Dear Mustang Families:
Thank you to the many families who joined us for Student Teacher Parent Conferences this past Thursday and Friday. Attending school interviews is one of the most important steps that families can take to help their children through their schooling as we work together to support your child’s academic, emotional, and social progress. You are also welcome to reach out to staff through email throughout the school year: Our Staff - Sir John A. Macdonald School
We are excited to share SJAM has been chosen to host Darcy Turning Robe, a Cultural Provider at school over the remainder of the year. Darcy will be coming to share teachings, knowledge, story and teach drumming to a group of students. During his time here, we will be hosting Darcy in the Learning Lodge once a month, on Wednesdays, from 12 noon until 2:30. We will be able to have 25 students participate, and the opportunity may include other meetings with Darcy and others throughout the rest of the school year. As a school, we will collect student voice on interests, learning and build the teachings around students. A teacher will be present to support curricular connections and additional learning opportunities throughout. Darcy is a wonderful speaker, who is unforgettable in his humour, generosity, and knowledge. We are very grateful to Closer to Home, the organization that is supporting this partnership with Darcy for students in the community. Interested students can contact Ms. Bethany (bjbalis@cbe.ab.ca).
On Wednesday December 3, Lifetouch will be offering retakes for students that missed their school identification photo opportunity, or for students that would like a new picture.
Over 30 students have signed up for the YMCA’s Homework Helper program offering free tutoring support in Math and Science every Tuesday and Thursday in the Learning Commons. Please email Mr. Jensen (lgjensen@cbe.ab.ca) to still sign up. The program started this past week, but learners are still being accepted.
Note: some students and families believe there is a band concert scheduled for Thursday December 4. Unfortunately, this celebratory event has been postponed until February. This will provide more time for our musicians to perfect their musical selections. Our apologies for the delay.
We are moving into our final full week of the Annual SJAM Winter Hamper Food Drive. 7-3 leads the way, with 8-6 and 8-7 tied for second place. In third, there is 7-6 and 8-1. We encourage our Grade 9 homerooms to coordinate their efforts for this annual campaign. Students have until Tuesday, December 9th to bring in non-perishable food items. Financial donations can also be submitted online through the EducationMatters link provided below. All donations will be turned into gift cards and provided to SJAM families in need. Please share the link with family and friends should they also want to support. All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt.
https://www.educationmatters.ca/project-matters/sir-john-a-macdonald-school/
If your child is in need of warm clothing (coat, toques, gloves), please see Ms. Billeck (mibilleck@cbe.ab.ca) in Student Services or the Admin team in the main office. We will help coordinate. We will also put some toques and gloves out in our ‘lost and found’ for students to take on their own as well. These are chilly days!
In our homerooms, we are moving into a ‘Cultural Celebrations Around the World’ three-week learning cycle. Students will have an opportunity to get to know their classmates in their homeroom on a deeper level, culminating in our Winter Cultural Dance and Door Decorating Contest. Dance tickets are going on sale this week, at a reduced rate {$3 (Thursday & Friday) to $4, next week}. This also coincides with next week’s Spirit activities:
- Monday December 8: ‘Channel Your Flannel’ Spirit Day
- Tuesday December 9: ‘Red and Green’ Spirit Day
- Wednesday December 10: ‘Ugly Christmas Sweater / Crazy Hat’ Spirit Day
- Thursday December 11: Cultural Dress Spirit Day and Winter Dance: 5:00 – 7:30 pm
- Friday December 12: PJ Spirit Day
Athletics & PE: Mr. Jones
I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation to all our basketball athletes and coaches for their commitment this season. Your hard work, dedication, and willingness to give up your time have provided an amazing opportunity for our students to play, grow, and represent our school with pride albeit in a shortened season.
A special thank you to our coaches:
- Junior Girls: Mr. Manery and Ms. Vahaaho
- Junior Boys: Mr. Hoblak
- Senior Girls: Mr. Shelestynsky and Ms. Roston
- Senior Boys: Mr. O'Lain and Ms. Bartley
Your leadership and support make all the difference!
From Admin: Mr. Jones also offered outstanding leadership at the score table, quickly training our student volunteers on how to use the score clock and document baskets/fouls in stressful conditions. Students interested in being at the score table or doing lines in volleyball should have a conversation with Mr. Jones.
Next up: Volleyball Season! Tryouts will begin in January, and the schedule will be posted before the holiday break. Stay tuned for details and get ready for another exciting season. Please review Expectations to be on a Mustang team with your child. More to follow!
Thank you again for making our athletics program such a positive experience for everyone involved.
Calendar of events:
November 17 – December 9: SJAM Winter Hamper Drive
Wednesday December 3:
- Lifetouch Picture Retakes
- Wednesday homeroom: Cultural Celebrations Around the World
Monday December 8: ‘Channel Your Flannel’ Spirit Day
Tuesday December 9: ‘Red and Green’ Spirit Day
Wednesday December 10:
- ‘Ugly Christmas Sweater / Crazy Hat’ Spirit Day
- Wednesday Homeroom: Door Decorating – Reflecting Cultural Celebrations in each homeroom class
Thursday December 11:
- Cultural Dress Spirit Day
- Winter Dance: 5:00 – 7:30 pm
Friday December 12: PJ Spirit Day
Wednesday December 17:
- Wednesday Homeroom: Winter Celebrations Class Celebration
- Door Decorating Judging Starts at 3:30 pm
Thursday December 18:
- Pep Rally: one per grade
- Locker Clean out
Friday December 19: Last day of school before the Winter Break
Monday January 5:
- First day back from Winter holidays
- Day one of Volleyball: stay tuned for tryout schedule.
Together, We Make A Difference!