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Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - Volume 18, Issue 3
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Getting back into the swing of things
Important Re: Policies and Procedures
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Cellphones are no longer permitted to be used in classrooms, unless for educational purposes as directed by the teachers. Students unable to comply with the new policy may have their device taken away for the day. In addition, a range of consequences may be utilized to enforce this policy, including suspension for repeated infractions. This policy serves to protect the intellectual and social development of our students and your support in re-enforcing this expectation is much appreciated.
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Smoking/vaping is prohibited by law (Smoke Free Ontario) on public property. Students can be asked to turn over any vaping/smoke product if caught with it, and a range of consequences may be utilized to enforce the “Smoke Free Ontario Act” mandate, including suspension.
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Admin Team
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St. Benedict Instagram
@stbenedictwcdsb
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Student Verification Forms Reminder!
Student Verification Forms were sent home with students on September 3. Please review all information on both sides, edit if necessary, sign and date to verify information is correct (even if no changes are needed). We require the most up-to-date contact information as this is crucial to the safety of our students.
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Completed forms must be sent back to the school with your student no later than Friday September 12, 2025.
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School Cash Online
Go to School Cash Online to complete all necessary forms for your student(s). A detailed list of forms required by grade can be found on the school website under the September Start Up tab.
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Forms must be completed by the end of September.
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Plan of Care for Life-Threatening Medical Conditions
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St. Benedict’s has an Emergency Response Team that is qualified to deal with medical emergencies.
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If you child(ren) has a life-threatening medical condition, it is imperative to complete the Critical Medical Form found in School Cash Online ASAP.
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Daily Schedule
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Plan of Care packages have been sent home with students who have been identified as having a life-threatening medical condition. Please review, edit if applicable, sign and date to verify the information is up to date. Plans of Care should be returned to the school by Friday, September 19th.
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If you have any questions or require further information regarding the School Start Up forms, please visit the school website at www.stbenedict.wcdsb.ca or call the main office at 519-621-4050.
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Catholic School Advisory Council
St. Benedict C.S.S. sees family involvement as one of its main priorities; our CSAC is a group of parents, teachers, and administrators that are dedicated to making St. Benedict a great place for all students to learn and grow. On behalf of our school community, we would like to thank the many members who contributed to the success of last school year! We look forward to welcoming all returning members, as well as individuals who are new to our school community and are interested in joining this dynamic group.
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Our first CSAC meeting for the 2025-2026 school year is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30th from 6:00PM-7:30PM. Meetings are held in room 111.
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If you wish to nominate yourself or another parent/guardian for Co-chair, please complete the nomination form on School Cash Online or visit our school website for further information and instructions.
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It's (almost) back!
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Hey Saints! If you like homemade treats and Pizza, The Scratch Cafe will be up an running starting on October 2nd. You can purchase your Scratch Cafe punch cards through School Cash Online or in room 107 during lunch A on Wednesdays for the remainder of the month. Any cards purchased online can be picked up during Lunch A on Wednesdays as well.
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Parent Communication guidelines
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When a parent, guardian or other board stakeholder has a concern or suggestion, it is expected that the issue will first be taken up with the staff member with whom the parent / guardian / stakeholder has the concern/suggestion. Therefore, the following process will be followed:
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Stay Informed
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If you haven’t already, click here to subscribe to our school Newswire & BENN Newsletter. Also, please consider following us on Instagram:
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Time to go?
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Have your kids left St. Benedict? Time for you to go as well?
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You are more than welcome to stay, but if no longer wish to receive the BENN Newsletter, unsubscribe here. While we hate to see you go, we thank you for being a subscriber and wish your son or daughter all the best in the future!
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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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Who is your Guidance Counsellor?
Welcome back to all our students, we look forward to seeing you again or meeting you for the first time! We hope you had a safe and restful summer and are ready for a new school year.
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We are excited to welcome Mrs. Borba to our team. She will be joining us in Guidance and continuing to work in her role in student success. Mrs. O’Toole will be working with the International students this year.
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Guidance counselor assignments are based on the student’s last name. Please take some time to review guidance counsellors, as assignments have changed.
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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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Post-Secondary Institutions Disclosure of Information Consent Form
If you are planning to apply to College or University this year, you must complete the disclosure form. This will allow us to share your marks with post-secondary institutions. If you do not complete this form any applications, you submit will be incomplete.
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If you are unsure about your plans, please complete the form allowing us to share your marks. If you do apply it will make the application process easier.
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If you are not planning to apply to post-secondary this year, please complete the form and indicate that on the form.
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Information on how to set up an account can be found here
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After you complete the form and check out, you will receive a confirmation email.
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Tip: if you can see the form in your School Cash online account, then it has not been completed.
