With spectacular weather and a new layout for venues and the Clef Café, the quad sprung to life with competitors, their parents and in some cases their grandparents. As has been said before, the Festival is more than a competition – it is a celebration of the talents of younger Gold Coast students.
Again this year the relaxed atmosphere of the Festival enabled students to perform with confidence and enjoyment. I thank and congratulate each participant for sharing their developing skills and talents and hope they will be left with a sense of achievement and pride in their hard work and effort.
Each year we are delighted that so many teachers from the Gold Coast are prepared to assist by adjudicating at the Festival. They all play a vital role in helping, through their feedback, each to improve their performances. We are indebted to them for assisting so graciously and thank them for all of their efforts.
The Festival does not just happen. Our management committee work behind the scenes for many months to ensure a successful weekend. My thanks to Sue Roberts, Helen Little; Kylie Sherrington, Lisa Thomson, Helen Kane, and Sherry Wilson for their great work.
On behalf of all participants and their families our special thanks go to the Festival Programme Director, Mrs Helen Little and her band of helpers, especially the Somerset College Events Team, for their hard work both before the Festival and over the weekend. I also extend special thanks to Mrs Sue Roberts, Head of Department – Performing Arts for coordinating the many student volunteers and the roster for the staff assisting over the two days. Our student volunteers do an amazing job - scribing, announcing, working the door and assisting with the many jobs that make the Festival such a success.
We also thank the speech and drama teachers and the music teachers of South East Queensland for their support.
We look forward to 2018, welcoming new performers to the College and welcoming back those who enjoyed this year, at the 26th Festival for Young Performers.
First up, our junior cast presented Bus Stop, a play by Pauline Harris at Hillcrest Christian College on Friday 5 August. A focus of the Drama program at Somerset College is to allow for experiential learning opportunities for our students. This is evident in the GCSSDF as we offer Year 11 students the opportunity to direct the junior and intermediate plays. The junior play was expertly directed by Olivia Hammond and Amy Luke-Paredi, under the mentorship of Ms Jenny George.
This energetic Year 7 and 8 cast consisting of Eva Wingrove, Brigette Newing, Calvin Walther, Thomas Kilmartin, Noah Jay, Charlize Hinze, Ella Kirk, Leigh Amores, Sarah Norton and Sofie Smith brought to life the struggle of protagonist Cathy as she navigated her way through the challenges associated with being a teenager. This realist piece explored the theme of belonging, and made the audience consider how one decision can have the power to alter the course of your entire life.
A huge congratulations to our cast for the mature way they handled this piece. A special mention goes to the following students for receiving adjudication awards:
In Week 2 of the GCSSDF our senior cast headed off to All Saints Anglican School on Saturday 12 August to perform Sprout, a play by Jessica Bellamy. Our dedicated Year 11 and 12 ensemble consisted of: Rosie Bensley, Joshua White, Celeste Walsh, Lucas Stokes, Tom Nowakowski, Courtney Randall, Joshua Redfern, Olivia Hodge, Sarah Beaumont and Aarsh Nagpal.
Mrs D’Arcy had the pleasure of directing this ensemble, but it truly was a collaborative effort. The cast took the audience on a journey into a Dystopian Australia, a land where the resources are drying up, the environment is harsh and people cling to the lost art of language, to evoke their memories and find a glimmer of hope or ‘green’ in their existence.
Congratulations to the senior cast for their bravery on stage when exploring poetry, kookaburras, pregnancy hormones and cane toads. A special mention goes to the following students for receiving adjudication awards:
The ensemble also received two staging awards -
The final week of the GCSSDF saw our Year 9 and 10 intermediate cast travel to Saint Stephens on Friday 18 August. Sebastian Angliss-Li and Anna Harris took on the epic task of directing the talented cast, under the mentorship of Ms Greta Morley. Sebastian and Anna selected the Shake & Stir adaptation of the George Orwell classic novel, _Animal Farm _as the intermediate script. After auditioning over 30 students the final cast consisted of Bella Harris, Ella Hammond, Desmond Chuah, Ziggy Enoch, Michael Savic, Lilly McCoomb, Emma Lekich, Vivi Baker, Kevin Song and Tanisha Chadha.
The electric energy on stage and tight ensemble work was captivating as the audience witnessed the pigs assuming control of Manor Farm and putting the principles of ‘Animalism’ into practise.
Congratulations to all members of the intermediate cast for receiving the following adjudication awards:
Somerset College received the Gold Coast Secondary School Drama Festival Intermediate Division Runner Up Shield for Animal Farm. Congratulations to the directors and cast on your incredible achievement.
It is rare for an adjudicator to give an entire cast Highly Commended awards for their acting ability and it is a credit to their skill, commitment as well as the creative vision of their directors, Sebastian Angliss-Li and Anna Harris.
Participating in the GCSSDF is a team effort and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful mentors, Jenny George and Greta Morley, for guiding our student directors throughout all parts of the creative process. Thank you to Sue Roberts and Melinda Green for their unwavering support throughout the GCSSDF. Thank you to all the students, staff and parents who attended the evening performances to show support for our young actors. Thank you to all Somerset College students who auditioned to be a part of the GCSSDF, to our directors and the 30 students who made up our final three casts. We hope to see you all again in 2018.
Finally I would like to thank Hillcrest Christian College, All Saint Anglican College and Saint Stephens College for their generosity in hosting the Gold Coast Secondary School Drama Festival in 2017.
The commission we make from these sales has allowed us to spend $1,530 on new books for the Junior Library, buy $600 worth of gifts for Mudgeeraba Special School and make a $2,200 cash donation to the Room to Read Organisation.
Room to Read is a non-profit dedicated to improving children’s literacy in developing countries, with a particular emphasis on girls’ education. When a girl from a poor country stays in school, she is less likely to marry young, have fewer, healthier children when she does marry and is more likely to educate her own children, ending the cycle of illiteracy in just one generation.
Our $2,200 donation will keep around ten girls in school for a year.
Thank you for helping us pay our good-fortune forward and make such a positive difference in the world, Somerset!
The students and supervising teachers were addressed by Dr Daniel O’Hare from Bond University, who is Associate Professor Urban Planning Faculty of Society and Design. He presented a very convincing argument for the new generation to be Innovators of the Future, by thinking analytically, critically and creatively.
The students were provided an opportunity to work with the science faculty staff, where they conducted various experiments from filtering undrinkable water to make it drinkable, to wiring up solar panels to power LED lights and measuring the amount of energy contained in certain food items using a calorimeter. These experiments were used as the provocation phase to set the scene for their culminating task.
For the culminating task, each group were required to present a 2D and 3D blueprint proposal of a ‘City of the future’. Considerations were: over-population, pollution, climate change, increased energy needs, consumerism and waste. They had to follow a design thinking approach, complete with justifications for decisions, and benefits and challenges of their city design of the future. In conclusion they had to reflect on their team dynamics, considering strengths and areas for improvement.
Whilst the judging process was underway (thanks here to Mr Matt McLaughlin for his involvement in the judging process), the students were in held in awe being entertained by Dr John Thomas during a Science show called ‘Bangs and Flashes’.
Somerset Team 7 were visibly elated when they won third place (out of a total of 28 teams). Our congratulations go to Mason Richards, Danielle Svoboda, James Georgeson, Leo Kelly Correa, Jaime Dwyer and Ashlee Park on this wonderful achievement.
Thanks must also go to Mr Matt McLaughlin for his involvement in the judging process.
Throughout the past weeks, we have been making short videos about our top strengths and which strengths we can improve upon. These videos helped us to explore our personalities and emotions, allowing us to become better people. In addition, we all learned where our strengths lie and how we use them in everyday life.
Here is what I have learned about myself: my top three character strengths are a love of learning, curiosity and creativity. I have always enjoyed reading and going to school. I am also curious because I like to research all subjects but in particular animals and aircraft. In addition, I am also creative since I enjoy composing music and writing short stories.
I use my love of learning in schoolwork, especially in class conversations. I am an active participant and I ask – and answer – questions. I use my curiosity in class as well, especially when I do research activities, as I love to go deep in a topic, satisfying any questions I formulate. Finally, I use my creativity in English and Music when I write stories, compose music or play my viola.
In addition, the strengths I see the most in my friends are gratitude and hope. At the end of class, my friends thank the teacher for the lesson. My friends also show hope by always looking at the bright side of things.
Admittedly, the three strengths I would like to develop are social intelligence, prudence and perseverance. I will confess that I’m not that good at understanding social situations, and often misjudge them. Due to this, I also don’t really know what words might affect other people – positively or negatively – and thus, I need to work on my prudence. Finally, I need to work on my self-regulation. I need to work on this strength because, more often than not, I get overwhelmed by the many daily activities I have committed to and balancing it all gets me a little frazzled. If I can work on my self-regulation, I can overcome this obstacle and be happy with my performance in all endeavours.
As always, the standard was exceptional and it was really difficult to pick a winner in each group of 8 to 10 students. However, at the end of the evening those who were awarded First Place received a Book Voucher. As well, everyone went home with a Participation Certificate and a sense of achievement.
The following students gained First Place in their group:
Kate Jordan
These winners and a number of other students will be invited to take part in the A.B. Paterson Public Speaking Competition held next term.
I would like to thank the students who adjudicated or who were announcers or timekeepers. This event could not take place with these wonderful volunteers.
Our outstanding performers in Premier were Ben Atia 6/7 points and Jack Luke-Paredi on 6/7 points. Lyana Chan scored 5.5/7, Kabilan Manuneedhi 5/7, Charlie Liu 5/7 and Byron Morris 5/7.
In Open A, Michael Dobroskok and Jennifer Yeung scored 5/7. Thomas Tayler won bronze with 5.5/7 in Open B.
Full results:
Byron Morris at the World Cadet Championship
Byron Morris, who moved from Hillcrest Christian College to Somerset at the start of Term Three, is representing Australia at the World Cadet (Under 12) Championship in Brazil. Byron is only in Year 7 and he is now the third highest rated player in the whole school.
The Gold Coast Bulletin did a story on Byron’s remarkable achievement, and you can read the article here. To follow Byron’s results at the tournament, click here. We wish Byron the best success in Brazil!
Congratulations to all Award winners and a huge thank you to all students for their commitment to netball this season, as well as the parents, coaches and teachers for giving up your valuable time to make 2017 such a success.
Major Award Winners for 2017
Alexandra Halloran - Somerset College Junior Up and Coming Player
Lucy Millar - Somerset College Junior Player of the Year
Belle Toohey, Alice Jones - The Somerset College Junior Spirit of Netball Medal
Diaz Henry - Somerset College Netball Academy - Most Improved Player
Jemma Clements - Somerset College Netball Academy Cup - Best Player
Brooke Otto - Somerset College Intermediate Up and Coming Player
Jenna Goldie - Somerset College Intermediate Player of the Year
Stevie Olarenshaw - The Somerset College Intermediate Spirit of Netball Medal
Lilly McComb - The Somerset College Intermediate Spirit of Netball Medal
April McMullen - Somerset College Senior Up and Coming Player
Rylee Burns - Somerset College Senior Player of the Year
Mackenzie O’Sullivan - The Somerset College Senior Spirit of Netball Medal
Rylee Burns - The QISSN CUP - Most Valuable Player
Rylee Burns, 2017 QISSN All Stars Team - QISSN Recognition Award
Madizen Wilkins, 2017 QISSN Rising Stars Team - QISSN Recognition Award
Alexandra Harris - Cerutti Cup
Alexandra Harris, Ashlyn Taylor, Brieanna Bischof - Netball Service Award - Recognition of Commitment and Service to the Open A Netball Team
Open A Netball Team - 2017 Best Team Award
The Swim Club has been active the last few months with both local, regional and state short course events taking place. The recent Queensland State Short Course titles saw 19 Somerset Swim Club members compete with 11 swimmers finishing in the top ten in their events. Of these swimmers, six of them finished with medals and three of the medallists were State Champions. The medallists were as follows:
Anarnya Berlowitz – Girls 18 years: 2nd 200m Metres Breaststroke
Olivia Collins – Girls 14 years: 1st 50 Metres Fly, 1st 100 Metres Fly
Emily Noyes – Girls 14 years: 3rd 200 Metres Fly
Brooke Otto – Girls 14 years: 2nd 100 Metres Backstroke, 3rd 200 Metres Backstroke
Jorja Otto – Girls 12 years: 1st 50 Metres Backstroke, 2nd 50 Metres Fly, 100 Metres Backstroke, 100 Metres IM and 3rd 100 Metres Fly
Harrison Smith – Boys 16 years: 1st 50 and 100 Metres Breaststroke, 2nd 100 IM
Well done swimmers and coaches on these great results.
The Somerset Swim Club is holding a sign on afternoon coupled with a Macca’s Mini Meet which is a free event for swimmers aged four to nine. Click on the attached resource for the Macca’s Mini Meet flyer; all swimmers who enter will receive a free bag full of goodies from Swimming Queensland and McDonalds. The event will be held at the pool on Friday 8 September between 4.00pm and 6.00pm.
Happy Swimming!
To have world class athletes training at the College is a chance for our students to gain an insight into the dedication and sacrifices elite athletes make to ensure they are successful at the highest level.
It is hoped there may be further involvement by various groups in the lead up to the Games next April.
I know we will make all our visitors welcome.
Images, the broad work and contributions Meals That Make A Difference provide, were shown to students, who were humbled to learn of the true impact their service has on the lives of others.
If you would like to contribute to this service activity by preparing a meal, please register here. Students and families across all year levels in the College are welcome, and indeed encouraged, to contribute to this worthwhile cause.
Should you require further information on the preparation of the meals or recipe options, please contact Ms Melinda Green at mgreen@somerset.qld.edu.au.
Alena 3M - Scarlett and I have built a robot named Chocolate, we have worked so hard and I wish we could make another one.
Aaliyah 3M – I have created a fish in Technology, I have programmed it to move really fast. Its features are really cool.
Savannah 3M – I have made an Artic Fox in Technology and I had a lot of fun making my robot.
Krish 3M – In ICT our class has been making lego robots. In my group I made a frog.
Lucy 3M – In Technology we have been learning about robots. I thought it was really fun.
Students are all looking forward to animal race day during Week 10.
Spartan netball uniforms were used as inspiration in the design, to update the look of the swimwear.
Owner operator Kay Shallcross (Kozii Swimwear) and the Uniform College Committee agree, the new active sublimated swimwear is very stylish; the range has already received wonderful praise from our elite swimmers.
The following sizes are currently available for purchase:
Girls – Sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, XS, S, M, L, and XL
Boys Nix – Sizes 8, 10, 12, XS, S, M, L and XL
Other sizes will become available gradually when the current surplus stock is depleted.
There will now be two options to choose when purchasing swimwear for your child. – Our modern active sublimated swimwear or our existing aqua life swimwear.
We would like to offer the following tips that you may find helpful with the care of your swimwear to prolong its wear:
Please ensure that underwear is worn at all times when trying on swimwear.
The Bird and Bush Retail Centre is open Term Time Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 4.30pm.
Phone: 55597 167 or Email: retail@somerset.qld.edu.au
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