Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Ministry of Education announced today that students will return to in-person learning on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. This letter to families includes important items as 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) prepares to welcome students back.

Student Masks

One of the safety measures that will be introduced by the Ministry of Education is the proactive provision of two high-quality three-ply cloth masks to students. The use of these masks is not being mandated at this time, but rather to encourage the use of a higher quality mask than some of the single or two-ply masks that students may have access to.

While these masks are washable and reusable, they have a limited number of recommended washes and as such, boards will be providing two of these three-ply masks to each student on an ongoing eight-week cycle.

Upon our return to in-person learning, all NNDSB schools will be sending two masks home with all students. We would encourage students to wear these masks daily, and for parents to ensure they are washed frequently.

Staff Masks

The Ministry of Education will also be providing NNDSB education staff with the option of a non-fit-tested N95 mask. These masks meet the same National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) standards as fit-tested N95s but have not been, and are not required to be, fit-tested. Staff will have the option to wear either medical/surgical masks or non-fit-tested N95 masks provided by the government. Staff in all NNDSB schools will have access to the non-fit-tested N95 masks beginning on Monday, Jan. 17.

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As per the Ontario government’s announcement on Dec. 30, 2021, testing and case and contact management are now focused on the highest risk settings, which excludes schools. Isolation requirements for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms have also changed.

Rigorous screening and monitoring of symptoms by students, families, and staff are critical to limiting transmission and keeping schools safer and open for in-person learning. As an additional layer of protection for students and staff, effective January 2022, all Ontario schools are required to reinstate daily on-site confirmation of screening for all students and staff until further notice. Teachers will confirm with students each morning that they have completed their screening before attending school.

A more sensitive COVID-19 symptom list is being reinstated for daily active screening of all students and staff in schools and childcare. Anyone who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or is a confirmed positive case must self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status

The updated School Screening tool can be accessed .

Reporting and Managing COVID-19 Cases

Given recent changes to case and contact management by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education has suspended reporting of cases in schools. Further to this direction, NNDSB is no longer reporting COVID-19 active and resolved cases or closed classrooms on its website. The table on this page was last updated on Dec. 29, 2021, the last date that we received data from North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit.

Public health units will no longer be dismissing cohorts. Given the widespread transmission and inability to test all symptomatic individuals, schools will not be routinely notifying students/pupils in classes with a positive case, or if a child/student or staff is absent due to symptoms associated with COVID-19.

More information on COVID-19 symptoms and guidelines for isolation can be found on the health unit’s .

Enhanced Cohorting and Cleaning

When students return to in-person learning, new time-limited cohorting protocols will be implemented to limit direct and indirect contacts. The Ontario government stated this will include the pausing of high-contact extra-curricular sports and stricter lunch cohort requirements at all schools.

�����ٳ���’s enhanced cleaning protocol will continue. Further details and additional measures may be implemented as NNDSB consults its local health unit to ensure schools are as safe as possible. Any developments will be shared with families.

Rapid Antigen Testing

NNDSB is expecting to receive rapid antigen test kits from the government for distribution to students and staff. As stated by Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, two rapid antigen test kits would be provided to all staff and elementary students, while secondary students will receive them on an as needed basis, if symptomatic at school.

NNDSB follows the direction of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of

Health and the public health unit when devising COVID-19 plans. Please monitor the board’s website for the latest information.

Thank you,
17�Թ���

Board updated on COVID-19 planning heading into break

Trustees of 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) attended a special meeting this afternoon, at which they were updated on COVID-19 planning measures as students and many staff head into the winter break.

Among the items discussed was the board’s response to a request from union partners last week for staff to be provided with rapid antigen tests for use over the break.

“These important measures requested by our union partners are appreciated and will complete our all-inclusive efforts to ensure the health and safety of both students and staff,” indicated Board Chair Jay Aspin.

Director of Education Craig Myles said the senior team saw merit in the request and investigated.

In light of the distribution and timeframe obstacles, yet aware of the priority of the safety and well-being of staff and students, NNDSB will reimburse volunteers for one single rapid antigen test performed at participating pharmacies. Employees returning to work on Jan. 5, 2022, who choose to voluntarily access the testing service described must have their test done in the 48-hour window prior to returning to work. Twelve-month employees who work over the winter break will also be reimbursed for a single rapid antigen test performed at some point during the two-week break.

Also discussed was the potential for a transition to remote learning following the winter break. Director Myles shared with Trustees while there has not been any indication from either the Ministry of Education or public health officials that schools will close, NNDSB has prepared families and staff to facilitate a smooth transition.

“Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure our families are prepared, communication was sent out late last week to confirm that learning materials would be sent home with students,” said Director Myles.

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For more information, please contact:

Josh Casey
Communications Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Ministry of Education is sending COVID-19 rapid antigen testing kits home with all students in Ontario for the winter break.��Your child’s participation in this rapid antigen testing is voluntary. Students are not required to participate in order to return to the classroom after the winter break, although the testing is��recommended by both the Ministry and our local health unit.

Testing kits will be sent home with all 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) students between Friday, Dec. 17 and Tuesday, Dec. 21, along with information about the testing program and instructions for using the kits. There are links to two demonstration videos in the instruction sheet; one for and one on . Students are asked to test Thursdays and Mondays.

The COVID-19 school and childcare has been updated to include a question regarding household members who tested positive on a rapid antigen test. When an individual tests positive on a rapid antigen test, any household members who are not fully vaccinated are also required to stay home while the individual seeks a confirmatory PCR test at a local testing centre. Please ensure that you use the updated screener when your child returns to school in January.

All Ontario schools are required to do an on-site confirmation of daily screening for the first two weeks after the winter break. Teachers will confirm with students each day during attendance that they have completed their screening before coming to school. Screening is one important way that we can control the spread of COVID-19 in our schools.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

17�Թ�����(NNDSB)��would like��to thank you for��your��continued efforts to protect students and staff��from COVID-19. Your��caution, cooperation,��and commitment��to public health has minimized disruptions to learning and��increasingly made our schools safer��for in-person��activities.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the possibility of a transition to��remote learning��remains. While we have received��no indication��from either the Ministry of Education or public health officials that schools will close, we want to make sure we are��prepared��to��facilitate a smooth transition to remote learning if��directed to do so.

Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure your family is prepared for a��possible transition��to remote learning��after the winter break,��we ask that you consider the following:

• Ask your��student��to bring��home��all learning materials and personal items from desks and lockers, and any tools or supplies they��will��need to pivot to remote learning.
• Families that �Ա�����the use of board-provided��technology to access remote learning��are��asked to complete the����to��communicate��technology needs.��Families��that��have devices for their students are��not required to complete the survey.
• Inform the school if there have been changes to your e-mail, phone number or other contact information.��This information is critical to support ongoing school/parent communication during times of remote learning.
• Visit the��Near North��Passport to Learning��webpage to access a variety of resources and helpful links to support��remote learning including technical support, information about��virtual��learning platforms, and instructional resources.

We wish your family a��wonderful��holiday��season.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
17�Թ���

During the month of October, Mme. Anna Pearson’s Grade 6 French Immersion students at Sunset Park Public School in North Bay learned about different forms of persuasive writing and advertising techniques.

For their writing task, students created a special doughnut to feature as doughnut of the month. After consulting with local bakery Good Glaze Doughnuts, the company generously agreed to feature the students’ top three choices at their bakery.

“This project was really fun. I didn’t think that my doughnut was going to make it to the store. I was happy and proud of myself when I found it did,” exclaimed Alex Villneff.

Some of the student creations included apple explosion, the bear paw print, and marshmallow explosion.

On Friday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, Nov. 6, three doughnut creations were ‘brought to life’ as the three choices were baked and sold at the Main Street West bakery. The students thoroughly enjoyed seeing their sweet treat available for others to enjoy.

Unsurprisingly, the three featured doughnuts sold out both days and the students were extremely proud of their work.

“I thought it was fun because the whole designing part and thinking about what it would taste like it. The idea of it coming to life was exciting for me,” said Maya Allaire.

Fellow classmate, Anna-Leigh Harrison echoed their enjoyment of the project, “I liked it because of the drawing part. I could show exactly how I wanted it to look and taste! I’m super excited that they’re going to feature it again in January.”

In addition to learning about persuasive writing and advertising techniques, students were able to make connections in the community and the assignment encouraged them to think about how they can build relationships in their local communities, in addition to supporting local businesses.

“This was such an awesome experience for my students. It brought together academics, curriculum and citizenship education where my students participated with and in our local community,” said Mme. Pearson. “I am delighted that the staff at Good Glaze Doughnuts were so supportive of my students and this amazing learning opportunity for them.”

And it wouldn’t be a complete lesson without a sweet treat! The students enjoyed a sweet treat where they enjoyed one of Anna’s Marshmallow Explosion doughnuts. This doughnut was one of three featured by Good Glaze Doughnuts and will be featured again on their menu in January.

A small gesture can make all the difference in someone’s day. Recently, students at West Ferris Secondary School created inspirational bookmarks to be placed in books at the North Bay Public Library, all in an effort to spread kindness.

“We didn’t choose to do this for the recognition; we did this because we wanted to spread kindness. We wanted to bring a little happiness to others,” said a collective student group.

In all, 150 bookmarks written in both English and French were created by students as part of World Kindness Day, which was on Nov. 13. The bookmarks will be hidden in books at the public library to be a warm and pleasant surprise for those who open them.

“We’re thankful to the public library for working with us to get the bookmarks out to the public, and hope that the bookmarks brighten someone’s day,” noted Jessica Feick of WFSS’ Library Services department.

Several 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) Grade 3-5 elementary school classes are digging into a learning opportunity that teaches them about the rocks and minerals beyond the Earth’s surface.

The Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) Northern Gateway Branch, in partnership with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programming, is offering students a unique virtual-synchronized learning opportunity

“This is the second year that NNDSB has partnered with the Mining Matters team to provide this engaging learning opportunity,” said Roy Desjardins, �����ٳ���’s OYAP Coordinator. “Currently, there are 15 NNDSB elementary schools, with a total of more than 450 students, participating in a Deeper and Deeper: Discovering Rocks and Minerals workshop. The level of support and enthusiasm held by our educators, coupled with the excitement demonstrated by our young learners, showcases how synchronous experiential learning can be brought into the classroom via a virtual platform.”

There are four workshop options for teachers to select from – minerals, rocks, mining, and what on Earth is in your stuff? No matter what workshop is selected, students receive a workshop kit to assist their hands-on learning.

Taking a look at the rocks workshop, students explore the rock cycle, gain an understanding of how each of the three rock groups are formed through a series of demonstrations, discover some of the clues to look for to help determine which of the rock group a rock is from and then use those clues to identify a mystery rock.

Going deep underground to the mining workshop is where we find students exploring the mining cycle, comparing surface and underground mines, discussing the costs and benefits of mining and learning about responsibilities to the environment and communities.

What on Earth is in your stuff is the next workshop stop. Students use maps to examine and locate where rocks, minerals, and metals are found in Canada. Additionally, they learn about everything in our world that isn’t grown or made by using non-renewable resources extracted from the Earth.

In the minerals workshop, students learn the difference between rocks and minerals, conduct tests geologists use to examine the physical characteristics of minerals, use their observations to identify mystery minerals and gain an understanding of how minerals are used in daily life.

Recently, this workshop was presented to a Grade 4-5 class at E.T Carmichael Public School in North Bay.

“It was very fun and we got to explore rocks and minerals,” said Kyler Sargeant. “We also got a book on mining that was fun to learn about. It made a difference in my day, to meet interesting people doing interesting work.”

An excited Nevaeh Einarson said she had fun with the learning and shared some of the things she learned.

“I learned a lot about rocks and minerals. What they are, what they do, how they smell, are they magnetic, and how they feel,” she said.

“It was fun because I was able to do hands-on learning. We got to do tests on the rocks and we learned about rocks and minerals. It was fun to ask questions and we learned that rocks could carry electricity and have magnetic fields,” said classmate Jake Charbonneau.

Teacher Mike Landoni noted the students really enjoyed the experiential learning opportunity.

“The most interesting thing for me was the opportunity to provide students with these individualized kits where they get to do hands-on learning and create some of their own personal connections based on that experience,” he said. “I have a Grade 4-5 split class, so for Grade 4, we’re looking directly at the curriculum in science, developing an understanding of rocks and minerals, and how rocks are formed in various rock types. This Mining Matters workshop played really well into the learning that we did leading up to the workshop. Following this workshop, we’ve generated a nice amount of momentum for that type of learning.”

Landoni added, “Students had some prior knowledge and some experience playing with rocks, for example, just being outdoors in the environment around our neighbourhoods and communities. But for others, I could tell this was the first time they’ve actually thought about that scientific approach. Being able to do it with a hands-on primary experience is a good way for students to have an introduction to or a little taste of this world and maybe that’s something that they would seek out in their own learning journey later on this year or later on in their life.”

Classmate Charlie Hicks enjoyed the workshop. “The exercise was fun because we all had different results based on the mineral examples we were given to investigate,” he said.

Principal of E.T. Carmichael, Jamey Byers, touted the opportunities that students are receiving to expand their knowledge and provide hands-on learning. “Our students are fortunate to have the Mining Matters synchronous experiential learning opportunity delivered right to their classroom. We have a lot of mining industry-related learning opportunities as our students enter their secondary school years, with programs such as SHSM and OYAP. Having our elementary students engage and be aware of the mining industry and the underlying science can bring added awareness and spark their interests in the field.”

More NNDSB schools and classes will be participating in these workshops until the end of December. Watch for more photos on �����ٳ���’s social media accounts.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (NBPSDHU) has provided a parent and guardian frequently asked questions (FAQ) document and a letter detailing vaccination clinics for children aged 5 to 11.

Thank you,
17�Թ���

Convenor grateful for colleagues’ support of OFSAA event

Many hands make light work, and Craig Nodwell is grateful for all the hands that have helped him put together this year’s Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) Boys’ AA volleyball championship.

Nodwell is a teacher-coach at Chippewa Secondary School and the convenor of the championship, being held tomorrow through Saturday in North Bay. COVID-19 caused the cancellation of last year’s championship (which was scheduled for North Bay) and the virus continues to affect day-to-day operations. 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) and OFSAA have protocols that must be followed that caused modifications to typical OFSAA championships.

Nodwell says area secondary schools – even those located outside of North Bay – are making some sort of contribution to the championship. The tournament’s home team is Chippewa, but the principal of West Ferris Secondary School offered gyms for games to be held, the principal of F.J. McElligott Secondary School in Mattawa provided two staff members to act as convenors to run two of the gyms, staff at Northern Secondary School in Sturgeon Falls convened the Nipissing District Athletics (NDA) league this year, which provided a direct route to hosting OFSAA and a staff member at Laurentian Learning Centre was released to help with photography and media projects for the championships.

The executive team at NNDSB has been supportive of Nodwell’s efforts, the COVID-19 management team has guided him in the processes to safely run the tournament and some students are getting optional certifications towards their Specialist High Skills Majors.

“There are so many cool, collaborative projects at Near North,” says Nodwell.

Students have missed out on organized sports for almost two years. Nodwell says there are five students on Chippewa’s team who returned for a fifth year at secondary school just to play volleyball and “it meant a lot to finish their athletic careers on the right note (by participating in a provincial tournament).” Despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, as a convenor and coach, Nodwell wants to put on “the best championship we can…I want it to be a show for these student athletes.”

�����ٳ���’s Director of Education, Craig Myles, says “As a life-long athlete, coach and teacher, I am so encouraged to see the return of sporting competitions. OFSAA is the pinnacle of sports in Ontario secondary schools.��My hope is that these opportunities for students will continue to resurface as we navigate through the changing COVID-19 environment.”

The COVID-19 protocols caused the cancellation of the usual banquet, but the committee has created a red-carpet registration night featuring semi-formal attire, swag bags and team photos. Student volunteers are helping out to welcome teams to the city and the school.

The championship will feature team and player introductions, and there will be signage around the facilities to acknowledge the achievement of the visiting teams.

Fans will be absent from the championship because of the protocols of both NNDSB and OFSAA, but games will be streamed. will broadcast the quarter-final and semi-final games from Chippewa, and Sunday’s championship final at 1 p.m.

Nodwell notes that the stringent protocols are in place to keep everyone safe and following them means that student athletes are able to play and compete.

“The health and safety of our staff and students is paramount,” says Myles, “so I would like to recognize everyone who is going above and beyond to organize these events for students amidst the health and safety considerations, with a special thanks to Craig Nodwell. Best of luck to the athletes!”

Visit for more information about the championship, including the schedule.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Yesterday the Government of Ontario made COVID-19-related announcements that will affect 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) students. The two garnering the most attention relate to taking COVID-19 tests over the winter break and the return to regular timetabling in secondary schools in February.

In its efforts to keep schools safe and open for in-person learning, the Ministry of Education will be distributing 11 million rapid antigen screen tests to public school students in advance of the December break. Students will be asked to do five tests over the break in preparation for return to in-person learning. More communication will be sent home closer to the start of the winter break with details of this initiative.

The Ministry also announced that school boards will be permitted to resume regular timetabling of four courses a day beginning in February 2022 because high vaccination rates among youth aged 12-17 have contributed to low COVID-19 cases among secondary school-aged students.

The board just learned of this yesterday, and �����ٳ���’s executive team is taking the time to understand the entirety of the announcement. We will, as always, work with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and the co-terminus boards to determine the best course of action to keep our staff and students safe.

Sincerely,
17�Թ���

Board Highlights for November Meeting

The following are the highlights of the 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021.

Board updated on Indigenous Youth Circle

Allen Lewis Trodd, a student at Parry Sound High School, gave Trustees an update on the work of the Indigenous Youth Circle. That group will be meeting to ensure Indigenous student voices are part of the conversation at NNDSB.

Lewis Trodd introduced himself as Anishinaabe and Coast Salish, and said he is involved in the Indigenous Youth Circle because he and his peers “are trying to make school a nice place”.

He said his school provided a safe cultural space, in which students can gather and spend time together, “which makes people happy”. He noted not all schools have space and opportunity for Indigenous students, and the group wants to change that.

Lewis Trodd said he was happy to be at the meeting, and said it was important to have Indigenous voices at the (Board) table. He wrapped up his presentation saying that if you listen, you can learn.

The Indigenous Youth Circle is in the process of determining what the role of Indigenous Student Trustee will look like and how they want to select an Indigenous Student Trustee on the Board.

Revised administrative guidelines presented

The Board received a report about updated administrative guidelines, which are operational protocols that ensure a best practice approach to operations. The public has 30 days in which to provide input.

Three administrative guidelines that have been revised following the 30-day public consultation were shared with Trustees.

Revisions to the Student Conduct Management, Emergency Response Plan and Bear Protocol administrative guidelines were presented.

Board in compliance with elementary class size

In her report to the Board, Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck confirmed NNDSB is in compliance with the government’s limits on class size.

The board is required to maintain 100 per cent of its primary classes below 23 and 90 per cent of the classes below 20. Board must also maintain a maximum board-wide average class of 23.3 for Grades 4-8.

Highlights of Superintendent Van Haesendonck’s report that 91.5 per cent of primary classes have 20 or fewer students, and that 100 per cent of primary classes have 23 and fewer students. The average junior/intermediate class size is 23.29.

District-wide PSW program launched

In his report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles spoke of the launch of the personal support worker (PSW) living classroom program, which has now secured partners in Sturgeon Falls, North Bay, Mattawa and Parry Sound.

The program will see participants 18 and older train to become PSWs in a classroom that is located in a healthcare facility. Rather than having to wait for placement modules to practice theoretical learning, students will be able to move between the theoretical and practical application of knowledge regularly.

Participant intake is taking place, with program registration taking place in January. The program will begin in March 2022.

In addition to becoming a fully-trained PSW, students who have not yet completed their Grade 12 can earn up to six credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Chair Jay Aspin, who also sits on the Board of Directors of Ontario Health, noted the need for PSWs in the province, and called the program “a real winner. I can see nothing but growth and goodwill.”

This collaborative program exemplifies the dedication of the board to align all decisions with the pillars of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. The PSW program can be situated within the board’s commitment to Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Relationships.

Environmental working group will be established

Director Myles, via his report to the board, shared that �����ٳ���’s program department will be establishing an environmental education/environmental stewardship working group during the 2021-2022 school year. The group will be comprised of educators from both elementary and secondary panels, administrators and system leaders.

Staff and students are already participating in several environmental initiatives, including the walking school bus (planned to start soon with Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services), a whole-school focus on electronic communications as an environmental strategy and recognition for Take Me Outside Day.

NNDSB has also been communicating with Forestry Ontario about a tree-planting initiative in the spring of 2022, in which students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Environment programs will mentor students in feeder schools about the benefits of planting trees to improve the environment.

COVID-19 management updates

Superintendent Tim Graves provided Trustees with an update on board management of COVID-19. He acknowledged the work of NNDSB and its collaborative work with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (NBPSDHU) and the co-terminus boards, noting no schools in the district have been in an outbreak.

Chair Jay Aspin congratulated Superintendent Graves and his team on the work being done since the return to in-person learning. Despite pressure on the board to allow spectators to attend sports events, Chair Aspin noted NNDSB and the co-terminus boards stuck to their guns about protocols. Chair Aspin said the work done by NNDSB is “putting our students and staff first.”

Director Myles also thanked staff, the senior team, union partners and Trustees for their support of the COVID-19 management strategy. He said NNDSB has seen low numbers of COVID-19 cases “because of our strict adherence to protocols.”

Those protocols also include not permitting community use of schools to ensure to reduce the risk of transmission by reducing the number of people in buildings.

Effective Nov. 10, the Ministry of Education is requiring individuals who are subject to rapid antigen testing requirements must now provide negative test results three times a week (it had been twice weekly). Staff to whom the policy applies have been given a testing schedule and access to additional test kits.

Although new testing approaches were made available to public health units, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has opted not to implement them, citing low case counts and strong testing measures already in place.

NNDSB is working with Nipissing District Athletics (NDA) to allow spectators at school hockey games. The facilities’ COVID-19 policies and practices will be enforced.

Northern school boards identify challenges

In the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) report to the Board, a research project that detailed unique challenges facing Northern boards was shared.

OPSBA’s Northern Region meeting earlier in November saw the release of a report that identified four priority areas that require greater support from the Ministry of Education – Indigenous education, special education, experiential learning and mental health and well-being. The research, conducted by three Master of Applied Politics students, found that funding and staffing were the two greatest challenges facing the research participants.

The report’s final recommendations were: for the Ministry of Education to consult with Northern Boards and Authorities when determining funding packages, to address unique needs of communities in the North; to implement needs assessment for each Board or Authority to ensure equitable access to services for all students, regardless of where they live; implement flexibility in teaching qualifications for specialized staff in Northern regions, to ensure hiring based on relevant skills.

Marc Morin appointed to audit committee

The Board accepted the recommendation of the Audit Selection Committee and approved of the selection of Marc Morin of Mattawa to fill the external member vacancy on the Board’s audit committee, following a public application process.

Morin is a professor in the School of Business at Canadore College and has supported other boards in a similar audit committee capacity.

His three-year term is effective immediately and will end Nov. 16, 2024.

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next board meeting.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) updates you with a monthly Letter to Families. This letter is being sent specifically to share three pieces of information related to COVID-19.

1. The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (NBPSDHU) has released a letter to families explaining its decision about optional testing for COVID-19 for students. The health unit has decided not to implement either of the testing strategies due to the low number of cases in the area. Please see the attached PDF for details.
2. NNDSB will be allowing spectators to Nipissing District Athletics (NDA) hockey games. Spectators must follow the processes in place at arenas, including QR codes, contact tracing and confirmation of self-screening.
3. There are increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in the districts of Sudbury and Algoma, which is affecting NNDSB students.

NBPSDHU has recommended that teams not travel to or from the areas of Sudbury and Algoma. Until further notice, school teams from those districts will not be allowed to participate in tournaments in the NBPSDHU’s catchment area, nor will local students be able to travel to games and events in Sudbury or Algoma.

It will be the decision of Northern Ontario Secondary 17�Թ��� Association (NOSSA) and Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) whether to hold the events without teams from all areas, whether to move the event, or to cancel it.

At NNDSB, the restriction on travel in and out of areas with very high COVID-19 includes field trips. This decision, like all others made by the board throughout the pandemic, has been made to protect the health and safety of staff and students.

If you have questions or concerns about the content of this letter, please follow up with your school principal.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
17�Թ���

West Nipissing General Hospital, Algonquin Nursing Home partner with 17�Թ��� on PSW program

As a testament to the value of the program it is offering, 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) has just created its third and fourth Memorandum of Understanding in two weeks. West Nipissing General Hospital (WNGH) in Sturgeon Falls and Algonquin Nursing Home in Mattawa plan to provide living classrooms in order to train Personal Support Workers (PSWs).

WNGH and Algonquin Nursing Home are the two most recent organizations to commit to working with NNDSB to provide a living classroom, in which students will learn theory in an on-site classroom, then apply those skills on the floor of the hospital. Students will do their clinical work on WNGH’s long-term care and complex continuing care units, and in the long-term care home in Mattawa.

Student costs of this program will be subsidized; tuition is covered by NNDSB.

Cynthia Dèsormiers, President and Chief Executive Officer of WNGH, says the hospital is eager to partner because, “there is a critical shortage of Health Human Resources (HHR) throughout Ontario and in our community as well. This is a program that allows us to think outside the box while fulfilling a need at WNGH and in our community. This program will provide a great opportunity for people in our community to kick start a new career in health care, and with the tuition being waived in the first year, it is like a gift for those who may have financial difficulties.”

�����ٳ���’s Director of Education Craig Myles says the board has worked hard to bring this hands-on learning opportunity to learners 18 years and older. “We’re excited to offer this training, which is accredited through the Personal Support Worker Professional Association. NNDSB will be training PSWs who will be ready to begin work upon completion of the course.”

The PSW program is a collaborative effort of the board, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and community organizations. The other partnerships will see living classrooms set up in Cassellholme in North Bay, and Belvedere Heights and Lakeland Long-Term Care in Parry Sound. (Hyperlinks are to media release about those partnerships.)

Dèsormiers says the program and partnership “is a win-win for both the hospital and the students. This is an opportunity for us to grow our own PSWs, which usually leads to recruitment and improved retention when they are from the community.”

Jay Aspin, Chair of the Board of Trustees of NNDSB, says the PSW initiative is a great way to re-engage adult learners while addressing a critical shortage of healthcare workers. “NNDSB is proud of its role in helping to educate and train skilled PSWs that are in high demand in all areas of the board. This innovative program serves so many purposes in our communities, including marvelous opportunities for our students.”

Dèsormiers says WNGH is “grateful for the opportunity to partner this year and in future years to fill a huge need in healthcare, while providing great employment opportunities and careers for people in West Nipissing and surrounding areas.”

Spaces in each program are limited. Anyone interested should plan to attend the information session on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. . (Meeting is hyperlinked.)

Students who do not yet have their Grade 12 are eligible to apply. They can earn up to six credits towards their diploma while taking this training.

NNDSB is seeking partnerships with local long-term care homes in all regions of the board to re-engage learners who are 18+ interested in training to become a PSW. Any long-term care home interested in partnering should contact Liana Blaskievich, �����ٳ���’s Officer Corporate Affairs at 705-472-8170 ext. 5056 or liana.blaskievich@nearnorthschools.ca.

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Cutline information:
PSWs are often referred to as the backbone of healthcare. Here, a PSW at WNGH is seen with a patient.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Inclement Weather Notice to NNDSB Families;

With winter weather starting to settle in, the following communication outlines the 17�Թ���’s response to inclement weather days when school transportation is cancelled due to student safety concerns.

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) manages and coordinates transportation for our district, in addition to three of our co-terminus boards. On inclement weather days, when buses are cancelled due to unsafe travelling conditions, schools will remain open to students who can safely make their way to and from school without the use of school bus transportation. We remind parents/guardians that any students dropped off must be picked up at regular school dismissal time.

In some circumstances, the Board will decide to close a school. This decision could be due to the severity of the weather, loss of power or water, and in rare cases the school’s inability to maintain or follow other COVID-19 protocols which might place students in an at-risk position.

Critical to this is the following of ministry and health authorities’ guidelines regarding the number of permissible student contacts and cohort sizes. If schools are closed for the day, parents will be notified through their school, board and local media communications. Our primary concern is always the safety of our students.

If buses to your school are either cancelled for the day and/or schools closed, instruction and related student activities will be provided for your child to complete at home. These activities may include online or offline activities that every child can access.

We understand that because each school and community is unique, plans will vary across the Board in response to local contexts. However, we plan to ensure that the learning continues for students, despite the weather outdoors.

Sincerely,
Gay Smylie
Superintendent of Education

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, students, families, and educators have��encountered��unprecedented challenges.��Disruptions to learning have understandably resulted in increased concerns��related to��student achievement and well-being.��And yet,��students, educators and families��have��demonstrated��resiliency and flexibility in responding to��the��COVID-19 pandemic and��students��have continued to learn and grow.

As we look ahead to the 2021-22 school year��(and beyond), we share a commitment to supporting the health and safety, mental health,��well-being��and achievement of all students.��This includes building on the skills and��capacity��students and educators have gained during the pandemic,��both in the classroom and��during periods of remote learning.��As staff have welcomed students back to school this fall, they have��honoured��a variety of starting points for learning��and continue to be responsive to the needs of all learners.��As part of a system-wide commitment to learning recovery and renewal,��staff��have prioritized��student��well-being,��engagement in learning, and��growing��meaningful partnerships with families.

Home and school communication is an essential��component��to learning recovery and student success.��On Nov. 17, 2021, your child will receive their first formal “progress report”. The fall progress report card is designed to encourage early and on-going communication between you and your child’s teacher.��Teachers’ early assessments and��feedback��will allow��you to understand how well your child is developing��learning skills and work habits we know are essential for success. The progress report provides a measure of “progress” for all academic subjects – such as language, math, social studies,��science��and technology – but instead of assigning a grade or mark, it will tell you how well your child is progressing: “very well”,��“well” or “with difficulty”. This early assessment and communication will highlight strengths and areas to improve before evaluations are completed��– for example,��during end-of-term report cards.

It is important to note that levels of progress do not equate to letter grades of “A, B, C, D” and do��not��necessarily lead to report card grades in any specific range. As we move through this year, students will continue to access opportunities to practice and develop the knowledge and skills��required��to achieve the curriculum expectations. If your child receives a “progressing with difficulty” it is our expectation that the teacher would have already contacted you to create a collaborative plan that focuses on next steps and how those steps will be achieved through both home and schools supports.

The progress report is followed by an opportunity for parents/guardians to meet with their child’s educator(s).��Parent/Guardian and Teacher��interviews provide families with an opportunity to��identify��additional��ways to support their child effectively��and help to foster home and school partnerships.��When families, educators and caregivers��work as partners they develop a meaningful��relationship and share valuable communication��that can help to grow a student’s sense of trust,��belonging, well-being and success as a learner.

Gay Smylie
Superintendent of Education

Honouring and remembering veterans has been and will always be an important part of education for students, staff and communities. Each year, students and schools across 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) mark the day in various ways.

At Sundridge Centennial Public School, Grade 7 and 8 students in teacher Jamey Sollman’s class led Remembrance Day events at the school to honour and show respect and admiration for those who sacrificed so much to protect our country.

“My great-grandpa fought in the war and made it back,” said student Corbin Stenning. “Learning in class about some of the things he would have gone through gave me a new perspective of what he went through and what the war was like,” he said.

Classmate Declan Mullins shared that he learned the true meaning of being a hero.

“I was able to reflect and remember my great-grandpa and how heroic he was as a soldier and police officer,” said Mullins.

Multiple projects and tasks to understand and teach the importance of honouring veterans took place last week, and on Remembrance Day, in a community-wide display of respect and admiration for veterans, students placed large poppies as memorial markers within the front gardens of the school.

Sollman’s students prepared a virtual ceremony for staff and students inside the school, and outside, veterans and members of the Sundridge Branch 467 Legion attended to speak to students on the touching display and work they did to show respect.

“Isn’t this amazing? Sundridge Centennial Public School students did an incredible job,” said Rena Lang, co-chair for the local poppy committee and Legion member. Eleven years ago, Lang was a barber for troops in Afghanistan. “Seeing this display makes us feel great because the students took the time to do this, when they didn’t have to.”

“As a staff, we put a strong emphasis on encouraging students to investigate and learn the significance and importance of Veteran’s Week and specifically Remembrance Day,” said Sollman, “We feel there is a great significance in developing and maintaining our close community connection with the local Legion Branch 467 with regards to education and participation in shared community events like our Remembrance Day Ceremony.”

Lest we forget.

NNDSB expands PSW opportunity in living classroom program to Belvedere Heights, Lakeland Long-Term Care in Parry Sound

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is excited to announce the expansion of the Personal Support Worker (PSW) training opportunity and a promising partnership in the Parry Sound region. The partnership with Belvedere Heights and Lakeland Long-Term Care are welcome news in an area where PSWs are in high demand.

NNDSB will provide PSW training on site at Belvedere Heights and Lakeland Long-Term Care in a living classroom environment. Participants in the program will do their theoretical learning in a classroom at Belvedere Heights, then be able to apply those skills on the floor of both long-term care homes, without having to wait for theory work to end before experiencing placement.

NNDSB hopes to help fill a growing demand for trained PSWs across the Near North region and to provide people 18 years of age and older with an exciting career path. NNDSB will work closely with community partners to establish a hands-on program, inclusive of placements, in partnered long-term care facilities.

A PSW looks after the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of someone who is not able to do so themselves, frequently in the elderly population. The main responsibilities of a PSW include ensuring the patient has healthy and nutritious meals, helping with daily tasks and working with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the best quality of care.

People who do not currently possess their Grade 12 are also eligible. This unique program allows NNDSB to support students in completing their OSSD in tandem with this program. If you are interested, you can request an educational assessment by contacting Trina Nelson in student services at Parry Sound High School, 705-773-7979 extension 8438.

NNDSB Director of Education Craig Myles, who has been instrumental in seeking opportunities for the board to provide this innovative programming states, “NNDSB is thrilled to expand this opportunity to the Parry Sound region. The program contributes to an emergent and vital need for the Near North region. We are proud to offer a program that supports adults (18+) to find a rewarding career path in the health care industry and respond to a community need.”

Supported by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, the student costs of this specialty program will be subsidized. Successful students of this program will become fully qualified as PSWs. The PSW program can be only the beginning of a journey into many healthcare opportunities. PSWs are employed in many care sectors such as homecare and assisted living and in various care facilities.

�����ٳ���’s partners in this program, are “excited by this awesome opportunity,” says Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged Administrator Kami Johnson.

“Our homes in Parry Sound are incredibly fortunate to work with a partner like our local high school,” says Steve White, administrator of Lakeland Long-Term Care. “Kami and I believe the 17�Թ��� is not only going to make a difference in the lives of adults learning a new career, but in the daily lives of our seniors and most vulnerable.”

NNDSB is in the process of hiring qualified instructors for North Bay and Parry Sound. Instructors will be RNs or NPs with experience working in this field. ��Please refer to �� and select Join Our Team in the top right corner for employment information. NNDSB is excited by the expansion and still aiming for the new year to begin both programs. Registration is planned for January with an expected start of February 2022.

Spaces are limited. Anyone interested should plan to attend one of the two following information sessions: Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. or Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. . (Meetings are hyperlinked.)

NNDSB Chair Jay Aspin says, “The partnership in Parry Sound and the expansion of this programming is exactly what we aimed for. The alignment with the Board goals of excellence in innovation and excellence in building relationships is clear. We are eager to work in partnership with Belvedere Heights and Lakeland Long-Term Care on a sustainable pipeline of PSW students choosing highly rewarding programming in Northern communities.”

NNDSB is seeking partnerships with local long-term care homes in all regions of the board to re-engage learners who are 18+ interested in training to become a PSW. Any long-term care home interested in partnering should contact Liana Blaskievich, �����ٳ���’s Officer Corporate Affairs at 705-472-8170 ext. 5056 or liana.blaskievich@nearnorthschools.ca.

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Cutline information:

PSWs are often referred to as the backbone of healthcare. Halle Stringer is a recent PSW grad working at Lakeland LTC, seen here with resident Dorothy O’Rourke.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

While learning about Indigenous art styles, students received teachings from Marilyn Armstrong, a White Woods PS teacher, Ojibwe artist, and Nipissing First Nation member, who shared with students her knowledge and journey of art.

Students studied Ojibwe artists and their work before taking their inspiration to their blank canvas. Under the guidance of Armstrong, students increased their appreciation and understanding of aspects of Indigenous culture.

In addition to creating art and learning about Indigenous culture, students participated in an oral presentation on an Indigenous tradition or custom.

To see more of the amazing photos, visit the Student Voice page.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We would like to invite you to participate in a Parent School Climate Survey available online between November 15 and December 3, 2021. The purpose of this voluntary survey is to find information related to: (1) equity and inclusive education, (2) bullying/harassment, and (3) health and well-being among students at your child’s school. We know that a safe, inclusive and accepting school environment is essential for student success and well-being.

The information gathered from student, parent and staff surveys will be used by your child’s school staff to help them promote an environment of respect, safety, and belonging for all students. We value your input and parent voice.

If you have children attending more than one Near North School, you are welcome to complete the survey for each school. If you are unable to complete this survey online and would like a paper copy to complete, please contact your child’s school and we would be happy to provide you with a paper copy. All paper copies also need to be completed and returned to the school by December 3, 2021, so that the data can be inputted.

Your input is very important to ensuring that our schools are safe and welcoming environments for all students and staff. Please be assured that your answers are confidential.

The Parent School Climate Survey can be accessed from the 17�Թ���’s website www.nearnorthschools.ca.

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete this important survey.

Sincerely,

Gay Smylie
Superintendent of Education
17�Թ���

NNDSB launches innovative PSW living classroom program at Cassellholme North Bay

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is excited to announce the first of what it hopes will be many sustainable partnerships with long-term care facilities in all regions of the NNDSB.

NNDSB is proud to partner with Cassellholme in North Bay to provide Personal Support Worker (PSW) training in a living classroom environment at Cassellholme. Participants in the program will do their theoretical learning in a classroom at Cassellholme, then be able to apply those skills on the floor of the long-term care home, without having to wait for theory work to end before experiencing placement.

NNDSB hopes to help fill a growing demand for trained PSWs and to provide people 18 years of age and older with an exciting career path. NNDSB will work closely with community partners to establish a hands-on program, inclusive of placements, in partnered long-term care facilities.

A PSW looks after the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of someone who is not able to do so themselves, frequently in the elderly population. The main responsibilities of a PSW include ensuring the patient has healthy and nutritious meals, helping with daily tasks and working with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the best quality of care.

People who do not currently possess their Grade 12 are also eligible. This unique program allows NNDSB to support students in completing their OSSD in tandem with this program. If you are interested, you can request an educational assessment ��by contacting Vice-Principal Sarah Spence at Laurentian Learning Centre,��705-472-5419.

NNDSB Director of Education Craig Myles has been instrumental in seeking out opportunities for the board to provide innovative programming. He stated, “Providing this type of opportunity is extremely important to the Near North community in that it serves adult students who need that leg up to a diploma and a rewarding career with many opportunities for growth. The program supports an emergent and vital need for the Near North region. We are proud to offer programs that support students and respond to a community need.”

