Hockey legend hits the ice with F.J. McElligott students

F.J. McElligott Secondary School’s Hockey Skills Academy students had the rare opportunity to hit the ice with Canadian hockey legend Ted Nolan. The former NHL player and coach spent time with students on the ice at the Mike Rodden arena in Mattawa.

Nolan, who was in Mattawa to share his message of perseverance with the community at the school auditorium, spent an hour on ice with students, running them through drills and sharing tips he has learned from his decades-long career.

Nolan said programs like the Hockey Skills Academy help to get young players back to the root of what is important – the love of the game.

“It’s people that really make a difference,” Nolan said. “I never went to hockey schools. I just played and I fell in love with the game through that method. That’s what we have to do here in Canada, just bring back the love of the game to our kids. You don’t have to have the best skates, you just have to get the opportunity to play.”

Students have been researching Ted Nolan’s story since last year. As a class they had the opportunity to learn more about Nolan through lessons and videos in class. Students have also been working on their leadership skills on the ice to prepare for his arrival.

“Experiences like this are incredibly important for Hockey Skills students because they help connect what they’re learning on the ice to their overall growth as students and young athletes, giving them a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. On the ice, opportunities like these can reignite their confidence, help them see the progress they’ve made, and encourage them to continue pushing their limits and developing their skills,” teacher Cody Lacelle said. “Off the ice, especially with examinations only a week away, I hope this experience gives them an extra spark of motivation to bring the same discipline, focus, and resilience they use in hockey into their academic work.”

“It was really cool to learn from a former NHL coach who has won at every level of hockey. I liked how the drills he showed us really emphasized vision,” Grade 12 student Josh said. “I thought it was a really good tip when he told us that every pass doesn’t need to be a bullet if you can put it in a good spot for your teammate to receive the pass. I learned that hard work and never giving up will lead to success.”

Chippewa students pitch their North Bay tourism ideas

Grade 11 travel and tourism students at Chippewa Secondary School pitched their best North Bay tourism ideas to a panel of northern tourism professionals in a Dragon’s Den-inspired activity called Moose Moguls.

The expert panel provided un-biased constructive feedback which students could then use to improve and refine their business plans.

In this course, students learn about destinations, transportation, marketing and customer service. The goal is to prepare students for careers in tourism and hospitality, and to develop awareness of global and local tourism issues.

Teacher Jonathon Corbett says developing tourism business ideas helps students consider alternative paths to traditional education and possibly become entrepreneurs.

“Many students leave North Bay to pursue their careers. This project has students creating their own opportunities, while learning to appreciate the beauty of their own backyard,” Corbett says, “The presentation aspect prepares students for essential tourism skills, such as, pitching destinations, creating itineraries, promoting experiences, calculating costs and guiding.”

The focus on local tourism helped to keep student projects as realistic as possible. Students began researching currently available tourism options and identified gaps they could fill. Most were able to find unique opportunities in their own backyard, of which they were previously unaware.

Local tourism boosts our economy, creates jobs, and provides sustainable and accessible opportunities in Northern Ontario. It also helps students appreciate their own region’s culture and attractions, which is key for building community pride and promoting nearby destinations. There were a couple of exchange students who created business plans in their home countries, which helped broaden the class’s overall perspective.

Student business ideas included guided eco-tours of the natural beauty of the North Bay area, a rage room where customers could pay to destroy appliances, dishes and furniture as a fun and safe expression of their frustrations and a pet café where customers can enjoy coffee and snacks while their pet plays in a friendly environment.

Darren Patey, partnership and product development lead with Northeastern Ontario Tourism, said the presentations were well thought out and the students delivered a variety of ideas. It was great to see the students work on their presentation skills, as speaking to a group is something not many are comfortable with.

“There were a few students offering guiding and or workshop-type products that stood out to me. We are seeing an increase in the demand from visitors for experiential products, where they could learn about the history, learn a skill, or achieve a connection to a community,” Patey said. “Whether that product is about bushcraft style camping, doing a polar plunge, or making jewelry or food, it was great to see students seeking opportunities to include local ingredients and partnerships.”

Travel and tourism student Tam said, “I really enjoyed this project because it showed me so many ways to start up my business idea and how to get a good picture of what I would expect if I started my business idea. The money would honestly be a challenge, but I would research a lot more into getting started. My business plan would be really cool and eco-friendly and safe and kind of cheap. After this project, I’m going to look into it and see how I can start and bring my idea to life.”

Friday, Sept. 2, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope that all Near North District School Board (NNDSB) students, staff and their families had a safe and enjoyable summer. We are eager to begin a new school year that will inspire, educate and support our families. We look forward to continuing supporting our rightsholders and stakeholders as appropriate.

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 NNDSB.

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The past few years have been difficult for all of us, and we are proud of the efforts of students, staff and families who persevered through the pandemic. Student achievement and well-being are at the centre of everything we do at NNDSB, as illustrated in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan.

Circumstances of the last two years have shown the significant connection between mental health, well-being and learning. Mental health was recently announced as one of the five components of the Ministry of Education’s Plan to Catch Up.

NNDSB is working hard to ensure that students are returning to school next week to environments that are safe, warm and welcoming. Mental health supports are in place for learners and educators. Students and families who require mental health supports can visit this section of NNDSB’s website, and are encouraged to speak with a trusted staff member at their school.

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The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit will be following Ministry of Health guidance without any additional local measures in place to start the school year.

Based on the advice of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, masks will be optional in schools, the board office and on school transportation vehicles. The government will continue to provide masks at schools for students, staff and visitors who choose to wear them, and hand sanitizer will continue to be provided at schools. Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette should be promoted and integrated into the day.

The government recently announced changes to the five-day isolation period for COVID-19 patients. A person with any respiratory illnesses is being asked to stay home until they have seen an improvement in symptoms for 24 hours. After isolating, masks are to be work for 10 days from symptom onset when going back to school or work, and people should avoid contact with high-risk people and places. Staff and students are being urged to stay home if they are sick.

Families that are concerned about symptoms, exposure or testing can contact Ontario’s Testing and Isolation Information Line from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week at 1-888-777-0730 or by following the directions available on Ontario.ca/Exposed.

It is recommended that all staff and students self-screen daily before they attend school and stay home if they are feeling unwell to prevent the spread of illness.

NNDSB has an inventory of rapid antigen tests and will be able to access more through the school year to be used in accordance with provincial testing guidance. The board has tests available in pack of two or five tests.

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Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS), also known as the Consortium, provides school transportation services for NNDSB and the other three co-terminus boards.

Masking is not mandatory but is recommended on school vehicles. NPSSTS drivers who have an inventory may have masks for student use on board, but families that prefer their children to mask should send them to the bus with a mask from home.

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Families will notice a change in the lights on school buses. Effective July 1, 2022, changes to the Highway Traffic Act provide for the use of amber warning lights at the top of the bus, along with the red stop lights. In addition, the wording on the back of the bus now reads “STOP WHEN RED LIGHTS FLASHING”.

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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