even chose to customize their houses and finish them off with a fresh coat of paint.
Excellent work, students!
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)