Parent Tips
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.
Course Selection
Tips from experienced Northern parents about making the most of Course Selection (PDF version click here):
Parent/Teacher Interviews
When do they take place? Parent/Teacher interviews happen twice a year in October and April. They run in the afternoon (1:30-3:00pm) and evening (6:00-8:30pm). The day after the interviews is always a late start (9:55 am).
How do I book interviews? One week in advance, the principal puts an announcement in the weekly email bulletin indicating when the Interview Sign-up sheets will go live. On that date, click on the link provided to schedule interviews. You will need your child's student number or OEN and the names of their teachers in order to book. You can make a maximum of four appointments per student.
How do they work? Interviews are held in person at the school in various classrooms and both gyms. Appointments are scheduled online in advance. On the day of the interviews each teacher has a Buddy who monitors their appointments and helps them stay on time. Appointments are short (5-8 min). (If you need more time to discuss matters further, you can schedule a separate meeting with the teacher privately later.)
Parent Tips:
- Course Selection (see below)
- Parent Teacher Interviews (see below)
- Post Secondary (coming soon)
- Getting Help (coming soon)
Course Selection
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.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
When do they take place? Parent/Teacher interviews happen twice a year in October and April. They run in the afternoon (1:30-3:00pm) and evening (6:00-8:30pm). The day after the interviews is always a late start (9:55 am).
How do I book interviews? One week in advance, the principal puts an announcement in the weekly email bulletin indicating when the Interview Sign-up sheets will go live. On that date, click on the link provided to schedule interviews. You will need your child's student number or OEN and the names of their teachers in order to book. You can make a maximum of four appointments per student.
How do they work? Interviews are held in person at the school in various classrooms and both gyms. Appointments are scheduled online in advance. On the day of the interviews each teacher has a Buddy who monitors their appointments and helps them stay on time. Appointments are short (5-8 min). (If you need more time to discuss matters further, you can schedule a separate meeting with the teacher privately later.)
Parent Tips:
- Book early - Appointments are first come, first served. So sign up early for the widest selection of times.
- Prioritize - Before booking, prioritize which teachers are most important to meet with and make appointments with them first. Some teachers fill up quickly.
- Be strategic - Northern is a big place to get around; remember to give yourself enough time between appointments. Be sure to write down the room number for each meeting in advance and have that with you (these are noted on the online sign up sheet).
- Be clear and concise - Start by introducing yourself and stating who your student is to ensure you are with the right teacher at the right time. Keep chit-chat to a minimum.
- Plan ahead - Use the interview to discuss anything related to your student. Some suggestions:
- Academic progress (marks, meeting expectations, etc.)
- Concerns
- How quizzes, tests, homework and assignments are going - are they on time and done well?
- How the teacher perceives your student's level of effort, focus and engagement
- Information from home that may be impacting your student (unusual stressors, evenings or weekends that are busy, health concerns, extra-curriculars, etc.)
- Struggles you may be having with your student at home. Is the teacher experiencing any struggles with your student?
- Your student's behaviour, focus, conduct in class
- Areas for improvement/next steps
- Be action-oriented - End the interview with an action item if one is needed. Be sure you and the teacher both know what, if any, next steps are to be taken.
- Include your student - Before attending interviews ask your student if there is anything they feel you should speak to the teacher about. For example, do they have any comments about the teaching or communication style of the teacher, feedback about how the class is running or social issues they'd like help with?
- Use the Buddies - Having trouble finding the right room to go to? Running early or late for an appointment? Ask a Buddy for help - they are there for you!