A Recap of Semester One from the Committee Captains

With Semester One having come and gone, it is time to reflect on some highlights from the first six months of 2017. The sheer number and breadth of activities, events and initiatives underscore the integral role of student committees in College life; now we look forward to all the great work planned in Semester Two.

The first major event of the year was the annual Pi Day evening on 14 March, held by the Somerset College Mathematics Society. After multiple students attempted to recite the number, to the best of their ability and Mr Turner's informative lecture, guests celebrated by eating pie. With Mr Wrigley's many jokes, everyone had an enjoyable night.

The Harmony Day service coordinated by the International Committee was once again a great success. Many students (and even some Gappies) shared their experiences of migration, culture and acceptance. Everyone was struck by the number and diversity of flags from the different nationalities represented at Somerset.

As the 24th annual Celebration of Literature loomed closer, Term One consisted of extensive planning by multiple committees namely, Wordsmiths, Tech Crew and the Marketing Committee. Being the largest single event hosted by the College, the effort and organisation displayed by each of these committees each year is laudable. Despite the poor weather conditions, the event was a success with over 20,000 guests participating in workshops hosted by various inspirational authors.

As Term Two commenced, plans for the 2018 Celebration of Literature began in earnest by the Marketing Committee, which brainstormed possible taglines and ideas for the festival. After leaders Nicholas Pridham and Natalie Madden presented these ideas to the Festival Committee, the theme and tagline were finalised. It can now be revealed that the tagline for next year’s festival will be ‘Chapter 25’.

Although exams were fast approaching, Wordsmiths Captains Ashraf Docrat and Risa Utama poured hours of work into organising the ‘Retreat’ – a weekend getaway for all Wordsmiths members. Located in the rural surrounds of Tamborine Mountain, inspiration enveloped the 92 students with all leaving having written many short stories, poems, prose. For many of the Senior students, this camp is a highlight in the school calendar, and it is clear from the photos that everyone had a weekend to remember.

Term Two also saw the promise of yet another successful season of Debating in the Gold Coast Debating Association Competition. Six teams in the Junior (Year 7 and 8) and Intermediate (Year 9 and 10) divisions, have qualified for the ‘Round of 16’. Also the three Open A teams, including 2016 Open A runners-up ‘Somerset 3’, have qualified for the Quarter Finals. We congratulate all teams who competed in the competition, and wish the remaining participants the best of luck in the competition.

The inaugural Mudgee Kids Disco was also held in Term Two, organised by Year 11 students on our IMPACT Committee, and it was a great night for all. Being the first disco, there were many uncertainties as we did not know how many people would turn up. After some careful planning by the committee, our ‘Rainbow’ disco was a success; evidence shown on the faces of the guests. The turnout of students from both schools was impressive, further highlighting the strong bond we share. The incredible atmosphere of positivity, encouragement and contagious joy was more than our students could have dreamed. Connections were formed and it has been described a ‘definite highlight of Semester One’.

There are numerous events that will be occurring this term, that we encourage everyone to be part of. These include:

• Science Week organised by the Science Committee
• The 40 Hour Famine, organised by the Impact Committee, raising money for World Vision.
• SOM MUN (Somerset Model United Nations debate), hosted by the Debating Committee to be held on the last Wednesday of term. It is open to all students.

The Gold Coast Debating Finals series, including the Grand Final at Bond University (please see the Schoolbox Debating page for details so you can support our debating teams)

We are looking forward to a busy, productive and enjoyable term and encourage all students to participate wherever they can. If you wish to contact any committees for further information, please use this link for their details: http://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/workspace//uploads/pages/files/final-2017-senior-school-commi-58c0e5180df0e.pdf