Near North District School Board

F.J. McElligott greenhouse continues to grow young minds

By

Monday, April 27, 2026

Mattawa’s F.J. McElligott Secondary School is gearing up for another season of growth in its unique learning environment, FJ’s Blooming Greenhouse.

Since 2014, the greenhouse has been producing annual plants and budding green thumbs thanks in large part to the efforts of dedicated educators and community members.

The greenhouse itself, which technically sits on Town of Mattawa property, was donated to the school by resident and council member Laura Ross on the condition that its use be tied to academics.

Retired teacher Martha Goodfellow has been instrumental to the operation of the greenhouse and its links to curriculum. It’s a role that Goodfellow continues to this day out of her love for gardening and working with youth.

Teacher Frank Salesio says initially students in science courses did much of the planting but more recently participation alternates yearly with a green industries class and a health and nutrition class. After the planting is done and after the last frost, the class tied to the greenhouse will plant the town planters, as well as some flower beds around the Mattawa community.

“During the planting phase, students prepare trays, mix soil, pot up seedlings, tag pots and plant vegetable seed carts,” Salesio says. “In the green industries class, we do units on horticulture and agriculture hands-on style. In health and nutrition there are units on eating patterns and trends and nutrition and health.”

Green industries student Elizabeth says, “It’s a very fun experience, and one that I don’t think a lot of high school students get. I’m very appreciative to have this experience. It’s just fun to learn about plants and get my hands dirty.”

Many different classes play roles in the operation and upkeep of the greenhouse, Salesio explains. “Co-op students have greenhouse placements from March until the end of the semester. Once all of the planting is done, their tasks focus on watering and maintaining the plants until they are all sold. As the season winds down, they help to clean up the greenhouse and do inventory in preparation for the next year.

“Construction classes will be called upon to help build and fix structure when needed, they will also build things like planters and trellises to sell to the public. The cooking classes use some of the herbs that we grow in the greenhouse in their recipes. There is nothing better than fresh home-grown herbs,” Salesio says.

Greenhouse production seems to expand every year. Goodfellow says this year F.J. McElligott students will plant 23,000 seedlings consisting of mostly bedding plants and some herbs and vegetables, 2,000 vegetable plants grown from seed, and create 200 hanging baskets and planters. The greenhouse employs an F.J. alumni post-secondary student each year to work full-time during the greenhouse season.

“We always open on the Friday before Mother's Day (May 8 this year) until mid-June or until we sell out,” Goodfellow said. “We are open 7 days a week, Monday to Friday 10 a.m. - 4p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. We also have a Facebook page, FJ's Blooming Greenhouse, feel free to join and follow.”

NPSSTS update: Additional bus routes to run beginning Monday, April 20, 2026

By

2026-04-17

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students

Re:            UPDATE – ADDITIONAL BUS ROUTES TO RUN BEGINNING MONDAY APRIL 20, 2026

In addition to those bus routes previously reinstated, Alouette Bus Lines will operate additional routes, and Stock Transportation will cover others.  Beginning the morning of Monday April 20, 2026, the following routes are expected to run:

Routes Reinstated Thursday February 26 2026 Routes Reinstated Monday

March 2 2026

 Routes Reinstated Thursday
March 12 2026		 Routes Reinstated Monday
April 20 2026
001 023 005 021
610 — also covering Route 605 019 038 – home pick up only* 042 – no transfer, direct route to student’s school
268 601 039 – home pick up only* 015/056 combined – no transfer, direct route to student’s school
286 602 – also covering Route 603 040 – home pick up only* 024/026 combined – will transfer to route 014 and complete 024 and 026.  All stops for both routes on Jocko Point Road will be between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.
011 604 *These routes will only pick up students at their usual home stop.  Other routes that transfer to these routes are not running. 611- Stock
022 606 270- Stock
063 607 266- Stock
064 609 267- Stock
065 285- Stock
061
062
014 — also covering Route 066

All routes in the Redbridge area will operate according to the pre-labour disruption schedule, including regular pick up and drop off locations.  All other routes remain cancelled unless otherwise stated.

As previously communicated, it is essential that parents carefully check the list of route cancellations on our website each morning at www.npssts.ca.  Routes that have been combined may be subject to delays.

As usual, all routes remain subject to regular cancellations/delays (i.e., due to weather).  Thank you for your continued patience as we work through this evolving situation.

