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Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - Volume 15, Issue 21
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Message from Administration
The past two weeks have been quite busy in the building as June signals the beginning of the wind down to the school year – final assessments, awards banquets, final assemblies, graduation celebrations and so much more.
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We continue to be blessed to work alongside a wonderful staff and an energetic student body. We are proud of the dedication, passion and achievement exhibited by the students throughout the school year. We encourage everyone to continue their commitment to their learning and finish the year strong. Please encourage your students to be in class, in uniform with the materials required for their course. Students who are signed out by their parents are not to remain on the property, including the library.
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Additionally, I have just a few important updates for you today so that you are aware of some of the upcoming changes in the Administration team for the 2023-24 school year.
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I will be retiring at the end of June, it is bittersweet for me as I began my career at SBCSS over 30 years ago, and I have enjoyed having had the pleasure to serve the community as the Principal for the past four years, St. Benedict’s will always hold a special place in my heart. Thanks to all for your support and kindness.
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Ms. Kamta will also be leaving the community next year, as she looks forward to the birth of her baby in the summer. We wish her health and happiness while away from the community and look forward to having her back.
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Congratulations to Mr. Figueiredo, who will be the new Principal in September. Joining the team as Vice Principals will be Matt Anderton and Leisha Craftchick, both returning to SBCSS. I hope you will join me in wish each of them the greatest of success and fulfillment in the upcoming school year.
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Final Evaluation Days
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All students are to attend school and be in full uniform on the scheduled exam days, including morning classes on Thursday.
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Thursday, June 22
12:00 Period 1 final evaluation
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Friday, june 23
8:00 Period 2 final evaluation
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First wave leaves at 10:15
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Second wave leaves at 10:25
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Buses
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Monday, june 26
8:00 Period 3 final evaluation
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First wave leaves at 10:15
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Second wave leaves at 10:25
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Tuesday, june 27
8:00 Period 4 final evaluation
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First wave leaves at 10:15
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Second wave leaves at 10:25
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Wednesday, June 28
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First wave: routes 012, 025, 043, 044, 049, 050, 051, 065
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Second wave: routes 002, 014, 041, 048, 052, 057, 062
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Graduation 2023 Information
Please see our school website for more information about Graduation 2023. Information with updates has been communicated through Guidance Google Classroom, school announcements, in-person in students' classrooms, LMS, and via School Messenger (phone and email). Please check emails regularly for updates. Tickets, gowns, and caps were distributed last week. If you still don't have yours, please see the Guidance Office.
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Due to the maximum capacity at our venue, we cannot accommodate more tickets at this time. The chance to request a third ticket via filling in a Google Form has now passed. Thank you for understanding. A livestream link will be sent to parents/guardians closer to the date of the ceremony, which is June 27th at 6:30pm to be shared with families and friends who will be watching from home.
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Graduating Class Chromebook Returns
If you have borrowed a Chromebook from the school, please return your devices anytime now until the end of the month in the attendance office. Ensure to include the charger as well. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Attention all grade 12s and super 12s!
Here is your chance to wear civvies for the last few days of the school year!
Grade 12 civvies occur every June when grade 12 students donate their gently worn used uniform for repurposing. Student can then wear civvies for the remainder of their grade 12 school year for the days leading up to (and including) exams.
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Hand in a minimum of 3 uniform items that are in GOOD CONDITION and receive a uniform pass allowing you to wear civvies for the rest of the school year. All donations will be thoroughly checked BEFORE a uniform pass will be granted so make sure your uniform items are clean and in good condition!
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Donations will be accepted before school from 7:30am until 8am in the cafeteria on Wednesday, June 21 and from 7:30am-8am in room 111 on Thursday, June 22.
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Civvies clothing are to adhere to the following expectations:
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- Clothing should be neat, tidy and in good taste, making for a positive learning environment.
- Undergarments and midriffs are not to be visible
- No “short” shorts are allowed.
