E-NEWS & Principal's Podcast

The Principal’s Podcast
Please click this link to see Mr. Kestle’s weekly video podcast. This week's podcast highlights BES’s Nature Explorers program. Lynx supports our K-6 classes in furthering curriculum across all subjects in the beautiful outdoor spaces in Banff National Park.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Oct 9 - School Closure for Thanksgiving
• Oct 10 - Lunch Program ordering closes at 11:59 pm
• Oct 13 - Staff PD pm students dismissed at 12:05 pm (no Kindergarten classes)

Lunch Program/Volunteering
Our School Council is thrilled to announce that the Lunch Program will run again on Thursdays with the first lunch served on October 19. The MunchaLunch ordering system is now open and the order deadline for this entire lunch session (October 19 - February 1) is Tuesday October 10 11:59 pm. Once the system is closed we cannot add additional orders for this session. The MunchaLunch system offers a secure credit card payment option. Once you have placed your order please click on the PAY NOW button and make your credit card payment. Orders unpaid within 1 hour of placing will be auto-cancelled. Please click here for more information and the order link. Please remember to sign up to volunteer when placing an order.

School Picture Day Proofs & Ordering
Picture Day proofs have been sent home for those students that had their pictures taken on September 14. We are requesting that families place their picture orders online at mylifetouch.ca. There are more choices and savings online, and this reduces paper handling. Place your orders by October 9, 2023 to take advantage of free shipping. Picture retakes will be on November 7, 2023. Students that missed picture day can also have their picture taken this day.

Grade 7 & 8 Running Team
Our Grade 7 and 8 Running Team has enjoyed beautiful autumn runs along the Bow River every Tuesday and Thursday. Congratulations to this group of runners on a great season! We hope to see you back next year or running on the Cross-Country Team in high school.

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 a 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
As part of the CRPS budgeting process for the 2023-2024 school year, the Board of Trustees has advised that it will remove the BES lunch supervision fee of $140, this year. The decision to remove this fee reflects the Alberta government’s six percent increase in base funding to all school authorities for the upcoming school year, a revenue source the board would like to pass on to families. Incidental fees will be added to your Parent Portal account if required.

School and Family Wellness Worker
Deanne Arada, 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
Interested in what’s going on at BES with Right from the Start? Ms. Jenniex has monthly newsletters for every grade! You can check them out here, BES RFTS Monthly Newsletter 23/24. Ms. Jenniex can also be contacted at Megan.jenniex@crps.ca if you have any questions or want to learn more about the program!

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 October 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.

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!