masthead2014
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 - Volume 17, Issue 4

Message from Administration

Dear St. Benedict Families,

We hope that this edition of the BENN finds you well. Our students are off to a great start, and we are excited to see so many amazing things happening here! Next week the staff will participate a spiritual development PA Day, as we usher in the new WCDSB pastoral theme, which is to Ignite! “We are the People of God, discerning our mission to serve, ignited to be pilgrims of Hope”.

We are grateful that you have entrusted us to educate your children through our Gospel values. We wish the best for you in this beautiful fall season and offer special blessings for the Thanksgiving weekend soon upon us.

Sincerely,

SBCSS Admin Team

Stay Connected with
St. Benedict's!

Twitter

@StBenedictCSS
Instagram
@bennies_sac_updates

Admin Team

Mr. J. Figueiredo
Principal
A

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

Mrs. L. Craftchick
Vice Principal
H-N

Mrs. C. Kamta
Vice Principal
O-Z

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/

What is SafeArrival?
SafeArrival is a new system for managing student absences. Families can report absences in advance using a mobile app, website, or toll-free phone line. These options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why are we using SafeArrival?
  • Enhances student safety.
  • Helps families report student absences easily.
  • Helps schools respond quickly to unexplained student absences.
  • Makes notifications to families faster.
SafeArrival Updates
  1. To help ensure the security and efficiency of our student arrival and departure process, we encourage you to set up a security PIN in SafeArrival.
  • A PIN will make it easier to manage your child's attendance and keep their information secure.

    ​​​​​​​Setting it up is quick and simple:
    1. Log in to your SchoolMessenger account.
    2. Go to the Attendance "Account Settings" section.
    3. Select "Manage PIN Settings" and follow the prompts.
  1. To ensure you receive all attendance communication from SafeArrival we will be resetting all unsubscribed guardian emails.
    • If you still wish to not receive SafeArrival or SchoolMessenger communications via email, you will have the option to unsubscribe in emails sent.
Thank you for your support in keeping our students safe.

----

Please use the toll-free number, the website, or the SchoolMessenger mobile app to report your child’s absence in advance.

The toll-free number is: 1-833-251-3283.
The website address is https://go.schoolmessenger.ca
The SchoolMessenger app is available for Android and Apple phones

News from Guidance

Who is your Guidance Counsellor?

Counsellor’s Name

Ext

Last names

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

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

Are you interested in learning more about the ARMY or NAVY?

This THURSDAY - during both lunches - representatives will be in the atrium discuss co-operative education opportunities with both the ARMY and NAVY.
SAVE THE DATE - ACADEMIC AWARDS NIGHT – October 10th, 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 Tuesday October 1st.

GUIDANCE D2L

For additional information throughout the year, please visit the Guidance D2L page. Instructions are in the article below.

POST-SECONDARY PLANNING

Ontario Universities Fair
Ontario's universities are excited to host a collection of in-person and virtual events in the fall of 2024.
Ontario Universities’ Fair (OUF)
October 5-6, 2024, from 930 am to 5 pm (ET), daily
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
This event is fair style with booths from Ontario universities, and it allows you to gather information and chat with representatives one on one.

Regional Fairs
Various locations and dates, events run from September 16 to October 17, 2024
Can’t make the OUF? Ontario’s universities are coming to you this fall!
The Regional Fairs travel across the province, offering 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.
Locations, dates and times are available on the OUF website

Virtual Event
November 21, 5 – 7pm
Join us for any (or all!) of your virtual information sessions.

Ontario College Fair
The one-stop event for all your college information needs!
Please visit the OCF website for more information.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
5 pm - 9 pm
Thursday, October 17, 2024
9 am - 2 pm
This free event is being held at Exhibition Place, Toronto.
The College Information Program (CIP) will make 30+ stops across Ontario.
2024 CIP Schedule

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY VISITS AT BENNIES

Grade 12s! College and university representatives are coming to Bennies to provide info for you as you decide on where you want to go to school next year. Check out the calendar on the website (Student Services > Post-secondary planning) and sign up in guidance.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Guidance is looking for student volunteers to assist with Academic Awards night, October 10th. We will have 2 shifts immediately after school and during the event 6pm – 8:30pm (approximately).
Sign up sheets are available in Guidance.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Varriano Lane or anyone in Guidance.

