School Message
Hello to our Western families,
We are thankful that the weather has started to warm up again, and that we are almost completely settled into our second semester. As various course assessments are starting to be handed out and become due, here is a reminder that tutorial times are offered before and after school from Monday through Thursday. This is an opportunity where students can connect a little more deliberately with teachers to ask questions and receive additional feedback. While this may not be required every day, we certainly believe that these more focused conversations are beneficial, so, would strongly suggest that students set aside some time in their week to check in with their teachers.
I am constantly reminded of how invested our parent community is in our school and this week brings another example of that. I want to offer a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers and especially our casino coordinator, Kristie, who gave up time (and some sleep) to run another
successful casino in support of our school.
And, finally, a reminder that Teachers’ Convention is next Thursday//Friday.
Thank you,
Darrin Whitbread | Principal, WCHS
Upcoming Dates
- Teachers’ Convention (No School)
- Thursday, February 13th and Friday, February 14th
- Family Day (No School)
- Monday, February 17th
Updates
VEX Robotics Tournament
We are excited to invite you to the upcoming VEX Robotics Tournament to cheer on our amazing robotics teams as they compete against some of the best in the world! This is a fantastic opportunity to see the hard work, creativity, and teamwork that our students have put into their robots. This is the biggest robotics tournament in Canada and over 150 teams from around the world are attending! Come encourage Western students and cheer your favorite teams on!
If you are unable to attend the tournament in person, join us online and show your support by watching the Mecha Mayhem 2025 livestream on YouTube here.
Event Details
Dates: February 7–9, 2025
Location: 1912 Flores LaDue Parade S.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2G 2W1 (BMO Center)
Best Day to Attend: For the best experience, we recommend attending on Saturday, February 8, when our teams will be in full competition mode, participating in multiple qualification matches! Schedule highlights are available here.
Each of our teams will compete in one practice match and ten qualification matches before moving on to the elimination rounds. Your support and encouragement make a huge difference in their experience! We hope to see you there cheering for our Western robotics students.
More details about the event can be found here.
April Diplomas
Any student wishing to rewrite a diploma - or who has deferred a previous diploma - has an opportunity to write in any diploma writing session. We have two such sessions remaining at Western this school year: April and June. If students wish to rewrite a diploma or write one that they have deferred in April, the deadline for students to register is February 17th.To do this they need to set up an appointment with Mr. Wiebe in the main office as soon as possible! Email Mr. Wiebe at shwiebe@cbe.ab.ca if you need more information.
30-LEVEL Languages Challenge Exam Information - Winter
Language challenge exams will take place on Saturday, March 15th and Saturday, April 5th. Students may challenge the following courses: Arabic 35, Cantonese 35, Filipino 35, French 30-3Y, French 30-9Y, Italian 30, Mandarin 30, Punjabi 30, Spanish 30, Ukrainian 30, Japanese 30. This year, only grade 12 students are able to register for language challenge exams unless there are exceptional circumstances. Details and the application form can be found here. WCHS must submit the application form to the main office by Tuesday, February 18th. All grade 12 French Immersion students currently enrolled in FLA will receive the information and registration form in class and should hand in their application to their FLA teacher.
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 bus 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!
French For Parents – Level 1 Course
CBE Parents and Caregivers - Build your French language skills in this introductory course. Learn or refresh vocabulary and grammar while increasing your confidence speaking French. Become more comfortable helping your children with their homework and conversing with the school staff. Required textbook (approximately $20, available on Amazon). Details for purchasing it will be provided upon registration. Classes will take place on Tuesdays from 6-8PM, April through June at Georges P. Vanier School. More information is available here.
University of Calgary Indigenous Student Recruitment Information
Western will be hosting an information session at lunchtime for Indigenous students who are interested in programming, admissions, and scholarship opportunities at the University of Calgary. The event will take place Tuesday, February 25th at the beginning of lunch in the Library.
DELF B2 Exam Registration
Grade 12 French Immersion students interested in doing the DELF B2 French Language exam may sign up here. The cost for signing up is $100 and gives those students international credentials for their French language skills using the European Common Framework. The deadline to register is February 24th. The exam will take place on April 7th. Please see Ms. Scharf or Mme. Bergerman if you have any further questions.
Skilled Trades Career Fair
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