masthead2014
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - Volume 16, Issue 13

Message from Administration

Class of 2024!

Looking for Convocation updates?

Check out the Convocation 2024 page on the school website. Important updates posted! Please complete Convocation Google Form and submit the Convocation Fee to SchoolCashOnline as soon as possible. Deadline is March 18th.

Click here for the Convocation 2024 Information Session presentation.

Admin Team

Mr. J. Figueiredo
Principal
A & International

Mr. M. Anderton
Vice Principal
B-G

Mrs. L. Craftchick
Vice Principal
H-N

Mr. R. Roque
Vice Principal
O-Z
  • Respect each other and always treat others with dignity. Talk to staff and other students in a calm appropriate and respectful manner. Positively communicate and follow directions of staff in the hallways.
  • 5 minutes out of the classroom should be all the time needed to use the washroom.
  • Same Floor means that students should be using the closest washroom to their classroom.
  • Washroom Expectations all students have the right to a washroom experience that is free from disruption, video recording, image capture, bullying, violence, and vaping/smoking etc.​ Students are expected keep this a safe place.

Change in PA Day Schedule & Solar Eclipse Safety Tips

Please be advised that the Professional Activity (PA) Day originally scheduled for April 19, 2024, will now be held on April 8, 2024. This change is being made to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff during the Total Solar Eclipse expected on April 8, 2024.

Looking directly at the Sun causes serious eye damage, especially during a solar eclipse.

To watch a solar eclipse safely, you need eye protection that has been designed for watching a solar eclipse (i.e., meets the ISO 12312-2 standard). Sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes. In addition, viewing any part of a solar eclipse through a smartphone camera, a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will cause serious eye damage.

Total Solar Eclipse Safety Tips

A total solar eclipse is a rare and exciting natural phenomenon. However, it is crucial to view it safely to prevent any damage to the eyes. Here are some tips for safely experiencing the solar eclipse:
  1. Use Proper Eclipse Glasses: Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for viewing the sun. Special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers, must be used. Ensure they meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
  2. Adult Supervision for Children: Ensure that children are supervised when using solar filters or eclipse glasses. Teach them the importance of not removing the glasses while looking at the sun.
  3. Alternative Methods: For those who do not have eclipse glasses, using a pinhole projector is a safe way to view a projection of the eclipse. This can be a fun and educational activity to do with children.
  4. Avoid Unsafe Methods: Do not look at the sun through a camera, a telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays can damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious injury.
  5. Check the Weather: If it is cloudy, you may not be able to see the eclipse. Use online resources to watch it live if the weather does not permit outdoor viewing.
  6. View it Safely via Livestream: The eclipse can be viewed via livestream broadcast through the NASA Exploratorium.
We hope these tips are helpful for you and your family to safely experience this spectacular event.

Your child's safety is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adapting to these changes in our school schedule. Let us all experience this cosmic event safely and responsibly. For more safety tips and information, please visit https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/solar-eclipse-safety.

WCDSB MDI Notice of Collection (2024)

Dear Parents,

Before the March Break, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) will be conducting school climate surveys to collect information from students and families. While the Ministry of Education requires all school districts to conduct these surveys (Education Act s.169.1(1)(a), (a.1), (a.2) and PPM 145), we are committed to providing a safe, caring, and inclusive place for everyone in our schools. The purpose of the school climate surveys is to assess the perceptions of safety (e.g., from students, and families), make informed planning decisions about programs to help prevent bullying and promote safe and inclusive schools, determine the effectiveness of programs on an ongoing basis, and build and sustain a positive school climate. Below you will find details related to each survey.

For Families:
We will administer a school climate survey for Families between February 15th and March 8th. You will be provided with the link to participate on February 15th.

For Students:
We will invite students in grades 4 through grade 12 to participate in the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) between February 15th and March 8th. The MDI is an anonymous and voluntary online survey and will take place during class time on a board provided device with their classroom teacher. The MDI survey asks students about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in school and in the community related to five areas of development that are strongly linked to well-being, health, and academic achievement: Physical Health & Well-Being, Connectedness, Social & Emotional Development, School Experiences, and Use of After-School Time. Additionally, students will be asked demographic questions on the survey (e.g., Adults they live with, Number of siblings, Gender, School, Grade, Indigenous identity, Race, First language, and English proficiency) in accordance with the Anti-Racism Act (ARA s.6(5)).

The MDI was developed by researchers at the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the administration of the MDI will be facilitated by the WCDSB Research Department.

