Near North District School Board

January Letter to Families

By

Friday, Jan. 7, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This 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). The Letter to Families is distributed on the first Friday of the month.

*

In May 2021, we shared the decision that NNDSB was continuing with the octomester model for the 2021-2022 school year based on direction from the Ministry of Education and local public health units. After consultation with students, families and staff, we are pleased to share with you that NNDSB is planning for a transition to the quadmester model on Jan. 31, 2022.

Recently the board retained Nanos Research to conduct a survey and gather feedback from stakeholders in NNDSB on their experiences with the secondary octomester timetabling format should NNDSB not be able to return to a traditional semester timetable. The results of the surveys are available for viewing here: parent and student. According to feedback from students and families, most would prefer a quadmester model for the second half of the school year.

Since we are unable to return to the semester model due to the current instability of COVID-19, we will move to quadmesters. The quadmester model will see students take two courses a day – one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. This decision was made in consultation with public health and our own research.

NNDSB appreciates the time that students and families gave to respond to the survey. The feedback is important to the board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan pillars of excellence in communication and excellence in relationships.

Students and families can expect further communication from their school on timetables and school-specific details.

*

NNDSB continues to place a high priority on supporting our students’ mental health during this latest period of remote learning. The board’s mental health team is reaching out to the students/parents that they are currently supporting to provide check-ins and make arrangements for continuity of services.

Our educators also have several mental health resources at their disposal and will be sensitive to the mental health needs of their students during on-line learning. The mental health team continues to accept new referrals for students who are seeking support during remote learning. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or principal/vice-principal if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s mental health.

There are many other resources and tools for parents and caregivers which can be accessed on the SMHO website https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-families/.

Kids Help Phone offers 24/7 counselling and referral services across the province. Students can call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.

*

Secondary schools are holding their information nights virtually, and families are invited to attend to learn more about NNDSB schools and their programs.

More information about the six secondary schools, with links to their open house meetings, can be found here.

*

Every year, the four local school boards collaborate to establish a school-year calendar which aims to promote student learning, success and well-being, and to minimize the impact on the schedule of their families, staff and members of the school community, all while respecting Ministry of Education standards.

The school-year calendar must consist of 194 compulsory teaching days, a maximum of seven (7) professional development days (pedagogical days) and a maximum of ten (10) exam days for secondary schools.

The coterminous board teams have carefully selected professional development opportunities for staff which align with Ministry of Education priorities, the proposed 2022-2023 school year calendar will include seven (7) professional activity days.

Although the number of school days available between Sept. 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023 are limited, we can offer our school communities a few options. We will invite you to indicate your preferences in the school-year calendar survey that will be open from the middle of January for 10 days. You will be sent the link via school messenger, and it will also be available on the board website.

Preferences and comments received will be taken into consideration in developing the final version of the 2022-2023 school-year calendar. Trustees from every school board will adopt the recommended 2022-2023 school year calendar prior to submitting it to the Ministry of Education for approval by March 1, 2022.

We look forward to your participation and collaboration in the upcoming school-year calendar survey.

*

NNDSB follows the direction of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the public health unit when devising COVID-19 plans.

Thank you,

Near North District School Board

 

 

 

Letter to Families – preparing for the move to virtual education

By

Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Monday’s letter advised families of the move to online learning, effective tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 6. This letter is to keep you up-to-date about Near North District School Board (NNDSB) plans and procedures as we ready staff and students for the move to virtual learning.

In addition to the monthly Letter to Families that will be sent out Friday, Jan. 7, NNDSB will continue to send COVID-19- and remote learning-related update letters to families as new information arrives.

*

Students in special education classrooms as identified through the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process will be able to resume in-person programming in their schools on Monday, Jan. 10. Staff will be contacting families whose students will be able to attend in-person. Transportation will be arranged. If your child qualifies for in-person programming and you have questions, contact your child’s school.

*

Childcare and school-aged Early Years programs are permitted to provide emergency childcare for children of healthcare and other eligible front-line workers during the period of virtual learning. Early ON Child and Family Centre programs will not be operating in schools during this time.

The following is a list of school sites where programs will be operating:

North Bay and area: YMCA of Northeastern Ontario is operating childcare at Woodland and will begin their school-aged program (in the school) on Monday, Jan. 10. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; West Ferris Day Nursery will operate their childcares (they are currently not operating any of their school aged programs) from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at West Ferris, Silver Birches and Ferris Glen; West Nipissing Childcare will operate a school-aged program at 131 Michaud St. in Sturgeon Falls, serving students from White Woods; St. Theresa’s in Callander will open, with a program operated by the North Bay YMCA.

Almaguin area: Mapleridge and Sundridge Centennial, operated by the District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board, will open sites to accommodate 15 students per location from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Parry Sound area: YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka will operate a school-aged program at Parry Sound Public School from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parry Sound YMCA will run a school-aged program as well.

