Dear Mustang Families
Ramadan Mubarak to all students and families observing the holy month of Ramadan. We have allocated room 23 to be a space where all fasting students can spend the lunch hour and pray. Please let Mr. Rachid, Mr. Jensen or Ms. Hornby know if your child needs any additional accommodations or support.
Congratulations to our February Mustangs of the Week. Alyssa K (82), Bernadette B (77) and Winson L (82), were recognized by their peers and staff members for their ongoing commitment to learning in the classroom, contributions to school activities and participating in leadership opportunities. So many students go above and beyond daily like Alyssa, Bernadette and Winson – we look forward to recognizing more students in the weeks ahead.
On Monday March 17, we will be hosting a ‘Well-Being’ afternoon. The timeframe of less than 2 hours makes it challenging to provide a comprehensive overview but our Well Being Student Champions are optimistic. Schools and communities are key environments to promote mental health and build protective factors such as self-esteem, emotional resilience, positive thinking, problem-solving and social skills, stress management skills and feelings of mastery. These are essential foundations for countering negative factors in the lives of children and youth. (link). As a parent/guardian, you play the most important role in supporting your child: promoting positive mental health.
As a parent, you may be curious about the resources we are using. Please let Ms. Hornby (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca) know if you would like to have access to the powerpoint to review with your child. It is currently being created. A few starting places include:
Alberta: Mental Health in Schools
CBE: Health and Wellness in Schools
CBE Student Well Being Framework
Factors Effecting Mental Health
Gentle reminder: we are continuing to seek feedback from parents on the 2024-25 School Development Plan (7-10 minutes to complete) - Sir John A. Macdonald School Planning Survey 2025 | Middle/Junior.
School Improvement Results: 2023-24
SJAM School Development Plan: 2024-25
SJAM Report to Parents and Guardians on Fees: 2023-24
Leadership: Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph
Retro Day March 6 – It's time to dig way back in your closet to see what gems you can find for Retro Day, this Thursday, March 6. Pick any decade you like and come wearing the greatest fashions of days gone by.
Athletics Update: Mr. Jones
The last week of regular season play is this week. Given we host on Monday and Tuesday, please be aware that unfortunately, student spectators are no longer permitted while family members are encouraged to continue attending. Siblings of players must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. SJAM students will again be reminded in the PE classes this week.
The volleyball game schedule this week:
March 3 (Boys) CI at SJAM | March 4 (Girls) CI at SJAM | March 5 NO GAMES | March 6 NO GAMES |
The playoff schedule will be announced as soon as the division team rankings are finalized. Stay tuned.
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.
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
Thursday March 6: Retro Spirit Day
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:
- 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
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 interviews are during the day.
- If the CUPE strike continues: all interviews likely online.
- If the CUPE strike ends: in person Conferences on Thursday; virtual on Friday.
Together we make a difference!