Term 1, Week 4, Tuesday 14 February 2023

Traffic Congestion

Traffic management in Graham Street and Stephens Road continues to be a challenge for our school community, particularly at the crucial times of drop-off in the mornings and pick-up in the afternoons. I acknowledge parents and staff for your patience. In the first few weeks of the school year, it is timely to remind parents and carers of the need for our community to unite together in a concerted effort to ensure student safety at those very busy but unavoidable times at the beginning and end of each school day. Like other schools, Somerville House experiences traffic management challenges, and we have to work together to meet the unique circumstances of our school.

Traffic congestion at the beginning of this term has been exacerbated in the morning due to the amount of roadworks and construction delays in a number of directions leading to Somerville House. Grey Street will also be closed for a period of time and the confirmed dates will be published in an upcoming newsletter, along with a SomerLink notification, so you can plan an alternate route.

Morning drop-off Tips

Due to the increased volume of traffic, families will need to leave home earlier in the morning to arrive at school at the expected time. Mr Smetham advises that students in Years 3 to 6 can be dropped off from 7.45am when the turning circle is fairly quiet. Students can then move to the tiered seating area for supervision by Junior School Staff. Prep to Year 2 families can start dropping off from 8.00am each morning.

Afternoon pick-up Tips

Afternoon pick-up is affected when we have higher levels of congestion caused by families arriving in Graham Street before the allocated pick-up time for their children.

To facilitate traffic flow in the Graham Street precinct and the turning circles, we ask that you observe the following guidelines for the afternoon pick-up:

Arrive in Graham Street NO EARLIER than the allocated collection time for your child’s year level. For example, if your daughter is in Year 4, arrive NO EARLIER than 2.50pm in Graham Street.
If you are collecting more than one child, arrive AFTER the allocated collection time of your eldest daughter. For example, if you have daughters in Year 1 and Year 5, arrive AFTER 3.00pm. Please note that younger sisters are supervised in their classrooms before moving to the turning loop to meet their older sister.
By arriving in Graham Street no earlier than the allocated time for your child, we can avoid unnecessary congestion in the pick-up bays as well as reducing waiting times for our youngest students.
To avoid being early in the Graham Street precinct, Mr Smetham recommends taking a loop via Raymond Terrace or Ferry Street/Dock Street.

We appreciate your efforts in making the afternoon collection as smooth as possible.

Please refer to the table below to check the allocated collection times for each year level.

Policy Updates

This week, I draw parents’ attention to the School’s Body Worn Cameras Policy and Procedure and the Visitors on Campus Policy. Please feel welcome to email [email protected] if you are seeking clarification on either of these policies.

Prayers for those affected by the earthquake

In the early hours of Monday 6 February 2023, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the border of Türkiye with northern Syria. Many thousands of people have been affected by this disaster and we hold in our hearts those who are injured, and those who have lost loved ones, livelihoods, and homes. We pray to the Lord to bring them comfort, strength and renewed hope. The Australian Red Cross is fundraising for the Turkish and Syrian Arab Red Crescent teams, and say that donations will help provide immediate and longer-term relief to communities affected by the earthquakes.

Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal

ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) has received a large amount of media attention recently, especially in the education sector. This platform is only one of many chatbots and each has different functionality, presenting a variety of advantages and limitations, all of which need to be discussed when considering their application.

Although some might think chatbots allow for AI to complete assignments, rather than students, this is addressed in academic integrity (assessment) policies, and it would be difficult (for now) to use this exclusively. In this article, I would like to focus on a few of the benefits of chatbots in education, as they are being used by many educational institutions already to support students, parents, and teachers.

Personalized learning: One of the biggest benefits of chatbots in education is that they can tailor learning to each student's needs by analysing each student's learning abilities and history.
Support for students: Chatbots can provide support for students to help them improve their use of language and address selection criteria.
Inclusiveness in education: Chatbots can promote inclusiveness in education by helping to provide equal opportunities for all students, taking into account learning styles and individual learning needs.
Help for students anytime, anywhere: AI technology can provide tailored learning experiences for students to assist them when they don’t understand a concept or are unsure about next steps. Some can provide individual tutorial sessions, acting like a personal tutor in all subject areas.

At Somerville House, the benefits of using chatbots are being explored to determine how we can apply this technology to relieve our teachers of administrative tasks, provide more specific and extensive feedback to students, leading to more individualised learning pathways and consider other applications as the technology develops.

It is an exciting time in education indeed!

Mrs Jo Matherson
Deputy Principal

Greta Thunberg is an extraordinary young woman by anyone’s standards. When she was a teenager, she took a strong stand on climate action in such a way as to influence world leaders to start to take serious action on what is one of the greatest issues of our time. She puts into practice what she says, she walks the talk. I was impressed when I heard that when she was invited to a UN Climate Change Conference in Spain and had to get there from the US, she sailed over in a catamaran rather than increase her carbon footprint by flying in a plane. In fact, she never flies in planes for that reason.

If I were to ask you if you are a fan of Greta Thunberg, I am guessing that many of you would say that you are. If I were to ask you if you were a follower of Greta Thunberg, that would be a different question. One dictionary definition of a fan is an enthusiastic admirer. You can be an enthusiastic admirer or fan of many people, but to be a follower is a different level of commitment altogether.

It is one thing to be an enthusiastic admirer of Greta Thunberg, but another to be a genuine follower of her beliefs. That might involve walking or cycling instead of taking an Uber, or it might mean travelling by public transport instead of by car. To be a genuine follower would also involve reconsidering how often we buy new clothes to follow the latest trend or choosing to wear clothes until they wear out to save further on carbon emissions. So, are you a fan or a follower? I suspect Greta is more interested in followers than fans.

The same applies to how we respond to Jesus and his teachings. We might look at many of those wise things he said such as “treat others the way you want them to treat you” or “love your enemies and forgive those who are mean to you” and we might really admire the things he said and did. The challenge is to be a follower and not just a fan. In the Gospels we see huge crowds following Jesus, and yet we have to question their motives. Were they there just to see the amazing miracles, feeding five thousand people from just a few loaves and fishes, did they have a niggling physical pain or ailment they hoped he might heal or were they genuinely open to his teachings?

Jesus was aware that many in that crowd were just fans. They admired him, they thought what he had to say was powerful, but when he started to talk about the price of following him – taking up your cross, denying yourself etc, many of them quietly walked away. How do you respond to what you hear about Jesus? Jesus tells us that what God wants us to do is believe in the one he sent. Will you become a follower, or just a fan?

Ms Chris O'Gorman
Senior Chaplain

What do Valentines’ Day, Year 7 Camp, Interhouse Swimming Carnival and Valentines Day Touch all have in common? SOCIAL FITNESS.

We are using the language of fitness in Wellbeing: physical fitness, mental fitness and SOCIAL FITNESS!

A longitudinal Harvard wellbeing study on what makes us happy has found Social Fitness is the key to a happier life. It is the Number 1 key – relationships – and love is in the air this week and last, as we practise/d social fitness. Just like our bodies need us to maintain fitness so do our relationships need exercise.

Relationships affect us physically. We are invigorated when we feel understood and sometimes nauseated when our friendship or love is lost. We have to practise ‘social fitness’. We need to feed and prune our relationships – be honest and tend to relationships that help us flourish. We need others to help us become balanced and whole. We are advised that we need ‘seven keystones of support’.

Safety and Security – to be able to call on someone in a personal crisis.
Learning and Growth – to encourage us to take positive risks and pursue our goals and dreams
Emotional Closeness and Confiding – to call on when we are feeling low and to be honest with about how we are feeling.
Identity Affirmation and Shared Experience – to share life experiences and to help strengthen our sense of who we are and what is important to us.
Romantic Intimacy – to share our lives with on our path. Help (Informational and Practical) – to lend expertise or help to solve a practical problem. Fun and Relaxation – to make us laugh, to see a movie with, hang out with.

Not all of our relationships can do all of these things. Not all of these things will be important to us at times. Some of these things will be more important at times than others.

A key purpose at Somerville House including events, camps and carnivals such as the Interhouse Swimming Carnival are to develop relationships, some superficial and others deeper. It is important for us all, and especially our students to develop relationships that are positive to them to help provide these things. Not all will be for all reasons and seasons. We can provide the opportunity for the seed to grow. Sometimes, our relationships move and flow. Sometimes, students want the one friend for life because they think that is what will make them happy. Sometimes this occurs but most of the time, theirs and our relationships need time and positive energy, and sometimes they prove to be not so positive. Feeding and pruning is important but consideration and kindness needs to be given to approaches and developments. SOCIAL FITNESS leads to life of happiness and longevity. Connect and be well!

