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Wednesday, August 31, 2022 - Volume 15, Issue 1
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Message from Administration
Hello Saints and Saint families.
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On behalf of the administration team and school staff, we are looking forward to the school year. Please join me in welcoming Jordan Figueiredo, as Vice-Principal, we are pleased to have him join our community, some of you may recognize him as he taught at SBCSS earlier in his career.
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In this edition of the BENN, we have included information to facilitate a smooth Startup to the school year. Please continue to access our school website for further information about the school and our policies.
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The staff of St. Benedict value the connection between the home and school. We encourage you to reach out to staff if you have any questions. We also ask that parents/guardians discuss the information shared through various means with their children attending our school.
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We wish you a safe, successful, and enjoyable school year.
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Opening Week Schedule
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The first day of school is on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Full uniform is required.
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A Student Information Verification form will be given to students in their homeroom on the first day of school. Parents/Guardians are asked to review and make an necessary changes and return the form before Friday, September 9, 2022.
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Registration Information & Timetables
Student timetables and locker information are accessible through the Aspen Student Portal after September 2, 2022. Please visit our website at St. Benedict Start up Procedures & Information for more information and instructions.
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If students are experiencing difficulty accessing their timetables through the Aspen Student Portal, they are welcomed to come to the main office for assistance.
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Uniforms
Uniform policy will be in effect starting the first day of school. Spirit wear days will continue as in the past (spirit tops with uniform bottoms on Wednesdays). Civvies days will be communicated via the St. Benedict School Year Calendar and morning announcements.
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School Cash Online – IMPORTANT REMINDER
Mandatory consent forms and fees are accessible through School Cash Online beginning [Date]. Forms are to be completed by the end of September.
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Instructions, a detailed checklist, and information documents by grade level can be found on our school website. Click here to be redirected.
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SCOL notes for students over the age of 18:
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- If a parent has an account and has the student attached then yes they will still receive notifications regardless of the student’s age. SCO doesn’t remove students from a parent’s account when they turn 18.
- If the student wants to complete the forms themselves, they will have to create an account and add themselves as a student. However the parent will still have an account and receive the same notifications and be able to complete the forms as a student can be picked up in SCO by more than one person.
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Student Locker information
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Locker information has been uploaded into Aspen and should be available in the student portal. Students can log into their Aspen account. Once in the portal, the information is located on the “My Info” tab.
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Stay Connected with
St. Benedict's!
Twitter
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2022-2023
School Year
Bell Times
7:55 Warning Bell
8:00 - 9:15 Period 1
9:20 - 10:35 Period 2
10:40 Lunch
11:20 Warning Bell
11:25 - 12:40 Period 3
12:45 - 2:00 Period 4
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Catholic School Advisory Council
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St. Benedict C.S.S. sees family involvement as one of its main priorities; our Catholic Schools Advisory Council is a group of parents, teachers, and administrators that are dedicated to making St. Benedict’s a great place for all students to learn and grow. On behalf of our school community, we would like to thank the many members who contributed to the success of the 2021-2022 school year.
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We look forward to welcoming all returning members, as well as individuals who are new to our school community and are interested in joining this dynamic group. Our first Catholic Schools Advisory Council meeting for the 2022-2023 school year is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27th, 2022; 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Returning to past practice, meetings will be held in room 111.
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If you wish to nominate yourself or another parent/guardian, please complete the nomination form on School Cash Online or click here for a PDF version and email to Melanie.Baker@wcdsb.ca.
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If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact the school or Margaret Ingoldsby at Margaret.ingoldsby@wcdsb.ca.
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Catholic Parent Involvement Committee - Parent Information Hub
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Access our Catholic Parent Involvement Committee - Parent Information Hub to listen to various community organizations speak directly to questions such as: How do I support my anxious child? How do I help my child build social skills? Where do I learn more about LGBT2S+ identities? How do I keep my child safe on the internet? Interested in additional services to support your child? Follow the links to access more information on services offered by each organization.
