Speech Night reflection and staffing updates
Term 4 Celebrations
All sorts of celebrations are held at this time of year. Last Thursday evening we held our annual Speech Night, where we were able to give recognition to our recipients of Academic Excellence, Special Awards and Subject Awards. We were delighted to have Old Girl Ms Melissa Downes (Alumna 1988) join us as the recipient of the Principal’s Award for Excellence. We thank Melissa for presenting the Old Girls’ Association awards to the Year 12 recipients.
Thank you to everyone who participated, and those who helped make it a successful evening, and especially to the students who performed in Somerville Strings, Symphonic Band and Combined Choir. I acknowledge the work of the students, ably led by the conductors (Mr Will Eager, Miss Georgia Davey, Ms Loreta Fin, Mr Shannon Leonard, Mrs Katie Gold, and Dr Debra Shearer-Dirie) of these talented music groups, for their contribution to the evening. Mr Christian Gante is also acknowledged for his fine work as organist at QPAC.
We now look forward to the Celebration of Sport Evening in VPAC at 5.30pm today, with the Junior School Awards Celebration occurring on Tuesday 17 November and the Year 7 to 11 Awards Celebration to be held on Thursday 3 December. At these special prize-giving ceremonies, certificates will be presented for Academic, Citizenship and Special Awards.
Pedestrian and Child Safety
The Brisbane City Council has communicated with my office to advise that Council Officers will continue to attend our campus surrounds to promote safe parking and ensure that motorists are complying with local traffic conditions. Parents and carers are reminded to keep to the speed limit and be mindful of the traffic and parking regulations. Parking spaces during pick up and set down times are at a premium and subsequently, competition for these spaces can lead to poor driver behaviour and potentially dangerous parking practices. Parking fines may be issued by Council Officers, in cases where illegal parking is observed. Thank you for working with the School on the matter of pedestrian and child safety.
Staffing Updates
In 2021, Mrs Alana Murray, currently Head of Year 7, will enjoy long service leave in Semester 1. During this time, Ms Georgia Davey, will take on responsibilities for Acting Head of Year 8, during Mrs Murray’s absence.
Towards the end of last term, I advised parents that Mr Tom Clarke, Head of Social Science, will leave Somerville House at the end of year, after fifteen years of service to the School. Mrs Melissa Alexander will join us as Head of Department from the beginning of Term 1, 2021. Mrs Alexander is currently Head of House – Pastoral Care and teaching Modern History, Psychology and Middle Years Social Science at St John’s Anglican College.
Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal