Inspirational Old Girl, Sarah Thomson (Class of 2005).
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VOL . 18 | 2020 Inspirational Old Girl, Sarah Thomson (Class of 2005).
Join us on our new OGA Portal!
Never has there been a better time to stay connected Visit somervillehouseoga.com.au/signup to
with your fellow Somerville House Old Girls. Whether become an OGA member. If you are an existing
you are a member of the OGA or not check out what is OGA member you will need to activate your online
going on via somervillehouseoga.com.au. There is a profile to access these benefits. We can help you
wealth of information freely available including hundreds with this if you don’t feel very tech savvy – reach
Contents of news article and updates on Old Girls. Within our OGA
website we also host a member’s only portal providing
exclusive access to:
out via connect@ somervillehouseoga. com. au
or check out the online help guide via
somervillehouseoga. com. au/ page/ help.
• Social Networking - Search the Members’ Directory The more up-to-date your profile is, the more benefit
2 IN
• PRINCIPAL
Professional Networking – Search the OGA 24 youCHASING
will gain from
GOLDthe portal. Syncing your OGA profile
to your LinkedIn account is an easy way to update
4 PITCHING THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM 25 FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE COURT
• Promote your OG Business
6 ISABEL BAUER – A LEGENDARY OLD GIRL 26 Looking
CONGRATULATIONS
after each other has never been more
• Event photo gallery important and our connections are crucial.
AND OGA LEGEND
28 OLD GIRLS AND SOMERVILLE HOUSE
• Mentoring partnerships PARENTS
If you FILL
are an Old GirlGOVERNANCE RANKS
(attended Somerville House
10 2020 VISION
Junior or Senior School for more than 12 months)
• Job opportunities 30 andEVEN WITH 2020 VISION, 2020 WAS THE YEAR
12 ALUMNAE STORIES DURING COVID would like to be more connected, join the OGA.
NO ONE SAW COMING
• Specialty groups (including Reunion Groups)
Lifetime Memberships fees provide fantastic value
14 A• REMARKABLE
Opportunities toWOMAN
contribute back through 31 TAKING SOMERVILLE@HOME
presentations, career days and bursary donations
16 100 YEARS WITH MARGARET 32 FOUNDATION NEWS
18 FIGHTING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
38 FROM THE ARCHIVES
39 IN TOUCH - OLD GIRLS' ASSOCIATION
20 COMPLETING THE PICTURE
44 REUNIONS
23 THE COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE ON
THE FLAGPOLE 48 ALUMNAE NEWS
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 communication@somerville.qld.edu.au
17 Graham Street, South Brisbane Qld 4101 | PO Box 3357, South Brisbane Qld 4101
P 07 3248 9200 | somerville.qld.edu.au
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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.
SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNEC TIONS VOL . 18 | 2020 1
Unexpected Life Lessons
Education during the COVID-19 pandemic has been an altered experience for both the learner and educator.
Many teachers would agree that the pandemic has been a positive catalyst for change. During the remote
learning experience, for the first time ever, parents were able to join their daughter(s) in the virtual classroom
for the synchronous style of teaching and learning. Teachers changed their pedagogical approach on the fly,
quickly learning that the asynchronous style of communications, via emails, text message and video was the
best way to disseminate basic instruction or launch a discussion and set relevant deadlines.
Remote and online delivery highlighted acutely aware that students missed Positive outcomes since school
that educating students with the one another, and so too, teachers life returned to the new normal has
ability to manage their own learning missed their students. Our Level 5 meant that students and staff have
throughout life is critical. Year 9 Pedestrian Mall did not have the same subsequently engaged in conversations
student, Naomi Ura captures this ambience due to student absence. with flexibility about a different
concept in her Honour Before Honours As social creatures, our students value learning landscape.
essay, when she writes “After learning the intrinsic connections of our green
to edit my work meticulously at home, We have also been grateful for the
sisterhood and school community.
I am already in the habit of working support of the Somerville House
hard.” (Ura, 2020, p.37) Communication increased dramatically Foundation and Old Girls’ Association,
as yet another impact of the pandemic. who joined forces with the School
Survey feedback revealed that our This meant that parents and staff were to contribute to a COVID-19-specific
students enjoyed the option to watch updated through news bulletins from bursary fund, which has already
teacher explanations at their own my desk, as the evolving nature of an assisted 65 families.
pace, even watching repeatedly to unchartered territory unfolded. Life
enhance their understanding of the I trust you will enjoy the myriad of
Lessons for assembly items brought happenings around the Somerville
content. Meanwhile, synchronous
about a change to my own pedagogy. House community in this volume
communication via videoconferencing
Reimagined assembly engagement of Connections.
in Microsoft Teams was also embraced
through Life Lessons with Mrs Kiepe
for its benefits of discussions and
meant that I filmed videos that taught
spontaneous conversations.
students how to check the water and Kim Kiepe
Other significant positive outcomes oil levels on a car, take up a fallen Principal
emanated from the uncertainty uniform hem, make my KK signature
wrought by the pandemic, including pikelets (with the secret grated apple
the opportunity for a review of the ingredient), or share the trick for
structure of the School day for 2021. encasing a duvet within a duvet cover.
While many students enjoyed a new I am yet to share the video of how to do
found independence for managing a reverse park in the pouring rain on a
their learning, conversely we became busy city street.
Ura, N. (2020). “What did Honour Before Honours in a remote learning
environment mean to you?” Connections, Vol.18., Somerville House.
2 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNEC TIONS VOL . 18 | 2020 3
the Flinders Ranges; it was such an was also screened at a number of other in any of the creative industries,”
amazing experience which brought the festivals in the United States including she said.
whole team closer together.” Palm Springs, Hawaii, Orcas Island,
Pitching the With some initial filming complete,
Philadelphia as well as the International
Documentary Film Festival (IDFA) in
Describing the film industry as
very ‘competitive’, Sarah said she
Australian Dream
Sarah said her team was able to put Amsterdam, Netherlands. encourages anyone looking to embark
together a trailer in order to pitch and on a career in the film industry to be
secure funding for the documentary. “The film was also awarded an open to entry at any level.
