As the 2026-2027 school year begins, the Ontario Ministry of Education has asked school boards to share a back-to-school message from Minister of Education Paul Calandra with students and families across the province.
Please read the Minister’s letter below.
View the Minister’s Message to Students and Families
We wish all students, families and staff a successful school year filled with learning, growth and achievement.
The Near North District School Board is pleased to welcome students, families and staff to a new school year filled with learning, connection and opportunity!
As students return to classrooms across our communities, we are excited to continue working together to create safe, caring and inclusive learning environments where every student feels a strong sense of belonging. The start of the school year is a time of new beginnings, and we look forward to supporting students as they learn, grow, build friendships, discover new interests and reach new goals.
At NNDSB, we are committed to supporting the academic and social achievement of all students. We know that student success is strengthened through strong relationships among students, families, staff and schools. By listening, staying connected and making sure families have the information they need, we can continue working together to support and encourage every learner throughout the year ahead.
To our students: welcome back. We are so glad to see you and look forward to all that you will accomplish this year.
To our families: thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Your support plays an important role in helping students thrive.
On behalf of the Near North District School Board, I wish all students, families and staff a positive, successful and rewarding school year.
Sincerely,
Jay MacJanet
CEO/CEDO
Near North District School Board
Dear NNDSB Community,
As we get ready to welcome students back to our schools, I wanted to take a moment to share a simple message about something that plays an important role in student success: being at school regularly.
When students are at school, they’re not just learning math, science or reading. They’re building friendships, discovering new interests, participating in activities and becoming part of their school community. Every school day brings new opportunities to learn, grow and connect.
At the same time, we know that getting to school every day isn’t always easy. Families can face challenges that affect attendance, and when that happens, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Our schools are here to help, and we encourage families to reach out if they need support.
To our students: we want you here. Get involved. Try something new. Join a club, a team, a group or an activity that interests you. Ask questions, make connections and take advantage of the opportunities around you. You don’t need to be the best at something to participate. Sometimes the hardest part is simply showing up, and that’s often where great things begin.
To our parents and caregivers: thank you for the important role you play in supporting attendance and engagement. Take time to talk with your child about their school experience, celebrate their successes and check in when things seem difficult. If attendance becomes a challenge, please connect with your child’s school. We’re here to work with you.
And to our educators and staff: thank you for the relationships you build with students every day. The welcoming classrooms, encouragement and support you provide help students feel connected, valued and included. Those relationships can make all the difference.
There’s always something exciting about the start of a new school year. New opportunities, new experiences and a chance for a fresh start. We can’t wait to see our schools filled with the energy, curiosity and excitement that students bring each day.
I hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing Labour Day weekend. We can’t wait to welcome students, families and staff back to our schools on Tuesday, September 8.
Jay MacJanet
CEO / CEDO
Near North District School Board
September 2, 2026
Dear Parents/Guardians,
At the Near North District School Board, we are committed to providing learning experiences that support student achievement, well-being, and long-term success. As part of this commitment, we are taking steps to ensure that technology is used purposefully and in balance with other effective instructional practices.
While technology remains an important tool in our classrooms, research shows that students benefit from a variety of learning experiences, including direct instruction, discussion, collaboration, hands-on activities, reading from printed materials and writing by hand. These approaches help strengthen critical thinking, communication skills, comprehension, memory retention and overall engagement in learning.
Beginning this school year, schools will continue to provide access to digital tools when they enhance learning, support accessibility needs, or enable learning experiences that could not otherwise occur. At the same time, educators will place greater emphasis on instructional strategies that do not require continuous individual device use.
Students can expect to experience:
To help support student well-being and engagement, NNDSB has established age-appropriate guidelines for routine 1:1 student device use during the school day:
These guidelines are intended to support healthy, engaging and effective learning environments while ensuring students continue to develop important digital skills. Technology will remain available in our schools and will continue to be used when it adds value to the learning experience.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning and well-being.
As we prepare for another exciting school year, the Near North District School Board is encouraging families who have not already done so to set up their School Cash Online account and get ready for September. School Cash Online is NNDSB’s secure online payment system, providing parents and guardians with convenient 24/7 access to pay for school-related items and activities from anywhere, at any time. Families can use the platform to manage payments for field trips, extracurricular activities, fundraisers, school programs, yearbooks, and other school-related purchases.
Using School Cash Online helps simplify the payment process for families while reducing the need for students to bring cash to school. Parents and guardians can securely make payments online, receive email notifications about upcoming events and available items, access electronic receipts, and review their payment history in one convenient location. The platform offers a safe and easy-to-use way to stay organized and manage school-related expenses throughout the year.
