Menu

kpdsb

kpdsb20sign-1

KPDSB Provides Update As Schools Remain Closed

, , , , ,

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board prepares as students will not return to the classroom this school year.

Premier Doug Ford made that announcement this morning.

The school board says they are still there to support parents and children and will continue with the distance learning model for the remainder of the school year.

Preparations are also being made at schools to allow students to grab personal items that they may have left behind.

The KPDSB says the safety of students and staff is top priority and access to schools will have the be approved by the local medical officer of health.

The full release to parents can be found below.

COVID-19 Updates From DOE S… by Rayson Martyn on Scribd

siouxnorth-1

Virtual History Lesson For Students In Sioux Lookout

, , , ,

As students continue to learn from home, teachers continue to find fun new ways to bring their lesson plans to the online world.

Sioux North High School Teacher Colby Sadler has set up virtual historic tours and so far the students have been able to explore the history of London and Paris from their homes.

Sadler says the tours have mandatory teachings that students have to learn, but there is some fun packed in there too.

“In each of them we’ve been trying to do sort of optional stops as well. These are things like record shops or restaurants and having students choose their favourite song about London or make a traditional British dish.”

He says they have also learned more about World War I and World II with the virtual tours.

Sadler notes the learning has been well received.

 

kpdsb20sign-1

High School/Elementary Grad Going Virtual

, , , ,

Graduation ceremonies at Keewatin-Patricia District School Board schools will look different this year due to COVID-19.

Virtual high school graduation ceremonies will be held at the end of June.

Director of Education Sherri-Lynne Pharand says at this point in time it will be a “virtual acknowledgment” for all secondary students who are graduating.

Pharand says elementary graduation celebrations will be held virtually as well.

She stresses they understand how important walking the stage is for some students so they plan to hold an in-person event at a later date once it is safe.

“Postponement until such time from the public health officials that we’re allowed to be face-to-face. We do anticipate that will likely be into 2021.”

 

COVID-19 Updates From DOE S… by Rayson Martyn on Scribd

newdirect-1

Distance Education Working Well Locally

, , ,

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says it has received a lot of positive feedback from students and parents on distance learning programming.

A survey was recently launched asking for input on what is going well and what could be improved.

Director of Education Sherri-Lynne Pharand says a number of families thanked teachers for reaching out, recognizing these are challenging times and appreciating the work that’s being done.

Pharand says there was some constructive feedback as well.

She notes suggestions were made on providing more flexibility for times to make it easier to coordinate with family’s schedules.

Pharand says the school board was fortunate to already have Chromebooks for students so the transition to distance learning was relatively smooth.

She adds there are some benefits to distance learning but stresses staff are excited for face-to-face learning to eventually return at regional schools.

boardlogo-1-1

Public School Board Offering Mental Health Support

, ,

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board stresses resources are available to help students and parents cope with COVID-19 restrictions and shutdowns.

This is Mental Health Week and Mental Health Leader Candice Kerkermeier says a dedicated mental health tab is available by visiting the KPDSB website.

Kerkermeier says during times of uncertainty and change, we can see an impact on children and adults.

“Important thing to watch for in yourself and in your children are signs and symptoms of distress. So things like feeling really unwell, having negative thoughts, feeling sad and lonely.”

She notes “The piece to watch for is when you’re recognizing changes in behaviours, thoughts and feelings that are high in frequency, that are long in duration or quite large in intensity and having a big impact on your daily functioning.”

Kerkermeier adds “It’s important to remember that during times of uncertainty and change we can see an impact on our children’s mental health and sometimes our own mental health and well-being. A certain level of stress and anxiety is normal when we’re in a situation such as we are with the pandemic.”

This is Mental Health Week and for more information visit http://www.kpdsb.on.ca/pages/view/mental-health

 

adulted-1-1

Audio: Adult Ed Learning Portal Launched

, , ,

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and Seven Generations Education Institute have launched a new online adult learning portal.

Adult Education Principal Lynn McAughey says anyone can earn a high school diploma, upgrade for college or university, upgrade for employment or enhance literacy skills.

McAughey says the partnership with Seven Generations allows you to take the courses you need to enter their Trades and Technology program, Police Foundation and Child and Youth Worker programs.

“We also partner with Confederation College. As an adult you can take both a high school credit and a college program as well, so that you are well prepared to take a program at one of our regional campuses.”

McAughey says “You can work on your courses at your own pace, from the comfort and safety of your own home, with the support of our helpful teachers. We even have options for people who don’t have access to WiFi or devices.”

Visit https://www.nwoadulted.com/ to learn more.

You can hear all about the portal by listening to the Audio link below.

michelleparrish-1

National Recognition For Local Teacher

, ,

A local educator is sharing ways in which the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has worked to encourage active steps toward reconciliation.

Michelle Parrish is the Canadian Geographic “Featured Teacher” for the month of April.

Parrish, whose background is teaching middle school, has switched her focus to support other teachers by providing resources and guidance to bring Indigenous history and knowledge into the classroom.

She was instrumental in leading the travelling Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map this past winter.

Parrish shared her ideas and thoughts on four different topics in the online publication including her role as a Student Achievement Teacher, Treaty Recognition Week, the travelling Floor Map and teaching and learning about reconciliation.

To read the full story visit https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/featured-teacher-michelle-parrish

kpdsb20sign-1

Dryden School Board Office Not Moving For Now

, , ,

The amalgamation of public school board offices in Dryden and Kenora is being put on hold for now.

Trustees with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board met electronically this week and voted to rescind previous motions surrounding the consolidation.

Board Chair Cecile Marcino says the decision gives senior administration time to decide if the move is necessary.

Marcino says once they review all of the information, another recommendation will come forward to the board.

She notes that could include the formation of another committee.

The re-location of the administrative offices to Keewatin Public School was supposed to take place in September 2022.

It was originally meant as a cost savings measure for the board.

kpdsb-sign_3-800x450-2

Social Media Key In Transition To Kindergarten

, , ,

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board continues to work with parents to ensure a smooth transition to Kindergarten next fall.

The board has been using social media to help keep communication going during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Early Years Coordinator Ann McDonald says “We just really want to stay connected with our families that have registered into our schools. Show them how excited we are to be able to learn and grow with the children. Provide them with supports and information. Just that connectedness between the school board, the schools and the families.”

McDonald adds it’s always important to be providing opportunities for their families, noting most are now connected to social media.

She states for the first time ever, they will be using the Internet in the months leading up to the first day of school, to make that transition easier.

sherri-lynne-pharand-board-meeting-800x450-2-1

Public Board Now Offering Online Learning

, ,

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board Distance Learning program is underway.

The switch to online learning will help ensure the continuation of instruction as schools remain closed due to COVID-19.

Educators will be teaching elementary and high school students through multiple online resources such as Google Classroom.

Director of Education Sherri-Lynne Pharand says they have been providing the technology to students who do not have it.

She adds the board is offering free Wifi around school properties across the district.

Pharand notes support is also being offered to instructors as an online platform has been established with various resources and tips on virtual learning.

She says they are are capitalizing using the expertise of teachers who have experience with e-learning or blended learning.

Pharand admits this is a new experience for everyone involved so they are starting with a slower return to the classroom so nobody is overwhelmed.

Load More