E-NEWS & Principal's Post

It’s been an incredible week at BES, and one of the standout moments was for our Grade 7 students! We were thrilled to collaborate with Banff and Lake Louise Tourism this year to showcase our students' snow sculptures during Banff Snow Days. This project was an exciting blend of creativity, design, and teamwork.

The process began with students brainstorming their ideas by sketching their designs on paper. They then transformed their designs into plasticine sculptures and used a computer program called SketchUp to create 3D versions. Some groups even had the opportunity to print their digital designs on our new 3D printers in the Maker Space, which they brought with them to assist in their carvings (be sure to check out the blue 3D printed bear below!).

The experience was taken to the next level as students had the chance to work alongside professional sculptors, who generously shared their tools and techniques. It was a fantastic, hands-on learning opportunity that engaged students in the arts, encouraged creative problem-solving, and even introduced them to potential career paths.


A big congratulations to our Grade 7 students, and a heartfelt thank you to Banff and Lake Louise Tourism for partnering with us on this unique and inspiring project. Be sure to visit Central Park in Banff to see our students' snow sculptures displayed alongside those created by professional artists!

Congratulations to Canmore for hosting an amazing Hockey Day in Canada! BES was well represented at the event and the U9 team even won their ball hockey tournament! Well done!!


Spotlight on Learning
French as a Second Language Spotlight

Bonjour! This month in French, each class continues to focus on a grade specific unit. In Grade 4 we are learning about members of ma famille, and have begun to explore masculine and feminine nouns (a very challenging part of the French language!). In Grade 5 we are learning about la maison- names for different types of dwellings, rooms, and objects typically found in a home. In Grade 6 we are exploring les métiers as we gear up to create a "Come to Banff!" unit project (buildings, landscapes, and activities will also be covered for this project). Grade 7s learned a new game applicable to le temps et la météo. Ask your Grade 7 student if they can tell you the daily weather in French:) Grade 8s have recently begun learning about la nourriture. Ask your student if they can show you which food video and vocabulary they chose to share with the class! A very special shout out to a Grade 6 student (who is fluent in French) for the project they completed on Carnaval de Québec! Each class will have an opportunity to watch this presentation as it demonstrates and connects French Culture in Canada. 

Grade 8 Spotlight

Over the past few weeks, the Grade 8s have had the incredible opportunity to engage in hands-on, real-world learning experiences in collaboration with the teachers from our Outdoor Learning Centre. These activities have brought the Grade 8 science curriculum and outdoor education to life in exciting and meaningful ways:

• Fish Dissection: Students explored the anatomy of rainbow trout, deepening their understanding of cells and body systems. They examined the similarities between humans and fish, identifying the organs that contribute to the functioning of living organisms.
• First Aid - Anaphylaxis and Asthma: Through practical first aid training, students connected their learning about the respiratory system to real-world scenarios, gaining essential skills that could one day save a life.
• Wound Cleaning: Students learned and practiced techniques for cleaning wounds, removing debris, and providing basic treatment—valuable knowledge for both first aid and outdoor safety.
• Splinting and Transporting Injured Victims: Students were introduced to techniques for stabilizing injuries with splints and safely transporting injured individuals. They practiced working as a team to assess injuries and provide care, reinforcing problem-solving and collaboration skills.

In outdoor education, students honed their navigation techniques. They were “dropped at an unknown location” and challenged to navigate to a specific point using maps and compasses. Along the way, they mastered skills such as orienting a map, understanding declination, taking and holding a bearing, and micro-navigating terrain. This experience not only reinforced their navigation skills but also showcased their teamwork and leadership as every group successfully hit their mark.  In addition, students worked on fire-building skills, learning how to safely construct and manage a fire. They even had the chance to make bannock over the fire, combining survival skills with a delicious reward.
The combination of science and outdoor education has been an unforgettable experience for our Grade 8s, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and practical skills that will benefit them for years to come.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Jan 31 - Progress Report Cards will be available on PowerSchool Parent Portal
• Feb 7 - Staff Professional Learning 12:05 pm dismissal for Grades 1 - 8 (no Kindergarten classes)

Town of Banff Circle of Support
Circle of Support is a group for children that helps them to cope with life changes and losses in their life, such as separation or divorce of caregivers, family illness/injury or the loss of a loved one. The goal of the group is to assist children in expressing and understanding their feelings, accepting what has happened, normalizing grief and loss, and experiencing a sense of belonging in an accepting, non-judgmental environment. If you feel that your child(ren) could benefit from the Circle of Support group (February 26 - April 2), please click here for more information and to fill out the consent form and return it to the school office, the Community Services office at Town Hall or email it to katie.barton@banff.ca.

