masthead2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - Volume 17, Issue 17

On behalf of the staff and students at St. Benedict's
we wish you

A VERY BLESSED EASTER!

Wishing you a happy Easter full of blessings!

Admin Team

Mr. J. Figueiredo
Principal
A

Mr. M. Anderton
Vice Principal
B-G, International

Mrs. L. Craftchick
Vice Principal
H-N

Mrs. C. Kamta
Vice Principal
O-Z

St. Benedict Instagram

@stbenedictwcdsb

Nolan Kubala Triumphs in WCDSB Auto Service Skills Competition

In an impressive display of skill and dedication, Nolan Kubala secured first place in the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) Auto Service Skills Competition. With a field of 13 students competing for a spot in the Provincials, Nolan's exceptional performance earned him the top spot.

With this victory, Nolan is now set to represent WCDSB at the Provincial competition in Toronto. Competing against the best in the province, Nolan will have the opportunity to further
demonstrate his skills and potentially bring home another prestigious title.

The St. Benedict community is immensely proud of Nolan's achievement and wishes him the best of luck as he prepares for the Provincials. His success serves as an inspiration to fellow students and highlights the importance of skill development and hard work.

Stay tuned for updates on Nolan's journey and the Provincial competition in Toronto!

Relay For Life!

We are thrilled to announce our school’s participation in Relay For Life, a powerful event in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and their ongoing mission to fund life-saving cancer research and support Canadians affected by cancer.

🌼 Why We Relay

Cancer has touched many of our lives, whether personally or through someone we love. Relay For Life is our way of standing together as a school community to make a difference. Every step we take and every dollar we raise brings us closer to a future without cancer.

🎯 Our Fundraising Goal: $30,000

We’ve set an ambitious goal to raise $30,000, and with your support, we know we can achieve it! All proceeds go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society to fund research, advocacy, and patient support services.

🕯️ Luminary Ceremony

One of the most touching parts of the evening is the Luminary Ceremony, where we come together to honor loved ones we’ve lost, celebrate those who’ve survived, and support those currently facing cancer. It's a moment of reflection, hope, and unity.

💻 Student Registration & Donations

🎉 What to Expect

This event is not just meaningful – it’s also a ton of fun! Expect:
  • Food and snacks
  • Face painting
  • Live music and entertainment
  • Games and activities
  • And most importantly, a day of fun for a great cause!

📅 Save the Date!

Date: Thursday May 22nd, 2025
Time: 8:30am-2:00pm
Location: St. Benedict C.S.S track field
Let’s come together as a school and community to make a difference. We hope to see you there!

Are you an artist?

Would you like to win $50?

Join the St. Benedict Art Contest!

Details are here on the school website, or check the Arts bulletin board outside Room 104.

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/

News from Guidance

Who is your Guidance Counsellor?

Counsellor’s Name

Ext

Last names

Mrs. O’Toole
5190
A – Cl
Ms. Varriano Lane
5635
Co – Ha
Mrs. Novakovich
5636
He - Mc
Mr. Betik
5633
Me - R
Mrs. O’Neill
5634
S – Z
Mrs. Kot

International Students
Administrative Assistant: Mrs. McAulay-Arruda, ext. 5631

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.

Online Waiver Form – for 2025 Graduates

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.

Athletics

CWOSSA Badminton

Please congratulate the junior and senior badminton teams on two great days of competition last week. There were 8 athletes who medaled over the two days and 6 athletes advanced to CWOSSA. It was easily the most success our badminton team has enjoyed in recent memory! Please congratulate the following athletes on their achievements.

In Junior: Ryan Power and Grayden Shute won gold in boys doubles
Liem Ngyuen won silver in boys singles
Orla Hayes and Jacob Harrison won bronze in mixed doubles

In Senior: Nyra Lam and Chloe Kim won gold in women's doubles
Sebastian Dumont won gold in boys singles
Alvin Soju and Arham Sazid won silver in boys doubles

Sports results

VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER
St. Benedict CSS 2, St. David CSS 1

SENIOR BOYS SOCCER
St. Benedict CSS 3, St. David CSS 1

See the calendar on the school website for complete sport schedule listings!