Supported by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, the student costs for this specialty program will be subsidized. Successful students of this program will become fully qualified as a PSW. The PSW program can be only the beginning of a journey into many healthcare opportunities. PSWs are employed in many care sectors such as homecare and assisted living and in varied long-term care facilities.

�����ٳ���’s partner in this program, Cassellholme, has engaged employees in continued opportunities to learn as they earn and seek certification as Registered Practical Nurses (RPN), Registered Nurses (RN) or Registered Nurse Practitioners (NP). “Cassellholme is always looking for ways to be a community partner. By working with NNDSB, we can help foster a new generation of healthcare professionals which may very well be someone’s first step to a rewarding career,” said Cassellholme Chair Chris Mayne.

NNDSB is in the process of hiring a qualified instructor who is a RN or a NP with experience working in this field. Excited to start, NNDSB is aiming for the new year to begin this program. Registration is planned for January with an expected start of February 2022.

Spaces are limited. Anyone interested should plan to attend one of the two following information sessions: Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. or Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. . (Teams meeting information is hyperlinked.)

17�Թ��� Chair Jay Aspin said, “This is another proud moment for 17�Թ��� in supporting our community. This innovative new program aligns with the Board goals of excellence in innovation and excellence in building relationships. We are enthused to work in partnership with Cassellholme and Ontario Health on what looks like just the beginning of highly rewarding programming in the North.”

“This partnership is a good example of increasing the accessibility of PSW training and education – a focus area of the North East Ontario Regional PSW Workforce Steering Committee,” said Michel O’Connor, Ontario Health North Eastern Region. The committee has come together to identify and to socialize some of the challenges affecting the retention, the recruitment and the sustainability of the PSW workforce. “We hope that the success of this collaboration will be sustained in the future and that the area will benefit from the investment in health human resources required to deliver healthcare services,” he said.

NNDSB is seeking partnerships with local long-term care homes in all regions of the board to re-engage learners who are 18+ interested in training to become a PSW. Any long-term care homes interested in partnering should contact Liana Blaskievich, �����ٳ���’s Officer Corporate Affairs at 705-472-8170 ext. 5056 or liana.blaskievich@nearnorthschools.ca.

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Cutline information:

PSWs are often referred to as the backbone of healthcare. Here, a PSW is seen with a resident of Cassellholme.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Northern Secondary School receives generous donation from Caisse Alliance

Northern Secondary School’s (NSS) new Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in mining and the classes in manufacturing and transportation will soon see some additional equipment that will enhance the student learning experience, thanks to the generosity of Caisse Alliance’s Sturgeon Falls branch.

Caisse Alliance proudly donated $10,000 to support the purchase of two welding machines and an ATV/UTV/motorcycle lift.

“I cannot thank Caisse Alliance enough for their generous donation. It is refreshing and important to have community involvement,” said Kevin Baker, NSS’ technical education teacher and SHSM lead. “When communities are interested in assisting schools to develop student experiences which reflect real-world opportunities, everybody wins. The tooling we will be adding to our manufacturing lab and transportation lab will enable our students to develop their skills on up-to-date, industry-standard equipment.”

SHSM programs help students to explore careers that are relevant to their community and as a future career path. These funds support this exploration in a meaningful way in this community.

Caisse Alliance’s regional manager, Marcy Lemieux noted, “Our Regional Co-operative Committee recently approved various projects in schools in the region who will each receive a $ 10,000 donation through our Caisse Alliance Fund. This fund was created to help finance projects that will have a long-term impact for as many members of our communities as possible. We are proud to be able to help Northern Secondary School with the purchase of welding equipment and equipment for their mechanics class which will have a positive impact on the development of the school and students.”

�����ٳ���’s Superintendent of Education Gay Smylie expressed her enthusiasm for the excellent work that Baker does for students.“This is absolutely remarkable! When schools work together with their communities the students come out on top. Kudos to Mr. Baker at Northern Secondary for once again creating opportunities for his students to have access to the latest resources and technology to solidly prepare them for their futures.”

“Building and maintaining relationships in the communities of our schools is an important component in the success of student learning,” said Craig Myles, �����ٳ���’s Director of Education. “One of the main pillars of our new multi-year strategic plan is excellence in relationships. I cannot stress enough the importance that communities play in the lives of our students. Thank you, Caisse Alliance, for your generosity in helping enhance student learning opportunities at NNDSB and a sincere thank you to Kevin Baker for your strong passion for bringing new opportunities to students.”

17�Թ��� and Northern Secondary School extends a huge thank you to Caisse Alliance for its support of student learning.

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Cutline information:
(Left to right) NSS teacher Kevin Baker, Caisse Alliance Regional Manager Marcy Lemieux and NSS principal Laurent Paquette hold a cheque in the school’s manufacturing lab.

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey (he/him)
Communications Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Nipissing District School Boards announce protocol for spectators at outdoor events

The four local school boards, with the support of the��North Bay��Parry Sound District Health Unit, are pleased to announce a protocol that allows spectators at school-related outdoor events, including sports games. This protocol is effective immediately.

School boards are responsible for managing contact tracing and COVID-19 safety measures; therefore, personnel will be at school-related outdoor events to assist in verifying that spectators have completed pre-screening and contact information requirements before entering the venue.

To attend events, spectators at school events are required to:

• Pre-screen for COVID-19 using prior to the event.
• Upon entry, all spectators must scan the displayed QR code to complete the attestation form. The form collects the spectator’s name and contact information for contact tracing purposes, and attests that the spectator has completed the COVID-19 pre-screening; it is not a vaccination attestation.
• Masking is required during the event.
• Physical distancing is requested, unless members of the same household are together.

The four co-terminus boards continue to work together, and with the Health Unit, to maximize student experience while managing the legislated requirements due to COVID-19.

Please note that provincial capacity limits for respective outdoor recreational venues will be maintained.

We thank you for your support and assistance as we work together to keep our school communities healthy and safe.

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For more information, please contact:
Jacqueline Levesque, Marketing & Communications Officer, CSC Franco-Nord, levesquj@franco-nord.ca
Guylaine Scherer, Director of Communications, CSP du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, guylaine.scherer@cspne.ca
Victoria Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Director of Education, Nipissing-Parry Sound CDSB, johnsonv@npsc.ca
Deb Bartlett, Communications Officer, Near North DSB, Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Le mercredi 20 octobre 2021

Les conseils scolaires du district de Nipissing annoncent un protocole pour les spectateurs lors d’événements en plein air.

Les quatre conseils scolaires limitrophes, (Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board et 17�Թ���), avec l’appui du Bureau de santé du district de North Bay-Parry Sound, ont le plaisir d’annoncer un protocole qui autorise les spectateurs à assister à des événements parascolaires extérieurs, y compris des matchs sportifs. Ce protocole entre en vigueur immédiatement.

Les conseils scolaires sont responsables de la gestion de la recherche des contacts et des mesures de sécurité COVID-19 ; par conséquent, du personnel sera présent lors des événements parascolaires qui se tiendront à l’extérieur pour aider à vérifier que les spectateurs ont rempli les exigences d’avoir complété leur autodépistage et de fournir leurs coordonnées avant d’entrer sur le site.

Pour assister aux événements scolaires, les spectateurs sont tenus de :

• Effectuer un dépistage préalable de la COVID-19 à l’aide de avant ��’é��é�Ա𳾱�Գ�.
• À l’entrée, tous les spectateurs doivent balayer le code QR affiché pour compléter le formulaire d’attestation. Le formulaire recueille le nom et les coordonnées du spectateur à des fins de recherche de contacts, et atteste que le spectateur a effectué l’autodépistage de la COVID-19 ; il ne s’agit pas d’une attestation de vaccination.
• Le port du masque est obligatoire pendant ��’é��é�Ա𳾱�Գ�.
• La distanciation physique doit être maintenue, sauf si les membres d’un même foyer sont ensemble.

Les quatre conseils de la région continuent à travailler ensemble, avec l’appui du Bureau de santé, pour maximiser l’expérience des élèves tout en gérant les exigences légales liées à la COVID-19. Veuillez noter que les limites de capacité provinciales pour les sites récréatifs en plein air respectifs seront maintenues.

Nous vous remercions de votre soutien et de votre appui alors que nous travaillons ensemble pour garder nos communautés scolaires saines et sécuritaires.

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Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer auprès de :
Jacqueline Levesque, Agente du Marketing et des communications, CSC Franco-Nord, levesquj@franco-nord.ca
Guylaine Scherer, Directrice du service des communications, CSP du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, guylaine.scherer@cspne.ca
Victoria Johnson, Adjointe exécutive du directeur de l’éducation, Nipissing-Parry Sound CDSB, johnsonv@npsc.ca
Deb Bartlett, Agente des communications, Near North DSB, Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

To our valued bus drivers,

As we celebrate National School Bus Safety Week and School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, I want to let everyone at Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) know how valued you are by 17�Թ��� (NNDSB).

Every day, we – along with thousands of NNDSB students and their families – put our trust in you to get the students to school, and back home at the end of the day. Bus drivers in this part of Ontario carry huge responsibility, transporting precious cargo through remote areas, often on treacherous roads.

NNDSB appreciates the partnership with the NPSSTS and the service it provides to the board and our students. We send all of you a hearty thank you today, School Bus Driver Appreciation Day.

Craig Myles
Director of Education

Learning can take place anywhere, including the outdoors. Many schools across 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) have outdoors classrooms to enhance the student educational experience. With the initiative of a teacher and the support of a community, Phelps Central Public School now joins the list.

Ali Steer, a Grade 7/8 teacher at Phelps Central PS organized and led a team of volunteers and building supply donors who helped create two outdoor learning spaces where students can connect and be in nature while learning, all while adhering to public health measures.

Since their recent completion, both spaces have been used by most of the school community.

“This project’s completion is an exciting addition to our school and will set the tone for the importance of nature in the mental health and well-being of students, inspiring learning through nature, and getting our students outside more,” touted Steer.

Of course, these new learning spaces would not be possible without the generosity of local business: Richard (Pete) Renaud from R.J. Construction installed two four-season whiteboard structures; all supplies required for these structures were donated to the school by Paul Gagne from Carry All Home Building North Bay; and Jonathan Crockford at Eagle Tree and Landscaping Services generously donated the mulch flooring and log seating for both primary and junior/intermediate classrooms, which have slightly different designs.

“It was really moving to be met with such generosity from the community,” said Steer. “I was almost emotional hearing that these builders were just like, ‘yep, here you go’ and providing hundreds of dollars’ worth of supplies. To have 100 per cent of the time and materials donated was just fantastic. And I think it’s powerful for the students to also experience or understand the power of community coming together that people are willing to gift them this experience for their own education. That’s powerful, too.”

The recent completion of the project is just in time for Take Me Outside day, which is this Wednesday, Oct. 20. It’s a day that raises awareness about outdoor learning by encouraging teachers to take their students outside for at least an hour.

All school subjects can be taught outside.

“We’re doing all subjects outside. From language, math, geography, science, and certainly music,” said Steer. “Outdoor experiential learning is very powerful for most students because it taps into most learning styles. So, when we’re outside, we have more space to use movement, to use tangible objects and manipulatives in a way that’s freeing for the students outside of the four walls of the classroom. For example, we’ve had compass tutorials outside for a geography class where students can do pacing with their compass and understand direction, and orientation. Another example is that we’ve had art lessons where we’re out collecting and identifying species and then bringing those items either back to the classroom or creating arrays and tying in radial symmetry to our math lessons on fractions. There are a lot of opportunities for cross-curricular teaching as well, with the outdoors and it comes more naturally that way.”

Steer said her previous career has provided a unique perspective for student engagement.

“My background in outdoor education and wilderness therapy has prepared me for this because, for years, I’ve understood the importance of having children outside and the power of nature. So, their innate connection to being outside and how it makes them feel good mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. There are so many benefits to learning outside, so why not just tie all the pieces of the curriculum into outdoor experiences to the best of my ability to enhance their learning opportunity? My experience as an outdoor facilitator means that I have a lot of back pocket activities and ways to gather attention, engage students, empower them and there are lots of leadership opportunities outside as well.

“Children want to be outside, they asked to be outside. So being able to facilitate that and link that outside time, which in their minds is usually linked to recess or play, to learning is powerful. They get the pleasure of being outside and all the benefits of having fresh air, sunlight, and tactile things to learn with. I think for students to see that they can be outside and enjoy their surroundings while learning is key,” said Steer.

The students are excited about the outdoor learning spaces.

“The fresh air really helps me concentrate because I feel very grounded and relaxed. It really helps me clear my thoughts,” said Lilly-May, a Grade 8 student.

Echoing their classmate, Rylli noted, “The outdoor classroom is very nice and calming.”

“I think the outdoor classroom is amazing��because students get to take off��their masks��and��get some fresh��air.��And,��because I take mental breaks outside which are great,” noted Marcus, a Grade 7 Student.

NNDSB extends a big thank you to all donors and community members who continue to support student learning across the district.

17�Թ���’s (NNDSB) Arts Nipissing and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Arts and Culture programs are receiving high accolades from an alumnus.

North Bay local Darren Summersby’s, short film What Comes Next – The Musical recently won Best Canadian Student Film at the Ontario International Film Festival. The film was created as part of Summersby’s final project in Sheridan College’s four-year baccalaureate degree program.

Graduating from 17�Թ��� in 2016, participation in unique media arts programs led Summersby to find his passion for the film industry. ��Summersby took part in Arts Nipissing and SHSM Arts and Culture programs. ��These programs are offered to current WFSS students who, like Summersby��can explore their passion for��the arts by taking the Arts Nipissing��program and can complete their arts path by entering the SHSM program in their senior classes. The SHSM program allows students to receive��curricular and experiential programming fine-tuned to their career pathway of choice. It is one of six Specialist High Skills Major programs offered at WFSS and one of 17 programs in varied career sectors offered at secondary schools throughout the board.

Arts Nipissing and SHSM Arts and Culture provide students with an interest and passion for the arts with an opportunity to complete their secondary school graduation requirements, along with an opportunity to study arts disciplines in-depth, and explore post-secondary and career opportunities in a chosen arts career path.

“You know, if it wasn’t for these programs, I don’t think I would be where I am today. It’s really introduced me to this whole industry that I knew nothing about before going into it. A lot of the things that we did in this program were some of the stuff I did at Sheridan College where I went to post-secondary.”

“I went to Sheridan College for their film and television program and a lot of people in the program had nothing like this in their high school. A lot of them weren’t sure if this is what they wanted to do because they weren’t exposed to this type of programming in high school. I was really lucky being from the north, and yet to have such a unique program for us to be able to experiment in this type of field,” Summersby said.

In Grade 12, supported by �����ٳ���’s Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and SHSM programs, Summersby competed at the Skills Ontario Competition in the Film and Television Production category representing NNDSB, winning gold. He went on to represent Team Ontario at the national level.

Summersby noted a lot of the assignments that he did while in his first year at college were quite similar to the ones offered in the SHSM film classes.

“Seeing what I was doing in my first year of college, is what we’re already doing in high school. So, I was kind of already familiar with it and a step ahead. That felt good knowing that I was prepared, going into college, and I knew what I was doing.”

WFSS Vice-Principal Marg McDiarmid stated “There have been many upgrades to the school infrastructure including a new dance studio, innovation lab and enhanced theatre. As a result, we are able to offer exceptional programming that meets industry standards in the disciplines of dance, visual arts, vocal music, culinary arts, dramatic arts, media arts/film and video and instrumental music.”

“The Arts Nipissing and SHSM Arts and Culture programs foster creative expression, problem-solving and communication skills. Our staff are passionate about the arts and are committed to helping students develop deeper cultural understandings, self-confidence and awareness and resilience through innovative opportunities for growth and development,” noted McDiarmid. “We look forward to when we can welcome back audiences to support our students in celebrating their artistic achievements.”

Summersby’s film, What Comes Next made its way into 11 film festivals internationally and has gone on to win best film awards at the New York Movie Awards, Europe Film Festival, Best Shorts Competition, and the Berlin Flash Film Festival, and has been a finalist at several others.

Summersby recently offered his expertise in filming and editing the school’s highly acclaimed theatre production Pippin. Offering advice to current and future students, Summersby said secondary school is the time to explore options and see what potential career avenues there are.

“Take risks. Go and take that film class, explore and know that’s your chance to figure out if this is what you’re interested in. See if this is what you’re into. Don’t be afraid. Not a lot of school boards offer programs like we are in the 17�Թ���.”

The IB class of 2022 has recently completed their culminating tasks for the new and improved Theory of Knowledge course, and there’s no better way than this exhibition to see how much they have improved over the course of the past month. Theory of Knowledge is a course which is mandatory for all full IB students, and involves thinking about the ways in which we as a society acquire, pass on, and use knowledge. This is done by studying the ways different subjects interact with knowledge, as well as several written papers. Even without the traditional year long course, Ms. Skorich has made the TOK class has been a joy to participate in, and this exhibition is a fantastic example of that.

Each student was tasked with choosing three objects of either personal or societal importance, and was challenged to relate each of these objects back to questions surrounding the concept of knowledge and other topics discussed in class. The whole class participated, along with a few teachers, and they all learned about several different topics as well as their social and personal impacts on the students. This was a fantastic way of showing how IB students have to expand their horizons and go out of their comfort zones while still having a good time and being creative, and it proves how essential TOK is to the IB experience.

Board Highlights for October Meeting

The following are the highlights of the 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021.

Elder Beaucage opens meeting with prayer

Elder Peter Beaucage, a retired Canadore College professor, was invited to open the Board meeting with a prayer. Elder Beaucage spoke in the Nipissing dialect of Anishinaabemowin, then interpreted his words.

He requested that the Great Spirit give participants in the meeting positive guidance to do their work in a positive way.

Zone 2 Trustee Gagne sworn in

Caren Gagne, appointed as the Zone 2 Trustee, was sworn in at the Oct. 12 meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Trustee Gagne, a resident of Zone 2, was a business owner for 40 years and has an extensive history of volunteerism in her community.

Province to provide menstrual product access

Last year, former Student Trustee Madelaine Paradis brought the issue of access to menstrual products to the Board. The initiative was part of a provincial campaign of the Ontario Student Trustee Association. The intent is to reduce “period poverty” which occurs when women cannot afford or lack access to menstrual products.

The initiative, which has been supported by school boards across Ontario, is also supported by all four of Ontario’s main teacher unions.

On Oct. 7, the provincial government with Shoppers Drug Mart to donate menstrual products to access in school washrooms to school boards across the province.

NNDSB Director of Education Craig Myles and Board Chair Jay Aspin complimented former Student Trustee Paradis and current Student Trustee Cecelia Darling on their work on this initiative.

Fricker tender awarded to local company

The Board accepted the recommendation of the Fricker Build Committee and awarded the tender for the new Fricker build to Venasse Building Group Inc. of North Bay. The group’s bid was $17,580,000.

Tenders were evaluated using the Broader Public Sector procurement guidelines.

The Board is excited for the consolidation of three schools that will enhance elementary education in this section of North Bay and ensure that students experience the modern features of a contemporary elementary school.

The school will accommodate students in Grades JK to 6, a four-room childcare centre and an EarlyON Child and Family Centre.

Summer program supports elementary students

Trustees received a report from the program team, under the leadership of Superintendent Melanie Gray, about the 2021 Summer Learning Program for students in Grades 1-8. The program was held virtually from July 5-23 with three hours of teacher-led instruction daily.

The programming is designed to help students acquire math and literacy knowledge and skills. This summer, programming was also designed to prepare intermediate students for success as they enter the secondary panel and the new de-streamed Grade 9 math curriculum.

The summer program had three camps whose staff was made up of teachers, educational assistants and child development counsellors.

Several community partners also contributed to student engagement, including Perry McLeod-Shabogesic who shared Indigenous stories, Science North which delivered online workshops and presentations, an NNDSB all-female innovator team, a Métis perspective on the innovation of fire building and staff from Canadore College who helped with several presentations and pre-recorded sessions.

The report adds that the summer learning program helps students’ learning trajectories while promoting positive parent-school relationships, professional development and leadership opportunities for all educators.

Partnership with C3P outlined

A report from Superintendent Gay Smylie outlined how a partnership with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) is training educators about sex trafficking and helping to implement prevention strategies. The partnership is a result of the requirement that all Ontario school boards establish and follow a protocol for the response to suspected sex trafficking occurrences

Through C3P, staff will receive training to identify the signs of sex-trafficking, respond to disclosures, be responsive to diverse student populations and support the immediate physical and emotional safety needs of students. Staff will also learn how to avoid certain actions that could make an individual’s situation worse.

A 2.5-hour certificate level training called Commit to Kids: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training will empower all adults who work with children and youth to become protective adults. NNDSB will also be provided with guidance, resources and templates from C3P to support the creation of child protection policies.

Staff were given an overview of C3P resources as well as information about the government initiative. Superintendent Smylie’s report noted that because educators have daily contact with children, they are well poised to identify the cues and safely intervene if they suspect a student is involved in trafficking.

C3P will host a virtual parent information night Nov. 17 during Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. There will also be publications available for parents.

The resources are made available through funding of the Ontario Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet and support from the Ontario Provincial Police.

NNDSB policy implementation lauded

Director of Education Myles addressed �����ٳ���’s successful implementation of a vaccination policy using a third-party app, ThriveHealth.

The app provider has recognized the board for developing a procedure that is one of the most effective across Canada. ThriveHealth has reached out to see if NNDSB would support the Government of the Northwest Territories by sharing the board’s approach.

Director Myles says the work demonstrates the board’s strategic commitment to excellence in innovation. He expressed his thanks to the human resources and information technology departments under the leadership of Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck for their work that has brought national recognition to the board.

Student Trustee reports full slate of activities

Cecilia Darling, �����ٳ���’s Student Trustee, reported that students are demonstrating their enthusiasm for the return of extra-curriculars. Band and drama clubs, as well as basketball, volleyball, cross-country, golf and soccer teams have drawn students to participate.

Secondary schools have held their elections, and the new student leaders are planning spirit weeks, Halloween events, and focusing on mental health and wellness.

The Student Senate has begun setting its goals for the year and are starting initiatives that address the interests and needs of students.

Student Trustee Darling also requested and received the support of the Board to attend the Ontario Student Trustee Association fall general meeting Nov. 4-7.

Board supports nomination of SBO to OSBIE

The Board approved the nomination of NNDSB Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck to the Ontario School Boards’ Insurance Exchange () Board of Directors, representing the Northeast Region.

During the committee-of-the-whole meeting (held just before the Board meeting), Director of Education Myles said the position with OSBIE “aligns with her portfolio and the work she does on a daily basis”. He added NNDSB would be “honoured to have a rep at that table” which would also align with the multi-year strategic plan’s pillars of Excellence in Relationships and Excellence in Communication.

Administrative Guidelines open for consultation

Last month the Board approved that NNDSB administrative guidelines could proceed to public consultation once reviewed by Executive Council. In order to keep Trustees apprised of which guidelines are open for consultation, it was requested that the guidelines that are available for stakeholder input be listed in the agenda as a standing item.

There are currently five administrative guidelines that are open for consultation. They can be found on this page of the board’s website (in the first text box).

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next Board meeting.

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Fricker tender awarded to Venasse Building Group Inc.

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is pleased to announce that Venasse Building Group Inc. of North Bay has been awarded the contract for the new Fricker build. The group submitted a tender of $17,580,000.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) closed on Sept. 23, and an evaluation committee met to discuss the bids that were submitted. The tenders were evaluated using a scoring matrix that follows the Broader Public Sector procurement guidelines.

The Fricker Build Committee, chaired by Trustee Bill Steer, met on Oct. 5 and unanimously agreed to support the recommendation of the evaluation committee. Both committees had agreed to award the tender to the top-scoring applicant.

Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “The new Fricker school which will consolidate three schools and enhance elementary education in this section of North Bay. This school will ensure that more students in the city will experience the modern features of a contemporary elementary school.����As this has been a key priority of our board, our Fricker Build Committee has worked effectively with administration to make it happen.”

“This project underpins the Board’s commitment to innovation under the new Multi-Year Strategic Plan, in that we look forward to providing future-oriented learning experiences that promote excellence in student achievement and well-being” stated Trustee Steer.

NNDSB Director of Education, Craig Myles said, “We look forward to working with contractors and architects to get this project underway, in the best interest of our staff, families and most importantly, our students.”

Trustee Louise Sargent, who sits on the Fricker Build Committee, noted that it was gratifying to see the tender awarded to a local company.

Funding from the Ministry of Education will cover the cost of demolition of the former W.J. Fricker Senior Public School and the construction of a replacement school, which will accommodate students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6, a four-room childcare centre (one infant, one toddler and two pre-school rooms), and an EarlyON Child and Family Centre.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Modification to Nipissing District COVID-19 Protocol for Inter-school Extracurricular Activities, Sports and Clubs��

The four co-terminus boards (Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, Conseil scolaire public due Nord-Est de l’Ontario, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board and 17�Թ���) and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit have been working collaboratively and diligently to introduce extra-curriculars as quickly as possible while keeping staff and students safe.

We know the decision of spectators not being permitted at practices or games has not been favourable in the community. As the protocol for inter-school extra-curricular activities is fluid and can be modified as needed and when required, a decision has been made to allow media to cover and/or broadcast school board events in our community, so the events may be shared with students’ families and friends, as well as the broader public. We are pleased to announce this comes into effect immediately.

Extra-curricular Media��Protocol

• Media will be permitted at school extra-curricular events both indoors and outdoors, to provide the opportunity to broadcast events and results to the community.
• The co-terminus boards have developed a media pass that must be displayed to gain entry to an event.
• To obtain a pass, members of the media must show proof of being fully vaccinated.
• Media contacts must register prior to the event.
• Upon arrival to the game/event, member of the media verifies self-screening and signs in visitor log (as per usual process).

We are diligently working on viable solutions to enable the attendance of spectators, which will follow all required provincial health and safety processes, including maintaining spectator logs for contact tracing, as a next phase��of our extra-curricular protocol.��Please watch for further news.

We thank you for your understanding and patience.

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For more information, please contact:

Jacqueline Levesque, Communications & marketing agent, Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, levesquj@franco-nord.ca

Guylaine Scherer, Communications Director, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, guylaine.scherer@cspne.ca

Victoria Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Director of Education, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, johnsonv@npsc.ca

Deb Bartlett, Communications Officer, 17�Թ���, Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

——————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Communiqué de presse

Pour diffusion immédiate

Le mercredi 6 octobre 2021

Modification au protocole COVID-19 pour les activités parascolaires interscolaires, les sports et les clubs du district de Nipissing

Les quatre conseils limitrophes (Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board et 17�Թ���) et le Bureau de santé du district de North Bay-Parry Sound ont fait preuve de collaboration et de diligence pour lancer les activités parascolaires aussi rapidement que possible tout en assurant la sécurité du personnel et des élèves.

Nous reconnaissons que la décision d’interdire les spectateurs lors des entraînements ou des parties n’a pas été bien accueillie par la communauté. Étant donné que le protocole pour les activités parascolaires interscolaires est fluide et peut être modifié selon les besoins, une décision a été prise pour permettre aux médias de couvrir ou de diffuser les événements du conseil scolaire dans notre communauté, afin que les événements puissent être partagés avec les familles et les amis des élèves, ainsi qu’avec le grand public. Nous sommes heureux d’annoncer que cette décision entre en vigueur immédiatement. ��

Protocole des médias relatif aux activités parascolaires

• Les médias seront autorisés à assister aux événements parascolaires de l’école, tant à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur, afin de permettre la diffusion des événements et des résultats à la communauté.
• Les conseils limitrophes ont mis au point un laissez-passer pour les médias qu’il faut présenter pour avoir accès à un événement.
• Pour obtenir ce laissez-passer, les représentants des médias doivent présenter une preuve de vaccination complète.
• Les représentants des médias doivent s’inscrire avant l’événement.
• À l’arrivée à la partie ou à l’événement, le représentant des médias confirme son autodépistage et signe le registre des visiteurs (comme d’habitude).

Nous travaillons diligemment à trouver des solutions viables pour permettre la participation des spectateurs, tout en respectant les critères provinciaux en matière de santé et de sécurité, y compris la tenue d’un registre des spectateurs pour la recherche des contacts comme prochaine étape de notre protocole parascolaire. Veuillez surveiller les prochaines communications à ce sujet.

Nous vous remercions pour votre compréhension.

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Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer auprès de��:

Jacqueline Lévesque, Agente des communications et du Marketing, Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, levesquj@franco-nord.ca

Guylaine Scherer, Directrice du service des communications, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, guylaine.scherer@cspne.ca

Victoria Johnson, Adjointe exécutive du directeur de l’éducation, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, johnsonv@npsc.ca

Deb Bartlett, Agente des communications, 17�Թ���, Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Trustee Erika Lougheed believes public education is one of the strongest and most important building blocks to help create healthy communities. She believes that schools where students feel safe, supported and understood promote growth, development and wellness. A former East Ferris councillor, Trustee Lougheed is interested in policy. She wants to ensure that no student is left behind and that the needs of all students are met, setting them up for future success. She says the relationships between staff in the education system and her two school-aged children were a big motivator in her decision to run as a trustee. Trustee Lougheed has an interest in outdoor education and has worked as a wilderness guide. She believes that land-based settings are opportunities for students to learn about the importance of reconciliation and supports creating conditions for people to find common ground. Trustee Lougheed lives in Corbeil with her family, is an active volunteer, a potter and an advocate for equity and the environment.

��

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We want to address the misinformation that is circulating this morning regarding a “gun incident” at Chippewa Secondary School.

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) was in contact with North Bay Police Service this morning about the social media and media coverage of what was being called a “gun incident”. A threat had been made late last week, police investigated and resolved the situation over the weekend.

This morning, in an abundance of caution, police attended the school to further ensure the safety of members of the Chippewa school community.

There is not, nor has there been a viable concern to student and staff safety. The North Bay Police Service says there was no incident and will be issuing a media release about this later today.

NNDSB wants to ensure all stakeholders that safety and well-being is our primary concern; we value the relationship we have with our police partners for their support.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

To our Families and Community Partners,

It has been six years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission completed its work of giving voice to the Indigenous Peoples who have been affected by Indian Residential 17�Թ���. It took the Commission seven years to travel across the country and hear from 6,500 witnesses. Their testimony became one of six reports released by Truth and Reconciliation Commission that highlight the suffering of Indigenous Peoples at the hands of their oppressors.

The Commission, led by the Honourable Murray Sinclair, put the genocide that was perpetrated against Indigenous Peoples in Canada in the spotlight. The findings and resulting exhibit were a catalyst for change. The commission also released that act as way finders; concrete steps to move forward in acknowledging the truth of Canada’s history with Indigenous Peoples and beginning the very difficult and uncomfortable work of reconciliation.

The Calls to Action list 94 changes that need to be made to dismantle the systemic racism that continues to affect Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) recognizes it has a role to play in truth and reconciliation. It is imperative that the board climbs the mountain as requested by the Commission.

The path to truth and reconciliation will be slow and painful, but the steps must be taken.

The Board of Trustees has proactively acknowledged this, and endeavours to be part of the change. In addition to opening meetings with a land acknowledgement, Board meetings now open with a prayer from an Elder. The Indigenous Trustee, elected by members of the First Nations to represent them on the Board, is actively consulted and her input valued in decision-making on issues that affect Indigenous students.

The board is fortunate to have guidance from Indigenous Education Lead Tracy Hendrick, whose work involves not only supporting Indigenous students and their families, but also helping all NNDSB staff and educators understand how colonization continues to affect members of Indigenous communities, and to guide staff in developing their understanding of Indigenous worldviews to best support all students. NNDSB is thankful for the learning provided by teachers of Indigenous ways and Anishinaabemowin (language), FNMI grad coaches who provide support in the choice of pathways for students and Indigenous Child Development Counsellors concerned with student well-being. We recognize this is just the beginning of the climb.

As an institution, NNDSB is taking steps in response to the Calls to Action, including:

• working to eliminate educational gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children (have staff positions to support Indigenous families in education)
• an Indigenous Trustee position elected by members of the area First Nations to sit on the NNDSB Board of Trustees
• offering Indigenous language classes to all interested students at 12 schools
• providing resources and building capacity to support all staff and students in understanding Indigenous history, culture, perspectives, and ways of knowing
• encouraging and supporting non-Indigenous staff who want to take a First Nation, Metis and Inuit Additional Qualification course
• partnering with Anishinabek Education System (AES) to place two full-time cultural advisors/knowledge keepers in schools on a regular basis
• successful AES pilot project applicant to be one of five boards in the province to provide cultural competency training to administrators

From the Truth and Reconciliation Commission grew . Phyllis Webstad told the Commission of having her new orange shirt taken from her as a six-year-old child on the first day of residential school. Held on Sept. 30, Orange Shirt Day provides an opportunity for discussion about residential schools and lets survivors and their families know they still matter.

The federal government has legislated Sept. 30, 2021 as the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day. NNDSB wants the day to be acknowledged in a way that is most appropriate and meaningful to members of the eight First Nations that are NNDSB community partners, and other Indigenous Peoples in our schools. 17�Թ��� have been given the flexibility to provide community-relevant programming.

The legacy of residential schools weighs heavy in the hearts of survivors and their families, who have been subjected to 200 years of colonization and systemic discrimination. NNDSB will continue to climb the mountain and strive to do better.

Jay Aspin������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������� Craig Myles

Chair of the Board���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Director of Education

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This weekly Letter to Families is intended to help you learn how 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) will support you in the return to school.

*

The Government of Canada has legislated Sept. 30, 2021 as the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, and deemed it a federal statutory holiday. Not all provinces have followed the federal government’s lead, so it is not a statutory holiday across the country.

Federally-regulated institutions (banks, post offices, federal government departments, etc.) will observe the statutory holiday. In Ontario, it is not a statutory holiday, so school will be open that day.

At NNDSB, schools will be marking the day in their own way. Families who are interested in how the first Truth and Reconciliation Day will be acknowledged at their child’s school should contact the principal.

Anyone interested in learning more about Truth and Reconciliation and/or Indigenous education at NNDSB can visit this page.

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Over several months last spring, the communications team recruited students to participate in Student Voice. This new page on �����ٳ���’s website is the spot for all students to share their ideas, thoughts, and work.

The communications team is still looking for reps at some schools and is always eager to share student work. Anyone wanting to participate as either a Student Voice rep for your school or a contributor) is asked to email student.voice@nearnorthschools.ca.

*

We would like to remind families that all students are required to complete their COVID-19 Self-Screening each day before they arrive at school. Teachers will confirm completion of the screening with all of their students, as required by our local health unit. The health unit has extended the daily confirmation by staff by two weeks.

The daily screening is an important way that we can minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our schools. The screening can be accessed using this link:��.��Should you need a paper copy due to issues with internet access please contact your child’s school for assistance.

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NNDSB is��excited to share that Parry Sound High School��and Chippewa Secondary School will be raising tipis this month to��provide��safe, culturally��appropriate,��outdoor learning spaces for their students.

The extended tipi ‘shaptaun’ at PSHS is being raised by Johna Hupfield’s Grade 9-10��Indigenous language class with the support of��Serpent River First Nation’s Sumac Creek Tipi Company. The tipi at Chippewa is being raised by Angela Evans’ Grade 10��Indigenous Studies class with the support of Nipissing First Nation knowledge keeper Perry McLeod-Shabogesic.

We look forward to learning about��the tipi teachings, and to inviting more classes to enjoy these amazing spaces.

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As part of the board’s strategic commitment to excellence in communication, NNDSB has created a place on the website to begin collecting public feedback on Administrative Guidelines. New and revised guidelines will be posted for 30 days. Please refer to the website on a regular basis for the guidelines that are open for feedback.

Administrative Guidelines that are open to feedback can be found here.

*

NNDSB follows the direction of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the public health unit when devising COVID-19 plans.

Thank you,

17�Թ���

Board Highlights for September Meeting

The following are the highlights of the 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021.

Elder Evelyn McLeod provides opening prayer

The Board of Trustees welcomed Elder Evelyn McLeod of Nipissing First Nation to provide the opening prayer of the Board meeting.

Elder McLeod offered a smudge prior to her prayer, which was offered in the Nipissing dialect of the (Ojibwe) language.

New Student Trustee Darling sworn in

�����ٳ���’s new Student Trustee, Cecilia Darling was sworn in at the Board’s Sept. 21 meeting.

In her initial report, Student Trustee Darling noted many students are excited to be returning to school and are taking advantage of the warm weather to safely socialize.

Her report also noted that several of the secondary schools have been giving orientation tours to new students, have been holding spirit days and are organizing their elections.

Student Trustee Darling also promoted the launch of the Student Voice initiative and noted that she has created a video to encourage student participation.

NNDSB acknowledged in ombudsman’s report

NNDSB has been acknowledged in the of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario for making positive changes regarding transparency and process in response to closing Widdifield Secondary School. In the 2019 report, Ombudsman Paul Dubé had identified areas for improvement, and provided 14 recommendations.

Twelve of the recommendations have been implemented. The remaining two are reliant on the Ministry of Education’s update of its Pupil Accommodations Review Guideline.

In his report to the Board, Director of Education Craig Myles said he has “met “proactively and regularly with counsel from the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office to provide further reports on the board’s continued diligence towards the implementation of the recommendations”. He noted that governance and best practice recommendations are now “firmly entrenched in our established practice”.

Summer school enrolment increased

A report from Superintendent Melanie Gray and Principal Jamey Byers detailed the successful summer school program provided by NNDSB. The program helped learning recovery and increased credit accumulation while creating more partnerships that benefit students.

Because summer programming took place online, students from across Ontario were able to take NNDSB courses. The online system allows students whose home board may not be offering that course to register and learn with NNDSB. It also accommodated students in this board, who may have not been able to secure transportation to North Bay.

Approximately 500 students took part in summer high school credit programs, an increase of 28 per cent over the previous year.

There were 80 credits earned this summer through the co-op program; some remote, some in-person and some blended. A new partnership included a co-op at the Virtual Robotics Training Academy (VTRA) a high-tech educational company. A NNDSB student was their first co-op student working to develop and test a virtual robotics simulator.

The board also developed two new courses. The Health for Life course is an alternative to traditional in-school gym credits, and a Learning Strategies course focuses on personal wellness and healthy communities. Learning Strategies was advertised to Grade 8 students to get a head start on their secondary school credit accumulation.

The board also enjoyed another summer of collaboration with the Canadian Ecology Centre. More than 140 students from across Ontario registered with NNDSB and learned in the outdoors at the CEC.

Upcoming Board meetings scheduled

At its September meeting, the Board of Trustees brought forward the meeting schedule for the 2021-2022 school year.

Regular meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: Tuesday, Oct. 12; Tuesday, Nov. 16; Tuesday, Dec. 7; Tuesday, Jan. 11; Tuesday, Feb. 15; Tuesday, March 15; Tuesday, April 12; Tuesday, May 17 and Tuesday, June 14.

NNDSB Board of Trustee meetings will continue to be held virtually using Zoom. Links to the meetings can be found at the top right corner of each meeting’s agenda package. Agenda packages are posted on this page two business days before the meeting.

