Iinii Insights |
Winter Solstice is a celebration of light returning to Turtle Island. It is the shortest day of the year; Grandfather Sun will begin to shine for longer each day bringing the promise of warmer weather, growth, and new life. Darkness can represent struggle, and light brings hope of easier times. Elder Saa'kokoto has shared that the Solstice begins a new year in Blackfoot tradition. It is a time for reflection, to look back at past moons and look forward to the “new sun” of the future; a time to appreciate what has transpired during the past year, the lessons that have been learned, and to set new intentions for the time to come. In this process is the notion of renewal. Is what we know, or think we know, still true? Is it still valid?
Nutrition Plan
MON | Breakfast: Cereal and milk, fruit, cheese Lunch: Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids lunches |
TUE | Breakfast: Muffins, Hardboiled Eggs, fruit Lunch: Soup, Grilled Sandwiches, fruit & veggies |
WED | Breakfast: Yogurt, Nutrigrain Bars, fruit cups, fruit Lunch: "Lunchables”, veggies & fruit |
THUR | Breakfast: Pan Granola bars, yogurt, cheese, fruit Lunch: Soup, Toasted buns, fruit & veggies |
FRI | Breakfast: Banana Bread, granola & yogurt parfait, fruit |
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Mon. Dec. 1 | MRU Nurses |
Tues. Dec. 2 | MRU Nurses |
Wed. Dec. 3 | MRU Nurses Last Day |
Thurs. Dec. 4 | Regular Day of Learning Photo Retake Day |
Fri. Dec. 5 | Early Dismissal- 12:00pm |
Looking Forward | 9-19 Elder Shirley Residency 12- Communi'tea 15-19 NLC Merry Moment 18- Solstice Ceremony 10:30am more details to follow 22-January 2- Winter Break No school Jan 5- Classes Resume |
Classroom Connection|
The snow has brought a fresh blanket to Mother Earth and a chance for new learning. As we step outside, we honour the land as a teacher. We notice how snow changes shapes, muffles sound, and hides tracks — and we think about how animals and people adapt to winter. We respect Na’a (Mother Earth), and practice kakoysin (being aware of our environment and being observant) as we remember that we belong to this place. In doing so, we care for our natural world, learn from the land, and grow together as a community.
Residency| Elder Shirley
We are excited to welcome Elder Shirley Hill (Anatsipi’kssaakii) for a residency fro December 8-19. She will spend the week sharing Blackfoot teachings with our students.
A proud member of Siksika Nation, Elder Shirley has 
Elder Shirley teaches in many Calgary schools and loves sharing stories, introducing students to Lemon the Bear, and teaching Blackfoot language as a way to keep traditions alive and connect us to the land.
For your Information|
Weather Reminder for Families: Dress for the Weather
Please ensure your child comes to school prepared for all types of weather. We go outside every day unless conditions become unsafe. Outdoor time may be reconsidered when the temperature or wind chill reaches –20°C or below.
We are blessed to call Mohkinstsis our home, and with that comes the responsibility to be ready for changing weather. Proper layers, warm coats, hats, mitts, boots, and an extra pair of socks are strongly recommended, especially for our young learners.
Thank you for helping keep our students warm, safe, and ready to play and learn outdoors!
Merry Moments @ NLC December 15-19
From December 15–19, we will be celebrating the season with Merry Moments! Each day will bring small sparks of joy, connection, and kindness
We look forward to sharing fun activities, festive smiles, and the warmth of community during this special week.
Community Resources |
FREE Resource for Kindergarten | Eye See...Eye Learn
Eye See...Eye LearnTM 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.
https://www.optometrists.ab.ca/eye-see-eye-learn
Emergency Food Support- Calgary Food Bank
Calgary Food Bank The Calgary Food Bank is the first line of emergency food support for families and individuals facing crisis. As the city’s main charitable food hub and the most accessible food bank we have the capacity to serve families, individuals, and organizations. Website: https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/needfood/
Elbow River Healing Lodge
The Calgary Board of Education with Niitsitapi Learning Centre, in partnership with Alberta Health Services with Elbow River Healing Lodge has a Wellness Clinic on-site for students, parents, and extended family members. A Physician is on site in the clinic weekly for consultation by appointment. Contact the Elbow River Healing Lodge at (403) 955-6600 to book an appointment.