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
THIS WEEK AT WEST
Upcoming Schedule Changes / Updates
Monday, Oct. 19 – No School (All A’s Incentive Day)
Tuesday, Oct. 20 – Flex Schedule
Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Odd Block Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 22 – Even Block/Mass Schedule (St. John Paul II Feast Day)
Mass Time Change
Please note that Mass this week will be held on THURSDAY at 10:20 a.m. to accommodate our guest speaker, Loretta Claiborne.
Jostens Visit
Our Jostens rep will be here on Tuesday, Oct. 20, during Flex Time to meet with seniors regarding graduation products and with freshmen about class ring orders. Each student will be provided with information to bring home. That information will be emailed to parents as well within the week.
Fall Play – Save Hamlet!
Now is the perfect time to GET YOUR TICKETS for our fall play, Save Hamlet!, which runs Oct. 21-24. Save Hamlet! is a parody where many of the main characters turn out to be women in disguise. They band together “to stop the whole thing from turning into a tragedy.” With women in charge, it’s Shakespeare’s famous play, but funnier and less murder-y!
Loretta Claiborne
On Thursday, Oct. 22, Loretta Claiborne will be joining us for a special student assembly and visiting classrooms throughout the day. Claiborne overcame early physical and intellectual challenges to become a world-class runner, 25-time marathoner and multi-sport Special Olympics champion. An ESPY Courage Award recipient and Special Olympics board member, she travels the world inspiring audiences to break down barriers and choose inclusion. To learn more about Loretta Claiborne, CLICK HERE.
OTHER UPDATES
Experience West
Prospective families are invited to join us Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. for an inside look at life as a Falcon! At Experience West, current students will lead you on a tour of our campus, introducing you to our incredible staff and the outstanding programs that make West Catholic such a special place! If you haven’t already, please CLICK HERE to register.
Senior All-Night Party Fundraisers
Beginning Oct. 26, seniors will be selling Butter Braids and Coupon Books to raise money for the Senior All-Night Party. Paper forms for the Butter Braids will be distributed this week. The link for the online store can be found HERE. Coupon Books will be sold from Oct. 26-Jan. 11 for $30 each. More details to come, but mark your calendars and get ready to sell!
Senior Salutes
Senior families can honor their graduates with a Senior Salute, featuring photos, memories and a personal message. Salutes are designed and purchased online at yearbookforever.com and are due by Jan. 15. Save 10% by ordering by Oct. 30 and using the early bird code WC2027.
Senior Pictures
Senior yearbook headshots and childhood photos are due Nov. 2! Seniors should review the senior picture guidelines carefully for photo specifications, clothing requirements and submission info. Digital photos are preferred and may be emailed to angelalevanduski@
Right to Life Essay Contest
Grand Rapids Right to Life hosts an annual essay contest for students to participate in on pro-life topics. Students must write a 300-word essay on this year’s topic: “Why I am pro-life.” Winners of this contest can receive a $500 scholarship. For more information about this contest, please CLICK HERE.
Catholic Charities Champions
Be a “champion” for change! Current 11th- and 12th-grade students are invited to apply to champion the mission of Catholic Charities West Michigan. Rooted in the example of Christ, grow as a leader, strengthen your advocacy skills and make a lasting impact through service in your community. Apply to be a Catholic Charities Champion! Applications are due Wednesday, Nov. 2 (All Souls Day).
Financial Aid Applications
The 2027-28
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.
Employment
West Catholic has several jobs currently open! For details and to apply, please visit grwestcatholic.org/employment.
COUNSELING NEWS
Counseling Newsletter
Click HERE to check out this month’s School Counseling Office newsletter!
Upcoming College Visits
Please contact the school counseling office with any questions about these or other upcoming college visits.
- Oct 21 – Marquette University
- Oct. 26 – Kettering University, Adrian College
- Oct. 29 – Grand Canyon University, Western Michigan University
- Oct. 30 – Alma College
- Nov. 2 – Holy Cross College, Michigan Tech University
- Nov. 5 – Saint Mary’s College
- Nov. 12 – US Army National Guard
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.
ATHLETIC NEWS
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.
ALUMNI NEWS
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 parents of alumni are invited to submit their businesses by following this link and completing a quick form.
DIOCESAN & COMMUNITY NEWS / EVENTS
Catholic Charities Champions
Be a “champion” for change! Current 11th and 12th-grade students are invited to apply to champion the mission of Catholic Charities West Michigan. Rooted in the example of Christ, grow as a leader, strengthen your advocacy skills and make a lasting impact through service in your community. Apply to be a Catholic Charities Champion! Applications are due Wednesday, Nov. 2 (All Souls Day).
Right to Life Essay Contest
Grand Rapids Right to Life hosts an annual essay contest for students to participate in on pro-life topics. Students must write a 300-word essay on this year’s topic: “Why I am pro-life.” Winners of this contest can receive a $500 scholarship. For more information about this contest, please CLICK HERE.