School Message
Hello to our Western families
Lest we forget! We had the opportunity this morning, surrounding our cenotaph on a beautiful fall day, to honour our veterans and, in particular, to pay tribute to a few former Western students who lost their lives in WWI and WWII. A ‘thank you’ to all those who participated in our Remembrance Day event – our piper, our cadets, our trumpeter, those who read something in the ceremony itself, our choir, and our student volunteers. We had a number of former students and staff who came back, as well, and we are grateful that they gave up some of their personal time to do so.
As we enter into our second annual Fall Break, we do hope that our families will enjoy some extra time together, rejuvenating even just a little bit after these past busy weeks. We look forward to welcoming our students back next Thursday, November 14th. If, by chance, your family will be away for the extra two days, please reach out to your child’s teachers directly to let them know (and send an email in regarding attendance).
Thank you.
Upcoming Dates
- Non-Instruction Day
- Friday, November 8th
- Fall Break (No School)
- Monday, November 11th - Wednesday, November 13th
- Report Cards Visible in PowerSchool
- Thursday, November 14th
Student Spotlight
Shout out to Alec.H for learning so quickly how to program and handle 29 microphones for the fall drama production!
The Speech Club earned four trophies this past weekend at Sir Winston Churchill’s Speech Tournament – the largest Calgary Speech tournament to date. Congratulations to Alvanna A (1st in Self Authored Poetry), Jaslyn T & Amanda D (3rd in Duet Acting), Shikha P & Mindy L (1st in Duet Acting), and Allen Z (2nd in Poetry Interpretation)!
Updates
IF YOU THINK IT’S COLD NOW, JUST WAIT!
If you are experiencing financial barriers to getting a winter coat, please 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
*Your information will be sent directly to Ms. Meier and will not be shared with anyone else.
2023-2024 Yearbooks – Rideau Park
Students who attended Rideau Park School last year: your 2023-2024 Yearbooks have arrived. Please come to the Office at Rideau Park School to pick up your order.
2023-2024 Yearbooks - Elboya School
Students who attended Elboya School last year: your 2023-2024 Yearbooks have arrived. Please come to the Office at Elboya School to pick up your order.
2024-2025 Grad Photos
Grade 12 students please book your appointment for Grad Photos!
Available Dates - November 6-8, 14-15, 18-22.
Location: In Campus, at the Basement Area.
Please come to your session 5 minutes prior to the start time. prestigeportraits.ca
Class of 2025 – Jewelry and Clothing
Representatives from Jostens will be at the school on November 18 and 19, from 11:15am – 12:30pm in the foyer, to answer questions regarding Class of 2025 Jewelry and Clothing. Students will have an opportunity to have their finger sized, try on rings, ask questions, and to place orders. Please see the flyers around the school for more details.
Les Misérables
Tickets for the fall drama production, the Tony Award Winning musical, Les Misérables are now available. Tickets are available for purchase every day in the theatre foyer at lunch and each night before the show. The show runs November 26th-29th at 7pm in the theatre at WCHS. Tickets are 20$ each, cash or cheque only.
International Certificate
Brightspace
Students, have you installed the Brightspace Pulse app on your mobile device? This app is a wonderful way to stay up to date on D2L course content AND school news.
Every Western student is enrolled in the WCHS News (2024-2025) new shell. Here you will find important school announcements regarding scholarships, post-secondary, graduation 2025, IB Updates, International Languages, and Career exploration opportunities.
Download the app. Stay connected!
Deadline Approaching (15 Nov)
Exploratory & Dual Credit Programs for Sem 2
Applications are open for semester two dual credit and exploratory programs. These programs are tuition free learning opportunities provided by Alberta post-secondary institutions, industry partners and community organizations. Selected Programs include:
- ICT Networks & Hardware
- Healthcare Career Essentials
- Culinary Trades (SAIT)
- Hospitality, Tourism & Marketing
- Veterinary Technical Assistant Program (Blended One Year Program)
- Pre-Employment Autobody
- Pipe Trades
- Carpentry
Click here to see a full list of available learning opportunities, program requirements and application instructions. See Mr. Smith in the Tech Centre (Room 083) during PM tutorials Period 3 & 4 if you have any questions.
Yearbook
Buy a yearbook! They are currently on sale for $47. This deal ends on November 24th. Purchase your books here.
Link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1114704/Western-Canada-High-School/
Thank you!
**JACKET RACKET**
WHAT IS IT?:
Jacket racket is a charitable organization that gives the gift of warm winter gear to the less fortunate youth in Calgary. Every year, thanks to generous families like yours, the harsh Calgary winter is made a little easier for hundreds of children and teens by your winter gear donations.
WHY DONATE?:
As the Winter season is approaching, many kids in Calgary will need to prepare! Especially for families with spending limitations, their children might not have the necessary gear to stay warm this year. By donating any winter gear that would otherwise be unused, you can help a young someone in need.
We accept clean and gently used winter jackets, snow pants, hats and mitts.
Parent Council AGM
You're invited to the Western Canada High School Parent Council Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 21 at 6:30pm in the WCHS Library. The purpose of the meeting will be to elect a 2024/2025 executive. All WCHS parents and caregivers are eligible for election and are eligible to vote at the AGM. Being involved in the Parent Council is a great way to support our school, students, and teachers through the coming year. We hope to see you there.
WCHS Parent Council
Celebrate Western Fundraising Auction
Celebrate Western auction is welcoming any donations of gift cards, gift baskets, services and more. The auction goes live Nov24th. Please email us at celebratewesternauction@gmail.com
Student Well-Being Sessions
Child and Youth | Family and Caregiver Series 2024-2025 | The Calgary Board of Education invites all parents and guardians to join us in a pre-recorded and live online series focusing on child and youth well-being. These sessions will be hosted in partnership with experts from Alberta Health Services and Recovery Alberta and will explore topics such as Peer Pressure, Healthy Relationships, Mental Health for Highly Sensitive Teens, and navigating Parent-Teen relationships. Acting on feedback from participants who joined us during our live online sessions over the past two years, moving forward we invite all guardians and parents to listen to the pre-recorded or live sessions at their convenience.
Indigenous Student Post-Secondary Recruitment Fair
Henry Wise Wood High School is hosting an Indigenous Student Post-Secondary Recruitment Fair on November 26th from 4:30pm – 6:30pm for all high school students who self-identify as Indigenous, grades 10-12. Students and families will have the opportunity to visit booths and attend breakout sessions, with a focus on programs and information specific to Indigenous students from post-secondaries all over Alberta.
