School Message
Good Afternoon to our Western families,
As we move into October, we want to acknowledge that school life is likely getting busier for many students - with more assignments/tasks/things going on. Should any of that become particularly overwhelming for students, we would ask that the first point of contact be directly with teachers, and then follow up with guidance/admin should that be necessary. Since high schools have a faster pace than jr highs, we want to be mindful that our new grade 10's, in particular, might be feeling some pressure.
The Friends of Western Canada High School Society is a registered charitable organization. Its primary objective is to facilitate and improve the extracurricular activities of Western students (in Fine Arts, athletics, and clubs) by overseeing monies raised through fundraising initiatives and donations. While no new volunteers are needed at the moment, I would like to pass along the hyperlinked document should any families want to make donations and secure tax receipts for this calendar year. The form has more information within it. If you have any questions beyond this, you would also be welcome to contact them directly at friendsofwestern2@gmail.com.
With colder weather upon us and a change to daylight saving time, which will keep it dark in the mornings, yet another reminder that students should not be arriving at the building prior to 6:45 am. They will not be able to get in, and we don't want them having to wait outside until the various doors are eventually opened. Once again, please note that the first door to be opened will be the Redhawks door off of the student parking lot.
Thanks.
Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- Thanksgiving
Monday, October 12th - Parent-Teacher Interviews
October 19th, 2026 - 9:00 - 12:00 & 12:30 - 3:30
Updates
Peer Tutoring
We are still looking for peer tutors - especially in classes offered in French. Please follow this link to request a tutor or sign up to become a volunteer tutor in the morning, at lunch, after school (or even virtually in the evenings). Peer tutors and tutees
IB Exam Registration
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 in most classes and is the only way to get official recognition for universities. May 2027 IB Exams
Get Started Early in Healthcare Internship Applications
Internships and volunteer opportunities in the health sector are highly competitive and limited. Many positions require applicants to be mature, legally eligible based on the requirements of the placement, and able to demonstrate relevant skills and experience.
- A strong academic background
- Relevant volunteer or community experience
- A recommendation from their Teacher and/or Off-Campus Coordinator
- A genuine interest in pursuing health-related education or career pathways
While the deadline is not until 30 March, it is highly recommended to create applications now.
Register via Careers Next Gen at: https://www.careersnextgen.ca/get-an-internship/
See Mr. Smith in the Tech Centre for more details.
Unique Pathways Information Night
Are you interested in technology, business, health care, skilled trades, aviation, design, culinary arts, or veterinary medicine? What if school could help you explore your future career right now?
CBE Off-Campus Education offers opportunities to gain real-world experience, explore career pathways, and even earn post-secondary credits while still in high school. Opportunities include Dual Credit programs (in partnership with post-secondary) and Exploratory courses (in partnership with industry). To see a full list of programs, go to: https://www.cbe.ab.ca/off-campus-education
Want to learn more before applying? Parents and students are invited to attend the information night
Unique Pathways Information Night
Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Place: Career and Technology Centre
at Lord Shaughnessy High School
2336 - 53 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3E 1L2
Come explore your options and discover where your pathway could take you!
Registration Note: Registration is not required; however, it is helpful for the Unique Pathways team to ensure appropriate representation for programs of interest to students and families.
Register for the Unique Pathways Information Night
Looking for a Job?
Tire season is a great opportunity for students interested in the automotive trades to gain hands-on work experience and get their foot in the door with an employer.
If you are interested in automotive service, tire technician, lube technician, detailing, or other vehicle-related careers, please encourage them to get their CAREERS application completed as soon as possible. Employers will be hiring for seasonal positions, and having an up-to-date CAREERS application helps us connect students with these opportunities when they become available.
Interested students should:
- Complete the HCS3000 course online
- Complete their CAREERS application.
- Upload an updated resume.
- Be ready to work during tire season.
- Keep an eye out for CAREERS opportunities and respond quickly when contacted.
See Mr. Smith in the Tech Centre for support with the Careers Next Gen website.
Earn three 30-Level Credits Online!
Looking to get job-ready AND earn some additional extra 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)
French Immersion and International Languages
Students in our Grade 12 French immersion classes will have an opportunity to complete the B2 level Diplome d’études de la langue française (DELF) exam. The DELF is the internationally recognized standard for language accreditation in French. The exam takes the form of a written and oral exam. Students who successfully complete the DELF will receive a certificate from the Ministry of International Education of France attesting to their French-language abilities.
