Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

Committee outlines details about new Parry Sound school

Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) Parry Sound Build Committee outlined details of the new school being built in Parry Sound. At its meeting this afternoon, the board’s capital projects manager, Marianne Speirs, provided details of the JK-12 school

Committee members approved an update to the community feedback report and that the site and floor plans of the new build are posted on the board’s website. Once prepared, these items will be found on the Parry Sound build page of the board’s website.

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For more information, please contact: 

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

Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

NNDSB launches custodial training certificate program

Once again, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is leading the way in meeting community needs and addressing the multi-year strategic plan priorities of excellence in relationships and excellence in innovation.

NNDSB is pleased to announce the creation of a custodial training services certificate program. Virtual information sessions are taking place Feb. 7 and 9, with an in-person session scheduled Feb. 15. The program is expected to begin in March. It is being offered as part of the board’s continuing adult education program and is open to adults aged 18 and older who either have or are working towards a secondary school diploma (OSSD).

The course is split into two nine-week sessions. There will be nine weeks of in-class theory instruction combined with hands-on learning (8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and nine weeks of coop placement. Upon successful completion of the course, students can earn up to five secondary school credits towards their diploma.

Students will receive work-related certifications like first aid/CPR, fall arrest, power hand tool safety, worker safety awareness, infection prevention and control, workplace violence and harassment prevention, and clean sweep. Upon successful completion, students will receive an OSSD and custodial training services certificate.

In addition to graduating as a trained custodial worker, each graduate will be interviewed for a custodial position with NNDSB.

For details about the virtual and in-person sessions, see this program poster.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett

Communications Officer

Near North District School Board

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

Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

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

Trustees provided with on-going PD opportunities

The elected and student trustees are regularly offered on-going professional development (PD) to help them understand their roles. PD is a standing item on the Board agenda.

This month, several opportunities were presented to trustees, including the annual Public Education Symposium (PES) presented by Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA). Read more about trustee professional development in this media release.

Director’s Annual Report

As required by the Education Act, the Director of Education must report annually on the activities within the system. The 2021-2022 report was provided to trustees in November (the inaugural meeting) and was submitted to the ministry in December. It is now available online.

Capital projects approved

Trustees approved 2022-2023 capital projects estimated at approximately $9,210,442.

Several of the projects are for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades that have been funded through COVID-19 resilience infrastructure stream (CVRIS) initiatives, but that require additional capital funding.

Other capital projects include bus loops, security camera upgrades, architectural studies and accessible washrooms.

MYSP Committee presents semi-annual report

The Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Committee meets four times a year and provides reports to the Board and stakeholders in January and June.

The report notes that it will take time for the MYSP to be embedded into the board’s culture and that 2022-2023 will be critical for implementing changes that align board actions toward meeting priorities of the plan.

This school year will focus on re-engagement, learning recovery and improving student outcomes, as guided by the Ministry of Education’s Learning Recovery Action Plan.

Committee Chair Bill Steer said across the system, staff are working together to achieve the goals set for board, school and student achievement. “The six-week cycles of plan, act, observe and reflect are helping staff monitor school effectiveness, which supports student achievement, equity and well-being for all students,” he said.

The MYSP report can be found here.

Student trustees report on

Both student trustees provided reports the Board, outlining events and activities at schools across the district.

Indigenous Student Trustee Allen Lewis Trodd reported that the Indigenous Youth Circle had met earlier that day to share ideas and talk about the concerns of Indigenous students. He also reported that a group called Oshkishkode was organized at Parry Sound High School. The group meets to share drumming and will be organizing the powwow at the school. Indigenous Student Trustee Trodd explained that the group name meant new fire, and represents the spark of the youth at the school.

Student Trustee Cecilia Darling reported that activities have resumed at the district’s secondary schools since the winter break. She reported on the social, athletic and other activities that are running at the schools, and noted that students are preparing for exams which will mark the end of semester one.

