Term Three promises to be busy with a calendar full of academic, cultural, co-curricular and sporting activities and many social occasions for all. We commence the term with the stories from the Year 6 Tasmania and German Trips and the excitement and celebration of Founders' Day. The inaugural Somerset Gift (see the website for details) and the 30 Year Reunion celebrations for those very first graduates of the College will be held on Saturday 15 July.
With the first week complete we will turn our attention to continued study and training for the Athletics Carnivals, rehearsals for the Senior School Musical, and the many and varied activities and opportunities that is Somerset College.
I wish you all a successful and enjoyable Term Three.
For the first time the Grand Final was held at an out-of-school venue, in the new Coomera Sports Centre. Both teams were on familiar territory though, having played at the Centre prior to the Final. Previously beating All Saints in the rounds (to win the Wallas-Bassingthwaighte Cup) and convincingly beating Coomera (last year's winners), we knew it was a matter of staying focused, going through our processes and sticking to the game plan for the Final.
From the outset it was obvious our team had come to play and to win. We started strong, showed patience on attack and became relentless in defence, never wavering from the game plan. Our outstanding defence disrupted Coomera's attack and converted valuable rebounds into goals. The opposition tried to rattle our attack but we played smart and patient as our shooters showed their skill and accuracy.
Our score kept growing and in the third quarter, so did the likelihood we would bring home the trophy. The final quarter was about getting all our players on court to experience playing in the Grand Final.
We had done it! Final score 55 to 26.
This team is not made up of ‘champion players’, it is a true ‘champion team’, epitomising the word ‘teamwork'! The cliché (Together-Everyone-Achieves-More) is so true with this group. The team's been challenged, has worked hard, has been committed, motivated, disciplined, handled pressure and risen on every occasion, together. The team has represented its school with amazing performances and pride.
Well done Team. We are all so proud of you!
Our adventure had finally begun! The early Sunday morning start was a struggle but the bus trip had substituted for this. Wild Horse Mountain was our first stop and just what we needed to stretch our legs, a steep walk up to the summit for an awesome view of the Glasshouse Mountains. The site was a perfect place for our first group photo together. The view was spectacular and gave us some perspective as to where we had come from and more importantly, where we were heading to.
After some grocery shopping in Woodford, we wasted no time meeting two Wakka Wakka Elders, Uncle Robert and Uncle Norman. Here we were honoured guests to their land and learnt about the fascinating history of the Wakka Wakka people and their art within the birthing caves. We then visited the spiritual Coomba Falls in respectful silence. We were issued our reflective journals here and began writing about our day. Finally, we arrived at our new home away from home for the next five nights, Yallakool Caravan Park.
Following an early breakfast, we ventured out to Murgon State School for our first visit and were treated to a special welcome by the young Murgon boys with a corroboree dance. The group had been in preparation for months and their first performance was for us. It made our welcome so much more special. We were then off to our allocated classrooms. Immediately, we felt a connection with the Murgon students. The teachers provided very warm welcomes and the morning session was a great start to our time at the school. Following lunch, we visited The Ration Shed Museum in Cherbourg. Our first day taught us what no history textbooks ever could. Uncle Eric shared his experience of life in Cherbourg. His tour was most enlightening. We even had time to be creative by painting our own boomerangs and made some awesome rainbow art.
Tuesday once again saw us working with our new friends at Murgon State School. It was refreshing to see their smiling faces. Spending our time reading, writing, drawing, singing and dancing alongside these kids was a pure pleasure. By midday we visited and viewed facilities at the local State High School and were introduced to people who were making a difference to their students. This experience opened our minds to the diversity of education throughout Australia.
On Wednesday, we went to school for the majority of the day, visiting Bunya Nurseries in the afternoon. Young Australian of the Year finalist, Dr. Michael Baker met us and talked about his volunteer dentistry work in Cherbourg, and how he used his skills to help out others in need, any way he could. Following Dr Baker’s interesting talk, we proceeded to make artworks using flora materials from the nursery for our beloved classes, who we had been with over the past week. This was also State of Origin night, which had the group divided as we watched the game play out.
