Northern Secondary School

March 21st, 2025

Friday, March 21, 2025 03:16 PM

Dear Northern Families,

Welcome Back from March Break everyone- Spring is here!

Thank You to everyone who came out for Parent/Guardian-Teacher interviews last night. It was great to see so many people here for updates on their student’s progress.

The student calendar can be found here: 2024-2025 School Calendar.  Any additions made will be highlighted for a two week period throughout the year.

The student handbook can be found here: Student Handbook

 

Things to Know for Next Week:

Monday to Friday: OSSLT (see below)

Tuesday: SAC Spirit Day

Wednesday: Late Start @9:55am

Wednesday: Battle of the Bands @3:30pm

Thursday: PALs Cultural Fair in Lobby @ lunch

 

Battle of the Bands:

Northern music is proud to present “Battle of The Bands” this Wednesday, March 26. Come join us in the auditorium after school to watch seven bands of Northern students compete for first place! See you then!

 

Yearbook:

"Hey Northern! Do you have any 0.5 photos that you’ve taken at school or at school related events? Yearbook wants to feature them in the book so please submit them in the google form found in our Instagram bio @northern.yearbook. All 0.5 photos will be due on Friday, March 28th."

 

Robotics Club: Centennial and Durham District Events:

The Northern Robotics Team 8884, known as the Knight Owls, recently competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition district events over March Break.

At the Centennial College event, the team earned the Creativity Award, and their alliance achieved an impressive third-place finish. Fueled by this achievement, the Knight Owls committed to intensive practice sessions, which delivered outstanding results at their next competition at Durham College. Here, the team ranked 2nd out of 31 teams in the qualifying matches, claimed the distinguished Autonomous Award, and emerged as playoff champions alongside their alliance partners. This remarkable victory marks a historic milestone in the Knight Owls' journey, just three and a half years in the making.

The robotics team is thrilled to advance to the provincial event.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who has contributed to the growth and success of the Northern Robotics team over the years - especially the dedicated parent group for their unwavering support during the competition season.

To explore photos and video from the events, please click here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ydAY0mOiADlwRMtmT-P3aZtzxQep19Bm?usp=sharing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz6OuM-JlVY

 

Student Email Security:

In an effort to protect TDSB student accounts and increase security, IT Services is requesting that Principals advise all students to register for Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR). This tool allows students to reset their passwords at home or school anytime, using any device connected to the Internet, without the assistance of staff. The SSPR tool is only available to students in Grades 5 through 12.

Northern Secondary School has approximately 1196 students who have not registered for SSPR.

This video demonstrates how students can register for SSPR.

 

Library Learning Commons:

  1. RETURN or RENEW your Library Books and bring back your Day Use Chromebooks

Students with overdue Library materials received an email before the March Break reminding them to return or renew their books and devices. Books can be returned in person at the circulation desk or in the Drop Box outside the Library. Chromebooks and chargers borrowed for the day need to be returned to the Circulation Desk.

  1. LIBRARY Closures*

Wednesday, March 26 - closed 9:55am-3:00pm for OSSLT

Monday, March 31 - closed 9:55am-3:00pm for OSSLT

*If you need to borrow or return a book or Chromebook, come before school or after school.

 

OSSLT

The OSSLT will be taking place from March 24 to March 28 and a modified schedule will be followed (see below). All first-time eligible students in a semester 2 grade 10 English or ESLD/E class along with previously eligible/unsuccessful grade 11/12 students will be writing. Families of students who are scheduled to write will receive an email with the necessary details. If a student would like to know if they are writing, please have them come to the VP office.

March 24 & 25 - First-Time Eligible Grade 10 Writers

Period 1 - 9:00am to 10:50am (extended period 1)

Period 2 - 10:55am to 11:40am

Lunch - 11:40am to 12:40pm

Period 3 - 12:40pm to 2:30pm (extended period 3)
Period 4 - 2:35pm to 3:15pm

 

March 26 - Late Start - Previously Eligible Grade 11/12 Writers

Library Sign In - 9:55am

Booklet 1 - 10:20am to 12:10pm

Lunch - 12:10pm to 1:10pm

Library Sign In - 1:10pm

Booklet 2 - 1:20pm to 3:10pm

 

March 27 & 28 - First-Time Eligible Grade 10 Writers

Period 1 - 9:00am to 10:50am (extended period 1)

Period 2 - 10:55am to 11:40am

Lunch - 11:40am to 12:40pm

Period 3 - 12:40pm to 2:30pm (extended period 3)
Period 4 - 2:35pm to 3:15pm

 

OSSLT PREP

  1. you are currently enrolled in a Grade 10 English class, or if you have not successfully completed your OSSLT, you will be writing the OSSLT during the week of March 24th. Parents and students can sign up for the Northern SS OSSLT 2025 PREP Google Classroom: b5umys4 to receive updates and find helpful resources. OSSLT extra help lunchtime sessions will take place in Room 304 during the week of March 17th. See the Google Classroom or speak to your English teacher for more details.

