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Wednesday, June 16, 2021 - Volume 13, Issue 21
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Message from Administration
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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.
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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.
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SAINTS!
There is one more week of classes...
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Final Evaluations
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!!
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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!
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Updating Contact Information
Please find attached the instructions to verify your child's mailing address in the Aspen student portal.
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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.
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Thank you for your time, and attention to this matter as we prepare to mail Quad 3 report cards..
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Mental Health Corner
June is PRIDE month
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
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Community Resources
Confidential, non-judgmental and informed LGBTTQQ2SI Peer Support
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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/
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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
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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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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.
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Message from Guidance
UW Engineering Outreach
Community Involvement Hours
Virtual Volunteering
Summer Learning Registration
Registration is now OPEN!
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Students may only take one online course or both Civics and Careers half courses.
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If you choose to register for summer school, please inform your Guidance counsellor.
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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)
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SHSM News
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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
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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.
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Empower and Allyship Camp
The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region is offering an Empower and Allyship Camp.
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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.
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Registration is now open until July 1st. Youth of all abilities from any area are encouraged to register.
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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
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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
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Be sure to check out the calendar on the school website for updates!
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