To the Somerville House Community

higher rates of teenage binge drinking than those countries with higher drinking age limits and more restrictionsabout alcohol use.A high tolerance to alcohol at a young age is a risk factor for developing problems with alcohol later in life. Ateenager with a relatively high tolerance is more likely than his or her peers to put more strain on the body byconsuming more alcohol at one time to reach a desired effect. As more alcohol is introduced to the body, the livermust work harder to break down toxins. This kind of consumption, especially by a still-developing teen, not onlydamages the liver but can lead to addiction.Consistently, national data trends with teenage drinking ages have shown that the majority of students never getinvolved with alcohol and other drug use at the rate we adults perceive. In fact, international studies illustrate thattypical students worldwide are making the healthy choice not to drink at high volumes or ever use other drugs at all.It should be reassuring for any family to note how the true social norms in any given community will support themajority of students making healthy choices.A powerful way to help our teenagers understand what is going on with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use is topresent actual data. Often, individuals will overestimate risky behaviours by others and underestimate healthyones. Teenage behaviour, often reactive, is dictated by what teens believe to be true in the moment. When youngpeople believe that a large number of peers are drinking alcohol, they are more likely themselves to engage in thatbehaviour.Information adapted from FCD Educational Services: http://www.fcd.org/content/index.asp.CAMPSDr Williamson’s article about Camps in the Middle School section of this newsletter is a recommended read for allparents. Our Year 10 Camp will take place next term.HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOLDr K WilliamsonCAMPSWith the Year 7 Camp undertaken earlier in the term and additional camps occurring for Years 8 and 9 in Term 2, itis an opportune time to discuss their role in the school curriculum. Outdoor education activities endeavour todevelop students’ physical, psychological and emotional skills. Mastery of these skills affects directly the ways inwhich they view their abilities and achievements. In doing so, self-esteem grows when the fears, which limit theview participants have of themselves, are faced and met.Such experiences in the Middle School involve taking students and staff to a residential camp for the period ofthree days (two nights) for the purpose of learning in a holistic sense in the outdoors. Outdoor activities are heldannually at Kindilan (Year 7), Mapleton (Year 8) and Emu Creek (Year 9).To ensure that outdoor education is an effective learning experience, like other facets of schooling, there has to bea carefully designed program, with clear aims and objectives at each Year level, and sequential learning occurringduring specified periods.The aims of outdoor education in the Middle School are many and varied. An important objective is to encouragestudents to view themselves as increasingly capable and competent. By attempting a graduated series of activitieswhich involve physical or emotional risks, and succeeding in a supportive group atmosphere, students broadenpersonal skills and develop greater self-esteem. New activities often involve some initial anxiety, but as thestudents learn to cope with the associated fears and apprehension, they are encouraged to enter more fully intonew, life-related situations.Activities are based on the assumption that students, who try conscientiously, should be respected. Success orfailure is less important than making a genuine effort. A co-operative and supportive atmosphere tends toencourage successful participation within groups.4

Students learn that they are able to achieve more within a supportive group than if, as individuals, they attemptedto confront personal fears in isolation. Team building is an important medium for enhancing personal confidenceand contributes to lasting relationships that are the basis of community living. Students are able to experience newsocial influences which are different from their normal associations with family and friends. Outdoor educationexperiences promote positive inter-relationships with other students and teachers in order to foster productivelearning situations built on mutual respect.Living in an outdoor education environment also helps to promote the ‘three Cs’, those being:• Consideration – thoughtfulness for other students and staff;• Co-operation – working with other students to achieve common goals; and• Compromise – willingness to settle possible differences of opinions by making concessions.Outdoor physical pursuits assist with the development of individual fitness and co-ordinated movements. They alsodevelop an awareness of students’ strengths and weaknesses, and therefore, help to set realistic goals for ongoingimprovement.Just as students in outdoor programs may at times be anxious, they should also experience joy, laughter andanticipation. Activities that are designed to provide satisfaction and exhilaration give participants opportunities toview themselves as physical beings.Outdoor activities provide opportunities to broaden students’ interaction with different environmental conditions.Research suggests that outdoor experiences stimulate interest in the natural environment and they have asignificant impact on students’ awareness of, and attitude towards, environmental issues.Intrinsically, camps carry some risks, and it is primarily the Schools’ responsibility to reduce these to an absoluteminimum. Schools and providers cannot remove all risks entirely, however, and if this were possible, theelimination of the sense of challenge would diminish learning experiences.Consequently, risk management is an integral part of planning for outdoor education at Somerville House. Campsitesare well established and equipped appropriately for the respective Year levels. On-going checks are made ofthe facilities and activities offered, as well as the accreditation and qualifications of instructors. Modern airconditionedbuses equipped with seat belts are used to transport students.Parents must provide up-to-date medical information and advice about their daughters to the School beforestudents are permitted to attend camps. Where necessary, the taking of medication by students is controlled andsupervised strictly by staff.Other features that aim to maximise learning outcomes and reduce risks include:• comprehensive planning occurs and information is conveyed clearly to all students, parents and staff;• students and staff are briefed before camps, especially on issues that relate to hygiene and safety;• the dos and don’ts are conveyed clearly to students so that they are well aware of School expectations;• appropriate levels of adult supervision with adequate levels of training and qualifications are provided throughoutcamps;• the respective Head of Year is assigned to monitor and co-ordinate the activities at each camp;• all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the health and safety of students and staff attending camps; and• reviews are conducted at the conclusion of camps to identify any issues or concerns. Changes may then berecommended and implemented for future camps.In conclusion, through the outdoor education program, Middle School students are provided with experiences tohelp them become more knowledgeable about the environment and their place in it. Participation in outdoorpursuits supplies students with additional opportunities for challenge, adventure and excitement. Perhaps, most ofall, the activities offer chances for students to explore and shape their values and attitudes within a residentialcommunity of peers and adults.5

