Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Principal’s Message

Finding Passions, Building Skills, and Exploring Possibilities through Jr. High Options

One of the most exciting parts of junior high is the opportunity for students to explore new interests and discover what they enjoy. While core subjects like Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies provide important foundations, option classes give students the chance to try new things, build confidence, develop talents, and learn in ways that reflect their unique strengths.

Research shows that when students have opportunities to choose learning experiences that interest them, they are often more engaged, motivated, and connected to school. Options help students discover new interests, develop important life skills, and gain confidence in themselves.

At Westmount, we are proud to offer a wide variety of junior high options that encourage students to explore, create, lead, and grow.

Band 

Band brings students together through music while teaching teamwork, commitment, perseverance, and focus. It also provides a strong sense of belonging and accomplishment as students learn and perform together. 

Business and Entrepreneurship

Students explore how businesses operate, learn about financial literacy and marketing, and discover how creative ideas can become real-world solutions.

Classroom Leaders

This option helps students develop responsibility, leadership, and service-mindedness while contributing positively to our school community.

Coding

Coding encourages creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving. Students learn valuable technology skills while building persistence and confidence through hands-on challenges.

Cosmetology

Students explore creativity, personal care, and customer service while developing practical skills and confidence in a supportive environment.

Drama and Musical Theatre

Drama helps students develop confidence, communication skills, creativity, and teamwork. Through performance and collaboration, students learn to express themselves, take positive risks, and connect with others. Research shows that arts programs can help students feel more engaged and connected to school. 

Foods, Cooking, and Baking

This popular option teaches practical life skills while encouraging creativity and independence. Students gain confidence in the kitchen while learning skills they will use for years to come.

Genius Hour

Genius Hour gives students the freedom to explore a topic, idea, or passion that truly interests them. Whether they are creating, designing, researching, or building, students develop curiosity, creativity, and ownership of their learning. Giving students more voice and choice has been shown to increase engagement and motivation. 

Hunting and Fishing Education

Students learn outdoor skills, safety, patience, responsibility, and respect for nature while connecting with Alberta's outdoor traditions and natural environment.

Math 15 (non-credit): Preparing for High School Math

Designed for students interested in the academic math pathway, Math 15 helps strengthen foundational skills, problem-solving strategies, and confidence as students prepare for Math 10C in high school.

Outdoor Education and Leadership

Students build leadership, teamwork, resilience, and confidence through outdoor experiences and challenges. This option encourages personal growth while developing an appreciation for the environment and the outdoors.

Photography

Photography helps students see the world through different lenses. Students explore composition, lighting, storytelling, and digital editing while developing creativity and attention to detail. This course encourages students to slow down, look closely, and capture the beauty and stories found in everyday moments.

Sports Leaders

Students learn leadership skills through organizing activities, supporting school events, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging school spirit among their peers.

Visual Art

Visual Art gives students opportunities to explore drawing, painting, sculpture, design, and other creative forms of expression. Through art, students develop creativity, problem-solving skills, perseverance, and confidence while discovering their unique artistic voice. Research shows that participation in the arts can strengthen engagement, self-expression, and a sense of belonging.

Woods and Construction

Through hands-on projects, students learn design, building, measuring, safety, and problem-solving skills. They are introduced to skilled trades and practical career pathways while experiencing the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands. Career and technical education programs have been shown to support practical skill development and future career readiness.

The purpose of junior high options is not to ask students to choose a career at age 12 or 13. Instead, these experiences help students discover what they enjoy, uncover strengths they may not know they have, and develop skills that will serve them well in school and in life.

We encourage every student to be curious, try something new, and take advantage of the many opportunities available to them. Sometimes a course sparks a lifelong hobby. Sometimes it opens the door to a future career. Often, it simply helps a student develop confidence and discover something new about themselves.

As educators, few things are more rewarding than seeing students light up when they find something they love. We are grateful to offer these opportunities and look forward to supporting each student as they discover their passions, strengths, and potential.

Ms. Stacey Burrows
Principal

PARENTS – WE WANT and WE NEED YOU! VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Literacy Volunteers: Thank you to the parents/grandparents who have already offered to do Literacy interventions with our K-6 students. We are still looking for 2 more volunteers. You will need a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector check and complete our volunteer forms. Please email burrowss@fsd38.ab.ca if you can help! Training will begin in mid-October so if you can spare 1-2 hours a week, please volunteer!

NEW INFORMATION

Lifetouch Photos: Lifetouch photo proofs went home this week. Families can order school photos at Mylifetouch. Be sure to have the Portrait ID and Access Code with the proof that was sent home.  Picture retakes are on October 22.

Grade 5 Hanger Museum: Our Grade 5s completed a field trip to the Hanger Museum this past Monday. Thank you to all that made this day of learning possible!

Grade 7 Science Hikes: Each of our Grade 7 classes has completed a hike this week to support the learning in their science class. Students had an excellent day outdoors! Thank you to all of our parent volunteers who make field trips like this possible.

MADD Presentation: As a part of our Wellness program, all junior high students will have a presentation from MADD on Friday, October 9, from 1:30 – 3:00 PM.

SCHOOL-WIDE IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE WEEK

October 9 – Junior High MADD Presentation 1:30 – 3:00

October 12 – Thanksgiving. School Closed.

October 13 – Junior High Leadership Class Hike to Junction Falls

October 14 – Grade 6 (scheduled) Round 1 Vaccinations 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

October 19 – Foothills Divisional Learning Day for Teachers – No School for Students

October 22 – LifeTouch Picture Retake Day

REMINDERS & UPDATES

Foothills School Division App: Stay connected and receive notifications directly from Westmount School by visiting the app store on your device and downloading the Foothills School Division App. Once downloaded, you will be prompted to launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account. Follow this link for further instructions: https://www.foothillsschooldivision.ca/_ci/p/17765/introducing-the-fsd-app

Hot Lunch: Hot lunch for next week is Out To Lunch. Please ensure your orders are in by Saturday for next Thursday. Link to order: https://healthyhunger.ca/index.php. A huge thank you to our volunteers who give their time to help with our Healthy Hunger program every week.

Have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend, Wolves!