Upcoming Meetings & Events
ARC Presentation - Interesting Programs at NSS
Monday, April 26, 6:30-7:30pm
Informative Presentation on three interesting programs at Northern Secondary School - Introduction to the Specialized High Skills Major Program (SHSM), Duel Credit Program and School within a College Program (SWAC). All parents and students welcome to attend. It is great opportunity to meet Northern’s Student Success Teacher: April Vibert and Academic Resource Teacher: Jessica Beresford. If you are interested in attending please email Chandra.Ramdhani@tdsb.on.ca and put "SHSM" in the subject line to be sent a link.
Monday, April 26, 6:30-7:30pm
Informative Presentation on three interesting programs at Northern Secondary School - Introduction to the Specialized High Skills Major Program (SHSM), Duel Credit Program and School within a College Program (SWAC). All parents and students welcome to attend. It is great opportunity to meet Northern’s Student Success Teacher: April Vibert and Academic Resource Teacher: Jessica Beresford. If you are interested in attending please email Chandra.Ramdhani@tdsb.on.ca and put "SHSM" in the subject line to be sent a link.
Past Events
School Council Meeting
Thursday, April 8, 6:30-7:30pm
The meeting included reports from our co-chairs and committees, future plans, and a principal update, where Adam responded to recent questions from Northern parents. If you missed it, you can read the minutes.
The Teenage Brain
Thursday, March 25 from 6:30-7:30pm
In this webinar, Adrianne Sequeira, a registered psychotherapist, helped participants understand something of the complexity of the human brain, understand what is happening in the teenage brain in the larger context of the adolescent's development to adulthood and learn some tips on how to work collaboratively with the teen, to facilitate their transition to adulthood. Download the slide show or watch the video of the presentation.
Mental Health Supports for Parents/Caregivers: A Panel Discussion
Wednesday, March 24 from 7-8:30 pm
This free event presented by Holland Bloorview will provide families with information about mental health supports available in the community for parents/caregivers. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to speakers who include service providers, community leaders and family members with lived experience of navigating supports while caring for loved ones with disabilities.
ABC Ontario - Emotional challenges experienced by bright and gifted learners
Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 4:30-6:00pm
Dr. Louise Porter is a child psychologist based in Australia, who specializes in supporting children’s emotional, social and developmental needs. With a Masters degree in Gifted Education and a Doctorate in children's behaviour, she brings 40 years of experience to the topic of supporting bright and gifted learners. Dr. Porter will describe some of the emotional challenges experienced by bright and gifted learners, and how to safeguard their self-esteem, meet their social needs, and minimize anxiety.
Solutions for Learning Conference - Learning Disabilities Association of Halton-Hamilton
March 5-6, 2021
Each day will featured two key note speakers, and participants had the chance to build their own program from the 12 topics on offer.
GAC presents: “ADHD Highlights: What You Need to Know About ADHD”
Tuesday March 2, 2021 at 7:00pm
This presentation by Heidi Bernhardt, founder of CADDAC, the Center for ADHD Awareness, Canada looked at myths, facts, assessment, treatment, risks, challenges, and supports for kids with ADHD.
Stronger than Hate
Thursday Feb 25, 2021 from 1-2pm
This broadcast included Northern students Nkele Martin and Bianca Chisholm and was a huge hit with students, educators and parents - attendance was well over 10,000! Hosted by Dr. Stephen D. Smith, with Special Guests:
Supporting the Mental Health and Well-Being of Our Teens During the Pandemic
Thursday, Feb 18 6:30-7:30 pm
With many changes, uncertainty, and isolation, among many other feelings and experiences of this time, the well-being of our teens is of great concern. TDSB Psycho-educational Consultant, Dayna Morris, and Social Worker, Aimee Gomez, talked about factors and stressors affecting teens, signs that your teen may be struggling with their mental health, ways to support their mental health and well-being, and what to do if you are feeling concerned. Resources from the presentation:
Coping Through COVID
Thursday, February 11 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Parents and caregivers are invited to join TDSB mental health professionals to learn and discuss coping strategies to support mental health and well-being through the pandemic.
AP, Post-Secondary Planning, and Enrichment
Tuesday February 9 at 7:30pm
GAC invites students and parents to attend a virtual presentation on Advanced Placement courses, applications and funding for Post-Secondary Education plus Enrichment Opportunities.
