March 22, 2024
Dear Banff Trail School Families,
The last couple years have seen some large shifts in the curricular content for Alberta elementary school students. This is seen as neither good nor bad; with the curriculum being the legal document by which we must engage students in the learning process, it simply ‘is’ what must be taught. Having said this, the content of the curriculum is created by Alberta Education, and they have asked for feedback relating to previous curricular drafts. One such opportunity to provide feedback to Alberta Education is happening right now.
As a reminder, in 2022-23, Alberta Education deployed new K-3 Math, K-3 English Language Arts and Literature, and K-6 Physical Education and Well-Being curricula. For 2023-24, new curricula was deployed for grades 4-6 Math, 4-6 English Language Arts and Literature, K-3 Science, and K-3 French Immersion Language Arts and Literature. Grades 4-6 Science and 4-6 French Immersion Language Arts and Literature are being rolled out next year, but it has also been announced that there will be some piloting of the new draft K-6 Social Studies curriculum next year as well (with details not yet being provided). This particular curriculum had been released in draft form a couple years ago, and was subsequently returned for more extensive revisions, based on broad feedback received from the public. On March 14th, Alberta Education released a new draft of this curriculum, and is again seeking feedback, but this window is being offered for only about a 2-week period (closing on March 29th, 2024). Information about this engagement and curriculum can be found here, with a direct link to the survey found here. Once again, I would encourage you to consider this as one venue to voice your thoughts about this important aspect of what your child learns in school.
Relating to this, the curriculum itself details what we are to teach, but the art and science of teaching, in the creation of engaging and worthwhile learning opportunities, allows teachers to craft how we teach the content. With previously-established Programs of Studies (curricula), teachers refined and optimized lesson plans over many years, as they see what students find engaging and what practices for particular areas of study tend to be more efficient for students’ learning retention and consolidation. With the large amount of new curricula that has rolled out recently, that process is still in its infancy, as teachers try new ideas, develop new lesson sequences, better understand the intent of the new curricula, and begin to refine unit plans. I am very proud of the work that our teachers continue to do, as they spend countless hours in trying to create safe, caring, effective learning opportunities for all Banff Trail students. Though I mention it often, it is worth repeating; if ever you have any questions about your child’s learning, please feel free to connect with your child’s teacher (these last couple days of conferences have been an excellent opportunity to do so as well!). If interested, you are also able to see the content of existing curricula here.
For your consideration:
Clubs: Yesterday marked the end of the clubs that we ran for our grades 1-5 students. We hope this provided an opportunity for students to explore some areas of interest outside of our normal classroom content. The club that I ran was founded in the code.org website; if you are interested in exploring some coding fun with your child, I encourage you to give it a visit!
50th Year of French Immersion in the CBE: As previously mentioned, this year marks 50 years of French Immersion programming in the Calgary Board of Education. Consider watching this short video about this landmark, which includes a special appearance by our music teacher, Mme Wensley!
Pets on School Grounds: A reminder that pets of any kind are not allowed on school property, in accordance with a City of Calgary Bylaw, with the exception of accredited Service Dogs. Thank you for your support with this.
Engagement Session: On February 28th, 2024, I offered an engagement session at Banff Trail School’s School Council meeting, relating to school planning. This involved speaking to the school’s budget, School Development Plan, and fees that we charge. We invite you to view the results of this engagement here. There was also a presentation evaluation, the results for which can be found here. Thank you to everyone who attended this engagement, and to those who offered feedback.
Spring Break: A reminder that school resumes on TUESDAY, April 2nd, 2024.
Upcoming Dates:
March 23-April 1, inclusive: Spring Break, school closed
Tuesday, April 2: School Resumes
Wednesday, April 17: School Council meeting 6:30pm
Friday, April 19: Non-Instructional Day (school closed for students)-Languages Symposium for Teachers
I hope you have some fun family plans for Spring Break; we look forward to reconnecting with everyone again in about one week’s time.
Have a warm, safe break,
Ryan Turner
Principal, Banff Trail School