Edition 12 | Term Three, Week 9, 2022

The Gold Coast Secondary Schools’ Drama Festival celebrated 50 years in 2022. To add to the celebrations, each play entry had to include ‘Easter Eggs’, allowing the audience to spy the creative ways that schools could include the following within their work; Gold (Junior section), 50 (Intermediate section) and 1973 (Senior section).

As always, the creativity and passion for performing displayed across all entries was inspiring. Drama Festival is an important opportunity for future artists to write, direct, perform and forge connections with likeminded students from across the Gold Coast.

Week 1 of the festival was held at Robina State High School. The Somerset Junior Play was Compass, written by Jessica Bellamy. Directed by Rishi Veeramachaneni and Niamh Rogers, designed by Amelia Wilson, and mentored by Mrs Sarah Hossy and Mr Patrick George.

Our youngest actors successfully built the tension as they shared the story of a Year 7 camp steering off course. Congratulations to the entire Junior play cast for their engaging storytelling. Additionally, we would like to congratulate the following students for their achievements.

• Sophie Colahan - Outstanding Actor Award
• Arya Denzongpa-Bathols – GCSSDF Dramatic Performance Perpetual Trophy
• Niamh Rogers and Rishi Veeramachaneni – The Moore Carter Medal of Creativity, awarded for directing

Week 2 of the festival was held at St Andrews Lutheran College. The Somerset Intermediate Play was Miss Lucy, written and directed by Heidi Hoffman and Ava McCarthy, and mentored by Mrs Anna D’Arcy.

Our cast of Year 9 and 10 actors successfully balanced comedy with horror, as they explored the vampire genre in this highly physical new work.

Congratulations to the Intermediate cast and directors for achieving the following results:

• GCSSDF Best Devised Play Perpetual Trophy
• GCSSDF Runner Up Shield

Week 3 of the festival was held at Somerset College. The Somerset Senior Play was Sandy: The only horse to return to Australia from the first world war, written by Janet Brown and directed by Ms Josephine Flynn.  

The cast of 6 Year 12 students found the nuance within each moment of Sandy’s journey. Ms Flynn and the students attended a horse handling course in Bonogin as part of their rehearsal process. This experience allowed for authenticity and believability as they rose to the challenge of miming the interactions with Sandy on stage.

Congratulations to the Senior cast and director for achieving the following results:

• Daniel Harvey – Outstanding Actor Award
• Innovative Play Perpetual Trophy
• GCSSDF Runner Up Shield 

Many thanks to all involved in the 2022 GCSSDF season. This includes the GCSSDF committee, venue hosts, cast members, directors, staff and particularly the support of parents. We thank you for seeing the value within this unique festival and look forward to doing it all again in 2023.

I take this opportunity to inform you that I have accepted the resignation of the following members of staff:

Mr Greg Juniper will retire after 23 years of marvellous service to the College at the end of the year. Mr Juniper has held a number of positions during his time at Somerset including, Head of House – Laver (2002 and 2003), Master of the Senior Common Room (2004 to 2006), was Acting Head of House – Franklin (2009 to 2012), Year 11 Common Room Coordinator (2013 to 2019) before returning to the classroom on a part time basis. Mr Juniper was also the Coordinator – Rowing from 2004 to 2006 and continued supporting and assisting in this area for many years. We may even see Mr Juniper back in the classroom in a relief capacity.

Mr Geoff Jones will retire, at the end of the year, after more than 23 years of wonderful service to the College, in two separate periods. Mr Jones commenced teaching in the Junior School and after 10 years took the opportunity to expand his horizons, creating the ‘Billy Nudgel’ character appearing at numerous festivals and exhibitions around Australia. Mr Jones (Billy Nudgel) worked closely with the Rainbow Bandits (former students Lauren Dunn, Monique Garnier and Tim Goodburn (2009), Anthony Herbert, Ben Hickey, Jack Ozergun and James Scott (2010) and at our very own Somerset Celebration of Literature. Mr Jones returned to the Somerset Junior School in 2007 on a relief and part time basis before returning full time in 2009. In 2020 Mr Jones did relief teaching and took some leave until his return this year to teach in Learning Enhancement.

Mrs Vicki Argus commenced her association with Somerset as a parent when Blake (Class of 2013) commenced in Prep in 1996, joining the staff as a Teacher Assistant in the Junior School 2009. Mrs Argus has given 14 years of excellent service to Somerset and will leave us at the end of Term Three to join her husband on their next journey in retirement. Mrs Argus has done an amazing job in the Junior School classrooms and in Learning Enhancement and we thank her for making such a wonderful contribution to Somerset.

Mrs Sheryl Burns has made the decision to resign from the position of Head Coach – Netball at Somerset College. Prior to her employment at the College, Mrs Burns enjoyed a decorated career representing New Zealand in Netball, Basketball and Surf Lifesaving.

In April 2014, Mrs Burns commenced at the College and was tasked with growing the College netball programme. The Somerset Spartans Netball Club was established to broaden opportunities for student netballers and to facilitate growth at a higher level. The club works alongside the College APS Program and now comprises of sixteen teams across multiple age groups.

Somerset Spartans has developed to be a pathway for some of the finest young netballers in Queensland. With Mrs Burns’ guidance, many talented players have enjoyed considerable success at junior representative level, and some have gone on to state and national representation. Somerset netball has also achieved commendable successes on court, including winning six consecutive APS Premierships, the Netball Queensland Mrs Vicki Wilson Cup in 2018 and 2021, and the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Tournament in 2020.

Mrs Linny Clayton will leave us after more than six years at the College to focus on her family.  Mrs Clayton commenced in 2016 as our College Nurse quickly reorganising and enhancing the Health Centre and providing the highest level of care for our students and staff.  Many of the Health Centre related processes and policies have been created by Mrs Clayton’s attention to detail and experience as a Registered Nurse.  Mrs Clayton was not only pivotal to the success of the Health Centre; she was instrumental in designing and making costumes for the Junior School Musicals, Senior School Musicals and assisting with Dance Concerts, creating Sustainable Spartan carry bags and organising ‘sewing sessions’ in the Koala House for parents who possessed sewing abilities. Earlier this year Mrs Clayton transitioned to the position of Activities Assistant where her creative talents were a welcomed addition to the Activities Hub. Mrs Clayton has been a wonderful College Nurse and Activities Assistant bringing her special skills and kindness to these areas of the College and we thank her for making such a wonderful contribution to Somerset.

I am sure that you will join me to thank Mr Juniper, Mr Jones, Mrs Burns, Mrs Argus and Mrs Clayton for their service and to wish them well with future endeavours.

The Annual Somerset Scholastic Book Fair continues to grow each year and I am pleased to report that in 2022 we smashed the $20,000 mark, taking in a whopping $20,539 over the five days of Book Week in Week 6.

The commissions from the Book Fair allowed us to spend $2500 on Scholastic books for our Library, put together a surprise box of toys and books for Mudgeeraba Special School and make a $2500 cash donation to Room to Read. Room to Read is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to improving girl’s education in developing countries. Our donation is enough to keep around 10 girls in school for a year, making their future safer, healthier and so much brighter.

Thank you parents for allowing your children to purchase from our Book Fair. Your generosity and support empowers us to pay it forward and make a life changing difference to so many children.

A rare treat for our Seniors who returned to where their Somerset journey began. Mrs Lynne Spanner met with her 2010 Prep class in the Early Learning Precinct earlier this term for a heart-warming reunion.

The Prep 2 reunion saw the group attempt to recreate their Prep photo. Mrs Spanner joined the students who were so happy and excited to see her. Mrs Spanner impressed, still remembering all their names and also a lot of stories she had to share.

The QAMT University of Queensland Year 7 and 8 Mathematics Quiz is an opportunity for students in Years 7 and 8 to compete in a series of quiz rounds across Queensland. 

