Hello Somerset School Families
As we continue to focus on fostering Kindness, Belonging, Perseverance, and Curiosity across our school community, I’m excited to share some important updates for the week ahead. Your support plays a crucial role in the success of our school, and together, we are creating a positive environment where all students feel safe, valued, and eager to learn.
Upcoming Week's Updates
Report Card Access
On Monday, Jan. 27, until May 30, 2025, families can view, download or print online report cards through your MyCBE account.
Fire Drill
As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, we will be conducting a Fire Drill this week. This is an important drill that helps ensure our students and staff are prepared in the event of an emergency.
During the drill, all students will be guided through our fire evacuation procedures. These drills are crucial for helping everyone understand the steps we would need to take in the event of a real emergency. Our staff and students are well-prepared, and we ensure that drills are conducted in a way that is calm and reassuring for all students.
We understand that the sound of the fire alarm can sometimes be startling, but please know that we make every effort to prepare students for these drills in a supportive and non-alarming way. Our goal is to help students feel confident and clear about what to do if an actual emergency were to arise.
In the event that your child expresses any concerns following the drill, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our staff. We are here to support them, answer any questions they may have, and ensure they feel safe and secure.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our school community safe. Your support in reinforcing the importance of these safety drills at home helps ensure that our entire school is prepared and responsive in the event of any emergency.
Word of the Week: Sulky
Definition:
Feeling gloomy, pouty, or showing displeasure in a quiet, moody way.
Example Sentence:
"After losing his favorite pencil in the classroom, Lorne felt a little sulky and sat quietly at his desk, but once his friend offered him a new one, he couldn't help but smile!"
Morphology of the Word:
- Root: Sulk (to be in a bad mood or pout)
- Prefix: None
- Suffix: -y (turns the noun into an adjective, meaning "characterized by" or "full of")
Fun Lunch Dates & Deadlines
For returning families, please select your child's class from the provided list. New families can easily set up an account with the detailed instructions attached.
- 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
Traffic Concerns & Drop-Off/Pick-Up Reminders:
- We kindly remind families to follow safe drop-off zones and pick-up procedures. Please avoid double parking or stopping in no-parking zones, and ensure your child exits the car on the passenger side for their safety. We appreciate your understanding in helping reduce congestion during peak times.
Appropriate Clothing for Outdoor Activities:
- With the colder temperatures this week, please make sure your child is dressed warmly for outdoor activities, including proper outerwear, gloves, and boots. When the sun does peek out, it can cause the snow to melt, so it’s a good idea for students to bring a change of dry clothes from home just in case they get a little wet. Let’s keep them cozy and prepared for whatever the weather brings!
Parking Lot Etiquette:
- Please use designated parking and keep the sidewalks clear to ensure students and staff can move safely around the school grounds. If possible, consider carpooling or walking to school to reduce congestion.
It’s also important to avoid blocking fire lanes and emergency access areas.
Crosswalk Safety:
- We encourage students to always use crosswalks and remind drivers to be vigilant and stop for pedestrians. It’s vital that we maintain patience and respect around school zones and crosswalks for everyone’s safety.
Nut-Aware School:
- As a NUT-AWARE school, we want to ensure the safety of all students. Please make sure that snacks and lunch items are nut-free to protect students with allergies.
Dogs on School Property
- Just a friendly reminder that dogs are not permitted on school property unless they are service animals. For the safety of our students, any dogs near the school must be kept on a leash. It’s important to always keep pets under control, especially around young children, to avoid any accidents.
Thank you for your continued support! Together, we are creating a culture of Kindness, Belonging, Perseverance, and Curiosity within our school. If you ever have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out to me directly. Let’s continue working together to make every student’s experience at Somerset School meaningful and successful.
Hand to Heart,
Nathan Bane
Principal, Somerset School