PIAC & TDSB Conversation Series: How Children Understand Race and How Adults Can Help
Saturday, January 30, 2021, 11:00 am
Many people avoid discussing race and racism with children because they believe that children don’t see race, or because they’re unsure how to have a conversation about it. Hear from Professor Erin Winkler, Associate Professor, African and African Diaspora Studies, University of California, Berkeley who will guide parents, families, and educators to help children understand racial identity, racism, and racial inequities in age-appropriate ways that empower the young children in their lives. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.
Education Round Table - A Safe Return to School
Thursday, January 28, 2021 6-7:00pm on Zoom
MPP Jessica Bell and Education Critic MPP Marit Stiles hosted a town hall to hear from parents, teachers, and education advocates, get feedback and answer questions on a safe return to school. As COVID-19 continues to spread and cases of the new and more infectious variants rise, public health experts are calling on the Ford government to take greater steps to ensure classrooms are safe. Jessica Bell joined the Ontario NDP in calling on the Ford government to put in place vital safety measures like a 15-student cap on class sizes, better and safer ventilation in classrooms, a comprehensive asymptomatic testing strategy for students and paid sick days for all workers. If you were unable to attend our round table, you can watch video recordings here and here.
Essential Guide to Course Selection
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 6:30 pm on Zoom
Northern Guidance presented information about the many courses, programs, and post-secondary pathways for students to consider! Watch a recording of the presentation or download Grade specific slides on course selection: Grade 9 to 10, Grade 10 to 11, Grade 11 to 12 and Grade 12 and beyond.
School Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 6:30 pm on Zoom
It included reports from our co-chairs and committees, future plans, and a principal update, where Adam responded to recent questions from Northern parents.
ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression - A Perfect Storm
Monday, January 11 at 6:30-7:30
The Academic Resource Committee hosted a presentation and Q & A by psychotherapist Jennifer Tiviluk on ADHD, Depression, and Anxiety Check out the slides from the presentation or watch a recording of the presentation or find additional ADHD resources.
Ask Adam - Online Q & A with our Principal
Thursday, December 10, 2020 6:30-7:30 pm, Online
This was an extended online Q and A with Northern's principal Adam Marshall. He will addressed questions submitted beforehand by email, and themes that arose during the session.
COVID Information Session for Parents
Virtual Ward 11 Forum with guests from Toronto Public Health
Monday, December 14 at 7-8:30 pm
Trustee Chernos Lin's guests for this Forum include TPH Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vinita Dubey, and TPH Director for the School Teams, Nicole Welch. It was a highly-informative 1.5 hour session! If you missed it, the Zoom recording, including the chat & transcription are available here.
Parent Chat
Thursday, December 3, 2020, 7-8:00 pm
Is the isolation getting to you? This is a great chance just to chat with other parents about their experiences, share ideas, and connect to the great community at Northern.
Raising Resilient Children
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, 6:30pm
Erin Mills Connects (Region of Peel) is bringing in the world-renowned speaker Dr. Michael Ungar to assist families at this overwhelming time. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there is a tremendous strain placed on our young people that can have long-lasting effects on mental health. Building on his research and work with child populations that have experienced the stress of social isolation, poverty, stigma and violence, Dr. Michael Ungar will discuss 12 factors young people need to survive and thrive the pandemic. Dr. Ungar is a Family Therapist and Professor of Social Work at Dalhousie University who has written 16 books for parents, caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, and researchers.
Shift Your Thinking LD Summit 2020
November 13-15, 2020
This virtual summit offered parents and professionals a judgment-free place to learn, connect, and ask questions about how to support themselves and their children who learn and experience the world from a different perspective. Topics included anxiety, sleep, technology, social interaction, executive functioning and more. Click here to learn more and access recordings and other resources.
Study Skills and other Tips for Student Success in 2020-21
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7:00 p.m.
In this presentation we provided tips on how to navigate and succeed in this unusual school year. Topics include Organization, Study Skills, Tips on Working from Home, and helpful resources for both academic and social / emotional support. Downloadable presentations:
Post-Secondary Planning
Wednesday, November 4, 6:30-7:30 pm.
