It all started with an early 5.00am wake up, preparing for our six-o'clock departure for the Davinci Decathalon.
The bus drive was filled with many different emotions; nervous, excited, eager and tired. When we got to Nudgee, we were directed into the hall. We enjoyed drummers and speakers in the opening ceremony and then it was time to start the first three of ten challenging tasks.
Our first subjects were Ideation, English and Science. We only had an hour and a half, so the clock was ticking but there was a wonderful proud feeling amongst our group at the end as we did it. We had a quick snack then we were straight back in for Math, Art and Poetry, Engineering, Cartography and Creative producers. These were by far the hardest.
After the session ended, we quickly went outside for a short lunch preparing for our last two subjects Codebreaking and Legacy. These were our last subjects so we were excited to see how they would turn out. They were difficult, but we got through.
Finally after afternoon tea, we were welcomed back to our teachers for the award ceremony. Although we did not win we had a wonderful time, and all tried our best. We could not be prouder.
For my Personal Project, I decided to restore a centre-console fishing boat from a bare shell. To do this I had to learn all the skills associated with boat building, these included electrical wiring, carpentry and mechanical skills. I have always loved fishing, starting fishing with my dad as a small child and now going with friends during holidays and using fishing as an opportunity to spend time alone. I am also interested in making, building and repairing things, working on a variety of different projects like mailboxes, decking and currently a car.
I have had to apply many different ATL skills to complete my project. I have had to apply Social skills to collaborate with mentors who have helped me throughout my project. I have had to gain information and knowledge from a variety of people as the skills required in boat restoration are from many different trade areas. For example, I have worked with a carpenter, an electrician and a boat builder. I have also had to apply my Critical Thinking skills to problem solve. Often, what I had planned to do had to be adjusted unexpectedly and to do this I would have to look at new ways of working.
I am really proud of the skills I have developed from my Personal Project. The most unfamiliar part were all the electricals, and this is where I have gained the most knowledge. I would like to pursue a career in electro technology, and my Personal Project has helped to narrow down my interest in this area. I have also developed my resilience and patience, as I faced many frustrations and mistakes, particularly in taking measurements, and rather than getting annoyed or angry, I just had to try again. I think this will definitely help me overcome challenges and obstacles in the future.
Dia dhuit! My name is Joseph Smith, a 24 year old man from a small town in Ireland called Kells. I do miss me ma and me da, but I’ve gotta tell ye’, Cairns is much much warmer than the cold climate at home! We started work here around two years ago and I tink we might be here for a while longer. It doesn’t look like a railway just yet!
We work very hard for little money – around 8 shillings a day! Me and me mates are not at all happy about it, especially when the guys I work with get all sorts of sicknesses on the job. Lots of the micks are attacked by the auld ticks and mossies, they seem to like our pale skin! They bite and spread an awful disease called Malaria. Snakes are also horrible in this tropical place, their venom causes great pain and even death!! That is what I’m most scared of when doing this huge project. My friend Will passed away the other week after a brown snake got him, they are scarier than the steep cliffs we have to build on (Looks up) I’ll never forget you Will. (Sniffles) Some 25 others are dead from the construction as well, they’re dropping like flies, quite literally, a young man fell off a bridge only two days ago! It’s been a horrible couple of years really. They say this railway will be about 25 miles long. A mile for each of the lads that have died out here so far. Jeepers, I hope no more die. They also say it will be steam powered. Imagine, a steam powered train going through fifteen tunnels and across 55 bridges, in this vast rainforest. Is it any wonder us Navvies are SO knackered every night from all the work.
There’s times I really miss Ireland, the craic and the music and the pints in the pub. But I had to move because there’s not much work there since the famine. The people at home are still haunted by it. So, I’m lucky to be here. I've only heard from me ma and da once by letter and they said they are well, please God I hope they still are.
Well I should probably get back to work now. (Points to sunset) It’s nearly the end of the day. (Looks around) Lets do it all today for less work tomorrow!
