Blackfoot Value of the Month: Aatsimoyihkaanni - I can embrace spirituality 

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

Welcome Back to PFS!  

We are so excited to begin another year of learning, growing, connecting, and celebrating together at Piitoayis Family School. We look forward to welcoming our students back into the building and continuing to strengthen the relationships that make our school community so special. We have a few new staff members this year, including Ms. Janay (Grade ½), Ms. Heather (Grade ¾), and Ms. Catherine (Grade ¾); we also anticipate the addition of a few more staff members in the coming months.  

Blackfoot Value of the Month 

As we begin the school year, we will be learning about and reflecting on Aatsimoyihkaanni, which reminds us of the importance of spirituality, connection, gratitude, ceremony, and caring for ourselves, one another, the land, and all living things. Throughout the month, students will explore what this value can look, sound, and feel like in their daily lives at school and within the community. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks 

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided for all students each school day. Students are also very welcome to bring food from home if they prefer. We ask families to please send foods that are nutritious and nut-free to help us maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone. 

Healthy nutrition is especially important during childhood because the brain and body are growing rapidly. Research consistently shows that nutritious foods provide children with the energy and nutrients needed to support brain development, concentration, memory, learning, healthy growth, and overall well-being. 

Our weekly menu will be included in the Week-at-a-Glance newsletter so families can see what is being offered each day. 

What Does My Child Need to Bring? 

Please send your child with: 

• A pair of indoor shoes that they can put on and take off independently. 
• A reusable water bottle. 
• Clothing appropriate for the weather each day. 

Please clearly label all clothing, shoes, jackets, water bottles, and other personal belongings with your child's name. With many similar-looking items in the school, labels make a huge difference in helping us prevent confusion and return lost belongings to their owners. 

Families do not need to purchase school supplies. All required classroom supplies are provided by the school. 

During the first week, students will also receive a backpack courtesy of the Calgary Police Youth Foundation. Inside, families may find a variety of useful items, which may include stationery, toiletries, and other supplies. 

Arrival on the First Day of School 

When students arrive at school, teachers and staff will be outside on the front lawn to welcome them. We will help students locate their teacher, classmates, and the correct place to line up. 

For students who travel by school bus, staff will also write their bus letter on their hand so they have an easy reminder of which bus they need to take at the end of the day. 

The first days of transportation always come with a few inevitable adjustments as routes, traffic patterns, student lists, and routines settle into place. We appreciate your patience and kindness toward school staff and bus drivers as everyone works together to get students to and from school as safely and efficiently as possible. 

Families can help by arriving at the bus stop 5–10 minutes before the scheduled morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off times. 

Picking Up Your Child After School 

If you are planning to pick your child up rather than have them take their usual transportation home, please contact the front office before 2:00 p.m. whenever possible. This gives staff enough time to communicate the change and ensure your child is waiting at the appropriate pick-up location. 

At dismissal, families picking up students will need to check in with Ms. Amber or Ms. Tash to confirm that their child has been picked up. This important procedure helps us ensure that every student leaves safely with the correct adult. 

If someone other than a parent or an approved pick-up designate will be collecting your child, please call the office ahead of time to update us. Providing this information in advance helps prevent confusion and unnecessary delays at dismissal. 

Stay Connected! 

Each weekend, families will receive a Week-at-a-Glance newsletter by email. It will include: 

• the menu for the upcoming week, 
• important dates and special events, 
• reminders, 
• school news, and 
• other updates families need to know. 

Please keep an eye on your inbox—and occasionally your junk or spam folder—to make sure you don't miss important school information. 

We are grateful to begin another year together and look forward to welcoming our students and families back to PFS. Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe, caring, nourishing, and connected place for every child to learn and belong. 

Welcome back—we are excited for the year ahead! 

Hand to Heart,  

Crystal Fox and Shauna Penner 

Principal & Assistant Principal 

Coming Events and Important Dates

See our School Calendar for all upcoming events.