No. 9, Term Three, 2017

Schools must act as bridge between the pillowed life of the home and the hard edges of the real world…… A well run outdoor education program can be invaluable in causing a student to develop the self-assurance and grit needed to cope with the challenges of life. - Dr Tim Hawkes, Headmaster, The Kings School.

Camp Week was formed purely as conduit in which our students are challenged beyond the scope of their normal daily routine. They learn resilience in the face of adversity, a life skill that cannot be taught in a classroom. The students can learn more about themselves in this one, four night excursion than in all the other weeks of the year.

The Year 10 students spent a week in Mt Barney National Park, they packed their own backpacks, they negotiated their tent groups, they formed their own hike groups, they cooked for themselves, they washed up for themselves, they trekked mountains, they used bush toilets, they missed their daily shower.

The camp doesn’t have any winners or losers, the students can only succeed or fail to master their own personal challenge. All camp groups are set achievable goals, yet all groups must persevere through significant discomfort at times to meet the challenge set. Every child this year succeeded through determination and internal fortitude. The students who very often shine on camp are not always the star athletes, it is very often the quiet child who has the resolve to dig deep and finish the hike without fanfare or medals, much like life itself.

I know all Year 10 will remember their camp week and while the lessons may not always appear clear to the 15 year old mind, those lessons are learnt and the strength of character demonstrated will be evident long past the discomfort of camp is forgotten.

In Year 11, as a reward for the hard work of Year 10 camp, the students choose their camp experience. We had students select the following camps: The Outback Camp, conducted near Warwick, Navigation and Boat handling in the Broadwater, Tall Ship Sailing from Bundaberg to Brisbane and the Fraser Island camp.

A life well lived can be defined as one full of unique and amazing experiences. There is no doubt that the students who attended these camps have had a unique and I hope amazing experience.

Child psychologist, Michael Carr-Gregg blames parents who hover over their cotton-wool kids for raising what he describes as a "marshmallow generation".

We are certainly fortunate at to have the support of parents, the Headmaster and the Board of Somerset College for the continuation of our Outdoor Education programme. Hopefully Somerset College graduates will never be described as the "marshmallow generation".

From the ferry terminal, our massive four-wheel drive bus boarded the ferry and onboard, we had our first dingo sighting as well as managing to spot a pod of dolphins. Once on the island, a very bumpy ride took us to our first stop where we went on a short walk to a creek that is sacred to the indigenous aboriginal people of the island. It was called, "Wanggoolba Creek" which translates to "Invisible Creek" because the water is so clear it appears as though there is no water at all. We made our way back to set up camp at Central Station and cook up dinner before a good night’s rest.

The next morning was a freezing but refreshing start to a busy day. We packed up our tents and bags and hopped back on the bus on our way to the Pile Valley Rainforest. With music playing and people singing along, even the teachers were dancing. After a 45-minute walk surrounded by the towering Satinay Trees that seemed to defy gravity, we really began to realise the rarity and beauty of this tropical rainforest that exists on the largest sand island in the world. A short bus ride and then walk to Lake McKenzie revealed a huge bright blue expanse of freshwater, bordered by soft white sand.

After swimming there for hours, we had lunch and then made our way to Eli Creek where the current drifted us down the stream. We stayed there playing cricket and soccer until the pink sunset faded.

Our last full day of being on Fraser began with an early start for those who chose to wake up at 5.30am and make their way down to the hill by the beach for the sunrise. On the drive to Lake Wabby we made a stop at the Shipwreck of the SS Maheno; an ocean liner that was washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935. We took many pictures with the disintegrating frame of the ship that once carried up to 500 passengers, before continuing on to the starting point of the hike.

It was quite a long and difficult walk up sandy paths to Lake Wabby but it was all worth it for the beautiful view of the desert-like sand dunes leading down to the lake. We spent the rest of the morning cooling off and enjoying the sunshine. After the walk back, we were headed to Champagne pools where waves would crash over the rocks splashing everyone in the pools that were created by the circular rock formation. Another short drive and then a walk led us to Indian Head, one of the anchor points that helped the island to naturally form. The vantage point gave us a view of the ocean as well as the surrounding bushland and we saw numerous turtles swimming in the waves as well as some sharks.

