By Brett
Friday, Aug. 29, 2025
Julie Bertram resigned as the Zone 1 Trustee of the Near North District School Board (Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯) yesterday (Aug. 28, 2025), effective immediately.
As there are no runners-up to invite to fill the vacancy, Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ is seeking applicants to fill the role for the balance of the term, which will be until November 2026.
Eligible candidates can find the application information here.
-30-
By Deb
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025
After thoughtful consideration, Near North District School Board (Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯) has decided to move Parry Sound High School (PSHS) to remote learning. Though the list of unresolved items at PSHS is small, administration made the decision in order to give staff, students and families time to prepare for a remote start to the school year.
This move to remote learning affects secondary students (Grades 9-12) at PSHS only. Students in Grades JK-6 will attend school at McDougall Public School, and students in Grades 7-8 who would have attended the new JK-12 school will attend school at Nobel Public School.
Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ will post an updated contingency plan and revise the JK-12 Parry Sound school page on Aug. 27 to reflect this information.
-30-
By Deb
Monday, Aug. 25, 2025Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
The Near North District School Board (Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯) Board of Trustees wishes to address recent events concerning the unfair treatment of Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ administration.
As trustees, our foremost responsibility is to serve students, families and our communities with integrity and respect. In this instance, our actions created uncertainty and concern among staff and the public. We recognize that the way in which this matter was handled did not reflect the standards of fairness, professionalism and collaboration that our communities expect of us.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we extend a sincere apology to our Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ administration, to all employees of Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ and to the public. We deeply regret the impact this has had on trust and confidence in the important work of our school system.
Moving forward, the Board is committed to strengthening our governance practices. Our collective focus remains on providing safe, supportive and high-quality learning environments for all students.
We thank our staff, students, families and communities for their continued dedication and support.
Ashley St. Pierre
Chair of Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯
By Deb
Friday, Aug. 15, 2025Β Β Β Β
Near North District School Board (Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯) has prepared and published a comprehensive contingency plan as it continues to respond to the delay in the completion of the JK-12 school in Parry Sound. The plan for parents, caregivers and students is now posted.
The board acknowledges that this delay and the resulting confusion have affected students and their families. The plan ensures student safety and well-being and the continuation of learning, which are of paramount importance.
Since the news of the delay was confirmed, Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ staff have been working diligently behind the scenes to create a contingency plan that meets the needs of not only its students and staff, but also the boardβs partner organizations. A contingency plan of this magnitude involves a variety of the boardβs departments, as well as outside organizations, which have many roles in ensuring safe learning environments for students and staff.
Because of its nature, the contingency plan is fluid, and at times, changes may need to be made. Changes may be communicated via the board, the school, and/or the webpage.
The plan and FAQs can be found on the boardβs website, on this page.
By Deb
Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025
Near North District School Board (Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯) has prepared and is implementing a comprehensive contingency plan as it continues to respond to the delays in the completion of the JK-12 school in Parry Sound. Staff are diligently working to prepare welcoming and appropriately resourced learning environments for students, and will be ready to welcome students to school Sept. 2, 2025.
The board acknowledges that these delays and resulting confusion have affected students, families and staff. The plan has been carefully designed to consider all aspects of student safety and well-being. It will be released on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.
The ongoing delays have resulted in a contingency plan that meets the needs of students, staff, families and board partner organizations. A contingency plan of this magnitude must consider all board departments and outside organizations which contribute to the success of Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯.
The contingency plan will remain fluid, and changes may be required at which time communication will be shared. Information will be included on the webpage, and we will endeavour to keep it updated.
By Brett
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Near North District School Board (Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯) is providing an update regarding the construction of the new JK-12 school in Parry Sound.
It has now been confirmed that the new facility will not be completed in time for the first day of school in September 2025. While this is not the outcome we expected, Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ is implementing short-term solutions to ensure a smooth and safe start to the school year for all students.
JK-Grade 6 students who were set to attend McDougall Public School for September will attend that school location as originally planned.Β Students in Grades 9-12 will begin the school year at the current Parry Sound High School building. All Grades 7-8 studentsΒ will attend the Nobel Public School site.
Once the new school building is complete,Β students and staff will transition to their new home.
Further updates for the public will be shared through the boardβs website and social media channels. Families directly impacted by this delay will receive more detailed information via email.
-30-
By Brett
Thursday, August 7, 2025
While construction issues with the new Parry Sound K-12 school continue to present timeline challenges, Near North District School Board (Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯) remains committed to advancing the project in collaboration with the Town of Parry Sound and the Ministry of Education. At this time, Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ is unable to confirm when the new school will be ready to welcome students.
In light of this uncertainty, contingency plans are being developed to ensure that all students, families, and staff begin the school year in safe, supportive learning environments.
Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ will share additional information as soon as the next steps are finalized.
-30-
By Brett
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Near North District School Boardβs (Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯) Theatre Outreach On Stage (TOROS) is proud to announce that tickets are now on sale for its annual summer musical productionΒ Seussical.
Grab your seat so you can experience a cast of 65 community students who are bringing this whimsical and vibrant musical to life on stage this summer. The production will take you on a journey through Whoville, reintroducing you to the familiar characters and stories from the world of Dr. Seuss.Β You will leave wondering about the All the Thinks You Can Think, smiling from ear to ear and humming that Anythingβs Possible. You wonβt want to miss this incredibly talented cast in this Amazing performance.