This opportunity is offered at the cost of $100 to families. There are 2 occasions for grade 12 students to complete the exam through the CBE DELF Testing Centre this school year on November 16 and April (date to be confirmed). Because the exam is given all around the world on this day, the exam starts at 10:00 AM, and there is no flexibility around late arrival on the day or to move or make up the exam at another time.
Student Registration is through this Form:DELF B2 - novembre 2026 | DELF B2 - November 2026 – Fill out form. DEADLINE TO REGISTER: WED. OCTOBER 7TH.
For more information regarding the DELF B2 exam please contact Mme Ghira (maghira@cbe.ab.ca)
Starting next week September 29, the students are offered practice sessions at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays in room 255.
Food for Thought:
Your WCHS Students’ Council wants to hear from you! On October 8th at lunch in the cafeteria, swing by the Students’ Council table to share your thoughts on the grade ten BBQ, club day, and other back-to-school related questions. In exchange for your feedback, we will be handing out Oreos! See you there!
Our school has a video surveillance system to help maintain a safe and secure environment at the school for students, staff and the public, and to help address vandalism and criminal activity on school property.
The video surveillance system is installed and reviewed in accordance with Administrative Regulation 1066. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Education Act and the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), specifically section 10(1) and the Access to Information Act (ATIA).
This technology can be placed in areas such as the school parking lot, building entrances and exits, stairwells, and hallways. This information is recorded and collected to help maintain a safe and secure environment in the school and on school property. The users of this information are the principal or designate and law enforcement personnel in the case of reported incidents that would require an investigation. Only authorized persons will review video surveillance information.
Inquiries concerning the video surveillance system, or the collection and use of recorded information may be made by contacting the school office.
Student Services:
Classroom Visits
Grade 10 students can expect classroom visits from Student Services in early October.
🎓 University Visits
We are excited to welcome representatives from universities and colleges throughout September. Students are welcome to drop in, ask questions, and learn more about their post-secondary options.
University of Toronto
📅 October 5 | 📍 Main Foyer | 🕛 Before School @ 8:30
Vancouver Film School
📅 October 7 | 📍 Main Foyer | 🕛 Lunch
Western University - IVY Business School
📅 October 8 | 📍 Main Foyer | 🕛 Lunch
Students are welcome to drop in and speak with university representatives to learn more about programs, admission requirements, applications, scholarships, and campus life.
Scholarship Information:
Grade 12 students are encouraged to explore these prestigious scholarship opportunities for students entering university in Fall 2027.
University of Toronto National Book Award
Western Canada High School may nominate one outstanding student who demonstrates:
A 90%+ academic average
- Original and creative thinking
- Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning
- Strong involvement in school and the broader community
To be considered: Submit a 300–500 word essay and résumé to Mme Plante at maplante@cbe.ab.ca by October 1, 2026.
Students must also apply to the University of Toronto by October 16, 2026.
Students nominated for the Book Award are encouraged to consider applying for the U of T National Scholarship, which provides four years of tuition, residence, books, and incidental costs.
University of Toronto Wolf Scholar Program
The Wolf Scholar Program provides exceptional students with four years of tuition and ancillary fees, a living stipend, funded Canadian and international travel, and access to top internships.
WCHS can nominate three students.
To be considered: Submit a 300–500 word essay and résumé to Mme Plante at maplante@cbe.ab.ca by October 22, 2026.
Eligibility: Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 90%+ average, and applying early to U of T's Faculty of Arts & Science at the St. George campus.
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship is for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and community involvement.
To be considered for a WCHS nomination: Submit a 300–500 word essay and résumé to Mme Plante at maplante@cbe.ab.ca by October 1, 2026.
Students must apply to U of T by October 16, 2026.
Loran Award
The Loran Award is a four-year leadership program that includes a tuition waiver at one of 25 partner universities, an annual living stipend, mentorship, summer work experiences, and leadership opportunities.
Eligibility includes:
- Entering university for the first time in September 2027
- Minimum 88% cumulative average
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Meeting the program's age requirements
Application deadline: October 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Students will need a referee (such as a teacher or coach). Mme. Plante will assist with forwarding transcripts.
Learn more about the Loran Award
💡 Interested in applying for any of these opportunities? Start preparing your résumé and personal statement early, and see Mme. Plante in Student Services for more information.
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.
Peer tutoring program
If you wish to volunteer to be a peer tutor in the first semester or if you require a peer tutor this semester, please follow the link to fill out the request form. Peer tutors are student volunteers who are comfortable assisting students with a class that they have already completed with at least an 80%+.