Near North District School Board

Letter to families: Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing available during spring break

By

April 12, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Further to Friday’s communication about asymptomatic COVID-19 testing during Spring Break, there are also a select number of pharmacies conducting these tests.

As of this afternoon, the government website does not list the pharmacies, but the pharmacies that are participating are the same ones noted in the March 31 letter to families.

Pharmacies

COVID-19 rapid antigen testing is available for students, children and staff at participating pharmacies, which can be found below. To book an appointment for a rapid antigen test, please call one of the participating locations.

  • No Frills/Loblaws – Sturgeon Falls (705) 753-5850
  • Shoppers Drug Mart – 66 Josephine Street, North Bay (705) 497-8542
  • Shoppers Drug Mart – 276 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay (705) 476-3244
  • Shoppers Drug Mart – 2025 Cassells Street, North Bay (705) 474-8200
  • Shoppers Drug Mart – 90 Bowes Street, Parry Sound (705) 746-2932

Please see the linked letter/consent form and bring a printed copy of the consent form on the day of the test.

Thank you.

Near North District School Board

Letter to Families: Access to COVID-19 testing during Spring Break

By

April 9, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Before the Spring Break begins, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) would like to inform you of opportunities to access COVID-19 testing during the break.

Asymptomatic targeted testing assessment centres will be available to students and staff in the community.

  • April 12-18, students, children, and staff will have access to asymptomatic testing at local assessment centres.
  • Children attending child care located within schools, and child care staff, will also be eligible to access this testing.
  • To book an appointment, visit the COVID-19 Testing Locations website, and select “assessment centre” as your location type, with the booking details requested.

Thank you again for all your efforts to keep our schools safe. Together we can help to keep ourselves and our communities safe and healthy.

Take care and stay safe.

Thank you,

Near North District School Board

Letter to families: Health advice for the spring break

By

April 8, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for continuing to follow the public health and safety measures that have kept schools open and safe for students and staff. It is our collective effort that continues to ensure your children can learn in the classroom.

As per recent announcements, the province has implemented a province-wide shutdown for four weeks in response to worsening trends in key health indicators across the province.

The mental health and well-being of children continue to be a key government priority and schools will remain open for in-person learning through the provincial emergency and stay-at-home order. The Spring Break will continue as planned, from April 12-16, and schools will reopen for in-person learning on April 19.

In light of the recently announced measures, it is more important than ever that we continue to follow health advice over the Spring Break to do our part to keep schools open, for in-person student learning.

At this critical point in the pandemic, the following public health measures are crucial to help prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19:

– Socialize with only your own household.

– Stay home and get tested if you feel ill.

– Participate in the targeted testing offered by NNDSB.

– Screen every day, including during Spring Break, for COVID-19 symptoms before attending child care (the COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening Tool is available to assist families with symptom screening).

– Practice good hand hygiene habits, masking, and physical distancing.

– Refer to Ontario.ca/covidresponse to learn what public health measures are in place in our community.

– Refrain from travelling.

During the Spring Break, students in Grades 1-8 can continue to engage in their own learning through supplemental, curriculum-linked activities available at TVO Learn and TFO IDÉLLO, apprendre à la maison. These rich, engaging opportunities allow students to keep up with their learning and interests. Secondary students can continue to access TVO’s Independent Learning Centre (ILC) Open House and Portes ouvertes pour les cours TVO ILC in French-language

Mathify English) and Eureka! (French) are also available to provide one-on-one online tutoring services for elementary and secondary students. Mathify covers online math tutoring in English for Grades 6 to 10 and Eureka! supports all subjects for French-language students in Grades 1 to 12.

For the week of April 12-18, pharmacies that currently offer testing and assessment centres across the province will accept appointments from students and education staff for asymptomatic testing. The Ministry of Education will be working with school boards to offer school-based clinics. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this testing capacity to have their children tested to support a safe return to school on April 19. Children attending child care, and childcare staff, will also be eligible to access this testing.

As a reminder, before coming back to school on April 19, you must screen for COVID-19 symptoms. If your child or anyone in your household is ill, stay home and follow the guidance in the school screener.

