October 30, 2020

Trojan spirit was in full swing at West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS) after a week-long fundraising campaign for a four-year-old girl recovering from brain surgery.

Last week, students had a discussion about the situation, and asked administration how they could help. Quickly, staff and students came together to rally behind Ali and her family.

Donations were collected all week, and a virtual “Rally for Ali” was held on Thursday. The week’s fundraising goal was $1,500. Principal Andy Gagne – who is well known for only wearing black, said if the students reached their goal, he would direct the morning traffic wearing pink (Ali’s favourite colour) and continue wearing the colour for the rest of the school day. He was held to that promise on October 30, after the WFSS community almost doubled their fundraising goal.

Social Sciences Teacher Mark Robertson, a key staff planner behind the fundraiser, recognized the ability of the WFSS community to work collectively to make a difference. “It’s an overwhelming amount of support from the students,” said Robertson. “It really blew everyone away that we exceeded the goal.”

Robertson added that when students heard that they had exceeded the goal, they were excited and emotional.

Gagne expressed his gratitude to those involved in the initiative; “I am so proud of our students and staff for supporting this little girl and her family. The West Ferris community, the families that support our school, they just continue to demonstrate what it means to belong to this school. Trojan Pride!” he said.

WFSS remains committed to supporting the local community. Students support food drives, collecting items for the women’s shelters, the annual cancer walk, and other fundraising opportunities throughout the school year.

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

October 29, 2020

Parry Sound, ON – Working towards reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action document says, “. . . Reconciliation is about establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.”

Staff and students at Parry Sound High School (PSHS) in the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) are doing their part to create awareness. Last week, PSHS students took to the track to participate and learn at a Walk for Wenjack. In Parry Sound alone, students logged over 250 kilometres for the initiative.

Chanie Wenjack was a 12-year-old Ojibwe child who died of hunger and exposure in 1966 when he ran away from a residential school in Kenora. The school was 600 kilometres from his community. His story became more widely known through the advocacy work of late Tragically Hip Vocalist Gord Downie.

PSHS is a Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund Legacy School.  According to the program’s website; “The Legacy Schools program is a free national initiative to engage, empower and connect students and educators to further reconciliation through awareness, education and action.”

NNDSB also has legacy schools in MacTier, Mattawa and North Bay. Chippewa Secondary School and West Ferris Secondary School also completed walks.

“We are proud to see our staff and students engaging in acts of reconciliation,” said Board Chair Jay Aspin. “Honouring the memory of Chanie Wenjack is an important step on our journey. We must continue to work together with our Indigenous partners to ensure we are moving forward in a positive way.”

“Events such as this help us to reflect on the past and work towards a better future,” said Director of Education Craig Myles. “I’m very happy to see our staff and students engaging in active learning about reconciliation. Continued dedication to this cause will help create a better, more equitable community, and a better future for all Canadians.”

October 21: Today is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. We are grateful to our drivers for their ongoing commitment to safe and reliable transportation for our students. […]

**Update – Both cases have been resolved.**

**Update – There is a second confirmed case at Chippewa Secondary School.  At this time, the Health Unit is not declaring an outbreak as the cases appear unrelated.  For an active list of cases in NNDSB schools, please visit the resources page.**

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Near North District School Board has been informed that a member of the school community at Chippewa Secondary School has tested positive for COVID-19.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is currently conducting an investigation.  NNDSB is working closely with the Health Unit to provide information about staff and students for contact tracing (e.g. attendance records, class lists, contact information for parents, etc…).  Please note that the School Board and the Health Unit are prohibited from sharing any details with the public that may identify individuals in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act.

The health unit is currently in the process of contacting close contacts of the case to provide further direction on isolation and testing requirements.  A close contact is anyone who was in the cases cohort, attending extracurricular activities, childcare, or rode on the bus with the case.  Close contacts will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14-days from the last exposure to the positive case.

