Near North District School Board

Letter to families: Third of four weekly updates leading up to the start of a new school year

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Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This is the third of four weekly communications being issued Thursdays with information/updates before school starts.

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Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has released its back-to-school guidance document. This document is posted on the board’s website, as is an easy-to-use menu of answers to some of the more common questions and concerns of families.

Highlights of the guidance document contents include: self-screening requirement for every person who is entering a school (page 3); masking requirements and exemptions (page 3); news on field trips (page 10); vaccination requirement and clinics (page 11); changes that affect cooperative education, music, phys ed, EQAO and graduation requirements (pages 16-17), ventilation (page 19) and extra-curriculars and community use of schools (pages 19-20). There are also details about how COVID-19 will be managed in schools and case scenarios (pages 20-27).

The guidance document will be updated on an as-needed basis if the situation with COVID-19 cases in our area changes, and the board is directed to alter practice.

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NNDSB’s Early Years team is excited to continue moving forward in partnership with the Parry Sound DSSAB to bring three new after school programs to families at Sundridge Centennial Public School, Magnetawan Central Public School and Land of Lakes Public School in Burks Falls. Sundridge Centennial is slated to also include a before school program.

Parents in these areas are encouraged to register for these programs through the Parry Sound DSSAB. They need to have enough registrations for the programs to be viable. For years parents in this region have hoped that our schools would be able to host before and after childcare programs. We are so close to this becoming a reality.

To see a full listing of the Before and After School Programs as well as other Near North childcare options for children from 0-12 years of age, visit this page of our website.

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Schools will open Monday, Aug. 30 for elementary and secondary registrations. If required, call your school to schedule an appointment.

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The return to school follows a summer with many supports in place for NNDSB students and their families.

Five Summer Learning Programs took place virtually across the board, serving students in Grades K-9.

Because they proved so popular, mental health drop-in camps were extended until the end of August, Grade 12 physics summer school students enjoyed a trip to the Canadian Ecology Centre to see geological potholes. Students received their credits with the support of the summer school educator team.

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Early Literacy (reading) training for educators is taking place this week. The focus is on students in Grades K-6 and appropriate learning development. Educators are learning how to use measures identified in a new specialized reading assessment tool to help identify appropriate levels of intervention for students and monitor individual responses to it.

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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

 

Letter to families: Second of four weekly updates leading up to the start of a new school year

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Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This is the second of four weekly communications being issued Thursdays with information/updates before school starts.

The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 7. Some classes/programs may be working on an alternative schedule, in which case families will be notified. If there is no notice, all students will begin school on Sept. 7.

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On Tuesday, Aug. 17, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced that high-risk settings, including education, are required to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees. The Ministry of Education intends to introduce a vaccination disclosure policy for all publicly funded school boards. All board staff will be required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID, provide a medical reason for not being vaccinated, or participate in an education program approved by the Ministry of Education.

School board employees, student transportation drivers, visitors and other professions who are not immunized, including those with medical reasons, will be required to complete regular COVID-19 testing as directed in provincial guidance.

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The Government of Ontario is also working with public health units to run voluntary vaccination clinics in or near schools to make vaccination more convenient prior to the start of school for staff, students and their families. Students who will turn 12 before the end of 2021 are now eligible for vaccination.

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Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) wants to share the following information with families of students who are eligible for transportation.

Transportation changes must be received and recorded by the school before coming to the NPSSTS. Families can use the NPSSTS website at www.npssts.ca to verify busing information. If an eligible student does not require transportation this year, families are asked to email info@npssts.ca with details.

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A second version of the Ministry of Education’s guidance document was released on Friday, Aug. 13. The board’s senior and management teams are looking into how this school year will be impacted by the document’s contents. Staff continue to work with the local health unit to devise plans and practices that keep staff and students safe. As those plans are confirmed they will be shared via this weekly communication, the board’s website and on the board’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

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Near North District School follows the direction of the provincial government, Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the public health unit when devising its COVID-19 plans.

Thank you,

Near North District School Board

 

Letter to families – weekly updates ahead of new school year

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Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope that you are enjoying the summer and are looking forward to the return to school in just a few short weeks.

As mentioned in the Letter to Families dated August 4, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is committed to providing NNDSB families with as much information as possible in advance of the return to class.

You can expect a weekly update every Thursday (Aug. 12, 19, 26 and Sept. 2) leading up to the first day of school on Tuesday, Sept. 7. In addition to the weekly update, stakeholders may receive additional information that is critical and/or time-sensitive.

The board’s senior and management teams are using the Ministry of Education’s guidance document referenced in last week’s letter, as well as the Ministry of Health document released yesterday that outlines how outbreaks are to be managed, to determine what changes need to be made and/or implemented to make the return to school as safe as possible for all.

