Ramadan and Eid
Wishing all who observe, a Happy Eid. Eid Mubarek!
Partial Solar Eclipse – Monday, April 8
Monday, April 8 a partial solar eclipse will be visible in Calgary. The solar event will begin just before noon and conclude by 2:00 p.m., with the maximum coverage occurring at 12:43 pm. We know that this unique event is a rare experience for students; however, there can be serious damage to vision because of viewing the eclipse in an unsafe manner.
Viewing a partial eclipse does not cause immediate pain which would typically cause the viewer to look away. Instead, permanent eye damage is sustained without any immediate signs, until it is too late. The only safe way to view an eclipse is through special filters installed on telescopes, solar binoculars, and eclipse glasses. For more safety information look on the NASA website or from the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
YMCA Outreach Supervisor
The Brookfield Residential YMCA has a new Outreach Supervisor. Crystal Smith is a mom of four children, aged 15, 16, 18, and 21. Her passion is creating environments that engage youth, helping them to make friends and develop a sense of belonging to the community in which they live.
Crystal will be reaching out to JCS students who frequent the Y to get their feedback on how to create a safe and welcoming space for youth. She is available Monday to Friday during lunch and after school. Students can also connect with Crystal by knocking on her office door or asking front desk Y staff to locate her.
JCS Raven’s Rugby Parent Night
The JCS Raven's Rugby Parent Night has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 9 at 6:15pm. This event is for parents of players who wish to gain a basic understanding of rugby. We will also discuss our approach to player safety, developing a positive team culture, and our goals for the season. We will provide ample time to answer any questions that may arise during the evening. We hope this event will help you enjoy watching your athletes participate and represent JCS during the upcoming rugby season! All are welcome!
Graduation Lists
The grad list has been updated and posted outside of the main office as of Friday, April 5 at 8:30am. ALL students should check to verify whether or not they are on the grad list. If students are not on the grad list, they should take steps to satisfy the requirements. In order to be on the grad list, students must:
- be on track to graduate (registered in all courses necessary for graduation). Here is a link to the requirements for a High School Diploma or Certificate of School Completion. Students who have questions about their requirements should make an appointment with their Student Advisor.
- be a student in good standing
- have paid the $57 graduation fee (can be paid through PowerSchool)
- Have completed the “Are You Ready to Graduate?” form
*If your student is not currently passing a graduation requirement course, they may be included on the graduation list if they have made an academic plan with their Student Advisor/Assistant Principal.
Grad lists are updated daily and will reflect any changes in fee payment. Please ensure grad fees are paid by Wednesday, April 10 to secure ceremony tickets distribution by April 11. All students on the Graduation List will be eligible to cross the stage and will have their name listed in the graduation programme.
Ceremony Ticket Distribution
Ceremony tickets distribution will run from Monday, April 8, 2024, until Thursday, April 11, 2024, at lunch time ONLY. Tickets will be available all week – this is not a first come, first served distribution process. Students will line up at tables in front of the main office. Staff will verify that the student is on the Grad List and check the student’s ID. Students can request up to 4 tickets. Tickets must be kept secure, as they will not be replaced if lost.
At the moment, we do not expect to open a round two for ticket distribution. Please check the D2L Grad 2024 shell regularly for any updates regarding any potential changes to round 2 ticket distribution.
Graduation Baby Photos
If you would like your baby photo to be shown at the grad banquet in a slide show, here is the information about how to submit.
- Find a baby photo and an appropriate current photo of you - This can be your grad photo (please let us know if you want us to use the one on file)
- Change the name of the files to your FULL NAME and which photo it is (example: Last name, first name - baby photo)
- Send your pictures to jcsbabyphotos@gmail.com with your FULL NAME in the subject line
- Photos must be submitted by April 22 to be in the slide show
Please make sure you are checking D2L regularly, listening to announcements and checking the Raven Post and Instagram for more information about Grad.
Do You Need a Suit for Grad?
If you are struggling to pay the cost of a suit for this year’s graduation, please reach out by Friday, April 12 to Mrs. Hargreaves via email at smhargreaves@cbe.ab.ca. She will provide you with more information after hearing from you.
Information from the Student Success Centre
Every student at JCS is enrolled in the Student Success Centre (SSC) D2L shell. Lots of valuable information will be posted there. Students are encouraged to log in and keep up to date with the available information regarding post-secondary applications, university open houses and scholarships. Students should also review the monthly calendar where various upcoming post-secondary events will be posted.
Information regarding Summer School will be available mid-April. Students can check the Student Success Centre D2L or the weekly Raven Post for registration information.
EducationMatters’ 2023/2024 student award applications are now live.
Students are encouraged to sign up for one of the upcoming student award information sessions (Student Award Info Sessions - EducationMatters)
Students should apply for all awards through the online portal (https://applications.educationmatters.ca). Most of the awards are applied for using the “EducationMatters 2023/2024 General Application Form”.
All the awards are now posted individually on the SSC D2L under Content, Scholarships.
Earn High School and Post-Secondary Credits!
Dual Credit courses are listed for September! Apply before April 12 for September 2024. Please go to Unique Pathways CBE or see Mr. Gelfand for more information on:
- Business Management
- ICT Software and Web Development
- Solving Technology Problems
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Healthcare Career Essentials
- Introduction to Sports Management
- Medical Terminology
- Introduction to the Vet Profession
- Vet Tech Certificate
- Pre-Employment Autobody
- Pre-Employment Automotive Service Tech
- Pre-Employment Carpentry
- Pre-Employment Pipe Trades
- Pre-Employment RV Tech
- Pre-Employment Welding
Calgary Mayor’s Youth Council: Careers Day
The event aims to expose high school students across Calgary to a range of careers and to allow them to have their questions answered by experienced professionals. Speakers at the event include engineers, various tradespeople, professors, Olympians, various healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and much more!
- Sunday, April 7, from 1:30 pm to 5:15 pm
- Central Library: 800-3 Street SE
- Multiple 45-minute panels and Q&A opportunities.
- RSVP: https://forms.gle/E84d9RKX8qmreh3XA
For more information on Calgary Mayor’s Youth Council: Careers Day, see Poster or email any questions to myc@youthcentral.com.
Resources to Help Students with Career Planning
- myBlueprint - An interactive education, career, pathways, and life planner (7-12). The tool can help students to explore and build their high school course plan and inform their course choices.
- Students login with their educbe email and CBE password.
- Alis - Alberta careers, learning and employment information
- ALIS CAREERinsite - A one-stop guide to career planning for Albertans. Create your career plan, get to know yourself with quizzes and exercises, explore options, get ready and take action.
- Calgary Public Library - Job & Career Accelerator Library Card Required. An interactive career selection and job search system, including: occupation profiles, resume building, cover letter writing, interview skills and more.
Alberta Health Services - Free Mindfulness for Anxiety Management Module
The purpose of this 5-minute module is to introduce parents and caregivers to mindfulness as a management tool for anxiety and stress management. Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Understand the difference between stress and anxiety
- Have an emerging understanding about mindfulness and learn ways to incorporate mindfulness into everyday life
- Utilize mindfulness-based strategies to support your child with stress and anxiety management.
Click HERE to access the free module.
Mental Health Supports for Youth
Alberta Health Services’ The Summit is a new one-stop resource and support for Calgary youth struggling with mental health challenges. This latest support alternative opened in spring 2023 and is tailored to meet the mental health needs of all youth under 18 by giving them direct access to on-site assessment and therapy. Walk-in counselling services are available for anyone under 18 years of age and their families. Additionally, these walk-in services do not require a referral! The Summit also offers therapeutic support through a day hospital and community-based treatment.