Near North District School Board

News and Announcements

Students at Mattawa District Public School Prepare to Make a Splash

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November 6, 2020

Photo of student plaining wooden paddle
Grade 6 students at Mattawa District Public School have hands-on experience with trades and math.

Mattawa, Ont. – Students at Mattawa District Public School (MDPS) are looking forward to making a splash with their experiential learning. Before they do that, they need to finish their canoe paddles.

The Paddle Build Project engages Grade 6 students at MDPS in an experiential learning opportunity as they build a canoe paddle from start to finish.

English kindergarten teacher, Jonathon O’Donoughue outlined how students pair traditional classroom learning with experiential learning. They start by determining their height and how tall the paddle needs to be as a result. Following that, they get to work applying their learned skills to the project. Before long they have a souvenir to take home with them at graduation.

The project has evolved since it was introduced in 2013, including more learning applicable to various aspects of the curriculum. “The students do experiential math, practical measurement, (and) fractions. It shows the students what real-life math is,” explained O’Donoughue.

“This project has curriculum connections that are responsive to the social studies and history curriculum, with goals connected to the historical and contemporary contributions of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Peoples,” stated Principal/Vice-Principal Tracy Bellaire.

Over the course of the project, students receive instruction in mathematics to accurately design and build their paddle, and learn about workshop and tool safety.

Dawson, a Grade 6 student at MDPS, said he enjoyed the project because it allowed him to be active and work with tools, as opposed to sitting at a desk.

Brooklyn, another student taking part in the project, expressed why she enjoyed the different way of learning; “this project helps me with my math and allows me to use actual measuring and fractions instead of reading about it in a textbook.” Additionally, Brooklyn expressed excitement in looking forward to the summer and being able to put her paddle to use.

In years past, the students would work with their older counterparts in the woodshop at FJ McElligott Secondary School (FJMSS). The project supports the transition from MDPS elementary to beginning their intermediate years at FJMSS.

“This Grade 6 to 7 transition event enables students to relate to and recognize the historic relationships between the local Algonquin and Voyageur Cultures who used these local waterways to travel and explore the lands,” said Bellaire.

Since COVID-19 has created some challenges, students and staff have come up with an alternative, completing the build at MDPS while continuing to honour its deeper meaning. The overarching goal of the project is to prepare MDPS graduating students for a smooth and positive transition to secondary school.

In years unaffected by COVID-19, students from MDPS join the FJMSS Specialist High Skills Major Outdoor Education students near the end of the school year to use their paddles. It is a mutually beneficial opportunity, as FJMSS students get to complete their practical canoeing exam and MDPS students get to learn about the parts of a canoe, boat safety, and paddling technique.

Students will be presented with their completed paddles at graduation as a symbol of their hard work and dedication throughout their time at MDPS. Some students plan on displaying them at home, while others will put them to use next summer. Meanwhile, the two schools look forward to once again working together after the pandemic passes.

Information about Near North District School Board:
Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Maurice Switzer Educates Students and Teachers Through Story

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Approximately 180 classes in Near North District School Board (NNDSB) had the opportunity to listen to Knowledge Keeper Maurice Switzer on Wednesday, November 4. The presentations were to mark Treaties Recognition Week, which was introduced in 2016 by the Ontario Government, and runs during the first week of November.

In the morning, elementary students listened intently as Switzer read his book Grandpa… What is a Treaty Anyway? Students had the opportunity to ask questions afterward. The book, (a 2018 NNDSB project) which was authored by Switzer and illustrated by Jack Smallboy, features Phoenix and Migizi (the Ojibwe word for eagle) Eagle, and tells the story about how a treaty is a promise.

Further, it demonstrates how students can apply treaty learning to their lives. Additionally, Switzer used the book to explain that we are all treaty people.

In the afternoon, Switzer presented to secondary students about treaties followed by an opportunity to ask questions. Students asked questions about the significance of the wampum belt and how Switzer related treaties to current issues such as fisheries on the East Coast.

Students continue to learn through classroom and experiential learning opportunities about Indigenous teachings, and the relationship between Indigenous People and Canada.

Statement: West Ferris Secondary School Hold and Secure

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At approximately 2:45 p.m. on Nov. 4, West Ferris Secondary School was placed in a hold and secure due to a trespasser on the property. Staff acted quickly to ensure all students and staff were safe.

Police attended and safely handled the situation. The hold and secure was lifted shortly after 3 p.m.

Please refer any further questions to North Bay Police Service.

Running for a Reason

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November 4, 2020

Powassan, ON – Students at Mapleridge Public School in Powassan are hitting the ground running this school year.

Inspired by the fortieth anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, Grade 7/8 Teacher Patti Phillips introduced a “40 for 40” challenge to her students. The challenge entailed running 40 minutes a day for the 40th anniversary of Fox’s journey. Phillips kept her students engaged by making them aware of the milestones they had already reached and the ones they were close to achieving. “That was all they needed,” stated Phillips. “By Friday night, we had collectively run 591 kilometres.” That distance is further than Powassan to Montreal. One student in the class beat their personal goal of running more than 100 kilometres over the five-day period.

