Archived News

03/05/2021

Today is Employee Appreciation Day! Please join us as we extend our appreciation to all of our employees for the tremendous work they do each and every day. Thank you to our amazing NPSC Team!

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Social Worker Week 2021

03/01/2021

The first week of March marks the beginning of Social Work Week in Ontario. Over 20,000 Registered Social Workers are at this moment playing an essential role in the overall mental health and well-being of many Ontarians. We count social workers as among the valued contributors of the NPSC organization and team. Join us as we recognize our social workers by celebrating Social Work Week and their many contributions to the NPSC community!

Read More about Social Worker Week 2021

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Letter to St. Theresa School Community

02/25/2021

We have been advised by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) that a member from the St. Theresa School community has tested positive for Covid-19. Through case management and contact tracing, the Health Unit determined that there is no risk to the school community, as the individual was not on premises during their infectious period. The individual and all household members are currently self-isolating. "Read more" for more information.

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Statement from the Ministry of Education – March Break Postponed

02/11/2021

The Ministry of Education has postponed March Break until April in an effort to mitigate transmission of the COVID-19 virus. The new dates are April 12-16, 2021. Please "read more" for a link to the statement.

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SJSH Virtual Information Sessions

02/07/2021

St. Joseph-Scollard Hall is excited to welcome all future students and families to our virtual information sessions! "Read More" for more details on the virtual information sessions, including a live Q&A session.

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02/05/2021

The NPSC Parent Involvement Committee welcomes you to a free virtual information session: "Eat. Sleep. Move. Think: The Ripple Effect. Leverage sleep, food, movement and mindset to amplify resilience and your health" on Thursday, February 25 at 6:00pm. Join scientist, physiologist and bestselling author Dr. Greg Wells for this informative and engaging keynote presentation. "Read more" for registration details.

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Black History Month 2021

02/01/2021

Every February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. The 2021 theme for Black History Month is: "The Future is Now". "Read More" for links to videos, information, and resources.

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2021-2022 School Year Calendar Consultation

01/25/2021

Parents are invited to join staff members and provide input into the proposed school year calendar for the 2021-2022 school year by completing the survey by Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

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01/19/2021

Is your child starting Kindergarten September 2021? Join the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board for our Early French Immersion information session, February 2 at 6:00 p.m., to discover the amazing opportunities a bilingual Catholic education can provide.

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Additional Safety Measures for Ontario Schools

01/13/2021

As you are aware, the Province of Ontario has announced a second state of emergency effective Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. A reminder that all Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board schools will remain open for in-person learning during this time. Please click 'read more' for more information regarding additional health and safety protocols that will be occurring in our schools.

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Important Information Regarding Bus Transportation

01/08/2021

Please click 'read more' for an important message from the Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services. Importantly, NPSSTS advises students to please continue to practice good habits with regards to wearing masks while riding the bus, stating "...public health does not recommend ‘neck gaiters’, scarves, or balaclavas as an equivalent to, or substitute for a face covering..."

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Letter from the Minister of Education January 2021

01/03/2021

Please click 'read more' for a link to a letter from the Minister of Education.

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Ukulele Practice Pays Off at St. Hubert School

12/17/2020

We are so pleased to share two special performances from the Grade 7 and 8 students at St. Hubert! They have been practicing their ukulele skills this semester and their hard work has definitely paid off! Thank you to teacher Allison Denomme for preparing this beautiful video and orchestrating the (virtual) performance!

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St. Gregory Performs Carol of the Bells

12/17/2020

We are so pleased to share a video of our friends at St. Gregory performing Carol of the Bells! Their virtual music instruction is being put to good use as they share their wonderful Christmas cheer with us.

