Dear Northern Families,
I hope everyone had a fantastic March Break and is ready for the downhill run on the school year. Lots happens over the next 3 months- keep on top of your studies because it will be a blur!
Thank you to everyone that attended Parent/ Guardian – Teacher Interviews last night. It was great to see so many families out. Thank you to the many people who supported our United Way/ Buddies fundraisers while you were here.
Things to Know for Next Week:
Wednesday: Late Start @9:55am
Wednesday: Battle of the Bands after school!
Thursday: NSS PALS event at lunch in the foyer.
Friday: No school (long weekend, Monday April 1 off too!)
Battle of the Bands:
Battle of the Bands is Wednesday after school in the auditorium! Come watch seven amazing bands compete for the ultimate bragging rights and a trophy! Entrance is free!
Robotics Club: 1st District Event – Durham:
The Northern Robotics Team 8884, known as the Knight Owls, recently competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition during March Break. As the Alliance Captain, they led their team to an impressive third-place finish in the playoffs. The Knight Owls also clinched the prestigious Innovation in Control Award, showcasing their mastery of robotic precision. And let’s give a special shout-out to Chloe Zhou! She received the District Championship Dean’s List Semi-Finalist Award, a testament to her outstanding contributions.
Great work, Knight Owls!
To see photos and videos from the day, please click here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VqCB07xmHqAeEk5nzgbclMDHoxT03-ZT?usp=sharing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTzJb6OJGSI&list=PLEibVLvi3Bg_xcO6weC7DVXnHw8LeAsW3&index=18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLthFrR1Nd4
News from the Modern Languages Department:
Congratulations to Jack Ginsburg, Stephanie Koutakos, Peter Eana, Jolie Goldstein, Isla Shapiro and Jing Zomok, who participated in the TDSB's French Public Speaking Contest, or Le concours d'art oratoire on March 21st. All of our participants did an amazing job at representing the school across all categories, from Core French to French Immersion and even in the Francophone category. A special congratulations to Jack Ginsburg, Stephanie Koutakos, Peter Eana and Jolie Goldstein, who each won in their respective categories and are advancing to provincials. Félicitations!
Come see Mainstage Northern Drama 2024 see this POSTER
What: Importance of Being Earnest
Who: by Oscar Wilde
When: April 15-18, 7 pm
Where: Studio 225
Why: A hilarious night of romantic entanglements and social expectations performed by extremely talented Northern students.
Cost: $5 - limited seating - Buy in advance from the drama office at lunch OR at the door.
Jack has fallen in love with Gwendolyn, the cousin of his best friend, Algernon. Meanwhile, Algernon has plans to woo Cecily, Jack’s young ward. The only problem is that both women will only love a man named “Ernest.” To win Cecily’s hand in marriage, Algernon poses as Jack’s brother, Ernest. But when Algernon arrives at Jack’s estate, he discovers to his dismay that Ernest has recently “died.” In the meantime, Jack has made plans to be christened with the name “Ernest” at 5:30 p.m. not knowing Algernon has also made arrangements to be christened “Ernest” the same day. In the end Algernon and Jack realize the importance of being earnest!
TDSB Skills Competition (Mechanical CAD):
Congratulations to Keon Fisher, Alex Jacob, Aidan Pham and Marek Mawji for winning the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the TDSB Skills - Mechanical Computer Aided Design Competition. They will represent TDSB to participate in the Ontario Skills Competition. Good job! To see photos from the day, please click here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xuJeaLuREj_r29mV4MxHmFGigT3781lx?usp=sharing
Student Success:
Tour – Toyota Manufacturing Plant and University of Waterloo (Faculty of Engineering):
On March 7th the Tech Design classes and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students took a tour of the University of Waterloo Engineering Faculty’s facility and the Toyota Manufacturing Plant in Cambridge, ON. In the morning, our students actively connected with the university engineering students, participating in enjoyable activities, and engaging in insightful conversations (photography prohibited in most areas). In the afternoon, we took a tour of the Toyota Manufacturing Plant (photography prohibited). Here students took a tram through the facilities to see the assembly lines in action and ask questions directly to the staff of Toyota. It was a fun day of experiential learning! To see photos from the day, please click here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Xmpnu5VW5ZyRUQUjmxESc-OQmYMaJosX?usp=sharing
Northern Buddies
Hi Northern!
