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
Schedule Changes for the Week of Sept. 25-29
Tuesday – No Mass, Monday schedule
Thursday – Regular schedule – Fowling Tournament during Households (students may wear athletic ONLY if they also wear their community t-shirt)
Friday – Special schedule, AM activity and test prep (Spirit Day dress code)
Information for Friday, Sept. 29
Friday is a special schedule for students. We will have shortened classes to accommodate the welcome event for our students visiting from Perugia, Italy. Students should begin their day in 1st hour so attendance can be taken before heading to the competition gym with their class. Please be aware that the mayor and other dignitaries will be in attendance for this special event.
Following our welcome event, students will be asked to go to their testing rooms for training. Assignments will be posted on the monitors in the hallway during the week. Please note that Friday is a Spirit Day (WC shirt, uniform bottoms).
FAITH Magazine
In the latest issue of Faith Magazine Grand Rapids, our president/CEO Jill Annable shares the profound moments and experiences that have defined her path to leadership. Check out September’s cover story to learn more about her remarkable journey: bit.ly/3r1r7kM
Shadow Days
This week we are hosting our first fall Shadow Day! On a West Catholic Shadow Day, 8th-graders and transfer students are paired with a current student to experience a day in their life. By sitting in on a few classes, eating in the lunchroom and meeting WC students, your child will see what they will experience during their time at West. For a list of upcoming dates, go to grwestcatholic.org/visit-west-catholic or contact Admissions Director Julie Herdegen at [email protected].
Food Service
Please be aware that breakfast is $2 this year and lunch is $3.50. A la carte items will be an additional cost. Dinner remains free to all students.
Join the West Catholic Staff
West Catholic has a few positions currently open: daycare assistant, bus driver and substitute teacher(s). If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our team, please visit grwestcatholic.org/employment.
EVENTS
Financial Planning: K-12 & Beyond
It’s never too early to start planning for your child’s future! We invite you to join us at West Catholic on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. to learn how you can make Catholic education affordable for your family. Anyone considering or currently investing in K-12 Catholic education is invited to attend. RSVP at bit.ly/3PxiaZO.
Italian Exchange Program Kickoff
We would like to invite members of our community to join us on Friday, Sept. 29 at 8 a.m. in the WC Competition Gym for a special event honoring our first-ever exchange program with Grand Rapids’ sister city, Perugia, Italy. Those interested in attending should park in the main parking lot and enter through the Athletics entrance.
Pio Week
From Sept. 25-29, students will participate in a number of activities to celebrate Padre Pio’s Feast Week! Check out the schedule below:
Monday – Pio-themed Kahoot (Bakhita, Pro, Siena) or school service project (Pio)
Tuesday – Receive community t-shirts
Thursday – Fowling Tournament for Falcon Cup points (students may wear athletic wear this day ONLY if they are also wearing their community shirt)
All A’s Classic
Our annual All A’s Classic directly supports our ability to provide financial aid to West Catholic families. Nearly half of our students would not be able to attend West Catholic financial assistance. Communities are currently competing for Household points and the student body has the chance to earn a day off of school by raising $80,000. Make a contribution or sponsor the event by clicking HERE.
Parent Guild Pickleball
Interested in meeting other parents, getting some exercise and having fun? Join the Parent Guild for pickleball at the WC courts on Friday mornings from 10 a.m.-noon. If you would like to join or if you have questions, please contact Meg Vande Guchte at [email protected]. All skill levels are welcome. Learn more about the Parent Guild at grwestcatholic.org/parent-guild.
ACADEMICS
PSAT Information
Parents/Guardians – Please be aware that our PSAT Testing Day is scheduled for Oct. 11, 2023, and there are a number of changes to how this year’s test will be administered. Be sure to read this letter for important information and details. If you have any questions, please contact our testing coordinator, Leah Ebbert, at [email protected] or 616-233-5994.
COUNSELING NEWS
PSAT Information
Parents/Guardians – Please be aware that our PSAT Testing Day is scheduled for Oct. 11, 2023, and there are a number of changes to how this year’s test will be administered. Be sure to read this letter for important information and details. If you have any questions, please contact our testing coordinator, Leah Ebbert, at [email protected] or 616-233-5994.
