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Wednesday, September 12, 2018 - Volume 11, Issue 3

Monday September 24 is Say Hi day!

SayHiLogo

Say "HI" to everybody. Even people you don't know!

Administrative

St. Benedict Learning Commons/Clemens Mill Library

Summer Greetings to all St. Benedict students and staff!
As most of you know, your school library/Clemens Mill Library has been closed over the summer for renovations. Those renovations are now completed and the library is open for business!
idea exchange logo

New Library Features! Fall 2018

The library has many new and exciting offerings this fall for students including:
Mini-Makerspace: this creative space is just starting out with basic supplies and equipment including a Cricut machine, wire jig, button maker and basic tools and crafting supplies. Drop in during lunch hour or after school to enjoy our weekly Makerspace challenges beginning in October.
Virtual Reality (VR) Lab: contains the HTC Vive. Open during lunch hour and after school for individual student use. We have a selection of online realities and games to choose from.
Meeting Rooms: we now have two meeting rooms that can be booked for up to 2 hours for quiet study/collaboration by students and teachers.

Library Cards

All students should have a library card. It’s easy to sign up for one or get a replacement card. Just come to the service desk and ask one of our friendly staff to help you. A library card allows you to sign out books, movies, CDs, video games, access library databases and many other online resources, use our Active Living sports equipment, play the piano, and book the meeting rooms.

No Food In The Library

Students are reminded that in order to keep our library space clean for both students and members of the public, absolutely NO food is allowed in the Learning Commons. Please eat your lunch PRIOR to coming into the library.

Computers

Bring your own device or borrow a Chromebook for use at the quiet study tables or the laptop bar. Chromebooks may be borrowed for 2 hours with your library. A valid library card and a 2018-2019 St. Benedict Student I.D. card are required.

Library Hours

We are open during school hours and on the evenings and weekends. The Clemens Mill Library is
open to the pubic during weekdays at 10:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday*
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Friday*
9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday**
* Students please use public library entrance after 2:00 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends.
** Open Sundays between Labour Day weekend and Victoria Day weekend

Communication Guidelines for Parents & Staff

By WCDSB Newswire
As partners with parents and guardians in the education of our students, the WCDSB’s school staffs, the senior team and the Board of Trustees are always interested in receiving information and feedback from the community.
It keeps us in touch with day-to-day life in our schools, and helps us anticipate and deal quickly and effectively with any questions or concerns you may have concerning your child’s education.
Since 1999, the school board has operated using a very straightforward, transparent and extremely successful set of Communication Guidelines for Parents & Staff. These easy-to-follow steps are in place to help parents / guardians resolve questions or concerns quickly, right there at school, where the overwhelming majority of issues are resolved.
The guidelines are very simple:
A) If you have a question or concern involving your child, you should always first speak directly to the child’s teacher.
B) If the issue remains unresolved, you should next speak to the school Principal.
C) If the issue continues to be unresolved, you should speak to the Superintendent of Learning for that school. Click here for Contact Information.
Our schools are already off and running to a fantastic start!
We’re looking forward to a #WCDSBAwesome 2018-19 school year — and we thank you sincerely for your ongoing support and cooperation as we continue being #HeartOfTheCommunity and #PeopleOfFaith!!

News from Guidance

Who is your Guidance Counsellor?

Mrs. Lesley O’Toole: A-Di & International Students, ext. 5190
Mrs. Karla Arkell: Dj - Ki, ext. 5636
Mr. Nick Betik: Kl - Pl, ext. 5633
Mrs. Laura O’Neill: Po - Z, ext. 5634
Mrs. Christine O’Connor: Administrative Assistant, ext. 5631

St. Benedict welcomes International students

This fall the St. Benedict community has welcomed several International Students to our school. We have a growing number of Chinese students, as well as students from South Korea, Hong Kong and Colombia. These students are here on student visas and will study at our school with the intent to graduate with their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. While a few of our International students live with relatives while they are here, the vast majority of them live with “home stay” families. All of them bring something special to our community and we look forward to learning more about them and the countries and cultures that they come from.

