Our celebrations commenced with inspirational addresses by the Deputy Chair of Board, Mr Terry Herbert, and our College Captains. We presented the Spirit of Somerset and Founders’ Day Awards amidst magnificent performances from the Concert Band and the Vocal Group. The climate was ideal for the All-Age Swimming Relay, the All-Age Running Relay, the Tug-o-War and the Courtyard Dash. Our Spartans shone as they competed or cheered – such wonderful traditions established to celebrate Founders’ Day. We could only continue to be amazed at the passion that Somerset produces.
Mr Herbert reminded us of our humble beginnings and the dedicated and brave people who founded our great school and gave us the opportunity to thank three of the founders, who were in attendance, for their contributions; Mr John Aitkenhead, Mr Tony Cordner and Mrs Mary Rudkin.
The verandahs of The Smith Building, The Brown Building and The Arnison Building – all named for other magnificent servants – were perfect for a wonderful display of all things Somerset and the optimal vantage point for our littlest students. It truly had the atmosphere of the Colosseum! Congratulations to the winning teams:
All Age Swimming Relay
Starkey
All Age Running Relay
Andrews
Tug-O-War
Infants: Veivers
Upper Junior School: Laver
Senior School: Franklin
Courtyard Dash
Maccan Clucas-Boyes (23:50 sec) Franklin
Mayla Singh (26:38 sec) Andrews
The Spirit of Somerset Awards and Founders’ Day Awards are awarded for exceptional effort and commitment, which embodies those qualities that the College is proud to embrace. The recipients this year are:
Spirit of Somerset Community Award
Mrs Peng Chuah
Spirit of Somerset Staff Award
Mrs Kylie Sherrington (Finance Manager)
Spirit of Somerset Senior School Award
Risa Utama and Brendan Major (Year 12 Franklin)
Founders’ Day Award
Amy Barry and Yuvraj (Yuvi) Chauhan (Year 6)
Honours in Student Leadership are presented to Year 12 students who have demonstrated service and leadership at a level recognised and respected by staff and students this year were presented to:
Aarsh Nagpal (Laver)
Jana Zielinski (Franklin)
Courtney Randall (Veivers)
Joshua Redfern (Veivers)
Another Founders’ Day tradition is to acknowledge and thank members of staff who have served the College for 20 years. This year we thank and congratulate Mr Forrest Butcher, Mrs Merran Harris and Mr Stuart Roberts for their dedication and contribution to Somerset.
I hope you haven’t missed the opportunity to attend the Parents’ and Friends’ Association Life’s a Beach evening to be held on Friday 5 August 2017, 6.30pm till late at the RACV Royal Pines Resort. Join us for a wonderful evening which includes a three course meal, beer, wine, soft drink and dancing to the sounds of Mojo Rising. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/events/lifes-a-beach/.
Look forward to seeing you at what promises to be a wonderful evening.
On Thursday of Week 1 we were fortunate enough to have Indigenous artist, Katrina Singh, visit us from the Jellurgal Centre. Katrina ran a three hour workshop with a small group of Senior Art students, sharing her knowledge of Aboriginal Art work and the rich history we have here on the Gold Coast. After learning about the meaning being certain features and styles, the group of students set to work on designing and painting their ideas onto a 1.4 metre ‘surfboard’ and ‘boomerang’.
As part of the Gold Coast Schools Connect initiative, to promote the Gold Coast and the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Somerset College has partnered with Dunman High School in Singapore, who are lucky enough to have been gifted these fantastic artworks. The artworks are en-route to Singapore as we speak, and will be presented to Dunman High School by Mr Bassingthwaighte later this month. The Gold Coast Schools Connect initiative aims to build relationships between schools within the Commonwealth, through learning about the cultures and customs of other nations. We hope that the Dunman High School community like our work!
A huge thank you to all of the staff involved with making this project a success!
The first major event of the year was the annual Pi Day evening on 14 March, held by the Somerset College Mathematics Society. After multiple students attempted to recite the number, to the best of their ability and Mr Turner's informative lecture, guests celebrated by eating pie. With Mr Wrigley's many jokes, everyone had an enjoyable night.
The Harmony Day service coordinated by the International Committee was once again a great success. Many students (and even some Gappies) shared their experiences of migration, culture and acceptance. Everyone was struck by the number and diversity of flags from the different nationalities represented at Somerset.
As the 24th annual Celebration of Literature loomed closer, Term One consisted of extensive planning by multiple committees namely, Wordsmiths, Tech Crew and the Marketing Committee. Being the largest single event hosted by the College, the effort and organisation displayed by each of these committees each year is laudable. Despite the poor weather conditions, the event was a success with over 20,000 guests participating in workshops hosted by various inspirational authors.
As Term Two commenced, plans for the 2018 Celebration of Literature began in earnest by the Marketing Committee, which brainstormed possible taglines and ideas for the festival. After leaders Nicholas Pridham and Natalie Madden presented these ideas to the Festival Committee, the theme and tagline were finalised. It can now be revealed that the tagline for next year’s festival will be ‘Chapter 25’.
Although exams were fast approaching, Wordsmiths Captains Ashraf Docrat and Risa Utama poured hours of work into organising the ‘Retreat’ – a weekend getaway for all Wordsmiths members. Located in the rural surrounds of Tamborine Mountain, inspiration enveloped the 92 students with all leaving having written many short stories, poems, prose. For many of the Senior students, this camp is a highlight in the school calendar, and it is clear from the photos that everyone had a weekend to remember.
Term Two also saw the promise of yet another successful season of Debating in the Gold Coast Debating Association Competition. Six teams in the Junior (Year 7 and 8) and Intermediate (Year 9 and 10) divisions, have qualified for the ‘Round of 16’. Also the three Open A teams, including 2016 Open A runners-up ‘Somerset 3’, have qualified for the Quarter Finals. We congratulate all teams who competed in the competition, and wish the remaining participants the best of luck in the competition.
The inaugural Mudgee Kids Disco was also held in Term Two, organised by Year 11 students on our IMPACT Committee, and it was a great night for all. Being the first disco, there were many uncertainties as we did not know how many people would turn up. After some careful planning by the committee, our ‘Rainbow’ disco was a success; evidence shown on the faces of the guests. The turnout of students from both schools was impressive, further highlighting the strong bond we share. The incredible atmosphere of positivity, encouragement and contagious joy was more than our students could have dreamed. Connections were formed and it has been described a ‘definite highlight of Semester One’.
There are numerous events that will be occurring this term, that we encourage everyone to be part of. These include:
The Gold Coast Debating Finals series, including the Grand Final at Bond University (please see the Schoolbox Debating page for details so you can support our debating teams)
We are looking forward to a busy, productive and enjoyable term and encourage all students to participate wherever they can. If you wish to contact any committees for further information, please use this link for their details: http://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/workspace//uploads/pages/files/final-2017-senior-school-commi-58c0e5180df0e.pdf
Currently, Year 11 Economic students are putting their evaluative skills to good use as they work in teams to solve a real world problem. In summary, students are in the process of advising the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) about a proposed new Woolworths’ development at the Mill on Somerset Drive. This proposed new supermarket will be in direct competition with the independently owned IGA supermarket, which is already operating at this site. When evaluating the proposed development for the ACCC, students will consider the impact the new store will have on competition, prices and Woolworths’ market power in the supermarket industry.
To assist students with their investigation, the class has looked at a proposed merger between Instagram and Snap Chat. Interestingly, students felt that Instagram should not be permitted to buy Snap Chat because such a takeover would decrease competition in the industry, and increase the cost of advertising on social media for businesses.
As students have been evaluating Woolworth’s proposed development, the class has been commenting on how valuable learning about economics is to them both now and in the future. A summary of the student’s comments can be found below:
Michael Guy, Year 11 Starkey 7
Economics does not only give you the skills to operate and manage a business successfully, it gives you life-related skills to be able to be successful at making money. And as Mr. Oman says 'why would you not study Economics?'
James Harraway Year 11 Andrews 9
I feel that every student should chose to learn economics because you are taught vital information that can benefit you on a day to day basis. Not only that, but it's a fun class that everyone can earn something from. Everything you do, every day is related to Economics in some way.
Gwyneth Van Broekhuizen Year 11 Andrews 4
Economics is a subject all students should pick in Year 11 because it teaches us content about the world that no other subject reaches. The enjoyable subject teaches students about the important financial and economic factors of the government and of course, how to get rich.
Kurt Grgic – Year 11 Andrews 6
Economics is an incredibly interactive subject, where class discussions help shape the classes learning, giving students an enjoyable and diverse understanding. All of the content learned is applicable to our lives at the moment and in the near future, providing vital information, from tips on how to make the most of your money to big picture macroeconomics. After all, economics makes the world go round, and by studying it, all students have a leading edge in life.
