Iinii Insights

Learning from the Land in Autumn 

As the days grow shorter and the weather becomes colder, the land reminds us that every season brings change and opportunities for learning. Across many Indigenous cultures, autumn is a time of preparation, reflection, and gratitude. It is a season to recognize the gifts provided by the land and to consider our responsibilities as caretakers of the natural world. 

The land offers many lessons at this time of year. Leaves change colour and fall from the trees, temperatures cool, days become shorter, and animals prepare for the winter months ahead. These seasonal shifts remind us that change is a natural and important part of life. They also invite us to slow down, observe, and express gratitude for the relationships that sustain all living things. 

Indigenous ways of knowing teach that the land is more than a place we live; it is a teacher. By paying attention to the natural world around us, we can learn about patience, resilience, reciprocity, and our connection to one another and the environment. 

Taking time to pause, observe, and give thanks helps strengthen our sense of belonging to the places we live, learn, and play. 

“The environment is our classroom.” 
— Dr. Leroy Little Bear (Iikaisskini), Kainai Nation 

At NLC this Week 

Nutrition Plan 

Gathering in a Good Way!

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our Commun-i-Tea. We were honoured to welcome Elder Saa'kokato, who shared blessings, teachings, and wisdom with our community. 

The gathering was filled with connection, laughter, and learning. Congratulations to all of our winners, including the winners of the ribbon skirt contest! Gatherings like these remind us of the strength of our relationships and the importance of coming together as a community. 

Thank you for being part of this special morning. We look forward to gathering again soon! 

Connecting to Spirit at Home 

At Niitsitapi Learning Centre, we use the Connecting to Spirit model to support students' wellbeing. Developed alongside Elders for the students, families, and staff of NLC, this model helps children understand their bodies, recognize and name their emotions, and learn strategies to regulate and reconnect with their spirit. It provides a shared language that can be used both at school and at home to support emotional wellness.

Families can support this learning by talking with children about their feelings, noticing how emotions show up in their bodies, and exploring strategies that help them feel calm, connected, and ready to learn. Whether it is spending time outdoors, taking deep breaths, sharing a hug, enjoying a healthy snack, participating in cultural practices, or connecting with a trusted adult, every child can develop their own ways of reconnecting to spirit.

Our students shared what helps them feel connected to their spirit:

"I feel proud."
– Grade 2 Student

"When I smudge."
– Grade 1 Student

We encourage families to continue these meaningful conversations at home. The Connecting to Spirit at Home (link)resource offers simple ideas and strategies to support children's emotional wellbeing and connection to spirit.

Respectful Riders Program 

At our school, we believe that every bus ride is an opportunity to build a safe, caring, and respectful community. This year, we are excited to launch our Respectful Riders Rewards program! 

Iinii (Buffalo) teaches us about respect. The buffalo reminds us to respect all living things, and in doing so, we help create balance, kindness, and well-being for ourselves and those around us. 

Each day, we will connect with our bus drivers to celebrate positive choices and recognize buses that demonstrate respectful behaviour. Working together as a bus team, students can earn stars by showing respect and following bus expectations. 

Students can earn stars by: 

🌟 Staying seated in their assigned seat 
🌟 Wearing their seatbelt properly 
🌟 Using kind and respectful words 
🌟 Keeping their hands, feet, and objects to themselves 
🌟 Listening to and following directions from the bus driver 
🌟 Speaking in a calm and respectful voice 

Our goal is for each bus to become a 4-Star Bus every week! Buses that reach this goal will have the opportunity to earn fun rewards and celebrations. 

Families can support this initiative by talking with their children about the importance of bus safety and respect. When we work together, we help ensure that every student arrives at school and home safely. 

Let's work together to make every ride a respectful ride! 

Halloween at NLC Reminder  

A friendly reminder that Friday, October 30 will be a fun and engaging learning day at NLC! Students and staff are welcome to wear a costume or cozy pyjamas and participate in our school Halloween parade. 

As you plan costumes, please remember: 

• Choose costumes that are comfortable and safe for indoor and outdoor activities. 
• Students should be able to wear appropriate footwear and outdoor clothing. 
• Please leave masks, costume props, and toy weapons at home. 
• Avoid costumes that are overly frightening, graphic, or gory. 

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

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.

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!