Field Trip and Activity Fees Deficit – 2024-2025 

As we begin the new school year, we want to thank you for your continued support of our school and the experiences we are able to provide for students. These opportunities, such as field trips and special events, are only possible with the contributions made by families. Furthermore, our Parent Society generously supports these learning experiences using monies raised throughout the year.  

At this time, our school is carrying a deficit due to unpaid fees from the 2024–2025 school year. We kindly ask families with outstanding balances to make arrangements for payment as soon as possible through your MyCBE PowerSchool account. Doing so will allow us to plan and confirm this year’s excursions and activities for students without financial strain on the school. 

If you are experiencing challenges in paying fees, please reach out to the school office so that we can work together to find a solution. 

We truly value your partnership and support in ensuring that all students can continue to benefit from engaging and enriching opportunities this year. 

There will be further information about school and central fees in the weeks ahead. 

Merci, 

Mme Julie 

Apple Fundraiser 

Davison Orchards in Vernon, British Columbia, has been growing delicious fruit since 1933! New this year, we are offering pears in addition to apples. By selling these delicious, healthy apples and pears to your family, neighbours and friends, you will be contributing to great school community events such as SnowBall, Carnaval and GatorFest. This is a much-anticipated fundraiser as Davison always provides juicy and delicious produce.  

This year, we have the following to choose from:  

1- Honeycrisp apples ($42.00) 
2- Gala apples ($32.00) 
3- Bartlett pears ($40.00) 

**Prices include delivery charges and Square payment fees 

Order deadline is 11:59 PM (midnight) on Wednesday, September 10th.  

Delivery is Wednesday, September 24th on the northeast lawn of Westgate School (exact pick-up times will be shared once we know when the produce will be delivered).  

We highly encourage everyone to use the Westgate Parents Society's Square account to pay for their order. Please access the site to place your order: ecole-westgate-school-parents-society.square.site 

Please contact Stephanie at westgateschoolcouncil@gmail.com with any questions. 

Don't miss out on these delicious apples and pears for all your baking, cooking and snacking needs! Thank you for supporting our school community! 

Meet the Teacher Night 

We are really looking forward to welcoming Westgate families to the school this year for “Meet the Teacher Night” on Thursday, September 25 from 5:00-6:15PM. There will be further information shared about the schedule next week.  

Families of Kindergarten students will have the opportunity to sign up for a 10-minute conference with the teacher. More info to come on how to sign up.  

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. 

Lates and Absences 

Regular school attendance and punctuality has a huge impact on student success starting in Kindergarten and continuing through high school. It very much sets the tone for learning and community when students enter their designated doors with their peers and begin the day together with their class doing attendance and going over the upcoming day agenda. Families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely everyday and understanding why attendance is so important in school and in life. We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. In these cases, please ensure that you have called the office or sent an email to westgate@cbe.ab.ca to inform the office. Here are a few strategies to help support regular attendance: 

• Listen and show an interest in your child’s day 
• Encourage your child to do well in school and praise their success and improvement 
• Help your child maintain daily routines such as eating breakfast, turning off electronics two hours before bedtime and going to bed early 
• Send your child to school unless sick 
• If your child often complains about being sick or comes home from school sick, there may be more underlying concerns – please contact an administrator 
• Ask for help from the school before the problem gets too big. We are happy to help! 

Drop and Go! Loading and Unloading Zone – North Side of School on 8 Ave 

Please use this zone to stop and/or park to unload your children up to a maximum of 10 minutes, even though the sign says “No Parking” at the top. There is a teacher supervisor present in this area from 7:45-7:55am to ensure students make their way safely to their entrance. 

Personal Mobile Devices  

Please note that all student smartphones and watches must be put “AWAY FOR THE DAY” adhering to administrative legislation that applies to all K-9 schools. Any contact required between student and family can occur via the main office. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis for students on IPPs, student health plans identifying its use during the day and EAL students. The security and storage of these items are the sole responsibility of the owner or user. 

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 13 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 10 – Apple Fundraiser Order Deadline  
September 11 – Fire Drill 
September 16 – Photo Day 
September 23 – Special Lunch 
September 24 – Apple Delivery 
September 25 – Terry Fox Run 
September 25 – Meet the Teacher (gr. 1-6) 5:00-6:15pm  
September 25&29 – Meet the Teacher (kindergarten) 
September 25 – School Council Meeting 
September 29 – No School (Non-Instruction Day) 
September 30 – No School (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) 
October 2-10 – Frisbee Rob 
October 7 – Grade 6 Outdoor School