Dear Banff Trail School Families,
An important aspect of the learning process for children is the concept of modelling. In this first month of school, we have placed a strong emphasis on modelling. For example, we model what we expect of students in their writing, as we give exemplars that demonstrate the pertinent success criteria. Or, we model how to sound out words to become more proficient readers, or how to express oneself with more depth, to become proficient in speaking French. We also spend a significant amount of time modeling the importance of communication, as we share messages with the home about what we are doing on any given day or week. No doubt you also model appropriate behaviours at home, such as relating to expectations for being polite, expectations for meal times, and expectations for timeliness, and for a wide range of other routines.
Teachers also spotlight students who are being positive models for other students. For example, our Virtue Leaf program recognizes where students show good character (such as kindness, determination, helpfulness, etc.). Examples of strong performance in any given task are also shared in a class setting, so that others can learn what success can look like, or to further engage in the critical thinking process.
Another way that school staff see modeling as important, though, is in considering how students and children can be models for us. Many of us entered the world of education for our love of helping children become their best selves, and how the joyous learning environment that students bring to school is inspiring. Consider this short article by Dr. Denise Founier that explains how we, as adults, can learn from children. For example, they understand the value of play, and they approach learning and life with a great sense of curiosity. Certainly we can all benefit from the reminder to return to these skills in our own lives, which in turn helps to create inquisitive, active, caring homes and environments for our family.
For your consideration:
General hand hygiene: Now that we are settling into the routines of learning at school, it would be a good time to review with your children good hand hygiene practices, to control and prevent infections of many kinds. The information here can help to guide this conversation for our younger students, such as in explaining that even if your hands look clean, they can still have germs that cause infections on them (but also that not all germs are bad!). We will continue to encourage good hand hygiene in the school as well.
Cyber Security Awareness Month: October is recognized as Cyber Security Awareness Month; as students begin to dabble with technology and the online world, it is important to equip them with the tools needed to safely navigate this space. Though many online resources exist, the government of Canada’s getcybersafe.ca website has some excellent resources to consider, for everything from gaming systems tips to social media usage. Two 4-minute videos also worth considering that come from another source recommended by the CBE are this video about email and phishing, and this video about social engineering.
Literacy at our School: We are very pleased to continue to offer our Home Literacy Program, as well as our at-school reading program, this year. A big thank you to Mme. Sophie for her work in organizing these valuable programs! Details about these programs will be shared soon.
Next Theme/Spirit Day: Thank you to everyone who participated in September’s important theme day: Orange Shirt Day. Our next Spirit Day will be on October 31st; we invite all students to either wear a costume (no hand-held accessories/weapons, or costumes with ‘gore’ please), or wear black/orange on that day. Looking forward to it!
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, October 14: Thanksgiving Day, School Closed
Wednesday, October 23: School Council Meeting, 6:30pm
Friday, October 25: Non-Instructional Day—No school for students
Tuesday, October 31: Spirit Day-Costumes, Orange and Black, Halloween Day
Have a wonderful weekend,
Ryan Turner
Principal, Banff Trail School