The penultimate day then arrived. Thursday saw us spending the first whole day in our classes, which everyone was very excited about. The day was spent making even more memories and having fun with the kids from Murgon. The night concluded with us sitting by the camp fire reflecting on what we had achieved and what we would be taking away with us, quietly wishing the week wouldn’t end.
Friday, a day nobody was prepared for, we had to say our hardest goodbyes to the kids who were now good friends. Watching the group, who over the past week had became so important, cry as we gave our last hug and goodbye, was truly heartbreaking. We presented our pieces of artwork to each class, before Vivi Baker played From Little Things Big Things Grow on the ukulele. Everyone was brought to tears that morning, not a dry eye in the school. Eventually we ended our goodbyes and an upset group of Year 10 Gold Coasters set off on a very quiet and sombre bus trip between Murgon and the Bunya Mountains. The Bunya Mountains provided a special place for the group to reflect on what we had achieved and learnt. Eventually, we turned the music back on as we remembered the unforgettable time at Murgon and the special people who had imprinted our lives.
Our newfound knowledge will forever be within us. B1 had such an amazing impact on us all from such a memorable trip, set to stay with us for a long time.
Throughout Term 2, students from our Junior and Senior School participated in the Readers Cup competition. Congratulations go to all those who took part.
Having now been involved in a Junior Readers Cup competition for four years, I noticed this year was by far our fiercest yet. As a team, the Year 5 and 6 girls worked beautifully together, producing our best result to date. We came fourth overall, with only five points between us and the winning team. The books read this year were Ugly by Robert Hoge, Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty, We are Giants by Amber Lee Dodd, Smile by Reina Telgemeier and New Boy by Nick Earls.
For the first time we entered a senior team this year; a request from students who participated in the Junior School team in 2016. The students did amazingly well, finishing seventh place. The team organised meeting times to discuss the books and ran them independently throughout the term. The books chosen were When Friendship Followed me Home by Paul Griffin, The Tournament of Gorlan (Rangers Apprentice Early Years) by John Flanagan, The Queen of Katwe by Tim Crothers, The Bubble Boy by Stewart Foster and The Horses Didn’t Come Home by Pamela Rushby. Overheard on the night from our team, “I think we are the team having the most fun!” Which is what we believe students should feel about reading.
A new format this year saw 12 new teams added to the competition, giving the girls more games to play and no rest day. Somerset's fourth place finish in 2016 was the best result to date, so this year with six new players all we were realistically hoping for was a top eight placing.
Games kicked off on Monday with Somerset scheduled to play four games before midday. The girls won all games convincingly giving them the confidence needed for the three games on Tuesday. Two wins and a loss to Matthew Flinders was a good day leaving us on track to achieving our goals. Two hard fought close wins on Wednesday put us in the top two of our pool and gained us a place in the quarter finals on Thursday.
Fatigue started to set in, just two wins away from the Grand Final. We knew a huge team effort and a lot of mental focus would be needed to beat two very good teams. Our first game on Thursday against St Margaret Mary's was not one of our best. We turned over a lot of ball and scores throughout the game were goal for goal. The girls continued to fight though and with a minute to spare, we capitalised on an opposition error to take the score to a one point lead. Our centre pass, scored under enormous pressure, was the clincher to win the game by two. Amazing teamwork, composure and heart from all of the players under so much pressure. Credit to Natalie Blauberg and Rylee Burns for an amazing result, shooting at 96 per cent.
We had achieved our goal getting to the top four and had just one win away from the Grand Final when we faced Sunshine Coast Grammar, who we suffered a 10 point pre-season loss to. While there was no expectation, it was evident the girls were hungry to earn a Grand Final spot.
The team was inspired by the huge support of last year’s players Xanthe Cerutti, Manon Chamberlain, Chelsea Blauberg and Sinead Kelly, who travelled to Brisbane especially be on the sideline. It was obvious from the first whistle, Somerset had come to play. The girls stuck to the game plan, giving everything in defence and were scrapping for every ball to gain turnovers. In the first half we were one point up and excitement set in.
We applied more pressure in the second half, turning over the ball with our goalies converting to take us to an eight point lead, with three minutes to go. The euphoria of potentially winning diverted us from the game plan and Sunny Grammar pounced but for them, it was too late. We had won the game by two goals and made history for Somerset. We would play in the Grand Final, for the first time!
The Grand Final was versing Matthew Flinders, who had been runners up in the last two QISSN finals and last year’s Vicki Wilson Cup winner. They had beaten us convincingly in pool play and were eager for a QISSN win. Although, excited to reach the final, we knew it would be a tough challenge.
We were as competitive as we could be and had some great phases of play but the better team on the day won. Final score 43 to 22. What an amazing week of Netball for Somerset who played 12 games played with just two losses and both were to Matthew Flinders.
Congratulations girls, for an outstanding week of Netball. You represented your College with such pride. Your dedication, commitment, hard work and in particular, your ability to come together as a team, on and off the court, was a huge credit to you all. Thank you girls. We are all extremely proud of you. Thank you too, to all the parents and supporters who were sideline every day. Finally a special thanks to our Manager Carla Cerutti and Statistician and Number One supporter, Xanthe Cerutti.
Somersets 1st Team and QISSN Silver Medalists:
Games and Scores:
Rylee plays in the Goal Attack position and was awarded the schools MVP Award as well as being selected in the 2017 QISSN All Stars team. This team is selected from the participating 600 players and are considered to be the ten best players of the tournament. Rylee’s shooting accuracy, skill, consistency and hard work has made her a worthy recipient for these Awards. Rylee was also selected for this team in 2016. Congratulations Rylee, on an amazing achievement.
Also rewarded for her performances is Madizen Wilkins who was selected in the 2017 Rising Stars Team. This team is also chosen from the participating 600 players and these players are considered to be the next best up and coming players of the tournament. Madizen’s dynamic strength, speed and vision on attack has made her a valuable team member of Somerset and a worthy recipient of this Award. Congratulations Madi, a thoroughly deserved award.
Not long after playing a key role in Somerset’s great come-from-behind APS Grand Final win, Josh became a member of the Queensland School Sport Rugby Union team, participating in the School Sport Australia ASRU National Championships in Sydney. Josh’s team has a great tournament, going down to ACT in the Final where Josh was named in the Australian Schoolboys Team.
Kipp in Year 9, was the youngest member of the South Coast U/19 Boys Hockey Team which competed at the state titles Townsville in June.
The boys were a highly talented bunch with an agenda to represent their schools well. There were 10 teams from all over Queensland competing. Over 160 players and an additional 100 officials took part. It was a massive step up from club and local inter-school hockey. The boys played well but were muscled off the ball in some close games by some much bigger, quicker and stronger opponents. The boys lost five games narrowly by one. They beat the eventual tournament winners in an earlier round game, with some fast skill set and two cracking corner conversions.
While the boys didn’t place in the finals for the tournament, they did return with the Chris Hammett Cup, after winning their relegation match on the final day of play.
Over the holidays our newly crowned Senior Girls APS Netball Champions competed at the prestigious QISSN Netball Tournament. The girls had a hectic schedule of games over the week, in essentially a state championship for Independent Schools, with over 60 schools from all over Queensland. Playing excellent netball, the team made it all the way to the Grand Final with a 12 to 1 win-loss record but went down to Matthew Flinders in the Final.
Special recognition and congratulations to Rylee Burns who was named tournament MVP for Somerset and was selected in the All Stars Team of 10 from 600 players, also to Madizen Wilkins who was selected in the Rising Stars team of 10.
Congratulations to the team on a great month of netball and to coach, Mrs Sheryl Burns.
Congratulations to Rylee for taking out this year’s Pierre de Coubertin Award, which rewards excellence in Olympic sports and all-round ability in sports, while embracing the Olympic spirit and ideals.
