Welcome Back

Over the past week, we’ve seen many eager and curious students peeking through the windows while they walk, bike, or scooter past, already excited for the new school year.

First day back for all students is Monday, August 31 with Grade 5 students beginning at 8:45 am and Grade 6 to 9 joining us at 1;00 pm. Busing does begin on the first day but there is no mid day bussing so students in Grade 6 to 9 will need to find their own way to school but those registered for the bus can take it home.

Beginning Tuesday, September 1, students may enter the school through the main front doors at 8:35 a.m. as part of a relaxed entry, which allows them to settle in before the start of the day. A warning bell will ring at 8:40 a.m., and the front doors will close at 8:45 a.m. After this time, students will need to sign in at the office.

Lunch routines this year are as follows:

• Grades 5–6: Students will eat in their classrooms, or outside if it is nice, and head outside at 1:16 p.m. Please note that our lunch time is later this year, running from 12:56 p.m. to 1:38 p.m.
• Grades 7–9: Students may eat inside, outside, or off campus if they choose. However, they will also head outside at 1:16 p.m. if eating inside.

We were able to extend the lunch time by a few minutes this year which I know will be appreciated by students.. A warning bell will ring at 1:33 p.m. for students to begin returning indoors, with the remaining two afternoon classes starting at 1:38 p.m. Students may re-enter through the main front doors, the east door, or the two back doors, which will be opened by lunch supervisors.

Dismissal times are as follows:

• Monday–Thursday: 3:15 p.m.
• Friday: 12:45 p.m.

If you are picking up your child, please arrange a meeting spot away from the front and side of the school to reduce congestion and keep bus zones clear. This is especially important as there have been some traffic calming measures installed which will make it more difficult for cars to park and move through the street.

For more information, please visit the Back to School section of the website.

Settling In

We understand that there may be some uncertainty or concern around class placements for some families, as this is something that arises each year in every school community. As previously shared, homeroom change requests cannot be accommodated at this time.

Class lists are developed through a thoughtful and collaborative process involving West Ridge staff and our feeder schools. A great deal of time is spent considering student learning needs, peer relationships, staffing, and the creation of balanced learning environments that support all students.

While we did our best to honour as many friend requests as possible, it was not possible to accommodate every request, as friend requests are only one of many factors considered when creating classes. As communicated in June, only requests submitted by a registered legal guardian using the email address associated with their PowerSchool account were considered.

It is also important to understand that moving one student often creates a domino effect, requiring additional moves that can impact the balance of multiple classrooms and the educational experience of many students. We recognize that transitions can sometimes be challenging, but experience has shown that students quickly settle into their new classes, build new friendships, and thrive in their learning communities. Thank you for your understanding, partnership, and support as we work to provide the best possible learning environment for all students. 

Sharing Information with Non-Guardians

West Ridge School is careful to protect confidential student information. As such we are only able to speak to legal guardians regarding each student. If your child is part of a blended family or another family dynamic, we require permission to speak to the other non-guardian family members. This is also true for students who attend before or after school care or may have a nanny or other family member who supports them.

This permission is provided through the Obtain and Release of Student Information Forms. Please contact the school if you would like to fill out these forms so that West Ridge School can also communicate with those you identify.

Student Personal Mobile Devices (Cell Phones & Smart Watches)

Students are not permitted to use personal mobile devices while on school property during regular school hours or extracurricular activities during school hours. A personal mobile device is any device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet, such as a cellphone, tablet, gaming device, laptop, or smartwatch. For more information, please review CBE Administrative Regulation AR6008.  

Please help us by reminding your child about these expectations and that their phone or smartwatch must be left at home or in their locker and not brought to class or used in the hallways, as we will be reinforcing these expectations. Have your child talk to their teacher if an exception is required.  

Fall Sports and Tryouts

For more information about fall sports at West Ridge School and tryouts, please see the email that was sent from the WRS Physical Education and Wellness Team or visit the school’s Athletics webpage.

