Iinii Insights 

February is a month often dedicated to themes of love, kindness, and compassion. We turn our attention to the lessons of Piita, the Eagle, who embodies the virtue of Love—particularly, the profound strength of tough love. 

When eaglets come into the world, the adult eagles engage in co-parenting, diligently working together to construct a warm and inviting nest. They gather soft materials like sticks and down, creating a safe haven for their young. In this nurturing environment, the eaglets enjoy the comfort of their fierce parents' protection, along with a steady supply of food.  

As the eaglets grow, the time inevitably comes for them to spread their wings, leave the nest, and learn to soar. In a remarkable display of parenting wisdom, the adult eagles begin to introduce rougher materials into the nest, gradually making it less cozy. This nudges the young ones to seek independence, encouraging them to embrace the challenges of the outside world. 

This month, we are reminded to embody kindness and care in our relationships, while also setting firm boundaries and maintaining high expectations. Just as the eagle parents guide their young with love, both gentle and tough, we too can nurture those around us by encouraging growth and independence, even when it feels uncomfortable. Embrace this duality of love as an opportunity to cultivate resilience and strength in ourselves and in those we cherish. 

This Week at NLC.....

Nutrition Plan 

Report Cards 

Kindergarten to Grade 9 report cards will be available starting Feb. 24, 2026.   

Parents and Guardians can sign in to MyCBE to view student information, including report cards, comments from your child’s teacher, assignments and grades, and attendance information. For the best access to information, log in through the MyCBE​ portal instead of using the PowerSchool App.    

Healthy Nutrition at School  

Healthy food helps young children grow, learn, and feel their best. In the early years, eating habits also support brain development, attention, behaviour, and lifelong health. 

Please Avoid Sending Unhealthy Foods and Drinks 

To support learning and well-being, we ask that students do not bring foods or drinks that are high in sugar, salt, or fat. Examples include: 

• Candy, chocolate bars, or sugary treats 
• Sweetened drinks like juice boxes, soda, or energy drinks 
• Chips, fries, or highly processed snack foods 
• Fast food meals 

How Our School Supports Healthy Eating 

🥣 Breakfast Program available to all students 

• 🍽️ Lunch Program provided daily 
• 🍎 Healthy snacks offered throughout the school day 

These meals and snacks are designed to support young bodies and developing brains with the nutrients they need to learn and play. 

How Families Can Help 

If you choose to send food from home, please aim for: 

• Fresh fruits and vegetables 
• Whole grains 
• Dairy or dairy alternatives 
• Lean proteins 
• Water or milk (instead of sugary drinks) 

By working together, we can help build healthy routines, support learning, and set children up for lifelong wellness. Thank you for your continued partnership and care.  
Resource:  Feeding Young Children  

Last week Niitsitapi Learning Centre hosted a Bus Driver Session as part of strengthening our Community of Care. Our bus drivers are often the first and last connection point in a child’s day, and their role matters deeply. 

Through a trauma-informed lens, we shared strategies to help keep bus rides safe, predictable, and welcoming while focusing on calm responses, clear expectations, and relationship-building. When students feel safe and understood, they arrive ready to learn. 

We are grateful for the care, consistency, and professionalism our drivers show every day. Their impact extends far beyond the road and into the heart of our school community. 

NLC Book Fair February 23-26, 2026 

In-person shopping at the school no online ordering  

Get Ready for the Scholastic Book Fair! 

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Niitsitapi Learning Centre! It’s a fun celebration of reading that helps children build independence, confidence, and a love of books. Families can explore a great selection of titles for all ages and interests. Best of all, every purchase earns Scholastic Dollars that support learning at our school. 

Student Class Visits 
Students will have the opportunity to shop at the Book Fair during scheduled class visits. If you would like your child to make a purchase, cash may be sent with your child or left at the main office in an envelope clearly labeled with your child’s name and the amount. 

How Scholastic Dollars Support Our Students Scholastic Dollars help us to: 

• Refresh and expand school and classroom libraries 
• Enhance maker spaces and hands-on learning areas 
• Purchase curriculum resources and learning materials 

Book Fair Hours for Families/Caregivers Families are welcome to shop at the Book Fair during: 

• 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 
• 3:05 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

The Book Fair runs Monday, February 23 to Thursday, February 26. 
 
All visitors must check in at the main office. Debit and credit cards are the preferred payment methods for family shopping, as we will have limited cash on hand. 

Your support helps us create vibrant, engaging learning spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of reading. 

If you have any questions, please email niitsitapilearningcentre@cbe.ab.ca  

FREE Resource for Kindergarten | Eye See…Eye Learn™ 

Eye See…Eye Learn™ is a barrier free program for all kindergarten-aged children offered by the Alberta Association of Optometrists. Kindergarten-aged children who receive an eye exam and are in need of glasses are eligible for a FREE pair through the Eye See...Eye Learn program. 

For more information visit this information package  

Lacrosse Opportunities in Our Community 

Our students have been enjoying learning lacrosse at school, and we wanted to share a great opportunity for families who may be interested in continuing this sport outside of school hours. 

Local Lacrosse Registration 

• Lacrosse in Calgary is organized through the Calgary District Lacrosse Association (CDLA), which is made up of 9 local member clubs. 
• Season registration happens through your local member club, not directly through the school.  City of Calgary Club Map Zones. 
• Registration deadlines are approaching, so families interested are encouraged to explore their local club options soon. 

Support with Fees – KidSport and the Roughnecks EvenStrength Program 

• Families may be eligible for KidSport funding, which can provide up to $500 per child, per year toward sport registration fees. 
• For our younger learners at Niitsitapi, lacrosse fees are capped at $300, meaning eligible families could register at no cost. 
• This is a wonderful option for families who may need financial support to access sports programming. 
• Visit this link for more information 

Extra Exciting News for U7 Players 

• CDLA partners with the Calgary Roughnecks. 
• All U7 players will be known as “Lil Roughnecks” and will receive a free lacrosse stick and jersey this season.