Any student may choose not to participate, to stop participating, or to skip a question at any time. Additionally, parents/guardians of students under 18 years of age can ask that their child be exempt from participating in the MDI survey by completing this opt-out form before February 8th, 2024. For more information, please visit our Student School Climate webpage: https://www.wcdsb.ca/school-climate-survey/

Jordan Figueiredo,
Principal

WCDSB MDI Notice of Collection (2024) - Family Letter

Important Notice: Vaccine Appointments Available at Public Health Clinics

Have you received a letter from Public Health telling you that your child is missing a vaccination?

Appointments are now available for any student who needs to catch up on their routine vaccines, including Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Meningococcal, Pertussis (whooping cough), and Varicella (chickenpox).

Book a catch-up appointment, if your child is missing a vaccine.

Report your child’s vaccinations, if they have gotten the missing vaccines.

You need to report your child’s vaccines to Public Health if they received their vaccines from a health care provider. You can easily report your child’s vaccines online. How to report your child’s vaccines.

The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires all elementary and secondary school students to have proof of vaccination or a valid exemption on file with Public Health.

Vaccinations keep kids and schools healthy by stopping the spread of serious and preventable diseases.

Learn more about school and child care vaccinations

Schedule of Notification and Suspension

Vaccination notices providing six weeks to update vaccine records went out to elementary school families in November and December last year. Notices to secondary school families are being distributed now.

Students whose records have not been brought up to date will receive a second notice in February (elementary) and April (secondary) of pending school suspension. This second notice provides an additional four weeks to get vaccine records up to date before school suspension takes effect.

The elementary school suspension date is March 27, 2024. Secondary school suspension date is May 1, 2024.

Questions? Need help? Call Region of Waterloo Public Health at 519-575-4400.

Recognizing Mr. Renner

The first annual “Drayton Entertainment Teacher of Excellence Award" was presented on opening night of the Youth Academy’s High School Production of Footloose. The Award recognizes an outstanding secondary school educator who has demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and passion in the field of arts education. The major sponsors of the High School Project are Brad Carr and Susan Wagler of West Montrose and the award was created the spirit of Brad’s recognition of the lasting impact of his high school drama teacher.

Nominations were made by student members of the High School Project production of Footloose by essay submission, and reviewed by a panel of industry professionals and community members to determine the winner.
Based on cast member, Charleigh Perry’s heartfelt submission, Andrew Renner was announced as the 2024 winner. Mr. Renner started teaching at St. Benedict’s in 2001, and has been Program Head of Arts since 2012. His commitment to keeping the arts alive at his high school along with a clear demonstration of methods that inspire, innovate, and engage with his students make him an ideal winner of the inaugural award.
Photo from the Drayton Entertainment Instagram account.

Looking for a quick way to navigate all things WCDSB for parents?

Check out the Board website for information and information pertaining to Aspen Portal, Brightspace, School Cash Online, Transportation updates, and other resources

https://www.wcdsb.ca/parents/

Stay Connected with
St. Benedict's!

Twitter

@StBenedictCSS
Instagram
@bennies_sac_updates

News from Guidance

Who is your Guidance Counsellor?

Counsellor’s Name

Ext

Last names

Mrs. O’Toole
5190
A – De
Ms. Varriano Lane
5635
Dh – Ho, International students
Mrs. Novakovich
5636
Hu - L
Mr Betik
5633
M - Ri
Mrs. O’Neill
5634
Ro – Z
Administrative Assistant: Ms. Aguilar, ext. 5631

GUIDANCE D2L

For additional information throughout the year, please visit the Guidance D2L page.

Course Selections for 2024 - 2025

We are looking forward to a new semester and just beyond that a new school year in the fall of 2024.

We need students to choose their courses by February 29, 2024. In early January, we met with all grade 9, 10 and 11 classes to discuss doing research and looking into courses they wish to take. In early February we will be emailing out the presentation and posting it on the Guidance D2L page. Students are encouraged to consult the course calendar on the website, have discussions with their families and subject specific teachers and guidance counsellors for help making the correct decisions. Guidance counsellors will also be available in room 111 during lunch on specific days in February leading up to the deadline date.

Grade 12 students who are interested in returning to St. Benedict for a 5th year should choose courses and visit with a guidance counsellor if they have questions.

The decisions that students make now regarding their choices for next year are what drive the scheduling decisions that are made with regard to both the courses and the numbers of sections of each course that we offer at the school next year. The importance of making the right choices should not be underestimated as course changes are not always easily corrected once the school year is underway.

