Dear Northern Families,
Last night Northern hosted the Communication Contest for Optimist International. A huge congratulations to Tassia on her first place finish that comes with a $2500 scholarship! A special mention to Daphawn for his second place award. Well Done!
Absolutely HUGE news from Robotics…I am sharing it with Mr. Wong’s words:
Robotics Club: Ontario Provincial Event:
The Northern Robotics team competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Ontario Provincial Championship last Thursday through Saturday. Among the 100 teams at this prestigious event, our team proudly earned the Innovation in Control Award!
After an intense month of District and Provincial competitions, the team now ranks 14th out of 130 FRC teams in Ontario. Northern Robotics, FRC Team 8884—the Knight Owls—has officially become the highest-ranked FRC team among all Toronto District School Board teams.
https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2025/district/ONT
Even more exciting, the team is now one of the 23 Canadian teams officially qualified to attend the FIRST Championship 2025 in Houston from April 16–19! This incredible achievement highlights the team’s remarkable growth over the past three and a half years.
None of this would have been possible without your unwavering support! If you would like to encourage the team, please consider making a donation on the team website. Thanks to the support of the NSS Foundation, tax receipts can be issued for your donations.
https://www.knightowls.ca/donate
Thank You to Mr. Swadron and Ms. Veliganova for making sure staff had Pink Shirts for Wednesday’s “Day of Pink”. And big props to all our students who wore pink on Wednesday too!
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 – Wednesday- Mainstage @ 7pm (details below)
Monday: Semester 2, Term 2 Begins
Tuesday: SAC candidates Info Session
Wednesday: DHH Basketball Tournament- Upper Gym
Thursday: Electronic Midterm Report Cards Distributed
Friday: No School!
Mainstage!
Come to see Northern's production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder! Performances are on Monday April 14th, Tuesday April 15th, or Wednesday April 16th. Pay at the door, 2 dollars for students and 5 dollars for guests. Show starts at 7pm nightly.
Model UN:
Hey Northern! This year, Northern Model United Nations will be hosting it's second ever conference! We engage in a plethora of debate committees! Such as, Percy Jackson, Canada's Election, The Chernoybl Crisis and Unicef. We hope to see you there on Saturday May 3rd, 2025 to maintain decorum, enrich your debating skills and improve your civic engagement.
https://sites.google.com/student.tdsb.on.ca/nss-model-united-nations2025/home
Badminton:
Congratulations to Northern's Badminton Team for winning the school's first South Region Overall title! The girls repeated as regional champions. Dhillon, Mika and Megan won gold. Anna, Marcus and Reese won bronze. Good luck to the six medalists next week at the City Finals!
Prom:
NSS GRADUATES, let's CELEBRATE your ACHIEVEMENTS!
Northern Secondary School PROM 2025 “Met Gala: An Enchanted Evening”
**TICKETS GO ON SALE THROUGH SCHOOL CASH ONLINE Monday April 14th.**
Join us at Parkview Manor on Friday, May 30th from 6-11 pm.
- ticket per Grade 12 student. Cost $120, non-transferable.
1 GUEST ticket per Grade 12 student. Cost $120, non-transferable.
**GUEST FORMS (in Guidance) MUST BE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED PRIOR TO GUEST TICKET PURCHASE.**
Full event information will be posted to the Grade 12 Guidance Google Classroom.
We are looking forward to a joyful celebration! -The NSS Prom Committee and Mrs. Beach
Social Media and Digital Safety:
Aligned with TDSB’s policies on responsible technology use, including social media and cellphone guidelines, this event aims to equip parents/caregivers/guardians with strategies to navigate their children's digital engagement. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your school communities, ensuring families have the tools to support safe and balanced technology use (see PPM 128 & TDSB resources on Addressing Inappropriate Social Media). To sign up please click on the "Register Here" icon on this SOCIAL MEDIA FLYER .
For an engaging Social Media Safety Night for Parents on April 29th, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Regent Park Community Centre, Banquet Hall – 402 Shuter Street, Toronto. Toronto Police Services (Child Exploitation Unit/Internet Child Exploitation) will be presenting. As well we have some guest speakers including TDSB Social Work and Youth Outreach Workers (YOW).