School Cash Online is accessible through the NNDSB Parent Portal. Registration takes less than five minutes, and parents will need their child’s Ontario Education Number (OEN), which can be found on report cards or obtained from the school office. Taking a few minutes to set up your account before the start of the school year can help make September a little smoother and ensure you don’t miss important payment deadlines or school opportunities.
With the first day of school just around the corner, now is a good time to make sure your child’s transportation information is up to date.
Whether your child has been riding the bus for years or this is their first time, a few minutes of preparation now can help make for a smoother start to September.
Student transportation for the Near North District School Board is coordinated by Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS).
NPSSTS plans and manages bus routes, determines transportation eligibility, and provides transportation updates and notifications to families.
Transportation arrangements can be affected by changes in your family’s circumstances.
Please contact your child’s school as soon as possible if:
Updating this information before the start of the school year helps ensure your child’s transportation details are accurate and ready for September.
Transportation eligibility is determined by several factors, including a student’s home address, school, grade level, and applicable walking distance requirements.
Eligibility can change as students get older and move through different grades, or when family circumstances change.
If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies for transportation, visit the NPSSTS website for more information about eligibility and walking distance requirements.
BusPlanner Web is an online portal used by NPSSTS to provide families with their child’s transportation information.
If you haven’t already registered, we encourage you to set up your account before the first day of school.
Once you’re registered, you can:
New to BusPlanner Web? Follow the instructions to create your account and subscribe to notifications. Visit the NPSSTS website and look for BusPlanner Web Instructions at the bottom of the page
For many Kindergarten students, riding the school bus is an exciting first step in their school journey. A little preparation can help make the transition to school a positive and successful experience.
Before the first day of school, take a few minutes to:
NPSSTS also provides school bus safety information and programs designed to help students become confident and safe riders.
For information about transportation eligibility, walking distances, BusPlanner Web registration, transportation requests, and student safety resources, visit www.npssts.ca.
If you have questions about your child’s transportation, your school is the best place to start. School staff can help direct your inquiry and connect you with the appropriate transportation resources.
Taking a few minutes now to make sure your information is up to date and register for BusPlanner Web can help you feel prepared and connected as the new school year gets underway.
By Derek
August 19, 2026
Subject: Playground Update for the Start of the School Year
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As a follow up to the message shared last week, we would like to provide an update on the status of the playground at the new school.
We have received confirmation that the playground equipment for Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School is scheduled to be delivered on September 21. The supplier has advised that this delivery date cannot be moved. Once the equipment arrives, installation is expected to take approximately one week.
While the playground will not be available when students return to school on September 8, students will continue to have access to outdoor play spaces. A temporary fenced-in play area will be located at the front of the school and will be available for student use. The track will also be available for outdoor activities.
We wanted to share this information with families as soon as possible so that everyone is aware of the latest timeline and knows what to expect at the start of the school year.
We look forward to welcoming students back in September and to the completion of the playground.
Sincerely,
Jay MacJanet, CEO
Rebecca Bell, Supervisor
By Derek
PARRY SOUND, ON (August 17, 2026) – The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is honoured to announce that the official name of the new Parry Sound K-6 school will be Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School.
The school is named in recognition of Francis Pegahmagabow, a highly decorated Anishinaabe soldier of the First World War, Chief of Wasauksing First Nation, community leader, and advocate for Indigenous rights. His life was defined by courage, resilience, service, and a deep commitment to his people and community. His legacy continues to inspire generations across the Parry Sound area and beyond.
The naming honours the life and legacy of Francis Pegahmagabow and recognizes the enduring contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the Parry Sound region. It also provides an opportunity for students, staff, and families to learn about and celebrate the strength, leadership, and cultural heritage of the Anishinaabe people.
“Francis Pegahmagabow remains an important and respected figure within Wasauksing First Nation and beyond,” said Chief Shane Tabobondung of Wasauksing First Nation. “We are grateful to the Pegahmagabow family for their blessing and permission to share his name with this new school. His story will continue to inspire future generations of students.”
Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School will welcome students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 into a modern, inclusive learning environment. Designed to support the needs of young learners, the school will offer learning spaces that encourage curiosity, collaboration, creativity, and student success.
“Naming our new school Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School is a meaningful way to honour an extraordinary Anishinaabe leader whose legacy continues to inspire us today,” said Jay MacJanet, Director of Education for NNDSB. “As a place of learning, the school will provide opportunities for students to learn about his life, leadership, and contributions while reflecting on the values of courage, perseverance, service, and respect for community that he embodied. We are grateful for the guidance and partnership of Wasauksing First Nation as we celebrate this important milestone.”
“The opening of this new elementary school is an important milestone for students, families and the Parry Sound community,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Naming the school in honour of Francis Pegahmagabow recognizes the remarkable legacy of an Anishinaabe leader and decorated veteran. It will also give students the opportunity to learn about Indigenous history and the lasting contributions of First Nations to Ontario and Canada.”