Athletic Forms

Every year students must complete the Annual Authorization for Tryout form prior to competing in any athletic events (tryouts, practices, or games). All female student athletes must also complete the Athlete Eligibility Confirmation form from the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act. Copies of both of these forms are attached and can be returned in-person to the PE office or digitally via email to tcdixon@cbe.ab.ca.

Cross-Country

• Open to any Grade 6 to 9 students.
• First practice will be on Thursday, September 3 @ 3:30pm.
• There will be a team info meeting on Tuesday, September 1 @ 1:05pm in the main gym. This is an important meeting as team expectations will be discussed and paperwork will be distributed.

Soccer

• Open to any Grade 6 to 9 students.
• There is 1 girls' team and 1 boys' team.
• The first tryout for both teams will be on Tuesday, September 1 @ 3:30pm on the athletic field.

Basketball

• Basketball season officially starts on Tuesday, September 8. Details about tryouts will be coming next week.

Please see the West Ridge Athletics website for the most up-to-date information.

Safe and Caring Schools

The CBE prioritizes respect for diversity and creating welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environments for all students and families. At West Ridge School, we have honoured and recognized our unique community through events such as Orange Shirt Day, Black History Month, Take Me Outside Day, and many others over the years.

August 31 to September 6 is Pride Week in Calgary, a time to recognize the ongoing pursuit of equality and human rights for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. During this time, CBE reaffirms its commitment to creating welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning and working environments for all students and staff.

We recognize that families and community members may have different perspectives and experiences related to various celebrations and recognitions. Our focus remains on fostering respect, belonging, kindness, and understanding within our school community, while supporting the well-being and dignity of every student.

We work hard to make West Ridge School a welcoming, respectful, safe, and caring place to learn for all students. Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a positive learning environment for everyone.

School Supplies

Students in Grades 5 and 6 will have their school supplies purchased for them by the school.

Students in Grades 7/8/9 can use the following as a guide to what they will need. Some variations will occur depending on the teachers the student has assigned.

• Binders - 3, 2-inch binders
• Paper – lined and/or coil notebooks
• Paper – grid paper (graphing)
• Dividers
• Pencils and Pens
• Erasers (2-3)
• Pencil sharpener with collection section for shavings
• Highlighter Pens
• White board markers (thin)
• Scissors
• Pencil case
• Fine tipped sharpies
• Pencil crayons
• Geometry set (protractor & compass)
• Scientific Calculator (includes sin, tan, cps, x², etc)

Welcome Back from School Council & Society!

We are the volunteer groups responsible for communicating between the families and school.  We also arrange many fundraising activities which support our students and staff.  To stay in the loop of what’s happening and to get involved with different events, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Council & Society Positions Available

We are still hoping to fill a few positions for next year - Vice-Chair and Secretary on Council and Fundraising Coordinator and Casino Chair on Society. If you, or anyone you know, would be willing to step up into those roles and help out that would be great! Please contact School Council (wrscouncil@gmail.com) to volunteer or ask more about the roles.

School Council

• Chair – Sasha Russell
• Vice Chair – Vacant
• Secretary – Vacant
• Social Media Coordinator – Joanne Tse
• Volunteer Coordinator – Tina Glaser
• Staff Appreciation Coordinator – Will Fong
• Welcome Breakfast Coordinator – Will Fong
• Members at Large – Erin Hansen

Society

• President - Alanis Greenberg
• Treasurer - Calida Seifert
• Secretary - Heather John
• Healthy Hunger Coordinator - Heather John
• Fundraising Coordinator – Vacant
• Casino Chair -  Vacant

Welcome Back Pancake Breakfast - Friday, Sept 4

We are excited to host our annual pancake breakfast the first week back to school.  This fun event is for the students and staff at West Ridge, but we need many helping hands from families to ensure it runs smoothly!  If you have a current police check and would like to help out, Sign up here!

Davidson Apple & Pear Fundraiser

We are hosting our annual Apple fundraiser with Davison Orchards.  This is a quick fundraiser with orders being due by Sept 9 at midnight.  You can order your apples and/or pears right away here.  Apples will be available for pick up on Sept 23 at the school and from a volunteer's home (address will be provided closer to the pick up date).  Funds raised will go towards supporting the students and staff at West Ridge school.

