School Message
Good afternoon to our Western families,
A reminder that all CBE schools will be on Fall Break from Nov 11-13th next week, with no classes on those days. Students who miss days beyond that will be responsible for connecting with teachers to find out what they have missed and come up with a plan to get caught up.
With Remembrance Day on Wednesday, our school will be having our ceremony/assembly on Tuesday morning to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of Canadian Armed Forces personnel throughout the past 100+ years. Though we won't have classes on Wednesday, we do hope that students/families will find a way to honour the day in some manner on that day as well.
On behalf of our School Council:
Please join us for the WCHS Council Annual General Meeting on Thursday, Nov 26th at 6:30 PM in the school library (changed from Nov 19th). The School Council Executive and Friends of Western Society will provide updates and reports, with an opportunity for those in attendance to ask questions and share feedback. School Council will also be hosting elections for open positions including President, Treasurer, Staff Appreciation Coordinator, and Grant Writer. All in attendance will have the opportunity to nominate and vote for the new executives and approve the 2026-27 School Council budget. Our principal will also be presenting updates on the school, including some information on Outcomes-Based Assessment and Reporting. All parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend.
For parents who would like to volunteer or communicate directly with the parent council, please complete this FORM or email us directly at wchsexecegmail.com
Finally, please note that overall grades for current courses in PowerSchool will be turned back on for Monday, with online report card comments also available. Please reach out to teachers directly should there be any questions.
Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- Fall Break | November 11th to 15th
- Remembrance Day Ceremony | November 10th
- Fall Production: Into the Woods | November 25th - 27th a 7:00PM
- PD - no school for students | November 27th
Updates
Into the Woods Tickets
Tickets for the WCHS Drama production of the award-winning Broadway hit Into The Woods go on sale in the theatre foyer at lunch November 9th-November 26th and at the door.
The show runs November 25th, 26th, and 27th at 7 pm in the WCHS theatre. Tickets are 20$, cash or cheque only. We tend to sell out, so nab your tickets now!
Visual Arts is going to AUArts!
On November 17th, Visual Arts is offering a half-day field trip to AUArts to those who are interested in visiting the institute. We leave at 8:40 am and return at 12:30 pm. We will tour the university, have an arts activity, and then tour the IKG gallery. All will be guided and supported by AUArts staff and current university students.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Ms. Affleck: meaffleck@cbe.ab.ca
Water Restrictions
CAREERS Internship Fair
CAREERS: The Next Generation invites students and parents to attend Career and Internship Fair on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at:
All Saints High School
729 Legacy Village Road SE
Calgary, Alberta
Students can meet employers, explore careers through off-campus education, and learn about paid, hands-on internship opportunities. Students and parents are welcome.
Pre-register for the CAREERS Internship Fair
Dual Credit & Exploratory Courses for Second Semester
Are you thinking about what you might want to do after high school? What if you could start exploring it while you’re still in high school? CBE Unique Pathways offers a wide range of Semester 2 opportunities beginning in January 2027, including:
- Healthcare: Anatomy and Physiology, Healthcare Career Essentials, Infection Prevention and Control, Medical Terminology, and Science of Health and Wellness
- Business and technology: Business Management, eSports Business Management, ICT Introduction to Networks, and ICT Software and Web Development
- Trades and transportation: Aviation Aircraft Systems, Carpentry, Electrical, Finishing, Pipe, Sheet Metal, and Transportation Trades
- Culinary and hospitality: Culinary Arts with Teatro Group, Culinary Trades at SAIT, and Hospitality, Tourism and Marketing
- Human services and design: Interior Decorating, Justice Studies, Introduction to Sociology, and Programme d’éducation
- Animal care: Introduction to the Veterinary Profession and Veterinary Medical Terminology
- Additional opportunities: Hairstylist and Introduction to Indigenous Studies
Depending on the program, you can explore a possible career, experience post-secondary learning, develop hands-on skills, and earn high school credits. There is no tuition fee for CBE students participating in Unique Pathways programs.
Interested? Visit the CBE Off-Campus Education website
Ready to apply? Download and complete the Application Form.
Have questions or have your completed application ready? Book an appointment with Mr. Smith to discuss your options or to review and submit your completed application form.
Earn three 30-Level Credits Online!
Looking to get job-ready AND earn some additional high school credits? Students can now self-register for free online safety courses to earn 3 CTS credits upon successful completion.
Available courses include:
- Workplace Safety Systems (HCS 3000)
- Workplace Safety Practices (HCS 3010)
- Agriculture Safety (AGR 3000)
To register, use your CBE email address and complete the online form here: Online Safety Courses (For credit)
Once submitted, you will receive an email from SafeGen containing your LOGIN ID, PASSWORD, and instructions for course completion. Email the certificate of completion to Mr. Smith to have your final mark added to PowerSchool.
Having trouble or have questions? Visit Mr. Smith in the Tech Centre (Room 083)
Never Too Early to Start Thinking About Summer Jobs!
SUMMER 2027 APPLICATION DEADLINES
Students interested in applying for the CAREERS program for Summer 2027 are reminded of the following application deadlines:
- Health positions: March 30, 2027. Students interested in health-related placements must submit a completed application by this date.
- All other areas of interest: May 31, 2027. Students applying for any other area are to submit a completed application by this date.
Plan ahead and ensure your application is complete and submitted before or by the deadline. See Mr. Smith in the Tech Centre for support.
Finance 101: Get Ready for Post-Secondary Life
Heading to college or university? Learn the money skills every student should know before they start.
Join Finance 101: Personal Finance for Students, a free online workshop from the University of Victoria's Gustavson School of Business. You'll learn practical tips on:
- Budgeting your money
- Building a credit score
- Managing finances as a post-secondary student
Choose a session (Pacific Time):
- November 19 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
- November 20 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Parents are welcome to attend too.
Interested? Register using the link below and start building your financial confidence before graduation.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
On Tuesday, November 10th, there will be two ceremonies to honour Remembrance Day at Western Canada High School. There will be one ceremony at the Cenotaph in our front lawn for special guests and invited classes. There will be another indoor video ceremony that all staff and students will take part in. The ceremonies will both occur during Block 2, Period 1.
Some important notes:
- A bank of parking spots will be blocked off on Tuesday morning in the student lot for guests attending the Cenotaph ceremony. Students with parking passes are asked to consider carpooling or walking to school to help accommodate the shortage of spots.
- All students on spare in Period 1 (Block 2) on November 10th will watch the video ceremony in the Main Gym at 10:45 am and will be called to the gym over the intercom.
- Students are highly suggested to wear poppies on November 10th in honour of Remembrance Day.
Peer Tutoring - more tutors needed
Please follow this link to request a tutor or sign up to become a volunteer tutor in the morning, lunch, after school (or even virtually in the evenings). After a match is made, you can expect an email. Please be patient and contact Ms. Rivers with any questions or concerns. Peer tutors and tutees
Last Chance to avoid the $50 late fee!! IB Exam Registration due by November 8th
If you are in Grade 11 or 12 and finishing a sequence of IB classes during the 2026-2027 school year, please follow the link to sign up for the official IB exams ASAP. Don’t forget about Chinese IB or the second-semester IB classes such as Bio 35, Physics 35, Math 35, and Spanish 31/35! Writing IB exams is mandatory for most subjects and is the only way to get official recognition for universities. May 2027 IB Exams
Workshop for University Admission interviews
Tues. Nov. 24th - lunchtime in room 179. If you have applied to universities in the US (or are planning to), come listen to Dr. Kaplan’s advice on preparation. Dr. Kaplan is a parent of a WCHS alumnus and local admissions interviewer for Dartmouth University.
