Chippewa IB Program Recognized by Nipissing University
Students who complete the Chippewa International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma will be provided the equivalent of one full year of university credits to Nipissing University as a result of a recent policy implementation. Under the new rules, students who successfully complete the IB program with at least six subjects, including three at a higher level, with a score of at least 24/45, will be considered for admission, with eligibility to receive credits for all IB courses (both standard level (SL) and higher level (HL)) completed with a score of 5 or higher.
“This is another example of how our Near North District School Board establishes and maintains programing partnerships within our community to benefit our students. We are very proud of our long-standing relationship with Nipissing University and we look forward to future growth initiatives. The strength of this program recognized at the post-secondary level speaks to the high quality of our program. Chippewa IB scores are consistently above comparable program scores across the country. This international program offers an extensive selection of courses which provides students with a great opportunity for post-secondary success.” Jay Aspin, Chair
Chippewa’s IB program, accredited in 2015, is a magnet program of the Near North District School Board. The IB Diploma Program is internationally recognized as representing one of the highest standards in university preparatory education.
There are two upcoming information nights being held at Chippewa Secondary School for parents of students interested in exploring the IB program. The first, on February 6th at 6:30PM, is for the parents of students currently enrolled in the pre-IB program in grade ten. The second information night is for parents of prospective grade nine students on February 13th at 6:30PM.
For more information, please contact:
Mairghread Knought
Information and Communications Officer
P: (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
Email: Mairghread.Knought@nearnorthschools.ca
Directors January Board Report
Director of Education Update: January 2019
North Bay Secondary Schools
With a decision regarding the 2019/202 student transitions confirmed, the focus is now on communicating that message to the community. All North Bay high schools remain open and the Fricker graduating Grade 8 students will be either moving to specialized programs offered at Chippewa and West Ferris or Widdifield as their receiving home school. WJ Fricker remains open next year as usual and the work schedule for the new building has been reassessed.
Communication mechanisms include media releases and use of social media platforms. In addition, radio ads highlighting the parent information nights for Chippewa and Widdifield will be released soon indicating the dates as February 13 and February 12, 2019.
Thanks to West Ferris staff and students who welcomed parents to their building to explain their programming expectations and offerings on January, 17, 2019.
3:2 Consolidation -Staff Input
On January 8, 2019, the Director met with any staff members from the three North Bay high schools who wished to share their thoughts/concerns/considerations regarding the 3:2 North Bay high school consolidation with trustees. This information was shared with all Trustees.
Bus Cancellation Days
With inclement weather resulting in bus cancellations, Senior staff, principals and teachers have been focusing on communicating that that our schools remain open with learning opportunities during the day. Parents can expect that classes may be combined, or teachers may work with small groups, as educators continue to welcome students and complete or update communication and lesson plans, offer extra support for individual students and work through EDSBY to communicate work that students could complete at home (as available). We also continue to try to address equity issues for those students and families who may not have access to wifi in our pre-planning.
Enrolment
Overall our enrolment in the elementary panel throughout the region has increased by 199 students over projected enrolment.
Within the secondary panel enrolment has decreased across the region by 78 student. Schools most affected were Northern, FJ McElligott, Parry Sound, Chippewa and Widdifield. Again, some of the numbers can be explained and others are of concern with specific grade loss leaving us with questions. Almaguin and West Ferris are both up in their overall FTE of 30 FTE for both schools combined. Chippewa and Widdifiled are down a total of 39 FTE.
Some variances can be easily explained, and others require further analysis to understand trends and projections.
Parent Involvement Committee – Upcoming Speaker
Congratulations to our Parent Involvement Committee who have secured Annie Kidder as presenter for the Near North District School Board on March 4, 2019. Ms. Kidder is a highly influential figure in Ontario and Canada as the Executive Director of People for Education
“People for Education is a unique organization in Canada: independent, non-partisan, and fueled by a belief in the power and promise of public education. We create evidence, instigate dialogue, and build links so that people can see – and act on – the connection between public education and a fair and prosperous society.” (https://peopleforeducation.ca/)
Ms. Kidder is often on TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin discussing educational issues.
The Women of Lockerbie:
I had the distinct pleasure of attending the production of The Women of Lockerbie (By Deborah Brevoort) which completed its 4-day run just Friday. The play dealt with some challenging and emotional subject matter of the crash of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland December 21, 1988 and the aftermath for those in Lockerbie and parents of a victim. The performances of Grade 9-12 students from all three North Bay high schools enrolled in the night school theater arts program were profoundly moving. Congratulations to all cast and crew who took part in this production.
Naagaanshki-Nishnaabemjik, The new language speakers leading the way
The NNDSB Indigenous Education team were successful in their application to the Ministry of Education for funding to support the delivery and development of a leadership opportunity for Indigenous students (Grades 7-12) in a culturally relevant context. Consistent with the priorities set as by the First Nation Advisory Council, Indigenous Education Advisory Circle and the Truth and Reconciliation: Calls to Action, the focus of the leadership gathering was to be around language revitalization. Students from schools of the NNDSB that currently offer Ojibwe Language as well as Nibissing Secondary School on Nipissing First Nation alongside their language teachers, took part in a 3-day Language Learning and Leadership Gathering at Spirit Point with a focus on language revitalization and leadership through the development of a network of youth language leadership. Local Elders and Knowledge keepers supported this locally rich learning and leadership opportunity.
