Dear Banff Trail School Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year at Banff Trail School! For many, this is an exciting time of year, as you and your child embrace this next journey in their development. If your child is in Kindergarten, I can imagine that this is a bittersweet time, as you send them off on their first few steps in their more formal schooling; we look forward to playing an important, positive part in their development!
Regardless of your child’s grade, if you are new to Banff Trail School, a big welcome to you. If your child has not yet visited the school grounds, I would encourage you to do so with them in these final few days before entry, so that your child can see where they will be learning, play on the compound or on the play structure, etc. Building some familiarity before entry can go a long way in building some level of comfort and excitement for your child. If your child is entering Kindergarten, ensuring that they can put on/take off their shoes and coat will also set them up for early success. I hope, and believe, that you will find our small school community a caring, loving place to learn, whether in chatting with the teachers, meeting new parents, or watching your child develop new friendships. A priority that I have in our school is doing our utmost to provide quality learning experiences in a safe and caring environment.
By Tuesday evening, you should receive a welcome message from your child’s new teacher, with some introductory information. This would include first-day processes and entry, some class routines and expectations, and the teacher’s contact information. Please ensure that both the teacher and your child are aware of how they are getting home, both on this first day (which can be ‘different’, on this special first day, than what will be the norm moving forward), and for future days. Key to a strong educational experience for your child will be good communication between the home and school throughout the entire school year. If you have NOT received a message by Tuesday evening, please connect with the school on Wednesday.
We are all very excited to begin the learning here at Banff Trail School, and can’t wait to welcome everyone in person on Thursday, August 29th. School begins at 7:58am, and outdoor supervision commences at 7:43am. Our office is open to help as of Monday, August 26th, during our regular school hours of 7:58am to 2:30pm. If you have moved over the summer out of our catchment, please let us know as soon as possible, so that we can optimize class lists.
We look forward to the energy that comes with the first day of the school year, which can help to set the stage for a great year of learning. If you have any other questions about school start-up, feel free to contact us.
A few upcoming dates:
Thursday, August 29th: First Day of School
Friday August 30th: Reminder--early dismissal at 12:00pm. No School for PM Kindergarten students.
Monday, September 2nd: School Closed (Labour Day)
Friday, September 6th: Reminder-early dismissal at 12:00pm. No School for AM Kindergarten students.
Tuesday, September 10, Wednesday September 11: Photo Days (further details to come)
September 26, 27: School Conferences
Thursday, September 26th: Banff Trail School’s Orange Shirt Day
Monday September 30th: School Closed (In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation)
Warmest Regards,
Ryan Turner
Principal, Banff Trail School