While Term One was action packed from the very beginning, I have no doubt that Term Two will be very similar. We commence the term with College Tours, the Inter-House Cross Country Carnival, Debating, Wordsmiths, the P&F Pop-Up Shop, Senior School Musical Camp, the Inter-House Rowing Regatta and the Cross Country Camp.
Of course this is just the beginning. We take time to remember the fallen with ANZAC Day Chapels and attendance at the various ANZAC Day services around the Coast. We’ll then have Senior School Parent Teacher Evenings; NAPLAN Testing, Excursions, Debating, Mother’s Day. All this before we head into the challenge of Exams after which students will receive their results and continue with life their busy lives at Somerset College.
All this while continuing with our academic, cultural, co-curricular, service and sporting activities and pursuits that we work consistently and tirelessly to shape our students’ futures by learning to critique, collaborate, create and communicate!
With regret I have accepted the resignation of Mrs Melanie Lamb. Mrs Lamb will leave us at the end of Term Two to relocate to New South Wales to embark on new adventures for all the family. We wish her every success in the future and thank her for her dedication and contribution to Somerset.
This term, we welcome back Mrs Anne Rowe and Miss Lisa Connell from leave.
I am delighted to announce that:
Our involvement with the 2018 Commonwealth Games sadly finished this past week. Our students have had so many opportunities to be part of this great city-wide event. The presence of the Canadian, Northern Ireland, and PNG teams here at various stages gave our students the opportunity to embrace the spirit but also see up close the commitment and skill required to compete on such a global stage.
Many of our staff, students and Alumni were involved directly in Games events from volunteering to participating in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. A special mention to Max Deffenti (Year 7 Starkey) as the voice of the Closing Ceremony, what a confident young man to so seamlessly carry this role.
We have heard many times about the legacy of these Games and it is clear to see that in the infrastructure of the Gold Coast and particularly in the infrastructure here at Somerset. But in the hearts and minds of our students the legacy is really felt, their pride in the College, their City and their own unbounded potential.
I want to especially thank, Mr Damian Flint, our Facilities Manager, who co-ordinated so much of the access to the Games for our students. It was a journey of two years but it will leave a lifetime legacy.
Any story worth telling is worth telling twice.
I find it awe inspiring to know the students and staff who pulled together a musical of this calibre in one term. It was amazing to see the work behind the scenes, as people rallied together to build sets and costumes; as well as to rehearse individually and as a team, choreographing dances, learning songs and bringing it all together to be the fabulous production that it was.
Congratulations to all of the cast involved. They were the ultimate professionals, pushing through in times of illness and adversity, improvising during sound or microphone glitches and, most importantly, enjoying the entire experience. I am proud of every student involved in the show.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the staff who coordinated various areas, putting in many additional hours throughout Term One. Many staff and parents contributed to this year’s musical, throughout rehearsals, as well as during performance days. Without their willingness to assist, we would not be able to put on a successful production. To these people, I say a very big thank you!
Congratulations to Mrs Brigitte Weintrop for successfully coordinating all aspects as Producer and Director of this year’s musical. Her time, dedication and talent is appreciated! Thanks to Miss Melissa Black as Music Director and Miss Sara Rosentreter as Choreography Director for their fabulous work in these areas.
The story of The Lion King is such a beautiful one I am sure it will live in the hearts of all of those involved for a very long time to come.
Hakuna Matata – it means no worries for the rest of your days!
For Tour Co-Captains, Lewis and Charles Pye, along with regular 1st XV Captain, Will Stoten, this was their second tour and all three boys led the touring squad admirably both on and off the field.
Highlights of the tour included an NHL match with a backstage pass to watch the Vancouver Canucks come out of their change room and on to the ice. The Canucks extra time victory of 5 goals to 4 over Columbus Blue Jackets, was even more enthralling and one of the best live sporting events I have ever seen.
The following three nights were spent with our good mates Lord Byng School located in West Vancouver. Relationships with the students was further enhanced after they visited us on the Gold Coast, just nine days prior. Many boys enjoyed their time with their hosts but come game day on Easter Monday, the friendships were put aside for 60 minutes as the two teams rekindled their rivalry. Both Somerset teams grinding out comprehensive wins 40 to 3 and 60 to 5 respectively.
