Celebrating Mr. Balogh’s Dedication to Students and Staff
It is with mixed emotions that we share the news of Mr. Balogh’s upcoming retirement. After an incredible career dedicated to education and community, he will be closing this chapter at the end of December.
Mr. Balogh has been a cornerstone of West Ridge School since its opening in the fall of 2016, teaching both Grade 5 and Grade 6 and inspiring countless students along the way. Before that, he helped open West Springs School in 2010, meaning he has been part of this community for an amazing 15 years.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Balogh has made a lasting impact through athletics. He has coached basketball, volleyball, and, most notably, the cross-country team every year since West Ridge opened. That is a full decade of encouraging students to stay active and strive for their personal best.
Teaching has been Mr. Balogh’s second career, following nearly 20 years in the logistics industry. Over the past 20 years in education, he has brought creativity and passion to his work. One of his favourite projects was the Grade 5 Social Studies “historical fiction picture book” assignment, which blended storytelling and history in a way that truly engaged students.
Those who know Mr. Balogh will tell you he is calm, patient, and always willing to help, qualities that have made him a trusted colleague and a steady presence for students. His support and generosity have strengthened our staff community, and his willingness to step in wherever needed has been deeply appreciated by all who work alongside him.
His love for art, writing, and history, especially World War I and II, has enriched the learning experience for all who had the privilege of being in his classroom.
Please join us in celebrating Mr. Balogh’s remarkable contributions to West Ridge School and the community. We are deeply grateful for his dedication, and we wish him all the best in retirement.
Student Learning Conferences - In Person & Online
Student Learning Conferences for West Ridge School will be both in-person and virtual to try and accommodate more families.
- Friday, November 28 from 9:00am to 2:00pm - In Person
- Friday, December 5 from 1:30pm to 4:00pm - Online
- Friday, December 12. From 1:30pm to 4:00pm - Online
Beginning Saturday, November 22 at 8:00 am you will be able to use your MyCBE PowerSchool account to book a 10 minute conference with your child(ren)’s teachers. When booking conferences, please allow adequate time to move (physically or virtually) from one meeting to the next.
School conferences are an important opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about your child’s learning. These meetings allow parents/guardians, students, and teachers to connect, celebrate areas of strength, and identify next steps for growth. Together, we build respectful relationships that support student success.
To make the most of your conference, please take time with your child to review PowerSchool for updated grades and Google Classroom or D2L for any course content that may be posted. This preparation helps ensure a focused and informed discussion. If possible, include your child in the conference because their voice is essential in shaping their learning journey.
Given the recent teacher strike and its impact on learning timelines, teachers are continuing to update and analyze student data. While they will share available evidence of learning, assessment information may still be in progress. The focus of conferences will be on reconnecting, understanding current progress, and planning meaningful next steps to support continued growth.
We look forward to seeing you and your child at conferences and continuing our shared work in supporting their success.
To access My School Conferences and book your conference beginning on November 22, please visit : MyCBE | PowerSchool - Once signed in go to > myCBE Apps > my School Conferences
If you do not yet have a MyCBE account, please go to the MyCBE page click on Create a MyCBE Account. For online help refer to MyCBE - Creating an Account (includes instructions and a video).
Respecting Diversity
Recently, we have had a few students request a space to pray during the school day. At West Ridge School, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects and supports the diverse needs of our students.
If prayer is an important part of your family's or child’s practice and you would like your child to have access to a space for prayer, we are happy to accommodate this.
To help us provide appropriate support, we ask that families contact the school if this is something your child will participate in. This allows us to inform teachers and ensure that, if a student asks, we are prepared to assist them in a respectful and timely manner.
Thank you for partnering with us to make West Ridge a welcoming place for all. If you have any questions or would like to make arrangements, please reach out to the school office.
School Council, Update
Volunteers NEEDED for Casino Fundraiser!
BIGGEST fundraiser of the year - bringing in $70,000! This is 90% of our funds that are allocated to our amazing school, and it cannot be done without you! Help make this a success.
Casino Dates: November 17 & 18th. Follow this link to sign up If you have any questions, please email westspringswestridgecasino@gmail.com
School Council & Society Meeting - Nov. 20th @ 6:30pm
Please join us for the last meeting of 2025 to get an update of what is happening around the school. We will also start to update on what the budget will be for this school year.
