Wishing you had a parent buddy to help you find your way around Northern? We are here to help! Find key info plus insider tips from parents on how to make the most of you and your students' experience at NSS.
Scheduling and Important Dates
2021/22 Daily Schedule:
Beginning February 3, Northern will be following a regular timetable of a four-period day. In Semester 2, the school day will continue to begin at the current time of 9:00 a.m. and will end at 2:55 p.m. Based on guidance from TPH, the current length of the lunch period will remain the same, however it will be reviewed as we enter warmer weather during the second semester and as COVID-19 circumstances change.
Beginning February 3, Northern will be following a regular timetable of a four-period day. In Semester 2, the school day will continue to begin at the current time of 9:00 a.m. and will end at 2:55 p.m. Based on guidance from TPH, the current length of the lunch period will remain the same, however it will be reviewed as we enter warmer weather during the second semester and as COVID-19 circumstances change.
Late Start & Other Important Dates:
- Professional Learning (late start*): Mar 30, Apr 20, May 18, Jun 22
- Staff Meetings (late start*): Apr 27, May 25, Jun 29
- High School PA Days (no school): Jun 30
- Teacher Interviews: Apr 7 (School day: 9am-12:15, interviews 2-4pm and 6-8pm)
- Credit Rescue Days: Mon Apr 11, Wed Apr 20, Fri Jun 24, Mon Jun 27, Tues Jun 28, Wed Jun 29
- End of Term 2: Wed Jun 29
- Full School Year Calendar
COVID-19
Daily COVID Screening at Northern:
Please be respectful of others and of yourself.
Building Entry Doors:
Students will need to enter the school via one of three doors for screening verification. Students must go to the door dictated by the floor their class is on (look at the first digit of the room # their class is in, for example Room 213 is located on the second floor):
Please be respectful of others and of yourself.
- TDSB Daily Health Screening - Please check this page for the most current information on symptoms, health screen app info, attendance guidance and more from the school board.
- Masks - All students will sanitize their hands upon entry and must be wearing a mask/face covering. Parents/guardians and visitors must wear masks when outdoors on TDSB property.
- QR Code - EVERY DAY, for entry to the school, students must complete a COVID self-assessment. To do this, use the "Now Mobile" app or a Paper Pass (click here for instructions). School Access/ Screening will be at 8:35 each morning.
- Vaccine Status - All students are encouraged to disclose their vaccination status directly through the Now Mobile Health Screening App or online.
- Distancing - Inside the building students will maintain 2 metres of distance from each other. Follow all signage. Travel on the right side of the hallways and yield to traffic at intersections. Use an elbow to open push doors (fire doors in hallways/ stairwells). Abide by wait stickers for offices, water stations, and washrooms with capacity restrictions.
- If you are Symptomatic - Please self-isolate and follow Public Health Guidelines. Positive COVID test result (PCR or Rapid Test) - please inform the office so what we can continue to share information with cohorts as necessary.
Building Entry Doors:
Students will need to enter the school via one of three doors for screening verification. Students must go to the door dictated by the floor their class is on (look at the first digit of the room # their class is in, for example Room 213 is located on the second floor):
- First floor classrooms: enter through the main front entrance (Exit 1) and line up to the north along the rock “river”.
- Second floor classrooms: enter at the southeast door (Exit 12) and lineup on the south pathway leading to the parking lot. Once inside they will proceed upstairs directly to the second floor.
- Third floor classrooms: enter by the northwest doors (Exit 3) and line up along the north side of the school towards the parking lot.
Parent Tips
Course Selection - for parents, by parents
Here are tips from experienced Northern parents about making the most of Course Selection (PDF version click here):
Here are tips from experienced Northern parents about making the most of Course Selection (PDF version click here):
- Course Selection Presentations - Offered by Guidance, these are full of great tips, grade specific advice, and navigational help for selecting courses. Listen: Recording of Jan 26, 2022 Evening Presentation. Watch: Slides ONLY version of Jan 26, 2022 Evening Presentation. Help by Grade: Grade 9 to 10; Grade 10 to 11; Grade 11 to 12; Grade 12 and Beyond. 2022 Course Selection Worksheets: Grade 10, Grade 11 , Grade 12
- Course Fair - It's busy but worth it! Encourage your student to attend with questions in mind. Have your student ask their teacher about their interests and planning. Visit: 2022 NSS Course Fair Google Site.
- Email the Teacher - Get feedback on how your student is doing and what they recommend for next year. They know your student and have lots of experience to add context and help guide.
- Parent Teacher Interviews - Talk about course selection/pathways in the parent-teacher interviews so you get a sense of how each course or area of interest can develop.
- Read Course Descriptions - Explore as many course descriptions on the Northern website as you can. They can help you discover new directions and Northern’s specific way of teaching that course (as opposed to the generic TDSB My Blueprint description). Visit: NSS School Website: Guidance
- Contact Department Heads - Ask the department head (ACL) who teaches a specific course in their department and find out from that teacher what students enjoy their class, what it lead to, what skills it requires and what skills it builds.
- Explore Electives - Electives are very helpful for exploring diverse interests as well as building in mental health breaks. There are SO many in this school - make the most of the opportunity!
- Meet with Guidance - Make appointments with your guidance counsellor to discuss your child’s needs and goals (by yourself or with your student). There may be options and strategies you may not be aware of. Learn: How to Book a Guidance Appointment.
- Consider Summer School - Summer School is a great way to get compulsory options out of the way, to lighten the load for during the year, to explore other options that don’t fit during the year (like coop), or work on one thing at a time. Students can get credits from TDSB, TCDSB, or private schools.
- Plan Ahead - Look ahead at courses for all grades right from the start to ensure there is room for your top priorities and a good balance of choices. Be mindful of prerequisites for Grade 11/12 when planning Grade 10.
- Talk to other Parents - Use every opportunity you can to chat and learn from other parents - School Council socials or meetings, while waiting for parent-teacher interviews, presentations or any other school-related function you attend. The knowledge, community, and experience that you will find will help you make your own choices. Ask about their course paths, post-secondary planning, extra-curriculars, family life — most are very happy to share, and we are always better together.