Focus of MYSP shifts to implementation

Director of Education Craig Myles spoke about his responsibility for implementing the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP), which was approved at the June Board meeting.

The official launch of the plan took place at the August conference for principals, vice-principals and managers, where the alignment of improvement plans in all areas of the board were reinforced. The four priority areas are Excellence in Communications, Excellence in Building Relationships, Excellence in Teaching and Learning and Excellence in Innovation.

Ensuring that all staff understand the alignment of all strategic plans to the four priorities is a key component of the MYSP.

Myles outlined achievements in each of the four areas already, including communications protocols and tools, new learning and childcare partnerships, supporting learning recovery with diagnostic assessment tools and instructional resources, remote learning readiness, a leadership learning framework and innovation in using more technology in the classroom and in delivering professional development for staff.

New Zone 2 trustee appointed

The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Caren Gagne as the NNDSB Trustee for Zone 2.

Ms. Gagne is a resident of Zone 2 and operated a business there with her husband for 40 years. She has been a dedicated volunteer, giving her time to many organizations, all of which worked at bettering the community.

Trustee-elect Gagne will be sworn in at the Board’s Oct. 12 meeting.

Virtual school enrolment numbers

Superintendent Tim Graves submitted a report that says NNDSB has 226 students enrolled in virtual learning for the school year. There are 122 elementary and 104 secondary students enrolled in �����ٳ���’s virtual school.

New and returning educators are working at the virtual school. Staff connected with families prior to Sept. 7 to ensure students felt prepared for the start of school.

The board is providing devices and internet access to support students.

Consultation process streamlined

Superintendent Gay Smylie presented a report to the Board that proposed a new process to streamline the consultation process required for development, creation or update of operational policy and guidelines.

Currently, trustee approval is required to proceed to a public consultation on a proposed guideline, policy or update. To avoid delay and time at a public meeting to have a consultation approved, �����ٳ���’s executive council sought the Board’s expressed approval to move all administrative guidelines to public consultation once approval has been provided by executive council.

This process expedites the consultation process while upholding the integrity and intent of the Board’s governance policies.

Extraordinary Circumstances By-law approved

The Board approved the addition of an Extraordinary Circumstances By-law to its governance manual. The new by-law gives the Chair the authority to act on behalf of the Board to invoke the Extraordinary Circumstances By-law to temporality set aside specific by-laws when faced with an emergency or extraordinary circumstances.

The examples given in the presentation were situations encountered while operating during COVID-19.��The addition of the Extraordinary Circumstances By-law provides a tool to support efficient governance, while maintaining stringent accountability measures that include advising trustees upon invocation and a ratification of the decisions at the following regular meeting.

The addition of one Extraordinary Circumstances By-law removes the need for all existing by-laws to be amended, saving time, work and resources.

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next board meeting.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Staff, partners discuss space at new Parry Sound school

At the most recent meeting of the build committee of the new Parry Sound JK-12 school, 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) staff, trustees and representatives of three First Nations met with the managing partner, principal architect and a technologist of +VG Architects to discuss priorities for learning spaces for the new school.

The August meeting began with a welcome circle, in which partners were acknowledged and encouraged to bring forward ideas and questions.

Much of the discussion was around creating a space that would feel like a second home for the students, who will attend for up to 14 years.

Among the topics discussed were how Indigenous teachings would not take place solely in Indigenous language and studies classrooms, how land-based learning and play is important for all students, and that there needs to be easy access from outside to connect with students and educators in the building, so Elders will be able to park and easily access the classrooms.

There was also discussion about incorporating more language through signage, and meaningful symbols throughout the school.

Another consultation meeting is to be scheduled in October. In the meantime, committee members and partners are asked to share feedback with Trustee Nichole King by email.

The build committee is one of several committees working on the project. The new school, creating a 21^st century learning facility for Parry Sound and area, is scheduled to open September 2023. All information about the build can be found here on �����ٳ���’s website.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Ombudsman acknowledges positive changes made at NNDSB

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is pleased to be acknowledged in the . The board was mentioned for the progress achieved regarding transparency and process in response to closing Widdifield Secondary School as well as 14 recommendations made to the board.

In the 2021 report, Ombudsman Paul Dubé commended the board for its commitment to “enhancing the transparency of its decision-making processes” and noted he was looking forward to receiving updates on the implementation of his recommendations. Following a thorough investigation, Dubé had identified the areas for improvement and gave 14 recommendations in the July 2019 report.

The 2020-2021 Ombudsman’s report details how NNDSB has implemented 12 of the 14 recommendations as of December 2020, including the adoption of a new governance manual that addressed not only the ombudsman’s recommendations, but those of a 2013 review, and by Ministry of Education advisors in 2020.

The two outstanding recommendations relate to updating �����ٳ���’s accommodation review policy and will be implemented once the Ministry of Education updates its Pupil Accommodations Review Guideline.

In addition to modifying its governance structure, NNDSB continues to proactively engage with the ombudsman’s office to ensure the momentum continues.

Director of Education Craig Myles continues to proactively engage with the Ombudsman’s Office on a semi-annual basis.

“NNDSB is proud of the positive transformative changes that have been made and will continue to move in the direction of transparent and open communication with all stakeholders. This commitment has been encapsulated as a key strategic pillar in the board’s 2021-2026 Multi-Year Strategic Plan” said Chair Aspin.

Following the ombudsman’s investigation, the Ministry of Education appointed two special advisors to review the board’s practices. NNDSB has continued to engage with the special advisors operationally following the completion of their report.

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Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Caren Gagne appointed Trustee for Zone 2

Trustees of 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) appointed Caren Lee Gagne of Rutherglen as the Trustee for Zone 2.

Ms. Gagne is no stranger to Zone 2 and many of its residents. She and her husband owned and operated the business called Gagne’s Home Hardware and Esso for 40 years and live in Zone 2. During that time, she was involved in several boards and committees, volunteering for betterment of the community.

Her experience and volunteerism include Contact North, Nipissing East Community Futures Development Corporation, Mattawa Hospital, the Toronto Art Board, hosting fundraising musical events, secretary-treasurer for her church, and treasurer of the Mattawa Museum.

“Our board chose the successful candidate from applications submitted as the result of the vacancy of former Trustee Harry Fry who moved from the region” said Board Chair Jay Aspin. “Our board is pleased to have chosen��a candidate with such credentials and experience from that Zone as Caren Gagne.”

Now retired, Ms. Gagne says as a businesswoman, she realizes the importance of a quality education, and would like to be part of preparing students to tackle anything they want in the future.

Trustee-elect Gagne will be sworn in at the Board’s Oct. 12 meeting.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This weekly Letter to Families is intended to help you learn how 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) will support you in the return to school.

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The first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation takes place on Sept. 30. ��Orange Shirt Day has become more than a one-day event and many teachers have already started gathering resources to start the��important work of truth and reconciliation that��will continue throughout the school year.

In following through on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, students will be learning about Indigenous perspectives and stewardship of land,��treaties, the Indian Act,��residential schools and Canada’s current relationship with Indigenous Peoples. Teachers and students are supported in this work by the board’s Indigenous education lead, and many local Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers.

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The mental health team has been busy connecting with students we served last year and over the summer to help students transition back to school and hopefully have a great start to the new year.

If you have any concerns about your child, please reach out to our social work team who will connect the student to supports and services. It is as simple as emailing socialwork@nearnorthschools.ca��and we will contact you to set up services for your child, whose well-being is our number one concern. We are here to help.

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Secondary Tutoring Services��are available for all students Grades 9-12 across the Near North System.��The tutoring is offered virtually Tuesday, Wednesday��and Thursday with four��half-hour��sessions each day.��This is a one-to-one service that��provides��support in all program areas��to support student achievement.

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Parents and guardians are advised that those who have submitted new or updated transportation forms to Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) will experience a two-day delay from the time that the change is confirmed on the NPSSTS website to when the operator can accommodate the change.

This means that parents will see the change has been processed, but that the change won’t take effect for another two days. This delay is due to the time required to provide the change information to the bus operator and for the driver to make changes to the required seating plan. NPSSTS thanks all our families in advance for their patience and understanding.

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17�Թ��� is��pleased to share that all students in Grades 1-3 classrooms now have access to DreamBox Learning.

DreamBox��is a digital math program that combines a fun and engaging math learning environment with��curriculum focused outcomes. DreamBox��lessons are interactive experiences that promote active learning and independent��critical thinking and respond to each student’s strategies and decisions in the moment.��Because��DreamBox��dynamically adapts lessons and learning paths based on��the needs of each learner, students always have just the right level of support��when and where they need it.��Students are encouraged to continue their learning with this resource at home.�� To access DBL at home, students simply need to����(using��their NNDSB username and password).

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Students in classrooms��across the��NNDSB��are learning about��developing positive mindsets and social emotional learning��(SEL) skills��related to mathematics.

Collaborative problem-solving tasks using tangible math��tools and discussions about the “Power of Yet” are being explored to��support��students in developing��the skill of��perseverance��to solve challenging math questions.��Additionally, students are building math process skills such as problem-solving, communication, reflecting and��reasoning��through open and differentiated relevant��and engaging��math tasks.

Creating��positive��mathematics learning environments and mindsets are critical foundations to successful experiences throughout the school year.

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At 17�Թ���, we value and embrace students and employees with diverse backgrounds, identities, and personal experiences.

“Our schools should be places where students not only learn about diversity but also experience it. Students should see themselves and their classmates reflected in their studies. Students and families should expect their interactions with their school community to leave them feeling accepted for who they are. All students should��believe in their potential and know that they will be supported along the way from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and beyond, no matter what pathway they choose.” (Equity��Action Plan 2017).

Culturally responsive teaching recognizes that all students learn differently��and that these differences may be connected to background, language, family structure and social or cultural identity.��The board has produced a yearly equity calendar for staff that highlights special awareness days for each month of the year.��New books are added to NNDSB libraries that support diversity and inclusion so students will see themselves, their culture and identity reflected in their library books, to enhance learning about cultural heritage, gender identity, anti-racism, differing abilities and human rights.

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A school should be a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility, and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. A positive school climate exists when all members of the school community feel safe, included, and accepted, and actively promote positive behaviours and interactions.

Both �����ٳ���’s Code of Conduct and individual schools’ Codes of Conduct reflect standards of behavior that promote a safe, inclusive environment and are applicable to all students, staff, parents, volunteers, and community groups. Each stakeholder has a specific role to play in creating welcoming, respectful environments.

Please take the time to read your school’s Code of Conduct and discuss it with your child. Ask them to consider how they might model responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence within their school community.

*

NNDSB follows the direction of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the public health unit when devising COVID-19 plans.

Thank you,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The four local school boards in our region, 17�Թ���, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board and Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, recognize the importance of extracurricular activities in supporting students’ mental health, well-being and academic development. We are therefore pleased to inform you that a protocol has been��jointly developed��with the support of the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit and will be posted on the school board’s website early next week.

This protocol will detail the guidelines and public health measures that must be followed for extra-curricular activities, including sports, performances and competitions.��We also wish to announce that school team practices may begin next week. Principals will share more details in the coming days.

It is important to note that all decisions made by school boards, principals and local public health officials are based on the health and safety of students, staff, supervisors, and service providers. As such,��any��risks will be assessed on an on-going basis and��any components of the protocol��may be subject to change��or��activities��may be postponed or cancelled depending on��the��local public health circumstances.

We sincerely thank our school communities for their patience and support as we safely resume extracurricular activities for students.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The weekly Letters to Families that were issued prior to the start of school have been well-received, so 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is continuing to update families on a weekly basis, at least through September. We hope this helps students and families learn more about how we will support you in the return to school.

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The Launch Learning Tutoring program has been designed to support schools initiating small group tutoring activities that help students in Grades 1-10 return to classroom learning, with focused learning activities designed to develop social, literacy and/or numeracy skills.

Research shows that additional time and appropriate support can help students learn the skills they need to be successful. While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected students differently, there are key themes emerging which make up the��foci��of the Launch Learning Program, including:

• the re-engagement of��students;
• the need to focus on student mental health and well-being; and
• supports��for literacy and math��learning.

The Launch Learning program is currently active at four NNDSB sites with tutoring activities occurring throughout the last week of August and during the month of September.��Innovative tutoring programs will continue to be introduced at schools across NNDSB as we embrace learning recovery and renewal.

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Between Sept. 13��and 27, the North Bay��Parry��Sound District Health Unit will be holding vaccination clinics at all NNDSB secondary schools for those��students��who choose��to receive��a��vaccination.��Individual schools��will communicate��specific dates��for these clinics.

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Emergency Response Preparedness remains a priority for all NNDSB schools. Every school creates a fire safety plan annually, which is reviewed by the fire department within that school’s jurisdiction. Each year, schools participate in six planned fire drills (three in the autumn and three in the spring) along with two lockdown drills.

This ensures that all staff and every student know how to respond in a safe, orderly manner in the case of an emergency. Like last year, schools will practice these drills in a manner that ensures COVID-19 protocols, such as physical distancing and masking, are maintained in accordance with public health guidance.

*

Several NNDSB schools are being used for advanced polling and on Sept. 20 as polling stations for the federal election. In its lease agreement with Elections Canada, NNDSB has followed all directions from both the public health unit and instructions for Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore.

Families can be assured that if their child’s school is being used, that the public will not be in proximity to staff or students, and that all COVID-19 protocols will be in place.

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Thank you to our students and families for taking the time each morning to complete their COVID-19 self-screening. This screening is an important tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our schools. Teachers will confirm with their students each day that this self-screening has been completed at home. The screening tool is available online��. A downloadable version is also available on the website for printing. If you require a paper copy of the screening tool, please reach out to your child’s school.

Our staff and students look forward to welcoming back sports and other extracurricular events this fall. We understand the importance of these activities for the mental and physical well-being of our students. We continue to work alongside our other local school boards and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit to create a safe plan for inter-school activities. Many sports and activities will resume at our area schools in the coming weeks with protocols in place as outlined in our��NNDSB Reopening Guidance for 17�Թ��� Document.

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Many teachers��are��discussing land acknowledgements��with their students,��working towards developing��more personal��statements��that reflect their understanding of Canada’s relationship with Indigenous

Peoples.��Indigenous Education Lead Tracy Hendrick��has��created a Land Acknowledgement Guidebook to help support teachers taking on this important work.

�����ٳ���’s��current land acknowledgement is��“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).”��

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NNDSB follows the direction of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the public health unit when devising COVID-19 plans.

Thank you,

17�Թ���

New childcare spaces coming to NNDSB schools

17�Թ��� (NNDSB), in partnership with the District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board (PSDSSAB), is thrilled to announce new childcare locations to families in the district.

Three schools will join numerous others in offering childcare programs: Sundridge Centennial Public School, Magnetawan Central Public School and Land of Lakes Public School.

In these programs, children experience a fun and safe place to build friendships, engage in a variety of activities, and partake in a program that places a specific focus on outdoor recreation. Each program is licensed for a minimum of 15 children between the ages of 3.8 and 12 years of age. All PSDSSAB educators are trained in first aid and CPR.

“Parents in this region of NNDSB will be extremely pleased that the PSDSSAB is offering after school programs at Land of Lakes, Magnetawan, and Sundridge Centennial (Sundridge is also offering a before school program),” said Gay Smylie, NNDSB Superintendent of Education. “For years parents in this region have hoped that we would be able to host before and after school programs. We are grateful to the PSDSSAB for working alongside our Early Years team to make this a reality for the families in this area.”

“We are pleased to announce the expansion of our school-age program this September, which will now provide more options in more schools for before and after school care for families with children from Kindergarten to age 12,” said Brenda Wiltshire, Manager of Directly Operated Child Care Programs at the PSDSSAB. “This expansion comes in response to the feedback received through the Child Care Needs Survey distributed earlier this year, which helped us better understand the need for childcare for school-age children throughout the district. We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration with the 17�Թ���, a partnership that has helped make these programs possible.”

School-age programs are operated by various childcare partners throughout the school district. Additional information and how to register can be found on �����ٳ���’s website.

These additional programs bring �����ٳ���’s total to 16 schools offering either before and/or after school childcare programs.

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Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Josh Casey
Communications Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This is the fourth of four weekly communications being issued Thursdays with information/updates before school starts. We look forward to welcoming students back to class on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

*

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) staff have been learning, too, in preparation for teaching and supporting your children this school year.

Three professional development (PD) days took place this week for JK to Grade 12 educators. Presentations supported continued learning regarding early reading, mathematics, Indigenous Education, core French, student re-engagement, mental health, resiliency, and equity and inclusion. Meaningful discussions led school-based conversations to ensure school teams are prepared to implement current COVID-19 safety measures while supporting student achievement and well-being.

Approximately 40 educators participated in a Literacy Summit provided by Voyager Sopris Learning to support the implementation of the recently purchased (ministry recommended) Acadience Reading assessment materials. This universal literacy screener aligns with the ministry’s Recovery and Renewal focus by supporting teachers in identifying the children at risk for reading difficulties and determining the skills to target for instructional support. With the information gathered from students’ performance on these assessments, we will be able to identify baseline data for individual classrooms, schools and across our system. We will then be able to use this to inform programming decisions and effective allocation of resources moving forward.

In preparation for the de-streamed Grade 9 math course, educators are exploring resources and pedagogy to support multi-level math classrooms and “unpack” data to better understand barriers to student success. During the Sept. 1 PD day a session was held framing this learning through the lens of cultural shifts in schools and across the system to identify and dismantle systemic discrimination and structural inequities. In June, Grade 8 students participated in a “transition” survey to gather information about their learning preferences, confidence, and mindset towards mathematics as they look towards Grade 9. This survey was developed by a committee of intermediate teachers, secondary teachers, administrators and the board-based K-12 math facilitator. Despite operating in a virtual format, we had more than 400 responses from our

Grade 8 cohort. Over the summer, math facilitator Melissa Peddie, and educators Jesse Gregoris and Ryan Marshall worked collaboratively to develop units based on the new Grade 9 math curriculum. This was shared with Grade 9 teachers during the Sept. 1 PD day. This is an exciting Octomester for us. We have two sections of the new de-streamed Grade 9 math course running at West Ferris and Chippewa during Octomester 1. This means that we will be among the first boards in the province to complete the course and among the first boards in the province to participate in the Grade 9 EQAO mathematics assessment.

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NNDSB issued a media release on Tuesday, Aug. 30, in which the board announced it would be resuming intramural and inter-school sports and clubs.

NNDSB schools will resume participation in OFSAA-organized championships and festivals this fall. We are in consultation with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and our co-terminus school boards to develop consistent health and safety protocols that are in alignment with Ministry of Education and public health guidance.

Please note practices and seasons may be off to a later start as boards confer and consult, and the board may cancel sports if so advised by public health. The pandemic is causing delays in decision-making that are frustrating to everyone. Because the safety and well-being of staff and students is an NNDSB priority, the timeframe of announcements reflects the careful consideration of our decisions.

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Between Sept. 13��and 27, the North Bay��Parry��Sound District Health Unit will be holding vaccination clinics at all NNDSB secondary schools for those��students��who would like��to receive��a��vaccination.��Individual schools��will communicate��specific dates��for these clinics��next week.

The��health��unit has asked us to share the following��documents with Families:

COVID-19 vaccine available for youth

Youth messaging about COVID-19 vaccine

Child and Youth vaccine fact sheet

Please��contact��the����if you have any questions��about school vaccination clinics.

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�����ٳ���’s mental health team is ready and excited to support your child in the return to school. If you feel your child requires the support of the mental health team, please reach out to your principal, or email the mental health team at socialwork@nearnorthschools.ca.

To help you prepare your child for school please see this�� for some great ideas. Remember, the most important part of getting ready for school is taking care of yourself so you can be the very best support for your child.

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Parents are reminded that��all��students in Grades 1 to 12 are��required��to wear properly fitted, non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes.��Students��in JK��to Grade 12��are��required��to wear their masks on school transportation vehicles.��More information about this and other COVID-19 protocols can be found��here.

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The NNDSB Early Years team has been busy working on a new initiative to welcome our Kindergarten learners and their families into our board. A welcoming process grounded in �����ٳ���’s vision creates strong ties out of the gate between the home, school and teacher, engages parents in hands-on activities that promote a literacy-and numeracy-rich environment and one that is environmentally friendly.

Beginning students in Kindergarten will receive a Journey into Learning (JIL) bag and accompanying JIL Guide. NNDSB previously purchased Welcome to Kindergarten resource bags from the Learning Partnership. This year, the Early Years Team felt they wanted a bag more closely aligned with the visions and priorities of NNDSB, as outlined in the Multi-Year Strategic Plan.

The Early Years Team generously received support from the Trustee Initiative Fund to purchase 1,400 copies of the book This is What I’ve Been Told, written and illustrated by Julianna Armstrong, one of �����ٳ���’s teachers. The book has been placed in the JIL bags, and original content appears in the JIL Guide. The story provides readers with an introduction to the Anishnaabemowin language and culture. Kindergarten students will be introduced to Indigenous language and culture through interactions with this book. This is a significant commitment on the part of NNDSB; beginning the Journey into Learning with an intentional focus on Indigenous education clearly signals our values and visions to every stakeholder. The books, used at school and at home, will support the bridge that we are striving to strengthen between families and educators. This initiative supports many of the identified by the , specifically in the Education and Language and Culture sections, and mirrors �����ٳ���’s commitment to achieving equity for all.

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Every person��entering a school is required to��self-screen prior to their arrival��by��using the��.

A downloadable version of the tool can be found . Upon request, schools will provide families with printed copies of the tool enabling them to perform daily screening of their children before arriving at school in absence of internet connectivity.

For��the first two weeks of��school, all��teachers will confirm that students have self-screened during daily attendance.

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NNDSB follows the direction of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the public health unit when devising COVID-19 plans.

Thank you,

17�Թ���

A letter to families as we begin the new school year.

The challenges of COVID-19 have tested our resolve, caused us to pause and consider our safety in a world that we previously felt sure of. It tested our well-being and caused us to reflect and consider what is important. At NNDSB, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is of the utmost importance to us.

As we move into the 2021-2022 school year, we continue our commitment to putting your children’s well-being first. Our caring educators are waiting to welcome your children into engaging learning environments where they can learn and thrive.

Steve Goodier said, “Those who overcome great challenges will be changed, and often in unexpected ways. For our struggles enter our lives as unwelcome guests, but they bring valuable gifts. And once the pain subsides, the gifts remain. These gifts are life’s true treasures, bought at great price, but they cannot be acquired in any other way.”

The last 18 months have also given us the gifts of resilience and flexibility. We have discovered new ways of learning in a virtual world and ventured outside to learn from the earth. Our teachers have engaged in professional development to learn new technologies and experiential modes of learning to support your children in meaningful ways. Our students and staff have shown great spirit and commitment to learning.

For those students who have struggled with regular attendance, we want you to know that we are here to help you with a fresh start. We are all in this together.

NNDSB teams are providing professional development for educators so that they are equipped to support students as they re-enter the school environment or to continue to learn virtually.

We would like to acknowledge the strength and perseverance of NNDSB staff and students and the onerous responsibilities of NNDSB parents who have coped with double duties and faced this extraordinary year with us as we worked together to wrap your children in a network of support. The 2021-2022�� NNDSB Reopening Guidance Plan can be found on the board website along with COVID updates and a new “quick find” Reopening Plan Q and A section.

The challenges of a COVID-19 environment remain, so we continue to be flexible and committed to doing our best for the NNDSB community. We continue to encourage you to access the board website for the most up-to-date information.

Hope is a powerful thing. It inspires us to do what we thought was impossible and reach the goals we felt were out of reach. It helps us carry on during difficult times. Our hope for, and commitment to, a successful year for all students and staff endures.

We wish everyone a smooth transition to the new school year.

Jay Aspin������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������� Craig Myles

Chair of the Board���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Director of Education

NNDSB statement on resumption of school sports

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) recognizes that participation��in sports is an important part of the school experience��and encourages��a sense of community, promotes physical��health��and overall well-being.

NNDSB is pleased��to��resume intramural and inter-school sports��and clubs as��outlined by��the guidance��from the Ministry of Education,��.

In addition,��NNDSB��schools will resume��participation��in��OFSSA-organized championships and festivals this fall.��We��are in��consultation with��the North��Bay Parry Sound District Health��Unit and our co-terminus school boards to��develop��consistent health��and safety protocols��that are in alignment with Ministry��of��Education and public health guidance.

Please note practices and seasons may be off to a later start as boards confer and consult. NNDSB may cancel sports if so advised by public health. The pandemic is causing delays in decision-making that are frustrating to everyone. Because the safety and well-being of staff and students is an NNDSB priority, the timeframe of announcements reflects the careful consideration of our decisions.��

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Information about 17�Թ���:
17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This is the third of four weekly communications being issued Thursdays with information/updates before school starts.

*

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) has released its back-to-school guidance document. This document is posted on the board’s website, as is an easy-to-use menu of answers to some of the more common questions and concerns of families.

Highlights of the guidance document contents include: self-screening requirement for every person who is entering a school (page 3); masking requirements and exemptions (page 3); news on field trips (page 10); vaccination requirement and clinics (page 11); changes that affect cooperative education, music, phys ed, EQAO and graduation requirements (pages 16-17), ventilation (page 19) and extra-curriculars and community use of schools (pages 19-20). There are also details about how COVID-19 will be managed in schools and case scenarios (pages 20-27).

The guidance document will be updated on an as-needed basis if the situation with COVID-19 cases in our area changes, and the board is directed to alter practice.

*

�����ٳ���’s Early Years team is excited to continue moving forward in partnership with the Parry Sound DSSAB to bring three new after school programs to families at Sundridge Centennial Public School, Magnetawan Central Public School and Land of Lakes Public School in Burks Falls. Sundridge Centennial is slated to also include a before school program.

Parents in these areas are encouraged to register for these programs through the Parry Sound DSSAB. They need to have enough registrations for the programs to be viable. For years parents in this region have hoped that our schools would be able to host before and after childcare programs. We are so close to this becoming a reality.

To see a full listing of the Before and After School Programs as well as other Near North childcare options for children from 0-12 years of age, visit this page of our website.

*

17�Թ��� will open Monday, Aug. 30 for elementary and secondary registrations. If required, call your school to schedule an appointment.

*

The return to school follows a summer with many supports in place for NNDSB students and their families.

Five Summer Learning Programs took place virtually across the board, serving students in Grades K-9.

Because they proved so popular, mental health drop-in camps were extended until the end of August, Grade 12 physics summer school students enjoyed a trip to the Canadian Ecology Centre to see geological potholes. Students received their credits with the support of the summer school educator team.

*

Early Literacy (reading) training for educators is taking place this week. The focus is on students in Grades K-6 and appropriate learning development. Educators are learning how to use measures identified in a new specialized reading assessment tool to help identify appropriate levels of intervention for students and monitor individual responses to it.

*

NNDSB follows the direction of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the public health unit when devising COVID-19 plans.

Thank you,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This is the second of four weekly communications being issued Thursdays with information/updates before school starts.

The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 7. Some classes/programs may be working on an alternative schedule, in which case families will be notified. If there is no notice, all students will begin school on Sept. 7.

*

On Tuesday, Aug. 17, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health that high-risk settings, including education, are required to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees. The Ministry of Education intends to introduce a vaccination disclosure policy for all publicly funded school boards. All board staff will be required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID, provide a medical reason for not being vaccinated, or participate in an education program approved by the Ministry of Education.

School board employees, student transportation drivers, visitors and other professions who are not immunized, including those with medical reasons, will be required to complete regular COVID-19 testing as directed in provincial guidance.

*

The Government of Ontario is also working with public health units to run voluntary vaccination clinics in or near schools to make vaccination more convenient prior to the start of school for staff, students and their families. Students who will turn 12 before the end of 2021 are now eligible for vaccination.

*

Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) wants to share the following information with families of students who are eligible for transportation.

Transportation changes must be received and recorded by the school before coming to the NPSSTS. Families can use the NPSSTS website at to verify busing information. If an eligible student does not require transportation this year, families are asked to email info@npssts.ca with details.

*

A second version of the Ministry of Education’s guidance document was released on Friday, Aug. 13. The board’s senior and management teams are looking into how this school year will be impacted by the document’s contents. Staff continue to work with the local health unit to devise plans and practices that keep staff and students safe. As those plans are confirmed they will be shared via this weekly communication, the board’s website and on the board’s and accounts.

*

Near North District School follows the direction of the provincial government, Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the public health unit when devising its COVID-19 plans.

Thank you,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope that you are enjoying the summer and are looking forward to the return to school in just a few short weeks.

As mentioned in the Letter to Families dated August 4, 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is committed to providing NNDSB families with as much information as possible in advance of the return to class.

You can expect a weekly update every Thursday (Aug. 12, 19, 26 and Sept. 2) leading up to the first day of school on Tuesday, Sept. 7. In addition to the weekly update, stakeholders may receive additional information that is critical and/or time-sensitive.

The board’s senior and management teams are using the Ministry of Education’s referenced in last week’s letter, as well as the Ministry of Health document released yesterday that outlines how outbreaks are to be managed, to determine what changes need to be made and/or implemented to make the return to school as safe as possible for all.

NNDSB shares its news and information in several formats. There is a new icon on our home page called Updates. On this page you will find news and information, letters to families and any related government documents. Any COVID-related news and information can be found by clicking on the COVID-19 Alerts icon. This page carries information such as the COVID assessment tool, cases and outbreaks in NNDSB schools and information from the Ministry of Health and public health units.

All information is also shared on the board’s and accounts.

As always, if you have questions and concerns, please direct them to your child’s principal.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

In order to make this presentation as accessible as possible, we have made this a PDF with multi-media images and video incorporated. Please download the presentation and open it in Adobe Acrobat. For the embedded videos, please click on the play button and a yellow banner on the top will pop up saying “Multimedia and 3D content has been disabled. Enable this feature if you trust the document.” Select Options on the far right and click one of two options. Next, click the video and it will play.

Click the above image or here for the Thank You presentation.

Board provides mental health services this summer

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is pleased to offer mental health services throughout the summer.

The mental health team is providing on-going counselling to students and families who have already connected with the team and will be accepting new referrals throughout July and August.

Three youth drop-in wellness hubs are operating this summer for youth aged 10-18:

• North Bay – OUTLoud North Bay, 123 Delaware Ave. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. For information email Seth at Seth.Compton@nearnorthschools.ca
• Parry Sound – Mary Street Centre, 24 Mary St., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. For information email Penny at penny.moffat@nearnorthschools.ca
• Burk’s Falls – Legacy Life Centre, 44 Commercial Dr. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. For information email Dorothy at Dorothy.haggartdaavis@nearnorthschools.ca

A virtual group for students aged 7 to 11 will be held that teaches strategies to cope with anxiety, anger and impulsivity. Sessions will be held July 13, 20 and 27 and August 3, 10 and 17 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and students are expected to attend all sessions.

The team is also offering webinars for students and families beginning July 14, and virtual drop-in sessions for parents. A wellness camp is being planned in August, with times and locations to be determined.

Families are asked to register for all summer services at . To see what �����ٳ���’s mental health team does, visit this page of �����ٳ���’s website. Learn more about all summer supports and services here.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Communication has changed a lot since Covid. So, my friends and I have found ways to keep in touch. When the lock down began I found myself using Text and Facetime. As the lockdown extended, we started to communicate and hang out through various apps and gaming together. I learned how to use a PS4 and started playing Fortnight which was cool because my whole family got involved. Then, I started finding new ways to invite friends to other games like Among Us, and Roblox. We sometimes use other creative apps to make videos and chat like Tik Tok, Instagram, and Snapchat. It has been fun but nothing beats communicating in person. It will be good to be back to that someday soon.

I am staying connected because my family lives in Brazil, so it is difficult for us to visit or talk to them, both from a distance and having to pay for plane tickets every time we go to visit, especially with the COVID-19, that makes it all very dangerous.

So, to be able to communicate, we decided to talk to our relatives using WhatsApp, talking to friends on social networks like Instagram and visiting friends with all the precautions.

We hope that all this passes, so we can visit and communicate with everyone.

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We understand that during this time, people have been missing their friends and loved ones. So, this is why we are writing this article to tell you some tips on how you can safely visit people while still following the COVID-19 guidelines.

(We would like to inform you that we aren’t encouraging you to go out and be expose to the virus. We are just stating some tips that might help others.)

———————————————————

Some things I have done during this hectic time period is going on a nice walk after school with my peers while social distancing myself away from them at the same time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is always best to stay at least 6 feet away from everyone around you. Basically, what we are trying to say is stay in your own bubble when you are out of the house. It is not worth taking the risk of getting the deadly virus at this time.

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Recently, we have been using video calling and messaging platforms on our devices to keep in contact with our close peers who we cannot go see at the moment.

Here is a short list of the online platforms we have been using to keep in touch with our friends and family:

1. Face Time.
2. Standard Calling.
3. Zoom
4. Microsoft Teams
5. Google Meet.

There are many other apps that you can use during this time, but these are the main platforms we use when talking to our close peers.

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The End!

We hope you enjoyed reading this article! We appreciate you taking time to read this since this is our first ever Student Voice assignment. See you soon!

Danica Lavoie & Olivia McVeety

30-03-2021

At 17�Թ��� (NNDSB), there is one Student Trustee and an Indigenous Student Trustee position representing all regions of the board. As a representative for student voice, Student Trustees can become members of the OSTA, enables students to provide input on Ontario youth needs to those who set up the education mandate.

Madelaine Hall-Paradis is �����ٳ���’s 2020-2021 Student Trustee.

“As a Student Trustee, you’re in a really neat position. You have the opportunity to bring student voice to the Board level. So, it’s really important to recognize the significance of this role, that you have a duty to the students who have elected you and entrusted you to voice their opinions and concerns,” Hall-Paradis said. “You have to do your due diligence to make sure their voice is heard. For me, that means I’m very reliant on my Student Senators to keep me in the loop on what’s happening in their schools. Having an open line of communication and keeping in touch with other members of Senate throughout the board is especially important.”

Any student entering Grades 11 or 12 who attends an NNDSB school full-time is eligible to apply and be appointed to the position of Student Trustee.

“To be eligible to run for the role of Student Trustee, you first have to be elected as a Student Senator for your school. So, this means you’ll have to submit a short application to your school’s administration followed by an interview. If you are one of the successful two Student Senators for your school, within the week, you will have the chance to apply for the role of Student Trustee. What that looks like is you can either submit a written speech or video to the current Student Trustee and administrative lead, detailing why you’re a good fit for this role, what skills you bring any past experience, anything that really contributes to making you a solid candidate,” Hall-Paradis shared.

The process to become a Student Trustee is completely different from the way traditional Trustees are voted in. Board trustees are voted in to represent taxpayers during municipal elections, whereas the Student Trustee is appointed annually to represent the school board’s student body. The job of the Student Trustee is to ensure that student voice is heard by the Board and beyond.

At the school level, Student Trustees work closely with Student Senate, which is a group of students made up of delegates from schools across the Student Trustee’s board. These groups are the first step in beginning student-led board-wide initiatives; meetings allow students to collaborate in pursuing change in their board.

At the Board level, the Student Trustee serves as the voice of the greater student population. By sharing ideas and participating in meaningful conversations at the Board table, Student Trustees advocate for the needs and wants of their constituents. Board meetings are also crucial opportunities for Student Trustees to bring ideas, questions, and initiatives to elected trustees and administration.

“Student Senate is the backbone to the role of Student Trustee,” Hall-Paradis said. “Without my senators, I would not be able to complete this role and give it the time and attention it deserves. Having a student or two elected from each secondary school ensures that student voice from all across the board is heard, not just from the area which the Student Trustee represents.”

Outside of school and Board, Student Trustees interact with each other through OSTA. This association is comprised of Student Trustees from all across Ontario who work together to amplify student voice and work with provincial partners such as the Ministry of Education.

Throughout the school year, OSTA holds several conferences: Fall General Meeting, Board Council Conference and Annual General Meeting. Student Trustees from both public and Catholic boards come together to learn about their roles and work to improve the educational experience of Ontario’s students.

It’s not uncommon for Student Trustees from other boards to bounce ideas off each other.

“I speak with my fellow Student Trustee from the District School Board Ontario North East. It’s very helpful because they have similar student numbers and recognize the unique challenges both rural and northern schools (or school boards) face,” Hall-Paradis said.

“Not only do we have to represent student voice, but we have to work really hard to keep students interested and involved given the vast geography of the region we represent, in comparison to that of an urban board. We’re constantly talking and going back and forth about ways we can find to keep students engaged, which has been especially important this year, given how much of the year has been online.”

Similar to trustees, Student Trustees also have the opportunity for professional development.

“I had the opportunity to partake in some human rights workshops that were hosted by Osgoode Hall Law, which is out of York University,” Hall-Paradis shared. “One of the sessions was focused on human rights in school in relation to education. Another session focused on minorities in school and how we can make sure that everyone has an equitable school experience. This last session was predominantly focused on Indigenous and people of colour and how we can make sure their experience in school is one of that is equitable and recognizing the extra hurdles they may face.”

Each month, the Student Trustee presents a report to the Board of Trustees at the regular meetings.

“Before a Board meeting, I will have a Student Senate meeting two or three weeks prior and during that meeting, I take notes of what’s happening and updates between the group, whether it be that we’re just wrapping up an initiative, or that a school has just finished wrapping up an initiative,” Hall-Paradis shared.

“Senators send me updates that they would like outlined and reported on at the Board meeting. Once I have information from all the schools and complete further research myself, I am able to put all these pieces together in the format of a report. Then read it through a few times, revise it and lots of times I’ll have a fellow senator read it through just to ensure that each school is equally represented, or if there’s something we didn’t touch on that should be,” she said.

While the Student Trustee is not a voting member, they are an important part to the Board meetings. At NNNDSB, Student Trustee’s serve a one-year term.

Board’s Acting Executive Officer Lisa Collins seconded for term as president of Ontario Principals Council

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) would like to congratulate Acting Executive Officer/Student Well-Being Principal Lead Lisa Collins on being elected the President of the Ontario Principals Council for the 2021-2022 school year.

Collins has handled her responsibilities at NNDSB with poise, confidence and optimism and demonstrated her commitment to being a team player with her colleagues and NNDSB. Only with solid leadership as exemplified by Lisa can we continue to move ahead towards a positive cultural shift in NNDSB.

Collins began her career with NNDSB 1998 as an educational assistant.��A lifelong learner, she went on to earn her teaching degree. She��taught��in both the English and French Immersion streams for 11 years before becoming a principal with the board in 2010. Lisa has always been passionate about special education and student instruction and well-being.

Acting Executive Collins began working with the Ontario Principals Council in 2016 as the Elementary Provincial Councillor for NNDSB. She was then appointed Member at Large for 2017-2018, was elected Vice-President for 2019-2020 and served as President-Elect for 2020-2021. Collins looks forward to advocating on behalf of school administrators across Ontario in her new role as the President and will be residing in Toronto while she is seconded from the NNDSB for her one-year term with the Ontario Principals Council.

