Field Trips bringing learning to life

When I think back to much of my primary schooling, it is the exceptional experiences beyond the classroom that I remember most. Field trips, presentations, special guests not only bring the curriculum to life but can act as a hook to spark interest, can provide a different perspective or experience which evokes learning or solidifies learning that has happened in the classroom. These experiences, whether in the school or within our community, are extremely important in adding to our schooling experience ensuring robust learning and growth for all. These experiences take extra time to organize and coordinate and the financial means to support. Thank you to the Banded Peak staff for their commitment and efforts in making these experiences happen. You are creating memories and experiences that will stay with our students a lifetime. And thank you to our parents and Friends of Banded Peak Society for your support of these initiatives as well, your fundraising, donations and support help to make rich experiences possible. This past week we had the Beaverhill Bird Observatory Society come in to present to our grade 5/6 classes as a Science extension connecting to their learning around flight and in this case birds in flight. Students were up and close with Nena a burrowing owl. She was BEAUTIFUL and a student highlight! On Friday, our grade 7&8's went to Spray Lakes to skate, experience kickboxing and swim. Again, an exceptional opportunity for students to try new things and participate in activities that we do not have access to onsite. The 1/2's are headed to the Zoo at the end of the month and the 3/4's have plans for Spray Lakes excursion in February. What lucky students we have! All of these experiences make memories, build perspective, enrich learning and extend growth. Again, thank you to all that make this possible!

I also wanted to express a sincere thank you to the Friends of Banded Peak Society for their financial support of our 1st Phase of technology evergreening here at Banded Peak. On Wednesday night, the group approved the purchase of 20 new iPads, 32 iPencils and 50 cases and screen protectors for our new devices. This will protect the evergreened iPads we have received from RVS as well as augment our fleet of devices in classes. Thank you!

Another busy week upcoming at Banded Peak. Tuesday and Wednesday, each class will participate in Smudge teachings led by our RVS Indigenous Learning Branch. Through the teachings of Smudge, students and staff will learn about Indigenous worldviews and perspectives as well as the benefits of mindfulness and grounding associated with the practice. As was indicated in my previous correspondence, engaging in this practice is voluntary. It is my hope that you have had an opportunity to discuss this with your children so that they are comfortable in making this decision when the time comes. Moving ahead, on Tuesdays, beginning January 28th, during lunch, students will have the opportunity to participate in an Open Smudge. Again, this is voluntary and the choice to participate is the students. Thursday, we have a House assembly scheduled led by our Leadership students. Please encourage your student to wear their House colours! On Friday, the Jr Boys will play at Herons Crossing for their final tournament prior to Divisionals. This will be a big weekend for our team as our record will seed us in the Divisional tournament. Good luck boys and Go Grizzlies!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone,

Mrs Moore