Introducing Somerville House New Teaching Staff

Now that we are one third of the way into this first term, I expect that our 265 new students are starting to settle in to school life at Somerville House. It is an opportune time to introduce our new teachers to our parent body. 

We have been delighted to welcome the following teachers to our Junior School this year:

We welcome our Head of Junior School, Mrs Susan Clarke, from Rowan Preparatory School, Claygate, Surrey, in the United Kingdom. Having studied Psychology at university, Susan was drawn to child development and social interactions which led her into the field of teaching. Susan explains: 

“I love seeing students thrive in school environments that are focused on the learning journey and breadth of opportunity. I am particularly passionate about girls’ education, empowering them to think creatively and with curiosity, whilst developing a strong sense of self.”

Ms Olivia Kirk takes up the role as Assistant Head of Junior School – Teaching & Learning, having previously taught at The Lakes College. When I asked Ms Kirk what drew her to teaching, she replied: 

“What sparked my interest in teaching was having an inspirational Year 5 teacher, Miss Willrich. She helped me to believe in myself and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my life than to have the opportunity to endeavour to do that for children every day.”

It is a pleasure to welcome Ms Rose Hoger as our Teacher Librarian to our Cotton Library, having previously worked at St Peter’s Lutheran College teaching Year 3 students and Churchie as the Teacher Librarian.  Why did Ms Hoger want to be a teacher?  She says 

“I always wanted to be a teacher. As a child I would ‘play schools’ and observe the work that my older brother (20 years my senior) would do each night as a beginning teacher. I admired my teachers, particularly my year 4 teacher Miss Ewing, who further developed my passion for reading by sharing ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ with us each afternoon, as well as many other stories. After graduating from high school, I studied a B.Ed, and after 4 years began my lifelong journey in education, working in schools both in Queensland and around the world. I thoroughly enjoy working in a supportive school environment and am energised by the enthusiasm that children have for learning.”

We welcome Ms Sarah Mounsey to Somerville House on Thursdays and Fridays as our Teacher Librarian in the Cotton Library.  Previously, Ms Mounsey worked at Dulwich College, a British International School in Singapore. She reflects on her love of teaching and said:

“I was previously a primary school teacher and loved it but now that I am a teacher librarian and I love nothing more that ‘walking the shelves’ with students and helping them to discover new titles.”

In our Senior School, we have teachers joining us for fixed term contracts covering staff on leave as well as new teachers to cater for our increased enrolments:

Mr Justin Bryan joins us as the Head of Technologies, having taught at Mt St Michael’s College in Ashgrove, where he was Head of the Digital, Design, and Business Department for 8 years, and prior he taught at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School. Mr Bryan has particular interests in digital design, coding and drones. He experienced the wonder of teaching at an early age. His father taught in one of the biggest teacher training colleges in the UK and at the end of a school term, Justin would often sneak in to watch his father lecturing graduate teachers. 

“I was amazed at the interaction my Dad had with the students, and the joy the students seemed to have to be there! Now, having been in teaching myself for some 30 years, I too have that joy and excitement in every class I teach. I feel very blessed to be a teacher, and in so many ways, it has helped me appreciate my father even more.”

Ms Emily Dixon is a teacher of Humanities, having previously taught at St John’s Anglican College and Redeemer Lutheran College.  When asked why she became a teacher, Ms Dixon replied: 

“What I love about teaching, is the journey I get to go on with my students and seeing them succeed in whatever endeavours they have set themselves. I love the classroom and interactions where we solve the world’s problems in Geography."

Ms Ellen Duncan-Kemp commences as a graduate teacher of Technologies, having recently completed her teaching placement at St Joseph’s Nudgee College. Ms Duncan-Kemp explained that she was drawn to teaching because she has always enjoyed sharing my knowledge and helping others. She said:

“I love interacting with students and hopefully brightening up their days a little”.

