Dear Mustang Families,
As we enter the last two months of school, SJAM Leadership students have been active in supporting several events including:
- Monday May 5: Red Dress Day | Amnesty International Canada: a National Day of Remembrance and activism honoring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S+). On this day, red dresses will be draped in trees, hanging from windows, pinned to jackets, worn as earrings and red hands painted across faces, people will be partaking in rallies and ceremonies to honor their loved ones, participating as ally’s and fighting for justice.
- Wednesday May 7: Hats on For Mental Health: Albertans are invited to wear a hat to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health. The SJAM community is encouraged to wear hats on Wednesday to mark their support. As the primary caregiver, you do have access to multiple agencies in Calgary to support your child:
- The Summit: Center for Youth Resiliency
- Mental Health supports in Calgary: link
- Calgary Zone: Alberta Health Services
- Thursday May 8: Last dance of the year – Stampede Theme! (5:00 – 7:30 pm)
- $4.00 tickets on sale Monday to Wednesday. Students can privately seek out Ms. Hornby, Mr. Rachid or Mr. Jensen by Wednesday if they can’t afford to purchase a ticket.
- If your child plans on attending, we do watch attendance on Thursday – learners need to be in class to be eligible to attend. Caregivers are asked to please call in essential appointments to excuse student absences.
- Thank you to the many parents who stepped up to volunteer!
- Prep Society Fundraiser: We are still collecting donations for the Prep Society, inspiring families on the journey of inclusion for their child with Down syndrome, in the foyer this week. If we can raise $300 as a school, 12 teachers will have a bucket of ice water dumped on them at the Pep Rally on May 14... If every student donates $1, we will easily reach our goal!
High performing schools have high performing students. We are so fortunate to have many Mustangs that are committed to their personal success, while enhancing the school community. Congratulations to Liam C. (7-6), Shayleigh M. (8-1), Jade L. (7-3), Katrina B. (7-5), and Ethan L. (9-5) for being recognized as the "Mustang of the Week" by their peers and staff as they enrich the learning environment inside and outside the classroom. We appreciate YOU!
Athletics - Mr. Jones
Starting on Monday May 5, the track season is officially underway. Please see dates and times in our 2025 Track and Field Schedule document. This schedule has been posted outside our gym for students to see. We are delighted to have 13 coaches offer up their time to volunteer. Amazing!!! Our coach’s teaching locations (i.e. room number) and practice meeting locations are found here. Please note that the weather could cause the schedule to change. We will try to keep the students informed should things change. Thank you for your understanding.
IMPORTANT--If athletes cannot attend a tryout for whatever reason (i.e. sick, doctor appointment, holiday etc.), it is highly recommended that students inform the coaches of their absence via a face-to-face conversation or an email before the tryout. Having the students take responsibility for their athletic aspirations is part of the learning we want the students to have. We have updated our website to better inform parents on the tryout process: link.
Badminton players are practicing hard as they prepare for their upcoming badminton tournaments. Keep it going Mustangs!
Community News - CBE Staff are not present at Community Events
Ribbon Skirt Making Workshops
May 7 and May 14 (5:00 – 7:00 pm) - Location: FRN (Unit 3, 176 Bedford Drive NE, Calgary). Brought to students by Trellis and City of Calgary Community Social Workers. These hands-on sessions will be led by Carleen and Jen, skilled NW residents, who will guide participants through making ribbon skirts over the course of two workshops. Each session is designed to build on the last, with a focus on creativity and confidence. Registration link: Closer to Home Ribbon Making
Girls' Resilience, Empowerment and Transformation (GREAT) Program
Building Female Leaders for the Future - A cohort-based, in-person weekly program for girls aged 13-16 to build resilience, confidence, and leadership skills; Free bus tickets provided for those who need them. Each session includes snacks and learning resources; Current cohort underway and accepting registrations until May 7th; Condensed 1 week cohorts being offered in July & August; More Details & Registration: 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
School Calendar
Ongoing
- Homework Hotel – Monday to Thursday (your child can stay indoors at lunchtime)!
- Targeted MATH support with Ms. Sterling at lunch: Thursdays
- Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (new Canadians) free afterschool program on Monday at SJAM. Contact: Sevim Kocak - SKocak@cbfy.ca
- 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 May 5 – Wednesday May 7: Dance tickets on sale. Note: we do not sell tickets on the day of the dance because attendance is tracked. Students are expected to attend all classes in a timely manner, to be eligible to attend dances. Excused absences (medical or dentist appointments) are permitted – parents are asked to make sure they call the school to excuse their children.
Wednesday May 7
- Hats on For Mental Health
- Band Performances at Elementary Schools (full day field trip)
- Grade 8 Outdoor Ed Field Trip (no band students in this Outdoor Ed class)
Thursday May 8 - (5:00 – 7:30 pm): Stampede Dance
Monday May 12 - Grade 7 Badminton Tournament
Tuesday May 13 – Grade 9 Badminton Tournament
Wednesday May 14 - Pep Rally – Ice bucket challenge!
Thursday May 15
- Grade 8 Badminton Tournament
- Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa Trip departs YYC
Friday May 16 - No school for students – professional learning day for teachers
Monday May 19 - Victoria Day – no school for students or staff
Tuesday May 20 - Last School Council Meeting of 2024-25: AGM – election of members for 2025-26
Wednesday May 21 - Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa Trip returns to Calgary
Thursday May 22 - Fine Arts Evening
Tuesday May 27 - Band Field Trip – Elementary School Performances
Thursday May 29
- Grade 9 ELA PAT: Part A
- Grade 6 Open House: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Together we make a difference!