School Message
Good Afternoon to our Western families,
We are about to enter an extra-busy two weeks, with graduation, final band and choral concerts, various awards events, playoffs, and cities for spring sports, and formal classes winding up - all before we get into final assessments. While most of these activities are meant to celebrate our students and programs, a reminder that there can be some extra stress attached for students during this period, as well, and we ask our families to be mindful of all that is going on. If there is a need to reach out to a counselor or assistant principal for support, please do so.
We want to commend our bands, as well as Mr. Hagan, who travelled to Red Deer this week and did a phenomenal job performing for the Alberta Festival of Bands. Ajudicators were impressed by the passion and professionalism that our students displayed in their performance.
A reminder that, with graduation taking place next Friday, we will not have classes for our grade 10's or 11's on
May 29th.
Thank you,
Darrin Whitbread, Principal | Western Canada High School
Upcoming Dates
- Monday, May 29th
- Graduation | No School for Students
Student Spotlight
Congratulations to the Grade 11 and 12 IB students for finishing their official IB exams.
Updates
French Immersion Certificates
The distribution of the French Immersion certificates will take place on Tuesday, May 26th in the gymnasium at WCHS.
Doors will open at 7:30 and the ceremony will begin at 7:45.
Parents/Guardians/family members are welcome.
International Languages Certificate
Students who are graduating and have obtained credits for the 30 level or higher in two or more subjects should submit their name and a copy of their DAR to Mme/Sra. Bergerman by Friday, May 22nd.
French Immersion students have already submitted their information.
Student Exam Planners
These will be handed out in class on Tuesday, May 26, during period 1. This is to help students write down the date and time of each final exam they MAY have. All grade 10 level exams will be finished by Tuesday, June 9th, but there will still be opportunities for credit recovery after that if needed. Some grade 11 level exams are in the formal exam schedule, and some are during the last two modified days (June 8th and 9th). All diploma exams are listed. Please go through the exam schedule with your student, and also the exam rules on the back, to ensure they are properly prepared for their upcoming final assessments.
Auditions for the fall musical
Auditions for the fall musical Into The Woods are open to all WCHS students, no experience necessary, Year-End, and you do not need to be taking Drama to sign up. Info and sign up in the Drama/Band hallway
Choral Year-End Concert
The Choral Program's Year End Concert is coming up on Wednesday, May 27th, at Knox United at 7pm and you’re invited! From classics like one of Haydn’s Glorias to music from the musical For Good, and classics by The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, there’s something for everyone! Tickets are $15/adults, $5/students from Ms. Reinhardt or at the door. Get your tickets today and support the WCHS Choral Program!
Graduation!
- Grade 12 Graduands who missed the Graduation Rehearsal can pick up their gowns and information sheet from the main office anytime before the end of lunchtime on Thursday May 28th. Photo ID is required to pick up the gowns.
- Banquet Tickets can be picked up from Ms Irwin in the Guidance office by Group Captains. Photo ID is required.
- The graduation ceremony is scheduled for Friday May 29 with grads arriving at 8am to the Winsport Event Centre. More information can be found on the school’s grad website.
Camping En Français
Canadian Parents for French is offering a summer camping experience. Camping en français is a unique opportunity for families to experience French in a fun, welcoming, outdoor environment while connecting with other families from across Alberta. Whether families are brand new to French or have participated for years, the weekend is designed to build positive experiences and confidence using French together. Please see the promotional link below for more details.
https://cpf.ca/ab-nwt/camping-en-francais/
Student Services
2026/2027 Course Requests:
As we are fast approaching the end of the school year, we encourage grade 10 and 11 students to review their course selection for the 2026-2027 school year in PowerSchool. If they need any changes to their course selection, students should connect with their counsellor in person (through drop-ins) before June 9th. This is for course selection only. The schedule will be available by the 3rd week of August, at which point students can fill out an online form for adjustments. This will be directly communicated to families in August.
Summer School Confirmation:
Students who registered for summer school classes can expect to receive confirmation emails from CBE-Learn the first week of June.
Upcoming University Visits:
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!
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.
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.
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.