Australian Academy of Cinema and
“Pitching involves writing a treatment Television Arts (AACTA) Award for Best “Watch as much as you can and figure
which explains the film you are Documentary, an Australian Screen out your taste and what inspires you,”
intending to make. We also did some Producers Award and a Walkley Sarah said.
From pitching to production, seeing your film light up screens at prestigious festivals around the world is the initial filming early in 2018, and from Award for excellence in journalism,”
dream of many aspiring producers. Making this dream a reality is award‑winning producer and Old Girl, Sarah that, we were able to cut a trailer to Sarah said. “Start reading the trades, for example,
Thomson (Class of 2005) who spearheaded the feature documentary The Australian Dream. show potential investors,” Sarah said. Variety or The Hollywood Reporter
“It is just impossible not to be deeply and get as much on set experience
“We were really fortunate to receive moved and inspired by Adam and as possible – this can be short films,
Described by the Australian this was a story that deserved an but said persuading him to get on funding from Screen Australia and Film Stan,” she said. script reading or even running on set,”
Broadcasting Association (ABC) as international platform,” Sarah said. board with the documentary took Victoria which goes a long way when she said.
“It has been amazing to watch as
‘a voice for black Australians’, The some convincing. making independent films,” she said.
“Adam Goodes is an extraordinarily audiences around the world have Having joined Ventureland, a
Australian Dream (2019) follows the
talented and dignified man, a sporting “I think it was still very raw for Adam “We also had incredible partners connected with the film.” multi‑platform film and television
story of former Australian Football
League (AFL) player, Adam Goodes, hero of Australia, decorated and when the team first spoke to him,” in Australian based Madman company based in both Los Angeles
Reflecting on her time at Somerville
who made a stand against racism revered both on and off the sporting Sarah said. Entertainment/Good Thing Productions, and London, in January 2020,
House, Sarah said it was the creativity
during a 2013 game and was then field,” she said. the entire team there are first class.” Sarah said she is excited about her
“But I think having director, Dan and opportunity that she found through
subject to racist attacks and trolling, her motivating teacher mentors she next challenges.
“Yet over a two‑year period, Australia Gordon and Stan Grant on board The Australian Dream premiered at the
compelling him to retire from the game enjoyed the most.
turned its back on him, racially abused with the film was really important to Melbourne International Film Festival on “We are currently in production on
in 2015. Striking her as shocking, Sarah
him and drove him out of his chosen Adam, as well as our track record Thursday 22 August 2019, where it won a number of feature documentaries
said she was inspired to make the “I really loved English with Mrs Nina
profession for which he had been so for premiering films internationally,” the coveted Audience Award, before and an investigative series about a
documentary as she found the core Walker and Art with Mr John Honeywill,”
celebrated. I found it heartbreaking and she said. screening at the prestigious Telluride series of deaths in the British Military,”
story remarkable. Sarah said.
deeply upsetting.” Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival Sarah said.
“I watched [political journalist and “During filming, we were lucky enough and the British Film Institute (BFI) “They were both so encouraging
writer] Stan Grant’s incredible speech In 2017 Sarah and her team at Passion to spend time On Country with London Film Festival. Continuing the and motivating, they challenged me The Australian Dream is available to
on racism from London and I felt that Pictures made contact with Mr Goodes Adam and his family at Iga Warta in documentary’s success, Sarah said it creatively, which I think is so important stream on ABC iView.
4 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNEC TIONS VOL . 18 | 2020 5
Isabel Bauer – Introducing the
A Legendary Old Girl Isabel Bauer
and OGA Legend OGA Bursary
The Somerville House Old Girls' Association is proud to
announce the launch of the Isabel Bauer OGA Bursary.
For over half a century, Isabel Bauer (nee Bloomer, Class of 1955) was part of the fabric of Somerville House Named in memory of legendary Old Girl, and our longest serving
and an advocate of Old Girls, the Association and benefits of a Somerville House education. President, the postgraduate bursary will provide $5,000 for a specific
and approved purpose, to support an Old Girl in fulfilling her potential.
As an only child and little girl, Isabel Isabel loved every minute of Junior for Nancy’s dinner, and a note would This could include making career changes or advancements, re‑entering
always wanted to go to Somerville and Senior School and wanted her come home “My Dear Little Student, the workforce, further study, innovation or research.
House and wear the navy uniform. daughters Rebecca (Class of 1988) and The fish was delish. Love Nancy.”
The OGA will call for bursary applications in early 2021.
Her mother said she could as soon Miriam (Class of 1990) to have the same
as she was able to catch the tram close‑knit, Somerville family experience. To Isabel’s delight in 2019 and 2020, the
For donations please access somervillehouseoga.com.au/
by herself from Greenslopes, so in As often happens, multiple generations third generation, her granddaughters
donations/ isabel‑bauer‑bursary or for further enquiries, including
Year 3B with Miss Nancy North, she are taught by the same teacher, and Alexandra (7E) and Emma (4B)
sponsorship please email connect@ somervillehouseoga.com.au
started her Somerville journey, and in 1982, Rebecca (6A) was with Nancy Musgrave became Franklin girls.
a lifelong love of the School and the North. Nancy called Isabel her dear Last year Alexandra was taught by
multi‑generational, Somerville House little student. Even as a parent, fish that Lynne Schlyder (6D), just as Miriam in
community friendships. Isabel caught at Fingal Head was sent 1984 (6A).
