Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (NBPSDHU) has provided a parent and guardian frequently asked questions (FAQ) document and a letter detailing vaccination clinics for children aged 5 to 11.
Thank you,
Near North District School Board
Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021
Many hands make light work, and Craig Nodwell is grateful for all the hands that have helped him put together this year’s Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) Boys’ AA volleyball championship.
Nodwell is a teacher-coach at Chippewa Secondary School and the convenor of the championship, being held tomorrow through Saturday in North Bay. COVID-19 caused the cancellation of last year’s championship (which was scheduled for North Bay) and the virus continues to affect day-to-day operations. Near North District School Board (NNDSB) and OFSAA have protocols that must be followed that caused modifications to typical OFSAA championships.
Nodwell says area secondary schools – even those located outside of North Bay – are making some sort of contribution to the championship. The tournament’s home team is Chippewa, but the principal of West Ferris Secondary School offered gyms for games to be held, the principal of F.J. McElligott Secondary School in Mattawa provided two staff members to act as convenors to run two of the gyms, staff at Northern Secondary School in Sturgeon Falls convened the Nipissing District Athletics (NDA) league this year, which provided a direct route to hosting OFSAA and a staff member at Laurentian Learning Centre was released to help with photography and media projects for the championships.
The executive team at NNDSB has been supportive of Nodwell’s efforts, the COVID-19 management team has guided him in the processes to safely run the tournament and some students are getting optional certifications towards their Specialist High Skills Majors.
“There are so many cool, collaborative projects at Near North,” says Nodwell.
Students have missed out on organized sports for almost two years. Nodwell says there are five students on Chippewa’s team who returned for a fifth year at secondary school just to play volleyball and “it meant a lot to finish their athletic careers on the right note (by participating in a provincial tournament).” Despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, as a convenor and coach, Nodwell wants to put on “the best championship we can…I want it to be a show for these student athletes.”
NNDSB’s Director of Education, Craig Myles, says “As a life-long athlete, coach and teacher, I am so encouraged to see the return of sporting competitions. OFSAA is the pinnacle of sports in Ontario secondary schools. My hope is that these opportunities for students will continue to resurface as we navigate through the changing COVID-19 environment.”
The COVID-19 protocols caused the cancellation of the usual banquet, but the committee has created a red-carpet registration night featuring semi-formal attire, swag bags and team photos. Student volunteers are helping out to welcome teams to the city and the school.
The championship will feature team and player introductions, and there will be signage around the facilities to acknowledge the achievement of the visiting teams.
Fans will be absent from the championship because of the protocols of both NNDSB and OFSAA, but games will be streamed. YourTV will broadcast the quarter-final and semi-final games from Chippewa, and Sunday’s championship final at 1 p.m.
Nodwell notes that the stringent protocols are in place to keep everyone safe and following them means that student athletes are able to play and compete.
“The health and safety of our staff and students is paramount,” says Myles, “so I would like to recognize everyone who is going above and beyond to organize these events for students amidst the health and safety considerations, with a special thanks to Craig Nodwell. Best of luck to the athletes!”
Visit OFSAA’s page for more information about the championship, including the schedule.
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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
Friday, Nov. 19, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Yesterday the Government of Ontario made COVID-19-related announcements that will affect Near North District School Board (NNDSB) students. The two garnering the most attention relate to taking COVID-19 tests over the winter break and the return to regular timetabling in secondary schools in February.
In its efforts to keep schools safe and open for in-person learning, the Ministry of Education will be distributing 11 million rapid antigen screen tests to public school students in advance of the December break. Students will be asked to do five tests over the break in preparation for return to in-person learning. More communication will be sent home closer to the start of the winter break with details of this initiative.
The Ministry also announced that school boards will be permitted to resume regular timetabling of four courses a day beginning in February 2022 because high vaccination rates among youth aged 12-17 have contributed to low COVID-19 cases among secondary school-aged students.
The board just learned of this yesterday, and NNDSB’s executive team is taking the time to understand the entirety of the announcement. We will, as always, work with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and the co-terminus boards to determine the best course of action to keep our staff and students safe.
