Dear NNDSB Families,

As we come to the end of this unprecedented school year, we want to thank our students and families for their support and understanding during school closures. Our staff worked extremely hard to provide engaging and relevant learning to support our students. Regardless of what September will bring, we know that all of our students have the foundation to learn and thrive next year.

To all our graduates and their families, congratulations! It was great to see the students and families at their virtual graduations and to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates. We want to congratulate all students, in the Near North District School Board for their resilience and continued commitment to learning.

We continue to work diligently on our continuity of learning plan including the return to learning in the fall. Updates will be posted at www.nearnorthschools.ca.

Have a wonderful summer. Take care of yourselves and each other and stay healthy.

Craig Myles                                                               Jay Aspin
Director of Education                                             Chair, Board of Trustees

Congratulations to the NNDSB employees who will be retiring at the end of this year. We thank you for your hard work and dedication to our students, families and school communities. Congratulations also to those employees who have dedicated 25 years of service in the Near North District School Board (NNDSB).

This year has presented our employees with unexpected challenges. All NNDSB employees, including school administration, educators, and support staff, worked tirelessly using creativity and innovation to support our students in their educational and emotional journey.

Unfortunately, one of the challenges that came to light now is that due to the current social and physical distancing restrictions and health and safety requirements to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we are unable to celebrate our employees as we traditionally would have.

We recognize that the work of those who have dedicated 25 years of service and the NNDSB retirees is invaluable to our students and our system.

Congratulations on your milestone accomplishment. Thank you for your years of hard work and dedication to the Near North District School Board family.

Craig Myles                                                   Jay Aspin
Director of Education                                  Chair, Board of Trustees

In June, we celebrate PRIDE.  This is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and raise awareness about the rich culture and history of LGBTQ+ communities. It is important that all our students and staff feel safe and have a sense of belonging within the schools of the NNDSB.  While celebrations need to happen virtually this year, PRIDE month continues to provide opportunities for celebrating and learning about LGBTQ+ communities!

During Pride Month, we encourage staff, students, families and our communities to spend some time learning about the many achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ communities in addition to learning about their history, trials and tribulations.​​

June is National Indigenous History Month. Each June, Canadians are invited to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples by taking part in National Indigenous History Month learning and events. National Indigenous Peoples History Month is a time to acknowledge our history, to honour Indigenous heritage and to celebrate Indigenous cultures. It also represents an opportunity to reflect on the strength of present-day First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, and their hopes for the future.

National Indigenous Peoples Day occurs on June 21.  This day represents an opportunity annually for all of us to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nation, Metis and Inuit People.  This is especially significant for many Indigenous communities as this date is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Please celebrate with us!

https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/programs/indigenous-education

To learn more about National Indigenous History Month, please visit the Government of Canada website at the link below:

https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512

Every year as part the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) asks our schools to nominate students who exude good citizenship, along with understanding and acceptance of human differences and individual qualities.

Please click on their name below to learn more about how they have made a difference this year. Congratulations!!!

Mikaila Kimball & Alistair McPherson - Chippewa Secondary School

Liam Compton - E.W. Norman Public School

Julia Synott - Phelps Public School

Cody Patterson - Mattawa District Public School

Alexis Kreutz - Mattawa District Public School

In past years, nominated students have been invited to a celebration hosted by the Multicultural Centre entitled “The Evening of Applause.” Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the Evening of Applause will not be proceeding as planned this year. Therefore, to honour all of the award recipients, we will be sending them a printed version of the plaque with a nomination write-up. An official plaque will be forwarded to the school where it will be displayed.

In response to facility closures, in collaboration with YMCAs across the country, the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario launched YMCA at Home as a free virtual YMCA, connecting people to fitness classes, children’s programs, and personal wellness resources.  Now, with the Near North District School Board and the Rainbow District School Board as early adopters, the YMCA has launched YGym, an online platform for families and school boards to experience virtual physical activity programming which can be offered as a resource to their educators and students as a part of their school’s e-learning platform.

YGym is instructed by a YMCA certified fitness coach and features content based on YMCA Canada's Health & Fitness programs and Canada's Physical Activity Guidelines. With activities designed to complement physical education, the YMCA has made this resource available for schools to use for free.

The YMCA is a charity serving our communities for over 160 years. During these unprecedented times, the Y needs your help more than ever to be able to serve those most in need in our community. Donations will continue to be accepted during this pause of YMCA programs.  Click here to make your gift and help the YMCA continue supporting those in need.

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind and body with a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community.