Northern Secondary School

April 14, 2023

Thursday, April 20, 2023 02:10 PM

Dear Northern Families,

Next Wednesday and Thursday many students will be writing their OSSLT (literacy test). Details are below. PLEASE NOTE- Wednesday is a regular 9AM start. We will instead have an additional late start on Wednesday May 3rd.

Midterm Report Cards will be distributed electronically on Tuesday April 25th.

Semester 2 Final Exams: Please find HERE the Semester 2 Final Exam Schedule. You will note the adjustments from the TDSB’s original exam schedule in order to accommodate the necessary shift of commencement to June 27th (at 1pm). More details like room numbers for exams will be shared as we get closer to June.

Wednesday, April 12 marked the International Day of Pink. This event began in Nova Scotia in 2007 following an act of homophobic bullying. This Wednesday Northern celebrated the Day of PinkNSS. Staff and students showed their commitment to creating saf(er) spaces, allyship, as well as stopping discrimination, gender based bullying and homophobia. Thank you the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Mr. Gibson, and the Feminist Club and Ms. Leishman for all your efforts. Money raised will be donated to The Rainbow Railroad https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/

On Tuesday, April 18 during period 1 Northern's grade 10 and grade 12 homeform classes will attend an assembly to remember Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). Northern will welcome guest speaker, Joshua Gerstein from "Carrying Testimony". Mr. Gerstein will share the story of his aunt Myrna Sandler, a Holocaust survivor.

5 Things to Know About Northern Next Week:

  1. Tuesday: Grade 10 and 12 assembly- regular schedule.
  2. Tuesday: End of Semester 2, Term 1
  3. Wednesday: Start of Semester 2, Term 2.
  4. Wednesday: OSSLT Day (special schedule – see below)
  5. Thursday: OSSLT Day (special schedule – see below)

 

wellNSS Week 2023

wellNSS is excited to announce our annual Northern wellNSS Week will be taking place from May 1st-5th! Look out for fun activities throughout the week, our wellNSS walk fundraiser, and a green ribbon campaign to support local youth mental health initiatives. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

 

NSS Mainstage:

The Wizard of Oz Wrecked OR When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors. This is a hilarious retelling of The Wizard of Oz.

Who: NSS extra-curricular drama students have been working hard to create this performance that is suitable for all ages. Come with a friend or bring your family. See FLYER

Where : Drama Studio 225

When: April Wednesday 19th & Thursday 20th, 2023 @7:00 pm

Tickets: Pay at the door. Cost is $5 for ages 10 years and older. Free for under the age of 10. Seating is first come first served.

 

Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) Scholarship Opportunity

Black students at Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and their families are invited to join us for a virtual edition of the BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop on Friday April 14, 2023, from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM EST. The workshop is offered free of charge and the goal is to share our collective knowledge so that Black students and their families can make informed decisions about post-secondary education and funding options. Note that the BFCN Scholarship Program Coordinator will also be present to answer any questions. Registration via Eventbrite is mandatory in order to participate, and a Zoom link with further details will be sent on the day of the event, to all those who register.

Here is the link to the Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bfcn-scholarship-application-workshop-for-black-toronto-district-sb-student-tickets-570231757537

Here is the shortened bit.ly link:

bit.ly/BFCNWorkshopApril14

Any questions please email info@bfcn.ca .

 

MUSIC:

NSS MUSIC MERCH IS HERE! Bucket hats and hoodies in red and blue! Fill out the form at bit.ly/musicmerch2023 to order. All orders must be in by Monday April 17. The link and all details can be found on our Instagram @nssmusic

 

Missed Your Grad Photos? LAST CHANCE!
The studio will be held over April 15 and 16th. An appointment will have to be made in advance.

Here is the link:

https://edgeimaging.ca/en/graduation-photography-studios/

choose- Toronto (Grade 12 Grads)

Follow the prompts to book your time

 

Student Success Updates

Peer Tutoring

Peer Tutoring for Semester 2 is still available! If your student would like to be matched with a tutor, please make sure your student completes the form here.

 

TDSB Virtual Community Fair - April 17 and April 24

Please see this LINK for more information for parents/ caregivers of children, youth and young adults with special or complex needs.

FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN,

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

All students are required to meet the Literacy Graduation Requirement through the OSSLT. This semester all students who are currently enrolled in Grade 10 English will be writing the OSSLT either on Wednesday April 19, 2023 or Thursday April 20, 2023. Their English teachers will be supporting their preparation for this within their classes. For additional information about the OSSLT and opportunity to do a Practice Test can be done by accessing www.eqao.com . In addition, the What is assessed by the OSSLT - Google Docs will provide an overview of the OSSLT format, types of reading and writing tasks that are required. Additional practice material can be found on the Northern OSSLT Prep Google Classroom – the code is ds2eymd . Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Vice-Principal Tiffany Peel (tiffany.peel@tdsb.on.ca)

Previously Eligible students in Grade 11 & 12

Students in Grade 11 & 12 who need to write the OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) will do so on Monday April 24, 2023 from 9:00 – 11:40 am and their Location(s) will be posted outside guidance two weeks prior to the date. Communication to these students and their families outlining the supports and preparation has been delivered. For additional information about the OSSLT and opportunity to do a Practice Test can be done by accessing www.eqao.com . In addition, the What is assessed by the OSSLT - Google Docs will provide an overview of the OSSLT format, types of reading and writing tasks that are required. Additional practice material can be found on the Northern OSSLT Prep Google Classroom – the code is ds2eymd. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Vice-Principal Tiffany Peel (tiffany.peel@tdsb.on.ca)

Special Schedule to Support the OSSLT:

The OSSLT will be delivered over 2 days and to support the time required we will be modifying the Calendar Dates following a Day 1 Schedule. We will have classes double in length for these two days to make it work.

Wednesday April 19th followed by Thursday April 20th

Period & Time

1

9:00 - 11:40

Lunch

11:40 - 12:40

2

12:40 - 3:15

 

ay April 20, 2023

Period & Time

3

9:00 - 11:40

Lunch

11:40 - 12:40

4

12:40 - 3:15

 

 

Music:

"Sounds of Spring" is here! Northern's second outdoor barbeque and concert will be on Thursday May 4th! Anyone is welcome to perform, no matter whether you're a solo singer or in a group. Signup to perform at bit.ly/soundsofspringsignup. Tickets will go on sale closer to the date. Follow @nssmusic on instagram to stay up to date with all the music news at Northern.

 

Northern Secondary School Foundation:

The Jim McCarron Changemaker Award.

This award was generously funded by his family and colleagues to honour the legacy of Jim McCarron, Principal of Northern Secondary School from 1991 -1996.

Jim was a highly respected educator in the TDSB for over 30 years who made a profound difference in the lives of his colleagues and former students.

He was a real Changemaker!

The award will be given out annually at Commencement to a graduating student who has changed our hearts and mind by taking courageous action to made a difference in the lives of others in the school or wider community.

For more information about this award and others, go to nssf.ca/scholarships and complete an application form or contact us at info@nssf.ca .

 

Transition Resource Guide For Planning for Life After High School for Youth/Adults with Disabilities

The Transition Resource Guide for Youth/Adults with Disabilities provides essential transition planning information for students who are graduating from high school.

It is inclusive of a wide variety of learner profiles, needs and disabilities. It is intended to provide simple access and consistency in information across the TDSB. It is a helpful resource for Youth/Adult students with disabilities, caregivers/parents, and educators.

 

School Council News :

1) Walking Buddies - Saturday, April 22 at 9:30-10:30 am - join other Northern parents to walk and talk about parenting, school, and life. Email nss.school.council@gmail.com for more details.

2) School and Stress Youth and Parent Call - Wednesday, April 26 at 7 pm - Stress! What can your student do about the stress they are experiencing at school? How can you support your teen at home? Dr. Daniella Bondoc will discuss what stress is, what strategies could help, and have a time for Q and A. Email nss.school.council@gmail.com for the link.

3) Families in Crisis - Thursday, April 27 at 7:30 pm - some families are experiencing extreme distress as their students struggle to meet landmarks that are typical of their peers. Isolation intensifies the challenge. Join other Northern parents to find support in a safe space and share experiences, ideas, and resources. Email nss.school.council@gmail.com for further details.

4) Gifted Advisory Committee -Enrichment Fair: Tuesday, April 18, 6-8 pm Northern Library

  • The Gifted Advisory Committee is pleased to present an in-person Enrichment Fair! As there will be a variety of booths featuring different enrichment opportunities, it is not amenable to a hybrid format. However, those who are unable to attend are welcome to send an email to NorthernGAC@gmail.com to request a list of opportunities after the event. Light refreshments will be available. Students are welcome to attend with their families if they wish. Come for the information and stay to socialize with other gifted families.
  • Looking Ahead to Post-secondary: Wednesday, May 10, 6-8 pm Northern Library. The Gifted Advisory Committee is pleased to present an in-person information session for gifted parents. Monique Cippollone (Assistant Curriculum Leader for Gifted) and Melanie Stassis (Guidance) will be on hand to respond to common questions regarding planning for and transitioning to post-secondary for gifted students. If you have a question that you would like answered during this event, please send it to NorthernGAC@gmail.com. A summary of questions and answers will be available by request for those not able to attend in person. Light refreshments will be available, and if time allows, parents will be welcome to stay to socialize, share their experiences and ask questions from other parents.

