Near North District School Board

Letter to families: Second of four weekly updates leading up to the start of a new school year

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Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This is the second of four weekly communications being issued Thursdays with information/updates before school starts.

The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 7. Some classes/programs may be working on an alternative schedule, in which case families will be notified. If there is no notice, all students will begin school on Sept. 7.

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On Tuesday, Aug. 17, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced that high-risk settings, including education, are required to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees. The Ministry of Education intends to introduce a vaccination disclosure policy for all publicly funded school boards. All board staff will be required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID, provide a medical reason for not being vaccinated, or participate in an education program approved by the Ministry of Education.

School board employees, student transportation drivers, visitors and other professions who are not immunized, including those with medical reasons, will be required to complete regular COVID-19 testing as directed in provincial guidance.

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The Government of Ontario is also working with public health units to run voluntary vaccination clinics in or near schools to make vaccination more convenient prior to the start of school for staff, students and their families. Students who will turn 12 before the end of 2021 are now eligible for vaccination.

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Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) wants to share the following information with families of students who are eligible for transportation.

Transportation changes must be received and recorded by the school before coming to the NPSSTS. Families can use the NPSSTS website at www.npssts.ca to verify busing information. If an eligible student does not require transportation this year, families are asked to email info@npssts.ca with details.

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A second version of the Ministry of Education’s guidance document was released on Friday, Aug. 13. The board’s senior and management teams are looking into how this school year will be impacted by the document’s contents. Staff continue to work with the local health unit to devise plans and practices that keep staff and students safe. As those plans are confirmed they will be shared via this weekly communication, the board’s website and on the board’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

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Near North District School follows the direction of the provincial government, Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the public health unit when devising its COVID-19 plans.

Thank you,

Near North District School Board

 

Board Highlights – special meeting Aug. 5, 2021

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Board Highlights – special meeting Aug. 5, 2021

Monday, Aug. 9, 2021

The following are the highlights of the special meeting of the Near North District School Board of Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.

COVID management, return to school

Trustees of Near North District School Board received an update on COVID-19 management and return-to-school plans during the special board meeting Thursday night.

Director of Education Craig Myles told trustees that the Ministry of Education released its return-to-school guidance document on Tuesday, Aug. 3. Senior staff will carefully go over the document to understand what the return-to-school would look like. NNDSB sent a letter to families on Aug. 4, outlining a few key points and assuring families that when staff have plans in place, they would be shared.

Superintendent of Education Melanie Gray added that the board’s facilities department was well on the way to achieving the work required on ventilation systems in advance of the return to school on Sept. 7.

The province and public health units are encouraging anyone over the age of 12 who can get vaccinated to do so. There are no plans for vaccination clinics to be held at schools in the board.

Trustee Initiative Fund supports purchasing books

Trustees approved a $16,233 expenditure from the Trustee Initiative Fund to purchase 1,400 copies of the book This is What I’ve Been Told, written and illustrated by NNDSB teacher Julianna Armstrong, to be included in a resource bag that will be given to all Year 1 and Year 2 kindergarten students.

It is part of a new initiative called Journey into Learning that welcomes kindergarten learners and their families into the board. In addition to hosting board-wide events for families, Journey into Learning includes a bag with a guide and resources.

This year, the Early Years Team wanted a bag that more closely aligned with the visions and priorities of NNDSB as outlined in the Multi-Year Strategic Plan, with hopes of strengthening the bond between home and school.

This is What I’ve Been Told is an introduction to Anishinaabe language and culture. The report to the Board noted that beginning the Journey into Learning with an intentional focus on Indigenous Education signals the board’s values and visions to stakeholders and supports many of the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, specifically in the Education, and Language and Culture sections. Through the Trustee Initiative Fund, the Board of Trustees provides funding to organizations and projects that encompass an expanse of students from across the Near North District School Board, as a unifying platform. This application was approved unanimously.

Board seeking new trustee to represent Zone 2

NNDSB is seeking a trustee in Zone 2, following the resignation of Harry Fry, effective June 30, 2021. The Education Act provides the Board with several options for filling the position.

At Thursday’s meeting, trustees reviewed all options and opted to accept applications for the position, which will begin no later than Sept. 28, 2021 and end on Nov. 30, 2022, consistent with all trustees elected in 2018.

Zone 2 covers the areas of Bonfield, Mattawa and Callander.

Capital projects updated

Trustees approved the additional expenditure of $588,127 for 2020-2021 capital projects.

A report from Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck recapped the $5,786,015 of allocations from the Ministry of Education. This includes school renewal and school condition improvement funding.

Higher tender costs at six sites, as well as two unanticipated projects that were undertaken for site health, safety and security reasons, resulted in the need for the extra funding.

When the current projects are completed, there will be approximately $138,000 of school renewal allocation and $2,400,000 in school condition improvement funding remaining for future projects.

Consultant’s report on Parry Sound school received

The Board received a report from consultant Lygia Dallip on the JK-12 Parry Sound school being built, as recommended by the Parry Sound Build Committee. The report outlined requirements and expectations of the Ministry of Education throughout stages of capital projects, as well as a timeline of the build.

