Happy Holidays from Westgate School

We wish you a joyous holiday and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Westgate School Staff

Traffic and parking around Westgate

As you may recall, at the beginning of November administration decided on a trial basis to place fluorescent traffic cones to identify areas potentially dangerous to pedestrians.

We would like you to provide us with feedback regarding this trial.  We will continue this practice if it is having a significant impact on driver awareness of pedestrians.

Please email westgate@cbe.ab.ca to provide feedback.

Holiday Hampers

Each year we remember our families at Westgate School who are in need of assistance during the holiday season. Through the generosity of the students, parent and teachers we were able to provide 20 families with holiday hampers.  This year we also donated some items to Inn From the Cold – a charity that supports families in Calgary.   We would like to thank everyone for their kindness and generous donations.  

Westgate Staff  

Scholastic Book Fair

Thank you to all our parents, students and teachers for your support at the Scholastic Book Fair during Parent Teacher Conferences in November. Due to everyone’s generosity we raised over $11,958 to support our library collection.

Our next Book Fair will be in March, 2016!!

Carol Singing

During the last four days of school, students will be carol singing in the gym. On our last day of carol singing, Friday, December 18th, all students come together to sing carols in all 3 languages.

This year we would like to add a little Canadian content.  Mummering is a Christmas-time house visiting tradition that has been practiced in Newfoundland since the early 18oo’s.  Mummering involves a group of people, disguised in ridiculous attire, who go to their neighbour's homes to sing, dance and enjoy the season.  Mummers traditionally cover their faces so that their neighbours have to guess who they are, but we will forego this tradition and ask that students not cover their faces.

Information on mummer costumes can be found online.  Costume examples we have discussed in class are; a hockey jersey with a pink wig, wearing clothes inside out and backwards, a bath robe with rubber boots, boys dressed as women and girls dressed as men, etc.; the sillier and more outrageous, the better.  Please remember to dress students in comfortable clothing appropriate to wear outside for recess.

The Week Ahead: December 14 - 18, 2015

Monday, December 14
Grade 5 Vaccinations in the morning
12:00 - 2:00 Grade 3, Rms. 9, 19 & 28 Speed Skating at the Oval
Grade 2 Swimming

Tuesday, December 15
Grade 2 Swimming
10:35 - 11:05 French Carol Singing
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 5 Drama Club
12:00 - 2:00 Grade 3, Rms. 9, 19 & 28 Speed Skating at the Oval
1:06 - 1:36 Spanish Carol Singing

Wednesday, December 16
10:35 - 11:05 Spanish Carol Singing
12:00 - 2:00 Grade 3, Rms. 9, 19 & 28 Speed Skating at the Oval
1:06 - 1:36 French Carol Singing

Thursday, December 17
10:35 - 11:05 French Carol Singing
1:06 - 1:36 Spanish Carol Singing

Friday, December 18
10:10 - 11:10 Carol Singing - All Classes
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 5 Dance Club

New School Bus Passes

Today your child received their new bus pass, known as a ZPass. The Zpass will serve as your child’s bus pass for the year and students should carry the bus pass each day. Like previous bus passes, it should be placed in a secure location in the student’s backpack and be accessible when required. Bus drivers are required to make periodic bus pass checks; no child will ever be refused bus service, even if they are unable to produce their bus pass. Bus drivers will collect names of students who are unable to produce their bus pass when asked and will notify school administration.

Your child will need to carry this pass every day when they are riding a CBE yellow school bus to and from school. Please keep this card safe as there is a $5 charge for replacement ZPasses with pouches.

Not all bus contracts have been processed yet. If your child did not receive a bus pass today we expect the remainder to arrive in the new year.  If your child takes the bus and you have not registered for transportation please register online through your My CBE Account or complete the forms and return them to the school as soon as possible.

The Week Ahead: December 6 - 11, 2015

Sunday, December 6
Deadline to order Special Lunch

Monday, December 7
12:00 - 2:00 Grade 3, Rms. 8, 20 & 26 Speed Skating at the Oval

Tuesday, December 8
Grade 2 Swimming
11:40 - 12:28 Bells
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 5 Drama Club
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir, Rms. 9, 19 & 28
12:00 - 2:00 Grade 3, Rms. 8, 20 & 26 Speed Skating at the Oval
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 5 Guitar Lessons (returning students only)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Wednesday, December 9
Grade 2 Swimming
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4 Pop Choir Club
12:00 - 2:00 Grade 3, Rms. 8, 20 & 26 Speed Skating at the Oval

Thursday, December 10
Grade 2 Swimming
Dryland Training, Rms. 9, 19 & 28
11:40 - 12:28 Bells
1:00 Grade 3 Choir Dress Rehearsal
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program
7:00 pm Grade 3 Choir Concert

Friday, December 11
Grade 2 Swimming
Subway Special Lunch
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 5 Pop Choir Club
1:00 Grade 1 Spanish Assembly

Westgate School Casino Fundraiser

Many thanks to the parent volunteers who helped make the Casino fundraiser a huge success! Thanks go out to Tyler, Susannah, Scott, Joelle, Sharleen, Jennifer, Althea , Karin, Sheri, Mike, Sherri, Kirby, Kelcey, Teresa, Miranda, Bev, Paola, JJ, Denise, Tim, William, Scott, Ryan, Jennifer, Jodi, Natasha, Christy, Alison, Aravind, Susan, Kevin, Caroline, Michelle, Mike, Kelly, Aaron, Ken, Guillermo, Diane, Tracy, Gillian, John, Natalie, Alex and Geoff.  What a team, we could not have done it without you!

The numbers are not in but we expect that Westgate School will receive approximately $65,000. Many of the computers, Smart Boards, bussing and sub support for field trips and swimming, classroom resources, music instruments, and much much more, are paid for with these funds.

On behalf of everyone at Westgate, THANK YOU!