- Strapless tops or shirts are also not permitted.
- Students will be asked to change or cover shirts with slogans or images inappropriate for a Catholic school learning environment.
School administration reserves the right to send students home whose choice of dress is not in keeping with the above guidelines
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Yearbooks are in!
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2022-2023 Yearbooks are available for pick up next week in the atrium at lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday.
If you did not purchase a copy, a limited number are available for purchase on School Cash Online.
See Ms. Weiditch for details.
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Final Report Card Distribution
Final reports will be placed in the mail the week of July 10th. Grade 12s will receive their transcripts in the same envelope.
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If you do not receive these documents by the end of July, please contact the main office at 519-621-4050 X 5601.
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Diploma Pick Up
Diploma pick up will be held on Wednesday, July 19th and Thursday, July 20th, between 8AM-2PM.
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A PHOTO ID is REQUIRED upon arrival. For students 18+, if someone is picking up on your behalf, they must bring a signed note of permission or call the school ahead of time. Student cards are an acceptable form of identification.
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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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Literacy Test results in
Attenion all OSSLT test takers! The results are finally in. If you are looking for your test results, please stop by room 3.2 at lunch to see Mrs. Borba and the crew.
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A friendly reminder
Please remember to leave accessible parking spaces available for those who need it.
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Positive Parent-Teacher communication
As always, parents/guardians are valuable partners in a child’s education. We invite you to keep the lines of communication open as you can be an effective resource to support the learning your child. As per out WCDSB Administrative Procedures Memorandum #APC001, Communication Guidelines, all public and interpersonal communications must recognize the dignity of the individual and be conducted fairly, honestly, and respectfully.
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When a parent, guardian or other board stakeholder has a concern or suggestion, it is expected that the matter will first be taken up with the staff member. The process outlined below should be followed.
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2022-2023 School Year Bell Times
7:55 Warning Bell 8:00 - 9:15 Period 1 9:20 - 10:35 Period 2 10:40 Lunch 11:20 Warning Bell 11:25 - 12:40 Period 3 12:45 - 2:00 Period 4
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Stay Connected with St. Benedict's!
Twitter
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Our Faith in Action
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A huge thanks to the students who gave of their time to make milk bag mats that will be delivered by Canadian Food for Children Charity to those in need in developing countries.
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Another thanks to students who donated items to our Christmas drive and Food Bank cereal drive earlier this school year.
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Keep it up Saints! Remember that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference!
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Community Service Hours – for 2023 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.
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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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Ms. Varriano Lane |
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Pe – Q, International students
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GUIDANCE GOOGLE CLASSROOMS
Once again, the Guidance department will have google classrooms available to share information with our students.
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Please consider joining the classrooms:
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Financing Post-Secondary: Scholarships, Bursaries, and OSAP
Got a ‘rich uncle’ with a bank full of cash waiting for you to cover your post-secondary costs? Well, I did not either. The reality is that post-secondary education is costly and takes planning, so we hope you’ve begun. Many students supplement their post-secondary savings through scholarships, bursaries, and loans. This article will get you pointed in the right direction to access the necessary resources for information.
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Most scholarships for first year students are ‘entrance’ scholarships and are automatically awarded based on marks. Some awards, called bursaries, are based on financial need, but may also include other components such as volunteer service, leadership, or being associated with a service group, employer, or union. These are very individual, and you can search these out using the resources set out below.
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The following sites are Canadian websites where you can register and search online for a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and contests to help fund post-secondary education.
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The Scholarship Report is a service Guidance subscribes to at Bennies. It is a wonderful resource that you can use to search for scholarship opportunities by the month. It also provides a great deal of post-secondary information for all pathway opportunities. As the Scholarship Report is a proprietary service, access to it must be for the St. Benedict Community. In order, to view the report, go to the Scholarship page on the website and hit the link to the report. You will need a PASSWORD that is for St. Benedict students only. The password can be obtained through guidance.
