Dear Northern Families,
It was another exciting week at Northern. The OSSLT is underway for our grade 10’s. The United Way week had some amazing activities/ stations set up every lunchtime. Great job to all the classes that got involved. Staff heard from residential school survivor Karen Chaboyer on Wednesday morning while students were sleeping in. It was a thought provoking session. Thursday saw the science department take home the win in our annual Faculty Follies talent show. Congratulations! Today things wrapped up with the Amazing Race in the upper gym. Thank You to all our staff and student organizers and participants. What an amazing tradition to be a part of. Speaking of traditions….
Northern's United Way Fashion Show- a long standing Northern tradition, will be held on Thursday December 4 and Friday December 5, 2025. Each exciting night will showcase the myriad talents of over 200 of our students, a spectacular dance, model and fashion show starting at 7pm. All proceeds go to the United Way, an organization that supports the community by meeting essential needs like food, housing and mental health. Their goal being to impact the community with real and long-lasting change.
Buy a ticket to watch your child or their friends and peers dance, model, and show off their designing skills. This is not an event you want to miss and all supporting a deserving cause! Tickets can be purchased through School Cash Online for Thursday's Show or Friday's Show or they can be purchased in the first floor foyer every day at lunch and at the door for $15 (cash). There will be a silent auction, pizza and treats available for CASH only sale.
Hey Northern! SAC has created a brand new Google Classroom where we will share news, updates and anything relating to SAC. From spirit day announcements to merch dates we will have lots of useful information posted. If you are interested in joining please use the code: regccbvsor use the link https://classroom.google.com/c/ODMwMTQyMDYyMzYy?cjc=regccbvs. Get excited Northern!
tdsbCARES: Hurricane Melissa Appeal
Many have heard about the impacts Hurricane Melissa has had across the Caribbean. In Jamaica, Cuba and across the central Caribbean, the powerful storm triggered flash floods and landslides threatening lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. With a number of schools damaged or closed, nearly 477,000 children have experienced significant disruptions to their schooling with children forced to miss classes or study in temporary spaces that may not be equipped for proper learning. The TDSB has launched the tdsbCARES: Hurricane Melissa Appeal. Donate to support the ongoing relief efforts for those impacted across the Caribbean. Learn More Recently, the Federal government announced it will match donations made by individuals to the Red Cross. With that, the four criteria set out in the TDSB’s International Disaster Relief Procedure have now been met.
As a result, we are pleased to be able to launch the tdsbCARES: Hurricane Melissa Appeal to raise money for the relief effort. For those wishing to donate or learn more, please visit the TDSB website. While donation-matching by the federal government runs until November 24, the TDSB campaign will run until Tuesday, December 9.
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. Also see the creed and holy day calendar for your reference (non-board calendar).
The student handbook can be found here: Student Handbook
Things to Know for Next Week:
Monday: Special Schedule (OSSLT) see below.
Tuesday: Special Schedule (OSSLT) see below.
Wednesday: Late Start @9:55am
Thursday: Early Dismissal @12:15pm- Grade 8 Open House Day
Thursday: Evening Open House for all Grade 8’s and Families
"Robotics X FemNSS design competition!
Join us in room 301 next Tuesday at lunch to compete in designing menstrual product dispensers.
Want to be a part of the design process? Have ideas to share? Concerned about the accessibility of menstrual products at Northern? Then please come!
All are welcome. No design knowledge needed, only your ideas. The competition will be held in teams including members with design knowledge to help advise each group. At the end of the meeting we'll vote on each group's design to determine the winning dispenser.
We hope to see you there!"
Buddies Toy Drive:
Hello Northern Families!
The Buddies Annual Toy Drive is back, and we need your support! We are collaborating with the Leaside Toy Drive to collect new, unwrapped toys, supporting elementary students and families in our local community.
Our goal this year is to collect 500 toys as a school.
We will be collecting donations to Friday, December 5th. With your help, we are confident we can make this fantastic cause a success and smash our target!
How you, the Northern Community, can contribute:
Parents and Guardians: Please encourage your students to participate, or consider contributing a toy directly!
Grade 9 Students: Bring your donation to your Homeform (Day 1, Period 1) classes, and compete with your class to bring in as many as you can. The grade 9 homeform class with the highest total donations will win a class Pizza Party, and the runner-ups will receive Timbits!
