School Message
Hello to our Western families,
As we approach the end of the calendar year, we look forward to the many exciting Fine Arts events that take place and showcase the talents of so many of our students. We enjoyed a very successful production of Les Miserables last week, put on by our exceptional drama department, and this coming week brings our Choir Concert (Dec 9), our Sr Art Gallery (Dec 11), and our Band Concert (Dec 12). We’ll finish next week (Dec 18) with our Dance at Noon show. If you are interested in attending any of these events, please call our main office for more details.
A ‘thank you’ to all those who donated items and, of course, to those who bid on and ‘won’ items in our annual Celebrate Western auction. This is such a worthwhile endeavor that supports our school in a number of ways (including the Fine Arts department I’ve already mentioned). The generosity of our school community is so appreciated by our students and our staff. And, continuing that theme, another ‘thank you’ to those who responded to last week’s appeal to help out students/families who are facing significant financial challenges this Christmas season. While I won’t repeat all that was already said, if anybody still might be interested in this endeavor please contact me directly at ddwhitbread@cbe.ab.ca and I will provide more details on how to do that.
Take care.
Darrin Whitbread, Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- Choir Concert
- Monday, December 9th
- Senior Art Show
- Wednesday, December 11th
- Band Concert
- Thursday, December 12th
- Winter Break (No School)
- Monday, December 23rd - Friday, January 3rd
Updates
Senior Art Show
Our senior art students are showcasing their work at our annual Senior Art Show. Come to our gallery in Rm 088 to see it.
December 11, 2024
5:00 –6:30 pm
WCHS Rm 088
Attendance
Parents and guardians may report their child’s absence by calling 403-228-5363, option 1, or emailing westerncanada@cbe.ab.ca. When providing an attendance update, please include the student’s full name (spell the last name clearly if leaving a voicemail), the reason for the absence, and the timeframe of the absence. Attendance updates may take longer during bus delays, winter weather, or events affecting attendance, as the school manages approximately 2,250 students. Please allow one school day for updates to be made. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Model UN
Good luck to Western’s Model UN delegates as they represent our school at the WiseMUN symposium hosted by Henry Wisewood this weekend. We’re excited to see you showcase your talents in diplomacy, collaboration, and debate.
Voices Through Time: A Winter Choral Celebration
We hope you'll join the WCHS Choral Program for Voices Through Time: A Winter Choral Celebration on Monday, December 9 at 7 pm at Knox United. From a strong, brooding Gregorian chant to a lively madrigal (aka 1600s pop), to passionate Romantic Era classics to a rousing Gospel piece, there's something for everyone on the program. Tickets are available at the door for $20. We would love to see you there!
The choirs will also be singing on the final day of The Calgary Carol Festival on Monday, December 2, at Knox United at 7 pm, alongside nine other choirs in support of the food bank. Entrance to the festival is by food or cash donation at the door.
Join Us in Supporting the Calgary Food Bank!
Food Bank Drive
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This holiday season, our school is proud to partner with the City of Calgary through Ward 8 and the Calgary Food Bank to help families in need. Until December 7th, we’re asking students to bring non-perishable food items to school and drop them in the donation bins.
This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community, show the spirit of giving, and teach our students the importance of helping others.
Top Wish List Items:
🍅 Canned pasta sauce
🍅 Canned tomatoes
🍝 Pasta
🍚 Rice
🍼 Diapers & Baby Formula
If you’d like to contribute another way, consider making a monetary donation by clicking here or scanning the QR code below. Every donation makes a meaningful impact!
Thank you for joining us, the City of Calgary, Ward 8, and the Calgary Food Bank in this important cause. Together, we can make a difference for families this holiday season!
2023-2024 Yearbook Pick Up
2023-2024 yearbooks are available for pick up at 3:40 pm on Monday in the cafeteria
WINTER IS HERE!
If you are experiencing financial barriers to getting a winter coat, gloves, hats or scarves, please use your educbe account to fill out this form: https://forms.gle/QBSDZqHe7yp25uoeA Ms. Meier will contact you soon with details on how to take part in this free and discreet program. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Meier - room 152 in periods 1 & 2 or jlmeier@cbe.ab.ca
Giving Tree Fundraiser
The annual WCHS Giving Tree Fundraiser is on! Our philanthropy fundraiser continues to Friday, December 13th. Please send non-perishable food donations to the Main Office or with your child to their classroom. Cash donations are also accepted and will be used to purchase food.
We are raising funds and food donations for the Brenda Strafford Foundation (Heart Home Network). This Foundation/Network supports families who are recovering from domestic violence. 75 families at the Heart Home Network will be beneficiaries of our donations.
Celebrate Western Auction Items
All those who successfully bid on auction items are invited to come to the school tomorrow (Friday Dec. 6th) between 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm to pick up their items in the library.