masthead2014
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 - Volume 14, Issue 7

Message from Administration

On behalf of our SBCSS staff, I want to thank all students for a great quadmester 1. Over the past two months, we celebrated being an entire Catholic school community, under one roof, for the first time in a long time. Saying that, we are required to mention important Health and Safety reminders and information to all students and parents.
  • Complete your Covid screening daily and do not attend school if you are symptomatic/feeling unwell – email your teacher to keep up with work.
  • Bring your own mask to school and always wear a properly fitted mask while in the building.
  • Practice exceptional hand hygiene (wash and sanitize hands regularly) and 2-meter physical distancing.
In addition to Covid safety, here are some more reminders:
  • Students need to be in full uniform in classes. This includes proper uniform shirt and pants (no cargo pants or sweatpants). Students that are unable to get into uniform will not be permitted to return to class.
  • Vaping and smoking are not permitted inside the school or on school property – offences will result in school suspension and referral to Public Health for a significant fine.
  • If classes take mask breaks, they will continue to take place outside. As the weather becomes cooler, please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for a brisk walk outdoors (if need be).
  • Lunch time includes two options: a) students remain in their period 1 class then transition to period 2; b) students eat lunch outdoors and return to the building to transition to period 2.

Admin Team

Mrs. M. Ingoldsby
Principal
A-Bl

Ms. E. Riley
Vice Principal
Bo-G & International

Mr. R. Stehlik
Vice Principal
H-N

Mr. R. Roque
Vice Principal
O-Z
In closing, we appreciate your patience and support as we continue to move through our evolving landscape. The strength of our community lies in the communication and relationships that we continue to foster with one another.
man w transparency

New Bell times

Effective Monday, November 29th, 2021


Lunch will be extended by 5 minutes, as a result the school day will be extended until 1:45. For those that have transportation provided, you will receive messaging from STWR with updated schedules.

Positive Parent-Teacher communication

As always parents/ guardians are valuable partners in their child’s education. We invite you to keep the lines of communication open as you can be an effective resource to support the learning your child. As per out WCDSB Administrative Procedures Memorandum #APC001, Communication Guidelines, we ask that all public and interpersonal communications must recognize the dignity of the individual and be conducted fairly, honestly, and with respect.
When a parent, guardian or other board stakeholder has a concern or suggestion, it is expected that the concern/suggestion will first be taken up with the staff member with whom the parent / guardian / stakeholder has the concern/suggestion. Therefore, the process outlined on the right will be followed.



communication

Inclement weather reminder

Inclement Weather Protocol

As you know – there are sometimes days in the winter when we have to cancel bussing due to the weather and unsafe driving conditions for our buses. In consultation with the public board, with whom we share bussing, when we cancel buses, we will close schools and have a remote learning day. Your teacher will communicate with you in advance so you know where to look for school work for the day and protocols on such days, but in broad terms, the teachers will post work in the morning, no later than 9:30 a.m. and students will work on their own timing in their home. It will allow all students to access some learning and we will be continuing to keep one and all safe. We realize it may not be a perfect solution and learning day, but bus snow days rarely were. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience and hope that we are not in this situation too often.
gradcap

HEY GRADS!

Get ready to SAY CHEESE!

Grad photo appointments are now available to book for December!

Click here to get started.
SCHOOL CODE: TBO

Student pick-up and drop-off

We have now had the new Pick up and Drop off procedure in place for several weeks. The process has been a big success in a few key ways. Many parents have been using the drop off area and that has taken a lot of safety concerns away from "the circle". The fire route has been cleared out for the most part and buses have been leaving more efficiently. To everyone involved in this improvement - THANK YOU!!


We will continue to ask parents to come in off Green Vista into our back entrance, follow the signs in the parking lot and leave out the other exit back onto Green Vista. We would like to see all the cars drive right through to drop off however. If student get dropped off at the start of that parking lot, it just jams up the traffic as other cars try to pull in. Otherwise, traffic is much better at the school. On the Pick up, please feel free to pull into that lot also to take some traffic away from the actual street on Green Vista.