Want to be better informed?

Welcome to Guidance D2L!

The Guidance Team would like to communicate regularly with students and parents about:
  • college and university visits - and bursary and scholarship opportunities
  • volunteer and exchange opportunities
  • available academic supports including homework club
  • convocation etc.
We have now moved to D2L and would like to make sure all students are able to access this important information.
When students sign in to D2L (through My Apps), they should land on the Bennies D2L page (see logo in yellow).
If, when students log in, they land on the WCDSB D2L page (see logo in yellow), scroll down the page until you see My Schools on the left and choose St. Benedict.
Next, are you taking an elearning course from another board? Please be sure to scroll down to My Courses In Other Orgs on the left - as this is where your elearning course(s) will be found.
Lastly, please be sure to turn your notifications on so you do not miss any announcements!

Academics

Black Brilliance Pathways to Post-Secondary Fair

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is hosting the Black Brilliance Pathways to Post-Secondary Fair on October 18th, between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. This opportunity is offered to African, Caribbean, and Black identifying students in Grades 10 through 12 alongside their families/caregivers. Deadline to sign up is on October 11th.

Details about the Day:
  • Information Booths: The fair will feature colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions showcasing academic programs, admissions procedures and career pathways. Get your questions answered, in person, by a recruitment representative.
  • SHSM: Grade 10 students come and learn about special high skills major program opportunities and how they can prepare you for the post-secondary pathway.
  • Queen’s University, Western University, Trent University, University of Waterloo, OCAD University, Sheridan, Seneca, Humber and Conestoga colleges are just some of the institutions that have already been confirmed. Institutions will be able to sign up right on until the day.
  • Scholarships: All students can connect with local Black community groups and leaders offering scholarships and/or grants. Learn what it takes to submit a successful application from previous recipients.
  • Small Group Sessions: There will be opportunities at each session to connect with academic advisors, current students and other post-secondary representatives in small group sessions.
As the event is a fair, we have created three time slots for students with or without their families to attend the event. The afterschool session is intended for students to attend on their own with their families. If the student signs up for a morning or midday session, we will organize transportation for them to attend. Either option, registration is required.

    The sessions times are:
    Morning Session- 8:30am-10:30am
    Midday Session- 11:30am-1:30pm
    Afterschool Session- 2:00pm- 4:00pm

    Registration form for Black Brillance Pathways to Post-Secondary

    The Scratch Cafe

    Over the past few years, the Hospitality Department has provided students the opportunity to purchase some food items in the Hospitality room at lunch on Thursdays. We call it The Scratch Cafe. As a result of our school going to a “two lunch” system, we have had to make some adjustments to our approach.

    We are going mobile!

    Starting on October 3rd, Scratch Cafe will be offering a bakery cart that will be taken to Grade 9 and 10 classes during Period 2 (9:20 am - 10:35 am). Grade 11 and 12 students will be able to come and purchase food in room 107 during lunch A ( 10:40-10:20).

    We Are Going Cashless

    Starting this year, students can purchase a prepaid punch card in the office OR a parent/guardian can purchase a card on behalf of a student through School Cash Online after which, the student can come pick it up in the office.
    Punch cards will be in $20 denominations and all items on the bakery cart will be priced in increments of $1. Each star on the punch card will be worth $1.
    There will be terminal in the office as well as in room 107 that will accept the following forms of payment:
    • Debit
    • Credit
    • Google Pay
    • Apple Pay

    Where can I get a card?

    There will be specific windows of time that students will be able to get a punch card.

