Cyber and Social Media Safety - Sir John A. MacDonald Hosting Paul Davis
Paul is a renowned cyber and social media safety expert. He does an amazing job of educating parents about how to help protect students from online bullying, sexual exploitation, radicalizations, AI traps and much more!
CBE Student Survey
John G. Diefenbaker High School will be participating in an online school perception survey for students called the CBE Student Survey. Details of the survey implementation are outlined below.
Who: Students in Grades 11 and 12
When: February 11, 2026
Where: During Teacher Advisory
About the CBE Student Survey
The CBE Student Survey:
- Allows students to share feedback about their experiences at school, the school environment, and school improvement initiatives
- Provides opportunities for students to contribute to action plans that foster increased engagement
- Takes approximately 30 minutes to complete
The survey is an opportunity for students to:
- Reflect on their abilities and accomplishments
- Take pride in what they have achieved
In alignment with CBE’s Education Plan, survey results are used in school and district reporting to demonstrate that students are:
- At the center of all CBE decisions
- Able to integrate and apply knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies across disciplines
- Demonstrating Citizenship, Personal Development, and Character through learning
For questions or additional information about the CBE Student Survey, please contact us.
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 |
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Castle Rock Study Guide Sale – Open Until February 11
As we begin the new semester, Castle Rock Research study guide sales are now open through February 11.
EducationMatters has partnered with Castle Rock Research to offer high-quality study materials at a significant discount for CBE students. These supplementary resources are designed to support learning and build confidence throughout the semester.
All purchases help raise funds for EducationMatters, supporting programs that help CBE students thrive.
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)
Leadership students are organizing the 11th annual Ride of the Chiefs (ROTC) and are seeking parent support to help continue this important school tradition.
ROTC is a 12-hour bike-a-thon that raises funds for the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Over the past decade, John G. Diefenbaker High School has raised more than $160,000, including $20,000 in last year’s event.
Event Date: April 17, 2026
Students will spend five months fundraising to participate in this meaningful event.
Parent Volunteers Needed
We are currently seeking 12 parent volunteers to supervise the event from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM on April 17.
Without enough parent supervisors, we will be forced to shorten the event to fit within regular school hours. We want to give our students the full 12-hour experience they’ve worked so hard for, and ensure we raise as much as possible for the children at the hospital!
How to Help
If you are available to help us maintain this incredible tradition, we would love to have you!
When: April 17, 2026 | 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: John G. Diefenbaker High School
Requirements: A valid police clearance (ePIC) and registration as a volunteer.
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
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:
- PDD -Persons With Developmental Disabilities
- AISH -Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
- Trustee and Guardianship
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
A detailed weekly schedule outlining meetings, in-school events, athletics, and after-school activities will be shared with students. Highlights include basketball games, wrestling tournaments, and other competitive events throughout the week.
Tuesday, February 3:
- Sr. Boys Basketball vs. All Saints
at All Saints | 5:30 PM - Jr. Boys Basketball vs. All Saints
at All Saints | 7:30 PM - Sr. Girls Basketball vs. St. Martin de Porres
at Home | 5:30 PM - Jr. Girls Basketball vs. St. Martin de Porres
at Home | 7:30 PM
Wednesday, February 4:
- Wrestling Tournament
@ Winston Churchill School | 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 5:
- Sr. Boys Basketball vs. Centennial
@ Centennial | 7:30 PM - Jr. Boys Basketball vs. Centennial
@ Centennial | 5:30 PM - Sr. Girls Basketball vs. St. Timothy's
@ St. Timothy's | 5:30 PM
Yearbook Reminder
Last day to order yearbooks: Sunday, February 15
Please purchase as soon as possible.
IPEIA Next Gen 2026
Summer Job Career Fair
Career Internship Fair 2026
Work Experience Program – See Mr. Coutts
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
Free Community Events & Resources
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Kids Up Front
Families can explore free and discounted community opportunities through:
https://portal.kidsupfront.com/
Upcoming events include:
- Calgary Hitmen vs. Edmonton Oil Kings – January 28
- Calgary Flames vs. San Jose Sharks – January 31
Mecha Mayhem 2026
Dates: February 6–8
Location: BMO Centre
This free international robotics competition features over 200 teams and is open to students interested in robotics and engineering. No ticket is required.
Nominate an Outstanding Peer – YODA 2026
YODA recognizes exceptional Calgary youth aged 12–18 who make a meaningful impact in their community.
The Peer Support Award honours youth who demonstrate empathy, leadership, and mentorship.
Nomination Deadline: February 9, 2026
More information and nomination forms are available at: https://youthcentral.com/yoda/