Weekly Update | May 25 – May 29, 2026
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
Diefenbaker Spring Band Concert - Knox Church
What an extraordinary evening celebrating the outstanding talent of our Band and Choir students. Under the incredible leadership and dedication of Harry Faunt, the performance was exceptional!
The harmonious and moving collaborative finale, presented by all the Choir and Band students, within the transcendent ambience of Knox United Church, was truly breathtaking. The music filled the space in a way that left the audience deeply moved and incredibly proud.
Members of the community were amazed by the performances, with many stopping to ask what school we were from and expressing how incredibly impressed they were by the talent, professionalism, and artistry displayed throughout the evening.
Many shared that Mr. Faunt should be exceptionally proud of the remarkable work he has done with these students.
We are so fortunate to have such passionate students, educators, and supporters within our school community. Proud to be a member of it.
Drama Performance
What an incredible evening celebrating the creativity and talent of our Drama students through a series of one-act plays that were all student written, directed, and performed. The passion, courage, and hard work that went into each production was evident throughout the night.
Perhaps most inspiring was the unmistakable sense of pride and accomplishment shown by the students at the conclusion of their performances — a true reflection of their dedication and teamwork.
A special congratulations to Ms. Abusow for empowering students to take the lead in such a meaningful and entertaining evening. Ms. Abusow’s Drama classes foster an inclusive community where creativity thrives and students of all learning styles and abilities are encouraged to express themselves, take creative risks, and shine with confidence. Opportunities like these allow students to grow not only as performers, but as creative thinkers, leaders, and storytellers.
Bravo to everyone involved!
Our big year end Art Show is coming up next Wednesday, May 27 from 6:00-7:00 PM in Dief’s Cafeteria Area. Please come through and enjoy the work prior to the Awards Ceremony starting at 7:00 PM.
ELA 30-1 Field Trip
Wednesday, May 20, 110 ELA 30-1 students spent a day learning on the land, out at "The Site", to gain a deeper understanding of photo composition and storytelling.
They were challenged to explore and experience the landscape around them, as they learned about photographic principles. They strengthened confidence in their own voice through creating an image- based story. It was a great day workshopping these essential diploma exam skills, and more importantly honing their perspective and voice in creating a clear and concise theme. Neither little rain, the bit of sunshine, nor the little hail, hampered these eager Grade 12s! A little learning and a whole lot of enthusiasm filled the day!
Student ART Show
Biology 30 IB Ducklings 2026
The Biology 30 IB class incubated 8 duck eggs for the Reproduction & Embryonic Development Unit in Biology 30. The students were disappointed that none of the duck eggs hatched due to developmental issues. However, they were excited when 2 ducklings arrived in our classroom and will remain here until May22nd, then they will be returned to the farm. Other classes, teachers and students are enjoying visiting the ducklings as well.
Image 1: Biology 30 IB feeding ducklings. Image 2: Biology 20IB drying ducklings. Image 3: The ducklings (yellow = Daisy and brown = Geronimo. Adorable additions to Dief!
Volunteers Needed for Provincial Track and Field Championships on June 5 & 6
If you have a valid volunteering clearance with the Calgary Board of Education and you are interested in helping out, please contact Mr. Doug Coutts at djcoutts@cbe.ab.ca
Graduating Class of 2026
Grad Reception Tickets
Reminder to graduates to pick up graduation reception tickets for WinSport this Tuesday and Wednesday in the mall at lunch.
Graduation Updates
Reminder: Grad Fees must be paid to receive gowns and tickets. Please check PowerSchool or have your student stop into the Business Office to get more information.
Please email Ms. Gierach if you or any of the guests have specific food allergies at aigierach@cbe.ab.ca
Important Dates
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.
May 25 - Link to request additional tickets will be sent by email at 9 AM- sign up must be completed by 5 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 AM sharp - Centre Street Campus and then
Reception from 2:30 PM- 5:00 PM WinSport
Diefenbaker's Athletic Awards Ceremony
Student athletes who have paid their team fees will be able to pick up their ticket for the banquet at lunch in the main gym on Monday May 25 and Tuesday May 26.
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 5pm- 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:
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
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
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):
- May 27 at 4:45 PM (In-Person at Diefenbaker in the 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.
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 or concerns!
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.
Questions? Check out www.educationmatters.ca or come see Student Services
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
Athletics & Events Schedule
Next Week’s Events – All Sports are weather permitting – schedules may change
Area | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
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Meetings |
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In-School Events |
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Athletics/ FACTS Events | SrG Fld Hcky Qtrs at CSC 3 or 4 4:45 Soccer Qtrs at TBD 4:30 |
| Jr Girls Fld Hcky Qtrs at CSC 4 4:45 SrG Fld Hcky Semis at CSC 3 or 4 4:45 Boys Rugby Qtrs at TBD 4:45 Girls Rugby Qtrs at TBD 4:45 Soccer Semis at TBD 4:30 | Jr Girls Fld Hcky Semis at CSC3 3:30 or 4:45 |
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After School |
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| Fundraising Art/ Craft Sale 4:00 – 6:00 6:00 LITA Art Show AND Spring Awards 7:00 | Fundraising Art/ Craft Sale 4:00 – 6:00 Dief Make-a-Change Badminton Tournament 4:00 – 6:00 | IB Learner Profile Awards 1:30-2:30 |
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