Grade 10-12s: Bring your donations to the donation box in the first floor foyer Monday, to Friday, December 5th before 8:55 am, and at lunch.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our wider community. Thank you for being a difference in helping make the holiday season that much brighter!
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the cause, please reach out at: [email protected]
OSSLT
The OSSLT will be taking place from November 17 to November 25 and a modified schedule will be followed (see below). All first-time eligible students in a semester 2 grade 10 English or ESLD/E class along with previously eligible/unsuccessful grade 11/12 students will be writing. Students have been preparing for this over the past two weeks. Please be sure to sign up for the Northern SS OSSLT 2024/25 PREP Google Classroom to receive preparation and practice resources. The code is: b5umys4.
November 24, 25 - First-Time Eligible Grade 10 Writers
Period 1 - 9:00am to 10:50am (extended period 1)
Period 2 - 10:55am to 11:40am
Lunch - 11:40am to 12:40pm
Period 3 - 12:40pm to 2:30pm (extended period 3)
Period 4 - 2:35pm to 3:15pm
Grad Photos
Attention Graduates!! Graduation photos will take place starting Friday, November 7th in room 315. There are still some appointments left - please book an appointment online following the link and steps below:
**Props will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own to personalize your session. Props could include- fake flowers, a rolled-up paper and ribbon as a scroll, an old school photo, a hard cover book, a small item that shows of your personality or interests.
**Please come prepared in a white collared shirt or blouse and tie.
**A black graduation gown, sash and graduation cap will be available
We look forward to seeing you there!
PIAC Ward Co-Representative Nominations & Voter Registration Now Open
Nomination and Voter information for the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) Ward Co-Representative elections is now open. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to visit the official PIAC elections page to review eligibility requirements and nomination details.
PIAC is a formal committee established under the Education Act (Ontario Regulation 612/00) to support, encourage, and enhance parent and caregiver engagement at the board level. Its role includes advising the Board on parent/caregiver engagement, supporting school councils, and helping parents/caregivers to support student learning at home and at school.
NSS Library Learning Commons
Overdue Books and Devices
- Students received email notifications last week about overdue books and devices.
- Parents, please help your adolescents find and remember to bring in overdue items.
- Grade 10s, 11s and 12s: if you have overdue books from last year, we still want them in the NSS Library. No fines, just the gratitude of your Teacher-Librarians.
Upcoming Library Closure* for OSSLT: WED. Nov. 26 - ALL DAY
→ no spares
→ no Library services: NO printing, NO Chromebook loans
→ plan ahead if you need to print an assignment, checkout a book
Special Education: Pathways to Adulthood:
The TDSB cordially invites students with disabilities and their families to an in-person Pathways to Adulthood resource fair
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (Registration opens at 9:30 a.m.)
Location: York Mills Collegiate Institute – 490 York Mills Rd, North York
Google Docs invitation
Over 40+ community agencies will be present to share information about day programs, employment services, post-secondary options, and community supports. Hands-on student activities, TDSB support staff (OTs, PTs, Social Workers, Transition Navigators), and quiet/break spaces will be available.
TDSB students must be accompanied by an adult.
Please share the attached PDF flyer andwith all relevant teachers, students, and families.
Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nUh8BRrbXe1ajjftZhoZBj8KrO1DYELm/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107352298344966578049&rtpof=true&sd=true
Register by November 17 using the link or QR code provided in the flyer. Walk-ins are welcome.
Northern Food Program:
If you would like to donate to our Snack/Lunch Program:
To donate please use the link below:
https://tfss.ca/donate/schoolsites-snp/
Select Northern Secondary School so your donation helps the students here at Northern!
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
Northern Semester 1 Final Exams and Culminating Activities FINAL
Semester 1 final exams take place on:
Wednesday, January 21 Period 1 Classes
Thursday, January 22 Period 2 Classes
Friday, January 23 Period 3 Classes
Monday, January 26 Period 4 Classes
Classroom teachers will share detailed information about Culminating Activates and Final Exams with students.
Please find FINAL information about culminating activities here: NSS Culminating and Final Exam Information Sem 1 2025-2026
Please find a FINAL version of our exam schedule here: NSS Exam Schedule - Semester 1 2025-26
Please review the information posted in the Bulletin about family holidays and absences during exam times.
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: Upcoming Events for Parents by Parents
Post-secondary parent coffee - Saturday, November 22 at 9:30 am - Guidance has provided all the tools for knowing what to do (thanks, Guidance!). This is an informal space to chat with other parents to compare notes, ask questions, and hear about their experiences going through this process. RSVP to [email protected] with Post-Secondary Parent Coffee in the subject line, and we will send you the location.