Ms Tiffany Hammans joins Somerville House as a graduate teacher with her Master of Teaching qualification.  During her university studies, she was tutoring small classes of university students. Ms Hammans says:

“Throughout those years, I realised that I absolutely loved sharing my passion for science and mathematics and imparting my knowledge with those around me. I love the connections I get to make with my students and knowing that I have made a real difference in their lives.”

Ms Rachael Harris joins our Visual Arts Department, having previously taught at the Brisbane School of Distance Education.  Rachael says that she has been enjoying meeting the Somerville students and starting the art making experience with them.  One of her favourite things about teaching Art is seeing students find comfort and self-expression through making and exploring art. 

“It is so special to see students find their voice.”  

Over the recent school holidays Rachael completed a commission for Glass Meet the Future Film Festival, which is currently exhibiting online. Please enjoy the link to her work GMTF 23 - Commission Works - Rachael Brooke - North Lands Creative

Ms Samantha Jager was previously at St Laurence’s College and joins our Commerce Department. Her original career was as a banking and finance lawyer, but some 7 years ago, Ms Jager decided to make a career change after spending some time training adults. She said: 

“I have not regretted this change for a minute! I love being in the classroom and getting to know each and every one of my students and building strong relationships.”

Mr Francisco Martell joins us as a Mathematics teacher from Ipswich Girls Grammar School. He was drawn to teaching because he has always enjoyed helping other people. Mr Martell explains: 

“I especially try to help where I know learning/doing something new can be painful if attempted on your own, so I suppose it makes sense that I teach Math now.”

Mr Matthew McGrath was previously a teacher at Villanova College and he has a passion for his subject areas of Mathematics and Health & Physical Education. He says:

“I value the positive relationships I have with students and find it rewarding to see them progress with their studies and develop into young adults.”

Ms Sasha Paulin has enjoyed her start as an English teacher on a semester contract, having previously worked at the After School Care Program for Indooroopilly State School.  Ms Paulin is taking Mrs Batri’s classes during this semester of Parental Leave. When I asked Sasha what drew her to teaching, she replied:  

“I love teaching because I love learning. I am always excited to explore new concepts with students and show them the joy in being a lifelong learner.” 

Mr Kyle Shellack-Potter joins us from his previous school, Ipswich Girls Grammar, having also taught at Bundamba State Secondary College and Redbank Plains State High School.  Mr Shellack-Potter was drawn to teaching because: 

“I enjoyed tutoring when I was younger and this passion for passing on knowledge to others drove me into teaching. I love being able to support students in achieving their goals by creating a positive classroom environment that promotes learning. I look forward to being a member of the Somerville House community.”

Mr Anthony Steele has joined us from St Joseph’s Nudgee College in the role of Associate Dean of School Administration and he is teaching Mathematics. In asking Anthony what drew him to teaching, he said:

“I love that every day is different. The opportunity to learn with students and witness them grow and change is truly a rewarding experience.”

Ms Peggy Van Beusekom was previously a teacher for fifteen years at The Lakes College.  We are fortunate to have Ms Van Beusekom join us the Head of Learning Development.  She shares the following insights: 

“Shortly after I arrived at Somerville, I was asked “why did you become a teacher?”  What a wonderful question! It didn’t take me long to come up with an answer because I vividly remember ‘why’.  It transported me straight back to being a young girl, just starting Year 7.  I always struggled with writing, even though I loved to read and devoured every novel we were asked to read and more. For some reason, I found it difficult to articulate on paper what was asked of us regarding all those texts.  Then one teacher recognised my struggle.  She started to pay extra attention, asking me questions and taking the time to listen to my answers.  She also devised another avenue for me to be able to answer assessment.  I have never forgotten this teacher. She found my strengths and supported me to not only pass but, most importantly, to grow in confidence as a learner.  Of course, moving into the senior school, assessment was not as flexible however, by then, I had developed my learning strategies and a belief in myself that I could do it.  This was all thanks to one person who made the effort to get to know me and my strengths as a learner.  It was then I decided to become a teacher.  If I could make that much difference to one young person and their school journey, how amazing would that be?   To guide instead of dictate, to lightly touch on a thought process to support students to arrive at the best possible outcome for them.   As a teacher we are entrusted with young people’s futures; they are our legacy.  In the words of Aristotle, ‘educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all’.  This is why I became a teacher.”