Sincerely,
Near North District School Board
Friday, Nov. 19, 2021
The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021.
Board updated on Indigenous Youth Circle
Allen Lewis Trodd, a student at Parry Sound High School, gave Trustees an update on the work of the Indigenous Youth Circle. That group will be meeting to ensure Indigenous student voices are part of the conversation at NNDSB.
Lewis Trodd introduced himself as Anishinaabe and Coast Salish, and said he is involved in the Indigenous Youth Circle because he and his peers “are trying to make school a nice place”.
He said his school provided a safe cultural space, in which students can gather and spend time together, “which makes people happy”. He noted not all schools have space and opportunity for Indigenous students, and the group wants to change that.
Lewis Trodd said he was happy to be at the meeting, and said it was important to have Indigenous voices at the (Board) table. He wrapped up his presentation saying that if you listen, you can learn.
The Indigenous Youth Circle is in the process of determining what the role of Indigenous Student Trustee will look like and how they want to select an Indigenous Student Trustee on the Board.
Revised administrative guidelines presented
The Board received a report about updated administrative guidelines, which are operational protocols that ensure a best practice approach to operations. The public has 30 days in which to provide input.
Three administrative guidelines that have been revised following the 30-day public consultation were shared with Trustees.
Revisions to the Student Conduct Management, Emergency Response Plan and Bear Protocol administrative guidelines were presented.
Board in compliance with elementary class size
In her report to the Board, Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck confirmed NNDSB is in compliance with the government’s limits on class size.
The board is required to maintain 100 per cent of its primary classes below 23 and 90 per cent of the classes below 20. Board must also maintain a maximum board-wide average class of 23.3 for Grades 4-8.
Highlights of Superintendent Van Haesendonck’s report that 91.5 per cent of primary classes have 20 or fewer students, and that 100 per cent of primary classes have 23 and fewer students. The average junior/intermediate class size is 23.29.
District-wide PSW program launched
In his report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles spoke of the launch of the personal support worker (PSW) living classroom program, which has now secured partners in Sturgeon Falls, North Bay, Mattawa and Parry Sound.
The program will see participants 18 and older train to become PSWs in a classroom that is located in a healthcare facility. Rather than having to wait for placement modules to practice theoretical learning, students will be able to move between the theoretical and practical application of knowledge regularly.
Participant intake is taking place, with program registration taking place in January. The program will begin in March 2022.
In addition to becoming a fully-trained PSW, students who have not yet completed their Grade 12 can earn up to six credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Chair Jay Aspin, who also sits on the Board of Directors of Ontario Health, noted the need for PSWs in the province, and called the program “a real winner. I can see nothing but growth and goodwill.”
This collaborative program exemplifies the dedication of the board to align all decisions with the pillars of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. The PSW program can be situated within the board’s commitment to Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Relationships.
Environmental working group will be established
Director Myles, via his report to the board, shared that NNDSB’s program department will be establishing an environmental education/environmental stewardship working group during the 2021-2022 school year. The group will be comprised of educators from both elementary and secondary panels, administrators and system leaders.
Staff and students are already participating in several environmental initiatives, including the walking school bus (planned to start soon with Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services), a whole-school focus on electronic communications as an environmental strategy and recognition for Take Me Outside Day.
NNDSB has also been communicating with Forestry Ontario about a tree-planting initiative in the spring of 2022, in which students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Environment programs will mentor students in feeder schools about the benefits of planting trees to improve the environment.
COVID-19 management updates
Superintendent Tim Graves provided Trustees with an update on board management of COVID-19. He acknowledged the work of NNDSB and its collaborative work with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (NBPSDHU) and the co-terminus boards, noting no schools in the district have been in an outbreak.
Chair Jay Aspin congratulated Superintendent Graves and his team on the work being done since the return to in-person learning. Despite pressure on the board to allow spectators to attend sports events, Chair Aspin noted NNDSB and the co-terminus boards stuck to their guns about protocols. Chair Aspin said the work done by NNDSB is “putting our students and staff first.”