Chuck Seguin

Executive Director – NPSSTS

 

COMMUNIQUÉ

2026-04-17

 

Chers parents, tuteurs et élèves

 

Objet :     MISE À JOUR – DES ROUTES SUPPLÉMENTAIRES À PARTIR DU LUNDI 20 AVRIL 2026

En plus des routes rétablies auparavant, Alouette Bus Lines exploitera des routes supplémentaires et Stock Transportation exploitera certaines.  À compter du matin du lundi 20 avril 2026, les routes suivantes circuleront :

Routes rétablies le jeudi 26 février 2026 Routes rétablies le lundi 2 mars 2026 Routes rétablies le jeudi 12 mars 2026 Routes rétablies lundi 20 avril 2026
001 023 005 021
610 — couvrant aussi la route 605 019 038 – ramassage à la porte seulement * 042 – pas de transfert, route directe terminant à l’école de l’élève
268 601 039 – ramassage à la porte seulement * 015/056 combiné – pas de transfert, route directe terminant à l’école de l’élève
286 602 – couvrant aussi la Route 603 040 – ramassage à la porte seulement * 024/026 combiné –transfert avec la route 014 et complétera les routes 024 et 026. Tous les arrêts pour les deux itinéraires sur Jocko Point Road auront lieu entre 7 h 00 et 7 h 30.
011 604 * Ces routes passeront uniquement aux arrêts habituels des élèves à leur domicile. Les autres parcours qui transfèrent vers ces routes ne seront pas en service. 611 – Stock
022 606 270 – Stock
063 607 266 – Stock
064 609 267 – Stock
065 285 – Stock
061
062
014 — couvrant aussi la route 066

Toutes les routes dans la région de Redbridge fonctionneront selon l’horaire en vigueur avant le conflit de travail, ainsi que les points d’embarquement et de débarquement.  Toutes les autres routes restent annulées à moins d’avis contraire.

 

Comme communiqué précédemment, il est impératif que les parents vérifient attentivement la liste des annulations sur notre site web, www.npssts.ca, chaque matin.  Les routes combinées peuvent être sujets à des retards.    Lorsqu’il y a des changements de routes qui ne sont pas indiquées sur le site Web, nous faisons tout notre possible pour communiquer directement avec les parents ou tuteurs afin de transmettre ces informations.

 

Comme d’habitude, toutes les routes sont sous réserve d’annulations ou de retards réguliers (par ex. : en raison d’intempéries.) Merci de votre patience et de votre collaboration alors que nous continuons de suivre l’évolution de cette situation.

 

Chuck Seguin

Directeur exécutif – STSNPS

NNDSB students win big at Skills Ontario competition

By

Thursday, April 16, 2026
NNDSB students were golden (and silver and bronze) at the North Bay Skills Ontario competition held at Canadore College.
The competition pits secondary school students in a battle to see who’s best in a variety of fields including culinary, TV video production, welding, and carpentry.
Parry Sound High School students competed in the culinary and TV video fields with the culinary competitors winning big. The students had to prepare a two-course meal with a main course of chicken chasseur, whipped potatoes, glazed carrot batonnets and sauteed zucchini and an Apple Tart Tatin dessert.
Grade 12 students Leila Kennedy and Scarlett Hargrave won gold and silver, respectively while fellow Grade 12 student Zach Hoskin took home the bronze, for a full sweep of medals for NNDSB.
Winning students will now progress to the Skills Ontario Championship competition held in Toronto on May 4-6.

April Letter to Families

By

Thursday, April 2, 2026 

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

The monthly Letter to Families is intended to keep you apprised of news that affects all students and families of Near North District School Board (NNDSB). 

* 

This letter to families is being distributed a day early, because tomorrow is Good Friday, so there is no school. We wish all of our students and staff a safe and happy long weekend. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, April 7. 

* 

The approved calendar for the 2026-2027 school year is now available. Here is a link to the school-year calendar. 

* 

Looking for a unique cultural experience for your family? Host an international secondary school student this upcoming school year! 

Student exchange organization, YES Canada, in partnership with NNDSB, is welcoming international students from a range of countries to study at local secondary schools in North Bay, Parry Sound, Mattawa, Sturgeon Falls, South River and surrounding areas. Students are arriving to begin programs in September, November, January and April and will be staying for a range of durations – two, three, five, 10, and 12 months. 

Hosting is a fantastic way for your family to experience another country and culture in the comfort of your own home and establish life-long friendships and connections that span across the globe. 

