From the Principal
Seventy years ago, this stone was laid to the glory of God and the furtherance of education and culture by Principal Miss E.F. Craig B.A., on the 18th day of April, 1953. In 2023, it has been business as usual with educating Somerville House students being a priority, especially in the lead up to the Year 12 exam block. The furtherance of culture has also been upheld via a wonderful evening of entertainment with Thursday’s Choral Celebration.
Singing in a choir can be very beneficial and studies have shown that choir singing can reduce the stress hormone (cortisol) and increase the comforting hormone (oxytocin). As an added bonus, singing in a choir can also be beneficial for one’s physical health. Singing is a form of exercise, and it has been shown to improve respiratory function and cardiovascular health. No wonder we have so many students participate in our choral ensembles.
It truly was a special privilege to be a member of the audience and I wish that every parent was able to attend for the pure enjoyment of the spirit of the evening. Congratulations to all choristers in the various choral ensembles, and a special thanks to Mr Shannon Leonard, for his leadership of the celebration. Thank you also to conductors Dr Debra Shearer-Dirie, Mrs Sylvia Cody, Mrs Wendy Jurss, Ms Abigail Zaroour, and thank you to our Director of Co-curricular Music, Mr Will Eager, for his part in the finale of the evening. While it was a most entertaining evening, I also felt immense pride as I listened to the video recordings of the student introductions for each performance. Well done to all involved! Thank you for your contribution to the cultural experience at Somerville House.
House spirit was clearly evident at a fabulous day for the Senior School Interhouse Athletics Carnival at QSAC on Friday. Congratulations to all competitors, with thanks to Director of Sport, Mr Andrew McCabe, and Director of Athletics, Mr Andre Sinclair, for their organisation and acknowledgement to staff for their assistance with events and spectator supervision. It was a great outcome for Champion House in the Middle Years – Gilmore and for the Senior Years Champions MacArthur House. It was exciting to see the superb efforts in track and field events by Year 7-12 students.
Our rowers and rowing community were regaled with blue sky brilliance for the first regatta at Beaudesert's Wyaralong Dam on Saturday. It was a pleasure to attend the first regatta of the season with gorgeous weather to enjoy a coffee, cheer on our crews and engage in conversations with the parents of our rowing community.
Congratulations to all rowers, coaches, and the rowing supporters for bringing to life a spectacular season of sport. Thank you to Ms Samara Quinlan, Director of Rowing, whose dedication and leadership is an inspiration to the Somerville House rowing community.
Staff Bouquets
Acknowledgement of Ms Allotta's success in her application for funding to participate in the UQ Wonder of Science program. Our Year 7 students will benefit from this initiative, which is designed to increase student involvement in STEM. The National STEM education strategy in Australia was determined in 2015, when all Australian education ministers agreed to the National STEM School Education Strategy 2016–2026, which focuses on foundation skills, developing mathematical, scientific and digital literacy, and promoting problem solving, critical analysis and creative thinking skills. At Somerville House, we have a strategic focus on increasing our STEM engagement because STEM skills are crucial for Australia's changing future.
TEACHX Awards
The TEACHX Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of teachers in Queensland. Every year, teachers from across Queensland's schooling sectors and early childhood education and care services are nominated to share their stories and inspire colleagues.
The QCT shines a spotlight on the extraordinary work being done by these remarkable individuals within the profession. These awards exemplify the significant contribution to schools and early childhood communities across Queensland, attracting thousands of nominations for registered teachers who have achieved exceptional outcomes.
To be nominated for a TEACHX Award is an achievement in itself. We are proud to have these teachers nominated in the following categories:
The Dr Alan Druery OAM Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching provides recognition for inspirational Queensland teachers. Mrs Claire Reynish, Ms Leah Shackleton, Dr Debra Shearer-Dirie have been nominated in the EXCELLENCE category.
The Professor Betty Watts OBE Memorial Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Teaching was introduced in 2011 to recognise teachers and school administrators with an outstanding history of service. Mr Tim Smetham has been nominated in the OUTSTANDING category.
The Dr Roger Hunter OAM Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award provides recognition for inspirational teachers with up to four years' experience. Mr Kyle Schellack-Potter has been nominated in the BEGINNING category.
The Dr John Dwyer Excellent Leadership in Teaching and Learning Award was introduced in 2012 to recognise classroom teachers or school administrators who have taken a leading role in enhancing teaching and learning in their school. Ms Joanna Gardiner has been nominated in the LEADERSHIP category.
Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal