VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019

Old Girl, Shilo Englebrecht (2001) is living a colourful life. Contents

2 IN PRINCIPAL 18 SUPPORTING OUR TOWNSVILLE NEIGHBOURS

4 A COLOURFUL LIFE 2 0 STUDENTS SHINE IN CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH RESEARCH PROGRAM 6 CLASS OF 2018 SCHOLARS’ ASSEMBLY 2 2 CONNECTING WITH RESPECT, SOMERVILLE 8 INDUCTION OF MRS KIM KIEPE HOUSE TAKES A STAND AGAINST BULLYING

10 SCHOOL CAPTAINS’ ZESTY 2019 2 4 FOCUS: OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT AND TEACH PURPOSEFULLY 1 2 TRANSITIONING TO ATAR IN 2020 26 FOUNDATION NEWS 14 A TIMELINE OF SOMERVILLE HOUSE SWIMMING EXCELLENCE 40 THE GREATEST SHOWMAN BALL

16 THE GREAT DEBATE 2019 42 IN TOUCH - OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION

50 FROM THE ARCHIVES

Thank you to those who contributed stories and photos to make this edition possible. If you are interested in submitting content for the next edition, please email [email protected]

17 Graham Street, South Brisbane Qld 4101 | PO Box 3357, South Brisbane Qld 4101 P 07 3248 9200 | somerville.qld.edu.au

A school of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association. The PMSA is a mission of the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches. CRICOS Provider Number: 00522G

This publication highlights the stories of the Somerville House community. The School has made every effort to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at the time of printing. © Cover photo by Sean Fennessy seanfennessy.com.au

VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 1 In Principal Over the semester, I have conducted wooden from routine, fossilised through Chronological highlights for 2019 in a a ‘getting to know staff’ campaign, dogmatic instruction, or dissipated haphazard order include meeting new Mrs Kim Kiepe, Principal via conversations with each member by random exercise upon trivial boarders and parents at the very first of our academic and corporate staff. things”. While pedagogy has changed Sunday prior to term resuming on the These ‘fireside chats’ have helped me in the twenty‑first century, Dewey’s Monday, the Great Debate, the Senior understand that a major ingredient in commentary has just as much relevance School Choral Festival, the Combined the School’s success can be credited in 2019, as it did in 1910. School Senior Play with Anglican directly to the professionalism of Church Grammar School (Churchie), Reflecting on the highlights of this first quarter in our 120th It is a challenge to provide a succinct teachers and corporate staff who work Somerville House classroom morning teas with Years 7 and 9 tutorial environments promote a culture of year is an exercise in discernment, with a cornucopia of answer to this question, as there are with commitment and dedication for the groups, the Junior School Easter many tangible reasons and intangible students in their care. inclusivity, where students can learn Concert, the Interhouse Swimming and happenings on the Somerville House calendar. It is rewarding qualities, which bring about the from each other. However, it seems to Cross Country Carnivals, the Greatest to review the myriad of events, activities, academic prowess positive outcomes for the students in There is much to be said about the me that students face a challenge with Showman Ball, Kaleidoscope Concerts collegiality that teachers develop in their “How we can?” rather than “Why we and achievements of Somerville House students, all of whom our care. Those who are a member of and the Combined Schools’ Musical the Somerville House community or professional relationships with fellow cannot?”. Perseverance is paramount, production of Disney’s The Little contribute to the busy pace of school life. While our core those fortunate enough to experience staff members, which ultimately serves as reflected in the many girls working at Mermaid. These events all combined to focus is centred on the business of teaching and learning, the it might share their unique answers to to strengthen the work of staff. In 1910, their academic studies, on the sporting make an indelible impression and make John Dewey alluded to the importance field and at music practice, who keep pages within this edition of Connections show that much of the question. So much of creating a me feel proud to be a member of the successful learning culture rests on of the teacher’s role, describing the trying in the trying times. A positive and Somerville House community. what we do is about being true to our purpose of providing an nurturing relationships and building a teacher’s responsibility “to keep alive optimistic attitude seems to help them exemplary educational environment and to our intention of community. This is particularly true of the sacred spark of wonder and to fan get through, along with tenacity, patience, I hope you enjoy reading the pages our Support Groups and the School’s the flame that already glows… to protect focus, determination, and courage. Such within, highlighting students’ success preparing girls for a future world. supportive parents, as they too assist in the spirit of inquiry, to keep it from genuine attributes are vital in the daily life and past student achievements, all of the learning journey of their daughters. becoming blasé from overexcitement, of a Somerville House student. which make up Somerville House life.

2 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 3 Relocating back to Australia from Sweden after working with many international brands, including Anthropologie UK, Shilo collaborated with Sportscraft Australia in the summer of 2015. Her limited run Beach Capsule collection sold © PHOTO TOBBY BY SCOTT © PHOTO TOBBY BY SCOTT

out to a wait list nationwide, nurturing the © PHOTO ARIANA BY GILLRIE exclusivity of Shilo’s work.

Continuing to receive a large number of custom orders from several high profile clients, Shilo has also recently collaborated with Lydia Pearson from Eastern Pearson. Creating the uniforms for staff at the Australian Exhibition of Local Design, her concept was to frame her uniquely bold and lyrical linen art on the body, in adaptable multi‑fit and multi‑age garments, with frugal making, and little waste.

“The ‘ghost’ shirts were made using second‑hand men’s business shirts, the printed linen is sectioned into the frame of an existing garment, and framed in black tape, like the outlines of a drawing,” Shilo said.

“The garment styles have a very flexible fit, and can be worn in multiple ways by any gender.”

“I’m really excited to be working on a micro-brand with Lydia which we plan to launch in Brisbane this August,” she said. With designs and collections as colourful and original as herself, Old Girl, Shilo Engelbrecht (2001), “The Australian Exhibition of Local has won an audience of influential fans through her lyrically bold textile designs. Finely balancing Design was founded and curated by her work between the areas of art, fashion and design, Shilo’s collections have been featured in Emma Coffey (2001), a highly regarded powerhouse design publications such as Vogue Living, ELLE Decoration UK and Belle Magazine. Interior Designer, who is also another Somerville House Old Girl.”

Graduating from Somerville House “John was an excellent teacher, and has With unique collection concepts “Emma’s company, Local Design, is in 2001, Shilo went on to complete a remained a friend and mentor.” derived from her expression of giving designers in Australia a platform Bachelor of Fine Arts (Fashion) at the feeling on canvas, Shilo brings to show their work at one of the biggest Queensland University of Technology. Before the launch of her first collection, her designs to life through digital design events in the world, held in In the same year, Shilo also won the Shilo travelled to the United Kingdom textile printing, which include her Milan,” Shilo said. 2006 Mercedes Benz Design Award for to work with digital print specialists world‑renowned homewares. emerging talents. to understand the potential of the When asked if she had any advice for technology. Another educational “My inspiration comes from how I students looking to embark on a career Reflecting on her time at Somerville journey was to India to study innovative imagine colours working together and in the fashion and textiles industry, House, Shilo spoke of how her Art and traditional techniques from finding the freedom to express how I’m Shilo’s advice was sound. teacher at the time, Mr John Honeywill, locals, working with naturally sourced feeling,” Shilo said. encouraged her to be free‑spirited in pigments and dyes. “I’m so glad I followed my heart and her designs and exploration of textiles. “I especially love the exploration and explored my areas of interest that bring “My first residency was to study the possibility during the concept and me a lot of joy. There were times when “John encouraged me to pursue my use of natural dye within the state of sampling phase,” she said. I felt lost on my journey, but now it all interests, even if they sometimes didn’t Madhya Pradesh, India,” Shilo said. makes sense,” Shilo said. fit within the confines of set assignment “I decided to use the dining table as a tasks,” Shilo said.“This encouragement “I experimented with using natural canvas to decorate with my paintings My biggest piece of advice is to get allowed me the freedom to explore the pigments from the site and local printed on linen, humble objects such as much hands-on and international You can see more of Shilo’s designs and medium of textiles,” she said. plants to make colours to create earth as tablecloths and napkins that we use experience in the industry as possible,” journey at shiloengelbrecht.com paintings on textile,” she said. every day.” she said. Instagram: @shiloengelbrecht

4 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 5 Also on display were individual courses and subjects undertaken by the forty‑three scholars throughout Years 11 and 12, as well as their leadership positions and co‑curricular activities. This information was designed to give current students a feel for the various subjects and activities on offer at Somerville House, and how they can lead to diverse study pathways. The information also highlighted the many significant achievements of our 2018 Academic program, with some awarded scholarships from universities such as Bond University and the University of Queensland; one even receiving an offer from Harvard University.

Of the OP 1 to 4 recipients, a handful were invited to share their advice and motivational messages to students upon receiving their scholar certificates. Imogen Scott, who has commenced her studies at The University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, spoke of how Year 12 required firm determination and self‑belief.

“I’d say overall Year 12 is a really rocky ride, I know I had a lot of highs and lows,” Imogen said.

“But I’d say that during these lows it is really important to remember not to give up on yourself and not to put yourself down,” she said.

“One bad result is really nothing in the grand scheme of things, and your OP doesn’t determine the path you take in life, so don’t give up”. Officiating the Assembly was Head is necessary for high academic of Senior School, Ms Gayle Harris, performance,” she said. Students also heard from Marni Crofts, Class of 2018 and Principal, Mrs Kim Kiepe, who who has embarked on a Bachelor of acknowledged the very high academic Addressing the current student body, Nursing and Bachelor of Behavioural standard from the 2018 cohort. Mrs Kiepe went on to explain what Science (Psychology). She encouraged Scholars’ Assembly these results meant for the 2018 cohort, students to look after their wellbeing “High academic performance is at the applying it to study pathways and and embrace all of the opportunities core of our mission,” Mrs Kiepe said. tertiary education offers. Year 12 presents.

“Somerville House students consistently “Additionally 100% of all Year 12 “To the Year 12 students, you’re about outperformed the state with their students achieved their Queensland to have an incredible year,” Marni said. results with 97.8% of students receiving Certificate of Education (QCE),” Mrs Forty‑three students from the Class of 2018 were welcomed back to Somerville between OP 1 to 15,” she said. Kiepe said. “So embrace all of it, have heaps of fun and be mindful of your personal House for the annual Scholars’ Assembly to celebrate their high academic “39.3% received an OP between 1 to 5.” “For the 2018 cohort, this means that wellbeing because that’s really performance. Each of the scholars was recognised for receiving an Overall almost 100% of students received important,” she said. “So it is appropriate that we applaud Position (OP) of 1 to 4, with the results being a culmination of hard work, first‑round offers of tertiary places,” the fruits of their hard work; the she said. “And also, evidently, you can do Maths diligence and resilience; all highly valued qualities of Somerville House students. persistence and diligence that A and still get a good OP!”.