Somerville House teachers, as strong
women with careers, had a lasting impact
and Isabel decided this was for her. The
Australian cinematic competitions for Old Girls’ Association During her transformative tenure
lengthy holiday breaks were a critical
travel documentaries, and in the 1970s, as President (almost twenty years),
benefit and enabled her to combine two Encouraged by Miss Morgan to join the
was the first woman to construct and the OGA’s profile was raised to be a
passions; education and travel. Her first OGA Committee in 1971 (Isabel said
own industrial buildings at the newly critical strategic and financial partner to
year after graduating from Queensland you didn’t question Miss Morgan), little
opened Slacks Creek Industrial Estate. the School, with respect to history and
Teachers' College was incredibly did she realise that taking Rebecca to
Similarly, with travel and tour groups tradition but always future‑focussed.
challenging, at a new school in Mt Gravatt meetings in a bassinet would become
of twenty‑five to thirty‑five people, her OGA fundraising became more
East – sixty‑four students at forty‑eight an almost lifelong commitment to the
knowledge of European history and sophisticated and included bus tours
desks in a composite class! She also OGA and Somerville House. She served
architecture, incredible fearlessness, of historically significant homesteads
taught at the two‑teacher Benowa continuously until her passing on July 3
and never take no for an answer from Beaudesert to Kenilworth,
Primary (considered country service 2020, as Committee Member, President
attitude, opened up doors and created raffles (disguised as games of
3km west of Surfers Paradise), St Hilda’s and Life Member.
truly unique experiences. chance) launched at school assembly
(including boarding mistress duties),
incentivising tickets sold with higher
St Margaret’s and Greenslopes Primary
dollar vouchers, fashion parades,
(her own school), where two of the boys
card days and other themed events
became parents and even grandparents
to bring the School community
of Somerville girls. Somerville House
together. Cake stands and crocheted
linkages across distance and time
handkerchiefs were transitioned to a
are amazing.
commercially driven, reward for effort.
Isabel’s career transitions demonstrate Isabel said I’m not baking cakes for
a very contemporary orientation, a couple of hundred dollars ‑ her
where teaching morphed into property initiatives delivered thousands.
development, and for over twenty years,
Bauer Tours of Europe and beyond.
Isabel’s interests of education, travel, Left: (Back row) Liz Washington (1998),
history, music, photography, property Sue Folliot (1980), Kira Sampson (1990),
Belinda Cooney (1982), Bev Folliott
and European cars were consistent (1958), Catharine Whittred (1984), Miriam
throughout her life, and she achieved Musgrave (1990), Kara Rodwell (1991);
in all areas. She won Queensland and (Front row) Isabel Bauer, Barbara Merefield
(1953), Pam Davenport (1954) and Glenys
Charlton (1951). Top: Isabel's 83rd birthday,
Left: Isabel holidaying in Greece early 1960s December 14 2019
6 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNEC TIONS VOL . 18 | 2020 7
Left: Opening of the Bauer Building, May 2017 –
(Left to Right) Rebecca (Class of 1988), Isabel,
Alexandra (7E), Miriam (Class of 1990), Emma (4B)
and Adam; Below and bottom: Isabel in the 1960s.
Left: Isabel with Valmai Pidgeon AM (Class of
1944) - Commemoration Day 2017;
Above: School girl 1951/52.
The Old Girls always were, and still The campaign consisted of mail piano each year was a highlight. Equally Restoration plaque, another project she
are, the most generous fundraising updates, two half‑page advertisements important, the Bauer Family Award at financially supported.
partner for the School but under Isabel in the Brisbane Courier‑Mail Speech Night, for good citizenship and
and the dedicated and hard‑working (broadsheet at that time), a community supporting the ethos of the School, and Isabel’s love affair with Somerville
committees, the passionate engagement protest described by police as the the Bauer Family window in the Chapel House never dwindled. She adored
of all eras of Somerville Old Girls and best dressed, interviews on radio and acknowledging Mary Somerville. The the School, the teaching staff and
advocacy for the Old Girls’ Association, targeted letters. The most extraordinary Bauer Building, opened in 2017, was a fellow parents. She enjoyed supporting
the dollars really flowed in. aspect of this history is that the entire fitting tribute to her passionate support, four principals in their stewardship
campaign was under one month in and to a formidable woman. Every time of the School with diplomacy and
From 1982 onwards, she led Old duration, before the PMSA changed she drove up to the School she said, conviction. As an only child, Somerville
Girls to support the most significant direction. Isabel said we shook hands “what an honour.” House was her extended family and
infrastructure developments and later, with the PMSA and moved on, but the multi‑generations of Old Girls;
channelled that support under the Somerville’s continuance at Vulture What makes Isabel’s energy and drive her sisters.
formation of the Foundation. The former and Graham Streets is due to her even more amazing is in the context of
Old Girls’ Library to Chapel conversion, legendary protection. her health. A kidney was removed at
Murray Evans Sports and Aquatic sixteen years old (as they did then), and Isabel Bauer Bursary
Centre, new Junior School and Seymour Serving under subsequent OGA she was managed by nephrologists her
Library are just some of the capital Presidents as Life Member, Isabel whole life. In true Isabel form, she never Isabel truly believed in the advantages
works. In ten days, she personally delivered fifty years of service to the wanted anyone to underestimate her and and power of a Somerville House
secured funding for all the new stained Old Girls’ Association. She transitioned only when she started dialysis at almost education and experience, and she
glass windows for the Chapel – almost to one of the elder stateswomen of the eighty‑three years old in September marvelled at the talents of the girls and
$140,000 in the early 1990s! Committee, delighted by the energy 2019, did her condition become more their incredible achievements across all
and talent of each President and widely known. She told the doctors endeavours. She was a recipient of the
In 1987, Isabel was alerted that the Committee, with their fantastic and dialysis would have to wait until she forever friendships and the legacy of the
PMSA was negotiating with a syndicate contemporary ideas, volunteer effort had attended the Foundation’s Annual OGA, past, present and future.
to sell the South Brisbane site. She and ongoing love of the School. At Fundraising Lunch, but eventually Isabel was humbled and profoundly
kept the secret of who told her for the 2018 AGM, she couldn’t believe it deferred to their expertise, and was moved when OGA President
thirty‑three years, and earlier this when both Rebecca and Miriam joined there in spirit as part of the thirty‑five Ms Liz Washington and Somerville
year she divulged it was Principal the Committee. years of the Foundation video. House Foundation Chair Ms Dominique
Sam Seymour. In the era of Australia Layt, asked if she would accept a
Post and landline telephones, Isabel Donating time or money to Somerville, Dialysis provided reinvigoration, and bursary for an Old Girl to be named
and the Committee wrote to the OGA the OGA and the Foundation were she entered VPAC on Commemoration in her honour. A bursary to enable
membership to save their school. The pleasures for her. It was never ‘work’ Day 2019, feeling like her old self. an Old Girl to further her career is
OGA post box had to be emptied daily volunteering for the School, as Isabel She loved seeing so many friends at completely aligned to everything that
with the immediacy of response and was surrounded by friends and the OGA 120th Birthday Lunch the was Isabel Bauer – independence,
volume of cheques. Whilst the intent dedicated people, who only wanted following day, especially the two tables self‑determination and opportunity
was to mobilise Old Girls, the effect was the best for Somerville. She loved of her Class of 1955. In February 2020, through choice.
