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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Schools across NPSC celebrated Orange Shirt Day with a variety of activities and resources. This year, SJSH Indigenous Student Trustee Grace Couchie, worked with SJSH students and staff to create a special Orange Shirt Day video, touching on the importance of the day, it’s history and the perspectives from the school community.

Schools across the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board participated in Treaties Recognition Week through a variety of educational and interactive learning activities. Schools participated in a variety of activities including learning about treaties and developing their own classroom treaties and wampum belts, inviting virtual guest speakers and elders to speak to classes, learning to make medicine wheels through a virtual classroom tutorials and sharing resources such as We are all Treaty People, Back to Batoche and Taking Care of Mother Earth and more.

Each year NPSC schools and our community support our students in remembering the men and women who have sacrificed for our country and honour those who continue to serve today. Our students and staff have planned a variety of educational activities, virtual prayer services and remembrance ceremonies to mark the day and month of remembrance. These activities have been planned to inspire our students and Catholic communities through our faith, to reflect on the freedoms and peace we have and to remember the Canadians who served and sacrificed for all we have today.

NPSC is proud to join schools across the province in celebrating the tenth anniversary of Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. At NPSC, we continue to focus on creating safe and positive learning environments, based on mutual understanding and respect, so that all students feel a sense of belonging and are able to participate fully in the school community and classroom learning.