Dear Northern Families,

Another busy week at school. The Terry Fox Run Walk went well during lunch this week. We also had a huge turnout for our Club Fair on the back field Wednesday- some exciting new clubs this year in addition to our returning groups. Curriculum night Thursday had a great showing from families- thank you to everyone that visited with us. The Northern Secondary Student Foundation was on hand promoting their online auction. More details are below- I encourage you to check it out- auction ends Sunday at 9pm!

School Council Elections are happening October 17^th. Please see details below under “School Council”.

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 24^th to 30^th. Semester 2 exams run from June 19^th- 25^th. 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 16^th 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 7^th. Instructions can be found HERE ), 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!

13031. 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:

1. Monday – Thursday: Drama Auditions @3:15pm
2. Thursday: Awards Assembly Period 1 (invitation only)
3. Thursday: Mark Update (check your email for messages from teachers)
4. Friday: PD Day (no School)

 

 

United Way:

 

The CN Tower Stair climb is back! Join Northern’s Team on October 21st at 9:00 am to climb the CN tower for change! United Way holds this fundraising event every year to raise money for the United Way charity. United Way is an umbrella organization that supports local communities, providing them with basic needs. Every dollar that is raised goes to the United Way. This is a great event for our school community to get together and have a fun time! Join our team from this link:

https://secure2.convio.net/uwgt/site/TR/CommunityEvents/General?team_id=7701&pg=team&fr_id=1440

 

 

Robotics/ SHSM

 

On September 28th the Robotics classes and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students attended the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS). They joined the Bright Minds Student Summit organized by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). The students viewed high-tech manufacturing technology and learned from leading global companies. They were engaged in the student challenge game on site and the NSS Alpha came in third place out of the 30 teams. Overall it was a fun day of experiential learning! To see photos from the day, please click here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pv12qRymWHfRQX5r8CcbLmN7YkOrqv7i?usp=drive_link

 

Math Competitions

The NSS Math Department is excited to offer a variety of math competitions, again, for the 2023-2024 school year.

Registrations have already opened for the following competitions:

• Canada National Math League Contest #1
• Canadian Open Math Competition
• Canadian Intermediate/Senior Math Contests

Students can sign up by completing the registration form on the 2023-2024 NSS Math Contest Google Classroom using class code: kzwovat

Please direct any contest questions to steven.ong@tdsb.on.ca

 

Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference - October 21 & 22, 2023

 

Join us at our annual Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on October 21 and 22, 2023. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are invited to participate in a weekend of learning, connection, and engagement and to learn strategies to support your child throughout the year.

Last year, we partnered with the TDSB’s Outdoor Education team and the City of Toronto to bring a unique experience to the conference. All of the in-person sessions are scheduled between 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Transportation from central sites is available to all venues, leaving the location at 1:00 p.m. and returning at 3:30 p.m. More information will be provided as we approach the date.

13031. virtual conference includes a keynote address on Saturday, October 21, 2023, by Dr. Gholnescsar (Gholdy) Muhammad, an Associate Professor of Literacy, Language, and Culture. On Sunday, October 22, 2023, Sarah Baldeo, an accomplished neuroscientist, technologist, corporate strategist, and a successful entrepreneur, will be our keynote.

Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca to register and for more information.

 

 

 

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?

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)

 

School Council Update:

1) Election for School Council Voting Members 2023-24 - Tuesday, October 17 at 6:30 pm. All parents and guardians of Northern students are welcome to run; no prior experience needed. If you would like to nominate yourself as a voting member for School Council 2023/24, please email nssc.elections@gmail.com to request your nomination form package. All submissions must be received back by 11:59 pm Monday October 9, 2023 in order to be included on the ballot. In the event a vote for full council is needed, the meeting will be held in-person in the Northern Library. If members are acclaimed we will hold a virtual meeting.

2) 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). Click here for more details and the link to make your contribution through School Cash Online by Friday November 10. Every gift makes a difference!

3) Gifted Advisory Committee- To join the Gifted Advisory Committee or sign up for GAC emails here.

 

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) Games Night - Fri, October 13 - 6:30-9:30 pm -join other Northern parents for a night of good food and good fun. It's a great time to relax and make some new friends! Email nss.school.council@gmail.com for more details.

 

Northern Secondary School Foundation

We are Live! Auction Closes Sunday Oct 1 at 9:pm

The 4^th Northern Secondary School Foundation Online Auction

Go to nssf.ca/silent-auction to sign up and bid

 

We have something for everyone!

 

Planning to renovate or decorate? How about a consultation with Wanda Ely Design or The Dickson Group?

 

Special educational opportunities for your son or daughter. A consultation with American College Consulting to discuss universities outside of Canada....Time with Mostly Math tutoring for PSAT and SAT test prep or tutoring in all subjects. Study abroad for credit with EduTravel.

 

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 wake boarding lesson at Deerhurst, Super Bowl Game football, Tournament Park Tennis Club membership, ski at Craigleith or take some Advice from a Caterpillar?.

 

Recently added...art by Gerard Paraghamian NSS’62 one of North Americas Premier corporate artists

Proceeds to scholarships and grants to student led enrichment activities.

All items donated by our amazing parents, retired teacher and alumni in support of NSS students

 

Guidance Updates:

1. Guidance Week-in-Review: Grade 12 home form visits have begun! “I’m in Grade 12, Now What?” Graduation Requirements check & Post-Secondary home form presentations are happening this week.

Looking Ahead: Grade 12 home form visits continue. One-on-one grade 12 post-secondary meetings begin with grade 12 students and counsellors.

 

 

2. Post Secondary Updates:
   1. NSS Post-Secondary Individual School Lunch Visits 2023/24
   2. NSS Post-Secondary Guide is here!
   3. Save the dates:
      1. NSS Post-Secondary Fair is Wednesday, November 8, 2023 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm @ Northern SS
      2. Ontario College Fair: Oct 18 & 19, 2023 @ Enercare Centre
      3. OUF: Ontario Universities Fair @ the Metro Convention Centre - October 22-23, 2023

 

3. NSS Scholarship Information Chart 2023/2024 where Northern-specific scholarship information and deadlines can be found (along with other common awards).

 

4. 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.

****Stay tuned for upcoming workshops on applying to scholarships - coming soon!

5. 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.

 

6. *** 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