Good Afternoon Northern Families,
We will be watching the news cycle closely for any indications on how the remainder of the school year. Communication will follow once any formal announcements take place.
For graduating students, please note that yesterday you would have received a Permission Click email. This is to allow for images and/ or your name to be listed in print in the video we will be creating for commencement. Some students may receive the email who are intending to return next year/ not graduate this spring. The software automatically generates the emails and I recognize that our in-house list is different than the mass email that went out yesterday. If you did receive the form but do not intend to graduate this year (complete diploma requirements by August 31) please email me directly. Thank You.
SAC Elections:
Who do you want leading you? SAC Elections are approaching to elect the Executives and Grade Senators for next school year. All NSS students are eligible to vote, and will receive an invitation to cast their ballot via their student email at 9 AM on Tuesday, June 1st.
To learn more about the candidates:
1) Check out the video playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ1PQrQ4sMFewcllBYR9eokabsHC9IvDb
2) See how they responded to the Epigram's interview questions https://northernepigram.wordpress.com/2021/05/27/meet-the-2021-2022-sac-candidates/
3) Visit the SAC website [https://nsssac.gitlab.io/elections/for-2021-2022/] for a centralized place on the elections process, information about the positions/candidates, and how student council works.
SAC VP Aleksi Toiviainen (aleksi.toiviainen@student.tdsb.on.ca) is chairing this year's Elections Committee, if you have any questions about the candidates or the electoral process, feel free to contact him.
Peer Tutoring: Application for the 2021/2022 School Year
If your student is interested in becoming a peer tutor, please fill in the application form by June 3, 2021 at 9AM. Peer tutoring is a great way to develop leadership skills, meet new people, and earn community service hours while helping your fellow peer achieve success!
Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdY_DKmlN1ALC0k4fU2U8OoIi06dDRKNXwjanZorRzQgC_Drw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Music Department:
Final Speaker Talk! Poster
On Tuesday, June 8th at 4:00 pm, listen to violist, violinist and broadcaster Kathleen Kajioka share her experiences in the music industry. Sign up at bit.ly/kajioka. Since 2007, Ms. Kajioka has been a radio host for "The New Classical 96.3FM," hosting the programs "A Little Night Music" Sunday Night at the TSO" and "Dinner Classics." She is considered a "musical multi-linguist" having played the violin and viola worldwide, including with the Baroque chamber group, Ensemble Masques. She also teaches music history at the Glenn Gould School of Music. If you missed one of the past talks, re-watch them on the NSS Music Youtube channel.
TUNESCAPE! Poster & Official Trailer
Tunescape is officially here! On Thursday, June 10th at 7:00 pm, listen to a wide variety of performances from the Northern student body. The concert will premiere on the NSS Music YouTube channel and is FREE. We will be accepting donations to support Musicounts, a group dedicated to providing accessible music programs across Canada. To get the concert link straight to your inbox, sign up at bit.ly/tunescape. See you there!
Music Council Applications
Do you want to further connect with the Northern music community and take on a leadership role? Does organizing, planning and executing engaging events excite you? Then apply to be a part of Music Council 2021-22! Executive and general member positions are open. To apply, fill out the form bit.ly/mcouncil by Monday, June 14th at 11:59 pm. If you have any questions, reach out to Mr. Newman (paul.newman2@tdsb.on.ca) or @nssmusic on Instagram. Good luck!
Music Banquet
Northern's Music Banquet will take place on Thursday, June 17th at 5:00 pm with a social & baking hour starting at 4:00 pm! All Northern students, staff, parents, alumni and friends are invited! The evening will feature and students will have the opportunity to perform. Register at bit.ly/musicbanquet by Friday, June 4th at 11:59 pm! See you there!
Knight Track
Searching for some sweet vibes? NSS Music has you covered! Listen to Northern's multi-genre curated playlist, "Knight Tracks"! Playlists are out on Spotify (follow us at NSS Music) and Apple Music every Monday. Visit our Instagram bio (@nssmusic) for more information
Celebrating Black Excellence: TDSB Launches Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
On Tuesday, June 1, from 5-7 p.m. the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement is celebrating its virtual launch. The evening features a performance by Randell Adjei, who was recently named Ontario’s first Poet Laureate; and an engaging panel discussion about the Centre’s mandate with distinguished speakers, Dr. George Dei, Dr. Carl E. James, Dr. Nicole West-Burns and Dr. Njoki Wane. Moderated by Itah Sadu. To register for this event, click here.
Census:
“You may have heard that the 2021 Census is underway. It has been a challenging year for families, and the census might seem like another thing on your busy to-do list. However, I would like to encourage you to complete your census, if you haven’t already done so. Census data helps governments at all levels plan for schools, transportation, community centres, libraries and recreational activities. Data from the 2021 Census will be even more crucial, because it will help to evaluate the impact of the pandemic and to better plan for the future. You can quickly and easily complete your census questionnaire at www.census.gc.ca using the access code you received in the mail. If you need assistance, or would like to have a paper (or alternate format) questionnaire, please call the Census Help Line at 1-855-340-2021. Thank you for doing your part to help plan for a better future for all Canadians.”
NSS Garden Project Exec. Application
Want to be involved in a super fun club that looks great on resumes and applications? Interested in learning more about gardening and plants? Want to give back to the community? NSS Garden Project has got you covered! This club is dedicated to running our school's garden beds and donating all that we harvest to local food banks. We also run plant themed events throughout the year and provided at home plant kits for members to use during the pandemic! No gardening experience required. Feel free to contact samantha.herlich@student.tdsb.on.ca if you have any questions!