This evening will include:
- Practical strategies for navigating social media risks
- Open discussion on online safety
- Take-home resources and giveaways
- Food and childcare
SAC Merch Store!
TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT THE SAC STORE CLOSES!!! LAST CHANCE TO BUY YOUR HOODIES RIGHT NOW!!!
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!
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.
Library Learning Commons
Library Closure: Thursday, April 17th for SHSM training and Indigenous Peoples Atlas workshops. No spares in the Library all day. Circulation Desk open.
Giant Floor Map: April 15 to 24
NSS Library Learning Commons is going to be hosting Canadian Geographic's Indigenous Peoples Atlas Giant Floor Map. Grade 9 Geography and grade 11 First Nations, Metis and Inuit Voices classes will be using the map to explore a wide-range of topics, including Indigenous languages and territories, traditional ecological knowledge, and place-based story telling in Canada. For more information on this fantastic resource, check out this news article.
During this time students on spare will be asked to use the North Lab, as the Quiet Study Area will be unavailable. Library services (book circulation, Chromebook access, research support) will continue as normal most days.
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!
Parking
Unfortunately, there is no student parking available at Northern. We are seeing a lot of students parking in the lot, especially ahead of early morning practices. Please do not park here to avoid receiving a parking ticket.
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. **Suspensions are beginning April 22**
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.
School Council:
1. Help Wanted: The Student Nutrition Program is looking for Parent Volunteers for the 2025/2026 school year. This program offers free healthy lunches to registered students throughout the school year. The time commitment is 10:30-12:30 one or more days a week to prepare and serve food to students. A vulnerable sector police check is required, which is why the process starts well in advance of the next school year. If you are interested, please email april.vibert@tdsb.on.ca
2. 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
External Free Resources for Families. We are happy to share free resources that are likely to be of broad interest to Northern families.
Empowering Growth: Effective Strategies for Supporting Autistic Teens and Young Adults - Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 6-7:00 pm. Join Wondertree to explore practical approaches to help autistic youth navigate key areas in their development. Pre-registration is required.
TDSB Delegation Training for Caregivers - Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 7:30 pm. The Toronto Schools - Caregivers Coalition is offering training in how to make a delegation to the TDSB for caregivers. This training is appropriate for any issue. Follow this link to read a full description of the training and other initiatives that they are working on and to register for the training.
Parenting Unplugged, Learn How To Talk Tech with Teens, Set Limits Without Battles and Strike a Balance Between Tech Time and Face Time - Thursday, May 8th - 6:30-8:00 pm - Forest Hill Collegiate. Forest Hill Collegiate School Council invites Northern parents to attend this free presentation by Ulrica Jobe. Advance registration is required. This engaging workshop will explore the latest research on how technology use impacts children and teens, why setting boundaries is crucial, and practical strategies to foster healthy digital habits at home. Don't miss this opportunity to gain confidence in managing screen time while strengthening family connections. Refreshments will be provided.
Northern Secondary School Foundation:
Parents and guardians are asked to share this information with their children
Northern Secondary School Foundation Award of Recognition
These awards are presented annually at Commencement or the Awards Assembly to one student in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.
Are you someone whose efforts in the community reflect positively on the reputation of Northern Secondary School.
Do you volunteer with a community organization, write for the local press, perform with the musical or theatre group, support a humanitarian or environmental issues or participate in a provincial competition.?
If so, then….Tell us your story in an application on nssf.ca/scholarship.
Nominations can be made by the student, a classmate, or a teacher You may also self-nominate.
Applications accepted until May 2nd , 2025 at scholarship@nssc.ca
Contact info@nssf.ca for more information.
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:
“Be where you are; otherwise, you will miss your life.” - Buddha
- Attention grade 11 & 12 students: Full Disclosure: April 24, 2025
- 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.
- Seeking Scholarships has released their April Scholarship Report which has upcoming scholarship dates listed for students applying to post-secondary programs in all areas, and there are tons of helpful resources around applying to OSAP as well.
Northern students, teachers, and families can access from this link using the password, scholar678: https://seekingscholarships.com/the-scholarship-report-2/
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
- 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.
- 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