Dear Mustang Families:
We look forward to welcoming students back to school tomorrow morning. With the CUPE strike ending, school activities will resume with after-school Clubs being restored alongside athletics, evening events and the Chinese Academy on Saturday. Please stay tuned for further updates with internal organization going back into full swing. We also welcome Mr. Xiao, Ms. Gytaso and Mr. Myers back – our hard-working Facility Operator Team. You were missed a great deal!
Please be advised that Ms. Billeck (Student Services Learning Leader) is experiencing an extended spring break to participate in a family adventure for the next two weeks. If you have questions related to IPPs or supports for your children, please email your teacher advisor or the Admin Team: Ms. Hornby (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca), Mr. Rachid (morachid@cbe.ab.ca) and Mr. Jensen (lgjensen@cbe.ab.ca). Mustang Station, a space for all students to self-regulate and get academic support, will remain open due to the hiring of a temporary teacher, Ms. Jiwani. Mr. Parsons will also be off for an additional week, while Mr. Shea (retired construction teacher) will support the absence.
Over spring break, we anticipated that the Sir John A. Macdonald school sign would be replaced. This installation has been delayed unfortunately. We join you in being hopeful the new sign will be installed soon.
Congratulations are extended to Julia Z (8-1), Philip N (7-5), and Luke C (9-5) for their leadership inside and outside the classroom leading to their recognition by students and staff as ‘Mustang of the Week’ in March. Great schools are shaped by the outstanding leadership of student leaders – we value and appreciate Julia, Philip and Luke’s contributions to athletics, leadership activities, Clubs, support of their classmates, and their commitment to learning in the classroom. Gratitude is extended to our student leaders!
School Council parents are restarting ‘Healthy Hunger' to support lunch food choices. If you are interested and don’t have an account, please access the link on the SJAM School Council website: scroll halfway down the page for the link please.
The Alberta Health Services Learning Series is brought to you by the Community Health Promotion Services team with Recovery Alberta. The next session is Wednesday, April 9, focusing on Vaping and Youth. This session covers the rising concern of vaping among youth, providing insights into devices, substances, and strategies for effective conversations. Vaping and Youth | April 9 | 11:30am
Athletics Update: Mr. Jones
We are excited to have the opportunity to have a badminton season for our students. The following staff members have generously offered up their time to work with our Mustangs:
- Grade 7 – Mr. Manery and Ms. Vahaaho
- Grade 8 -- Mr. Jensen and Mr. Dougan
- Grade 9 – Ms. Greenham and Ms. Hopley
Please note that the badminton tournament dates have been set. Please see the dates below to help avoid scheduling conflicts with your child’s other extracurricular activities.
- Grade 7 – Monday May 12
- Grade 8 – Thursday May 15
- Grade 9 – Tuesday May 13
Leadership: Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph
We can’t wait to see the wonderful acts that signed up to audition for the talent show! Auditions will be held Tuesday April 1 and Wednesday April 2 at lunch. The schedule is posted in the student ‘SJAM Connections’ D2L shell. Instrumental performances will be in the band room, singing in room 6 and others on the stage. Please remind your child to bring any accompanying music and or props required. Tuesday April 8 will be a make-up day if anyone misses. Performances will be held April 15-17 at lunch.
Community Events
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 16th – 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. Each 90-minute session provides 35+ items, including pants, tops, jackets, shoes, gym clothes, jewelry, and other essentials. Now accepting referrals & self-registrations! Donations and volunteers are also welcome. More Details & Registration: makingchangesassociation.ca/my-best-friends-closet
Power Up Your Health: Alberta Healthy Living Program April Newsletter (Link to sign up for the monthly newsletter - Link).
Huntington Hills Food Pantry is moving: Mini poster
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
Monday March 31: classes resume after spring break.
Tuesday April 1 and Wednesday April 2: Talent Show Auditions at lunch – schedule in the ‘SJAM Connections’ D2L shell If students can’t get into the D2L shell, they can email Ms. Hornby (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca).
Tuesday April 8: Make up day for Talent Show Auditions
Thursday, April 10 (5:00pm to 8:00pm): Grade 9 Round Dance at Ernest Manning High School (20 Springborough BLVD SW). Personalized invitations coming to families soon!
Tuesday April 15
- Talent Show at lunch in the gym
- 6:30 – 8:00 pm - In person School Council Meeting in the Learning Commons
Wednesday April 16: Talent Show at lunch in the gym
Thursday April 17:
- Cosplay Spirit Day in support of Calgary Expo (Student Choice)
- Talent Show at lunch in the gym
Monday May 12 – Grade 7 Badminton Tournament
Tuesday May 13 – Grade 9 Badminton Tournament
Thursday May 15 – Grade 8 Badminton Tournament
Together we make a difference!