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Wednesday, June 30, 2021 - Volume 13, Issue 22
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Message from Administration
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It is hard to believe that we have made it to the end of the school year already. At this point, we could not be prouder of our students and staff for making it to the finish line.
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These unprecedented times have shown us how important it is to draw upon our community to help guide us, to give us strength and hope, and to remind us of the many blessings in our lives. I would like to thank all our students for their hard work, our parents for their support, and our staff for their commitment. This year has been no easy feat and we would like to sincerely commend all for your efforts, flexibility, cooperation, and patience during these difficult times.
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To our Graduates, we hope you have had an opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments. We thank you for sharing your spirit, kindness, courage, and gifts with us over the past 4 years. We hope that you stay connected to the Bennies community, as we look forward to hearing about the next steps in your journey.
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Report cards will be mailed, September start up and registration information will be communicated via school messenger. Please stay connected by visiting our school website and wcdsb.ca website for any further information about how schools will re-open.
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As a final note, we look forward to continuing to grow as a community of inclusivity and aspire to bring hope, love and a sense belonging to all our students and families in the coming year.
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... unprecedented times have shown us how important it is to draw upon our community to help guide us, to give us strength and hope, and to remind us of the many blessings ...
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Overall, nothing is more important than the health, well-being, sense of belonging and safety of our students, families, and community. Please take care of yourself, your family and loved ones during these summer months.
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God bless, stay safe – and enjoy the summer!!
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Quad 4 Report Card Mailing
You should expect to receive Quad 4 report cards in the mail the week of Monday, July 12, 2021.
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If applicable, report cards will also contain important Student Plan of Care information to be returned to the school.
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School Start Up Information
The first day of the 2021-2022 school year will be on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. Click here to view the most up to date school calendar.
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Learning kits will be provided on students' first day of school.
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Student timetables for 2021-2022 will be made available to students through the Aspen Student Portal and to parents/guardians through Aspen Family/Parent Portal in late August when the Ministry of Education confirms September to January learning delivery model. Students and families will be notified of the publication of schedules to the Aspen portal through School Messenger and Newswire. Parents/Guardians - Please ensure you have registered for the Aspen Family/Parent Portal and notify the school of any changed to your personal email address or primary phone number during the summer.
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Please visit our school website > Parents > Start Up Procedures or click here for the most up to date information.
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Get Vaccinated:
Priority Access for Youth Aged 12 to 17
The Waterloo Region Vaccine Task Force is working to make sure that our youth can be safe to learn for September 2021.
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Attention Grads! Grad photo update
As we come to the end of this challenging school year, Lifetouch would like to provide an update about our plans going into the summer.
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Under Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen indoor photography remains prohibited until the province progresses into Step 2 of the plan. That is expected to happen in early July.
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Once Step 2 is reached, our local studio can once again open, and we plan to provide grad photography appointments throughout the summer.
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We invite anyone wishing to book an appointment at our studio to use the form linked below and sign up to receive further updates:
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We will notify you as soon as appointments become available and include further information on how to book your session.
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Lifetouch would like to thank everyone for their patience and perseverance throughout these challenging times, and look forward to seeing your smiles over the summer.
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Student Learning Kits 2021-2022
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Before you go out and buy school supplies... students will be receiving another Student Learning Kit in September. There are two different packages; one for students in grades 9 and 10, and one for students in grades 11 and 12.
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Secondary Junior Pack
3 writing pads, lined and hole punched 1 40-page exercise book 1 box of 12 mechanical pencils 2-pack of white plastic eraser 12-pack blue BIC pens 1 red BIC pen 1 clear plastic protractor 2 pack correction tape Pencil crayons, 24/Pack 1 Plastic 30cm ruler 1 UHU Glue Stick 2 highlighters 1 black whiteboard marker
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If you are looking for what course specific supplies you may need to purchase to prepare for the new school year, please check out the "What You Need" page on the school website by clicking on the image.
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Secondary Senior Pack
3 writing pads, lined and hole punched 1 40-page exercise book 1 box of 12 mechanical pencils 2-pack of white plastic eraser 12-pack blue BIC pens 1 red BIC pen 2 pack correction tape 1 Plastic 30cm ruler 2 highlighters 1 black whiteboard marker
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Did you know our school has a custom e-store with call-center and web chat support? Avoid long lines and take advantage of easy installment payment options by visiting mccarthyuniforms.ca to shop for your 2021 school uniform!
