masthead2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - Volume 18, Issue 5

Message from the Principal

This week we celebrate academic excellence at St. Benedict by honouring the achievements of our students at academic awards night! We are proud of all our students and their contributions to our community. Whether it be through academic success, involvement in student life, or positive citizenship! As we approach this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to wish you a joyful Thanksgiving weekend. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let us give thanks to God for the many blessings in our lives. To our students, families, and staff who make our school community a place where all can thrive - we are grateful for you!

May we continue to grow together in Christ’s love and carry His light into the world.

Wishing you all a safe and blessed holiday weekend. May God's grace be with you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,
Jordan Figueiredo
Principal

Admin Team

Mr. J. Figueiredo
Principal

Mr. M. Anderton
Vice Principal

Mrs. L. Craftchick
Vice Principal

Mr. T. Mandich
Vice Principal

@stbenedictwcdsb

Did you get your yearbook?

If you did not get your yearbook, please see Ms. Fondacaro in the Main Office.

Are you a grad looking to pick up your yearbook from last year?

If you can pick it up during the school day, please come to the main office.

If you need to get someone else to get it for you (sibling or parent), please email Ms. Fondacaro at charlene.fondacaro@wcdsb.ca to let her know who will be picking it up for you, and ask them to pick it up in the main office.

If you did not order a yearbook last year but would like one, Ms. Weiditch has a limited number of extra copies available for purchase for $31.00. Please see her in room 300 or the English Workroom.

STEM Talks invitation

Students are invited to join UHN’s STEM Talks: Undergrad Panel. Current UHN research students will share their experiences in STEM, including high school course choices, the university application process, extracurricular involvement, and how they became involved in research at UHN.

STEM Talks – Undergrad Panel TODAY IS YOUR LAST DAY TO REGISTER!

  • When: Thu, Oct 9, 2025 | 11:45 AM–12:45 PM ET
  • Where: Online (virtual)
  • Who: High school students (Grades 9–12)
  • What: UHN research undergrads share how they chose courses, applied to university, joined extracurriculars, and got into research at UHN.”
  • More info and registration link here: STEM Talks: Undergrad Panel — UHN STEM Pathways

Parent Communication guidelines

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:

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?

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.

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.

Guidance counselor assignments are based on the student’s last name. Please take some time to review guidance counsellors, as assignments have changed.

Counsellor’s Name

Ext

Last names

Mrs. O’Toole
5190
A - B, International
Mrs. Borba
5639
C, ICP
Ms. Varriano Lane
5635
D - Ho
Mrs. Novakovich
5636
Hu- Me
Mr. Betik
5633
Mi - R
Mrs. O’Neill
5634
S – Z
Administrative Assistant: Mrs. McAulay-Arruda, ext. 5631

Attention Grade 9 students!

This is just a heads up that TAKE OUR KID TO WORK DAY is upcoming on Wednesday, November 5th.
More information and permission forms will arrive in the next few days for period 1 home room classes.

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.

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.

If you are not planning to apply to post-secondary this year, please complete the form and indicate that on the form. The form can be found on School Cash Online.

Information on how to set up an account can be found here

After you complete the form and check out, you will receive a confirmation email.

Tip: if you can see the form in your School Cash online account, then it has not been completed.

SAVE THE DATE - ACADEMIC AWARDS NIGHT

Thursday, October 9, 6:30pm
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.

GUIDANCE D2L

For additional information throughout the year, please visit the Guidance D2L page.

POST-SECONDARY PLANNING

Ontario Universities Fair
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.
Regional Fairs are held at various locations and dates from September 15 to October 17.
Locations, dates and times are available on the OUF website

Waterloo: October 16, 10:00 am to 5:00pm at the University of Waterloo
Ontario College Fair
The one-stop event for all your college information needs!

Please visit the  OCF website  for more information.

Thursday, October 16, 2025
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday, October 17, 20232
9:00 am - 2:00 pm

This free event is being held at Exhibition Place, Toronto.

The College Information Program (CIP) will make 30+ stops across Ontario.
2025 CIP Schedule

Clubs & Activities

Finance Club returns

Hey Saints! Do you have an interest in financial literacy, smart money management, and how these skills connect to real life and future career paths? Whether it’s saving up for something big, planning for the future, or exploring careers in business and finance — the Finance Club is for you!

We meet every Wednesday after school in Room 306. It’s not too late to join in — come check it out and start building your financial knowledge and skills!

Are you looking to Grow in Faith?

Are you looking for a place to share your faith, and be part of a supportive community? Then you might want to join our group, Grow in Faith. Last year we began as a Bible Study group, and this year we’re expanding to do more, morning prayers, Advent and Lent videos, and helping with liturgies. Our meetings will be Wednesdays, Lunch A and B in the chapel. Come and be part of our community!

