No. 3, Term Three, 2018

Every house filled every lane and regardless of ability, all our students had a go.

I was impressed all day, watching our students participate to the best of their ability regardless of whether they were contesting an “A” division event or an “F” division event. Our students treat the event with respect, and it is that attitude of which I am most proud.

My highlight was the Year 4 100m event where Hamish Peters was our first winner of the wheelchair event. Another highlight was Alice Neale racing on crutches to get an extra house point.   Our Inter-house athletics week is, physically, one of the toughest periods during the year. This is clearly true for the athletes but also for the less fit staff who must bend over thousands of times measuring every throw or jump with IAAF precision. I am grateful to our staff who ensure to the best of their ability that the results are fair and correct.   One of the hallmarks of a great school is the passion students have for participation and effort in representing themselves, their house and ultimately for many, their school. A select group has been announced to represent Somerset next week at our annual APS championships hosted Wednesday at Somerset. As reigning champions we have set a high standard in athletics. Best of luck to all involved.   Special thanks must go Mr Shane Lunniss who has a passion for athletics and has sourced some the best external athletics coaches to assist our students in their training. He also co-ordinates the Carnival which is often a thankless task.

Along with Mark Pitura in the Junior School and Candice McKenna in both Junior and Senior School, looking after the middle distance programme, we are growing a formidable coaching team into the future.    

The Fitness Centre Concourse was alive with laughter and song throughout the Founders’ Day Service. Chair of the College Board, Mr Tony Hickey OAM gave an engaging address; the laughter and enjoyment of students highlighted that tradition, a strong sense of community and passion in all things Somerset is alive and well! As a community we paid tribute to the founders of the College and recognised staff who had generously served the community for 20 years. Honours in student leadership along with the Somerset Spirit was recognised with the presentation of the Spirit of Somerset Awards. Our College Captains, Kydra Walden and Alexandra Gerrard described what the Somerset experience meant to them and our Houses battled it out for the coveted Founders’ Day Championship Flag.

The pool came alive with the All-age swimming relay and momentum continued to build at the Spartan track for the running relay and steeple chase events. The day culminated in the Towers Quad, where the Smith, Arnison and Brown buildings were alive with the excitement of students, staff and invited guests, with Starkey House claiming victory for the Founders’ Day events.

Senior School Spirit of Somerset Award: Cian Muenster, Meghan Rooney

Community Spirit of Somerset Award: Lisa Plume

Staff Spirit of Somerset: Sam Whish-Wilson

Junior School Founders’ Day Award: James Georgeson, Georgie Kilmartin

The Honours in Student Leadership Recipients: Jason Adams, Rowan Bouw, Kirsty Brodbeck, Abby Roach, Mayuri Yamaguchi

All Grade Swimming Relay Champions: Starkey

All Grade Running Relay Champions Trophy: Veivers

Infants Competition - The Brown Family Infants Tug-O-War Trophy: Laver

Junior School Competition - Inter-House Tug of War Trophy Donated by Mr and Mrs Brown: Starkey

Senior School Competition - Somerset College Parents & Friends Trophy Inter-House Tug-O-War: Veivers

Somerset College The Lawson Annual Courtyard Sprint

Boys / Riley Noon - 25.77 sec

Girls / Ella Crough-Heaton - 28.85 sec

We were all completely thrilled with the perfect sequence of weather: light falling snow at Cradle Mountain; wild wind and rain on Sarah Island; early drizzle at Port Arthur and clear, wintry, sunny days for Richmond and Hobart.

The students proved themselves both open-minded and knowledgeable. Staff were proud of their connection to Tasmania through the curriculum studied in Term Two, as were the guides we came across in different places. Yet, apart from their awesome knowledge and understanding of Van Diemen’s Land and modern ‘green’ Tasmania, our Somerset students were open-minded about new experiences and information that are part of the annual Year 6 trip.

Thanks must go to Mr Zernike, Mrs Yam and the Year 6 staff for organisation; to all staff for their optimistic, enthusiastic approach to looking after all our students with such care and to the students themselves for being so positive and responsible during the trip. We hope that you have grown from this rare and exciting experience.

The pictures tell their own story.

Tasmania

by Patrick liu

Tasmania was majestical,

it was rainbowic,

Never missing a rainbow.

We were God-gifted and enchanted,

given the rainbow blessing.

It was overwhelming,

Bitterly cold and viciously windy,

Frozen in the beauty of time Nevertheless,

I was stunned by the exquisite landscapes

and the diverse vegetation

of Tasmania

Ancient Glory

by Natalie Mai

Frozen in beauty evergreen nature,

stood tall and proud for a picture.

