Monday, January 5, 2026

Jay MacJanet appointed as NNDSB Director of Education

The Near North District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jay MacJanet as Director of Education effective January 6, 2026.

Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Mr. MacJanet brings over 26 years of experience in public education to his role as Director of Education for the Near North District School Board. He began his career as a teacher and later served thirteen years as a principal with the District School Board of Niagara. Over the past five years, he held the role of Superintendent of Education with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board.

“I am deeply honoured and excited to serve the students, families, staff, and communities of the Near North District School Board,” said Mr. MacJanet. “Public education is strongest when schools, families, and communities work together in trust and partnership. I believe our shared focus must always remain on student achievement, well-being, and preparing every learner for future success. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside staff, parents, and community partners to build on the strong foundation already in place across Near North.”

A strong advocate for evidence-based decision-making, Mr. MacJanet believes that sound leadership grounded in research and data is fundamental to school system success. He holds a firm conviction that student achievement and students’ future success must remain the number one priority of a school board. He also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, trust, transparency, and a positive organizational culture as essential ingredients in strengthening relationships among communities, parents, staff, and students.

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Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

I want to thank you for your patience and commitment to your children’s education. I know the delays in building the new K-12 school in Parry Sound have caused frustration and uncertainty for many families. Please know that we hear you and share your determination to see this project completed. 

Last week, I visited both Parry Sound and North Bay to see firsthand how students, educators and staff are being supported. I toured the new K-12 school currently under construction to receive an in-person update on progress, and I spent time in the existing, partially demolished Parry Sound High School to meet the students and educators. I also sat down with board leadership and staff to discuss the status of the project and the next steps required. These conversations and visits reinforced our focus on finding a clear path forward that prioritizes the needs of students and the community. 

Based on my visit and an assessment of the project’s progress, it has become clear that the new K–12 school will not be ready to open before September 2026. I understand how disappointing this news is for families who have been waiting far too long. I have directed the board to continue to provide detailed and timely updates with families as this work moves forward. 

While it is no secret this project has faced numerous challenges and setbacks, let me assure you that we are taking strong action to get it back on track. We will engage a project manager to oversee the remaining construction and ensure accountability every step of the way. 

In addition, the ministry and my office have been in very close contact with the board regarding the situation at White Woods Public School, which was temporarily closed following a recent classroom fire. We are reassured that the transition of students to Northern Secondary School is proceeding smoothly, with strong supports in place and a clear plan to welcome students back to White Woods after the holiday break. 

We will support the Near North District School Board in building strong, stable governance and delivering the high-quality learning environments that all students across the board deserve. 

Sincerely, 

The Honourable Paul Calandra 

Minister of Education 

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025

Students explore military careers with 33^rd Battalion

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) students, their families and teachers explored military careers as they learned about a new paid co-operative (co-op) education program. The co-op open house was hosted by the Canadian Armed Forces and the Algonquin Regiment, held recently at the Martin Leo Troy Armoury in North Bay.

Students attended a presentation, participated in a question-and-answer session and toured the armoury to discover military trades. At trade-specific stations, students were introduced to roles such a vehicle technician, weapons tech, human resources and financial services.

Students who participate in the co-op will enrol as a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) primary reserve non-commissioned member. Once they pass basic military qualification, further training includes military driver qualification, winter warfare/survival training, combat logistics and trade qualification training. Upon completion, participants can choose to continue serving and begin occupation specialty training over the summer.

The co-op will be full-time for the second semester of the 2025-2026 school year.

NNDSB’s Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Recruiter Roy Desjardins, said, “This initiative provided an exceptional opportunity for students exploring careers in the military. The service personnel were professional, welcoming, and highly engaged, sharing valuable insights into their career paths. The event offered a meaningful learning experience for our students, and plans are already underway to build on this success in the years ahead.”

Sgt Jean Knight, Unit Recruiting NCO, 33 Service Battalion, said students “participated in the virtual range simulator, competed to see who could do the most pushups and sit-ups, put on military kit and see what is used in a field setting. The engagement of the students was off the charts!”

By participating in the co-op, students can earn academic credits while they obtain military training – discipline, leadership and technical skills. They will be paid, receive medical and dental coverage and have guaranteed summer employment.

Sgt. Knight said there was a lot of positivity, excitement, and motivation to learn more about the program. “With many applications coming through, we are excited to continue to build on this success and provide opportunities for more young adults to join the CAF reserves through the co-op program.”

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Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.

Admin guidelines open for consultation

Trustees were provided with draft revised administrative guidelines, which are now in the process of a 30-day public consultation.

The first draft revised administrative guideline is about adult education and includes the need for all learners to adhere to the code of conduct. The second is about the exclusion of students, and provides increased clarity on reporting attendance and achievement for students on exclusion. The third guideline is about home instruction and provides clarity about reporting attendance and achievement for students receiving home instruction.

All guidelines open for public consultation can be found on this page, by opening the first accordion on the page.

