Dear Northern Families,

Students- please see important information about Student Activity Council elections below! There is an information session Monday at lunch in the auditorium if you would like to learn more. Get involved!

Please see information about Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin’s Ward Forum and Community Coffee .

A reminder that Report Cards will be emailed home on Wednesday April 24^th.

Congratulations to students that completed their OSSLT this week. A big thank you to Ms. Peel and all staff involved in the Literacy Test process.

We had a visit from the Holodomor National Awareness Tour this week. Several of our history classes had the opportunity to attend. Thank You Mr. Gibson for setting up this opportunity.

A huge congratulations to Mr. Wong and the Robotics Team. The team just missed out on qualifying for the world’s competition. It is incredible that a program that is still in its infancy is meeting with such success! More details below.

Please see this month’s Hearts and Minds newsletter from TDSB Psychology.

 

Things to Know for Next Week:

Monday- Thursday: Mainstage! Details below.

Tuesday: Last day of semester 2, term 1.

Wednesday: Late Start @9:55am

Wednesday: First Day Semester 2, Term 2

 

Robotics Club: FRC 2024 Season:

Greetings to Parents, Students, and All Supporters of the Robotics Club!

After months of unwavering dedication and weeks filled with intense competitions, the Northern Robotics Team 8884, known as the Knight Owls, is at the culmination of this year’s FIRST Robotic Competition (FRC) season. The team members have every reason to be immensely proud of their achievements.

Team 8884 assumed the role of alliance captain in both the Durham and Windsor District events. The Knight Owls’ accomplishments extend beyond the field, as they secured the Innovation in Control Award, the Industrial Design Award, and the honor of being Dean’s List Semi-Finalists.

The Ontario Provincial Championship (held from April 3rd to 6th) was a thrilling roller coaster ride, with lots of exciting tight matches in the team’s playoff games.

To the parents, sponsors, and mentors who have fueled the rapid growth of this team over the past two and a half years, the deepest gratitude is extended. The Knight Owls will focus on organizing outreach activities, fostering reflection, and enhancing the skills and experiences of our remarkable students in the remaining part of this school year.

Let the team continue to build, innovate, and inspire!

To view photos and videos from this season, please click here.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14Wn51f7kyiN5Pj3FStUEnGzpqaBx7AhY?usp=sharing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2Nfrc97aVs

 

Solar Eclipse:

Are you wondering what to do with your eclipse glasses now that the big event is over? Are you interested in donating them? If so, please bring your eclipse classes to Mrs. Marr in room 215 al next week. She is collecting them and then dropping them at Warby Parker as they are donating the eclipse glasses to communities in Latin America who will be experiencing a total eclipse in October of this year.

 

Music:

Sounds of Spring is back on May 2nd! $2 for a hot dog, drink, and live music! Sign up to perform at bit.ly/soundsofspring2024 . Follow us on Instagram @nssmusic.

 

EQAO Student Engagement:

EQAO is pleased to share a call for proposals for Grades 7 -12 students to take part in our EQAO Student Engagement Committee for the 2024-2025 school year. Each year, 30 students from across the province are selected to participate in the committee to share feedback with EQAO on ways to improve our programs. This is a volunteer opportunity involving virtual meetings several times throughout the year. The deadline for applications is June 3rd, 2024.

Please find the attached FLYER as well as a direct link to our website Student Engagement Committee information.

 

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

 

SAC Elections:

For all applicants, here are some important details:

1. Information session for interested candidates Monday April 15^th during lunch in the auditorium.
2. Applications forms are available in the Guidance Office
3. Video content/speeches are due by April 30th
4. Election assembly will be held on Monday, May 6th
5. Elections will be held on Friday, May 10th
6. Available roles include: President, Vice-President, Internal Social Director (Clubs), External Social Director (Prom & Merch), Secretary & Treasurer
7. Send all content and forms to kristen.beach@tdsb.on.ca or to Ms. Cho (physical copies) in the guidance office.
8. Only Grade 12s can run for President and External Social Director
9. Best of luck!

 

Elections Committee:

Are you looking for volunteer hours? If so, join the elections committee! You will assist in tallying votes and collecting ballots. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/LdB6TBzPAiAGhz4m7

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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:

We are grateful for the generosity of our alumni, former staff and parents who have established the following awards for Northern graduates and undergrads.

• The Grandson XX Creative Writing Award in Creative Writing in Grades 11 and 12.

Established by Jordan Benjamin NSS ’11 a singer songwriter known professionally as Grandson XX, Jordan believes his writing was fostered and encouraged by teachers at Northern. He hopes this award will encourage other students to follow their dreams and WRITE.

• The John Jossifakis Technical Theatre Award.

Established by John Jossifakis NSS ’98 currently working in Dubai. John started his journey in Technical Theatre as a member of Northern Stage Crew. He now organizes spectacular events around the work including the Olympics. This award is for a student who plans to enter the technical side of Theater, Radio Television Arts or Events Production following an apprenticeship, college or university program.

• The McKelvey Family Award in Canadian and World Studies

This scholarship was created by the McKelvey family to recognize the outstanding achievement of a graduating student in economics, law or human geography. The family enjoyed a long association with Northern through their children Alex and the late Michelle McKelvey and their mother Merilyn who was a member of the teaching staff for 16 years.

Scholarship/Awards Applications -Go to nssf.ca/scholarships and complete an application. Deadline is May 3^rd , 2024,

 

School Council:

1. Virtual Internet Awareness Presentation - Wednesday, April 17th - 7-8 pm. Leaside School Council is inviting Northern families to participate in a presentation by Toronto Police Constable Megan McGarry about the current internet environment in terms of personal/cyber safety. Register to attend here.

2. Walking Buddies - Saturday, April 20th - 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.

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. Panel Discussion about AI in the Classroom - Tuesday, May 7th at 7:30 pm at Leaside High. Leaside Parent Council is inviting Northern families to attend an in-person panel discussing the use of AI in the classroom. Register to attend here.

5. NSS Council Grants for Student Activities. There is still time for clubs and associations to submit funding requests for this school year. Access instructions to apply on our website.

6. Interested in participating in NSS Council? Every year, 15 parent volunteers serve as voting members on NSS Council. Council members may also help plan events and serve on committees. We welcome new volunteers from all parts of the school community. If you are curious about the opportunity, please reach out to nss.school.council@gmail.com. We’re happy to answer your questions or introduce you to current members to assist with the decision-making process. Elections will take place in the Fall.

 

Guidance Updates:

1. 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.

2. TDSB e-Learning Summer School Registration OPENS: Monday, April 22, 2024. For more info about TDSB e-Summer school go here
3. TDSB In-Person/Remote Continuing Education Summer School information here. Registration for TDSB In-Person/Remote Summer OPENS Friday April 19, 2024.
4. Graduating Students: be sure you have submitted your 40 Community Service Hours and your Opt Out of eLearning form (if you are not completing two eLearning courses) by mid May to ensure there are no issues with your graduation status. Please see your Guidance Counsellor if you have any questions.
5. 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.
6. Grade 11 SHSM Students who have not completed their COOP requirement: The Experiential Learning 2-Credit Coop Summer Program is now accepting Student Expression of Interest forms. Full information about the program is available for students to access via the Experiential Learning AW Page. Please see Ms. April Vibert in Student Success, or your Guidance Counsellor to complete this Expression of Interest form.
7. 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).

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.

13. Mental Wellness Resources

Kids Help Phone: text 686868.

In an emergency, call 911.

 

 

Have a great weekend!

Adam Marshall

Principal

Follow me @PrincipalNSS