Weekly Update Header


School Message

Good Afternoon to our Western families,

Thanks for the efforts made to get students here during some difficult travel yesterday as the snow fell (and fell). Here's hoping that spring finally decides to stick around going forward.

Each year, we have a number of students who enter the Calgary Youth Science Fair, submitting projects on their own without teacher assistance.

Results are in, and we would like to offer congratulations to the following students:

  • Grade 10
    • Isaac C- Gold and CYSF Director's Award
    • Aiza Kand Chenwei P - Gold
    • Sylvan Z- Gold and Pacific Institute for Mathematical Sciences Award
    • Arooj F - Bronze
  • Grade 11
    • Eileen N and Inga D - Silver Evertt S - Honourable Mention
  • Grade 12
    • Allen Gand LuotongS - Gold and several other awards
    • Marlea Wg - Gold

And some extra congratulations go to Allen and Luotong who were selected to represent Calgary at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in May.

We have seen a recent surge in academic violations, particularly around cell phone use in test situations. While we understand that students want to have good marks, we also want them to earn those marks and avoid the temptation to take short-cuts to do so. If a student feels under-prepared for a particular test, then we would ask that they connect with their teacher in advance to determine if there might be an accommodation that can be made.

Thank you,

Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School

Upcoming Dates 

  • Friday, April 24th 
    • Non-Instructional Day | No School for Students 
  • Friday, May 15th 
    • Non-Instructional Day | No School for Students 
  • Monday, May 18th 
    • Victoria Day | No School for Students

Student Spotlight

Creative Writing students wrote poems inspired by art pieces created by the Art 20 IB students. Their works are currently being displayed in the cafeteria to celebrate World Art Day! 

Updates

Independent Student Form 

Age 18 is the legal age of majority in Alberta, which affects the rights of parents/guardians of students who reach the majority to receive certain information from The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and CBE schools concerning that student.  

When a student reaches the majority, he/she/they become an “Independent Student” under the School Act. Alberta's Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) prevents the CBE from disclosing personal information concerning an Independent Student to any persons (other than that individual), including to the parent/guardian, unless the individual consents in writing. Without such written consent being received by the CBE from the Independent Student, CBE is not able to share personal information with the parent/guardian concerning the Independent Student. Such information includes, but is not limited to, attendance records, parent/teacher conferences, field trips, suspensions, report cards, and similar matters.  

The required consent form is emailed to students in advance of them turning 18. Students may also obtain a copy of the form from the main office. 

Save on Student Study Guides & Digital Resources 

We are excited to share a special offer for educational resources through a new partnership between EducationMatters and Castle Rock Research. You can purchase valuable study materials at a significant discount and help raise funds for EducationMatters. 

This is a great opportunity to get supplementary resources to support your students' learning this school year, especially in preparation for diplomas and final exams. 

How to Order:

  1. Visit CBE’s unique online portal: CBE Site Sale — Castle Rock Research 
  2. Select our school’s specific ordering page. 
  3. Place your order and pay directly online. 

All print materials will be delivered to the school and distributed to students. 

Spring Drama Production – Backwards Dive

Tickets for the spring drama production, Backwards Dive, will be on sale in the theatre foyer every day at lunch. Tickets are 5$ each. The show is an original piece created by the students, featuring a student band. Guest artist Kenna Burima was our musical director! Show runs April 22,23,24 at 7 pm in the theatre at WCHS 

Summer School 2026 Registration Update 

Students requesting summer school courses either online (CBe-learn) or in-person (Chinook Learning Services) will be required to complete the online form to make their summer school course request. Students may register for a maximum of one course. Please review course offerings before completing the course selection form (linked below). Course and location availability are extremely limited. Submission of this form does not guarantee placement. You will only be able to submit the course request form once. If you need to adjust your request or your plans have changed, and you need to cancel your request, you will need to connect with your Guidance Counsellor before May 8th. 

CALM Summer School Requests 

If interested in enrolling in CALM, in addition to completing the WCHS Summer School 2026 Course Request Form, a parent/guardian will need to complete the Opt-in Consent forms and email the completed form to  westerncanada@cbe.ab.ca. This will ensure that your student is enrolled in the correct version of the course. The forms are linked below. If no form is returned, the student will be placed in the 'no consent' group. Forms must be emailed no later than May 1st, 2026.  

