No.7, Term Three, 2020

Thankfully, the Science Department took the challenge to host this event for our Senior students which was made possible with the collaboration between the organisers and Mrs Wylie. Somerset students were very lucky to have the Ray Dining Hall as the venue for this event which includes some lollies and biscuits per table.

We saw 14 teams of the highest achieving scientists participate in the event, battling it out for the top MYP and Senior position. Following six rounds of random STEM questions and some heads and tails and fun facts shared by me during the break, MYP team: Ben, Alice, Tristan and Yuvi along with the Senior team: Chloe, Nada, Andre and Nick emerged victorious.

The trivia night was a complete success and a perfect way to end The National Science Week, validated by all the smiles and laughter that occurred during the event. The winning teams went home with a certificate and a gift bag and are looking forward to the next one in 2021 (whether it will be here at Somerset again or at the Queensland Academy).

Students connections have strengthened as they collaborated on unpacking their shared core values and actions in the form of a House Moral Compass and House Leadership Vision.

“We started our leadership journey off with an individual task, to create a moral compass. This task gave us a chance to look inside ourselves and got us thinking about what defines us as individuals, what core values drive us to act like this and why are we driven by these things. Together as a house group, we designed a combined moral compass consisting of shared core values. This was a wonderful opportunity, to reconnect as a year group within a house. The moral compasses are a demonstration of our unity as a house and as a grade. By understanding everyone on a deeper level, we can work towards being a stronger, more cohesive team. This year has been all about working together and taking that step up to expand the legacy of our predecessors, while we write our own. The transition between year 11 and 12 is not a simple task as all focus will be on us. How we lead, how we set good examples for younger grades and how we broaden our horizons on our final year of school. A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”

I am incredibly proud of all Year 11 students and congratulate them on the culture of support, care and mutual respect they are cultivating within their cohort, whilst committing to their leadership development so far.

Our student-run Science Show was held in the stunning new Junior School STEM classroom, giving us Seniors an opportunity to see and use the new Aitkenhead Building!

Prior to the show, the Science Committee members eagerly practised and organised the demonstrations during our meetings; allowing us to master our scientific explanations and performance for a younger audience. It was so exciting to finally perform the show on Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 6. They were easily amazed by the Van de Graaff Generator that repelled a stack of pie trays, the dry ice that formed droplets in a pretend faucet, the carbonic demonstration that explained how the pollution from cars can make water acidic, and three more mind-blowing experiments.

For the finale, we were able to show off a BIG BANG for a surprise when Nick and I lit a balloon filled with hydrogen gas on fire! It was incredible to see their eyes wide open – their faces are glowing in awe! Their cheering was deafening – the sound of being thrillingly entertained!

Most surprisingly, their Q&A engagement was above our expectations; they were so knowledgeable and real inquirers indeed!

To sum it all up, the show was worth giving up our lunch break and we hope to do more in Term Four. We truly hope the show opened the minds of the little kids to pursuing Science in Senior School.

We thank our Science Committee Supervisors; Mrs Amores and Ms Hyman, along with the rest of the Science Committee volunteers who were able to organise and prepare such an incredible show.

There was an astonishing amount of Year 9 students eager to be involved and after much planning, sorting and organising, everyone was so excited to finally get going. The Senior students were assigned their teams and everyone split off to little spots around the school, to get talking and playing!

The first session was mostly based around getting to know each other and seeing how the younger students were feeling towards moving into the Senior School. It started with a small Q&A, answering any and all questions they had about Year 7, and there were a lot! Although our younger friends were slightly apprehensive towards the beginning, they started to warm up to the prospect of getting a brand new uniform and a locker room all to themselves, not to mention the ping-pong tables and board games!

We then moved onto some ice-breakers, where there was lots of laughter whilst we tried to say each other’s names without showing our teeth! We became familiar with each other, and had a speed round of partnered activities, where we asked each other more questions about ourselves and our families. Some of these included:

“How many legs are there altogether in your family, including your pets?”“How many rooms do you have in your houses, combined?”“Share your top five favourite foods, to see if you can find one in common."

By asking 'odd' questions, it allowed for interesting conversation, which allowed both students to find more out about each other, but in a more fun and interesting way! To end the session, we had a speedy pop-quiz, which required team work and cooperation to find answers and be the first to get all of them right.

Overall, this was a very successful first session. The younger students learned that it’s okay to have questions, but they shouldn’t be scared! They realised that there are so many people here to help them, and that moving into the senior school can be such a fun time whilst you gain more independence and confidence. Peer Support is such a great segway for both the Year 9 and Year 6 students – the older students learn management and team-cooperation skills, and new bonds and friendships are created in the process.

I cannot wait for the second session, to get to know the year six students better and to help them in their transition into Year 7.

"Last Monday Year 7 was lucky enough to have a Study Skills day to teach us skills to help with our exams. In House groups, we did rotations with different teachers. Each teacher prepared us with lots of useful tips. We took a quiz to find out what type of learner we are. We also received a study timetable to fill out to plan our week so that we are always prepared and have allocated enough study time for each subject in upcoming exams. We also learnt summarising and memorising skills. The Study Skills morning gave us some amazing and useful techniques to help us study and utilise our time effectively."

River Texeira

"Study skills day was very fun and helpful for me because with Mrs Foster we learnt how to organise a study timetable for each week, with Mr Grocott we learnt how to use Mathematical skills, with Mrs Smith we learnt skills to help memorise things and with Mrs Walker we learnt skills to help summarise information. We also completed a questionnaire which helped us understand what kind of learner we are."

Olympia Pope

Added to that in 2020 we must consider social distancing and also whether it is worth trying to Zoom ageing grandparents and parents who have both hearing and technological deficiencies. (“What did you say dear?”, “Dad, move in front of the camera”, “Who’s that in the background?”, “the camera is on the other side” and other delightful distractions).

Then there is the big one: which parts of the family can be together without uncapping the bottled-up resentments and memories of hurtful deeds and words. Sadly, this is often a consideration for all the major events – Mother’s and Father’s Day, Christmas and Easter. What should be the happiest of occasions end up being planned as carefully as tiptoeing through a minefield, and the charge in nearly every mine is unforgiveness.

I was watching “Elementary” last night (yes, I am a most unsophisticated Chaplain) and I was struck by this piece of dialogue between Holmes and his sponsor, Alfredo. They are discussing Holmes’s estranged brother, Mycroft:

Holmes: “You know, it's hard to pinpoint the exact moment that my resentment towards my brother began. But if I had to bet, I'd say sometime in the days or weeks following my birth. He has this tremendous capacity for joy, and I just...he has wronged me. But I, I will, I will forgive him.

Alfredo: And then?

Holmes: Well, then perhaps he'll forgive me. And then I'll have my brother back.”

It is easy to dismiss this as fanciful, a powerfully emotive tool in cinema that will not work in life; but is it? Can it be possible for one party in a fractured relationship to begin the healing by offering forgiveness?

God thinks so, in fact this is the Gospel message. (Humans have offended God but) “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but should have eternal life”. (John 3:16).

It has also been said that “the greatest crime is the crime of unforgiveness”, and when we understand the pain that unforgiveness perpetuates the quote rings even more true.

The great poet Alexander Pope wrote in 1711 “To err is human; to forgive, Divine” and Hannah More the poet and abolitionist (born the year after Pope died) wrote words that should challenge every soul “forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.”

There is no guarantee that a choice to forgive will bring reconciliation, or even be well received. However, there is a great certainty that, regardless of the outcome, the decision to forgive will bring relief to the forgiver’s heart. And who knows, it may wonderfully unlock a surprising joy.

The win was a capstone to an outstanding undefeated regional season.

Coming into the last round, our club captain Frank Fei produced an impressive finishing move, providing him with the chance to win a Lenovo gaming keyboard. If successful, this would be the third time the team has won the Lenovo Savage Play of the Week.

With this win, we will now compete in the semi-finals for the Queensland title.

Congratulations to the team and Mr Phil Shapcott for his leadership

Under 6

The U6s played a tough game against Palm Beach. They were up against a strong offence and faced some unlucky long shots, resulting in a 6-nil loss. Nevertheless, they put in a great effort and were not short on enthusiasm.

Under 7 Blue

Our superstars versed Robina Purple at the Robina Common. Thanks to Coach Neal's best support, they won a precious victory! (They knew Robina was hard to beat.)

The Spartans never stopped in the first half, attacking the Robina goal. Jesse and Mayuko scored in the short time of 5 minutes. However, Robina immediately regained the point. Abhiveer scored two following excellent passing. In the last minutes of the first half, Hamish made a tremendous long shot! In the second half, they lost one goal in minutes, however, teams quickly changed their mindset and defended well. Liam and Emily were always in the best spot to stop the ball and Jesse pulled off a hat trick, again! They were in sync for the whole game. Another amazing match!

Under 7 Green

The Under 7 Greens played at Burleigh's home ground. The whole team put in a great performance to bring home a win of 6 to 1 against Burleigh! All Spartans players got onto the scoresheet. The Player of the Match was awarded to Dylan but all boys played exceptionally well, showing solid skills in teamwork and how to use each other. A few exciting goals were kicked by the boys but missed by an inch each time. Well done for a solid effort this week Spartans.

Under 7 White

For the away match the Under 7 White team suffered a defeat, the final score 2 to 8 against Palm Beach Orange. Harrison scored one goal. The boys tried very hard and enjoyed the experience playing against strong rivals. This is the first time that all Under 7 White players attended the game.

Under 7 Orange

Under 7 Orange played away against Southport Green in an exciting clash. Half time ended 1-nil in favour of the home team, with Ruben having saved what would have been a further goal in the nick of time, coming from nowhere to clear the ball on the line.

The second half did not start well. A questionable penalty awarded to Southport a few metres out from goal, due to an unintentional handball, resulted in a second goal to the opponent. The Spartans responded by attacking hard and had the parents on the edge of their seats. Kai and Ethan punched through on many occasions leaving the other team scrambling.

Having found their stride, the boys piled on the pressure in the opposition’s half with Hunter weaving his way through and putting away two goals. The score equalised and the boys had renewed confidence. Somerset got in front, Sam’s trusty strong boot sending the ball flying past two opponents from long range and scoring the leading goal.

The boys fought hard to hold the lead but just missed out on the win with Southport scoring at the last minute. The final score being 3-all, rounding off a fun outing.

Under 8 Green

Somerset Under 8 Green versed Magic Yellow in an exciting match at Magic United Football Club in Carrara. The Spartans played extremely well against a very tough team. (Reportedly, the Magic Yellow practise eight days per week!)

Somerset was persistent, staying in positions, displaying astounding defence and some good passing. Will and Vaughan did a great job, saving a few goals in their respective halves as goalkeepers.

Thomas was awarded Player of the Match, as he stood solid as a rock! Congratulations!

Magic Yellow won 4-nil in a well-deserved victory! The Under 8s displayed great spirit from a valuable experience. No doubt the team will be ready to bounce back next weekend.

Under 8 Blue

This week the Somerset Under 8 Blue team had an unusually high scoring game. Playing Merrimac FC, Somerset Blue won the game 12 to 1. Although we dominated the entire game, the Somerset boys showed good sportsmanship, being gracious towards the other team, on and off the field.

Our goal scorers for the day were Paxton Stewart with five goals, Harper Loon two goals, Benedict Thompson one goal, Connor Millar-Martin one goal, Henry Pevy one goal, and Zhander Griffiths with two goals. Zhander Griffiths also took out Player of the Match this week for great teamwork.

Under 8 White

Under 8 White played Mudgeeraba, trying their best but to didn't manage to keep them at bay. The opponents winning the game 5-nil but couldn't deflate the team's spirit.

The side will rebound next week for another great game.

Under 11

This weekend our Under 11 boys played against Runaway Bay under extremely windy and cold conditions.