If you are interested in being a buddy for the 2024-2025 school year, applications are now out! The purpose of buddies is to create a strong sense of community, and foster an environment where every student feels like they belong and are able to make Northern their home.
We are looking for students who are approachable, positive, show initiative, and are empathetic. You can find the link to the application form here, in our Instagram bio @northernbuddyprogram, or find a QR code on a poster in the halls. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Instagram!
Applications are due Friday, March 29th.
Northern STEM Alumni Panel see this POSTER
The Northern Science Department is pleased to present the 2024 STEM Alumni Panel.
This moderated event will feature Northern Alumni from a variety of different STEM related fields. Panelists include current university students and professionals who have excelled in their chosen profession. The panel discussion will be followed by a short meet and greet session.
The event will take place on Wednesday, May 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Northern (in person).
For more information about our speakers please see the attached flyer. To register, please use this link.
U of T National Biology Competition
The National Biology Competition (NBC) is an annual competition for secondary school students (grades 9 to 12). This competition provides high school students with an opportunity to test their knowledge and understanding of biology.
The competition will take place on: Thursday, April 18, 2024 during period 2 (10:30 am - 11:45 am)
The exam is 75 minutes long. Location details will be shared shortly.
Cost: $10
Registration Deadline: Friday, April 5, 2024
For more information visit: www.biocomp.utoronto.ca
To Register
- Complete this form
- Bring $10 cash to your Biology Teacher
If you have any questions about registration please contact Mr. Isaac (jonathan.isaac@tdsb.on.ca)
Prep Sessions
Mr. Swadron will be running prep sessions on:
Thursday, April 4 @ Lunch - Room 328
Friday, April 12 @ Lunch - Room 328
If you have any questions about the prep sessions or the competition please contact Mr. Swadron (benjamin.swadron@tdsb.on.ca)
Launch of Parent’s Guide to Ontario’s Education System
The Ministry of Education is pleased to inform you that the Parent’s Guide to Ontario’s Education System was launched today.
This new resource will provide parents with helpful information that supports them to have a stronger role and actively participate in their children’s education. The guide covers several subjects such as knowing how their child is doing in school, learning about suspension and expulsion processes, attending a school council meeting or parent involvement committee meeting, and knowing about specialized supports to help all children succeed.
This initiative is part of the government’s recent efforts to increase transparency and accountability in our school system.
The full guide can be found at www.Ontario.ca/educationguide.
School Drop-Off & Pick-Up Safety
Our priority is the safety of all students and we have been observing a rising concern regarding the congestion on Roehampton before and after school. We have approximately 5 – 7 school buses and transportation vehicles who need to pick-up and drop-off students on Roehampton and accessing this location has become increasingly difficult to maneuver since we have parents/guardians on the south side of Roehampton waiting in vehicles to pick up students. To alleviate the congestion and create a safer environment for all students during arrival and departure time we ask parents/guardians to wait in vehicles on Rawlinson Avenue (the street behind the back field). In addition we ask that students use the intersection at Roehampton and Mount Pleasant to cross rather than before the intersection for their safety.
