Please 'read more' to view a memo for information on the reinforcement and promotion of the importance of ongoing collaboration between public health units and school boards in the delivery of Ontario’s immunization programs.

COVID-19 vaccine is now available for youth 12 and up. "Read more" for details.

For assistance with your child's transportation information or registration during the summer months, please 'read more' for details.

Please click 'read more' to access congratulatory videos addressed to this year’s graduating students from the Minister of Education.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated annually on June 21 and is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. NPSC students and staff will be celebrating this day remotely. “Read more” for a list of school events and activities.

Register today for Kindergarten at one of our 11 elementary schools serving North Bay, Mattawa, Powassan, Callander and West Nipissing. "Read more" for details!

In consultation with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, the four local school boards 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. Please "read more" for further details.

Parents and guardians are required to declare which learning mode you have chosen for your child(ren) by completing a survey by June 9, 2021. Please note that this decision is for the entire 2021-2022 school year. Click "read more" for the survey link.

On June 8, the Ministry of Education notified school boards of the updated COVID-19 screening guidance for school settings for the school staff and students with special education needs who are currently working and learning in-person in Ontario schools. Please 'read more' for further details.

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board is deeply saddened by the recent news of the discovery of the remains of 215 children lost at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation Territory. It is a difficult reminder of the injustices against our Indigenous community in our Nation's recent history. We grieve for the students who perished and any members of our First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples who have suffered...

June is National Indigenous History Month, honouring the history, contributions, culture and strength of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Learn more here...

Avoid the September rush! If you know you are moving or changing child care providers between now and the start of the next school year, now is the time to contact your school to update your address and confirm busing eligibility for next year. For transportation details, please contact the Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services at 705-472-8840, [email protected] or by visiting www.npssts.ca.

The month of June is designated as PRIDE month in Canada, a sign and symbol of love and inclusion. Our Catholic schools are committed to nurturing safe and inclusive learning environments where every student and every member of the community is welcomed, valued, and respected.....

Beginning on June 2, we invite those involved in and those who care for Catholic Education in the province of Ontario to pray together for nine days in preparation for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. "Read more" for more information, including the daily prayers.

Please click 'read more' for information about the extended stay-at-home order and the youth vaccination plan.

On May 5, EDM Duo DVBBS, who are originally from Orangeville and are now based out of Los Angeles, met virtually with SJSH's Mr. Overholt’s Vocal Music and Computers students. "Read more" for details and a picture!

As part of Catholic Education Week, on Wednesday, May 5, we celebrate all our educational support staff for their hard work and daily contributions to our schools. Join us as we acknowledge the crucial roles of our educational support staff and as we extend a huge ‘thank you’ for all that they do.

May 3-7 is Catholic Education Week and the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board is celebrating with a variety of school events, throughout the week. This year, the theme is "Nurturing Hope".

This week is the 70th annual CMHA #MentalHealthWeek! #GetReal about how you feel. Name it, don’t numb it. Together we’ll #GetReal. For details and resources, visit mentalhealthweek.ca.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has confirmed and advised us that the positive COVID-19 case from the Our Lady of Sorrows School community, which was reported to you on April 13, 2021, is now resolved. Please "read more" for more information.

Please be advised that in light of the provisions of the provincial Stay-at Home Order, all access to Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board outdoor recreational amenities, including basketball courts, baseball diamonds and sports fields, is prohibited until further notice. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

On April 19, Ms. Walsh's Grade 7/8 class participated in a "Scientists in Schools - Genetic Diversity and You" workshop with presenter Ms. Carla Sterling. The workshop was based around STEM in the virtual classroom!

On April 12, 2021, the Premier of Ontario announced that Ontario elementary and secondary schools will be closed for in-person learning and that instruction will take place virtually following the spring break. Please 'read more' for important information regarding virtual learning following the spring break.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has advised us that an individual from the Our Lady of Sorrows School community has tested positive for COVID-19 and was at school during their infectious period. At this time, the Grade 7 and 8 cohort as well as individuals who boarded Allouette Bus Line route #52 are being asked to self-isolate. The Health Unit has advised that the current situation does not meet the criteria to declare an outbreak. Please "read more" for more information.