Saints Weight Room Club

The Saints Weight Room Club will be back in action after the Thanksgiving weekend. The club will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school in our very own weight room. There is no cost to participate if you have paid your student registration fees. All club members must first signup and submit a signed waiver. Swing by the weight room or room 202 to scan the QR codes for the appropriate forms.” Let's get lifting saints!

Travel through space and time!

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.

Athletics

Junior boys start volleyball season with a smash

The junior boys volleyball team opened their season last week by beating St. Mary's in three straight sets. They next faced the St. David Celtics, again winning in three straight sets to improve their record to 2 and 0.

The boys met a formidable foe in the Mustangs as they took on Monsignor Doyle on Monday. The team was pushed nearly to the limit. Through five hard fought sets, the boys clawed their way to a victory, improving their record to three wins and zero losses.

Come cheer on the boys Wednesday after school as they take on Woodland, here at home.

Junior Boys soccer update

The Junior boys soccer team took on the Resurrection Phoenix, playing with a lot of class and poise. However, the unrelenting Phoenix attack proved to be too much for the saints squad with the game ending in a loss.

This was followed by a feisty match against the Chevalier on our front field which ended in a 2-all draw, after taking and losing the lead twice.

The boys' first loss came to Doyle's Mustangs last Monday. They managed to get on the board in the 85th minute, but they lost a hard-fought battle 3-1.

Last Friday the team took home a big 4-2 win on Friday against the St. David's Celtics. They came out fast and furious and were able to move the ball swiftly and precisely. The team played by far one of their best matches to date, working together and using the wings effectively in the offensive third of the field.

The boys play today at 3:00pm on the front field against Rez. Come out and support the boys.

Sports Results

JUNIOR BOYS FOOTBALL
St. Benedict CSS 26, St. Mary's HS 2

SENIOR BOYS FOOTBALL
St. Benedict CSS 18, St. Mary's HS 15
Resurrection CSS 29, St. Benedict CSS 6


JUNIOR BOYS SOCCER
Resurrection CSS 6, St. Benedict CSS 0
St. Benedict CSS 2, ESC Pere-Rene de Galinee 2
Monsignor Doyle CSS 3, St. Benedict CSS 1
St. Benedict CSS 4, St. David CSS 2
Resurrection CSS 5, St. Benedict CSS 0

JUNIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL
St. Mary's HS 47, St. Benedict CSS 17
Resurrection CSS 36, St. Benedict CSS 27
St. David CSS 30, St. Benedict CSS 18
Monsignor Doyle CSS 55, St. Benedict CSS 35

SENIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL
St. Benedict CSS 41, St. Mary's HS 39
Resurrection CSS 31, St. Benedict CSS 28
St. Benedict CSS 37, St. David CSS 15
St. Benedict CSS 50, Monsignor Doyle CSS 24

GIRLS FIELD HOCKEY
St. David CSS 4, St. Benedict CSS 0
St. Mary's HS 4, St. Benedict CSS 0
Resurrection CSS 5, St. Benedict CSS 0
St. David CSS 3, St. Benedict CSS 0
Monsignor Doyle CSS 5, St. Benedict CSS 0


JUNIOR BOYS VOLLEYBALL
St. Benedict CSS 3, St. Mary's HS 0
St. Benedict CSS 3, St. David CSS 0
St. Benedict CSS 3, Monsignor Doyle CSS 2

SENIOR BOYS VOLLEYBALL
St. Benedict CSS 3, St. Mary's HS 0
St. Benedict CSS 3, St. David CSS 0
St. Benedict CSS 3, Monsignor Doyle CSS 0

Varsity girls' softball

Please congratulate the varsity girls' softball team on their tournament this Monday. The girls fought hard, losing their first 2 games but persevering and pulling out a win in their last game. The girls never gave up and played some incredible defense in their last game, winning 4-2.

The girls should be very proud of themselves as St. Benedict entered into the Highschool Classic Softball Tournament for the first time and held their own.

Saints golfer heading to OFSSA

A huge shoutout to Danica Suckert, who finished 2nd at CWOSSA in girls' golf on Tuesday! Danica’s strong performance has earned her a spot at OFSAA next week, competing and representing Bennies at the provincial level.

Congratulations to Emma Bowman and Gracie Murray also for an outstanding golf season.

Other News

News from the Library

From the Librarian's Desk

Hey Bennies – we’re in the thick of it! Amid all the stress of essays, exams, and life, don’t forget to find time to relax, breath, and spend time with loved ones. Keep working hard!

Research Support

Need help finding the perfect source for your paper? The Bennies library offers many amazing online resources, including our research databases JSTOR and Gale. These sites make it easy to find and read high quality academic articles and ace your papers. We also have amazing reference tools for background reading like Source Reference, Encyclopedia Britannica, Science Online, and Blooms Literature.