As has been the practice for the past number of years, students will be choosing their courses on-line using myBlueprint. Students are familiar with this program and have been using it for pathway planning.

The site can be accessed through the students myApps page or:
  1. Go to myBlueprint.ca/waterloocatholic
  2. Login using your school login or GAFE account login
Students will select courses, submit, and enter a parent email for parental approval of the courses. Course selections must be submitted by: Thursday February 29th.

University of Waterloo Grade 10 Family Night

The University of Waterloo will be hosting an evening for Grade 10 students and their parents on Thursday February 22 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. This is a great opportunity for grade 10 students who are thinking about attending any of Ontario’s universities. Information covered will include finding a program that is a good fit, navigating the application process, and financing post-secondary education. Register to attend www.uwaterloo.ca/future/grade-10

Community Service Hours

It is a requirement of graduation that each student complete 40 hours of community service. There are many opportunities to fulfill this requirement. Please visit the school website for links to community opportunities and a fillable form to submit their hours.

Academics

What do ChatGPT, Toyota's assembly line, animated movies, and self-driving cars have in common?

They all need to be programmed. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Reality is there are very few lines of work that are not impacted by computers, and many of those involve coding those computers, or at the very least understanding the coding to either diagnose or increase the functionalities of those devices.

St. Benedict offers several courses that will help set up students on a path to success to these and many other career paths that involve the use of computers.

ICS 3U

(University)

ICS 3C

(College)
The grade 11 Introduction to Computer Science (ICS 3U) and Introduction to Computer Studies (ICS 3C) courses are engaging courses that introduce students to the fundamentals of computer science. Here's what students will learn:
  1. Programming Basics: concepts like variables, loops, and functions using the Python programming language.
  2. Computational Thinking: develop problem-solving skills by breaking down complex problems into smaller parts.
  3. Data Structures and Algorithms: explore structures like lists and arrays and learn algorithms for efficient data manipulation.
  4. Digital Literacy and Ethics: gain an understanding of the ethical use of technology and digital citizenship.
  5. Computer Systems: gain insights into how computers work at a fundamental level.
These courses prepare students for further studies in computer science and equips them with skills relevant to today's digital world. Both are valuable courses for future academic and career opportunities.

ICS 4U

(University)

ICS 4C

(College)
The grade 12 Computer Science (ICS 4U) and Computer Programming (ICS 4C) courses are advanced courses that build upon the foundational knowledge gained in earlier computer science courses. Here's what students will delve into:
  1. Advanced Programming: refine programming skills and tackle more complex problems using the Java programming language.
  2. Data Structures and Algorithms: deepen their understanding of data structures and explore advanced algorithms for efficient problem-solving.
  3. Software Development: learn about software engineering principles, including designing, implementing, and testing large-scale software projects.
  4. Artificial Intelligence: explore the fascinating world of AI, including machine learning algorithms and their applications.
  5. Computer Science Theory: learn about theoretical concepts such as computability, complexity analysis, and formal languages.
ICS 4U prepares students for university-level computer science studies, ICS 4C prepares students for college-level computer programming streams. Both are an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing careers in technology or related fields.
Students in the programming courses are encouraged to also participate in the Canadian Computing Competition in February, run by the University of Waterloo.

For more information about the ICS courses, please talk to Mr. Milardovic.

Thinking about a career in health care?

Take grade 11 and grade 12 Health Care (TPJ3M and TPJ4M).
NOTE: new course for 2024 - grade 10 Health Care (TPJ2O)! The grade 10 health care course satisfies the tech credit requirement for graduation. For more information, contact Mrs. Taylor in the Annex or your guidance counsellor.

BEM 1O: Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Grade 9, Open

(Replaces BTT 1O/2O, Info and Comm Tech in Business)
In this course, students will learn what makes an entrepreneur thrive and the skills required to succeed in today’s business environment. Students will begin to develop their own entrepreneurial mindset, and learn why it’s important to take initiative, adapt to change, find creative solutions, and understand the financial considerations of entrepreneurship. This hands-on course will use business software and applications to help students plan and develop their entrepreneurial ideas and learn how to present them to a target audience. Throughout the course, students will enhance their communications skills as well as develop and refine their project management skills, including goal setting, time management, and networking.
COURSE FOCUS: Business software and applications (ie. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access Databases)