This presentation from the Guidance team included info on Grad requirements, Post-Secondary Pathway information NSS Guide to Applying to Post-Secondary – dates and details Scholarships and Bursaries Q&A. Slides provided by Northern's Guidance Dept.: My student is in Grade 12 - Now What?! or watch the video presentation.
Grade 9 Parent Chat
Wednesday, October 21, 2020 7-8 pm on Zoom
If you are new to Northern, this is for you! Come and meet other Northern parents and make friends, ask questions, and get oriented in your new school community! Slides and notes from the Grade 9 Parent Chat
School Council Meeting & Elections for 2020/21 School Council Members
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 6:30 pm on Zoom.
You are always welcome to be part of our meetings, workshops, and committees. But, if you
want to be more involved, being a voting member may be for you!
Silent Auction in support of Scholarships and Grants for Northern Students
Online from October 1-12, 2020
Fun was had bidding on items such as Samsung Galaxy phones, gift certificates from Amazon, Summerhill Market and others, spa and beauty services, golf at Clublink, a Muskoka chair and much more...
Ask Adam - Online Q & A with our Principal
Wednesday, September 30, 2020 6:30-8:00 pm, Webinar
This was an extended online Q and A with Northern's principal Adam Marshall. He will addressed questions submitted beforehand by email, and themes that arose during the session. Missed this meeting? Download the Meeting Notes
Thursday, April 8, 6:30-7:30pm
The meeting included reports from our co-chairs and committees, future plans, and a principal update, where Adam responded to recent questions from Northern parents. If you missed it, you can read the minutes.
The Teenage Brain
Thursday, March 25 from 6:30-7:30pm
In this webinar, Adrianne Sequeira, a registered psychotherapist, helped participants understand something of the complexity of the human brain, understand what is happening in the teenage brain in the larger context of the adolescent's development to adulthood and learn some tips on how to work collaboratively with the teen, to facilitate their transition to adulthood. Download the slide show or watch the video of the presentation.
Mental Health Supports for Parents/Caregivers: A Panel Discussion
Wednesday, March 24 from 7-8:30 pm
This free event presented by Holland Bloorview will provide families with information about mental health supports available in the community for parents/caregivers. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to speakers who include service providers, community leaders and family members with lived experience of navigating supports while caring for loved ones with disabilities.
ABC Ontario - Emotional challenges experienced by bright and gifted learners
Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 4:30-6:00pm
Dr. Louise Porter is a child psychologist based in Australia, who specializes in supporting children’s emotional, social and developmental needs. With a Masters degree in Gifted Education and a Doctorate in children's behaviour, she brings 40 years of experience to the topic of supporting bright and gifted learners. Dr. Porter will describe some of the emotional challenges experienced by bright and gifted learners, and how to safeguard their self-esteem, meet their social needs, and minimize anxiety.
Solutions for Learning Conference - Learning Disabilities Association of Halton-Hamilton
March 5-6, 2021
Each day will featured two key note speakers, and participants had the chance to build their own program from the 12 topics on offer.
GAC presents: “ADHD Highlights: What You Need to Know About ADHD”
Tuesday March 2, 2021 at 7:00pm
This presentation by Heidi Bernhardt, founder of CADDAC, the Center for ADHD Awareness, Canada looked at myths, facts, assessment, treatment, risks, challenges, and supports for kids with ADHD.