Grade 12’s and Post-Secondary Options

Grade 12’s will be invited to a post-secondary information session on Tuesday September 18 or Wednesday September 19th during period 3. Students on spare during period 3 should plan to attend on Wednesday at 11:30 am. These meetings for grade 12 students who are considering college or university application for September 2019 will take place next week. If you are unable to attend, please stop by Guidance to pick up an information sheet. If you are feeling confused about the application process and are having difficulty navigating through web sites and documents, consider taking advantage of the following supports:
  1. Please confirm with your son or daughter that they have completed, signed and handed in the “Consent for Disclosure of Information to the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) and/or the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC). This form was part of the registration packages that were sent home this summer to all grade 12 students. Unless this form is completed and signed, the school is not allowed to transmit marks to colleges and universities. If you are unsure as to whether or not your son or daughter has taken care of this important detail, please contact the appropriate counsellor for clarification.
  2. Plan now to attend our Post-Secondary Information night on Thursday October 25 at 7:00 PM. This event is being hosted by the Guidance Department and coincides with parent/teacher/student interviews. The presentation will take place in the Lecture Hall.
  3. Monsignor Doyle will be the site for the Cambridge University Information Presentation on October 4 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. All Ontario universities will have representation at this event and there will be opportunity to attend formal presentations, as well as time to tour displays.
  4. Conestoga College will be hosting their annual College Information Presentations on October 17 from 5:30pm to 7pm and October 18 from 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM at their Doon Campus. All Ontario colleges will have representation at this event and Conestoga will also have additional information available to parents and students regarding their programs.
  5. Attend the Ontario Universities Fair (OUF) September 28 – 30 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from 10am to 5pm daily. Visit ouf.ca for more details.
  6. Attend the Ontario College Information Fair October 24 Enercare Centre Toronto 9am to 2pm.
  7. Follow us on Twitter @sbenguidance to get the latest information in 280 characters or less!
  8. Both the Ontario Colleges website and the Ontario University website offer a wealth of information regarding schools, programs and the application process. To research colleges and their programs go to www.ontariocolleges.ca To research Ontario universities and their programs go to www.electronicinfo.ca

College and University Presentations

We have been fortunate in arranging visits to our school with liaison officers from several Ontario universities and colleges who will be making presentations to interested grade 12 students. The presentations will get started at the end of September and provide an excellent way for students to ask questions about specific schools that they are interested in. Students must sign up to attend the presentations that they are interested in attending, by the end of lunch the day prior to the visit. While we do not limit the number of visits that students may attend, we do encourage students to be selective about the visits that they attend as many of them take place during class time. Students are responsible for any school work that they miss if they choose to attend a presentation. Please refer to the complete list of presentations that is posted on our school website by going to Student Services > Post-secondary planning > Post-secondary visits.

What does it take to get into an American University?

Find out more on Saturday September 15th at the Ontario Science Centre from 1:30pm – 2:30pm. Families will have an opportunity to interact with US admissions experts and/or students and parent ambassadors accepted to Harvard, University of Houston, Ohio State and more!
Learn about early admission, NCAA, SAT, Common App and more! Admission is FREE. Pre-registration is required at www.prepskills.com

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.

Community Service Hours Opportunity: Academic Award Night

Our 20th Annual Academic Awards Night is coming up on Thursday, October 11th. Invitations will be distributed in homerooms during the last week of September to students that are receiving a subject award or are an Honour Roll recipient from the 2017-2018 school year.
We are inviting any students looking for Community Service Hours to consider signing up to volunteer to help at the event. The sign-up sheet is located in the Guidance office.
If you have any questions, please contact Karla Arkell.



Ontario Universities' Fair

The Ontario Universities' Fair (OUF) takes place September 28-30, 2018, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Don't let your students miss it!
The OUF is the only event where you can see all 21 Ontario universities in one place. It's a once-a-year, free event where attendees can talk directly with senior university faculty and representatives.
OUF Passport
By registering for an OUF Passport at www.ouf.ca/passport, students receive a barcode that they take to the OUF and get scanned at university booths and presentation rooms of their choice. Its the easiest way for them to share their contact information to receive more info about the universities they are interested in. Without an OUF Passport, students must manually enter their contact details at each individual university booth where they request further information. Encourage students to register for their OUF Passport in advance for a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes of a $500 prepaid credit card.
OUF Passport Guidance Counsellor Tool Kit
As you may recall, weve compiled a tool kit to assist you with promoting the OUF Passport to your students. It includes key messages, sample school announcements, social media posts and ways to follow the OUF on social media. Click Tools to Promote the OUF and OUF Passport on the Guidance website at www.ouac.on.ca/guidance.
Visit: www.ouf.ca
Follow the OUF on Twitter: @OntarioUniFair, #OUF2018
Like the OUF on Facebook: OntarioUFair
Follow the OUF on Instagram: @ontariounifair
University Information Program (UIP)
After the OUF, Ontario's universities are visiting a school near you! Check out the UIP schedule: http://www.ouf.ca/uip.
SHSMexperience

Experience your Future with SHSM!