6 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 7 On Monday 4 February the School “And I acknowledge the unique and “I hope that a Somerville House community joined together to celebrate outstanding contribution of each of the education will help develop our students’ Induction of the induction of Mrs Kim Kiepe. With Principals that have gone before me.” aspirations to learn about the things they extensive leadership experience need to learn, along with the things they and a strong background in girls’ Mrs Kiepe was inducted at a service would like to learn, so that our graduates education, Mrs Kiepe is set to carry officiated by Mr Greg Adsett, Chairman, can live and work productively in the Mrs Kim Kiepe on a legacy of Principals who have Presbyterian and Methodist Schools diversity of the 21st century.” demonstrated exceptional values and Association, with many dignitaries and a passion for furthering the education of guest speakers including Reverend Mrs Kiepe also went on to speak of how young women. Heather den Houting, General she views herself as Principal and the Secretary of the Uniting Church many expectations she has placed on “I am very conscious of the honour and in Australia. her role. responsibility conferred on me,” Mrs The induction of a new Principal is a historic moment in the life of Somerville Kiepe said. In her service address, Reverend den “How do I see my role as the Somerville Houting spoke of the role a Principal House Principal?,” Mrs Kiepe said. House and not one celebrated often. Following the Schools’ establishment in 1899 must play; leading by example and by Miss Eliza Fewings, only twelve have been entrusted with the responsibility defining the certain standards of “[I believe] the essence lies in my humanity and a relational leadership and honour of the title. behaviour they would like to see modelled within the School. style that has been developed

May this year ahead be a blessed one for us all.

“The quest is to always throughout my career in Education,” model a community that she said. holds values,” Reverend den Houting said. “For me, it is about being a good role model; working hard and looking out for “I have no doubt that each member of our school community: Somerville House will our girls, our staff members, our recommit itself to its parents and our Old Girls”. foundational values that are grounded in care.” In the final moments of her induction address, Mrs Kiepe expressed how the At her first public address as warmth of the students’ smiles and their the newly inducted Principal of welcome to the School reminded her of Somerville House, Mrs Kiepe the privilege that comes with the role spoke of her vision and hopes of Principal. for the School in a teaching environment that is changing at “I have this chance to be a part an unprecedented speed. of our students’ lives, and I have this opportunity to make a positive “I hope that we can provide contribution to them as Principal,” the learning pathways and said Mrs Kiepe. opportunities to enable students to develop the skills needed to Addressing the students, Mrs Kiepe chart successful futures and said, “I want to nurture honesty and thus be responsible global integrity as you go about your daily citizens,” Mrs Kiepe said. lives; a desire to show concern and compassion for others, an attitude “I have absolute confidence that and an eagerness to learn more [and] together, we can achieve this an attitude of finding out what you are through our strategic priority of good at and doing your best.” providing exceptional learning and educational outcomes,” she said.

8 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 9 Chosen out of the twenty‑four key is what inspired School Captain, Freya series of brightly decorated ‘Connect character strengths as an ode to Allen, the most about this theme. Boxes’ produced by the Captains, School Captains’ the uniform that makes a Somerville located in the Middle and Senior School House student unique, the word zest “With this theme, we hope to encourage offices. inspired School Captain, Freya Allen students to study with zest, play sport and Vice‑Captains, Anna Kneipp and with zest, make friends with zest; we “We came up with the concept of Catherine Benjamin, to be ‘keen in want their energy and enthusiasm to the Connect Boxes to hear students’ green in 2019’. leave everyone uplifted and inspired,” thoughts, opinions, suggestions and Freya said. concerns about our school, including “We understand that zest is not a word any zesty initiatives they might have,” you hear every day and many may think, “With zest, we hope Somerville Catherine said. ZestyTheme 2019 why choose the word zest?,” Anna said. House will be a force of passion and exuberance,” she said. “Suggestions can include music for “This year we wanted to focus on green days, to new spirit ideas that more energy and enthusiasm, which is “It is our goal to have all students will help to connect us all as a school,” the exact definition of the word zest,” involved in activities they normally she said. she said. wouldn’t try ‑ whether that is singing their heart out at Choral Fest, or stuffing The 2019 Somerville House theme ‘With Zest’ focusses on Creating a vibrant school community, their school bag full of library books.” energy and enthusiasm, encouraging students to relish in encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and participate in Along with the theme comes many new all opportunities the academic year has to offer. the many activities throughout the year initiatives, including a ‘Zest Queen’ crowned at the end of the year and a

10 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 11 “Somerville House has been working curriculum, all the way across and With particular expertise in data for two to three years in reviewing through social and emotional concerns analysis, Ms Bennett spoke of the Transitioning to and revising all the programs in the that students have,” she said. long‑term vision to see various lines Middle School in light of the current of data providing the whole picture changes to education in Queensland,” Identifying the many gifted and talented of each student, tracking their Ms Duffield said. students at Somerville House and academic journey from the point of ATAR in 2020 offering them opportunities to engage entry through to graduation. It is the “These new roles are designed to in challenging Co‑Curricular activities, compilation of different data – NAPLAN support teachers and implement is another aspect of the role Ms Taylor outcomes, ACER Pat testing, and programs to lift students’ literacy, is passionate about. subject outcomes over time – that numeracy and optimise learning to helps teachers and staff form a better “We support students who are gifted ensure they are equipped with the skills understanding of their students With many innovative and strategic appointments of staff in and talented by making sure that we needed for the Senior School,” she said. as individuals. the key learning areas of English, Science, Maths and Social extend them, so they are discovering Noting the introduction of the new where their potential lies and the limits Science, Somerville House is set to build on academic results, “We take information that we have Queensland Certificate of Education of what they currently know and where at hand to look at what our students that secured them a place amongst the top performing girls’ (QCE) and syllabuses replacing the OP they possibly go to,” she said. have done in the past and how that system in 2020, Ms Duffield spoke of can best position them for the best schools in Queensland for 2018. “We have the Da Vinci Competition some of the foundational skills staff chance of success in their learning,” coming up as well as the Churchie have identified in the new syllabuses, Ms Bennett said. Literature competition, and for the first With a specific focus on the Middle Supervising the new appointments and implications for effective, Middle time this year we are entering a team in School, the School has recently is Dean of Teaching, Learning and School learning. “If there are any misalignments across the World Scholar’s Cup.” appointed four Middle School Innovation, Ms Laura Duffield, and Dean different data sources, then that can “What will be an important foundation be used as a flag for intervention; a Curriculum Co‑ordinators in key of Academic Planning, Ms Jo Bennett. Ms Taylor went onto explain that a for the new QCE, and syllabuses for call to action to help students who learning areas, and an Assistant Dean Ms Duffield spoke of how these new further facet of her role is making sure the new QCE, are essential ‘thinking require learning development, as well of Literacy, Learning and Development. positions support teachers and Heads the learning development department processes’, called cognitive verbs,” Ms as identify gifted and talented students These key staff members work behind of Year in the Middle School to further runs seamlessly from the Junior School Duffield said. who may need further enrichment the scenes tailoring and revising develop students’ academic success into the Middle and Senior Schools. activities,” Ms Bennett said. educational programs to support and prepare for their transition into “Our teachers in the core subjects in individual student needs. learning in the Senior School. “The other role I play is to make sure the Middle School are beginning to “What we are most interested in is how that every student has a pathway implement a vocabulary program – that journey looks for our individual through Somerville House, where a key, initial step in rolling out literacy students; to be able to measure growth she can find her feet and meet her strategies to support student learning,” on an individual student level,” said potential,” Ms Taylor said. she said. Ms Bennett. “We individualise these pathways “This is to make sure students are “We look at where the individual student because we understand that one size ready for Senior School, and they has come from and her previous history doesn’t fit all,” she said. have the maturity of language and the and think about how we can make sure skills required for success in the new “It is my job to make sure we are that she is maximising her opportunities QCE system.” giving teachers the tools to meet the for the greatest academic success,” she said. Supporting both teachers and students students where they are at so that we can support them and further their with pathways to meet their academic Incoming Principal, Mrs Kim academic achievement.” potential is Assistant Dean of Literacy, Kiepe, fully supports the recent Learning and Development, Ms Michelle Ms Taylor’s role also works closely with appointments, which support the Taylor. Ms Taylor has been working the Dean of Academic Planning, Ms Jo School’s long‑standing tradition of to implement numerous strategies to Bennett, using ACER PAT testing and academic excellence. maximise student growth and support NAPLAN data to track the individual teachers to ensure the consistency of “Academic rigour will be enhanced by academic progression of students quality teaching practices. these initiatives, enabling our teachers throughout the Middle School. and Heads of Year to develop our “My role is all about helping each “Through ACER PAT and NAPLAN students’ aspirations and the skills student to maximise her learning,” results, there is the hard evidence needed to chart successful futures,” Ms Taylor said. to back up the fact we know we are Mrs Kiepe said. “It is about working with teachers and growing our students and we are doing parents to expand each student’s that in each of the phases of their growth; from students who struggle learning, and that’s our ultimate aim,” with accessing aspects of the she said.

12 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 13 A timeline of Somerville House

Brad Cooper, Judy Luxton (nee Australian records in every stroke the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 Swimming Excellence Hudson) represented Australia at the except backstroke, Lisa Curry’s London Olympics, Libby was the world 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Later, swimming ability was noticed at a record holder in the short‑course (25m) Judy went onto compete in her second young age. Competing in three Olympic 100‑metre freestyle. Amongst other games, swimming in the 1976 Montreal Games – Moscow 1980, Los Angeles pursuits following her retirements from Olympics, placing eighth in the 4x 100m 1984 and Barcelona 1992, along with swimming, Libby signed onto become a Women’s Medley Relay final. other elite competitions, over the Somerville House Swimming Ambassador course of her swimming career Lisa in 2015. Her role as ambassador sees It is widely known that Queensland is home to some of the nation’s greatest swimming won fifteen gold, seven silver and eight her working with the School to promote Glenda Radley (nee Robertson) talent, with its tropical climate and many world class training facilities. Yet, just how bronze international medals. Somerville House swimming and act as a (Class of 1977) mentor to the swimmers and an advisor to many Olympic and Commonwealth Games squads have been represented by past girls in House: Osburn Retiring from swimming after the the coaches. green? The School delved into the archives and put together a list of just under a century of Competing in two events at the 1976 Barcelona Olympic Games, Lisa went on to try other sporting pursuits. Her Queensland Swimming royalty, whose talents once called the Somerville House pool home. Montreal Olympics along with fellow Marieke D’Cruz (nee Guehrer) Somerville House alumna, Judy Luxton outgoing personality also gave her the (Class of 2003) (nee Hudson), Glenda also competed chance to work as a presenter for the Channel Nine Wide World of Sport, House: Durack 1978 Commonwealth Games held in Jeanette Leutenneger (nee Holle) Beatrice Nancy Welch (nee Lyons) competed in the same British Empire as well as endorse many products With a seventeen year swimming career, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Glenda (Class of 1949) (Class of 1947) (Commonwealth) Games team as and brands. Marieke is an Australian Olympian alumna Jeannette Leutenneger (nee was recently named on the Swimming House: Franklin House: Macarthur and World Champion with numerous Holle). Nancy recently took her place as Australia Coaches Honour List for her Jeanette competed at the 1950 Described as one of the best Australian international medals and two world one of the 3500 Queen’s Baton bearers work with the Australian Swimming Libby Trickett OAM (nee Lenton) British Empire (Commonwealth) swimmers of all time, Nancy Welch records. After competing in backstroke for the 2018 Commonwealth Games held team at the 2001 World Aquatics (Class of 2002) Games, held in Auckland, New (nee Lyons) was never beaten in an at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Marieke on the Gold Coast. Championships held in Fukuoka, Japan. House: Gilmore Zealand and placed fourth in the Australian meet and won a silver took a break from swimming in 2006. Libby Trickett (nee Lenton) appeared 110 Yard Backstroke. Jeanette was medal in the 200m breaststroke at Re‑kindling her love for the sport, on the world swimming scene in March Judy Luxton (nee Hudson) Lisa Curry also the recipient of a University of the 1948 London Summer Olympics. 2003 at the Australian championships, Marieke returned to swimming, winning (Class of 1975) (Class of 1979) Queensland Half Blue Award, which Nancy also competed in the 1952 and by July she was a medal contender the first prize purse and broke the short House: Franklin House: Macarthur recognises outstanding sporting Helsinki Olympic Games, however, was in multiple events at the 2003 World course 50m butterfly world record in performances at state‑level and/or unfortunately eliminated in the heats Competing amongst Australian The only Australian swimmer to Championships in Barcelona. A gold the final round of the 2008 FINA World university competition. of the 200m breaststroke. Nancy also swimming greats Shane Gould and have held both Commonwealth and medallist at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Cup in Berlin.

14 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 15 The Great Debate 2019

In an inspiring and festive start to the 2019 Debating season, the School played host to the annual Great Debate, held in the Valmai Pidgeon Performing Arts Centre. The Somerville House Senior A team, debating against sibling‑school, Clayfield College, grappled with the entertaining topic of ‘Are Robot Teachers the Way of the Future?’ successfully arguing that human teachers are here to stay.

Adjudicating on the night was the “[How] wonderful to see such quality With a long‑standing history of quality “Around twelve years ago, the School Queensland. Women’s Legal Service is “[The] Women’s Legal Service provides honourable Judge John Allen of the public speaking from these two debating and entertainment, Somerville decided to change the format to a a specialist community legal centre free legal help to around 15,000 women District Court of Queensland. Known sibling‑schools”, he said. House Debating Co‑ordinator of humorous Interschool debate between providing free legal and social across the state who experience for his legal knowledge, integrity and thirteen years, Mr Sebastian Percival, two Year 12 Senior A teams and it has work help to people who live and domestic violence,” Angela said. leadership, Judge Allen, a Somerville “This truly was a great debate.” spoke of the event’s twenty‑year history flourished ever since,” he said. “We also identify as women in Queensland. House parent and highly‑regarded and how it was initially known as The introduced the People’s Choice Awards; In attendance on the night was “Unfortunately around forty‑percent Addressing the crowd after careful Barrister, gave his feedback and Comedy Debate. where spectators are encouraged to Chief Executive Officer of Women’s of calls to us go unanswered due to deliberation, Judge Allen announced discussed both teams convincing place a gold coin donation in the bucket Legal Service, Angela Lynch AM. resource constraints, but your help Somerville House the victors, indicating arguments and rebuttals. “Each year, The Comedy Debate of their favourite team.” Angela, a Lawyer and advocate for tonight will assist us in answering more that the argument on human empathy invited local television and sporting survivors of domestic and family calls,” she said. and the inability to replace an emotional “It was an absolute pleasure to celebrities to debate various topics. For the last five years, all of the violence, thanked the event organisers connection between teacher and student, “Thank you for inviting me along to speak listen to both team’s very persuasive However, they found that some would proceeds raised from the People’s and spoke of how the donations help persuaded him that Robot teachers are and thank you for making Women’s Legal arguments” Judge Allen said. extend the boundaries of comedy,” Choice Awards have been donated victims across the state. not, in fact, the way of the future. Mr Percival said. to the Women’s Legal Service Service your charity of choice.”

16 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 17 As a School that has hosted many regional find some of the messages we received from boarding students over the years, we are our partner schools’ students, teachers and acutely aware of the impact natural disasters community members. have on families. More than two months on from the flooding, Townsville residents are “My three housemates, two dogs and I were still repairing and cleaning damage, including evacuated from our rental house in Idalia as flood many of the region’s schools. To ensure our water reached our house. The Army Protected neighbours up north knew that they had not Mobility Vehicle (PMV) picked us up, but been forgotten, Somerville House, through the unfortunately got stuck in the streets of Idalia as it Townsville regions Scripture Union Chaplain, was trying to pass stranded trucks. Water began raised close to $3800 for two schools; to rise inside the vehicle while we were waiting for Rasmussen State School and Thuringowa State boats to rescue us from the rescue vehicle.” High School. “We almost lost our house during Yasi. Last While both schools were fortunate to have year, we prepared for Cyclone Debbie (category not been inundated with flood waters, the 4) to take it out but she went south of us. We constant rain and humidity that followed led prepared the same way this time. I thought to a hazardous mould developing throughout we were gone. I understand the feeling of classrooms. This mould, not covered by disorientation; when you pack your life up into insurance, resulted in the classrooms having boxes and don’t know where to put it; then to be completely gutted, with teachers losing have to unpack and have nowhere to put it valuable resources created using their own because of the damage. You can put your car funds, and many treasured mementos from keys somewhere and never find them because Supporting our it’s not in your normal place or routine.” over the years.

Raising money at various events throughout “I attempted to take my kids to school as it had Term 1, including the Middle and Senior School been a long slog stuck at home with dwindling Townsville supplies. The dip at Saunders was at 0.5 and Family Worship Services, the Somerville House community was able to help our friends at I was able to get out as I had access to a 4wd Rasmussen State School and Thuringowa State Patrol. On the way, the rain was so hard; the neighbours High School by providing: intersections were filling with water, the roads were flooding. My eldest son, in Year 8, was By Ms Chris O’Gorman • $100 to each of the teachers at Rasmussen asking constantly; are we ok? Do you think we State School to help replenish resources in should go home? Are you going to be able to the twenty‑two classrooms affected by the get me if it floods?” hazardous mould. “All the support, care and generosity given was • $100 vouchers to a number of members just beautiful and I can’t even begin to express In February 2019, the Somerville House of the School community who had homes how thankful I am! Made the tough times much community was moved by stories and images of inundated with flood waters. more bearable.” those who suffered during the Townsville floods. • Funds for each school to provide their “My wife and I were blown away by your With swift water rescues, major loss of property community with a free pancake day to thoughts and the generosity of your donation. It brighten their spirits. is very clear that there are a lot of good people in and the ensuing mud so dense, much of the the world after going through a significant event • A free coffee for staff at both schools. region’s livestock perished. like this. We have been overwhelmed with your • Woolworths, Coles, Kmart and Officeworks support. I have two daughters who are eight and vouchers were also purchased and sent to four years old who lost almost everything in their our flood affected colleagues. room. This included a lot of books and toys. We are unsure what we will do with your donation On top of the monetary donations, each of our yet, however, maybe the purchase of a book Junior School classes prepared a personalised each will help them to start rebuilding their room. card for a class at Rasmussen State School. We are most appreciative!” The cards, beautifully produced by our students, included supportive and uplifting “On behalf of class 3S at Rasmussen State individualised messages. School, thank you for your thoughts and generosity after our flood event. It means a We wish Townsville a swift recovery and lot to the staff and students that someone far are extremely grateful for the generous away is thinking of us. Thank you again, and Somerville House community. Below you can happy Easter!”

18 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 19 Students shine in Centre for Children’s Health Research Program

Working with renowned doctors, respiratory specialists, research assistants and PhD students is all in a day’s work for seven Somerville House Year 11 students. Selected in June 2018 by the Centre for Children’s Health Research (CCHR), every Tuesday students make the short walk across to the Queensland Children’s Hospital to take part in an eighteen month STEM research program.

Remarking on the tough selection research on specific lung diseases in criteria, one successful applicant and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander current Year 11 student, Joan Cheng, communities. Working with mentor mentioned that students interested in and senior research fellow with over a career in science were encouraged twenty years of experience, Kerry‑Ann to apply. O’Grady, Amelia said she has been able to assist with specific research on “Last year, we received an email from pneumonia‑reducing vaccine trials. the Head of Science regarding an opportunity to be involved in a research “Every week, Kerry‑Ann gives us program with the Centre for Children’s various tasks involving entering and Health Research,” Joan said. cleaning data from the RICCI kids study, helping out with the preparation “The criteria in selecting students selected Somerville House students to of the Pneumatters study, and learning involved a written application regarding spend eighteen months on a project in more about ethical research and our subject choices and results we a real‑world context,” Ms McLean said. vaccine trials,” Amelia said. received (a minimum of B in Maths and Sciences), and an interview,” she said. “Not many schools can give their “We were fortunate enough to be students such a unique STEM able to attend the staff induction and “After a few weeks of waiting for the experience, and we take pride in that,” training of an international vaccine applications to be reviewed, seven of us she said. trial in pregnant women, intending to were selected for the joint program with determine if it prevents pneumonia in the research centre.” “[We even had] two members of the infants (predominantly Aboriginal and 2016 to 2017 group achieve their names Torres Strait Islander infants),” she said. Head of Science, Ms Erica McLean, in a publication before they left school.” commented on how the School’s “This was an invaluable experience Science Department has always Amelia Mackie, another successful for us as we were immersed in all of had beneficial links with academic applicant, spoke of how she enjoys the aspects of clinical trial design institutions like CCHR, which in turn observing and taking part in research and implementation, allowing us to gives students the chance to take part in based on multiple sclerosis, vaccine gain an insight into all of the complex joint programs valuable to their studies. trials to reduce pneumonia in Aboriginal decision making processes in clinical and Torres Strait Islander infants, research within an environment of “Our biennial student research pollen counting in daily lives, and multi‑disciplinary health professionals.” internship with the CCHR allows

20 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 21 On Friday 15 March 2019, Student Services, along with the Wellbeing Captain and convenors, hosted their first event of the year, focussing on the 2019 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. The lead up Pastoral Care lessons continue to provide valuable teaching on relationships and team building, Connecting with Respect, incorporating messages matching the 2019, Take a Stand Together – Against Bullying. Somerville House takes According to the Bullying No Way Government Fact Sheet, around eighty‑three percent of students who bully others online, also bully others a stand against Bullying offline. Interestingly, the fact sheet also stated that peers are present as onlookers in around eighty‑seven percent of bullying interactions and play a central role in the bullying process. By The ribbon banner, with the name “On this day of the National Day of highlighting this cause, it was our aim of every Somerville House student, Action against Bullying and Violence, to show students that bystanders are Connections, much like this publication, are an integral part of life at Somerville House. was the visual representation of the we, the students of Somerville House, powerful in support of bullying and, most Anti‑Bullying pledge students were pledge to: We connect on arrival and we connect throughout the day in classes and in corridors. importantly, in standing up to bullies. invited to take during the assembly of These connections are a celebration of positive care and respect for others, and a genuine 1. Treat others respectfully On the Friday in March, we invited every the same week. The pledge encouraged students to take a stand against desire to meet and speak with others in a safe and happy space. During Term 1 of 2019, the student in the School to partake in a 2. Be inclusive and celebrate bullying together and to promote an Pastoral Care and Wellbeing team have aimed to build on the School’s long standing ‘together’ range of lunchtime activities, which differences included writing their name on a ribbon inclusive environment allowing everyone culture. Through various events, we aim to foster an environment where respect for others banner, to raise awareness for the at Somerville House a safe place to 3. Take a stand together to ensure our is an expectation, and our students have the opportunity to form positive connections in a National Day of Action against Bullying thrive. The full pledge students were school is a safe place to thrive.” safe environment. and Violence. invited to take was:

22 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 23 Awarded as a Highly Accomplished Ann Zenko – One of the first Prep teachers to apply Teacher in 2017, she said the process Acknowledgement and for HAT recognition, Ann commented gave her the opportunity to truly reflect that the Somerville House panel was on what she’d done throughout her reaffirming beliefs pleased with the information and career, observe what she was doing Also originally from the United evidence she had provided. now and where she wanted to grow. Kingdom, Prep teacher at Somerville “It demonstrated to me the importance House Ann Zenko knows what leading “The process made me re-evaluate not that Somerville House places on teaching pedagogy is. only what was important in my teaching the foundations of early learning but why it was important. I was able to After beginning her career in a ‘beacon and the acknowledgment of best reflect on my practices and pedagogy, school’ in the UK – government schools practice pedagogy. and identify the purposeful from the that were high-performing, received “Recently, I was privileged to be a habitual,” Esther said. additional funding and provided part of a year-long program with other schools and teachers with their “When I was training, we had to do Independent Schools Queensland to learning experience – Ann’s early years formal evaluation for every lesson. While study age-appropriate pedagogy. teaching training was of an extremely we now evaluate lessons informally high standard. every day, there is less of a requirement “The program reaffirmed my beliefs in play-based learning and justified to formalise these thoughts and notes.” Moving to Australia with her young what we are doing here at Somerville,” ESTHER HARRISON WITH STUDENTS family in 2008, she joined the Somerville Originally from the United Kingdom, said Ann. House staff full-time in 2013. Esther has travelled and taught around To assess the information and the world. Although people and In 2018, Ann was encouraged as a evidence provided by each ‘Lead’ or places are different, she believes the part of her professional development ‘HAT’ applicant, each school has a challenges of teaching are the same. to apply for Highly Accomplished selection panel comprising the school Teacher recognition. FOCUS: Opportunity to reflect and At Somerville House, she loves the Principal or delegate, an existing Lead school’s pedagogical framework because “The application process for me was teacher within the School as well as it fits with her teaching philosophy of very much about reflecting on what and an experienced educator from outside teach purposefully – Highly Accomplished student-focussed learning and inquiry- the School. how I do things.” based learning. She also loves teaching in the new Robinson Centre. Ann also appreciated that the process Teachers at Somerville House helped her identify gaps in her teaching Caroline Thurlow, PMSA Group Executive “The open plan design and flexible and gave her some areas to work on for - Corporate Affairs space and seating in the Year 5 and continuous improvement. 6 classrooms in the Robinson Centre allows for the four Year 5 teachers to collaborate regularly and the teachers PMSA schools have long been renowned for exceptional teachers. After all, our mission is ‘to to ‘team teach’ which further enables provide outstanding teaching and learning environments for our students and staff’, and our the girls to engage in their learning.” vision is to ‘build caring school communities, by providing world-class teaching and learning Esther has a passion for history and environments of excellence…’. geography and is a curious person. “I want the students to develop a love of learning. I am trying to hold the curiosity To encourage, acknowledge and Recently successful HAT applicants teachers such as Esther Harrison and that can be lost as children grow.” recognise teaching excellence in our from Somerville House – Year 5 Ann Zenko and their great work. schools, in 2014 the PMSA developed teacher Esther Harrison and Prep Esther hopes the Robinson Centre “Many teachers who have been and implemented the PMSA Quality teacher Ann Zenko – both agreed space, the student-centred pedagogical previously recognised in this program Teacher Recognition Framework. the process was rigorous, but approach at Somerville House and her at Somerville House have moved thoroughly enjoyed preparing their teaching style helps students maintain As a part of this Framework, each year into middle management when applications. The process provided that curiosity and helps students work many teachers in our four schools opportunities have become available,” them with the opportunity to evaluate out how they learn best. apply to become recognised as ‘Lead’ what they do in their teaching and she said. teachers or ‘Highly Accomplished identify key opportunities for their “The students have no barriers in Teachers’ (HAT). pedagogical growth. the Robinson Centre. Every child Esther Harrison – gets every opportunity to be creative The program not only acknowledges Dean of Teaching, Learning and Opportunities for growth and innovative.” and financially rewards high performing Innovation and co-ordinator of teachers in our four great schools, the Quality Teacher Recognition Year 5 Somerville House teacher Esther “The HAT application process made but the process itself encourages Framework at Somerville House, Laura Harrison has been teaching for 15 years me think long and hard about how I teachers to reflect on and develop their Duffield said the program is a great and at Somerville House for the past can harness what is interesting for ANN ZENKO WITH A STUDENT teaching practice. acknowledgement and recognition of four years. the students.”

24 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 25 ENHANCING THE EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR GENERATIONS OF SOMERVILLE HOUSE STUDENTS

School environment; however, we live engaged and challenged to reach their The Endowment Fund has in a time where schools need facilities potential. Donations to The Building been established to support Message from which enable students to learn and grow Fund are fully tax‑deductible. the School, its future for tomorrow; where jobs and careers operations and to provide for the future The Scholarship and will look very different to today. The most of Somerville House through economic Bursaries Fund helps foster innovative, progressive and passionate and government downturns. The the Board Chair a culture that celebrates and teachers will, in part, be attracted to work Endowment Fund will provide a vehicle values diversity, achievement and the Ms Dominique Layt, Somerville House Foundation at Somerville by the facilities they have to for the community to direct bequests pursuit of personal excellence. A work with. Donations to the Foundation and specific gifts. number of scholarships are awarded bridge community and school. They help each year to students who might not to build not only resources, but to foster For more information on how you normally be able to attend our school, an environment for our girls that reflects can give to the School in a way that as well as assisting families who may be our community’s belief in the on‑going is meaningful to you and your family, experiencing financial difficulty through development and transformation of the please contact Ms Anna Coles, The Somerville House Foundation’s Mission is ‘to secure the future of the School’. But what the provision of bursaries. Donations to School that we love. Foundation Development Manager does this mean? And how far into the future? And what does ‘security’ really look like? And The Scholarship and Bursaries Fund on (07) 3033 9289 or by email are fully tax‑deductible. what will the School look like in the future? And how will we know when we have completed To enable our community to give to the foundation@ somerville.qld. edu. au projects and programs that matter to or visit the website to make a The Cultural Fund will allow our Mission or will the goal posts continue to move with the evolving environment? them and their families in a meaningful tax‑deductible donation today. the community to make way the Foundation has established tax‑deductible donations, Today’s Somerville House students As we celebrate our thirty‑fifth year the education of girls? Do we owe it model the school motto of ‘Honour five funds to provide opportunities, supporting the development and support projects for our students and will pursue professions we have not of supporting the School and as we to Somerville girls past, present and Before Honours’. delivery of Somerville House’s literary, to invest in the current, future and long even dreamt of. To enter into those endeavour to define the Foundation’s future to aspire to do more? visual and performing arts, music, craft There is no time like the present to take term success of our young women and professions with honour and integrity, Mission, the Board has had to ask itself and design programs, such as robotics, action. As adult individuals, we all know Somerville House. they need an education of the mind, all of the questions above and more. We don’t yet have the answers to to Somerville House students and the that when we don’t have to worry about the heart and the will. The essence Is it enough for a School of this calibre these questions, but we are committed wider community. money and where it is going to come The Building Fund (different of the Foundation is to support the and the community that supports it to starting the conversations in the from, we are free to think and dream to the School’s Voluntary The Sports Fund, in development of the School we are to be satisfied with ‘security’ as a broader community. ‘One Somerville’ passionate about; a school which creatively and without limits. Many of Building Fund) supports the conjunction with the Australian goal? Do we have the capacity and is more than just a philosophy; it is a already has an impressive legacy, you currently contribute or did contribute School’s strong commitment to Sports Foundation, allows the the duty to try and achieve more for verb. As a community, we will strive but also has a very bright future. By in the past to the School’s Voluntary delivering a relevant, first‑class learning community, by making tax‑deductible our community, effect more positive to be a community of inclusion and investing in the Foundation today, you Building Fund, making additional environment that facilitates exceptional donations, to assist the School to change in the world around us and action, a community that supports the help ensure that the future of Somerville contributions in addition to your fees. learning outcomes for our students. In improve its physical education, sports ultimately support Somerville House transformation of each of our young line with the School’s Master Plan ‑ A programs and activities and to promote will be as remarkable as its past. to continue, as started by the School’s women into an authentic leader who These contributions help support the 2025 Vision, we seek to ensure that our the health and wellbeing of students founder Eliza Fewings, to progress in turn will transform their world and on‑going maintenance of the existing students are continually inspired, both current and future.

26 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 27 Somerville House Foundation Overseas Study Scholarship

In 2018, I was the recipient of the Foundation Overseas Scholarship, which I was sincerely session to entering a dance competition thankful for and honoured to receive. Thanks to the generosity of the Foundation, I was able and winning, I made so many incredible memories with my house mates that I to live in Japan for six months, a dream of mine, and study Japanese language and culture in will cherish forever. I can’t wait to see person! I can honestly say this was the best experience of my life, and has motivated me to my friends again when I return to Japan!

further improve my language skills and pursue a future living and working in Japan. Receiving the Foundation Overseas Scholarship has motivated me to During my stay in Japan, I studied at am very excited to continue my studies so I was never alone, and there was complete my degree in Law and the Kai Japanese Language School. here in Australia, and have joined the definitely never a dull moment. It also become fluent in the Japanese The study was quite intensive but Australian Japanese Association. consisted of fifty percent Japanese, language and hopefully work overseas. the emphasis on conversation really and the other fifty percent of people I absolutely encourage anyone improved my Japanese language skills. Besides school, a large portion of my from all over the world, so I was able considering to take a gap year to apply This was the perfect school for me as life in Japan was spent living in an to practise Japanese (and many other and see what happens, for it is truly the I was able to make so many friends international share‑house. I was living languages) with my housemates. Whilst greatest thing to have happened to me. from around the world and study the by myself for the first time and I was the experience did not come without language in a supportive and fun terrified, but upon arrival to my new challenges (such as losing my wallet environment. Though it was definitely home I was quick to realise there was and house key on my first day…), Sally Worland (Class of 2017) Recipient challenging around exam times, I had nothing to be worried about! My share from travelling all around Japan on my of the Somerville House Foundation so much fun learning the language that I house had 120 people living there Summer holidays to a six‑hour karaoke Overseas Study Scholarship 2018

28 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 29 This is not Generosity, it’s Payback By Jill Mellick (Class of 1965)