Stronger than Hate
Thursday Feb 25, 2021 from 1-2pm
This broadcast included Northern students Nkele Martin and Bianca Chisholm and was a huge hit with students, educators and parents - attendance was well over 10,000! Hosted by Dr. Stephen D. Smith, with Special Guests:
- Max Eisen, Toronto-based Holocaust Survivor, author of the award-winning “By Chance Alone"
- Joe Wilson Jr., Author of “The 761st “Black Panther” Tank Battalion in World War II, Son of Joe Wilson Sr, a member of the 761st Tank Battalion
- John L. Withers II, Author of “Balm in Gilead”, former UN Ambassador to Albania and son of Lieutenant John L. Withers, a WWII soldier who befriended and saved two Jewish Holocaust Survivors
Supporting the Mental Health and Well-Being of Our Teens During the Pandemic
Thursday, Feb 18 6:30-7:30 pm
With many changes, uncertainty, and isolation, among many other feelings and experiences of this time, the well-being of our teens is of great concern. TDSB Psycho-educational Consultant, Dayna Morris, and Social Worker, Aimee Gomez, talked about factors and stressors affecting teens, signs that your teen may be struggling with their mental health, ways to support their mental health and well-being, and what to do if you are feeling concerned. Resources from the presentation:
- Supporting the Mental Health and Well-Being of Teens During the Pandemic - Presentation Slides
- Mental Health Toolkit for Parents, Caregivers and Families
- Tip Sheet - Personal Resiliency during COVID
- Top 10 Tips to Support Caregiver Mental Health
- Coping Strategies for Caregivers
- Children’s Mental Health Ontario – Parenting in a Pandemic
- School Mental Health Ontario – Parents and Families
Coping Through COVID
Thursday, February 11 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Parents and caregivers are invited to join TDSB mental health professionals to learn and discuss coping strategies to support mental health and well-being through the pandemic.
AP, Post-Secondary Planning, and Enrichment
Tuesday February 9 at 7:30pm
GAC invites students and parents to attend a virtual presentation on Advanced Placement courses, applications and funding for Post-Secondary Education plus Enrichment Opportunities.
PIAC & TDSB Conversation Series: How Children Understand Race and How Adults Can Help
Saturday, January 30, 2021, 11:00 am
Many people avoid discussing race and racism with children because they believe that children don’t see race, or because they’re unsure how to have a conversation about it. Hear from Professor Erin Winkler, Associate Professor, African and African Diaspora Studies, University of California, Berkeley who will guide parents, families, and educators to help children understand racial identity, racism, and racial inequities in age-appropriate ways that empower the young children in their lives. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.
Education Round Table - A Safe Return to School
Thursday, January 28, 2021 6-7:00pm on Zoom
MPP Jessica Bell and Education Critic MPP Marit Stiles hosted a town hall to hear from parents, teachers, and education advocates, get feedback and answer questions on a safe return to school. As COVID-19 continues to spread and cases of the new and more infectious variants rise, public health experts are calling on the Ford government to take greater steps to ensure classrooms are safe. Jessica Bell joined the Ontario NDP in calling on the Ford government to put in place vital safety measures like a 15-student cap on class sizes, better and safer ventilation in classrooms, a comprehensive asymptomatic testing strategy for students and paid sick days for all workers. If you were unable to attend our round table, you can watch video recordings here and here.
Essential Guide to Course Selection
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 6:30 pm on Zoom
Northern Guidance presented information about the many courses, programs, and post-secondary pathways for students to consider! Watch a recording of the presentation or download Grade specific slides on course selection: Grade 9 to 10, Grade 10 to 11, Grade 11 to 12 and Grade 12 and beyond.
School Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 6:30 pm on Zoom
It included reports from our co-chairs and committees, future plans, and a principal update, where Adam responded to recent questions from Northern parents.
ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression - A Perfect Storm
Monday, January 11 at 6:30-7:30
The Academic Resource Committee hosted a presentation and Q & A by psychotherapist Jennifer Tiviluk on ADHD, Depression, and Anxiety Check out the slides from the presentation or watch a recording of the presentation or find additional ADHD resources.
Ask Adam - Online Q & A with our Principal
Thursday, December 10, 2020 6:30-7:30 pm, Online
This was an extended online Q and A with Northern's principal Adam Marshall. He will addressed questions submitted beforehand by email, and themes that arose during the session.
COVID Information Session for Parents
Virtual Ward 11 Forum with guests from Toronto Public Health
Monday, December 14 at 7-8:30 pm
Trustee Chernos Lin's guests for this Forum include TPH Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vinita Dubey, and TPH Director for the School Teams, Nicole Welch. It was a highly-informative 1.5 hour session! If you missed it, the Zoom recording, including the chat & transcription are available here.
Parent Chat
Thursday, December 3, 2020, 7-8:00 pm
Is the isolation getting to you? This is a great chance just to chat with other parents about their experiences, share ideas, and connect to the great community at Northern.
