We appreciate that you have many questions and are looking for as much information as possible to help you plan for the upcoming school year. We have been working all summer on plans for the safe return of your child(ren) to school and are committed to making continual revisions as the Covid-19 situation evolves.
Reopening Message to Parents
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
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.
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
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.
…
Director of Education and Board Chair Message to NNDSB Families
Summer Resources and Supports
Director and Chair Message to Graduates
West Ferris Students Receive Vale COVID-19 Challenge Grant
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
NNDSB Establishes a New Governance Manual and By-laws
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
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