August 4, 2020-Ministry of Education releases Guide to Re-opening of Schools
July 30, 2020-Ministry of Education Releases newest Plan for Reopening of Schools
June 19, 2020 - Ministry Of Education Releases Plan for Safe Reopening of Schools
Today, the Ontario government released its safety plan for the resumption of class for the 2020-21 school year, outlining scenarios for how students, teachers and staff can safely return to classrooms in September.
Please follow the link below to access the Ministry of Education's Plan.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/approach-reopening-schools-2020-2021-school-year
June 17, 2020 - Message to Parents
Please see the attached communication to parents from the Director of Education.
Director of Education Message to Parents June 17
June 11, 2020 - Ministry Of Education Framework for Continued Learning
The Ministry of Education has released Ontario’s Framework for Continued Learning. The document identifies the Ministry’s plan to keep students safe and learning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and how they will support student learning now and in the summer. In addition, the framework outlines how the Ministry will work to reopen schools responsibly in the fall.
The Ministry has also announced Ontario’s Summer Learning Plan, which is a robust plan for summer learning opportunities, including new programs and initiatives.
Some of these initiatives include:
- new upgrading courses, which will allow Grade 9 to 12 students to upgrade a full credit course they passed during the school year in 55 hours, rather than the normal 110 hours.
- specific learning support for students with special education needs and mental health needs, including access to educational assistants (EAs), a new two-week program in skills development, learning, and routine establishment, and a summer extension of after-school programming for students with autism.
- working with our cross-government team, we will be providing virtual opportunities for students to volunteer during the summer, which can be counted toward the community service graduation requirement.
Please click below to access Ontario’s Framework for Continued Learning.
Ontario's Framework for Continued Learning
June 11, 2020 - Update on NNDSB Graduation Ceremonies
Graduation is a special and important milestone for our students. We remain supportive in honouring our grade 12 graduates and the achievements of grade 6 and 8 students in their educational journey.
COVID-19 has presented exceptional circumstances for our schools, staff, students and families. Unfortunately, graduation ceremonies are affected.
Recently we surveyed our students and families regarding graduation ceremonies. We appreciate and value all voices and thank you for your input and contributions.
We have reviewed the results of the survey and consulted with our local public health providers to explore all possible options. Our first responsibility is the health, safety and wellbeing of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) students, staff, families and school communities. In light of provincial legislation, which prohibits holding organized public events and gatherings to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is not possible to hold traditional graduation ceremonies at this time.
As such, all NNDSB graduation ceremonies will happen virtually where possible. With the lifting of many restrictions by the province this past week and changes to parts of the emergency order, schools are also exploring additional ways for students to commemorate their graduation while ensuring strict adherence to established health and safety protocols.
Our Principals are working diligently with their staff and school communities to determine the best way to commemorate this special event. In the coming days, if they have not already, schools will be providing further information to parents and students.
Congratulations graduates!
June 9, 2020 - Committee of the Whole Teleconference Information
The June Committee of the Whole Meeting will be held via teleconference at 6:00 p.m on June 9, 2020. Members of the public including staff members, and media representatives, can access the meeting and listen to all deliberations through our teleconference service as follows:
Dial-In Number: (705) 482-7613 or Toll-Free 1-(844)-883-2385
June 8, 2020 - Ontario's COVID-19 Testing Plan
The Ministry of Education has requested all school boards in Ontario share the following information concerning the Province’s plan for COVID-19 testing.
Message from the Ministry of Education
We are writing to let you know that the province released its testing plan on Friday, May 29, 2020, Protecting Ontarians Through Enhanced Testing. Ontario now has the most open testing criteria in the country.
Ontario’s testing guidance now indicates that you should visit an assessment centre if you:
- have at least one of the symptoms of COVID-19
- do not have symptoms but are concerned you might have been exposed
- do not have symptoms but think you are at risk through your employment (for example, if you are an essential or health care worker)
- would like to be tested
To support Ontarians who have identified the need to get tested, as of May 24, 2020, people will no longer need a referral to go to any of the more than 130 assessment centres across Ontario for testing. No Ontarian will be declined a test.
Given this expanded guidance, if you do choose to get tested, here are a few important notes:
- Testing is voluntary.
- You do not need an OHIP card to be tested. It is a free service.
- Some assessment centres may require you to book an appointment first or have certain restrictions (for example, some are unable to test young children). Find out more about an assessment centre near you.
- You can also take an online self-assessment to help determine if you should get tested.
If you are free of symptoms and have not had contact with anyone confirmed to have COVID-19 when presenting for testing, you will not be required to self-isolate. However, you should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days regardless of your test result. If you begin to develop symptoms, self-isolate and contact your local public health unit for further advice.
Stay informed and visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19. Local information is also available from your local public health unit.
May 25, 2020 - Access to Student Belongings
With the recent announcement by the Minister of Education that schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year, the NNDSB is focused on ensuring that students and staff remain supported during this time. While we are planning for the future, including our eventual reopening and the summer learning opportunities announced by the Province, we remain committed to ensuring that students are provided with equitable access to learning and support from now until the end of June.
We know that many parents have questions concerning access to student belongings now that we know students will not be returning this year. The health and safety of our students remain a priority, and it is essential that any process for access to belongings follows the Ministry of Education closure order and adheres to the advice and guidance of appropriate health authorities. Our staff is finalizing this process and will be sharing it with you in the coming days.
