School Message
Good afternoon to our Western families,
A reminder that there are no classes on Monday, as we take part in online Student Conferences (while our school is used as a polling station for the provincial referendum). We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday.
Please note that we still need a few volunteers for our casino taking place in two weeks. On behalf of our Parent Council group, please see the message below:
Thanks to all those who have signed up to assist with the WCHS Casino on October 28 and 29 at Cowboys Casino. We require approximately 5 more volunteers to make this event happen. In two days, the casino raises over $80,000 in funds for the school. No experience is necessary. Please sign up at Casino Signup.
Thank you.
Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- No School
Monday October 19th - Parent-Teacher Interviews
October 19th, 2026 - 9:00 - 12:00 & 12:30 - 3:30 - Fall Break
November 11th - 15th
Updates
2026 - 2027 Yearbook
Hear ye, hear ye! The 2026-2027 Yearbook is now on sale! This year’s Western Canada High School yearbook is going medieval, and it’s your family’s chance to hold onto the stories of the year: the castles, the crests, the Red Hawk, and of course, the memories of your students. From the first day of school to the final farewell, every quest, victory, and memory will be captured in one keepsake!
A yearbook is a treasure your student will open again and again, long after the school year ends. Photos, signatures, and memories from friends and teachers all in one place, a gift they’ll be glad to have for decades. And right now, you can claim yours at the best price of the year: $52.
Order by October 23rd to lock in the $52 price. After that date, the price goes up. Purchase your yearbook at https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A09700760 OR use the QR code below:
IPP Families
IPPs should be trickling into your hands, if they have not already been received. They were printed and available for handout as of last Friday.
If you could please:
- a. Check “Yes” and sign the 1st Review section
- b. Check “No”, provide reasoning, and sign the 1st Review section, Or Email jadixon@cbe.ab.ca if you require revisions, and I can update the IPP and send an electronic version for review and signature
Signed forms can be returned to the main office (we only require the signature page).
Any student/family who selected “Yes” on the IPP Feedback Form about meeting with me will be pulled from class in the coming weeks to review their IPP and semester's progress. If you have urgent concerns, please do email me anytime.
Student Services:
🎓 University Visits
We are excited to welcome representatives from universities and colleges throughout October. Students are welcome to drop in, ask questions, and learn more about their post-secondary options.
University of Calgary: Indigenous Student Recruiter
📅 October 20 | 📍 Library Viewing Room | 🕛 Lunch
Acadia University
📅 October 26 | 📍 Main Foyer | 🕛 Lunch
Queens University
📅 October 26 | 📍 Main Foyer | 🕛 Lunch
University of British Columbia
📅 November 5 | 📍 Library Area 4 | 🕛 Lunch
Out of Province Post Secondary Fair - Open to the Public
Sir Winston Churchill High School - Tuesday, October 20th 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Ernest Manning High School - Wednesday, October 21st 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
STEM Innovation Academy - Thursday, October 22nd 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Students are welcome to drop in and speak with university representatives to learn more about programs, admission requirements, applications, scholarships, and campus life.
🎓 Scholarship Opportunities – October 2026
University of Toronto – National Scholarship
Four years of tuition, residence, books, and incidentals. For high-achieving students demonstrating leadership, creativity, intellectual curiosity, and community involvement. WCHS nomination required.
📅 Deadline: October 30, 2026
🔗 https://future.utoronto.ca/national-scholarship/about/
University of Toronto – Wolf Scholar Program
Full tuition and ancillary fees for four years, living stipend, travel opportunities, and access to internships. For Canadian citizens/PRs with a 90%+ average applying early to U of T Arts & Science (St. George) or Applied Science & Engineering. Three WCHS nominees.
📅 Submit a 300–500 word essay + résumé to Mme. Plante by October 22, 2026
📧 maplante@cbe.ab.ca
🔗 https://wolfscholars.awardsplatform.com/
University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
For international students entering U of T in September 2027. WCHS nomination required.
📅 Submit a 300–500 word essay + résumé to Mme. Plante by October 1, 2026
📧 maplante@cbe.ab.ca
📅 U of T application deadline: October 16, 2026
Loran Award
A four-year leadership program including a tuition waiver, living stipend, mentorship, summer work experiences, and leadership opportunities. For Canadian citizens/PRs entering university in 2027 with an 88%+ average.
📅 Deadline: October 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
🔗 https://loranscholar.ca/becoming-a-scholar
Terry Fox Humanitarian Award – Up to $28,000
For graduating students with strong academic standing and significant unpaid humanitarian/community involvement who plan to attend a Canadian post-secondary institution.
📅 Deadline: December 1, 2026
🔗 https://terryfoxawards.ca/applicant-information/
Schulich Leader Scholarship – 100,000–120,000
For entrepreneurial-minded students pursuing undergraduate STEM programs who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and creativity. WCHS nomination required.
📅 Submit essay + résumé to Mme. Plante by January 20, 2027
📧 maplante@cbe.ab.ca
🔗 https://schulichleaders.com/
Education Matters – Stampede Toyota Award – $5,000
For Grade 12 students in NE Calgary who demonstrate community involvement and financial need. A two-minute video and reference letter are required.
📅 Deadline: December 4, 2026
🔗 https://applications.educationmatters.ca/
Breakthrough Opportunity Bursary for New Immigrants – $3,000
For Grade 12 CBE students who are new immigrants or refugees to Canada within the past five years and pursuing trades/vocational programs. Financial need is considered.
🔗 https://applications.educationmatters.ca/
For more scholarship opportunities: Students are encouraged to regularly check the scholarship information available through Student Services and EducationMatters.
French Immersion and International Languages
Would you like to learn more and/or refresh your memory about bilingual options at Simon Fraser University (SFU), student exchange opportunities, scholarships, student life and more?
Join us online for one of our VIRTUAL INFO SESSIONS:
- Wednesday, October 21 at 5:30 pm (session offered in French)
- Wednesday, October 28 at 5:30 pm (session offered in English)
These two info sessions will be offered on ZOOM and are open to high school students, parents, school staff, and anyone interested in learning more about undergraduate options in French at SFU.
You must sign up to participate. Here is the link.
https://secure.campaigner.com/csb/Public/show/dgn3-322f47--1dy9i4-7n0wzvp4
Are you Ready for Winter?
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 2,150 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!
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.
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
MyCBE provides parents, students and staff seamless access to information and transactions using a modern and effective technology platform.
Parents have online access to view their children’s academic information (schedule, grades and attendance), view their children’s learning activities using Brightspace by D2L, register for transportation and noon supervision, pay fees and request fee waivers, and book school conferences. For information on how to set up your account, please see HERE.
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.
Peer tutoring program
If you wish to volunteer to be a peer tutor in the first semester or if you require a peer tutor this semester, please follow the link to fill out the request form. Peer tutors are student volunteers who are comfortable assisting students with a class that they have already completed with at least an 80%+.