Oki Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to this week’s update from Somerset School! On Sunday's, at 12:00pm, I will share my Weekly Message to Parents which will include the exciting news, important reminders, and upcoming events for the weeks ahead. Please read through the information below to stay informed and engaged with our school community.
Please note, this update is significantly longer than most Weekly Updates will be. In addition, it has been sent on Friday instead of Sunday to support families in understanding our school and classroom communication cycles.
Below are your Weekly Updates:
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
Labour Day - No Classes for Students - Monday, September 2
Please remember that there will be no classes for students on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labour Day. We hope you enjoy a restful and safe long weekend with your families.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 3.
We look forward to seeing everyone back at school after the break!
Fire Drill & Lockdown Practice | Week of September 9
Fire drills, along with lockdown practices, are an essential part of our school's safety protocols. They help us ensure that all students, staff, and visitors are well-prepared in case of an emergency. These drills provide valuable opportunities for emergency preparedness, efficient evacuation, familiarization with exits, and testing of alarm systems. They also allow us to assess our response plans, build confidence, reduce panic, promote cultural awareness, train new members of our school community, and continuously improve our safety procedures.
Terry Fox Assembly + Run and Walk | September 12
We are excited to announce our annual Terry Fox Run, where our students will demonstrate kindness, perseverance, and curiosity as they collect "Toonies for Terry" in support of cancer research. This event fosters a sense of belonging in our community, and we warmly invite families to join us in running together; the exact time will be shared soon. Let’s come together to honor Terry’s legacy and show what it means to be Somerset Strong!
Friends of Somerset School & School Council Meeting | September 12
6:15pm
Come join our dedicated team of parents who work together to support and enhance student learning. These meetings provide an invaluable opportunity for members of the community to consult with and offer advice to the school.
Our school council acts as a vital bridge between the school and the community. Your participation ensures that our students receive the best possible support and resources, directly impacting their educational experience.
Don't miss out on this chance to make a difference in our school community. Your involvement is key to our collective success.
Scholastic Book Fair | Week of September 23
We are excited to announce that the Scholastic Book Fair will take place during the week of September 23! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to discover new books and get excited about reading and our Learning Commons.
Every book purchased at the fair helps us add more books to our own library, benefiting all students as they enjoy these stories again and again.
We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for supporting our school’s love of reading!
Welcome Back BBQ | Friday, September 27
We are thrilled to invite you to our Somerset School Community BBQ on Friday, September 27th, from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. Join us for a day of fun with outdoor games, delicious food, and an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher during a formal 15-20 minute presentation. The games and BBQ will kick off at 10:30 am, and specific presentation times for each grade level will be shared soon. We look forward to seeing you there!
School Highlights
First Two Days of School
I am thrilled to share that our first two days of the new school year were a great success! It was wonderful to see our students back in the classrooms, eager to learn and reconnect with friends. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the school have been fantastic!
Thank you to our students, staff, and parents for making these first days smooth and positive. We look forward to many more great days ahead as we continue to grow, learn, and thrive together.
Reminders
Nut Aware School
I want to remind everyone that while we are not a nut-free school, we are a nut-aware community. We kindly ask that families avoid sending nut products to school with their children. For some members of our school, exposure to nuts can result in a significant medical emergency.
Your cooperation helps us create a safer environment for all students. Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping our school a safe place for everyone.
Morning Soft Entry Process at Our School
We want to share some information about our Morning Soft Entry process to ensure a smooth and safe start to the day for all students. A "Soft Entry" allows students to enter the school gradually before the official start of the school day, giving them time to settle in, prepare for the day, and engage in quiet activities in their classrooms. This process helps reduce congestion at the doors, supports a calm transition into learning, and fosters a welcoming environment.
Morning Soft Entry Process Overview
8:15 – 8:25: One teacher for each grade level (Grades 1-4) welcomes students at their respective doors as they enter the building.
* 8:25: Teachers complete a visual sweep to ensure all students have entered and no one is left outside before returning to their classrooms to begin morning instruction.
8:15 – 8:25: Teachers (Grades 1-4) supervise students as they participate in morning soft entry activities inside their classrooms.
8:25 – 8:30: Kindergarten students begin their entry.
8:15 – 8:40: Administration conducts morning zone supervision, including a final check of school grounds to ensure safety.
8:25 – 8:35: Teachers complete attendance.
8:25 – 9:00: Office staff finalizes the attendance process.
We hope this provides clarity on the morning routine and helps everyone feel prepared for a positive start each day. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your support in making our school a safe and welcoming place for all students!
Classroom Communication/ Weekly Classroom Updates
Classroom teachers will be sending out their Weekly Classroom Updates every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. These updates will provide valuable information, including learning goals, upcoming activities, and important reminders to help keep everyone informed and engaged in their child’s learning journey.
If you are not receiving these weekly messages, please reach out to both myself and your child's classroom teacher so we can ensure you stay connected.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education.
How You Can Support at Home
To help foster a love of learning and build strong connections with your child, we encourage you to spend time reading together, playing math games to promote math fact fluency, or discussing what they are learning in class. These small moments not only reinforce what your child is learning but also show them that their education is important and valued. Your support at home plays a vital role in their success and growth.
Attendance
Attendance Line: 403-777-7001 ext. 1
If your child is ill, has a medical appointment, absent for another reason, or will be arriving late to school, please notify the school by phone at 403-777-7001 then press 1 for the attendance line and clearly provide your:
Your child’s safety is of utmost importance – therefore, we require your help and cooperation in verifying all absences and late arrivals.
*Please note that excessive absences or lates are referred to school administration and documented in student files. If your child has missed more than 10% of the school year, we will contact you to ensure you are informed and to discuss any support needed succeed. These check-ins will occur every 6-8 weeks throughout the year.
- child's name,
- child's teacher's name, and
- reason for the Late Absence.
Closing Note
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making Somerset a wonderful place for our children to learn and grow. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please feel free to contact me.
Wishing everyone a fantastic week ahead!
Hand to Heart,
Nathan Bane
Principal, Somerset School