Thank you sincerely to Ms Murray and her team of teachers, Mr Loom, Mr Argyris, Miss Harris, Miss Albert and Miss Paulin, who facilitated student connections on Year 7 camp.

Mrs Julie Brunckhorst
Dean of Student Wellbeing

Source: Shulz, M. and Waldinger, R., An 85-year Harvard study found the No. 1 thing that makes us happy in life: It helps us ‘live longer’, Psychology and Relationships, 10 February 2023.

There was a frisson of excitement in Year 5 as Channel 9 arrived on campus to film a forthcoming program about science for Nine Go. Girls were filmed during Art and English – displaying creativity, curiosity, and confidence as they embraced the reporter’s questions. Feedback from the crew was incredibly complimentary, highlighting the girls’ enthusiasm for school but also respect for each other and visitors. There have been times in all our lives when we can allow the moment to takeover, but everyone filmed embodied the school values wholeheartedly. I know the students cannot wait for the producers to release the episode later in the year. Many thanks to Mrs Munro, Ms Liddell, and Mrs Earley for coordinating.

French Celebration “La Chandeleur”

Every year on 2 February, 40 days after Christmas, French people celebrate “La Chandeleur”, marked on the French calendar as “Présentation” with flipping and eating crêpes. As a cross-curricular activity about celebrations, Year 3 French students learnt to flip French crêpes, great fun was had my all – bravo les filles et bon appétit! Older girls in the school did not miss the fun either, with all Year 8 French classes trying their hands at crepe flipping.

High Tea at the Junior School

This week, Ms Gregg hosted the last of our new student high teas.

Our Year 4 students enjoyed hearing from Amelia P (5C) and Georgia L (5C) and Year 5 girls were entertained by Anja W (6B) and Sophie O (6B). Presenting students shared entertaining anecdotes of highlights and challenges from their own arrival at Somerville House last year, with camps a firm favourite in everyone’s memory as is the ‘egg drop.’ The new students then talked about the meaning of their name and shared any interesting talent – it was a delight to see a showcase of Irish Dancing from one pupil. New students are now encouraged to support each other as they further develop their friendships and settle into their new school.

Science in Action

Year 2 are witnessing firsthand the beginnings of new life as their sunflowers spring out of the soil. There is much anticipation now to see which class will produce the largest sunflower. We will keep you posted as these sunny giants make their way into our world.

As we rounded off the week, I enjoyed being out and about in the classrooms and playground. Sitting on the lunch terraces with the girls, I was enthralled with anecdotes and stories of classwork, sports, and pets. I was quite keen also to see them navigate playing chess around their lunchboxes. The Somerville House girls always embody our values, they have had an excellent start to the school year. I am looking forward to seeing them all shine like our Year 2 sunflowers, growing taller and brighter as we nurture and inspire them through the year.

Mrs Susan Clarke
Head of Junior School

Junior School Pastoral Care

"You’ve got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative…" - Lyrics by Johnny Mercer Sung by Frank Sinatra at the 18th Academy Awards 1945.

The commencement of the new school year is an excellent time to focus on the protective factors that help us build and maintain wellbeing. Whether you are a family starting your Somerville House journey for the first time or returning for another year, we look forward to working with you in 2023 to develop deep engagement in learning, strong resilience, and positive mental health.

Some protective factors that will help children to settle into the school year include:

Structure and consistent routines
Supportive relationships
Clear expectations for positive behaviour
Development of personal skills and interests
Engaging in learning

Of equal importance, we need to minimise the risk factors that can have an adverse effect on our wellbeing. Although it is impossible to eliminate the negative, we can mitigate harmful effects through:

A Positive School Culture
Social and Emotional Learning
Support and intervention
Working in partnership with our families

Last Tuesday 7 February was Safer Internet Day. Click here to view more about how we can stay safe on the internet. One of the biggest risks to wellbeing for all of us is our online engagement. Since the dawn of social media and digital communication applications, we have seen a marked decline in wellbeing. Additionally, I encourage all parents to study the information in the Australian Government eSafety Commissioner guidelines when making decisions about online safety for your daughter.

