Dear Northern Families,

By now you should have received your mid-term report cards (yesterday late afternoon/ evening). Please reach out to tiffany.peel@tdsb.on.ca if you did not receive yours. Monday it is already May and we really are into the busiest time of year- extra-curriculars, graduation plans, decisions about post-secondary studies, planning for next year and more. Keep your SMART goals in mind everyday and they will help you keep your focus through June. There is some very important information below under “Class of 2023”. If you are in a graduating position, please mask sure you have a look!

(reminder) 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.

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.

 

3 Things to Know About Northern Next Week:

1. Monday-Friday: WellNSS Week!
2. Tuesday: Full-Disclosure
3. Wednesday: Late Start @9:55am

 

Wellness 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 green ribbon campaign, and our wellNSS Walk fundraiser on Thursday, May 4th to support local youth mental health initiatives. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

 

Music:

SOUNDS OF SPRING IS HERE! Our second annual outdoor barbecue and concert is on Thursday May 4th after school on the field. Tickets are on sale in the first floor foyer at lunch. $2 for admission, a hotdog, and a drink. All the details are on our Instagram @nssmusic. FLYER - SEE YOU THERE NORTHERN!

 

Class of 2023:

Prom:

Northern’s 2023 Prom Tickets Sales are underway, and will be ongoing until Monday May 8th. Students may purchase their tickets and choose their seating in the front foyer during lunch. Prom will take place on Friday May 26^th. Payment is cash or cheque only, and tickets cost $100.

 

Commencement:

The 2023 Northern graduation ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 27^th at 1:00 p.m. Our ceremony usually lasts approximately 3 hours. The ceremony will be held at the University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall located at 31 King’s Circle College, Toronto.

This year our Graduation Package Fee is $30 per student and includes tickets for you PLUS two (2) guests and gown purchase. A limited number of additional seats are available on a first-come-first served basis. Additional tickets are $15 each.

Grad fees can be paid using School Cash Online beginning Monday May 1 until Friday June 9^th. Please print/ keep your confirmation/receipt as proof of payment.

Please refer to the email sent to students and their families that are in a graduating position for more details.

 

Valedictorian Selection:

The Valedictorian address is a speech that is delivered at Commencement on behalf of the entire graduating class. It is a formal occasion for reflection and shared feeling. In order to ensure that this occasion is a positive and memorable experience for all those present, the Valedictorian agrees:

• that as a spokesperson for the entire graduating class, the speaker’s address will not be used for personal comment, but will be reflective of the group’s undergraduate experiences

• to complete all forms and tasks, respecting all deadlines

• to submit the final speech by June 15^th, 2023 (at the latest) to Ms. Siegel

Voting will take place during the week of May 15^th, indication of interest no later than May 10^th. Interested? Pick up a form in the Principal’s Office beginning Monday.

 

From the Canadian World Studies Department:

Last Friday Northern Ethics Bowl ran the first ever Northern house Ethics Bowl! The event was a huge success that featured thoughtful discussions on a variety of topics including the ethics of friendship and our judiciary. This event could not have been possible without the help of many people. In particular we would like to thank the Library for hosting, the CWS Department for facilitating the event, Mr. Dingwall, our Senior Team: Cat, Laila, Ellen and Sofia for moderating and judging, and Ellen, who wrote the final cases. Most of all a huge thank you to our participants who gave it their all, the quality of matches was outstanding. Congratulations to Olena, Nathan and Blayze - team HC2H6O - for being the first Northern Ethics Bowl Champions.

 

PIAC’S Annual Conference, Ready Set Engage: Bridging the Gap Part II

The Parent Involvement Advisory Committee invites all parents to attend the annual Ready Set Engage conference scheduled to take place at Earl Haig Secondary School on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 9am to 3:30pm. The conference will be held in-person, and this year's edition promises to feature a special theatrical performance themed around student mental health and well-being, which will be held after the workshops.

Register at bit.ly/bridgingthegap2023

 

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.

 

Northern Secondary School Foundation:

We ae grateful for the generosity of our alumni, former staff and parents we have established the following awards for Northern graduates and undergrads.

• The Grandson XX Creative Writing Award in Creative Writing in Grades 11 and 12.

Established by Jordan Benjamin NSS’11 a singer songwriter known professionally as Grandson, Jordan believes his writing was fostered and encouraged by the teachers at Northern. He hopes this award will encourage other students to follow their dreams.

• The John Jossifakis Technical Theatre Award.

Established by John Jossifakis NSS’98 currently working in Dubai. John started his journey in Technical Theatre as a member of Northern Stage Crew that has led to organizing spectacular events all around the work including the Olympics. This award is for a student who plans to enter the technical side of Theater, Radio Television Arts or Events Production following an apprenticeship, college or university Program.

• The McKelvey Family Award in Canadian and World Studies

This scholarship was created by the McKelvey family to recognize the outstanding achievement of a graduating student in economics, law or human geography. The family enjoyed a long association with Northern through their children Alex and the late Michelle McKelvey and their mother Merilyn who was a member of the teaching staff for 16 years.

Scholarship/Awards Applications -Go to nssf.ca/scholarships and complete an application. Deadline is May 1, 2023

 

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) 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.

2) Games Night - Fri, May 5 - 6:30-9:30 pm - join other Northern parents for a night of good food and good fun. It's a great time to celebrate the year end and make some new friends! Email nss.school.council@gmail.com for more details.

 

Guidance Updates:

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

Monday, May 1^st to Friday May 5^th

During this week, period 1 teachers have been asked to explore ideas of happiness and its myths, truths and how developing specific habits can lead to a more fulfilling life.

WellNSS Week 2023 - next week is Canadian Mental Health Week and Northern's wellNSS committee will be having a variety events and activities to promote student well-being!

Monday - Kickoff event outside (weather permitting), WellNSS green Ribbons/buttons sold in foyer, wellNSS Jeopardy in room 119 at lunch for prizes!!

Tuesday - Tea event in foyer at lunch (see note below​), wellNSS green ribbons/buttons in foyer

wellNSS has partnered with our school Child and Youth Worker, Lucy, to make herbal tea available to students. A variety of soothing teas will be available for free in the foyer to students and staff. Cups will be available, but we would appreciate people bringing their own mugs!

Wednesday - wellNSS x UWay lunch activity in gym, Ribbons/buttons sold in foyer

Thursday -wellNSS walk on back field at lunch, Green Shirt Day, Ribbons/buttons sold in foyer

Friday (rain date for walk)

Ribbons/buttons sold in foyer, Bracelet making or other crafts in 119 (or foyer) at lunch

2. Spring into Grade 12 Guidance Presentations

This past week, Guidance visited grade 11 classes to plant and fertilize some seeds about how to continue to research post-secondary next steps planning. , We hope our 2023-2024 graduating class has some info to ponder, ideas to follow up with and questions to have answered. Check out the slide show here.

3. Semester 2 Full Disclosure date: May 2, 2023.

Any course dropped after this full disclosure date will appear on school transcripts.

4. 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 is OPEN and Closes June 10, 2023 at 4pm

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

5. 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.

Requirements:

• 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.

Visit: www.ouac.on.ca/ouac-101 Call: 519-823-1063, Email: 101sup@ouac.on.ca

6. 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

7. 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.

The password is: trad1

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.
11. 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.

12. Post- Secondary Updates:

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.

OUAC Updates can be found here.

13. 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.

14. 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

Haven’t received an

Ontario university off

Have a great weekend!

Adam Marshall

Principal

Follow me @PrincipalNSS