Near North District School Board

West Ferris Secondary School Named Apple Distinguished School

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Friday, Oct. 1, 2021

West Ferris Secondary School Named Apple Distinguished School

West Ferris Secondary School is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2021–2024 for its meaningful use of Apple products and programs such as Everyone Can Code in an effort to get students future-ready. Educators and students use iMac, MacBook Air and iPad to create innovative, personalized teaching and learning experiences.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. They use Apple technology to connect students to the world, fuel creativity, deepen collaboration, and make learning personal.

Sean Ruddy, the interim Principal of West Ferris says “We are very excited to be continuing our journey as an Apple Distinguished School. This recognition reaffirms our deep commitment to a cycle of innovation that continues to be a driving force for positive growth at our school.”

Brent Yacoback, the coordinator of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) program says, “The staff and students of West Ferris are thrilled that West Ferris has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2021-2024.  This recognition will help to inspire staff and students to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with using technology in the classroom.”

Kendall Rosilius, a Grade 11 iCoach at the school says, “I was very excited to learn that West Ferris has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished school again.  I think it’s great that future students will be able to benefit from the same opportunities that I’ve had as an iCoach at West Ferris.”

At the school, students are co-learners with their peers and teachers. The STEAM program provides students with unique learning opportunities that help students to appreciate and develop a good understanding of the interrelationships amongst various disciplines. A priority of STEAM is to ensure that students learn digital agility and master 21st century competencies. Fundamental principles in the program develop students’ skills in problem-solving, analysis, experimentation, synthesis, and communication by integrating technology with project-based learning.

West Ferris students use MacBook, iMac and iPad to facilitate, enhance and redefine instruction of the curriculum in all STEAM courses. Learning is no longer defined by what is going on in the classroom but rather, has emerged as a 24-7 experience.

Staff are very excited to offer a new STEAM-focused construction SHSM pathway in September 2021. This extension of the program will leverage iPad, MacBook and iMac and link our existing coding continuum with our current construction SHSM. This new STEAM approach to the current SHSM will provide our students with opportunities to learn how to design, build and code robots.

For more than 29 years, the West Ferris STEAM program has to define “The Evolution of Learning” (the STEAM program’s motto).

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

Letter to Families

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Friday, Oct. 1, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The weekly Letter to Families was intended to help you learn how Near North District School Board (NNDSB) will support you in the return to school. We are hopeful that you and your child(ren) are settling into new routines. As a result, these letters will now be scheduled on a monthly, not weekly basis. The Letter to Families will be distributed on the first Friday of the month.

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The 2021-2022 school year is off to a great start at secondary schools with the kickoff of Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs.

This year, we add two additional programs: Mining at Northern Secondary and Hospitality and Tourism at West Ferris Secondary.

These two incredible programs join our 15 existing programs to support hands-on and experiential learning that relate to career pathways and sector-related experiences. Students enrolled in SHSM have the opportunity to participate in unique certifications as well as learning alongside NNDSB’s community partners.

There is a SHSM program to match any student pathway! Students interested in these programs can reach out to their school’s guidance departments for more information or, visit the SHSM page of the board’s website to learn more.

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We encourage families to take some time to become familiar with NNDSB’s virtual learning tools and resources to help prepare for any situation that results in your child(ren) being required to learn from home.

The Near North District School Board supports the use of virtual learning platforms that allow students to connect with learning resources in a secure environment. Three primary, board-supported platforms include Brightspace LMS, Edsby and Office 365.

Please familiarize yourself with these resources and tips to prepare for remote learning:

  • students are encouraged to confirm they’re able to sign into their classroom virtual learning platform (LMS, Edsby, Office 365). If you encounter any issues logging in, please email passwordreset@nearnorthschools.ca or during regular school hours please call: (705) 472-5169 (North Bay), (705) 773-7975 (Parry Sound)
  • use the following links for parent information regarding Brightspace LMS and Edsby. Contact your child’s teacher if you’re unable to login.  Click here to reset your parent password
  • the Learning at Home page hosts a variety of resources and helpful links to support at-home learning including access to various learning platforms as well as math and literacy resources
  • Microsoft Teams is a board-supported communication tool used to connect synchronously using audio, video and chat. Use the following link to learn how to join a Teams meeting across various devices: Microsoft Teams for Students
  • teachers will continue to integrate digital tools into classroom learning to ensure that students are prepared for a possible “pivot” to remote learning.