Always tiny, but even tinier in her 80s, my mother and I followed Earning respect in sports was a community activities, I felt and feel well in me, instilled by my parents (Letty challenge but giving up was not Somerville’s pervasive influence. Katts and Dr JSD Mellick, ED., OAM), by an Old Girl around on a school tour. “I went to Somerville for an option. Looking back, giving up Somerville, and by life. a shallow reason,” she told me. “I liked the uniform. Navy and might have been the better choice So here, decades later on one of So two girls will get six‑year fellowships bottle green. Wool and challis for winter: silk for summer.” at times but hanging in now ran in my frequent visits home, my mother and I were dutifully following the Old after I’m gone. They’ll be highly my veins. The faculty, despite clear Girl as she showed us relics from motivated daughters of first generation internecine differences, shared values: our eras. I gamely commented, “It’s parents. As Dr Goodwin recently When I entered the Junior School in to the Senior School, graciously in red, “Line 11 fails to scan.” I was Honour before Honours, commitment, lovely to see the old places, thank said, “Who knows what these girls the ‘60s, we were already wearing the encouraging our maturation. I recalled not amused. However, after English responsibility to community, personal you. I’d also love to see what the might make of their education and iconic, green summer uniform that her embrace of change when I was Honours, my knack for freelancing as and educational excellence…. I later current girls have and do.” She was be in a position to contribute it a made the healthiest look as though fare‑welling graduating patients and a textbook editor let me pay for my found many Native American and Swiss she’d been below deck on a Greek family members. She also wrote in surprised but re‑orientated our tour. In generation earlier.” American doctorate in psychology. cultural leaders with whom I worked ferry in a tempest. The dark toilet elegant italic script. Forever in love I found myself writing books and the “new” Somerville, I felt vibrancy, in close connection shared these What I got through my pores has block occasionally had tiny green tree with calligraphy, I learnt and still write poems, vowing after each never to engagement, relaxation. same values and seemed to recognise served me all my days. Doing this is not frogs perched on the back of the small in italics. A chapter in my latest book is write another. Too, patients seemed to them as extant in me, even when I On my return home to Palo Alto, generosity. It’s payback. pedestals—perhaps the frogs inspired on Carl Jung’s calligraphy and, were it find it helpful if I could find images that felt woefully ineffective at expressing I resumed my water aerobics class the colour of the summer uniform. The not for a Swiss museum curator friend’s described their experiences. Professor Jill Mellick (1965), is a them cross‑culturally. and met an articulate, intelligent, winter uniform was the same. So were sharing my love of calligraphy and psychologist in private practice in Palo some of the teachers. “You’re Letty suggesting a publisher, my book would Joy McCallum paralysed me in Maths; Aussie instructor. Elidia and I chatted. When I left Somerville, I wept. Some did Alto, California an artist and published Katts’s daughter!” they’d exclaim. I’d still be a manuscript. she wandered in perfect linen, glancing I unthinkingly asked which tertiary not. No, I wasn’t in love with everything author. Her most recent book, The Red check their faces for disapproval or over her shoulder at my attempts. institution she’d attended. She or everyone there. I mean, there were Book Hours: Discovering C.G. Jung’s approval. Friends experienced the same; The Principal, Isobel Taylor, scared But then she gave us extra Saturday laughed. “Are you kidding? My parents better places to spend lunch hour than Art Mediums and Creative Process was most, but not me (only because my were first generation Australians. others followed sisters who’d accrued sessions, emanating calm confidence in diving into the Confiscation Box of father exchanged jokes on Boards he published by Scheidegger & Spiess honours they knew they’d never accrue. the face of my ineptitude. I didn’t sit for Only third generation usually gets a was on with her and she went to the smelly socks to find one’s now similarly in 2018 and a copy is available in the the State exam; I just let her voice tell me good education.” Junior School Head and Form Mistress, same church as my grandmother). Her stinky jumper. I was just in love with Seymour Centre. what to do and she got the A. Ironically, Phyllis Postle, didn’t have to assert elegant handwriting, and care for a being there, but I didn’t understand Years later, my cancer returned. As I I fell upon a late‑onset, odd knack for authority; she had it (she could also get fragile mother, chain‑smoking sister, why in full. revised estate planning: I remembered and enjoyment of statistics and research For information on how to leave a great effects by raising one eyebrow flowers, and gardening left their mark Elidia and realised some girls might get design and ended up teaching them It took decades for me to realise that Bequest to the Somerville House in light reproof). We loved her. I taught more than her strict leadership style. an even finer education than mine—and to my doctoral students. Christina the Somerville experience permeated Foundation please contact Ms Anna myself to raise one eyebrow in front of a generation early. Wilson, with a double degree from everything I did and was. It was not Coles, Foundation Development the mirror, but finally realised that her Then red‑headed, quick‑tempered Miss Oxbridge, preferred note‑free lecturing. the only influence by far; I ended For its flaws and for its splendid authority came from within and from George, whom my mother remembered Manager on (07) 3033 9289 or Her erudition awed us as much as her up 8,000 miles from Cumbooquepa qualities, I owe Somerville. I’ve earned her taking her role, but not herself, too as flying down halls wearing a rusty foundation@ somerville.qld.edu.au intolerance for anyone’s ever needing in a third, long‑desired profession; seriously. She sat lightly on my shoulder academic gown, took over grades 11 a good, joyful, meaningful living and the Senior School couch. Her impartial psychology. But my original experience when, at 23, I found myself managing a and 12. She enacted the witches of the ability to pursue personal and stoicism probably helped when I later staff of 60. Endor with aplomb but critiqued, with was permanent, not fleeting. Over my professional passions overseas. I myopic exactitude, my extracurricular faced life‑threatening illnesses, and her years in Silicon Valley as a professor continue to learn from work, family, and Miss Postle treated us as grown‑ups prose and poetry. On a sonnet I gave lectures fed my frequent wanderings and psychologist, as a writer, and community. No matter how far short when we crossed the Great Divide her for comment, she noted tartly through Italy and Greece. in my avocations as an artist and in I might fall, these values are alive and

30 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 31 Neo Renaissance symbolism at its best

Viewed in their entirety the windows are stunning….

But it is only when you delve a little deeper, look more closely at the imagery and artistry that you can truly appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship at play. The image to the right is a close up of the detail under the flower urns in the very top panels of the window. When viewed up close the detail in the painting of the glass can fully be appreciated, as well as, sadly, the significant damage to the bottom left of the panel.

The Green Man This image (present in all three panels), is a brown version of Archimboldo, more commonly known as The Green Man, his face surrounded by leaves to represent re‑birth. The Green Man is believed to have begun as a pre‑Christian entity, a spirit of nature personified as a man and versions of the image pre‑date the coming of the Christian religion, depictions dating back before the days of the Roman Empire.

As well as a being a symbol of human’s close relationship and The mysterious ‘spaghetti’ symbol reliance on nature, The Green Man represents the on‑going This panel has become the most intriguing of all the panels in cycle of the seasons and the life of person. Included in the the Cumbooquepa Dining Room windows. The bow and quiver Cumbooquepa Stained Glass fruits in this panel is a pomegranate which symbolises both most likely refer to the activities of the cupid figure in the central death and abundance, fertility and good luck. window, symbols of love and the flaming torch refers to Life. But what is the swirling smoke/rope mass on top of the stick? The School is fortunate to have leading Australian stained Window Restoration glass artists and restoration experts Gerri Cummins and Jill Initial research in neo‑Renaissance symbolism suggested that Stehn advising us on the conservation of the windows. With the symbol could be a Celtic knot or lover’s knot. These knots their personal connection to Somerville House through the were a romantic notion of the time as the knot loops around on design and creation of many of the Chapel windows, this itself and travels in an eternal twist, symbolizing the undying project has become more than just a ‘job’ to them as they love between two people, however, subsequent to further uncover some of the windows secrets and mysteries. enquiry Gerry and Jill expert have observed: Unlocking the meaning of the symbols in the Cumbooquepa Dining Room windows

Described by experts in the field as ‘compositionally superb’ the highly esteemed window in Switzerland’s stained glass and ‘technically dazzling’, the stained glass windows of museum, Vitromusee. The fame and value of the windows is Cumbooquepa are treasures the Somerville House community expected to increase further with age. can be proud of. Last year the School was advised that all the Shakespeare and A remarkable combination of architectural detail, numerous Cumbooquepa Dining Room windows needed to be removed, impossible cuts, acid etching, painting, silver staining, fine repaired and, in some cases, repainted if they are to be preserved enamels, mouth blown and hand spun roundels, they are and protected. The Somerville House Foundation agreed to fund highly skilled and beautifully crafted. Although the windows the urgent restoration work on the Cumbooquepa Dining Room are not signed, there is strong evidence in the aesthetic and windows and raise the additional funds for the restoration of the style to suggest they were made by William Montgomery Shakespeare windows in the estibule. (1850 – 1927) of Melbourne who is regarded as Australia’s finest stained glass designer and painter. The Cumbooquepa Whilst many boarders will have memories of the windows, windows rank among his best work. not all Somerville students have had the opportunity to view and appreciate the stunning Cumbooquepa windows. As What is less known is that the windows in the Cumbooquepa the restoration proceeds we have become intrigued and Room (formally the Boarders’ Dining Room), are considered enchanted by the symbolism in the windows and the stories to be better examples of Neo‑Renaissance stained glass than that they tell and the more we look, the more we discover…

32 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 33 Eros and Psyche The Shakespeare Panels, The centre window is the most important window in the an interpretation Dining Room and the cherub figure in the centre ties all the symbols together within the presiding themes of Love and Life. When examined closely the figure is depicted as an By Claire Crowther – (Old Girl) BA (UQ), NIDA Acting Graduate and Teacher, adolescent male, not a cherub, leading to the conclusion P/Grad DipEd (QUT), Winner NSW Performing Arts Scholarship, Actor, that the figure is Eros, not Cupid, the Greek god of love and Director, National and International Acting and Voice Coach. sexual potency.

This makes him an unusual choice for a window in the dining room of a Baptist family home where ladies would be present, however, note that Eros in this depiction has butterfly It is interesting that there are four Shakespearean women, each with very wings, a direct reference to his wife Psyche, which is the strong and enterprising characters, in four separate stained glass panels. ancient Greek word for ‘butterfly’. Psyche also means ‘life or There were four surviving daughters in the Stephens family in 1890 when animating force’ which correlates with the rest of the symbols their brother, William, built Cumbooquepa for Mrs Stephens and the family in the windows. after the death of Mr Stephens senior. All the panels have backdrops of green Corinthian columns with terracotta The Griffins coloured pilasters and cornucopias, half a sunflower, oak leaves, crests with olive leaves and pomegranates presented as decorative roundels ‑ The imagery of griffins seated either side of an object all in the Neo Classical tradition. Green predominates as a symbol of life like a tripod or an incense burner date from the reign and rejuvenation which seems appropriate for a new home and moving ‘The rope/worms/smoke/spaghetti in the mystery object is a of Hadrian. Legends stated that griffins mated for life, on after the death of father and husband. The sunflower symbolizes visual trick. If you look at a true Celtic knot any line goes over so one interpretation of this image is that the griffin is a happiness and prosperity, the oak leaves strength and wisdom, the next, then under, over, under ...... and is continuous and symbol against re‑marriage and given that Anne Stephens cornucopias the horn of plenty, the pomegranates fertility and olive leaves endless. If you follow the “smoke” from the “cigarette” it twirls never re‑married after her husband’s death, could peace ‑ perfect symbolism for a domestic setting. under and over, for a while, but then gets lost – semi‑circles be relevant. added at random to give an impression of continuity without The Shakespeare quotes chosen, possibly represent Mrs Stephens’ advice the logic to support it. Interesting!!’ A different interpretation that aligns better with the rest of to her daughters on choosing a husband, a mother lovingly addressing each the symbols in the windows is that the griffin was perceived of her four daughters, understanding their individual personalities as she Recently at a Foundation morning tea in the Cumbooquepa as a powerful and majestic creature and a symbol of loyalty, prepares them for matters of the heart, including courtship and marriage. Dining Room, Naida Haxton (Class of 1959) posited that perhaps strength and fidelity. Cupids represent love and playfulness Rosalind, the heroine from As You Like It, is revealing the vulnerability of the symbol could be interpreted as a Tree of Life symbol. In the so the placement of the cupids being attached to the griffins a woman in love. Beatrice from Much Ado About Nothing is revealing the Celtic tradition the Tree of Life is a representation of harmony and perhaps represents the perfect relationship balance of confusion of suddenly falling in love unexpectedly. Portia from The Merchant balance in nature which reflects the other images in the windows, romantic love (cupids) grounded in fidelity (griffins). of Venice is revealing that finding the loved one is predestined. Viola is particularly The Green Man directly above the panel. This ancient revealing the consequences of not telling a person she loves them. symbol also represents strength, long life, and wisdom, themes The beauty of the Cumbooquepa Dining Rooms windows which are abundant in the windows through the use of vines cannot be underestimated and there is still so much to and oak leaves which symbolize strength, growth and faith. Or it discover about their provenance and the artists who created Portia could be spaghetti… them. But that, as they say, is a mystery for another day! The Eucharist lilies in the vase behind her left shoulder are the Greek symbol of goodness, truth and originality. They also symbolise loveliness, grace and favour. The vase is blue for purity and wisdom.