far more profound with parents, and music and achieved Letters in Music on day release from the hospital,
members of the broader community at sixteen years old, so presenting she attended the unveiling of the
expressing support. the Isabel Bauer Music Cup for open Cumbooquepa Stained Glass Window Rebecca Bauer
8 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNEC TIONS VOL . 18 | 2020 9
2020 Vision Alisia Aloisi
“The year 2020 took an unprecedented turn of events and the journey
I planned for became slightly bumpier than expected. Our initial
Three young leaders could never have predicted the relevance of this year’s school theme, given the evolving response was to negatively perceive the occurrences of COVID-19.
Our 2020 vision was blurred. However, the girls in green did not let
situation their community has faced in 2020.
their dreams and aspirations be blinded by this unclear image.
We continued to achieve our clear goals. We drew strength from our
Somerville House Captain Kate Lockyer would help their classmates embrace And finally, appreciate, spoke volumes
fire fighters combatting the bushfires at the beginning of the year, and
and Vice-Captains, Alisia Aloisi and the theme. to Kate. She wanted to encourage
our frontline health workers displaying acts of grace and generosity.
Madeleine (Maddie) Webber believed students to realise how fortunate they
Maddie chose limitless, “the idea of Our Heroes Day aimed to demonstrate our appreciation for these
that the 2020 Vision theme was not only are to be members of such a passionate
challenging students to be ambitious role models with outfits ranging from essential workers, to significant
a clever play on words, but also the and driven school community and to
and motivated in every aspect of Australian’s and even unknown members of the community that are
perfect way to describe the message embrace the opportunities afforded to
their lives.” personally inspiring to individual students. The qualities embodied by our
they had chosen for the year; the each girl.
school; courage, resilience, compassion, integrity and respect are also the
symbolic concept of ‘seeing’ the
“Guiding our girls to establish defined As their final year in green concluded, characteristics of these heroes and have shaped the fearless leaders of change
present, and ‘visualising’ the future
goals that inspire them to push forward the Captains voiced their reflections at we are today.
To further express their interpretation in 2020,” said Alisia, describing her the 2020 Speech Night, reminding their
word clear. Our time during quarantine was a blessing in disguise. We discovered an appreciation
of the 2020 Vision, the Captains peers that having 2020 Vision was more
for more than just the materialistic, but our experiences with each other and the
decided to each select a keyword that important than ever.
limitless opportunities that have been provided to us as Somerville House girls.
We learned to appreciate the little moments in class which brought us joy, the
endless guidance and support from our teachers and mentors, the tough losses and
sensational wins we felt in co-curricular. But above all, we learned to appreciate each
other. We can now venture into the unknown, side by side, able to conquer the world
with the courage, friendship, resilience and integrity of a Somerville House girl.”
Kate Lockyer
“The Seniors of 2020 are simply lucky that Somerville House
was the educational institution that transformed us from
well-meaning Year 7s – buzzing around the break-out area,
into mature Seniors – who I truly believe are ready to tackle Maddie Webber
any obstacle the future may bring. The very essence of
“In 2020, the girls in green have continued to learn how to limitlessly
our characters have been intertwined with the intrinsically
serve their community. Not only within the School grounds but far
loving nature of this community’s shared values. Schools
beyond into the world around us. We have spread the blessing
are nothing but a vessel for the exploration of one’s self,
of music in support of mental health and Beyond Blue. We
or in other words – personal growth. The year of 2020 in
have mastered knitting to create blankets for the Leukaemia
fact, highlighted the importance of such personal growth,
Foundation. The Junior and Senior School have brought together
through both circumstance and our focus upon clear vision.
their plastics lids for the Lids4Kidz program which creates plastic
As a student body, for the first time ever, we were faced with the prosthetics for children. Three of our girls even shaved their hair
goliath sized and unprecedented challenge of holding ourselves off in courageous support of The World’s Greatest Shave and a
scholastically accountable. Such a task could only be tackled through cure for cancer. From bottle top lids to their ponytails, the girls
meticulous planning, organisation, and evidently clinging to one of the have given so much from their hearts and more. Even though it may
aspects of 2020 vision - clarity. We supported one another like never before, reminding not change the entire world, it can change the lives of those around
peers of deadlines, meetings and the importance of a conscientious nature. us, and that is something worth celebrating.
This year we lived through the launch of the School’s #findyourvoice campaign, This year has also posed many challenges, but as we have each faced
a mantra with a clearly envisioned purpose, and yet another display of how the them, we haven’t done it alone. Although at times, we may have been far
endeavour to shape character via the fostering of personal growth is ingrained within apart from each other - from our friends, our families and our school – we carried
this green community. Upon reflection of my time at Somerville House, I find myself each other in our hearts and knew that the people we missed the most were never
filled with an incredible sense of gratitude. Whether it be music, sport or academics, truly far from us. This peace, love and connection comes from the source of all love
there is a team, club or group welcoming you aboard with open arms. Over the years, and relationship, the Lord our God. Our faith helps us in our hardships, to know we
I have been given countless opportunities to join bands, trial for sporting teams and are never far from help and comfort. When I think of those times, I think of the hymn,
audition for theatre productions. Abide With Me, written by Henry Lyte in 1847. I think the lyrics capture this message
in the most beautiful way, “I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless. Ills have no
The Seniors of 2020 have had the absolute privilege of realising our aspirations weight and tears no bitterness. I triumph still if Thou Abide with me.” Even 173 years
amidst extensive opportunity, planning pathways to achieve such goals and later, the lyric’s meaning are still as relevant as ever, as it reminds us of faith in God,
subsequently finding our voices.” who cares for us always.”
