Term 3, Week 8, Tuesday 29 August 2023

Head of the River Regatta

It was glorious weather for the 6,000 people in attendance for the 2023 culmination of the rowing season. Our Rowing Dinner on Saturday evening was also a chance for the Somerville House rowing community to celebrate another wonderful rowing season. I also wish to share well-deserved acknowledgement for our Rowing Captains – Madelyn M (12M) and Lillian S (12D).

Maddie and Lilly are congratulated for their inspirational and motivational leadership of the rowing crews throughout the 2023 season. In this appreciation, I also extend thanks to Ms Samara Quinlan, Director of Rowing and bouquets to the Rowing Support Group Committee of President Mr Andrew Slatter, Treasurer Mr Rolf Larsen, Secretary Mrs Jane Milne, Vice Presidents Mr Wade Bidstrup, Mr Greg Bishop, Mr Geoff McIntyre, Mr Colin Gunn.

Kaleidoscope 3

On Thursday 17 August, I was one of the fortunate audience members who attended Kaleidoscope 3, and I was privileged to also listen to Sunday’s Open Day performances which really showcased the amazing talent of our students who study music. Watching the students deliver brilliant performances helped me appreciate the array and depth of musical talent we have at Somerville House. I congratulate all the performers, led so ably by Mr Will Eager, Director of Co-Curricular Music and Strings Conductor, Ms Raquel Bastos and Bands Conductor, Mr Bob Schultz. Music is an integral aspect of our curriculum at Somerville House. Thank you musicians, for sharing your incredible talent!

Engineering is a popular subject at Somerville House with a strong interest in this newly offered Year 11 subject in 2023. In January, Maria Zagorulko, a senior development and operations engineer at Naked Energy, published her views on how we might develop more females to consider taking up engineering.

Zagorulko writes: “Tackling the climate crisis is one of the challenges the profession can use to attract young women making their career choices. How can I make a real impact and help to solve big problems? How can I help save the environment and make the world a better place? These are the questions I asked myself when I was considering future career paths. While I was really interested in sustainability and engineering, it was difficult for me to grasp how my skill set fitted into the sector. However, my worries quickly vanished when I joined Naked Energy in 2019.

Not all women have had the same experience. Many are left wondering how they fit within the industry, or simply don’t engage with engineering at all despite the opportunities that are out there. It’s particularly true for the renewable energy sector. If we’re going to attract more women to the industry, then we need to change its perception.

Engineering has a reputation that desperately needs to change. Traditionally viewed as a very technical industry with a high barrier to entry, it’s perceived as difficult to break into, and it’s clear that there’s a lack of knowledge of what engineering is truly about.

A lot of the attention is focused on software engineering and data analysis, but engineering is more than just apps and coding. A broad range of hard and soft skills are required and anyone can find a niche for themselves. Problem-solving is a daily occurrence, and if you’re logical or good at multitasking, you’ll thrive as a traditional engineer. If you’re creative, then perhaps design engineering is for you. If you’re a strong communicator and enjoy presenting, you might be interested in sales engineering. There’s a whole range of paths, and women should not be afraid to explore the full breadth of careers. There’s a role that fits every skill set in engineering, and as an industry we need to get better at advertising that.

Educational institutions have an important role to play in this, and they’re the key to attracting more female talent. We need to have an educational structure in place that offers young women exposure to all aspects of the sector. Engineering is a multifaceted industry and we should highlight all the opportunities available to girls as early as possible.

Industry outreach is essential in showing what engineering is truly like. College visits and university career fairs are crucial for discovering the industry, while internships allow young women to get hands-on experience.

This is how I found my way into the industry. I knew very little about solar energy before I joined Naked Energy, but I was quickly engrossed in solar thermal. It was an amazing learning opportunity - one day I would be developing products, the next I’d be managing logistics. I thrived on that variety, and I believe a lot of women would be drawn to engineering if they knew how much they could learn.

As a sector, we’re not transparent enough about the opportunities we have to offer, and the potential career paths that young women have available to them. We need to make the industry more visible, and working more closely with educational institutions is a vital step.

