Important Dates

• Jostens Grad Rings – Dec 1 & 2
• Photo Retakes – December 3
• Teachers for Teachers’ Christmas Market – Dec 8 4:30-7:30

Congratulations to Jr. Girls Volleyball

Congratulations to our JR Girls Volleyball team who won their final match and became Div III City Champions last week. Thank you to Coach Stryde and Coach Beisel for their work with this amazing group of young ladies.

Winter Concert

What a wonderful concert by our almost 200 JGD students on Thursday, November 27 at Knox United Church in downtown Calgary!  Roughly 250 audience members, including grandparents, parents, siblings, past graduates and other family members were all present to hear the beautiful pieces selected for this special evening.

Likely parents have only ever heard their one child’s part piece in these musical pieces while they practiced for endless hours, so this concert highlighted the assembling of all the musical instruments into quite sophisticated and complicated pieces! It was most impressive to experience!  Congratulations students and many thanks to Mr. Faunt’s talent and leadership. We value our Fine Arts Music program and appreciate all your support.

Music Program Purdy’s Fundraiser

Each year, the John G. Diefenbaker Music Parents Association (JGDMPA) raises money to help support the music programs here at John G. Diefenbaker High School.  These funds are used to offset the cost of concert programs, clinicians, uniforms, student scholarships and field trips.

This means our Purdy’s Chocolate Fundraiser begins.... NOW! Go get your Christmas treats🎄🍫

All profits will go directly to the JGD Music Parents Association to enhance our music students’ experience!

So, satisfy those cravings and get all your holiday gift-shopping done while supporting a great cause. 😊💜 

• The deadline to order is December 2, 2025
• Orders must be placed through this link: Purdy's Fundraiser

Parent Information Session – Navigating the Post Secondary Application Process

Join us on Thursday, December 11, at 6:00 pm in the Diefenbaker Cafeteria for Part 2 of the information session, “Navigating the Postsecondary Application Process: A Parent’s Guide” by Renee Duan. 

This session will cover 

• scholarship applications, 
• interviews, 
• competitive programs, and more, 

with a Q&A time at the end of the session.

❗️ Spaces are limited, so please register to attend: Navigating the Postsecondary Application Process: A Parent’s Guide” by Renee Duan.   – Fill out form

*Note: Organized by your school council, this presentation aims to assist parents/caregivers in supporting their students in applying for scholarships and preparing for interviews. While this presentation is intended for parents/caregivers of Grade 11 and 12 students, Grade 10 parents/caregivers are also encouraged to attend. Students are welcome to join parents as it is a parent/caregiver event. Please indicate the total number of attendees on the registration form.

Calgary Transit Busing Information

On Monday, November 24, we had our first major snowfall and it caused many delays in vehicle traffic.  Both the CBE and Calgary Transit were working diligently to help our JGD students arrive safely and in a reasonable amount of time on our dedicated 734,735, and 736 buses.

The message from CBE is the following:

You are welcome to provide the information we have on our website: CBE- Calgary Transit | Busing & Transportation.

Service Delays

Calgary Transit has several Rider Tools to stay informed along the way.

All traffic is affected in situations of poor weather. Students taking Calgary Transit have more options and flexibility as buses run more frequently.

It is wise for parents to create a backup plan and share that plan with your child. Your plan may include possibilities like carpooling with neighbours or dropping and picking up your children at school. We understand that these options are not possible for everyone and encourage you to develop a plan that is suitable to your family situation.

Available links on that page are: Traveling in Winter which provides resources for families to self-inform on service delays.

 Furthermore, our liaison with Calgary Transit shared the following message:

We encourage students and families to plan their trips ahead of time, as our buses face the same challenges as other vehicles on the road. Please remind students to dress appropriately for winter conditions to stay safe while waiting for their bus.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the safety of all students during these challenging weather conditions.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Cat Turner, cjturner@cbe.ab.c or call 403-608-8572                                                

ELAA Post Secondary Fair

ELAA Post Secondary Fair runs from 1-3 PM in the East Gym on Monday, December 1. While we are hoping that Grade 12 classes will be able to come down at some time during the afternoon, Grade 11 classes are also welcome.   There will be no schedule, please drop in when it works for you and your class.  

Artist Spotlight

Sydney M is a student in Grade 12 whose chosen methods are typically acrylic paint and digital media.  She finds inspiration for her work from the world around her and uses visual art as a way to express the things she has a hard time putting into words.  Sydney has gone to multiple summer courses for painting, as well as a pre-college program through the Alberta University of the Arts.  She has already been accepted to AU ARTS for fall 2026! Congratulations! Sydney plans on becoming an Fine Arts Teacher to help other people find what they love to make.

Athletics & Events Schedule

Jostens’ Grad Rings

On Monday, December 1 and Tuesday December 2, Jostens will be set up in the Mall area for our Grade 12 students to come, see and reserve their Diefenbaker Grad 2026 ring.  Please mark in your calendar.

Arrival times and door opening times

All students must be under the supervision of a teacher while in the building.  With Basketball practices, Band practices and cold weather, students have been arriving earlier and earlier.  Students arriving for teams and classes, should enter the building via the door closest to their activities.  The front and mall doors will open for students attending regular classes at 8:00.    Please do not drop off or send students to arrive prior to 8:00 am as they will not be let in

Student Drop Off

With the cold weather approaching, we see an increase in students being dropped off in the mornings.  We have a very efficient and safe drop-off procedure in the mornings. 

Please do not use stalls to park, drop off, and reverse out to leave.  This causes congestion and safety hazards. 

There are 3 safe and quick paths:

1. Enter from the south entrance on 4^th St, head north along the school, drop off by the flagpole, and turn left to exit either via the north entrance onto 4^th St or turn right to use the East exit by the portables.
2. Enter at the north entrance (by McDonald’s), go straight into the parking lot, drop off at the 2 large orange pylons, and exit via the East exit by the portables.
3. Enter via the East entrance by the portables (behind the McDonald’s), head west in the parking lot, drop off at the 2 large orange pylons, and exit via the north entrance onto 4^th St.

Cars can only turn RIGHT between 8:00 and 9:00AM if exiting onto 4^th St. and 3:30-4:00PM

We have also noticed many drivers driving excessively fast in our parking lots. For student safety we expect all drivers to drive slowly (under 15 km/h) while in our lots. With the snow coming and limited snow removal, our lot tends to get icy and excessive speed has resulted in accidents.
Please slow down for everyone’s safety.

Thanks for your cooperation to make drop off quick, efficient and safe for everyone.