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St. Francis Undertakes Advent Challenge

12/16/2020

Our friends at St. Francis took part in a unique festive challenge this year called the Advent-Read-A-Thon. With a new take on the traditional Advent calendar, the 25 day activity challenged primary and junior grades to read something every day, with fun twists. For example, students were challenged to read a mystery book, read poetry or even read in the car! As they complete each week of the reading challenge, they are rewarded with a candy cane. We hear someone in the North Pole has caught wind of this special activity - maybe he will include St. Francis in his pre-Christmas visits!

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de Jourdan Acclaimed Chair, McCool Re-elected Vice-Chair

12/16/2020

At its organizational meeting on Tuesday December 15, the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board appointed by acclamation, Leo de Jourdan as Chair and re-elected Barbara McCool as Vice-Chair.

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12 Blocks of Christmas Coding Festivities

12/15/2020

Students at the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) have been taking part in a unique festive activity called NPSC’s 12 Blocks of Christmas. The competition is open to all students from Kindergarten to Grade 8, with the challenge of completing one coding activity per school day. Students enter the competition by engaging in the board’s curated coding activities throughout the 12 school days of the challenge offering. Activities centre around core curriculum topics and are divided by grade level.

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SJSH Religion Class Shares Christmas Cheer

12/07/2020

Students in the Grade 12 Religion course have been actively spreading Christmas cheer this year, completing a variety of goodwill activities and projects to spread joy this season. The class ‘adopted’ two children through the Children’s Aid Society’s Joy Project which seeks to provide Christmas gifts for all children and youth in the Nipissing and Parry Sound district. Students used their own money to purchase gifts for the children, including a dollhouse, toys, pajamas and art supplies. Staff and students also worked together to hand write 150 Christmas cards for nursing home patients, accompanied by beautiful artwork and Christmas paintings. We are so proud of the work of our students and staff, who continue to demonstrate compassion, generosity and benevolence during the Christmas season and throughout the year!

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Father Eric and St. Gregory Stay Connected!

12/04/2020

Our friends at St. Gregory have been connecting with their school priest virtually this year, through a series of classroom discussions and school masses. Since the beginning of September, Father Eric has been engaging each class in weekly discussions; answering questions, sharing parables, interactive reflections and discussing important aspects of students’ faith development. The school has also taken part in virtual masses throughout the year, coming together monthly to celebrate Mass as a school community. During Advent, Father Eric shared special weekly prayer services to light the candles of our school Advent wreath. Father Eric’s reflections and discussions engage students in learning how hope, peace, joy and love help us prepare during Advent to welcome Christ into our hearts and homes this Christmas. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Father Eric for his creative and important contributions to our school community and the spiritual development of our students!

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Ontario Providing Support for Young Learners

11/30/2020

On November 30, the Ontario government announced it will be providing financial relief for families facing new education-related expenses. Starting today, parents or guardians residing in Ontario can complete a simple online application through the Support for Learners web page. Applications will remain open until February 8, 2021. For details visit the Ontario.ca website.

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Christmas Blessings from NPSC

11/30/2020

A Christmas Message from the Board Chair and Director of Education: In our Catholic schools, the season of Advent is a wonderful time of preparation. As we think about Christmas traditions and preparing “new” traditions this year, we invite our community to join us in sharing a moment of gratitude.

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A Fresh Take on Form, Function and Forces

11/24/2020

Intermediate students enrolled in the Tech and Design program at NPSC have been engaging with the course curriculum using a variety of unique and innovative learning approaches this year. While the majority of students are not able to attend the traditional tech and design classroom in person, teacher Robert Pavone, has created several projects for students to create in their classrooms at their home schools, accompanied by his virtual lessons and supporting material. To complete the procedural learning assignments each of the over 200 students enrolled in the program this semester receives a package that includes project materials, written instructions and access to videos, photos and a Google Slidedeck of instructions to create the 3D models. Design projects include a geodesic dome, a truss bridge, a cell tower and the culminating project of creating floor plans for a virtual home. We are looking forward to sharing more of these projects as they come to life in schools across our district!

