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Wednesday, March 24, 2021 - Volume 13, Issue 15
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A Message from Administration
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Update: Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test 2021
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During this ongoing time of pandemic, our secondary schools in the Waterloo Catholic District School Board remain committed to overall student success, achievement and wellbeing. The purpose of this communication is to offer an important update regarding the 2021 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).
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We remind students graduating in 2021 that the Ministry of Education has waived the literacy requirement. Current Grade 12 students do not need to complete the literacy test or course to be eligible to graduate in this 2020-2021 school year.
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The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), the organization that administers the literacy test is field testing a new, online OSSLT from the end of March 2021 until June 2021. Provincially, the field test is being made available to Grade 10 and 11 students who are learning in-person and working toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). As this version of the test is designed to test the new online instrument, schools and school boards may choose whether or not they wish to engage with the OSSLT field test.
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At WCDSB, we have decided not to administer the OSSLT in the 2020-2021 school year. We have come to this decision for three reasons.
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- In our cohort-based quadmester timetables, students have a reduced number of hours and days at school. Adding the literacy test to our fourth quadmester would further reduce the number of hours available for students to master course curriculum.
- We are choosing to prioritize our students’ overall wellbeing in this time of ongoing pandemic. We believe that it is not in our students’ best interests to ask them to engage with a high-stakes standardized assessment during this time, especially when other learning goals are a priority.
- Within the parameters of the field test being piloted by EQAO this year, only students who are able to come in person to our school sites will be able to attempt the test this spring. This format disadvantages and excludes our distance learning students who are unable to come to their homeschool to take part in the test. The loss of class time associated with administering the test also disproportionately affects our English language learners and special education students.
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Our staff will continue to plan for our students to write the OSSLT (or take the literacy course) in the 2021-2022 school year. We remain committed to supporting all students on their chosen pathways to graduation and beyond.
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School Schedule and Calendar
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You can then access the calendar by going to ABOUT US > School Year Calendar
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Spring Break & Quad 3 Final Assessments
As previously communicated March Break has been postponed to the week of April 12-16 for all Ontario schools. As a result of the March Break being moved to April 12-16, we have made some adjustments to the Quad 3 and 4 calendars to support overall student achievement and wellbeing.
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Final Assessment days have been moved to April 8 (Period 1) & April 9 (Period 2). These two days will be fully remote, synchronous assessment days. Following the April break, April 19 and 20 will continue to be Assessment and Evaluation (A&E) days for the purpose of credit recovery, rescue, and reporting. Further information will be provided by classroom teachers.
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Quad 4 will begin on April 21 as a fully remote, synchronous day. Teachers will have the opportunity to virtually meet all students in their course(s), and to share course overviews and expectations. We will follow a remote learning schedule, check the school calendar for specific times.
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New Store Hours
Tuesday: 10am – 6pm
Thursday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
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Student Picture Days for Cohort B
Cohort B students have pictures this Thursday and Friday. We will abide by our operational guidelines to ensure a safe process. Students will be called down by class and will need to be in uniform to take their picture. Students in phys ed, classes need to bring a uniform shirt to wear over their phys ed attire.
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Please contact the school if you have questions.
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Family Winter Participation
Free April Activities
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The WCDSB Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (CPIC) & Ministry of Ontario PRO Grants is offering Free activities for families. Sign up here or scan the QR code below.
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Board seeks input on the 2021-2022 budget
The purpose of this brief budget survey is to gain feedback from stakeholders with respect to Board priorities. While we cannot accommodate all requests, we do want to know what is important to stakeholders which will help guide our decisions. The ThoughtExchange will be open until March 26th.
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Understanding that the Board priorities are intended to support Graduation rates, Well-Being and Faith Formation. Please identify what you feel is the MOST important area for investment within the budget in order to achieve our priorities?
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Understanding that the Board priorities are intended to support Graduation rates, Well-Being and Faith Formation. Where do you think the Board could obtain savings or efficiencies?