 

Final Exams

It is never too early to start thinking about final exams!

Final exams run from June 18-23, 2025. The moratorium period begins on Thursday June 12. There will be no excursions or athletic events during this period.

You can find information about the culminating activities and final exams for each course here (organized by grade) here: NSS Culminating and Final Exam Information Sem 2 2025.

You can find a detailed exam schedule here: NSS Exam Schedule - Semester 2 2024-25

The schedule follows this format:

Students will follow their Day 1 schedule as follows for exams:

Wednesday, June 18 - Period 1 Exam

Thursday, June 19 - Period 2 Exam

Friday, June 20 - Period 3 Exam

Monday, June 23 - Period 4 Exam

ALL exams will begin at 10:00 am.  Exam duration will vary by subject/year.  Looking ahead, students should make sure they eat a good breakfast as they will eat a “late” lunch on these days once exams are over (late relative to our usual 11:40 am lunchtime).

Please take some time to look through our Exam ReadiNSS site for information and resources.  More information will be added as exams approach – including some in person exam preparation sessions provided by our student services and special education departments.

CULMINATING TASKS AND EXAMS

Culminating activities and examinations carry the same importance and the same attendance requirement. Thus, attendance during culminating activities is mandatory. Some courses have culminating activities that take place over several days. Thus, attendance during culminating activities/summative evaluations is mandatory. A culminating activity is the final evaluation in each course which is worth 30% of the final mark. “This evaluation will be based on evidence from one or a combination of the following: an examination, a performance, an essay and/or another method of evaluation suitable to the course content” (p.41-Growing Success). Students who miss culminating activities or summative evaluations will be given a mark of zero for the portion missed with no opportunity to make up the missed work unless there is an extenuating and documented circumstance, such as a medical situation, court date, funeral etc. It is absolutely crucial that students do not miss any time during the end of a semester. Under Ministry of Education and TDSB regulations, there can be no accommodations made for students who miss the 30% culminating activities and summative evaluations at the end of a semester for personal reasons such as vacation or work. Students and parents should be aware that scheduled vacations at this time can significantly impact student achievement. With the exception of a medical emergency, all summative tests and assignments that are missed as a result of these absences will be assigned a mark of zero.

 

Immunizations

Toronto Public Health is currently assessing immunization records for students born in 2008 and attending a school in the Toronto District School Board. If Toronto Public Health does not have record of your student’s immunizations, you should have received a letter in the mail with a yellow notice.

Please update your immunization information as soon as possible to avoid suspension.

If you have updated immunization information, please share it with Toronto Public Health one of two ways:

If your student needs to be vaccinated, please get vaccinated as soon as possible. Go to toronto.ca/StudentVaccines to book an appointment

Parents/caregivers who are unsure about their child’s vaccination history, have records in other languages, cannot find their child’s records, or are unsure about what they need to do next, encourage them to call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 for assistance.

Parents who choose not to vaccinate their child, should apply for an exemption and attend a required education session. Details can be found online at toronto.ca/StudentVaccines.

 

Talent Show:

Hey Red Knights! Looking for a way to showcase your talents in a fun way? Northern is hosting its first ever talent show this April! Sign up for auditions now with this link: https://forms.gle/thf5tkMiQJnKXxzs5 Make sure to follow our instagram @northerntalentshow for more updates!

 

U of T National Biology Competition

Are you interested in testing your biology knowledge? The U of T National Biology Competition is open to all high school students, but is recommended for Grade 11 and 12 biology students looking for a challenge.

This year the competition will be taking place during period 2 on Wednesday, April 16.

If you are interested, please join the NBC Google classroom using the code mkxdkc6.

In order to register, you will need to fill out the registration form through the Google classroom and bring $7 cash to your biology teacher (Ms. Barkley, Mr. Isaac, Ms. Lauzon, Mr. Ross, or Mr. Zamec) or to Mr. Swadron's office in room 329 by Thursday, April 10.
The contest will be 75 minutes and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.
For more information visit www.biocomp.utoronto.ca or email benjamin.swadron@tdsb.on.ca.