The industry also lacks female role models. If we’re going to inspire young girls to pursue a career in engineering, then we need to celebrate the achievements of female engineers. It’s as simple as that.

Having an indication of what a woman in engineering can accomplish would help more female talent see the potential in the sector. While we see a range of female role models in sectors like business and banking, it is rarer to see that kind of promotion for women in engineering.

Undoubtedly, there is some great progress in universities engaging with women and encouraging them to explore a career in engineering. You see a lot of activity from organisations like ‘Women in STEM’ who specially target women that are curious about exploring the many different paths engineering has to offer. They’re well-known for supporting and encouraging girls who want a career in STEM and it’s a great step in the right direction.

However, more could be done. Universities could offer students the opportunity to visit manufacturing plants to meet women in their work environment, or host special seminars where female engineers in senior positions give talks about their experiences.

Engineering is one of the most rewarding industries you can work in - especially if you are a big-picture person like me. If you want to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, the climate crisis presents a huge opportunity for you to get involved. Furthermore, the focus on energy transition has led to a myriad of new career paths opening up - something for everyone.

I’d advise any woman considering a career in engineering to be fearless and go for it. There are consortiums and conferences for women in STEM, internships and apprenticeships that are well-paid and only open to women, and a huge support network designed specifically for women. If you are curious about working in the field, take advantage of the opportunities that are out there. With the energy transition in full swing there’s never been a better time for women to become engineers.”

Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal

Last week, we celebrated Book Week at Somerville House, and the array of costumes in the Junior School was spectacular! Book week provides a special opportunity for parents to dive into the enchanting world of literature and share the immeasurable joy of reading with their children. In a world filled with screens and distractions, the simple act of reading a book holds incredible power to shape young minds, ignite creativity, and build strong bonds between parents and children.

Imagine your child embarking on thrilling adventures, solving mysteries, and exploring fantastical realms, all without leaving the comfort of their favourite reading spot. Reading is a magical journey that fosters imagination, expands vocabulary, improves concentration, and stimulates critical thinking. By immersing your child in stories from various backgrounds, you help them develop empathy, understanding, and a broader worldview.

It is not uncommon for parents to encounter the challenge of nurturing reluctant readers, particularly during the tween and teen years. If your child does not naturally gravitate toward books, here are some strategies to spark their interest:

Create a Cozy Reading Environment: Design a comfortable reading nook with soft cushions, blankets, and a well-stocked bookshelf. A welcoming space can make reading feel like a cozy escape.

Lead by Example: Children often mimic the behaviour of their parents. Let them see you enjoying a good book and talk about your reading experiences.

Remove digital distractions: Ensuring your child has no other distractions during quiet time, with only books or magazines available, can help them to prioritise exploring printed text. Make sure there is plenty of variety or target their preferred genre or topic if they have one.

Explore Various Genres: Sometimes, all it takes is finding the right genre that resonates with your child's interests. From fantasy and adventure to mystery and humour, there is a genre for every reader.

Take Turns Reading Aloud: Reading aloud together can be a bonding experience. Choose a book that captures both your interests and alternate reading paragraphs or chapters.

Visit the Library or Bookstore: Make a trip to the local library or bookstore an exciting outing. Let your child choose a book that intrigues them, fostering a sense of ownership over their reading choices.

Embrace Graphic Novels: Graphic novels are a fantastic way to engage reluctant readers. The combination of visuals and text can make the reading experience more engaging and enjoyable.

Set Realistic Goals: Instead of pressuring your child to finish a book quickly, set small reading goals. Celebrate their progress and discuss the story as they go along.

So, keep the momentum going and embrace the magic of reading with your child during this special week. Remember that you are not just fostering a love for books but also creating cherished memories and nurturing lifelong skills. So, snuggle up with a book, turn the pages together, and watch as your child's imagination takes flight.

Mrs Jo Matherson
Deputy Principal

Jesus often taught his followers in parables, ‘earthly stories with a heavenly meaning’. He once told a parable about a farmer who went about sowing his seeds. Some fell on the path and were eaten by birds, some fell on rocky ground and the plants didn’t survive long in the hot sun, some grew but were consumed by weeds and others fell into good soil and grew into an excellent crop.