We would also like to thank those that are dropping off and picking up students in the "Drive to 5" locations. This is also taking strain away from our congested bus routes. All your effort makes a difference and it is very much appreciated!! Thank you again as we work towards safety for all our students!!!
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StBenedict_ParkingMap

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) - Fall 2021-2022

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), administered by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), an independent agency of the Government of Ontario, measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of the literacy test is a requirement of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. All students across the province write this test. Results on the OSSLT help to understand strengths and areas for improvement, and to monitor and celebrate progress. The results support discussions with teachers and help to guide school improvement initiatives. This benefits all students in the school and results are used by the school board and the Ministry of Education to direct attention and resources where they are needed.

This year, the OSSLT will be written in November. The test format and the content has changed since the last writing and this note is to inform you of those changes and give you some key information.

OSSLT Test Dates

November 17th - 25th: Grade 10, 11 and non-graduating grade 12 students
*Students will be made aware of their specific dates in their homeroom classes.
**If needed, there will be another window for students who need another attempt in the spring.**

Test format

The OSSLT is an online format, split into two different sections (booklets) and consists of the following:
  • 31 multiple choice questions to test reading and writing conventions
  • 1 short answer question
  • 1 essay response

Who’s writing the test?

  • All students currently in grade 10 and grade 11 (including remote learners)
  • Students in grade 12 who are not on track to graduate
*Students in grade 12 that are on track to graduate will have the literacy requirement waived this year. **REMOTE learners – further information will be sent following this communication

Students with an IEP: Available Accommodations

Several tools are built into the test and can be accessed by all students. If your child needs accommodations beyond these tools and these accommodations are noted on their IEP, they will have access to extra features.

What materials are needed for the test?

  • The test will be completed on a school provided device
  • Each student may bring water and a snack for their break between sections of the test
  • Snacks and drinks will also be provided by the school
  • The test features a notepad that students can use to plan and brainstorm
  • Paper and pens will also be provided

Schedule for Students Writing the Test

Testing runs from November 17th - 25th
  • Students will be writing the scheduled test over a two-day period in their PERIOD 1 Homeroom Classes in Quad 2.
  • Following their testing students will head have lunch and attend their period 2 classes.

Test Preparation and Resources

All students can prepare for their test using the following resources:
  • EQAO website: PRACTICE TEST
  • Benedict TIP SHEETS: HELPFUL TIPS and WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • OSSLT Presentation - shared in classrooms: PRESENTATION
  • Homework Club (every Monday and Wednesday 1:45pm - 3:00pm in Room 210)
  • Join the OSSLT Google Classroom: OSSLT STUDY HUB - Classroom Code: wp66dzq
  • School Website - Literacy Test Preparation
**Make sure to PRACTICE - read every day from multiple sources, review your writing tips for both paragraph and essay writing and always remember to reach out - WE ARE HERE to SUPPORT YOU! REMEMBER SAINTS - YOU GOT THIS!**

For support with any questions, please feel free to email: andreia.borba@wcdsb.ca
FindYourOEN

WCDSB COVID-19 Operational Guidelines & Updated Daily School & Child Care Screening

As we get ready to head back to school, we are truly looking forward to a year that allows us to embrace a renewed love of learning, within our faith-based communities.
We remain very grateful for your continued support as we navigate life in the COVID-19 era, and remain ready and willing to assist you as we transition back to what will undoubtedly be a #WCDSBAwesome year!
Please review our full Operational Guidelines to ensure you understand how we are ensuring a safe and happy return to school.
In addition, please be aware of the ongoing expectation that all students, staff and visitors are expected to each day complete the required provincial government COVID-19 Daily Screener online, or download and print a hard copy for daily reference.

Report Card Distribution – November 25, 2021

Report cards will be distributed to students in their homeroom on November 25th, 2021. Hybrid and E-Learn students will receive their report card in the mail shortly after the 25th.
ExploreYourFutureNov

Working with Words

Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom


Do you enjoy writing? Do you like painting pictures with words? Being persuasive? Clearly sharing an idea? Describing something in detail, accurately? Do you like researching? Asking questions?

There are many jobs that require someone to work with words. Jobs such as those working in journalism, corporate or nonprofit communications, marketing, and more.

Our panel will include communications professionals Meghan Huras and Shawn Falcao, digital content manager Phil Froklage and reporter Anam Latif. Every day, they use words to achieve results at work. Learn more about exactly what they do now and how their career journey brought them to this point. You can expect great advice for future wordsmiths!
Explore-nov1
Explore-nov2

Significant Days & Dates

Click here to view the most up to date calendar information.

Report Card Distribution: November 25, period 1
Turn Around Date, Civics/Careers: T2 begins December 16
Parent /Student/ Teacher Interviews: Thursday December 16
Christmas Break:
December 20 to 30, 2021 (Classes resume January 3)
March Break:
March 14, 2022 to March 18, 2022
Professional Activity Days:
Friday, November 19, 2021
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Friday, April 8, 2022
Friday, June 3, 2022

Stay Connected with St. Benedict's!

Twitter

@StBenedictCSS

Instagram

@bennies_sac_updates

News from Guidance

Who is your Guidance Counsellor?

Counsellor’s Name

Ext

Last names

Mrs. O’Toole
5190
A – Dl
Ms. Arkell
5636
Do – Ki
Mr. Betik
5633
Kl – Pl
Mrs. O’Neill
5634
Po – Z
Ms. Varriano Lane
5635
International Students/ICP

Guidance Google Classrooms

Once again, the Guidance department will have google classrooms available to share information with our students. Please consider joining the classrooms:

Grade 9 and 10
https://classroom.google.com/c/Mzg1OTc4MjA0MDk1?cjc=7c3t6un

Grade 11 and 12
https://classroom.google.com/c/Mzg1OTc4MjA0MjMz?cjc=mxmohzx

Scan the code below to book an appointment with your Guidance Counsellor

GuidanceQRcode
Then click the plus sign beside your Guidance Counsellor to book an appointment.

Ontario College Virtual Fair

This year's information fair will be a virtual event. Attendees will be able to speak with faculty and staff from 24 of Ontario's colleges in a fully interactive virtual environment. Prospective students can participate in information sessions, learn more about available programs, and how to apply to college. Visit the OCVF website for registration information.

Need some EXTRA SUPPORT with your classes?

HOMEWORK CLUB has started in ROOM 210. This club will help you with your LITERACY and NUMERACY needs. This program will run every Monday and Wednesday after school until the end of the school year - that's right all the way until JUNE! Come out join us! We look forward to helping you in your learning journey!

Bennies Buddies have been busy

Our Bennies Buddies have been busy since September welcoming our grade 9's to our school community. Each month, our Bennies Buddies have made a visit to all grade 9 classes to share team-building activities and advice for starting their high school journey. We hope all grade 9's feel welcome and excited to be a SAINT! Each year, we will recruit new Bennies Buddies for this program - it is a fantastic way to spread positivity, belonging as well as earn community service hours! If you are interested in becoming a Bennies Buddies - keep your eyes open next year for applications!

Academics

Interested in learning more about the Specialist High Skills Major program?

Please go to highskills.ca or drop by the coop office on the second floor to speak with Mrs. Crowell

SHSM Logo

Active & Community Living students honour soldiers

By Mr. B. Briere
The ACTIVE and Community Living students were busy decorating the classroom door of room 212 for Remembrance Day.
Canadians recognize Remembrance Day, originally called Armistice Day, every 11 November at 11 a.m. It marks the end of hostilities during the First World War and an opportunity to recall all those who have served in the nation's defense.

The Act of Remembrance

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will remember them.



References: Royal Canadian Legion, www.warmuseum.ca
IMG_5427

Need space for your snowblower?

Looking to clean out the garage?