*

Supporting a smooth transition to remote learning:

To ensure a smooth transition to remote learning, we ask Near North families to review and consider the following information:

  • Families that need the use of board-provided technology to access remote learning are asked to complete the Technology Request Survey to communicate technology needs. Families that have devices for their students are not required to complete the survey.
  • Inform the school if there have been changes to your email, phone number or other contact information. This information is critical to support ongoing school/family communication during times of remote learning. Reach out to your child’s school if communication is not being received.
  • Visit the Near North Passport to Learning webpage to access a variety of resources and helpful links to support remote learning including technical support, information about virtual learning platforms, and instructional resources.
  • Review the Tips for Remote Learning document to learn about best practices for remote learning.
  • Contact the family help desk number if you are unable to login to your NNDSB parent or student account: 705-472-5169 (North Bay), 705-773-7975 (Parry Sound).
  • In addition to using the online Microsoft Office products available to students through Office 365, all NNDSB students are provided with five licenses to download the most recent Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote). Click here to learn how to install these applications.
  • TVO Learn and TFO/IDÉLLO are ministry-partnered sites that provide supports for students learning remotely by accessing additional educational resources developed by Ontario-certified teachers.

Minimum requirements for engaging students during remote learning:

During remote learning periods, students and parents will be provided with a daily schedule or timetable that includes 300 minutes of learning opportunities, with a combination of synchronous (all students and teacher learning remotely but together in real time) and asynchronous (learning on one’s own schedule) learning activities. Programming will be based on the full Ontario curriculum and include opportunities for guided instruction, large and small-group learning, synchronous check-ins, and asynchronous independent work.

Teachers will be available to students at all times during the teachers’ assigned teaching timetables, as they would be if they were face-to-face in a classroom setting. Educators will continue to use their professional judgement to provide flexibility to students on an individual basis when students are unable to participate in synchronous learning.

Process for Exemption from “Synchronous” Learning:

To ensure equitable access to learning, Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) No. 164, requires school boards to allow students to be exempted from the minimum requirements for synchronous learning – for example, this may be because of poor internet connectivity or family scheduling, etc. In accordance with PPM 164, Near North District School Board has created an online exemption form to facilitate synchronous learning exemption requests.

Please note, students who have completed a synchronous learning exemption form will be provided with ‘asynchronous’ learning opportunities in accordance with the 300-minute instructional day. Furthermore, daily attendance is still required (daily contact with their educator). Assessment, evaluation and reporting continues to apply to all students who have been exempted from the minimum requirements of synchronous (live, interactive) learning. Students will be expected to complete and submit assignments and will receive feedback from educators.

Please continue to visit the Near North District School Board website to access the most up-to-date information. Additional remote learning links and information can also be found here.

*

The board’s website has a COVID-19 alerts page where families will find NNDSB’s operational guidelines, the updated self-assessment survey and links to Ministry of Health and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit information.

NNDSB follows the direction of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the public health unit when devising COVID-19 plans.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Letter to Families – move to virtual education

By

Monday, Jan. 3, 2022

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The team at Near North District School Board (NNDSB) hopes you and your families had an enjoyable, and restful winter break. It is vital that we all take the time to rest and recharge.

This morning, Premier Doug Ford announced that students in Ontario will return from the winter break virtually, rather than in-person for at least two weeks. In order to accommodate this, NNDSB staff will be working Wednesday, Jan. 5 as a turnaround day to prepare students and families for a remote return to class on Thursday, Jan. 6. Students will not have class or assignments to do on Wednesday.

Students in special education classrooms as identified through the IPRC process and who are currently placed in alternative programs in system classrooms will be able to resume to access face-to-face programming in their schools next week. Educators will reach out to the families of these students on Wednesday to discuss the next steps for learning and to make the necessary arrangements.

Families that need the use of board-provided technology to access remote learning are asked to complete the Technology Request Survey to communicate technology needs. Families that have devices for their students are not required to complete the survey.

In preparation for at-home learning, additional resources can be found via this link.

As always, any important news will be shared with stakeholder groups, including families, by letter. The board’s website is also updated, with pandemic news located on the COVID-19 alerts page. News is also posted to the board’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Letter to Families – government announcements

By

Friday, Dec. 31, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Yesterday, the province made several COVID-19-related announcements.

NNDSB staff are looking into the announcements and making plans for a safe return to school. As always, the board will send out relevant information as it becomes available.

The province’s self-assessment screening tool has been updated; please make sure you are using the most recent version. The tool, and other COVID-19 information is curated on the COVID-19 page of the board’s website.

All are reminded that when returning to school all safety protocols – masking, hand washing, social distancing, etc. – remain in effect.

We hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Board updated on COVID-19 planning heading into break

By

Monday, Dec. 20, 2021

Board updated on COVID-19 planning heading into break

Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) attended a special meeting this afternoon, at which they were updated on COVID-19 planning measures as students and many staff head into the winter break.

Among the items discussed was the board’s response to a request from union partners last week for staff to be provided with rapid antigen tests for use over the break.

“These important measures requested by our union partners are appreciated and will complete our all-inclusive efforts to ensure the health and safety of both students and staff,” indicated Board Chair Jay Aspin.

Director of Education Craig Myles said the senior team saw merit in the request and investigated.

In light of the distribution and timeframe obstacles, yet aware of the priority of the safety and well-being of staff and students, NNDSB will reimburse volunteers for one single rapid antigen test performed at participating pharmacies. Employees returning to work on Jan. 5, 2022, who choose to voluntarily access the testing service described must have their test done in the 48-hour window prior to returning to work. Twelve-month employees who work over the winter break will also be reimbursed for a single rapid antigen test performed at some point during the two-week break.

Also discussed was the potential for a transition to remote learning following the winter break. Director Myles shared with Trustees while there has not been any indication from either the Ministry of Education or public health officials that schools will close, NNDSB has prepared families and staff to facilitate a smooth transition.

“Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure our families are prepared, communication was sent out late last week to confirm that learning materials would be sent home with students,” said Director Myles.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Josh Casey
Communications Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Letter to Families – Students to receive rapid antigen tests for the winter break

By

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Ministry of Education is sending COVID-19 rapid antigen testing kits home with all students in Ontario for the winter break. Your child’s participation in this rapid antigen testing is voluntary. Students are not required to participate in order to return to the classroom after the winter break, although the testing is recommended by both the Ministry and our local health unit.

Testing kits will be sent home with all Near North District School Board (NNDSB) students between Friday, Dec. 17 and Tuesday, Dec. 21, along with information about the testing program and instructions for using the kits. There are links to two demonstration videos in the instruction sheet; one for anterior nasal swabbing and one on self-screening at home. Students are asked to test Thursdays and Mondays.

The COVID-19 school and childcare screening tool has been updated to include a question regarding household members who tested positive on a rapid antigen test. When an individual tests positive on a rapid antigen test, any household members who are not fully vaccinated are also required to stay home while the individual seeks a confirmatory PCR test at a local testing centre. Please ensure that you use the updated screener when your child returns to school in January.

All Ontario schools are required to do an on-site confirmation of daily screening for the first two weeks after the winter break. Teachers will confirm with students each day during attendance that they have completed their screening before coming to school. Screening is one important way that we can control the spread of COVID-19 in our schools.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Near North District School Board

Letter to Families – Continuity of Learning as we head into winter break

By

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) would like to thank you for your continued efforts to protect students and staff from COVID-19. Your caution, cooperation, and commitment to public health has minimized disruptions to learning and increasingly made our schools safer for in-person activities.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the possibility of a transition to remote learning remains. While we have received no indication from either the Ministry of Education or public health officials that schools will close, we want to make sure we are prepared to facilitate a smooth transition to remote learning if directed to do so.

Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure your family is prepared for a possible transition to remote learning after the winter break, we ask that you consider the following:

  • Ask your student to bring home all learning materials and personal items from desks and lockers, and any tools or supplies they will need to pivot to remote learning.
  • Families that need the use of board-provided technology to access remote learning are asked to complete the Technology Request Survey to communicate technology needs. Families that have devices for their students are not required to complete the survey.
  • Inform the school if there have been changes to your e-mail, phone number or other contact information. This information is critical to support ongoing school/parent communication during times of remote learning.
  • Visit the Near North Passport to Learning webpage to access a variety of resources and helpful links to support remote learning including technical support, information about virtual learning platforms, and instructional resources.

We wish your family a wonderful holiday season.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Near North District School Board

Check us out! NNDSB secondary schools hosting open houses

By

To help families make an informed decision when choosing what secondary school to attend, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) schools will host open houses and information sessions for parents/guardians and students at its six secondary schools.

Open houses are an opportunity for potential students and parents/guardians to tour the schools, learn about programs, meet staff and ask questions.

If you have questions about a specific school or open house, please contact the school directly for more information.

Chippewa Secondary School header

Almaguin Highlands Secondary School holds its open house on:

  • TBD

Check out their website and social media accounts:

Chippewa Secondary School holds its open house on:

  • January 17, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Snow date: January 18, 2023.

Check out their website and social media accounts:

F.J. McElligott Secondary School holds its open house on:

  • March 1, 2023, at 6:00 pm.  The snow date: March 2nd.

Check out their website:

Northern Secondary School logo
Parry Sound High School
West Ferris SS Header

Northern Secondary School holds its open house on:

  • Tuesday, January 17, 2023, from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Check out their website and social media accounts:

Parry Sound High School holds its open house on:

  • TBD

Check out their website and social media accounts:

West Ferris Secondary School holds its open house on:

  • January 19th, 2023 from 6:00 -8:00 pm.

Check out their website and social media accounts:

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