Monday, July 11, 2022

Fellowship provides opportunities for vice-principal, students

Cheryl Sheffield, vice-principal at Parry Sound High School, is about to embark on the “opportunity of a lifetime” working with naturalists, scientists, explorers and National Geographic photographers during a 10-day expedition to the Galapagos Islands.

Sheffield is one of 50 educators, and one of only six Canadians who are finally able to participate in the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship for which she was selected two years ago; the pandemic put the expedition on hold. The fellowship is a professional development opportunity for pre-K-Grade 12 educators and is supported by Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society.

The fellowship will provide a unique learning opportunity for classes in the Near North District School Board (NNDSB), as Sheffield is hoping to be able to connect live with classrooms and other learners through live feeds and other online applications. “I would love student enquiry to guide my exploration of Galapagos, and I look forward to interacting with classrooms in our board to answer student questions and respond to wonderings they may have about this unique part of the world,” she says.

Sheffield is committed to returning home with an experience that will translate into reimagined curricula that will inspire students, colleagues and communities to care more deeply about the planet and act on global issues.

She will travel aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, a Lindblad Expeditions ship. Sheffield says, “I’m hoping to follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and come to know more about his theory of evolution, by exploring the incredible archipelago famed for its unique flora and fauna.” She is looking forward to encountering giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, playful penguins, and curious sea lions in their natural habitats among the Galapagos Islands.

The vice-principal is also hoping to better understand the conservation efforts in place within Galapagos to protect its wild spaces and wildlife, and how they might be similar to or align with that of the Georgian Bay Biosphere and other environmental efforts in our area.

Applicants were able to select their top five options for their expedition, and Galapagos was Sheffield’s top pick. Her fellowship shipmate is a teacher from Hawaii, and they are already working together to plan deliverables for their expedition.

Upon her return, she takes on a two-year leadership commitment to support National Geographic’s education initiatives. As a Fellow, she may be asked to conduct webinars, participate in meetups and mentor other educators, and she hopes to bring learning to life for students and educators here in our community.

Interested class teachers and individuals can connect with Sheffield on her expedition and learning journey via this Google form. She will reach out in late August with details about the learning connections, and with specifics about the online platforms that will be used during her expedition. She will also be available following her expedition to offer presentations and act as a resource to share her knowledge of the numerous resources and opportunities available through National Geographic.

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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

 

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

New outdoor classroom helps students connect to the land and traditional teachings

In education, the environment is often regarded as the “third teacher” after parents and educators. Throughout Near North District School Board (NNDSB), educators strive to include the environment in their lessons whenever they can. Now, after four years and the efforts of the entire community, Sundridge Centennial Public School finally has a classroom for its third teacher.

Sundridge Centennial’s new outdoor classroom was unveiled to a large gathering of students, parents and community members at a ceremony which lauded the considerable efforts of the community. Rodney Stanger of Timiskaming First Nation opened the ceremony by demonstrating Indigenous culture and encouraging students to continue connecting with nature. Stanger sang a traditional song to honour the work completed and to encourage the continued development of understanding of the world around us through varied perspectives.

“This classroom will be used by all age groups and our community partners as a safe space to enjoy the environment around us,” Principal Jill Cooper said. “All subject matter can be taught in this space from mathematics and science to literacy. We hope to add “wonder wagons” full of discovery tools, microscopes, magnify glasses, bug jars and more.”

Teachers Candy St. Onge and Cathy Russell founded the project five years ago and secured an initial grant from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. The project encountered considerable challenges and delays throughout the pandemic but was propelled forward thanks to the dedication of staff.

“Principal Cooper has been an excellent advocate and supporter of the outdoor classroom initiative. Jill has brought the project up at every staff meeting and parent council meeting to gather donations and volunteers,” Russell said. “She pushed through any challenges we faced with a positive attitude and even delivered construction materials in her own horse trailer to help keep our costs down.”

Cooper connected the project leads with NNDSB experts, including Indigenous education and experiential learning leads to ensure the project would be meaningful and create on-going learning opportunities for students, staff and community members.

Through the involvement of community partners and staff, the project evolved from a simple pole structure with sailcloth to protect students from the elements to a more permanent structure with trusses and a shingled roof.

One of the most prominent features of the outdoor classroom is the elaborately painted ceiling created by students and teacher Christine Charette who has experience working as a Métis artist in community art projects.

“The meaning and intention behind the painting is to honour nature, to foster a caring culture between all people, and to further our path toward Truth and Reconciliation while doing so,” Cooper said. “Because it is an outdoor classroom, it was a natural fit for students to have meaningful discussions around caring for the natural world and how we are all connected to it.”

