The Week Ahead: December 18 - 22, 2017

Monday, December 18
8:15 - 10:15 Green Calgary - Grade 4 Spanish, Rm. 11
11:30 - 12:20 Grade 5-6 Lego League Robotics Club in Rm. 14
12:10 - 2:30 Speed Skating, Grade 3, Rms. 8, 19 & 20

Tuesday, December 19
Glenbow Museum - Grade 4 French, Rms. 15 & 17
12:10 - 2:30 Speed Skating, Grade 3, Rms. 9, 10, 26 & 32
Celebration of Learning - Rms. 6, 18 & 25

Wednesday, December 20
Grade 5 Christmas Store, Rms. 14 & 16
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 6 Homework Club in Rm. 23
12:10 - 2:30 Speed Skating, Grade 3, Rms. 8, 19 & 20

Thursday, December 21
Last Day of Classes - Classes resume Monday, January 8, 2018

Friday, December 22

Non Instruction Day - No School

Kindergarten Registration

Ukulele 101

The Week Ahead: December 10 - 15, 2017

Sunday, December 10
Deadline to order Special Lunch

Monday, December 11
11:30 - 12:20 Grade 5-6 Lego League Robotics Club in Rm. 14
12:10 - 2:30 Speed Skating, Grade 3, Rms. 9, 10, 26 & 32
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, December 12
12:10 - 2:30 Speed Skating, Grade 3, Rms. 8, 19 & 20

Wednesday, December 13
7:30 - 5:00 Catherine Nicholas Gunn Christmas Store Donation Drop Off
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 6 Homework Club in Rm. 23
12:10 - 2:30 Speed Skating, Grade 3, Rms. 9, 10, 26 & 32
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, December 14
Glenbow Museum - Grade 4, Rms. 11, 18, 28 & 29

Friday, December 15
Last Day for Christmas Hamper Donations
Subway Special Lunch

The Week Ahead: December 4 - 8, 2017

Monday, December 4
11:30 - 12:20 Grade 5-6 Lego League Robotics Club in Rm. 14
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, December 5
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (All Choir Students)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Wednesday, December 6
Grade 3 Dryland Training
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 6 Homework Club in Rm. 23
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, December 7
10:00 Grade 3 Choir Rehearsal

11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

1:00 Grade 3 Choir Rehearsal Assembly

6:30 pm Grade 3 Choir Performance

Friday, December 8
Non Instruction Day - No School

Social Network Safety Presentation | West Ridge School

Opportunity | Casual Lunch Supervisors

Scholastic Book Fair

Thank you to all our parents, students and teachers for your support at the Scholastic Book Fair during Parent Teacher Conferences. Due to everyone’s generosity, sales were over $14,000 of which Westgate will receive $6,600 to support our library collection. A special thank you to all the volunteers that helped at the book fair!!

Congratulations to Layan G. in room 32 who was the winner of the door prize.

The Week Ahead: November 27 - December 1, 2017

Monday, November 27
8:00 - 12:00 Robotics (STEAM Expert) Rms. 8 & 28
11:30 - 12:20 Grade 5-6 Lego League Robotics Club in Rm. 14
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, November 28
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20, 26 & 32)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Wednesday, November 29
8:00 - 12:00 Robotics Rms. 8 & 28
8:15 - 11:25 Grade 5 Vaccinations
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 6 Homework Club in Rm. 23
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, November 30
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 10 & 19)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Friday, November 31
Writing Club in Rm. 22

The Week Ahead: November 19 - 24, 2017

Sunday, November 19
Deadline to order Kernel's Popcorn

Monday, November 20
8:00 - 12:00 Robotics (STEAM Expert) Rms. 8 & 28
11:30 - 12:20 Grade 5-6 Lego League Robotics Club in Rm. 14
12:30 Journalist Guest Speaker - Grade 6
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, November 21
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20, 26 & 32)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Wednesday, November 22
8:00 - 12:00 Robotics Rms. 8 & 28
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 6 Homework Club in Rm. 23
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, November 23
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 10 & 19)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program
6:30 School Council Meeting

Friday, November 24
Kernel's Popcorn Day
Writing Club in Rm. 22

Message from Administration

Du bureau de M Fehr/Desde el escritorio del Sr. Fehr

Buenos dias/Bonjour:

¡Espero que todos estén bien esta tarde! J'espère que tout le monde va bien cet après-midi! We are asking for your cooperation in following traffic safety rules when you are dropping off or picking up your children at school. Please take time to find a safe place to park. Parking, pick up or drop off is not allowed in the following places:

• school parking lots
• within 5 metres of a crosswalk
• within 5 metres of a stop sign or yield sign.

In addition to this I would ask you to consider the safety of our students when dropping them off in the morning on the school side of Westminster Drive or 8th Ave SW.  These areas are used by our school busses and it is difficult for them to safely park and load or unload students with cars in the way. We are working with the City of Calgary to adjust our signage so that we are able to properly manage these areas.

If you choose to drive into the community centre parking lot we ask you to park and walk your child to the school grounds. Please do not exit the community centre parking lot through the school parking lot.  We have many children walking through or near this area and it is not safe to have vehicle traffic there as well.

Thank you for your cooperation and attention to the safety of all of our students.

