Support Staff: Administrative Assistant IV: Carla Gaston Education Assistants:
Lead Lunchroom Supervisor: Alice Bootsveld Lunchroom Supervisors:
Important Dates 2008-2009
(All dates and times are subject to change)
September_____________________________________________________ Tuesday
Parent Teacher Conferences 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
– No School for Students October_______________________________________________________ Monday
Thanksgiving – No School
Organization Day – No School for Students – No School for Kindergarten Students November______________________________________________________ Monday
- No School for Students
Remembrance Day – No School December _____________________________________________________ Thursday
Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- No School for Students January_______________________________________________________ Monday - No School for Students February______________________________________________________ Thursday
Teachers’ Convention – No School
Teachers’ Convention – No School
Alberta Family Day – No School March_________________________________________________________ Monday
Organization Day for Kindergarten Students
– No School for Kindergarten Students
Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Parent Teacher Conferences 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. - No School for Students April _________________________________________________________ Friday
Good Friday – No School – No School for Students May___________________________________________________________ Tuesday
Grade 3 Achievement Test – English Language Arts
Grade 3 Achievement Test – Timed Number Facts,
Victoria Day – No School June__________________________________________________________ Tuesday
Grade 3 Achievement Test – English Language Arts
Grade 3 Achievement Test – Mathematics
Safety and Security Bicycles, Skateboards, Rollerblades, Scooters and Heelies Children may ride their bikes to school. They are to walk their bikes on the school grounds and should be aware of the rules of bike safety, including the mandatory use of helmets. Locks must be provided for each bike and the students must use the bike racks at the school. The school does not assume responsibility for the security of bikes. According to school board regulations, skateboards, rollerblades and scooters are prohibited from school board property. Please do not bring these items to school. For safety’s sake, we do not allow heelies at school. Documentation and Legal Custody If you have legal custody of your child, please make sure that the school has the appropriate documentation on file. The purpose is so the school can clearly identify who has legal custody of a child. Emergency Information Please notify the school as soon as possible if you have a change of address, home or work phone numbers or a change in your child’s emergency contact, or the contact’s phone number. Extended Absences Please notify the school office and classroom teacher if your child will be away from school for extended periods of time. When families choose to take their child on a family holiday when school is in session, the teacher is not expected or required to provide school homework for the time missed. Fire Drills CBE regulations require that schools have a minimum of 6 fire drills each school year. The drills must occur at different times and in all types of weather. It is important that your child wear shoes at all times as we are required to exit the building immediately. Illness at School
If a child becomes ill during the school day, parents will be notified and asked to come and pick up their child. Students will wait in the office so they can be supervised. Inclement Weather It is important that your child has outdoor clothes appropriate for the weather at all times. Children will be expected to wait outside before school in the morning and after lunch unless weather is extreme (-20ºC). Medication
Parents need to be aware that school personnel are not authorized to dispense medication without the written consent of the parent on a Medication Application and Release Form. This form, which is available from the office, must be completed each school year. If children are required to receive medication (including Ventolin inhalers) during the school day, the classroom teacher and office must be informed. Parking/Driving The parking in the lot north of the school is reserved for staff, CBE employees and visitors to our school. Students are not allowed in the parking lot and it should not be used as a drop off area. It is critical to follow the school zone signs. Your child’s safety is at risk. The area in front of the school is reserved for the school bus. Therefore, no stopping or parking there is allowed during the school day. Phone In For Safety We would ask that parents phone our attendance line if their child is going to be absent from school (777-7001 press ‘1’). This line is checked twice each day. If your child is absent and we have not received a phone call or other notification from you, we will attempt to phone you at home or at work to ensure your child is safe. Security
The main door of the school is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and until 3:30 p.m. on Friday. All other doors remain locked during the day so we can monitor who enters our building. Anyone visiting the school, including parents, is required to check in at the main office. Parents wishing to volunteer or visit their child’s classroom should make arrangements in advance with the teacher. If parents want to drop a lunch or book to their child during the school day, we will call the child to the office or simply deliver it to the classroom at an appropriate time. We insist that instructional time not be interrupted by visitors. Playground Safety The playground and school grounds are reserved for school use only during school hours. This allows our students to be safely supervised during the school day. We do not want strangers to approach our students and ask that you respect this need. Severe Allergies
