Archived News

RRDSB Presents Balanced Budget for 2023-24

06/23/2023

Trustees passed a balanced budget for the 2023-2024 school year.

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Multiphase renewal project to begin at FHS

06/02/2023

RRDSB announces the beginning of a multiphase renewal effort at Fort Frances High School.

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Pride Progress Flag Raised at FHS

05/31/2023

Borderland Pride and Fort High students reflect on the importance of Pride in our community.

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Students demonstrate excellence in public speaking at Speech Contest

05/12/2023

A total of 20 students from across the district participated in the Rainy River District School Board Speech Contest on May 11, 2023, hosted at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances. Students delivered outstanding speeches on a wide variety of topics to educators, families, peers, and community members.

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Former trustee honoured with award

01/31/2023

Former Rainy River DSB (RRDSB) Trustee and Chair Raymond Roy was honoured with the Ontario Public School Boards' Association’s (OPSBA) Bernardine Yackman Memorial Award on January 27 in Toronto.

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RRDSB expresses sorrow over discovery

01/18/2023

Yesterday, it was announced that 171 potential grave sites were discovered at the former St. Mary’s Residential School site in Kenora. Five former residential schools covering six sites were located within Treaty #3 territory, including St. Mary’s, which operated from 1897 to 1972 and was attended by children from across the Treaty #3 territory and beyond. The Rainy River District School Board wishes to express our heartfelt sorrow and sympathies to everyone affected by this discovery, especially our students and families who may be directly affected.

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Land acquisition for new school approved

01/11/2023

The Rainy River District School Board and the Town of Rainy River are pleased to announce that the Ministry of Education has approved the Board’s request to acquire 12.18 acres of vacant land from the Town of Rainy River. The land, located to the east of the running track, will support the construction of the new Rainy River K-12 School, 39-place child care facility, and Best Start Hub.

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RRDSB elects new Chair and Vice Chair

11/22/2022

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce that elections for the office of Chair and Vice Chair were held at the inaugural Board Meeting on November 22, 2022 in Fort Frances. Trustee, ¬¬Jeff Lehman, who represents the Township of Atikokan and surrounding area, was acclaimed as Board Chair, while Trustee, Kathryn Pierroz, was acclaimed as Vice Chair.

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New name for Atikokan K-12 School

06/08/2022

The name of the new consolidated K-12 school in Atikokan will be named Northern Lakes K-12 School. The name received unanimous approval by Trustees at the regular Board meeting on June 7, 2022. The other option up for consideration was Atikokan K-12 School.

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RRDSB recognizes volunteers and employees

06/07/2022

At its June 7, 2022 regular Board meeting, the Rainy River District School Board announced the recipients of the Recognition of Service awards, honoring the 2022 Employees of the Year, Bus Driver of the Year, Volunteers of the Year, and Community Partner of the Year.

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New Superintendent of Education named

05/18/2022

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce Beth Fairfield as the new system leader, effective June 1, 2022. She will be replacing Peg Keffer, who will be retiring at the end of the school year.

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Public speaking highlighted in Speech Contest

05/13/2022

A total of 18 students from across the district participated in the Rainy River District School Board Speech Contest on May 12, 2022, hosted at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances. Students delivered outstanding speeches on a wide variety of topics to educators, families, peers, and community members.

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Rainy River K-12 school to proceed

05/12/2022

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to receive Approval to Proceed in the amount of $23,541,549 from the Ministry of Education for a 311-pupil place JK-Grade 12 school, a two room 39 place child care centre and a one room EarlyON Centre in Rainy River.

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Funding announced for new Nestor Falls School

05/04/2022

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to be receiving $2.6 million through the Ontario government’s 2022-23 Capital Priorities Program for a new Nestor Falls School. The investment, announced last week by Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River, will support the creation of 46 elementary student spaces.

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Nominations now open for Service Awards

04/22/2022

Nominations for Recognition of Service are accepted annually in the spring to recognize the Employee of the Year, Bus Driver of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Community Partner of the Year. The awards are a way to celebrate the exceptional and outstanding contributions that staff members, bus drivers, volunteers, and community partners make to the school community.

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Local Pharmacies Support Distribution of Rapid Antigen Tests to District Secondary Students

12/20/2021

The Rainy River District School Board recognizes its partnership with local pharmacies to support the distribution of Rapid Antigen Tests to our secondary students.

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Board re-elects Chair and Vice Chair

12/07/2021

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce that elections for the office of Chair and Vice Chair were held at the Board Meeting on December 7, 2021 in Fort Frances. Trustee, Raymond Roy, was acclaimed as Board Chair, while Trustee, David Kircher, was acclaimed as Vice Chair. Both trustees represent the Town of Fort Frances and unorganized territory east of Fort Frances.

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Strategic planning is underway

10/14/2021

At Rainy River District School Board, every 3-5 years we engage in a strategic planning process that results in the establishment of priorities to focus our efforts on student achievement and success. As we begin the process for developing our new Strategic Plan, we are asking all of our stakeholders - students, staff, parents and community members - for their involvement in shaping our direction.

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Rainy River District School Board passes balanced budget

06/22/2021

At the June 22, 2021 Special Board Meeting, the Rainy River District School Board approved the 2021‐2022 balanced budget of $56,461,881.