Committee membership completed

Trustees were appointed to committees at the inaugural Board meeting in November 2022, although there were a few committees that still required trustee appointments.

At Tuesday’s Board meeting, Trustees Shane Hall (primary east-west), Jeanie Fuscaldo (secondary east-west) and Julie Bertram (north) were appointed to the Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) Committee, a legislated committee. In the past, regional trustees were involved on an as-needed basis. NNDSB believes that consistent membership will be more beneficial for training and consistency.

The ad hoc committees to rename Chippewa and the new build on the Fricker site each require two trustees. Trustees Julie Bertram and Louise Sargent were appointed to the Chippewa Renaming Committee, and Trustees Shane Hall and Bill Steer were appointed to the W.J. Fricker Renaming Committee, with Louise Sargent as an alternate.

Board alters meeting schedule

Trustee Louise Sargent brought forward a motion to the Committee of the Whole meeting regarding the scheduling of Board and Committee of the Whole meetings.

Trustee Sargent’s notice of motion wanted Committee of the Whole meetings to be held on the second Tuesday of the month and Board meetings to be held on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Trustee Sargent felt that by having two weeks between meetings, trustees would have time for fruitful discussion and to hear public input about issues in order to make informed decisions at Board meetings.

The change will be effective for the February 2023 meetings. Watch the website for meeting dates and agendas.

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next Board meeting.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Board encourages professional development for trustees

Trustees and student trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) are provided with several professional development (PD) opportunities throughout the year, in alignment with the board’s goal of ensuring trustees are supported as part of the strategic commitment to Excellence in Teaching and Learning. At the Jan. 10 Board meeting, several opportunities were brought forward for consideration.

The two student trustees, Allen Lewis Trodd and Cecilia Darling, were approved to attend the 2023 Ontario Student Trustee Association Board Council Conference taking place in Ottawa. This conference is held annually in February and includes sessions to help student trustees better understand their role. The breakout sessions allow student trustees to work with their designated board councils.

Trustee representation at the 2023 Public Education Symposium (PES), presented by Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) was discussed. NNDSB is limited in the number of trustees able to attend due to registration availability and cost. This is the first time the event’s been held in person since 2020.

The Board determined NNDSB would be represented by Erika Lougheed and Howard Wesley as the Chair and Vice-Chair. The PES takes place Jan. 26-28 in Toronto and is the premier professional development event for trustees. Other NNDSB trustees who want to attend are being waitlisted.

PES keynote speakers include Roda Muse, secretary general of the Canadian Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Chief Cadmus Delorme of Cowessess First Nation, and Nicholas A. Christakis of Yale University. Among the workshops trustees may select are rules of order and parliamentary procedure, resetting the curriculum through the prism of the Right to Read report, teachings from the land, online verification skills, equity, diversity and inclusion and solutions to address recruitment and retention of French teachers. There are also sessions about school board governance, a communications workshop for trustees and the role of OPSBA.

At the Board meeting, Chair Lougheed shared that trustees can look forward to a session being developed by the board’s Indigenous Education team. “It’s important that trustees understand the breadth and scope of Indigenous Education at NNDSB,” said Chair Lougheed. “The session will demonstrate how it connects with departments and the Board’s role in supporting Indigenous Education.”

As part of the on-boarding process for NNDSB trustees following the municipal election, Rusty Hick, the former executive director of OPSBA, provided trustees with effective school board governance training. He led the new Board through a session outlining the roles and responsibilities of trustees of Boards of Education and Directors of Education. Hick also covered the powers and duties found in the Education Act, including that Boards are explicitly required to promote student achievement, ensure effective stewardship of resources, and develop and maintain and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and structures.

Following the October election, trustees were also provided with an orientation binder that provided additional resources to deepen their understanding of NNDSB including documents such as the 2021-2026 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, NNDSB Governance Manual, trustee committee information and the Director’s Annual Report.

At the monthly Board meetings, professional development is a standing agenda item, indicating the importance the board puts on trustees’ on-going learning.

