Community Access to New Parry Sound Schools Delayed as Site Work Continues

September 3, 2026 By nataliecockerline

Community Access to New Parry Sound Schools Delayed as Site Work Continues

Many local organizations, sports groups, and residents have been looking forward to accessing the new Parry Sound High School and Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School.

The new schools were designed to be more than places of learning. They were built to support recreation, programs, events, and activities that bring people together and strengthen connections across the region.

While students and staff will have access to the schools as planned, a temporary delay is needed before the facilities can be opened for public use.

Finishing touches will continue outside of school hours over the coming months. To ensure the contractors have access, the facility will not be available for bookings until further notice.

The delay affects rentals and bookings for recreational programs, sports activities, meetings, events, and other uses.

Organizations that have already submitted community use requests are being contacted directly. We have also shared this information with local municipalities so they are aware that groups may be looking for alternative locations while work on the site continues.

We know many groups have been eager to make use of these new facilities, and we appreciate their patience and understanding.

Access for programs, activities, and events will be considered once the site work has progressed to a stage that allows for safe and practical use. At this time, bookings are expected to remain unavailable through the fall, with a review planned for January 2027. Updates will continue to be shared on the NNDSB website as more information becomes available.

Community use is an important part of how our schools serve local families and organizations, and we look forward to welcoming groups, teams, and residents through the doors in the months ahead. Until then, we thank the community for its support as this important project moves through its final stages.

Supporting Student Learning Through Balanced Technology Use

September 2, 2026 By nataliecockerline

Supporting Student Learning Through Balanced Technology Use

September 2, 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians,

At the Near North District School Board, we are committed to providing learning experiences that support student achievement, well-being, and long-term success. As part of this commitment, we are taking steps to ensure that technology is used purposefully and in balance with other effective instructional practices.

While technology remains an important tool in our classrooms, research shows that students benefit from a variety of learning experiences, including direct instruction, discussion, collaboration, hands-on activities, reading from printed materials and writing by hand. These approaches help strengthen critical thinking, communication skills, comprehension, memory retention and overall engagement in learning.

Beginning this school year, schools will continue to provide access to digital tools when they enhance learning, support accessibility needs, or enable learning experiences that could not otherwise occur. At the same time, educators will place greater emphasis on instructional strategies that do not require continuous individual device use.

Students can expect to experience:

More opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
Increased use of paper-and-pencil activities, including notetaking, writing, and mathematical problem solving.
More reading from printed materials when deep comprehension and sustained attention are important.
Purposeful use of technology when it clearly supports learning outcomes or accessibility needs.
A healthy balance of digital and non-digital learning experiences throughout the school day.

To help support student well-being and engagement, NNDSB has established age-appropriate guidelines for routine 1:1 student device use during the school day:

Kindergarten (JK/SK): No routine individual screen time
Grades 1-3: Up to 30 minutes per day.
Grades 4-8: Up to 60 minutes per day, with individual sessions generally limited to 30 minutes.
Grades 9-12: Up to 60 minutes per day, with individual sessions generally limited to 30 minutes, recognizing that some courses and specialized programs may occasionally require additional time.

These guidelines are intended to support healthy, engaging and effective learning environments while ensuring students continue to develop important digital skills. Technology will remain available in our schools and will continue to be used when it adds value to the learning experience.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning and well-being.

Parry Sound High School hex pods will offer a unique school experience for intermediate students

July 14, 2026 By Brett

Parry Sound High School hex pods will offer a unique school experience for intermediate students

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

The Near North District School Board is pleased to share plans for Grade 7 and 8 students at Parry Sound High School beginning this September.

Grade 7 and 8 students will have dedicated learning spaces in the school’s modern hex pods, creating a unique intermediate school experience while also providing opportunities to be part of the larger secondary school community. The hex pods feature climate-controlled classrooms, including air conditioning, secure access through key cards, built-in storage for student belongings and learning materials, and convenient access to designated washrooms located just inside the main building.

