E-NEWS Spotlight on Learning

  

BES Open House: “Take a Look Into Next Year’s Learning” 
Families are invited to come to BES on Thursday April 27, 2023 from 3:15-4:15 pm to have a preview into your child's learning for next year. Visit the classrooms of your child's next grade to find out the top five highlights of learning and overall experiences of that grade as shared by the teachers and students. The path of a child's learning from Kindergarten to Grade 8 has many unique and exciting opportunities for learning, experiencing the outdoors, connecting to the community and celebrating the growth of both individuals and groups from childhood to adolescence. Lynx from our Nature Explorers program will be in the Den and she welcomes families to come paint a ‘gratitude’ rock that we will add to our up and coming ‘Compass Garden’ created from native plant species as part of our school celebration of Earth Day and our connection to nature. Our Family and Wellness Support Worker, Ms Butenschon, and Ms. Jenniex from Right From the Start will be in the gathering area to answer questions and showcase their roles at BES. School Council will also be here to share their role in the school community and answer questions about this very important parent opportunity to offer voice and help contribute to school level decision making. There will be light snacks and refreshments for all!

Important Upcoming Dates

• Apr 26 - Class Photo Day
• Apr 27 - BES Open House 3:15 - 4:15 pm
• Apr 28 - 12:00 pm dismissal for Gr 1 - 8 (no Kindergarten classes)
  
  

Next Year School Planning
Please help us in our planning for the 2023-2024 school year by letting us know if you intend for your child to continue with Banff Elementary School (or Banff Community High School if your child is currently in Grade 8) by completing this Intent Form by April 30. Children already attending Banff Elementary School do not need to complete a new registration, even if your child is in Grade 8 and going to Banff Community High School.


Lunch Program Volunteers NEEDED
Volunteers to serve lunch on Thursdays are needed for the remainder of this school year. Please contact Susan Hughes at shughes2014@outlook.com for more information.


Bus and Drop Off Zones
BES is revising bus safety protocols at pick up and drop off times. Our buses will now use the flashing red lights with the extended stop sign when loading and unloading students. Passing a school bus that has its red lights flashing and stop sign extended is punishable with a $567 fine plus the loss of 6 driving demerits in Alberta. Thank you for helping to keep all of our students safe. 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. 

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 an annual 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 Now Overdue
Banff Elementary School fees are available on PowerSchool Parent Portal and are now overdue. As per Canadian Rockies School Division’s Administrative Procedure 503, payment for school fees is due 30 days after invoicing. Please contact the school office to make payment arrangements if payment has not been made at this time.

School and Family Wellness Worker
Ashley Butenschon 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 is now sending home monthly updates for each classroom! To check out what other classes are doing, or to read prior months' updates, go here: BES RFTS Monthly Updates. For information on Right from the Start at Banff Elementary School or to contact me directly, please email megan.jenniex@crps.ca.

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 April Newsletter. More information about Settlement Services and a calendar of events is available at: www.banff.ca/settlement or follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/settlement.services.in.the.bow.valley.

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 and Follow/Tag us on Twitter 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!