Kristen has contributed extensively in recent years to local service learning programmes such as Mudgee Kids, Seniors helping Seniors, Clover Connect, House Charity projects, numerous Committees and Gold Coast Junior Council participation, as well as the Barambah Service in the South Burnett, and a Timor Leste project through her local parish.
Kristen also represented Somerset at the significant commemoration and reconciliation service at Myall Creek. Of course, Kristen’s acknowledgement encourages us all to think about Australian citizenship and the importance of contributing to our community through service and involvement.
We join in congratulating Kristen, on her compassion, contribution and leadership.
Within that subject students have free rein to explore and investigate a topic of their interest. They then design their own research question, begin researching and then write and edit a final essay. Year 11 begin their journey this term with an Extended Essay Launch Breakfast in which they are introduced to the Extended Essay process. They all have now picked a topic and have been assigned a supervisor who will lead them through their investigation over the coming year.
Meanwhile, our Year 12 students have put the finishing touches to their projects this term, and they have been sent away to be assessed. I am always impressed by the standard of work that the students produce for this task - most people won’t write a 4000 word essay until at least 3rd Year of university!
Here are a list of the Extended Essay topics/questions from this year:
As you can see from these titles, this is a robust and challenging task – these students will certainly find writing 1000 word essays in first year of university a breeze!
If you are interested in reading some (or all!) of these, they can be found on the Senior School Homepage on Schoolbox, under the Diploma Programme tile. Here’s the link.
The students found it rewarding to become mini-experts in the field associated with their essay as it is a task that requires the students to think and research deeply on their chosen topic. If you would like to know more about the Extended Essay, or about the IB Diploma generally, please feel free to contact me: swalther@somerset.qld.edu.au
The students, Adriana Smith, Audrey Cirocco, Alena Mishra, Evelyne Pye and Apryle-Lilley Heydenrych met at the RSPCA at Miami and the Manager, Teah who gave them information about the work of RSPCA. They were thanked for delivering the donations.
A special thank you must be extended to Mr Cates and Mrs Millican and to all the Junior School friends who contributed food, toys and blankets for the animals.
Instead of using a pen, students used a brush dipped in ink to write their favourite Japanese words with kanji characters. They chose unique Japanese expressions such as 幽玄 (yuugen / deeply mysterious) or 完全無欠 (kanzen muketsu / absolute perfection) to write on traditional Japanese paper.
Some kanji characters were very tricky to write with a brush, as their strokes needed to bend and curve! Students learned some calligraphy techniques through this experience and had a lot of fun in the process.
The Somerset community celebrated R U OK? Day Thursday 12 September. We began with a picnic in the quad, which included plenty of games, picnic blankets and music. The social, relaxed and technology-free environment not only promoted open communication and the opportunity to ask "R U OK?", but also resulted in many students saying that they would like a picnic in the quad every day!
Following, the picnic, André Vasquez and I were quickly escorted to the Sue Robert’s Centre for the Performing Arts for an interview with Channel 7 about the significance of R U OK? day in the eyes of a Somerset student. Eager and excited, Andre and I both found that our reflection on the significance of understanding mental health and its associated stigmas deepened our appreciation of checking-in on our friends and family.
The days events then continued, with the Franklin House Charity, LIVIN’, taking time to come and educate the Year 10s on their ethos, ‘IT AIN’T WEAK TO SPEAK’. We were fortunate to have Co-Founder Casey Lyons join us and provide us with some background about the organisation. He introduced our presenter, Lauren who shared her own valuable personal experiences and helped us with some strategies on how to identify signs that someone, or ourselves, might be struggling with mental health. The LIVIN message was powerful and undeniably made the point that we should not be afraid to discuss our mental health. The stigma associated with mental health needs to be removed; and asking ‘R U OK?’ is a good place to start.
Our island adventure officially began as the huge four-wheel drive bus first hit the sandy roads on the mainland of Rainbow Beach, heading to the Fraser Island Ferry. After a quick crossing over the crystal blue bay water, we were back on the orange bus and continuing on our way to the first campsite at Cathedral Beach.
We were then met with our first dingo sighting of the week as it was curiously approaching some fellow campers. Thankfully it was scared off. The long drive was shortened by the lighthearted chats, catchy tunes and the occasional bumps in the sand keeping us all entertained and before we all knew it, we were setting up our tents in the soft island sand. Topping off the excitement of the first day, there was a short hike to the top of the sand dunes near our campsite. We all felt like we were on top of the world, with nothing in sight but the breathtaking rolling hills of sand surrounding us. After cooking a hearty meal and playing many amusing games, we all settled down in our tents ready for the activities of the next day.
Waking up to the fresh sea air and sweet pancakes for breakfast was the perfect start to the action-filled day ahead of us. Jumping back onto the bus, we headed north to the momentous Indian Head. Acquiring its name from Captain James Cook in the 1770’s, Indian Head, is as historical as it is stunning, giving us a 360 degree view of the island after we climbed to the top. After learning of the historical background and soaking up the incredible view, we then trekked back down to where the bus was waiting for us on the beach and made our way to our next destination.
It took talented four-wheel driving skills and the slight deflation of the bus tires to get there, but we eventually made it to one of my favorite destinations, the Champagne Rock Pools. As the clear sea water spilled over the rock wall barrier, the fresh sea-foam flooded into the natural pools making us feel like we were swimming in champagne bubbles. We splashed and smiled in the water, playing catch and making memories I’m sure will not be forgotten. The chilly ocean water couldn’t keep us out. After finally getting out of the water, we all took a moment to regain some body heat by sunbathing on the volcanic rocks that protected the pools from the harsh waves.
Excited and exhausted for the final activity of the day, some spent the drive to Lake Wabby singing and joking while others miraculously slept through the loud chatter and bumpy beach drive. A brisk hike led us to the beautiful, Wabby Lake. The deep green pigment of the water was perfectly framed with fluffy yellow sand dunes and none of us spared a moment before jumping in to cool off (well, except for Callum). The busy day was topped off with our daily heated volleyball games back at our campsite on Cathedrals and some warm showers. After another night full of games and laughter, we again retired back to our tents, shattered, yet ecstatic for our final day on the island.
Waking again, bright and early, we swiftly headed off to my favorite destination on Fraser, Eli Creek. Nothing could stop me from immediately diving into the glassy freshwater creek. The water flowed silently through the forestry vegetation, heading down to the salty beach. Many of us couldn’t help but swim down it multiple times, especially Katrina, who put her inflatable watermelon to good use. As we walked back up the wooden path for the final time, a wild dingo was caught spying on us from the hills. To my relief it didn’t try anything. However, no one was worrying, as we had Kiki to protect us with the four-feet stick he found in the sand to keep the predator at a safe distance.
The former floating war hospital, the SS. Maheno, now a historic gathering of rust, was an interesting stop on the way to Lake Makenzie. We stopped to appreciate the history and backstory of the vessel, took some memorable pictures and were on our way to the longest hike of the week. After 90 long minutes of walking through the sandy rainforest, we were rewarded with a swim at the most visited natural site on the island, Lake McKenzie. The deep blue center of the water body was perfectly surrounded by a bright blue water bank, and there was no hesitation for anyone to immerse themselves in the natural beauty. Even Mr Goodburn came in for a dip!
Reluctantly, we all departed from the lake and had a beautiful lunch with each other, and to our surprise, a dingo wanted to join us for a bite... luckily we were behind a fence! After the three memorable days on the island, we finally had to make our way back to the mainland for our final night on Rainbow Beach. As the bright sun fell from the open sky, we played beach soccer and ‘catch’ on the sand as we watched the vibrant pigments drip from the clouds in the sky. As night fell, we sat on the beach and stargazed with Kiki, who showed us the Scorpio star constellation right above our heads. After a long week and lots of sand, we all settled back in our tents for the last night and made the long drive back to Mudgeeraba the next morning. Although we left Fraser and its natural beauty behind, we have brought with us priceless moments to remember, that I know I could never forget.
Fraser Island Camp this year, A getaway with such good cheer. Scandrett, Wrigley, Ward and Goodburn, Plus twenty-nine to teach and learn.