At the suggestion of Wesley Buell, a student in the running group, the class signed up for the virtual Toronto Waterfront Marathon, a 42 km race. The class completed the race and will be receiving a shirt and medal to display.

The learning taking place isn’t limited to physical education and keeping fit. Students are learning about numeracy by determining how many kilometres they need to run in the remaining school days in order to meet their fundraising target and budgeting a hypothetical trip to a location on their journey. Students are also learning about the history, culture, and attractions of various locations as they virtually pass through them.

Students are also enhancing their involvement in the community, learning to identify needs and bringing attention to them alongside their run. “Great things are happening at Mapleridge,” added Principal Alison Clarke.

The class is currently challenging themselves to run across Canada, tracking their route and where Terry Fox ran. In the future, the class hopes to keep running for a reason. In November, the class is running and posting online to bring awareness and donations for the Powassan Legion and its poppy campaign.

You can join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtags #POTOWNToYoTown, #ReasonToRun and #LetsRunAcrossCanada. You can follow Mapleridge Public School on Twitter at @MapleridgeNNDSB.

Rally for Ali Surpasses Fundraising Goal

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October 30, 2020

Trojan spirit was in full swing at West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS) after a week-long fundraising campaign for a four-year-old girl recovering from brain surgery.

Last week, students had a discussion about the situation, and asked administration how they could help. Quickly, staff and students came together to rally behind Ali and her family.

Donations were collected all week, and a virtual “Rally for Ali” was held on Thursday. The week’s fundraising goal was $1,500. Principal Andy Gagne – who is well known for only wearing black, said if the students reached their goal, he would direct the morning traffic wearing pink (Ali’s favourite colour) and continue wearing the colour for the rest of the school day. He was held to that promise on October 30, after the WFSS community almost doubled their fundraising goal.

Social Sciences Teacher Mark Robertson, a key staff planner behind the fundraiser, recognized the ability of the WFSS community to work collectively to make a difference. “It’s an overwhelming amount of support from the students,” said Robertson. “It really blew everyone away that we exceeded the goal.”

Robertson added that when students heard that they had exceeded the goal, they were excited and emotional.

Gagne expressed his gratitude to those involved in the initiative; “I am so proud of our students and staff for supporting this little girl and her family. The West Ferris community, the families that support our school, they just continue to demonstrate what it means to belong to this school. Trojan Pride!” he said.

WFSS remains committed to supporting the local community. Students support food drives, collecting items for the women’s shelters, the annual cancer walk, and other fundraising opportunities throughout the school year.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Parry Sound Walks for Wenjack

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October 29, 2020

Parry Sound, ON – Working towards reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action document says, “. . . Reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.”

Staff and students at Parry Sound High School (PSHS) in the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) are doing their part to create awareness. Last week, PSHS students took to the track to participate and learn at a Walk for Wenjack. In Parry Sound alone, students logged over 250 kilometres for the initiative.

Chanie Wenjack was a 12-year-old Ojibwe child who died of hunger and exposure in 1966 when he ran away from a residential school in Kenora. The school was 600 kilometres from his community. His story became more widely known through the advocacy work of late Tragically Hip Vocalist Gord Downie.

PSHS is a Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund Legacy School.  According to the program’s website; “The Legacy Schools program is a free national initiative to engage, empower and connect students and educators to further reconciliation through awareness, education and action.”

NNDSB also has legacy schools in MacTier, Mattawa and North Bay. Chippewa Secondary School and West Ferris Secondary School also completed walks.

“We are proud to see our staff and students engaging in acts of reconciliation,” said Board Chair Jay Aspin. “Honouring the memory of Chanie Wenjack is an important step on our journey. We must continue to work together with our Indigenous partners to ensure we are moving forward in a positive way.”

“Events such as this help us to reflect on the past and work towards a better future,” said Director of Education Craig Myles. “I’m very happy to see our staff and students engaging in active learning about reconciliation. Continued dedication to this cause will help create a better, more equitable community, and a better future for all Canadians.”

Secondary School Student Selected as OHL Prospect, Preparing for Season

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Photo of Alex Little
Alex Little, a West Ferris Secondary School student, was selected as a prospect for OHL’s Battalion earlier this year.

For Alex Little, 17, hockey is a passion. The West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS) student was selected as a prospect earlier this year by the North Bay Battalion in the Ontario Hockey League’s annual OHL Under-18 Priority selection, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Little moved to North Bay last year, he chose WFSS because of the increased program offerings, sports complex, and the positive atmosphere.

“Honestly I heard West Ferris was one of the nicest schools around. It has great people and I wanted to surround myself with a great atmosphere because I moved to North Bay and away from my family,” he explained that the weight room and sports complex are topnotch. “The weight room here is amazing. [The sports complex] has everything that you need from bikes to cardio to weight racks, dumbbells…it’s a very great setup.”

The Grade 12 student currently plays for the Powassan Voodoos, a Junior “A” team in the NOJHL (Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League). He was drafted 41st overall by the Battalion as they worked to build a contender.

“I think they have a great shot at winning in the future. They’re building up a young roster right now.”