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Students Experience Being Chef for a Day

11/23/2020

Intermediate students across NPSC had the opportunity to build their culinary knowledge and essential skills through a synchronous learning event, hosted virtually by the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Canadore College. Students learning virtually, as well as students attending school in-person received an ‘activity-box’ with ingredients to make gingerbread houses and energy bites. All participants were then invited to participate in a culinary lesson, receiving live, virtual instruction from a Canadore College Chef and having the opportunity to ask questions about their learning. The hands-on activity provided students with an introductory experience into the skilled trades and college, as well as a discussion about healthy eating and nutrition. Special thank you to the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Canadore College for providing this exception experience for our students!

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Intermediate Music Gets Collaborative

11/06/2020

Intermediate students across NPSC have been engaging with music curriculum in a new way this year, working virtually to learn music theory and compose their own music. Using Google Classroom, the music teacher, Allison Denomme, has created a plethora of activities and resources to introduce students to the curriculum. Next, the over 300 students across the district enrolled in the program have signed up to a digital service called BandLab, which allows students to record, edit and mix their own music. Students have the opportunity to connect via Google Meet to share their music and connect with their peers and teacher, who teaches students from across the district from her home school at St. Hubert. Students who are not completing the BandLab unit are learning Ukulele through a series of virtual tutorials and activities.

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St. Alexander Asks the Expert

11/03/2020

Students at St. Alexander School have been bringing their learning to life by connecting virtually with experts in the subjects they are learning about in their classroom. The Grade 6 class has been tuning in to live broadcasts, orchestrated by Joe Grabowski of Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, to hear discussions from astronauts, artists, physicians, marine biologists and many more.

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Thank You to the Kiwanis Club and Staples

10/22/2020

Special thank you to the Kiwanis Club of North Eastern Ontario and Staples North Bay, who generously donated just over $1,000 in gift cards to benefit students at NPSC.

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NPSC Students Learn Fire Safety

10/22/2020

The North Bay Fire Department joined several NPSC classes to talk about fire safety and prevention, sharing the important story "No Dragons for Tea."

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Cyber Security Awareness

10/22/2020

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. This year, the Educational Computing Network of Ontario is providing a series of resources to help families and educators stay safe online. Click 'read more' for details.

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Treaties Recognition Week

10/16/2020

November 2-6 is Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. Schools across NPSC are celebrating in some very special ways, including using We Are All Treaty People curriculum resources, sharing prayers, drumming ceremonies, and welcoming virtual guest speakers into their classrooms. For more information about Treaties Recognition Week visit www.ontario.ca/page/treaties.

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Ontario's Covid-19 School Screening Tool (Updated October 1)

09/16/2020

Ontario has launched a new voluntary screening tool to help students, parents and staff assess COVID-19 symptoms and risks. Click the link below to learn more.

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NBPSDHU Daily Checklist for Parents

09/04/2020

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has created a checklist to help parents identify symptoms of Covid-19. Click 'read more' to view.

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A Welcome Message from NPSC's Board Chair

09/02/2020

On behalf of the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board of Trustees, I would like to welcome our students back to the classroom for the 2020/2021 school year. I also want to reassure parents that the school reopening plan includes steps that should provide you with confidence that all reasonable precautions have been and will be taken to ensure a safe return to school. Please click "read more" to read the message in it's entirety.

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NPSC School Reopening Plan

08/28/2020

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board is pleased to share the NPSC School Re-Opening Plan 2020-2021: A Guide for the Safe Return to our Catholic Schools During COVID-19. Please click "read more" to read the document in full.

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NPSC Staggered Start Information

08/28/2020

The Ministry of Education is permitting school boards to stagger students’ entry as they transition back to school this year. A staggered start allows for a gradual return of students, and provides time for learning and adapting to new routines and safety practices. The additional time also allows for the adjusting of timetables as students are moved in or out of regular school and distance learning. Please click 'read more' to learn when NPSC students will be starting school this year.

