Friday, Nov. 17, 2023

Parry Sound High School students to embark on a trip through history

A group of Parry Sound High School (PSHS) students and staff are preparing for a once in a lifetime trip to Italy next year.

Thirty-eight students and six staff will travel through history in Italy visiting important site in Western history and culture ranging from the Roman Empire, the Renaissance and the Second World War. The trip takes place from May 10-20, 2024.

The Second World War and the role of Canadian soldiers in the Italian campaign represents a significant part of the trip. One of the destinations students will visit is the site of the Battle of Ortana which was the most difficult battle for Canadians in Italy and saw more than 2,300 Canadian casualties.

The trip will also visit the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery. Each student researched the service file of a local WWII soldier killed, and then will visit the grave of that specific soldier in Moro River Cemetery.

PSHS history teacher Richard Lund said, “One of the most important aspects of our trip is remembrance. We want to honour the sacrifices made by more than a million Canadians who joined the military during WWII. When we visit Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, we will perform a last post ceremony, during which students will read the names of all the local veterans killed in WWII.”

As part of PSHS’s community remembrance project students are participating in a program called Homes of Heroes.

“Our Italy trip students have researched the 74 local veterans killed in WWII and have managed to find the addresses in town where 30 of them lived before the war,” Lund said. “Students are designing lawn signs to identify each of these veterans and where they lived. With the co-operation of property owners, our school intends to put up these lawn signs next November at each of the addresses where a WWII veteran lived. Our goal is to help people see personal connections between themselves and our local veterans.”

The trip has been financially supported through the generosity of community partners Rotary Club and Goodfellows Masonic Lodge, and a community remembrance project supported by Museum on Tower Hill, Town of Parry Sound, Downtown Business Association and Legion Branch 117.

Other fundraising contributions were made by 24 local Parry Sound businesses that donated to a silent auction which was held during a fundraising dinner last month at PSHS.

More than 200 guests attended the dinner at the PSHS cafeteria which was catered by hospitality teacher Blair Cousins and his students. The dinner and auctions raise over $6,500 to help offset the students’ trip costs.

In addition to the WWII sites, the trip will also visit the canal city of Venice and the famous Renaissance city of Florence. Students will get a first-hand look at ancient history when they visit the restored city of Pompeii which was famously destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The trip will conclude in the city of Rome where students will tour famous sites such as the Roman Forum, Coliseum and the Vatican.

“None of this could happen without community support and we have been blessed with a great deal of it since our first trip in 2012,” Lund said. “I am fortunate to be able to witness the remarkable, lasting, deeply positive impact these trips have on our students, in so many different ways. In fact, years later, students and parents tell us this, whenever we run into them in town.”

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Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023

Erika Lougheed re-elected as Chair at NNDSB’s annual organizational meeting

The trustees of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) met Tuesday night for its annual organizational meeting.

Trustees re-elected Erika Lougheed (Zone 2) as their Chair and Indigenous Trustee Ashley St. Pierre was acclaimed as their Vice-Chair. They will serve for the second year of the Board’s four-year term. The 2022-2026 Board of Trustees is composed of these trustees.

Chair Lougheed was nominated by Trustee Shane Hall, who said he believes the Board needs consistency and continuity moving into the second year of its term. He said he has appreciated Chair Lougheed’s supportive and confident guidance in the past year, and noted that the relationships she has established with stakeholders, rightsholders, community groups and NNDSB staff are valuable.

Before the election, Trustee Lougheed said she would like to be able to help, now that the Board “knows the water we are swimming in.”

Chair Lougheed said she was honoured to be re-elected to the position by her fellow trustees. “This is a remarkable Board with so many passionate and talented trustees. I am proud to continue to lead this group into the second year of our term.”

Trustee Bill Steer nominated Indigenous Trustee St. Pierre, noting that she was a vocal advocate and he has witnessed her leadership.

Following her acclamation, Vice-Chair St. Pierre offered Trustee Steer a “big chi miigwetch” (thank you very much in Anishinaabemowin) for nominating her. She was encouraged by a knowledge keeper at Wasauksing First Nation to pursue becoming NNDSB’s Indigenous Trustee; now to be vice-chair “is a huge honour and I thank you for that and I hope I do it justice.”

Director of Education Craig Myles said, “We will continue to build on the momentum moving into the second year of the Board’s term. Having a returning Chair along with the fresh perspectives of a new Vice-Chair will benefit NNDSB as we continue to make progress in all areas of the multi-year strategic plan.”

He also thanked past Vice-Chair Howard Wesley for his work, acknowledging his stable and calm presence was valued at the Board table, and was an asset throughout his tenure.

Membership of trustees to the Board’s various committees was also determined and approved at last night’s meeting.

The regular Board meeting was held at 6:30 p.m., following the organizational meeting.

