Dear Mustang Families
April marks National Poetry Month, and at SJAM, we're celebrating with a fun interactive bulletin board called push pin poetry in the Learning Commons. This engaging activity allows students and staff to pick words from the board and pin them up to craft their own poems, messages, or other creative works. You can find the display in the library, and we invite every student to join in and enjoy the creative process. Thank you to Ms. Campbell for organizing this whole school learning activity.
Gratitude is also extended to our Grade 9 SMATH team: Ms. Else, Ms. Sterling, Ms. Roston, Mr. Dougan and Mr. Le. Last week, students made hydrogen fuel cell cars and solar lanterns while being taught about electricity generation in Alberta and Canada through a presentation by Inside Education. Students engaged in critical thinking evaluation of electricity as they developed the big picture on generation and consumption. The program is sponsored by many Alberta companies.
Our School Council Members are actively seeking parents interested in assuming leadership roles in 2025-26. Many of our current volunteers have children that are graduating in to high school. If you would like to talk to a current School Council Member about the role, please email - sjam.council@gmail.com. Rose Llewellyn, Michelle Wood, Jennifer Razzo, Kara Payne or Hope Lewis-Wilcox will reach out. These dedicated parents are also restarting ‘Healthy Hunger' to support lunch food choices. If you are interested and don’t have an account, please access the link on the SJAM School Council website: scroll halfway down the page for the link please.
Gentle reminder: Alberta Health Services Learning Series’ next session is Wednesday, April 9, focusing on Vaping and Youth - devices, substances, and strategies for effective conversations. Please sign up beforehand: Vaping and Youth | April 9 | 11:30am
The Chinese Academy has restarted face to face instruction after the CUPE strike ended, while the ‘early bird’ registration process has started for 2025-26. Students can earn high school credits by participating in classes offered by this valued partner. Saturday classes are offered at SJAM and John Diefenbaker High School.
Athletics Update: Mr. Jones
Our badminton tryouts continue as we enter into our second week of the season. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out directly to your child’s coach.
- Grade 7 – Mr. Manery and Ms. Vahaaho
- Grade 8 -- Mr. Jensen and Mr. Dougan
- Grade 9 – Ms. Greenham and Ms. Hopley
Please note that the badminton tournament dates have been set. Please see the dates below to help avoid scheduling conflicts with your child’s other extracurricular activities.
- Grade 7 – Monday May 12
- Grade 8 – Thursday May 15
- Grade 9 – Tuesday May 13
Leadership: Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph
Huge thanks to everyone who has auditioned for the talent show. We were so excited to see you in action! Our performers will be shared at the end of this week. Wednesday , April 9 is International Day of Pink. Wear pink to stand against bullying and to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
School Calendar
Ongoing:
- Homework Hotel – Monday to Thursday (your child can stay indoors at lunchtime)!
- Targeted MATH support with Ms. Sterling at lunch: Thursdays
- Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (new Canadians) free afterschool 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
Monday April 7 (5:30 – 6:30 pm): Band Camp Parent Meeting – Mandatory for all students attending Band Camp. SJAM Learning Commons; virtual link will also be sent to band parents. If you are attending online, you are required to sign-in via the chat section. Please type both full names of the student and parent – first and last name for both. The parent/guardian who signed the Acknowledgment of Risk form is legally required at the meeting.
Wednesday April 9:
- Vaping and Youth. Topics: devices, substances, and strategies for effective conversations. Vaping and Youth | April 9 | 11:30am (please sign up beforehand)
- International Day of Pink. Wear pink to stand against bullying and to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Thursday, April 10 (5:00pm to 8:00pm): Grade 9 Round Dance at Ernest Manning High School (20 Springborough BLVD SW). Personalized invitations sent to families by Ms. Bethany last week.
Tuesday April 15
- 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
April 23, 24, 25: Overnight Band Camp with Ms. Armstrong
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!