Congratulations to the following Year 7 and 8 students who competed in the Round 1 of the 2022 Year 7 and 8 QAMT Quiz earlier this term:

• Trishi Shivikumar
• Nicole Yuan
• Ruhara Mapabandara
• Tony Xia
• Oscar Credland Ballantyne
• Malcom Chan
• Roger Hua
• Kenshin Tateno
• Jack Walker
• Dylan Aspinall
• Charlotte Kemp

It was wonderful to see the students laughing, smiling and enjoying themselves, whilst at the same time completing some rather challenging and creative maths.

Thanks to Mrs Bronwyn Wright, co-ordinator of the Somerset Mathematical Society, for organising and running the competition for the first time at the College.

On September 14 the top 2 teams from Round 1 have been invited to compete in Round 2 at the Griffith University, Gold Coast campus.  We wish them good luck as they compete against other schools from the region.

Numerous Year 4, 5 and 6 students participated in the Somerset Junior School Public Speaking afternoon last Thursday. Public Speaking is such an important skill that enables you to confidently present ideas to others in an entertaining and interesting way. Speaking well takes preparation, thought, research, creativity and practice.

Speakers presented in front of their peers on all kinds of subjects such as - If Animals could Talk; Laughter is the Best Medicine; In Someone Else’s Shoes; Unsolved Mysteries and  Australia’s Greatest National Treasure.

Students were adjudicated by teachers and Speaker of the Afternoon was presented in each Room. The competition was strong, so we especially congratulate the students below:

Year 4

• Sophie Tielens
• Siena Mainali
• Anvita Srivasta

Year 5

• Svara Mutalithas
• Kasia Pitura
• Mila Oldfield

Year 6

• Annabel Bartley
• Paris Liu
• Angela Sun

Congratulations to every student who was brave enough to stand up and entertain their crowd.

It has been a successful year for Football in 2022. Our Under 19 Girls won their group stage in the Uhlsport Cup and the Under 14 Girls made it to the grand final in the ISSA Cup.

Since 2019 Somerset College has been entering players into several school football tournaments, answering students' calls to play more football as well as the Season 1 APS competition. 

ISSA Cup

The Under 14 Girls went good through their group stage with victories against King's Christian College and Kimberley College. These victories were leading us into the quarter finals. In the quarter final we played versus Brigidine College, playing at home. The Girls started well with both teams in good shape, they were able to create opportunities to score. Half time went to Somerset, 1-nil. In the second half Somerset scored two more goals to take the match.

For the semi-final we travelled to Brisbane to play against Grace Lutheran College. The Girls played at the football fields from Annerley FC. The side started well scoring three goals in the first half. They maintained intensity in the second half to claim a 7 to 1 victory.

A week later, on September 1, with permission the girls headed to Brisbane again to the fields of Annerley FC. In the final we played King's Christian College. The game was very entertaining with both sides playing good football and showing good sportsmanship. It was King's who took their changes to score three goals, to Somerset's one.

Well done to our Spartans who made it possible for Somerset to make history and reach the ISSA Cup Final. 

Thank you to Coach Nigel Witton for coaching the Under 14 Girls.

Bill Turner Cup (Boys) and Trophy (Girls)

The Bill Turner teams, Under 15 Boys and Under 15 Girls went up against Palm Beach Currumbin State High School. Both matches were played at Somerset College. The Trophy game kicked off at 4.00pm but resulted in nil-all after full time to take it into penalties. PBC, one of the leading Cup schools on the Gold Coast, won the penalty shootout. They showed quality in playing and experience to take the win, despite our Spartans showing their best.

Uhlsport Cup Girls

The Under 19 Girls ended first in their group as the only undefeated team and earned a quarter final at home. The draw saw them up against Brigidine College. Not having played the team, the girls were unsure what to expect. Both teams showed the same skill level making quality spectating. There was a good combination of play from both sides but it was Brigidine who scored the only goal of the game.

This was the time in four years our Girls reached the knockout stage!

Thank you to Coach Harry McMaster and Miss Opperman for coaching the Under 19 Girls!

Uhlsport Cup Boys

Our boys faced familiar opponents King's Christian College, Emmanuel College, All Saints Anglican School and A.B. Paterson College in their group. The side began the Uhlsport Cup with the best intensions with a goal to end in the Top 2. Unfortunately this became too difficult to achieve. Our opponents were stronger and more experienced. However, our boys had a great time being together and playing extra matches from their favorited school sport.

For any questions about Football and Futsal, please contact our Head of Football and Futsal Maarten De Kruijf.

Whilst winter is not typically the peak of the swimming season, there have been some elite level racing swimming events held both in school swimming and club swimming. Somerset students and Somerset swim club members have had numerous outstanding results from these meets.

Beginning with the School National Championships, held 16-23 August in Brisbane, Somerset College had three swimmers selected to compete with one of those athletes, Milla Jansen becoming unavailable due to being selected on the Australian Junior Pan Pac team (more on this to follow). The Somerset Swim Club also had another 7 athletes compete across the weeklong event. Congratulations to those selected and their outstanding results below:

• Olympia Pope (13-14 years) – 1st 100m Breaststroke - new School Sport Australia record in both the heat and again in the final, 1st 200m Breaststroke, 1st 200m Medley relay, 1st 200m Mixed Medley Relay in a new School Sport Australia record, 2nd 13-14 50m Breaststroke
• Holly Hembling (15-16 years) – 1st 200m Medley relay, 3rd 50m Breaststroke, 5th 200m Breaststroke
• Makyra Melo (10 years) – 3rd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 200m Freestyle Relay
• Maya Zunker (13-14) – 2nd 200m Medley Relay, 3rd 200m Freestyle Relay, 4th 50m Breaststroke
• Sebastine Du Preez (16-19) – 2nd 100m Breaststroke MC, 3rd 200m Medley Relay MC
• Koa Stotz (12 years) – 1st 50m Breaststroke, 1st 200m Medley Relay, 4th 200m Freestyle Relay
• Summer Johnston (12 years) – 7th 100m Freestyle, 10th 50m Freestyle, 1st 200m Freestyle Relay
• Leo Herbst (10 years) – 3rd 200m Freestyle Relay, 5th 50m Butterfly, 4th 100m Backstroke, 4th 200m Medley Relay, 8th 200m Individual Medley, 5th 100m Butterfly
• Max Truman (12 years) – 6th 100m Backstroke, 11th 200m Freestyle Relay

Somerset student Milla Jansen was selected onto the Australian Junior Pan Pac Games Team from her impressive results at the National Age (Swim Club) Swimming Titles earlier this year.  The Junior Pan Pac Games were held in Hawaii in August and Milla had an outstanding meet representing her country against the likes of the USA, Canada, Japan and New Zealand. 

Milla not only swam personal best times at the meet, but took home five medals from the meet: 1st 50m Freestyle, 2nd 100m Freestyle, 2nd in the 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay, 2nd in the 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay, and 3rd in the 4 x 100m Medley Relay.

Somerset Swim Club News

From an outstanding Australian Open Championships in May, Somerset Swim Club members Tom Nowakowski (Class of 2018) and Grayson Bell who placed first and second respectively in the 50m freestyle under the expert tutelage of coach Ashley Callus we selected on the Australian Team. Tom and Grayson represented Australia at the World Swimming Championships and then Commonwealth Games in August, both being finalists at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Following these events, and a very successful National Short Course meet in Sydney last month, Grayson Bell from Somerset Swim Club has continued his impressive year with selection onto the Australian Team to compete at the 2022 World Short Course Championships in Melbourne at the end of 2022.

Well done to these swimmers on their impressive performances.

Congratulations to the August Fitness Member of the Month, Robin Mainali.