The painting is anchored in a blue background, representing water. “Water is life” is a major theme. The painting includes the Seven Grandfather Teachings, which are Anishinaabe guiding principles passed down from generation to generation to lead people in living a good life in peace and without conflict.

The seven teachings of truth, love, respect, wisdom, courage, humility and bravery are represented in the painting by seven animals, painted in the Eastern Woodland style, and are the central focus of the ceiling. Around the animals, there are 300 fish swimming around in schools.

“Each student and teacher from Sundridge Centennial Public School painted their own fish, using the Métis dot art style. The students chose colours to represent someone special in their lives, or a special place in nature, so that each fish is symbolic of what they love,” Cooper said. “This means that the entire painting is not only a snapshot of traditional teachings, but also filled with individual stories that will linger in the memory of the project and will continue to bring layers of meaning to those learning in the outdoor classroom.”

The Sundridge Centennial Public School outdoor classroom was made possible through the support of the following community partners: Custom Home Designs; Phoenix Building Components; McLaren Bros. Construction; North Bay Home Depot; Wilson Transportation; Almaguin Highlands Community Living; Sundridge Lions Club; South River Planning Mill; EBL Groundworks; Retired Teachers of Ontario; Sundridge Home Hardware; Jeremy Bean Designs; Indigenous Education Partnership; Arborist Alliance; the Village of Sundridge; NNDSB experiential learning department and Almaguin Highlands Secondary School.

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For more information, please contact:

Brett Hanson

Communications Coordinator

Near North District School Board

1. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
2. Brett.Hanson@nearnorthschools.ca

Thursday, June 30, 2022

NNDSB brings Hockey Canada Skills Academy to Parry Sound, Seguin

A partnership between Near North District School Board (NNDSB), Hockey Canada and the Townships of Parry Sound and Seguin will enable students in Grades 8-12 at Parry Sound High School (PSHS) to earn credits while building their hockey skills and confidence.

The program will launch in September 2022 and run for the first semester only (September through January) at the Bobby Orr Community Centre in Parry Sound and in the second semester only at Humphrey Arena (the program in second semester will also be open to Grade 8 students at Humphrey Public School).

The program delivery will be provided by PSHS teacher AJ Wheaton, who is a qualified Hockey Canada Skills instructor. Students will be able to work towards a high school credit and a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) pathway in health and wellness.

“We look forward to providing this innovative programming for our students that will improve their learning experience, student success and student engagement,” says Dawn Buckland, principal of PSHS.

Participants in the program will do their off-ice learning at PSHS as part of a physical education credit and the hockey skills curriculum from Hockey Canada, then apply those skills on the ice at the arenas. Students will spend time on specific skills areas like skating, shooting, passing and goaltending. They will also develop essential life skills such as learning about balanced nutrition and mental health. Students will have an opportunity to experience the game of hockey in a non-competitive environment that focuses on a holistic approach to health, wellness and skill-building.

NNDSB Director of Education Craig Myles has been instrumental in seeking out opportunities for the board to provide innovative programming. “It’s imperative that NNDSB meets the needs of our communities, while providing innovative programming that engages students. The Hockey Canada partnership is a great opportunity for our students to build their skills and learn about health and wellness. Sport provides the opportunity for people to develop in a multitude of ways, and this partnership will enable students to develop many essential life skills.”

Board Chair Jay Aspin says the partnership embodies the board’s commitment to Excellence in Relationships and Excellence in Teaching and Learning. “Staff continue to create partnerships that offer NNDSB students the best opportunities for learning. There are many ways to teach about health and wellness, and the Hockey Canada partnership is just one way NNDSB is transforming educational experiences in tandem with Canada’s game.”

Manager of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Parry Sound, April McNamara, says, “I thank NNDSB for bringing an exciting program to the youth of Parry Sound. There are so many benefits to bringing youth together on the ice.”

Seguin Township Manager of Community Services Dominique O’Brien says staying active is fundamental to support youth mental and physical health. “We are so pleased that Hockey Skills Canada is making this program accessible to Seguin kids. The Township looks forward to welcoming the organization to our arena this winter.”

Anyone interested in more information should contact Principal Dawn Buckland at Parry Sound High School, 705-773-7979.

NNDSB central program staff are also working to expand the program to other secondary and elementary schools for the 2023-2024 school year in different regions of the board. Details on the progress will be released accordingly.

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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

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Henvey Inlet First Nation, Magnetawan First Nation and Hydro One come together to support community school

It’s been a long time coming but students at Britt Public School are now enjoying a brand-new playground structure thanks to support from community partners.