For passwords to online content, or for help locating the evidence you need for your essays, contact librarian Ryan at rorr@cambridgepl.ca.

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!)
Email librarian Ryan at rorr@cambridgepl.ca for any and all library questions!

For your virtual library needs, visit the St Benedict Library Learning Commons page on the school website or the Cambridge Public Library site.

Calendar of Events

Wednesday, October 8
BENN Newsletter release
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Football @ St. David CSS
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball vs Woodland CHS
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball vs Woodland CHS
3:30pm: Sr. Girls Basketball @ Woodland CHS
3:30pm: Jr. Boys Soccer @ St. Mary's HS
5:00pm: Jr. Girls Basketball @ Woodland CHS

Thursday, October 9
9:00am: Cross Country UW Meet
10:35am: Scratch Cafe
10:40am: GSA Club
12:00pm: GSA Club
12:00pm: Scratch Cafe
2:00pm: Math Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
2:15pm: Doctor Who club
3:45pm: Jazz Band
6:30pm: Academic Awards Night

Friday, October 10
PA Day

Monday, October 13
Thanksgiving

Tuesday, October 14
10:40am: HOSA Club
10:40am: GSA Club
11:00am: Rosary Club
12:00pm: HOSA Club
12:00pm: GSA Club
12:20pm: Rosary Club

Wednesday, October 15
Canadian Library Workers Day
10:35am: Growing in Faith Club
10:40am: Reach for the Top Trivia
12:00pm: Growing in Faith Club
12:00pm: Reach for the Top Trivia
12:00pm: Junior Guitar Club
1:00pm: Jr. Boys Football @ St. Mary's HS
2:00pm: Finance Club
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:15pm: Weight Room Club
2:30pm: Descendents Orchestra rehearsal
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Football @ St. Mary's HS
3:00pm: Sr. Girls Basketball @ ESC Pere-Rene de Galinee
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball vs ESC Pere-Rene de Galinee
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball vs ESC Pere-Rene de Galinee
4:30pm: Jr. Girls Basketball @ ESC Pere-Rene de Galinee

Thursday, October 16
9:00am: Cross Country District 8 Championships
10:35am: Scratch Cafe
10:40am: GSA Club
12:00pm: GSA Club
12:00pm: Scratch Cafe
2:00pm: Math Club
2:15pm: Weight Room Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
3:45pm: Jazz Band

Friday, October 17
10:40am: Cosmo Club
12:00pm: Cosmo Club
2:15pm: Ping Pong club
2:15pm: Model UN Club
2:15pm: Doctor Who club
2:30pm: Bouldering Club
Monday, October 20
National Bus Drivers Day
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:15pm: Weight Room Club
2:30pm: Descendents Orchestra rehearsal
3:00pm: Jr. Girls Basketball vs Rockway MC
3:30pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball @ Rockway MC
3:30pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball @ Rockway MC
4:30pm: Sr. Girls Basketball vs Rockway MC

Tuesday, October 21
Early Childhood Educators Day
10:40am: HOSA Club
10:40am: GSA Club
11:00am: Rosary Club
12:00pm: HOSA Club
12:00pm: GSA Club
12:20pm: Rosary Club
2:15pm: Arts Council

Wednesday, October 22
BENN Newsletter release
10:35am: Growing in Faith Club
10:40am: Reach for the Top Trivia
12:00pm: Growing in Faith Club
12:00pm: Reach for the Top Trivia
12:00pm: Junior Guitar Club
1:00pm: Jr. Boys Football vs Resurrection CSS
2:00pm: Finance Club
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:15pm: Weight Room Club
2:30pm: Descendents Orchestra rehearsal
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball vs Resurrection CSS
3:00pm: Sr. Girls Basketball @ Resurrection CSS
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball vs Resurrection CSS
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Football vs Resurrection CSS
4:30pm: Jr. Girls Basketball @ Resurrection CSS

Thursday, October 23
10:35am: Scratch Cafe
10:40am: GSA Club
12:00pm: GSA Club
12:00pm: Scratch Cafe
2:30pm: Student/Parent/Teacher conferencing

Friday, October 24
10:40am: Cosmo Club
12:00pm: Cosmo Club
2:15pm: Ping Pong club
2:15pm: Model UN Club
2:15pm: Doctor Who club
2:30pm: Bouldering Club

Monday, October 27
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:15pm: Weight Room Club
2:30pm: Descendents Orchestra rehearsal
3:00pm: Jr. Girls Basketball vs St. Mary's HS
4:30pm: Sr. Girls Basketball vs St. Mary's HS
YF-14

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

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