Fricker tender awarded to Venasse Building Group Inc.

October 13, 2021 By Josh

Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021

Fricker tender awarded to Venasse Building Group Inc.

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is pleased to announce that Venasse Building Group Inc. of North Bay has been awarded the contract for the new Fricker build. The group submitted a tender of $17,580,000.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) closed on Sept. 23, and an evaluation committee met to discuss the bids that were submitted. The tenders were evaluated using a scoring matrix that follows the Broader Public Sector procurement guidelines.

The Fricker Build Committee, chaired by Trustee Bill Steer, met on Oct. 5 and unanimously agreed to support the recommendation of the evaluation committee. Both committees had agreed to award the tender to the top-scoring applicant.

Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “The new Fricker school which will consolidate three schools and enhance elementary education in this section of North Bay. This school will ensure that more students in the city will experience the modern features of a contemporary elementary school. As this has been a key priority of our board, our Fricker Build Committee has worked effectively with administration to make it happen.”

“This project underpins the Board’s commitment to innovation under the new Multi-Year Strategic Plan, in that we look forward to providing future-oriented learning experiences that promote excellence in student achievement and well-being” stated Trustee Steer.

NNDSB Director of Education, Craig Myles said, “We look forward to working with contractors and architects to get this project underway, in the best interest of our staff, families and most importantly, our students.”

Trustee Louise Sargent, who sits on the Fricker Build Committee, noted that it was gratifying to see the tender awarded to a local company.

Funding from the Ministry of Education will cover the cost of demolition of the former W.J. Fricker Senior Public School and the construction of a replacement school, which will accommodate students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6, a four-room childcare centre (one infant, one toddler and two pre-school rooms), and an EarlyON Child and Family Centre.

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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

Modification to Nipissing District COVID-19 Protocol for Inter-school Extracurricular Activities, Sports and Clubs

October 6, 2021 By Josh

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021

Modification to Nipissing District COVID-19 Protocol for Inter-school Extracurricular Activities, Sports and Clubs

The four co-terminus boards (Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, Conseil scolaire public due Nord-Est de l’Ontario, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board and Near North District School Board) and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit have been working collaboratively and diligently to introduce extra-curriculars as quickly as possible while keeping staff and students safe.

We know the decision of spectators not being permitted at practices or games has not been favourable in the community. As the protocol for inter-school extra-curricular activities is fluid and can be modified as needed and when required, a decision has been made to allow media to cover and/or broadcast school board events in our community, so the events may be shared with students’ families and friends, as well as the broader public. We are pleased to announce this comes into effect immediately.

Extra-curricular Media Protocol

Media will be permitted at school extra-curricular events both indoors and outdoors, to provide the opportunity to broadcast events and results to the community.
The co-terminus boards have developed a media pass that must be displayed to gain entry to an event.
To obtain a pass, members of the media must show proof of being fully vaccinated.
Media contacts must register prior to the event.
Upon arrival to the game/event, member of the media verifies self-screening and signs in visitor log (as per usual process).

We are diligently working on viable solutions to enable the attendance of spectators, which will follow all required provincial health and safety processes, including maintaining spectator logs for contact tracing, as a next phase of our extra-curricular protocol. Please watch for further news.

We thank you for your understanding and patience.

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For more information, please contact:

Jacqueline Levesque, Communications & marketing agent, Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, levesquj@franco-nord.ca

Guylaine Scherer, Communications Director, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, guylaine.scherer@cspne.ca

Victoria Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Director of Education, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, johnsonv@npsc.ca

Deb Bartlett, Communications Officer, Near North District School Board, Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

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Communiqué de presse

Pour diffusion immédiate

Le mercredi 6 octobre 2021

Modification au protocole COVID-19 pour les activités parascolaires interscolaires, les sports et les clubs du district de Nipissing

Les quatre conseils limitrophes (Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board et Near North District School Board) et le Bureau de santé du district de North Bay-Parry Sound ont fait preuve de collaboration et de diligence pour lancer les activités parascolaires aussi rapidement que possible tout en assurant la sécurité du personnel et des élèves.

Nous reconnaissons que la décision d’interdire les spectateurs lors des entraînements ou des parties n’a pas été bien accueillie par la communauté. Étant donné que le protocole pour les activités parascolaires interscolaires est fluide et peut être modifié selon les besoins, une décision a été prise pour permettre aux médias de couvrir ou de diffuser les événements du conseil scolaire dans notre communauté, afin que les événements puissent être partagés avec les familles et les amis des élèves, ainsi qu’avec le grand public. Nous sommes heureux d’annoncer que cette décision entre en vigueur immédiatement. 

Protocole des médias relatif aux activités parascolaires

Les médias seront autorisés à assister aux événements parascolaires de l’école, tant à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur, afin de permettre la diffusion des événements et des résultats à la communauté.
Les conseils limitrophes ont mis au point un laissez-passer pour les médias qu’il faut présenter pour avoir accès à un événement.
Pour obtenir ce laissez-passer, les représentants des médias doivent présenter une preuve de vaccination complète.
Les représentants des médias doivent s’inscrire avant l’événement.
À l’arrivée à la partie ou à l’événement, le représentant des médias confirme son autodépistage et signe le registre des visiteurs (comme d’habitude).

Nous travaillons diligemment à trouver des solutions viables pour permettre la participation des spectateurs, tout en respectant les critères provinciaux en matière de santé et de sécurité, y compris la tenue d’un registre des spectateurs pour la recherche des contacts comme prochaine étape de notre protocole parascolaire. Veuillez surveiller les prochaines communications à ce sujet.

Nous vous remercions pour votre compréhension.

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Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer auprès de :

Jacqueline Lévesque, Agente des communications et du Marketing, Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, levesquj@franco-nord.ca

Guylaine Scherer, Directrice du service des communications, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, guylaine.scherer@cspne.ca

Victoria Johnson, Adjointe exécutive du directeur de l’éducation, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, johnsonv@npsc.ca

Deb Bartlett, Agente des communications, Near North District School Board, Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

News Story: Alliance Public School prepares large donation for Nunavut students

October 4, 2021 By Josh

West Ferris Secondary School Named Apple Distinguished School

October 1, 2021 By Deb

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 21^st 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

October 1, 2021 By Deb

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.

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.

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.

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

September 30, 2021 By Deb

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

September 29, 2021 By Josh

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.

Chen, Dora – Student Trustee

September 28, 2021 By Josh

Letter to Families: Response to threat at Chippewa Secondary School

September 27, 2021 By Josh

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

September 27, 2021 By Josh

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.

Jay Aspin Craig Myles

Chair of the Board Director of Education

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