Monday, April 29, 2024 

Conference Promotes School Emergency Preparedness 

Principals representing 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 – convened with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and North Bay Police Service (NBPS) for a Safe Schools Conference held on April 24 and 25 at the Best Western in North Bay. 

During the conference, the OPP and NBPS provided invaluable insights into board/police protocols, prioritizing emergency preparedness. Their contributions aimed at ensuring that school leaders are equipped with the most current information to effectively train staff in areas pertinent to emergency preparedness, including bomb threats and lockdown procedures. 

The Safe Schools Conference spanned two days and featured various sessions dedicated to student safety and well-being to over 125 participants. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from Constable Alison Haras, a member of the OPP’s Threat and Behaviour Analysis Team, and Constable Chris Fox from the Durham Regional Police, who shared insights on violence threat assessments. These assessments serve as crucial tools in bolstering violence prevention efforts both within our communities and educational institutions. Additionally, participants engaged in mental health training facilitated by School Mental Health Ontario resources. 

This initiative was spearheaded by Éric Foisy, Superintendent of Education at Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord. Foisy emphasized, “Ensuring safe schools isn’t merely a goal; it’s a fundamental promise to every student, parent, and educator. Our conference aimed to unite voices and strategies, establishing a comprehensive framework for fostering safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environments where every child can thrive.” 

All school boards express their gratitude to the OPP and NBPS for their invaluable support in disseminating this vital safety information to our local school leaders. 

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Wednesday, April 24, 2024

NNDSB’s literacy team receives national honour

Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) literacy team has been chosen as one of the recipients of the Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Awards by the Dyslexia Canada Board of Directors. The winners were officially announced on Tuesday.

The awards celebrate exceptional dedication within school communities in supporting students with dyslexia. According to Dyslexia Canada’s website, the award recognizes the contributions of a variety of school staff who showcase, “remarkable commitment and innovation in ensuring equitable education for students with dyslexia.”

The NNDSB literacy team – K-12 Student Achievement and Well-Being Principal, Stephen Krause, Lorianne Haslehurst, Amy Bartlett Gibson, Genive Di Bernardo, Lisa Rogers, Michael Watson and Rebekah Felsman – will be presented with a Literacy Leader Award at the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Ontario Literacy and Learning Conference in Toronto on Saturday.

In advance of the awards ceremony, K-12 Student Achievement and Well-Being Principal Stephen Krause said, “It is an honour to receive this acknowledgement from Dyslexia Canada, who continues to be at the forefront of supporting and leading literacy learning and work across the country. I am so very proud of the members of our literacy team and the collaboration they engage in alongside educators across our system every day. However, this award is also a recognition of our district and all who work in it, especially our K-12 educators as they dive deeper into their learning and work in school teams to make continual shifts in the literacy programming and delivery of instruction to meet the needs of all students most effectively.”

Award criteria includes commitment to dyslexia support, impact and results, collaborative approach and sustainability and scalability.

Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Melanie Gray said she was immensely proud of the work of the literacy team and was gratified to see them receive recognition by Dyslexia Canada.

“The work of this team is making news across the country, and I am happy to see them acknowledged for all the work they do to support their colleagues in furthering the board’s goal of student achievement and well-being,” said Gray.

Team member Genive Di Bernardo said, “The journey to literacy is not a solitary one and requires the collective, collaborative effort of educators, administrators, parents and communities … not to mention, students! We are grateful and proud to work in a district which continually challenges itself with this cause and champions this work. Personally, I’ve never before felt more empowered and prepared to teach children to read as I have through this work.”

Colleague Lorianne Haslehurst is grateful for the opportunity to do this work. “Being a part of the Near North literacy team has been the opportunity of a lifetime. As a literacy intervention teacher who taught during the days when we did not use evidence-based practices, my life was turned upside down (in the best way!) when I began to learn about how our brains learn to read and how to support students by learning how to explicitly teach foundational literacy skills.  Being able to work in a role where I can continue to deepen my knowledge of the science of reading be able to engage in this learning alongside educators is an incredibly rewarding experience.  There is a renewed energy in schools. As more teachers become immersed in this work, we see changes in our students’ confidence, attitudes towards reading and overall achievement. This is just the beginning. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a dedicated and impassioned team.

At this point in the school year, 94 per cent of schools have received direct support from literacy team members. The team has offered guidance and support for 8,977 Acadience reading screening assessments that have been administered by educators.

