This report outlines the progress made toward achieving key priorities of the Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP). It contains information on progress toward meeting the NNDSB MYSP priorities of excellence in teaching and learning, excellence in relationships, excellence in communication, and excellence in innovation.

The 2022-2023 school year was a year of learning recovery for students. It marked a year of significant change as we flexed to meet the unique needs of all learners in a safe and inclusive learning environment. Safe schools and mental wellness initiatives are always a top priority but were even more so in the return to the classroom. 2022-23 efforts will be shared in this review.

NNDSB collaborative work to support our youngest learners is significant. You will read of collaborative efforts to support early years students in engaging ways and professional development which allows educators to engage in environmental learning that addresses curricular expectations meaningfully.

Educators implemented literacy and mathematics diagnostics and literacy screeners to understand their students' strengths and needs in gaining core learning skills. Diagnostic examination alongside student profiles set and put into action goals that support equitable access to learning and ensure student achievement and well-being. The results of these efforts are found in this report.

The reader will learn how NNDSB, in alignment with the Ministry of Education’s Plan to Catch Up, launched highly successful tutoring supports to ensure student success in literacy and mathematics.

The results speak for themselves. The report shares how NNDSB was recognized provincially for literacy initiatives in agreement with the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Right to Read Report. It also shares the provincially recognized NNDSB summer learning programs that deliver continual learning and gap closing. Perhaps most importantly, summer learning ensures smoother transitions to the new school year.

Collaboration across the system resulted in the expansion of experiential learning that meets the needs of marginalized youth and adults with the launch of the Hockey Skills Canada Program in Parry Sound, expansion of the Personal Support Worker Program held in North Bay and Parry Sound to also include Mattawa. Unique programs also included the custodial services living classroom in collaboration with District Social Services Administration Boards and YES Employment and the opening of Seven Stones School in collaboration with the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre.

The above mentioned are some of the highlights of the year. You are invited to learn more in the following review.