United Nations Day Celebration
Somersfield Academy invites you to attend our:
United Nations Day Celebration
Tuesday, February 28th, 2012
In the past years we have focused on the UN themes in order to expose the children to global issues that are affecting people and the natural world alike. It is essential for children to learn to be reflective thinkers with an international mind set, understand how deeply connected we all are, and make decisions that demonstrate their principled and caring nature.
We are confident that you will leave with a deeper appreciation of our natural world, how it is being affected by humans and ideas as to what we can do to make the world a better place. Certainly our children are developing an understanding of these important ideas.
Thank you for your support of the work your children are engaging in at school.
The United Nations Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Presentation/Viewing: Gymnasium
Programme Schedule:
(Kindly adhere to the noted times.)
MYP 10:00 – 10:30am Presentation for parents on United Nations
6-11 10:30 – 11:00am Presentation for parents and students by 9-11 students
6-11 11:00 – 11:30am Parents view projects with children
6-9 11:30 – 12:45pm Parents enjoy picnic lunch with children
3-6 11:30 – 12:00pm Parents view projects with children
3-6 12:00 – 12:45pm Parents enjoy picnic lunch with children
3-6 Parents: Upon your arrival, please collect your child from the classroom and proceed to the
gymnasium to view the projects.
Parking: On the perimeter of the field. Please do not park in the 3-6 playground area.
Charity Walk-A-Thon
Congratulations to the MYP students for a tremendouslysuccessful Charity Walk-A-Thon. Nearly $6,000 was raised for the "Breakfast for Every Child" program run by the Coalition for the Protection of Children. The money donated will help purchase milk, juice, fruit, cereal, granola bars and yogarts needed to serve breakfasts to children in need.
Parent Social
Mark Your Calendars...March 17th-Parent Social
Join us for dinner, dancing, balloon raffle and auction of promises!
Theme: Heros and Villains
Location: The Deep
Please send promises to: Advancement@somersfield.bm
Ticket details to follow
Upcoming Sports Dates
Please mark your calendars to note the sports days for the three levels of the school.
MYP and 9 to 11 Sports Day - March 1st from 8:00am until 3:00pm at the National Stadium.
6 to 9 Sports Day - March 23rd. More details to come.
3 to 6 Sports Day - May 10th. More details to come.
M5 Personal Project Fair a Success!
CONGRATULATIONS to the M5 students for the exceptional and very diverse projects that were displayed at the M5 Personal Project Fair held last week Friday. The Premier, the Hon. Paula Cox, and Minister Michael Weeks were in attendance, and were very impressed by the depth and level of passion that was evident, as well as the wide range of student interests! Well done to Mr. Charlie Judd, coordinator, and all the parents and teacher supervisors for supporting our M5 students’ projects!
School Calendar - 2012-2013
Please find below the tentative school calendar for 2012-2013.
We trust this will assist our families with forward planning.
 Calendar_2012-2013.pdf |
Mid Term Camp 3 & 4 Years
We are happy to offer a mid term camp during the week of February 13 to 17th to our 3 and 4 year old students.
Please click on the link below to gain access to more details and registration forms.
| 3__4_Year_Old_February_camp_2012.pdf |
Mid Term Camp P1 thru P4
We are pleased to offer a mid term camp for the P1 through P4 age levels. For further details, please click on the link below. The registration form is located on the second page.
| Mid_Term_Camp_-_P1_-_P4.pdf |
Bursary Applications 2012/13
Bursary applications for the school year 2012/2013 are now available. Applications must be received fully completed by Feb 24th, 2012. Any late applications will only be reviewed once the initial applications have been processed and it is determined there are additional funds to allocate.
Please click on the link provided to access the application form.
| Bursary_Application_Form_Jan_2012.pdf |
A sad farewell to Angela Caldwell
It is with sadness that we bid farewell to Angela Caldwell. Her last day with us was January, 11th, 2012. She has certainly been an asset during her tenure at Somersfield. Angela has accepted a very exciting position elsewhere and we certainly wish her the best.
Please direct any inquiries regarding extracurricular clubs to Alison Kempe on alisonkempe@somersfield.bm or by calling 239-3345. All other enquiries can be directed to Stacey-Lee Williams on swilliams@somersfield.bm or by calling 239-3340.
CAIS Benchmark Report
As shared in the most recent edition of Headlines, we monitor our progress against a number of benchmarks in academics (CATs, PSATs, etc); and school performance against standards of accreditation (CAIS and IB). One interesting window on how we go about our business is the annual CAIS school benchmarking report.
As promised, please find the report by accessing the link below.
| Somersfield_Academy_2011_Benchmark_Report.pdf |
MEF Hot Lunch January 4th - February 9th
MEF is on campus selling hot lunches Monday - Thursday.
We ask all students to bring non disposable containers and cutlery to reduce the amount of trash.
Please see the forms below and be in touch with Mrs. Donna Richmond drichmond@somersfield.bm if you have any questions.
