Weekly Chatter
Interested in receiving a weekly email update about news and events that are occuring at West Catholic High School? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, the Weekly Chatter!
Current Announcements
OFFICE NEWS
Upcoming Schedule Changes/Notes
January 25-31 – Catholic Schools Week
Tuesday, Jan. 27 – Focus Schedule
Wednesday, Jan. 28 – Mass Schedule
Friday, Jan. 30 – Odd Block Schedule
Tuesday, Feb. 3 – Special Schedule (Reconciliation)
Friday, Feb. 6 – PM Activity Schedule (HMH Assembly)
Aquinas College Partnership
West Catholic is thrilled to announce a new direct admission partnership with Aquinas College. This guarantees admission for students who meet the GPA requirement, starting with the Class of 2026. For more on this exciting announcement, CLICK HERE.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK INFO
Food / Used Toy Drives
This week, we are kicking off two exciting drives! The first is a food drive to help replenish the St. Mary’s Parish Food Pantry. The second supports GoGo’s RePlay Toys, which repurposes gently used toys for children in underserved communities. Donations can be dropped off until Friday, Jan. 30, in the main office or in your student’s mentor group rooms (households). Thank you for your continued generosity!
CSW Mass
Please join us on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 10:15 a.m. for a celebration of our faith during Catholic Schools Week! All are welcome to attend.
Fans in the Stands
Our 3rd Annual Fans in the Stands event is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29, from 11:40 a.m.-12:35 p.m. in the WC Competition Gym. This event is a celebration of our commitment to fostering inclusion, creating a welcoming school community of belonging for all students, and showing our gratitude of the God-given gifts of our student body. The event will include a Unified basketball game, pep rally, halftime activities and concessions. All are invited to attend!
EVENTS
Welcome to West
Calling all middle school families! Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., for Welcome to West! Meet other future Falcon families and learn about the next steps in the process for full enrollment. Have all your questions answered by our faculty, staff and coaches. Explore clubs, sports and other organizations for students and parents/guardians to get involved. RSVP today!
Falcon Awards Night Nominations
Each year, West Catholic presents four awards to outstanding individuals who have made an impact on the school and the broader WC community. These individuals may be alumni, staff members, parents/guardians, board members or other stakeholders who have a tie to West. We encourage you to nominate anyone you believe deserves this prestigious recognition. To learn more about each award and to submit a nomination, please CLICK HERE. Nominations are due by Feb. 28.
COUNSELING
GR Promise Zone & GR Chamber Launch Partnership
The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority and Grand Rapids Chamber are launching a strategic partnership, Career Pathways, to expand access to high-quality career exploration, employer engagement and workforce readiness resources for Promise Zone students. Through a multifaceted approach, Promise Zone students will gain real-world insights into high-demand, high-wage careers. The Chamber will engage industry professionals to participate in sessions, offer site visits and provide students with guidance on workforce expectations. Students will also have access to resume guidance, interview preparation and Chamber-supported talent development resources, while the Promise Zone will lead outreach, preparation and follow-up to ensure sustained engagement. For more information, click HERE.
1st-Quarter Honor Roll
Congratulations to all of our students who were named to our 1st-Quarter Honor Roll! Students are included in the Honor Roll if they earn a grade of B- or higher in each course (based on quarter grades only).
Selective Service System
Young men must register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. If you do not register, you cannot qualify for job training benefits and many state and federal jobs. Don’t get left out! For more information and to register, visit sss.gov.
FAITH & SERVICE
Kairos Retreat Signup
Calling all juniors! Signups are open for our 2026 Kairos Retreat! This year’s Kairos Retreat will be March 17-20 at Grace Adventures Retreat Center. Click HERE to fill out an interest form.
2025-26 Adoration
“Could you not pray one hour with me?” Jesus asked his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane. Come join our adoration team and pray one hour each week with Jesus. The vital opportunity will draw you closer to Jesus and ensure that the West Catholic students have the opportunity to go to adoration during the school day. We are especially looking for adorers on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Tuesdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Fridays between 10 and 11 a.m. Please contact Patti Kohane at pattikohane@att.net or 616-889-5093
STUDENT LIFE
Here’s My Heart Tickets
Tickets for the Here’s My Heart dinner and dance are available for purchase until Friday, Jan. 30. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased after school in the main office until 3:15 p.m. on Mon/Wed/Fri and during lunch in the cafeteria on Tues/Thurs. Cash, cards and checks payable to West Catholic will be accepted. Ticket forms must be completed before purchase. Guest forms can be found in the main office and must also be submitted before getting tickets.
Blood Drive
On Friday, Feb. 6, Versiti will be on campus for our WC Blood Drive in the Aux Gym from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sign up using THIS LINK. Please contact Mr. Lynch (brettlynch@grwestcatholic.org) with any questions.
