Our very best wishes to Miss Melissa Black who was married over the holidays and to Miss Lisa Connell who has announced her engagement.
Thanks to Mrs Allison Foster who steps up as Acting Head of Senior School and to Ms Jacinta Hyman who will be Acting Head of House – Franklin. We welcome back Mr Tom Betts who will be teaching Business and Humanities subjects in the Senior School, Miss Greta Morley who will teach Individuals and Society and Drama in the Senior School and Mrs Lola McLaughlin who will teach Physical Education in the Junior School.
We welcomed some new GAP Staff on Monday:
The 2018 Somerset Gift - Saturday 21 July 2018 Following the success of the inaugural Somerset Gift in 2017, the Gift will again provide aspiring athletes the opportunity to compete for a prize pool of $20,000.
Held in conjunction with the Queensland Athletics League, the Gift will feature a variety of events including the 100m, one mile, and 300m races for various age groups. Registration fees vary from $25.00 for the day through to $10.00 for non-Somerset competitors.
I hope you take the opportunity to pop in and see this magnificent day of running.
Parents’ and Friends’ Winter Ball – Celebrating 35 Years I hope you haven’t missed the opportunity to attend the Parents’ and Friends’ Association Black Tie Winter Ball to be held on Saturday 4 August 2018, 6.30pm till late at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa! Tickets can be purchased online
Look forward to seeing you for a night of vintage circus wonder.
Among the many destinations visited on the journey to Barambah, our stop at Coomba Falls was probably the most hard-hitting. Reflecting on the past trauma suffered by First Nations people including the frontier wars enabled us to remember the past and better understand the real-life struggles facing indigenous people with a view to walking together now and in the future. In our personalised journals, we were able to record our reflective thoughts and emotions. After a quick stop at the beautiful Wooroolin Wetlands, we arrived at Murgon State School and were greeted by Uncle Bouw, who kindly performed a welcome to country.
When we arrived at school on Monday morning, we were instantly greeted with smiles and hugs. The Murgon kids had been looking forward to our return after our B1 students had left lasting memories in 2017. The days following our first, we created our own ever lasting memories of singing, playing ball games, colouring together, long jumping, pizza making, slime making, 'Just dance' and solving math problems. At the conclusion of each day, the B2ers found themselves listening to the silence of the Barambah night and reflecting on the eventful day just past. These ‘debrief sessions’ gave us an opportunity to compare our experiences and attempt to move forward as a whole in reaching our common goal. It served as a reminder of why we were here.
Along with our daily school visits, we were fortunate to visit The Ration Shed in Cherbourg where Uncle Eric shared with us the history of Cherbourg. Our creativity was put to the test when we painted designs for our own boomerangs. We also had the opportunity to meet and talk to Mr. Levi Murray from CRAICCHS who taught us about the repercussions of intergenerational trauma felt by the indigenous ancestors carried on through epigenetics.
From mountains of pizza to perfectly cooked steaks, every night was so kindly catered by Clint and Tina of Hidden Gold Homestead. At the conclusion of our trip, Bruce and Evelyn from Bunya Nurseries opened their business to allow the group to create murals for the classes we had so fondly become to know. On a B trip first, the final night was a sing and dance extravaganza with a local indigenous band joining us for a meal before Uncle Rocko, Uncle Bevan and Tony blasted out many favourites, include a very personal piece written and recorded by Rocko Langton. These songs will reverberate in our consciousness well past the final chords I am sure, especially Mr. Walker’s Midnight Oil favourites!
Not a dry-eye was seen saying goodbye to the kids and staff of Murgon State School on Friday morning. We are so grateful for the trip we embarked on and the experiences that will remain with us forever. We would like to thank Ms. Andrea Lewis for her assistance and huge thank you to Mrs Clare Walker and Mr Brad Walker for their generosity and compassion. Words cannot describe the appreciation we have for this fabulous opportunity Year 10 students now have to appreciate. Some might say it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, where we were able to learn, experience and grow but I know some B people will be looking to return in the not too distant future.
Extract from Student Reflection:
"I know that I judge people too quickly. It is very easy to make a judgement on someone without really knowing their experiences or life decisions. B2 has given me the understanding why indigenous Australians feel pain. Visiting The Ration Shed to learn about how the rights and freedoms were taken from indigenous people all over Queensland has really given me a different perspective. I would like to continue more conversations about the treatment of indigenous Australians. I want to share the change I saw in 11 young children in only four days. Their smiles makes me smile.
"My country has had a dark history in dealing with conflict between indigenous and non-indigenous people. My eyes have been opened to the massacres that took place in the 19th century but as a nation we remember the slain and now try to move forward and walk together as one. I am mostly a shy person, however, this trip has given me the confidence to raise my hand to be heard when sharing my feelings around indigenous matters and closing the gap."
