Dear Northern Families,
Another exciting week at Northern with an amazing talent show breaking up the week…from the organizers: The first ever Northern Talent Show happened Wednesday night, and it was a huge success! It was amazing to see everyone showcase their unique talents, and we are so grateful to you all for joining us and supporting your friends! We cannot wait to see you all next year!
Mark your calendars…this opportunity is pretty special. I had the pleasure of attending the Northern STEM Alumni Panel last year and it was an amazing evening:
Northern STEM Alumni Panel - May 7th, 6-8:30 pm
Are you interested in pursuing a career in STEM and want to learn more about possible careers and pathways? The Northern Science Department is pleased to announce that we are hosting a STEM Alumni Panel again this year. The event will feature a keynote speaker as well as a panel of Northern Alumni who are either studying or working in STEM related fields. Come join us at Northern Secondary School on the evening of May 7th to hear the alumni speak about their experiences working and studying in their fields of expertise, as well as answer your questions. Everyone is welcome! Visit our INSTAGRAM @nss.stem.panel for more information.
Congratulations again to our Toronto Zoo Rain Barrel contest winners: Congratulations to Lindsay C and Spike T who won the Toronto Zoo Rain Barrel decorating competition! Their work can be seen on display at the zoo!
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:
Tuesday: Last Day to Request to Drop a Course
Tuesday: SAC – Elections Announcement
Thursday: TDSB DHH Communication Contest.
Friday: Sem 2 Term 1 Ends
Friday: Volunteer and Youth Employment Fair @ lunch
Northern Students Win at the French Public Speaking Contest:
Congratulations to Jack Ginsburg, Stephanie Koutakos, Axelle Marconi-Cervantes, Jing Zomok and Olena Zsoldos, who participated in the TDSB's French Public Speaking Contest, or Le concours d'art oratoire on April 1st, representing the categories of Core French, French Immersion and Francophone. All five students won in their respective categories and will be advancing to the provincial-level contest. Félicitations!
Northern Trivia:
Congratulations to the Northern Trivia Association for winning both divisions at Reach for the Top Regionals, finishing ahead of UCC, St. Mikes, Lawrence Park and De La Salle. Great work teams.
NEMO:
Hey Northern! Happy Earth Month! To celebrate NEMO will be running events throughout April with our first one starting today! NEMO is asking how Northern students get to school every day! We are asking all students to anonymously fill out the following form so we can submit the stats to the EcoSchools program! Stay green red knights
https://forms.gle/biA4p4mJzx7T6Pn76
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!
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
Special Education and Inclusion Summer School 2025 - Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 25, 2025.
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) will once again offer summer school programs from July 2nd to 25th for students currently enrolled in the Developmental Disability, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Physical Disabilities Intensive Support Programs (ISPs). Principals are asked to share this information flyer with the families of students currently enrolled in these programs.
These half-day programs will be held in-person at various locations throughout the TDSB. Students will be supported to develop their independence through programming in the areas of functional literacy and numeracy skills, activities of daily living, communication, and social skills. Visit our summer school website for more information.
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!
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.
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.
School Council:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 will be approximately $10 each (final amount to be confirmed). 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:
- 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: “What has to be taught first, is the breath.” Confucius
- 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. Full Disclosure: April 24, 2025
- 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