Staff

News Type:  Daily Headlines Student Parent Staff Alumni Date:  Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Yesterday, a group of West Catholic students and staff joined together with members of Catholic Central High School for a prayer service and silent march in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme of the gathering came from one of Dr. King's speeches to a group of high school students - "What Is Your Life's Blueprint?" (See the speech HERE). Those in attendance spent time reflecting on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream and learning how our community can grow stronger by standing together in God's love. These young leaders were a true inspiration as they prayed, listened and learned with each other in the hope of creating a better and brighter future for all.

News Type:  Daily Student Parent Staff Date:  Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Please be aware of the following changes to this week's schedule:

• Wednesday, Jan. 20 - follow Monday schedule
• Thursday, Jan. 21 - follow Monday schedule

News Type:  Daily Student Parent Staff Date:  Thursday, November 12, 2020

Students will be on the Honor Roll if they have earned a grade of B- or higher in each course. Honor Roll is based on quarter grades only. If you have any questions, please contact Lauri Ford, Registrar at 233-5909 or lauriford@grwestcatholic.org.

1st Quarter Honor Roll 2020-2021

News Type:  Daily Headlines Student Parent Staff Alumni Date:  Monday, November 2, 2020

As we begin to enter the darker days of the year, leaving summer and sunshine behind for a while, I have great news to brighten up your day.

Standardized test scores are in and our seniors have earned some of the highest scores that I have seen not only here, but in West Michigan. Seniors averaged 1193 on the SAT, compared to a national average of 1051 in 2020 and a state average of 985 in 2019. Our seniors also performed extremely well on the ACT, which is taken by fewer students, with an average score of 27, compared to the national average of 20.8.

The top 25% of our SAT test-takers earned an average of 1401.77. To put this into perspective, here are the scores typically cited as needed to attend* the following universities:

Grand Valley State University	1050
Western Michigan University	1090
Michigan State University	1120
Michigan Tech. University	1160
University of Michigan	1380
University of Notre Dame	1400

*Other factors, including extracurriculars, leadership experience, service hours and a strong personal story, are considered. Students are admitted with lower scores than those cited if other factors are strong. However, having these scores is no guarantee that a student will be accepted. 

It’s no wonder we have so many students applying to Notre Dame and the University of Michigan this year! Congratulations, class of 2021, for a job well done!

Good luck on your college admissions and God bless,

Cynthia Kneibel | President/CEO

News Type:  Daily Student Parent Staff Alumni Date:  Thursday, October 22, 2020

Congratulations to Andrew Solarewicz, the state runner up in Division 4 1 Singles! Great season, Andrew. Keep up the hard work!

News Type:  Daily Student Parent Staff Alumni Date:  Sunday, October 18, 2020

Congratulations to Cassidy Burns for finishing 54th out of 108 golfers at the Division 4 Girls Golf State Finals on Saturday. What a way to finish your senior season, Cassidy!

News Type:  Daily Headlines Student Parent Staff Alumni Date:  Friday, October 23, 2020

I am happy to announce the culmination of significant work in transitioning West Catholic from a principal/CEO model to the president/principal model. Please read this letter explaining the change. In it, you will find a link to brief job descriptions for the president, principal and dean of students. I hope this provides clarity. During the past couple of years, I know there has been some confusion as to roles, especially between Tony Fischer and myself.

God bless,

Cynthia Kneibel | President/CEO

News Type:  Daily Student Parent Staff Alumni Date:  Monday, October 12, 2020

In April 2020, seven West Catholic students met on Google Meet to rehearse a virtual monologue play. The play itself was the result of efforts from various playwrights to give students an opportunity to perform in a world where live performances had become a danger to public health and safety. The result is a collection of monologues that gives us a glimpse into life while quarantined.

Students rehearsed for six weeks, each perfecting two monologues before filming a final performance. By the time I received each student’s final videos, the world had begun to reopen and I got lost in the planning for a new school year during a global pandemic. Now, several months later, the final product is ready to be revealed! To view the show, please visit the West Catholic Theatre page - grwestcatholic.org/theatre.

~ Justina Ouellette | Theatre Program Director

News Type:  Daily Student Parent Staff Date:  Monday, October 5, 2020

As most of you know, the Michigan Supreme Court declared all of Governor Whitmer's executive orders after April 30 unconstitutional. Moving forward, the governor will have to work with the Legislature. Exactly what this looks like, we do not know. However, there are decisions made by the Michigan Health Department and the Kent County Health Department that we are required to follow. Until we have more clarity, West Catholic will continue following the plan submitted in early August. We have successfully navigated seven weeks of in-person classes without one COVID-19 case in our students or staff. I am very confident we will discern the best path moving forward. Yet we can't do this without all the facts, including what range of decisions we may be able to weigh in on. Stay tuned!

Here is a message Dave Faber, our Superintendent, wanted me to share with you:

The Michigan Supreme Court decision needs to be interpreted. Until we receive further guidance, for the sake of order and safety, the Office of Catholic Schools will keep the current requirements of the Michigan Return to School Roadmap and Living our Mission In Today's Reality, our diocesan return to school plan, in place. Beginning today, Oct. 5, K-5 students, in addition to 6-12 students, are required to wear a facial covering even when in their classroom.  

Cynthia Kneibel | Principal / CEO

News Type:  Daily Student Parent Staff Alumni Date:  Monday, September 28, 2020

Congratulations to Kyra Hanna, Myah Sutter and the West Catholic equestrian team! After a three meet series which ended last Saturday, the team won the C Division District Championship by 90 points over Byron Center. Please wish Kyra and Myah luck as they compete in the regional championship this weekend in Berrien Springs.