Among the initiatives of the literacy team to support their work is the creation and curation of an internal K-12 literacy site (which has been used by almost 600 different NNDSB educators), a literacy lending library to support educators, system professional development sessions, book clubs and engagement in literacy professional development to support the work across the district.

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Friday, April 12, 2024

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

International Baccalaureate program reviewed

Trustees received a report providing a five-year review of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program offered at Chippewa Secondary School.

NNDSB was authorized in 2014 to begin the IB program. The program started the next year, and in 2017 the first cohort of students graduated.

This is the second five-year review of the program. Of note is that 14 senior students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) were accommodated for exams. IB provides accommodations for students who have an IEP and related psychoeducational or medical documentation.

Languages spoken by students in the program include Afrikaans, English, French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Persian, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Urdu. Countries represented by attendance in the program include Brazil, China, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea, Nigeria, South Africa, Spain and Ukraine.

As a result of destreaming, the pre-IB program at Chippewa is now open to any student who considers themselves a good fit with the mission and vision of the IB, which has included an equity and inclusion focus.

There are four students being bused out of zone to attend the IB program, and 41 students who have previously attended an out of board school before attending Chippewa. There is also significant uptake in the program from new families from out of the country. There are more than 20 students in the program who are new to Canada.

Among the initiatives undertaken by Chippewa’s IB students for their service projects are a necessities collection for Ukraine, talent show fundraisers, mental health initiatives, mentoring younger students academically and musically, creating and displaying equity and inclusion murals and a female hygiene product collection. 

Surplus properties sold to Canadore College

In June 2023 the Board of Trustees approved a motion declaring the former E.W. Norman Public School and E.T. Carmichael Public School as surplus and that the properties be sold.

On Feb. 13, 2024, the Board approved two motions accepting offers from Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology for the purchases of both properties. The sale was completed on March 28, 2024.

The E.W. Norman site was purchased for $825,000 plus HST, and the E.T. Carmichael site was purchased for $650,000 plus HST.

Director’s report shines a spotlight on well-being

Director of Education Craig Myles submitted a written report to the Board. Included in his report were a number of events that spotlight student well-being. He made note of the students of Chippewa and West Ferris and their feeder schools who attended the second annual Jack Lyons Memorial Exhibition in a day of hockey that supported One Kids Place summer autism camp. This was a great day of hockey, fundraising and exhibiting school spirit for incoming Grade 7 students.

The report also highlighted the staffing crisis facing education, which is also affecting NNDSB. Demands on staff include Ministry of Education objectives that NNDSB is mandated to fulfil, closing COVID-19 gaps in learning, regenerating engagement, promoting consistent attendance, managing newly manifested student behavioural difficulties, keeping schools safe and clean and managing countless student reports and attendance.

Student Trustee Chen reports to Board

Student Trustee Dora Chen told trustees about accomplishments and activities of students across the district in her report.

Soccer and track and field have begun, and the tennis teams are preparing for NDA competitions. Secondary schools’ music programs are participating in the Kiwanis Music Festival this month. Secondary schools also celebrated World Theatre Days to celebrate their theatre and drama programs.

The Student Senators from each secondary school have been elected, and will be meeting on April 15 with incoming, transitioning and outgoing Student Senators.

Student Senate is working with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit on the Icelandic Youth Model for Prevention of Drug Use and Violence, and is creating posters and recording videos at the April 15 meeting.

In her work on the public cabinet in the Ontario Student Trustees Association (OSTA),  Student Trustee Chen has been developing a new resource for the OSTA website called My Student Trustees for incoming student trustees. It will include templates for motions, advice and tips , presentation templates, senate constitution examples and more. The project’s goal is to ensure that student trustees feel well-prepared for their roles.

Indigenous Student Trustee Benson reports to Board

Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson submitted a report on the activities of the Indigenous Youth Circle to the Board.

At Chippewa, students are having bi-weekly moccasin making workshops, and welcomed Woodland Public School students to make drumsticks. Students are also planning powwow dancing workshops in advance of the May powwow. Students are also learning drumming.

At Northern Secondary School, students are holding drumming lessons, beading workshops, ribbon skirt/shirt making workshops and wampum bracelet making sessions. These students are also preparing for their upcoming powwow and round dance, received teachings about the four medicines, and are planning the setting up of their new tipi.

