Iinii Insights 

Recognizing Treaty 7  

September marks an important opportunity to reflect on Treaty 7 and our shared responsibilities as treaty people. Treaty 7 was signed on September 22, 1877, between the Crown and the Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani), the Tsuu T'ina Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda Nations.  

Treaties are understood through both oral histories and written records. While the Crown and First Nations entered Treaty 7 with different worldviews and understandings, the treaty established a relationship intended to support living together on this land. For many First Nations, the treaty represented an agreement built on mutual respect, shared responsibilities, and commitments to future generations.  

Acknowledging the land means recognizing the spirit and intent of Treaty 7 and honouring the ongoing relationships it represents. Treaty 7 is not only a historical agreement; it is a living commitment that continues to shape our communities today.  

As residents of Southern Alberta and Calgary, we live, learn, and work on Treaty 7 territory. We are all treaty people, sharing a responsibility to learn from the past, honour diverse perspectives, and contribute to a future built on respect, understanding, and reconciliation. 

At NLC this Week 

Nutrition Plan 

Welcome, Preschool Families! 

We are excited to welcome our preschool students to Niitsitapii Learning Centre as our half-day Preschool Program begins on Monday, September 14. We look forward to meeting our newest learners and their families and starting a wonderful year of learning, discovery, and growth together. Welcome to NLC! 

Meet the Teacher Night 

We are excited to welcome families to our Meet the Teacher Evening on Thursday, September 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This special event is an opportunity for families of students in Preschool through Grade 2 to visit the school, meet their child's teachers, and explore the welcoming NLC learning environment.

As part of the Pohkaisksinimaatstsoh'taksist Backpack Campaign, students will also receive a bag of school supplies and goodies generously provided by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation. We look forward to connecting with families and celebrating the start of another wonderful year of learning together. 

Welcoming MRU Nursing Students 

We are pleased to welcome students from the Mount Royal University Nursing Program to Niitsitapii Learning Centre. Beginning September 16, nursing students will join our school for a five-week community practicum placement. 

Throughout their time with us, these students will work alongside our staff, students, and families as they expand their learning and gain valuable experience in a school community setting. We are grateful for the opportunity to support their educational journey and look forward to the positive contributions they will make while they are with us. 

Grades 1 / 2 Literacy and Numeracy Screenings

Beginning in the 2026/27 school year, schools are required to conduct literacy and numeracy screenings with all Kindergarten to Grade 5 students. These screenings are intended to help teachers understand students' strengths and learning needs and guide instructional planning.

At Niitsitapii Learning Centre, we focus on early academic engagement, which is why all Grade 1 and 2 students receive a minimum of 150 minutes of targeted literacy and numeracy intervention each week. Students requiring additional support are identified through provincial screenings and local classroom data, allowing teachers to provide targeted instruction based on individual learning needs.

Students in Kindergarten to Grade 2 will participate in screenings throughout the year, and families will receive information about their child's results. Families can learn more on Alberta Education's Literacy and Numeracy Screening webpage and by reviewing the Parent Information Letter.

A Shared Commitment to Student Well-Being

At Niitsitapii Learning Centre, we are committed to fostering a caring, respectful, and inclusive learning community. Throughout the year, we will share important updates, celebrations, and information to help families stay informed, connected, and engaged in their child's school experience. 

This version allows topics such as wellness, attendance, transportation, family events, learning opportunities, land-based learning, and safety-related information to all fit naturally under the same umbrella without repeatedly mentioning safety 

Nut-Aware School 

We would like to inform families that we have students and staff members with severe, life-threatening nut allergies, including allergies that can be triggered by airborne exposure. 

To help keep everyone safe, we ask families to avoid sending peanuts, tree nuts, or foods containing nuts in lunches, snacks, or classroom treats. We also encourage students to wash their hands after eating and to avoid sharing food with others. 

Thank you for helping us maintain a respectful and inclusive environment for all. 