• The match highlights include:
• Jacob, Elliot, Daniel and Nicholas with great attacking skills and some fancy footwork to defend the ball from our opponents.
• Another superb effort in goals by Dash.
• Two amazing free kicks taken by Bailey and Nicholas to secure goals.
• Game Captain Bailey showing great speed down the wing and setting the pace for the team to follow.
• Nash and Sebastian holding up the team defensively and giving everyone forward good opportunities to score.
• Magnus and Chris moving and passing the ball well, providing opportunities for others to score.

At the end of the game, Coach Maarten praised the boys for their efforts and identified a few errors made but focused on the opportunity it brings for the boys to learn and develop.

Thanks must go to Elliot and Jacob from Under 10 for helping the side out and putting in a top effort. It was another win for our boys with the final score 8 to 2.

Have a question about Football at Somerset College? Please contact our Head Coach - Football and Futsal Maarten de Kruijf: mdekruijf@somerset.qld.edu.au

Round 2 is a knockout competition, the first loss and you are out of the tournament. The Under 11 Boys played in their quarter finals versus Saint Andrews Lutheran College. The boys warmed up well but from the start of the game it was Saint Andrews who showed better quality. Dash Robinson's goalkeeping kept the Spartans' hopes alive, the saves keeping them in the game. A quality free kick from Bailey Pourre made the half time score 3 to 1. After the team talk, Somerset had a good start to the second half but the ball did not want to go in. Saint Andrews scored and continued to dominate the rest of the game. The boys left the court with their heads up. They have worked hard and played to the best of their ability.

The Under 12 Girls played the quarter final versus Kenmore SS. The girls were on fire from the start. It was Natalia Zotti who scored early, after just 10 seconds. The first goal gave the girls a boost and they played through scoring many more goals. The girls had a clean sheet with thanks to Zara Ryan and Ari Thake.

Calvary Christian College was waiting in the semi finals, after winning their quarter final against Saint Andrews Lutheran College. Knowing it was going to be a difficult match, the Girls performed excellently scoring impressive goals. Passes from Sarah Nickels and Ellie Davies helped the Spartan Girls over the line to claim victory!

The Spartan Girls setup a mission for themselves at the start of the tournament, to bring the medals and trophy back to Somerset. Reaching the final, the girls were close but faced one big obstacle, King's Christian College. Girls from both teams are good friends and play together at the same football clubs, but in the Futsal finals, they were enemies. After five minutes the Spartans were awarded a free kick. It was Ari Thake who took place behind the ball and with a great shot, the ball went in giving Spartans the lead. After 1-nil Somerset did not stop. It was Georgi Zerbst who took over and scored a hattrick ( three goals). Big thanks to Zara Ryan who played in goals for the whole game. The girls won the final, with a total score of 4 to 1.

We also want to thank Coach Nigel, who has coached the Under 12 Girls. Unfortunately, Nigel could not attend the finals he was coaching the Year 7 and Year 8 girls at their APS Sport. Coach Maarten took over the coaching for the tournament.

If any questions for Football or Futsal? Please contact Maarten de Kruijf: mdekruijf@somerset.qld.edu.au

This competition is a qualifier for Rumble on the Reef in Mackay next month, which is one of the biggest competitions in the national calendar.

In Under 16s, Aidan Chan made his contest debut in impressive style, showing a good combination of tranny and tech skills with a front rock on the big wall and big spin down the gap.

Thomas Dawson started his runs with a massive ollie down the big set, followed up with boardslide down the rail, guaranteeing a spot in the final. Tom Enwright’s trick selection and consistency saw him go into the finals in first.

James Enwright was skating his first Opens competition, having turned 17 this year. He pulled a massive ollie to pivot on the quarter pipe and a backside flip on the hip to show that he will be a contender against the men in contests to come.

In the U16s final all the skaters turned it up a couple of notches to put on an exciting display. Thomas finished fourth and Tom second, with Aidan in seventh. James finished seventh in the Opens. Look out for contest updates to come.