Good Evening Northern Families,

Please see the School Council section below for important information about the upcoming election.

If you have not filled in the start of year permission forms please do so as soon as possible. A reminder was sent last week. We will be sending these reminders daily starting next week so to avoid having you mailbox fill up please take a few minutes to complete them. Thank You in advance.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and hope you get some extra time together with loved ones this weekend!

Last week I got a little ahead of myself and stated that mark updates would be this week. In fact they are coming NEXT week (you should have them by Friday). As stated last week these mark updates are to inform your decisions around:

Parent/Guardian – Teacher Interviews

Please note that Thursday, October 20^th marks our first Parent/Guardian – Teacher Interview session. Northern uses a site called ParentInterview to book appointments with classroom teachers – you will receive log in information closer to the interview day. The booking system will open on Monday, October 17^th at 7:00 am and will close on Wednesday, October 19^th at 11:00pm.

The Interview time slots are as follows:

Block 1 à 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m (last interview ending at 3:00pm)

Block 2 à 6pm-8:30pm (last interview over at 8:30pm)

8 min per interview

 

 

TDSB 1:1 Devices have arrived!

Grade 9 Students - 1:1 Device Program – If you have not yet filled in your response (opting in or opting out) for the use of a TDSB supplied Chromebook, please check your email for the permission click form entitled TDSB Student Device User Agreement – 2022/2023.

 

Grade 10 Students – 1:1 Device Program – If your child/student is in grade 10 and opted OUT of the 1:1 Device Program last school year OR they are new to the TDSB for their grade 10 year, you will receive an email next week asking you to indicate if you would like to opt in this year. Once this information is collected, we will distribute the devices via the library.

 

Here are the “Three Things You Need to Know about Northern Next Week”:

1. Monday: Thanksgiving- no school
2. Wednesday: Welcome to SHSM @ 3:20pm
3. Friday: Fall Volunteer/ Employment Fair @ Lunch

 

Golf Team News:

Northern golfers Buddy Arbuck, Jordan Latham, Henry Austin, Matthew Hanna, Samantha Hanna, and Eliana Kwon made it to the City Championship golf tournament yesterday. Unfortunately, they didn't qualify for OFSAA but we are proud of their dedication to the sport and for representing Northern.

BOYS ICE HOCKEY

 

The boys ice hockey teams will be looking to defend their THREE City Championships from last year (Tier I, Tier II, and Junior).

There will be information meetings about the boys hockey program next week.

Junior Boys (grades 9 and 10) meeting will be held at lunch on Wednesday Oct 12th at the start of lunch in the south gym.

Senior Boys (grades 11 and 12) meeting will be held on Thursday Oct. 13th at the start of lunch in the south gym.

Tryouts will begin on Thursday October 20th.

See Mr. Gaw in the South Gym Phys. Ed office if you have any questions.

 

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) Results

All students who did not pick up their OSSLT results will be receiving them Tuesday October 11^th in their period 1 teacher. In the event the student has a period 1 spare they can pick up their results in the library during period 1.

 

Honour Roll Certificates

All students recognized as recipients of an Honour Roll certificate from the 2021 – 2022 school year will receive their certificates on Tuesday October 11^th in their period 1 class. In the event the student has a period 1 spare they can pick their certificate up in the library during period 1.

 

 

TDSB Student Learning Opportunities on Building an Understanding of the Experiences and Identities of Muslim Communities

Good Afternoon,

The Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression Department, which includes the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement is collaborating with the National Council of

Canadian Muslims to offer ongoing professional development series for TDSB staff, students and families.

Each session is co-developed with TDSB Equity, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression team and the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement and focuses on centering the multiplicities of experiences and identities of Muslims communities, promoting anti-Islamophobia/anti-Muslim racism education and exploring concrete strategies within school communities and classroom environments.

There are two upcoming sessions for TDSB secondary students in grades 9-12:

• October 11, 2022: Building an Understanding of Anti-Black Islamophobia - In collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, this session explores the interlocking impact of anti-Black racism and Islamophobia on Black Muslim communities and Black Muslim students.
• October 17, 2022: Storytelling: Reclaiming our Narratives - This session explores the role of storytelling in shaping the understanding of diverse communities of themselves, and more specifically the narrative of Islam and Muslims living in Canada.

Please share the attached flyer with students and invite them to register for these great student-focused opportunities.

 

October is Learning Disabilities Month

The Learning Disabilities Associations of Ontario will be marking Learning Disability (LD) Awareess month throughout the month of October.

1 in 10 people in Ontario are impacted by Learning Disabilities (LDs), where 35% of student with LDs will drop out of school and 62% of all students with LDs will be unemployed at least a year following graduation. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness and reduce stigma to allow individuals with LDs to get the supports they need to reach their potential.

For more information, please visit the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario website.

 

October is ADHD Awareness Month

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting both children and adults. It is described as a “persistent” or ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that gets in the way of daily life or typical development. Individuals with ADHD may also have difficulties with maintaining attention, executive function (the brain’s ability to begin an activity, organize itself and manage tasks), and working memory.

The mission of ADHD Awareness Month is to educate the public about ADHD by disseminating reliable information based on the evidence of science and peer-reviewed research.

For more information, please visit https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/.

 

Student Success Updates

Peer Tutoring

Sign up is now available. Please have your child sign up with their TDSB email using this form. Students will be notified when they are assigned a tutor.

Student Nutrition Program now available in our cafeteria!

Lunch is offered on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:40-12pm in our cafeteria for those in need of access to healthy food. To sign up, please have your child complete this form.