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RRDSB recognizes volunteers and employees

06/01/2021

At its June 1, 2021 regular Board meeting, which was held remotely, the Rainy River District School Board announced the recipients of the Recognition of Service awards, honoring the 2021 Employees of the Year, Bus Driver of the Year, Volunteers of the Year, and Community Partner of the Year.

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Anishinaabemodaa initiative forging ahead

04/20/2021

Rainy River District School Board, Seven Generations Education Institute, and SayITFirst partnered to implement the Ojibwe Language Strategy Anishinaabemodaa in 2017, with the main goal of helping to awaken the language that has seen fewer and fewer speakers over time. Now in 2021, the Ojibwe Language Strategy continues to forge ahead with clear evidence that Anishinaabemowin is being taken back by the Anishinaabe people.

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RRDSB appoints new trustee

12/09/2020

At a Special Board Meeting on December 8, 2020, the Rainy River District School Board appointed Carla Magisano to fill the vacant seat in the west end of the District, previously held by David Loewen.

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MPP Rickford Announces New K-12 School in Rainy River

12/03/2020

Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora–Rainy River, on behalf of Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, announced Ministry of Education Capital Priorities and Child Care funding of $10,063,039 to build a new Kindergarten to grade 12 school in Rainy River. “I’m extremely proud to announce our government is building a new Kindergarten to grade 12 school to serve the communities across the Rainy River region,” said Rickford. “We remain committed to delivering on what matters most to the hardworking people and families in Northwestern Ontario. This funding is another example of our commitment to supporting our students and the future generations living in Kenora-Rainy River.”

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RRDSB re-elects Chair & Vice Chair

12/02/2020

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce that elections for the office of Chair and Vice Chair were held at the Board Meeting on December 1, 2020 in Fort Frances. Trustee, Raymond Roy, was acclaimed as Board Chair, while Trustee, David Kircher, was acclaimed as Vice Chair. Both trustees represent the Town of Fort Frances and unorganized territory east of Fort Frances.

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Trustee vacancy

11/05/2020

At its regular Board meeting on November 3, 2020, the Board accepted Trustee David Loewen’s letter of resignation and declared the Trustee seat vacant for the Townships of Morley, Morrison, Lake of the Woods, McCrosson-Tovell, Rainy River, Dawson and unorganized areas, vacant, effective November 4, 2020.

Read More about Trustee vacancy

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RRDSB awards construction contract for Atikokan K-12 School

11/04/2020

At its November 3, 2020 regular Board meeting, the Rainy River District School Board awarded the construction contract for the Atikokan K-12 School, Childcare and EarlyON Child and Family Centre to Finn Way General Contractor Inc. in the amount of $26,124,170 + HST.

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Capital projects moving forward

08/04/2020

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce that we have received approval from the Ministry of Education on three of our projects and are now moving forward on the Rainy River K-12, Child Care and EarlyON Child and Family Centre Project; the Atikokan K-12, Child Care and EarlyON Child and Family Centre Project; and the Donald Young School Child Care Project.

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Rainy River District School Board and ETFO Permanent Teachers reach tentative agreement

07/29/2020

On July 8, 2020, the Rainy River District School Board reached a tentative agreement at the local level with the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Rainy River Teacher Local (permanent teachers).

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Connected North Announces Partnership with New Gold Inc. and Rainy River District School Board

06/09/2020

Lessons in art, science, math and music have been more easily accessible thanks to Connected North, a program run by Canadian charity TakingITGlobal. Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) schools are generously supported by New Gold.

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Feedback wanted on return to school

06/05/2020

We want to hear your ideas on what the RRDSB should consider in order for students, parents/guardians, and staff to feel safe and supported as we plan for an eventual return to the classroom?

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RRDSB recognizes volunteers and employees

06/02/2020

At its June 2, 2020 regular Board meeting, which was held remotely, the Rainy River District School Board announced the recipients of the Recognition of Service awards, honoring the 2020 Employees of the Year, Bus Driver of the Year, Volunteers of the Year, and Community Partner of the Year.

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Online registration now available for 2020-21 school year

05/27/2020

The Rainy River District School Board is now accepting registrations for the 2020-21 school year online at www.rrdsb-registration.com. While schools remain closed due to COVID-19, families who have children to register for Kindergarten can register virtually, if they haven't already done so. In addition, students who are new to RRDSB can register online now, as well.

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Virtual learning opportunities for K-12 students during the COVID-19 pandemic

04/23/2020

Lessons in art, science, math and music have been more easily accessible thanks to Connected North, a program run by Canadian charity TakingITGlobal.

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RRDSB Statement regarding EQAO Grade 9 Math Assessment

01/09/2020

Yesterday, the Minister of Education announced that the decision with respect to the administration of the EQAO Grade 9 Math Assessment for Semester One would be left to individual school boards. Students in the Rainy River District School Board will not be participating in the EQAO Grade 9 Math Assessment this January.

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Co-op Display Day at FFHS

12/11/2019

Fort High students showed their classmates and teachers the work they’ve been doing at their coop placements during “Co-op Display Day” on Dec. 5.

