Blackfoot Value of the Month
Kimmapiiypitsinni (I Can Show Kindness)
Oki, Dadánast’áda, Âba Wathtec, Tânisi, Taanishi, Bonjour, Hello Families,
Face Painting Ceremony
On January 29, Piitoayis Family School was honoured to host a Poyskinaksin (Blackfoot Face Painting Ceremony) with Elders Rose Fox and Martha Day Chief, members of the Moa’tokii (Buffalo Women’s Society). We were also deeply grateful to welcome Kent Ayoungman and Delphine Pipestem, Ceremonial Knowledge Keepers from Siksika and Kainai, and members of the Horn Society.
Thank you to the families who joined us for this meaningful day. It was incredibly beautiful and inspiring to witness our children engaged in ceremony—making offerings, listening with care, and receiving blessings from our Elders. These sacred moments of learning and connection strengthen our school community and support our children in walking in a good way.
Kindness at PFS
As we move through this season together, we want to share a message of hope and love with our school family. Each day, even in challenging moments, there are many opportunities to care for one another, lift each other up, and remind our children that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.
This month, we are guided by the Blackfoot value Kimmapiiypitsinni — “I can show kindness.” In Blackfoot teachings, kindness is not just an action, but a way of living in good relation with others. When we practice Kimmapiiypitsinni, we show care through our words, our actions, and our willingness to help one another, knowing that what we offer to others returns to the circle.
Kindness is also shown through presence. When children attend school regularly, they are able to build strong relationships, feel a sense of belonging, and fully participate in learning and community life. Regular attendance supports academic growth, emotional well-being, confidence, and connection to peers and caring adults.
At Piitoayis Family School, we see kindness every day—in small gestures, helping hands, and in choosing to show up for one another. Thank you for your continued support in encouraging regular attendance and for walking alongside us as we nurture hearts rooted in compassion, respect, and hope.
Land-Based Learning (LBL)
This week, students will continue learning through outdoor walking and exploration. They are building stamina while observing water and ice changes during Chinook conditions, animal tracks, and how people and animals demonstrate perseverance through winter.
Land-Based Learning will take place at Pearce Estate Park via the Bow River Pathway.
Hand to Heart,
Crystal Fox & Shauna Penner
Principal & Assistant Principal
Reminders
School & Office Hours
School Hours
- Monday–Thursday: 8:48 AM – 3:22 PM
- Friday: 8:48 AM – 12:30 PM
Office Hours
- Monday–Thursday: 8:15 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 8:15 AM – 1:00 PM
If you are picking up your child instead of them taking the bus, please notify the school by:
- 2:00 PM (Monday–Thursday)
- 11:00 AM (Friday)
Please note that PFS is not able to make last-minute changes to bus boards.
Bus Information — What Can Families Do?
- Notify the school by 2:00 PM if you are picking up your child
- Update stop or address changes in your MyCBE account as soon as possible
- Report bussing issues to the bus company and/or CBE Transportation (403-817-7433)
- Arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes early
- Review bus safety expectations with your children
- Transportation Contacts
First Student (Buses C, G, H, J)
- Phone: 403-531-3900
- Feedback: https://firstfeedback.com/
- First Student Bus App — School Code: O7A9Z
- Google/Android: Available in Google Play
- Apple: Available in the Apple Store
Dreams Transportation (Buses A, B, D, E, F, I)
- Phone: 403-590-7433
CBE Transportation
- Phone: 403-817-7433
- Email: transportation@cbe.ab.ca
Transportation Concerns & Reporting
If you need to report a concern, please follow this procedure:
- Driver concerns: Contact the bus company
- Route timing, delays, or missed stops: Contact CBE Transportation
- Student conduct or behaviour on the bus: Contact the school directly
Accessing Report Cards, Student Information & Fees
Instructions for Parent MyCBE account
Upcoming Events
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday, February 2 |
Breakfast: Grapes, Cheese Strings, WOWBUTTER Lunch: Chicken Tacos, Apples, Cucumbers Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit Provincial Assessments Continue for Grade K–3 MRU Practicum Nurses |
| Tuesday, February 3 |
Breakfast: Oranges, Yogurt Tubes, Muffins Lunch: Soup, Sandwiches (whole wheat bread: ham & cheese, turkey & cheese, jelly, WOWBUTTER & jelly, or egg salad), Fruit, Veggies Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit Provincial Assessments Continue for Grade K–3 MRU Practicum Nurses Kickstart Program (Grade 3 & 4) Restart Program (Grade 5 & 6) Readers & Leaders (Grade 3 & 4) |
| Wednesday, February 4 |
Breakfast: Apples, Milk, Cereal Lunch: Soup, Sandwiches (whole wheat bread: ham & cheese, turkey & cheese, jelly, WOWBUTTER & jelly, or egg salad), Oranges, Veggies Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit Provincial Assessments Continue for Grade K–3 Grade 6 Students at Speed Skating PES Awards Assembly |
| Thursday, February 5 |
Breakfast: Bananas, Yogurt Tubes, WOWBUTTER Granola Bars Lunch: Soup, Sandwiches (whole wheat bread: ham & cheese, turkey & cheese, jelly, WOWBUTTER & jelly, or egg salad), Oranges, Veggies Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit Provincial Assessments Continue for Grade K–3 |
| Friday, February 6 |
Breakfast: Bananas, Cheese Strings, Muffins Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit Early Dismissal, 12:30 PM |
| Coming Events and Important Dates |
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 |