From Lord Byng we travelled to Collingwood School, located in the British Properties of Vancouver. Collingwood students have been visiting us here at Somerset since 2003 and we have a long established relationship. The boys were treated to some superb hospitality in one of the wealthiest areas in Canada for another three nights. During the day we explored some of Vancouver’s sites including Stanley Park, China Town, Gastown, Downtown and Grouse Mountain, spending a half day at the latter ice skating, tobogganing and throwing snowballs at each other. For some of the boys it was the very first time they had set foot on the snow; certainly a memorable and fun experience!
We also indulged in some good old-fashioned fun with a go-karting excursion, where all the boys’ competitive sides were on full display. Rhian Stowers demonstrated he had little regard for his team mates, showing no mercy as he cut people off at will during his 15 minutes behind the wheel! Ultimately, Mr Zernike showed his experience and class, to take out the fastest lap, much to the dismay of the 26 boys and two other staff! The two games against Collingwood provided much stiffer opposition but both the 10 aside team and 1st XV displayed improved efforts in cool, wet conditions to emerge victorious 32 to 12 and 24 to 5.
After farewelling our hosts at Collingwood, we ventured to one of the Skiing Capitals of the world, Whistler. For two full days, we skied and snowboarded in what can only be described as ‘magical’ conditions. The first day we had snow falling as we explored the many different runs Whistler and Blackcomb have to offer, while Sunday we had much clearer conditions making for a totally different experience. The boys enjoyed revelling in the day's stories as they soaked in the hotel’s hot tubs after a full day’s skiing and snowboarding. Memories they are certain to cherish for many years to come!
From Whistler we caught the ferry over to Victoria on Vancouver Island to spend the last five days of the tour. We knew we had a big game against Canada’s top Rugby playing school for the last decade, Shawnigan Lake. Mr Attoe and Mr Anderson called for a training session the day prior to the game and it paid dividends as the 1st XV prevailed in a physical encounter 47 to 19. Running away from Shawnigan in the back half of the match with three exceptional tries. Spending the night at Shawnigan was a real treat, as they have a purpose built boarding house for visiting teams. The school is often described as ‘Hogwarts’ with it’s very British looking buildings and surrounds. The team enjoyed some storytelling in the common room about the day’s events, along with some funny stories about the tour to date.
With one more game to go and the tour winding to an end, the squad enjoyed some regular meal times together at our favourite team restaurant, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. The team also explored the local shopping mall where many boys took great delight in riding toy animals around the centre. As they say, boys will be boys!
The final match of the tour was against Brentwood College who are another powerhouse Rugby school in Canada. The team found it difficult to get up for the game after such elation in beating Shawnigan two days prior. Brentwood ran with purpose and they had some very physical players. The team pulled together in the second half after absorbing a lot of first half pressure to finish the match 31-21 victors.
The final day of the tour was spent travelling back to Vancouver by ferry. The team partook in a competitive game of mini golf at a local indoor min golf establishment. Michael Taulepa and Ziggy Enoch took out the worst mini golfer’s award whilst Mr Attoe demonstrated his deft skills around the green. The final team meal was held at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Richmond before heading to the airport to catch our return flight home.
During our two week adventure to Canada, the 26 young men attending represented themselves, their families, the College and Australia superbly, showing exceptional determination and endeavour on the field as well as humility, pragmatism and comradeship off the field. My thanks to all the young men as well as Mr Troy Zernike, Mr Spence Attoe and Mr Grant Anderson for making the trip a great success both on and off the field.