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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

NNDSB taking steps on path to truth and reconciliation

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Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021

NNDSB taking steps on path to truth and reconciliation

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) recognizes it has a role to play in truth and reconciliation. As outlined in the 94 Calls to Action that act as way finders – concrete steps to move forward in acknowledging the truth of Canada’s history with Indigenous Peoples – there is a role for education in the  difficult and uncomfortable work of reconciliation.

It is imperative that the board climbs the mountain as requested by the Commission.

The path to truth and reconciliation will be slow and painful, but the steps must be taken. The Board of Trustees has proactively acknowledged this, and endeavours to be part of the change. In addition to opening meetings with a land acknowledgement, Board meetings now open with a prayer from an Elder. The Indigenous Trustee, elected by members of the First Nations to represent them on the Board, is actively consulted and her input valued in decision-making on issues that affect Indigenous students.

As an institution, NNDSB is taking steps in response to the Calls to Action, including:

  • working to eliminate educational gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children (have staff positions to support Indigenous families in education)
  • on-going consultation with First Nations communities regarding new capital builds to ensure Indigenous students feel welcome and represented in NNDSB schools
  • offering Indigenous language classes to all interested students at 12 schools
  • formation of an Indigenous Youth Advisory Circle with membership of up to two students per secondary school. Once formed, the Youth Circle will determine a process for nomination and selection of an Indigenous Student Trustee to the Board
  • providing resources and building capacity to support all staff and students in understanding Indigenous history, culture, perspectives, and ways of knowing
  • encouraging and supporting non-Indigenous staff who want to take a First Nation, Metis and Inuit Additional Qualification course
  • partnering with Anishinabek Education System (AES) to place two full-time cultural advisors/knowledge keepers in schools on a regular basis
  • successful AES pilot project applicant to be one of five boards in the province to provide cultural competency training to administrators

The federal government has legislated Sept. 30, 2021 as the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day. NNDSB wants the day to be acknowledged in a way that is

most appropriate and meaningful to members of the eight First Nations that are NNDSB community partners, and other Indigenous Peoples in our schools. Schools have been given the flexibility to provide community-relevant programming.

The legacy of residential schools weighs heavy in the hearts of survivors and their families, who have been subjected to 200 years of colonization and systemic discrimination. NNDSB will continue to climb the mountain and strive to do better.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

 

Lougheed, Erika – Chair

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Trustee Erika Lougheed believes public education is one of the strongest and most important building blocks to help create healthy communities. She believes that schools where students feel safe, supported and understood promote growth, development and wellness. A former East Ferris councillor, Trustee Lougheed is interested in policy. She wants to ensure that no student is left behind and that the needs of all students are met, setting them up for future success. She says the relationships between staff in the education system and her two school-aged children were a big motivator in her decision to run as a trustee. Trustee Lougheed has an interest in outdoor education and has worked as a wilderness guide. She believes that land-based settings are opportunities for students to learn about the importance of reconciliation and supports creating conditions for people to find common ground. Trustee Lougheed lives in Corbeil with her family, is an active volunteer, a potter and an advocate for equity and the environment.

 

Letter to Families: Response to threat at Chippewa Secondary School

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Monday, Sept. 27, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We want to address the misinformation that is circulating this morning regarding a “gun incident” at Chippewa Secondary School.

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) was in contact with North Bay Police Service this morning about the social media and media coverage of what was being called a “gun incident”. A threat had been made late last week, police investigated and resolved the situation over the weekend.

This morning, in an abundance of caution, police attended the school to further ensure the safety of members of the Chippewa school community.

There is not, nor has there been a viable concern to student and staff safety. The North Bay Police Service says there was no incident and will be issuing a media release about this later today.

