Here’s the ESSENTIAL parent’s guide to navigating
Northern SECONDARY SCHOOL
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SUCCEED AT NORTHERN
NSS Air
Daily Student Announcements
Guidance Classrooms
grade specific information on course selection, volunteer hours, post-secondary application deadlines & more
Log-In using student’s TDSB email address
SEPTEMBER DATES FOR LATE START
18, 25, 27
9:55 a.m.
NEED A PARENT BUDDY
to Navigate The Northern Secondary School Year
Parent-Teacher Interviews, Course Selection & Post-Secondary Planning
EXPLORE
PARENT TIPS
Parent-Teacher Interviews happen twice a year, in October and April
Interview Times
Afternoon Sessions: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Evening Sessions: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Note: The day following the interviews will always have a late start at 9:55 AM.
How Parent-Teacher Interviews Work
In-Person Meetings
Interviews take place at the school, in various classrooms & both gyms.
Teacher Support:
Each teacher has a Buddy who helps manage their schedule on the day of the interviews. Short Sessions: Appointments are brief, lasting just 5 minutes. If you need more time, you can arrange a private meeting with the teacher later.
How do I book Interviews?
One week before interviews, the principal will announce in the weekly email bulletin when the sign-up sheets will go live.
Steps to Book:
Watch for the Announcement: Check the weekly email bulletin for the sign-up date. Prepare Your Information: Have your child’s student number or OEN and the names of their teachers ready. Click the Link: On the specified date, use the provided link to schedule your interviews. Limit Appointments: You can book up to four appointments per student.
Course Selection Resources
Navigating Course Selection at Northern
With so many classes, how can you help your student plan effectively?
Course Descriptions
You can find Northern-specific course details here.
Course Fair
Encourage your student to attend this lunchtime event to ask teachers about interesting courses.
Email the Teacher
Reach out to current teachers for feedback on your student’s progress and future course recommendations.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Discuss course pathways during interviews to understand how each course can support your student’s development.
Contact Department Heads
The department head (ACL) can connect you with teachers to discuss course details, skills needed, and future paths.
Meet with Guidance
Schedule an appointment here to explore options and strategies with or without your student.
Explore Electives
Use electives to explore diverse interests and incorporate mental health breaks.
Summer School
Consider summer school to complete compulsory courses, free up the school year, or focus on one subject at a time.
Plan Ahead
Look ahead at all grades to prioritize and balance courses, ensuring prerequisites are met.
Talk to Other Parents
Learn from other parents at school events, council meetings, and during interviews to gain valuable insights
Navigating the Post-Secondary Process
Parent Tips
Attend the Post-Secondary Presentation
Guidance offers an annual presentation each fall. Learn more.
Visit Fairs Early
Attend the Ontario University Fair or Ontario College Fair in October, ideally before Grade 12, to familiarize yourself with the process and refine your options.
Plan Campus Visits
Most campuses hold open houses throughout the year. Schedule visits in advance to avoid conflicts.
Explore Online Resources
Research Ontario’s universities at OUInfo and colleges at OntarioColleges. Find program details, financing options, and application info all in one place.
TIPS
Tips for Successful Parent-Teacher Interviews
EXPLORE
Book Early: Appointments are first come, first served, so sign up quickly for the best times.
Prioritize: Focus on booking with the most critical teachers first, as some fill up fast.
Plan Your Route: Northern is large; give yourself enough time between appointments. Note room numbers in advance.
Be Direct: Introduce yourself and your student, and keep the conversation focused.
Prepare Topics: Discuss academic progress, concerns, effort, behaviour, and any home factors affecting your student.
Action-Oriented: Conclude with clear next steps if needed.
Involve Your Student: Ask if there’s anything they want you to discuss with the teacher.
Ask for Help: Buddies are available to assist with directions and timing.
NEED EXTRA HELP?
If your child is struggling, here’s the recommended process for support
1. Contact your child’s teacher for initial concerns & insights.
2. Follow up with Guidance: If you need any more help, please get in touch with the Guidance Office.
3. Student Success: Reach Out to April Vibert in Student Success if you require additional support.
4. Consult Your Vice Principal: Contact your Vice Principal for necessary assistance.
Peer Tutoring
One-to-one student help. Sometimes, it is easier to ask questions of a friend who’s been through the course before.
Math Help
Teachers offer extra support in math for any student during lunchtime and after school.
All your Northern
Staff Contacts
Special Education Needs
Important Staff Contacts
Support for Students with LD or IEP
If your student has a Learning Disability (LD) or an Individual Education Plan (IEP), contact Amanda Kearney, Curriculum Leader for the Academic Resource Centre. Visit the Academic Resource Centre website for essential information and support
Support for Gifted Students with an IEP
If your child is Gifted and has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), contact John Moyer, Curriculum Leader for Gifted Special Education. Visit the Gifted Program website for important information and support.
Support for DHH Students with an IEP
If your child is Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) and has an Individual Education Plan (IEP), contact Heather Kessler, the DHH curriculum Leader. For essential information and support, visit the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program website.