While their core classroom learning will take place primarily in the hex pods, they will also spend time in the main school building each day for:

Physical Education classes
Cafeteria access
Mentorship opportunities with older students
Collaborative learning experiences
School-wide events and activities

This approach will provide Grade 7 and 8 students with a strong sense of belonging within their intermediate cohort while also allowing them to experience the opportunities, connections, and school spirit that come with being part of the larger school community.

We look forward to welcoming our Grade 7 and 8 students this fall.

Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont visits Northern Secondary School

April 1, 2026 By Brett

Wednesday, April 1, 2026
As part of a tour of the West Nipissing area to celebrate the Month of La Francophonie, The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario paid a visit to Northern Secondary School and École secondaire publique Nipissing Ouest.

The Lieutenant Governor was led on tours of both schools, where she engaged with students and staff. While visiting Northern Secondary’s Indigenous student hub, Dumont discussed some of her cultural experiences during her tenure and encouraged students to follow their dreams in their post-secondary futures.

Northern Secondary School student Sunny said, “Having the Lieutenant Governor attend Northern Secondary School was a nice surprise. It was great to discuss with her how our Indigenous student hub supports students and was honestly a great experience. After I told her I wanted to be a teacher, she inspired me by telling me that both Ontario and all of Canada is need of teachers."

Dumont also spoke with Northern teacher Falcon McLeod, about the Indigenous language curriculum and accompanying textbook that he created for his students.

Dumont, a former educator, inspired students to pursue their passions. "It was nice because we got to share our experiences with her and she got to learn what we do and what the Indigenous student hub is for,” Northern student Hayden said. “She asked me what my plans were for post-secondary and she told us not to give up on our dreams. It was nice to hear those words of encouragement from someone that important."

The significance of the visit went beyond simply encouraging and inspiring students. Near North District School Board Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Kim Pauli said a visit from the Lieutenant Governor is a meaningful recognition of the work taking place across NNDSB schools.

“It demonstrates provincial interest in our district and affirms the strong, collaborative relationship we have built with our co-terminus French board as we work side by side in a shared space toward common goals, Pauli said. “The visit also instills a sense of pride in the unique, high-quality programming we provide for students across the district and highlights the inclusive and student-centred approach in our learning communities.”

Pauli also noted that having students interact with the Lieutenant Governor makes civic leadership accessible. “Her visible support for Indigenous languages, programming, and reconciliation sends a powerful message about respect, inclusion, and the importance of honouring Indigenous cultures and knowledge within our education system”, Pauli said.

Northern Secondary School Principal Sean Ruddy said, "Having the Lieutenant Governor visit Northern Secondary School was a great experience for our staff and students. Her Honour was very personable and was genuinely interested in the success and aspirations of all our students. It's not every day that we are able to host a dignitary of her stature, and we are grateful that she came to Northern Secondary School.”

March Letter to Families

March 6, 2026 By Brett

Friday, March 6, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The monthly Letter to Families is intended to keep you apprised of news that affects all students and families of Near North District School Board (NNDSB).

March Break is just around the corner! A reminder that the March Break takes place from Friday, March 13 up to and including Friday, March 20. We welcome staff and students back to school on Monday, March 23.

We wish everyone has a happy, healthy March Break!

School Mental Health Ontario has launched a four-part parent/caregiver webinar series focused on key mental health and substance use health topics identified by parents and caregivers in Ontario. The webinars will feature a presentation by leading experts on the topics.

The first session about balanced device use has already been held. Upcoming webinar topics and dates are: conversations about vaping, April 10; conversations about body image, May 7; conversations about anxiety, June 5.

Parents and caregivers can submit questions in advance via this link.

All sessions will be uploaded to the By Your Side learning hub.

Here is the link to register for these free webinars.

The Math Department is planning a virtual math session for parents from Grades JK-12. The presentation will take place on March 31^st from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The presenter is Scott Elliot, Chartered Professional Accountant.

The learning objectives for participants are to obtain information and tips to raise kids who are financially independent and responsible, to better understand the challenges of raising money-smart kids and to learn how to address age-appropriate money-related topics with young kids, pre-teens, teenagers, and emerging adults.

Some of the topics discussed will include why teaching kids about money is important, the goals and challenges of raising money smart kids and tips on allowance, budgeting, credit cards, cell phones and virtual spending.

