Dear Mustang Families 

In homerooms this past week, students reflected on an interview with Phyllis Webstad to understand the history behind ‘Orange T-Shirt' day. The day serves to honor Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools, their families, and the survivors of the residential school system. Wearing orange is a visual symbol of commitment to truth and reconciliation, commemorating the intergenerational trauma caused by colonization and the residential school system, and remembering the children who never returned home.  ‘Wisdom Wednesday’ was followed by ‘Together Thursday’, an opportunity for students to engage in art projects that support truth and reconciliation in Beading Club.  A record number of students wore ‘Orange T-shirts' on Friday, joining staff, as we recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  Your family may choose to attend one of the many events in Calgary on Tuesday September 30th (no school for students or staff):  

• 9 - 10:30 a.m. at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Ave. S.E.  
• Calgary Public Library:  Link 
• Heritage Park Events:  see link   

Leadership’s annual ‘Tug of War’ event was well attended by all three grades this past week.  On Wednesday, each winning homeroom will compete against the teachers at lunch: 

Grade 9:  9-3 – Ms. Dawson 

Grade 8:  8-4:  Ms. Clairmont 

Grade 7:  7-3 - Mr. Manery 

Student turnout was exceptional for every grade, demonstrating a strong commitment to building a strong and inclusive Mustang community. 

Fit Club has already attracted over 73 Mustangs —18 from Grade 7, 24 from Grade 8, and 31 from Grade 9, alongside 10 staff members, who model healthy habits and encourage our students through their presence and participation.  Your child’s fitness level does not matter – engaging in these energizing activities, with multiple entry points, is a wonderful opportunity to improve mental health and meet new friends.  The Club meets Monday afterschool (3:00 – 4:00 pm) and Friday morning (7:00 – 8:00 am).  Just a reminder: students are always welcome to drop in—no sign-up required. All they need to do is show up ready to move! 

If your child would prefer a non-athletic Club, please encourage them to review the many opportunities:  SJAM Clubs.  Mr. Parsons has moved ‘Swords and Stories’ to Wednesday after school (rather than Thursday). 

Thank you to the families that have already donated to Cancer Research.  Families can still donate through: The Terry Fox School Foundation Page . 

Important update: Sir John A. Macdonald School is now using the modernized video surveillance system to help maintain a safe and secure environment at the school for students, staff and the public, and to help address vandalism and criminal activity on school property. 

The video surveillance system is installed and reviewed in accordance with Administrative Regulation 1066. Personal information is collected under the authority of the School Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) section 33. 

This technology can be placed in areas such as the school parking lot, building entrances and exits, stairwells and hallways. This information is recorded and collected to help maintain a safe and secure environment in the school and on school property. The users of this information are the principal or designate and law enforcement personnel in the case of reported incidents that would require an investigation. Only authorized persons will review video surveillance information. 

Inquiries concerning the video surveillance system, or the collection and use of recorded information may be made by contacting the school office. 

Athletics: Mr. Jones 

Cross Country:  A huge congratulations to all Mustangs for their incredible efforts at this year’s three Cross-Country meets!  It’s been wonderful to see our athletes embracing the outdoors, building friendships with peers and students from other schools, and staying active through sport.  Special thanks to Mr. Parsons for his leadership and to Ms. McLellan, Ms. Roston and Ms. Bartley for their support of the team.  We deeply appreciate the time and dedication of our staff—without their commitment, these opportunities wouldn’t be possible for our student-athletes. 

Soccer Update:   The Mustangs hit the pitch this week with a single matchup as the boys face off against Tom Baines at Hamptons School (10330 Hamptons Blvd NW). Come out and cheer them on! 

Basketball Season Tip-Off:   Basketball action begins this week! The Senior Boys take the court on Wednesday, followed by the Senior Girls on Thursday. 
Best of luck to all our Mustang athletes—let’s go! 

For practice schedules and updates through the end of October, please visit our Athletic school website.  If any changes occur, coaches will communicate with players and families 

October 2025 

Community News  

Well-being is a precondition for student achievement. Students need to be well to succeed. Currently, students face a wide range of mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression. This trend is alarming and requires our attention. 

The Calgary Board of Education invites all parents and guardians to join us for a live online series focused on supporting child and youth well-being. Hosted by the Recovery Alberta Community Education Service (CES) Program in collaboration with experts from the Calgary community.   
These sessions are designed to equip families with knowledge, tools, and strategies to navigate the challenges and opportunities of raising children and teens today.   Full listing and sign up links:  CBE Well Being Series 

These sessions will be free and provide information, resources, helplines, and services to support healthy child and youth development. 

October 6:  6:30 - 8:30 PM - Digital Dilemma – Screens, Social Media, Gaming 

October 8:  11:30 – 1:00 pm – Level Up – Exploring the Impact of Gaming and Tech on Adolescent Learning and Cognition 

October 15, 2025 - 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Mental Health and Youth 

October 20, 2025 – 6:30 - 8:30 PM – Cyber Safety 

October 21, 2025 – 2:00-3:00 PM – ADHD is Awesome! 

October 22, 2025 – 1:00 - 3:00 PM – Executive Functioning Essentials for Parents 

October 22, 2025 – 6:30 - 8:30 PM – Vaping:  What’s Really Going On? 

October 29, 2025 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM – Stressed, but Strong, Anxious, but Awesome 

October 30, 2025 – 6:30 - 8:30 PM – Navigating the Pressure to Perform 

University of Calgary’s Stars for Scholarly Youth (SSY) Mentorship Program are now open for students in Grades 5 – 12.  SSY is dedicated to supporting students in grades 5–12 by providing meaningful educational opportunities, including one-on-one tutoring and mentoring. Through our partnership with the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, we are proud to continue our mentorship initiative, connecting students with university mentors.  Mentees will connect with their mentors at least once a month for a 30-minute session, where they can ask questions, seek advice, and build a strong foundation for their transition to post-secondary education.  We encourage all interested students to apply and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. Applications are open until September 30th at 11:59 PM (extension). You can submit your application using this link: https://forms.gle/L7AQPB5w69NYC71RA.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at mentorship@starsforscholarlyyouth.com. 

School Calendar  

Monday September 29:  No school for students – Non-Instruction Day for Teachers  

Tuesday September 30:  No school for students or staff to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

Wednesday October 1:   

1. RESTART program for Grade 7s:  Session 3 - Resisting Peer Pressure 
2. Whole school homeroom:  Executive Functioning 
3. Tug of War vs. teachers at lunch

Wednesday October 8: 

1.  RESTART program for Grade 7s: Session 4 - Managing Emotions Part 1 
2. Whole School Homeroom:  Math focus 

Friday October 10:  IPPs sent home to SJAM families  

Together We Make A Difference!