Honour Before Honours

You can imagine my delight to receive this email from a member of the public last week:

Just wanted to say thank you very much to the kind Somerville House girl who helped me carry my pram down the stairs at Roma Street train station this afternoon. I had my eleven month old in my carrier and my three year old trying to get down the stairs and the lifts were out of service. Thank you so so much. I didn’t get her name but wanted to say thank you.

Our school motto, Honour Before Honours, challenges us to maintain the highest personal standards of integrity, and to keep before us as our goal, ideals of behaviour and achievement which always remain more worthwhile and important than winning and the praise of the crowd.  Simply put, our motto means that honourable actions are more important than accolades for winning.

While I remain unsure of the student responsible for giving her assistance in this situation, I wanted to publicly acknowledge her integrity and kindness.  In my eyes, she is a true Somerville girl, and her actions exemplify the School motto.

Collection of Students From Co-Curricular Activities (Policy and Procedure)

The School offers an extensive array of co-curricular activities.  Duty of care for student supervision must pass from staff to parent at the conclusion of each activity.  In the event of delayed student collection, a specific procedure will be implemented for the Collection of Students from Activities that fall outside the school day. Parents, please click here to access this important school policy and procedure.

Student Driver Policy 

The School allows students who have a valid driver’s licence and parent approval to drive to and from school, cocurricular activities and/or school events providing the student complies with the School’s requirements as set out in the Student Driver Policy.

Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal

The beginning of the school year, whether a returning or new student, always brings new challenges. Some thrive in the new levels of independence and responsibility, while others take a little longer to adjust. If your child is finding the transition a little difficult, here are some tips to help adjust to the new routines and expectations in a new school year: 

• Encourage open communication: Encourage your child to talk to you about their struggles and listen actively to their concerns. 
• Set achievable goals: Together with your child, set achievable academic and personal goals for the year, breaking these into smaller milestones, and setting checkpoints for reflection and celebration. 
• Create a routine: Establish a daily routine that includes time for homework, studying, and leisure activities. Encourage involvement in all areas of school life to build connection and relationships. 
• Be proactive: Stay in touch with teachers and co-curricular coaches/conductors, attend parent-teacher interviews and co-curricular events throughout the year and get involved in your child’s education. 
• Offer support: Offer emotional support and encouragement to your child. Listen to their concerns, but do not be quick to offer a solution, rather, ask them questions to encourage them to problem-solve for themselves. Let them know that you believe in them and that you are there to help. 
• Seek help: If your child continues to struggle, consider seeking additional support from their class teacher/tutor teacher, Head of Year (Senior School) or subject teacher. 

Remember, every child is different, and it is important to be patient and understanding as they navigate through their academic, co-curricular and social challenges. 

Mrs Jo Matherson
Deputy Principal

What are the two most important words in the English language? “Please” and “thank-you” would be pretty good candidates, but you might have some other ideas. I’d like to suggest to you two other words that I think are very important and I’m sure you are probably thinking I am going to suggest God and Jesus but that would be too obvious, wouldn’t it?

I want to suggest to you that two of the most important words in the English language are “yes” and “no”. It is so important to know when to say yes, and what deserves a definite no. Say no to bullying, to racism, to coercion, to compromising your beliefs and values. Say yes to kindness, respect, compassion and unselfishness. Last week we celebrated the students who achieved outstanding academic results for Year 12 in 2022. I am confident that during their time at Somerville House, they learnt to regularly say yes to study and home learning and no to some pretty tempting social activities as well as time-wasters in order to achieve the results they achieved. It takes a lot of self-discipline to say yes and no consistently, but it pays off in the end.