    On Wednesdays, students can pick up a card in the office from Ms. Aguiar during these specific time frames:
    • 10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
    Or
    • 12:20 AM - 12:40 AM
    Students can also pick up cards during lunch A (10:40 AM - 10:20 AM) in room 107

    PLEASE NOTE:
    In order to track payments, we ask that all purchases through School Cash Online be completed by Tuesday by the latest in order to pick up a card the following day.

    Athletics

    Senior Girls Basketball wins

    Congratulations to our senior girls basketball team for their impressive victories! Last Thursday, they defeated Monsignor Doyle with a score of 61-37, led by our top shooter, Stacy Tran, who scored 17 points.

    Additionally, they secured another win against Resurrection yesterday, dominating with a score of 59-24. Tori Riordan was the standout performer, contributing 13 points to the victory.

    Wish them luck as they play Away against Woodland on Thursday and support them at home on Friday against St.Mary's at 2 pm.

    Golfers are great!

    Congratulations to Emma Bowman, Marianne Linsangan and Danica Suckert on their great showings at the CWOSSA qualifiers for Girl's Golf. Both Danica and Marianne will be competing at CWOSSA tomorrow, and all three girls will be competing to bring home the plaques at the D8 Championship in a couple of weeks. Please wish them luck!

    Congratulations also go to your varsity boys golf team on two stellar performances at New Dundee Golf Club. Your Saints qualified for CWOSSA, finishing second overall by just one golf stroke! Evan Vogel, Grayden Shute, Jason MacDonald, Lennox Tronko, and Luka Turco will be looking to bring home gold at district 8 championships at Cambridge Golf Club today. Wish them luck!

    Sports Results

    JUNIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL
    Rockway MC 38, St. Benedict CSS 26
    Resurrection CSS 33, St. Benedict CSS 14
    Resurrection CSS 52, St. Benedict CSS 17

    SENIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL
    St. Benedict CSS 54, Rockway MC 25
    St. Benedict CSS 59, Resurrection CSS 24

    JUNIOR BOYS SOCCER
    St. Benedict CSS 3, Monsignor Doyle CSS 2
    Resurrection CSS 6, St. Benedict CSS 1
    St. Mary's HS 9, St. Benedict CSS 2
    St. David CSS 7, St. Benedict CSS 1

    JUNIOR BOYS VOLLEYBALL
    St. Benedict CSS 3, St. Mary's HS 0

    SENIOR BOYS VOLLEYBALL
    St. Benedict CSS 3, St. Mary's HS 0
    St. Benedict CSS 3, Our Lady of Mount Carmel 0

    SENIOR BOYS FOOTBALL
    Resurrection CSS 17, St. Benedict CSS 7

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

    Senior Boys Basketball

    All boys interested in trying out for the senior boys basketball team please attend a mandatory meeting in room 314 at the start of lunch A on October 16, 2024. If you cannot make it please see Mr. Fratarcangeli in the science office before or after school.

    Volleyballers in fine form in preseason

    Congratulations to the junior boys' volleyball team for taking home gold in their District 8 preseason tournament! They finished in first place after not losing a single set. Way to go, boys!

    Clubs

    Attention St. Benedict Students!

    Are you interested in celebrating and empowering Black Culture? Do you want to engage in meaningful discussions about cultural, historical, and current topics? If so, consider joining St. Benedict's Black Excellence Group!

    This group is all about inclusivity, fostering understanding, and creating a space for students to come together and explore important issues in a supportive environment.

    If you're curious to learn more or want to join, we invite you to attend one of two meetings on Wednesday, October 9 during both lunches in the Lecture Hall. If you’re unable to attend, please see Mr. Jolag for more information.

    Come and be part of something powerful!
    Looking for a community at school? Want to find people to share cultural knowledge experiences with? Join the Bennies Asian Student Association! Here at BASA we promote an inclusive environment with a goal of creating a friendly community. As our St. Benedicts family grows, it may become harder for students to find a place to belong. BASA is here to help! Find people to celebrate and connect with about the vast diversity of cultures all around Asia! Anyone is welcome, hope to see you there Saints!