OSSLT Dates & Schedule
This semester we have 381 students in grade 10 and 11 who will be writing their OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test). They have received electronic communication informing them of the dates and times they are writing. To support the administration of this Assessment we are going to be running a modified schedule Tuesday April 9th to Friday April 12th.
|
Period 1
|
|
9:00 to 10:50
|
|
|
Period 2
|
|
10:55 to 11:40
|
|
|
Lunch
|
|
11:40 to 12:40
|
|
|
Period 3
|
|
12:40 to 2:30
|
|
|
Period 4
|
|
2:35 to 3:15
|
|
Northern Spring Sports
With Spring around the corner there are many tryouts occurring next week for many spring sports including Rugby, All-Gender Volleyball & Ultimate Frisbee, Girls Soccer, Boys Baseball, Girls Softball, Track and Field and Tennis. For all tryout information and which teacher-coach to contact for each sport please visit the Student-Athlete Resource Site to stay up to date so you don't miss out!
Student Success
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.
Operation Smile:
Operation Smile is hosting a cookie dough fundraiser to raise funds for children in developing countries suffering from cleft lip or palate. Partnered with Terra Cotta Cookies, you are able to order through this link: https://fundraising.terracottacookies.com/current-fundraisers/nss-operation-smile/ where you can choose from over 10 flavours including vegan and gluten free options! Orders will close on March 26, and your cookies, ready to be baked, will be delivered right to school!
Student Accident Insurance Reminder (from the board):
The Toronto District School Board does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries that occur on school premises or during school sponsored activities
Parents/ guardians are responsible for deciding whether or not to purchase student accident insurance. The insurance program options range from $17 to $33 per year.
Letter: TDSB Student Accident Insurance Letter
Flyer: Student Accident Plan Flyer
Website: Student Accident Plan
Should further information about the above including the policy or purchasing details, please visit www.studyinsuredstudentaccident.com or call 1-833-560-0527 (toll-free) or 416-916-1588 (local).
Measles Alert:
Toronto Public Health recently announced an investigation of a confirmed case of measles. Please make sure all your vaccinations are up to date. Click here for more information.
Northern Secondary School Foundation:
Parents/Guardians: Please encourage your graduates to apply for Northern Secondary School Foundation Scholarships and Awards.
Northern Alumni have established scholarships to recognize the achievements of Northern students and to show appreciation for their Northern experience..
The Belyk Award for Excellence in Design. Created by Tom Belyk to honour his family’s 50-year association with Northern.
Gail Robertson Whitworth Award in Family Studies. Funded by Gail Robertson Whitworth NSS ’73 to honour three generations of her family who have graduated from Northern
Jim Davidson NSS ’76 to recognise leadership in athletic and academic achievement in the Jim W. Davidson Scholarship.
Norman Hayman NSS ‘45 to recognize achievement in math and participation in National Mathematics’ competitions..
The Red Knights through the years to honor legendary coach in the Clarke Pulford Memorial Award.
Go to nssf.ca/scholarship to learn more about the awards and to complete an application.
Deadline: May 3rd , 2024. For more information contact info@nssf.ca
School Council:
1. Walking Buddies - Saturday, March 23rd - 9:30-10:30 am Join other Northern parents for some fresh air, exercise, and conversation about school, kids, and life! Email nss.school.council@gmail.com for more details.
2. School Council meeting - Thursday, April 4th at 6:30 pm. School Council meets in the Northern Secondary School Library. We are looking forward to seeing you in person or on the screen - the meeting will be hybrid. If you would like to attend virtually, please email us at nss.school.council@gmail.com with the subject line "School Council Meeting Link." The link will be sent by 5 pm the day of the meeting. Documents for the meeting can be found here.
3. Ask Adam The Principal's update is an important part of every school council meeting. If you have a question about something that is happening at Northern, please submit your question to nss.school.council@gmail.com with "Ask Adam" in the subject line.
Guidance Updates:
- TDSB e-Learning Summer School Registration OPENS: Monday, April 22, 2024. Course listings will be updated March 19, 2024 for your planning purposes. For more info about TDSB e-Summer school go here
- TDSB In-Person/Remote Continuing Education Summer School information here. Registration for TDSB In-Person/Remote Summer OPENS Friday April 19, 2024.
- Child and Youth Services Poster Contest: What is on Your Path to Joy?
