Dear Northern Families,
We had an excellent turnout for our first School Council Meeting last night with nearly 100 in attendance online and in person. Thank you for your support! Details about the upcoming election can be found below in the School Council section.
A reminder to students that there is no parking available on school property. We simply do not have the space to accommodate student vehicles.
From Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin: Ward 11 Newsletter - September 21, 2023
Need to reset your student password? Students can reset their own passwords. But only if they set up the feature ahead of time! Self-Service Reset (SSPR) Instructions for Staff and Students
A little reminder that we have a PA Day Friday, October 6th. Also, Thanksgiving falls on Monday October 9th. No school for students either day.
A few reminders…..
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.
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.
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!
Upcoming Week:
- Wednesday: Late Start @9:55am
- Thursday: Club Fair at Lunch
- Thursday: Curriculum Night from 6:30-8:00pm
- Friday: Late Start @9:55am
- Friday: Truth and Reconciliation Day- wear an Orange Shirt!
Terry Fox Run/ Walk:
Wednesday, September 27 - Bring a toonie for Terry and join CURE on the backfield at lunch to participate in our Terry Fox Run/Walk. Parents and Guardians can donate online at: https://schools.terryfox.ca/NorthernSecondaryToronto
Orange Shirt Day/ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - All Next Week
On Friday September 29th the TDSB acknowledges Orange Shirt Day/ National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Between September 25th- September 29th Northern will have various displays, opening music, announcements, and class activities and learning aimed at furthering the celebration of Indigenous Peoples.
We encourage all students and staff to show their support by wearing orange on Friday September 29th and view the displays in the Main Foyer.
We will also be fundraising with a Ceramics Sale of orange shirt and heart pendants for $2 each throughout the week. Buttons will also be available for sale $2 each with all proceeds being donated to a local Indigenous organization. Sales will be available on Curriculum Night.
International Day of Sign Languages
Let us celebrate two special events this week: International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages.
For more information please visit the World Federation of the Deaf website.
https://wfdeaf.org/iwdeaf2023/
Music:
Do you like making music? Do you want to perform for your fellow students? Sign up to perform at our second ever Music Week! Events are running every lunch from October 30th to November 3rd with performances on November 2nd and 3rd. Sign up at bit.ly/musicweek23signup. Follow our Instagram @nssmusic for more info!
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:
Peer Tutoring
Peer Tutoring is now available! We are able to offer tutoring support in all compulsory subjects for Grades 9 and 10. Students, please complete the Tutee Registration Form in order to be matched with a Peer Tutor this semester.
Welcome to SHSM Event 2022-2023 Happening October 11th
Students can confirm their attendance using this form.
Who is it for: All SHSM students and anyone interested in learning more about SHSM - bring a friend!
When: October 11th @ 3:30-4:15 pm
Where: Library
What will happen at this event?
- Meet your SHSM peers!
- Meet your teachers and coordinators of the program
- All students enrolled will receive a welcome gift
- Overview of program requirements
- Important dates for semester 1 and 2
- Learn how to earn certifications, reach aheads and SPE/ICE Training
Please fill in the Google Form before the event to confirm your attendance.
Have a Concern?
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)
School Council Update:
1) Thank you! to all who attended our school council meeting last night. It was great seeing so many of you. Also a big thank you to our council members of 2022-23, who volunteered their time and expertise to support students and parents at Northern SS. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming council elections for 2023-24.
2) 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.
3) IEPs: What You Need to Know - Youth + Parent Live Call - Wednesday, Sept 27 at 7 pm - IEPs offer information about your child and their learning needs. Learn what do you need to know about them. Facilitated by expert Dr. Todd Cunningham of Bright Lights Psychology for parents and students. For a link, email nss.school.council@gmail.com with "IEPs" in the subject line.
4) Walking Buddies - Saturday, Sept 30 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.
5) 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
We are Live! The 4th Northern Secondary School Foundation Online Auction from September 21 to October 1, 2023.
Go HERE nssf.ca/silent-auction to sign up and bid
Take in a Leaf game or spend New Year’s Day with the Raptors or celebrate at the 150th Anniversary game with the Argos.
Dine out at Toronto’s finest restaurants!
Planning to renovate? How about a consultation with Wanda Ely Design?
Need a special gift for the person who has everything?
Why not a Blue Rodeo Varsity Jacket from their 2013 Canadian tour, art from North Toronto artists or gift cards from Tabule, Spokes and Sports, Super Bowl Game football, Tournament Park Tennis Club membership, ski at Craigleith or take some Advice from a Caterpillar.
All proceeds to scholarships and grants to student led enrichment activities.
Guidance Updates:
- Guidance Week-in-Review: This week counsellors visited most grade 9 home forms to introduce ourselves and share more about how we work with our students to help create a safe and successful high school experience.
Looking Ahead: Next week counsellors will start their grade 12 home form visits, sharing more info about next steps for our students’ post-secondary plans.
- 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.
- Post Secondary Updates:
- NSS Post-Secondary Individual School Lunch Visits 2023/24
- NSS Post-Secondary Guide is here!
- NSS Scholarship Information Chart 2023/2024
- Seeking Scholarships has released their September Scholarship Report which has upcoming scholarship dates listed for students applying to post-secondary programs.
Northern students, teachers, and families can access from this link using the password, scholar58: https://seekingscholarships.com/the-scholarship-report-2/
Please note: This resource is copyrighted and only available to Northern families - please do not share outside of the Northern community.
Northern-specific scholarship information and deadlines (along with other common awards that students apply to can be found here): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-ZrEGhtrhY8rH4WW3NLC-p5QE-2hStUszLZTn34h8_o/edit
Stay tuned for upcoming workshops on applying to scholarships - coming soon!
- 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.
- *** 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