M Fehr

GatorFest

The Week Ahead: November 13 - 17, 2017

Monday, November 13
Class Photos and Retakes
11:30 - 12:20 Grade 5-6 Lego League Robotics Club in Rm. 14
11:30 - 12:15 Grade 5 & 6 Beaver Computing Challenge in Rm. 23
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, November 14
9:30 - 11:00 Grade 6 Spanish Explorando el Español
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20, 26 & 32)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Wednesday, November 15
11:30 - 12:15 Grade 5 & 6 Beaver Computing Challenge in Rm. 23
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 6 Homework Club in Rm. 23
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program
Book Fair 3:00 - 6:00

Thursday, November 16
No Kindergarten Classes
Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Kindergarten:  11:30 - 2:30
- Kindergarten - Grade 6:  3:00 - 7:00
Book Fair 8:15 - 7:00
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 10 & 19)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

11:25 - 12:22 Grade 1 Art Club in Rm. 15

Friday, November 17
Non Instruction Day - No School
Parent Teacher Conferences
- Kindergarten - Grade 6:  8:00 - Noon
Book Fair 8:00 - Noon

The Week Ahead: November 5 - 10, 2017

Sunday, November 5
Deadline to order Special Lunch

Monday, November 6
11:30 - 12:20 Grade 5-6 Lego League Robotics Club in Rm. 14
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, November 7
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20, 26 & 32)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Wednesday, November 8
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 6 Homework Club in Rm. 23
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, November 9
6:00 a.m. Conference Manager Opens
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 10 & 19)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

11:25 - 12:22 Grade 1 Art Club in Rm. 15
Sharing Night
- Last Names A-L:  5:00 - 5:50
- Last Names M-Z:  6:00 - 6:50

Friday, November 10
10:00 Remembrance Day Assembly
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 5-6
Wok Box Special Lunch

Message from Administration

Du bureau de M Fehr/Desde el escritorio del Sr. Fehr

Buenos dias/Bonjour:

I trust you are all doing well this cold and blustery day! That was also the first sentence of my last message - that's weather in Calgary I guess!  We are settling nicely into the school year.  As always, students and staff are busy with various classroom and extracurricular activities.

Westgate Casino
Many thanks to the parent volunteers who helped make the Casino fundraiser a huge success! Thanks go out to Valerie, Bev, Tyler, Petra, Kelly, Sandra, Susan, Hayley, Carolyn, Sheri, Tatti, Susannah, Karin, Sue, Magdalena, Tom, Scott, Angela, Kathryn, Mila, John and Krista.  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!

Sharing Night
Westgate will hold its first sharing night of the year on Thursday, November 9th, 2017. 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 have been 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 the process of learning rather than final finished products. 

Teachers feel it is important for you to have the opportunity to look at some of your child’s work before Parent-Teacher Conferences which will take place the following week, Thursday, November 16th and Friday, November 17th. Sharing night will allow you to be more informed about your child’s work before coming to the conferences and for the focus of the conferences to be on how to support each of our students with their next steps.

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

• Last names that begin with A-L from 5:00 until 5:50 p.m.
• Last names that begin with M-Z from 6:00 until 6:50 p.m.

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.

Gator Gardens
On October 20th we held an assembly to officially open our new naturalized area, called Gator Gardens.  Students performed songs and presented information about the importance of protecting our environment.  We were pleased to welcome representatives from our donors: McElhanney,  TD Friends of the Environment and Tree Canada. Lynx Fencing has donated labour to build the fence that will separate the naturalized area from the road.  The fence should be completed the week of November 5th.

Our Grade 5 classes, under the guidance of Mme Williams, Mme Charlebois and M Julien, unveiled our new gator mascot that they built in their classroom.  We are now having a contest to name the mascot!

Veterans Food Drive
Leading up to our Remembrance Day Ceremony, the Westgate staff and students will be conducting a food drive for the Calgary Veteran’s Food Bank. The donation drive began today and will continue until our Remembrance Day ceremony on Friday, November 10th.

Non-perishable items such as canned soup, fish and other proteins are of greatest need. Please have your child bring any donations to their homeroom teachers. A collection table is also available inside the front doors of the school.  Thank you for your kindness.

Remembrance Day Assembly

Remembrance Day is on Saturday this year so we will hold our annual Remembrance Day Assembly on Friday, November 10th.  We take this time every year to remember those that have sacrificed so that we can enjoy the freedoms and privileges that we have. This is a student only event as we do not have enough room in the gym for both students and parents.  

School Council
Our School Council and Parent Society held their monthly meeting last Thursday night.  We presented a draft of our school development plan and received feedback from parents. The Parent Society also approved our wishlist to spend the remaining funds from the last casino. I would like to thank all of the parents that work so hard for our school comunity.

I wish you all a great month of November!

A la prochaine!

M Fehr

The Week Ahead: October 30 - November 3, 2017

Monday, October 30
11:30 - 12:20 Grade 5-6 Lego League Robotics Club in Rm. 14
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, October 31
Halloween Happenings - Students are welcome to wear costumes to school all day
9:00 - 9:30 Grade 1 Halloween Assembly for parents
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20, 26 & 32)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program
12:45 - 1:15 Grade 1 Halloween Assembly for Westgate students

Wednesday, November 1
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 6 Homework Club in Rm. 23
2:40 - 4:40 Gr. 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, November 2
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 10 & 19)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

11:25 - 12:22 Grade 1 Art Club in Rm. 15

Friday, November 3
8:30 - 2:30 Glenbow Museum - Grade 3 Spanish
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 5-6
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Sewing Club in Rm. 11

Halloween Happenings

On Tuesday, October 31st, 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 22 - 27, 2017

Sunday, October 22
Deadline to order Kernel's Popcorn

Monday, October 23
11:30 - 12:20 Grade 5-6 Lego League Robotics Club in Rm. 14

Tuesday, October 24
11:00 Fire Drill
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20, 26 & 32)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Wednesday, October 25
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 6 Homework Club in Rm. 23

Thursday, October 26
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 10 & 19)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

11:25 - 12:22 Grade 1 Art Club in Rm. 15
6:30 pm School Council Meeting

Friday, October 27
Kernel's Popcorn Day
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 5-6
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Sewing Club in Rm. 11

First Poppy Presentation

The Royal Canadian Legion would like to invite all Calgarians to join them at The Military Museum of Calgary for the First Poppy ceremony this Saturday, October 21st at 11:00 am.

