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Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - Volume 17, Issue 12
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As we embark on the journey of Semester 2, we are filled with hope for the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead. The start of a new semester is always a time of renewal and growth. It offers a fresh start and a chance to set new goals, both academically and personally. We are blessed to have such a supportive and engaged community. Your involvement and encouragement play a crucial role in the success of our students.
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May we continue to grow in faith, knowledge, and service to others. We look forward to witnessing the achievements and progress of our students in the coming months.
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Wishing everyone a successful start to Semester 2.
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Celebrating Black History Month
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We are excited to host Kwame Osei to celebrate Black History Month with us on February 19th. Select classes will make up the live audience but the rest of the school will have an opportunity to livestream in their Period 5 classes.
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He will dive into breaking down microaggressions and unconscious bias using examples from his own lived experiences. Together, students will learn what an inclusive space is and how to increase cultural understanding in our diverse community.
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Attention Class of 2025!
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Planning for your 2025 Convocation events are in full swing! We are so excited to celebrate you.
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The St. Benedict C.S.S. 2024 Convocation date has been confirmed. Our Convocation Ceremony is on Tuesday, June 10th, 2024 at Centre in the Square, Kitchener. Event will begin at 7:00pm.
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Next week we will provide more information regarding the Class of 2025 Convocation events, as well as a school cash online invitation to pay the $100 convocation fee. The majority of this fee covers the rental of the facility, each student's cap and gown and tickets for the event. More information on tickets will be provided next week. Stay tuned to announcements, your school email and the website for more details.
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SAY CHEESE!
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All students born in 2007 can book graduation photos!
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March dates are available, but they are filling up quickly!
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Go to Bookmygrad.ca with your student number and use the code TBO to book your picture. Check out the school Instagram, messenger or website for more infor!
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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
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News from Guidance
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Course Change Requests
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Students must follow their existing schedule.
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To make a request requires 2 steps – students fill out and complete a google form for their counsellor and then have parent / guardian email to approve request.
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Only those who complete the 2-step process will receive follow-up.
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Students and families please recognize change is not always possible. Some courses are full or conflict with another course making it impossible to take them this school year.
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Students requesting a course change must fill out their appropriate guidance counselor’s form.
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Please read alpha assignment carefully - Guidance google forms are in the links below.
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Complete an online request form for your guidance counsellor (assigned based on your last name). To access and complete the form, simply click the icon beside your counsellor's name on the Guidance page on the school website.
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Have your parent/guardian email your Guidance Counsellor that they approve of the request for course change (this is not a guarantee the course change can be made).
Guidance will then contact students via phone, school email or call into their existing classes once the form has been filled out and we have heard from a parent/guardian.
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Guidance is prioritizing “Essential Changes” according to the criteria below:
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- In grade 9, 10 or 11 and do not have 8 courses on their timetable.
- Failed a course and no longer have the prerequisite for a course on their timetable.
In grade 12 or year 5 and do not have enough courses on their schedule to reach 30 credits/graduate by the end of this year.
- Level changes (for example moving from academic to applied).
- Missing a prerequisite course for entry into a post-secondary institution.
- Have a course in their schedule in which a credit was already earned.
- We cannot accommodate reorganizing of classes, teacher requests or requests to be in classes with friends.
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We want to thank you for following the course request change process and wish you a very successful semester 2.
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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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Administrative Assistant: Mrs. McAulay-Arruda, ext. 5631
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Course Selections for 2025 – 2026
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Guidance was able to meet with all classes in December to go over the course selection process and discuss pathways.
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All students and guardians will receive an email with links to the course selection virtual information. It will also be post on the Guidance D2L page. As we move into semester 2 it is a good time to continue research and have conversations about your choices for the next school year.
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Grade 12 students who are interested in returning to St. Benedict for a 5th year are invited to complete their course selection in myBlueprint.
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The decisions that students make now regarding their choices for next year are what drive the scheduling decisions that are made about both the courses and the numbers of sections of each course that we offer at the school next year. Course changes are not always easily corrected once the school year is underway.
