Dear Mustang Families
We are excited to share several students joined us in the Homework Hotel this week. The learning space is available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the Learning Commons from 12:45 to the end of lunch. Students are asked to bring a learning task to receive academic support from the teacher supervisors, or to work independently. Laptops are available for learning purposes as well – computer games are not available. Please encourage your child to attend if they need extra time in school to complete essential learning tasks.
Grade 6 Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) results will be coming home soon for all Grade 7 students. These standardized tests reflect the essentials that all Alberta students are expected to achieve, regardless of school choice or location. Grade 9 learners will be writing in May and June at SJAM. Every school board in Alberta uses the results to improve teaching practices in our schools: CBE and PATs. Further details about our School Development Plan will be released soon: we are committed to success for each student, every day, no exceptions, alongside each of our families. Thank you for recognizing these tests are one of many measures that schools utilize in their assessment practices. PAT results are not used for report cards. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Hornby (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca).
Leadership Update: Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph
Our Halloween dance is set for October 24 (5:00 - 7:30 pm), and we are looking forward to a great event! This is our first evening dance of the year, so we are hoping that you can support your child to help prepare. Some important information/ reminders:
- The cost to attend this dance is $4; students can sign up to attend in the school Foyer at lunch and after school (Monday Oct. 21 - Wednesday Oct. 23rd). Please contact Ms. Hornby, Mr. Jensen or Mr. Rachid by Wednesday should you wish your child to be exempt from the fee. Attendance is tracked on Thursday.
- Be at school to be at the dance. Students must be present for all classes on October 24 unless they have a medical/dentist appointment. "Regular" attendance in classes since the beginning of the school year is also a determining factor in being a guest at school dances; extenuating circumstances such as illness or family events will be taken into consideration.
- Faces must be clearly visible.
- Dress in school appropriate costumes or black and orange as possible. Costumes must be respectful, school appropriate, and not include face masks, weapons, profanity, or disrespectful cultural interpretations.
- Students are to come to the dance to enjoy time with friends and to dance. Be present with each other in a positive way – phones and all bags/ purses are to be put in lockers upon arrival and students will not have access to them for the whole dance. Surround yourself with people who you have positive relationships with…and dance.
- Plan to stay for the duration of the dance. Students are expected to stay at the dance once they arrive. If a student needs to leave early, s/he/they must have written parent permission to leave at a specific time, arranged prior to arrival at the dance.
- Food and drink need to be consumed in the front foyer. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle. Limited snack choices will be available for purchase for $1 or $2. Any proceeds go to SJAM toy and food drive. Bringing small change is helpful - pockets are also helpful as there are no bags, purses etc.. Please bring money with you as you won’t be able to go to lockers during the event.
Please also remind students to ensure they have a safe way to get home following the dance.
Athletics Update: Mr. Jones
Soccer
Boys: On Monday October 21, the Boys' Soccer team will be hosting a playoff game against GP Vanier. The boys welcome any fan support as they strive for a great playoff run.
Girls: The Girls soccer season came to an end this past Thursday with a playoff defeat to TB Riley School. Big thanks to the girls’ team for representing our school to the best of their ability. Also, HUGE thanks to Ms. Dawson, Ms. Saker and Ms. MacPhee for their generous donation of time leading the girls this season.
Basketball
League play continues this week for all four of our teams with the Jr Girls hosting Monday Oct 21st. SJAM plays at 4:30pm and again at 7:30pm. Go Mustangs! Spectators are welcome but please see below regarding our fan policy.
CBE middle schools have set similar expectations for games that promote safety, respect, and a positive experience for all. At SJAM and other schools, these expectations exist:
- All visiting student spectators/athletes must be under the direct supervision of a designated adult for the duration of the games.
- There are no in and out privileges for spectators. If you leave the building, you should not re-enter.
- Student spectators without parental supervision will be directed by the hosting school administration to leave the building.
- All spectators - students or adults - are expected to cheer and support players/coaches/referees/parents/guardians in a positive manner.
- Disrespectful behaviors will be addressed by school administration promptly and may result in spectators being directed to leave the game and the school building.
- Parents/guardians who bring younger children are responsible at all times for their direct supervision. Please ensure that they are not wandering the halls and playing on PE equipment in the gym/on stage.
Community Events: CBE staff are not present.
Cyber Safety: Tuesday October 22 (6:00 – 7:30 pm). Free event presented by YouthLink, brought to you by the Huntington Hills Community Wellness Series. Thornhill Office Boardroom (6617 Center Street North) - access through the Family Day Home Agency. Intended for youth, parents and seniors. Registration required: christina.buchan@calgary.ca
Annual Pipe Ceremony & Oral Truthing: October 31 (9:30 – 11:30 am). Grey Eagle Resort and Casino; hosted by Planet Youth. Honoring our commitment to support the health and well-being of young people in our city. Community feast will follow the ceremony providing time for making relatives. Free – please pre-register at this link.
Teen Art Classes: 13-16 year olds. Classes on Friday (12:30 – 2:00 pm) at Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association. Scroll down for program details.
Hate and Discrimination Workshop: Tuesday November 5 (6:00 – 8:00 pm). Hosted by the City of Calgary. Presented by Derrick Campbell with the Alberta Hate Crime Coordination Unit. Thorncliffe Community Association (5600 Center Street North). Registration required: christina.buchan@calgary.ca
School Calendar
Thursday October 24: Halloween Dance (5:00 - 7:30 pm)
Friday October 25: Professional Learning Day for teachers (no school for CBE students)
October 30: Career Fair at James Fowler High School – 6:00 – 8:30 pm - join CAREERS and employer partners who will be showcasing career pathways for Alberta youth. Students can explore paid internship opportunities and network with industry experts.
November 6 and 7: Our SJAM Parent Fundraising Society needs your help with our upcoming Fundraiser: SJAM Parent Sign Up link. THANK YOU to the many family members that have donated their time.
Wednesday November 6: optional event for Grade 9 students – Take Your Kid to Work Day – handout coming home on Monday
Thursday November 7:
- Remembrance Day Assembly at the school
- Last day of classes before the Fall Break
Friday November 8: Indigenous Ways of Knowing Professional Learning Day: no school for students
November 11 – 13: CBE Fall Break – no school for students or staff
Thursday November 14: Classes resume
Tuesday November 19:
- Picture Retake day
- School Council Meeting #3: In person in the Learning Commons (6:30 – 8:00 pm)
Student-Teacher-Parent Conferences:
Thursday November 28: In person Student-Teacher-Parent Conferences (4:00 – 8:00 pm)
Friday November 29: Virtual Student-Teacher-Parent Conferences (8:30 – 1:30 pm)
- Sign up details in a few weeks
- You can ALWAYS reach out to SJAM staff – if you have concerns, please do reach out before the end of November
Together We Make A Difference!