Dear Mustang Families 

A huge thank you is extended to the families that attended our Fine Arts Evening this past Thursday.  Led by Ms. MacLennan (Art), Ms. Armstrong (Band), Ms. Tremblay (Drama), Ms. Dawson (Foods) and Mr. Parsons (Construction), SJAM students showcased their projects to loved ones.  We have one of the strongest Junior High Fine Arts and Construction programs in the CBE – congratulations to the many students who immerse themselves in the learning opportunities provided.  We wish our Band well as they visit more elementary feeder schools on Tuesday, alongside Ms. Armstrong and volunteers!

We would also like to welcome home the 48 SJAM travelers from Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City.  Ms. Zakus, Mr. O’Lain, Ms. Saker and Mr. Jensen shared that our students were exceptional to travel with.  Despite the incredibly long days, travelers embraced the many visits to museums, famous Canadian sites and tourist areas.  Ms. Campbell created some slides for our TVs at school to share photos of these adventures.  Gratitude is extended to our travelers for having high expectations of themselves and each other, alongside our Mustang Families who funded this adventure.  We hope to offer this trip every two years.  Students final meeting will be held on Tuesday at lunch.   

Families may be aware of a 'Senior Assassin Game' water gun game that is trending across Canada.  We will continue to remind students that water guns are not allowed in the school, and they cannot be filled in the bathrooms.  Should water guns be found, they are taken away and stored in a safe area.  Parents have the option of picking them up or we will donate the water guns to charity.  If families want to organize a water gun game, you are welcome to do so off school property.  Please be reminded that water guns are sometimes mistaken for a lethal firearm. 

On Thursday May 29, 100% of SJAM students will participate in an English Language Arts writing task.  For our Grade 9s, this is Part A of the PAT.  Humanities teachers have offered grade specific instructions to each of your children – we are confident the writing conditions will allow 100% of learners to experience success. 

Please note: if your child is appearing anxious about this summative learning task, please reassure them.  The Grade 9 PATs are not for marks and have minimal impact on your child’s education moving forward.  However, the results will be shared to provide parents, students and teachers with a snapshot of how students are doing when compared to provincial standards.  We still encourage students to do their best!  What strategies work for your child to reduce stress and anxiety?  These opportunities are a great chance to practice.  This article may prove helpful as you support your child:  Test anxiety: Can it be treated? - Mayo Clinic 

Starting at 8:13 am, Grade 7, 8 and 9 students will move to the location in the chart below.   At some point, grade 7 and 8 students will enjoy Physical Education Activities alongside Mr. Jones, Mr. O’Lain Mr. Shelestynsky and Mr. Manery.  Grade 9 students are unable to engage in this activity due to Alberta Education PAT writing requirements.     

Athletics Update:  Mr. Jones 

Track and field practices continue this week as team selection is right around the corner.  Many practices this week overlap with one other.  Please remind your child to communicate with their coaches if they are missing one activity to attend another.  The most updated track schedule can be found here.

There was an oversight regarding the “shout-outs” for the badminton coaches.  I (Mr. Jones) failed to make mention of Ms. Schoen who also graciously donated her time to help our young athletes reach their athletic potential.  Being a new teacher, there were zero expectations for her to help out and she did so selflessly.  Thank-you Ms. Schoen for your time and commitment.   

Community News:  CBE Staff do not attend these events. 

Tuesday June 17: 1:00 – 3:30 pm – City of Calgary Event - Exploring Our Place in Reconciliation:  This hands-on event will give you tools to reflect on your learning action to support Reconciliation through action!  Through collages, writing, and discussion, participants will explore themes of fear, bravery and action.  By the end of the session, participants will have plans for meaningful collective and individual actions in our communities.  Please register by emailing Sage:  sage.wheeler-ramnauth@calgary.ca.  

City of Calgary Grant: Do you live in Highland Park, Huntington Hills or Greenview?  Small actions can have big impacts.  Our grants help residents take action towards building inclusive neighborhoods.  Grants up to $1,000 are provided for activities focusing on social inclusion, economic participation, anti-racism or truth and reconciliation.  For more information, please email: christina.buchan@calgary.ca; sage.wheeler-ramnauth@calgary.ca. 

For the rest of these City of Calgary events, Recreation Fee Assistance is Available through Fair Entry: Fee Assistance 

Live and Play (Fine Arts and many other activities):  City of Calgary Registered Programs Link 

Basketball – offered at the Genesis Center - Link 

Volleyball – offered at the Genesis Center - link 

Tennis – locations vary and some are to be determined - link 

Rugby – offered at Dover - link 

Soccer Lessons in Huntington Hills:  link 

When:  July 8 – 31 

Where:  Sir John A. Macdonald School Field 

Ages 6 – 8:  Tuesday and Thursdays – 6:15 – 7:30 pm – Course ID 109940 

Ages 9 – 12:  Tuesday and Thursdays – 7:30 – 8:45 pm – Course ID 109942 

Cricket Lessons in Huntington Hills:  link 

When:  July 6 – August 24 on Sunday 

Where:  Sir John A. Macdonald School Field 

Ages 6 – 8:  9:15 – 10:30 am – Course ID 109902 

Ages 9 –12:  10:30 – 11:45 am – Course ID 109905 

Sports Lessons:  July 7 – July 30 

Monday and Wednesday – Thornciliffe Greenview Community Association and Rec Center 

9 – 12 years old:  Course ID – 109916 

13 – 17 year olds:  Course ID – 100918 

Soccer Lessons in Huntington Hills:  link 

When:  July 8 – 31 on Tuesday/Thursday 

Where:  Sir John A Macdonald School Field 

Ages 6 – 8:   – Course ID 109940 

Ages 9 – 12:   – Course ID 109942 

Badminton:  link 

When:  July 7 – 30 

Where:  Thorncliffe Greenview Communication Association and Rec Center 

Ages 9 – 12:  5:15 – 6:30 pm – Course ID:  109916 

Ages 13 – 17:  6:30 – 7:45 pm – Course ID:  109918 

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     

Tuesday May 27:  Band Field Trip – Elementary School Performances 

Wednesday May 28:  Make up day for Grade 7, 8 and 9 vaccinations by Alberta Health 

Thursday May 29:   

• Grade 9 ELA PAT:  Part A 
• Grade 7 and 8:  Written Response in their classrooms 
• Grade 6 Open House:  5:30 – 7:00 pm 

Thursday June 5:  Band Spring Concert (7:00 – 8:30 pm) 

Friday June 6: SJAM Library books due. 

Wednesday June 11:  Track and Field Meet 

Thursday June 12:  Soup Sisters at lunch 

Friday June 13:   

• Grade 9 Math PAT – Part A (no calculators) 
• Locker clean out 

Monday June 16:  Grade 9 PAT - ELA Part B (multiple choice) 

Tuesday June 17:  Grade 9 PAT - Math Part B (calculators allowed – no graphic calculators permitted) 

Wednesday June 18:  Grade 9 PAT - Social Studies 

Thursday June 19:  Grade 9 PAT – Science 

Wednesday June 25:  Grade 9 Farewell  

• 5:40 pm:  doors open 
• 6:00pm:   Program begins 
• 7:00 - 9:00 pm:  Dance for the Grade 9 students 

Thursday June 26:   

• Final Assembly – students dismissed at 10:19 am 
• Mark appeals:  1:00 – 3:00 pm 

Friday June 27:  Mark appeals:  8:00 – 11:00 am 

Together we make a difference!