In fact, the live stream reached over 1400 viewers living in 40 different countries!
To kick the day off, our students in Years 3 - 6 visited our friends in the ELP to share their favourite books with one another. It was delightful to see our older students interacting with the youngest members of our school community by sharing their love and appreciation of literature.
Thank you once again to our parents and friends for your involvement in co-ordinating your child’s costumes and continuing to support their literacy journey by reading with them regularly.
With the help of volunteers from the STEM Ambassadors (Lauren Chan, Kaye Amores, Kate Jordan, Emelia Fink, Steven Xu and Amaani Bhasin) and the Year 12s (Desmond Chuah, Jacinta Mai, and Abhinay Panda), the Year 3s enjoyed a 40-minute hands-on experience where they Predicted, Observed and Explained the amazing science experiments they have explored.
They investigated the science behind chromatography just by using a paper towel and water with food dye. The second station was to explore chemical reaction between the bicarb and vinegar and collecting the gas produced using a balloon. The Year 3 students predicted the size of the balloon, and then observed as it grew bigger and bigger! The third station was to identify the pH of some household products like shampoo- we used a universal indicator, and the colour change was compared to the pH colour chart. Some of the results surprised everyone.
The fourth station was to investigate how far a soda can could travel using a charged ebonite rod. Predictions were made but to their surprise, the can kept rolling right off the table! Mr Moy ended up performing the test on the floor! Yes, it went over three meters!
All three classes managed to experience these experiments by morning tea but they were so excited to come back for the Science Show at 11.00am.
As student volunteer, it was a day to remember; being able to inspire the Year 3 students who went away with excitement, curiosity and gratitude was indeed something uplifting. We too, are grateful for the opportunity.
They were in awe at the many transformations that the dry ice can do, they screamed at the hydrogen rocket and rushed to the front for a chance to catch the dry ice droplets.
When we had our time for questions and answers, it was also amazing to witness their curious minds ask in-depth questions about the experiments and not just those wanting to try the elephant’s toothpaste! We were so pleased to witness their engaged reactions and truly hope that the show opened their young minds to pursuing science in the Senior School.
Because of this opportunity, we the Chem IB volunteers (Leigh Amores, Chloe Ming, Xenia Dariush-Far, Brigid Mullins, Jarvis Dover, Andre Vasquez, Maito Yamaguchi, Miku Adachi, Hannah Kennedy, Kushi Tumkur), thank the Science Department for the effort and support and the Year 3 teachers who initiated this plan and also graciously gifted us with heart-warming hand-written cards and chocolate.
We also hope to use this experience to prepare an even greater show for the National Science Week in Week 6 and even for next year!
This year has been novel, stressful and challenging in many respects. Thankfully in choosing Somerset College, we have all been able to rest assured that our students have received the best possible experience over that time. This is due in no small part to the innovative, agile and wise pivoting of our Junior School leadership team.
Thank you Mr Bassingthwaighte and Ms Collie. We see you, we appreciate you and we thank you.
For the first time parents, grandparents and others who have a love bond with our students have not been prevented by work obligations and remoteness from being enthusiastic spectators. I am sure there are some who startled colleagues by their spontaneous shouts of joy or encouragement while surreptitiously watching the sports carnival on their work computer! I am equally sure there are others who were very pleased that being a supportive parent this year has not cost all the travel and attendance time of previous ones!
This week was Book Week and I had the joy of watching the Pre-Prep to Year 2 Book Character Parade from my lounge room, last year I watched from a seat in the Great Hall. Everything was done so well, and the students were so cute in their costumes and waves to the camera, it was a lovely experience. I hope we continue live streaming even when social distancing allows us to be live spectators again, but there is a difference I noticed compared to last year, and this was true of the athletics carnival too. It was the “did you see me?” look.
Last year, sitting in the Great Hall, it was fun to watch the darting eyes and turning heads of students parading and then on stage as they looked for the loved ones who had come to watch. Once found, the students gave tiny waves, cheeky smiles and some even had little squeals of joy. Then, as they were announced in their turn, they gave the waves they had rehearsed, but no matter where they started, the waves ultimately went to the precious ones in the audience. The joy came not from the performance but from being noticed, being seen.
This is not just true of children; teenagers and adults alike thrive on affirmation. Over time it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that those we love know that we love them, they don’t need to be told. To come to believe that they know we are obviously proud of them, they don’t need to hear it from us in words.
This is far from the truth. Words of love, affirmation, encouragement and praise are always uplifting and powerful in building a solid platform of confidence in our loved ones.
You see for all of us, it is not a matter of being watched, it is to know that we have been seen.
The U6s played an exciting game with non-stop action. They started strong and kept up a solid defensive effort throughout. It felt like a goal a minute, with Palm Beach ultimately winning 6 to 5 but that did not dampen the spirits of these all-star soccer players.
Player of game went to Eloise for her excellent kicking and scoring two goals!
Well done team!
Under 7 Green players all put in a great effort but unfortunately come up against a very strong Palm Beach team with a six nil loss.
The team almost scored, hitting the post twice. Player of the Match went to Brayden who showed a great display of teamwork and listened to coach instructions.
Well done boys!
Somerset Under 7 White versed Palm Beach Yellow. In the end, Somerset won 4 to 3 in the away match.
Louis scored two, Jesse and Abhiveer scored one goal each. Spectators agreed, the game was particularly exciting.
