School Message
Hello to our Western families,
Whether your child is new to the CBE, is moving up to grade 10 to start their high school journey, or has been with us for a year or two already, we want to welcome each student and their family to Western Canada High School for the 2025/26 school year. After our first day back on (Tuesday, with assemblies and a bbq (for the 10's), we have quickly moved finto the daily routine. Almost all students have had their class changes processed by Guidance, fall sports try-outs are concluding with practices starting and games about to begin, and our new students are quickly finding the best routes to where they need to be through our busy halls.
I would suggest you make it part of your routine to read through these weekly messages for updates on various school procedures, upcoming events, information about post-secondary visits, and more. I want to start: the year by taking a moment to emphasize the importance of our tutorial (time - offered at the start/end of each day (Mon-Thur). These onstructional blooks provide opportunities for students to connect with their teachers to ask specific questions, use extra time for assessments, land travel to/from offsite activities. There is a strong correlation to success and regular tutorial attendance, so students are encouraged to take advantage of this focused time.
Please note that our building is not open each morning until sometime between 6:30-6:45 AM, depending on the outside entrance. If students fare coming for early Fine Arts rehearsals or athletic practices, please do not plan to arrive before this time (especially as the weather turns). The first door to be opened will generally be the Redhawks door off the istudent parking lot.
Finally, if you need to contact a teacher/counselor/administrator, our school website has been updated to reflect our new staff, and we would encourage you to email your questions/concerns directly to the appropriate person, who will respond as soon as they are able.
Thank you,
Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- Thursday, September 11th
- Club/Association Fair @lunch in the Main Gym
- Friday, Sptember 12th
- Photo Catch-up Day
- For Students who have not yet had their photo taken
- Thursay, September 18th
- Meet the Teacher Night 6 PM - 8 PM
Updates
Student Associations
It's a new year and time for student associations again! Reminder to get your application forms from Ms. Scharf. After that please come meet with Ms. Wesolowsky in Room 208 during tutorials for meeting times and other organization information!
Theatre Opportunities
The Drama program is excited to welcome all our amazing emerging artists back to WCHS. We are delighted to be offering an extensive season of theatre opportunities for our school community this year. Please feel free to reach out to Drama teacher Caitlin Gallichan-Lowe if you have questions or would still like to join the Drama program in semester 1 or semester 2. cjgallichanl@cbe.ab.ca
Join the WCHS Choral Program!
Get involved in your school community and make new friends in Western’s award-winning choral program. With classes taking place outside of the timetable there’s no reason not to! No experience is required, and you’ll earn extra credits! See Ms. Reinhardt in the choir room or email sjreinhardt@cbe.ab.ca for more info.
Student Parking Passes
There are a limited number available, with most of them reserved for grade 12 students. A student parking pass application form is available on Western’s Website, please read this through carefully with your child. A valid driver’s license (not learner’s) is required, and ALL school fees must be paid for ahead of time. Grade 12 students can apply for the parking pass starting on Wednesday, Sept. 17th at 8:00 AM at the business office; grade 11 students can do so on Thursday, Sept 18th at 8:00 AM at the business office. Parking passes are given on a first come first served basis and must be done in person. Students need to present their driver’s license and vehicle registration in person, along with a completed parking application form.
EAL Proficiency Class
If a student’s timetable shows “EAL Language Proficiency,” please note this is not a scheduled class. It simply indicates that your child has been identified as an English as an Additional Language learner, so teachers and staff can provide the appropriate support.
This year, Jordan Irwin will be the guidance counselor for all students identified as EAL at Western. Grade 11 and 12 students are welcome to remain with their counselor from previous years, should they so choose.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach to jairwin@cbe.ab.ca
Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids
Mental Health Supports in Calgary
NEST PROGRAM LOCATION
The NEST has moved to room 001! Find Ms. Meier there in periods 1 and 2 or send her an email.
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.
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.
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!
Yearbook
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.
School Website
To keep up to date with all things Western, please check out the school’s website.
Western Canada High School website
Peer Tutoring
If you wish to be a volunteer peer tutor this year or if you anticipate needing a peer tutor, please fill out this form.
IB Exam Registration
Grade 11’s and 12’s who are registering for official IB exams for May 2026 must register before the November break but earlier is better! Please follow this link to fill out the form (Grade 10’s will only do in-school exams in January and June). Please email serivers@cbe.ab.ca with questions or concerns.
Picture Catch Up Day - September 12
Please note this is for students who have not yet had their photo taken this school year. Picture retakes will occur in October. See the flyer with information on how to order your 2025-2026 photos from Lifetouch on the last page of this weekly update. There will be no proofs sent home this year.
DELF EXAM DATES
Attention Families of Grade 12 French Immersion Students!
This year we will be offering the DELF international French language proficiency exam on the dates below. If you have questions, you may contact Mme. Scharf at mrscharf@cbe.ab.ca, Mme. Bergerman at labergerman@cbe.ab.ca, or students can speak with their FLA teacher. More information regarding registering will become available in the coming months.
2025-26 dates:
Monday, November 17th
Monday, April 13th (expected date to be confirmed)
Student Services
Guidance Counsellors
- Tamara McEachern – Students A- G – tjmceachern@cbe.ab.ca
- Andreanne Plante – Students – H-O – maplante@cbe.ab.ca
- Albert Chieng – Students – P-Z – atchieng@cbe.ab.ca
- Jordan Irwin – English as an Additional Language Students - (A-Z) - jairwin@cbe.ab.ca
Semester 1 Course Changes: The last day to make course changes for semester 1 is September 8th.
Post-Secondary Visits
- University of Alberta – Wednesday, September 10th 3:25 pm to 4:25 pm in the library
- University of Victoria – Monday, September 15th at lunch in the library
- McMaster University – Tuesday, September 16th at lunch in the library
Calgary Bridges Foundation After School Club
The Calgary Bridges Foundation will be hosting an after-school program on Wednesdays starting September 17. This club will be for students who are new to Canada and looking to integrate and meet other students. This program is a great way to improve English, meet friends, get help with homework and grow in a supportive and safe space. Through activities, field trips, guest speakers and community events, the After School program will give students the opportunity to connect with their community. See admin about possible credit opportunity.
Cross Country!
Practices started Thursday September 4th. It’s not too late to join the team as our first competition is September 17th. Talk to coaches Affleck (room 088) or Dumelié (room 153) or come to Theatre foyer at 3:45 for start of practices. All forms must be submitted by September 12th.
Wheels of Western Bike Club!
Want to learn to repair and maintain bikes and get a FREE bike in the process? Join our bike club; we will meet Mondays after school starting in October. Come by room 153 or 088 to talk to Mr. Dumelié or Ms. Affleck.