Week at a Glance Dec. 18-22 | Activities, Christmas at the Nation, Spirit Week, Volleyball, Mustang of the Week

Dear Mustang Families: 

Please forward this weekly message to your child's personal email! We have also started posting these messages on our website. 

As we approach the festive season and prepare to bid farewell to another year at Sir John A. Macdonald, we want to take a moment to extend our warmest wishes to you and your families. Winter break is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the joy of spending cherished moments with loved ones. We are filled with gratitude for the support and dedication you have shown throughout the year, contributing to the success and warmth of our school environment. As we break for the holidays, we encourage you to take this time to recharge and create lasting memories with your loved ones. May the laughter of family and friends, the spirit of giving, and the joy of togetherness fill your homes with happiness. Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Your confidence in our school is a source of inspiration, and we look forward to continuing this journey together in the coming year. 

To support your planning, we will repeat some activities from last week’s message that you can enjoy with your loved ones: 

Congratulations to 75, 81, and 94 for being the homerooms that made the highest contributions to our food drive. The winning classes will be recognized with a pizza party close to lunchtime on Thursday. 75 (Vahaaho), 81 (Shelestynsky) and 94 (Else) can confirm the exact time of the pizza arrival with their teachers. An expression of gratitude is extended to every family who was able to donate to our Annual Education Matters SJAM Eats and the food drive. 

This past week, several donors from the Impact Society visited our school to see the “HEROS” program come alive in health classes. Ivy M., Olivia G., Brendan H., and Diamond G., Grade 9 students, were exceptional Mustang ambassadors offering insights to our donors. Every student is involved in this program through their Health class. Heros aims to promote mental health and well-being, empowering young people to overcome challenges and thrive in their personal and professional lives. Thank you to Mr. Jones for organizing our donor visit. 

Indigenous Education Update

Ms. Bethany (bjbalis@cbe.ab.ca)

Oki, Tansi, Danit'ada, Umba-watich, Tawnshi, Bonjour, Hello

If you’re looking for unique items this holiday season, the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on the Tsuut’ina Nation (19 Bullhead Rd, Priddis, AB) will not disappoint. The third annual Christmas at the Nation boasts over 175 Indigenous and local artists, showcasing talented beaders, painters, carvers and fashion designers, each of them with unique story to share. This event ends today at 4:00 pm.  

Upcoming Community Events 

Aaayyy, Hiy Hiy, Siyisgaas, Mîkwec, Merci, Thank you. 

Leadership Update

Ms. Hudson and Ms. Ralph (nahudson@cbe.ab.ca and ledawson@cbe.ab.ca)

As we move towards our winter holidays, spirit week is upon us: 

  • Monday, Dec. 18 – Channel Your Flannel 
  • Tuesday, Dec. 19 – Red and Green 
  • Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Festive Hat or Hair 
  • Thursday, Dec. 21 – Ugly Sweater 
  • Friday, Dec. 22 – PJs 

Athletics Update

Mr. Jones (sdjones@cbe.ab.ca)

Our upcoming volleyball season is almost here. Tryouts will begin the first day back (Jan 8) at 7am for the Sr Boys. Please note that should your grade 8 child wish to try out for the Sr team they are welcome to do so. Please see our SJAM Athletic Center for more information.  

Huge thanks to all volleyball coaches for stepping up and volunteering their time in the super busy month of January.    

Mustang of the Week

Students stepped forward to nominate Ivy M. (98) as our Mustang of the Week. In addition to serving as a Heros Ambassador for the Impact Society this past week, Ivy takes a leading role in many Student Council student activities including the Grade 9 farewell last year. As a member of the band program, Ivy will perform at this Thursday event playing the Oboe in the Concert Band and Baritone Saxophone in the Jazz Band. In the classroom, Ivy is an active participant in class discussions and fully develops her ideas in assigned learning tasks demonstrating effective use of homework time. Congratulations Ivy! 

Upcoming Events 

Ongoing:

Monday December 18 - Channel Your Flannel (Spirit Week) 
Tuesday December 19 – Red and Green (Spirit Week) 
Wednesday December 20 – Festive Hat or Hair (Spirit Week) 
Thursday December 21:   

  • Ugly Sweater (Spirit Week) 
  • Ms. Mensah and Soup Sisters offer free lunch to the entire school 
  • Winter Band Concert: 7:00 pm start time (musicians should be at the school for 6:30 pm) 

Friday December 22:  

  • PJs (Spirit Week) 
  • Last day of classes before Winter Break 

Monday January 8: First day of classes after Winter Break 
Monday January 15: Organizational Day – no school for students. 
Wednesday January 18: CBE Professional Learning Series - Teen Brain Development (6:30pm-8:00pm) 

Wishing you a Joyful Winter Break and a Happy New Year! 

Together we make a difference!