What’s been and what’s ahead!
Welcome back to Term 2! I hope that all families enjoyed a safe and restful break over Easter. This term sees a number of significant events in addition to our usual school term. In Week 4, Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students commence online NAPLAN testing. The QGSSSA Cross Country Championships will be held at Rivermount College on Saturday 14 May. The Somerville House Foundation sponsors the “Safe on Social” parent and staff presentation from Kirra Pendergast on Thursday 19 May. Our student musicians will be energetically rehearsing in preparation for the Kaleidoscope Performance on Thursday 9 June. Throughout the term, I look forward to supporting our teams in the QGSSSA Autumn fixtures on Friday afternoons/evenings. Term 2 culminates with the Choral Festival, on Thursday 16 June, having been postponed from last term.
Staff Welcomes & Farewells
This term we welcome Mrs Cynthia Nolan as Head of Digital Design and Technologies. Previously, Mrs Nolan was the Head of Digital Learning and Computer Science at Thornton College School for Girls in the United Kingdom. In her previous roles, including Pastoral and STEM Ambassador, Mrs Nolan was instrumental in the development and design of assessment for the Digital Technologies Department. Mrs Nolan has a Bachelor in Information Technology, Masters in Counselling Psychology and Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PCGE). Computer Science teacher, Mrs Nolan describes herself as a “Steminist” and her LinkedIn profile gives insight into her passion for girls' understanding of digital technologies.
We farewell Mr Allan Legge, Director of Co-Curricular Programs, as a long-serving member of our academic and co-curricular staff. Throughout his career, Mr Legge has been dedicated to the girls’ education and has been keen to develop co-curricular opportunities for all girls across Cultural and Community, Musical and Sporting areas. He has been actively involved as a coach and co-ordinator and has provided guidance and direction to the Cultural, Music and Sports Directors and Co-ordinators as the co-curricular programs evolved. Mr Legge has developed valuable relationships for the School across the many sporting associations that provide Somerville House with continued opportunities to compete and has been the conduit between the School and support groups. I am sure the School Community will join me in thanking Mr Legge for his dedicated service over the last thirteen years at Somerville House and the positive contribution he has made to the students and staff at the School. We wish him well for the future as he embarks on his next position.
Thanks to staff
I acknowledge the staff and students who have returned safely to share stories about their experiences on school-organised trips and camps during the Easter vacation:
- Duke of Edinburgh Silver Adventurous Journey
- Cross Country camp
- Touch Football Holiday camp
- Tennis Workshops
- Chess camp
- Water Polo State Titles
On behalf of the students, I thank the staff who gave up time with their families to ensure such worthwhile learning experiences outside the traditional four walls of a Somerville House classroom.
Anzac Day
Next Wednesday 27 April, our students and staff will honour those soldiers who landed to do battle at Gallipoli at our Years 7 to 12 school assembly. An Anzac Day commemorative service is an important addition to a school calendar; not only does the service provide further attention to Australian history, but it also is a celebration of the values behind actions and standards of behaviour, and as such, the Anzac story is a good illustration of the Somerville House values. Thank you to all students and staff who will represent our school this year, and to the Cantrice Choir who will perform as part of the Dawn Ceremony at the Greenslopes Private Hospital.
Policy Update
The Art Collection Policy has been updated to reflect the responsibilities for the School’s Archivist, Mrs Connie Baird.
Please click here to view the updated policy.
Term 2 wishes
Finally, I wish all families a happy term ahead. It is my hope that our girls are able to achieve their learning goals and actively involve themselves in school life through the myriad of Term 2 co-curricular opportunities.
Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal