By James
Tonight’s Committee of the Whole Meeting and Board Meeting will be held entirely virtually.
Due to a facility malfunction relating to heat and hot water, tonight’s Committee of the Whole and Board Meetings will be held on Zoom, without an option to attend in-person.
Dial-in information is below:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 921 2547 1060
855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free
Meeting ID: 921 2547 1060
By James
October 5: World Teachers’ Day. NNDSB would like to thank all of the educators across our system who go above and beyond to provide safe, welcoming and equitable spaces for learning for our students.
By James
October 1, 2020
Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is proud to announce the upcoming introduction of The Skills Catalyst Project, an interactive, online learning platform for secondary students. The Skills Catalyst Project is funded by the Government of Ontario. The Government awarded NNDSB a $96,220 grant to develop this platform in collaboration with community partners. The Skills Catalyst Project is the first of its kind in NNDSB community. After completing a rigorous application process that began in January, NNDSB is excited to reveal the platform and engage in the experiential aspects with students.
By James
On September 30, the same time of year children were taken to residential schools, we remember and acknowledge this legacy. We wear orange to symbolize the journey towards healing, truth and reconciliation, in honour of the children who survived residential schools and those who did not.
In Education, we are called to actively engage in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action # 62 and 63:
| 62. | (i) | Make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Indigenous peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students |
| 63. | (i) | Developing and implementing Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum and learning resources on Indigenous peoples in Canadian history, and the history and legacy of residential schools. And, building intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect |
Here are some supportive educational resource links:
Orange Shirt Day – Phyllis’s Story
https://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html
Anishinabek Nation
https://www.anishinabek.ca/education-resources/
Truth and Reconciliation Commission:
Near North DSB Supports Orange Shirt Day: https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/programs/indigenous-education/days-of-recognition/
ETFO Supports Orange Shirt Day: https://www.etfo.ca/BuildingAJustSociety/FNMI/pages/orangeshirtday.aspx
OSSTF Supports Orange Shirt Day: https://www.osstf.on.ca/en-CA/calendar/orange-shirt-day.aspx
CUPE Supports Orange Shirt Day: https://cupe.ca/event/orange-shirt-day
By James
September 21, 2020
At the Near North District School Board, we are committed to creating safe and positive spaces that respect and celebrate diversity for all our students.
The Near North District School Board conducted its first a Student Census survey “This is Me” in the 2018/2019 school year for all students kindergarten to grade 12. The survey was conducted during the month of May 2019. Parents/Guardians of students in kindergarten to grade 6 were asked to complete the survey on their child’s behalf. Students in grade 7-12 were asked to complete the survey online while at school.
By James
September 16, 2020
The Near North District School Board is committed to equity and inclusion and the
elimination of discrimination and racism in education.
We acknowledge that systemic racism, bias and discrimination exists in Ontario and is
experienced by students, families and staff in Black, Indigenous and racialized
communities. We are committed to working with our communities to listen for
understanding about their lived experiences and the harm caused by racism. We will
work hard to identify and eliminate barriers created by bias and systemic racism.
By Frank
On March 13, 2020, schools across Ontario closed their doors without us knowing when they would reopen. Almost six months later, school doors are beginning to re-open to welcome students back for the 2020-2021 school year. These last 25 weeks have been marked with uncertainty, personal and economic sacrifice . . . and ultimately, with success in flattening the curve of the first wave of COVID-19 in our area.
Joint statement: Northern Medical Officer of Health & Directors of Education
By Frank
Dear Near North District School Board Family,
We look forward to welcoming our students back to school.
During these unprecedented times and the significant shifts away from our normal routines, many people have expressed concerns about the impact on students’ academic journeys. We want to encourage parents, educators, and students in the Near North District School Board family to remember the big picture. This is a time to focus on and be grateful for our family’s safety, health, and well-being and a time for us at the NNDSB to do the best we can to support your children in returning to a safe and welcoming environment. We will embark upon this journey together.
By Frank
August 26, 2020 – On Friday August 21st Near North District School Board released its comprehensive Return to School Guidance Document prepared to guide staff and families as they prepare for Startup.
On August 11th Near North District School Board released a summary document to support parents and staff. Adjustments were made to reflect the latest in Ministry directives. Friday marked the communication of the full plan.
To access (through the NNDSB website) please follow this link: https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/blog/launch-of-nndsb-back-to-school-guideline/23494/
The information contained within this Guidance Document falls within the Ministry of Education’s current parameters and meets both provincial and local health authorities’ regulations. It is critical to note that information and directives are fluid and in a state of frequent change. The material on the website document will be updated once received to reflect the most recent Ministry directives and public health recommendations. Please continue to review our website for refinements.
Student safety and well-being are the number one priority as we return to school. Information on health regulations and self-screening are available in the document.
In the coming days, the Near North Board will follow this document with information regarding a staggered entry for students to begin school which supports the necessary health and safety processes and protocols required. Transportation information will follow shortly as well.
We look forward to welcoming our students back to school.
Contact:
Maureen Egan
Exec Assistant to the Director of Education
Near North District School Board
Tel: (705) 472-8170 Ext: 5028
By Frank
Dear NNDSB Families,
We would like to acknowledge and thank you for your patience, flexibility and understanding as we have planned for school re-opening in a year like no other. We are confident in the status of our preparations and look forward to school startup and engaging with students and facilitating their learning once again. With this in mind, we would like to highlight a few critical areas for our students and their families.
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)