Dear Northern Families,
Please note that there are several awards through the Northern Secondary School Foundation that do not have applicants! This process closes today. If you are a graduating student please do look at the foundation message below.
Considering a future in STEM? Don't miss the Northern STEM Alumni Panel taking place on Wednesday May 7th, 6-8:30 pm. This is an amazing opportunity to hear from Northern graduates in the field! Details on the event are below.
Call for donation of used Track & Field / Cross Country spikes - Do you have any gently used running spikes that you'd like to donate? Our Track & Field and Cross Country teams are in need of donated spikes for use by athletes who may not have their own. If you have a used pair of spikes to donate, please drop them off to Ms. Moulton in Room 102 or to Mr. Magee-Saxton in the Guidance Office.
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-Friday: Teen Mental Health Awareness Week (details below)
Monday: SAC Elections Assembly (see schedule below)
Wednesday: STEM Alumni Panel @6pm (details below)
Thursday: Sounds of Spring Outdoor Concert @ 3:15pm
Friday: SAC Election Results
SAC Elections Assembly Schedule – Monday May 5, Period 1
The SAC Election Assembly is taking place during period 1 on Monday, May 5.
Here is the schedule of the day:
Period 1: 9:00 – 11:15 (both assemblies during this period)
Period 2: 11:15-12:10
Lunch: 12:10 – 1:10
Period 3: 1:10 – 2:10
Period 4: 2:15-3:15
Teen Mental Health Awareness Week: May 5 – 9, 2025
Northern recognizes “Teen Mental Health Awareness Week” by organizing “WellNSS Week: May 5 – 9, 2025”. The first week of May has a full schedule of activities that will bring awareness to mental health and reduce stigma.
Monday, May 5 @ Lunch in Front Foyer: Declutter Your Mind, Declutter Your Space
Tuesday, May 6 @ Lunch in rm 311: Tension Free Tuesday: Mediation with Doc
Wednesday, May 7@ Lunch in rm 119: Kindness Rock Painting
Thursday, May 8 @ Lunch in Front Foyer: Compliment Cards
Friday, May 9 @ Lunch in Front Foyer: Feel Good Friday: Memory Jar
OJEN Mock Trial competition:
Northern Law Society's mock trial team the "Ruby Guardians" competed at the OJEN Mock Trial Competition which occured at the Ontario Court of Justice until 9:30 pm (May 1st).
In the first Mock Trial, our defense team provided a stunning defense of the accused that really created a high level of sympathy and poked enough holes in the opposing Crown's arguments that the judges had no choice but to find the accused "Not Guilty".
In the second Mock Trial, our Crown team provided an exceptionally compelling argument proving the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt and that is why the judges had no choice but to find the accused guilty.
To be clear, we won both trials!
Our Crown and defense teams (lawyers and witnesses) performed fantastically. Special note was made of our lawyer's prowess in law and the quality of our witnesses.
The semi-final and final mock trials will occur Monday, May 5th at the Ontario Court of Justice.
Their hard work and dedication was evident throughout the year and we are all extremely proud of their achievements. Go Ruby Guardians!
BAA (Boys Athletic Association)
Upcoming intramural competition "BAA Games" - starts on Monday May 5th at lunch in Upper gym For those who signed up, The BAA is hosting their BAA Games competition - starting on Monday May 5th in the Upper gym at lunch. Check out any information in the first floor foyer display case and listen for the daily announcements. Let the Games Begin!
SAC Elections:
- SAC Elections Assembly will be held on Monday, May 5th during Period 1. Students will receive an email Monday morning with directions on how to VOTE. Voting closes Friday, May 9th at 10 am. Election results will be shared on May 9th at 3:10 pm. Student Council supports meaningful, fun, inclusive, and amazing events and activities at Northern. We are proud of every candidate for their enthusiasm and dedication to making Northern a welcoming, safe, and joyful school for all!
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.
Caring & Safe Schools Committee
- final Caring & Safe Schools Committee meeting is on Tuesday, May 13 at 4:00 pm in the Heritage Room (114). Membership includes students, caregivers, teaching staff, non-teaching staff and community partners. New members are always welcome!
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.
Library Learning Commons:
Full LIBRARY CLOSURES* for AP EXAMS - May 5 to May 16th
- Wednesday, May 7 - All Day
- Friday, May 9 - Morning
- Monday May 12 - Morning and Lunch
- Tuesday May 13 - Morning and Lunch
- Wednesday May 14 - Morning and Lunch
- Friday, May 16 - Lunch and Afternoon
*During these time periods there will be no Library Services, including printing, Chromebook loans, or book circulation. Students can access Library services on days when there are no closures, and after school: 3:15-3:45pm on most AP Exam Days. Return books in the Book Drop outside the Library doors.