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SAVE THE DATE - ACADEMIC AWARDS NIGHT
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Thursday, October 9, 6:30pm
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Invitations to award recipients will be sent out by email to parents and students. Students will be required to complete the google form to RSVP to the event. Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 1.
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GUIDANCE D2L
For additional information throughout the year, please visit the Guidance D2L page.
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POST-SECONDARY PLANNING
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Ontario Universities Fair
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Ontario's universities are excited to host a collection of in-person and virtual events in the fall of 2025.
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This event is fair style with booths from Ontario universities; gather information and chat with representatives one on one.
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Can’t make the OUF? Ontario’s universities are coming to you this fall! The Regional Fairs offer fair-style events that allow you to gather information about Ontario’s universities. Learn about programs, campus life and anything else that may help you decide which Ontario university to choose.
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Regional Fairs are held at various locations and dates from September 15 to October 17.
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Locations, dates and times are available on the OUF website
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Waterloo: October 16, 10:00 am to 5:00pm at the University of Waterloo
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The one-stop event for all your college information needs!
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Thursday, October 16, 2025
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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Friday, October 17, 20232
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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This free event is being held at Exhibition Place, Toronto.
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The College Information Program (CIP) will make 30+ stops across Ontario.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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Guidance is looking for student volunteers to assist with Academic Awards night. We will have two shifts immediately after school and during the event 6pm – 8:30pm (approximately).
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Sign up sheets will be available in Guidance.
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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Varriano Lane or anyone in Guidance.
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Arts Department Montreal trip
The Arts Department is travelling to MONTREAL CITY this coming OCTOBER!!! Any student that is enrolled in a Drama, Music, Dance or Visual Art course this year can participate. There are limited spots left... first come, first served!
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Please see Mrs. O'Brien-McKinnon in Rm 101 for permission forms and registration details.
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Cosmo Club
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Cosmo Club is returning, join us on our new Friday meeting day during Lunch A in Room 124, Lunch B in Room 217, as we get ready for our annual Haunted House and the Descendants Musical. New and returning members are welcome—no experience necessary! Our first meeting will be next Friday Sept. 12 where we will sign up our new crew and plan the theme for this years Haunted House! Can't wait to see you!!
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Ping Pong club returns
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The PING PONG CLUB is back and set to start soon. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced player, you are welcome to join and practice a fun sport. The club will run on Fridays after school. We will only be accepting 8 players to start. To secure a spot, contact Mr. Gali in the Language and Communication Workroom on the 3rd floor, Lunch A or B.
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Set your sights on the Arts
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Are you an Arts student looking to get involved? Interested in running arts events and sharing your passion and creativity with the Bennies community? Sign up for this years arts council using the qr code found on the arts bulletin or see Mr. Renner or Mrs. O'Brien-McKinnon for more details. Meetings are select Tuesdays after school in RM 103. All grades are welcome!
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Travel through space and time!
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Attention Doctor Who Club members: our adventures in space and time continue Fridays after school in room 226. New members are always welcome. Check instagram & our school club website for more information.
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It's all about the cheer!
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If you are interested in trying out for the Bennies Cheer team, tryouts are this Friday after school. Please meet in the gym hallway. If you missed the information meeting please email Karley Fraser and pick up a permission form from Ms. Wollziefer in portable 14. See you there!
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Girls Softball to make its debut!
St . Benedict is proud to announce our first girls' softball club and tournament team. All girls who have played softball at any level are invited to meet on Friday, September 12 in room 227 lunch A or room 123 lunch B for an important meeting about the girls' softball club running this September. We encourage all girls who have played or are currently playing on a rep, select or house league softball team to attend this important meeting.
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See Mr. Riso in room 227 or Mrs. Dufresne in room 123 for further details about the club or the meeting.
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Volunteer opportunity
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Are you looking for volunteer hours? The junior and senior girls' basketball teams need help with scorekeeping. If you are interested, please see Ms. Furtado after school outside of the English office. No experience needed!
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Moving from another high school?
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All students interested in playing a sport this year, who are in grades 10-12+ and are new to St. Benedict for the 2025-2026 school year, please see Miss Buhlman in room 325 during periods 1, 2, 4 or in the staffroom periods 3 and 5 to get a transfer form. This MUST be done before joining a team.
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News from the Library
From the Librarian's Desk
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Hey Bennies! I hope you’re adjusting well to the new routines of the school year. Remember that your library is here to support you with a space to study and hang out, tonnes of cool stuff to use and borrow, and fun activities throughout the year.
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Get a Library Card
Your school library is also a Cambridge Public Library branch! This means you can access any of CPL’s amazing resources from your school library using your library card. Visit the library service desk with your ID or Aspen profile to update your card or get a new one.
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Please remember that our library space is open to both Bennies students and members of the public, and that the front parking lot is intended for library patrons.
