Founders’ Day

Our 35th Founders’ Day was a wonderful celebration of the College’s past, present and future. It was a perfect Gold Coast day to enjoy the traditional Founders’ Day activities of swimming and running relays, Tug-o-War and the Courtyard Dash.

Our celebrations commenced with inspirational addresses by the Deputy Chair of Board, Mr Terry Herbert, and our College Captains. We presented the Spirit of Somerset and Founders’ Day Awards amidst magnificent performances from the Concert Band and the Vocal Group. The climate was ideal for the All-Age Swimming Relay, the All-Age Running Relay, the Tug-o-War and the Courtyard Dash. Our Spartans shone as they competed or cheered – such wonderful traditions established to celebrate Founders’ Day. We could only continue to be amazed at the passion that Somerset produces.

Mr Herbert reminded us of our humble beginnings and the dedicated and brave people who founded our great school and gave us the opportunity to thank three of the founders, who were in attendance, for their contributions; Mr John Aitkenhead, Mr Tony Cordner and Mrs Mary Rudkin.

The verandahs of The Smith Building, The Brown Building and The Arnison Building – all named for other magnificent servants – were perfect for a wonderful display of all things Somerset and the optimal vantage point for our littlest students. It truly had the atmosphere of the Colosseum! Congratulations to the winning teams:

All Age Swimming Relay

Starkey

All Age Running Relay

Andrews

Tug-O-War

Infants: Veivers

Upper Junior School: Laver

Senior School: Franklin

Courtyard Dash

Maccan Clucas-Boyes (23:50 sec) Franklin

Mayla Singh (26:38 sec) Andrews

The Spirit of Somerset Awards and Founders’ Day Awards are awarded for exceptional effort and commitment, which embodies those qualities that the College is proud to embrace. The recipients this year are:

Spirit of Somerset Community Award

Mrs Peng Chuah

Spirit of Somerset Staff Award

Mrs Kylie Sherrington (Finance Manager)

Spirit of Somerset Senior School Award

Risa Utama and Brendan Major (Year 12 Franklin)

Founders’ Day Award

Amy Barry and Yuvraj (Yuvi) Chauhan (Year 6)

Honours in Student Leadership are presented to Year 12 students who have demonstrated service and leadership at a level recognised and respected by staff and students this year were presented to:

Aarsh Nagpal (Laver)

Jana Zielinski (Franklin)

Courtney Randall (Veivers)

Joshua Redfern (Veivers)

Another Founders’ Day tradition is to acknowledge and thank members of staff who have served the College for 20 years. This year we thank and congratulate Mr Forrest Butcher, Mrs Merran Harris and Mr Stuart Roberts for their dedication and contribution to Somerset.

Life’s a Beach – P&F Winter Function

I hope you haven’t missed the opportunity to attend the Parents’ and Friends’ Association Life’s a Beach evening to be held on Friday 5 August 2017, 6.30pm till late at the RACV Royal Pines Resort. Join us for a wonderful evening which includes a three course meal, beer, wine, soft drink and dancing to the sounds of Mojo Rising. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/events/lifes-a-beach/.

Look forward to seeing you at what promises to be a wonderful evening.