NATIONAL TESTINGYears 3, 5, 7 and 9 students across Australia will sit the tests in the National Assessment Program (NAPLAN) from14 - 16 May. The tests will be based on aspects of the Australian Curriculum as described on the ACARA website.All students in each of these year levels in each school are expected to sit the tests, and alternative arrangementsby parents may need to be made to ensure that this occurs. Nevertheless, special exemptions may apply andparents can elect to withdraw their children from the testing.The tests will have the following distinctive features:Numeracy• Visual literacies such as diagrams and graphs will be tested• Problem solving will be embedded within the testing of mathematical skills• Skills in the use of calculators will be specifically tested• Mathematical strands will be mixed and the problems will not be presented in any order of difficulty.Literacy• The persuasive genre will be used for the Writing Task• An emphasis will be placed on language conventions (spelling, punctuation and grammar), and this will betested through proof-reading rather than dictation.Individual students’ results are likely to be available to parents and schools by September/October this year. Asummary of the results for Somerville House at each year level will be placed on the School website when theybecome officially available.MIDDLE SCHOOL ARTS FESTIVALPlanning for the Middle School Arts Festival, to be held in the final week of Term 2, commenced last week whenthe Year 9 House Captains met to undertake some initial preparation for their Houses for this major event. Withinthe theme ‘Time’ and prescriptive elements, each House will be required to prepare a 10 - 12 minute performance,incorporating components of Drama, Singing, Instrumental Music, Visuals, Dance and Technology. All students inthe Middle School will be involved in various roles associated with the performances.The aims of the Festival are to give Middle School students opportunities to celebrate the value and power ofcommunicating through the integrated Arts; enhance positive relationships across the year levels within the verticalHouse groupings; and to provide an excellent context in which to develop student leadership skills.MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPPORT GROUP REMINDERS• Parents of Middle School students are invited to attend the Support Group meeting to be held at the WaterSports (Rowing) Facility on Thursday, 14 March commencing at 8.30 am; and• Please refer to the flyer detailing information about the Middle School Father and Daughter Breakfast to beheld in the Undercover Mall from 7.00 am - 8.30 am on Monday, 18 March (RSVP is required byThursday, 14 March).HEAD OF YEAR 8Ms K MurrayIt has been an exciting start to school this year by the Year 8s. Many of the girls are taking advantage of the arrayof co-curricular activities on offer and I congratulate them for doing this. From an operational standpoint, we havealready sent out all Camp forms and would appreciate their return by this Friday 15 March. The organisation forthe Mapleton Camp is well-advanced and shaping up to be a great experience for the girls, as will be the ArtsFestival which is in the early planning stage.6

