Near North District School Board Reaching Every Student Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:15:07 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 /wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cropped-favicon2-32x32.png Near North District School Board 32 32 Update on Future School Configuration in West Nipissing /blog/update-on-future-school-configuration-in-west-nipissing/47965/ Tue, 20 Oct 2026 19:27:09 +0000 /?p=47965 Update on Future School Configuration in West Nipissing

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Dear West Nipissing Families,

We are writing to share an update on the planned changes to White Woods Public School and Northern Secondary School.

When we first shared our plans in May, we indicated that Northern Secondary School could transition to a Kindergarten to Grade 12 school as early as the 2027–2028 school year. Following further planning, the transition will now take place no earlier than the 2028–2029 school year.

Until then, the current school configurations will remain in place. White Woods Public School will continue to serve students in Kindergarten to Grade 6, and Northern Secondary School will continue to serve students in Grades 7 to 12.

The long-term plan remains for Northern Secondary School to become a Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, with White Woods Public School eventually being sold to Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario.

We will continue to share updates as renovation work progresses and more details about the transition are confirmed. In the meantime, our West Nipissing Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ Configuration webpage has information about the plans, along with answers to common questions about the schools, renovations and what the changes mean for students.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Sincerely,

Jay MacJanet
CEO/CEDO

Rebecca Bell
Supervisor

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Parry Sound High School and Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School Update /blog/parry-sound-high-school-and-francis-pegahmagabow-elementary-school-update-2/47955/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:28:11 +0000 /?p=47955 Parry Sound High School and Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School Update

October 14, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We’re pleased to confirm that Grade 7/8 students will return to the hex pods at Parry Sound High School on Monday, October 19.

With the major repairs complete, our facilities team is now focused on getting the classrooms ready for students and staff. They are working hard to clean the spaces, move furniture back into place and complete the final preparations ahead of Monday’s return.

The new short-throw projectors for the hex pods have been back-ordered. In the meantime, LCD projectors will be available in the classrooms to support teaching and learning. The new equipment will be installed once it arrives.

There is also some good news to share about the exterior work. The Joseph Street parking lot is now complete and provides approximately twice the parking capacity of the temporary parking lot. The upper parking lot, formerly known as the ‘Student Parking’ lot, as well as the temporary parking lot will be closed effective tomorrow, October 15.

Temporary lines are being painted on the track and, weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed this week. We ask that students continue to stay off the grass inside the track to give it time to take root and grow before the area is used for play and recreational activities.

Site work will now focus on completing the Isabella Street parking lot and transforming the area previously used for temporary parking into the elementary school yard. Field work and the installation of permanent fencing around the yard are planned over the coming weeks, with timelines dependent on weather conditions.

The new playground is also nearing completion. The equipment has been installed, and landscaping, including the addition of mulch, is expected to be finished over the next couple of days. Students will be able to use the playground once the work is complete and the final inspection has taken place.

We know this has been a challenging stretch for students, staff and families. Having students return to their hex pods is important, and we’re looking forward to seeing them back in their classrooms. Thank you again to the Parry Sound High School and Francis Pegahmagabow staff, facilities staff, IT team and contractors for their continued work to move this project forward.

We respectfully ask that everyone be mindful of the emails they send and the comments they post on social media. Negative or hurtful messages are not helpful in moving things forward, and sharing unverified information can create unnecessary confusion in the community.

Our priority is continuing to keep students safe, in school and learning. We will continue working through the remaining issues as we move forward. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we focus on what matters most: our students.

Jay MacJanet
CEO/CEDO

Rebecca Bell
Supervisor

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Parry Sound High School and Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School Update /blog/parry-sound-high-school-and-francis-pegahmagabow-elementary-school-update/47931/ Wed, 07 Oct 2026 20:42:02 +0000 /?p=47931 Parry Sound High School and Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School Update

October 7, 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We have some positive progress to share on the work underway at Parry Sound High School and Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School.

We’re getting close. The major construction work on the six affected hex pods is now complete, including the flooring, insulation and exterior work. The remaining steps are focused on getting the spaces fully ready for students and staff, including cleaning, moving furniture and equipment and completing the technology set-up.

