Friday, Nov. 4, 2022
Dear Parents and Guardians,
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 Near North District School Board (NNDSB).
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NNDSB is proud to offer all parents the ability to access their child’s report cards via Edsby. This pertains to all elementary and secondary reporting, including the elementary progress reports (Grades 1-8) and the initial observations of learning reports (kindergarten), which will be available to parents after 2 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2022.
Please be aware that as schools work to get these reports online, there may be a slight delay. If you do not see your child’s report by Nov. 17, please reach out to your school. If you have not yet logged into Edsby or created an account, please visit this page of NNDSB’s website that explains how to create an account and login.
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Municipal elections were held Monday, Oct. 24, which included the positions of school board trustees.
NNDSB is still awaiting the name of an appointee, and until all trustees have been determined, will not be publishing the names of the 2022-2026 Board members.
The Board’s inaugural meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. As a reminder, NNDSB Board meetings are open to the public and are usually held on the second Tuesday of each month. Agenda packages are posted to the website two days in advance of the meeting.
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The Ministry of Education made an announcement late last month that outlined more action in its Plan to Catch Up, including Catch Up payments for families.
Families are being provided with up to $250 per child to help offset costs for additional tutoring supports, supplies or equipment to enhance student learning. The application portal will be open until March 31, 2023.
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School Mental Health (SMH) Ontario is a provincial implementation support team that helps school districts enhance student mental health through the use of evidence-based strategies and services.
SMH provides leadership and coaching for educators and school/system leaders, as well as mental health awareness for parents and families, and a platform for student voice and leadership in school mental health.
The organization is seeking applicants to its parent/caregiver collaboration group. This group will share thoughts on what children need in order to thrive and the types of tools, education and supports parents and caregivers want to support their children’s mental health.
More information about the parent and caregiver collaboration group can be found here, and this is the application.
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NNDSB is the first school board in Canada to have all their schools sign up for the 2022 I Read Canadian Day.
I Read Canadian Day is an initiative that celebrates the richness, diversity and breadth of Canadian literature. Taking place for the third year on Nov. 2, 2022, this celebration empowers families, schools, libraries, bookstores and organizations to host activities and events by reading Canadian books for just 15 minutes.
Award-winning Canadian author Eric Walters was so impressed, he took to social media and challenged other Canadian school boards to follow. He said, “The Near North District School Board has EVERY school signed up for I Read Canadian Day on November 2! How about some other boards matching?” ~ Eric Walters
Congratulations to all involved for participating in this wonderful investigation into Canadian literature.
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NNDSB has several procedures that keep students and staff safe during events that take place inside and outside of schools. Frequently news stories and social media posts will refer to students being “in lockdown”, when in fact they are in a hold and secure.
This poster will explain to families the differences between a lockdown and a hold and secure. It outlines the reasons for which one may be called, and what happens at the school. Very often, a hold and secure is called when there is a medical situation at a school; a hold and secure keeps the hallways clear so first responders have clear access to the person and protects the dignity and privacy of the person during transport.
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The board partners with outside organizations – YES Canada and MLI Homestay – to bring international secondary school students to NNDSB.
MLI currently has an urgent need for a homestay family in North Bay for a female Japanese student who is attending Chippewa Secondary School until June 2023. Compensation is provided to assist with expenses.
During their stay, students live with a local family and experience daily life in Canada while developing their English language skills through this immersion experience.
To learn more, contact Kayla at kknight@mlihomestay.com or call 587-222-7172 or visit www.mlihomestay.ca.
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Regarding COVID-19 management, board facilities remain working under provincial direction without any additional measures put in place by the local health unit. It is recommended that all staff and students self-screen daily before they attend school and stay home if they are feeling unwell.
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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
