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Wednesday, November 21, 2018 - Volume 11, Issue 8
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Words from our new Principal
Hello St. Benedict, Catholic School Community!
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I am excited to return to St. Benedict as your principal. I am excited to work with such a fantastic Administrative team, Program Council, and an outstanding staff. They truly are amazingly dedicated, professional educators who do all they can to support our students.
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I have had a good first few days, seeing the play on Friday night and participating in the Cambridge Santa Claus Parade on Saturday night. It was incredible to see so many students and staff out to support both events. I have heard nothing but positive comments about this amazing community of students and I look forward to meeting them, serving them, and learning alongside them.
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I encourage all our parents, community members, staff and students to continue to be terrific ambassadors of this incredible learning community: engage in events whenever possible, support our initiatives, and know that we could not do all that we do without you.
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I believe wholeheartedly in Catholic education and will do my best every day to live out our Gospel values to ensure that St. Benedict continues to be the “heart of the community—success for each, a place for all.”
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Our new (and improved?) Admin team.
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Farewell Mr. Witt!
Ms. Weiler had the honour and privilege of marking principal, Mr. Witt’s transition to Don Bosco/Safe Schools and International Education program with three beautiful farewell banners strung across the Atrium this past Friday. Ms. Weiler, her grade 9’s, senior Art students and volunteer painters worked tirelessly for three days to create the Winnie the Pooh banner to commemorate this important day. As Ann lovingly called the banner, the “Wonderful World of Witt and Winnie the Pooh” banner. She looked satisfied and overjoyed once the project was completed and the students hung the commemorative works over the railings.
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Strung beside the goodbye message were Mr. Witt's significant contributions to the St. Benedict’s community over his 8.5 years here. More impressive, were the kind words that students and staff had for Mr. Witt that appeared on a third banner hung alongside the contributions banner.
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A dignitary, Mayor Kathryn McGarry and the Witt family were in attendance for the big reveal as were ten specially selected classes and numerous teachers and school staff. The students lined the stairway that encircles the Atrium and clapped, whooped and cheered as Mr Witt was lead out into the celebration space. Mr. Paul Butler gave a heartfelt speech that left much of the audience laughing.
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Friday November 9th was truly a “Celebration of People”- and a raucous celebration of the most worthy of them all.
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Good luck on your next adventures, Mr. Witt. You have left behind many memories and many friends.
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Lest we forget...
This year, students in the art program took the phrase “Lest We Forget” to heart and created something truly spectacular to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the war.
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Creating an atrium installation piece to honour and recognize the contributions of our veterans began two years ago as part of an initiative spear headed by the history department. In honour of the upcoming anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the history department procured 1700 commemorative postcards, one for each student. Students wrote messages to soldiers, all 1700 postcards were hung in the atrium, and a tradition for a Remembrance Day atrium installation began.
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This year, students strove to make even more meaningful connections with their display. Inspired by the Tower of London piece, where blood red poppies spilled from the upper window onto the ground below, students designed their own version of this creating hundreds of giant poppies using painted coffee filters. Over 500 poppies spilled from the upper floor spreading onto the levels below, a symbolic reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans. Their banner, “Lest We Forget”, with the blood red poppies and the image of the soldier on the hill in front of the cross, light from the heavens shining down on a dreary, dismal day, honoured those soldiers whose lives were lost, and those left behind to grieve and mourn.
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Artists in grade 9 through 12 were involved in the project making it a full community production. Sidney Standing spoke for the students saying, “I think this is a reminder that this is something really important that we do want to remember”. Their efforts were recognized and celebrated by the public who loved the art and what it represented. Local Legion 121 Galt member Yvonne Power visited and took pictures to show those veterans who were physically unable to attend making the work even more significant for the students involved. All of the students involved were proud and thrilled that the “Lest We Forget” banner was given to the Legion and will be on permanent display there. Sometimes, art is just for art’s sake, and other times art is a symbol of something far greater, a making of connections or creating meaning. Thank you to everyone who sent kind words about the installation; they meant the world to the students. Everyone is looking forward to continuing the tradition next year.
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Remembrance Day poppy display garners local media attention
The poppy installation that adorned our Atrium in the weeks leading up to Remembrance day was recognized in the local media.
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Entertainment Explosion!
Enjoy a Night of Amazing Talent while Supporting a Great Cause! Join us on Friday November 23rd from 7-9 pm for a night of unforgettable performances. Dancers, singers, actors and bands are all sharing their talent to fundraise for the St. Benedict Service Learning Course. The course focuses on social justice issues and the students will be challenged to put their faith into action when they travel to Kenya in May with We Charity.Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Bring the whole family!
