E-NEWS & Principal's Podcast
The Principal’s Podcast
Please click this link to see Mr. Kestle’s weekly video podcast. The Principal’s Podcast is back this week with a new episode exploring and highlighting the new Math Lab at Banff Elementary School!
Important Upcoming Dates
- Oct 27 - no school for students all day Morning P/T/S conferences and staff P.D. in the afternoon
- Oct 31 - Halloween Assembly/Parade 1:15 pm
Halloween Parade
Tuesday October 31 at 1:15 pm Grades K to 8 students will meet in the gym for a musical performance by the Handbell Club and then parade around the school wearing their costumes. Your child is invited to bring an easy-to-wear-not-too-scary-non-offensive costume that they can change into on their own for the afternoon. Please do not bring accessories (weapons, badges, walkie-talkies, wands, etc). Students will be given time to change into their costumes at the end of lunch break. Kindergarten students can wear their costumes all day. Families are welcome, however we are limited by the Alberta Fire Code Occupant Load in the gym. Limited seating is available in the gym but parents can also line the hallways to watch the parade.
BCHS Student Leadership Team We Scare Hunger Initiative
The BCHS Student Leadership Team will be trick or treating in Banff on Halloween for a variety of non-perishable food and toiletry items as part of the WE SCARE HUNGER food drive! All donations are greatly appreciated and will be given to Banff Food Rescue, an organization that is making a huge difference in the Banff community. Any non-perishable items are welcome, although Banff Food Rescue has also requested a number of needed items: cooking oil, butter/margarine, peanut butter, crackers, cereal, canned coconut milk, canned fruit, canned soup, hand cream, toothpaste, and shampoo. If you could have donations ready at your home for the BCHS Student Leadership team on Halloween night between 5:30-8:00 pm, that would be fantastic! Please do not drop off at the schools. Thanks for your support!
School Fees
Based on the wishes of our Board of Trustees to see families benefit from the government’s six percent increase in base funding, we have removed the $140 cost of lunchroom supervision from School Fees for this school year. With the generous donation from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation our students will continue to enjoy mountain living experiences, including Nature Explorers and Outdoor Pursuits at no cost this school year. There are no school fees for students in Grades K - 6. Grade 7 and 8 CTF Complementary Course (Foods, etc) and Band fees have now been added to PowerSchool Parent Portal. Debit or credit card payments can be made online through your Parent Portal https://powerschool.crps.ca/public/. Please contact the school office to make payment arrangements if unable to pay by November 30, 2023.
Dressing for Outdoor Recess and Indoor Shoes
As it appears winter is upon us, it is important that children come to school prepared to go outside with proper winterboots and jackets, snow pants and hat and mitts. As well, please ensure your child(ren) has indoor shoes at school each day that are also appropriate for gym.
Lost & Found
Many items are starting to accumulate in our Lost & Found. Please ensure to have your child check for lost items, or please stop by the school to have a look.
Important Dates
Please click here to view the BES Community Calendar
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Oct 27 |
No Classes all day for Students - Morning Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences and Afternoon Staff PD |
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Oct 31 |
Halloween Assembly/Parade 1:15 pm |
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Nov 3 |
Staff PD pm - students dismissed at 12:05 pm (no Kindergarten classes) |
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Nov 7 |
Picture Retake Day |
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Nov 9 |
Remembrance Day Assembly |
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Nov 10 |
School Closure in lieu of P/T/S Conferences |
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Nov 17 |
Staff PD pm - students dismissed at 12:05 pm (no Kindergarten classes) |
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 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!