10 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNEC TIONS VOL . 18 | 2020 11
Alumnae stories
organisation involved a lot of trial and It is normal to be scared; just don’t
Eunice Fu error. As a pharmacist, there’s usually let that consume your ability to be
Class of 2011 minimal room for error, and our job courageous. Cherish your relationships
during COVID Clinical Pharmacist – Liverpool requires constant, meticulous attention to and reach out, loneliness can be
Hospital, New South Wales Health detail, so it was a humbling experience to tormenting (from personal experience
realise that no one is perfect despite my and seeing COVID patients isolated).
desire for perfection.
How has your work been Staying active keeps me upbeat and
impacted this year during Frequent outdoor runs and long walks motivated to do my best.”
COVID‑19, and how have you helped me destress, stay in shape
without my usual gym routine and kept
adapted to these challenges? What would your biggest piece
my immune system in line. I was terrified
“Staying focussed and striving to be a
of advice be for our graduating
(and still am) of becoming ill as I was
more open‑minded and flexible person working with COVID‑19 patients and staff.
class entering the workforce in the
helped me adapt to the challenges of I feel that it is a personal responsibility current climate?
social isolation in a new state and at a to stay as well as possible in order to “Be proactive and resilient: take a leap
new job. As well as this, my previous rural protect the vulnerable and reduce the of faith to grasp every opportunity given
and regional experiences definitely gave burden to the healthcare system.” and use it as a stepping stone, your first
me the resilience to adapt to changes and job might not be glamorous… but it’s the
overcome setbacks in a more positive little steps that will lead you to achieve
light despite the frustrations. No one What has been your biggest
bigger goals. Don’t compare yourself to
else has gone through this experience, take‑away from this experience?
Life can be hard. Make informed so I was initially working blindly with “Don’t waste your time: live life with
others; we all have our own journeys and
story to tell. Nothing is easy or happens
decisions, don’t make a stupid trying to figure out how to provide
the most comprehensive pharmacy
purpose, appreciate and embrace what overnight, so don’t give up!
mistake that can impact you for service possible within my scope of
you have. I also learnt ways to keep
myself entertained during isolation, Success is not achieved alone; there
the rest of your life. practice and restrictions enforced
with minimal guidance. Learning and
which is a skill! will always be people along the way,
providing you with encouragement
implementing these work processes in a I have also learnt to live in the moment: and opportunities to help nurture your
multidisciplinary environment and large life is short, unpredictable and fragile. abilities and believe in yourself.”
What has been your biggest
take‑away from this experience?
“Regardless of your political allegiance,
the hardline stance that the Chief Pam Brown
Health Officer required in Queensland
has kept the public safe from the worst
Class of 1998
of the global pandemic. However, one Teacher – Prep, Somerville House
slip up and it can revert to catastrophic
casualties and death. It is a necessity
How has your work been
that QPS perform these duties to keep
Queenslanders safe.”
impacted this year during
COVID‑19, and how have you
adapted to these challenges?
What would your biggest piece
of advice be for our graduating “Operating Somerville@HOME for five
Sasha Finney APM Officer. As a result of quarantine
requirements, police have been weeks earlier this year was challenging
class entering the workforce in the
Class of 1983 re‑deployed from their core business current climate?
but for the most part positive. It was
duties to perform border patrols, and difficult to transfer a Prep classroom
Detective Senior Sergeant –
to provide a security presence at “Life can be hard. Make informed which is normally a very practical and What would your biggest piece
Drug & Serious Crime Group
decisions, don’t make a stupid mistake hands‑on setting to a digital format,
State Crime Command, Queensland designated quarantine hotels in Brisbane of advice be for our graduating
and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. I that can impact you for the rest of your but it encouraged alternative ideas
Police Service (QPS) class entering the workforce in the
have completed four deployments to life. And most importantly, always be and imagination to flourish. Who knew
the best you there is and be kind to
current climate?
the Gold Coast, and these are ten days I could perform a magic trick for the
How has your work been straight at both the border and hotels. others. Your work life is a long one. I letter ‘M’, or manipulate the camera
What has been your biggest “You are the year group that have been
impacted this year during have been in the QPS since I was 22 angle so the Preps could watch live as flexible, resilient and worked positively
take‑away from this experience?
COVID‑19, and how have you My substantive position is to provide a years old. I am now 54, so that’s over I bounced an egg and watch it explode with change. Take these skills into your
statewide response to the discovery of 32 years in the one career. Choose all over my floor in an egg experiment! “Your friends and colleagues are some future study or workforce and share
adapted to these challenges?
illegal drug labs, which we have seen a career that you think will make you The whole experience highlighted and of your greatest supporters, and that them with others through clear and
“The QPS held the responsibility of a slight increase in detections since happy. I love my job. That is important. reaffirmed with me the importance of my the students’ enthusiasm, resilience confident communication. Be proud of
managing the COVID‑19 pandemic COVID started, so I have been very Look after your health and always look daily interaction and special personal and smiles are constant reminders of yourselves for all you have achieved in
under instruction from the Chief Health busy managing two portfolios.” after your Mum!” connections with students every day.” ‘hope’ for the future.” this year of challenges!”
12 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNEC TIONS VOL . 18 | 2020 13
distance could stop us from writing “It’s been very interesting to meet In her words, “I make the
and keeping in touch with one another,” so many new people; and I’ve best of every day”.
she said. found them anxious to be friendly,
and they’re all – believe it or not - Still a mentor to some
“Many of these friends have made of her former students
intrigued by my ‘accent’,” Ruth said.
the long trip to the US to visit me over who graduated sixty
the decades.” “I’m a marked woman as soon as to seventy years ago,
I open my mouth, and strangers Ruth imparts her
Ruth credits the demanding academics
usually say, “I’ll bet you’re fresh wisdom to today’s
from the School’s then ‘honours
from England!”,” she said. girls in green.
program’ for her success and discipline
post graduation. “Sometimes, I even have trouble “Somerville House
in making myself understood, has been a source of
“I felt very prepared to enter university
especially when I spell my name.” pride my whole life.
when I left BHGS (The Brisbane High
An all-girls school
School for Girls),” Ruth said. Despite Ruth’s enthusiastic recount in of 121 years is to
the 1946 publication, she went on to be commended,”
“I graduated from the University of
have a successful teaching career in the Ruth said.
