School Message
Hello to our Western families,
While the timing feels a bit off, we are now moving into the second half of the semester. With progress mark updates available soon, we certainly encourage you to have a conversation with your child to see how they're doing and feeling about their classes and school fin general. You might want to give them a nudge to take more advantage of daily tutorial opportunities with their teachers. With reduced time this semester, there may also be more days where there are multiple assessments scheduled by various teachers. If that's a concern, we hope students feel confident to communicate with their teachers), who need that information to determine how to help reduce any feelings of stress/ anxiety. Our guidance department has gone to a full walk-in service model, and students can certainly access their counselors for support as well.
Following the recent response supporting some families in need, we are continuing with the Amazon wish-list concept to arrange some Christmas
"hampers' for some additional families - most of whom are new to Canada or are facing stable housing challenges. The need for hygiene items and cleaning supplies is high, with basic needs also being met through grocery/Amazon cards. Any gift requests over and above that are quite basic. We are already receiving messages of profound gratitude, before anything has even been passed along. With three weeks until winter break, we will need a bit of time to organize everything, so are suggesting a deadline of Wednesday, December 10"h for hamper distribution the following week. If you feel you might be able to contribute, please click on Redhawk Holiday Hamper . Thank you, yet again.
Our annual Celebrate Western online auction has been moved to the new year - February 22 to March 1. While formal messaging will come out shortly, we want to put this on your radar right now. A number of volunteers are required for this initiative; if you might be willing to help, please send a message to celebratewesternauction@gmail.com and somebody will get back to your shortly.
Thanks.
Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- Friday, November 28th: Non-Instructional Day (no school for students)
- Paren-Teacher Conferences 9 AM - 1:30 PM (online)
- Monday, December 1st: Photo Retakes (library)
- Wednesday, December 3rd: Report Cards Visible to Parents/Guardians
Updates
Dear Families,
As we approach December, the WCHS School Council is excited to begin preparations for our annual Staff Appreciation Week the week of December 15. This special event is the Western community’s way of celebrating and thanking our incredible teachers and school staff for the dedication, love, and hard work they show our children every single day. Staff Appreciation Week is an opportunity for us, as a school community, to come together and show our gratitude through thoughtfully prepared breakfasts and luncheons filled with delicious food, treats, and small touches that make our staff feel valued and recognized. We would love your support in making this event extra special. If you are able, we kindly ask for monetary contributions, which will go directly toward providing food, drinks, and treats for our wonderful teachers and staff. No amount is too small, and every contribution truly makes a difference. Thank you in advance for helping us show our staff just how appreciated they are.
Please send your contribution to wchsexec@gmail.com
Thank you,
WCHS Staff Appreciation Team
IPP's
Individual Program Plans are printed and will be handed out in your student’s Period 1 (or alternative) class tomorrow. Please review and contact Ms. Dixon at jadixon@cbe.ab.ca with any concerns. If your child is absent from school tomorrow, please have them inquire about their IPP with their Period 1 teacher on their return to school Monday.
Lifetouch – Fall Photo Ordering
Thank you for allowing us to capture your child’s school photo this year!
It's not too late to order your fall photos at mylifetouch.ca using your child’s Student ID number (found in your student’s online profile, e.g. PowerSchool)
How to Order Online
1️⃣ Go to mylifetouch.ca
2️⃣ Log in to your account or continue as a guest
3️⃣ Select “Student ID”
4️⃣ Enter your school’s name, province, and postal code
5️⃣ Click the blue “Continue” button
6️⃣ Enter your child’s: Full name, Student ID number, Your relationship to the student
7️⃣ Click “Find Student”
8️⃣ When the photo appears, click “Yes, this is my student”
9️⃣ Choose from available photo package options
🔟 Complete your order online
Need Help?
Lifetouch Customer Care Line: 1-866-457-8212
Quick, easy, and secure ordering – your child’s school memories, delivered to you!
2024-2025 Rideau Park Yearbooks
Students who were in grade 9 at Rideau Park, and who ordered a yearbook, they are now available for pick up in the main office at Rideau Park School, during their office hours.
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.
Choral Winter Concert
The Choral Program's Winter Concert is coming up on Monday, December 8th, at Knox United at 7 pm, and you’re invited! From classics like Carol of the Bells, The Rankin Family’s We Rise Again, 7 pm, and other pop favourites, there’s something everyone will love. Tickets are on sale from Ms. Reinhardt in the choir room for $20 by bringing cash or a 9 AMcheque made payable to Western Canada High School. Get your tickets today and enjoy a night of beautiful music that will lift your spirits!
STUDENT SERVICES
Semester 2 Timetable Changes:
All timetable changes for Semester 2 need to be completed with your guidance counselor by Friday, January 9th.
Grade 10 Lunchtime Presentations:
All grade 10 students are invited to attend a Lunchtime session on December 8 or 9 in the Main Gym. These sessions will provide Grade 10 students with important information regarding high school completion, useful resources, and how they can access their guidance counselors.
December 1st In Province Post Secondary Fair
Join us between 9:30-11:30 am in the cafeteria here at Western. Over 14 Alberta schools will be in attendance to answer questions about admissions, programs, awards/scholarships and campus life.
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!
2025-2026 Yearbook: Call for Photos
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.
Purchase the 2025-26 Yearbook online
Yearbook sales have begun, and NOW is the BEST time to purchase your yearbook for the 2025-26 school year! If you order BEFORE December 31st, 2025, you will have the opportunity to pay BEFORE the price rises; currently set at $55.00, you don’t want to miss out on this deal! Use the link below or the QR code to order your yearbook NOW!
Jostens - 2025-26 Yearbook
