Dear Mustang Families
As we move towards spring break, Monday afternoon will be a special homeroom embracing themes related to ‘Well Being’. Students will learn more about how they define their own well-being, how to nurture healthy friendships, sleep hygiene, social media and computer game addictions, drug and alcohol consumption, meditation, where to get mental health support in Calgary and how to define ‘personal happiness’. Your children will have a six-page handout capturing these themes. To access the videos, students can go into the “SJAM Connections” D2L shell on Monday. Students will also visit a Club Walk in the Learning Commons. Thank you to our ‘Well Being Champions’ {Bernadette B (7-7), Mattias H (9-5), Amy L (8-2), Emerson M. (7-2), Joy O (8-7), Brian O (8-4), Julian W (8-1}, Ms. Greenham and Ms. Hornby for organizing the afternoon.
Please join SJAM’s School Council on Tuesday for their monthly meeting (6:30 – 8:00 pm). The agenda and Teams link will be shared on Tuesday morning. Presentations include Students Council, Ms. Kwan (Literacy Program) and Mr. Rachid, Mr. Jensen and Ms. Hornby (Admin Report). You are able to watch the virtual meeting from the comfort or your home.
SJAM Leadership classes have organized another important event. Wear your mismatched socks this Thursday to show your support for World Down’s Syndrome Day, a global awareness event which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. All over the world, events are held to amplify the voices of people who have Down’s syndrome, highlighting their vital role in our communities and calling for their full participation in anything that affects their lives. You can check out more information at What is World Downs Syndrome Day?
It still isn’t too late to sign up for Virtual Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences on Thursday evening and Friday morning. Due to the CUPE strike, all conferenes are online. There are no classes on Friday to accommodate conferences. Some teachers still have room to see parents: How to book an Conference with the CBE. If you are having problems, please email Mr. Rachid (morachid@cbe.ab.ca) or Ms. Hornby (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca). They can offer you logistical support. You can also email teachers to request a phone call if you are uncomfortable with TEAMS: SJAM Staff
Link to Book: MyCBE
With students at home next week for Spring Break, you may want to explore these possibilities:
City of Calgary Free Activities for Families
Family Fun Canada Spring Break Events
If your child plans on working at the Calgary Stampede this summer, spring break is a good time to apply for a Social Insurance Number if your child doesn’t have one yet.
Athletics Update: Mr. Jones
Big congratulations to the Jr Boys for winning their semifinal game on Wednesday night in a three set nailbiter against Queen Elizabeth school. With this win, the Jr Boys earned the right to play for the division title on Monday against Colonel Irvine School. Good luck boys and GO MUSTANGS!
As the season begins to wrap up, we would like to acknowledge the Sr Boys, Jr Girls and Sr Girls, for their commitment and hard work this season. Many thanks to all the parents that drove and were supportive of your child in their athletic endeavors. Also, incredible gratitude is extended to Ms. Dawson, Ms. Saker, Mr. S, Ms. Isackson, Mr. Le, Ms. Vahaaho and Ms. Zakus for leading the Jr Girls, Sr Girls, Sr Boys and Jr Boys respectively. Coaching volleyball requires a lot of sacrifice of the coach's personal time. Without them there is no season.
There have been inquiries about the upcoming badminton season that was scheduled to start on April 1st. Please note that due to the CUPE labour actions, all middle and junior high schools across our board have been directed to postpone the badminton season until further notice.
Leadership: Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph
We are so excited to see how many people signed up for the talent show! Stay tuned for details about auditions when we return from the break. We are also looking forward to our Down Syndrome event on Thursday.
Community Events - Note: CBE Staff is not present at these activities.
Girls' Resilience, Empowerment and Transformation (GREAT) Program - Building Female Leaders for the Future
- A cohort-based, in-person weekly program for girls aged 14-16 to build resilience, confidence, and leadership skills.
- Free bus tickets provided for those who need them. Each session includes snacks and learning resources.
Next cohort starts April 16 – now accepting registrations at makingchangesassociation.ca/great
My Best Friend’s Closet - Providing Essential Clothing for Teen Girls
- Supporting low-income girls aged 12-17 with confidence-boosting outfits to help them stay in school.
- 90-minute sessions. Now accepting referrals & self-registrations! Donations and volunteers are also welcome.
- More Details & Registration: makingchangesassociation.ca/my-best-friends-closet
The Community Health Promotion Services team with Recovery Alberta is offering a 3 Part series starting next week, March 18 for families. Please see the flyer – Support for Families . This 3-part presentation by the Community Health Promotion Services Team (CHPS) addresses important issues affecting youth today.
- The 1st session focuses on helping parents, caregivers, and mentors engage in conversations about substance use, including alcohol and cannabis, to support informed decision-making.
- The 2nd session covers the rising concern of vaping among youth, providing insights into devices, substances, and strategies for effective conversations,
- The 3rd session explores the impact of screen time, social media, and video gaming on youth mental health and well-being, offering practical tips for fostering healthy digital habits.
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 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.
- Online School Council Meeting (6:30 – 8:00 pm)
Wednesday March 19: Locker cleanout before Spring Break
Thursday March 20: In celebration of ‘World Down Syndrome Day’, students and staff are encouraged to wear mismatched socks.
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 interviews 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!