School Message
Hello to our Western families,
Thank you to those who came to our Meet the Teacher event tonight. Whether you were here or not, please know that you can reach out to staff as the school year continues, with all names and email addresses found via our school website.
As we continue to settle into this first month, teachers are starting to post mark updates on PowerSchool. We would encourage you to check there fairly regularly to keep track of your child’s progress and help determine if any interventions might need to be considered. Related to this, another reminder that tutorial times before and after school should be accessed by students for extra support, especially if they are specific questions about curricular content or assessments.
In amongst the turmoil/noise that seems to invade our daily lives all too often, I am thankful for the simple message associated with the annual Terry Fox Run, this year marking 45 years since the original Marathon of Hope took place to support cancer research. Class groups from Western will be joining in this opportunity tomorrow, and we welcome the participation from our students to honour this legacy and show support for a worthy cause.
Thank you,
Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- Friday, September 19th
- Terry Fox Run
- Friday, September 26th
- Orange Shirt Day
- Monday, September 29th
- Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)
- Tuesday, September 30th
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Updates
Get Ready, Get Set, Go for It
Interested in seeing the High School requirements for graduation or planning for your future? Please visit the website link below to learn more about High School and plan for your success!
Scholarship Information:
This award is an exciting opportunity for students considering university studies in fall 2025. The only award of its kind in Canada, the Loran Award is a four-year leadership enrichment program comprised of summer work experiences, mentorship, annual gatherings, an annual living stipend, a tuition waiver at one of 25 university partners, and a community of people working to build a better world.
You will need a referee (like a teacher, coach…) and Mme. Plante will forward your transcripts (contact info: maplante@cbe.ab.ca)
Deadline for all applications is October 16, at 12:00 pm
Virtual info sessions:
Session : Thurs., Sept. 18, at 8 p.m. ET
The TD Scholarship for Community Leadership
This scholarship is now open for application. The deadline for this prestigious (up to $70,000) award is October 22nd, 2025. This award has been won by Western students in the past. This scholarship is awarded each year to students from across Canada that have shown exceptional initiative in making a meaningful and lasting difference in their community. The focus of these scholarships is NOT primarily on rewarding the highest marks. The key criterion is outstanding community leadership.
Please go to HERE for applications and more information on this fantastic opportunity.
The University of Toronto National Book Award Program
This award recognizes and rewards the very best Canadian secondary school students, regardless of which university they choose to attend. Western Canada can nominate one student based on superior academic performance (90% average and above), original and creative thought, demonstration of enthusiasm for intellectual exploration and for having a strong involvement in both their school and broader community. Please tell us in a 300–500-word essay and a resume if you are that student. Students nominated for the National Book Award should consider applying for the National Scholarship Program, a tremendous scholarship that covers tuition, residence, books and all incidentals for four years.
Due date for the National Book Award Program: submission to Mme Plante is October 1st, 2025
(Send your essay and resume to Ms. Plante– maplante@cbe.ab.ca
Students must apply for admission to U of T by October 17, 2025
The National Scholarship
This scholarship at the University of Toronto is now open for applicants. National Scholars receive four years of free tuition, residence, books and incidentals. To be eligible, students must intend to study at U of T, be original and creative thinkers, committed to their school and community, high achiever, intellectual and enthusiastic. You must be nominated by your school to the Book Award before applying. Deadline: October 31st, 2025. For more detailed information, please view the award description at:
University Visits at Western:
Calling all Grade 12 students! On Monday, September 22nd , at lunch, there will be an assembly in the main gym. Your Guidance Counsellors will share information about graduation requirements, post-secondary, and scholarships.
Well-Being Message for the Week
Activate Your Body to Focus Your Mind
Dr. Greg Wells’ latest blog, “Activate Your Body to Focus Your Mind,” explores how physical activity enhances cognitive performance and creativity. Research confirms that exercise stimulates brain function by improving blood flow, oxygenation, and the release of key neurochemicals, all of which support sharper thinking and stronger focus. Even short bursts of movement, such as a brisk 15-minute walk before tackling a complex task, can lift energy levels and mental clarity. Longer-term practices like regular aerobic exercise or mindful movement such as yoga are also shown to reduce stress and strengthen learning capacity.
Fabric Art & Sewing Materials
The Visual Art classes are looking for any unwanted sewing or fabric art materials or tools for student projects. If you have a collection of thread, needles, fabric, or yarn hiding away in a box that could use a new home, please deliver to WCHS front office or email Ms. Affleck: meaffleck@cbe.ab.ca
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.
November Diplomas
November diplomas are available for any student who has missed a diploma or wants to re-write one. Alberta Education charges a fee of $26.25 for each re-write. The registration deadline is Oct. 1st, and students need to make an appointment with Mr. Wiebe in order to register. Students can email Mr. Wiebe for more information, or to set up an appointment.
Mathematics Competitions
Our first mathematics competition of the year is the Canada Lynx Mathematical Competition. The contest is open to all grade levels, and will be held on Oct 2, 2025. The deadline to register is Sept 23. Please contact Mr Hunchak for details: aphunchak@cbe.ab.ca
Terry Fox School Run - Fri. Sep. 19th
- Raise money for cancer research & raise awareness of community causes.
- It feels good to contribute to helping others and to take action in support of community need.
- Build resilience among students by celebrating Canadians who face challenges and act to overcome them.
What & Where
There are many ways to contribute:
- Donations will be accepted online (our fundraising page) or in person on Fri. September 19th (cash please).
- Students and staff are invited to become runners/fundraisers – contact Mr. Fuhr
- ( jgfuhr@cbe.ab.ca ).
- Period 3 classes are invited to raise funds together - The Period 3 class that raises the most cash for cancer research will win a tasty prize.
- Freezies will be available for purchase – proceeds go to the Terry Fox Foundation.
- Our event is on the back field at Western on Friday, September 19th
Yearbook
Do you have clear, high-quality photos that you have taken of your students at school events? Upload them to this QR code to help out with the culmination of our yearbook this year! All photos will be reviewed and potentially used as part of our yearbook.
Purchase the 2025-26 Yearbook online
Yearbook sales have begun, and NOW is the BEST time to purchase your yearbook for the 2025-26 school year! If you order BEFORE October 24th, 2025, you will get the BEST price of the school year at $50.00! Use the link below or the QR code to order your yearbook NOW!
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.
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 2,250 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!
MyCBE Accounts
Parents, legal guardians, and independent students will need to create a MyCBE account to complete required forms, pay fees etc. To create an account, please see the MyCBE Support page HERE. If you are experiencing difficulties in creating your account, please see Ms. Hanley in the main office.
School Website
To keep up to date with all things Western, please check out the school’s website.
Western Canada High School website
French and International Languages Course Challenge Exams:
Interested in challenging a language at the 30 level? Please visit the link below to learn more about challenging one of the following languages for high school credits:
- Arabic 35
- French 30
- Cantonese 35
- German 30
- Japanese 30
- Mandarin 30
- Punjabi 30
- Spanish 30
- Ukranian 30
- Filipino 30
- Italian 30
If your child wishes to take a language course challenge exam, please complete the consent form included in the link below and return to Mrs. Irwin in Guidance by Wednesday October 1st.