We are very proud of Lisa’s accomplishments in her career and are excited to celebrate her achievements in the coming year.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Across 17�Թ��� (NNDSB), teachers found engaging ways for students to learn. As part of a culminating assignment, a Grade 11 and 12 English class at F.J. McElligott Secondary School read and studied an independent novel and students demonstrated their knowledge in whatever mode they chose depending on their strengths. Some students went in an artistic direction and some took a research approach.

“Students become more engaged in their study of English when they have autonomy over what they read, what they focus on, and how they present their understanding,” said teacher Chris Davis. “The challenge for the teacher is knowing your students well enough to provide just enough structure and support so that students gain momentum and find inspiration. I try to use shared texts, regular conferencing, student exemplars, and lots of feedback to help students refine their focus of study within the parameters given. When students can recognize their own strengths or areas of interest it opens the door to cross-curricular opportunities to show off what they know.”

The culminating English assignment had several components to it: an oral presentation; demonstration of knowledge of the students’ choosing; and of course, the reading of their novel.

“At some point in the course, we watched the documentary called The Way I See It and it talked a lot about the photographer for the President of the United States, said student Emma Dupuis. “I really liked the idea of how photos could tell a story. So, by doing that, I made a story with photos and quotes from book characters in the novel.”

One of Emilio Lavoie’s strengths is in graphic design and that was the creative direction he chose – designing a book cover for his assignment.

Student project��

“My strengths are making things online like graphic design and stuff through software called Canva. I use that a lot for my presentations and stuff like that. So, I came up with the idea of making a book cover,” he said.

Both students shared that this type of learning keeps them engaged and motivated.

Creative writing was also a part of the culminating assignment with oral presentations.

“I wrote about Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem. The words and how she presented her poem, I thought it represented how my main character could go from this really dark reality and to something brighter. I tried to compare it to how the poem can apply to many things, including my book,” said Emilio.

In this assignment, students express their strengths and passions through a natural student voice.

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is proud to announce five students will be taking part in , a highly acclaimed summer enrichment program for well-rounded and academically successful secondary school students.

Three students from Chippewa Secondary School – Kaitlyn Bertrand, Jack Mah and Victoria Jones and two students from Almaguin Highlands Secondary School – Alyssa Jolliffe and Megan Lee, will spend four weeks in July learning at a virtual campus to expand their knowledge and skills in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).

“The program offers a wide range of different topics to discover, and I am hoping that Shad will help me become a more well-rounded learner,” noted Bertrand. “This will be a great experience to build upon my leadership skills and give me a chance to work meaningfully as a member of a team.”

Learning through lectures, workshops, projects and activities, students will learn and expand their STEAM knowledge, which introduces participants to a multi-disciplinary approach.

“I am really interested in the sciences, and I know that Shad really explores different aspects of that. I’m also really excited to learn about engineering, art and math because it covers all the STEAM components,” Lee said. “I’m just excited to try some different things that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to do.”

“I hope to be able to learn new and interesting things while attending Shad as well as grow as a student through the experiences that Shad offers and to make new connections with people who share similar interests to me,” Jones noted. “You should look for ways to pursue your interests, thoughts, or passions, and I am so grateful to this school, school board, teachers, family, and friends for supporting me, and helping me be a part of this opportunity.”

Mah is looking forward to coding.

“While looking at one of the packages Shad sent me leading up to the program, I noticed that I was given a device for coding! Coding is something I’ve always found interesting but never had the chance to investigate, so I’m really excited about this activity. As well, because my Shad program will take place virtually through Western University, I’d love to hear more about the post-secondary institution before I begin applying to universities in the fall.”

To be accepted into the program, students must go through a rigorous application process, which goes in-depth into both the students’ academics and extra-curricular activities.

“The application process is very similar to a university application, and I know how competitive and sometimes challenging that can be,” Lee shared.

Thousands of secondary school students from across Canada apply to Shad each year and roughly 900 are accepted into the program.

“I was first introduced to Shad when I went to the Canada-wide science fair in Grade 8 and ever since then, I’ve been wanting to apply,” Jolliffe said. “I definitely want to learn more about like the business and engineering portion, because I don’t really know a whole lot about that. So, I’m really excited to learn about that.”

Shad’s program attracts students with high aptitudes for risk-taking, curiosity, excellence, and resilience and prepares them to take on social and economic challenges. The program includes a real-world design challenge that asks students to work on issues such as food security, water and waste management.

“As a student, I’m really hoping that Shad will help me find some new interests and also be able to connect with like-minded motivated youth from across the country,” Lee shared. “I’m also hoping that this program might help me to steer me in a direction for what I want to do later as a career after secondary school. I’m looking forward to exploring some different things that might spark a new interest.”

“While the delivery and platform of Shad will be unique this summer, I am thrilled to take part in the program,” said Mah. “Without a doubt, it’ll be a wonderful month, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”

Students say their educational experience at NNDSB has helped them in pursuing their goals.

“NNDSB courses have made me well prepared to be successful in this program and I am very grateful for both the guidance and support of the faculty,” said Bertrand.

“The staff and teachers at my school, have always helped me stay engaged in my academics and they’ve been very helpful in the application process. Everybody has been there to provide guidance and support for me,” said Lee.

“My educational experience at NNDSB has helped me in pursuing my passions through supportive teachers and staff, as well as by providing different opportunities, and supporting me when I ask to pursue a new project or passion of mine in school or in school-related things,” said Jones.

“If it weren’t for the counsellors at Chippewa, I wouldn’t have known very much about this program. As well, it is the chemistry, biology, functions, etc. courses that led me to develop an interest in STEAM. The classes I’ve taken through NNDSB have shown me what I enjoy learning about. By helping me find what topics intrigue me, the school board’s indirectly steered me towards my passions,” Mah exclaimed.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The news last Thursday of the confirmation of at least 751 unmarked graves at the former Marieval Indian Residential School was crushing. Talking about how sad the event is, sending thoughts and prayers or referring to residential schools as a mistake is no longer sufficient.

Though the architects of the residential school system have long since passed, the trauma created by various incarnations of the Indian Act and the residual effects on Indigenous Peoples continues today. It is impossible to turn a blind eye to the atrocities that have been known by Indigenous Peoples for hundreds of years. As more school sites are searched, more unmarked graves will be identified.

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) acknowledges the grief of Indigenous Peoples and continues to be committed to educating students and staff about the First Peoples of Turtle Island and the price they have paid in its colonization. We want Indigenous staff, students and their families to know that the following supports are available to them:

NNDSB resources:

• Mental health staff who have been trained in cultural competency
• An Indigenous outreach worker
• Indigenous Grad Coaches (info has been circulated already)
• Lynn D. Fortin, Indigenous social work staff, part of a four-member staff that will be working this summer. To access this service email socialwork@nearnorthschools.ca

Community partners/resources:

(counselling services, Nipissing First Nation)

Indian Residential School 24-hour crisis line 1-866-925-4419

Flags at NNDSB schools, and all other provincial buildings, will fly at half-mast until further notice. We hope this respectful gesture provides an opportunity for reflection. We encourage families to discuss at an age-appropriate level Volume 4 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, and to participate in the project.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

To Parents and Guardians,

In early 2020, the world as we knew it changed with the global spread of COVID-19, and the effects of the virus on our family dynamics and the way we do business. At 17�Թ���, (NNDSB) that meant new protocols for transportation, in-school instruction, virtual learning and administrative operations.

We know this challenging school year has not been easy on students, their families and staff. We are navigating a health crisis in a world that is vastly different than in the last pandemic.

I am proud of the efforts of everyone in NNDSB as we’ve maneuvered this school year and its obstacles. I want to acknowledge the hard work of staff and students, and family members that have juggled work and other responsibilities to accommodate the shifts from face-to-face to at-home learning. A multi-media presentation expressing gratitude has been compiled with input from staff, students and families. Please take a few minutes to view the presentation.

Congratulations to all students for completing this year; I know it was not easy. For those who are graduating, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and can’t wait to see and hear about your accomplishments.

Graduates, please see these videos in which your accomplishments are acknowledged by Education Minister Stephen Lecce:

Kindergarten graduates��

Grade 6 graduates��

Grade 8 graduates��

Grade 12 graduates��

Have a safe, healthy, and joyful summer!

Sincerely,

Craig Myles

Director of Education

Lights, camera, action! Students in 17�Թ���’s Arts Nipissing and Specialist High Skills Major arts and culture programs at West Ferris Secondary School recently took to the stage for a Broadway production of Pippin.

While students could not perform in front of a live audience due to COVID-19 restrictions, the production took a creative twist with a pre-recorded screening. Rehearsals and the production itself took place earlier this school year before the shift to virtual learning.

“I was so excited to get back at it because it had been one full year without doing any form of theatre,” said Megan Byrne, who portrayed Catherine. “I was just itching to get back out and do some form of art, I didn’t even care what I was doing just as long as I got to act again.

“It was different in the sense that with masks, you kind of had to learn how to just express with just the top half just using your eyes, and really making that evident,” she said.

Byrne noted it was a challenge to not physically interact with other actors, but they all were able to adjust to connect in order to make the production perfect.

Fellow actor James Devuono shared Byrne’s enthusiasm with performing again.

“I forgot how amazing it was to be on a stage, singing, and being with a bunch of my friends. It was certainly difficult to not have any physical contact during the entire thing, but it was still an amazing way of doing a show and it was just so amazing to come back to the stage. It really just felt like home to me, and nothing had changed.”

Pippin is the tale of a young prince who longs for passion and adventure in life. The production is a revival of the award-winning 1972 musical starring Ben Vereen. The play features dance, music, and magic by a company of clowns who perform Pippin’s story.

The production was rehearsed over four weeks during the Octomester and then filmed in the final week of the Musical Theatre course.

“It was just like, a big, long rehearsal that we’re kind of used to like we do at Dreamcoat Fantasy Theatre. Sometimes we’d have six- to eight-hour rehearsals. Of course, the process was a lot faster than what it normally is because we did only have three weeks of learning songs, learning, choreography, learning blocking, and then the last week was saved for filming the production,” said Byrne.

To enrich the student experience and learning, the production was double-casted, meaning there were two different versions of the same production: different actors play different roles.

Strict COVID-19 protocols were put in place during rehearsals and the filming of the production.

“We had to be really careful and follow the COVID-19 protocols set out by the board and health unit,” said teacher and director Allan MacAskill. “We made sure all actors on stage were safely spaced out and of course, everyone was wearing a mask.”

“Social distancing presented some challenges in staging certain scenes. We had to get creative, but we found again with the camera we were able to have it appear that two actors were very close to each other, but in reality, they were a very safe distance apart on stage,” he said.

Both Devuono and Byrne knew early on that they had a true passion for theatre.

“When I was in Grade 4, there was a school play and I had one line but after doing that one line, I discovered my love for theatre,” said Grade 10 student Devuono. “I’m really interested in voice acting. I put a lot of emphasis into the voices of the characters and it’s so much fun to be someone who you weren’t yesterday. Acting is a lot of fun for me and something I really enjoy doing.”

“I knew acting, singing and dancing was something I wanted to do for the rest of my schooling career. So, once I got to high school, I joined Arts Nipissing and I love it,” said Grade 12 student Byrne. “The way I get to express myself; I like playing different characters and I’ve always been a big fan of storytelling and theatre is that exact thing. You’re telling somebody else’s story through your perspective, which I’ve always enjoyed.”

“This group of students, all 25 of them were really looking forward to this course and many of them have been involved in theatre since they were seven, eight years of age with Dreamcoat Fantasy Theatre. Musical theatre means the world to them,” said MacAskill.

After the production was shot and edited, Byrne shared her reaction to seeing the final product.

“It was awesome to finally get to sit down and watch the end result and see what the audience is actually seeing. It was cool to see it from the different camera angles because it was just like how a movie musical would have been shot. It was so well done and it was so exciting to see it all come together.”

“My family had a lot of good laughs from the production and they just they loved being able to watch it again,” said Byrne.

Devuono said he received “overwhelming positivity from my family and my friends” after the production screened.

“To see their smiling faces at the end of the process was a great reward,” said MacAskill.

The students’ musical theatre trailer can be viewed .

Board commits to transparent communication with community about Parry Sound JK-12 build

Following through on its commitment to provide accurate, transparent and timely communications to stakeholders, 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) will be publishing information about the new school on the JK-12 Parry Sound build section of the capital planning page of the board website. Anyone interested in the build will find Board reports and minutes, the build committee’s terms of reference, media releases and the compilation of questions and answers from the community feedback survey.

The purpose of the page, which will be updated regularly, is to hold news, details and questions/answers about the build in one place.

NNDSB has held three information sessions for various stakeholders. There have been presentations to the Town of Parry Sound council, a session with the architect for the public and a session for staff who will be affected by the project.

Following the community presentation about the new build, the community was invited to share questions and concerns in an online form, which closed Thursday afternoon. The information is being compiled by theme (to avoid repeated questions) and questions and answers will be posted online by July 16, 2021.

This is just one more way this board is demonstrating its commitment to excellence in communication and excellence to relationships – two of the four priorities in the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP). The community has been waiting many years for the Parry Sound build to happen and this board is motivated to see students in a new school capable of providing a 21^st century education.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Board Highlights for June meeting

The following are the highlights of the 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, June 15, 2021.

Board meetings will open with words from Elder

To improve the work the board does in honouring the Truth the Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, it was announced that �����ٳ���’s Board of Trustee meetings will include an opening prayer by an Elder.

Tuesday night’s meeting opened with a prayer in Anishinaabemowin from Elder June Commanda of Nipissing First Nation. In her translation, she said she thanked Creator for today, this life, and everything Mother Earth provides us with – water, plants, food and medicines. She thanked Creator for the gift of life and helping us to be brave and strong-hearted.

Trustee Nichole King, the Board’s First Nations representative, read a poem she wrote called Our Children as the Board paid tribute to the children whose remains were found at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Coaching supports students with different needs

At the request of the SEAC Committee, Trustees heard a presentation from Rick Cunningham of about the work that company is doing with NNDSB students who access special education programs and services.

LEARNstyle provides technology coaching support for school boards and families. The project began in September 2020 for students in Grades 7 and 8 and has since been expanded to include junior and secondary students. The goal is to help the students adapt to the expansive use of technology in education.

The company builds relationships between the students and coaches, which leads to students trusting their coaches, and coaches understanding the student’s greatest need and choosing the best strategies.

Cunningham says coaching students with different abilities on utilizing technology can “change the trajectory of their life.” The goal is to move students through four stages – full guidance, moderate guidance, minimal guidance and full independence.

He added that cancellations and no-shows of NNDSB students is the lowest of any board and attributed that to the engagement and excitement of staff.

Trustee Harry Fry, Chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee, said “the success has been quite astounding.”

Lead shares information on Indigenous Education

At the request of the Equity Advisory Circle Committee, �����ٳ���’s Indigenous Education Lead, Tracy Hendrick, gave a presentation about the creation of resources that assist educators to better support Indigenous students and their families.

Hendrick says 10.8 per cent of the board’s students self-identify as Indigenous (First Nation, Métis or Inuit), although she expects there are more who are not comfortable identifying themselves. The self-identification helps the board create programs and supports for Indigenous students and their families.

Hendrick, who started in her position in fall of 2020, began using Sway, a Microsoft app, as a tool to keep herself organized. She soon discovered that it was a great way to curate content and make it available to anyone in the board. She has been adding resources for staff, including the creation of resources (by NNDSB Anishinaabemowin teacher Falcon McLeod) that are relevant locally, and in the local dialect.

The resources, she says, “are not for special events or by Indigenous People”.�� Hendrick says many non-Indigenous people want to teach Indigenous Studies courses and do it right, and the resources she’s compiled are comprised of content and how to teach it.

School trip preparedness being reviewed

Student safety and well-being is a priority at NNDSB, which also realizes that learning experiences outside of school can deepen understanding. To ensure that board policies and processes reflect provincial best practices and provide families with as much information as possible to make informed decisions, a thorough review of policies and procedures has resulted in the testing of a School Trip Preparedness (STP) template.

The template is a visual method of communication that shares the out-of-school learning opportunity with parents with maps, photos and concise language to identify the activity and rational for attending, map links for parents and emergency services, contact information of leaders and providers, curricular links, initial assessment and acknowledgement of risk, emergency preparedness including communication protocols and mustering areas, and more.

Specialist High Skills Major lead teachers were trained June 16 on how to complete the STP template, and future training dates will be held next school year. Information gathered from the first round of training, including teacher feedback will be used to update the board’s administrative guideline to align the guideline to the STP template.��

Student Trustee provides final report

Madelaine Hall-Paradis, �����ٳ���’s student trustee, gave her final report to the Board. Her term ends August 30, and she was acknowledged as this is the last scheduled board meeting of her term. Cecilia Darling is the student trustee-elect.

Student Trustee Hall-Paradis reported on how various secondary schools managed graduation photos, how the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association is working to achieve menstrual product equity in all Ontario schools, and that students are encouraged to participate in a Pride month photo contest showcasing pride or solidarity for the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Trustees approve Multi-Year Strategic Plan

The Board approved the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) following an extensive 16-month collaboration with stakeholders. Over the summer, staff will get to know their role in the MYSP, which will be implemented in September.

Nanos Research, Ramsay Partners Inc. and Ministry special advisors Wayne Joudrie and Wally Easton engaged with stakeholders to gather input to determine strategic priorities for the board. Those priorities – excellence in teaching and learning, communication, building relations and innovation – will guide all work done by NNDSB for the period 2021-2026. All school, department and board improvement plans will align with these priorities, with student achievement and well-being at the centre of all the board does.

The MYSP is a living document that will be responsive to Ministry and community changes.

Board approves $160.9 million budget

Trustees approved the 2021-2022 budget, which has an operating revenue of $160.9 million. The budget was developed, after review for efficiencies and savings, to align with the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) and provides resources that support the Board’s mission and vision. The Finance Committee met for a thorough review of the budget in advance of the Board meeting and recommended its approval.

Expenditures are projected at $161.2 million, resulting in a deficit of $417,000, or 0.3 per cent of the total budget. COVID has significantly impacted revenue and expenses this year, and the Ministry of Education is allowing boards to access previous years’ surpluses to assist with the current budget. The Ministry has allowed two per cent of operating grants ($2.9 million for NNDSB) but asked boards to budget half this amount.

Build committee engages with council, community

A report in the agenda package brought trustees up to date with the status of the Parry Sound Build Committee and its two sub-committees, the building and programming sub-committees.

The programming sub-committee’s focus will be on room allocations, move management and how to accommodate programming in the new build. The building sub-committee will ensure the project stays on track. There will be meeting over the summer with specific department staff to design specific spaces.

Representatives of NNDSB were invited to the Parry Sound town council meeting on June 1 to provide an update on the JK-12 build. The deputation lasted 90 minutes.

On June 8 there was a community session at which stakeholders heard from the architect about the new build. Members of the community were invited to provide comments and questions online. Now that the online form has closed, those questions and answers are being compiled and will be published on the board website.

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next board meeting.

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

As the 2020-2021 school year comes to a close, 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) Student Trustee Madelaine Hall-Paradis reflects on her time in the role and NNDSB introduces incoming Student Trustee Cecilia Darling.

A student trustee represents the student population at the Board level. They share the opinions of the students and strive to make change using the student voice. Board meetings are also crucial opportunities for student trustees to bring ideas, questions, and initiatives to the attention of trustees and administration.

Madelaine Hall-Paradis – Student Trustee 2020-2021

In her final weeks as student trustee, Madelaine Hall-Paradis virtually sat down with �����ٳ���’s Communication Department for a year in review interview.

The Grade 12 student at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School shared her thoughts on the school year that saw a mixture of in-person and remote learning.

The challenges of an unconventional year

“Everyone this year is experiencing screen fatigue,” she noted. “We really don’t want to be on electronic devices more than we have to given the shift from virtual learning to in-person to virtual that we’ve been experiencing throughout the year. So, trying to organize additional meetings and conferencing over TEAMS has been incredibly challenging because we all just really want to be able to meet face-to-face, but are unable to at the given moment.”

One goal Student Trustee Hall-Paradis achieved this year was free menstrual hygiene products for students

“One of the big goals to the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association this year was we wanted to ensure there were free menstrual hygiene products available to all students,” she said. “NNDSB had those in different places in each secondary school. At some secondary schools, they were located in the main office or elsewhere. So, after bringing this forward to the Board of Trustees, we are currently working towards re-locating those resources to gender non-binary washrooms, and female washrooms to make sure they’re available to any student that needs them.”

“This was a big achievement that I am excited to see implemented at NNDSB,” Hall-Paradis noted.

A favourite moment for Student Trustee Hall-Paradis was networking with Student Trustees across the province as ‘knowledge is power’

“Even though the conferences were virtual this year, I really enjoyed getting to network with all of my fellow Student Trustees and learning about what’s happening in the other school boards. I really believe knowledge is power,” she said.

“Hearing what’s going on at other boards and bringing it back to NNDSB, it gave me some really good thoughts for what I want to see implemented in our board. That was one of the ways we crafted with the Student Senate this year which focused on mental health: Thrive in a Hive and wellness pledges,” Hall-Paradis noted. “We saw through some of our other boards, how they were hosting virtual mental health symposiums with meetings and offering these resources. So, when our board’s mental health team approached us about this initiative, Thrive in a Hive, and collaborating, we were able to see that as a great opportunity to bridge the gap and give some student feedback. Additionally, it was really fun to generate some friendly competition between schools and see how invested students became in getting the most pledges.”

Student voice has drastically increased this year

“Students have had to be more vocal in terms of how we are feeling and what we need in order to be successful when we’re learning remotely because it’s not like when you’re sitting in a classroom and you don’t understand something, or something happens in school, where it’s really easy to just walk up to a teacher and say, ‘hey, I need help.’ You really need to be better at facilitating those conversations and opening that line of communication. So, I would say even individual student advocacy, and connecting with our school team for additional support when needed has definitely improved over the past year,” Hall-Paradis said.

Advocating for student voice was extremely important for Student Trustee Hall-Paradis

“I am a student with a Learning Disability (LD) and that is one of the reasons I am so invested in student advocacy. I want to increase the representation of marginalized students who wouldn’t typically be presented with opportunities such as being a Student Trustee, being a student with an “invisible” disability myself,” she said.

“I’m very open about my LD and think this is a great opportunity to help other students feel more comfortable with their unique learning profiles and realize the potential they have in an academic setting.”

Student Trustee Hall-Paradis shared what she gained during this experience

“I would say my ability to collaborate with others and facilitate group projects has definitely improved. I have always been a part of student council throughout my four years of secondary school. Having the ability to lead a team of students from multiple schools had its unique challenges,” she said. “Especially with it being virtual this year, we’ve had to be very good with time management and scheduling meetings that weren’t during online lessons, making sure everyone could get there, creating agendas, finding ways to still connect with students such as what we did for Thrive in a Hive.”

Hall-Paradis shared that working with creativity was a big part of her gained experience, as was just “rolling with the punches.”

During her term as Student Trustee, Hall-Paradis learned a lot about herself

“This is something I already kind of knew going into the role. I am extremely passionate about student voice and equity in education,” Hall-Paradis shared. “I’ve really enjoyed having the chance to hear from students about the changes they wish to see implemented in the school system, so every student has an equitable and fair chance at having a safe school experience. Also connecting with students across the region has given me ideas of projects I want to see implemented not only in my school community, but across the board.”

“I learned I really like presenting to large groups. Having the opportunity to present to the Board every month on the Student Trustee updates has been super exciting because I’m very proud of what our students accomplish and always happy to share and talk about what’s going on in all of our schools. And number three, I would say my ability to speak in front of a group, it’s not something I’ve had to do a ton of previously, but it’s something I’ve become quite comfortable with and that I enjoy doing now,” Paradis said.

Student Trustee Hall-Paradis shares what it’s like to present a report at the Board meetings

“From a student perspective, it’s not often you get the opportunity to talk to a group of higher-ups such as the trustees, superintendents and principals about what’s happening in our schools and giving student perspective on events and other things that we see happening. It’s a pretty exciting opportunity,” she said.

“It’s definitely a responsibility because I want to do my best to represent not only my secondary school but all schools across the region. So before presenting, I always make sure that I have some input from each respective school senator to make sure all schools are included,” Hall-Paradis shared. “It’s a really great opportunity to be able to connect the board with what’s happening from a student’s perspective. It’s not often we get that chance to kind of give our two cents into what’s happening and provide student insight.”

Hall-Paradis provides advice to incoming Student Trustee Darling

“I actually go to the same secondary school as Cecilia, and I’ve had the chance to get to know her personally. So, with her level of drive and determination, I know she’s going to excel in this role and I’m very excited to be passing the torch to her. I would say you need to be really good at communicating with those around you. As much as there’s only one Student Trustee for NNDSB, it’s really a teamwork role. You have to rely on your school student senators and those around you for support because there are so many things you’re responsible for. Learning how to delegate and to share the workload is especially important,” Hall-Paradis said.

What does the next chapter look like for Hall-Paradis?

“Next year, I’m going to be pursuing a joint Bachelor of Social Science in Communications and Political Science. I’m also enrolled in the French immersion stream at the University of Ottawa,” she said.

After post-secondary school, Hall-Paradis hopes to work in human rights law, specifically as it relates to education.

Hall-Paradis offers parting words as she wraps up her term

“It (student trustee) is an opportunity I would suggest to any other student that is passionate about bringing student voice to the table and who wants to advocate for the students of their respective school board. I think a lot of students are kind of unaware this position exists. So, I really hope to see our student senate grow in the next few years. And I’m sure that’s something Cecilia is going to do a fantastic job of,” Hall-Paradis exclaimed.

Cecilia Darling – Student Trustee 2021-2022

NNDSB is proud to officially announce and welcome the incoming Student Trustee for the 2021-2022 school year: Cecilia Darling.

“Hello, I’m Cecilia Darling and I am going into Grade 11 at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School. I am very passionate about school life, student involvement activities, and being an advocate for student voice. I would like to say to my student body that I am very approachable. I have established a communication plan and I really have my finger on the pulse of the student body,” she said. “Through my involvement in many aspects of school, I will be able to represent the student body of our board as a Student Trustee, and I am very excited and appreciative that I was given the opportunity in this role.”

Student mental health and wellness will be a major focus for Darling

“Going into my term as an incoming Student Trustee, I would like to continue the focus on mental health and wellness that was focused on this school year. I feel it’s very important to prioritize mental health and wellness within our board and through the province. That’s something that I would like to focus on going forward and I’m really looking forward to soaking up the knowledge that the trustees have to offer, learning and growing as a leader, representing our school board and making change for the better,” she said.

What does Darling hope to accomplish during her term as Student Trustee?

“In my term as Student Trustee, I hope to inspire other students within NNDSB, I hope to ensure students feel like they have a purpose and a voice. And that students can present any issues, opinions, wants or needs in their education to me and I can be the bridge to the board level,” she said. “I hope to be a mentor like Madelaine was to me; I hope to mentor the team of senators that I will be leading and focusing on mental health and wellness.”

Incoming Student Trustee Darling plans to start new initiatives

“In the experience of being a Student Trustee, I hope to broaden my impact on the 17�Թ��� to inspire others and to be a strong advocate for student voice. I would like to start initiatives that benefit our students in our school and can lead them all to success and get to know new leaders within our board,” Darling noted.

Student Trustee Darling offers final comments

“I would just like to say thank you for this amazing opportunity! I started out by being involved in Student Council at my school, working up to be a Student Senator and now Student Trustee. I’m very excited for the opportunity to come and very appreciative of it,” Darling exclaimed.

Trustees approve MYSP that will be board’s roadmap

The five-year roadmap that charts the course for Near North District School (NNDSB) has been approved by the Board of Trustees. It has taken 16 months of extensive research and collaboration to get the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) to this stage. Now that the plan is approved by the Board, staff will be oriented to their role in the MYSP, which will officially launch in September.

The MYSP is more than just an assertion of the work the board wants to accomplish. It is a comprehensive document that incorporates the voices and concerns of internal and external stakeholders into a plan whose goals all focus on student achievement and well-being. As a living document, the MYSP will adapt as new ministerial and community initiatives come forward to align with the board’s ultimate goal of student achievement and well-being.

Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “With strong and capable leadership from our Director, Craig Myles, this Multi-Year Strategic Plan has been one of the most important initiatives our board has undertaken. This strategic plan will be our compass in focusing on marshalling our resources on student achievement and well-being over the next five years. This process included comprehensive survey scans by Nik Nanos of Nanos Research, one of Canada’s most prominent research firms who concluded ‘our board was headed in the right direction’. Committee Chair Trustee Bill Steer did a tremendous job of shepherding our board through this important process despite the disruptive challenges of a pandemic.”

The MYSP has four strategic priorities: Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Excellence in Communication, Excellence in Building Relationships and Excellence in Innovation. The work of the committee included overseeing the creation of improvement plans for schools, departments and the board that set measurable goals that aligned with the four priorities.

With the MYSP in place, the processes and decisions of the board will be guided by the plan, which will ensure all resources are aligned to the board’s core purpose of student achievement and well-being.

The full MYSP report to the board can be found on Page 64 of the agenda package. All MYSP information can be accessed on the MYSP page of the board’s website.

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Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Trustees approve compliant 2021-2022 budget

North Bay, ON –

At tonight’s meeting, the Board of Trustees of the 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) approved the 2021-2022 budget, which has an operating revenue of $160.9 million. The budget was developed, after review for efficiencies and savings, to align with the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) and provides resources that support the Board’s mission and vision.

The budget was first reviewed and approved by the Finance Committee, which is chaired by Board Vice-Chair John Cochrane.

Ministry of Education funding to boards is provided based on enrolment and the needs of students in each board. NNDSB expects to receive 90 per cent of its operating revenue from the province in the form of operating grants based on enrolment of 9,488.5 students in the 2021-2022 school year, an increase of 136 students.

Expenditures are projected at $161.2 million, resulting in a deficit of $417,000, or 0.3 per cent of the total budget. COVID has significantly impacted revenue and expenses this year, and the Ministry of Education is allowing boards to access previous years’ surpluses to assist with the current budget. The Ministry has allowed two per cent of operating grants ($2.9 million for NNDSB) but asked boards to budget half this amount. This budget is compliant.

This year’s operating budget projects a decrease of $3.4 million (2.1 per cent) less revenue than 2020-2021 revised estimates.

The budget has been prepared with the knowledge there will be support for remote learning in the fall, though there was not enough information to determine the number of students registered with the remote school. There will be further Priorities and Partnership Funds (PPF) announced in the coming weeks which may reduce the deficit.

By function, 71 per cent of operating expenses are spent on instruction. A further 17 per cent is on pupil accommodation, which are costs associated with maintaining the buildings that house students.

Of the work done by staff throughout this school year, Board Chair Jay Aspin says, “What a year! This board has overseen the consolidation of three high schools into two and put final touches on the consolidation of three elementary schools into one in North Bay, as well as the consolidation of two elementary schools with a high school to form a K-12 school in the Parry Sound area. The completion of a Multi-Year Strategic Plan will focus resources on student achievement and well-being over the next five years.

“Every staff member deployed new and innovative methods of instruction to deal with disruptions in the face of a costly and unpredictable pandemic. All these accomplishments have been achieved with a small deficit due to the dedication and hard work of all members of the Near North board,” says Chair Aspin. “It has been a remarkable year that has moved our board forward considerably despite being challenged by extremely difficult conditions.”

The full budget report can be found beginning on Page 91 of the agenda package.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca��

Local schools to celebrate their graduates and end of year

North Bay, ON –

In consultation with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, the four local school boards – Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, Conseil scholaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board and 17�Թ��� – are confirming that school administrators will move ahead with virtual ceremonies with the opportunity of a drive-by component in order to provide graduates and a few immediate family members a safe yet unique celebration. Elementary school administrators are invited to offer virtual ceremonies to their graduating students with the possibility of a drive-by element if it is feasible and safe.

All scheduled drive-up components will be done with all safety precautions in place and in alignment with the approach outlined in the recently released Guide to End of School Year Celebrations by the Province of Ontario.

Principals will be communicating the final details of their ceremonies with families as it will be left to their discretion to organize the most secure event. Any year-end ceremony that involves physically attending a location will be held with the support and recommendations of the Health Unit, whose oversight will address requirements such as COVID pre-screening and masking. We would also like to provide a reminder that gathering before or after any in-person year end celebration is not permitted by the provincial COVID-19 measures.

Parents are invited to contact their school administrator should they have any questions related to their specific school’s plan.

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For more information, please contact:

Jaqueline Levesque, Communications & marketing agent, Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, levesquj@franco-nord.ca

Guylaine Scherer, Communications Officer, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario, guylaine.scherer@cspne.ca

Victoria Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Director of Education, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, johnsonv@npsc.ca

Deb Bartlett, Communications Officer, 17�Թ���, Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit released updated information today for clinic dates and times for youth to book their COVID-19 vaccines. Free transportation is now available.

Youth aged 12-17 are eligible to begin receiving their COVID-19 vaccine on June 14. Health Canada authorized the use of Pfizer-BioNTech for use by youth 12 and older.

Below are links and a brief description of the communication from the health unit.

Email to Parents – COVID-19 vaccine clinics for youth

Youth messaging – COVID-19 vaccine clinics for youth

Transportation for youth-specific clinics

Child and youth COVID-19 fact sheet

Child and youth COVID-19 poster

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Local businesses support SHSM students’ certifications

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) offers a wide range of programming options for students across the district. One program, the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), allows secondary school students in the pathways of apprenticeship, college, university or workplace to focus on sector-specific skills. Students gain specialized training and certifications while completing the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements.

In past years, students benefited from many in-person trainings and certifications, but COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns and shut-downs made accessing the certifications challenging, as in-person training is no longer an option.

Lisa Spencer, coordinator of student success, gap closing, secondary program and SHSM, says that students in the SHSM program complete their secondary school diploma requirements while also earning two coop credits, and between four and seven certifications. There are mandatory certifications, such as automated external defibrillator (AED) training, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), along with at least one sector-specific certification.

The orders in place around COVID meant that no one was able to come and teach those components.

�����ٳ���’s Health and Safety and Maintenance Coordinator, James Coventry, was able to access and post content through the board’s Safe 17�Թ��� portal that enabled students to get some safety-related certifications.

Meeting some of the sector-specific requirements was more difficult, says Spencer. Trainers weren’t able to come to the schools, yet “we want them (students) in touch with the sector,” says Spencer. The benefits include businesses knowing about NNDSB students and their training, which opens doors for coop placements and employment, and exposes students to professionals in the sector.

SHSM students must spend six hours in a sector-partnered experience, which traditionally (pre-COVID) meant one day at the location of a business partner. COVID has altered how that is done; it means that students can no longer attend in-person, but it also means students had access to a wider pool of partners thanks to technology.

One such connection made was with Anita Brisson, a local business owner, project management professional and a certified LEAN Six Sigma Black who has been providing professional development since 2006. The SHSM business students at both Chippewa and West Ferris Secondary 17�Թ��� took her Project Management for Beginners course, in which they learned about time management, task breakdown and budgeting.

“The project management course gave students perspective about project scope and goals, and other skills that are valuable in the workplace,” says Spencer.

Other partnerships that developed because of COVID include Nipissing University, which created a sports/nutrition program for SHSM health and wellness students, and Inksmith, which worked on modules for SHSM students in the areas of math, coding, and innovations, creativity and entrepreneurship (ICE).

Spencer notes the relationships with leaders, sector entrepreneurs and partners in the community has not waned through the pandemic, and in fact, the partners have been helping to solve the problem of meeting the needs of the hours students need to meet their educational requirements.

These partners, she says, “align with our vision for learning”. The priority is always “what’s best for kids”, and other initiatives that have resulted in learning opportunities for students include a sector-partnered experience in coding and workshops for students on musical instrument care.

-30-

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

The following interviews were conducted and the feature was written in mid-May for publication in early June to acknowledge and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, June 21. The discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia brings to the fore the importance of support for Indigenous students, and the study of Indigenous issues for all.

Indigenous education is an important part of student learning for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Learning about Indigenous history, culture, and worldview is the foundation of truth and reconciliation.

While Indigenous education has numerous learning aspects, this feature will focus on 17�Թ��� (NNDSB)’s language studies programming. While the Ministry of Education calls this programming NSL, at NNDSB the preferred name is Anishinaabemowin or Nishnaabemwin.

NNDSB offers Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) classes to students in 13 schools. With 10 language teachers and 365 students enrolled, students have the opportunity to learn Anishinaabemowin to develop a better understanding of Indigenous culture and benefit from cross-cultural education.

“Learning about Indigenous language and culture is very important for all students and staff,” said Tracy Hendrick, �����ٳ���’s Indigenous Education Lead. “Infusing Indigenous worldview in the classroom and curriculum, in a good way that appreciates the culture, not appropriates it, should be happening regularly and not just on special days of recognition.”

All students, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, can take Anishinaabemowin classes in lieu of French. Anishinaabemowin ensures Indigenous students can learn about and embrace their cultural ways, and sharing what they already know enhances their sense of identity and pride. Non-Indigenous students gain a better understanding of and appreciation for Indigenous culture and worldviews.

Anishinaabemowin classes often take the lead in helping all students and staff develop an awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and languages. This can include organizing school powwows, school drum groups, and incorporating Ojibwe language throughout the school in several ways including word of the day and signage.

Wanda McQuabbie has been an Anishinaabemowin teacher at Britt Public School for almost 20 years.

“I’m fortunate to have my First Nations background that helps and supports our learners who are Indigenous and non-Indigenous,” explains McQuabbie. “At Britt, the learning has really flourished. Even though we’re a small school, our language is strong at the school and across the school. It’s really progressed over the years.”

Common Ojibwe words and phrases you may see or hear around the school or in a meeting are:

• boozhoo – more formal hello
• aaniin – more casual hello
• kina weyaa – everyone
• <name> ndizhnikaaz – my name is
• <place> ndoonjibaa – I’m from
• mno gizhep – good morning
• mno giizhgat – it’s a nice day
• mno bmaadziwin – a good life
• biindigen – welcome
• miigwech – thank you
• baamaapii – until later (used when parting, similar to a good-bye)
• ahow, nahow – ok (often used to acknowledge a thank you)
• weweni – take care, be careful
• binoojiinyag – children
• Anishinaabe – Ojibwe/Pottawatomi person
• Anishinaabeg or Anishinaabek – plural of Anishinaabe
• Anishinaabe kwe – Anishinaabe woman
• Anishinaabe kwewag or kwewak – plural Anishinaabe women
• Anishinaabemowin or Nishnaabemwin- Ojibwe language

Depending on the individual or community, there may be spelling differences.

“I’m proud to be part of Near North and proud to say the language is strong here. I’m part of a great team that tries to fulfill that portion of that Native language program,” said McQuabbie. “At Britt, we have a drum, teepee put up – it’s visible in our school. We are sharing our knowledge with the other NSL teachers. We’ve come a long way as an NSL group.”

NSL was first introduced in Ontario’s education curriculum in 1987.

The first school within NNDSB to offer NSL was Britt Public School. Since then, several other schools began offering these classes and programming.

“When my students graduate, I give them an Eagle feather. And there are teachings that go along with that Eagle feather, which is a major accomplishment when they receive it – it’s a high honour. I tell my students what it represents and they carry that for life,” said McQuabbie.

When asked, McQuabbie says her favourite part of teaching students the language is having them learn and understand it.