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Mental Health Corner
June is PRIDE month
If you are interested in being part of the SAINTS GSA – a social club for LGTBQ+ students and allies, please email Mrs. Varriano Lane at laura.varrianolane@wcdsb.ca
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Community Resources
Confidential, non-judgmental and informed LGBTTQQ2SI Peer Support
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OK2BME is a set of free, supportive services for LGBTQ2+ identified children, teens and their families in Waterloo Region. The OK2BME program consists of three unique areas including confidential counselling services (in person, or online), OK2BME Youth Groups for individuals 12-18, as well as public education, consulting and training around LGBTQ2+ issues. https://ok2bme.ca/
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Mental Health and Well Being
HERE24/7 is a telephone crisis service that can assist students and adults in need: 1-844-437-3247 (Press the #1 option so that it can be answered by a live person).
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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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Message from Guidance
UW Engineering Outreach
Virtual Volunteering
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Have you considered the International Certificate Program (ICP)?
"Through the International Certificate Program, high school students become informed, engaged and active global citizens, by putting into practice the Catholic social teaching including peace, justice and equity for all." (WCDSB)
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SHSM News
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Grade 10 and 11 SHSM students can complete certifications including in person standard first aid and CPR over the summer. Reach out to Mrs. Crowell if you would like more information: Michelle.Crowell@wcdsb.ca
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From the Librarian’s Desk:
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As the school year winds down, I'd like to offer congratulations to all St. Bennies 2021 graduates. You did it! On to bigger and better things! And to all other St. Bennies students - congratulations on getting through another challenging year. Your resiliency and fortitude are amazing!!
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Teen Events at Idea Exchange
This summer, Idea Exchange has several programs for teens. You can simply participate in these events. If you'd like to earn volunteer hours through your participation and are not yet an Idea Exchange volunteer, you can apply here to become a volunteer.
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Students who have graduated from Grade 8 and who will be attending high school next year are also able to volunteer and have the hours counted towards their Secondary School diploma.
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If you are already an Idea Exchange volunteer, you can check on VicNet
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Belong Together: A Community Art Project
Feeling a bit fragmented and disconnected? We get it! So many of our daily connections and interactions have been put on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, that it’s easy to feel alone. This summer, lets remind ourselves and each other that, even apart, we’re each an integral piece of the puzzle.
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Step One:Pick up a Belong Together project package at any Idea Exchange location Step Two: Decorate your tile to represent YOU and all the wonderful things you bring to our world. Step Three: Decorate the three Belong Together post cards in your package and write messages of belonging on the back. Step Four: Fill in the submission slip, with your name and email address. Step Five: Drop it all off at any Idea Exchange location
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Where are the cards going? Cards will be delivered to our neighbours living in Community Living Cambridge residences, for distribution among their clients. Looking for volunteer hours? Returned packages with a submission slip, one wooden tile and three post cards will earn 3 volunteer hours. The hours will be added to your VicNet account.
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Project Packages will be available for pick up starting on July 3rd.
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Teen River Photography Challenge
Get your walking shoes on and your camera at the ready!! This summer we are challenging local teens to get creative and celebrate the wildlife and atmosphere of our rivers. These river challenges will have participants exploring urban natural areas and discovering new or familiar paths - all in search of the best shot!
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Participants that submit photos will be entered into a draw for a $50 dollar gift card and volunteers can earn hours for their photographic contribution to our image banks.
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To get the volunteer hours you need to attend the launch party and complete the challenges as part of our Teen Media Team. You also agree that your photos can be used by Idea Exchange on our website and/or social media. Watch for it! You may even see your work showcased on the OPO theatre screen to promote Teen Media Team projects.
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How do you get involved? You start by signing up for the River Photography Launch Party on VicNet. You’ll get all the details there.
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Launch Party: Wednesday, July 7 at 11 am.
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Teen Summer Reading!
If you like to read and want something a bit different this summer check out our Virtual Teen Tastemakers.
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Read and review books and complete missions to help promote the best that Idea Exchange has to offer. For every book you review or mission you complete, you will be entered into our monthly $50 gift card draw, as well as our summer GRAND PRIZE of a $100 Happy Teen gift card. Contest ends August 21, 2021.
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Looking for some reading inspiration to get you started? Check out our list of Teen Must-Reads, recommendations from local teens who participated in our Fall/Winter reading contest.
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Idea Exchange Current Services
Finally, due to provincial restrictions, Idea Exchange locations remain open only for contactless pick up and drop off of materials at the entrance. Please check our website to see which services we are currently offering.
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On behalf of the staff at Clemens Mill Library, we wish students and their families a safe and blessed summer!
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Calendar of Events
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Thursday, July 1 Canada Day
Monday, August 2 Civic Holiday
Wednesday, September 1 BENN Newsletter release PA Day
Thursday, September 2 PA Day
Monday, September 6 Labour Day
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Tuesday, September 7 First day of the school year
Wednesday, September 8 BENN Newsletter release
Thursday, September 9 10:30am: Welcome Back BBQ
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Be sure to check out the calendar on the school website for updates!
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