Raising Resilient Children
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, 6:30pm
Erin Mills Connects (Region of Peel) is bringing in the world-renowned speaker Dr. Michael Ungar to assist families at this overwhelming time. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there is a tremendous strain placed on our young people that can have long-lasting effects on mental health. Building on his research and work with child populations that have experienced the stress of social isolation, poverty, stigma and violence, Dr. Michael Ungar will discuss 12 factors young people need to survive and thrive the pandemic. Dr. Ungar is a Family Therapist and Professor of Social Work at Dalhousie University who has written 16 books for parents, caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, and researchers.
Shift Your Thinking LD Summit 2020
November 13-15, 2020
This virtual summit offered parents and professionals a judgment-free place to learn, connect, and ask questions about how to support themselves and their children who learn and experience the world from a different perspective. Topics included anxiety, sleep, technology, social interaction, executive functioning and more. Click here to learn more and access recordings and other resources.
Study Skills and other Tips for Student Success in 2020-21
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7:00 p.m.
In this presentation we provided tips on how to navigate and succeed in this unusual school year. Topics include Organization, Study Skills, Tips on Working from Home, and helpful resources for both academic and social / emotional support. Downloadable presentations:
- GAC Study Skills A to Z -These slides were delivered with commentary at two in-person speaker events at school, but they are a standalone reference that can provide helpful tips for every type of student, from the most challenged, to the most organized! Improving study skills is an ongoing exercise, and it’s never too late to start. The slides summarize many suggestions to help students build better habits for high school and beyond, including how to more effectively use school time, get organized, and understand learning processes. They also include numerous study and exam preparation tips useful in general and for specific subjects (i.e.math and science, languages).
- GAC Tips for 2020
- Finding Success at School in 2020
Post-Secondary Planning
Wednesday, November 4, 6:30-7:30 pm.
This presentation from the Guidance team included info on Grad requirements, Post-Secondary Pathway information NSS Guide to Applying to Post-Secondary – dates and details Scholarships and Bursaries Q&A. Slides provided by Northern's Guidance Dept.: My student is in Grade 12 - Now What?! or watch the video presentation.
Grade 9 Parent Chat
Wednesday, October 21, 2020 7-8 pm on Zoom
If you are new to Northern, this is for you! Come and meet other Northern parents and make friends, ask questions, and get oriented in your new school community! Slides and notes from the Grade 9 Parent Chat
School Council Meeting & Elections for 2020/21 School Council Members
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 6:30 pm on Zoom.
You are always welcome to be part of our meetings, workshops, and committees. But, if you
want to be more involved, being a voting member may be for you!
Silent Auction in support of Scholarships and Grants for Northern Students
Online from October 1-12, 2020
Fun was had bidding on items such as Samsung Galaxy phones, gift certificates from Amazon, Summerhill Market and others, spa and beauty services, golf at Clublink, a Muskoka chair and much more...
Ask Adam - Online Q & A with our Principal
Wednesday, September 30, 2020 6:30-8:00 pm, Webinar
This was an extended online Q and A with Northern's principal Adam Marshall. He will addressed questions submitted beforehand by email, and themes that arose during the session. Missed this meeting? Download the Meeting Notes
2019/2020 Events
Screenagers 2: Next Chapter, Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience
Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 7-9pm, NSS Auditorium
WellNSS and School Council are pleased to provide a showing of this sequel to the very popular original 2016 Screenagers film focusing on the impact social media and other types of screen time can have on the mental health and wellness of our youth (watch the trailer). The film will give parents and youth strategies to deal with stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness. Q&A Panel discussion to follow at 8:15pm with Dale Callender, Registered Psychotherapist with Skylark Foundation and in-house counselor at Northern. Download the Parent Guide to Screenagers 2.
Important Stuff You Wanted To Know About Teen Substance Use But Were Afraid To Ask
Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 7pm
We are pleased to have Craig Currah, an experienced speaker from CAMH, come to Northern to speak about substances that are commonly used by teens, their risks, impacts, and how to discuss these issues productively as a family. We hope you will use this opportunity to gain information as well as to start conversations to help our students make positive choices for themselves. This is also a 'school-wide' presentation by GAC for all students and parents. For more information and resources, check out the website for Drug Free Kids Canada.
Watch Craig Currah’s presentation. Check out a humorous video about edibles, and additional tools and a kit for parents on how to start conversations about substance use by Drug Free Kids Canada.