“My favourite part of the job is hearing the kids speak the language and having them repeat it back to me as well as carry on a conversation. It’s a real joy for me.”

For McQuabbie, the first language she learned was Ojibwe and she learned English as a second language.

“If you have all the appropriate resources and tools in place, it makes it easier and fun for the kids to learn the language,” she stated. “I put pride in everything that I make for my kids. And for them to use it and utilize it and learn it and to have for them to use and speak the language. That’s the golden moment for me.”

Winning a medal in the prestigious Skills Ontario Competition is incredibly difficult – it takes dedication, perseverance and passion. All the necessary ingredients came together for three Parry Sound High School hospitality students.

The trio, Hazel Joy Downey, Sarah Hardie, and Keegan Love, each brought back a medal in their respective categories: baking and culinary arts.

“I was so excited to get out there on May 4 and do the best I could and show off all my hard work for those judges. I was so happy and pleased with my dishes. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, I am very thankful to be given this opportunity and what helped me get through this whole experience was everyone who cheered me on from day one, especially my teacher Blair Cousins,” said Hardie, who earned silver in the culinary arts category. “When it came time for the awards ceremony, I could barely look at the screen as I was so nervous. I saw Keegan Love’s name pop up on the screen for the bronze medal and I thought for sure I was in at least fourth place; I was not expecting to see my own name on the screen for silver when I looked back up. I am very honoured to be the student holding the silver medal this year; it is way better than I could have imagined and I am beyond grateful!”

The Skills Ontario Competition is Canada’s largest skilled trades competition and traditionally hosts more than 2,400 students each May in Etobicoke. This year, the competition took place virtually. Due to the stay-at-home order and shift to virtual learning, students adapted to prepare and compete virtually in front of judges from their own kitchens.

“Leading up to the competition, I went from confident to terrified of doing the competition. Skills don’t only test your culinary skills, it also tests your mental and physical state, and how you work under pressure and stress, like real-world situations in the field,” explained Love, who earned bronze in the culinary arts category. “On the day of the ceremony, I was nervous but still hopeful. The baking category was first, and I was excited that Hazel Joy Downey, a friend of mine, placed third in baking that I was celebrating a bit, then heard my name called and freaked out and then my competitor Sarah Hardie won silver, so it was a rollercoaster of excitement that kept building. I hope to do better next year,” Love said.

Parry Sound High School is home to the prestigious Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) tourism and hospitality program and state-of-the-art industrial kitchen.

A proud Blair Cousins, the school’s Tourism and Hospitality teacher, reflected on the competition.

“It was so exciting to share this experience with Hazel Joy Downey in her last competition at PSHS. Downey achieved her goal of earning a medal after finishing sixth in her Grade 10 year (Culinary) and losing her internet while trying to compete from the Philippines last year,” said Cousins. “It was also the school’s first baking medal at Skills. For Sarah Hardie and Keegan Love, it reinforced their efforts and sets a goal for them to become our school’s first two-time medal winners next year. Sarah and Keegan overcame many obstacles and I am so proud of them.”

With an ambitious plan, Downey, who earned bronze in the baking category, said planning and careful execution were extremely important.

“Baking was difficult to accomplish in my own kitchen especially with the big ideas I wanted to execute – from the fragile French macarons to the povitica bread and the Enchanted Forest bar cake. But careful planning and time allowances allowed me to get everything done on time.”

Upon seeing her name on the screen during the awards ceremony, Downey ‘couldn’t believe it.’

“I screamed in disbelief that I had just placed third for Skills Ontario. I rushed to call my coach and mentor, Mr. Cousins to share my excitement,” she recalled.

Of course, the success of any program can’t happen without the dedication and support of staff.

“While the students were successful, none of it happens without the support of NNDSB Director (Craig) Myles, Lisa Spencer, Liana Blaskievich and Roy Desjardins. The support of the PSHS administration Dawn Buckland, Heather Hickey and Wesley Baxter is crucial to our ability to prepare our students to take on the best in the province,” said Cousins. “We also were fortunate to access former student Cody Wallace, chef de cuisine at Cut Steakhouse in Halifax, N.S. who helped the students with a TEAMS workshop where he showed a sesame seed tuile that Sarah used in the competition and just settled the students’ nerves and helped them focus.”

Cousins noted that Chef Fintan Flynn of Canadore College and Chef Monique Cousins also provided suggestions and advice to the students.

SHSM supports students in planning for a career in the skilled trades. The hospitality and tourism program allows students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace.

Students learn about food preparation and hospitality services, connect with hospitality employers, participate in training and certification in customer service and safe food handling and gain apprenticeship opportunities upon graduation.

Earlier this year, PSHS welcomed Minister of Education Stephen Lecce and Member of Provincial Parliament Norm Miller to the school for a virtual tour of the program. Both expressed their amazement with the skill and hands-on learning taking place. In his visit, Lecce noted PSHS’s hospitality and tourism program is the “gold standard of practical skills training.”

“We have seen our incredible teachers, students, and administrators move to meet the needs of program this year. We see resilience in our students as they charge ahead, focused on gaining experience and skills that are integral to their future. Supported by teachers who prioritize the interests and goals of their students, we have been able, as a system to continue with activities that enrich educational experiences and of course, the lives of students,” said Lisa Spencer, coordinator of student success, gap closing, secondary program and SHSM.

In a typical year, former PSHS competitors would come back to coach students, mock judge or talk about their own experiences.

“This continuity of alumni who have set the standard of success and now share it with others is what makes PSHS successful,” noted Cousins.

“I am very proud of all the students that participated in the Skills 2020-21 competitions. It takes an abundance of dedication, determination, and perseverance to prepare and participate in these challenges,” said Roy Desjardins, OYAP coordinator and dual credit teacher. “Mr. Cousins, and the PSHS team, remain dedicated to helping students achieve their personal goals and strive for excellence. It is no wonder that three members of this team received awards. My hat is off to this amazing team, they are truly an inspiration to others.”

Congratulations, Hazel, Keegan, and Sarah. You have made PSHS and NNDSB proud!

I write this message with deepest respect and profound sadness. The discovery this week of the remains of 215 children at Kamloops Indian Residential School is a glaring reminder that��we have a great deal of work to do to educate our society on the tragic wrongs we have committed and continue to commit towards the people whose land we occupy. Any act of reconciliation seems insignificant when faced with such tragedies. Let us consider our own acts of reconciliation as a move toward a more positive and inclusive future for all.

Let us also be diligent in the care of our students and each other and remember that there are supports available through our mental wellness teams. Reach out to your immediate supervisor should you or your students require support.

Please find below a media release which will be sent today to inform the public of the NNDSB decision to lower all flags to half-mast for 215 hours from May 31 to June 8.

The 17�Թ��� community is saddened by the news of the discovery of the remains of 215 children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

Our thoughts are with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, the surrounding First Nations of this area, and all Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.

This disturbing discovery reinforces our commitment to make reconciliation a priority in our school board. We commit to transform our education system to decolonize our practices and our minds and to honour Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives today and every day.

All 17�Թ��� buildings will lower their flags for 215 hours to honour the 215 lives lost in remembrance of all Indigenous children who never made it home and in acknowledgement of residential school survivors and their families. Flags will fly at half-mast from May 31 to June 8.

Sincerely,
Craig Myles
Director of Education

Board Highlights for May Meeting

The following are the highlights of the 17�Թ��� meeting of Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

North Bay secondary schools consolidation update

A report from Superintendent Gay Smylie provided Trustees with an update to the 3:2 consolidation of North Bay’s secondary schools. Many upgrades are set to begin this spring at both Chippewa and West Ferris Secondary 17�Թ���.

The Phase 2 budget was approved in October 2020, with the majority of investment to renovate the libraries and auditoriums. The spaces are required to be flexible and adaptable, as they are multi-purpose areas that are used for classes, presentations and productions. Multiple stakeholders were consulted to ensure the spaces were conducive to creativity and innovation for learners will maintaining flexibility.

Renovations to the auditorium at Chippewa will benefit performers and the audience. There will be a new curtain system and mechanical track installed, modernized lighting including a switch from incandescent towards LED, new seating including an area for wheelchair access.

There was also an investment in Phase 2 to support programming.

A classroom at West Ferris will be retrofitted to support experiential learning programs including hairstyling and esthetics. The Indigenous Hub at Chippewa is being updated to provide casual seating and small group meeting spaces and a kitchenette, and etched glazing will increase natural light while providing privacy for students.

The libraries at both secondary schools are being transformed into learning commons, with flexible seating to accommodate a variety of configurations and barrier-free shelving to increase accessibility. Glazing is used to create individual, small and large group seating options, and space is used innovatively with the creation of built-in banquette seating and an outdoor working/learning space. Electrical outlets have been placed throughout the learning commons to ensure all have access to a power source for electronic devices.

Conceptual designs can be viewed as part of the report in the agenda package.

Virtual learning planning for 2021-2022

Superintendent Tim Graves’ report updated Trustees on the board’s plans for providing virtual learning to students in 2021-2022.

Boards across the province, including NNDSB, have been contemplating how they will offer remote learning in September. The two most common models – virtual school and hybrid – each have benefits and challenges.

The virtual school model operates as its own school, with staff and students reassigned from their home schools. In some boards, families were asked to choose their option early, so virtual schools could be staffed, but NNDSB hopes to avoid early decisions which must be made without a clear understanding of the most current requirements for in-school and virtual learning as laid out by the Provincial Government, Ministry of Education and local health authorities.

The majority of school boards using the virtual school model have restricted or eliminated options to change between virtual and in-class learning during the school year. This is because the changes require system reorganizations which disrupt classroom placements for students and cohort groupings for thousands of students in both in-school and remote learning. Continuity and familiarity are proven to reduce stress for staff and students.

In the hybrid model, virtual school and in-school are not separate programs. Teachers instruct students in their classrooms and provide synchronous (same time), asynchronous and/or paper packages for students at home. Hybrid classes offer the students at home a chance to engage with their instructors and classmates for virtual discussions and lectures, but they can also complete coursework online.

Boards that use the hybrid model don’t face the same staffing concerns, but there are pedagogical challenges for teachers, who must provide synchronous and asynchronous instruction to in-class and at-home learners.

Because of the above-mentioned challenges, �����ٳ���’s senior team has been collecting data for the past 18 months and had delayed making a final decision while waiting for further Ministry clarification on remote learning expectations. Earlier this month the Ministry announced funding opportunities to support virtual learning and asked that families wait to make their decision until June 1, 2021.

There were also additional safety requirements outlined for the return to school in-class, including cohort limitations and the restriction of the numbers of classes students can take at one time.

Staff continue to review funding details, safety strategies and the benefits and challenges of each option in order to identify the learning model that provides the greatest educational experience for students.

Families can expect communication that provides specific information about the 2021-2022 school year which will outline health and safety measures and protocols for in-school learning, a thoughtful and accessible approach to remote learning, and a straightforward process for registering students.

Budget procedures manual outlines process, timeline

In keeping with �����ٳ���’s commitment to governance and transparency, a budget manual has been created that outlines the structure of the budget process, clarifies roles in the process and provides deadlines for the process so that the finance team is able to present the budget to trustees on schedule. The documented process keeps current staff on track throughout the process and supports good succession planning when the board is transitioning senior staff.

The manual outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Superintendent of Business and Treasurer for coordinating the overall budget, superintendents for developing and coordinating budgets within their areas of responsibility, department managers for overseeing budget preparation for their departments, the finance committee for providing direction and priorities for the coming year and to review draft budgets and to the Board of Trustees who establish goals and objectives and approve the final budget.

Outlined in the document are timelines for announcements from the Ministry of Education, requirements for a balanced budget under the Education Act and the deadline for submitting a balanced budget to the Ministry.

Trustees updated on Parry Sound JK-12 build

Trustees were updated on plans that the new Parry Sound JK-12 school anticipated to open in September 2023. The update for the Board came via a report from the Parry Sound Build Committee, whose May meeting featured a presentation by +VG Architects (the Ventin Group).

The committee meeting was attended by +VG’s Paul Sapounzi and Ed Bourdeau, who shared a review of project developments, including a timeline and project stages. The first phase includes a partial demolition this summer, ensuring students have a functional school to attend in September 2021 while construction begins on the new building.

Plans include the demolition of the north side of the current building (library area), while maintaining the cafeteria and shop areas. The two-storey school will feature two wings forming an L-shape: a childcare/elementary wing and a secondary wing. Main elements will be located on the first floor (cafeteria, lobby, gym, administration offices). The second floor will be academic wings, with seven additional elementary classrooms and private study areas. The rear wing will house technology areas, and science and technology wings are being overlaid to make the best use of ventilation systems.

Survey shows NNDSB earning stakeholder trust

Data gathered in surveys taken after each of the six virtual Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) sessions indicated that NNDSB has begun to earn stakeholder trust, as respondents stated the board has come a long way in building trust and cautioned the board to maintain a focus on excellence in relationships.

The MYPS’s has four priority areas: Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Excellence in Communication, Excellence in Relationships and Excellence in Innovation. Excellence in Teaching and Learning was identified as the priority area that was most important to the greatest number of survey respondents. Excellence in Relationships was identified most often as the areas in which NNDSB needed improvement, and Excellence in Teaching and Learning and Excellence in Communication were tied for the areas in which most respondents thought NNDSB was performing best.

The MYSP draft is in its final stages and will be edited and revised before it is finalized for presentation to the Board of Trustees at the June 2021 meeting. The Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement and Well-Being is a living document that will be updated and modified to meet the needs of the entire NNDSB school community and Ministry-mandated expectations as they arise.

The information session presentation (and all other MYSP documentation) is available on the MYSP page.

Projects sought for Trustee Initiative Fund

Chair Aspin shared as part of his report that he would like staff to investigate potential projects for investment by the Trustee Initiative Fund. There is $35,000 left due to the cancellation of events due to COVID. Funds are to be used for events that unify students across the board. Expending this fund was recognized by the Finance Committee as well.

-30-

Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next board meeting.

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on Social media.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Premier Ford schools will remain closed to in-person learning at this time. Students and families will continue learning the same way they have since the return from Spring Break.

Please continue to monitor �����ٳ���’s website for updates and follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We will continue to share accurate and timely information, Ministry correspondence, and resources with you as they become available. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school.

Additional resource material, including learning, mental health, and supports, can also be found on our website.

Stay well.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles

Director of Education

Trustees updated on Parry Sound JK-12 build

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) trustees were updated on plans that would anticipate the new Parry Sound JK-12 school opening in September 2023. The update for the Board came via a report from the Parry Sound Build Committee, whose May meeting featured a presentation by +VG Architects (the Ventin Group).

The committee meeting was attended by +VG’s Paul Sapounzi and Ed Bourdeau, who shared a review of project developments, including a timeline and project stages. The first phase includes a partial demolition this summer, ensuring students have a functional school to attend in September 2021 while construction begins on the new building.

Plans include the demolition of the north side of the current building (library area), while maintaining the cafeteria and shop areas. The two-storey school will feature two wings forming an L-shape: a childcare/elementary wing and a secondary wing. Main elements will be located on the first floor (cafeteria, lobby, gym, administration offices). The second floor will be academic wings, with seven additional elementary classrooms and private study areas. The rear wing will house technology areas, and science and technology wings are being overlaid to make the best use of ventilation systems.

The L-shape will allow construction around the existing building while placing the new build prominently on the site between the two main streets.

NNDSB Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “Our Board is very pleased to have received architectural plans from the Ventin Group for our Parry Sound K-12 school currently scheduled to open September 2023. Since elected, the construction of this school has been a top board priority and thus we are very gratified to keep our promise to the Parry Sound region.”

Bourdeau, +VG’s education specialist, told the committee the ideal time to tender is early January 2022, which requires that drawings should be submitted to the Ministry for approval in September 2021 in order to be approved and plans completed in December.

The Board approved a presentation to be made by Chair Aspin, Vice-Chair Cochrane and Director of Education Craig Myles to the Town of Parry Sound Council.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March of 2022, allowing a full 18 months to construct the building. It is anticipated that the move-in will occur over the summer of 2023 for a school opening in September 2023.

Board vice-chair John Cochrane, who is chair of the Parry Sound Build Committee, said, “The taxpayers, students and staff of the Parry Sound regional high school have waited far too long in an outmoded 72-year-old building. Our Board has been committed to rectify this situation. We thank our MPP Norm Miller and our local politicians for expediting our Board’s initiative.”

Sapounzi told the committee that in his experience, the projects that are taking a long time for ministry approval are the ones that come in above budget. He said that taking time to thoroughly prepare and meet all requirements will help expedite the process.

The school has been approved for six edu-pods (four for secondary and two for elementary). The pods are designed by +VG and are interlocking structures that maximize flexibility and reflect quality learning spaces. The cost is comparable to a pre-fab portable, but they can be built by local tradespeople.

Also at the May meeting, the committee approved Terms of Reference, and Board Vice-Chair John Cochrane will continue to chair the committee. Other members include Board Chair Jay Aspin (ex-officio), Trustee Nichole King, Trustee Rob Learn, Superintendent Gay Smylie and Capital Projects Manager Marianne Speirs.

Sub-committees have also been formed to support information-sharing and to keep the project moving in a timely manner.

-30-

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Learning can take place in all sorts of different places – a greenhouse is one of them.

For seven years, the budding greenhouse at Mattawa’s F.J. McElligott Secondary School has provided students with various horticultural and life skills.

“I really liked working in F.J.’s Greenhouse because we were outside and got to do hands-on work. I learned about soil, plants and how much everyone loves the greenhouse. I would like to do it again next year,” said Nic Guenette, a Grade 10 student.

The 1,300 square foot greenhouse was donated to the school in 2014 by local resident Laura Ross. Ross, along with her family utilized the greenhouse for decades before looking to pass it on.

Each year, students from various classes participate in the planting of plugs and seeds, nearly 28,000 of which were planted by students this year. In addition to planting, students also participate in daily deadheading, watering, basket creation and general maintenance of the plants, which are sold. Students learn about how plants are nurtured for maximum growth, the importance of soil properties, proper watering schedules, the value of sunlight to growth and about the business aspects of owning a greenhouse.

Sales from the greenhouse go towards helping F.J. students pay for class trips, school events and sports. Proceeds also help with beautifying the front of the school, maintaining and updating the greenhouse, and an annual scholarship for F.J. Grade 12 grads: FJ’s Blooming Greenhouse Scholarship.

Over the years, there have been numerous classes participate in the planting and maintenance of the plants. Some of these include Essential Science, Special Education, Learning Strategies, and Green Industries.

This year, there was a new addition – a Retail and Marketing class – which has been working on a logo and poster design to support sales.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, changes had to be made. A customer limit, mandatory mask wearing for all volunteers, staff and customers, frequent hand sanitizing, creation of a one-way loop for customers to maintain social distancing and plexiglass at the cash register.

During the opening weekend, which began on May 7, sales blossomed with nearly half of product sold.

“It was great to be back in the greenhouse after missing a year due to COVID and we were overwhelmed with the support we received from our customers on our opening weekend,” said teacher Martha Goodfellow. “Our students worked hard to ensure that all of our seedlings were planted before Spring Break which meant planting on average 4,500 per day. This was an amazing feat for students that were completely new to the process, and I was very proud of them.”

Fellow teacher, Judy Dupuis expressed her gratitude for the community support that has been shown over the years and especially this year.

“We had a great opening to the greenhouse and the support of the community has been amazing. The customers have been so pleased with the ability to shop local and support the school at the same time.”

While supplies last, the greenhouse will be open until June 1, 2021. For days and hours of operation, head to Facebook and look for FJs-Blooming-Greenhouse.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Today the provincial government made two announcements that affect 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) students and staff.

The government has extended the stay-at-home order, so remote learning will continue until at least June 2.

It was also announced that children between the ages of 12 and 17 will be eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine beginning May 31.

You will find more information on both announcements in this .

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

The two-person team is supervised by Liana Blaskievich, Officer Corporate Affairs and works closely with senior administrators to provide timely and accurate communications. The team is a new addition to NNDSB, working as part of the Director’s office, and was formed in response to an extensive consultation that showed a deficit in communications. The team’s goals are to share NNDSB news and decisions with a variety of stakeholder groups.

The team is comprised of Communications Officer Deb Bartlett and Communications Coordinator Josh Casey. Both graduated from journalism programs; Casey also has a post-grad certificate in public relations and corporate communications, and Bartlett has a marketing diploma and just completed a communications degree. Together, they execute the plan that supports the board and while increasing communication to, and engagement with stakeholder groups.

Communications is a catch-all phrase that encompasses a variety of skills and activities that involve building relationships inside and outside the organization. The team is responsible for messaging and promotion of the NNDSB brand internally (within the board) and externally (outside the board); to increase awareness about the board and its activities; and to foster improved media relations. These goals are achieved in a number of ways – providing concise dissemination of Ministry of Education information, emails to staff, media releases, fresh web content, letters to families and updates to trustees as provided by senior administrators, Board Highlights and regular posts on a number of social media channels. The team also consults with the senior administrative team on issues relating to brand and perception.

Casey started with NNDSB in September 2020. He is responsible for covering news at the school level, updating board news on the website and managing social media. Bartlett joined the board in January 2021 and is responsible for board-level initiatives, creating and implementing the communications plan. She is the Freedom of Information (FOI) and Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act lead and has just agreed to take the lead for records management in a consultative role to board departments.

The team has already launched several initiatives to increase awareness and other ideas to be implemented that align with the board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) which will come to the Board for approval in June and launch board-wide in September. Two of the four pillars of that plan – excellence in communications and excellence in relationships – are key focuses of the team. Its initiatives are strategically developed to fill communications gaps and when possible, are being measured to ensure they are meeting their objectives. Among the initiatives the team launched are increased frequency of media releases (media monitoring is taking place), enhanced social media activity (with tracking of analytics to measure engagement), this In the Works feature which highlights roles and positions in the board, and an initiative that will officially launch in September that amplifies the student voice in NNDSB communications.

Additionally, the Board Highlights document is shared with staff and stakeholders as well as media to share the news and decisions of the Board, and the Director’s monthly staff newsletter provides updates about Board and senior administrative decisions.

“Excellence in communications and excellence in relationships are key objectives for NNDSB. This means extensive work to repair and build long-standing partnerships and forge new relationships,” says Blaskievich.

“We strengthen our relationships by building trust in the organization. We do this by providing authentic, transparent, timely and accurate communications. We have come a long way in 2020-2021. This is the first time that NNDSB has benefited from a team of communicators that is focused upon sharing the best of NNDSB. I am proud of this team and how they have embraced NNDSB as their own, communicating to reveal our best work and highest intentions. We have more work to do, but I have the utmost faith in this team to make it happen,” she said.

Register now for summer secondary school credit courses

Students have until June 18 to register for secondary school credit courses being offered at 17�Թ���’s (NNDSB) summer school.

Because they are being offered remotely, courses are accessible to students from all areas of NNDSB, as well as students from other boards and international students. There are a number of courses available from Grades 9-12 at the open, academic, applied, college and university levels, as well as new credit (110 hours) or upgrade/half credit courses (55 hours). Summer school will run from July 5 to 30 inclusively. Students are allowed to take one full credit course or coop placement, or may take two upgrade credits during summer school.

Principal of Secondary Summer School Jamey Byers says, “In unusual times, we are offering a variety of courses for students to upgrade or to take a new credit. Our offerings will allow students to continue to learn this summer and support their credit achievement efforts.”

There are also cooperative education placements being offered, with priority being given to students who require experiential learning components for their Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) certificates and students requiring the cooperative credit to graduate. Approved placements will be virtual, based on current recommendations of the health unit.

NNDSB is offering a Grade 8 Secondary School Reach Ahead Credit for current Grade 8 students who want to earn a secondary school credit prior to beginning secondary school. The course focuses on learning strategies to help students become more successful and independent learners.

All courses are subject to sufficient staffing and enrollment to run.

Each course will be delivered synchronously and asynchronously. All students will need access to a device and reliable internet throughout the day.

Attendance is mandatory, and students are expected to connect with their teachers each day of the course.

Students of NNDSB and other boards should speak to their guidance counsellors to register. International students should contact summer school secretary Terri Reidt at 705-472-5419 ext. 5991.

For more information, visit and select summer school under the programs tab.

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Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Education made an announcement that remote learning will be an option for the 2021-2022 school year.

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) staff are reviewing the announcement and its implications and finalizing how September’s return to school will be offered. Once the models have been determined, we will communicate with families, clearly outlining your choices for school in the fall.

The swing from in-person to remote is difficult for all of us, as we navigate the on-going challenges of education in times of a pandemic. It is our belief that the evidence suggests that for most students in-person is the best way to learn, when it is safe to do so. NNDSB schools have shown to be low risk for COVID transmission, and in-person learning has positive effects on children’s mental health including their need for socialization.

Families should give thought to how they would like their children to attend school, as you will be asked to choose an option in the coming weeks. Please be advised that in order to staff schools and provide consistency to students throughout our system, there may be limited flexibility to switch between remote and in-class learning throughout the year.

As always, �����ٳ���’s decisions are based on what is best for students.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Student Senate supports peers in pledge to be well

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is pleased to announce the launch of a Wellness Together Pledge as part of the Student Senate’s focus on mental health.

During the week of Mental Health Week, May 3-7, NNDSB intermediate and secondary school students will unite to Pledge to Be Well.

Designed to increase mental health awareness and promote ways of coping with stress, pledging students will receive a wellness kit. There are three kits to choose from: mind, body, and spirit. All three contain items to help students stay active and fit; items to keep their brains engaged and focused; and items to help build inner strength and balance.

This mental health initiative is designed to acknowledge students who have adapted to the changes to the educational model throughout the pandemic and provide them with tools and resources to manage their stress and anxiety.

On a daily basis, �����ٳ���’s mental health leadership team has been inspired by the resiliency and perseverance of its students and are happy to support their efforts.

The wellness kits will be safely distributed during the week of May 17. This campaign can be found on �����ٳ���’s mental health campaign’s Instagram @ThriveNNDSB.

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Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Extended French program exclusive to NNDSB junior students

A second choice for French as a Second Language – Extended French – is an option that is offered locally only by 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) with a Grade 5 entry point.

Extended French provides more French language instruction than core French but is not fully immersive, with approximately 60 per cent of instruction in French. It is designed for students who do not speak French at home. The program begins for students in Grade 5 and continues throughout secondary school.

Research shows that second language learning enhances students in the reasoning, problem-solving and creative-thinking skills necessary for 21^st century learners, as well as providing students with advantages in future career options as bilingual speakers.

Extended French is available in all areas of NNDSB. It is offered at Land of Lakes Public School, Parry Sound Public School, E.W. Norman Public School, Mattawa Public School and White Woods Public School. Students may continue Extended French at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, F.J. McElligott Secondary School, West Ferris Secondary School, Northern Secondary School and Parry Sound High School.

Families interested in pursuing Extended French for their children are encouraged to visit this page, or call their nearest school that offers the program. Current NNDSB students need to , and students new to NNDSB must register with the board and select Extended French in the language program dropdown menu.

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For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Secondary report cards for this past Octomester are now available online through Edsby. Students and parents/guardians can view report cards by logging into Edsby with their assigned accounts.

Please visit our Parent Portal www.nearnorthschools.ca/parent-portal/ to access Edsby. You can also reset your password for your Edsby parent account from the Parent Portal. If you require an Edsby account, please contact your child’s school.

Once you’ve logged into Edsby through a web browser, click on the View Report Cards button along the left side of the screen under the classes panel.

Edsby is the 17�Թ���’s secure communication platform providing parents and guardians access into their child’s classroom. Parents have the ability to stay informed of the day-to-day activities and track their child’s learning through Edsby.

Should you prefer to receive a paper copy of your child’s Octomester 6 Report Card, please contact your school.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Funding supports installation of school ventilation systems

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) has applied and been approved for $6.2 million in joint federal and provincial infrastructure funding to improve air quality in classrooms. The funding, under the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream: Education Related (CVRIS), is part of a larger project that provides upgrades to public infrastructure.

�����ٳ���’s application was for the evaluation of building systems, verification of performance, review and update of recommended maintenance measures for air handling systems. The funding covers the purchase and installation of ventilation equipment for 15 schools and will optimize air quality in a variety of spaces, including classrooms, offices and gyms.

The funding was announced earlier by the Province of Ontario, but the local announcement was made this morning by MPP Vic Fedeli and MP Anthony Rota, with participation from NNDSB Chair Jay Aspin.

“As Chair of the Board of Trustees, I express my gratitude to the provincial and federal governments for their support of NNDSB in our goal of providing education while keeping student and staff safety and well-being top of mind in these challenging times,” said Chair Aspin.

“Supporting air-quality and other infrastructure projects in Nipissing schools helps to protect our communities, making them stronger, healthier and safer today, and for years to come,” said MPP Fedeli. “These are extremely important investments that will upgrade our schools’ infrastructure and systems ��– all part of the Covid-19 response,” added MPP Fedeli.

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For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Highlights from April Board meeting

The following are the highlights of the 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) meeting Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

New Parry Sound school update

Acting Superintendent Gay Smylie provided Trustees with an update on the new JK-12 school being built in Parry Sound.

The update notes the board’s project team has met with architects from the Ventin Group and established the basic criteria for the new school, including the project schedule as well as conceptual site and floor plans. Conceptual plans are being refined, and it is expected that a report with designs will be presented at the May 2021 Board meeting.

Trustees were provided with the project schedule that would see the demolition of a small portion of the school this summer, in preparation for new construction beginning March 2022. The schedule allows for an opening date of September 2023.

Surplus items available for sale online

Several departments of NNDSB have collaborated over the past few months to put a process in place for the distribution of surplus items resulting from the consolidation of North Bay secondary schools. A new Administrative Guideline for Surplus Furniture and Equipment was created, accompanied by a process to distribute relevant material to schools, then to offer the materials to outside sources if required.

To date, more than a dozen NNDSB schools have taken advantage of the new online inventory processes, and items were shipped to sites over the Spring Break, ready for use when in-person learning resumes.

Items are declared surplus if they are not required for use in schools, already exist in sufficient amount or are not suitable to support 21^st century learning. As per the Administrative Guideline, after items have been distributed to schools, any remaining surplus items will be auctioned on . Members of the public will be able to bid on items and if successful, pay online.

Most NNDSB items will appear under the Furniture/Furnishings category, although there are items to be found in other categories.

Successful bidders will be contacted by staff in the Finance Department to arrange pick up their items. The public is encouraged to view the board’s guideline and terms and conditions before placing a bid.����

Summer Learning program recognized provincially

Director of Education Craig Myles shared with Trustees that NNDSB was recognized provincially by the Council of Directors of Education (CODE) for the successful work of last year’s Summer Learning Program.

The board’s outcomes were combined with those from eight other school boards for a report submitted to the Ministry of Education by CODE. The report showed how summer learning successfully supports Ontario’s vulnerable students and their families from all regions of the province.

Last summer, and for several years previous, NNDSB facilitated a technology-enabled distance learning program combined with small group learning experiences that promoted resilience, well-being and social interaction, while improving literacy and numeracy skills through fun and engaging activities.

If the Summer Learning Program is approved to run this summer, identified students will be invited to participate.

Executive team offered PD in human rights

The board’s executive team has been invited to participate in the Intensive Program in Human Rights for School Board Leaders offered through Osgood Professional Development. Similar to the sessions for trustees that were offered earlier this year, the session will provide a foundational understanding of human rights standards and equity relevant to Ontario’s publicly-funded school boards, and principles of the province’s Human Rights Codes, with a focus on addressing systemic inequality.

Each session features a keynote presentation by a human rights expert followed by facilitated small group discussions and case studies, designed to help integrate a human rights and equity-based approach to the work of school board leaders

Virtual information sessions held for stakeholders

The Multi-Year Strategic Plan Committee has organized six information sessions for stakeholders to learn more about the improvement plans that will support student achievement and well-being. The sessions are held from 6 to 7 p.m. beginning April 27 and will be held in all regions of the board. The schedule and Zoom links to all meetings can be found here.

Mental wellness webinars organized by PIC

�����ٳ���’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) has organized a three-webinar series to support students and their families in mental health and well-being. The sessions are being held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on three consecutive Wednesdays.

The series kicked off April 21 with the board’s mental health lead, Susan Lessard, on the topic of Strategies to Help Your Child with Mental Wellness. On April 28, the board’s mental health team presents a companion webinar on How to Help a Friend with mental Wellness and What to Do if You or Your Child Are Struggling. (Participating with your teen is highly recommended for this session). The final webinar on May 5 will be led by Justin Hawn, education technology program coordinator and Andy Rogers, technology-enabled learning and teaching contact. The session will show how parents and students can connect to the school through various technology spaces to enhance learning and well-being whether remote or in-person.

More information about �����ٳ���’s PIC and links to the webinars can be found . The webinars are free of charge and are open to anyone in the community.

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next board meeting.

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on Social media.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Information Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Without a doubt, this has been a challenging school year for everyone at 17�Թ��� (NNDSB). Together, staff and families have navigated a school year unlike any other.

In spite of the obstacles, students – supported by an amazing team of staff and family – are drawing near the close of another school year.

NNDSB is creating a multi-media presentation that thanks the people who contributed to student success and well-being this year and is seeking submissions that express thanks to members of the school community.

We are asking staff, students and families to think of people or teams that deserve a thank you, and to send expressions of gratitude to us. Submissions may be written, drawn, audio files, photos or short videos, which will be used in the creation of a Sway presentation, and made available to all in the NNDSB community. Contributors may submit more than one thank-you message.

Submissions may be sent digitally to josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca, or in hard copy to 17�Թ���, 963 Airport Rd., North Bay, ON�� P1B 8H1 Attn: Josh Casey by Friday, May 14.

We look forward to seeing what you are thankful for this school year and sharing the finished project with you.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

NNDSB appoints new Superintendent of Business

17�Թ��� is pleased to announce the appointment of Seija Van Haesendonck as the Superintendent of Business and Treasurer. She will assume the role July 19, 2021.

Van Haesendonck is a Chartered Professional Accountant, CA, and holds a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Waterloo. She has served as the Superintendent of Business and Treasurer for The Northwest Catholic District School Board since 2015 and was previously that Board’s Manager of Finance for six years.

Van Haesendonck’s appointment resulted from the February retirement of Superintendent Liz Therrien.

Interim Superintendent of Business and Treasurer, Wally Easton, will transition Van Haesendonck into the position.

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Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

NNDSB hosting six regional virtual information sessions to introduce multi-year strat plan to stakeholders

17�Թ��� stakeholders are invited to attend one of six regional virtual information sessions, at which the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) will be shared. The session will explain how the Board, Department and Staff Improvement Plans for Student Achievement and Well-Being all align with the Board’s four priorty areas of Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Relationships and Excellence in Communication.

Presentations will include the common themes in stakeholder data that informed the collaborative planning, in which Trustees established the priorities of the MYSP.

All sessions run from 6 to 7 p.m. The schedule and the corresponding Zoom links are as follows:

Zone 1: North Bay – April 27 –

Zone 1: Sturgeon Falls – April 28 –

Zone 2: Mattawa – April 29 –

Zone 3: Port Loring – May 4 –

Zone 4: Parry Sound – May 5 –

Zone 5: Sundridge – May 6 –

Following the information sessions, stakeholders will have the opportunity to submit

feedback. Feedback documents will be available on the MYSP page of the website.

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For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

• Understanding the apprenticeship pathway as an educational system��

• How to start an apprenticeship in high school��

• Advantages of the apprenticeship in relation to college and university��

• Community support around apprenticeship

Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at 7 p.m.��

Brought to you by the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program��

Join Here:��

Test Your Connection:

Guests : Collège Boréal, Canadore College, Employment Ontario, MLTSD Labour Market Group, CSPNE, CSCFN, NPSC, NNDSB��

View the PDF version here.

OSSLT field test a multi-faceted opportunity for NNDSB

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is proud to be one of a handful of school board’s participating in this year’s optional field test of the new online Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).

The field test, which runs between March and June, allows students in Grades 10 and 11, and non-graduating Grade 12 students, to attempt the test and, if successful, have it counted on their transcript.��If the student is not successful, it does not count against them since this year is a trial of the new system.

Earlier this school year, the Ministry of Education waived the literacy graduation requirement for all students graduating during the 2020-2021 school year. Graduating students do not need to take the field test.

Field testing allows students and educators to become accustomed to the new assessment model. This pilot time also benefits the board’s IT department with the implementation of a new system-wide format.

Working collaboratively with EQAO’s support services, NNDSB technology staff continue to ensure both computers and the backend system can withstand the format. The field test also assesses the bandwidth and security measures for the deployment of a safe exam browser (SEB) on all school devices used to administer the test.

NNDSB Technology Department Manager Glenn Morrison says, “Once we understood and clarified the requirements with the support folks at EQAO, our IT department teams were responsive and did great work to ensure these network requirements were met and the required client software was installed where needed. Feedback received from those schools who have recently completed OSSLT testing was very positive”

This pilot will replace the former written by hand assessment and is slated to roll out across all provincial school boards for the 2021-2022 school year. These digitized assessments can be adaptive and allow for a more student-focused experience, which in turn helps to reduce test anxiety and allows students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in different ways.

The new online OSSLT is only available for students learning in-person, because a proctor is required to supervise the assessment. During the time of COVID-19, proper cleaning and room schedules ensure cohorts are not cross-contaminated.

Families, students, and staff can view the online test and its platform through .

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Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As you are aware, the Ministry of Education has moved all publicly funded schools to remote learning following the Spring Break. Thank you for your patience over the past few days. The challenges faced by families and by staff alike have been numerous and frequent. I want to thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate through the changing landscape.

As we head into remote learning after the Spring Break, please review the following communication closely, which outlines important information regarding plans for students to engage in remote learning next week.

On Monday, April 19, students can expect their teacher to provide further direction. Remote learning for elementary and secondary students will begin on Tuesday, April 20.

Access to 17�Թ��� for Supplies

Students who may have left an item at school prior to Spring Break, which is essential to their learning, should contact their school to arrange for safe pickup.

Technology Distribution

We realize that some students will need to borrow a device from the school in order to learn from home. If your child has no other access to a device for at-home learning, please mention this to your child’s teacher or principal. We will do our best to distribute available devices as soon as possible. We recognize many of our families will be sharing one home device, we are planning with this in mind.

High-Needs Special Education Students in System classes

High-needs, special education students in system classes/specialized program classes��will be provided with the opportunity to attend school��in-person��beginning on Wednesday, April 21. Teachers of specialized class programs will contact families who previously selected in-school learning to determine if they would like to return to in-school learning or to continue remote learning until all in-school learning resumes.

We will re-assess the classes and situations at regular intervals to ensure the programs are running smoothly and safely as per local health unit guidance. Parents/guardians, and students where appropriate, are encouraged to select the option that would best meet the needs of their youth and family.

The Special Education department, in coordination with the transportation consortium, will make every effort to provide regular transportation for in-school learners in fully self-contained specialized program K-12 classes commencing on April 21.

PD Day on April 23

Friday, April 23 is a Professional Development Day for all staff. Therefore, no remote learning will take place for students on Friday as staff will be engaged in professional development.

