Celebrating World Teachers' Day
Last Friday, Somerville House Staff celebrated World Teachers' Day. Thank you to the Junior School Support Group and Middle Years Support Group and Senior Years Support Group for providing the delicious lunch repast for the Junior and Senior School teachers.
One of the key factors in achieving a high level of job satisfaction is to do work that is important. The work of all staff in schools is important. We have the opportunity to change lives, every single day. At our staff meeting on Tuesday, I shared the following anecdote that tells the story of a powerful Queen who decided to honour the greatest person among her subjects. She sent out heralds and messengers to every part of her realm to find the heroes of the land. On the appointed day, those chosen assembled in the throne room.
The wealthiest person in the room was there alongside the most influential author. The leading doctor stood with the famous scientist. There was a celebrated lawyer who had won many courtroom battles and a brilliant musician; a gifted artist, men and women of talent, achievement and status.
The Queen gazed at the glittering assembly of talented and successful people and wondered how she would choose who was the greatest among them.
Then she noticed a white haired woman (or man if you prefer) standing quietly at the back. People greeted her with respect and affection. She had eyes that shone with knowledge, understanding and love.
"Who is this woman?" demanded the Queen.
"Why is she here? What has she done? "
"Your Majesty", replied her chief minister, "you have met and spoken with all the greatest people of your realm. This is their teacher."
And the people burst into cheering and applause as the Queen came down from her throne to honour the teacher. For no matter how great the achievements, how great the person, all success begins with learning.
We honour those who teach, as they touch the future.
P&F Christmas Celebrations for Somerville House Volunteers and Families
Circle Thursday 1 December on your calendar and set aside 5.30pm – 8.00pm to chill with Somerville House families! We have a new event on the end of term calendar and I really hope your family will be able to join with the Somerville House P&F to celebrate the Christmas season on the Honour Room Terrace. Besides being a casual evening to celebrate the approach of the holiday season, the P&F wish to acknowledge and thank our amazing volunteers for their support in 2022.
Dress up in your Christmas colours and bring your singing voice to join in with the Somey spirit to sing some traditional Christmas songs. We acknowledge the generosity of the P&F for the provision of a sausage sizzle for the children and delicious food for the adults attending the Christmas Celebrations. A Christmas movie for the children will be shown in the Honour Room, while the adults will gather on the Terrace. All family members from P-12 are welcome to this free event on 1 December.
To help with catering numbers, sponsored by the P&F, please reserve your tickets for your family by the RSVP date of 25 November here.
Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal