Dear Banff Trail School Families,
As the warmth of spring returns to Calgary, it's the perfect opportunity for families to embrace the outdoors together, and enjoy the many benefits that come with it. Engaging in outdoor activities strengthens family bonds, and significantly contributes to the physical and cognitive development of children.
Research has consistently shown that outdoor play is critical for children's health and well-being. Outdoor play exposes children to sunlight, which is essential for vitamin D synthesis, promotes physical activity, enhances executive function, encourages risk-taking, fosters socialization, and cultivates an appreciation for nature, as described in an article found in Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing. Even simply spending time in the outdoors by itself is beneficial: recent studies (such as here) and experts (as described here) explain that exposure to green spaces is associated with enhanced cognitive development in children, including improved working memory and increased attention span.
To make the most of this beautiful season, consider the following family-friendly outdoor activities:
- Nature Walks and Hikes: Explore the many local trails and parks to observe the flora and fauna. This not only provides exercise but also cultivates a love for nature in children.
- Cycling Adventures: Plan family bike rides around your neighborhood or along Calgary’s many cycling paths, which are mapped out here. It's a fun way to stay active and discover new corners of our city together.
- Outdoor Art Sessions: Set up a "Picnic and Paint" day where the family can enjoy a meal outdoors, followed by painting scenes from the surrounding nature. This combines creativity with the benefits of being outside.
- Gardening Projects: Start a small garden in your backyard or use pots on a balcony. Gardening teaches responsibility and provides a hands-on science lesson. Consider researching best gardening practices via Youtube videos, consulting Artificial Intelligence (such as ChatGPT), or general web searches.
- Visit Local or “New-to-Us” Playgrounds: Unstructured play in playgrounds allows children to develop social skills and engage in physical activity. Seek out playgrounds that you have never experienced, such as by visiting other CBE schools around the city!
- Outdoor Sports and Games: Engage in activities like soccer, frisbee, pickleball, or even simple games like tag. These promote teamwork and physical fitness.
I encourage everyone to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather to engage in these activities, promoting healthier bodies and brains for our children. Time spent outside today can grow into lifelong habits of health, happiness, togetherness, and appreciation for nature.
For Your Consideration:
Next Theme/Spirit Day: Earth Day is on April 22, 2025, and so on that day and in connection with my message above, I encourage everyone to wear green that day; I have also encouraged teachers to take students outside for some outdoor learning if the weather cooperates, and/or to do some classwork around the Earth theme. Students are also welcome to accessorize with any Earth-themed clothing pieces, if they wish!
Late Arrivals: Thank you to the vast majority of parents who ensure that their children are dropped off at school prior to the start of the day (7:58am). For your convenience, we have supervision outside from 7:43am to 7:58am to allow you to drop off any time during this window. Dropping off your children on time ensures that they start the day’s routines in a good way, and eliminates disruptions to the class.
Bell Times for 2025-26: About one year ago, the CBE indicated that bell time adjustments would be needed for many schools for the 2025-26 school year, in response to provincially-mandated changes to transportation. We have been informed that we are one of 97 schools (out of about 250 CBE schools) for which no changes will be made. Therefore, as announced earlier this week, our hours will remain 7:58am to 2:30pm Monday to Thursday, and 7:58am to 12:00pm on Fridays next school year.
Languages Symposium Day: On Monday, April 21, CBE schools are closed for a Non-Instructional/Professional Development Day. Banff Trail School teachers will be attending a Languages Symposium, wherein teachers have signed up for sessions relating to best practice in language instruction, and learn from a keynote speaker from the University of Regina. Once again, we are proud to share that we have a few staff members who are presenting at the symposium this year!
Upcoming Dates:
April 18: Good Friday, School Closed
April 21: Non-Instructional Day-Languages Symposium for Teachers, no school for students
April 22: Earth Day Theme Day; wear green!
April 23: Administrative Professionals Day (Thank you Elaine, Mika and Nikki in the office!!)
April 28-May 8: Kindergarten to Grade 5 Soccer Residency
May 7: School Council Meeting, 6:30pm
May 8: K/1 Orientation (for families new to Banff Trail School for 2025-26)
Have a wonderful weekend,
Ryan Turner
Principal, Banff Trail School