The current target is to have students back in the hex pods by the end of next week. This timeline will remain dependent on the spaces being fully ready and meeting all safety requirements. ÌýFamilies will be kept informed as the finishing touches are completed and the move-in schedule is confirmed.

The new playground is also taking shape, with installation underway and landscaping around the play area continuing. The playground is already generating excitement at the school, and we look forward to students being able to make full use of the space. We’ll provide an update when the playground is ready to open.

The track is available for use, with temporary lines expected to be added early next week, weather permitting. The field will need another week or so for the grass to knit before it can be used. Full completion of the track remains on schedule for the spring.

Signage for the transition between the elementary and secondary areas is also moving forward. The floor and overhead signage are currently being designed, with fabrication and installation to follow.

Connectivity throughout the school continues to improve. Wi-Fi is now working in all areas of the building, and the IT team is continuing to work on cellular service to further improve reliable communication for staff.

We know families are eager to see students back in their regular learning spaces. The focus remains on getting these final pieces in place so students can return to hex pods that are safe, ready for learning and properly set up.

We’re getting close to the finish line, and we appreciate the staff and teams who are helping to bring this work together. We’ll continue to keep families informed as the remaining steps are completed and provide an update on Wednesday, October 14.

Sincerely,

Jay MacJanet
CEO/CEDO

Rebecca Bell
Supervisor

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Near North District School Board Students Improve in Every Elementary EQAO Assessment Area /blog/near-north-district-school-board-students-improve-in-every-elementary-eqao-assessment-area/47927/ Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:58:14 +0000 /?p=47927 NEWS RELEASEÌý

Near North District School Board Students Improve in Every Elementary EQAO Assessment Area

Highlights

  • 72% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in reading, up from 60% last year, while 59% met the provincial standard in writing, up from 43%.
  • 38% of Grade 6 students met the provincial standard in mathematics, an increase of nine percentage points from 29% last year.
  • Achievement increased in all six Grade 3 and Grade 6 assessment areas, with every result higher than it was three years ago.
  • Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ narrowed the gap with provincial achievement in all six elementary assessment areas.

October 7, 2026 (North Bay, ON) – Students across Near North District School Board (Ïã½¶Ö±²¥) made significant gains on EQAO assessments in 2025-2026, with achievement increasing in all six Grade 3 and Grade 6 assessment areas, particularly in Grade 3 literacy and Grade 6 mathematics.

EQAO assessments provide one measure of student achievement in literacy and mathematics and help schools and boards identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth as well as other locally developed data information.

For Grade 3, 72% of students met the provincial standard in reading, 59% in writing, and 55% in mathematics. In Grade 6, 82% of students met the provincial standard in reading, 79% in writing, and 38% in mathematics. Every Grade 3 and Grade 6 result is higher than it was three years ago, demonstrating sustained improvement over time.

Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ also made progress relative to the province. The gap between Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ and provincial achievement narrowed in all six Grade 3 and Grade 6 assessment areas this year. While provincial achievement remains higher overall, Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ improved at a faster rate than the province in every elementary subject assessed.

“We’re encouraged by the progress reflected in these results, particularly in elementary literacy and mathematics where we saw improvement in every area assessed,” said Jay MacJanet, CEO and Director of Education. “These gains reflect the hard work of our students, staff and families. At the same time, the results help identify where we need to maintain our focus so every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

At the secondary level, Grade 9 mathematics remains an area of concern. In 2025-2026, 35% of Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ students met the provincial standard, compared with 58.7% provincially.

Grade 10 literacy also remains an area of focus. In 2025-2026, 71.6% of students writing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) for the first time met the provincial standard, a decline of 3.7Ìýpercentage points from 2023-2024. This compares with a provincial result of 85.6%. These results highlight the need for continued focus on literacy instruction and targeted supports to help students strengthen the reading and writing skills needed for success.

At Near North District School Board, the success and achievement of our students remain our top priority. The recent EQAO results reflect the progress we are making together, showing gains across all elementary assessment areas in math and literacy. To build on this momentum, we have added dedicated instructional coaches to work directly alongside our educators, implementing high-impact strategies that strengthen daily instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics. Moving forward, Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ will continue to use data to drive our decision-making and strategically leverage our budget to ensure our resources directly support student achievement across all grade levels.