The Week Ahead: November 30 - December 4, 2015

Monday, November 30
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 5 Pop Choir Club

Tuesday, December 1
11:40 - 12:28 Bells
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 19 & 26)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 5 Drama Club
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 5 Guitar Lessons (returning students only)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Wednesday, December 2
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4 Pop Choir Club
1:00 Grade 2 Spanish Assembly

Thursday, December 3
Dryland Training, Rms. 8, 20 & 26
11:40 - 12:28 Bells
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20 &28)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Friday, December 4
Non Instruction Day - No School

Community Education Service Programs

The Community Education Service (CES) provides parents/caregivers and other community members with opportunities to access free, evidence-informed education sessions and resource materials to address child, youth, and family health and mental health needs. This service is provided to families by the Alberta Heath Services.  The educational sessions they offer include a wide variety of topics relevant to families with children of different ages. 

New program information will be posted weekly on the Westgate website at http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b140/parents.htm.

The Week Ahead: November 23 - 27, 2015

Monday, November 23
Grade 4 & 5 Drama - Rms. 14, 15 & 16

Tuesday, November 24
Grade 1 French, Rms. 1 & 2 Leighton Art Centre
Grade 1 Spanish, Rms. 22 & 32A Telus Spark
Grade 4 & 5 Drama - Rms. 14, 15 & 16
11:40 - 12:28 Bells
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 19 & 26)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 5 Drama Club
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 5 Guitar Lessons (returning students only)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Wednesday, November 25
Grade 1, Rms. 30, 33A & 33B Leighton Art Centre
Grade 4 & 5 Drama - Rms. 14, 16 & 17
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4/5 Pop Choir Club

Thursday, November 26
Grade 1 Spanish, Rms. 23 & 32B Telus Spark
Grade 5 Spanish U of C Field Trip
Grade 4 & 5 Drama, Rms. 13, 15 & 16
Grade 5 French - Wavemaker Presentation
11:40 - 12:28 Bells
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20 &28)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program
7:00 School Council Meeting

Friday, November 27
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 5 Pop Choir Club - Rescheduled

Calgary After School Program

The Calgary After School Program is a free program currently being offered to boys and girls grades 4 - 5.  They enjoy a healthy snack, make new friends, explore creativity and achieve their daily physical activity.

Beginning in January, the program will be open to grade 3 - 5 students. Registration is ongoing, students who are not currently participating are welcome to register.  Forms and information are available on the Westgate website at http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b140/forms.htm.

Making School Mathematics Make Sense

The College of Alberta School Superintendents and the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia invite parents, students, teachers, school & system leaders, and community members to participate in the first of a series of sessions featuring Dr. James Tanton on the timely topic: Making School Mathematics Make Sense

Where | St Leo's Elementary School (gymnasium), 6220 Lakeview Drive S.W.
When | Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m.
There is no admission charge

Dr. James Tanton is recognized internationally for his ability to make mathematical ideas, concepts and "FACTS" simple to understand, repeat, practice and apply in solving problems. He stresses the need to teach students to THINK their way through solutions, and then demonstrates using "common sense" approaches.

This presentation will focus specifically on seeing and understanding a way to make the arithmetic we learned in school come alive with meaning.

It is very relevant to the mathematics taught from Grades 4 to 12.

National Jersey Day

On Thursday, November 19th Westgate School will participate in National Jersey Day.  Show your love and support for sport by wearing a jersey, team or club uniform to school.

National Child Day

There is an opportunity coming up on Sunday, November 22nd for Westgate students ages 6 - 12  and their families. Support National Child Day by attending a free event hosted by Community and Neighbourhood Services.

To register in advance, please call Angel Jackson at 403.476.7163 or email angel.jackson@calgary.ca.

For more information please see:  National Child Day

Get Involved in Improving Public Engagement at the CBE

Attend in-person on November 18, November 24 and December 3rd.  An online survey is coming soon.

For more information please see:  http://www.cbe.ab.ca/get-involved/public-engagement/Pages/Public-Engagement-Framework.aspx

The Week Ahead: November 16 - 20, 2015

Monday, November 16
Grade 4 & 5 Drama - Rms. 12, 13 & 18

Tuesday, November 17
Grade 4 & 5 Drama - Rms. 12, 17 & 18
11:40 - 12:28 Bells
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 19 & 26)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 5 Drama Club
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 5 Guitar Lessons (returning students only)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Wednesday, November 18
Grade 4 & 5 Drama - Rms. 14, 16 & 17
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4/5 Pop Choir Club
3:00 - 6:00 Book Fair
3:00 - 6:00 Parent Teacher Conferences (Sr. Diego/Mr. Rathje and Mme Jessica/Mme Amanda Only)

Thursday, November 19
Jersey Day - Wear a jersey, team or club uniform
8:15 - 7:00 Book Fair
Grade 4 & 5 Drama, Rms. 13, 15 & 16
11:40 - 12:28 Bells
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20 &28)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program
3:00 - 7:00 Parent Teacher Conferences

Friday, November 20
8:00 - Noon Parent Teacher Conferences - No School

Remembrance Day Assembly

A Remembrance Day Assembly will be held tomorrow, November 10th, for Westgate students only. Each student will receive a poppy to wear at the assembly. Donations to the Poppy Fund will be collected at the school if you wish to send money with your child.  There is no school on Remembrance Day, Wednesday, November 11th.

Parent Teacher Conferences

On Thursday, November 19th, and Friday, November 20th, 2015, we will hold our second round of Parent Teacher Conferences. The purpose of these conferences is to discuss student progress and next steps in learning. In this round of conferences we ask parents and guardians to bring their student(s) with them to the conference so that students may share two pieces of work.

You may recall that last year we held two sharing nights, one in November and one in May. We believe that we can accomplish the goals of the November sharing night by having students share their work at Parent Teacher Conferences. As a result, we will not hold the November Sharing Night. The May sharing night will take place because there is a significant gap in time between it and our March parent-teacher conferences. Students will have made much progress in that period of time and they will be able to share this with parents and celebrate successes.

The on-line booking system will open on Thursday, November 12th at 6:00am. A link to the Conference Manager is located under Quicklinks on the main page of our website.

We look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks!

Book Fair

Our Library will be holding a fundraising book fair during Parent/Teacher Conferences, November 18th - 20th, 2015.

Book Fair Hours
November 18th: 3:00 - 6:00pm
November 19th: 8:15 - 7:00pm
November 20th: 8:00 - Noon

If you would like to volunteer to help at the Book Fair call Brenda at 403-777-8420 Ext 2 or email blbielert@cbe.ab.ca.

