Dear Northern Families,

We have had a fun week at Northern this week including:

8805925. you to all of the student leaders, performers, staff advisors, and stage crew, for the meaningful Latin American Heritage Assembly on Thursday. The stage was filled with vibrant stories and poems, powerful dancing, and uplifting music from the high-energy band and vocalists. you for bringing Latinx history, culture, and art to life at Northern. La asamblea fue encantadora!

The ESL and DHH Departments also held their Potluck welcome/ information night this week. Thank You to all our staff and students that made it a success!

It was Music Week at Northern- thank you to those musicians that contributed to the event.

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 Career Week- see the guidance section!

Next week is Halloween Spirit Week- see below!

Monday: Election Day/ Student Votes

Tuesday: GAC Meeting (see below)

Wednesday: Late Start

Wednesday: Career Week Fair in lobby at lunch

Thursday: COMC Math Contest

Friday: Halloween Spirit Day!

 

OSSLT

13031. OSSLT will be taking place beginning November 17 for ALL grade 10 students this semester. This is a change from the past when the OSSLT was linked to a grade 10 English class. All grade 10 students along with previously eligible/unsuccessful grade 11/12 students will be writing. Families of students who are scheduled to write will receive an email with the necessary details. If a student would like to know if they are writing, please have them come to the VP office. More information will follow next week.

 

SAC Halloween Spirit Week

This year, we have exciting spirit days for Sacoween from October 26 to October 30th!

- Monday, October 26: PJ Day

- Tuesday, October 27: Meme Day

- Wednesday, October 28: Anything But a Backpack Day

- Thursday, October 29: Best Duo Day

- Friday, October 30: Costume Day (read below) and Best Decorated Pumpkin Voting

SAC encourages all students to dress up and participate in each spirit day!!! To celebrate that Halloween Spirit SAC senators will be going around giving out candy to those in costume on the 30th!!!

IMPORTANT: Halloween 2026: Cultures Are Not Costumes

As Halloween approaches, it is important to recognize that TDSB school communities mark this occasion in different ways. While schools continue to mark Halloween, some students and families may not participate. Questions and concerns about Halloween costumes often arise during this time of year. For those who participate, we ask staff and students to remember that costumes that stereotype or appropriate cultural identities, traditions, or sacred symbols can cause harm and perpetuate bias. Students and educators need to be mindful of cultural appropriation, stereotypes, and caricatures to support safe, welcoming, inclusive and respectful learning spaces. School communities are reminded that certain costumes (including dress, makeup/face painting, masks, and props), as well as violent images and scenarios, may be viewed as offensive, derogatory, demeaning, or discriminatory and can have a harmful impact on students, families and staff with varying lived experiences and backgrounds.

The TDSB PR596 - Student Dress Procedure promotes inclusion and respect for diverse communities and should guide conversations about dress, including during Halloween.

 

Buddies:

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 students can purchase snack bags in the first floor foyer, on Friday, October 30th during lunch. 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!!!

 

Talent Show

Hey Northern! Talent Show is currently looking for exec! If you are interested in joining a team of creative, dedicated and determined leaders to help plan and make the 2027 Talent Show a success and to improve your leadership skills, you should apply for our exec team using the link in our instagram bio @northerntalentshow or use this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctnblE1jQtJoo2nP4fXjLrgJ4rTYa1aCOTphKBsLNNh4fhIQ/viewform?usp=dialog

Applications close TODAY so make sure to get yours in by 11:59pm tonight! 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).

 

United Way:

Hey Northern! Class Projects are back! They will take place from November 23rd - November 27th in the first floor foyer at lunch. In preparation, we ask that all class reps have their Booth Idea forms submitted no later than Wednesday, October 28th, at 11:59pm. The forms can be found on the United Way Class Rep Google Classroom. If there are any concerns, you may contact Lucy Ordon (344761242@tdsb.ca) or Tianna Regis (344895768@tdsb.ca). You can find more information on our Instagram @nssunitedway or in the morning announcements. Hope to see you there!

 

GRADUATION PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION with Clear Images School Photography- Starting on November 2^nd, 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.

183318153. 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 Math Tutoring is available everyday in room 108. Ms. Romeiro and two high achieving math students will be available to support and help students.

 

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

158527599010. 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!

