E-NEWS Spotlight on Learning

Spotlight on School Spirit and a Celebration of Curling

On Wednesday February 15 the gym at BES was transformed into a curling rink. Students from all grades had the chance to learn a little more about this popular Canadian sport and play against teams from their own grade. From start to end, our BES students cheered, laughed and curled their hearts out with the help of two amazing instructors, Belinda and Willie from Rocks and Rings, a Canadian organization that supports schools to foster and further the sport of curling. Curling Day in Canada Festival is on Saturday February 25 and Banff is one of the hosting towns from across the country. Each grade from BES has a chance to create a team and curl for their school at this event. If you and your child are interested in being part of this celebration please let us know at the school (bes.info@crps.ca) or you can show up at the event on Saturday February 25 in downtown Banff (more information below). From end to end the festival offers families many activities and opportunities to celebrate Curling Day in Canada!

      

Important Upcoming Dates

• Feb 17 - Pink Shirt Day - Assembly 1:00 pm
• Feb 20 - 24 - Family Day/School Closure/Teacher Convention - no classes for students (see you back at school on Monday February 27)
  
  

Alberta Education Assurance (AEA) Survey
The Alberta Education Assurance survey gathers feedback on the quality of education provided by school authorities and their schools. Schools and school authorities use this information to understand how they are doing and plan for the future. Here at BES this information helps guide our Four Year Education Plan as well as drives our school initiatives. Parent feedback is very important to us. The parent survey package will be mailed out by Alberta Education starting around February 6th. In the package parents will be directed to either complete the surveys online or return completed paper copies directly to Alberta Education. Requests for a survey in one of the supported languages (French, Punjabi, Cree, Korean, Denesuł̨in̨e, Tagalog, Chinese (Traditional or Simplified), Arabic, Spanish or Urdu) can be made to the Banff Elementary School office or the System Assurance Branch (EDC.SystemAssurance@gov.ab.ca).

Pink Shirt Day
Banff Elementary School will be recognizing Pink Shirt Day on Friday February 15 - assembly at 1:00 pm. Parents are welcome to attend but please note there is limited seating. Staff, students and guests are encouraged to wear pink to raise awareness about bullying prevention and healthy relationships. 

Curling Day in Canada Festival
Join Curling Canada for the inaugural Curling Day in Canada Festival on Saturday February 25 from 12-6 p.m., in downtown Banff. 
This celebration of everything that is great about curling is a FREE family-friendly festival open to the public, so bring your friends and family out for a fun day!

The 2023 TSN Curling Day in Canada Banff Festival offers you and your family the chance to:

• Enjoy the great outdoors with live music and entertainment.
• Try your hand at Street Curling, with open sheets and Banff vs. Canmore challenges!
• Checkout Crokicurl for a combination of two Canadian pastimes.
• Meet Curling Olympians, John Morris and Ben Hebert.
• Step on the ice at the Banff Curling Club “Learn to Curl”.
• Capture a photo with the iconic Brier Tankard.
• Be a part of the TSN LIVE broadcast at 5-6 p.m. on Bear Street

Curl For Your School Information from Rocks and Rings:

• For the Curling Day In Canada event we are looking for one team of 4 in each grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. (So 4 Grade 1's, 4 Grade, 2's etc). 
• Grades 1, 2, 3, 4's, will need to be there by 3pm at the latest. The first game for them will start at 3:10pm. 
• The Grade 5, 6, 7, 8's  will need to be there by 3:40pm at the latest, as their first game will start at 3:50pm. Same thing, we are looking for teams of 4.
• Times from 12noon-1pm and 1:45-2:30pm will be open for anyone to use and try to win prizes and participate. 
• Parents will need to sign a Media Release form and these will be available at the event

For more information visit curlingdayincanada.ca/Banff or email curlingday@curling.ca.
           

Important Dates
Please click here to view the BES Community Calendar

News from the Office
Volunteering
Banff Elementary School loves and greatly appreciates our volunteers! We require all volunteers who help in the school or on field trips to complete an annual Vulnerable Sector Check through the RCMP and sign a Confidentiality Contract as per Canadian Rockies Public Schools’ Administrative Procedure 490 - School Volunteers and FOIPP. Prior to volunteering, please email your legal name to the school office at bes.info@crps.ca to request an RCMP Fee Waiver Letter and we will email you back the letter, required forms and instructions. Often Vulnerable Sector Checks can be completed by the RCMP within 24 hours. Please click here for more information on volunteering opportunities.

School Fees Now Overdue
Banff Elementary School fees are available on PowerSchool Parent Portal and are now overdue. As per Canadian Rockies School Division’s Administrative Procedure 503, payment for school fees is due 30 days after invoicing. Please contact the school office to make payment arrangements if payment has not been made at this time.

School and Family Wellness Worker
Ashley Butenschon is here to help support families and students with their social and emotional well-being. Please contact her at 403-762-4465 ext 6089. This is one more way Canadian Rockies School Division is here to help support not only your child, but also your family.

Right From The Start
Ms. Jenniex is now sending home monthly updates for each classroom! To check out what other classes are doing, or to read prior months' updates, go here: BES RFTS Monthly Updates. For information on Right from the Start at Banff Elementary School or to contact me directly, please email megan.jenniex@crps.ca.

Town of Banff Children & Youth Programs
The Out-of-School Club (OSC) is a licensed childcare program offering care for school aged children, September to June. With a focus on child-led play, exploration and natural curiosity, OSC aims to connect children through indoor and outdoor programming. The OSC program hours compliment the Canadian Rockies Public School calendar- providing care during the after school hours, PD days, parent/teacher interviews, the staggered kindergarten entry and school breaks. For details and how to register, visit www.banff.ca/kids.

Settlement Services
Settlement Services provides Permanent Residents of Canada, Live-In Caregivers and Refugees with the support they need to settle in the Bow Valley.  Please click the link for the Settlement Services February Newsletter. More information about Settlement Services and a calendar of events is available at: www.banff.ca/settlement or follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/settlement.services.in.the.bow.valley.

You can also check out our School Announcements here (this is updated frequently) for more information. Please like us on Facebook or follow BES on Instagram @banffelementaryschool for news and reminders.

Canadian Rockies Public Schools
Please follow CRPS on Facebook, and Follow/Tag us on Twitter, so you can stay up-to-date on all CRPS school related issues, updates and information. Please click here for the CRPS Board Meeting Calendar, Agendas and Highlights.

Do you have a spare bedroom? Become a host family for our International Student Program! We are looking for 5 or 10 month commitments (and for temporary host families over April Spring Break, 2023). Remuneration is provided. Follow this link to find out more!