Dear Northern Families,
A big thank you to all our students that wore orange shirts on Tuesday to recognize the Truth and Reconciliation process. Watch for more news/ initiatives over the course of the year!
For our Northern families that celebrated Yom Kippur this week I hope you had a meaningful fast.
I also want to say a big thank you to the Northern parents/ guardians who have put their hand up for School Council for the 2025-26 school year. We have all our positions filled on council and a big thank you to Ms. Aimee Sulaimon and Mr. Gavin McCulloch for stepping into the co-chair positions.
While Ms. Jessica Miklos and Mr. Omar Becerril will remain on council this year they have stepped down from their co-chair positions. Thank You for your leadership over the past several years, and thank you for continuing to support Northern as council members!
Our School Activity Council (SAC) has created their first monthly update. It is an amazing review of their work over the past month. Please have a look here: SAC Newsletter
School Absences: Family vacations are not considered a legitimate absence. Every effort should be made to avoid scheduling family vacations during school time. Holiday dates are published in the agenda book and on the TDSB website, http://www.tdsb.on.ca. In the event of a missed evaluation due to a family vacation, teachers are not required to provide an alternative form of evaluation. In the case of examinations, no make-up exam or alternative arrangements will be made.
The student calendar can be found here: 2025-2026 Northern 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: Photo Absentee Day
Wednesday: ELL/ DHH Potluck @6pm (details below)
Thursday: Academic Awards Assembly Period 1
Thursday: Informal Mark Update
Friday: PD Day- No School!
Photo Absentee Day - Monday, October 6
Students who were absent for their school photos will be called down to have their photos taken in the Heritage Room (114). Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate re-takes. Students can ask a teacher if they have any questions.
Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show
On October 2nd, 25 students from Tech Design, Robotics, and the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program had the opportunity to attend the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS). They participated in the Bright Minds Student Summit, hosted by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).
It was a valuable day of learning, where students explored advanced manufacturing technologies and connected with industry professionals from around the world. We’re proud to share that our students participated in the Manufacturing Trivia Game and came away with a win!
They also took part in the full-day Student Challenge, where the Northern Alpha team earned a commendable second place finish out of 30 teams. Their positive energy and willingness to work together brought extra value to the experience. It was a fun and inspiring day of experiential learning.
To view photos from the event, please click here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/j15dCkudembP95Bd6
For Students who live in the Toronto- St. Paul’s Riding:
MP Church is launching her Constituency Youth Council (CYC), a non-partisan advisory council of motivated 14–20 year-olds looking to learn more about Canadian politics and gain experience in advocacy. The term will last until approximately June. Our applications were supposed to close today but we are going to extend applications for another week until 11:59PM on Monday, October 6th.
The council will meet approximately once every two months. Participants will have the chance to work closely with MP Church, provide their perspectives on relevant political issues (e.g. climate change, youth unemployment), meet exciting guest speakers, give back to their community, earn volunteer hours and gain valuable experience for resumes. Letters of reference will be available. This is a non-partisan opportunity, open to youth with diverse political beliefs. More description is available within the Google Form linked below and on the CYC Instagram: @tsp_cyc
You can use this tool to search by your postal code and verify what riding you belong to: https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en. If a student is interested but does not live in Toronto—St. Paul’s, I recommend that they reach out to their own MP’s email to inquire about joining their riding’s youth council.
Here is the link to apply. The form shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to complete:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezzSecAXGMXJxaHEdoJQTMLwyQq0fuWIMFHMk6IhRSvk5i4A/viewform?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafFldLinPoH6LoXqJU8GV3vEGF1FszjPe7tkWNZJ6sNUkrkpxKnCDp9UUtdng_aem_CTLwzSmqFeImWv0tVDw5Jw
If a student has any questions or is interested but unable to meet this deadline, they are encouraged to email [email protected].
Start of Year Forms
Thank you to all of the families who have completed the PowerSchool Enrolment Forms that were emailed to you in early September. If you have not received the email, or did not completed the forms, please check your regular and junk inboxes from Wednesday, September 17. It is essential that we have accurate contact information to reach you in the event of an emergency! Can't find the form? Please email [email protected] for help.
NSS Library Learning Commons
Lost and Found
- The NSS Lost and Found is located in the Library, in the basement of the school.
