Wednesday, June 14, 2023

At its meeting last night, trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) approved the 2023-2024 budget, as recommended by the finance committee.

Finance Committee Chair Shane Hall provided a report and presentation of the compliant budget, which has a deficit for compliance purposes of ($914,337) and revenue and expenses for compliance purposes of $170.5 million and $171.4 million respectively.

Hall thanked staff for their efforts in preparing a compliant 2023-24 budget that has a continued commitment to improving student achievement and well-being, while working within some challenging funding constraints.

There are a number of cost pressures in this year’s budget, including a new transportation funding formula, changes to the Indigenous Education allocation, and the expiry of the COVID-19 recovery fund. Staff recommended a budget deficit, as there is reduced flexibility within the grant allocations to cover the transportation deficit, while still maintaining sufficient staffing levels to support student achievement and well-being. Last year, the transportation deficit was $1.3 million; this year it has increased to $1.65 million.

Superintendent of Business (SBO) Seija Van Haesendonck confirmed that the transportation deficit has a significant impact on the board’s financial position, but noted the diligent work of Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) staff and member boards to understand and implement the new funding formula, and determine where services can be reviewed and costs adjusted to more closely reflect the funding benchmarks determined by the Ministry of Education

Other significant costs to NNDSB are supply costs to cover absences, and the costs of maintaining facilities, due to rising utility and supply prices. SBO Van Haesendonck noted the challenge of budgeting for costs driven by weather, such as utilities and snow plowing, as a colder than normal winter or a heavier snow load can result in higher costs than anticipated.

The Ministry of Education has directed boards to budget a provision for labour increases, as bargaining for multiple unions continues at the provincial level, with salaries and benefits included in the central agreements. NNDSB has doubled the provision for contingencies to $1.9 million, in preparation for increased salary costs when those agreements are finalized.

According to the Ministry of Education, the board is permitted to budget an in-year deficit of up to one per cent of the school board’s operating revenue but must submit an in-year deficit elimination plan, approved by the Board of Trustees, identifying the measures it will take to balance its budget and eliminate the deficit. Finance Committee Chair Hall noted that the plan approved by the trustees eliminates the deficit by 2025-2026 through the reduction of school operation expenses, improved absence management processes, reduced staffing costs through attrition, and further efficiencies found by NPSSTS through consolidated transportation routes.

The Board heard that enrolment is expected to increase by 2.5 per cent and it is projected that there will be 187 more elementary students, and 60.5 more secondary students enrolled in NNDSB than this year.

Board Chair Erika Lougheed remarked, “I know that NNDSB will continue to make strides in the area of student achievement and well-being, despite the budget deficit.”

Details on the budget may be found within the Board’s agenda package. Information about education funding process can be found on this page of the Government of Ontario website.

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Friday, June 9, 2023

NNDSB upgrades school trip consent forms

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has revamped and revolutionized the way it informs families of the details and risks of school trips.

School trip preparedness plans or STPs have been created in conjunction with Bill Steer, part-time faculty member with the Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University. The STPs are much more than just consent forms.

NNDSB Safe Schools Principal Emily Samuel says STPs are “grounded in informed parent/guardian consent. We want to identify the inherent and real risks of a school trip and how to mitigate them in a way that’s easy to understand and accessible for parents. In this way parents can be sure what the risks are before agreeing to allow their child to participate.”

STPs are easy to understand, highly visual and contain all the information families might need to grant informed consent. The documents also contain additional information such as Google map links or GPS coordinates for pick up and drop off points as well as mustering areas in the event of an emergency.

School trip preparedness plans have been incorporated into NNDSB’s School Trips Administrative Guideline to set the expectation of what documents and information are required for trip organizers to receive informed parent/guardian consent.

Families can learn more about student trip preparedness plans by watching this short video.

Nipissing University is offering a trip preparedness course that is open to anyone. People working in the fields of education, outdoor education and youth development  or programming can learn more in the Trip Preparedness course.

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Letter to Families – Armed Forced Day

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,

A weather advisory regarding air quality is still in place. With guidance from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is planning to allow its students to attend the scheduled Armed Forces Day on Wednesday, June 7.

Young people are among the vulnerable and at-risk groups. The health unit has recommended that participants be allowed to attend Armed Services Day with reduced exposure time and no strenuous activities.

