News

WIth Dr Murray Evans at the opening of the Valmai Pidgeon Performing Arts Complex in 2000  VALEValmai Pidgeon AM (Class of 1944)28 September 1924 – 5 June 2026 On Friday 5 June 2026, Miss Valmai Pidgeon AM, a leading figure in the arts and the construction industry in Queensland, passed away at 101 years of age, having lived a remarkable life. Miss Valmai Pidgeon AM was a true stateswoman of Somer

There are currently a number of job opportunities at SomerVille House in which Old Girls may be interested:Maintenance Officer -  Details hereSomerville House Early Learning Centre Educator - Details hereJunior School (Prep- Year 6) and Senior School (Year 7 – 12) Supply Teachers - Details hereTeacher Aide - Learning Development in Junior School - Details hereAdministration Assistant– Junior Schoo

Janne Anderson, 1948 with Alice Cullen Cup For generations, Somerville House has been a place of learning, friendship, courage and opportunity. The stories and memories carried by our Old Girls remind us that every student who has walked through our gates has helped shape the spirit of our school. Built on the vision of pioneers including Misses Fewings, Harker and Jarrett, Somerville House has al

Tickets can be purchased here - https://www.somervillehouseoga.com.au/networks/events/206628

Applications are now open for the 2026 Isabel Bauer OGA Bursary for an Old Girl of Somerville House.Isabel Bauer (Bloomer, 1955) is integral to what Somerville House is today. She was the Somerville House Old Girls’ Association Inc’s (OGA) longest standing President, leading our Old Girl community for over 20 years, and served on the OGA Committee from 1971 until her passing in July 2020.Isabel ac

Picture caption - MOROTAI. 16 JUNE 1945. MEMBERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY MEDICAL WOMEN'S SERVICE RELAXING IN THEIR RECREATION ROOM DURING MORNING TEA AT 2/9 GENERAL HOSPITAL. IDENTIFIED PERSONNEL ARE: PRIVATE A WATTS (1); PTE L E STEINBERG (2); PTE J C RILEY (3); PTE D M SMITH (4); PTE M V EBLEN (5); PTE J M ROACH (6); CAPTAIN L E ROBINSON (7). Lydia Elizabeth Robinson was born on 7 February 1910 a

Our Directory of Tutors has been updated again with a new group of enthusiastic Old Girl tutors and is now available HERE. New locations for tutoring include:RochedalePullenvaleBrookfieldKenmoreMoggillIndooroopilly.If you would like to be added to the list of tutors, please complete the application for linked on the same page.

The Boarding House Support Group would like to invite to Old Girls to attend the Town and Country Night on 28 February 2026. You do not have to be a current Somerville parent to attend.It will be an unforgettable evening at the Boarding House Support Group Town & Country Event, where we’ll celebrate the heart and soul of our vibrant Somerville House Boarding Community.The menu has been thoughtfull

Old Girls with daughters starting year 7 in 2027 may wish to apply for a range of scholarships offered by Somerville House and the Somerville House Foundation. Scholarship applications for 2027 close on Sunday, 8 February 2026.The scholarship program provides opportunities for exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence and support the values of the School. Each year a limited number

At the OGA's Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 27 November 2025 we farewelled our outgoing President, Kate Golder (1995) and welcomed our new President, Dr Pretoria Bilinski (Irwin - 1987). Kate will remain on the OGA Committee, and we thank her for all of her hard work and dedication to the OGA over the past four years. It was also exciting to welcome brand new committee members, Marni Zammatar

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Old Girl Hilda Gracia Baylor AM (1945) on 23 May, 2025 aged 95 years. She was the youngest of three Parry-Okeden sisters to attend Somerville House.On 14 July 1979 Gracia Baylor became the first woman Member of the Legislative Council of Victoria when she was sworn in shortly before Joan Coxsedge, who had also won a seat at the State election on

The Somerville House Old Girls' Association Annual General Meeting for 2025 will be held on Thursday 27 November, 2025 at 7.00pm in the Board Room (formerly known as Fewings Room), Cumbooquepa, Somerville House. All OGA members are invited to attend.Further details about the AGM and joining the OGA Management Committee for our 125th year in 2026 can be found HERE.The OGA has a proud history of sup

Thank you for the lovely welcome to Somerville House. It’s such an honour to be here. 45 years ago, I headed out the Graham St gates, and I’ve carried a little piece of Somerville with me ever since.When Sue Folliott invited to come and talk to you I thought, ‘what can I possibly share with a vibrant group of young people?’ I remember being 14 and knowing with certainty anyone over the age of 50,

The official photographs of the OGA's Annual Lunch to celebrate Somerville House's 126th birthday can be found here.You will need to be logged in as a member to access the Gallery.

Commemoration DayService & High TeaJoin us as we celebrate 126 remarkable years of Somerville House—a legacy of learning, leadership, and community. Commemoration Day is a chance to reflect on our rich history, reconnect with familiar faces, and look ahead to a vibrant future. Event Schedule – Friday 10 October 2025Commemoration Day Service - Limited seats remaining! Valmai Pidgeon Performing Arts

The photographs from the Mother/Significant Woman and Daughter Dinner taken by Nick Digital are now available in the Gallery section of the website here. You will need to be logged in as a member to access the Gallery.

Swimmers Jeanette Holle, John Cooley, and Lorraine McMurray at Valley Baths, Brisbane, 1949  An exceptional pioneer of Australian swimming, Old Girl Jeanette Leutenegger (Holle) from the Class of 1948 passed away on 31 July 2025 at the age of 93 years. She was Dolphin #65 (membership number of the Australian swim team) and was one of Australia's oldest surviving Dolphins.Jeanette competed for Aust

I am delighted to update the OGA members and Bursary donors on what I have been doing since I received the Isabel Bauer Bursary in October 2023. I outlined a number of goals in my application, leading towards my “third career,” as a volunteer involved in community activities. Let me outline how these goals have been achieved.Complete publications from my recent PhD (2023) work in ecology and conse