Host families provide a home away from home in a safe and nurturing environment, three meals per day and the opportunity for the student to become a family member. A monthly stipend to offset the cost of hosting is provided, as well as ongoing guidance and support from the experienced YES Canada team before and during a student’s stay. 2 Our Mission is to provide opportunities that empower all learners to develop their potential by providing diverse pathways which lead students to become model citizens who achieve life goals and contribute to the betterment of society. 

Ready for your next cultural adventure? Apply today to learn more about hosting an international student with YES Canada! 

For more information or to become a YES Canada Host Family, email homestay@youthedservices.ca or call 416-624-6220 ext. 410 or visit the YES Canada website. 

* 

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is hosting two sessions for families about upcoming EQAO mathematics assessments. There is one webinar for families of primary students, and one for junior students. 

These free webinars will cover how EQAO assesses students’ mathematics learning. EQAO staff will discuss mathematics questions from the mathematics component of the division’s (primary or junior) assessment. Participants will hear how these math questions help assess the skills students are learning in class. Staff will also highlight valuable insights and resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning. 

EQAO Math Session for Parents/Guardians of Primary Students will be held Tuesday, April 7 at 12 noon. 

EQAO Math Session for Parents/Guardians of Junior Students will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 12 noon. 

* 

School Mental Health Ontario has launched a four-part parent/caregiver webinar series focused on key mental health and substance use health topics identified by parents and caregivers in Ontario. The webinars will feature a presentation by leading experts on the topics. 

The first session about balanced device use has already been held. Upcoming webinar topics and dates are: conversations about vaping, April 10; conversations about body image, May 7; conversations about anxiety, June 5. 3 Our Mission is to provide opportunities that empower all learners to develop their potential by providing diverse pathways which lead students to become model citizens who achieve life goals and contribute to the betterment of society. 

Parents and caregivers can submit questions in advance via this link. 

All sessions will be uploaded to the By Your Side learning hub. 

Here is the link to register for these free webinars. 

* 

In addition to staying informed via the board’s website, families can find NNDSB on Facebook and Instagram. 

Sincerely, 

Near North District School Board 

NPSSTS update Re: Alouette Bus Lines Service Interruption Subsidy to Families 

By

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students

Re: Alouette Bus Lines Service Interruption Subsidy to Families 

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) recognizes that families affected by the ongoing service disruption may be experiencing financial pressures as they provide alternate transportation for their children to and from school. 

In response, the NPSSTS is working with several stakeholders to develop and implement a subsidy program that, subject to eligibility criteria, would provide financial assistance to parents or guardians who are transporting their children to school. 

The subsidy would be retroactive to the start of the service disruption. Further details will be shared as soon as they are available. We thank you for your understanding and patience as we continue to work to support those affected by the service disruption. 

Yours truly, 

Chuck Seguin 

Executive Director – NPSSTS 

Ferris Glen celebrates with appreciation day

By

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Ferris Glen Public School has a lot to celebrate, and that’s just what they did in a recent appreciation day. Students and staff assembled to celebrate their success in the ‘best school’ contest run by radio station 100.5 KISS FM.

Although Ferris Glen was runner-up in the contest, they were the highest voted elementary school, and Principal Jennifer Delorme said the school community is very proud, and the real reward of the contest was that, “reading the many kind and thoughtful comments online shared about our school meant so much to our community and reminded us of what makes our school such a special place.”

Delorme says what makes the school so special, “is the pride we all share in it. We take great care in fostering a welcoming, respectful, and caring environment, and that commitment is evident the moment you walk through our doors.”

She adds that “we work intentionally to create a space where everyone feels valued, safe, and proud to belong. There is a shared understanding that our school’s positive reputation is something we all help to uphold, through our actions, our attitudes, and the way we support one another each day.”

Students took to the microphone and shared their thoughts about what they love most about their school. One Grade 8 student said, “I'm graduating, I'm sad to leave, but I know next year I'm going into high school as my best self. Ferris Glen isn't just teaching curriculum, it's teaching us on how to be our best, most kind, inclusive, appreciative and responsible selves.”

To celebrate who they are and the pride they have in our school, students and staff created a giant rainbow love chain, with every student writing a message about why they love their school.

“The messages were sincere and heartfelt. Students shared their appreciation for their teachers and friends, special events such as fall fair and spring fling, and the happiness they feel coming to school each day,” Delorme said. “Many wrote about having fun, feeling welcome and loved, and how our school makes them smile.”

Delorme said that while the school certainly had fun spreading the word and collecting votes for the contest, it was never about winning. It was about being proud of who they are and showing appreciation for others.

