School Message
Hello to our Western families,
As we enter our last term of the school year, we want to keep encouraging families to periodically open PowerSchool to check on your child's progress. For those who aren't aware, opening PowerSchool from a computer (as opposed to the phone app) allows you to see more detailed mark information; we suggest you sign in that way at least once so you are aware of all mark data available to you.
Thank you to those parents who signed in to our "All About Grad" information session last night. As was discovered, the online platform had a capacity that we ended up slightly exceeding, causing a handful of participants to miss it. An email was subsequently sent out with the pertinent information, but if you still have questions, please feel free to contact the school directly. For those already wondering about next year, we don't yet have a ceremony/banquet date secured, but we will pass that on once we can.
Please take note of some of the events taking place this month, highlighting the diverse opportunities that exist at our school.
- After the various snow delays, we're happy that spring sports have finally begun!!! Here's hoping that more games do not have to be postponed.
- Our school is hosting a Calgary-area Model UN conference today/tomorrow, where we are expecting 225+ participants from 20 different schools.
- We are welcoming 18 Japanese exchange students at Western for the next two weeks, with reciprocal opportunities for some of our students to come during the summer.
- Next Thursday, April 16th at 7 pm, our choir will be sharing the stage with JCS High School Choir, SONICA, and Collective Singers from Namibia (as they tour across Western Canada). We are incredibly lucky to have this opportunity to share the stage with this incredible choir. If interested, information on tickets is available by contacting Ms. Reinhardt.
- April 15th is World Art Day, and our Art students will be working with some of our Creative Writing students to set up an exhibit in the cafeteria.
- Our grade 12 band is touring BC the week of April 20th.
- Our spring drama production, Backwards Dive, will be taking place from April 22nd to 24th. Some tickets are still available.
Thanks to all of our staff and volunteers who help make all of these opportunities possible for our students.
Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- Friday, April 24th
- Non-Instructional Day | No School for Students
- Friday, May 15th
- Non-Instructional Day | No School for Students
- Monday, May 18th
- Victoria Day | No School for Students
Updates
Independent Student Form
Age 18 is the legal age of majority in Alberta, which affects the rights of parents/guardians of students who reach the majority to receive certain information from The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and CBE schools concerning that student.
When a student reaches the majority, he/she/they become an “Independent Student” under the School Act. Alberta's Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) prevents the CBE from disclosing personal information concerning an Independent Student to any persons (other than that individual), including to the parent/guardian, unless the individual consents in writing. Without such written consent being received by the CBE from the Independent Student, CBE is not able to share personal information with the parent/guardian concerning the Independent Student. Such information includes, but is not limited to, attendance records, parent/teacher conferences, field trips, suspensions, report cards, and similar matters.
The required consent form is emailed to students in advance of them turning 18. Students may also obtain a copy of the form from the main office.
Save on Student Study Guides & Digital Resources
We are excited to share a special offer for educational resources through a new partnership between EducationMatters and Castle Rock Research. You can purchase valuable study materials at a significant discount and help raise funds for EducationMatters.
This is a great opportunity to get supplementary resources to support your students' learning this school year, especially in preparation for diplomas and final exams.
How to Order:
- Visit CBE’s unique online portal: CBE Site Sale — Castle Rock Research
- Select our school’s specific ordering page.
- Place your order and pay directly online.
All print materials will be delivered to the school and distributed to students.
Spring Drama Production – Backwards Dive
Tickets for the spring drama production, Backwards Dive, will be on sale in the theatre foyer every day at lunch. Tickets are 5$ each. The show is an original piece created by the students, featuring a student band. Guest artist Kenna Burima was our musical director! Show runs April 22,23,24 at 7 pm in the theatre at WCHS
Summer School 2026 Registration Update
Students requesting summer school courses either online (CBe-learn) or in-person (Chinook Learning Services) will be required to complete the online form to make their summer school course request. Students may register for a maximum of one course. Please review course offerings before completing the course selection form (linked below). Course and location availability are extremely limited. Submission of this form does not guarantee placement. You will only be able to submit the course request form once. If you need to adjust your request or your plans have changed, and you need to cancel your request, you will need to connect with your Guidance Counsellor before May 8th.
CALM Summer School Requests
If interested in enrolling in CALM, in addition to completing the WCHS Summer School 2026 Course Request Form, a parent/guardian will need to complete the Opt-in Consent forms and email the completed form to westerncanada@cbe.ab.ca. This will ensure that your student is enrolled in the correct version of the course. The forms are linked below. If no form is returned, the student will be placed in the 'no consent' group. Forms must be emailed no later than May 1st, 2026.
Scholarships & Bursary Updates: April 2026:
- Western Canada Alumni Bursary – $3,500
- Awarded to 5 students who demonstrate community leadership at Western Canada High School and financial need for post-secondary studies.
- Apply via the Guidance Office or WCHS website (Scholarships section)
- Submit to Guidance or email Mme. Plante (maplante@cbe.ab.ca)
- Deadline: May 1, 2026,are at 12:00 PM
- Bill Gibson Bursary – $7,500 (Renewable)
- For Grade 12 students from CBE or CCSD entering a full-time undergraduate program at a Calgary post-secondary institution.
