Dear Northern Families,
It’s a beautiful afternoon with some great weather ahead this weekend. Hoping everyone gets a chance to enjoy it!
Teachers are raising concerns about cellphone use during instructional time. This is a reminder that cellphones are to be silenced and out of sight during class time. Only with teacher permission should cellphones be out during class time. The academic outcomes of students spending class time on their phones are of concern. We believe that technology is an incredible amplifier. However, this can work both ways- to amplify knowledge and communication when used appropriately (ie educational apps/ brightspace access/ research). And to amplify distraction and disengagement when used inappropriately (ie texting/ snapchat/ Instagram/ gaming/ tiktok etc during class time). Worthy of conversation at home on an ongoing basis. Habits formed now will follow us all around for a long time!
As we get closer to the end of the year, here is an update to the May and June CALENDAR .
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.
3 Things to Know About Northern Next Week:
- Monday: SAC Elections Assembly (assembly day schedule)
- Tuesday: Senate Meeting- Lunch
- Thursday: Academic Resource Centre Mtg- 7pm
Northern Lights Arts & Tech Interactive Exhibition
Save the date! Northern will be holding its first combined Arts and Tech interactive exhibition on Thursday, June 1st from 6:30 - 8:30. There will be performances, exhibits and workshops in Visual Arts Ceramics, Drama, Music, Dance, Film, Photography and Robotics. More information to come!
Skills Ontario Competition:
Congratulations to Keon Fisher and Andrew Rozee for representing TDSB in the above provincial competition – Mechanical Computer Aided Design (CAD). Andrew Rozee took home a silver medal after a day-long intense competition.
https://www.skillsontario.com/skills-ontario-competition”
Student Census
The TDSB Student Census is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system. Based on opt-out and consent information, all Census surveys have been sent to students or families. Students, please check your email for TDSBStudentCensus@qemailserver.com. For more information, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/census and read the Questions and Answers.
Class of 2023:
Northern Mug Order Form
Handmade Northern Mugs are now available in various shapes, sizes and colours! Come to room 212 to choose from our full selection. Makes a great gift for graduates! All proceeds go to the Ceramics department, $20 each. Payment can be made through school cash online or cash in room 212. Pick up can be either room 212, Monday - Thursday after school (please bring your school cash online receipt), or at graduation - Convocation Hall, June 27th. Mug Order Form
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 26th. Payment is cash or cheque only, and tickets cost $100.
Commencement:
The 2023 Northern graduation ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 27th 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.
Grad fees can be paid using School Cash Online beginning until Friday June 9th. 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 15th, 2023 (at the latest) to Ms. Siegel
Voting will take place during the week of May 15th, indication of interest no later than May 10th. Interested? Pick up a form in the Principal’s Office beginning Monday.
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
2023 Summer Camp/Program Information from Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Services: Summer Camp Information
The Easter Seals Ontario Scholarship Program for 2023
is now open and accepting applications until Friday April 28, 2023. Easter Seals Ontario is a charitable organization that provides life-changing programs and services to children, youth and young adults with physical disabilities in Ontario.
Each year Easter Seals offers a number of scholarships to help students with physical disabilities achieve their dreams of post-secondary education. The full list of scholarships offered through our Scholarship Program can be viewed at the website provided below. Please note that, to be considered eligible, applicants must have a physical disability that impacts their mobility.
More information can be found at: https://services.easterseals.org/other-programs/scholarships/.
Please circulate this information to any students or parents in your network who may benefit from this program.
Wills, Trusts, when Guardianship and/or a Power of Attorney:
- meet with Community Partners to discuss important planning that needs to occur for your child who has a disability. Important subjects to be covered are Wills, Trusts, when Guardianship and/or a Power of Attorney is helpful, as well as setting up a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). We’ll also talk about when these should implemented.
Information about Person-Directed Planning, which supports families and persons with a disability with making a plan for their future will be provided. This will help with identifying the supports, services and resources needed to achieve life goals.
Guests: Pooran Law and Community Living Toronto
When: Monday May 8th, 2023 from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon and the same information will be repeated on
Monday May 15th, 2023 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/98367378226?pwd=MW9yaDZTYnBoUTRmZEpGaXVmMVAxdz09
Dial by your location Meeting ID: 983 6737 8226
Passcode: 969515
One tap mobile
+16473744685,98367378226# *969515# Canada
+16475580588,98367378226# *969515# Canada
Meeting ID: 983 6737 8226
Passcode: 969515
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
Northern Secondary School Foundation:
The 4th Northern Secondary School Foundation Online Auction will be held in September 2023.
Graciously accepting donations to the auction from the community. Contact us at info@nssf.com to donate an item or service.
Electronic devices, gift cards, art work, rounds of golf, tickets to theatre or sports events. Tax receipts for donated items. Donors recognized on our website
All proceeds to student scholarships and grants to student led enrichment activities. Thanks to all alumni and parents who have already made a donation.
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:
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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 NSSF scholarships deadline has now passed as of May 1st, and awards are now closed for application.
Deadlines have been extended for 2 NSSF scholarships that had no qualifying applications - please see the Grade 12 Guidance Google Classroom for more info and links to apply.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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: hfg74ws;
Ontario university off
Have a great weekend!
Adam Marshall
Principal
Follow me @PrincipalNSS