ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Named after Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald
Secondary School opened in September 2004. Our beautiful
building accommodates approximately 1,500 students, offering a
full range of curricular programs for university-bound, college-bound
and workplace-bound students. In addition to offering rigorous
courses for students heading to university, we are also a site of the
“Fast Forward” program, designed for students who will be entering
the workplace upon graduation.
Despite our short history, SJAM has made a name for itself in the “four
A’s” as a school that excels in Academic achievement, Athletic
endeavors and a variety of community Activities and Artistic
productions. Our school also offers a wealth of opportunities for
students to get involved and make the most of their years in high
school, including clubs and activities for virtually every interest.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Celebrating our namesake’s Scottish heritage, we are called
the Highlanders. Our mascot, Johnny Mac, proudly wears a
kilt in our school colours - navy, light blue and white.
• The school motto is “Audere est Credere”, translated from
Latin as “Dare to Believe.”
• We are affectionately called “SJAM” (ess-jam) by students,
staff and the community.
• More than 75% of our graduates attend post-secondary studies
at college or university.
• When constructed in 2004, SJAM was the first new public high
school built in Waterloo region in more than 30 years.
• Our Highlanders logo was designed by one of our former
students and is modelled after William Wallace from the movie
“Braveheart.”
• We currently have more than 70 clubs and teams available
for junior students, including some activities that are unique to
SJAM.
• SJAM proudly hosted the 2017 Canadian Student Leadership
Conference, which will welcomed more than 1,200 of
of the best student leaders and
teachers from across Canada!
With a focus on innovation, the
biggest conference in the history
of CSLC left an indelible mark
not only on those lucky enough
to attend, but also on our school
and the WRDSB.
CELEBRATING SJAM ACHIEVEMENTS
Students and staff at SJAM take great pride in everything our school has accomplished. We’ve enjoyed widespread success in many aspects of school life, ranging from provincial medals in athletics to national recognition in music. We’ve also set the standard for academic excellence in the region. See below for a few highlights of what makes SJAM a genuine standout in Waterloo Region!
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• The Frasier Institute consistently ranks SJAM among the top schools in Waterloo Region.
• On average, more than 90% of SJAM students achieve success on the OSSLT on their first attempt.
• SJAM consistently scores well above provincial levels on Grade 9 EQAO math tests.
• Approximately 1/2 of our graduating students earn Ontario Scholar status with an average of 80% or better.
• SJAM grads have headed to a variety of prestigious international post-secondary destinations, including Harvard, Columbia and Oxford University!
• Many SJAM grads earn prestigious university and community scholarships. Past winners include: Sarah McCuaig, (Rhodes Scholar Award to study at Oxford University in England); David Zhang (Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012); and Flora Jung (Schulich Leader Award).
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• Award-winning music ensembles that have been recognized at the local, provincial and national level, including 2015’s Best Percussion Section in Canada.
• Vibrant visual arts department, with a number of graduates attending highly competitive post-secondary programs, such as University of Waterloo Architecture, Sheridan College Animation and the Ontario College of Art and Design.
• Dynamic Drama and Dance programs offer students professional learning opportunities, such as travel to theatre and dance workshops, productions and training with working artists. Many grads go on to successful careers as actors, dancers, directors and stage managers at top performing arts schools, such as Sheridan and NYU.
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SJAM has been a genuine sports powerhouse since opening in 2004, winning many regional and provincial titles in all 3 seasons. Here are just a few highlights:
• 50+ WCSSAA Team Titles in less than 10 years
• 10+ CWOSSA Team Titles and countless CWOSSA appearances • 7+ OFSAA Team Medals
• 50+ individual OFSAA medal winners in a variety of sports
PRIDE IN OUR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The rich variety of activities at SJAM makes our school an exciting and vital place. However, it is our academic programs that provide the strong foundation for an amazing future following high school. A few highlights of some of the great experiences you will have during your studies as a Highlander include:• SJAM was selected as a pilot school for the WRDSB Chromebook 1:1 Program. Every incoming grade 9 student receives a Chromebook to use throughout high school.
• Our new MASH club (Math and Science Help) is run entirely by SJAM students and offers peer tutoring and extra help every week. We also run a weekly Mathletics club and Computer Science Club for students looking to enhance their skills and knowledge outside the classroom.