    Find us in room 107 every other Thursday after school. Make sure to keep an eye on the school website, SAC instagram, and morning announcements for further information about BASA!

    Do you play Ping Pong?

    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 every Friday, 2:15 PM till 3:30 PM. We will only be accepting 8 players to start. To secure a spot, contact Mr. Gali in the English Workroom on the 3rd floor at Lunch, or after school.

    Arts Council wants YOU

    Do you want your student voice to be heard in the St. Benedict Arts Community? Then you should join Arts Council! Arts council is an amazing way to help build a community for students who love visual arts, drama, music, and dance. Arts council meets every Tuesday at lunch in room 104. Come out to room 104 at your lunch period today to learn more about the arts council!

    Other News

    News from the Library

    From the librarian’s desk

    Hey Bennies! I can’t believe it’s October already – this semester is flying by! It’s officially spooky-season, at least, so it’s time for your horror movie, book, and game fix.
    Library questions? Reach me at rorr@ideaexchange.org.

    Recommended Reads

    Not sure what to read next? The Cambridge Public Library staff lists are a great place to start. Here are a few recent lists to start exploring, including one honouring Banned Books Week (Sept. 22-28) and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30).
    For a personalized recommendation, click here.

    After-school Fun

    We had a blast with Nicole from the Cambridge Art Gallery this past Monday making polymer clay animals. Nicole is back on Monday, October 28th at 2pm in the library for a new art project – don’t miss out!

    Between now and then we have book club (Oct 7th), Trivia (8th, 15th, and 22nd), and gaming every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 2pm in the classroom. See you there!

    Retro Gaming!

    Anyone for Duck Hunt? Retro Gaming is returning to the library on October 17th from 2-4pm. Stop by to try a wide selection of retro games and consoles, like the NES, Atari, and more. Learn more here: https://ideaexchange.libnet.info/event/11596739.
    Note: This is a Cambridge Public Library events and not affiliated with the WCDSB.

    For your virtual library needs, visit the St Benedict Library Learning Commons site here or the Cambridge Public Library site here.

    Calendar of Events

    Thursday, October 3
    10:40am: IRIS Club
    12:00pm: IRIS Club
    12:45pm: Univ/Coll visit: Toronto Metropolitan University
    1:00pm: Sr. Boys Football vs St. Mary's HS
    2:00pm: Math Club
    2:00pm: DECA Business Club
    3:00pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball @ Resurrection CSS
    3:00pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball @ Resurrection CSS
    3:00pm: Jr. Boys Football vs St. Mary's HS
    3:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer @ Monsignor Doyle CSS
    3:30pm: Sr. Girls Basketball @ Woodland Christian HS
    5:00pm: Jr. Girls Basketball @ Woodland Christian HS
    6:00pm: Homecoming Dance

    Friday, October 4
    Cross Country: Shades Mill
    10:40am: Star Trek Club
    10:40am: Cosmo Club
    12:00pm: Star Trek Club
    12:00pm: Cosmo Club
    2:15pm: Ping Pong Club
    2:15pm: Model UN Club
    2:15pm: Doctor Who Club

    Saturday, October 5
    World Teachers' Day

    Monday, October 7
    9:20am: Univ/Coll visit: Nippising University (North Bay)
    2:00pm: Homework Club
    3:00pm: Jr. Girls Basketball @ St. David CSS
    3:00pm: Jr. Boys Soccer vs Resurrection CSS
    3:00pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball vs Monsignor Doyle CSS
    3:00pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball vs Monsignor Doyle CSS
    4:30pm: Sr. Girls Basketball @ St. David CSS

    Tuesday, October 8
    9:00am: Boys Golf: District 8 Championship
    9:00am: Girls Golf: District 8 Championship
    9:20am: Univ/Coll visit: Georgian College (Barrie)
    10:40am: Arts Council
    10:40am: IRIS Club
    12:00pm: Arts Council
    12:00pm: IRIS Club
    12:15pm: Rosary Club
    2:15pm: Choir