Planned Fire Drill  

We commend our students and staff for their calm and efficient response during the drill. We are pleased to report that everyone exited the building calmly, safely, and efficiently, with a total evacuation time of approximately four minutes. We appreciate the cooperation of our students and staff in helping ensure a safe learning environment. 

As part of Alberta's safety requirements, schools conduct six fire drills and two practice lockdown drills each school year. These drills help students and staff become familiar with emergency procedures and build confidence in responding appropriately during an emergency. 

Walking Field Trips 

At Niitsitapii Learning Centre, we value learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and help students connect with their community. Many of our classes take part in walking field trips to nearby locations, such as local parks and community spaces, to support classroom learning. 

The Calgary Board of Education has simplified the process for these local walking field trips. For trips that are within walking distance of the school and do not involve restricted activities, such as swimming, parent/guardian consent forms are no longer required. Appropriate walking distances are determined by the principal and may vary depending on the age of the students. 

As part of our Getting to Know Na'a land-based learning experiences, teachers are helping students build their walking stamina and learn expectations for respectful travel and community walks by taking classes on walks around the perimeter of the school field. Through regularly visiting the land, students are developing a deeper connection to Na'a, becoming familiar with their surroundings, and building routines and confidence before venturing further into the community. 

Families will receive notification by email at least 24 to 48 hours before a planned walking field trip. We look forward to continuing to provide meaningful learning opportunities that help students explore, learn, and connect with the world around them. 

Dismissal and Pick-Up Procedures 

To support a smooth and consistent end to each school day, we ask families to follow our established dismissal and pick-up procedures. 

At 3:05 p.m., students who ride the bus are escorted by staff directly to their assigned buses. Students who are being picked up are escorted to the front main doors, where they are signed out and released directly to a parent, caregiver, or designated driver. All student pick-ups must take place at the front entrance and not at side doors, playground areas, or along sidewalks. 

If you need to pick up your child before the end of the school day, please report to the main office. A parent, caregiver, or designated driver must sign the student out, and attendance will be recorded accordingly.

If your child's end-of-day transportation plans change and they will not be taking their usual bus home, please contact the main office at least 30 minutes before dismissal. This allows staff sufficient time to notify the classroom team and ensure your child is transitioned according to the updated plan. 

For full details about dismissal, early pick-ups, and transportation changes, please visit our Dismissal and Parking Information webpage. 

Thank you for your cooperation in supporting orderly and efficient dismissal routines. 

Interested in Volunteering at NLC? 

We welcome family and community volunteers at Niitsitapi Learning Centre. Before volunteering, all volunteers must complete the Annual Volunteer Registration Form each school year. Parents and guardians can register through the SchoolEngage tab in their MyCBE account. Community members without a child enrolled in CBE must register in person at the school.  

Thank you for helping make our school community strong and supportive! 

Need Help with Your MyCBE Account? 

MyCBE provides families with access to important student information, conference booking, and other school services. We encourage all families to ensure they can access their MyCBE account, as it is an important communication and information tool throughout the school year. 

If you are having trouble signing in, need to create an account, or require a password reset, please contact the school office at 403-817-3404. 

Indigenous Student Dancers for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

CBE Indigenous Education is inviting Indigenous student dancers to participate in a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event hosted in partnership with the City of Calgary and the Calgary Separate School Division (CSSD). 

The event will take place on September 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (750 9 Ave. S.E.). Students who participate will receive a gift card in recognition of their contribution. 

Families interested in learning more can view the event poster. 

Contact information for families who are interested in having their child participate or who have questions is included in the poster. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their gifts and represent Indigenous culture and community during a city-wide event recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

Indigenous Family Resource Guide 

The Calgary Board of Education has developed an Indigenous Family Resource Guide to help connect families with a variety of supports, programs, and community resources. The guide includes information about local services, cultural opportunities, family supports, and wellness resources that celebrate and strengthen Indigenous identity, belonging, and connection. 

Families are encouraged to explore the guide to learn more about the many resources available throughout our community. Access the guide here: Indigenous Family Resource Guide.