Director Myles also thanked staff, the senior team, union partners and Trustees for their support of the COVID-19 management strategy. He said NNDSB has seen low numbers of COVID-19 cases “because of our strict adherence to protocols.”
Those protocols also include not permitting community use of schools to ensure to reduce the risk of transmission by reducing the number of people in buildings.
Effective Nov. 10, the Ministry of Education is requiring individuals who are subject to rapid antigen testing requirements must now provide negative test results three times a week (it had been twice weekly). Staff to whom the policy applies have been given a testing schedule and access to additional test kits.
Although new testing approaches were made available to public health units, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has opted not to implement them, citing low case counts and strong testing measures already in place.
NNDSB is working with Nipissing District Athletics (NDA) to allow spectators at school hockey games. The facilities’ COVID-19 policies and practices will be enforced.
Northern school boards identify challenges
In the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) report to the Board, a research project that detailed unique challenges facing Northern boards was shared.
OPSBA’s Northern Region meeting earlier in November saw the release of a report that identified four priority areas that require greater support from the Ministry of Education – Indigenous education, special education, experiential learning and mental health and well-being. The research, conducted by three Master of Applied Politics students, found that funding and staffing were the two greatest challenges facing the research participants.
The report’s final recommendations were: for the Ministry of Education to consult with Northern Boards and Authorities when determining funding packages, to address unique needs of communities in the North; to implement needs assessment for each Board or Authority to ensure equitable access to services for all students, regardless of where they live; implement flexibility in teaching qualifications for specialized staff in Northern regions, to ensure hiring based on relevant skills.
Marc Morin appointed to audit committee
The Board accepted the recommendation of the Audit Selection Committee and approved of the selection of Marc Morin of Mattawa to fill the external member vacancy on the Board’s audit committee, following a public application process.
Morin is a professor in the School of Business at Canadore College and has supported other boards in a similar audit committee capacity.
His three-year term is effective immediately and will end Nov. 16, 2024.
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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
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021
With siding being installed this past weekend, the demolition at Parry Sound High School is 95 per cent complete.
The architect, the Ventin Group (+VG Architects), has reserved space for a design feature at the front of the building that will reflect Indigenous culture. In consultation with Trustee Nichole King, the First Nation representative on the Board, it was felt that students ought to have input into this space. Parry Sound High School Principal Dawn Buckland will work with students to ensure their thoughts and ideas are considered and incorporated into the build.
In meetings with the architect, NNDSB learned that the Parry Sound build is not immune from global supply chain challenges and significantly rising costs from the impact of COVID-19 resulting in overages. Administration is fully examining these challenges and results will be shared with stakeholders when the design is finalized.
Community members are invited to learn more via the Parry Sound Build Report page on the board’s website. The page is updated when required in order to answer questions from community stakeholders.
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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
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Near North District School Board (NNDSB) updates you with a monthly Letter to Families. This letter is being sent specifically to share three pieces of information related to COVID-19.
NBPSDHU has recommended that teams not travel to or from the areas of Sudbury and Algoma. Until further notice, school teams from those districts will not be allowed to participate in tournaments in the NBPSDHU’s catchment area, nor will local students be able to travel to games and events in Sudbury or Algoma.
It will be the decision of Northern Ontario Secondary Schools Association (NOSSA) and Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) whether to hold the events without teams from all areas, whether to move the event, or to cancel it.
At NNDSB, the restriction on travel in and out of areas with very high COVID-19 includes field trips. This decision, like all others made by the board throughout the pandemic, has been made to protect the health and safety of staff and students.
If you have questions or concerns about the content of this letter, please follow up with your school principal.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Near North District School Board
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021
As a testament to the value of the program it is offering, Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has just created its third and fourth Memorandum of Understanding in two weeks. West Nipissing General Hospital (WNGH) in Sturgeon Falls and Algonquin Nursing Home in Mattawa plan to provide living classrooms in order to train Personal Support Workers (PSWs).
