Dear Northern Families,
This week’s bulletin is lengthy- I will refrain from editorializing!
The TDSB Student Census is a confidential and voluntary survey that asks students important questions about their school experiences and identities including participation in school activities, safety, well-being, mental health, outdoor learning, etc. It is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system.
On Monday this week students were given time to fill in the TDSB census survey online. If you (students) did not have this opportunity please see below:
- Grade 9 to 12: Students will receive an email link to complete the census during class time.
Please watch for more information about the Student Census in an email from the address TDSBStudentCensus@qemailserver.com next week. For more information, please visit the Student Census website.
A reminder from last week: 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. NOTE: We will be moving the grade 9 EQAO dates up. We are short computers to have all students write as per the original schedule. This will not impact any other exams. This will be reflected in a schedule update next week.
3 Things to Know About Northern Next Week:
- Monday: Grade 12 Prom/ Valedictorian Assembly
- Tuesday: Caring & Safe Schools Meeting @4pm
- Thursday: Grade 12 One Acts @7pm- details below
CETA (Computer Engineering Teachers Association) Robotics Competition:
Congratulations to James Begin, Koby Seeligsohn, Alyssa Lee and Regan Medcof from the robotics class and the robotics club. Their two teams competed against 22 teams from different TDSB’s schools in the CETA Robotics Competition this Thursday. They won gold and bronze medals in the first challenge of “Running the Fairway”. Great job!
Grade 12 One Acts!
Northern's Grade 12 Drama Class will be holding its annual One Act Festival on Thursday, May 18th starting at 7:00pm. This year's festival will be featuring The Actor's Nightmare by Christopher Durang, Cut by Ed Monk, and Ouvrez la Porte, Fermez la Bouche by Northern graduate, Nevena Martinovic. Tickets are $5 dollars and can be bought in advance from the drama office or at the door. Seating is limited. We are so proud of the Northern Grade 12 students who have put in so much hard work to produce these wonderful plays. Hope to see you there!
WHO: Grade 12 Drama Students
WHAT: One Act Festival
WHERE: Studio 225, Northern Secondary School
WHEN: May 18th at 7:00pm
HOW MUCH: $5
WHY: Celebrate our hardworking arts students!
LUMENUS CONTINUED SERVICES AT NORTHERN…..BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Dear families of Northern Secondary students,
Lumenus Community Services continues to provide key mental health services at Northern Secondary, in partnership with TDSB’s specialized support services. We are a hosting a family-only virtual session on May 23rd 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to share new and exciting opportunities to benefit the students at Northern Secondary.
Please come and join us. We will send a link in next week’s bulletin.
Look forward to seeing you,
The Lumenus team
Student Success/SHSM Updates:
NUTRITION WORKSHOP - Open to ALL NSS Students
When: Tuesday, May 16th
Time: 12:40-3:15
Where: Library
Only 30 spots available. Spots will be given on a first come, first serve basis.
Completing this workshop will count as a Specialist High Skills Major Certification for the Health and Wellness Sector if you choose to pursue that program. Open to all NSS students.
About the workshop:
"Presented by Foodsharks is an engaging and interactive nutrition-based workshop for teens. Created by registered nutritionists and dieticians, it is our mission to empower teens to make healthy food choices, by teaching them vital information they need to investigate the complex world of food and nutrition and help them make that important connection between food and mental health"
If you are interested, please sign up here
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!
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
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.
School Council:
Walking Buddies - Saturday, May 13 - 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.
Screen Time and Mental Health Summit - May 15-19 - Does your child struggle with getting off screens or with tech-related mental health issues? Learn from the best experts in this FREE summit to help your kids reset their screen time to avoid negative health impacts like anxiety, depression, craving or loneliness. Save your spot and register here!
School Council Meeting - May 24 - 6:30 - In person/hybrid - Northern Library - Join us for our last meeting of the year! There will be a principal's update, committee reports, and an opportunity to evaluate the year and plan ahead. Email nss.school.council@gmail.com for a link if you'd like to join virtually. We'll do our best to provide a hybrid model, but bear with us on our first attempt!
Special Education and Inclusion
2023 Summer Camp/Program Information from Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Services: Summer Camp Information
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.
Guidance Updates:
- Thinking about taking a course at TDSB Summer School?
Want to know the difference between ConEd. Summer and e-Summer school?
Check out this chart that compares ConEd and e-Summer School.
TDSB Summer e-Learning – Registration is OPEN
Check out this link for more info about TDSB Summer e-Learn.
July e-Learn registration CLOSES June 9, 2023 at 4pm
August e-Learn registration CLOSES July 6, 2023 at 4pm
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
TDSB Con Ed Remote Credit Recovery (for students who earn 1-49%) click here
- 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.
- 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
Haven’t received an
Have a great weekend!
Adam Marshall
Principal
Follow me @PrincipalNSS