-30-

 

Media Contact:Ìý
Natalie Cockerline
Marketing and Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
communications@nearnorthschools.ca

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Update on Parry Sound High School Hex Pods – Oct 2 /blog/update-on-parry-sound-high-school-hex-pods-oct-2/47922/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:45:06 +0000 /?p=47922 Parry Sound High School Hex Pod Update

October 2, 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As promised, we’re providing another update on the work underway at Parry Sound High School.

Work on the hex pods continues to move forward. Flooring in all six affected units is expected to be completed by the end of today (Friday). Spray foam insulation and reinstallation of the unit ventilators are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. If that work stays on schedule, the facilities team could begin moving furniture back into the hex pods later next week.

We know families are eager for clarity about when students will be back in their regular learning spaces, and we expect to provide an update on the move-in date on Wednesday, October 7. Our focus remains on making sure the necessary work is completed, and the spaces are safe for students and staff to return.

We’ve also been working on the concerns raised about movement between the elementary and secondary areas of the school.

As shared in our September 30 update, the doors connecting the two areas cannot be locked due to building and fire code requirements. School administration and the Board’s facilities team have been working together on ways to clearly differentiate the two areas while still allowing students and staff to move through the hallways when needed.

The doors between the elementary and secondary areas support a safe and clearly defined separation during the school day, while allowing for their use during emergencies, supervised transitions, and other approved school activities as needed. When students travel between these areas, staff supervision is required, the movement is connected to a specific school purpose, and students are expected to follow established school expectations at all times.

Clear floor and overhead signage will also be added to further identify the transition between the two areas and help guide people through the school.

We appreciate families’ patience as this work continues. A big thank you to our staff and the teams working behind the scenes to keep things moving forward as we completed the repairs and prepare the hex pods for students and staff to return.

We’ll provide another progress update on Wednesday, October 7

Thank you,

Jay MacJanet
CEO/CEDO

Rebecca Bell
Supervisor

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Comprehensive Update on Hex Pods at Parry Sound High School /blog/comprehensive-update-on-hex-pods-at-parry-sound-high-school/47907/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:45:44 +0000 /?p=47907 Comprehensive Update on Hex Pods at Parry Sound High School

September 30, 2026

Dear Families,

Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to address issues identified within the hex pod classrooms at Parry Sound High School. We understand families have questions regarding the repair work underway and several operational matters related to the school. We would like to provide an update on the work completed to date and the steps ahead.

Hex Pod Investigation and Findings

Following reports of soft spots in the flooring, the Board engaged qualified contractors and a third-party environmental consultant to conduct a detailed assessment of all hex pod classrooms.

The investigation determined that six of the seven hex pods were affected by water infiltration beneath the flooring system. When the flooring was opened for inspection, evidence of moisture-related deterioration and mould growth was identified within the building materials in all six affected hex pods.

The seventh hex pod, which was constructed and installed on-site by the Board’s current contractor, was not impacted by these issues. The school’s newest portable classroom, supplied by a different manufacturer, was also unaffected.

As a precautionary measure, all seven hex pods were taken out of service while inspections, testing, and repair work continue. The spaces will remain closed until all work is complete and the necessary approvals have been received.

Repair Progress

To allow for a thorough repair process, all flooring assemblies within the affected hex pods were removed, including flooring, subfloor materials, vapour barriers, and insulation.

Work completed to date includes:

  • Removal of all flooring systems within the affected hex pods;
  • Removal of insulation and other affected building materials;
  • Inspection of underlying building components;
  • Review of exterior wall penetrations, including around windows and doors;

Any additional repairs identified through the inspection process will be completed before the spaces are returned to service.

Air Quality Testing and Reconstruction

Following the removal of affected materials, a third-party environmental consultant conducted air quality testing within the affected spaces.

The testing confirmed acceptable air quality, and environmental air clearance has been provided.

Contractors have now begun rebuilding the six hex pods, including the installation of new insulation, vapour barriers, subflooring, and flooring systems.