In order to avoid long line ups, cash or cheque is preferred as our debit machine is very slow.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found items are currently displayed on tables in the front entrance. Items will remain on display during Parent Teacher Conferences. Please remember to check for your child’s lost items by noon on Friday, November 20th. Unclaimed items will be sent to charity after the completion of conferences.

From the Administration - Traffic and parking around Westgate

We would like to take this opportunity to remind our school community to be very careful when driving and parking near Westgate School.

We need your help to provide a safe place for our students to walk onto the playground or into the building.

• Please observe all posted signs. 
• Dropping students off in any parking lot is prohibited.  
• It is illegal to block crosswalks and driveways or park within 5 metres of a corner. 
• Please take an extra few minutes to find a safe place to park on the side streets.  

The school is considering a number of strategies to help manage traffic around the school.  I will sit on a City of Calgary committee to look at traffic calming solutions along 8th Avenue SW.  This process may lead us to consider implementing an AMA School Safety Patrol or a Kiss and Ride type of morning drop-off.  We will keep you informed as we learn more about the viability and value of these options.

In consultation with the Calgary Police Service we have decided to assist drivers with identification of potential danger areas by placing fluorescent yellow traffic cones at either end of the three crosswalks near Westgate.  We will also use cones at other key locations such as corners to remind drivers of the presence of pedestrians.  Please leave the cones on the road. We will remove them at the end of the school day.

We will try this until the winter break, and at that point determine if we will continue the practice into the new year.

Thank you for your cooperation!

- Mr. Fehr

The Week Ahead: November 9 - 13, 2015

Monday, November 9
Grade 4 & 5 Drama - Rms. 10, 11 & 29
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 5 Pop Choir Club

Tuesday, November 10
Remembrance Day Assembly - For Students Only
11:40 - 12:28 Bells
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 19 & 26)
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 5 Guitar Lessons (returning students only)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Wednesday, November 11
Remembrance Day - No School

Thursday, November 12
Conference Manager Opens at 6:00 am
Grade 4 & 5 Drama, Rms. 10, 11 & 29
11:40 - 12:28 Bells
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20 &28)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Friday, November 13
Pizza Special Lunch
Grade 4 & 5 Drama - Rms. 12, 13 & 18
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Pop Choir Club

Photo Retakes and Class Photos

Photo retakes and class photos will take place on Thursday, November 5th.

If you have not already done so, please return your child’s order form to give to the photographer on retake day. If you have lost the proof sheet, please send a handwritten note with your child to request a retake including your choice of background color (grey, blue, purple, green or red).

If your child was absent from school on the original photo day or is new to the school please notify your child’s teacher that they need to have their photograph taken.

Halloween Happenings

On Thursday, October 29th, students are invited to dress in their Halloween costumes.  Please send your child to school dressed in their costume for the whole day.  Costumes that include weapons or are of a violent or gory nature are not permitted.

During the afternoon students will participate in Halloween activities.

The Week Ahead: October 26 - 30, 2015

Monday, October 26
9:00 Grade 1 French Dress Rehearsal - Students only
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 5 Pop Choir Club
1:00 Grade 1 French Assembly - Parents welcome

Tuesday, October 27
8:45 - 9:45 Emily Carr Performance - Students only
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 19 & 26)
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 5 Guitar Lessons (returning students only)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Wednesday, October 28
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Pop Choir Club

Thursday, October 29
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20 &28)
1:00 - 1:30 School Assembly - Students only (Halloween/Dia de los muertos)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Friday, October 30
Non-Instructional Day - No School for Students

The Week Ahead: October 19 - 23, 2015

Monday, October 19
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 5 Pop Choir Club

Tuesday, October 20
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 19 & 26)
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 5 Guitar Lessons (returning students only)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Wednesday, October 21
Grade 5 Vaccinations in the morning
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Pop Choir Club

Thursday, October 22
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20 &28)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program
7:00 pm School Council Meeting

Friday, October 23
11:40 - 12:04 Grade 4 PE Junior Committee

Westgate School Casino

There are still several vacant shifts available for the upcoming casino. If you are not signed up already, please let me know if you are able to work any of these available shifts …

Friday, November 27   10:55 AM - 7:15 PM (Backup Only)
Friday,  November 27  7:00 PM - 3:45 AM
Friday,  November 27  11:30 PM - 3:30 AM
Saturday, November 28  7:00 PM - 3:45 AM
Saturday, November 28  7:15 PM - 3:15 AM
Saturday, November 28  11:30 PM - 3:30 AM

It is such a privilege to host this casino! We need 14 more volunteers to make it happen. Volunteering for one shift at the casino will make a big impact on your child’s learning at Westgate. Consider signing up for a shift especially if you have not worked a casino for Westgate yet. You may choose to volunteer a grandparent or other wonderfully generous body. My deadline to submit names is fast approaching, please let me know as soon as possible.

Email me at jeannetteandjeff@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Jeannette Page
Casino Coordinator

Westgate School Council Executive

On September 24, 2015 the Westgate School Council/Society held an Annual General Meeting to elect a new executive.  The new executive is as follows:

Westgate School Council Executive

Co-Chairs:  Maria Stevens & Althea Adams
Co-Vice Chairs:  Brandi Dyck & Sue Scott
Secretary: Jennifer Lavier Jankovic
Key Communicator: Vacant

Westgate Parent Society Executive

President:  Althea Adams

Vice-President:  Brandi Dyck

Secretary:  Jennifer Lavier Jankovic

Treasurer: Debbie Rath

Directors:  Brenda Boudreau & Maria Stevens

The Week Ahead: October 11 - 16, 2015

Sunday, October 11
Special Lunch Order Deadline

Monday, October 12
Thanksgiving Day - No School

Tuesday, October 13
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 19 & 26)
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 5 Guitar Lessons (returning students only)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Wednesday, October 14
Grade 4 French - Landfill Field Trip

Thursday, October 15
Grade 4 Spanish - Landfill Field Trip
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20 &28)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Friday, October 16
Pizza Special Lunch

Calling all Zombies!