Here is the application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeObRQ7-ssYSz5e2E6WR6f9HlwZbGLNp3g3ZR1WFshxztFgdQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
Guidance:
Important Guidance Reminders:
1. Mark Maintain Date: June 7, 2021
2. Summer School information
3. Upcoming OUAC Dates – AIS June 4, 2021 Info
4. Guidance Google Classrooms
Mark Maintain Date: June 7, 2021
For eligible grade 11 and 12 students: please contact your Guidance counsellor to drop a class from your quad four timetable by JUNE 1, 2021 as the Mark Maintain date for quad 4 is June 7, 2021. Dropping a class after this date will result in the course being on your final transcript.
Credit Recovery Summer School: Register NOW
Is an excellent opportunity for students who have taken a course in the past two years but have not earned the credit.
· Students can earn one or more credits that have been previously attempted but not earned.
· Registration closes June 29, 2021 at noon.
· https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Going-to-High-School/Night-School-and-Summer-School/Summer-School/Remote-Summer-Credit-Recovery-TDSB-Students-ONLY
Reach out to your Guidance Counsellor for more information.
Con Ed Summer School – Fully Remote – Full Credit
· Full credit courses, Gr. 9-12
· Registration closes Friday, June 11, 2021 at 2pm.
· https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/docs/Remote%20Full%20Credit%20Summer%20Program%202021.pdf
· https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Going-to-High-School/Night-School-and-Summer-School/Summer-School/Remote-Full-Credit-Program
eLearning Summer School: online – FLEXIBLE school times
· Students can take one course in July and/or one in August. Mostly Gr. 11 and 12 courses.
· Students can access course 24/7 during the allotted course time period.
· Registration for July courses close: June 11, 2021 at 4:30pm.
· Registration for August courses close: July 8, 2021 at 4:30pm.
· https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/elearning/e-Summer-Online-Program
Upcoming OUAC Dates: Reminders
.June 1, 2021: The earliest date an Ontario high school student may be required to respond to an Ontario university offer of admission and give a financial commitment (e.g., registration deposit, residence deposit, etc.).
June 4, 2021: Admission Information Service opens for students to access programs
Starting June 4, 2021, Ontario high school students can use the AIS to find possible openings at Ontario universities. Click on this link for more information.
Guidance Google Classrooms: A plethora of info for summer opportunities
Students, keep reading those Guidance Google classroom posts – we are sharing lots of important info including summer opportunities for enrichment and fun!
School Council:
1) Grad Central - Grade 12 parents are invited to visit this page for FAQs on what Northern is planning for grads, as well as ideas and resources for planning your home celebration. New items and information will be added regularly over the coming weeks, so visit often! We encourage you to us send your own ideas for inclusion at nss.school.council@gmail.com.
2) The Future of Public Education - Thursday, June 3 at 6:30 - Tune in to hear from a panel of experts who will provide some insights on virtual engagement and the future of education. Click here for the link and more information.This event is co-hosted by the TDSB and PIAC (Parent Involvement Advisory Committee).
COVID-19 Vaccine:
COVID-19 Vaccination continues to be an important way to protect ourselves, our family and our school community from COVID-19, including the variants. We encourage you to get vaccinated and consider vaccination for all those in your family who are eligible.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 12 years and older
- On May 5, 2021 Health Canada approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 to 15. Clinical studies showed that this vaccine was safe and effective for this age group. The Pfizer vaccine is now approved for all individuals 12 years of age and older.
- Most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or none at all. However, some children with COVID-19 can get very sick. Children can also spread COVID-19 to other people. Vaccinating children protects them from getting sick and reduces virus spread within their household and the community.
- While fewer children compared to adults have gotten sick from COVID-19, they have been impacted in many other ways. Most children who live in Ontario have had to attend school remotely, miss out on extra-curricular activities, and spend extended amounts of time away from their friends and peers. This has a big impact on children’s mental health. Vaccinating all who are eligible, including children, will help to reduce the number of cases of COVID-19 in our community and allow kids to get back to participating in group activities they enjoy. For more information and resources, please visit our website: COVID-19 Mental Health Resources.
Who is eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine?
- Anyone who is 18 years of age or older is eligible for the vaccine now. To find out more information on how to get vaccinated, eligibility and how to book an appointment, please go to our COVID-19 How to get vaccinated webpage.
- The province has announce that children/youth 12-17 years of age will be eligible for vaccination before the end of May.
- Pop-up clinics for children/youth 12 and 17 years of age and their families in targeted hot spot communities in Toronto are beginning this week.
- There will be dedicated youth and family clinics throughout the weeks of June 14 and 21 for first dose appointments at City of Toronto clinics.
In order to be eligible children will have to have had their 12th birthday prior to or on the day of vaccination.
Where can I book my appointment?
- All adults can book their appointments for City-run clinics through the provincial booking system or by calling the Provincial booking system at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). There are no walk-in or standby appointments available at City-run clinics.
- Hospital and community healthcare partners also operate vaccine clinics, including pop-up clinics that target specific areas of the city. These clinics will be promoted locally.
- Selected pharmacies are also offering the COVID-19 vaccine.
Information on the COVID-19 Vaccine
- Please visit Toronto Public Health's COVID-19 Vaccine Resources website for more information on the vaccine, available in multiple languages. Additional vaccine information, can also be found here: COVID-19 Vaccines.
Mental Health Counselling Support at Northern Secondary;
- 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
Have a great weekend!
Adam
Follow Me @PrincipalNSS