This was followed by an exciting talk about Saint Stephen’s amazing Science programme and topped of with a boom from their fiery science demonstration. After a quick snack, we participated in an engaging workshop, turning horrible ideas into great ones.
Our idea was a straw that dissolved in liquid that quickly turned into plastics that dissolved in liquids reducing the impact we have on the environment. After arguably the best part of the day, being lunch, we participated in an extremely funny and exciting show, showcasing the future of science with Dr Karl! The future looks good, with humans potentially being immortal and having the ability to put greenhouse gasses back into the ground where it came from.
We came with lots of ideas for future science events and activities to implement within the Somerset community, and can confidently say we all had a blast!
For this year's festival, the College is excited to welcome two guest entrepreneurs, Yasmin Grigaliunas and Eden Shirley. Both Yasmin and Eden promise to be amazing speakers who will inspire our students to embrace problem solving and entrepreneurship.
Yasmin Grigaliunas is the Co Founder of World’s Biggest Garage Sale (WBGS). "WBGS is a Brisbane based start-up/scale-up, designing solutions to commercialise the circular economy through the activation of dormant goods for good. They maximise the value of goods already in the economy, through the circular principles of recycle, repurpose, reuse, and re-commerce. In doing so, we’re diverting landfill, and drawing wealth from waste which is invested back into our local communities."
Eden Shirley is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AutoGuru. "AutoGuru is the No.1 marketplace for mechanics and is easily the smartest way to book a car service or repair online. Founded with the simple mission to help people better care for their cars, AutoGuru made the Deloitte Tech Fast 50, Anthill 100 Coolest and The Financial Reviews 10 Most Innovative Companies in 2018 and is one of the fastest-growing tech companies on the Gold Coast."
Thank you to Lachlan, Mitchell and Javis for putting the business skills into action during the Somerset Storyfest.
“As long as you’re talking, you’re not fighting.” This Ted Turner quote represents the essence of what I believe everyone took away from Rotary MUNA last Saturday: as future leaders of the world, we must use the oration and advocacy skills learned through these activities to achieve a better world and a brighter future.
Somerset College was represented by three teams this year:
Representing China: Isla Clancy (11), Montana MacFarlane (12) and Shauna English (11). Representing Japan: Nada Wilson (10), Brianne Major (10) and Leigh Amores (10). Representing New Zealand: Guilia Provenzano (10), Alyssa Littleton (12) and Olivia Sutton (11).
New Zealand received particularly favourable comments from the judges, who praised us for our dual commitment to our nation’s perspective and UN goals. Being a delegate for New Zealand at such a sad time allowed myself and my teammates to really focus on how the recent Christchurch disaster did and still does affect the nation.
Understanding the United Nations’ role in maintaining international peace and security allowed each team to find out how significantly involved the UN is with today’s political, economic and social issues. My peers and I developed an awareness of the United Nations by debating about topical world issues through this Rotary youth programme.
The day began with an introduction to MUNA, which aided in calming everyone's jitters – Model UN debate has a unique format and many participants were brand new to the activity. A heated discussion on 'The Question of Global Climate' soon followed, with all delegates finding their passionate voices quickly. Other resolutions debated were, 'Regulating International Migration' and 'Win-Win Cooperation for the Common Cause of Human Rights'. The MUNA event became what felt like a true United Nations Assembly.
I would recommend MUNA to anyone. The wonderful refreshments and mingling with new people throughout the day kept the mood informal, and not only are you able to step outside your comfort zone and have new experiences, but you meet new people and build on your confidence. All Year 10 to 12 students should definitely sign up and see what it’s like next year.
I would also like to give many thanks to Miss Burgess, who was a wonderful Secretary General on the day, as well as a great mentor to all the Somerset teams prior to MUNA. Her guidance made the day even more exceptional!
Under 6 travelling to Tweed United for their first game. Somerset scored a total of four goals. Great teamwork between Emily, Sion, Ruben, Mayuko, Abhiveer and Hamish.
