Canadian Rockies Public Schools

A Sweet Send-Off for BES Grade 8s

Today, June 25, Banff Elementary School (BES) celebrates its Grade 8 Farewell starting at 1:15 p.m. in the school gym. The event includes a student-recognition ceremony and a family reception in the Den, complete with reflections, photos, and sweet treats. As students prepare to leave BES behind and take their next steps into high school, the farewell offers a chance to honour their growth, achievements, and the friendships they’ve built along the way. With families, staff, and classmates cheering them on, this send-off is full of heart and pride.

Hats Off, Hearts Full

Tomorrow, June 26, Canadian Rockies Public Schools will honour the Class of 2025 with graduation ceremonies at Canmore Collegiate High School and Banff Community High School. CCHS grads cross the stage at 11 a.m. in the school gym; BCHS grads follow at 12 p.m. on the Banff Springs Hotel terrace, weather permitting. These milestone moments reflect the challenges, triumphs, and friendships that have shaped their high school journey. Whether heading to post-secondary studies, work, or new adventures near or far, these graduates move forward grounded in community and full of possibility. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

Honouring Journeys, Celebrating Roots at Exshaw School!

Exshaw School’s Grade 8 Celebration takes place on June 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., welcoming students, families, staff, and community for an evening of recognition, reflection, and cultural pride. This special event marks the transition to high school with a powerful program of speakers, singers, dancers, and drummers, honouring the identity and resilience of this year’s graduates. Held at the school, the celebration uplifts student voices and stories, blending heartfelt moments with rich tradition. As Principal Craig Kestle shared, “these young learners will carry the strength of their school community with them as they step into the next chapter of their education.” All are welcome to witness this proud milestone.

At its June 17 meeting, Canadian Rockies Public Schools' Board of Trustees advanced several key priorities reflecting a commitment to student belonging, opportunity, and future readiness. Director of Learning Services Mike Shoemaker, joined by Dr. Fiona Watkins, outlined CRPS’ values-based approach to inclusion, grounded in shared responsibility, responsive collaboration, and meaningful access for all learners. Trustees approved 30 new locally developed high school courses, expanding choice and aligning programming with real-world interests like artificial intelligence and personal integrity. Trustees also expressed deep appreciation for over $1.2 million in renewed support from the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation and ID9, directly enhancing wellness, outdoor learning, and classroom enrichment. Planning was initiated for the long-term future of Banff Community High School lands, building on the momentum of the recently approved collegiate institute. Finally, trustees acknowledged new legislative changes under Bill 27 and Bill 29, with updates to administrative procedures set to roll out in the 2025/26 school year.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/4wafhxex

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Honouring Culture, Community and Connection at Exshaw School

Exshaw School invites families, neighbours, and community members to a special celebration on June 18 in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day. The day begins at 11 a.m. near the tipi with powerful performances by Mini Thni singers, dancers, and drummers, followed by reflections from CRPS Knowledge Keepers. A traditional lunch of bannock and stew will be served to all attendees.

In the afternoon, the Exshaw School Open House welcomes new and returning families to explore classrooms, meet staff, and discover the heart of this vibrant learning community. On-site support will be available for families registering children in Kindergarten for 2025/26. Join the school for a day of culture, connection, and celebration rooted in community and shared learning.

The Living Legacy of Student Art at CCHS

At Canmore Collegiate High School, murals don’t just decorate walls, they tell stories. For over 25 years, graduating Art 30 students have created legacy pieces that showcase their creativity, collaboration, and courage. This year’s additions, "Florere" and "Just Keep Swimming," transform hallway spaces into vibrant, thought-provoking galleries.

The works reflect months of shared vision, technique, and trust as students explored how to make lasting marks, together. From idea to installation, each piece reveals not only artistic growth, but the enduring spirit of student voice at CCHS. These murals inspire future grads to dream big and paint boldly.

Learn more at: https://tinyurl.com/yxpjdezt

Earn Credits While You Work This Summer!

CRPS high school students: Did you know your summer or part-time job could earn you high school credits? If you're in Grade 10 or higher and have completed HCS 3000, you may be eligible to receive one credit for every 25 hours worked—up to 15 credits, including 30-level credits required for graduation.

To qualify, jobs must be approved and students must register before starting work. The deadline to register is June 27, but it’s best to connect with your Off-Campus coordinator by June 20 to allow time for approvals.

Work + credit = smart summer learning.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/bd7ucxf6

Celebrating Spirit, Skill and Story at BCHS

Banff Community High School (BCHS) will host its annual end-of-year awards assembly on June 13 at 2 p.m. in the school gym. This event celebrates the energy, effort and excellence of students in academics, athletics, arts and leadership. From spring sports honours to powerful visual and written work, the afternoon recognizes the full range of student success. Highlights include the Athlete of the Year and the Tollestrup Award, presented to students who demonstrate perseverance, purpose and leadership. It’s a time to reflect on growth, celebrate achievement, and share in the vibrant spirit of the BCHS community. Families, staff, and community members are warmly invited to attend.

Over the past few months, several of Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) long-time host families retired, moved, or downsized. As a result, the division is now looking for new families to welcome international students this fall. Hosting is a meaningful way to share your home and culture - and it directly supports all CRPS classrooms through international tuition that helps fund additional staffing and resources.

Start Here: https://tinyurl.com/mwumxe2r
Learn More: https://tinyurl.com/4rpxf6pr

Your Voice Matters!

Parents and guardians, your insight helps shape stronger schools. Canadian Rockies Public Schools has launched a new parent satisfaction survey so you can share how your child experiences school and how we can grow as a division. Watch for a link to the survey to arrive via your child's school newsletter or communications.

Please respond based on your oldest child currently attending a CRPS school. The survey is quick, completely anonymous, and works best on an updated browser.

Your honest feedback will guide improvements in safety, belonging, and learning. Open until June 30.

At Canmore Collegiate High School, volunteering is more than a graduation requirement. For Grade 12 students Chloe Kestle, Lily Burden and Jon Williams, it's been a path to purpose, leadership and connection. Together, the trio logged over 800 hours of service - from summer camp support and theatre mentorship to cadet-led community events. On June 5, they were honoured, along with 12 other CCHS students at a special Rotary breakfast. Each has shown what it means to lead with heart, helping to strengthen the Bow Valley one hour at a time.

Their advice? “Start early, follow what you love, and say yes to new things.”

Read the full story to hear more about their journeys—and why volunteering still matters.

https://tinyurl.com/93z29rzp

Sunset Sandwich Ringers Set to Shine

Banff Elementary School’s handbell ensemble, the Sunset Sandwich Ringers, will perform at the Town of Banff’s “Seniors Got Talent” celebration on June 5 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Okâch-Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi pavilion in Sundance Park. This free community event celebrates connection across generations, featuring student musicians and senior performers in an uplifting showcase of talent. The Ringers will present A Single Seed with Banff Poet Laureate Heather Jean Jordan, who helped co-create the piece. Families, friends, and neighbours are invited to come together and enjoy an evening of music, creativity and shared community spirit.