Being in a situation of choice and having the strength and confidence to be able to say yes and no to the right things is a very important aspect of our character, and a life-skill to develop. We all make mistakes along the way, sometimes we say yes to something and regret it later, or sometimes we say no to something that turns out to be a missed opportunity, but we learn from these mistakes and with God’s help we can do better.

A lot of people think that Christianity is all about God saying no to all the fun things we want to do, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Whilst it is true that just like any good parent, God puts boundaries on our lives, Christianity has fewer rules than most religions. Imagine a parent who said yes, go and do whatever you want, yes, go and play on that busy four-lane highway, yes, go and swim at that un-patrolled beach. We wouldn’t think they were good parents. God’s boundaries are there to protect us and to help us develop the best lives possible.

Christianity is much more about saying yes - yes to life, yes to positive relationships, yes to joy and purpose, yes to love and inclusiveness, yes to hope and goodness. John’s Gospel Chapter 10 contains one of my favourite verses, as we hear Jesus saying:

“the thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life – life in all its fullness.”

Don’t let the false philosophies and influences of this world steal your joy or steal your hope and sense of wholeness. Instead recognise that the words and teachings of Jesus lead to life in all its fullness, life with purpose, forgiveness, grace and love. Say yes to this!!

Ms Chris O'Gorman
Senior Chaplain

This week we celebrate rites of passage for our oldest students and the youngest in our Senior School with the Year 12 Formal and Year 7 Camp.

Both of these events are significant marking the Senior’s transition in their final school year of analytical critical thinking, leading to life choices and working towards their next steps beyond school.
The Year 7s’ transition into life in the Senior School requires independent thinking and exploration of self to help develop individual identity.

In the Greater Good Magazine (October, 2019)  issued by Berkeley University, Betty Ray explains that such rites of passage ‘help teens prepare for an uncertain future’. An uncertain future is the certainty ahead, for both 12s and 7s but through challenge lies growth.

'For thousands of years, Indigenous and Traditional communities recognised the importance of these transitions for the growth, connectedness and health of an individual and community.’ Arne Rubinstein www.outwardbound.org.au
Such events:

• Strengthen their sense of self
• Develop critical life skills
• Unlock their potential, and
• Help them to create a healthy vision of their own future.’ 
  How to Help Young People Transition Into Adulthood (berkeley.edu)

So why speak about such rites of passage?  We celebrate their transitions into the next phase and ask you to help us maximise these wonderful opportunities for growth as they move through these stages below, outlined by Outward Bound Rites of Passage Institute.

Separation
Students are engaged in the process. They leave the comfort and familiarity of school and family, well prepared for the journey ahead.

Transition
During the rite of passage journey students undergo a fundamental shift, giving them a new focus and clarity of self and purpose. They are invited to step up to new responsibilities. Accompanying elders/teachers are instrumental in the process of sharing stories and experiences.

Integration
With a shared story, parents/ carers and teachers are engaged to understand the new expectations of students and their vital role in honouring and celebrating their young person’s transformation on their return.

And celebrate we did!  The Year 12 Formal was a night of memory making, of creating individual stories of confidence, challenge, sophistication, charm and dignity. I am sure you were proud as they were, and rightfully so.

The Year 7s are embarking on their journey this week. The opportunities for growth lie in challenge by choice. This week is bound to be exciting and we look forward to their stories of survival on their return. Standing back and allowing them to take that step into the rite of passage can be hard for them and us but if our self-talk and encouragement trusts in the importance of our role of letting them develop into them, we can be comfortable in our uncomfortability and reassure them that this is what they need to mature and grow into their best selves. 

Enjoy that extra cup of tea, with one less lunch to make and uniform to iron, waiting for the stories of fun, courage and kindness.

Mrs Julie Brunckhorst
Dean of Student Wellbeing

With wildlife encounters and democracy in action it has been a busy week in the Junior School. Year 1 were delighted to discover a ringtail possum snuggled up outside their classroom.  You can just imagine their excitement as our resident outdoor expert, Miss Brown pounced on this learning opportunity to classify, observe, and record movements of this gorgeous marsupial. Students were tasked with writing descriptive sentences, and I had the pleasure of seeing their completed work which were expertly captured - real-life learning at its best!