Online Learning Resources

Please continue to refer to our��Near North Passport to Learning website,��which offers a variety of resources and tools that cover a range of grades and subjects that may be helpful for students and parents during this time. Resources will continue to be updated and expanded upon on an ongoing basis, including mental health supports for students and families.

The Ministry of Education recently announced the launch of two new portals,��and��, which provide supports for students learning remotely by accessing additional educational resources developed by Ontario certified teachers.

In addition, secondary students can continue to access TVO’s��and��, which provide access to 144 Grade 9 to 12 courses. These ILC resources are designed to provide flexible learning opportunities to help students keep up with their learning or deepen their understanding of a specific subject.

Thank you and stay safe.

Craig Myles

Director of Education

Parent Involvement Committee offers webinar series

The Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) of 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is pleased to offer a series of three webinars that focus on student mental wellness.

For the 2020-2021 school year, PIC has chosen to focus on the Ministry of Education goal of promoting well-being.

For students to achieve academic success their well-being is critical, and parents play an essential role in achieving these goals. Through the guidance of our PIC parent co-chairs, the themes of mental health, connectedness and communication were identified to create an online three-part speaker series.

PIC is pleased to offer three one-hour sessions presented by the NNDSB Mental Health and Education Technology departments.

The sessions are being held on three consecutive Wednesdays, beginning next week. The dates and topics are:

• April 21 – Strategies to Help Your Child with Mental Wellness (Susan Lessard) for parents of students in Grades K-12
• April 28 – How to Help a Friend with Mental Wellness and What to Do if You or Your Child Are Struggling (NNDSB Mental Health Team) for all parents, highly recommended to participate with teen
• May 5 – Staying Connected to the School through Technology (Justin Hawn and Andy Rogers) for parents of students in Grades K-12

Details and the link to register can be found via this link to PIC’s . PIC invites any families with students to attend the webinars; students do not have to attend NNDSB schools to join the webinars.

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For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

During the 2020-2021 school year, the NNDSB Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) is focusing on the Ministry of Education goal of promoting well-being.

For students to achieve academic success their well-being is critical, and parents play an essential role in achieving these goals. Through the guidance of our PIC parent co-chairs, the themes of mental health, connectedness and communication were identified to create an online three-part speaker series.

We are pleased to offer three one-hour sessions presented by the NNDSB Mental Health and Education Technology departments.

The sessions are being held on three consecutive Wednesdays, beginning next week. The dates and topics are:

• April 21 – Strategies to Help Your Child with Mental Wellness (Susan Lessard) for parents of students in Grades K-12
• April 28 – How to Help a Friend with Mental Wellness and What to Do if You or Your Child Are Struggling (NNDSB Mental Health Team) for all parents, highly recommended to participate with teen
• May 5 – Staying Connected to the School through Technology (Justin Hawn and Andy Rogers) for parents of students in Grades K-12

Please click on the link to our where you will find more details and the link to register.

We hope you will join us!

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Ontario government this afternoon that all publicly funded schools across the province will move to remote learning after the Spring Break.

Starting April 19, elementary and secondary students will shift to remote learning. At this time, there is no return date for when in-person learning will resume.

During the shift to online learning, child care for non-school aged children will remain open, before and after school programs will be closed, and free emergency child care for school-aged children of eligible health care and frontline workers will be available.

Students with special education needs, who require additional support that cannot be accommodated through remote learning, will have the option for continued in-person learning.

In the coming days, we will share additional details with you as they become available.

Please continue to visit �����ٳ���’s website for updates.

Thank you and stay safe.

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Further to Friday’s communication about asymptomatic COVID-19 testing during Spring Break, there are also a select number of pharmacies conducting these tests.

As of this afternoon, the government website does not list the pharmacies, but the pharmacies that are participating are the same ones noted in the March 31 letter to families.

Pharmacies

COVID-19 rapid antigen testing is available for students, children and staff at participating pharmacies, which can be found below. To book an appointment for a rapid antigen test, please call one of the participating locations.

• No Frills/Loblaws – Sturgeon Falls (705) 753-5850
• Shoppers Drug Mart – 66 Josephine Street, North Bay (705) 497-8542
• Shoppers Drug Mart – 276 Lakeshore Drive, North Bay (705) 476-3244
• Shoppers Drug Mart – 2025 Cassells Street, North Bay (705) 474-8200
• Shoppers Drug Mart – 90 Bowes Street, Parry Sound (705) 746-2932

Please see the linked letter/consent form and bring a printed copy of the consent form on the day of the test.

Thank you.

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Before the Spring Break begins, 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) would like to inform you of opportunities to access COVID-19 testing during the break.

Asymptomatic targeted testing assessment centres will be available to students and staff in the community.

• April 12-18, students, children, and staff will have access to asymptomatic testing at local assessment centres.
• Children attending child care located within schools, and child care staff, will also be eligible to access this testing.
• To book an appointment, visit the , and select “assessment centre” as your location type, with the booking details requested.

Thank you again for all your efforts to keep our schools safe. Together we can help to keep ourselves and our communities safe and healthy.

Take care and stay safe.

Thank you,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for continuing to follow the public health and safety measures that have kept schools open and safe for students and staff. It is our collective effort that continues to ensure your children can learn in the classroom.

As per recent announcements, the province has implemented a province-wide shutdown for four weeks in response to worsening trends in key health indicators across the province.

The mental health and well-being of children continue to be a key government priority and schools will remain open for in-person learning through the provincial emergency and stay-at-home order. The Spring Break will continue as planned, from April 12-16, and schools will reopen for in-person learning on April 19.

In light of the recently announced measures, it is more important than ever that we continue to follow health advice over the Spring Break to do our part to keep schools open, for in-person student learning.

At this critical point in the pandemic, the following public health measures are crucial to help prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19:

– Socialize with only your own household.

– Stay home and get tested if you feel ill.

– Participate in the targeted testing offered by NNDSB.

– Screen every day, including during Spring Break, for COVID-19 symptoms before attending child care (the is available to assist families with symptom screening).

– Practice good hand hygiene habits, masking, and physical distancing.

– Refer to to learn what public health measures are in place in our community.

– Refrain from travelling.

During the Spring Break, students in Grades 1-8 can continue to engage in their own learning through supplemental, curriculum-linked activities available at TVO Learn and TFO IDÉLLO, apprendre à la maison. These rich, engaging opportunities allow students to keep up with their learning and interests. Secondary students can continue to access TVO’s Independent Learning Centre (ILC) Open House and Portes ouvertes pour les cours TVO ILC in French-language

English) and (French) are also available to provide one-on-one online tutoring services for elementary and secondary students. covers online math tutoring in English for Grades 6 to 10 and supports all subjects for French-language students in Grades 1 to 12.

For the week of April 12-18, pharmacies that currently offer testing and assessment centres across the province will accept appointments from students and education staff for asymptomatic testing. The Ministry of Education will be working with school boards to offer school-based clinics. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this testing capacity to have their children tested to support a safe return to school on April 19. Children attending child care, and childcare staff, will also be eligible to access this testing.

As a reminder, before coming back to school on April 19, you must . If your child or anyone in your household is ill, stay home and follow the guidance in the school screener.

By following public health advice, we can all enjoy a safe Spring Break and continue to support in-person learning in our schools.

Have a safe, fun and restful break.

Thank you,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This afternoon the Government of Ontario announced that in an effort to combat the rising number of COVID-19 cases, a state of emergency has been declared, and stay-at-home orders have been imposed across the province effective 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, April 8, 2021.

The announcement does not include the closure of schools. At this time, staff and students who are working and attending school in-person will continue to do so.

NNDSB will continue to monitor this situation and will advise families of changes that affect education.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In the past few weeks, news of the health risks associated with the use of face masks containing nanoform graphene has been circulating.

In response to a Health Canada advisory, 17�Թ���’s (NNDSB) health and safety team reviewed the technical specifications of the masks provided to the board by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and in the board’s current inventory. The team has determined that none of �����ٳ���’s mask supply contains nanoform graphene.

All masks that have been provided by NNDSB to staff and to students who have forgotten their masks are free of this material and are safe for use. The board’s team will respond to any issues that may impact the health and safety of staff and students. All are encouraged to continue to use board-provided personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with current policy and procedure.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Ontario government has announced a new round of funding that will double the . Parents and guardians will receive $400 per child aged 0 to Grade 12 and $500 per child and youth aged 21 years or younger with special needs to help offset additional learning costs during COVID-19.

Parents and guardians of students who received a payment through the program do not need to apply for the additional payment. The government will issue payments beginning April 26, 2021, in the same manner in which Support for Learners funding was received.

If you missed applying for this, applications will be open from May 3 to May 17, 2021.

Only one parent may apply for the funding, and the person should have custody of the child.

Children, youth or students are eligible if they attend a publicly funded school, attend a private school, attend a First Nation operated or federally operated school, attend school in-person or online, are homeschooled, are enrolled in child care or are at home.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Humphrey Public School students embark on community nature trails project

Grade 6 students at Humphrey Public School have been involved in an exciting project. In collaboration with Whispering River Music and Seguin Township, students have embarked on an art project for the local community to reflect on how COVID-19 has impacted their lives.

“We started by reflecting on the emotions that have arisen during this time. Next, we discussed our experiences, and from there we brainstormed 12 questions that might encourage others to reflect on their experiences,” said teacher Pam Moorhouse.

Some of the questions included:

• Where have you found joy this year?
• Have you been angry?
• What are you grateful for?
• What have you lost? What have you found?
• How has COVID affected your life?

After brainstorming questions, students spent time sketching, while listening to local musicians Brenda Muller (cello) and Zach Louch (bass) play music that was inspired by the student’s questions (through Microsoft Teams). The pair are music teachers at Whispering River Music.

Brenda led the students through some conversations around the importance of humans sharing stories to help them get through difficult times. She will be coming back to help the students compose music inspired by their art!

Students picked a question to focus on and created an art response. These pieces were painted onto wooden signs that the students put in the woods on the Humphrey Nature Trails across the street. The community is encouraged to add their artistic responses.

This project is the first part of a bigger project that Whispering River Music has embarked upon.

The Creative Communities project is based on an old storyteller’s saying: When you tell one story, you should always tell two. That way the stories will lean on each other. The public is invited to paint their stories on wood and to let their stories “lean” on the students’ stories. In many ways, communities are comprised of stories that lean on each other to create a shared cultural experience. It is our hope that the practice of leaning stories on each other will create a River of Community through the forest to support us all in difficult times.

Historically, humanity has created art to help communities and individuals transcend, persevere and endure. In keeping with that tradition, students reviewed the archaeological find of Cave Art near Lascaux, France, where 17,000-year-old paintings were discovered, that have been inspired by the paintings of even earlier artists. The paintings, like stories leaning on each other, are layered and nestled into the walls of the cave.

Perhaps the most compassionate image from the Lascaux Caves is that of many hands outstretched on the cave wall, created by painting over the artists’ hands and leaving a silhouette imprint. Whispering River Music and Humphrey Public School are inviting contributors to sign their story-art pieces with a silhouette of their hands on the back of their boards. In this way, their hands can join hands with the hands painted so long ago, and with those of the students.

Students and staff at Humphrey Public School would like to thank Gray’s Paint and Flooring, Ryan Wettlaufer and Cornerstone Carpentry for the donation of materials.

“Stay tuned…other classes are going to be adding their art and music to this ever-evolving project soon,” exclaimed Moorhouse.

This project has been funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This afternoon the provincial government announced a four-week shutdown in the Province of Ontario as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 3 in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19.

The announcement places more restrictions on aspects of business operation but does not affect education. 17�Թ��� will re-open after the Easter long weekend for students who are learning in-person.

These are challenging times for all of us, and we appreciate your support and patience. �����ٳ���’s website has a COVID-19 updates page where you will find board and local health unit updates, as well as links to provincial information.

Updates are also posted on our social media accounts; you can follow us on and .

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

17�Թ��� (NNDSB)’s mental health team is comprised of a mental health lead, social workers, child development counsellors or commonly known as youth counsellors, brief and attendance counsellors, Indigenous youth and family outreach workers, and mental health and addictions nurses.

All of these professionals interact with educators, students, parents/guardians and community partners to deliver mental health promotion, prevention, group services and brief intervention services within all regions of the board’s 34 schools. The team’s overarching goal is to create circles of care around students in support of their academic achievement and helping them reach their fullest potential.

Most, if not all departments and services offered in the education sector have, at one point or another during COVID-19, strategized and re-imagined how services and educational learning are administered. Mental health services are no different.

Sue Lessard, �����ٳ���’s mental health lead, outlines how their services have adapted and enhanced services for students.

“Our team is better connected. We can quickly consult with each other on a daily basis. Connecting with a student virtually not only saves time, but also offers faster and enhanced supports for that student,” says Lessard. Since it can be done remotely, many students seem to prefer this method. “Depending on the student, face-to-face can be awkward for them so some students really like online, on the phone or even texting,” she adds. Lessard notes it’s important to know what platforms students engage on to better support their individual needs to building that trust connection.

“The ability to connect with students virtually has helped and made our services more accessible,” says fellow social worker Steven Spack.

Lessard adds the team works closely with the student’s school to develop a circle of care plan to help support that student.

“When we develop a plan, it’s also thinking how can that teacher support the student in the class and discussing with the principal how the school culture can incorporate social and emotional learning to enhance that student’s experience,” says Lessard.

In addition to assisting students on a regular basis, the social workers also handle crisis situations where a student may be struggling and need additional supports and resources.

Part of their role as social workers is to work hand-in-hand with community partners, including if a student is being discharged from hospital.

“We connect with the social worker at the hospital as part of discharge planning and how we can support that student. If needed, we connect with that student as a follow-up,” says Spack.

Lessard says COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of mental health and highlighted the need for supports for everyone. “I am very proud of our social work team. They have responded to this crisis with energy, enthusiasm, and hard work” she says.

The mental health team has created campaigns and challenges to help students with their mind, body, and soul. One of the campaigns is called Thrive in a Hive. Lessard notes there will be new challenges coming, and asks people to watch for them on Instagram @NNDSBsupports.

As part of �����ٳ���’s mental health services team, Child Development Counsellors are located in the schools.

In elementary schools, Child Development Counsellors provide supports such as: social-emotional skill teaching in targeted evidence-based group programs that build skills in emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, coping, and stress management; mood management; problem-solving, and peer relationships. Student wellness is the focus of using strength-based approaches to build resiliency in all of our students.

In the intermediate and secondary schools, students can access walk-in counselling provided in all the high schools. These counselling services include a focus on teaching problem solving, stress, and mood management, developing a positive mindset and communication skills. The counsellors address a variety of concerns ranging from low mood, managing anxiety and stress, complying with parental and academic expectations, drug misuse and suicidal thoughts and urges to self-harm.

All NNDSB counsellors are trained in screening for suicide risk and are well versed in pathways to additional care when required.

Located at West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS), Sue Beaulieu is one of the many dedicated counsellors. She has been in her position at WFSS for seven years. “Here at West Ferris, I have a very supportive administration and I feel very lucky to have such a great staff to work with,” she says.

Developing and maintaining that trust with students is important for Beaulieu and that includes the location of her office.

“Having my office located in the guidance and attendance office opposed to closer to the administration is important in building that trust in a way to not confuse students and build that connection,” she says.

In addition to supports students, Beaulieu is also there for the staff.

“Supporting staff is part of my role because if I can help a teacher with their own mental well-being (that) will benefit the students as well,” she says.

One of the favourite parts of Beaulieu’s job is being there for the students and helping them through their challenges.

“Having the student in my office and sharing personal information with me is an honour. The fact that they trust me to share their thoughts and feelings with and being that one person that they can trust,” she says.

When a student comes in for the first time and they seem apprehensive about talking, Beaulieu’s caring and compassionate skillset allows for that trust connection to be developed. Some of the students may only need to come in once or twice, but others make it a regular visit to share some things that they are having a difficult time with.

“We’re here to listen and being there for the student in that moment. Sometimes I don’t even try to sort through the problems until the second or third session because they just have so much to share.” Beaulieu says that as counsellors it’s not them who solve the problems, it’s the students. “A lot of the time I will have a student thank me for solving their problems and my response is always ‘I didn’t solve your problem, you did.’ I was just there to encourage, listen, and possibly provide more resources. It’s the individual who works through their challenges.”

Reflecting on previous interactions with students, Beaulieu says students have come back years later to say she literally saved their life.

“When they come back with the exact date and say ‘when I came in to see you, you saved my life.’ That makes me a bit emotional,” Beaulieu expressed. “Feeling like I’ve made that connection and had a positive impact on their life is an honour and privilege.”

To learn more about mental health services at NNDSB, visit the board website.

To our Parents and Community Partners,

This year has affected the lives of people around the globe. Our points of reference changed overnight. We were forced to modify instantly our habits and discover a new norm for work, school, and living. Through this collective experience, we’re all discovering new strength.

We would like to acknowledge the fortitude of our Near North District school board team. Each member works tirelessly, aligning their collective energy and skills to meet the needs of our student and partners. They do whatever it takes to get the job done.

As we plan for the 2021/22 school year, we do so faced with many unknowns. What we do know is that the mental wellness of your children will be paramount and it will be “all hands on deck” at the 17�Թ��� to support every student in closing any gaps of the past year due to COVID disruptions in learning. We will continue to support you and your children to engage in learning with us where social, emotional, physical and cognitive aspects are nurtured. We are currently planning for the return to school. This planning will include a plan for in class as well as virtual learning should COVID restrictions require it, but we are hopeful that we will be able to return to the physical properties. NNDSB will communicate more thoroughly about the return to school in 2021/22 in the near future.

To our families and partners, we know how extraordinary these times are for you. We believe solidarity will help us get through this together. Despite the evolving situation and regular shifts in the way we all live and do business, the Near North Team has confidently adapted, always keeping our community’s wellbeing in mind. Our number one priority is to continue to provide excellence in achievement and wellbeing for all.

Our firm commitment to our families and community partners remains. We are extremely honoured to serve and partner with you.

Jay Aspin������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������� Craig Myles

Chair of the Board���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Director of Education

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In light of the rising number of COVID cases provincially, NNDSB is asking all staff and students to take all of their learning supplies, work and resources home with them tomorrow after school.

Being pro-active means that if there is either a provincial shutdown imposed or a move to remote learning after the Easter weekend, everyone has what they will need to continue learning from home.

We hope everyone enjoys a restful and safe long weekend.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Dear Near North Parents and Guardians,

COVID-19 rapid antigen testing is now available at select Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw Pharmacy locations for students, children and staff of the four school boards in the Nipissing and Parry Sound District.

COVID-19 testing is voluntary and will help to identify cases early, inform Public Health decisions, and manage outbreaks. Participants will need to be asymptomatic in order to be eligible to receive a COVID-19 rapid antigen test.

If you are interested in participating or are interested in having your child or dependent participate, please review the attached letter and provide your written consent to participate. For individuals under the age of 18 years old, signed consent by a parent or guardian will be required.

To book an appointment for a rapid antigen test, please call one of the locations from the participating list in the letter attached. Please remember to bring a printed copy of the Consent form included in this letter on the day of your test.

Please contact your child’s school if you require a hard copy of this letter.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Administrative and Communications Clerk

Job Description
Job Posting

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) is searching for a candidate to join the team as the Administrative and Communications Clerk on a full-time basis. We are looking for an individual with strong organizational, communication and accounting skills, who can work independently and as a team member. This individual will report to the Operations Manager and will be responsible for the following:

• Receives and responds to or distributes all office communications;
• Interacts with internal and external stakeholders, including parents, schools and
school boards, and operators;
• Assists the accounting and payroll clerk with the administration of accounts
payable, receivable and payroll;
• Maintains and develops strategies for the NPSSTS web site and other
communication tools;
• Maintains and develops key communication messaging; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of three years of work-related experience
and post-secondary studies in office administration, accounting or communications, or a
combination of equivalent education and work experience. Bilingualism is a prerequisite. Salary is based on experience and will be addressed as part of the interview
process.

For a detailed outline of the duties and responsibilities of the Administrative and Communications Clerk, please visit our web site at www.npssts.ca.

Please forward your cover letter and resume by email to info@npssts.ca, or by mail at: 685 Bloem St., Suite 201, North Bay, Ontario, P1B 4Z5. This posting will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 9th, 2021. Please note that only qualified candidates will be
contacted for an interview.

Students at North Bay’s Sunset Park Public School hosted special dignitaries for a lesson in social studies.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce, along with Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, joined Mme. Anna Pearson’s Grade 6 French Immersion class on March 17 for a lesson on the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“As a strong believer in the value of parliamentary democracy and informed debate, it was an honour for me to engage with the students of Sunset Park Public School in a thoughtful conversation about the importance of human rights, freedom and Canada’s role on the world stage,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “I sincerely thank Anna Pearson for the opportunity to meet her incredible students – they are today’s leaders.”

“It was really enlightening because some of the information that Minister Lecce told us was new,” exclaimed student Aerynn Kelly, who noted, “It was a really good learning experience for me.”

Echoing her classmate, Rory Corbeil shared, “It was really cool to meet with and ask the Minister a question. People don’t get to do that often and it was really exciting and fascinating to hear what he knew about human rights and the United Nations.”

Students asked Minister Lecce several questions including What is a right? In what ways are human rights important to Canadian citizens? and What do you think is the most important human right in Ontario?

Student Wilson Garbutt shared his experience with meeting the Minister. “It was really cool and exciting to have the Minister of Education visit us because for a lot of students, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.” He added, “I really liked when he answered all of our questions and gave us some questions to answer.”

“The students were very impressive. Their knowledge of Canadian rights and freedoms was inspiring,” said MPP Fedeli. “It was a pleasure to have this opportunity to chat with them, and share that those freedoms were hard-fought, and not found in every country around the globe. It was a fun experience.”

A thrilled Mme. Pearson noted Sunset Park Public School is an amazing school with awesome students and it was great to have Minister Lecce and MPP Fedeli see it first-hand.

“It was really nice that Minister Lecce touched upon some things that we are going to learn about in the rest of our unit on Canada and the global community,” she said, Mme. Pearson added that having Minister Lecce ask the students thought-provoking questions will help students make a connection later on in the unit. “It will be really neat because I’ll be able to pull those into the lesson and say ‘Do you remember when Minister Lecce was talking about this? Well, we’re going to explore that in further detail now.’”

NNDSB Board Chair Jay Aspin expressed his appreciation for the visit. “Our board is pleased that Education Minister Stephen Lecce and MPP Vic Fedeli provided their time to interact, in a most meaningful way, with our Grade 5-6 French Immersion students at Sunset Park Public School. We are very proud of the quality of our students and this opportunity provided first-hand evidence of that pride for our provincial leaders.”

“NNDSB has so many incredible learning opportunities happening in our classrooms each and every day,” said Director of Education Craig Myles. “We are thrilled to have Minister Lecce take notice and have him experience some of our offerings.”

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Sunset Park’s Grade 6 French Immersion students for welcoming our guests into their classroom, Mme. Pearson, and Principal Kim Pauli for their strong leadership and commitment to �����ٳ���’s core values,” acclaimed Director Myles, who shared his appreciation. “I also want to thank Minister Lecce and MPP Fedeli for attending Sunset Park Public School and actively engaging with our students. We look forward to welcoming you to NNDSB again in the future.”

-30-

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Vibha Srinivasa, Jane Lathangue, Nick Goulard and Abigail Truong were nominated by their school communities to be recognized at the event.

COVID-19 forced the celebration to be held virtually instead of in person, but that meant many people were able to attend virtually from their homes and schools. The event was recorded and can be found on the North Bay and District Multi-Cultural Centre’s .

Below are synopses of the nomination details of the four NNDSB students acknowledged during the ceremony.

Vibha Srinivasa is a student at E.T. Carmichael Public School. She was recognized for making exceptional contributions to the classroom and enriching the lives of people around her. Her plaque reads, “Vibha is often seen helping her peers academically withing the classroom and socially during recess breaks.” She is someone who seeks out challenges and is happy to try new things. “Vibha is recognized for her ongoing commitment to supporting others, working hard on everything she does, and always coming to school with a positive attitude”.

Jane Lathangue is a student at Alliance Public School, who was recognized for her willingness to help peers and educators. Her classmates have described her at “a hard-working student who is loyal, genuine and kind”. In addition to working hard to improve her reading and writing fluency, Jane enjoys daily outdoor education time in the school’s forest area, where she is curious about her surroundings. Jane wants to make the world a better place and is seen as “one of Alliance’s students who makes a difference every day with her kind heart and positive attitude.”

Nick Goulard from Northern Secondary School was acknowledged for his infectious positive attitude. His plaque reads in part that he is a “natural leader and shows great school spirit and he encourages all students to participate in activities offered at the school.” In addition to being a peer tutor, Nick has been part of student council, the cross-country, badminton and curling teams, helped homeowners with sandbagging during the Jocko Point flood, and regularly helps at the local food bank.

Abigail Truong of West Ferris Intermediate Secondary School was nominated by the Grade 7-8 teachers for being a student “who goes above and beyond and does a lot to help out in her school and community.” Abigail has built a virtual animal and plant cell model that you can walk through in Minecraft, and completed the Duke of Edinburgh Challenges, which is a physical fitness and skills challenge with civics and leadership components. Abigail is recognized as “an all-round good person and helpful student in her class.”

Culinary arts students at Parry Sound High School had some special guests join them recently. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, and Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka dropped in for a virtual lunch-hour tour on March 16 to explore the school’s renowned Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) tourism and hospitality program and state-of-the-art industrial kitchen.

“I want to thank Parry Sound High School and Blair Cousins for inviting me to speak to his impressive class of culinary arts students as they diligently prepared a veritable feast of dishes,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “We want to ensure students consider all available career options, including those in the skilled trades, and have the opportunity to explore them as they consider their futures. Parry Sound High School’s prestigious program is the gold standard of practical skills training.”

An impressed Minister Lecce spoke with students about the hands-on learning opportunities and real-world experiences captured during their lunchtime cooking.

Student Kendra Potvin said, “It was an honour to speak on behalf of SHSM and as a co-op student in the hospitality course, since hospitality and tourism has been one of my favourite courses to take in high school. It was great to show what hard work goes into our kitchen each and every weekday.”

Students in the program run the cafeteria, which sees the entire school community enjoy nutritious meals, all while learning how to cook and bake.

“It was pretty cool to be able to talk to Minister Lecce and talk about my Cookie Monster cake,” said student Dakota Walker. “It was cool that he took an interest in our class out of the many classes he could have chosen.”

NNDSB Chair Jay Aspin said, “Our board was exceptionally pleased to host Minister Lecce and Mr. Miller to view and appreciate first-hand our fabulous culinary program at Parry Sound High School. The program has a long 30-year history of success and is regarded as one of the best culinary programs in the province.”

“It was a real pleasure to virtually tour Mr. Cousin’s Culinary Program at Parry Sound High School with the Minister Lecce and board members of Near North Public School Board,” said MPP Norm Miller. “The knowledge and skill the student’s displayed were truly impressive. When I was hiring in hospitality, I would have loved to have had access to young people with this training. These skills will serve them very well whatever path they choose to pursue.”

Along with the professional-grade kitchen and excellent programming available for students, teacher Blair Cousins leads students to explore their passions for cooking, decorating, and possible career avenues after secondary school.

“We were honoured to have Minister Lecce and MPP Miller choose our class to visit,” said Mr. Cousins. “We had the opportunity to showcase how we operate both as a classroom and a working kitchen.”

Mr. Cousins added students were happy to have Minister Lecce engage with them and talk about their work. “I was also able to discuss the SHSM program with Minister Lecce and appreciated his support for this valuable program,” Mr. Cousins noted.

“It was an honour to have Minister Lecce visit our highly acclaimed culinary program,” said Director of Education Craig Myles. “Having the Minister take notice of the incredible SHSM programming offered for students at Parry Sound High School reinforces the high calibre of learning for students and the strong leadership of Blair Cousins.”

SHSM supports students in planning for a career in the skilled trades. The hospitality and tourism program allows students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace.

Students learn about food preparation and hospitality services, connect with hospitality employers, participate in training and certification in customer service and safe food handling, and gain apprenticeship opportunities upon graduation.

Closing out the visit, Mr. Cousins presented Minister Lecce with the school’s cookbook ‘PSHS Eats’ as a token of appreciation for his time.

This cookbook was the fourth edition, first created by former teacher Nancy Beers and updated by Mr. Cousins and Ms. Ina Greenwood. The cookbook includes many recipes created or improved by students over the past 10 years with the Grade 11/12 class using these cookbooks for about 80 per cent of recipes used in class.

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Parry Sound High School’s tourism and hospitality students for welcoming our guests into their classroom, Mr. Cousins, and Principal Dawn Buckland for their strong leadership and commitment to �����ٳ���’s core values,” shared Director Myles, who offered his appreciation. “I also want to thank Minister Lecce and MPP Miller for attending and seeing the first-hand experience students are receiving at NNDSB. We look forward to welcoming you to NNDSB again in the future.”

-30-

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Way to go, students!

Watch the short video here:��

Highlights from March Board Meeting

The following are the highlights of the 17�Թ��� meeting of Tuesday, March 16, 2021.

Professional development available to trustees

There are many on-going professional development opportunities available to trustees serving boards of education. In addition to its monthly online sessions, Ontario Public School Board’s Association (OPSBA) offers trustee development modules.

Trustees are able to take advantage of training from the Ministry of Education (governance and election resources) and from the Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA).

New registration process is equitable, accessible

A report provided by Superintendent Gay Smylie explained that �����ٳ���’s new online registration process is a move towards an inclusive and equitable registration process that demonstrates excellence in relationships, communication and innovation.

Updates to the registration form include the option of non-binary choices, including non-disclosed and self-identified under the gender section. This follows a school community survey conducted in 2019 titled This is Us. There is a space on the registration form to reflect any student’s chosen identity. The report on the new process states, “We want all students to feel welcomed and accepted; registering a self-identified gender should be as easy as registering a binary gender type.”

The form now allows for the selection of the language stream the student is entering, with a drop-down menu for the selection of English, French Immersion, and Extended French.

Sections of the form now reflect the acceptance of digital documentation. Parents and guardians are able to attach photos of the student’s proof of age and proof of address, and digital signatures are acceptable. These modifications, approved by legal counsel, will alleviate the need for identification to be seen and verified by school staff.

Additionally, the new form can be utilized by students registering in elementary and secondary schools and streamlines the process. Rather than going to a central location and being forwarded to schools, parents and guardians will now email the complete package to the secretary at the student’s school.

The new registration process came into effect on Monday, March 8, 2021.��

Board seeks new Superintendent of Business

Recruitment has begun to select a Superintendent of Business at NNDSB, overseen by the ad hoc SBO Search Committee.

The committee endorsed the use of the Ontario Education Services Corporation executive search firm and has set a timeline that would tentatively see the potential candidate selected by mid-April 2021.

The search committee is comprised of the Interim SBO, the Director of Education, the Interim Manager of Human Resources, Board Chair Jay Aspin, Board Vice-Chair John Cochrane, and Trustee Nichole King.

Update provided on new W.J. Fricker School

Trustees were provided with a report from Interim Superintendent of Business Wally Easton on the progress of the construction of a new W.J. Fricker School.

The school has been closed and is scheduled for demolition with a new school to be built on the same site. With input from board staff, the architect’s design is 80 per cent completed, which allows the design to be submitted to the Ministry of Education for approval. The 20 per cent to be finalized allows for tweaking before the project goes to tender.

The estimated cost of construction is $14.8 million, which is $2.4 million over the amount allocated by the Ministry. The shortfall has been discussed with the Ministry, which suggested trying to reduce the cost of the school.

The construction of the new school will take at least 10 months, and a delay to the already tight deadline with a redesign will not allow for a September 2022 opening. The report states there is money in reserve to cover the construction shortfall, but permission is required from the Ministry to do that. It was also pointed out that the tender could include requests for separate pricing on some finishes, which would allow for flexibility in choices.

The report recommends proceeding with the design as it is and completing the process for Ministry approval.

Multi-Year Plan Committee adopts terms of reference

The Multi-Year Planning Committee, responsible for developing, setting the direction for and assessing the framework of the 2021-2026 multi-year plan, has become a standing committee of the Board. The committee re-appointed Trustee Bill Steer as its Chair, and adopted its terms of reference, which was approved by the Board of Trustees.

The move to a standing committee means that once the strategic plan is developed, it will be monitored to ensure all departments were on track. Board Chair Jay Aspin called the multi-year strategic plan “a key goal we would like to accomplish this year…it’s our five-year anchor”. The committee has established its chair and adopted its terms of reference, which was approved by the Board of Trustees. Members of the committee are one trustee appointed as chair, one trustee as a general member, the Chair of the Board of Trustees is an ex-officio member, and the Director of Education or designate.

Other parties may attend as observers but are not able to participate or vote.

Among the committee’s responsibilities are developing a multi-year planning process, establishing timelines (benchmarks) to evaluate the current plan and assist in planning new strategic direction, providing recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding facilitator options and their costs, developing the 2021-2026 NNDSB multi-year plan, and discussing/co-ordinating with the Director of Education regarding the need for and use of staff resources.

The Multi-Year Plan Committee will meet as required and provide regular reports to the Board.

Update on status Multi-Year Strategic Plan

In March 2021 the Multi-Year Plan Committee met with the executive team and the system principals to refine the Board Improvement Plans for Student Achievement and Well-being. Feedback from the system team has shown the necessity of refining departmental improvement plans to include more specific process (action) goals to the objectives.

Communications, Program and Facilities will be aligned to the MYSP in late March and will ensure the creation of SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound). Progress will be monitored and adjustments made as appropriate.

The managers of the HR, Business/Finance and IT departments will be supported in building capacity to engage in the planning that aligns to the MYSP.

Department planning is scheduled to begin in late March after Ramsay Partners has engaged in sessions to redefine board office department roles and task performance in addressing operational gaps. Teams must feel settled before engaging in collaborative plans that ask them to see their place in the work toward the department goals.

In a presentation to the Board, Corporate Affairs Officer Liana Blaskievich, who is a member of the committee, said all departments and the work they do will lead to student achievement and well-being. “Everyone is aware of the destination, and all paths lead to that destination,” she said.

KPMG appointed as Board’s external auditors

Acting on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, trustees approved the appointment of KPMG as the Board’s external auditors for a period of three years, with the option of two one-year extensions.

Parry Sound Build Committee takes over

The Parry Sound Architect Selection Committee has been dissolved, and the Parry Sound Build Committee has assumed oversight for the construction of the new Parry Sound build.

At February’s Board meeting, +VG Architects (The Ventin Group) was announced as the successful bidder of the tender to design the new facility, which will include a childcare centre, an EarlyON Child and Family Centre, and a JK-12 school.

Trustee Initiative Fund supports Team 1305

Trustees approved a $15,000 application to the NNDSB Trustee Initiative Fund, which supports organizations and projects that encompass students from across the board, to Near North Student Robotics Initiative (NNSRI), FIRST Team 1305, a competitive robotics team.

NNSRI supports STEM programming for students aged 6 through secondary school, from communities around the board’s catchment area.

Funding for 2021 was requested to buy tooling and materials for prototyping and building a robot at the high school level for this year’s competition, and next year’s expected full season.

The money will also support the establishment of a FIRST Tech Challenge team, buy LEGO equipment to support less able teams at the elementary school level, help fund registration costs at the provincial level for two levels of FIRST Teams, support event costs of 180 students from ages 9-14 to participate in a FIRST Lego League, and support team and event costs for the potential annual FIRST Lego league tournament.

The application says students get real-time experience that offers experiences in designing, building, programming and driving robots, learn engineering, scientific and business principles, interactions with professionals from the community, creating team businesses and presentation documents, developing written and verbal communication skills and the ability to compete at local, provincial and international level competitions.

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next board meeting.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Information Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Ministry modifies Community Involvement policy

The Ministry of Education has made temporary changes to the community involvement graduation policy to remove barriers due to COVID-19.

Students graduating in the 2020-2021 school year will be required to have a minimum of 20 (reduced from 40) community involvement hours. Several policy restrictions have been waived, allowing principals discretion to: allow students to earn hours during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day (for example, students with a spare, or on alternative programming); to earn hours through duties normally performed in the home; and to allow students aged 14 and older to count up to a maximum of 10 hours from paid employment to count towards their graduation requirement if they complete a reflection exercise on how their work provided service.

While students must provide confirmation of their completed hours, the paper-based tracking system currently in place may not be practical.��For graduation 2021, schools have the flexibility to accept confirmation of community hours through a variety of electronic means. Students are encouraged to consult school administration or guidance for details.

Students are encouraged to continue to seek out volunteer opportunities, keeping in mind public health unit recommendations.

Students may be able to fulfill the graduation requirement by volunteering virtually. There are many ways in which students can develop an awareness of civic responsibility while supporting and strengthening their communities. They might consider:

• mentoring younger people through online tutoring
• connecting and supporting seniors through a letter-writing campaign
• delivering groceries to elderly or immunocompromised neighbours
• helping in donation pick-ups for non-profit organizations
• sewing masks for donation to social agencies

Students and their families are encouraged to speak with their school administration or guidance to share their ideas to fulfill community involvement hours.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This letter is to advise you of temporary changes that the Ministry of Education has made to the community involvement graduation policy, to remove barriers for students who are facing challenges due to COVID-19.

Students graduating in the 2020-2021 school year will be required to have a minimum of 20 (reduced from 40) community involvement hours. Several policy restrictions have been waived, allowing principals discretion to: allow students to earn hours during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day (for example, students with a spare, or on alternative programming); to earn hours through duties normally performed in the home; and to allow students aged 14 and older to count up to a maximum of 10 hours from paid employment to count towards their graduation requirement if they complete a reflection exercise on how their work provided service.

Students are encouraged to continue to seek out volunteer opportunities, keeping in mind public health unit recommendations.

Students may be able to fulfill the graduation requirement by volunteering virtually. There are many ways in which students can develop an awareness of civic responsibility while supporting and strengthening their communities. They might consider:

• mentoring younger people through online tutoring
• connecting and supporting seniors through a letter-writing campaign
• delivering groceries to elderly or immunocompromised neighbours
• helping in donation pick-ups for non-profit organizations
• sewing masks for donation to social agencies.

Students are encouraged to speak to their school administration about fulfilling these requirements.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Evergreen Heights Education Centre students in Mr. McMurray’s Grade 4/5 class recently explored the forces of tension and compression when building bridges.

Students were tasked to use the technological problem-solving skills to design, build, and test a frame structure (e.g., a bridge, a tower) that would withstand the application of an external force. Blake and Avery designed a bridge that was so strong it was able to hold up Mr. McMurray’s truck!

Way to go, students!

Students in Parry Sound are benefitting from generosity of local Rotary Club

Students at Parry Sound High School are receiving additional help in math and literacy thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Parry Sound.

Fundraising efforts by the Rotary Club have allowed for a donation of $15,000 for online tutoring services. Math, literacy, and tutoring for success are just some of the opportunities available for students needing extra support in those areas.

Operated by the school’s student services department, students are tutored by qualified individuals. Students who were previously struggling in their classes were able to pass them and receive the class credit thanks to the tutoring service.