For further information please click here: First Poppy Ceremony

The Week Ahead: October 16 - 20, 2017

Monday, October 16
Non Instruction Day - No School

Tuesday, October 17
10:00 Lockdown Practice
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20, 26 & 32)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program
11:30 - 12:20 Grade 5-6 Lego League Robotics Club in Rm. 14

Wednesday, October 18
8:40 - 2:25 Weaselhead Wetland - Grade 5 Spanish
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4

Thursday, October 19
8:40 - 2:25 Weaselhead Wetland - Grade 5 French
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 10 & 19)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

11:25 - 12:22 Grade 1 Art Club in Rm. 15

Friday, October 20
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 5-6
12:45 Gator Gardens Celebration - Students Only

The Week Ahead: October 8 - 13, 2017

Sunday, October 8
Deadline to order Special Lunch

Monday, October 9
Thanksgiving Day - No School

Tuesday, October 10
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20, 26 & 32)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Wednesday, October 11
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4

Thursday, October 12
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 10 & 19)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Friday, October 13
Pizza Special Lunch
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 5-6

Calgary Flames Student Night

Click Here for Tickets

Message from Administration

Du bureau de M Fehr/Desde el escritorio del Sr. Fehr

Buenos dias/Bonjour:

I trust you are all doing well this cold and blustery morning! We have had a great start to the year and are looking forward to an October full of exciting learning opportunities for our students! Here are a few updates:

School Organization

Our enrolment is currently at 673 students, 216 in the Spanish bilingual program and 457 in the French Immersion program.  We have 34.5 teachers and 14.5 support staff. Our average class sizes are:

Kindergarten - 16.3	Grade 4 - 21.4
Grade 1 - 21.5	Grade 5 - 25
Grade 2 - 21.3	Grade 6 - 24
Grade 3 - 20.7

We are pleased to use a 0.5 teaching position, funded by Alberta Education's Classroom Improvement Fund, to increase our resource support to 1.2 teachers.

Gator Gardens
If you have been by the school since the start of the school year you may have noticed a big change to the front of our school.  Over the course of two weeks in August the first phase of our naturalized area was created by Landform Landscape, the landscaping contractor selected last spring to build the design created by McElhanney Consulting Services who so generously donated their time and expertise to design our naturalized area.  We are looking forward to offering many unique learning activities to our students using this space.

Food and Birthdays at Westgate
We have recently revised our food statement  not only to reflect provincial nutrition guidelines but also to reduce disruption in the classroom.  We are asking families not to bring food or other items for birthdays. Teachers may celebrate birthdays in the classroom in other ways.  To see our revised food statement please click here: http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b140/food-statement.htm

Railing at NE Doors
If you have entered the school using the NE doors you have no doubt noticed that the railing has been damaged.  This occurred in the first part of September when a car struck the railing and then drove away.  Police were notified but have not been able to find the car that drove into the railing.  We are expecting the railing to be repaired in the near future. 

School Council
Our School Council and Parent Society held their AGMs last Thursday night.  I would like to thank all parents that attended and offered to volunteer their time to our school community.  To see the new executive please click here: http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b140/council.htm

I wish you all a great month of October!

Saludos,

Mr. Fehr

The Week Ahead: October 2 - 6, 2017

Tuesday, October 3
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20, 26 & 32)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Wednesday, October 4
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4

Thursday, October 5
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 10 & 19)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Friday, October 6
Westgate School Non Instruction Day - No School

Terry Fox Run

Westgate’s Terry Fox Run today is a go! The weather looks like it’s going to give us a great day to run together outside. To accommodate our Hip Hop schedule the run has been rescheduled and will take place from 1:30-2:00 pm. Parents are welcome to join.

Westgate Community Upcoming Events

For information on the upcoming Westgate Community events please click here: Westgate Community Events

The Week Ahead: October 2 - 6, 2017

Monday, September 25
Hip Hop Begins

Tuesday, September 26
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 9, 20, 26 & 32)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

Wednesday, September 27
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4

Thursday, September 28
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir (Rms. 8, 10 & 19)
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 5-6 Guitar Program

1:45 - 2:25 Terry Fox Run

6:30 pm School Council AGM

Friday, September 29
11:25 - 12:22 Festival Chorus, Grade 4

Terry Fox Run Postponed

Due to today’s forecasted cold temperatures and the strong possibility of snow, the Terry Fox Run has been postponed until Thursday, September 28th from 1:45 - 2:15 pm.

We apologize for any inconvience this may have caused and thank you for your understanding.

Scott Fehr
Principal

The Week Ahead: September 18 - 22, 2017

Monday, September 18
8:00 Prosthetist Presentation - Grade 4 French

Tuesday, September 19
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir
1:00 Welcome Back Assembly - Students Only

Wednesday, September 20
Photo Day

Thursday, September 21
No Kindergarten Classes
8:15 - 11:25 Grade 5 Vaccinations
11:25 - 12:22 Grade 3 Choir
Parent Teacher Conferences
- Kindergarten:  12:30 - 2:30
- Kindergarten - Grade 6:  3:00 - 7:00
1:45 - 2:25 Terry Fox Run

Friday, September 22
No Classes
Parent Teacher Conferences
- Kindergarten - Grade 6:  8:00 - Noon

The Week Ahead: September 11 - 15, 2017

Monday, September 11
Admazing Coupon Book sales begin

Wednesday, September 13
Kamp Kiwanis - Spanish Grade 6
School Nurse Vaccination Education - Grade 5

Thursday, September 14
Kamp Kiwanis - Spanish Grade 6

Friday, September 15
Conference Manager Opens at 6:00 a.m.
Kamp Kiwanis - Spanish Grade 6

The Week Ahead: September 5 - 8, 2017

Tuesday, September 5
Classes Resume
Kindergarten Staggered Entry - Last names A - L
- AM 8:15 - 10:15
- PM 11:51 - 1:51

Wednesday, September 6
Kindergarten Staggered Entry - Last names M - Z
- AM 8:15 - 10:15
- PM 11:51 - 1:51

Friday, September 8
Welcome Back Picnic 11:25 - 12:22

Message from Administration

Dear Parents,

We have had a wonderful last few days of school at Westgate. Yesterday was our Grade 5/6 Farewell and today we finished the year off with Play Day.  The Grade 5/6 students have again claimed the Westgate Cup after our Student/Staff basketball game!

For a third straight year we are shifting our grade configuration, this time from Grade 1 - 5 to Kindergarten - Grade 6. Our French Immersion program will have Kindergarten - Grade 5 while the Spanish Bilingual program will have Grades 3 - 6. The Spanish Bilingual students at Rosscarrock School this year will move up one grade next year which means our Grade 2 Spanish Bilingual prgram will move to Rosscarrock.  We are working closely with Rosscarrock to coordinate our calendars and the move of resources so that families with children in both schools will not see too much disruption. We wish our French Immersion Grade 5 students and Spanish Bilingual Grade 6 students the best of luck as they move to their new schools next year - most to Bishop Pinkham or A. E. Cross.  You will love it there! It will be an exciting rewarding and stimulating next chapter in your life!

We have a few staff who are currently with us who will not be returning next year. We would like to say thanks to each of them as they have all made important contributions to our school. We will miss you all!

• Adriana McCruden, our Assistant Principal, is moving to Collingwood School as Assistant Principal.
• Maria Parkin will move to Rosscarrock with the Spanish Grade 2 Program.
• Claudia Sasse is moving to Collingwood to teach Kindergarten and to assume a Learning Leader position.
• Olga Jorda and Diego Tellez are returning to Spain;
• Kelly Rathje will move to Griffith Woods to teach Grade 4 and Career and Technology Foundations.
• Kim Sarsons will pioneer the Spanish Bilingual program at A. E. Cross teaching Grade 7 next year.

Meghan Morden, our new Assistant Principal, and I are currently staffing for next year. This process will likely not be complete until late August. At this point we are thrilled to confirm that Patricia Barrera, Yasmina Rivas, Xiomara Guedez, Leah St. John, and Marcelle Poulain will continue at Westgate next year.

As is our normal practice, you will receive a phone call from your child's 2017/18 teacher in the days before the start of school in September.

This is truly a special school community. Adriana and I would like to thank all of our parents and guardians for helping make this a great place for students to learn. We would also like to sincerely thank the teaching and support staff for their hard work, feedback, input, cooperation and openness.

I wish you all an enjoyable summer!

Scott Fehr
Principal

The Week Ahead: June 26 - 30, 2017

Tuesday, June 27
9:00 - 10:00 Grade 5/6 Talent Show
10:30 - 11:40 Grade 5 French / Grade 6 Spanish Farewell Assembly
12:30 - 2:30 Grade 5 French / Grade 6 Spanish Farewell Celebration

Wednesday, June 28
9:00 - 11:30 Play Day
Report Cards go home
Dismissal at 2:36 p.m.

Thursday, June 29
Appeals Day - No School

Friday, June 30
Non Instruction Day - No School

Classes resume Tuesday, September 5, 2017.  Have a safe, happy and relaxing summer!

The Week Ahead: June 19 - 23, 2017

Monday, June 19
Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society Presentation - Grade 1 French, Rms. 2 & 33A
9:00 - 10:30 Grade 6 English PAT - Part B

Tuesday, June 20
9:00 - 10:45 Grade 6 Math PAT - Part A & B
9:05 - 12:30 Weaselhead - Grade 2 Spanish, Rm. 4

Wednesday, June 21
Waste Free Wednesday
Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society Presentation - Grade 1 French, Rms. 30 & 33B
11:40 - 12:25 Grade 5-6 Lego Robotics Club

Thursday, June 22
9:00 - 10:30 Grade 6 Social Studies PAT
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Advanced Guitar Program

Friday, June 23
Jour de Canada - Grade 1 French
9:00 - 10:30 Grade 6 Science PAT
1:30 Canada 150 Assembly

The Week Ahead: June 12 - 16, 2017

Monday, June 12
French Reptile Presentation - Grade 3 French

Tuesday, June 13
11:40 - 12:28 Junior Supervisor Party

Wednesday, June 14

Waste Free Wednesday
8:35 - 2:20 Leighton Centre - Grade 1 French, Rms. 30 & 33A
8:40 - 2:30 Weaselhead Wetland - Grade 5 French, Rm. 14
8:50 - 2:25 Fort Calgary - Grade 4 Spanish, Rms. 11 & 29

11:40 - 12:25 Grade 5-6 Lego Robotics Club

Thursday, June 15
9:30 - 11:30 Fire Station Tour Grade 1 French, Rm. 2
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Advanced Guitar Program
1:30 - 2:30 Grade 4 Celebration of Learning

Friday, June 16
Calgary Zoo - Grade 3 French
8:50 - 2:25 Fort Calgary - Grade 4, Rms. 10 & 18

The Week Ahead: May 29 - June 2, 2017

Monday, May 29
11:40 - 12:28 Festival Chorus

Tuesday, May 30
10:15 - 11:15 Volunteer Appreciation Tea

Wednesday, May 31

Waste Free Wednesday
11:40 - 12:25 Grade 5-6 Lego Robotics Club

Thursday, June 1
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Advanced Guitar Program
12:05 - 2:00 Bishop Pinkham Tour - Grade 5 French
1:30 - 2:30 Celebration of Learning - Grade 2 French
7:00 School Council Meeting

Friday, June 2
Kernel's Popcorn Day
8:30 - 2:25 Fort Calgary - Grade 4 French, Rms. 15 & 17

It's over!

And ... just like that's it's over!  A huge thank you to all of the parents who contributed so much to the Penny Carnival tonight!  

An especially HUGE thank you to Sheri Bolitho who has once again put together a wonderful event and experience for our school community! Thank you Sheri!

Penny Carnival Night!

We're getting ready! Thanks Kelly!

Message from Administration

Du bureau de M Fehr/Desde el escritorio del Sr. Fehr

Buenos dias/Bonjour:

After the winter conditions we saw yesterday it is nice to see a blue sky this morning.  Yesterday afternoon Sra. Guédez was really questioning her decision to come to Calgary!  Yes, this is May weather in Calgary!

I would like to share with our school community a special moment we had yesterday at our staff meeting.  We said farewell to John Ho, our long-time facility operator.  Mr. John retired in April.  I would like to say thank you to John for his dedication to the Westgate school community.  Over the years that I worked with him, I saw a man who always had the best interests of students at heart - and he looked after the rest of us pretty well too.  John did his work nobly and joyfully.  He is an example to all of us.  John is a man of many talents and I know he will enjoy his retirement as he travels, looks after his family and gets to know his new granddaughter.