NNDSB shares its news and information in several formats. There is a new icon on our home page called Updates. On this page you will find news and information, letters to families and any related government documents. Any COVID-related news and information can be found by clicking on the COVID-19 Alerts icon. This page carries information such as the COVID assessment tool, cases and outbreaks in NNDSB schools and information from the Ministry of Health and public health units.

All information is also shared on the board’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

As always, if you have questions and concerns, please direct them to your child’s principal.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Board Highlights – special meeting Aug. 5, 2021

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Board Highlights – special meeting Aug. 5, 2021

Monday, Aug. 9, 2021

The following are the highlights of the special meeting of the Near North District School Board of Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.

COVID management, return to school

Trustees of Near North District School Board received an update on COVID-19 management and return-to-school plans during the special board meeting Thursday night.

Director of Education Craig Myles told trustees that the Ministry of Education released its return-to-school guidance document on Tuesday, Aug. 3. Senior staff will carefully go over the document to understand what the return-to-school would look like. NNDSB sent a letter to families on Aug. 4, outlining a few key points and assuring families that when staff have plans in place, they would be shared.

Superintendent of Education Melanie Gray added that the board’s facilities department was well on the way to achieving the work required on ventilation systems in advance of the return to school on Sept. 7.

The province and public health units are encouraging anyone over the age of 12 who can get vaccinated to do so. There are no plans for vaccination clinics to be held at schools in the board.

Trustee Initiative Fund supports purchasing books

Trustees approved a $16,233 expenditure from the Trustee Initiative Fund to purchase 1,400 copies of the book This is What I’ve Been Told, written and illustrated by NNDSB teacher Julianna Armstrong, to be included in a resource bag that will be given to all Year 1 and Year 2 kindergarten students.

It is part of a new initiative called Journey into Learning that welcomes kindergarten learners and their families into the board. In addition to hosting board-wide events for families, Journey into Learning includes a bag with a guide and resources.

This year, the Early Years Team wanted a bag that more closely aligned with the visions and priorities of NNDSB as outlined in the Multi-Year Strategic Plan, with hopes of strengthening the bond between home and school.

This is What I’ve Been Told is an introduction to Anishinaabe language and culture. The report to the Board noted that beginning the Journey into Learning with an intentional focus on Indigenous Education signals the board’s values and visions to stakeholders and supports many of the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, specifically in the Education, and Language and Culture sections. Through the Trustee Initiative Fund, the Board of Trustees provides funding to organizations and projects that encompass an expanse of students from across the Near North District School Board, as a unifying platform. This application was approved unanimously.

Board seeking new trustee to represent Zone 2

NNDSB is seeking a trustee in Zone 2, following the resignation of Harry Fry, effective June 30, 2021. The Education Act provides the Board with several options for filling the position.

At Thursday’s meeting, trustees reviewed all options and opted to accept applications for the position, which will begin no later than Sept. 28, 2021 and end on Nov. 30, 2022, consistent with all trustees elected in 2018.

Zone 2 covers the areas of Bonfield, Mattawa and Callander.

Capital projects updated

Trustees approved the additional expenditure of $588,127 for 2020-2021 capital projects.

A report from Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck recapped the $5,786,015 of allocations from the Ministry of Education. This includes school renewal and school condition improvement funding.

Higher tender costs at six sites, as well as two unanticipated projects that were undertaken for site health, safety and security reasons, resulted in the need for the extra funding.

When the current projects are completed, there will be approximately $138,000 of school renewal allocation and $2,400,000 in school condition improvement funding remaining for future projects.

Consultant’s report on Parry Sound school received

The Board received a report from consultant Lygia Dallip on the JK-12 Parry Sound school being built, as recommended by the Parry Sound Build Committee. The report outlined requirements and expectations of the Ministry of Education throughout stages of capital projects, as well as a timeline of the build.

Dallip was engaged as an independent consultant to review the Board’s process related to the project. Her report outlines how the Ministry of Education uses a formula to assess effective use of school space. It is imperative that boards accurately account for enrolment, and the report says NNDSB has consistently been plus or minus two percent in its estimation of projected enrolments.

Addressing the concern of elementary and secondary students in the same school, the report notes the JK-12 model is a “means of managing the impact of declining enrolment across all grades.” It is a way to provide stronger extra-curricular programs in all divisions while providing stronger program opportunities for Grade 7 and 8 and specialized secondary school program spaces. Several boards in Ontario have JK-12 schools.

Dallip’s report is available on NNDSB’s website.

Partial demolition tender awarded for Parry Sound

Trustees awarded the tender for partial demolition at the site of Parry Sound High School to CLC Infrastructure Inc. in the amount of $937,618 plus HST.

Tender documents were reviewed by the Parry Sound Build Committee, which provided a recommendation to the Board.

Work will begin immediately to allow most of the demolition work to be completed before school begins, although there may be some on-going site work and some interior work taking place into September.