Wanted: Zombies
When: Thursday, October 29, 1:00-1:40 pm, as part of the Halloween assembly and student costume parade
Location: Westgate School gym stage
Purpose: Entertain and lead the kids. Parents will perform dance moves to Thriller. Students will perform the dance following the parents lead.

RSVP: Space is limited, and we need to create the list of zombies before October 9th.
please contact Sue Scott, suzanne88scott@gmail.com

Lego Building Contest

For information on the Westgate Community Lego Building Contest please click here: Westgate Lego Building Contest.

New Westgate School Website Postings

The Westgate School October 2015 Calendar is now available at http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b140/calendar.htm.

The Library Exchange Schedule has been added to the Westgate Quicklinks.

The Week Ahead: October 5 - 9, 2015

Tuesday, October 6
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 19 & 26)
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 5 Guitar Lessons (returning students only)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, October 8
Student Photo Orders Due
Star Wars Ready Day
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20 &28)
2:45 - 4:45 Gr. 4-5 Calgary After School Program

Friday, October 9
Westgate School Non Instruction Day - No School

Student Photo Proofs

Student photo proofs are being sent home today, orders are due on Thursday, October 8th.

Photo retakes and class photos will take place on Thursday, November 5th. If your child requires retakes, please write “retake” at the top of the order form and return to your child’s teacher. Your child will require the order form to give to the photographer on retake day.

The Week Ahead: September 28 - October 1, 2015

Monday, September 28
Sound Kreations Dance Program begins and runs until Oct. 16th (During regular PE times)

Tuesday, September 29
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 19 & 26)
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 5 Guitar Lessons (returning students only)

Thursday, October 1
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20 &28)

Terry Fox Run at Westgate

Gator pride!!

School Fees and Forms

School fees are now past due. School fee payment for Instructional Supplies and Activity Fees can be done online through your My CBE Account. If you are unable to pay online, please print the attached fee agreement and return it to the school along with cash or a cheque.

If you have not already done so, please remember to return your “blue” forms to school with your child as soon as possible.

School Blog

Parents are encouraged to subscribe to the Westgate School Blog, to receive email updates, by clicking on the "Subscribe to Westgate News by Email" link located above.

Special Lunch

Westgate School's first Special Lunch Day is Friday, October 16th. All special lunch dates for the year have been posted on the Healthy Hunger website. Orders can be placed for the remainder of the year or individually prior to monthly deadlines. Orders will not be accepted after the cut-off date (Sunday night prior to the special lunch day). Please see the attached instructions to register and place your order.

If you are interested in helping for any of the special lunch days this year and you have a police clearance, please email rtnbirch@gmail.com. There is no need to commit to specific dates at this time, an email will be sent to you prior to each special lunch day.

SUTP Coupon Books

A reminder, SUTP Coupon Book orders are due Monday, September 28th. If you have not already submitted your order and wish to do so, please return your order to your child’s teacher.

Terry Fox Run

Westgate School will be holding our annual Terry Fox Run on Thursday, September 24th from 1:55-2:25 p.m. In classes, students have been practicing and preparing for the run while reflecting on the values involved in this event.

Students will be running one-kilometer laps around the field. Please remember to dress accordingly, with outdoor running shoes. If they wish, families are welcome to show their support and join in the run.

Students and families are asked to bring a “Toonie for Terry” donation; all funds raised will go to the Terry Fox Foundation.

Thank you for your support.

The Week Ahead: September 28 - October 1, 2015

Monday, September 21
Photo Day

Tuesday, September 22
Welcome Back Assembly - For Students Only
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 19 & 26)
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 5 Guitar Lessons (returning students only)

Thursday, September 24
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20 &28)
1:55 Terry Fox Run
3:00 - 7:00 Parent Teacher Conferences
7:00 Parent Council AGM

Friday, September 25
8:00 - 12:00 Parent Teacher Conferences

Yellow School Bus Registration

Administration has released a report that provides information on plans to adjust yellow school bus service for elementary and junior high students. The report goes to the Board of Trustees tomorrow.

By mid-October students riding yellow school buses will be accessing stops in alignment with travel distances of 1.6 and 1.8 km for elementary and junior high schools. As we plan safe and accessible bus stop locations, there may be slight variances in these distances for some students.

If you have not already done so, it is important that you submit your transportation registration forms by Friday, September 25th. This will allow us to finalize our ridership numbers and continue working through solutions to change routes.

Registration can be completed online through your My CBE Account or forms are available at the school office.

Mulching Event

The City of Calgary 2014 tree disaster recovery program, is offering free tree mulch to communities throughout Calgary. A tandem of mulch will be delivered to the school and dropped off in the parking lot on the North (8th Avenue) side of the Westgate Community Centre. Westgate School will have a school wide event on Friday, September 11 where students and parents will spread mulch in designated areas of the school grounds. We are looking for parent volunteers to assist in this event. 

How can you help?

- Drop off wheelbarrows and shovels to the front of the school ON FRIDAY, with your name clearly labelled.

- Come and work with your child's class to spread the mulch. (See attached class schedule and check in with a parent in an orange vest when you arrive.) Come during the day to help with the spreading with mulch.

If you can volunteer at this event, please email Mme Heather White hcwhite@cbe.ab.ca.

PLEASE NOTE:  Due to the mulching event the Welcome Back Assembly for students has been postponed  to Tuesday, September 22nd.

Welcome Back

Dear Westgate Parents and Guardians,

This is a quick note to let you know that we had a great first day of school at Westgate! It was a real pleasure for all staff to see the bright smiling faces of our students this morning. Our Grade 1 students were outstanding as they experienced a full school day. Our Grade 1’s ate lunch at school for the first time and went out for recess! We welcomed a number of new students to the Westgate school community as well. Our veteran Gators did an excellent job of supporting them through the day! Thank you to all of our students for being such wonderful citizens of our school community. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher, Sra. McCruden, or me if you have questions regarding your child’s education at Westgate. We wish everyone an enjoyable school year!

Warm regards,
Scott Fehr
Principal, Westgate School

Bus Maps

Please note that at the end of the day all busses pick up students at Westgate School first and then proceed to Rosscarrock School to pick up students.

Bus departure from Rosscarrock School is 3:00 pm, please calculate drop off times based on this.