Jackie Young
Director of Education
January 22, 2019
St. Pierre, Ashley
Indigenous Trustee Ashley St. Pierre will represent seven First Nations within the NNDSB catchment area. She is passionate about advocacy for First Nations Peoples and communities. She is an education counsellor for Moose Deer Point First Nation and looks forward to being an advocate for First Nations students, families and teachers. Indigenous Trustee St. Pierre believes in the power of public education to improve the lives of students, make the community stronger and the future brighter. She believes everyone is entitled to a safe, welcoming environment and will work to bring equality for all the First Nation students and communities she serves. Indigenous Trustee St. Pierre has extensive community service and education experience and says special education holds a special place in her heart. She enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors, and her hobbies include cooking, reading and beading.
Hall, Shane
Trustee Shane Hall says he was motivated to run for trustee because he wants to ensure that quality education and schools are available for children in local communities, and that good schools encourage families to grow and live in small communities. His volunteer experience includes having been a volunteer firefighter and he is involved as a coach and member of the executive of a minor hockey organization. Trustee Hall is passionate about keeping small schools open, outdoor education and tech programs. On the business side of education, he is interested in staff satisfaction, board assets and use, and funds allocation. Trustee Hall is married to an elementary school teacher, and they have two sons. In his spare time, Trustee Hall enjoys sports and the outdoors.
Wesley, Howard – Vice Chair
My priorities align with the Near North District School Board’s Vision, Mission, and Values. Through creating an inclusive culture with equitable programming, building diverse pathways, and supporting community partnerships, we can ensure student achievement and well-being.
I believe all schools are vital to their communities. With technology and partners who understand the value of funding our rural northern facilities, we can deliver all students a valuable educational experience that will help them achieve their goals and will attract new residents. No student or family should be faced with the decision to move to a larger community to obtain board run programming or ensure a fulsome elementary school experience.
I have been involved with many community projects including the revitalization of two community parks, creations of three community gardens, building 55 new affordable homes, and partnering with local service providers to enhance program offerings. I have been fortunate to be involved in NNDSB schools as a coach and parent volunteer including serving as the Chair of Victory Public School Parent Council, Chair of McDougall Public School Parent Council, member of the Parry Sound Public School building committee, and Parent Involvement Committee member. My daughter attends Parry Sound High School where I am currently a member of the parent council. My son is now enrolled in his first year of a Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University of Guelph after having been involved in Parry Sound High School’s band and music classes.
I grew up in North Bay and was very fortunate to participate in the programming available to North Bay students, including theatre performance and football. I was also a student representative and travelled to other communities to attend leadership camps including one hosted at Widdifield Secondary School. I began volunteering in schools again when my wife started teaching over twenty years ago. In my professional life I have worked in the telecom industry and two financial institutions as a financial advisor and commercial banker before beginning my current role in non-profit housing where I work for Georgian Bay Native Non-Profit Homes, Parry Sound Non Profit Housing Corporation, and Parry Sound Affordable Housing Development Corporation.
I welcome all community members to connect with me, and I thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Fuscaldo, Jeanie
Trustee Jeanie Fuscaldo wants to contribute to an education system that represents all voices within the communities served by NNDSB. She acknowledges that collective strengths and struggles propel organizations to work towards solutions. Trustee Fuscaldo served on two parent councils, has been a family advocate and tutor for dyslexic learners for the past seven years and has collaborated with advocacy organizations across Canada to improve education systems for all learners. She believes that children come first, and she is passionate about independent literacies, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) and the trades. Trustee Fuscaldo enjoys writing and is an avid reader who strives to learn something new each day.
Phillips, Chantal
Trustee Phillips wants to see a school system that works with families to support diverse and unique learners in every classroom. She strongly believes in the public school system’s mandate to provide a supportive and engaging education for all children. Trustee Phillips has extensive community service experience working with newcomers. She is also a Board member of HANDS the family help network. She is passionate about challenging behaviours and non-punitive approaches to discipline, and inclusion, diversity and equity. As the Manager at KIND Forest School she works everyday with children ages 4 to 10 in a small nature-based independent school. Trustee Phillips and her family moved to North Bay in 2014. She is completing a Master’s in Education at Nipissing University and loves to sing with the Near North Voices Choir.
Steer, Bill
Trustee Bill Steer believes that to assume a leadership position such as a school Board trustee, a high-quality system needs to be promoted; a system that focuses on improving every student’s success and well-being. He values equity, diversity and inclusion, Truth and Reconciliation, student voice, quality and innovation, environmental stewardship, good governance, accountability, collaboration and integrity. He values the Multi-Year Strategic Plan for its consideration of all stakeholders in the board’s goal of student achievement and well-being. Trustee Steer is a former NNDSB teacher at both elementary and secondary levels, teaches part-time at Nipissing University and is the founder and head of school/general manager of the Canadian Ecology Centre. He is the father of a grown daughter who is a product of NNDSB, and in his spare time, he writes as Back Roads Bill for CBC and Village Media.
Sargent, Louise
Louise Sargent was born and raised in North Bay. This is her third consecutive term as a Near North District School Board Trustee after retiring from teaching locally for 33 years. She believes accessibility, listening, working hard, and using her educational knowledge and experiences are key to continuing to be an informed representative for students in the decision-making process at the trustee level. Louise continues her committee involvement in the Equity Advisory Circle, First Nation Advisory Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee and the W.J. Fricker Building Committee.
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