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Wednesday, June 16, 2021 - Volume 13, Issue 21

Message from Administration

As this 2020/2021 school year is coming to a close, this year once again has shown us the importance of patience, perseverance, relationships, and humanity over individuality. Important information regarding student photos, resource drop off and graduation celebrations can be found in this edition and on the school website. Review the information carefully and reach out to the school if you have any questions.

Please continue to follow the recommendations of Public Health. With the increase of the vaccination availability, we are hopeful that our return in September will be one step closer to what we have been missing in schools. Best of luck as you complete your final evaluations.

SAINTS!

There is one more week of classes...

Final Evaluations

Period 3
Wednesday, June 23
at 8:00 am

Period 4
Thursday, June 24
at 8:00 am
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Key Dates for SBCSS students in Late June

The week of June 21 to 25 will be a very active week here at St. Benedict CSS. We will be celebrating our Graduating Class of 2021 throughout the week. We will also be asking our grade 9, 10 and 11 students to stop in if they have items to drop off or pick up. Additionally, Monday June 28 will also be an important day here at the school. All related key dates and links can be found below.

Grad 2021 Drive Thru Celebration

Monday June 21 (1pm to 5pm) and Tuesday June 22 (1pm to 5pm) with a rain date of June 23. All instructions can be found on the Grad 2021 Webpage. Please read those instructions carefully as there are more detailed points listed and important Covid protocols to follow for the event. We will continue to update the webpage and will communicate updates (such as the possible use of the rain date) on that site throughout this week, weekend and into the Grad Week.

Grade 12 Chromebook/Textbook and School Resource Return

Monday June 28 (morning - times TBA). This information will also be found on the Grad 2021 Webpage in the coming days.


Grade 9, 10, 11 Textbook and School Resource Return

Thursday June 24 (11am to 3pm) and Friday June 25 (9am to 3pm). Borrowed Chromebooks for grade 9, 10, 11 students will NOT be returned in June (they are to be kept until more instructions are shared)!! These two days will be an opportunity for Grade 9, 10, 11 students to pick up their school photos and Student ID as well as dropping off items borrowed from the school during Q3 and Q4. Musical instruments will be returned within these two days as well - teachers will communicate specifics to those students in their class. If students have nothing to drop off and are willing to wait until September for their pictures, it is not necessary to come to the school. Please visit the Drop Off Webpage for further information and instructions.

Convocation information for the Graduating Class of 2021

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We have created a webpage that is dedicated to sharing updated information as we continue to plan to celebrate our graduates. The webpage may be accessed by going to our school website and adding “/grad2021” to the URL. The link is below as well.

Grad 2021 Webpage


The webpage will be updated with the most current information as it pertains to the celebrations, picking up of grad items, dropping off of school supplies and the Grad video. Please check the webpage whenever you are wondering about the process or the status of our planning. We are obviously deeply affected by the Covid reality and the resulting lockdowns. We will continue to plan around this and try to give our Graduating class the best possible experience.

Grad Pictures

Due to Public Health restrictions, Lifetouch (the company that takes and processes the grad photos) had to cancel previously booked appointments and is unable to take pictures on site or anywhere else at this time. It appears that formal photography will be allowed in the stage 2 category of reopening. At this time, Lifetouch is hoping to book grad photo appointments for the summer. We will communicate the process to you once it is in place. Again, this is dependent on the reopening allowances so please do not call Lifetouch until you are invited to do so!!!

Whatever the situation, we have a backup plan – Please see June Celebration on the webpage linked above. Additionally, please hold off on sending your earlier requested grad pictures to the school. The June 4th date will be extended and we are looking at making that option even better!
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Get Vaccinated:

Priority Access for Youth Aged 12 to 17

The Waterloo Region Vaccine Task Force is working to make sure that our youth can be safe to learn for September 2021.

Read more here

Student drop off and pick up

As we approach the end of the school year, we are designating June 24th (11am to 3pm) and 25th (9am to 3pm) as the days to return any textbook(s), school resources, and equipment belonging to St. Benedict’s and used throughout the 2020/2021 school year. Please do not return borrowed chromebooks at this time (stay tuned for more info on this)! You will also have an opportunity to pick up your school picture packages and student cards. The photos/cards will be available at the school in September if you prefer to wait until then.

In alignment with Provincial and Regional Public Health Guidelines, we have designated traffic flow by following the blue and orange arrows. The drop off and pick up area will occur in the area of the yellow star (see map below).

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe during these activities.
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To stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters, our flags flew at half mast to mark the tragic, anti-Muslim murders in London last week. As a Catholic community, we pray for the victims and join as one to condemn racism, bigotry and hate, in all its forms anywhere.

McCarthysCyberOrder

Did you know our school has a custom e-store with call-center and web chat support? Avoid long lines and take advantage of easy installment payment options by visiting mccarthyuniforms.ca to shop for your 2021 school uniform!

Updating Contact Information

Please find attached the instructions to verify your child's mailing address in the Aspen student portal.
If your address is incorrect, please email: benedict.attendance@wcdsb.ca with your child's name, proper mailing address along with the postal code. As well, please contact us if you do not have an email address on file or any additional information is incorrect in Aspen.
Thank you for your time, and attention to this matter as we prepare to mail Quad 3 report cards..
Instructions for Verifying Your Address Resend Nov 20 2.pdf
RemoteLearningSurvivalGuide

Mental Health Corner

June is PRIDE month

SAINTS GSA
If you are interested in being part of the SAINTS GSA – a social club for LGTBQ+ students and allies, please email Mrs. Varriano Lane at laura.varrianolane@wcdsb.ca

Community Resources

LGBT Youth Line
Confidential, non-judgmental and informed LGBTTQQ2SI Peer Support
https://www.youthline.ca/
Call 647-694-4275

OK2BME
OK2BME is a set of free, supportive services for LGBTQ2+ identified children, teens and their families in Waterloo Region. The OK2BME program consists of three unique areas including confidential counselling services (in person, or online), OK2BME Youth Groups for individuals 12-18, as well as public education, consulting and training around LGBTQ2+ issues. https://ok2bme.ca/
Call 519.884.0000 or e-mail ok2bme@kwcounselling.com

Mental Health and Well Being

As we continue in remote learning it is important to keep tabs on how we are all coping. Take a look at the Board’s Mental Health and Wellbeing webpage. This is a “one stop shop” where you can find links to targeted resources to promote wellbeing during Covid, examples of meditations/calming strategies to share with students, resources specific to various roles (i.e. leadership, educators, students, families), links to services in our community, and general mental health information. Please help raise awareness about this resource! https://www.wcdsb.ca/programs-and-services/mental-health-and-well-being-at-wcdsb/ A short intro video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmJI_QXT8xk
HERE24/7 is a telephone crisis service that can assist students and adults in need: 1-844-437-3247 (Press the #1 option so that it can be answered by a live person).
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CounsellingCollaborative
The Counselling Collaborative of Waterloo Region (https://counsellingwr.ca) is a partnership of 6 local counselling agencies working together to make counselling services more accessible to individuals with a limited income. Fees may be fully or partially subsidized depending on individual circumstances and the service requested. Visit their website or call (519) 804-1097 to book a phone/video appt.

June Mental Health Tip

As we wrap up the school year it’s a good time to be thinking about the wide range of supports that are available throughout the summer months. There is a wider range of supports listed on our WCDSB Mental Health and Wellbeing page (https://www.wcdsb.ca/programs-and-services/mental-health-and-well-being-at-wcdsb/), but here are a few:
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June Study Hacks

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Youth Job Connection Flyer - 2021
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Message from Guidance

UW Engineering Outreach

UWaterloo’s Engineering Outreach office is continuing their free tutoring initiative, Hive Mind, through June! The Hive Mind program offers free one to one tutoring for calculus, physics and chemistry open to high school students. Check out the brochure to register! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QE7WQa0yVovBLKGtGt5cRaYGZvD0j9PL/view