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Administrative
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The Umbrella Project
Well being is a skill, in fact we now recognize it is a collection of skills that can be taught to students, staff and adults alike. It isn’t just autonomy, grit or mindfulness, each skill forms a piece of an umbrella of well being that protects us from the rain of life, helps us find meaning in our experiences, and is highly predictive of future success. The umbrella skills are inspirational and identifying them in action is a powerful tool in teaching children how to use them.
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St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School will be launching The Umbrella Project on November 22nd as an interactive, inquiry-based event teaching the skills of emotional well being. Through classroom lessons and self-guided experiential learning, students will learn real life applications of each umbrella skill and gain deeper insight into why these skills are essential. The umbrella project highlights the synergy between all of the aforementioned skills, which creates the strongest umbrella of well being. By year end, students will create a bank of social, powerful and inspiring experiences of emotional well being that they can reflect on for years to come. We are thrilled to presenting this to our students, school and community. Look out for some incredible images of our learning.
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The Healthy School's Committee presents to you
The Umbrella Project
Stop by the atrium at lunch Thursday to participate in the November "grit it out" challenge.
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Community Supports for the Holiday Season
By Ms. S. Ayerst, Social Worker
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Christmas is a time for family and a time of joy and celebration. It can also be stressful.
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The Community Outreach Program can help link families with supports and resources, such as Financial/Food Supports, Grief and Coping over the holidays, and subsidies for Children’s Recreation Programs. For more information call (519) 742-8327 ext. 240 or email info@familyoutreach.ca https://www.houseoffriendship.org/how-we-help/family-neighbourhood-supports/
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Support is also available from the Self Help Foodbank, call (519) 622-6550 to see if you qualify. Registration is November 12 2018-December 10 2018.
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If you or someone you love is feeling overwhelmed and hopeless over the holidays and you don’t know where to turn, call HERE 24/7 1 (844) 437 3247, www.here247.ca.
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Sensitive Santa
Is your child sensory sensitive? If so, they can still have a visit with Santa through the Sensitive Santa program on Sunday, November 25, December 2, 9, and 16th 8:30 am - 10:30 am.
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This sensory friendly environment provides lower lighting and a quieter surrounding. Each family that attends will receive a complimentary photo with Santa to commemorate this magical holiday season.
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This special time to visit with Santa is reserved for children with social, emotional or behavioral needs.
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To keep this event sensory friendly and organized, we ask that each family register in advance. Space is limited.
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Please contact hylandr@cambridge.ca or call (519) 740-4680 ext. 4292 to register.
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Help us spread the word about this magical Holiday Event!
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Grand River Transit: Cambridge high school students EasyGO fare card promotion
As part of the Region's Transit Supportive Strategy for the City of Cambridge*, all Grade 9-12 students attending a Cambridge high school in fall 2018 are eligible to receive GRT’s new EasyGO fare card pre-loaded with $24 in stored value (equivalent to 10 rides at the 2018 high school reduced fare rate).
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The cards are non-refundable, non-transferable, and are registered to each student. This promotion cannot be applied to the cost of a monthly pass. Cambridge high school students must request this promotion by December 31, 2018.
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Who is eligible?
- Any Grade 9-12 student with a valid student card for a high school in Cambridge
- Any Cambridge high school student who has a Term Pass provided by Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region.
Bring with you:
- A printed and signed consent form. All students 17 years old and younger must present a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian to get the EasyGO fare card.
- A valid Cambridge high school student identification card or timetable with student name.
Where to get your EasyGO Fare Card:
- $24 stored value can only be used when a monthly pass or term pass is not active on the fare card.
- $24 value cannot be applied to the cost of a pass.
- One $24 promotion per student. If a students EasyGO fare card is lost or stolen, GRT will cancel the card and issue a new card with the remaining value on your account.
- The EasyGO fare card can be reloaded at GRT’s Ainslie or Charles terminal, and online in future.
*Transit Supportive Strategy for the City of Cambridge
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As part of the approval of ION light rail transit in 2011, Regional Council approved funding for special projects to improve transit ridership in the City of Cambridge. The Transit Supportive Strategy for the City of Cambridge is to accelerate the implementation of light rail transit in that City.
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Ever wondered what kinds of certifications you can get through the Specialist High Skills Major program?
Take a look at the list of what is coming up in November and December!
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News from Guidance
Who is your Guidance Counsellor?
