Term 3, Week 1, Tuesday 11 July 2023

Welcome back to Term 3 with this view of South Brisbane taken from the TOP of the Clock Tower on a glorious winter’s day in the holiday interval.

I hope that all families managed to enjoy a relaxing break from daily school routines. It was wonderful to welcome students back to school on Monday, refreshed and ready to engage with this term’s learning challenges and co-curricular activities.

On behalf of everyone in the Somerville House community, I extend a warm welcome to the 14 new families and 18 new students joining Somerville House this term.

Staffing Update

Following Parental Leave, we welcome returning members of staff – Mrs Jess Batri from Parental Leave, Mrs Sylvia Cody from Long Service Leave and Ms Rebecca Ayache from Special Leave.

It is my pleasure to introduce the following new teachers joining us this term:

Mrs Wendy Lauman – Acting Dean of Student Wellbeing (replacing Mrs Julie Brunckhorst on long service leave)
Ms Gaelle Garrier - Teacher of French and German (replacing Ms Tristane Robert)
Mr Sean Robinson – Teacher of Science (replacing Ms Tiffany Hammans)
Ms Stella Chan – Teacher of Science (replacing Mr Yogi Aseervatham)
Ms Jennifer Reed – Teacher of Science (replacing Ms Rebecca Underhill on parental leave)
Ms Varsha Dahiya – Teacher of Mathematics (replacing Ms Anne Wilson)
Ms Linelle Evans – Teacher of English as an Additional Language

I am also happy to introduce these new staff members to our parent community: Ms Katja Claes as Educator in the Early Learning Centre. In the Boarding House, we welcome Senior Boarding Supervisor, Miss Alexandra Mackay and Residential Boarding Assistants, Miss Lara Keirle, Miss Amelia Lusk and Miss Lola Moore. We also welcome Miss Kathrin Sterzenbach as German Language Assistant, Mr Lyle Dighton joining the team as Maintenance Officer and Ms Lissa Wright as SomerFare Tuckshop Assistant.

Thanks to Staff

I acknowledge the staff and students who led a number of school-organised experiences throughout the recent holiday interval. Thank you to these members of staff for organising:

Mr Andrew McCabe, Mrs Katie Martin, Miss Ebony McLagan – New Zealand Netball Tour
Ms Samara Quinlan – Rowing Camp
Mr Andre Sinclair – Athletics Camp and holiday program
Miss Ebony McLagan – QGSSSA and AC Netball Clinics
Miss Lucy Bellinger – QGSSSA Volleyball Clinics
Mrs Freya Greensill, Mr Malachi McPhail – Strength and Conditioning holiday program
Mr Robby Newton – Tennis Holiday program
Ms Nyree Hatzimihail – Year 12 Hospitality Skills Training Course
Mr Matt Gilpin – Chess Camp
Mr David Haliczer – Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Hike
Dr Daniel Tuazon – Robotics Workshop
Ms Raquel Bastos – Australian Combined Schools Music Festival

On behalf of the students, I thank the staff involved for organising such worthwhile learning experiences in the form of camps, clinics or training sessions to upgrade skills.

What's Ahead

Installation of the lights at SomerFields was one of the finishing touches over the holidays, ready for the official opening on Tuesday 11 July.

We look forward to a number of significant events in addition to the core business of teaching and learning in the term ahead. If you would like to update your family calendar with events that interest you, parents are welcome to attend these occasions as highlighted from our school calendar:

Sporting Events

Official Opening of SomerFields – Tuesday 11 July
QGSSSA Netball, Hockey, Tennis & Volleyball Season – Saturday 15, 22, 29 July
Senior School Interhouse Athletics – Friday 21 July
BSRA Regattas commencing Saturday 22 July
Andrews Cup Netball Competition Day – Wednesday 26 July
Regatta 2 hosted by Somerville House – Saturday 29 July
Regional All Schools Touch Football – Sunday 30 July
Regatta 3 – Saturday 5 August
QGSSSA Netball, Hockey, Tennis & Volleyball Season – Saturday 5, 12, 19, 26 August
Regatta 4 – Saturday 12 August
Regional All Schools Touch Football – Sunday 13 August
Regatta 5 – Saturday 19 August
BSRA Head of the River – Saturday 26 August
Rowing Dinner – Saturday 26 August
Hockey End of Season Breakfast – Tuesday 12 September
QGSSSA Track and Field Championships – Thursday 14 September