Queensland with a Bachelor of Science,
United States, teaching English, French
and then continued with my studies
and Latin, as well as advising to the “The School
at the Queensland Teacher’s Training
yearbook staff, while also raising two fascinated
College (now Queensland University
children, Helen and Gordon. students from far
of Technology (QUT) Kelvin Grove
and wide, even
campus),” she said. A remarkable woman with so much life from Thursday Island
experience, Ruth dedicated much of and Dutch East Indies
“I was in the first group of students who
her time to other passions and causes (Indonesia) during the War, and still
successfully completed the Diploma of
close to heart. attracts wonderful girls from around the
Education at the College”.
world today,” she said.
She has been supportive of Doctors
Ruth began her teaching career in
without Borders and St Labre Indian “My advice to the young women is to
Queensland at the beginning of World
A remarkable
School in Ashland, Montana, to name a always be prepared, have a backup
War II, and little did she know that it
few. Ruth was also an active member of plan in case things go awry and look at
would bring her back to the School that
the American Association of University each student as a friend.”
inspired her chosen path.
Women and Church Women United,
woman “My first teaching job was at Gympie
State High School, and then I went to
Gladstone to teach French,” Ruth said.
“When the War progressed, I was
an ecumenical association to unite
churches in worthy causes.
Today, Ruth loves to spend her
time reading, following politics and
Currently, Ruth is happy and healthy
in her living unit at Josephine Suites in
Stanwood, USA, surrounded by her two
children, four grandchildren and twelve
great‑grandchildren.
summoned back to Somerville producing tapestry works.
Studious, adventurous, hard-working and diligent; these are the four House where I would teach at the
adjectives that Ruth May Scougale (nee Evans) used to describe her 1932 Auchenflower campus in the morning,
and then catch the tram on my lunch
to 1935 studentship at The Brisbane High School for Girls (Somerville
hour to teach at the Coorparoo location
House). A connected Old Girl from her home in Stanwood, USA, Ruth for the afternoon,” she said.
has an inspirational life story to share; a 101-year history as a past pupil,
past teacher, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, we share “At the time, I remember admiring
Headmistress, Miss Frances Craig.
Ruth’s journey with you.
She was managing three different
Graduating at the tender age of sixteen, Speaking to Ruth in July 2020, she locations, the third being in Stanthorpe
Ruth is still part of Somerville House; recounts her favourite memories of her for the boarders, while the US
her name proudly etched as Dux of time at the School. army commandeered the South
School in 1935. She stretched her Brisbane buildings.”
skills across many disciplines at the “All of my teachers were memorable,
but particularly Miss Norma Horton, It was the War that instigated Ruth’s next
time, she played the violin, studied
who was both a mentor and a close life journey, as she married American
French outside of her classroom time,
friend,” Ruth said. solder, Mr Myron Scougale, in 1944 and
and boasts the accolade of winning a
relocated to Everett, Washington, USA.
city‑wide essay contest sponsored by
“Most noteworthy though, were the The 1946 School Magazine, narrated her
the Shell Company.
best friends I made for life; not even journey to what would be her new home.
14 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNEC TIONS VOL . 18 | 2020 15
Margaret at school, 2nd from right University Graduation - Margaret 5th from left
100 years
Margaret's daughter, Suzanne Morton
(Class of 1969) shares with us highlights
with Margaret
of a life for Margaret well lived and well
loved; inspirational. We are pleased to
share this story along with some very
special images from Margaret's time at
Somerville House.
Born on February 18 1920, Margaret
Margaret Thurgood (nee Broadbent, Class of 1936) celebrated her 100th Broadbent started at Somerville House
birthday in March 2020, surrounded by more than 100 close family and in Year 3 in 1927, daughter to Joseph and
Daisy Broadbent. Joe was a barrister and
friends who travelled from Perth, Melbourne and Sydney to attend.
the Parliamentary draughtsman.
She helped in the library during her
Senior Years and graduated Dux of
School at sixteen years old, during the
Principalship of Miss Craig.
She learned to play the piano, her for the church. Ken had a dental practice that had moved to
Margaret at school, pictured on the right
mother being very talented. Margaret Queen Street, in the Brisbane CBD, and Margaret did all of the
had an aversion to sports and, on accounts for the business. In addition to graduating from the
occasion, avoided it by tying her Helena Kaye Dressmaking Academy, she knitted and sewed
sandshoe laces together at the ends, and cooked for her family and others, as well as playing golf
putting them around her neck, and and lawn bowls.
waiting out the lesson by sitting up
in one of the trees at the end of the Her widowed mother lived with her until she passed in her 90s.
running track. Not sharing that story
Ken died in 1969 from cancer, and Margaret returned to
with her daughter until a few years ago,
the workforce, this time utilising her Chemistry Degree, and
much to Suzanne's surprise.
working at the agricultural chemistry lab in the Department of
She went to university and graduated Primary Industries. Three of the young men who had worked
with a Science Degree in Chemistry and at that lab were present at her 100th birthday celebration.
Biology, having completed Honours
She married Jack Thurgood in 1973 and she acquired four
Maths in her first year. The university,
step‑children. After he retired they spent many happy years
at that time, was located in the gardens
working for the church and travelling overseas, making friends
of North Quay, and it was there she
on the tours, of which many of whom are still in contact with
met her future husband, Dental student
her today.
Ken Morton.
After Jack passed away, she moved to a unit at a retirement
Following her graduation she worked at
village in Durack, joined many groups and gained new
the Department of Stock (later Primary
interests, and at 100 still retains her independence in her
Industries) at the Animal Health Station
unit, cooking and entertaining her friends and family, and still
at Indooroopilly, Brisbane, as Assistant
knitting squares into blankets for those less fortunate.
to the Parasitologist. When she started,
he had her unravel a tapeworm from a In her 80s she learned to do patchwork and china painting,
pig which stretched to the gate, and she and has made some beautiful bedspreads, hats, cushions
returned the next day for work, unfazed. and purses for family and friends. She is well known for her
She was later married, and as war had kindness to others, often stopping in to visit people, on her
broken out, and the Parasitologist had scooter, that are lonely or needing some help.
joined up, she was able to retain her
job. Her husband, Ken, was a Flight In her late 90s she was still making her many great
Lieutenant and Dentist in the Royal grandchildren her ‘special pink birthday cake’ as she had
Australian Air Force stationed in Papua done earlier for her grandchildren.