The home team players were very tall and all played very well but our children performed exceptionally well and eventually won.
After a rainy Friday, the sun shone brightly for the early morning match in Merrimac, making the conditions perfect for the boys.
It was a thrilling game, showing great competitive balance between the teams. Merrimac quickly scored two goals, but Spartans Orange fought back hard with seven attempts on goal in quick succession.
Before half time, Ethan scored two impressive goals and the boys were pumped with a 2 all score.
The second half was filled with drama as Ethan scored two more goals, Hunter and Sam scored one each and Merrimac evened the final score to 6 all with 4 of their own.
Kai, Ruben, and Sam’s teamwork skills were particularly impressive as they worked hard to keep the ball in play and maintain a strong defensive line. The techniques learned during training were evident and it was exciting to see how they used their skills in practice.
The Under 8 White kicked off at 10.10am at Somerset College. After a good warm up the team was ready to start against Mudgeeraba. Mudgeeraba came with a strong team and our Spartans had difficulties getting the ball. This led to lots of shots on goal.
With thanks to James and Alessandro who played goalkeeper and avoided many goals. Alessandro received the Player of the Week for great defending in the first half and saved many goals in the second half.
This match was postponed due to the bad weather. The game will be held Sunday August 16 at Nerang, 8.30am kick off.
What a game! This week Somerset Under 8 Blue played against Palm Beach Blue at the Mallawa Sports Complex. We went in knowing this would be a tough game for us, as this team is Palm Beach's top team in this age group.
At the halftime buzzer Somerset were in the lead 5 nil and within the first minute of the second half Benedict Thompson scored our sixth goal.
Palm Beach went on to score two goals but Somerset took the win.
Our goal scorers for the day were Connor Millar-Martin with two, Paxton Stewart also two and Alex Pourre and Benedict Thompson scored one each.
Player of the Match went to Benedict Thompson for outstanding defence and attacking skills. These boys have truly come a long way, when compared to last year.
Keep up the good work boys.
The Under 10 side played on Somerset’s Track & Field versus The Southport School (TSS).
Thank you to all parents for bringing the players on time, giving the team a chance to warm-up properly.
Somerset created some good opportunities at the start of the game. Elliot then opened the score with great goals. In the Second half Harry followed up. Besides scoring goals, the team also worked well together and kept their shape very well.
The coaches enjoyed seeing the players all happy and playing well together.
Elliot won this week the Player of the Week. Congratulations Elliot!
This match was postponed due to the bad weather and will be played Sunday August 16 at Musgrave. 9.30am kick off.
Have a question about Football at Somerset College? Please contact our Head Coach - Football and Futsal Maarten de Kruijf. mdekruijf@somerset.qld.edu.au
Last week our Open Boys beat All Saints in a thrilling contest. The Open Boys team are showing signs of improved leadership, maturity, and a willingness to sacrifice and play their roles in order to get the job done as a unit. Defence and rebounding was critical but shooting the lights out helps too!
Wilson Partridge, Dom Bensley and teammates combined for 11 three pointers, and the defensive flare of Tal Mougrabi and Lucas McKean was second to none. Big Nick Spegel rebounded and defended the rim in style, while Felix Jackson, Tyler Longfield, Matt Leal and Angus Fitzgerald all player their roles to perfection.
The Open Boys will continue to prepare for the State Champs Tournament when they take on All Saints again next week at ASAS.
The Open Girls also had a great victory last week. They matched up with some quality opposition in Varsity College, who Somerset has never beaten before.
The girls played what can only be described as an inspirational team game. They started hot out the gate and played some fiery defence from start to finish, diving on loose balls and putting their bodies on the line for one another. Captain Steph Kay lead the way with her defensive intensity and competitive drive; she was everywhere. Our fearless point guard Katie O'Loughlin controlled the pace with class. Courtney Stoten and Claudia Crimmins were accurate all night making shots and hustling in defence. Libby Burrows blocked every shot in sight, Alice Jones was tough as nails, Riley Davenport was locking down on defence, and Ruby Partridge showed she has what it takes to compete with the best.
The Open Girls have proved what they are capable of, and have a renewed belief in themselves heading into the State Champs Tournament next month.
In the Premier Division Somerset 1 which comprised Byron Morris (6/7 board 1 prize), Kenny Ming (7/7 board 2 prize), Eason Wang (7/7 board 3 prize) and Jason Li (6/7), scored a massive 26/28 to comfortably win the day. Somerset 2 (Jack Luke-Paredi, Charlie Liu, Kona Baldock and Lyanna Chan) scored an impressive 21/28 to claim 2nd place, with Lyanna scoring 7/7 to claim the board prize.
These two teams will now represent the school and region at the Interschool State Finals in October up in Brisbane.
In the Open Division, Somerset 3 (Jennifer Yeung, Melody Yang, Aadi Rai, Aaron Lim) claimed third position in the teams section, whilst Nina Varcoe claimed third place individual with 5.5/7.
Recently a number of Somerset students have also played in the Cookies Rapid events over the last couple of weeks. Eason Wang, Alessandro Martinese, Elijah Hadikusumo, Oscar Credland-Ballantyne, Harrison Qu and Dylan Hu. In the July event, Alessandro picked up third in Rating Group B and gained 11 rating points. Elijah picked up 13 points in July and another 12 in August, and Harrison gained 11 points in the August event.
Well done to all the players who took part in the Inter-school event and we hope to see the primary event going ahead in the near future!
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