Please see the article below for the menus for January 4th - February 9th.
| Hot_Lunch_Form_1.4.12_-_2.9.12.pdf |
Updating Emergency Medical Information
To update your child's medical information please fill out the form below and drop it into the Somersfield drop box, outside of the Main Office, to the attention of Jen Meacham.
| Emergency_Contact_and_Medical_Information_for_a_Child.pdf |
Announcements
| Emergency School Closing Procedures |
|
Emergency School Closing Procedures |
| West End Bus |
|
We are pleased to confirm that Somersfield has a dedicated bus leaving from the west end each morning. The bus leaves from the Watford Bridge at 7:10am and follows the regular route coming along Middle Road stopping at every stop until it reaches Somersfield. The sign will either say Somersfield Academy or Zuill’s Park. Each student from P1 and up will receive a bus pass. We have had very positive feedback from the Public Transportation Department stating that our students are very well behaved on the bus and that they represent Somersfield very well. If your child should use this service, please remind them of the following: • Be visible when waiting at the bus stop, so that the bus will be sure to stop. • Show bus pass when entering the bus. • Use manners when entering and exiting the bus. • Check for all belongings before exiting the bus. • Please keep quiet voices. • Please take a seat and remain in that seat until they reach the school. |
| Updating Contact Information |
|
You may update your contact information through the Parent Portal: |
| Somersfield Academy Awarded the Healthiest School in Bermuda Award from the Bermuda Government! |
| On Wednesday, June 8th Dr. Jim Christopher received the Bermuda Healthy School Award on behalf of Somersfield Academy students and staff. The Department of Health and the Department of Education joined forces about five years ago to collaborate on a "Healthy School Initiative." In 2010 Somersfield received second place. The 2011 award was presented by Health Minister The Hon. Zane DeSilva, JP, MP and Education Minister The Hon. Dame Jennifer Smith, JP, MP. The award represents a school that has shown consistency in promoting health in a variety of ways with their students and staff. Congratulations to our Somersfield family! |
| 6 Day Cycle |
| Please note that the 6 day cycle is listed under the events and volunteers tab - calendar - master events |
The Somersfield Family Tree
What is 3-6, 6-11 and MYP?:
The "3-6" is our department led by Gwen Fahy. Montessori classes have 3yr olds, 4yr olds and 5yr olds (who turn 6 in that academic year) hence the name "3-6".
The "6-11" is our department led by Victoria Brewer. There are two divisions in this department. The 6-9 Montessori classes have 6 yr olds, 7yr olds, 8 yr olds (who turn 9 in that academic year) hence the name "6-9". The second section is the 9-11 and includes the 9-11yr olds.
The "MYP" is our department led by Carlos Symonds. MYP stands for Middle Years Programme which is the International Baccalaureate curriculum certificate.
What is the class structure at the 3-6 level?:
Somersfield Academy has five classes in the 3-6 level. All five classes have 24 students with two co teachers. There are 8 three year olds, 8 four year olds and 8 primary one students in each class. This helps create a family atmosphere as well as provide a 12-1 student-teacher ratio.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A "HALF DAY" AND "FULL DAY" STUDENT?:
The terms "half day" and "full day" are commonly used descriptions of students in our Pre-Primary 1 (PP1) and Pre-Primary 2 (PP2) programmes.
Most of our 3 year old, PP1 students are "half days". The half day students start school at 8:15 and stay until 12:00, thus given the name "half day."
However, as of September 2009, parents have had the option to enroll their three year olds for a half day or for a full day. This option makes a Somersfield education a more feasible option for working parents. So we now call them our 3 year old half day (pick up at 12:00) or 3 year old full day (pick up at 3:00).
The traditional "full day" (PP2) is a four year old student and they are typically in their second year at Somersfield. The full day students start school at 8:15 and stay until 3:00, thus given the name "full day."
What is the class structure at the 6-9 level?:
There are five classes at the 6-9 level. Two classes have roughly 18 students. Six students are in P2, six students in P3 and six students in P4. The other 3 classes have 24 students and two teachers in each class. Again these classes have mixed age students; eight P2 students, eight P3 students and eight P4 students.
What is the class structure at the 9-11 level?:
This level is a different approach. The students are divided by their ages. We have two classes of P5 students and two classes of P6 students. This level is a blend of the Montessori and IB programmes and is intended to be a transition between the two curricula. This is an ideal time for students to enter Somersfield Academy in preparation for the middle years IB programme.
What is the class structure at the MYP level?:
We strive to have two classes at each of the five middle year levels. Class sizes are capped at 20 students per teacher.
Who do I contact for assistance?:
Please contact your classroom/advisor teacher first for any query. If they can't address your question they can guide you to the person that can...which is usually Stacey-Lee Williams swilliams@somersfield.bm (44) 239-3340!
Core Values
We are a learning community
Our students actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. Our students explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. Our students acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
We practice peace
Our students take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them. Our students understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. Our students are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view and are willing to grow from the experience.
We inspire intellectual curiosity
Our students develop their natural curiosity. Our students exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication.
We instill respect for self and others
Our students work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others. Our students show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. Our students have a personal commitment to service and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
We foster independence and responsibility
Our students exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems and make reasoned, ethical decisions. Our students acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research to show independence in learning.
We embrace a sense of joy and wonder
Our students give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. Our students are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development. Our students approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought. Our students have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies.
We honor the strength and courage to stand for truth
Our students are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. Our students act with integrity and honesty. Our students act with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. Our students understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.