The Ontario government has announced its decision to move elementary and secondary schools to remote learning following the April 12-16 spring break. All publicly funded elementary and secondary schools in the province will be moving to teacher-led remote learning when students return from the April break on April 19. NPSC will be sharing more details with students and parents over the next few days. Please 'read more' to read the statement, released on April 12.

Please 'read more' for important spring break information for parents.

April 2 is Autism Awareness Day! Many NPSC staff and students will wear BLUE on Thursday and Tuesday to help raise awareness and increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism around the world! #LightItUpBlue

Easter blessings to everyone as we celebrate the true meaning of Easter, from the reflection of Good Friday to the joy of Easter Sunday and the promise of eternal life. May you feel the bright, joyful blessings God has to offer you during this Easter holiday. Happy Easter! **Please note the Board Office and Schools are closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday**

COVID-19 rapid antigen testing is now available at select Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaw Pharmacy locations for students, children, and staff of the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board. Testing is voluntary and participants will need to be asymptomatic in-order to be eligible to receive a COVID-19 rapid antigen test. "Read more" for important details.

On March 19 and 22, students and staff "rocked their socks" to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (Sunday, March 21). We wore our bright, colourful, striped, and mismatched socks! It was a day that our socks weren't meant to be hidden - instead they were intended to start conversations and to raise awareness. Thank you to the NPSC community for joining in to create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down Syndrome.

On March 19, we celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph! The Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of Mary, honors the foster-father of Jesus, St. Joseph. He is the patron saint of fathers, families, workers, and the Church. "Read more" to see the SJSH door decorating entries!

Mother St. Bride School celebrated "Spirit Week" from March 15-19, 2021, with different themes and activities each day!

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!

SJSH Parent Council is raising funds to support SJSH graduating students in their education journey. Click 'read more' for a letter from CSAC Chair, Donna Marchione-Backer.

NPSC's Special Education Advisory and Parent Involvement Committees welcome you to their 20th Annual Carousel Evening on Wednesday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. This free virtual event will feature keynote speaker Michael Jacques and his presentation "It's My Future....How Do I Get There?". Click 'read more' for more information, including how to register!

On March 24, five students were recognized as “Students Who Make a Difference” and poster contest winner for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. "Read More" for a link to the recorded presentation. Congratulations!

On February 11, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announced a postponement of March Break. All NPSC schools will remain open the week of March 15-19 and will be closed during the week of April 12-16. Please 'read more' for more information and to view the revised School Year Calendar.

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!

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board is conducting a Child Care Program Needs Survey for the 2020-2021 school year. The goal of this survey is to understand the need for childcare programs for school aged children, and assist with child care program and service planning. We are asking all families to complete this survey on child care needs. The survey should take about five minutes to complete and will remain open until March 12, 2021. Click 'read more' to access the link.

The 2020 Director's Report highlights the celebration of many achievements across NPSC from the 2019-2020 school year.

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.

The Ontario government is committed to student learning and the safety and well-being of all staff and students. Due to the recent emergence of COVID-19 variants of concern in Ontario, new safety measures have been added in Ontario schools and child care centres to keep students, children, and staff safe. As such, the Ministry of Education has provided school boards with updated guidance that builds upon a number of public health and safety measures. Please 'read more' for further details.

Congratulations to the SJSH Special Olympics Soccer team who won GOLD at the provincial Special Olympics tournament on February 18!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..."

As you know, the Government of Ontario confirmed yesterday that elementary and secondary students in the region of Northern Ontario will proceed with returning to in-person learning, as scheduled, on January 11, 2021. This includes students in the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board.

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

Our Lady of Fatima organized their first annual Christmas Wreath Decorating Contest this December. The winning class got to choose an organization to send the school's fundraising money, collected on Christmas Hat Day. As a result, OLF will be providing The Santa Fund with $100 to use for their families this year. Thank you for sharing your Christmas cheer with our community OLF!

The Christmas edition of our Board Newsletter, Schools to Believe In is now available. Inside you will find a message from our Director of Education and Board Chair, as well as videos and stories from schools across our district.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

NPSC extends a warm welcome all of our students and families who have selected to complete their Catholic Education virtually as we begin the 2020-2021 school year. As students and their families connect with staff this week, we wanted to share a website that provides general information about virtual learning as well as introductory activities in the core areas of Literacy, Numeracy and French as a Second Language. Please click 'read more' for details.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.