Northern Secondary School

Oct 9th, 2026

Thursday, October 15, 2026 10:51 AM

Dear Northern Families,

It is hard to believe we are already headed into the Thanksgiving long weekend! Likely everyone needs it after a busy start and exciting last week. Today we had our annual Academic Awards Assembly (for the 2025-26 school year). Congratulations to all our award winners! A big thank you to Ms. Beach and all our student leaders for making the event such a success.

Yesterday everyone should have received a mark update from their teachers. Please remember these grades DO NOT include attendance and participation grades. These marks will be reflected ONLY on the final report card in February (and June). The grade you see now reflects classroom evaluations to date and are an indicator of current achievement. They are meant to give our support staff and families an early warning if there are concerns. They also help inform you whether booking a meeting at Parent/ Guardian- Teacher Interviews. These interviews are next Thursday October 15th, you can find more details below.

Last week we had Friday Night Lights and had hundreds of students trek across the city to support the Red Knights. A huge thank you to our cheer team, athletes, coaches, and teacher volunteers who helped supervise the event. It was a fantastic night!

Last night we were able to install our School Council for the 2026- 27 school year. Thank You to our outgoing council for all your time committed to the school and welcome to our new members and executive. A special thank you to Tania Osmond and Alicia Sorenson for running the election and onboarding our new members:

Northern School Council 2026-27:

Kathleen Allan and Jessica Miklos (co-chairs)

Jennifer Keeley and Kristina Turner (co-secretaries)

Gavin McCulloch and Margaret Yeung (co-treasurers)

Council Members: Ulrica Jobe, Chris Maissan, Jennifer Ng, Amanda Ricketts-Fredrick, Anna Rutledge, Christie Schemmer, Amy Then, Juliano Viana, and Tanja Visnjevac.

 

The student calendar can be found here: 2026-2027 Northern Community 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- Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday: SAC Store Opens

Wednesday: NSS Post-Secondary Fair 6pm – 8pm (see guidance section)

Thursday: United Way Campaign Assembly (assembly schedule)

Thursday: Parent/ Guardian-Teacher Interviews (special schedule- see below)

 

Parent/Guardian/Caregiver-Teacher Interview Day - Thursday, October 15

 

EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE

INTERVIEW SESSIONS

Period 1 – 9:00am to 9:45am

Period 2 – 9:50am to 10:35am

Period 3 – 10:40am to 11:25am

Period 4 – 11:30am to 12:15pm

 

Afternoon – 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Evening – 6:00pm to 8:00pm
  • An email was sent to all families at 9am on Monday, October 5 to inform everyone that the online booking portal would be open from 4pm Monday, October 5 to 12pm on Wednesday, October 14
  • Families are encouraged to review this PTI Teacher Locator & Map Flyer to plan out their visit

Online Booking Instructions:

  1. Prepare a list with the names of each teacher you would like to meet
  2. Go to the NSS scheduling website at https://parentinterview.com/s/nss
  3. Enter your child's 9-digit student number or Ontario Education Number and click "Sign In"
  4. Fill in your contact information and click "Continue to Make Appointments"
  5. Click on the name of a teacher with whom you wish to schedule an appointment
  6. Click on an "Available" time at which you wish to meet with that teacher
  7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until you have scheduled all the teachers you wish to see
  8. Click on "My Schedule" (top left of the page)
  9. Print out, email or copy down your schedule and confirmation #

Should you wish to cancel an appointment you have made, click on "Cancel" beside the meeting you wish to have removed from your schedule. If you misplace your schedule, you may use your confirmation # to retrieve your schedule from the website at any time. If you require any assistance using the online service, please email support@parentinterview.com.

The Northern Buddy Program is seeking community support for our upcoming initiatives this school year! If you wish to contribute directly to our program, you can make a tax-deductible donation online at https://nssf.ca/support-us/. As a part of our fundraising we will also be running events at the school for Northern students throughout the school year. This coming week parents can purchase baked goods from the Buddies Bake Sale in the first floor foyer, during Parent Teacher Interviews. Your generosity directly empowers our school community. Follow our work and upcoming events on Instagram @northernbuddyprogram or check out our website at https://sites.google.com/view/guidetonorthern to learn more about our program. Thank you for your continued support!!!