Link to video!

Best of luck John!

The Week Ahead: May 22 - 26, 2017

Monday, May 22
Victoria Day - No School

Tuesday, May 23
Grade 5 French, Rms. 14 at University School
Artist in Residence - Grade 2 French

Wednesday, May 24

Waste Free Wednesday
Clay for Kids - Grade 3 French
11:40 - 12:25 Grade 5-6 Lego Robotics Club
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, May 25
Artist in Residence - Grade 2 French
Clay for Kids - Grade 3 French
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Advanced Guitar Program
6:00 Kindergarten Orientation

Friday, May 26
5:30 - 8:00 Penny Carnival

Volunteer 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 volunteers this year, we would like you to be our guest for a gathering in your honour. Coffee, tea, and treats will be provided by our grateful staff.

All parents and volunteers are cordially invited to attend Tuesday, May 30th, from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. in the school’s gymnasium.

Student Groupings for 2017/18

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 provide the best learning environment possible for each of our students.  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.  If there is information about your child that we do not have and would help us with placement, please communicate this to your child’s teacher. This will help us to balance the classes and make the best decisions for all students.

We ask that you do not make requests for specific teachers. 

Thank you for your consideration.

The Week Ahead: May 15 - 19, 2017

Monday, May 15
Grade 5 French, Rms. 14 at University School all week
Director's Cut - Grade 1 French, Rm. 33A
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, May 16
Director's Cut - Grade 1 French, Rm. 33B
Artist in Residence - Grade 2 French

Wednesday, May 17

Waste Free Wednesday
DELF Exam
8:40 - 2:25 Weaselhead - Grade 5 Spanish, Rms. 12 & 13
11:40 - 12:25 Grade 5-6 Lego Robotics Club
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, May 18
Artist in Residence - Grade 2 French
Alberta Science Network - Grade 1 French, Rms. 33A &B
8:40 - 2:25 Weaselhead - Grade 5 French, Rms. 16
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Advanced Guitar Program

Friday, May 19
Non-Instruction Day - No School

The Week Ahead: May 8 - 12, 2017

Monday, May 8
Grade 4 French, Rms. 17 & 18 at University School all week
Grade 5 Artist in Residence, Rms. 12, 13 & 14
Director's Cut - Gr. 1 French, Rm. 2
11:40 - 12:28 DELF/DELE Tutorials in Rm. 18, Gr. 4-5 French, Gr. 5-6 Spanish

2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program
6:30 Que Pasa at the Jubilee Auditorium (Gr. 3 Spanish, Festival Chorus and Advanced Guitar)

Tuesday, May 9
Director's Cut - Gr. 1 French, Rm. 30
10:15 Grade 5 Celebration of Learning (Grades 1, 2 & 3)
1:00 Grade 5 Celebration of Learning (Grades 4, 5 & 6)

Wednesday, May 10

Waste Free Wednesday
9:00 - 2:25 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary - Gr. 1 French, Rms. 33A&B
11:40 - 12:25 Gr. 5-6 Lego Robotics Club
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, May 11
Grade 6 PAT, English Part A
9:00 - 2:25 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary - Gr. 1 French, Rms. 2 & 30
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Advanced Guitar Program

Friday, May 12
Cultural Day

Pizza Special Lunch

The Week Ahead: May 1 - 5, 2017

Monday, May 1
8:30 - 2:25 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary - Gr. 4 Spanish, Rms. 11 & 29
11:40 - 12:28 DELF/DELE Tutorials in Rm. 18, Gr. 4-5 French, Gr. 5-6 Spanish

2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, May 2
Grade 5 Artist in Residence, Rms. 13, 14 & 16
8:30 - 2:25 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary - Gr. 4 Spanish/French, Rms. 10 & 18

Wednesday, May 3

Waste Free Wednesday
Hats on for Mental Health Day
Grade 5 Artist in Residence, Rms. 13, 14 & 16
9:30 - 11:30 Walk to Fire Station - Gr. 1 French, Rm. 33B
11:40 - 12:25 Gr. 5-6 Lego Robotics Club
11:40 - 12:28 Festival Chorus
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, May 4
Grade 5 Artist in Residence, Rms. 12, 13 & 16
8:30 - 2:25 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary - Gr. 4 French, Rms. 15 & 17
9:30 - 11:30 Walk to Fire Station - Gr. 1 French, Rm. 33A
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Advanced Guitar Program

Friday, May 5
Grade 5 Artist in Residence, Rms. 12, 14 & 16

11:40 - 12:28 Festival Chorus

Westgate School Professional Development

Our Professional Development Day on Monday, April 17th was related to the CBE Indigenous Education Strategy as well as the Truth and Reconciliation Committee recommendations to education.

We had an opportunity to participate in learning/awareness enhancing activities at the Aboriginal Learning Centre which is a CBE Preschool/Primary School.

Some of these learning activities were led by Lesley Tait, a Learning Leader at this school and two ATA members Shannon Gallant and Meghan Senechal.

The Week Ahead: April 23 - 28, 2017

Sunday, April 23
Deadline to order Kernel's Popcorn

Monday, April 24
11:40 - 12:28 DELF/DELE Tutorials in Rm. 18, Gr. 4-5 French, Gr. 5-6 Spanish

2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, April 25
Cultural Day
8:30 Grade 5 Vaccinations
8:30 Calgary Science Network Presentation - Grade 4

Wednesday, April 26

Waste Free Wednesday
11:00 - 2:00 Grade 5, Rm. 14 Visit to Penbrooke Meadows School
11:40 - 12:25 Gr. 5-6 Lego Robotics Club
11:40 - 12:28 Festival Chorus
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, April 27
Grade 5 Artist in Residence, Rms. 12, 14 & 16
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Advanced Guitar Program
7:00 pm School Council Meeting

Friday, April 28

Kernel's Popcorn Day
Grade 5 Artist in Residence, Rms. 12, 13 & 14
11:40 - 12:28 Festival Chorus

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 March. Due to everyone’s generosity, sales were over $9,400 of which Westgate will receive $4,500 to support our library collection. A special thank you to all the volunteers that helped at the book fair!!

