Weekly Update | May 18-22 

May 19 - Spring Concert - May 19 at Knox United Church 7:00 PM

Exams

Diefenbaker IB Exam Schedule May 2026, please use link:   

• IB Exam Schedule

Congratulations to all our IB Students for completing these International Exams during April and May!

Diefenbaker Diploma Exam Schedule June 2026, please use link:   

• June Diploma Exam Schedule

Graduating Class of 2026

Grad Reception Tickets

Families of Graduates attending the Grad Reception, there are still a number of unpaid reception tickets.  Please check PowerSchool and ensure that all tickets are paid for by the end of Friday, May 19. 

Graduation Updates

Reminder: Grad Fees must be paid in order to receive gowns and tickets.  Please check PowerSchool or have your student stop into the Business Office to get more information.  

Important Graduation Dates:

May 15 - Graduation Reception Tickets - payment due

May 25 and 26 - Gown and Ceremony Ticket distribution (4 complimentary tickets per student). 

• Please ensure your student is in classes to receive their items. 
• Accessible Seating - please email lmearly@cbe.ab.ca if you require accessible seating at the ceremony.  Information can also be found on the school website at https://johngdiefenbaker.cbe.ab.ca/graduation

May 25 - Link to request additional tickets will be sent by email at 9:00 AM

• sign up must be completed by 5:00 PM. 
• Please note that we anticipate having a very small number of tickets to share and that we will be distributing via a lottery format. 
• The event will be livestreamed so that anyone unable to attend can still celebrate your graduate!

May 27 and 28 - Grad Reception ticket distribution at lunch in the Mall

June 4 - Grad Rehearsal - Periods 3 and 4 - All graduates must attend

June 5 Ceremony at 9:00 AM sharp at Centre Street Campus

• Reception from 2:30 - 5:00 PM at WinSport 

Diefenbaker's Athletic Awards Ceremony

Night of the Chiefs - Wednesday June 3

Night of the Chiefs, is on Wednesday June 3 at the Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association from 5:00-8:00 PM. Tickets for student athletes are included in team fees at a cost of $48.00.

If you have not paid your team fees yet, please pay on MyCBE or pay in the Business Office with Ms. Prum.

We are looking for volunteers for the Night of the Chiefs Athletic Banquet on Wednesday, June 3 from 5:00- 8:30 PM.  Volunteers will assist with the buffet dinner service and clean up for the event. 

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Amber, no later than May 26 at:

• elmoabbott@hotmail.com 

Please note that a valid CBE Security Clearance is required for this off-site activity. Instructions on how to obtain clearance can be found on the volunteer page of the John G. Diefenbaker High School website.

Thank you for your continued support of our school community

Celebrations!

Big Results at Blue Divisional Track Meet

Congratulations to the John G. Diefenbaker High School Track & Field Team on an incredible performance at the Blue Divisional Meet on Wednesday, May 13!

A huge number of our athletes have officially QUALIFIED for the City Championships taking place May 23! 🏅💪

We are proud of the dedication, sportsmanship, and hard work shown by all of our athletes this season.

Special shoutout to our amazing volunteer coaches — Josh Stryde and Kirsten Bailey — for all of the time, energy, and support they give to our team!

Let’s keep the momentum going, Chiefs! 💙💛

Diefenbaker Concert Band

The Diefenbaker Concert Band earned the Superior Band Award at the Alberta Band Association Festival in Red Deer this past weekend. The ensemble performed Turquoise by Owen Williams, Three Folk Miniatures by André Jutras, and Majestia by James Swearingen for adjudicators and audiences from across the province. This is the top recognition award!

Our students demonstrated exceptional musicianship, preparation, and professionalism throughout the festival experience. The Superior Band Award is presented to bands recognized among the top ensembles in Alberta, making this an especially meaningful achievement for the group and our music program. 

Bands receiving the Superior Band Award are also invited to perform at the National Band Festival, which will be hosted in Calgary next year. Congratulations to all members of the Concert Band on this outstanding achievement. Mr. Faunt is proud of you!

Artist Spotlight

Sarah P is a Grade 12 photography and music student at John G Diefenbaker. Sarah is an active member in LITA. She is inspired by “mundane objects and feelings of childhood nostalgia” according to her, which is reflected in her the slice of life stories she enjoys writing. Being a flutist in both Symphonic Band and Jazz and, Sarah takes part in fostering Diefenbaker's musical identity. Recently, she has been experimenting with both natural and artificial lighting with household objects in her photography. Sarah recommends for people to keep pursuing the creative work that brings them joy and consider providing more diverse perspectives to the world, even when things seem hopeless.

Grade 12 Future Opportunities

Bridge Foundation

As students approach the end of high school, planning for their future can be both exciting and challenging. To support families during this important transition, our school is collaborating with the Bridges to Better Life (BBL) initiative through the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth.

This program is designed to support newcomer youth (ages 18–30) as they transition out of high school and explore meaningful pathways toward education, training, and employment.

How can Bridges to Better Life support your child?

BBL provides free, personalized support to help students:

• Find suitable adult English language programs (LINC/ESL)
• Access adult high school upgrading programs
• Connect with trade and career training opportunities
• Connect with college options, including application assistance
• Explore employment opportunities
• Access information and referrals for adult support programs such as AISH or PDD if applicable

Information and referrals for adult support programs such as AISH or PDD (if applicable). 

The goal is to ensure every student has a clear and achievable plan for their future.