We are a Peanut Aware School. This is due to the fact that we have several children with severe allergies to peanuts. Some of these children will have a severe reaction and could die from even smelling peanuts or peanut butter. Can you think of alternatives to peanut butter for your child to eat at school? Please do not send any peanut products with your child. We want all of our children to be safe at school. Parents of children with severe allergies are required to advise the principal and classroom teacher at the beginning of the school year. We must have emergency contact information, a recent photograph, and other pertinent information so that the school can have appropriate emergency procedures in place. Nutrition It is well researched that healthy eating enables learning. We encourage students to bring healthy snacks and lunches to school. We ask that parents send fruit for snack on Fridays. We call this Fresh Fruit Friday. No candy and pop is to be consumed at school. We encourage all children to bring a water bottle to keep on their desk. Hydration helps the brain function. We are discouraging bringing snacks to share with the class in order to prevent allergic reactions. If snacks are sent to school, they must be individually packaged, labeled with a full list of ingredients and will be distributed at the end of the day. Fresh fruit or vegetables are a great treat! Supervision and Safety Supervision is provided in the area behind the school between 8:10 – 8:25 a.m. and 12:28 – 12:43 p.m. Please do not drop off children prior to 8:10 a.m., as there will be no supervision. There is no after school supervision. Telephones Please ensure that your child has arranged after school plans with you before coming to school, as telephones are for school business only. Students may use the phone in case of emergency. For safety reasons we are not allowed to confirm the enrollment of a child at our school over the telephone. This becomes very difficult when parents phone to ask us to pass along messages, as we cannot always identify the caller. If your child needs to go to a location other than home at dismissal time, please make these arrangements ahead of time and if necessary with the classroom teacher.
School Procedures and Services Arriving Late or Leaving Early If your child is going to be late please notify the school at 777-7001 press ‘1’. When a child arrives at school after classes have begun, please ensure that they check in at the office to get a late slip before going to class so they are not marked absent. If a student needs to leave early (i.e. for an appointment), a parent or other adult must go to the main office and record the early departure in the Record of Early Dismissal binder located in the main office. Assemblies Parents are always welcome to attend. Assemblies will be advertised through the newsletter. Backpacks Each student is encouraged to use a backpack to carry things between home and school. The regular use of a backpack ensures that books, student agendas, homework, and other items are protected from the elements and returned to school and home in good condition.
The distance from the student’s residence to Somerset School determines eligibility for transportation. Busing is provided to students who live beyond 1.2 kms based on the walk limit measurements that are in accordance with the School Act. There are many homes close to the walk limit but are inside the boundary. Those close to the boundary line are not eligible for transportation.
Communication We encourage on-going communication between home and school. Please feel free to call, or e-mail the school if you have questions or concerns. Information will also be forwarded through your child’s agenda which should be checked daily, electronic newsletters, email distribution list, and our school website. Fees Kindergarten Grades 1-4
Instructional Supplies & Materials Fee
(field trips, performances, etc.) Total Fees $50.00 $65.00
Additional Fees Kindergarten Grades 1-4
(non-bused students) Noon Supervision Fee
Health Services Calgary Health Region supports our school community by providing nursing services one day per week. If, for any reason, you wish to refer your child to the nurse, please send a note to your child’s teacher and we will arrange a meeting. The nurse is responsible for organizing the immunization program required for our students. You will be contacted if your child is due to have an immunization. Indoor/Outdoor Shoes In order to keep the school clean and safe, children are required to keep a pair of running shoes at school for indoor use only. These shoes must have light colored soles. If students are unable to tie their own shoes they should have slip-ons or Velcro straps. Children are not allowed to be in school without shoes. Lost and Found The school is not able to safeguard valuables brought to school by students. Please encourage your children to keep toys and other personal items at home. For easier identification, please label all articles of clothing, lunch kits, etc. We do have a lost and found that students and parents can check. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity (before the winter and spring breaks and at the end of June). Lunchroom Supervision Lunch supervision is provided to all students in grades 1-4 who have registered and paid the yearly fee. Bussed students are not charged for the lunch supervision but are still required to complete a registration form. It is entirely a user pay service. Lunch supervision fees are a tax-deductible childcare expense. No food service, microwave or hot water is available. Students are expected to bring their own nutritious lunch and drink. Newsletters Newsletters will be posted on our website during the 1st week of each month. Hard copies will be distributed only as requested. If you want your newsletter in hard copy, please complete and return the form included with the opening package envelope or call the school and leave us a message.
