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Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - Volume 18, Issue 11

A Message from Administration

Happy New Year! As we approach the end of the semester, we would like to offer our prayers and best wishes to all our students as they complete their final assessments. We believe our students will approach these days with confidence and focus, knowing they are supported by our school community! We wish all families a peaceful and successful conclusion to the semester and offer blessings for a fresh start to the beginning of semester 2.

Admin Team

Mr. J. Figueiredo
Principal

Mr. M. Anderton
Vice Principal

Mrs. L. Craftchick
Vice Principal

Mr. T. Mandich
Vice Principal

@stbenedictwcdsb

A celebration of people indeed!

St. Benedict’s is very proud to announce that we have officially been recognized as a Language Friendly School. St. Benedict CSS is now a part of the global network of Language Friendly Schools which officially recognized us as the first school Language Friendly School in Cambridge, Ontario.
Founded in 2019, “The Language Friendly School is a global organization and network of schools that embrace and value all the languages spoken by their students. It serves as a response to the growing prevalence of multilingualism in schools worldwide.

By developing a language-friendly pedagogy, we are working on leading the way towards more inclusion and social justice.

By developing a language-friendly pedagogy, we are working on leading the way towards more inclusion and social justice. Celebrating diversity means considering the languages and cultures of students as an enrichment for all. This not only reflects the students in our classrooms, but our community as well.
So what does this look like in action? It looks like students working through a math problem in their first language with a classmate. It looks like an interpreter coming to Parent Teacher interviews to translate the conference and answer questions. It looks like translated copies of assignments and technology that supports language needs. It also looks like our grade 8 night where we will be welcoming people from our community to learn more about our ESL classes and how we support Multilingual learners. It looks like cultural celebrations that welcome all.
We are proud to support linguistic diversity as we know that this not only helps our learners in the classroom, but it also promotes inclusion and celebrates our diverse community.

Feel free to check out https://languagefriendlyschool.org/ for more information about this wonderful organization.

Stay up to date with weather-related cancellations & delays

For up-to-date information on school bus delays, cancellations and school closures, please visit the Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region website (www.stswr.ca).

The School Board also has a Delays and cancellations information page with more details about inclement weather procedures.

Class of 2026!

It’s time to start planning your Convocation!
Convocation is a celebration of all students of the Class of 2026, which is for all students born in 2008, regardless of Graduation status. The date has been set for Convocation: Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at Centre in the Square.
Grad photos are now open for booking. Check your email and the school website for more information.
Please stay tuned to announcements, the school website and the BENN for further updates.

Looking for a quick way to navigate all things WCDSB for parents?

Check out the Board website for information and information pertaining to Aspen Portal, Brightspace, School Cash Online, Transportation updates, and other resources

https://www.wcdsb.ca/parents/

News from Guidance

Who is your Guidance Counsellor?

Guidance counselor assignments are based on the student’s last name. Please take some time to review guidance counsellors, as assignments have changed.

Counsellor’s Name

Ext

Last names

Mrs. O’Toole
5190
A - B, International
Mrs. Borba
5639
C, ICP
Ms. Varriano Lane
5635
D - Ho
Mrs. Novakovich
5636
Hu- Me
Mr. Betik
5633
Mi - R
Mrs. O’Neill
5634
S – Z
Administrative Assistant: Mrs. McAulay-Arruda, ext. 5631

Post-Secondary Institutions Disclosure of Information Consent Form

If you are planning to apply to College or University this year, you must complete the disclosure form. This will allow us to share your marks with post-secondary institutions. If you do not complete this form any applications, you submit will be incomplete.

If you are unsure about your plans, please complete the form allowing us to share your marks. If you do apply it will make the application process easier.

If you are not planning to apply to post-secondary this year, please complete the form and indicate that on the form. The form can be found on School Cash Online.

Information on how to set up an account can be found here

After you complete the form and check out, you will receive a confirmation email.

Tip: if you can see the form in your School Cash online account, then it has not been completed.

GUIDANCE D2L

For additional information throughout the year, please visit the Guidance D2L page.

Register for Math Contests soon!

On Wednesday, February 25, the grade 9, 10 and 11 students will be taking part in the Pascal, Cayley and Fermat Mathematics Contests of the University of Waterloo. Cost per participant - $6. Please, register through SchoolCashOnline. This event is open to all students.

The deadline for the registration is Monday, February 9, at 2:00 p.m. Don't miss it!

Clubs & Activities

Bible study Club

The Bible Study club will meet Friday in the Chapel during Lunch B. If you would like to join us, feel free to drop in. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Gali or Mrs. Taylor.

Athletics

Spring League and Development Programs This Year

We are thrilled to share some exciting news for the 2025/2026 school year in athletics! This year, we’ll be hosting three Feeder School Development/Spring League programs, offering young athletes the opportunity to sharpen their skills, build confidence, and experience the energy of Saints athletics.

These programs are designed to give future Saints a chance to learn the game, compete, and grow in a fun, supportive environment. Whether athletes are brand new to the sport or looking to take their game to the next level, our development and spring league opportunities are built to help them succeed.

The focus will be on:
  • Skill Development – Learning the fundamentals and building strong athletic foundations.
  • Teamwork & Sportsmanship – Competing in a positive, inclusive environment that reflects our Saints spirit.
  • Game Play Experience – Putting skills into action through league play and real-game situations.

Sports Results

NOVICE BOYS BAKETBALL
St. Mary's HS 50, St. Benedict CSS 49
Resurrection CSS 60, St. Benedict CSS 35
St. Benedict CSS 65, St. David CSS 22
St. Mary's HS 39, St. Benedict CSS 36
St. Mary's HS 43, St. Benedict CSS 39

JUNIOR BOYS BASKETBALL
St. Mary's HS 65, St. Benedict CSS 50
Resurrection CSS 57, St. Benedict CSS 44

SENIOR BOYS BASKETBALL
St. Mary's HS 94, St. Benedict CSS 88
St. Benedict CSS 78, Resurrection CSS 70

JUNIOR GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
St. Mary's HS 3, St. Benedict CSS 2
St. Benedict CSS 3, Resurrection CSS 0

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

SENIOR BOYS ICE HOCKEY
St. Benedict CSS 10, St. David CSS 5
St. Benedict CSS 6, Monsignor Doyle CSS 3
Resurrection CSS 5, St. Benedict CSS 1

SENIOR GIRLS ICE HOCKEY
St. Benedict CSS 8, Monsignor Doyle CSS 4
St. Benedict CSS 5, Monsignor Doyle CSS 3
And now for the details—here’s what’s in store this year:

Saints Basketball Spring League

Our basketball spring league returns for its 18th year! This 8-week program will run from late March through the end of May. Led by our Boys and Girls Basketball teams, this program is designed to foster a love for the game while teaching fundamental skills and teamwork. With nearly two decades of success, it’s a highlight of the year for future Saints basketball players!

Programming will run from April 7th - May 26th. Please note we run 2 divisions for basketball!

Junior Division: This programming is designed for grades 4-6 and will take place from 5pm-6:30pm.
Please use the following link to register: https://wcdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/122452/83/False/True
Senior Division: This programming is designed for grades 7-8 and will take place from 6:30pm-8pm. Please use the following link to register: https://wcdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/122455/83/False/True

Saints Volleyball Spring League

Our volleyball spring league is back for its 3rd year! This 5-week program will run in May. Last year’s overwhelming participation showed how much excitement there is for volleyball in our community, so this year we’ll be capping registration at 60 participants.
Volleyball thumbs up
This program will run for 5 weeks from April 20th- May 28th from 5pm-6:30pm. This program is open to athletes in grades 6-8 and will cost $40.

Registration is open! Use the following link to secure your spot: https://wcdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/122456/83/False/True

Saints Track & Field Development Program

We’re excited to introduce something new: the Saints Track & Field Development Program! This 6-week program is designed to help athletes develop and refine fundamental skills across both track and field events. This is a fantastic opportunity for athletes interested in speed, strength, and technique to get specialized development early on.
This program will run for 6 weeks from April 28th-June 2 from 5:15pm-6:30pm. This program is open for athletes in grades 5-8 and will cost $65.

Registration is now open! Please use the following link: https://wcdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/125594/83/False/True
We’re so excited to continue building connections with our feeder schools through these programs. With basketball, volleyball, and now track & field on deck, the future of Saints athletics is brighter than ever.

Other News

News from the Library

From the Librarian's Desk

Hey Bennies – it’s a new year and exams are right around the corner! Relax: you got this. On behalf of the whole Cambridge Public Library team, we wish you all the best on your exams and in 2026!

