Banff Elementary School (BES) offers kindergarten through grade 6. Principles of Operation The students and staff are trusted and respected to design programs which work towards the following principles: Support for self-directed learning. Programs which directly reflect the real world and its changing nature. Individual needs and aspirations are recognized and supported. To encourage continued involvement with the parents and the community. To be mentors, guides and models of lifelong learning. To maintain flexibility and accountability within the curriculum. To foster critical and creative thinking, problem solving, risk-taking and decision making.