The duo led from the front in the 2000 metre race and held on to win the gold medal in a time of 7 minutes and 53 seconds, slightly more than one second ahead of the silver medallists.
Thomas Liu was the first ever Somerset representative in the Paralympic style Legs Trunk and Arms Single scull race where he was crowned Queensland Champion. Despite having cerebral palsy which challenges his fine motor skills, Tom has rowed the past two season in the abled-body events and his Year 9 team mates proudly chaired him up to the dais to claim his Gold medal, which was a fitting reward for the effort that he has put in to his rowing.
The course was majorly affected by wind by the time the Year 10 boy’s four final was held and in spite of being drawn in the most difficult lane, Thomas McKenna, Julius Wright, Joe Lanham, Declan Thew, along with their coxswain Jackson Fifield dominated the event from start to finish, covering the 1500 meter race in 5 minutes 27 to win by more than 4 seconds.
To add to the medal tally Somerset crews claimed three silver medals in the Girl’s Year 11 Pair, Boy’s Open Pair and Boy’s Open Four. To round out the spread of medals the Year 11 boys also claimed a bronze in the four.
More than 40 students represented the College at the championships and I would like to extend a big thank you to Mr Greg Juniper and Mr Nicholas McKinnon for their coaching and support to ensure that the regatta ran smoothly for all of the students.
Boy’s Year 11 Pair; Blake Mills, Aidan McKeon Boy’s Para
Single Scull; Thomas Liu Boy’s
Year 10 Four; Thomas McKenna, Julius Wright, Joe Lanham, Declan Thew, Cox: Jackson Fifield
Girl’s Year 11 Pair; Jade Mansell, Katherine Plume
Boy’s Open Four; Aidan McKeon, Blake Mills, Ryan McClure, Lorenz Muhlbauer, Cox: Jackson Fifield
Boy’s Open Pair; Ryan McClure, Lorenz Muhlbauer
Blake Mills, Aidan McKeon, Marc Eksteen, Lachie Munro, Cox: Jackson Fifield
From the very first week of Term Three, the Performing Arts was in full swing, preparing for the Musical, the GCCC Drama Festival and Eisteddfod. Although the students and staff involved may have spent every night of the week at rehearsals (especially those involved in all three), the final performances were worth every moment. Somerset’s performance of Legally Blonde was an entertaining night on all fronts and the audiences definitely walked out of the theatre humming the tunes under their breath (I couldn’t get the song Ireland out of my head for days).
During the early weeks of Term Three, 36 Italian students spent three weeks with Somerset families. It was a wonderful exchange and both the Australian students and their Italian billets had a fantastic time and a sad farewell. Week 3 also saw students swap their school shoes for running spikes in preparation for the much anticipated Athletics carnival. After two days of coloured zinc, sausage sizzles and serious sport, there could only be one winner. In the end, Franklin came out victorious in the Senior School, Andrews in the Junior School and Starkey for the combined trophy. Somerset also took out the APS athletics championship for the third consecutive year. (Go Spartans!)
For the Year 12 students, Term Three was marked with assignments, exams and, of course, QCS. The Senior Common room was quiet for the last few weeks of term as everyone buried their heads in their books and made the most of their time. The conclusion of Term Three saw Year 12 breathe a collective sigh of relief to have finished their primary exams.
This brings us to what will be the last term for the Year 12s. A time for us as a cohort to reflect on the years that we’ve spent at the College. What we have learnt, how we have changed and what we will remember our schooling for. I’m sure this final term will moisten the weary Term Three eyes of many Year 12s. But there are still many ‘last times’ to relish and remember so now is not the time for tears, yet.
In all its glory, Term Four promises an energetic and emotional finish to the year. Especially in the highly anticipated end to the enigmatic futsal season. Will the teachers be the inaugural futsal champions? An answer will be given in Week 2; make sure you get down to the basketball courts to see the finals. We will also see the continuation of the summer sport season. After all the sporting success the school has had this year, premierships from the hungry basketball, AFL, touch, water polo and cricket teams would only make it sweeter.
Mr Oman’s inaugural Somerset Celebration of Entrepreneurship takes off on Tuesday 10 October and runs over two days. The programme runs in a similar way to the Celebration of Literature, which everyone would be acquainted with. Commerce veterans and start-up founders will join together on stage and in their own sessions that will be run for students. After pushing through the last round of exams (good luck IB kids), the College community will be rewarded with a range of events in the Performing Arts arena. Cultural collages and end of year concerts will not fail to disappoint. Finally, Week 6’s sports finals will be the final acts of sporting heroic for the Year 12s. Go hard and leave nothing on the field.