Cultural and Community Events

Service Learning Vietnam Trip Parent Information Evening – Tuesday 11 July
QDU Debating Rounds – throughout term
JSSG Class Representative and parent meeting – Friday 21 July
SYSG Meeting – Friday 21 July
Middle Years Parents Function – Saturday 22 July
Junior School Family Worship Service - Sunday 23 July
Chess Teams Tournament – Sunday 30 July
Judith Locke Years 4 – 6 Parent Presentation – Tuesday 1 August
Foundation Golf Day – Friday 4 August
Somerville House Chess Championships – Friday 4 August
Chapel Week – Monday 7 August
Chapel Week Breakfast – Thursday 10 August
Opening Year 12 Visual Art Exhibition – Thursday 10 August
OGA Year 12 Leavers Panel - Friday 18 August
RoboCup Jnr Qld State Competition – Saturday 19 August & Sunday 20 August
Open Day – 11.00am – 2.00pm – Sunday 20 August
P&F General Meeting – Tuesday 22 August
OGA Daughter and Significant Woman Dinner – Thursday 24 August
The Great Debate and End of Season Function – Friday 8 September
P&F Annual Ball - Saturday 9 September
Middle Years Arts Festival Performances – Tuesday 12 September
Dr Lorna Archibald Networking Event – Thursday 14 September

Academic Events

Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews – Tuesday 18 July
Year 10 into Year 11 Subject Selection Information Evening – Wednesday 19 July
Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews – Monday 24 July
Year 9 into 10 Subject Selection Information Evening – Tuesday 25 July
Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews – Wednesday 26 July
Senior School Parent Teacher Interviews – Tuesday 8 August
Senior School Parent Teacher Interviews - Monday 14 August

Music Events

Somerville Choral Celebration – Thursday 20 July
Combined Schools Percussion Spectacular – Thursday 27 July
Kaleidoscope 3 – Band and String Showcase – Thursday 17 August
BMS MusicFest Competition – Bands/Strings/Choirs – Sunday 27 August

Somerville House School Advisory Council

The School Advisory Council consists of up to five members drawn from both the school parent and wider community, along with the School Principal who is a non-voting member.

The objectives of the School Advisory Council are to provide support and guidance to the Principal and input into the Principal’s advice to the PMSA Board to implement the school Strategic Plan.

At the recent PMSA Annual General Meeting, Mr Jonathan Chew was appointed to the School Advisory Council. Mr Chew has a son at Brisbane Boys College and a daughter attending Somerville House in 2024. We welcome Jon to the School Advisory Council.

Foundation Golf Day

We look forward to Friday 4 August at Nudgee Golf Club for the Somerville House Foundation Golf Day. Tickets (cost $180 per person) can be purchased via this link: Foundation Golf Day | Humanitix

18 Hole Ambrose Program
6.15am    Registration & breakfast
7.10am    Golf briefing & escort to holes
7.30am    Shotgun start
12.30pm Post Golf function

Proceeds from this event will support the Director of Sport’s Wish List for sporting equipment, which will be well utilised with SomerFields being used this term.

Thank you for taking the time to read these updates from my desk. I extend my best wishes, to all parents and caregivers, for a rewarding third term of learning for your daughters and sons in the 2023 academic year.

Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal

During the break, I find time to do my favourite new thing to do – sailing. Although I had some experience in my twenties, my husband and I bought a yacht almost two years ago and have been learning close to home, sailing around the bay. During these holidays, we ventured into open waters for the second time on a ten-day trip. I would have to say that some of the most magical experiences in nature I have had have been on the water, from flat calm seas filled with schools of fish and dolphins to the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets anchored in deserted inlets. Sailing for me brings very high highs.

But it is not all calm waters and sunsets. Along with the highs, there can be low lows as well, particularly when the weather turns unexpectedly, making the journey uncomfortable, or there is equipment failure on the boat, sometimes due to human error as we are still on a steep learning curve. But I would not trade in the amazing experiences we have had to eliminate the difficult times as they far outweigh the negatives and if you keep a positive, can-do attitude the good times are just around the corner.

I share these thoughts as I consider our relentless pursuit of happiness. It is often stated by parents that all they want for their children is to be happy, but if happiness is to be defined as a lack of disturbance, distress and disquiet of mind, then is a constant state of happiness attainable? I would argue that to pursue this state of being, we would have to step away from challenges, stay in our comfort zone and maintain the status quo. This would ensure an even keel is attained.

For my children, I hope for them to be content because contentment is grounded in the process rather than the outcome from which happiness is derived. We can be content regardless of the outcome, but to do so, we have to take responsibility for our part in the process and use grit and determination to push through the difficulties. To be truly content, we must experience the lows, and then the highs will come, and I would much rather the full spectrum than a flat line.

Mrs Jo Matherson
Deputy Principal

NAIDOC week is an Australian observance that celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This year’s theme was “Our Elders” in recognition of the contribution of elders and the respect in which they are to be held. This year is also the year in which Australians 18 years and older will be asked to vote in a referendum concerning establishing a voice to the Federal Parliament for First Nations people.

We are all aware of the many statistics around the welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are a cause for great concern in our country. For many years the more distasteful facts around how our nation was colonized were kept quiet, but now there is a growing will to address the clear injustices that occurred at that time. How to do this after so many years is very complex when the population of Australia has grown considerably, with our population now made up of immigrants from all parts of the world.