The Interhouse Swimming Carnival has been and gone with the Year 8 Macarthur girls winning their age group.Age Champion went to Rhiannah Keuning from Chisholm House and Runner-Up was Chantal Luxton fromFranklin House.Vaccinations were conducted and compliments received from both the Brisbane City Council and the Health Centreregarding organisation, how well-behaved and accepting the girls were to have the injections.The Inaugural Middle School Father Daughter Breakfast is a new addition tothe Calendar and it will be great to see as many Fathers present as possible.All in all, it is a busy time for Year 8. To help keep the girls organised, we havebeen concentrating on Study Skills and Routines in Pastoral Care. Mostimportantly we have been trying to instil in the girls a homework routine that seesthem spending (the expected) 80 to 90 minutes on average per night, completinghomework tasks, studying, working on assignments, revising and reading. A goodroutine early will lay the foundations for good study habits throughout theirschooling. A well-kept diary is also essential in keeping the girls organised andyour assistance in encouraging your daughter/s to do these tasks is greatlyappreciated.Assessment planners are now available in Parent Lounge. This is a great way for parents to know whatassessments your daughters have and to help keep them focused and supported during their studies.The Attendance Office has congratulated the Year 8s on their attendance and parent communication regardingabsences. I encourage parents to keep communicating to me and classroom teachers in regards to your daughter’sprogress at Somerville House.Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing. Rollo MayMIDDLE SCHOOL/ YEAR 8 DATES OF IMPORTANCECamp forms due – 15 MarchParent Teacher Night – 19 March (ABC), 25 March (DEF)Family Chapel – 12 MayVaccinations – 22 MayArts Festival – 19 JuneFather Daughter Breakfast – 18 MarchCross Country – 16 AprilMapleton Camp – 13-15 MayYear 8 Social – 14 JuneHEAD OF ARTMr J HoneywillARTWORK OF THE WEEK Hollie Belt – Year 7In Ms Comino’s Year 7 ‘Art is Seeing’ drawing unit, students were given a variety ofobjects to draw as accurately as they could. They were also taught to blend andshade using coloured pencils to create a variety of tonal variations, highlights andshadows in their drawings.HEAD OF LANGUAGESMr C FornoA number of people are to be thanked for making the Middle School Twilight Languages Event on 28 February areal success. We greatly appreciated the wonderful support of our School’s Executive for our event. All of ourLanguages teachers did a brilliant job in their preparation of the evening and in helping their students with theirperformances. Thank you to parents and students for their attendance and to the many students who entertainedus on stage in each of our four languages – Chinese, French, German and Japanese.7

What a wonderful combination we have to work for excellence in Languages education here at Somerville House.We look forward to future Languages events with great enthusiasm.Unfortunately I omitted to read out the answers to the Languages quiz in the busyness of the evening. Below arethe quiz questions followed by the answers in bold. Congratulations to the team that won the quiz.CHINESE1. China’s longest border is with which country? Russia2. How many stars are on the Chinese flag? 53. How many provinces are there in China? 234. Why was the Great Wall of China built? To protect from intrudersFRENCH1. On what continent is the French-speaking country Bénin? Africa2. Physically speaking, how many times is Australia bigger than France? 143. What are the colours of the Belgian flag? Black, yellow, red4. What is the name of the current French president? François HollandeGERMAN1. What is the full name of the current Chancellor of Germany? Angela Merkel2. What is the name of the house in which the German parliament sits? Reichstag3. What is the name of the famous German castle that features in the Walt Disney picture? Neuschwanstein4. What is the capital of Germany? BerlinJAPANESE1. What is the tallest mountain in Japan? Mt Fuji2. Japan is the largest producer in the world of which product? Cars3. Name the four main islands of Japan? Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu4. What shape appears on the Japanese flag and what does it symbolise? Circle – symbolising the sunThank you to Mrs Fahey and Mrs Haupt for this contribution from the French area of our Languages Department:POÉSIE ET FANTAISIEStudents of French at Somerville House have been busy in class celebrating two important events in the Frenchcalendar, le festival de Mardi Gras and la fête du Saint Valentin.Year 5 students learnt about the history of the Mardi Gras and how it is celebrated in French-speaking countries.The girls were encouraged to be creative in making their own Mardi Gras masks.Meanwhile, the Year 8 French students were celebrating St Valentine’s Day by writing cards to their loved ones inFrench, which included some romantic French poetry. One of the favourites was an extract from L’éternellechanson by Rosemonde Gérard:Chaque jour je t’aime davantageAujourd’hui plus qu’hierEt bien moins que demainEach day I love you moreToday more than yesterdayAnd much less than tomorrowVive l’amour! Vive les festivals!HEAD OF DRAMAMrs A HeadSHAKING THINGS UP – by Rebecca Colbrook, Year 12 Drama PrefectIn the Drama Department we hope you are all thirsty for a deliciously dramatic year because we have a theme thatwill mix things up a bit – it is ‘Shake!’ All events this year will be big on the Richter scale, as already shown in the8