Josh Hamlin Year 11 Starkey 7
I chose to study Economics in Year 11 because it is of fundamental importance to gain an understanding of how the world of business works, so that you can apply this knowledge to starting your own business, managing your finances and ensuring you use your money in the most effective way. Even if you don’t work in an industry directly related to Economics, Economics is useful in any job you choose. In Economics, you always learn things that will be useful to you in life after school which is something that lots of other subjects are missing.
Tyge Walker, Year 11 Laver 7
I have found that economics is the most applicable subject that I do. I am sure that the content I am learning today can be applied to anything that I do in the future.
Stepan Zhigulin, Year 11, Franklin 5
You should pick economics in Year 11 because the content that you will study in Economics will most certainly be applied in the future life. This includes tax loop holes, manipulation of law and many other fun things.
Joe McElhone Andrews 4
Economics is a great subject to do that develops your skills and knowledge about everything economics related. Economics is very relevant to any job that you will have, it is useful for almost everything money-related.
The students thoroughly enjoyed viewing the production which featured a crazy plot centred on the great Capitano, a braggart who returns from the war a hero and prepares to marry Colombina, the daughter of the wealthy Pantalone. The show also included other commedia stock characters such as the zany Arlecchino, the unscrupulous Scaramouche, and the cantankerous old Dottore.
Commedia dell’arte is an Italian theatrical form that thrived throughout Europe from the 16th through to the 18th century. ‘Il Capitano’ included many elements and characters of the traditional commedia dell’arte style of theatre such as the romantic storyline, cheesy jokes, improvisation, physical comedy, singing, and traditional masks. Commedia dell’arte has close links to the Venetian Carnevale and is still referenced in many contemporary comedic productions.
The students delighted in seeing a modern interpretation honouring this important theatrical style and have connected authentically with its specific purpose.
We arrived at the airport, puffy eyed and yawning; it was 5.30am. We were excited and ready for an exhilarating adventure to Tasmania. Many of our parents cried uncontrollably as we said our farewells, but who could blame them? A week without us was heartbreaking.
I don’t think our parents were thinking about our teeth when they packed snacks for the flight. Some of us were chewing gum as we rose into the sky and of course there was a smorgasbord of Mentos and chips. For some it was their first flight, others were seasoned travellers. Either way, we couldn’t hide our excitement as the land beneath us melted away.
We arrived in Launceston and it was cold, but we were prepared. Wrapped in heavy duty snow gear we boarded our heated coach and headed to Cradle Mountain Hotel. The rugged landscape was breathtaking as we made our way up the mountain. In the distance we could see mountains on every side. We had a delicious dinner and then settled into our rooms preparing for the big day ahead.
The coach trip to Dove Lake was only short (thankfully). We stepped off the buses and in front of us was a glistening lake that looked like a mirror to the sky. Once we overcame complete and absolute awe, we began the gruelling six kilometre hike. There were a few stumbles and falls and lots of chatter but nothing distracted us from taking in the incredible scenery. By lunch time we’d all worked up an appetite; the food barely touching our teeth before reaching our stomachs. After lunch we headed to Strahan.
The Ship That Never Was – Anyone for a theatre show? In an amphitheatre? That’s interactive? Well this show had it all! Escaping convicts, ship building, singing, heated arguments and so much more. We laughed, we cried and then we headed back to our hotel for a delicious buffet dinner. More of anything? More of everything of course, especially dessert!
The following day we were lucky enough to spend some time aboard The Harbour Master, which is the best boat in Strahan. The Gordon River cruise was approximately five hours away. Along the way we saw some incredible scenery including Hells Gates, Salmon farms, guided Sarah Island stop-over, Gordon River heritage landing board walk and Huon Pine sawmill. The trip was really educational and gave thrill seekers the opportunity to stand at the front of the boat, braving gale force winds, rough waters and sea spray. It was awesome!
The next stop was Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. We headed straight to the Grand Chancellor Hotel. We were all impressed with our dinner that night at the Tasman restaurant, going to bed with full stomachs.
Before we knew it, we were up and off again to Port Arthur, the huge convict gaol. I think we were all surprised at the poor treatment convicts must have endured. Solitary confinement was a deathly, dark dungeon where only the toughest could survive. It made us secretly grateful for our privileged lives.
After a week in Tassie we headed home. The plane trip back was still exciting but we were all so tired from our big adventure that we were happy to just take it easy and relax (which we were sure the teachers appreciated). As we hugged our parents at the airport we reflected on an amazing trip of a lifetime with our friends that we will never forget.
Over the three days, the students used a program called Code Camp World to create their very own game. They had a lot of creative control when designing levels and learned a lot about the coding language along the way. Overall, the kids were pretty excited about the end products they created, and so were the Code Camp staff.