The small rural Kindergarten to Grade 8 school located near the shores of the Magnetawan River has a high population of students from Henvey Inlet First Nation and Magnetawan First Nation and has been without a playground since 2012 when the old structure was removed.

Through the generous support of community partners Henvey Inlet First Nation, Magnetawan First Nation and Hydro One, a plan was developed in 2018 to build a new playground featuring climbing structures, slides and interactive play areas.

Britt Public School Vice-Principal Marlene Michaelis says staff, students and families are all truly grateful for the support. “These three partners funded the entire playground. We appreciate the ongoing support for all of our students.”

Michaelis says Henvey Inlet First Nation applied for funding through Hydro One’s community investment program focused on Building Safe Communities.

“We are proud to be a partner in building a new playground at Britt Public School, which will now offer students a new safe play space where they can create connections with each other and build resiliency,” said Jay Armitage, vice-president, marketing and communications with Hydro One. “Hydro One feels a deep responsibility to be present and support the local communities and organizations who are working tirelessly to energize life which is why we have designated 20 per cent of our corporate donations and sponsorships towards projects in Indigenous communities.”

Michaelis says the students have enjoyed the new playground immensely. “They are developing strong social skills as they learn to take turns and share the equipment. We are seeing smiles and hearing laughter as they play together and develop their gross motor skills,” said Michaelis.

Michaelis says as a staff, they are seeing students engaging with one another in a lighthearted and positive way and seeing the joy as the students use the slides, climbers and towers. “They are helping one another and building friendships as they explore the equipment.”

“The sense of community has been strengthened at Britt Public School as we all come together to share in the joy that our students bring. Miigwetch,” said Michaelis.

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For more information, please contact:

Brett Hanson

Communications Coordinator

Near North District School Board

1. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
2. Brett.Hanson@nearnorthschools.ca

 

Friday, June 24, 2022

Laurentian Learning Centre students reach for new heights with bursary support

There are plenty of student success stories at Laurentian Learning Centre (LLC). The smaller alternative education school operated by Near North District School Board (NNDSB) in North Bay serves students for whom a larger secondary school is not a good fit.

Recently, three LLC students were recognized for their achievements and received support for their post-secondary goals in the form of bursaries from NNDSB and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.

Bursary recipients Brittany Richer, Bridgette Middlebrook and Levi Mercier are all prime examples of how the LLC approach can help propel students towards their future goals.

“I wasn’t doing the greatest in the bigger high schools, so I came here to get more help. Mr. Kidd with the co-op program helped me out a lot. He got me a job with a mechanic shop. From there I’ve been doing pretty good,” said Levi Mercier, a recipient of one of NNDSB’s new Skilled Trades Bursaries, sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Mercier said the smaller class sizes allow teachers to spend more time on what students need to help them progress.

Scottish Rite of Freemasonry bursary recipient Brittany Richer says she feels uncomfortable and finds it difficult to concentrate in larger classrooms with many students.

“I learn things a little bit slower. Having more one-on-one time is so helpful for me,” said Richer. “I feel I’m on the path to achieving my goals because of my experience at LLC,” Richer added.

LLC vice-principal Sarah Spence said there are many success stories at the school. Each student has a different definition of success, whether it be regular attendance, earning credits, gaining employment or graduation.

“Some students may not even realize that they want to be in our school until they give it a chance. Once they feel the atmosphere, they settle in. We are a safe, supportive, structured environment meeting so many more needs than just education,” Spence said. “The school provides an engaging environment where students can feel safe and focus on their goals.”

Spence said LLC staff take the time to get to know their students which helps to identify their particular path to success. This in turn allows for the creation of a specific pathway that works for each student.

Skilled Trades bursary recipient Bridgette Middlebrook will graduate from LLC this year, has already started studying at Canadore College and is more than a year into her apprenticeship at Goldfleet Subaru.

“I found it was a lot easier to get into the trades and get into it faster with more hands-on than a normal high school,” Middlebrook said. “I think it would have been more difficult with more challenges along the way without the LLC.”

Mercier is apprenticing at Trout Lake Auto and is enrolled at Canadore College in the fall. Richer is pursuing her goal of becoming a certified personal support worker.

Spence said the small school environment is an asset to the students of LLC. “Students may have one instructional teacher but will connect with staff and administrators of the school who will be there to support students not only academically, but physically and mentally as well.”

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For more information, please contact:

Brett Hanson

Communications Coordinator

Near North District School Board

1. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
2. Brett.Hanson@nearnorthschools.ca

Friday, June 17, 2022

Board Highlights of June Meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, June 14, 2022. 

