School Message
Hello to our Western families,
As we head into the winter break, we want to express our hope that our students, families, and staff will be able to find (and enjoy) time with family and friends, while also being able to relax a bit, as well. Our return in January will look/feel a bit different this year, with a longer period of time to finish the semester; and, without final exams, we also hope that this will alleviate some of the pressures on our students as the semester winds down.
A number of us had the opportunity to deliver Christmas hampers yesterday and, despite the challenges with the roads, it was uplifting simply to help some of our families in this small way. There was so much more that went into this, though, and I’d like to share the words of Ms. Meier who captures that sentiment so beautifully: The response to the Redhawk Holiday Hamper initiative has been so astounding that it would be impossible for me to personally thank each and every person who contributed. If you supported the project in any way – by purchasing items from the Amazon wish list, spreading word to family and friends, sending gift cards to the school, donating wrapping materials, emailing me with questions and encouragement – please know that you are so appreciated. Although you have not seen first-hand the incredible joy and hope that you have helped to create, please know that it is there and it is palpable. With so much gratitude…Jessie Meier.
Similarly, we are also thankful for the students and families who contributed to our annual Giving Tree initiative, which provides food and monetary donations in support of the Brenda Strafford Foundation, supporting families who have removed themselves from domestic violence and are rebuilding their lives.
These are just two examples from across our Western community of the generosity that is so-often displayed towards our school and our students. We are truly grateful and don’t take it for granted. And, of course, I cannot end this message without acknowledging the tremendous ‘staff appreciation’ that has occurred this week – providing breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for our Western teachers and support staff. We thank you, so very much.
On behalf of the staff, all the best over the holiday break.
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
Resource Note: Executive Function Growth -Getting Organized in D2L
A month-at-a-glance calendar is a useful way for students to understand upcoming due dates across classes. Students can enable this as an option in D2L, if a paper calendar does not suit their learning style.
The instructions below outline how to do this in D2L, if interested:
View All in D2L (Quick View)
This is the fastest way to see everything within the D2L platform itself.
1. Go to Calendar: From your course homepage, click the Calendar widget dropdown and select Go to Calendar.
2. Show All: In the main Calendar view, find the dropdown menu near the top (it might say "All Calendars" or a specific course name) and select Show All Calendars.
3. Filter (Optional): You can also use the dropdown to select specific courses or filter by color, as shown in this student tutorial from Dakota County College.
Please note, many teachers organize students in their own way, providing unit course calendars in paper/pdf format.
The above instructions will only show due dates listed in D2L course pages.
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.
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.
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.
Career and Post-Secondary Planning
Students that are unsure about their future plans may benefit from exploring the following Career and Education planning tools.
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
