The school office will be open to parents/guardians on Wednesday August 27th at 9:00 AM.

Please make sure you are signed up for School Messenger: https://cbe.ab.ca/news-centre/school-messages/Pages/default.aspx

A detailed 'School Messenger' will be sent to families on Sunday August 31, 2025 at noon.

If you are wondering about 'back to school supplies', please scroll to the bottom of this page:

First Days of Class 

Tuesday September 2nd | Staggered entry as follows:

• Grade 7 students:  8:13 am - 1:15 pm
• Grade 8 and 9 students: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
• PLP and ALP Students will attend school for the full day (8:13 AM - 2:51 PM)

Wednesday September 3rd: All students at school – 8:13 am - 2:51 pm

Thursday September 4th: All students at school - 8:13 am - 2:51 pm

Friday September 5th: All students at school - 8:13 am - 12:00 pm

School Start & End Times 

Monday - Thursday: 8:13 AM - 2:51 PM | Lunch: 12:30-1:11 PM

Friday: 8:13 AM to early dismissal at 12:00 pm

Staffing Updates

We would like to thank the teachers below for their service and cannot understate their dedication and devotion to making Sir John A. Macdonald a great place to learn. Due to declining enrollment, these teachers are leaving our school. Please join us in congratulating: 

Ms. Sarah Smid: starting a new CSSI class at Woodbine School

Ms. Rachel Schoen: off to the STEM High School

Ms. Veronica Tremblay: joining Queen Elizabeth Junior and Senior High School

Mr. Tok Lee: heading into retirement

Mr. Moe Rachid accepted a new position at Abbeydale Elementary:

Farewell for Now, SJAM Families   Greetings, Sir John A. Macdonald School families. It is with a mix of gratitude and sadness that I share my farewell after three years at SJAM. As I embark on a new adventure as the new Assistant Principal at Abbeydale School, I’d like to share one of my reflections on this chapter of my life and career. This place has meant so much to me, and I want to express my utmost gratitude for the time I've spent as part of this incredible school community.  It has been such a privilege to work shoulder to shoulder with such dedicated staff, supportive families, and inspiring students. This community is one of warmth, resilience, and deep care; it’s a space where empathy is lived every day. Though I’m moving on, I will carry with me the memories, relationships, and lessons learned here. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this incredible journey. I’ll always be cheering on the Mustangs. With heartfelt appreciation, ​​​​​​​ Moe Rachid Assistant Principal | Sir John A. Macdonald School

Assigned Teachers 

PowerSchool will be open to families on Tuesday September 2nd. At this time, students will be able to view their teachers and course schedules.

Students can email Ms. Hornby, Mr. Jensen and Mr. Rachid for inquiries about potential timetable changes.  We are not able to change your child's homeroom. Due to facility restraints and many complementary courses being full at this time of year, no school is able to fulfill 100% of student requests.  However, we strive to create the conditions for all students to experience success.  First semester complementary classes are finalized by Friday September 12th.

2025-26 Staff:

ALP: Ms. Wright, Ms. Hussain, Ms. Persaud, Ms. Saker

PLP: Ms. Rosvold, Ms. Castle, Ms. Doiron, Ms. Saker

Indigenous Education Learning Leader: Ms. Bethany Balis

Student Services Learning Leader: Ms. Billeck

Literacy Specialist (all grades): Ms. Kwan

Math Specialist (all grades): Ms. Else

Educational Assistant (all grades): Ms. Bartley

Library Assistant: Ms. Campbell

Braille Assistant: Ms. Bont

Breakfast Supervisor: Ms. Arkley

Facility Operators: Mr. Xiao, Mr. Meyers, Ms. Gyatso

Grade 7 teachers include:

HUM: Ms. Howe and Ms. Vahaaho

SMATH: Ms. Bower/Ms. Ralph, Ms. Greenham

Grade 8 teachers:

HUM: Ms. Clairmont, Ms. Isackson, Ms. MacPhee

SMATH: Mr. Dougan, Ms. Hopley, Ms. McLellan

Grade 9 teachers:

HUM: Ms. Zakus, Mr. Hoblak

SMATH: Ms. Sterling, Ms. Else, Ms. Roston

English As An Additional Language Sheltered Classes: Mr. Dougan, Mr. Le, Ms. MacPhee

Physical Education and Health: Mr. Jones, Mr. Manery, Mr. O'Lain, Ms. Saker

Art: Ms. MacLennan

Band, Guitar, Film Studies: Ms. Armstrong

CTF Environmental Stewardship (Grade 9 Science Enrichment): Ms. Roston

Construction: Mr. Parsons

Computers/Yearbook/Film Making: Mr. Le

Drama: Ms. Clairmont

Foods: Ms. Dawson

Leadership: Mr. Shelestynsky and Mr. Manery

Outdoor Education: Ms. Saker

Power Up: Mr. Hoblak and Ms. Hopley

Reading groups: Ms. Hudson

Front Office: Ms. Reynolds, Ms. McMurtry, Ms. Ibrahim

Administration: Ms. Hornby, Mr. Rachid, Mr. Jensen

Our staff contact information is at this link: https://sjam.cbe.ab.ca/staff?hash=sjL3N0YWZm

Summer Learning Opportunity:

We are pleased to share that the YMCA is hosting FREE summer math sessions for students in Grades 9 – 12.  All sessions will run from 5:00 – 7:00 pm: 

Tuesday:  Shawnessy YMCA  

Wednesday:  Saddletown YMCA  

‘Learn high school math ahead of next year or get high school math/science tutoring for summer school’.  Interested students are asked to pre-sign up:   https://ymcacalgary.formstack.com/forms/student_application_form_tutoring_program_copy_1