Dear Banff Trail School Families,
Though there are still just over 3 months of school remaining in the 2022-23 school year, work is already underway in planning for next year. This includes comparing preliminary student numbers that we see at the school level to CBE projections for our school, looking at the spaces we have within our building that can be used for learning, considering what staffing might look like, etc. Many aspects can only be partially examined, though, as we have not yet received our budget for next year, staffing still needs to be sorted out, and much more. As you are likely aware, Kindergarten registration also continues, and I am very happy to see that we already have quite healthy numbers of new students looking to join the Banff Trail School community.
Each year, we know that some families experience changes that impact their child(ren) continuing to attend Banff Trail School. This can be due to moving communities or cities, change of programs, etc. At an administrative level, the more accurately we can predict what our numbers for each grade-level will be for the next school year, the less likely we are to have to make changes to classes in the fall. Changes are sometimes needed nonetheless, though, in response to larger or smaller than expected numbers; over any given summer, I have always had some combination of unexpected new students who move into our catchment, and those who didn't expect to leave us, but do!
To help us with our planning, I kindly ask that if you have a current K-4 child at Banff Trail and you believe you will leave or might leave our school for the 2023-24 school year, please complete this very short survey, to help us with our planning. This is for our planning purposes only, and doesn't mean you are committing to anything. Existing grade 5 students would not be included for this survey, since they will be leaving our school for grade 6 anyways. Thank you for your help with planning for the new school year.
On a completely separate note, I wish you all a great week away from school with the family for the upcoming Spring Break. A reminder that Spring Break runs from March 25 through April 2nd, inclusive. I encourage everyone to find some fun activities to do with the family, to rekindle that sense of togetherness and wonder. Go for a walk in a different neighbourhood, make a new or special meal together, find a new sport to learn about, make some cards for some loved ones…the list of options is endless! Since March is Francophonie Month, consider researching and/or making a traditional French dish (such as tourtière), or learning about the Francophone roots of Calgary (a good starting point is to learn about Rouleauville…a 3 km walking tour of this historical district can be found here).
For your consideration:
Trickster: The hosting of any residency is often greatly enhanced by the many hands who help with its smooth delivery. Trickster has been no exception; thank you to the many volunteers, whether you sent in cardboard, helped out in the classroom, or made props.
Conferences: Thank you to everyone for attending last week's conferences (and for the many who provided food for us!). A strong school-home partnership is critical to successful schooling experiences.
Extra clothing: With spring comes wet and sloppy conditions. At times, children will accidentally get wet from being outside during their recess and/or outside gym time. Please consider packing an extra pair of socks and/or pants in your child's backpack, in case an unexpected change of clothing might be in order.
Next Spirit Day: A reminder that on Thursday, March 23rd, we will host our next Spirit Day. The theme will be “Fête de la tête", where students are invited to liven up their heads through hats, accessories, hairstyles…anything fun, exiting, unique and/or crazy!
Upcoming Dates:
Friday, March 17: Trickster performances (see email sent out on Tuesday, March 14th)
Thursday, March 23: Spirit Day—Fête de la tête
Saturday March 25 to Sunday, April 2, inclusive: Spring Break, school closed
Monday, April 3: School resumes
Friday, April 7: Good Friday, school closed
Monday, April 10: System Non-Instructional Day, school closed
Wednesday, April 19: School Council, 6:30pm
Have a great weekend,
Ryan Turner
Principal, Banff Trail School