oOne way to have a discussion about sex with adolescents without lecturing or checking on them is:"I've realised I'm not sure what your values are about sex, and I'm interested in what you think".• Provide healthy role models for your children. We all get influenced by media and marketing but weneed to watch our behaviour as children learn from observing. For example, parents need to be carefulhow much they talk about diets, or pass comments on their own body image (eg "I look fat in this"). It canbe more helpful to talk about healthy eating, and to show children that health is related to many morethings than just weight. Mothers and fathers should be careful not to criticise their daughters about howthey look - this can create an unhealthy attitude towards appearances.• Be real. Help your daughter to focus on what's really important: what she thinks, feels, and values. Helpher build strengths and remind her that everyone is unique, and that it is not helpful to judge people solelyby their appearance.• Maintain a balance. Remember that maintaining a good relationship with your daughter is of paramountimportance. Do not become too pre-occupied with all the experimentation your daughter tries in her dressor mannerisms as they are part of normal adolescence. Finally, don’t forget to have fun activities withyour daughter and spend quality time with her as these are the foundation for building a strong,close and healthy relationship.Information adapted from the APS; http://www.psychology.org.au/.If you want more information please contact me on 3248 9246 or by email: fpapadimitriou@somerville.qld.edu.au.STUDENT COUNSELLOR/CAREERSMrs J CowenUNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND (UQ) CAREERS IN HEALTH WEBSITE: Did you know that Health Sciencecourses were among the most popular university courses for students applying for entry in 2013? The followinginformation will be helpful if you are interested in a health career.The UQ website at www.uq.edu.au/health/careers has information on a wide range of health careers and courses,including:Audiology Health Sciences Occupational TherapyClinical Exercise Physiology Health, Sport & PE Oral HealthDental Science Medicine ParamedicsDietetics Midwifery PharmacyExercise & Sport Sciences Nursing PhysiotherapyExercise & Nutrition Sciences Nutrition Speech PathologyYou can register on the ‘Stay Connected’ section of the website to receive the latest health career and course newsand information.RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS ON THE QUT WEBSITE: The Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT)Resources for Students webpage at www.qut.edu.au/study/undergraduate-study/do-you-advise-schoolstudents/resources-for-studentscontains the following resources:• a presentation on ‘What are the main differences between school and uni’• a short quiz that can help you explore QUT courses that may interest you• the Student Sharehouse Blog where current QUT students discuss their experiences of life at uni• an opportunity to ‘stay connected’ by subscribing to updates on courses in which you are interested.GRIFFITH SPORTS COLLEGE – HELP FOR ELITE ATHLETES: If you are an elite athlete thinking of applying forcourses at Griffith University next year, you need to explore the assistance you can get from the Griffith SportsCollege. You will receive support to balance your academic and sporting commitments. For more information, visitwww.griffith.edu.au/griffith-sports-college.11

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN WHY WE HAVE FLOODS AND CYCLONES? If so, you may wish to investigate theoccupations that use this knowledge. The following information is adapted from the Job Guide(www.jobguide.deewr.gov.au).Meteorologists forecast the weather and study the atmosphere to improve the understanding of climate.Specialisations include: Climatologist, Hydrometeorologist, Meteorological Consultant and Research Meteorologist.Those interested in this area should be flexible and resourceful and have ability in Science, especially Physics andMathematics. A degree in Science or Applied Science with a major in Mathematics, Physics, Meteorology orAtmospheric Studies is usually required. The following Queensland universities offer a Bachelor of Science orBachelor of Applied Science with majors in Mathematics or Physics:• Central Queensland University• Griffith University• James Cook University• Queensland University of Technology (QUT)• University of Queensland (UQ)• University of Southern Queensland (USQ)For further information about these occupations, visit www.bom.gov.au/careers/. You could also visit The Factssection of the myfuture website at www.myfuture.edu.au.NEW GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES WEBSITE IS HERE! 2013 is already proving to be an exciting year here atGO (Graduate Opportunities), starting with the recent launch of their new website! The new website featuressome fantastic content, including employer videos, latest industry statistics and graduate salaries, career advice,latest news, blogs, employer profiles, new student experiences, volunteering and postgraduate sections, e-booksand more!The International College of Hotel Management (ICHM) Career Week: Each year, ICHM hosts two CareersWeeks where high school students in Years 11 and 12 who are considering a career in Hotel Management/Business have an opportunity to experience first-hand the hotel/hospitality environment and ICHM. The events, tobe held from 8 – 12 July and 30 September – 4 October, cost $695, which includes the program, insurance, airportpick up/drop off, social activities, accommodation and meals. For more information go to www.ichm.edu.au orspeak with Mrs Cowen.COMMUNICATION AND ADMISSIONS UNITMrs E MacphersonThe past two newsletters have touched on two important information areas in Parent Lounge – the most up to dateSchool Calendar, and the ability for parents to easily update their own details whenever the need arises. Anothervery useful store of information in Parent Lounge is the Student Details section which contains copies of yourdaughter’s Academic Reports, as well as subject comments and results.To access this information, log in to MySomerville and select Parent Lounge – copies of your daughter’sprevious Academic Reports dating back to 2009 are on the home page of Parent Lounge as shown below.12

To view other subject comments and results, select the Student Details tab at the top of the Parent Loungehome page as shown below.Select which child’s details youwould like to view (for families withmore than one daughter at SomervilleHouse) on the Student Details page bydouble-clicking on her photo.From this page, you can access Combined Results Comments, Subject Comments, Subject Results and awealth of other information by selecting from the menu on the left hand side of the page.13

To view Combined Results Comments, select the menu, enter the desired parameters and hit ‘Search’ (ashighlighted below). Your daughter’s Results and Subject Comments will now be displayed.Follow the same process to view either the Subject Comments or Subject Results pages (as seen below).These results pages are just some of the information available under the Student Details tab on Parent Loungewith the menu above listing the other information about your daughter/s that you can view such as her timetable,upcoming assessment tasks, attendance, email addresses for her teachers etc.If you have not done so already, we encourage you to explore the Student Details section on Parent Lounge.OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATIONMrs B CooneyCALLING ALL PARENTS WHO ARE SOMERVILLE HOUSE OLD GIRLSClick here for an invitation for a cocktail function on Friday 22 March 2013 for any current or enrolled SomervilleHouse parents who attended Somerville House as students. This provides an opportunity for Old Girls within ourparent community to reconnect. All Old Girls and partners are welcome.14

FOUNDATION NEWSPAST MOTHERS’ CHAPEL SERVICE AND LUNCH TO CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY - Thursday 09 May 2013Celebrate Mother’s Day by catching up with other mothers of Somerville House students as you gather for Chapel,enjoy a delicious luncheon and view how the campus has changed since your daughters finished school.All Past Mothers are invited to attend a Chapel Service and Luncheon to be held at the School on Thursday 09May 2013. Please note that this function has been moved earlier in the year to coincide with Mother’s Day.For further information please contact Past Mother, Mrs Laraine Kelly on 0418 191 458.2013 SOMERVILLE HOUSE FOUNDATION/AUDI CENTRE BRISBANE GOLF DAY – Monday 27 May 2013Join us for the 2013 Somerville House Foundation/Audi Centre Brisbane Golf Day on Monday 27 May 2013 at TheBrisbane Golf Club, Yeerongpilly. Sponsorship opportunities are available for hole and prize sponsors.For more information on Foundation events contact the Communication and Admissions Unit oncommunication@somerville.qld.edu.au.P&F NEWSI like Paris in the Spring time….On Saturday 20 April the 2013 Somerville House Ball brings a little bit of Paris to the Plaza Ballroom at theBrisbane Convention Centre!All Somerville House parents (from Prep to Year 12), Somerville House staff and Year 12 students are invited toenjoy an evening of entertainment, fabulous French inspired food and dancing all night.Tickets are selling fast so make sure you send in your RSVP forms this week. Booking forms available in theNewsletter, Somerville House Intranet and via Year 12 emails.For more information contact Anthea Klinakis on 0419 701 168 or Kerri Phillips on 0419 743 260.SOMERFARE TUCKSHOPSomerfare would like to thank the School community for your patience and understanding with us on Friday, whichshowed true Somerville House Spirit! As many of you were aware, we experienced some significant difficulties withour online ordering system (mainly that our labels wouldn't print) which put us on the back foot all day. We wouldlike to thank the volunteers Wendy, Harsha, Kim, Jocelyn and Audrey on the day who rose to the occasion andhand wrote 350 bags of orders while we ran around trying to get food ready to serve on time. Again we would liketo apologise for any inconvenience caused to anyone as a result of our unfortunate circumstances. We lookforward to seeing you all at Somerfare again soon. Thank you again from the Somerfare Team.JUNIOR SCHOOL SUPPORT GROUP EASTER MORNING TEAA reminder that there are only two weeks to go until the Junior School Support Group’s Easter Morning Tea onWednesday 27 March in The Chambers. This event is for Junior School parents to provide an opportunity tocome together at the conclusion of Term 1. See invitation attached to the end of this newsletter.YEAR 11 PARENTS’ LUNCH – SAVE THE DATEYear 11 mum, Tracey Salmon, is coordinating an opportunity for Year 11 parents to come together before the endof term over lunch at Libertine at The Barracks on Petrie Terrace on Tuesday 26 March. Further details will beprovided in next week’s newsletter.15