Congratulations to Alexandra H. in room 17 who was the winner of the door prize.

The Week Ahead: April 17 - 21, 2017

Monday, April 17
Non Instruction Day - No School for Students

Tuesday, April 18
Gymnastics begins during P.E.
11:40 - 12:28 DELF/DELE Tutorials in Rm. 18, Gr. 4-5 French, Gr. 5-6 Spanish
12:55 - 1:30 A.E. Cross Band Performance

Wednesday, April 19

Waste Free Wednesday
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, April 20
8:30 - 2:30 National Music Centre - Grade 3 French
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Advanced Guitar Program

Friday, April 21

10:15 A.E. Cross Grade 7 Orientation - Grade 6 Spanish, Rms. 22 & 23
11:40 - 12:28 Festival Chorus

The Week Ahead: April 10 - 14, 2017

Monday, April 10
11:40 - 12:28 DELF/DELE Tutorials in Rm. 18, Gr. 4-5 French, Gr. 5-6 Spanish
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, April 11
12:15 - 12:30 Westgate School Presentation to the Board of Trustees Presentation at the Education Centre

Wednesday, April 12
Waste Free Wednesday
Alberta Science Network - Grade 1 French, Rms. 2 & 30
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program
6:30 pm  Anxiety in Children presentation at Dr. Roberta Bondar School

Thursday, April 13
Cultural Day
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Advanced Guitar Program

Friday, April 14

Good Friday - No School

Anxiety in Children Presentation

Dr. Roberta Bondar School would like to invite Westgate families to an evening with Kelly Moroz of Moroz Child Psychology Group on Wednesday, April 12th at 6:30 pm.  Kelly will be discussing anxiety in children, behaviors that may be observed and how parents can support their children.

Bringing Hope to Ecuador

One year ago, a powerful earthquake hit Ecuador.  Scouts Ecuador is holding a fundraiser to help rebuild.  For more information on this fundraiser, please click here.

Calgary Roughnecks CBE Night

CBE School Calendars

The Week Ahead: April 2 - 7, 2017

Sunday, April 2
Special Lunch Order Deadline

Monday, April 3
Classes Resume
Grade 4 French, Rm. 15 at 2School all week
Graphic Novel Project with Henry Wise Wood Students - Grade 5 French
3:15 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program at St. Michael's School

Tuesday, April 4
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (All Choir Students)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
12:30 - 2:30 Film Project with Henry Wise Wood Students - Grade 1 French, Rm. 30

Wednesday, April 5
Waste Free Wednesday
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program (Wednesday & Thursday Beginners Groups)
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, April 6
12:45 Grade 2 Choir & Guitar Club Dress Rehearsal Assembly for Grades 1 - 3 Students
1:45 Grade 2 Choir & Guitar Club Dress Rehearsal Assembly for Grades 4 - 6 Students
7:00 pm Grade 2 Choir & Guitar Club Performance

Friday, April 7

11:40 - 12:28 Festival Chorus
The Lunch Lady Special Lunch

The Week Ahead: March 20 - 24, 2017

Monday, March 20
8:30 - 2:30 Glenbow Museum Grade 3 Spanish
9:00 - 11:30 Climbing - Grade 5 Spanish
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program (Thursday's Group)
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, March 21
8:30 - 11:00 Climbing - Grade 4 Spanish
9:30 Henry Wise Wood student visit, Rm. 14 & 16
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (All Choir Students)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
1:30 - 2:30 Rm. 2 Dinosaur Museum display for Parents/Guardians
3:00 - 6:00 Book Fair

Wednesday, March 22

Waste Free Wednesday
8:15 - 7:00 Book Fair
8:30 - 11:00 Climbing - Grade 4 Spanish
8:50 CAWST Presentation - Grade 5 French
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program
3:00 - 7:00 Parent/Teacher Conferences

Thursday, March 23

Non Instruction Day - No School for Students
8:00 - Noon Book Fair
8:15- Noon Parent/Teacher Conferences

Friday, March 24

Non Instruction Day - No School for Students

The Week Ahead: March 13 - 17, 2017

Monday, March 13
Grade 5 French, Rm. 16 at 2School all week
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, March 14
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 3, 5, 6 & 7)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program

Wednesday, March 15
Waste Free Wednesday
8:30 - 11:00 Climbing - Grade 5 Spanish
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 1 Art Club in Rm. 20
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, March 16
Conference Manager opens at 6:00 am
Penny Carnival colouring sheets due
8:30 - 11:00 Climbing - Grade 5 Spanish
10:40 - 11:30 Skating Grade 3 French, Rm. 20
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 4, 25 & 27)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Art Club

Friday, March 17

8:30 - 11:00 Climbing - Grade 4 Spanish
11:40 - 12:05 Festival Chorus

Message from Administration

Du bureau de M Fehr/Desde el escritorio del Sr. Fehr

Buenos dias/Bonjour:

We held our second annual Science Fair at Westgate School yesterday.  It was a great success! The quality and variety of projects produced by the grade 3 and 4 Science Club participants was exceptional.  The success of the Science Fair was a result of the hard work of students and of the support parents provided at home.  I was impressed by the excellent inquiry questions students had asked, by the depth of the research and experimentation that was conducted, and by the ability of the students to articulate their findings.  

The Science Fair would not have been possible without the support of Michelle Dirk and Dee-Ann Evans.  On behalf of the entire Westgate school community, I would like to thank you for your time, expertise and hard work.  There were many other volunteers involved as well: those who came to the eight lunch time clubs to help students with their projects, those who helped set up, repair/clean up projects throughout the day, those who provided moral support to the students, those who judged the project and finally, those who helped in the evening and stayed afterwards to make clean-up a snap. I would also like to thank these parents for their dedication to our school community.

Dee-Ann and Michelle

I would also like to acknowledge the support of our teacher-sponsors, Mr. Rathje, Mme Read, and Mme Myriam. Thank you all.