A reminder, if you have not already done so, please email westgate@cbe.ab.ca with your bus information before September 1st. We require the bus route letter and the bus stop number to school and home for each of your children as soon as possible. We also need their name(s) and grades(s). We need this information before your child can take the bus home.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to a brand new school year! It sure is an exciting time!

School starts on Tuesday, September 1st at 8:15.

We do not provide school supply lists. Supplies are provided by the school and parents are charged a flat fee for them later on. All students need to bring is a backpack, indoor shoes, a snack and lunch if they will be staying at school over the noon hour. 

Teachers will be contacting families by noon on Monday, August 31st to let you know about class placement and where to meet on the first day. If for some reason you do not hear from us by noon on Monday, you can give the school a call Monday afternoon, or come to the office on Tuesday morning. Please remember that we do not take teacher requests unless you have important information about your child that we did not have when making class lists in June. 

Bussing students: Bus maps are now available on the Westgate website at http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b140/. They will be available at the school on August 27th.

Please email westgate@cbe.ab.ca with your bus information before September 1st. We require the bus route letter and the bus stop number to school and home for each of your children as soon as possible. We also need their name(s) and grades(s). We need this information before your child can take the bus home. 

Students who go to childcare after school: Please email westgate@cbe.ab.ca with your child’s name, grade and provide the name of the childcare provider that will be picking up your child. 

Students who do not take the bus: Please email westgate@cbe.ab.ca with your child’s name and grade and indicate that your child does not take the bus.

Providing this information helps us enormously. 

Fees: If you have already paid your transportation and/or lunch fees thank you very much. If you registered online in June but have not yet paid, you can now check your My CBE Account to see if you are able to pay your fees online (4-6 weeks after registration). If you have not yet registered, you can register online through your My CBE Account. You can access your account from the CBE website www.cbe.ab.ca/fees and register using the same email address the school has on file for your family. If you are unable to register online, paper forms can be found on the CBE website at http://www.cbe.ab.ca/registration/forms-you-need/Pages/default.aspx or at the school. Forms outlining school-based fees for supplies etc. will be sent out shortly after school starts. 

Welcome Back Picnic: Parents and families are invited to join Westgate staff and students at lunch for a Welcome Back Picnic on Friday, September 4th from 11:40 until 12:28. If you are able to come, bring your own lunch and a picnic blanket! This will be a very informal chance for those who can come to meet teachers, other students and parents. All children will participate, regardless of whether their families can come or not. 

 
Please enjoy your last few days of summer vacation.

Transportation and Noon Supervision Registration

Transportation and noon supervision registrations are due June 25, 2015. Fees do not need to be paid until September. Registrations received after June 25, 2015 impact route design and bus stop locations, and can result in delays to service in September.

Please register online through your My CBE Account or complete the forms and return them to the school no later than June 25th.

The Week Ahead: June 22 - 26, 2015

Thursday, June 25
Last day of school
8:15 - 11:15 Sports Day - All Kindergarten students attend in the morning
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club, Westgate Cup
Report Cards go home

Friday, June 26
No School
Appeals Day 8:00 - 12:00

French Summer Camps

If you are looking for a French Summer Camp, the following links provide information on the programs available in Calgary.

http://francozonecamp.com/en/about-us/

http://www.afcalgary.ca/events/summer-camp/

http://www.cpfalta.ab.ca/Students/camps.htm

Westgate Quicklinks

New Westgate Quicklinks posted on the Westgate website:

Lunchroom Information
Playground Information
Vacations / Extended Absences

Jump Rope for Heart

Congratulations, Westgate School was the third highest fundraising school in Alberta raising $21,145.19.  The Jump Rope for Heart prizes are being sent home with students today. Thank you so much for your support.

The Week Ahead: June 15 - 19, 2015

Monday, June 15
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club

Tuesday, June 16
French Grade 4 - Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Grade 2, Rms. 9, 11 & 19 - Humane Society Presentation

Wednesday, June 17
Spanish Grade 4 - Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Grade 2, Rms. 10, 17 & 22 - Humane Society Presentation

Thursday, June 18
Grade 2, Rms. 8 & 15 - Humane Society Presentation
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club
1:00 Grade 1 Assembly

Friday, June 19
Grade 1 French Culture Fair
11:40 - 12:30 Subway Special Lunch
1:30 Robotics Spanish Grade 4

Sports Day

Beach Party at Westgate!

Our annual sports day this year will take place on Thursday, June 25th, 2015 for Kindergarten to Grade Four classes. Our theme this year will be a “Beach Party”. The students are asked to wear comfortable clothing to school on June 25th as they will be partaking in many sports related activities. They can wear sunglasses, hats, flip-flops and other beach themed items. There are a few activities involving water, however, the students will NOT be getting wet, so we ask that they not wear their bathing suits. We will need volunteers to help set up, run and take down the stations from 8:15 - 11:15 a.m. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have a current police clearance and are able to help out.

Thank you,
Sports Day Committee

The Week Ahead: June 8 - 12, 2015

Monday, June 8
Kindergarten - Full Day Field Trip to Kamp Kiwanis
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club

Tuesday, June 9
11:40 - 12:30 Jr. Supervisor Party

Wednesday, June 10
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club

Friday, June 12
1:30 Robotics Spanish Grade 4

Bike to School Day

Bike to School Day was a huge success!

Tuesday was Bike To School Day at Westgate! We had approximately 215 riders overall at Westgate (maybe even 225 or more), including 101 Westgate students who were registered. Pretty amazing results for a first year effort!

A huge thank you to all of the parent volunteers for your help at the various "stops" for bike-to-school day. Thank you for leading the groups along the route, running the schedule like a Swiss train and helping to ensure a safe and fun ride. A special thank you to Sra Arantxa, Srta Usoa, Susannah Thomsen and Ketty Hoyem for their work organizing the event!

Bike to School Day

Pedal Power! 

