Before diving into this week’s updates, I would like to share a quick note:
This edition of the Principal’s Message is a little longer than usual, as it includes highlights from the time since our last School Council meeting, a look ahead at what’s coming up, and key points from the thoughtful conversations shared during our meeting.
Following from our School Council Meeting – May 8 2025
As we embrace the warmth and renewal of spring, I would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate a very special occasion, Mother’s Day.
To all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, aunties, guardians, and mother figures in our lives, Thank You. Whether through daily care, words of encouragement, quiet strength, or boundless love, your presence makes a profound impact on our students, our families, and our community.
We also extend our thoughts to those for whom this day may be complex, those missing a mother, those yearning to become one, or those navigating motherhood in challenging circumstances. Please know that you are seen and supported.
This day is a beautiful reminder of the many ways that care, love, and nurturing show up in our lives across all cultures, families, and identities. However motherhood is expressed or experienced in your life, we honor you.
What’s Been Happening?
Some highlights since our last School Council Meeting:
Below are the key events and activities which have taken place since or last meeting, sorted by theme:
Wellness & Learning
April 21 – System Professional Learning Day
- Staff engaged in collaborative learning aligned with school and system goals; no classes were held for students.
Ongoing – Mental Health Awareness Week Activities
We proudly join schools and the community in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Week, a meaningful opportunity to highlight the importance of mental well-being for our students, staff, and families. At Somerset School, we believe that nurturing mental health is just as essential as supporting physical health.
Through our school-wide focus on being Somerset Strong, we foster a community built on kindness, belonging, perseverance, and curiosity. These shared values, when paired with our school-wide problem solving model, help create a caring environment where every student feels safe, supported, and truly heard as they grow both emotionally and academically.
Environmental Stewardship
April 22 – Earth Day Assembly (Grades 1 & 2)
- Grade 1 and 2 students led a thoughtful celebration of Earth Day, sharing their learning about environmental care with families.
April 22 – Rain Barrel Fundraiser Launch
- The Friends of Somerset School Foundation launched our Rain Barrel Fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting future playground replacement efforts.
Field Studies & Transitions
May 1 – Grade 4 Tour of Samuel W. Shaw School
Grade 4 students visited Samuel W. Shaw School to support a smooth and confident transition to middle school.
May 6 – Grade 1 Field Study to the Calgary Zoo – Conservation Champions
- Grade 1 students explored ecosystems and animal care during a curriculum-connected field study at the Calgary Zoo.
May 8 – Grade 4 Field Study – Conservation Champions
- Grade 4 students extended their environmental learning through an engaging, hands-on conservation experience.
Celebrations & Community Events
May 7 – Spring Celebration (PM)
- Families were invited to enjoy a joyful afternoon as students showcased their creativity and classroom learning.
Operational Items
April 18 – Good Friday – No School
- The school was closed in recognition of Good Friday.
April 24 – Coco Brooks Fun Lunch
- Students enjoyed a special lunch—thank you to our volunteers and School Council for organizing!
April 28 – Elections Calgary Polling Station on Site
- The school remained open while hosting Elections Calgary; security was provided to ensure a safe environment.
May 8 – School Council & Friends of Somerset School Foundation Meeting
- We gathered to reflect on the school year and continue our ongoing collaboration in support of student learning and community building.
Important Dates Ahead
As we move into the final stretch of the school year, there are many exciting and meaningful events on the horizon. Below is a summary of what’s coming up, organized by theme to help families stay informed and engaged:
Professional Learning & Planning Days
May 16 – Professional Learning Day
- There were no classes for students as staff engaged in focused, school-based professional learning. This time supported our continued efforts to enhance student success and well-being.
Field Studies & Enrichment
May 22 – Grade 4 Agriculture Presentation
- Grade 4 students participated in an engaging session about Alberta’s food systems and sustainable agriculture. This experience deepened their understanding of local farming and environmental responsibility.
May 28 – Grade 1 Field Study to the Calgary Zoo – Gossamer Wings
- Students explored the life cycles and habitats of butterflies during this interactive science-based field trip. It was a hands-on opportunity to connect classroom learning with the natural world.
Fun Lunches
May 29 – Subway Fun Lunch
- Students enjoyed a special Subway lunch, thanks to the organization and support of School Council volunteers. Order cut-off was May 24.
June 5 – Hot Dog Fun Lunch
June 19 – A&W Fun Lunch
- Our final Fun Lunch of the year will feature A&W meals for students to enjoy. Order cut-off is June 14.
