See our School Calendar for all of our upcoming events.
SJAM Weekly Newsletter — May 2026
Dear Mustang Families,
Please forward this newsletter to your child’s school email.
Congratulations to Sawyer!
Congratulations are extended to Sawyer, a Grade 7 SJAM student, and her family. Sawyer was selected to spend time in Orlando, Florida as part of the Make-A-Wish Canada Foundation: News Article.
SJAM faculty agree with Sawyer’s mom, who shared that Sawyer is:
“Just the happiest, coolest, most fun kid. She’s a big ball of sunshine… resilient and amazing.”
We look forward to hearing all about your adventures!
Mental Health Week 2026
Mental Health Week in Canada runs from Monday, May 4 to Sunday, May 10, 2026.
This year’s theme, organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), is:
“Come Together, Canada — Stronger Connections, Better Mental Health”
The focus this year is on combating loneliness and fostering social connection to improve mental well-being.
At SJAM, we have several events and activities planned throughout the week. Mental Health Week is an important opportunity for our school community to pause, learn, and talk openly about well-being. When students understand how to care for their mental health, they are better equipped to handle stress, build healthy relationships, and thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Throughout the week, students will participate in meaningful, age-appropriate activities that promote awareness, connection, and practical strategies for everyday wellness.
Week-Long Student Council Activities
1. Random Acts of Kindness Challenge
All students are invited to participate in STUCO’s Random Acts of Kindness Challenge — a simple but powerful way to support well-being at school.
Throughout the week, students will be encouraged to complete small, thoughtful actions that help others and build positive connections. Research shows that kindness not only improves the well-being of others, but also boosts mood, reduces stress, and helps students feel more connected and confident.
We hope this challenge serves as a reminder that small actions can make a big difference.
STUCO members and teachers will also have fun “Gotcha” cards to hand out when they spot acts of kindness in action.
2. Mental Health Bingo
All students are invited to pick up a BINGO card and participate! The BINGO cards will be filled with simple, positive activities that promote mental health. These include things like getting enough sleep, spending time outdoors, and limiting screen time (especially before bed). We hope that some of the boxes will be signed off at home by parents/guardians, as well as some boxes signed off by students themselves. The goal is not perfection, but participation—helping students see that small steps each day can support a healthy mind and body and work to help awareness around healthy routines and self-care. Once students have a full BINGO card, they can stop by the STUCO table in the foyer for a small prize: SJAM Mental Health Bingo Card
Leadership classes have also created Canva-based posters focused on mental health awareness.
- Grade 8 and 9 students designed awareness posters
- Grade 7 Leadership students created mini posters highlighting coping strategies from a teacher’s perspective
Daily Mental Health Week Activities
Monday, May 4
- Calgary Surge “Be Well” Basketball Game field trip organized by Mr. Le
- Lunch and Learn Session:
- Topic: Anxiety and Stress
- Hosts: Ms. Billeck and Ms. Ridout
- Time: 12:30 PM
- Location: Learning Commons
- Dance tickets on sale through Wednesday
- Students who may need financial support for dance tickets are encouraged to speak privately with Mr. K, Mr. Jensen, or Ms. Hornby before going home on Wednesday. All students are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, May 5
- Lunch and Learn Session:
- Topic: Executive Functioning
- Hosts: Ms. Billeck and Ms. Ridout
- Time: 12:30 PM
- Location: Learning Commons
- Dance tickets continue to be on sale
Wednesday, May 6
- Homeroom Mental Health Focus:
- “Be There for Yourself — Learn to Know Your Limits and Take Care of Yourself”
- Hats On for Mental Health:
- Students are encouraged to wear hats — creativity encouraged!
- Last day to purchase dance tickets or connect with Mr. K, Mr. Jensen, or Ms. Hornby
Thursday, May 7
- Lunch and Learn Session:
- Topic: Building Self-Esteem
- Hosts: Ms. Billeck and Ms. Ridout
- Time: 12:30 PM
- Location: Learning Commons
- Western Day
- Annual Stampede Dance:
- Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Students are expected to attend school during the day in order to attend the dance
- Parent-excused absences are permitted
Friday, May 8
- Vacation Spirit Day
University of Calgary Math Contest
Ms. Else is running the University of Calgary Math Contest again this year on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
There is still room for a few Grade 7 and 8 students who would like to participate. Interested students should see Ms. Else on Monday.
Students will be excused from Block 2 / Period 5 (right before lunch) in order to participate.
myBlueprint Family Webinar Series
myBlueprint is offering a free two-part webinar series for families of Grade 9–12 students to help build clarity, confidence, and a plan for post-secondary success.
This series is designed to support families and teens as they transition from high school to post-secondary education.
Session 1
Beyond Grades: Helping Your Teen Build Clarity and Confidence
(Recorded Session)
Session 2
From Insight to Action: Turning Self-Discovery into Post-Secondary Decisions
Live Session: Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM MT
Athletics Update — Mr. Jones
Our athletic schedule is jam-packed as badminton and track & field seasons overlap.
Please note the following:
- If a student must miss a practice or tryout, families are strongly encouraged to contact coaches ahead of time.
- Keep working hard, Mustangs!
Track & Field Schedule
Date | Events |
|---|---|
Monday, May 4 | 3:00 PM — Distance 2 |
Tuesday, May 5 | 7:00 AM — Discus 1 |
Wednesday, May 6 | 7:00 AM — Distance 3 |
Thursday, May 7 | 7:15 AM — Discus 2 |
Friday, May 8 | 7:00 AM — Fit Club |
Monday, May 11 | 7:00 AM — Hurdles 4 |
Tuesday, May 12 | 7:15 AM — Discus 3 |
Wednesday, May 13 | 7:00 AM — Distance 5 |
Thursday, May 14 | 7:15 AM — Discus 4 |
Friday, May 15 | Non-Instructional Day |