Bike to School Update: FAQs

Tuesday, June 2nd is Bike to School Day in Calgary. Biking to school with your children is a fun way to get exercise together, lessen your environmental impact and, most of all, have fun! A number of Westgate families and teachers have organized three bike routes to Westgate School for the morning of June 2, enabling families an easy and fun way to be part of this event and ride together along with their friends and neighbours. They have also connected with the larger Calgary bike-to-school campaign which is offering a draw for 80 prizes from Bowcycle, BikeBike and other area businesses. To learn more about how you and your child can participate in Bike to School Day at Westgate, please visit https://biketoschool.eventbrite.ca. The city-wide organizers are hoping that 10,000 riders across the city will participate this year and we hope that many Westgate students and their parents will be among them!

The Week Ahead: June 1 - 5

Monday, June 1
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club

Tuesday, June 2
Bike to School Day
French Grade 2, Rms. 9 & 10 Griffith Woods Park 9:00 - 11:30
French Grade 2, Rms. 8 & 11 Griffith Woods Park 12:30 - 2:30
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Recorder Club
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club

Wednesday, June 3
Spanish Grade 2, Rms. 17 & 22 Griffith Woods Park 9:00 - 11:30
Spanish Grade 2, Rms. 15 & 19 Griffith Woods Park 12:30 - 2:30
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club

Thursday, June 4
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons

Friday, June 5
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 Recorder Club
1:30 Robotics Spanish Grade 4

The Week Ahead: May 25 - 29, 2015

Monday, May 25
Swimming - French Kindergarten, Rms. 30 & 31 and French Grade 1
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club

 

Tuesday, May 26
Swimming - French Kindergarten, Rms. 30 & 31 and French Grade 1
8:45 - 9:45 Bee Guest Speaker Rm. 8 & 11
10:10 - 11:10 Bee Guest Speaker Room 9 & 10
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Recorder Club

Wednesday, May 27

Thursday, May 28
11:40 - 12:30 Volunteer Tea
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons
7:00 Parent Council Meeting

Friday, May 29
Grade 4 Artist in Residence
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 Recorder Club
1:30 Robotics French Grade 4
 

The Week Ahead: May 18 - 22, 2015

Monday, May 18
Victoria Day - No School

Tuesday, May 19
Swimming - French Kindergarten, Rms. 30 & 31 and French Grade 1
Kindergarten, Rms. 1 & 23 Mixed Media Artist
Spanish Grade 1 Artist in Residence
Grade 4 Artist in Residence
Spanish Grade 2, Rms. 17 & 22 - Calgary Zoo
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Recorder Club

Wednesday, May 20
Swimming - French Kindergarten, Rms. 30 & 31 and French Grade 1
Grade 4 Artist in Residence
Spanish Grade 1 - Calgary International Children’s Festival
Spanish Grade 2, Rms. 15 & 19 - Calgary Zoo
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 1 Sculpture Club

Thursday, May 21
Swimming - French Kindergarten, Rms. 30 & 31 and French Grade 1
Grade 4 Artist in Residence
French Grade 4, Rms. 26 - Fort Calgary
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons

Friday, May 22
Jump Rope for Heart Skipping Event Day
Grade 4 Artist in Residence
11:40 - 12:30 Pizza Special Lunch
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 Recorder Club
1:30 Robotics French Grade 4
5:30 - 8:00 Penny Carnival

Parent Appreciation Tea

All of us here at Westgate School would like to extend a big thank you to all of the many parents who have contributed to our school this year, be it in the classrooms, preparing things for your child’s teacher, helping with school-wide events as well as everything you do to support your child at school! Your time and effort have helped to make our school the special place it is!

In appreciation of our parents and volunteers this year, we would like you to be our guest for a gathering in your honour. Lunch will be provided by our grateful staff.

All parents and volunteers are cordially invited to attend

Thursday, May 28th, from 11:40-12:30 in the school’s gymnasium.

The Week Ahead: May 11-18, 2015

Monday, May 11
Kindergarten, Rms. 1 & 23 Mixed Media Artist
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club

Tuesday, May 12
Kindergarten, Rms. 1 & 23 Mixed Media Artist
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club

Wednesday, May 13
Kindergarten, Rms. 1 & 23 Mixed Media Artist
French Grade 2, Rms. 9 & 10 - Calgary Zoo
Spanish Grade 4, Rms. 28 & 29 - Fort Calgary
11:40 - 12:05 Grade 3 & 4 Hockey Club
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 1 Sculpture Club

Thursday, May 14
Kindergarten, Rms. 1 & 23 Mixed Media Artist
French Grade 2, Rms. 8 & 11 - Calgary Zoo
French Grade 4, Rms. 25 & 27 - Fort Calgary
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons


Friday, May 15
Non Instruction Day - No School

Monday, May 18
Victoria Day - No School

Requests for Placement - Class Lists for 2015-2016

Part of our planning process for next year is to determine class placements for students. At Westgate, teachers and administration will be working together to create class lists. From a school perspective, our overarching and most important goal is to create balanced classes. Teachers take this responsibility very seriously and spend a great deal of time thinking about the best placement for each and every child.

Some of the factors that are considered when creating class lists include: number of students, gender, achievement level, independence, behaviour, leadership skill, and learning style. We also look at social groupings and friendships, our knowledge of individual students, teachers and the student-teacher dynamic.

We believe that we know our students very well and have a good understanding of what would work well for each of them, and that our teachers are the ones who are the best equipped to balance individual needs with what is best for the whole group. We ask that you only give us information that we do not have, and that would help us with placement, rather than requesting specific teachers or other special considerations. We will only take requests under the most exceptional of circumstances. This will help us to balance the classes and make the best decisions for all students.

Thank you for your consideration.

Penny Carnival

Penny Carnival is coming up fast! Mark your calendars for Friday, May 22nd! The carnival will take place from 5:30 to 8:00 pm.

This is our biggest school fundraiser and benefits all students! We hope to see you and your whole family there.

Order forms and ticket payments are due back May 8th. Entry wristbands, pre-ordered raffle tickets and food tickets will be sent home on May 21st or 22nd.

Penny Carnival is volunteer powered, we require help at the following times:

May 8 12:30 - 2:30

May 14 12:30 - 2:30

May 22 12:30 - 2:30

If you have any questions or are able to volunteer please contact Sheri at pennycarnival@gmail.com.