Jesus’ parable was illustrating different responses to his message, and we see those same responses today. Some people, when they first hear the teachings of Jesus about the Kingdom of God enthusiastically embrace them right away, recognizing their truth and power to transform both individuals and communities. Others listen with a closed mind, never intending to give them due consideration. You may be familiar with the saying: “The same sun that melts the ice hardens the clay”. The message of Jesus seems to have the same effect.

As with the seed that fell on the rocky ground and those that fell among the thorns, some people respond positively initially and then fade away due to peer pressure or just the busyness of life. This is understandable, as in our over-stimulated world things are constantly competing for our attention, and messages come and go as more input pours in and takes our attention. It is hard to stay focussed on what really matters.

It is not the role of Christians to convince people to become followers of Jesus or argue them into the Kingdom, as only God can reveal himself to a person. We are not changed by clever words, great gatherings or slick campaigns. We are changed by the Spirit of God melting our hearts and opening our minds. In Jesus’ parable, the seeds that fell on good ground produced a vast harvest of good grain, and it is pleasing to see that happening in the lives of individuals and in communities transformed by the message of Jesus when it is fully embraced.

May God give us open hearts and minds to hear his timeless, transforming words.

Ms Chris O'Gorman
Senior Chaplain

Positive Behaviour: Students flourishing as scholars and human beings.

The emphasis of a Student Code of Behaviour which highlights respect for self, respect for others and respect for the School goes far in realising what Professor Philip Garner describes as ‘schools aiming towards students’ flourishing as scholars and human beings.

An empowering approach, such as that developed at Somerville House, seeks to maximise positive behaviour. At a glance, the code encourages students to find their voice through respectful communication and an inclusive manner. To familiarise yourself further with the School’s philosophy, policies and codes I recommend viewing the Family Handbook.

Returning to Garner (2011), compliance with the values and behavioural expectations of a school is ‘only one of several rungs on a behavioural ladder we hope all our students will climb’. Once obtained, Garner suggests, ‘students can then be supported into true autonomy and independence, where they reliably and consciously make wise and civil decisions without supervision or restraint’.

So, what do we anticipate with students’ maturation as they ascend Garner’s metaphorical ladder rungs? Certainly, moving beyond the basic step of understanding how to contribute to a respectful and safe learning environment, and how to develop good learning habits.

Schools for some time now have had a mandate to stress the importance of uniquely human skills like caring for others, collaboration, how to reason, interact with adults, and cope with adversity. For students to be able to master each of these skills a supportive relationship between home and school must develop.

To draw on another climbing reference, parents and teachers are the spotters at the base as each child ascends their own individual climb. Imagine, if you will, your daughter in her climbing gear, complete with helmet and harness. She will make her way; however, the endeavour may not be without missteps, even blunders. Together, our role is to encourage, to offer alternative ways of thinking about possible solutions. Growing young people into flourishing scholars and human being is becoming more and more about developing social competence and emotional skills. A role schools welcome. Along with the opportunity to stand side by side with you to support your daughter.

Reference: Philip Garner (2011), Reframing what we mean by good behaviour.

Ms Wendy Lauman
Acting Dean of Student Wellbeing

“Spring is in the air” – a well-known idiom often touted at this time of year. Whilst its origins are unknown, this often referred to phrase conveys a feeling of optimism. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, the grass is growing – good things are on the horizon.

Having lived in the UK for the past twenty years, the seasonality of the year is marked with leaves turning orange, falling from the trees to the appearance of wild daffodils and tulips in the woods during early spring; I have however tried to forget the damp, dark, cold days of February. As we approach spring in Australia, we are experiencing slightly longer days, there are more wildlife around, with birds hatching and sheep bounding in paddocks. The air feels crisp rather than cool, and the sun is radiating a warmth which is good for the soul.

