Blackfoot Value of the Month: Aatsimmoiyihkanni (Spirituality/Ceremony) 

Oki, Dadánast’áda, Âba Wathtec, Tânisi, Taanishi, Bonjour, Hello Parents and Caregivers,

Fall Equinox

As we move into the Fall Equinox, we are reminded that this is a time of balance—when day and night are equal, and the earth prepares for change. In Blackfoot teachings, balance is central to living Aatsimoyi’p—to live in a good way. This means finding harmony within ourselves, with others, and with the natural world. Just as the land shifts with the seasons, we too are called to pause, reflect, and realign our responsibilities to community and to each other.

Together, the Fall Equinox and Truth and Reconciliation Day remind us that healing and balance come through honesty, care, and walking forward in a good way. We encourage families to take time this week to reflect with your children: What does balance mean in your life? How can we act with truth and kindness in our daily choices?

May this season of change bring peace, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to walking together in reconciliation.

Treaty 7 Day

On September 22, we recognize Treaty 7 Day — a time to honor the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877 between the Crown and the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda Nations. This day reminds us of the importance of understanding our shared history, respecting the spirit and intent of treaties, and strengthening relationships with the Indigenous Peoples whose traditional lands we learn and live on. At Piitoayis Family School, we will take time with our students to reflect, learn, and participate in activities that build awareness of Treaty 7 and its ongoing significance today.

After School Pick Up

Students are dismissed at 3:22 pm (Mon-Thurs) and 12:30 pm (Fri), and this is one of the busiest times of our school day. For safety reasons, we kindly ask parents not to come into the building during dismissal. Students exit through the main doors all at once, and it is important that our pick-up supervisors can account for each child using the check-off lists. These lists are a key part of ensuring every student is safe and dismissed to the correct adult. Please meet your child on the grass area on the east side of the school and wait for supervisors to release students. We ask that parents avoid going directly onto the grass to take their child before check-off, as this disrupts the process and makes it difficult to ensure all students are properly accounted for. Thank you for helping us keep dismissal safe and organized.

Truth and Reconciliation Day

At the same time, we prepare to honour Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30. This day calls us to reflect on the truths of residential schools and their ongoing impact on Indigenous families and communities, and to commit ourselves to reconciliation through understanding, compassion, and action. It is a time to listen to stories, to learn from Survivors, and to teach our children the importance of truth, respect, and kindness.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event

All CBE staff, students, families, and friends are invited to continue their learning and show their support on Tuesday, Sept. 30 (9:00-10:30 a.m.) at the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day event taking place at the Confluence Historic Site. This important event is a collaboration between the City of Calgary, CBE, Calgary Catholic School District, Calgary Police Service and Calgary Fire Department.

To learn more about this event and others, visit the City of Calgary Orange Shirt Day website.

Reminder

There is no school on Monday, September 29 (Non-Instruction Day) or Tuesday, September 30 (Truth & Reconciliation Day).

Hand to Heart,

Crystal Good Rider and Shauna Penner

Principal & Assistant Principal

Important Information | Demographic Forms  

If you have not yet completed your demographic forms, or completed updates in your MyCBE Parent Account, please complete these as soon as possible. If you require support with these documents, please contact the office for assistance.