The Great Hall was certainly a frenzy of creativity, passion, enthusiasm, and achievement. Our Year 10s undoubtedly excelled and were keen to share their accomplishments with those who joined them. If you managed to walk through the hall and look at the exhibits last week, I am sure you would agree the standard of presentations was simply a credit to all involved. So many standouts ranging from a magnificent artworks and artist inspired creations, busks and movie style facial masks, an incredible three-metre scale designed Lego ship, a mini piano restoration, novels, children’s books, textile blankets for paediatric wards, a wedding dress, sustainable clothing, recipe books, handmade jewellery, indigenous jersey, dress making, solar panel boat and bike, fabulous sculptures, photography and coffee table books, music compositions, architectural models, heartfelt books delving into cultural heritage, a renovated shipping container bedroom, go-karts incredible videos focusing on topics ranging from gymnastics, dancing, skateboarding and a variety of sports, 3D animated scenes, a Shinto shrine entrance, a motorised push bike, sport programmes for elite athletes, environmental service projects … the list is endless and represents the many varied interests and talents of our students.
To put this journey in perspective, the Personal Project is a requirement for students in the fifth year of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). The project itself encourages students to practise and strengthen their skills, to consolidate prior and subject-specific learning, and to develop an area of personal interest. The Personal Project provided an excellent opportunity for our students to produce a truly personal and creative product or outcome, which demonstrated consolidation of their learning in the MYP. The personal nature of the project is important given we are asking Year 10 students to complete an assessment over a nine month period – the fact that it revolves around a challenge that motivates and interests the individual student is what makes the final outcome so impressive. Most importantly, we recognise completing the project isn’t a commute. It’s a road trip, full of deviations and byways that so often become the source of true learning.
So to all those students who were standing proud next to their products on Wednesday and Thursday, who worked diligently on their online blog and willingly shared their personal stories about their journey with others, we congratulate you. We recognise it is a mighty achievement that did at times seem daunting, yet you reached the end through determination, self-motivation and tenacity. All great skills to take you forward into Year 11! We look forward to sharing our Exhibition video with our College community over the next week.
Students participated in a range of hybrid sports including vortex gridiron, super soakers, soccer competitions and ball games. After a quick snack, students were back to compete in an East vs West water challenge! Year 3 completed 10 mini events that accumulated points for their team, highlights included super soaking their classmates and the teachers doing the same to our students!
After a delicious BBQ lunch, up next was a spectacular reptile show from Sarah Jane (True Blue Reptiles). We listened to Sarah Jane’s informative chat all about classifying reptiles and the different types we can find in Australia, students were then able to touch a crocodile and a snake.
A quick afternoon tea break of damper and lamingtons (delicious!) students were pumped to begin the next event – Aussie Inflatables Commando Obstacle Courses, two of them! After what had been a very hot morning the students were met with a sprinkle of rain to cool off whilst adventuring through the inflatable courses, the rain didn’t stop them!
As night fell, students enjoyed a pizza dinner with a yummy ice-cream dessert. Grabbing our things and heading to the Koala House for a disco to conclude our awesome day, hosted by our very own teacher assistant Mr Moy.
An email from a Year 3 parent perfectly sums up what was a spectacular day had by all:
“Thank you Year 3 Teachers, for organising such a brilliant day of activities for the Year 3 students last Friday. It was such a well thought out day and a huge effort you all went to ensure the children had a fantastic time. It was simply AMAZING in my son’s words:"
'The Year 3 team would like to thank our amazing students for participating, demonstrating good sportsmanship, developing new skills, and communicating well with their peers. Students were resilient and had a growth mindset when approaching the challenges throughout the day. We look forward to some more fun activities planned for later in the term.'
As part of their LEGO design work, students were encouraged to think fast with some quick LEGO building design challenges, and then think slow and be creative and considered with building their monuments. Thinking creatively is an important 21st century skill, so whilst their monuments had to stand strong, they also needed to be innovative and interesting in their designs.
Creating their monuments in LEGO Digital Designer offered some challenges and some benefits. For our Year 2 students, it has been great to see their focus on the precision required to place the blocks, to move the axis and to use their mouse as they sought to convert their building to a digital format. For some next term, the cycle will complete with their digital monuments being converted back to physical, as their monuments are printed in 3D. Computer aided design is all around us and 3D printing has offered a number of advantages in industry. It’s been an exciting opportunity for our Year 2s to start to look at the world of 3D in digital.
