Edition 9 | Term Two, 2021

The theme of Library and Information Week 2021 was 'Adventures in Space and Time', so an interactive display of vintage technology seemed fitting after National Simultaneous Storytime was streamed from the International Space Station last Wednesday.

We even have a boxy old Commodore Amiga Computer from 1987 which has been the catalyst for several conversations between KIP staff and students about all the steps we had to follow just to play a computer game way back in the '80s and '90s. The children were decidedly unimpressed with cutting-edge 80s' technology.

Here is what some of our Junior School friends thought of the vintage technology:

“It (the rotary telephone) is kind of satisfying, but a little bit harder, too." – Patrcick Geng, Year 6

“It (the 1987 computer) is very different to what we use today." – Audrey Hilbert, Year 3

“The (1950s) typewriter is very fun to use." - Griffin Egberts, Year 4

“It (the 1987 computer) is so massive!” – Scarlett Weaven, Year 3

“It’s so much quicker and easier to use today’s phones." - Tom Hunt, Year 6

“I think it’s great, amazing and it should stay here forever!" – Filippa Capone, Year 6

A total of four students from Year 7 and 8, culminating in the formation of 10 teams is a testament to the culture of Somerset’s debating programme; everyone, regardless of skill or experience is welcome if they are willing to give it a go. As we commenced the first debating training sessions, it was good to see how quickly new teams were able to find their dynamic. The juniors were quick to form new friendships and traditions within their teams, while seniors greeted both old and new teammates in this season.

The first debates of the competition were won by our Open A team debating a topic they received on the night of the debate and our Intermediate B team debating the topic, 'Everyone should have first aid training'. These successful results were swiftly followed as our Senior B team and Intermediate A teams; Som.1, Som.3 and Som.4 produced rousing victories debating the topic, 'Queensland should lower the age at which alleged criminals are trialled as adults,' concluding the round one debates.

Round 2 produced equally impressive results with our Open A, Senior B, Intermediate B, and Intermediate A teams; Som.1 and Som.4 remaining undefeated through the 2 rounds. A special word of recognition to the success of the Open A team consisting of your debating captains Ella Kirk and Nada Wilson alongside, Leigh Amores and Sofie Smith. Not only is Open A the highest and toughest division in the competition, but it is also the biggest Open A division that the competition has seen in years, with a total 21 teams competing for the title of Gold Coast Open A Division Champions, and the opportunity to represent the Gold Coast in the Queensland Regional Final. So, congratulations to these girls and to the rest of the debating teams for their success so far.

Good luck to the debating teams as the season progress and we hope to see more success throughout this competition.

We explore the aspects of these sciences through a fun and interactive lesson, allowing students from younger years to enjoy scientific experiments while learning some things along the way. For the Seniors, we do experiments that we do not normally do in class or experiments that you might have difficulties to do at home.

This year our vision for Science Committee is to create a more interconnected environment, not just within the different years of the Senior School, but with the Junior School as well. We are achieving this connection through programmes such as the Young Scientists every Wednesday from 12.00noon to 12.30pm and the upcoming Science Week. We hope to create a more fluid bridge for the transition from Junior School sciences to Senior School sciences.

This term, we started our Young Scientist programme and have demonstrated acid and base experiments run by Jared Crowley and his group of Science Committee members for the Year 4 classes. It is wonderful to see how the Juniors are all in awe when we added in ‘Magic Potions' (universal indicators) into the solution to see it magically changing into vibrant colours. Having seen a demonstration by Jared’s group, the members of the Science Committee helped the Year 4s conduct their own versions of the demonstration.

It was a great opportunity for the Seniors to bond with the Juniors through science and it was good to see the seniors of the Science Committee helping and teaching the Juniors the wonders of science. Our next activity which will be run by Nick Tan’s group will be all about the forces in action!...

Fuelling Curiousity at the Science Committee

Achieving my aim of this Personal Project involves collecting plastic bottles and turning them into a watering bottle cap. My goal is to inspire and encourage people to recycle, by creating a game and book for children to learn from a young age, the benefits of plastic recycling. To do this, I intend to learn the method of recycling and utilising materials to create something productive.

Also, another aim of my Personal Project is to contribute to recycling by collecting plastic bottles and turning them into a watering bottle cap. To accomplish this, I intend to educate myself regarding recycling plastics. I will research and learn about plastic waste issues around the world. The products will be donated to the elderly in the Gold Coast Rose Society, where I regularly volunteer. This is because there are many hard chores in gardening that elderly people have difficulties with, such as carrying the heavy watering cans, replanting and pruning. This project will be challenging because I need to use my prior knowledge and gain additional skills on recycling during the holidays.