The final two weeks of the term include the Valedictory Chapel and Dinner, Avenue of Honour and Scholar’s Day. These events mark the last occasions for Year 12s to farewell fellow students and the many teachers that have shaped us.
On behalf of the Class of 2017, thank you to all the teachers, staff and students who have been a part of our school lives. You have made all the difference and will not be forgotten.
During Week 10 all students went to Mt Coot-tha for an excursion where they visited the Beautiful Botanic gardens. The trip provided an insight into the design of the ever so peaceful Japanese Gardens and students had the chance to practice Haiku poetry, writing and sumi-e painting.
The following day, the last Thursday of Term Three, the Year 6 classrooms and outdoor areas were transformed into a colourful Asian wonderland. The Taste of Asia Day celebrations provided an opportunity for the students and staff to dress up in their favourite Asian costume, taste some amazing food and acquire some new skills such as Taiko drumming, sushi and dumpling making, Arakan Martial Arts, Tai Chi and Bollywood dancing. The day was also filled with some amazing demonstrations such as traditional Chinese dancing called Jinghongwu, Chinese Pipa and bamboo flute performances and embroidery. In the Indian culture room, there was henna painting and jewellery making.
The communal buffet lunch was nothing short of incredible. The food was AMAZING and the choices were endless. The after lunch entertainment was provided by the Year 6 students themselves, where each group performed their myths and legends plays which they have written prior to the day. They all did a fantastic job with some great performances and loads of laughter.
This incredible experience would certainly not have been possible without the dedication, enthusiasm and hard work of all parents who assisted with bringing food, providing activities and demonstrations as well as the guest performers. On behalf of the Year 6 students and staff, we wish to thank you all for making this Taste of Asia Day a truly memorable experience.
Student reflections on Taste of Asia Day:
“What a day! I never knew there was such a fun, exciting, interesting and interactive ways to learn about Asian culture. From creating and eating delicious food to making a LOT of noise while drumming, the day was filled with excitement. The amount of contribution from parents and friends was truly amazing and I know that the whole of Year 6 cohort appreciated it.” – Ava McCarthy (6W)
“Asia day was a wonderful multi-cultural experience. Students arrived in their diverse Asian costumes. Throughout the day, students took part in many activities. Following on from that, was a delicious Asian buffet supplied by many of the parents and friends. On the day, students performed entertaining plays based on Asian legends and myths. Asia day involved all students and was a terrific day and experience.” – Ben Major (6Z)
“The Taste of Asia Day was a great way to learn about the different cultures in Asia. We all got a taste from various countries such as India, Japan and China. All the food was amazing and I loved the way the rooms were set up. The activities were simple, but surprisingly fun. It was a great success and I would never get tired of learning about the different cultures of Asia.” – Ashlee Park (6L)
“Taste of Asia Day was a great experience. I am sure everyone in Year 6 loved making sushi and dumplings or practicing Arakan Martial Arts and Tai Chi. I loved the dumpling making and I thought that the Chinese music was beautiful. It all put together well and I loved every moment of it.” – Georgia Daly (6G)
On Thursday 14 September and Friday 15 September we were ready for our long awaited and much anticipated Sleepover experience. The Year 2 Sleepover is part of the College’s Outdoor Education Program and endeavours to help students develop resilience and problem solving skills in unfamiliar situations when children are away from home.
5 O’clock fast approached and the children arrived back at the College Gymnasium after their typical Thursday school day, but not with their typical school equipment, instead sleeping bags, pillows, and an array of pyjamas, onesies and loved soft toys to keep them company (and safe throughout the night) filled overnight bags.
A pizza dinner under the night sky calmed the nerves and got the Sleepover adventure underway. Children then excitedly filled the Performing Arts Centre to enjoy The Secret Life of Pets Movie on the big screen. In small groups, children participated in stargazing through telescopes and utilised iPads and Apps to locate the nighttime constellations. What better way to top off the night than with a Milo and teddy bear biscuit to prepare for bed!
As eyes started to become sleepy, the children returned to the Gymnasium, changed into their pyjamas, brushed their teeth and enjoyed a nighttime story narrated by Miss Russell. To the amazement of teachers, the Year 2 children were asleep within 20 minutes of lights out. Despite the echoes of snoring that filled the Gymnasium, most of the children had a restful night’s sleep and were up at 5.00am ready for the fun filled Activities Day ahead.
A buffet style breakfast served in the Dining Hall was just the treat needed to get the day kick-started and under way. Students took part in two different outdoor activities, which encouraged teamwork, risk-taking and confidence building. Children completed an hour and a half or Outdoor Boot Camp rotations coordinated by GeckoSports, involving the Year 2 students in fun and interactive sports and fitness drills.