We appreciate your support! Order your apples and pears here!

We are also looking for a volunteer or two to help with accepting of the delivery and handing out the apples. If you’re available in the afternoon and evening on Sept 23rd and would like to help (and you would be open to having families come to your home for pick up), please reach out to infowrss@gmail.com

Stay in the Loop

Follow us on FB and Instagram

Quick links for fundraisers and sign-ups Skip-the-Depot

Check out the school webpage

Send us an email:

Council: wrscouncil@gmail.com

Society: infowrss@gmail.com

Allergy Awareness

West Ridge School has numerous students with allergies to various types of food.  The severest of these is an anaphylactic reaction with the most common being peanuts. Although we are not a peanut-free school, we would like to ask for your cooperation in being cognisant of this when considering your children’s lunch.

If your Child is Absent

It is important for the school to keep accurate attendance records to ensure all students are safe and accounted for. To help us with this, we ask that you please call the school’s attendance line if your child will be absent for any reason (ie. illness, holiday, appointment). To call dial 403-817-3552 and enter “1” when prompted. Please remember to include your child(ren)’s first and last name, their home teacher’s name, and also the reason they are absent.

Raptor Gear

Our online apparel store will be opening in the next week or so. We have hoodies, t-shirts, jogging pants and hats to help show your West Ridge spirit.  Purchases can only be made online and will be delivered to the school by the end of 0ctober. Please use the link below to view what is available and make your purchases.

This Week

Monday, August 31

• First Day of School
• Grade 5 - 8:45 am to 3:15 pm
• Grades 6 to 9 – 1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Tuesday, September 1

• All students attend 8:45 am to 3:15 pm (Relaxed entry – 8:35 am)
• Cross Country Team Student Meeting at Lunch
• Soccer Tryouts - Girls and Boys - after school on the soccer fields

Wednesday, September 2

• Soccer Tryouts - Girls and Boys - after school on the soccer fields

Thursday, September 3

• Another amazing day of learning

Friday, September 4

• Boys Soccer Tryout – before school (tentative)
• School Assembly
• Pancake Breakfast
• Early Dismissal – 12:45 pm

Month Ahead

Sept 7 – No School – Labour Day

Sept 10 – Cross Country Meet – North Glenmore Park

Sept 11 – MADD Presentation Grade 7 to 9

Sept 15 – Cross Country Meet #2

Sept 18 - Terry Fox Run

Sept 21 - Cross Country Meet #3

Sept 24 – Meet the Teacher Evening

Sept 25 - No School - Non-instructional Day

Sept 30 - No School - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Oct 1 - School Fall Photos

Oct 2 – Walk for Wenjack

Dates of Significance

Please find the link to the CBE Dates of Significance (CBE Dates of Significance) which also contains additional details for each date. These dates are provincially and federally recognized and are identified by the Calgary Board of Education. At West Ridge School, our goal is to ensure that all students feel welcomed, valued, safe, and that they have a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

In most cases, we simply acknowledge Dates of Significance to help students build awareness, understanding, and respect for the diverse experiences and perspectives within our community. While some dates may involve age-appropriate learning activities or discussions, our focus is on recognition and awareness rather than celebration.

As always, our commitment is to fostering a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environment for all students.

Sept 7 - Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Day

Sept 7 – Labour Day

Sept 8 - International Literacy Day

Sept 11 - Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)

Sept 11 -13 – Rosh Hashanah

Sept 12 - 21 - Welcome Week

Sept 19 - National Trades Day

Sept 20 – Yom Kippur

Sept 21 – 27 – Apprenticeship Day

Sept 21 - 27 - Gender Equality Week

Sept 22 - Treaty 7 Day

Sept 22 - Fall Equinox

Sept 24 – 26 – Korean Thanksgiving (Chuseok)

Sep 25 – Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Jie), also known as the Mooncake Festival or Moon Festival

Sep 25 – Oct 2 - Sukkot

Sept 30 - National Day of Truth & Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day