Research suggests that there are many benefits associated with the season of spring. We are inclined to spend more time outdoors, which is linked to better wellbeing and feeling more relaxed. There is a great range of vibrant seasonal food on offer and our gardens burst to life with colours, scents and creatures. Did you know that when looking at flowers, there is a direct link to happiness. A 2005 study from Rutgers University found that when participants were presented with a bouquet of flowers, it resulted in what scientists call a “true smile” a full 100 percent of the time. What an amazing impact nature can have on us.

With increasingly temperate weather, we are inclined to open doors and windows, allowing air to move through our homes – we all know how good that feels.

Personally, I have a morning ritual which is even more special now that the days are getting longer and the air is warmer – taking my early morning coffee out onto the water and watching the sunrise over the coast gives me time and space to prepare for the day ahead. This morning it felt noticeably spring like – with good things on the horizon! Find joy in the little things. Have a great week and enjoy the last few weeks of term.

Book Week

Last week, the Cotton Library was a hive of activity at lunch times because of all the excitement around Book Week. Throughout the week, we had story time, guest speakers, an author visit, competitions of various kinds, dress-ups, and outpourings of love for the library on heart-shaped post-its! The grand finale was, of course, the Book Week Parade. What a colourful array of costumes! The students and staff were so excited to parade down the catwalk, displaying their creativity and love of books through dressing up. Thank you to everyone who participated with such enthusiasm, positivity, and joy! Although the students haven’t decided on their favourite shortlisted books yet, the official judges have; the results can be found here.

Year 1 Author Visit

Last week, our Year 1 students enjoyed an informative presentation by author Aleesah Darlison. While Aleesah has written a range of books of different genres, her focus for this session was her Endangered Animal Tales. The students learned many interesting facts about some of Australia’s most vulnerable wildlife, specifically the Gouldian finch, the Mary River turtle, the woylie and the spotted handfish. At the end of the session, each student had the opportunity to create their own spotted handfish character. The teachers were impressed by how much detail the children put into their drawings.

Chess Congratulations

Congratulations to Stephanie Y (4C), who was selected by the Australian Chess Federation to represent Australia in the U10 Girls Division of the World Cadet Chess Championships. Two juniors per country are selected for each age division, one for the girl’s division and one for the open division. This is an incredible achievement and worthy of note.

Well done, Stephanie!

Kaleidoscope 3 - Band and String Showcase

Congratulations to the many Junior School students who performed at Kaleidoscope 3 - Band and String Showcase on Thursday 17 August. This memorable evening of Movie Magic and Virtuosic Violins was a delight and a wonderful opportunity for our Junior students to perform within these outstanding ensembles.

GOODWIN CONCERT BAND: Abigail S (4C), Georgia L (5C), Imogen A (6C), Chloe B (6D), Aislin C (6A), Ellie C (6D), Katia C (6C), Olivia G (6B), Estée L (6C), Mia L (6D), Paige P (6D), Katie R (6C), Frances S (6D), Sofia VV (6D), Charlotte YB (6A).

HARKER CONCERT BAND: Alexis T (5B), Noelle K (6A), Francesca M (6C), Alex Y (6C), Alice Y (6D)

JAZZ ENSEMBLE: Maria AdM (6D), Chloe B (6D), Ellie C (6D), Noelle K (6A)

SOMERVILLE STRINGS: Harper H (6D)

STRADIVARI STRINGS: Stephanie Y (4C), Sofia L (5D), Claire Y (5A), Angelina Z (5B), Sophia C (6C), Maya G (6C), Arissa L (6B), Grace L (6C), Leila R (6A), Ruby S (6D), Hana S (6C), Aurora T (6A), Isabella X (6B), Annabelle Y (6A)

AMADEUS STRINGS: Chantelle L (3B), Ariel L (5C), Emma Y (5D), Kotoyo K (6B), Alice L (6B), Ella L (6C)

Mrs Susan Clarke
Head of Junior School

Junior Engineers Holiday Program

Please click here for details of the Junior Engineers September holiday program.