BCHS Casino Fundraiser Needs Volunteers!
Banff Community High School has the chance to raise $40,000-$50,000 for music initiatives like a recording studio and future band trips, through a casino on January 29 & 30, 2025, at ACE Casino Blackfoot (4040 Blackfoot Tr. S.E.). This fundraiser will benefit Banff students for years to come, so we are sharing it with BES families as well! We need 36 volunteer spots filled, so we need to spread the word and encourage people to help. Please fill out your preferred roles asap - before someone takes them. *Note: volunteers can work more than one shift but must be in the same role:  https://signup.com/go/BGqgVVB 

Banff Mountain Madness Relay Race
Please click here to learn more about the Town of Banff’s Mountain Madness Race on Friday February 7, 2025. Registration deadline is January 24.

2024-2025 Caribou Kids Season Ski Pass Program
Banff school students will enjoy free skiing again this winter. Now in its 18th year, Banff Lodging Co and Banff Mount Norquay are happy to offer the Caribou Kids Season Pass program for students enrolled at Banff schools. Please click here for more information and the online purchasing link. All payments and inquiries should be directed to Banff Mount Norquay.

Important Dates
Please click here to view the BES Community Calendar and click here for the 2024-2025 Learning Calendars.

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 a Criminal Record Check through the RCMP and sign a Confidentiality Contract as per Canadian Rockies Public Schools’ Administrative Procedure 490 - School Volunteers and FOIPP. RCMP checks expire one year from the issue date. 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 Criminal Record Checks can be completed by the RCMP within 24 hours. Please click here for more information on volunteering opportunities.

School Fees
For the third year, the CRPS board has decided not to charge lunchroom supervision fees for the 2024-2025 school year, reflecting our division's commitment to easing family financial pressures. Complimentary (CTF) course fees for Grades 7 and 8 students have been added to your Parent Portal account and are due by October 31, 2024. You can pay school fees online and obtain a copy of your invoice through your Power School Parent Portal account. Once you sign on, under navigation, click on Student Fees. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.

School and Family Wellness Worker
Emily Nicholson, our new School and Family Wellness Worker, 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
Welcome back BES families! We are so excited to have you here! Ms. Jenniex, with Right from the Start, will start visiting all the classrooms next week. If you have any questions about Right from the Start, please feel free to reach out to megan.jenniex@crps.ca. Watch for RFTS newsletter updates from your child(ren)’s homeroom teachers throughout the year to see what is happening with RFTS!

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 September 3, 2024 and registration is required each year. It is available between 7:45 - 8:15 am. Please click here to register your child. Students who arrive at 8:15 do not need to register for the Before School Care Program.

Out of School Club
The Town of Banff Out of School Club (OSC) is a licensed childcare program offering care for children in Kindergarten to Grade 6 during the school year. 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, staggered kindergarten entry and school breaks. For more details, program calendars, and information on how to register, visit www.banff.ca/kids, or get in touch at outofschoolclub@banff.ca.

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 Newsletter. More information about Settlement Services and a calendar of events is available at: www.banff.ca/settlement or follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SSBV.CCBV/.

SWIS Upcoming Events:
Positive Ways to Parent
Tuesdays: January 14, 21, 28, and February 4
Time: 6:00–7:00 pm (online via Zoom)
Pizza will be provided.
Register here

Schooling in Canada: Grade to Grade
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM (online via Zoom)
Pizza will be provided.
Register here

You can also check out our School Announcements here (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, Follow/Tag us on Twitter and on Instagram 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.

Homestay families needed in Banff, Canmore or Exshaw for international high school students (Grade 10-12) from Feb-June 2025
Do you have a spare bedroom? Become a host family for our International Student Program! Remuneration is provided. Follow this link to find out more!