School Council Meeting - Are You Concerned About Education? Updates and Next Steps
Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 6:30 pm Northern Library
This meeting will be focused on discussion of the plans for Board-wide change to secondary school and related policies (optional attendance, specialty program attendance, destreaming). We will share updates from research, responses from the Board, trustees, and ward forums, and next steps for continued advocacy on these and other concerns. We welcome all parents to join us to stay informed and engaged. Together, we can make a difference.
AP, Scholarship & Enrichment Information Evening for Parents and Students
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 from 6:30 to 8 pm
Join us at Northern to learn more about: a variety of Enrichment Opportunities for students (for summer plans and for year-round); Advanced Placement courses and exams (and whether they might be a good option for you to gain university credit in high school); and how to help fund post-secondary expenses, including the surprising range of Scholarship opportunities for all students. There are presentations, question and answer opportunities, and an exhibitors' fair to browse. This information may help with planning your future courses, and support learning inside and out of the classroom. This is a 'school-wide' presentation by GAC for all students and parents.
Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 7:30 pm Northern Library
School Council shared new information on changes to education and our growing concerns about their potential negative impact on our students and school. Access the We Are More Concerned slide show. PARENT FEEDBACK NEEDED!!
Essential Guide to Course Selection
Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 6:30 pm Northern Library
A presentation of essential information about course selection for all grades. With so many courses, programs, and post-secondary pathways to consider, students and parents may feel overwhelmed at how and what to choose for their timetable in February. Melanie Stassis (Northern guidance counselor) covered the essentials from graduation requirements to Specialist Majors and have time for Q and A. Learn more from the Guidance page on Northern's website or read her Course Selection presentation.
Concerned about Education?
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 6:30-8:30pm St George's United Church (35 Lytton Ave.)
The TDSB is reviewing for key areas of our education system each of which could have a big impact on student success. Parents are being asked to give feedback to discuss the changes being considered, determine other options, as well as identify unintended effects for different people and find solutions. It is very helpful for them to hear personal stories to understand the impact of their proposed changes. Learn more: Download the Presentation slides with notes or Presentation slides without notes
Concerned about Education? Please attend a Public Consultation!
The TDSB is reviewing the Optional Attendance Policy (rules on how to attend a school that’s not your “home” school) and doing a Secondary School Review (looking at size, programs, locations, etc. of secondary schools). These two topics are closely related, so changes in one will affect the other. Parents are being asked to give feedback to discuss the changes being considered, determine other options, as well as identify unintended effects for different people and find solutions. It is very helpful for them to hear personal stories to understand the impact of their proposed changes. Read more about these changes and the public consultation process.
Academic Resource Committee (ARC) Social
Monday, Nov 18, 2019 6:30-9 pm at Gabby's Roadhouse, 3263 Yonge St.
An opportunity for all parents with students with learning disabilities to network and learn more about upcoming changes to the applied stream in Sept 2020.
Study Skills A to Z: An Information Evening for Students and Parents
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2019 7-9 pm Northern Library
GAC has invited Northern teachers to present a variety of study tips for all types of students in all types of programs. Whether your student is doing well, not so well, or somewhere in between, there's always room for improvement, and we'd like to help. All Northern students and parents are very welcome!
Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 7-9pm, NSS Auditorium
WellNSS and School Council are pleased to provide a showing of this sequel to the very popular original 2016 Screenagers film focusing on the impact social media and other types of screen time can have on the mental health and wellness of our youth (watch the trailer). The film will give parents and youth strategies to deal with stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness. Q&A Panel discussion to follow at 8:15pm with Dale Callender, Registered Psychotherapist with Skylark Foundation and in-house counselor at Northern. Download the Parent Guide to Screenagers 2.
Important Stuff You Wanted To Know About Teen Substance Use But Were Afraid To Ask
Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 7pm
We are pleased to have Craig Currah, an experienced speaker from CAMH, come to Northern to speak about substances that are commonly used by teens, their risks, impacts, and how to discuss these issues productively as a family. We hope you will use this opportunity to gain information as well as to start conversations to help our students make positive choices for themselves. This is also a 'school-wide' presentation by GAC for all students and parents. For more information and resources, check out the website for Drug Free Kids Canada.
Watch Craig Currah’s presentation. Check out a humorous video about edibles, and additional tools and a kit for parents on how to start conversations about substance use by Drug Free Kids Canada.
School Council Meeting - Are You Concerned About Education? Updates and Next Steps
Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 6:30 pm Northern Library
This meeting will be focused on discussion of the plans for Board-wide change to secondary school and related policies (optional attendance, specialty program attendance, destreaming). We will share updates from research, responses from the Board, trustees, and ward forums, and next steps for continued advocacy on these and other concerns. We welcome all parents to join us to stay informed and engaged. Together, we can make a difference.
AP, Scholarship & Enrichment Information Evening for Parents and Students
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 from 6:30 to 8 pm
Join us at Northern to learn more about: a variety of Enrichment Opportunities for students (for summer plans and for year-round); Advanced Placement courses and exams (and whether they might be a good option for you to gain university credit in high school); and how to help fund post-secondary expenses, including the surprising range of Scholarship opportunities for all students. There are presentations, question and answer opportunities, and an exhibitors' fair to browse. This information may help with planning your future courses, and support learning inside and out of the classroom. This is a 'school-wide' presentation by GAC for all students and parents.
Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 7:30 pm Northern Library
School Council shared new information on changes to education and our growing concerns about their potential negative impact on our students and school. Access the We Are More Concerned slide show. PARENT FEEDBACK NEEDED!!
Essential Guide to Course Selection
Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 6:30 pm Northern Library
A presentation of essential information about course selection for all grades. With so many courses, programs, and post-secondary pathways to consider, students and parents may feel overwhelmed at how and what to choose for their timetable in February. Melanie Stassis (Northern guidance counselor) covered the essentials from graduation requirements to Specialist Majors and have time for Q and A. Learn more from the Guidance page on Northern's website or read her Course Selection presentation.
Concerned about Education?
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 6:30-8:30pm St George's United Church (35 Lytton Ave.)
The TDSB is reviewing for key areas of our education system each of which could have a big impact on student success. Parents are being asked to give feedback to discuss the changes being considered, determine other options, as well as identify unintended effects for different people and find solutions. It is very helpful for them to hear personal stories to understand the impact of their proposed changes. Learn more: Download the Presentation slides with notes or Presentation slides without notes
Concerned about Education? Please attend a Public Consultation!
The TDSB is reviewing the Optional Attendance Policy (rules on how to attend a school that’s not your “home” school) and doing a Secondary School Review (looking at size, programs, locations, etc. of secondary schools). These two topics are closely related, so changes in one will affect the other. Parents are being asked to give feedback to discuss the changes being considered, determine other options, as well as identify unintended effects for different people and find solutions. It is very helpful for them to hear personal stories to understand the impact of their proposed changes. Read more about these changes and the public consultation process.
- Tuesday, Nov 26, 2019, 7 pm at C W Jefferys Collegiate, 340 Sentinel Rd, Cafeteria
- Thursday, Nov 28, 2019, 7pm at John Polyani Collegiate, 640 Lawrence Ave., Cafeteria
Academic Resource Committee (ARC) Social
Monday, Nov 18, 2019 6:30-9 pm at Gabby's Roadhouse, 3263 Yonge St.
An opportunity for all parents with students with learning disabilities to network and learn more about upcoming changes to the applied stream in Sept 2020.
Study Skills A to Z: An Information Evening for Students and Parents
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2019 7-9 pm Northern Library
GAC has invited Northern teachers to present a variety of study tips for all types of students in all types of programs. Whether your student is doing well, not so well, or somewhere in between, there's always room for improvement, and we'd like to help. All Northern students and parents are very welcome!
Didn't find what you are looking for?
Check our School Council Meetings and Minutes page.
View the TDSB's Secondary School Calendar
Other great ways to get information about what's happening at NSS and in our community is by subscribing to newsletters from Principal Marshall (send an email to northern@tdsb.on.ca to sign up - please include your name), Trustee Rachel Chernos-Lin (sign up here) and Councillor Josh Mattlow.
View the TDSB's Secondary School Calendar
Other great ways to get information about what's happening at NSS and in our community is by subscribing to newsletters from Principal Marshall (send an email to northern@tdsb.on.ca to sign up - please include your name), Trustee Rachel Chernos-Lin (sign up here) and Councillor Josh Mattlow.