Grade 7-8 students have been relocated to alternate learning spaces within the school and the currently unoccupied child-care space. Every effort continues to be made to minimize impacts on students and the broader school community.

Access Between Elementary and Secondary Areas

We have received questions regarding access between the elementary and secondary areas of the school.

The doors connecting these areas cannot be locked, as building and fire code requirements require safe emergency exits throughout the facility. School staff continue to reinforce expectations, establish routines, supervise student movement, and address concerns when they arise.

Where expectations are not met, appropriate consequences are implemented. The school and Board are also exploring additional measures, including door alarm systems that would alert staff when these doors are opened. Additional signage will be installed to reinforce that students are not to access the other side of the school.

Portable Classrooms

We have also received questions regarding the use of portable classrooms.

Portable classrooms are a common feature of school systems across Ontario and Canada. They provide flexibility for school boards to accommodate fluctuating student populations and changing space requirements.

Parking and Traffic

Families have also raised concerns regarding vehicle traffic in the drop-off loop during recess periods.

As an immediate measure, pylons are being used to restrict access to the drop-off loop during recess to help enhance student safety. The Board will continue to monitor the effectiveness of this approach while reviewing longer-term options for the area.

As construction activities continue and additional parking areas become available, traffic flow is expected to improve. Once the upper parking lot is fully operational, it will provide additional parking capacity and alleviate congestion in the drop-off and pick-up areas.

Next Steps

Contractors and consultants continue to be on site, and work remains underway. While significant progress has been made, there is currently no confirmed timeline for completion.

We remain committed to keeping families informed and will provide another update on Friday, October 2, including further information on reconstruction progress and next steps.

We ask for your patience as the Board, school staff and contractors respond to this situation.

Sincerely,

Jay MacJanet
CEO/CEDO

Rebecca Bell
Supervisor

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day 2026 /blog/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-and-orange-shirt-day-2026/47904/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:05:03 +0000 /?p=47904 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day 2026

Dear Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ Parents, Guardians and Families,ÌýÌýÌý

On September 30, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known asÌýOrange Shirt Day. Across the Near North District School Board (Ïã½¶Ö±²¥), we take this day to remember the children who never returned home from residential schools, honour Survivors and recognize the impact of the residential school system on Indigenous families and communities.ÌýÌýÌý

Wearing orange is one way we demonstrate our commitment to remembering and learning about the history and legacy of residential schools. This day is also an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the truths of the residential school system, listen to the voices of Survivors and their families, and ensure that these histories and their ongoing impacts are never forgotten.ÌýÌý

As an education system, we have a responsibility to guide students in understanding this history and the role they can play in reconciliation. That responsibility goes beyond September 30. It is part of building awareness of the communities they live in and the history that has shaped them, and recognizing the role each of us can play in advancing reconciliation.ÌýÌý

We recognize there is more to do, and we are grateful to those who help guide us along the way.ÌýÌý

We encourage families to talk with their children about what they are hearing and discussing at school and to createÌýspace for questions and honest conversations at home. You may not have all the information yet, and that’s part of the learning process. What matters is creating opportunities to learn together. ÌýÌý

September 30 is a day to remember, reflect, and learn. What we do with those lessons in the months ahead matters.Ìý

Jay MacJanet
CEO/CEDOÌý

Rebecca Bell
SupervisorÌý

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Progress Update on Parry Sound High School Hexpods /blog/progress-update-on-parry-sound-high-school-hexpods/47897/ Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:26:40 +0000 /?p=47897 Progress Update on Parry Sound High School HexpodsÌý

September 28, 2026Ìý

We would like to provide a brief update regarding the hexpods used by our Grade 7-8 students.Ìý

All seven hexpods remain out of service. The Board continues to focus on this issue and is taking immediate action to address it as quickly as possible.ÌýÌý

Work continued throughout the weekend as qualified contractors and specialists carried out inspections, assessments, and repairs to address the identified issues.Ìý

Student and staff safety remains our highest priority. Students will not return to the affected spaces until all necessary work has been completed, the areas have been thoroughly inspected and tested, and the appropriate approvals have been received.Ìý

We would like to thank those involved in supporting this work over the weekend, as well as our students, staff, and families for their continued patience, flexibility, and cooperation.Ìý

