Connections - Somerville House

ConnectionsVOL 9NO. 1Semester 12011C O N N E C T I N G T H E S O M E R V I L L E H O U S E C O M M U N I T YNew Principal Arrives at SomervilleSomerville House Welcomes Mrs Florence Kearney as we Farewell Dr Ness Goodwin

Events CalendarSemester 1. 2011Below is a list of some of the key events in Semester 1. Please checkyour School Calendar & Business Directory for other key dates.Apr Event Location TimeSun 10Boarders’ Support GroupMeetingFewings 2.30pm -5.00pmMon 11 START OF TERM 2Thu 14 Special OGA General Meeting Old Town Hall 7.00pmSat 162011 Somerville HouseWinter Wonderland BallGrand Ballroom,BCEC7.00pm -11.00pmTues 19 P&F General Meeting Fewings 7.30pm2011 Interhouse Cross Country QSAC, Nathan TBAWed 20 Foundation Board ofManagement MeetingChamber Room, OTH 7.30pm -9.30pmFri 22GOOD FRIDAYSat 23EASTER SATURDAYSomerville HouseGolf DayWHEN: Wednesday 8 June 2011TIME:WHERE:9:00amBrookwater Golf andCountry ClubSee Registration Form on enclosed addresssheet or www.somerville.qld.edu.au for details.Sun 24EASTER SUNDAYMon 25Tue 26Wed 27Junior School Support GroupMeetingBasketball Support GroupMeetingEASTER MONDAY HOLIDAYANZAC DAY HOLIDAYFewings 1.30pm -3.00pmAquatic CentreClassroom, MESAC5.00pm -6.00pmThu 28 Kaleidoscope 1 Concert VPAC 6.30pm -8.30pmMay Event Location TimeWed 4 Netball Support Group Meeting SDNA, Salisbury 4.30pmThu 5Sun 8QGSSSA Artistic GymnasticsCompetitionMiddle School Family ChapelService and Morning TeaMoreton Bay College 8.00am -3.00pmMOTHERS DAYChapel and UndercoverMall10.30am11.30amTue 10 Rowing Support Group Meeting Water Sports Centre 7.00pm -9.00pmWed 11 NAPLAN Testing - Yrs 3, 5, 7, 9 TBA 9.00ama landmark in girls’ educationWith 38 years experience,our focus is on excellent quality andproviding professional and individual service.Thu12 -14OGA General Meeting Chamber Room, OTH 7.00pmSomerville House/Churchie Harker AuditoriumMusical - Beauty and theBeast 12, 13 & 14 May, 2011Optional change to Winter Uniform7.00pmMon 16Fri 27 Old Girls’ Meet the Principal Chamber Room, OTH 6.00pmSat 28 QGSSSA Cross-Country Limestone Park 9.00am-12.30pmJune Event Location TimeWed 1 Netball Support Group Meeting Southern District 4.30pmNetball AssociationTue 7 Rowing Support Group Meeting Water Sports Centre 7.00pm -9.00pmThu 9 Kaleidoscope 2 Concert VPAC 5.00pm -6.30pmTue 14 P&F Annual General Meeting Fewings 7.30pmWed 8 Somerville House Golf Day Brookwater Golf and 9.00amCountry ClubMon 13QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAYFri 17 END OF TERM 2Date ClamierSomerville HouseHonour in Sport DinnerSaturday 13 August 20117.00pm-11.00pmGrand Ballroom, BCECSee www.somerville.qld.edu.au to purchase yourtickets to our sporting event of the year.For further information on sponsorship opportuntiesfor our 2011 Honour in Sport Dinner, phone3248 9272 or email dev-office@somerville.qld.edu.au.Shop 16 Brisbane Arcade . 160 Queen Street Brisbane Q 4000T . 07 3221 3242 . F . 07 3221 2559 . E . admin@stonesdiamonds.comwww.stonesdiamonds.comWhen did you lasthave your child’s feetand legs assessed?-Sherwood & Moorooka-Childrens Podiatryand Footwear Specialists0-18 yearswww.littlebigfeet.com.au2 | Connections 2011

In PrincipalI would like to take this opportunity tothank the Somerville House communityfor having made me feel so welcomein my first three months at SomervilleHouse. It is an honour and a privilegeto accept my commission as theeleventh Principal of this great school.In this edition of Connections, wefarewell Dr Ness Goodwin who, throughher vision, has begun work on the earlystages of a Master Plan to maintainSomerville’s position as a Landmarkin Girls’ Education. I look forward tocontinuing this work by exploring newopportunities to provide the very bestlearning environment for our students.I thank Dr Goodwin for her vision intaking on such ambitious projects asour Junior School and Boarding Houseopened last year. We also look forwardto the opening of our new School Clinicand Junior School Library, along with ourStage 2 projects which will provide a hostof sporting and leisure spaces, some timenext term.Isaac Newton’s famous quote, If I haveseen further, it is by standing on theshoulders of Giants, reminds us that wecan build on the success of those whohave gone before. It is with this in mind,that I commence my Principalship atSomerville House.There is a time for everything, and aseason for every activity under heaven.(Ecclesiastes 3:1)New leadership creates new opportunities- new opportunities to further the successof all that has been achieved before; newopportunities to plant, to build, to laugh,to gather, to search, to embrace - newopportunities to look to new horizons forthe School and to write the next chapterin its history.A glance through the pages of this editionof Connections and In Touch show howblessed we are as a school communitywith the wealth of talent, not onlyamongst our current students from ourmedal-winning Mathematics performancethrough to the work on display at lastyear’s Insight 8 Art Exhibition, but alsothrough our Old Girls.I look forward to the many opportunitiesthat lie ahead to meet current and pastSomerville House families as we continueto write the history of Somerville House.F A KearneyPrincipalSee Europe as you have never seen it before this September...Parents, Friends, Old Girls and Families are invited to participate in a wonderful tour with a difference travelling and exploringthe back roads of Europe in: Paris, N.E. France and Belgium (Flanders), Provence, Riviera, Corsica, Sardinia and Rome.Two options are available for this trip of a lifetime to suit your availability:OPTION ONE - FULL TOURParticipants can travel on the complete tour which includes all the above destinations and can include a stopover in Dubai.This tour – with optional Dubai section - departs Brisbane on 01 September concluding in Rome on 28 September. Participantsalso have the option of meeting Isabel in Paris on 04 September for the month’s tour.OPTION TWO - BASED AROUND SEPTEMBER SCHOOL HOLIDAYSInterested Somerville House families who can only travel during the school holidays or those who only have a two week break,can meet up with Isabel and the tour group on 17 September for the remainder of the tour to Nice, Corsica, Sardinia andRome.Isabel Bauer is an Old Girl of Somerville House, Past President of the OGA, ex-teacher, with qualifications in Music and MedievalStudies. She loves to travel and has been researching and conducting tours for seventeen years with over forty trips to Europe.Isabel Bauer Tours are very personal with highlights of dinner at the Eiffel Tower, tours of Flanders and Dunkirk areas conductedby war historians, Brussels, Aachen, trains through French countryside to Provence, small villages, Camargue (Rhone RiverDelta), different places on Cote D’Azur, ferry to Corsica with seven days of stunning scenery, ferry to Sardinia visiting nationalparks, coastal towns, prehistoric sites and finally Rome.To book your ticket on the trip of a lifetime or for further information on this fabulous tour, contact Isabel on 3366 0106 or viaemail on idbauer@bigpond.net.au; or call Andrew Georgeiou at Atlas Travel on 0407 034 488.We hope you will join us on tour.4 | Connections 2011

Farewell Dr G!Good afternoon staff and students. Welcome tothis special picnic in celebration of Dr Goodwin’stime and achievements at Somerville House.Teachers and girls have put on this picnic todayto thank Dr Goodwin for seven years of dedicatedservice to this School. Girls, most of you probablyaren’t aware of just how much time and effort hasgone into leading the School over these years,and how lucky we have been to have someone ascommitted and fabulous as Dr Goodwin. Girls, youare incredibly fortunate to have attended a schoolwhere we have such an inspirational role modelto look up to and learn from. So, to someone whohas so willingly put everything into making thisSchool such a vibrant and happy place to come toschool every day, this picnic is the students’ andteachers’ way of letting you know how thankful weare for everything you have done and how muchwe appreciate you.Thank you Dr Goodwin.Editor’s Note:The speech above was a heartfelt speech fromour 2010 School Captain and Vice-Captainsat our Surprise Farewell Picnic last Octoberwhen the students of Somerville House gotto say Farewell to Dr G. This was the firstof many occasions throughout Semester 2when the tears flowed from students, staffand Dr Goodwin alike as she prepared forher retirement. However, retirement willbe shortlived, with Dr Goodwin taking upa position as the Executive Director of theAnglican Schools Commission in mid-March. Italways was difficult to keep Dr Goodwin down.6 | Connections 2011

VMP_PrintAd_CMYK_2010.pdf 1 25/11/2010 10:49:45 AMCMYCMMYCYCMYK1800 736 682(1800 REMOVALS)www.mylocalmover.com.auConnections 2011 | 7

Famous Old Girl unvOn Monday 29 November Dr Rhyl Hinwoodunveiled her new sculpture The Tree Of Lifelocated in the garden area beside the tuckshop.The sculpture depicts a beautiful tree emergingfrom a giant seed, unfurling with the star-shapedleaves of the Queensland bottle tree.Dr Hinwood gave a speech at the unveiling,explaining how the sculpture represents SomervilleHouse, its students and its values.“I returned to Cumbooquepa, the Place of Springsfor my inspiration and proposed a Tree of Life,” DrHinwood said.Like much of Wright’s poetry, the major theme for the The Tree of Lifesculpture is the connection between women and nature. “The tree’s...generative, regenerative, protective and nurturing aspects reflect thefeminine principles,” Dr Hinwood said.The moon depicted in the sculpture is also symbolic of femininity, inspiredby Plato’s writings on the connection between women’s physiology and thelunar cycle. Like the life of the tree, the waxing and waning of the moonrepresents the feminine principles of regeneration and rebirth.The bird that darts from the foliage is symbolic of the soul, the loftiness ofspirit and is a messenger of hope and joy.“I wanted to create something which might takeyour breath away, something beautiful, somethingmeaningful.Dr Hinwood also drew much of her inspirationfor the work from the writings of the famousAustralian poet Judith Wright.The seed is the origin of the great Tree of theWorld and symbolic of future potential and thusthe justification for hope.In the words of the poet Judith Wright:So deeply goes its rootinto the world’s womb,so high rises its stemit leaves for death no room.The roots lock into the mountain and are fedfrom the springs which brought inspiration andimagination to man in classical times.The arrangement of branches within the topcircle outline a star-shaped void which arose bychance during the design development phase ofproduction of the artwork.Again in the words of Judith Wright:Standing here in the nightwe are turned to a great tree,every leaf a star,its roots eternity.The star-shaped leaves of this tree are derivedfrom the Queensland Bottle Tree, (BrachychitonAustralis) and the branches are filled with fruitsin the shape of the five Platonic solids whichtraditionally symbolise the earth elements. Thesesymbolic geometric forms also traditionallyrepresent knowledge, from which all wisdomflows; two of the qualities represented on ourschool badge.8 | Connections 2011

eils a new sculptureThe Tree of Life is Dr Hinwood’s fourth artwork for theSchool. She is also the artist of the famous Hazel GrayMemorial currently in the VPAC Foyer, depicting a frogplaying a violin; and a commemorative tablet outsidethe School Chapel honouring teachers Miss Morgan, MissGeorge and Miss Wilson. In 2002 Dr Hinwood created thePlace of Springs relief to celebrate the Centenary of the OldGirls’ Association. This work is located on the façade of theValmai Pidgeon Performing Arts Complex.Since finishing as a student at Somerville House in 1957,Dr Rhyl Hinwood has become one of Brisbane’s bestknown artists. Some of her more famous works includemultiple sandstone carvings and grotesques for theUniversity of Queensland St Lucia campus and a carvingof the Australian Coat of Arms which presides above theSpeaker’s Chair of the House of Representatives Chamberin Parliament House in Canberra.Level 1, 161 Boundary StreetWest End QLD 4101P: (07) 3004 6666W:www.PulseTravel.com.auE: Leisure@PulseTravel.com.auservicing corporate travellers for over 22 yearsspecialised school group & conference travelexperienced leisure & cruise travel consultantsjoin our email newsletter for great specialsredeem your American Express Membership ofRewards points with usDr Hinwood’s sculpture also carries an important message aboutrespecting and caring for nature. “When we understand andappreciate our natural environment with its great diversity andbeauty... we learn to love it, and when we love it only then willwe want to protect it,” Dr Hinwood said.“So it is with our School. As years go by more and more we cometo realise what a great opportunity we were given to becomea member of the Somerville House community and I thank myparents for their gift to me,” she said.The unveiling of the sculpture was attended by alumni, staff,PMSA and School Council representatives, as well as by JuniorSchool and Year Ten Art students.School Chaplain, Chris O’Gorman offered a prayer of blessing atthe unveiling and spoke about how the sculpture represented thelife and energy of the students. Chairman of the Somerville HouseSchool Council, Mr Robert McCall and Vice-Captain of 2011, EmilyWilson also gave speeches in honour of the occasion.Connections 2011 | 9