My Personal Project journey begun in January 2020, when I started to plan visiting the recycling factory to increase my knowledge. Initially, I contacted various recycling factories asking if they could assist through my project. Finally, I was able to find a small factory whcih offered to assist me.

The recycling factory (Fujita Gosei), told me that plastic bottle caps are needed to form my product. Therefore, since March 2020, I have been collecting plastic bottles, and after nine months, my collection has reached 677. However, as a result of COVID, it became clear that I cannot visit this recycling factory due to its overseas location. As a result, I had to modify my plan and decided to send the plastic bottle caps to the recycling factory in Japan. To send the package to the factory, I covered all the cost of the postage by exchanging 677 plastic bottles (without a bottle cap) for $67.70 at Gold Coast TOMRA Recyling centre.

Although my Personal Project journey is not yet completed, I have gained significant skills and knowledge regarding recycling. The project is enabling me to explore many different aspects of recycling and improve my knowledge of the topic. I am very determined to achieve my challenging goal by the end of my project.

Female Football Day

Gold Coast United Football Club invited all community clubs to join the Female Football Day. All females played football matches followed by making a guard of honour for the Senior teams from Gold Coast United and Brisbane Lions.

Well done to Robin Wang, Edith Hilbert, Scarlett Hasselle, Alexandra Baumfield, Ruby Zerbst and Miranda Ross. The girls were also nominated to walk out with the Senior Women teams!

Week of the Volunteer

During the National Volunteer Week Somerset Spartans Football Club wanted to recognise their volunteers. With thanks to Football Queensland, we could hand over the Certificate of Appreciation.

• Our canteen staff: Angus Sly and Alyssa and Nick Barclay
• Referees: Michael Chen, Mark Hassett, James Stewart, and Trent Pevy
• Assistant Referee: Justin O’Leary and Scott McSwan
• Assistant Coaches: Neil Campbell, James Hasselle and Sean Wang
• Managers: Samantha Pitura, Jennifer Pazaratz, Melissa Steenackers, Christina Un, Isha Mitra, Shannon Black, Jodi Hunt, Bronwyn Bowden, Bona Yang and Jeremy Shipley

Match Report

Under 6

A great game from our Under 6s. Ollie did a great job defending and pushing the ball forward. Aksel and Scarlett played a strong game with numerous great shots at goal. Zara ran tirelessly all over the field to help her teammates, while Hannah did her best sharing the ball and bringing the ball forward.

It’s been great to see them playing and improving their skills as a team.

Final score Somerset 7 verse Robina Red 5.

Player of the Match: Ollie.

Under 7 Boys

Somerset U7s had a convincing 7-nil win over Robina. Sam kept the goal clear with some thunderous kicks from our end. Leo was a constant force at mid-field. Soren’s persistent tackling at both ends of the field gave Robina fits all game. Sean’s tackling and finishing helped get our first win against Robina in two years.

Thomas earned Player of the Match for superb passing and play making. Well done boys!

Under 8 White

Under 8 White played Mudgeeraba Blue on their home ground. Somerset had to play defence most of the game, making it difficult for our goalkeepers.

All players put in good effort with the final score, nil to 1 for Mudgeeraba.

The Player of the Match went to Harrison for his consistent effort in all positions. Great effort team!

Under 8 Green

We saw a great turn out from our wonderful Under 8 Green team, who enjoyed warming up at the playground with Coaches Ryan and Neil. Once the game started, Hamish took no time to score a ground-breaking goal. The team was pumped. Phoenix continued the momentum with a series of stunning goals. It was clear the Greens were working well as a team, with Emily really giving everyone a good run and Liam a star all over the field.

Abhiveer helped to set up lots of goals, Thomas shone as a great team player and followed up the momentum with more goals. Jesse came through with an outstanding goal. Hamish decided to finish off the game, sealing the deal with his closing goal. This Robina team was great and put up some tough competition. Thank you for the fun Robina!

Under 8 Blue

The boys played a solid game with each team member putting on a two-round display of their developing skills. Great formation from the Spartans prevented any missed opportunities and the boys took advantage with constant pressure, beautiful passes, fierce goal saves, precision goal shots and warrior defense!

We ended the first half owning the only two goals scored by Louis and Ethan and finished the game in front. The final score 5-nil thanks to a further three goals from Ollie and Knox.

Player of the Match was Ethan. Well done Ethan!

Under 9 Wallabies

The U9 Green Team played against Magic Silver at Somerset College. From the moment the whistle blew to signal the start of the game until the very end, the game was fast paced with nail biting opportunities at goals from both teams. Vaughan, Hugo, and Lachie were our goal scorers this week and both Ash and Andrew did well to save the ball on numerous occasions from going into goals.

Player of the Match went to Danny who held his position during the game. Congratulations Danny!