We understand that families are looking for additional information as this work continues. WeÌýremain committed to keeping youÌýinformed and will provide a more detailed update on Wednesday, September 30, including information on the progress of repairs and next steps.Ìý

Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and support.Ìý

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Update on Parry Sound High School Hexpods /blog/update-on-parry-sound-high-school-hexpods/47878/ Thu, 24 Sep 2026 20:39:06 +0000 /?p=47878 Update on Parry Sound High School Hexpods

September 24, 2026

The Near North District School Board recently became aware of soft spots in the flooring of some of the hexpods at Parry Sound High School and the possibility of surface mould. Following further investigation by qualified experts, mould was identified within portions of the floorboards. This issue does not involve the newest portable, which was supplied by a different manufacturer.

Student and staff safety remains our highest priority. All seven of the school’s hexpods have been taken out of service while further inspections and assessments are underway. Students and staff will not return to the affected spaces until all necessary work has been completed, the areas have been thoroughly inspected and tested, and the appropriate approvals have been received.

To ensure learning continues with minimal disruption, Grade 7-8 students have been relocated to alternate learning spaces within the school and the currently unoccupied child-care space. Learning continues as scheduled. We are grateful to students and staff for their flexibility, cooperation, and patience throughout this transition.

We recognize that this news may be concerning for families and staff. We remain committed to keeping our school community informed and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available and as remediation work progresses.

Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and support.

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Message from Ontario’s Minister of Education /blog/message-from-ontarios-minister-of-education/47707/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:05:25 +0000 /?p=47707 Message from Ontario’s Minister of Education

As the 2026-2027 school year begins, the Ontario Ministry of Education has asked school boards to share a back-to-school message from Minister of Education Paul Calandra with students and families across the province.

Please read the Minister’s letter below.

View the Minister’s Message to Students and Families

We wish all students, families and staff a successful school year filled with learning, growth and achievement.

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Welcome to a new school year! /blog/welcome-to-a-new-school-year/47698/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:01:14 +0000 /?p=47698 Welcome to a new school year!

The Near North District School Board is pleased to welcome students, families and staff to a new school year filled with learning, connection and opportunity!

As students return to classrooms across our communities, we are excited to continue working together to create safe, caring and inclusive learning environments where every student feels a strong sense of belonging. The start of the school year is a time of new beginnings, and we look forward to supporting students as they learn, grow, build friendships, discover new interests and reach new goals.

At Ïã½¶Ö±²¥, we are committed to supporting the academic and social achievement of all students. We know that student success is strengthened through strong relationships among students, families, staff and schools. By listening, staying connected and making sure families have the information they need, we can continue working together to support and encourage every learner throughout the year ahead.

To our students: welcome back. We are so glad to see you and look forward to all that you will accomplish this year.

To our families: thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Your support plays an important role in helping students thrive.

On behalf of the Near North District School Board, I wish all students, families and staff a positive, successful and rewarding school year.

Sincerely,

Jay MacJanet
CEO/CEDO
Near North District School Board

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Be there. Be involved. Belong. /blog/be-there-be-involved-belong/47687/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:07:24 +0000 /?p=47687 Be there. Be involved. Belong.

 

Dear Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ Community,

As we get ready to welcome students back to our schools, I wanted to take a moment to share a simple message about something that plays an important role in student success: being at school regularly.

When students are at school, they’re not just learning math, science or reading. They’re building friendships, discovering new interests, participating in activities and becoming part of their school community. Every school day brings new opportunities to learn, grow and connect.

At the same time, we know that getting to school every day isn’t always easy. Families can face challenges that affect attendance, and when that happens, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Our schools are here to help, and we encourage families to reach out if they need support.

To our students: we want you here. Get involved. Try something new. Join a club, a team, a group or an activity that interests you. Ask questions, make connections and take advantage of the opportunities around you. You don’t need to be the best at something to participate. Sometimes the hardest part is simply showing up, and that’s often where great things begin.

To our parents and caregivers: thank you for the important role you play in supporting attendance and engagement. Take time to talk with your child about their school experience, celebrate their successes and check in when things seem difficult. If attendance becomes a challenge, please connect with your child’s school. We’re here to work with you.

