Student Conduct
At West Ridge School, we work hard to create a school where all students and staff feel safe, respected, and valued. Over the past several weeks, we have had to address a number of concerns related to student conduct, particularly the use of inappropriate language and comments directed at or about others.
We want to be clear that racist, sexist, queerphobic, discriminatory, hateful, harassing, or derogatory language and behaviour have no place in our school community. This includes the use of racial slurs, comments that target an individual's identity, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or appearance, as well as language that demeans, excludes, or intimidates others.
Students have made comments that could reasonably be interpreted as racist or discriminatory, even when they may have claimed they were joking or did not intend harm. Intent does not erase impact. We expect students to understand that the words they choose matter and that everyone has a responsibility to contribute to a safe and inclusive environment.
We have also seen behaviours at school events and after school athletics that do not reflect the expectations we have for West Ridge School students. Whether students are in our building, attending a sporting event, participating in a field trip, or visiting another school, they are representatives of West Ridge. Our expectations for respectful behaviour remain the same regardless of the setting.
Students are expected to treat others with dignity and respect at all times. School rules and expectations apply during the school day, on the bus, during extracurricular activities, and at all school events. When students fail to meet these expectations, there will be consequences. Depending on the circumstances, these may include conversations, parent contact, loss of privileges and removal from activities, school-based consequences, or other disciplinary action as per the Student Code of Conduct and Progressive Disciplinary Policy.
We know that the vast majority of our students make positive choices every day and contribute to the welcoming culture we strive to build. However, when language or behaviour undermines the safety, dignity, or sense of belonging of others, we will address it.
We ask families to partner with us by speaking with their children about the importance of respectful language, empathy, and inclusion. Together, we can ensure that West Ridge School remains a place where every student and staff member feels safe, supported, and respected.
Thank you for your continued support.
WRS Student Voice Committee
Are you a student who is passionate about making West Ridge an even better place for your peers? Would you like students to have a stronger voice in school activities and decisions?
The Student Voice Committee will give students in Grades 5–9 opportunities to share ideas and help plan projects related to student well-being, belonging, and cultural diversity. Committee members may help plan Wellness Day, organize a cultural food fair, create cultural displays or bulletin boards, and develop other initiatives based on student interests.
Students in Grades 7–9 may also have an opportunity to participate in the Student Wellness Action Team (SWAT) and attend a wellness symposium. Students in Grades 5 & 6 can participate as Junior SWAT members.
We are looking for responsible, enthusiastic students who want to help make a positive difference at West Ridge!
Click on the link or image below to fill out the form!
https://forms.gle/uXyoLChjkDvCCa4m9
Leaving Early
As we continue to work on building student independence and responsibility, we wanted to send a friendly reminder about early student pick-ups.
If you know your child will be leaving school before the end of the day, please email both the office and your child(ren)'s teacher(s) whenever possible. Ideally, this communication would happen the night before so everyone is aware and can plan accordingly at the start of the school day.
We also encourage families to let their child know about the early departure. A note from home to the teacher works great too, just as many of us used when we were in school. When both the teacher and student are aware, they can work together to ensure the student is at the office and ready to sign out at the appropriate time.
This helps reduce the number of calls and interruptions to classrooms throughout the day. At times, classes may be interrupted multiple times within a single period to locate students, which takes away from learning time for everyone.
We understand that unexpected situations arise, and in those cases, calling the office is absolutely appropriate. We will always work with families when plans change. We would simply prefer that calling students out of class become the exception rather than the norm when advance notice is possible.
Thank you for your support as we work together to maximize learning time while helping students develop independence and responsibility.
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, intended to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Call to Action No. 80 and honor the experiences and resilience of Indigenous children and communities by commemorating and raising awareness about the painful legacy of Canada's residential school system. This y ear marks 10 years since the TRC released its final reports and 94 Calls to Action.
West Ridge School is recognizing Orange Shirt Day on Tuesday, September 29.
Within CBE’s Education Plan, we have committed to "Advance the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action (Education for ReconciliACTION).” In remembrance of the children and survivors of the residential schools, CBE recognizes the importance of commitment to continued learning, growth and respectful honouring of Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing and knowing.
Each school year, CBE schools develop and share their Truth and Reconciliation Commitment to Action with their communities. Alongside these commitments, schools integrate Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing, and knowing throughout the Alberta curriculum. This includes Indigenous land-based learning, engaging with texts by Indigenous authors and exploring Indigenous languages and histories. Schools also work to build students’ self-connection by fostering intercultural understanding and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for Indigenous students.
Girls Excel in Math (GEM) Calgary
Girls Excel in Math (GEM) Calgary is a Saturday enrichment program for grades 6 - 8 girls. Students will have fun exploring mathematical topics that they would not normally see in the classroom.