“A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” — John A. Shedd
Not only did the Somerset team complete the course in great time, but they also raised $350 to donate to the Kokoda Foundation, which sends teenagers to experience the real Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea.
The purpose of the Kokoda Challenge is to honour the fallen soldiers that faced the Imperial Japanese armed forces in Papua New Guinea during World War II. The 48 kilometre trail flows around the Advancetown Lake and includes a section called “Army Land” – this is the exact location where our World War II troops trained for deployment.
2018 was the sixth time that I have been involved in the Kokoda Challenge, and it was an undeniable pleasure to work with this team consisting of Kydra Walden, Jason Zhang, Erin Crough-Heaton, and Ella Crough-Heaton. Our training included numerous six to eight hour hikes through the Gold Coast Hinterland, and the students excelled at pushing themselves through technical and difficult sections of the bush. Beyond all the physical aspects of the Challenge, what stood out most for me was the ability for Kydra, Jason, Erin, and Ella to constantly adapt to and find growth in difficult scenarios and the resulting challenges.
Our adventure started on 14 July 2018 when the students met at Numinbah Valley Hall, where over 200 teams that had entered the competition along with teams from schools throughout South East Queensland. Before the race we were fortunate to have Doug Henderson, one of the original diggers that was involved in the expedition to PNG in World War II, present on his experience in Kokoda. Finally, The Last Post played, we held a minute of silence, then we set out for our adventure at 11.00am.
Fortunately this year, there was no rain, however we did face record low temperatures and a changes course route. Throughout our journey we had the goal of at least walking wherever there was an incline, while running down hills and along flat sections of the track. This is a method which ultimately paid off when we arrived at the top of Hellfire Pass before sunset, more than two hours earlier I have previously seen our teams reach this stage.
We ultimately finished our journey at 2.00am, after trekking through the Nerang State Forest. This final stage was a change to the course – instead of a two-hour journey along reasonably flat ground that we had trained for, we were faced with hills, darkness, and of course lots of rocks.
The final stage took four hours to complete, and I was impressed by our team’s fortitude and resilience. When facing the small challenges that we faced there were no complaints, just a feeling of getting on with the business at hand.
For a group to truly finish the Kokoda Challenge, each and every member of the team must cross the finish line, and Somerset was fortunate to be one of the teams to accomplish this. We completed our adventure at 2.00am in the Nerang Velodrome, walking in to the warm reception of friends and family.
I would like to thank Mickell and Tammy Walden for being our support crew throughout the 15-hour journey. They made sure that we were well fed and stocked up on supplies at all the checkpoints and it was greatly appreciated by myself and the squad.
Finally, I would like to thank Kydra Walden, Jason Zhang, Erin Crough-Heaton, and Ella Crough-Heaton – you created one of the most memorable Kokoda experiences to date.
If you are interested in being involved in the Kokoda Challenge in 2019, please feel free to get in touch with me.
Kate Andrews
Your role at the College? Retail Manager – The Bird and Bush (Retail Centre)How long have you worked at Somerset College? Eight years and loving it.What do you like most about your job? The amazing team surrounded me daily (the magnificent seven, we have such a laugh in this playground of ours), the generosity of my working colleagues, witnessing the many teaching staff who have mentored my son in the past five years (supporting him during his time here at Somerset and now his final year, they are just amazing and so supportive to both Joel and I), and of course, interacting with both students and parents of the Somerset Community, whom I after eight years I have come to know so well. Somerset College is an amazing workplace.Favourite Food? Fried Rice and Lemon ChickenNickname at School? Katee Favourite Colour? Blue – enhance my NSW supporter code. GO THE BLUES.What other job would you like to do if you were not doing this job? Mr Chris Hemsworth’s – Personal Assistant. If anyone knows how I can apply, please advise.What person inspires you the most and why? Scott Pape – The Barefoot Investor, he makes me appreciate the value of smart choices and planning.What’s the best single day on the calendar? My Birthday – really though, it’s a month celebration just ask the staff at the Bird and Bush – they may roll their eyes when asked, but secretly they love celebrating this moment as much as I do……although they are always so excited when August rolls over - go figure!What movie title best describes your life? Finding Nemo (Dory) – I am constantly looking for stuff that OTHER people put away if they just left it in the place that I may have put it down then my movie title would be a whole lot different.What is your favourite dessert? Chocolate Mousse and Baskin-Robbins Cookie Dough – If Barefoot Investor could show me how to buy shares in B'n'R it would save me a lot of money. My husband would be thankful.Favourite quote? "There’s no place like home." – The Wizard of Oz
Joanne Colligan
Your role at the College? Retail Supervisor – The Bird and Bush (Retail Centre)How long have you worked at Somerset College? 12 yearsWhat do you like most about your job? Interaction with both the students and staff on a daily basis.Favourite Food? IndianNickname at School? WinnieFavourite Colour? White and PinkWhat other job would you like to do if you were not doing this job? Nothing – stay at home. What person inspires you the most and why? My Two Boys (Kyle) and (Corey), they make me laugh and wind me up at the same time.What’s the best single day on the calendar? 25 December, Christmas DayWhat movie title best describes your life? Mrs BrownWhat is your favourite dessert? Lemon Meringue PieFavourite quote? "Little by little, day by day, what is meant for you, will find its way."