Somerset College v Lord Byng Secondary School
2nd XV Fixture - Somerset College 40 defeated Lord Byng 3 Man of the match: Luka Lewis
1st XV Fixture - Somerset College 60 defeated Lord Byng 5 Man of the match: Rhian Stowers
Somerset College v Collingwood School
2nd XV Fixture - Somerset College 32 defeated Collingwood School 12 Man of the match: Aidan McKeon
1st XV Fixture - Somerset College 24 defeated Collingwood School 5 Man of the match: Henry Arbon
Somerset College v Shawnigan Lake School
2nd XV Fixture - Shawnigan Lake School 37 defeated Somerset College 20 Man of the match: Jack Cerutti
1st XV Fixture - Somerset College 47 defeated Shawnigan Lake School 19
Try scorers: Riley Noon 3, Luka Lewis, Aidan McKeon, Henry Arbon, Penalty Try Conversions: Henry Arbon 6/7 Man of the match: Rhian Stowers
Somerset College v Brentwood College
1st XV Fixture - Somerset College 31 defeated Brentwood College 21 Try scorers: Rhian Stowers 2, Riley Noon, Declan Thew, Sam Dalton Conversions: Henry Arbon 2, Sam Dalton 1 Man of the match: Sam Dalton and Alex Ceh
You’re now part of the Somerset Community and we welcome you to our College. We wish you the best of luck no matter what country you’re from.
Year 6 student Leo Kelly-Correa summed it up perfectly when he stood tall and officially welcomed visiting Commonwealth Games Athletes from Athletics Canada, Northern Ireland, Fiji, and Swimming Canada.
Students took the chance to meet with and view training sessions, as the athletes fine tuned their preparations. During one gift exchange Fijian Shot Putter Mustafa Fall literally gave the shirt off his back, much to the delight of one of our Junior School students who accepted his gesture.
Down at the Hammer Cage, two time Commonwealth Games Champion Sultana Frizell from Canada could be seen christening the new Hammer Cage Facility. Frizell, whose personality is as big as her throws could be seen interacting with a group of Junior School students who had gathered around to watch her.
At our new Pole Vault facility, Canada’s Alysha Newman was putting the final touches together of what would later become a gold medal performance. One of the lasting legacies for the College is that we will soon have our own Pole Vault programme that students can participate in.
Over at the pool reigning Olympic Champion Penny Oleksiak attracted plenty of attention by onlookers as she was put through her paces by one of the numerous coaching staff who were tracking her every stroke. It would be teammate Taylor Ruck however who would soon steal the limelight as the teenager went on to secure eight medals and tie the record for most medals won in a single Games. And just when you thought you had seen it all, in walked Games Chairman Peter Beattie, former Olympian Stephanie Rice, along with Borobi to promote the Commonwealth Games pins over at the pool. The launch attracted almost all of the local media outlets and would feature a number of Somerset Students.
During their time here the athletes demonstrated the necessary traits which had made them Commonwealth and Olympic Champions. They were professional in their interaction with others, displayed discipline in their training, and exhibited great work ethic to complete their programme load. It is some of these traits that we hope our students also witnessed, will learn from and can portray through their own experiences.
As a show of generosity and appreciation of their Somerset Experience, Northern Ireland Chef De Mission Robert McVeigh invited students Kydra Walden and Leo Kelly-Correa to tour the Athletes Village where they gained an insight into the magnitude of the Commonwealth Games operations. Here they were able to see firsthand how athletes lived and breathed during the Commonwealth Games, what can only be described as a truly once in a lifetime experience.
The Commonwealth Games take place every four year’s however it’s the experiences that are created and the opportunities that are developed that will leave a lasting legacy for us here at the College. On their Somerset Experience
Jared Macleod – Head of Operations, Athletics Canada:
It was amazing, and you were all part of making it such a great success. Thank you for everything.
A Street Library is a beautiful home for books. Located in an easily accessible spot within the community. They are an invitation to share the joys of reading with everyone. The Somerset Shed undertook this project on day one of Term One and started planning to create two homes for books.
The design was created by Ava Luxford and Emma McTaggart based on similar projects that we had done before when building the nesting boxes that we donate to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. Laminated Pine Sheets were cut to size (and re-cut if they were not to size). The next stage was assembling the street library structures, followed by the all important decorating (painting) to give our street libraries character!
Our goal was to complete this project in time for the Twenty Fifth Chapter, this year's Celebration of Literature. We are pleased to see that one of the Street Libraries will be positioned at Broadbeach Family Practice. The second Street Library will be delivered to the Cherbourg community where we visit annually for the 'B Trips'.
We are sure that these street libraries will be a window into the mind of the community. A place where books can come and go; no-one needs to check them in or out. People can simply reach in and take what interests them; when they are done, they can return them to the Street Library network, or pass them on to friends.
