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Wednesday, May 19, 2021 - Volume 13, Issue 19

Message from Administration

As you are aware the Province continues to remain under a stay-at-home order. Currently, our return is still uncertain. We will provide additional information as it becomes available regarding returning to school, school photos and outstanding materials. Please continue to follow the direction of Public Health and stay safe during our time apart. I would encourage all eligible individuals eligible to pre-register for their vaccine to visit : https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/covid-19-vaccination-pre-registration.aspx.

Thank you for your continued support and collaboration as we work towards keeping our Saints community safe. As always please reach out to us by calling the school if you need guidance or have any questions.
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Parents & Guardians

Have you booked a time for

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferencing

Thursday, May 20 2:00-4:00 and 5:00-7:00


Go to the staff list on the school website, and book now!

Key Dates for Quadmester 4

May 20
Turn Around Date for Careers/Civics
May 20
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
May 24
Victoria Day
June 2
BENN Newsletter Release
June 4
PA Day
June 16
BENN Newsletter Release
June 20
Father’s Day
June 24
Period 3 Final Evaluation, 8:00 am
June 25
Period 4 Final Evaluation, 8:00 am
June 28
Assessment and Evaluation/
Credit Recovery
June 30
BENN Newsletter Release
July 12
Quad 4 Report Card Distribution (Mailed)

Photo Pick Up

We are holding all photo distribution at this time, we will communicate a plan at a later date. Thank you for your patience.

School Schedule and Calendar

Quick Link to Our Calendar - https://stbenedict.wcdsb.ca/parents/current-students/school-year-calendar/

Our calendar (with Cohort info and key dates) can be accessed through our school website https://stbenedict.wcdsb.ca.

You can then access the calendar by going to ABOUT US > School Year Calendar
McCarthys

New Store Hours

Tuesday: 10am – 6pm
Thursday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
OR VISIT: www.mccarthyuniforms.ca
1-800-668-8261

Updating Contact Information

Please find attached the instructions to verify your child's mailing address in the Aspen student portal.
If your address is incorrect, please email: benedict.attendance@wcdsb.ca with your child's name, proper mailing address along with the postal code. As well, please contact us if you do not have an email address on file or any additional information is incorrect in Aspen.
Thank you for your time, and attention to this matter as we prepare to mail Quad 3 report cards..
Instructions for Verifying Your Address Resend Nov 20 2.pdf

May ParticipACTION

WCDSB parents! We have more free events coming up in May, from Virtual visits with the KPL to Paint Nights to Finding Your Way Back to Being Positive with Nancy Revie.

Sign up here - https://forms.office.com/r/PHPy94F1dj
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Parent Teacher Interviews

It has been a long year – a year that has challenged our students to learn in new and less than ideal circumstances. It is natural for students to feel tired and start losing their motivation for school right now. With encouragement, understanding and support they will make it through to June.
Link for Parents :
https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/11-ways-feel-more-motivated/
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Mental Health:

WCDSB Mental Health and Well Being Page

As we continue in remote learning it is important to keep tabs on how we are all coping. Take a look at the Board’s 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/ A short intro video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmJI_QXT8xk

Community Resources

There are also resources in our community that can assist families with navigating mental health supports for themselves and their children.
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).
Front Door is a “walk-in” Service for kids/parents with kids under 18 where they can speak to a counselor. They can be reached at 519-749-2932

Free CBT Based Mental Health Support for Ontario
https://www.mindbeacon.com/
CounsellingCollaborative
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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Frequently Asked Question

Is there a cohort-specific schedule?

YES THERE IS!

Cohort A Cohort B

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

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.

Operational guidance: COVID-19 management in schools (Ontario.ca)

What to do when my child isn't feeling well?

Read the memo for parents and guardians from the Region of Waterloo Public Health Unit. The document provides direction for parents and caregivers regarding the role of families, Public Health and schools.

Message from Guidance

Summer Learning Registration

Registration is now OPEN!
Waterloo Catholic District School Board is committed to supporting your child’s continued learning. In July and August this year, there are a number of learning options available for elementary and secondary students that will ignite, support and challenge students toward success and preparation for the next grade.
ALL Elementary, Secondary and Adult Learning options can be found here: www.wcdsb.ca/summer-learning.

Summer School

Is available this year as online learning courses through our board at St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education. More information can be found on their website: https://stlouis.wcdsb.ca/summer-programs/summer-credit/
These courses will run from July 5 – July 29. (Half credit courses Careers and Civics Term 1 July 5-15. Term 2 July 16 – July 29).

What is Online Learning?

Online Learning means courses are specifically designed to be taught in a fully online format (formerly referred to as “e-learning”). Online learning relies on communication between pupils and teachers through the internet or any other digital platform and does not require pupils and teachers to be face to-face with each other or with their teacher. Students must be online and working on their course for a minimum of 6 hours a day.
Students may only take one online course or both Civics and Careers half courses.

If you choose to register for summer school, please inform your Guidance counsellor.
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2021-2022 EQAO Student Engagement Committee - Call for Applicants

This committee continues to be one of the key sources of student voice for EQAO. It is also an opportunity for interested students to have a positive impact on the agency's activities and on Ontario's education system.
Students are the focus of EQAO's work, so student voices and experiences help EQAO to advance their goal of continuous improvement.

EQAO encourages applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit or Indigenous person. As an accessible agency, they offer accommodations as required, including during the recruitment process.
Who is eligible to apply?
  • Applicants must be enrolled in an Ontario school in Grades 7–12.
  • Applicants must have completed at least one EQAO assessment.

