2022-2023 Back to School Information

First Day of School 
Monday August 29, 2022

Welcome to a new and exciting 2022-2023 school year at Banff Elementary! Our administration team of Ms. Jody Keon (Assistant Principal) and Mr. Craig Kestle (Principal) are thrilled to be leading teaching and learning in the breathtaking and historic town of Banff in Banff National Park.

Craig and his family have called the Bow Valley home for over 14 years. His family enjoys taking advantage of what our mountains and valleys have to offer in all seasons. From skiing to hockey on the pond to mountain biking and back country hiking/camping, the Kestle family are outdoor enthusiasts. Professionally, Craig has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelors of Education from the University of Calgary and a Masters Degree in Education from Simon Fraser University.  Craig started his teaching career on Haida Gwaii off the northwest coast of British Columbia before moving to the Bow Valley. As a Learning Support Teacher, Craig has worked at Exshaw School and Lawrence Grassi Middle School. Craig joins our team after seven years as the assistant principal of Lawrence Grassi Middle School. BES welcomes Mr. Kestle!

The beginning of the school year always marks a time of promise and possibility, and we are so excited for the upcoming school year! With our dedicated staff and a supportive community, we will continue to nurture a culture of excellence, while attending to the needs of the whole child in a safe and caring environment.

BES teachers cartwheeling with joy over the Elk field now being open and ready for student use!

Over the past few years, not unlike many smaller towns across Alberta and Canada, our community, its families and businesses have faced significant challenges. Our community, with its roots in outdoor adventure and tourism, has experienced times where families have moved away in light of these challenges or settled here for opportunity as the pandemic has shifted from coming and going. Families have had to make difficult decisions, sometimes in short periods of time, to ensure the health and well being of their loved ones. In light of this, our schools in Banff continue to experience a fluctuating overall student population. In general, schools receive funding based on total enrollment numbers to staff their teaching team. This year we are experiencing an increased interest from families looking to move or who have settled in Banff over the summer to enroll their child at our amazing school. Because of this situation our total enrollment numbers continue to fluctuate and therefore we may have to make some further staffing and/or class configuration changes after the school year begins on Monday. To help us better understand our total enrollment for the year, we would appreciate it if you would contact the school by email bes.info@crps.ca to report any absences for the first week of school or to advise if your child will not be attending BES this school year. You can also leave us a message on our Attendance Line: 403-762-4465 x1.

Classroom Assignments and First Day Back 
Grades 1 - 8
We look forward to seeing students on Monday, August 29, 2022 (arriving 8:15 - 8:30am). Teachers will meet students on the large Elk field. There will be staff available to support students and families to find their teacher.

Please log in to your PowerSchool Parent Portal account after August 26, 2022 to see the name of your child’s teacher (under the My Schedule tab). All staff have put forth significant effort into building balanced classrooms and we ask that you trust our professional judgment in this matter.  

Kindergarten
Please refer to the emails you have received with specific information regarding gradual entry dates for Kindergarten students.

Family Handbook
Please refer to the Family Handbook which you may find on our school website. Please note we are in the process of updating some of the information found here. If you have a question about information that is not up to date or missing from the handbook please contact the school.  

Welcoming New Staff Members to BES
You will recognize many familiar faces during pick-ups and drop-offs and will also have the pleasure of meeting new staff.
Please welcome Amanda Horsley, teaching grade 3!

Registration Information
Students who attended Banff Elementary School during the 2021-2022 school year do not need to re-register. 

Parking and Drop Off Zones
If you drive your child(ren) to school, please take a close look at the map below regarding the recommended traffic flow and drop-off/pick-up Kiss & Go locations. Squirrel St between Moose St and Elk St is closed to all traffic except buses from 8:00-8:40 am and 2:45-3:15 pm. When the barricades are in place, please do not drive around them. Kiss & Go zones are designed to safely pick up and drop off students. There are two Kiss & Go zones; Elk Street and Big Horn Street. Please use these as intended; kiss your child good-bye and move along! Drivers, please do not leave your vehicle parked or idling in this area for any amount of time. Please also be respectful of the handicap zones.
 

We need your help! If you are going by and see the barricades should be out (8:00am or 2:45pm) or be returned back to the fence (8:40 am or 3:15 pm), please feel comfortable moving as needed. This would be greatly appreciated! 

Before School Care
Before School Care is being offered at no cost to families in need of childcare before school to enable parents to get to work on time. Before School Care will commence Tuesday, August 30 and registration is required each year. It is available between 7:45 - 8:15am. Please click here to register your child. Regular supervision on the fields starts at 8:15am. Students who arrive at 8:15 do not need to register for the Before School Care Program.

School Bus Services
Kindergarten through Grade 8 students may use the bus if they live close to a current CRPS school bus stop. You must register for the bus and get a bus pass if you have not been on the bus before. Passes will automatically be mailed out to past school bus passengers. Please visit crps.ca for more information.

School Supplies
A list of required supplies for each grade level is available on our website. Please note that if you pre-ordered school supplies through Bow Valley Basics they will be distributed by teachers on the first day. There are a few additional items that your child will require at school which are not included in the pre-ordered packages. These additional items are listed at the bottom of the school supply list. Please send all school supplies on the first day of school. 

School Fees
An invoice for school fees will be generated after school commences and payment will be due by October 31, 2022. Payment options and details will be provided at that time. School Fees will also be posted on our school website.

Town of Banff Out of School Club (OSC)
The Town of Banff provides out of school care for after school, PD Fridays and school closures. For program details, please visit www.banff.ca/kids or call 403-762-1251. 

Away for the Day
Please review the BES Away for Day policy for details on student cell phone/devices use at school.

Important Dates

BES information will be shared in our weekly E-NEWS - watch your emails or visit our website bes.crps.ca. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions.

Craig Kestle - Principal
Jody Keon - Assistant Principal