Portia’s red sash symbolises the vestment of law, a judge’s red insignia of office. Portia adopts the disguise of a lawyer to defend her love, Antonio. Here she is judging her suitors’ worthiness to be her husband. Her body language is composed, holding Exhibit A. The other boxes which are part In of her test to select a genuine suitor from amongst the contenders are on the table behind her. She stands like a Roman or Greek senator presiding Terms of choice at the Capitol or Athenaeum. I am not solely led Eucharist lilies are in her flaming orange‑red hair, symbolizing true love and purity. The daisy motif brooch and two strands of pearls denote her By nice direction of a wealth, status and purity. Blue shoes indicate her patrician background maiden’s eyes; and the blue cushion is a symbol of truth, trust and wisdom. The sunflower Besides, the lottery represents happiness. The oak leaves strength and prosperity. Of my destiny Shell and daisy motifs decorate the columns – daisies for innocence and purity and shells are the symbol for baptism. Bars me the right of voluntary The statement of destiny is a Neo‑Classical choice. Shakespeare wrote prodigiously about destiny both in love and politics. Choosing.

34 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 35 Rosalind The gold lining of the wide open sleeves denotes power and wealth also conveying that she is prone to grand sweeping gestures which complement her sweeping statements. Her Rosalind is portrayed as the most masculine of the women crimson coloured vest is like a passionate breastplate protecting her from her emotions. both facially with a very square jaw, and in her stance, one leg She stands on a red rug, an indication that a passionate threshold has been crossed. forward, bent at the knee, feet turned out, weight on her heels. She leans with male purpose on the balustrade. Here she is Ganymede, (but not in man’s attire), hence, minimal jewellery ‑ Viola one pearl hair ornament and no flowers. Her overskirt is in olive As strange Viola is in disguise dressed like a page boy. The skirt was also worn by the males of representing peace edged with golden brocade for power. She Shakespeare’s era and of course the toga in the classical era. She wears two rings, one wears a bi‑coloured cloak ‑ magenta on the outside – representing As the thing I has been given to her by Orsino to give to Olivia, her rival in love. It was a medieval and Neo both love at its highest level, keen intelligence and wisdom. The Classical fashion for men to wear rings. She wears both on her left hand and has this hand pomegranate lining denotes potent masculinity and female fertility, Know not; it were as over her heart ‑ a gesture of truthfulness, fidelity and love. Her jewellery is minimal as she is symbolizing the aspects of her dual identity. The pomegranate was in masculine disguise ‑ one brooch on her page boy cap. a popular motif of the 1890’s late Victorian Neo‑Classical designs. Possible for me The symbolism of a plethora of seeds within a lush, fleshy crimson to say, Her bodice, a doublet is both male and female in design and she wears red slippers like a fruit needs no explanation. I loved nothing jester because she is tricking Orsino. She wears a masculine neckpiece like a protective amulet and her waist purse is for carrying messages in her role of a go‑between. The Rosalind wears a string of pearls that are tight around the base so well backdrop has small portholes of blue sky because her truth window is very small at of her neck almost concealed by the high neckline to hide female As you: but this time. The white daisies are in a pink‑red vase conveying innocence and purity with flesh. She is blonde because she is referenced as “fair Rosalind” unrequited love. by her beloved Orlando. The style of sleeves hides her feminine believe me arms. She wears the white daisy motif brooch to hold her cloak Not; and yet I lie not; The chair behind resembles a throne ‑ a statement that she needs to assert herself and of disguise in place and she holds her cloak back like a man. declare her love before she can sit on the orange throne chair – orange the colour of Rosalind wears red shoes similar to a jester’s slippers because her I confess nothing, harvest time and then she can rest her feet on the footrest – blue for truth and courage. disguise is in jest. Her costume is red for love with smatterings of gold for power and apricot which is Nor I deny not quite gold, indicating that she is hesitant about being strong. The olive green lining The green herb leaves in the pot near her feet could be a broad Nothing. revealed in her cloak represents the olive branch of peace. She is not at peace with herself sage leaf for wisdom or basil, a symbol of love in Italy. In Moldavian because she is not declaring her feelings for Orsino or at peace with Orsino who is smitten folklore, a young man who accepts basil from a young woman by Olivia. The pomegranate roundels flank the columns ‑ consummation and fertility will fall in love with her. The red pot symbolises her passion for beckon. Her demeanour and body language is sanguine, the symbol of unrequited love. Duke Orlando.

Her tunic dress is green ‑ Forest of Arden green and the Forest of Arden is depicted in the back drop. There is a tree trunk, a branch The total cost for the restoration of the Cumbooquepa stained glass windows is $75,000. and the forest in the far back of the panel with the blue sky above. Thanks to the generous support from the community in response to our recent appeal, And so the stage is set. I could $68,440 has been donated and pledged to the restoration project. Thank you to everyone who has donated to preserve the windows for many future generations of Somerville Find in my heart House students and their families. Our sincerest thanks especially to the following people Beatrice who made leadership gifts to the campaign: To disgrace Beatrice is presented as the most beautiful of the four Shakespeare • Dr Susan Urquhart (1972) - On behalf of • Isabel (1955), Rebecca (1988) and my man’s women. Golden hair, gold drop earrings, two matching bracelets on the women in my family: Joan Urquhart Miriam Bauer (1990) each wrist and a string of gold pearls around her neck. Her body Apparel, and to cry née Axon (1944), Elizabeth Urquhart language denotes haughtiness. Her costume is open across her • Geoff & Coralie Porter (née Brooks - 1954) (1974), Katherine Urquhart (1977), Jacqui like a woman: but I shoulder blades to reveal milky white flesh. The slight turn of head She never Noble (2007) and Claire Noble (2010) • The Prangley Family – Christine (1963), looking back over shoulder with dramatic arm gestures is a woman Must comfort Andrea (1988) and Margot (1991) Told her love, the weaker caught off guard by her emotions. • Mrs Helen Barnard (1985) • Liz Washington (1998) and David Sharp • Cannon Family But let concealment Vessel, as Her train is gold brocade denoting wealth, class and elegant sophistication. She has turned away suddenly from Benedick • Class of 1959 Like a worm i’ the bud doublet and surprised by his declaration of love for her and hers for him but The first phase of the restoration, the Cumbooquepa dining room windows, has been she looks back at him. Beatrice wears no flowers, however, white Feed on her damask cheek. Hose ought to show completed and the windows have been re-installed and look sparkling and wonderful. In the Eucharist lilies for purity are in the red vase for passion. Her hair coming months the restorers will start removing the Shakespeare windows for restoration She pined in thought; and Itself courageous is tightly rolled up to look like no nonsense short hair. She is and we anticipate all the work will be completed and the windows back in place by the end glamorously coiffed ‑ look but don’t touch. with a green and yellow To petticoat. of the year. We look forward to inviting everyone who donated to this project to a special Melancholy, she sat Like The swirl of aqua lining in her underskirt represents her effusive un-veiling event in early 2020. nature. English muffle glass captures her transition from one patience on a If you would like to donate to this project you can do so via our emotion to another. She has just said, “I lie not.” Her underskirt website: somerville.qld.edu.au/foundation Monument smiling is pomegranate pink for smouldering passion and she wears teal coloured slippers‑ combining elements of earth and sky. This If you would like to view the windows please contact Ms Anna Coles, Foundation At grief. colour cyan was first recorded 1885 to 1890 ‑ and the house was Development Manager on (07) 3033 9289 or by email: [email protected] built in 1890. The colour teal was termed in early twentieth century. to arrange a time to visit

36 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 37 Mothers’ Chapel Service and Morning Tea

The Mothers’ Chapel Service and Morning Tea was a lovely celebration of motherhood and the special contribution mothers make to their daughters’ lives and the Somerville House community. It was wonderful to welcome mothers from across Junior, Middle and Senior School and welcome back past mothers who have supported this event for many years.

Sally Worland, recipient of the Foundation’s 2018 Overseas Study Scholarship, shared her learnings and experiences of studying in Japan and the raffle raised over $2,500 which will help another Somerville House girl in green realise her dream of studying overseas.

We thank everyone who attended for your support and participation and look forward to seeing you all (with your husbands/partners) at the Foundation Long Lunch to be held at Emporium on Friday 6 September 2019.

Thank you to our Sponsors We sincerely thank the businesses that supported our event with raffle prizes on the day:

38 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 39 The 2019 Parents and Friends’ (P&F) Ball was definitely the greatest show the School community has seen for a while! Nearly 600 parents, Old Girls, staff, friends of the School and Year 12 students and their partners had the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre’s Plaza Ballroom teeming with energy, excitement, and school spirit on Saturday 27 April.

While apologising for not being Hugh that effect as they performed two Freya Allen, presented our MC with a Jackman, MC Michael Rowland, beautiful routines to ‘The Greatest Show’ gift of champagne, the band prepared co‑host of ABC News Breakfast in and ‘Rewrite the Stars’. A highlight of to take the stage for its final set and Melbourne, was a brilliant ringmaster the evening was EMMAYU – two aerial guests flooded to the dance floor. The for the event and was even seen on the performers who amazed the crowd with room exploded with a burst of balloons dance floor once his MC duties were their strength and flexibility at the top of and confetti during the final song, a over. He commented that the ballroom P.T. Barnum’s circus tent. superlative rendition of ‘This is Me’. was one of the best dressed he had ever seen. Our thanks goes to the In their 20 years of playing at the P&F The Ball Committee would like to thank wonderful Ms Jane Dawes, Somerville Ball, Brisbane’s best cover band, Hot corporate sponsor, Brisbane BMW, for House parent and owner of the Prop Sauce, had the dance floor seething their generous support of the event. House, for her incredible theming. from the second they began their first of three sets. ‘Nut Bush’ had everyone Finally, congratulations to the Ball With the circus tent set up under red on their feet, including Chaplain, Ms Committee – Deputy Chair, Mrs Sally and yellow drapes with festoon lighting Chris O’Gorman, and Head of Senior Pohio, Treasurer, Mrs Sonya Trau, Ms adding to the effect, ball guests were School, Ms Gayle Harris, while the Jane Dawes, Mrs Sophie Richmond, seated at an array of red, blue and Father‑Daughter dance prompted tears and Mrs Danielle Davies. Their yellow tables that were adorned with and laughter and many camera clicks! dedication and months of hard work elephants, vintage lanterns, and floating delivered a wonderfully entertaining balloons to really transport us all back A delicious three‑course meal was ’Show’ that will be long remembered! to the late 1800s. enjoyed by all as raffle tickets were sold by the Robotics Support Group, A spectacular opening number from which raised more than $6,000 for its Mrs Jane Rowan, Chair, P&F (Parents and Brisbane Dance Theatre further fuelled students. As 2019 School Captain, Friends’ Association) Ball Committee

40 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 41 BOARDERS’ LUNCH GARTH HOUSE ON THE FEWINGS BIBLE AT THE TABERNACLE WICKHAM TERRACE

From the Archives Snippet from a 1987 Somerville House newsletter...

