Dear Northern Families,

I hope you are enjoying a relaxing long weekend.

This week students were treated to an amazing series of performances with the “Battle of the Bands”. A great job by Mr. Newman, Ms. Peng and a host of students!

There are reminders everywhere, but just to put it out one more time, Monday April 8^th is now a PD Day.

Enjoy the rest of the long weekend!

 

Things to Know for Next Week:

Monday: School Closed

Wednesday: Euclid Math Contest

Thursday: University of Waterloo Math Contests

Thursday: School Council Meeting @6:30pm

 

Solar Eclipse :

Toronto will experience a Solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The coverage in Toronto will be approximately 98-99%. Eclipses like this are rare for any given region. The last total solar eclipse for Toronto was in 2017, and the next one will be in 2144. The TDSB has moved the April PA day to align with the eclipse. Although students will not be in class that day, this rare event offers teachers a fantastic opportunity to teach about orbits, the Sun, the Earth, the Moon and its phases, eclipses, and safe ways to view them. The TDSB Science, STEM and Robotics department has developed a guide of key information about the upcoming eclipse.

 

TDSB Staff Excellence Awards:

Reminder: Submit a nomination for the TDSB Excellence Awards by April 5!

Every year, the Excellence Awards help shine a light on the stories of extraordinary staff commitment. This is a reminder that nominations for the TDSB Excellence Awards close on April 5 at 4:00pm!

 

 

Mainstage:

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!

 

From the Library:

Are you a Young Writer, Poet or Artist?

To support our budding poets, writers, and artists, the Library will be hosting a “Get Published” workshop on April 4th, 2024, at lunch. We aim to help students submit writing, poetry and artwork to the Toronto Public Library’s Young Voices publication. For guidelines, eligibility requirements and more information about the program, visit the TPL Young Voices magazine site.

Look for your Overdue Books. We are always looking for our overdue Library Books. Please take some time to search all your spaces and bags at home and return them to the Library. As always, we do not charge fines for overdue books! Thanks!

Yearbook:

“Calling all Northern Students! Want your voice to be a part of this year's yearbook?

Please fill out our undergrad surveys ASAP! The survey just takes 2 minutes!
All responses are anonymous, but only school appropriate short answer responses will be included.
(due April 8th)
https://forms.gle/cd3WQRBH2G2FtfXx9"

 

Waterloo Math Contests Reminders:

If you have signed up for the Euclid math contest, please remember that we will be writing in the cafeteria on Wednesday during periods 3 and 4.

If you have signed up for the Fryer, Galois, or Hypatia math contest, please remember that we will be writing in the cafeteria on Thursday during periods 3 and 4.

 

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

1. Complete this form
2. 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)

 

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 9^th to Friday April 12^th.

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.

 

Northern Secondary School Foundation:

Northern Secondary School Foundation Accepting Applications for Scholarships and Awards March 11-May 3, 2024

Attention Parents/Gurdians of Graduating Students

The Foundation is pleased to offer many Scholarships and Awards to graduating students. We are grateful to former teachers, parents and alumni who fund these awards.

Applications will be accepted starting on March 11^th.

Go to nssf.ca/scholarships for a complete list of the awards and application forms.

326149. scholarships and awards recognize academic achievement in math, science, social science, business, family studies, music, art and design.. Others recognize leadership in community service, environmental and humanitarian initiatives, participation in athletic and extracurricular activities, and perseverance in face of adversity.

Award winners are selected by the Scholarship Committee of Northern Secondary School. If you have any questions about the awards or the application process, contact info nssf@nssf.ca and we will get back to you

 

School Council:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Walking Buddies - Saturday, April 6th - 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.

4. GAC meeting and Games Night - April 11th, 6:00-8:00 pm. Join the Gifted Advisory Committee for a casual games night in the Northern library. This is an opportunity to meet other parents, share your experiences and ask questions in a casual setting. You are welcome to bring a board game that you enjoy or enjoy one of the games that will be provided.

5. Parenting talk - Thursday, April 25th at 6:30 pm. As parents, many of us worry about the mental health of our children. One factor that is within our sphere of influence is establishing a connection with our kids. It sounds like a simple thing, but we have to compete with devices and virtual connections that draw attention away from in-person connections. Northern School Council is pleased to invite parents, guardians and caregivers to an in-person presentation by Ulrica Jobe who will give us ideas about how to navigate the challenge of maintaining a strong connection with our kids in this hyper-connected world. Please register here to attend. If you have any questions, reach us at nss.school.council@gmail.com

 

Guidance Updates:

1. Mental Wellness Resources

Kids Help Phone: text 686868.

In an emergency, call 911.

2. For eligible students, the LAST DAY TO REQUEST to DROP a NSS SEMSTER 2 course is Tuesday April 23, 2024. Students must book an appointment with their Guidance counsellor to start this process.

Courses dropped after the Full Disclosure Date of May 1, 2024 will appear on official transcripts. For any questions, see your Guidance Counsellor.

3. Looking for Volunteer or Summer Youth Employment opportunities? Please attend our NSS Volunteer and Employment Fair April 12, 2024 at lunch!
4. Graduating students who are applying to O.S.A.P. for next year should attend our “Financing Post-Secondary” workshop at lunch in late April. Date T.B.D.
5. 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
6. TDSB In-Person/Remote Continuing Education Summer School information here. Registration for TDSB In-Person/Remote Summer OPENS Friday April 19, 2024.
7. 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).

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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!

12. 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.

 

Have a great long weekend!

Adam Marshall

Principal

Follow me @PrincipalNSS