May 19, 2020 - School Closed Until the End of June
On May 19, 2020, the Minister of Education announced that all publicly funded schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. Please see the Media Release from the Office of the Premier for additional details.
Premier of Ontario Media Release May 19, 2020
The NNDSB is currently reviewing this announcement and will be providing an update with further information in the coming days.
May 19, 2020 - Minister of Education Communication to Parents
Please see the communication below from the Honourable Minister of Education Stephen Lecce to parents.
Minister of Education Letter to Parents May 19 - English
Minister of Education Letter to Parents May 19 - French
Our teachers continue to provide learning opportunities that enable students with Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) to work toward the learning goals set out in their IEPs and a successful experience while learning from home. Support staff at both the school and board level, continue to collaborate with the classroom or subject area teachers and with the students with whom they support regularly, to ensure that they have the accommodations and resources necessary to successfully engage in learning at home. Click the link below to access more information on how we continue to support our students with special education needs.
Supporting our Students with Special Education Needs
April 30, 2020 - Looking After Student Mental Wellness
These are trying times for students and parents and we are here to help. Our Mental Health Team has developed resources and guidance to assist parents in supporting their children during this time. Click the link below to access the information and resources.
April 28, 2020 - NNDSB Parent Guide to Distance Learning
Understanding that teaching and delivery of services will not look the same and will likely continue to evolve over the coming days and weeks, we want to assure you that you and your child will be supported. We know that not all circumstances are the same and that families are facing many challenges at this time. A Parent Guide has been developed to assist parents and guardians in navigating this new environment with their child and understanding what is involved in distance learning. And as always, please reach out to your child's teacher with any questions or concerns.
NNDSB Parent Guide to Distance Learning
April 21, 2020 - Kindergarten Registration Now Available Online
During school closures due to COVID-19, the Near North District School Board will be accepting school registrations through an online application process.
The online registration package is available for families registering their children for school with the Near North District School Board. Children turning four (4) years of age on or before December 31st of the current year and students who are new to the Near North District School Board can access the online Registration Form. Schools will contact families to confirm receipt of the registration form.
Please visit our registration page for additional information.
April 9, 2020 - Message from the Director of Education and Board Chair
Our community is facing the COVID-19 challenge together. The NNDSB is doing everything we can to keep families safe and healthy, and to be a strong community partner. We miss all of you and look forward to a time when our schools are open, filled with students and staff, and our educational community is together again.
Until then, we all need to do our part by maintaining physical distancing, self-isolating, and taking preventative measures to help protect you and your family. Please stay safe and know that we are here for you.
Please visit our website for updates and information at www.nearnorthschools.ca.
To access online teacher-led instruction visit: https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/learning-at-home/
To access Mental Health Supports and Resources visit: https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/we-are-here-to-help/
If you are unable to access online learning, please call your school Monday to Friday or email info@nearnorthschools.ca anytime.
Craig Myles, Director of Education
Jay Aspin, Chair, Board of Trustees
April 6, 2020 - Ontario Government Announces One-Time Financial Assistance for Parents During COVID-19
The Ontario government is offering direct financial support to parents while Ontario schools and child-care centres remain closed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The new Support for Families initiative offers a one-time payment of $200 per child 0 to 12 years of age and $250 for those 0 to 21 years of age with special needs.
Families can complete a simple online application at Ontario's Support for Families web page to access this financial support. Parents already receiving Support for Parents payments through direct deposit will be automatically eligible for this financial support and do not need to submit a new application.
Please visit the Ontario Support for Families for additional information.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-support-families
MARCH 31, 2020 - NNDSB Playgrounds and Amenities Closed
The provincial government has ordered the closure of all outdoor recreational amenities, such as sports fields and playgrounds, effective immediately. These actions are based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
In support of this order, effective immediately the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) will be closing all school playgrounds and other amenities, including sports fields and access to school board property until further notice. Although playgrounds and other amenities are an important part of our school communities, we hope to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on NNDSB students, staff, families and community members.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to maintain the health and safety of our communities.
MARCH 28, 2020 - NNDSB Launches Online Learning Resources
The NEW Near North Passport to Learning webpage offers a variety of resources and tools that cover a range of grades and subjects that may be helpful for students and parents during this time. Resources will continue to be updated and expanded on an ongoing basis.
When students or staff login to our board website using their NNDSB username and password, they have access to digital tools that enable productivity, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Furthermore, they may access hundreds of educational resources, including online subscriptions, encyclopedias, research archives and more.
Click on the image below to access your Passport to Learning!
Keeping You Updated
We want to keep our students, staff, parents, and school communities informed. The decision to close schools came abruptly and we will share new information with you as it becomes available to us. Updates will be provided through the following channels:
Website: https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/ This should be your primary source for all board updates on COVID-19 impacting NNDSB board students, staff and families.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nearnorthschools
Twitter: @nearnorthschool
The COVID -19 information on the NNDSB website will be updated every Tuesday and Thursday by 4:00 p.m. This is in addition to the communication of any developing and urgent information. In the event that there is a technology failure and websites aren't working, we will continue to post updates on the board's social media channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please note that this FAQ is a working resource. We will do our best to update the information below as we receive confirmation and clarification. Thank you for your patience as we work through this evolving situation.