Thank you to the following Year 10 Somerset Shed Mentors for giving up their time to complete this project from start to finish – Emma McTaggart, Ava Luxford, Shauna English, Jack Daly, Thomas Liu and Samuel Liu.
We hope that our street libraries are filled with books; enjoyed by the community and become a symbol of trust and hope – a tiny vestibule of literary happiness.
Bonjour Mes Amis! Guten Tag!
Seven Year 11 and 12 students made the arduous and early journey on Saturday 24 March, down to the Tweed Civic Centre to go undercover and to take on new personas for the day. That whole day, we were no longer lowly Senior School students... we were the incredibly revered and feared delegates of France and Germany in a Model United Nations debate!
The Model United Nations debate is a regional debate run by Rotary Australia. Teams of three Senior students are asked to represent a nation belonging to the UN and embody its values and demographics as we debate alongside other ‘nations’ in response to resolutions proposed about prevalent international issues.
With several training sessions under our berets and those fancy feathered German hats, we walked into the debate hall with confidence and pride – until we realised most other students were as nervous and confused as we were.
The day began with a very comforting introductory session that certainly eased a few jitters; no matter how anyone acted, we were all beginners, and would all rise to the challenge and participate as much as possible. Commitment and drive to succeed in this new environment is what tied everyone together – meaning morning tea was welcome accompaniment to mingling and conversation.
Once we began debating, anxiety showed its face – the microphones we were given not helping the situation – but all students present were undoubtedly supportive and respectful of each other. Soon enough, competitiveness was sparked and the debate swung into full action. The day quickly became lively and heated as everyone voiced their opinions and fought for their ideals. Teamwork and communication was necessary within teams and amongst the different nations, and heads were put together as we solved issues and revised action plans.
The issues we were asked to respond to include the Syrian refugee crisis, trade and communications standards as well as political action that needs to be taken in response to current military climate in North Korea. The debate was brought to a whole new level by the notion that we were to conduct ourselves as true delegates of our respective countries.
The level of articulation and maturity displayed by all teams was unprecedented – and recognised in a ceremony that brought the day to a close. The Somerset College team representing France (made up of Uni Kyeong, Montana MacFarlane and Joanne Joe) were awarded third place, a Judge’s Encouragement Award for their efforts.
I cannot praise enough how well the day was organised, managed (and catered). We were truly able to enjoy ourselves. We left the Civic Centre with a spring in our step and filled with the ease and confidence we lacked when walking in. MUNA introduced us to new, like-minded people and emphasised there is much to be gained by pretending to be delegates of another country for a day (or by expanding your comfort zone and trying something new). The day was filled with new experiences and necessitated spontaneity, highlighted the importance of research and perspective and engaged everyone.
I would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to both Mrs Hossy and Somerset College alumnus Ashraf Docrat on behalf of the Somerset MUNA teams for coordinating the debate teams and training us for the day; so much time and effort was put into making the day exceptional and it is certainly Mrs Hossy and Ashraf that we have to thank for this.
The MUNA debate creates an ideal environment for students who want to learn to speak more confidently, expand their social skills and witness the value of conversation and collaboration. Next year, I encourage everyone with even the slightest interest to sign up and participate. Like the students who participated this year, you may well enjoy yourselves immensely!
As Joseph Joubert says:
"It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it."
We are very excited to again bring this exciting opportunity to the Somerset College community and are pleased to announce our speakers include Dr Clarence Tan (NASA’s Singularity University), Mark Sowerby (2017 Queensland Chief Entrepreneur), Ben Southall (Winner Best Job in the World Competition 2009), Orange Sky Laundries (Young Australians of the Year in 2016), Edda Hamar (Queensland Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 2017), Marc Orchard (Fisburners), Dr John Surie (Fire Shaper), Michael Metcalf (Kynd), Baden U’Ren (Bond University), Fabienne Costa (YCL Jewels), Wayne Gerard (Red Eye), Scott Mackintosh (Scooter Hut), Nimrod Klayman (University of Queensland). A draft of the 2018 Programme can be found here.