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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

Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

Potential closure of NNDSB schools and board offices    

Due to the significant inclement weather forecast for the next 24 hours, there is the potential that some NNDSB schools and NNDSB board offices may be closed on Friday, Dec. 23.

NNDSB staff will continue to monitor the weather so please keep an eye on board communication and be prepared for cancellations and/or closures.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Game On! Unique fundraiser supports accessible playground at NNDSB school

Land of Lakes Public School in Burk’s Falls wants all gamers to put their thumbs to good use for a great cause. The school is participating in a unique fundraiser to support the purchase of accessible playground items including a wheelchair swing.

Fundraisers like this are an important tool to help support schools’ efforts to acquire additional equipment for its students.

In partnership with the I Have Resolve Foundation and Wawos charity, Land of Lakes is inviting gamers of all ages and abilities to participate in the Gaming for a Cause video game marathon on Dec. 27.

Entrants can play the video game of their choice and will sign up for 6-, 12- or 18-hour marathon gaming sessions. Participants then collect pledges and donations in support of Land of Lakes’ accessible playground equipment. Students can even earn volunteer hours for their gaming time!

Marathon entrants are invited to form teams to help them stay in the game for the long haul and donors who pledge more than $25 are eligible for a tax receipt.

Visit the Wawos Gaming for a Cause website to sign up, donate, and for more information.

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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, Dec. 16, 2022

Board Highlights – Dec. 13, 2022 Meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022.

Targeted tutoring supports announced

NNDSB unveiled its tutoring supports programs that are funded through the Ministry of Education’s Plan to Catch Up. Three approaches have been developed that prioritize math, literacy and other foundational learning skills.

Students in NNDSB have access to before- and after-school tutoring, LEARNstyle corrective reading program and small group tutoring that takes place during the school day. More details may be found in this media release.

Enrolment tops 10,000 students

The number of students attending NNDSB schools has topped 10,000 students, higher than pre-pandemic enrolment levels.

Preliminary projections for the 2023-2024 school year indicate the board will see 10,086 students, up from 10,010 this school year. Enrolment dipped a little in 2019 and 2020, then increased in 2021 and 2022.

Improvements made to school trip guidelines

The administrative guideline that oversees the organization of school trips has been improved, with updates regarding the building of quinzees and increased safety measures regarding swimming and water safety.

An extensive package of information, including the safety guidelines, waivers and preparation needed for school outings and activities was included in the Board agenda package.

The update includes a principal/superintendent information and approval form, used to ensure that all safety precautions and Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA) guidelines are in place.

This administrative guideline was one of three presented to the Board following a 30-day public consultation process. This process demonstrates the board’s commitment to excellence in communication. Once the public has the opportunity to provide input, staff bring them forward as information items to trustees.

Director provides lengthy report

Director of Education Craig Myles provides a lengthy report to the Board, including students’ participation in various awareness weeks and information sessions provided to NNSDB families.

Students participated in Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. The Director relayed that students engage in various activities and educators are provided  resources to create safer spaces for all students. In tandem with the week, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) hosted a webinar about avoiding online sexual exploitation of children. The board’s Parent Involvement Committee hosted Part 1 of its speaker series with an overview of NNDSB’s mental health supports including the SNAP Schools pilot.

The teacher/coach of the hockey skills program that is running in Parry Sound has been working with a teacher coach in Mattawa. The program is to expand there in 2023.

Data that supports positive movement in the area of the board’s multi-year strategic plan (MYSP) in the area of excellence in teaching and learning include that more than 260 staff have completed or are nearing completion of the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation cultural competency training course that has been offered to all staff. Additionally, the board has positioned itself well to address the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read report. The board has taken a proactive approach to systemic learning, with significant investment made in evidence-based reading assessments and instructional resources.

Two new administrative guidelines are posted on the website for public consultation. The first is about gender identity and gender expression, the second is about Theatre Outreach on Stage (TOROS).