DIRECTOR OF CO-CURRICULUMMr A LeggeACHIEVEMENTS:Congratulations to the following students:Lillian Gray (10O) and Sophie Malouf (10C) on being selected in the Composite District U15 Netball Team tocompete at Regional Trials on 21 March.Sally Clarke (9E) who has been selected in an invitational team to compete at the Queensland School Sport U19Tennis Championships in Toowoomba from 14 – 17 March.CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY – DEBATINGMr S PercivalWHAT A GREAT START TO THE YEAR!On Wednesday 6 March, the following results were achieved in Round 1 of the Queensland Debating Union (QDU)Competition:• Year 9 Team 1 defeated Loreto Team 2Emma Simpson, Emma Foots, Alexandra Kondos, Jessica Tracey and Kayla Reimann (Coach: Mrs Scholl)• Year 9 Team 3 defeated All Hallows’ Team 2Sophie Watson, Prudence Edwards, Justine Ohlrich, Sue Jin Shim and Isabella Ostini (Coach: Mrs Heaton)• Year 9 Team 5 defeated St Margaret’s Team 3Isabelle McGee, Sophie Cunningham, Anushka Wickramasuriya, Phoebe Cichero and Sindhu Jayaram(Coach: Ms Luengen)• Year 9 Team 6 defeated St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace Team 2Grace House, Gloria Choi, Laila Casey-Walsh, Isabel Morris and Tweety Virk (Coach: Mrs Gillespie)• Year 11 Team 1 defeated St Thomas More Team 2Cherry Liang, Laura Booth, Jessica Min and Rupsha Kundu (Coach: Mr Leo Rees-Murphy)ON ANOTHER NOTE:Victoria Spiliopoulos (Year 10) has taken part in the trials to select the Queensland Debating Team. This is ahighly competitive series of events with mainly students in Years 11 and 12 taking part. From over a hundredstudents, Victoria has made it through to the final 20 students, making her, one could say, as one of the top 20students in the State in debating. Well done Victoria!DIRECTOR OF CO-CURRICULAR MUSICKALEIDOSCOPE CONCERT SERIESAll Bands, Choirs and Strings are busily preparing for the first two concerts in ourKaleidoscope Concert Series. Be sure to keep the following dates free for two eveningsof musical entertainment provided by the Somerville House Music Department and ourwonderful musicians. Kaleidoscopes 1 and 2 are on Thursday 2 May and Thursday 23May commencing at 6.30 pm. Performance lists for Kaleidoscope Concerts 1 & 2 areincluded below. Please make sure that students have arranged their performanceuniforms well before the concert dates. If you have enquiries regarding the concertsplease contact Mr Williams on 07 3248 9278 or email: swilliams@somerville.qld.edu.au.Mr S Williams16

KALEIDOSCOPE I – 6.30 pm, Thursday 2 May 2013 (this list is not in performance order)Intermediate Concert BandJunior StringsJunior Concert BandGuitar EnsembleJunior Percussion EnsemblePoco a PocoAmadeus StingsCantilenaStradivari StringsCantamusKALEIDOSCOPE 2 – 6.30 pm, Thursday 23 May 2013 (this list is not in performance order)Senior Concert BandSenior String ConsortSenior Percussion EnsembleCamerataStage BandCantabileClarinet ChoirCantriceSomerville Strings2014 EUROPE MUSIC TOURThe Somerville House Music Department is pleased to announceplans for a European Tour in 2014. The last European Tour was in2010 and was a huge success, with performances in Italy and Austria.In the 2014 Tour, it is planned to visit Prague, Vienna, Salzburg,Bolzano, Venice, Florence/Pisa, Orvieto and Rome. Music studentsfrom the Senior Concert Band, Stage Band, Cantrice and SomervilleStrings from Year 9 (2014) onwards are eligible to go on the Tour. Eligible students from other ensembles will beinvited as well. Details and Expression of Interest letters have now been distributed to students.There will be an essential Information Evening on Thursday 16 May at 6.30 pm in the String Room, E403(Level 4 Music Department). For any further details please contact Stephen Williams, Director of Co-CurricularMusic on 3248 9278 or email swilliams@somerville.qld.edu.au. We look forward to your attendance at the TourInformation Evening.YEAR 5 BAND – FIRST FULL BAND REHEARSALThe Year 5 Band program is going very well with the young musicians developing excellent instrumental skills intheir tutorial classes. I thank the Year 5 instrumental tutors and the students for all of their hard work so far. Thenext phase of the program will commence in Week 9 of Term 1 – their first full band rehearsal. This is very excitingand will allow the Year 5 musicians to experience the sounds and energy of the full band. This will occur onTuesday morning 26 March at 7.15 am in Room E402 (Band Room). Ms Leona Collier will be the Year 5 BandDirector and she will be there to welcome the students and direct them in the first rehearsal together. They will thencontinue the Tuesday morning rehearsal through the school year. We look forward to some great sounds from theband.MUSIC UNIFORMSStudents in Somerville House Choirs, Strings and Bands now wear the Black Music Uniform. All music uniforms areavailable through the Uniform Shop. Arrangements can also be made with the Uniform Shop to on-sell uniforms nolonger required (black uniform only). Students should make arrangements to secure their Music Uniform as soon aspossible. Please Note: the only ensembles that still wear the School uniform when performing are the followingJunior School Ensembles – Poco a Poco, Year 3 Strings, Pizzicato Strings and the Year 5 Band.The Black Music Uniform includes the following:• Uniform black long skirt (skirt to touch ankles)• Double bass players, cellists, guitarists, lower brass players and saxophonists only may wear black pants• Black Nehru blouse• Black tights – not trouser socks or stockings• Black court shoes – not school shoes; small heel only• Silver hair ribbons – NB not green• All hair off the face; shoulder length hair should be in a ponytail• No makeup or jewellery apart from sleepers.17