New Guinea.
Margaret and Ken had one son, Roger and seven years later
She has kept in touch with all of her adopted Suzanne (Class of 1969) who have eight children
school classmates over the years, and between them, and numerous grandchildren ‑ most of whom Be
many of her uni friends, often meeting
them or speaking to them on the phone.
were at the 100th Birthday party along with some of her
step‑family and well over 100 others. People travelled from as
inspired!
far as Perth, Melbourne and Sydney to attend and all agreed
For more inspira
After the war she remained at home, it was a wonderful day, with the star of the show being much tional
Old Girl stories
Margaret at her 100th birthday celebration but never still, and was a great worker loved and hugged. visit
somer villehous
eoga.com.au/ne
ws
Suzanne Morton
16 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNEC TIONS VOL . 18 | 2020 17“My final two years of school were “I have found enormous inspiration “I am sometimes surprised to read what
formative. The friendships I developed from like‑minded colleagues and the I have written and go, ‘hmmm that’s
at that time were so important and resilience of the woman and children I not bad – did I write that?’ It never feels
enriching. Teachers were very influential have worked with. It has been important that way when I am writing, but it is a
and encouraged our discussions and to feel connected to a wider social significant part of being in academia
wide‑ranging thinking,” she said. movement, rather than feeling that you – you do have to publish or leave ‑ not
are carrying a lone agenda,” she said.
“Particularly our history teacher, necessarily perish.”
Dr Pamela Davenport and our English “When working in an area where there
“I have to say that writing essays at
teacher Ms Sheila Jamieson were are many depressing stories and you are
Somerville House did provide me with
wonderful facilitators of our thinking very aware of the pain of discrimination,
early writing training and I think that I
and development. It did feel as though poverty, trauma, and the appalling ways
have always built upon that foundation,”
we were part of a community in which in which some women and children are
though there was differentiation from being treated, it is important to invest in Cathy said.
our teachers; they also were very much the good things of life.”
Listing the books and articles she has
part of facilitating and encouraging us
Having recently celebrated her fortieth published amongst some of the career
as young women to ‘think big’.”
wedding anniversary, Cathy says along accomplishments she is most proud
Upon graduating from Somerville with her daughter, parents, siblings of, Cathy also said it was her research
House, Cathy went onto study a and friends across the world, it is not teams’ recent achievement she is
Bachelor of Social Work at the possible to work intensively and in such particularly thrilled with.
University of Queensland, furthering a challenging area.
her tertiary education with a PhD “My research team recently picked up
completed at the University of New “Nurturing these relationships is an award for ‘excellence in a research
South Wales. actually the most important part of team’, and I felt delighted to have our
life and are a constant reminder that
team recognised,” Cathy said.
“I felt that social work might provide loving and caring relationships provide
an excellent avenue for channelling the foundation for a life which is worth “I feel more pleased to have been
my enthusiasm for social change,” living,” Cathy said. provided with an opportunity to
Cathy said. contribute – it is a privilege that I
“I also have recreational activities
appreciate rather than a matter of
“I also found that I enjoyed talking which also make a huge difference
with my friends about personal issues to my energy levels and joy in living: pride,” she said.
and problems and felt that I may be a stimulating film club which meets
Although at times, a challenging
able, with training, to work well with monthly, yoga two to three times a
career pathway, Cathy’s best advice
individuals who were facing significant week, bird‑watching with friends,
to students looking to embark on a
challenges in their lives,” she said. walking as much as I can, and taking
some great travel holidays,” she said. career in social work is that it provides
“As a social work student, I chose to a wonderful foundation for so many
have a placement at Women’s House Developing a deliberate publication different career pathways.
just as the first refuge was being strategy to link her research to the
established in Brisbane. Ever since practice and policy framework in which “It opens a world for those that are
I have always been involved in the the research is situated, Cathy has committed to issues of social justice
movement to end violence against been involved in the publication of but is not bounded by a particular
women and their children.” thirteen books and has contributed to area of work. Working with children,
over twenty‑two articles in professional older people, the women’s sector,
Fighting for
A true representation of the School With an extensive resume of work journals. She has also underwritten development work, social policy,
Motto Honours Before Honours, within the areas of domestic and numerous chapters in books, and careers in philanthropy and
Cathy said it was her final two years family violence, including recently
social change
research reports, policy briefings and non‑government organisations (NGOs)
at Somerville House that were the being named Chief Investigator on the training materials as well as refereed
most influential, as they encouraged a Australian Government's Safer Families – I could go on,” Cathy said.
journal articles.
larger canvas for her thinking and the Program and the co‑chair Melbourne
“Social work has provided me with
possibilities beyond school. Research Alliance to End Violence “I am proud of the books and articles I
a hugely stimulating working life – I
Against Women and Their Children have published – they take a lot of work,
“At Somerville House, I became very don’t like to think how many different
(MAEVe), Cathy said it could be a so it is good to have contributed in this
A reverent passion for social justice and an ingrained commitment engaged with social justice issues. jobs I have had ‑ particularly early on,”
confronting area to work in. way,” Cathy said.
to the feminist agenda of equality between men and women is The early seventies were a time of she said.
progressive social change – the “The violence and abuse of women “I am a person who enjoys having
what inspired the career of Old Girl and Professor of Social Work “However, it has provided me with
women’s movement, the anti‑Vietnam undermines gender equity and remains a written rather than the writing task itself.
at University of Melbourne, Cathy Humphreys (Class of 1971). war movement, the questions of scourge on our society with one woman I have to play ‘the long game’ when I am both opportunities to contribute and
poverty and the history of Indigenous a week being murdered and there being writing to remember that the only way is moments of profound connection to
Australians were all on the agenda,” no let‑up in the number of women through and there is light at the end of the lives of others that few other jobs
Cathy said. subjected to abuse,” Cathy said. the tunnel,” she said. can provide.”