Mrs. Lesley O’Toole: A-Di & International Students, ext. 5190
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Mrs. Karla Arkell: Dj - Ki, ext. 5636
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Mr. Nick Betik: Kl - Pl, ext. 5633
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Mrs. Laura O’Neill: Po - Z, ext. 5634
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Mrs. Christine O’Connor: Administrative Assistant, ext. 5631
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Are you thinking of Graduating this year?
Students who are considering graduating this year and their parents are invited to sign up for our Graduation information newsletter. Information that will help you as you move towards graduating will be sent to your email address: applying for scholarships, deadlines for college and university applications and more! You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
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Post-Secondary Timeline
1. College and University visits that have been held at our school this fall will be coming to a close in November; however, there are still a few opportunities for students to attend a presentation. See the guidance office for more information on how to sign up for, and attend one of these presentations.
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2. Grade 12 students should continue to do specific institution research at the E-info site (www.electronicinfo.com) for university and www.ontariocolleges.ca site.
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3. PIN numbers for student applying to university are in the guidance office. Students planning to apply to university must use this personal PIN number to set up their account. Students planning to apply to college do not need a PIN number in order to set up their application account.
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4. Now is a great time to arrange for a campus visit or tour at institutions that are of interest. The value of making a personal visit to a school should not be underestimated. Students who have visited campuses are finding this to be very beneficial in their decision making process. Most colleges and universities typically host these events in the fall, as well as in the spring. Specific dates can be found on the web sites of all university and colleges.
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5. Review your semester two timetable to make sure that you have all of the necessary pre-requisite courses for the programs that you are interested in applying for.
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6. Complete your Community Service Hours – AND – remember to hand them in!!
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7. Be prepared to wait for confirmation of acceptance from schools. Each institution has its own timeline with regard to admission offers. Try not to let anxiety about acceptance interfere with your progress at school.
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Cambridge Front Door Counselling
Walk–In Counselling Available at Cambridge “Front Door” Do you have concerns about your teenager’s behavior, emotional state, or mental health? Are you concerned about possible self-harm or drug use issues? Are these issues creating family conflict for you? The Walk-In Counselling at Front Door helps families with children up to 18 years of age to get started on the road to understanding. Through a single family counselling session, the experienced counsellors there help identify issues and equip families with tools and strategies to address their concerns. The focus of the session is determined by each family’s unique needs. The Cambridge office is located at 35 Dickson Street. Walk-In counselling hours are Tuesdays from 12 Noon to 7:30 PM (last appointment at 6:30 PM). Appointments are available on a first come basis and are free of charge. Family member directly involved in the concern are encouraged to attend.
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Community Service Opportunities
In addition to fulfilling an important diploma requirement, volunteering provides students with a way to give back to their community. As opportunities become known to the guidance department, they will be announced on the announcement system, posted on the Guidance bulletin board and listed in the BENN.
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It is a requirement of graduation that each student complete 40 hours of community service. There are many opportunities to fulfill this requirement. If you have already registered for Hour Republic check out the guidelines on the website www.hourrepublic.com. This website can also be used to track your hours and see volunteer opportunities.
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Support Catholic Education
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Enriching the Lives of Students
There many opportunities for students to enhance their learning experience: Enrichment courses, LEAP, OYAP, UCEP, Co-op, Home Build, SHSM, and Skills Canada. Visit the Enrichment blog for information on all these opportunities. The Blogroll contains a plethora of learning enhancements. To learn more about what we offer, click on Enrichment@St.Benedict.
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English Corner
To receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) each student must obtain four credits in English (one credit per grade). Visit the English blog to read the course offerings provided by the Saint Benedict English Department. The Blogroll has great resources for both students and parents. Enjoy! English@St.Benedict blog.
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Advanced Placement at St. Benedict
Advanced Placement (AP) is an internationally recognized program that allows students to enrich the Ontario Curriculum with the goal of achieving university accreditation.
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What does the research say about AP students?
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Research shows that the best predictor of whether or not a student completes a university degree is not their high school grades or standardized tests. Rather, the best predictor is how many challenging courses a student has taken in high school. Students who challenge themselves with AP courses and exams are much more likely to complete a university degree in four years or less.
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D8 VOLLEYBALL: Saints pull off victory in a five set thriller
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By Derrick Stryker, District 8 Athletics
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The Saints’ and Cavaliers’ fans on Wednesday night in Cambridge brought as much energy to the gym as the players while they battled in a five showdown for the District 8 Championship.
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Both St. Benedict’s and Woodland traded blows in the first set as the score never grew in either teams favour by more than two points. Saints’ Ryan Frias led his squad to a first set, 27-25 win with strong serving and some powerful hits.