STRINGSMs L FinAll string orchestras are now well and truly up and running. The Year 3 string players have commenced tuition ontheir brand new instruments with great enthusiasm. So far, the skills of pizzicato and good posture have beenmastered. The excellent work already taught in classroom lessons by Ms Hennessy is evident in the understandingthe students demonstrate with beat and rhythm. We look forward to hearing them perform their new pieces.Pizzicato Strings and Junior Strings rehearse every Wednesday morning. Emphasis is on reading and countingskills, as well as lots of fun, using pieces written especially for this level, in order to encourage their love of musicand nurture essential brain development. Stradivari and Amadeus Strings are currently preparing for assemblyperformances and will be playing at Kaleidoscope Concerts in Term 2. Somerville Strings has been the busiestensemble so far, with performances at assembly, the Queensland Interstate String Festival and the forthcomingKaleidoscope Concert.BANDSMr S WilliamsThe Band Program has certainly made an enthusiastic start for 2013. There are now over 200 band students fromYear 5 to Year 12. The Year 5 band students are beginner students and have commenced their tuition of theirinstruments with great enthusiasm. The students are tested for suitability for each instrument and then start theirweekly lessons with their instrumental tutors. The Senior Concert Band, Intermediate Concert Band and StageBand made a great start to the year with the Band Camp. Senior Concert Band and Stage Band will perform atAssembly as well as the Kaleidoscope Concert in Term 2. The Junior Concert Band has a new conductor this year.Mr Will Eager, who teaches percussion at Somerville House, has achieved excellent results with the Junior ConcertBand and we look forward to their performances at Assembly and at the forthcoming Kaleidoscope Concerts.DIRECTOR OF SPORTMrs A FieldComprehensive and up to date information can be found on the Sports pages of the Somerville House website.SPORT REGISTRATIONIn 2012 Somerville House introduced electronic registration for all co-curricular activities. This process allows staffto obtain information and develop a database which assists in the production of rolls, contact and medicalinformation. With this information, staff can email parents and students with updates about training times, meetsand any reminders about upcoming events or changes to training schedules. If your daughter is interested inparticipating in any co-curricular activity, where necessary, please ensure you register her through the Wufooregistration links as advertised.AUTUMN FIXTURE RESULTS – WEEK 6BASKETBALLOpen BGGS 40 SOM HSE 10SEN A1 BGGS 16 SOM HSE 11SEN A2 ST MARG 26 SOM HSE 1810A BGGS 45 SOM HSE 1810B SOM HSE 24 BGGS 109A BGGS 26 SOM HSE 249B SOM HSE 12 BGGS 68A BGGS 30 SOM HSE 178B SOM HSE 29 BGGS 1410B2 ST MARG 46 SOM HSE 119B2 SOM HSE 12 ST MARG 12FOOTBALLWashed out18

TOUCHOpen BGGS 5 SOM HSE 3SEN A SOM HSE 9 BGGS 1SEN B BGGS 3 SOM HSE 010A BGGS 5 SOM HSE 410B BGGS 5 SOM HSE 29A BGGS 6 SOM HSE 29B BGGS 9 SOM HSE 18A SOM HSE 12 BGGS 08B SOM HSE 7 BGGS 0SWIMMING – QGSSSAMiss C WillimsCongratulations to all students who competed at QGSSSA Swimming last week. It was another outstanding night,with many of our students swimming personal best times. Our team placed fourth again this year, which is awonderful achievement. Special thanks must be extended to the parents who assisted with the QGSSSASwimming Lunch, and all the supporters on the evening.Swimming will be continuing until the end of Term 1. The sessions potentially being offered are:• Monday 6.30 am – 7.30 am• Tuesday 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm• Thursday 3.30 pm – 5.00 pmAny students interested in attending a session, can email Miss Willims to express your interest, with an indication ofwhich session/s you would like to attend. If students wish to continue year round, they can join our River CityRapids Swim Club (www.rivercityrapids.org.au).SWIMMING – ANDREWS CUPCongratulations to our Andrews Cup swimmers for a magnificent effort in being runners up at yesterday’s carnival.We look forward to providing further information about their performance in next week’s newsletter.19

