A Message Regarding the Attacks in New Zealand

Posted March 15, 2019

This morning, we awoke to the news of yet another terrorist attack on a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, that has left 49 people dead and several others wounded. We stand together in grieving this tragedy with our community. This senseless act will impact the thousands of students, staff, families and community members we welcome […]

Have your say in our funding priorities – take our survey

Posted March 8, 2019

There is still time to have your say and participate in our annual budget survey. By participating, you will tell us which funding priorities we should consider as we prepare our budget for the 2019-2020 school year, and beyond. Please complete our short survey to help us identify what areas matter to our communities. The survey […]

Principal’s Message on School Incident – March 5th

Posted March 5, 2019

Dear Sir John A Macdonald families,

I am writing to make you aware of an incident that happened today during our lunch hour.

Students in the cafeteria became aware of a peer’s Instagram post that included threatening comments. The post was shared widely among our students, causing some panic and miscommunication that a shooting would take place.

SJAM students immediately brought the issue to the attention of the administration, and we were able to quickly identify and secure the student responsible for the post. As a result, we did not have to put our school into lockdown or hold and secure.

Following our school safety procedures, we called and worked with Waterloo Regional Police right away.

I want to make it clear to our families that the Instagram post did not make an explicit threat that a school shooting would take place. The post did contain information that is worrying to staff, and we are investigating the incident with police.

Sometimes, experiencing incidents like this can cause students to become anxious or feel uncomfortable. If your child is feeling uneasy and would like to speak with someone, our child and youth worker and guidance staff are available.

The safety of students and staff at Sir John A Macdonald is my top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at school.

Principal Jennifer Shortreed

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SJAM Drama Presents – “We Will Never Be the Same”

Posted February 26, 2019

Sir John A. Macdonald is proud to announce its production of “We Will Never Be the Same” by Emma Dines, Alan K. Sapp and Daniel Kruger.  The play is inspired by the events and aftermath of the shooting of 10 Amish girls at a Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania schoolhouse in 2006.

The play explores the world’s reaction to this hate crime, and the incredible response from the Amish community to extend forgiveness rather than retaliation.  SJAM’s production will seek to learn from this example of forgiveness, and to explore how each person faces and deals with tragedy, each in their own way.

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Course Selections – Forms Due Tuesday Morning (Feb. 26)

Posted February 25, 2019

Any students who were not able to hand in course selection forms on Monday due to the weather/bus cancellations, please make sure you bring your signed MyWay printouts on Tuesday morning.  You will be able to submit these to guidance before lunch.  MyWay will remain open until the end of the day on Monday for those who need to complete this VERY important process.

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Feb 25: Buses cancelled, schools are open

Posted February 25, 2019

All school buses, taxis and special education routes are cancelled today due to weather. All schools are open and Extended Day Programs are operating. All transportation for WCSSAA sports games is also cancelled today. As always, parents may choose to keep their children home if they feel it is unsafe to travel to school. If […]

Pink Shirt Day is February 27

Posted February 24, 2019

On Wednesday, February 27, join us in recognizing Pink Shirt Day. This is a day to stand up against bullying. This movement was inspired by the actions of two high school students from Nova Scotia. In 2007, the students witnessed a Grade 9 boy being bullied for wearing a pink polo shirt on his first […]

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