Welcome Back
Although students officially return on Tuesday, September 2, staff have already been busy preparing for a great start to the new school year. Over the past week, we’ve seen many eager and curious students peeking through the windows and gathering on the school grounds, building excitement for the year ahead.
As part of our preparations, all staff participated in a community walk, exploring two of the community’s beautiful natural spaces and wetlands. Along the way, we reflected on a story about group leadership and the importance of everyone stepping up and working together to achieve success.
Beginning Wednesday, September 3, students may enter the school through the main front doors at 8:30 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 and head outside at 12:18 p.m.
- Grades 7–9: Students may eat inside, outside, or off campus if they choose. However, they will also head outside at 12:18 p.m. if eating inside.
Please note that due to changes in the bell schedule, the lunch period is slightly shorter than in past years. A warning bell will ring at 12:41 p.m. for students to begin returning indoors, with afternoon classes starting at 12:46 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 we will have additional buses this year.
For more information, please visit the Back to School section of the website.
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 created with great care and collaboration, involving input from teachers, support staff, the principal, and assistant principals. Our goal is always to design the most supportive and balanced learning environments possible for all students.
In developing these class groups, staff consider a wide range of factors, including:
- individual learning needs and supports
- balance of abilities across subjects
- friendships and positive peer connections
- known conflicts or concerns
- emotional regulation needs
- cultural and linguistic diversity
- overall class sizes
- teacher-student relationships
Class lists are interconnected; even a single change typically requires multiple other adjustments, which impact class sizes and complementary course assignments. For this reason, changes are not possible.
We truly appreciate your understanding and trust as we work to create the best possible start to the year for every student.
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.
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.
Please be aware that some tryouts will begin the very first day of school, Tuesday, September 2.
Welcome Package
Each year, schools have a variety of forms that parents / legal guardians are required to complete or review and update, some of which are paper and others online. In CBE, the forms in an online format (SchoolEngage) are:
- Demographic Verification - 2025-26 – This form includes your child’s personal information as well as parent / legal guardian contact information.
- Citizenship Information Update - 2025-26 – This form becomes available if you change your child’s citizenship information on the Demographic Verification form.
- Annual Authorizations - 2025-26 – This form provides consent for school and district use of personal information.
- Annual Volunteer Registration - 2025-26 - This form replaces the paper copy of the Annual Volunteer form.
SchoolEngage is one of the applications found in your MyCBE account. This is the same account you use to pay fees, view academic information, book school conferences, register for busing, etc.
If you do not have a MyCBE account, on the MyCBE page click on Create a MyCBE Account. For online help refer to MyCBE - Creating an Account (includes instructions and a video).
All paper forms that need to be filled out and returned are printed on coloured paper and those with only information are printed on white paper. These forms will be sent home next week.
Please fill out the forms completely and return all forms, even those that might not be applicable, by Monday, September 8. This allows us to ensure that you have read and filled out all of the documents provided.
We are also encouraging all families to register to receive commercial electronic messages so that you receive all messages from your child’s teacher, West Ridge School, and the Calgary Board of Education. To register, please visit this site: http://calgary.schoolmessenger.com/cbe_subscribe.
Safe and Caring Schools
The CBE prioritizes respect for diversity and creating welcoming, caring, respectful and safe inclusive environments for all students and families. At West Ridge School, we have honoured and recognized our unique community with events such as Orange Shirt Day, Black History Month, Take Me Outside Day, and many others over the years.
August 26- September 1 is Pride Week in Calgary, a time to recognize the pursuit of equality and rights for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. This year, CBE reaffirms our commitment to creating safe and caring learning and work environments for 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff.
We acknowledge that each family and community has a unique experience with different recognitions and celebrations, and any commemorative activities in our schools may be perceived differently. However, classroom-based activities and lessons that promote diversity and inclusion are not subject to exemptions under the Education Act.
We work hard to make West Ridge School an inclusive, respectful, safe and caring place to learn for all students. Thank you for helping us do this.
Raptor Gear
Our online apparel store will be open from September 2 to 21. 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 the week of October 20. Please use the link below to view what is available and make your purchases.
https://westridgeapparel.itemorder.com/shop/home/
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
Davidson Apple & Pear Fundraiser
Happening Now! You can place your orders for delicious apples and pears at www.westspringswestridge.ca Order deadline is Sept 10. Pick up is on Sept 24 both at the school and a parent’s house. Speaking of which, we are looking for a volunteer or 2 to help with the delivery and handing out of apples/pears on Sept 24. Please email infowrss@gmail.com if you can help out!
Welcome Back Pancake Breakfast - Friday, Sept 5
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, please sign up here!
Paul Davis Speaker Night
Mark your calendar for Sept 15. Paul Davis will be providing both students & parents with information on social media, harms, digital trails, smart phones, digital security and more. Students will be attending Paul’s information session during school. Parents are welcome to join in the evening for the parent view point info session. Location to be determined (If you have a suggestion on a last minute booking for 40-50 people, please let council know - we had a hiccup with booking. wrscouncil@gmail.com )
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
Student Personal Mobile Devices
Students are not permitted to use personal mobile devices while on school property during regular school hours or extracurricular activities or events unless for learning purposes and with the permission of their teacher. 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. Please help us by reminding your child about these expectations. For more information, please review CBE Administrative Regulation AR6008.
This Week
Monday, September 1
- No School - Labour Day
Tuesday, September 2
- First Day of School
- Grade 5 - 8:45 am to 3:15 pm
- Grades 6 to 9 - 12:46 pm to 3:15 pm
- Soccer Tryouts - Girls and Boys - after school on the soccer fields
Wednesday, September 3
- Cross Country Meeting - 12:10 pm in the main gym
- Soccer Tryouts - Girls and Boys - after school on the soccer fields
Thursday, September 4
- Cross Country Practice - after school
- Soccer Tryouts (invite only) - Girls and Boys - after school on the soccer fields
Friday, September 5
- Pancake Breakfast
- Pep Rally
Month Ahead
Sept 11 – Cross Country Meet #1
Sept 15 - Paul Davis Presentation (students during school hours, families in pm)
Sept 16 – Cross Country Meet #2
Sept 19 - Terry Fox Run
Sept 22 - Cross Country Meet #3
Sept 29 - No School - Non-instructional Day
Sept 30 - No School - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Oct 2 - School Fall Photos
Dates of Significance
Sept 7 - Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Day
Sept 8 - International Literacy Day
Sept 11 - Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)
Sept 12 - 21 - Welcome Week
Sept 19 - National Trades Day
Sept 21 - 27 - Gender Equality Week
Sept 22 - Treaty 7 Day
Sept 22 - Fall Equinox
Sept 22 to 24 - Rosh Hashanah
Sept 30 - National Day of Truth & Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day