Children’s Mental Health Week is May 6-10, 2024. This year our theme is all about what you do in your everyday life that create moments of joy and joyfulness. The Child and Youth Services Poster Contest is open to all TDSB students, with prizes to be won in five categories. The winning designs will be announced in May, during Children’s Mental Health week, when we visit schools to share the news with students and their communities. We will also feature the posters on Social Media and in some TDSB buildings. Please see the attached flyer and instructions for contest details and submission information. The deadline to submit contest entries is March 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
- Scholarship Information:
Graduating Students: The Northern Secondary School Foundation offers 40 Scholarships and Awards to graduating students ranging from $200 to $5000. Check out the list on our website at NSSF.ca. Go to Scholarships and follow the instructions to apply for awards. Applications will be accepted March 11,2024 until May 3, 2024. Assistance is available from your guidance counsellor or at scholarships@nssf.ca
Seeking Scholarships has released their February Scholarship Report which has upcoming scholarship dates listed for students applying to post-secondary programs. It also has some great tips this month for writing scholarship essays. Northern students, teachers, and families can access from this link using the password, scholar58:
Please note: This resource is copyrighted and only available to Northern families - please do not share outside of the Northern community.
NSS Scholarship Information Chart 2023/2024 where Northern-specific scholarship information and deadlines can be found (along with other common awards).
- University of Toronto Outreach Opportunities:
STEAM Design: Program Dates: July 2 - 26, 2024
The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Design Program is an experiential learning program with an equity focus, as it is designed for grades 10-12 students identifying with groups that are underrepresented in health sciences (i.e. Black, Indigenous, Filipino, Latin American, racialized, and/or from any background experiencing socio-economic barriers) Click here to APPLY
Blueprint: Program Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2024
Blueprint is an academic enrichment program designed for highly motivated Black students interested in science and engineering. Blueprint is open to students currently in Grades 10 and 11, and are interested in careers in STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Math). Click here to APPLY
- IMPORTANT Volunteering Information:
PLEASE NOTE: Events and activities supporting a not-for-profit initiative are approved. If you are unsure if your activities supports a not-for-profit program, please see your Guidance counsellor for approval of the volunteering initiative.
For more information about the TDSB’s policy on Volunteering, click here.
Students: for volunteering information and opportunities, please visit your Guidance Google classroom or www.volunteertoronto.ca.
You can find the TDSB Community Involvement form here.
- CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES: Community Service Opportunity
Empowering Students: Join the Canadian Stem Cell Registry Initiative
Open to Grade 9-12 students nationwide, this well-established initiative is dedicated to educating students on the profound impact of joining the Canadian Stem Cell Registry.
Students can earn up to 40 hours of Community Service/Involvement to be counted towards graduation while also possibly saving a life. This year, there is a new scholarship opportunity for Grade 12 students to enter to win their post-secondary tuition. For more information please go to: StartWithHillary.ca/students-saving-lives.
- Post Secondary Updates:
Do you have questions about how to access accommodations at your post-secondary school? This chart lists each university's policy/needs around what is required to get accommodations: https://caddac.ca/wp-content/uploads/Post-Secondary-documentation-Requirements-Chart.pdf
NSS Post-Secondary Individual School Lunch Visits 2023/24
NSS Post-Secondary Guide is here!
- Online Graduation Requirement – Information and Opt-Out Form
Looking for information about the new Ontario Ministry Online Learning graduation requirement? Please click here
Overview Info: applies only to students who entered Grade 9 on or after September 1, 2020. Students may withdraw/opt out of this new requirement and graduate with an OSSD if you have decided now to withdraw from the graduation requirement, please complete the TDSB Opt Out/Withdrawal Form and return it to your Guidance Counsellor.
- Mental Wellness Resources
Kids Help Phone: text 686868.
In an emergency, call 911.
Have a great weekend!
Adam Marshall
Principal
Follow me @PrincipalNSS