Blackfoot Value of the Month: Aksistoiypaittapiisinni—I can take on tasks independently 

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

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+) 

May 5 is a National Day of Awareness to honour and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People. This day is a time for reflection, learning, and acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonialism and systemic injustice faced by Indigenous communities. It is also a call to uphold the dignity, safety, and voices of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. 

Blackfoot values including Ksahkomiitapiitsini (respect), Kiimaapiiypiitsinni (kindness, compassion, and caring for others), and Iinnii (honouring life and all our relations) remind us of our shared responsibility to care for one another and to stand up for those who are vulnerable. 

We invite staff and students to wear RED on May 5 as a visible act of remembrance, solidarity, and commitment to truth and awareness.  

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day – Monday, May 4 

We invite families to join us in recognizing School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Bus drivers are valued members of our school community who help ensure students arrive safely, on time, and ready to learn each day. 

In the spirit of Blackfoot values such as Ksahkomiitapiitsini (respect) and Kiimaapiiypiitsinni (kindness, compassion, and caring for others), we encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge and thank your child’s bus driver. This could be through a kind word, a note, or a small gesture of appreciation. These simple acts of gratitude help model respect, strengthen relationships, and show care for those who support our children every day. 

Upcoming Opportunities for Parents

We are pleased to share an opportunity for parents and caregivers to participate in a series of online learning sessions through Community of Education Services. These three sessions offer valuable information and insights on supporting children and youth with a range of learning, emotional, and behavioural needs. Join other parents and caregivers for a time of learning and networking—lunch will be provided.

**Clarification: These sessions will be viewed together in the PFS Family Room, during which lunch will be provided for parents and caregivers to enjoy together.**

Following each session, Ms. Marcy, our Indigenous Education Support Worker, will host a guided discussion to:

• break down key concepts into practical, everyday strategies
• explore how to apply learning at home
• answer questions and problem-solve together
• provide a supportive space to connect with other families

Please see session details below. If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out. 

SESSION 3: May 5, 2026 | 2:30–4:00 PM

Supporting Self-Care & Hygiene in Neurodivergent Youth (Ages 10–14)
Presented by Azra Karmali-Moloo, R. Psych. (The Family Psychology Place)

• This session explores barriers neurodivergent youth may face with self-care routines. Caregivers will learn strategies to reduce conflict, build independence, and support motivation, routines, and daily living skills.

Note | please reply to piitoayis@cbe.ab.ca to confirm attendance 

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. 

• Monday: Harleen (Grades 5 & 6B) 
• Tuesday: Lindsay (Grades 3 & 4B) 
• Friday: Melanie (Kindergarten)  

Spirit North – Focus: Bike Safety, Helmet Safety, Road Awareness, and Biking Skills.  

We are pleased to share an ongoing opportunity for students to participate in biking sessions with Spirit North. These sessions focus on building biking skills, safety awareness, and confidence while engaging in outdoor learning experiences. 

We are still collecting permission forms, as this opportunity will continue throughout the coming weeks. If you have not yet returned your form, please do so as soon as possible so your child can participate.  

Spirit North Biking Consent Forms

We also recognize that some students may feel anxious or nervous about riding a bike. Staff and Spirit North instructors will provide supportive, step-by-step guidance to help all students build confidence and develop this new skill at their own pace. 

• 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: Isaac (Grades 1 & 2C)   
• Thursday: Patrice (Grades 1 & 2B)  

Physical Education – Focus: Target Skills. 

We will learn the game of Bocce. This is an outdoor lawn game. We will be outside so dress for the weather. However, if it is raining we will be in the gymnasium and we will focus on Basketball: aiming, shooting baskets. Don’t forget to wear safe shoes for PE activities. No boots, no crocs, no sandals!   

Coming Events and Important Dates

See our School Calendar for all upcoming events.

This Week