Welcome

We would like to introduce you

to our high school.

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This includes:

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• Our students
• Our staff
• Our school

We start with students,

“who are you”?

Giftedness is a greater awareness, sensitivity & ability to understand & transform perceptions into intellectual & emotional experiences.

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At Westmount we:

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• see the person first, then the student
• recognize each student is unique
• strive for each student to know themselves
• focus on appropriate challenge
• know school is more than academics
• provide multiple opportunities, beyond the classroom, for students to engage in activities of interest

Achievement is an outcome not the starting point.

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Personalization at WCS

We live “inside out”, which is about the relationship between student & teacher, determining what is best for the student in their learning & their life.

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• focus on getting to know who “you” are, then working on “your” programming
• designated Counsellor/Admin Team for your time here
• every student has an IPP, with the goal of understanding their own giftedness
• using their strengths to support areas of challenge
• authored by the student, teachers & family

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Personalization

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• robust Student Services Team to support the needs of gifted students (including 2E), to understand & program appropriately
• 1 Provisional Psychologist
• 2 Guidance Counsellors
• 1 Career Counsellor
• 2 Learning Strategists
• 11 TLA’s
• 2 Wellness Practitioners

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Meaningful relationships

• ~440 students Grades 9 – 12 (~100/grade)
• fewer students -teachers, get to know the students
• SOURCE (Teacher – Advisor Program)
• Extra-Curricular Clubs and Teams (36+ for 2019/2020; 20+ for 2020/2021)
• building across-grades - extra-curricular/curricular/mentorships

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Flexible learning environments

• teaching & learning driven by needs of gifted learners
• creates a need for flexible learning environments:
• pacing - dwelling or accelerating
• grouping/regrouping
• instructional methods - direct instruction, project-based, inquiry-based, self-paced
• student choice & voice - increases engagement, independence, & critical thinking
• enriched curriculum in all disciplines

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Flexible learning environments

• Focus on experiential learning
• highlights the complexities of concepts & relationships between people, places & things
• Off campus learning
• backcountry trip for Biology field studies
• Outdoor Ed pursuits
• PE uses the facilities of the different universities
• Humanities goes to the theatre, museums, significant places

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Meaningful, relevant curriculum

• follow Alberta Education Program of Studies
• experiential learning focus
• field trips – foundational in programming
• extensive Outdoor Education Program 15/25/35
• integrated/cross-curricular studies
• Humanities 9-11, Kaboom 9
• collaborative projects
• SDS (self-directed studies)

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Meaningful, relevant curriculum

• Fine & Performing Arts
• Art, Drama & Band Program
• Second Languages
• Spanish 6Y & French 9Y
• AP courses
• Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math 31/35, English Literature, Studio Art, Statistics, Economics, Comparative Governments & Politics

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HS Physical Education

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WCS HS PE Flex

...offers an opportunity to receive 3, 4, or 5 credit courses.

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The credits are based on:

• 3 credit courses = 25-34 units
• 4 credit courses = 35-44 units
• 5 credit courses = 45+ units

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Most activities/modules are optional for students.

Students have a minimum amount of activities they must complete to earn 3 credits, or they can choose to take all activities to earn 5 credits.

Some activities (dance, gymnastics, first aid test, health, & weight room) are required for all grade 10-12 students.

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HS Outdoor Education

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HS Drama

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HS Art

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HS Science Labs

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HS Band

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A typical day...

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SOURCE

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Sense of self

Organization

Understanding

Relationships

Career

Exploration

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Same teacher & classmates for HS

Organize to meet personal goals

Understand self

Relationships to support wellness

Creative expression

Exploration

Extra Curriculars

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Alpha Club

Arete Math Lunch

Athletic Promotion Team

Badminton (gr 10-12)

Badminton (6-7)

Badminton (8-9)

Business Case Club

Chess Club

Climbing and Outdoors Club

Coding Club

Cross Country Running

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D & D Club

Debate - Jr

Debate Sr

Drama Festival

Drama Production (7-9)

Eco Club

Film and Photography

First Aid Club

GSA

High School Book Club

Innovations Challenge (9-12)

Extra Curriculars

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Interact

Intramurals

Jazz Band

Jazz Combos

Jr Boys Rugby

Jr Girls Rugby

Jr Boys Basketball

Jr Boys Volleyball

Jr Girls Basketball

Jr Girls Volleyball

Jr Art Club

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Legobotics - FLL

Lunch and Lego (5)

Magic Card Club

Mahjong Club

Math Club (HS)

Model UN

Neuro Club

Peer tutoring/mentoring

Poetry Club

Science Club

Science Olympics (10-12)

Science Olympics (5-9)

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Extra Curriculars

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Second Language Club

Sr Art Club

Sr Boys Rugby

Sr Girls Rugby

Speech Club

Sr Boys Basketball

Sr Boys Volleyball

Sr Girls Basketball

Sr Girls Volleyball

Sr Golf

Stitch club

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Student Council

SWAT

TED Club

Theatre Monkeys (5/6)

Track & Field

Westmount Eye

World Scholars Cup

Wrestling

Writing Club (MS)

Yearbook

Yoga Club

Youth Volunteer Corps

Why Westmount?

nobody says is better...

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Students say...

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• “I found my people.”
• “I get to be me.”
• “It’s ok to be curious and ask questions.”

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...meaningful relationships

“ Teachers are not teaching to a group of students – they are teaching individuals who they know and care about. This results in a dramatic shift in instructional pedagogy and in the atmosphere of the school.”

Norbert Baharally, 2012

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Parents say...

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• “My child is happy to go to school again.”
• “My child has friends now.”
• “I no longer hear, school is boring.”

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Want to attend Westmount?

Current students

• Re-register in the school portal.

Prospective students

• Intake process on our website: https://www.westmountcharter.com/admissions/grade-5-12-admissions/

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More information

• Our philosophy & schools:
• https://www.westmountcharter.com/
• Student support:
• https://www.westmountcharter.com/grade-5-12-student-support/
• Academic programming:
• https://www.westmountcharter.com/grade-5-12-programming/
• Athletics:
• https://www.westmountcharter.com/student-life/athletics/
• Clubs:
• https://www.westmountcharter.com/student-life/mhclubs/

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Questions?

• If you still have questions or would like an opportunity to connect with us for a tour, please reach out to our Main office (mhadmin@westmountcharter.com)

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• We would love the opportunity to answer any questions you have!

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