Jump Rope for Heart

We are almost ready to kick-off our annual fundraiser with Jump Rope For Heart. On May 6th, we will have our kick-off assembly in the gym. Each student will receive a jump rope and be encouraged to learn some new skipping moves as we continue to collect donations for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The Week Ahead: May 4 - May 8, 2015

Monday, May 4
Bus Driver Appreciation Day
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 & 4 Magic Cards / Pokeman Cards Club
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 & 4 Knitting Club

Tuesday, May 5
Provincial Election, Westgate is a polling place

Wednesday, May 6
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 1 Sculpture Club
1:30 Jump Rope for Heart Assembly (Students Only)

Thursday, May 7
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons
Sharing Night:  A-L 4:30 - 5:20, M-Z 5:30 - 6:20
6:30 Kindergarten Orientation at Rosscarrock School

Friday, May 8
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 1 Soccer Club
1:30 Robotics - Grade 4 French

Free Hug Project

On Friday, May 1st, when students arrive at school by bus or with their parents they might see some posters that say Abrazos Gratis. That means “Free Hugs” in Spanish. They could be approached by a student from our Grade 1 Spanish class to get a hug. We hope that they like the hug and that they feel happy after. This is part of a project our students are working on where they are learning about how to make happier communities. If students don’t want a hug they can say “No, thank you.”

Keep being awesome!
Room 33 Staff and Students

The Week Ahead: April 27 - May 1, 2015

Monday, April 27
Grade 3 Mixed Media Artist

Kindergarten, Rm 30 & 31 Mixed Media Artist

11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 & 4 Magic Cards / Pokeman Cards Club
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 & 4 Knitting Club

Tuesday, April 28
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 8, 11, 15 & 19
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Guitar Lesson
12:30 Grade 2 Choir Rehearsal (Students Only)

Wednesday, April 29
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 1 Sculpture Club

Thursday, April 30
10:10 Grade 4 Guitar Rehearsal (Students Only)
10:30 Grade 2 Choir Rehearsal (Students Only)
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Comic Club
1:00 Grade 2 Choir Concert Rehearsal
7:00 pm Grade 2 Choir Concert

Friday, May 1
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 1 Soccer Club

Sharing Night – Thursday, May 7, 2015

Sharing Night will take place on Thursday, May 7th, 2015. The purpose of sharing night is to provide parents with an opportunity to come in to their child’s class to see some of the things they are working on and to be able to show you how things happen on a day-to-day basis in his or her classroom. The intent is to demonstrate more of the process of learning than final finished products.

We ask that families come at the following times if possible:

· Last names that begin with A-L from 4:30 until 5:20
· Last names that begin with M-Z from 5:30 until 6:20

We have planned for two sessions to decrease crowding-however-if you need to come at a different time than indicated, please feel free to do so.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Scott Fehr
Principal | Westgate School

Grade 2 Choir / Guitar Concert

Thursday, April 30th

Dress Rehearsal/School Assembly - 1:00 pm

Evening Performance - 7:00 pm

Program: North American Folk Songs

The Week Ahead: April 20 - 24, 2015

Monday, April 20
Grade 3 Mixed Media Artist

Kindergarten, Rm 30 & 31 Mixed Media Artist

11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 & 4 Magic Cards / Pokeman Cards Club
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 & 4 Knitting Club

Tuesday, April 21
Grade 3 Mixed Media Artist
Kindergarten, Rm 30 & 31 Mixed Media Artist
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 8, 11, 15 & 19

Wednesday, April 22
Cabane à Sucre
Grade 3 Mixed Media Artist
Kindergarten, Rm 30 & 31 Mixed Media Artist
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 1 Sculpture Club
7:00 pm - Parent Council Meeting

Thursday, April 23
Grade 3 Mixed Media Artist
Kindergarten, Rm 30 & 31 Mixed Media Artist
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 9, 10, 17 & 22
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Comic Club
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons

Friday, April 24
Non-Instructional Day - No School for students

The Week Ahead: April 13 - 17, 2015

Monday, April 13
Grade 2 Felting (AM - Rm. 11 / PM - Rm. 19)
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 & 4 Magic Cards / Pokeman Cards Club
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 & 4 Knitting Club

Tuesday, April 14
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 8, 11, 15 & 19
Grupo America Latin Dance Show

Wednesday, April 15
Grade 2 Felting (AM - Rm. 22 / PM - Rm. 15)
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons

Thursday, April 16
Grade 2 Felting (AM - Rm. 17 / PM - Rm. 10)
Grade 3 Spanish Sun Protection Presentation
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 9, 10, 17 & 22
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 & 3 Art Club
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Comic Club
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons

Friday, April 17
Grade 2 Felting (AM - Rm. 8 / PM - Rm. 9)
Pizza Special Lunch
1:00 Grade 4 Assembly

The Week Ahead: April 6 - 10, 2015

Monday, April 6
Non Instructional Day - No School

Tuesday, April 7
Swimming Lessons, Kindergarten - Rm. 23
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 8, 11, 15 & 19

Wednesday, April 8
Swimming Lessons, Kindergarten - Rm. 23
Clay for Kids, Kindergarten, Rms. 1 & 3

Thursday, April 9
Swimming Lessons, Kindergarten - Rm. 23
Clay for Kids, Kindergarten, Rms. 30 & 31
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 9, 10, 17 & 22
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 & 3 Art Club
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Comic Club

Friday, April 10
Grade 1 Classes - Aggie Days
Clay for Kids, Kindergarten, Rms. 23

April 2015 Administration Update

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to the final term for 2014-2015! Thank you to all of you who came out to conferences before the break. We appreciate having the time to share more about what your children are doing at school and to show you some of their fantastic work.

Next Year Planning

As we move into spring, our focus starts to shift more and more to planning for next year. Right now this means sitting down for one-on-one conversations with all of our staff. Our goals are to evaluate how each of them feels things have gone this year and to talk with them about their hopes and dreams for next year. The information we gather will help us make decisions regarding long term goals for the school, our school organization for 2015-2016, and staffing for next year.

School Council

At our April School Council meeting, we will be sharing as much as we can about our planning for next year. The School Council has also invited Judy Hehr and Trina Hurdman, our school board trustees, to join us at that meeting to discuss the CBE budget for the 2015/16 school year. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. Please note that the meeting is on Wednesday this month and not Thursday as it usually is.