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Key Dates for Quad 3 & 4
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Quad 3 Period 1 Evaluation Day
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Quad 3 Period 2 Evaluation Day
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Quad 4: April 21 to June 25, 2021
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Quad 4 begins virtually for all students
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Quad 3 Report Card Distribution Date & BENN Newsletter Release
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Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
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Turn Around Date for Careers/Civics
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Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
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Assessment and Evaluation/Credit Recovery
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Quad 4 Report Card Distribution Date (Mailed)
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Mental Health & Wellness
WCDSB Mental Health and Well Being Web page
Have you had a moment to check out the Board’s update Mental Health and Wellbeing webpage? This is a “one stop shop” where you can find links to targeted resources to promote wellbeing during Covid, examples of meditations/calming strategies to share with students, resources specific to various roles (i.e. leadership, educators, students, families), links to services in our community, and general mental health information. Please help raise awareness about this resource! https://www.wcdsb.ca/programs-and-services/mental-health-and-well-being-at-wcdsb/
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Please talk with Guidance, Vice Principals and/or our Principal if you feel you need School Social Work support.
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March Mental Health Tip
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Are you noticing a bit more of an emotional rollercoaster this month? You are not alone! Our normal school year rhythms have shifted so much, and we look forward to the rest and recovery that we will enjoy during our April/spring break. We have also hit the “anniversary” of when covid dramatically changed our lives, and as we reflect on this past year we may be caught by surprise when unexpected emotions resurface. This is a normal part of processing a big change, and it reminds us that it’s a good time to be incorporating more self-care practices into our days. Check out the Self-Care 101 (https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Self-Care-101.pdf) for more tips on how to support wellbeing during this time.
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March Study Hacks
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You may notice that during the pandemic it’s harder to concentrate, complete assignments, sleep, remember things, and stay organized, which may be connected to the ongoing stress we carry with us during a pandemic. Here are a few tips that can help things get back on track.
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The Counselling Collaborative of Waterloo Region (https://counsellingwr.ca) is a partnership of 6 local counselling agencies working together to make counselling services more accessible to individuals with a limited income. Fees may be fully or partially subsidized depending on individual circumstances and the service requested. Visit their website or call (519) 804-1097 to book a phone/video appt.
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Learning to Livestream
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We would like to extend a huge thank you to our school council, who have helped us to purchase cutting edge livestreaming equipment with proceeds from the Cambridge Gaming Association. Our new equipment includes an AVMatrix Video Switcher, a remote camera controller, and two PTZ cameras, which we can use with existing lighting and sound equipment to live stream from our stage. As the setup is portable, it can also be used from the gym, the chapel, the lecture hall, the atrium, the comm tech studio… pretty much anywhere in the school! The new setup also allows participants in different rooms to record live at the same time, which helps us to observe social distancing and safety protocols. We are currently experimenting with the equipment and learning all the ins and outs - we look forward to using the equipment soon for virtual events, and even when we can gather again in the future, to live stream events to a wider audience. Thank you to the school council and the Cambridge Gaming Association for your support in this exciting project!
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Pictured above: Ryan Carriere (grade 12) at the sound console, Gabriel Delarosbil (grade 9) at the drum kit.
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The Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region is excited to present
Explore Your Future 2021 for grade 7-12 students and their parents/guardians in Waterloo Region!
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Interactive sessions will run every other week from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.
Thanks to our sponsors and partners, this learning experience is FREE to attend.
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March 24: Helping Professionals - Careers Making a Difference for Others
Want to help others? Learn how people like you use their skills to support and heal people and communities.
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1 ticket gets you access to all 4 sessions!
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Click on the image above to register.
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Frequently Asked Question
Is there a cohort-specific schedule?
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COVID Test/Screening and Outbreak Protocol
All students (or guardians on their behalf) will be asked to engage in a daily self-assessment before reporting to school and anyone feeling unwell or identifying a concern based on their self-assessment should not report to school. COVID-19 School Screening
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Once at the school, all students will be required to wear mask at all times. Students are to sanitize their hands upon entering and leaving the classroom.
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What to do when my child isn't feeling well?
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Message from Guidance
Complete the form and your hours will automatically be submitted and updated in the system.
As a reminder, there were changes made regarding graduation requirements involving community service requirements for the 2020-2021 school year:
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- graduates for 2020-2021 have a reduced requirement for 20 hours rather than the usual 40
- this is in recognition that gathering CSH is a challenge for students during the ongoing pandemic
- these hours can be generated in typical ways, also at the principal’s discretion students can use hours:
- earned during the school day
- earned by performing household or community-based tasks - no max hours for duties performed at home, but this is at the principal’s discretion
- 10 hours paid employment at principal’s discretion
- flexibility and principal’s discretion can be applied to international students
- co-op experience, either paid or unpaid, could also be considered at the principal’s discretion
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Please be sure to submit your hours ASAP.
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Academics
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University of Waterloo Math Contests
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Math contests are a fun way to help students build their problem solving skills. The University of Waterloo has several math contests for our students through their Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing.
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Grade 9, 10 and 11 students: there is still time to sign up!
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All contests will be written from home under the supervision of an adult. To register for any of the contests, go to: https://cemc.uwaterloo.ca/contests/registration.html. If you do not have an account with the CEMC, register as a "New Individual." Note: it may take up to 5 days to create a new account.
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If you have any questions, please contact your student's math teacher.
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Every Wednesday, join Mrs. Borba (Literacy) or Mr. Chaves (Numeracy) ONLINE from 1:45-3:00pm!
or simply CLICK on the Teams Links!!
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Can't WAIT to see you SAINTS online!
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Your school library is an important resource for success in high school. Currently the school library is accessible to teachers and their classes from 8am to 10am. Students may access the library individually at 10am, using the Clemens Mill Library front doors. Clemens Mill library is open for light browsing of our books, DVDs and other materials and hold pickups.
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All visitors are asked to complete the COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire before entering our physical spaces, wear a face mask, and limit their visit to 60 minutes or less.
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Did you know....
Clemens Mill Library has lots of new reads for teens. Take a break from online and read a good book! Check out What's New In Teen Fiction!
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We also have DIY Kits which are simple maker kits complete with instructions that you can take home. Check out the kit(s) currently offered at Idea Exchange website.
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To pick up a free kit, simply come to the library using the Clemens Mill Library front doors. The library opens at 10am.
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We are planning to update the library website and would like St. Bennie’s students’ input. We are asking St. Bennie’s students to please take a few minutes to complete our short survey to help us better plan a website that meets your needs! This survey is voluntary and is completely anonymous.
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If you need help finding a good book or resources for assignments, please contact your school library, Ms. Pilon at ppilon@ideaexchange.org.
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And check this out!
Cambridge Idea Exchange's School Liaison illustrated the new offerings they have that might be of interest to families in your school particularly hard hit economically by COVID--free Parks Ontario passes to sign out, podcast kits on loan, board games, puzzles, garden tools. Check out their unusual stuff to borrow page!
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Thursday, March 25
Picture Day - Cohort B
8:00am: Period 2 Cohort B Face to Face
12:25pm: Period 1 All students Distance learning
Friday, March 26
8:00am: Period 2 Cohort B Face to Face
12:25pm: Period 1 All students Distance learning
Sunday, March 28
Palm Sunday
Monday, March 29
8:00am: Period 2 Cohort B Face to Face
12:25pm: Period 1 All students Distance learning
Tuesday, March 30
8:00am: Period 2 Cohort B Face to Face
12:25pm: Period 1 All students Distance learning
Wednesday, March 31
8:00am: Period 2 Cohort B Face to Face
12:25pm: Period 1 All students Distance learning
2:00pm: 2021-2022 Co-President Meeting
2:00pm: Debate Club
Thursday, April 1
Holy Thursday
8:00am: Period 1 Cohort A Face to Face
12:25pm: Period 2 All students Distance learning
Friday, April 2
Good Friday
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Saturday, April 3
Holy Saturday
Sunday, April 4
Easter Sunday
Monday, April 5
Easter Monday
Tuesday, April 6
8:00am: Period 1 Cohort A Face to Face
12:25pm: Period 2 All students Distance learning
Wednesday, April 7
BENN Newsletter release
8:00am: Period 1 Cohort A Face to Face
12:25pm: Period 2 All students Distance learning
2:00pm: Debate Club
Thursday, April 8
Quad 3 - Period 1 Evaluation Day
Friday, April 9
Quad 3 - Period 2 Evaluation Day
Monday, April 12
Spring Break
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Be sure to check out the calendar on the school website for updates and changes!
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![April-7-Parent-Night-Poster-Revised-1320x1708[1]](https://stbenedict.wcdsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/69/2021/03/April-7-Parent-Night-Poster-Revised-1320x17081-1.jpg)