Continuing with scientific studies, Year 1 were also delighted to see the Chrysalis transform into a beautiful butterfly this week. Deepening their understanding of transformation and life cycles. 

Year 6 have been enjoying jigsaw strategy inquiries completing mind maps about different types of government – monarchy, republic, and dictatorship. This links to their topic on parliament, where they will share election speeches as Prime Minister in due course. I am looking forward to joining them as ‘Governor General,’ later in the term.

As you know, Somerville House has a rich Performing Arts program. Each year the girls highly anticipate the strings program offered and they look forward to making their string choices. Last week, Year 3 students listened to the String teachers playing Forever Joyful by Balmages. Each teacher explained their instrument, shared their passion, and played an individual piece. There was much excitement as the students listened to each instrument before making their choice. Ms Bastos, Director of Strings, and Dr Shearer-Dirie are looking forward to a year of superb string playing.

Ms Hoger, our Teacher Librarian is delighted to be working in our incredible Cotton Library. Over the past two weeks, 2,749 books have been borrowed for home reading as well as for classroom use. The girls certainly do love to read in the Junior School. Ms Hoger has enjoyed getting to know the students during Information Literacy lessons as well as at lunch times. The girls have enjoyed so many different activities during their lunch breaks, such as quiet reading, construction, drawing, board games and puzzles – the Cotton Library has something for everyone to enjoy!

It was a delight to welcome so many families to school last Thursday to our annual Parent Information Evening. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many parents and sharing our priorities for the year ahead. I know that teachers enjoyed spending time with you in the classrooms, sharing exciting opportunities and helpful tips for your girls.

We welcomed our new Year 6 students with a High Tea last Wednesday. Our Year 7 guest speakers, Philippa M (7C) and Victoria M (7B) shared their experiences of when they were a new Year 6 student in 2022. The new students enjoyed hearing about strategies Philippa and Victoria used when they were lost, how they made new friends and their highlights and challenges from the year. Everyone, including the teachers and members of administration, then shared special things about them e.g. What does their name mean? What school they have come from and how Somerville House is different from their old school? 

We hope that now the new students know each other a little more, they will look out for each other for a catch-up in the playground. New student lunches for Year 5 and Year 4 are happening this week.

A reminder that the Interhouse Swimming Carnival (for Years 3 to 6) is now on Friday 17 February, from 8.30am to 2.30pm. 

It was a special day on the Junior School calendar as our Year 6 girls were officially presented their leadership roles and responsibilities for 2023. Learning about leadership and taking responsibility is a key life skill; learning to listen, collaborate, make decisions and work towards common goals will be concepts that will go far beyond Year 6. We are incredibly proud to have such a resolute, ambitious group of girls providing leadership and positive attitudes toward school and beyond. Congratulations to all our Year 6 students – Honour Before Honours.

Enjoy the rest of the week.

Ms Susan Clarke
Head of Junior School

JSSG Welcome

The Junior School Support Group (JSSG) is looking for Class Reps for 2023. We need two reps per class. It is a great opportunity to meet other parents and connect to the school community.

All are welcome to our first JSSG Parent and Class Rep meeting at 8:45 am to 9:30 am, Thursday 16 February,  in the Honour Room (Level 7 of the Foundation Building). Parking is available in the Turning Circle after 8.30 am.

Please click here for JSSG information on SomerLink.

Junior School Calendar

As mentioned at our parent information evening last week, parent pages with specific year level information are now available on SomerLink. The most-up-to-date calendar information is included on these pages – please find all relevant event information here, and email [email protected] if you have any queries. 

Dr Judith Locke Parent Session – Tuesday 21 February

Parents of students from Pre-Prep to Year 6 are invited to a session with clinical psychologist, Dr Judith Locke to help children become confident and capable. 