- We have a collection of lost clothing, lunch bags, water bottles, and other personal items.
- The Lost and Found does not have lost phones, house/car keys, electronic devices (including BT earbuds) or other expensive/sensitive items.
- The Lost and Found will be emptied on Nov. 14th, 2025 and remaining items will be donated to a non-profit organization.
Parents: please ask your adolescents to visit the Lost and Found if they have lost personal items.
Toronto Public Library - Northern District Branch
Our Youth Hub is a drop-in service that runs Monday to Friday from 3:30pm to 7:00pm. If you are unfamiliar with our Youth Hub service, there are 30 libraries in the city that offer this space for youth, including Northern District branch in the fall. It is a safe space that provides youth with use of technology, Ipads, programs, workshops, gaming, free color printing, nutritious snacks, and more.
From the ESL & DHH Departments:
We are pleased to invite you to our ELL/DHH Parent/Guardian Welcome Potluck on Wednesday, October 8th, 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the Staff Lounge and in the Library.
Please join us for an evening of learning (about school and community resources), connecting (talk with other parents who are newcomers and/or part of the deaf and hard of hearing community), and enjoying!
Bring a small amount of food (appetizer, main dish or desert) to add to our potluck table if you wish. DHH & ELL Parents/Guardians and their students are invited to come to this community event. We hope to see you there!
Please complete this google form:
Reporting Student Absences:
Option 1:
- Download the SchoolMessenger App from the Google Play or Apple App Store.
- Register by using your email account linked to our Student Information System.
Option 2:
- Call the automated attendance system: 1-833-250-2290.
- Use your phone number linked to our Student Information System.
Option 3:
- Call the main office line: 416-393-0270.
Option 4*:
- Email the Office Assistant associated with your child’s last name:
- *Please note that option 4 may not prevent a call from the automated SafeArrivals phone system.
School Council:
- Give a little, Help a Lot! As Thanksgiving approaches, we have much to be thankful for as members of the Northern SS Community. In the spirit of Giving and Caring, we ask you to consider making a donation ($10, $25, $50, $100, $250, $500) towards activities that further enhance and support priorities and student learning. Last year we were thrilled to support: the Robotics Team, the Latin Club, Arts & Tech, Ceramics Club, STEM Programming, Student Awards, Sports Teams + more.
Please give what you can to Northern Council - a $10 gift makes a difference! Click here to donate
To make a larger donation and receive a tax receipt, you can contribute directly to Northern through School Cash Online - TDSB Donation.
2. Upcoming Social Events - Strengthening a Connected Community:
Grade 9 Parents and Caregivers Social - Saturday, October 4th at 9 am. Enjoy a relaxed social gathering to ease the jitters that come with making the transition to a new community environment and more engaging for all. Join us at Daphne’s Antioch Café (620 Mt. Pleasant Rd) at 9 am.
Walking Buddies - Sunday, October 5th at 9:30 am. Join us for a relaxing one-hour walk through Mt. Pleasant Cemetery – every second Saturday/Sunday at 9:30am. Meet at the Funeral Centre parking lot (Dogs welcome) to get your steps in, strengthen your connection to the Northern SS Community, and enjoy the autumn weather.
3. Staying Connected to the NSS Council and Community.
To receive news "for parents, by parents," email: [email protected] with the subject line “Count me in.”
Visit our website at: nsscouncil.com
Follow us on Instagram: @nss_council.
If you have ideas, questions, or would like to get involved in the the School Council, email us at [email protected].
We would love to hear from you!
Northern Secondary School Foundation (NSSF):
Northern Secondary School Foundation-New Award- $1000 annually
We are pleased to announce the Dr Elliot Sampson Memorial Award in Athletics
Elliot Sampson was an outstanding student, varsity athlete, musician, and friend. Following his graduation from Dalhousie, he studied medicine at the University of Calgary before becoming a Hospitalist in acute family medicine at Leduc Community Hospital, Alberta. Dr. Sampson passed away on April 16, 2024.
This scholarship established by his friend and classmate, Zack Brown, together with the support of their lifelong friends- the Northern Boys. It recognizes an outstanding graduating student who has excelled in athletics and demonstrated leadership during their time at Northern.