Welcome to West
Calling all middle school families! Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., for Welcome to West! Meet other future Falcon families and learn about the next steps in the process for full enrollment. Have all your questions answered by our faculty, staff and coaches. Explore clubs, sports and other organizations for students and parents/guardians to get involved. RSVP today!
KCTC PRO
Congratulations to Kate DeBruyn (Phlebotomy Tech), who was recently named PRO of the Month at Kent County Tech Center! Students are selected by their program instructors based on characteristics of Going PRO (Professionalism, Respectful and Ownership). Way to go, Kate!
ATHLETICS
Youth Basketball Clinic
Get ready to dribble, shoot and have FUN! Join the West Catholic Boys & Girls Basketball programs on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., for an exciting youth basketball clinic packed with energy, skill-building and lively competition! This one-day clinic will include four hours of hoops and fun, lunch with the basketball players, and a clinic t-shirt (wear your shirt on Feb. 13 for free admission to WC basketball games). For more information and to register, click HERE.
Unified Basketball at Little Caesars Arena
West Catholic’s Unified Basketball team will be playing at the ‘Court of Dreams’ on March 20 at Little Caesars Arena! Tickets include a t-shirt, entrance to the Unified game and a seat to watch the Detroit Pistons vs Golden State Warriors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this game are priced FAR BELOW face value. West Catholic has a block of seats reserved together and tickets rance in price from $57-$132. Ticket prices will increase after Feb. 20. We will be getting a charter bus for the first 60 individuals to purchase tickets. Please reach out to mollybergman@grwestcatholic.org with any questions. Click HERE for more ingormation and to purchase tickets today!
FinalForms
We are very excited to announce that the West Catholic Athletic Department has partnered with FinalForms, an online form and data management service. Please click HERE to register and follow the prompts to create your parent/guardian and student accounts and to sign the forms you need to participate in athletics.
Volunteers Needed for Athletics
We need volunteers to help in various areas during our upcoming athletic events. This is a great way to support our student-athletes and be part of the game-day energy! Our greatest need is in concessions. All profits go directly back to support our team. If you can volunteer, please sign up using THIS LINK.
FUNDRAISERS
No News
PARENT GUILD
West Catholic Parent Guild
The WC Parent Guild is a parent-led volunteer organization that provides opportunities to serve our school community and enjoy hospitality and fellowship. Register to stay informed and become involved. Questions? Email us at parentguild@grwestcatholic.org.
2025-26 Adoration
“Could you not pray one hour with me?” Jesus asked his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane. Come join our adoration team and pray one hour each week with Jesus. The vital opportunity will draw you closer to Jesus and ensure that the West Catholic students have the opportunity to go to adoration during the school day. We are especially looking for adorers on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Tuesdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Fridays between 10 and 11 a.m. Please contact Patti Kohane at pattikohane@att.net or 616-889-5093.
ALUMNI NEWS
Falcon Awards Night Nominations
Each year, West Catholic presents four awards to outstanding individuals who have made an impact on the school and the broader WC community. These individuals may be alumni, staff members, parents/guardians, board members or other stakeholders who have a tie to West. We encourage you to nominate anyone you believe deserves this prestigious recognition. To learn more about each award and to submit a nomination, please CLICK HERE. Nominations are due by Feb. 28.
Veterans & Military Recognition
West Catholic is interested in honoring alumni who served our country through a special recognition/memorial located on campus. Please fill out THIS FORM to help our student-led committee gather the preliminary information needed.
Reunions
For reunion information, visit grwestcatholic.org/alumni. If you have a reunion coming up that is not listed on this portion of our website, please contact WC Events Manager Megan Eversman (meganeversman@grwestcatholic.org, 616-233-5969).
WC Business Directory
As a way to highlight the many business leaders in our community, we have started a business directory that can be accessed through the West Catholic website. While we have several fantastic Falcon-run businesses on our list already, we know many out there are not listed yet. West Catholic alumni, parents, and parent of alumni are invited to submit their businesses by following this link and completing a quick form.
DIOCESAN NEWS / EVENTS
Theology of the Body Institute – “THE WELL”
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 7-9:30 p.m.
St. John Vianney Parish (4101 Clyde Park Ave SW)
All who are thirsty, come to “THE WELL” for an evening of visual beauty, live music and reflection that will open your senses to the Eucharistic secrets of God revealed in all of creation and orient your whole life toward the satisfaction of your deepest longings… Join world-renowned speaker and author Christopher West, along with critically-acclaimed musician Mike Mangione, as they present THE WELL: An Evening of Beauty, Reflection and Eucharistic Revival. Check out a trailer for THE WELL by clicking HERE.
Tickets are on sale now and will sell out. Get yours today by calling Paula at HELP Pregnancy (616-459-9139) or Moline at SJV Parish Office (616-534-5449), or online at aftontickets.com/GrandRapidsWell. You will not want to miss this awesome and inspiring event!