F.J. McElligott students are planning activities for National Indigenous People’s Day and have had teachers speak about appreciation versus appropriation to students. Students are also brainstorming ideas for the next necessities drive.

At Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, students are planning for National Indigenous People’s Day, and are preparing for the moosehide campaign and to go to a few museums.

West Ferris students were able to see the Witness Blanket, and spoke about including Grades 7 and 8 students in their weekly meetings to give them an idea of what IYC is. Students are also planning upcoming events like sweat lodge teachings, the end of the year collaboration with the Friendship Centre and the moosehide campaign.

All IYC members who are interested in the Indigenous Student Trustee position for 2024-2025 were to put their names forward in advance of the group’s April 15 meeting, when an election will be held.

Trustees will be addressing dire HR crisis

After heart-felt discussions with union leaders in the committee of the whole meeting, Trustees approved a motion to send a letter to the Minister of Education and the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) to support staff and advocate for relief measures to alleviate critical staffing shortages.

In the absence of the Director of Education, Superintendent Gay Smylie read Myles’ comments on the issue, which is affecting school boards across the province. In the report, Myles noted, “Across the province, staffing shortages are occurring all employee groups of the education sector including but not limited to, bus drivers, office and operational staff, custodial staff, educational assistants, early childhood educators, and educational assistants, teachers, administrators, varied support staff, mental health and special education experts. This issue impacts student safety, day-to-day operations, quality of education, access to education, implementation of ministry initiatives and overall well-being of students, parents, families, and staff across the system. The burden has far-reaching implications as all staff attempt to mitigate circumstances amongst increased public scrutiny and demands for data from a growing variety of sources.”

The report also noted staff are making heroic efforts to ensure the quality of care and engagement in learning that students deserve, despite situations that threaten burnout and an increase in emerging student behaviours. They support their peers and students with “grit and grace”.

In response to a question, Smylie told the Board that support must come from the Ministry of Education, and that as occasional teachers run out of the number of days they are allowed to work, the situation will become critical.

Addressing the issue on behalf of staff were union presidents Rob Hammond,

Parker Robinson, Troy Simkins and Margaret Soroye, and Chair of NNDSB’s Principals’ Council Sean Ruddy.

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next Board meeting.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

NNDSB Board Chair Erika Lougheed resigns as trustee

The resignation of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) Chair and Zone 2 Trustee Erika Lougheed was announced at last night’s Board meeting. Vice-Chair, Indigenous Trustee Ashley St. Pierre, who chaired last night’s meeting, is now the Board’s Interim Chair.

Interim Chair St. Pierre made the announcement during open session of the Board meeting.

“I would like to take this time to thank Erika for her dedicated service and commitment to us. She has made invaluable contributions to our board and will be missed,” said Acting Chair St. Pierre.

NNDSB is fortunate to have the experience of Interim Chair St. Pierre, who is the Education Director at Moose Deer Point First Nation.

“To ensure a seamless transition and adherence to the Education Act I have requested Director Myles to provide us with a written report outlining the steps in this process,” said Interim Chair St. Pierre. “He will be submitting that shortly. I will be requesting a Special Board meeting to review that report for decision and also where we can appoint an interim vice-chair.”

In the absence of a trustee, residents of Zone 2 should contact the board office at 705-472-8170 and speak with the receptionist as needed until a new trustee is in place.

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Wednesday, April 10, 2024

NNDSB and OSSTF education workers ratify new collective agreement

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) District 4 Educational Student Support Professional (ESSP) Unit representing education assistants, designated early childhood educators and professional student services personnel members, have ratified a four-year local collective agreement covering the period from Sept. 1, 2022 to Aug. 31, 2026.

“OSSTF District 4 ESSP BU is pleased to announce that both OSSTF and NNDSB ratified a new four-year collective agreement, allowing OSSTF ESSP members to continue supporting students, while addressing the working conditions of our members,” said Troy Simkins, president of OSSTF District 4 ESSP BU. Simkins 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 Board is grateful that the negotiation teams have been able to achieve this collective agreement,” said NNDSB Interim Chair Ashley St. Pierre. “The work these staff members do every day is vital to creating safe, caring and supportive educational environments for our students.”

Director of Education Craig Myles said the ratification of the four-year collective agreement means that “the valuable work of education workers and their contribution to supporting the pillars of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) will continue. NNDSB is appreciative of the efforts to achieve this agreement.”

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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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