In the words of some of the students from the Junior School that attended:
Code Camp was amazing because the teachers were fun. Don’t change anything!
Fraser
I had a great time at Code Camp and loved learning how to code a game.
Amelie
I loved Code Camp!
Lucy
Dates for Code Camp in the next holidays will be posted on the Schoolbox calendar and communicated via Schoolbox notices closer to the time.
On Saturday 15 July Somerset College hosted the inaugural Somerset Gift. Complementing the Founders’ day celebrations which had commenced the day prior, the Gift attracted students, staff, alumni, as well as regional and interstate athletes who all competed for a prize pool of more than $19,000.
Former student Alex Beck and current student Maccan Clucas-Boyes progressed to the final of the Somerset Alumni 100m Open, however it was 18 year old Brisbane student Jack Payne who was crowned the inaugural champion. Payne, starting off of 6m blitzed the field holding off the fast finishing Mitchell Pateman and Nazmee-Lee Marai in a time of 10.33 seconds.
Year 12 student Mayla Singh topped off a sublime afternoon of athletics by performing strongly In the Somerset Alumni 100m Open Female final, however it was Hayley Wright starting off of 8.5m who secured her first Somerset Gift in a time of 11.73 seconds. 300m winner Elizabeth Melrose just missed the double finishing second while Beth Van Der Waal came in third.
Special thank you to our organising committee of Andrea Lewis, John Bacon, and Candice McKenna for their efforts in putting this event together as well as all of our sponsors and supporters listed below.
The Year 9 Boy's Quad Scull showed their strength taking victory in their 1000 metre race, closely followed by a fast finishing Varsity College crew in second. In third was Kenmore State High and placing fourth, the second Somerset crew.
The Boy’s open eight won the final race of the regatta, beating Trinity Lutheran College. Declan Thew stepped out of his bronze medal row in the single scull to join the senior boys in their victory.
Jade Mansell made a triumphant return from the German trip, teaming up with Katherine Plume to take out the girl’s Year 11 pair. The girls raced as a pair for the first time in the event which is commonly known in rowing as the most difficult boat to row, as each rower has only an oar. Katherine had a massive weekend of racing, making the final in seven events.
It was fantastic to see the youngest Somerset crews also tasting success. The Year 8 girl’s double scull combination of Miku Adachi and Emma Wilson scored a silver medal. Not to be left out, the Boy’s Year 8 Quad Scull combination of Josh Mills, Cruz Pearson, Fergus McKeon, Cameron Smith and Austin Macrossan also claimed a silver medal in their event. Fergus and Cruz also narrowly missing third place in their double scull to join four other Somerset crews in fourth place for in the final.
It was a busy and long weekend for the rowers. The racing was scheduled to start 8.00am on Saturday with the final race held at sundown, Sunday evening.
I would like to extend many thanks to rowing coach and bus driver Mr Nick McKinnon, who drove the bus early each morning and was tireless in his help to all students. Also thanks to the parents who continue to provide their unrelenting support, especially those who helped set up the Somerset tents before the regatta.
The rowers will now prepare for the final two regattas of the season, the Gold Coast Open Schools Regatta and Queensland Schools Rowing Championships, to be held at the end of Term 3.
Boy's Year 9 Quad Scull: Leo Xin, Samuel Liu, Chester Whiting, Anthony McKenna, Cox: Jackson Fifield
Girls' Year 11 Pair: Jade Mansell, Katherine Plume
Boy's Open Eight: Blake Mills, Aidan McKeon, Marc Eksteen, Declan Thew, Maximilien Jeaneret-Gris, Ryan McClure, Lachie Munro, Lorenz Muhlbauer, Cox: Alexander Taylor-Girdler
Boy's Open Pair: Maximilien Jeaneret-Gris, Lorenz Muhlbauer
Boy's Year 10 Quad Scull: Julius Wright, Thomas McKenna, Joe Lanham, Declan Thew, Cox: Alexander Taylor-Girdler
Boy's Year 11 Four: Blake Mills, Lachie Munro, Marc Eksteen, Aidan McKeon, Cox: Alexander Taylor-Girdler
Boy's Year 10 Double Scull: Joe Lanham, Declan Thew
Boy's Year 8 Quad Scull: Josh Mills, Cruz Pearson, Fergus McKeon, Cameron Smith, Cox: Austin Macrossan
Girl's Year 8 Double Scull: Miku Adachi, Emma Wilson
Boy's Year 11 Pair: Blake Mills, Aidan McKeon
Boy's Year 11 Quad Scull: Blake Mills, Aidan McKeon, Marc Eksteen, Lachie Munro, Cox: Jackson Fifield
Boy's Under 16 Single Scull: Declan Thew
On Friday 9 June Somerset College 1st XV played All Saints Anglican School in the Grand Final of the APS competition at Bond University. In a highly anticipated game, Somerset 1st XV began with exceptional organisation and control of the ball, creating some fantastic opportunities, scoring the first two tries of the game leading 10 to 0. All Saints were next to cross the try line, making the score 10 to 7 to Somerset heading into half-time. After the break All Saints scored two more unanswered tries, converting one of them to take the lead 19 to 10 for the majority of the second half.
