“Rest and be thankful.” (William Wordsworth)
As we have now reached the end of the 2022 academic year, I wish everyone a restful break and hope that you have time together with loved ones in the holidays. I have been re-reading Arianna Huffington’s book, Thrive, whereby she draws on ground-breaking research and scientific findings in the fields of psychology, sports, sleep and physiology. Huffington advocates the profound effects of mediation and the importance of mindfulness, whilst being a great believer in the power of ‘unplugging devices’. She makes the suggestion that taking holidays and having adequate sleep is a prerequisite for success in our working life. Rest is an essential component for children and adults. A healthy lifestyle will include exercise and rest to rejuvenate our body, mind and mood. I remember reading that the brain is like a muscle and it needs rest so it can stop working to replenish and rebuild itself.
May all families enjoy rest in the holiday season ahead, with time to focus on the relationships with the people that matter most. I also hope it is a time of reflection on the 2022 year, with goal setting for 2023. I especially hope for renewal, so that we have the time to do what we love to do. I plan to spend time in the hammock for some reading, tend to my garden, enjoy meals with family and friends and, of course, visit the beach for the obligatory surf swims and beach walks. I do hope that our academic and corporate staff and all parents and carers are able to enjoy some respite from routines.
Congratulations to Staff
Ms Raquel Bastos is congratulated on being invited to review the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) curriculum.
Somerville House has received recognition for our long-standing participation in the University of Queensland Science Ambassador Program over the past 13 years.
Staff Farewells to those retiring
We make special mention of the following staff who have decided to retire at the end of this year. We extend best wishes for their future endeavours and thank them for their professional commitment and contributions to Somerville House over the years:
Mr Peter Whittred, Visual Arts Teacher (20 years)
Mrs Gaye Ryan, Assistant Head of Junior School (18 years)
Mrs Cheryl Toohey, Teacher Librarian – Cotton Library (3 years)
Staff Farewells to those on contract
We thank the following staff who will leave at the end of this year, when their contracts conclude:
Mr Ashley Beruldsen, Teacher of Technologies
Mrs Mary Dixon, Teacher of English and Humanities
Mr Michael Howley, Teacher of Humanities
Ms Michelle Hession, Teacher of English
Ms Jude Fapani, HPE Teacher
Ms Jessica Seen, Drama Teacher
Mr Stefan Richards, Teacher of Science
Staff Farewells to academic staff leaving the School to take up new roles
We also farewell the following staff and give thanks for their contribution to Somervile House:
Mrs Andrea Carter, Teacher of Legal Studies
Ms Bernie Cecchi, Teacher of Mathematics
Mrs Kate Doughan, Teacher of Mathematics
Ms Kirrin Timbs, Teacher of Modern and Ancient History
Farewell to Senior Leadership Team members
We farewell Mrs Louise McGuire and wish her well with her new position at an international school in China. We congratulate Louise and although we are sad she is leaving, we are happy she will be with her husband in the same city! On behalf of students, we thank Mrs McGuire for her unwavering support at all the Andrews Cup events. On behalf of families, we thank Mrs McGuire for the smiling welcome at the Loop each morning. On behalf of colleagues, we thank Louise for her three years of professional commitment to Somerville House.
Mrs Laura Duffield has enjoyed long service leave and travel in the last six months, and has decided to transition to a more relaxed working life. On behalf of colleagues and students, we thank Laura for her work as Dean of Teaching Practices and extensive contributions over the past 14 years. We are pleased that Laura will be able to assist with relief contracts from time to time in the future.
Mrs Stacey Hennelly joined us as Director of Communication and Admissions in July, and has recently decided to take a role closer to home, to be a better support to her young family. I know that colleagues all enjoyed working with Stacey and we are grateful for her contribution to Somerville House.
Farewell to Senior School Middle Leaders
Thank you to Mrs Kathryn Emtage, Associate Dean of Student Wellbeing and Deputy Head of Boarding, for her four years of service. We are grateful for all that you have done for students in your role and wish the Emtage family well with their move to New Zealand.
Mrs Michelle Thomas, Head of Science is acknowledged for her three years of calm leadership, commencing in 2020 and assisting the Science Teaching team through the remote learning period.
Farewell to Teacher Aides and Teaching Assistants
Thank you to our fabulous Aides who have extended strong support to both students and teachers:
Mrs Deborah Hill (14 years)
Ms Kate Ashwood (2 years)
Miss Sophie Zipf (1 year)
Miss Abby Greenacre (1 year)
Miss Mila Klusener (International Student) – German Language Assistant
Ms Avalon Cunningham (contract), and we look forward to her return for relief duties next year
Farewell to Corporate Staff
Mrs Jo Jackson, Administration Assistant – Senior School Attendances (1 year)
Farewell to Boarding staff
Thank you to these members of the Boarding Team:
Ms Britney White (4.75 years)
Miss Chloe Maher (2 years)
Miss Loryn D’Roza (7 months)
Acknowledgements to Co-Curricular Music and Sport Staff
Ms Sharyn Simpson, end of contract as Sports Co-ordinator (6 years)
Ms Sky Hilton, end of contract as Sports Co-ordinator (6 years)
Mr Christian Gante, Accompanist, but will return to work as Music Tutor in 2023
Acknowledgement for Acting Roles in 2022
We acknowledge these staff members who have been acting in various roles throughout the year:
Ms Melissa Alexander – Associate Dean Teaching Pedagogy
Ms Kira Sampson – Acting Head of Humanities
Ms Kirin Timbs – Acting Curriculum Co-ordinator – Humanities – Senior Years
Ms Rebecca Underhill – Acting Curriculum Co-ordinator – Science – Middle Years
Long Service Leave in 2023
We wish the following staff the very best for their long service leave:
Mrs Ros Prasad – early departure for Long Service Leave in the last week of Term, returning in 2023
Mrs Elizabeth Webber – extended leave in 2023, returning in 2024.
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The School will officially reopen on Tuesday 3 January 2023. In planning your holidays for next year, please note that Australia Day public holiday is Thursday 26 January 2023 and Friday 27 January 2023 will be a student free day.
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Finally, I thank all members of the school family for your support this year. I wish all families God’s richest blessings for the Christmas season. For those who travel, I pray for safe journeys. I look forward to meeting with you again in 2023, after a safe and relaxing holiday break and wish everyone the very best for a safe and happy Festive Season.
The gift of love.
The gift of peace.
The gift of happiness.
May all these be yours at Christmas.
Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal