School Message
Good Afternoon to our Western families,
As mentioned last week, tonight is our Meet the Teacher event. Please see the information later on to determine your starting time. While we hope to see many families, we also acknowledge that parking is limited at/around the school - even with some relaxed community parking restrictions in place. (If you are looking to find me, I will be handling football supervision, but you are welcome to email and I will follow up shortly.)
A reminder that tomorrow is a non-instructional day with no classes, and that next Wednesday is the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (another day without classes). We will be sending out a specific message connected to the school's commitment to this on Monday, so that it stands alone and isn't lost in the longer weekly message.
As we're about to finish the first month of school, we want to acknowledge the collective efforts of families to get students here for learning, and to communicate any concerns that might have arisen so far. Please keep doing that, as the strongest correlation for success is regular attendance, especially in a semestered high school setting
Finally, please note that PowerSchool calculated grades will be turned on by the end of the day on Thursday, October 1st. I also want to point you to this document from the CBE, How is my Child Doing in High School, which provides information about how student learning is assessed and how achievement is communicated by high schools. This may help address general questions regarding assessment practices and reporting procedures, prior to Student Conferences (Oct 19th) and report cards (early Nov).
Thanks.
Darrin Whitbread
Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- Meet the Teacher Evening | Thursday, September 24th
- Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students) | Friday, September 25th
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (No School) | Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Student Spotlight
Congratulations to Dhyana G for leading the Drama Exec in their organisation of the Fall Fancy!
A huge thank you and congratulations go out to Gaby G. for her outstanding contributions to our Terry Fox Run! This event is close to Gaby’s heart, and in honour of her best friend whom she lost to cancer, Gaby ran a total of 75 laps across the three periods of races last Friday!
Congratulations to Kennedy M. and Isabella B. from Sr. Girls Volleyball for receiving tournament All-Star awards at the University of Calgary Tournament last weekend.
Updates
Brown Bagging For Calgary Kids
Are You Ready for Winter?
Job Shadowing
TIRE TECHNICIANS & MORE
Tire season is a great opportunity for students interested in the automotive trades to gain hands-on work experience and get their foot in the door with an employer.
If you are interested in automotive service, tire technician, lube technician, detailing, or other vehicle-related careers, please encourage them to get their CAREERS application completed as soon as possible. Employers will be hiring for seasonal positions, and having an up-to-date CAREERS application helps us connect students with these opportunities when they become available.
Interested students should:
- Complete HCS3000 course online
- Complete their CAREERS application.
- Upload an updated resume.
- Be ready to work during tire season.
- Keep an eye out for CAREERS opportunities and respond quickly when contacted.
See Mr. Smith in the Tech CEntre for support with Careers Next Gen website.
Earn three 30-Level Credits Online!
Looking to get job-ready AND earn some additional extra 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 certificate of completion to Mr. Smith to have your final mark added to PowerSchool.
Having trouble or have questions? Vi s it Mr. Smith in the Tech Centre (Room 083)
VEX Robotics
Western’s Vex Robotics Club is officially starting up for the year! Whether you want to design, build, or code custom robots for hands-on engineering challenges, all skill levels are welcome to join. The first official club meeting will take place on Monday, September 28 in Room 183. If you are interested in joining the team, please email Mr. Johnson at jerdjohnson@cbe.ab.ca or stop by Room 183 to sign up and get more details.
U of Victoria
Council of Indigenous Students and Allies
French Immersion and International Languages
Internationally-recognized DELF exam
Students in our Grade 12 French immersion classes will have an opportunity to complete the B2 level Diplôme d’études de la langue française (DELF) exam. The DELF is the internationally recognized standard for language accreditation in French. Students who successfully complete the DELF will receive a certificate from the Ministry of International Education of France attesting to their French-language abilities. This opportunity is offered at the cost of $100 to families. There are 2 occasions for grade 12 students to complete the exam through the CBE DELF Testing Centre this school year on November 16 and April (date to be confirmed). The exam starts at 10:00 AM and there is no flexibility around late arrival on the day or to move or make up the exam at another time. Student Registration is through this Form:
DELF B2 - novembre 2026 | DELF B2 - November 2026 – Fill out form
For more information regarding the DELF B2 exam please contact Mme Ghira (maghira@cbe.ab.ca).
Starting next week September 29, the students are offered practice sessions at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays in room 255.
FRENCH CHALLENGE EXAMS for FRENCH IMMERSION STUDENTS
French Immersion students currently in FLA 30 will be given the information regarding the possibility of challenging FR30-9Y in their respective classes by their FLA teacher. The opportunity will be given to students in FLA 30 during semester 2 as well.
Currently enrolled students in FLA10 and FLA20 will be given the opportunity to challenge FR10-9Y and FR20-9Y later on this semester. The opportunity will be provided during semester 2 for students enrolled in FLA in that semester.
