Dear Northern Families,
Last week I missed the opportunity to wish our Jewish community a Happy Passover. My apologies for the oversight and Chag Pesach Sameach!
For those celebrating this weekend, Happy Easter.
Thank you to our actors, director, and crew for an amazing production of “Our Town” this week. For three nights audiences had the chance to take in this Mainstage production. A big thank you to Ms. Hicks, Mr. Fereira, and >>>> for making this possible.
Our Robotics Team is in Houston, Texas competing in the First Robotics World Championships. If you are interested in supporting the team please visit: https://www.knightowls.ca/donate
Good Luck to our Ethics Bowl Team who depart for Winnipeg, Manitoba next Friday to compete in the Canadian Championships. Go Red Knights!
Summer School- If this is something you are considering please see the guidance section below! Important Dates are upon us.
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: No School!
Wednesday: Late Start @9:55am
Wednesday: SAC Spirit Day- Old vs Young (see below)
Thursday: Full Disclosure
Sprit Day on Wednesday April 23rd
A Day for the Ages: Old vs Young. Dress like a kid, a kindergartener, or a snazzy senior!
Squash
Congratulations to the Northern Squash team for a remarkable tournament on April 10th and 11th. Tier 1 division won gold and brought home the Jim Mason Squash trophy. Tier 2 division came in 5th and the 2 emerging divisions competed in the consolidation rounds. Great work!!
Congratulations to Megan and Mika for winning silver at the Badminton City Finals and qualifying for OFSAA!! They are the ONLY entry out of the South Region to finish in the top 4 at cities! Way to go girls!!!
Valedictorian Selection:
At the Grade 12 Prom assembly on May 12th students will hear from candidates for Valedictorian. If your child is interested in this position please see the attachment here: Valedictorian Nomination Form . Please note there is an essential deadline, that does take work ahead of time, of May 8th, 2025.
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
Prom:
ATTENTION GRADE 12s, Northern Secondary School's SENIOR PROM 2025 is quickly approaching!
This year's theme is “Met Gala: An Enchanted Evening”
Tickets are now on sale on SCHOOL CASH ONLINE for you to purchase. you access the link on your school or guardian's email.
1 ticket per Grade 12 student Costs $120, non-transferable.
1 GUEST ticket also costs $120, they are non-transferable.
Make sure to grab a GUEST FORM in Guidance if you will be bringing a guest to prom. It MUST BE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED, back to guidance, PRIOR TO GUEST TICKET PURCHASE.
Along with that all students attending prom must fill out THE CODE OF CONDUCT FORM. You must have this filled out in order to attend prom. Link: https://forms.gle/7QoKWPesTg5tnYSD6
Tickets sales end on May 14th, Wednesday at 11.59 pm.
We can't wait to join all the graduates for a joyful celebration at Parkview Manor on Friday, May 30th from 6-11 pm.
Go get your tickets now for this amazing event!
FRIDAY AT MIDNIGHT THE SAC STORE CLOSES!!! LAST CHANCE TO BUY YOUR HOODIES RIGHT NOW!!!
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 is here!! 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 18th, 2025 at midnight.
Asian Heritage Month Assembly
May is Asian Heritage Month! We are very excited to announce that we will be having an Asian Heritage Month assembly for our grade 9, 10, & 11 students on Tuesday, May 13 during period 1. An assembly day schedule will be followed.
Northern STEM Alumni Panel - May 7th, 6-8:30 pm
Northern’s STEM Alumni Panel - Register Today!
Are you interested in pursuing a career in STEM? Want to explore possible pathways or careers? The Northern Science Department is once again hosting our annual STEM Alumni Panel!
This moderated event will feature a keynote speaker Dr. Felsky and a panel of Northern alumni from a variety of different STEM related fields, ranging from medicine, kinesiology to engineering. Panelists include current university students and professionals who have excelled in their chosen profession. The panel discussion will then be followed by a short meet and greet session.
This is an amazing opportunity to hear Northern alumni speak about their experiences, offer insightful advice for those wanting to continue their education in STEM, and get your questions answered. Everyone is welcome!
Panelist Details: STEM Alumni Panel Event Poster and Detailed Panelist Bios
Event Details: May 7th, 6:00-8:30 pm at Northern Secondary School
Registration: If you are interested in attending this event, please indicate your interest by filling out this form (note that registration is not required but recommended as it helps plan for event spaces and meet-and-greet refreshments). Visit our INSTAGRAM @nss.stem.panel for more information, and keep an eye out for our posters/QR codes attached in math/science classrooms around the school!
If you have any questions, please email ashley.dong@student.tdsb.on.ca or DM us on Instagram.
We look forward to seeing 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
Parent/Caregivers IMPACT Symposiums
Calling all parents and caregivers! The City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Response Program and the TDSB Parent/Caregiver & Community Engagement Office invite you to IMPACT – Innovative Methods for Parents/Caregivers Today!
Join us this May for one of three powerful sessions designed to equip you with the knowledge and the tools to support your children. We’ll tackle the most pressing issues facing young people, including:
· Mental Health & Well- being & Vaping Dependency
· Social Media and Cellphone Dependency
· Criminality & Prevention
· Missing Youth & Community Safety
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect. Register soon as registration is limited.
Scholarship Workshop
- Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement is hosting a two-part Scholarship Workshop for Black students and their families. This initiative empowers Black students and families with the knowledge and resources needed to access financial support for post-secondary education and provides essential guidance on finding and applying for scholarships. The first session is a virtual workshop covering key scholarships, application strategies, and deadlines. The second session is an in-person support session, offering hands-on assistance with applications students are currently working on.
Part 1: Learn more about Scholarships
Date: April 24, 2025 (Virtual Session)
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Part 2: In-Person Scholarship Writing Workshop -Limited spots available (students must have attended the BOLT session or Part 1 of the workshop series )
Date: May 1, 2025 - In-Person at the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
Time: 5:00- 7:00 PM
Registration link
Program flyer
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. Good luck to the Knight Owls who are now competing in the world championships of the FIRST Robotics competition in Houston, Texas beginning on April 16th. And, Congratulations to the Ethics team, which will be travelling to Winnipeg for the Canadian National Ethics Bowl April 24-27th.
2. 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
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
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.
Social Media Safety Night for Parents - April 29th - 6:00-8:00 PM - Regent Park Community Centre, Banquet Hall – 402 Shuter Street, Toronto. Toronto Police Services (Child Exploitation Unit/Internet Child Exploitation) will be presenting along with guest speakers including TDSB Social Work and Youth Outreach Workers (YOW). You will hear practical strategies for navigating social media risks and an open discussion of online safety. Advance registration is required.
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:
The Jim McCarron Changemaker Award: Apply before May 2rd,2025
This award was generously funded by his family and colleagues to honour the legacy of Jim McCarron, Principal of Northern Secondary School from 1991 -1996.
Jim was a highly respected educator in the TDSB for over 30 years who made a profound difference in the lives of his colleagues and former students.
He was a real Changemaker!
The award will be given out annually at Commencement to a graduating student who has changed our hearts and mind by taking courageous action to made a difference in the lives of others in the school or wider community.
For more information about this award and others, go to nssf.ca/scholarships and complete an application form or 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: “Mindfulness meditation doesn’t change life. Life remains as fragile and unpredictable as ever. Meditation changes the heart’s capacity to accept life as it is.” - Sylvia Boorstein
- 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 long weekend!
Adam Marshall
Principal
Follow me @PrincipalNSS