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Weekly Update | October 19-23, 2026

Important Dates

Safe Entry Update

The CBE has changed expectations for safe entry to schools. Beginning Monday, October 26, all doors to the school will remain locked during instructional hours.

• Front doors: Open for entry and supervised by staff from 8:30–9:00 AM.
• Mall doors by the student parking lot: Locked at all times. Students who park in the student parking lot must enter through the front doors.

As the doors will only be open from 8:30–9:00 AM, please review the following procedures:

• Students arriving before 8:30 AM: Students arriving for classes or teams must enter through the door indicated by their teacher or coach. Students who are not under the direct supervision or instruction of a teacher before 8:30 AM will not be permitted to enter the building.
• Students arriving after 9:00 AM: Students must use the front-door buzzer and show their Diefenbaker student ID and lanyard to the camera to gain entry.
• Adult visitors: Adults visiting Diefenbaker must use the buzzer and explain their reason for visiting to the front office staff before being admitted.

Spectators for Athletic Events in the Gym

• The front doors will remain locked, with no entry.
• The mall doors by the student parking lot will be unlocked for entry 30 minutes before the start of the game.
• Once the game has started, the doors will be locked. Administration will open the door at random times throughout the game to allow people to enter.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this transitional time as we work to keep all students and staff safe.

Halloween Dress Expectations

Dressing up for Halloween is often a highlight of the year for many students. However, costumes must also meet safety and school expectations.

All students are expected to dress in a manner that is age-appropriate, school-appropriate, and suitable for a learning environment. Costumes and attire should not be excessively revealing.

The following items and themes are not permitted:

• Weapons of any kind
• Costumes that glorify sex, racism, war, or conflict
• Masks during instructional time

For everyone's safety, students may be asked to remove their masks to confirm their identity.

Students who do not meet these expectations will be asked to change or adjust their costumes, surrender prohibited accessories, or go home.

Following these guidelines will help make Friday, October 30, a fun and eventful day!

Marks Visibility

In preparation for the release of report cards on Monday, November 9, students' overall course percentage marks will be hidden beginning at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27.

Students and families will continue to have access to:

• Attendance records
• Individual assignment due dates
• Assignment submission status
• Individual assignment marks

This allows teachers to mark student work, update marks in real time, and enter comments before report cards are issued.

Overall course percentage marks will become visible again on Monday, November 9, alongside the release of report cards.

Calling All Grade 12 Students!

REMAX Canada Quest for Excellence Program

The REMAX Canada Quest for Excellence Program is an annual scholarship initiative that recognizes Grade 12 students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and future aspirations through a written essay submission.

Forty students will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their post-secondary education.

Who is eligible to apply?

The program is open to eligible Canadian Grade 12 students who are graduating in the current academic year and planning to pursue post-secondary education.

How do I apply?

Students can apply by selecting one of three essay themes, writing a minimum 500-word essay, and submitting their entry through the online application form before March 15, 2027.

For more information and to begin your application, visit the REMAX Canada Quest for Excellence Program website.

Questions? Come see us in Student Services!

The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons

Sign-up sheets for auditions and crew interviews for this year's theatre production of The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons will be available beginning Wednesday, October 21.

Students must sign up for a time slot using the forms posted outside the drama room (Room 175). There are only a few days available for auditions and crew interviews, so don't miss your opportunity to participate in this enriching experience!

Auditions and interviews:

• Students auditioning must prepare a monologue to perform more than once during the audition.
• Crew members and actors must complete the information form and submit it at the time of their audition or interview.

Basketball Open Gyms

Interested in playing basketball this season for the junior or senior teams? Work on your skills and get into shape before tryouts with open gyms run by Coach Simpson and Coach Spence.

Open to all students, whether you're a returning player or new to the team!

Tryouts take place the week of November 16.

International Baccalaureate Exam Fees

Unique Pathways and Dual Credit Programming

Applications for Unique Pathways and Dual Credit Programming opened on October 5.

For more information or to book an appointment, email Mr. Coutts at djcoutts@cbe.ab.ca.

Mr. Coutts is available in his office, Room 242B (Library), Monday to Friday during Block 3.

Junior Achievement Company Program

The JA Company Program is a free, hands-on entrepreneurship experience where high school students work alongside volunteer business mentors to build and operate their own company.

Throughout the program, students develop skills in:

• Leadership
• Financial literacy
• Teamwork
• Marketing
• Business management

A program location is available at Judith Umbach Library, which may be a convenient option for students at Diefenbaker.

Students meet once a week in the evening, providing opportunities to gain practical business experience, build their resumes, and connect with professionals in the community.

Families and students are encouraged to explore this opportunity.

Program Details

Location
Judith Umbach Library

Start Date
Thursday, October 22, 2026

Meeting Time
6:00–9:00 PM

Registration
https://jacanada.my.site.com/jasa/s/student-opportunities

Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth

Athletics & Events Schedule

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