We readied for the incoming of what turned out to be around 30 energetic Year 7 and 8 students who were ready to take Albert on in Connect 4, test Vivi’s drawing skills and of course, eat all of our food.
Captains Chat is a great way for the SLT to get to know students in the younger grades, in a relaxed, stress free environment. They can bring their lunch and come for a chat, some advice, homework help, to play games or just have a chat.
Our first captains chat was a great success, and we are hoping to open it up to all grades in the next few weeks to come.
See everyone back in Gallus 2.4 in a fortnight!
The guides taught them about how the shape and features of each stage venue uniquely manipulated the acoustics of the room to meet the purpose of each individual venue. For example, the triangular shapes on the ceiling of the Concert Hall split the sound waves so the sound becomes clearer. Afterwards we were taken backstage and learnt about the pianos and the dressing rooms, numbered 2 – 12, 14 – 52 because 13 is considered an unlucky number and so that performers couldn’t say that they were the best and deserved dressing room 1.
We were next taken to the area where the props and set pieces are put together and the unused set and props are put in boxes onto trucks and sent wherever needed. On the day we were there, we saw The Australian Ballet delivering all their pieces for, Alice in Wonderland. This loading area was very interesting as we were shown that all the stages are level so that minimal lifting is required to move set pieces in and out of the venues. We then went through a sound-lock (a pair of giant metal doors spaced out to create complete silence from any outside noise) that led to the Playhouse Theatre. This theatre is special because its side stage wings are so big that the stage crew can set up an entire stage and just slide it into audience view either by hand or with the help of a fly-tower. A fly tower goes above the stage, with a system known as double purchase counterweight flying, allowing for a lot of space for set pieces and other necessary items to be lifted above the stage space.
After tour guide Gary did ‘the famous clap’ (he did this in all the auditoriums we went to), we moved out to the main entrance of The Playhouse Theatre and were taught about the structural aspects of the building (e.g. cantilevers and the under ground supports) and how the major floods of 2011 heavily affected the QPAC building, where, at the time, Wicked was due to perform but they had to close off the building and fly the cast and crew home whilst they postponed the show for two weeks to repair flood damage. Finally, we moved through the big glass doors into the Cremorne Theatre, (which was a lot smaller than I expected) and were taught about how the curtains on the walls of the theatre absorbed sound but could be opened up to let the sound bounce around. After this amazing experience the students boarded the bus and headed back to the College to finish off their day at school.
We have listed each of the RBA’s 2018 predictions below, and indicated whether they were right or wrong based on the information provided to us at the 2019 seminar.
So the question is, “Should you trust an economist”? We certainly think so!
A big thank you must go to Mr Oman, Mr Evans, Mr Moore and Mr Juniper for organising the day.
“Pi day is approaching fastAnd we must celebrate the past.Three point one four one five nine;On that number we shall dine.”
π is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter but ironically, it is an irrational number, so it cannot be written exactly as a fraction. This means that the decimal expansion of π goes on and on ad infinitum …… with no repeating pattern.
Did you know that calculating the exact value of π is the only mathematical problem that has been worked on since antiquity - and has yet to be resolved?
Were you aware that March 14 is also Einstein’s birthday? I am sure Einstein would be pleased to share this anniversary with Shauna English (Year 11) and Mark Ritchie (Year 12) who are both in Starkey 3.
Would you like to find out how π crops up in so many unlikely places like the Bible, grandfather clocks, rivers and even ant nests?
Can you believe that the current world record for reciting pi is 67,890 digits? It took Chinese college student Lu Chao just over 24 hours to perform this feat.
To celebrate this arithmetical anniversary, the Σomerset Mαthematicαλ Σociety, ΣMΣ has planned suitable celebrations. There will be talks by students on a variety of mathematical topics, a lecture by yours truly, a pi-lates performance and a pi reciting extravaganza - all rounded off in the aftermath with a slice of pie.
This is a free community event and everyone who has ever drawn a circle is invited. The event starts at 4.30pm in the SLC on Thursday March 14 with the first 50 people to arrive to receive a free gift!
Please register your attendance on the college website and if you would like to recite pi or get involved in the evening, please email me for further details.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Our ill-being (symbolised in the clouds) could be blown away by our positive thoughts, actions and words.
Other learning engagements have been:
Carol Dweck coined the terms fixed and growth mindset to describe the beliefs individuals have about learning and intelligence. Students who believe they can get smarter, understand that effort makes them stronger.
Individuals who believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others) have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset (those who believe their talents are innate gifts). This is because they worry less about looking smart and they put more energy into learning.
Our Year 3 students have been displaying their understanding of fixed and growth mindset and have become very familiar with the idea that they may not be able to do something…yet!
View Carol Dweck's TED Talk, The Power of Yet here.
Mr Singh, the Philosophy teacher, said, “Last year there were about 4,000 IB Philosophy students and Esra’s high score placed her in the top 1-2 per cent of all international students in the subject.”
Esra gave valuable tips on good study habits, structuring exam essays and philosophical writing.
There are five IB Philosophy students in Years 11 to 12 and they are currently studying Plato’s Republic and socio-political systems.
Esra has been offered a place at University College London and intends to study architecture, economics and project management.
Four rounds of grading games resume this week, before the regular season tips off after the Easter break. Good luck to all teams in week 2 of grading, you were all very impressive in week 1 - keep it up!
U11 Girls: Abhilasha Sarmah
Abhilasha played in her first game ever (which happened to be in the top division) and was great in defence, playing with fantastic effort and attitude. Well done Abhilasha!
U13 Boys: Tarang Kondamudi
Tarang contributed to a great win in week 1 for his team, going after every rebound on both ends, and playing with great intensity. The smile never left his face, and the positive energy he gives his teammates is absolutely priceless. Good on you Tarang!
Any students interested in joining Somerset Spartans Basketball Club, please contact Mr. Whish-Wilson (swwilson@somerset.qld.edu.au) or Coach Dean Marais (dmarais@somerset.qld.edu.au) for more info and details on how to sign up.
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