 

Student Success:

Student Nutrition Program

The Student Nutrition Program is looking for Parent Volunteers for the 2025/2026 school year. The commitment would be 10:30-12:30 one or more days a week. If you are interested, please email april.vibert@tdsb.on.ca

 

School Council:

1. Walking Buddies - Sunday, March 23rd at 9:30 am. Join other Northern parents for some fresh air, exercise, and conversation about school, kids, and life! If you are interested in joining us, please send a message with “Walking buddies” in the subject line.

2. Virtual Meeting Regarding Proposed Boundary Changes Affecting Northern - Thursday, March 27th, 7 pm. The TDSB is conducting a boundary review process. Affected families are welcome to register to attend the virtual public meeting. Links to pre-registration and the list of affected addresses is available on the school council website.

3. Parent Tea - Sunday, March 30th, 10 – 11 am. Join other Northern parents for a casual get together at the Homeway cafe, 955 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Grab a tea or coffee and meet some other Northern parents, ask questions about school, chat about teenagers and parenting, or anything else you’d like! Please send us a message with "Parent Tea" in the subject line if you plan to attend.

4. School Council meeting - Thursday, April 3rd at 6:30 pm. School Council meets in the Northern Secondary School Library. We are looking forward to seeing you in person or on the screen - the meeting will be hybrid. Superintendent Jennifer Chan will be an invited guest at this meeting. If you would like to attend virtually, please email us at nss.school.council@gmail.com with the subject line "School Council Meeting Link." The link will be sent by 5 pm the day of the meeting.

5. Ask Adam The Principal's update is an important part of every school council meeting. If you have a question about something that is happening at Northern, please submit your question to nss.school.council@gmail.com with "Ask Adam" in the subject line.

6. Gifted Meet Up - Sunday, April 6th at 1:00 pm at Evergreen Brickworks. The Gifted Advisory Committee is planning an informal meet-up at the Evergreen Brickworks (550 Bayview Avenue) on April 6th at 1:00. We will be meeting near the Picnic Cafe, and will share some social time from 1:00-1:45. You are welcome to bring your ideas or concerns about the gifted program at Northern. At 2:00 we will be joining the Turtle Protectors for a Wetland Walk (which starts at the BMO Atrium) to learn more about the remarkable wetlands. See all the events happening at the Brickworks during Earth Month. We hope you are able to join us! On the day of the event, please coordinate with Anna through the Northern GAC WhatsApp group.

7. ROM after Dark for Northern parents - Friday, April 25, 7 pm - Royal Ontario Museum. Join a group of Northern caregivers attending ROM After Dark on April 25! This unique nighttime celebration features live music, pop-up performances, groundbreaking visual arts, and distinctive food and drink. The April 25th event will be a country music night with a number of Earth Day related programs, and access to some exhibitions. ROM is partnering with Boots and Hearts, which is Canada's largest Country Music festival. Tickets are $30 and depending on group size, we may qualify for a lower rate. Please register with Kristina Turner if you are interested in attending. kturner@rom.on.ca

 

Northern Secondary School Foundation:

Parents/Guardians: Please encourage your graduates to apply for Northern Secondary School Foundation Scholarships and Awards.

Northern Alumni have established scholarships to recognize the achievements of Northern students and to show appreciation for their Northern experience..

The Belyk Award for Excellence in Design. Created by Tom Belyk to honour his family’s 50-year association with Northern.

Gail Robertson Whitworth Award in Family Studies. Funded by Gail Robertson Whitworth NSS ’73 to honour three generations of her family who have graduated from Northern

Jim Davidson NSS ’76 to recognise leadership in athletic and academic achievement in the Jim W. Davidson Scholarship.

Norman Hayman NSS ‘45 to recognize achievement in math and participation in National Mathematics’ competitions..

The Red Knights through the years to honor legendary coach in the Clarke Pulford Memorial Award.

Go to nssf.ca/scholarship to learn more about the awards and to complete an application.