All students and staff who are not directly contacted by the health unit have been determined to have had a low-risk exposure to the case of COVID-19.  A low-risk exposure includes transient interactions such as walking by a person with COVID-19, or briefly being in the same room with a person who has COVID-19.  In these situations, the likelihood of transmission of COVID-19 is very low; however self-monitoring for symptoms is recommended.  Self-isolation and testing is not recommended for low-risk exposures.  In consultation with the health unit the decision has been made to keep the school open, as the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to staff and students is very low at this time.  Custodial staff will be conducting enhanced cleaning of the school and ensure that all staff and student areas have been thoroughly disinfected

It is important that you monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.  The main symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever, cough, loss of taste and smell, or shortness of breath; however, COVID-19 can present with other symptoms such as those similar to a common cold or common stomach illness. A full list of symptoms is available on the covid-19.ontario.ca website, and the self-assessment tool can be used to help determine if symptoms are consistent with COVID-19.

If symptoms of COVID-19 are present, it is important to immediately self-isolate and seek out a COVID-19 assessment and testing centre.  When calling for an appointment at your local COVID-19 assessment centre, please inform the staff that there has been an exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case and COVID-19 symptoms are present.   If severe symptoms are present, such as difficulty breathing, please call 911 or attend the emergency department for immediate attention.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808.

Thank you,

Near North District School Board

Students at two North Bay secondary schools are benefiting from an increased student population and the rise of specialized learning opportunities.

The consolidation of the three city secondary schools, has provided the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) the ability to offer an increased number of programs for students at the two city schools. West Ferris Secondary School and Chippewa Secondary School are now able to offer increased specialized programming and have rejuvenated existing programs by bringing together additional resources and skilled staff.

The consolidation not only allowed for additional programs to be offered in North Bay, but also allowed for a reallocation of specialized staff from all schools to strengthen programming in the two remaining secondary schools and ultimately build a stronger learning environment for students.

Both city schools have undergone extensive renovations to create innovative spaces for specialized programs. At the two schools, renovations to the Indigenous learning centres, special education spaces, arts and wellness programming are just some of the areas that saw building improvements and program enhancements.

Special Education spaces include state-of-the-art, self-sufficient learning spaces where students can enhance their life skills and educational experience. New kitchens and laundry facilities, sensory rooms, accessible washrooms, and lounges are just some of the exciting improvements.

At West Ferris Secondary School, upgrades also include new arts and media studios, and upgrades to the sports complex. Learning spaces have been upgraded to support new specialized programs, and revitalised learning opportunities. West Ferris now boasts Specialist High Skills Major Programming in Arts and Culture, Business, Engineering/Design, Environmental Education, and Manufacturing. WFSS has proudly introduced the new Near North Sports Program this year and continues to offer the long-standing STEAM program and the highly esteemed Apple Distinguished School designation.

The coveted Arts Nipissing program now enjoys a new home at WFSS with a larger auditorium, and newly built state of the art dance, media arts and film studios. The programing has been enhanced by the addition of Culinary Arts; Hospitality, and Event Planning.

Grade 11 student and arts representative Ian McCormack expressed enthusiasm about the new and enhanced programming.

“One of the great things about having these three programs is that I was in STEAM for Grade 9 and 10, and now that Arts Nipissing is coming, I can do both. So, I can do Arts Nipissing and graduate with both certificates,” he said.

Megan Byrne, Grade 12 student council president, and temporary senator added that she was happy to see Arts Nipissing come to West Ferris and even evolve into new programming. “At Widdifield, I was in Arts Nipissing, so I was really happy to be able to continue it over here and the creation of a new culinary arts program, which I think is very cool … lots of great new courses that are being offered.”

“The staff is doing a great job at making everyone feel welcome here,” said an excited McCormack.

“The consolidation of both schools allowed for an expansion of talent. I have more sections to offer students and it allows for more diversification, and more staff who have the skillset in the classroom,” explained WFSS Principal Andy Gagne.

At Chippewa Secondary School, enhanced learning for students includes; new aesthetics and culinary programs, a newly built wellness room, enhanced French immersion, upgraded spaces for students with exceptionalities, foods and nutrition kitchens, enhanced resources for Indigenous students, and a STEM lab for Grade 7 and 8 students. In addition, the International Baccalaureate program continues, and Specialist High Skills Majors, Health and Wellness has been added to the existing SHSM programs in Business and Sports.

