Good Evening Northern Families,

It appears that Spring is getting closer with warmer temperatures and sunny skies for the next few days. I hope everyone can get outside to enjoy the reprieve.

Graduating students who had signed up for commencement photos next week: you should receive an email from Edge Imaging indicating that these sessions have been cancelled because Toronto will remain in the Grey for COVID restrictions. We intend to schedule dates the week following the “March Break”- so you should see sign-ups soon for the week of April 19-23.

Yearbook Deadline Extended due to popular demand: The School Cash Online yearbook link will close on Monday. A reminder that only students who purchase a yearbook will receive one this year (remember we have not had any student fees this year). Yearbooks are available for $35.00. If you are a face-to-face learner and have an account with school cash online. If you are attending the Virtual School you will need to access school cash online here. Thank You.

Please note that Tuesday March 23^rd is a Staff Meeting Schedule. Morning class will run from 8:45-12:05, and afternoon class will run from 1:35-2:35pm.

A reminder that the last opportunity to request Virtual Learning ends Tuesday March 23^rd. The quick link is here: https://forms.gle/6EjxLDUD2hLUeVFk6 To read the complete memo about the change process click here: Quad 4 Letter

Achievement: You will be receiving a mark update from your child’s teachers between the dates of March 22^nd to March 26^th . As well, Quad 3/Term 1 grade 10 Civics and Careers report cards were sent out via school messenger on March 18^th.

OSSLT Update: you would have received a lengthier communication from the board earlier today- the essential message was; This year, the EQAO is field testing a new online OSSLT. Participation in this field test is not mandatory and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has decided not to participate. This means that eligible students will write the OSSLT during the 2021-22 school year. This decision not to participate in the field test was made with the best interests of students and families in mind and is consistent with a number of other school boards in Ontario.

 

The TDSB has recently released a video of the daily Land Acknowledgement including subtitles and American Sign Language featuring Northern’s own Joseph Awuah! Please have a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MFiTp67bdQ

 

Math Support for Grades 9 and 10:

Northern’s Math Department is pleased to announce the beginning of an after-school virtual Numeracy Program to support grade 9 and 10 math learners! Students will work with members of the NSS Math department to build and strengthen mathematical reasoning and comprehension as well as practice and apply key mathematical processes and concepts required throughout the Grade 9 and 10 math curricula.

The Numeracy Program schedule is as follows:

- Grade 9: Tuesdays (3:30 – 4:30)

- Grade 10: Thursdays (3:30 – 4:30)

All grade 9 and 10 students are welcome and do not have to currently be taking math to register. Interested in registering? The registration form can be found on the Numeracy Program Google Classroom using the class code xwggamt

For any questions or inquiries, please contact Ms. Kendall at stephanie.kendall@tdsb.on.ca

 

Northern families, we need your support! Lauren Altomare, a grade 11 Northern student, is a semifinalist in the national Poetry in Voice contest (bilingual category) and has the chance to win the People's Choice Award for her poetry recitation in English. This is where you come in: Please click on this link and cast your vote by March 23rd for our very own Lauren Altomare!

https://www.poetryinvoice.com/peoples-choice

 

 

UnitedNSS – PALS:

has had a successful inaugural year as an association that supports and mentors ELLs and celebrates cultural diversity at Northern.

We are already planning ahead to the 2021-22 school year, and are looking for Northern students interested in being a part of the NSSPALS Association as a mentor/pal to an incoming ESL student for the 2021-22 school year.

 

Applications are due by April 9th and can be accessed through the Google Form linked here: PALS Application

Any students returning to Northern in September are welcome to apply.

 

More details can be found on the Google form but there is a brief summary of the roles and responsibilities below.

All interested students must complete an application. Students interested in an executive position must fill out Section 2 of the application and attend a virtual interview

Virtual interviews will be held for executive positions only. General members will be chosen based on the application form and references alone.

 

Responsibilities and Expectations include

• Attend all meetings of UnitedNSS

• Pair up with an ESL student in a mentor role

• Participate actively in UnitedNSS PALS initiatives
• Uphold a positive, welcoming and inclusive attitude for all students at Northern

 

Any questions about the association and the application process can be directed to Mrs. Poutissou at the following email address: Deborah.Poutissou@tdsb.on.ca

 

African Heritage Month: Know Your Worth Scholarship!

The Know Your Worth Sub-Committee, a section of the African Heritage Month Planning Committee, is committed to encouraging and supporting students of African heritage to further their post-secondary education.

