Dear Mustang Families
Gentle reminder: on Friday April 18, the school will be closed for Good Friday. On Monday April 21, teachers are engaged in professional learning opportunities off site. As a result, SJAM will reopen on Tuesday, April 22 after the four-day weekend for students. Regular classes will take place from Monday to Thursday this week.
Gratitude is extended to Ms. Athena W, a Grade 9 SJAM student, who is seeking to support her classmates with math. They have organized FREE math tutoring that is open to students, with all math abilities, at lunch in room 16. Prizes included. The sign-up document is located in the student SJAM Connections D2L shell.
Tuesday April 22: Grade 7 Math Jeopardy
Wednesday April 23: Grade 8 Math Jeopardy
Thursday April 24: Grade 9 Math Jeopardy
SJAM Administration would like to thank respondents for participating in the School Development Plan (SDP) survey released from February 3 to March 10.
▪ 21 people started the survey, while 8 people finished the process.
▪ All responses have been reviewed and considered in decision-making with the understanding that the results are not representative of the entire school community.
Here is a collection of the responses: link. You can always review on our website in the above SDP link under ‘Related Information’.
In the interest of transparency, SJAM Administration is also going to share details about our new video surveillance system that will be installed at the school in June. Please join us at the in-person School Council meeting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday April 15th to review the following topics:
- Overview of Video Surveillance Technology (VST) and Benefits
- VST Collection, Use, Access and Controls
- Request for Feedback (benefits, concerns, further questions)
Video Surveillance Technology or “VST” means any electronic surveillance device, hardware, or software that is capable of recording, retaining, processing, or sharing visual, digital, location, or similar information or communications specifically associated with, or capable of being associated with, any specific individual or group. The information shared is a requirement of the newly updated AR1066.
The purpose of this administrative regulation is to:
- Outline the use of video surveillance technology (VST) to assist in maintaining a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning and work environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all members in school district property and workspaces.
- Ensure the video surveillance technology is used consistent with and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
- Provide clarity and consistency in processes for approval, installation, use and management of video surveillance technology within the CBE.
We look forward to welcoming interested parents to our School Council meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 pm.
Leadership: Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph
We are heading into an exciting week before the long weekend! The talent show is happening on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at lunch. Students had the opportunity to buy tickets beforehand for $2 for all three shows. Tickets will be $1 at the door with proceeds going to Prep Society to support individuals with Down’s Syndrome.
We are also looking forward to Cosplay Day on Thursday April 17 where students are invited to dress as their favorite character from a show, book, or video game! The timing of this spirit day is a few days before the Calgary Expo!
Athletics: Mr. Jones
Badminton tryouts are wrapping up this week. Thanks to all students that came out and took a healthy risk. Unless the coaches inform you otherwise, the following times for each team will be as follows:
Grade 9 Team: Monday 3 pm; Tuesday 3 pm
Grade 8 Team: Tuesday 7 am; Thursday 3 pm
Grade 7 Team: Wednesday 3 pm; Thursday 7 am
Physical Education
This past week, we had our second measured full effort BEEP test during section one of our spring fitness testing. It was fantastic to see so many of your children give a maximal effort trying to better their score and push their physical limits. Our top female score went to Shaylea in grade 8 with a score of 10.5. Well-done. A special mention needs to be given to our top male student. Not only did Atticus in grade 9 have the top score so far this year, but his score of 13.8 is the highest our school has seen over the past 18 years. Amazing!
Big congratulations to all students that took part in our annual Mustangs Hockey League (MHL) this year. The championship game was this past Thursday and resulted in the Oilers (teachers' team) defeating the Canucks 8-1. Thanks to all students for participating and helping maintain our long standing 31-year-old MHL tradition. Big thanks to all the teachers for showing the students who’s still the boss 😊.
Community News
Monday April 14: Dr. Jody Carrington – Anxiety and Depression in Kids These Days – 6:30 – 8:00 pm (virtual): Link to sign up. Printable resources. Note: there is a cost.
Kindred's Rapid Access Counselling Program: Kindred was originally founded in 1957 on the belief that all Calgarians, regardless of where they come from, where they pray, who they love or how much money they have, deserve access to high quality, affordable counselling.
April 19 (1 – 4 pm): Free Easter Egg Hunt by Planet Youth Council – Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association (5600 Center Street North) (all ages 12 and under need to be accompanied by an adult) - edore.ossai@ymcacalgary.org or 403-464-7296
Basic Sewing Workshops for Youth (12 – 17 years old): April 25, May 9, May 23 (4:30 – 6:30 pm). www.closertohome.com/programs/basic-sewing-for-youth Location: North Central Family Resource Network (3-176 Bedford Drive NE). Pre-sign up required please.
Navigating Social Media and Teens | April 16 | 6:00-8:00pm (Virtual)
- The world of social media is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up. This session will look at some of the most popular platforms among Canadian youth and how to protect privacy and keep everyone safe. We will also discuss the effects of social media use on teen mental health and how to promote healthy social media habits in a digital world.
Building Resiliency in Today’s Youth | April 17 | 11:30-1:30pm (Virtual)
- Before High School graduation, one-third of adolescent girls will experience depression, anxiety disorders, self-harm or an eating disorder. However, there is an incredible power in caregivers who can support our youth, both young women and men, before they seek therapy. At Juno House®, we believe in the extraordinary healing power of parents, caregivers, coaches, and teachers. In our 1.5 hour workshop presentation, we will share steps and strategies from the Juno House Therapeutic Model® that will provide effective emotional coaching tools for today’s youth as they develop through adolescence and into young adulthood.
School Calendar: Ongoing
- Homework Hotel – Monday to Thursday at lunch in the Learning Commons
- Targeted MATH support with Ms. Sterling at lunch: Thursdays
- Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (new Canadians) free after school program on Monday at SJAM. Contact: Sevim Kocak - SKocak@cbfy.ca
- YMCA Prairie Chickens for Indigenous students: October 8 to June 6: every Tuesday and Thursday afterschool at SJAM – contact is Jimmy (YMCA) and Ms. Bethany. Free.
- City of Calgary – Calgary Afterschool at Thornhill Aquatic and Rec Center: Contact is Kirsten Pilger: kpilger@calgary.ca; Tuesday and Thursday afterschool (5:00 – 6:00 pm); September 17 – June 12. Free.
- Chinese Academy: every Saturday at SJAM
Tuesday April 15:
- 12:30 – 1:10 pm: Talent Show at lunch in the gym
- 6:30 – 8:00 pm - In person School Council Meeting in the Learning Commons
Wednesday April 16: Talent Show at lunch in the gym
Thursday April 17:
- Cosplay Spirit Day in support of Calgary Expo (Student Choice)
- Talent Show at lunch in the gym
Friday April 18: Good Friday – no school for students or staff
Monday April 21: Professional Learning Day for teachers – no school for students
Tuesday April 22: SJAM reopens for classes
Math Jeopardy: Room 16 at lunchtime
- Tuesday April 22: Grade 7
- Wednesday April 23: Grade 8
- Thursday April 24: Grade 9
April 23, 24, 25: Overnight Band Camp with Ms. Armstrong
Monday April 28: Canada’s Federal Election – SJAM is NOT a polling station
Thursday May 8: Stampede Dance (5:00 – 7:30 pm)
Monday May 12: Track and Field Starts
Monday May 12 – Grade 7 Badminton Tournament
Tuesday May 13 – Grade 9 Badminton Tournament
Thursday May 15 – Grade 8 Badminton Tournament
Together we make a difference!