    Wednesday, October 9
    10:40am: Black Excellence Group
    12:00pm: Black Excellence Group
    1:00pm: Jr. Boys Football vs St. David CSS
    2:00pm: Homework Club
    2:00pm: Garden Club
    3:00pm: Sr. Boys Football vs St. David CSS
    3:00pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball @ ES Père-René-de-Galinée
    3:00pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball @ ES Père-René-de-Galinée
    3:00pm: Sr. Girls Basketball vs ES Père-René-de-Galinée
    3:30pm: Jr. Boys Soccer @ St. Mary's HS
    4:30pm: Jr. Girls Basketball vs ES Père-René-de-Galinée

    Thursday, October 10
    Cross Country: UofW Meet
    10:40am: IRIS Club
    12:00pm: IRIS Club
    12:45pm: Univ/Coll visit: University of Ottawa (Ottawa)
    2:00pm: BASA (Asian Student Assoc)
    2:00pm: Math Club
    2:00pm: DECA Business Club
    2:15pm: Model UN Club
    2:15pm: Doctor Who Club

    Friday, October 11
    PD Day

    Monday, October 14
    Thanksgiving Day
    Tuesday, October 15
    Canadian Library Workers Day
    8:00am: Tennis: District 8 Championship
    10:40am: Arts Council
    10:40am: IRIS Club
    12:00pm: Arts Council
    12:00pm: IRIS Club
    12:15pm: Rosary Club
    2:15pm: Choir

    Wednesday, October 16
    BENN Newsletter release
    10:40am: Black Excellence Group
    10:40am: Sr. Boys Basketball meeting
    12:00pm: Black Excellence Group
    12:00pm: Jr. Girls Basketball @ Resurrection CSS
    1:00pm: Sr. Boys Football vs Resurrection CSS
    2:00pm: Homework Club
    2:00pm: Garden Club
    3:00pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball vs Woodland Christian HS
    3:00pm: Jr. Boys Football vs Resurrection CSS
    3:00pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball vs Woodland Christian HS

    Thursday, October 17
    Cross Country: District 8 Championship
    10:40am: IRIS Club
    12:00pm: IRIS Club
    2:00pm: Math Club
    2:00pm: DECA Business Club

    Friday, October 18
    10:40am: Star Trek Club
    10:40am: Cosmo Club
    12:00pm: Star Trek Club
    12:00pm: Cosmo Club
    12:45pm: Univ/Coll visit: Trent University (Oshawa)
    2:15pm: Ping Pong Club
    2:15pm: Model UN Club
    2:15pm: Doctor Who Club

    Sunday, October 20
    National Bus Drivers Day

    Monday, October 21
    Early Childhood Educators Day
    12:45pm: Univ/Coll visit: University of Waterloo (Waterloo)
    2:00pm: Homework Club
    3:00pm: Sr. Boys Volleyball vs St. David CSS
    3:00pm: Jr. Boys Volleyball vs St. David CSS

    Tuesday, October 22
    8:00am: Univ/Coll visit: Lakehead University (Thunder Bay)
    10:40am: Arts Council
    10:40am: IRIS Club
    12:00pm: Arts Council
    12:00pm: IRIS Club
    12:15pm: Rosary Club
    12:45pm: Univ/Coll visit: University of Windsor (Windsor)
    2:15pm: Choir

    Wednesday, October 23
    9:20am: Univ/Coll visit: Carleton University (Ottawa)
    10:40am: Black Excellence Group
    12:00pm: Black Excellence Group
    12:00pm: Jr. Girls Basketball vs Woodland Christian HS
    1:00pm: Jr. Boys Football @ St. Mary's HS
    2:00pm: Homework Club
    2:00pm: Garden Club
    3:00pm: Sr. Boys Football @ St. Mary's HS

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

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