 

Guidance Updates:

  1. Save the Date: Monday, May 1st to Friday May 5th

Teen Mental Health Awareness Week: Happiness – Myths, Truths and Habits

WellNSS will be hosting lunch events for students and homeform classes will be exploring the theme of happiness, looking at the myths, truths and habits that lead to a more mindful life.

  1. Please note the Last Day to Request to Drop a Course (semester 2): Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Any grade 11 or 12 eligible students need to book a Guidance appointment to start the drop process by Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

Full Disclosure: May 2, 2023.

  1. Thinking about taking a course at TDSB Summer School?

TDSB Summer e-LearningRegistration is OPEN

Check out this link for more info about TDSB Summer e-Learn.

TDSB Con-Ed In-person & Remote Summer School: Registration Opens April 18, 2023 at 10am and Closes June 10, 2023 at 4pm

Check out this link for more info about TDSB Con-Ed Summer

  1. Summer COOP Opportunities:

Summer Co-op applications are now available to grade 11 and grade 12 students only for summer 2023.
Please book an appointment with your guidance counsellor to submit your application: https://guidanceinterview.com/s/nss

  1. UPDATED Scholarship Information:

Seeking Scholarships has released their April Scholarship Report which has new and upcoming scholarship dates listed, as well as tips to support a strong application.

Northern students, teachers, and families can access from this link using the password, scholar1: https://seekingscholarships.com/the-scholarship-report-2/?mc_cid=16e0420b59&mc_eid=a90fd997dd

Please note: This resource is copyrighted and only available to Northern families - please do not share outside of the Northern community.

The Northern Secondary School Foundation scholarships are open for application DUE May 1, 2023. Graduating students can choose up to three scholarships to apply for. Grade 12s can start exploring available awards here: https://nssf.ca/scholarships/

  1. Online Tutoring Opportunities

The TDSB continues to support students with unfinished learning through the Ministry’s funding for Tutoring programs. Tutoring may be accessed in schools, communities, and online.

All tutoring services are voluntary. There is no obligation for any student to participate in tutoring.

TDSB students have free, unlimited online tutoring available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Paper and Brainfuse. The TDSB is not operating online tutoring services. This means that TDSB staff will not be present during tutoring sessions.

Parents/Guardians/Caregivers and/or Students (18 years or older) who wish to participate in one of these free online tutoring services should contact the company directly to learn more about their services and the registration process.

Information has been distributed to students and parents/caregivers/guardians about tutoring. As well, information about Tutoring @ the TDSB is available on the public website: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/School-Year-2022-2023/Tutoring.

  1. Help Ahead is an organization to help connect people to Mental Health resources. https://helpahead.ca/ Not sure where to turn? It’s okay, we’re here to help you. Help Ahead is the centralized phone line to access child, youth and family mental health and well-being resources.
  1. Opting-Out of the e-Learning Graduation Requirement
    Students may withdraw from the online e-Learning requirement. A parent/caregiver/guardian or student (18 years of age or older or 16 or 17 years of age and withdrawn from parental control) may withdraw by submitting the TDSB Opt Out/Withdrawal Form to their school. No explanation or reason is needed to opt out/withdraw.

If you are not ready to make a decision with regard to participating in e-Learning, there will be future opportunities to participate in e-Learning courses or withdraw from the graduation requirement. A final decision is not required at this time.

If you have decided now to withdraw from the graduation requirement, please complete the TDSB Opt Out/Withdrawal Form.

  1. Post- Secondary Updates:
    1. Individual colleges and universities are booking presentations with NSS. Be sure to check out the Post-Secondary calendar in the Grade 12 Guidance Google Classroom for dates and times.
    2. OUAC Updates can be found here.
  1. Please note: the TDSB Volunteer Policy States that an eligible volunteer activity constitutes:
  • An event or activity designed to be of benefit to the community.
  • A volunteer activity – not for pay or credit.
  • An event or activity to support a not-for-profit initiative.

For more information please visit the TDSB Community Involvement policy.

Students, looking for Volunteer or Youth Employment Opportunities? Check your Student Guidance Google classroom: Gr. 9 code: 4ixv2jl; Gr. 10 code: kmv6fcz; Gr. 11 code: twdxca6; Gr. 12 code

 

 

Have a great weekend!

Adam Marshall

Principal

Follow me @PrincipalNSS