Dear Northern Families,

What a fantastic week. Thank you to Ms. Leishman and all the other staff and students involved in our Holocaust Remembrance Day assembly this past Tuesday. Powerful stories to force us to reflect on history, the present, and our responsibilities to the world to make sure these events never repeat themselves.

We also two evenings of hilarious theatre in The Wizard of Oz Wrecked OR When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors. Thank You Ms. Wellsman and all other staff involved. It was an amazing production. Our student -actors, directors, stage crew and more did an incredible job and really nailed their performances!

Students in a graduating position and their families should have received an email regarding commencement today. I have received a few inquiries: graduation packages include the graduate PLUS two guest tickets. Additional tickets are available at school cash online. When they are gone the line will disappear. Please see a information about school cash online HERE if you have not signed up before. More information coming as we get closer to the event!

For conversation around the table this weekend….We are noticing a concerning number of students missing evaluations. It is our expectation that students are on time and present in class every day. While teachers want to be flexible, there is a point where this becomes unmanageable. For a refresher on school expectations please see the STUDENT HANDBOOK and in particular this section: ATTENDANCE AND DAILY ROUTINES . Students and families are reminded of expectations for reporting absences and the need to meet deadlines for submitting, and be present for evaluations.

Please see attached the first edition of Reality Check an online publication created, organized and edited by Rebecca Zelovitzky to highlight student excellence in athletics, academics and artistry. Many students contributed to the unique content. Enjoy!

Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin has moved her Community Coffee from Wednesday April 26^th to May 10^th. You can find details and lots of other information in the Trustee’s Ward 11 Newsletter - April 21, 2023

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

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 27^th (at 1pm). More details like room numbers for exams will be shared as we get closer to June.

 

4 Things to Know About Northern Next Week:

1. Monday-Friday: WellNSS Week!
2. Tuesday: Report Card Distribution (digital)
3. Wednesday: Last day to drop Semester 2 courses.
4. Wednesday: 9:55am Late Start

 

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!

 

Special Education and Inclusion

Special Education and Inclusion is offering dedicated engagement sessions to parents/guardians/caregivers of TDSB students to learn about Special Education and Inclusion processes through an equity lens. For Session #3, the Special Education and Inclusion team will be sharing ways families can support their children over the summer months. Session #3 will be held over two dates, and is being offered to parents/guardians/caregivers as outlined in the flyers to be distributed by schools based on their Learning Centre:

For schools in LC1/LC4 - Tues. May 30th flyer: SpEd 3rd Session LC1/4

 

EQAO Opportunity:

EQAO is excited to announce the call for applications for the 2023–2024 EQAO Student Engagement Committee.

This committee continues to be one of our key sources of student voice. It’s also an opportunity for interested students to have a positive impact on the agency’s activities and on Ontario’s education system.   Students are the focus of EQAO’s work, and we value learners’ perspectives on everything we do. Student voices and experiences help EQAO to advance our goal of continuous improvement.  

EQAO encourages applications from grade 7 – 12 members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit or Indigenous person. Please find an attached information document as well as this link to our website. Kindly share this information with schools who may be interested, and please let me know if you have any questions.

 

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 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,

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 - 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 Cipollone (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 them 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 1^st to Friday May 5^th

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.

2. 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.

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

TDSB Summer e-Learning – Registration 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

4. Haven’t received an OUAC offer? Use the Admission Information Service (AIS)

Starting June 5, 2023, Ontario high school students can use the AIS to

find possible openings at Ontario universities. To begin your search, visit www.ouac.on.ca/ouac-101

Once you find an open program of interest, add it to your 101 application.

• You will be completing or have completed the OSSD (or equivalent),

including six 4U/M courses, by August 2023.

• You must have an average of at least 60%, although higher averages

are usually required.

To find out more:

• Visit: www.ouac.on.ca/ouac-101

• Call: 519-823-1063

• Email: 101sup@ouac.on.ca

5. 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

6. Trades Report: Interested in learning more about a career in the Trades?

The April issue of The Trades Report is now posted. Be sure to scroll down the page on the website and click download.

Northern students, teachers, and families can access from this link using the password Click here to access the Trades Report.

• Please note: This resource is copyrighted and only available to Northern families - please do not share outside of the Northern community.
• 7. 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/

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

9. 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.

10. 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