CHELTENHAM AT The first boarders of the School In 1906, Miss Fewings from 1912 at Erneton also on TOOWONG lived with the founding Principal, returned after visiting England Wickham Terrace with some Miss Fewings at Glen Olive and being impressed by the primary classes and a few at Toowong. facilities offered by the famous boarders at Athol Place a Cheltenham Ladies’ College, few doors away. But a bigger As the School grew so the decided upon yet another move was to come! In 1920 Boarders moved from Toowong move to Toowong, where the the whole school moved to The Fewings Bible to Whytecliffe in Albion, then to new boarding residence was the former Stephens family Since July 1917, the School was dispersing a collection of When John died, aged only 14, Garth House back on Wickham named Cheltenham. home Cumbooquepa at Archives has been busily books, among which was a the Bible was passed on to one Terrace in 1903. Three moves in South Brisbane. almost as many years, but more The day school also continued researching the life of the family Bible containing lists of of his elder brothers, Joseph were to come! to grow and was housed founder of Somerville House, Fewings names. Having seen Fewings (1820 – 1871), another Miss Eliza Fewings. We have our Fewings research online, of Eliza’s uncles. Joseph used collected copies of photos, Mr Brookes decided that the end pages of the Bible to maps, certificates and other Somerville House was a worthy record his family, and then his TABERNACLE documents and we have started repository for the precious daughter and her husband BUILDING ON WICKHAM TERRACE to write a very detailed report on volume. One day in February, recorded their children. the findings of our research. As a package containing the Bible part of the research, we made a arrived in the Archives. White Eliza (1857 – 1940) would never family tree on Ancestry.com. au, gloves and much joy ensued. have known her uncle John, but ERNETON ON would have known her uncle WICKHAM TERRACE not only to do the research which the site makes possible, Who were the Fewings people Joseph and might well have but also so that anybody else recorded in the Bible? The handled the Bible during her interested in the Fewings family Bible had originally been given childhood or early teens. to Eliza’s uncle, John Webb might be able to get in touch We’re very glad to have this with us. Fewings (1827 – 1841), who was the youngest brother of Bible, an authentic possession Early this year we were Eliza’s father, Charles Fewings of the Fewings family. Many rewarded when a kind English (1826 – 1859). The Bible was thanks to Mr Brookes. gentleman named Ken Brookes given to John by his elder sister, contacted us. He is not related Elizabeth Fewings (born 1821), Kate Bottger, Archivist to the Fewings family, but who was, of course, Eliza’s aunt. Lyndall Blackley, Archives Assistant

42 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 43 Old Girls’ Association President Message Liz Washington, Old Girls’ Association (OGA) President

It is a privilege and great pleasure to take the role of Old Girls’ Association (OGA) President. The OGA represents thousands of women who have attended Somerville House during the past 120 years; an Association built upon a proud sisterhood of trailblazers and pioneers.

Implementation of the OGA’s new achievements. If you ‑ or an Old Girl the role of Alumni Officer and Events Business Plan is underway, with you know ‑ might be interested in Coordinator. Catharine had been an activities planned throughout the year sharing career and life highlights since integral part of our connection with the to connect, recognise and celebrate graduating, please contact us; we would School over the past fourteen years our fellow Somerville sisters. We love to hear from you. and we are immensely grateful for her also look forward to working with genuine passion and care for the OGA We are also working with Nyree the School, Foundation and Parents community. As an Old Girl, she will Hatzimihail (Somerville House Careers and Friends’ Association to deliver continue to be an important member Counsellor) to develop a robust meaningful contributions to the wider mentoring system for current students, of our community. The OGA thank school community. which will utilise the vast experience Catharine and wish her all the best. This year we will launch Somerville and knowledge within the OGA base to Sincere thanks to outgoing OGA House’s first integrated alumnae portal, CONNECTING THE SOMERVILLE HOUSE OLD GIRLS’ COMMUNITY provide mentoring, career advice and President, Alison Kolb, who lead the offering members an exciting new work experience. If you are interested in OGA through a period of exciting spectrum of networking, career and offering work experience or becoming a change, overseeing the development of mentorship opportunities ‑ as well as mentor, please get in touch. our new business plan and constitution. news, social events and updates on Alison’s work has set the Association on members’ achievements around the This year marks the School’s a fresh trajectory, which I am delighted world. Soon, members will receive an 120th birthday, and the OGA looks SOMERVILLE HOUSE OLD PRESIDENT TREASURER to continue. invitation to update their information forward to welcoming the entire school Ms Liz Washington Dr Pretoria Bilinski (nee Irwin) GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION and explore the new website. community to our inaugural Somerville Many thanks also to the 2019 House Birthday Luncheon on Saturday 2019 COMMITTEE VICE PRESIDENT ASSISTANT TREASURER OGA Executive: We are pleased to add a new regional 12 October. This event will kick off Ms Rebecca Bauer Ms Sue Folliott liaison role to the Committee this the annual reunion weekend tradition • Vice Presidents: Ms Trudy Naylor year, with Tracey Martin joining us and Ms Rebecca Bauer VICE PRESIDENT IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT & that has formed, to coincide with the to establish an active network of COMMITTEE MEMBER School’s creation by Eliza Fewings, in Ms Trudy Naylor Old Girls in regional and rural areas. • Treasurer: Dr Pretoria Bilinski October 1899. This milestone provides Ms Alison Kolb (nee Scobbie) Regional Old Girls and boarder families • Vice Treasurer: Ms Sue Folliott SECRETARY an opportunity to reflect on our past, are welcome to contact Tracey on present and future. A save the date will Miss Gaye Pitman martin_ tracey@ outlook.com with • Secretary: Miss Gaye Pitman be forthcoming, so please update your suggestions or requests. ASSISTANT SECRETARY contact details if they have changed to • Vice Secretary: Mrs Kara Rodwell Mrs Kara Rodwell (nee Ferguson) Lead by Lyn Cox, a working group has ensure you receive the invitation. • OGA representative on Foundation: also been established to research alumni The Commemoration Day assembly Ms Rebecca Bauer members’ achievements dating back to will be held the day prior on Friday the school’s foundation. The resulting list 11 October. of Old Girls represents a cross section To contact the OGA, please email of inspirational former students, across In March, we farewelled fellow Old Girl, oga@ somerville.qld.edu.au an array of personal and professional Catharine Whittred, as she departed

44 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 45 2018 Reunions

CELEB OUSE RAT LE H ING 1 RVIL CLASS OF 1958 - 60 YEAR REUNION 20 YEARS OF SOME

Class of 1958 60 year reunion SAVE THE DATE

October 12 to 15 2018… our 60 year reunion, and who can forget the rain… THE INAUGURAL ALL WEEKEND.

Twenty-two of us attended SOMERVILLE HOUSE Commemoration Day and what ohs and ahs from those who have not been back for so long... The School did us proud. BIRTHDAY LUNCH CLASS OF 1978 - 40 YEAR REUNION

But one afternoon is not enough so twenty-three, with six husbands in tow, Class of 1978 40 year reunion spent the weekend in Montville. What The Old Girls’ Association a talkfest! On 3 November 2018, the 1978 cohort The reunion only works if people come: invites you to celebrate And did the rain think it could dampen met for afternoon tea at the School and so a special thank you to those who our loving school spirit? Boarders, 120 years afterwards continued on at Rydges for made a particular effort to attend and separated by such distances, joined the evening. to those who travelled from afar (USA, of Somerville women. with the day girls to reminisce on those New Zealand, Tasmania, Canberra, ‘heady’ teenage years… the stories The forty-seven Old Girls who came, Adelaide, Sydney, etc). For me this was and laughter. had a great time catching up with old much more than a catching up after friends and renewing acquaintances and ten years. This was a reconnection SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER 2019 Our enduring friendships go far beyond friendships. Several who could not come with old friends and a renewal of 12 MIDDAY the sixty years as many have known sent through ‘hello from...’ messages lapsed friendships ‑ I have had quite a THE HONOUR ROOM, FOUNDATION BUILDING each other since primary school. Could which were printed out for all to read. few emails since with messages from we wait for at least another five years to people who have got together for coffee The School put on a lavish afternoon do this again? No! etc or caught up with some who were tea in the main dining room at unable to attend on the actual day. Somerville House was one of the first schools in Australia dedicated Next year we are off to Toowoomba Cumbooquepa; our tour of the School solely to excellence in female education. Founded at a time for the weekend. We will just pick up included a detour to the Health Centre Where to from here? We plan to hold when women lacked basic rights, Eliza Fewings had an innovative, the threads and carry on as if we were Mrs Linda Marinos (nee Manicus) more regular gatherings. never apart. returned to the School in 1994 as the fresh vision. Our beloved school is the result of her perseverance School Nurse so she has now clocked I started with thirty-five current and passion, and this year Somerville House turns 120. A quote that I think is quintessential up almost thirty years at the School emails and am now up to over eighty Class of 1958 which beats by a long way the ones email addresses. The entire Somerville House family – as well as parents who did thirteen years of schooling and partners of past, present and future students – are warmly …. Cherish your friends, look out for here or even those of us who doubled But there are a further fifty-two names invited to a special lunch to celebrate this milestone. your friends, lift up your friends, up while our daughters attended here. with no email contact at all so this is We would be honoured to have your company! love your friends. Lots of new buildings to see and lots still a work in progress. If you are from of memories evoked as we walked the our cohort reading this, but are not For the last five years, those of us who grounds; even sang a song in memory on our group email please contact are available, meet four times a year of house choirs in the past (and yes, we [email protected] so we can Invitations to follow, to register for the event please visit for lunch. It gives me a thrill to be with remembered the words). grow our list and keep in touch. www.somervillehouseoga.com.au/events/21085 our Somerville House girls and enjoy all that happiness that surrounds us. Aren’t Then on to drinks in the evening as we we all so lucky! still had lots to talk about. There were a Cathryn Jordan (nee Ilett) few of us still there at midnight when we were asked to leave ‑ and we were still Diana Downes (nee Ray) talking on the footpath after...