The Transportation Department can help!
We are looking for donations of used bikes/parts for an upcoming project. Any size/shape/condition. We will be exploring design principles and alternative energy to turn scrap bicycles into fully functional electric vehicles!
Donations of used bikes/parts can be dropped off at the auto shop gates between 8am and 2pm. Please email Mr. Anatol if pick-up is needed.
trike

Athletics

Senior Football Team Wins the District 8 Title

By Mr. J. Vale
The Senior Boys Football team capped off a memorable season with a 14-13 victory over Resurrection to claim the District 8 Championship. It marked the second time in school history that our football program claimed the title.

The championship game was a real back and forth affair. After the Phoenix took an early 7-0 lead, the Saints defence played "lights out" in the second quarter and teams went into halftime with a 7-0 nailbiter. Coming out of the break, the Saints offence began to really move the ball behind the strong running game of Eric Laffin and Brian Amoakohene. The Saints tied the game with a 20 yard TD strike from QB Ethan Eveleigh to WR Mason Holman in the corner of the end zone.

Following another impressive defensive stand, the Saints offence got rolling again and Eveleigh connected once again with Holman in the end zone to take a 14-7 lead. A late Phoenix touchdown appeared to tie the game, however, Jacon Emery made a remarkable play to block the extra point to preserve the Saints lead 14-13.

After a long 2 minutes of back and forth football, the Saints defence got the last stand and the horn sounded to end the game! Saints win! What a game and what a season! Coach Vale, Lowes, Sauer and Schippling would like to thank all 37 players for their dedication, belief in one another and always putting "THE TEAM" first!
SrFootballChamps

Watch the game highlights here.

Junior Footballers Clinch D8 title

Congratulations to the Jr. Football Team who defeated St. Mary's on Friday, made history and took home their FIRST EVER District 8 title! Special shoutout to Quintin Douglas who scored 2 touchdowns, Khemany Williams with one and Raul Domingo-Saldana for the conversion. Game saving tackle by Aidan Weber, a game sealing interception from Jefrey Collins and big hits all day from Eddie and the Mooch! Awesome season, by all!

Watch the game highlights here!

Senior girls cap undefeated season with D8 championship

Congratulations to the Senior Girls Basketball team who won the District 8 title last night in our gym over the St Mary's Eagles!

The team took an early lead in the game but had to dig deep to hang on for a 39-35 win.

Lily Vrugteman led a balanced scoring attack for the Saints with 11 points. Katie Leudy was the defensive player of the game, and Alison Staples hit two clutch free throws with 14 seconds to go to seal the victory.

The team finished the season undefeated! Awesome job girls!

Junior Girls D8 basketball champs!

Congratulations to the Junior Girls basketball team who upset the top seeded Woodland Cavaliers 30-29 in the D8 championship final last night. The top scorers for the Saints were Eva Mensah with 10 points and Stacey Tran with 8 points; Autumn Stokes led the team on defense.
The game came down to the last few possessions, but Eva Mensah drained the winning basket with 50 seconds left on the clock to seal the win! Way to go Saints!

Cross Country season ends

The St. Benedict Cross Country team finished the season with a strong performance at the District 8 championships winning the boys overall title and placing 2nd for the girls overall. The improvements made over the shortened season were unprecedented and St. Benedict was far and away the most enthusiastic and spirited team at the meet. Congratulations to each athlete for helping to shape our team into a family and for making memories that will last a lifetime.

Top 10 Performances

Novice Girls - Olivia Riso (3rd)
Novice Boys - Michael McIntyre (5th), Jacob Murray (10th)
Junior Girls - Jessica Manwell (6th)
Junior Boys - Evan Poole (4th)
Senior Girls - Ciara Pavao (6th)
Senior Boys - Nathan Pedro (3rd)

Sports Results

SENIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL
[Finals] St. Benedict CSS 39, St. Mary's HS 35

JUNIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL
[Finals] St. Benedict CSS 30, Woodland CHS 29

SENIOR BOYS FOOTBALL
[Finals] St. Benedict CSS 14, Resurrection 13

JUNIOR BOYS FOOTBALL
[Finals] St. Benedict CSS 13, St. David CSS 6

Looking to see when and where the Saints play next?

