Nutrition Plan

MON
Breakfast: Cereal, Milk, Fruit
Lunch: BB4CK bagged lunch     
TUE
Breakfast: Muffins, Yogurt, Fruit
Lunch: Chicken Soup, grilled sandwiches, fruit & veggies   
WED
Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs, Nutrigrain Bars, Fruit
Lunch: Special Lunch with Santa
THUR
Breakfast: Pan Granola Bars, Fruit, Yogurt Tubes, Cheese Strings
Lunch: Turkey Dinner Winter Feast   
FRI
Breakfast: muffins & fruit

Looking Forward 
Explore our school calendar on our websitefor upcoming dates and important information

Dec 20 - Santa Visit & Pajama Day
Dec 21 – Fall Blessing with Elder Saa’kokoto (10:00 am to noon)
Dec 21 – Special Turkey Dinner Lunch for students and staff
Dec 22 – Last Day of Classes before Winter Break
Jan 8 – First Day of Classes after Winter Break
Jan 15 – Non-Instructional Day (No School)

Fall Blessing Ceremony – A Time of Reflection & Celebration
To mark the Winter Solstice on December 21, Elder Saa’kokoto’s teaching reminds us that this is a significant day in Blackfoot tradition as it represents the start of a new year. It is a time for reflection, to appreciate what has transpired during the past year, and the lessons that have been learned, and to set new intentions for the time to come.

Niitsitapi Learning Centre families are invited to join us in a Time of Reflection & Celebration Ceremony with Elder Saa’kokoto on December 21 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Further details will be provided following the Winter Solstice Gathering. Please call the main office, 403-817-3404, to RSVP. 

To honour the ceremony, women are expected to wear a long skirt or dress that extends below the knees or to cover themselves with a blanket. Men are encouraged to sit with crossed legs, while women are not to cross their legs during the ceremony. Upon coming into the ceremony, the men will come to the right side of the circle and women to the left side.

Winter Solstice Gathering
Our Winter Solstice Gathering was a full, fun-filled event for families and students. We loved listening to the drum and singing of @goulet.adrian, making music with @walterwhitebear, using our fancy feet for fancy dance with @kyle.yp, and playing traditional games with @spiritnorthxc . Hand to heart to all our guests for filling our bodies, minds, spirits and hearts. 

 
Inii’s Insights
Winter solstice is a celebration of light returning to Turtle Island. It is the shortest day of the year. Grandfather Sun begins to shine longer each day, bringing a promise of warmer weather, growth, and new life. Darkness can represent struggle, and light brings hope of easier times. Elder Randy Bottle (Saa’kokoto) teaches us that the Solstice begins a new year. It is a time for reflection, to look back at moons past and look forward to the “new sun” of the future; a time to appreciate what transpired over the past year, lessons that have been learned, and to set new intentions. 
The solstice is a time of significance, celebration, ceremony and song for some Indigenous cultures. We celebrate light and the return of Grandfather Sunlight sustains life and for that, we have gratitude for all of creation.
“Go forward with a good heart and good thoughts.” ~ Elder Saa’kokoto

Watch | Winter Solstice Celebrations & Reflections Video
Reflect | What have you learned from the challenges of the past year and how can you bring your learning into the new year? In what ways does Na’a (Mother Earth) embrace and protect us? How can we welcome the Winter Solstice through Spirit, Heart, Body, and Mind to welcome the new year in a good way?