Dear Mustang Families: 

This past week, it was a pleasure to welcome your children to the 2024-25 school year.  During our opening activities, we emphasized the significant role each student plays in generating a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment.  Together we watched these videos: 

You are encouraged to watch the video(s) and discuss the possibilities with your child.  Initiatives such as our anti-bullying policies, embracing dates of significance, the Alberta Government’s new personal mobile device policy, a strong Athletics program, an array of school Clubs and an emphasis of strong professional learning communities will continue to nurture the conditions for every student to be successful.  Challenges inevitably arise – please know that SJAM staff are committed to working with you to generate conditions for your child to enjoy coming to school.  All families are encouraged to reach out, when required:  Staff list. 

New in 2024-25:  As part of our ongoing learning, students at Sir John A Macdonald School will have an opportunity to participate in a unique learning opportunity about the traditional practice of smudge daily. Students wishing to participate in this optional activity are asked to meet outside the portable doors at the Infinity Garden, in the mornings between 7:50 and 7:55.  Full details are in the letter:  Smudging Letter for SJAM Families September 2024 

Athletic Update

Mr. Jones (sdjones@cbe.ab.ca)  

Fit Club:  100% of students who participate in Fit Club generate significant improvements to their overall health and well-being.  All students are welcome to attend on Monday after school and Friday morning (7:00 am) throughout the school year.  If your child is struggling to ‘make’ a team, please encourage them to strongly consider improving their overall fitness by accessing our Fit Club. 

Student-athletes are strongly encouraged to attend 100% of tryouts.  If your child is uncertain about tryout dates, please encourage them to reach out to the coaches:  visit our SJAM Athletics Center.   

  • Soccer
  • Sign up is Tuesday after school in the gym for all grades for both boys and girls. 
  • Grade 7 boys and girls will have their tryout after school on Tuesday.   
  • Grade 8’s and 9’s will have their tryout on Wednesday after school.   
  • These tryouts are scheduled to go to 4:15pm but could be extended 15 minutes depending on the number of athletes attending.  
  • Cross Country  
  • All students interested will meet on Thursday at lunch on the stage.   
  • There are NO CUTS for this team.  This means that all students commit to this very short season, they are on the team.  No running experience necessary.   
  • Basketball 
  • Does not begin for two weeks.  Tryout schedules will be coming out soon.   
  • Please refer to our SJAM Athletics site for updated information throughout the school year.   

Mustang PE clothing and Mustang Hoodie – Optional opportunity; please follow the link on our website - Merchandise 

School Calendar 

Monday September 2:  No school for students - things to do in Calgary over Labor Day Weekend 

Wednesday September 4:  first fire drill (we do need to complete 6 a year) 

Thursday September 12:   

  • Opening Assemblies:  during the day 
  • Meet the Teacher:  6:00 – 7:30 pm - more details forthcoming

Friday September 13:  Terry Fox Run – whole school 


Sunday September 15:  Deadline for families with students who have IPPs to answer questionnaire - Ms. Billeck sent the email on Friday.

Tuesday September 17:  Tug of War at lunch – Grade 9s 

Wednesday September 18:   

  • Tug of War at lunch – Grade 8s 
  • Tentative date: School Council/Parent Society begins to offer optional fun lunches.  More details to be shared on the website. 

Thursday September 19:   

  • Tug of War at lunch – Grade 7s 
  • Welcome Back Dance 

Saturday September 21:  last day to access optional merchandise 

Tuesday September 24:  Winners of Tug of War versus the Teachers 

Thursday September 26:  Orange T-Shirt Day at SJAM 

Friday September 27:  Professional Learning Day (no school for CBE students) 

Monday September 30:  Calgary Orange Shirt Day Event (no school for CBE students) 

Together We Make A Difference!