masthead2014
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - Volume 14, Issue 9

Message from Administration

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On behalf of the Administrative team, we would like to wish each of you and your families the joy and happiness of the Christmas Season.

As we have been preparing ourselves during this advent season for the coming of Emmanuel. Our community has generously donated numerous gifts to the Bridges Shelter as well as donations to the Cambridge Self-help Food Bank and to the Cambridge Firefighters Christmas Basket Drive. Additionally, Parent Council has donated money from our Bingo Proceeds to the food Bank, Bridges and St. Vincent de Paul. Thanks to all for your generosity.

During the Christmas break, School Messenger will be used to communicate any further directions for our return to school in January.

Thank you all for your continued diligence following the operational guidelines and Public Health directives.

We look to forward to 2022 with anticipation and hope. May it bring a year of health, happiness, wisdom, and peace to all.

Stay safe and be well!

Admin Team

Mrs. M. Ingoldsby
Principal
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Ms. E. Riley
Vice Principal
Bo-G & International

Mr. R. Stehlik
Vice Principal
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Mr. R. Roque
Vice Principal
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COVID Rapid testing kids distributed to students

In an effort to promote a safer return to the classroom after the winter break, on behalf of the Government of Ontario, SBCSS is providing take-home rapid antigen screening kits, that are available to every child who attends a publicly funded school in Ontario. Testing kits were distributed in Period 2 classes this week. Click here for Self Screening Instructions.

The letter from the Minister of Education is below.
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MOE - RAT letter Dec 2021
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Pre-Christmas Clean Up!

Students are reminded to clean out their lockers prior to leaving for the Christmas Break.
All food and garbage should be removed; and personal items should be taken home.
All lockers should be securely locked with the school provided lock.

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. This will allow all students to access 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.
did-you-know[1]
When we launched the BENN in 2008, the first year's eighteen issues--if copied for every student in the school at the time--would have used over 102,000 sheets of paper.

This year we supassed that much paper saved with our eighth issue.
gradcap

HEY GRADS!

Get ready to SAY CHEESE!

Grad photo appointments for February will be available soon! Put yourself on the waiting list to be notified when bookings reopen.

Click here to get started.
SCHOOL CODE: TBO

COVID-19 Screening

Just a reminder to complete the screening tool before you arrive at school. Any individual who fails the screener or who is symptomatic in any way should not be reporting to school. That is part of our collective responsibility to one another. https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Managing Holiday Stress

The holiday break is an opportunity to rest and enjoy! At the same time, holidays can be overwhelming and stressful at times.

Grounding ourselves in those moments can help us to self-regulate, manage our emotions and be present.

Try these practices of Breathing, Muscle Relaxation and Gratitude.
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Winter Break Wellbeing Passport


Take your family on an adventure in your own home and community this holiday break! Unplug, unwind and check out the Winter Break Wellbeing Passport for ideas to learn about and practice different mental health and wellbeing activities.

Winter Break Wellbeing Passport - WRSPC
BE WELL & Reach out to the Help you need
If you or your child/teen needs help over the holidays, please reach out, there is support available to you.
frontdoormentalhealth.com is the access point for families needing children’s mental health services in Waterloo Region. Appointments are available by phone or video Monday to Fridays. 519-749-2932
BeSafeapp.ca helps youth to connect with resources and develop a safety plan in a time of crisis.
Get Support - Kids Help Phone is Canada’s 24/7 support service – available to young people via phone, text or website. 1-800-668-6868, text 686868

Here247.ca is Waterloo Region’s hub for support to help guide you to services for addictions, mental health and crisis services. 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247)
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Do you need Additional Support?

Please also access our Mental Health & Well-Being (wcdsb.ca)
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And
Family Compass (familycompasswr.ca)
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Student pick-up and drop-off

We continue to ask parents to enter 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 also 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

Significant Days & Dates

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

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:
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.

Academics

Students host Christmas Market to spread Christmas joy

Students and staff in the Community Living and ACTIVE program lived their motto of “Using Our Gifts to Serve Others” by organizing a Christmas Market.

Students and staff helped to create and sell one of a kind crafts and holiday decor items with proceeds going to benefit community building and outreach initiatives.

Thanks to the support of staff who came out to purchase items, we were able to donate $200.00 to “Build a Bag for Foster Children”. This charity started in 2016 by a local mom, Dondra McKeegan, who "just wanted to do something nice for foster kids at Christmas." Dondra, and her small group of volunteers, help children newly placed into foster care by providing them with backpacks filled with essentials, such as new clothing and toiletry items.

In addition to financial donations, students from various classes took the time to write letters of encouragement to those in foster care, which will be placed in the backpacks.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

The 2021 Christmas Campaign is underway.
You can help a child or teen in need in your community by making a donation of new clothing or toiletry items. Financial donations are also accepted.