We packed up early the next day and began our long journey back to Mudgeeraba, but not before we sighted another three dingoes while driving along on the beach. One was even snacking on a dead turtle that had washed up. They ran alongside the bus for a while before eventually heading their own way. On the trip, back across on the ferry there was a lot less excitement than the first trip as we were all wishing we could stay on this picturesque island a bit longer. However, we weren’t quite on our way home yet as the bus got stuck in the sand. The engine would be revving but the wheels kept spinning, sending sand flying in all directions. Eventually after everyone got out of the bus to help push, it was free and we were back on track to home, marking an end to an awesome trip that brought us so much closer together as a group and gave us some memories that we will always look back on and smile.

"Ray is being bullied by ‘the Eneme’. When a year-nine excursion to the Boggo Road Goal goes awry, Ray’s dad encourages him to pick his moment and fight back. The Apology ricochets through a five year period where the bruises of bullying refuse to heal. Told from an unbiased perspective, this powerful production forces students to decide if the punishment fits the crime. Fuelled with intensity, The Apology fuses physical theatre techniques, multiple role-sharing and live music into visceral and dynamic Theatre for Young People."

This thought provoking work inspired some considered, reflective discussions from the Year 8 students as they completed an analysis task after the performance.

"The key message of the play is never to judge someone without knowing their background. Because even if you think you know, you actually don’t. You only know their name, not their past. Do not judge people, bully them or give them a hard time because it could change their life forever."

"The Apology taught us that although you can’t control what other people do, you can decide what you yourself do. Every action has a consequence."

"Consider what the person who is being bullied is feeling, place yourself in their shoes. Remember to think before you speak. If you feel like what you are going to say will hurt others, don’t say it."

Live theatre has the power to explore complex themes and challenge the way we (as the audience) think and feel. Thank you to Sam and Hayden from Zeal Theatre for providing this experience for our Year 8 students.

We began by presenting our Dads with their very own personal hand-painted tie and a well-deserved shoulder massage. Dads were presented with a mini tool box (instructions not included because Dads don’t need them!) which they assembled and decorated with their child.

To finish our morning, the students gathered to sing and dance about how AMAZING our Fathers, Uncles, Dads, Grandpas and Extra special men are to us. It was wonderful to see so many of our Year 1 Dads, Uncles and Grandpas enjoying this special time with their child.

We saw Dads wearing art aprons as they painted, Dads in the sandpit, Dads in the playground, Dads on the obstacle course, Dads munching on home-made scrolls, Dads drinking home-made lemonade, Dads reading books, Dads rolling play dough, Dads building with blocks, Dads getting a special gift and Dads waving goodbye after spending a wonderful morning in the world of Pre-Prep.

Thank you to the Pre-Preps for being lovely hosts, even those little friends without a special visitor went to great lengths to ensure everyone felt welcome. Thank you to all of the Dads for juggling other commitments to spend this special time with your children, these precious memories will last a lifetime.

The participants of the Public Speaking Evening put on a brave and confident display, in front of rooms full of parents and friends.

The Year 5 students moved up a notch and were required to speak between three and four minutes – aiming at four. Subjects such as Chasing Rainbows, In Someone Else’s Shoes and Life is Beautiful were addressed with conviction, emotion and again – confidence.

The Year 6 students spoke for between four and five minutes on a wide range of subjects such as The Choice is Yours, Not Many People Know This and The Power of Poetry. The Year 6 students taught everyone in their rooms something new and interesting and delivered their speeches in an amazingly entertaining and confident manner.

Thanks must go to all the Junior Teachers who adjudicated on the night; to the numerous supportive parents who encouraged their children to rise to this challenging occasion and to the Senior students who acted as Chairpersons for the night.

We all know how important speaking in public is and this is such a positive way to start. Congratulations to all students, especially those who were awarded Speaker of the Night.

Currently in our PYP, we are discussing our written components, sharing programme tips, brainstorming ideas for visual and interactives. Our mentor meetings have been very helpful. Thanks to these, we all have clear ideas of what visual and interactives we are doing and now it’s on to the fun part - creating. Already I’ve seen some really amazing models, posters, games and even a giant chatter box! It seems like PYP has been chasing us everywhere with it leading into specialist lessons too.