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Students will be choosing their courses on-line through myBlueprint and parents can verify course selection by email.
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The site can be accessed as follows:
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- Go www. myBlueprint.ca/waterloocatholic
- Login using your school login or GAFE account login
Please note that course selections must be submitted to the school and email verification by a parent, by Friday, February 21. Students are encouraged to consult the course calendar on the website, as well as subject specific teachers and guidance counsellors for help making the correct decisions.
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Guidance counsellors will be available in room 111 during lunch.
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For Grade 9 students on February 11.
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For Grade 10 students on February 13.
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For Grade 11 and 12 students on February 11 & 13.
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If students wish to make an appointment with their Guidance counsellor after these sessions, please visit the Guidance webpage and complete the appointment form.
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Summer eLearning through St. Louis
Registration for Summer School eLearning courses will be available through Waterloo Catholic District School board’s St. Louis Adult Learning & Continuing Education Centre. Please visit their website for a list of courses and how to register.
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Students may earn 1 credit in the month of July.
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Students wishing to take a required course in summer school should include the required course in their myBlueprint planner. They should also include an alternate course. Once registration has been confirmed the Guidance Counsellor will update the planner.
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University of Waterloo Grade 10 Family Night
The University of Waterloo will be hosting a hybrid (in person or online) evening for Grade 10 students and their parents on Thursday February 20 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 here.
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Community Service Hours – for 2025 Graduates
It is a requirement of graduation that each student complete 40 hours of community service. There are many opportunities to fulfill this requirement. Potential graduates should submit their hours to the Guidance office as soon as possible, so it can be recorded for graduation. The WCDSB Community Involvement Activity Record can be found here.
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Online Waiver Form – for 2025 Graduates
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It is a requirement of graduation that each student complete two online learning credits. Parents/guardians are able to complete the online waiver form to opt out of these courses. If your student has not completed 2 online courses, please complete the online waiver form.
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Upcoming math contests
On Wednesday, February 26, the grade 9, 10 and 11 students will be taking part in the University of Waterloo Pascal, Cayley and Fermat Math Contests. Cost per participant - $6. Please, register through SchoolCashOnline. This event is open to all students!
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The deadline for the registration is Monday, February 10, at 2:00 p.m. Don't miss it!
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Calling all Coders!
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The Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) is a fun challenge for participants with an interest in programming. Designed to be both accessible to participants with some programming experience and to challenge the keenest programmers at the secondary school level, the CCC helps participants build confidence and grow their ability to understand, design, and implement algorithms.
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This year the contest is being written on Wednesday, February 19. Students interested in participating must inform Mr. Milardovic by Friday, February 7 so that we can start preparing. The contest is open to all students with programming experience, and would be beneficial regardless of whether or not they are applying to UW for Computer Science. The cost to write the contest is $10 per student.
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To start practicing, students are encouraged to create an account on the Project Euler website and solve problems there.
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International Certificate Program
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The International Certificate Program will recognize and honour students who demonstrate a commitment to being motivated, engaged and active global citizens. Students will benefit by developing cultural competencies through authentic learning experiences. Some of the benefits include:
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- Learning or improving another language
- Increasing global awareness
- Immersing yourself in another culture
- Becoming more independent and confident
- Making lifelong friendships
- Exploring opportunities for your future
- Hosting an International student with your family
- Traveling and visiting other countries
- Understanding the similarities and differences between cultures
- Connecting personal experiences with coursework
- Developing leadership skills
- Participating as a global citizen
Interested in learning more about the International Certificate Program?
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Please see Mrs. Kot in the Guidance Office on your lunch hour OR after school.
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Do you know how to use Microsoft applications effectively?
Are you a wizard at Word? Are you excellent at Excel?
Are you a pro at PowerPoint? Are you amazing at Access?
If you answered no to any of these questions, the grade 11 BTA 3O Information and Communication Technology course may be right for you!
