Important Dates

• December 2 – Purdys Chocolate order deadline

JGD’s Winter Concert

The evening of Tuesday, Nov. 26, was our first public performance of the year with our new Band and Choir Director Harry Faunt. 55 choir students and 100 band students entertained our audience with a variety of music selections ranging from contemporary choral works, classic wind ensemble pieces, and big band jazz standards. Mr. Faunt is proud of the wonderful performances and hard work from our students and thanks the music program for helping make his official "Diefenbaker Debut" a success! It was an awesome evening!

Purdys Chocolates 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 Purdys Chocolate Fundraiser begins....NOW! Go get your Christmas treats.  This year, our goal is to raise $3000 so we need your help—but don’t worry, all the work you're doing is choosing which chocolates to order. It’s time to stock up on beautiful Christmas gift boxes, classic Purdys Favourites, Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels, Sweet Georgia Browns and so much more.  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 such a great cause.

The deadline to order is December 2nd 2024. Orders must be placed through this link: Purdys Fundraising.  Once orders close, we'll send out a sweet notification letting you know when and where you can collect your delicious treats. Share the love with friends and family who might be interested – it means the world to us!

Artist Spotlight

Ivy L. is a Grade 12 student who is interested in the Visual and Performing Arts.  She has taken classes such as Photography, Graphic Design, various Band classes and is part of the school's Jazz Band.  Ivy is involved in many of the school performances including the Winter and Spring school concerts, and occasionally performs during the LITA Lunchbox Showcases.  Although Ivy doesn’t know if she wants to continue her studies in the Arts after high school, the Arts will always be an important part of her life.  In taking these classes, Ivy has gained a greater appreciation and understanding of these different disciplines of Art.

-Written by Blake B

Updates from IB

Have you been a COMMUNICATOR this month? Students who are communicators understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others. How have you been a communicator this month?

How have you demonstrated being a strong communicator this month?  Enter to win FREE PIZZA by telling us how you or your friends have been COMMUNICATORs in December. Draw date December 18. Congratulations to last month’s winners Maxwell R. and Samiah M.

Model UN News

Diefenbaker's Model UN team attended their second conference at All Saints High School.  They represented liberals, conservatives and the bloc Quebecois in the House of Commons.  They prepared by creating their own Private Members Bill that they could speak to in parliament.  The delegates engaged in heated discussions on topics such as housing, immigration and affordability within the economy.  Another group of delegates represented the UNAI and fought for post-secondary education.  One of our delegates participated in a live crisis when they thought on their feet and fought for a cure for humanity in Ad HOC.  All delegates performed exceptionally and spoke with fervour, dedication and confidence and represented Diefenbaker with pride. 

Calgary Christmas Resources

Please use this PDF for a list of resources for the holiday season. 

Planet Youth Calgary Wants To Hear From Our Youth!

Dear students, parents, and guardians,

Your voices matter - we want to hear how your community can support youth!

Planet Youth is a program led by United Way of Calgary and Area. With local partners and data, we help young people live their best life.

Update

On December 11, Grade 10 students have a choice to take a survey. This survey is part of Planet Youth Calgary's work to improve community resources and recreation. The data will help identify key support areas, promoting connection, belonging, and growth. Please use the following PDF to view the FAQ about Planet Youth. 

The survey is completely anonymous, takes 15-30 minutes, and asks about substance use and social life in four areas: family, friends, school, and leisure activities. No personal identifiers are attached to the survey responses and data is stored securely.

We need to hear directly from our city's youth. Listening to youth voices is crucial for making them feel valued and respected. The Planet Youth survey is the first step in understanding youth needs and guiding our community work.

Survey results will be shared in the new year with Community Action Teams, schools, and communities. These teams will use the data to find strengths and needs, then create plans to support youth.

We encourage you to complete the attached consent form so your student’s voice can be heard. Please email completed digital consent forms to johngdiefenbaker@cbe.ab.ca or return paper copies to the main office.

If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Hurley (Assistant Principal) at rjhurley@cbe.ab.ca

Digital Consent Form

Athletics and Events Schedule

Yearbooks on Sale