Although the side lost 3 to 7, the boys should be very proud of all their efforts and perseverance throughout the game. Well done boys.

Under 9 Joeys

Under 9 White played a game against Robina at Somerset College. Somerset won 7-nil to Robina. Sam scored two goals; Alex, Abi, Sehaj and James scored one goal each. Robina gave an own goal in the second half. Our team did a great job on both attack and defence.

Under 11

This Saturday the U11s faced our most recent opponents, Bilambil Red again, on home soil. We had a great turnout of players with everyone knowing it was going to be tough game ahead. Yet spirits and heads never dropped throughout the match, as the team continued to fight hard against the strong Bilambil side.

It was great to see Zac get a screamer of a goal! Everyone in the team worked hard to win the ball, along with getting passes off to teammates, which made for a great game to watch. While they didn't come away with the win, it was still a match the players should be very proud of.

Under 15 Girls

Final score was 4-nil to our girls.Goal scorers were Sofia (2), Ava and Emily.Player of the Match went to Sarah McSwan.

Sunday morning, 23 May, was nothing short of exciting for our youngsters Mya and Phoebe, as compeitions had been delayed by unfortunate lockdowns along the way. Each of them has dedicated extensive hours to develop skills and fitness and the effort has paid off.

“Our Development pathway focuses on developing efficient biomechanics and technical skills before enhancing athletic fitness, so the start takes patience and trust in the process. Mya arrived at the Squad with a considerable technique deficit swimming and her hard work has paid off,” mentions Mr Glauber Correa, Head of Triathlon.

Mya and Phoebe were first to exit the water ahead of 77 other boys and girls. As they exited the first transition into the bike, Phoebe had the fourth best bike split for girls. Still working on her running form constantly affected by growth at this age, Phoebe finished sixth (27:50min) among the girls.

Mya showed superiority throughout the whole race motivated by the amazing swim split. She did not hold back with the best female bike and run splits for the day, finishing first (23:35min) among the girls and second athlete overall.

“Both athletes had a fantastic race. Mya has put a lot of effort on her swim training with me and with our Assistant Coach Zoe, who is also very proud. Moving forward we will bring Phoebe’s running to the same outstanding level.

"The girls are part of our new generation of Spartan triathletes with a brilliant future ahead,” observes Mr Correa.

The Triathlon Academy will resume its training 31 May, offering 10 sessions per week divided over the three disciplines. Any Somerset student or parent is welcome to join the programme. The semester focus is to repeat All Schools 2020 Regional Champions title in October.

The tournament also doubled as the primary Inter-House competition which was won by Veivers.

Prize Winners

• 1st – Calen Tang 7/7 (pictured)
• 2nd – Harrison Qu 6/7
• 3rd – Alessandro Martinese 5.5/7
• 1st Girl – Annika Lim 5.5/7
• Year 6 – Oscar Credland-Ballantyne 5.5/7
• Year 5 – Hayden Li 5/7
• Year 4 – Zhander Griffiths 5/7
• Year 3 – Arthur Chou 5.5/7
• Year 2 – Dylan Hu 5.5/7
• Year 1 – Paul Sang Yum 3.5/7

Many of the above players take part in the Friday afternoon (3.30pm to 5.30pm) weekly competitions which is fast becoming the place to be for improving players. If your child wants to have the best chance of improvement, taking part in regular competition as well as lessons is very important. The weekly club is open to all Year 1 to 12 students. Contact Andrew for more information.

Last Wednesday, 16 Somerset secondary students headed to The Southport School to play in Round 2 of the Gold Coast Secondary finals. With a new record attendance at the event of 218 students (first time ever over 200!), there were multiple divisions and many challenging games across the day.

In the Premier division, Somerset 1 (Byron Morris, Kenny Ming, Eason Wang, Jason Li) went in as favourites by rating, but the tournament was never going to be that simple. When the final standings were presented, there was a three-way tie for first position, with the Somerset 1 team managing to claim victory on count-back ahead of TSS and King's Christian College.

The Somerset 2 team of Charlie Liu, Lyanna Chan, Jared Consiglio-Cockle and Aaron Lim performed very well on the day to finish in fourth position, not far off the top three.

Individually, Byron Morris was awarded a second place medal, whilst Charlie Liu and Eason Wang received Merit ribbons for their efforts.

In the A Division, Somerset fielded two teams, with Somerset 4 (Kevin Bao, Lachlan Hartley, Zayya George, Ishaan Baswal) upstaging a number of teams to claim a third place finish. Individually, Kevin Bao finished = first but unfortunately finished out of the placings on count-back. Kevin, Aadi Rai, and Zayya George claimed Merit Ribbons, whilst Debbie Kuo did the same in the B Division.