Dear Mustang Families,

Please forward this email to your child.

A reminder that on Tuesday, February 24, your child’s first semester report card became available through MyCBE (CBE Kindergarten–Grade 9 Report Cards). If you would like a printed copy, please have your child come to the front office and we will print one on your behalf. Ms. Billeck also organized IPPs to be distributed on the same day.

Thank you to our Leadership students for organizing ticket sales for Thursday’s Retro Dance. Tickets are available in the front foyer until Wednesday. If your child cannot afford a ticket, please have them privately speak to Mr. Jensen, Mr. Kwiatkowski, or Ms. Hornby by Wednesday. We do not sell tickets on Thursday, as attendance is tracked. To attend the dance, students are expected to attend and be on time for all classes on Thursday. Excused absences, such as appointments, are permitted. Students are encouraged to dress in retro attire for Thursday and may wear pajamas on Friday.

We extend our gratitude to our GSA and Ms. Clairmont for organizing our recent Spirit Week. Many students participated in our theme days, including Neon, Rainbow, Pink Shirt Day, and Mustang Spirit. During Wednesday homeroom, we focused on 'what makes a healthy friendship' as an empowering tool to help students recognize and counteract bullying. SJAM students were encouraged to:

  • Pursue healthy relationships
  • Disengage from toxic individuals
  • Block on social media or tell bullies to stop (face to face)
  • DO NOT 'get even' or escalate situations.

Escalation only worsens circumstances and places students at risk of becoming part of the problem. If negativity continues, students are encouraged to report concerns to:

  1. The Social Media provider (Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
  2. Adults
  3. School Officials
  4. The Calgary Police Service

Additional resources include BullyingCanada and Kids Help Phone. Because bullying can continue into adulthood, children must be intentionally taught the skills and confidence to recognize and respond effectively. SJAM staff deeply appreciate parents collaborating with the school, maintaining open communication, reinforcing shared expectations at home, and partnering in solution-focused problem solving to ensure consistent support, accountability, and anti-bullying protection for their child. 

We are grateful to the many SJAM students who stepped up as leaders during our Grade 6 Open House. Their confidence and kindness play an important role in helping younger students feel welcomed and excited about their journey ahead. Thank you to Amy L. (9-3), Mr. Le, and the Yearbook students for updating our Advice to New SJAM Students video. We will share it at a future assembly and use it as a transition tool for new students. Mr. Jensen led this important evening.

SJAM Staff joined the Professional Learning Committee on Friday to enjoy a day of learning with the following themes: 

  • Neurolinguistic (NLA) approach (led by Mr. Kwiatkowski):  “The NLA, because of its bases in neurolinguistic research, is an approach to learning that has positive implications for all types of learners. Recent research in the field of education has indicated that the NLA provides a successful learning experience for immigrant children, enabling them to acquire language without interference to their academic development (Carr, 2009). In addition, it has been demonstrated that learners with challenges respond positively to the program, due primarily to its oral and interactive nature (Joy & Murphy, 2012).”  - Led by Mr. Kwiatkowski 
  • Artificial Intelligence (led by Mr. Parsons and Ms. McLellan): Teachers must notify students and parents when using all technology and AI tools (e.g. using AI tools with students in class, using Copy leaks, developing feedback on student work). - Update from 2025 POPA legislation 
  • Teacher Professional Growth Plans (TPGPs) and SJAM Teacher Selected Book Studies (led by Ms. MacPhee) 

Athletics Update

Volleyball

We are entering the final week of the regular season. Due to the cancellation of our February 17 home game because of the snowstorm, the game has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 5. As SJAM is hosting the Retro Dance that evening, the game will be played at GPV at 4:00 PM.

Day

Event

Monday, March 2

Girls 10 – SJAM at TBR

Tuesday, March 3

Boys 10 – SJAM at TBR

Wednesday, March 4

Make-up Day and Boys Tournament

Thursday, March 5

Make-up Day – SJAM at GPV at 4:00 PM

Students traveling to other schools to cheer on our teams must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Students and teams may not enter visiting schools before 3:45 PM. Good luck, Mustangs.

Community Resources

The Chinese Academy has initiated early registration for 2026–2027. Early Bird Sign up at this link - The Chinese Academy 亚省中文学校  

Free Tax Clinic

Free tax preparation support is available for individuals and couples with a modest income and basic tax return. Limited appointments available – registration required. 

Crochet Club

Fridays | 7:00–9:00 PM 

  • Thornhill Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 6715 Centre Street NW 
  • Upcoming Dates: 
  • Feb 20 | Mar 6 & 20 | Apr 3 & 17 | May 1 & 15 | Jun 12 & 26 
  • Ages 6+ with adult caregiver | FREE 
  • Basic crochet skills required 
  • Registration Required: christina.buchan@calgary.ca

Youth Advisory Council (Closer to Home – North Central FRN) 

First Monday of every month | 4:00–5:00 PM 

Planet Youth – Youth Council 

Meets twice monthly (Fridays) | 3:00–4:00 PM 

  • Dates: Feb. 20 | March 13 & 27 | April 17 & 24 | May 8 & 22 | June 12 & 26 | July 10 
  • Registration required (QR code on poster) 

Homework Helpers – FREE Math & Science Tutoring 

For Junior High Students. Tuesdays & Thursdays | 3:15–5:15 PM 

  • Sir John A. Macdonald School (Learning Commons) 
  • Priority students: Sir John A. Macdonald & St. Helena Schools 
  • homeworkhelpers@ymcacalgary.org          

Volunteers needed! 

Neighbourhood Grants – Up to $1,000                                                                                                                           

For resident‑led projects in: 
Huntington Hills, Highland Park & Greenview 
Focus: Inclusion • Economic Participation • Anti‑Racism • Truth & Reconciliation 

Circular Economy Grant (Non‑Profits) 

$5,000–$25,000 

Planet Youth Calgary – Micro Grants 

Apply here: Planet Youth Calgary - Micro Grant Application 

  • FAQs from past information sessions are attached. 
  • Questions? Contact Beth Ed, Manager, Community and Family Systems at: beth.ed@calgaryunitedway.org                                                                                                 

Together, We Make A Difference!