Director’s report to the Board

The Director of Education’s report to the Board of Trustees included recognizing the work accomplished by staff since the start of the school year. The report also expressed appreciation to trustees for their support in navigating challenges, and noted the dedication of newly appointed trustees to bring the board back to the central focus of student achievement and well-being.

Sundridge Centennial Public School was recognized for once again opening its doors and parking lot on Halloween night to provide a warm space for trick-or-treaters and a gathering place for residents. Principal Jill Cooper noted that schools should act as a critical part of the community and should act to create a solution when needs are identified in the community.

Students at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School are being supported in their efforts to curb vaping. Many partners, including the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, contributed to the students designing and building an anti-vaping gazebo, meant to act as a gathering point for lunchtime activities.

Students at White Woods Public School in Sturgeon Falls set out to raise $4,500 in their Terry Fox Run, but raised a whopping $12,000 this year. Congratulations to

staff for their dedication to these efforts, and to students and their families for supporting this cause.

External member of audit committee appointed

Trustees approved the recommendation of the audit committee’s external member selection committee to appoint Narmada Subramanian to the audit committee as an external member.

This is a three-year term effective immediately and ending on Nov. 17, 2028.

Indigenous Student Trustee Trudeau’s report

Indigenous Student Trustee Riley Trudeau reported that the first in-person meeting of the Indigenous Youth Circle (IYC) took place in at Northern Secondary School. Unfortunately, the rep from Parry Sound High School had to attend virtually. The group discussed IYC merchandise, and each member provided school updates. At its last meeting, IYC chose the Chanie Wenjack Fund to receive IYC’s give back fundraising.

At Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, IYC participated in Walk for Wenjack, Treaty Week, Louis Riel Day and Rock your Mocs. The group is also looking to start a medicine garden in their school.

Chippewa’s IYC meets weekly, and is planning a moccasin workshop for secondary school students.

At F.J. McElligott, IYC held a Truth and Reconciliation presentation for all students and staff. There were a number of activities, and the junior phys ed students played lacrosse and learned about the national league and the Indigenous history behind the game.

Northern Secondary School’s IYC worked on Walk for Wenjack events and is planning to bring an artist to work on painting. There were also plans for Treaty Week and Indigenous Veteran’s Day. The group hopes for beading and braiding workshops. Most of the IYC members are graduating this year, so there are recruitment efforts at the school.

West Ferris’ IYC worked on Walk for Wenjack events and has incorporated drumming into the school with women’s hand drumming, and Grandfather drumming starting soon. There was a hide scraping workshop, as well as beading and medicine pouch workshops. Intermediate students attend IYC meetings once a month.

Student Trustee Bassi’s report

Student Trustee Dev Bassi reported that NNDSB students continue with many extracurricular activities, with midterms now over.

He spoke about different initiatives at secondary schools, including Socktober at Chippewa, which collected 400 pairs of new socks for donation to local shelters, and a stem cell swab-in and information session run by two students with support from Canadian Blood Services.

West Ferris’ positivity committee made brochures to promote wellness and provide resources to students, and at Almaguin, a BBQ was part of an anti-vaping campaign. Students from F.J. McElligott went to Stratford to see productions of Annie and MacBeth.

Bassi reported that fall sports are wrapping up with many teams making their way to OFSAA.

Arts and other clubs are making an impact, with a fundraising concert at Chippewa to raise money for OutLOUD North Bay, a new games club at Almaguin, and McElligott students preparing for their holiday play.

Student Senate met on Nov. 5 in person at Laurentian Learning Centre. Senators discussed the effect of the Take Back Your Washrooms campaign and how to move the initiative forward.

Bassi noted that as Vice-President of Public Education at OSTA-AÉCO, he recently attended OSTA’s fall general meeting, where he met with many speakers and gained professional development regarding consent education, student well-being, equity, diversity and inclusivity, and truth and reconciliation. He also hosted two sessions for public student trustees from all across Ontario. One session was about  OPSBA, student advocacy, and Bill 33; the second session provided professional development regarding teamwork and public speaking.

Change to June 2026 PA day

Trustees approved a motion to changes the PA day in June 2026 from June 4 to June 5.

Initially, boards selected June 4 as the PA day following direction from the ministry, as that day was pre-set as an election day. As elections have been held, there is no reason to keep Thursday as the PA day. Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS, or the consortium) is aware of the change.

The updated school-year calendar and co-terminus boards’ notice can be found here.

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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.

Nov. 19, 2025

Update to June 2026 PA Day

Dear families and community partners,

On behalf of the four local school boards, we would like to advise that there has been a change to the June 2026 Professional Activity (PA) Day in our school year calendar. The PA Day originally scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026, will now take place on Friday, June 5, 2026.

This change was made to better support families, childcare arrangements, and weekend planning. The original date was chosen to coincide with anticipated federal and provincial election dates (October 20, 2025, and June 4, 2026), following Ministry of Education guidance to all Ontario school boards. However, as both elections have now taken place, it is no longer necessary to hold the PA Day on June 4.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we make this adjustment to better serve our school communities while prioritizing student well-being.

If you have any questions, please contact your child(ren)’s school directly.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

 

Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord

Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario

Near North District School Board

Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board