TOUCHMrs L BrookesAmelia Graham & Tiana Reimann, Co-CaptainsDespite poor weather, the Touch Football teams battled BGGS last week in the first game of the season.Preparation was limited with many teams not having trained in three weeks due to field closures from the wetconditions. The OPEN team had a tough match against the 2012 Pennant winners. The Somerville House girlsfought well but unfortunately, BGGS scored two late tries in the final 10 minutes of the game to snatch a 5-3 victory.Only five of the current 12 Open team players have experienced this level of the game before, so many positiveaspects can be taken from this week.The Senior A team look as though they may be contenders for a pennant this season with a strong performance.Led by Bronte Wilson and Laura Moore, the team dominated in a 9 to 1 victory. Strong half running lead to anumber of quality tries, yet their defence was the winning component of their game. Special mention must go toboth the Year 8A and 8B teams with convincing wins of 12-0 and 7-0 respectively. In their first experience ofQGSSSA Touch, they coped very well with the intensity of the competition. Hilary Ballinger’s solid middle ruckingand Meg Richardson’s speed on the wing were outstanding in the A team.Touch Tip: In order to control the game, you must control the ball – complete your sets of six!TRACK & FIELDMrs A FieldSomerville House has again been invited to provide student volunteers for the Queensland Track Classic on23 March at QSAC. This meet forms part of the National Athletics Series and is an important event for our eliteathletes in preparing for the National Championships and World Championship Selection Trials from 11 to 14 April,so you can expect to see many of the big names in Australian Athletics competing, including Sally Pearson.A minimum of 20 students are required to assist as volunteers for this meet from approximately 5.00 pm to10.00 pm. To register your interest and receive more information, please complete your details at:https://somerville.wufoo.com/forms/queensland-track-classic-register-of-interest/.WATER POLOMiss C WillimsCongratulations to all players on another outstanding Water Polo season. Out of seven teams, we had five teams incontention for finals. Three teams have been successful and will continue training this week, and play semi-finalson Saturday. Congratulations to the U15B, U16B and U18B teams. The 14C and 13B teams narrowly missedmaking finals. All Water Polo players are strongly encouraged to come to the final games and support the teams intheir matches. Please wear your summer school uniform to these matches.A reminder to players and parents that the Water Polo Support Group and Swimming Support Group are sellingSomerville House thongs ($15) and Water Polo Caps ($20). Please see Miss Willims to purchase these items.Also please RSVP to the End of Season function by THIS Friday. We are looking forward to having lots of playersand parents attend. Presentations will commence promptly at 5.45 pm.U13B Moreton Bay B WIN 7-5 POM Whole TeamU14A Moreton Bay A LOSS 7-3 POM- Alexandra KondosU14C Loreto Warriors LOSS 7-2 POM- Claudia TodU15B Mt St Michaels WIN 6-5 POM Whole TeamU15C Loreto Warriors LOSS 10-3 POM Matilda MooreU16B Polo Bears/Barras WIN 16-1- POM- Annabelle CodeyU18B St Peters WIN 13-6- Whole Team20

The Middle School Support Group would like to invite you toTHE INAUGURAL MIDDLE SCHOOLFATHERDaughterBREAKFASTMonday 18 March 20137.00 am - 8.30 amSomerville House Undercover MallBreakfast will be provided alongwith tea and coffee.Please come along to spend somespecial time with your daughter.RSVPby Thursday 14 March 2013Paula Salisburypmsalisbury@optusnet.com.au0411 222071

Happy Easter fromEASTER MORNING TEAWednesday 27 March 2013

Somerville HouseJunior School Support Groupwarmly invites you to anEASTER MORNING TEAWhen 8.30-10.30am, Wednesday 27 March 2013Where Chamber Room, The ChambersTickets $30Payment due Wednesday 20 March 2013RSVPSomerville House Junior School Support GroupEASTER MORNING TEAParent’s nameDaughter’s classNo. of ticketsPAYMENTBank transfer onlyAccount name: Somerville House P&F JSSGBSB: 034 013Account no: 178233Reference: JS Surname & Class (eg JS Smith 5A)Total paid $Reference:*Please place this RSVP slip in an envelope and mark with: Easter Morning Tea, parent’s name, daughter’s name& class. (eg Easter Morning Tea, Jane Smith, Ella Smith, 5A) and place in the JSSG box at Reception.