Near North District School Board

Letter to families: Information regarding Ontario Government announcement

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Thursday, May 13, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Today the provincial government made two announcements that affect Near North District School Board (NNDSB) students and staff.

The government has extended the stay-at-home order, so remote learning will continue until at least June 2.

It was also announced that children between the ages of 12 and 17 will be eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine beginning May 31.

You will find more information on both announcements in this link to the Province of Ontario newsroom.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

New communications team building confidence with initiatives

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Laptop, notebook, phone, and penIf you’re reading this right now, you’re experiencing the work of Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) communications team. The team disseminates information from the Board of Trustees and Director of Education Craig Myles to a wide number of stakeholders.

The two-person team is supervised by Liana Blaskievich, Officer Corporate Affairs and works closely with senior administrators to provide timely and accurate communications. The team is a new addition to NNDSB, working as part of the Director’s office, and was formed in response to an extensive consultation that showed a deficit in communications. The team’s goals are to share NNDSB news and decisions with a variety of stakeholder groups.

The team is comprised of Communications Officer Deb Bartlett and Communications Coordinator Josh Casey. Both graduated from journalism programs; Casey also has a post-grad certificate in public relations and corporate communications, and Bartlett has a marketing diploma and just completed a communications degree. Together, they execute the plan that supports the board and while increasing communication to, and engagement with stakeholder groups.

Communications is a catch-all phrase that encompasses a variety of skills and activities that involve building relationships inside and outside the organization. The team is responsible for messaging and promotion of the NNDSB brand internally (within the board) and externally (outside the board); to increase awareness about the board and its activities; and to foster improved media relations. These goals are achieved in a number of ways – providing concise dissemination of Ministry of Education information, emails to staff, media releases, fresh web content, letters to families and updates to trustees as provided by senior administrators, Board Highlights and regular posts on a number of social media channels. The team also consults with the senior administrative team on issues relating to brand and perception.

Casey started with NNDSB in September 2020. He is responsible for covering news at the school level, updating board news on the website and managing social media. Bartlett joined the board in January 2021 and is responsible for board-level initiatives, creating and implementing the communications plan. She is the Freedom of Information (FOI) and Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act lead and has just agreed to take the lead for records management in a consultative role to board departments.

The team has already launched several initiatives to increase awareness and other ideas to be implemented that align with the board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) which will come to the Board for approval in June and launch board-wide in September. Two of the four pillars of that plan – excellence in communications and excellence in relationships – are key focuses of the team. Its initiatives are strategically developed to fill communications gaps and when possible, are being measured to ensure they are meeting their objectives. Among the initiatives the team launched are increased frequency of media releases (media monitoring is taking place), enhanced social media activity (with tracking of analytics to measure engagement), this In the Works feature which highlights roles and positions in the board, and an initiative that will officially launch in September that amplifies the student voice in NNDSB communications.

Additionally, the Board Highlights document is shared with staff and stakeholders as well as media to share the news and decisions of the Board, and the Director’s monthly staff newsletter provides updates about Board and senior administrative decisions.

“Excellence in communications and excellence in relationships are key objectives for NNDSB. This means extensive work to repair and build long-standing partnerships and forge new relationships,” says Blaskievich.

“We strengthen our relationships by building trust in the organization. We do this by providing authentic, transparent, timely and accurate communications. We have come a long way in 2020-2021. This is the first time that NNDSB has benefited from a team of communicators that is focused upon sharing the best of NNDSB. I am proud of this team and how they have embraced NNDSB as their own, communicating to reveal our best work and highest intentions. We have more work to do, but I have the utmost faith in this team to make it happen,” she said.

Register now for summer secondary school credit courses

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May 10, 2021

Register now for summer secondary school credit courses

Students have until June 18 to register for secondary school credit courses being offered at Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) summer school.

Because they are being offered remotely, courses are accessible to students from all areas of NNDSB, as well as students from other boards and international students. There are a number of courses available from Grades 9-12 at the open, academic, applied, college and university levels, as well as new credit (110 hours) or upgrade/half credit courses (55 hours). Summer school will run from July 5 to 30 inclusively. Students are allowed to take one full credit course or coop placement, or may take two upgrade credits during summer school.

