Dear Northern Families,
We had a great week at school. All students took part in our Caring and Safe Schools assembly this week. We discussed school expectations, the Code of Conduct, and the TDSB’s Chart of Consequences. Please have a look if you would like more details here: Policies and Procedures For families celebrating Rosh Hashanah this weekend, Shanah Tovah!
Today our students leaders made up of the Student Activity Council, Boys and Girl’s Athletic Councils, and of course the Buddies served a BBQ lunch to nearly 550 grade 9’s. It was quite the sight. Most students hung around the back field playing games, chatting, and socializing. It was amazing to see so many new faces out at the event.
Students who had their photos taken received student cards this week. This year you can make use of an online app to have your student id on your phone as well. Please see Electronic Student ID for details.
This is an early message about exams, but I want to make sure families know exactly when they fall so that travel and other plans can be made accordingly. Semester 1 exams run from January 24th to 30th. Semester 2 exams run from June 19th- 25th. If your student is new to high school this year, it is important to note that culminating activities (culminating activities can take many forms but always make up 30% of student final grades) take place leading up to the exam blocks, so attendance is vital in the weeks leading up to exams.
Student 1:1 Device Program – Opting in or Opting out à Forms Due Sept. 18th, 2023
FOR GRADE 9 Students:Please use the following link to either opt in to receiving a 1:1 chromebook from the TDSB or to Opt out. Once our device shipment arrives, we will distributing them via the library.
https://permission.click/aLYlY/ca/wG9
FOR GRADE 10, 11 Students that did not previously opt in:If you did not receive a chromebook in your grade nine year, or are new to the TDSB in grade 10 or 11 – please fill in the link if you would like to opt in to receiving a chromebook. Once our device shipment arrives, we will distributing them via the library.
https://permission.click/aLYlY/ca/wG9
A few reminders…..
Attendance: Being on time and present for class is essential for academic success. The attendance procedure is outlined on the school website and can be seen below: If a student is absent from school, the parent or guardian must call the VP office before 8:50 a.m. with the student name and reason for the absence or to notify the office that the student will be signing out. Call (416) 393-0270 and use the appropriate extension:
Last Name Begins with:
A-G 20003
H-O 20008
P-Z 20007
General Mailbox: 20000
After an unexplained absence, students must bring a note of explanation signed and dated by their parent or guardian to the VP office for entry on the computer; the student will then present the note to his/her teachers. Students who are 18 years of age or older may write their own notes. Alternatively, parents have the option of reporting a student absence via e-mail at northern@tdsb.on.ca. Please note that emails to vice-principals regarding attendance will not be entered in a timely manner (will not be entered before the absence is recorded).
Did you miss photo day? Not to worry- the photographer will be back October 16th to capture missing students/ photos.
Locker Access: Students have been assigned a locker. To gain access a Hall Monitor will be available on each floor from 8:10 – 8:45 am to cut the zip tie/remove the bolt from Friday September 8 – Friday September 15.
If you have not done so, please submit your Student Activity Fees of $60.00- this includes your yearbook (cash, cheque, or School Cash Online which is open from now through October 7th. Instructions can be found ), distribute timetables, sell locks for anyone wanting one ($8), student photos, and creating student ID’s. Student Activity Fees cover the yearbook, and help to fund many student activities. We have a strong student government that works to distribute these funds to applicants (student groups/ teams/ clubs) throughout the year. Everyone’s support is greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone that has already submitted- it makes a huge difference!
Books Owing from last year? Please bring them to the VP office!
Start of Year Permission Forms -the issues that the board was having with these forms has now been resolved. Please look for an email from “TDSB online form” and complete the links as soon as possible. We appreciate your prompt attention to this!
The student calendar can be found HERE . There will be additions coming in the future. These will be highlighted for 2 weeks within the calendar and then simply appear as regular text after that.
- student agenda can be found here: AGENDA se are both links to the school website where tons of useful information can be found.
Upcoming Week:
- All Week: Guidance Home form Visits to grade 9 classes.