Feather-like leaves assisted snowflakes down,

onto the vast valley below where the scenery starts.

Peering over mountains over-viewing lakes,

where I watch rainbows and falling snowflakes.

Changing skies told a story,

all about the ancient glory.

The Secret of Van Diemen's Land

by Aayush Chand

The evergreen shrubbage,

Covered the exquisite land,

Frozen in beauty,

Choking away it's devious past,

Shrouded in mystery,

The mystery,

The cry of the last convict

Radiates through the cavern,

Uncovered at last,

Trapped under the present no more,

Rising to our ears, the end of a stagnate era,

The secret of Van Diemen's Land.

Starting earlier this year, our Junior School Coding Club was initially set to run on one morning a week. Overwhelming interest from Year 3 and 4 students saw the Club extend to running on a Monday and Friday morning at 7.30am for two separate groups, comprising of more than 50 students.

Each week, a group of enthusiastic Year 3 and 4 coders turn up to create their next apps in JavaScript. The Coding Club uses Bitsbox, an online website and series of resources that has been designed to teach text-based coding to young students in a very fun and accessible way. With Bitsbox, you type in your code on one side of the screen. On the other you can see the app (program) that you are creating on a virtual tablet. To run, you press play. Many of the students in the Coding Club have already created more than 30 apps, using functions and a range of different programming commands, stamps, fills, sounds and animations.

If there is an error in the code, students need to debug and find and fix their error and try again. Sometimes the error is a syntax error or our young coder has misspelled a key word. Even at this young age, many of our students are now able to find their own errors and correct them, or assist their buddy to debug their program.

Some of our students are now starting to take what they are learning each week, to create their own apps as well, which they can then load and play on a tablet. One such example is shown with a soccer app created by Kenshin Tateno in Year 4. This is just one example of an app created independently in response to one of our weekly Club challenges.

Our Year 9 Design class are currently working on a unit in which they inquire into the identities and relationships that can often be found within communities. After their initial inquiry stage they will design and make light boxes using our laser cutters.

The images show two of our Year 9 students and keen designers, Will Barry and Nick Tan, with their personalised timer. These two young men spend much of their free time in the Design workshop working on various projects, the most recent of which is constructing native bee hives ready for when we split our existing hives, which we hope to do early next year.

Our excursion to the Gold Coast University Hospital was a day of learning. This was done through PowerPoint presentations, interviews with patients, professional staff, interacting with hospital equipment and hands-on and immersive scenarios. We were fortunate enough to not only hear and learn from the staff members of the trauma hospital, however also the patients that have been affected by trauma. Two trauma patients talked to our group about their painful journey and it allowed us to enter their perspective, to understand how small mistakes (such as mobile phones while driving, drink driving, Illicit drugs, etc.) can have such a negative impact on your future and on the futures of the people around you such as your family.     As a summary, the Program that my peers and I experienced was designed to immerse our group with emergency service professionals, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and trauma surviving patients. This allows us to experience first-hand of the strenuous amount of work needed in these jobs and some of the permanent and heart-breaking consequences that come with negative risk-taking behaviour and the experience of trauma. Coming out from that experience, it changed all of our perspectives and I am sure it has educated the group to make positive decision choices in the future.   On behalf on the attending group, I would like to specially thank Ms Green and Mr Walker for taking the time in accompanying us in the P.A.R.T.Y Program.  

One of the areas that this organisation provides support is through their Hair with Heart programme by providing wigs to children who have lost their hair due to Alopecia or other medical conditions, such as cancer. Cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy treatment often lose their hair and become bald, which can make them feel embarrassed. Wigs give these children more confidence and improve their self-esteem, so they can feel more like themselves again.   On average, it takes 10 to 15 ponytails to make one wig. When “Hair with Heart” receives donations of hair, they send it to specialised wig makers who make wigs for those who need them. The charity is given money for the hair, which goes directly back into Variety’s programmes, helping Australian children in need. Wigs cost families up to $6,000 and generally last only one to two years, meaning families can spend tens of thousands of dollars on the purchase of wigs throughout a child’s youth.   Last week I visited my hairdresser to have my hair cut into a different style, knowing I was about to donate my hair to “Hair with Heart”. I loved my hair and I am hoping that now through my donation someone else probably does too.

Their smiles tell us everything we need to know – that the Little KIP programme has had a brilliant start, and it will be incredibly worthwhile to keep it going; which is exactly what we plan to do.