Dallip was engaged as an independent consultant to review the Board’s process related to the project. Her report outlines how the Ministry of Education uses a formula to assess effective use of school space. It is imperative that boards accurately account for enrolment, and the report says NNDSB has consistently been plus or minus two percent in its estimation of projected enrolments.

Addressing the concern of elementary and secondary students in the same school, the report notes the JK-12 model is a “means of managing the impact of declining enrolment across all grades.” It is a way to provide stronger extra-curricular programs in all divisions while providing stronger program opportunities for Grade 7 and 8 and specialized secondary school program spaces. Several boards in Ontario have JK-12 schools.

Dallip’s report is available on NNDSB’s website.

Partial demolition tender awarded for Parry Sound

Trustees awarded the tender for partial demolition at the site of Parry Sound High School to CLC Infrastructure Inc. in the amount of $937,618 plus HST.

Tender documents were reviewed by the Parry Sound Build Committee, which provided a recommendation to the Board.

Work will begin immediately to allow most of the demolition work to be completed before school begins, although there may be some on-going site work and some interior work taking place into September.

A media release about the tender, and all news pertaining to the new JK-12 Parry Sound School be found under the capital planning section of NNDSB’s website.

Board thanks Interim Executive Officer Easton

In a committee of the whole meeting held just prior to the Board meeting, Trustees had the opportunity to thank Interim Executive Officer Wally Easton for his work at NNDSB since February. He will be leaving the Board this week and has helped transition Seija Van Haesendonck into her role of Superintendent of Business.

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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.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Partial demolition tender awarded for Parry Sound build

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Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021

Partial demolition tender awarded for Parry Sound build

At a special board meeting tonight, Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) awarded the tender for partial demolition at the site of Parry Sound High School to CLC Infrastructure Inc. The tender is in the amount of $937,618 plus HST.

The special meeting was called at the request of Board Chair Jay Aspin in response to a recommendation received from the Parry Sound Build Committee, which reviewed the tender documents and provided a recommendation to the board regarding the tender award.

Work will begin immediately.

Chair Aspin says, “Terrific teamwork from our board of Trustees and administration has resulted in this welcome news for the Parry Sound region. We are moving forward with a state-of-the-art K-12 educational facility which we expect will open September 2023.”

Most of the demolition work can be completed before school begins, although there may be on-going site work and some interior work taking place into September. The health and safety of all staff and students is paramount, and NNDSB will ensure the building is safe.

The partial demolition is required to fit the new JK-12 school on the existing site. This will allow for construction of the new school to begin in the spring, allowing 16 to 18 months for construction.

Upon review of the bids received, the board’s procurement team submitted a revised Approval to Proceed (ATP) to the Ministry of Education on July 27 seeking approval for an increased allocation to cover the professional fees and the demolition contract. The board received notice on August 3, 2021 that the increased allocation was approved by the Ministry, which increased the total funding of the build to $27,372,629.

“We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for its increased investment in this project that reflects the realities of our build at this time” says Seija Van Haesendonck, Superintendent of Business. She also expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s recognition of the time sensitivity of the revised request for ATP.

Staff and the architects, +VG Architects (The Ventin Group), have been meeting to discuss designs and site plans, which will be finalized in the next few weeks. In the fall, the board will submit a request to the Ministry of Education for approval to tender for construction.

“Our board is most appreciative of the valuable input we received through community support and give special recognition to Vice-Chair John Cochrane, our Parry Sound representative, and Nichole King, our Indigenous Trustee representative. They have been true regional board champions of this new school,” says Chair Aspin.

He adds that NNDSB is most appreciative of community support and the valuable input it has received for this project.

The board is grateful for the support of the Government of Ontario in efforts to bring this facility to the Parry Sound area.

All news pertaining to the Parry Sound JK-12 build can be found under the capital planning section of NNDSB’s website.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Letter to Families – Guidance for September planning

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Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Yesterday, the Ministry of Education released COVID-19: Health, Safety and Operational Guidance for Schools 2021-22. This plan provides the direction that all school boards in Ontario, including Near North District School Board (NNDSB), are to follow for the upcoming school year.

Staff are reviewing the document, and families will receive updated information about a safe return to school.

The full plan may be accessed via the link above. Here are a few key details of the announcement:

  • Students will return to in-person learning for the full school day, although remote learning may have been selected in June as your family’s option for the upcoming school year;
  • All staff and students will be required to self-screen every day before attending school. NNDSB uses the Ontario government school and child care screening tool;
  • Students in Grades 1-12 (encouraged for students in kindergarten) and staff will be required to wear masks while indoors and on student transportation. Masks are not required outdoors, and social distancing is encouraged;
  • Extra-curricular and inter-school sport activities will be permitted with some modifications.

The Ministry of Education encourages vaccination as a tool to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and will work with the Ministry of Health and public health units to create vaccination opportunities for staff and students. Information about vaccines and local clinics may be found here.

NNDSB has been supported by the provincial and federal governments in optimizing air quality in classrooms through improved ventilation and/or filtration and will continue to utilize best practice guidelines.