BEP 2O: Launching and Leading a Business, Grade 10, Open

(Replaces BBI 1O/2O, Introduction to Business)
This course introduces students to the world of business and what is required to be successful, ethical, and responsible in today’s economy. Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to be an entrepreneur who knows how to respond to local and global market opportunities. Throughout the course, students will explore and understand the responsibility of managing different functions of a business. This includes accounting, marketing, information and communication technology, financial management, human resources, and production.
COURSE FOCUS: Business concepts (ie. Marketing, Advertising, Accounting)

EMS3O: Media, Grade 11, Open

Yearbook is back! Want to leave your mark on the school community by helping to create our cherished Yearbook and earn a credit while doing it? Interested in media communications? Digital Literacy? Design? Photography? Then, this may be the right course for you! See Ms. Weiditch or your Guidance Counselor if you have any questions.

Math Prep Course

Are you worried about being prepared for the Grade 9 Destreamed Math course, MTH1W? Did you miss some of grade 6, 7, or 8 math? Did you struggle with math in those years, but know you could do it with a little more time and in a smaller class? If you said yes to any of those questions, then GLE1OM might be a great course for you!

Talk to your Grade 8 Classroom Teacher about adding GLE1OM with MTH1W in your grade 9 year, and it will prepare you for success in Grade 9 Destreamed! You’ll be with same-age peers in both math classes, and become confident in Grade 9 Destreamed Math!

Global Leadership program

Global leadership is a program which incorporates a group of courses to help students develop academic and practical skills for post-secondary preparation, and potential career paths in Public Policy, Social Services and International Governance.

This program has a unique vision and teaching specifically designed to nurture the skills of young leaders. Students will have the opportunity to connect their real world, with course content, and their own thoughts and ideas.

Academically, the program would include 4 pre-set courses in politics, business/economics, social science and world issues

Activities in the program would include: participation in Model UN, connection to University professors and students, working with real world experts and simulating real world challenges and solutions.

This program would be ideal for students looking to learn beyond a traditional classroom setting - and hone their skills in research, public speaking, leadership qualities and networking with industry professionals.
If you are interested in this opportunity for the 2024-2025 school year here is the information for Bennies students to sign up at Dolye for this program on MyBlueprint this month during course selection.

Program website (WCDSB - other secondary schools who offer the program)
Global Leadership Program - International Education

Athletics

Swimmers compete at CWOSSA

Congratulations to all of the swimmers that competed at CWOSSA last Wednesday. Many swimmers got personal best times and made us proud at the pool.

Special shout outs to Rayah P and Sophie T who both placed first in their races.

Good luck to Aidan D and Rayah P who both qualified to compete at OFSAA.

Wrestlers at D8

Please congratulate our wrestlers who competed at D8 on Wednesday. All athletes fought hard with Austin Gordon, Jake Murray and Logan Todoroff bringing home silver and Nour Beshr and Jef Collins earning bronze. Wish them luck as they compete at CWOSSA!

Sports Results

JUNIOR BOYS BASKETBALL
St. Mary's HS 43, St. Benedict CSS 33

SENIOR BOYS BASKETBALL
St. Benedict CSS 76, Woodland Christian HS 69
Resurrection CSS 65, St. Benedict CSS 45

SENIOR GIRLS ICE HOCKEY
St. David CSS 5, St. Benedict CSS 1

SENIOR BOYS ICE HOCKEY
Monsignor Doyle CSS 7, St. Benedict CSS 0

JUNIOR GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
St. David CSS 3, St. Benedict CSS 1

SENIOR GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
St. Benedict CSS 3, St. David CSS 1
Resurrection CSS 3, St. Benedict CSS 0

Lacrosse set to start up!

There will be a girls lacrosse club information meeting Friday at the start of lunch in the lecture hall. Anyone interested in learning the game of women's field lacrosse is welcome and no experience necessary to join! Come out for some information and forms to participate!

Registration Google form link: https://forms.gle/tfkWYTLN77xNgFm8A

Clubs

Aimez-vous le français?

Are you interested in French culture, or did you take French semester 1, and want to keep up the language for next year? Come to French club on Thursdays at lunch in room 202 for fun conversations, activities, and French treats! See you there!

Girls Garage changing days

We've decided to change our club day for the Girls Garage from Tuesdays to Fridays starting this week. It will still be held at lunch, and in room 110. All girls are more than welcome to join us!

Anyone interested in science STEM battles?

Our science team is about to start up for this school year. Anyone interested in the team should attend an information session on Wednesday Feb 28 in room 317 for more information and get ready to be in your element! Any questions come and see Ms. D'Aversa or Ms. Skinn who are periodically in the science office.

