Dear Northern Families,

We had a nice visit from MPP Stephanie Bowman and MP Robert Oliphant today. Thank you Mr. Gibson for arranging the visit and congratulations (again) to the Buddies who received in person recognition for their contributions to the school community.

For those celebrating Eid next week Eid Mubarak!

A reminder that the OSSLT runs next week and details can be found below.

Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend.

 

Things to Know for Next Week:

Monday: School Closed for PD Day

Tuesday: OSSLT begins

Wednesday: International Day Of Pink

Thursday: Gifted Advisory Committee Meeting (details below)

Friday: Volunteer and Employment Fair (more info below)

 

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 1979, 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.

 

International Day of Pink:

Wednesday April 10^th marks the International Day of Pink. The International Day of Pink began in 2007 in Nova Scotia following an act of homophobic bullying. In response students wanted to raise awareness and decided to support their schoolmate by wearing pink shirts and standing in solidarity with the victim.

On Wednesday, April 10, we encourage NSS staff and students to show your commitment to stop discrimination, gender-based bullying, homophobia and transphobia. Wearing a pink shirt is a simple but powerful message encouraging us to look beyond our differences and celebrate the things that make us unique."

 

TDSB Summer Programs:

Explore various TDSB summer programs now open for registration at the TDSB. Programs include:

Secondary

• Continuing Education Secondary Credit (Registration opens Friday, April 19)
• e-Summer School Program (Registration tentatively opens on Monday, April 22 for TDSB students and Monday, May 6 for NON-TDSB students)
• International Youth Summer Program

 

 

New Features in School Messenger:

To enhance our existing absence reporting procedure, we have added New Features to report the student’s absence.

1. Parents/Guardians can now use Safe Arrival platforms (Toll free number, mobile app or website) to add student’s Early Departure and Leave and Return in addition to Full Day and Late. These new options will allow parents to choose various reasons (Appointments, Illness, Family responsibility, weather, other reasons) when reporting.

2. Slept In is now available as one of the reasons for reporting late.

3. For Security reasons we recommend parents/ guardians to set up a 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).

• Parents/Guardians will be required to enter the same PIN number before absences can be reported or explained for their student(s) using the SafeArrival phone system.
• The PIN will not be required when reporting using the app or the website as these access options are protected by passwords created by parents.
• PIN settings can be updated by parents from the SchoolMessenger app OR on the website.

Please share the updated Manual - SchoolMessenger App - Step by Step Guide for Parents/Guardians.

 

Student Volunteer and Employment Fair at Northern!

This coming Friday April 12th.

All of lunch hour in the main lobby.

Students from all grades are welcome.

Representatives from Volunteer Organizations, Summer Camps, Elementary Schools, and more will be here. They are looking for enthusiastic students for paid summer work and are offering amazing volunteer opportunities. Talk to the representatives about how you could earn hours or gain summer, part time or weekend employment.

Can't make it? Check out the Guidance Google Classroom for Volunteer and Employment information, updated regularly with diverse opportunities. Volunteer Forms are available for pick up in the Guidance Office.

Questions? Contact Kristen.Beach@tdsb.on.ca

 

TDSB Experiential Learning 2-Credit Summer Coop 2024 Information and Timeline

The Experiential Learning 2-Credit Coop Summer Program is now accepting Student Expression of Interest forms. Full information about the program is available on the Experiential Learning AW Page

TIMELINES:

1. Expression of Interest Forms due no later than Friday May 03, 2024

2. Conditional Intake Placement Form offered to conditionally-accepted students by mid-May 2024, to enable confirmation/acceptance of position offering.

3. Mandatory Pre-Placement Dates: Saturday June 15 AND Saturday June 22, 2024 (8:30am-4:00pm)

4. Coop placement dates: Tuesday July 02 - Friday August 09, 2024. Note: students do not participate in Coop for Statutory Holidays - including the Civic Holiday on Monday August 05, 2024.

 

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!

 

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"

 

Grad Photos:

Did you miss all our in-house grad photo days? Have no fear….

https://edgeimaging.ca/en/graduation-photography-studios/

Choose: Toronto (Senior Graduation)

Follow the prompts to book and confirm appointment

*This studio will be held at North Toronto Christian School - 255 Yorkland Blvd, Toronto

 

Northern STEM Alumni Panel see this NEW 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). This event is proudly sponsored by the Northern Secondary School Foundation.

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

 

 

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:

Parents and guardians are asked to share this information with their young adults.

Northern Secondary School Foundation Award of Recognition

These awards are presented annually at Commencement or the Awards Assembly to one student in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Are you someone whose work in the community reflect positively on the reputation of Northern Secondary School.

Do you volunteer with a community organization, write for the local press, perform with the musical or theatre group, support a humanitarian or environmental issues or participate in a provincial competition.?

If so, then….Tell us your story in an application on nssf.ca/scholarship.

Nominations can be made by the student, a classmate, or a teacher You may also self-nominate.

Applications accepted until May 3rd, 2024 at scholarship@nssc.ca

Contact info@nssf.ca for more information.

 

School Council:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. ADHD from the Inside Out - Dan Duncan offers game changing insights that explain what is happening inside the ADHD brain so you can understand your child and why they are struggling in the way they do AND why they are inconsistent in their abilities and skills. Watch the Shift Your Thinking webinar here.

 

Guidance Updates:

1. Looking for Volunteer or Summer Youth Employment opportunities? Please attend our NSS Volunteer and Youth Employment Fair April 12, 2024 at lunch!
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. 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.
4. 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
5. TDSB In-Person/Remote Continuing Education Summer School information here. Registration for TDSB In-Person/Remote Summer OPENS Friday April 19, 2024.
6. Scholarship Information:

1. 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
2. Seeking Scholarships has released their April Scholarship Report which has upcoming scholarship dates listed for students applying to post-secondary programs. It also has some great tips for preparing for interviews for scholarships, admissions to special programs, or for employment opportunities.

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. A copy of the report is posted on the Guidance Google Classroom for Grade 12 students.

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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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!

11. 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.

12. Mental Wellness Resources

Kids Help Phone: text 686868.

In an emergency, call 911.

 

Have a great weekend!

Adam Marshall

Principal

Follow me @PrincipalNSS