Oki PFS Families, 

I would like to welcome all families back to Piitoayis Family School. For those of you new to Piitoayis Family School I would like to formally welcome you to our Indigenous focused school. PFS has a small staff dedicated to creating a sense of belonging for your child in a CBE school setting. While I realize there have been some major trends in Mohkintsis over the last while with the rising cost of living for many Calgarians. I hope that you are able to navigate in a positive manner. 

At PFS, the teachers have been busy setting up their classroom space and working together to create the first days of school plans. We have two new teachers to PFS- Ms. Patrice & Ms. Lindsay. PFS has the same number of educational assistants and behaviour support workers returning. 

Outside of the school the sidewalk was redone for the PFS portion of the school. In communication for the whole CBE district there is a new cell phone announcement coming out on August 28 at noon. While I realize that you are reacquainting yourself with getting the children to bed earlier than usual during summer months, it is also important to talk with them about walking to the bus stop. Walking to the bus stop can include safety measure they can take to ensure they arrive safely at school.  

During the first few days of school, children will have an opportunity to be part of a student assembly. In the assembly, PFS will cover playground rules, coatrack expectations, and other organizational content. PFS continues to offer a 100-minute literacy block for students to read and write each day from 8:55-10:35 am. PFS uses the collaborative response approach to ensure that students are growing in reading and writing throughout the school year.  

When students return to school, teachers will offer a backpack provided Pohkaisksinimaatstsoh’taksist (the children’s school supplies) initiative along with a gift certificate. PFS is grateful for the donors who continue to give to our students each year. In closing, I would like to thank you for believing in PFS and sending your children to our school. 

Respectfully, 

Crystal Good Rider