By following public health advice, we can all enjoy a safe Spring Break and continue to support in-person learning in our schools.

Have a safe, fun and restful break.

Thank you,

Near North District School Board

Letter to families: Schools to remain open during stay-at-home order

By

April 7, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This afternoon the Government of Ontario announced that in an effort to combat the rising number of COVID-19 cases, a state of emergency has been declared, and stay-at-home orders have been imposed across the province effective 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, April 8, 2021.

The announcement does not include the closure of schools. At this time, staff and students who are working and attending school in-person will continue to do so.

NNDSB will continue to monitor this situation and will advise families of changes that affect education.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Letter to Families: NNDSB masks free of nanoform graphene

By

April 7, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In the past few weeks, news of the health risks associated with the use of face masks containing nanoform graphene has been circulating.

In response to a Health Canada advisory, Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) health and safety team reviewed the technical specifications of the masks provided to the board by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and in the board’s current inventory. The team has determined that none of NNDSB’s mask supply contains nanoform graphene.

All masks that have been provided by NNDSB to staff and to students who have forgotten their masks are free of this material and are safe for use. The board’s team will respond to any issues that may impact the health and safety of staff and students. All are encouraged to continue to use board-provided personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with current policy and procedure.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Letter to Families: Ontario government announces new COVID-19 funding for families

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Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Ontario government has announced a new round of funding that will double the Ontario COVID-19 Child Benefit. Parents and guardians will receive $400 per child aged 0 to Grade 12 and $500 per child and youth aged 21 years or younger with special needs to help offset additional learning costs during COVID-19.

Parents and guardians of students who received a payment through the Support for Learners program do not need to apply for the additional payment. The government will issue payments beginning April 26, 2021, in the same manner in which Support for Learners funding was received.

If you missed applying for this, applications will be open from May 3 to May 17, 2021.

Only one parent may apply for the funding, and the person should have custody of the child.

Children, youth or students are eligible if they attend a publicly funded school, attend a private school, attend a First Nation operated or federally operated school, attend school in-person or online, are homeschooled, are enrolled in child care or are at home.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Humphrey Public School students embark on community nature trails project

By

April 6, 2021

Humphrey Public School students embark on community nature trails project

 

Grade 6 students at Humphrey Public School have been involved in an exciting project. In collaboration with Whispering River Music and Seguin Township, students have embarked on an art project for the local community to reflect on how COVID-19 has impacted their lives.

“We started by reflecting on the emotions that have arisen during this time. Next, we discussed our experiences, and from there we brainstormed 12 questions that might encourage others to reflect on their experiences,” said teacher Pam Moorhouse.

Some of the questions included:

  • Where have you found joy this year?
  • Have you been angry?
  • What are you grateful for?
  • What have you lost? What have you found?
  • How has COVID affected your life?

After brainstorming questions, students spent time sketching, while listening to local musicians Brenda Muller (cello) and Zach Louch (bass) play music that was inspired by the student’s questions (through Microsoft Teams). The pair are music teachers at Whispering River Music.

Brenda led the students through some conversations around the importance of humans sharing stories to help them get through difficult times. She will be coming back to help the students compose music inspired by their art!

Students picked a question to focus on and created an art response. These pieces were painted onto wooden signs that the students put in the woods on the Humphrey Nature Trails across the street. The community is encouraged to add their artistic responses.

This project is the first part of a bigger Creative Communities project that Whispering River Music has embarked upon.

The Creative Communities project is based on an old storyteller’s saying: When you tell one story, you should always tell two. That way the stories will lean on each other. The public is invited to paint their stories on wood and to let their stories “lean” on the students’ stories. In many ways, communities are comprised of stories that lean on each other to create a shared cultural experience. It is our hope that the practice of leaning stories on each other will create a River of Community through the forest to support us all in difficult times.

Historically, humanity has created art to help communities and individuals transcend, persevere and endure. In keeping with that tradition, students reviewed the archaeological find of Cave Art near Lascaux, France, where 17,000-year-old paintings were discovered, that have been inspired by the paintings of even earlier artists. The paintings, like stories leaning on each other, are layered and nestled into the walls of the cave.

Perhaps the most compassionate image from the Lascaux Caves is that of many hands outstretched on the cave wall, created by painting over the artists’ hands and leaving a silhouette imprint. Whispering River Music and Humphrey Public School are inviting contributors to sign their story-art pieces with a silhouette of their hands on the back of their boards. In this way, their hands can join hands with the hands painted so long ago, and with those of the students.

Students and staff at Humphrey Public School would like to thank Gray’s Paint and Flooring, Ryan Wettlaufer and Cornerstone Carpentry for the donation of materials.

“Stay tuned…other classes are going to be adding their art and music to this ever-evolving project soon,” exclaimed Moorhouse.

This project has been funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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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

Letter to Families: Schools to remain open after long weekend

By

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This afternoon the provincial government announced a four-week shutdown in the Province of Ontario as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 3 in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19.

The announcement places more restrictions on aspects of business operation but does not affect education. Schools will re-open after the Easter long weekend for students who are learning in-person.

These are challenging times for all of us, and we appreciate your support and patience. NNDSB’s website has a COVID-19 updates page where you will find board and local health unit updates, as well as links to provincial information.

Updates are also posted on our social media accounts; you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Meet NNDSB’s mental health and well-being department

By

Child and social workerLooking after one’s mental health and well-being goes hand-in-hand with learning. Located in all regions of the board, there are professional and dedicated staff available for students and staff alike.

Near North District School Board (NNDSB)’s mental health team is comprised of a mental health lead, social workers, child development counsellors or commonly known as youth counsellors, brief and attendance counsellors, Indigenous youth and family outreach workers, and mental health and addictions nurses.

All of these professionals interact with educators, students, parents/guardians and community partners to deliver mental health promotion, prevention, group services and brief intervention services within all regions of the board’s 34 schools. The team’s overarching goal is to create circles of care around students in support of their academic achievement and helping them reach their fullest potential.

Most, if not all departments and services offered in the education sector have, at one point or another during COVID-19, strategized and re-imagined how services and educational learning are administered. Mental health services are no different.

Sue Lessard, NNDSB’s mental health lead, outlines how their services have adapted and enhanced services for students.

“Our team is better connected. We can quickly consult with each other on a daily basis. Connecting with a student virtually not only saves time, but also offers faster and enhanced supports for that student,” says Lessard. Since it can be done remotely, many students seem to prefer this method. “Depending on the student, face-to-face can be awkward for them so some students really like online, on the phone or even texting,” she adds. Lessard notes it’s important to know what platforms students engage on to better support their individual needs to building that trust connection.

“The ability to connect with students virtually has helped and made our services more accessible,” says fellow social worker Steven Spack.

Lessard adds the team works closely with the student’s school to develop a circle of care plan to help support that student.

“When we develop a plan, it’s also thinking how can that teacher support the student in the class and discussing with the principal how the school culture can incorporate social and emotional learning to enhance that student’s experience,” says Lessard.

In addition to assisting students on a regular basis, the social workers also handle crisis situations where a student may be struggling and need additional supports and resources.

Part of their role as social workers is to work hand-in-hand with community partners, including if a student is being discharged from hospital.

“We connect with the social worker at the hospital as part of discharge planning and how we can support that student. If needed, we connect with that student as a follow-up,” says Spack.

Lessard says COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of mental health and highlighted the need for supports for everyone. “I am very proud of our social work team. They have responded to this crisis with energy, enthusiasm, and hard work” she says.

The mental health team has created campaigns and challenges to help students with their mind, body, and soul. One of the campaigns is called Thrive in a Hive. Lessard notes there will be new challenges coming, and asks people to watch for them on Instagram @NNDSBsupports.

As part of NNDSB’s mental health services team, Child Development Counsellors are located in the schools.

In elementary schools, Child Development Counsellors provide supports such as: social-emotional skill teaching in targeted evidence-based group programs that build skills in emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, coping, and stress management; mood management; problem-solving, and peer relationships. Student wellness is the focus of using strength-based approaches to build resiliency in all of our students.

In the intermediate and secondary schools, students can access walk-in counselling provided in all the high schools. These counselling services include a focus on teaching problem solving, stress, and mood management, developing a positive mindset and communication skills. The counsellors address a variety of concerns ranging from low mood, managing anxiety and stress, complying with parental and academic expectations, drug misuse and suicidal thoughts and urges to self-harm.

All NNDSB counsellors are trained in screening for suicide risk and are well versed in pathways to additional care when required.

Located at West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS), Sue Beaulieu is one of the many dedicated counsellors. She has been in her position at WFSS for seven years. “Here at West Ferris, I have a very supportive administration and I feel very lucky to have such a great staff to work with,” she says.

Developing and maintaining that trust with students is important for Beaulieu and that includes the location of her office.

“Having my office located in the guidance and attendance office opposed to closer to the administration is important in building that trust in a way to not confuse students and build that connection,” she says.

In addition to supports students, Beaulieu is also there for the staff.

“Supporting staff is part of my role because if I can help a teacher with their own mental well-being (that) will benefit the students as well,” she says.

One of the favourite parts of Beaulieu’s job is being there for the students and helping them through their challenges.

“Having the student in my office and sharing personal information with me is an honour. The fact that they trust me to share their thoughts and feelings with and being that one person that they can trust,” she says.

When a student comes in for the first time and they seem apprehensive about talking, Beaulieu’s caring and compassionate skillset allows for that trust connection to be developed. Some of the students may only need to come in once or twice, but others make it a regular visit to share some things that they are having a difficult time with.

“We’re here to listen and being there for the student in that moment. Sometimes I don’t even try to sort through the problems until the second or third session because they just have so much to share.” Beaulieu says that as counsellors it’s not them who solve the problems, it’s the students. “A lot of the time I will have a student thank me for solving their problems and my response is always ‘I didn’t solve your problem, you did.’ I was just there to encourage, listen, and possibly provide more resources. It’s the individual who works through their challenges.”

Reflecting on previous interactions with students, Beaulieu says students have come back years later to say she literally saved their life.

“When they come back with the exact date and say ‘when I came in to see you, you saved my life.’ That makes me a bit emotional,” Beaulieu expressed. “Feeling like I’ve made that connection and had a positive impact on their life is an honour and privilege.”

To learn more about mental health services at NNDSB, visit the board website.

Letter to Parents and Community Partners

By

April 1, 2021

To our Parents and Community Partners,

This year has affected the lives of people around the globe. Our points of reference changed overnight. We were forced to modify instantly our habits and discover a new norm for work, school, and living. Through this collective experience, we’re all discovering new strength.

We would like to acknowledge the fortitude of our Near North District school board team. Each member works tirelessly, aligning their collective energy and skills to meet the needs of our student and partners. They do whatever it takes to get the job done.

As we plan for the 2021/22 school year, we do so faced with many unknowns. What we do know is that the mental wellness of your children will be paramount and it will be “all hands on deck” at the Near North District School Board to support every student in closing any gaps of the past year due to COVID disruptions in learning. We will continue to support you and your children to engage in learning with us where social, emotional, physical and cognitive aspects are nurtured. We are currently planning for the return to school. This planning will include a plan for in class as well as virtual learning should COVID restrictions require it, but we are hopeful that we will be able to return to the physical properties. NNDSB will communicate more thoroughly about the return to school in 2021/22 in the near future.

To our families and partners, we know how extraordinary these times are for you. We believe solidarity will help us get through this together. Despite the evolving situation and regular shifts in the way we all live and do business, the Near North Team has confidently adapted, always keeping our community’s wellbeing in mind. Our number one priority is to continue to provide excellence in achievement and wellbeing for all.

Our firm commitment to our families and community partners remains. We are extremely honoured to serve and partner with you.

Jay Aspin                                                                   Craig Myles

Chair of the Board                                                   Director of Education

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)

Connect With Us

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