I know I would not be able to change anyone's life; however, I discovered this is not why Somerset visits each year. By consistently returning to Barambah on a B Trip and showing that we care and can listen to the local community, collectively we all make the difference.
One topic spoken of during our nightly reflections has been imprinted into my mind: it is all about listening. Indigenous Australians do not need people telling them how to solve the many issues they are confronted with in today’s society, or to get over the transgenerational trauma. They simply need a voice and for people to listen. This is starting to happen and there are some good examples.
I have come home from this insightful experience with new friendships and cherished memories, much love for the children, which I admittedly refer to as ‘my kids’. I have learnt a considerable amount, and hope that this initiative inspires us all to serve this cause in a more effective way as future professionals. With this vision, we may strive to reduce the social gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. It is through overcoming the challenges ahead that we prove our will and determination.
A previous B2er had told me before departing that, ‘this was the best school trip they had ever been on’. I must confess that it has lived up to the expectation and I encourage students who enter Year 10 to attend a B Trip. You will have your eyes opened and your hearts warmed.
The Somerset B3 Trip was unlike any other I have attended. I owe a great debt of gratitude to the College and especially Mr Walker for organising such an amazing experience, and to Mrs Walker and Ms Scandrett for their time in accompanying us on this Nation Building event.
My goal for my Personal Project is, “To redesign and recreate an aesthetic pinball machine that appeals to children whilst using scientific and technological innovation to be eco-friendly by reusing resources to encourage youth to enjoy pinball machines”.
In this project, I am wanting to achieve a fully functioning, re-designed, EM (electro mechanical) pinball machine that is used for competitive practice and to encourage youth to play pinball. My Project has been influenced from my personal interests of regularly playing competitively in pinball competitions and enjoying art and being creative. From 8 to 9 June, I competed in the Southern hemisphere championships in Sydney with over 70 competitive pinball players. I was the youngest player and I had won the women’s competition by beating the world’s number one woman pinball player in the world. From competing in several competitions over the years, I am now ranked 50th in Australia out of 2,457 ranked players and I am the number one woman pinball player in Australia.
To complete my project, I had to undertake various research in order to finish aspects of my pinball machine and to consider my chosen global context. From extensive research, I found that Netflix is the number one platform to watch TV shows and movies with a survey conducted by 5,500 teenagers stating they spend 38 per cent of their time watching Netflix. This allowed me to select the theme of the machine being, Stranger Things because it is the second most viewed Netflix TV show. My global context is ‘scientific and technical innovation.' By choosing a theme popular to young people, it will influence the younger community to play the pinball machine. As a result of this, the environment of people playing pinball machines alter because more younger people are playing pinball.
Further research was also conducted to analyse how the machine would impact the environment. To manufacture new pinball machines, more resources/materials are needed as well as the machine needing over $1 million in investments to fund the production of the machine. By reusing a machine that is 50+ years old, I am positively impacting the environment because I am using a machine that would normally be thrown out and I am reusing resources/materials that are already provided from home.
In order to repair and redesign the pinball machine, I had multiple conversations and involved people to complete the product. Interviews were conducted to learn tips and the most effective ways to repair and repaint the cabinet and back box of the pinball machine. Professional EM pinball repairers also came to my home to assist with repairing the machine so it was fully functional. After concluding the theme of the machine, additional research was done to learn how to use specific programmes to design the machine with relating images to the theme researched and included into these designs. By seeking advice from a friend working in a printing company and from friends and family, I was able to successfully create a back glass and playfield design for the machine.
From completing my Personal Project, my pinball machine will be used in the Pinball Brisbane Masters Competition at the ECA. As well as this, before the competition, I will have a TV interview to advertise the pinball competition for the ECA. I’m grateful for this project because I was able to create something I have been wanting to do for a while and the opportunity allowed me to develop many skills that can be useful for the future. Whilst this project has been long, I am proud of the outcome, proud of my product and I will remember this experience for the rest of my life.
Each student had selected their own person to inquire into based on personal fields of interest and then went on to complete a series of learning engagements.
From Leila Denmark to Winston Churchill to Dian Fossey, all individuals had been selected through the concept of Change. In other words, students explored their positive contributions and changes to mankind.
We were incredibly impressed with the way all students interacted with their audience, they presented with passion, excitement and knowledge.
It was a deeply moving experience, for all involved. Somerset students showed great care and compassion towards the children throughout the morning and we look forward to revisiting again soon! All Year 11 students visit Mudgeeraba Special School for a period of time throughout the year. The programme is in its eighth year and the connection between our two schools continues to go from strength to strength. Long may it continue.