We are pleased to announce the Know Your Worth Scholarship which offers three financial awards valued at $2,000 each: 1) Kujichagulia Academic Awards; 2) Kuumba Creative Award; and 3) Umoja Leadership Award. These awards will be available to support student applicants who practice academic excellence, and/or demonstrate strong creative abilities, and leadership skills with the ambition to aid in the social progression of their community.

For the KYW Scholarship - Kujichagulia Academic Award, all TDSB students of African heritage, with an 80%+ average (minimum) can apply.

TDSB students who identify as being of African heritage and have attended the Know Your Worth Conference, will be given preference for the Umoja Leadership Award and the Kuumba Creative Award.

The scholarship is inspired by the "The Know Your Worth Conference". This annual event is hosted by the TDSB and the Black Law Students Association at Osgoode Hall, York University, during the month of February.

Please see the attached scholarship with applications to apply.

 

The EnVision Conference: March 30 Virtual Launch

We are pleased to announce that EnVision 2021 will launch on Tuesday, March 30 at 9 am with a livestreamed virtual theatre performance! In partnership with the Equity Team, Gender-Based Violence Prevention Program, and the Urban Indigenous Education Centre, this 3-day conference welcomes 2SLGBTQI+ middle and high school students and allies to participate in a series of sessions. Guided by the Multi-Year Strategic Plan, this year's annual EnVision Conference centers 2SLGBTQI+ Black and Indigenous activism and wellness.

The EnVision Conference provides middle and high-school students with the opportunity to honour and celebrate 2SLGBTQI+ communities, as well as discuss issues they face across Ontario and engage in anti-homophobia and anti-transphobia work. Students use various virtual platforms to ask questions and explore ways to celebrate gender and sexual diversity in schools and beyond.

EnVision is most appropriate for students identify as 2SLGBTQI+ and/or who are part of, or who want to start a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA), Gender Justice Group, Equity Club or other groups of students interested in advocating for social justice and healthy relationships in schools.

Please share this opportunity with staff and students using the website: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Gender-Based-Violence-Prevention/EnVision-Conference or bit.ly/EnVision2021

 

 

Northern Secondary School Foundation:

Accepting Applications for Scholarships and Awards March 12-April 31, 2021

Attention Parents of Graduating Students,

The Foundation is pleased to offer many Scholarships and Awards to Northern graduates. We are grateful to former teachers, parents and alumni who fund these awards.

Go to nssf.ca/scholarships for a complete list of the awards and application forms.

Students apply online.

326149. scholarships and awards recognize academic achievement in math, science, social science, business, family studies, music, art and design.. Others recognize leadership in community service, environmental and humanitarian initiatives, participation in athletic and extracurricular activities, and perseverance in face of adversity.

If you have any questions about the awards or the process or require additional information, contact info nssf@nssf.ca.

 

 

 

From the ARC (Academic Resource Centre)

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE is hosting their annual PrepSMART event!!

PrepSmart is designed to cater to students who need accessible learning supports. (e.g. IEP students)

There will be a keynote workshop and topical workshops for students to help with the transition from secondary to post-secondary education.

This event will take place VIRTUALLY on:

• Wednesday, March 31 @ 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 7 @ 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

If interested, please sign up using this registration link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=06RqMe708Eic587y4eKjMSmsjTHsMKhMuSADAWkLsZZURU83MExQTkNBVVRMVDcyQVJIUTQ4QzE5Wi4u

Once signed up, you will immediately receive an auto-response email with all the detailed info.

 

From Guidance:

 

1. Quad 3 Marks Maintain Date: April 5, 2021

To withdraw (drop) from a quad 3 course without record on a student’s transcript: please reach out to your Guidance Counsellor NO LATER than March 31st to allow processing of your request to remove a course before the Marks Maintain Date of April 5, 2021.

2. eLearning Quad 4 Registration OPENS March 23, 2021 at 9 am

If you are considering signing up for a Quad 4 eLearning course, we recommend that you access the eLearning site on March 23rd at 9 am.

You can access more information on the TDSB Elearning site.

Please speak to your Guidance Counsellor if you have any questions.

3. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) 2020/2021 Information Session - March 23, 2021.

The 2020/2021 PLAR Challenge process will kick off with a Virtual PLAR Information Session for Families on March 23, 2021.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the formal evaluation and credit-granting process whereby students may obtain credits for prior learning.

For more information please refer to the PLAR Information Session Flyer, the PLAR website and/or reach out to your Guidance Counsellor.