46 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS

SHOGA OGA Lunch Save The Date Ad b.indd 1 18/7/19 1:13 pm CLASS OF 1988 - 30 YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF 1968 - 50 YEAR REUNION

Class of 1988 30 year reunion

What a wonderful time was had at the 30 year reunion for the Class of 1988. Saturday 11 August 2018 proved to be a glorious day weatherwise and provided

a fantastic backdrop for afternoon tea CLASS OF 1993 - 25 YEAR REUNION in Cumbooquepa followed by a tour of the School and an evening function at The Story Bridge Hotel. CLASS OF 1988 - 30 YEAR REUNION Class of 1993 – 25 year reunion The tour was followed by an evening The afternoon tea kicked off at 2.00pm of canapes accompanied by laughter, with the arrival of almost forty Old stories and refreshed memories. We played a game to discover old and new Girls and some of our past teachers, years. Mind you, we could still see for the drought‑stricken farmers, some On Saturday 18 August 2018, twenty overwhelmed by the transformations facts about each other and noted the Dr Pamela Davenport, Mrs Gillian glimmers of the ‘good old days’ and the of whom are our old classmates, we seven ladies from the Class of 1993 that have taken place over the last Bridgwood and Mr John Hayward and memories came flooding back. used the night to raise an amazing $710 caught up for our 25 year reunion, with twenty‑five years at our much loved shared qualities that make us all proud past Principal, Dr Murray Evans. We for the Buy A Bale appeal. Thank you, attendees travelling from as far as school. We were amazed by the modern to be a Somerville House Old Girl. thoroughly enjoyed catching up in the Most ladies continued on to the evening ladies, for your generous donations! London and New York. architecture and impressed by the way Our day was a fabulous success and dining room of Cumbooquepa over function at The Story Bridge Hotel that it has been so thoughtfully blended greatly enjoyed by all. As a group, we a delightful afternoon tea. It took a where our numbers swelled to almost We continue to keep in touch through Whilst there were some that were unable with the original campus. while to organise everyone (too much sixty attendees from all over Brisbane, the Facebook group ‘SomHse Class to be there on the day, they played a part would like to sincerely thank the teachers chatting), but eventually we gathered on other parts of Queensland, interstate of 88’ and some great photos from the during the preparations as we shared We laughed and marvelled as we past that brought such great passion and the steps of Cumbooquepa for a group and overseas. While enjoying a few reunion are posted there. Please join if old photos and clippings from school shared our stories during our tour of learning into our lives, and to the teachers photo before our tour commenced. drinks and some delicious canapés, you haven’t already and keep a look out magazines which were posted within our the School. The boarders remembered present, that continue to uphold this great Some girls stayed behind to continue the Old Girls in attendance appreciated for the 35 year reunion in 2023. private Facebook group. their years living in the Boarding House, institution, and that made us all feel so catching up, but many wandered watching the PowerPoint presentation Harker Hall’s transformation into the welcome once again. around the School and were very of old photos, current updates and a A group photo was taken outside new library, fabulous stories of amazing impressed by the changes that had hilarious video capturing some antics Tanya Roberts 1983 to 1988 Cumbooquepa, and was followed by teachers and many more very special been achieved over the past thirty from 1988. Wanting to do something Sue Hartfiel (nee Grieve) 1983 to 1988 a school tour during which we were memories came flooding back. Veronika Farrelly (nee Look)

2019 Reunions Class of 1989 – 30 Year Reunion 2019 OGA Events Saturday 26 October 2019 2019/2020 Class of 2009 - 10 Year Reunion School tour 4.30pm, Success in Stilettos Interested Saturday 30 November 2019 Gate 1, Foundation Building Thursday 12 September 2019 in organising TBA / 6.00pm to 8.00pm Class of 1999 – 20 Year Reunion Class of 1984 – 35 Year Reunion a reunion? Reunion Saturday 26 October 2019 Saturday 12 October 2019 School tour 3.30pm, New Old Girls Night – Class of 2018 If you are interested in Gate 1, Foundation Building Class of 1979 – 40 Year Reunion Friday 18 October 2019 organising a reunion for your Saturday 12 October 2019 The Ship Inn / 6.00pm to 8.00pm Dates Class of 1994 – 25 Year Reunion year group and would like more Saturday 26 October 2019 Register your interest to attend a information, please contact School tour 4.30pm, 2020 Reunions Mother/Daughter Dinner reunion or a Alumnae event at: Libby Duffin, Community Liaison Gate 1, Foundation Building Monday 11 November 2019 somerville.qld.edu.au/alumni-old-girls- Class of 1970 – 50 Year Reunion TBA / 6.15pm for 7.30pm dinner Co‑Ordinator on 07 3033 9255 or association Saturday 16 May 2020 lduffin@ somerville.qld.edu.au School tour 10.30am

48 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 49 Old Girls’ who are current CLASS OF 2008 - 10 YEAR REUNION CLASS OF 2008 - LONDON parents function teacher, or even a gold fish funeral at the the words to our infamous war‑cries. Class of 2008 Boarding House, everyone wanted to #jumpingjivestayalive 10 year reunion contribute their remembered moments. As we were shown the new and Gretel Wilson improved Somerville House campus, Plenty of people might hate the thought we were once again all behaving like Just after a severe Summer of attending their school reunion and excitable students who couldn’t help Class of 2008 - London storm swept across Brisbane seeing the people they grappled through but talk when we shouldn’t have. I their teens (and even childhoods) with don’t think any of us could tell you the In October 2018, the Class of 2008 on Friday 15 March, ‑ but I can easily say, it was exactly the new and interesting features of the celebrated ten years since graduation Old Girls who are current with a reunion in London. Nine of the opposite sentiment of the group that impressive Seymour Library ‑ but we parents or parents enrolled met in November 2018 to celebrate our got the general gist. fourteen Alumnae living in the UK and milestone of ten years out of school. Europe gathered for cocktails in London’s in 2020, and their partners The School has dramatically changed Soho district to chat about where life had attended the annual Thinking back to 2008, we were all since my first day of attendance of taken them since their time at Somerville hungry for the freedom that came with Prep in 1995 and it is pleasing to see House and how they had ended up in Somerville House Old Girls’ finishing school. But fast forward ten that Somerville House still maintains England’s capital. Their careers are varied Association cocktail party. years and all we wanted to do when its position as a leading school in but their bond hasn’t changed and since back together was to re‑live our school Brisbane. However, despite all this reconnecting they’ve made plans to catch days and discuss our favourite (and change, it still had the essence of the up again in 2019. This was a spirited feat and showed often hilariously trivial) memories. School we all knew and loved over a their dedication to catch up with past decade ago and it made our reunion You can take the girl out of Somerville fellow classmates given the damage Whether it was sneaking a nap on the really memorable with endless laughs. House but you can never take the that the storms had caused. For some bean bags during study time or the Somerville House out of the girl. who attended understandably it was a House’s elation after winning choral P.S. Apologies to the poor venue festival (naturally, Durack won), or your down the road who hosted our drinks case of arriving ‘better late than never’. particular love/hate relationship with a after the tour who will now know all Anishika (Nishi) Prasad Held in the beautiful ‘Chambers Room’, the event was well attended with OGA members representing many years of With some travelling from as far as Class of 1998 - 20 year reunion New Zealand, Adelaide, Far North Old Girls. Queensland and Sydney, it was clear The Somerville House Old that the connection we feel to our Girls’ Association President Excitement and laughter filled South others with whom our bonds remain as former school remains strong. Bank’s Little Big House on Saturday 27 close as ever. Ms Liz Washington (1998) spoke October 2018, as around sixty-five Old We look forward to doing it all again enthusiastically about the year ahead Girls from the Class of 1998 gathered Cameo appearances from Mrs Narelle in 2028! and the importance of the OGA. to celebrate twenty years since we Cooley (nee Walker) and Mr Peter Nash last donned Brisbane’s most iconic added to the fun, as did the viewing “In this environment, education is green dress. of our ‘98 Seniors’ video, freshly Jasmine Cadd, Pam Brown and power; not just an academic education, converted from its original VHS format! Claire Going (nee Jeffreys) but an understanding of what it means The afternoon had kicked off with a to be a woman in this world, evaluate school tour, where many were amazed issues, have informed opinions and by the almost unrecognisable – and articulately express their perspective, equally impressive – campus. The defend their rights and show their former boarders enjoyed a walk strength. So much of the confidence through their old stomping grounds of required to be the best women they can Cumbooquepa, whilst others enjoyed be, starts here.” the chance to revisit their former classrooms, Senior kitchenette and Conversations ran into the night with Year 12 courtyard. many not wanting the night to end.

The evening function was a fantastic To keep up to date with Old Girls’ news opportunity to catch up with friends we and events follow our Facebook page CLASS OF 1998 - 20 YEAR REUNION had not seen in many years, as well as ‘Somerville House OGA’.

50 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS VOL. 17 NO. 1 | 2019 51 CONDOLENCES

2018/2019 Bereavements Wendy Brodribb (Leverington)The thoughts 1971 andBeverley prayers Sewell of (Copp) the Somerville 1952, HouseEmily community Farrell 1997, Henrietta Farrell Fiona Leverington 1973 her husband 1999, Anniina Pearson 2004 and Isabel are with you and your families in this difficultTaylor time. 2008, their grandfather Andrea Leverington 1976 Diana Lipscombe (Matthews) 1957 and John Matthews 1963, their sister Emma Healy 2008 and Laura Healy Paula Cleary (Kirchler) 1963, 2011, their grandmother her husband Deborah Matthews (Furness) 1968, her sister‑in‑law Anna Foreman 1989 and Emily Carrigan Victoria Van de Donk Cleary) 1988, (Foreman) 1991, their father her father Francine Londy 2010 and Annaliese Londy 2016, their mother Belinda Cooney (Smith) 1982, Somerville House Janelle Sewell (Kirchler) 1957, Carolyn her brother Flanagan (Kirchler) 1961 and Cheryl Anna Foreman 1989 and Emily Carrigan Allen (Kirchler) 1962, their brother‑in‑law (Foreman) 1991, their father Beatrice Smith 2003 and Gemma Cooney 2016, their uncle Janelle Sewell (Kirchler) 1957, Cheryl Gail Pearson 1967, Cecily Pearson 1969 Allen (Kirchler) 1962 and Paula Cleary and Deborah Taylor (Pearson) 1974, Nancy Welch (Lyons) 1947, her husband 120 Years (Kirchler) 1963, their sister their father Judy Bean (Pottinger) 1956 to 1963, Victoria Van de Donk (Cleary) 1988, Jean Franklin (Pearson) 1939, her husband Commemoration Day Service her aunt her brother Friday 11 October 2019 2018/2019 Deaths Jean Stone (Portas) 1945 to 1948 (1950) Rebecca Simpson 1989 to 1995 Sofia Guardala 2009 to 2018 VPAC Somerville House Barbara Leverington (Horsley) Florence Turnbull (Ayling) Sheelagh Young (Shedden) 1929 to 1941 11.15am for 11.30am 1943 to 1944 (1948) 1939 to 1940 (1942) Margaret Ryan‑Davis (Ryan) Marion Horgan (Nicol) Maxine Macrossan (Cottee) 1946 to 1947 (1949) 1950 to 1952 (1957) 1936 to 1941 (1942) Nina Carter (Galloway) 1964 to 1967 Register your attendance via somerville.qld.edu.au Carolyn Flanagan (Kirchler) Suzanne Lavarack (Cornell) 1940 (1943) Laloma Mavis Barnes (Hudson) 1954 to 1960 (1961) Jacqui Cassidy (Comber) 1988 to 1989 1936 to 1943 Mary (Liz) Robin 1961 to 1966 (1968) June Burke (McGowan) 1945 (1949) Mary Lyle Davis (Jeffrey) 1947 to 1950 Susan Turley (Matthews) Norma Sarkies (Raby) 1936 to 1939 (1942) 1949 to 1957 (1958) Morva Jean Hansen (Sellars) 1951 to 1952 Somerville House Somerville House Somerville House invites you to invites you to invites you to 120 Years 120 Years 120 Years Celebratory Celebratory Celebratory High Tea High Tea High Tea

Congratulations Stay connected with the Alumnae: Saturday Sunday Saturday somerville.qld.edu.au/alumni‑old‑girls‑association 12 October 2019 13 October 2019 26 October 2019 Click on ‘Stay Connected’ to register or update your details. Melbourne Museum The Langham Hotel National Gallery Australia Sculpture Garden Pavilion Treetops 89-113 Kent Street, Stay connected with the Old Girls’ Association: Parkes Place, 11 Nicholson Street, Sydney, NSW somervillehouseoga.com.au/signup Parkes, ACT Carlton, VIC 2.00pm to 4.oopm 2018/2019 Marriages Click on ‘Request membership’ to register or login. 2.00pm to 4.oopm 2.00pm to 4.oopm Kerry McAllister 1980 to Nicole Lyons

52 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNECTIONS 17 Graham Street, South Brisbane Qld 4101 PO Box 3357, South Brisbane Qld 4101 P 07 3248 9200 | somerville.qld.edu.au

A school of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association. The PMSA is a mission of the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches. CRICOS Provider Number: 00522G