The competition gets tougher each year as colleges continue to grow their Netball programmes and new teams being added to the pool.
Our Somerset team had a tough draw this year but took on the challenge with a convincing start on the first day gaining a great win over rivals Sunshine Coast Grammar and then Aquinas College. Two more comfortable wins on Day 2 versus Clairvaux Mackillop and our bogey team, The Cathedral College finally put any demons to rest. Day 3 was tough with a tightly fought win over Marymount College tiring the girls for their big game of the day Townsville’s St Margaret Mary's. Unfortunately we went down to the home side by two goals and were faced with the tough road to the Grand Final. A good win over Coomera Anglican College on Day 4 put us in the right mindset to take on the daunting challenge of playing 2016's winners Matthew Flinders that afternoon.
Unfortunately a very slow start from our girls put Flinders in the drivers seat with a first quarter score of 15 to 7. With nothing to lose and pride at stake, the team fought hard for every ball in true Spartans spirit gaining intercept after intercept. The stadium was packed and the support for our team was inspiring. With two minutes to go the scores were level and it was goal for goal. This game could have gone either way. With 20 seconds of the game remaining and Flinders up by one goal, their shooter went down with an injury and by the time the umpire made the call the clock had ticked down and the game was over. Final score 20 to 19. A lacklustre end to an exciting game, but one that will be remembered for the future!
Our playoff for third and fourth was against St Columban’s with an excellent team win to finish the tournament.
Well done to this amazing team for their outstanding performances throughout the week and giving their absolute all in true Spartan style.
Somerset players selected in Tournament teams.
Huge congratulations to Rylee Burns for her selection in the 2018 QISSN All Stars team. Only 10 players are selected from the 640 participating throughout the week. This is the third year Rylee has been selected in this team. Congratulations again on an outstanding achievement.
Congratulations also to Kasey Collins for her selection in the QISSN Rising Stars Team. 10 players are also selected and recognised as the up and coming players of the tournament. Fantastic effort Kasey!
Both Rylee and Kasey were voted Somerset's tournament MVPs. Well done Girls – GO SPARTANS
However, Luka, Rhian and Charles all trialled really well in what is a very competitive selection process-up against 80 of the best Rugby players in the state. At the completion of the trials two Queensland teams were announced to trial for the Australian Schoolboy team (held in Sydney on the last week of the holiday break).
Rhian Stowers was successful in being selected for the ‘Queensland 1’ team. Unfortunately, at the Australian Schoolboys trials, Rhian missed out on selection but nonetheless an outstanding achievement given the nature of the schools and talent he was up against with the majority of the Australian Schoolboy team coming from elite Grammar Schools with enormous rugby profiles. Well done Charles, Lewis, Luka and Rhian!
From the Clinics, students gained an insight that fitter, faster and stronger have different definitions for each sport, athlete and situation.
From: “I want to be stronger” - To: “Complete 10 body weight pull ups/Squat my body weight” From: “I want to be faster” - To: “Maintain 4min/km pace for 5km/Sprint 100m in under 12sec”
These individual goals formed the basis for exercise selection and programming each session. Many students will continue their Strength and Conditioning development throughout Term Three via APS Sport specific sessions.
The Fitness Centre Gym is available Monday to Saturday for Senior student use.
The Cup involves each team to read five novels, chosen by the regional co-ordinators, they are then quizzed on them against other schools from the region.
As a team the Year 5 and 6 girls, Abigail Brinkworth, Advika Srivastav, Noa Chester-Haviv, Penelope Deacon and Sophia Ahern, worked beautifully together and this resulted in our best result to date. We came fourth overall with only three points between us and the winning team.
The books read this year were Goldfish Boy, by Lisa Thompson, The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart, by Stephanie Burgis, Fish in a Tree, by Lynda Mellaly Hunt, Finding Gobi: Younger Readers Edition, by Dion Leonard and May Tang: a New Australian, by Katrina Beikoff.
