On Wednesday 11 March 2015 the Somerville House community celebrated the official opening and naming of The Somerville House Foundation Building by the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, accompanied by Mrs Kaye de Jersey.
This building is the latest addition to the Somerville House campus and accommodates the School’s Early Learning Centre, an extension to the student set-down loop, the Honour Room and rooftop multi-purpose courts.
Many special guests were invited to share this momentous day in the history of the School, including Ms Jackie Trad MP, Deputy Premier of Queensland; Mr Des Robinson, Chairman of PMSA Council and other PMSA Council members, Mr Richard Wilkinson and Mr Jim Demack; Mr Rob McCall, Chairman of the Somerville House School Council and other School Council members, Mr Gary Lynch and Prof Sarah Derrington; Cr Helen Abrahams, The Gabba Ward, Brisbane City Council; and members of the Somerville House community.
The event was confidently chaired by School Captain, Lauren K, who was supported by School Vice-Captains, Sophie M and Anna W, Middle School Captains, Chloe H and Frances G, and Junior School Captains, Charlotte A and Grace D, in greeting the Governor and Mrs de Jersey.
Principal Mrs Flo Kearney, commented on the name chosen for the new building, The Somerville House Foundation Building, named in honour of significant contributions of the Somerville House Foundation. In 2014, the School celebrated 30 years of the Foundation’s generous underwriting of capital projects for the ongoing development of the School campus.
“We selected the name to show our appreciation to the Foundation, all who have served on the successive Boards of Management, and all who have made financial contributions over the past 30 years. Mr Barry Scott, first President of the Foundation back in 1984, and other long-serving members of the Board of Management were with us to celebrate the opening,” Mrs Kearney said.
“The name is also appropriate for the building which houses our youngest students in the Early Learning Centre, with Pre-Prep being the foundation year of a child’s formal learning. Guests were treated to a special musical performance of Zippidy Doo Dah from our Pre-Prep students, who are thriving in their new facilities,” she said.
The opening ceremony also acknowledged the naming of the Early Learning Centre’s outdoor play area after Ms Aileen Godfrey, who served as Head of Junior School from 1980 until 1992.
“Ms Godfrey, who recently passed away, passionately encouraged outdoor education for students. The unique terrace playground will be known as the Aileen Godfrey Outdoor Play Area in her honour,” Mrs Kearney said.
Established in 1899, Somerville House provides classes for girls from Prep to Year 12 across Junior, Middle and Senor sub-schools, with boarding available from Year 6 and a co-educational Pre-Prep program.
For further information on Somerville House or to register your child please call our Enrolments Office on 07 3248 9202 or email: enrolments@somerville.qld.edu.au.