Near North District School Board

February 2026 – Letter to Families

By

Friday, Feb. 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).

*

EQAO Math Session for Parents/Guardians of Grade 9 Students

Join us for a free webinar about how EQAO assesses Grade 9 students’ mathematics learning. EQAO staff will discuss mathematics questions from the Grade 9 assessment of mathematics. Participants will hear how these questions help assess the skills students are learning in class. Staff will also highlight valuable insights and resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning.

This session takes place Feb. 12 at 12 p.m. Register here.

*

The Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) holds its next meeting on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

All parents and guardians are encouraged to attend, although only PIC members may vote. The meeting has a set agenda, which will be followed.

Here is the link to the meeting. If joining by phone, the Meeting ID is 266 594 468 433 89 and the Passcode is BV3fK7s3.

*

The Ontario curriculum supports financial literacy across the grades. Financial literacy is more than just knowing about money and financial matters and having the skills to work with this knowledge. Students develop the confidence to successfully apply the necessary knowledge, concepts, and skills in a range of relevant real-life contexts and for a range of purposes.

Students also develop the ability to make informed decisions as consumers and citizens. The NNDSB Financial Literacy Guide outlines what students will learn about at school as they move through the grades and provides some ideas for at-home learning and building an understanding of Financial Literacy.

You can access the guide on our Math For Families webpage.

*

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

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Alliance Public School buddy program matches littles, bigs and elders

By

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

A buddy program at Alliance Public School pairs Grade 1 and Grade 6 students from the school, who then visit nearby Barclay House to spend time every month with elders at the retirement residence.

The program began last year, and Grade 1 teacher Kristina Giesler has been going every month. “When we arrive, the children sit at a table with their buddies (a Grade 6 student), and each table has a few open seats for the elders to join. The elders sit at whichever table they like,” says Giesler.

She says that some elders join every month, others join periodically. The group has done crafts, performed and played games. “No matter what the activity, the littles, bigs and elders alike all have a wonderful time,” she adds.

"Intergenerational activities can be beneficial to both groups,” says Giesler. “They can help build confidence, challenge assumptions and prejudices and help tackle social isolation and loneliness in both groups."

Natalie Zwolak, retirement living consultant at Barclay House, says there are benefits for the residents, too. “Some benefits for our seniors with this program are increased happiness, sense of purpose, mental stimulation, social engagement, opportunities to teach, and a boost in creativity.”

Grade 1 student Chloe likes doing crafts with elder buddies. “I like it when they talk to us,” says her classmate, Amelia. Owen says, “I like that we always do something fun with them.”

The students look forward to seeing their elder buddies and doing activities with them. “They learn respect and kindness and love hearing the stories from our elder buddies as they talk about their experiences,” says Giesler. “Likewise, the elders liven up when they see the children walk in. And love hearing the things the little ones come up with.”

The activities have also tied in with community outreach, says Zwokak. The buddies have created bandanas to donate to the Humane Society and made cards for Nurses Month.

Older man playing game with student
Older woman playing game with children.
Older man laughing as he plays games with student.
Older man and boy play game.
Older woman surrounded by children, all playing a game.

Meet Sir-Lynx-a-Lot, Woodland Public School’s mascot and wellness buddy

By

Four students with stuffed lynx.

At Woodland Public School, Sir-Lynx-a-Lot visits classrooms with fun activities, kindness cubes, and calming breathing exercises to promote well-being and school spirit.

During a recent visit to our Grade 6 class, students enthusiastically researched lynx facts, created a PowerPoint, and added to our travelling gratitude chain, soon to be on display! Woodland Public is buzzing with unstoppable school spirit!

 

Don’t click link on email appearing to be from NNDSB staff member

By

Friday, Jan. 30, 2026

You may have received an email this afternoon, in French, appearing to be from a staff member of Near North District School Board. If the subject line contains vous a envoyé le document « Ferris Glen & Sunset Park dossier et pièces justificatives, DO NOT CLICK THE LINK IN THE EMAIL!

The link contains an embedded virus that can infect your computer.

Delete the email.

The board will provide more information when we can.

Letter to Families – students being targeted in phishing email

By

Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Although NNDSB utilizes many proactive measures to protect students, including advanced firewalls, spam, and URL filtering technologies to mitigate risks to both staff and students, we want to alert you to a phishing email that has recently circulated among students, titled “Near North District School Board Job Announcement.” The email promotes a part-time job opportunity and includes a link to apply, claiming it is affiliated with the Near North District School Board. Please note that this message is not legitimate and may pose a security risk.

Key details of the phishing email:

  • Promises flexible, paid part-time work from home.
  • Requests recipients to click an external link and engage with an unknown individual.
  • Uses language intended to appear official but is fraudulent.

This is a clear example of a phishing attempt and should be treated as such. We ask that you:

  • Inform your child immediately not to click any links or respond to this email.
  • Encourage students to delete the message if received.
  • Use this as a learning opportunity to reinforce safe email practices, such as:
    • Never clicking on unsolicited links.
    • Verifying the sender’s identity before responding.
    • Reporting suspicious emails to the Help Desk.

Families are encouraged to use age-appropriate cyber safety resources to support their child’s understanding of online safety. NNDSB recommends the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, specifically their site: https://protectkidsonline.ca/app/en/. Educators across our district have and will continue to embed cyber safety training into their lessons through age-appropriate resources related to the Ontario curriculum.

If you have any questions or notice further distribution of this phishing email, please contact your child’s principal. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community safe.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Fun with Coding and Robots

By

Students at Sundridge Centennial Public School had a visit from Justin Hawn, Near North District School Board’s technology-enabled learning and teaching coordinator, on Thursday, Jan. 15.

Hawn ran coding workshops with the Grade 4/5, Grade 5/6 and Grade 6/7 classes. Students had the opportunity to engage in a hands-on, technology-based learning experience using programmable Spheros robots, while developing their mathematics, coding and problem-solving skills.

This is another example of excellence in innovation and excellence in teaching and learning, as NNDSB focuses on student achievement and well-being.

two students work on coding while being supervised

 

Silver Birches students shine in Beaver Computing Challenge

By

Students from Silver Birches Elementary School in North Bay participated in the University of Waterloo’s Beaver Computing Challenge with some outstanding results.

Grade 4/5 teacher Mr. Arbiter writes that the Beaver Computing Challenge is a national contest that introduces students to computational thinking and problem-solving. The challenge is designed to spark interest in computer science by presenting engaging, logic-based challenges that required creativity and analytical skills.

Several Silver Birches students achieved Distinction, placing in the top 25 per cent of all participants across Canada.

The hard work and dedication of Silver Birches students have paid off, says Mr. Arbiter, noting that students demonstrated exceptional and growing problem-solving abilities. Congratulations to these students! We celebrate your achievement and look forward to seeing continued success in future STEM opportunities, including next year’s contest.

NNDSB – Letter to Families from Director MacJanet

By

Monday, Jan. 19, 2026

Dear Families and Community Members,

I am writing to you as the newly appointed Director of Education for the Near North District School Board. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve your children and to work alongside families and communities to support student success, safety, and well-being.

Over the past week, I have had the chance to visit several of our schools and meet with principals, staff, and members of our Board Office team. I was warmly welcomed everywhere I went and was impressed by the care, dedication, and commitment shown to students each day. I look forward to being in all of our schools by the beginning of February and continuing to build strong, positive relationships across the district.

Our shared goal is simple and important: making sure every student feels safe, supported, and able to learn and succeed. We know this work cannot be done by schools alone. When families, schools, and community partners work together, students benefit the most.

As we move forward, our decisions will be guided by what is best for students, using data, evidence, and a strong focus on both achievement and well-being. While we cannot change the past, we cannot stay there either. We must look ahead with care and intention.

I recognize that some families and community members may feel that trust has been broken. We own that. Rebuilding trust will take time, consistent actions, and open communication. We ask for the opportunity to repair that trust and to move forward together. This work cannot be done without families and communities as partners, and while it will take time, we are fully committed to doing this work thoughtfully and transparently.

There will be some changes as we look ahead. These changes will always be guided by our responsibility to provide safe, welcoming, and high-quality learning environments for students. Alongside this, we are committed to improving communication and transparency so families and communities feel informed, heard, and connected to the work taking place across the system.

Hearing from families is essential. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with any and all School Council Chairs who would like to connect. If you are interested in meeting, please speak with your school principal, who can then reach out to my office to help plan a time. I want to better understand your school communities’ strengths, as well as your worries, frustrations, and hopes for the future. Your voices matter, and they will help guide our work.

I am confident that by working together—listening to one another and keeping students at the centre of every decision—we can build a strong and positive future for all learners in Near North.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks ahead.

Sincerely,

Jay MacJanet
Director of Education
Near North District School Board

Contract for construction of Parry Sound JK-12 school terminated

By

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

Dear NNDSB Families, Staff, Students, and Community Members,

Today, Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, in his capacity having control and charge over the administration of the affairs of the Near North District School Board (“NNDSB”) has directed the termination of the NNDSB’s contract with the general contractor for the new Parry Sound JK–12 School and Child Care Facility.

This decision followed an extensive period of review and engagement, including formal notices of default and opportunity for the contractor to resolve the outstanding concerns of NNDSB.

The notice of termination delivered earlier this morning referenced concerns with respect to:

  • The absence of a reliable and regularly updated construction schedule
  • The performance of work in accordance with the contract documents
  • The prompt correction of defective work and deficiencies
  • The registration of numerous construction liens against the project

After careful consideration, NNDSB has determined that continuing under the existing arrangement would place the project’s successful completion and timeline at risk.

As of today, NNDSB has regained full control of the project and is taking the necessary steps to ensure it is completed to the standard our community expects and deserves. This action was taken as a last resort and reflects the board’s responsibility to intervene when a major capital project is no longer on a reliable path forward.

NNDSB remains fully committed to delivering this state-of-the-art school safely and on target for opening in September 2026. We will secure a new general contractor and maintain close oversight of the project to support a smooth transition and minimize disruption.

Our focus is firmly on students and families, and on ensuring public resources are managed responsibly and in the best interests of the community.

Next Steps:

  • Current site safety protocols remain in place under NNDSB control.
  • Updates will follow as we transition to a new construction team.

Thank you for your patience and continued support. Our priority remains delivering a safe, modern learning environment where Parry Sound students can learn and thrive.

Jay MacJanet appointed as NNDSB Director of Education

By

Monday, January 5, 2026

Jay MacJanet appointed as NNDSB Director of Education

The Near North District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jay MacJanet as Director of Education effective January 6, 2026.

Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Mr. MacJanet brings over 26 years of experience in public education to his role as Director of Education for the Near North District School Board. He began his career as a teacher and later served thirteen years as a principal with the District School Board of Niagara. Over the past five years, he held the role of Superintendent of Education with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board.

“I am deeply honoured and excited to serve the students, families, staff, and communities of the Near North District School Board,” said Mr. MacJanet. “Public education is strongest when schools, families, and communities work together in trust and partnership. I believe our shared focus must always remain on student achievement, well-being, and preparing every learner for future success. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside staff, parents, and community partners to build on the strong foundation already in place across Near North.”

A strong advocate for evidence-based decision-making, Mr. MacJanet believes that sound leadership grounded in research and data is fundamental to school system success. He holds a firm conviction that student achievement and students’ future success must remain the number one priority of a school board. He also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, trust, transparency, and a positive organizational culture as essential ingredients in strengthening relationships among communities, parents, staff, and students.

-30-

Biindigen

Mii gwi Anishinabek wewena nkenmaaminak dependajig maa kiing.
"We acknowledge in a good way, the original people of the land here"
We value the cultures, histories and relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (North America)

Connect With Us

Near North District School Board
963 Airport Road, P.O. Box 3110, North Bay, ON P1B 8H1
[P] 705-472-8170   [TF] 1-800-278-4922   [F] 705-472-9927