School Message
Hello to our Western families,
After a busy three days, we’re getting ourselves back into a semblance of our normal routine and anticipate that most activities will be able to resume fully as of next week.
We recognize that there are still some questions about some key things, and I’m sorry to say that I don’t have all those answers just yet. Here is what I do know as of publication:
- Fall Break is still on.
- Student Conferences will be rescheduled, but we don’t have a date yet for those.
- Term One 3-credit courses will continue until either November 14 or 21 (depending on a decision on diploma exams); Term Two 3-credit courses will start either Nov 17 or 24.
- A decision has not yet been made official from Alberta Education about diploma exams, despite a post being briefly visible on their website yesterday.
- Final exams for grades 10 and 11 will be cancelled for January, with some extra instructional days replacing that time; more details to follow, again, once a decision is released on diploma exams.
Thank you for your patience as we recalibrate the school calendar and figure out some modified approaches to a few processes. We trust most decisions will be made by early next week, and we will communicate updates accordingly.
Take care.
Thank you,
Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- Monday, November 10th - Wednesday, November 12th
- Fall Break (No School)
- Thursday, November 13th
- Grad Photos Begin (By Appointment)
Updates
Grad Photos
Grade 12 grad photos begin November 13th in the library. Students wishing to have their grad photo taken must schedule a sitting ahead of time, using this link.
We are still accepting applications for the 2025/26 Yamate Japanese Exchange Trip! This opportunity is only offered to Western students once every three years—so don’t miss your chance. Watch this video to get a sense of the experience: Yakima to Yamate - Japanese Exchange Program.
As part of the exchange, two Japanese students from Yokohama will stay in your home during the last two weeks of April. Then, in the last two weeks of July, a pair of Calgary students will stay in a Japanese student’s home. This is a cultural exchange focused on friendship, learning, and shared experiences, and no Japanese language proficiency is required. A truly unique and amazing opportunity!
For more details, email yamatecalgary@gmail.com. To apply, use this link: Calgary-Yamate High School Exchange Application Form 2025
Unique Pathways
Exploratory and Dual Credit Opportunities for Semester Two
The CBE collaborates with post-secondary institutions, industry partners, and community organizations, to offer a wide range of unique opportunities for students. These opportunities range from practical, hands-on learning experiences - to programs that allow students to participate in post-secondary learning with the support of a supervising CBE teacher.
Selected Programs Include:
- Anatomy & Physiology (SAIT)
- Culinary Arts
- Electrical Trades
- Finishing Trades
- Tourism & Marketing (SAIT)
- ICT Networks & Hardware (SAIT)
- Justice Studies (BVC)
- Pipe Trades
- *new* Programme d’education (UofA-CSJ) - for French Immersion students (online)
- Sheet Metal Trades
- Solving Technology Problems II
- Transportation Trades
- Veterinary Practice: The Team Connection
- Visual Effects & 3D Animation
For a complete list of opportunities, deadlines for application, and instructions on how to apply go to
Unique Pathways & Off-campus Education
The application package is online and is due November 14 to Mr. Smith in the Tech Centre.
For questions and to book an appointment to submit your application to Mr. Smith click the following link:
Off-campus Bookings with Mr. Smith
French Immersion Students
Campus Saint-Jean is offering a Dual Credit Course through CBE’s Unique Pathways Program
Programme D’Education
- Opportunity to earn 5, 30 level CTS credits as well as 3 post-secondary credits
- course is offered online during Semester 2 (Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:30 pm)
- Information night is happening on November 5th (5:30 pm- 7:30 pm) at the Career and Technology Centre
Please see Mr. Smith if you have any questions.
Fall Drama Production - Chicago!
Tickets for the Fall Drama production, Chicago!High School Edition go on sale in the theatre foyer at lunch next week. Tickets are 20$ cash and will also be available for purchase before the show.
Show dates are November 26th, 27th, and 28th at 7pm sharp.
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.
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.
Student Services
Language Challenge Exams
The Language Course Challenge Exam, scheduled for this Saturday, has been postponed. November 29th will now be the new date for Part 1 and December 13th is the date for Part 2. Students that registered for the Fall sitting of the Language Challenge Exam can expect to receive communication from the CBE languages team in the coming days via email, regarding dates and times for the Fall exam sitting. For any further questions please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Irwin in guidance at jairwin@cbe.ab.ca
University Visits
University of Saskatchewan:
A representative from the University of Saskatchewan will be in the front foyer on November 3 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. They will be there to answer questions and provide information on programs as well as scholarships and awards.
University of Ottawa:
Virtual information sessions are being offered by the University of Ottawa. Please follow the link to see times and registration information.
uOttawa Virtual Information Session
Semester Two Course Changes
Student Services is still accepting course change requests for semester 2. Please drop in to the Student Services Office to speak to your Guidance Counsellor.
Western Dance Programme
If you love to dance or would like to learn, Dance 15, in second semester is where it’s at! Ms. Price creates a welcoming community where all skill levels are welcome and seen. The Dance Programme offers a variety of opportunities to grow as an artist or leader and to develop skills and techniques from a variety of dance genres. Speak with Ms. Price in the Dance Studio or your Guidance Counsellor for more information!
Grade 12 Graduation Requirements, Scholarship and Post Secondary Information:
Please follow the link below to view the presentation that was presented to our Grade 12 students, including information on graduation requirements, important scholarship information, and post-secondary applications.
French Dual-Credit Course with Campus Saint-Jean
We are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for French immersion students to earn high school credits and university credits while completing a course! For more information, please follow this link for the course description:
Dual Credit – Programme D’Education
U of A Course - EDUF 245 (Programme d’éducation) - Intro to Teaching
- Online – Wednesdays from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm online
- Open to French immersion Grade 12 and 11 students who have completed FLA-20, or with a recommendation from a teacher
- 3 University Credits – 5 High School Credits
- Starts end of January 2026
Registration is now open! Forms are due by November 14th (but we may be able to extend this deadline to December)
An information night for all Unique Pathways Education opportunities will be on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH from 5:30 - 7:30.
The CBE has the following on the corporate website for CBE families for the course description.
Dual Credit – Programme D’Education
CBE is moving ahead with the Unique Pathways Information Night on November 5th from 5:30 - 7:30 at the CT Centre. Laurelle Edmiston, System Assistant Principal from School Improvement will be attending this event and setting up a table to answer any question students might have about this opportunity!
Unique Pathways Information Sessions
Get Ready For Winter
IB Exam Registration and Fee Payments:
May 2026 IB exam registrations for the official IB exams are open until Nov. 8 on this Google Form: May 2026 IB Exam Registration. Don’t forget about Chinese IB 30 or Spanish 31, 35, Math 35, Physics 35, Bio 35, Math 35 that only occur in second semester! The IB fees for the registrations completed before October 6th are still being updated, so please check PowerSchool next week if you’ve already received an IB exam confirmation. Questions or concerns can be directed to Ms. Rivers serivers@cbe.ab.ca .