To register, parents/guardians can use this link: Registration form for NNDSB Financial Literacy Session

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

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Building strong futures: F.J. McElligott Secondary School upgrades welding shop through community partnerships

March 3, 2026 By Brett

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

At F.J. McElligott Secondary School, the clang of metal and hum of power tools now echo in a revitalized shop space, thanks to a TC Energy grant that facilitated a collaborative effort uniting alumni, local businesses and industry leaders to invest in the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

The initiative began during the 2024–25 school year when retired welder Jacques Goudreau, volunteering alongside shop teacher Mark Robinson, noticed that the school’s welding and mechanics facilities would use upgrades. “When I started working at F.J. in September of last year, the transportation shop was in serious need of upgrading,” Robinson explained. “The grant from TC Energy in conjunction with Fastenal, Milwaukee Tools and support from GinCor Werx has helped us take a huge step forward in providing our students a learning space that is safe, and with cutting-edge tools. It would be impossible for our program to continue without the kindness and generosity of all our community supporters.”

Initially, Goudreau approached Ward Resmer at GinCor Werx with a list of welding supplies needed to improve the school shop. Resmer, who sits on Canadore College’s trades advisory board, understands the importance of engaging students in skilled trades at the secondary level. Wanting to support the initiative, he contacted several suppliers, who he says “knocked it out of the park,” noting that “young people learning the trades helps them as well in the long run.” Both Fastenal and Messer Canada stepped up, providing welding supplies at a reduced cost.

Despite this support, the challenge of funding remained. F.J. McElligott has relied on TC Energy funding for many years to support school programs and initiatives, so an application was submitted. Gretchen Gordon, Team Lead of External Relations at TC Energy, approved the TC Build Strong Grant—an initiative designed to strengthen communities through education and workforce development.

“At TC Energy, we believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future of our communities,” said Gordon. “Supporting programs that promote skilled trades not only opens doors for students but also strengthens the workforce for years to come. Safety and quality are at the heart of everything we do, and this initiative ensures that students can learn in an environment that reflects those values.”

The grant application was successful, setting the stage for a transformation of the school’s shop.

But the story didn’t end there. After speaking with Resmer, F.J. alumni Alex Ranger, now working with Fastenal, stepped in to help source materials and connect the team with Milwaukee’s Bring Back the Trades initiative - a program that matches schools’ investments with additional merchandise, amplifying the impact of every dollar spent.

“As an F.J. alumnus, I jumped at the opportunity to give back to the school that contributed so much to my personal and professional development,” said Ranger. “I remain proud of my roots and the foundation it provided. The support from TC Energy, Milwaukee, and Fastenal made this project possible. I am glad that we were able to upgrade many of the outdated tools in both the mechanics and woodshops, while also providing essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for the students, providing safer equipment for students to use and learn with. I look forward to the possibility of working together on future initiatives.”

With funding secured and partnerships in place, the school ordered a full suite of Milwaukee power tools, welding supplies, safety equipment, and other materials essential for hands-on learning. Joel Villeneuve, Milwaukee’s representative, visited the school to conduct educational seminars and assess inventory needs, ensuring students have access to industry-standard tools.

“We at Milwaukee are proud to support hands-on learning and to help equip the next generation of skilled trades professionals,” Villeneuve said. “Partnering with Fastenal, F.J. McElligott and TC Energy has been a rewarding experience—providing students with access to professional-grade tools that enhance safety, confidence and real-world skills while creating brand awareness. It is inspiring to see local collaboration create meaningful opportunities for the next generation to learn, grow, and build a foundation for their future careers.”

With tools and safety equipment purchased, the welding material still needed to be provided. Resmer helped to secure materials from Messer Canada, mainly Albert Van De Kraats at the Sudbury Branch, at a reduced cost. GinCor supplied metal and even changed some of the wire sizes that they commonly used so that if a certain wire size was needed throughout the course, they’d have it readily available for the students.

The supplies and upgrades have already made a noticeable difference. Students now train with tools and equipment that mirror what they’ll encounter in the workforce, giving them a competitive edge as they pursue apprenticeships and careers in welding, mechanics, and other skilled trades.