A ceremony will take place later this fall to celebrate the school’s name and the enduring legacy of Francis Pegahmagabow.
Communications@nearnorthschools.ca
Sincerely,
Jay MacJanet
Chief Executive Officer
Rebecca Bell
Supervisor
By Derek
August 11
Update on the new Parry Sound JK-12 School
We are pleased to provide an update on the ongoing progress of the new Parry Sound JK-12 School.
Most importantly, we remain on schedule to welcome students to both the elementary and secondary schools on September 8. All interior learning and working spaces are nearing completion, with only minor finishing touches remaining. Students and staff will be welcomed into a safe, modern, first-class facility designed to serve our community for many years to come.
While significant progress has been made, construction on some exterior elements of the project, including portions of the parking area, athletic track, and playground, will continue throughout the school year.
Progress Update
The demolition of the old school will be completed shortly. Blasting is expected to be completed by the first day of school. Work on sidewalks, curbs, and asphalt will continue until the onset of winter weather.
The kindergarten classrooms are complete, with washrooms and cubbies fully installed.
The elementary library is nearing completion and will be ready for students to enjoy on the first day of school.
The elementary office is under construction and will be completed before students arrive. All childcare spaces are complete. Security cameras are being finalized in key areas throughout the school.
The base layer of the athletic track has been installed and will provide a safe surface for student use beginning in September. During construction, unforeseen issues with the storm drainage system were identified. Addressing these drainage concerns is essential to ensure water is properly managed beneath and around the track. Without these corrections, the track surface could shift, settle, or warp over time, significantly reducing its lifespan and increasing future maintenance requirements. To ensure the track is completed to the highest standard and remains a long-lasting asset for the community, the final rubberized running surface will be installed in Spring 2027.
The grass field located inside the track will be installed later this month. To allow the sod to establish properly, the area will be fenced off during the first few weeks of September before opening for student use.
The parking lot entrance off Joseph Street will be complete to start the school year, as well as the parking areas around the childcare centre and the main entrance (the “light bulb” area). Accessible parking spaces will also be available.
Demolition of the former school site revealed significantly more bedrock requiring blasting than originally anticipated, which has affected the timeline for completion of the parking areas located alongside Joseph Street and Isabella Street. The parking lots and roadways will be substantially complete by mid to late October (barring weather delays), with final work scheduled for Spring 2027. Temporary parking and roadways will be in place where possible to start the school year to facilitate traffic flow and parking until substantial completion.
Staff from the Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services consortium have reviewed both the temporary bus loop that will be in place to begin the school year, and the long-term traffic plan to be implemented when all site works are complete. The parties continue to work together to ensure that all necessary safety measures will be in place to start the school year, and students, staff and families can expect additional information from the school administrators before the school year begins regarding parent drop-off and pick-up areas, staff and student parking, and planned traffic flow.
There will be an update on the elementary play area, including the play structure and hard-surface play areas, in the next week or two. The grassed portions of the play area are expected to be completed in Spring 2027.
Unfortunately, as construction has progressed, the project team has encountered unforeseen challenges related to site conditions, previous deficiencies, and natural impediments beyond our control. Despite these obstacles, crews have worked diligently to keep the project moving forward while ensuring that quality and safety remain the highest priorities.
While some exterior work will continue, we are proud that students and staff will begin the school year in a beautiful, bright environment that is safe, accessible, and built to a high standard. The additional time required for some elements of the project will help ensure the school and grounds are completed properly and will serve staff, students, families, and the broader community well for decades to come.
We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and support throughout this process. We ask that you continue to bear with us as crews complete the remaining work over the coming months. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
We look forward to welcoming students and staff and beginning an exciting new chapter for education in Parry Sound.
Sincerely,
Jay MacJanet
Chief Executive Officer
Rebecca Bell
Supervisor
By Brett
Parry Sound High School hex pods will offer a unique school experience for intermediate students
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
The Near North District School Board is pleased to share plans for Grade 7 and 8 students at Parry Sound High School beginning this September.
Grade 7 and 8 students will have dedicated learning spaces in the school’s modern hex pods, creating a unique intermediate school experience while also providing opportunities to be part of the larger secondary school community. The hex pods feature climate-controlled classrooms, including air conditioning, secure access through key cards, built-in storage for student belongings and learning materials, and convenient access to designated washrooms located just inside the main building.
While their core classroom learning will take place primarily in the hex pods, they will also spend time in the main school building each day for:
This approach will provide Grade 7 and 8 students with a strong sense of belonging within their intermediate cohort while also allowing them to experience the opportunities, connections, and school spirit that come with being part of the larger school community.
We look forward to welcoming our Grade 7 and 8 students this fall.
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)