 

NSS Post-Secondary Fair: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 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. There will also be information sessions for families to learn more about applications - these half hour sessions will run from 6-6:30, 6:45-7:15, and 7:30-8pm. Learn more about applications and programs, financial assistance, etc. All are welcome!

 

 

Northern Semester 1 Final Exams and Culminating Activities: TENTATIVE

Please note - there are NEW Ministry of Education expectations for exams this year that we are all adapting to together.

Semester 1 final exams take place on:

Monday, January 25 Period 1 Classes (*AND all E-Learning classes have in person exams in the afternoon at Northern)

Tuesday, January 26 Period 2 Classes

Wednesday, January 27 Period 3 Classes

Thursday, January 28 Period 4 Classes

Classroom teachers will share detailed information about Culminating Tasks and/or Final Exams with students directly. We are still finalizing the timing, length of some exams, and room allocations, but the exam DATES above are confirmed and final.

Please find TENTATIVE information about Final Evaluations HERE.

Please find a TENTATIVE version of our Exam Schedule HERE.

  1. review the information posted in the Bulletin about family holidays and absences during exam times. Thank you!

 

 

From the DHH & ESL Departments:

Please join us for our fall DHH/MLL Parent/Guardian Welcome Potluck , taking place in the staff room on Thursday, Oct. 22nd, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

This is a joint DHH and ESL event!

Stop by to say hi, or stay for longer. Mingle, nosh, learn, enjoy!

Let us know if you'd like to come. Thank you! 😊

 

Student Success:

Peer Tutoring is now available! We offer tutoring support in all courses. If you would like your child to sign up, please have them see our ACL of Student Success, Mr. Panagakos in the Student Success Room located inside the cafeteria, or scan the QR code that is posted throughout the school. You may also email Loui.Panagakos@tdsb.on.ca if you have any questions.

Drop-In Core/MLL Program Student Tutoring will be available every Wednesday starting Wednesday October 14th at lunch in the Student Success Room. Students can drop in and tutors will be available for support.

Drop-In Math Tutoring is available everyday in room 108. Ms. Romeiro and two high achieving math students will be available to support and help students.

 

 

Run for Brain Cancer 4K - October 18

Run for Brain Cancer 4K - Registration Now Open!

Registration is now open for the Run for Brain Cancer 4K, taking place on Sunday, October 18 at WIlket Creek Park!

Organized by Northern student Spencer Rizzuto and a team of friends, the community run/walk is bringing people together to raise funds and awareness for brain cancer research.

The event is being held in memory of Spencer's mother, Sheila Rizzuto, who passed away from glioblastoma, and will support Sunnybrook Foundation's Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research. The team has set a goal of raising $25,000 in support of the fund.
Students, families, staff, and members of the Northern community are invited to run or walk the 4KM, donate, or help spread the word. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Registration is free, and participants are kindly encouraged to consider making a $30 donation through the Sunnybrook Foundation fundraising page in lieu of a registration fee.
Donate Here!
Register Here!

Follow @run4braincancer on Instagram for updates!

 

Math Department

For families interested in Northern Math contests this year please check our website https://bit.ly/nssmathcontests for information and updates. Please note that some contests have fees when registering.

Registration date:

- CNML: Register by Thursday October 15th

 

Northern Get Fit(NSS) club

Northern is offering a fun fitness workout for all! The Northern Get Fit(NSS) club is back and is inviting all students interested in a fun workout.

Location: south gym

Day: Every Thursday

Time: 7:30am

Workouts are for all levels of training and experience. Come ready to move to fun music and get a great workout in to start your day. No judgment, just fun. Come challenge yourself to have a fun workout with new friends.

We will be welcoming new participants all year long. Come whenever the time fits your schedule.

See Mr. Gana in room 202 if you have any questions.

 

Northern Alumni STEM Panel 2027

Attention Northern students! Do you see yourself in the STEM field in the future? Are you interested in being an executive member of the planning committee for Northern’s STEM Alumni Panel this year? Fill out this Google Form to apply. The deadline to submit your application is Friday, October 9th.

Don't know what the STEM Alumni Panel is? Check out our Instagram account @nss.stem.panel to see past year's events.

 

Donate, Bid & Make a Difference!

Northern is getting ready to support the United Way with a fun-filled Silent Auction—and we need your help!

