E-NEWS

The Principal’s Podcast
Tune back in next week for a new video episode of the Principal’s Podcast! If you missed or have not had a chance to watch all of the episodes click this link that will take you to the BES YouTube channel!

Important Upcoming Dates

• Oct 22 - P/T/S Conference booking system closes at 11:55 pm

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

• October 25 Evening conferences 4:00 - 7:00 pm - regular classes during the day
• October 26 Evening conferences 5:00 - 8:00 pm - regular classes during the day
• October 27 Morning conferences 8:30 - 11:45 am and P.D. in the afternoon - no school for students all day

For our Fall P/T/S Conferences, you will have a choice of a virtual meeting or an in-person meeting. Please note there are two schedules: one for Grades K-7 to book a 15 minute conference with their homeroom teacher, and one for Grade 8 to book a 10 minute conference with both Grade 8 teachers at the same time. Please ensure to select the correct schedule when making your booking. Appointments for parents and students to meet with teachers can be booked online at https://banff.schoolappointments.com. You will need to create a new account, even if you have used this system in the past, by clicking the REGISTER tab on the menu bar. This system is now open and appointments can be booked until Sunday October 22 11:55 pm.. After October 22 the online booking system will be closed - parents will be required to email their child's homeroom teacher directly to change or cancel an appointment. Appointments can also be made with our Principals, Mr. Kestle/Ms. Chisholm, our Music teacher, Ms. Kowalewski, and/or our School and Family Wellness Worker, Deanne Arada, by emailing them directly (firstname.lastname@crps.ca). Please click here for School Appointments - Parent Instructions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.

Dressing for Outdoor Recess and Indoor Shoes
As the weather is starting to change, it is important that your child(ren) comes to school prepared to go outside with proper footwear, a jacket 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

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!