Good Evening Northern Families,
It would seem Northern is running a hockey academy….yesterday the school took home THREE City Championships! Congratulations to coaches Gaw and Dahlke on your amazing seasons. Incredible job to all the players and families involved- well done!
The First Robotics Team is off to Hamilton this weekend for another competition. Good Luck Crimson Tide!
School Activity Fees: We need your help! We have had 652 families contribute to our School Activity Fees this year. We currently have 1811 students registered at Northern. In order to continue providing the excellent co-curricular activities AND produce a high-end yearbook, we need your support. Please visit: https://tdsb.schoolcashonline.com/ to “purchase” your “Student Activity Fee”. Thank You!
Daily Announcements: A reminder that you can find daily announcements by scanning the QR Code HERE.
Thank You to all our staff and parents/ guardians who took part in interviews yesterday.
Credit Rescue: Monday is a Credit Rescue day. This is to support students in a failing/ at-risk position. You should have received an invitation to attend from your teacher if this applies to you. This is a fantastic opportunity to get direct support from your teacher to improve your achievement. Only students invited to attend need to be at school Monday.
Long Weekend Alert! Next Friday April 15th and Monday April 18th are school holidays.
Grade 12 News: Prom is scheduled for Friday May 27th and will be held at the Arcadian Court. Details will be shared with grade 12 students so keep an eye and ear out for announcements! Commencement is scheduled for Wednesday June 29th at 1pm. Commencement will take place at the University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall. This space will allow us to accommodate guests for all our graduates.
eLearning Credit Update: We will not be offering eLearning credits through Northern during the 2022-23 school year. Course Selection was completed prior to the announcement of this new requirement (which is OPTIONAL!). Students in grade 10 will be entitled to one elearning credit for the period of closure in the spring of 2021. This means there is still adequate time to complete these requirements if you choose to do so. Many will opt of this. Rather than submit a paper copy at this time, please wait and see if we (the board) are able to add this to the permission click documents for the fall- this will simplify record-keeping for everyone. Please note, we are not prohibiting students from taking an elearning course during the summer, or school year. We are simply not assigning Northern teachers to this task until we can make some informed decisions on credits to offer and student supervision in the future. More information will follow in the coming weeks.
Conversation Starters: (follow-up and a new starter)
Follow Up: “What is a microaggression? Talk about it before googling it!
Think of as many times you may have accidentally used a microaggression this week. What can we all do to avoid using them in the future?
Definition from the Oxford Dictionary (via Google):
-a statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group such as a racial or ethnic minority.
-indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group.
Some thoughts: Microaggressions are challenging to take on. We react by saying “that’s not what I meant”, “don’t be so sensitive etc. If it wasn’t what we meant, maybe we need to be more thoughtful about what we say….this is a segue to this week’s conversation starter:
This Week’s Conversation Starter:
What does “Intent vs Impact” mean? Which is more important? Who is more important in these situations? The person speaking or receiving the message? What can we do to avoid these pitfalls?
Wednesday, April 13 marks the International Day of Pink. The International Day of Pink began in 2007 in Nova Scotia following an act of homophobic bullying. In response students wanted to raise awareness and decided to support their schoolmate by wearing pink shirts and standing in solidarity with the victim.
On Wednesday, April 13, we encourage NSS staff and students to show your commitment to stop discrimination, gender-based bullying, homophobia and transphobia. Wearing a pink shirt is a simple but powerful message encouraging us to look beyond our differences and celebrate the things that make us unique. Please encourage your students to wear pink and share the important message of Day of PinkNSS with your classes.
For more information on Day of Pink
Northern Pride Week Rescheduled: After much consideration, this year Northern's Pride Week will be moved from the traditional week of mid April (in line with Day of Pink) to May 30th -June 3rd. This is being done in an effort to bring Pride events in accordance with the TDSB GSA Network schedule. Additionally, this will begin Pride month which culminates in Toronto's Pride Festivities at the end of June. Northern's GSA will provide more information as Pride week approaches."