Ping Pong Club

Are you into table tennis? There will be a meeting for ping pong club members Thursday at the start of lunch on the third floor by Work Room 3.1.

Indigenous Student Group

Meet every Friday at lunch in the Sky Box, please reach out to Kait or Mr O'Connor for extra information.

Calendar of Events

Thursday, February 22
6:15am: Rowing Club
10:35am: French club
10:35am: IRIS Club
10:35am: Reach for the Top Trivia club
10:35am: HOSA Club
10:35am: GSA Club
10:35am: Seams Sew Easy Club
10:35am: Coding Club
10:35am: Model UN Club
10:35am: Percussion Ensemble
10:35am: Chess Club
10:35am: MCU Club
2:15pm: Robotics Club
2:15pm: Running club
2:15pm: E-car Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
2:15pm: Math Club
2:15pm: Games Club
4:00pm: Jazz Band

Friday, February 23
6:15am: Rowing Club
10:35am: Indigenous Student Group meeting
10:35am: Girls Garage club
10:35am: Choir
10:35am: Star Trek Club
2:15pm: Ping Pong club
2:15pm: Running club
2:15pm: Doctor Who club

Monday, February 26
10:35am: Coding Club
10:35am: SEEC Club
10:35am: Choir
2:15pm: Robotics Club
2:15pm: Running club

Tuesday, February 27
10:35am: IRIS Club
10:35am: Mario Kart Club
10:35am: Arts Council
10:35am: GSA Club
10:35am: DECA Business Club
10:35am: Chess Club
10:35am: MCU Club
11:00am: Rosary Club
2:15pm: Robotics Club
2:15pm: Running club

Wednesday, February 28
6:15am: Rowing Club
10:35am: Guitar Club
10:35am: Cosmo Club
2:15pm: Robotics Club
2:15pm: Rock Climbing club
2:15pm: E-car Club

Thursday, February 29
6:15am: Rowing Club
10:35am: French club
10:35am: IRIS Club
10:35am: Reach for the Top Trivia club
10:35am: HOSA Club
10:35am: GSA Club
10:35am: Seams Sew Easy Club
10:35am: Coding Club
10:35am: Model UN Club
10:35am: Percussion Ensemble
10:35am: Chess Club
10:35am: MCU Club
2:15pm: Robotics Club
2:15pm: Running club
2:15pm: E-car Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
2:15pm: Math Club
2:15pm: Games Club
4:00pm: Jazz Band
Friday, March 1
6:15am: Rowing Club
8:00am: SHSM Workshop: Working at Heights
10:35am: Indigenous Student Group meeting
10:35am: Girls Garage club
10:35am: Choir
10:35am: Star Trek Club
2:15pm: Ping Pong club
2:15pm: Running club
2:15pm: Doctor Who club

Monday, March 4
10:35am: Coding Club
10:35am: SEEC Club
10:35am: Choir
2:15pm: Robotics Club
2:15pm: Running club

Tuesday, March 5
9:00am: SHSM Workshop: SFA & CPR-C
10:35am: IRIS Club
10:35am: Mario Kart Club
10:35am: Arts Council
10:35am: GSA Club
10:35am: Chess Club
10:35am: MCU Club
11:00am: Rosary Club
2:15pm: Robotics Club
2:15pm: Running club

Wednesday, March 6
BENN Newsletter release
6:15am: Rowing Club
9:00am: SHSM Workshop: SFA & CPR-C
10:35am: Guitar Club
10:35am: Cosmo Club
2:15pm: Robotics Club
2:15pm: Rock Climbing club
2:15pm: E-car Club

Thursday, March 7
6:15am: Rowing Club
9:30am: SHSM Workshop: Plant-Based Eating for Health
10:35am: French club
10:35am: IRIS Club
10:35am: Reach for the Top Trivia club
10:35am: HOSA Club
10:35am: GSA Club
10:35am: Seams Sew Easy Club
10:35am: Coding Club
10:35am: Model UN Club
10:35am: Percussion Ensemble
10:35am: Chess Club
10:35am: MCU Club
2:15pm: Robotics Club
2:15pm: Running club
2:15pm: E-car Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
2:15pm: Math Club
2:15pm: Games Club
2:15pm: Doctor Who club
4:00pm: Jazz Band

Friday, March 8
Board Designated Holiday

Monday, March 11
March Break begins!

Be sure to check out the calendar on the school website for updates!

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