Dear Banff Trail School Families,
Changes in temperature, changes in the colour of leaves, changes in the amount of daylight we have during our days, are all contrasted by the establishment of predictable routines that we have established, both at a school level and in the classroom. Routines include such aspects as setting expectations for working amongst peers, engaging in the work when work time begins, transitions in hallways, expectations during less structured time (such as recess), use of French within the school, putting forth one’s best effort, and much more. These routines support the establishment of trusting relationships, as well as the building of responsibility, orderliness and self-discipline in students. Of course, interruptions sometimes surface for routines, but this is where work on resilience, acceptance and flexibility can shine, as students realize that everything will still be fine despite an occasional change in routine. The extent to which students develop these character traits and skills of course vary, but we are always striving for student improvement over the years!
Setting of routines at home support not only productive time at school, but also the growth of positive character. You likely have many routines already established, such as winding down for bed times, brushing teeth, waking up in the morning, arriving at school on time, meal preparation and cleanup, homework (such as regular reading), extra-curricular commitments, and much more. Engaging in discourse with your child by discussing the ‘reasons’ you have these routines can help them make connections between what they are asked to do, why it is important, and how this can translate to other aspects of their life, and will in turn support their future successes (whether ‘success’ is getting better at a hobby, sport or instrument, being able to choose a career path of choice, etc.). Teachers, Support Staff, volunteers and parents are all working together to support the growth of your child into their very best person; through the ups and downs, we will be there to be amongst their best guides, caregivers and cheerleaders.
For your consideration:
Lockdown: Last week, our school hosted our first of two lockdown drills for the year. Teachers prepared students for the event, and, as is standard for lockdown drills, two Calgary Police Officers were on site to help with the drill. Feedback from CPS was very positive. Much like during a fire drill, everyone has certain roles and responsibilities they must perform during such drills, which aim to ensure that everyone is proactively set up to be as safe as possible in emergency situations.
Road Safety: Thank you to the vast majority of parents who are being excellent models for all of our children around pickup and drop-off times. As the daylight hours shorten, it is getting quite dark outside, and icy conditions will soon be upon us. As such, a reminder to please obey all traffic and safety rules, such as avoiding double-parking, not performing U-turns, and crossing at marked crosswalks. We want everyone to be safe. Relating to this, our grade 5 School Patrols have now begun their morning crosswalk duties; thank you to those families who support this initiative, in dropping off the patrollers early!
Spirit Day: A reminder that our next Spirit Day will be on October 31st; we invite all students to either wear a costume (no hand-held weapons, or costumes with ‘gore’ please), or wear black/orange on that day. Looking forward to it!
Illness: Thank you to all families who are being vigilant about keeping sick children at home. We want to continue to limit the spread of any illness as much as possible, and appreciate your care for our broader school community. A reminder that if you are keeping a sick child at home, you can let us know 24 hours per day, 7 days per week on our absence line (403-777-6120, press 1).
Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, October 23: School Council, 6:30pm
Friday, October 25: Non-instructional day—no school for students
Tuesday, October 29: Photo Retake Day
Thursday, November 7: Last day of classes before fall break
Friday, November 8: CBE-wide Professional Development day, no school for students
November 11,12,13: Fall Break, including on Remembrance Day--School Closed.
Thursday, November 14: Classes Resume
Wednesday, November 20: School Council, 6:30pm
November 28, 29: Learning Conferences
Have a wonderful weekend together,
Ryan Turner
Principal, Banff Trail School