NNDSB wants to ensure all stakeholders that safety and well-being is our primary concern; we value the relationship we have with our police partners for their support.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Letter to families: Truth and Reconciliation Week

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Monday, Sept. 27, 2021

To our Families and Community Partners,

It has been six years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission completed its work of giving voice to the Indigenous Peoples who have been affected by Indian Residential Schools. It took the Commission seven years to travel across the country and hear from 6,500 witnesses. Their testimony became one of six reports released by Truth and Reconciliation Commission that highlight the suffering of Indigenous Peoples at the hands of their oppressors.

The Commission, led by the Honourable Murray Sinclair, put the genocide that was perpetrated against Indigenous Peoples in Canada in the spotlight. The findings and resulting exhibit were a catalyst for change. The commission also released 94 Calls to Action that act as way finders; concrete steps to move forward in acknowledging the truth of Canada’s history with Indigenous Peoples and beginning the very difficult and uncomfortable work of reconciliation.

The Calls to Action list 94 changes that need to be made to dismantle the systemic racism that continues to affect Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Near North District School Board (NNDSB) recognizes it has a role to play in truth and reconciliation. It is imperative that the board climbs the mountain as requested by the Commission.

The path to truth and reconciliation will be slow and painful, but the steps must be taken.

The Board of Trustees has proactively acknowledged this, and endeavours to be part of the change. In addition to opening meetings with a land acknowledgement, Board meetings now open with a prayer from an Elder. The Indigenous Trustee, elected by members of the First Nations to represent them on the Board, is actively consulted and her input valued in decision-making on issues that affect Indigenous students.

The board is fortunate to have guidance from Indigenous Education Lead Tracy Hendrick, whose work involves not only supporting Indigenous students and their families, but also helping all NNDSB staff and educators understand how colonization continues to affect members of Indigenous communities, and to guide staff in developing their understanding of Indigenous worldviews to best support all students. NNDSB is thankful for the learning provided by teachers of Indigenous ways and Anishinaabemowin (language), FNMI grad coaches who provide support in the choice of pathways for students and Indigenous Child Development Counsellors concerned with student well-being. We recognize this is just the beginning of the climb.

As an institution, NNDSB is taking steps in response to the Calls to Action, including:

  • working to eliminate educational gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children (have staff positions to support Indigenous families in education)
  • an Indigenous Trustee position elected by members of the area First Nations to sit on the NNDSB Board of Trustees
  • offering Indigenous language classes to all interested students at 12 schools
  • providing resources and building capacity to support all staff and students in understanding Indigenous history, culture, perspectives, and ways of knowing
  • encouraging and supporting non-Indigenous staff who want to take a First Nation, Metis and Inuit Additional Qualification course
  • partnering with Anishinabek Education System (AES) to place two full-time cultural advisors/knowledge keepers in schools on a regular basis
  • successful AES pilot project applicant to be one of five boards in the province to provide cultural competency training to administrators

From the Truth and Reconciliation Commission grew Orange Shirt Day. Phyllis Webstad told the Commission of having her new orange shirt taken from her as a six-year-old child on the first day of residential school. Held on Sept. 30, Orange Shirt Day provides an opportunity for discussion about residential schools and lets survivors and their families know they still matter.

The federal government has legislated Sept. 30, 2021 as the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day. NNDSB wants the day to be acknowledged in a way that is most appropriate and meaningful to members of the eight First Nations that are NNDSB community partners, and other Indigenous Peoples in our schools. Schools have been given the flexibility to provide community-relevant programming.

The legacy of residential schools weighs heavy in the hearts of survivors and their families, who have been subjected to 200 years of colonization and systemic discrimination. NNDSB will continue to climb the mountain and strive to do better.

 

Jay Aspin                                                                   Craig Myles

Chair of the Board                                                   Director of Education

Letter to families: Weekly updates for Sept. 24

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Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This weekly Letter to Families is intended to help you learn how Near North District School Board (NNDSB) will support you in the return to school.

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The Government of Canada has legislated Sept. 30, 2021 as the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, and deemed it a federal statutory holiday. Not all provinces have followed the federal government’s lead, so it is not a statutory holiday across the country.

Federally-regulated institutions (banks, post offices, federal government departments, etc.) will observe the statutory holiday. In Ontario, it is not a statutory holiday, so school will be open that day.

At NNDSB, schools will be marking the day in their own way. Families who are interested in how the first Truth and Reconciliation Day will be acknowledged at their child’s school should contact the principal.

Anyone interested in learning more about Truth and Reconciliation and/or Indigenous education at NNDSB can visit this page.

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Over several months last spring, the communications team recruited students to participate in Student Voice. This new page on NNDSB’s website is the spot for all students to share their ideas, thoughts, and work.

The communications team is still looking for reps at some schools and is always eager to share student work. Anyone wanting to participate as either a Student Voice rep for your school or a contributor) is asked to email student.voice@nearnorthschools.ca.

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We would like to remind families that all students are required to complete their COVID-19 Self-Screening each day before they arrive at school. Teachers will confirm completion of the screening with all of their students, as required by our local health unit. The health unit has extended the daily confirmation by staff by two weeks.

The daily screening is an important way that we can minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our schools. The screening can be accessed using this link: COVID-19 School Screening Tool. Should you need a paper copy due to issues with internet access please contact your child’s school for assistance.

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NNDSB is excited to share that Parry Sound High School and Chippewa Secondary School will be raising tipis this month to provide safe, culturally appropriate, outdoor learning spaces for their students.

The extended tipi ‘shaptaun’ at PSHS is being raised by Johna Hupfield’s Grade 9-10 Indigenous language class with the support of Serpent River First Nation’s Sumac Creek Tipi Company. The tipi at Chippewa is being raised by Angela Evans’ Grade 10 Indigenous Studies class with the support of Nipissing First Nation knowledge keeper Perry McLeod-Shabogesic.

We look forward to learning about the tipi teachings, and to inviting more classes to enjoy these amazing spaces.

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As part of the board’s strategic commitment to excellence in communication, NNDSB has created a place on the website to begin collecting public feedback on Administrative Guidelines. New and revised guidelines will be posted for 30 days. Please refer to the website on a regular basis for the guidelines that are open for feedback.

Administrative Guidelines that are open to feedback can be found here.

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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

Board Highlights for September Meeting

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Friday, Sept. 24, 2021

Board Highlights for September Meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021.

Elder Evelyn McLeod provides opening prayer

The Board of Trustees welcomed Elder Evelyn McLeod of Nipissing First Nation to provide the opening prayer of the Board meeting.

Elder McLeod offered a smudge prior to her prayer, which was offered in the Nipissing dialect of the (Ojibwe) language.

New Student Trustee Darling sworn in

NNDSB’s new Student Trustee, Cecilia Darling was sworn in at the Board’s Sept. 21 meeting.

In her initial report, Student Trustee Darling noted many students are excited to be returning to school and are taking advantage of the warm weather to safely socialize.

Her report also noted that several of the secondary schools have been giving orientation tours to new students, have been holding spirit days and are organizing their elections.

Student Trustee Darling also promoted the launch of the Student Voice initiative and noted that she has created a video to encourage student participation.

NNDSB acknowledged in ombudsman’s report

NNDSB has been acknowledged in the 2020-2021 annual report of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario for making positive changes regarding transparency and process in response to closing Widdifield Secondary School. In the 2019 report, Ombudsman Paul Dubé had identified areas for improvement, and provided 14 recommendations.

Twelve of the recommendations have been implemented. The remaining two are reliant on the Ministry of Education’s update of its Pupil Accommodations Review Guideline.

In his report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles said he has “met “proactively and regularly with counsel from the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office to provide further reports on the board’s continued diligence towards the implementation of the recommendations”. He noted that governance and best practice recommendations are now “firmly entrenched in our established practice”.

Summer school enrolment increased

A report from Superintendent Melanie Gray and Principal Jamey Byers detailed the successful summer school program provided by NNDSB. The program helped learning recovery and increased credit accumulation while creating more partnerships that benefit students.

Because summer programming took place online, students from across Ontario were able to take NNDSB courses. The online system allows students whose home board may not be offering that course to register and learn with NNDSB. It also accommodated students in this board, who may have not been able to secure transportation to North Bay.

Approximately 500 students took part in summer high school credit programs, an increase of 28 per cent over the previous year.

