Dear Mustang Families,
Last Sunday, we shared that eight SJAM students attended the CBE Middle School Symposium at Mount Royal University. Our student leaders were featured on a CBE Instagram post you are encouraged to watch: SJAM Leaders It is exciting to see so many of your children stepping up to become involved in Clubs and Athletics. Fit Club, running every Monday after school and Friday morning, is a ‘team’ 100% of students can make and continues to be one of our most popular clubs. Floor Hockey is starting up - see 'Athletic News' below.
Congratulations are extended to Jaden L (9-6), Miranda J (8-3), Chloe H (7-2) and Anderson B (9-7) who were named the “Mustangs of the Week” in January 2025. These four students were nominated by their classmates and teachers for outstanding contributions to the learning environment, support of SJAM events and active empathy for their classmates. We are very proud of our many student leaders!
As we move forward in the second semester, we are excited to share 100% of SJAM students have engaged in ‘flexible groupings’, a powerful tool for promoting student academic growth and results. It supports differentiated instruction by allowing teachers to tailor groups based on students' readiness, interests, or learning styles. This fluid approach creates opportunities for students to engage with a variety of peers, enhancing their collaborative skills and fostering a sense of classroom community. Overall, flexible grouping creates a dynamic, inclusive learning environment where students can thrive at their own pace leading to improved academic results. Should you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s HUM or SMATH teacher. May your child share positive news about their learning experiences in these dynamic learning cycles. Here aretips for students:
#1 Sleep well. Teens and young adults should be getting 8 to 10 hours per night. Enough sleep is critical for your body and brain to function well.
#2 Eat right. Healthy and balanced meals give your body and mind energy to work well throughout the day. Take extra time and effort to make sure you’re not only eating enough, but eating a mix of everything you need (fruits, veggies, dairy, and whole grains).
#3 Do your homework. Making it a habit to do your homework each night will help you practice skills and be ready for the quizzes and tests. It also helps to show your teacher that you care, which may come in handy when you need his or her help.
#4 Pay attention in class. Focusing and using class time wisely is one of the best ways to get ahead in middle school. Since you’ll be switching around from class to class, it’s important to pay attention and follow along for every minute that you can.
#5 Get involved. Research shows that school involvement can be a big determining factor for your success. Kids who are involved with after school activities, sports, and clubs are more likely to do well inside and outside of school.
#6 Think positive. Things are going to get tough and overwhelming at times. It’s important to stay positive and know that you CAN do whatever you put your mind to. Adopt a growth mindset!
#7 Ask for help. Whether it is academic, social, or emotional help, there are adults at the school ready and willing to help you. Seek out and ask for help when you feel you might need it. SJAM Staff.
#8 Stay organized. A little organization goes a LONG way in middle school. Writing down homework in a consistent place and keeping pages organized in the right spots will help you study, turn in work, and do better on tests/quizzes.
#9 Make goals. Give yourself something that you want to attain by the end of the marking term. Then, make a plan and stick with it to get there. SMART goal video
#10 Take risks. Middle school is the time when you start to grow up and figure out who you are in the world. Take risks and be brave. It will pay off in the end!
As our Grade 9 families consider high school placements, we are now able to share the possibility of transferring to a different high school in the CBE. Please see the chart in this link: Transfer possibilities. Starting on Monday February 10th, Grade 9 families can submit transfer requests to schools that are ‘open’ (green – William Aberhart) or ‘limited’ (yellow – Bowness, Central Memorial, Crescent Heights, Forest Lawn, Henry Wise Wood, Jack James, Queen Elizabeth). Other CBE High Schools are ‘closed’ (red - (ie – James Fowler) and unable to accept transfer requests due to high population growth in these parts of Calgary. The CBE’s High School Transfer webpage will support every CBE student entering high school. Your child’s designated high school is based on their primary address: Find A School.
As was the case last year, through the online registration system, the CBE will be limiting the viewable transfer options to only those that are Open or Limited status for the purpose of accepting transfers. Exceptions to this rule are the programs of choice: Performing and Visual Arts (PVA), High Performance Athlete Development (HPAD) and International Baccalaureate (IB).