With four minutes left on the clock, Somerset College put All Saints under a substantial amount of pressure, holding the ball for multiple phases in their attacking half. A try from Mitch Anderson and a quick thinking conversion from Josh Vuta took the score to 19 to 17 with one minute to play. With 30 seconds remaining on the clock, All Saints kicked the ball deep into the Somerset College half and over the dead ball line. This meant a scrum on the half way line would be the final play of the game and give the Somerset 1st XV one final opportunity to win. After some patient attacking phases and continued pressure, Taylor Davies carried strongly, assisted by Tim Evans, to score next to the posts to take the lead and win the game. A fantastic way to finish a season with all 26 players in the squad showing a strong level of commitment to each other and the group while focusing on continual improvement to a team first approach.
All players in the 1st XV squad played a significant role in the 2017 season and putting this squad in a position to contest the finals day. A special mention to the graduating year 12 students in the 1st XV; your dedication and commitment to the Spartan rugby program during your time at the College has been significant and is very much appreciated. I would also like to thank Grant Anderson and Pula Kolokihakaufisi for sharing their expertise with the 1st XV squad and helping to develop them into better rugby players and young men. Grant and Pula are exceptional role models for our young student-athletes at Somerset College and we have been very fortunate to have them on board as part of our coaching team in 2017. Thank you to Peter Singh who took on the role as 1st XV Team Manager this year and did a fantastic job in assisting the coaches and players with organisation and off-field duties in 2017.
During the recent school holidays Charles Pye, Josh Vuta and E’Shea Gafa were selected to compete in the Queensland U18 School boy rugby trials at Ballymore, as part of the Combined Secondary Schools (CSS) side. These trials provide an opportunity for players to compete against the best U18 rugby players in the state as well as pushing for selection in the two Queensland teams who play at the National U18 Championships in Sydney. Charles, Josh and E’Shea displayed some strong performances during the carnival and were valued members of the CSS side. Josh was selected for the Queensland II side, who made the final of the National Championship, finishing second to ACT 33-10. In 2016 Josh was selected for the Australian Schools side and has again been rewarded with selection in the 2017 side after some exceptional performances in the National Championships. We wish him the best of luck in his Test matches in September against New Zealand and Fiji.
Competing during the holidays at the Queensland and Northern NSW Interschools Snow Sports Championships at Perisher Valley, Arimasa received four medals for individual and two medals for the team.
Interschools Snowboard Giant Slalom Awarded Bronze Interschools Moguls Individual Awarded Gold & Team Award Gold Interschools Skier Cross Individual Awarded Silver & Team Award Gold
Tim and Will played at the Under13 State Hockey Championships over the holidays. The Gold Coast Team only lost one game all tournament and finished up winning the final against Brisbane in a penalty shootout. The Boys are now the State Champions. Tim has been selected in the Queensland Team.
During the school holidays Will and Jake represented the Gold Coast in the Gold Coast Cyclones Rugby team at the Queensland Rugby State Championship in Brisbane. The Gold Coast Cyclones team made it to the Grand Final and came runner up in the whole competition. Will was then chosen to represent the Queensland Country Team as half back. He was lucky enough to play at Ballymore on 7 July.
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:
Monday & Wednesday: SS Track, JS Jumps/Throws
Tuesday & Thursday: JS Track, SS Jumps/Throws
Friday: All events
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 (except Friday)
Friday 21 July: House Athletics: Day 1 (8.30am-3.00pm)
Saturday 22 July: House Athletics: Day 2 (8.00am-4.00pm)
Athletics Practices: Every day 7.00am at the Track (except Friday)
Wednesday 26 July: Track Meet v PBC 1 (3.30-5.00pm)-60m,150m,300m,600m, 1K
Friday 28 July: Summer Sports Trials 1/2 (1.00-3.15pm)
All sporting details are posted on Schoolbox on the Sports page.
Type on the line above then press the Enter/Return key to submit a new search query