There were 80 credits earned this summer through the co-op program; some remote, some in-person and some blended. A new partnership included a co-op at the Virtual Robotics Training Academy (VTRA) a high-tech educational company. A NNDSB student was their first co-op student working to develop and test a virtual robotics simulator.

The board also developed two new courses. The Health for Life course is an alternative to traditional in-school gym credits, and a Learning Strategies course focuses on personal wellness and healthy communities. Learning Strategies was advertised to Grade 8 students to get a head start on their secondary school credit accumulation.

The board also enjoyed another summer of collaboration with the Canadian Ecology Centre. More than 140 students from across Ontario registered with NNDSB and learned in the outdoors at the CEC.

Upcoming Board meetings scheduled

At its September meeting, the Board of Trustees brought forward the meeting schedule for the 2021-2022 school year.

Regular meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: Tuesday, Oct. 12; Tuesday, Nov. 16; Tuesday, Dec. 7; Tuesday, Jan. 11; Tuesday, Feb. 15; Tuesday, March 15; Tuesday, April 12; Tuesday, May 17 and Tuesday, June 14.

NNDSB Board of Trustee meetings will continue to be held virtually using Zoom. Links to the meetings can be found at the top right corner of each meeting’s agenda package. Agenda packages are posted on this page two business days before the meeting.

Focus of MYSP shifts to implementation

Director of Education Craig Myles spoke about his responsibility for implementing the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP), which was approved at the June Board meeting.

The official launch of the plan took place at the August conference for principals, vice-principals and managers, where the alignment of improvement plans in all areas of the board were reinforced. The four priority areas are Excellence in Communications, Excellence in Building Relationships, Excellence in Teaching and Learning and Excellence in Innovation.

Ensuring that all staff understand the alignment of all strategic plans to the four priorities is a key component of the MYSP.

Myles outlined achievements in each of the four areas already, including communications protocols and tools, new learning and childcare partnerships, supporting learning recovery with diagnostic assessment tools and instructional resources, remote learning readiness, a leadership learning framework and innovation in using more technology in the classroom and in delivering professional development for staff.

New Zone 2 trustee appointed

The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Caren Gagne as the NNDSB Trustee for Zone 2.

Ms. Gagne is a resident of Zone 2 and operated a business there with her husband for 40 years. She has been a dedicated volunteer, giving her time to many organizations, all of which worked at bettering the community.

Trustee-elect Gagne will be sworn in at the Board’s Oct. 12 meeting.

Virtual school enrolment numbers

Superintendent Tim Graves submitted a report that says NNDSB has 226 students enrolled in virtual learning for the school year. There are 122 elementary and 104 secondary students enrolled in NNDSB’s virtual school.

New and returning educators are working at the virtual school. Staff connected with families prior to Sept. 7 to ensure students felt prepared for the start of school.

The board is providing devices and internet access to support students.

Consultation process streamlined

Superintendent Gay Smylie presented a report to the Board that proposed a new process to streamline the consultation process required for development, creation or update of operational policy and guidelines.

Currently, trustee approval is required to proceed to a public consultation on a proposed guideline, policy or update. To avoid delay and time at a public meeting to have a consultation approved, NNDSB’s executive council sought the Board’s expressed approval to move all administrative guidelines to public consultation once approval has been provided by executive council.

This process expedites the consultation process while upholding the integrity and intent of the Board’s governance policies.

Extraordinary Circumstances By-law approved

The Board approved the addition of an Extraordinary Circumstances By-law to its governance manual. The new by-law gives the Chair the authority to act on behalf of the Board to invoke the Extraordinary Circumstances By-law to temporality set aside specific by-laws when faced with an emergency or extraordinary circumstances.

The examples given in the presentation were situations encountered while operating during COVID-19. The addition of the Extraordinary Circumstances By-law provides a tool to support efficient governance, while maintaining stringent accountability measures that include advising trustees upon invocation and a ratification of the decisions at the following regular meeting.

The addition of one Extraordinary Circumstances By-law removes the need for all existing by-laws to be amended, saving time, work and resources.

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next board meeting.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

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)

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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