Mid last term the Bibliotheca Committee announced the start-up of Little KIP at the Senior School assembly. We explained that our goal for Little KIP was to nurture a love of reading in our younger students and to provide a great CAS opportunity for Senior School students while we were at it.

But Little KIP has surpassed our expectations. It has become a truly enjoyable and relaxing experience for everyone involved. Who knew that a picture book could create such an amazing connection between those who are young and love reading them, and those who had thought they had outgrown them?

Little KIP is a bridge between Senior and Junior School students, one that would be a shame not to expand and develop further in the months and even years to come.

Now that we know Little KIP has such potential for success it would be amazing to see more Senior School students get up a little earlier on Tuesday mornings and join us.

If you are interested, please email Joanne Joe or meet us in the KIP at 8.00am on a Tuesday morning.

Representing Somerset was the famous, ‘Titration Nation’ team of Ali, Jason and Grace, unfortunately Ali was unwell that day and our Captain Solange came to the rescue to compete their team. Also representing the College was the competent Year 11 team of Kevin, Ainsley and Chad as well as the Year 10 team debut consisting of Desmond, Jacinta and MinJae. However, perhaps the most exciting entry was the Titration Nation 2.0 team of Abhinay, Benjamin and Mohnish aiming to shake the competition up and claim the champion title.

During the fierce 1.5-hours, the scientists had to titrate acids and bases. More specifically, they were given hydrochloric acid of an explicit concentration and sodium hydroxide base with an unknown concentration. They had to slowly mix the sodium hydroxide with 25ml of the acid until the solution turned light pink. At this point, the amount of sodium hydroxide added had to be recorded and specific calculations were used to determine the concentration of this substance.

Seems difficult huh? Well after that, they then had to use this sodium hydroxide and the calculated concentration to find the concentration of another substance, acetic acid. To make matters more challenging, these scientists had to ensure they were precise and accurate with their measurements. Even just one extra drop of sodium hydroxide could mean that their measurements would be inaccurate, their calculations would be affected and their solution would turn bright pink (which was a little embarrassing).

In the end, the aim was to find the correct concentration of acetic acid. Somerset is very lucky to have MinJae, Desmond and Jacinta as well as the legendary 'Titration Nation' place equal fifth in the competition. Although our Titration Nation 2.0 team was unable to get a place, it was certainly an interesting and worthwhile experience.

Thanks to Mrs Amores and Ms Hyman for teaching and preparing us for the day and supporting us through the competition.

Special thanks to those who spent hours preparing and donating the delicious baked goods, those who slaved away over hot plates and fryers and of course those who served our hungry customers throughout the day.

Healthy options were provided free of charge by Pac Ave Markets, where all fruit was consumed with gusto.

Events and ground staff were also fantastic helping with the organisation, set up and pull down of the facilities.

Our Open 1st team had a tough day with eight games played consecutively with only a 20 minute break between games. The girls showed their class by winning comfortably in every game, beating All Saints and PBC, finishing top of their pool and progressing through to the Vicki Wilson State Finals in October.

Well done to both teams for representing the College in the highest manner.

Vicki Wilson Cup Team

• Kirsty Brodbeck
• Madizen Wilkins
• Erin Crough-Heaton
• Natalie Blauberg
• Rylee Burns
• Kasey Collins
• Sara Dann
• Tara Davies
• April McMullen
• Katisha Webb

Vicki Wilson Shield

• Ella Kirk
• Diaz Henry
• Jemma Clements
• Lucy MacDonald
• Emily Macbeth
• Claudia Crimmins
• Jessica Velloza
• Riley Davenport
• Lucia Dann
• Marika Ransfield
• Elizabeth Garratt

Congratulations to Vievers House who placed 1st overall! The House placing were as follows:

• 1st Veivers
• 2nd Andrews
• 3rd Starkey
• 4th Laver
• 5th Franklin

Below are a list of the aged champions:

A number of records were broken and set throughout the two days of competition. These included:

Well done to all those students who participated!

2018 Junior APS Athletics Carnival

Please find attached the Junior APS Athletics Squad for 2018. They have the opportunity to compete in the annual Associated Private Schools (APS) Athletics competition to be held at Somerset College on Thursday 9 August. We wish them all the best.

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Last weekend three of our Junior School students participated in the Queensland Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior Challenge 1 and 2 Events held in Brisbane with outstanding results. The girls competed with gymnasts all across QLD.