Students will begin in a large lecture hall with a session led by Lauren DeDieu an Associate Professor with the University of Calgary. They will then split into a smaller classroom with other students from their school. This smaller session will be led by a teacher or teachers from West Ridge School, with support from undergraduate/graduate student volunteers.
If your child(ren) is interested, please fill out this form or click the image below:
https://forms.gle/JoHgQ6EzqNmHSRVS9
Fall 2026 / Winter 2027 Dates:
GEM will take place at the University of Calgary from 9am – 12pm on the following dates:
- Saturday, Nov. 7th, 2026: Prisoner’s Dilemma
- Saturday, Dec. 5th, 2026: Fractals
- Saturday, Jan. 23rd, 2027: Origami
- Saturday, Mar. 13th, 2027: Eulerian Graphs
2026-27 Yearbook Sales Have Begun!
It’s more than a yearbook; it’s a collection of moments that define your year.
Order your yearbook between Oct 10 and 23 and save.
Now only $42.00 Get 4 free ICONS added to your book when you personalize with your name on the cover."
To order click the image below or scan the QR code.
WRS School Council & Society
Davison Orchard Apple Fundraiser
Thank you to all the families who supported the school by purchasing delicious apples or pears. With your help we raised almost $950! These funds will be used to purchase items and support for the students at West Ridge. Also, thank you to all our volunteers who helped make this a successful fundraiser.
Healthy Hunger Oct 1 - Boston Pizza
Next week's Healthy Hunger is Boston Pizza. You can order by Friday night at Healthyhunger.ca
If you’d like to volunteer, you can sign up here. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054FAFA62FA2FF2-65576513-healthy#/
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
School Picture Day
Lifetouch Student Picture Day is on Thursday, October 1. All students present will have individual photos taken. Pictures will be sent home with your child(ren) at a later date so that you can review them and decide if you would like to purchase them. Photo retakes will be occurring later in the year.
Lost and Found is Filling Up Quickly!
We are only four weeks into the school year, and our lost and found is already growing at an alarming rate!
To help reunite items with their owners, we have displayed as many sweaters and jackets as possible on the coat rack beside the vending machine on the main floor. However, many additional items remain in the lost and found bin, including water bottles, shoes, binders, pencil cases, and lunch kits.
Please encourage your child to take a few minutes to check the lost and found if they are missing any belongings.
To avoid an even larger collection, all unclaimed items will be packed up and donated before Thanksgiving. We hope as many items as possible find their way back to their owners before then. Thank you for your help!
The Key
Save on Student Study Guides & Digital Resources - Until October 2, 2026
The CBE is excited to share a special offer for educational resources through a new partnership between EducationMatters and Castle Rock Research. 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 student’s learning this school year, especially in preparation for unit tests and PATs.
How to Order:
- Visit CBE’s unique online portal: CBE Site Sale — Castle Rock Research
- Select our school’s specific ordering page.
- Place your order and pay directly online.
All print materials will be delivered to the school and distributed to students.
*Order here* https://castlerockresearch.com/cbe-site-sale
This Week
Monday, September 28
- Boys Soccer Game @ West Ridge
Tuesday, September 29
- Orange Shirt Day at WRS – Wear an orange shirt or clothing in support.
- Girls Soccer Game @ West Ridge
Wednesday, September 30
- No School – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Thursday, Oct 1
- School Fall Photos
- Girls Soccer Game @ West Ridge
Friday, Oct 2
- Grade 5 Developmental Basketball – Before School
- Custodial Staff Appreciation Day
- Terry Fox Run – Period 4 (Homeroom)
Month Ahead
Oct 5 – Grade 9 Science Field Trip – 91, 92, 93, 94, 95
Oct 5 to 8 – Musical Auditions – After School
Oct 5 – Girls Basketball Games @ William D. Pratt
Oct 6 – Grade 9 Science Field Trip – 96 & 97
Oct 6 – Boys Basketball Games @ West Ridge
Oct 7 – Gr 8 Outdoor Education Field Trip
Oct 7 – Ensemble Musical Auditions - Lunchtime
Oct 7 – Girls Basketball Games @ Arbour Lake
Oct 7 – Boys Soccer – TBD
Oct 8 – Grade 9 Outdoor Education Field Trip
Oct 8 – Boys Basketball Games @ Vincent Massey
Oct 8 – Girls Soccer – TBD
Oct 9 – Grade 5 Developmental Basketball – Before School
Oct 9 – Walk for Wenjack
Dates of Significance
Please find the link to the CBE Dates of Significance below which also contains additional details for each date. CBE Dates of Significance. 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.
Oct – Canadian Islamic History Month
Oct – German Heritage Month
Oct – Latin American Heritage Month
Oct – Women's History Month
Oct 4 – Sisters in Spirit Day
Oct 5 to 9 – International Walk to School Week
Oct 5 – World Teacher’s Day
Oct 10 – World Mental Health Day
Oct 11 – International Day of the Girl Child
Oct 12 - Thanksgiving