Dear Mustang Families
We are proud to recognize the following students who were our “Mustangs of the Week” in September and October. Daily, they make positive contributions to our school culture, provide service to the school and strive for academic success. Please know that this short list represents many of the amazing students we have at our school – every SJAM student can earn this honor:
Congratulations to Julian W. (81), Brayden L. (93), Dax A. (98), Delaney W. (97), Skyla L. (93) and Emily R. (75)
Students can nominate their peers through the school wide ‘SJAM Connections’ D2L shell (https://d2l.cbe.ab.ca/d2l/loginh/). Ms. Greenham, Mr. Jones and Mr. Shelestynsky lead the nomination and selection process. These students, and others, may be interested in joining the new Planet Youth ‘Thornlciffe/Huntington Hills Youth Council”: The organizational meetings are taking place on November 28 and December 6: Registration Link
This past Friday, SJAM teachers engaged in professional learning aimed at creating the conditions for your child to thrive at school: in 2024-25, we will be focusing on literacy and learning spaces that foster & honor diversity, equity and inclusion. Further details will be shared in the weeks ahead.
When the Code of Conduct is violated, staff does pursue Progressive Student Discipline as we strive to create welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments. For the first two months, we have focused on ‘empathy’ to encourage others to reflect on how their behavior choices impact others. Parents can help children develop their social-emotional capacity by modelling empathy, helping children express their emotions, demonstrate kindness and take an interest in their neighbours and community. Our classrooms and hallways are calmer, and more students are attending our many Clubs including “Homework Hotel”. As the pivotal leader of learning in your family, you also have a key role to play in nurturing optimal learning conditions for your children.
- ‘Like’ it or not, using social media can cause anxiety, depression, and other health challenges. How can you change your habits? While teen males tend to express aggression physically, females do so relationally by excluding others and sharing hurtful comments. Social media increases the opportunity for such harmful interactions.
- The best way that parents can support learning at home is to encourage their children to connect, wonder, create and explore. Connection with family and friends is pivotal to development, especially in the areas of empathy, communication, cooperation and respect. Children should be encouraged and taught how to develop, maintain and, when necessary, repair relationships. Build a network around your children that is diverse and provides a variety of life experiences, beliefs and ideas. The connections made and skills built will serve your children in the classroom and beyond: How to Help Your Child Succeed at School.
We have students who are struggling to make the right choices: please be confident appropriate progressive discipline measures are in place with an emphasis on eliminating harmful behavior and nurturing a safe learning environment for every student. Please reach out any time you have questions or concerns so Ms. Hornby, Mr. Rachid or Mr. Jensen can speak with you. (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca; morachid@cbe.ab.ca; lgjensen@cbe.ab.ca)
This is a difficult but important message to share to parents: if you are aware of a student (friend of your child?) who may be couch surfing and/or in a very uncertain housing situation, a 'Gear Up' event has been created on Thursday November 7 at the Grandstand on the Stampede Grounds for youth aged 12 – 24 years old. Youth can get connected to a quality backpack, warm meal, winter gear & clothing, haircut, hygiene items, flu shot, advice from a lawyer, medical & dental supports, elder supports and naloxone kits. Please see link if you want to refer someone or would like to volunteer/contribute or call Suzanne (587-225-3693). Youth must be present to collect items.
Leadership Update: Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph
A huge thank you to everyone who came out for our Halloween Dance. Everyone looked great! We would like to send special shoutouts to Shrek for winning the costume competition and to all our volunteers for helping to make the evening possible.
We are excited to share that we raised $673.71 for the Terry Fox Foundation through direct donations and proceeds from our Welcome Back dance. Way to go Mustangs!
Athletics Update: Mr. Jones
Soccer: Congratulations to the Boys Soccer Team for a fantastic season. The boys played in the division final this past Wednesday but unfortunately came up a little bit short, falling 2-0. Great job boys for what was a very competitive game. Big thanks to Mr. Corry, Mr. Dougan and Mr. Rachid for donating their time and expertise to the boys in order to have a season. Well done everyone.
Basketball: League play continues this week with home games happening on two separate nights. The Jr Boys play at 5pm and again at 7pm on Tuesday while the Sr Girls compete at 4:30pm and again at 7:30pm on Wednesday. Fans are welcome to attend and cheer on our Mustangs. 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.
Both the Sr Boys and Sr Girls are competing in a tournament at Clarence Sansom school this Friday and Saturday. Students who are not on the team must have a parent accompany them to be a spectator. Best of luck to both teams!
Community Events
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. In this link, please 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
Planet Youth ‘Thornciffe/Huntington Hills Youth Council”: The organizational meetings - November 28 and December 6 - thorncliffe.huntingtonhills@planetyouthcalgary.com - every SJAM student who wants to make a difference is encouraged to attend! Registration Link
School Calendar
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 Casino 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 sent home last week
Thursday November 7:
- Remembrance Day Assembly at the school
- Last day of classes before the Fall Break
- 'Gear Up' event for 12-24 year olds who are couch surfing and/or in a very uncertain housing situation
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!