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The BTA 3O course gives students a comprehensive overview of some of the advanced features of Microsoft Office products and website design. It does all this with a "business twist", giving students an opportunity to contextualize their learning using real world examples.
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If you are looking to take your Word skills to the next level, learn to use important business-related functions in Excel, perfect your PowerPoints, design business databases and create some cool websites, consider adding BTA 3O to your course selections for next year!
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Software used in the BTA 3O course:
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Word
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Excel
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PowerPoint
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Access
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Google Sites
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BEM 1O: Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Grade 9, Open
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)
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BEP 2O: Launching and Leading a Business, Grade 10, Open
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)
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What do ChatGPT, Toyota's assembly line, animated movies, and self-driving cars have in common?
They all need to be programmed.
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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.
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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.
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ICS 3U
(University)
ICS 3C
(College)
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| 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: |
- Programming Basics: concepts like variables, loops, and functions using the Python programming language.
- Computational Thinking: develop problem-solving skills by breaking down complex problems into smaller parts.
- Data Structures and Algorithms: explore structures like lists and arrays and learn algorithms for efficient data manipulation.
- Digital Literacy and Ethics: gain an understanding of the ethical use of technology and digital citizenship.
- 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. |
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ICS 4U
(University)
ICS 4C
(College)
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| 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: |
- Advanced Programming: refine programming skills and tackle more complex problems using the Java programming language.
- Data Structures and Algorithms: deepen their understanding of data structures and explore advanced algorithms for efficient problem-solving.
- Software Development: learn about software engineering principles, including designing, implementing, and testing large-scale software projects.
- Artificial Intelligence: explore the fascinating world of AI, including machine learning algorithms and their applications.
- 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. |
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Love the Outdoors?
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If you love the outdoors and want to earn high school credit(s) while spending time outside, St. Benedict’s Outdoor Education (Physical Education Course) could be the ideal choice for you!
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Outdoor Education (Physical Education)
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Not your typical classroom!
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Play your favourite Phys Ed games outside, build your own shelter, make fire using flint and steel, explore archery, camp, canoe Algonquin Park and the Grand River, carve, rock-climb, try a high-ropes course and zipline, hike, learn the land and wilderness first aid, build your bushcraft and outdoor skills, enjoy our local forests!
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The Grades 10-12 multi-level Outdoor Education Course (PAD) focuses on the development of a healthy lifestyle through participation in a wide variety of outdoor activities. Students will be given opportunities to practice goal-setting, planning and decision-making, interpersonal skills and grow their leadership.
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Grade 11 (PAD30) AND Grade 12 (PAD40) Outdoor Education are Specialist High Skills Major courses (SHSM): Earn up to 2 Major SHSM Credits and up to 14 SHSM certifications!
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Looking to get into the arts next year?
Check out these course options!
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The St. Benedict Food Garden is lead by the St. Benedict culinary instructors and science teachers with a passion for sustainable food communities and food production.
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The St. Benedict School Garden is located on a recaptured part of the school parking lot. The garden includes both compost boxes and garden boxes used for vegetables along with herbs, berries (raspberry and strawberry), and greens. The construction class has also built and put in place a grow shed that will allow the transition of seedlings to the garden in the spring. Milkweed has been added to support our butterfly and bee population for cross pollination. The garden boxes are reserved for beans, squash, tomatoes, garlic, onions, zucchini with the addition of corn to complete the Three Sisters Unity.
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Each box is fitted with an irrigation system, which is fed by the cisterns attached to the Annex eaves trough system. This past year Daniel Belanger of Bluejay Irrigation installed submersible water pumps to help with our recycled water irrigation system. The rain water from the rough of the annex is sequestered in our two cisterns where it is then pumped into our vegetable gardens.
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Both the St. Benedict C.S.S. Technology department and the Science department work together to sustain the garden. The science department identifies pH levels to help decide what is best to grow where, while testing the water for contaminants and overall potability. The technology department builds and maintains the structures within the garden, as well as the garden itself: planting and harvesting the garden product for the Hospitality program and to support the Cambridge Food Bank.
