School Message
Hello to our Western families,
After another busy week of programming at the school, we want to provide another shout-out to the students and staff who represent our Fine Arts and Athletics departments. I mentioned our drama production last week, and want to add that we've also had great performances from our jazz band (last week at the school), our choirs at Knox United Church this week), our Art 10 students' black light painting exhibit (this week at the school), our bands at the Jack Singer last night), our Sr Girls' volleyball team (at provincials in Red Deer two weeks ago), our four basketball teams (busy with weekday games and weekend tournaments), and our swim/dive athletes (at their meet yesterday). As always, there is more to come with our Robotics teams competing this weekend, our first wrestling meet next week, and more Art and Dance to come after the break. (If I've missed anything, I do apologize.) We want to thank everyone for giving their extra time/energy to continually represent our school so well across the city.
One more reminder, especially as the temperature dips, that the school will not be open before 630 (at the earliest).
While we know many students are arriving for scheduled early activities, we also don't want them waiting out in the cold. Please (please) try to time those arrivals for when the building is actually accessible.
Thanks.
Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- Friday, December 19th: Last Day of Classes Before the Winter Break
- Monday, December 22nd - Friday, January 2nd: Winter Break
- No School for Students
Updates
AUArts Portfolio Review Day at Western
Tuesday December 16
We will have a representative from AUArts visiting Western on Tuesday December 16. They will be presenting to students in art classes during the day. If you are not currently in an art class here at Western and would like to have a portfolio review with AUArts, or would like to speak with a rep from the school, please contact Ms. Affleck at meaffleck@cbe.ab.ca or Mr. Harker at ngharker@cbe.ab.ca.
Lifetouch – Fall Photo Ordering
Thank you for allowing us to capture your child’s school photo this year!
It's not too late to order your fall photos at mylifetouch.ca using your child’s Student ID number
(found in your student’s online profile, e.g. PowerSchool)
How to Order Online
Go to mylifetouch.ca
Log in to your account or continue as a guest
Select “Student ID”
Enter your school’s name, province, and postal code
Click the blue “Continue” button
Enter your child’s: Full name, Student ID number, Your relationship to the student
Click “Find Student”
When the photo appears, click “Yes, this is my student”
Choose from available photo package options
Complete your order online
Need Help?
Lifetouch Customer Care Line: 1-866-457-8212
Quick, easy, and secure ordering – your child’s school memories, delivered to you!
Grade 12 Grad Photo Bookings – Lifetouch Studio
Grade 12 students who are graduating this year, who would like to book a grad photo session at the Lifetouch studio, may do so by making a booking HERE.
For assistance, they can call 403-255-5440
2024-2025 Rideau Park Yearbooks
Students who were in grade 9 at Rideau Park, and who ordered a yearbook; they are now available for pick up in the main office at Rideau Park School, during their office hours.
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!
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
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.
WCHS Giving Tree – We Need Your Help!
The annual WCHS Giving Tree is now. Students Council is raising funds and food donations for the Brenda Strafford Foundation (Heart Home Network). This Foundation/Network supports families who are recovering from domestic violence. 75 families at the Heart Home Network will be beneficiaries of our donations.
Please send your child to school next week (Mon. Dec. 15 – Wed. Dec. 17) with a canned food donation. They can bring that donation to the Main Office or place it in a donation box under the tree in our Main Lobby.
Thank you to students, staff, and parents who are helping to support 75 families this holiday season.
STUDENT SERVICES
CBe-Learn Second Semester Online Course Requests:
Students, please come to student services and register in- person with your guidance counselor
All students (Grade 10, 11 and Grade 12’s that missed the December deadline): Jan 13-15, 2026
Semester 2 Timetable Changes:
All timetable changes for Semester 2 need to be completed with your guidance counselor by Friday, January 9th.
December Scholarship Information:
The National Scholarship Program – Western University Candidates
- National Scholarships are designed to recognize all-round excellence. For: outstanding academic performance, creative and innovative thought and a passion for the pursuit of learning. A special emphasis is placed on a candidate's commitment to community service through ongoing contributions to school and community life.
- National Scholarship Registration
- If you want to be one of 4 Western Canada High School nominees, please have one page essay describing your ability for creative and innovative thought and your passion for the pursuit of learning and a copy of your résumé by Feb. 2nd, 2026, to Mme Plante (maplante@cbe.ab.ca)
ScholarTree Holiday Break Scholarship List (over 1200 awards)
Go to WCHS website to access the list HERE.
Upcoming Post Post-Secondary Visits
- Dec 11: Bocconi University (from Italy) at lunch in the main foyer
- Dec 15: University of Lethbridge at lunch in the main foyer
Career and Post-Secondary Planning
Students that are unsure about their future plans may benefit from exploring the following Career and Education planning tools.
Staff Appreciation
We are truly grateful for the many contributions of time, food, and money to make the 2025 Staff Appreciation Week a success. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
If you’d like to share your family’s favourite dish or home baking, or you’re able to help out during breakfast or lunch next week, please let us know.
If you are able to help by volunteering or providing food, please let us know via SignUpGenius: Link to Sign Up Genius
If you would still like to make a monetary contribution, you can certainly do so; please send an e-transfer to: WCHSexecutive@gmail.com
Thank you for your continued support and making this event a wonderful success!
2025-2026 Yearbook: Call for Photos
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 December 31st, 2025, you will have the opportunity to pay BEFORE the price rises; currently set at $55.00, you don’t want to miss out on this deal! Use the link below or the QR code to order your yearbook NOW!
Jostens - 2025-26 Yearbook