Introducing Your2011School ExecutiveSomerville House is proud to announce the SchoolExecutive for 2011.School CaptainLaura HealyVice-CaptainsHannah NeepEmily WilsonMiddle School Co-CaptainsRebecca ApelElla BottomleyJunior School Co-CaptainsCailin HillBrooke TranBoarder Co-CaptainsIsabella GabrielliAya HaruyamaHouse Captains:ChisholmDurackFranklinGilmoreMacarthurOsburnBonnie Bell-AllenDominique PrinceIsabella AndersonRaquel MaggacisOlivia BlondeauSarah KennedySarah BellchambersIsabella VecchioGrace GrahamEmma MactaggartNicole AtkinsonGeorgia BennettMaeve Rees-Murphy, Emma Simpson, Kate Yaxley, Mrs Arna Bennettand Abbie Kanagarajah congratulate Junior School 2011 Co-CaptainsBrooke Tran and Cailin Hill.Prefects:Sidney AnningBronte AnthonyChloe BennettEmily CoxJocelyne DesoeHannah FasSophie FlemingParis HoeyChristie LeungHonor MagonVidya MakanAnnaGrace MartinCaitlin McKennaIsabella MoylandKirby PhillipsRachael PlutaNikitha VenkatachalamWinnie YumRebecca Apel and Ella Bottomley (Middle School Co-Captains).10 | Connections 2011

From your 2011 School CaptainFrom the deepest of my heart;thankyou. It is beyond mywildest dreams to be up hereaccepting the position of SchoolCaptain for 2011. Thank youto all in this auditorium whoshowed belief in me for it wasyou who shaped my new-foundbelief in myself. Belief to standtall, to be myself and to leadwith confidence through 2011.In particular I would like tothank Mrs McCracken for hercontinuous wise words overwhat has been such a toughfew weeks for me; also to DrGoodwin, Dr Priest and manystaff members for their pleasantfaces and encouraging wordsover this time.May I extend congratulationsto both Hannah and Emily fortheir well-deserved captaincyroles and also to Vidya, Emmaand Jocey for making it as faras they did. You should all beextremely proud of yourselves justas I am of you.Our job is to continue the fantasticefforts of Annabelle, Meg, Graceand the Class of 2010 in leadingthe School by demonstratingboth honour and respect; honourfor our uniforms as they are theone thing that represent us asSomerville House girls; honour touphold the School’s motto, Honourbefore Honours, by attemptingto live selfless lives; respect foreach individual no matter of ageor interests, and respect for theSchool’s rules.My vision for 2011 is to enhancethe unity of the School by reachingout to the perceived ‘minority’of girls and to shape in them thegreatest possible love and honourfor being a girl in green. I aimto create activities further unitingboth the boarding and dayschools as well as encouragingfriends of all ages. I wouldlove to create a sanctuary, asecond home for all. This canonly be done by listening;listening to the thoughts of thestudent body and the possibleareas of improvement. For it isthese thoughts which will makeSomerville House a loving home.We will strive to uphold theSchool Creed creating a room fullof contentment and love; love forone another, love of humankind,love of life itself and love of God.In 2011 we will remember thatas many hands build a house, somany hearts make a school.Laura Healy2011 School CaptainHannah Neep, Emily Wilson, Mrs Florence Kearney, Laura Healy, Aya Haruyama and Isabella Gabrielli.Connections 2011 | 11

Construction Update -Stages 2 & 3 Well UnderwayDespite the wet weather over Christmas and the New Year, Stages2 and 3 of the School’s Master Plan are close to completion.Stage 2 features six projects to enhance the sporting and leisurespaces across the School including:• Two new Tennis Courts• A new Multi-Purpose Court• A new Junior School Playground• An Arbour to provide shaded seating for students• A 60% expansion to our existing Oval• New Middle School Eating Area and PlaygroundThe covers come off to reveal the facade of our new School Clinicand Junior School Library building.Stage 2 also includes the relocation of our maintenance areato house a new Maintenance Shed beside our Student SetDown Loop at the top of Graham Street. The relocation of ourmaintenance facilities not only provides a new home for ourmaintenance staff, but also takes this facility away from the heartof the School to allow for the refurbishment of our Middle SchoolPrecinct which is the next project to commence.While forging forward with Stage 2, the School has simultaneouslybeen working on Stage 3 - our new School Clinic and JuniorSchool Library. These two new facilities are housed inone building which in part has been funded by the FederalGovernment’s Building Education Revolution (BER) Grant.Somerville House took the opportunity to build the Library toaccess the $3 million in BER funding, but will need to cover thecost of future proofing the building and adding the new purposebuiltSchool Clinic.The School’s upcoming Capital Campaign will seek to fund theseprojects as well as a number of our additional projects in theplanning pipeline in our Middle and Senior Schools.A platform has been built out to make room for our two new TennisCourts with steps leading up from our Student Set Down Loop.From moving entirehouseholds, to baggageand small shipments, weoffer door-to-door service tohundreds of internationaldestinations through ourstrong network of globalpartners.3890 6800www.oceansky.com.aumovers@oceansky.com.au12 | Connections 2011

Somerville House CommemoratesPMSA’s Founding ChurchesLast year Somerville House unveiled two new glass mosaicsat the front entrance of the School Chapel depicting theUniting and Presbyterian Church logos.The mosaics were a joint initiative between SchoolChaplain, Chris O’Gorman, and Art teacher, Trish Honeywell.Mrs Honeywell said that she was approached by MsO’Gorman to create the artwork as there was a concernthat students did not properly understand the School’srelationship with the two denominations.Somerville House has been run and owned by thePresbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA),a joint mission between the Uniting and PresbyterianChurches, since 1918 (after originally being founded byEliza Fewings in 1899).The PMSA organised the School’s relocation to its currentsite in 1920 and has since overseen its expansion intoone of the most prestigious and high-achieving schools inBrisbane.“Although, of course, the School is accepting of everyone,we wanted to highlight the link between Somerville Houseand the Uniting and Presbyterian churches,” Ms O’Gormansaid.The mosaics were commemorated at a special SchoolChapel Service led by Ms O’Gorman, where she explainedthe symbolism of the churches’ logos to the schoolcommunity.The logo of the Uniting Church depicts an image of a redand white dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, against thebackground of the cross of Jesus above a U, representingthe United Church.The Presbyterian logo depicts the cross against thebackground of the Southern Cross. Executive manager ofthe PMSA, Michael Willis, said the PMSA was delighted tohear about the installation of the mosaics.“Somerville House, as a PMSA school, reflects the beliefsand traditions of our two sponsoring Churches,” Mr Willissaid.“These symbols of our Christian heritage will serve toremind future generations of Somerville students about theSchool’s history and its Christian mission and identity,” hesaid.Picture Momentsphotos evolution719 Stanley Street, WoolloongabbaPhone 07 3392 1722.com.auTake your daughter to the snow in 2011If you’re looking for an experience in the snow, then The Lodge is the place for you. Great location,delectable cuisine, an affordable wine cellar, caring staff and an intimate atmosphere produceresponses from our guests like: ‘exceeded all expectations, awesome, top quality, treated us likefamily and best lodge experience I’ve had’.Your special ski packagefrom $1115 per adult, $1015 per child (15-17 yrs), $865 per child (7-14 yrs)11-16 September or 25 September weekfrom $1490 per adult, $1240 per child (15-17 yrs), $1055 per child (7-14 yrs)26 June Week QLD SCHOOL HOLIDAYSValid for 1 adult and 1 child (7-14 yrs) per roomPackage price can be altered for different sized families - call the team for a quote today!Includes:5 Nights Accommodation (Sun-Fri) in a Resort View twin roomBreakfast &(normally Dinner Daily$290)5 Days Skiing at Perisher - Australia’s Largest Ski ResortBeginner Lessons DailyAdd: 5 Day Ski Hire & Clothing hire from $150 per adult, $115 per childAt Snowscene, we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service andfirsthand experience to create memorable snow holidays for our valued travellers.Emily Warbrick - Snow SpecialistOne photosession and 3photos (8”x12”ea) for only $190for all SomervilleHouse familiesFor enquiries or bookingsringHow3420to get6105there?or emailinfo@picturemoments.com.auDrive Brisbane to the NSW ski fields is a 16 hour drive. Snowscene tip: Drive via Dubbo Zoo, Sydney orCanberra and check out our capital city. Ask a Snow Specialist to tailor make an itinerary for you!!Fly Snowscene can organise cool airfares ex Brisbane to Canberra and connect you to Perisher with theSnowscene Express. Take the hassle out of planning your next holiday and let the Snow Specialists do it for you!Snowscene is your one stop travel shop for snow destinations.With Snowscene, you can ski Australia, NZ, Canada, Japan, USA & Europe.26 years experience in the snow industry – book with the expertsSpecialising in Group Travel – school and special interest groupsValue for money, all inclusive packagesTrusted Quality ServiceEmail us today at snowinfo@snowscene.com.au or call us on 07 3392 1722or drop into our office at 719 Stanley Street Woolloongabba.Supporting our local community!.com.auCALL THE SNOWBOARD & SKI TOUR SPECIALISTS TO GET THE PACKAGE YOU NEED!All Somerville House Parents and Old Girlsare invited to celebrate together at theWinter Wonderland2011 Gala BallSaturday 16 April 20117.30pmPlaza BallroomBrisbane Convention andExhibition CentreRSVP via enclosed flier or by emailingball@somerville.qld.edu.au by 8 April 2011Connections 2011 | 13