Little said hearing his name during the draft was really cool since it is the OHL and that it was the Battalion made it even better. For him, it’s one step closer to having his dream come true.

“Right now, I’m training and trying to make the Battalion’s camp, so I can show them what I can bring to the team in the future.”

As he waits for training camp and exhibition season to begin, Little said staying personally fit during COVID-19 can be a challenge for some, he’s actually improved his workouts.

“I was actually able to work out harder to increase my strength and endurance,” explained Little.

He also acknowledges that having a good support system is key.

“Everyone that I’m surrounded by is always pushing me to be my best, it’s great.”

The Haliburton native ventured further north last year because there were more opportunities in hockey; the North Bay Trappers, the Powassan Voodoos, and ultimately the OHL’s North Bay Battalion.

“[I’m hoping to] have a good year with Powassan and then hopefully get on the Battalion roster and move onto higher levels of hockey in my life,” he said.

The 6’1” defender said some of his interests outside of hockey include being in weight rooms, playing video games, and hanging out with his billet brothers.

“My billet brothers and I shoot pucks, shoot baskets, play golf. Really anything to keep us busy and outside.”

Billet families are members of the community, screened by the teams, that invite junior players into their homes to be a part of their family during the hockey season, when the players are on teams that are not close to home.

As with any athlete, managing education, sports, and training is always a balancing act.

“I just try to make sure that I’m focused in class and get everything done during the school day, so that when we have a lot of practices or go on the road that I have everything done,” Little stated.

WFSS is able to offer a blended mode for all players and students who participate in extracurricular activities.

Echoing Little, Battalion General Manager and former professional hockey player, Adam Dennis said being a good student is transferable to being a solid player.

“As a hockey player, it is very important to understand that being a good student can be a big asset to your on-ice game. The ability to follow instruction, solve problems and work hard are things we expect from our players. This expectation needs to be carried over into all aspects of your life. To achieve that, players must prioritize their time with what’s important.”

Any hockey player has their own idol and for Little, it’s Alexander Ovechkin.

“He’s a great leader, plays hard, and is just somebody who enjoys the game. He shows to everyone how amazing of a career it is and if you put in the hard work, you can have the great life that he does.”

The dream for Little, who has been playing hockey since the age of six and on the ice since three, is to make it to the National Hockey League (NHL).

“Ever since I started playing the game, I loved it … just everything about the sport is amazing.” Little added that even though the chances of making it to the NHL are slim, it shouldn’t be a deterrent to have fun and enjoy the game. “I keep pushing through and enjoying what I’m doing, that’s a big thing because if you’re not enjoying it, you’re not going to push yourself to the next step.”

Dennis says Little is a smart player and that’s what makes him great at the game.

“Alex is a very composed defenceman that can affect the game at both ends of the ice. His smarts are his best asset.”

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

COVID-19 Positive Case in NNDSB School

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**Update – Both cases have been resolved.**

**Update – There is a second confirmed case at Chippewa Secondary School.  At this time, the Health Unit is not declaring an outbreak as the cases appear unrelated.  For an active list of cases in NNDSB schools, please visit the resources page.**

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Near North District School Board has been informed that a member of the school community at Chippewa Secondary School has tested positive for COVID-19.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is currently conducting an investigation.  NNDSB is working closely with the Health Unit to provide information about staff and students for contact tracing (e.g. attendance records, class lists, contact information for parents, etc…).  Please note that the School Board and the Health Unit are prohibited from sharing any details with the public that may identify individuals in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act.

The health unit is currently in the process of contacting close contacts of the case to provide further direction on isolation and testing requirements.  A close contact is anyone who was in the cases cohort, attending extracurricular activities, childcare, or rode on the bus with the case.  Close contacts will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14-days from the last exposure to the positive case.

All students and staff who are not directly contacted by the health unit have been determined to have had a low-risk exposure to the case of COVID-19.  A low-risk exposure includes transient interactions such as walking by a person with COVID-19, or briefly being in the same room with a person who has COVID-19.  In these situations, the likelihood of transmission of COVID-19 is very low; however self-monitoring for symptoms is recommended.  Self-isolation and testing is not recommended for low-risk exposures.  In consultation with the health unit the decision has been made to keep the school open, as the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to staff and students is very low at this time.  Custodial staff will be conducting enhanced cleaning of the school and ensure that all staff and student areas have been thoroughly disinfected

It is important that you monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.  The main symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever, cough, loss of taste and smell, or shortness of breath; however, COVID-19 can present with other symptoms such as those similar to a common cold or common stomach illness. A full list of symptoms is available on the covid-19.ontario.ca website, and the self-assessment tool can be used to help determine if symptoms are consistent with COVID-19.

If symptoms of COVID-19 are present, it is important to immediately self-isolate and seek out a COVID-19 assessment and testing centre.  When calling for an appointment at your local COVID-19 assessment centre, please inform the staff that there has been an exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case and COVID-19 symptoms are present.   If severe symptoms are present, such as difficulty breathing, please call 911 or attend the emergency department for immediate attention.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808.

Thank you,

Near North District School Board

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