Blackfoot Value of the Month: Kimmapiiypitsinni (I can show kindness)

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

Thank You for Joining Us at the Jammy Jamboree

Thank you to all the parents, caregivers, and family members who braved the icy, cold winter conditions to join us for our Jammy Jamboree. Your presence brought warmth, joy, and community to our celebration, and we are truly grateful that you made the effort to be with us.

Despite the challenging weather, the gym was filled with cozy pajamas, student artwork, laughter, and song—a beautiful way to mark the Winter Solstice and celebrate together. Events like this are only possible because of the support and involvement of our families, and we deeply appreciate you showing up for our students and our school community.

We would like to thank Kainai Headdress Society for donating all the teddy bears that children received before attending the Jamboree.

Thank you again for being part of this special day. Stay warm and safe!

A Festive Week Ahead at Piitoayis Family School

We have a joyful and meaningful week planned as we head into the winter break! Students will enjoy a variety of festive activities, including songs, stories, and art projects.

On Wednesday, generously sponsored by the RBC Dawn Adams Project, there will be a special visit from Old Man Napi—also known as Santa Claus—who will spread some cheer throughout the school; each student will receive a small gift to take home. Our students will also be treated to a special pizza lunch. We are grateful to RBC and the Dawn Adams Project for their continued support of our school community.

Throughout the week, students will also learn about and observe the Winter Solstice through traditional teachings shared in their classrooms. Classes will eat berry soup and participate in tobacco offerings, honouring Blackfoot ways of knowing and the significance of this time of year as a moment for reflection, gratitude, and renewal.

We look forward to a wonderful week of celebration, learning, and connection.

Wishing You a Safe and Festive Winter Break

As we head into the winter holidays, we want to wish all of our families a season filled with love, rest, and moments of peace together. This time of year invites us to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the warmth of being with those we care about most.

In Blackfoot tradition, the winter season is closely connected to the value of Kimmapiiypitsinni – the practice of kindness and compassion. Elders share stories of Napi, who learned that even the smallest acts of kindness—offering warmth, sharing food, or welcoming others into the circle—can strengthen a community. These teachings remind us that kindness grows when we give it, and its warmth carries us through even the coldest days.

May your homes be filled with that same warmth over the break. We hope this season brings your family comfort, joy, and time to rest and renew. Stay safe, enjoy the celebrations, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year.

A reminder that there is no school from December 20th to January 4th. We look forward to seeing students when school resumes on January 5.

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

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

Pick Ups - Inform Us

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

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:

1.      Driver Concern: Contact the Bus Company (phone numbers above)

2.      Route Timing, Delays, Missed Stop: Contact CBE Transportation, transportation@cbe.ab.ca

3.      Student Conduct or Behaviour on the Bus: Call the School

Access to Report Cards, Student Information, Fees:

Instructions for Parent MyCBE account: Click Here

UPCOMING

Coming Events and Important Dates

December 22 to January 2 No School, Winter Break

January 6 Readers & Leaders (Grade 3 & 4) January 8 PFS Ribbon Skirt Day

January 8 PFS Awards Assembly

January 13 Kickstart Program Starts (Grade 3 & 4)

January 13 Restart Program Starts (Grade 5 & 6)

January 20 Readers & Leaders (Grade 3 & 4)