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What can you do now?
- Determine your post- secondary costs including tuition, books, room and board, travel, etc.
- Check parents’ places of employment/ your place of employment or service groups for scholarships or bursaries
- Check with the schools in which you are going to apply
- Check Bennies website, through the Students Services tab, AND the Guidance Google Classroom (code – MXMOHZX)
- Create a scholarship/bursary resume where you collect all of your accomplishments, achievements, involvements, and potential barriers overcame in chronological order; you should line up references from teachers, community members and coaches who can speak to your involvement and character
- Talk seriously, with your family about your plan to fund post-secondary which may include applying for OSAP
OSAP - The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a financial aid program that can help you pay for college or university. Applying, for OSAP is done individually and one may be eligible for grants (free money!) and/or loans. OSAP applications will open in April or May 2023 for the 2023-2024 school year. Check out the OSAP website OSAP for more information. In order to plan, you can use the OSAP Estimator tool for a quick guide to see if you eligible for loans or grants. This can be completed anytime.
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Post-secondary education is an investment in yourself. Planning, as best as possible, will help reduce stress and strain, and is certainly more reliable than finding a ‘rich uncle’.
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Saints Garage Spring Tech Tip!
Most drivers have already swapped their winter tires for summer ones, or will very soon. Did you know there's another step to the process that lots of people forget - taking the vehicle back later to get the wheels re-torqued.
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Although it’s rare for a wheel to fall off, if it does, it can cause major damage and be extremely dangerous. It is important to have your wheels re-torqued after approximately 50-100kms, and even more important on softer aluminum rims where lug nuts can loosen off more easily.
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“Ultimately, drivers have a responsibility to make sure their vehicles are safe. If they aren’t careful and a wheel comes off, the consequences could be tragic. When you lose a wheel at highway speed, it’s a cannonball. It’s dangerous for you and potentially deadly for someone else.” - Andrew Davidson, Road safety manager at the MTO
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Luckily, the process is quick. But if you aren’t sure how to do this yourself, please connect with your local garage or Transportation Tech teacher.
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Bennie's Varsity Girls Slow-Pitch Third in Province
Please congratulate our Varsity Girls Slow-Pitch Team on an amazing run into the OFSAA Slow-pitch tournament on Monday and Tuesday. The girls came into the tournament ranked 6th in the province and had to face the #3 ranked St. Michael's from Stratford. With an amazing offensive onslaught and strong defence, our girls persevered to beat St. Michaels 15-8.
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Two more wins for the girls against 14th-seeded Bayside High from Belleville 12-5 and 10th-seeded B.A. Carter High from Sudbury 26-6 secured our Saints a spot in the semi-finals of the Grand Championships.
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The girls fought hard against a very tough #2 ranked Richview High from Etobicoke but fell short losing 11-2. The loss in the semi-finals didn't stop the girls from coming out strong in their bronze medal win against St. Peter's High School from Barie 10-7.
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Winning the bronze at OFSAA makes our Varsity Girls Slow-Pitch Team the 3rd best team in all of Ontario. Excellent job girls, you have made your coaches and your school proud.
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Track and Field results
St. Benedict finished its amazing track and field season with a final performance at the Ontario Championships in Ottawa this past weekend.
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Putting St. Benedict on the map in the all-Ontario championship in Ottawa, T. Riordon competed in the Novice Girls Shot Put. Tori finished the season with a personal best throw of 9.92 metres, which puts her in the top 10 in the province after just recently being introduced to the sport.
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Congratulations to all of our competitors this season.
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MVPs of each division were: M. Porto, M. Olatundun, A. Adams, F. Latif, M. Harris, M. Holman
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Spirit Award winners were: T. Riordon, K. Channer, M. Olatundun, R. Buckley, B. Jolley, T. Elises
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The Kevin Largey Award went to Colin Carriere.
