Blackfoot Value of the Month: Kakyosin 

(Be aware of your environment; Be observant) 

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

Giving Thanks for the Gifts of the Land – Kakyosin

As we celebrate the season of harvest and Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many gifts we have to be grateful for—our families, friendships, community, and the beautiful land that provides for us. This is a special time to slow down, come together, and appreciate the blessings, both big and small, that surround us. 

In a traditional Blackfoot story about Iniskim (the Buffalo Stone), a young woman discovers a special stone that helps her people call the buffalo, bringing food and nourishment to her community. This story reminds us of the importance of observing the natural world, honouring the gifts of the land, and recognizing our responsibility to care for one another. 

This teaching connects beautifully to Kakyosin—being aware of our environment and being observant. When we take time to notice the changing seasons, appreciate what Na’a (Mother Earth) provides, and recognize the kindness of those around us, we practice gratitude in meaningful ways. 

As we gather with loved ones during this time of Thanksgiving, may we be thankful for the gifts we receive, the people who walk alongside us, and the opportunities we have to give back.

We hope your weekend was filled with love, laughter, connection, and gratitude.  

Fall Blessing Ceremony – Thursday, October 15

On Thursday, October 15, our Grade 5 and 6 students will have a special opportunity to participate in a Fall Blessing Ceremony with Elder Bastien and Knowledge Keeper Brent Scout. 

We are also grateful to welcome Garrett Smith, who will help us raise our tipi in the morning, along with members of the CBE Indigenous Education Team, who will be joining us to provide additional support.

Throughout the ceremony, students will have the opportunity to participate in prayers, smudging, and traditional teachings with Elder Leonard, while learning about the importance of ceremony protocols, respect, gratitude, and connection to the land. 

As we celebrate the fall harvest season, this meaningful experience will provide students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Blackfoot culture, traditions, and ways of knowing and being. 

We are honoured and grateful to our Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners for sharing their time, wisdom, and teachings with our students.  

A Special Gift for PFS Families!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, we are excited to share that Piitoayis Family School (PFS) has received $25 grocery gift cards for every student! We are so grateful for this thoughtful donation and the opportunity to provide a little extra support to our PFS families. 

Gift cards were sent home with students on Friday, October 9! 

Demographic Verification Form and Special Gifts

Students whose demographic information has been updated, either through completed paper forms or online through MyCBE, received their gift card in a sealed white envelope.

If your child's demographic information has been updated but they were absent on Friday, their gift card will be sent home this upcoming week. 

We encourage families to check their child's backpack and keep the gift card in a safe place.

Please note: Once gift cards have been sent home, PFS is unable to replace cards that are lost or stolen. 

Still need to update your demographic information? There's still time! Your child's gift card will be sent home once the required forms have been completed and submitted.  

Families can update their information through their MyCBE Parent Account or return completed demographic forms to the school. 

If you need assistance completing your forms or accessing your MyCBE Parent Account, please contact the school office. We are always happy to help! 

A heartfelt thank you to the Calgary Police Youth Foundation for their kindness, generosity, and continued support of our PFS students and families. We are fortunate to have community partners who care so deeply about our school community!  

IPP Signature Pages – Thank You for Your Support

Teachers have started sending home Individual Program Plans (IPP) for students, which includes a signature page that indicates you have read the IPP and also an additional signature page you can sign if you prefer to receive a digital copy.  

If your child has an IPP, you will receive a copy of this document in a sealed envelope. Please review the document, sign and return only the signature page to the school as soon as possible (the rest of the IPP is yours to keep). IPP Signature pages are a legal document required by Alberta Education and we appreciate your assistance in meeting deadlines and aligning with provincial expectations.  

If you have any questions about your child’s IPP or would like to discuss their goals and strategies in more detail, please reach out to your child’s teacher—we value your input and partnership in supporting your child’s learning.

Magic of Christmas 2026 – Family Referrals

As the holiday season approaches, Piitoayis Family School would like to share an available opportunity for families who may benefit from additional support. The Magic of Christmas is a Calgary organization that delivers Christmas gifts to selected families on Christmas Eve, December 24. 

Families living in Calgary who have not received a Magic of Christmas visit in 2023, 2024, or 2025 may be eligible to apply. Families must be available at home for the entire day on December 24.

If your family would like to be considered, please complete the Magic of Christmas 2026 Referral Information Form by October 30, 2026.

Please note that submitting a referral does not guarantee selection, as the organization receives more requests than it can accommodate. Complete and accurate family information is required for referrals to be considered. 

Christmas 2026 – Family Resources & Supports

We recognize that the holiday season can bring additional financial pressures for families. To help, PFS has created a Christmas 2026 Family Resource Guide highlighting community organizations that offer Christmas gifts, food hampers, clothing, household essentials, and other family supports. 

The guide includes resources such as The Salvation Army, 211 Alberta, Calgary Food Bank, and several Indigenous-serving organizations, including Miskanawah, Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society, and the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary. 

Families are encouraged to explore the attached resource guide, which includes QR codes and contact information to help access these services. Please reach out to the PFS office if you need assistance connecting with community resources or completing a referral. We are here to help! 

PFS Christmas Resources & Supports 2026

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

Reminders

School & Office Hours

Student Pick-Up

If you are picking up your child instead of having them take the bus, you must let the school know by 2:00 PM Monday–Thursday and 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 your student, let the school know by 2:00 PM.
• Update changes to stops or addresses on your MyCBE account as soon as possible.
• Report any issues with bussing to the bus company and/or CBE Transportation at 403-817-7433.
• Arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Review bus safety rules with your children.

Contact Information

First Student
Buses A and G

• 403-531-3900
• First Student Feedback
• Google: Google/Android Phones 
• Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/firstview-1-0/id6477656451 

First Student Bus App
School Code: O7A9Z

Dreams Transportation
Buses B, C, D, E, F, H, I, J and K

• 403-590-7433

CBE Transportation

• 403-817-7433
• transportation@cbe.ab.ca

Transportation Concerns and Issues

MyCBE Account

Parents can use their MyCBE account to access report cards, student information and fees.

Instructions for Parent MyCBE Account

Breakfast, Lunch & Snack Menu