Walking Buddies on Weekends (Rotating Saturdays|Sundays - BiWeekly): Join us for a relaxing one-hour walk through Mt. Pleasant Cemetery – every second weekend at 9:30am. Meet at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery’s Funeral Centre parking lot. Dogs welcome. Please let us know that you are coming by emailing us at: [email protected] with “Walking buddies” in the subject line.
Upcoming dates: Saturday, November 29. Where: Mount Pleasant Cemetery Funeral Centre Parking Lot
Grade 9 Parents and Caregivers Social - Saturday, December 6th at 9 am. Who doesn’t enjoy a good sociable to ease the jitters that come with making the transition to a new community environment more engaging for all. Join us at Daphne’s Antioch Café (620 Mt. Pleasant Rd) at 9 am.
Canadian University Admissions: All You Need to Know - Monday, December 8, 7:30-8:30 pm - Join Teo Salgado, an independent educational consultant, for an online, comprehensive overview of Canadian university application processes. He’ll cover admission requirements, timelines, costs, scholarships, and strategies for building a balanced university list. Whether your student is in grade 10 starting to research or in grade 12 preparing to apply, you’ll come away with clear steps and trusted resources to guide your next moves. Link to follow.
Raising a Gifted Child: What Every Parent Needs to Know - December 9 at 6 pm in the Northern Library. The Gifted Advisory Committee invites all gifted families to join us for a talk by Barbara Lazarou. Please register here:
https://forms.gle/XUsUtARMX3DPxWbq5
Guidance:
- We are looking forward to hosting our annual Grade 8 Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025. Our evening event is open to the community and starts at 6pm in the auditorium!
- TDSB Night School Semester 2:
Registration Opens: November 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Registration Closes: January 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
All Registration must be done online. Please view our Registration Process
- TDSB Semester 2 e-Learning Course Registration
Semester 2 e-Learning Day School tentative course offerings were added to the e-Learning Day School website on October 22. Please encourage staff, students, and families to review these offerings before registration opens to students on November 12 at 10 a.m. through the e-REG system.
e-Learning Semester 2 registration poster & e-Learning information flyer
- NSS Mental Wellness Theme: November’s Wellness theme is FEAR vs DANGER.
This month we are talking about Fear VS Danger and strategies to help us do scary things.
Each week this month, we will share a strategy to help you MOVE THROUGH YOUR FEAR.
Let’s remind ourselves of past successes when we were afraid to do something:
Think about a time when you were initially afraid to do something but still managed to do it. When you think about this time, try to remember how most or all of your feared predictions didn’t come true, and that you actually were able to handle the situation.
Taking a minute to remind yourself of a success when you were afraid, can help you face a new fear!
- The Urban Indigenous Education Centre is honoured to host the 3rd annual Post-Secondary Pathway Fair for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students.
When: November 26th, 9:30am - 3:00pm
Where: UIEC (auditorium), 16 Phin Avenue
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
Meet university, college and trades programs representatives face to face, and engage with indigenous representatives, mentors and alumni;
Inquire about valuable information on programs, admissions, scholarships/bursaries, and support services;
Learn how to access multiple options for post-secondary pathways;
Find out about employment opportunities for summer and beyond!
- NSS Post-Secondary Application Supports:
I’m in Grade 12, Now What? Slideshow - Slides only
My Student is in Grade 12, Now What? - Video recording of Grade 12 presentation
2025-2026 NSS Post-Secondary Application Guide
2025-2026 NSS Scholarship Information Chart
20 Questions to Ask a Post-secondary Representative
Individual Grade 12 Visits – Guidance and grade 12 students are meeting one-on-one to go over students’ plans for after high school.
Students can book using this link: http://bit.ly/nssguidance
- 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
- A webinar from Seeking Scholarships for Grade 12 Students, Funding Postsecondary Education (40:34), has been posted. There is also a Handout providing links to resources mentioned in the workshop.
To access the webinar, login to The Scholarship Report Library as usual: Click here. Password: SEPTSCHOLAR25
When you're in the Library, click on the Webinars category and enter this Password to view the webinars: FUNDING2526
- 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.
- The NSS Thrive Guide is a tool created and shared with classes to help students think about how they are participating in high school WITH INTENTION. Any questions, please speak to your guidance counsellor!
- 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)
10. 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