A media release about the tender, and all news pertaining to the new JK-12 Parry Sound School be found under the capital planning section of NNDSB’s website.

Board thanks Interim Executive Officer Easton

In a committee of the whole meeting held just prior to the Board meeting, Trustees had the opportunity to thank Interim Executive Officer Wally Easton for his work at NNDSB since February. He will be leaving the Board this week and has helped transition Seija Van Haesendonck into her role of Superintendent of Business.

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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

Partial demolition tender awarded for Parry Sound build

By

Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021

Partial demolition tender awarded for Parry Sound build

At a special board meeting tonight, Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) awarded the tender for partial demolition at the site of Parry Sound High School to CLC Infrastructure Inc. The tender is in the amount of $937,618 plus HST.

The special meeting was called at the request of Board Chair Jay Aspin in response to a recommendation received from the Parry Sound Build Committee, which reviewed the tender documents and provided a recommendation to the board regarding the tender award.

Work will begin immediately.

Chair Aspin says, “Terrific teamwork from our board of Trustees and administration has resulted in this welcome news for the Parry Sound region. We are moving forward with a state-of-the-art K-12 educational facility which we expect will open September 2023.”

Most of the demolition work can be completed before school begins, although there may be on-going site work and some interior work taking place into September. The health and safety of all staff and students is paramount, and NNDSB will ensure the building is safe.

The partial demolition is required to fit the new JK-12 school on the existing site. This will allow for construction of the new school to begin in the spring, allowing 16 to 18 months for construction.

Upon review of the bids received, the board’s procurement team submitted a revised Approval to Proceed (ATP) to the Ministry of Education on July 27 seeking approval for an increased allocation to cover the professional fees and the demolition contract. The board received notice on August 3, 2021 that the increased allocation was approved by the Ministry, which increased the total funding of the build to $27,372,629.

“We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for its increased investment in this project that reflects the realities of our build at this time” says Seija Van Haesendonck, Superintendent of Business. She also expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s recognition of the time sensitivity of the revised request for ATP.

Staff and the architects, +VG Architects (The Ventin Group), have been meeting to discuss designs and site plans, which will be finalized in the next few weeks. In the fall, the board will submit a request to the Ministry of Education for approval to tender for construction.

“Our board is most appreciative of the valuable input we received through community support and give special recognition to Vice-Chair John Cochrane, our Parry Sound representative, and Nichole King, our Indigenous Trustee representative. They have been true regional board champions of this new school,” says Chair Aspin.

He adds that NNDSB is most appreciative of community support and the valuable input it has received for this project.

The board is grateful for the support of the Government of Ontario in efforts to bring this facility to the Parry Sound area.

All news pertaining to the Parry Sound JK-12 build can be found under the capital planning section of NNDSB’s website.

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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 – Guidance for September planning

By

Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Yesterday, the Ministry of Education released COVID-19: Health, Safety and Operational Guidance for Schools 2021-22. This plan provides the direction that all school boards in Ontario, including Near North District School Board (NNDSB), are to follow for the upcoming school year.

Staff are reviewing the document, and families will receive updated information about a safe return to school.

The full plan may be accessed via the link above. Here are a few key details of the announcement:

  • Students will return to in-person learning for the full school day, although remote learning may have been selected in June as your family’s option for the upcoming school year;
  • All staff and students will be required to self-screen every day before attending school. NNDSB uses the Ontario government school and child care screening tool;
  • Students in Grades 1-12 (encouraged for students in kindergarten) and staff will be required to wear masks while indoors and on student transportation. Masks are not required outdoors, and social distancing is encouraged;
  • Extra-curricular and inter-school sport activities will be permitted with some modifications.

The Ministry of Education encourages vaccination as a tool to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and will work with the Ministry of Health and public health units to create vaccination opportunities for staff and students. Information about vaccines and local clinics may be found here.

NNDSB has been supported by the provincial and federal governments in optimizing air quality in classrooms through improved ventilation and/or filtration and will continue to utilize best practice guidelines.

NNDSB will continue to follow the directions of the provincial government, the Ministry of Education and the health unit, and will keep families updated via Letters to Families, its website, and the board’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

North Bay students benefit from generosity of Rotary Club

By

July 30, 2021

North Bay students benefit from generosity of Rotary Club

Students at five Near North District School Board (NNDSB) schools are benefitting from the generosity of the Rotary Club of North Bay.

A donation of $1,800 enabled the purchase of food items that supports breakfast and nutrition programs, specifically for special education students. In five NNDSB schools, 60 students will be helped by the donation of non-perishable food items that will supplement the breakfast programs into the new school year.

“The Rotary Club of North Bay is pleased to provide support for the Special Education Breakfast/Nutritional Programs with the Near North District School Board here in North Bay,” said Don Coutts, a club member. “One of the Rotary Club’s initiatives is providing assistance/support in various ways, for example, assistive devices, iPads, physiotherapy, sensory aids, just to name a few to those children and youth with disabilities in North Bay and area.”

