Dear Northern Families,
We have had a great (short) week here at Northern. The United Way Campaign kicked off with our assemblies on Wednesday. Our amazing guidance/ student services team ran our annual Post Secondary Fair on Wednesday evening, and Thursday evening we welcomed many of you for Parent/ Guardian- Teacher Interviews. Thank you to all of you for your continued support! We had a big group of Buddies, Pals, and other student volunteers present to help make Parent/ Guardian-Teacher Interviews run smoothly. Thank You to all our students volunteers!
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:
Next week is Music Week!
Tuesday: CNML Math Contest
Wednesday: Late Start @9:55am
Thursday: Latin-American Heritage Month Assembly
Thursday: ESL/DHH Potluck 6-8pm (details below)
Friday: Music Week final show in Auditorium lunchtime
Talent Show:
Hey, Northern!! Talent Show is officially back! We are starting up the planning for this year’s show and are in need of a creative, dedicated, and determined team to help us make that happen. If you are interested in being a part of the 2026/2027 exec team, you can find the application in our instagram bio @ northerntalentshow, or you can apply using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctnblE1jQtJoo2nP4fXjLrgJ4rTYa1aCOTphKBsLNNh4fhIQ/viewform?usp=dialog
Applications are due Friday, October 23rd at 11:59 pm.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We can’t wait to see your applications!
GRADE 9s ONLY Take Our Kids to Work Day is Wednesday November 4, 2026
Take Our Kids to Work Day (TOKTWD) is an experiential learning opportunity for Grade 9 students across Canada offering them the chance to see the world of work firsthand, explore a variety of careers and sectors, and look at what skills are important to thrive in the world of work.
Grade 9 students will have the opportunity to shadow a parent/guardian or another adult approved by their parent/guardian on November 4th. Parents will need to submit an excused absence for students who will be participating in TOKTWD with them.
- Permission Form We will hand paper copies out in homeform Grade 9 classes in person next week. Please sign and have your child hand the form in to their P1 teacher, thank you! This will excuse them from class.
For students who choose to stay at school on TOKTWD, Grade 9 teachers are encouraged to use this day to explore the Education and Career/Life Planning (or Career Education, Cooperative Education and Other Forms of Experiential Learning) sections of their curriculum to guide lessons that day. Grade 9 teachers will not plan any assessments on November 5, as many students will have approved absences for this day (being absent for TOKTWD will NOT impact your grade in class).
SAFETY DRILLS AT NORTHERN
We are writing to share a brief update regarding our standard safety drill procedures for the school year. As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment, schools across the Toronto District School Board regularly practice routine safety procedures. In addition to our usual fire and lockdown drills, this year we will also be conducting two bomb threat drills.
As you know, at Northern safety is always our top priority, therefore it is important that students are familiar with emergency preparedness plans, including how to safely evacuate. Practicing these routines helps ensure that both students and staff feel confident, calm, and familiar with our safety plans.
Next week, teachers will be going over evacuation plans with students in an age-appropriate way, and we expect our first drill to take place before the end of October. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office: Kristen.Beach@tdsb.on.ca
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! 
GRADUATION PHOTOS: Starting on November 2nd, 2026 (Secure your preferred time slot. Appointments fill quickly.)
It's time to capture your special milestone! A $35 session fee is required at this time, to secure your appointment. This $35 fee includes your photography session, an 11"x14" print of your Graduating Class Composite and secures access to your exclusive Graduation Online Portrait Gallery. During your appointment, the photographer will provide you with access codes, to your exclusive Graduation Online Portrait Gallery for you to view and purchase. These photos will be available to view 10 business days after your school's last graduation appointment has been taken.
Please respect your appointment time and remember to come prepared for your photo session. Collared shirts pair well with the graduation gowns and please bring your smile!
Please click on the following link to book your appointment: https://square.site/book/LHJBNA79FX5PH/clear-images-photography-toronto-on
Questions? email us at info@clearimages.ca
Our top priority is keeping our Schools, our Communities and our Clear Images Team Safe during the graduation photo process.
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.
- review the information posted in the Bulletin about family holidays and absences during exam times. 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!
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
- 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.
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!
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.
- Get health care from a professional who knows you
- Catch health issues early with preventative check-ups
- 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
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):
Upcoming events: Full details available at https://nsscouncil.com/events/
1. Grade 9 Coffee- Saturday, October 17, 3-4 at The Harp Coffee Bar (174 Eglinton Ave E) - meet other parents to help you navigate Northern.
2. Post Secondary Coffee, October 24, 9:30-10:30 at The Harp Coffee Bar (174 Eglinton Ave E) - talk about planning for post secondary with other parents.
3. The Evolution of Gifted Programming at Northern- Gifted Advisory Committee presentation with Jeff Minz and Joanna Grossman, October 27 at 6 pm in the library.
Register here: https://forms.gle/T1pVGpGHFEfqHvXW6
Count me in- To join the School Council mailing list for news and resources at Northern and beyond for parents, email nss.school.council@gmail.com with the subject line "Count me in".
Northern Secondary School Foundation
The Northern Foundation is a charitable organization established in 1999 by parents, alumni and staff to generate funds for scholarships and grants to support Northern Secondary School student initiatives. It is managed by a Board of Directors.
The Foundation awards over 50 Scholarships annually at Commencement and the fall Awards Assembly.
We are pleased to announce a new award for June 2027…Fired by Passion for outstanding achievement in Ceramics. This award is generously funded by ceramics teachers Stephanie Signorile who recently retired from Northern.
If you would like further information about NSSF, please visit our website at nssf.ca or follow us on Instagram @northernssfoundation.
If you would to get involved in the work of the Foundation, email us at info@nssf.ca . We would love to hear from you!
Guidance:
- 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, Nelly.:
“Gratitude is the seed you plant. Happiness is the fruit it bears.”
- NSS Post-Secondary Fair: Last night was Northern's annual post secondary fair and it was a fantastic success! Representatives from 32 schools and programs were here at Northern, answering questions and promoting their schools for hundreds of students and their families.
Guidance did three presentations for families about application questions, admission requirements and scholarship information. Here is the slide show: My Student is in Grade 12. Now What?
A huge THANK YOU to our incredibly hard-working and enthusiastic Buddies for making the evening event run smoothly.
- Save the Date: Careers Week is coming! October 26 – 30th
Stay tuned for events like OYAP and Careers Carousel being showcased at lunch! More info to follow!
- 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!
- Some major awards require students to apply for a nomination from Northern. Students can find a scholarship list of different commonly applied for awards and links to apply for school nominations here
- 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
- National Portfolio Day – Toronto: Saturday, November 7, 2026
OCAD University 12 – 4pm
For more info check out: Preparing a Portfolio | OCADU
- The Guidance Appointment Booking system is open! Students can book an appointment here: http://bit.ly/nssguidance
We look forward to connecting with you!
- 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 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*:
- 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.
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!