- Must demonstrate leadership, financial need, and provide one reference
- Renewable for up to 4 years with satisfactory academic standing
- Deadline: May 15, 2026 (midnight)
- Apply: https://calgaryfoundation.org/student-awards/
- Owen Hart Foundation Awards – $4,000
- Multiple awards available to graduating students from select Calgary high schools (including Western Canada).
- Minimum 70% average, financial need, and community involvement required
- One reference letter required
- Deadline: May 30, 2026 (midnight)
- Apply: https://calgaryfoundation.org/awards/scholarships-awards-bursaries/
- Education Matters Awards (2025/2026)
- A wide range of scholarships, bursaries, and awards are available.
- Apply through one general application (not individual forms)
- Do not use your CBE email
- Apply: https://applications.educationmatters.ca
- More info: www.educationmatters.ca
- Calgary Italian Sportswomen’s Dinner Association Scholarship – $5,000
- For female students of Italian descent entering post-secondary studies in Fall 2026.
- Minimum 75% average and strong involvement in athletics, academics, and community
- Must be able to attend the October 23, 2026, celebration dinner
- Deadline: May 20, 2026 (midnight)
- Apply: https://calgaryitaliansportswomen.ca/home
University Visits April 2026:
2026 Graduation Banquet Ticket Sales
Grad Banquet ticket sales will open on Monday, April 13, at 8:00 AM and will remain available until Monday, April 21, at 11:55 PM. Tickets will be available for purchase through your MyCBE accounts, where school fees are paid.
Please note the following important details:
- All outstanding school fees must be paid to purchase Grad Banquet tickets.
- Each graduate may purchase a maximum of three (3) tickets.
- Graduates must purchase a ticket for themselves to attend.
- If your family is interested in additional tickets, please complete the Extra Ticket Request Form available on the Western website. While we will do our best to accommodate requests, extra tickets are not guaranteed.
- Students/families wishing to sit together will need to nominate a group table captain. When purchasing tickets, you will be asked to enter the captain’s name to help organize seating. We will do our best to accommodate all seating requests.
- A table planning sheet is now available on the Western website. Groups wishing to sit together must complete this form and return it in person to Ms. Irwin in Student Services starting April 22.
CTS 2026 Summer School Programs
Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Summer School provides students with access to high-quality, career-connected learning and CTS credit opportunities during the summer. Summary below with more details and application on Summer School website: https://tinyurl.com/5n952esn
Program Dates: July 2–28, 2026
19 instructional days | 80 instructional hours
Student Eligibility
- CBE students seeking CTS credits toward graduation
- Students whose home schools do not offer specialized CTS programs
- Students exploring career pathways prior to Unique Pathways participation
- No prerequisites required
Program Offerings
- Broadcasting & Podcasting (Fee: $15 + $100 deposit)
- Cosmetology (Fee: $75)
- Welding (Fee: $120)
- Intro. to Networking & Cybersecurity (Fee: $15)
- Intro. to Engineering (Fee: $15)
- Applications Open: March 2, 2026
Applications Close: April 10, 2026
Application Form can be filled out digitally, printed, signed, and returned to the Off-Campus Coordinator (Mr. Smith).
WCHS Choirs in Concert with Collective Singers of Namibia!
For the first time ever, Namibia’s internationally renowned Collective Singers bring their powerful, passionate music to Calgary on Thursday, April 16, 7:00 p.m. at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca St. SE).
The April 16 concert also features Western Canada High School Choir, Joane Cardinal-Schubert High School Choir, Sonica Treble Choir, along with massed choir pieces that will raise the roof at McDougall. Audience members can expect a breathtaking, unforgettable evening of musical artistry, movement, and collaboration. Tickets are $25 and are available through Showpass.
Japanese Culture Night
Centre Stage 2026
Mark your Calendars for the amazing annual Dance Show:
Centre Stage
April 30 or May 1
7pm in the WCHS Theatre.
CALM Online – Term 4
Students enrolled in CALM Online at Western in Term 4 should be aware that the course begins Thursday, April 9th. A mandatory information meeting will be held in Area 4 of the library on Tuesday, April 14 and all enrolled students are expected to attend. Questions? Email Ms. van Geel at mmvangeel@cbe.ab.ca or Ms. Reinhardt at sjreinhardt@cbe.ab.ca
June Exam Schedule
June’s exam schedule has been finalized and is available on Western’s website. It can be found under the tab Teaching & Learning, then Exam Schedule.
Diploma Exams
If your student is looking to rewrite a diploma exam in June or write one that they have missed in a past writing session, they need to make an appointment with Mr. Wiebe BEFORE April 8th. They can contact him at Shwiebe@cbe.ab.ca to make an appointment.
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.
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.
Grad Fees – Now Due
Grad fees this year are $85, including GST. This fee has been added to your graduating student’s account and is now payable via your MyCBE account or in person at the Business Office.
A reminder that we ask ALL outstanding fees, from current and previous years, be paid in full prior to the end of the year. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please see below how to apply for a central fee waiver. This waiver must be completed for a student to be considered for a school-based waiver of fees.
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.