Scholastic Book Fair

Our Library will be holding a fundraising book fair during Parent/Teacher Conferences, March 21st - 23rd, 2017.

Book Fair Hours

March 21st:  3:00 - 6:00 pm
March 22nd:  8:15 am - 7:00 pm
March 23rd:   8:00 am - 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.

Westgate School Science Fair

The Week Ahead: March 6 - 10, 2017

Monday, March 6
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, March 7
8:30 - 11:00 Climbing - Grade 5 French
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 3, 5, 6 & 7)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3/4 Science Club
1:15 - 2:00 Skating Grade 4 French, Rm. 18

Wednesday, March 8
Waste Free Wednesday
8:25 - 2:30 Safety Expo Grade 5 & 6
8:30 - 11:00 Climbing - Grade 4 French
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 1 Art Club in Rm. 20
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Thursday, March 9
8:30 - 11:00 Climbing - Grade 5 French
10:40 - 11:30 Skating Grade 3 French, Rm. 20
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 4, 25 & 27)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Art Club
1:00 - 2:15 Grade 5/6 Science Showcase
6:00 - 7:00 Grade 3/4 Science Fair (All Westgate Families Welcome)

Friday, March 10

9:00 - 11:30 Walk to Rosscarrock School - Grade 1 French, Rm. 30

11:40 - 12:05 Festival Chorus

Pizza Special Lunch

The Week Ahead: February 27 - March 3, 2017

Monday, February 27
Swimming - Grade 1
1:30 Celebration of Learning - Rms. 18, 20, 26, 30  (Students Only)
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, February 28
Swimming - Grade 1
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 3, 5, 6 & 7)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3/4 Science Club
1:15 - 2:00 Skating Grade 4 French, Rm. 18
1:30 Celebration of Learning - Rms. 18, 20, 26, 30 (Parents/Guardians Welcome)

Wednesday, March 1
Swimming - Grade 1
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 1 Art Club in Rm. 20
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program 

Thursday, March 2
Swimming - Grade 1
10:40 - 11:30 Skating Grade 3 French, Rm. 20
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 4, 25 & 27)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Art Club

Friday, March 3
8:30 - 11:00 Climbing - Grade 4 French
11:40 - 12:05 Festival Chorus

Calgary Opera

The Week Ahead: February 19 - 24, 2017

Sunday, February 19
Deadline to order Kernel's Popcorn

Monday, February 20
Family Day - No School

Tuesday, February 21
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 3, 5, 6 & 7)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3/4 Science Club
1:30 Cinderella, Calgary Opera (Students Only)

Wednesday, February 22
Pink Shirt Day
Harry Knight Flamenco Guitar Performance (Students Only)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
12:36 - 1:36 Skating Grade 5 French, Rms. 14 & 16
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program 

Thursday, February 23
Swimming - Grade 1
9:00 - 10:30 Climbing - Grade 4 French
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 4, 25 & 27)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Art Club
7:00 School Council Meeting

Friday, February 24
Swimming - Grade 1
9:00 - 10:30 Climbing - Grade 5 French
Kernel's Popcorn Day
11:40 - 12:05 Festival Chorus

The Week Ahead: February 13 - 17, 2017

Monday, February 13
8:30 - 2:30 Glenbow Museum - Grade 3 French, Rms. 20 & 32
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program (Thursday's Group)
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, February 14
8:30 - 2:30 Glenbow Museum - Grade 3 French, Rms. 19& 26
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 3, 5, 6 & 7)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program

Wednesday, February 15
Young Actors Project Program - Grade 2 Spanish
9:30 - 11:30 A. E. Cross Tour - Grade 6 Spanish
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 4, 25 & 27)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program 

Thursday, February 16
Teachers' Convention - No School

Friday, February 17
Teachers' Convention - No School

Westgate Community Winterfest

For information on the Westgate Community Winterfest on Saturday, February 11th, 2017, please click here: Westgate Community Winterfest

Message from Administration

Du bureau de M Fehr/Desde el escritorio del Sr. Fehr

Buenos dias/Bonjour:

Wow - what a snowy day!! Unfortunately, we had to keep students in for both recesses today.  It looks like more cold tomorrow and then it should start warming up.  ¡Esperemos! Please leave home a few minutes early in the morning so that you increase the chance of making it to school on time.  Merci beaucoup!

We would like to remind families to take a few minutes to complete two very important surveys.

The Westgate School Council Parent Survey takes approximately five minutes, is anonymous and can be completed on any device: phone, tablet or computer. The feedback collected will be shared with the School Council Executive as well as myself, Sra. McCruden and the school community. The survey will remain open until this Wednesday, February 8th and can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V53ZN62.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email School Council at westgateschoolcouncil@gmail.com.

The Accountability Pillar Survey was mailed to parents/guardians of students in grades 4, 7 & 10 in January.

It is very important that parents/guardians complete the survey and return it to Alberta Education. Alberta Education and the public use the results of the Accountability Pillar Survey to assess satisfaction with the quality of education in our schools. In addition, the Calgary Board of Education uses the information to improve teaching and learning for your children.

When you complete the survey: If you “Don’t Know” the answer to a particular question, please skip that question and go to the next one, unless you want your response to count as a negative one.

Your participation in the survey helps provide important information on the quality of education your child is receiving, so we encourage you to return your survey promptly.

For those that have already complete the surveys, we thank you for your time.

Have great day!

The Week Ahead: February 6 - 10, 2017

Monday, February 6
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, February 7
9:00 - 2:30 Girls in Sports Jumpstart Games - Grade 4 Girls
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 3, 5, 6 & 7)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3/4 Science Club
1:15 - 2:00 Skating French Grade 4, Rms. 15 & 17

Wednesday, February 8
9:00 - 12:45 Storybook Theatre - Grade 5 Spanish
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program 

Thursday, February 9
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 4, 25 & 27)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Art Club

Friday, February 10
Young Actors Project Program - Grade 2 Spanish
Pizza Special Lunch
11:40 - 12:05 Festival Chorus
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Art Club

Accountability Pillar Survey

As an annual check-up on the education system, the Accountability Pillar provides an opportunity for Alberta Education and school authorities to ensure that we are equipping students for success.

