Recreational reading over the Easter holiday break
“Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are.”
Mason Cooley
Last week, I was startled by the realisation that the first quarter of the academic year had almost elapsed. With some respite from study routines, I hope that everyone is able to enjoy some recreational reading time over the Easter holiday break. Jessica Cassity, an American health journalist, writes about the benefits of spending time with a story and how it can both encourage positive thinking and strengthen friendships.
Cassity contends that “reading makes you happy”, and it is true that reading is a very good habit we can all practise. In fact, books can encourage us to be a better person. I also believe that reading helps with empathy. Stories can provide life-changing perspective and getting wrapped up in the lives of characters strengthens one’s ability to understand others’ feelings. Seeing the world through the eyes of Jane Eyre, for example, may make it easier for you to relate to your sister-in-law’s viewpoint! According to an Ohio State University study, reading about someone who overcame obstacles may motivate you to meet your own goals. The more you experience the events as if they were happening to you, the more likely you’ll be to take action.
In recent weeks, I have been fortunate to attend a series of events with students, staff, parents and friends from our wider school community. Our Kaleidoscope Concert, Waterpolo Grand Finals, and Interhouse Cross Country Carnival collectively represent such a diverse cross-section of the School calendar. On Friday night (Friday 26 March), the QG Basketball teams enjoyed 6 out of 7 wins in the 3rd round of the Autumn fixtures, while the Waterpolo teams sustained this winning streak, securing 4 out of 4 wins in the Grand Finals. Our Rowing Quad team were winners at the Australian Rowing Championships in Victoria on Saturday morning. Congratulations to all players and competitors in this exciting weekend of Somerville House sport.
On Saturday evening (Saturday 26 March), we welcomed Junior, Middle and Senior Years parents to the Connecting with the Community event at The Greek Club. I extend special thanks to Jane MacDonald (Senior Years Support Group President), Libby Duffin (Middle Years Support Group President), and Nick Humzy-Hancock (Junior Years Support Group President). It was a lovely social occasion for parents to make new connections to mark the end of a busy first term. Thank you also to the Foundation for sponsoring the Networking and Nourishment Breakfast and Future-Proofing our Girls events last Wednesday 24 March. Thank you to Ms Chris O’Gorman for the Senior School Family Worship Service on Sunday morning (Sunday 28 March). There were lots of messages to take from the Easter Service.
Open Day saw 1,600 visitors through the gates and we were proud that a former School Captain, along with her mother and young daughter, visited the School on Open Day. I thought this feedback captured the Somerville spirit and share it with you in our newsletter:
As the current Principal, I am hopeful that this emotional connection is replicated for our current students in their Somerville House student experience.
Kaleidoscope 1
Thank you to all the student performers and Music Conductors for last week’s Kaleidoscope performance in the Valmai Pidgeon Performing Arts Centre. We are fortunate to enjoy a Kaleidoscope Concert each term, providing such a remarkable showcase of the bands, ensembles and choral talents. I look forward to Kaleidoscope 2 on Thursday 10 June. I would encourage you to put this event in your diary for Term 2.
Easter Blessings
May the great joy of Easter and the peace of God fill our homes and wider community. I wish all members of our school family a peaceful and happy holiday, a COVIDSafe time throughout the break and I look forward to welcoming students on their return in Term 2 on Monday 19 April.
Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal
Acknowledgement - Readers Digest August 2013