Dear Mustang Families: 

We look forward to welcoming our families to the school this week on Thursday evening for “Meet the Teacher” (6:00 – 7:30 pm).  Handouts will be given to students on Wednesday during SMATH class.  In the interim, here are the details:  Meet the Teacher Sept 12 2024 

Ensuring our students get to school safely is everyone’s responsibility. Please be mindful of crosswalks, parking rules and speed limits when you are near our schools, especially during the morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal times.  Can families please: 

  • Utilize the drop off zone.  Families who use this as a ‘waiting zone’ take up precious space for others. 
  • Refrain from dropping off and waiting in the school bus zone. The bus drivers must be able to bring their bus close to the curb to safely drop off and pick up our students. This becomes very difficult and unsafe when there are parent vehicles parked in this area.  
  • Avoid entering the staff parking area – there are many ‘near misses’ with students almost being hit, while cars are forced to turn around in tight spaces. 
  • Encourage your children to use the sidewalk on the side of the school rather than rushing through the parking lot.
  • At the beginning and end of the day, you could arrange to drop off/pick up your child in the community rather than our small drop off zone.  The Diefenbaker Student lot and Superstore are a short walk away.  They are also much larger and safer spaces than our narrow zone. 

Thank you for your help in creating a safe community that extends to our school’s parking lot.  Note:  a very cute stuffed tiger was found in the handicapped parking area – we suspect a toddler may have lost a favorite stuffie during a drop off. You can pick him up in the main office. 

Leadership Update:  Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph 

Terry Fox Run – Friday September 13: Leadership students are organizing our annual whole school event.  Students are encouraged to bring a small donation (Toonie for Terry) to support this worthwhile cause.  Alternately, donations from family members can be made online here:  Terry Fox Foundation. If students donate $300 or more, the PE team will wear costumes (of the students choosing) during the event.  Please wear clothing to run or walk outdoors.  If the weather is very cold or rainy, we will reschedule. 

Block 1:  Terry Fox:  Anything is Possible previewing with classmates.  Tattoos and “I am running for...” optional stickers provided to students.  Note: this can be an emotional time for students who choose to run for a loved one.  Families are encouraged to talk to their children beforehand. 

Block 2 and 3: Terry Fox Run (or walk):  whole school 

Block 4-7: Back to regular classes. 

Athletics Update: Mr. Jones 

  • Soccer:  Team selection is still ongoing.  Once all soccer game/practice schedules are confirmed, athletes will be informed by coaches in addition to the information being posted online.  
  • Cross-Country:  Coaches were happy to see so many athletes express interest in joining the team this year. The first meet is already on Wednesday, September 11th at Annie Gale School. More detailed information will be provided in the paperwork given to the athletes.   Please note that the school cannot supply transportation for this event.   
  • Basketball:  Tryouts begin this week.  Please note that grade 8’s are allowed to try out for the Senior (Gr 9) team, although there is no guarantee any grade 8s will be selected.  It is up to the coach's discretion.   
  • Practice times will be at 7am and/or after school from 3pm to roughly 4:30pm.
  • Athletes should have athletic clothing and proper footwear for tryouts.  Bringing a water bottle is also highly recommended. 
  • Please refer to our SJAM Athletics site for updated information throughout the school year.   

Community Events: these are not CBE events - our staff is not present.

Youthful Saturday:  Free Event (ages 12 – 17) 

  • Saturday September 21st 
  • 1:00 – 3:00 pm 
  • Thorncliffe Aquatic and Rec Center:  6715 Center Street NW 
  • Ice skating, board games, arts, crafts, pizza, snacks:  please bring a certified helmet if you have one 
  • Registration required:  chaniece.favell@calgary.ca or text 403-371-6404 

World Suicide Prevention Awareness Event 

  • Sunday September 22 
  • Theme:  "Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” 
  • 1:00 – 4:00 pm 
  • Central Library, 800 3 Street SE (Room 3-16B) 
  • Save your seat for movie showing: https://forms.office.com/r/zdkA7RmM4c. You will receive a seat confirmation email afterwards. 
  • Kick off with a screening of Big Hero 6 at 1:00 PM! Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with booking recommended. After the movie (around 2:45 PM), enjoy a variety of fun activities including Wheel of Fortune Trivia, a Scavenger Hunt, Face/Body Painting, a Photo Booth, Arts and Crafts, and Connect 4. Prizes are up for grabs! 

School Calendar 

Wednesday September 11:  Opening Assemblies (change in date) 

Block 5: Grade 7

Block 6:  Grade 8 

Block 7:  Grade 9 

Thursday September 12:   

  • Communi-tea:  5:15 – 5:55 pm 
  • Meet the Teacher:  6:00 – 7:30 pm 

Friday September 13:  Terry Fox Run – whole school 
Sunday September 15:  Deadline for families with students who have IPPs to answer questionnaire.  Please reach out to Ms. Billeck (mibilleck@cbe.ab.ca) with questions.   

Tuesday September 17:   

  • Tug of War at lunch – Grade 9s 
  • School Council Meeting 1:  6:30 – 8:00 pm – face to face at SJAM 
  • 2023-24 School Council History at this link 

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 soon. 

Thursday September 19:   

  • Mustang Spirit Day:  Wear black and yellow 
  • Tug of War at lunch – Grade 7s 
  • Welcome Back Dance (2:30 – 5:30 pm) 
  • Note: $4.00 dance tickets will be sold Monday Sept 16 – Wednesday Sept 18.  All profits are directed to the Terry Fox Foundation. 
  • If there are financial concerns, please have your child speak privately with Hornby, Rachid or Jensen. 

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