“Mrs. Alyson Roynon had her Grade 5/6 class create a beautiful banner that was delivered to the other school. We wanted to congratulate them and acknowledge their success. It was a meaningful gesture that reflected our shared values of respect, kindness, and community,” Mrs. Alyson Roynon said. “And of course, no celebration is complete without pizza and cookies. We were thrilled when 100.5 KISS joined our celebration and surprised students with pizza for everyone. It was a wonderful day!” Delorme said.

Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont visits Northern Secondary School

By

Wednesday, April 1, 2026
As part of a tour of the West Nipissing area to celebrate the Month of La Francophonie, The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario paid a visit to Northern Secondary School and École secondaire publique Nipissing Ouest.

The Lieutenant Governor was led on tours of both schools, where she engaged with students and staff. While visiting Northern Secondary’s Indigenous student hub, Dumont discussed some of her cultural experiences during her tenure and encouraged students to follow their dreams in their post-secondary futures.

Northern Secondary School student Sunny said, “Having the Lieutenant Governor attend Northern Secondary School was a nice surprise. It was great to discuss with her how our Indigenous student hub supports students and was honestly a great experience. After I told her I wanted to be a teacher, she inspired me by telling me that both Ontario and all of Canada is need of teachers."

Dumont also spoke with Northern teacher Falcon McLeod, about the Indigenous language curriculum and accompanying textbook that he created for his students.

Dumont, a former educator, inspired students to pursue their passions. "It was nice because we got to share our experiences with her and she got to learn what we do and what the Indigenous student hub is for,” Northern student Hayden said. “She asked me what my plans were for post-secondary and she told us not to give up on our dreams. It was nice to hear those words of encouragement from someone that important."

The significance of the visit went beyond simply encouraging and inspiring students. Near North District School Board Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Kim Pauli said a visit from the Lieutenant Governor is a meaningful recognition of the work taking place across NNDSB schools.

“It demonstrates provincial interest in our district and affirms the strong, collaborative relationship we have built with our co-terminus French board as we work side by side in a shared space toward common goals, Pauli said. “The visit also instills a sense of pride in the unique, high-quality programming we provide for students across the district and highlights the inclusive and student-centred approach in our learning communities.”

Pauli also noted that having students interact with the Lieutenant Governor makes civic leadership accessible. “Her visible support for Indigenous languages, programming, and reconciliation sends a powerful message about respect, inclusion, and the importance of honouring Indigenous cultures and knowledge within our education system”, Pauli said.

Northern Secondary School Principal Sean Ruddy said, "Having the Lieutenant Governor visit Northern Secondary School was a great experience for our staff and students. Her Honour was very personable and was genuinely interested in the success and aspirations of all our students. It's not every day that we are able to host a dignitary of her stature, and we are grateful that she came to Northern Secondary School.”

Letter to Families from Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services

By

COMMUNIQUÉ

2026-03-27

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students

Re:            Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) – Our Role

In light of the ongoing labour dispute at Alouette Bus Lines, we feel it is important to clarify the role of the NPSSTS, both in normal operations and during an operator labour disruption.

What NPSSTS Does:

  1. We are a not-for-profit corporation formed by the four member school boards to plan and manage transportation services.
  2. We prepare bus routes for eligible students.
  3. We establish, negotiate and administer contracts with transportation companies (“operators”) and assign routes to those operators.
  4. We are a customer of the operators.
  5. We ensure compliance with the contract and enforce contract requirements on behalf of the member boards.
  6. During an operator labour disruption, NPSSTS will:
    1. Plan and coordinate with the affected operator within the terms of the contract.
    2. Take steps to maintain and exercise our contractual rights and obligations.
    3. Take steps to mitigate the impact on students by continuously assessing and restoring service where resources are available, including exploring alternative options with other operators when possible.
    4. Communicate updates and routing changes directly to affected families as solutions are developed and ready to implement.

What NPSSTS Does not do:

  1. We do not purchase or own buses or other vehicles.
  2. We do not hire, train, schedule or manage drivers. Those responsibilities fall to the operators.
  3. We do not set or negotiate driver wages or benefits, as we are not their employer.
  4. We do not participate in collective bargaining between operators and their drivers.

As stated in our earlier messages, the NPSSTS and the local school boards are not parties to these negotiations and are not involved in the bargaining process. The Consortium has not issued a notice of contract termination to Alouette Bus Lines. We remain hopeful that the parties will reach an agreement soon and re-establish full service to our school communities.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@npssts.ca.

Yours truly,

Chuck Seguin

Executive Director – NPSSTS

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)

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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