Iinii Insights 
 
Piita (Eagle) 

In Blackfoot culture, Piita (Eagle) is a symbol of truth, strength, and freedom. Soaring high above the land, Piita reminds us of the importance of balance. Its two wings work together, each relying on the strength and ability of the other, teaching us that we are stronger when we support one another. 

Every eagle feather is made up of thousands of tiny filaments that must work together, whether the wind is strong or the air is still. In the same way, success comes from paying attention to the many small actions and choices we make each day. 

Piita also teaches the value of awareness and observation. From high above, the eagle carefully reads the world around it, noticing changes in the treetops, grasses, and landscape. This reminds us to be thoughtful learners, paying attention to what we see, hear, and experience. 

While the eagle appears graceful and effortless in flight, its skills are developed through practice, patience, and courage. Piita reminds us that growth takes time and that learning to navigate challenges is part of becoming strong, capable, and confident. 

As we move through the year together, we can look to Piita as a reminder to seek truth, strive for balance, and approach learning with courage and perseverance. 

At NLC this Week 

Nutrition Plan

Safety in Action: Lockdown Drill Success

This week, NLC participated in one of our scheduled lockdown drills. We are proud to share that our students and staff responded exceptionally well, following procedures calmly and effectively. Following the drill, representatives from the Calgary Police Service commended our school for its preparedness, organization, and overall response.

Schools are required to conduct emergency evacuation and lockdown drills twice each year in partnership with the Calgary Police Service School Resource Officer (SRO) Program. All lockdown drills are announced and designed to help students and staff become familiar with safety procedures in a supportive and age-appropriate manner.

We thank our students and staff for helping make NLC a safe, caring, and prepared learning community.

NLC Fall Commun-i-tea Reminder 

Join us for our NLC Commũn-I-Tea on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until noon dismissal. Families will have the opportunity to learn from an Elder, connect with other NLC families, enjoy bannock, coffee and tea, and participate in family bingo, door prizes, and a ribbon shirt/skirt contest. 

Agenda 

• 10:00 a.m. – Elder Teachings 
• 10:30 a.m. – Family Bingo 
• 11:30 a.m. – Visiting and Community Connections 

This is a drop-in event, and all NLC families are welcome. Please RSVP to the office at 403-817-3404 to help us plan for seating and refreshments. 

We look forward to gathering and celebrating our NLC community together! 

Caregiver Series: Raising Healthy Humans in a Digital World 

Digital citizenship starts early. For our young learners, it is less about social media and more about building healthy habits around technology. At NLC, we help children understand that screens are just one tool for learning, creating, and sharing ideas. We also emphasize the importance of balancing technology use with play, movement, outdoor learning, and meaningful relationships. 

Our digital citizenship focus encourages students to use technology purposefully, take healthy breaks, and be creators rather than simply consumers. Establishing these habits early helps children develop a healthy relationship with technology as they grow. 

We invite families to join the upcoming Caregiver Series session, Raising Healthy Humans in a Digital World to learn practical strategies for supporting healthy technology use at home and fostering positive digital habits in an increasingly connected world. 

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. 
Online Webinar 

By working together, families and schools can help children develop the skills and habits they need to use technology safely, responsibly, and with confidence. 

Click here for more information and to register for the webinar. 

School Council / Principal Advisory Meeting 

We invite all parents and guardians to join us for our next School Council / Principal Advisory Meeting. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about what is happening at school, share your ideas, and connect with other families. 

📅 Date: October 29 
🕧 Time: 11:30 a.m. 
📍 Location: Family Room 

A light lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by contacting the school office, 403-817-3404. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Ok’o (Fall) Celebration of Learning Assembly 

We are excited to welcome families to our first Celebration of Learning of the school year. At NLC, we gather seasonally to celebrate the learning, growth, and accomplishments of our students through songs, photographs, student work, and teachings.

This year's Ok’o (Fall) Celebration of Learning will be led by our Grade 1 and Grade 2 students and teachers, who will share some of the learning, experiences, and teachings they have explored this season.

📅 Date: October 29
🕚 Time: 11:00 a.m. (prior to the School Council Meeting)
📍 Location: NLC Gym

NLC hosts four Celebrations of Learning throughout the year, providing opportunities for students to share their learning with families and to recognize the wonderful learning happening across our school community. We hope you can join us as we celebrate our students' growth, creativity, and success.

Halloween at NLC 

Halloween at NLC will be a fun and engaging learning day. While classes will not be holding Halloween parties, students may participate in Halloween- or autumn-themed learning activities throughout the day. 

On Friday, October 30, students and staff are invited to wear costumes or cozy pajamas if they wish. We will also celebrate our school spirit with a Halloween parade in the gym. 

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable day for everyone, please keep the following guidelines in mind when selecting a costume: 

• Choose a costume that is comfortable and safe for both indoor and outdoor activities. 
• Students should be able to wear appropriate footwear and outdoor clothing with their costume. 
• Avoid long capes, oversized accessories, or items that may create tripping hazards. 
• Do not wear masks that obstruct vision at school. 
• Please leave costume props at home. 
• No costume weapons, including toy guns or swords, are permitted. 
• Avoid costumes that are overly frightening, graphic, or gory, as we want all students to feel comfortable and included. 

Thank you for helping us create a safe, welcoming, and memorable Halloween experience for all students. 🎃