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Bus Route Information 2022-23
Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) has announced that bus route information for the 2022-2023 school year is now available on the their website.
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Delayed Start to Student Transportation for WRDSB & WCDSB
Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) would like to share an important update regarding the start of student transportation service. Unfortunately the cyber incident that occurred last month at WRDSB has caused a number of delays in our routing. We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause students and families.
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Transportation Services Starting Tuesday, September 6
Most students will be able to ride their school bus on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Students assigned to taxis will also have a September 6 start date.
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Transportation Services Starting on Monday, September 12
Students enrolled in Special Education programs and students whose routes use small or adapted vehicles will have transportation service begin on September 12.
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This includes the following bus routes:
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All bus routes from 700 to 723
All bus routes from 800 to 862
All bus routes from V01 to V39
All bus routes from W01 to W45
Families can visit the STSWR Student Login after Monday, August 29, 2022 to find information about what bus route their child is on.
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Transportation Services Starting On or After Monday, September 19
The following students will have their school bus service start on or after September 19:
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Students who have moved in the past 3 months
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Student pick-up and drop-off
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Last year, we created a new Drop-Off and Pick-Up process here at St. Benedict. In the Spring, we had new signs installed and we will start the 2022/23 school year with the same, "new" system in place. By adjusting our Drop-Off and Pick-Up system, we were able to increase safety and school transportation efficiency. We will continue to ask that parents adhere to the information below.
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All students that are dropped off or picked up by car will need to do so in the parking area just off Green Vista Drive before and after school. The green arrows on the "School Traffic Flow" Map indicates the entrance and direction of traffic flow. We ask parents to come in off Green Vista into our back entrance, follow the signs in the parking lot and leave out the other exit back onto Green Vista. We need all the cars to drive right through the drop-off area, however. If students get dropped off at the start of that parking lot, it just jams up the traffic as other cars try to pull in. On the Pick-up, please pull into that lot also to take some traffic away from the actual street on Green Vista.
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The second map shows community streets which could be used as a "Drive to 5" location - a spot where students may be dropped off giving a short walk to/from the school. This will allow a drop-off/pick-up off-site to avoid and further help with vehicular congestion.
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Thank you to all of you for assisting in this! All your effort makes a difference, and it is very much appreciated!! Thank you so much for working with us in our attempt to keep our students (and your kids) safe!!!
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Bennies Buddies
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Bennies Buddies is a group of Grade 11 and 12 leaders who have been working hard over the summer to welcome the Grade 9 students to St. Benedict this year! We were so happy to see so many students involved in Head Start last week. These amazing students will also be available during the first week of school to help students find their classes and their lockers. Look for the navy blue "B a Buddy" t- shirts! In addition, the Bennies Buddies will be meeting with the Grade 9 students once a month in their homeroom classes for team building activities as well as to help the students become involved in the many clubs, activities and sports at St. Benedict! If you have any questions about this program, please contact Sarah Spitzig via email. We are looking forward to a great school year!
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News from Guidance
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Who is your Guidance Counsellor?
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Counsellor’s Name
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Ext
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Last names
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| Ms. Varriano Lane |
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Pe – Q, International students
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Welcome back to all our students, we look forward to seeing you again or meeting you for the first time! We hope you had a safe and restful summer and are ready for a new school year.
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Please do not email or call Guidance counsellors directly to make timetable changes. Only students that complete the google form will be able to make a change.
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Priority will be given to students who need to make the following changes:
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- I am missing the pre-requisite (I am in grade 10 science, but didn't take grade 9 science)
- I already have this credit (I completed a course in summer school)
- I am missing a course (I only have 2 courses this semester)
- Pathway change (I am in academic, but want to be in applied)
- Post-secondary requirements (I now need Calculus for Health Sciences)
Please double check your schedules prior to the start of school (after September 2). Some counsellors are still making changes from outstanding requests.
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GUIDANCE GOOGLE CLASSROOMS
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Once again, the Guidance department will have google classrooms available to share information with our students.
