Blackfoot Value of the Month: Kakyosin – Showing Respect, Being Aware & Observant
Oki, Dadánastáda, Âba Wathtec, Tânisi, Taanishi, Bonjour, Hello Families,
As we move through the Big Snow Moon (Omakiyi) – a time in Blackfoot teachings that reminds us of perseverance, patience, and preparing for renewal – we want to take a moment to recognize the strength of the Piitoayis Family School community.
Every day, we see families, students, and staff working together with flexibility, care, and commitment to make PFS a safe, welcoming, and respectful place for everyone. Whether it is supporting learning at home, encouraging kindness and responsibility, or partnering with the school to support student success, these shared efforts make a meaningful difference.
This spirit reflects the teaching of Kakyo'sin, which reminds us that we are all connected and share responsibility for caring for one another. Through kindness, patience, and collaboration, our community continues to bring this teaching to life in our classrooms and throughout the school.
Thank you for being an important part of the PFS community and for the many ways you support our students and one another.
Hand to Heart,
Crystal Fox and Shauna Penner
Principal & Assistant Principal
Family Learning Opportunity: Supporting Reading at Home
Families of Kindergarten–Grade 2 students are invited to join CBE Speech-Language Pathologists for a free two-part online session on supporting early reading and language development at home. Learn practical strategies for shared reading, building vocabulary, and helping children play with sounds in words. Sessions will take place on April 20 and May 4 from 4:00–5:00 PM on Microsoft Teams. Registration is required by April 16.
To register, please visit: forms.office.com/r/ZYxTZ5V8p9
Learning From the Land & 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 that align with our holistic approach to education.
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.
Spirit North Schedule
- Tuesday: Amber (Grades 1 & 2)
- Wednesday: Patrice (Grades 1 & 2)
- Thursday: Melanie (Kindergarten)
Learning From the Land Schedule
- Monday: Melanie (Kindergarten)
- Friday: Prabh & Harleen (Grades 5 & 6)
Healthy Snacks and Lunches
If you choose to send food with your child, we encourage healthy and nutritious options that help fuel students for learning. Research shows that children who eat balanced foods – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein – are better able to concentrate, regulate their energy, and stay engaged throughout the school day.
Please also note that Piitoayis Family School offers breakfast, snack, and lunch programs that follow nutritional guidelines and are available at no cost to all students.
Weekly Menu
Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Snacks & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Monday, March 9 | Grapes, Cheese Strings, Wowbutter Granola Bars | Spaghetti, Apples, Cucumbers | Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit MRU Practicum Nurses |
Tuesday, March 10 | Oranges, Yogurt, Muffins | Soup, Sandwiches (whole wheat: ham & cheese, turkey & cheese, jelly, Wowbutter & jelly, or egg salad), Fruit, Veggies | Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit MRU Practicum Nurses Kickstart Program (Grades 3 & 4) Restart Program (Grades 5 & 6) |
Wednesday, March 11 | Apples, Milk, Cereal | Salad, Sandwiches (whole wheat: ham & cheese, turkey & cheese, jelly, Wowbutter & jelly, or egg salad), Oranges, Veggies | Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit MRU Practicum Nurses Dental Fluoride Varnish Services (K–2) |
Thursday, March 12 | Bananas, Yogurt, Wowbutter Granola Bars | Soup, Sandwiches (whole wheat: ham & cheese, turkey & cheese, jelly, Wowbutter & jelly, or egg salad), Oranges, Veggies | Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit |
Friday, March 13 | Apples & Oranges, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Muffins | – | Assorted Snacks: Granola Bars, Apple Sauce, Crackers, Fruit Early Dismissal at 12:30 PM |
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.