Sorry for the inconvenience! We look forward to resuming normal operations on Tuesday, May 20th
Prom:
PROM!!! IT'S A PARTY!!!
Prom tickets are on sale right now! We can't wait to celebrate with you at Parkview Manor on May 30th.
Parents/Guardians were sent an email from SCHOOL CASH ONLINE with an invitation to buy one ticket for their graduate, and one for a guest.
- note: If you purchase ONE single ticket School Cash may indicate that your purchase is "Overdue". The computer system just really thinks you should bring a date to prom, lol! Your single ticket purchase HAS gone through correctly as long as you have received an emailed receipt confirming your order. We will hand out paper tickets to students in early May, and plan table seating arrangements. We will post information about next steps on Google Classroom.
If you have any issues or questions about ticket purchases, please reach out to Kristen.Beach@tdsb.on.ca Looking forward to this great event!
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 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. 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!
May Learning Sessions for Staff and Families
Learning and engagement sessions continue to be made available for both staff and families, providing valuable opportunities to explore inclusive and anti-ableist practices and concrete strategies to use in the classroom and at home. These sessions are designed to support student achievement and well-being. Please click this link to access the sessions being offered.
Upcoming Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Engagement Session: Strategies and resources to support students with ADHD
Special Education and Inclusion will host a session to explore strategies and resources to support students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Principals are asked to share this flyer with your school communities.
ASD Summer Skills Development Program
The summer session of the ASD Skills Development Program will run from July 2-25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Principals are asked to share the ASD Summer Skills Development Program - Parent Letter which includes the link for registration to the families of the students with ASD going into Grades 4 -10 (currently students in Grade 3 - 9). Registration deadline is Friday, May 30, 2025. Spaces in the program are limited and enrollment is on a first-come first-serve basis.
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
School Council:
1. Walking Buddies - Sunday, May 4th 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. 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! Please register in advance to help with planning. Visit our INSTAGRAM @nss.stem.panel for more information.
External Free Resources for Families We are happy to share free resources that are likely to be of broad interest to Northern families:
Youth ADHD Peer-facilitated Support Group: Age 16-24 - May 28 and June 25, 2025 at 8:00 pm. CADDAC is excited to offer virtual support groups led by CADDAC-trained peer facilitators. Each session will offer a brief educational component to help relate a chosen topic to ADHD (i.e.. Procrastination; sleep; advocacy; etc.) Based on the topic and information shared, participants are then invited to discuss how this relates to them, share strategies and to offer support to peers with similar lived experience. Our wonderful team of facilitators is there to provide a safe and inclusive space for you to listen, share, and feel validated. Registration is required.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Virtual Information Session - Wednesday, May 7th, 7-8 pm. Registration is now open for this virtual info session hosted by York Mills Collegiate School Council: register here. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) offers grade 11 and 12 students, who are at least 15 years of age, an opportunity to explore a skilled trade and begin an apprenticeship while completing credits towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Through the Co-operative Education program, OYAP provides students with on-site work experience and a realistic opportunity to become registered as an apprentice with a willing employer. Students can participate in work placements in any of the 144 trades, in either full or half-day placements.
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:
Northern Secondary School Foundation Accepting Applications for Scholarships and Awards UNTIL -May 2, 2025
Attention Graduating Students
The Foundation is pleased to offer over 40 Scholarships and Awards to graduating students. We are grateful to former teachers, parents and alumni who fund these awards. Awards range from $200 to $5000.
Go to nssf.ca/scholarships for a complete list of the awards and application forms.
- scholarships and awards recognize academic achievement in math, science, social science, business, family studies, music, art and design.. Others recognize leadership in community service, environmental and humanitarian initiatives, participation in athletic and extracurricular activities, and perseverance in face of adversity. New awards support grads going to college or apprenticeship...
Award winners are selected by the Scholarship Committee of Northern Secondary School. If you have any questions about the awards or the application process, contact us at info@nssf.ca and we will get back to you
Guidance Updates:
- May’s Wellness Theme is “How to Help: Bethere.org
Just talking about mental health isn’t enough. We need the knowledge, skills and confidence to step up and be there for one another. Please check out: Bethere.org!
Bethere.org has 5 Golden Rules:
Rule #1: Say What you See – How to break the ice and start the conversation.
- Recently, the Guidance Department held a lunch presentation on How to Pay for Post-Secondary, here's the slide deck from that presentation. You will find the following topics within:
- OSAP: when to apply, how it works, what you need etc
- Student Loans: how to bridge the gap if OSAP isn’t enough
- The difference between OSAP and Student Loans
Feel free to come to the Guidance Office if you have any questions!
- 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
- 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