Leadership and Generosity of Spirit
Students and staff look forward to the holiday break ahead, yet I know they are appreciative of the opportunity we have had for the return to the busy (and sometimes frenetic) Term 3 school life. I am approaching Term 4 with lifted spirits, knowing that events such as Commemoration Day, Speech Night and significant end of year celebrations will be a great way to finish the 2022 academic year.
I have been impressed with our Senior Years students who have recently experienced Exam Blocks, and it was noted that they approached their studies with diligence and maturity. Our Year 12 girls will need to ‘hit the ground running’ on their return in Term 4, liaising closely with their teachers as they complete their final preparations ready for the External Examinations.
In recent discussions, the Academic Leadership Team have been giving consideration to the 2023 calendar and optimising the academic learning time of our Year 12 students. Our Term 3 is important for finalising summative learning and so we look to the calendar carefully to ensure that events held on a school night do not encroach on academic commitments.
We are looking forward to tomorrow’s special assembly, for the Prefect Induction and the opportunity to welcome parents of our Student Leaders, who will commence in these roles in Term 4. In my address to the Prefects tomorrow, I will draw upon the wisdom of former Westpac CEO, Gail Kelly.
As the first female CEO of one of Australia's big four banks, listed by Forbes in 2010 as the 8th most powerful woman in the world, and mother of four (including triplets), Gail is celebrated as one of Australia's finest, most innovative thinkers on leadership and workplace culture. In her book, Live Learn Lead, Gail Kelly draws from her personal and professional life to share what she has learned over her remarkable career. As a leader, she advocates fiercely for the importance of putting people and customers at the heart of a business; of leading with courage and generosity of spirit; and of resilience.
At a conference last year, I listened to Gail Kelly’s wisdom and strength as she reflected on the book authored by Eddie Jaku - The Happiest Man on Earth. As a Holocaust survivor, Eddie revealed how he found gratitude and hope, despite the devastation of being stripped of his livelihood, exposed to the horrors of death camps and as Eddie writes: “I know what it is to stare evil in the face.” As Gail contends, people can choose to be optimistic, to see the world through a glass-half full perspective, choosing how to respond to others and the idea that a positive mindset has a multiplier impact on your life.
Gail spoke of a number of leadership lessons, with the need to have a ‘generosity of spirit’ as an essential ingredient for being successful in life. Essentially, if you believe in practising generosity of spirit, at your heart you believe in the power of an individual to make a difference and at your heart, you treat individuals with deep respect and want to see others flourish.
End of Term Farewells
I thank staff completing contracts this term - Ms Angela Lord, who took over Ms Esther Harrison’s Year 4 class during her long service leave break. I also thank Mrs Shona Millman, who relieved Ms Tess Millman’s Teacher Aide role while Tess was on Maternity Leave.
On Friday, we farewell Miss Stephanie Eisenmenger, Mathematics Teacher, who is taking up a new teaching role, after her contract at Somerville House. It will also be the last day at Somerville House for Mrs Avril Cross, Teacher Librarian, as Mrs Cross takes up a role at a school closer to home.
Ms Rae Kelly and Mrs Liz Edwards will each be taking Long Service Leave in Term 4, so we wish them well and look forward to their return in January, 2023.
We thank Mr Bob Schultz for his contribution to the Co-Curricular Music program in his role of Acting Director of Bands over the past 12 months. Bob has been relieving Mrs Katie Gold in this role while she has been on Maternity Leave. Bob will continue in the role of Director – Brass and Bands for three days per week, with Katie returning as the Director of Winds and Bands in a part-time capacity.
We also thank Mrs Cynthia Nolan for her contribution as Education Consultant – STEM over the past two terms. Mrs Nolan has established cross school integration in technology between our Junior and Senior Schools with TARDIS, the Tuesday Lunch Club.
Finally, thank you to all parents and caregivers for your support throughout this past term. We look forward to welcoming your children back on Tuesday, 4 October.
Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal