Key Dates

  • Monday, January 26 & Tuesday, January 27, 2026
    Credit Rescue and Recovery
    No classes and no buses
  • Wednesday, January 28, 2026
    Start of Semester 2
  • Friday, January 30, 2026
    Non-Instructional Day – No Classes

Semester 2 Bell Time Adjustment

Students and parents, based on the feedback from our entire Diefenbaker community of students, parents and staff, we are changing our class bell times for Semester 2, effective Wednesday, January 28, 2026.  We are not changing start and end times and no bus times are changing. We are adding five minutes to classes Monday to Thursday and removing the tutorial times that extended classes. 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
AM
Class
7:20-8:50 AM
Class
7:20-8:50 AM
Class
7:20-8:50 AM
Class
7:20-8:50  
Period 1
(89 min)
9:03-10:32 Period 1
(89 min)
9:03-10:32 Period 2
(84 min)
9:03-10:27 Period 2
(89 min)
9:03-10:32 Period 1
(56 min)
9:03-9:59
Period 2
(89 min)
10:36-12:05 Period 2
(89 min)
10:36-12:05 TA
(20 min)
10:31-10:51 Period 1
(89 min)
10:36-12:05 Period 2
(56 min)
10:03-10:59
Lunch
(34 min)
12:05-12:39 Lunch
(34 min)
12:05-12:39 Period 1
(84 min)
10:55-12:19 Lunch
(34 min)
12:05-12:39 Break
(19 min)
10:59-11:18
Period 3
(89 min)
12:39-2:08 Period 3
(89 min)
12:39-2:08 Lunch 12:19-12:49 Period 4
(89 min)
12:39-2:08 Period 3
(57 min)
11:18-12:15
Period 4
(89 min)
2:12-3:41 Period 4
(89 min)
2:12-3:41 Period 4
(84 min)
12:49-2:13 Period 3
(89 min)
2:12-3:41 Period 4
(56 min)
12:19-1:15
  Period 3
(84 min)
2:17-3:41   Staff Meeting/ PLC Time 1:30-3:00
PM Class Block
3:45-5:15

Textbook Return Reminder

All Semester 1 textbooks must be returned as soon as possible unless they are required for the remainder of the school year.

Please note:

  • Outstanding textbooks will result in automatic fines applied to student accounts
  • Textbooks are barcoded and assigned individually
  • Returning someone else’s textbook will not clear your account

Calgary Transit

Families with students who use Calgary Transit are asked to direct all transit-related questions or concerns to:

  • Calgary Transit: 403-262-1000

This ensures inquiries are properly logged and handled by the correct team.


Final Opportunity: Graduation Photos for Yearbook & Composite

Nearly 100 graduates still need to complete their graduation photos.

Lifetouch has completed school-based sessions, but studio appointments are still available for a limited time.

Studio Location
5329 72 Ave SE, #30
Calgary, AB T2C 4X6

Appointments: Limited availability
Deadline: Saturday, February 14, 2026

Book Your Appointment: Calgary Studio Booking

All students who complete their sitting will receive a complimentary 5×7 commencement-stage photo (for graduates attending the ceremony).


Ride of the Chiefs (ROTC) – Parent Volunteers Needed

Our Leadership students are preparing for the 11th annual Ride of the Chiefs, a 12-hour bike-a-thon supporting the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Event Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 12-hour event
Funds Raised to Date: Over $160,000 (school total)

Volunteer Support Needed

We are seeking 12 parent volunteers to supervise from 3:30–8:00 PM.

Without sufficient volunteers, the event may need to be shortened.

How to Help

  • When: April 17, 2026 | 3:30–8:00 PM
  • Where: John G. Diefenbaker High School
  • Requirements:
    • Valid police clearance (ePIC)
    • Volunteer registration via SchoolEngage

To sign up as a volunteer, please go to SchoolEngage and complete the Volunteer Registration form. As soon as you complete the steps to register, please email your form and police clearance document to the school at johngdiefenbaker@cbe.ab.ca.

Thank you for supporting our students and the Alberta Children’s Hospital!


Cell Phone Use Reminder

Teachers and staff are following Alberta Government legislation regarding cell phone use.

  • Students may use phones only when required for learning
  • Students may not answer texts or calls during class
  • Parents are asked not to text or call students during instructional time

Emergencies: Please contact the school office so staff can reach the classroom if needed.

Your support helps maintain a focused learning environment.


Transition to Adulthood: Public Invitation

Transition to Adulthood Resource Fair & Information Session

Friday, February 20, 2026
2:00–4:00 PM
CBE Career & Technology Centre – Learning Commons
2336 53 Ave SW

Focus:
This afternoon event is open to families, guardians and staff supporting complex needs students to learn more about Government Supports and Services available as they transition to adulthood.

Additional Information:
Please review the attachments and complete the registration link if attending.

A presentation by Easter Seals will share about the services and application process for: 

Guests will have an opportunity to explore and meet with a variety of Calgary-based organizations who provide services to Adults receiving PDD programming and support.


Athletics & Events | January 26–30

In-School Events

  • Monday–Tuesday: Credit Rescue & Recovery
  • Wednesday: Semester 2 / Term 3 Begins
  • Friday: Non-Instructional Day

Athletics

  • Senior Girls Basketball vs Fowler – Home, 5:30 PM
  • Junior Girls Basketball vs Fowler – Home, 7:30 PM
  • Wrestling Tournament – Cochrane (All Day)

After-School Events

  • Open House – Thursday, 5:30–7:00 PM

Yearbook Reminder

Last day to order yearbooks: Sunday, February 15

Please purchase as soon as possible.

JGD Yearbook QR

Chiefs Yearbook Draw


Career & Community Opportunities

Summer Job Career Fair

CAREERS Internship Fair

JGD Careers Next Generation



Black Youth Mentorship & Leadership Program (BYMLP)

Over the summer, we run a 6-week intensive mentorship program for Black High School Youth in Grade 10 and 11. This program is designed to socially and economically empower Black youth so they can meaningfully contribute to Canadian society. We have started recruiting for our 2026 cohort and are reaching out to high schools across Calgary to share our flyer. With your help, we hope to ensure that students who could benefit from culturally affirming mentorship are aware of this opportunity.

Apply Here: BYMLP Mentee Recruitment 2026 – University of Calgary

Application Deadline: Thursday, February 6, 2026

Program Highlights:

  • Weekly workshops on diverse topics including university admissions, budgeting, financing education, literature reviews, career planning 
  • Research experience while working with a faculty member
  • Weekly meeting with a community mentor
  • Access to Black professionals and mentors across various fields
  • A supportive space to grow confidence and community

Recruiting Mentees Black Youth


Free Community Events & Resources

YMCA Summer Student