Near North District School Board

Reopening Message to Parents

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August 11, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As we awaited the Ministry of Education announcement outlining the provincial plans to return students to school, the Near North District School Board maintained vigilance in creating plans that would align with Ministry and more importantly with our vision of student achievement and success for your children. We thank you for your patience as all schoolboards across the province align their plans to the shifting landscape of Covid-19. We thank you also for your responses to enrollment surveys that helped us to keep your needs in mind as we navigated the ministry directives.

The July 30 Ministry of Education (MOE) announcement has designated the NNDSB as a board that will engage in the full reopening of all publicly funded secondary and elementary schools five days a week all day. The NNDSB has developed plans that meet the requirements as set out by the ministry reopening plan that must now be revised with the most recent announcement to ensure that we are doing our utmost to provide the best of learning while providing a safe and healthy school environment for students, teachers and staff, and safeguarding our community.

Please know that we will leave no stone unturned as we ensure that these plans meet the recently announced expectations of the ministry and more importantly the safe return of students and staff to our schools. You will be informed the moment the plan is solidified.

In the mean-time you will be receiving an information sheet via school messenger, providing answers to the key questions that you may have. This information will also be posted on the NNDSB website at www.nearnorthschools.ca.

Please understand that in order to keep your children safe and secure and to ensure their success and well-being we must stay current with emerging information. Rest assured we have a thorough and extensive plan prepared that is constantly updated based on the latest Ministry, Provincial Government and local and Provincial Health Authority updates.

We are ready to support your children’s success. We look forward to seeing you and your children in September.

Craig Myles, Director Jay Aspin, Chair

Ministry of Education Unveils Re-entry Plan

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August 5, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians,

On July 30, 2020 the Ministry of Education (MOE) unveiled their plans to return students to school safely in September. The NNDSB is identified as a non-designated school board. Therefore, with guidance from public health officials the MOE outlined the following guidelines:

  • The full reopening of all publicly funded secondary and elementary schools five days a week;
  • Ensuring families have a choice for in-class or online learning, and the latitude to change that decision throughout the year, and;
  • Providing a safe and healthy school environment for students, teachers and staff, and safeguarding the broader communities in which they live.

The NNDSB continues to work diligently to develop our plans for the safest and most effective return for students and staff.  This includes consultation with our local health unit, the Ministry of Education, our community stakeholders and parents/guardians.  The intent of our reopening plan is to remain vigilant to ensure safety while endeavouring to support all students and families with learning opportunities that best suit each circumstance.

A survey was sent through email last week to request information of families regarding their child/children’s return to school preferences.  The purpose of the survey is to gather initial data regarding students’ return to school and transportation requirements.  At this time, the information will be used for board level planning purposes.  The NNDSB is committed to supporting the learning needs of all students’ and families with a safe re-opening.  If you did not receive an email please follow the link below to access the survey.

https://forms.office.com/FormsPro/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=sKPKifIHuUa3UOlzFotsTrKBO_IFcRhCnCgBO0otPJ9UMFlVS003N1U2TkVRUkdZSThXOVFGMVhJRC4u

The NNDSB will continue to update our website with the most up-to-date information.  Please continue to monitor our website at www.nearnorthschools.ca.  For more specific information regarding your child/children’s return to school please contact your school principal.

Letter to Parents from the Minister of Education

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Dear Parents –

I hope you and your families are continuing to stay healthy and strong as the province continues to fight against the COVID-19 virus.

It has been just over four months since I first wrote to you after the government’s decision to close schools and protect the lives of students, families, and the communities where they live and work.  A lot has changed in these past four months.  However, the one constant is the united effort of parents, students, and families to keep our communities and province safe.

…

Please click here for full message to parents from the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education

Director of Education and Board Chair Message to NNDSB Families

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Year-End Message From Director of Education and Board Chair

Dear NNDSB Families,

As we come to the end of this unprecedented school year, we want to thank our students and families for their support and understanding during school closures. Our staff worked extremely hard to provide engaging and relevant learning to support our students. Regardless of what September will bring, we know that all of our students have the foundation to learn and thrive next year.

To all our graduates and their families, congratulations! It was great to see the students and families at their virtual graduations and to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates. We want to congratulate all students, in the Near North District School Board for their resilience and continued commitment to learning.

We continue to work diligently on our continuity of learning plan including the return to learning in the fall. Updates will be posted at www.nearnorthschools.ca.

Have a wonderful summer. Take care of yourselves and each other and stay healthy.

Craig Myles                                                               Jay Aspin
Director of Education                                             Chair, Board of Trustees

West Ferris Students Receive Vale COVID-19 Challenge Grant

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June 19, 2020 –West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS) STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) program students have received one of eleven worldwide Vale COVID-19 challenge grants for their construction and distribution of the UV Cube sterilizer box. The Vale challenge was launched earlier this year to expand solutions against COVID-19, including risk monitoring and prevention and patient monitoring.

Tessa Summers, Fionna Truong, Ella Kelso and Emily Yates built the UV Cube at the request of Fionna’s father, Dr. James Truong, to assist with the sterilization of Personal Protective Equipment at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. The UV Cube is a do-it-yourself sterilizer, about the size of a small oven, made from materials found at the local hardware store. Using high-intensity ultraviolet light, the cube can sterilize everything from medical masks to mobile phones to shoes.

The students are all members of FIRST Team 1305 Ice Cubed, a competitive robotics team consisting of kids from across North Bay. They used their contacts with other FIRST Teams across the country to facilitate the construction and delivery of UV Cubes to health care providers. The funding from Vale will enable the production of fifty kits, which will be donated to small and medium medical clinics in Canada. In North Bay, the UV Cubes will be distributed to the North Bay Regional Health Centre, Casselhome, Easthome, LIPI, Lakeshore Dental and Northern Shores Pharmacy.

To learn more about the STEAM program visit the WFSS website at https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/west-ferris/academics/steam/

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought
Information/Communication Officer
Near North District School Board
(705) 472-8170, extension 5010
Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

NNDSB RECOGNITION OF RETIREES AND 25 YEARS OF SERVICE EMPLOYEES

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Congratulations to the NNDSB employees who will be retiring at the end of this year. We thank you for your hard work and dedication to our students, families and school communities. Congratulations also to those employees who have dedicated 25 years of service in the Near North District School Board (NNDSB).

This year has presented our employees with unexpected challenges. All NNDSB employees, including school administration, educators, and support staff, worked tirelessly using creativity and innovation to support our students in their educational and emotional journey.

Unfortunately, one of the challenges that came to light now is that due to the current social and physical distancing restrictions and health and safety requirements to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we are unable to celebrate our employees as we traditionally would have.

We recognize that the work of those who have dedicated 25 years of service and the NNDSB retirees is invaluable to our students and our system.

Congratulations on your milestone accomplishment. Thank you for your years of hard work and dedication to the Near North District School Board family.

Craig Myles                                                   Jay Aspin
Director of Education                                  Chair, Board of Trustees

NNDSB Establishes a New Governance Manual and By-laws

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June 9, 2020 – The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) intends to adopt a new governance manual and by-laws at the June 22, 2020, regular board meeting. Since inauguration, a complete review of board governance policies, procedures and by-laws was a priority of the board and was further assisted by recommendations of both the Ontario Ombudsman and the Ministry of Education Special Advisors.

The Director of Education retained Wayne Joudrie to lead this process and develop policies, procedures and by-laws that would guide and direct the activity of the NNDSB while reflecting best practices and legislative requirements for Ontario school boards. Mr. Joudrie was a Ministry of Education Special Advisor assigned to work with the NNDSB. He has held prominent senior leadership positions across the education sector, including superintendent of education, superintendent of schools, director of education and executive director of the Public Council of Ontario Directors of Education.

Governance and accountability play an essential role in supporting and improving public confidence in the NNDSB and Ontario’s publicly funded education system. Once approved, the draft governance manual and by-laws will accommodate recommendations put forth by the Ontario Ombudsman and Special Advisors.

“Since taking office, our Board of Trustees have been clear and persistent about their commitment to transparent, accountable and ethical governance. The completion of our governance manual and by-laws is a significant priority for our Board of Trustees and our Senior Administration. These documents are essential to provide both management and Trustees with the framework necessary to provide professional and effective delivery of education services. This accomplishment will provide another key cornerstone to further restore the public’s confidence in our organization.”  Jay Aspin, Chair.

For more information, please contact:

Mairghread Knought
Information/Communication Officer
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca

June is PRIDE Month

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In June, we celebrate PRIDE.  This is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and raise awareness about the rich culture and history of LGBTQ+ communities. It is important that all our students and staff feel safe and have a sense of belonging within the schools of the NNDSB.  While celebrations need to happen virtually this year, PRIDE month continues to provide opportunities for celebrating and learning about LGBTQ+ communities!

During Pride Month, we encourage staff, students, families and our communities to spend some time learning about the many achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ communities in addition to learning about their history, trials and tribulations.​​

National Indigenous History Month

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June is National Indigenous History Month. Each June, Canadians are invited to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples by taking part in National Indigenous History Month learning and events. National Indigenous Peoples History Month is a time to acknowledge our history, to honour Indigenous heritage and to celebrate Indigenous cultures. It also represents an opportunity to reflect on the strength of present-day First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, and their hopes for the future.

National Indigenous Peoples Day occurs on June 21.  This day represents an opportunity annually for all of us to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nation, Metis and Inuit People.  This is especially significant for many Indigenous communities as this date is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Please celebrate with us!

https://www.nearnorthschools.ca/programs/indigenous-education

To learn more about National Indigenous History Month, please visit the Government of Canada website at the link below:

https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512

Celebrating Students Who Make A Difference

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Every year as part the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) asks our schools to nominate students who exude good citizenship, along with understanding and acceptance of human differences and individual qualities.

Please click on their name below to learn more about how they have made a difference this year. Congratulations!!!

Mikaila Kimball & Alistair McPherson - Chippewa Secondary School

Liam Compton - E.W. Norman Public School

Julia Synott - Phelps Public School

Cody Patterson - Mattawa District Public School

Alexis Kreutz - Mattawa District Public School

In past years, nominated students have been invited to a celebration hosted by the Multicultural Centre entitled “The Evening of Applause.” Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the Evening of Applause will not be proceeding as planned this year. Therefore, to honour all of the award recipients, we will be sending them a printed version of the plaque with a nomination write-up. An official plaque will be forwarded to the school where it will be displayed.

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