Students who have LEFT the French Immersion programme are encouraged to take the FR30-3Y or the FR30-9Y exam while in grade 10. They could then take FR30IB/H or FR31IB/H in grade 11 or 12.
Orange Shirt Day
On Tuesday, September 29th, students and staff are encouraged to wear Orange to honor the survivors and victims of Canada's residential school system and to acknowledge National Truth and Reconciliation Day, which takes place on September 30th.
Peer Tutoring Program
The peer tutoring program is still accepting registrations for volunteer tutors and tutees. Please follow the link to register for either. We will email you when we have a match. We have a particular need for students who can tutor in French (FLA, Social Studies, and Math), as well as students who will tutor ELA 10 and 20. Peer Tutoring Program Sign-Up
IB Announcements
Grade 10 - The IB D2L shell should now be open. If you are an IB student and you are not in the 2026-2029 IB D2L shell, please email serivers@cbe.ab.ca to be added. This shell will be used for IB announcements and as a place to put Grade 10 CAS assignments. This is for both partial and full IB students in Grade 10.
If you attended the Grade 10 IB panel last Wednesday, please follow this link to fill out a quick survey. Grade 10 IB meeting feedback form
Grade 10-12
The $30 annual IB programme fee should now be added to your PowerSchool account. This is a CBE-mandated fee to support the extra costs of administering this program and is not related to the $210 (per exam) fee that is charged when students register for the official IB exams in Grade 11 and 12.
May 2027 IB Exam Sign-up
Please follow the link to sign up for the official IB exams if you are in Grade 11 or 12 AND you are finishing a sequence of IB classes by the end of the school year. Don’t forget about second semester classes such as Bio 35, Physics 35, Math 35, and Spanish 31/35. Thanks! May 2027 IB Exam sign-up
Student Services:
🎓 Grade 12 Post-Secondary Presentations
Grade 12 students can expect to attend post-secondary presentations in the gym on September 22 and 23 at lunch.
These sessions will provide important information about:
- Post-secondary options
- University and college applications
- Admission requirements
- Scholarships and financial opportunities
Students are encouraged to attend these presentations to learn more about planning for life after high school.
Classroom Visits
Grade 10 students can expect classroom visits from Student Services on in early October.
🎓 University Visits
We are excited to welcome representatives from universities and colleges throughout September. Students are welcome to drop in, ask questions, and learn more about their post-secondary options.
University of Toronto
📅 October 5 | 📍 Main Foyer | 🕛 Before School @ 8:30
Vancouver Film School
📅 October 7 | 📍 Main Foyer | 🕛 Lunch
Western University - IVY Business School
📅 October 8 | 📍 Main Foyer | 🕛 Lunch
Students are welcome to drop in and speak with university representatives to learn more about programs, admission requirements, applications, scholarships, and campus life.
Scholarship Information:
Grade 12 students are encouraged to explore these prestigious scholarship opportunities for students entering university in Fall 2027.
University of Toronto National Book Award
Western Canada High School may nominate one outstanding student who demonstrates:
A 90%+ academic average
- Original and creative thinking
- Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning
- Strong involvement in school and the broader community
To be considered: Submit a 300–500 word essay and résumé to Mme Plante at maplante@cbe.ab.ca by October 1, 2026.
Students must also apply to the University of Toronto by October 16, 2026.
Students nominated for the Book Award are encouraged to consider applying for the U of T National Scholarship, which provides four years of tuition, residence, books, and incidental costs.
University of Toronto Wolf Scholar Program
The Wolf Scholar Program provides exceptional students with four years of tuition and ancillary fees, a living stipend, funded Canadian and international travel, and access to top internships.
WCHS can nominate three students.
To be considered: Submit a 300–500 word essay and résumé to Mme Plante at maplante@cbe.ab.ca by October 22, 2026.
Eligibility: Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 90%+ average, and applying early to U of T's Faculty of Arts & Science at the St. George campus.
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship is for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and community involvement.
To be considered for a WCHS nomination: Submit a 300–500 word essay and résumé to Mme Plante at maplante@cbe.ab.ca by October 1, 2026.
Students must apply to U of T by October 16, 2026.
Loran Award
The Loran Award is a four-year leadership program that includes a tuition waiver at one of 25 partner universities, an annual living stipend, mentorship, summer work experiences, and leadership opportunities.
Eligibility includes:
- Entering university for the first time in September 2027
- Minimum 88% cumulative average
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Meeting the program's age requirements
Application deadline: October 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Students will need a referee (such as a teacher or coach). Mme. Plante will assist with forwarding transcripts.
Learn more about the Loran Award
💡 Interested in applying for any of these opportunities? Start preparing your résumé and personal statement early, and see Mme. Plante in Student Services for more information.
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.
Peer tutoring program
If you wish to volunteer to be a peer tutor in the first semester or if you require a peer tutor this semester, please follow the link to fill out the request form. Peer tutors are student volunteers who are comfortable assisting students with a class that they have already completed with at least an 80%+.