Principal of Secondary Summer School Jamey Byers says, “In unusual times, we are offering a variety of courses for students to upgrade or to take a new credit. Our offerings will allow students to continue to learn this summer and support their credit achievement efforts.”

There are also cooperative education placements being offered, with priority being given to students who require experiential learning components for their Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) certificates and students requiring the cooperative credit to graduate. Approved placements will be virtual, based on current recommendations of the health unit.

NNDSB is offering a Grade 8 Secondary School Reach Ahead Credit for current Grade 8 students who want to earn a secondary school credit prior to beginning secondary school. The course focuses on learning strategies to help students become more successful and independent learners.

All courses are subject to sufficient staffing and enrollment to run.

Each course will be delivered synchronously and asynchronously. All students will need access to a device and reliable internet throughout the day.

Attendance is mandatory, and students are expected to connect with their teachers each day of the course.

Students of NNDSB and other boards should speak to their guidance counsellors to register. International students should contact summer school secretary Terri Reidt at 705-472-5419 ext. 5991.

For more information, visit www.nearnorthschools.ca and select summer school under the programs tab.

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Information about Near North District School Board:

Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on social media.

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: Looking ahead to next school year

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Thursday, May 6, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Education made an announcement that remote learning will be an option for the 2021-2022 school year.

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) staff are reviewing the announcement and its implications and finalizing how September’s return to school will be offered. Once the models have been determined, we will communicate with families, clearly outlining your choices for school in the fall.

The swing from in-person to remote is difficult for all of us, as we navigate the on-going challenges of education in times of a pandemic. It is our belief that the evidence suggests that for most students in-person is the best way to learn, when it is safe to do so. NNDSB schools have shown to be low risk for COVID transmission, and in-person learning has positive effects on children’s mental health including their need for socialization.

Families should give thought to how they would like their children to attend school, as you will be asked to choose an option in the coming weeks. Please be advised that in order to staff schools and provide consistency to students throughout our system, there may be limited flexibility to switch between remote and in-class learning throughout the year.

As always, NNDSB’s decisions are based on what is best for students.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Student Senate supports peers in pledge to be well

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May 4, 2021

Student Senate supports peers in pledge to be well

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is pleased to announce the launch of a Wellness Together Pledge as part of the Student Senate’s focus on mental health.

During the week of Mental Health Week, May 3-7, NNDSB intermediate and secondary school students will unite to Pledge to Be Well.

Designed to increase mental health awareness and promote ways of coping with stress, pledging students will receive a wellness kit. There are three kits to choose from: mind, body, and spirit. All three contain items to help students stay active and fit; items to keep their brains engaged and focused; and items to help build inner strength and balance.

This mental health initiative is designed to acknowledge students who have adapted to the changes to the educational model throughout the pandemic and provide them with tools and resources to manage their stress and anxiety.

On a daily basis, NNDSB’s mental health leadership team has been inspired by the resiliency and perseverance of its students and are happy to support their efforts.

The wellness kits will be safely distributed during the week of May 17. This campaign can be found on NNDSB’s mental health campaign’s Instagram @ThriveNNDSB.

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Information about Near North District School Board:

Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Extended French program exclusive to NNDSB junior students

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Friday, April 30, 2021

Extended French program exclusive to NNDSB junior students

A second choice for French as a Second Language – Extended French – is an option that is offered locally only by Near North District School Board (NNDSB) with a Grade 5 entry point.

Extended French provides more French language instruction than core French but is not fully immersive, with approximately 60 per cent of instruction in French. It is designed for students who do not speak French at home. The program begins for students in Grade 5 and continues throughout secondary school.

Research shows that second language learning enhances students in the reasoning, problem-solving and creative-thinking skills necessary for 21st century learners, as well as providing students with advantages in future career options as bilingual speakers.

Extended French is available in all areas of NNDSB. It is offered at Land of Lakes Public School, Parry Sound Public School, E.W. Norman Public School, Mattawa Public School and White Woods Public School. Students may continue Extended French at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, F.J. McElligott Secondary School, West Ferris Secondary School, Northern Secondary School and Parry Sound High School.