• Our Grade 10 Food and Nutrition classes are taught by a professionally trained chef with many years of experience in the culinary world. • The History Department organizes
and runs a “Learning Together: History Lessons from Holocaust Survivors” for the SJAM parent community. Survivors and other experts in the field present at weekly seminars.
• Our History Department head, Jeff Chard, won UWO’s Associate Teacher’s Award for Excellence and the Barrday Award for Teaching Excellence.
• There are many opportunities to enhance your language skills, including Languages Club, food/cultural days, guest speakers, Concours Oratoire, excursions to French-language films, plays at the Stratford Festival and French-language concerts. Students can also write the internationally recognized DELF exam.
• Students can participate in a number of trips throughout the year, including skiing in St. Donat, Quebec, student exchanges to Europe and March break trips to France and Spain.
• Drama students achieve top Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Productions at the Ontario Sears Drama Festival. They also have the chance to collaborate with professional theatre companies, actors and film directors each year. • Business Studies offers a number of
options to prepare students for post-secondary studies or entry into the workforce. Students can participate on our successful DECA team, accounting competitions and more. • Our music program features workshops
and performances with professional musicians, and incorporates iPads and computers in the classroom. • Our core phys-ed courses focus on
your favourite sports, as well as some new and exciting activities such as: yoga, floor ball, sepak takraw, and rock climbing.
• SJAM offers a unique rugby course, which focuses on sport-specific skills, coaching techniques and rugby fundamentals.
• We offer a dual-credit science option for the grade 12 Earth and Space course. Students who succeed are granted the credit in University of Waterloo’s Earth 121 course.
• Science teachers, Dave Fish and Dave Vrolyk, work at the prestigious Perimeter Institute in Waterloo.
• Our engineering program at SJAM allows students to explore a number of engineering projects, including work with our award-winning electric car club.
• Students experience the world of art around them - from architectural photography trips to Toronto and visits to the Art Gallery of Ontario.
• Students have the chance to journey abroad, including U.S. cities and European destinations, such as New York, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Prague and Budapest.
To ensure our students have the most rewarding learning experience possible, SJAM offers a number of special programs and enrichment opportunities.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS @ SJAM
ARTS & CULTURE BUSINESS
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
SPECIALIST HIGH SKILLS MAJORS
A Specialist High Skills Major provides enhanced learning opportunities for students starting in grade 11. Delve deeper into your subject area through expanded course offerings, workshops and clinics. SHSM connected Co-op gives you career-related experience in your area of study. Ontario universities recognize SHSM’s enhanced learning, and the Ontario Universities Application Centre allows you to “check off” that you have participated in the SHSM program. Graduates also receive a special red seal diploma upon completion their respective SHSM. SJAM is pleased to offer 3 distinct SHSM areas for students to choose from.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
The Advanced Placement (AP) program offers students the opportunity to pursue university-level studies while still in high school. Based on their performance on rigorous AP examinations, students can earn credits for many universities and colleges in Canada and the USA. Enrolling in Pre-AP courses prepares students for success in future senior Advanced Placement courses.
The Pre-AP program at Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary is a powerful opportunity to help students acquire the knowledge, concepts, and skills needed to engage in a higher level of learning. Pre-AP extends the current curriculum and enriches specific learning outcomes. SJAM offers Pre-AP courses in English, French, Mathematics, and Science.
Students entering Grade 9 Pre-AP courses are accepted based on the recommendation by the feeder school staff and SJAM Enrichment Committee. The students recommended by the Grade 8 feeder school must meet the Pre-AP Student Profile. Students have the flexibility to apply for Pre-AP courses after grade 9.
• Dual-Credit opportunities with UofW, WLU, and Conestoga College
• DECA business competitions • Trips & exchanges to Europe • Math contests for all grade levels • Computing contests • Skills Canada • Debating clubs • Writing contests • Fed-Prov teams • Science contests • Waterloo Unlimited
• Queen’s University Mini-Course • Shad Valley
• Provincial and national student leadership conferences
• Explore career options through on-the-job learning and real work experiences
• Wide variety of courses, including gym, guitar, automotive, food service and more
• Compete in Inter-City Athletics, including floor hockey, soccer, bowling, volleyball, badminton and more
• Participate in Fast Forward leadership retreat
FAST FORWARD - YOUR FUTURE IS WAITING
Fast Forward is a unique diploma-granting program that allows students to shape their own future. Through the Fast Forward program, students earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma while learning the skills they need to build a rewarding career in their area of interest. The benefits of SJAM’s Fast Forward program are numerous, including:ENRICHMENT @ SJAM
SJAM offers many great opportunities for students to enhance their academics through exciting activities beyond the classroom. These include:
HIGHLANDER INNOVATION LAB
This unique 2-credit package (English + IDP4UI/4OI) provides students with the opportunity to experience the excitement of start-up culture while in high school. Collaborate in a team setting while you investigate, design, create and pitch your team idea. Develop in-demand skills in an “incubator” workplace. Engage in a flexible learning environment while you enjoy off-site experiences, community/industry partnerships and mentorships. For more information, visit https://jam.wrdsb.ca/
SJAM ATHLETICS
If you’re looking for an opportunity to get involved in athletics, SJAM
has plenty of amazing options for junior students. Check out the list
of junior teams running at SJAM each season.
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BASKETBALL - GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY FIELD HOCKEY - GIRLS FOOTBALL - JR./SR. BOYS GOLF - CO-ED OPEN TENNIS SOCCER - JR. BOYS VOLLEYBALL - BOYS ALPINE SKIING BASKETBALL - BOYS BOARDER CROSS CURLING HOCKEY - BOYS HOCKEY - GIRLS NORDIC SKIING SWIMMING VOLLEYBALL - GIRLS BADMINTON RUGBY - BANTAM BOYS
RUGBY - GIRLS RUGBY - JR./SR. BOYS SOCCER - SR. BOYS SOCCER - GIRLS SLO-PITCH - BOYS SLO-PITCH - GIRLS TENNIS - JR. CO-ED
TRACK & FIELD ULTIMATE FRISBEE
SJAM ARTS & ACTIVITIES
The list of clubs and activities at SJAM
is awe-inspiring, with groups involved
in everything from raising money for
cancer research to perfecting the art
of juggling. Much like our sports teams,
many of our groups enjoy great success
and praise beyond SJAM’s walls!
SJAM ~ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE
SCHOOL MUSICAL (EVERY 2-3 YEARS)ARTISTS ANONYMOUS DANCE COMPANY DANCE TEAMS (GIRLS & BOYS)
DRAMA COUNCIL FALL PRODUCTION/MUSICAL
GUITAR ENSEMBLE GUITAR JAM HIGHLANDER CHORUS INSTRUMENTAL SMALL ENSEMBLES
JAZZ CHOIR JUNIOR BAND JUNIOR JAZZ BAND
MUSIC COUNCIL SEARS DRAMA PRODUCTION
SENIOR BAND SENIOR JAZZ BAND
ATHLETIC COUNCIL BOOK CLUB BUILDING BRIDGES
CEMC COMPUTING COMPETITION CHESS TEAM
COMPUTER SCIENCE CLUB DEBATING TEAM
DECA
ECO-SCHOOLS STUDENT TEAM ELECTRIC CAR CLUB
FASHION SHOW
FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL SIMULATION FRIENDS OF ANIMALS CLUB
JAM RADIO JUGGLING CLUB JUNIOR LEADERSHIP
KEY CLUB
M.A.S.H. (MATH & SCIENCE HELP) MATHLETICS
MULTI-CULTURAL CLUB MUSLIM STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
NEWSPAPER CLUB REACH FOR THE TOP CLUB
SCIENCE CONTEST CLUB SHINE (CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP)
SIKH STUDENTS CLUB TECH CREW
NEW CLUBS ADDED EACH YEAR!
DID YOU KNOW?
• SJAM has raised over $250,000 for the Canadian Cancer through our Relay 4 Life events! • Our bands regularly qualify to perform at the
Musicfest Canada national festival and have earned many Gold and Silver awards.
• SJAM drama students, who performed in 2014’s production of “The Laramie Project,” travelled to NYC to train with the Techtonic Theatre Company - the creators of the original play. • Music groups have won first place/gold and
cash awards at the KW Kiwanis Music Festival every year since the school opened in 2004. • Our DECA team is the largest club in the school
and is ranked one of the top teams in the region. • Every year, around 20 SJAM students attend the
DECA international competition in the USA. • SJAM students attend annual We Day
celebrations and participate in a variety of fundraisers for Free the Children.