Pick up or drop off can be arranged by emailing: Angels@BuildABag4Kids.ca
To learn more about Dondra and her team, please visit: https://buildabag4kids.ca
ACTIVE Xmas stuff

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

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Athletics

Swimmers savour success

Over the last two weeks, the St. Benedict's swim team has had their first two swim meets, and the results are in!

In their first meet, we congratulate the team for coming in second place overall, as well as the girl's division coming in second place, and boy's division coming in third place. Shout out to Jewel Buckley for coming in first place for the female open division.

Last week the team worked hard and showed tremendous dedication at their second Swim Meet. Congratulations to the Bennie's Swim Team for coming in second place overall, as well as the girl's division coming in first place! Shout out to Jewel Buckley for coming in first place for the female open division, and Ashley Gould for coming in first place for the senior girl's division!
Nospectators

Sports Results

SENIOR GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
St. Benedict CSS 3, Monsignor Doyle CSS 1
Resurrection CSS 3, St. Benedict CSS 0
St. Mary's HS 3, St. Benedict CSS 1

JUNIOR GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Monsignor Doyle CSS 3, St. Benedict CSS 1
Resurrection CSS 3, St. Benedict CSS 1
St. Mary's HS 3, St. Benedict CSS 1

VARSITY GIRLS HOCKEY
Resurrection CSS 4, St. Benedict CSS 1
Monsignor Doyle CSS 2, St. Benedict CSS 1
St. David CSS 8, St. Benedict CSS 1

SENIOR BOYS HOCKEY
St. Benedict CSS 4, Resurrection CSS 1
St. Benedict CSS 4, Monsignor Doyle CSS 2

SENIOR BOYS BASKETBALL
Monsignor Doyle CSS 64, St. Benedict CSS 48
Resurrection CSS 59, St. Benedict CSS 55
St. Benedict CSS 55, St. Mary's HS 47

JUNIOR BOYS BASKETBALL
St. Benedict CSS 79, Monsignor Doyle CSS 27
St. Benedict CSS 66, Resurrection CSS 51
St. Mary's HS 74, St. Benedict CSS 66

Saints Named Most Valuable Players

D8 Girls Basketball: Lily Vrugteman named MVP

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On Thursday, December 2, District 8 announced that St. Benedict’s Lily Vrugteman was named the senior girls basketball most valuable player for the 2021-22 season.

Vrugteman, a grade 11 guard, helped lead the Saints to an undefeated season, and recaptured the senior girls league title averaging 14.1 points per game.

Teammate and fellow grade 11 guard Katie Leudy joins Vrugteman as a D8 first team all-star. Leudy consistently helped the Saints offence in scoring, having two games with 20 points or more. Saints Grade 12 forward Alison Staples was named as a second team all-star.

D8 Football: Ethan Eveleigh named Father Mike MVP

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On Monday, December 6, District 8 announced that St. Benedict’s quarterback Ethan Eveleigh would be named the Father Mike most valuable player in senior football.

Eveleigh earned the top individual honours as he marched the Saints to a District 8 championship title, throwing for eight touchdowns and rushing for another four.

“Ethan had a tremendous year for the Saints and was a big reason why we were able to capture the District 8 Championship,” said Joe Vale, head coach of the St. Benedict’s senior football team. “When called upon, Ethan was able to sit in the pocket and deliver efficient throws to receivers and running backs all over the field. However, when a play broke down, it was Ethan’s quickness and mobility that made him extremely successful. The fact that Ethan was able to move from the receiver position to quarterback says a lot about his athleticism and football IQ.”
Eveleigh is currently attracting interest from a number of Canadian post-secondary teams for the 2022 season and hopes to make a decision soon.

Joining Eveleigh as first team all-stars are offensive teammates Eric Laffin and Caleb Hamilton. Both players scored a touchdown in the 2021 season, while Hamilton also played on defence alongside linebacker and first team all-star Bryn Palin.

Three grade 11 players were named as second team selections from St. Benedict’s including Jacob Emery who lined up at defencive back, and Alex Pauletic who split time on the offensive and defensive line. Brayden Ratfort was also named to the second team scoring one touchdown on the season.


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Left to Right: Bryn Palin, Ethan Eveleigh, Caleb Hamilton

Clubs

Fiscal Fun in Finance Club

moneybag

Stock Market Challenge

The Finance Club is in full swing and we have even started our stock market challenge back up again! Start with $100,000 and see how much you can make before the end of the quadmester. We are doing it a bit differently than in the past, but come see Mr. Milardovic to get your money and start trading!

The Wealthy Barber Returns

Not all members of the Finance Club are interested in trading, but are interested in talking about finances. Through a generous donation by a local organization, several years ago we got a class set of copies of the book by Dave Chilton. Come see Mr. Milardovic to borrow a copy, and be prepared to have some discussion about what you've read at next week's meeting.

