E-NEWS & Principal's Post

We were incredibly fortunate to collaborate with Heather Jean Jordan, the Banff Poet Laureate, over the past week. The song she co-created with our students is both powerful and deeply moving. On Monday, the Learning Commons was filled with energy as our students came together to record the song in both audio and video—they did an outstanding job! This meaningful piece will be featured in next week’s E-News and posted on our website. Even more exciting, the video will be shared at the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis as a message of hope and inspiration from our students to global leaders. It has been a truly unforgettable experience for everyone involved, and our students should be incredibly proud of their contribution. Check out this week’s Rocky Mountain Outlook for a write up on this experience.  Well done, BES!

Our Lead Learners - Ms. Daffern, Ms. Anderson, Mr. Mannix, Ms. Major, and Ms. Indovina-Duncan - joined Ms. Chisholm and I at the May Symposium this week to reflect on our school year and begin shaping our professional learning plans for the upcoming year. Together, we took a deep dive into the new Four-Year Education Plan and our Shared Vision of Learning. We also analyzed key assessment data collected throughout the year to inform our goals for 2025–26. These goals include:

• Revising our CUBS Code to create consistent expectations across the school
• Examining and refining our assessment practices in writing
• Applying principles of Universal Design for Learning in our planning
• Continuing to strengthen our word study practices school-wide

It was a valuable and collaborative experience that sets the stage for a focused and intentional year ahead.

Spotlight on Learning
Grade 8 Spotlight - Grade 8 Science and Outdoor Education

This past week, our Grade 8 students engaged in a dynamic, hands-on science experience that brought classroom learning into real-world contexts. As part of their study of mechanical systems, students began the day with interactive games and challenges designed to help them classify simple machines and deepen their understanding of core physics concepts.

Building on this foundation, students applied their knowledge of mechanical advantage and pulleys—combined with knot-tying skills honed in Outdoor Education—to simulate setting up bear hangs, an essential backcountry skill. Later, students worked collaboratively to execute a land-based canoe rescue, using ropes, pulleys, and teamwork to solve a complex challenge efficiently and safely.

The highlight of the day was designing and building large-scale Rube Goldberg machines in the forest. Students creatively combined natural features with simple machines to perform a single task: popping a balloon. These projects sparked innovation, critical thinking, and problem solving, as students worked together to troubleshoot and refine their designs.

These experiences reflect our shared vision at Canadian Rockies Public Schools, where we are committed to Inspiring Hearts and Minds. By connecting science, outdoor skills, and collaborative challenges, we empower students to be creative thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible citizens. This learning experience embraced whole-child development, encouraged responsible risk-taking, and fostered joyful learning through exploration, teamwork, and reflection on real-world applications.

French Spotlight

We have welcomed le printemps by getting outside in French whenever we can! Classes have enjoyed vocabulary recall games in the sun, incorporated with some needed movement:) Grade 4s and Grade 7s are learning about le corps humain and have been learning the names of body parts. Grade 5s continue to learn about les vêtements and have been writing short paragraphs in French to describe what someone is wearing! They have done a fabulous job at this challenging task. The two Grade 6 classes are collaborating on a poster showcasing les bâtiments common to towns and cities, and also specifically to Banff. Grade 8s have begun learning about les animaux and are currently working on independent projects including simple phrases to describe an animal of Alberta. These tasks are connected to the shared vision of learning by offering diverse experiences in language learning (games, projects, specific worksheet requirements, collaboration, language skills both written and oral, indoor and outdoor learning) to enhance learning beyond the classroom. 

Important Upcoming Dates

• May 15 - 1pm Musical Showcase (BES families welcome)
• May 16 - No school for students
• May 19 - Victoria Day Holiday
• May 28 - BES School Council meeting at 3:30pm

Save the Date! Grade 8 Farewell
We are excited to share that we will be hosting our Grade 8 Farewell on Wednesday June 25 at 1:15pm. More information to come soon!

2025-26 Bus Registration
For the 2025-2026 school year, students who will be taking Canadian Rockies Public School (CRPS) bus transportation must complete an online registration form. This ensures our system has accurate, up-to-date student information in our system. Please note: a registration form is required for each student intending to ride the school bus in the 2025-26 school year.  Failure to complete the form indicates your child(ren) will not need bus service next school year.

To access the 2025-2026 School bus registration form, please follow the link to sign in to your parent portal account. Once signed in, you will click on School Engage to access the Bus Registration form. Please complete the registration form by June 11, 2025 in order to receive your bus pass before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. 

If you require further information regarding Transportation Registration please follow the link Transportation Registration and Info.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out directly to the transportation department at crpstransportation@crps.ca. We would be happy to assist you!

2025-2026 Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration is open for children that will be turning 5 by December 31, 2025. Please register your child as soon as possible to help us with our 2025-2026 school year planning and to receive important information on the upcoming Spring Into Kindergarten visit in May. Please click here to register.

2025-2026 BES Intent Form
Please help us with our planning for the 2025-2026 school year by letting us know if you intend for your child(ren) to continue with Banff Elementary School (or Banff Community High School if your child is currently in Grade 8) or if your child will not be attending BES or BCHS. Please complete a separate form for each child. Please note: children already attending Banff Elementary School do not need to submit a new registration for the next school year, even if your child is in Grade 8 and going to BCHS, but we ask that you please click here to complete the intent form.

Important Dates
Please click here to view the BES Community Calendar and click here for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 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 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
Ms. Jenniex with Right from the Start visits all classrooms at BES. 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. It is available between 7:45 - 8:15 am. Registration is required each year - 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 school aged children 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, the staggered kindergarten entry and school breaks. For more details, program calendars, and information on how to register, visit www.banff.ca/kids.

Town of Banff Summer Fun Day Camp Registration
This popular summer program is not just about childcare for school-aged children, but creating experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Summer Fun runs Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. (includes lunch hour supervision)  from Wednesday, July 2 – Friday, August 22. We are open for all children going into grades 1-6. There is no programming offered on weekends and Statutory Holidays. For more details, program calendars, Specialty Camps, Youth Camps, and information on how to register, visit www.banff.ca/kids. Summer Fun registration opens to all Banff Residents on April 2 at 8:30am, and April 30 at 8:30am for Non-Residents.

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/.

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)
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!