Under 7 Green played verse Mudgeeraba. Our Year 2 students made it difficult for the opponent and scored eight goals! What an effort from Connor, William, Zhander, Chase, Paxton, and Harper.
Under 7 Blue played vs a strong Palm Beach. The Palm Beach team played last year in the U6 competition. We are proud of Benedict, Henry, Edward, Logan, Alex and James. They were able to score one goal and had opportunities to score more.
Congratulations everybody with your first game.
Unfortunately, our Under 9 was cancelled. They can’t wait to play their first game!
Saturday March 30 our Somerset Teams play on the Somerset Track'n'field. Come down and support the Spartans Football Club! Games are played between 8.30am and 10.00am.
Please check our Schoolbox page for more information.
We focus on the process of improvement. We do not lose, we either win, or learn. Keep up the great work Spartans!
U15 Girls: Cienna BaileyCienna has shown some fantastic leadership lately by trusting her skills, backing her ability, and showing great effort and confidence on the court. Her strong play has also landed her a spot on the South Coast Basketball Team, a great achievement for any student. She is valuable on both ends of the floor for her team, and continues to develop and grow as a versatile player. Keep up the great work Cienna!
U11 Boys: Panteli CharisouPanteli is a great teammate for anyone to have on their team! He shows relentless effort in defence, regardless of the situation or conditions. Coach Peter Correa has praised Panteli's intensity in defence lately. In addition to his defence, Panteli is also one of the rare pass-first players around these days. He would rather set up a teammate, than score himself. His court vision and knack for hitting teammates with good passes provides good ball movement and easy scoring opportunities for those around him.
Any students interested in joining Somerset Spartans Basketball Club, please contact Mr Whish-Wilson or Coach Dean Marais for more info and details on how to sign up.
The rain all week did not stop play but saw the students having great fun. Go Spartans!
Next week on Monday 1 April we have our Pre-Prep to Year 6 Inter-House Cross Country Carnival from 12.00pm at the Somerset Track. Students can arrive at school on Monday in their House Sports uniform.
Pre-Prep to Year 3 races will commence at 12.00pm and conclude by 1.00pm when students will return to their classes. Races will run in order of year level beginning with PP and finishing with Year 3.
Years 4 to 6 races will commence at 1.00pm. Races will run in order of age groups, beginning at 9 years and finishing with the 12-year-old students (includes 12-year-old students from Year 7).
Presentations for Years 3 to 6 will take place at 2.30pm
Parents, we encourage you to come along and support your children throughout the afternoon, taking as many photos as you like! Be advised that you are not permitted to enter the middle of the track or be on the track at any time throughout the afternoon, you also cannot run with, or alongside your children.
A copy of the Programme for the day can be found on the Junior School Sport Schoolbox page.
Remember that all students must have a water bottle and a hat with them on the day.
Queensland Youth State Surf Lifesaving Titles were held at Burleigh Heads last weekend, when two Year 6 Somerset College students had great success.
Lily from Tugun Surf Lifesaving Club won a Silver Medal in the U11 Girls Cameron Relay.
Ryan from Miami Surf Lifesaving Club won a Gold Medal in the U12 Boys Sprint Relay (note as an U11 who raced up an age group to help the U12s win gold).
Monday 1 April Inter-House Cross Country Carnival
Monday 4 April APS Sport Training
Next week on Monday 1 April we have our Inter-House Cross Country Carnival at the Somerset Track. Students are to wear day uniform to the College (as per usual, only changing for PE class if applicable). They will then change into House shirts and Somerset sports attire at lunch time, prior to House Meetings and the House Cross Country Carnival. See Schoolbox for details.
Jake has been selected in the LAQ State Team to compete at Australian Little Athletics Championships in Hobart. He will be competing in both the 800m and 1500m. He will travel down to Hobart with the Queensland State Team.
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