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Books and games and music and more!
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Do you like to read? What about play video games? Board games? Listen to music? Watch movies? Craft? Garden?Whatever you’re in to, the library has something for you. If you like music, why not check out our vinyl collection and record player? What about an instrument? Like books but not sure what to read next? Chat with staff, or fill out our Personalized Picks form for a curated list. Want to read but want a change from print? We have tonnes of graphic novels, e-books, and e-audio books.
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Thursday, September 11
2:00pm: Math Club
Friday, September 12
Student Verification Forms due!
10:40am: Cosmo Club
10:40am: Girls Softball meeting
12:00pm: Cosmo Club
12:00pm: Girls Softball meeting
2:15pm: Cheer Team tryouts
2:15pm: Ping Pong club
2:15pm: Doctor Who club
Monday, September 15
3:00pm: Jr. Girls Basketball vs Woodland Christian HS
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer vs Monsignor Doyle CSS
4:30pm: Sr. Girls Basketball vs Woodland Christian HS
Tuesday, September 16
11:00am: Boys Golf: CWOSSA qualifier
12:00pm: Girls Golf: CWOSSA qualifier
Wednesday, September 17
1:00pm: Jr. Boys Football vs St. David CSS
2:45pm: Girls Field Hockey @ St. Mary's HS
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Football vs St. David CSS
3:00pm: Sr. Girls Basketball vs ESC Pere-Rene de Galinee
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer @ ESC Pere-Rene de Galinee
4:30pm: Jr. Girls Basketball vs ESC Pere-Rene de Galinee
Thursday, September 18
9:00am: Cross Country Schmidty
2:00pm: Math Club
5:00pm: Rowing Club workshop
Friday, September 19
10:40am: Cosmo Club
12:00pm: Cosmo Club
2:15pm: Ping Pong club
2:15pm: Doctor Who club
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer @ St. David CSS
Monday, September 22
Autumnal equinox
2:45pm: Girls Field Hockey vs Resurrection CSS
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer vs St. Mary's HS
3:30pm: Jr. Girls Basketball @ Rockway MC
4:00pm: Girls Field Hockey @ Monsignor Doyle CSS
5:00pm: Sr. Girls Basketball @ Rockway MC
Tuesday, September 23
11:00am: Boys Golf: CWOSSA qualifier
12:00pm: Girls Golf: CWOSSA qualifier
Wednesday, September 24
BENN Newsletter release
1:00pm: Jr. Boys Football vs St. Mary's HS
2:45pm: Girls Field Hockey @ St. David CSS
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer @ Resurrection CSS
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball vs St. Mary's HS
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Football vs St. Mary's HS
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball vs St. Mary's HS
3:30pm: Sr. Girls Basketball @ St. Mary's HS
4:00pm: Girls Field Hockey vs Monsignor Doyle CSS
5:00pm: Jr. Girls Basketball @ St. Mary's HS
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Thursday, September 25
2:00pm: Math Club
Friday, September 26
9:00am: Cross Country Preston Fun Run
10:40am: Cosmo Club
12:00pm: Cosmo Club
2:15pm: Ping Pong club
2:15pm: Doctor Who club
Monday, September 29
2:45pm: Girls Field Hockey vs St. David CSS
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer vs ESC Pere-Rene de Galinee
3:00pm: Jr. Girls Basketball vs Resurrection CSS
4:30pm: Sr. Girls Basketball vs Resurrection CSS
Tuesday, September 30
6:00pm: Catholic School Advisory Council
Wednesday, October 1
9:00am: Girls Golf: District 8 Championships
9:00am: Boys Golf: District 8 Championships
1:00pm: Jr. Boys Football @ Resurrection CSS
2:45pm: Girls Field Hockey vs St. Mary's HS
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball @ St. David CSS
3:00pm: Sr. Girls Basketball vs St. David CSS
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer @ Monsignor Doyle CSS
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Football @ Resurrection CSS
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball @ St. David CSS
4:00pm: Girls Field Hockey @ Resurrection CSS
4:30pm: Jr. Girls Basketball vs St. David CSS
Thursday, October 2
2:00pm: Math Club
Friday, October 3
9:00am: Cross Country Shades Mill
10:40am: Cosmo Club
12:00pm: Cosmo Club
2:15pm: Ping Pong club
2:15pm: Doctor Who club
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer vs St. David CSS
Sunday, October 5
World Teachers' Day
Monday, October 6
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball @ Monsignor Doyle CSS
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball @ Monsignor Doyle CSS
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer vs Resurrection CSS
3:00pm: Jr. Girls Basketball vs Monsignor Doyle CSS
4:30pm: Sr. Girls Basketball vs Monsignor Doyle CSS
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Be sure to check out the calendar on the school website for updates!
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