“Parry Sound High School is very thankful that the Rotary Club of Parry Sound identified a need for our students early on in the pandemic,” said Parry Sound High School Principal Dawn Buckland. “In doing so, the Rotary Club of Parry Sound has provided support to bridge learning gaps for many of our students through free tutoring.”

The service has helped at least eight students achieve and exceed their goals, with more students expected to join. One student, who was not struggling in their class, wanted to increase their grade beyond a 70 per cent and they were able to do that thanks to the additional supports.

Rotary Club of Parry Sound member Karen Cox said “Our Rotary Club is dedicated to helping our community meet unexpected needs during the COVID pandemic. We knew our local Parry Sound High School students were struggling with the challenges of learning online and in school at this time.”

Cox added “We acquired enough funding to underwrite an online tutoring program to assist those most in need. We reached out to the caring staff at PSHS so they could help get the program up and going. We believe the program has been gaining traction and will hopefully meet our intent that no student will lose a year of learning due to COVID.”

This isn’t the first act of generosity from the Rotary Club of Parry Sound. Earlier this year, 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) was able to offer support for purchasing healthy snacks for at-home learners through grocery gift cards thanks to the Rotary Club.

Whether students learn remotely or in-class, a nutritious breakfast and snacks are imperative to learning. NNDSB has offered a robust nutrition program in the form of snack and/or breakfast programs to students for years in all school. These programs allow students to choose a variety of healthy foods each day while at school. The support of the Rotary Club has allowed NNDSB to expand on that program to include at-home learners.

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Parry Sound for your continued generosity to NNDSB schools, students, and their families.

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Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Fully digital school registration improves accessibility

In a move that removes barriers to registering students in the 17�Թ���, a fully digital registration process has been launched today that eliminates the need for an in-person visit to schools and streamlines the process for administrative staff.

The transition to an online system was initially put in place to eliminate the need for parents to attend schools to register their kindergarten students. In light of �����ٳ���’s COVID-19 protocols relating to in-person visits, the board wanted a process that kept in-person contact to a minimum.

Superintendent Gay Smylie notes that COVID-19 has created many opportunities for NNDSB to provide innovative solutions to problems that previously did not exist. Since the pandemic began a year ago, parents haven’t been able to register their children in the usual way.

�����ٳ���’s fully digital system eliminates the need for a visit to the school for registration. Parents and guardians are able to send digital copies of student identification. The new practice, which meets Ministry of Education requirements, and Ontario Student Record guidelines, helps keep people safe, and makes the process more accessible for families that may lack transportation to the school, or the ability to print and scan.

“An online registration format provides inclusive options for parents to register right from the comfort of their own homes as well as submit and sign required documents electronically,” says Smylie.

This is just one way the NNDSB is moving forward in its commitment to excellence in communications and building relationships.

While this new system is being introduced in tandem with the annual kindergarten registration campaign, the new online process is for use by any parent/guardian who has children to register, regardless of age or grade. Students transferring from out of area or from other boards will register using this same process.

Once a parent/guardian confirms student eligibility at a particular school, they can access the new registration forms in one of three ways:

• a fillable PDF or Word document can be downloaded, completed, and emailed to the appropriate secretary right from your computer or phone
• a printer-friendly the Word document can be downloaded, printed off, filled out, and either scanned and emailed, or mailed to the appropriate secretary
• the secretary of the school can mail out or prepare for pickup a registration package to families who would prefer to use paper copies

If submitting the form electronically, the parent/guardian will send it to the appropriate secretary. Secretary names and email addresses can be found on the Find Your School page of the board’s website. The secretary information is helpful for registration purposes and improved communication for families at all schools. The secretary is often the first contact that a family has with its school, so it’s important to start and cultivate the relationship.

This new process streamlines the process by eliminating steps, and is a friendlier way to welcome new families to NNDSB.

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Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Deb Lamb, an NNDSB facilities supervisor says custodians are frequently cleaning high-touch and high traffic areas in their buildings, in addition to increasing the concentration of cleaning disinfectant solution.

“We’ve really upped the disinfectant. We have peroxide disinfectant that we use on door handles, walls, push plates, push bars, light switches, desks, sinks, taps, toilets, stalls.”

Lamb added that custodians are actively cleaning commonly touched items and constantly monitoring the cleanliness of the building throughout the school day because preventative measures are key in keeping everyday viruses along with COVID-19 from spreading.

“Custodians are really the first line in keeping our children from being sick.”

Director of Education Craig Myles said, “Our custodians play a vital role in maintaining a safe environment for students, staff, and the community. Each day custodians come into work, ensuring that health and safety remain top of mind. Without their dedication, our facilities would not be in a condition to support a safe teaching and learning environment. Thank you for keeping our schools a safe place to learn.”

In comparison to other school boards and regions in Ontario, the number of COVID-19 positive cases in NNDSB schools has been very low. Jason Mirtl, �����ٳ���’s acting Manager of Plant and Facilities says this is in part to the outstanding job the custodians are doing each day.

“It really does speak volumes of the great work that our custodians are doing every day to meet enhanced sanitizing requirements for the safety of staff and students. The custodial staff have played a vital role in preventing further spread.”

As additional prevention measures, each NNDSB school has hand sanitizer located at every entrance and exit. When students enter the building in the morning and after recess, staff ensure students are wearing their masks and sanitizing their hands.

Upon entry to schools, students and staff are greeted by information posters and signage on safe practices to be followed to ensure the safety of all. Also, in the schools are appropriately placed directional arrows on the floor to ensure a safe and physically distanced traffic flow.

Though students and staff should not attend school when they are not feeling well, schools have an isolation area if people become unwell during the day. When that area has been occupied, it is immediately rendered unusable until a thorough cleaning has taken place, including the walls.

In the event of a positive COVID-19 case(s) associated with someone within the school community, additional custodians are brought to that school to help with a thorough sanitization of the building. The process includes washing down every chair and every desk in the affected room(s), all washrooms are washed from top to bottom and all touch points are sanitized – push bars, light switches, doorknobs, pencil sharpeners, doors, etc.

While the COVID-19 virus is new and easily transmitted, these enhanced cleaning measures have been implemented for years. Any time a school had an outbreak of pink eye or another communicable disease, an enhanced cleaning protocol was enacted by custodians.

“Our custodians really take health and safety seriously to provide a safe environment for students and staff,” said Lamb.

Innovative and entrepreneurial NNDSB STEAM students recognized by Education Minister

Fionna Truong, Ella Kelso, and Emily Yates may only be in Grades 9 and 10 at West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS), but the female trio has become a force to be reckoned with, catching the eye of Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Education.

Back in June 2020, NNDSB proudly shared that the WFSS’s science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) students were receiving one of 11 worldwide Vale COVID-19 challenge grants for their construction and distribution of a UV Cube sterilizer box. The trio along with fellow classmate Tessa Summers, all from FIRST Robotics Team 1305 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. Two prototypes are actually already in use at the hospital’s emergency department and intensive care unit.

On Feb. 8, the students participated in a video conference with the Minister of Education, local dignitaries, and school administrators to be recognized for transforming their innovating plans into a business opportunity.

“It was inspiring to join MPP Fedeli to witness the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of these young women who have worked hard to deliver a solution to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Minister Lecce. “This government is creating the environment and taking further action to position Ontario as a global leader in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education — especially by encouraging more women to pursue these good jobs and exciting careers.”

Since then, Fionna, Emily, and Ella partnered with CBON Group to create FEME Innovations Inc. and the ‘^TR. In this venture, the three students are learning various aspects of starting a business from legalities, accounting, manufacturing, prototyping, distribution, and marketing.

Qube it^TR, which inactivates germs on everyday use items with ultraviolet or UV light, is in the process of gaining approval from Health Canada, United States Food and Drug Administration, and the Canadian Dental Association. Additionally an ISO 13485 certification. Once additional testing, field research, and marketing are complete, the first line of FEME Innovations’ ‘Qube it’ will begin production.

“I’m always blown away to see the incredible and innovative ideas that our students develop and bring to fruition,” said Craig Myles, �����ٳ���’s Director of Education. “Fionna, Ella, and Emily have reached a remarkable achievement and have become shining stars for young women and for STEAM. This is just one example that speaks volumes to the excellent work that NNDSB students and staff do each year.”

All three students credit WFSS’s STEAM program in helping them get to the point of being able to design and execute a fully functioning product.

“It was really cool to have Minister Lecce reach out and speak with us. It helped us realize that we are going to make a difference,” said Emily.

Along with starting a business, the young women all say they have become more confident in giving presentations and interviews.

“I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity of talking with the media and especially the meeting with Minister Lecce. This has been a big step to show myself that I have gained confidence through this venture,” stated Fionna.

At such a young age, Grade 9 student Emily says this entrepreneurial journey is a new and exciting opportunity that most people her age wouldn’t get to experience. “We had the opportunity to be a part of so many pieces throughout this process. It really opened your eyes to all the different components.”

Echoing her counterpart, Fionna stated all three were previously involved in the robotics, science, and technology aspects.

WFSS staff member and parent of Ella, Heather Kelso says “being part of FIRST Team 1305, a West Ferris STEAM student and being friends have all contributed to the success of this venture. This experience will help them continue to grow as individuals and embrace girl-power at its best.”

“It is rewarding to see young women actively pursue STEAM programming options in school. When this is paired with mentors such as Heather Kelso and supported by our community partners like FIRST Robotics Canada it really brings forward opportunities that can be life changing for our students,” said WFSS Principal Andy Gagne.

�����ٳ���’s Board of Trustees has supported robotics learning across the district by providing funds to enhance opportunities.

“Our Board has been an important and consistent supporter of the robotics initiative through contributions from our Trustee Initiative Fund. It is certainly gratifying to see this investment play a role in this significant result as we are focused on opportunities for our students to attain their full potential,” said Jay Aspin, NNDSB Board Chair.

Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said, “It is great to see the work that these young women have put into the creation of the UV Sterilization product they are now marketing. Their work with FIRST Robotics and Team 1305 wasn’t just about building robots – it built character and confidence.”

Speaking about the scope of their project, Fedeli said, “They took those skills and have created a COVID-related product that has the capacity to greatly assist frontline healthcare workers and could be put to use in many other areas. It is wonderful to see that they saw a challenge, collaborated, designed a solution, and learned how the production and marketing of it came together. Simply brilliant!”

All three young women hope to inspire others in pursuing their goals, strengths, and passions especially when it comes to women in STEAM.

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Mapleridge Public School students, in various grades, have been learning about customs and traditions of the past, how they can be enjoyed in the present and come to understand their purpose and relevance.

Last week, students��were introduced to a game called Snow Snake, a traditional Iroquois winter sport dating back hundreds of years.��Historically, the games were played when the men of the villages returned from their annual hunting trip.��Snow snakes are hand-made from a flattened or carved piece of wood. The object of the game is to throw the snow snake the farthest distance along a smooth trough made in the snow.

With a combination of history learning and physical education, students have encompassed collaborative education, and exploring differing life experiences in a hands-on way they are sure to remember!

Mme Pearson’s Grade 5 French immersion class at Sunset Park Public School were joined virtually by Ms. Erica Kataquapit of Omushkegowuk Cree First Nation, who taught students about Wampum Belts, The Tree of Peace and their importance to the��Haudenosaunee.

Students also learned about treaties and the agreements that provide the foundations for ongoing cooperation and partnership as we move forward together to advance reconciliation.

Kinana’skomitin Ms. Kataquapit!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

NNDSB is pleased to share the following Child Care��Viability��Survey��for��2021-2022. This short survey will help determine the number of child care programs that operate for school-aged children (ages��3.8-12 years).

The survey can be found here: . If you require a paper copy of the survey, please contact your child’s school.

The Child Care��Viability��Survey is open from March 1 to March 12, 2021.

Child Care Needs Survey 2021 Poster EN-FR (1)

Child Care Needs Survey 2021 Poster FR-EN

Thank you,

17�Թ���

Social Work Week is celebrated annually in Ontario during the first week of March.

NNDSB recognizes our dedicated social work team and their contributions to achieving mental health and well-being across our district.

With over 20,000 Registered Social Workers in Ontario, they play an essential role in the overall mental health and well-being of individuals in our communities.

This year’s Social Work Week theme is “You are Not Alone”. Resources can be found on the Ontario Association of Social Workers’ website: .

Happy Social Work Week!

Students are learning all about the design and construction of a house by making their own small versions. Starting with framing the floors, students then move onto constructing the walls, roofs, and finish with cedar shake shingles and wood siding.

The learning opportunities experienced by the students in this fun project are multi-curricular. Along with building, there is a strong sense of literacy through reading plans and numeracy through measurement and calculations. Some students even chose to customize their houses and finish them off with a fresh coat of paint.

Excellent work, students!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Ministry of Education has updated the school and childcare screening tool and provided new direction for attendance requirements.

School and Childcare Screening Tool

This includes new provincial direction that staff, students and children with��any new or worsening symptom��of COVID-19, as indicated in the school and childcare screening tool, even those with only one symptom, must stay home until:

• They receive a negative COVID-19 test result.
• They receive an alternative diagnosis by a health care professional, or
• It has been 10 days since their symptom onset and they are feeling better.

Daily screening of all students before coming to school is critical to keep our schools as safe as possible during the pandemic.

Isolation Requirement for Household Contacts

Household contacts of individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to come to school. This means that if a student is sick, all other school-aged children from the home must stay home and follow public health guidance. This measure is being put in place across the province due to the presence of variants of concern.

• All household members who are contacts of anyone with symptoms are required to quarantine until the person with symptoms receives a negative COVID-19 test result or an alternative diagnosis by a health care professional.
• If the person with symptoms does not have COVID-19 testing, all household contacts must quarantine for 14 days from their last contact with the symptomatic person.

If you have additional questions, please contact your child’s principal. For up-to-date information, visit the 17�Թ��� and websites.

Thank you,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Sunset Park Public School has been given the green light to reopen by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. Students and staff will return to in-person learning on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021.

17�Թ��� would like to reassure you that the school underwent an extensive cleaning by custodial staff. All student and staff areas were thoroughly disinfected during the 14-day closure.

The health unit would like to share some important updates and reminders to help you prepare your child for their return to school:

• Be sure to complete the daily COVID-19 school and childcare screening tool before coming to school:

• Staff, students and children with any new or worsening symptoms of COVID-19, even those with only one symptom, must stay home until:
  1. They receive a negative COVID-19 test result;
  2. They receive an alternative diagnosis by a health care professional; or

• It has been 10 days since their symptom onset and they are feeling better.
• All household members who are contacts of anyone who has symptoms are now required to quarantine until the person with symptoms receives a negative COVID-19 test result or an alternative diagnosis by a health care professional.
• If the person with symptoms does not have COVID-19 testing, all household contacts must quarantine for 14 days from their last contact with the symptomatic person.
• Please note that the provincial COVID-19 school and childcare screening tool will be updated to reflect these changes in the coming days.
• Pack your masks/face coverings. Students are required to wear a well-fitting mask/face covering at all times, including outdoor recess, except when eating lunch. This includes wearing a mask/face covering while waiting at the bus stop and riding the school bus.

• Pack extra masks/face coverings as they need to be changed when they become wet or dirty.
• Practice and encourage proper hand hygiene. Students should wash or sanitize hands frequently both at home and at school.
• Reinforce the importance of Physical Distancing. Students should stay at least six feet/two metres from others as much as possible.
• Continue to follow stay-at-home measures in order to keep schools as safe as possible. Stay at home except for school, work, essential shopping, outdoor exercise, or healthcare appointments. Limit contact outside of school/work to only the people you live with.

Thank you for everything that you are doing to keep our schools and communities safe. Please visit the North Bay Parry Sound District website at for more information. Specific COVID-19 school-related questions can be directed to the health unit’s school call centre at 1 800 563 2808, option 6.

On behalf of NNDSB, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our students, families, and staff of Sunset Park Public School for your patience and understanding over the past couple of weeks.

We look forward to welcoming you back on Monday!

Stay well.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles

Director of Education

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Following last week’s Ontario Government announcement on a delayed March Break, NNDSB has updated the 2020-21 school year calendar to reflect the new date; April 12-16. The updated calendar can be found on �����ٳ���’s website.

Thank you,

17�Թ���

Architectural firm selected for new school in Parry Sound

North Bay, ON – With tonight’s approval of the recommendation of the ad hoc Parry Sound Architect Selection Committee, the 17�Թ��� is a step closer to bringing educational and child care opportunities under one roof for the families in the areas of Parry Sound, Nobel and McDougall.

“Our Parry Sound region has been very patient with the continuous delays with this project in the past,” said Chair Jay Aspin. “For this reason, I am extremely pleased that our board made the construction of this school a top priority. Vice-chair John Cochrane, who is Chair of our Parry Sound Build Committee will work diligently with our administration to complete the project in a timely manner.��We look forward to the development of an educational facility of which we can all be proud.”

The board’s acceptance of the bid by +VG Architects (The Ventin Group) follows a multi-phase process in which short-listed candidates were scored in several categories. Chair of the selection committee, Trustee Nichole King, is satisfied with not only the outcome, but with the “thorough, independent process” navigated by the committee. The process guided the committee to its conclusion that the most qualified firm has been selected to design the new build.

+VG Architects, with offices in Brantford, Toronto and Ottawa, has experience with this type of project, and that experience was part of the committee’s support for the bid.

Director of Education Craig Myles is looking forward to welcoming a childcare centre, an EarlyON Child and Family Centre and a JK-12 school. “In consultation with +VG Architects, we look forward to creating flexible and shared learning spaces to promote the building of 21^st century skills, and to increase experiential learning opportunities that honour all learners in the Parry Sound region.”

The 17�Թ��� is grateful for the support of the Ministry of Education for this capital project.

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett

Information/Communication Officer

17�Թ���

P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Ministry of Education defers March Break four weeks

North Bay, ON – Following this afternoon’s announcement by Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, the 17�Թ��� is sharing with its stakeholders that the March Break, scheduled for March 15-19, 2021 has been deferred until the week of April 12-16, 2021.

The Ministry decision was made in consultation with public health experts in an effort to reduce travel and gatherings and help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett

Information/Communication Officer

17�Թ���

P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This message is to inform you of the Government of Ontario’s .

This afternoon, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announced that the March Break, scheduled for March 15-19, 2021 has been deferred until the week of April 12-16, 2021.

The Ministry decision was made in consultation with public health experts in an effort to reduce travel and gatherings and help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Education Minister Stephen Lecce more schools are set to resume in-class learning.

Beginning Feb. 8, MacTier Public School will resume in-class learning, which means all 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) schools will now be open for in-class learning.

Please continue to monitor �����ٳ���’s website nearnorthschools.ca for updates and follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We will continue to share accurate and timely information, Ministry correspondence, and resources with you as they become available. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school.

Additional resource material, including learning, mental health, and supports, can also be found on our website.

Stay well.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles

Director of Education

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This letter is to inform you about a change to the process this year regarding students’ immunization records.

Typically, families are notified of out-dated mandatory immunizations and given a timeframe in which to receive the immunization, or update records with the health unit. At the end of that timeframe, the board receives notice from the health unit regarding which students are to be placed on suspension under the Immunization of School Pupils Act.

This year, the medical officer of health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, Dr. Jim Chirico, has lifted the suspension component. No suspension letters will be issued this year to those who have not provided updated records. This decision was based on a number of factors, including students who are learning remotely, doctor availability, and logistical concerns caused by the pandemic.

The same process is in place in the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, which affects students attending MacTier Public School.

Families are still responsible for immunizing their children. When immunizations are given, parents and guardians should ensure the information is faxed from their doctor’s office to the health unit, so the student’s record is updated.

Please note, this is a temporary measure only that affects the deadline of updating information, not the necessity of immunization. For the school year 2021-2022 families will have to update their records.

More information about vaccination programs can be found .

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Beginning Feb. 10, all secondary students (Grade 9-12) will be required to confirm that they have completed a COVID-19 self-screening as part of the attendance process. A link has been placed on all our secondary school websites��and on��our Near North DSB website. Secondary school students will access this to complete their self-screening.

If students do not pass the COVID-19 self-screening they should remain at home. Homeroom teachers will confirm with students that their self-screening has been completed.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

17�Թ���

By Emma Dupuis

F.J. McElligott Secondary School recently participated in the Motive Power: Universal Skills Initiative. This project is designed to inspire young women to view apprenticeship as a viable pathway and to explore several skilled trades in the motive power sector including Automotive Service Technician and Truck & Coach Technician.

This virtual workshop was hosted by Canadore College and funded by School College Work Initiative (SCWI) and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).

The event was broken into two parts. The first part of the day ran remotely by Randy Hall, a Canadore College motive power instructor, involved students working with callipers to measure engine components, measure spark plug gaps, and use tire pressure gauges.

“The day was very informative about the college. I enjoyed getting to measure the bore cylinder and not just watching a demonstration,” exclaimed Grade 11 student Bryn Davis.

When asked about why this day was important Mr. Hall said, “Many trades have been male-dominated and now changes in different trades, especially motive power, have opened up many more avenues that young women may find appealing.” He added, “Employers are also doing their part by making accessibility pathways easier for young ladies. It’s important to remember that it was the amazing female workforce during the First World War and Second World War that built all types of equipment, from tanks to planes to support our troops.”

The second part of the day involved a Zoom meeting in which students had the opportunity to attend a virtual tour of Canadore College hosted by either Ric Potvin or Darryl Oliver.

“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to get a virtual tour of the college. The best part was getting to look at engines and spark plugs,” said Brooke Dumont, a Grade 11 student.

Fellow student, Emilio Lavoie stated, “The presentation was really helpful in looking at different programs Canadore offers, how a typical course ran and what types of jobs we might want to pursue in the future. I thought it was very interesting how practical the course layouts are along with the variety of resources Canadore had to help everyone reach their full potential.” He added, “I enjoyed learning about the different types of engines as it helped me understand if mechanics was something I was passionate about.”

Each student received a “grab bag” organized by the Canadore College Recruitment Team containing a toque, tire pressure gauge, a spark plug gap measuring tool along with information about Canadore.

Students enjoyed the educational opportunity and learned potential pathways after secondary school. “It was cool to have a virtual tour of the Canadore campus and learn about the different apprenticeship programs the college has to offer. Overall, the entire presentation was really educational,” said Nicky Botham.

This event was an excellent way to engage students in the world of the trades and help them better understand the options available for their post-secondary careers.

“It was great that girls were given this experience,” exclaimed student Shannon Wall.

• 194 mandatory instructional days;
• Maximum of seven (7) Professional Activity Days (PA Days);
• Maximum of ten (10) examination days (for secondary schools).

NNDSB staff and some of the board’s stakeholder groups have been notified that effective March 1, 2021, Mr. Easton will transition into an Acting Senior Business Official (SBO) role while the board recruits a permanent replacement. Mr. Easton will assume all of the reporting relationships and duties assigned to SBO Therrien to ensure the continued effectiveness of business within our board and school community. Additionally, he will support the board with the executive search and mentor the permanent successor to ensure they are well-settled.

Mr. Easton has an extensive knowledge of NNDSB through his role as a Special Advisor to the Minister of Education. His broad experience and expertise are valued assets that will benefit the board as it solidifies its Multi Year Strategic Plan, and its focusses on strong fiscal management, growing positive relationships and innovative learning.

In addition to his work as a Special Advisor, Mr. Easton has served as a policy analyst with the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association from 2012 to 2018 and was responsible for the analysis of various financial, business and labour matters related to education. Prior to that, he was the Associate Director, Corporate Services and Treasurer for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board.

-30-

Information about 17�Թ���:
17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Information Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with additional information with regards to the Ontario government’s Jan. 20 announcement.

Several school boards will be welcoming students back to in-class learning on Jan. 25. There is no change for 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) schools.

As per health unit jurisdictions, MacTier Public School will remain closed and students will continue learning virtually until Feb. 10. All other NNDSB schools continue to be open for in-person learning.

Please continue to monitor �����ٳ���’s website nearnorthschools.ca for updates and follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We will continue to share accurate and timely information, Ministry correspondence, and resources with you as they become available. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school.

Additional resource material, including learning, mental health, and supports, can also be found on our website.

Stay well.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles

Director of Education

Historically, open houses for prospective students entering secondary school grade 7-12 would be held in person.

As the pandemic continues and best practice keeps people social distancing, secondary school information open houses are being held virtually. Information sessions are important for students and families to have a smooth transition, ease the nerves, and learn about programming options before starting secondary school.

NNDSB has six secondary schools across communities in Parry Sound, North Bay, Mattawa, Sturgeon Falls and South River. One of two secondary schools in North Bay, Chippewa Secondary School, kicked-off the first open house on Jan. 19.

With 168 families attending the virtual session, it was right in line with in person numbers that would have occurred in years prior. Principal Julie Beaudoin stated families were engaged, came prepared with excellent questions, and staff were very impressed with the turnout.

The virtual open houses support families in remaining safe and following COVID-19 restrictions and allow students and families to attend from the comfort of their own homes, with no need to arrange schedules and or transportation to an in-person event.

“We were so pleased to see close to 70 families attend our virtual “Excelleraider” and International Baccalaureate (IB) session. The small group sessions allowed for a more personalized approach, speaking to both specific and holistic questions regarding the program and its benefits to students,” said Kim Larivee, coordinator and team lead for Chippewa’s IB program.

“The student services presentations were very well attended, especially since it was our first time delivering virtually. We enjoyed the small group setting and the ability for parents to ask questions casually. Our technology ran very smoothly and we were able to share our screen for participants very easily in order to demonstrate the course selection process,” said Colleen Point, Chippewa’s team lead for student services.

“We were ever so grateful to have our parents join us for our virtual evening. It was the first of its kind! We look forward to working closely with your student as they continue in their academic journey! See you in September,” exclaimed principal Beaudoin.

For up-to-date information regarding upcoming open house sessions at NNDSB secondary schools, visit nearnorthschools.ca.

Media Contact:

Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

NNDSB wants to send a friendly reminder to everyone in our school communities about COVID-19 guidelines to be followed while under��.

Guidelines for expectations while on NNDSB property can be found��here.

While off school property, outside of instructional hours, provincial����are in place.

Of significance to our staff and students is the requirement to wear masks and that up to five people may gather outdoors if physical distancing of two metres can be maintained.

Thank you.

17�Թ���

Students of 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) who use assistive technology devices are able to benefit from a unique opportunity this school year.

In the fall of 2020, NNDSB launched a new training initiative to provide targeted individualized coaching support on their assistive technology devices for students with a learning disability.

NNDSB has entered into a partnership with , Ontario’s largest provider of coaching services for students with learning disabilities. has more than 20 years’ experience providing coaching support for school boards, families, the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

Five hours of virtual coaching sessions are provided to students with a consistent coach using individual, needs-based strategies activated by assistive technology to foster independence.

Although students have increasing access to technology, they sometimes struggle to use it well for learning purposes and this program is designed to integrate technology through proven learning strategies.

Since launching this program on Sept. 25, 2020, 54 students have been registered and more than 65 coaching sessions have been completed with positive results.

Students are reporting the strategies they are learning have improved their writing and research assignments. One student said the strategies he has learned have benefited his ability to feel more comfortable participating in class, become a better writer, and use a computer more efficiently.

Parents and teachers are also invited to coaching sessions, in order to continue the support for students.

Assistive technology can change the trajectory of students’ lives when supported by appropriate strategies to foster independence and that is the focus of this program.

The program is supporting students learning in-person and at-home, ensuring that NNDSB students are well supported.

For students to qualify for coaching and training on their assigned device, they must meet the . If parents would like to join their child for their coaching session, this can be expressed on the informed consent form. In turn, they will be able to join the virtual coaching session on the Microsoft TEAMS platform.

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Josh Casey
Information/Communications Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Jan. 14, 2021

Trustee professional development

Trustees of NNDSB are taking advantage of professional development opportunities in the areas of the role of the board and human rights.

Chair Aspin, Vice-Chair Cochrane and Trustees Fry, Steer, Sargent and King were designated to attend the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Education Symposium, scheduled on Jan. 28, 2021. The annual symposium covers topics that affect the role of trustees, and the environments in which school boards operate. This year’s event will be held virtually.

The Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education extended an invitation to all trustees of all Boards of Education to attend two half-day sessions that comprise the Intensive Human Rights Program for School Board Leaders, offered by Osgoode Professional Development. The session will provide an overview of equity principles and the Ontario Human Rights Code, with a specific focus on anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism. Chair Aspin, Vice-Chair Cochrane and Trustees Sargent, Fry, Breault, Steer and King will attend this virtual training on behalf of NNDSB.

This training will complement the work of �����ٳ���’s recently struck committee, the Equity Advisory Circle, which reflects the board’s on-going commitment to equity and inclusion.

Thanks are expressed to the Trustees for participating in these valuable and timely professional development opportunities.

Trustees approve International Education Agreement

The Board approved the International Students COVID19 Readiness Plan 2020. With this approval, the board is one step further in the process of being in a position to accept international students seeking education in Ontario.

The health and safety of staff and students remains a top priority of NNDSB. This plan, working in tandem with Government of Canada travel parameters, the Ministry of Education, and organizations that facilitate international student applications, will help NNDSB cultivate an environment that welcomes international students and enriches the diversity of the student body, in support of tenets in the Board’s new strategic plan.

Reports Presented

NNDSB: A Year in Review

Director of Education Craig Myles gave an overview of highlights accomplished in calendar year 2020 at NNDSB, including the distribution of the Director’s Annual Report, the creation of a framework to support succession planning and improved governance, communications and partnerships.

Most significantly, NNDSB is pleased to have implemented all of the recommendations from the Ombudsman’s Report, and acted on all of the items identified in the Special Advisor’s report.

The report substantiates achievements in each of the five objectives mentioned above, and outcomes of this work will be integrated into the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP).

Board Chair Jay Aspin expressed his appreciation for the effective leadership of Director Myles of a dedicated team, which resulted in these significant accomplishments in the midst of a pandemic.

Multi-Year Strategic Plan

An update was given on the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. The plan’s priority areas are excellence in teaching and learning, excellence in innovation, excellence in relationships, and excellence in communication. The creation of a more fulsome plan, which outlines how NNDSB will work toward meeting the five-year goals, is on schedule.

The MYSP board team will be distributing templates created for departmental planning that aligns the MYSP to the Board Improvement Plans for Student Achievement and Well-being. Planning will include the creation of SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time bound) goals, enabling progress to be monitored, and evidence-informed adjustments to be made when appropriate.

This process aligns all action plans to board priorities.

Chair Aspin said the MYSP will act as a compass for the board, directing its operation for the next five years. Six major areas of work include the implementation of the MYSP, student achievement and well-being, two new school builds, board resources reorganization, North Bay capital property assets utilization, and high school athletics facilities.

Click here to view the MYSP page.

Retirement announced

The retirement of Superintendent of Business Liz Therrien, effective Feb. 28, 2021, was announced. Ms Therrien has provided leadership as Superintendent of Business, and Treasurer to the Board for 10 years.

Committee membership

In keeping with the established governance by-laws, the NNDSB Board of Trustees confirmed membership for each of the Board’s committees. Please refer to the website under Board and Trustee Committee Meetings for current membership.

Information about 17�Թ���:
17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Further to our communication about the provincial state of emergency, which comes into effect Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., updated information has been provided from the Ministry of Education and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit regarding the use of masks at school while outdoors.

According to the health unit, if physical distancing is not possible outside, students and staff will be required to wear masks.

Scarves may not be substituted for masks.

Students are encouraged to bring extra masks to school in case masks get wet when outside.

Thank you.

17�Թ���

Among the highlights of the board’s accomplishments are the creation of a Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) for 2021-2026, the distribution of the Director’s Annual Report, the creation of a finance manual and a streamlined budget reporting process, aggressive application for grants to enhance services of the Board, the initiation of board office reorganization, increased communication and presence on social media, the creation of a draft framework leading to comprehensive succession plans for all staff, and the successful consolidation of North Bay secondary schools.

Director of Education Craig Myles said, “We are pleased at the significant progress we have made and we will continue to look at systemic improvement in all areas of Board structure and function.”

Board Chair Jay Aspin said, “our Board has come a long way this past year, resulting from our diligent work and our Director’s strong, effective leadership in the guidance of a dedicated team.” He pointed out this was accomplished during a “disruptive pandemic”.

While celebrating achievement, NNDSB is committed to carefully plotting the direction of the board. With input from a variety of sources and the guidance of facilitators, five objectives for change were identified: leadership; governance; financial accountability; human resources; and public confidence. These areas are addressed in the MYSP and its focus on excellence: Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Excellence in Relationships; Excellence in Innovation; and Excellence in Communication.

Of the MYSP Director Myles said, “We have invested much time and effort in the design of a thorough MYSP, understanding the important part it will play in providing a clear direction for NNDSB over the next five-year period.”

Board Chair Aspin said major challenges in the year ahead include the construction of two new schools, a board resources reorganization, and the review of secondary school athletic facilities.

The MYSP, said Chair Aspin, will provide direction for the board for the next five years, beginning Sept. 2021. Through aligning goals of the MYSP, improvement will be made to student achievement and well-being, a “continual responsibility” of the board.

-30-

Information about 17�Թ���:
17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Deb Bartlett
Information/Communication Officer
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

The Province of Ontario has declared a second state of emergency and imposed a stay-at-home order effective Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., as outlined in a .

An extension of remote learning was announced for schools in Southern Ontario, but schools in the north, including 17�Թ���, will continue to operate in-person.��MacTier Public School will continue to engage in virtual learning.

Below are changes that affect staff and students in NNDSB:

• Masks are now required for students in Grades 1-3 (in-person learning)
• Masks are now required outdoors, if social distancing cannot be maintained (in-person learning)
• There are enhanced screening protocols (in-person learning)
• There is expanded targeted testing (in-person learning)

We will continue to share information with you as it becomes available. Please know that we take the safety of our students, staff, and community with the utmost importance. Information regarding our enhanced cleaning protocols can be found on our website nearnorthschools.ca.

Thank you.

17�Թ���

Dear Parents/Guardians:

All schools in the 17�Թ���, with the exception of MacTier Public School will re-open on Monday, January 11, 2021, for in-person learning.

MacTier Public School will continue remote learning until Jan. 25 because it is located in the Muskoka Simcoe District Health Unit region.

As previously indicated, staff or students that live outside of our Health Unit district are able to return to their school in the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit region when we resume in-person learning on January 11, 2021. Transportation will be provided to students who live in other health unit regions to attend schools in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit region.

Please see the attached communication from Medical Officer of Health James Chirico for the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit.��

If you have any questions regarding your child(ren)’s learning, please reach out to their principal. They are best suited to address any questions that you may have.

Also, please monitor the board’s website nearnorthschools.ca for updates and follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We will continue to share accurate and timely information, Ministry correspondence, and resources with you as they become available.

Additional resource material, including learning, mental health, and supports, can also be found on our website’s menu sections. The Province’s news release can be found .

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this time.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles

Director of Education

17�Թ��� has received Ministry of Education COVID-19 related funding in the amount of $356,200 to increase the efficiency of heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems to optimize air quality in NNDSB schools.

Facilities staff are in the process of installing the new HVAC equipment in all regions of NNDSB. The installation of portable classroom units will be completed by Jan.10, 2021. Installation of all other equipment should be complete by the end of January 2021.

The new units will optimize air quality in schools, improving the well-being of NNDSB students and staff and helping students and staff to be more productive and comfortable. Air quality is essential to a healthy building. It can impact a building’s structural integrity, energy efficiency and occupant health.

NNDSB continues to actively pursue opportunities to support the safety and well-being of students and staff. The board adheres to health and safety protocols as per the Ontario Government, Ministry of Education and local health authorities. NNDSB is grateful for Ministry of Education support.

Information about 17�Թ���:

17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:

Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The Government of Ontario has declared that elementary and secondary schools in the North, including those in the 17�Թ���, will be open for in-class learning beginning Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. The status of in-person learning at MacTier Public School (which is under the authority of another health unit) will be determined tomorrow, at which time further communication will be provided.

The area, along with the rest of the province, remains under lockdown as it pertains to businesses and other restrictions for a further two weeks.

At NNDSB, the health and safety of our students, staff, and community is our number one priority. Our schools continue to implement every measure as outlined in the NNDSB Return to School safety protocols.

I know the new year has already seen a challenge with the mandated province-wide shutdown, which saw students learn virtually for the week. I understand your frustrations but rest assured that NNDSB staff are doing their best to address the needs of students amid the COVID-19 challenge.

If you have any questions regarding your child(ren)’s learning, please reach out to their principal. They are best suited to address any questions that you may have.

Also, please monitor the board’s website nearnorthschools.ca for updates and follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We will continue to share accurate and timely information, Ministry correspondence, and resources with you as they become available.

Additional resource material, including learning, mental health, and supports, can also be found on our website’s menu sections. The Province’s news release can be found .

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this time. Stay safe and I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2021.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles
Director of Education

Dear NNDSB Parents/Guardians,

We hope that you are enjoying some much-deserved rest and relaxation during the winter break. As we look forward to the start of the new year, we would like to take this opportunity to share additional information with you related to the reopening of schools in January 2021.

As you know, on December 21, the Ontario government announced changes to return to school plans for all schools following the break. Further to the information shared on December 23, 2020, we would like to share some additional details.

Elementary and Secondary Students Attending In-Person School

As mentioned previously, for the period of January 4-8, 2021, learning for all students will take place virtually and schools will be closed to students, with the exception of special education students in system classes and specialized classes. School staff will meet the morning of January 4 and educators will check-in with families before the end of the day. Virtual instruction will begin on January 5, 2021.

Based on current information from the ministry, students attending school in-person for face-to-face (F2F) learning will return to in-person learning at schools on January 11, 2021.

Elementary and Secondary Students Attending Virtual School

As a reminder, for students in virtual school, teaching and learning will continue as previously planned without changes. Your regular learning timetable will be followed beginning January 5, 2021.

Special Education – System classes/Specialized Program classes��

All high-needs, special education students in system classes/specialized program classes will attend remotely on January 4th, 5th and possibly the 6th. Teachers of specialized class programs will be contacting families who had previously selected in-school learning to determine if they would like to return to in-school learning or to continue remote learning until all in-school learning resumes. Parents/guardians, and students where appropriate, are encouraged to select the option that would best meet the needs of their youth and family. Efforts will be made to ensure that regular transportation will be available for in-school learners in fully self-contained specialized programs K-12 classes commencing on the date agreed upon by the school, family and transportation consortium (if required).

More information regarding the return to in-person learning for students in special education programming will be shared by your child’s teacher.

Technology Distribution

We realize that some of our students will need to borrow a device from the school in order to learn from home.�� If your child has no other access to a device for at-home learning, please mention this to your child’s teacher or principal. We will do our best to distribute available devices as soon as possible. We recognize many of our families will be sharing one home device, and we are planning with this in mind.

Online Learning Resources

Please continue to refer to our��Near North Passport to Learning website��which offers a variety of resources and tools that cover a range of grades and subjects that may be helpful for students and parents during this time. Resources will continue to be updated and expanded upon on an ongoing basis, including mental health supports for students and families.

Click here to access our Near North Passport to Learning website:��/learning-at-home/

The Ministry of Education recently announced the launch of two new portals,����and��TFO, which provide supports for students learning remotely by accessing additional educational resources developed by Ontario certified teachers.