Reconciliation between First Nations people and the rest of the country is needed in this issue, and finding reconciliation is a challenge for all of us as conflicts and issues arise in various areas of our life. What does the Bible have to say about this? Ultimately Jesus came and died on the cross to reconcile us to God. Our sin, starting with our tendency to not acknowledge God as God, led to us becoming God’s enemies, but Jesus’ action on our behalf paves the way for reconciliation when restitution through his death has been made.

A first step in reconciliation is truth telling. There are many stories in the Bible illustrating how people could not be reconciled to the Saviour let alone start to get their life sorted out, until they admitted that the way they were living was wrong. All of us have secrets about ourselves that we like to keep, things we have done that we are not proud of, things that cause us to feel shame. The first step in reconciliation with others and with our Creator God is to tell the truth, to own up to what we have done wrong, because Jesus has borne our shame on the cross, so we don’t have to.

The first step in reconciliation with our First Nations people is for there to be truth-telling about the past, with genuine listening and remorse on our behalf. The same applies to the issues where we find ourselves in conflict with people in our personal lives. May we all become better at owning up to our mistakes and apologizing.

Ms Chris O'Gorman
Senior Chaplain

The beginning of a new semester presents the opportunity to assess how we have travelled to date in achieving our goals and rededicate ourselves to what matters most in achieving our expectations.

Reviewing feedback and reports is a proactive measure many will adopt. Most will consider the strengths of what they have done in the past and aim to do more of what has worked well for them. This strategy supports us in maintaining our belief that we have the necessary skills to achieve but this should be tempered with an appreciation that we are continually learning, and that there is no shame in asking for help or advice.

Whilst asking for help might appear to be an obvious solution when we are seeking better outcomes, it is surprising how many will hesitate due to the concern of appearing vulnerable. So how do we challenge ourselves, or those close to us, to take this path – to recognise that identifying you need support is a sign of strength and academic engagement?

There is great power in narratives and quotes; they help us to find commonality and thereby encourage action. Personal stories and recently published articles are useful introductions when considering, with your daughter, why help seeking is a good idea and a characteristic of high achievers.

Alternatively, develop a list – for and against. Psychologist, Cheryl Gale, suggests considering protective factors, including building resilience and creating a positive culture where recognising that you need help and asking for it indicates to yourself and others that it is okay to reach out.

I would also draw your attention to the Somerville House Curriculum Framework, and Positive Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Framework. Together they provide a very balanced approach to helping each of us reflect and work towards achieving our personal best.

It is a privilege to be working with the Somerville House community this term and I look forward to sharing your daughter’s journey.

Ms Wendy Lauman
Acting Dean of Student Wellbeing

As we commence a new term, it is an ideal time for students to reflect on their progress from Semester 1, set new goals and take into account feedback and recommendations that have been provided by teachers through the Mid-Year reports.

The School subscribes to the Study Skills Handbook and students will refer to this during their MAP and AIM lessons from time to time. Outlined in the handbook are a number of habits which are utilised by highly “effective” students. Many of these habits also align with recommendations provided by teachers.

HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE STUDENTS

Effective students are those who have learnt to study smarter rather than harder. Below is a list of the top habits that effective students do.

MAKE THE MOST OF CLASSTIME: Time wasted in class is lost learning opportunities or time you need to make up at home. To make the most of class time, stay on task and be as involved as you can in the lesson.
ASK QUESTIONS OFTEN: Students who are effective will ask questions when they don’t understand something, they don’t wait until 3 weeks into the topic then say ‘I don’t understand any of this!’. So if you aren’t sure about something, then ask your teacher.
COMPLETE ALL HOME LEARNING: Your teachers are giving you the home learning tasks for a reason, even if you are unsure what the reason might be! It is all part of building your learning in the subject. Focus on putting 100% effort into completing all home learning to the best of your ability.
DO INDEPENDENT LEARNING: Students who do well academically do more than just the set home learning. Rather than cramming just before an exam, they learn as they go. This means the nights they don’t have much home learning, they step up and take responsibility for their learning and ask themselves ‘what else could I be doing to help me understand and learn my subjects?’. Often this entails reviewing previous work that was difficult or preparing study notes in advance.
ARE FOCUSSED WHEN WORKING: Students who are effective usually work in blocks of time at home, anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, but in that time they focus on the task at hand. This means they have removed all distractions and commit that when they are working on schoolwork, they are just working on schoolwork – no personal activities at the same time.
WORK SMART FOR ASSESSMENTS: Effective students spend time when they are given an assessment ensuring they understand the requirements and the marking criteria. They work to the guidelines of the assessment and approach the task systematically, making a plan and setting targets for when they want to complete each step.
NEVER CONFUSE ‘READING’ WITH ‘STUDYING’: Effective learners know how to study properly for a test. They know that just reading your notes over and over is not an effective way to learn. Instead, they read a section then test themselves on it, seeing what they can say out loud or write down. They also do lots of revision questions or past exam papers so they can practise the skills of the subject and identify areas of weakness.

You can learn more about being more effective at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with these details:
Username: Somerville
Password: 17success

Mrs Wendy Jurss
Dean of Academic Programs