Blackfoot Value of the Month: Atsiimoyihkaan – I can embrace Spirituality 

Oki, Dadánastáda, Âba Wathtec, Tânisi, Taanishi, Bonjour, Hello Families,

Seasonal Growth  

As we move through this season of growth and renewal, we are reminded of the Blackfoot value of Aksistoiypaittapiisinni — I can take on tasks independently. This teaching encourages children to build confidence, responsibility, and perseverance as they learn to contribute their gifts to the community.  

In many Blackfoot stories, Napi learns through curiosity, experience, humour, and sometimes mistakes. These stories remind us that independence does not mean doing everything perfectly; it means being willing to try, learn, reflect, and grow with the support of family, school, community, and the land.  

Just as the land changes with each season, our children continue to grow in their own unique ways. Each new task, challenge, and success helps them strengthen their spirit, heart, mind, and body. We are grateful to walk alongside our families as students develop a strong sense of belonging, pride, and confidence in who they are becoming. 

PFS Open House for New Kindergarten to Grade 6 Students  

See our Open House Information

• Piitoayis Family School is excited to welcome new and incoming Kindergarten to Grade 6 students and families for the 2026-2027 school year. 
• Please join us for a Kindergarten Orientation and Open House on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 9:00–10:30 AM
• The Open House is a wonderful opportunity for parents, caregivers, and children to visit the school, meet staff, learn more about our programming, ask questions, and take part in a school tour. We look forward to connecting with families and helping our newest learners feel welcomed and excited for the year ahead. 

For questions, please contact the school at piitoayis@cbe.ab.ca or 403-777-7860. 

Invitation | Piitoayis Family School Open House - May 15, 2026  

Planning Ahead for the Upcoming School Year – We Value Your Input 

As we begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year, we would greatly value your input and feedback. At Piitoayis Family School, our work is grounded in holistic development and Blackfoot values, including: 

• Kimmapiiypitsinni — I can show compassion and kindness in action 
• Kakyosin — I can be aware of my environment; I can be observant 
• Aatsimmoiyihkanni — I can engage in Spirituality/Ceremony 
• Aksistoiypaittapiisinni — I can take on tasks independently 
• Mookakiit Iikakiimaat — I can persevere and try hard 

Your voice helps us strengthen our relationships and ensure we meet the academic, social, emotional, and cultural needs of our students. We remain deeply committed to strong literacy and numeracy instruction, high expectations for learning, and providing the targeted support necessary for every student to experience academic growth and success within a caring and connected community. 

We invite you to share any insights about your child’s strengths, needs, interests, or hopes for next year. Please follow the link below to add your input and feedback. Your responses will directly inform our planning as we continue building a culture of holism together. 

Please complete the family survey by Friday, May 29, 2026. All families who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a smudge kit, which includes a mini frying pan, braids of sweet grass, and charcoal. 

Piitoayis Family School Planning for 2026-2027 – Fill out form 

Learning From the Land & Spirit North

Our Learning from the Land (LFL) 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 (LFL) – Pearce Estate Park Wetlands-Animal Habitats, sit spots, drumming, and dry sage smudging and visual reflection.   

• Monday: Kelsey (Grades 3 & 4A)  
• Tuesday: Patrice (Grades 1 & 2B)   

Spirit North – Bike Safety, Helmet Safety, Road Awareness, and Biking Skill  

Please ensure your child’s hair is styled in a way that allows a helmet to fit safely and properly. Helmets will be provided; however, hairstyles such as space buns or high ponytails/pigtails may prevent the helmet from sitting correctly on your child’s head. Thank you for helping us keep students safe and ready to participate.   

• Wednesday: Lindsay (Grades 3 & 4B)    
• Thursday: Karina (Grades 3 & 4C)    

Physical Education

Focus: Target Skills. Basketball: dribbling, passing, aiming, shooting baskets. Don’t forget to wear safe shoes for PE activities. Boots, crocs, and sandals are not safe to wear during PE activities. Please ensure your child has their indoor shoes at school every day. 

Coming Events and Important Dates

See our School Calendar for all upcoming events.

This Week