NSF and Returned Cheques Any NSF or returned cheque received by the school will be subject to a $25.00 service charge. For special consideration please contact Mrs. Kivi, Principal. School Council As a parent or guardian, you are eligible to be a member of the School Council. The School Council works closely with the school to support the initiatives and goals of both the school and the council. Please try to attend a council meeting to get a better understanding of the direction the school is taking towards your child’s education. Meetings take place monthly, every fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m. There are no meetings during the months of December and June. The School Council will post parent information in the school and on the website. Volunteers Volunteers at Somerset School play a very special part in our educational programs. Your help enables us to enrich learning and teaching in a number of ways. Children are provided with extended opportunities individually and in small groups. Programs are enhanced immeasurably with resources and materials that volunteers help provide. Volunteer registration and security clearance is required for all volunteers. The process of registering as a volunteer consists of two parts. The first is the completion of a Volunteer Registration Form. By completing this form the volunteer agrees to abide by conditions that protect the safety, confidentiality and working environment of the school. This form needs to be completed every school year. The second part is the completion of the Consent to Search and Disclosure of Personal Information Form that permits the Calgary Police Service to perform a criminal record check. This form is valid for the entire time your child remains at Somerset School. These forms are available at the school office. Please note that according to Calgary Board of Education policy siblings are not able to accompany volunteers when they are working in the school. Responsibilities and Expectations of Students Damage to School Board Property Money will be collected for lost or damaged textbooks, library books, damage to equipment, window breakage, etc. to help with the replacement of such items. Homework The Calgary Board of Education makes recommendations about homework in Policy and Regulation 3066. In Grades 1 – 3, no more than 10 minutes is required and Grade 4, no more than 20 minutes. This is a time for home reading. Assigning homework is up to the individual teacher, but students and parents are encouraged to set aside some regular time each evening for home study or recreational reading. Please note that there is no expectation that teachers will prepare homework for students that are absent due to a family holiday. Student Behaviour Somerset School, supported by Calgary Board of Education Policy 6001, is committed to the development and maintenance of a learning environment, which is safe, secure, and conducive to effective learning. The board will support action taken by our school to establish a learning environment consistent with this commitment. When the behaviour or actions of a student come into conflict with the rights of others, or when a student repeatedly refuses to comply with school expectations, corrective actions are necessary for the benefit of the student, as well as for the school as a whole. Disruptive behaviour such as bullying, using inappropriate language, willful damage of school property, and disrespect for others are unacceptable. Misconduct must be dealt with in a manner deemed to be most suitable; each case will be dealt with individually.
Consequences for misbehaviour may include warnings, time outs, detentions, loss of privileges, or suspension from school. Parent support in assisting the school with student behavioral issues is critical in maintaining the positive learning environment necessary for the success of all of our students. 3 R’s of Behaviour 1. Respect yourself. 2. Respect others. 3. Respect your environment. Student Dress Standards of dress and grooming are expected to be respectable and appropriate. Any headwear such as hats, scarves or bandanas, will not be allowed into the school. Clothing with improper messages or logos and revealing clothes will not be permitted. Due to health and safety concerns shoes must be worn at all times. Lunchroom Information and Student Expectations Lunchroom supervision will be provided to students within the multipurpose area in the atrium area of the school. There will be a split shift for eating due to numbers and space restrictions. The schedule will be:
grades 1 and 2 students eat in the lunchroom
grades 3 and 4 students will play on the playground
12:05 p.m. – 12:25 p.m. grades 3 and 4 students eat in the lunchroom
grades 1 and 2 students will play on the playground
all students will be supervised outdoors
Lunchroom supervisors will provide supervision for the remainder of the lunch hour. Two teachers will also supervise the compound and field from 12:25 to 12:43 p.m., fifteen minutes prior to end of lunch time. Student’s expectations are as follows:
• Bring their own lunch. • To walk quietly to the lunchroom area, sanitize their hands and sit down at
• Talk quietly and stay in their seats.
• Listen and follow the requests of the lunchroom supervisors and adult
• Treat both students and adult caregivers with respect and courtesy. Please
and thank you’s will be encouraged and expected.