IB Learner Profile October Spotlight – Balance
One of the 10 attributes of the IB Learner Profile is that students will work on developing balance. What can that mean? It can mean adding a new club or extracurricular activity so that you aren’t just focused on academics and have a chance to make meaningful connections during high school. For some students, it could mean paring down some of the activities that you are involved in so that you have time for schoolwork, sleep, relaxation, and family time. Grade 10’s currently have a small CAS assignment to submit to the IB D2L shell - essentially just listing the extracurricular activities (in school and outside school) that they are currently pursuing or hope to pursue this academic year.
Grad Photos?
Grad photo website: https://everest.airstudio.io/
Student Services:
Course Drop Deadline:
Monday, November 16, is the deadline for students wishing to drop a Semester 1 course. Students considering a course drop are encouraged to meet with their guidance counsellor as soon as possible to discuss their options before the deadline.
🎓 University Visits
We are excited to welcome representatives from universities and colleges throughout October. Students are welcome to drop in, ask questions, and learn more about their post-secondary options.
Mount Allison University
📅 November 18 | 📍 Main Foyer | 🕛 Lunch
St. Francis Xavier University
📅 November 19 | 📍 Main Foyer | 🕛 Lunch
University of Ottawa
📅 November 26 | 📍 Main Foyer | 🕛 Lunch
🎓 Scholarship Opportunities
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award – Up to $28,000
For graduating students with strong academic standing and significant unpaid humanitarian/community involvement who plan to attend a Canadian post-secondary institution.
📅 Deadline: December 1, 2026
🔗 https://terryfoxawards.ca/applicant-information/
Schulich Leader Scholarship – 100,000–120,000
For entrepreneurial-minded students pursuing undergraduate STEM programs who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and creativity. WCHS nomination required.
📅 Submit essay + résumé to Mme. Plante by January 20, 2027
📧 maplante@cbe.ab.ca
🔗 https://schulichleaders.com/
Education Matters – Stampede Toyota Award – $5,000
For Grade 12 students in NE Calgary who demonstrate community involvement and financial need. A two-minute video and reference letter are required.
📅 Deadline: December 4, 2026
🔗 https://applications.educationmatters.ca/
Breakthrough Opportunity Bursary for New Immigrants – $3,000
For Grade 12 CBE students who are new immigrants or refugees to Canada within the past five years and pursuing trades/vocational programs. Financial need is considered.
🔗 https://applications.educationmatters.ca/
For more scholarship opportunities: Students are encouraged to regularly check the scholarship information available through Student Services and EducationMatters.
Are you Ready for Winter?
SET Conference
Attendance
To report your child’s absence, please call 403-228-5363, option 1, or email westerncanada@cbe.ab.ca. When providing an update, please include: The student’s full name (spell the last name slowly and clearly if leaving a voicemail). The reason for the absence. The timeframe of the absence. Please note: Attendance updates may take longer during transit delays, winter weather, or other events affecting attendance, as the school manages records for approximately 2,150 students. Updates may take up to one school day. To avoid delays, please do not leave multiple messages unless correcting a previous one. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Extended Absences
It is the school’s responsibility to ensure parent(s)/legal guardian(s) understand the impact that extended absences may have on their child’s education. When parents/guardians wish to remove their student from school for an extended period of time (longer than 3 days) for reasons other than illness or bereavement, we ask that an Extended Absence form, available in the main office, be completed and submitted.
Subscribe to Stay Informed
Due to Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), you need to subscribe online if you want to receive email or text messages on “commercial” school topics such as the Weekly Update or IPP communication.
MyCBE Accounts
MyCBE provides parents, students and staff seamless access to information and transactions using a modern and effective technology platform.
Parents have online access to view their children’s academic information (schedule, grades and attendance), view their children’s learning activities using Brightspace by D2L, register for transportation and noon supervision, pay fees and request fee waivers, and book school conferences. For information on how to set up your account, please see HERE.
Centralized Fee Waiver
No child is ever denied access to an education in the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) because of an inability to pay. If you can't afford the fees, there are several ways to qualify for a central fee waiver.
Waiver applications for the current school year are found online through your MyCBE account and are available from the start of the school year until June 30. Please check out more information here.