WNGH and Algonquin Nursing Home are the two most recent organizations to commit to working with NNDSB to provide a living classroom, in which students will learn theory in an on-site classroom, then apply those skills on the floor of the hospital. Students will do their clinical work on WNGH’s long-term care and complex continuing care units, and in the long-term care home in Mattawa.
Student costs of this program will be subsidized; tuition is covered by NNDSB.
Cynthia Dèsormiers, President and Chief Executive Officer of WNGH, says the hospital is eager to partner because, “there is a critical shortage of Health Human Resources (HHR) throughout Ontario and in our community as well. This is a program that allows us to think outside the box while fulfilling a need at WNGH and in our community. This program will provide a great opportunity for people in our community to kick start a new career in health care, and with the tuition being waived in the first year, it is like a gift for those who may have financial difficulties.”
NNDSB’s Director of Education Craig Myles says the board has worked hard to bring this hands-on learning opportunity to learners 18 years and older. “We’re excited to offer this training, which is accredited through the Personal Support Worker Professional Association. NNDSB will be training PSWs who will be ready to begin work upon completion of the course.”
The PSW program is a collaborative effort of the board, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and community organizations. The other partnerships will see living classrooms set up in Cassellholme in North Bay, and Belvedere Heights and Lakeland Long-Term Care in Parry Sound. (Hyperlinks are to media release about those partnerships.)
Dèsormiers says the program and partnership “is a win-win for both the hospital and the students. This is an opportunity for us to grow our own PSWs, which usually leads to recruitment and improved retention when they are from the community.”
Jay Aspin, Chair of the Board of Trustees of NNDSB, says the PSW initiative is a great way to re-engage adult learners while addressing a critical shortage of healthcare workers. “NNDSB is proud of its role in helping to educate and train skilled PSWs that are in high demand in all areas of the board. This innovative program serves so many purposes in our communities, including marvelous opportunities for our students.”
Dèsormiers says WNGH is “grateful for the opportunity to partner this year and in future years to fill a huge need in healthcare, while providing great employment opportunities and careers for people in West Nipissing and surrounding areas.”
Spaces in each program are limited. Anyone interested should plan to attend the information session on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. online. (Meeting is hyperlinked.)
Students who do not yet have their Grade 12 are eligible to apply. They can earn up to six credits towards their diploma while taking this training.
NNDSB is seeking partnerships with local long-term care homes in all regions of the board to re-engage learners who are 18+ interested in training to become a PSW. Any long-term care home interested in partnering should contact Liana Blaskievich, NNDSB’s Officer Corporate Affairs at 705-472-8170 ext. 5056 or liana.blaskievich@nearnorthschools.ca.
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Cutline information:
PSWs are often referred to as the backbone of healthcare. Here, a PSW at WNGH is seen with a patient.
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
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021
The Board of Trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has sent a congratulatory letter to Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Norm Miller, who recently announced his retirement. Miller will complete his term and will not run in next year’s general election.
The Conservative MPP has represented Parry Sound-Muskoka for 21 years.
Board Chair Jay Aspin and Vice-Chair John Cochrane, who represents students and families in the Parry Sound area, signed the letter, which notes MPP Miller’s influence has shaped the future of a generation of students and will continue to shape students due to support for the new JK-12 Parry Sound school that NNDSB is building.
“Inspired by his predecessor, his father Premier Frank Miller, Norm has always been a stalwart for the educational system in the Muskoka-Parry region,” said Chair Aspin. ”Our schools have been a key beneficiary of his service as his advocacy for the people of his riding and his diligence at Queen’s Park is reflected in the projects and legislation that have come to fruition during his tenure.”
Vice-Chair Cochrane said it has been a pleasure working with Miller and acknowledges the contribution of the MPP to many facets of life in the Parry Sound area. “Norm’s retirement is well-deserved,” he said.