Dr Goodwin, Stephanie Hicks and Dr KatteInSight into Somerville House ArtOn the evening of Friday 22 October 2010, the Somerville House community enjoyed the openingof Insight 8, the School’s biennial Art Exhibition which showcased outstanding pieces of work bystudents from Prep to Year 12.Insight exhibitions provide a verypublic event for students to exhibittheir artwork, and also provide anopportunity for the wider schoolcommunity to enjoy, marvel andcelebrate the creative talents of ourstudents. In 2010 the exhibitionpresented over 800 artworks,including drawings, paintings, prints,photographic arts, textiles, ceramicsand sculptures by young people fromthe age of four through to seventeenyears of age.Year 12 student and budding artist,Stephanie Hicks was the winner of theinaugural Dr Elaine Katte Art Awardwhich recognises an outstandingartwork by a student in the SeniorSchool. Stephanie’s ink drawing offlowers was judged by Mr Philip BaconAM, an avid and leading supporter ofthe Arts in Australia. The award wasnamed after Dr Katte, an Old Girl witha lifelong interest in Art, who alsoattended the Opening of Insight 8,and we are grateful for her generoussupport of Art at Somerville House.Several highly commended awardswere also awarded to the followingstudents: Caisey Chan (Year 2), CharlieKeirnan (Year 4), Justine Ohlrich (Year6), Sheema Sanand (Year 9), RachelleSeizovic (Year 10), Isabella Gabrielli(Year 11) and Elise Young (Year 12).This event would not be possiblewithout the support of major sponsors:Angelo Andronis Designer Jewellery,the Wilson Family who donated theirBarambah Wines for the opening,Folio Books and Oxlades Art Supplies.The beautiful neck piece created forInSight 8 by Brisbane jeweller, AngeloAndronis, was won by Martin Giles,father of Willow in Year 4.A sincere final thank you is extended tothe Somerville House Art staff, Mr JohnHoneywill, Mrs Trish Honeywill, MrsPhilippa Comino and Mr Peter Whittred,as well as the many parents whohelped on the night, 2010 Art ConvenorKatie Ford and Art Prefect, KathrynBruce; for their commitment andenthusiasm in presenting this exhibitionto the Somerville House community.Our best wishes and congratulationsare also extended to all students whoshowcased their art talents, especiallyto our departing Year 12 Art studentswho are preparing to embark on a lifelonglove or even career in Art.14 | Connections 2011

Connections 2011 | 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Rowing 2010Last year (2010) was a special one in the annals of SomervilleRowing: the girls won the Aggregate Cup (awarded to theschool with the best overall performance) so far ahead of theirnearest rivals that they were over the horizon; the Schoolcelebrated ‘Twenty-Five Years on the Water’ with a party at ‘TheShed’ - formally known as the Water Sports Centre - at the endof October; and the Corporate Rowing Program successfullycompleted another year of fun and fund-raising.The special event on 30 October to honour our past and presentrowers and their families attracted nearly 200 attendees whowere treated to wonderful food, great music and a movingspeech from Mrs Barbara Buchanan who was the original teacherappointed to look after the early rowers. Barbara was a drama,not sports teacher - but clearly multi-talented!The ‘Pioneers’ - the rowers of 1985 - were there, rowers fromevery year since were there, and the parents of past and presentrowers were there. Money was raised as well!One of the greatest strengths of the Somerville Rowing Programis the commitment that former schoolgirl rowers give byreturning to coach - many for a number of years. The RowingSupport Group comprises the most enthusiastic collection ofmums and dads there could be, and the Director of Rowing hasjust completed three very dedicated and successful years at theSchool.This year promises to build on the successes of our first 25 yearsand we all look forward to the beginning of the rowing year andfund-raising.16 | Connections 2011

Somerville Spirit Enlists New Members to our Very Own ‘Mud Army’They say Rowing is the ultimate team sport and never has this team spirit been more evident at our Water Sports Centre(better known as our Rowing Shed) than mid-January when an army of volunteers turned out in force to tackle the mud thathad engulfed everything from our pontoon to three quarters of the way up the wall of the upper level of our Rowing Shed.A day before the mud arrived, members of the rowing community were busy saving everything they could with boats beingtransported to high ground - what couldn’t be taken out by trailer, was tied to the roof of the Rowing Shed where it stayed highand dry at the peak of the flood.Apart from the inspirational efforts of our rowing community to clean up ‘The Shed’, non-rowing families and even non-Somerville families donned the gumboots and took up a hose, broom or anything they could find to restore our Water SportsCentre to the first-class facility it was before the January 2011 floods.'Architects of our new JuniorSchool and Boarding House'Peter Bickerton Ph: (07) 3257 3622 www.bmarch.com.auBICKERTON MASTERS ARCHITECTURECOMMUNITY MINDED. PEOPLE FOCUSED.Connections 2011 | 17

Mrs Kearney Steps Out at WelcomeThe Somerville House community returned to school this yearwith a sense of anticipation with a host of ‘Welcome Back’events, including a Cocktail Party for parents of boarders, ourtraditional First Day Back Morning Tea, and our Welcome toParents Function, all providing an opportunity for our parentcommunity to meet our new Principal, Mrs Florence Kearney.It was clear to see Mrs Kearney’s delight at each of thesefunctions as she had her first opportunity to be welcomed sowarmly into the Somerville House family.“We must preserve those things but also look to the future,” MrsKearney said.“We still want to be that place in five years, ten years andalways, but we must keep our eyes on the horizon to ensure wecontinue to meet the changing needs of our students.“Great organisations, including great educational institutionscontinue to grow and develop with changing needs and moreadvanced teaching/learning strategies and pedagogy.”At the Welcome to Parents function, however, it was Mrs Kearneywho was doing the introductions, bringing members of SchoolCouncil, the School Advisory Council and the School Executiveup on stage to introduce those who have strategic roles in theSchool’s governance and leadership. Mrs Kearney introducedherself, outlining her experience in and philosophy of education,and her expectations of students.In her first official address to the school community, MrsKearney also outlined her vision for the future.“Simply,” she said, “my vision is to keep Somerville House thebest forever.” In looking to the future, Mrs Kearney wants tohold onto the great things that make Somerville what it is today,those being the essence and heart of the School. To capturethe essence of Somerville, Mrs Kearney asked our youngestalumni who had returned a day earlier for Scholars’ Assembly, ifthey could articulate what was special about the School. Theirresponses included words like excellence, success, love of theirschool, pride in their school, warmth, Christian ethos, inclusivity,energy, creativity and inspiration.18 | Connections 2011

Chloe Composed for Online MagazineCongratulations to Chloe Bennett (current Year 12) whose musicalcomposition (below) was included in the December 2010 edition ofSpineOut. Not only did Chloe compose the music and write the lyricsfor Different Kind but she also performed and recorded the song forSpineOut. SpineOut is a new online magazine, published by GoodReading Magazine, which is designed to encourage young adults toread, write and think creatively. It includes book and music reviews,expression pieces, career advice and competitions. We congratulateChloe on her achievement.Inaugural Hazel GrayOGA Bursary AwardedIn celebration of the 2010 Commemoration Day, theOld Girls’ Association (OGA) presented the School withtwo gifts. This year the gifts took a musical focus withtwo sets of marimbas presented for use in the JuniorSchool music program and a bursary being presentedto the Senior School.The Hazel Gray Memorial Bursary of $500 per annumwas introduced to assist a Year 10 boarder to continuewith her Music studies for Year 11 and Year 12.The inaugural recipient of this bursary was Year 10boarder, Xena Serrat. Xena’s instrument of choice is theguitar and she looks forward to fine tuning her musicalskills over the next two years.School Holiday ActivitiesIt’s not like, I’d do anythingDon’t think, thatYou’re the one who’sMaking me singWhy would you think iteven mattered to meIt’s not like I am nothingAnd you’re everythingI’m not the kind of girl whoGets sucked straight inSo how come you make me feelLike I’d rather sink than swimWith your easy smileAnd your lines full of graceAnd it just kills me every dayThat I don’t get to see your face, ohBut what does it matter,What good does it do,To write these silly little love songsAnd waste them on youThis is a different kind of love songI’m drawing the line‘cause I want you for your heart and soulBut you don’t want mineSo where did you get the ideaThat I liked you, was it meStaring from across the roomWhat can I do?We’re from two different planetsOh, inside your little sphereEverything is so damn perfect, onlyPerfect people can get nearTo you, in all your gloryYour sublimity divine,So just go off in your perfect worldAnd I’ll stay here in mine, oh,But what does it matter,What good does it do,To write these silly little love songsAnd waste them on youThis is a different kind of love songI’m drawing the lineBecause I want you for your heartand soulBut you don’t want mineIs it me?What did I do wrong,‘cause I would changeFor us together, you and meWe’d be the best pair there couldever beBut the winnersWrite historyAnd not meOh, but what does it matterWhat’s wrong with my mindTo write these silly little love songsAnd think you’d have the timeThis is a different kind of love songAnd I’ll say that I’m throughBut the sad fact of the matter isThat I can’t stop thinkingAbout your helping hands,Your big brown eyesThe way I feel when youSmile at meAnd me aloneI can pretend you’reAll my own, this is aDifferent kind of love songI’m drawing the lineBecause I want you for your heartand soulBut you don’t want mineSurvivor Camps for 8-13 year oldsFishing in electric powered boats, abseiling, rock climbing,canoeing, archery, open fire cooking and much more!Students form tribes and undertake a series of challenges atMaroon Dam. Bus service also provided.Sports Tuition also conducts ski trips, fishing weekends,corporate team building events and fishing adventuresaround Australia.All details www.sportstuition.com.auor phone 0403 154 510.Connections 2011 | 19

The RemarkableDoctor DThe Reverend Dr Noel Davis has several claims to fame: he isa BBC Old Boy; he married Somerville House Sports Mistress,Mary Morris in 1959; he served as our Chaplain for elevenyears from 1987 to 1997 - and returns when Old Girls ask himto marry them in the Chapel.And! he is an Author. His grandfather Walter Taylor ismemorialised as the builder of the bridge many of usremember as the Indooroopilly Toll Bridge (the toll wasremoved in 1965). Dr Davis has written a book, TheRemarkable Walter Taylor which was launched by HerExcellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC, Governor of Queensland,on 13 February 2011 to commemorate the 75th Anniversaryof the bridge, which was opened on 14 February 1936; atthe time it was the longest span of any suspension bridge inAustralia. The book was launched at the Graceville UnitingChurch Hall which barely held the 300 people who came toshare this momentous occasion. Walter Taylor was builder ofthis Church and Hall, too.Walter Taylor has a connection with Somerville House. Hewas the contractor for the Silver Jubilee Memorial Block. Thisadjoins what was our Library and Art Room. In 1993 thatbecame our Chapel and Dr Davis’s office and classroom movedto the Jubilee Block - and our Chaplain Chris O’Gorman is thepresent occupant.The book costs $25 with $4.50 for postage. It has 120 A4pages and more than 200 wonderful photographs. Send yourcheque to Dr N Davis, Unit 21, Cemetery Road, Raceview4305. Cheques should be made payable to N Davis.Marjorie Shackleton and Kate Bottger20 | Connections 2011

Fathers Take Tri-Nations Taste TestA highlight for male members of the Somerville Housecommunity is our annual Tri-Nations Wine Tasting eveningpresented by the renowned Wine Emporium.In 2010 the evening featured three magnificent Red Winesand three sensational Whites from the Tri-Nations of someof the best wine producers, with a focus on Australia, SouthAfrica and New Zealand. The guided wine tutorial was leadby Tony Harper from the Wine Emporium, who utilisedmodern technology to show the exact location of specificvineyards around the world.While this evening is designed to bring Somerville Housefathers together, a warm invitation was extended to anysignificant male in the life of our students. In 2010 guestswere treated to an evening of fine wine and discussionas they enjoyed exquisite cheese and antipasto plattersorganised by the P&F and supplied by Feast on Fruit.Events such as this provide a wonderful opportunity for malemembers of the Somerville House community, whether theybe fathers, grandfathers, uncles or friends, to come togetherand support their daughters and the School while they learnabout the finer intricacies of various wines.In 2011 we will be adding a number of other events ontothe calendar through a newly formed fathers’ group. Wealso remind our dads about our upcoming Golf Day onWednesday 8 June and our Sports Dinner on 13 August.Middle School Mother Daughter High Tea22 | Connections 2011

Maddy Schmierer and Trevor Schmierer.Grandparents and GodparentsGrace Somerville GroundsSomerville House prides itself on the ability to provide itsstudents with a holistic education. The much anticipatedannual event of Grandparents and Godparents Day is just oneexample of the School’s commitment to this educational goal.Each year Somerville House opens its doors to grandparentsand godparents, or any other significant person, in the livesof our Year 8 students. Guests enjoy a light lunch under theMango Tree and a service and student performance which isfollowed by a guided tour of the School by their special Year 8student.It is always so refreshing and humbling to see our studentsshine in the company of their loved ones, with all inattendance thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to spend theday together.Rachel Bellchambers andBarbara Bellchambers.Our sincere gratitude is extended to all grandparents andgodparents who attended the special day, especially thosewho travelled great distances to share time, stories andmemories with our students.Thank you to all staff who contributed to the preparation andexecution of such a momentous day in the life of our Year 8students and our School.Charlotte Bell, Ralph Mars, MegMars, Maree Mars, Darryl Ellemor.Connections 2011 | 23

Cynthia MakesMaths Grade forThird SuccessiveYearIn November last year, Year 11student Cynthia Wong (now inYear 12), was awarded a medalat the Australian MathematicsCompetition in Sydney forachieving the highest score of allstudents who entered from the40 countries who competed.Cynthia has the distinctionof winning a medal for thethird consecutive year in thecompetition which has beenoperating for 33 years.This is an outstandingachievement and we wishCynthia all the best in makingit four in a row at this year’scompetition.Somerville’s leaders of tomorrowOn Monday 8 November 2010, Somerville House’s future“The day was inspirational. It really challenged the studentsstudent leaders attended the Halogen Foundation’s National and made them think about what they could do to make aYoung Leaders Day held at the Brisbane Convention anddifference in the future,” Mrs McCracken said.Exhibition Centre at South Brisbane.Somerville House also had the opportunity to take part in aThe National Young Leaders Day is one of the largest and most video recording of the day entitled , where students weresignificant young leadership events in Australia, with thousands filmed talking about how they would tackle social issues asof students attending nationwide. This year Somerville students future leaders of the wider community.joined more than 1800 students from 80 different schoolsacross the state at the Brisbane Young Leaders Day.General Manager of the Halogen Foundation, Mike Martinsaid similar recordings were made at National Young LeadersThe fifty Somerville students who attended the day consisted Days across Australia. The Halogen Foundation will combineof the School’s leadership body for 2011, including Senior and segments of these recordings into a single video which theyMiddle School Captains, Vice-Captains and House Captains as hope to release as a series of public service announcements.well as this year’s Senior Boarding House Captains and Prefects.“We’ve been working with students at these events for thirteenAt the conference, students were treated to a day ofyears and we always have high expectations of their conduct...motivational speeches by outstanding young leaders frombut this year we were really surprised by them and by theacross a wide variety of fields. These speakers included Jessica depth of their answers and thoughts,” Mr Martin stated.Watson, the Queensland girl who recently became the youngestperson to sail unassisted around the world, and leadingMr Martin added that the next generation of Australianeducator Steve Francis.leadership is extremely important, as they will be takingpositions of responsibility in a much more complex environment2010 Head of Year 11 Sue McCracken said the studentsthan those previous to them.particularly responded to the speeches of Wyatt Roy and PrivateDamien Thomlinson. Roy was famously elected as the youngest “Fortunately for them, young people are far more aware of themember of the Australian Parliament when he was just twenty ethical considerations of leadership than they are often givenyears old, whilst Private Thomlinson lost both of his legs in an credit for. Our program aims to give them a place and space toexplosion while fighting the Taliban.consider what style of leadership they will adopt in the future,”Mr Martin said.24 | Connections 2011

Somerville Students String Together Platinum TrioDuring October, Somerville Strings, Amadeus Stringsand Year 3 Strings competed in Music Fest 2010. Thiscompetition has been running for over twenty years and isnow the largest school music competition in the SouthernHemisphere.In 2010 Somerville Strings competed against fifteen schoolsand Amadeus Strings competed against twenty-four schoolsin their respective sections, with Amadeus Strings playingagainst the top group from other schools in their section.The Year 3 Strings also competed at Music Fest in thePrimary Novice Section which required students to play inunison despite the majority of players being in their firstyear of learning a string instrument.If a school receives over ninety percent in all sections, theymay be awarded a Platinum Award.In 2010 Somerville House string musicians excelled withboth Somerville Strings and Amadeus Strings being awardedPlatinum honours in their respective sections. Not only is thisan amazing achievement in itself, but both ensembles werethe only groups to receive a Platinum Award in their sections.In addition to their splendid 2010 result, the adjudicatormade reference to Somerville House being the only school toreceive a Platinum Award and commented that our studentsare extremely well disciplined, have beautiful intonation andperformed their entire program of seven pieces from memory.At this competition, Bronze, Silver and Gold honours areawarded, with ensembles judged in nine different categories.Examples of judged categories include presentation,musicianship, tuning, choice of music, rhythmicresponsiveness and precision.To date Somerville has now received ten Platinum awards,won over three years of entering Music Fest. This is a fabulousachievement for our String players. A sincere thank you andcongratulations are also extended to the music staff who haveassisted the students in achieving this remarkable result.Connections 2011 | 25

Choir sings sweetsuccess at BrisbaneEisteddfod2010 was an outstanding year for theSomerville House Choral Program. InAugust both Cantrice (our premier SeniorChoir) and Cantamus (our premier MiddleSchool Choir) entered the BrisbaneEisteddfod. For the fourth time in asmany entries the 2010 Cantrice Choirof 30 strong students, conducted byLinda Brady and accompanied by TimSmetham, took out the Championshipsection of the Brisbane Eisteddford, whichis sponsored by the Brisbane City Council.Cantrice also won the Open A Cappellasection, which required them to singwithout accompaniment, and the OpenSacred Chorus section. Throughout theEisteddfod the choir sang repertoire fromtheir European Tour which they had theprivilege to perform in Notre Dame earlierlast year.Adjudicator, George Hogg, a well knownidentity in the choral scene commentedon Cantrice being a ‘fine example offirst class choral singing’. Mr Hogg is anaccomplished Baritone and has conductedthe Orpheus Chorale since its foundationin 1969.Adding to Somerville’s success at theBrisbane Eisteddfod was the performanceof the 30 voices of the CantamusChoir, who under the direction of LindaBrady and accompanied by CarolynEisenmenger won the Middle SchoolChoral Championship.The opportunity to perform incompetitions such as the BrisbaneEisteddfod provides our talentedstudents with an invaluable opportunityto both showcase and challenge theirmusical talents and experience theenergy associated with high standardcompetition. Continued stimulation fromNational Choral Symposiums like ‘NextGeneration Sings’ hosted by SomervilleHouse in May 2010 and the AustralianCombined Schools Festival held in Sydneyin September 2009 help to acquaint ourstudents with other choirs and choristersin Australia who share their passion anddrive for choral excellence.Commitment to musical integrity, soundvoice teaching and literature createan environment which enables theexcellence we have seen from studentsof our Choral Program in 2010. Wecommend the efforts of our dedicatedand talented students and staff of theMusic Department in helping to developSomerville House as a respected ‘voice’in choral music, and we wish them allthe best as they strive to maintain andimprove on their previous efforts.Dear Mrs Macpherson and the Somerville House Foundation,As I am about to reach my eight-month mark here in Spain I thought I would sendoff a quick hello and update! This year without doubt has been the most eye-opening,crazy, challenging, life changing experience. Everyday someone or something willchange the way I think. Recently I was walking along a beautiful cobbled street inmy small village, with white-washed walls overlooked by balconies overflowing withflowers and red tiled roofs, when I looked up and thought to myself, ‘This is my home’.I have a sanctuary 12000km away from Australia, and when I walk through thesebeautiful streets I feel safe, and I feel at home. Zafra is the perfect sized Spanishvillage. Not so big that there is public transport, but big enough for a cinema, amazingtapas bars on every corner, a sense of community and even room for a small castle!Finding fun things to do everyday is what makes this place so exciting!My host family, The Dublinos, are incredible, inspirational people. To open up theirhome to me, like they have, has given me an amazing opportunity to settle in andadjust. I was fortunate enough, to travel to the amazing city of San Sebastian in thenorth of Spain with my host family for part of the summer holidays, where we lay onthe beautiful beaches, watched nightly fireworks, and indulged in the local cuisine ofpintxos! My two host sisters make me feel so comfortable here that I feel like I amtheir actual sister! We share our secrets and understand each other’s weaknessesand strengths. My host mother, Brigi, is generous of her time to help me in any way.She teaches me Spanish expressions (which trust me, there are a lot of), teachesme how to cook the famous Spanish Tortilla, or if I am sick, nurses me until I amfully recovered! My host father, José, is a quiet man, but together we share a lovefor sports. Sport is something that the girls aren’t very ‘into’ over here, so we sitand watch the Spanish provinces battle it out over an intense game of Soccer. Theother day, we were sitting out on the patio eating dinner, and my host father said tome, “You will always have a home here in Spain”. From day one, I have been trulyfortunate and grateful for everything that the family does for me, but in that momentI was overwhelmed with emotion.My summer holidays have been an absolute ‘blast’ diving into the deep end of Spanishfestivities, but they all have come to an end. I’m not sad summer holidays are overbecause I can’t wait to meet my new classmates, new teachers, make more friendsand learn more Spanish everyday. Although I am not fluent in the language, I can nowengage in conversations, contribute in class and understand the adolescent ‘slang’.Everyone here is so patient with me and they help where they can. Whenever I amintroduced to someone and they hear I am Australian, WITHOUT a doubt, their eyespop open, smiles streak across their faces and the first thing they ask is “Do you reallyhave Kangaroos?” I didn’t realize how much of a national novelty they actually are!!This gap year in Spain has changed my life. Words cannot thank the Somerville HouseFoundation enough for this incredible opportunity, and I am truly grateful.My congratulations to the 2010 Foundation recipient and I am sure there are manychallenges and exciting adventures awaiting her too. Pushing my boundaries, tryingnew things and living so far away from home has not been easy at times, but thethought of leaving here will be the hardest thing I’ll ever have to do. Harder thanany QCS test, Maths exam orPE Water Polo testing!From the bottom of my heart,I thank you so much for thisexperience. I will see you all inthe New Year, andI wish Dr Goodwin all the bestfor the future.With lots of Spanish love,Jenni Butler.Photo: Jenni was lucky to have been in Spain when theywon last year’s World Cup - what an experience!26 | Connections 2011

©DisneyAntipodean TripOn 28 November 2010, twenty-eight keen Antipodeans girlsmade their way to the Somerville House sports complex, readyto embark on the journey of a lifetime. Packed with everythingfrom trekking boots, to countless toilet paper rolls and handsanitizer (han-san in antips lingo), we were extremely excitedfor the trip ahead to the beautiful country of Nepal. Afteran “interesting” nine-hour plane trip with no televisions, welanded safely at the Kathmandu airport. On arrival all the girlshad this immense sense of culture shock of this amazing newplace. It was so different from anything we had seen before.One particular difference between the Brisbane and KathmanduInternational Airport was that there were buses with peoplenot only packed from inside, but also riding on top of thevehicle. Road rules also didn’t seem to matter, with many ofthe cars making their way out of the airport by driving over thepavement.After each team of fourteen boarded the bus, we reached ourhotels where we were greeted with delicious Nepalese tea. Thenext day, both teams travelled to the beautiful country townof Pohkara, where Team A was set to leave for a nine-day hikethrough the Annapurna ranges, while Team B was about to stayat the community project. The hike was an absolutely amazingexperience, with a wake-up call each morning at 6.00am,being greeted by our Sherpas who would open our tent andoffer us hot Nepalese tea. This was extremely well appreciated,especially after our coldest night of -8 degrees where some ofus woke up with frozen hair! Trekking each day for five to sevenhours, we were also very lucky to be provided with beautifulNepalese food; Chapati’s with honey proved to be a commonfavourite. While the trek was definitely a challenging task forpretty much all of the girls, it is safe to say we came out muchstronger, with a new appreciation for the simplest aspects of ourevery day lives; beds, flushing toilets, showers etc.After about a week and a half, each group then swapped over,Team A then went on to work on our community project whileTeam B embarked on the nine-day trek.The community project, was I think, the highlight for most ofthe girls. We had the amazing opportunity of working with asmall monk school, located just outside Pokhara, for which weraised funds throughout the year. This money then went into theconstruction of a second level for the school, which previouslyonly consisted of five classrooms with a courtyard. The boysranged from ages 4 to 16, and each showed such enthusiasmlearning and working with us. Each day we would wake up at6.30am and have a nice warm breakfast. We would then have ahalf hour break to get ready while the boys lined up to do theirdaily chanting. This was then followed by two to three hoursof work, lifting 15kg bricks up the stairs, sifting sand to usewith cement and transporting this up the stairs to the secondlevel as well. The girls would also rotate, giving everyone achance to teach some of the classes in English and Maths. Everyafternoon, there would then be a huge soccer game, girls vsboys, and of course we gave ‘Team Nepal’ a run for their money.Saying goodbye to these boys at the end of our week with theschool was definitely the hardest part of the entire trip. We wereeach presented with a hand made scarf and a bracelet, whichI’m sure each of us has treasured greatly.Antips 2010 to Nepal was definitely an experience of a lifetime.I will never forget the amazing friends and memories I have,from spending only a month in Nepal. I strongly encourageanyone granted with a similar opportunity to grasp it, it will bean experience you will never forget.Vidya Makin, Year 12.Be enchanted asSomerville House and Churchieproudly present…12 – 14 May 20117pm, Harker Auditorium,VPACPlease visitwww.somerville.qld.edu.aufor additional details and to downloadyour Ticket booking formConnections 2011 | 27

Seniors shine in City of LightsIn early October, Somerville House Seniors swappedtheir lime green dresses for somewhat more elegantattire to attend their Senior Formal at the Hilton Hotel.At the pre-formal gathering parents enjoyed the chanceto mingle with students, their partners and teacherswhile playing photographer for family and friend photoopportunities.This year the event was themed as The City of Lights.The Ballroom was decorated with backdrops of a cityskyline, candelabras, tables named as cities fromaround the world and each guest took home chocolatestars in black, silver and blue.Following the formalities and food everyone took to thedance floor for the remainder of the night. As festivitiescame to a close, hundreds of balloons were droppedfrom the ceiling above the dance floor in an amazingspectacle of colour.One of the highlights of this year’s Formal came longbefore the evening when the Class of 2010 decided togive up a formal luxury for charity. By not having theirnails or makeup professionally done, wearing shoes orearrings that they already owned or forgoing a fake tanstudents raised more than $1,700 which was donatedto local women’s charity, ‘The Hope Foundation’.28 | Connections 2011Congratulations to our 290 Year 12 students forthis wonderful initiative and a sincere thank you isextended to Narelle Cooley, Head of Year 12, and theFormal Committee for all their hard work in organisingsuch an enjoyable and memorable event.

President’s MessageIn TouchSemester 1 2011Published by the Development Office,Somerville HouseCRICOS Provider Number: 000522GWebsite: www.somerville.qld.edu.auSomerville House OGA Executive2010 - 2011President:Belinda Cooney0429 619 135rbcooney@telstra.comVice President:Trudy Naylor0412 021 307tnaylor@mccullough.com.auSecretary/Membership Coordinator:Gaye Pitmangpitman@somerville.qld.edu.auTreasurer:Katrina Harbisonharbo@tpg.com.auImmediate Past President:Rosalie LewisManagement Committee:Isabel BauerGenevieve CarterBarbara DuhigKate HamesJayne HackettFiona JonesBronwyn Mackay-PayneValmai PidgeonMargaret RackemannGeneral Contact Details:Somerville House Old Girls’ Association IncPO Box 3878South Brisbane Qld 4101oga@somerville.qld.edu.auIn Touch Editors:Rosalie Lewis and Trudy NaylorThe Committee would welcome anyonewho would like to give assistance to theOGA as we are a small group.Did I know in 1982 when I completedmy schooling at Somerville House that Iwould one day be President of the OGA?The answer - no. Did I know that if I hada daughter of my own that she wouldone day attend Somerville House? Theanswer to that is definitely yes. Not onlydid I become President of the OGA in2010, but my husband and I also becameSomerville House parents with ourdaughter, Gemma, starting in Year 6. AsI mentioned at Commemoration Day, thisbrought about big changes in the life ofour family. An earlier start to the schoolday and terrible traffic are two that cometo mind, plus the return of the lime greenuniform. Not withstanding these minorinconveniences, there have been newfriendships made by us all, plus it hasbeen a pleasure to be one of the first Year6 classes to enjoy the new Junior Schoolbuilding and its very impressive facilities.My first official duty as President was topresent, at Commemoration Day, twogifts to the School on behalf of the OGA.The first is the creation of the Hazel GrayMusic Bursary for a boarder in Year 10,for her use in Years 11 & 12. The firstrecipient of this Bursary, Xena Serrat wasannounced at Speech Night last year.The second gift was two Marimbas for theJunior School Music Department, with ademonstration provided by current Year10 student, Kate Cincotta. In addition topresenting these gifts to the School therewas a very inspirational talk by guestspeaker our very own Vice President,Trudy Naylor.For the first time The Mother andDaughter Dinner was last year held atThe Landing at Dockside, Kangaroo Point.This annual November event is held onthe Monday night of the Senior’s lastweek of school. Over two thirds of the2010 Seniors attended this function withtheir Mothers, Grandmothers or anotherspecial woman in their life. Ninety ofthese girls were presented with theirOGA Membership Badge and othermemorabilia.Each year, many Speech Night prizes areprovided by the OGA, with many of thesenamed after, and made possible by, thegenerous donations of Old Girls and theirfamilies.In 2011, the OGA celebrates its 110thbirthday. Our first major celebration ofthis event is a Cocktail Party to be heldin the Old Town Hall on Friday 27 May.Please make a note of this date as thisevent will also provide many Old Girlswith an opportunity to meet the newPrincipal, Mrs Florence Kearney.Our Annual Lunch this year will be heldon Sunday 9 October at Hillstone, StLucia. Both these events will provide awonderful opportunity for all Old Girls tomeet and catch up on shared histories.The OGA hopes you enjoy readingabout all of these events in thefollowing pages, as well as all the otherinteresting articles and news.Thank you to Dr Ness Goodwin for hersupport of the OGA and we wish her allthe very best on her retirement.Finally, on behalf of all Old Girls, I wouldlike to thank Mrs Rosalie Lewis for hertireless efforts as President over thepast five years. I would also like tothank the OGA Executive and the entireCommittee for volunteering their timeand also for their support, dedicationand commitment.I look forward to meeting many fellowOld Girls at upcoming OGA or schoolfunctions.Best wishes,Belinda Cooney (Smith 1975-1982)PresidentIn Touch 2011 | 29

Celebrating 2010 Scholar SuccessOn Monday 7 February 2011, fifty-one Seniors from the 2010cohort, who received an OP 1 to 4, were invited back toSomerville House to attend the traditional Scholars’ Assembly.courses including health, engineering, education, businessand commerce, with others electing to travel and take part inexchange programs.The outstanding results and academic excellence achieved by thenewest group of Somerville House alumni is testimony to theirhard work, diligence in their studies, consistent focus and effort,resilience in the face of setbacks and their steely determinationto succeed. These are all wonderful skills and important traitsfor the Somerville House student body to be inspired by and toaspire to.This year 11% of our 2010 graduates will enter the field ofscience, while other Scholars have enrolled in a variety of tertiaryOur 2010 Scholars have chosen to continue their studies at avariety of tertiary institutions and we congratulate the followingsix Somerville House graduates, who have been awardedprestigious University of Queensland Academic Scholarships for2011:Emily Schmidt - UQ Vice-Chancellor’s ScholarshipRebecca Seckington - UQ Vice-Chancellor’s ScholarshipGrace Yee Yan Yeung - UQ Merit ScholarshipXue (Angela) Li - UQ Merit ScholarshipPrabha Selvanathan - UQ Excellence ScholarshipThushani Adikari - UQ Excellence ScholarshipIn celebration of this special assembly and the academicexcellence of our Scholars Somerville House wasprivileged to display the prestigious Prince Albert Cup.Accompanying the Cup is a hand-written book thatcontains the details of all of the Queensland RhodesScholars since 1937. The Prince Albert Cup is traditionallyheld by the School attended by the current QueenslandRhodes Scholar. Somerville House had its first RhodesScholar in 2010, Ms Jessica Howley. Unfortunately we didnot receive the Cup to display during 2010 and it has nowpassed to Marist College at Ashgrove where the current2011 Rhodes Scholar was educated. It was an honour todisplay this symbol of academic excellence at our specialScholars’ Assembly.We congratulate our 2010 Scholars on their academicexcellence and wish them all the best for their futurestudies and endeavours.Class of 197530 year ReunionWhat brings Old Girls back to Somerville Housefor a reunion? That irresistible urge to gettogether with their school-mates to catch-up.On a sunny Saturday in November, that’s justwhat thirty-three of us from the Class of ’75 did.Most were locals, but some drove hours - fromTheodore, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast -to attend.We met at Cumbooquepa for a guided tour ofthe School. Much is new and improved about theSchool, but some things remain the same. ThoseYear 12 classrooms hadn’t changed a bit in thirtyfiveyears! Nor had our ability to chat.On retiring to the Hotel Diana Plaza courtyardfor drinks and nibbles, the chatter continuedfor several hours. Email apologies, some withphotos attached, were circulated. The relaxedarrangements made for lots of mingling and atruly fun reunion. We’ll do it all again in fiveyears.Robyn Huttenmeister (Carey)30 | In Touch 2011

60th Reunion Of The Class Of 1950On Saturday 28 August 2010, seventeen Somerville Houseschool leavers of 1950 met in the vestibule of Cumbooquepa toreunite and reminisce on our period as day girls and boarderssixty years after leaving the School. Catharine Whittred whois in charge of co-ordinating reunions was most helpful andsupplied us with a list of names and addresses. Many now live indistant locations and sadly, a few are deceased.On arrival we were met by Catharine and Elizabeth Macpherson(Director of Development), both of whom welcomed us warmly.A few of the ladies had to come quite some distance, especiallySeonaid Glasgow (Cotton) who flew up from Sydney and MargotO’Sullivan (Betzel) who flew down from Townsville. There wasplenty of laughter and excitement at seeing one another, andthis atmosphere continued over a delightful morning tea. Thiswas held in the refurbished Fewings dormitory which is nowa delightful room for such functions. A photographer wasorganised and took several photos in the vestibule for us tochoose from.After morning tea we were treated to a tour of the School andwitnessed the huge expansion by way of new buildings andchanges where the slopes led down to the running track, tenniscourts, pool etc. Somerville House purchased the Old Town Halla few years ago, a valuable addition to the school property.After the tour of the School we headed back to Fewings wherea delightful buffet lunch was waiting for us. There was muchcatching up with old friendships and happenings over the sixtyyears, times which seemed to have rushed past. Catharine andNatalie Claut (Community Relations Officer) had put togethera slide show of old school photographs we had sent in. Thesephotographs were labelled for identification and this served asentertainment during lunch.After lunch we made a speech thanking all who had attendedand included a mention of Helen Stirling (Hall) who met a sadand sudden fate in a motor vehicle accident seven years ago.Apologies were received from old girls who could not attend andtheir best wishes were passed on to all those present.At the close of proceedings the reunion organisers were thankedby Barbara Page-Hanify and Ann Harrison and presented witha magnificent orchid. At the risk of sounding optimistic weexpressed a wish to see one another on the occasion of our70th reunion – highly unlikely! Thanks for the memories.We thank Catharine Whittred and the Development Office stafffor their care and support in making this a very special day forus.On leaving, we were presented with a token Somerville Housesample bag to commemorate our 60 year reunion – a nice littletouch to end the day.Pat Brusasco (Wilson)Judy Morwood (Thornthwaite)Back Row L-R: Catharine Whittred (Alumni Officer & Events Manager), Judy Morwood (Thornthwaite), Seonaid Glasgow (Cotton), Jean Stone (Portas),Lee Spencer (Carter), Sanna Heussler (Shannon), Kay Illett (Summerville), Judy Minto (Dowling). Front Row L-R: Margot O’Sullivan (Betzel),Pat Brusasco (Wilson) Senior Boarder, Jill Hope (Jackson), Ann Harrison (Greenfield) School Captain, Margaret Fardoulys (Harrison), Barbara Page-Hanify (Haussman), Margaret Bennett (Geaney), Pamela Dunstan (Marryatt). (Late arrivals not in photograph Jeanette Spencer (Mathers) & JoanWebster (Coote).In Touch 2011 | 31

Class of 1960 - 50 year reunionBack in TouchOver three days in mid-October last year forty-nine women, ofwhom nineteen had been in the Junior School, met togetherto share their common girlhood and celebrate their years atSomerville House.The weekend began with a cocktail party at the home of PattyMunro (McLean) where we all recognised each other, even ifnames were slow to come. Wonderful finger food (thankyou,Trish Burton) lots of laughter and an inspired barman - DarbyMunro. Our first reunion of all the girls who could be found then,in 1980, had been held at Patty and Darby’s, so it was nostalgicto be meeting there again.Saturday was a magical day at the School. We came together inthe Chapel and were delighted to be joined by Dr Ness Goodwinwho told us of the massive building program undertaken duringher stewardship as Principal. She also spoke warmly of thestrong sense of community within the School which embracesthe present students and parents as well as Old Girls.After photographs on the steps of Cumbooquepa - a traditionnow with reunion groups - we visited the restored SouthBrisbane Municipal Chambers, which the School has owned since1999. Some of us have connections with this building in its pasttime as flats and as the Conservatorium. We were delightedto be joined for morning tea by Belinda Cooney (Smith, 1975-1982),the new President of The Old Girls’ Association. While weenjoyed morning tea, a screen displayed old photographs of theSchool, many of our teachers, and us as little girls. Our gratefulthanks to Kate Bottger, Archivist, for assembling this trip downmemory lane. Several of the group have ordered a copy of thismemento: if others wish to order one please contactKate Bottger on 3248 9279 or kbottger@somerville.qld.edu.au.A tour of the School, old and new, followed. It included theArchives where we saw so much to remind us of our years atSomerville House.The boarders among us were stunned by the delicious lunch thekitchen staff provided - it was not like that in the 1950s. The restof us enjoyed its excellence too.After lunch we bought mementos and photos and talked andtalked.... It was well after 3 pm when we finally draggedourselves away.We were so well looked after by the Alumni Officer CatharineWhittred (Collins, 1976-1984) and Natalie Claut from theDevelopment Office - thank you both.Sunday was a magical ‘picnic’ at the School’s Rowing Shed(formal name, Water Sports Facility) at the Brisbane Corso.School Staff Member Marion Hancock ‘supervised’ us, and, shetold us, enjoyed herself as well. Partners were invited, and sevencame. They gave every sign of enjoying themselves too. HelenMatthews (Black) was accompanied by her nonagenarian father,Dr Pat Black. We felt very honoured that he wanted to meet usall again after 50 years.Our reunion weekend must be the best celebration this Classgroup has ever had. We thank the present staff of our School forwelcoming us and helping to make the days run smoothly.May we come back in ten years’ time, please?Marjorie Shackleton32 | In Touch 2011

Class Of 1965 - 45 Year ReunionThe Class of 1965 held their 45 Year Reunion onSaturday 9 October after attending CommemorationDay celebrations on the Friday.Thirty-five old girls then met at Cumbooquepa onSaturday where we enjoyed morning tea and lunch inFewings. It is now over fifty years since quite a few ofthe boarders in our year began their Somerville years inFewings dormitory so it is always very special to meetthere.One of the highlights of our reunion was that VickiMoran who now lives in Spain was able to return to theSchool for the first time since 1965. Other girls camefrom New South Wales and Victoria and various parts ofQueensland.We would like to sincerely thank the Development Office for organizing our Reunion. Thank you to Catharine Whittred, Natalie Clautand Courtney Home for conducting the tour of the School. We were impressed by the new buildings and the renovation of the OldTown Hall, but at the same time felt just a little sad that “our” Junior School was no longer there.We had a wonderful day and it is always such a joy catching up with one another, looking at photos and sharing memories. We lookforward to meeting up again at our 50th Reunion in 2015.Stella Darmody (Woodward)Ruth Kidd (Marsh)Class Of 1970 - 40 Year Reunion‘Great to see you again’....40 years on.On 21 August 2010, forty-five girls, including a number who had travelled from interstate and overseas, came together to celebrate40 years since leaving Somerville House in 1970. This reunion was certainly a first for many who had never been back to theSchool, as well as being unbelievably special to some who had not seen dear friends for 40 years or more!The focus of our celebrations was on the friendships we had made throughout our school days and that still exist, the memories andexperiences that influenced and shaped us as Somerville House students, and the fun times we shared together. The School andthe weather provided an amazing backdrop for the reflection of all this!!!Associate Chaplain, Ian Looms, helped us start the day by leading us in a most warm and welcoming Chapel Service. He providedus with an insight into Somerville House through a reflection of ‘THEN and NOW’ using anecdotes that made us still feel part of thebroader School community. As a result, we gave a stirring rendition of the School Hymn - including descant!Morning tea and a tour of the School, ably organisedby Catharine Whittred from the Foundation Officefollowed, with continuous chatter and whoops of laughteremanating from hallways and classrooms!!! We tookour gaiety with us when we walked down to Cafe SanMarco in Southbank where we had a fabulous lunch andlots more chatter and laughter! So, some eight hourslater, we bid farewell to dear friends – content in thepromise to meet again in twelve months – NOT anotherten years!!!And have we lived by our School Motto – well I wouldsay a ‘resounding yes’ – given the quality and spirit ofthe girls that turned up to celebrate this reunion – andwas it really 40 years ago?Deborah PartridgeIn Touch 2011 | 33

Class of 1985 - 25 Year Reunion“When we walked out of the Somerville gates for the last time we thought the hardest part of our lives was over and the fun wasjust beginning. Well there has been a lot of fun, but there have also been a lot of challenges that we never envisaged”. So saidBelinda Eldridge (Stehn), School Captain, 1985, in her welcome words to the group of forty-three girls who gathered at Iceworks onFriday 15 October 2010 to celebrate our 25th Reunion.And it was certainly true from all the chatting and catching up on the evening that there have been fun times and challenges butsomething seemed to have changed in the room since our 20th Reunion, (perhaps it was turning the magic “40”), but all pretenceseemed to have vanished. There was an openness and honesty which allowed everyone to genuinely celebrate others’ achievementsand empathise with the disappointments and challenges which everyone has inevitably faced.A wonderful photo slide show provided laughs and jogged memories, reminding us of the wonderful times we had had – not tomention cringing at those shocking ‘80’s perms, big hair & formal dresses with huge shoulder pads & drop waists!The time flew, of course, and we all agreed that five-year intervals were too long, and decided to have a casual catch up on anannual basis.We are endeavouring to update the database to includecurrent emails so if you did not receive email notice of thisreunion, please email one of us so we can update the records.Thanks to my co-convenors – the organising was just as muchfun as the night itself!Anthea Gargett (antheagargett@iprimus.com.au)Samantha Wilkinson(samantha_wilkinson@optusnet.com.au)Nicole Graham (nicole.graham@hotmail.com)Class of 1980 - 30 Year ReunionWe started off the Reunion with a tour of the School which was great, and we thank our young tour guides for being so patient withus saying “but that used to be…..etc”, and of course once we got to the Chapel which was the Year 8D classroom back in the day…..with many a story not really relating to the academics that were supposed to happen….. The School has expanded and changed somuch but it still felt the same, especially the quadrangle and surrounding area. On to the Ship Inn where the staff were very helpfulconsidering the gaggle of women. We all enjoyed each other’s company, catching up on 30 years and the Powerpoint presentation ofnow and then photos and what everybody has done and is doing… The highlight of the evening for me had to be Jenny Busby andKerry McAllister (who haven’t changed at all) leading the School Hymn helped along by people who could sing, especially our oneand only Kerry Vann (professional) whilst at the back of the room the school war cry commenced… The school spirit was still thereafter 30 years. I personally loved being involved in the organization with Sue Folliott and thank all who attended or if they couldn’t,sent information and enjoyed the communication from back at our old school days at “Somerville House”.Nicci Wilson (nee Parker)What a great day! It was fabulous arriving to see all the faces we knew, all be it a little older and hopefully wiser. The tour of theSchool was an eye-opener, seeing all the changes over the years. The memories came rushing back, of buildings as they used tobe, the teachers we had and the stories of days long gone…it just seemed like yesterday. Thankfully our guides were patient andvery helpful. We had our reunion party at the Ship Inn, not onlyreminiscing about school days, but also our 10 year reunion whichwas also held there. A great night was had by all. We even manageda version of the School Hymn and the Somerville war cry. Thanks tosome professional voices, Kerry Vann leading the way, it didn’t comeoff too badly at all. It was a pleasure to be able to organise thiswith Nicci. We had fun gathering bits and pieces of information andcatching up on the last 30 years. Nicci had put together a Powerpointpresentation which we played on the night and have given copiesto all those who attended. Thanks to all who joined us on the day.Everybody had been looking forward to the catch up. The feedbackand anticipation was very positive. We can now look forward toanother ten years…Sue Folliott34 | In Touch 2011

Somerville House Alumni are invited to aCocktail Party to MeetThe New PrincipalFriday 27 May 2011The Somerville House Old Girls’ Association will be hosting a cocktail party forOld Girls and past students to meet the new Principal, Mrs Florence Kearney.Venue: Old Town Hall, Graham Street, South BrisbaneTime: 6.00pm - 8.00pmRSVP by Friday, 20 May 2011To Somerville House Old Girls’ AssociationEmail: rbcooney@telstra.comPostal: PO Box 3878, South Brisbane QLD 4101Name: .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Phone: ................................................................. Email: .................................................................................................................................................Yes, I will be attending the Cocktail PartyNo, I will not be attending the Cocktail PartyPlease advise of any dietary requirements. RSVP essential for catering purposes.Contact Belinda Cooney on 0429 619 135 for further informationa landmark in girls’ educationExciting new ‘Bistro-style’ menuPast somerville House FamilyDelicious food, exceptional serviceand delightful settingCnr. Rotherham & Goodwin Streets, Kangaroo Pointbookings 3891 7005www.garnishbistro.comwww.jmgarnsworthy.comIn Touch 2011 | 35

Mother and Daughter DinnerThe Old Girls’ Association Year 12 Mother-Daughter Dinner heldon Monday 15 November was another lovely night in last year’scalendar. Held on the last Monday of the last week of school forour Year 12’s, the event was all the more memorable for me,as it was my last as a current parent, and the last one of seventhat I helped organize.It was a wonderful night riverside at ‘The Landing’ Dockside,where we enjoyed beautiful views overlooking the water,underneath two white marquees adorned with ribbons, candlesand attractive centrepieces. Chatter and laughter filled theroom all evening with lots of photographs being taken of thegirls with their mothers, grandmothers, and other special ladiesincluding sisters and godmothers. Our special guests includedSchool Principal, Dr Ness Goodwin; 2010 Head of Year 12, MrsNarelle Cooley; and Head of the Senior School and Year 12parent; Dr Deb Priest.Natalie (2007) Rosalie (1975) and Elise Lewis (2010).Once again we had a record number of attendees - close to 240- including a number of grandmothers who are themselves OldGirls. I hope you enjoy viewing a sample of the night’s photosherein taken by both the official photographer and the girlsthemselves providing memories they will cherish.As this was the last dinner she would attend as our Principal,the OGA Committee was very pleased to have the companyof Dr Goodwin. Along with almost ninety girls who officiallybecame Life Members of the OGA, Dr Goodwin was presentedwith a bag of goodies and an OGA badge as a keepsake.After some ten years, my time has now ended as a currentparent of two girls - Natalie and Elise, five of those asPresident of the OGA. I have enjoyed my time immenselyand appreciated all the opportunities to communicate with ourstudents and school on behalf of the OGA. Thanks for the happymemories.Rosalie Lewis (Barclay 1970-75)OGA President Aug 2005-Aug2010.Alex (2010) and Juliet Hall.Jess Apel (2010) with both her grandmothers Nola Woodward, on farleft and Gwenda Apel (1952) on far right, plus mum Robyn Apel.2010 Seniors - Megan Hackett, Courtney Home and Christina Formenton.36 | In Touch 2011

