Near North District School Board

Director of Education Update Report 3:2 Consolidation

By

At the June 5, 2018 Committee of the Whole Private Session Meeting, the Board of Trustees requested that the Director of Education, Jackie Young, prepare an update report on the 3:2 Consolidation that could be shared with the community.

The information contained within this report is intended to provide parents, students and all stakeholders with an update on the 3:2 Consolidation process.

 3:2 Consolidation

The Board of Trustees, with the support of Senior Administration, will proceed with the 3:2 Consolidation identified in the Board Resolution Number: 17-09-12, as soon as is practicable. The next major milestone for the project will be the submission of a business case to the Ministry of Education to obtain the funding to complete capital and infrastructure projects, purchase equipment and address programming and student transition requirements.  While the funding timelines, eligibility requirements and process has not been identified by the Ministry of Education, Senior Administration with the support of the Board of Trustees, have proceeded with the preparation of a preliminary business case to ensure that the Board is able to capitalize and move quickly when funding opportunities are announced.

Meanwhile, logistics with scheduling and programming requirements are being considered on a regular basis by the Board, Senior Administration, school administration and staff.  While the project costs and timelines are all contingent on funding, all efforts are being made to ensure that the 3:2 Consolidation proceed in a fiscally responsible manner that focuses on the needs and comfort of our students.

As with any capital project contingent on ministry funding, there is the possibility that the funding will be less than anticipated and/or unavailable.  While neither of these scenarios are anticipated, should either one occur, discussion would ensure with the Board of Trustees with respect to options and next steps.

 Programming Costs and Budgetary Implications

The Board of Trustees and our Senior Administration understand that there is a desire for firm numbers, costing details and specifics regarding the consolidation and specifically school transitions.  However as noted, that information has been prepared in a preliminary format only.  To release cost estimates at this stage would be irresponsible and could expose the Board and this project to unnecessary risk and exposure.

As with all capital projects, the final cost and expenditures will depend on the guidelines, templates, timelines and funding as determined by the Ministry of Education.

 Ongoing Communication

The Board and Senior Administration will continue to communicate with students, staff, and stakeholders through a variety of mechanisms including the Board website, school visits, face to face meetings and periodic updates when more information becomes available.

In order to address the concerns voiced by the community and to ensure a means of providing timely, accurate and updated information, the Board has designed a page on our website.  The information is accessible via Quick links on the Home Page and also under the Capital Planning page.  Moving forward we will be preparing a timeline of events to share.  The Board has also hired a new Information and Communications Officer, Mairghread Knought, who will be the communication point person on the 3:2 Consolidation.

 Project Timeline

There has been no change to the identified timeline and the Board and Senior Administration are moving forward in that respect.  However; should the timelines set by the Ministry with respect to funding opportunities impact our ability to meet the set completion date, the Board would need to explore the impact on students and adjust timelines accordingly.  The Widdifield Students will not be moved if the buildings are not appropriately ready to accept them.

UPDATE:  The Near North District School Board has confirmed that the proposed timeframe for the closure of Widdifield Secondary School and relocation of those students to Chippewa Secondary School and West Ferris Secondary School will be delayed.  It is anticipated that the closure will be delayed by a minimum of one year.

 Student Engagement and Rebranding

The Director of Education has begun a series of meetings with our secondary school students to discuss the 3:2 Consolidation to obtain feedback with respect to their concerns, thoughts and recommendations as the process moves forward.

Senior Administration is committed to working with students as the drivers behind what they need and want rebranding (then staff and parents, in that order). The intention is to hear from all students and then design a survey available to all students/staff for their input.  The data collected will be shared with parents through SAC.

The Near North District School Board is committed to ensuring that our students continue to receive the same high-quality education and support they have come to expect from us.

Jackie Young
Director of Education

Fore more information please contact:

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

Humphrey Outdoor Learning Space Dedication and Celebration

By

  On the evening of Tuesday, June 12th, Humphrey Public School had a grand opening and dedication of the Humphrey Outdoor Learning Space. The Outdoor Space is in honour of Fynn Bywater who was a student at Humphrey who passed away in 2015 when he was in grade 1.

There is a handmade bench in a central location in the space with the following inscription: “This Space is Dedicated to Fynn Bywater, Who Generously Shared with Us His Love of   Learning  Through Outdoor Exploration and Play.”

  The grand opening included a smudging of the space led by Dave Rice who is an Elder at Wasauksing First Nation on Parry Island. He also shared at   the event, about some of the work he has been doing with the students of Humphrey including work around the anishinabe medicine wheel.

The hope is that the space will inspire a natural curiosity, strengthen relationships and foster deep learning experiences. Along with a large platform for students to gather, present and learn, there is natural seating in a circular shape around the stage, re-purposed cable spools for tables and stumps for chairs. The teachers of Humphrey shared that the space can be used for rich learning opportunities across the curriculum and with students from Kindergarten to grade 8.

The students of Humphrey have created peace poles with colourful, inspiring messages and symbols scattered throughout the space. And finally, you enter and exit the space through eight “pollinator and local food” raised cedar beds which the students planted under the guidance of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve.
There were many local businesses who made generous donations to make this space an inspiring place to learn.  As Mr. Krause, the principal shared, it takes many people and community partners to help a project like this come to fruition.

