From the Principal
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. (Joseph Addison)
Recently, I was startled to read this phrase which popped up on a social media page – “There’s 14 Monday mornings until Christmas”, and I was further astounded to realise we have reached the end of the third term of this academic year. I hope all students and staff are able to enjoy some recreational reading time over the September holiday break. I am looking forward to reading “Where the Crawdads sing” and maybe fitting in the movie “Past Lives”.
“Great reads have great potential to spark imagination and absorb a person in another world,” says Raymond Mar, associate professor of psychology at York University in Toronto.
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. Reading is a very good habit we can all practise. Books can encourage us to be a better person. Cassity contends that “reading makes you happier”, and this is what she has to say in a blog:
Empathy: Stories can provide life-changing perspective, say the researchers from York University. Getting wrapped up in the lives of characters strengthens your 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.
Connection: When you identify with characters in a book, you experience a kind of real-life relationship that can enhance your sense of inclusion, say psychologists at the University of Buffalo. In other words, reading Marley & Me may increase camaraderie with dog owners in the park.
Memories: A happy ending can lift your spirits, but novels may drum up positive feelings in more subtle ways, too. Even minor events in the narrative may brighten your day.
Inspiration: Reading about someone who overcame obstacles may motivate you to meet your own goals, found a recent Ohio State University study. If you’d like a raise, following a character into the boss’s office may give you the courage to make the same request. The more you experience the events as if they were happening to you, the more likely you’ll be to take action.”
Term’s Notice of Withdrawal
As we are now at the end of Term 3, I remind parents that if your child is not returning to Somerville House in 2024, we require one full school term’s written notice (or one school term’s fees in lieu of notice) when withdrawing a student from the School. We are in the midst of formulating the 2024 timetable, staffing and rooming allocations, so it is important to have accurate enrolment numbers. In some year levels, we have waiting lists, and we need to be able to contact those on the list who are hoping to secure a place at Somerville House.
Staff
Thank you to a number of staff who have been with us this term replacing others on leave. We sincerely thank each of the following staff, as their contracts draw to a close:
- Ms Wendy Lauman – Acting Dean of Student Wellbeing
- Dr Vicki Roberts – Teacher of Commerce
- Ms Colleen Moriarty – Teacher of Health & Physical Education, Junior School
We thank and acknowledge our practicum students who will conclude their teaching experience at the end of term – Anna Byrnes, Cariel Albarracin, Jemima McLennan and Caitlin Hall.
We wish our Boarding House Bus Driver, Mr John Cheesman, a happy time travelling on his leave in Term 4. Best wishes are also extended to Mrs Logan Parker, Early Learning Centre Educator, as she leaves Somerville House for a period of Maternity Leave.
In these thanks, we extend a special farewell with much gratitude to the following members of staff who are leaving Somerville House at the end of term 3.
- Mrs Juliet Quodling – Tuckshop
- Mrs Fiona Raftery – Health Centre Manager
- Mr Damian Mitchell – Teacher Learning Development in the Junior School
- Mrs Karen Scott – Foundation Events Consultant
- Ms Evelyn Chen – Teacher of Mandarin
End of term
I wish all members of the school community the very best for a safe and relaxing holiday time. We look forward to seeing you on the return of students on Tuesday 3 October, with boarding students returning on Monday 2 October. I share this prayer for the end of the school term.
Heavenly Father,
thank you for our school;
for friendships made,
all it has given to us
and all we have been able to give to its life.
Bless us in these holidays
and in the new beginnings that await us in fourth term;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal
Acknowledgements: Black, Ian. Prayers for All Occasions.
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/josephaddi104348.html