Dear Mustang Families
As we move towards the end of our first month, thank you to the many parents who have reached out as we work together to support your child. You know your child best – when they are struggling, it is helpful for our staff to know. We will work with you to create Student Support plans. 10% of our school year is already complete!
Tomorrow is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. (No school for staff or students). You and your family may choose to participate in the City of Calgary and CBE event:
Monday, Sept. 30, 9 - 10:30 a.m. at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Ave. S.E.
Enjoy presentations from various speakers, including the Mayor, Indigenous Elders and school board representatives at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (previously Fort Calgary). A blessing from an Elder will start the event and Indigenous dancers will entertain during.
Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear orange as a sign of support and to honour the children who didn't return from residential schools across the country.
Congratulations to your children who are successfully navigating their day without their cell phones. We have noticed a significant improvement in your child’s ability to stay focused in class. At home, do you notice your child is experiencing higher anxiety, depression, and loneliness? You may want to consider a program where parents are banning together to delay giving their kids smartphones until the age of 14: Inspired by Wait Until 8th in the United States, Unplugged Canada is asking parents to make a pledge. The CBC provided an overview in a story this past week: Unplugged Kids Smartphone Pledge. If a complete removal of your child’s cell phone isn’t feasible, you may want to consider reducing your child’s time on their digital devices: strategies to reduce screen time.
We Love Volunteers! If you filled out the Annual Volunteer Form but have not shown government photo ID at the office, and received a letter required for the online ePIC application, you may not be cleared to volunteer (if you did the ePIC within five years and were approved, you should be clear). Please call (403-777-7670, 0) or email Ms. Reynolds at sareynolds@cbe.ab.ca.
If your child is in Grade 9, or you have older children in high school, families are encouraged to attend the event below. The Province of Alberta needs students to explore these programs for lucrative careers with education that can begin in Grade 11. Encouraging your child to dream about possibilities in their future and set goals can create a strong connection to learning at school: Unique Pathways Information Night: Join us at the Career and Technology Centre on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. for the annual Unique Pathways information night. The evening will welcome students, parents, staff, and school communities to meet Dual Credit and Exploratory program partners and learn about the courses and programs Unique Pathways offers to high school students.
The CBE is Looking for Lunchroom Supervisors!
If you are a parent looking for employment while your children are in school, you may want to consider this opportunity. To help potential candidates prepare for the CBE lunchroom supervisor, Chinook is hosting a one-day training session Oct. 17. This session will introduce participants to the philosophy and goals of the CBE’s lunch supervision service. Upon completion, participants will receive a 7-hour certificate, which meets the qualifications for the position of lunch supervisor. If you know someone who might be interested, please share this information with them.
Athletics Update: Mr. Jones
Cross Country: Congratulations to all Mustang runners who competed on behalf of our school at this year's cross country meets. Our athletes showcased high levels of enthusiasm and positivity as they competed against all other North Calgary schools. A HUGE thank you needs to be extended to the coaches who made these opportunities possible for the kids. Ms. McLellan and Ms. Page (student teacher) gave up their free time to keep the athletes organized, motivated and ready to compete. Also, thanks to Mr. Parsons who helped support at each competition. Well done everyone!
Soccer: Our Mustang teams continue their league schedule with an away game Tuesday for the girls followed by a home game on Thursday. The boys play away on Wednesday. Best of luck Mustangs.
Basketball: The 2024-25 basketball season begins this week with the Sr Girls and Sr Boys playing away Wednesday and Thursday respectively. Please note that student spectators planning on attending away games must be accompanied by an adult.
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 is not present at these events.
Truth and Reconciliation ROCKS: Friday October 4th (3:00 – 5:00 pm)
Thornhill Aquatic and Rec Center (6715 Center Street NW). Free event and everyone welcome. Supplies, snacks, refreshments provided. (Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult). Join community connectors Chaniece and Amrit for an opportunity to paint stones, watch a video on the importance of Orange Shirt day, discuss the Calls to Action, and share your artwork. Registration required: amrit.gosal@calgary.ca. Text 403-371-8459.
Huntington Hills Community Clean up: Saturday October 5th (10:00 – 2:00 pm)
- Start at the playground beside the Thornhill Rec Center – 6715 Center Street
- Email: ling.zhou@calgary.ca; text: 403-991-5675
FREE Babysitting Course – spots will fill quickly! Please email christina.buchan@calgary.ca. Saturday October 12, 2024. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Thornhill Aquatic and Rec Center (6715 Center Street NW). Lunch will be provided. Parent/caregiver consent required.
Cavalry Football Club Student Day: Saturday October 12 at 5:00 pm. Details at the link. Game day activations include: Final Home Game; On field Player Meet & Greet after the match; Giveaways; Kids Festival Zone; 1 Free hot dog per CBE student
School Calendar
Monday September 30: Calgary Orange Shirt Day Event (no school for CBE students or staff)
Wednesday October 2: Optional Fun Lunch by School Council
Friday October 4: Optional fundraiser by Quebec Trip parents
Wednesday October 9:
Optional Fun Lunch by School Council
Unique Pathways Information Night: CBE Career and Technology Centre (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.) for the annual Unique Pathways information night – tailored for High School students but may be of interest to Grade 9 families.
Monday October 14: Thanksgiving Day (no school for CBE students or staff)
Tuesday October 15: School Council Meeting – in person (6:30 – 8:00 pm)
Wednesday October 16: Picture Day
Thursday October 24: Halloween Dance
Friday October 25: Professional Learning Day for teachers (no school for CBE students)
November 6 and 7: Our SJAM Parent Fundraising Society needs your help with our upcoming Fundraiser: SJAM Parent Sign Up link
Together We Make A Difference!