NNDSB offers robust breakfast and nutrition programs at its schools to enhance student learning as a nutritious breakfast and snacks are imperative to learning. These programs allow students to choose a variety of healthy foods each day while at school.

One of the schools that received a food donation from the Rotary Club of North Bay was Woodland Public School.

“On behalf of our Woodland Public School community, we express our sincere appreciation to the Rotary Club for the generous donation of food items. This year, our Woodland Public School family has felt especially connected to the work of our local Rotarians as they’ve shown particular care for our in-person learners with special needs, and beyond this, they’ve named a graduating student from our school as the Rotary Student Ambassador. Our students and families benefit from the focus the North Bay Rotary Club and its members place on supporting children and youth in overcoming adversity. We are so grateful for their kindness and generosity,” said Principal Amanda Meighan.

“We are very grateful for the extremely generous food donation from the Rotary Club of North Bay to NNDSB face-to-face special education classrooms. The non-perishable food items will help to support our students now and into the fall,” said Pippa Madigan, NNDSB’s Elementary Program Coordinator. “We truly appreciate the generosity of our local partners in ensuring that our students have access to healthy foods each day while they are learning at school.”

NNDSB expresses its gratitude to the Rotary Club of North Bay for its continued generosity to the board’s schools, students, and their families.

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For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Ferris students grow connections with peer support

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Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Community is built when people invest their time in organizations, and in each other. Near North District School Board (NNDSB) supports the building of school communities by giving staff and students the opportunity to share talents while developing leadership skills.

At West Ferris Intermediate and Secondary School, several opportunities exist for participation in mentorship and leadership, some of them for credit.

Principal Andy Gagné says having students reach out to support other students

means an approach in a different and more comfortable way, that is often well received. An example of this is the iCoach program in which students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) program work with and assist with technology in a class.

One of the many goals of the STEAM program is to help students master the 21st century competencies that will help them to successfully navigate the job market of the future. STEAM students become resilient, self-sufficient learners that can quickly adapt to changing situations using the skills that they have learned in the program.

West Ferris is an Apple Distinguished School, recognized for being a centre of leadership and educational excellence. Apple supports the school’s vision as students’ creativity, collaboration and critical thinking are inspired with Mac products. It has helped STEAM students with their understanding and knowledge of technology and their understanding of collaboration and mentoring through such initiatives as iCoach.

Grade 11 STEAM student Kennedy Kerr was an iCoach for a Grade 10 academic English class. Though COVID altered the way she interacted with the class, she was easily able to help the teacher and students in a virtual mode.

In a video she created, Kennedy says, during the octomester as an iCoach, “I am not able to work with the students and the teacher one-on-one. My knowledge from the STEAM program has allowed me to adapt to this unexpected curve in my education with only a few challenges.” Kennedy was able to present work to students and the teacher with iMovies, trailers and Keynotes “in a way that can be shared and presented via online classroom meetings.”

The iCoach position provides unique leadership opportunities for the student, peer support for students in the class, and educational technology assistance to the staff.

Gagné says other mentorship positions occur in the school; within the four self-contained personal life management classrooms (one intermediate class, three secondary school classes). These are mentorship opportunities for which students can earn a credit.

As COVID created the need for cohorts, student leaders were only able to help in one class. Post-COVID, students will be able to support several classes.

At West Ferris, there are also non-credit programs that give students the opportunity to provide leadership, including in academics, physical education and sports, where secondary students mentor younger students.

These are some of the many ways NNDSB works to develop good citizenship in its students.

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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 – Seeking homestay families

By

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

YES Canada student exchange is seeking families to host international secondary school students from countries around the world who are scheduled to attend schools in the Near North District School Board this fall. We are welcoming students from Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, France and Japan for durations ranging from two months to the full school year.

Host families are responsible for providing three meals a day in a safe and nurturing environment. Host families are compensated with a monthly stipend of $500.

These international students have planned their study abroad program months in advance and are excited to learn more about the exchange country’s culture and language.

Students are required to comply with all Government of Canada and Public Health requirements during COVID-19 including any testing and quarantine requirements both prior to departure and upon arrival in Canada. Additionally, protocols and expectations regarding COVID-19 safety are provided to both the student and host family throughout the process – including prior to arrival and throughout the program. The YES Canada team are available to answer questions and provide information.

These exchanges are important as they connect individuals and cultures and remind us of the common interests, passions and goals. It is also a great way to establish life-long friendships and connections.

If you are interested in hosting an international secondary school student or would like to learn more about YES Canada’s homestay program, please contact scott@youthedservices.ca or call 416-623-6220 ext. 403.

To review program details, click here.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

 

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