Blackfoot Value of the Month: Aatsimmoiyihkanni (Spirituality/Ceremony) 

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

Welcome back to a brand-new school year at PFS! We are so excited to see our students return and to welcome new families into our school community. Thank you for entrusting us with your children—we look forward to learning, growing, and walking together in a good way this year. 

We are also welcoming some new staff members this year: 

• Resource Learning Leader: Ms. Jennifer Fournier 
• Indigenous Student Success Learning Leader: Christine De Jong 

At PFS, we are guided by the Blackfoot values of Kakyosin (being aware of our environment and how we affect others), Aatsimmoiyihkanni (connecting to our spirituality through ceremony), Aksistoiypaittapiisinni (being able to take on tasks independently), Mookakiit iikakiimaat (being wise and trying hard), and Kimmapiiypitsinni (showing kindness, generosity, and helping one another without hesitation). Just as our ancestors taught us to share what we have so the whole community thrives, we see this same spirit in our families as you support your children and our school. 

We know the first weeks of school bring new routines and adjustments. New student registrations are still coming in, which means there may be changes to class lists in the days ahead. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to make sure every student is placed in the right learning environment. 

School Hours 

Please note that our bell times have changed this year. Morning supervision begins at 8:38 am and students will not be permitted to enter the building before this time. Supervision before 8:38 am is the responsibility of parents, caregivers, or drivers. Instructional time begins at 8:48 am.  

• Mon-Thurs: 8:48 am - 3:22 pm 
• Friday 8:48 am- 12:30 pm 

Personal Mobile Devices (Cell Phones, iPads, Tablets)  

As PFS moves into a new school year, we would like to remind families that there is a new province-wide mandate that prohibits use of Personal Mobile Devices (PMD) in schools. We are asking for your cooperation and assistance as we enforce the following Calgary Board of Education (CBE) protocol: 

K-6 students will not be permitted to use personal mobile devices during the school day. Student devices brought to school must be out of sight and either powered off or set to silent. They should be left in backpacks, lockers or areas designated by teachers or better yet - simply left at home.  

PFS recognizes that numerous families send personal devices with their children to stay in contact during transportation portions of the day; therefore, Piitoayis Family School classrooms have secure lockboxes for safe storage of these devices during the day. Students will be asked to label their cell phone and place it into secured storage for the duration of the school day. All personal devices will be returned at the end of each school day. If you would like to find more information about the PMD mandate, please visit Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media Use in Schools. 

Toys at School 

Our large school population and property can make it difficult for us to keep track of personal belongings that students bring on-site. PFS requests that all toys and personal effects be left at home during the day. It is difficult for students to focus on schoolwork when precious or valuable belongings become lost or damaged. PFS also recognizes that there may be some students who require specific items for regulation, so you are encouraged to contact the office to discuss it further.  

Field Trips Within Walking Distance 

The CBE values the educational benefit of field trips. Field trips close to our school can complement classroom learning by giving students opportunities to explore the community around their school.  

Please be advised the process for trips within walking distance of the school has been simplified, excluding restricted activities, e.g. swimming. As parents/guardians, you will no longer need to fill out a consent form for your child to go on a class trip that is walking distance from the school, e.g. to a local park. Appropriate walking distance is determined by the Principal and may vary, depending on the age of the students. 

Teachers will provide at least 48 hours’ notice when planning a trip to a local site. You will be notified about these trips by Classroom Newsletter, WAAG, or via School Messenger.   

In this first week of school, many teachers will take students for a walk through the community to introduce new students to spaces we commonly use for land-based learning, such as the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, the Inglewood Wildlands, the Inglewood Community Garden, and the Inglewood Community Association Hall and playground.  

Transportation 

PFS is welcoming many new bus drivers, students, and families this year. As PFS continue to sort through bus registrations, route locations, and timing, we appreciate your grace and patience with everyone involved in the many different aspects of busing. Please ensure that you call the office with any updates or changes to your child’s mode of transportation, prior to 2:00pm Monday-Thursday, or 11:00am Friday (see below).  

For dismissal and bussing, here are a few reminders to help things run smoothly: 

• If you are planning to pick-up your student after school: Please inform the office prior to 2:00 pm (M-TR) or 11:00 am (Fri) so we can add their name to the pick-up list and direct them to meet you at the pick-up location near the gymnasium doors. Please ensure you check-in with the pick-up teachers so that we know that each child has been safely picked up.  
• Please remember that there is no pick-up or drop-off in the parking lot and that there is also no parking in the bus zones along the front of the school. 
• Grades 1–6: Students will meet on the front lawn by 3:25 pm (Mon–Thurs) and 12:35 pm (Fri) to join their bus groups. 
• Kindergarten: Students will remain in classrooms until buses arrive. Once routines are in place, older students will help lead and support our youngest learners. 
• All Families: As buses load, staff will remain by the bus doors to assist.  

We are grateful for your support, your patience, and the trust you place in us each day. Together, we will ensure a safe, welcoming, and positive start for every child. 

Here’s to a wonderful school year ahead full of kindness, growth, and community. 

Hand to Heart,  

Crystal Good Rider and Shauna Penner 

Principal & Assistant Principal 

2025-2026 Calendar Piitoayis Family School 

Important Information  | Forms

If you have not yet completed your demographic forms, or completed updates in your MyCBE Parent Account, please complete these as soon as possible. If you require support with these documents, please contact the office for assistance.