Seussical the Musical is the culmination of an Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ summer school program where students earn high school credits while learning about all aspects of theatre production.
Shows run at 7 p.m. on August 6, 7, 8, and 9. Tickets are $25 general admission and are available for purchase online on the Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ website.
Tickets can also be purchased in person at Creative Learning Toys, located at 181 Main St. West, North Bay. A limited quantity will be available at the door.
For more information regarding the show and ticket details, contact michelina.beam@nearnorthschools.ca
-30-
By Brett
Tuesday, July 22, 2025Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Trustees of Near North District School Board (Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯) met on Monday, July 21, to discuss and approve the 2025-2026 school year budget, as well as how to fill two trustee vacancies.
The Board approved the compliant 2025-2026 budget, which was presented by Finance Committee Chair Shane Hall for consideration by the trustees. The budget contained an operating deficit of ($1,274,822) and a deficit for compliance purposes of ($730,233), with revenue of $195 million and expenses of $196.3 million. The Ministry calculates the deficit for compliance purposes by removing specific items from revenues and expenses, such as amounts related to school-generated funds and asset retirement obligations. The Board also approved the 2025-26 in-year deficit elimination plan as presented, which will be submitted to the Ministry along with the 2025-26 estimates.
Of note in the budget are a projected enrolment decrease of 3.59 per cent from 2024-2025 estimates; budgeted revenues have increased approximately 3.29 per cent and expenses have increased approximately four per cent from 2024-2025 estimates; 71.4 per cent of the budget is composed of salaries and benefits; and projected staffing full-time equivalent (FTE) has decreased by 38.7 in response to the projected enrolment decrease.
The special education budget reflects a deficit of approximately $390,000, while the transportation deficit is projected to be $1.99 million, a slight improvement from the $2.14 million transportation deficit projected in 2024-25 as a result of a funding formula change, but still a significant deficit. This transportation deficit cannot be eliminated without further funding from the Ministry of Education.
In addition to the budget, trustees discussed filling two vacancies on the Board. A report in the agenda package outlined the options available to Boards to fill trustee vacancies. Trustees approved a motion to ask the election runners-up to fill the vacancies left by the resignations of Trustees Chantal Phillips (Zone 1) and Jeanie Fuscaldo (Zone 3). The approved motion also allowed for an application and appointment process if either of the runners-up declined the offer to join the Board.
The report noted that filling the vacancies with the 2022 election runners-up demonstrates fiscal responsibility by not incurring the cost of a by-election. It embraces a transparent democratic process and supports local decision-making by endorsing the votersβ second choice of candidate.
-30-
By Brett
Thursday, June 26, 2025
An Almaguin Highlands Secondary School (AHSS) student has been awarded one of Canadaβs most prestigious and sought-after scholarships for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Grade 12 student Keith Rubin has won a $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship for engineering for his exceptional academic performance, leadership and peer mentorship.
AHSS principal Heather Hickey says, βKeith has consistently demonstrated exemplary citizenship and leadership throughout his time at our school. He took initiative by leading a school-wide project focused on peer mentorship and academic support. Notably, Keith volunteered his time after school to tutor junior students in mathematics, providing them with academic guidance and encouragement.
βOne memorable moment that stands out was when a younger student, struggling with confidence in math, shared how Keithβs patient and compassionate tutoring helped them not only improve their grades but also begin to enjoy the subject,β Hickey says. βKeithβs ability to connect with others and lead by example has left a lasting impact on our school community.β
Rubin says that given the high cost of post-secondary education, especially for engineering, this scholarship is βlife-changing. Before knowing that I received this scholarship, money was a concern for me, specifically the cost of tuition and residence,β Rubin says. βHowever, this scholarship has made it so money is no longer a worry for post-secondary, and I can now solely focus on my future education.β
As the very first AHSS student to win a Schulich Scholarship, Rubin is quick to point out that he could not have achieved his remarkable accomplishments without the support of AHSS educators.
βEvery single teacher has supported me over my high school journey; many members of the Almaguin faculty have made me into the person I am today,β Rubin says. βI need to give special thanks to Mr. Perry, my civics and careers teacher, who first informed me of the Schulich Leader Scholarship and kept reminding me to apply from Grades 10 to 12. Then, Mr. Beverly, who not only taught me Grade 11 and 12 chemistry and physics but also inspired me and sparked my curiosity in the STEM fields. Lastly, Mrs. Bell brought out my leadership qualities through the student ambassador and peer tutoring courses.β
Rubin will study engineering at the University of Western Ontario in the fall and says his βdream career would be one where I could return to the Almaguin area and help bring low-cost, yet reliable services and infrastructure to our beautiful region.β
βWe are incredibly proud of KeithΒ for receiving this prestigious scholarship,β Hickey says. βFrom the moment he joined Almaguin, Keith stood out as a student of exceptional character, dedication, and promise. This recognition is not only a testament to his hard work and leadership but also a reflection of the strength and spirit of our entire school community.β
Hickey says that βfor a student from a small, rural school to be acknowledged at this level is deeply meaningful. It demonstrates that excellence knows no boundaries and that with the right support, encouragement, and determination, our students can achieve remarkable things. We look forward to following Keithβs journey and celebrating the many accomplishments that lie ahead.β
-30-
Mii gwi Anishinabek wewena nkenmaaminak dependajig maa kiing.
"We acknowledge in a good way, the original people of the land here"
We value the cultures, histories and relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (North America)