Parent Newsletter

Email: macdonalddrivejrh@nlesd.ca
Website: mdjh.info
Location: 110 Macdonald Drive, St. John's, NL, Canada
Phone: 709-753-8240
Twitter: @mdjh

MDJH runners had a fantastic weekend at the Annual Cross Country Running Series for Schools, turning in strong performances across multiple divisions. Congratulations to our student athletes on these podium finishes:

• Girls Grade 7: Gold

• Boys Grade 7: Silver

• Girls Grades 8 and 9 Combined: Silver

• Boys Grades 8 and 9 Combined: Gold

We are proud of the effort, sportsmanship, and school spirit shown by everyone who competed. Thank you to our coaches and families for their support.

Full results are available here: https://www.nlaa.ca/xcseries/results.php#resultsmeet2

The MDJH Band Program is off and running for another exciting year, and we’re thrilled with the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication our students have shown so far. Rehearsals are well underway, and it’s already shaping up to be a successful season of music-making.

We were especially fortunate to welcome Dr. Jacqueline Dawson from the University of Manitoba earlier this week. Dr. Dawson, a highly respected conductor and music educator, spent time working with our Grade 7 Concert Band. Her expertise, encouragement, and insight inspired our students and provided them with a unique opportunity to learn from one of Canada’s leading band directors.

Looking ahead, our Grade 7 band students will participate in a Band Mini-Retreat on Friday, October 18, from 10 - 2 here at the school. This special day gives our young musicians a chance to come together for extended rehearsals, sectionals, team-building activities, and fun music games. The retreat is designed to strengthen skills, build confidence, and foster friendships within the band, a highlight for many of our students each year.

Band and choir fees and instrument rentals are now due and should be paid through Rycor. These fees help cover music purchases, band shirt rentals, reeds, valve oil, slide grease, and other essentials that keep our program running smoothly for all students.

Please take a moment to complete the MDJH Music Shirt Form as soon as possible so we can ensure every student receives the correct size.

🗓️ OCTOBER MDJH Music Schedule

Lessons are available on flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, bass guitar, percussion, violin, and cello. Classes run on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 4:30–5:15 pm at the MUN Education Building, and the cost is only $75 per semester (instrument rentals available). A fantastic way to strengthen skills and connect with young musicians across the city! To register, email munlabbandorchestra@gmail.com.

Did you know students can attend Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra concerts for just $10? Go Tickets are an amazing way to experience live, professional music right here in St. John’s. Bring your student ID to the Arts & Culture Centre box office on concert night and enjoy an inspiring evening of music. For more information, check out the NSO website.

It’s been a wonderful start to the year, and we are excited for all the music and memories still to come!

👉 Learn more about our program and stay up to date:

• 🌐 MDJH Music Website
  
  

• 🐦 MDJH Music on Twitter (X)
  
  

• 🌌 MDJH Music on Bluesky

Student council elections for president and vice-president were held on Friday, September 26. Congratulations to Jacob MacDonald, our student council president, and Rowan Stoyles, our vice president. Class rep elections were held on Wednesday, October 1. Our first meeting is Monday, October 6. We look forward to an exciting year of leadership and school spirit!

All Student Council members are asked to return signed contracts after the first meeting to Ms. Jodi Sauvé or Ms. Kerryanne O'Brien.

Staff and students of MDJH are encouraged to wear pajamas to school in support of the Janeway on October 24. Wearing pajamas is a sign of solidarity and support for the brave kids at the Janeway Hospital who don’t get to change out of their PJs. It lets them know that we are thinking of them and are fighting for them.

Does someone in your household have a food allergy? Are you unsure about what to do in school when you have a food allergy? Here is a checklist that might help you with your questions.

Email: macdonalddrivejrh@nlesd.ca
Website: mdjh.info
Location: 110 Macdonald Drive, St. John's, NL, Canada
Phone: 709-753-8240
Twitter: @mdjh