• To use appropriate table manners at the lunchroom table ensuring a pleasant,
safe and secure environment for all students and caregivers.
Lunchroom supervisors and teaching staff will treat all students with dignity, kindness and respect. A contract will be signed by both parent and student agreeing to the conditions of the noon hour supervision program. In the event that students engage in inappropriate behavior in the lunchroom students will be asked to correct their behavior immediately. Students will lose the opportunity to be a member of the lunchroom program in the event that inappropriate student behaviors are ongoing or detrimental to the safety and security of both students and adult caregivers. Calgary Board of Trustees’ Policy Ends Statements Mega End: Each student in keeping with his or her individual abilities and gifts will complete high school with a foundation of learning to function effectively in life, work and continued learning. Academic Success: Each student will possess the knowledge; skills and attitudes required for academic success and be effectively prepared for life, work and further learning. Citizenship: Each student will be a responsible citizen by being an informed and involved member in his or her local, national and global communities. Personal Development: Each student will acquire the skills, attitudes and knowledge to achieve personal highest potential. Character: Each student will possess the character to do what is right, act morally with wisdom, and balance individual concerns with the rights and needs of others. Circle of Courage
Somerset School is a vibrant, caring and compassionate place to learn. Somerset School serves the community of Somerset. All stakeholders are valued as significant and meaningful contributors to our learning community. Somerset School is connected by a shared vision co-created by all stakeholders and centered around the philosophy of the “Circle of Courage”.
The Circle of Courage below contains the overarching values that encompass our school’s Vision, Mission & Purpose. These values are congruent with and aligned to Alberta Learning and Calgary Board of Education goals.
Generosity Belonging Independence
There are four overarching values embodied in the model of positive youth development called the Circle of Courage. The central premise of this model is that a set of shared values must be the foundation of a community of learners. Those shared values include belonging, generosity, independence and mastery. Belonging – all school community members need to care for one another in order to continue the process of learning and the incorporation of basic social values. Somerset
School actively encourages a sense of belonging among all school shareholders by:
a)Creating inclusive and cooperative learning environments
b)Focusing on a culture of care and welcome for all – each and every day
c)Delineating specific strategies such as assemblies and classroom meetings, where our
members come together for a common purpose
Mastery – the second value in the Circle of Courage model, promotes the belief that students and staff need to develop social, intellectual and academic competence if they are to continue to become capable and responsible citizens. Examples of Somerset School
c)Multiple representations of learning
d)On-going student assessment processes
e)Writing of provincial achievement tests
f)Teaching knowledge, skills and attributes needed in the social realm
Independence is the third value promoted within the Circle of Courage model. To develop positive autonomy and interdependence, students must be secure under the guidance of caring adults and believe they have some power over their world.
Our aim is to enable students to learn about themselves and their relation to others.
Experiences that promote independence are:
These are built into curriculum and modeled by members of our learning community. Generosity – Integrity and virtue are reflected through the value of generosity. The main objective is to teach children and youth the importance of being generous and unselfish. This means developing the attitude of “I have something to give back, I share my gifts and talents with others, and my community values my contributions and assets”. All
stakeholders at Somerset School are encouraged to display empathy and concern for
others as they create a climate of caring. Activities that further this value include:
b)Raising money and other resources for worthy charities
d)Sharing talents and time within the school
It is our plan and belief that by incorporating and realizing this philosophy in our school we will foster student and staff social and emotional growth, promote school safety and security, and develop quality learning experiences for all that will enhance student achievement.
The use of the Internet within police education in the Netherlands The use of the Internet within police education in the Netherlands Reinder Vrielink, MSc School of Advanced Policing, Police Academy of the Netherlands Abstract The Internet is going through a major change with the introduction of social networks. This change could have profound implications for the way we use the
Physician Assessment Form (All Visits) Acne Stain Score (pigmentary changes from acne) Canadian Acne Epidemiological Survey B10. Face - Acne Stain Score. (Select ONE best response) ¡ Clear ¡ Almost clear ¡ Mild ¡ Moderate B11. Chest - Acne Stain Score. (Select ONE best response) ¡ Clear ¡ Almost clear ¡ Mild ¡ Moderate B12. Back - Acne Stain Score. (Select ONE best response)
Somerset School