Blackfoot Value of the Month: Kakyosin – Showing Respect, Being Aware and Observant

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

Attendance

You may have received an email or phone call from your child's teacher regarding attendance over the past week. As a school community, we are strengthening our attendance routines to ensure we are staying closely connected with families and supporting students in a consistent, caring way.

At Piitoayis Family School, we understand attendance as a shared responsibility. When children attend school regularly, they benefit not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Regular attendance helps children build strong relationships, feel a sense of belonging, and engage fully in learning.

We also recognize that families may face challenges that impact attendance from time to time. If you are experiencing barriers in getting your child to school, we encourage you to reach out – we are here to listen and to work together in a good way to support your child and your family.

Kakyosin

This month, our school community is focusing on the Blackfoot value of Kakyosin, which teaches us to show respect through our words, actions, and relationships – with one another and with the land that sustains us.

In Blackfoot teachings, Kakyosin is about more than manners. It is about how we carry ourselves each day – listening carefully, being aware of others' needs, and taking responsibility for the spaces and relationships we share. When children practise Kakyosin, they learn to notice the world around them and understand how their actions affect others.

Why Bedtime Routines Matter

As we move closer to Moto (Spring), a time of renewal and growth, we are reminded that caring for children means caring for their bodies and minds – both during the day and at night. Consistent bedtime routines are an important way families can support children's learning, behaviour, and overall well-being. Research shows that children who get enough sleep are better able to:

• Focus and learn at school
• Manage emotions and behaviour
• Build positive relationships
• Support healthy growth and immune function

Recommended Sleep Amounts

• Ages 4–5: 10–13 hours per night
• Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours per night

Bedtime Routine Ideas for Families

Simple and consistent works best. Here are some ideas families may find helpful:

• Aim for the same bedtime and wake-up time each day, including weekends
• Turn off screens at least 1 hour before bed
• Create a calm wind-down routine (bath, reading, quiet play)
• Read a story or spend quiet time together
• Keep lights low and voices soft in the evening
• Make sure bedrooms are cool, dark, and quiet
• Prepare school items (clothes, backpack) before bedtime to reduce morning stress
• Offer reassurance and connection – children often sleep better when they feel emotionally settled

Downloadable bedtime routine visuals are available for Kindergarten–Grade 2 and Grades 3–6.

References

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2016). Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 12(6), 785–786.
• Canadian Paediatric Society. (2021). Healthy sleep for children and adolescents.
• Mindell, J. A., et al. (2015). Benefits of a bedtime routine in young children. Sleep, 38(5), 717–722.
• Owens, J. A. (2014). Insufficient sleep in adolescents: Causes and consequences. Minerva Pediatrica, 66(1), 63–71.

Learning From the Land and Spirit North

Our Learning From the Land (LFL) experiences continue to be an important part of learning at Piitoayis Family School. Students also have opportunities to learn from Spirit North, who support culturally grounded, land-based movement and wellness activities aligned with our holistic approach to education.

Classes participating with Spirit North (Tuesday: Ms. Melanie, Kindergarten; Wednesday: Ms. Amber, Grades 1 and 2; and Thursday: Ms. Harleen, Grades 5 and 6) will participate in cross-country skiing. On Monday (Mr. Isaac's Grades 1 and 2) and Friday (Ms. Kelsey and Ms. Lindsay's Grades 3 and 4), students will take part in Learning from the Land, which may include exploration of the nearby Wildlands with opportunities to observe seasonal changes and local animals.

Weather Note

Please ensure students are dressed for outdoor activity: winter jacket, snow pants, mitts or gloves, hat, and boots. If weather is extremely cold, outdoor sessions will shift to indoor learning opportunities.

Hand to Heart,

Crystal Fox and Shauna Penner

Principal & Assistant Principal

Weekly Menu

Reminders

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

Early Pick-Up Notice: If picking up your child instead of them taking the bus, please notify the school by 2:00 PM Monday–Thursday and 11:00 AM on Fridays. PFS is not able to make last-minute changes to bus boards.

Bus Information

• Let the school know by 2:00 PM if you are picking up your student
• Update any changes to stops or addresses on your MyCBE account as soon as possible
• Report bussing issues to the bus company 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

First Student (Buses C, G, H, J): 403-531-3900  |  firstfeedback.com
First Student Bus App School Code: O7A9Z  |  Download on Apple  |  Available on Google/Android
Dreams Transportation (Buses A, B, D, E, F, I): 403-590-7433
CBE Transportation: 403-817-7433  |  transportation@cbe.ab.ca

For concerns: Driver issues → contact the bus company. Route timing or missed stops → contact CBE Transportation. Student conduct on the bus → call the school.

For instructions on accessing your MyCBE parent account for report cards, student information, and fees, please click here.