NNDSB will continue to follow the directions of the provincial government, the Ministry of Education and the health unit, and will keep families updated via Letters to Families, its website, and the board’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Letter to Families – Seeking homestay families

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Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

YES Canada student exchange is seeking families to host international secondary school students from countries around the world who are scheduled to attend schools in the Near North District School Board this fall. We are welcoming students from Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, France and Japan for durations ranging from two months to the full school year.

Host families are responsible for providing three meals a day in a safe and nurturing environment. Host families are compensated with a monthly stipend of $500.

These international students have planned their study abroad program months in advance and are excited to learn more about the exchange country’s culture and language.

Students are required to comply with all Government of Canada and Public Health requirements during COVID-19 including any testing and quarantine requirements both prior to departure and upon arrival in Canada. Additionally, protocols and expectations regarding COVID-19 safety are provided to both the student and host family throughout the process – including prior to arrival and throughout the program. The YES Canada team are available to answer questions and provide information.

These exchanges are important as they connect individuals and cultures and remind us of the common interests, passions and goals. It is also a great way to establish life-long friendships and connections.

If you are interested in hosting an international secondary school student or would like to learn more about YES Canada’s homestay program, please contact scott@youthedservices.ca or call 416-623-6220 ext. 403.

To review program details, click here.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

 

Letter to families: Statement and Resources regarding Residential Schools

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Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The news last Thursday of the confirmation of at least 751 unmarked graves at the former Marieval Indian Residential School was crushing. Talking about how sad the event is, sending thoughts and prayers or referring to residential schools as a mistake is no longer sufficient.

Though the architects of the residential school system have long since passed, the trauma created by various incarnations of the Indian Act and the residual effects on Indigenous Peoples continues today. It is impossible to turn a blind eye to the atrocities that have been known by Indigenous Peoples for hundreds of years. As more school sites are searched, more unmarked graves will be identified.

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) acknowledges the grief of Indigenous Peoples and continues to be committed to educating students and staff about the First Peoples of Turtle Island and the price they have paid in its colonization. We want Indigenous staff, students and their families to know that the following supports are available to them:

NNDSB resources:

  • Mental health staff who have been trained in cultural competency
  • An Indigenous outreach worker
  • Indigenous Grad Coaches (info has been circulated already)
  • Lynn D. Fortin, Indigenous social work staff, part of a four-member staff that will be working this summer. To access this service email socialwork@nearnorthschools.ca

Community partners/resources:

North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre

Parry Sound Friendship Centre

Right Path (counselling services, Nipissing First Nation)

Indian Residential School 24-hour crisis line 1-866-925-4419

Flags at NNDSB schools, and all other provincial buildings, will fly at half-mast until further notice. We hope this respectful gesture provides an opportunity for reflection. We encourage families to discuss at an age-appropriate level Volume 4 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, Missing Children and Unmarked Burials and to participate in the Heart Garden project.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Director’s year-end message to NNDSB families

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Friday, June 25, 2021

To Parents and Guardians,

In early 2020, the world as we knew it changed with the global spread of COVID-19, and the effects of the virus on our family dynamics and the way we do business. At Near North District School Board, (NNDSB) that meant new protocols for transportation, in-school instruction, virtual learning and administrative operations.

We know this challenging school year has not been easy on students, their families and staff. We are navigating a health crisis in a world that is vastly different than in the last pandemic.

I am proud of the efforts of everyone in NNDSB as we’ve maneuvered this school year and its obstacles. I want to acknowledge the hard work of staff and students, and family members that have juggled work and other responsibilities to accommodate the shifts from face-to-face to at-home learning. A multi-media presentation expressing gratitude has been compiled with input from staff, students and families. Please take a few minutes to view the presentation.

Congratulations to all students for completing this year; I know it was not easy. For those who are graduating, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and can’t wait to see and hear about your accomplishments.

Graduates, please see these videos in which your accomplishments are acknowledged by Education Minister Stephen Lecce:

Kindergarten graduates https://youtu.be/TqQpdpIOHOQ

Grade 6 graduates https://youtu.be/RLgpeYzm38M

Grade 8 graduates https://youtu.be/DG1Kucu-DaM

Grade 12 graduates https://youtu.be/O9HFaTFo2XE

Have a safe, healthy, and joyful summer!

Sincerely,

Craig Myles

Director of Education

Letter to families: Health unit issues updated information on youth COVID-19 vaccinations

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Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit released updated information today for clinic dates and times for youth to book their COVID-19 vaccines. Free transportation is now available.

Youth aged 12-17 are eligible to begin receiving their COVID-19 vaccine on June 14. Health Canada authorized the use of Pfizer-BioNTech for use by youth 12 and older.

Below are links and a brief description of the communication from the health unit.

Email to Parents – COVID-19 vaccine clinics for youth

Youth messaging – COVID-19 vaccine clinics for youth

Transportation for youth-specific clinics

Child and youth COVID-19 fact sheet

Child and youth COVID-19 poster

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Biindigen

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)

Connect With Us

Near North District School Board
963 Airport Road, P.O. Box 3110, North Bay, ON P1B 8H1
[P] 705-472-8170   [TF] 1-800-278-4922   [F] 705-472-9927