Hello Somerset School Families,
We wrapped up last week with a planned fire drill, an essential part of our Emergency Practices and Procedures. These drills ensure that our students and staff are well-prepared and familiar with the actions to take in case of an emergency. I’m happy to report that the drill went smoothly, with students demonstrating great cooperation and focus—showing the kind of responsibility and readiness we value in our community. We take pride in fostering a sense of safety and security for all.
Additionally, this past Friday, our teachers engaged in a Professional Learning session focused on helping students build effective sentences through intentional progressions in language development. This session is part of our broader goal to empower students to express their ideas clearly, confidently, and creatively. By focusing on small, manageable steps, we aim to nurture perseverance and curiosity in our students' writing journeys, while strengthening their ability to communicate effectively.
We are excited about the positive impact these efforts will have on our students' growth, and we look forward to seeing them apply these new skills in the classroom.
Upcoming Week's Updates
Ensuring Traffic Safety and Respect Around the School
Morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up are very busy times around the school. We would like to remind all families that traffic safety is a shared responsibility that requires the support and cooperation of all drivers. It is important for everyone to be cautious, follow the rules of the road, and use the crosswalks. Please ensure you are only parking in designated parking areas and respecting “No Parking” and “Bus Parking” zones to keep our school environment safe for everyone.
We kindly ask that any issues regarding traffic or parking be addressed in a respectful and appropriate manner. We all have a shared responsibility to model good citizenship. As we are a place of student learning, we all play an important role in the creation and maintenance of a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe environment for everyone in our school community.
Students are always watching and learning from the adults around them. Please remember to model respect to others by following the rules of the road, speaking in a calm voice when speaking to others, and when you are frustrated to walk away or get help. We encourage everyone to inform the office if you feel unsafe or confronted by someone.
If you notice a parking violation or have traffic concerns, please consider reaching out to the school office for support. Concerns about road infrastructure can be made to the City of Calgary through 311 and traffic safety issues to the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line. Additionally, you can complete a Traffic Service Request (TSR) for CPS consideration.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our school a safe and respectful space for all.
Important Dates Ahead (Next 6-8 Weeks)
- 6 – February _ SCHOOL COUNCIL Meeting beginning at 6:15pm
- 6 – February _ In-School Inuit Trip (Grade 2)
- 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 for Students – Family Day
- 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 – Professional Learning Day
- 20 – March _ Student Led Conferences (PM)
- 21 – March _ No Classes for Students – Student Led Conferences (AM)
- 24-28 – March Break _ No Classes for Students
- 31 – March Classes Resume
Word of the Week - Blissful
Definition
Experiencing or displaying great happiness or joy; full of bliss.
Example Sentence
"The kids felt blissful as they stared out the window, eagerly awaiting the first snowfall of the week to turn the world into a winter wonderland."
Morphology of the Word:
Root: Bliss (meaning great happiness or joy)
Prefix: None
Suffix: -ful (indicating "full of" or "characterized by")
Friends of Somerset School & School Council Meeting
February 6
Location: Somerset School Staffroom
Time: 6:15pm
We blissfully encourage all families to join our School Council and play an active role in shaping the future of our school. Your voice and ideas are vital in creating a supportive and thriving environment for our students, and we would be truly happy to have you involved!
Fun Lunch Dates & Deadlines
- 27 - February - Subway Fun Lunch (Cut-Off: 22 February)
- 20 - March - The Lunch Lady Fun Lunch (Cut-Off: 15 March)
- 24 - April - Coco Brooks Fun Lunch (Cut-Off: 19 April)
- 29 - May - Subway Fun Lunch (Cut-Off: 24 May)
- 19 - June - A & W Fun Lunch (Cut-Off: 14 June)
Safety Updates
As we approach the week of February 3, we want to remind everyone about the importance of being prepared for the changing weather in Calgary. Temperatures can fluctuate quickly, so dressing appropriately is key to staying comfortable and safe.
Weather Preparedness
- Cold weather: With temperatures dipping, please ensure your child is dressed in warm layers, including insulated outerwear, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots to stay cozy and protected.
Calgary's weather can change rapidly, so be ready for anything: snow, rain, or sudden temperature drops. For more detailed weather updates, please refer to the forecast for the week of February 3rd.
Dogs on School Property
A friendly reminder that dogs are not permitted on school grounds unless they are service animals. Please also note that the field surrounding the school is a blend of both school property and City of Calgary property. The rules regarding dogs change depending on where you are, so please ensure that your dog is always on a leash and under control. This is for the safety and comfort of all students.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in keeping our school environment safe for everyone.
Traffic & Parking Concerns Reminder
Morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up are busy times, and we ask that all adults model good citizenship by following traffic rules, using crosswalks, and parking in designated areas. Students learn by observing us, so let’s set a positive example by remaining calm and respectful, even when frustrated.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
New Meal Delivery Guidelines
As part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a smooth and focused learning environment, we wanted to share some important information regarding meal delivery services such as DoorDash, Skip, and similar platforms.
While we understand that busy schedules can sometimes lead to the need for meal deliveries. In order to ensure that learning time is respected, we wanted to let you know that the office will not be calling students down during class hours to receive deliveries.
If you choose to have a meal delivered, it will be left in the school’s vestibule, and your child can come to pick it up at their convenience during appropriate times. We kindly ask that you inform your child ahead of time, as our office staff will not be able to make notifications or disrupt classes to alert students.
We truly appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment for all students.
That was a lot of information, but we made it through! Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s all enjoy a blissful week ahead. Take care and have a great one!
Hand to Heart,
Nathan Bane
Principal, Somerset School