School Spirit & Celebrations
June 5 – Spirit Day (Tentative)
- This is a day for students and staff to come together in fun and celebration of school spirit. More information will be shared as details are confirmed.
June 25 – Grade 4 Farewell Celebration
- We will gather to honour and celebrate our Grade 4 students as they prepare to transition to middle school. Families are warmly invited to join us for this special milestone.
Cultural & Community Connection
June 20 – Indigenous Games Day
- Students will take part in traditional Indigenous games that celebrate culture, physical activity, and community connection. This meaningful day reflects our commitment to inclusion, understanding, and reconciliation.
Modular Classroom Relocation Update
As you may have noticed, progress on the modular classroom relocation has recently slowed. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the final phases of this important project.
The next steps will focus on restoring and enhancing the school grounds, including land reclamation (re-seeding grass areas) and repaving tarmac surfaces to ensure a safe and welcoming outdoor environment for all students.
We remain in close communication with our Facilities Service Unit and will continue to provide updates as timelines become clearer. Thank you for your continued support as we work to improve our learning spaces.
Kindergarten to Grade 3 Parents/Guardians
Your Child's 2025-2026 Enrollment Information
Please click HERE to provide this important information
School Development Plan Details
Supporting Literacy and Student Well-Being Through Assessment
This year, our School Development focus has been centered on the belief that Fair and Equitable Assessment Practices will improve student achievement and well-being. Our team is deeply committed to ensuring that every student receives the support they need to grow as learners and individuals.
In literacy, our School Development Plan (SDP) has targeted reading improvement. Teachers have been working collaboratively in grade teams to provide responsive instruction and meaningful feedback tailored to student needs. One key strategy has been the use of flexible groupings, allowing staff to meet students where they are and guide them forward.
An example of a school-wide effort is the Word of the Week initiative. This literacy-building activity not only promotes vocabulary development but also introduces students to the structure of words through morphology, breaking down words into:
- Root
- Prefix
- Suffix
Each week, students explore a new word through its definition, an example sentence, and a morphological breakdown. This approach strengthens reading comprehension and builds confidence in tackling unfamiliar vocabulary across all subject areas.
We are proud of the progress our students are making and grateful for the continued support of families and school council as we work together to foster a love of reading and learning in every child.
Supporting Resilience and Mental Health
In addition to our focus on literacy, our School Development Plan (SDP) Well-Being Outcome emphasizes the importance of resilience and mental health improvement. We are deeply committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student feels they belong and can thrive.
A key part of our well-being work is helping students build resilience by developing a strong emotional vocabulary. Research from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (Brackett, 2019) highlights that when students can name and express their emotions, they are better equipped to manage stress, resolve conflict, and foster healthy relationships.
To support this, we have implemented tools school-wide that help students recognize and communicate their feelings in respectful and constructive ways. One of these tools is our:
Problem-Solving Sentence Frame:
“I feel/get [emotion],
when [describe the action/behavior],
so I need [suggested action/change].”
This simple, effective model empowers students to reflect, express themselves clearly, and seek positive solutions. It aligns with our school-wide problem-solving approach and supports emotional growth—essential skills for both learning and life.
Key Highlights from Our Recent School Council Meeting
As part of this week’s update, I would like to share a summary of key topics discussed during our recent School Council meeting. We are grateful for the thoughtful dialogue and the meaningful contributions from council members. The following points reflect the areas of focus and ongoing collaboration as we plan for the 2025–2026 school year:
- Council voice and feedback on the 2025–2026 School Calendar
- Information and discussion around the 2025–2026 School Structure, including a look at similarities and differences from our current model
- Opportunities for regular Q&A sessions with families who may be impacted by upcoming changes
- Exploration of potential school time adjustments for 2025–2026
- Updates on 2025–2026 busing, including what we currently know, emerging considerations, and space for community feedback
Let’s Catch the Rain – and Support Our School!
We are excited to share that the Friends of Somerset School Foundation is hosting a Rain Barrel Fundraiser to support our school community—and help the environment too!
- Somerset School – 150 Somerset Manor SW
- Thursday, June 5 | 4:00–7:00 PM
Rain barrels will be available for pick-up, and home deliveries will begin after the event. Plus—Calgary residents who order after March 31, 2025, may qualify for a $50 rebate per barrel (up to two barrels per household)!
It’s a win for your garden, your wallet, and our school!