In addition, secondary students can continue to access TVO’s����and��Portes ouvertes pour les cours TVO ILC in French-language, which provide access to 144 Grade 9 to 12 courses. These ILC resources are designed to provide flexible learning opportunities to help students keep up with their learning or deepen their understanding of a specific subject.

Please continue to visit / ��for updates.

Thank you for your ongoing support for public education and cooperation as we all do our best to minimize the transmission of COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Craig Myles
Director of Education

December 23, 2020

Dear NNDSB Parents/Guardians,

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Monday that a province-wide shut down will begin on December 26th. This means both elementary and secondary schools will be closed to students, with the expectation of “in-class” learning resuming on January 11th.

17�Թ��� will be closed to students except for high needs special needs students. Students in special education classrooms as identified through the IPRC process and are currently placed in alternative programs in system classrooms will be able to continue to access face-to-face programming in their schools commencing on January 5th. Educators will reach out to the families of these students on January 4th to make the necessary arrangements.

Near North students will continue to be provided with remote learning opportunities from their educators starting January 4th, 2021. Your child’s teacher will be in contact on January 4 regarding the need for technology requests.

During this time, access to schools will only be permitted through the school’s principal for urgent circumstances.

Please refer to our��Near North Passport to Learning website��which offers a variety of resources and tools that cover a range of grades and subjects that may be helpful for students and parents during this time. Resources will continue to be updated and expanded upon on an ongoing basis.

Click here to access our Near North Passport to Learning website: /learning-at-home/

The Ministry of Education recently announced the launch of two new portals, ��and��TFO, which provide supports for students learning remotely by accessing additional educational resources developed by Ontario certified teachers.

In addition, secondary students can continue to access TVO’s����and��Portes ouvertes pour les cours TVO ILC in French-language, which provide access to 144 Grade 9 to 12 courses. These ILC resources are designed to provide flexible learning opportunities to help students keep up with their learning or deepen their understanding of a specific subject.

Student Transportation

Because both elementary and secondary students will be learning remotely the first week in January, no student transportation services will occur January 4-8, 2021. Once elementary ​and secondary schools resume in-class instruction ​scheduled on January 11, 2021, student transportation services will resume.

Child Care Centres in 17�Թ���

The ministry has directed us ​to continue to provide access to ​our childcare centres located within school sites and recreational and skill-building programs when those programs are ​permitted to operate.

Regular updates will be posted to NNDSB’s website: nearnorthschools.ca. As always, check with your school(s) principal.

NNDSB thanks you for your continued understanding as we navigate this storm together. As new information becomes available, we will share those with you.

Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your holidays.

Jay Aspin���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Craig Myles

Chair of the Board���������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Director of Education

Media Release
For Immediate Release
December 23, 2020

The 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) is ready for the mandatory closure of all schools in the district from January 4-8, 2021.

As previously announced this week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated a province-wide shut down will come into effect on December 26. This means in northern Ontario, elementary and secondary schools will remain closed to students until January 11, 2021. A link to that announcement can be found .

At this time, both elementary and secondary students will return to “in-class” learning on January 11, 2021.

NNDSB continues to be thankful for the resiliency of our school community as we navigate this together.

Since last school year’s mandatory closure of schools, NNDSB has learned from the unprecedented shift to student learning. Families can anticipate a continuation of student learning throughout the closure period.

NNDSB is proud to continue offering high-quality education for its students to achieve their fullest potential.

Regular updates will continue to be shared with families and posted to NNDSB’s website: nearnorthschools.ca.

Information about 17�Թ���:
17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

The Ontario Government has expanded the Support for Learners program to include secondary school-aged students and have extended the deadline to apply.

For families whose child is 12 years old or younger or 21 and younger with special needs

This program is available to parents if their child is attending a publicly funded, private, First Nation operated or federally operated school (either in-person or online), is homeschooled, is enrolled in child care, or is at home.

Support for Learners��funding is intended to assist parents with costs incurred during the second wave of COVID-19 for the 2020-2021 school year. Eligible parents or guardians will receive a one-time payment of:

• $200 for each child up to age 12
• $250 for each child or youth up to age 21 years with special needs

Parents or guardians, who are residents of Ontario, with eligible children will need to submit a new application for each child. To find out more information or to apply parents will visit��.

The application process will now close on February 8, 2021.

For families of students 13 years of age or older

Starting January 11, 2021, families of students 13 years of age and older will be able to apply for the Support for Learners program.

Parents or guardians will receive a one-time payment of $200 per eligible student to help offset education expenses. Support will be available for those who attend a public or private school or who are homeschooled.

• $200 for each child
• $250 for each child or youth up to age 21 years with special needs

Parents or guardians, who are residents of Ontario, with eligible children will need to submit a new application for each child. To find out more information or to apply parents will visit��.

The application process closes on February 8, 2021.

This investment is in addition to the initial $378 million investment the government provided in Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID‑19, released in March 2020, which assisted parents while Ontario schools and childcare centres were closed during the first wave of the COVID‑19 pandemic.

**NNDSB Note: The following story was written by District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board**

The spirit of giving and helping those less fortunate is alive and well in the Nipissing District. Groups of local citizens have taken the time to let the less fortunate know that they are thinking of them through gestures of kindness.

“It’s very heartwarming to see the community support people who find themselves without the comfort of family and a home of their own – it shows that the community cares,” says Mark King, Chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board. “These are just some examples to illustrate that compassion.”

Teacher Stewart Bowness at Laurentian Learning Center (17�Թ���) had been working with his students to bake homemade Christmas goodies, delivered last week to the low barrier shelter at 590 Chippewa street in North Bay.

“It was a real pleasure and honour to accompany Jessica Mason and Brandon Lunel from Stewart Bowness’s class from our Laurentian Learning Centre as they exhibited their skills and showed their kindness by providing baked Christmas goodies to our neighbouring friends at the Low Barrier shelter across from Chippewa Secondary School,” says Jay Aspin, Board Chair of NNDSB.

Members of the West Nipissing Knitting Circle/Cercle de tricot and Sewing For a Cause/Coudre pour une cause, programs of the West Nipissing Community Health Centre in Sturgeon Falls, spent time knitting and sewing warm items such as hats, scarves, blankets and pyjamas for those staying in shelters at the Crisis Centre North Bay and the Warming Centre, offering a touch of hand crafted comfort. Many others in the community have made similar donations, including congregants of St. Andrew’s United Church who donated socks and warm winter wear as part of a church collection drive and One Kids Place who, in partnership with Your City Sports, was able to donate socks as part of their annual #sockraiser campaign.

King adds, “I’d also like to take this time to thank all of the people in the community and in the field of human services who have worked especially hard this year to ensure people’s needs are met. The community as a whole has really come together and it shows.”

With the holidays upon us and 2020 drawing to a close, we are immensely proud of the work that is being done to improve the opportunities for all students in 17�Թ���. As you well know, this has been an unprecedented year. We learned social distancing, developed home/work routines, implemented Zoom and Team meetings. We are repeatedly washing our hands, and we wear masks to protect family members, peers, and strangers.

But through this collective experience, we’re all discovering a new strength. Community values are shining through in meaningful ways. We are responsible for making sure almost 10,000 students get to school, are safe and nurtured during school hours, and make it back to their families. The bright and passionate people that make up the NNDSB community are what make this possible.

On behalf of our Board, we acknowledge the strength in our team, who are constantly innovating because we know we are entrusted with the most valuable of human resources: the future.

As the Chair of the Board and the Director of Education, together we extend our very best wishes for the holiday season and a sincere appreciation to our staff and school community. Please continue to stay safe and healthy while you enjoy time with family and friends.

We know that many parents are going to be working overtime this year to find new ways to recreate the holidays to not lose the magic of the season. We know you want to keep the sparkle in your kids’ eyes, to keep them engaged and connected.��With the support of our network of child and youth mental health experts, we have rounded up some tips and ideas to help your family support your child’s mental health and manage the holidays in a pandemic.

Prioritize mental health in the holidays

Even in a typical year, the holidays can be an especially challenging time of year for many families. Expectations of the holidays can be hard on children– and, let’s face it, it’s not ‘the happiest time’ for all of us. When you prioritize your or your child’s mental wellness, you can focus on what works for your family. As a parent, consider the things that feel realistic for you to do and then offer those choices to kids/youth to pick from. So many of us struggle with saying��no over the holidays – perhaps this year, you will feel confident about not over-committing your schedule and slowing things down; and that’s ok! Also, keep in mind that having time to connect with each other is important, but so, too, is having space for everyone to have their own personal time.

Plan Early

Routines and predictability are often beneficial (within reason) for children and youth with mental health challenges. It’s a good time to start having conversations with children about what the holidays may look like so that they understand things will be different this year and they know what to expect. This also allows them to be a part of the new planning process. What is important to them? Is there something new they would like to try? Planning early also gives us time to let other relatives or friends know in advance to manage their expectations, too. Also, consider connecting with the parents of your children’s friend to arrange days before or after the holidays for playdates, either virtually or in-person/outdoors, depending on local public health advice. This can include coming up with a list of outdoor winter activities.

Focus on What’s in Your Control

While we are all doing our part to manage the pandemic, so much of what is happening in the province – and the world – is out of our control right now. This is a good time to focus on the things that are in your control. When it comes to traditions of the holiday season, consider how you can incorporate the traditions, or at least parts of those traditions, that are most important to your family. What are some of the things your family can do to bring a little holiday magic into your home? It could be a simple thing like baking cookies, preparing a special family recipe, or planning for a holiday nature walk as a way to get outdoors and move. If seeing family is important to you, consider the ways you can do that, for example, setting up Zoom while your different households have a special meal.��It won’t be the same, but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it.

Managing Disappointment

For a lot of us, we are going to need to accept that the holidays just won’t be what they usually are. That will be disappointing for a lot of children (and parents!) It’s important to acknowledge that disappointment, especially for children. Give kids a safe space to share their feelings and be heard; let them know this is hard for you, too. Reminding your kids – and yourself – that this is a temporary measure in a very unusual time may make it all feel a little less daunting

Supporting children through grief.

The holidays can be especially hard for families who are grieving. Remembering your loved one, telling stories, and laughing about good times together are all ok to do, and can provide comfort to your child. You might work together to come up with ideas for memorializing your loved one over the holiday. Remember that it’s okay for your child/youth to feel upset as there have been a lot of different types of loss this year.

Take Care of You

The holidays can be a stressful and anxious time for parents, too. Make sure that you are eating, sleeping and enjoying the holidays as well. Maintain healthy boundaries. Take time when you need it, don’t feel guilty saying no when you need to. Do what is best for you and your family. Consider planning��a day where the family could play a game or watch a movie together. But don’t forget to have some scheduled time where kids can play games and parents can take some time out as well.

Don’t Underestimate Your Family’s Resilience

Resilience is about bouncing back from challenges, rather than not having any challenges at all. Look back on your year. What are some of the things you and your family have done to get through this? What is working? What doesn’t work? How have you changed as a parent? Your kids are watching you model behaviour and your resilience is teaching them. Notice what works for your family –�� and remember that this will look different for each family.

We would like to��acknowledge��the��dedication our��staff, students, and families��have��demonstrated��to��ensure a safe and successful return to school this fall.��Your��commitment��to learning��has been��visible –��both virtually, at home and in the classroom.����

While our region has experienced��relatively low��levels of COVID-19 transmission, we acknowledge that conditions are evolving��across the province��and we need to be prepared for all scenarios – including��the possibility of individual classes, schools or the system moving to remote learning for��a period of time.������

While we anticipate a return to “in-class” learning on January 4th, we are taking actions to minimize any potential disruption to learning in the��New Year.����As a reminder, we��have��encouraged��students and staff to take home any materials that they may��require��for remote learning��before they leave school for the holiday.��Our��district��has��gathered information��to��identify��student access to technology for learning at home.��We��will continue to respond to��families’��needs and support access to at-home learning tools and resources��in the event of��any remote learning period.��

Thank you,
17�Թ���

17�Թ��� (NNDSB) held its annual organizational meeting on December 15, 2020. Trustees virtually elected Board leadership for the 2020/2021 year. The Board of Trustees and Director of Education proudly announce the re-election of Board Chair Jay Aspin, and Vice-Chair John Cochrane, effective December 15, 2020.

Aspin, who represents Zone 1; City of North Bay and Cochrane, who represents Zone 4; Parry Sound, have served as the incumbents of their respective positions, and served as Trustees for two years since their election by the public in 2018. “I am pleased Chair Aspin will continue in the role of Board Chair,” said Craig Myles, Director of Education. “While this has been a challenging year, I am confident that Jay Aspin’s leadership, along with the trustees’ wealth of expertise and skill will ensure that NNDSB is in a strong position to continue providing high-quality education to students in our region.”

The Board chairperson, along with all trustees, serve as stewards of NNDSB with statutory authority and obligation to guide the affairs of the organization. They set the strategic direction of the board in response to the needs of their region and work with the Ministry of Education to ensure alignment on issues such as strategic planning, policies and government direction. Trustees elect a chair and vice-chair each year of their four-year mandate.

“It’s a privilege to continue to serve this region as Chair of the Board and to be working with our talented trustees, the Director, and the administration in carrying out the responsibilities for 17�Թ���,” said Aspin. “I look forward to fostering a culture of collaboration and impactful change as we continue to develop a strong student centric focused organization in the face of COVID-19.”

Reports Presented

Director’s Annual Report 2019-2020

Director Myles presented the 2019-2020 Director’s Annual report, highlighting the breadth and scope of programming and system initiatives NNDSB has accomplished over the last year. This report is especially meaningful as it outlines the progress made in achieving the strategic pathways in the current multi-year strategic plan. Key areas of achievement are noted to be increased experiential learning, a more inclusive environment for all students, enhanced communication practices, and overall accountability. Click here to view the report.

Report to the Minister of Education

The Board reviewed and approved its third and final report for submission to the Minister of Education regarding the progress made towards fulfilling the recommendations from the special advisors’ report. This report represents the last in a series of three reports submitted by the Board on the journey to increasing public confidence and transparency. Major themes in the third report include succession planning, establishment of evidence-based organizational alignment, and governance capacity building.���������������� ���� ��

Multi-Year Strategic Plan Update

The Multi-Year Strategic Planning (MYSP) Committee provided a report to the Board regarding the next steps in the development of the new MYSP. This update follows the meeting in November at which the Board approved the MYSP draft framework. Information was presented to note the plan is being constructed to align with the board improvement plan for student achievement and wellbeing (BIPSAWB) and school improvement plans for student achievement and wellbeing (SIPSAWB). The Director’s Office has created a dedicated MYSP section on the website to highlight the progress, and provide a forum for continuous community feedback throughout the process. Click here to view the MYSP page.

Trustee Expenditures

Instilling public confidence through transparency and financial responsibility is key. As such, NNDSB is pleased to share the trustee expenditures report for the school year ended August 31, 2020. Overall, expenditures were $23,000 less than last year. View the full report here.

Each year around the holiday season, schools from all across 17�Թ��� (NNDSB) participate in the act of giving. This year is no exception. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, students have collected donations in a safe manner.

NNDSB schools have collected food, clothing, and monetary donations to help their communities. Students from South River Public School collected food donations during their week-long campaign, which ran from December 7-11 for the local Good Happenings Food Bank.

In addition to these kind acts, there is a multi-learning connection. Character building is one example. This builds on the already outstanding��traits that students have, but service-sacrificing ones own desires and time or energy to benefit others. This initiative also has a math connection. While the donations came in, students created and updated a graph while learning data management.

Congratulations and thank you of your continued success in helping your communities.

Plus, Yacoback and fellow teacher Ryan Culhane were nominated for the Prime Minister’s Teaching Excellence in STEAM team award.

To watch and read CTV’s story, click .

By Emma Dupuis

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, grade 8 students from all four local school boards had the opportunity to grow their knowledge in the culinary field through a synchronous ‘Chef for a Day’ event, held by the School College Work Initiative (SCWI) and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Students learning via the at-home learning platform along with students studying in-school were invited to participate in the culinary event.

During the first portion of the day, each student was provided a backpack filled with ingredients to make their own personal batch of nut-free energy bites. All students received instructions through a live virtual lesson from a Canadore College chef and each student brought their goodies home to enjoy.

FJ students thoroughly enjoyed the culinary event. Bradlee Bernard, was one of the excited participants who shared his experience. “My favourite part about the day was learning how to cook the protein bites. I thought it was super cool that we got to learn new recipes that I can cook at home. Overall, the day was very educational.”

The second portion of the day involved students building and designing their own gingerbread house. This was also demonstrated through a live virtual lesson facilitated by the chef.

“I really enjoyed decorating these houses. It was great to be able to bring treats home for my family,” stated participant Jorja Sparks.

Echoing fellow FJ classmates, Logan Morin shared his experience with the hands-on learning. “I had lots of fun today. I really enjoyed learning how to make the protein bites and building the gingerbread house.” He added, “I thought it was cool learning new skills that I will use in the future.”

These interactive, hands-on lessons allowed students to see what it’s like to be in a culinary program and provided students with a window into the world of skilled trades.

“I loved getting to make the gingerbread houses. This was a great experience that I’m glad I got to participate in,” exclaimed Carlie Adams.

Following the experiential learning opportunity that saw 19 FJ students embrace new skills, discover potential career avenues, and bring home some tasty treats, FJ intermediate French Immersion teacher Nicholas Walters reflects on the event.

“Overall, the ‘Chef for a Day’ event was an excellent opportunity for FJ students to learn about the possible avenues of their future and specifically, receive essential culinary skills that will help build a greater understanding of the importance of cooking.”

Henry Wunsch summed up the learning opportunity that he and his classmates experienced perfectly. “I am really happy that there are still opportunities given to us despite the COVID pandemic and I will remember these skills moving forward.”

The purpose of this field test is to allow students and educators to become familiar with the new model, and to support the validation and continued development of the new platform.

For more information, please follow this link to the EQAO page on �����ٳ���’s website.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, schools and classrooms have changed, but learning has not. In fact, schools have incorporated more outdoor learning.

Argyle Public School is one of the many schools within 17�Թ��� that is learning outdoors. The onset of COVID-19 has brought some positive changes to the Kindergarten (ELKP) classroom and its educators Sonja Cudmore and Robyn Ramsay who are excited to see students embracing the outdoors.

�����ٳ���’s philosophy is to offer students a rich learning experience in both the classroom and beyond. Outdoor education brings learning to life with increased opportunities to advance curricular learning in real-world, authentic contexts. NNDSB engages in outdoor education in all seasons, to deliver interdisciplinary outdoor learning opportunities k-12.

“Students are practicing social distancing, so we thought it was appropriate to spend more time learning in our natural classroom,” stated Cudmore, who noted their schoolyard is a beautiful space for an outdoor classroom; surrounded by farmer’s fields, bushes, and a small pond. “We bring the learning outside by going on scavenger hunts, nature walks, outside math and science. Nearly every subject has connections to learning outside.”

Students even had the chance to go on a pumpkin hunt in the playground, decorating their found pumpkins, and ultimately learning about the lifecycle of a pumpkin. The learning doesn’t stop there. In fact, that’s just the beginning. Students have the opportunity to investigate various common spiders and their webs, which they became fascinated with. Using yarn and other materials, students created their own webs on the school fence to learn about the techniques used in web creation.

Playing outside allows students the freedom to move and explore their environment and make investigations about their world. “Our students have really enjoyed observing nature in our schoolyard,” said Cudmore who noted students have noticed an abundance of Woolly Bear Caterpillars and began to ask questions about them. “They wondered why butterflies lay eggs which led to a discussion on the lifecycle of butterflies. We kept track of the number of caterpillars we spotted each week using 10-frames and tallies and then created a pictograph to display the data.”

She added by November, students observed there were fewer caterpillars, but more chrysalises, which began a discussion on why that might be. Since that discussion, teachers read several books to the students, which helped everyone understand the changes they were seeing.

Students look forward to taking their learning outdoors and investigating the world around them,” said Ramsay, “The outdoors provides the perfect environment for students to explore their wonderings about nature.”

November 30, 2020 marked the launch of the Ministry of Education’s Support for Learners Program.

This program is available to parents if their child is attending a publicly funded, private, First Nation operated or federally operated school (either in-person or online), is homeschooled, is enrolled in child care, or is at home.

Support for Learners funding is intended to assist parents with costs incurred during the second wave of COVID-19 for the 2020-2021 school year. Eligible parents or guardians will receive a one-time payment of:

• $200 for each child up to age 12
• $250 for each child or youth up to age 21 years with special needs

This investment is in addition to the initial $378 million investment the government provided in Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID‑19, released in March 2020, which assisted parents while Ontario schools and childcare centres were closed during the first wave of the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Parents or guardians, who are residents of Ontario, with eligible children will need to submit a new application for each child. To find out more information or to apply parents will visit .

The application process closes on January 15, 2021.

Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of students and staff. We continue to follow COVID-19 guidance and recommendations provided to our school board by the Ministry of Education, Public Health Ontario and the North Bay and Parry Sound District Health Unit that informed the board’s School Reopening Plan.

All 17�Թ��� schools operate on a pandemic cleaning protocol that focuses on increased cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and ensuring schools are appropriately staffed to support those efforts. The pandemic cleaning protocol, based on the advice of public health experts, includes:

• Cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting all high touch surfaces in schools, at a minimum of two times per day. High touch surfaces include handrails, light switches, doorknobs and handles, washroom taps, fixtures and door locks, faucets, push handles and push buttons, photocopiers, desk surfaces, and other frequently used equipment
• Ensuring custodial coverage throughout the entire day and if necessary redeployment of custodial staff to schools where needed
• Placement of hand sanitizing stations located throughout every school including classrooms as well as the provision of individual hand sanitizer
• Appropriately placed COVID-19 informational posters and signage relating to safe practices to be followed
• Appropriately placed directional arrows for the flow of traffic in schools
• Physical distancing measures
• Personal hand and respiratory hygiene guidance
• Contact tracing processes
• Maintaining close, ongoing communication with local public health officials

These routines have been in place since our schools reopened in September.

These efforts, combined with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) mandates, sourcing additional PPE products and COVID-19 awareness training continue to be instrumental in keeping our learning environments safe.

Robots are taking classrooms by storm, but not like any of those futuristic type movies. Instead, students are being immersed in valuable experiential learning opportunities, which will help them in their careers after secondary school.

Grade 9 students at Northern Secondary School have incorporated robotics in ways that you didn’t think were possible – robots and woodshop?! Well, it’s happening.

Since COVID-19 and enhanced protocols came into place, along with the implementation of an octomester format for the 2020-21 school year, technology teacher, Kevin Baker, and media studies teacher, Carmen O’Brien, worked together to create learning that provides a transferable skillset that students use in both classes thus making for an easy transition from one class to the next in a mode of extended learning.

Both classes incorporate robotics in various ways, which introduces students to a wide range of possible extracurricular and career options.

In Baker’s class, students are introduced to electrical, woodworking, and hydraulics while they construct a fully operational robot to pick masks up off of the floor.

“We are learning the basics of hydraulics with wooden arms. The task is to pick-up masks from the ground and of course no one wants to pick them up with their hands, so we are building a robot,” stated Alex, who noted that there was a lot of planning, designing, building, and learning by trial and error. “I’m very satisfied with the completed project.”

This is a culminating assignment for the students, who at the end of the Octomester, present their completed robot to Baker and test it out. Students design their robot to be a combination of a VEX Robotics, electrically driven chassis with a wooden, hydraulic arm mounted on top. The remote-controlled robot is designed to pick up an unused mask from the floor.

“Woodworking is an amazing skill to have,” stated Alex. “I’ll definitely be using it further down the road.”

A few doors down, students in O’Brien’s class learn how to program robots from scratch using programming blocks in the EV3 LEGO programming software.

“Students have learned how to program robots, how to use three different sensors; touch, ultrasonic, and colour sensors,” explained O’Brien. “They’ve used those sensors to detect objects that are in front of the robot and programmed the robot accordingly so that it can move autonomously through either a maze or through the

First Lego League mission board, and accomplish different missions at the same time.”

O’Brien added that programming can be challenging, so students develop problem-solving skills to identify which parts of the program work, which ones don’t, and why, to get their robots to successfully complete the mission or maze.

“Robotics is becoming more and more prominent in the job market,” stated O’Brien. “If we look at this pandemic, more companies are switching to automation because robots won’t get sick, won’t need time off and can work 24 hours a day.”

She noted that this not only introduces students to a possible career avenue but also helps them develop much desired problem-solving skills that they can use in their everyday lives.

With winter weather starting to settle in, the following communication outlines the 17�Թ���’s response to inclement weather days when school transportation is cancelled due to student safety concerns.

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) manages and coordinates transportation for our district. On inclement weather days, when buses are cancelled due to unsafe travelling conditions, schools will remain open to students who can safely make their way to and from school without the use of school bus transportation. We remind parents/guardians that any students dropped off must be picked up at regular school dismissal time.

In some circumstances, NNDSB may decide to close a school. This decision could be due to the severity of the weather, loss of power, water and/or heat. If schools are closed for the day, parents will be notified through ​their school, board, and/or local media communications. Our primary concern is always the safety of our students.

Please remember that although school buses may be cancelled, schools remain open��and instruction is taking place. All students are encouraged to attend school using alternate transportation where possible. Families that transport their children to school in the morning will also be responsible for transportation home at the end of the day.

If buses to your school are��​either��cancelled for the day​ and/or schools closed, learning opportunities will be��provided for your child to access at home.��These may include online or offline activities that every child can engage in. We understand that because each school and community is unique, plans will vary across the board in response to local contexts. However, we encourage students to continue their learning at home, despite the��weather��conditions.

Please continue to monitor your local radio stations and find details on both corridor and individual bus route cancellations and delays ​that are posted on Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services website at��

NNDSB is sharing this information so you can make the best decision for your family in the event of an inclement weather day. Thank you for supporting our students’ learning and safety. We wish you a safe winter season ahead.

Last week, in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, NNDSB hosted an informational session on “Online Risks and Emerging Trends” to educate parents and guardians on developmentally appropriate strategies for parents to engage in conversations with children and youth about online safety. Dozens of families from across the region participated in the event.

During this 60-minute presentation, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) outlined three areas for consideration: content, contact, and conduct. Parents were encouraged to get involved with what their children are doing online. The best approach? Put the child in the driver’s seat and let them be the teacher as they demonstrate their newest game or app. This allows parents to understand what kind of content their child is accessing, and provides the opportunity to ask questions about how the newest platform works. Like all safety practices, such as wearing a seat belt, adults must be providing constant reminders about being safe online.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection outlined how children use the internet to create, post, and share content, which can lead to issues of conduct. Also discussed was how to begin conversations about difficult topics related to child safety online, such as sending or receiving nude pictures, cyberbullying or how to address issues of extortion.

Board Trustee Fry attended the session and provided praise for the amount of information provided to parents and echoed the need for continued communication between parents, educators and students so that every environment, whether in-person or online, are safe spaces for all.

NNDSB would like to extend a sincere thank you to Karyn Kibsey and Samantha Falk from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection for their insight, and expertise. Parents are encouraged to visit for more information.

This communication is to inform you that Monday, November 30, 2020 is the date of our annual Elementary staffing re-organization for all NNDSB schools. Re-organization occurs every fall in response to evolving enrollment data, to optimize class sizes and to accommodate ministry staffing guidelines. This year due to the impact of COVID-19 and the creation of the At-Home Learning Program/Virtual School, this process has been delayed. As in prior years, the re-organization process may result in changes to your child’s class and/or teacher.

Following the registration window, families who completed the transfer application process requesting their child move between��in-person��(classroom) and��at-home (virtual) learning��programs, will begin their new placement on November 30, 2020. Please note, this date is a change from the previously communicated start date of November 23, 2020. Students will continue to be supported by their current educator until the re-organization has been completed on Monday, November 30, 2020.

We understand these changes can be difficult for students and families. School and central staff are working to minimize the disruption of learning and make this transition as seamless as possible. The alignment of these processes (remote learning transition and staffing re-organization) will help to ensure minimal disruptions to families and allow continued commitment to the COVID-19 preventative measures.

Please do not hesitate to contact your school or remote learning administration if you have any questions regarding this information.

Across Canada, schools are celebrating Pink Shirt Day as a day to stamp-out bullying. Today, students within 17�Թ��� are encouraged to wear pink as a symbol of anti-bullying.

As Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week continues, today, secondary students will participate in a workshop created and hosted by Kylee Bakowski with Amelia Rising Sexual Violence Support Centre. Students in grades 9-12 will examine the impact of bystander intervention, when and where it typically occurs and how to safely intervene.

Elementary students will be learning how to “Speak Up and Help Out” when they are confronted with mean, rude or bullying-type behaviour through a video presentation and additional resources provided by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

Parents will also have the chance to learn more about emerging online trends via a Zoom presentation this evening, hosted by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. This presentation is open to the public and the connection information can be found on the Board’s website.

17�Թ��� is working to make schools safer by implementing a safe schools framework that focuses on three key concepts: citizenship and community; conflict resolution; and bullying awareness.

All school boards across the province are participating in an annual Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week November 16 – 20 and this year, NNDSB has some extra special activities lined-up. On Monday, November 16, 2020, students heard from local leaders including Mayor McDonald of North Bay, Mayor McGarvey of Parry Sound, Chief McLeod of Nipissing First Nation, and Mayor Savage of Nipissing-West. These leaders taught students about community and citizenship; challenging them to engage in civic activities that will promote safe and inclusive environments. Lessons and activities for all elementary and secondary students will continue throughout the week, each day focusing on an aspect from our safe schools framework.

To further our commitment to providing safe, inclusive spaces for all students, NNDSB has created a reporting tool that will allow any student, parent or community member to report a concern for student safety, particularly as it relates to bullying. The SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool is an online form that can be completed anonymously, should the sender choose. It is then sent to the school’s principal for further investigation. While it is still our recommendation that students, parents or community members speak directly to a teacher, principal, vice-principal, or other school staff member regarding issues of conflict or bullying, the SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool is another method in which we can ensure the lines of communication are open between our schools and the communities we serve. The SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool can be accessed directly from the NNDSB website.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

November 13, 2020

Students in 17�Թ��� read from an all-star list of authors throughout their education, now, one of their fellow students has joined that list.

After being inspired by authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, R.A. Salvatore and V.E. Schwab, as well as games such as Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, Alastair McPherson, a grade 12 student from Chippewa Secondary School, put pen to paper to create his own story.

From Out of the Shadows is the result. A fantasy series which involves an elf and a human, who must learn how to set aside their differences in order to survive the deadly attacks of the Dark Elves. Meanwhile, a dwarf and a gnome find themselves taken prisoner and must fight for their lives to survive. On opposite ends of the world, both pairs of heroes must struggle against the forces of darkness—and decipher what diabolical plot the Dark Elves are trying to unleash.

While not the first story he’s written, From Out of the Shadows is the first to see publication. This is the first book of a four book series. The second book is expected to be released in the near future.

Writing narratives and analyzing stories over the course of his elementary and secondary schooling has really helped him develop his writing skillset. Alastair also credits a writer’s craft course and support from his teachers for aiding in becoming a published author.

“I remember in grade five, my teacher told me that I was going to publish a book one day,” he recalled. “I have had a lot of support from (friends and peers) and some of them have even helped me with editing”. He added that staff members at Chippewa have also posted on the school’s website and social media accounts.

Writing a book series while going to school is a balancing act. Alastair makes use of every minute and that includes after school, weekends and summer holidays.

“I’m lucky because writing is something that I really like doing,” he explained. Now, he’s sharing that passion for writing with others.

After a classroom visit with Alistair, grade 7/8 teacher Jordaan Allison of White Woods Public School explained, “as an instructor, it was really helpful to have Alastair join us and talk about his process. We learned that the drafting process is actually shorter than the editing process. It really offered the students a way to connect and relate their own experiences and struggles with writing.”

He noted that having Alastair describe how he writes the introduction, body, and conclusion was really helpful for the students and relating his knowledge about leaving readers wanting more, especially when it comes to a series.

Allison added that it was exciting to show students that writing a book is within reach, especially if someone within their age demographic can write a book and have it published. “It was really inspiring, and it made me feel like I could write a book one day,” added Connor, a student in Allison’s class.

Alastair continues to help the students. He is reading their rough drafts and offering suggestions, which Allison feels is an important connection as the students trust Alastair and value his feedback. “Alastair went above and beyond our expectations.”

“Having a connection with someone, who is a professional, shows the students that writing is not just something that we do in school, but what people choose to do and for a career,” Allison said.

From Out of the Shadows is available for purchase at several places including .

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Click for the story from Ottawa Citizen.

Mattawa, Ont. – Students at Mattawa District Public School (MDPS) are looking forward to making a splash with their experiential learning. Before they do that, they need to finish their canoe paddles.

The Paddle Build Project engages Grade 6 students at MDPS in an experiential learning opportunity as they build a canoe paddle from start to finish.

English kindergarten teacher, Jonathon O’Donoughue outlined how students pair traditional classroom learning with experiential learning. They start by determining their height and how tall the paddle needs to be as a result. Following that, they get to work applying their learned skills to the project. Before long they have a souvenir to take home with them at graduation.

The project has evolved since it was introduced in 2013, including more learning applicable to various aspects of the curriculum. “The students do experiential math, practical measurement, (and) fractions. It shows the students what real-life math is,” explained O’Donoughue.

“This project has curriculum connections that are responsive to the social studies and history curriculum, with goals connected to the historical and contemporary contributions of First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Peoples,” stated Principal/Vice-Principal Tracy Bellaire.

Over the course of the project, students receive instruction in mathematics to accurately design and build their paddle, and learn about workshop and tool safety.

Dawson, a Grade 6 student at MDPS, said he enjoyed the project because it allowed him to be active and work with tools, as opposed to sitting at a desk.

Brooklyn, another student taking part in the project, expressed why she enjoyed the different way of learning; “this project helps me with my math and allows me to use actual measuring and fractions instead of reading about it in a textbook.” Additionally, Brooklyn expressed excitement in looking forward to the summer and being able to put her paddle to use.

In years past, the students would work with their older counterparts in the woodshop at FJ McElligott Secondary School (FJMSS). The project supports the transition from MDPS elementary to beginning their intermediate years at FJMSS.

“This Grade 6 to 7 transition event enables students to relate to and recognize the historic relationships between the local Algonquin and Voyageur Cultures who used these local waterways to travel and explore the lands,” said Bellaire.

Since COVID-19 has created some challenges, students and staff have come up with an alternative, completing the build at MDPS while continuing to honour its deeper meaning. The overarching goal of the project is to prepare MDPS graduating students for a smooth and positive transition to secondary school.

In years unaffected by COVID-19, students from MDPS join the FJMSS Specialist High Skills Major Outdoor Education students near the end of the school year to use their paddles. It is a mutually beneficial opportunity, as FJMSS students get to complete their practical canoeing exam and MDPS students get to learn about the parts of a canoe, boat safety, and paddling technique.

Students will be presented with their completed paddles at graduation as a symbol of their hard work and dedication throughout their time at MDPS. Some students plan on displaying them at home, while others will put them to use next summer. Meanwhile, the two schools look forward to once again working together after the pandemic passes.

Information about 17�Թ���:
17�Թ��� 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 17�Թ��� on social media.

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

Police attended and safely handled the situation. The hold and secure was lifted shortly after 3 p.m.

Please refer any further questions to North Bay Police Service.

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
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

For Alex Little, 17, hockey is a passion. The West Ferris Secondary School (WFSS) student was selected as a prospect earlier this year by the North Bay Battalion in the Ontario Hockey League’s annual OHL Under-18 Priority selection, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Little moved to North Bay last year, he chose WFSS because of the increased program offerings, sports complex, and the positive atmosphere.

“Honestly I heard West Ferris was one of the nicest schools around. It has great people and I wanted to surround myself with a great atmosphere because I moved to North Bay and away from my family,” he explained that the weight room and sports complex are topnotch. “The weight room here is amazing. [The sports complex] has everything that you need from bikes to cardio to weight racks, dumbbells…it’s a very great setup.”

The Grade 12 student currently plays for the Powassan Voodoos, a Junior “A” team in the NOJHL (Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League). He was drafted 41st overall by the Battalion as they worked to build a contender.

“I think they have a great shot at winning in the future. They’re building up a young roster right now.”

Little said hearing his name during the draft was really cool since it is the OHL and that it was the Battalion made it even better. For him, it’s one step closer to having his dream come true.

“Right now, I’m training and trying to make the Battalion’s camp, so I can show them what I can bring to the team in the future.”

As he waits for training camp and exhibition season to begin, Little said staying personally fit during COVID-19 can be a challenge for some, he’s actually improved his workouts.

“I was actually able to work out harder to increase my strength and endurance,” explained Little.

He also acknowledges that having a good support system is key.

“Everyone that I’m surrounded by is always pushing me to be my best, it’s great.”

The Haliburton native ventured further north last year because there were more opportunities in hockey; the North Bay Trappers, the Powassan Voodoos, and ultimately the OHL’s North Bay Battalion.

“[I’m hoping to] have a good year with Powassan and then hopefully get on the Battalion roster and move onto higher levels of hockey in my life,” he said.

The 6’1” defender said some of his interests outside of hockey include being in weight rooms, playing video games, and hanging out with his billet brothers.

“My billet brothers and I shoot pucks, shoot baskets, play golf. Really anything to keep us busy and outside.”

Billet families are members of the community, screened by the teams, that invite junior players into their homes to be a part of their family during the hockey season, when the players are on teams that are not close to home.

As with any athlete, managing education, sports, and training is always a balancing act.

“I just try to make sure that I’m focused in class and get everything done during the school day, so that when we have a lot of practices or go on the road that I have everything done,” Little stated.

WFSS is able to offer a blended mode for all players and students who participate in extracurricular activities.

Echoing Little, Battalion General Manager and former professional hockey player, Adam Dennis said being a good student is transferable to being a solid player.

“As a hockey player, it is very important to understand that being a good student can be a big asset to your on-ice game. The ability to follow instruction, solve problems and work hard are things we expect from our players. This expectation needs to be carried over into all aspects of your life. To achieve that, players must prioritize their time with what’s important.”

Any hockey player has their own idol and for Little, it’s Alexander Ovechkin.

“He’s a great leader, plays hard, and is just somebody who enjoys the game. He shows to everyone how amazing of a career it is and if you put in the hard work, you can have the great life that he does.”

The dream for Little, who has been playing hockey since the age of six and on the ice since three, is to make it to the National Hockey League (NHL).

“Ever since I started playing the game, I loved it … just everything about the sport is amazing.” Little added that even though the chances of making it to the NHL are slim, it shouldn’t be a deterrent to have fun and enjoy the game. “I keep pushing through and enjoying what I’m doing, that’s a big thing because if you’re not enjoying it, you’re not going to push yourself to the next step.”

Dennis says Little is a smart player and that’s what makes him great at the game.

“Alex is a very composed defenceman that can affect the game at both ends of the ice. His smarts are his best asset.”

For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
17�Թ���
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

The consolidation of the three city secondary schools, has provided the 17�Թ��� (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

17�Թ���

P: (705) 472-8170, extension 5083

E: Josh.Casey@nearnorthschools.ca

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. […]