Importance of Being at School
At West Ridge School, we are committed to providing meaningful learning opportunities and building a strong sense of community for all students. Over the past several months, we have noticed a concerning trend: an increased number of students being excused from afternoons or whole-school activities and events, along with a higher rate of absences on Fridays, particularly when there is a homeroom block at the end of the day.
Recent examples include the Matilda production, homeroom periods, our school track day, and most recently our Rise of the Raptor Wellness Day, where 219 students, approximately 26% of our school, were absent. While we understand that families occasionally need to make decisions that result in missed school time, the frequency and pattern of these absences are impacting both individual student development and our collective school culture.
Events such as these are not “extras.” They are intentionally planned to support students’ physical, emotional, and social well-being, and to foster connection, resilience, and school pride. They are an important part of a well-rounded education and contribute to a positive and inclusive environment where students feel a sense of belonging.
As educators, we also have a responsibility to help prepare students for high school and for life beyond our walls. A key part of that preparation is developing the understanding that we do not always get to opt out of situations simply because they may be uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or not a personal preference. Learning to engage, persevere, and participate, even when it may be challenging, is essential in building resilience, responsibility, and confidence.
We ask for your partnership in reinforcing this message at home. Encouraging your child to attend school regularly and to fully participate in all aspects of school life, including whole-school activities and homeroom time, helps them develop habits and skills that will serve them well into the future.
We are proud of the opportunities we provide at West Ridge and want every student to benefit from them. Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring that your child is present, engaged, and making the most of their time here.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to reach out.
A Fond Farewell to Mrs. Olesen and Mrs. Price
After years of building relationships, encouraging strong thinking, and supporting students in finding their voice, two valued members of our staff, Mrs. Olesen and Mrs. Price, will be retiring at the end of this school year.
Mrs. Olesen, who taught Grade 8 and 9 English Language Arts and Social Studies, created classrooms where students were encouraged to think critically, communicate clearly, and consider multiple perspectives. Through reading, writing, and discussions, she helped students deepen their understanding of both texts and the world around them. Her calm presence and thoughtful approach supported students in growing not only academically, but also as engaged and reflective citizens.
Mrs. Price, teaching Grade 8 and 9 Mathematics and Science, brought consistency, clarity, and care to her work each day. She supported students in developing problem-solving skills, applying mathematical thinking, and exploring scientific concepts with curiosity and confidence. Through her steady guidance, students were encouraged to persevere, make connections, and build a strong foundation, setting them up for the years ahead.
While we will certainly miss their experience, their commitment to students, and their presence at West Ridge School, we are excited for what lies ahead for both of them. We hope this next chapter brings time to relax, recharge, and enjoy all that retirement has to offer.
Thank you, Mrs. Olesen and Mrs. Price, for everything you have given to our students and to West Ridge School. Your impact will be felt for years to come.
Lost and Found
The lost and found continues to grow with many unclaimed items, including jackets, hoodies, running shoes, and water bottles. Please have your child check for any missing items as we will be cleaning up all unclaimed items this week and donating them.
Class Creation & Friend Requests for 2026/27
We are inviting families to share their input as we begin planning for the upcoming school year. The form provides an opportunity for you to offer insight into your child’s peer connections, and any additional information that may support their success at school.
As we create class groupings, we take a number of factors into consideration, including class size, student learning needs, and the overall balance of each classroom. While we are not able to guarantee specific requests, your feedback plays an important role in helping us make thoughtful, student-centred decisions.
We encourage all families to take a few minutes to complete the form using the link below by Friday, June 5, 2026:
WRS Friend Requests for 2026/27 School Year
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we plan for another successful school year at West Ridge.
Raptor Gaming Club
I want to thank you and your child for your support in growing our rapidly expanding Raptor Gaming Club (E-Sports) here at West Ridge School. We are excited at the growth of our members and their performance at the various tournament levels throughout the year.
Because our season concluded at the Provincial Championships earlier in May, the Raptor Gaming Club season is concluded for the remainder of the school year. As a result, please ensure that your child keeps any equipment for E-Sports (such as Nintendo Switches) at home.
Thank you for your support and Go Raptors Go!
Mr. Scollard
School Council
Healthy Hunger - June 4
Next week’s Healthy Hunger is Papa Johns. You can order at www.healthyhunger.ca
Stay in the Loop
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
This Week
Monday, June 1
- Gr. 9 Sailing Trip
- Gr. 6 Camping Trip
Tuesday, June 2
Wednesday, June 3
- 8-1 & 8-2 Science Field Trip
Thursday, June 4
- Healthy Hunger Fun Lunch - Papa Johns
Friday, June 5
Month Ahead
June 8 - 8-4 & 8-5 Science Field Trip
June 8 - Track Meet @ Foothills Athletic Park
June 9 - 8-3 & 8-7 Science Field Trip
June 9 - Grade 6 Patrol Picnic
June 9 - PAT - Grade 9 - ELA Part B
June 10 - PAT - Grade 6 - ELA Part B
June 11 - Gr. 9 Outdoor Ed Field Trip
June 12 - PAT - Grade 6 - Science
June 15 - Gr. 8 Outdoor Ed Field Trip
June 15 - PAT - Grade 6 - Math Part A
June 16 - PAT - Grade 9 - Math Part A
June 17 - Gr. 8 Outdoor Ed Field Trip
June 17 - Gr. 5 Outdoor Experience Field Trip - Group A
June 18 - Gr. 5 Outdoor Experience Field Trip - Group B
June 18 - Healthy Hunger Fun Lunch - Tim Hortons
June 18 - Night of the Raptor
June 18 - PAT - Grade 6 - Math Part B
June 19 - PAT - Grade 9 - Math Part B
Dates of Significance
Please find the link to the CBE Dates of Significance below which also contains additional details for each date. Please scroll down on the site to find the current date.