As they would with any outdoor event, supervisors will monitor students for any signs of discomfort or distress. Parents and guardians who are concerned also have the option to not allow their child to attend.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

June 2023 Letter to Families

Friday, June 2, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The monthly Letter to Families, distributed on the first Friday of the month, is intended to keep you apprised of news that affects all students and families of Near North District School Board (NNDSB).

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We have come to the end of the 2023-2023 school year. The monthly Letter to Families will take a summer hiatus, but NNDSB families will continue to receive communication from the board on relevant and/or urgent topics. The regular monthly letter will be in your inboxes on Friday, Sept. 2 with news and details to get you and your students off to a great start for the 2023-2024 school year.

Warmest congratulations to all secondary school graduates on your well-deserved success. We are sure that NNDSB has prepared you well for your next adventures.

NNDSB wishes all students and families a safe and happy summer!

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Term 2 elementary report cards and kindergarten communication of learning reports will be printed and distributed to families on June 28, 2023. If your child will be absent that day, the report card will be mailed to your home. Term 2 reports cards and communication of learning reports will not be available in Edsby.

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Families are reminded to please connect with their current school before the end of June if they anticipate changing schools over the summer. If you plan on moving to a new home, please use the school locator tool to determine which school your child is eligible to attend. It’s best to make your school aware of this change now, so that your child will have a smooth transition in September.

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Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) is also hoping that families will provide them with updated information to assist with a smooth transition in September.

If your address and/or before and/or after school care is changing for next school year, advise your school before Friday, June 23. If you cannot notify the school by then, please notify by emailing registrations@nearnorthschools.ca. Moves may affect transportation.

NPSSTS is open all summer from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. They can be reached at 705-472-8840 or toll-free at 1-833-622-1636, or by email at info@npssts.ca.

Families can also visit www.npssts.ca for information on eligibility, walking distances, processes for making changes, registration for the parent portal and to subscribe to notifications.

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There is still time to register for summer school! Families will find information about this year’s programs and credit courses on the summer school page of the board’s website.

The full- and half-credit courses listed for Grades 9-12 are all e-learning courses. The courses run July 4-29 inclusive, and students must have access to a device and reliable internet to connect to course content.

Several additional learning opportunities are taking place in person. Check out the website for more information, including contacts and registration deadlines.

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A number of virtual learning camps will be offered to NNDSB students this summer. These assistive technology camps will increase independence, confidence, and self-advocacy of students in Grades 3-8 as they learn new strategies for using assistive technology tools. In addition, a specific high school-readiness program is being offered for students transitioning into Grade 9 in September.

There is also a coding and robotics program for students with ASD, with the aim of enhancing social and behavioural regulation skills in an authentic coding environment. The summer camp flyer with more information is available here. Please connect with your school’s resource teacher to learn more about registration for these virtual camps.

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The 2023-2024 school year calendar has been approved by the Ministry of Education, and uploaded to the board’s website.

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Upcoming NNDSB Board and committee meetings are as follows:

• Finance committee, Tuesday, June 6 at 11 a.m.
• North Bay Consolidation committee, Tuesday, June 6 at 1 p.m.
• Equity Advisory Circle, Wednesday, June 7, 9:30 a.m.
• Committee-of-the-Whole (Board), Tuesday, June 13 at 6 p.m.
• Full Board meeting, Tuesday, June 13 at 6:30 p.m.
• Parent Involvement Committee, June 14 at 10 a.m. via Teams
• Special Education Advisory Committee, June 15 at 1 p.m. via Zoom
• Audit committee, Tuesday, June 20 at 3 p.m.
• First Nations Advisory Council, Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m.

Information about the Board, committee and their meetings can be found here.

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Edsby is seeking input from its end users. If members of your family would like to participate as a parent or student, please see complete this survey. It is a simple two-step form.

Edsby uses the data to benchmark user satisfaction over time, understand differences in customers’ use of Edsby, determine where additional Edsby training might be required, and to guide decisions on where to focus engineering efforts.

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

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Tuesday, May 30, 2023                                                                                                                                               

NNDSB and union ratify new collective agreements

The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1165-01, representing office, clerical and technical staff; and Local 1165-02, representing custodial and maintenance staff have ratified four-year local collective agreements to cover the period from Sept. 1, 2022 to Aug. 31, 2026.

“CUPE Locals 1165-01 and 1165-02 are pleased to announce that both CUPE and NNDSB ratified new four-year collective agreements, allowing CUPE members to continue supporting student achievement and well-being in schools,” said Trevor Russell, President of CUPE Local 1165.

Previously at the provincial table, a central agreement was ratified between CUPE and the Government of Ontario / Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) on December 19, 2022.

“These new four-year collective agreements will continue to strengthen the relationship with valued employee groups. Their contribution to a safe and positive learning environment that supports student achievement and well-being is greatly appreciated,” said NNDSB Chair Erika Lougheed. “We respect the efforts of the negotiation team in accomplishing these collective agreements.”

“The NNDSB appreciates the essential work and commitment of support staff and their contribution to supporting the pillars of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP),” said NNDSB Director of Education Craig Myles. “The NNDSB is grateful for CUPE’s cooperative work towards the ratification of the collective agreements which will ensure that their indispensable service will continue without interruption.”

Friday, May 19, 2023

Committee’s work remains grounded in Human Rights Code

The Chippewa Secondary School Renaming Committee met on May 17, 2023, to continue its work of determining the best path forward in selecting a new name for Chippewa Secondary School. The committee acknowledged that many voices and perspectives have been brought forward throughout this process. The committee, in alignment with the direction of the Near North District School Board, (NNDSB), continues to prioritize student well-being and the work of the committee remains grounded in the Human Rights Code.

Members heard and discussed the Feb. 16, 2023, statement from the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), which states, in part, that the “OHRC is aware and concerned about the increasing violence targeted at education officials for doing human rights work, adhering to the obligations set under the Ontario Human Rights Code and implementing government policy.” Like the OHRC, NNDSB remains committed to providing resources, increasing understanding and advancing the human rights of all. The OHRC acknowledges that educational officials continue to be the targets of hate and violence for doing this work, despite the fact that these officials have a legal duty to provide education and learning environments that follow and support the Human Rights Code. The full statement issued by the OHRC can be found here.

NNDSB remains committed to supporting all students, which includes removing barriers that perpetuate harm. The committee has learned, through this process, that NNDSB’s current School Openings, Closing and Consolidation Administrative Guideline requires updates that more closely reflect the mandates set forth in the Human Rights Code. Changes to that Administrative Guideline will follow the usual process for approval, including a 30-day consultation period. Once complete, the Administrative Guideline will ensure that the human rights of all people are prioritized and maintained in the opening, closing, or consolidation of any NNDSB school.

The committee looks forward to meeting again and continuing its work once the new administrative guideline is complete.

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The This is Me Survey Deadline has been extended until May 19.

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is surveying its students to better understand our student populations and school communities, to identify and respond to barriers to student success, inclusion and well-being, to enhance the creation and distribution of programs and services.

Read more and see the survey questions here.

Friday, May 12, 2023

Hockey skills program expands to more NNDSB schools

Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) popular Hockey Canada Skills Academy program is expanding again. The program, which was initially launched at Parry Sound High School, is now hitting the ice at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School (AHSS) and F.J. McElligott Secondary School.

Students in the hockey skills program earn high school credits while honing their hockey skills on and off the ice. The goal of the sessions is to develop individual hockey skills and knowledge and encourage healthy living habits and team building.

“Almaguin Highlands Secondary School is absolutely thrilled to be launching an innovative new Hockey Canada Skills Academy program this September that combines academics and athletics,” AHSS Principal Heather Hickey said. “We have had 35 students interested in the program and they will earn two physical education credits. The co-ed program is a partnership between the school board, Almaguin Minor Hockey and Hockey Canada. It is open to all Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 students.

“It’s a great program to get students excited about coming to school. Learning goes beyond shooting, passing and skating, as students learn important skills related to teamwork and communicating with one another,” Hickey said. “Our on-ice instructors have a wealth of experience in skills development and the teachers involved with the program have demonstrated a clear commitment to scholastic achievement.”

F.J. McElligott physical education teacher and hockey skills academy lead instructor Cody Lacelle said, “experiential learning opportunities like this are very important. They provide students who have different learning styles an equal opportunity to show their understanding. Students struggle with learning concepts that don’t pertain to real-world experiences. As the student interacts with the experience, it becomes real to them and easy for them to understand whatever concepts they may be dealing with. This program offers numerous ‘untraditional learning’ opportunities. It allows students to learn outside of the typical four-wall classroom.”

Lacelle explains that the goal is not to create NHL calibre hockey players but to provide an experiential learning experience to students who may not have had the opportunity to try the sport. To that end, F.J. McElligott has three full sets of equipment to remove any barriers for students who may want to participate.

“It is my goal that students are able to build numerous on-ice skills that they can take off the ice and use in their everyday lives. These skills include communication skills, leadership skills, teamwork skills and many other valuable life skills,” Lacelle said.

Enthusiasm for the program is high both in the school and the greater Mattawa community. Lacelle says the enrolment in the class is roughly equivalent to 25 per cent of the school population and there are plans to expand the class offerings by securing more community partnerships in the years to come.

Almaguin is also developing community partnerships. AHSS sports coordinator Trevor Hingley said the school is grateful to have the support of the community and the South River-Machar Arena and the Sundridge Strong Joly Arena.

“The academy is a great opportunity to partner with a local community organization and support our students in developing both hockey and life skills,” Hingley said. “We are currently working on building a connection to community members who would make great guest coaches throughout the program.

“Regardless of their skill level and ability, we’re committed to ensuring that each and every student enrolled in this program will improve both academically and athletically,” Hingley said.

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Friday, May 12, 2023

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

Literacy team acknowledged for provincial award

Kara Macie, an NNDSB speech pathologist and member of the literacy team, was acknowledged at the Board meeting after being chosen as one of six educators across the province to receive a 2023 Literacy Leader of the Year Award from the International Dyslexia Association of Ontario.

The Board wanted to shine a light on the work of Macie and her colleagues. Their work has a focus on literacy through the lens of equity. Macie was recognized not only for her evidence-based practices but also for her willingness to share what she has learned with colleagues throughout Ontario.

Macie believes that the work of educators is not complete until every child can read. To that end, her dedication to supporting NNDSB in adopting structured literacy practices placed the board in a position where educators were aligned with recommendations from the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read report well before it was released last year.

Board Chair Erika Lougheed praised Macie’s “exemplary endeavours” and Director of Education Craig Myles noted the difference that can be made when learning is “sparked by inspirational staff.”

In personal remarks to Macie, several trustees shared heartfelt stories of how they or their family members were affected by her work.

Learn more in this media release.

Board adopts new student dress guideline

An updated administrative guideline that covers student dress was presented to the Board in a report from Superintendent Gay Smylie. The report notes that the board must ensure that administrative guidelines reflect and support grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), in order to decrease discrimination and promote inclusivity.

A working group investigated the issue and found that many school boards in Ontario have already moved to a more inclusive and equitable dress policy. The new Student Dress Administrative Guideline advises why dress codes can be detrimental to specific groups and inequitably applied to specific OHRC  rights.

The draft guideline was posted from Feb. 14 to March 15, 2023 for public consultation.

The Safe Schools Team will provide training for principals and staff on how to communicate student dress expectations related to specific health and safety

standards for participation in specific courses. The training will also include discussions about what is acceptable and how to address instances of inappropriate dress respectfully.

The new administrative guideline is now on the website.

Trustees updated on NNDSB’s tutoring supports

Superintendent Melanie Gray provided a report in the Board package to update trustees on how NNDSB managed the resources provided by the Ministry of Education for its Plan to Catch Up. Initially, the program was to wrap up on March 31, 2023, but the ministry recently extended the program to the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

More than 60 educators were hired by the board to facilitate before and after-school tutoring programs that focused on literacy, mathematics and foundational learning skills. Tutors took part in two professional learning sessions and attended weekly learning summaries to support project planning and monitoring. School teams identified a tutoring focus in response to student need or interest, and smaller groups and 1:1 tutoring was available. Sessions took place either in person or virtually.

Parent/guardian feedback to a survey about a corrective reading tutoring program shows that a large majority of respondents believed their child enjoyed the tutoring program, their child is more confident as a learner since the tutoring program and that their child has been more successful in their learning as a result of the program.

Staff are exploring avenues to expand tutoring programs and partnerships to enhance services for students.

A final report on the tutoring program will be submitted to the Board at the conclusion of the program.

Director’s report includes MYSP update

Director Myles’ report included data to show positive movement in the area of Excellence in Teaching and Learning, one of the four priority areas of the multi-year strategic plan (MYSP). He highlighted three new digital math tools that are available to students. They align with the provincial curriculum and provide adaptive, differentiated and responsive learning opportunities to students.

Myles also spoke about the board’s Indigenous Education Action Plan. Highlights in the work of the Indigenous education team include supporting the Indigenous Youth Circle (IYC) to develop a draft term of conditions and selection of the Indigenous Student Trustee, the partnership which will bring three learning powwows to

Northern, Chippewa and West Ferris Secondary Schools and working on collaborative grant proposals with Dokis and Moose Deer Point First Nations.

He also reminded trustees of the equity, diversity and inclusion event that is taking place at Alliance Public School on Wednesday, May 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to the event, which will feature breakout room speakers from the Ontario Principals’ Council, OutLoud North Bay, Métis Nation of Ontario, the North Bay Multicultural Centre and NNDSB.

New student trustees announced

As part of their report to the Board, the student trustees announced the names of their successors.

Both Student Trustee Cecilia Darling and Indigenous Student Trustee Allen Lewis Trodd have completed two terms with the Board, and their current term ends Aug. 31. They announced that next school year, Dora Chen and Albany Benson will be at the Board table as the Student Trustee and Indigenous Student Trustee.

Darling also reported that the secondary schools have been holding several events, including acknowledging Asian Heritage Month in May, and May 5 as Red Dress Day recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit. Darling also noted a variety of extra-curricular and sports events that are taking place.

Trodd noted it was a busy time, with a powwow for tiny tots, planning powwows to bring youth together, the rebuilding of the learning lodge at Parry Sound High School and an Indigenous Youth Circle retreat.

Director Myles thanked both student trustees for their contribution to the Board, and their mentorship in getting the next student trustees ready for their work.

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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.

Thursday, May 11, 2023

NNDSB students enter a world of virtually limitless opportunities

Despite not being old enough to drive, students at Britt Public School had the unique opportunity to operate heavy equipment such as rock trucks, loaders and excavators. A visit from ORIGIN mobile simulators meant students were able to virtually experience what it’s like to be a construction equipment operator.

ORIGIN is an Indigenous-owned and operated company which focused on innovating the process of recruitment and selection while developing localized workforce and partnership strategies. The company has travelled to more than 30 First Nations communities in the North, delivering training services with their mobile heavy equipment simulator classroom.

Britt had 10 students from Grades 6-8 participate in the event where they learned how to drive machines safely, how big machines work, the safety rules when driving machines and about various trades through virtual reality (VR).

Roy Desjardins, Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) coordinator and dual credit teacher said, “This is the first year we have been able to get the VR simulator trailer and I wanted to make sure one of our more rural schools got the chance. Britt has a small student population, so we were able to ensure most of the senior students had a chance to try out the simulator.”

Britt Public School Vice-Principal Marlene Michaelis said, “It was an opportunity to look closely at skilled trades they may be interested in. The Grade 8 students were able to view a virtual reality experience that showcased several trades through a 360-degree program.”

In addition to the heavy equipment simulations, ORIGIN offers virtual reality experiences in several trades including wildlife biologist, millwright, autobody repair and aircraft engineer to name just a few.

“The Grades 6, 7, and 8 students spent a great deal of the day on the simulators, working an excavator and driving a loader. A few Grade 5 students were invited to try the machines, as well,” Michaelis said. “Many of the students were interested in learning more about the trades that they had been completely unfamiliar with. As our students venture forth into high school, they are more informed as to their options for the future.”

Britt student Myra said, “It was so cool! We learned how to drive big machines safely. They even said they actually train people on those games. There were a lot of different jobs to look through.”

Fellow student Paige said, “The chairs moved. It was so hard. I hit a pipe and the entire chair moved. I started to dig slower after that!”

Student Aiyana also had her eyes opened to the different career possibilities in the trades, stating, “I didn’t know that hairdressing was a trade!”

“Did you know that we don’t have to go to college or university?” student Donny said. “We can start working in an apprenticeship right away. We can get paid to learn.”

 

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