Book Fair

At our recent parent-teacher conferences, Mme Brenda again did an outstanding job of organizing the Usborne Book Fair. This time around we raised $1056.94 for the school library. Thanks Mme Brenda!

Penny Carnival

Please read the blog posting that follows this admin update for important information about this year’s Penny Carnival. I would like to extend my thanks to Sheri Bolitho and the Penny Carnival Committee for their hard work in providing another great event for our students. This year’s Penny Carnival will take place on Friday, May 22nd.

As always, we invite you to let us know if you have any questions or would like more information about what is happening at the school.


Scott Fehr
Principal
skfehr@cbe.ab.ca

Penny Carnival Update

Hi Westgate Families!

We are having so much fun getting ready for this year's Penny Carnival on May 22nd! We hope you plan to join us there! Look for invitations coming home with your child in the next couple of weeks!

An important part of the Penny Carnival is the raffle. This year we wanted to give you or your company a chance to contribute/sponsor the raffle prizes. If you would like your company name to be featured as one of the donors we are happy to include that information also.

Our raffle prizes this year include baskets with the following themes:

• Family fun night
• Fun for kids 
• Pamper mom
• Pamper dad
• Around the town
• Summer fun 

If you have something you would like to contribute on behalf of your family or company, please send it to school with your child on or before April 9th. If you have any questions about this please be in touch with Sheri Bolitho (Penny Carnival Coodinator) pennycarnival@gmail.com or 403-249-8431.

Some ideas include new board games, passes to a local attraction, gift cards. New items only please.

If you have another idea in mind, please let us know we are looking to make the raffle prizes incredible!

Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you there!

- The Penny Carnival Committee

2015 Community Report

The 2015 Community Report has been posted to the CBE website. It examines our expectations for student success and our progress in achieving those goals, as well as how we spent public resources to support each student in 2013-14.

We are very proud of our students and the outstanding results they continue to achieve. They continue to demonstrate strong academic results, and are achieving success as active, informed and positively contributing young citizens.

We know they are making progress in setting goals, showing initiative and taking risks, as well as doing what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular to do so.

We invite you to review this report to learn more about how we are supporting student success at the Calgary Board of Education.

The Week Ahead: March 30 - April 3, 2015

Monday, March 30
Classes Resume
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 & 4 Magic Cards / Pokeman Cards Club

Tuesday, March 31
Swimming Lessons, Kindergarten - Rm. 23
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 8, 11, 15 & 19
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Reading Club

Wednesday, April 1
Swimming Lessons, Kindergarten - Rm. 23

Thursday, April 2
Swimming Lessons, Kindergarten - Rm. 23
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 9, 10, 17 & 22
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 & 3 Art Club
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Comic Club

Friday, April 3
Good Friday - No School

The Week Ahead: March 16 - 20

Monday, March 16
Tennis during regular Phys. Ed. times
Read2gether, Calgary Reads

Tuesday, March 17
Tennis during regular Phys. Ed. times
Read2gether, Calgary Reads
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 8, 11, 15 & 19

Wednesday, March 18
Tennis during regular Phys. Ed. times
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons
3:00 - 6:00 Parent/Teacher Conferences (Team Teaching Groups Only)

Thursday, March 19
No Kindergarten Classes
Parent/Teacher Conferences
- K:  8:15 - 2:30
- K - 4:  3:00 - 7:00
(Guitar Concert during Conferences - Cancelled)
Tennis during regular Phys. Ed. times
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 9, 10, 17 & 22
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 & 3 Art Club
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons

Friday, March 20
No School
Parent/Teacher Conferences- K - 4:  8:00 - 12:00

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th. Mr. Rathje/Maestra Jorda Juanos and Srta Sachez-Hernandez/Sr Tellez-Rodriguez will also have additional times available on Wednesday, March 18th. The on-line booking system will open, tomorrow, March 12th at 6:00am. The link to the Conference Manager is now located under Quicklinks on the main page of our website.

Our Library will be holding a fundraising book fair during Parent/Teacher Conference, March 18th - 20th, 2015.

Book Fair Hours
March 18th: 3:00 - 6:00 pm
March 19th: 8:00 - 7:00 pm
March 20th: 8:00 – Noon

We hope to see you there!

In order to avoid long line ups, cash or cheque is preferred as our debit machine is very slow.

Family Science Fun Night

What a night!

Westgate hosted its first Family Science Fun Night last night!

It was jam-packed! 

The barge challenge ... how many marbles could your barge hold?

Ben Gadd reveals the mysteries of rocks ...

Curious minds ...

Newspaper towers ... who could build the tallest one?

Many thanks to Althea Adams for organizing the evening!!!

And to the APEGA volunteers for the excellent facilitation and support they provided.

The Week Ahead: March 8 - March 13, 2015

Sunday, March 8
Deadline to order Special Lunch

Monday, March 9
Tennis during regular Phys. Ed. times
Read2gether, Calgary Reads

Tuesday, March 10
Tennis during regular Phys. Ed. times
Wee Read, Calgary Reads
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 8, 11, 15 & 19
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 4 Reading Club

Wednesday, March 11
Tennis during regular Phys. Ed. times
Grade 1 & 2 Bake Sale:  $1.00 - 1 item limit (Proceeds donated to the Alberta Children's Hospital)
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons

Thursday, March 12
6:00 am Conference Manager Opens
Tennis during regular Phys. Ed. times
All Kindergarten Classes at Telus Spark (All day field trip)
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 Choir, Rms. 9, 10, 17 & 22
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 3 Comic Club
11:40 - 12:30 Grade 2 & 3 Art Club
2:50 - 3:40 Grade 4 Guitar Lessons

Friday, March 13
Tennis during regular Phys. Ed. times

Subway Special Lunch

Family Science Night

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT!!!

Westgate School is hosting a Family Science Night presented by The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta.  All Westgate families are invited to attend an evening of fun hands-on science activities and demonstrations.

We encourage you to attend at the follow times to decrease congestion:  

A-L   6:00 to 7:00

M-Z    7:00 to 8:00

Please click here for more information.