We invite you and your child to attend one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more:

Information Sessions (Choose any one session): 

• Wednesday, May 27 | 4:45 PM | In-person at Diefenbaker, Learning Commons (followed by the Spring Awards Evening)

Students can also receive one-on-one or small group support based on their needs and interests.

If you would like to register for a session or have any questions, please contact the school. We encourage all families with students nearing graduation to take advantage of this valuable support.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success.

Scholarships

Horatio Alger Association of Canada Vocational and Technical Scholarship

Attention Grade 12s and Grade 12 Families!

Tuition is expensive. Here's a great scholarship opportunity to check out! The Horatio Alger Association of Canada Vocational and Technical Scholarship is awarding scholarships (of up to $3000) to students who plan to enroll in hands-on vocational, technical or trades training for Fall 2026 at a public or not-for-profit institution. Applications must be submitted online by June 15. Interested applicants can start their application process by logging into: https://horatioalger.ca/vocational-technical-scholarshp-eligibility/

Come see Student Services with any questions! 

St. Mary's University Spring Open House

St. Mary's University is hosted a Spring Open House on Wednesday, May 13 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at McGivney Hall on the St. Mary's Campus (1400 Bannister Rd SE). Prospective students and their families were invited to explore programs, connect with faculty and alumni, and experience campus life. St. Mary's is accepting applications for Fall 2026 until August 1, 2026. Come see Student Services with any questions!

M. Cecil Brownlee Bursary - Free Money for Grade 10s

All Grade 10 students are encouraged to create an EducationMatters account and apply for the M. Cecil Brownlee Bursary

An award between $250-$500 is given to one Grade 10 student in EACH CBE high school. This could be you!

Successful applicants will have at least 35 credits, a minimum average of 70% and be involved in non-academic activities within our school and community.

Check outwww.educationmatters.ca or come see Student Services.

Calling all Grade 12 Students

The Shaw Family Foundation scholarship is now open for applications. Scholarships range from $5,000 to $15,000 and aim to advance education by providing meaningful financial support. Applicants must reside in Calgary (or surrounding areas) and planning to attend a post-secondary institution recognized by Alberta Education.

Additional information (including the application form and application steps) can be found in Shaw Family Foundation Scholarship link in the GRAD26 D2L shell. The deadline for applications is May 22nd, 2026 and successful applicants will be notified by the beginning of August. 

The Calgary Calabrian Cultural and Heritage Society Academic Scholarship 

Now accepting applications! If you have parents, grandparents or great grandparents who were born in Calabria, this could be the scholarship for you! Successful candidates will have good academic standing, involvement within both their school and community and be able to demonstrate how they maintain their connection to Calabrian culture. 

• Interested applicants can apply at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScM4kqPGzWwpryWpWXViEEQBZnNtDGJGQgJZJ8-YHs9B1siNQ/viewform?usp=header

In addition to the academic scholarship, the society will also be awarding a scholarship to a student entering a vocational technical education such as construction, mechanics, electrical, esthetics, etc. This scholarship is also valued at $2000.00. Please see the application form for more specific criteria.

• Interested applicants can apply at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnqGIJmzhPKMGhIeqZQWZAOXiwJiN2rN_aid62Bq1v5zVC9Q/viewform?usp=header

The deadline for both scholarships (each valued at $2000) is September 30th, 2026. For additional information, please contact Maria West at maria.west@cssd.ab.ca 

Learning Commons Update

Library Books Due

All books are due back May 29!

Summer School Update

Summer English Additional Language Courses are still Available 

There are still openings available for students interested in developing their language skills during summer school.  We have two courses available to students… 

Previously called English for Academic Success will offer students credits in either:

• Academic Achievement through English Language Acquisition - Beginner 15 (LDC1481)
• Academic Achievement through English Language Acquisition - Intermediate 15 (LDC1482)
• This course is designed for LP3 and LP4 students
• This will be a multi-level class and the teacher will determine the credits the students will be given at the end of summer school. Determined by language proficiency and evidence of learning 

Learning Strategies:

• This course helps English language learners become better communicators at school and in the community.  
• Students will develop behaviours and attitudes that lead to life-long learning and success in school, life, and future careers.  
• Assignments and activities are developed through reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing (watching) and representing. 
• This course is designed for LP1 and LP2 students
• This will be a multi-level class and the teacher will determine the credits the students will be given at the end of summer school. Students can earn LS 15/25/35 credits 

Can students be registered if they are current LEAD students?

 Any learner assessed at an overall LP 1 could complete EAL Learning Strategies in the summer. Student would benefit from having a recent LP 1 in both reading and writing. Students assessed at pre-LP 1 may find this course challenging.

If a student is assessed at an overall LP2 should they be registered in the Academic Achievement through English Language Acquisition course?

The English Language Acquisition - Beginner/Intermediate classes is designed for students who have been assessed at an overall LP3, or LP3 in reading/writing.

Please speak to your Student Services Counsellor if you are interested in taking one of these two summer EAL classes. Contact the school for assistance.

The deadline is Friday May 22, 2026. 

Summer Off-Campus Opportunities

Summer Off-Campus allows students to earn high school credits through paid or volunteer work in Calgary. Students must secure job placement and have HCS3000 completed. Students without a job placement can apply with CAREERS for internships (careersnextgen.ca).

• Work Experience
• Internship
• Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
• Deadline: June 12, 2026.

How to apply for these programs: Students meet with their Off-Campus Coordinator - Mr. Coutts

Athletics & Events Schedule

Next Week’s Events

All Sports are weather permitting – schedules may change

Other Information