Application Form

To learn more about the committee's previous work, visit EQAO's website. ​
The student application form can be found at this link: https://forms.gle/a5SHQrDPRRmbbVQi9
Submissions must be received by June 7, 2021, and selections will be announced by the end of June 2021.

Academics

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)

Please see the link for more information: https://www.wcdsb.ca/our-schools/international-education-services/international-certificate-program/

News from Co-Op

Although 2020-2021 has been a different school year with many new challenges, St. Benedict students are still gaining valuable, real-life experiences through Co-operative Education. During Quad 3, 23 students were able engage in Experiential Learning opportunities thanks to placements provided within our community. Students were placed in various industries including Manufacturing, Transportation, Teaching, Website Development, and Pharmaceuticals – just to name a few! After 6 weeks of placement, many students were granted additional work opportunities through their placements. These include:
  • 1 Full-time Apprenticeship offer
  • 1 OYAP Registration to attend Level 1 Trade School
  • 4 Summer Job offers
  • Multiple positive reference letters provided
These numbers show that even during tough times, St. Benedict students truly benefit from participating in Experiential Learning opportunities.

Congratulations to all 23 co-op students from Quad 3 on your successful placement experiences!
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Every Wednesday, join Mrs. Borba (Literacy) or Mr. Chaves (Numeracy) ONLINE from 1:45-3:00pm!

JOIN the Google Classroom https://classroom.google.com/c/MjM2MzY1NjE0NDI5?cjc=ojocdyl
or simply CLICK on the Teams Links!!

Click here for: Borba Literacy Meet
Click here for: Chaves Numeracy Meet

Can't WAIT to see you SAINTS online!

News from the Library

IdeaExchange-CM-logo
As of Thursday, April 8, 2021 the Ontario Government has placed all of Ontario in a province wide shutdown. To keep our staff and members safe, Idea Exchange is closing our buildings and offering holds pick ups and online services only. Online resources remain available to teachers and students on the St. Bennies Library website.

Did you know….

Idea Exchange Accounts now require a PIN (Personal Identification Number)
As of Tuesday, May 4, 2021, all Idea Exchange memberships will require a PIN (Personal Identification Number) and card number to log into your Idea Exchange account.
This change will increase the security and privacy of your personal library information.
A temporary PIN will be created from the last four digits of the telephone number used for your account. We encourage you to reset your temporary PIN as soon as possible (on or after May 4).
To learn more go to the Idea Exchange website.

Virtual Student Support:

Mon. Wed. Fri. 10am to 2pm
Tues. Thurs 8am to 2pm

Pickup Service:

Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm for curbside pickup only.
To learn more about the library's current services, visit the Idea Exchange website.

DIY Kits: Mother’s Day Card

Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 9th. Need a card? Why not grab one of our DIY kits that include a card, contrasting backing for the inside, 5 embellishments and an envelope. All you need is a glue stick, and a pen to write a lovely message to your mom!

Each kit is a bit different. Quantities are limited. Pick-up at the Clemens Mill Library front door.
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Clubs

Do you have word?

Hey Saints, did you know that we have started a Spoken Word Club at Bennies?
If you are interested in being a part of a club that inspires new ideas, penetrates the deepest human feelings, and brings out the profound meaning of Spoken Word, then come see us on Thursdays 1:15 - 2:00 pm!
Google Classroom code: ztl66sq
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Student Activities

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Other News

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Youth Impact Survey

Youth in Waterloo Region between the ages 9 and 18 have the opportunity to participate in the Youth Impact Survey. The Youth Impact Survey was developed in partnership WITH young people in Waterloo Region and asks well-being questions on a variety of topics.

Last summer, the Children and Youth Planning Table, UNICEF Canada, the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation partnered to run the pilot version of the Youth Impact Survey in Waterloo Region. The survey included questions about belonging, mental and emotional health, security, protection and other topics. Waterloo Region was the first community in Canada to test out the survey and after getting feedback from the youth who filled it out in 2020, and with a new partner, KW Community Foundation, the survey is running again.

Phase 2 of the Youth Impact Survey includes Waterloo Region and 3 other communities in Canada. (Ottawa, Halton, and Tri-Counties in Nova Scotia). In order for the survey to be a success, Waterloo Region needs 1000 youth aged 9 - 18 to fill it out and the results will help inform the decisions made about programs, services, and supports available to young people. This is an opportunity for young people to feel valued, heard and included.

The 20-30 minute survey is totally voluntary and anonymous and youth who fill it out will receive volunteer hours and a chance to win prizes. Click here for more information.

Calendar of Events

Thursday, May 20
Turn Around Date for Careers/Civics
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous
1:15pm: Spoken Word Club
2:00pm: Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
6:00pm: Build A Dream - Trades Week

Friday, May 21
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous

Monday, May 24
Victoria Day

Tuesday, May 25
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous
7:00pm: Transition to High School for Students with IEPs

Wednesday, May 26
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous
1:45pm: Homework Club
2:00pm: Debate Club

Thursday, May 27
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous
1:15pm: Spoken Word Club
Friday, May 28
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous

Monday, May 31
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous

Tuesday, June 1
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous

Wednesday, June 2
BENN Newsletter release
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous
1:45pm: Homework Club
2:00pm: Debate Club

Thursday, June 3
8:00am: Period 3 All students Synchronous
9:52am: Period 3 All students Asynchronous
11:10am: Period 4 All students Synchronous
1:02pm: Period 4 All students Asynchronous
1:15pm: Spoken Word Club

Friday, June 4
Professional Activity Day

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

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