18 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNEC TIONS VOL . 18 | 2020 19Completing
the Picture
John Honeywill’s article ‘A rich history of women in the arts’ in the
previous edition of Connections has inspired a Somerville House Old
Girl and former museum curator, Dr Judith McKay (Class of 1967), to
continue the story of the School’s contribution to the arts.
In acknowledging the Somerville House Painters, Sketchers, Photographers and
Old Girls who have made notable Engravers to 1870 (Oxford University
contributions to the visual arts in Press, 1992); and Heritage: The National
Australia, I wish to outline the careers Women's Art Book: 500 Works by 500
of four more women who should Australian Women Artists from Colonial
be better known to the Somerville Times to 1955 (Craftsman House, 1995).
House community.
Joan adopted a refreshingly eclectic Olive Ashworth, graphic artist, textile Olive Ashworth’s work is represented in acclaim. Later she established a craft
Art historian Professor Joan Kerr approach to art history, giving more designer and photographer, who the collections of the National Gallery shop in her sister’s studio, which she
AM (née Lyndon), who attended the recognition to women and Indigenous attended the School in 1924 to 1930, of Australia, the Queensland Museum, maintained until her marriage in 1954.
School in 1952 to 1955, transformed artists, and to art forms other than is featured not only in Joan Kerr’s QAGOMA, and, most recently, the
understanding of the visual arts in painting. Her book Heritage brought Heritage but also in the Museum Cairns Museum. Her work has also Agnes Barker was a successful
Australia. After undertaking arts at the to national attention many relatively of Brisbane’s recent ‘New Woman’ been shown in exhibitions at the teacher. In 1951 to 1955 she gave
University of Queensland and raising unknown women artists, including exhibition. Olive trained at Melbourne’s Queensland Museum and the State Saturday morning craft classes at
a family, Joan completed her studies the Somerville House Old Girls I Art Training Institute before returning to Library (1991), and presently there are Somerville House. In 1959, at the
in England, graduating with a PhD record here. Brisbane to work as an artist for Burns two videos relating to her work on the request of Channel 7 for a series
from the University of York in 1978. Philp & Co. QAGOMA website. of demonstrations on crafts in the
Later she took up various academic Sadly, Joan Kerr’s contribution to the home, she made over fifty television
posts in Australia, notably at the arts would have been greater had Working freelance from 1945, Olive As pottery was regarded as a suitable appearances. This was followed in
University of Sydney and the Australian her life not been cut short by cancer. Ashworth designed promotional accomplishment for ladies, it is not 1960 by a similar series on Channel 9
National University. She died in 2004, aged sixty-six, just material and décor for Queensland’s surprising that L.J. Harvey’s classes in Sydney. Top left: Olive Ashworth – Reef Rhythm 1971,
as she was working on a project to major tourist attractions. Her clients established in 1916 at Brisbane’s Printed cotton fabric, printed by Tennyson
Textiles, Sydney.
Joan Kerr was an inspiring teacher extend her Dictionary of Australian included newly‑opened island resorts Central Technical College should have Agnes Barker’s work was included
Above: Olive Ashworth holding her Aquarelle
and mentor to many (including me), Artists into the 20th century and to and the cruise lines that served them. attracted several Somerville House Old in an exhibition of Harvey School
fabric, depicting swirling marine grasses,
as well as a brilliant scholar. Besides make her databases more accessible. She was the first local artist to exploit Girls. One of these, Agnes Barker (later pottery, ‘With Heart & Hand’, shown in the exhibition ‘Australia’s 100 Best Textile
her countless publications, she edited She set the foundations for the online the design potential of the Great Barrier Richardson), who attended the School at the Griffith University Art Museum Designs for 1954' (photograph courtesy of
Richard Stringer).
two definitive texts on Australian art: resource Design & Art Australia Online Reef. Her designs, along with Frank in 1920 to 1923, became a noted in 2018. She is also represented in
Below: Agnes Barker Egyptian vase 1928.
The Dictionary of Australian Artists: www. daao.org.au. Hurley’s photographs, defined the craftswoman, teacher, broadcaster and the collections of QAGOMA and Hand-built pie dish clay, painted with
‘Sunshine State’ in an era of rapidly bark artist, as well as a potter. Griffith University. an Egyptian scene. (Private collection)
(photograph courtesy of Glenn R. Cooke).
expanding tourism.
Agnes Barker was the youngest sister The fourth of these talented Old
Olive was particularly interested in of the artist and Somerville House art Girls, Val McMaster (later Potts), who
textile design. Her Aquarelle design teacher, Caroline Barker. She began attended the School in 1924 to 1930,
was a prize-winner in the national exhibiting her pottery in Brisbane in the has left her mark on a school building.
Leroy-Alcorso Textile Design Prize for late 1920s, later expanding her output A potter, illustrator and stained-glass
1954. Later it received another prize as to include pewter work, cork work, artist, she too attended L.J. Harvey’s
the bestseller of the ‘Signature Prints’ toy making and bark painting. She is classes at the Technical College.
series sponsored by the Leroy dress credited with introducing enamelled In fact, Harvey regarded her as the
manufacturing company. In 1971 Olive pewter work and cork work to Brisbane. best and most enthusiastic of all his
launched her own label, Indigenous pottery students.
Design of Australia, to produce a range During the Second World War, while
of distinctively tropical fabrics, mostly teaching remedial crafts at the From the early 1930s Val McMaster
based on her photographs. Enoggera Army Hospital, Agnes began exhibited her pottery in Brisbane,
crafting a vast collection of toys using winning prizes at the annual Royal
various off-cuts and recycled materials. National Association exhibitions. She
Above: Joan Kerr, 1993 (photograph by Joyce
Evans, courtesy of the National Library of Australia). Her so-called Cavalcade of Toys was developed a distinct style within the
Left: Val McMaster and her pottery exhibited in 1943 to 1944 to raise funds Harvey School’s output, favouring
(photograph courtesy of Glenn R. Cooke). for patriotic causes, receiving wide comical and grotesque pieces,
20 SOMERVILLE HOUSE CONNEC TIONS VOL . 18 | 2020 21You can also read