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With the Saints’ coming out flat in the second set, Woodland was able to gain a four point advantage early, and preserved that momentum through the end of the third.
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Left side attacker Judah Verbeek from Woodland couldn’t be stopped in the second and third frame as he crushed balls from all over the court to take both sets 25-17 and 25-15.
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St. Benedict’s made their first substitution in the fourth set bringing in grade 11 Adam Shoemaker who was finally able to put some blocks on Verbeek’s attack.
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Late in the fourth set with St. Benedict’s down 19-15, they rallied to score five of seven points forcing Woodland to take a timeout with a 21-20 advantage, and then again tied 23-23.
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These timeouts were no match for the Saints’ momentum as they won ten of the final 14 points played in the fourth set finishing 25-23 and pushing it to a fifth frame.
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Woodland would open up with a 7-5 advantage in the fifth before St. Benedict’s would score three straight points at the changeover forcing Woodland into another timeout.
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Woodland answered the call, going on their own three point run regaining the lead 10-8, forcing the Saints’ into their own timeout situation. St. Benedict’s would rally from this point with huge attacks from middle attacker Bryson Meadus and outstanding defence from Niko Lombardi and Lenny Lombardi as they took the set and the championship 16-14.
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This is the first senior boys volleyball title for St. Benedict’s since the inaugural District 8 season in 1990.
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The Saints will now advance to the ‘AAA’ CWOSSA Championships November 15th in Kitchener-Waterloo. Woodland’s season is not over as they will advance to the ‘A’ CWOSSA Championships that they will host on November 14th. District 8’s ‘AA’ CWOSSA rep, Monsignor Doyle will compete in their CWOSSA Championship in Simcoe November 14th and 15th.
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Before the senior match was played, the junior boys volleyball championship was decided between the junior squad from Woodland and the regular season winner, Resurrection Phoenix.
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Woodland was fairly dominant throughout the match as they maintained solid defence and constant attacks at the net.
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The junior Cavaliers rolled to a three set victory, 25-18, 25-19 and 25-12 as they will advance to the ‘A’ CWOSSA Championships.
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Resurrection will advance to the ‘AAA’ CWOSSA Championships, while St. David’s will represent D8 at the ‘AA’ Championships.
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Photos by Miss L. Pieper.
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Senior boys volleyball take CWOSSA silver
A well deserved congratulations goes out to the senior boys volleyball team on a stellar season. Their season ended last weekend when they battled to bring home silver in the CWOSSA tournament! The boys had an amazing undefeated regular season, taking the D8 title for the first time since 1990 in an epic five-set battle against Woodland CHS. They had a great day at CWOSSA in their pool play and semis. The Saints were pushing hard in the finals, but WCI’s defence was strong! They took the game in 3 sets, with our boys battling back to make them work for it in a close 3rd set. Our season comes to an end with a final record of 14-2.
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Varsity girls hockey team
Congratulations to the Varsity Girls Hockey Team who attended their first tournament on Tuesday. The girls came first in their pool, but lost in the semi finals by a shoot out, after going through 9 shooters. The top scorers of the tournament were Emily Cormier with 3 goals, Keara Leaderbeater, Taylor Skuta, Emerie Maltby and Samantha Kerry with one goal each. Special shout out goes to Amanda Meisner who was a brick wall in the net. An awesome team effort was put forth by all of the girls. Well done ladies!
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Sports info
Intramural hockey
Intramural hockey is back at St. Benedict's! Students who are interested should pick up a registration package from Mr. Jankura in the Phys. Ed. office or Mr Betik in Guidance . Spots are limited, so do not wait!
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Senior boys basketball
Congratulations to the Sr Boys Basketball team for going 3 and 1 over the weekend and making it to the semi-finals of the 24 team Holy Trinity Tournament. They lost to Hamilton Cathedral 59-50, which is the team that went on to win the tourney. Trent Johnson was named a tournament All-star.
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Champions for change challenge you!
Hey Saints! You have the opportunity this week to support the Champions for Change Club's initiative "Gifts of Hope" campaign with Plan International. Providing a $2.00 donation or more for wearing your civvies next Wednesday will help to transform the lives of children in developing countries around the world by providing them with education, food, security, gender equality and income.
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Your donations will help to provide essential school supplies, clean washroom facilities and access to clean water and food for boys and girls in developing countries around the world. It will also help children in developing countries to pay for birth certificates which helps to prevent them from being sold into slavery, child labour and becoming child brides.
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Thanks for supporting Plan International and the Champions for Change club's mission in helping to make the world a better place. Remember your toonies next Wednesday!