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Thanks to all athletes for an awesome season!
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Saints Football Begins Road to 2023 Championship
The Saints football program took part in a 4 day spring camp the week of June 12th with the goal of beginning to take the initial steps towards winning another District 8 Championship in 2023. Coach Vale as well as 9 community volunteers were thrilled to be working with over 60 motivated players who are excited to be suiting up in the blue and gold in the fall. Both junior and senior players were put through a series of drills and game-like scenarios to refine their skills and build momentum for next season. The Saints program is focused and determined to return to the Championship glory they experienced in 2021 when both the Junior and Senior programs raised the District 8 trophy!
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Young Basketball Enthusiasts are “Chewin’ up the Nets” at St. Benedict
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Waterloo Region has long been a basketball hotbed, and with the recent success and stardom of Kitchener’s newly-crowned NBA Champion Jamal Murray, you can expect more youth than ever before will want to take up the game.
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For 16 years, St. Benedict CSS in Cambridge has had the privilege of running the annual Family of Schools Basketball Spring Basketball League for boys and girls in grades four to eight.
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Founded by John Malnerich, St. Benedict’s past senior boys basketball coach, the program provides members of the St. Benedict community and its family of schools a transition activity for students who will eventually attend St. Benedict.
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The St. Benedict family of schools is comprised of: Christ the King, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Elizabeth, St. Gabriel, St. Joseph (C), St. Margaret, St. Michael, St. Peter, St. Teresa of Calcutta.
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This popular community program is run by current players in the St. Benedict basketball program who are interested in taking on a leadership role within the school community.
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These student leaders are responsible for assisting in the delivery of the program as well as coaching their own team. This provides future Saints the opportunity to meet current students as well as get familiar with the facility.
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For the current group of student coaches, it provides them the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and give back to the community.
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The program requires NO basketball experience.
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The school promotes the program and encourages players to come to the league with a positive mindset, eagerness to learn, openness to meet new people and make new friends, and to gain confidence to try out for extracurricular activities when they reach high school in order to be more connected with the school and its community.
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The overriding goal is not only to enhance the skills of each player but also help students feel more comfortable about their transition to St. Benedict in the future and to have an immediate sense of belonging within a school community.
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What makes this program so special is that many athletes who grew up attending the program have now cycled through and have become coaches helping to run it.
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This speaks to the positive experience that these students had at a young age, and the special place this program holds in their hearts.
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The St. Benedict Family of Schools Basketball Spring Basketball League is a shining example of what it means to be the heart of the community, where success for each is possible and there is always a place for all!!
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Racing Saints have great year
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The Racing Saints had an amazing year with all the new implementations such as suspension and frame configurations, complete graphic changes to both cars, new gear ratios that were calculated, designed, 3D printed and installed and much, much more.Mr. Castela and Mr. Dutto would like to thank the team on all their dedication and efforts this season. See you all back in the fall!
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Members of the team with their two cars.
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Doctor Who Club: Final meeting this Friday
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The final DOCTOR WHO CLUB meeting of the year takes place this Friday June 16th after school in room 226. We’ll be holding the final prize raffle of this year…and in honour of the upcoming 60th anniversary celebrations this November, we’re finishing off the year with a viewing of the VERY FIRST episode from 1963: AN UNEARTHLY CHILD.
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Join us for our final gathering of the year…and then we’ll be back in September with more adventures in time & space with our favourite Time Lord.
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Saints Rowing Club rows in Regatta
This past weekend, 14 members of the Saints Rowing Club represented St Benedict at the Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association Championship Regatta in St Catherine's - a huge event drawing schools from all over Canada, the US, and around the world.
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They showed much heart and determination in supporting each other through a weekend of extreme heat and wind. Our rowers in our 8+ crew, with Jasmine Ramos at the helm as cox, finished their 2 km race with grit and huge smiles on their faces. This was the first time St Benedict has ever sent a crew to compete in a national rowing regatta, and the Saints Rowing Club is the top rowing team in our district! They've made history already, and have only just begun to write the story of Saints Rowing.
