From the Principal
新年快乐(xīn nián kuài lè) Happy New Year
龙马精神 (lóng mǎ jīng shén) – Wishing you lots of energy and good spirit.
Chinese New Year will soon be upon us with celebrations commencing this Saturday 10 February until Saturday, 24 February. It is a 15-day celebration concluding with a Lantern Festival. It is celebrated by many Asian cultures incorporating traditions such as family reunions, giving children red packets with money, cleaning the house and displaying red decorations to name some of the key activities. 2024 is the year of the Dragon and Somerville House will be celebrating Chinese New Year with a performance by local cultural group of Lion Dance and Music as well as craft activities and cultural experiences. Further information will be shared via SomerLink.
As we move into Week 3, I believe it is a good time for students, families and staff to reflect on the start of the school year. I recently took a few moments for my own reflection, and considered my highlights so far including, Parent Information Evenings, sporting events, the Blessing of the new school year, and the Year 12 Formal to name a few. Attending these events provides me with the opportunity to meet and mingle with students and families. If you haven’t already registered for the SomerSoiree event on Friday 16 February, I encourage you to do so HERE. Attendee numbers are very strong, so I look forward to meeting many more parents and carers at this event.
On Wednesday 31 January, we welcomed graduates from the Class of 2023 back to Somerville House for the Academic Honours Assembly where we congratulated our Dux, Carly, on achieving a 99.95 - one of only 34 students in the state to do so and our 43 other Somerville House students who attained a 94.00 ATAR and above. We are also thrilled to advise that 10 students have secured places in Medicine and Dentistry across Australia, some even with multiple offers. The School is incredibly proud of the achievements of this cohort, and I take this opportunity to congratulate these students again.
To celebrate the School’s 125 Year Anniversary, we are excited to host a Ladies Long Lunch for current mothers, Old Girls and past mothers. This is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new ones and celebrate this milestone occasion together. Tickets are limited and selling quickly so it is highly recommended that you purchase yours today via HERE.
Quote For the Week
“At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou
Dr Sandra Hastie
Principal