Countless weeks of training had led to this national tournament where the best schoolboys from around the country battled for the title. It was big step up from normal school rugby; the bodies were bigger, the skills were slicker, and the intensity was as high as ever. The championships were held at St Ignatius Riverview College down in Sydney where it only reached a high of 14 degrees each day. We put on a dominant display in our first pool game against a somewhat shocked NSW 2 team, 36 to 21. Leading into the tournament, both Queensland teams were underestimated due to the absence of our GPS schools, said to be the strongest in Queensland. However, after day one, we had announced that we were a legitimate threat to this competition.
Later in the week, we came across the dangerous Combined States team in the semi-final, which had a variety of players from around all of Australia who had just missed out on their state teams. Another dominant performance by the Queensland boys saw us move into the grand final with a score of 39 to 14. A nervous Saturday morning led to the final against the reigning champions NSW 1. A cloudless blue sky, with a very strong breeze made conditions very icy. Unfortunately, it was NSW that put on a dominant display and convincingly took out the championship. However, runners up in a national tournament is something I will cherish for most of my life as well as the memories that were made during this competition. It was an awesome experience starting as left wing and also playing valuable minutes at full back and right wing.
The Gold Coast Invitational (GCI) Tournament is hosted by Hillcrest Christian College every year, and was held at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre from 4 to 7 July. Somerset College entered three teams into the tournament, 15 Year Boys, 15 Year Girls, and Open Boys. All three teams competed against some of the top basketball schools from around the state, some even travelling interstate to compete at the GCI tournament.
The 15 Year Boys' team finished seventh in their division, with some huge moments during the tournament as a team, and for individuals. Tyler Longfield finished with a MASSIVE 47 points in a pool game verse Hillcrest's second team, scoring 29 points in the fourth quarter alone! Wilson Partridge had a game high 36 points in the semi final on Saturday verse St Columban's College, including six three-pointers made in an intense back-and-forth game. However, the final game verse Toowoomba Grammar School was a true testament of how good this team could be. They pulled together to get the win 58 to 50, with four players scoring in double figures, and some great teamwork on display on both ends of the floor. Captain, Jordon Webb, had a game high 13 in the final game against Toowoomba and Jude Taylor and Alex Psaras played some great defence and grabbed some big rebounds all tournament. Zak Van Den Brink some big steals and improved in defence every game, and Jasper Mansell showed that he has the potential to be an elite guard, attacking the rim with great confidence.
The 15 Year Girls team finished fifth in their division, overcoming Varsity College in their final match 67 to 43. The girls had a rough start, losing Victoria Jones after a game, and also Claudia Crimmins after injuring her finger and being ruled out for the tournament. Fortunately the six girls remaining pulled together and worked hard, competing against teams with twice the amount of players on the bench. They ran hard every game, encouraged one another, and showed some real toughness towards the tail end of the tournament. Sisters Jade and Cienna Bailey combined for 39 points in their pool game verse Varsity College, where Cienna had a game high 22 points. They then combined for 35 points in the final game, where Jade had a game high 23 points. The Bailey sisters usually play on different teams for club, but the chemistry they showed during the tournament was exciting to watch! Ekheera Birk and Riley Davenport played crucial roles in defence, containing some top guards, and grew in confidence as they continued to attack and score on offence. Sophie Vitte and Sydney Surie were equally as important to the team's success, locking down the middle in defence, securing rebounds, and scoring valuable baskets for the team.
The Open Boys Team finished ninth in the top division, playing against some of the best high school players in the state, with some tough competition. Due to some late illness and injury, the team played the tournament with only six players, one on the bench, which was a challenge to start with, and demanded accountability from each individual, every game. A tough ask! Day one the boys pulled together and beat Toowoomba Grammar School in a first-class basketball display. Players played their roles to perfection, with Dom Bensley leading the charge, Mitchell Murdock challenging every contest, Nick Spegel locking down the middle, Felix Jackson making smart decisions, Ben O'Boyle causing trouble around the fringe, and Nathan Rana-Smith making some big plays. Unfortunately the team's success didn't last for the duration of the tournament, as the Open Boys fell short against some quality opposition. We often grow in defeat more than we do in victory, as we sit, think, and learn from our errors, planning and working together to be better next time. Along with this, we learn to keep going, we develop resilience, and we aim to improve as leaders and as a team, making adjustments and implementing strategies to be better next time.
All in all the GCI tournament was a huge success for Somerset Spartans, and we aim to enter several teams into the competition in June/July Holidays 2020!
Two U11s' teams travelled up to Caloundra to compete in the 2019 U11 Basketball Championships from the 12 to 14 July. This is the first time Somerset College has competed in the U11 Basketball Championships, and it would be one to remember! Somerset Spartans entered one girls team and one boys team consisting of eight dedicated young players in each team.