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RRDSB re-elects Chair and Vice Chair

12/04/2019

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce that elections for the office of Chair and Vice Chair were held at the Board Meeting on December 3, 2019 in Fort Frances. Trustee, Raymond Roy, was acclaimed as Board Chair, while Trustee, David Kircher, was acclaimed as Vice Chair. Both trustees represent the Town of Fort Frances and unorganized territory east of Fort Frances.

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FFHS students tackle firefighting program

11/20/2019

For the past few months, some students at Fort Frances High School have been taking part in a unique learning experience designed to give them valuable real world experience. The school, in partnership with the Fort Frances Fire Management Headquarters (FMH) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), has run a specialized version of the SP100 Forest Firefighter Training course.

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School Bus Safety Poster Contest Winners 2019

11/15/2019

School Bus Safety Week was October 21st to 25th. To promote school bus safety, the Rainy River District Transportation Services Consortium held its annual School Bus Safety Poster Contest with the theme, “My School Bus, the Safest Form of Student Transportation.” A total of 229 posters were submitted for the contest. The winners for each category are as follows: Division 1: J/K – S/K – Carter Parisien SK Robert Moore School Division 2: Grades 1-2 – Lillian Krukoski Gr 1 Nestor Falls School Division 3: Grades 3-5 – Khloe Laur Gr 3 J.W. Walker School Division 4: Grades 6-8 – Kale Henttonen Gr 6 Robert Moore School

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Canadian author helps to promote writing skills

11/13/2019

Students at the Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) are getting a rather unique learning experience this year. Following a visit from author Sigmund Brouwer during the last school year, the board announced at its last monthly meeting that Brouwer would serve as the writer-in-residence for the school board for the 2019-2020 school year. Brouwer will be using aspects of the Story Ninja program to help students across the board with their writing and literacy skills.

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Student Travel Scholarship application process now open

11/08/2019

The Student Travel Scholarship is designed to give high school students the opportunity to travel to a developing country to learn first-hand about the importance of education, clean water, alternative income and agricultural projects. Students in Grades 9 to 11 are able to apply for this scholarship of $1,000, to help offset the cost of attending a Me-to-We trip during the summer months. Eligible students must be returning to their high school the fall after their trip and must be willing to bring back and share their learning with their school and other schools within the Board.

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New child care rooms approved for RRDSB

11/01/2019

Ontario has approved the tendering of two new child care projects to make high-quality child care easier to access for families in Northern Ontario. The child care addition at Donald Young Public School in Emo and the child care retrofit project at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances will each create three child care rooms conveniently located in an existing school setting, and each will offer local families an additional 49 child care spaces.

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FFHS students tackle cardboard boat challenge

10/30/2019

A handful of students from Fort Frances High School took part in a unique competition last week. Eight Grade 7 students from Angela Petsnick's science class travelled to Dryden to take part in a cardboard boat competition.

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FFHS play aims to scare audiences silly

10/23/2019

Fort Frances High School will be presenting “Scared Silly" Oct. 24-26 at the Townshend Theatre. The fall play is a spooky and funny collection of nine short skits bound together in an anthology style like "Creepshow" or "Tales from the Crypt.”

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Cafeteria open once again at FFHS

10/15/2019

Fort Frances High School (FFHS) administration is pleased that students there are once again able to purchase healthy lunches from the cafeteria, which is now operating as The Caf Co. – a not-for-profit enterprise headed by NCDS. The Caf Co. opened Friday with a soft launch, offering a menu of fruit smoothies, chicken caesar wraps, meat and cheese snack bowls, yogurt parfaits, and more.

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Author Eric Walters visits schools

09/27/2019

A Canadian author shared his love for reading with students across the Rainy River district. Eric Walters visited three schools in the district Sept. 23-25 - Donald Young School, Crossroads School, and Robert Moore School.

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RRDSB announces 2018-2019 EQAO results

09/25/2019

The 2018-2019 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results have been released. School and system leaders of the Rainy River District School Board have met to analyze and interpret the results. These results, along with other assessments, help the School Board to develop and refine strategies for achievement in all areas of the curriculum, including Literacy and Math. The 2018-2019 results show continued success in specific areas, as well as assist in identifying areas where further growth and improvement are needed.

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RRDSB focusing on concussion education

09/18/2019

On Wednesday, September 25, 2019, the Rainy River District School Board will recognize Rowan’s Law Day to help raise awareness about concussion safety.

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A Kindergarten Adventure

09/11/2019

It’s back to school again and that means a whole new batch of kids are learning what it means to get up early, hop on a bus, and carry a backpack on their shoulders.

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Two Student Trustees for RRDSB

09/04/2019

The Rainy River District School Board now has two student trustees instead of just one. Bjorn Van Der Loo and Olivia Kreger, the two new student trustees for the 2019-2020 school year, took their Oath of Office at the Sept. 4 Board Meeting.

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RRDSB to apply for funding for a new K-12 school in Rainy River

09/04/2019

Prior to its September 3, 2019 regular Board meeting, trustees and administration of the Rainy River District School Board met in-camera to receive a report on the tender for the Rainy River Consolidated School project. The project, which received Approval to Proceed (ATP) from the Ministry of Education on June 7, 2019, would include a complete interior and exterior renovation of the existing Rainy River High School, with the addition of a large gym, two child care rooms and an EarlyON centre.

