Blackfoot Value of the Month:
Mookakiit iikakiimaat (I can persevere and try hard)
Oki, Dadánast’áda, Âba Wathtec, Tânisi, Taanishi, Bonjour, Hello Parents and Caregivers,
Welcome Back — A New Season of Learning
Welcome back to school, families! We hope your winter break was filled with rest, warmth, and meaningful time together. As we return to our routines and begin this new stretch of learning, we are grateful to walk alongside you and your children once again. In Blackfoot tradition, there is a teaching often shared during the winter months about Napi on a long journey. As the story goes, Napi becomes tired and discouraged when the path grows difficult. Instead of turning back, he pauses, gathers his strength, and keeps moving—step by step—until he reaches his destination. This teaching reminds us of the value Mookakiit iikakiimaat: I can persevere and try hard. Even when learning feels challenging or the days feel long, effort, patience, and determination carry us forward.
Transportation Notice- Road Closure result in delay
A major water main break occurred on Dec. 30, 2025, on 16th Avenue N.W. (Highway 1) near Sarcee Trail. The road is currently closed for repairs, which may significantly impact some school bus routes until further notice.
Impact on Student Transportation
- Detours: Buses that normally use 16th Avenue N.W. will be forced to detour.
- Delays: We expect significant congestion on alternate routes; this may cause delays for some bus runs, including those not directly near the break, due to potential delays with buses that complete previous routes to other schools/communities.
- Provider Updates: Service providers will post specific route delays on their respective portals/apps.
Land-Based Learning
At Piitoayis Family School, students often participate in nature walks through the surrounding parkland as part of our land-based learning, where they observe seasonal changes and learn about the land through hands-on outdoor experiences. Daily outdoor play and learning are an important part of PFS school culture and support students’ physical, emotional, and overall well-being. To ensure students can safely and comfortably take part in these activities, we ask that parents and guardians ensure children come to school dressed in weather-appropriate clothing every day, including proper footwear, outerwear, and layers as needed.
National Ribbon Skirt Day
On Wednesday, January 7, students and staff will recognize National Ribbon Skirt Day, which is observed in Canada on Sunday, January 4. This day honours the cultural significance of ribbon skirts as expressions of Indigenous identity, resilience, and pride. Students are welcome to wear ribbon skirts or other clothing that respectfully reflects their cultural identity.
PFS Awards Assembly
Also, on January 7 that afternoon, we will also gather for our PFS Awards Assembly, where we will celebrate and acknowledge students who demonstrated an exceptional commitment to kiimapiipitsiin (being kind and showing care for others) throughout the month of December. We look forward to coming together as a school community to honour culture, kindness, and positive choices.
Hand to Heart,
Crystal 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
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
Monday, January 5 | Breakfast: Grapes, Cheese Strings, Wowbutter Granola Bars Lunch: Butter Chicken, Apples, Cucumbers Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit |
Tuesday, January 6
| Breakfast: Oranges, Yogurt Tubes, Muffins Lunch: Soup, Sandwiches (whole wheat bread: ham & cheese, turkey & cheese, jelly, wow butter and jelly, or egg salad), Fruit, Veggies Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit Lockdown Practice Readers & Leaders (Grade 3 & 4) |
Wednesday, January 7
| Breakfast: Honeydew, Milk, Cereal Lunch: Soup, Sandwiches (whole wheat bread: ham & cheese, turkey & cheese, jelly, wow butter and jelly, or egg salad), Oranges, Veggies Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit PFS Ribbon Skirt Day 2:30-3:00 pm PFS Awards Assembly |
Thursday, January 8
| Breakfast: Bananas, Yogurt Tubes, Wowbutter Granola Bars Lunch: Soup, Sandwiches (whole wheat bread: ham & cheese, turkey & cheese, jelly, wow butter and jelly, or egg salad), Oranges, Veggies Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit New Reading groups start |
Friday, January 9 | Breakfast: Apples, Cheese, Muffins Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit Early Dismissal 12:30 pm |
Coming Events and Important Dates
January 12-30 Gymnastics in PE
January 12-February 11 MRU Practicum Nurses
January 13 Kickstart Program Starts (Grade 3 & 4)
January 13 Restart Program Starts (Grade 5 & 6)
January 14 Grade 6 Students at Speed Skating
January 20 Readers & Leaders (Grade 3 & 4)
January 20 Kickstart Program (Grade 3 & 4)
January 20 Restart Program (Grade 5 & 6)
January 21 Grade 6 Students at Speed Skating
January 22 Parent Advisory Council
January 27 Readers & Leaders (Grade 3 & 4)
January 27 Kickstart Program (Grade 3 & 4)
January 27 Restart Program (Grade 5 & 6)
January 28 Grade 6 Students at Speed Skating
January 30 Professional Learning Day—No School for Students
February 3 Readers & Leaders (Grade 3 & 4)
February 3 Kickstart Program (Grade 3 & 4)
February 3 Restart Program (Grade 5 & 6)
February 4 Grade 6 Students at Speed Skating
February 4 PFS Awards Assembly
February 10 Kickstart Program (Grade 3 & 4)
February 10 Restart Program (Grade 5 & 6)
February 11 Grade 6 Students at Speed Skating
February 12 Teacher’s Convention—No School for Students
February 13 Teacher’s Convention—No School for Students
February 16 Family Day—No School for Students
February 17 Readers & Leaders (Grade 3 & 4)
February 17 Kickstart Program (Grade 3 & 4)
February 17 Restart Program (Grade 5 & 6)
February 18 Grade 6 Students at Speed Skating
February 19 Parent Advisory Council
February 24 Kickstart Program (Grade 3 & 4)
February 24 Restart Program (Grade 5 & 6)
February 25 Grade 6 Students at Speed Skating
February 27 Professional Learning Day—No School for Students