Buddy Program - Applications for 2022-23
Buddies applications are open! If you are interested in applying to the Buddies program for the 2022-23 school year, you can apply using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfavUaw4ivr9aXNtnwas0rqrKSHmvvXbRrDPYi6tczvA3IBig/viewform?usp=sf_link. The Buddies are a group of students who help new students transition to high school and in the Northern community, and they aid in the running of various school events. Applications are due by the end of the day on April 19th. We welcome everyone to apply!
From the Student Activity Council (SAC):
SAC Store
We have a few more parcels left from SAC Store, so if you have yet to pick it up, please see Dale in his office to receive your items. His office is in the third floor foyer. Thanks Northern!
Prom Committee
This year’s formal will be taking place on May 27th and the theme is Enchanted Forest! Important information regarding tickets, seating arrangements and much more will be coming soon! Follow the official prom Instagram @northernprom2022 to get the updates first!
Northern Secondary School Foundation Award of Recognition During the Pandemic!!
These awards are presented at Commencement or the Awards Assembly to one student in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.
Are you someone whose work in the community during the Covid pandemic reflect positively on Northern Secondary School.
Do you volunteer by Zoom with a community organization, perform by Zoom with the musical or theatre group, support environmental issues, participate in academic, cultural or and athletic competitions, provide leadership in Covid-19 related activities in your community?
Applications can be found at NSSF.ca/scholarship Apply before April 30th
OSSLT:
• This semester 575 students are enrolled to write the OSSLT
• Students enrolled in grade 10 or 11 English this semester will be participating
• The English teachers have communicated the dates, times and locations they will be writing.
• The student’s writing not assigned to an English class who are scheduled to write received an email from Tiffany Peel last week communicate the dates, times and location they are writing
• The teachers will be scheduling a Practice Test to familiarize students with the format and built-in assistive technology
• Parents/Guardians/Students can go to www.eqao.com to access a practice test and additional resources.
• Should parents/guardians/students have any questions they can contact Tiffany Peel (tiffany.peel@tdsb.on.ca or 416-393-0284 x20011)
Join the Conversation!
TDSB parents/caregivers are invited to join us for two new engaging and informative conversations on topics we heard you want to learn more about. Hear from leading experts and participate in question and answer sessions online. Our next sessions are:
Islamophobia & Its Impact on Muslims & Youth, with Presenter Jasmine Zine, Professor, Sociology/Religion & Culture/Muslim Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University
• Thursday, March 31, 2022
• 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Join at www.tdsb.on.ca/conversation
• Nurturing Children's Gender and Identity, with Presenter Vivek Shraya
• Thursday, May 19, 2022
• 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Join at www.tdsb.on.ca/conversation
Parent Reboot Recorded Session with Dr. Shefali Tsabary
TDSB is pleased to be offering parents/caregivers FREE access to this great three hour recording Reboot session with Dr. Shefali Tsabary who will help answer parents/caregivers questions and concerns on 5 stressors for parents/caregivers (1) screen addition, (2)children disrespect (3) lying (4) tantrum and (5)anxiety. The session provides golden nuggets to address the 5 stressors. Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/conversation to sign-up for free access to the recording.
These conversations are jointly hosted by the TDSB's Parent and Community Engagement Office and the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee and generously supported by the Ministry of Education's Parents Reaching Out Grants. Learn more at www.tdsb.on.ca/conversation
School Council:
1. Finding parenting tough? Join Strengthening Families Through Science for free seminars by the world's top parenting and child development experts on topics like managing challenging behaviours respectfully, discussing sexual and mental health, respectful co-parenting, coping strategies for anxiety and stress, and reaching one's potential. Register here to access the recordings until April 9.
2. Ideas for the School Council website? The website committee is asking for parent feedback on patterns of use and helpful information on nsscouncil.com. Please fill out this 5 question survey to help us help you better!
Guidance:
- Marks Maintain Date: May 6, 2022
If you are in grade 11 or 12 and are eligible to drop a course, you MUST contact your Guidance Counsellor no later than April 27, 2022.
- 2022 TDSB Summer Cooperative Education: Due April 15, 2022 @ 4pm
Please note that the 2022 TDSB Summer Cooperative Education program is now accepting student applications for the program. For more information review the Summer Co-op Information Letter, which contains:
- Timelines of the program – applications, notification of status, contact with Summer Coop Teacher
- Deadline to apply for students PLUS link to google form to apply – DEADLINE to apply is Friday April 15 2022 @ 4:00pm
- Only grade 11 & 12
See your Guidance Counsellor if you have more questions.