Morning Tea brought a much needed refuel break before the students explored Cultural and Indigenous Studies hosted by Rick Roser. This workshop proved to be not only informative, but also fun and highly engaging. Big shells of ochre, emu feather hair decorations, fire making sticks and boomerang throwing were all memorable experiences to top of our Outdoor Activities Day.
Time flew by as the students had fun throughout the day. We had 73 children attend the sleepover, and ALL 73 Year 2 friends demonstrated impeccable behaviour, making this Sleepover experience an enjoyable and engaging introduction to Outdoor Education for all!
Many of the students commented;
“I love being at school at night!”
“I wish we could stay for longer!”
“The Year 2 Sleepover is the BEST!”
“I would give this event a 10 out of 10 rating!”
After such levels of fun and excitement during this event, teachers and students were ready for a relaxing and recuperating two week holiday break … before the planning starts all over again for the next year!
Bianca competed at the Brisbane Open Water Championships on Saturday 30th September 2017 at Kawana Waters on the Sunshine Coast. She won the Women’s 5km Event in a time of 1.01.29sec. Bianca competes in this event as a lead up to the Queensland State Open Water Championships which will be held at the same venue on 21st October 2017 where she will compete in the 5km, 7.5km and 10km Women’s Events.
Hamish Boyd had a very successful trip to Japan for the Asia / Oceania championships for Modern Pentathlon in September, coming away with a silver Oceania medal and selection as the reserve for the 2018 Youth Olympics in Argentina. He has followed that up with a gold medal win at the Queensland State Championships. Hamish will now be attending a training camp at the AIS in January in preparation for nationals in February and the 2018 Youth World Championships in Portugal in April. Great work Hamish.
Mako Inukai recently competed at the Bendigo National Clubs Carnival on the 24th of September in Victoria. Mako competed in the Level 6 division amongst 62 competitors right across Australia. Mako came 48th overall which is amazing considering she has only been involved in the sport for 1.5 years which is a very short time compared to other gymnasts. Mako's best routine was her freehand routine where she scored 9.150 (38th place).
45 Somerset College students represented the college at the recent Queensland Schools Rowing Championships held at Rockhampton. The team for their hard work received some it best ever results scoring three gold medals. Blake Mills and Aidan McKeon started the flow of medals by claiming gold in the year 11 Boy’s Pair. The Boy’s 10 Year Four followed Blake and Aidan lead also defeating all rivals taking out a third gold medal for the championships to go along with a string of silver and bronze.
Thomas Liu was the first ever Somerset representative in the Paralympic Style Legs Trunk and Arms Single scull race where he was crowned Queensland Champion.
Monday 11 October Compulsory APS Summer Sports Practice (7.00am or 3.30pm)
Wednesday 13 October Compulsory APS Summer Sports Practice (7.00am or 3.30pm)
Friday 13 October APS Summer Sport v Kings Christian College
All sporting details are posted on Schoolbox on the Sports page.
Over the course of the camp, the students were challenged through a variety of outdoor educational experiences that ranged from canoeing on the Clarrie Dam, orienteering, Eco-Walk up the hill discovering how to identify gum trees and then the ultimate rest stop at the Big Tree with Mt Warning as the back drop. Other activities included by the creek, fossicking through the rocks and analysing the water quality, indoor rock climbing and lastly Team Challenge.
We also had an opportunity to see what great talent Year 4 has with the Year 4 Idol event on the last night. There was an amazing talent pool and with so much variety it was very hard for the panel to determine some winners in the different categories. Overall, the experience for all involved was very rewarding, the students arriving back to school tired but happy with their achievements away from home and school. Many thanks to all the support staff who assisted with making Year 4 camp for the students a positive outdoor learning environment.
Over a five-week period a group of 10 eager Year 8 students along with Year 9 mentors met every Monday lunch at Cordner 1.3 to work on the toolbox building project. Under the expert supervision and guidance of Mrs Walker, we began building with enthusiasm and a little apprehension. For some of the students it was the first time using power tools. A great bonus was seeing the end result; we even surprised ourselves at how well they turned out.
We were fortunate enough to be able to deliver the toolboxes to the children at C & K Mudgeeraba in person. What an experience that was! The children were very excited by our visit and not only enjoyed playing with their new toolboxes but took the opportunity for some fun and games with all the students involved. We helped them build a rocket and then joined them in the playground, which was a great experience. I don’t know who had more fun, the children of C & K Mudgeeraba or the Somerset students.
A huge thank you to Mrs Walker for her guidance and on going support of the Somerset Shed project, as well as our Year 9 mentors for their patience and understanding. I would highly recommend all Year 8s to be part of Somerset Shed. Happy building.
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