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In the past during the summer, when most school staff are off, a volunteer group from the Cambridge Food Bank would come twice a week to irrigate, weed and harvest. More recently, we worked with SWRL and their NURTURE initiative to support youth programming. Nurture would provide both educational services and summer support through youth co-op, where youth would maintain and harvest the garden's yield. The product would then be sold at a Youth Market in kitchener where revenues would go toward supporting other youth programming. Unfortunately, the funding for this program was dropped this past Semester. We are actively searching for new partnerships.
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We are looking forward to starting up next semester’s St. Benedict School Food Garden Club. Once again we will work on a plan-a-gram for the garden. We design the garden, we talk about time-lines for planting and maintenance procedures all while focussing on companion planting.
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The garden provides students and staff the opportunity to contribute to the community it is part of. We consider it to be a physical representation of the Catholic Graduate Expectations, connecting: faith, learning and community. This garden would not have been possible without the support of our school administration, the board and the staff at the Food Bank. Thank you for seeing the potential in our program.
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Senior Boys soccer
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We are excited to announce that tryouts will be held the first week of March. A meeting will take place on Thursday, February 6th after school in the lecture hall at 2:10pm. During this meeting, we will provide important information about the tryout process, including dates, times, and what to expect. You'll have the chance to meet the coaching staff, ask questions, and learn more about the upcoming season. We look forward to seeing all our soccer athletes on Thursday!
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See the calendar on the school website for complete sport schedule listings!
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Do you want to try Rugby?
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Are you a student in grade 9 or 10 interested in playing rugby this year, but have no prior rugby experience? Please come to a brief meeting during Lunch B on Thursday February 6th in room 316 as there may be an opportunity for you to attend a “Rugby Try Day” later on this semester.
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If you have any questions, please see Mr. Petricca in the science office.
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Doctor Who!
DOCTOR WHO CLUB RETURNS this Friday February 7th after school in room 226. We will be continuing our screening of GENESIS OF THE DALEKS, and we will be holding our FEBRUARY PRIZE RAFFLE. New members are always welcome!
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Remember…the new season episodes are coming…
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New Indoor Rowing Club!
If you’re interested in exercising, learning to row on a dryland machine, or just trying something new and active, join the Indoor Rowing Club!
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We’ll meet Tuesday mornings @ 6:30 am until 7:30 am, and Thursdays right after school @ 2:10 pm - 3 pm. Come dressed to sweat, and bring running shoes and a water bottle!
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Pick up a permission form on the Skybox door across from room 300. Students interested in competing will have the opportunity to attend the Nancy Storrs Indoor Rowing Competition in St Catharines on March 1st!
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Talk to Ms Currie or Ms Vorsteveld for more information.
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Reach for the Top!
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The St. Benedict Reach for the Top Trivia Team will be meeting Thursdays at lunch B in room 308. An exciting new classroom for a new semester! Come on out to room 308 this Thursday for trivia, and to hear about our upcoming tournament!
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Calling all performers!
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Hey Saints! Are you a performer? Interested in participating in our school’s Valentine’s Day Coffee House? Do you sing, play an instrument, do spoken word, magic or comedy? Come out at lunch to room 104 this Thursday or Friday to audition! Have more questions? See Mr. Renner or Mrs. O’Brien McKinnon for more details! Not interested in auditioning? Come out and support the show on February 12th, at 7 pm!
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From the librarian’s desk
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Hey Bennies – Welcome to the new semester! Heading into Winter 2025, the library is here to support your learning and offer a cozy space to read, research, and relax. Whether you’re looking for your next great read, need research help, or just want a quiet spot to study, we’ve got you covered. Drop by to say hello and tell me what you’re reading/listening to/watching!
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Looking for a little magic?
Join us at the library at 4pm on Thursday, 6 February for an Introduction to Magic: The Gathering!
