Dear Mustang Families: 

On Wednesday morning, our staff were genuinely excited to welcome students back to school. The SJAM teaching team are professional educators who take deep pride in their work. Seeing our students, reconnecting, and supporting them as learners brings us both joy and purpose. We high-fived every student as they entered the doors, a reminder of how much their presence means to us. 

Our re-opening learning activities are grounded in three key principles: Reconnect, Reassure, and Refocus. Teachers are designing learning experiences that emphasize big ideas and integrated outcomes across subjects—helping students regain a sense of belonging and engagement as they transition back into routine. 

Recent events in our province have been challenging for students, families and educators. The government’s decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause has removed teachers’ collective ability to advocate for the learning conditions of Alberta’s students until Aug. 31, 2028. While this is deeply felt across the profession, families still play a powerful role in shaping the future of public education in Alberta. Parents and guardians who wish to share their perspectives may contact: 

  • Premier Danielle Smith: contact 
  • Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides: contact 
  • Your local MLA: contact 
  • The Honourable Amanda Chapman, the MLA for Calgary-Beddington and SJAM, strongly advocates for student learning conditions:  contact 

If you have questions or need support, you are welcome to make an appointment for a discussion with the SJAM Admin team: Ms. Hornby (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca), Mr. Jensen (lgjensen@cbe.ab.ca) and Mr. Kwiatkowski (bakwiatkowski@cbe.ab.ca).   

Updates and Reminders 

Lifetouch School Photos

rescheduled to Tuesday November 4 

Provincial Assessments  

On Friday, Alberta Education announced the cancellation of January Grade 12 Diploma Exams and Grade 9 PATs. At this time, we anticipate assessments will proceed as scheduled in May and June 2026.  PATs will be written by Grade 9 students at SJAM this year, based on current provincial direction.

Individual Program Plans (IPPs)  

The CBE has extended the IPP deadline to November 28th. Please reach out to our team if your child is experiencing learning challenges—we value your insights and partnership in ensuring every student receives the support they need. Our goal remains success for each student, every day—no exceptions. 

RESTART (Grade 7s)

Due to the strike, we will only have three sessions left given the program is popular in Calgary Schools.  We are prioritizing these three themes over the next three Wednesday sessions:  Healthy Relationships, Accountability and Decision making and Risk Taking. 

Take Our Kids to Work Day (Wednesday, November 5)

Some Grade 9 students have inquired about this national event. As we’ve just returned to in-person learning, SJAM teachers will continue with regular curriculum instruction that day. Families who wish for their child to participate may arrange an excused absence by notifying the school. Students who do not participate are expected to attend classes as usual. As an alternative, families may consider arranging a workplace visit on a non-instructional day later this year.   Link:  https://www.studentscommission.ca/events/tokw2025/

Remembrance Day  

Students and staff will participate in a virtual Remembrance Day Assembly on Thursday.  To maximize instructional time, we will move Wednesday’s homeroom time to Thursday.  Thank you to Ms. Armstrong’s Grade 9 band students for their musical expertise, alongside Amy L. and Julian W., our MCs.  Poppies will be provided to every student on Thursday – optional cash donations from students will be forwarded to the Canadian Legion.  Mr. Kwiatkowski has organized this essential event in a short period of time.  You and your family may choose to attend one of these events in Calgary on Tuesday November 11th:  Celebrating Remembrance Day in Calgary 

Looking Ahead 

Please note that the next SJAM Weekly Newsletter will be shared on Sunday, November 16, following the CBE Fall Break. Should any significant updates arise in the meantime, we will send a special edition to keep families informed. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Despite the uncertainty, our shared commitment to students and their learning conditions remains unwavering. It’s a privilege to serve this school community and to witness the resilience and optimism of our learners each day. 

Athletics & PE: Mr. Jones 

We have received many questions from students about the basketball season. We expect to receive further direction from the CBE on Monday (November 3rd) regarding what the remainder of the season might look like. Please stay tuned for updates. 

Online clothing orders were distributed to students on Friday. If your child did not receive their order, please contact the PE office with any questions. 

Calendar of Events 

  • Tuesday, November 4:  Lifetouch Photo Day (Retakes:  December 3) 
  • Wednesday, November 5: 
    • Grade 7s: RESTART 
    • Grade 9s: Optional Take Our Kids to Work Day (regular classes for Grade 9s at SJAM): please call in to excuse your child if they choose to attend your place of work. 
  • Thursday, November 6:  Remembrance Day Virtual Assembly 
  • Monday, November 10, 11 and 12:  CBE Fall Break 
  • Thursday, November 13: Classes resume 
  • Monday, November 17: SJAM Annual Food Drive begins – more details coming 
  • Tuesday, November 18:  In-person SJAM School Council Meeting (6:30 – 8:00 pm) 
  • Wednesday, November 19: 
    • Restart for Grade 7 students 
    • Weekly Homeroom:  theme to be finalized 

Together we make a difference!