See our School Calendar for all of our upcoming events.

Dear Mustang Families: 

Please forward this message to your child’s email. 

As we head into another engaging week at school, we want to extend a heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who helped make our recent learning experiences such a success. Our parent volunteers and dedicated faculty were instrumental in supporting both the Grade 9 Zoo Field Trip and the Fine Arts Overnight Band Trip, ensuring our students could explore, perform, and grow beyond the classroom. Ms. Sterling, the Grade 9 Team, Ms. Armstrong, Ms. Vahaaho, Mr. Le, and Mr. Kwiatkowski invested countless hours alongside our many committed parent volunteers.  We’d also like to recognize Mr. Jensen for thoughtfully organizing the faculty field trip to Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, this past Friday, providing a meaningful opportunity for staff to deepen their understanding of indigenous ways of knowing. The commitment to enriching our school community continues to make all the difference. 

One of the most meaningful ways parents, guardians, and community members can support our students is by taking part in School Council. Under the Education Act, School Councils serve as collaborative advisory groups that provide guidance to the principal and the CBE Board of Trustees on matters related to the school. Their advisory and decision‑making roles are defined in both the Education Act and the School Councils Regulation. This is distinct from Parent Societies and Associations, whose primary focus is fundraising. More information can be found in the  CBE School Council Handbook. At this time, the SJAM School Council is seeking two parents to join the 2026–27 Council as Vice Chair and Secretary. We encourage interested parents to attend the AGM on Tuesday, May 19 (6:30–8:00 pm) and to reach out by email at sjam.council@gmail.com. 

Ms. Howe has organized a virtual field trip for our Grade 7s on Monday afternoon through LITCON (put on by the Calgary Public Library).  Students will attend a session based on this text: This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes:  This session explores stereotypes, bias, and how mental shortcuts shape identity and worldviews.  In this interactive introduction to the science of stereotypes, children's writer Tanya Lloyd Kyi explores the history of stereotype research, the science behind biases in our brains, and the ways that categories might affect our sense of self. Activities and questions will help students spot stereotypes at work in the world around them — and learn how they might broaden their horizons.  We encourage Grade 7 parents to ask about the key learnings from the presentation: 

• What was one idea from the presentation that really made you think differently about stereotypes or bias? 
• Can you explain what a stereotype is in your own words and why our brains sometimes rely on them? 
• Did the presenter share any examples of stereotypes you’ve seen in real life or online? 
• How can stereotypes influence the way people see themselves or others? 
• What strategies did you learn for noticing or challenging stereotypes when they show up? 
• Was there an activity or discussion that stood out to you during the session? 
• Did anything surprise you about how the brain forms mental shortcuts? 
• How might you use what you learned to make your classroom or friendships more inclusive? 

In next week’s newsletter, full details on our upcoming ‘Mental Health Week’ will be shared. Here is an overview, alongside the Calendar of Events: 

• Monday May 4:   BINGO for Mental Health DAY  
• Tuesday May 5:   TWIN-DAY  
• Wednesday May 6:  HATS on for Mental Health DAY:  recognized in many countries 
• Thursday May 7:   STAMPEDE DAY...dance that night 
• Friday May 8:  PJ Day 

Gentle reminder - Homework Helpers – Free Tutoring as we prepare for final exams! 

• FREE math & science tutoring for junior high students. 
  📍 Sir John A. MacDonald School (Learning Commons) 
  📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays | 🕐 3:15–5:15 PM 
  Priority for students from: 
  • Sir John A. Macdonald 
  • St. Helena School 
  📧 homeworkhelpers@ymcacalgary.org 

Athletics - Mr.  Jones 

Badminton: 

Practices continue this week with tournament nights fast approaching.

Track & Field – Season Start 

We are excited to announce that Track and Field officially begins on Monday, April 27th. Students are encouraged to try out for their respective Grade 7, Grade 8, or Grade 9 team in any of the disciplines including:  

1. Sprints (Relay team will be composed of the sprint team) 
2. Distance 
3. High Jump 
4. Long Jump 
5. Hurdles 
6. Shot Put 
7. Discus 

Each grade‑level team will select 3 male and 3 female athletes, along with 1 male and 1 female alternate. 

If badminton practices conflict with track tryouts, please encourage your child to communicate directly with their coaches so scheduling conflicts can be managed respectfully.  Expectations for Mustang Student Athletes at this link.  We look forward to a great Track and Field season! 

This Week

 Coaches

Fit Club members are encouraged to attend the full team track practice with Mr. O’Lain.  

• As a result, Fit-Club will be cancelled on Monday but resume on Friday morning at 7am.  

OurSchool Calendar has the athletic and all school events.