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Whether you're a total beginner or just curious, we’ll teach you the basics of this epic strategy card game. Build decks, cast spells, and challenge your friends in this exciting fantasy world.
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No cards? No problem — we’ve got you covered! Don’t miss out on the fun — see you there!
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Note: This is an Idea Exchange event and not affiliated with the WCDSB.
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YA Reads
While you were writing exams, we moved some books around on the shelves to make things even easier to find: you’ll now find the Young Adult section in the half stacks in front of the study rooms, near the Active Living collection. Take a look, and keep an eye out for some of our top titles:
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For your virtual library needs, visit the St Benedict Library Learning Commons site here or the Idea Exchange site here.
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Thursday, February 6
10:40am: IRIS Club
12:00pm: Reach for the top
12:00pm: IRIS Club
2:00pm: Math Club
2:00pm: DECA Business Club
2:15pm: Sr Boys Soccer info meeting
2:15pm: Concert Band
3:45pm: Jazz Band
Friday, February 7
8:00am: Wrestling Tournament #5
10:40am: Cosmo Club
12:00pm: Girls Garage Club
12:00pm: Cosmo Club
2:15pm: Indigenous Student Union
2:15pm: Girls Garage Club
2:15pm: Ping Pong Club
2:15pm: Doctor Who Club
2:15pm: Model UN Club
Monday, February 10
10:40am: Percussion Club
2:00pm: Girls Hockey vs St. Mary's HS
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:15pm: Film Club
Tuesday, February 11
6:30am: Indoor Rowing Club
10:40am: IRIS Club
10:40am: Arts Council
12:00pm: IRIS Club
12:00pm: Arts Council
12:15pm: Rosary Club
2:15pm: Choir
Wednesday, February 12
8:00am: Wrestling District 8 Championships
10:40am: Guitar Club
10:40am: Black Excellence Group
12:00pm: Black Excellence Group
2:00pm: Girls Hockey @ St. David CSS
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:00pm: Garden Club
Thursday, February 13
10:40am: IRIS Club
12:00pm: Reach for the top
12:00pm: IRIS Club
2:00pm: BASA (Asian Student Assoc)
2:00pm: Math Club
2:00pm: DECA Business Club
2:10pm: Indoor Rowing Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
3:45pm: Jazz Band
Friday, February 14
Valentine's Day
10:40am: Cosmo Club
12:00pm: Girls Garage Club
12:00pm: Cosmo Club
2:15pm: Girls Garage Club
2:15pm: Ping Pong Club
2:15pm: Doctor Who Club
2:15pm: Model UN Club
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Monday, February 17
Family Day
Tuesday, February 18
6:30am: Indoor Rowing Club
10:40am: IRIS Club
10:40am: Arts Council
12:00pm: IRIS Club
12:00pm: Arts Council
12:15pm: Rosary Club
2:15pm: Choir
Wednesday, February 19
BENN Newsletter release
8:00am: Wrestling CWOSSA Championships
10:40am: Guitar Club
10:40am: Black Excellence Group
12:00pm: Black Excellence Group
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:00pm: Garden Club
Thursday, February 20
10:40am: IRIS Club
12:00pm: Reach for the top
12:00pm: IRIS Club
2:00pm: Math Club
2:00pm: DECA Business Club
2:10pm: Indoor Rowing Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
3:45pm: Jazz Band
Friday, February 21
10:40am: Cosmo Club
12:00pm: Girls Garage Club
12:00pm: Cosmo Club
2:15pm: Indigenous Student Union
2:15pm: Girls Garage Club
2:15pm: Ping Pong Club
2:15pm: Doctor Who Club
2:15pm: Model UN Club
Monday, February 24
10:40am: Percussion Club
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:15pm: Film Club
Tuesday, February 25
6:30am: Indoor Rowing Club
10:40am: IRIS Club
10:40am: Arts Council
12:00pm: IRIS Club
12:00pm: Arts Council
12:15pm: Rosary Club
2:15pm: Choir
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Be sure to check out the calendar on the school website for updates!
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