3rd generation family with Grandmother Pat Vincent (1948) centre L-R: Lucinda Nutting (2010) with mum Sue Nutting (1975) andJenny Ford (1976) with daughter Kate (2010).Sharon Norman with daughter Jessie (2010). 3rd generation Kelly family - Louise (1982) with daughter Eliza (2010).In Touch 2011 | 37

Commemoration Day Speech“Dr Goodwin, Old Girls, Staff and students, I thank you forthe opportunity to join you to celebrate the School’s 111thbirthday. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to talkwith you today.I vividly recall my last day as a Somerville girl. As I walkedover the bridge to Stephens Road with my parents after themoving Valedictory service, I remember thinking that my lifeas I knew it was about to change immeasurably. My feelingswere a mix of fear and trepidation about what lay ahead nowthat I had to be a ‘grown up’. I had a great time in Year 12and have many happy memories of that year. However, one ofthe low lights of Year 12 was during the final weeks of wearingour winter uniform. I recall as if it was yesterday the horrorof opening my bag in the locker room under what was thenHarker Hall and is now the Library, to find that my winter hathad a great big hole in it courtesy of a rat, probably from theExpo site that was being cleared at the time, going in searchof the two minute noodles in my bag. Yuk!During Years 11 and 12 I really had no idea what I wanted todo after school. I came to Law by a process of elimination – Idid well at school, I didn’t like anything involving ‘blood’ orMaths, I didn’t want to be a teacher and so on. At school myfavourite subjects had been Modern History with Mrs Merefieldand Chemistry with Mrs Wilson. There was no way to combinethe two, so I chose Law like a large number of the other girlsin my year. What forced me to become an individual is thefact that unlike many of my friends, I was offered a place atthe Queensland University of Technology, not the Universityof Queensland. This forced me to think for myself and startto decide what I wanted to do, rather than simply going alongwith what my Somerville friends as a group were doing. Inbecoming an individual I met a group of wonderful friends atuni, three of whom are amongst my best friends today.At the end of university I went on the obligatory overseas tripand returned to Australia to start my working career as anarticled clerk, also known as ‘articled shark’. In 1995 Australiawas in the grips of the last recession and jobs were hardto come by. What had been a six partner firm when I wasinterviewed for the job six months before had dwindled to athree partner firm by the time I started work. I was initiallyworried by this but it turned out to provide me with one of thebest groundings in the legal industry I could have asked for,and definitely a much broader experience than the graduatesleaving university now are receiving in streamed practiceareas. I tried my hand at Wills and Estates, Family Law,Conveyancing and Litigation. I filed documents at the Courts,took statements from people in jail and visited the watchhouse. I learnt that practising Law is very different from whatyou learn at university.After I was admitted I was headhunted and moved to ClaytonUtz where I joined the Insurance Practice and began tospecialise. After two years on a huge learning curve, I wentto work for my current business partner and our team movedto McCullough Robertson almost ten years ago. During thisperiod I have had many fantastic opportunities to work withoutstanding business people, both lawyers and clients, fromwhom I have learnt an enormous amount. I have grown tounderstand many of my clients’ businesses on a practicallevel, such as by playing laser skirmish with a former armycommando who was opening a security business, touring asugar refinery in Mackay and visiting aged care facilities acrossQueensland.In 2006 I was fortunate to be made a partner at McCulloughRobertson, the 52nd partner and the fifth female partnerappointed in the firm’s history. We still only have six femalepartners out of forty-seven, with three of these appointed inthe last two years. Retaining females in senior leadershippositions certainly is a challenging issue. Only on Wednesdaythe Federal Equal Opportunity for Women in the workplaceAgency’s 2010 ‘Women in Leadership’ census found that formost women, progress towards gender equity has stalled inthe last few years. Women are entering traditionally maledominated professions and work types but the pipeline ofwomen funnelling through to management continues to onlytrickle. In my business we are working at retaining our manyvery talented and highly contributing female employeesby encouraging flexibility and diversity. ‘Diversity’ includesdiversity of opportunity, experience, gender, race and age. Wehave found that providing flexible work options to women withyoung families or who are seeking flexibility in their work toallow room for study or to care for aging family members hasencouraged many more women to stay with the law for thelong term. Our increasing efforts in this regard were rewardedlast year with an ‘Employer of Choice for Women’ citation.In my experience, women do the job equally as well as men;they just approach it from a totally different direction. Wheremen are usually good at business networking and being direct,women are fantastic at multi-tasking, have great attention todetail and are better communicators.But work isn’t everything. Hard work has offered me plentyof opportunities to travel. I have spent a lot of my holidaystravelling, including a summer in Italy, travelled throughRussia on the Trans Siberian railway, celebrated my 30thbirthday in Paris and skiing in Whistler with friends. Nextweek I will be leaving for San Francisco and New York for mynine month old son’s first overseas trip. He has just learnedto wave this week and, while he still waves like the Queen, Ithink he will have plenty of opportunity to practice it duringour trip.In preparing to speak with you today I reflected on aninterview I saw with the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce onher appointment just over two years ago. She said, ‘For avery long time now I’ve been saying to young women, you canhave it all, but not all at the same time. How important it is totake very good care of yourself, of your mental and physicaland spiritual wellbeing, it’s hard to do. It’s easier to be aworkaholic than to have a truly balanced life.’ This commentstruck a chord with me and I have been reminded of it in thelast year as my life has changed immeasurably due to thearrival of my son. I hope you too remember this in the yearsto come as you embark on your life after Somerville House.”Trudy Naylor (1987-1991)38 | In Touch 2011

Commemoration DayThis special day in the calendar celebrates the birthday ofour School on 5th October in 1899. In 1924 when the Schoolcelebrated its Silver Jubilee the OGA announced that theusual birthday party would now become a celebration calledCommemoration Day. The day would be just one of the manyways in which the extended family of the School could bondtogether (The Legacy of Honour). For many years sportingevents were held between past and present students; thisceased some years ago. When Old Girls return to the Schoolthey love viewing recent developments.The service began with a welcome from the Principal. Prayerswere followed by our original School Hymn ‘Now thank we allour God’. Immediate Past President Rosalie Lewis (Barclay1970 -1975) spoke about her enjoyable five years in office.She introduced the newly elected President, Belinda Cooney(Smith 1975 -1982). Belinda, a Junior School parent, looksforward to the important role she will have in School life.Our guest speaker was Vice President of the Old GirlsAssociation Trudy Naylor (1987 - 1991), who holds a Bachelorof Laws from QUT and a Graduate Diploma of Insurance fromDeakin University. Trudy spoke of her university days, herchoice of career, and now about being a working mother. Thegirls really appreciated her speech and advice. As a seniorcommittee member I was delighted to see this youngerexecutive on the stage at Commemoration Day.Elizabeth Gilchrist AM (Chater class of 1962) and Melinda Cook (class of 1992)Our yearly gift to the School was a pair of marimbas for JuniorSchool Music. One was demonstrated by a senior studentshowing the unusual features of this instrument. Dr NessGoodwin presented her annual gift of books to the SchoolLibrary. She chose Barbara Hanahan: A Biography by AnnetteStewart; A Banquet of Books by John Clark and Little Books ofLanguage by David Crystal. Dr Goodwin selects the books withmuch thought and this gift is always a welcome addition.Pam Bassett (Francis class of 1965) and Jenny Lingard (Nave class of 1965)Two former students Kimie Tsukakoshi (2001 - 2006) andRoshni Sadhwani (2001 - 2008) chose a selection fromMiss Saigon, singing their own rendition for their musicalpresentation. Kimie is in final year Law at QUT and plays leadsin Brisbane theatre groups. Roshni studied for a double degreein Business and Creative Industries at QUT. She was recentlyaccepted by the American Musical and Dramatic Academy inLos Angeles. What accomplished and successful young womenwe have as Old Girls!We proceeded with the School Creed, the School Hymn andbenediction. Dr Goodwin hosted lunch in the dining room. Itwas wonderful to see so many Old Girls who make a specialeffort to attend the School’s birthday. We were delighted tosee May Scougale (Evans 1932 - 1935) and her daughter whocame from their home in The United States.This was Dr Goodwin’s last Commemoration Day as Principal. Ithank her for her support of the Old Girls’ Association. She hasalways made us feel very welcome and we value her friendshipvery much.Isabel Bauer (Bloomer - President of OGA 1982 - 2000)Roslyn Young (Class of 1959), Dr Ness Goodwin, Ann Beatty (Danaher Class of 1959).In Touch 2011 | 39

Notice of 2011 SpecialGeneral MeetingNOTICE IS GIVEN that a SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING of theMembers of the Somerville House Old Girls’ Association Incwill be held at The Old Town Hall, Somerville House, GrahamStreet, South Brisbane on Monday 14 April 2011 at 7.00pm.A member of the Association is entitled to attend and vote orappoint a proxy to attend and vote on their behalf. A proxymust also be a member. To appoint a proxy, you must returnthe proxy form below at least 48 hours before the time anddate scheduled for the Extraordinary General Meeting toIn Person to: Somerville House Old Girls’ AssociationInc.Birth of a SaintThis year Catholics worldwide celebrated the life, works and legacyof Mary MacKillop (1842-1909). One Somerville Old Girl, SisterLyn Stabler participated in the Vatican canonisation ceremoniesas a member of the 124 strong contingent of Australian Josephitepilgrims.Lyn is one of four sisters who attended Somerville House startingin Year 8 and completing Year 11 in 1975. Lyn remembersthe motto Honour before Honours and guiding words from the‘Leadership team of Somerville House that we were a luckygeneration. “Much was given to us and we were encouragedto ‘give back’ to society,” she said. Lyn also remembers manywonderful teachers and in particular Gary Embleton who shedescribed as ‘being ahead of his time in the instruction of religion’.Mail to :Development Office, SomervilleHouse, Old Town Hall, Graham Street, SouthBrisbane ORSomerville House Old Girls’ AssociationInc, PO Box 3878, South Brisbane QLD 4101She then transferred her studies to Loreto School in Sydney whereher older sister Heather was teaching. Her studies continued witha BA at Sydney University and Grad Dip Ed at Sydney Institute ofEducation. Lyn was a primary school teacher until at age 25 shecommitted her life to the Josephite order.BusinessTo consider and if appropriate pass the following specialresolution:“That the Constitution of the Association be amended asfollows: Clause 8(a) – Annual General Meeting and GeneralMeetings Delete the word ‘AUGUST’ and substitute with‘NOVEMBER’.”By Order of the Management CommitteeG PitmanSecretaryExplanatory notes to and forming part of the Notice ofMeeting of the CompanyThe Management Committee proposes this amendment tothe Association’s Constitution so that any future outgoingPresident can complete the school year in that role.As the proposed resolution is to amend the Constitution, itmust be passed as a Special Resolution of the Associationwhich means there must be an affirmative vote of the majorityof members present.Proxy form - Somerville House Old Girls’ Association IncI,ofAssociation, appointof, being a member of theas my proxy to votefor me on my behalf at the special general meeting of theAssociation, to be held on the 14th day of April 2011 and atany adjournment of the meeting.Signed this day of 2011.During her life as a Sister she has served in ministry works inareas of primary school education and pastoral care. Lyn iscurrently a member of the Queensland Josephite’s leadershipteam. The Congregation operates the Mary MacKillop Foundationand Mary MacKillop International Mission which responds to abroad range of people in need including community developmentprojects in East Timor and Anti Trafficking Projects.In offering her reflections on the life of Mary MacKillop LynStablers said, “I think Mary MacKillop crossed many boundaries,she recognised Australia was a whole society in a time beforeFederation. She counted among her friends and supporters thoseof other religions in a time when sectarianism was strong. Shewas a resilient woman who stood firm in the belief that the Sisterswould govern themselves and be free to respond to needs whereever they were; this enabled her to move the Congregation’sefforts beyond individual dioceses.” According to Sister Lyn, in oneof Mary MacKillop’s letters to the Sisters she encouraged them to“Seek first the poorest in God’s vineyard”.Amongst our alumni we have knowledge of two others who havechosen the religiouslife: Donna Collins(1965-1969) withthe Society of theSacred Heart in theUSA and HelenGreen (1961-1968)with the Order ofEvangelical Sistersof MaryInterdenominationalin Sydney. We hopeto bring details oftheir stories in thefuture.Jane HackettSignature:40 | In Touch 2011