For more information please contact:
Stephen Krause
Principal
Humphrey Public School
P: (705) 475-2321 ext. 8656
E. Stephen.Krause@nearnorthschools.ca

Woodland Public School Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

By

Woodland Public School is celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day with two educational and interactive events on June 11 and June 15, 2018.

On Monday,  June 11th, Woodland Public School hosted its second annual Woodland Teaching and Learning Powwow under the guidance of Aanmitaagzi, a company based in Nipissing First Nation, led by Sid Bobb and Penny Couchie and local artists, dancers, drummers, and singers.   Through this event students and others in attendance learned all about powwow and the different dances.

The primary classes enjoyed the powwow from 9:00-10:00 AM, while junior students participated from 11:10 AM – 12:10 PM.  Students and parents were encouraged to bring their dance regalia on this day.

On Friday, June 15th, junior students will be partaking in Woodland’s first National Indigenous Peoples Day run by Miss Allaire and grade 5 and 6 students registered in Native as a Second Language (Ojibwe).  Classes will move from centre to centre learning about all our Indigenous Peoples of Canada and participating in a wide range of activities. We are excited for all the new understanding and awareness this day will bring to our students and staff!

For more information please contact:
Joanne Delorme
Acting Vice Principal
Woodland Public School
P: (705) 475-2321 ext. 6150
E. Joanne.Delorme@nearnorthschools.ca
 
 

West Ferris to Host Apple Distinguished Schools Site Visit

By

The Near North District School Board is excited to announce that on Thursday, June 7th, 2018 the West Ferris Intermediate and Secondary School STEAM program will be hosting staff from District School Board Ontario North East as part of a scheduled Apple Distinguished Schools site visit.  The Director of Education and representatives for the Board of Trustees will be in attendance at 8:45 a.m. on June 7th, 2018 to greet our distinguished guests.

The site visit will focus on showcasing student activities and highlighting how STEAM teachers have been successful creating engaging cross-curricular projects.  This visit will mark the beginning of an ongoing collaboration between the Near North District School Board STEAM program and both teachers and administrators from District School Board Ontario North East, as they work towards creating a STEAM program of their own.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of leadership and academic excellence that demonstrates APPLES’ vision for learning with technology and are considered by APPLE to be some of the most innovative schools in the world.  West Ferris Intermediate and Secondary School has been designated as an Apple Distinguished School due to staffs’ continued encouragement of students to be innovative and enthusiastic, while providing opportunities to explore cross-curricular relationships between math, science and technology.

For more information, please contact:

Andy Gagné
HBKin., MEd.
Principal
West Ferris Intermediate/Secondary School
P: 7054752333 x 8561
E: Andy.Gagne@nearnorthschools.ca

Near North Students Challenge the DELF

By

Once again students from across the Near North District School Board challenged the DELF (Diplôme d’étude de langue française), a French as a Second Language proficiency test. Students from 4 High Schools presented themselves to be tested and receive a world recognized accreditation of their abilities in speaking French.

The DELF is a formal testing tool for second language learners. Assessors must be trained beyond the Ontario curriculum, to assess students at an international level. The DELF test was created in France and accessed by students all over the world. Students who attain a level of proficiency can use that designation and certificate for post-secondary education applications (in French first and second language courses) as well as for employment.

In order to receive the DELF credentials, students must successfully complete an interview, listening, reading, and writing exercises with a minimum proficiency of 50%. NNDSB students were successful in attaining the level they challenged. This is the NNDSB’s second year in the pilot project with an increase in the number of students participating.  Congratulations to all participating students for their hard work.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Deschamps
Program Coordinator/Conseiller pédagogique, K-12
Near North District School Board
P: 705.472.8170 x 5039
E: Greg.Deschamps@nearnorthschools.ca

3:2 Consolidation Frequently Asked Questions

By

The Near North District School Board understands that our students, parents and stakeholders have questions with respect to the 3:2 Consolidation and the upcoming school year.   The Frequently Asked Questions have been developed as a way for you to obtain accurate and current information.  As new information and questions come forward this section will be updated.

Close up of lockers

Feedback and Information

School Zone and Required Attendance

Re-Branding and School Identity

Transportation and Busing for New Schools

How Do I Get My Parent NNDSB Account?

By

How do I get my Parent NNDSB Account?

NNDSB parent accounts can be configured and invitation e-mails will be sent if the required documents have been received by the school office (see below). Keeping you informed with your child’s progress is a critical piece to their success and the Near North District School Board is committed to engaging and empowering parents with the information and resources required to support student learning at home and in the classroom. 

How do I set up my NNDSB account?
  • Canada Anti-Spam Legislation form must be returned to the school office
  • Student information index card must be signed and returned to the office with any required changes. If both of the above have been returned to the office, you will receive an invitation e-mail with setup instructions.  To complete the setup, you will need your child’s OEN Number which can be found on your child’s report card or timetable.  You will be provided with a username in the e-mail and the OEN will be a temporary password.  If you have any issues accessing your child’s OEN please contact the school office.
I have not returned these forms, where can I find them?
  • If you require the Canada Anti-Spam Legislation form you can download it here.
  • If you require the student information index card, please contact your child's school office.

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