All students have been sent a link to select their Summer Sport preference.
Choices are: AFL, Basketball, Cricket, Softball, Tennis, Touch, Water Polo.
Students wishing to be involved in Sailing must see Mr McLaughlin or Golf, see Mr Wrigley. These students must still select a Summer Sport.
Students who are injured long-term, need to see the nurse with a medical.
Students meet at 7.00am at the Track and practices are daily:
Students of all abilities and experience are welcome and all events are catered for with excellent coaches.
Come and join Somerset’s biggest team.
Athletics Practices: Every day 7.00am at the Track
All sporting details are posted on Schoolbox on the Sports page.
On the 7 June Dr John Gerrard, Director of Infectious Diseases at Gold Coast Health, came to talk to the Year 7 cohort about microbiology: the study of microscopic life, such as bacteria. He talked about his search for a particular pathogen that eluded him for a decade, causing several infections on the east coast of Australia, and in Texas, USA.
“Hold on. What is a pathogen?” I hear you ask. Well, a pathogen is any form of harmful microbial life such as Salmonella (a bacteria) or Ebola (a virus), or what your mother might call a germ. However, not all bacteria are pathogens – about 70 to 90 per cent of bacteria are harmless (“Good” bacteria) and the remaining 10 to 30 per cent being harmful pathogens (“Bad” bacteria). Some of these good bacteria are even beneficial to human life, helping to aid digestion. The study of microscopic life is truly fascinating and can lead to exciting discoveries.
Dr Gerrard’s interest in microbiology became an obsession with his determination to find the origin of one particular pathogen, Photorhabdus. Samples taken from the abscesses that were found on a man from Murwillumbah was from a genus known as Photorhabdus, which means “light rod” in Greek. It was given this name due to its ability to glow in the dark. In search for possible vessels of the pathogen, Dr Gerrard visited the man’s farm, testing everything from water to soil and even spiders. Alas, these tests showed no results matching the bacteria. Despite the man’s recovery, Dr Gerrard continued his research in finding the origin of Photorhabdus.
In his studies of Photorhabdus, Dr Gerrard found through scholarly literature, there were three species under the genus Photorhabdus: P. luminescens, P. temperata and P. asymbiotica. It was also discovered that all of the Photorhabdus species were in a symbiotic relationship with microscopic nematode worms of the genus Heterorhabditis to gain nutrients. To understand this relationship, a worm’s life cycle is as follows: 1. A worm finds an insect larva. 2. The worm penetrates the larva’s skin and regurgitates (vomits) out Photorhabdus. 3. Photorhabdus kills the larva and preserves its body. 4. The worm lays its eggs and the offspring eat the larva. 5. The offspring exit the larva and move on to find more larva.
Soon, another patient came presented with a similar abscess on his right hand. The wound was deep enough to see the man’s tendons! From consulting the patient, Dr Gerrard found out the man had been building a fence around his house using nothing but his right hand to dig up the soft, sandy soil. Dr Gerrard hypothesised that the nematode worms that lived in the soil had infected the man’s hand when he was digging.
To test his hypothesis, Dr Gerrard visited the patient’s house to collect soil samples from the dug out holes. With the soil samples, Dr Gerrard added mealworms to coax out the nematodes. One week later, the mealworms were dead, but they glowed in the dark! This was a clear sign of Photorhabdus.
Under the microscope, Dr Gerrard saw worms slowly coming out of the larva. At first, there were only one or two. Then ten, twenty. Not before long, there were hundreds, thousands and even tens of thousands of worms! Dr Gerrard’s hypothesis was correct and he had finally discovered the cause of the festering abscesses after ten years of hard work.
Dr Gerrard’s obsession with the nematode worms didn’t stop there. From further research into nematode worms in the USA, it was determined that there was a new species of Heterorhabditis. Scientists decided to name this species after Dr Gerrard for his exemplary effort in researching them – Heterorhabditis gerrardi.
