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

2022/23 Daily Schedule:​

Late Start & Other Important Dates:
  • Late Starts: Sept 21, 28; Oct 19, 26; Nov 23, 30; Dec 14, 21​

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):
  1. 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 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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! 
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.