Architectural firm selected for new school in Parry Sound

February 16, 2021 By Josh

Feb. 16, 2021

Architectural firm selected for new school in Parry Sound

North Bay, ON – With tonight’s approval of the recommendation of the ad hoc Parry Sound Architect Selection Committee, the Near North District School Board is a step closer to bringing educational and child care opportunities under one roof for the families in the areas of Parry Sound, Nobel and McDougall.

“Our Parry Sound region has been very patient with the continuous delays with this project in the past,” said Chair Jay Aspin. “For this reason, I am extremely pleased that our board made the construction of this school a top priority. Vice-chair John Cochrane, who is Chair of our Parry Sound Build Committee will work diligently with our administration to complete the project in a timely manner. We look forward to the development of an educational facility of which we can all be proud.”

The board’s acceptance of the bid by +VG Architects (The Ventin Group) follows a multi-phase process in which short-listed candidates were scored in several categories. Chair of the selection committee, Trustee Nichole King, is satisfied with not only the outcome, but with the “thorough, independent process” navigated by the committee. The process guided the committee to its conclusion that the most qualified firm has been selected to design the new build.

+VG Architects, with offices in Brantford, Toronto and Ottawa, has experience with this type of project, and that experience was part of the committee’s support for the bid.

Director of Education Craig Myles is looking forward to welcoming a childcare centre, an EarlyON Child and Family Centre and a JK-12 school. “In consultation with +VG Architects, we look forward to creating flexible and shared learning spaces to promote the building of 21^st century skills, and to increase experiential learning opportunities that honour all learners in the Parry Sound region.”

The Near North District School Board is grateful for the support of the Ministry of Education for this capital project.

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

Information/Communication Officer

Near North District School Board

P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Ministry of Education defers March Break four weeks

February 11, 2021 By Josh

Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021

Ministry of Education defers March Break four weeks

North Bay, ON – Following this afternoon’s announcement by Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, the Near North District School Board is sharing with its stakeholders that the March Break, scheduled for March 15-19, 2021 has been deferred until the week of April 12-16, 2021.

The Ministry decision was made in consultation with public health experts in an effort to reduce travel and gatherings and help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Information about Near North District School Board:

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: March Break deferred until April

February 11, 2021 By Josh

Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This message is to inform you of the Government of Ontario’s decision about the scheduled March Break.

This afternoon, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announced that the March Break, scheduled for March 15-19, 2021 has been deferred until the week of April 12-16, 2021.

The Ministry decision was made in consultation with public health experts in an effort to reduce travel and gatherings and help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Letter to Families: All NNDSB Schools to Return to in-class Learning

February 3, 2021 By Josh

Feb. 3, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced today more schools are set to resume in-class learning.

Beginning Feb. 8, MacTier Public School will resume in-class learning, which means all Near North District School Board (NNDSB) schools will now be open for in-class learning.

Please continue to monitor NNDSB’s website nearnorthschools.ca for updates and follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We will continue to share accurate and timely information, Ministry correspondence, and resources with you as they become available. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school.

Additional resource material, including learning, mental health, and supports, can also be found on our website.

Stay well.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles

Director of Education

Letter to Families: Change To Student Immunization Records Process

February 3, 2021 By Josh

Feb. 3, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This letter is to inform you about a change to the process this year regarding students’ immunization records.

Typically, families are notified of out-dated mandatory immunizations and given a timeframe in which to receive the immunization, or update records with the health unit. At the end of that timeframe, the board receives notice from the health unit regarding which students are to be placed on suspension under the Immunization of School Pupils Act.

This year, the medical officer of health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, Dr. Jim Chirico, has lifted the suspension component. No suspension letters will be issued this year to those who have not provided updated records. This decision was based on a number of factors, including students who are learning remotely, doctor availability, and logistical concerns caused by the pandemic.

The same process is in place in the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, which affects students attending MacTier Public School.

Families are still responsible for immunizing their children. When immunizations are given, parents and guardians should ensure the information is faxed from their doctor’s office to the health unit, so the student’s record is updated.

Please note, this is a temporary measure only that affects the deadline of updating information, not the necessity of immunization. For the school year 2021-2022 families will have to update their records.

More information about vaccination programs can be found here.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Letter to Secondary Families: Secondary Students COVID-19 Self-Screening

February 2, 2021 By Josh

Feb. 2, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Beginning Feb. 10, all secondary students (Grade 9-12) will be required to confirm that they have completed a COVID-19 self-screening as part of the attendance process. A link has been placed on all our secondary school websites and on our Near North DSB website. Secondary school students will access this link to complete their self-screening.

If students do not pass the COVID-19 self-screening they should remain at home. Homeroom teachers will confirm with students that their self-screening has been completed.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Near North District School Board

Virtual Canadore College Presentation Gives Students Insight into their Future

February 1, 2021 By Josh

NNDSB Note: The following story was written by Emma Dupuis, an F.J. McElligott Secondary School student.

By Emma Dupuis

F.J. McElligott Secondary School recently participated in the Motive Power: Universal Skills Initiative. This project is designed to inspire young women to view apprenticeship as a viable pathway and to explore several skilled trades in the motive power sector including Automotive Service Technician and Truck & Coach Technician.

This virtual workshop was hosted by Canadore College and funded by School College Work Initiative (SCWI) and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).

The event was broken into two parts. The first part of the day ran remotely by Randy Hall, a Canadore College motive power instructor, involved students working with callipers to measure engine components, measure spark plug gaps, and use tire pressure gauges.

“The day was very informative about the college. I enjoyed getting to measure the bore cylinder and not just watching a demonstration,” exclaimed Grade 11 student Bryn Davis.

When asked about why this day was important Mr. Hall said, “Many trades have been male-dominated and now changes in different trades, especially motive power, have opened up many more avenues that young women may find appealing.” He added, “Employers are also doing their part by making accessibility pathways easier for young ladies. It’s important to remember that it was the amazing female workforce during the First World War and Second World War that built all types of equipment, from tanks to planes to support our troops.”

The second part of the day involved a Zoom meeting in which students had the opportunity to attend a virtual tour of Canadore College hosted by either Ric Potvin or Darryl Oliver.

“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to get a virtual tour of the college. The best part was getting to look at engines and spark plugs,” said Brooke Dumont, a Grade 11 student.

Fellow student, Emilio Lavoie stated, “The presentation was really helpful in looking at different programs Canadore offers, how a typical course ran and what types of jobs we might want to pursue in the future. I thought it was very interesting how practical the course layouts are along with the variety of resources Canadore had to help everyone reach their full potential.” He added, “I enjoyed learning about the different types of engines as it helped me understand if mechanics was something I was passionate about.”

Each student received a “grab bag” organized by the Canadore College Recruitment Team containing a toque, tire pressure gauge, a spark plug gap measuring tool along with information about Canadore.

Students enjoyed the educational opportunity and learned potential pathways after secondary school. “It was cool to have a virtual tour of the Canadore campus and learn about the different apprenticeship programs the college has to offer. Overall, the entire presentation was really educational,” said Nicky Botham.

This event was an excellent way to engage students in the world of the trades and help them better understand the options available for their post-secondary careers.

“It was great that girls were given this experience,” exclaimed student Shannon Wall.

We want to hear from you! Check out the proposed 2021-2022 school year calendar

January 26, 2021 By Josh

**Consultation period is now over. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the 2021-22 school year calendar**

At this time each year, a committee of representatives from the four school boards in our region work together to consult with their respective school communities to establish the upcoming school year calendar.

The following elements are required in every school year calendar:

194 mandatory instructional days;
Maximum of seven (7) Professional Activity Days (PA Days);
Maximum of ten (10) examination days (for secondary schools).

Student learning, success and well-being are integral considerations for boards in their decision-making. All four local school boards are mindful of the broad-reaching impact the placement of the school year calendar can have on students, parents, staff and volunteers. Consequently, we invite parents, staff and members of the community to provide feedback on the placement of the Board Holiday and Christmas Break for the 2021-22 school year between January 26 and February 2, 2021.

Responses to the consultation will be collected and taken into consideration in developing the final version of the calendar which will be presented to each school board and shared with the Ministry of Education for approval by March 1, 2021.Thank you for taking the time to provide your input on the upcoming 2021-22 School Year Calendar. Your feedback is greatly valued and appreciated.

Appointment of Interim Executive Officer will help staff transition during search, hiring of new superintendent

January 25, 2021 By Josh

The Near North District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Wally Easton to the role of Interim Executive Officer to assist the board and staff during the transition to retirement of Superintendent of Business, Liz Therrien. Mr. Easton’s appointment is effective Feb. 1, 2021.

NNDSB staff and some of the board’s stakeholder groups have been notified that effective March 1, 2021, Mr. Easton will transition into an Acting Senior Business Official (SBO) role while the board recruits a permanent replacement. Mr. Easton will assume all of the reporting relationships and duties assigned to SBO Therrien to ensure the continued effectiveness of business within our board and school community. Additionally, he will support the board with the executive search and mentor the permanent successor to ensure they are well-settled.

Mr. Easton has an extensive knowledge of NNDSB through his role as a Special Advisor to the Minister of Education. His broad experience and expertise are valued assets that will benefit the board as it solidifies its Multi Year Strategic Plan, and its focusses on strong fiscal management, growing positive relationships and innovative learning.

In addition to his work as a Special Advisor, Mr. Easton has served as a policy analyst with the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association from 2012 to 2018 and was responsible for the analysis of various financial, business and labour matters related to education. Prior to that, he was the Associate Director, Corporate Services and Treasurer for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board.

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

Letter to Families – Jan. 21

January 21, 2021 By Josh

Jan. 21, 2021

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with additional information with regards to the Ontario government’s Jan. 20 announcement.

Several school boards will be welcoming students back to in-class learning on Jan. 25. There is no change for Near North District School Board (NNDSB) schools.

As per health unit jurisdictions, MacTier Public School will remain closed and students will continue learning virtually until Feb. 10. All other NNDSB schools continue to be open for in-person learning.

Additional resource material, including learning, mental health, and supports, can also be found on our website.

Stay well.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles

Director of Education

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