The overall performance of the individuals of Spartan’s Intramural Basketball League has been strong this season. Each team has boasted their own highlights from individuals scoring their first basket, to fast-break slam dunks. The variations in skill-level results in a fun, friendly and entertaining competition for all.
Team Make A Whish leads the ladder with an undefeated record. Following them is the Alley-oops, Masters of Jam and Somerset Globetrotters. There are only two weeks left in the regular season until the final round, so it will be interesting to see if either team can challenge the skills of Make A Whish. At this point, anything is possible.
The commitment each individual has displayed to the success of the League must be recognised. Spartan’s Intramural Basketball League aims to provide an opportunity to socialise and exercise in a considerate space. Each player has been dedicated to displaying respect for teammates, opponents and officials.
Best of luck to each team in the following weeks.
On the first Friday in August each year workplaces, schools and streets become a sea of denim in a united stance against childhood disease. This year, Jeans for Genes Day will be held on Friday 4 August. Every dollar raised, helps scientists at Children’s Medical Research Institute discover treatments and cures, to give every child the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.
As you may have observed in previous years, Somerset College has supported this worthwhile cause by participating in Jeans for Genes Day. We plan to do the same again this year and aim to raise more than ever! Every dollar raised helps scientists at CMRI discover treatments and cures, to give every child the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.
Our fundraising page is up and running and awaits your generous donations. By making a donation, you will be helping us reach our fundraising target but most importantly, you will be making a difference to the lives of young children. Please take a look at our fundraising page: http://www.jeansforgenes.org.au/fundraiser/somerset-college
We really appreciate your support in the fight against childhood disease.
The College will hold our 'Jeans for Genes' day on Friday of Week 4, 4 August. Students and staff are permitted to wear denim jeans, provided a gold coin donation is made.
Please join with us in raising funds and awareness for this worthwhile cause and help us beat last year’s total!
Thank you, Laver 8
On the last Thursday of Term 2, the entire Year 7 cohort was lucky enough to have Dr Brent McMonagle come in and chat to us. The experienced ENT – Ear, Nose, Throat surgeon gave a detailed talk about what he does and how it might interest us to partake in a future career (a branch of medical or surgical science) involving science. The presentation involved many colourful and informative PowerPoint slides that explained the importance of science and its many occupations. Dr McMonagle also discussed the range of medical situations that an ENT surgeon can experience. He showed us real life examples of conditions that he works around daily. We were astounded to find out that one of his longer surgeries can take up to 15 hours!
As part of the Griffith University Eskitis Institute of Drug Discovery team, Dr McMonagle has been involved in exciting research with current Queenslander and Australian of the Year Professor Emeritus Alan Mackay-Sim. Dr McMonagle is the Scientific Director of the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation which is abour to commence a project that involves taking olfactory cells (comes from the sense of smell) and using them to aid the paraplegic as well as patients with spinal cord injuries. The olfactory cells have an advanced regeneration process that allows new cells to redevelop with working bodily functions. The research team discovered that if these cells were placed into a spinal cord. The olfactory cells would reconnect and fuse with the spinal cord cells and on their own, would merge together and form a bond.
A clinical trial of this experiment was performed in 2002 and led to the statement that this method of spinal regeneration is safe on humans. With this information in mind, further studies were carried out by various scientists who discovered that a mix of olfactory ensheathing cells and fibroblasts together with a nerve bridge could let paralysed patients to regain some functions of the lower body.
This study led to two new questions; how could they make the transplant more effective? And what is needed to improve the process?
Dr McMonagle is currently working on solving these questions along with his team to create a brighter future for recovered spinal injury patients.
To conclude, the Year 7 cohort would like to thank Dr John Gerrard and Dr Brent McMonagle for taking time out of their busy schedules to come talk to us about these fascinating subjects. Thank you also to Mrs Clare Walker for organising the talk. We all very much enjoyed Dr Gerrard and Dr McMonagle talks and sharing their expert knowledge in their scientific fields.
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