Dear Northern Families,
It has been another busy week. For those awaiting the celebration of Eid, we wish you Eid Mubarak!
Thank You to all our students for enduring a tricky week routine-wise with the OSSLT running. Congratulations to everyone that completed the OSSLT this week!
We also had the annual Battle of the Bands after school on Wednesday. Thank you to the Northern Music Council for making the event a success!
Please see details regarding the Toronto Zoo Rain Barrel Art Competition, Northern has 2 student’s artwork represented in the competition/ fundraiser! https://www.tdsb.on.ca/home/ctl/Details/mid/43823/itemId/446
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:
Wednesday: Euclid Math Contest
Wednesday: Talent Show (details below)
Thursday: Fryer, Galois, Hypatia Math Contest
Thursday: School Council Meeting @6:30pm
SAC Merch Store!
Attention Northern, the spring SPIRIT WEAR store is now officially open! Choose from a variety of different designs, colours and apparels, like t-shirts, tanks, zip ups, sweats and so much more!
https://northern-secondary-school-sac-storespring2025.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Attention Grade 12s, Grad merch store is also now open! Choose from the 2 different designs made for the graduating class of 2025 and customize it to your liking with your name embroidered on the hoodie. Choose from the different colour options available!
https://northern-secondary-school-grad25.itemorder.com/shop/home/
This is the last school merch drop of the year so make sure get your hands on your northern spirit wear and your grad merch by April 11th, 2025 at midnight. We can’t wait to see your school spirit Northern!
BAA (Boys Athletic Association) Pickleball Doubles Intramurals:
- week of March 31st - April 4th
The BAA Pickleball Intramurals continue next week every day at lunch in the Upper Gym. If you signed up to participate, make sure you check the 1st floor foyer display case for each day playing bracket. See you there!
Academic Resource Centre:
Exam Computer Accomodation Survey - Students with Assistive Technology/Computer on their IEP received the Exam Computer Accomodation survey yesterday. If your child has the accommodation encourage them to complete the form as soon as possible.
Note*
- Have a math or science exam? Check with your teacher because you probably do not need a computer.
- Please complete this form AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
- You can not make changes so if you have any questions - come to room 112 at lunch time
- If you have a language exam check with your teacher that you will use your own chromebook in the classroom
Grad Photos- Last Chance!
Edge Imaging is holding a GTA wide studio day on Saturday, April 19th. This will take place at:
Senator O'Connor College School
60 Rowena Dr, North York
ON M3A 3R2
Appointments are required and can be booked using the link below:
https://edgeimaging.ca/en/studio-day-disclaimer-2/
This is the last chance to take graduation photos and be included on the composite!
Talent Show:
Talent show is just around the corner, on Wednesday, April 2! Buy tickets in the foyer at lunch for 5 dollars only, with card or cash! On show night, doors open at 5:00, and the show starts at 5:30. You can also purchase tickets at the door! We'll see you there!
NSS Reach Out:
Hey Northern! NSS Reach Out and The Good Eats Project will be running a food drive next week. All proceeds will be donated to Daily Bread Food Banks Ontario. Please drop off any non-perishable items or cash donations in the front foyer before school or at lunch.
Yearbook:
Attention Grade 12s! Yearbook has decided to add more Superlatives and want you to vote on the winners. Please complete the form linked below to vote. All responses are due Friday April 4th at 11:59pm. You can also find the link in our bio on our Instagram @northern.yearbook
https://forms.gle/kscwU5h81TJRDVCE8”
Library Learning Commons
LIBRARY Closed:
Monday, March 31 - closed ALL Day for OSSLT
Wednesday, April 2 - closed for spares period 1 & 2 for field trip and COOP classes (circulation desk open)
TDSB Summer 2025 Programs
Continuing Education Secondary Credit (Registration opens Tuesday, April 22nd)
e-Summer School Program (Registration tentatively opens on Monday, April 15th for TDSB students and Tuesday, April 29th for NON-TDSB students)
TDSB Global Leadership and Communication Camp 2025
Special Education
Special Education and Inclusion Summer Program
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:
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. Parent Tea - Sunday, March 30th, 10 – 11 am. Join other Northern parents for a casual get together at The Harp - Coffee Bar, 176 Eglinton Av. East. 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!
2. Tell Me More: An information session for adults supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth - Tuesday, April 1st, 6:30 pm at Northern (room TBD). Toronto Pflag and Northern School Council warmly invite you to this free event. The session covers key 2SLGBTQIA + language and concepts, inclusive parenting, and how to prepare for and/or handle the coming out conversation. Our goal is to help attendees support the queer youth in their lives by providing basic, accurate information and creating a safe space for questions and conversation. There will also be an opportunity to connect with other Northern families for informal conversation, if desired.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Walking Buddies - Saturday, April 5th 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.
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
External Free Resources for Families: Financial Literacy - Thursday, April 3rd - 7-8:30 pm. The Leaside High School Council is pleased to host a virtual presentation on Financial Literacy with presenters from our local TD Leaside Branch. Financial literacy can help individuals reach their goals, give them a better understanding for how to budget and save money, create plans to achieve financial accountability and achieve the financial goals that you set for yourself. The team from TD will cover the basics of budgeting, an overview of credit (student loans, credit cards, lines of credit) and the basics of investing, followed by a Q&A. Click here to register
Northern Secondary School Foundation:
We are grateful for the generosity of our alumni, former staff and parents who have established the following awards for Northern graduates and undergrads.
- The Grandson XX Creative Writing Award in Creative Writing in Grades 11 and 12.
Established by Jordan Benjamin NSS ’11 a singer songwriter known professionally as Grandson XX, Jordan believes his writing was fostered and encouraged by teachers at Northern. He hopes this award will encourage other students to follow their dreams and WRITE.
- The John Jossifakis Technical Theatre Award.
Established by John Jossifakis NSS ’98 currently working in Dubai. John started his journey in Technical Theatre as a member of Northern Stage Crew. He now organizes spectacular events around the work including the Olympics. This award is for a student who plans to enter the technical side of Theater, Radio Television Arts or Events Production following an apprenticeship, college or university program.
- The McKelvey Family Award in Canadian and World Studies
This scholarship was created by the McKelvey family to recognize the outstanding achievement of a graduating student in economics, law or human geography. The family enjoyed a long association with Northern through their children Alex and the late Michelle McKelvey and their mother Merilyn who was a member of the teaching staff for 16 years.
Scholarship/Awards Applications -Go to nssf.ca/scholarships and complete an application. Deadline is May 2, 2025, For more information, contact us at info@nssf.ca
Guidance Updates:
- April’s Wellness Theme is “Mindfulness & Breathing: Mindfulness is our Super Power! Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgementally.
This week’s Wellness quote is: “If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” – Amit Ray
Next week, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in period 2, all classes will participate in a wellness lesson focused on how breath and mindfulness are important parts of our daily wellness routine.
- Attention eligible grade 11 & 12 students: the last day to request a drop before Full Disclosure is April 8, 2025. Please see your Guidance Counsellor asap if you are considering dropping a course.
- We are holding our annual Student Employment and Volunteer Fair at Northern Secondary School on Friday, April 11th over the lunch hour in the 1st floor front foyer.
We will have representatives from agencies with AMAZING summer opportunities including:
-Volunteer work with Not-For-Profit Organizations
-Youth employment and summer youth employment
They are looking for students who have a broad range of interests and talents to share. No experience necessary. Ask about the exciting things you could learn and do in your community this summer and beyond!
- TDSB Summer School Options:
- Registration for 2025 e-Summer School Program will OPEN on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 AM for TDSB students.
- Registration for 2025 ConEd Summer programs will OPEN April 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
- Continuing Education (ConEd) and e-Summer are two separate departments.
e-Summer Information here
- Registration for 2025 e-Summer School Program will tentatively OPEN on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 AM for TDSB students.
- asynchronous online e-learning
- July and August courses available
- Grade 11 and 12 courses
- July e-Learning Key Dates: July e-Learning registration closes June 3, 2025
- August e-Summer Key Dates – Registration closes July 4, 2025.
ConEd Information here
- Registration for 2025 ConEd Summer programs will OPEN April 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
- Full Credit Course Registration will CLOSE June 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
- TDSB Credit Recovery will CLOSE June 27, 2025.
- 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.
- These classes are available only in July.
- ConEd Remote Learning: All Grade 9 and 10 credit courses will be delivered through synchronous online learning.
- ConEd In-Person Learning: All Grade 9 to 12 credit courses, students will attend face-to-face classes with a teacher.
- Summer School In Person Sites/Locations
- Attention NSS 2025 Potential Grads: The NSSF 2025 Scholarships are now OPEN for application! Please go to https://nssf.ca/scholarships/ for more info! Applications close May 2, 2025.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- Mental Wellness Resource Document
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.
Have a great weekend!
Adam Marshall
Principal
Follow me @PrincipalNSS