Do you have a gift card, experience, service, sports tickets (ie. Raptors, Leafs, Tempo etc.), cool item, or something unique that others would love to bid on? Consider donating it to our auction! Every contribution, big or small, helps us raise funds for a great cause while giving our Northern community something exciting to bid on.

Auction will take place during parent/guardian teacher interviews, on Thursday, October 15. Come out, bid, and support United Way!

Have something you’d like to donate? We’d love to hear from you!

Email: unitedwaynorthern@gmail.com

PLEASE NOTE ALL ITEMS ARE DUE BY TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

Let’s make this the biggest and best auction yet!

Sincerely, Northern United Way Committee 2026 (student run and led!)

Northern students have actively been raising money for United Way for over 50 years, and has won the United Way Spirit Award many times for being one of the top fundraising schools. Help us make this the best year yet with your fantastic donations!

 

United Way

Hey Northern! The CN Tower Climb is back! Are you ready to tackle the climb with United Way? If you are interested in a fun day with friends, gaining volunteer hours, raising money for a worldwide organization, and getting an intense workout in, then this is for you! Mark your calendars! The climb will be on Saturday, November 14 at 9:30 am. You can find more information on our Instagram @nssunitedway or on posters around the school. Hope to see you climbers there!

Hey Northern! Do you want to earn volunteer hours? Do you want to get involved in a worldwide organization? Join NSS United Way! Come to room 304 at lunch on Friday September 25th to learn more about how you can get involved! Treats ARE included!

 

Special Education Engagement Sessions for Parents and Newsletter for Parents & Caregivers - October 2026

  • Parent Engagement Sessions – October 2026
    Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to offer a number of sessions for parents/caregivers in October. Please find additional information in this flyer. All parent engagement sessions for the 2026-2027school year can be found here.
  • Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter – October 2026 Edition
    The October 2026 edition of the Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter for Parents/Caregivers is now available on the Special Education and Inclusion site. This monthly newsletter includes important updates, tips, and resources to support students with disabilities and special education needs, and indeed all students.

 

OSSLT Prep Opportunity:

The English Department is hosting weekly OSSLT prep sessions. Sessions take place every Thursday at lunch in Room 305.

Students are encouraged to drop in for extra support, practice, helpful strategies, and preparation for the OSSLT.

All students preparing to write the OSSLT are welcome!

 

Why find a family doctor or nurse practitioner?

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, in partnership with the North Toronto Ontario Health Team, is helping residents in North Toronto who do not currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner to get matched with one.

  1. Get health care from a professional who knows you
  2. Catch health issues early with preventative check-ups
  3. Referrals to medical specialists when needed

Interested North Toronto residents can get more information and sign up at www.northtorontooht.ca/primarycare.

 

Library Learning Commons: 8:30a.m. - 3:45p.m. daily

  • Located in the basement of the school: accessible from the main foyer only
  • Check out books, graphic novels and manga from our collection
  • Get research assistance from a Teacher-Librarian
  • Access technical support for your TDSB-issued Chromebook

Chromebook REMINDERS

Students: You are expected to take care of your TDSB-assigned Chromebook and plan to use it effectively in classes. Ask yourself:

  • Where is the Chromebook? Do you have the charger? Where is it plugged in every night?
  • Has it gone missing? Have you reported it to the school? (see the Library for support with this)
  • How do you remember to charge the device every evening? Can you set a reminder for yourself?
  • Do you remember to bring it to school when you need it? Can you set a reminder for yourself?

Parents and guardians, please help your adolescents with this planning and follow-through.

Need a school Chromebook?

Report to the Library outside class time IF:

  • you are in grade 9 or 10 and did not bring your 1:1 Device Chromebook from your grade 8 TDSB school;
  • you are new to TDSB;
  • you’ve never been offered a 1:1 Device Chromebook or SEA claim computer; OR
  • you returned a 1:1 Device Chromebook because you didn’t want it and now need one

Broken Chromebook?

  • IF your TDSB Chromebook (1:1 Device) is broken, you will not be issued a new device.
  • Visit the Library outside class time and we will find out if it can be repaired.

Student Vote: October 26

  • Northern students in grade 10 will have an opportunity to cast their vote in this mock student election.
  • Students and their families are encouraged to check out the Toronto Student Vote Mayoral Candidate Videos website to explore how the candidates’ platforms compare.

