The goal of the Communications Department is to support the effective education of all students through:

• Accurate timely communication.
• School board identity management.
• Sharing of best practices and innovative programs, projects and initiatives.
• Support of parent and community involvement in education.
• Encouraging awareness, understanding, and action in support of Near North District School Board.

The Communications Department fosters transparent positive partnerships with media representatives, and provides guidance to staff on how to handle inquiries and respond to difficult situations.

Response to the media is both reactive – responding to inquiries and crisis situations as they arise, and pro-active – promoting topical programs and stories which celebrate student success and staff achievements. The Communications Department works on the premise that it takes six good news stories to offset the impact of one bad news story.

To this end, the Communications Department:

•  Identifies opportunities to communicate.
• Develops news release, media advisories, and other communications materials.
• Arranges interviews and photo shoots.
• Responds to media inquiries.
• Provides media relations guidance and training.
• Monitors local, provincial, and national news media stories.

NNDSB Parent/Guardian Communication Protocol

Purpose/Objective

In June 2024, the Ministry of Education issued PPM (Policy/Program Memorandum) 170. Part of PPM 170 directs school boards to develop a protocol for communicating with parents/guardians. This protocol sets out standards for acknowledging and responding to parent inquiries.

Process

Parents/guardians can make inquiries pertaining to their child’s education at the following levels:

• Classroom level (handled by classroom teachers and support staff)
• School level (handled by the school administration staff)
• Board level (handled by the appropriate staff member depending on the nature of the inquiry)

This chart provides an overview of the process for making inquiries and how they may be addressed.

In addition, parents/guardians can reach the board by:

• Phone: 705 472-8170 (toll-free 1-800-278-4922)
• Email: info@nearnorthschools.ca

• Contact form for a Superintendent or the Director of Education
• If a parent/guardian would like to make an anonymous report of an incident of bullying, racism or hate, or suspicion or signs of sex trafficking, they can use our Safe Schools Reporting Tool.

Timelines and report back

Parents/guardians can expect to receive acknowledgement of their inquiry/concern within 2 business days. If a response cannot be fully provided within 5 business days, parents/guardians will be notified and provided with an estimated date of response.

Please note that we believe that all members of the NNDSB community are responsible for identifying and dismantling all forms of oppression. We value respectful communication and reciprocal dialogue. Any form of discrimination, violence, harassment, or verbal abuse will not be tolerated in communication from any party.

Communication in the time of crises can enhance the safety and comfort of all involved in a situation. During a crisis, the Communications Department compiles and summarizes information and works with staff to determine management approaches to the issue or situation.

Using a multimedia approach, the Communications Department identifies opportunities to communicate with stakeholders and oversees or provides guidance for the development of publications produced for internal and external audiences. The Near North District School Board visual identity (logo) ensures that all printed and electronic communications and promotional items share a common look, signifying unity, and reinforcing the Board’s image.

• Publications and Resources – Communications materials produced include:
  • Board Highlights.
  • A Board Map.
  • Annual Report.
  • Communications Manual.
  • Strategic Directions.
  • Various department, and initiative-based brochures, posters, banners, and flyers.
  • Elementary Agendas, etc.
• Website – The Communication Department is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and development of the corporate website. The website provides contact information for Board offices, schools, departments, administration, and trustees. News stories, newsletters, annual reports, policies and procedures, programs, and resources are also available through the corporate website.

The Communications Department seeks out opportunities to share information within the region. This may include advertising in relocation publications as well as with local media, strategically placing school board publications in high traffic areas (ie. Information tourism booths).

The Communication Department develops relationships with key communicators. This helps to foster ongoing dialogue which provides information to the community and allows community members to provide feedback to the School Board.

NNDSB espouses the essential standards of good governance that enhance public trust. We are committed to creating a culture where employees and stakeholders are aware of and understand their roles in upholding the principles of accountability and transparency.

Transparency means the NNDSB will conduct its business in an accessible, clear, and visible manner. It means that communication will be reliable, accurate, and timely.

NNDSB aims to ensure a balance of interests as an employer in transparent communication. We strive to proactively disclose information that balances the need for public accountability and the need to protect sensitive information and the integrity of NNDSB corporation and its staff and students.