Dear Banff Trail School Families,
“How was school today?”
This is likely one of the most asked questions from families when they reunite with their children after a day at school. As I have mentioned before, I am so grateful to work in a school with such supportive parents who care deeply about their children.
Asking about a child’s day while giving them your full attention shows the child that you care about them. If you find that your child’s response is often minimal (such as “good” or “fine”), consider adding probing questions, or reframing your first question to them. You may find that a simple rewording can open a conversation up, to learn more about your child’s passions, friendships, struggles or successes…which further builds that important family connection that will persist over a lifetime.
Instead of: “How was school today?” Consider trying:
“What was the funniest thing that happened today?” “What was something interesting you explored in class?” “Who did you play with today, and what did you play?” “Was there anything that was tricky?”
“Tell me about 3 things that you did at school today: before, during and after lunch.”
If you’ve asked about the day, and get: “Good.” Try: “What made it good?” or “What was the best part?” If you get: “I don’t know”…try asking some of the open-ended questions above!
The goal isn't to interrogate your children, but to create time and space for genuine back-and-forth conversation. Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child describes these responsive “serve and return” interactions as important to children’s development, with research linking conversational interaction with language and brain development. Though it is aimed towards developing the curiosity, engagement and brains of younger children, consider watching the Harvard video found here, which can serve as a foundation and inspiration for ongoing interactions with your child over many years.
For your consideration:
Next Spirit Day: Friday, October 30— we invite all staff and students to either wear a costume (no hand-held weapons, or costumes with ‘gore’ please), or wear black/orange on that day. Should be fun, as always!
Pedestrian safety: If you are walking on sidewalks around the school with your child, please help us model safe pedestrian behaviours for them. For example, narrate to younger students what you are doing, such as looking in all directions before crossing the road (at crosswalks only), and making eye contact with drivers before you begin crossing. Then, as they become accustomed to the routine, let them show you how to cross safely and give them feedback. This will help create safe independence when they are older!
Outbreak Prevention Control: In September, Alberta Health Services (AHS) published a Guide for Outbreak Prevention & Control in Schools, which offers guidance for schools to help keep our students and staff healthy. Most importantly, students and staff who are ill should stay home, and we are to call home for students when new symptoms of illness develop. Note that for gastrointestinal illness, students should stay home until 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea. Thank you for your part in keeping our school healthy!
Upcoming dates:
October 5-30: Grade 3-5 clubs
Monday October 12: School Closed for Thanksgiving Day
Wednesday, October 14: School Council, 6:30pm
Monday, October 19: Non-instructional Day (school closed for students-Referendum Day).
Wednesday, October 21: Take Me Outside Day
Friday, October 30: Spirit/Theme Day: Costumes and/or Orange & Black theme
November 11-13: School Closed (fall break)
Have a wonderful weekend,
Ryan Turner
Principal, Banff Trail School