Dear Mustang Families: 

Earlier this morning, you received a comprehensive email about the CUPE Local 40 strike picket lines at John Diefenbaker High School which are currently planned for the week of March 10 daily between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  We value the contributions of all employees who support student success, and we respect the bargaining process. We continue to bargain in good faith with CUPE Local 40 to reach an agreement.  For all information about labour action, please visit the labour action web page. Please reach out to Ms. Hornby (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca) should you have questions or concerns.  

On Monday March 10, our Grade 9 students will be engaged in a presentation on drugs and alcohol created by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) from 9:00 – 10:00 am.  Here is a video that provides a strong overview for parents:  MADD Canada 2024-2025 School Program promotional video.  If you think your child will be triggered, please email Ms. Hornby (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca).   

Last week, CBC also released an article on groundbreaking research identifying some precursors that may predict why youth turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism (impulsivity, sensation seeking, anxiety sensitivity and hopelessness):  How targeting teenage drug use before it starts seems to be paying off.  We do not currently have this program in our province but the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Center offers support to Calgary families. A good starting point for concerned parents:  Signs of Addiction and a checklist.  Alberta Health Services also has excellent resources.  We just include our Grade 9 students in the MADD presentation given the maturity of the topic.  Next week, we will discuss drug and alcohol use in our ‘Well Being’ afternoon on March 17th based on student recommendations.  Please reach out to Ms. Billeck, Ms. Bethany, Mr. Rachid, Mr. Jensen or Ms. Hornby if you would benefit from additional support. 

Our Grade 7 parents are reminded to please complete the  Alberta Education Assurance Survey  - our Grade 7 students will be doing the survey this week.  As part of the ongoing commitment to providing a world-class education for Alberta’s children, Alberta Education will again be conducting their annual survey of grades 4, 7 and 10 students and their parents or guardians. The completion of the survey is voluntary and anonymous, as is completion of each question within the survey. The survey will gather important information about students’ and parents’ school experiences and will help to inform continuous improvement in our education system.  Our staff completed the survey last week.  If you have any questions, please email Mr. Rachid (morachid@cbe.ab.ca).  Full details were emailed to impacted families on Monday March 3rd.

The City of Calgary is seeking volunteers to support summer camps.  Your child can gain valuable life skills while building their resumes.  Please see flyer for full details – City of Calgary Summer Volunteers 2025 

  • Applications for summer opportunities open March 1, 2025.  
  • For more information, and to apply, go to calgary.ca/volunteer/recreation OR call 311. 
  • Roles:   Recreation Day Camps & Park n’ Play Assistant (13 – 16 years old) or Sailing Assistant (14+ years old; sailing experience and CanSail 4) 
  • A minimum 2-week commitment is required. A screening process will take place which may include an interview, reference checks, police information check, and mandatory training. 
  • Some SJAM students were selected last summer! 

Athletics Update: Mr. Jones  

Volleyball playoffs are here.  Best of luck to all Mustang teams!  Due to the CUPE strike, only parents of players are allowed as spectators.  Siblings of student-athletes are allowed if accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Jr Boys 

  • Semi Finals -- Wednesday, March 12 at 4pm.  
  • Should the boys win, the championship Match is on Monday March 17 (time/location TBD) 

Sr Boys 

  • Quarter Finals - SJAM at TBR on Monday, March 10 at 4:00pm 
  • Should the boys win, the semi-finals are at Queen E on Wednesday, March 12  
  • Championship Match:  Monday March 17 (time/location TBD) 

Jr Girls: 

  • Quarter Finals – SJAM at QE on Tuesday, March 11 at 4:00 pm 
  • Should the girls win, the semi-finals are at SPB on Thursday, March 13 4:00 pm 
  • Championship Match: Tuesday March 18 (time/location TBD) 

Sr Girls  

  • Quarter finals – SJAM at SPB on Tuesday March 11 at 4pm. 
  • Should the girls win, the semi-finals are at Queen E. on Thursday March 13th @ 4:00 pm. 
  • Championship Match: Tuesday, March 18 (time/location TBD) 

Leadership:  Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph 

We are excited to be planning an “SJAM’s Got Talent” showcase of our awesome students.  The event will take place at lunch in April, date(s) TBA based on participation.  Please encourage your child to sign up this week in the foyer at lunch and after school. Students can also see Ms. Ralph or Ms. Hudson in room 6 if they have questions. 

Community News:   CBE Staff are not present at these events.  

Free Tax Clinics in Calgary - March and April: pre-sign up required.  Thornhill Recreation Center (6715 Center Street NW).  Monday April 7 (12:30 – 2:00 pm) and Monday April 14 (1:30 – 4:30 pm).   Phone 403-910-5952 or see the website information:   Grow With Trellis  NO WALK INS please. 

Closer to Home:    

School Calendar   

Ongoing     

  • The CBE is committed to supporting student learning and well-being while maintaining safe and welcoming school environments for students, staff, and families.  All updates will be at:  CBE Labour Action.   
  • Homework Hotel – Monday to Thursday (your child can stay indoors at lunchtime)!   
  • Targeted MATH support with Ms. Sterling at lunch:  Thursdays    

Monday March 10:  MADD presentation for Grade 9 students (9:00 – 10:00 am):  Mothers Against Drunk Drivers - ‘no alcohol, no drugs, no victims’ 

  • If you think your child will be triggered by the MADD presentation, please let Ms. Hornby know (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca) so an alternate activity can be considered.  

March 11 – 13:  Grade 7 students will be completing the Alberta Education Assurance Survey 

Friday March 15:     

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.   

Monday March 17:  Special Homeroom on Mental Well-Being (regular classes in the morning) 

Tuesday March 18 and Wednesday March 19: Optional Grade 9 Immunizations – notices were provided to families by AHS.  If you need support or have questions, please contact Ms. Reynolds (sareynolds@cbe.ab.ca).   

Tuesday March 18:   

  • Afternoon: Diefenbaker Staff will come by SJAM to formally enroll Grade 9s in high school classes. 
  • School Council Meeting (6:30 – 8:00 pm) - online if the CUPE strike continues 

Wednesday March 19:  Locker cleanout before Spring Break 

Thursday March 20 and Friday March 21: Student-Teacher-Parent Conferences.   

  • Students will attend school on Thursday given conferences are in the evening. 
  • No school for students on Friday given conferences are during the day. 
  • All conferences are virtual. 

Monday March 24 – 28:  Spring Break – no classes for students or staff - 2024-25 CBE Instructional Calendar 

Monday March 31:  classes resume 

Together we make a difference!