The Accountability Pillar uses a set of 16 indicators consisting of surveys of students, parents and teachers on various aspects of quality; student outcomes such as dropout and high school completion rates; and provincial assessments of student learning.

The Accountability Pillar Survey will be conducted from January to the end of February:

• In January, parents/guardians of students in grades 4, 7 and 10 will receive a survey in the mail from Alberta Education. 
• In February, students in grades 4, 7 and 10 and all teachers will be completing their surveys online at school.

All surveys are anonymous and ask questions about experiences with the school. All parents/guardians receive the English version of the survey in the mail, but Alberta Education also provides it in Arabic, Blackfoot, Chinese, Cree, French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog and Urdu. If you would prefer to respond to the survey in one of these languages, please tell the principal of your child’s school and a copy will be sent to you.

It is very important that parents/guardians complete the survey and return it to Alberta Education. Alberta Education and the public use the results of the Accountability Pillar Survey to assess satisfaction with the quality of education in our schools. In addition, the Calgary Board of Education uses the information to improve teaching and learning for your children.

When you complete the survey: If you “Don’t Know” the answer to a particular question, please skip that question and go to the next one, unless you want your response to count as a negative one.

Your participation in the survey helps provide important information on the quality of education your child is receiving, so we encourage you to return your survey promptly.

Survey results will be available to school authorities in May 2017, and will be reported publicly as part of their 3-Year Education Plans and Annual Education Results Reports, posted November 20, 2017.

The Week Ahead: January 30 - February 3, 2017

Monday, January 30
8:30 - 2:20 Glenbow Museum - French Grade 1, Rms. 2 & 30
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, January 31
8:30 - 2:20 Glenbow Museum - French Grade 1, Rms. 33A & 33B
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 3, 5, 6 & 7)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3/4 Science Club

Wednesday, February 1
Alberta Winter Walk Day
8:15 - 11:40 Clay for Kids - Grade 1, Rms. 2 & 30
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program 

Thursday, February 2
Young Actors Project Program - Spanish Grade 2
8:15 - 11:40 Clay for Kids - Grade 1, Rms. 33A & 33B
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 4, 25 & 27)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3 Art Club
1:15 - 2:00 Skating  - French Grade 4, Rms. 15 & 17

Friday, February 3
Non Instruction Day - No School

Westgate School Council Parent Survey

We need your valuable input! Please take five minutes to complete an important Westgate School Council parent survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V53ZN62.

The survey is anonymous and can be completed on any device: phone, tablet or computer. The feedback collected will be shared with the School Council Executive as well as Mr. Fehr, Sra. McCruden and the school community. One of School Council's roles is to represent the views of parents and create a culture of collaboration and respect. By gaining a better understanding of what matters most to parents, we hope to build a stronger, more vibrant school community at Westgate.

The survey will remain open until Wednesday, February 8th.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us at westgateschoolcouncil@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Sheri Bolitho
on behalf of the Westgate School Council

Message from Administration

Du bureau de M Fehr/Desde el escritorio del Sr. Fehr

Buenos dias/Bonjour:

We had an exciting afternoon on Tuesday at Westgate!  Our students assembled in the gym and we revealed our new logo!  Here it is:

We arrived at this design after collecting more than a hundred entries from students and others.  We narrowed them down to approximately 20 based on the criteria set out in the contest: represents Westgate, includes the Gator, simple and versatile.  Teachers provided feedback about the entries and from that we used ideas to create designs that students voted on.  Two designs received an equal number of votes so we combined ideas from each and the end result is what you see above.

At yesterday's assembly we recognized five students whose entries were particularly inspiring to us.

Left to Right: Joshua T., Michael T. Aiden M., Lise D., Victoria D.

Congratulations winners! What a great job! I would also like to recognize Katelyn G. - a Grade 7 student in Houston, Texas, who collaborated with Joshua and Michael on their design.  Each winner received a free t-shirt or hoodie and a $5.00 gift certificate to Dairy Queen. Congratulations to everyone that participated in the contest.

Just a quick word about the meaning behind the logo. First of all, we are Gators! We kept the old version of the Gator because we wanted to keep a connection with the past.  The green and blue world represents bilingualism and our openness to the world. We want our Gators to be thoughtful global citizens when they leave Westgate!  The"W" represents Westgate.  The heart represents how we learn: with a happy and healthy heart!

I would like to thank Sheri Bolitho for her really significant support in moving this forward. Sheri is responsible for the graphic art work, for managing the contest, for ordering the t-shirts and hoodies and for contributing ideas throughout the process.

I am sure many students will want to order t-shirts or hoodies. There are limited quantities available for sale now.  If the demand exceeds the supply on hand another order will be placed and sent home with students once they arrive.

Please send cheques only (payable to Westgate School Parent's Society) along with your order form no later than February 2, 2017.  Hoodies are $25 and t-shirts are $10 each.

If you have any questions or concerns please email or call Sheri at 403-249-8431 or mikesher@telus.net.

Have a great day everyone,

Scott Fehr

The Week Ahead: January 23 - 27, 2017

Sunday, January 22
Deadline to order Kernel's Popcorn

Monday, January 23
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program

Tuesday, January 24
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 3, 5, 6 & 7)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 3/4 Science Club
1:00 Logo Assembly (Students Only)

Wednesday, January 25
8:30 - 2:30 Telus Spark Science Centre - French Grade 2, Rms. 6 & 25
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
2:40 Grade 4-6 Calgary After School Program 

Thursday, January 26
8:30 - 2:30 Telus Spark Science Centre - French Grade 2, Rms. 7 & 27
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Choir (Rms. 4, 25 & 27)
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 4-6 Guitar Program
1:15 - 2:00 Skating  - French Grade 4, Rms. 15 & 17
1:30 S4 Police Visit - French Grade 1, Rm. 33
7:00 School Council Meeting

Friday, January 27
Kernel's Popcorn Day
11:40 - 12:05 Festival Chorus
11:40 - 12:28 Grade 2 Art Club