- Tuesday: Class Rep Elections in Home form
- Tuesday: Caring and Safe Schools Committee Meeting @4pm
- Thursday: Grade 9 Red Knight Challenge @ Lunch
- Thursday: School Council Meeting @6:30pm in the library
Drama:
Is your child interested in a fun filled and educational trip to Chicago this March Break?
Why? To experience Chicago's Art, Architecture, Museums, Theatre, Parks and Zoos.
Where? We are planning to explore everything that Chicago has to offer: WILLIS TOWER | HISTORIC NAVY PIER | ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO | LINCOLN PARK ZOO | FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY| MILLENNIUM PARK | ARCHITECTURE RIVER CRUISE | JOHN G SHEDD AQUARIUM | ADLER PLANETARIUM & ASTRONOMY MUSEUM | MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY | and see some really great CHICAGO THEATRE (MUSICALS)! Click here for the itinerary!
When? Mar 11-Mar 15, 2024
Who? All Northern students are welcome. Priority is given to students enrolled in a Performing Arts course or participating in a Performing Arts extracurricular.
Cost? Price: $1,975 per student (Trip price based on 30 participating students). This includes hotel accommodation (4 students in a room), coach bus transportation, 4 breakfasts & 4 dinners, all trip experiences,entrance fees and tickets, Edutravel tour animator and all night security. Link here for more details!
How? Come to the Parent meeting on Tuesday, Sept 26 at 7 pm to find out more information and/or check the registration instructions attached here.
Please contact Flora Wellsman flora.wellsman@tdsb.on.ca for more information and/or join the Google Classroom using this LINK and code: phdus2m.
Drama Extracurriculars:
Is your child interested in auditioning for Mainstage (the school play - The Importance of Being Earnest ) have them join the google classroom with this Auditions Link and use this code; w2eiqpl. They will find the audition package in the GC. They must come to the drama office at lunch to sign up for an audition time slot.
If your child would like to be a part of Drama Crew (working behind the scenes on Mainstage) or Drama club (drop in club @ lunch on Wednesdays) or our Improv Team, have them come to the drama office to sign up.
If they have any questions, they may speak to Ms Wellsman at lunch in the drama office.
Student Success:
Student Nutrition Program starting September 19th in our cafeteria!
Lunch is offered on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:40-12pm in our cafeteria for those in need of access to healthy food. To sign up, please have your child complete this form.
We are currently looking for volunteers from our parent community to help our student leaders prepare food. If you are interested in getting involved, please complete this form: Parent Volunteers Student Nutrition Program
More about our programming: One in every four children in Toronto lives in poverty and 40% of all children come to school hungry. At Northern, we believe that when you have enough healthy food to eat, you feel energized, can concentrate in class and perform well in school. Our program is funded by the Toronto Foundation for Student Success and supported by our school and community to deliver healthy and nutritious food to you. Any questions regarding student success can be directed to april.vibert@tdsb.on.ca
Special High Skills Major (SHSM):
We offer three SHSM programs:
- Design, Engineering and Manufacturing (DEM)
- Arts & Culture
- Health & Wellness
Please find more information on each program here
If your child is interested in signing up, please encourage them to complete the application form found on the Student Success site here.
All forms and questions can be directed to april.vibert@tdsb.on.ca
School Council Update:
1) School Council meeting - Thursday, Sep 21 at 6:30 pm. A reminder that our first School Council meeting of the 2023-24 school year is Thursday September 21st, 6:30 pm, in the Northern Secondary School Library. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone in person! The meeting will be hybrid format. If you would like to attend virtually, please email us at nss.school.council@gmail.com with the subject line " Sept 21 School Council Meeting Link please". The link will be sent by 4pm the day of the meeting.
2) Walking Buddies - Saturday, Sept 16 at 9:30-10:30 am - join other Northern parents to walk and talk about parenting, school, and life. Meet at the Funeral Centre parking lot, east of the Mt Pleasant entrance to the Mt Pleasant Cemetery. For more details, email nss.school.council@gmail.com.
3) Gifted Advisory Committee Social - Tuesday, September 26th at 6:30 pm - Join the Gifted Advisory Committee for a social and volunteer meeting at Granite Brewery, 245 Eglinton Ave E. on Tuesday, September 26th at 6:30 pm (volunteer meeting) or 7:00 pm (social). Underground parking is available. If you are not yet receiving GAC emails, please sign up here.
4) We need your help! In lieu of ongoing fundraising, we request voluntary contributions once in the fall for all our initiatives to support students throughout the year (clubs, athletics, wellness, conferences, workshops, advocacy, subsidies and much more). Watch for upcoming details on our annual fundraiser, and please consider a contribution through School Cash Online. Every gift makes a difference!
Northern Secondary School Foundation
Mark your Calendar!
The Northern Community comes together to enrich the educational experience of our students
The 4th Northern Secondary School Foundation Online Auction
September 21 to October 1, 2023.
Go shopping with gift certificates from local stores!
Tabule -Vidal Sassoon, Want Boutique, Paradise Comics, Mercatto Restaurant, Summerhill Market, Granite Brewery, Merchant of Tennis, Fairlawn Physio, Friendly Butcher, Spokes and Sports Bikes, Bayview Carwash
Go to nssf.ca/silent-auction to view items and sign up to bid
All proceeds to scholarships and grants to student led enrichment activities.
Have a Concern?
Please familiarize yourself with the Parent Concern Protocol this document outlines the process to raise concerns at the school. If you have general inquiries, please reach out to the appropriate Vice-Principal by alphabetical last name. Emails to the principal will generally be forwarded directly to the appropriate vice-principal by (alphabetical last name).
Vice Principals for your Reference: it is essential that questions/ concerns
Surnames A to G: Mr. Kenn Harvey 416-393-0284 ext. 20013 (kenn.harvey@tdsb.on.ca)
Surnames H to O: Ms. Jessica Pearson 416-393-0284 ext. 20012 (jessica.pearson@tdsb.on.ca)
Surnames P to Z: Ms. Tiffany Peel 416-393-0284 ext. 20011 (tiffany.peel@tdsb.on.ca)
Guidance Updates:
- Students! Sign-up for your Guidance Google Classroom:
Stay informed! Get all in info! Join your student Guidance Google classroom!
Sign-up for your Student Guidance Google Classroom:
Grade 9 Google Classroom code: x6sh4ue
Grade 10 Google Classroom code: 4ixv2jl
Grade 11 Google Classroom code: kmv6fcz
Grade 12 Google Classroom code: twdxca6
Starting Monday, September 18, 2023, Guidance will begin posting information about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, youth employment, post-secondary visits and more in our google classrooms.
Please make sure you are enrolled in the correct graded Guidance google classroom.
- Timetable Change Requests: Thank you for your patience these last two weeks as we have worked to finish incomplete timetables.
- TDSB Day School E-Learning Registration: WAITLIST!
Please note: Most Day School e-Learning Semester 1 courses are waitlisted.
Grade 11 and 12 students are eligible to apply for an e-Learning Day School Semester 1 course if they have a spare in their semester 1 timetable.
Click the link here for more information.
- TDSB Sem 1 Night School Registration - Full Credit and Credit Recovery
School Registration Semester 1: OPENS Sept 6, 2023 @ 10 am
Deadline to Enrol: September 29 @10am
Continuing Education Night School Courses are tentatively being offered both as in-person and remote delivery this year. See here for course offerings.
Click here for more information. See your Guidance Counsellor for more information.
- *** New 2023-2024 Guidance Alphas: by Student Last Name
A, F, P, T: Kristen Beach
B-E, I: Semester 1: Jenny Sohn, Semester 2: Leslie Usin-Rojas
G, H, K, L: Jennifer MacPhee
J, M – R: Sean Magee-Saxton
S, U-Z: Melanie Stassis
Click here for Counsellor contact info.
Have a great weekend,
Adam Marshall
Principal
Follow me @PrincipalNSS