And to our educators and staff: thank you for the relationships you build with students every day. The welcoming classrooms, encouragement and support you provide help students feel connected, valued and included. Those relationships can make all the difference.

There’s always something exciting about the start of a new school year. New opportunities, new experiences and a chance for a fresh start. We can’t wait to see our schools filled with the energy, curiosity and excitement that students bring each day.

I hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing Labour Day weekend. We can’t wait to welcome students, families and staff back to our schools on Tuesday, September 8.

Jay MacJanet
CEO / CEDO
Near North District School Board

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Community Access to New Parry Sound Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ Delayed as Site Work Continues /blog/community-access-to-new-parry-sound-schools-delayed-as-site-work-continues/47681/ Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:17:13 +0000 /?p=47681 Community Access to New Parry Sound Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ Delayed as Site Work Continues

Many local organizations, sports groups, and residents have been looking forward to accessing the new Parry Sound High School and Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School.

The new schools were designed to be more than places of learning. They were built to support recreation, programs, events, and activities that bring people together and strengthen connections across the region.

While students and staff will have access to the schools as planned, a temporary delay is needed before the facilities can be opened for public use.

Finishing touches will continue outside of school hours over the coming months. To ensure the contractors have access, the facility will not be available for bookings until further notice.

The delay affects rentals and bookings for recreational programs, sports activities, meetings, events, and other uses.

Organizations that have already submitted community use requests are being contacted directly. We have also shared this information with local municipalities so they are aware that groups may be looking for alternative locations while work on the site continues.

We know many groups have been eager to make use of these new facilities, and we appreciate their patience and understanding.

Access for programs, activities, and events will be considered once the site work has progressed to a stage that allows for safe and practical use. At this time, bookings are expected to remain unavailable through the fall, with a review planned for January 2027. Updates will continue to be shared on the Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ website as more information becomes available.

Community use is an important part of how our schools serve local families and organizations, and we look forward to welcoming groups, teams, and residents through the doors in the months ahead. Until then, we thank the community for its support as this important project moves through its final stages.

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Supporting Student Learning Through Balanced Technology Use /blog/supporting-student-learning-through-balanced-technology-use/47662/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:05:12 +0000 /?p=47662 Supporting Student Learning Through Balanced Technology Use

September 2, 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians,

At the Near North District School Board, we are committed to providing learning experiences that support student achievement, well-being, and long-term success. As part of this commitment, we are taking steps to ensure that technology is used purposefully and in balance with other effective instructional practices.

While technology remains an important tool in our classrooms, research shows that students benefit Ìýfrom a variety of learning experiences, including direct instruction, discussion, collaboration, hands-on activities, reading from printed materials and writing by hand. These approaches help strengthen critical thinking, communication skills, comprehension, memory retention and overall engagement in learning.

Beginning this school year, schools will continue to provide access to digital tools when they enhance learning, support accessibility needs, or enable learning experiences that could not otherwise occur. At the same time, educators will place greater emphasis on instructional strategies that do not require continuous individual device use.

Students can expect to experience:

  • More opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
  • Increased use of paper-and-pencil activities, including notetaking, writing, and mathematical problem solving.
  • More reading from printed materials when deep comprehension and sustained attention are important.
  • Purposeful use of technology when it clearly supports learning outcomes or accessibility needs.
  • A healthy balance of digital and non-digital learning experiences throughout the school day.

To help support student well-being and engagement, Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ has established age-appropriate guidelines for routine 1:1 student device use during the school day:

  • Kindergarten (JK/SK): No routine individual screen time
  • Grades 1-3: Up to 30 minutes per day.
  • Grades 4-8: Up to 60 minutes per day, with individual sessions generally limited to 30 minutes.
  • Grades 9-12: Up to 60 minutes per day, with individual sessions generally limited to 30 minutes, recognizing that some courses and specialized programs may occasionally require additional time.

These guidelines are intended to support healthy, engaging and effective learning environments while ensuring students continue to develop important digital skills. Technology will remain available in our schools and will continue to be used when it adds value to the learning experience.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning and well-being.

