Hello Somerset School Families 

We have received several inquiries recently about the increased length of our Weekly Messages, especially regarding the emphasis on safety updates. It is a great question, and I am happy to provide some insight. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of all our students, you may have noticed that our Weekly Updates now include more frequent and detailed safety-related messages. Over the past month, we have been conducting a community inquiry to review and assess our school’s safety measures. I am pleased to share that the results of this inquiry have been overwhelmingly positive. We have received praise for our prompt and effective responses to safety protocols, and we are fully compliant with all safety requirements. 

Throughout this process, a number of valuable suggestions were made, one of which was to incorporate regular safety reminders into our Weekly Updates. This new addition will allow us to keep everyone informed about a wide range of safety-related topics, from emergency procedures to weather-related clothing tips, and much more. 

We are confident that these updates will be a positive step forward in ensuring our school community remains well-informed, prepared, and safe. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all of our students. 

Here are your Weekly Updates: 

No Classes for Students – Thursday and Friday 

We would like to remind you that there will be no classes for students on February 13 and 14 due to the Teachers' Convention. These days provide valuable professional development opportunities for our teaching staff. 

Important Dates Ahead (Next 6-8 Weeks): 

  • 11 February - Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (Grade 4) 
  • 12 February - Valentine's Day 
  • 13 February: No Classes for Students – Teachers' Convention 
  • 14 February: No Classes for Students – Teachers' Convention 
  • 17 February: No Classes – Family Day 

 A well-deserved break for families to spend quality time together. 

  • 18 February _ The 100th Day of School 
  • 18 February _ Jessie from the Zoo (Grades 1, 2, and 4) 
  • 19 February _ Telus Spark (Grade 2) 
  • 20 February - Zoo (Grade 4) 
  • 27 February - Subway Fun Lunch (Cut-Off: 22 February) 
  • 28 February - No Classes for Students – Non-Instruction Day 
  • 20 March - Student Led Conferences (PM) 
  • 21 March - No Classes for Students – Student Led Conferences (AM) 
    An exciting opportunity for our students to take the lead in sharing their learning journey with their families. Focusing on Student, ownership, reflection, and meaningful communication.  A well-needed rest for all to relax and recharge before the final stretch of the school year. 
  • 31 March: Classes Resume 

After March Break, students will return refreshed and ready for the next phase of their learning. 

Word of the Week: Loved 

Definition: 

Adjective: feeling deep affection or care; cherished, highly regarded. 

Verb (past tense): past tense of the verb "love," meaning to have felt affection, care, or strong positive emotions toward someone or something. 

Example Sentence: 

"She felt truly loved by her friends and family, who always supported her through difficult times." 

Morphology of the Word: 

  • Root: Love 
  • Prefix: None 
  • Suffix: -ed (indicating the past tense or state of having been loved) 

Safety Update 

We would  like to take a moment to remind everyone about a few important safety matters to help keep our school community safe and organized: 

Traffic Concerns and Drop-Off/Pick-Up Reminders 

  • Please use designated parking spots when dropping off or picking up students. 
  • Do not block fire lanes or emergency access areas. These areas must remain clear for safety. 
  • Safe drop-off zones and pick-up procedures are in place to minimize congestion and ensure student safety. 
  • Avoid double parking or stopping in no-parking zones. 
  • Encourage your child to exit the vehicle on the passenger side only to avoid crossing traffic. 
  • Please be mindful of the congestion during peak times and allow extra time for drop-off/pick-up. 
  • Obey the school zone speed limits to keep everyone safe. 

Additional Support: We have ordered additional large pylons and will be placing them in key areas to improve visibility and support safe traffic flow. 

Weather Preparedness 

  • As we move through Calgary’s unpredictable weather, please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor activities, including warm clothing and footwear. 
  • Labeling your child’s clothing will help prevent lost items. 

Dogs on School Property 

  • A reminder that dogs should not be on school property unless they are service animals. 
  • All dogs near the school must be kept on a leash for the safety of our students. 
  • Please be mindful of controlling your pets around young children to avoid any accidents. 
  • If you have concerns about dogs in the area, please notify a staff member, and we’ll do our best to assist. 

Peer Safety and Conflict Mitigation 

At Somerset School, we prioritize fostering an inclusive, safe environment for all students. Through our School Wide Problem-Solving Model, we encourage students to communicate respectfully, both in person and online. This helps promote positive behaviors and effective conflict resolution. 


Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support in ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all. 

Hand to Heart, 

 Nathan Bane 

 Somerset School Principal