Oki Parents and Guardians, 

As we begin our first full week of the 2024-2025 school year, we want to extend a warm invitation to all of you - Come Volunteer With Us! 

We deeply value and appreciate our volunteers. Your involvement in the classroom, with School Council, on field trips, and with various school tasks is crucial to creating enriching and memorable experiences for our students. 

To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, all volunteers require a valid security clearance. Guest speakers, visitors, and parents assisting only their own child do not need a clearance. 

For this school year, we are pleased to share that the cost of the online security clearance application is covered by a voucher. 

We look forward to seeing you in our school community and working together to make this year a wonderful one for our students! 

Volunteer Security Clearance Process 

1. Register as a volunteer: 

  • Complete the Annual Volunteer Registration Form, to confirm your commitment to student safety, confidentiality, and school policies and return it to the office in person 
  • The school will verify your identity and send a letter for a police check.  
    • Bring Photo ID 

2. Apply for a Police Information Check (if required) 

  • Use the CBE volunteer letter to apply through the Calgary Police Service’s (CPS) online system (ePIC). 
  • Wait for an email from CPS to apply, ensuring the voucher is ready. Costs are covered for online applications only; in-person applications require a $21.25 fee. 

3. Submit your clearance: 

  • Share your clearance document with the school in person, or by email. 

We are excited to have you join us and make a positive difference in our school community! 

Below are your Weekly Updates

Upcoming EVENTS and IMPORTANT Dates

  • Terry Fox Assembly and Run and Walk - September 12
    • This Thursday, Sept.12, we will be opening the 
    • Gym doors open to welcome guests at 2:05 PM
    • Assembly begins at 2:15 PM with all guests invited to run / walk with us following the assembly.  
    • If possible, please bring a donation to support the Terry Fox Foundation. 
  • Friends of Somerset School & SCHOOL COUNCIL Meeting - September 12
    • Location - Somerset School Staffroom 
    • Time - 6:15 PM
    • We warmly 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 love to have you involved! 
  • Fire Drill and Lockdown Week of September 9
  • Scholastic Book Fair – Week of September 23
  • Picture Day - TBA 
    • Tentatively either Sept. 24 or 25
  • Orange Shirt Day - Thursday Sept. 26
  • Welcome Back BBQ - Friday, September 27 - No Classes for Students 
  • Indigenous Games Residency - October 7-11

School Highlight (s)

  • Lunch-Time SOCCER 

We are excited to announce that semi-organized school soccer has kicked off during lunch for our students! With freshly painted lines and newly built nets, our field is ready for some fun and active play. 

To keep everyone safe and ensure a positive experience, we have made a few adjustments to the rules. Our school soccer rules focus on safety and reducing conflicts: 

  • Stay on your feet - no sliding or diving. 
  • Avoid contact with others - if contact does happen and someone falls, please step out to check on them. Once both players are ready, they can rejoin the game. 

Reminders

Closing Note

Thank you for staying connected and engaged with our school community! We look forward to a wonderful week ahead, filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences for all our students. 

Hand to Heart,  

Nathan Bane   

Principal, Somerset School