Winter sport schedules have not been posted yet, we hope to see them in the next few days!
Anyone who is interested in running regularly to get in/stay in shape through the winter months is welcome to join our running club that begins November 22 and runs Mondays through Thursdays. All levels are welcome!

To work on our core muscles, there will also be a climbing club (bouldering at Core Climbing Gym). Again, athletes of all levels are welcome to join.

To join the running club or the climbing club use the Google Classroom link https://classroom.google.com/c/NDIzMTg3MDA4NjY1?cjc=bn2scsf.
Nospectators

Clubs

debaters

Debate Club starts Monday!

Do you have an interest in world issues? Do you want to improve your public speaking skills? Join the debate club and debate with your peers, be a judge or moderator, or simply come in to spectate a riveting debate. We start meeting next Monday after school in room 227.

Racing Saints E-Car club

The Racing Saints E-Car club meets every Wednesday after school in the Annex, in room A4.

Come join us if you have an interest in any aspect of the e-car design process--no previous experience necessary, just a genuine curiosity and desire to have fun and learn something new!
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What is Boulder Dash?

The Rock Climbing club AND the Running Club are combined to form the Boulder-Dash club this year. This club runs from November 22 until March break. Students are welcome to join us for either activity, or both! There is a $50 fee for climbing admission and shoe rentals but the running club is free. To join, simply join our Google Classroom (code: bn2scsf) and fill in the appropriate forms. (The Rock Climbing fee is paid through School Cash Online.)

Calling all Trekkies!

Are you a fan of science fiction such as travelling through space in starships, time travel, worm hole events and wondering about how different species might get along... or not? Do you like to watch science fiction series and movies? If so, then join Mrs. Kot in room 123 for the Star Trek Club Fridays at lunch. Hope to see you there!
Star-Trek-Logo

Student Activities

A Message from the Mental Wellness Sector

By Jenna Haveman
Hey Saints! Our newest sector of SAC, Mental Wellness, has planned plenty of new initiatives to share with the school! We are hoping to feature a variety of mental health resources for anyone at St. Benedict’s seeking some extra help and support. Make sure to keep an eye out for our weekly Wellness posts every Wednesday on the SAC Instagram!

Hey Saints!

Have a great idea?

Want it to be run by SAC?

Fill out the suggestion QR forms posted around the school and
on the Bennies SAC instagram & maybe it will flourish into an event!

Other News

News from the Library

IdeaExchange-CM-logo
Nothing new from the library in this issue! Stay tuned. :-)

Calendar of Events

All this week
Bullying Awareness Week

Thursday, November 18
10:30am: GSA Club
10:30am: Chess Club
1:40pm: Math Club
1:40pm: Games Club
5:00pm: Virtual Opportunity Knocks

Friday, November 19
PA Day
5:00pm: Virtual Opportunity Knocks

Saturday, November 20
6:15am: Virtual Opportunity Knocks

Monday, November 22
10:30am: Coding Club
1:45pm: Debate Club
1:45pm: Homework club

Tuesday, November 23
10:30am: Chess Club
10:30am: Finance Club
6:00pm: Catholic School Advisory Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 24
10:30am: Coding Club
1:45pm: Racing Saints E-car club
1:45pm: Homework club
3:15pm: Virtual SPE: ICE CHALLENGE

Thursday, November 25
Quad 1 Report Distribution Date
10:30am: GSA Club
10:30am: Chess Club
1:45pm: Math Club
1:45pm: Games Club
Friday, November 26
10:30am: Star Trek Club

Monday, November 29
10:30am: Coding Club
1:45pm: Debate Club
1:45pm: Homework club

Tuesday, November 30
10:30am: Chess Club
10:30am: Finance Club
7:00pm: Speaker Series - Building Resilient Families

Wednesday, December 1
BENN Newsletter release
10:30am: Coding Club
1:45pm: Racing Saints E-car club
1:45pm: Homework club

Thursday, December 2
10:30am: GSA Club
10:30am: Chess Club
1:45pm: Math Club
1:45pm: Games Club

Friday, December 3
10:30am: Star Trek Club

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

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