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A Letter from the Minister of Education

08/27/2020

Please click 'read more' for a link to a letter from the Minister of Education to parents.

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Ontario COVID-19 Management Plan for Schools

08/26/2020

On August 26, the province released the 'Operational Guidance: COVID-19 Management in Schools' to plan for students and staff across Ontario to safely return to school in September. Click 'read more' to read the plan in detail.

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NBPSHU Releases Information For Families

08/25/2020

On August 25, the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit released important public health information for regarding school reopening. We encourage all families to review this information carefully. Click 'read more' for a link to these resources.

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September Transportation Plan from NPSSTS

08/25/2020

Please click 'read more' to read a letter for parents and caregivers from the Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services.

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Ministry of Education Guide for Remote Learning

08/19/2020

On August 13, the Ministry of Education released the Requirements for Remote Learning, which provides direction to school boards on remote learning requirements, including implementation and reporting. This memorandum also identifies effective practices that school boards should develop to support students during remote learning. Please click "read more" to read the plan in full.

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Message Regarding Student Transportation

08/12/2020

Please click 'read more' to read a letter for parents and caregivers from the Nipissing Parry Sound Student Transportation Services.

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Return to School Planning - 2020 Family Survey

08/04/2020

As you may already be aware, on Thursday, July 30, the Minister of Education announced that all publicly funded schools in Ontario will be reopening in September for students to attend school five days a week, with enhanced health and safety protocols in place. In order to plan for a safe and healthy return to school, the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board will need to learn about your plans for your child’s education this fall. We kindly request that you complete a survey to confirm whether your child will be attending school this fall, or will be learning from home. Please click 'read more' to complete the survey.

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Ministry of Education Announces Plans for Reopening of Schools

07/30/2020

On July 30, the The Ministry of Education announced the reopening plan for schools this September. Please click 'read more' for important details regarding this announcement and a letter from the Minister of Education. NPSC will update our community with detailed information about what this means for our schools in the coming days.

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Letter to Our NPSC Community July 29

07/29/2020

Dear Parents and Guardians, As you may already be aware, on June 19, 2020 the Minister of Education announced Ontario’s approach for the reopening of publicly funded schools for the 2020-2021 school year. Please "read more" to learn more about what parents can expect in the coming weeks.

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2020-2021 School Year Calendar

07/29/2020

The 2020-2021 school year will begin on Tuesday September 8, 2020 and will end on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. This recommendation has been approved by the Ministry of Education.

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Mental Health and Well-Being Services

07/14/2020

School closures as well as the uncertainties about returning to school in September may impact the emotional well-being of some students. Mental health professionals from the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board will continue to provide support to students throughout the summer months. For example, if you were receiving support from a school social worker during the school year, this service can be provided over the phone or online throughout the summer months. To learn more about these supports and how to access them please contact tessierp@npsc.ca.

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Summer Registration Information

06/29/2020

Elementary schools are now closed for the summer months. If you require assistance regarding your child's transportation information or registration, please contact the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board's summer registration office at 705-494-3888. All transportation and registration questions for St. Joseph-Scollard Hall can be directed to student services at 705-494-8600 ext 40234. We wish you and your family a safe and happy summer.

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End of Year Message to Parents

06/26/2020

On June 19, 2020, the Minister of Education announced Ontario’s approach for the reopening of publicly funded schools for the 2020-2021 school year. Please "read more" to learn more about what this decision means for the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board.

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06/25/2020

Aanni, Hello, Bonjour, Watcheye! Congratulations Class of 2020! This will most certainly be one of the most memorable school years of your life. For some, this will be the year you graduated from kindergarten. Others will be graduating from Grade six and off to a new Catholic school for Grade 7, and our Grade 8 students will be leaving elementary school behind to take on new adventures in high school. Regardless of the circumstances, this is an important milestone, worthy of celebration!