In the Digital Design classroom, Year 10 students are not just passive learners; they’re active participants in shaping the future. Through projects like constructing an IoT Light Cube, they’re unlocking the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT)—a key to thriving in our increasingly digital world. This hands-on experience goes beyond mere decoration; it’s a practical exploration of technology that can lead to smarter, more sustainable living.
Studying IoT is far from dull; it’s an engaging journey of discovery. As students piece together the digital and physical realms, they become tech detectives, unravelling the workings of smart devices. This playful investigation fosters a deep understanding of how to harness technology for betterment—skills that are essential as our world grows more interconnected.
Our Digital Design curriculum is designed to prepare students for a future that’s still unfolding. By mastering IoT, they’re not only gearing up for emerging careers but also learning to be responsible digital citizens. They’re poised to make meaningful contributions to society, using technology to enhance our lives and care for our planet.
The power of an excursion to inspire, intrigue and captivate our students is an key educational activity, connecting our students with the real world.
Recently our Year 9 to 10 Digital Design students attended the University of Queensland’s Big Day In, an event that showcases the vibrant world of Information Technology careers.
The students engaged with a variety of speakers and explored a range of IT roles. Representatives from the Australian Signals Directorate emphasised the essential skills needed for code-breaking and protecting our national infrastructure. Banking experts discussed the importance of financial security, while logistics professionals explored how data science is integral to supply chain management. This excursion shed light on the rewarding aspects of these careers and their significance in our society.
During the breaks, the students had the opportunity to network with peers from other schools and IT professionals. The presenters were on the lookout for the next generation of tech-savvy individuals. Hearing the personal stories of IT professionals was inspiring, and provided opportunities for students to discuss potential career paths, mentorship or internship prospects in both the public and private sectors.
"The Big Day In was an incredible experience and allowed me to expand my career options, as I was exposed to new pathways and gained valuable insights from those currently in the field."
Overall, the day sparked a keen interest in technology and the necessary skills for the digital age.
Our Junior Futsal teams competed in the AFA School Futsal Titles in May and have qualified for the Champion of Champions!
From the beginning I undoubtedly knew I had an energetic group, the girls thrived in the tournament setting making it known early they were the team to beat. They improved as each game passed, progressing to what I'd say was their most impressive performances in the knockout games.
Where great passages of play became more consistent against battling opponents, each player did their part to be crowned at the end of the day, and all had their fair share of star moments.
Seven wins with no losses; they can all be proud for a great day and be excited for what's to come.
Congratulations; Annie Talbot, Sunny Toomey, Lucinda Sounness, Charlie Anniss, Aneka Mitchell, Isabella Jennings and Scarlett Hasselle.
- Written by Coach Ryan
The Girls had six school teams in their division, which were St Andrews, Hillcrest, Assisi, Kings Pimpama and LORDS. Our girls played five games in the preliminary stage with only 20 minutes short breaks between each game, and they did a great by winning four games with a draw against St Andrews, our girls finished the group stage as the winner!
In the final knock out game, we played St Andrews again. Our team was leading the game in the first half by scoring a very early goal. However, St Andrews didn't give up and managed to score a good goal at the beginning of the second half.
When the whistle was blown for the full time, the scoreboard showed us 1-all. The game went into extra time with a Golden Goal rule. Which means, the first team who scores a goal will win the game. It was an extremely intensive 10 minutes as both teams had good opportunities. In the extra time, no team could score a goal. So, we went into the Penalty Shoot-out! Our amazing keeper Emma stopped one of the shots and scored one of the penalties! The penalties resulted in 5 to 4 to the Spartans!
Well done: Alex Lee, Edith Hilbert, Chloe Li, Indy Toomy, Robin Wang, Gabby Steenackers, Poppy Tribe and Emma Codner
- Written by Coach Sean
The Girls ended the morning, second in their group, enough to progress into the knockout stage.
In our semi finals we faced the winner of the other Under 12 group. We started nervous, but after a few minutes we got into our flow, took the lead, and didn’t gave it away!
In the grand final we faced King's Pimpama after King's defeated us in the group stage. Our Spartans were ready and the first half was very tight with only one goal's difference. The second half went to the opponent and Somerset could not get back in the game.