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The Saints have been supported by a huge team of community and parent volunteers who have spent many early mornings and this past weekend investing in this team. Their coaches Ms Currie, Ms Novakovich, and Ms Pittens could not be more proud of the entire rowing team for an inspiring and fun season that will wrap up with our final row of the year on the Grand River this Wednesday.
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From the Librarian's Desk
Wishing all St. Bennies students a successful end-of-the school year.
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Congratulations to the class of 2023! You did it! Clemens Mill Library staff wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
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Featured Idea Exchange Programs
Note: The following events are hosted by Idea Exchange and are not affiliated with St. Benedict or the WCDSB. Please visit ideaexchange.org for more activities in June and during the summer months!
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Friday June 16: DIY Father’s Day Card pop-up
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For St. Bennies students only! Friday June 16th (Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18th) In the Library Learning Commons during LUNCH and AFTER SCHOOL! Create a card that celebrates your dad or the people who have played a guiding role in your life!
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The St. Bennies Library Learning Commons is offering students a Quiet Study Room in the CreativeHub classroom just prior to exams.
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The room will be open from 10AM to 2PM Monday June 19 to Thursday June 22 for individual study only. There will be one student per table and no talking will be strictly enforced. Space is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis.
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Social Insurance Number Clinic
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Are you looking for a job but don’t have a Social Insurance Number? Visit the Learning Commons on Thursday, June 22th between 9am and 4pm to speak with a Client Service Specialist to help you apply for your Social Insurance Number. The Client Service Specialist can also provide information on federal grants that are available to students, as well as available apprenticeship help
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Are you interested in exploring the skilled trades? Visit the Learning Commons on Mondays (10am-12pm) and Wednesdays (1pm-4:30pm) in June and learn about this pre-employment training program.
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Power of Trades is a program designed to help newcomers to Canada ages 18+ access jobs in the skilled trades in Ontario. All services are offered free of charge. This program is offered at no cost to participants.
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Not sure if the skilled trades are right for you?
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Skilled trades are hands-on jobs in the construction, motive power, industrial, and service sectors.
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With over 140 skilled trades to choose from in careers as diverse as automotive repair, landscaping, child care, and masonry work, these careers offer great opportunities for advancement, high salaries and options for self-employment.
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Friday June 30th: Kick-Off To Summer
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Kick off the summer with water games, relay races, beach bowling, and more! Outside Clemens Mill Library: 10AM to 2PM Summer treats will be provided.
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Wednesday, June 14 6:30pm: June Jukebox Concert
Thursday, June 15 10:45am: Brain Bee Club 10:45am: HOSA Club 10:45am: Seams Sew Easy 10:45am: Chess Club 10:45am: Writing Skills Society 10:45am: GSA Club 10:45am: MCU Movies club 2:00pm: Concert Band 2:00pm: Math Club 2:00pm: E-car Racing Saints 2:00pm: Weight Room Club 2:15pm: Games Club 2:15pm: BoulderDash Club 2:15pm: Student Equity and Engagement Council
Friday, June 16 Year end assembly 10:45am: Star Trek Club 2:00pm: Weight Room Club 2:15pm: Doctor Who Club
Monday, June 19 GR 9 EQAO
Wednesday, June 21 Summer Solstice 7:30am: Grad used uniform turn-in 10:45am: Guitar Club
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Thursday, June 22 Exam Day 7:30am: Grad used uniform turn-in 10:45am: HOSA Club 10:45am: Chess Club
Friday, June 23 Exam Day
Monday, June 26 Exam Day
Tuesday, June 27 Exam Day 6:30pm: Graduation Ceremony
Wednesday, June 28 Credit Rescue BENN Newsletter Release
Thursday, June 29 Last Day of 2022-2023 School Year
Saturday, 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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