Blackfoot Value of the Month: Atsiimoyihkaan – I can take on tasks independently 

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

Naskskats Attsimaya—Grade 6 Transition Tea: 

Parents/Caregivers of Grade 6 students are warmly invited to join us for our Grade 6 Transition Tea, Naskskats Attsimaya, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 1:00–2:30 p.m. at Piitoayis Family School. 

Naskskats Attsimaya is a Blackfoot phrase that reflects the idea of beginning a journey in a good way. In Blackfoot teachings, transitions are important moments of movement along one’s life path. Elders sometimes share that when a person begins a new journey, it is important to do so with good relationships, good thoughts, and strong connections, as these help guide the path forward. 

This gathering is intended to support our Grade 6 students as they prepare to transition to junior high school for the 2026–2027 school year. During the event, students and families will have the opportunity to connect with representatives from their future schools, ask questions, and begin building relationships that will help students feel welcomed and confident in the next stage of their learning journey. 

We hope this time together will help students feel supported, celebrated, and connected as they move forward, strengthening the foundation for a successful start to the next school year. 

We look forward to gathering with you. 

Please RSVP via email: shpenner@cbe.ab.ca 

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) – 'The Ripple' Teachings and River Walk Along. Bring visual journals, pencils, pencil crayons and sharpeners.  

• Monday: Ms. Amber (Grades 1 & 2)   
• Tuesday: Ms. Patrice (Grades 1 & 2)     
• Friday: Ms. Karina (Grades 3 & 4) 

Spirit North-Focus: 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: Ms. Prabh (Grades 5 & 6) Biking 
• Thursday: Ms. Harleen (Grades 5 & 6) Biking 

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. 

My Transit Ride 

In August, the CBE, CCSD and Calgary Transit will offer a transit bus orientation program called "My Transit Ride" for middle and high school students transitioning to Calgary Transit. 

The program is about an hour long and consists of a 20-minute presentation by Calgary Transit, followed by an orientation of a transit bus. Staff from CBE Transportation, CCSD Transportation and Calgary Transit will be available for information and/or questions.  

• Sessions are free but families are encouraged to register to attend. Registration will open on Monday, May 25. 
• We are excited to offer this safety training and transit orientation to increase student comfort levels and ability to ride Calgary Transit safely and efficiently. 
• More information and resources can be found on the CBE webpage, Calgary Transit Orientations. 

June is National Indigenous History Month 

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour and celebrate the histories, languages, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. In alignment with the Education Plan, all students and staff are invited to deepen knowledge, understanding and relationships, to include Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing, and knowing across schools and service units. To support planning and engagement, check out these events. Everyone is invited and welcome. ❤️ 

• City of Calgary Aboriginal Awareness Week: From June 15-21, the City of Calgary offers many events to honour Aboriginal Awareness Week culminating on Sunday, June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day. Everyone is invited to join the activities. 
• The Gathering at Moh'kinsstis: A one-day community gathering grounded in culture, connection, and ceremony to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on Sunday, June 21 from 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. at  ContainR Art Park & The Alexandra Centre (922 & 925 9 Avenue SE in Inglewood). 
• Heritage Park Celebration: A full day of community-led programming on Saturday, June 20, rooted in tradition. The centerpiece of the day is a vibrant Pow Wow, a powerful gathering that brings together dancers, drummers, and community in celebration of culture, identity and connection. 

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