“This is about more than tools,” Robinson emphasized. “It’s about giving students confidence and preparing them for success. When they walk into a shop that looks and feels professional, it changes the way they approach learning.”

The collaboration between GinCor Werx, TC Energy, Fastenal, Milwaukee, and dedicated community members like Goudreau, Resmer, and Ranger underscores the power of partnerships in education. For students at F.J. McElligott, these improvements mean safer, more efficient learning environments - and a tangible investment in their future.

Some Alouette bus routes to run beginning Thursday, February 26

February 25, 2026 By Brett

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) has been advised by Alouette Bus Lines that they are able to operate the following routes beginning Thursday February 26, 2026, in the morning: 001, 610 also covering 605, 268, 286, 011, 022, 063, 064, 065, 061, 062, 014 also covering 066.

Read the communication from Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS, or the consortium) here.

Congratulations to PSHS golden girl Megan Oldham!

February 18, 2026 By Brett

Director of Education and student senators talk about the issues that matter most

February 18, 2026 By Brett

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) Student Senate serves as a vital link between students and school board administration. Student senators have their fingers on the pulse of the student experience and share that knowledge with administrators with the goal of improving student achievement and well-being.

During the February meeting of Student Senate, representatives of each NNDSB secondary school shared the challenges and successes of their individual schools and had the opportunity to have their first official meeting with Director of Education Jay MacJanet.

MacJanet told senators about his career and upbringing in Sault St. Marie and how glad he is to be back in the north. The conversation then turned to how he can support students and how students can continue to have a voice in the absence of school board trustees.

Chippewa Secondary School student Dev Bassi, who was elected student trustee last year, said he still thinks the role of student trustee is important.

“It gives Student Senate and students the ability to share their voice at the board in terms of policy or actions. When you give students the ability to have their voice heard in that process, rather than be spoken for them, it provides some authenticity about how students are affected in ways that teachers and admins sometimes don't see.”

MacJanet said he hopes to create a ‘Director’s Forum’ where representatives from each high school meet with him to discuss “what your day looks like, how the system can help support you in getting where you need to be and where you want to be in the future.

“Your voice is the most important to me,” MacJanet said. “I take that information to teachers and principals and say this is what students are experiencing. What you do and how you represent Near North matters, and I want you to know that we are going to back you one thousand per cent.”

Parry Sound High School Student Senator Kiara said, “It's really important that students have a voice and that students have someone to talk to at a school, that's not a teacher, who can help them with whatever issues and concerns that they have.”

One of the issues that concern students is bus cancellations due to inclement weather.

“It affects everybody, but it really affects our Grade 12 students who are thinking about post-secondary with university applications and just the stress of those marks,” Kiara said. “Having exams cancelled and exams postponed really adds to the stress.”

MacJanet spoke with senators about those concerns and how the board is working with transportation companies to ensure that students can get to school safely when winter weather is in effect.

Regardless of the structure of school board governance, the role of student senate will continue to be fundamental to student achievement and well-being and a crucial link between students and administration.

School boards battle in friendly tournament

February 17, 2026 By Brett

Tuesday, Feb. 17 2026

White Woods Public School students enjoyed participating in a friendly ball hockey tournament for elementary school students in West Nipissing.

The first-ever Winter Ball Hockey Classic was held Feb. 12 in Sturgeon Falls, hosted by École élémentaire catholique La Résurrection, in partnership with Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord. The friendly tournament invited all French-language and English-language elementary schools in the West Nipissing community, bringing together students in Grades 4 to 8.

The event took place at La Résurrection with outdoor playing surfaces in the school parking lot as well as a closed section of the adjacent Third Street.

NNDSB’s White Woods Public School participated with teams from Grade 4/5 and Grade 6/7/8 who gave it their all in the friendly inter-board tournament.

La Résurrection’s gymnasium served as a warm-up area where students were treated to hot chocolate and pizza in a friendly environment to relax between games.

NNDSB thanks École élémentaire catholique La Résurrection and Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord for the invitation to this fun event and is already looking forward to next year!

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