- TDSB SUMMER SCHOOL: Continuing Education (In-person) and eLearning
UPDATE: eLearning Summer School: Registration opens April 26th at 10am. Please check the TDSB eLearning website July session and August session tabs for important dates.
Continuing Education (In-Person): Registration opens April 19, 2022 at 9 am and information will be released in the coming weeks on the TDSB Continuing Education Summer School page
- The Corsage Project WILL be running for 2022!
The Corsage Project is a non-profit organization that provides free formal wear and accessories to high school students unable to purchase their own prom or graduation attire, as well as, providing scholarship opportunities for those in need.
The Corsage Project only accepts female-identifying students referred by their schools or through social service agencies. These students will be formally invited to attend our ‘Boutique Ball’ on Saturday, May 14th, 2022 at Rosedale School of the Arts. Attendees will be able to select gowns of their choice and accessories to match.
For more information, please see your Guidance Counsellor.
- NSSF Scholarships, for Northern Students Only!!
The NSSF Scholarship Applications are now open!
Because these scholarships are only for Northern students, you have a great chance of being selected!
Read the Scholarship Descriptions to find the scholarship criteria.
You can apply to up to three scholarships!
Apply soon so you don't miss out!
https://nssf.ca/scholarships/
- NEW Scholarships listing for 2022-2023 are on the grade 12 Google Classroom
Be sure to check them out!
- Summer Opportunities: Volunteer, Jobs & Programs
We will be sharing summer opportunities for students on our Guidance Google classrooms.
Gr 9: kmv6fcz, Gr10: twdxca6, Gr 11: hfg74ws, Gr 12: u565fkg
- Carlton University: Enriched Support Program
Sometimes grades don’t tell the whole story.
Join Carlton’s info night (April 21, May 19, June 2, June 16) to learn more about the Enriched Support Program; a program that supports students with potential to succeed at university, but who may not meet the traditional entrance requirements.
For more information email: esp@carlton.ca, website: carlton.ca/esp
Guidance Counsellor assignments:
Melanie Stassis – A, S, U-Z – melanie.stassis@tdsb.on.ca
Leslie Usin-Rojas – B-E, T – leslie.usin-rojas@tdsb.on.ca
Jennifer MacPhee – F-H, K, L - Jennifer.macphee@tdsb.on.ca
Andrew Primmer – I, J, M-R – Andrew.primmer@tdsb.on.ca
HISTORICAL:
OSSLT: Grade 10 and 11 students will be writing the OSSLT starting in late April. In order to accommodate the requirements of the test (it is all online this year) we are going to have 8 modified schedule days as follows:
MODIFIED OSSLT DAY SCHEDULE
OSSLT Day A/C
(April 19, 26, May 4, 11) OSSLT Day B/D
(April 21, 28, May 5, 12)
9:00-10:15 Block A Block B
10:20-11:35 Block A Block B
11:35-12:20 LUNCH
12:20-1:35 Block C Block D
1:40-2:55 Block C Block D
Students writing the test will do so over two days. Details for students required to write the OSSLT will be shared directly at a later date. This information is being shared with ALL students because the entire school will follow the modified day schedule to accommodate the test.
Parent/Guardian- Teacher Interviews: will be held on April 7th as follows:
Period 1: 9-9:45am
Period 2: 9:50-10:35am
Period 3: 10:40-11:25am
Period 4: 11:30am-12:15pm (students dismissed)
Parent/Guardian - Teacher Interviews Afternoon Session - 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Parent/Guardian - Teacher Interviews Evening Session - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
April 8th will be a late (10am) start.
Credit Rescue Days: There are TWO mid-semester Credit Rescue Days. The first is on April 11th (Day 2 schedule) and the second on April 20th (Day 1 Schedule).
Mid-Term Report Cards: Issued electronically on April 29th
Lumenus Community Services:
Lumenus 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 supports to enhance the mental health services that they may need and wish to access. 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.
If anyone 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