Once the online transfer process closes on March 15, requests will be reviewed by schools and families will be notified if the transfer request has been accepted by April 11. Families will be asked to confirm acceptance no later than April 15.
- CBE high schools are continuing to experience enrolment growth and consequently, many schools have limited or closed status for transfers for the 2025-26 school year.
- Our priorities are to manage this growth equitably and ensure that schools have enough spaces for students who live in the communities designated to our schools. This means schools identified as being open or limited must consider school capacity and enrolment in programs or courses for students designated to attend a high school, before we can accept transfers from out-of-attendance students.
- CBE schools identified as open or limited will only be able to accept transfers for the 2025-26 school year once they ensure space exists for out-of-attendance students.
- Students interested in academic credentialed learning, such as the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP), will be able to request this at their designated high school that offers these options.
- There are five (5) IB Programme schools in the CBE. Students who are not designated to one of these schools for the regular program will be required to submit a transfer for the IB-designated school in their Area. After March 15, the IB Programme school will determine how many spaces are available for students requiring a transfer and communicate acceptance to families by April 11.
Your children are encouraged to speak to Ms. Billeck (Student Services) or Ms. Hornby (Principal) for support with a potential transfer.
Athletics Update - Mr. Jones
Continued luck to our Mustang Volleyball teams this week. Please see the schedule below for dates of play. While students are welcome to show support at our home games, we please ask that no food or drink is brought in the gym/stage area. Also, we welcome students to watch, cheer and socialize with each other and not to be on their digital devices. Thanks in advance.
Note: students must attend classes for the entire day in order to be eligible to watch as spectators at SJAM. Excused absences (ie) medical appointments are permitted. If students want to attend games at another school, they must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. This creates the conditions for a safe and respectful environment for student-athletes, family members and CBE staff. This practice will continue into high school environments as well.
See the schedule below.
Monday Feb 3 Boys QE at SJAM | Tuesday Feb 4 Girls QE at SJAM | Wednesday Feb 5 Boys SJAM at SPB | Thursday Feb 6 Girls SJAM at SPB |
Floor Hockey
Students will have Monday and Tuesday to sign up for our Mustang Floor Hockey League. Sheets can be found on the walls inside the gym next to the entrance doors. No experience necessary.
Community News
February 11 – March 11 - Every Tuesday (4:30 – 5:30 pm): “Healing Hearts” - music and art-based program promoting self-esteem, confidence and control. For more information, contact FRN@closertohome.com, or call (403) 543-0555
Wed February 12 – March 19. Every Wednesday. Connecting with Confidence: Join this group and learn how to develop meaningful friendships, solve conflicts and set your own boundaries. 12 – 17 years old. Suite 3, 176 Bedford Drive NEW.
School Calendar
Ongoing
- Homework Hotel – Monday to Thursday (your child can stay indoors at lunchtime)!
- Targeted MATH support with Ms. Sterling at lunch: Thursdays
- 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
February 3 – 6: Nations Vision Clinic at SJAM
February 4 – 6: CBE Student Survey in classes
Monday February 10 (updated due to numerous school lotteries) – March 15: High School transfers can begin – High School Transfer - High School - CBE
Tuesday February 11 (9:30 – 11:00 am): Grade 9 students will walk over to JDHS to attend their Drama performance: ‘That’s the Spirit’ - more details next week
Wednesday February 12: Self Care / Love SJAM Leadership Initiative
Thursday February 13 – Friday February 14: Teachers Convention – no school for students
Monday February 17: Family Day in Alberta – no school for students
Tuesday February 18: SJAM School Council Meeting #5: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Thursday February 20:
- Soup Sisters: soup for students at lunchtime
- Lifetouch in for Club and Sports Photos
Wednesday February 26: Pink Shirt Day Canada | Order Pink Shirts | Live Stream | Donate
Thursday February 27: Grade 6 Open House (5:00 – 6:30 pm)
Friday February 28: Professional Learning Day – no school for students
Friday March 15:
- IB Expression of Interest Due for Grade 9s going into Grade 10 (optional)
- Last day for Grade 9s to apply for a high school transfer: All SJAM students are automatically placed at their designated high school based on your child’s primary address. Schools accepting transfers in this link
Together we make a difference!