Who took the nice out of my teenager?
Pre-Prep to Year 2 pick up:
“Hello darling, did you have a nice day?”
“Yes, it was so much fun.”
“What interesting things did you do?”
“I got all the way across the monkey bars, and we learned a new song in Mandarin, and I got on a gold face, and Jeremy fell over on the grass and got mud all over him. It was so funny”
Year 9 to 12 pick up:
“Hello (softly – darling), did you have a nice day?”
“Orright”
“What interesting things did you do?”
“Nuthin much”
(desperate) “You must have done something?”
“Just stuff” (dismissively) and head into phone screen
Do you ever worry that you are the only mother whose teenager won’t talk to her? Or that you are such a bad father that your teen has no interest in you?
If you do, don’t panic, you are normal. Things may never be what they were when the grunter and huffer was all bubbly and chatty, but they will almost certainly get much better by the time they reach the 2s again (as in 20, 21, 22, etc.)
Historically it has always been true. Teenagers who fill their days and evenings with millions of words of prattle and nonsense with their friends develop an almost monastic economy of words with their parents. One wonders if there is so much wickedness in their days and naughtiness in their thoughts that they become scared to speak, in case they confess.
In order to survive through this, and retain sanity, parents must cleanse themselves of expectations of reciprocity and place their faith in the power of intent. In simpler terms, keep asking the questions but don’t be too concerned in the answers or their absence. You don’t really want to know what the child did, you just want the child to know you are interested and care.
Teens don’t want to talk to their parents but (while they would never confess this) they like to know their parents want to talk to them. The interest, curiosity and persistence is a powerful force in making the teen feel accepted, wanted and confident. We’re the grown ups, we don’t need the affirmation of a reply, but our children certainly need the affirmation of our questions.
All we need to do is have our own pre-prepared response list (“that’s nice”, “really”, “maybe it will be better tomorrow”) and a keen ear for when the teen goes off-script to test if we’re really listening!
The best illustration of this ever is in Pete Denahy’s song Sorta Dunno Nuthin, enjoy the video at the link.
Oh, by the way, with the rapid social change in our world the teen years arrive WELL BEFORE the 13th birthday, this may explain your nine year old.
It was a huge turn out by our extremely close-knit netball community, many of whom were among the first to arrive at 6.30 in the morning and last to leave at 2.00pm, and all there to do their bit for the club their girls so proudly represent every Saturday.
An extraordinary array of cakes and cookies accompanied the sizzle of of the barbecue and the broader netball community that descends upon Firth Park each and every Saturday could not help but be impressed by the enthusiasm and good cheer that accompanied the event.
A special shout out to members of the Open team who mingled selflessly with the younger kids and took their turn marshalling those trying their luck on the chocolate toss or serving those out to satisfy a post-game hankering for a brownie. Their kind of naturally selfless example-setting defines the spirit of Somerset Spartans Netball. Everyone helps, everyone is included and all involved take responsibility for sharing the joy of the sport.
Perhaps this goes some way to explaining why Somerset Netball - for the past few years under the watchful stewardship of former New Zealand netball, basketball and surf-lifesaving international, Sheryl Burns - is experiencing something of a purple (or green, white and blue?) patch at the moment. Only two years back the Open team held the Vicki Wilson Cup aloft as the best open-age school team in the state. The flame still burns bright. No silverware this year for the Opens, but a creditable 6th placing and a valuable learning experience for an extremely young squad comprising many players still in just their early senior years. A number of these girls also turned out for the Bond University Bullsharks team that claimed victory at the State Championships last month.
An exciting group are walking in the older girls' footsteps too. Half of the ten-girl Hinterland District Netball Association representative squad that won the hotly contested Under 13 Championship Division at the recent State Age Championships are Somerset Spartans, and a generous sprinkling of other young Spartans performed extremely well in their respective U12, U13, U14 and U15 representative teams over the course of the Championships.
The future of Spartans Netball is looking good.
Huge thanks to all staff (particularly Sheryl Burns and the indefatigable Lola McLaughlin), and all students and parents within the Somerset netball community for doing such a wonderful job to support the girls, their sport and their club.
The students were asked to perform three different types of jumps on a force plate in the floor that measures the amount of force exerted.
Over the next few weeks, the students will undertake plyometric training as part of their triathlon training program. At the end of the training program the students will visit the laboratory again for further testing on the force plate, to determine whether the training has improved their performance. The project is being delivered by a group of Exercise and Sport Science students at Bond University under the supervision of Somerset College Sports Physiologist Dr Annette Eastwood (also Adjunct Assistant Professor at Bond University) and Mr Glauber Correa, Somerset College Triathlon Coach.
