Category: Uncategorized

Diwali at MDJH

Yesterday at MDJH we celebrated Diwali, India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. It is a five day Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.

Diwali gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

Thank you to all the teachers who took the time to decorate, plan activities, and visit the home ec room.

Open Basketball Tryouts

Grade 7 Girls Basketball Open Tryouts:

  • Wednesday October 15th, 4:00- 5:30pm
  • Friday October 17th, 4:00-5:30pm
  • Sunday October 19th 4:00- 5:30pm

Grade 7 Boys Basketball Open Tryouts:

  • Wednesday October 15th, 5:30-7:00pm
  • Sunday October 19th, 2:30-4:00pm
  • Monday October 20th, 4:00- 5:30pm

Grade 8 Boys Basketball Open Tryouts

  • To be determined

Grade 8 Girls Basketball Open Tryouts:

  • Wednesday October 15th, 7:30- 9:00pm
  • Sunday October 19th , 7:30- 9:00pm
  • Monday October 20th, 7:30- 9:00pm

Grade 9 Girls Basketball Open Tryouts:

  • Wednesday October 15th, 2:30- 4:00pm
  • Sunday October 19th 5:30- 7:00pm
  • Wednesday October 22nd 7:00-8:30pm

Grade 9 Boys Basketball Open Tryouts:

  • Monday October 20th, 5:30- 7:00pm
  • Wednesday October 22nd 5:30- 7:00pm
  • Monday October 27th 5:30-7:00pm

Support for Families affected by Fire

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

Message from Chartwells Eats

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:

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

Upcoming Important Dates

  • 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

MDJH Community Closet

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.