Native Species Garden and Science Curriculum Grades 1-6 BES students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 are enriching their science curriculum focussed on plants and the natural world with Lynx from Nature Explorers. Students are working with Lynx to create and plant a native species garden in front of the school. This project is directly connected to the Science curriculum for each grade: K-Intro to Plants, Gr 1-Needs of Plants, Gr 2-Temperature, Gr 3-Rocks and Minerals, Gr 4-Plant Growth and Changes, Gr 5-Weather, Gr 6-Trees and Forests. Students enhance their learning by learning about, planting and taking care of a variety of native species plants that grow naturally in our beautiful mountain environment. Thanks to the Pauw Foundation for their continued support for the Nature Explorers program at BES and the opportunity for hands-on academic focussed learning.
Important Upcoming Dates
Apr 28 - 12:00 pm dismissal for Gr 1 - 8 (no Kindergarten classes)
May 3 - Hats On! for Mental Health
May 5 - 12:00 pm dismissal for Gr 1 - 8 (no Kindergarten classes)
Next Year School Planning Please help us in our planning for the 2023-2024 school year by letting us know if you intend for your child to continue with Banff Elementary School (or Banff Community High School if your child is currently in Grade 8) by completing this Intent Formby April 30. Please note that for children already attending Banff Elementary School you do not need to complete a new registration, even if your child is in Grade 8 and going to Banff Community High School.
Hats On! For Mental Health On Wednesday May 3 students and staff are invited to wear a special hat to school to raise awareness of the importance of good Mental Health.
Disaster Readiness Day in Banff Sunday May 7, 12:00-4:00 pm Banff Train Station - Large Parking Lot Families in Banff are invited to a showcase of large emergency vehicles, heavy equipment, trucks, helicopters and rescue tools and the crews who keep the Bow Valley safe during a major emergency. See how agencies are prepared to deal with disasters – wildfire, flooding, severe storms, wild animal attack – and more. Children and adults will enjoy demonstrations and access to emergency vehicles, while learning how locals can take steps to be prepared for emergencies. Participating agencies include: Banff Fire Rescue, STARS Air Ambulance, Alpine Helicopters, Canmore Fire Rescue, Banff RCMP and K-Division Bomb Techs, Canada Task Force 2, Search and Rescue Alberta, Banff EMS, Parks Canada Wildlife Safety, Emergency Management and Fire/Vegetation Crew, Roam Transit’s e-bus, ATCO, FortisAlberta, AltaLink, and others. For more information, visit banff.ca/Emergency
Lunch Program Volunteers NEEDED Volunteers to serve lunch on Thursdays are needed for the remainder of this school year. Please contact Susan Hughes at shughes2014@outlook.com for more information.
Important Dates Please click here to view the BES Community Calendar
April 28
12:00 pm dismissal for Gr 1 - 8 (no Kindergarten classes)
May 3
Hats On! For Mental Health
May 5
12:00 pm dismissal for Gr 1 - 8 (no Kindergarten classes)
May 22
School Closed for Victoria Day
May 29
Full Day Professional Development for staff - no school for students
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 andFOIPP. 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.
You can also check out our School Announcementshere(this is updated frequently) for more information. Please like us on Facebook and 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. Remuneration is provided. Follow this link to find out more!