 

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

Student Vote 2026

• On October 26 during Period 3, grade 10 classes only will be brought to the Library to participate in the mock Student Vote, which simulates the Ontario Municipal Election.
• Grade 10 students and their families are encouraged to learn more about the upcoming municipal election.
  • Toronto Municipal Elections - official site with voter information and lists of candidates
  • Mayoral candidates Videos - How do the mayoral candidates compare when asked key questions by the Student Vote organization?
  • Vote Compass - a tool developed by political scientists to help you explore how your views compare to candidates

 

NSS 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 Chromebooks

The Library will be CLOSED on Monday, October 26 for part of lunch and Period 3.

The Library will be CLOSED on Thursday, October 29 (am only) for students on spare.

 

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

Upcoming events: Full details available at https://nsscouncil.com/events/

Post Secondary Coffee, Saturday, October 24, 9:30-10:30 am at The Harp Coffee Bar (174 Eglinton Ave E) - talk about planning for post secondary with other parents.

Walking Buddies, Sunday, October 25th, 9:30-10:30 am, Join us for a relaxing one-hour walk through Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. 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: nss.school.council@gmail.com with “Walking buddies” in the subject line.

The Evolution of Gifted Programming at Northern - Tuesday, October 27 at 6:00 pm in the Northern Library - Presented by the Gifted Advisory Committee - Jeff Mitz, a former Northern teacher and head of the gifted program will share how the program got started, the original vision for the program and how it has evolved.

Register here: https://forms.gle/T1pVGpGHFEfqHvXW6

Together We Thrive: Parents, Schools, Communities - Saturday, November 7th, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm - The Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) invites all TDSB parents and caregivers to our Annual Conference. Register by October 31: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002302666175?aff=oddtdtcreator

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".

 

PIAC:

The Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) invites all TDSB parents and caregivers to our Annual Conference, Together We Thrive: Parents, Schools, Communities. We would be grateful for your help in sharing this with your school community.

Event details

- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026

- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

- Location: Westview Centennial Secondary School, 755 Oakdale Rd, North York

- Free for all TDSB parents and caregivers

- Lunch provided

- Bussing and childminding services available

Parents will take part in two interactive workshops (School Councils That Thrive, and Parent Engagement: Every Voice Matters), connect with other families, visit TDSB program tables, and meet their PIAC representative.

Register by October 31: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002302666175?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

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:

Community Section:

 

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, Alex B.

“Gratitude is like food. You must savour your experiences to live a fuller life.”

2. Careers in Trades Week - October 26-30^th

Next week Northern will be hosting workshops and info sessions focusing on careers in skilled trades. Students will have the opportunity to attend events both with their classes and at lunchtime info sessions held in the front foyer.

1. Tuesday, Oct. 27th OYAP: Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Presentation & Lunchtime Info Session

Period 2 presentation in the auditorium that tech and careers classes have been invited to attend.

Info table in the front foyer at lunch where any students can stop by to talk to the TDSB OYAP representative.

2. Wednesday, October 28^th - Careers in Trades

Industrial Electrician Presentation in Period 1 & 2

Tech and Careers Classes are invited to attend with their class and our presenter, Jade - a former Northern student - will be in the front foyer at lunch to talk one-on-one with interested students.

3. Lunchtime Open House - Hosted by Northern Tech Teachers - in the Front Foyer

Wednesday at lunch students can learn more how to access skilled trades and other more skilled based apprenticeship and college programs.

Teachers as well as an industrial engineer and more will be in the front foyer with their expertise and information to share.

4. Period 3 - TMU Classroom Visit Pd 3 (1:10-2:10 PM)

Associate Professor: Christopher Smyth from TMU's Graphic Communication Management Program, will be speaking to our senior graphic design and photography classes.

5. Thursday, October 29^th and/or November 5th

Ontario Career Lab - Career Conversations in the Library

All students taking grade 10 career or civics and grade 9 geography this semester will be taking part in a Career Conversation workshop during their class. Students will learn about pathways, skills and industry outlooks from career coaches from a variety of different industry professionals.

3. 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

4. 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

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

OCAD University 12 – 4pm

For more info check out: Preparing a Portfolio | OCADU

6. The Guidance Appointment Booking system is open! Students can book an appointment here: http://bit.ly/nssguidance

We look forward to connecting with you!

7. 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:

• Download the SchoolMessenger App from the Google Play or Apple App Store or via the website: go.schoolmessenger.ca
• 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:
  • Sherry.Quiroz@tdsb.on.ca (Last Names A to G)
  • Eric.Liu@tdsb.on.ca (Last Names H to O)
  • Eugene.SanJose@tdsb.on.ca (Last Names P to Z)
• *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!