Board receives update on 3:2 consolidation work

Trustees received an update on the work being done at West Ferris and Chippewa Secondary Schools as part of the 3:2 consolidation.

Despite delays in some material deliveries, a substantial amount of work has been completed, and the intention is for all work to be finished for September 2022.

At West Ferris, the bus loop and parking lot upgrades were completed in the fall of 2021.The new kitchen facilities and servery are complete, and students have been serving 250 student lunches per week. A point-of-sale program is generating revenue for the program, enabling the purchase of a double door freezer and 20-quart commercial mixer. The cosmetology classroom is complete and in use, with hair styling station and workstations for manicure instruction. The learning commons will be completed this summer. It features energy efficient lighting fixtures and height adjustable furniture and bookshelves.

A bus loop and parking lot upgrades were completed at Chippewa in the fall. The learning commons space was 70 per cent complete when a weather event caused considerable damage to the roof and new finished interior ceiling. This damage is expected to be repaired over the summer. The auditorium has new seating, including a row with removable seats that will provide accessible seating as required. House lighting has been upgraded and can be controlled via an application on a cellphone.

More information and photos are available in the report in the Board agenda package.

School climate survey results

The results of the 2022 school climate survey were shared with trustees. The Ministry of Education mandates that boards administer voluntary school surveys at least once every two years. The surveys help schools assess perceptions of safety, help boards make informed planning decisions about programs, determine the effectiveness of programs and build positive school climates.

Parents and guardians, students from Grades 4-12 and staff completed the survey. Next steps for NNDSB’s safe schools team will be to draw attention to the SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool which can be used by anyone to report incidents of bullying, harassment or discrimination. The sooner these incidents are reported, the more quickly steps can be taken to resolve the issue.

Among the survey results are that 94 per cent of students in Grades 4-6 feel very safe or safe in their classrooms, 88 per cent feel safe or very safe on the school grounds and 89 per cent are aware of how to report mistreatment at school. Of intermediate and secondary school students, 94 per cent of respondents say they feel safe or very safe in their classrooms, 86 per cent say they feel safe or very safe on school grounds and 77 per cent are aware of how to report bullying or harassment at school.

More information about the survey and responses may be found in this report in the Board agenda package.

Director’s update 

Director of Education Craig Myles shared updates with the Board. Myles congratulated staff and students as the school year draws to a close. He also thanked trustees for their leadership through challenging times and complimented staff across the system who have stepped up to the plate throughout the pandemic “so that kids are successful.”

West Ferris Trojans participated in their 26^th annual Parade for Cancer on May 31. Students raised $56,000 for the Cancer Care Fund at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

The City of North Bay is hosting Armed Forces Day on June 22. NNDSB students from 10 North Bay schools have been invited to participated in a special event attempting to break the record for the number of people comprising a giant maple leaf. Students will also listen to the 22 Wing band and watch demonstrations by the the CH-147 Chinook, Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the Canadian Armed Forces SkyHawks Parachute team.

Myles also thanked Student Trustee Cecilia Darling and Indigenous Student Trustee Allen Lewis Trodd for bringing students’ voices to the Board table.

Student Trustees report on elections, events

Student Trustee Cecilia Darling and Indigenous Student Trustee Allen Lewis Trodd thanked the Board for supporting them in their participation in the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association annual general meeting. Darling said the event provided her the opportunity to grow, and Trodd said attending helped him to better understand his role.

Darling reported to the Board that students are gearing up for exams and the last weeks of school. Secondary schools are planning events, including activities to welcome incoming students and their families. These events allow student leaders to share their experiences and offer advice about secondary schools.

Trodd shared a SWAY presentation with the Board, which highlighted the first in-person meeting of the Indigenous Youth Circle. He said the group spoke about what they want in their schools, including cultural safe spaces and connection to their cultures.

It was announced at the Board meeting that following a unanimous decision by Student Senate, student trustees would be able to serve two-year terms. Both Darling and Trodd will serve a second term on the Board.

Multi-year Strategic Plan update

Trustee Bill Steer, who chairs the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) committee, updated the Board on the key indicators and metrics that are being used to measure progress and alignment in each of the four priority areas of the MYSP –

Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Communication and Excellence in Relationships.

Two key indicators for each pillar will be reported on regularly; further proof of NNDSB’s commitment to goal setting and achievement at school, department and board levels.

More information may be found in this media release.

Board approves $168.3 million budget

As recommended by the finance committee, Trustees approved the 2022-2023 budget. The compliant budget will have revenue and expenses of $168.3 million, with a $62,930 surplus.

Like all work, the budget process is managed through the lens of the board’s MYSP, ensuring that NNDSB is managed efficiently and is financially sustainable year over year.

