St. Benedict Junior Boys Volleyball team defeated Chippewa Raiders 2-0 in North Bay for the NOSSA “A” Championship on Friday, November 18, 2011.
Team Members: Nick Filipetto, Rudy Giusti, Curtis Hancock, Jarvis Hill, Bradley Lavoie, Cody Lavoie, Alex Michel, David Portelance, Chase Pressacco, Connor Vande Weghe, Anthony Zanetti, Jonathan Zanini
Team Manager: Harley Hanes
Coaches: Maurizio De Poli, Jeff Mousseau, Sarah Hill
St. Benedict grade 7 student Joshua Kroll looks on as author Allan Stratton personally signs his book Borderline after his presentation. Stratton begins by introducing his work by reading from one of his prize-winning novels. Stratton’s writings are youth-oriented which contain themes of “courage” and “facing your fears”. Stratton’s message was when things are not going well in life, always remember that “this too shall pass” and things will get better.
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School took time to Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) this week. The session served a dual purpose in that, as students were further developing their appreciation for literature, they were also preparing for a visit from internationally-published author Allan Stratton. Students read excerpts from his award-winning novels, and are excited to listen to him when he visits St. Ben’s in person. After reading, Grade 12 student Kyle Taylor said, “I found the point of view he used was interesting. I’m already thinking of the questions I want to ask him”.
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School hosted an author event featuring Canadian award-winning, and internationally-published author Allan Stratton. Grades 9 to 12 students listened to Mr. Stratton do readings from one of his novels, and then had the opportunity to ask questions about his work and the writing process. Stratton writes for teens and books reflect his commitment to humanitarian and social justice issues. His novel Chanda’s Secrets, was later made into a movie which opened the Cannes Film Festival.
On Friday, October 28th, Maclean’s 2011 Universtiy Rankings hit newstands. On that same day, Kelly Nootchtai, St Benedict’s Class of 2009, visited a Native Studies class at St. Charles College to talk about the importance of making good choices and Aboriginal Education. This is significant because Kelly is on the cover of this issue. She is a third year Native Studies and Philosophy student at Laurentian University and understands the value of a good education. She talks fondly of her years in elementary school taking Ojibwe classes at St James. Kelly looked forward to continuing the language program at the secondary level but, it wasn’t until her graduating year that St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School was able to offer any Native Studies programming. Kelly talked about how lucky the students are to have Native Studies as an option and having great teachers like St. Charles College teacher Jennifer Petahtegoose. Both Kelly and Ms. Petahtegoose are members of Atikameksheng Anishinawbek (formerly Whitefish Lake First Nation near Naughton). Students listening to Kelly’s message were inspired and felt a sense of cultural pride. Ms. Petahtegoose stated “As a community member we are very proud of Kelly’s accomplishments and as an Anishinaabe educator I am always looking for positive First Nation, Metis and Inuit role models. Kelly has overcome obstacles to get where she is today and we are proud that she is one of our graduates and can share her story to inspire those coming up behind her.” After the talk, Kelly signed covers of the magazine and Ms Petahtegoose served homemade cookies and cedar tea.
