On a heartwarming service-learning journey, some of our lucky dance students were able to visit the Galleon Gardens Aged Care Facility in Currumbin.
There were 45 students who were invited to take part on the visit, where they spent time connecting with residents, sharing their love of dance, and spreading joy.
This experience was a beautiful reminder of the power of community and kindness, with both the students and residents enjoying the morning with huge smiles on their faces. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making this meaningful morning possible.
A number of passionate mathematics students, in Years 7 to 12 participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition in September.
Students from Somerset College achieved excellent results and those students whose achievements were outstanding were rewarded with Certificates of Credit, Distinction, High Distinction and a Prize.
In total, 38 students were awarded Distinctions, and 45 students were awarded Credits and Proficiencies. Five students were awarded High Distinction certificates - four of these achieved in the 98th percentile rank, while one was in the 99th percentile rank.
For the second year running, Oscar Credland-Ballantyne (Year 9) achieved the award for Best in School and was awarded a Prize. A prize is awarded generally to no more than one student for every 300 students within their year group.
I would like to recognise the participation of students from Somerset College and congratulate them on their achievements.
Livi Budd, Zara Hosking, Charlotte Kemp and I, all Year 10 Engineering and Design students, recently participated in the Multiplex Jumpstart Program as part of the Destination Gold Coast project.
This program, tailored for young women interested in pursuing careers in the construction and engineering industries, offered invaluable insights for those considering engineering in their senior years.
Throughout the program, we engaged in a variety of hands-on workshops, including practical engineering challenges, panel discussions, and site visits. These activities gave us a holistic view of the construction industry, introducing career paths in construction management, architecture, and engineering. The immersive experience not only broadened our understanding of the built environment but also enhanced our teamwork and problem-solving skills.
One of the highlights was the opportunity to connect with industry professionals who shared their experiences and offered guidance. Guided construction site walks provided a real-world perspective on the complexities of major urban projects. The Jumpstart Program has been an inspiring experience, fuelling our passion for the field and encouraging us to pursue engineering in our future studies.
Junior Schools Cup is an annual volleyball festival targeted at Year 7 and 8 secondary students. Catering to approximately 2,000 students over three days, athletes of all skill levels are welcome. This event was held during week four of Term Four.
Somerset College sent two teams to the event, both playing in the Division 2 competition.
The Year 8 Boys went into the event with nervous confidence as for many of them, this was the first time they had played in a major volleyball tournament. Lawrence Lee and William Li both lead the team through the early round matches with outstanding setting and strong play at the net.
During the pool play phase of the tournament on Friday and Saturday the boys improved with each game, becoming more attacking during each game they played. Harrison Kerr and Louie Shi started to dominate the middle attack with some outstanding spikes. The team only lost one game placing them high in the pool and close to an opportunity to play in the gold medal match on Sunday against a very strong team from Tin Can Bay.
With one last pool game on Sunday morning the boys cemented their place in the final with a strong win over Chinchilla. Cruz Dobson was connecting well with his spikers and Jamie Chirathivat-Geralds was proving a handful at the net.
In the final the boys acquitted themselves well, Jay Lee was able to ensure the game stayed close and Carlin Lee was able to shut down many of the oppositions attack at the net. But the opposition were just too strong eventually losing the final the boys walked away with the silver medal.
The Year 8 girls team demonstrated impressive skills and teamwork over the three-day tournament to finish the weekend undefeated Gold Medallists.
Leading from the front as captain, Lucy Pluss showed consistency across the entire weekend, setting up plays in frontcourt, and showing the opposition her power at the net on multiple occasions. New to the volleyball arena, Charli Hedger took on the challenging role of setter and showed great improvement in every game. Her positive attitude helped prepare the team in warm-up and on the court, and rally behind her in points won by her individual skill. Brianna Peardon’s height and dominance at the net, meant the team could trust her to get the job done. Blocking and hitting anything that came her way, Brianna’s positive energy helped push the team to victory.
A constant calm energy in backcourt and her strong presence at the net saw Sara Gacina Richardson save many points and hit multiple kills to help her team win points. The newest player to volleyball on the court Cara McQuaid, improved with every game and became someone you could count on to rush under the ball and get a touch. The experience and skill Jorja Grocott brought to the team, saw her guide the girls on court during tough rallies, strong serving performances and outstanding hitting at the net. A leader to all, Jorja’s ability on the court was able to help ease the nerves of the team. Almost down and out in the week leading into the tournament with an injured shoulder, Ailin Zhao showed no signs of slowing down and became an impressive serving machine on more than one occasion – including single-handedly serving her team to a comeback win no spectator thought possible. Nominated as chef moral officer on and off the court, Sabine Booth’s energy helped lift the team in the weekend’s toughest games. And her quick thinking on the court saw her accomplish some great individual points. As the only year 7, Elenor McGrath held her own and rose the challenge of the Year 8 division, being a consistent and reliable teammate. Bronte Clifford came into the tournament with a positive and selfless attitude, willing to do anything for her teammates, whilst putting on strong back and front court performances.
The team’s most impressive performance came in the final match of the tournament – the Gold Medal match. Battling it out against Mountain Creek, the girls had to keep the energy high, whilst staying calm under pressure. A win in the first set 25-22 put the girls in a strong position moving into the second set. With the scores level at 18-18, Somerset stayed calm and showed maturity in their skills and quality teamwork to push to a medal winning score of 26-24. Overall, the weekend was one of positive results, team bonding and positive skill improvement that the girls can’t wait to continue in 2025.
A massive thank you to Issy Garland who coached the girls all weekend and to Dane Robinson and the sports department for supporting the team.
Harry was recently selected in the Queensland Country U16 team that participated in the Emerging Reds Cup over the holiday break. Queensland Country has its first win since the competition began. Harry scored a pick and drive try to help his team to the win.
Isaac starred in the recent U16 Emerging Reds Cup, gaining selection in the QLD Reds U16 side that compete in a national competition in the coming weeks. Isaac demonstrated his elusive skills and dangerous attaching skills during the tournament, bamboozling the opposition defence. This is an outstanding achievement for Isaac – we are very proud of his efforts and achievements. Headgeared fullback Isaac Fidock, 15, was a standout. The Somerset College student from the Gold Coast was an elusive figure from the back field.
Bond University have awarded Callum Simpson the prestigious John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship for 2025. In line with Bond University’s commitment to nurture the sporting and career aspirations of the leaders of tomorrow, the recipient of the scholarship will network with elite athletes, coaches and top-level teams from a range of sports. This scholarship is awarded to a student that embodies the core values of academic achievement, sporting excellence and outstanding leadership qualities.
Over the holidays, Darcy competed with his South Queensland Sharks team at the National Youth Championships for Touch Football in the 16 years age group. The team competed over three days in torrential rain and high winds winning all their round games, Quarter Final and Semi Final. They won the Grand Final 6 to 4 to make them national champions.
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