Blackfoot Value of the Month: Mookakiit iikakiimaat--I can persevere and try hard 

Oki, Dadánast’áda, Âba Wathtec, Tânisi, Taanishi, Bonjour, Hello Families, 

As we move into the final stretch of the school year, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our students, families, staff, and community for the care, flexibility, and support shown throughout these busy and meaningful weeks. This time of year is filled with celebrations, learning, reflection, transitions, and many special moments that help bring our school community together. 

Over the past month, our students have had many opportunities to celebrate their learning, culture, relationships, and growth. From our Poyskinaksin Face Painting Ceremony to Sports Day, upcoming Grade 6 Moving Camp Ceremony, Learning from the Land experiences, Spirit North programming, and our year-end assembly, these moments help build belonging, connection, pride, and memory for our students and families. 

As we come to the end of the year, we are also reflecting on the kindness and compassion that have been shown throughout our school community. Thank you to families for the many ways you support your children, encourage learning, participate in school events, and partner with us throughout the year. PFS is stronger because of the relationships we build together. 

At this time of transition, we also recognize that some members of our school community will be following their paths to new places next year. In Blackfoot, there is no direct word for goodbye. Instead, we say kiakitamasin, meaning “see you later” or “until I see you again.” We wish all students, families, and staff who are moving on to new schools and communities well, and we thank them for the gifts they have shared with PFS. 

As we close the school year, we turn again to the wisdom of Blackfoot teachings. One important value is Kimmapiiypitsinni, often understood as kindness, compassion, and deep care for others. This teaching reminds us that the way we treat one another matters. It asks us to move through the world with patience, generosity, and a responsibility to care for the people around us. 

A traditional teaching that connects to this value is the reminder that each person has gifts to share with the circle. Just as every part of creation has a purpose, every person contributes something important to the wellbeing of the community. This year, our students have shared their gifts in many ways—through learning, listening, helping, trying hard, asking questions, celebrating culture, building friendships, and showing growth. 

As students head into summer, we hope families are able to pause and celebrate the learning, relationships, and memories created this year. Thank you for being part of the PFS community. May the summer bring rest, renewal, laughter, and time together with family and loved ones.  

Grade 6 Moving Camp Ceremony – Wednesday, June 24 

We are looking forward to celebrating our Grade 6 students at the Moving Camp Ceremony on Wednesday, June 24. This ceremony is an important opportunity to honour our Grade 6 students as they prepare for their transition to junior high. Families of Grade 6 students will receive details about the ceremony schedule and expectations through direct communication from the school.  

Year-End Assembly and PFS Talent Show – Wednesday, June 24 

We will be having a year-end assembly on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 24, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. in the gym. During the assembly, we will celebrate students who have demonstrated Mookakiit iikakiimaat — “I can persevere and try hard” — enjoy a year-end slideshow with photos and music, and include a fun PFS Talent Show portion. 

Students who wish to share a special talent are invited to participate. Families are welcome to encourage their child to speak with their teacher or Ms. Shauna if they are interested in being part of the Talent Show.  

Preparing for Summer Break 

As we prepare for the end of the school year, students will begin bringing home personal items, completed work, and classroom materials. Please support your child by checking backpacks regularly and helping return any school items such as library books. 

We also ask families to ensure students continue to come prepared for learning and outdoor activities during the final days of school. Comfortable clothing, proper footwear, and weather-appropriate items will help students participate safely in year-end activities.  

Learning From the Land & Spirit North 

Our Learning from the Land experiences are ongoing and continue to be an important part of learning at Piitoayis Family School. Students also have opportunities to learn with Spirit North, who support culturally grounded, land-based movement and wellness activities aligned with our holistic approach to education. 

Please ensure students are dressed appropriately for outdoor learning. 

Learning From the Land Focus: Giving back to Na’a for all the teachings 

Monday: Isaac’s Grade 1/2C class — Bow Pathway and Nellie Breen Park 

Tuesday: Patrice’s Grade 1/2B class — Bow Pathway and Nellie Breen Park 

Spirit North Focus: River safety and community seasonal changes walk 

Wednesday: Kindergarten and Amber’s Grade 1/2A class — Bow River Pathway and Inglewood community 

Thursday: Harleen’s Grade 5/6B class — Bike safety and bike riding, with the possibility of riding along the Bow River Pathway 

Physical Education 

This week’s Physical Education focus is cooperative games at the Inglewood Community Centre grounds. Please ensure your child is wearing comfortable clothing and proper footwear for safety. Boots, Crocs, and sandals are not safe for PE activities indoors or outdoors.  

Thank you again for your continued flexibility, support, and care as we move through a very full and meaningful final stretch of school. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside your children and to walk together as a school community. 

Hand to Heart,  
Crystal Fox and Shauna Penner 
Principal & Assistant Principal 

Coming Events and Important Dates

See our School Calendar for all upcoming events.

This Week

Reminders

School Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8:48 am - 3:22 pm, Friday 8:48 am- 12:30 pm

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8:15 – 4:00pm, Friday 8:15 – 1:00 pm

If you are picking up your child, instead of him/her going on the bus, you must let us know by 2:00 pm Monday-Thursday & 11:00 am Friday. PFS is NOT able to make last minute changes to bus boards.

Bus Information: What can families do?

• If you are picking up students, let the school know by 2 pm
• Update changes to stops or addresses on MyCBE account ASAP
• Report any issues with bussing to the bus company and/or CBE Transportation, 403-817-7433
• Arrive at bus stop 5 minutes before your scheduled time
• Review bus safety rules with your children

Contact Information:

• First Student (Buses C, G, H, J): 403-531-3900; https://firstfeedback.com/
• First Student Bus App: School Code is O7A9Z
  • Google: Google/Android Phones
  • Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/firstview-1-0/id6477656451
• Dreams Transportation (Buses A, B, D, E, F, I): 403-590-7433
• CBE Transportation: 1-403-817-7433; transportation@cbe.ab.ca

Transportation Concerns and Issues:

• If you need to report a concern, please follow this procedure:
• Driver Concern: Contact the Bus Company (phone numbers above)
• Route Timing, Delays, Missed Stop: Contact CBE Transportation, transportation@cbe.ab.ca
• Student Conduct or Behaviour on the Bus: Call the School

Access to Report Cards, Student Information, Fees:

Instructions for Parent MyCBE account: Click Here