Club information is posted regularly on the Finance Club webpage, please check frequently and speak to Mr. Milardovic if you have any questions.

Student Activities

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
The St. Benedict library learning Commons welcomes students to work quietly in the library, pickup holds or sign out books.

With the cold weather, students should plan to spend lunch either in their classroom or outside as there is limited seating available in the library.

Masks are mandatory and must cover your nose, mouth and chin.

No food is allowed, non-spillable drinks are permitted.

Please note the following closures over the Christmas holiday period for Clemens Mill Library:
Friday December 24 to Tuesday December 28
Saturday January 1
Sunday January 2
Monday January 3: Please note Clemens Mill Library AND the St. Bennies Library are closed.

Parish Connections

St. Mary of the Visitation

Dear friends,

Advent is here and it is time to prepare ourselves spiritually for Christmas. During Advent we read from the Old Testament prophets and listen to the Word of God which will speak about God’s promise of salvation, of a Saviour. This Word, in its original context, was speaking to a people who were often afflicted, who were suffering.
The promise of God, related by the prophets, spoke of God’s intention to act, to free the people of Israel from war, political oppression and injustice, to heal them of their illnesses and free them from sin. The prophetic word was meant to instill hope and called the people to trust in God’s mercy.

As Christians we interpret these words as the promise of the coming of a Saviour. At Christmas we commemorate our Saviour’s birth; Jesus the Son of God was born to save us. Advent is meant as a time for us to enter into the spirit of hope that was shared by the Old Testament prophets with the people of Israel.

As we continue to navigate these days of the pandemic, hope is sometimes hard to come by. Advent, however, is a time to cling to the hope of our faith. God has promised us salvation and this promise was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

God bless,
Father Ed

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve: December 24
5:00 p.m. / 7:00 p.m. / 10:00p.m.
Christmas Day: December 25
11:00 a.m.
Feast of the Holy Family: December 26
9:00 a.m. / 11:00 a.m.

Registration required for December 24 & 25
Please register online or call the parish office at 519-658-4443 during office hours only.

Mary, the Holy Mother of God
5:00 p.m. (December 31)
11:00 a.m. (January 1, 2022)

Epiphany of the Lord: Sunday, January 2
9:00 a.m. / 11:00 a.m.

Please note: There are no Saturday evening Masses on Dec 25th and Jan 1st

St. Patrick's Parish

Dear Parishioners & Friends:

On behalf of Deacon Terry and myself - and our entire parish staff - may I extend to you and your family our prayerful best wishes for a holy and blessed celebration of Our Saviour’s birth.
If you are a visitor to our parish during this Christmastide - welcome! And, if you are a returning parishioner - welcome home!

We pray that you will find that the peace and joy of Christ the Saviour is very much present in our people and in the sacred liturgy we celebrate in this church.

Christmas brings us the welcome news that our God is loving and merciful and desires to be with us - so much so, that the Lord of heaven and earth became flesh and was born on this day - for us.

May this sacred season be an occasion for each one of us to share the divine love of our newborn Saviour with family, with friends and with everyone we meet.

Sincerely yours in Christ.

Rev. Fr. Joe S. Selvanayagam
Pastor
Patrick Christmas Mass times
Qualia Teens with Anxiety Group

Calendar of Events

Thursday, December 16
Turn Around Date for Careers/Civics
2:00pm: Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

Friday, December 17
Last day of classes

Sunday, December 19
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Monday, December 20
Christmas Break

Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve

Saturday, December 25
Christmas Day

Friday, December 31
New Year's Eve

Saturday, January 1
New Year's Day

Monday, January 3
10:30am: Literature Club
10:30am: Coding Club
1:45pm: Debate Club
1:45pm: Homework club

Tuesday, January 4
10:30am: Chess Club
10:30am: Finance Club
Wednesday, January 5
BENN Newsletter release
10:30am: Literature Club
10:30am: Coding Club
1:45pm: Racing Saints E-car club
1:45pm: Homework club
2:30pm: Sr. Girls Ice Hockey vs St. Mary's HS
3:00pm: Sr. Girls Volleyball vs Woodland CHS
3:00pm: Jr. Girls Volleyball vs Woodland CHS
3:30pm: Sr. Boys Basketball @ Woodland CHS
5:00pm: Jr. Boys Basketball @ Woodland CHS

Thursday, January 6
Feast of the Epiphany
10:30am: GSA Club
10:30am: Chess Club
1:45pm: Robotics Team
1:45pm: Math Club
1:45pm: Games Club
2:30pm: Sr. Boys Ice Hockey vs St. Mary's HS

Friday, January 7
10:30am: Star Trek Club
1:45pm: Doctor Who Club
3:00pm: Jr. Girls Volleyball vs St. David CSS
3:00pm: Sr. Girls Volleyball vs St. David CSS

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

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