We also had along with us, Keith, who drove his magic bus. He towed behind a kitchen too, To cook up pancakes, steaks and stew.
Four-Wheel driving on the beach, No phone signal; out of reach, To learn a new appreciation, Of the art of conversation.
Now health and safety does make sense, We camped inside the dingo fence. But getting bogged and digging out, Is what the camp is all about.
We saw the sights, we swam, we hiked, Activities that were well-liked. The camaraderie was clear, When we reached our new frontier.
And as we left our island base, A sadness fell across each face. Our camping goals had all been met, A week that we will not forget.Dingo the Dog
Somerset students, Dom Bensely and Stewart Ford came third in a Beach Volleyball tournament in the holidays, a first competing on sand.
Thank you for representing the College and for doing your best as Spartans!
You should be proud of your success against the top teams.
Our Rugby boys did really well in testing conditions at the ASAS 7s.
They played five games, won three and had two narrow defeats.
They played Downlands College for the third versus fourth and were defeated 17 to 14 to finish fourth overall.
It was a great day with a mixture of Year 10, 11 and 12s in the squad. Brock Priestley was recently selected in the Queensland Rugby League Under 16 Countryside who played the Queensland Under 16 Cityside. Country was too strong for City, winning the match 44 to 4.
Following on from the City versus Country game, Brock was named in the Queensland U16 Rugby League Merit side. Brock has been selected in the Tweed Seagulls Rugby League U18 side to contest the 2020 Mal Meninga state competition.
Alex Miles was recently selected for the Queensland Rugby Union Under 16 White side who competed in the 2019 Junior Rugby Championships (JRC) which took place in Canberra at the Australian Institute of Sport from Sunday 29 to Saturday 5 October 2019.
Sam Capel has been selected in the Burleigh Bears Rugby League U18 side to contest the 2020 Mal Meninga State competition.
Michael Dobroskok placed seventh overall and sixth on parallel bars out of 105 athletes in National Clubs carnival.
His team finished on the podium on every apparatus:
The Under 15s still need to wait until October 16. They will play their games is in the Carrara Elite League at Carrara Indoor Centre.
In Round one the Somerset Spartans White took on the Somerset Spartans Green. We made this a friendly game where all players could have fun and enjoy themselves. The Somerset Spartans Blue team played an official game and were defeated by Mudgeeraba, 8 to 3. For all our Spartans, this was an exciting week playing their first futsal game.
In Round 2 The Blue team won their game versus GCFA with 2 nil. Unfortunately, the White’s were defeated by Mudgeeraba and the Green team by Crusaders but we keep improving every week. The Spartans are training hard every Thursday after school to work on their skills.
Please check out our Schoolbox Futsal page for more futsal information.
Over the time the Gold Coast Champions Cup has grown to be the largest international tournament of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
"This is the first year that Somerset College has entered the Cup, registering one Under 12 team. This was a combined team from Year 6 and Year 7 students. By entering the Cup, we hope to keep developing our Spartans Football programme. We made big steps this year, having our own Football Club for the juniors but we also want to give our seniors the opportunity to play more Football games," said Maarten de Kruijf.
On day one we versed NPL club Brisbane City. Brisbane City is recognised as one of the best clubs in Queensland. For our Spartans it was a great opportunity to measure themselves versus the best players in our state. As expected, the opponent was too strong. The boys worked hard and left the field with their heads up.
On day two we played against GE Soccer Academy from Townsville, Queensland. We had great start with an early goal from Jayden Mclean. Unfortunately, we couldn’t defend this score for the whole game and GE Soccer Academy took the win.
On day three we got defeated by Meadow Park from Victoria. Meadow Park was to strong and we were not able to compete. With three games in three days the boys were also getting tired.
The players who represented Somerset Under 12 team were:Heath Walker, Aidan Mackie, James Kirk, Jayden Mclean, Riley Jennings, Charlie Razack, Leo Razack, Gregg Velloza, Joshua Pieri, Michael Klaassen. Well done everybody!
Thank you everybody for the great experience and support during the holidays.
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