School Message
Hello to our Western families
As we move into November, and our second term of the semester, we continue to applaud the efforts of our students and staff to navigate the expectations of the school year. While the general sentiment is that it feels like a bit of a 'grind' right now, we will appreciate the opportunity afforded by the upcoming Fall Break to catch our collective breath.
Before that, though, we will look forward to next week and the reminder that comes in early November to honour our veterans. Since Remembrance Day falls during the break, we will have our school ceremony rather early, on Thursday, November 7th with a number of our students formally participating in that event. We encourage our broader school population to show their respect next week by wearing a poppy, which will be available from teachers if they don't already have one.
Upcoming Dates
IB Exam registration Deadline for May Exams Thursday November 7th
Non-Instruction Day Friday, November 8
Fall Break ( No School) Monday, November 11 - Wednesday, November 13
Report Card Visible in PowerSchool Thursday November 14th.
Student Spotlight Suggestions
Congratulations to the Jr. Girls Volleyball team - they brought home the Championship at the Foothills Volleyball Tournament Oct. 25th/26th! Way to go, Redhawks!
Updates
2023-2024 Yearbooks – Rideau Park
Students who attended Rideau Park School last year: your 2023-2024 Yearbooks have arrived. Please come to the Office at Rideau Park School to pick up your order.
2023-2024 Yearbooks - Elboya School
Students who attended Elboya School last year: your 2023-2024 Yearbooks have arrived. Please come to the Office at Elboya School to pick up your order.
Parent Council Annual General Meeting
You're invited to the Western Canada High School Parent Council Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 21st at 6:30pm in the WCHS Library. The purpose of the meeting will be to elect the 2024/2025 executive. All WCHS parents and caregivers are eligible for election and are eligible to vote at the AGM. Being involved in the Parent Council is a great way to support our school, students, and teachers through the coming year. We hope to see you there.
Celebrate Western Annual Fundraiser
The Celebrate Western auction is welcoming any donations of gift cards, gift baskets, services and more. The auction goes live Nov 24th. Please email us at celebratewesternauction@gmail.com.
Apply Now! Exploratory & Dual Credit Programs for Sem 2 | Deadline Nov 15
Applications are open for semester two dual credit and exploratory programs. These programs are tuition free learning opportunities provided by Alberta post-secondary institutions, industry partners and community organizations. Selected Programs include:
- ICT Networks & Hardware
- Healthcare Career Essentials
- Culinary Trades (SAIT)
- Hospitality, Tourism & Marketing
- Veterinary Technical Assistant Program (Blended One Year Program)
- Pre-Employment Autobody
- Pipe Trades
- Carpentry
Click here to see a full list of available learning opportunities, program requirements and application instructions. See Mr. Smith in the Tech Centre (Room 083) during PM tutorials Period 3 & 4 if you have any questions.
2024 WCHS Yearbooks
2024 Yearbooks are still on sale for $47. This sale will only run until November 24th, so order yours today! https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1114704/Western-Canada-High-School/
Trip to France Field Experience – October 12 – 21, 2024
Thank you to the five teachers who accompanied 41 of our French Immersion students from grades 11 and 12 to France for a language and cultural field experience. They are Mme Gordon (Math), M. Devereaux (SS), Mme Scharf (assistant principal), M. Bernier (FLA), Mme Ghira (FLA and Teacher-in-Charge).
Merci pour votre dévouement et votre passion!
The Teacher-in-Charge's comments and pictures can be found here.
Jacket Racket
What is it?:
Jacket racket is a charitable organization that gives the gift of warm winter gear to the less fortunate youth in Calgary. Every year, thanks to generous families like yours, the harsh Calgary winter is made a little easier for hundreds of children and teens by your winter gear donations.
Why donate?:
As the Winter season is approaching, many kids in Calgary will need to prepare! Especially for families with spending limitations, their children might not have the necessary gear to stay warm this year. By donating any winter gear that would otherwise be unused, you can help a young someone in need.
We accept clean and gently used winter jackets, snow pants, hats and mitts.
IB Exams for May 2025
The Nov. 7th registration deadline is quickly approaching for Grade 11’s and 12’s finishing a sequence of IB classes this year. Please have your student follow this link to sign-up for the exams (or for Art IB) if they are in a 30, 31, or 35 level IB class during this school year (semester 1 or 2) and are expecting to take an IB exam in May. **If you haven’t paid your exam fees yet, please plan to pay them sometime in November. Thanks!
Peer Tutors Required
The peer tutoring program is going strong. We are at the point that many tutors are being asked to take on a second or third student. If your child is in need of a tutor or is looking for some volunteer tutoring experience, please have them fill out this Google Form.
Class of 2025 – Jewelry and Clothing
Representatives from Jostens will be at the school on November 18 and 19, from 11:15am – 12:30pm in the foyer, to answer questions regarding Class of 2025 Jewelry and Clothing. Students will have an opportunity to have their finger sized, try on rings, ask questions, and to place orders. Please see the flyers around the school for more details.
Graduation Photos
Are you in Grade 12? It is time to book graduation photos! Graduation photos take place here at Western on November 6-8; 14-15 and 18-22. Go to https://prestigeportraits.ca/ and book your date and time. You need to show up 5 minutes prior to your sitting. Additional details regarding photos are available via their website.