Dear Mustang Families: 

“I can. I will.” The halls of SJAM echoed with this powerful affirmation on Thursday as students embraced Leo Barbe’s inspiring message about resilience, mental well-being, and overcoming life’s challenges. Moments like these remind us why we remain deeply committed to supporting your child—every step of the way.  We recognize there are times that your child will struggle – please do reach out to staff as we work together. 

On Friday, the Alberta Government released the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Final Report, co-chaired by CBE’s Chief Superintendent, Jo Pittman: 

Their work is anchored in a shared vision: that every child and student in Alberta is equitably supported by a trusted education system designed to prepare them for lifelong success. This vision comes to life through strong partnerships among families, schools, and communities working together to foster safe, respectful, and thriving learning environments. 

This report documents challenges, alongside the recognition that your child can be successful in our school.  We thank parents/guardians for their partnership as we strive to generate optimal conditions for your child’s success. 

School Council looks forward to welcoming families to their upcoming meeting on Tuesday November 25. A reminder will be sent out Tuesday morning.  We value hearing from each of you. 

We also welcome parents to engage in discussions about their children’s progress at our Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences: 

• Thursday November 27 (in-person from 4:00 – 7:00 pm)  
• Friday November 28 (virtual on Microsoft Teams from 8:30 – 2:00 pm).  There will be no classes for students on Friday to accommodate conferences.
• Conference bookings are open until Wednesday November 26 at noon. 
• To book an conference, please log into your parent MyCBE account. Once you sign up, you should receive an email confirmation. For more information, please click on How to Book a Conference. 
• In preparation, please ask your child for the names of their teachers or look up your child’s schedule in MyCBE today.
• Team teacher sessions: HUM and SMATH. 
• 7-1, 7-2, 7-3:  Ralph/Bower, Howe 
• 7-4, 7-5, 7-6:  Greenham, Vahaaho 
• 8-1, 8-2, 8-3:  McLellan, Isackson 
• Grade 9, 8-4, 8-5, 8-6, 8-7, 8-10, 8-11: HUM and SMATH teachers are separate. 
• Conferences will be 5 minutes in length, with the option of booking a second session for a total of 10 minutes.   
• If your child is in Grade 7 or 8-1, 8-2 or 8-3, please book two successive sessions given the HUM and SMATH teachers are together. 
• If you are booking face-to-face conferences on Thursday evening, please create 5 minutes between sessions for travel time. 
• One parent can book in each time slot – you can later share virtual links for Friday’s virtual conferences. 
• If you are a CBE employee, please use a personal email address so that you don't bypass the waiting room and interrupt another conference in progress 

If you are having problems booking, please email bakwiatkowski@cbe.ab.ca, lgjensen@cbe.ab.ca, and mahornby@cbe.ab.ca.  It can feel and be confusing if this process is new to you. 

There is still time for your child to sign up for the YMCA’s Homework Helper program offering free tutoring support in Math and Science every Tuesday and Thursday in the Learning Commons.  Please email Mr. Jensen (lgjensen@cbe.ab.ca) to sign up.  Starts this week! 

Homeroom 8-1 is currently leading in the annual SJAM Winter Hamper Food Drive.  9-1, 8-7 and 7-3 are almost tied for second place, while 8-4 is showing admirable donations as well.  Students have until December 9th to bring in non-perishable food items.  Financial donations can also be submitted online through the Education Matters link provided below. All donations will be turned into gift cards and provided to SJAM families in need.  Please share the link with family and friends should they also want to support. All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt.  

https://www.educationmatters.ca/project-matters/sir-john-a-macdonald-school/ 

Athletics & PE: Mr. Jones 

Spectator Guidelines: 

• We welcome respectful and supportive spectators at all games. Please model positive behaviour and sportsmanship at all times. 
• Home Games: SJAM students are welcome to attend and cheer on their peers. Attendance is checked at the door; entry is granted to SJAM students with perfect attendance or excused absences. 
• Away Games: Attendance is limited to athletes and their families. Siblings of athletes need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. 

Community Resources 

Calgary Police Service Cadet Corps:  FREE program with limited spots for 12 – 16-year-olds.  Runs every Thursday night from 5:45 – 9:15 pm from September to May at the CPS Headquarters (5111 – 47 Street NE).  Includes weekly challenges, volunteer opportunities and unforgettable experiences.  September 2026 start:  Apply now! 

Social Media Safety & Reducing Risks of Sexual Exploitation:  (December 7 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the McMan Main Office - 1538 25th Avenue NE)  This workshop will be geared towards families who would like to learn more about identifying and responding to sexual exploitation risk for youth/young adults in their life  *This workshop is intended for parents/natural supports, and no childcare will be available for this workshop. Please connect with Bree if you require additional planning or support to attend* . Contact:  Bree.McClellan@mcmancalgary.ca 

Calendar of events 

November 17 – December 9:  SJAM Winter Hamper Drive 

Tuesday November 25:   

• Homework Helpers starts:  YMCA tutoring program for Math and Science 
• School Council Meeting (6:30 – 8:00 pm) - Learning Commons 

Wednesday November 26:   

• Restart Program for Grade 7 students 
• Wednesday Homeroom:  Literacy focus 

Thursday November 27: 

• Signed IPPs returned to SJAM teachers
• In person Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences:  4:00 – 7:00 pm 

Friday November 28:  No school for students - Virtual Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences:  8:30 – 2:00 pm 

Wednesday December 3: 

• Lifetouch Picture Retakes 
• Wednesday homeroom:  Cultural Celebrations Around the World 

Monday December 8:  ‘Channel Your Flannel’ Spirit Day 

Tuesday December 9:  ‘Red and Green’ Spirit Day 

Wednesday December 10:   

• ‘Ugly Christmas Sweater / Crazy Hat’ Spirit Day 
• Wednesday Homeroom:  Door Decorating – Reflecting Cultural Celebrations in each homeroom class  

Thursday December 11:   

• Cultural Dress Spirit Day 
• Winter Dance:  5:00 – 7:30 pm 

Friday December 12:  PJ Spirit Day 

Wednesday December 17:   

• Wednesday Homeroom:  Winter Celebrations Gathering
• Door Decorating Judging Starts at 3:30 pm 

Thursday December 18: 

• Pep Rally:  one per grade 
• Locker Clean out 

Friday December 19:  Last day of school before the Winter Break 

Together, We Make A Difference!