Community Involvement Hours

Submit your hours using our NEW online form: https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/APO015-01F

Virtual Volunteering

For Virtual Placement options, please check out the following links: https://volunteerwr.ca/ https://www.sparkontario.ca/

Summer Learning Registration

Registration is now OPEN!
Waterloo Catholic District School Board is committed to supporting your child’s continued learning. In July and August this year, there are a number of learning options available for elementary and secondary students that will ignite, support and challenge students toward success and preparation for the next grade.
ALL Elementary, Secondary and Adult Learning options can be found here: www.wcdsb.ca/summer-learning.

Summer School

Is available this year as online learning courses through our board at St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education. More information can be found on their website: https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca/summer-programs/summer-credit/ The deadline to register is June 18, 2021 at noon.
These courses will run from July 5 – July 29. (Half credit courses Careers and Civics Term 1 July 5-15. Term 2 July 16 – July 29).

What is Online Learning?

Online Learning means courses are specifically designed to be taught in a fully online format (formerly referred to as “e-learning”). Online learning relies on communication between pupils and teachers through the internet or any other digital platform and does not require pupils and teachers to be face to-face with each other or with their teacher. Students must be online and working on their course for a minimum of 6 hours a day.
Students may only take one online course or both Civics and Careers half courses.

If you choose to register for summer school, please inform your Guidance counsellor.
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UsedUniform-June2021

Academics

Have you considered the International Certificate Program (ICP)?

"Through the International Certificate Program, high school students become informed, engaged and active global citizens, by putting into practice the Catholic social teaching including peace, justice and equity for all." (WCDSB)

Please see the link for more information: https://www.wcdsb.ca/our-schools/international-education-services/international-certificate-program/

SHSM News

Grade 10 and 11 SHSM students can complete certifications including in person standard first aid and CPR over the summer. Reach out to Mrs. Crowell if you would like more information: Michelle.Crowell@wcdsb.ca

Grade 12 SHSM students who have been messaged about outstanding certifications are reminded they must be completed by June 18 to allow time to process them.

Clubs

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Student Activities

Other News

Empower and Allyship Camp

The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region is offering an Empower and Allyship Camp.

This free 10-day virtual camp for youth ages 12-16 will empower youth with tools to make their communities safer for all. The camp will run from July 12-16 and 19-23 each morning.

Participants will participate in crafts, games, activities, and discussions to help them to think critically about the world around them. The camp will explore topics like gender-based violence, consent, mental health, social justice, allyship, and more! This is a great opportunity for teens to build their resumes and earn volunteer hours while having fun.

Registration is now open until July 1st. Youth of all abilities from any area are encouraged to register.
Empower and Allyship Camp
Workshop Calendar june 2021-3

Calendar of Events

Thursday, June 17
8:00am: Used Uniform Donation Drop Off
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous
1:15pm: Spoken Word Club

Friday, June 18
8:00am: Used Uniform Donation Drop Off
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous

Sunday, June 20
Father's Day

Monday, June 21
8:00am: Used Uniform Donation Drop Off
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:00pm: Graduation Celebration Drive By
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous

Tuesday, June 22
8:00am: Used Uniform Donation Drop Off
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:00pm: Graduation Celebration Drive By
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous
Wednesday, June 23
8:00am: Period 3 All Students Final Evaluation
2:00pm: Graduation Survey Results

Thursday, June 24
Last Day for ELD & Cohort C
8:00am: Period 4 All Students Final Evaluation
11:00am: Student drop off and pick up
2:00pm: Graduation - Do you know St. Benedict? Kahoot

Friday, June 25
Assessment and Evaluation / Credit Recovery
9:00am: Student drop off and pick up
7:00pm: Graduation Tribute Video Release

Monday, June 28
Assessment and Evaluation / Credit Recovery

Tuesday, June 29
Last day of school

Wednesday, June 30
BENN Newsletter release

Thursday, July 1
Canada Day

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

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