We are currently looking for volunteers from our parent community to help our student leaders prepare food (before and after school) and possibly help out during school hours. If you are interested in getting involved, please complete this form.

 

More about our programming:

One in every four children in Toronto lives in poverty and 40% of all children come to school hungry. At Northern, we believe that when you have enough healthy food to eat, you feel energized, can concentrate in class and perform well in school. Our program is funded by the Toronto Foundation for Student Success and supported by our school and community to deliver healthy and nutritious food to you.

Any questions regarding student success can be directed to april.vibert@tdsb.on.ca

 

 

ASL Sign of the Week

 

Hey Northern! This week's sign of the week is Holiday! To see Mr. Larocque signing the word "holiday", click here. If you want to see "long weekend", that is also here. Also, just a reminder that ASL club is happening on Thursdays at lunch in room 345, and all are welcome. See you next week, and have a great long weekend!

 

Music:

Music Ensembles:

Rehearsals for music ensembles have begun. If you missed them this week, don't worry, you can still participate. Just come to a rehearsal date next week, and speak to Ms. Peng or Mr. Newman. Here's the schedule: Mon. lunch: Chamber Strings; Tues. lunch: Choir; afterschool: Concert Band, Wed. lunch: Jazz Band; Thurs. afterschool: Guitar Ensemble; Fri. lunch: A Capella - to audition, dm @nss.acapella on instagram

 

Music Week: Oct. 24-28

Are you a solo performer or in a band? Do you want to perform in our first ever Music Week - Oct 24 to 28th? Go to bit.ly/musicweeksignup to sign up! The link can also be found in our instagram bio, @nssmusic

 

WellNSS:

Hey Northern! WellNSS is back and ready for the year! As Northern’s mental health association, we discuss all things mental health and mental illness. WellNSS’ main priority is to spread awareness and foster a community where discussing mental health is encouraged, to offer resources and strategies to promote mental health and reduce the stigma around it. You can keep up with all of our events and activities by following our Instagram @northernwellnss. If you are interested in getting involved as a general member or volunteering during events please join our google classroom! Our new google classroom code for the 2022-23 school year is 3qo5khn. Everyone is welcome!

 

School Council Update:

1) School Council Elections 2022-23 - elections for School Council will be held at our next council meeting on Tuesday, October 18 at 6:30 pm on Zoom. All parents and guardians of Northern students are invited to run; no prior experience needed. Are you interested in leading a Wellness Team or helping to organize School Council social events? Or maybe a budget committee is your thing. We welcome new members!

If you would like to nominate yourself as a candidate in the election for School Council Parent Membership 22/23, please email nssc.elections@gmail.com and request your nomination form package. All submissions must be received by 11:59 pm October 10 in order to be included. For a quick guide on School Council elections click here

 

2) We’d love your help! In lieu of ongoing fundraising, we request voluntary contributions once in the fall for all our initiatives to support students throughout the year (clubs, athletics, wellness, conferences, workshops, advocacy, subsidies and much more). Click here for more details and the link to make your contribution through School Cash Online. Every gift makes a difference!

 

3) In Case You Missed It! - Click here to view slides and recordings for "Getting Off to a Good Start" with Susan Schenk and the "New to Northern" Parent Chat. Also, view minutes from our Sept 20 School Council meeting here.

 

Guidance Updates:

1. Save the Dates: Upcoming Guidance Events

1. 1. Post-Secondary Evening Presentation & Fair: October 26, 2022

Please save the date!

Wednesday October 26, 2022

6pm-6:30pm: in-person presentation about Post-Secondary in the auditorium

6:30pm – 8:30pm – in-person fair in the café & library with college & university reps ready to share info and answer your questions

1. 2. Mark your calendars for visits from King's University College (Western), Concordia University, and Ontario Tech!
      Tuesday, Oct.11 - King's University College at Western visiting in Room 119
      Wed, Oct.12 - Concordia University (Montreal, QC) visiting in Room 119
      Friday, Oct.14 - Ontario Tech University visiting in Room 119
   3. Youth Employment Lunch Workshop: week of Nov 21, 2022

2. 2022-2023 Scholarship Updates:

NSS Scholarship Information 2022-2023 info sheet has been posted to the Grade 12 Guidance Google Classroom, including upcoming deadlines for scholarships in October.

3. Looking for Volunteer or Youth Employment Opportunities?

Check your Guidance Google classroom!

4. Semester 1: Last day to Request a course drop: November 16, 2022

Semester 1: Marks Maintain Date/Full Disclosure Date: November 25, 2022

Please note, the last day to request to drop a semester 1 course is Wed, Nov 16, 2022.

See your Guidance Counsellor for more information.

5. Stay Informed: Sign-up for your Guidance Google Classroom:

Grade 9 Google Classroom code: 4ixv2jl

Grade 10 Google Classroom code: kmv6fcz

Grade 11 Google Classroom code: twdxca6

Grade 12 Google Classroom code: hfg74ws

 

Northern Secondary School Foundation

Welcome to New Parents and Guardians. From the Northern Foundation.

The Northern Foundation is a charitable organization started in 1999 by parents, alumni and staff to generate funds for scholarships and grants to support student initiatives. It is managed by a Board of Directors. We are pleased to distribute 40 Scholarships annually at Commencement and the Awards Assembly.

If you would like further information about NSSF, 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 is at info@nssf.ca and we will get back to you.

 

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 or drop by his office at Room 312A.

 

Have a great long weekend,

Adam Marshall

Principal

Follow me @PrincipalNSS