Upcoming Programs

We had a great time playing with paint with art therapist Karen Campbell playing with paint on Monday afterschool for Art + Wellness: Teen Edition. Teens painted relaxing mandalas in a calming environment, or took the material and ran with it! It was a great reminder that art and community can be the perfect antidote to end-of-term stress.

If you missed Art + Wellness, be sure to check out Warhammer Mini Painting on 28 January right after exams, and celebrate the conclusion of the semester with Nerf Night on 30 January. Ask about registering for either program at the library service desk!

New Year’s Resolutions

Did you resolve to read more in 2026? Joining the Bennies Book Club is a great way to meet your reading goals! Explore a variety of genres and connect with like-minded readers in this monthly meeting. There’s no assigned readings but plenty of recommendations to go around. We meet Mondays once a month after school in the library classroom on 23 February, 30 March, 27 April and 25 May.
Email librarian Ryan at rorr@cambridgepl.ca for any and all library questions!

For your virtual library needs, visit the St Benedict Library Learning Commons page on the school website or the Cambridge Public Library site.

Calendar of Events

Wednesday, January 14
2:00pm: Bennies Helping Hands
2:00pm: Finance Club
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:15pm: Weight Room Club
3:00pm: Sr. Boys Basketball vs St. David CSS
3:00pm: Sr. Girls Volleyball @ St. David CSS
3:00pm: Jr. Girls Volleyball @ St. David CSS
4:30pm: Jr. Boys Basketball vs St. David CSS

Thursday, January 15
10:35am: Student Equity and Engagement Council
10:35am: Scratch Cafe
10:40am: GSA Club
12:00pm: Student Equity and Engagement Council
12:00pm: GSA Club
12:00pm: Scratch Cafe
2:00pm: Math Club
2:15pm: Weight Room Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
3:45pm: Jazz Band
6:30pm: Wintersong Concert

Friday, January 16
10:40am: Indigenous Students & Friends Club
10:40am: Cosmo Club
12:00pm: Girls Garage Club
12:00pm: Cosmo Club
2:15pm: Ping Pong club
2:15pm: Model UN Club
2:15pm: Doctor Who club
2:30pm: Bouldering Club

Monday, January 19
10:40am: Muslim Students Association
12:00pm: Muslim Students Association
12:00pm: Indigenous Students & Friends Club
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:15pm: Weight Room Club
3:00pm: Jr. Boys Basketball vs Msgr Doyle CSS
3:00pm: Jr. Girls Volleyball @ Msgr Doyle CSS
3:00pm: Sr. Girls Volleyball @ Msgr Doyle CSS
4:30pm: Sr. Boys Basketball vs Msgr Doyle CSS

Tuesday, January 20
10:40am: HOSA Club
10:40am: GSA Club
11:00am: Rosary Club
12:00pm: HOSA Club
12:00pm: GSA Club
12:20pm: Rosary Club
6:00pm: Catholic Schools Advisory Council Meeting
Wednesday, January 21
10:35am: Growing in Faith Club
10:40am: Reach for the Top Trivia
12:00pm: Growing in Faith Club
12:00pm: Girls Garage Club
12:00pm: Reach for the Top Trivia
12:00pm: Junior Guitar Club
2:00pm: Bennies Helping Hands
2:00pm: Finance Club
2:00pm: Homework Club
2:15pm: Weight Room Club
7:00pm: Dance Showcase

Thursday, January 22
10:35am: Scratch Cafe
10:40am: GSA Club
12:00pm: GSA Club
12:00pm: Scratch Cafe
2:00pm: Math Club
2:15pm: Weight Room Club
2:15pm: Concert Band
3:45pm: Jazz Band

Friday, January 23
8:00am: Period 1 Exam / PM Credit Recovery

Monday, January 26
8:00am: Period 2 Exam / PM Credit Recovery

Tuesday, January 27
8:00am: Period 3&4 Exam / PM Credit Recovery

Wednesday, January 28
BENN Newsletter release
Bell Let's Talk Day
8:00am: Period 5 Exam / PM Credit Recovery

Thursday, January 29
Credit Recovery

Friday, January 30
PA Day

Monday, February 2
8:00am: Semester 2 begins
KY-03

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

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