The U11 Girls Team consisted of several players who were new to basketball this year, and were ready for the challenge heading to a tournament where they would play several games each day against some skilled opponents. The girls played two games in a row on their final day, winning their playoff game for a bronze medal by 7 points. The girls showed incredible spirit and intensity each game, and coaches Vicki Franks and Ashleigh Hunt were instrumental in improving the girls game-to-game. Audrey Cirocco, Brianna Peardon, Eliana Brienza, Abhilasha Sarmah, Evelyn Chan, Riko Tateno and Lucy Pluss were all absolutely brilliant! Well done girls, you are all a fantastic example of the values we hold so dear at Somerset Spartans Basketball.
The U11 Boys Team had a fairytale tournament, going unbeaten and winning the gold medal in their division. The team had three sets of brothers on the roster, which gave them the edge with team chemistry already instilled into their DNA. All jokes aside, the leadership, organisation and composure they displayed was second-to-none. Every player on the team put in, played hard, and supported one another at every turn. James Hartley was the tournament MVP, racking up a huge points tally and setting up his teammates all tournament. Pat Kelly-Correa was the defensive anchor of the team, and set the intensity with his hustle and spirit. Will Pluss and Liam Borin were key with their strength and rebounding ability, having a huge final game for the gold medal. Liam Hartley and Rowan Bartley improved every game, scoring some important baskets for the team in big matches. Jack Pluss and Julian Kelly-Correa gave their all every game, and showed that they have great potential to play with the best. Ethan Kelly-Correa provided some valuable minutes, and almost brought the house down when an opportunity to score went begging in the 4th quarter of the final game.
Overall, the U11 Basketball Championships was a learning experience for all. We learnt how incredible the families at Somerset College are at supporting one another and showing compassion and care. A huge thank you to all the parents for helping make the weekend run so smoothly, and taking such great care of one another.
Club Basketball Winter Season Continues... Round 11 tips off this week, with all team training sessions also commencing as of Week 1. A strong finish is needed for teams to ensure they give themselves the best possible chance of making finals and getting prepared for some big, clutch games. All game fixtures, results, etc. can be found on Somerset Basketball Schoolbox page from week to week, including other important information on upcoming events.
Please save the date for our Winter Season 2019 Club Basketball Presentations, which will be held on Friday 13 September at Somerset College, the week following the conclusion of club basketball finals.
Any students interested in joining Somerset Spartans Basketball Club, please contact Mr Whish-Wilson (swwilson@somerset.qld.edu.au) or Coach Dean Marais (dmarais@somerset.qld.edu.au) for more info and details on how to sign up.
The first day of school holiday, June 22 we hosted Burleigh Under 7, Palm Beach Under 6, Robina Under 7 and Musgrave Under 9. The best way to start your holidays is to play football with your mates from school. The boys and girls had lots of fun. It was a great performance from all our teams.
Due the wet weather, games on 29 June were rescheduled for Sunday 28 July.
The week after, 6 July we had a well deserved break. After weeks of training and games, it was good to have a short break and get us prepared for the last rounds of the season.
On Saturday 13 July, the 4 versus 4 teams played all their games at Somerset.
The Under 6 and 7 played Mudgeeraba and our other U7 team played in Tweed. Still without some players who were on holiday, we were short substitutions for the game. The following Spartans were brave enough to play a full game. The Under 7 Green was presented by Chase, Harper, Connor and Zhander. And the Under 7 Blue was presented by Alex, Logan, James and Benedict.
During the school holidays the Football Department organised the Football and Futsal Clinic. Over three days we had 30 kids signed up for the clinic. In the morning the coaches trained the kids in the indoor centre. In the afternoon we moved from indoor Futsal to outdoor Football. The kids had a great three-day clinic during their holidays.
Saturday July 20 all Spartans Football teams play away games.
Please check the Football Club Schoolbox Page for more info.
Somerset Athletics had success at the Downunder Championships. Sam Reeve, Charlotte Chant and Prosper Nwoko won Gold in the 200m Finals.
Well done and thank you to Coach Mark Ladbrook for his support and efforts.
Congratulations to our Netball state champions Wilson Partridge, Jordan Webb, Jude Taylor, Matthew Leal, Tyler Longfield who represented Somerset Spartans in the final for their club.
Jayde competed with her horse Eddie at the State Equestrian trials in Warwick over the holidays. There was a large group of talented riders from all over Queensland.
Jayde and Eddie were coming fourth after Dressage with two legs to go. They were only 1.6 points away from taking the championship but with a tough group remained in fourth position.
Jayde has now qualified to compete at Nationals in Sydney at the end of September.
Congratulations to Jayde and her horse Eddie, as this smashes a massive goal she set for herself at the start of the year, and shows hard work really does pay off!
Riley Nauta competed in the American Motorcycle Association's Grand National dirt track event in Harpster Ohio, USA during the holidays.
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