Clubs & Activities

NTS Dramafest success for Bennies' Radium Girls

Please congratulate the cast and crew of Radium Girls for their performance at the West Regionals of the NTS Dramafest this week, with special mention to Emmi Foggo, for winning an Award of Distinctive Merit for acting, and Angelina Anello, for winning an Award of Excellence for directing! Not only did we put on a great show, but our team represented our school community incredibly well as hosts. Thank you to all the staff and students who helped us run this amazing event!

Attention Doctor Who Club members!

Due to Easter Holidays, we'll be meeting THIS THURSDAY after school in 226...and we will be celebrating with the FIRST NEW EPISODE of the season, with the Doctor & new his traveling companion Belinda. All new members are welcome.

Time to get growing!

Do you have a green thumb or want to learn about how to grow your own food garden? Then come on down to room 107 on Wednesdays after school to join Benny's garden club! Every year we plant and maintain a food garden here at Benny's that helps feed our community and school. See Mr. Calhoun, Mr. Hodgins or Ms. Di Pede for more information. Hope to see you there!

Other News

News from the Library

From the librarian’s desk

From the librarian’s deskHey Bennies – it’s finally spring! The weather is warming up, our seed library is out, and I am ready to get into the garden. Come browse our collection of free seeds, pick up a gardening how-to, and swing by our Preston location to borrow some gardening tools before you get growing.

Unusual Things to Borrow

Gardening tools are just one category of unusual things to borrow at your local library. If gardening isn’t your thing, check out a guitar or piano, a Nintendo Switch, an iPad, or even a museum pass. Our students LOVE borrowing our footballs and basketballs, but we have full range of athletic equipment available – try a new sport like Pickleball or fishing for free today! Our most unusual item, of course, is our ghost hunting kit. Weekend = planned.

Generative AI

Generative AI is rapidly transforming education, offering new ways for students to learn, create, and collaborate. From helping brainstorm ideas for essays to generating practice quizzes or even assisting with coding projects, AI tools are becoming a regular part of the high school experience. These technologies raise important questions about academic integrity and responsible use.
As you explore and experiment with AI in your studies, remember that your school librarian is a great resource. Whether you’re curious about how generative AI works, how to use AI ethically (or whether that’s even possible!), want tips on evaluating AI-generated information, or just want to share your experiences, stop by the library and start a conversation.
(These paragraphs were written using generative AI, and edited by Librarian Ryan!)
For your virtual library needs, visit the St Benedict Library Learning Commons site here or the Idea Exchange site here.

Calendar of Events

Thursday, April 17
Holy Thursday
10:40am: IRIS Club
12:00pm: Reach for the top
12:00pm: IRIS Club
2:00pm: Math Club
2:00pm: Doctor Who Club
2:10pm: Indoor Rowing Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
3:45pm: Jazz Band

Friday, April 18
Good Friday

Saturday, April 19
Holy Saturday

Sunday, April 20
Easter Sunday

Monday, April 21
Easter Monday

Tuesday, April 22
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, April 23
10:40am: Student Equity and Engagement Council
10:40am: Guitar Club
10:40am: Black Excellence Group
12:00pm: Student Equity and Engagement Council
12:00pm: Black Excellence Group
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:00pm: Garden Club

Thursday, April 24
10:40am: IRIS Club
12:00pm: Reach for the top
12:00pm: IRIS Club
2:00pm: BASA (Asian Student Assoc)
2:00pm: Math Club
2:10pm: Indoor Rowing Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
3:45pm: Jazz Band
Friday, April 25
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

Monday, April 28
10:40am: Percussion Club
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:15pm: Film Club

Tuesday, April 29
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, April 30
BENN Newsletter release
10:40am: Guitar Club
10:40am: Black Excellence Group
12:00pm: Black Excellence Group
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:00pm: Garden Club

Thursday, May 1
10:40am: IRIS Club
12:00pm: Reach for the top
12:00pm: IRIS Club
2:00pm: Math Club
2:10pm: Indoor Rowing Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
3:45pm: Jazz Band

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

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