For product details, check out the FAQs, or contact Constantina at fssfplayground@gmail.com for local questions.
Order your Rain Barrel HERE or https://rainbarrel.ca/fssf/
Thank you to all families and council members who continue to help shape the direction of our school community through their input and engagement.
Safety Update
At Somerset School, safety is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to educating students and partnering with families to create a safe and respectful school environment, both inside and outside the building. Throughout the year, we regularly revisit important topics through conversations, reminders, and modeling, helping our students build lifelong habits that support both personal and community well-being. Enforcement, however, is managed by the City of Calgary and its designated departments, and we appreciate your cooperation as we work together to ensure a safe environment for all. We appreciate your continued partnership and patience as we focus on prevention and awareness.
Topics, such as, but not limited to:
- Traffic & Drop-Off/Pick-Up Safety & Etiquette
- Weather Preparedness
- Crosswalk Safety
- Dogs on School Property
- Peer Safety & Conflict Mitigation
- Approaching unknown individuals outside of school hours
- Nut-Aware School
Thank you for supporting our shared commitment to safety and well-being. Together, we make Somerset a safe place for everyone to learn and grow.
Next Year's Planning
update | Transportation Changes & Bell Times 2025-26
(following the system communication)
As of Sept. 1, 2025, our new Bell Times our school are:
Monday – Thursday: 8:52am – 3:25pm
Friday: 8:52am – 12:55pm
NOTE: Somerset will have school bus access, for some, of our school community members. More information to come.
Dates of Significance (Next 4 Weeks)
As we move through the month of May, we pause to celebrate the rich diversity that shapes and strengthens our school community. Canada’s national identity continues to be beautifully enriched by the many cultures, traditions, and perspectives which make each of us unique and, together, truly connected.
At Somerset School, we are proud to acknowledge and honor the traditions, stories, and contributions which reflect the vibrant mosaic of our families. This month, we extend our heartfelt wishes to all families in our community who are observing and/or celebrating special cultural events.
May 1 – Tsuuti’na Day
- We acknowledge and celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of the Tsuuti’na Nation, whose traditional lands encompass the Calgary area. This day invites us to deepen our understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories.
May 1 – Principal's Day
- We express gratitude for the dedication and leadership of school principals across the country. Their commitment to fostering positive learning environments is integral to student success.
😊
May 5 – National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (Red Dress Day)
- This day serves as a solemn reminder to honor and remember the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals who have been lost. Red dresses are displayed to raise awareness and show support for justice and healing.
May 5 – Dutch Heritage Day
- We celebrate the cultural contributions and enduring legacy of Dutch immigrants and their descendants in Canada. Their rich traditions continue to influence our diverse society.
May 5 – School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
- We extend our heartfelt thanks to school bus drivers for their dedication to safely transporting students. Their role is vital in ensuring students' well-being and punctuality. A role which we will experience beyond field trips starting next year.
May 5–9 – Mental Health Week
- This week focuses on raising awareness about mental health and promoting open conversations. It encourages us to support one another and prioritize mental well-being.
May 10 – Bear Witness Day (Jordan's Principle)
- We honor the memory of Jordan River Anderson and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equitable access to services for First Nations children. This day emphasizes the importance of upholding children's rights.
May 11 – Moose Hide Campaign Day
- A day dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women and children. It encourages individuals to take a stand against gender-based violence and promote respect and safety.
May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
- This day aims to combat discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. It promotes inclusivity and respect for all individuals.
May 19 – Victoria Day
- A national holiday celebrating Queen Victoria's birthday and the beginning of the summer season. It is a time for Canadians to reflect on their history and heritage.
May 26–31 – National AccessAbility Week
- This week highlights the importance of inclusion and accessibility for all Canadians. It encourages us to recognize and remove barriers to participation in society.
In addition to these observances, we also recognize Asian Heritage Month and Canadian Jewish Heritage Month throughout May. These months provide opportunities to celebrate and learn about the histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian and Jewish communities in Canada.
We encourage all members of our school community to engage with these observances, reflect on their significance, and participate in related activities. Together, we continue to build a respectful and inclusive environment for all.
As always, if there is a significant date or celebration we have missed please do not hesitate to let us know as we value and appreciate the diverse perspectives within our community.
Hyperlink some of the References:
Alberta Education _ Special Days
Government of Canada: Important and Commemorative Days
Hand to Heart,
Nathan Bane
Somerset School Principal