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Lunch to return to FFHS cafeteria

08/26/2019

Students and staff attending Fort Frances High School this year will soon see the return of a long-lost option for lunches. NCDS announced that through grant funding, they are overseeing the creation of “The Caf Co.”—a not-for-profit enterprise that is aiming to bring lunch service back to the high school cafeteria.

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Board passes balanced budget

06/26/2019

At the June 25, 2019 Special Board Meeting, the Rainy River District School Board approved the 2019‐2020 balanced budget of $53,354,540, which represents a 5% decrease over the 2018-2019 budget.

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Another strong step forward for AHS band

06/17/2019

Five years of steady progress was in evidence Wednesday afternoon when the AHS band took to the stage. They filled the school auditorium with a full, rich sound for 45 minutes, covering everything from the classics - both classical and rock varieties - to traditional band pieces and modern hits, under the direction of bandmaster and teacher, Eric Arner.

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Province Approves Rainy River Project

06/10/2019

Ontario's government is protecting what matters most by investing in new local schools to help provide our students with a world-class education system that ensures they have the skills they need to succeed. The province has approved addition and renovation at Rainy River HS. The addition will add 222 new pupil places to the school, as well as two child care rooms and an EarlyON Child and Family Centre.

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Fort High class helps protect watershed

06/05/2019

A local group of students has been working hard to raise awareness on the impacts of pollutants going into storm drains throughout the town.

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RRDSB recognizes volunteers and employees

06/05/2019

At its June 4, 2019 regular Board Meeting held at the Education Centre in Fort Frances, the Rainy River District School Board announced the recipients of the Recognition of Service awards, honouring the 2019 Employees of the Year, Bus Drivers of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Community Partner of the Year.

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Students participate in speech contest

05/30/2019

A total of 10 students from seven schools participated in the Rainy River District School Board Speech Contest on May 29, 2019 hosted at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances. Students delivered outstanding speeches on a wide variety of topics to educators, family, peers, and community members.

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RRDSB to offer Pride workshop

05/29/2019

The Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) is partnering with a national advocacy organization to help spread education and awareness around LGBTQ2 issues in the district.

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Students share knowledge, skills for display day

05/29/2019

With another school year drawing to a close, students at Fort Frances High School got to flex their creative muscles and show off some newly developed skills to their classmates.

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Secondary students successful in DELF testing

05/21/2019

During Education Week earlier this month, 16 Grade 12 students from Fort Frances High School and Atikokan High School took the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) exam. The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce that all students passed.

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RMS Grade 7/8s to move to FFHS in the fall

05/08/2019

Grade 7 and 8 students from Robert Moore School will be going to Fort Frances High School this fall.

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Board gathers input on Grade 7/8 student move

04/11/2019

The Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) is currently in the process of determining whether or not the Grade 7 and 8 students from Robert Moore school will join their peers at Fort Frances High School (FFHS).

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Ojibwe Language Strategy Launched

04/10/2019

Rainy River District School Board, Seven Generations Education

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District students protest cuts

04/10/2019

Students from Fort High and Rainy River recently took a stand for their education.

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Parents get educated on gaming addiction

04/10/2019

How much is too much when it comes to time spent playing video games?

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Author visits Crossroads

04/03/2019

Crossroads School students ended out last week both inspired and motivated to become better writers.

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Voyageur Robotics team returns from competition

04/01/2019

The Voyageur Robotics team came back from the district competition at York University fired up … to say the least.

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Local students among top at Regional Science Fair

03/30/2019

Michael Redford (FFHS) and Tatum Ronmark (RMS) finished second and third, respectively, in the Sunset Country Regional Science Fair on March 30, 2019.

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Nominations now open for Recognition of Service Awards

03/29/2019

The Rainy River District School Board is looking for the 2019 Employee of the Year, Bus Driver of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Community Partner of the Year.

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Capital Project update given

03/27/2019

The public school board currently is working on several capital projects throughout the district, with some of them slated for completion this fall.

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Revived science fair a hit at North Star

03/25/2019

Seven Grade 5 and 6 students at North Star Community School accepted the challenge of participating in the school's first science fair in many years.

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Board outlines mental health support efforts

03/13/2019

Rainy River District School Board has implemented several different programs and campaigns to help both students and staff with their mental health.

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Builders Club back at Robert Moore

02/27/2019

The student-run Builders Club has returned to Robert Moore School earlier this year after a lengthy hiatus and is ready to make its community a better place.

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RMS Grade 7/8s may go to FFHS

02/27/2019

Grades 7 and 8 students from Robert Moore School could be moving into Fort Frances High School this September.

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Special Education program touted

02/14/2019

Rainy River District School Board trustees heard a presentation from Special Education Administrator Char Bliss during their regular monthly meeting here last Tuesday.

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K-12 school on track for September 2020 opening

02/11/2019

The Rainy River District School Board released the latest update on the Atikokan K-12 school project last week.

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Board focused on creating 'Culture of Caring'

01/30/2019

With schools across the district now halfway through the year, the director of education for the Rainy River District School Board says there's lots to celebrate and look forward to.

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Indigenous Education top priority for Board

01/30/2019

Indigenous Education is a top priority at the Rainy River District School Board and work is constantly being done to increase students' knowledge, understanding, and awareness of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit histories.