The OGA celebrates 110 years of lifeThe editors of InTouch, aware that the Old Girls’ Associationwas founded in 1901, thought our readers would be interestedto know how, in the past, decade anniversaries werecommemorated. A search of the relevant years (1911, 1921,...)in the School Magazines turned up some interesting materialthat we know you will enjoy reading.First of all, an historic note to explain our origin. The June 1901issue of the School Magazine, page 3, carried the followingannouncement:‘The Old Girls are invited to tea at Whytecliffe [home of MissFewings and the boarders] on Friday, August 2nd, to meet MissFewings and the teachers and to consider the formation of anOld Girls’ Association’.The December 1901 issue page 7 noted ‘…Miss Beet, as“oldest” teacher, was appointed Secretary , and Jeanie Dath[1899-1900], Treasurer’. The president was the Principal, MissFewings. The tradition of the President being the principal of thetime was to continue until 1957 when Miss Taylor declined thehonour.In 1906 Miss Fewings proposed a reunion of all old girls at GarthHouse [the boarders’ home since 1903] during Exhibition Weekas many of the country girls would be in Brisbane. ‘Between50 and 60 girls took this opportunity of again meeting schoolfellows whom some had not seen since leaving School. Theevening passed merrily with games and a “Babel” of tonguesand ended with three hearty cheers for “our School Mother”(Miss Fewings).’ The OGA was flourishing. No mention wasrecorded that they were five years old that month.In 1911 no mention was made of the first decade of life for theOGA, but it was decided that the second meeting of the yearshould be held to coincide with the garden party at Cheltenham[at Toowong, boarders’ home since 1907] which was given byMiss Harker and Miss Jarrett on Saturday 5 August just beforethe Show Week. ‘A great many old girls attended, and wewelcomed a number of new members’.the School she founded; in 1938 she presented the School witha War Bond from WWI: the interest from this provided for theFounder’s Prize awarded to the Dux of the School. She died inBristol, where she had been born in 1857, on 11 October 1940.In 1931 on page 12 of the June Magazine, Evie Logan (1916-1917) won the competition for a design for the Old Girls’ Badge.We may assume until there is no evidence to the contrary,that this was the design we have still today. Evie graduatedfrom the Kindergarten Training College in 1920 and became astaff member at the School. Still no mention of an importantanniversary!At last, in 1951, comes the story we have been looking for!On page 41 of the School Magazine we read: ‘The highlight ofthe year was the Jubilee Reunion dinner held at Rowes Cafe.School history was recalled by a series of five minute speakers,forming a “Chain of Reminiscence”. Mrs Donnellan (MaryChisholm 1902-1906) and Mrs Colin Clark (Winnie Welsby 1904-1910) represented the school’s early days, and Mrs H Thurlow(Daphne Nicklin 1905-1915), Doris Heindorff (1915-1921),Mrs D Edwards (Mollie Macpherson 1919-1923), Mary Wallace1924-1931, Mrs J C Gill (Betty Blair 1932-1936), Judith Gough(1935-1944), Lilias Fraser (1935-1948), Pat Rigden (1938-1949) and Pat Wilson (1947-1950) carried the School storythrough Erneton Days to Somerville House as it is today. Theserecollections were amusing and full of interest and altogetherthe Jubilee Dinner was voted an outstanding success.’The OGA really made up for past omissions by also in 1951proposing a ‘small gift’ to the School in honour of their goldenjubilee.‘…it has been suggested (by an Old Girl) that it would be notonly a fitting gesture but a source of pleasure and satisfaction topast pupils of the School – whether members of the OGA or not– to unite in making a small gift to the School in honour of theoccasion. This idea was warmly received by the Committee andadopted at a general meeting.In December 1921 on page 14 appears a long article Unveilingof the Old Girls’ Commemoration Clock and the OGA welcometo Miss Fewings. ‘The coincidence of the presence in Australiaon a visit of Miss Fewings, who had established the School22 years before in the City Tabernacle Buildings, and of thecompletion of the efforts of the Old Girls to secure a worthy giftin commemoration of the Twenty-first Anniversary, led to a veryinteresting double function on Saturday, August 6th, 1921. [theOGA failed to note that 6 August was 20 years and four daysafter the founding of its Association by Miss Fewings.]In conference with the Principals the Committee decided thatthe gift should take the form of a clock, and that its officialpresentation to the School should be made to coincide with thewelcome of the Old Girls’ Association to Miss Fewings, and thatshe be asked to perform the unveiling ceremony.Everyone felt this to be an exceedingly happy way of sealingthe gift with its full significance by linking the past with thepresent, and typifying the unity and continuity of the history ofthe School.We remember our School Clock as the Old Girls’ twenty-firstbirthday gift to the School, and it is hoped that we might nowinstall a mounted School Bell. For this purpose a Jubilee GiftAppeal is being organized, and in order that as many Old Girlsas possible may have a share in it, the subscription is not toexceed five shillings.’ [This Bell, presently housed overlookingthe mall, was dedicated at Commemoration Day 1952 (3October). Miss Isabel Andrews, long serving staff member, wasto perform the ceremony of ringing the bell for the first time.]The two Pats who spoke at the dinner at Rowes are faithfulmembers of the School community still. Although neitherremembers what she said 60 years ago, each has clearmemories of her School days and has written for us a distillationof those memories. We have their permission to publish thesestories in InTouch which we will do in the second issue of theyear.Marjorie Shackleton and Kate BottgerMiss Fewings thanked all present for the welcome extended toher, and expressed her sense of the honour that had been doneto her in being asked to receive the beautiful and valuable gifton behalf of the School, and to unveil it. She congratulated theSchool on the great progress it had made, and expressed greatadmiration of the modern open-air buildings and the high andbeautiful site.The gathering then adjourned to the lawn to witness theunveiling of the outside bronze dial on the face of the buildingover the main entrance. This [was] controlled electrically fromthe Master Clock. The dial is [still] a bronze skeleton, a replicaof those in Australia House London and the first of its kind to beset up in Australia. This visit was Miss Fewings’ only return toThe Bell - 1393In Touch 2011 | 41

Upcoming reunions 2011Class of 2001Date: Saturday, 20 August 2011Contact: Ana Croger (Pereira-Barrett) anacroger@gmail.comVenue to be advisedClass of 1991Date: Saturday, 8 October 2011Contact: Trudy Naylortnaylor@mccullough.com.auEvening function - Ship InnDetails to be advisedClass of 1981Date: Saturday, 8 October 2011Contact: Margaret Rackemann(Gunn) 3371 9010 or 0427 227 166rackemann@bigpond.com.auFunction off campusDetails to be advisedClass of 1971Date: Saturday, 29 October, 2011Contact: Sue RichterPh: 5570 2991 or 0431 116 960stories@bigpond.net.auReunion at Somerville HouseClass of 1961Date: Saturday, 8 October 2011Contact: Lynne Smith (Fitzgerald)Lynne.Smith@deta.qld.gov.auReunion at Somerville HouseClass of 1951Date: Saturday, 3 September 2011Contact: Glenys CharltonPh: (07) 3217 3591Reunion at Somerville HousePamela Downing (Couch) 1945 islooking for an old girl who livesin Victoria to help her organise aSomerville House Victorian Reunion.Please contact her on daviddo@hotkey.net.auOLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATIONHONOUR BEFORE HONOURS42 | In Touch 2011Editorial2011 will certainly be a year to remember. Our thoughts and best wishes are with OldGirls who have lost property and been affected by the floods in Queensland and Victoria,and the cyclone in Northern Queensland. The next few months will be a test of characterand spirit as the hard work of rebuilding lives and possessions starts.On a happier note, the OGA is delighted to welcome our new Principal, Mrs FlorenceKearney. The invitation to our cocktail party welcoming Mrs Kearney is included in thisedition. We look forward to seeing as many Old Girls as possible take the opportunityto return to School to meet the new Principal, renew old friendships and celebrate theOGA’s 110th birthday, particularly those Old Girls who are mothers of current students.We are planning a special OGA 110th birthday lunch at Hillstone, St Lucia in October. Itwould be lovely to see a large number of Old Girls join in the celebration, especially atable or two from each year who are celebrating their reunion in 2011.Trudy Naylor | Vice PresidentSamantha AllieJessica ApelEmily BarryChloe BartzisNicole BellchambersEmma BoersenKelsey BriggsKate BuchananClare Burcham (Dawson)Annabelle ChalkAnna ChattertonLeanne CominoMadeleine CoulthardNicole CouttsCharlotte DalzielJacqueline DeenAnastasia DefterosStephanie DerringtonLucy DiacarisEliza DixonMadeleine DyringKatherine EvansAlicia FergusonMichelle FrySusannah GattasFleur GilbyLana GishkarianyStephanie GrantEleanor GroundsMegan HackettNEW OGA MEMBERSDiary Dates for 2011Amelinda HallAlexandra HallAntonia HollandNastassja JakemanEliza KellyNicole KlinakisZoe KnightYuri KurodaBrittany LaspinaLouisa LeeElise LewisEmily LinSalli LitzowFrancine LondyGabrielle LyonsSophie MacfarlaneGrace MarlesAmy McCoyMolly McCrackenAnna McDougallAlison McKayVerity MewesJulia MorwoodClaire NobleJessie NormanLucinda NuttingTiernan PashleyLesley Petersen (Mann)Genevieve PostleIngrid PostleAshley PriestAmishree RaivaderaNicole RandallEmily RankinKate SamuelsEmily SchmidtGrace SchollRebecca SeckingtonPrabha SelvanathanHeidi SheehanSimonne SiaMargaret SimesMaia SimonidisIsabella SimsCourtney SorensenDominique StowerAnna StubbersfieldRebecca SullyMichaela SwanLaura ThomasDominique TullyFlora VaritimosLaura WebsterGreta WilsonVictoria WoodsPhoebe WoodsCaitlin YoungElise YoungHolly ZiesemerBelow is a list of OGA events for the first part of 2011. See reunion section for moredetails.APR EVENT LOCATION TIMEThu 14 Special General Meeting OTH 7.00pmMAY EVENT LOCATION TIMEThu 12 General/Management Meeting OTH 7.00pmFri 13 New Old Girls’ Event Mantra Hotel, 6.00pmSouth BankFri 27 Old Girls’ Cocktail Party with newPrincipalChamber Room,OTH6.00pm -8.00pmJUN - SEP General Management Meetings LOCATION TIMEThu 9 June General/Management Meeting OTH 7.00pmThu 14 July General/Management Meeting OTH 7.00pmThu 11 Aug General/Management Meeting OTH 7.00pmThu 8 Sep General/Management Meeting OTH 7.00pmOCT EVENT LOCATION TIMEFri 7 Commemoration Day Service VPAC 11.45amSun 9 Annual Lunch Hillstone, St Lucia 11.30am

SOMERVILLE HOUSESCHOOL FOUNDED 1899 – OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION COMMENCED 1901VOL 9No. 1Semester 12011OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATIONconnecting the somerville house old girls’ communityHONOUR BEFORE HONOURSOur Newest Alumni - The Class of 2010Dr Goodwin joins our newest alumni in saying goodbye for now to Somerville