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Monday, Oct. 16, 2023

Board Highlights – October 2023 Meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.

CSS notice of motion needs further work

Trustee Julie Bertram provided a notice of motion regarding the Chippewa renaming committee that was moved and seconded at the committee of the whole meeting. Because it was seconded, discussion took place. Board Chair Erika Lougheed noted that two sets of directives could not be in place concurrently, as the proposed motion appeared to conflict with a motion passed by the Board in December 2022. The Chair advised that proposed action that alters the work of the committee must address the Board’s previous decision. The floor was opened for discussion, where consensus was reached to disregard the proposed notice of motion.

Student Trustees kick off year with PD

Trustees approved the attendance of Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson and Student Trustee Dora Chen at the Ontario Student Trustee Association (OSTA) general meeting next week in Toronto.

Sessions include the history of OSTA, breakout sessions, workshops and keynote and plenary speakers.

Board recognizes work of NBPS liaison officer

A report in the agenda package acknowledged the work of community and school liaison officers, and recognized North Bay Police Service (NBPS) Const. Roger Drolet for his service as the liaison officer for North Bay schools for two years.

Liaison officers work with school community stakeholders to provide education, violence prevention and emergency preparedness. NNDSB’s Safe Schools Team notes that Const. Drolet is an asset at school and board level. He has provided hundreds of students with education through school and class presentations on bullying, cyber-bullying, online safety, the distribution of intimate images, consent, the importance of reporting and more.

He also worked with other community agencies to provide educational presentations that countered discrimination under protected grounds. Const. Drolet also worked with school principals to review emergency preparedness plans and provide feedback on practices to ensure all students and staff were safe.

NNDSB is grateful for the contributions of Const. Drolet and wishes him well in his position of sergeant with NBPS.

Const. Al Bedard is the new liaison officer.

More than 1,100 students attended summer school

Trustees received a comprehensive report that outlined the success of NNDSB’s summer learning program.

In July and August 2023, NNDSB facilitated onsite and e-learning opportunities for students in the board and around the province.

More than 700 students took advantage of online learning and there were more than 400 students registered for K-12 in-person programming. The largest increase in students was secondary e-learning students who came from outside NNDSB.

There were 135 students who participated in summer cooperative education programs and more than 100 who participated in the Canadian Ecology Centre’s summer program. New programs this summer were well-attended, included a hospitality course that focused on baking, phys ed with a focus on volleyball, phys ed with a focus on basketball and the relaunch of Theatre Out Reach on Stage (TOROS).

Through the provincial e-learning system more than 600 students registered for NNDSB courses. This is a 300 per cent increase over last year’s registrations.

Elementary learners were welcomed to a fun environment that allowed space for social-emotional learning and growth. The program included instruction in phonemic awareness, decoding and reading fluency. In math, students received instruction in number sense concept. Virtual workshops with Science North were scheduled for each site, and students were guided through three stages of planning and coding their own video game.

The full secondary and summer learning program report can be found here.

Director’s update includes information about OWLS

Director of Education Craig Myles’ report – which always includes progress data on at least one pillar of the multi-year strategic plan – shared information on the Outdoor Ways of Learning and Sharing (OWLS) program.

The OWLS program, which is for elementary classrooms, is meant to help and support curricular expectations based on student and teacher needs, explore new and different ways to teach and engage students in the outdoor and experiential learning environment, discover and deepen connections and relationships between the academic and social-emotional learning, and observe and acknowledge learning of students as they participate in inquiry/exploration-based activities in the outdoor learning environment.

Heather Dabrowski, a co-founder of the program and teacher with NNDSB shared the OWLS approach with educators and health experts across the province at the Ontario Healthy Schools Conference in May. She will further promote the program at the Physical Health and Education Conference next month.

MYSP committee will hold community meeting

Trustee Bill Steer, who chairs the multi-year strategic planning committee, reported that a community meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is

a requirement of an amendment to the Education Act, resulting from the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act. The meeting will be held virtually, and anyone interested can watch for details on NNDSB’s website and social media accounts.

The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act requires that board engage with parents in the first two months and last two months of the school year regarding their multi-year plans.

Audit committee seeks public member

Trustee Shane Hall, who chairs the audit committee, noted the committee is still seeking a volunteer community member.

Candidates do not need to be accountants, but should have some relevant financial or business experience.

Anyone interested can learn more and apply 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.

Monday, Oct. 16, 2023

OPSBA reps tour NNDSB facilities, observe programs

Cathy Abraham, president, and Stephanie Donaldson, executive director of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), spent a day and a half touring Near North District School Board (NNDSB) facilities, and learning about unique initiatives in the district.

OPSBA advocates for public education in Ontario and represents member public school boards of all sizes and from all regions of Ontario. NNDSB is a member of the organization.

NNDSB is proud to be able to highlight the partnerships and programs that are being built in all areas of the board. Trustee Bill Steer, who led the tour, said “It was gratifying to lead our OPSBA guests on a tour of Near North District School Board and show off the exceptional work of our staff and the relationships that have been cultivated in support of student achievement and well-being. The OPSBA guests were able to see first-hand how our commitment to relationships – as a pillar of the multi-year strategic plan – enhances the education of NNDSB students.”

Director of Education Craig Myles was actively involved in the Board tour and was very proud to celebrate the fantastic programing that occurs on a daily basis across NNDSB. He praised the staff, students, volunteers and the communities for their active participation in support of student achievement and well-being.

The tour kicked off last Wednesday with a visit to Belvedere Heights in Parry Sound, where Abraham and Donaldson were able to see the living classroom where personal support worker (PSW) students learn their trade. They also learned about the living classroom custodial services program.

While in Parry Sound, they were shown Parry Sound High School (PSHS) and viewed the construction of the JK-12 school. Seeing construction of the new multi-million dollar school was one highlight of the tour.

Enroute to the next stop at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School (AHSS), Abraham and Donaldson enjoyed a gourmet bagged lunch prepared by Blair Cousin’s Specialist High Skills Major hospitality class at PSHS.

The Hockey Canada Skills Academy which debuted this September was highlighted at AHSS. Vice-principal Jamey Byers said, “During their visit they were able to speak with students and staff about some of the innovative programming at the school, along with how that innovation helps with the NNDSB core goal of student achievement and well-being.   

OPSBA guests then visited the culinary facilities and observed the food that students prepare for the menu each week in the cafeteria. They also visited a “Learning 4 Life” program in which students are learning from the land by making maple syrup. The trees around the school are tapped in the spring to make maple syrup, thanks to a partnership with Hubbert’s Maple.

AHSS Principal Heather Hickey said, “What a great opportunity it was to showcase just some of the programs and activities we have available to students at AHSS for our OPSBA guests. We hope they really enjoyed the conversations they had with our students and staff.”

Heading to North Bay, Abraham and Donaldson attended Nizhwaas Asiniik Skoonweh Kahn (Seven Stones Learning Centre). The school is an adult student re-engagement initiative run by NNDSB and the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre. Trustees Phillips and Sargent were able to join the OPSBA guests at this visit.

While in North Bay, the OPSBA guests also had the chance to learn about NNDSB’s partnership with the North Bay Battalion and the team’s role in anti-bullying initiatives. Abraham and Donaldson met with the Battalion president Mike Griffin to speak about the club’s work with NNDSB students.

Last Thursday, Abraham and Donaldson visited Northern Secondary School in Sturgeon Falls. They toured the school with Trustees Bertram and Sargent, and learned about the partnership with Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario (CSPNE), who share one building with NNDSB to provide secondary education in Sturgeon Falls. At Northern Secondary School Abraham and Donaldson visited the new Mining SHSM program which looks to provide another viable career path to NSS students.

Abraham had nothing but praise for NNDSB and its initiatives. “Students and parents of the Near North DSB should take pride in the innovative, high-quality programming provided at schools across the district. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to see up close the amazing things happening in public schools throughout the NNDSB, which support the unique needs and challenges of local students, families, and communities.”

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Monday, Oct. 16, 2023

Student trustees kick off year with professional development

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) approved the attendance of Indigenous Student Trustee Albany Benson and Student Trustee Dora Chen at the Ontario Student Trustee Association (OSTA) general meeting. The meeting takes place next week in Toronto.

Sessions for student trustees include the history and vision of OSTA, breakout sessions for public, Catholic and Indigenous student trustees, workshops that cover developing public speaking and presentation skills, social media campaign planning, mock budget simulations, designing effective community events, and seminars that cover Indigenous education, time and stress management as a student trustee, navigating university applications and scholarships, and conflict resolution and mediation. All student trustees will have to opportunity to hear keynote and plenary speakers and have sessions with OSTA’s board of directors.

Attendance at the OSTA general meeting is the most recent of the professional development opportunities provided to Indigenous Student Trustee Benson and Student Trustee Chen. In September they attended a student trustees’ orientation webinar hosted by the Ministry of Education. The session provided an updated overview of Ontario’s public education system, with a focus on board governance, and the opportunity to engage with peers across the province about their roles in representing the diversity of student voices at the board table.

Student Trustee Chen says, “I have had a successful start of my term as the student trustee for the 2023-2024 school year. I had the opportunity to attend a student trustee orientation, held virtually by the Ontario Ministry of Education earlier this fall. I was introduced to the OSTA president, whom I am very excited to collaborate with this year, to continue expanding the advocacy for student voice in the northern region.”

Indigenous Student Trustee Benson also attended the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Northern Region Caucus for a special gathering of Indigenous Student Trustees organized by OPSBA’s Indigenous Trustees Council last week.

Indigenous Student Trustee Benson says, “As a new Indigenous student trustee, I have already been given so many wonderful opportunities and learning experiences. Connecting with the Indigenous youth has sprung upon me so many great ideas and connections, I look forward to making more changes to ensure our youth are heard.”

Student Trustee Chen says, “I am looking forward to working with more student trustees from all over Ontario at the OSTA-AÉCO fall general meeting held in Toronto Oct. 19-22. I am grateful for these professional development opportunities, which have helped me learn about different leadership tactics, public speaking skills and outreach strategies, facilitating my transition into the role as student trustee, enabling me to better represent the students of Near North District School Board.”

Sarah Spence, principal of student achievement and well-being, says both student trustees have been involved in their respective councils before (Student Senate and the Indigenous Youth Circle) which has helped prepared them for these leadership positions. Additionally, the student trustees are coached by NNDSB staff.

Board Chair Erika Lougheed says the student trustees’ positions are important for several reasons. “Having the two student trustees’ reports lets the rest of the Board know what’s going on in NNDSB secondary schools, but more importantly the student trustees are leaders who bring student voice to the Board table.”

Director of Education Craig Myles says the student trustees are valuable members of their individual school communities, as well as to all students in general. “NNDSB is happy to invest in the personal and professional development of these outstanding young people. They have important roles representing their peers at NNDSB.”

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Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

Sundridge Centennial Public School event brings community together

It was more than just an open house at Sundridge Centennial Public School (SCPS) last week. Billed as a “Welcome Back BBQ and Community Safety Event,” the gathering was attended by about 112 families who enjoyed a barbecue prepared by SCPS parent council and met with a variety of community partners to receive valuable information.

SCPS principal Jill Cooper said that Sundridge Centennial works hand in hand with the Village of Sundridge and Strong Township to support families. Together they realized they could combine the school’s traditional open house with community partnerships to amplify important safety messaging in a fun and engaging way that is convenient and informative for parents and entertaining to students.

In addition to the 350 guests, representatives from the fire department, OPP, Wilson Bus Lines, District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board (DPSSAB) and physical literacy researchers from Nipissing University were all on hand to share important information with families.

“Guests were encouraged to engage in our community partners’ presentations by circulating with a “Sundridge Centennial Safety Passport.” Each community partner had a meaningful topic to present and discuss including take away packages of pamphlets, flyers, or items,” Cooper said. “Once parents and students had visited a presentation, they were given a sticker to add to their passport. After gaining six out of a possible eight stickers families could put their passport into a draw for our door prize, a donated new bicycle from Nipissing University’s Physical Literacy Research Department and North Bay Cycle Works.”

OPP officer Melissa Thomas engaged with students as they explored her cruiser and discussed cyber safety and bullying prevention. Officer Thomas also reviewed online safety tips with parents and reminded them to monitor children’s online activities.

The Sundridge Strong Fire Department brought their pumper truck to the event for children to explore and discussed fire safety including the importance of having working carbon monoxide detectors and how to create effective fire evacuation plans.

One of the highlights of the evening was a presentation by Nipissing University researcher Dr. Brenda Bruner, in which she shared the results of a collaborative research study conducted with SCPS over the course of the past few years. The study focused on how to improve physical literacy knowledge with families and staff and ultimately support student’s in developing healthy balanced lifestyles.

The presentation included the sharing of data from the self-reported habits of students’ screen time, physical activity, and sleep schedules.

SCPS parent Lisa Rogers said, “I think it’s great to have that research about our own area and our kids. We know that movement and sleep is absolutely a key ingredient in their being successful learners. This information is so powerful, we can look at it and figure out what to do next to do their very best every day.”

Anita Skilliter, whose children also attend SCPS said, “I think the data makes sense. For younger kids, movement is so important but so is sleep. As they get older, we kind of forget about that, and that not only affects them physically but mentally and that starts to affect sleep and other aspects of life as well.

“We try to avoid screens as much as we can. As much as they love it, it slowly starts to affect every aspect of their lives. Then they may not live up to their potential,” Skilliter said.

Fellow parent Susan Kotkowski said the data wasn’t necessarily surprising. “You kind of anticipate the effect of social media and electronic devices but seeing the concrete numbers come out of it is intriguing. I’m interested to see how they apply the information to school activities,” said Kotkowski.

Cooper highlighted how events like this embodies Near North District School Board’s multi-year strategic plan’s goals of excellence in communication and excellence in relationships both with families and community partners.

“Our school community works collaboratively to support each other and the healthy development of our children,” Cooper said. “By providing larger scale events in collaboration with these important services, families have the opportunity to connect with various providers, become informed of current information and research and engage with each other in making connections and building constructive relationships.”

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