Update:

First, a sincere thank-you for all the support you have given to our families affected by this terrible fire. Today, our students returned to their classes and friends with smiles, despite the tragedy they have seen in the past few days. Your kindness has done that for them. We are grateful for that. With offers to make donations, there is a new location for drop off of goods only. This is at 6 Patrick Street. Monetary donations are still to be made online https://www.connectionsforseniors.ca/.

On behalf of the students, their families, and all of us in the MDJH community, there has never been a better reason to give thanks on this Thanksgiving.

Our best to you and your families on this Thanksgiving weekend.

Original Post:

As you may have heard, there was a terrible fire that took place on Simms Street, earlier this week. The fire destroyed the homes of students of MDJH and Rennies River Elementary. In total, there are 23 children under the age of 13 and their parents who are without much beyond what they were wearing when they were forced to evacuate at 5 AM. Needless to say, this has been devastating for them.

To help support these families, we are reaching out for any support you might be able to offer.

Currently, they are in need of items of clothing, footwear, school supplies, and toiletries that can be brought to the families at the Hampton Inn or dropped off at 30 Harvey Road.

A fundraiser to help get the families back on their feet is also being managed by https://www.connectionsforseniors.ca/. Click on “Make a Donation” and then enter “Fire Survivors”. Everyone who donates will receive a tax receipt.

On behalf of the families and our community, we are grateful for your support

Hello families,

We are excited to continue our expansion of the pay-what-you-can lunch program to now include your school!

The first ordering window for the Pay What You Can Lunch Program is NOW OPEN! Hurry though, you only have until 5:00 pm Friday, October 10 to place an order for lunches to be delivered next week (i e: for lunches to be delivered the week of Wednesday October 15 through to and including Friday October 17).

All future ordering windows will open every Friday and close the following Thursday at noon.

For more information, and to place your lunch order, visit https://www.chartwellsk12.ca/schools/macdonald-drive-jr-high/.

HOW TO ORDER:

• Visit https://www.chartwellsk12.ca/schools/macdonald-drive-jr-high/
• Click the “Order on Chartwells Eats” button
• View the menu and make your daily selection
• Choose your preferred payment amount
• Checkout your order!

Important: As a reminder, there will be no ability to purchase lunch on the day of service. Therefore, if you do not order before the deadline (Thursday at noon), families should send along a packed lunch for students next week.

We hope you will participate. Bon Appetite!

Chartwells Eats

The TD Kids Eat Smart Walk for Breakfast will be taking place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
You can donate online at www.kidseatsmart.ca and designate “Macdonald Drive Junior High” under the “Fund” drop-down box.

The October Newsletter is ready for you.

Click here to view it.

• October 13th – Thanksgiving Day Holiday (no classes)
• October 14th – Family of Schools Close-Out (no classes)
• October 22nd – Picture Retakes
• October 24th – Jamarama Day
• November 10/11th – Fall Break/Remembrance Day Holiday (no classes)
• December 19th – Last day prior to Christmas/Winter Break
• January 5th – School Reopens

We are launching an exciting initiative to support the well-being of our students and their families here at Macdonald Drive Junior High: a School Community Closet.

At MDJH, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students can learn and thrive. However, we recognize that many families in our school community face financial barriers that can impact students’ readiness and ability to engage fully in school life. From winter coats and footwear to hygiene products, there is a growing need for basic items that some students simply do not have access to.

To help meet these needs, we are establishing a Community Closet within our school, a confidential, stigma-free space where students and families can access essential items free of charge. This initiative will allow us to respond quickly and compassionately to the needs of our school community, ensuring that every student feels supported and prepared to succeed.

We are currently seeking donations from local businesses and community partners to help stock the closet. Items we are in need of include:

• New or gently used clothing
• Personal hygiene products (deodorant, toothpaste, soap, etc.)

We would be incredibly grateful for any support you are able to offer, whether through product donations, gift cards, or financial contributions. All donations will go directly to students in need and will make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.

Should you wish to contribute or learn more about this initiative, please feel free to contact the school at (709) 753-8240. We would also be happy to acknowledge your generous support through our school newsletter and social media platforms (with your permission).

Thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with us in supporting the youth of our community. Your generosity will directly impact the lives of our students and strengthen the
fabric of our school community.

During October 2nd to October 9th, 2025, Metrobus will again be partnering with the VOCM Cares Foundation to hold the 36th Annual Metrobus/VOCM Cares Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Macdonald Drive Junior High will again participate in this year’s food drive by our staff , our students, and their families to bring non-perishable food items to school during the week of the food drive.

Donations will be picked up on October 10th and they will be delivered to the Community Food Sharing Association.

Thank you in advance for your contributions. They are very much appreciated.

Please ensure that donations are labelled with your youth’s Homeroom number on them. Classes here are on high competition to win a Pizza Party!

Gentle Reminder that tomorrow, September 30th, will be honored as Truth and Reconciliation Day. There will be no classes.

Classes will resume Wednesday, October 1st and it will be Day 7.

Truth and Reconciliation Day is being honored on Tuesday, September 30th. There will be no classes on that day. Please note that Wednesday will be Day 7 when students return.

Students and staff are asked to wear orange shirts on Monday, September 29th in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day.

We’re excited to begin preparing for this year’s Skills Canada competitions and would love for you to take part!

To get started, students should join our Google Classroom using the class code: x5bwi2t.

Inside you’ll find:

• A Google Form to express your interest and select your preferred competition category.
• Descriptions of each category under Classwork to help guide your choice.

A few important notes:

• Skills Canada is an independent opportunity. We are looking for motivated students who are ready to take responsibility and commit to their preparation.
• If multiple students or teams select the same category, priority will go to Grade 9 students, followed by first-come, first-serve.
• If you are not chosen for your first-choice category, don’t worry! There are many other categories, and we strongly encourage you to get involved—it’s a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience.
• All updates and competition details will be communicated through Google Classroom.

Check out the categories, complete the form, and take the leap—Skills Canada is your chance to learn, grow, and shine!

For more information, please get in touch with Ms. Jacklyn Ghaney.