Raven Post Feb. 5-9 | Thank You, Language Challenge Process, Parking, Fees, School Council Meeting, Grad, Unique Pathways Night, Social Media, Craven Cafe

Important Dates

February 7 - Unique Pathways information Night
February 15, 16 – Teachers Convention – No School
February 19 – Family Day
March 21 – Last Day of Classes
March 22 – Non-Instructional Day (No School)
April 2 – Classes Resume
April 19 – Non-Instructional Day 

Thank you

JCS would like to thank School Council and the families that donated dinner for the staff during the Open House, it was greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

International Language Challenge Process

The International Languages Course Challenge allows students who have taken immersion or bilingual programs in K-9 or are fluent in a language to earn school credit by challenging the 30 level language course. If successful, students would receive a final grade for the 30 level and passing credits for the 10 and 20 level.

Languages Course Challenges offered this year include:

  • Arabic 35
  • Cantonese 35
  • French 30 - 9Y
  • French 30 - 3Y
  • German 30
  • Italian 30 (in collaboration with CCSD - students write at St Mary's High School)
  • Japanese 30 (in collaboration with CCSD - students write at St Mary's High School)
  • Mandarin 30
  • Filipino 35 (in collaboration with CCSD- students write at St Mary's High School)
  • Punjabi 30
  • Spanish 30
  • Ukrainian 30

Students interested in challenging a language course should review the process and dates in CBE's Course Challenge Guide for Students and Families.

Students wanting to participate in the Winter Course Challenge must complete and submit the Language Course Challenge Consent Form (page 15) to Malynda Kouperman (Assistant Principal) by Thursday, February 8 at 3:30pm.

Please reach out to Ms. Gilbertson, Ms. Alves, or Ms. Kouperman if you have any questions.

Parking at the YMCA

The Seton YMCA has asked the JCS community to refrain from using their 30-minute parking lot and the stalls reserved for their childcare program as a drop off and pick up location. There have been some safety concerns particularly for the young children.

Calgary Parking Authority will be issuing tickets to individuals stopped or parked in these dedicated YMCA parking stalls.

Semester 2 Fees

All fees for semester 2 are in PowerSchool and can be paid through the PowerSchool Portal. If you need to make payments or arrangements of any kind, please contact Linda Kowalchuk.

School Council/Parent Society Meeting

The next School Council/Parent Society meeting will be February 22. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend.

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.

All course changes are complete. There will be no othr course changes other than academic levels. 

Graduation 2024

Important Graduation 2024 information will be shared with grade 12 students during Raven Time on February 8. It is important that all grade 12 students attend!

Are You Ready to Graduate? Grade 12 students must complete the ‘Are You Ready to Graduate?’ form given out in Raven time in November. If your student has not completed the ‘Are you Ready to Graduate Form’ blank forms can be picked up in the Main Office. Completed forms should be dropped off in the Student Success Centre (SSC)

Grad Gowns:  all grads must use their educbe account to register their grad gown size HERE.

Graduation 2024 D2L: Grade 12 students are encouraged to regularly check D2L for updates and get more information about:

  • Grad speeches - there are several speaker roles for both the grad ceremony and banquet, including:
    • Class Valedictorian
    • Land Acknowledgement
    • Emcee*
    • Class Historian*
    • Toast to the Teachers*
    • Toast to the Parents/Guardian*

*Typically takes place at the banquet

  • Important Dates regarding grad speeches:
    • February 8 packages available
    • February 23 application deadline
    • March 14 grad speech auditions
  • Graduate baby pictures deadline April 22
  • Grad list checks will be the week of March 15

Graduation Ceremony Rehearsal:

  • Mandatory rehearsal on Thursday, May 9 during period 3 (2:00-3:30pm) in the Main Gym.
  • Grads will pick up their grad gown at the rehearsal.

Graduation Ceremony:

  • Thursday, May 16 from 9:00-11:30am at the Grey Eagle Event Centre
    • Grads arrive at 8:00am and doors open at 8:30am.
    • Initial offer of 4 free tickets per graduate, with the potential of more available once our initial round of ticketing has concluded.
    • More information about tickets in April.

Graduation Banquet:

  • Thursday, May 16 from 5:30pm to 10:00pm at the Grey Eagle Event Centre
    • Dinner will be at 6:00pm, dance starts at 8pm
    • Ticket purchase information to come in April.

Unique Pathways Information Night

Career and Technology Center (CTC) at Lord Shaughnessy High School - Wednesday, February 7| 6:00-8:00 pm

What is it? 

To support students with a one-stop shop to learn about Unique Pathways opportunities for Summer 2024 and the 2024-25 School Year. Students can ask questions to industry experts, speak to post-secondary representatives, see course outlines and materials, and discover opportunities that develop career paths and interests.

Who should attend?  

High school and Grade 9 students, parents/caregivers, student services, Off-campus Coordinators, CTF and CTS teachers, administration, etc.

How do students register?    

Students and parents are encouraged to register ahead using a survey link that will be provided in a school messenger.

We hope you can join us and look forward to launching another successful Unique Pathways program season!

Struggling with Social Media

Did you know that New York City has designated social media as a public health hazard due to the growing concerns regarding the impact on youth mental health and addiction habit formation. An online free interactive toolkit is available to support youth in forming more positive engagement with social media by helping them understand, navigate, and change their social media usage patterns.

Mental Health Supports for youth through The Summit

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.

Partnerships within JCS

  • All in for Youth
  • Calgary Bridges for Youth Foundation
    • Support for new Canadian students and their families to help navigate their school and community, as well as empower students to achieve success academically and socially by fostering a sense of belonging through mentorship programs, youth employability skills, etc.

Craven Café

There will be no food service until February 7 due to minor kitchen repairs.