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Make School Payments Easy This Year with School Cash Online /blog/make-school-payments-easy-this-year-with-school-cash-online/47636/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:05:46 +0000 /?p=47636 Make School Payments Easy This Year with School Cash Online

As we prepare for another exciting school year, the Near North District School Board is encouraging families who have not already done so to set up their School Cash Online account and get ready for September. is Ïã½¶Ö±²¥’s secure online payment system, providing parents and guardians with convenient 24/7 access to pay for school-related items and activities from anywhere, at any time. Families can use the platform to manage payments for field trips, extracurricular activities, fundraisers, school programs, yearbooks, and other school-related purchases.

Using School Cash Online helps simplify the payment process for families while reducing the need for students to bring cash to school. Parents and guardians can securely make payments online, receive email notifications about upcoming events and available items, access electronic receipts, and review their payment history in one convenient location. The platform offers a safe and easy-to-use way to stay organized and manage school-related expenses throughout the year.

School Cash Online is accessible through the Ïã½¶Ö±²¥ Parent Portal. Registration takes less than five minutes, and parents will need their child’s Ontario Education Number (OEN), which can be found on report cards or obtained from the school office. Taking a few minutes to set up your account before the start of the school year can help make September a little smoother and ensure you don’t miss important payment deadlines or school opportunities.

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Is Your Child’s Transportation Information Ready for September? /blog/is-your-childs-transportation-information-ready-for-september/47624/ Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:30:33 +0000 /?p=47624 Is Your Child’s Transportation Information Ready for September?

With the first day of school just around the corner, now is a good time to make sure your child’s transportation information is up to date.

Whether your child has been riding the bus for years or this is their first time, a few minutes of preparation now can help make for a smoother start to September.

Who manages student transportation?Ìý

Student transportation for the Near North District School Board is coordinated by (NPSSTS).Ìý

NPSSTS plans and manages bus routes, determines transportation eligibility, and provides transportation updates and notifications to families.

Has anything changed since last year?

Transportation arrangements can be affected by changes in your family’s circumstances.

Please contact your child’s school as soon as possible if:

  • You have moved to a new address
  • Your child is attending a different school
  • Your before or after school care arrangements have changed

Updating this information before the start of the school year helps ensure your child’s transportation details are accurate and ready for September.

Not sure if your child is eligible for transportation?

Transportation eligibility is determined by several factors, including a student’s home address, school, grade level, and applicable walking distance requirements.

Eligibility can change as students get older and move through different grades, or when family circumstances change.

If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies for transportation, visit the for more information about eligibility and walking distance requirements.

If your child takes the bus, register for BusPlanner Web

BusPlanner Web is an online portal used by NPSSTS to provide families with their child’s transportation information.

If you haven’t already registered, we encourage you to set up your account before the first day of school.

Once you’re registered, you can:

  • View your child’s bus stop information
  • Review route details
  • Receive transportation notifications
  • Stay informed about delays and cancellations
  • Get updates about route changes

New to BusPlanner Web? Follow the instructions to create your account and subscribe to notifications. Visit the and look for BusPlanner Web Instructions at the bottom of the page

New to the school bus? Information for Kindergarten families

For many Kindergarten students, riding the school bus is an exciting first step in their school journey. A little preparation can help make the transition to school a positive and successful experience.

Before the first day of school, take a few minutes to:

  • Confirm your child’s transportation eligibility and stop information
  • Make sure emergency contact information is up to date
  • Review pick-up and drop-off procedures with your child
  • Register for transportation notifications through BusPlanner Web
  • Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes before the scheduled pick-up time
  • Talk with your child about what to expect during their bus ride
  • Review basic school bus safety expectations together

NPSSTS also provides designed to help students become confident and safe riders.

Need More Information?

For information about transportation eligibility, walking distances, BusPlanner Web registration, transportation requests, and student safety resources, visit .

If you have questions about your child’s transportation, your school is the best place to start. School staff can help direct your inquiry and connect you with the appropriate transportation resources.

Taking a few minutes now to make sure your information is up to date and register for BusPlanner Web can help you feel prepared and connected as the new school year gets underway.

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