JUNIOR SCHOOL PASTORAL CARE

Increasing Online Protective Factors - Awareness of the Risks to Student Wellbeing

Young people today don’t have the maturity to use their digital devices responsibly. For example, giving a smartphone to an 11-year-old can be akin to giving them a ‘loaded gun’.
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

There is a growing body of research around the impact of mobile digital devices on children. For some time now, teachers and school communities have been expressing concerns about the detrimental effects on student wellbeing with increased and often unsupervised exposure to messaging apps, social media and inappropriate material on the internet. Some of the evidence that emerges from the research indicates some worrying signs including:

Distraction from learning
Decreased levels of social and emotional wellbeing
Hindered face-to-face social interaction.
Increased risk of cyberbullying
Decline in physical health through inactivity and impaired sleep cycles.

Somerville House is committed to addressing the challenges presented by the digital online community. It is important that we teach students to use devices safely and responsibly. It is important that we work together with our families to minimise the risks posed by the online community.

We recommend that parents engage regularly with the eSafety Commissioner website to find ways of maximising online safety for the whole family.

Additionally, there is a wealth of information to support families and carers in the Parent & Student Help Resources located under the Student Wellbeing tile in Somerlink.

Mr Tim Smetham
Assistant Head of Junior School

2023 RoboCup Junior Queensland State Competition

On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August, approximately 70 students from years 5 to 12 competed at the RoboCup Junior Queensland State Competition at The University of Queensland. Our students competed in various robotics challenges against other schools around Queensland, including OnStage (robots used to create a dramatic performance), Line Rescue (robots follow lined courses, overcoming obstacles and challenges) or Soccer (two robots pushing a ball into the opposing goal).

Several of our teams were new to Robotics or were working with new technology this year (including custom Robotics). Against a highly competitive field comprising of the highest number of participating teams across Queensland since the pandemic, Somerville House teams competed well and engaged their problem-solving skills throughout the weekend.

Congratulations to the Lightweight Soccer team Silly Sausages, a Somerville House composite team comprising of Sarah M (8B) and another private entry student, who managed to earn 3rd place. Like the majority of our custom robotics teams in 2023, it is the Silly Sausages’ first year in custom robotics and their first foray into the highly competitive Lightweight division.

Other achievements of note from the weekend include:

Ghost Party: Siobhan A (11C), Rachel C (11O), Nyx M (11D) and Cheryl S (11C)
4th Place - Open OnStage by team

Team Groot: Harriet B (5C), Rhythm M (5C), Isabella T (5D) and Naomi Z (5C
5th Place: Primary Line Rescue
This was an effort to be commended for the students’ first year in Robotics.

Beauty and the Beast: Eden S (5B), Gavriane M (7E), Sanvi D R (7E) and Leila S (7D)
9th Place - Novice OnStage
Another commendable effort for their first year in Robotics.

Congratulations to all of our students for giving it their best on the day. Sometimes robots don’t do what they were supposed to do (read: custom motors are the most difficult bits of hardware to get right and debug, never mind the short circuits), but our teams didn’t give up and kept going, showcasing their resilience and persistence. Robotics is a fantastic way to develop several 21st century and technology-based skills across all year levels and we hope that all students enjoyed themselves at the State Competition.

2023 Showcase and End of Season Celebration

All students who have participated in Robotics during the 2023 season, their parents and family friends, are invited to the 2023 Robotics Showcase and End of Season Celebration, to be held on Thursday 7 September (Week 9B) 3.50 pm - 5.30 pm in VPAC Auditorium. Any students who have attended at least three workshops and/or have competed in the Regional or State competition are classed as participants and are all invited to celebrate.

During this afternoon, current participants will show off their robots for their friends and family in a showcase exhibition. Students who have participated in Robotics will be recognised with a pennant and we will also thank our coaches for all that they have done during the season. Refreshments and celebratory cake will be made available.

For catering purposes, could everyone who is attending please click here to fill in the following form (one form per family).

Students will help set up their robots from 3.10 pm until the official start of the showcase.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday 7 September to celebrate the 2023 season with us!

Mr Daniel Tuazon
Teacher - Digital Design Technology

Exhibition and Award Recipients

The Year 12 Visual Art Exhibition, held from 10 -14 August, showcased two artworks from every Year 12 Visual Art student. These artworks are the end points of an extended inquiry that began in Term 4 last year. By displaying their artworks in an authentic context, the exhibition allowed students to complete the journey of their body of work.