During Miller’s terms in office, his private member’s Bill 228 Keeping Polystyrene Out of Ontario’s Lakes and Rivers Act was passed and became law, the Parry Sound Airport Industrial Park was expanded and its infrastructure upgraded, and students from Parry Sound High School were acknowledged in the House for their trip to France to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and for leading the Community Remembrance Project.
The letter from NNDSB recognizes the collaboration that has taken place between NNDSB and Miller to align the board’s vision for students with the needs of the community.
Miller announced his retirement on Nov. 2, noting he is looking forward to spending more time with his family.
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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
November 16, 2021
Inclement Weather Notice to NNDSB Families;
With winter weather starting to settle in, the following communication outlines the Near North District School Board’s response to inclement weather days when school transportation is cancelled due to student safety concerns.
The Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) manages and coordinates transportation for our district, in addition to three of our co-terminus boards. On inclement weather days, when buses are cancelled due to unsafe travelling conditions, schools will remain open to students who can safely make their way to and from school without the use of school bus transportation. We remind parents/guardians that any students dropped off must be picked up at regular school dismissal time.
In some circumstances, the Board will decide to close a school. This decision could be due to the severity of the weather, loss of power or water, and in rare cases the school’s inability to maintain or follow other COVID-19 protocols which might place students in an at-risk position.
Critical to this is the following of ministry and health authorities’ guidelines regarding the number of permissible student contacts and cohort sizes. If schools are closed for the day, parents will be notified through their school, board and local media communications. Our primary concern is always the safety of our students.
If buses to your school are either cancelled for the day and/or schools closed, instruction and related student activities will be provided for your child to complete at home. These activities may include online or offline activities that every child can access.
We understand that because each school and community is unique, plans will vary across the Board in response to local contexts. However, we plan to ensure that the learning continues for students, despite the weather outdoors.
Sincerely,
Gay Smylie
Superintendent of Education
Nov. 16, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, students, families, and educators have encountered unprecedented challenges. Disruptions to learning have understandably resulted in increased concerns related to student achievement and well-being. And yet, students, educators and families have demonstrated resiliency and flexibility in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and students have continued to learn and grow.
As we look ahead to the 2021-22 school year (and beyond), we share a commitment to supporting the health and safety, mental health, well-being and achievement of all students. This includes building on the skills and capacity students and educators have gained during the pandemic, both in the classroom and during periods of remote learning. As staff have welcomed students back to school this fall, they have honoured a variety of starting points for learning and continue to be responsive to the needs of all learners. As part of a system-wide commitment to learning recovery and renewal, staff have prioritized student well-being, engagement in learning, and growing meaningful partnerships with families.
Home and school communication is an essential component to learning recovery and student success. On Nov. 17, 2021, your child will receive their first formal “progress report”. The fall progress report card is designed to encourage early and on-going communication between you and your child’s teacher. Teachers’ early assessments and feedback will allow you to understand how well your child is developing learning skills and work habits we know are essential for success. The progress report provides a measure of “progress” for all academic subjects – such as language, math, social studies, science and technology – but instead of assigning a grade or mark, it will tell you how well your child is progressing: “very well”, “well” or “with difficulty”. This early assessment and communication will highlight strengths and areas to improve before evaluations are completed – for example, during end-of-term report cards.
It is important to note that levels of progress do not equate to letter grades of “A, B, C, D” and do not necessarily lead to report card grades in any specific range. As we move through this year, students will continue to access opportunities to practice and develop the knowledge and skills required to achieve the curriculum expectations. If your child receives a “progressing with difficulty” it is our expectation that the teacher would have already contacted you to create a collaborative plan that focuses on next steps and how those steps will be achieved through both home and schools supports.
The progress report is followed by an opportunity for parents/guardians to meet with their child’s educator(s). Parent/Guardian and Teacher interviews provide families with an opportunity to identify additional ways to support their child effectively and help to foster home and school partnerships. When families, educators and caregivers work as partners they develop a meaningful relationship and share valuable communication that can help to grow a student’s sense of trust, belonging, well-being and success as a learner.
Gay Smylie
Superintendent of Education
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)