What a week it was!
The fact that this contest was even able to happen was a testament to the hard work the Rumble on the Reef organisers put in to making sure that the event was COVID safe, and we were incredibly grateful for their efforts.
We first competed 24 September, in the qualifying round, and despite the absence of NSW and Victorian skaters, the standard was incredibly high. Tom and Thomas both completed solid runs to qualify for the Under 16 Street Finals. Meanwhile, as I could no longer compete in the Under 16s as I did last year, I had decided to enter the Opens Socials, a new category that is intended to allow amateur riders to gain experience before they join the Open Men’s division, which is the most competitive category. I managed to come 1st in the Opens Socials, a surprising but exciting result for me. Meanwhile, Chris also came second in the Masters Street division.
We started 25 September with the annual Game of SKATE contest. SKATE is a game that involves a head-to-head battle to land the best flatground tricks, testing the competitors’ versatility and consistency. The game gave our Spartan skaters an opportunity to take on some internationally-recognised professional skaters. Aidan versed Rick Thomas, Thomas versed Corey Nixon, and I versed Dennis Durrant. The opposition in each case was incredibly talented, and while none of us won, it was satisfying being able to test our skills against the best and even land a few tricks that they couldn’t. That night saw the Bowl Championships, which Tom, Thomas and Chris entered. Tom managed a fourth in the Under 16’s while Chris took the gold medal in the Masters’ division.
Finally, 26 September came, the day of the Under 16 and Open Street Finals, the most anticipated events of the entire contest. In the run section of the final, Tom and Thomas both managed to improve on their qualifying runs and show off some difficult but consistent skateboarding. Then, Best Trick rolled around. They each had 3 attempts to land the best single tricks that they possibly could. Tom, first try, managed to land an incredible late shuv-it down the big stair set. Thomas also landed a first-try Smith grind down the nine-stair rail. He also got excruciatingly close to an amazing frontside feeble on his final try, which the crowd were desperate to see him land. And, even though time had been called, the fans cheered him on to go back up and land it next try, to an ecstatic reaction from the crowd. He ended up placing 4th, and Tom ended up taking out first place in the Under 16s Queensland Street title, both incredible achievements in their own right.
After the Opens Men's finals, the contest moved to the nine-stair for a Best Trick jam, in which skaters from every division lined up to land the best trick they possibly could, and it was here that we got to witness another incredible display from a Somerset skater. Aidan, whose birthday it was, decided to make this his moment to shine. Despite injuring his ankle, he incredibly managed to land both a nollie and pressure flip down the stairs. The pressure flip was an especially celebratory moment; after throwing himself down the massive set of stairs for about ten minutes, Aidan got a massive cheer as he finally rolled away onto the grass, after which an ecstatic group ran over and surrounded him, hyped by what they had just seen! Aidan ended up winning $100, which was given out for each of the three best tricks landed down the set. It was a birthday I’m sure he’ll never forget. To make things even better, both Tom and Aidan ended up gaining a skateboard sponsor due to their performances at the event. We wish them best of luck with their endeavors.
Overall, it was an incredible week, and we all left ecstatic about the opportunities and experiences we had had. I’d like to thank staff mentor Chris Enwright for supervising us, and we can’t wait for next year.
The first event was the Nell Van de Graaff Classic, held on the Gold Coast. We had 12 Somerset students who took part in the event ranging from Year 1 through to Year 10. The event itself comprised mostly Junior players, but also contained some strong adults to provide further challenge.
Although Eason Wang was the only Somerset student to collect a prize (=2nd rating group A), the event provided a fantastic opportunity for match practice and to hone skills. All students put in awesome effort and showed plenty of promise!
On the middle weekend, the Leo Wilkinson Memorial was held up in Redcliffe and 5 Somerset players took part. Byron Morris scored 5/6 to finish =3rd in a great performance, while Eason Wang and Kenny Ming continued their good form with 4/6. Calen Tang, Harrison Qu took part and worked hard to grind out some results.
All the best to the Somerset teams for the State Finals on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
U7 White lost the last game of this season to Palm Beach Orange, with a final score of 2 to 5. Franklin and Harrison scored one goal each. Team tried hard to defend but not able to stop the strong rival. In their first season this year, boys won eight games and lost four games.