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program allows grade 11 & 12 students to experience their future career while in high school! Students complete certifications and training, a Co-op placement and take a bundle of courses related to their major. By completing these 3 components, students will earn a special designation on their diploma proving they have knowledge, experience and skills in their future employment sector.
Arts & Culture, Business, Construction, Energy, Health, ICT, Justice, Sports and Transportation are just some of the 13 majors offered at our Secondary Schools.
Participating in SHSM gives students the opportunity to gain important skills on the job with actual employers, at skills training centres and at school, while earning valuable industry certifications including first aid and CPR qualifications.

Grade 11 & 12 Students

Be sure to sign up before the deadline of October 12!

Grade 9 & 10 Students

You are welcome to sign up at anytime, as you will receive further support with course selection in grade 10 going into your senior years. However, the program will begin Grade 11.

For more information, visit the SHSM Explained area of highskills.ca or contact SHSM@wcdsb.ca.

Forgot to pick up your report card this summer?

A reminder to any student who did not pick up their report card over the summer, you have until Friday September 14th to do so. Please come to the main office to pick it up.
VAC-01

Spirit wear sale

Don’t own any, or want new Bennie's spirit wear for Wednesdays? Now is your chance!!! New St. Benedict Spirit wear items are available for sale through the following website: https://sbcss.itemorder.com/sale BUT only until September 16th. Check out the online store and get your orders in!
spiritwear201809

Drug Free Kids Canada Resource

This is an excellent resource for all families. There is a link below for you to sign up to receive the kit which will be emailed to you in segments, 1 a week for 4 weeks beginning in September.
https://www.drugfreekidscanada.org/parents-back-to-school-tool-kit/

Support Catholic Education

B1013-ticked

Academic

Enriching the Lives of Students

By Mrs. D. Wittmann
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.

English Corner

By Mrs. D. Wittmann
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.

Advanced Placement at St. Benedict

By Mrs. D. Wittmann
Advanced Placement (AP) is an internationally recognized program that allows students to enrich the Ontario Curriculum with the goal of achieving university accreditation.

What does the research say about AP students?
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.

Please visit:
https://enrichmentatstbenedict.wordpress.com/
https://advancedplacementsaintbenedict.wordpress.com/
https://wcdsb.ca/programs-and-services/advanced-placement/
AE-E-sept-7-2018

Math Club

Math club starting Thursday, September 13. The "club" is open to grade 9, 10, 11, 12 students who want to:
* be able to answer those tough questions from class
* preview up-coming math contests
* prepare for tests, assignments or final exams
* have all your questions answered
* get ready for college or university
Meet with Dr. Chernysh Thursdays after school in room 309… See you there!!!!!
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Sports

Fall sports training is well under way, game schedules should be available soon. Keep an eye on the calendar on the school website for when the following sports start play:
  • Basketball – Junior Girls
  • Basketball – Senior Girls
  • Cross-Country
  • Football – Junior Boys
  • Football – Senior Boys
  • Golf – Boys
  • Golf – Girls
  • Soccer – Junior Boys
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball – Junior Boys
  • Volleyball – Senior Boys

Clubs

NEW CLUB: Rock Orchestra!

Calling all musicians! The St. Benedict Rock Orchestra rehearses Wednesdays after school in Room 101. Don't know what a rock orchestra is? Come and find out! All instrumentalists are invited to attend, including guitarists, bass players, drummers AS WELL AS wind instruments, brass instruments, and percussionists. We will be playing right away, so come prepared to jam!

Praise Choir

We need singers and musicians for school liturgies and faith assemblies! The Praise Choir meets at lunch starting this Thursday in room 103. See Mr. Lacalamita or Mr. Renner for more details.