Look out for the Pastoral Care section in the Junior School Newsletter where we will include information, resources and events to support parents and families as we work together to promote a sense of positive wellbeing in our Junior School community.

We look forward to developing a partnership with you and supporting your daughters’ journey in the Junior School in 2023.

Mr Tim Smetham
Assistant Head of Junior School – Pastoral Care & Administration

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, 6.00pm to 7.30pm
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.

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 on Thursday 16 February (Week 4), 8:45am - 9:30am in the Honour Room (Level 7 of the Foundation Building). Parking is available in the Turning Circle after 8.30am.

Please click here for JSSG information on SomerLink.

Junior School Calendar

A reminder that 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.

As educators, we understand the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for your children. A place where they can feel comfortable and confident, and where they can trust the people around them. That is why we are dedicated to helping your children build a strong sense of security and trust.

One of the ways we do this is through consistent routines and structured activities. Children feel secure when they know what to expect, and having a routine helps them feel more in control of their environment. Our teachers work closely with the children to establish routines, such as a daily morning routine, a weekly schedule, and regular routines for mealtimes and play times.

Another important aspect of building a sense of security is developing positive relationships with the children. Our teachers take the time to get to know each child as an individual, and they listen to their concerns and needs.

In addition to this, our teachers also provide a warm and supportive environment in the classroom. They create opportunities for children to work together, and they encourage positive social interactions. This helps children build their confidence and develop positive relationships with their peers.

As we are building children’s sense of security and trust we have been learning about our Pre-Prep guidelines that help to keep everyone safe at the Early Learning Centre. These guidelines align closely with the school's values of courage, compassion, inclusion, gratitude, integrity, and respect. These guidelines help to create a positive and safe learning environment for all children, and they help children understand what is expected of them. The children are building their understanding of our guidelines and we use visual cues and guidance to support their learning. The Pre-Prep children will:

Take care of themselves
Take care of each other and
Take care of the School.

Each class discusses these guidelines and recognise the children’s efforts. Throughout the year these guidelines will support the children to engage positively in all aspects of the Pre-Prep program.

Ms Mariana McIver
Director of Pre-Prep - Early Learning Centre

Water Polo Update

This round produced some fierce competition with three of our nine competing teams winning their games this weekend.

Congratulations to the 13B, 16B and 18B teams who came away with a win.

The Somerville Water Polo Program are looking forward to the next two weeks of round robin competitions before heading into Quarter Finals.

AFL Update

Round One of Senior AFL got off to a warm start Saturday, but our players pushed through and had a great start to our season. Opens defeated St Margaret’s 51-7 in their first game, with Florence M (10D) shining in the forward line, Sophie T (11F) dominating in the midfield and Madison K (12F) reliable as ever in defence!

Our Seniors started their season off at Wynnum AFC, with two competitive games under trying conditions! Scoring 3 goals 6 behinds (24) in the first game against Brisbane Girls Grammar School, it’s obvious our skill level has improved over an extended pre-season.

Well done to both teams on a fantastic start!

Swimming Update

As a 10-year-old, Lulu G (5D) was selected by Brisbane Swimming to represent Brisbane in the Queensland State Swimming Championships Regional Relay Day. In the 200m Medley Relay, Lulu raced the final leg, swimming freestyle, with the girls claiming the gold!

Cricket Update

This week we saw our Opens girls play Round Two of the QG Cricket competition and come away with a great win over St Margaret’s, leading by 20 runs. We look forward to this week’s fixtures, with our Division One players taking the field for the first time after being rained out and having our Year 7s away on camp.

Softball Update

Another great effort from both of our softball teams this week! Our Division One players are starting to get the hang of the rules and develop their skills, and our Opens came home with two wins under their belt!

This weekend will be our last weekend of softball fixtures and we are wishing both teams all the best!

Equestrian Update

Congratulations to Jezebella M (6A), Phoebe M (12D), Rose B (7C) and Tamika D (8F) who all rode at Stuartholme School's IQ Event - Jumping & Dressage over the weekend. Our girls all rode superbly to achieve the following results:

Jezebella M (6A): Fourth in 60cm AM5.
Rose B (7C): Fifth in 80cm Special 2 Phase and also first in AM5.
Tamika D (8F): Third in Intermediate Novice and fifth in Senior Elementary.
Phoebe M (12D): Fourth in Senior Preliminary.