Dear Mustang Families
As our winter holidays approach, thank you to Ms. Armstrong and our 119 band musicians (17% of students) for creating a magical evening of music this past Thursday. Many family members joined us resulting in a proud, large, and delighted audience. The band community is a strong example of Fine Arts excellence at SJAM – we appreciate the support of family members and loved ones.
Gentle reminder: our Staff Parking lot is off limits for safety reasons. There have been several near misses with drivers misusing this tight space. Please take advantage of the drop off area in the driveway to protect every child’s safety. Students should access the sidewalks as soon as they can to avoid drivers who are rushing in the morning. We thank every driver for their consideration of every child.
Lifetouch is offering CBE families an optional school photo discount that can be explored at this link.
Once again, our lost & found is overflowing with winter coats, hoodies, shirts, pants, shoes, binders, backpacks, water bottles, and more. Please ask your child to look through it to see if anything is theirs and take it home. Everything leftover on December 19th, the day before winter break, will be donated or recycled.
Leadership: Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph
Tuesday December 10 is the last day for students to bring in non-perishable food items as we strive to support SJAM families in need with Winter baskets. Education Matters is also accepting financial donations that are converted into gift cards. Thank you to the many families who have donated – we have a record number of requests from families who are struggling this year. If your child needs a winter jacket, please send them to Ms. Billeck, Ms. Balis, Mr. Rachid, Mr. Jensen or Ms. Hornby: Jacket Racket generously provided us with some donations. We will be doing final tallies and announcing the homeroom with the most donations once the final numbers are in. Stay tuned.
All students and staff are encouraged to dress up on Thursday for our Culture Day. Our Pep Rally will take place in the morning. In the afternoon, we will have a dedicated homeroom for celebrations around the world, expressions of gratitude, and door decorating, followed by our Winter Cultural Dance. $4.00 tickets go on sale on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Please send your child to Mr. Rachid, Mr. Jensen or Ms. Hornby by Wednesday if your child can’t afford to purchase one. The dance will run from 5:00 – 7:30 pm. Note: to attend the dance, students are expected to attend the full day on Thursday (unless they have an appointment). Can’t wait to see everyone there!
The following week, we will be gearing up for holidays with a week full of spirit day fun.
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
Athletics: Mr. Jones
Volleyball does not start until after the upcoming break. Stay tuned for our upcoming volleyball tryout schedule as it will be posted before the holidays begin.
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: Tuesday December 10.
- 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
Thursday December 12:
- Pep Rally: in the morning
- 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: 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Saturday December 14: Last day to access Lifetouch discounts
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
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!