School Message
Good afternoon to our Western families,
As we head into some colder weather, a reminder to nudge your kids into dressing a bit warmer. I say that with the true understanding that we are all dealing with willful adolescents, but I am admittedly still surprised year after year by those who probably should have a better coat on, at the very least.
With that in mind, we do have some winter clothing resources that might be helpful for a handful of students. Those who want to check on this should contact their guidance counselor and/or Ms. Meier (jlmeierecbe.ab.ca). We will happily accept gently worn and clean donations to support this, too, if there is anything that can be spared at home. Please contact Ms. Meier.
As we get ready for Term 1 and mid-semester report cards, released on November 9th, please be advised that we will be restricting some PowerSchool visibility as of this coming Monday to allow teachers to start inputting comments. Students/parents will not be able to see overall calculated grades for any particular course, but they will still be able to see individual entries for previous assessments, or any added during these next two weeks.
A 'thank you' to our girls' soccer team and cross-country athletes, as your seasons have come to an end. No matter the results, we appreciate the pride and accountability that comes with representing our school in city- and province-wide athletics. Specific congratulations go out to our cross-country Sr Girls for winning the city championship banner for that division and to Josey Lukie and Thalia Fricke, who placed 3rd and 7th, respectively, across the entire province last weekend. (Our volleyball and football seasons will be coming to an end shortly.)
Take care,
Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
WCHS Remembrance Day Ceremony
November 10th
Fall Break
November 11th to 15th
Fall Drama Production: Into the Woods
November 25th - 27t
Non-instructional Day - no school for students
November 27th
Student Spotlight
Congratulations to Wynne L., founder of The Love Cycle Charity and its incredible community contributions
Updates
IB Exam Registration
If you are in Grade 11 or 12 and finishing a sequence of IB classes during the 2026-2027 school year, please follow the link to sign up for the official IB exams ASAP. Don't forget about Chinese IB or the second semester IB classes such as Bio 35, Physics 35, Math 35, and Spanish 31/35! Writing IB exams is mandatory for most subjects and is the only way to get official recognition for universities. May 2027 IB Exams
IB Learner Profile Spotlight - Balance
One of the 10 attributes of the IB Learner Profile is that students will work on developing balance. What can that mean? It can mean adding a new club or extracurricular activity so that you aren't just focused on academics and have a chance to make meaningful connections during high school. For some students, it could mean paring down some of the activities that you are involved in so that you have time for schoolwork, sleep, relaxation, and family time. Grade 10's currently have a small CAS assignment to submit to the IB D2L shell - essentially just listing the extracurricular activities (in school and outside school) that they are currently pursuing or hope to pursue this academic year.
Calgary Trades & Technologies Collegiate
Interested in exploring a future career in the skilled trades or technology sector?
The Calgary Trades & Technologies Collegiate (CTTC) offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and explore career pathways in building trades fields that are in high demand across Alberta and Canada.
Delivered in partnership with SAIT, the program provides students with:
- Real-world learning experiences
- Hands-on training opportunities
- Exposure to industry professionals and experts
See Mr. Smith in the Tech Centre if you have questions
Peer Tutoring
We are still looking for peer tutors - especially English, FLA, and Social Studies. Please follow this link to request a tutor or sign up to become a volunteer tutor in the morning, lunch, after school (or even virtually in the evenings). After a match is made, you can expect an email. Please be patient and contact Ms. Rivers with any questions or concerns. Right now we also have a particular need for a Math 20-2 peer tutor during period 1 - one to two days per week. Peer tutors and tutees
Dual Credit & Exploratory Courses for Second Semester
Are you thinking about what you might want to do after high school? What if you could start exploring it while you're still in high school? CBE Unique Pathways offers a wide range of Semester 2 opportunities beginning in January 2027, including:
- Healthcare: Anatomy and Physiology, Healthcare Career Essentials, Infection Prevention and Control, Medical Terminology, and Science of Health and Wellness
- Business and technology: Business Management, eSports Business Management, ICT Introduction to Networks, and ICT Software and Web Development
- Trades and transportation: Aviation Aircraft Systems, Carpentry, Electrical, Finishing, Pipe, Sheet Metal, and Transportation Trades
- Culinary and hospitality: Culinary Arts with Teatro Group, Culinary Trades at SAIT, and Hospitality, Tourism and Marketing
- Human services and design: Interior Decorating, Justice Studies, Introduction to Sociology, and Programme d'éducation
- Animal care: Introduction to the Veterinary Profession and Veterinary Medical Terminology
- Additional opportunities: Hairstylist and Introduction to Indigenous Studies
Depending on the program, you can explore a possible career, experience post-secondary learning, develop hands-on skills, and earn high school credits. There is no tuition fee for CBE students participating in Unique Pathways programs.
Interested? Visit the CBE Off-Campus Education website
Ready to apply? Download and complete the Application Form.
Have questions or have your completed application ready? Book an appointment with Mr. Smith to discuss your options or to review and submit your completed application form.
Earn three 30-Level Credits Online!
Looking to get job-ready AND earn some additional high school credits? Students can now self-register for free online safety courses to earn 3 CTS credits upon successful completion.
Available courses include:
- Workplace Safety Systems (HCS 3000)
- Workplace Safety Practices (HCS 3010)
- Agriculture Safety (AGR 3000)
To register, use your CBE email address and complete the online form here: Online Safety Courses (For credit)
Once submitted, you will receive an email from SafeGen containing your LOGIN ID, PASSWORD, and instructions for course completion. Email the certificate of completion to Mr. Smith to have your final mark added to PowerSchool.
Having trouble or have questions? Visit Mr. Smith in the Tech Centre (Room 083)
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.
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/
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 our upcoming VIRTUAL INFO SESSIONS:
- Wednesday, October 28 at 5:30 pm (session offered in English)
These 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?
SET Conference
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.