Dear Mustang Families: 

We are excited to welcome students back to school tomorrow.  We hope the winter holidays provided time for rest, connection, and renewal with family and friends. As we begin 2026 together, we look forward to a fresh start and continued growth in our learning community. 

Gratitude is extended to Mr. Shelestynsky’s Leadership students for ending 2025 with a memorable pep rally.  Sabiir M. (9-6), Julian W. (9-1), and Elyse P. (9-6) led the school wide celebration as MCs, alongside engaging activities for their peers organized by leadership students.  ALP, 9-1, 9-3, 8-6, 7-5 and 7-6 were recognized for offering a comprehensive understanding of cultural celebrations in their homerooms through the Annual Door Decorating Competition. 

We also congratulate Meily G. (9-10) for winning the December SJAM Reading contest!  She earned a gift card from a local bookstore.  Your child can enter this monthly draw through Ms. Campbell in the Learning Commons.  Every book your child reads entitles them to an entry into this motivational contest.  At SJAM we recognize literacy is a gateway skill, a prerequisite that unlocks other essential skills and allows individuals to reach their full potential and actively participate in society.    

Report Card Date Adjustments: 

Due to job action in the fall, the CBE has shifted reporting expectations by three weeks to provide more time for assessment in the classroom.  Key dates are below: 

• January 27, 2026:  Last day of Semester 1. 
• January 28, 2026:  First day of Semester 2 
• February 24, 2026: Report cards will be viewable by CBE families.  (This date used to be the end of January/beginning of February). 

Education Matters:  

At SJAM, we are incredibly fortunate to receive extra support through donations from Ed Matters.  Several SJAM families stepped up to support our ‘Winter Hamper’ program with important Winter Hamper food and gift card deliveries made during the December snowstorm by staff members.  We could not do it without the generosity of so many anonymous donors!  Thank you for creating a caring learning community. 

Education Matters recently gifted us with a grant for “Equipping Students for Learning”.  If your child needs school supplies or food during the day, please have them speak with Ms. Billeck or Ms. Bethany (Student Services) or Administration (Mr. Kwiatkowski, Mr. Jensen or Ms. Hornby).   

Need Warm Clothing? 

We were able to gift many warm winter coats prior to the holidays.  If your child still needs a coat, toque, or gloves, please contact Ms. Billeck (mibilleck@cbe.ab.ca) in Student Services or visit the admin office. 

Homework Helpers Update:  

The sessions will resume on Tuesday, January 6.  If you have further questions, please reach out to Mr. Jensen (lgjensen@cbe.ab.ca). 

Fun Lunches: 

Our SJAM Parent Council organizes Fun Lunches.  Details at this link:  optional SJAM fun lunch.  If you are available as a parent volunteer for a specific date, please communicate through the Healthy Hunger website and/or email | sjam.council@gmail.com. We appreciate your support! 

Athletics – Mr. Jones 

Our volleyball season will kick off tomorrow! 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.   

Calendar of events: 

Monday January 5: 

1. First day back from Winter holidays 
2. Day one of Volleyball:  see schedule above 

Wednesday January 7:   

1. Literacy Homeroom 
2. optional SJAM fun lunch. 

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

Wednesday January 14:   

1. Well Being Homeroom 
2. optional SJAM fun lunch. 

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

Wednesday January 21:   

1. Math Homeroom 
2. optional SJAM fun lunch. 

January 27, 2026:  Last day of Semester 1. 

January 28, 2026:  First day of Semester 2 

February 24, 2026: Report cards will be viewable by CBE families.  (This date used to be the end of January/beginning of February). 

Together, We Make A Difference!