Families interested in pursuing Extended French for their children are encouraged to visit this page, or call their nearest school that offers the program. Current NNDSB students need to register for the program, and students new to NNDSB must register with the board and select Extended French in the language program dropdown menu.

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

Letter to families: Past Octomester’s secondary report cards available through Edsby

By

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Secondary report cards for this past Octomester are now available online through Edsby. Students and parents/guardians can view report cards by logging into Edsby with their assigned accounts.

Please visit our Parent Portal www.nearnorthschools.ca/parent-portal/ to access Edsby. You can also reset your password for your Edsby parent account from the Parent Portal. If you require an Edsby account, please contact your child’s school.

Once you’ve logged into Edsby through a web browser, click on the View Report Cards button along the left side of the screen under the classes panel.

Edsby is the Near North District School Board’s secure communication platform providing parents and guardians access into their child’s classroom. Parents have the ability to stay informed of the day-to-day activities and track their child’s learning through Edsby.

Should you prefer to receive a paper copy of your child’s Octomester 6 Report Card, please contact your school.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Funding supports installation of school ventilation systems

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Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Funding supports installation of school ventilation systems

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) has applied and been approved for $6.2 million in joint federal and provincial infrastructure funding to improve air quality in classrooms. The funding, under the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream: Education Related (CVRIS), is part of a larger project that provides upgrades to public infrastructure.

NNDSB’s application was for the evaluation of building systems, verification of performance, review and update of recommended maintenance measures for air handling systems. The funding covers the purchase and installation of ventilation equipment for 15 schools and will optimize air quality in a variety of spaces, including classrooms, offices and gyms.

The funding was announced earlier by the Province of Ontario, but the local announcement was made this morning by MPP Vic Fedeli and MP Anthony Rota, with participation from NNDSB Chair Jay Aspin.

“As Chair of the Board of Trustees, I express my gratitude to the provincial and federal governments for their support of NNDSB in our goal of providing education while keeping student and staff safety and well-being top of mind in these challenging times,” said Chair Aspin.

“Supporting air-quality and other infrastructure projects in Nipissing schools helps to protect our communities, making them stronger, healthier and safer today, and for years to come,” said MPP Fedeli. “These are extremely important investments that will upgrade our schools’ infrastructure and systems  – all part of the Covid-19 response,” added MPP Fedeli.

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

Highlights from April Board meeting

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Monday, April 26, 2021

Highlights from April Board meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

New Parry Sound school update

Acting Superintendent Gay Smylie provided Trustees with an update on the new JK-12 school being built in Parry Sound.

The update notes the board’s project team has met with architects from the Ventin Group and established the basic criteria for the new school, including the project schedule as well as conceptual site and floor plans. Conceptual plans are being refined, and it is expected that a report with designs will be presented at the May 2021 Board meeting.

Trustees were provided with the project schedule that would see the demolition of a small portion of the school this summer, in preparation for new construction beginning March 2022. The schedule allows for an opening date of September 2023.

 

Surplus items available for sale online

Several departments of NNDSB have collaborated over the past few months to put a process in place for the distribution of surplus items resulting from the consolidation of North Bay secondary schools. A new Administrative Guideline for Surplus Furniture and Equipment was created, accompanied by a process to distribute relevant material to schools, then to offer the materials to outside sources if required.

To date, more than a dozen NNDSB schools have taken advantage of the new online inventory processes, and items were shipped to sites over the Spring Break, ready for use when in-person learning resumes.

Items are declared surplus if they are not required for use in schools, already exist in sufficient amount or are not suitable to support 21st century learning. As per the Administrative Guideline, after items have been distributed to schools, any remaining surplus items will be auctioned on www.govdeals.ca. Members of the public will be able to bid on items and if successful, pay online.

Most NNDSB items will appear under the Furniture/Furnishings category, although there are items to be found in other categories.

Successful bidders will be contacted by staff in the Finance Department to arrange pick up their items. The public is encouraged to view the board’s guideline and terms and conditions before placing a bid.  

 

Summer Learning program recognized provincially

Director of Education Craig Myles shared with Trustees that NNDSB was recognized provincially by the Council of Directors of Education (CODE) for the successful work of last year’s Summer Learning Program.

The board’s outcomes were combined with those from eight other school boards for a report submitted to the Ministry of Education by CODE. The report showed how summer learning successfully supports Ontario’s vulnerable students and their families from all regions of the province.

Last summer, and for several years previous, NNDSB facilitated a technology-enabled distance learning program combined with small group learning experiences that promoted resilience, well-being and social interaction, while improving literacy and numeracy skills through fun and engaging activities.

If the Summer Learning Program is approved to run this summer, identified students will be invited to participate.

 

Executive team offered PD in human rights

The board’s executive team has been invited to participate in the Intensive Program in Human Rights for School Board Leaders offered through Osgood Professional Development. Similar to the sessions for trustees that were offered earlier this year, the session will provide a foundational understanding of human rights standards and equity relevant to Ontario’s publicly-funded school boards, and principles of the province’s Human Rights Codes, with a focus on addressing systemic inequality.

Each session features a keynote presentation by a human rights expert followed by facilitated small group discussions and case studies, designed to help integrate a human rights and equity-based approach to the work of school board leaders

Virtual information sessions held for stakeholders

The Multi-Year Strategic Plan Committee has organized six information sessions for stakeholders to learn more about the improvement plans that will support student achievement and well-being. The sessions are held from 6 to 7 p.m. beginning April 27 and will be held in all regions of the board. The schedule and Zoom links to all meetings can be found here.

 

Mental wellness webinars organized by PIC

NNDSB’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) has organized a three-webinar series to support students and their families in mental health and well-being. The sessions are being held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on three consecutive Wednesdays.

The series kicked off April 21 with the board’s mental health lead, Susan Lessard, on the topic of Strategies to Help Your Child with Mental Wellness. On April 28, the board’s mental health team presents a companion webinar on How to Help a Friend with mental Wellness and What to Do if You or Your Child Are Struggling. (Participating with your teen is highly recommended for this session). The final webinar on May 5 will be led by Justin Hawn, education technology program coordinator and Andy Rogers, technology-enabled learning and teaching contact. The session will show how parents and students can connect to the school through various technology spaces to enhance learning and well-being whether remote or in-person.

More information about NNDSB’s PIC and links to the webinars can be found here. The webinars are free of charge and are open to anyone in the community.

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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.

Information about Near North District School Board:

Near North District School Board is an English-language public school board serving the North Bay – Parry Sound – Nipissing area. The Board consists of approximately 10,000 students in 27 elementary schools, seven secondary/senior schools and various alternative learning centres. For more information, please visit nearnorthschools.ca and follow Near North District School Board on Social media.

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

Letter to families: Invitation to contribute to thank you campaign

By

Monday, April 26, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Without a doubt, this has been a challenging school year for everyone at Near North District School Board (NNDSB). Together, staff and families have navigated a school year unlike any other.

In spite of the obstacles, students – supported by an amazing team of staff and family – are drawing near the close of another school year.

NNDSB is creating a multi-media presentation that thanks the people who contributed to student success and well-being this year and is seeking submissions that express thanks to members of the school community.

We are asking staff, students and families to think of people or teams that deserve a thank you, and to send expressions of gratitude to us. Submissions may be written, drawn, audio files, photos or short videos, which will be used in the creation of a Sway presentation, and made available to all in the NNDSB community. Contributors may submit more than one thank-you message.

Submissions may be sent digitally to josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca, or in hard copy to Near North District School Board, 963 Airport Rd., North Bay, ON  P1B 8H1 Attn: Josh Casey by Friday, May 14.

We look forward to seeing what you are thankful for this school year and sharing the finished project with you.

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)

Connect With Us

Near North District School Board
963 Airport Road, P.O. Box 3110, North Bay, ON P1B 8H1
[P] 705-472-8170   [TF] 1-800-278-4922   [F] 705-472-9927