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Student Activities
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The Arts
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Scenes from a Very Grimm Evening
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Hey Saints!
Come to the library during lunch hour today and Friday and make your own FREE St. Bennies “B Kind” button in support of choosing kindness.
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Calendar of Events
Be sure to visit our school website for an updated calendar with detailed information links for most calendar entries.
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Thursday, November 22 10:35am: E-car meeting 10:35am: Mario Kart club 10:35am: DECA Business Club 10:35am: Praise Choir 2:00pm: Math Club 2:15pm: Homework Club Friday, November 23 8:00am: Wrestling: Tournament @ Msgr. Doyle 10:35am: Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Club 10:35am: Star Trek Club 2:00pm: Doctor Who Club 7:00pm: Entertainment Explosion (Talent Show) Monday, November 26 10:35am: E-car meeting 10:35am: Finance Club 3:00pm: Jr. Boys Basketball vs Monsignor Doyle CSS 4:30pm: Sr. Boys Basketball vs Monsignor Doyle CSS Tuesday, November 27 SHSM Event: Training in an Art Form: Commedia DellArte Mask Characterization SHSM Event: 3D Printing and Scanning Training 10:35am: Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Club 10:35am: Arts Council 10:35am: E-car meeting 10:35am: DECA Business Club 10:35am: Reach for the Top club 10:35am: Champions for Change club 11:30am: Reconciliation 2:00pm: Boys Hockey vs St. David CSS Wednesday, November 28 SHSM Event: CPR-C & Standard First Aid (DAY 2) 10:35am: Guitar Club 10:35am: E-car meeting 10:35am: Model UN Club 10:35am: Anime Club 1:00pm: Swimming Mini-Meet #1 2:00pm: Rock Orchestra practice 2:00pm: Games Club 2:15pm: Homework Club 3:00pm: Sr. Boys Basketball vs Rockway MC 4:30pm: Jr. Boys Basketball vs Rockway MC Thursday, November 29 10:35am: E-car meeting 10:35am: Giving Back Club 10:35am: Mario Kart club 10:35am: DECA Business Club 10:35am: Praise Choir 1:30pm: Boys Hockey @ Resurrection CSS 2:00pm: Math Club 2:15pm: Homework Club 7:00pm: School Council Meeting Friday, November 30 10:35am: Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Club 10:35am: Star Trek Club 2:00pm: Doctor Who Club
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Sunday, December 2 First Sunday of Advent Monday, December 3 10:35am: E-car meeting 10:35am: Finance Club 1:45pm: Girls Hockey @ St. Mary's HS 3:00pm: Jr. Girls Volleyball vs ES Père-René-de-Galinée 3:00pm: Sr. Girls Volleyball vs ES Père-René-de-Galinée Tuesday, December 4 SHSM Event: Mexican Culinary Techniques 10:35am: Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Club 10:35am: Arts Council 10:35am: E-car meeting 10:35am: DECA Business Club 10:35am: Reach for the Top club 10:35am: Champions for Change club Wednesday, December 5 BENN Newsletter release SHSM Event: ICE Challenge Day SHSM Event: Zoom/Boom Operating Certificate (Elevated Work Platforms) 10:35am: Guitar Club 10:35am: E-car meeting 10:35am: Model UN Club 10:35am: Anime Club 1:00pm: Swimming Mini-Meet #2 2:00pm: Rock Orchestra practice 2:00pm: Games Club 2:00pm: Girls Hockey vs St. David CSS 2:15pm: Homework Club 3:00pm: Sr. Girls Volleyball vs St. Mary's HS 3:00pm: Sr. Boys Basketball @ ES Père-René-de-Galinée 3:00pm: Jr. Girls Volleyball vs St. Mary's HS 4:30pm: Jr. Boys Basketball @ ES Père-René-de-Galinée 7:00pm: Wintersong Arts Night Thursday, December 6 SHSM Event: KIN Lab Days 8:00am: Wrestling Tournament at Jacob Hespeler 10:35am: E-car meeting 10:35am: Mario Kart club 10:35am: DECA Business Club 10:35am: Praise Choir 2:00pm: Doctor Who Club 2:00pm: Math Club 2:00pm: Boys Hockey vs Monsignor Doyle CSS 2:15pm: Homework Club 3:00pm: Midget Girls Volleyball vs Resurrection CSS 2 3:40pm: Midget Girls Volleyball @ St. David CSS 2 4:20pm: Midget Girls Volleyball vs St. David CSS 1 Friday, December 7 Professional Activity Day Sunday, December 9 Second Sunday of Advent
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