Dear Mustang Families:
Thank you to the many family members who joined us at Parent Teacher Student Conferences. In the event you still have questions, please reach out to our staff at any time. Your children will thrive when we work together to generate optimal learning conditions. The Calgary Public Library continues to offer many free programs. Your child’s grades will improve significantly if they substitute reading with video games/social media on a regular basis (If you think your child is addicted to video games, this article provides some strong advice):
Two Great Ways to Build Literacy Skills at Home: CBE Home Literacy Support
1. Sharing Books Together:
- Read books in your home language, connecting print to oral language
- Listen to audio books while following along in a printed version
- Look at the pictures and talk about what you see, focusing on expanding vocabulary and building knowledge and understanding
2. Focus on Conversations in Your Home Language:
- “Strive for Five” questions & answer discussions throughout the day
- Oral storytelling
- Spend time outside on the land, talking about what you notice together
We are excited to share our ‘Mustangs of the Week’ for the month of November:
- Taylor A. (Grade 7)
- Jessica W. (Grade 7)
- Michelle I. (Grade 8)
Taylor, Jessica and Michelle were nominated by their classmates who recognize they collectively strive for excellence inside and outside the classroom, offering positive encouragement to their peers. Their names, pictures and leadership profile are shared in the school on our TVs. Congratulations Taylor, Jessica and Michelle!
On Wednesday December 4, the MRU nursing students will be hosting a "Christmas Health Fair" for SJAM students which will direct students' attention to taking care of themselves over the holidays; specifically, the content will focus on sleep, anxiety and social media safety/awareness. This information will be evidence based and delivered in a fun, engaging and interactive format for adolescents! All students are encouraged to attend at lunchtime in the Learning Commons.
On Thursday December 5, our Band Program is hosting a Winter Concert – all families are welcome to attend this festive evening. Due to an event at Huntington Hills School, we will move our start time from 7:00 to 7:15 pm to support several families. This free event is an excellent opportunity to enjoy some music from our talented band students under the leadership of Ms. Armstrong, our passionate conductor.
Mr. Parsons, our new Construction teacher, is introducing a new program at SJAM: The Earn-A-Bike program run by Two Wheel View: Video Link. Beginning on January 6, 2025, Mr. Parsons will work with 8 – 15 SJAM students. This inspiring program allows students to earn a bike, while learning valuable mechanic skills. Students are also expected to be participating in discussions, listening activities, teamwork, and to be on time and showing up each week. Each session runs once a week for 2 hours (January 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 24, March 3, 10, 17). If your child is interested, they are encouraged to seek out Mr. Parsons in the construction room. Note: it is important that students are fully committed to the program.
Leadership and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion students are busy preparing for our Culture Day on Thursday December 12. A few elements include:
- In the morning, regular classes are scheduled. In the afternoon, students will be in homerooms to explore the cultural diversity at SJAM.
- All students are encouraged to wear cultural clothes for our Culture Day. This attire can be worn during classes and at the evening dance. This evening event is semi-formal, with the option of dressing up. Note: students do not need to dress up to attend.
- Thursday December 12th: Dance: 5:00 – 7:30 pm
- Tickets for the dance will be on sale from Monday December 9 – Wednesday December 11 for $4. No student is denied admission based on financial need – please have your child see Ms. Hornby, Mr. Rachid or Mr. Jensen before December 11th.
- Students are encouraged to email cultural songs to Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph so they can be included in our DJs playlist at the Winter Cultural Dance.
Leadership Update: Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph
Our annual SJAM food drive is off to a great start! Huge thanks to all of those students and families who have brought items in already. This is an annual SJAM tradition that directly supports families from our school. Students are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to their SMATH teachers until December 10 to support our school community. Monetary donations can also be made using the link below. All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Athletics Update: Mr. Jones
Basketball: Big congrats to the Jr. Boys for an unbelievable comeback victory in the Shaganappi Division Final against Nose Creek School on Monday night. It was game straight out of a Hollywood studio with numerous highs and lows. It culminated with a 3-point shot with one second left to tie the game and was capped off with an overtime victory. Well done boys! Huge thanks need to go out to Mr. Hoblak and Ms. Vahaaho for their generous donation of time and energy coaching the team this season. Coaching basketball requires a lot of sacrifice of the coach's personal time. Without them there is no season.
School Calendar
Ongoing:
- Food Drive – donations and non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated. All donations are returned to SJAM families in need. Last day to donate food: Tuesday December 10th.
- Homework Hotel – Monday to Thursday (your child can stay indoors at lunchtime)!
- 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
- Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (new Canadians) free afterschool program on Monday at SJAM. Contact: Sevim Kocak - SKocak@cbfy.ca
Tuesday December 3: Band Field Trip to MRU
Wednesday December 4: MRU Nursing Students – Health Fair in the Learning Commons at lunch
Thursday December 5: Band Winter Concert in the evening – 7:15 pm start time
Wednesday December 11: Pep Rally
Thursday December 12:
- Culture Day (regular classes in the morning; special homeroom in the afternoon)
- School Dance - wear festive cultural outfits, both during the day and in the evening.
December 16 – 20: Spirit Week
- Monday December 16: Channel Your Flannel
- Tuesday December 17: Red and Green
- Wednesday December 18: Festive Hat/Hair
- Thursday December 19: Ugly Sweater Day
- Friday December 20: PJ Day
Thursday December 19: Locker Clean Out before the break
Friday December 20: Last day of classes before the Winter Break
Winter Break: No school for students
January 6, 2025: First day of classes after Winter Break
January 16, 2025: Grade 9 SJAM students visit John Diefenbaker High School
January 23, 2025: Crescent Heights High School Open House, including Spanish Bilingual Program
Together We Make A Difference!