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House Groups launched at FFHS

01/30/2019

A fun idea has returned to Fort Frances High School to boost morale and build community, as well as help students develop a sense of belonging and “Muskie Pride.” The “House Groups” program divides students into 20 teams, who then are given opportunities to earn points for their team through participation, involvement, leadership, and succeeding in various activities.

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Dave Small sends updates from the jungle

Student get a close up look at life in the jungle

01/30/2019

At the beginning of the year, SCAP teacher Wilma Kooistra brought in Dave Small to speak with her class. He’s been working with Free Burma Rangers for several years, bringing aid and good news to Burmese refugees and those deep in the jungle in need of help. Little did she know that bringing him into the classroom one time would turn into an ongoing relationship for the class.

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AHS students learn about e-cigarettes

01/28/2019

Just because it's less harmful than smoking doesn't mean it is harmless. That was the central message in a discussion about vaping at Atikokan High school led by the Northwestern Health Unit's youth engagement coordinator, Catherine Kiewning, on Jan. 16. She lived up to the job title, fully engaging a big group of senior students during a one-hour session.

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MicroWorlds Jr. available in Ojibwe

01/17/2019

Canadian students can now develop their computational thinking skills while reinforcing their knowledge of the Ojibwe language, thanks to a new Ojibwe language version of the award-winning MicroWorlds JR software released today. TakingITGlobal’s Executive Director Jennifer Corriero joined students and educators at Mine Centre School in Mine Centre, Ontario to demonstrate the new coding software.

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Regional Kindergarten Registration 2019

01/16/2019

The school boards in Northwestern Ontario have teamed up to once again offer families a Regional Kindergarten Registration Week for 2019.

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SCAP sings carols around Emo

12/19/2018

Students from Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program have found a way to bring the festive sounds of carols to residents of Emo. Three groups, made up of students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, make their way to different locations around the town to spread good cheer.

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Bike repair as an introduction to the trades

12/17/2018

Grade 7 and 8 students at Atikokan High School and across the Rainy River District School Board are developing a new set of skills: bike repair. The Techways Program aims to encourage students to consider the trades as a potential career pathway.

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Co-op Program can help students find a career

12/13/2018

To help high school students determine their interest in certain careers, Fort Frances High School runs a Co-op Program each semester, in which student get first -hand experience at a workplace to each school credits.

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Christmas Concert Season

12/10/2018

It's Christmas Concert season! Please join us for any of the school's performances or events!

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Dianne McCormack outgoing chair of the board

Outgoing Chair will miss being a trustee

12/05/2018

Outgoing chair, Dianne McCormack, who served as a trustee for eight years, really enjoyed her time on the Board and wishes the new trustees all the best. She noted she is most proud of the Board's work to revise its Strategic Plan and will miss seeing the successes, which was the most rewarding part for her.

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Rainy River District School Board elects new Chair and Vice Chair

12/05/2018

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce that elections for the office of Chair and Vice Chair were held at the inaugural Board Meeting on December 4, 2018 in Fort Frances.

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Students provide input on province's education consultation

11/28/2018

At their most recent meeting, the Rainy River District School Board's Student Senate discussed their input for the province's education consultation. They wanted to provide a student perspective on many of the topics, including how to better prepare students with life skills, improve standardized testing, address cell phone use on the classroom, deal with mental health needs, and more.

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RRDSB recognizes Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

11/19/2018

The Rainy River District School Board is committed to providing a safe and positive learning environment for all of its students. The School Board recognizes that Ontario Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week – November 18 to 24, 2018 – highlights an issue of critical importance, and as such, students and school staff will be engaged in various activities throughout the week to learn more about bullying and its effect on student learning and well-being.

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Mike Lewis to leave Board Sept. 30

09/20/2018

Mike Lewis, Atikokan's trustee on the Rainy River District School Board since December 2011, is stepping down effective Sept. 30.

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Rainy River District School Board announces Grade 3, 6, and 9 and OSSLT EQAO test results

09/19/2018

The 2017-2018 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results have been released. School and system leaders of the Rainy River District School Board have met to analyze and interpret the results. These results, along with other assessments, help the School Board to develop and refine strategies for achievement in all areas of the curriculum, including Literacy and Math.

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Katelyn Bruyere takes student trustee oath

09/13/2018

Katelyn Bruyere took the Student Trustee Oath of

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Public board pushes back on sex-ed issue

09/13/2018

The Rainy River District School Board has taken a stand for diversity and inclusivity in its classrooms. Last Tuesday, it passed a motion to write the premier an minister of education a letter in support for the recently-scrapped 2015 sexual health curriculum.

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Premier's 'snitch line' concerns Board Trustees

09/12/2018

The Rainy River District School Board chair and vice chair raised concerns about the premier's co-called "snitch line" at last Tuesday night's regular monthly meeting here.

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Transportation contract awarded to new provider

06/25/2018

The Rainy River District Transportation Services Consortium is pleased to announce that following an extensive procurement process, all routes have been awarded for the 2018-2019 school year. As a result, a new school bus transportation provider,

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Rainy River District School Board passes balanced budget

06/20/2018

At the June 19, 2018 Special Board Meeting, the Rainy River District School Board approved the 2018‐2019 balanced budget of $56,337,753, which represents a 4% increase over the 2017-2018 budget.

