Iinii Insights 

Iitaoi'tsstoyi – When the Cold Weather Arrives 

As we move into November, Blackfoot Territory enters a season of colder weather. The days grow shorter, Grandfather Sun shares less warmth, and the land begins its transition toward winter. Blackfoot Elder Anita Eagle Bear describes November's full moon as Iitaoi'tsstoyi, "the moon when the cold weather arrives." 

Across the landscape, the deep greens of summer have given way to rich browns and golds. The last leaves of autumn drift to the ground, and the first snow begins to blanket the land. Rivers and streams flow more quietly, reflecting the softer light of the season. Wildlife responds to these changes as it has for generations, seeking shelter, gathering food, and preparing for the months ahead. Elk can often be seen moving to lower elevations along migration routes travelled for countless years. 

This seasonal shift invites us to slow down and reflect. As winter approaches, communities turn inward, strengthening connections with family, culture, and one another. The changing season reminds us of the importance of living in relationship with the land and honouring the rhythms of nature that continue to guide us. Under the glow of the moon on snow-dusted landscapes, we are reminded of the resilience, beauty, and balance found throughout Blackfoot Territory. 

Iitaoi'tsstoyi encourages us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the teachings that the land shares during this time of year. 

At NLC this Week 

Nutrition Plan 

Attendance Matters! 🌟 

Next week, we will be sending home our October Attendance Certificates to celebrate students who made a strong commitment to being at school and ready to learn. We are proud of the effort our students and families make each day to support regular attendance. 

A new month also means a new opportunity! Beginning Monday, November 2, all students can work toward earning a November Attendance Certificate. Every day at school brings opportunities to learn, connect with friends, and be part of our school community. 

Did you know? Students who miss just two days of school each month can miss important learning opportunities and may have a harder time keeping up with reading, writing, and math skills. In the early years, regular attendance helps children build routines, strengthen friendships, develop literacy skills, and grow in confidence as learners. 

If your child is unable to attend school for any reason, please remember to call the attendance line at 403-817-3404 to report their absence. 

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child's success. Together, we can help every student make the most of each school day. 

🧡 A new month. A fresh start. Every day counts! 📚✨ 

Bus Evacuation Drill 

To help keep our students safe, classes recently participated in a school bus evacuation drill. Students learned and practiced the procedures they would follow in the event of an emergency while riding the bus, including how to exit safely and move to a designated safe area. 

These drills give an important opportunity for students to become familiar with safety expectations and build confidence in responding calmly and responsibly. We are proud of how respectfully and attentively our students took part throughout the exercise. 

Thank you to our Dreams Transportation partners and staff for supporting this important learning experience. Safety remains a shared responsibility, and practicing these procedures helps ensure that everyone is prepared. 🚍💙 

Every Child Reads at Home 

Reading together for just 15–20 minutes each day can powerfully support your child's literacy development. Reading at home builds vocabulary, comprehension, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. 

Whether you're sharing a favourite storybook, listening to your child read aloud, exploring information books, or telling family stories, every reading moment matters. 

Did you know that all Calgary children can get a free Calgary Public Library card? A library card gives you access to thousands of books, e-books, audiobooks, learning resources, and family programs that support reading at home. If your child does not yet have a library card, we encourage you to visit your local branch or register online. 

📚 Read together for 15–20 minutes each day. 

📚 Talk about stories, pictures, and new words. 
📚 Visit the library regularly and let your child choose books that interest them. 
📚 Celebrate reading in all its forms. 

Thank you for partnering with us to support literacy at home and at school.

Every Child Reads at Home, Every Day! 🧡📖 

Mark Your Calendars | Student Learning Conferences 

Student Learning Conferences are an important opportunity for families and teachers to connect, celebrate learning, and discuss next steps to support student growth and success. We look forward to sharing your child's progress and learning journey with you. 

Conference Details 

• Families will receive an email invitation once the online booking system opens. 
• All conferences will be held in person at Niitsitapi Learning Centre. 
• Each conference will be 10 minutes in length. 

Conference Date |  Friday, November 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

More information will be sent to families as the date approaches. 

We look forward to meeting with you and celebrating your child's learning and achievements. 🧡 

Elbow River Healing Lodge Wellness Clinic at NLC

If your family does not have a physician or pediatrician, support is available right here at school. 

Niitsitapi Learning Centre, in partnership with Primary Care Alberta and Elbow River Healing Lodge, offers an on-site Wellness Clinic for students, parents, and extended family members. A physician is available weekly by appointment in a welcoming environment that respects and honours Indigenous cultures, identities, and approaches to wellness. 

Through the support of community partners and funders, including The Calgary Foundation and Education Matters, the clinic helps improve access to health services and supports health promotion, prevention, screening, and early intervention for Indigenous students and families.  

To book an appointment, please contact Elbow River Healing Lodge at 403-955-6600. 

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. 

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.