Scholarships & Bursary Updates: April 2026:  

  • Western Canada Alumni Bursary – $3,500 
    • Awarded to 5 students who demonstrate community leadership at Western Canada High School and financial need for post-secondary studies. 
    • Apply via the Guidance Office or WCHS website (Scholarships section)  
    • Submit to Guidance or email Mme. Plante (maplante@cbe.ab.ca)  
    • Deadline: May 1, 2026,are  at 12:00 PM  
  • Bill Gibson Bursary – $7,500 (Renewable) 
    • For Grade 12 students from CBE or CCSD entering a full-time undergraduate program at a Calgary post-secondary institution. 
    • Must demonstrate leadership, financial need, and provide one reference  
    • Renewable for up to 4 years with satisfactory academic standing  
    • Deadline: May 15, 2026 (midnight)  
    • Apply: https://calgaryfoundation.org/student-awards/  
  • Owen Hart Foundation Awards – $4,000 
    • Multiple awards available to graduating students from select Calgary high schools (including Western Canada). 
    • Minimum 70% average, financial need, and community involvement required  
    • One reference letter required  
    • Deadline: May 30, 2026 (midnight)  
    • Apply: https://calgaryfoundation.org/awards/scholarships-awards-bursaries/  
  • Education Matters Awards (2025/2026) 
  • Calgary Italian Sportswomen’s Dinner Association Scholarship – $5,000 
    • For female students of Italian descent entering post-secondary studies in Fall 2026. 
    • Minimum 75% average and strong involvement in athletics, academics, and community  
    • Must be able to attend the October 23, 2026, celebration dinner  
    • Deadline: May 20, 2026 (midnight)  
    • Apply: https://calgaryitaliansportswomen.ca/home 

University Visits April 2026: 

Your Future

2026 Graduation Banquet Ticket Sales

Grad Banquet ticket sales will open on Monday, April 13, at 8:00 AM and will remain available until Monday, April 21, at 11:55 PM. Tickets will be available for purchase through your MyCBE accounts, where school fees are paid.

Please note the following important details:

  • All outstanding school fees must be paid to purchase Grad Banquet tickets.
  • Each graduate may purchase a maximum of three (3) tickets.
  • Graduates must purchase a ticket for themselves to attend.
  • If your family is interested in additional tickets, please complete the Extra Ticket Request Form available on the Western website. While we will do our best to accommodate requests, extra tickets are not guaranteed.
  • Students/families wishing to sit together will need to nominate a group table captain. When purchasing tickets, you will be asked to enter the captain’s name to help organize seating. We will do our best to accommodate all seating requests.
  • A table planning sheet is now available on the Western website. Groups wishing to sit together must complete this form and return it in person to Ms. Irwin in Student Services starting April 22.

French Immersion Certificate Applications   

Grade 12 students in French Immersion have been given an application form package by one of their French Immersion teachers (FLA, MATH, SS) that includes a list of instructions as well as the application form that must be filled out and submitted to the teacher who handed it to them by APRIL 22nd. 

The process includes downloading a copy of their DAR document, highlighting the completed French Immersion courses, indicating the number of credits, and giving their overall average over nine courses. 

Students who do not have French Immersion courses this semester should pick up the application form from the main office and return the completed form to the main office or to Mme Ghira in room 255. 

French Challenge exams do not count for this purpose. 

CTS 2026 Summer School Programs  

Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Summer School provides students with access to high-quality, career-connected learning and CTS credit opportunities during the summer. Summary below with more details and application on Summer School website: https://tinyurl.com/5n952esn 

 Program Dates: July 2–28, 2026 

19 instructional days | 80 instructional hours 

Student Eligibility 

  • CBE students seeking CTS credits toward graduation 
  • Students whose home schools do not offer specialized CTS programs 
  • Students exploring career pathways prior to Unique Pathways participation 
  • No prerequisites required 

Program Offerings 

  • Broadcasting & Podcasting (Fee: $15 + $100 deposit) 
  • Cosmetology (Fee: $75) 
  • Welding (Fee: $120) 
  • Intro. to Networking & Cybersecurity (Fee: $15) 
  • Intro. to Engineering (Fee: $15) 
  • Applications Open: March 2, 2026 

Applications Close: April 10, 2026 

The Application Form can be filled out digitally, printed, signed, and returned to the Off-Campus Coordinator (Mr. Smith). 

Centre Stage 2026 

Mark your Calendars for the amazing annual Dance Show:

Centre Stage
April 30 or May 1
7pm in the WCHS Theatre.  

centre stage

June Exam Schedule

June’s exam schedule has been finalized and is available on Western’s website.  It can be found under the tab Teaching & Learning, then Exam Schedule. 

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. 

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. 

Subscribe to School Messages 

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. 

Grad Fees – Now Due 

Grad fees this year are $85, including GST. This fee has been added to your graduating student’s account and is now payable via your MyCBE account or in person at the Business Office.  

A reminder that we ask ALL outstanding fees, from current and previous years, be paid in full prior to the end of the year. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please see below how to apply for a central fee waiver. This waiver must be completed for a student to be considered for a school-based waiver of fees. 

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.