SAT Test Dates
The School Counseling Department recently sent an email to seniors regarding SAT test dates and other testing information. Seniors, please respond to that email or stop by the School Counseling Office with any questions. More information about the SAT can be found HERE.
Selective Service
All young men need to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. It’s the law. If you fail to register, you cannot qualify for federal student grants or loans for college, job training benefits and many state and federal jobs. Don’t get left out! Register online at sss.gov.
Discover Manufacturing Weeks
Discover Manufacturing Weeks (Oct. 30-Nov. 16), put on in coordination with Kent ISD, provide opportunities for manufacturers to showcase the wide range of high-skill and high-pay careers, dispels myths that may be associated with manufacturing jobs, and inspires students to pursue careers with opportunities for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, internships and scholarships. You can register and self-select the employers you wish to tour using this link.
FAITH & SERVICE
Campus Ministry Opportunities
Chaplain Fr. David Sacha ’14, along with all of the priests of our diocese, will be away on retreat from Sept. 25-28. Please keep them in your prayers. Also, because of the retreat, there will be no school Mass on Tuesday.
Campus Ministry Opportunities
Students are encouraged to consider participating in school liturgies as readers, eucharistic ministers, etc. Campus Ministry Director Josh Kohane is always looking for new and returning students to be involved in Mass at West. All students are invited to fill out a short survey regarding involvement in school liturgy as well as other opportunities available through Campus Ministry here at WC!
Adoration 2023-2024
West Catholic’s St. John Paul II Chapel is now open for adoration. All students and family members are invited to come adore Christ in the Eucharist. Eucharistic adoration is simply spending quiet time in the presence of Jesus. The JPII Chapel will be open for adoration Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., when school is in session. If you have any questions about adoration, please contact Patti Kohane at [email protected].
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 [email protected].
FINE ARTS
No News
ATHLETICS
Fall Sports
Our teams are off to a great start! For schedules and more, visit grwestcatholicsports.org.
Sports Passes
Sports passes are on sale now for Family (8), Adult Season and VIP Parking. Buy your passes today! West Catholic High School students will be admitted for free for all home regular season games.
STUDENT LIFE
All A’s Classic
Our annual All A’s Classic directly supports our ability to provide financial aid to West Catholic families. Nearly half of our students would not be able to attend West Catholic financial assistance. Together, students can earn points for their community as well as a day off by raising $80,000 by the day of our walk (Oct. 3). Donations and sponsorships can be made by clicking HERE.
Campus Ministry Opportunities
Students are encouraged to consider participating in school liturgies as readers, eucharistic ministers, etc. Campus Ministry Director Josh Kohane is always looking for new and returning students to be involved in Mass at West. All students are invited to fill out a short survey regarding involvement in school liturgy as well as other opportunities available through Campus Ministry here at WC!
Morning Adoration
It’s back! Each morning from 7:30-7:55 a.m. students and staff are invited to participate in some quiet moments of reflection and adoration in the Maria Goretti Chapel. Please feel free to join us!
Student Ambassadors
Are you interested in being a student ambassador for the Admissions Department? Please fill out this form and Admissions Director Mrs. Julie Herdegen will add you to the list of this elite group.
Homecoming Court
Congratulations to our 2023 Homecoming Court – Ashlyn Armock, Ella Bernreuter, Brooke Tietz, Becca Tuttle, Emma Tuttle, Matt Barszewski, Joey Flickinger, Hayden Girardot, Luke Paganelli and Josh Tomaszewski!
Food Service
Please be aware that breakfast is $2 this year and lunch is $3.50. A la carte items will be an additional cost. Dinner remains free to all students.
Senior Pictures
Congratulations, Class of 2024, on making it to your senior year at West Catholic! When you are getting your senior pictures taken, please refer to these requirements and guidelines for the yearbook. The deadline to turn in your senior portrait is Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Selective Service
All young men need to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. It’s the law. If you fail to register, you cannot qualify for federal student grants or loans for college, job training benefits and many state and federal jobs. Don’t get left out! Register online at sss.gov.