Yearbook Team returns

We are now recruiting for this year's Yearbook Team! We are looking for any and all students who are interested in:
  • art & design
  • photography
  • business & marketing
  • writing
  • leaving a legacy!
If you find any of these areas intriguing (or know someone else who does), we'd love to meet you! Go to https://goo.gl/iY4gjE for information on the roles available on the team, the application form, and the link to the teacher reference form; applications are due by Monday, September 17th! If you have questions, see Ms. Currie in the math office (3rd floor), or Ms. Grebinski in the business office (2nd floor).

Reach for the Top

What is the capital of Jamaica?
Where was the Pope born?
Who wrote the novel Jurassic park?
If you like answering trivia questions like these, come to room 217 at lunch every Tuesday for Reach for the Top club. We have got buzzers, and questions, now all we need is a bunch of students to quiz.

Games Club

Games club will run every Wednesday after school in room 227. Join us for Magic the Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons and other great strategy board games, no sign up necessary just show up and play. See Mr. Riso in room 227 for details.

Mario Kart Club

Come join the Mario Kart Club every Thursday in room 306. New players are always welcome.

Champions for Change

If you are interested or passionate about making a positive change in the world, and championing the rights of others here at home and internationally consider joining our club. The Champions for change promote awareness about various issues including gender equality, access to education, fair trade, access to clean water, etc. If you want to be a part of helping to make the world a better place, then join Mrs. Kot on Tuesdays at lunch in room 123 every week. Bring your lunch and get ready to be a positive change in the world! Hope to see you there.

Finance Club

________ makes the world go 'round
"Show me the ________!!!"

If you said MONEY, you are right! Finance Club started up this past Monday. Several students came in to get their first million dollars for the stock market challenge, looking to see what they can do with all that cash. The leader board will be updated from time to time on our club page on the website.
The club is directed by the needs and wants of the members--we will talk about saving, investing, earning, basically a money 101! Regular attendance is not mandatory, and students are encouraged to bring forth their questions for discussions.
Come test your stock picking skills and talk about all things money related with Mr. Milardovic. Mondays at lunch, room 216. Be there!

DECA Business Club

Do you mean business? Come join the DECA business competition!
The DECA business club is gearing up for another fantastic season of fun and competition! Last year we took nearly fifty students to the Provincial competition in Toronto in February.
If you have a keen sense for business, marketing, advertising, or promotions of any sort of product, this club is the one for you! There are group categories for competition, as well as individual ones.
There is something for everyone, so consider joining us!
An information meeting will be held in the Lecture Hall this Thursday at the beginning of lunch.

Doctor Who Club

Join us after school in room 226 on Friday, September 7th as we resume adventuring through time and space with the longest running sci-fi/fantasy series in history. We’re also preparing for a monumental event: the arrival of the 13 Doctor. As played by Jodie Whittaker, she is the first female Doctor since the show began in 1963. Everyone is welcome weekly to enjoy pizza as we watch classic episodes and hold monthly prize raffles. Our corner of the school website will be updated soon…visit our page to keep up to date on our viewing schedule.

Anime Club

The Anime club runs Wednesday at lunch in Rm 217. See Mrs. McGhee for more info.

Lost Club

Lost club will run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at lunch in room 227. Join us and get "Lost" in the greatest show of the 21 century, no sign up necessary, just bring your lunch and expect the unexpected. See Mr. Riso in room 227 for details.

Star Trek Club

Calling all Sci-Fi fans! If you want to have a relaxing lunch on Fridays and indulge your love of science fiction, then come out to the Star Trek Club taking place in room 123 every Friday at lunch to watch an episode of Star Trek Voyager. Imagine living in the future where space travel is possible and that you are captain of star ship. Now imagine that while attempting to capture the crew of a renegade vessel, both ships are pulled into a distant part of the galaxy by powerful alien technology. Unfortunately, there is no “express” route to take to get home again. You are stranded with your crew and a group of renegades 70,000 light-years from Earth. Join us on Fridays at lunch to see how they manage and what they learn about themselves and others during the long voyage back to Federation space. Bring your lunch and hope to see you there!


Model UN Club

The St. Benedict Model UN Club meets Wednesday in room 225 at the beginning of lunch. New members are welcome.