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Rainy River District School Board recognizes volunteers and employees

06/06/2018

At its June 5, 2018 Board Meeting held at the Education Centre in Fort Frances, the Rainy River District School Board announced the recipients of the Recognition of Services awards, honouring the 2018 Employees of the Year, Bus Driver of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Community Partner of the Year.

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RRDSB reaches tentative agreement with OSSTF District 5B Occasional Teachers

10/14/2017

On October 12, 2016, the Rainy River District School Board reached a tentative agreement at the local level with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) 5B occasional teachers.

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Jump Rope for Heart

05/03/2017

Students at Robert Moore School participated in Jump Rope for Heart yesterday. Several RRDSB schools are joining the 4,000 schools across Canada to embrace the fundraiser that helps support the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Read More about Pink Shirt Day

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Student Voice Strategic Planning

02/17/2017

Grade 7-12 RRDSB students, representing schools from Rainy River to Atikokan, offered up their ideas during a strategic planning session on Feb. 14.

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Band brings excitement to RRHS

02/17/2017

For the first time in more than 20 years, Rainy River High School has a band class, with students choosing an instrument to learn to play.

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Celebrating Literacy Day

02/07/2017

Schools across the Rainy River District School Board celebrated Family Literacy Day on January 26, 2017.

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A day in the life of a kindergarten student

02/07/2017

Westend Weekly reporter, Melissa Friesen, shares her experience of her recent visit to the kindergarten classroom at Sturgeon Creek School.

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RRDSB enhances library access for students

02/07/2017

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce it has enhanced its Public Library and eBook Initiative for all Kindergarten to Grade 12 students of the Board.

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Why Spatial Reasoning Is Crucial For Early Math Education

01/31/2017

Rainy River District School Board teachers share the importance of teaching spatial reasoning to students.

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Benefits of Active Outdoor Classrooms

01/31/2017

Mine Centre School shares the benefits of an outdoor classroom.

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RRDSB appoints Chair and Vice Chair at Board Meeting

12/07/2016

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce that elections for the office of Chair and Vice Chair were held at the Board Meeting on December 6, 2016 in Fort Frances.

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RRDSB consolidates Rainy River schools

11/22/2016

In the northwestern Ontario town of Rainy River, Rainy River High School is set to consolidate with Riverview Elementary School

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RRDSB announces a ratified agreement at the local level with the OSSTF Rainy River District Occasional Teacher Local

11/07/2016

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce that it ratified the tentative collective agreement with the Rainy River District OSSTF Occasional Teacher Local at the November 1, 2016 Regular Board meeting.

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EQAO Update regarding cancellation of Oct. Online OSSLT

10/27/2016

EQAO has released Questions and Answers: Cancelled Trial of the October 20, 2016 Online OSSLT Assessment.

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RRDSB and Northwestern Health Unit sign MOU

10/27/2016

The RRDSB and the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) are pleased to announce that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance their healthy schools partnership.

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EQAO Confirms Cause of Technical Issues During Online OSSLT Trial

10/24/2016

Agency continuing investigation and looking at how to prevent future incidents

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Students able to write OSSLT on March 30, 2017

10/20/2016

We are very sorry that the October 20 trial of the online OSSLT was unsuccessful

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Mine Centre School Students Enjoy Benefits of Connected North program

09/29/2016

Staff and students at Mine Centre School are now benefitting from the Connected North program.

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Local Student achieves success in 2016 Science Fair

09/29/2016

With the start of the new school year, it’s a great time to celebrate the successes of the last year.

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Rainy River District School Board announces OSSLT results

09/22/2016

The 2015-2016 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) results have been released.

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Rainy River District School Board announces Grade 3, 6, and 9 EQAO results

09/22/2016

The 2015-2016 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results have been released.

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RRDSB AND OSSTF RATIFY COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

09/07/2016

The Rainy River District School Board and OSSTF, the union representing secondary school teachers have each ratified the 3 year collective bargaining agreement that was reached on August 25, 2016.

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RRDSB and OSSTF Reach Tentative Agreement

08/29/2016

The Rainy River District School Board and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers have reached a negotiated tentative agreement.

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OSSTF refuses to take last offer to a membership vote

08/23/2016

Last week, the Rainy River District School Board asked OSSTF to allow its members to vote on the Board’s last offer to settle the local terms of its collective agreement with its high school teachers.

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The RRDSB requests the union take latest offer to membership vote

08/16/2016

In an effort to resolve the current labor disruption, the Board has requested, that the union take the Board’s final offer to the membership for a vote before the school year begins.

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Board approves reinvestment of $1.9 million to support schools and student learning

06/15/2016

The June 7, 2016 Board Meeting of the Rainy River District School Board was held at the Education Centre in Fort Frances.

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High schools closed to Grades 9 to 12 students on June 17 and June 20, 2016. Exams rescheduled.

06/14/2016

Exams that were planned for these dates will be rescheduled and high schools will be closed to Grades 9 to 12 students on both Friday, June 17th and Monday, June 20th.

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Inclusivity focus of symposium

06/10/2016

The Rainy River District School Board celebrated inclusive schools on Thursday, June 2, 2016, during a student symposium of LGBTQ-Straight Alliance school-based programs.