The STEM lab, which is dedicated for intermediate students, allows them to get a feel for what secondary school opportunities will be like and enhance their learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“Students and staff are all extremely excited and proud of Chippewa Secondary School.  Expanded and new program opportunities will support the educational journey of our learners!  There is choice for everyone! The students at CSS will benefit for years to come as we continue to carefully plan and implement programming in our new spaces,” said CSS Principal Julie Beaudoin.

Because student wellness is a priority for NNDSB, wellness rooms have been renovated to offer students a space to maintain a healthy mind, body, and soul. Weightlifting, Pilates, and personal goal routines are just some of the opportunities to build a healthy future for the students’ body and mind. Programming will continue to be developed as school administration and students work collaboratively together to enhance resources for students.

Staff at both schools are finding unique ways to have a welcoming environment for all students.

Memorabilia and resources from the former Widdifield Secondary School have been integrated throughout the West Ferris and Chippewa school communities. Student artwork, lockers, trophies and banners are just some of the pieces integrated into each school to make students feel welcomed and not forget the legacy of the school.

“What I found really welcoming coming into this building is seeing different artwork in the hallways that came from Widdifield. Recognizing Wildcat athletics, drama, and dance it has been nice to see some familiar things,” said Byrne.

Both WFSS and CSS have enhanced the Indigenous education spaces for students. There are spaces in each school where students who identify as Indigenous can learn about their culture from Elders, continue their traditions, and enhance their education in a welcoming environment.

“Everyone has been really welcoming here; staff, teachers, and the students. Obviously COVID has limited us to one classroom, but the class that I’ve been in has been really welcoming. From what I’ve heard from other students, they’ve made new friends and talk to different people,” said Byrne.

“This is exactly the result we expected and why we had to consolidate three high schools into two. Previous dwindling numbers in the three schools were a detriment to a wider range and better programming,” stated Board Chair Jay Aspin. “In effect, consolidation has actually increased enrollment. As our Board envisioned the major beneficiaries are our students and staff.”

“The innovative upgrades and new programming options at both Chippewa and West Ferris secondary schools will continue to enhance the learning opportunities of our students and prepare them for life after secondary school,” said Director of Education Craig Myles. “I would like to extend my thanks to our union and community partners, students, and staff whose contributions made for a smooth transition. Their combined efforts have made this consolidation a success.”

For more information, please contact:

Josh Casey

Information/Communications Coordinator

Near North District School Board

P: (705) 472-8170, extension 5083

E: Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

October 15, 2020

Over the last two days, North Bay Fire and Emergency Services virtually read “No Dragons For Tea” to two groups of our Grade 1 and 2 students. Thank you Deputy Chief Saunders, Sparky, and your team for sharing this story and answering questions. […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

North Bay, ON. – On October 13, 2020, Near North District School Board trustees and staff members met for the second board meeting of the 2020-21 school year.

One of the items on the agenda was the consolidation of North Bay secondary schools.  The Board will now work towards completing Phase Two of this project.

“We are excited about all of the additional programming that is being made available to our students,” said Board Chair Jay Aspin.  “From Arts Nipissing to Near North Sports, multiple programs are now available for more students to take advantage of.”

“Everything we do is with the education and well-being of our students in mind,” said Director of Education Craig Myles.  “We believe these supports and programs will empower our students to pursue their interests and find meaningful employment once they complete their studies.”

Phase One of the consolidation included the reallocation of resources, both in the form of staff and materials.  “It is important to us to be fiscally responsible during this process,” added Aspin.  “We have excellent resources that we are proud to share between the two North Bay secondary schools.”

Phase Two will continue to enhance the learning opportunities for students attending the schools involved in the consolidation.  This will include over $900,000 in renovations to the two high schools and over $200,000 in programming enhancements.  This project is expected to be completed by September 2021.

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.

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

https://zoom.us/j/92125471060

Meeting ID: 921 2547 1060

855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free

Meeting ID: 921 2547 1060

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.