Weekly Update | May 4 - May 8, 2026 John G. Diefenbaker High School
Badminton Championships
Congratulations to the Badminton Team for winning the Divisional 3 City Championships!
- Bronze medal: Serena W. and Yoyo S.
- Silver medal: Angela L., Sky C., Norman C., Saad K., Joey C., Athena W., Ray W., Orion L., and Emma A.
- Gold medal: Michaela T., Lina Z., Josephine Y., Ting L., Flora T., Chris Z., and Samantha L.
A special congratulations to Flora T., Chris Z., and Samantha L., who also qualified for Provincials!
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.
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
- Access information and referrals for adult support programs such as AISH or PDD if applicable
We invite you and your child to attend one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more:
- Friday, May 15 | 1:00 PM | Online via Microsoft Teams
- Join here
- Meeting ID: 224 121 800 518 139
- Passcode: vG2Un2ST
- Wednesday, May 27 | 4:45 PM | In-person at Diefenbaker, 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.
Horatio Alger Association of Canada Vocational and Technical Scholarship
Attention Grade 12s and Grade 12 Families! The Horatio Alger Association of Canada Vocational and Technical Scholarship is awarding scholarships of up to $3,000 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.
To start your application, visit: https://horatioalger.ca/vocational-technical-scholarshp-eligibility/
Come see Student Services with any questions!
St. Mary's University Spring Open House
St. Mary's University is hosting a Spring Open House on Wednesday, May 13 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at McGivney Hall on the St. Mary's Campus (1400 Bannister Rd SE). Prospective students and their families are invited to explore programs, connect with faculty and alumni, and experience campus life. St. Mary's is accepting applications for Fall 2026 until August 1, 2026. Come see Student Services with any questions!
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. Visit www.educationmatters.ca or come see Student Services for more information.
Graduating Class of 2026
We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of this graduating class with an afternoon Grad Reception at WinSport on Friday, June 5, 2026 (151 Canada Olympic Rd SW) from 2:30 - 5:00 PM. Parking is complimentary.
Attendees will enjoy delicious food, photo opportunities, and a dance. The student body voted and chose the following menu:
Taco Bar with a choice of chicken tinga or grilled fajita vegetables on soft flour tortillas, with house-made salsa, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, cilantro, grated cheese, jalapeños, sweet potato, bean salad, corn salad, zesty lime slaw, and 3 small-bite desserts. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated - please reach out to Ms. Gierach by email.
Each attendee, including the graduate, requires a ticket ($65 per ticket). Graduates must be on the grad list to purchase tickets. Please pay your grad fees and check MyPass to ensure you are on the Grad List - if not, see your counsellor.
To sign up for tickets, please fill out the JGD Graduation Reception Tickets 2026 form. This form closes on May 7, 2026. Once completed, the ticket cost will be uploaded onto myCBE for payment within a minimum of 3 business days. Students may visit the Business Office to pay, or fees may be paid online. All fees are due by May 15, 2026. Tickets will be available for pick up later in May - students will be informed via D2L and announcements. All grad fees must be paid before students are able to pick up their tickets.
Please email aigierach@cbe.ab.ca with any questions or dietary accommodation requests.
Grade 12 April Checklist
The countdown is on! All graduating Grade 12 students need to:
- Check the graduation list displayed in the main hallway and make sure your name is on it
- Make sure you have access to or have created your MyPass account at https://public.education.alberta.ca/PASI/mypass/welcome
- Check and double-check that you have received credit in CALM, as it is a graduation requirement
- Make an appointment with a counsellor in Student Services if you are worried about your graduation status
Please note the graduation list will be updated again after T3 marks are finalized.
Shaw Family Foundation Scholarship - Grade 12 Students
The Shaw Family Foundation Scholarship is now open for applications. Scholarships range from $5,000 to $15,000 and aim to advance education by providing meaningful financial support. Applicants must reside in Calgary or surrounding areas and plan to attend a post-secondary institution recognized by Alberta Education. Only one application is required to be considered for all three scholarships:
- $15,000 - Shaw Family Foundation Tuition Scholarship
- $7,500 - Shaw Family Foundation Rising Leader Award
- $5,000 - Shaw Family Foundation Achievement Award
The deadline for applications is May 22, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by the beginning of August. Additional information and the application form can be found in the GRAD26 D2L shell. Apply at: https://yycyouthfoundation.ca/
Come see Student Services with any questions!
Summer School Update
CBe-learn and Chinook Learning (in-person) registration opens May 4. Please come to Student Services on May 4 when your grade is called down. Make sure you know which course you want to register in and, if registering for in-person, which location you would like. Please ensure you have the necessary prerequisite. More information at: Summer School | High School | Programs | Calgary Board of Education
Vista Virtual School continues to be open for summer online course registration. Visit the website to watch the registration video and self-register.
CTS Summer School Programs - see your Guidance Counsellor on May 4! These hands-on courses are a great way to explore career pathways and earn credits. New CTS Summer School Programs include:
- Introduction to Welding | Forest Lawn HS
- Introduction to Cosmetology | Centennial HS
- Introduction to Engineering | Sir Winston Churchill HS
- Introduction to Broadcasting and Podcasting | Churchill HS
- Introduction to Networking and Cybersecurity | Churchill HS
Summer Off-Campus Opportunities
Summer Off-Campus allows students to earn high school credits through paid or volunteer work in Calgary. Students must secure a job placement and have HCS3000 completed. Students without a job placement can apply with CAREERS for internships at careersnextgen.ca. Programs include Work Experience, Internship, and Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). The deadline is June 12, 2026. Students should meet with Off-Campus Coordinator Mr. Coutts to apply.
NAIT Media and IT Virtual Information Sessions
NAIT is hosting virtual information sessions on May 12 and May 13. These are a great opportunity for prospective students to explore program options, hear from faculty, and ask questions in a live Q&A setting.
- Tuesday, May 12 - Media and Communications Programs (Digital Design, Narrative Cinema Production, Game Development, Media Communications and Production - Radio and Television, Content Creator Entrepreneurship)
- Wednesday, May 13 - Information Technology Programs (Software Development, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, IT Systems Administration, IT Business Analysis)
Diefenbaker IB Exam Schedule - May 2026
Please use the IB Exam Schedule link for the full schedule.
Athletics and Events Schedule
Area | Mon, May 4 | Tue, May 5 | Wed, May 6 | Thu, May 7 | Fri, May 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Meetings | Admin 1:00 | Department/Collaborative Response | Awards Decisions 1:45 | ||
In-School Events | History IB Exam | History IB Exam, Chinese IB Exam | Chinese IB Exam | English IB Exam | English IB Exam |
Athletics | Soccer vs Fthr Lac @ Fthr Lac 4:30 | Jr G Fld Hcky vs SWC @ U of C 4:00 | Sr G Fld Hcky vs BOB @ CSC 3 5:00 | Girls Rugby vs McNally @ Home 4:45 | Boys Rugby vs NCHS @ NDHS 4:45 |
Visual Art Exhibition - May 8
Visual Art students collaborated with Grade 4 students to create artwork that will be displayed at The New Gallery on Friday, May 8, 2026 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM. All are invited to come support our young artists!
Important Dates
- Tuesday, May 5 - Red Dress Day
ER Teens Program
The ER Teens program is open to youth ages 13-18 and offers flexible, real-world ways to take environmental action. Participants complete hands-on projects at home, at school, or within their community, building leadership skills while making a positive local impact.
