Term 2, Week 4, Tuesday 10 May 2022

Never Enough

When on holidays I like to cycle around Lake Kawana and Lake Parrearra at the Sunshine Coast. On one of those rides I frequently pass a boat called Never Enough, moored at a pontoon. I often wonder what was on the mind of the owner when the boat was named, but the name is certainly the way some people feel about life.

We all need a purpose in order to be motivated to get out of bed in the morning, a sense that our life has meaning and that we are able to be productive at some level. Desire is one of those things that drives us, and we are all driven by different desires. Some people seek wealth and fame, and it often seems for them that what they have is never enough. Some people are adrenaline junkies, seeking the next most death-defying activity, pushing the limits of human ability and risk and again for many it is never enough. Even some of the food we eat is designed to leave us desiring more, especially if there is a lot of salt or sugar involved!

The Bible talks about our God-given purpose being to know God our creator, to learn to follow in the ways of Jesus and to live as part of his kingdom. There is a famous passage from St. Augustine’s Confessions in which Saint Augustine states “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” The great rock band U2’s famous song I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, expresses that same desire of the human heart.

Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, King Solomon - one of the most wealthy and powerful human beings of his time - describes his search for something to bring meaning to his life. He tried the path of amassing a fortune and acquiring many slaves, he tried pleasure through women and alcohol and he tried the way of studying many books and becoming wise. His conclusion was that none of it really satisfies, it is all like chasing the wind, and that our true purpose is to enjoy the life God has given us, and be grateful to him. As I reflect on those things that Solomon pursued to find purpose in life, it seems to me that perhaps the world hasn’t changed too much in the past 4000 years!

Ms Chris O'Gorman
Senior Chaplain

Don’t you just love GREEN?! Looking out at a lush carpet of green uniforms creates a culture of warm welcome and a sense of belonging, unique to our school. It creates confidence. It creates familiarity, safety in knowing we are connected to something bigger, with a long and strong history, and with something of substance. Over the years, past students have regaled with stories of wearing their uniforms to bed after Valedictory and their continued pride in the green connection long after the last bell.

While our high expectations of uniform at Somerville House promote a shared belief and pride that we are part of something greater, something special, it encourages pride in oneself. It is the little things that matter. The confidence this inspires is reflected in this great speech by William McRaven, a US Navy Admiral.

I know it is only a clean and ironed green dress of a certain length, zipped to the top; only two small earrings of pearl, silver or gold and no other jewellery; only one green ribbon tying neat and controlled hair and only one pair of polished shoes, but how students wear the uniform matters. Attention to detail matters and lime green is clearly identifiable.

It is a matter of honour to self, to others and to the School.
It is a matter of caring about perceptions and forward vision.
It is a matter of representing a tradition.
It is a matter of presenting trust in our individual and collective pursuit of excellence and innovation.
It is a matter of supporting our values of courage, compassion, integrity, inclusion, gratitude and respect.

When we look at a Somerville girl to see someone who will change the world, we look for a representation of all of this. Attention to detail matters. How your daughter wears her uniform matters now and for her future.

Please refer to the Family Handbook for more detail.

"A single gentle rain makes the grass many shades greener."
Henry David Thoreau

Mrs Julie Brunckhorst
Dean of Student Wellbeing

Helping your daughter re-energise

I am constantly amazed by the enthusiasm and energy displayed by Junior School students each and every day. Whether it is through their contributions to classroom-related activities or the varied co-curricular program, Somerville House girls are dedicated and wholehearted in their involvement.

However, school can be exhausting for some children. There are so many things to do and for them to consider during the day. Have you noticed that children sometimes come home from school tired and grumpy? Alternatively, they may go home displaying excess energy built up through the day. It is important to be mindful of transition times for children so that they can find their own ways of re-energising when they come home from school or some other busy activity.

Pauses in the process of constant educational learning and physical development are so important because the gaps give time for their imaginations to kick in. The child’s inner world helps them to diffuse stress.

Consider some of the following ways children can regain and stabilise energy when they get home from school:

Down time to “switch off”
Children need “time out” from paying attention to others and their environment. They may use this time in different ways; some will spend time alone, perhaps in a fantasy world, while some will drop the guard they have employed throughout the day, feeling safe in their home by themselves.

Physical play
Physical activity helps children disperse excess energy that may have built up from frustrations during the day. Unstructured play like playing with the dog or kicking a ball around will help them unwind, drop their defensive states and engage with their imagination.

Emotional nourishment
Some children need to be nourished by loved ones with hugs and outward signs of emotional connectedness. Then they let their guard down. Some children like to chat about their day with someone older as this helps them “debrief” and “recharge their batteries”.

Be mindful of your child’s energy levels and look for ways to expand or calm their current energy state if needed. There are many breathing exercises that help restore a calm response in our bodies. A good and simple one is taking three sighs – and pausing after the third one. This is a simple technique that can be taught to children and adolescents.

Uniform Reminders

In winter, students from Prep to Year 2 wear the school tracksuit with their sports shirt, joggers and Panama hat.

Years 3 to 6 students wear the winter uniform consisting of the tunic, white shirt and tie with the felt hat. Blazers are not compulsory - students may wear their blazer or school jumper.

As we approach the changeover date to the Winter Uniform, we ask that you ensure all items are clearly marked with your daughter’s name (please remove the name of the previous owner if necessary).

Optional Changeover: Week 4 - Monday 9 May
Extended Compulsory Changeover due to shipping delays of new uniforms: Week 6 - Monday 23 May

This means that students may continue with a period of optional changeover for Week 4 and 5.

From the beginning of Week 6 (Monday 23 May), all students will be expected to wear the Winter Uniform.

Mrs Louise McGuire
Head of Junior School

Acknowledgement: Maggie Dent (2009) in “Saving our Children from our Chaotic World”