Traffic Safety 

We were very pleased to have the presence of the CPS here at Westgate on Wednesday morning. We had the opportunity to discuss our concerns with them and they will make some suggestions to the city for adjustments to some of our parking/stopping signage. Stay tuned for more information.  

In the meantime, please be mindful of the following messages based on what we identified as our most predominant concerns: 

• Keeping streets safe is a shared responsibility. 
• Watch for school buses. They have big blind spots, poor maneuverability and need lots of space to move. 
• Be patient, even when you are running late. Take time to make safe and smart decisions 
• Do not enter school bus loading zones, stop or park in designated zones only so buses can safely pull into their designated space 
• Avoid making U-turns in a playground zone or near crosswalks. 
• Never stop or park within 5 m (one car length) of a crosswalk, intersection or stop sign. This will allow pedestrians to be seen as they step off the curb. 
• Drop-off/pick-up further away and walk to school 
• Do not jaywalk or cross the street from between parked vehicles, especially buses. 

Bottle Drive 

Westgate Parents Society is hosting a bottle drive Thursday September 25 from 5-7pm during meet the teacher night. All funds raised will help cover on-site learning experiences such as Matt Mailandt and Frisbee Rob. Look for the Bowness Bottle Depot truck parked along 8 Avenue on the north side of the school. 

Meet the Teacher Night 

We are really looking forward to welcoming the Westgate families to the school this year for “Meet the Teacher Night” on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Please see the schedule here. 

Terry Fox Run 

Hello parents! Our Terry Fox Run is coming soon. Remember to send your child to school with a good pair of runners and a water bottle. Our Terry Fox Run is on September 25 from 1:45pm to 2:15pm. You’re welcome to come and watch or join in the run. We ask that all students enter the school with their teacher for dismissal after the run. Thank you for your support in making our Terry Fox Run a successful event. 

Orange Shirt Day 

Orange shirt day is held annually on September 30. It is an opportunity for all people to come together in the spirit of reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 when residential school survivor, Phyllis Webstad, shared how her orange shirt was taken away on her first day at a residential school.  As there are no classes on September 30, National Indigenous Peoples Day, students are encouraged to wear an orange t-shirt Friday, September 26. AM Kindergarten students does not have school this day and will participate on October 1. 

Gator Gear  

Our Gator Store is now open. To order, please see the website here. 

Casino Volunteers Needed 

We’re recruiting volunteers for Westgate’s casino fundraiser on Thursday, October 2 and Friday, October 3 at Cowboys Casino. 

This event is our school’s biggest fundraiser. Last time we raised $80,000 to support technology, field trips, residencies, music, and classroom resources. The funds benefit every student in every grade. 

We have 6 volunteer spots left to fill! Roles include: Chiprunner, Cashier, and On Call (backup in case of a last-minute cancellation — in most cases, you will not be called in). 

No experience is needed. Training is provided on-site, and there is always a casino advisor available. Volunteers get free parking, a free meal, and a great chance to connect with our school community. 

Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/NOFOkvJ 

Questions? Email us at westgateschoolcasino@gmail.com. 

Important Dates 

September 16 – Photo Day 
September 23 – Special Lunch  
September 24 – Apple Delivery 
September 25 – Terry Fox Run 
September 25 – Bottle Drive 
September 25 – Meet the Teacher (gr. 1-6) 5:00-6:15pm  
September 25&29 – Meet the Teacher (kindergarten) 
September 25 – School Council Meeting 6:30pm 
September 26 – Orange Shirt Day (Grades 1-6, PM Kindergarten) 
September 29 – No School (Non-Instruction Day) 
September 30 – No School (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) 
October 1 – Orange Shirt Day (AM Kindergarten) 
October 2-10 – Frisbee Rob 
October 13 – No School (Thanksgiving Day)