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Please consider joining the classrooms:
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Ontario Universities Virtual Fair
Ontario's universities are excited to host a collection of in-person and virtual events in the fall of 2022.
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Ontario Universities’ Fair (OUF)
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October 1-2, 2022, from 9:30 am to 5 pm (ET), daily
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Metro Toronto Convention Centre
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This event is fair style with booths from Ontario universities, and it allows you to gather information and chat with representatives one on one.
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Note: There are no university presentations at OUF 2022. If you are looking for a similar experience, we encourage you to attend the virtual Information Sessions.
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Regional Fairs
Various locations and dates throughout September and October (TBD)
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Can’t make the OUF? Ontario’s universities are coming to you this fall!
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The Regional Fairs travel across the province, offering fair-style events that allow you to gather information about Ontario’s universities. Learn about programs, campus life and anything else that may help you decide which Ontario university to choose.
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Locations, dates and times TBD.
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Join us for any (or all!) of your virtual information sessions.
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Each event is divided into 6 time slots where students can learn about the universities of their choice and ask questions.
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Ontario College Virtual Fair
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This year's information fair will be an in-person event. Please visit the OCF website for more information.
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Wednesday, October 19, 2022
5 pm - 9 pm
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Thursday, October 20, 2022
9 am - 2 pm
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Are You Eligible to Vote for Catholic School Trustees in the 2022 Municipal Elections?
Municipal Election Day is Monday, October 24.
Make sure your school support designation is “English Separate” (Catholic). It’s a powerful message in support of Waterloo Region’s Catholic schools & Catholic education.
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Many people assume they are registered Catholic school supporters when, in fact, they are not.
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Only Roman Catholic school supporters may vote for Catholic School Trustees.
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All Catholics are eligible to support Catholic education – not just those with children in school!
You don’t have to have children in school to direct your school support to Catholic education. In Waterloo Region there are more people who DO NOT have children in school than DO have children in school. Your support is vital to the continuation of our Catholic education system. It is an investment in our future -- and all Catholic ratepayers are partners with Catholic educators in this investment.
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Have you moved?
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Even if you have been a Catholic school supporter in the past, the designation DOES NOT follow you when you relocate. You are automatically designated a public school board supporter.
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Every time you move, it is essential that you re-declare yourself as a Catholic school supporter.
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- Check the assessment section of your Tax Bill or Property Assessment Notice
- Check your Voter Information Card received during a municipal election year.
What to do if you are NOT registered as a Catholic school supporter, but want to designate your support to Catholic Education:
If you are NOT registered as a Catholic school supporter -- but want to designate your support to Catholic Education -- you need to fill out the Application for Direction of School Support.
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When a Roman Catholic and a Non-Catholic are jointly responsible for the payment of property taxes -- either directly through ownership or indirectly through the payment of rent -- a Catholic School Support Lease is required. This is simply a technical tool designed to give the Roman Catholic the sole right to determine the school support of her or his residence.
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Please visit this website for the forms and more information:
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When you have updated your forms, you have two options:
- Return the forms to your child’s school.
- If you do not have children attending school, drop your forms at your nearest WCDSB school – or drop them at (or mail them to) the WCDSB head office: 35 Weber St. W., Kitchener, ON, N2G 4G2.
At the Polling Station on Election Day:
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Verify that you are registered as a separate school supporter. If your support status is incorrect, ask for an ‘Application to Amend Voters’ List’. This form may be completed and submitted at the polling station.
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Ensure the ballot you are given is a separate school ballot.
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If you have any questions, please contact the Waterloo Catholic District School Board at 519-578-3660 Ext. 2355.
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Literacy Test update
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Our Literacy Test results from our Spring session were released during the summer months. Students will be receiving a letter along with their successful or unsuccessful notifications during the first two weeks of school. We thank everyone for their patience, understanding and cooperation. Welcome back Saints, we look forward to another school year with you.
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Football season set to begin!