Judith uses latest research and clinical experience to show practical, positive, and effective strategies parents can use to help their children become more resilient and motivated at school and in their schoolwork, help them build on their strengths, and assist them to cope with the developmental changes of different ages and stages while maintaining family harmony.
When - Tuesday 21 February, 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm
Where - Harker Auditorium, VPAC

This session is for parents only and children will not be able to attend.
Please click here to register your attendance.

About Dr Judith Locke
Dr Judith Locke, the founder of Confident and Capable, is a clinical psychologist, and former school counsellor, teacher and workplace trainer. She is the author of two parenting books, The Bonsai Child and The Bonsai Student.

Judith has a successful private practice in Brisbane and also trains throughout Australia and internationally on topics related to parenting, resilience, and psychological wellbeing. Her psychological commentary features regularly in the media, including a weekly parenting column for The Sunday Mail. She believes providing useful information to parents early on will ensure a long-term positive impact on children and families and prevent or minimise future problems.

Any process of change causes discomfort, whether for children or adults. When we talk about the beginning of school life, the phase usually causes discomfort both for the child, who needs to learn new classroom routines, expectations and how to navigate all new social relationships, as well as families who often suffer with the separation.

Before the term begins, we invite families to create a Hug Book for their children. During the Hug Book evening, families have an opportunity to meet teachers and begin building relationships with other families.

The Hug Book is a lovely way to build home and school connections and the families take their time to create a special photo book with all the important people, places and animals in their lives. On the first day of Pre-Prep, if the children are missing their family, the photos in the Hug Book provide comfort and open conversations between staff and children. 

These lovely gifts from families are accessed regularly throughout the day and the children love to tell stories about each of the photos. 

Thank you to our Pre-Prep families for creating beautiful books for your children to treasure throughout the year!

Mrs Mariana McIver
Director of Pre-Prep

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who attended their Formal on Saturday night. Our Somerville House girls put on a stunning show of glamour, poise, style and outstanding behaviour. We are so proud of you and hope you will hold this special event dearly in your memories.

Mrs Helen Preston
Head of Year 12

The Middle Years Support Group welcomes you to join them for the Year 7 Welcome Function Pizza & Pool Party on Sunday 12 February 2023 from 3.00pm to 5:00pm at Somerville House Swimming Pool. We hope to see you there!

Softball 
Our Softball season for 2023 has now started! In Round One we had our Opens team on a bye and our Division One players putting it all out there to try and snag the win. Unfortunately, Saturday was not our day. Never the less, skills were developed, fun was had and it was an all-around great day! 

Water Polo 
Saturday 4 February marked the start of the second half of the 2022/2023 Water Polo season. It was a great round with ten teams taking to the pool. This round produced some fierce competition with three of our teams winning their games by one goal, and other teams winning by a significant margin

Triathlon
Last Friday, Jessica D (10D) competed in the State Triathlon and Aquathon Championships in Hervey Bay. Jess came fourth in her age group and ninth overall. Jess has been selected to represent Queensland at the National Triathlon Championships in Tasmania next month. Congratulations Jess!

Aquathon

Miranda B (7C) also competed in Hervey Bay last week at the Triathlon and Aquathon Championships. From her exceptional results, Miranda has been selected to represent Queensland in Tasmania next month. Somerville House will have two students at the National Championships next month. Congratulations Miranda!

Well done to all on a great week of Somerville House sport.

Mr Andrew McCabe
Director of Sport

In her very first Visual Art lesson this year Madeline Q (8F), successfully captured a stack of small ceramic bowls on an empty table using only white pencil on black coloured paper. The placement of the subject balances the space and emphasises the simplicity of the composition. Madeline's drawing highlights the ordinariness of the bowls and, just as this unit of work is focusing on familiar worlds, these bowls are made to feel familiar.

The P&F welcome you to save the date to come together for the 2023 All School Welcome on Saturday 18 February from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Get your tickets here and we look forward to seeing you there!