Post-consolidation renaming of Chippewa

Trustees received a report about the next phase of the 3:2 consolidation of secondary schools in North Bay, which involves renaming and rebranding.

There is an equity issue that is putting a priority on the renaming and rebranding of Chippewa Secondary School. It has been understood that the former Chippewa mascot is no longer appropriate, yet the school community needs an identity and mascot.

Next steps will follow NNDSB’s administrative guideline on school openings, closures and consolidations; the Director of Education through the Superintendent of Education will establish a naming committee and make a recommendation of a new name.

Multi-year strategic plan update provided

An update from the MYSP committee was included in the agenda package. The committee met Dec. 1, its first since the new Board took office. The update provided data to support program in relation to the four pillars of the MYSP with further information forthcoming next money as part of the committee’s semi-annual report.

Indicators of excellence in teaching and learning include that 2,364 assessments of SK to Grade 2 students for reading have been completed, 91 per cent of Grade 9 students in NNDSB are on track to earn their Grade 9 English credit and 86 per cent of Grade 9 students are on track to earn their Grade 9 math credit.

Indicators of excellence in innovation include 100 per cent employment rate and 33 per cent expansion of the personal support worker (PSW) program, exploration for three more schools across the region to participate in the new hockey skills program, EMHWare program to better track mental health referrals and expanded use of reading and math digital screening tools and learning supports.

Indicators of excellence in relationships include five new partnerships and eight new programs with built-in partnerships including childcare programs, Unlearning Bias and newcomer welcoming.

Indicators of excellence in communication include that NNDSB had 41 good news stories in local and national media outlets since Sept. 1 and a significant increase in page views and engagement on the board’s website and social media platforms.

Update about steps since shaptotuan vandalized

Following an October notice of motion and resolution, a report was presented to trustees that outlined the steps that have been taken since the shaptotuan was vandalized at Parry Sound High School (PSHS) last spring.

Administration is committed to building relationships with First Nation communities.

Since the vandalism occurred, a healing circle has been held and a Knowledge Keeper led a sharing circle for students affected by the vandalism. Actions to support Indigenous student well-being include: the creation of a principal of student achievement and well-being position with an Indigenous education portfolio; a mandatory Grade 11 course, Understanding Contemporary First Nation, Métis and Inuit Voices, was implemented board-wide; a new Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in arts and culture with an Indigenous studies focus was offered at PSHS; equity lead were implemented in all schools; the Indigenous Youth Circle gathered in person to talk about priorities of its members and a second Indigenous Education Lead Teacher Coordinator was hired.

On-going plans include the provision of culturally safe/appropriate spaces for Indigenous students at PSHS; encouraging youth voice; weekly drop-in sessions for secondary teachers with Indigenous Leads, continued development and nurturing of community partners, the hiring of a west region Indigenous Student Support. Worker and the development of several Indigenous Education administrative guidelines including cultural protocols, Indigenous language and appropriation.

National anthem notice of motion voted down

Trustee Jeanie Fuscaldo filed a notice of motion that requested the playing of the national anthem before all Board meetings. The motion was seconded by Trustee Louise Sargent, which allowed the topic to proceed to discussion.

Trustee Fuscaldo said the national anthem expresses pride in the heritage of people who settled and built Canada, and thought it was an expression of unity. Indigenous Trustee Ashley Ste. Pierre said she was taken aback when she saw the notice of motion; from an Indigenous perspective, the national anthem represents cultural genocide and the requirement that Indigenous people assimilate to what the settlers wanted. She added that playing the national anthem is not the way for the board to move forward, in truth and reconciliation. Indigenous Education Lead Amanda Mathias Mizzi said it may be unifying from a Canadian perspective but fails to acknowledge the nation-to-nation relationship between Canada and First Nations. Director Myles noted that part of his job was to protect NNDSB from being brought into disrepute, and asked trustees to consider the ramifications of their decisions. He said there are ripple effects, including how the decision would be seen by Indigenous students and staff.

After emotional discussion, the question was called, and the motion was voted down.

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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