The St. Benedict Saints Junior and Senior Football teams will be looking to defend their District 8 Championships when the season kicks off in September. Tryouts will be held the first week of school on Wednesday, September 7th at 2pm on the front field. Train hard this summer and come into tryouts looking to be part of this great football program!
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Any further questions can be directed to:
Junior Team (Grade 9-10) - Andy Reitzel (andrew.reitzel@wcdsb.ca)
Senior Team (Grade 11+) - Joe Vale (joseph.vale@wcdsb.ca)
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Junior Boys Soccer
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All grade 9 and 10 boys interested in trying out for the junior boys soccer team please come to an important meeting in portable 7 on Wednesday September 7 at 2:15. If you cannot make the meeting you must let either Mr. Dufresne or Mr. Radic in the PHE office know. All athletes need to pick up and submit a signed waiver in order to tryout. Tryouts will begin on Thursday September 8 at 2:15 on the back field. Don’t forget your cleats, shin guards and water bottles.
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Cross Country start-up
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Hey Saints! Cross Country Season begins immediately this year on the very first day of the year. That's right! Right after school today, September 6th, we have our first meet up. Get your friends together and come join the fun! Please meet with Mrs. Spitzig and Mr. Porto in the gym hallway at 2:10pm (right after school). Fast or slow, if you like to run, we want you on the team! The more runners we have, the more fun it is! Dust off those running shoes and let's get in shape! If you can't make the meeting, please find Mr. Porto or Mrs. Spitzig in the math area sometime throughout the day to pick up the forms.
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Doctor Who is back!
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DOCTOR WHO CLUB returns on FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9th after school in room 226. Join us for another year of pizza, prize raffles, companionship and travels through time and space with the world's longest running sci-fi/fantasy series...all about the runaway Time Lord and his time traveling Police Box.
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This year we will watch the regeneration of Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor & experience some heavy-duty surprises leading up to the 60th anniversary...mixed with the usual trip through past episodes. New members are always welcome -- just show up for friendship and the ultimate in geeky fun, brought to you by the geek king himself, Mr. Kukwa. We hope to see members old and new very soon.
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Do you like going on adventures in nature?
Are you interested in canoeing, camping, and hiking?
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Come join St. Benedict's Outer's Club! This is a club for grade 9 - 12 students and all experience levels are welcome.
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Outer's Club is inviting you to join us for our Canoe Trip in Algonquin this September 28th - October 1st. Participants will be required to pass a swim test.
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If you are interested in joining the club, participating in the upcoming canoe trip or being a part of other Outer's Club excursions this year there will be a meeting in the first week of school. More details to follow in our morning announcements!
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Can't wait to see you there!
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BoulderDash Club
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Hey Saints! Did you know that there's a rock-climbing gym just a few kilometres away from our school? Join the BoulderDash club and you can come climbing after school every Thursday. There are plenty of walls to climb for athletes of all ability levels. It's a great way to build muscle without ever having to lift weights and it's so much fun to climb with your friends.
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To learn more, meet Mr. Porto, Ms. Novakovich and Mr. Sanders in the gym hallway September 6, at 2:10, right after school. If you can't make the meeting, find Mr. Porto, Ms. Novakovich or Mr. Sanders sometime throughout the day to get the details.
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Thursday, September 1
PA Day
Friday, September 2
Student Timetables & Locker Information Available on Aspen
Monday, September 5
Labour Day
Tuesday, September 6
First Day of 2022-2023 School Year
2:00pm: Cross Country startup
2:00pm: BoulderDash Rock Climbing club
Wednesday, September 7
BENN Newsletter Release
2:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer meeting
2:00pm: Sr. Boys Football tryouts
2:00pm: Jr. Boys Football tryouts
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Friday, September 9
2:15pm: Doctor Who Club
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Monday, September 12
Photo day!
Friday, September 16
2:15pm: Doctor Who Club
Wednesday, September 21
BENN Newsletter Release
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Be sure to check out the calendar on the school website for updates!
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