U7 Orange played at home for the final rounds over the school holidays, resulting in:
Somerset v Broadbeach - 3 to 5
Somerset v Merrimac - 14 to 1
Somerset v Mudgeeraba - 1 to 4
Somerset v Southport - 1 to 3
Recapping the season, we have had a mix of wins, losses, draws and faced some tough teams but had exciting gameplay. Each player had their moment to shine and it was very satisfying to witness the improvement in teamwork and individual skills over the season. Well done U7 Orange and a big thank you to the coaches.
Somerset Spartans U8 Blue finished the season off on high winning against Palm Beach White 6 to 2. Although there are no leader boards at this level, the boys have taken note, knowing they completed the football season with just one loss and one draw.
At the end of our match on Saturday the boys were asked to sum up the season in their own words:
Connor Millar-Martin - "I had lots of fun this season. Learnt a lot from the game that we lost and feel that we often played stronger in the second half."
Zhander Griffiths - "Our football season was great because we were challenged in the development level. We had a fantastic team because we were passing more and learnt a lot from Coach Sean and Coach Maarten this year."
Alex Pourre - "I enjoyed having a lot of teamwork. It was a fun season and a great team to play with."
Danny Wang - "I think we had an amazing game this week even through the other team scored the first goal, we defended their attacks and went past their defences. I had lots of fun this season. I hope I can do this in the next season."
Henry Pevy - "I really enjoyed this season because of how much better we got as a team. I especially liked how good some of our goalkeepers became because it meant I did not have to go in goals much!"
Paxton Stewart - "I really liked how we improved as a team and how we were sometimes challenged but we always defended well and were undefeated for most of the season."
Hugo Hassell - "I really enjoyed playing each week in the blue team. We played our hardest every game, never gave up and improved a lot over the season. I think we have become one of the best teams."
Harper Loon - "I really enjoyed winning and the great teamwork. And I really enjoyed playing in the inflatable courts against the parents: 'Go Old Stones!' at the Presentation Day."
Benedict Thompson - "I have loved playing football for Somerset this year. I feel proud to play for Somerset. Thanks to Coach Maarten and Coach Sean for teaching me new skills. I cannot wait to play next season."
Our final game for the 2020 season was against Runaway Bay at home and was our hardest game of the season. Our team struggled at the start with Runaway Bay scoring two early goals. With the support of our coaches all the boys pulled together demonstrating great teamwork, passing well to each other, and working together leading to our first goal.
As the game progressed, we started to build momentum and our boys put on a great show against a strong team securing a win for the final game of the season.
The final score was 6 to 3 to Somerset. The U11 boys were undefeated this season and celebrated with a group huddle and chant. Following from a successful win and unbeaten season, all players enjoyed the presentation day receiving their medals, team photo, certificates, and treats.
It was a great team and all players thoroughly enjoyed playing as a team this season. Well done boys. A big thanks must go to our great coaches Maarten, Daniel, and Keita. The side could not have done so well without you. You are the best.
At the last game of the season all Spartans received their team photo, football medal, Zarraffa’s certificate and sausage sizzle. Before and after the matches all Spartans could play their matches in the Inflatable Football Field.
The Somerset Spartans Football Club want to thank all players, coaches, managers, sponsors, and volunteers for the 2020 Football Club Season. We are all looking forwards having you back next season.
At the end of this term, Somerset College will send out an Expression of Interest for the 2021 season.
Have a question about Football at Somerset College? Please contact our Head Coach - Football and Futsal Maarten de Kruijf. mdekruijf@somerset.qld.edu.au
Year 3 student Riley Nauta has impressed on two wheels clinching a few titles to add to his racing achievements, in the last weekend of school holidays.
Riley competed in the double header 2020 Queensland State Track and Dirt Track Titles up in Ayr, Far North Queensland. He won first place in all three race categories in both Qld Dirt Track Titles & Qld Track Titles. He achieved 6 Titles in total on: 85cc 2-stroke 9-U13, 85cc 4-stroke mod 7-12, 65cc 9-13.
Mia Miles, Year 6 was one of the Somerset Swimmers who competed at the Queensland State Short Course Swimming Championships in Brisbane from 25 to 27 September.
This was Mia’s first ever state championship meet and she finished the event with eight gold medals winning the following events:
Freestyle - 100m, 200m, 400m
Backstroke - 50m, 100m
Butterfly - 50m, 100m
Individual Medley - 100m
Type on the line above then press the Enter/Return key to submit a new search query