The runners up medal was awarded to the girls and is something they can be proud of!
Well done; Bronte Butler, Mayuko Takahata, Arianna Reading, Audrey Hilbert, Luella Zerbst, Imogen Sounness, Emily Barry, Maddi Coakley and Sienna Tribe.
- Written by Coach Maarten
Our Under 9 teams had a great day! With our teams finishing first and second in their respective pools to both qualify for the Champion of Champions next term and to make it into finals that afternoon.
Our teams ended up facing each other in the semi-final, which was an exciting Somerset clash.
Well done to Tias Thou, James Mitchell, Axel Wilson, Xavier Sanders, Harley WIlson, Harlan Un and Israel Lang for making it all the way to the semifinals.
Congratulations to Jack Dew, Aksel Pitura, Presley Madden, Ollie Hilbert, Harry Cordner, Padra Moshtagh and Ollie Sharples for going onto to grand final, claiming the title of Under 9.
- Written by Coach Keita
The boys all added their unique strengths towards the collective goal of the team's success. In what was once an attribute they required improvement, they were physical when needed and shorter games meant they had to be settled in decisive moments. They had no issue emptying the tank for the finals, my instructions for the final games were to be themselves. We have classy technicians, dependable work horses, star fill-in keepers and pressing machines. 7 Wins, 0 Losses. Well done boys, keep doing what you're doing.
Congratulations: Edmund Lee, Zac Sanders, Denham Barry, Hunter Sharples, Sam Thompson, Thomas Chudzinski, Leo Chen and Hugh Adams.
- Written by Coach Ryan
Both Under 11 teams elected to enter AFA School Futsal Titles began the tournament on a positive note with impressive first round wins.
Counterattacking futsal proved effective on court, with a plethora of goals coming off the back of some resilient Somerset defence. A spectacular header from Johnny Ratcliffe sealed a 3-all draw with LORDS College and ensured the white team would go on to top their group. A gritty performance from the Green also saw them make it out of the group stage and into the quarter finals.
However, despite their stellar performances in the group stage, both teams faced a tough challenge in the quarterfinals. The matches were closely contested, with both teams giving their all on the court. Despite their best efforts, the Under 11 Whites’ fell short of victory, experiencing a defeat to eventual finalist’s Assisi Catholic College. Furthermore, a quarter final loss also brought an end to the green team’s tournament.
The tournament provided valuable learning opportunities for all players and highlighted the growth of Futsal in the South Coast region. Well, done to all involved.
Jakub Pitura, Sion Kim, Sebastian Hall, Kai Edgely, Knox Black, Ethan Kelly-Correa, Louis Hodge, and Johnny Ratcliffe
Jad Al-Freah, Ruben Burke, Patrick Exner, Rafferty Ducker, Levi Wilson, Brayden Merricks, Jesse Kim and Abhiveer Gupta
- Written by Coach Kydra
The Under 12s has built up a reputation as being the only team that has qualified for three years in a row for the last stage of the futsal titles. This year, we entered two teams and both progressed to the knockout stages finishing first and second in their pools!
With two tough games in the quarter finals, unfortunately we got knocked out and were unable to progress to the next stage.
A very competitive tournament allowed the players to gain a great experience. The boys will bounce back with having some of the boys playing later this year the FQ School Futsal Championships and the Queensland School Futsal Cup.
Harper Loon, Zhander Griffiths, Connor Millar-Martin, Bendict Thompson, Paxto Stewart, Oliver Ng and Izaak Barclay
James Baumfield, Edward Hassett, Hugo Hasselle, Danny Wang, Vaughan Furlong, Henry Pevy and Josh Thompson
- Written by Coach Jonathon
By entering the futsal titles with a total of 7 age categories, we are proud with having a total of 5 age categories qualified for the next stage. The Champion of Champion is taking place at Nissan Arena.
- Boys on Monday July 8
- Girls on Monday July 15
We hope to see you all in Brisbane to cheer up our Spartans!
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