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
- March 24 – AM Activity Schedule (Fine Arts Week)
- March 28 – Special Schedule (Lenten Reconciliation)
WC Strategic Plan Survey
Thank you to all those who participated in our strategic plan survey! We are currently working through the information we gathered and data from a number of focus groups held earlier this school year. We can’t wait to share our findings with you!
Join the West Catholic Staff
West Catholic has a number of jobs currently open. For details and to apply, please visit grwestcatholic.org/employment.
2023-2024 Enrollment Open
Know an 8th-grader who would benefit from a dynamic, excellence-driven Catholic education? Have them apply to West Catholic! Enrollment is now open for the 2023-2024 school year. For more on how to apply, click here!
WC Summer Camps
It’s never too early to think about summer plans! Registration is now open for many of our popular camps! Please visit grwestcatholicprograms.org for a list of offerings. Boys basketball and tennis camp dates are coming soon!
EVENTS
Shadow Days
8th-grade students are invited to participate in a West Catholic Shadow Day! 8th-graders are paired with a West Catholic 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.
To schedule a shadow day or individual visit, please email Admissions Director Julie Wilmer ([email protected]) and let her know which date(s) work best for you. Other days may be available upon request.
Celebrate West Auction
Secure your seat to the 2023 Celebrate West Auction today! Registration is now open. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please see the sponsorship form.
For more information on ways to get involved, visit grwestcatholic.org/celebrate-west-auction-2023.
ACADEMICS
KISD Programs
The Kent Intermediate School District has several programs and educational opportunities for students, including summer learning, career chats, career videos. Learn more about what’s happening in our counseling office at grwestcatholic.org/school-counseling.
2nd-Quarter Honor Roll
Congratulations to all of our students who were named to the 2nd-Quarter Honor Roll! Students will be on the Honor Roll if they have earned a grade of B- or higher in each course. The Honor Roll is based on quarter grades only. If you have any questions, please contact Registrar Lauri Ford at [email protected] or (616) 233-5909.
COUNSELING NEWS
7th-Semester Transcripts
Counselors will be sending out mid-year reports to colleges. A mid-year report is required for all Common App applications. If a student has been waitlisted and/or informed that they need to send a mid-year/7th-semester transcript from a non-Common App application, please contact your school counselor to ensure transcripts are sent.
ACT/SAT Testing Dates
The remaining SAT and ACT testing dates can be found at grwestcatholic.org/standardized-testing. Register at www.sat.org or www.act.org. Students on free and reduced lunch can receive testing fee waivers from the counseling office.
Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship
Are you a senior who qualifies for the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship? We recommend you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) ASAP. If you need help, FAFSA completion workshops are available. Not sure if you qualify for the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship? Check HERE.
As a reminder, we have a list of college scholarships available to seniors on our website. See what’s available by clicking HERE.
FAITH & SERVICE
Steubenville Conference (June 23-25)
Come on a weekend with old and new friends to experience and take REFUGE in Jesus in an exciting, fun and beautiful way. If you are interested or if you know you definitely want to go, fill out this form.
Weekly Mass at West Catholic
As a reminder, community members are welcome to attend our weekly all-school Mass, typically held on Tuesday mornings at 10:20 a.m. in West Catholic’s cafetorium.
Christian Service
Students – Remember to log in to HelperHelper to learn about and sign up for upcoming service opportunities.
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.
FINE ARTS
Fine Arts Week
Our much-anticipated Fine Arts Week is here (March 20-24)! Performances will take place every morning before school in the MAK and each day will start with a fine arts prayer.
Monday – morning performance from the Jazz Band
Tuesday – morning performance from our Middle School Band
Wednesday – morning performance from our Jazz Band Combo
Thursday– arts students wear t-shirts and uniform bottoms; morning performance from the Choir; Kendall College of Art & Design presenting during Focus; Fine Arts Week student artwork video shown during Households
Friday– morning performance from solo and ensemble performers; AM Activity Schedule for WC Choir & Band performances
On Thursday, March 23, at 7 p.m., we invite you to join us in the WC Cafetorium for Festival of the Arts Night! Students throughout our various art programs will be present to showcase their talents.
Summer Fine Arts Camp
Registration is now open for Fine Arts Camp and many of our other popular camps! Please visit grwestcatholicprograms.org to register and to see a list of additional offerings.
ATHLETICS
Middle School Weight Training
7th and 8th graders have an opportunity to learn the same safe, inclusive and fundamental principles of performance training that our high schoolers are already part of. All sessions are led by Strength & Performance Coach Adam Stoyanoff. For times, costs and registration, please click HERE.
Summer Sports Camps
It’s never too early to think about summer plans! Registration is now open for many of our popular camps! Please visit grwestcatholicprograms.org for a list of offerings. Boys basketball and tennis camp dates are coming soon!
STUDENT LIFE
Study Abroad – Italian Exchange Program
For the first time ever, West Catholic students will have the opportunity to participate in a unique study abroad experience in Grand Rapids’ sister city, Perugia, Italy, during the 2023-2024 school year! Students participating in the exchange program will be partnered with an Italian student. In the fall, their Italian peers will join us at West Catholic for three weeks, while WC students will travel to Perugia and surrounding cities (Rome, Florence, Assis) for three weeks in the spring. Learn more and register at grwestcatholic.org/italian-exchange-program. Contact Leann Garrison ([email protected]) with any questions.
Enigma Robotics
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 2075, took part in a 40-team competition at Muskegon Orchard View High School. The team will be competing in the Kentwood district event at East Kentwood High School from March 30-April 1.
Yearbook Deadline Extended
The deadline to purchase the 2023 yearbook has been extended to March 30. You can order a book for $75 at yearbookforever.com or bring cash/check to Ms. Critchett in Room 301.