Week at a Glance Oct. 23-27 | Clubs, Take our Kids to Work Day, TRC Commitment, Halloween Dance, Athletics,

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Dear Mustang Families:

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

A recent graduate study concluded students who participate in extracurricular activities have greater academic success, greater character development, especially in the areas of time-management and leadership skills, more positive social development, and greater interest in community involvement. This understanding has motivated staff to offer Clubs at our school. Recent additions include:

  • Lego Club: with Ms. Roston and Ms. Bower on Wednesday at lunch in room 29
  • Math Club: with Ms. Sterling on Monday at lunch in room
  • Free afterschool program. Participants must sign up at Thornhill Aquatic and Recreation Center. This group uses our gym for free.

Thank you to those who have pre-purchased a copy of the 2024 SJAM yearbook. As part of the recent contest, one lucky name was randomly selected to win their yearbook free of charge, and the winner is... Chance S. (88). Congratulations! For everyone else, if you haven't purchased your copy yet, be sure to do so soon so you don't miss out. Details are on the school website.

On Wednesday November 1, 2023, the Grade 9 students at Sir John A. Macdonald, as well as thousands of other students from across the city, province and country, have the opportunity to participate in the national Take Our Kids to Work Day (TOKW). Handouts were given to Grade 9 students this week (see letter under Resources). We support your student’s participation in this event, however it is not a CBE-sponsored event. This means that parents/guardians need to communicate with the school to arrange an excused absence for the day. Students who choose not to participate in this event are expected to come to school.

Indigenous Education Update

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

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

Thank you to caregivers who were able to participate in the School Council meeting.

We are happy to announce that we are making good progress towards our TRC Commitment this year.

This week, many students engaged in Story, exploration for Secret Path Week and continued to visit the Land as part of our learning.

Please use the link below to access upcoming events in and around Calgary.

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

Leadership Update

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

Our Halloween dance will take place on Thursday, October 26 from 5:00 - 7:30 pm. Tickets will be on sale October 23, 24, and 25 in the main foyer at lunch and after school for $4. Please email Ms. Hornby (mahornby@cbe.ab.ca) , Mr. Rachid (morachid@cbe.ab.ca) or Mr. Jensen (lgjensen@cbe.ab.ca) if you would like your child to be exempt from the dance fee.

If your child wears a costume, it must be in the spirit of a middle school Halloween event: socially appropriate, no masks, and no weapons. Wearing orange and black is another alternative.

Students earn the privilege to attend school dances by supporting the Student Code of Conduct. Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand, and to have successful dances, we must have a “welcoming, caring, respectful and safe environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all members of our school community.” With that said, we want to communicate some specifics about our upcoming Halloween dance: see Resources.

Mustang of the Week: Ms. Yoyo Shum (93) is being recognized as the “Mustang of the Week”. She supports school wide events as one of the lead organizers and MC in assemblies. In the classroom, Ms. Shum is academically engaged while simultaneously putting others first. Congratulations Yoyo!

Athletics Update

Mr. Jones (sdjones@cbe.ab.ca)

Congrats to all soccer team members for a great season. While our girls' soccer team lost in the quarter finals on Monday to the top team in the league, they vastly improved throughout the year. The boys team entered the playoffs as the number one ranked school. Unfortunately, the boys were defeated on Thursday in the semifinals. A huge thank you to Ms. Dawson, Ms. MacPhee as well as Mr. Langille and Mr. Corry for giving up a lot of their personal time to mentor and coach our athletes.

Our basketball season is already nearing the halfway point with league play as games continue and weekend tournaments are in full swing. Thanks to all for coming out and cheering on the Jr Girls this past Tuesday at SJAM. The girls appreciated the support. There are no home games this week.

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to send an email.

Upcoming Events

Ongoing:

October 23 – 25: Dance tickets on sale.

Wednesday October 25: Parent Society Fun Lunch – online order had to be in by Friday (last week)

Thursday October 26: Orange and Black day and Halloween Dance: 5:00 – 7:30 pm

Wednesday November 1: Grade 9s - Take Our Kids to Work Day (optional for families; notices coming out soon): Video Link

Together we make a difference!