Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

New Chair and Vice-chair elected at NNDSB’s annual organizational meeting

The annual organizational meeting of the Board of Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) last night saw a change in leadership at the Board.

Zone 1 Trustee Jay Aspin, who returned to the Board in September following a trustee resignation, was elected as Chair. He was nominated by Trustee John Arkwright, who noted Chair Aspin’s long record of public service, including two decades with the school board.

In his address, Chair Aspin thanked out-going Chair Ashley St. Pierre for her work over the past 18 months. He said he is “humbled” by having the responsibility of being Chair of NNDSB, and acknowledged the challenges ahead are “unlike we have ever faced before.”

He referenced the 15 binding directions placed on NNDSB by the Ministry of Education, adding, “they’re not suggestions. They are directions – firm and necessary. A call to action to regain public trust and confidence.”

Aspin stated that he would not shy away from the responsibility, and “will lead with clarity, courage and collaboration,” treating the directions not as a burden, but as an opportunity. Working as a strong team, Aspin said the Board’s vision must be bold and needs to ensure every decision reflects the best interests of students, stabilizes and restores confidence in governance and leadership, strengthens accountability to the public, embraces transparency and promotes unity among trustees, staff and families, “because divided boards cannot deliver strong schools”.

Zone 1 Trustee Bill Steer was elected to the role of Vice-Chair. He was nominated by Trustee Krista Messenger, who noted Steer’s deep ties to public education and his breadth of experience. Messenger noted that Steer has contributed to NNDSB and Ontario public education steadily, working on parent engagement, the board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan, contributing as an active Director with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) and personally mentoring new trustees.

The new Chair and Vice-chair will serve for the fourth and final year of the Board’s four-year term. The 2022-2026 Board of Trustees is composed of these trustees.

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Friday, Oct. 24, 2025

Student-led anti-vape campaign draws a crowd

Students at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School (AHSS) recently launched their student-led anti-vaping campaign with a lunchtime barbecue, featuring free food, games, activities, and the unveiling of a student-built anti-vape gazebo.

The student-led initiative is an evolution of the school’s​​​​ anti-vaping measures, which began more than two years ago with the installation of vape detectors, student education and staff training.

AHSS Principal Heather Hickey said the event was held to celebrate the incredible work and ideas of students who contributed to the construction of the anti-vape gazebo and the organization of the anti-vaping campaign.

More than 600 students participated in the school-wide extended lunch barbecue, enjoying great food, fun, and community spirit. The celebration featured a variety of student-requested games and activities, including frisbees, footballs, washer toss, ladder toss, tetherball, and art stations. The event also saw around 50 vapes collected from students in exchange for cessation tools like suckers and gum.

“The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has been a vital partner in our efforts to address vaping in schools,” said Hickey. “From the initial installation of vape detectors, they supported us by providing educational resources for students and parents, attending school events and parent-teacher nights to raise awareness about addiction and the health impacts of vaping. In our second year, they continued their support as we piloted the Zeptive app, an initiative aimed at helping students who want to quit vaping,” she said.

Thanks to many community partners, including the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, students were given a green light to design and build the gazebo under the guidance of construction teacher Carter Schaffner. The gazebo will act as the gathering point for lunchtime activities.

Hickey said all the hard work is paying off, noting that staff have seen a noticeable decline in the number of students leaving school property to vape compared to previous years. She said the improvement is supported by proactive communication between the administration team and incoming Grade 9 families, helping to educate and set expectations early.

Additionally, stronger relationships between staff and students have fostered open conversations about vaping, including support for those looking to reduce or quit. These positive connections have contributed to a more informed and health-conscious student body.

“Student participation is key in all of the steps along the way; it gives students pride in having an active role in contributing to the ideas as vapers and non-vapers. When students help create the messaging, it resonates more with their peers,” Hickey said. “They understand the language, the culture, and the real-life contexts in which vaping happens. This makes the campaign more relatable and impactful.”

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Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025.

Board receives JK-12 Parry Sound build update 

Trustees received a report with updates about the status of the JK-12 Parry Sound school.

Although the occupancy date is not confirmed, progress is being made in construction, safety compliance and regulatory approvals. Specifics can be found in the report.

In his comments to the Board of Trustees, Director of Education Craig Myles noted that to keep all stakeholders and rightsholders informed with the same information, this report, like all JK-12 Parry Sound build updates, can be found on the Parry Sound build page.

Revised suicide risk management AG for consultation

NNDSB’s suicide risk management administrative guideline (AG) has been revised, and the draft AG is available on the website for consultation.

The guideline had not been updated since 2018, and reflects updated training and materials. The revised AG has been streamlined to ensure that all staff and members of the public will be able to locate the most up-to-date information from the website.

The draft revised guideline will begin its 30-day consultation.

Director’s report to the Board

The Director of Education’s report to the Board of Trustees included acknowledging the Indigenous Education Team, which provided a virtual Truth and Reconciliation learning session for all NNDSB students and staff on Monday, Sept. 29.

The Safe Schools team partnered with Ontario Northland on a rail safety project. The partnership is in advance of the launch of the Toronto to Timmins Ontario Northland train, which will travel through many communities of NNDSB.

