Blackfoot Value of the Month

Mookakiit Iikakiimaat (I Can Persevere and Try Hard)

Oki, Dadánast’áda, Âba Wathtec, Tânisi, Taanishi, Bonjour, Hello Families,

As Calgary settles into the heart of winter—with frosty mornings, swirling snow, and chilly winds—we are reminded of the strength it takes to keep going, even when things feel hard. In Blackfoot teachings, Mookakiit Iikakiimaat means “I can persevere and try hard.”

Traditional stories tell of people learning from the land and the seasons, understanding that winter is a time to be patient, resilient, and to support one another. As we move through these colder days together, we encourage our students to remember that effort, courage, and perseverance help us grow—just as they have for generations before us.

Reminder

There is no school for students on Friday, January 30, as it is a Professional Learning Day.

Traditional Face Painting Ceremony

On January 29, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Piitoayis Family School is honoured to host a Poyskinaksin (Blackfoot Face Painting Ceremony) with Elder Rose Fox, a member of the Moa’tokii (Buffalo Women’s Society).

We are also pleased to welcome Kent Ayoungman and Delphine Pipestem, Ceremonial Knowledge Keepers from Siksika and members of the Horn Society.

The ceremony will take place in the PFS Family Room. Students will participate on a scheduled basis. PFS families are welcome to attend on a drop-in basis throughout the day. You do not need to be Blackfoot to participate—everyone is welcome.

If you would like your child to participate, please sign and return the attached permission form. Paper copies of the form will be sent home with students on Monday.

Face Painting January 2026 Consent Form.pdf

Land-Based Learning (LBL)

This week, students will continue learning through outdoor walking and exploration. They will build 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.

Physical Education (PE)

Gymnastics continues with a “Mission Impossible” obstacle course, where students practice movement skills, body control, safety, and teamwork.

PE & LBL Reminders

• Please ensure students are dressed appropriately for LBL and PE. Shoes are required for Gymnastics.
• For LBL days and PE class times, please check with your child’s homeroom teacher.
• Music may be used in PE to support focus and enjoyment. All selections are clean and age-appropriate (K–6).

Conversation Starter:
Ask your child, “What was your favourite gymnastics station this month?”

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

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: 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 any bussing issues to the bus company and/or CBE Transportation (403-817-7433)
• Arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled time
• 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

Accessing Report Cards, Student Information & Fees

Instructions for Parent MyCBE account

Upcoming Events