The board is expecting an enrolment increase of 3.2 per cent; it’s expected there will be 141 more elementary students and 161 more secondary students.

NNDSB will be receiving $1.8 million as one-time funding through the OCVID-19 Learning Recovery Fund to provide temporary staffing supports for learning recovery, the implementation of the first year of de-streamed Grade 9 mathematics, delivering remote learning, supports for special education and maintaining enhanced cleaning standards.

More information about the budget can be found in this media release.

Tenders approved, Lavase Road property sold

The Board approved two tenders for work to be done at Mattawa District Public School and Chippewa Secondary School.

The board received federal funding from two different sources to upgrades in the ventilation system at the elementary school in Mattawa. As the lowest tender price exceeded the funding and involved additional engineering fees. In February, trustees approved the use of school condition improvement funding to support the work. The board also sought additional work, supported by a second federal funding program and matching board funds. Last night, the Board awarded a $605,000 contract to Venasse Building Group for work at Mattawa District Public School.

The Board also approved the replacement of the roof of the library at Chippewa Secondary School to Venasse Building Group in the amount of $385,000. The work was necessary after a weather event resulted in significant water leaking into the newly renovated library. The exterior roof replacement must be completed before the interior damage can be repaired. The Board’s school condition improvement fund will pay for this work.

The Board approved the sale of its Lavase Road property, subject to final legal approvals regarding closing dates, for $565,000.

Board approves special education plan

The Board accepted the recommendation of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and approved an updated special education plan.

The plan includes updated professional development opportunities that are available to staff, a list of resources provided to SEAC members and how to conduct an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) meeting.

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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

1. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
2. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Measuring metrics substantiates board’s efforts to improve accountability, transparency

As it wraps up the first school year operating under its multi-year strategic plan (MYSP), Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is forging ahead with plans to make evidence-based decisions that contribute to student achievement and well-being.

NNDSB staff regularly gather evidence in a variety of initiatives to create a fulsome view of progress toward achieving excellence in the four priority areas. The board has chosen two key indicators upon which to provide regular reports for each of the four priority areas of the MYSP – Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Communication and Excellence in Relationships – and will be measuring to assess progress and alignment. The use of quantitative metrics contributes to NNDSB’s commitment to improved accountability and transparency.

Board Chair Jay Aspin says, “Our board is pleased with the implementation of these quantitative metrics for the purpose of assessing the board’s progress with its Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Coupled with the qualitative metrics we recently released, these metrics provide a full assessment of the progress of our plan. Our board has spent much time and effort developing and implementing an effective five-year plan which is regarded as our ‘road map for success’. It is commendable that we are among the top boards in the province that have actually extended the effort to develop these metrics to fully measure the progress of our strategic plan which speaks directly to accountability and performance.”

At the Board meeting Tuesday, June 14, MYSP Committee Chair Bill Steer spoke to a report that outlined the indicators that have been selected for each of the four priority areas.

“The MYSP is the key document that brings all educational matters and audiences of our Board together,” say Steer. “Now we can continue to share quantitative and qualitative measures that will make a difference and reflect upon the four pillars contained within the plan,” he says.

In the pillar of Excellence in Teaching and Learning, metrics that address supporting students’ success in literacy and numeracy were measured. In literacy, it was noted that 33 staff members have been trained to identify students at risk of reading outcomes without supports, and that 500 PowerUp literacy licenses were purchased to support the needs of students in Grades 7 and 8 who may benefit from targeted literacy learning opportunities. All math educators learned about the new de-streamed math curriculum, which includes coding and financial literacy.

The Excellence in Innovation pillar, the metrics being measured are the number of students participating in experiential learning opportunities (Special High Skills Majors and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship programs), as well as the use of a profession learning portal for staff.

New partnerships were measured in order to evaluate progress in the Excellence in Relationships pillar of the MYSP. In the 2021-2022 school year, six new partnerships were forged. Two of these resulted in the emergence of two significant programs – the personal support worker (PSW) program and the coop program with Northern Ontario Film Studios.

While looking at Excellence in Communications, the MYSP committee looked into engagement in website and social media platforms, and the number of positive news stories that were published by media outlets. Analytics shows that the number of visitors to the board’s website has increased more than 48 per cent since September with longer session durations during a visit. The board was featured in 91 positive news stories between September 2021 and May 2022, an average of 10 per month.

The setting of key indicators and measuring their affiliated metrics is further proof of NNDSB’s commitment to goal setting and achievement at school, department and board levels.

More information about quantitative data related to the MYSP can be found in the Board’s agenda package.

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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