 

School Council Update (news for parents, by parents):

Let us help you find friends and resources in the Northern parent community…it’s better together. :)

1) Get connected - visit nsscouncil.com to learn how to join our parent-to-parent mailing list, what's app group, and more

2) Who's Your Trustee? To help you choose your school trustee in the upcoming municipal election on Oct 26, we have asked trustee candidates in Wards 6, 7, and 8 for their positions on various issues. See their responses here.

 

Guidance:

  1. Our NSS Wellness theme for October is Gratitude.

Gratitude is noticing and appreciating the people, experiences, and small moments that bring positivity into our lives.

This week’s Gratitude quotation comes from Writer’s Craft student, Bronwyn T.:

“Gratitude doesn't mean ignoring the bad parts of life. It means appreciating the good parts to the fullest.”

  1. NSS Post-Secondary Fair: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 6:00pm - 8:00pm.

Come and talk to all the Ontario Apprenticeship, College and University Reps!

  1. Interested in Learning more about TDSB Accelerated OYAP. Check out this TDSB Info session:

 

  1. Scholarships: Did you miss our Scholarship Presentation? You can find the slideshow here.

Please book an appointment with your guidance counsellor if you have any questions!

Scholarships: Some major awards require students to apply for a nomination from Northern. Students can find a list of different commonly applied for awards and links to apply for school nominations here

  1. NSS Post- Secondary Resources:

I’m in Grade 12, Now What? Slideshow - Slides only

2026-2027 NSS Post-Secondary Application Guide

2026-2027 NSS Scholarship Information Chart

20 Questions to Ask a Post-secondary Representative

Transitions Resource Guide: Accessibility Info for student in Post-Secondary Education

  1. National Portfolio Day – Toronto: Saturday, November 7, 2026

OCAD University 12 – 4pm

For more info check out: Preparing a Portfolio | OCADU

  1. The Guidance Appointment Booking system is open! Thank you for your patience while we worked out the access issues!

Students can book an appointment here: http://bit.ly/nssguidance

We look forward to connecting with you!

8. We encourage all students to ensure they have added themselves to their graded Guidance Google Classroom to stay up to date with all information shared throughout the year.

Grade 9 Google Classroom code: pu7uilj4

Grade 10 Google Classroom code: 3wvfe4kf

Grade 11 Google Classroom code: bedkqks

Grade 12 Google Classroom code: x6sh4ue

 

Have a great Thanksgiving Long weekend,

Adam Marshall

Principal

 

HISTORICAL:

Reporting Student Absences:

Option 1:

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*:

 

Setting Up a PIN for Reporting Student Absences

Setting up a PIN would ensure that your child’s absences are reported accurately. Families are strongly encouraged to set up a Personal Identification Number (PIN) by following these instructions. Download the SchoolMessenger App from the Google Play or Apple App Store or via the website: go.schoolmessenger.ca. When registering, be sure to use your email account linked to our Student Information System.

Cellphones:

Educators will work with students to determine classroom practices and will ensure expectations are clearly understood.

Students in Grades 7 to 12 must have cell phones/mobile devices powered off or set to silent during instructional time.

Should a student not follow these directives, they will be asked to hand in their cell phone/mobile device. If a student does not hand in their personal mobile device when required, they must be sent to the Principal’s office, as per Ministry direction.

Please learn more about cell phones and mobile device use in Ministry of Education PPM128 and at www.tdsb.on.ca/mobiledeviceuse.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work together to create a successful learning environment at Northern.

 

Student Password Information

Student accounts remained active over the summer and passwords did not expire.

Students in Grades 5-12 can also reset their own passwords directly through https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com once registered for the Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR). Instructions to register for SSPR are available here.

Students new to the TDSB will have their password set to the Shared Secret Password. This is a combination of the last 4 digits of the student number, followed by 2 digits for the day of birth, and 2 digits for the month of birth, followed by “@Tdsb” (case sensitive and 13 characters in total).

IT Support for TDSB Students & Families

To support parents, caregivers, guardians, and students, please direct them to the School Community IT Support website. Services available included devices, such as Chromebooks, and login assistance with Brightspace, Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams and more. Go to the FAQ section to find details!

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