The Festival will be held 16 to 17 October this year, and will involve our Year 6 Kidpreneurs and our Year 10 Business and Entrepreneurship students, who will operate business stalls to sell their products to the community. In addition, tickets to the event are again free of charge. Existing partners of the College, including Mudgeeraba Special School, Guide Dogs Queensland, Rize Up, Still Waters and The Salvation Army to name a few, will be represented at the Festival to share stories and opportunities in the growing area of Social Entrepreneurship.
We are excited to announce we have limited opportunities in the programme for parents, alumni and the wider community to sponsor the 2018 Somerset Celebration of Entrepreneurship. Gold and Platinum sponsors have the unique opportunity to lead a one-hour session at the Festival and associate their business with both the Somerset and wider entrepreneurial community on the Gold Coast. In 2017 over 5,000 people attended the Festival in its first year and interest in the 2018 event is significantly growing. This is a wonderful chance to support entrepreneurship education on the Gold Coast while also promoting your business.
Please contact Dane Oman at the College via email: doman@somerset.qld.edu.au to pursue this amazing opportunity.
The afternoon was dedicated to covering the first component of Professor Lea Waters SEARCH model - character strengths. It is clear, any work completed at the College to promote the wellbeing of the children in our care pays dividends in all other areas.
Further information about Visible Wellbeing can be accessed here.
The students who completed all the Term One tests were issued with a certificate of achievement in Week 10, Term One.
Harrison Smith (recently crowned Queensland Champion 50m and 100m breaststroke) having his blood lactate levels tested by Dr Annette Eastwood, Somerset Exercise Physiologist. This is part of the ongoing work Dr Eastwood is doing to provide our elite athletes with feedback and information rarely available to athletes outside a Sports Institute.
The process this term is to continue with some more testing and also identify those students who exhibited exceptional fitness levels in the tests already conducted and invite them to participate in one of the College’s many elite pathway Sport programmes. We will also be creating opportunities for students who wish to improve their basic fitness levels to work with Emma Sturges in a health focused supported training programme.
This week three senior students from Somerset are competing in Queensland Senior State Titles in Gymnastics. This competition also serves as selection for the Queensland Team for Nationals.Stephanie Sprague (Year 9) competed in Level 7 SEQ Regionals on the weekend to qualify for State Titles.Matthew Sprague (Year 11) missed Regionals due to injury but has been granted entry to States (Level 7) based on performance.Michael Dobroskok (Year 8) qualified from Level 7 Regionals in late March also to State Titles. The boys compete Friday midday and Saturday.We wish all three well and await their results.
During the holidays, William went to Cairns with the Gold Coast Little League Representative team to the Queensland State Baseball Titles. Gold Coast went undefeated, scoring over 110 runs and allowing just 1 run during the 5 days of competition. Accordingly they have now qualified to go the National Little League Australian Championships in June 2018.
All policies and procedures are outlined in the Senior School Sport page of Schoolbox, under “Sport Policy and Dates”. All students and parents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these.Please note, practices are compulsory for both Winter and Summer Seasons.
Hinterland Trials are for strong performers to trial for representative selection in school sport. These lead to Regional and State teams.
Students wanting to trial for these teams, must email or come to the Sports Department ASAP. All trials are listed on the Sports Page of Schoolbox (“Representative Sport” tile) and announced in Notices during the week.
Every day at 7.00am to 8.15amMeet Ms McKenna and Ms Oppermann at the Track, all welcome.
All students selected for the APS Squad will be notified by email, along with their parents. In Week 4 the Annual APS Cross Country Carnival will take place at Runaway Bay. The program will soon be posted on Schoolbox. Students will also have the opportunity for a practice run at the venue 1 week prior, afterschool on Thursday 3 May.
Term Two: Weeks 1 to 8 Winter Season Rounds 1 to 7 and Finals Day
APS Sport Photos
Click here to access photos of your sport or your team.
All Season details on Schoolbox Senior School Sports page. (“Winter Sports” tile for all season dates, and training schedules of the APS Season)
Student Injuries: If your son or daughter is injured at school sport, it must be recorded at the time by the school nurse/medical person present if parents wish to apply through the school insurance policy. If delayed signs or symptoms arise over the weekend, students must notify the school nurse on Monday morning.
All sporting details are posted on Schoolbox on the Sports page.
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