We are going to attempt a hybrid meeting to encourage more families to participate. This means it will be in person, but those who are unable to attend can join us online. You can use this link to join online using Microsoft Teams.
Growing Smiles
Festive winter arrangements are available to order! The deadline to order is Nov 19th with pick up being on Dec 6th at a parent’s house. Check out our Facebook or Instagram page to see samples of previous year’s arrangements. Order your plants here
Healthy Hunger - Nov 20 - Booster Juice
Healthy Hunger is back up and running again. Our next lunch is from Booster Juice on Thursday, Nov 20th. If you’re available to volunteer (and have a valid police clearance), please sign up for a shift!
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
Locks on Lockers
All students were provided with a school issued lock for their locker at the start of the school year. We are asking for your help in reminding students to keep their lockers locked at all times to keep their belongings safe.
Recently, we have noticed an increase in the number of lockers without locks. If a student loses their lock, we will provide a replacement; however, families will be charged the replacement cost. Families are unable to provide their own locks, as we are then unable to support students if they are not able to get into their lockers. If your child is struggling with their lock and requires a different style of loc,k please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher.
So far this year, we have purchased over 125 new locks to replace old, damaged, and missing ones as many of the locks have been here since West Ridge School opened. Thank you for helping us ensure that lockers remain secure and student belongings are protected. If you have any questions, please contact the school office.
Matilda the Musical at West Ridge!
The musical has been cast, and rehearsals have started for Matilda. Congratulations to all the performers!
The rehearsal schedule is posted in the Google Classroom (Matilda JR.). If your child did not attend the first rehearsal, please have them check in with Mrs. Lutz/Ms. Burns/Ms. McKenzie to be added.
Show dates this year will be: April 29, 30, May 1 and May 2, 2026.
We are excited to see everyone in the audience!
Remaining 2024-25 Yearbooks
If you have ordered the 2024-2025 yearbook and your child did not receive it, please email westridge@cbe.ab.ca so we can look into this for you.
Discounted Study Guides
We are excited to share a special offer for educational resources through a new partnership between EducationMatters and Castle Rock Research. From November 14 to November 26, 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.
How to Order
- Visit our school's unique online portal: https://schoolorders.solaro.com/CR57
- Place your order and pay directly online.
- The deadline to order is Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
All print materials will be delivered to the school after the closing date and distributed to students. For more details, please see this flyer.
Free YMCA Membership – Grade 6 Students
The Calgary Flames Foundation for Life and Calgary YMCA have again teamed up to offer students in Grade 6 a no-fee General Youth Membership (valid from August 1, 2025, until August 31, 2026). Students whose parents sign them up for the membership will enjoy member benefits at all YMCA locations in Calgary, including advanced program registration and discounted rates for programs, plus special Grade 6 programs and activities.
Parents and guardians can fill out a YMCA Membership form at any YMCA Calgary location or online. Bring your form along with your child’s Grade 5 report card, school ID to any YMCA location, or log into PowerSchool and show them.
Click here for more information!
This Week
Monday, Nov 17
- Another Week of Amazing Learning
- Casino Fundraiser Evening
Tuesday, Nov 18
- Casino Fundraiser Evening
Thursday, Nov 20
- Booster Juice - Healthy Hunger Fun Lunch
- 9-6 Field Trip
- School Council and Society Meeting - Hybrid at 6:30pm
Friday, Nov 21
- Grade 5 Developmental Basketball – before school
- 9-1, 9-2 - Field Trip
- Rock Your Mocs - Wear moccasins if you have them
- Casino Fundraiser Evening - We still need volunteers
Month Ahead
Nov 24 - Photo Retakes
Nov 25 - 9-4, 9-5 - Field Trip
Nov 28 - No School - Non-instructional day
Nov 28 - Student Learning Conferences - In Person (9:00am to 2:00pm)
Dec 4 - Banzai - Healthy Hunger Fun Lunch
Dec 5 - Student Learning Conferences - Online (1:30pm to 4:00pm)
Dec 12 - Student Learning Conferences - Online (1:30pm to 4:00pm)
Dec 12 - WRS E-Sports Tournament
Dates of Significance
November - Hindu Heritage Month
Nov 16 - Louis Riel Day
Nov 17 to 21 - National Bullying Awareness Prevention Week
Nov 17 to 21 - Canadian History Week
Nov 20 - National Child Day
Nov 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance
Dec 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dec 6 - National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women