Deadline: May 2nd , 2025. For more information contact info@nssf.ca

 

 

Guidance Updates:

  1. March’s Wellness Theme is “Self Talk: Interrupting the Negative Thought Cycle. This week’s quote is from NSS student Kaitlyn Costakos: “Look in the mirror everyday and choose to believe in yourself” - Kaitlyn Costakos
  2. TDSB Summer School Options:
    1. Registration for 2025 e-Summer School Program will OPEN on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 AM for TDSB students.
    2. Registration for 2025 ConEd Summer programs will OPEN April 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
    3. Continuing Education (ConEd) and e-Summer are two separate departments.

e-Summer Information here

  1. Registration for 2025 e-Summer School Program will tentatively OPEN on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 AM for TDSB students.
  2. asynchronous online e-learning
  3. July and August courses available
  4. Grade 11 and 12 courses
  5. July e-Learning Key Dates: July e-Learning registration closes June 3, 2025
  6. August e-Summer Key Dates – Registration closes July 4, 2025.

ConEd Information here

  1. Registration for 2025 ConEd Summer programs will OPEN April 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
  2. Full Credit Course Registration will CLOSE June 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
  3. TDSB Credit Recovery will CLOSE June 27, 2025.
  4. ConEd Summer School classes will be held from July 2 to July 25, 2025 - Monday to Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
  5. These classes are available only in July.
  6. ConEd Remote Learning: All Grade 9 and 10 credit courses will be delivered through synchronous online learning.
  7. ConEd In-Person Learning: All Grade 9 to 12 credit courses, students will attend face-to-face classes with a teacher.
  8. Summer School In Person Sites/Locations
  9. TPL Youth Program April 2025: Northern District TPL branch

Monday April 7, 2025 4pm to 5:30pm: 2SLGBTQIA+ Expressive Arts Workshop: Cookie Decorating Room 200. This is a registration only program and it is now OPEN! ChillZone resumes after this program

Mondays April 14th and 28th from 4pm to 6pm: The ChillZone, room 200

There will be no ChillZone on April 21 Library is closed for Easter Monday

Wednesday April 9th (Origami) and 16th (Tote Bag art) from 3:30pm to 4:30pm: Crafty Wednesday, Drop-In tpl.ca

  1. Summer Camp Opportunities:

TDSB International Student Global Leadership and Communication Camp 2025

Click on the link here for more info.

TDSB: Special Education and Inclusion Summer Program

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) will be offering summer school for students who are currently enrolled in a Developmental Disability (DD), Physical Disability (PD), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Intensive Support Program (ISP). These half-day programs will be held at various locations throughout the TDSB.The programs will support students to continue to develop their independence in the areas of functional literacy and numeracy skills, activities of daily living, and communication and social skills through a creative curriculum that can include technology, physical fitness, art, music and drama. Programs are offered in-person to students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, from July 2 to July 25, 2025.

DATES: Wednesday, July 2, to Friday, July 25, 2025
HOUR S: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

*Only students currently enrolled in these Intensive Support Programs (ISPs) are eligible for registration.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 25, 2025

  1. IMPORTANT Volunteering Information:

NSS Volunteer & Community Involvement Policy:

Guidance has been working with Admin to finalise the NSS Volunteer & Community Involvement Policy.

PLEASE NOTE: Events and activities supporting a not-for-profit initiative/organization are approved. If you are unsure if your activities supports a not-for-profit program, please see your Guidance counsellor for approval of the volunteering initiative. For more information about the TDSB’s policy on Volunteering, click here. Students: for volunteering information and opportunities, please visit your Guidance Google classroom or www.volunteertoronto.ca. You can find the TDSB Community Involvement form here.

  1. 2024 – 2025 Scholarship Updates:

Seeking Scholarships has released their February Scholarship Report which has upcoming scholarship dates listed for students applying to post-secondary programs. It also has some great tips this month for applying to scholarships and funding post-secondary education.

Please note: This resource is copyrighted and only available to Northern families - please do not share outside of the Northern community.

Northern-specific scholarship information and deadlines (along with other common awards that students apply to can be found here): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-ZrEGhtrhY8rH4WW3NLC-p5QE-2hStUszLZTn34h8_o/edit

A general list of scholarships has been shared with Grade 11 & 12 students, and can be found here. This list includes major scholarship awards that require a nomination from Northern (highlighted in yellow). Now is a great time for Grade 12 students to take a look and plan out which awards they may want to apply for!

  1. Online Graduation Requirement – Information and Opt-Out Form.

Looking for information about the Ontario Ministry Online Learning graduation requirement? Please click here. Overview Info: Students may withdraw/opt out of this new requirement and graduate with an OSSD if you have decided now to withdraw from the graduation requirement, please complete the TDSB Opt Out/Withdrawal Form and return it to your Guidance Counsellor.

  1. Mental Wellness Resource Document

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

 

Have a great weekend!

Adam Marshall

Principal

Follow me @PrincipalNSS

Go Back