June 5, 2026
Dear Banff Trail School Families,
This is a very busy time of year for our Teachers, who are working diligently to cover a few final curricular concepts before year end, while also deploying and analyzing some summative assessments for the year-end report cards. There is much to consider in assigning comments and grades, and it is important to know that report cards are simply a snapshot in time of a Teacher’s determination of where a student lands in relation to the term’s curricular expectations.
The CBE has also established some guiding principles relating to assessment and reporting, of which a summary can be found here. It speaks to the primary purpose of assessment, which is to improve student learning; regardless of the achievement level of a student in any given subject area, report cards are ONE WAY that parents can see areas that could use extra support, and areas that should be celebrated.
The assessment and reporting guide speaks to many aspects that our Teachers consider in evaluating student products, conversations and observations. For example, are the assessments actually evaluating what is expected in the curriculum? Do some opportunities exist for students to receive and act upon actionable feedback? Are there opportunities for re-assessment, to show that growth is occurring? Are learning goals and intentions reviewed with students, so they are better aware of what they are expected to learn? Reporting also incorporates ‘recency’ with some ongoing learning; for example, if a student was reading at a 2-level earlier in the term, but more recently showing a 3-level reading capacity, a 3 would be the mark assigned (rather than an ‘averaging’ occurring).
Know that Teachers are there to support students along their learning journey, constantly working to uplift understandings where needed, and cheer on successes along the way. I encourage all families to carefully review report cards with their children when they become available June 25th, to show them that you are there walking alongside them on their learning journey, with pride, understanding and compassion.
For your consideration:
Blue Days: Although we traditionally associate Blue Days with keeping students indoors for entry and recesses when the temperature is -20 C or below, it can also be selectively used for any type of inclement weather. This could include, for example, very strong winds, excessive smoke, or heavy rain (as we experienced earlier this week). In cases of light or periodic rain, most often students will go outside, so please continue to dress students for the weather and assume students will go outside.
Residencies: A big thank you to the many parents who provided donations in 2025-26, whether that be in giving time or money. Amongst many other enhancements for our school, this has once again given us the opportunity to host many residencies free of charge to all families, including Knowledge Keeper Anita Crowshoe, Soccer, Lacrosse, Fitset Ninja, Sugar Shack/Carnaval events, and more.
Donation of Lost and Found Clothing: Our Lost and Found is growing quickly! Each year, we donate unclaimed clothing and items to charitable causes. On June 19th, any remaining items in the lost and found will be donated to Calgary WINS (Women in Need Society). Teachers have been asked to visit the Lost and Found as a class in the coming week, but I encourage you to also remind your child to have a good look for missing items!
Registration Continues: Please note that we continue to accept registrations for students in our catchment area. Though we are closed over the summer months, registration can occur until June 26th, or when the school office is once again staffed (beginning August 24, 2026).
Last Day(s) of School: A reminder that the last day of school for grades 1 to 5 is on Friday, June 26th, being a regular 12:00pm early dismissal Friday. Kindergarten students’ last day is the day before, on Thursday, June 25th, at their regular dismissal time.
Upcoming Dates:
June 10: School Council, 6:30pm
June 10: Jump Rope for Heart Day
June 19: Bike to School Day (School Council event)
June 19: Lost and Found items donated to WINS
June 23: Sports Day (Tentative)
June 24: Grade 5 Farewell
June 25: Sports Day/Grade 5 Farewell alternate day (if needed due to weather)
June 25: Last day of classes for Kindergarten students
June 25: Report Cards visible in MyCBE Account
June 26: Last day of classes for Grade 1-5 students
June 29: Appeals Day until 12:00pm
June 30: Organizational Day
Have a wonderful weekend,
Ryan Turner
Principal, Banff Trail School