If you would like to establish as award to honour a family member or recognize achievement in a particular area, contact us at [email protected]
Guidance:
- October Look Ahead:
- Individual Grade 12 Visits – (Sept – Oct) where Guidance connects one-on-one with students to go over their plans for after high school.
- Students can book using this link: http://bit.ly/nssguidance
- NSS Post-Secondary Fair: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 6-8pm.
We are hosting a booth type fair where Ontario College and University representatives will be sharing information and resources with our students and families. Learn more about applications and programs, financial assistance, etc. All are welcome!
- Careers Month Coming Soon! Mon, Oct. 20 to Thurs, Nov. 13th: Focus on Careers in the Trades
Events will take place during lunch, and throughout the day in a variety of tech and careers classes. Many events will be open for all students to sign up and attend. Some of the careers to be highlighted during the month include Chef & Culinary Services; Aerospace Manufacturing Technician; TV, Video and Film Production; Electrician, Construction and more!
There will also be presentations from OYAP, Skills Ontario, Support Ontario Youth and former Northern students pursuing careers in the trades.
- NSS Mental Wellness Theme: October’s Wellness theme is Gratitude.
This month we are talking about Gratitude and its link to our overall wellness.
Did you know, GRATITUDE is a strong tool to use when you need to INTERRUPT negative thoughts. When we are intentionally taking time to notice the things we are grateful for, we can decrease anxious moments. It has been scientifically proven that three (3) minutes of gratitude a day can increase our happiness and decrease our anxiety.
- Post-Secondary Planning:
- 2025-2026 - I'm in Grade 12, Now What?: Graduation Requirements and Applications to Post-Secondary google slides only
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- 2025-2026 NSS Applying to Post-Secondary Guide
- 2025-2026 NSS Scholarship Guide
- 2025-2026 Scholarship Update:
- It's time for Grade 12 students to begin planning out which scholarships they would like to apply for! Many major university scholarships have deadlines in Semester 1 or early Semester 2, and some require a Northern nomination. The following link is a general list of scholarships, including ones that require an NSS nomination: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ELN7YYaXVtQSYNHeL2n5t_yF8wTzO5WlVJUgyii1MM8/edit?usp=sharing
- Northern has subscribed to the Seeking Scholarships Report, which has fantastic information and resources for students on available scholarships, financial aid, and application tips. Northern students and families can access to The Scholarship Report Library by following the instructions below:
Link: Click here
Password: SEPTSCHOLAR25
Click on the DASHBOARD page
This resource is copyrighted and should not be shared outside of the NSS community.
- Last Day to Request to Withdraw (drop) from a Semester 1 Course: Nov. 5/25
- Full Disclosure Date: November 17, 2025
Last day to drop a course without the mark appearing on the student’s permanent transcript.
- Student Services Google Classrooms:
Want info updated info about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, post-secondary visits, etc.?
Students, please ensure you are registered in your grade’s Student Services Google Classroom. This is where we share all our important information throughout the year.
Grade 9 Google Classroom code: 3wvfe4kf
Grade 10 Google Classroom code: bedkqks
Grade 11 Google Classroom code: x6sh4ue
Grade 12 Google Classroom code: 4ixv2jl
- Booking a Guidance Appointment:
Students can BOOK directly and/or REQUEST an appointment with their Guidance Counsellor or our Student Success teachers through our GuidanceInterview platform.
- Link: https://guidanceinterview.com/s/nss
- Username: Student Number
- Password: YYYY-MM-DD (date of birth)
- 2025-2026 Guidance Counsellors by Last Name Alpha:
- Jenny Sohn, [email protected], X20046, Alpha Last Names: A, E, F, I, P
- Leslie Usin-Rojas, [email protected], X 20041, Alpha Last Names: B, C
- Deborah Poutissou, [email protected], X 20042, Alpha Last Names: D, G, J, T, Z
- Jennifer MacPhee, [email protected], X 20045, Alpha Last Names: H, K, L
- Sean Magee-Saxton, [email protected], X 20043, Alpha Last Names: M, N, O, Q, R
- Melanie Stassis, C.L., [email protected], X 20044, Alpha Last Names: S, U, V, W, X, Y
Mental Wellness Resource Document
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.
Have a great weekend!
Adam Marshall- Principal