Dear Mustang Families: 

As we head into winter break, we want to wish all our families a restful, joyful, and safe holiday season. Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting both our food drive and the Education Matters campaign—your kindness has made a meaningful difference in the lives of Mustang families. We are grateful for the strong sense of community you continue to show, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed in the new year.  Mr. Manery (7-3), Mr. Shelestynsky (8-7) and Ms. Zakus (9-1) classes will be recognized with a pizza party later in the week for organizing the strongest campaigns.  

Gratitude is also extended to the many parent and staff volunteers who supported our Culture Dance this past Thursday.  Festive and cultural outfits in our classrooms over the week further brought our community closer together.   

Homework Helpers Update: The last day of Homework Helpers in 2025 is Tuesday, December 16 before the winter break.  The sessions will resume in 2026 on Tuesday, January 6.  If you have further questions, please reach out to Mr. Jensen (lgjensen@cbe.ab.ca). 

Pep Rally: Leadership classes are excited to host our first Pep Rally of the year on Thursday.  The schedule is: 

Period 2 (Block 1):  Grade 7 

Period 3 (Block 2):  Grade 9 

Period 4 (Block 3):  Grade 8 

This event will build school spirit, create unity, and generate excitement for upcoming events.  By fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the Mustang school community, everyone feels part of something bigger: a school community that embraces compassion.   

Book Reading Contest: Ms. Campbell (Learning Commons) is collecting ballots for our December draw (to take place on Friday morning at 9:00 am).   

Prize: $20 gift card to a local book franchise 

How do students enter? 

• Entry slips are available in the Learning Commons on Ms. Campbell's desk.
• Students can enter multiple times.  One book per entry in 2025-26. 
• One student name will be drawn monthly. 
• The students whose name is drawn will provide an account of the book they read to Admin. What were the best parts of the book? 

Need Warm Clothing? If your child needs a coat, toque, or gloves, please contact Ms. Billeck (mibilleck@cbe.ab.ca) in Student Services or visit the admin office. Several students have been taking the free items in our ‘Lost and Found’ - More are available. 

Mental Health Supports: The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, celebration and for spending time with those we love. However, the festivities come with high expectations of perfection that many of us struggle to live up to. Many people experience feelings of isolation, financial strain or increased family conflict that can make this a very stressful time of year – and it’s even harder for those of us with poor mental health. If your child is struggling, please:

• consider a trip to the Summit.  
• We are also sharing the Kids Help Phone (Canada) during this week’s homeroom.  
• Full listing of Mental Health Supports in the Calgary Region: link. 

Athletics – Mr. Jones 

Can we please ask all basketball team members who have not handed in their basketball jerseys, please do so before the upcoming break.  Thank you in advance. 

We’re excited to announce that our volleyball season will kick off on Monday, January 6! While more and more schools in the CBE are only offering a singular boys' team and singular girls' team this year, we are proud to have a full complement of girls’ teams, including both Junior and Senior squads.  However, with some sadness and regret, we share that there will be only one boys’ team representing our school this season.  Any aspiring grade 7, 8 or 9 boys wishing to play, you are welcome to tryout.  Please know that this singular boys' team will be playing in the Sr division.   While we wish we could offer more opportunities, we’re confident this team will make us proud.   

Tryout schedules will be posted in the school foyer for students to view.  Should this schedule change, students will be informed before the break, and emails will be sent out.   

Please note that according to AR3034: Athlete Eligibility Confirmation – all female athletes 12 years of age and older that are trying out for the Jr and Sr teams, must have filled out relevant documentation before tryouts begin to take part in their respective tryouts.  

Also note that once the season begins, game days for boys will be Tuesday and Thursday while girls play games on Monday and Wednesday.   

Community Events: 

Today:  NEW EVENT ALERT!! 🎉 Skate with a Cop Event! ⛸️👮‍♂️ 
Join us this Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 12:15 PM – 2:45 PM at the Forbes Innes Arena (5600 Centre Street North) for a fun community skate with CPS officers! 🤝 The Calgary Police Youth Foundation is excited to partner with Calgary Police Services District 3 for this special event. 

✅ FREE Event!  Lunch Provided Swag Bag Full of Goodies 

Community Note: This event overlaps with TGCA’s public skate, so non-members skate free on Sunday! 

For more information or to register, please contact Cst. Taras Bohun at pol60930@calgarypolice.ca - Don’t miss out—bring your skates and join the fun! 

🥦 Nutrition Check Up for Older Adults 
Alberta Health Services has launched an online tool for Albertans aged 55+ to identify nutrition risks, receive personalized tips, and support healthy eating goals. Primary care providers can also use it to screen patients and start early conversations. 
Access the tool here | Visit http://diversitycalgary.ca/ for translated resources and health session bookings 

🍎 Huntington Hills Food Pantry 

• Location: Huntington Hills Community Association:  520 – 78 Ave NW, Calgary 
• Hours: Monday to Friday | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM 
  Weekend bookings available by special request 
• Mon–Fri, 1:00–7:00 PM | Weekend bookings by request 
  To book a time: 
  Email: elccadmin@huntingtonhillscalgary.com 
  Call: (587) 392-2265 

Planning Ahead – Calgary Foundation Grants 2026 

✨ 2026 Granting Calendar now available with application dates for charities and non‑profits. Learn more:  https://bit.ly/4iosdxt 

Calendar of events: 

Wednesday December 17:   

1. Wednesday Homeroom:  Winter Celebrations  
2. SJAM School Council Fun Lunch 
3. Door Decorating Judging Starts at 3:30 pm 

Thursday December 18: 

1. Pep Rally:  

Period 2 (Block 1):  Grade 7 

Period 3 (Block 2):  Grade 9 

Period 4 (Block 3):  Grade 8 

2. Locker Clean out to end the day

Friday December 19:   

1. 9:00 am:  Reading Contest – Draw 1 by Ms. Campbell
2. Last day of school before the Winter Break 

Monday January 5: 

1. First day back from Winter holidays 
2. Day one of Volleyball:  stay tuned for tryout schedule.  More to follow! 

Wednesday January 7:  Literacy Homeroom 

Monday January 12:  Inside Ed – in school electricity classroom challenge 

Wednesday January 14:  Well Being Homeroom 

Tuesday January 20:  School Council – 6:30 – 8:00 pm 

Wednesday January 21:  Math Homeroom 

Together, We Make A Difference!