Dr Bruce Reynolds officially opened our exhibition at the opening event. Dr Bruce Reynolds has a career spanning more than 30 years as an arts practitioner and educator. The Year 12 Visual Art students had the pleasure of working with Dr Reynolds earlier this year while he was our Visiting Artist. In his opening remarks, Dr Reynolds acknowledged the outstanding quality and depth of ideas expressed through the Year 12 artworks and he shared insights about the significant contribution of their Visual Art studies on the development of creative and critical thinking skills, a significant factor for the success of all young people embarking on life, work and experiences beyond their school years.

Dr Reynolds also judged our Highly Commended Awards and the Dr Elaine Katte Award for 2023.

Highly Commended Awards recognise artworks for their creative and skillful resolution. Students received a gift certificate and prize pack of art materials, kindly donated by Oxlades and School Art Supplies.

Congratulations to the following recipients:

Tiarni A (12F)
Ellie R (12G)
Jemima T (12D)
Anastasia K (12C)
Kate B (12M)

The Dr Elaine Katte Art Award recognises a Year 12 student for their work in Senior Visual Art.

Congratulations to the 2023 recipient Sumi P (12O).

A highly dedicated and meticulous Visual Art student, Sumi is very a deserving winner of this award. Sumi receives $600, which is generously donated by Dr Elaine Katte – a past-student and long-standing supporter of the Arts in Brisbane as a collector, and through her philanthropy. The Dr Elaine Katte Art Award is a prestigious award and, while the recipient was announced at the exhibition opening, the award and prize money will be officially presented at our up-coming awards night in October. We sincerely thank Dr Katte for her ongoing support of this award and recognise her generosity.

Congratulations to all of the Year 12 Visual Art students for a highly successful exhibition.

Ms Kylie Dell
Head of Department - Visual Art

Water Polo

Last week, we kicked off the Water Polo season with our first skills and development session of the season. It was great to see so many familiar faces attend, and even more exciting to see lots of new students trying out the sport. Water Polo trials will be held next week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the usual training sessions. There will be an additional trial on Saturday 9 September. Please check Somerlink for more information on the Water Polo season and trials.

Netball

Round 7 is done and dusted for our QGSSSA Netball players, leaving only 2 games let for the season! It was a great weekend at the courts with lots of close competitive games played.

Congratulations goes out to all of our players of the match and to our 10As who brough home the win in a stellar final half.

Swimming - 2023 School Sports Australia Swimming Championships

Congratulations to Olivia H (10F), Eloise Mc (8C) and Sophia D (11D) on their results representing Queensland at the recent 2023 School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Sydney.

Eloise Mc (8C)
🥈- 13/14 yrs 200 IM
🥉- 13/14 yrs 400 IM

Olivia H (10F)
🥇- 15 yrs 50 Butterfly (Australian Record)
🥈- 15 yrs 100 Butterfly
🥇- 15/16 yrs Medley Relay
🥇- 15/16 yrs Mixed Medley Relay
🥉- 15/16 yrs Freestyle Relay

Sophia D (11D)
4th - 17 yrs 200 Butterfly

Well done on behalf of the entire Somerville House Community!

Volleyball

Saturday's fixture against Brisbane Girls Grammar School was another fantastic contest!

All teams performed well, showing great teamwork and Somerville spirit. The highlight of the round was the support our year 7As displayed, with all players staying behind to watch and cheer on our 7B girls during the last set! That’s what it’s all about!

Well done girls!

Cross Country

Over the weekend, Somerville House had three athletes competing at the 2023 Australian Schools Cross Country championships in Stromlo Forest, ACT. Congratulations to Miranda B (7C), Jemma W (10F) and Emma F (8F) for their efforts. A special congratulations to Emma for finishing second in her race!

Well done students!

Rowing

Somerville House rowers competed in the 33rd Head of the River at QSRC Wyaralong on Saturday 26 August. The weather was superb, perfect for racing and the tent titans made the competitor space a palace for the girls for the day.

