Hello Somerset School Families, 

One of the reasons I love being Canadian is the diverse and rich cultures which make up our identity, an identity comprised of many unique "Canadas." As we navigate shifts in society, I strive to approach cultural celebrations with sensitivity and balance, ensuring we recognize the importance of multiple traditions. I deeply value the diversity of our community and remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all.  

As we enter the second week of March, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all of our families observing Lent. Lent is a season of reflection, prayer, and penance, offering a time for personal growth and spiritual renewal. It is a time to connect more meaningfully with ourselves and our communities. May this season bring peace and reflection to all who observe it.  

Here are your Weekly Updates: 

Opening at Noon on Sunday!

Parent-Teacher Conferences - Virtual

Book your Parent-Teacher Conference today, Sunday, March 9 opening at noon. 

When

  • Friday, March 21 between 8:30am-4:00pm 

How to Book

Sign up using your MyCBEPowerSchool account 

Learn more about the instructions and video tutorials on how to:  

  • Book a Conference, and 
  • Edit and Delete a Booking 

Note

Participating in Student Conferences is an important opportunity for families to engage in their child's learning journey, celebrate progress, and discuss areas for growth. These conversations help strengthen the partnership between home and school, ensuring that we are all working together to support the success of every student. 

For families of students on an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) who have not yet booked a meeting, please note that teachers will be reaching out early next week to schedule a time for these important discussions. 

Books for Butterflies

Our Grade 1 and 2 teams are collecting gently used books this week for the “Books for Butterflies” fundraiser. Please consider donating any books by March 12. Donations can be sent with students or dropped off at the main office during school hours. Thank you for your support! The Grade 1 & 2 video is available.

Kindergarten to Grade 3 Parents and Guardians

Your Child's 2025-2026 Enrolment Information

Use our form to assist us with classroom planning for the 2025-2026 school year, please let us know if your child(ren) will be returning to Somerset School and share any relevant information we should be aware of.  

Important Dates Ahead (Next 6-8 Weeks)

  • 9 March: SIGN UP for Conferences 
  • 14 March: National Learn about Butterflies Day 
  • 21 March: Student Led Conferences _ NO Classes for students 
  • 24 March: March Break begins 
  • 31 March: Classes Resume 
  • 1 April: Scholastic Book Fair begins 
  • 2 April: Grade 4 Field Study to Heritage Park 
  • 8 April: Grade 3 Field Study to Telus Spark 
  • 18 April: Good Friday (No School) 
  • 21 April: System Professional Learning Day _ NO Classes for students 

Word of the Week - Determined

Definition

Having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it; showing persistence and a strong will to achieve a goal. 

Example Sentence

"Luna was so determined to find all the camouflaged butterflies around the school that she searched high and low, never giving up until every hidden butterfly was spotted!" 

Morphology of the Word

  • Root: "Determine" – meaning to decide or make a choice. 
  • Prefix: "De-" – often indicating a form of removal or negation, though in this case, it contributes to the meaning of decisiveness. 
  • Suffix: "-ed" – used to form the past tense or an adjective indicating a state or condition.

Friends of Somerset School and School Council Meeting - Mar. 13

Location: Virtual 

Time: 12:00pm 

Please email Mr. Bane or Mr. MacLeod if you are interested in attending. 

SAFETY Update 

As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environment, we continue to prioritize diversity and the nurturing of a positive sense of belonging and self for all our students. We are dedicated to fostering an atmosphere of trust, respect, and safety, and have been actively communicating with families both in person and through our school messaging system about various safety elements that may impact our students. 

We also collaborate closely with CBE service units and local partners, including Calgary Police Services, to ensure the well-being of our community. 

As shared in previous communications, to enhance the safety and visibility of the 'no-parking/no-stopping' zones in front of our school, we have been placing pylons in these areas periodically. In addition, we have been engaging with families to build awareness about the importance of these zones. This effort is not only to promote safety but also to help prevent families from inadvertently receiving parking violation tickets from the City. 

Next week, Calgary Police Services informed us that they will be visiting Somerset School to support our ongoing traffic awareness initiatives. 

It is important to note that Calgary has seen a significant increase in pedestrian collisions in 2024, with the Calgary Police Service reporting 29 fatal collisions, the highest number since 2013. Tragically, a child was recently struck by a vehicle in a southwest Calgary neighbourhood, underscoring the importance of our collective efforts to protect our children. 

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to ensure the safety of our students and community. 

Kindergarten to Grade 3 2025-2026 - School Planning Survey

To ensure we maintain our standards for the upcoming year, we are reaching out to parents and guardians for insights on our School Development Plan and fees. Your input is crucial in shaping how we allocate resources to enhance student learning. Do not miss this chance to have your say. You can access the survey. 

Dates of Significance (Next 4-6 Weeks)

Below is a list of some of the key 'Dates of Significance,' with hyperlinks, which relate to our community. If you have any additional dates to share, please feel free to reach out. 

Hyperlink References

Hand to Heart, 

Nathan Bane 

Somerset School Principal