4. TDSB Summer School Registration 2021: Con-Ed Summer School & e-Summer School Program

TDSB Con-Ed Summer School registration information will be released mid-March. You can access more information here.

e-Summer School Program registration information will be released mid-March. You can access more information about e-Summer School Program here.

5. Spring Scholarships: Free Money!

The Northern Secondary School Foundation will be accepting scholarship applications from March 12^th-April 31^st. Learn more here.

Check out the Scholarship Report for some great tips and opportunities.

Check out this document for a list of university entrance scholarships.

6. Spring Post-Secondary Information: Grade 12 Guidance Google Classroom Info

Just a reminder to have your child check the Grade 12 Guidance Google Classroom for the “Post Secondary News of the Week” for information about upcoming events at universities and colleges, virtual tours, and OSAP FAQs.

7. Graduating? Volunteer Hours and OSSLT Graduation Requirement Updates and Reminders

OSSLT update for 2021 Grads: Graduating students who have not completed the OSSLT will have this graduation requirement waived for June 29, 2021.

Volunteer hour reminders for 2021 Grads: Due May 1, 2021

Community Involvement - 20 Hours Are Required for Graduation! Please submit by May 1, 2021.

2021 graduating students need to submit 20 hours (and 10 of those can be from a paid job). For more info, book an appointment with your guidance counsellor.

 

School Council:

1) "The Teenage Brain" - Thursday, March 25, 6:30-7:30 pm - Does your teen's behaviour ever puzzle you? What changes are going on and how can parents learn to work collaboratively with their teen and facilitate their transition to adulthood? Join Adrienne Sequiera, a registered psychotherapist, as she explores these questions to help parents understand this significant stage of development. A Q and A time will follow the presentation.

For a link, please email nss.school.council@gmail.com with "Teenage Brain" in the subject line. Links will be sent on March 25.

 

2) Virtual Parent/Caregiver Drop-Ins - click here for information on how to connect directly with staff from TDSB Professional Support Services. Join them every Tuesday and Thursday to explore ideas regarding your child or youth's mental health and well-being.

 

 

Mental Health Counselling Support at Northern Secondary;

50. Community Services provides a registered psychotherapist , Dale Callender, on-site, full time at Northern, to work in partnership with the existing school support services. The service uses an early intervention model and supports students by allowing them easy and immediate access to mental health and counselling services provided through the In-School service. Dale Callender works in collaboration with TDSB staff in order to customize a program to enhance the mental health services and supports that are available to students on-site at the school. This program allows Northern priority access to Lumenus’ mental health service program, and offers students a seamless referral process to other community programs as dictated by their individual needs. Dale Callender is available currently via virtual sessions and/or phone calls to provide psychotherapy counselling support to students, parents/caregivers. If you would like to consult and /or set up a time to talk with Dale, you can contact him via his email at dalecallender@lumenus.ca

 

 

Historical:

Essential Reading: There have been changes that are designed to minimize the risk of COVID transmission in our daily screening process. The Updated Screening tool and the Back to School Confirmation Form are very helpful in determining if a student is required to stay home from school or if they have met the requirements for return. Your Vice Principal can also assist with this decision. There are several significant changes to the daily screening tool which are reflected in the Now Mobile app that most students use before arriving at school for face to face classes.

Summary of Screening Updates:

Question 1: If your child has any of the listed symptoms (see screening tool link above)

• If your child has any of the listed symptoms, they must stay home from school, self-isolate and get tested. They can return to school once they have a negative test result and after it has been 24 hours since their symptoms started improving.
• Now, any siblings must also stay home from school until the symptomatic sibling receives a negative test result.
• If your child does NOT get tested, your child (and any siblings) must stay home and self-isolate for 10 days. The symptomatic child can return to school after 10 days if their symptoms have/are improved.
• If your child has symptoms and also had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, your child must self-isolate for 14 days from the last exposure to the person who was positive. All siblings must also self-isolate for the same period of time, regardless of a negative test result.
• At the onset of symptoms please notify the school at (Northern@tdsb.on.ca and your child's Vice Principal:
• Eric Halling - Vice Principal (alpha A-G) --> eric.halling@tdsb.on.ca
• Jessica Pearson - Vice Principal (alpha H-O) --> jessica.pearson@tdsb.on.ca
• Rani Vohra - Vice Principal (alpha P-Z) --> rani-vohra@tdsb.on.ca

Both the symptomatic student and the siblings must return to school with a completed Back to School Confirmation Form

Still want to read more about COVID management at schools? Click here for the TPH webpage that helps guide our practice: TPH COVID Guidance for Schools

Have a great weekend!

Adam

Follow Me @PrincipalNSS