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RRDSB honours contributions to student achievement and well-being

06/08/2016

At its June 7, 2016 Board Meeting held at the Education Centre in Fort Frances, the Rainy River District School Board honoured community partners, and the bus driver of the year, along with employees achieving 25 years of service and retirees.

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Manufacturing students amazed by factory visits

06/07/2016

Manufacturing Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students at Fort Frances High School recently had the chance to gain some first-hand knowledge through factory tours as part of a trip, May 26-28, 2016

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School playgrounds to get upgrades this summer

06/07/2016

School yards across the district will be seeing enhancements this summer thanks to the Playground Reinvestment Initiative that directly supports the well-being of students in the Rainy River District School Board.

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Fort High students relish Italy trip

06/06/2016

With their bellies filled with pizza, pasta, and gelato, members of the Fort Frances High School Travel Club returned from their nine-day trip to Italy.

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Local teen earns bronze at national science fair

06/06/2016

After earning second place at the Sunset Country Regional Science Fair back in April, Angie Redford headed to the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Montreal last month–returning home with a bronze medal.

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Students receive awards at the 2016 Northern Ontario Enterprise Olympics

06/03/2016

A group of Rainy River District School Board’s Fort Frances High School students recently joined more than 120 of their peers from across Northwestern Ontario to compete in Enterprise Olympics, a two-day business pitch-off competition held at Confederation College in Thunder Bay.

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High schools closed to Grades 9 to 12 students on June 7, 2016

06/03/2016

As the School Board will not be able to provide a safe learning environment for students due to the strike actions of high school teachers on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, all instructional programs for Grades 9 to 12 will be cancelled, and all Rainy River District School Board high schools will be closed to students, with the exception of programming for Grades 7 and 8 students at Atikokan High School.

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High schools closed to Grades 9 to 12 students on June 2, 2016

05/30/2016

As the School Board will not be able to provide a safe learning environment for students due to the strike actions of high school teachers on Thursday, June 2, 2016, all instructional programs for Grades 9 to 12 will be cancelled, and all Rainy River District School Board high schools will be closed to students, with the exception of programming for Grades 7 and 8 students at Atikokan High School.

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RRDSB approves tender for enhancements of school playgrounds

05/27/2016

At its May 19, 2016 Special Board Meeting, the Rainy River District School Board approved the award of a tender to Playgrounds R Us to enhance playgrounds at schools of the Board across the District.

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Construction has started at Donald Young School

05/24/2016

Construction at Donald Young School has commenced with Finn Way Construction of Thunder Bay moving in machinery and erecting fencing around the worksite. The main entry to the school will be moved to the far south end closest to the curling rink.

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RRDSB student appointed to Minister's Student Advisory Council

05/24/2016

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to congratulate Fort Frances High School student, Mira Donaldson, who was appointed to the 2016-17 Minister's Student Advisory Council.

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High schools closed to Grades 9 to 12 students on May 27, 2016

05/24/2016

As the School Board will not be able to provide a safe learning environment for students due to the strike actions of high school teachers on Friday, May 27, 2016, all instructional programs for Grades 9 to 12 will be cancelled, and all Rainy River District School Board high schools will be closed to students, with the exception of programming for Grades 7 and 8 students at Atikokan High School.

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Best Buddies hooping it up

05/13/2016

Fort High students will be “Hooping It Up” this Tuesday (May 17) at 11:30 a.m. to help students with special needs while raising money and awareness for their “Best Buddies” club.

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High schools closed to Grades 9 to 12 students on May 19, 2016

05/13/2016

As the School Board will not be able to provide a safe learning environment for students due to the strike actions of high school teachers on Thursday, May 19,

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Mine Centre School Joins Connected North Virtual Education Program for Indigenous Communities

05/10/2016

With the nearest town, Fort Frances, being more than a 45 minute drive away, Connected North is connecting the school and bringing “the world” to the students of Mine Centre like never before through the magic of Cisco’s TelePresence.

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Learning opportunities are limitless for co-op students

05/09/2016

Another round of co-op students spread themselves throughout the Fort Frances High School atrium. Their displays summarized all the work they've accomplished and all the insight they've gained over the last 3 months of co-op placements throughout the community.

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JWS Grade 6 & 7 students given high school preview

05/09/2016

Grade 6 and 7 students at J.W. Walker School got a preview to what high school will be like when they move into Fort Frances High School (FFHS) this fall during a session recently held there.

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Leads of Ghost call musical challenging

05/09/2016

Anne Jean and Andrew Eldridge are returning to the stage to star in Fort Frances High School’s rendition of “Ghost: The Musical,” which opens tonight and runs through Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Townshend Theatre here.

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High schools closed to Grades 9 to 12 students on May 11, 2016

05/09/2016

As the School Board will not be able to provide a safe learning environment for students due to the strike actions of high school teachers on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, all instructional programs for Grades 9 to 12 will be cancelled, and all Rainy River District School Board high schools will be closed to students, with the exception of Grades 7 and 8 students at Atikokan High School.

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Open letter from RRDSB Chair to OSSTF leadership and our Rainy River District School Board secondary teachers

05/09/2016

It is because of our students that I am writing this open letter, as a parent, a teacher, a former OSSTF member and as Chair of the Rainy River District School Board, to ask you to join with me to resolve this serious and most unfortunate labour situation.

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Going to space with Natalie Panek

05/02/2016

Natalie Panek has wanted to go to space ever since she watched Stargate SG-1 with her mom. She has degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering and currently works for MDA in the robotics and automation division on a team responsible for creating the chassis and locomotion system for the European Space Agency's Exo Mars Rover due to launch in early 2017.

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Northwest Strong Healthy Kids Challenge

05/02/2016

Atikokan High School’s phys-ed and outdoor education programs have been given a boost by the Northwestern Health Unit. The school teamed with the ANFC and Atikokan Youth Initiatives to develop a Mountain Biking for Fitness program that won a grant to purchase new bikes through the Health Unit’s Northwest Strong Healthy Kids Community Challenge.

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Instructional programs for Grades 9 to 12 cancelled on Tuesday, May 3, 2016

04/29/2016

As the School Board will not be able to provide a safe learning environment for students due to the strike actions of high school teachers on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, all instructional programs for Grades 9 to 12 will be cancelled, and all Rainy River District School Board high schools will be closed to students, with the exception of Grades 7 and 8 students at Atikokan High School.

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Instructional programs for Grades 9 to 12 cancelled on Wednesday, April 27, 2016

04/25/2016

As the School Board will not be able to provide a safe learning environment for high school students on April 27, 2016, all instructional programs for Grades 9 to 12 will be cancelled and all Rainy River District School Board high schools will be closed to students.

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RRDSB is deeply disappointed at needless OSSTF disruption of student learning

04/25/2016

Provincial representatives from the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), representing secondary teachers and secondary occasional teachers in the Rainy River District School Board, provided notice on April 25, 2016, of strike action in the form of weekly full withdrawal of services one-day per week, commencing April 27, 2016.

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Sheila McMahon receives June Callwood Award

04/21/2016

Ontario is recognizing 11 individuals and eight organizations with a June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism for their commitment to volunteering and longstanding service to their communities.

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Tender for DYS upgrade awarded

04/21/2016

The tender for a new classroom wing to be built at Donald Young School in Emo was awarded to Finn Way General Contractor Inc. of Thunder Bay after being approved by the Rainy River District School Board at its Regular April 2016 Board Meeting.

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AHS students celebrate International Day of Pink

04/21/2016

The International Day of Pink is an annual reminder that schools can be a difficult and unsafe space for many LGBTQ+ students. AHS has worked hard to mitigate that challenge through the GSA.

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Board ratifies agreement with Rainy River District ETFO ESP

04/21/2016

The Rainy River District School Board is pleased to announce that it ratified an agreement with Rainy River District Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) – Educational Support Personnel (ESP) at its Special Board Meeting on April 20, 2016. ETFO ESP Local will vote on ratification of the agreement on Monday, April 25, 2016.

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RRDSB is deeply disappointed as OSSTF abandons chance for labour peace

04/19/2016

After just one day, Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) walked away from the bargaining table on the afternoon of April 12, 2016.

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RRDSB reaches tentative agreement with Rainy River District ETFO ESP

04/19/2016

On April 18, 2016, the Rainy River District School Board reached a tentative agreement at the local level with Rainy River District Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) – Educational Support Personnel (ESP).

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Rainy River High School receives Chem-free Grad donation from Moose Lodge

04/07/2016

The Moose Lodge in Baudette recently donated $200 US to the Rainy River High School Chem-free Grad.

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Meet some of the region's bright young scientists

04/07/2016

Students from around the region came to participate in Sunset Country's Regional Science Fair.

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Young scientists compete for awards at Sunset Country Regional Science Fair

04/06/2016

Students demonstrated their creativity and science skills at the Sunset Country Regional Science Fair hosted by the RRDSB on April 2, 2016 in Fort Frances at J.W. Walker School.

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RRDSB recognizes Mine Centre School at April 5 Board Meeting

04/06/2016

The April 5, 2016 Board Meeting of the Rainy River District School Board was held at the Education Centre in Fort Frances. At the meeting, the Board presented its monthly Recognition of Excellence to Mine Centre School for its Early Years Camp.

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Good-bye Winter and Hello Spring

03/24/2016

On Friday, March 11, 2016, McCrosson-Tovell students celebrated their last day of winter at school with a Winter Festival, supported by School Council.

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Muskie boys curling team nabs OFSAA silver

03/22/2016

Chris Silver and his team of third Daniel Vandenbrand, second Jason Bazylewski, and lead Davis Jackson brought home the silver medal after placing second in the boys’ division at the OFSAA championships in North Bay last week.

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Muskie Boys Hockey strikes OFSAA gold

03/22/2016

Although no one knew it at the time, the game between the fifth-ranked Muskie boys’ hockey team and the No. 18 Frontenac Falcons (Kingston) on the opening morning of the OFSAA ‘A/AA’ championship in Ottawa last week proved to be a battle of juggernauts.

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Muskies welcomed home

03/22/2016

They always seem to find a way to do it,” said the head coach of the newly-crowned OFSAA ‘A/AA’ boys’ hockey champion Muskies after they captured the program’s fourth provincial title with a 5-3 win over the Silverthorn Spartans (Toronto) in the gold-medal game last Thursday afternoon in Ottawa