The day started with early success in the Year 11 and Year 12 single sculls for Lila M (11G) and Lillian S (12D) both receiving 3rd place, followed soon after with a podium finish for the Year 8 Div 1 crew, coming in 3rd.

The Year 9 crews raced well and placed 3rd in their age group, along with a 3rd to Div 5 crew and 2nd place to both Div 3 and Div 1. It was great to boat three senior eights this season and the First 8 crew performed beautifully, placing 4th in the hotly contested final race that saw All Hallows' take the title for the first time in 23 years.

We are proud of our overall 4th place in the aggregate cup and 3rd in the percentage cup this year. The great day of racing was followed by a fabulous end of season dinner celebration in the Honour Room for 268 people. The rowers who presented, spoke with great emotion and gratitude and there were many tears of joy and exhaustion.

Another big season of rowing has come to an end, and we look forward to some sleep ins and weekends off.

Mr Andrew McCabe
Director of Sport

MusicFest Competition!

On the 26-27 August, over 200 Somerville House musicians represented the School in the BMS MusicFest competition! Somerville House proudly hosted this event for the second year, with more than twenty other schools participating in the weekend’s events, covering Choirs, Concert Bands, Symphony Orchestras and String Orchestras. Congratulations to our Somerville House musicians who committed to this event, demonstrating diligence, resilience, perseverance, and wonderful collegiality in undertaking such a demanding musical endeavor at MusicFest. Well done students!

Somerville Strings – A Grade Strings – Platinum Award
Amadeus Strings – B Grade Strings – Silver Award
Stradivari Strings – C Grade Strings – Gold Award
Cantamus Choir – Secondary Choir – Silver Award
Cantrice Choir – Secondary Choir – Gold Award
Symphonic Band – A Grade Concert Band – Bronze Award
Harker Concert Band – B Grade Concert Band – Gold Award
Goodwin Concert Band – C Grade Concert Band – Bronze Award

Mr Will Eager
Director of Co-Curricular Music

Choirs News

What a busy week it has been for choirs!

We welcomed the fabulous Jenny Moon to be our Conductor in Residence working with almost every group in the choral department. She commented often how she loved working with each group and how excellent the overall musicality and musicianship of the groups was. Well done to all!

We rounded the week off with MusicFest 2023 for Cantrice and Cantamus. For Cantamus, it was their first competition this year and they sang so well with the adjudicator commenting on their fresh and free sound. They were awarded with a Silver.

For our year 12s, it was their last official performance as a member of Cantrice, our auditioned senior choir. They performed very well and were awarded Gold! The adjudicator made a special mention of the musicality and musicianship of the group and commended them for the difficulty of repertoire performed.

Well done to all involved!

Mr Shannon Leonard
Director of Choral

Have you ever thought about the benefits of hosting a French exchange student, including the opportunity to practise your French language skills and learn about French culture first-hand? Are you ready to create lifelong memories and experiences for your family by hosting a French exchange student?

Somerville House has been offered the wonderful opportunity to host students from a school in New Caledonia for eleven days in October/November this year.

Collège Jean Mariotti is a coeducational Middle School in French-speaking Noumea, New Caledonia. Somerville House welcomed a group of students and their teachers for one day in 2022, and the visit was so successful that they are coming back this year for eleven days from Wednesday 25 October to Sunday 5 November.

The group of 19 students (boys and girls, but almost certainly mostly girls) will be aged from 14 to 15, so during the school day they will be paired with our Year 9 French students, attending classes with them on most of those days. If you agree to host a student, you would need to provide them with their own room, all meals, transport to and from school, and basically involve them in your family activities. Any family members aged 18 or over would also be required to obtain a compulsory Blue Card.

Hosting an exchange student can be an incredible experience for both the host family and the student. It is a unique opportunity for your daughter to immerse herself in French language and culture. Not only could she improve her French language skills through daily interactions, but she could also develop a deeper understanding of New Caledonia, a part of France located only two hours from Brisbane. Over the years, I have seen long-term friendships develop from such interactions.

If you are interested in hosting an exchange student, please contact the Head of Department - Languages here. Registration is open to parents of students in any year level.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Ms Debbie Haupt
Acting Head of Department - Languages