Myles’ report noted that educators have begun collecting Acadience reading screening assessment data. Last school year, more than 16,000 assessments were completed. On average, students in Grades 1-6 increased their reading fluency by 13.8 words per minute, and accuracy increased on average by more than four per cent. The number of students reaching grade-level benchmarks increased by an average of five per cent per grade over the course of the 2024-2025 school year. As educators gain comfort with the assessments, there is an increased focus on appropriate instruction for each student based on beginning-of-year assessments. To date, K-8 educators have reviewed 85.3 per cent of screening assessments on all students in their classes.

Director Myles’ report noted that four staff members attended a Welcome to North Bay event, which was held for newcomers to North Bay. Staff in attendance provided school and program information for potential NNDSB families and recruited staff.

Trustee honoraria calculated for 2025

2025 marks the fourth year of this Board’s term of office, which will end Nov. 14, 2026. The honorarium for trustees is calculated using a base amount, enrolment amount, attendance amount and distance amount.

The following are the honoraria amounts for the 2025-2026 school year: chair, $13,359.51; vice-chair, $10,609.51; trustee, $7,859.51.

Indigenous Student Trustee Trudeau’s report

Indigenous Student Trustee Riley Trudeau reported that the September Indigenous Youth Circle (IYC) meeting was held online. The group discussed their tradition of giving back, IYC merchandise and the election this year. IYC holds its first in-person meeting this month at Northern, at which a vote will be held on the art to be put on IYC merchandise.

Initiatives taking place throughout the board included an Orange Shirt Day event and fundraisers at Parry Sound High School to support the Drop or Georgian Bay Anishinabek Youth.

At Almaguin Highlands, IYC meets Monday for beading and event planning, which includes Truth and Reconciliation Week events and a Walk for Wenjack taking place this month.

At West Ferris, students attended a welcome powwow at Canadore College/Nipissing University. Announcements were made leading up to Orange Shirt Day, and the Walk for Wenjack event took place Oct. 16.

Northern students also attended the powwow and are making plans for the year. IYC will hold a group art activity next week, and is trying to recruit new members. The group wants to support the Wenjack Foundation, Friendship Centre and the NFN food bank, as well as work with Anishinabek Police Service again.

Student Trustee Bassi’s report

Student Trustee Dev Bassi reported that students across the district are settling in with academics, athletics and school spirit events.

In fundraising and spirit activities, students at Chippewa Secondary School raised more than $11,000 at its Terry Fox Run, students at West Ferris Secondary School collected more than 10,000 pounds of food for local shelters, F.J. McElligott students participated in a Truth and Reconciliation-focused assembly, and students at Northern Secondary School held their Walk for Wenjack.

Extracurricular activities are in full swing, with a number of sports teams up and running. Arts and other clubs are underway, too. Chippewa has begun auditions for musicals, and the “build the nest” initiative allows for students and staff to nominate students who have performed good deeds throughout the school. At Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, a new baking club is experiencing overwhelming participation.

Student Trustee Bassi reported that Student Senate met in person on Oct. 7. Senators were introduced to their roles and responsibilities, and announced its new initiative, Take Back Your Washrooms. The initiative is to raise awareness of the Safer Schools reporting tool, which allows students to anonymously report problems related to safety and inclusion.

As vice-president of public education at the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, Bassi met with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association to work on various projects regarding student trustees. He also met with the leadership team to discuss the upcoming November conference.

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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, Oct. 15, 2025

Sundridge Centennial Public School’s Trunk or Treat returns

By popular demand, Sundridge Centennial Public School’s (SCPS) Halloween Trunk or Treat event is returning this year.

SCPS will once again open its doors and its parking lot on Halloween night to provide and warm space for trick or treaters and a gathering place for residents of the town and the surrounding rural community.

SCPS Principal Jill Cooper said, “Many of our rural community members do not get to experience trick-or-treaters. They want to show support and enjoy seeing the young community members dressed up, excitedly enjoying the evening.” She added that, “Trunk or Treat provides an opportunity to connect all community members, making a safe and enjoyable evening for all.”

Rural community members are invited to fill the trunks of their cars with Halloween candy they would ordinarily not have the opportunity to give out and congregate in town at the more centrally-located school. Visitors can warm up, use the restroom, enjoy hot chocolate, and trick-or-treat all at one convenient location.

“The school should act as the critical part of the community. When identifying needs that best support our community and our students, we should act to create a reasonable solution,” Cooper said. “Last year, we identified the need for a warming station and washroom in this area of town to benefit those out for the evening.”

“Last year we had 10 businesses, and five families join us at the school to hand out treats to local kids. Children and their families happily came to the school to trick or treat and enjoy some hot chocolate along with a quick washroom break before heading back out into the cold and wet weather,” Cooper said. “This year, we are expecting to see 14 community providers, and even more of our rural community members return to enhance the experience.”

Cooper also said that if the weather gets too scary this year, the entire event can be moved into the school gym and hallways.

Community members who are interested in participating in the SCPS Trunk or Treat are asked to follow the school’s food allergy policies and not bring treats with any nuts/peanut butter in them.

Reach out to notify the school of your participation at 705-472-5101 ext. 8023 or jill.cooper@nearnorthschools.ca by Oct 28.

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