Below are their results: • Ksennia Igumenova in Level 4 achieved fifth place in her rope routine.• Mako Inukai in Level 7 was awarded fourth place overall with first place in her hoop, third in rope, third in ribbon routine.• Varvara Rubis in Level 7 was awarded first place overall with second place in her hoop, first in her rope and fifth in her ribbon routine.

All these gymnasts are amazing, talented and dedicated to Rhythmic Gymnastics. They are training up to 17 hours per week after school and on weekends to compete at the Australian National Clubs Carnival held on the Gold Coast with Australia's top gymnasts competing. We would like to recognize their outstanding achievements and congratulate them in their success.

Junior APS Summer Sports Trials/Training (Week 4)

Please note that this date has change and will the first trial will take place on Thursday 9 August from 1.20pm to 3.20pm

Junior Cricket Blast Program – Prep to Year 3 A Junior Cricket Blast Program for Boys and Girls from Prep to Year 3 is coming to Somerset College. This new and exciting program starts on Thursday 16 August from 3.30pm to 4.30pm on the Lower Sands and runs for six weeks until the first week of Term Four. The price is only $99.00 which includes a participant pack. So if you are passionate and love your cricket please get involved!

Parents can register via the website www.playcricket.com.au and search for your school’s suburb.

For more information please contact TRENT WALTERS (Market Development Officer - Gold Coast, Queensland Cricket) 0432 328 973 trent.walters@qldcricket.com.au

Up and Coming Events:

Thursday 9 August - Junior APS Athletics Carnival (All Day)

Thursday 16 August (1.20 to 3.20pm) - Junior APS Summer Sports Trials/Training (Week 5)

All information about Junior School Sport can be located on Schoolbox by clicking on the Junior School Sports page.

Australian School Swimming Titles 2018

Well done to Ava Usher, Cameron Donovan and Harrison Smith on their outstanding performances. The results for our swimmers are:Ava Usher (11 years) 50m Free sixth 30.06 sec 50m Fly eighth 33.54 sec 4 x 50m Medley Relay fourth 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay second (SILVER) 8 x 50m All Age Freestyle relay fourth

Cameron Donovan (14 years) 50m Breaststroke second 31.24 sec (SILVER) 4 x 50m Medley Relay first (GOLD) 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay fourth

Harrison Smith (17 years) 50m Breaststroke second 29.48 sec (SILVER) 100m Breaststroke third 1:06.14 sec (BRONZE) 200m Breaststroke fourth 2:27.87 sec 4 x 50m Medley Relay first (GOLD) 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay fourth

Congratulations swimmers on your excellent results.

Sernity Thake- Football

Serenity represented Queensland 15 Years Girls Team at the national titles in Coffs Harbour, last week. She had a great week taking on the number eight for Queensland and scoring some great goals , including a hat-trick as the team placed an excellent third in the nation.

APS Summer Season 2018

In week three, students trial for Summer Season sport, which include Basketball, AFL, Touch, Tennis, Water Polo, Cricket and Softball. Students should be prepared to consider other sports if required. If on the long-term injured list and seeking to join the Rehab Group, parents must forward a medical certificate to the College Nurse with all relevant information. Our first round will be versus Coomera Anglican on Friday, 10 August.

APS Carnival

Held Wednesday 8 August. Somerset are the three-time defending champions and the team will be announced the week after the Carnival. Practices continue daily at 7.00am at the track.

Track & Field Season 2018

Practices continue daily and begin at 7.00am sharp, concluding at 8.15am.Mondays and Wednesday: SS Jumps and Throws, JS TrackTuesdays and Thursdays: JS Jumps and Throws, SS TrackFridays: All events for JS and SS

Term Three:

Daily 7.00am - Athletics Practices (Somerset Track)

Friday 3 August - Summer Sports Trials #2/2APS Javelin/1500m events

Wednesday 8 August - APS Athletics Carnival @ SomersetFriday 10 August- APS Summer Season Sport vs Coomera

Somerset Sport Policy

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.

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)

Sports Information

• Don’t forget to check the Somerset Schoolbox Senior School Sport Page, as well as the noticeboard at the end of the Science Block for all Sports notes.
• If you need more information, drop by the Sports Office.
• The Sports page link must be added to your Schoolbox.
• If you need more information, drop by the Sports Office in the Ray Building.

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.

• go to “My Links” at the bottom left of your Schoolbox page and click ‘Edit”
• at “Manage my Links”, click “+” at the top right of page
• paste the link below and add title “Senior School Sport”: http://schoolbox.somerset.qld.edu.au/homepage/1466