This year we entered the same Senior team as last year, at the students' request. The team consisted of Angus Millar, Callum McClure, Claudia Crimmins, Phoenix Chapman and Riley Davenport from Year 8. The students showed their team work and reading skills but mostly how much they enjoy the competition.
Next year we will be looking for more students to compete in the competition as it was the last year that these students can compete. I look forward to seeing who will step up to take their places.
AFL Auskick is once again coming to Somerset College! The first session will take place on Tuesday 31 July from 3.30pm to 4.30pm on Wyangan Oval and will run for six weeks. The cost is only $75 for these six sessions and when you participate you receive your very own football and backpack. This is strictly only open to Somerset College students from Prep to Year 3. Register here and search for your school’s suburb. For more information, contact Tim Searl at Tim.Searl@afl.com.au or on 5594 5722.
To all those students in the Junior School who are keen on their Athletics, training for both Track and Field events is still on during Term Three. Sessions begin each morning down on the track at 7.00am sharp and concluding at 8.15am. The weekly training schedule is as follows:
A reminder to all parents and students in Year 3 to 6, that the 2018 Junior School Inter-House Athletics Carnival will be taking place on Friday and Saturday 27 and 28 July. Both of these are all day events from 8.30am to 3.30pm and all students are expected to attend. Dress is Sports Kit with House T-shirt, hat and water bottle. It is also recommended children bring a packed lunch on both of these days.
Students who are present on the Saturday receive a day in lieu on Thursday 30 August prior to the Gold Coast Show Day on Friday 31 August.
Click here for the Inter-House Athletics Carnival Programme.
Representative Rugby
During the holiday break Rhian Stowers, Lewis Pye, Charles Pye and Luka Lewis all competed at the Queensland Schoolboy Rugby trials at Ballymore. Rhian Stowers was successful in being selected for the Queensland 1 Team.APS Carnival
Held Wednesday 8 August. Somerset are the three-time defending champions and the team will be announced the week after the Carnival. Practices continue daily at 7.00am at the track.Somerset House Athletics Carnival: Selection Policy for APS Team
The Somerset House Athletics Carnival is not an APS “selection trial”. In each event, the top two place-getters do not automatically qualify for the Somerset APS Athletics Team. The Athletics coaches and Director of Sport maintain the right to make all selections, based on history of performance, recent form in class and practices and “best fit” for the team. A squad will be selected and the final team announced closer to the APS Athletics Carnival.APS Summer Season 2018
Track & Field Season 2018
Somerset Sport Policy
APS Sport Photos
Click here to access photos of your sport or your team.Somerset maintained constant control of the match with their tight defence and slick attacking play.
It was great to see all players on court participating, in what was a very good win for Somerset.
The final score was 56 to 36. Player of the Match was Somerset's Madizen Wilkins, and All Saints' Netta Murphy.
1st Netball team, Kirsty Brodbeck (Captain), Madizen Wilkins, Erin Crough-Heaton, Sara Dann, Kasey Collins, Tara Davies, Katisha Webb, Rylee Burns, Natalie Blauberg, April McMullen.n Wilkins and All Saint's Netta Murphy.
A total of 183 players took part in the Gold Coast Open this year – an international tournament that is one of the biggest and strongest tournaments in Australia. The top division had many of the top Australian players and even several overseas players. There were five Grand Masters (the highest title in chess).
Notable performances from Somerset students included Eason Wang, Byron Morris and Ben Atia (4.5/7 in the Major division, = ninth). Jason Li, Kabilan Manuneedhi, Kenny Ming, Lyanna Chan, Mayuri Yamaguchi and Charlie Liu also participated in the Major. Raff Atia, Kei Naito and Kona Baldock played in the Minor section. All students managed to score points against very tough opposition, and gained invaluable experience.
The 2018 Queensland Junior Championship was held 2 to 6 July at St Joseph’s Nudgee College. In the Under 12, Eason Wang finished = sixth with 5.5/8 and Sophia Ahern =14th with 4.5/8. Byron Morris had a great performance in the Under 18, finishing = eigth overall with 4.5/8. He held the top seed and eventual winner Hughston Parle to a draw.
Full results of the Gold Coast Open and the Queensland Juniors here.
In the third week of the holidays, we had the Chess camp at Somerset. Kids from all over the Gold Coast came to learn and play. On Thursday 12 July, we finished with a tournament day, the Winter Cup.
A few notable achievements from Somerset students included: Sophia Ahern = first on Tuesday in the Advanced Group; Bobby Long first on Wednesday in Intermediate and first overall for Intermediate/Beginner for Monday-Wednesday combined; Kenny Ming first with 7/8 in the Winter Cup out of a field of 53.
It’s not too late to sign up for Term Three co-curricular lessons! To register your child, log in to My Somerset Community and go to the 'Electives' tab.
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