HOSA Club (Health Occupations Students of Canada)

Meeting Dates: Once a week at lunch time
Meeting Location: Room 315
Start Date: TBA - look for more information at the end of September
End Date: the HOSA conference and competition at the end of March
HOSA is a club for those interested in gaining knowledge and skills in healthcare related occupations. Students are provided with opportunities to prepare for and compete in one of 30 competitive events. Some events focus on core technical procedures unique to a particular profession while others are more generalized and develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills. The club meets once a week to practice skills and students participate in a competition in Toronto in March.

DOCTOR WHO CLUB RETURNS!

Join us after school in room 226 Fridays as we resume adventuring through time and space with the longest running sci-fi/fantasy series in history. Everyone is welcome weekly to enjoy pizza as we watch classic episodes and hold monthly prize raffles. Our corner of the school website will be updated soon…visit our page to keep up to date on our viewing schedule.

Student Activities

Your Student Activities Council for 2018-2019

Co-Presidents
Maddy DeSousa
Avery De Gouveia

SAC Advisor
Ms. Ashley Kreuger

Arts
Curtis Hall (Executive)
Karina Gugliemi
Shay Herold
Mya Hansen

Athletics
Kyanna Vi (Executive)
Hannah Lee
Bryson Meadus
Amanda Meisner

Communications
Samantha MacDonald (Executive)
Emma Biffi (Yearbook Rep.)
Savannah Danayan (Secretary)
Nickolas Martins (Member)
Social Justice
Jasmine Hersh (Executive)
Alyssa Simpson

Special Events
Shayna DeHaan (Executive)
Tolu Ackinyemi
Ashley Isaacs
Bethany Lewis

Spirit
Jeremy Fuellos (Executive)
Emma Braga
Bailey King
Alexia Lewis

Synergy
Kate Bain (Executive)
Jenna Elises

Congratulations to those who have been selected, and a heartfelt thank you to all students who applied.

The Arts

Fall Play Auditions

Auditions for our fall play, "10 Ways to survive the end of the world," will be held after school this Thursday and Friday in room 104. All are welcome - check the arts board or see Mr. Renner for more details.

Other News

FFF2018

Calendar of Events

Be sure to visit our school website for an updated calendar with detailed information links for most calendar entries.
Wednesday, September 12
BENN Newsletter release
2:00pm: Rock Orchestra practice
2:00pm: Games Club

Thursday, September 13
10:35am: Praise Choir
10:35am: Mario Kart club
10:35am: DECA Business Club Info meeting
2:00pm: Fall Play auditions
2:00pm: Math Club

Friday, September 14
10:35am: Star Trek Club
10:35am: Lost Club
2:00pm: Fall Play auditions
2:00pm: Doctor Who Club

Monday, September 17
10:35am: Finance Club

Tuesday, September 18
10:35am: Reach for the Top club
10:35am: Champions for Change club
10:35am: Lost Club

Wednesday, September 19
10:35am: Anime Club
10:35am: Lost Club
2:00pm: Rock Orchestra practice
2:00pm: Games Club

Thursday, September 20
SHSM Event: All about Trees & Honey Bees Workshop
SHSM Event - Design Thinking Workshop
Photo Day
10:35am: Praise Choir
10:35am: Mario Kart club
2:00pm: Doctor Who Club
2:00pm: Math Club
6:30pm: Gr. 9 Meet the Teacher Night
6:30pm: Grade 9 LINK Dance

Friday, September 21
Professional Activity Day
Sunday, September 23
Autumnal equinox

Monday, September 24
Say HI Day
10:35am: Finance Club
1:00pm: Univ/Coll visit: University of Guelph Humber

Tuesday, September 25
8:00am: Univ/Coll visit: Brock University
10:35am: Reach for the Top club
10:35am: Champions for Change club
10:35am: Lost Club
1:00pm: Univ/Coll visit: Nipissing University

Wednesday, September 26
BENN Newsletter release
10:35am: Anime Club
10:35am: Lost Club
2:00pm: Rock Orchestra practice
2:00pm: Games Club

Thursday, September 27
Opening School Mass
10:35am: Praise Choir
10:35am: Mario Kart club
1:00pm: Univ/Coll visit: Redeemer University
2:00pm: Math Club
7:00pm: School Council Meeting

Friday, September 28
10:35am: Star Trek Club
10:35am: Lost Club
2:00pm: Doctor Who Club



Check out the calendar on the school website in the coming days for fall sports schedules!