In Italian, we’ve been comparing our lives to those who are experiencing our issue and translating this to learn new words. In ICT, we’ve been busy creating group presentations on prezi or weebly, covering our various issues and the rights of the child. In art, we have been creating paper bead jewellery to not only recycle, but to learn what it’s like to labour as a child. In library, we’ve been brainstorming challenges and opportunities we face when being academically honest, researching and using technology in a safe, smart and responsible way. In music, we have tested ourselves as composers, writing a verse about our issue and adding music to go with it. Back in class it has been full steam ahead with most of the day devoted to exhibition.

We all have something to do, adding the finishing touches to our written component or getting messy thinking of ways to creatively display our research. All in all I think we are all interested in this inquiry and are now much more appreciative of our lives. I can’t believe there’s less than 2 weeks to go.

Travelling over on a perfect Gold Coast morning, we had a brilliant view of the Glitter Strip, which made it hard to resist a selfie or two. The group was reunited at Currigee, where the group’s teamwork was tested by shifting all of the camping equipment and bags to the base camp. We then spent most of the afternoon playing baseball, beach cricket and chilling in the playground. A few of the boys were able to throw in a line or two before dinner and Mr. Walther managed to catch a Flathead in the Broadwater to cap off a great start to camp.

The group was split into two for the deep sea fishing charter. Group 1 was woken at half-past five for a six o’clock departure. We were greeted by two real characters who took us out into the ocean, in the hope of catching dinner. The blokes who were running the charter began to catch baitfish like there was no tomorrow, seemingly catching hundreds in the space of a few minutes. Then the skipper of the boat demonstrated how to cast a line, again managing to catch a tuna with this cast, handing the rod to Mr. Walter to reel in the fish. Surely, it couldn’t be that easy… and surprise, surprise it wasn’t. Whilst we all managed to catch several fish, with Kyle leading the way with four, no one could match the opening catch of the day. Kyle and I were able to fish from the bow of the boat looking onto the Gold Coast skyline as we threw lines in. All of our group loved the four and a half hours we were deep see fishing. Where else would you rather be! The skill of MasterChef Solihin was on display, when the day’s catch was turned into a big pot of Laksa. Which was enjoyed around the campfire overlooking the brilliantly lit North end of the Gold Coast.

We were again woken early on Wednesday morning as Mr. Solihin tried to wake Group 2. Once they left, Group 1 had breakfast and walked across the island to the open beach. Again, more beach cricket and beach soccer were played, once we got back to the camp, Group 2 had arrived back from their deep sea fish. A large part of the afternoon was taken up by beach volleyball and more time spent in the playground. While we doing some fishing off the beach in front of the campsite, we spotted the second sailing group. Mr. Walther, Mr. Solihin and myself took the tinny out to say hello, dodgy outboard and all. Once we arrived back, we continued to fish. Although the ‘big one’ alluded us, several small fish were caught and released. Mr. Walter cooked his signature bouillabaisse to finish an amazing day and camp.

Finally, I would like to thank the 13 other boys as well as Mr. Walther and Mr. Solihin whose company and teamwork made Fisho 2017 so special and unforgettable.

Year 9 Aged Care Reflection

Tuesday in Week 7, I along with the majority of my Year 9 cohort travelled to aged care facilities on the Gold Coast. Once we arrived, we launched right into performing for the residents who also joined in for some old classics such as the YMCA and Do Re Mi.

The delight and joy on the faces of residents listening to the music we had prepared for them was so rewarding and fulfilling for us students. Their smiles and whistling really did brighten up the room. Following this, we had an opportunity to sit down and talk to our new friends, as they told us stories and memories from back when they were in school. They asked many questions about us and just about everything we do today. We shared moments from what they used to do on their weekends and their favourite subject in school, to what their children are doing today and activities they are doing currently in the aged care facility.

For some of the people there, they do not get visited by friends or family very often, only seeing them every month or even every six months. Therefore, for us to go where they live and sit down with them, even just for a few hours, is definitely one of the most enjoyable and exciting times of their month. This was evident with the amount of laughs, smiles, whistling, dancing and stories being passed around the room. One of the ladies who I sat down with during the morning, Joyce, even asked at the end of our visit if we could come back the next day.

This experience was very gratifying for myself and the rest of my peers, as we didn't just get to hear stories about times before we were even born, we got to meet new people, make new memories and learn more about the older generation in our society. This was undeniably one of the best activities we completed during Activities Week. Knowing we made someone's day brighter and brought joy to their home, set a positive tone for us to end this term on.

Georgina Powell

Year 8 Aged Care Reflection

I had such an amazing time visiting the aged care. During our time there, we were able to interact with some of the lovely elderly, who shared fascinating and wonderful stories of their past. This interaction successfully evoked many of our social skills.

Some students even performed for the group, playing the piano and singing, which I'm sure everyone enjoyed. Overall, going to the aged care was a great experience.

Leigh Amores

We started the day off with fun partner activities. This forced some people to come out of their shell and interact with someone they usually wouldn't. Afterwards, we learnt an interpretive dance to the wonderful Ain't No Mountain High Enough, one we will never forget. In-between activities, yLead took the opportunity to share the stories of inspiring people who used initiative or took action against an issue. During the talks we also learned tips on how to be a successful leader.

After recess, the grade split into two groups and we enjoyed many activities (that were very competitive). One game was about creating freeze frames that had to match an image or setting. The other game was about finding out the fastest time a tennis ball can pass through a group of people (we measured 0.48 seconds - yes, it is possible). These games brought out our teamwork, collaboration, and thinking skills.

We remained in our two groups after lunch. First, I experienced an activity that slightly resembled a debate. In the beginning, we were given a red card and a green card. We were then given a statement where we had to choose whether we agreed or disagreed using our cards. This activity allowed for us to be open-minded with other's opinions as our views can change (it also allowed us to be a little bit competitive).

The next activity, involved the classic game of Jenga, firstly playing 'Jenga chaos'. This is where we had to be as chaotic as possible when another player was taking their turn. The second variation of Jenga we played, we had to work as a team. The goal was to add as many blocks to the top of the tower as possible before it fell. Even though we were not screaming at each other this time, this game may have been one of the most stressful (but still fun) experience that I have ever been through. At the end we reflected on how our environment can affect our overall performance, as we performed better as a team in a controlled space, rather than a chaotic one.

Both groups came together towards the end of the day, for a final talk. YLead recapped the tips on being a leader as well as one more partner activity involving giants, wizards and elves. Lastly, we ended the day with dancing to, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, once again, with our amazing interpretive choreography.

YLead was such a fun experience. The kind and brilliant people at yLead were able to teach us many leadership skills through talks and activities that were valuable but still fun and enjoyable to learn. Overall, everyone had a great time.

Leigh Amores

On Thursday of Week 8, all Year 8 students undertook a program called YLead. Throughout the day, we listened to many interesting talks and completed numerous activities aimed to motivate students to be active leaders throughout all aspects of schooling.

In my opinion, this program was an amazing experience and enabled us to gain many skills. For example, we were to work in groups and perform a multitude of team-based activities. This included a large game of Jenga, which we were first working against our teammates with a goal to not be the person who knocked over the tower.

We then co-operated with our group and discovered how much easier it was working with people rather than against. This is only one example of the many skill sets we practised.

We listened to many talks where we learned how each individual can make a positive difference in the world and Bel and Amy discussed many successful people who have made significant changes. We also discussed how we could use our personal strengths to make a positive difference and change our world for the better. Overall, this day was very inspiring and worthwhile for all Year 8 students.

Alissa McKenna

Is it possible to start a world class business in your kitchen? Is it possible to make a come-back in business after your brand name has been bought by a huge foreign competitor? Can Australian products compete against cheaper mass-produced products from overseas? Is it possible for small Gold Coast entrepreneurs to thrive and prosper against intense international competition?

Our Year 11 Business Management classes now know that the answer to these questions is an emphatic YES – if you are passionate, determined and smart. The visit also provided a rare opportunity for all students to see real businesses in operation.

The Miessence - Organic Natural Enterprises company was established by former Somerset College parent Narelle Chenery in 2003 and now employs over 30 people at a factory in Molendinar. Narelle explained her passion for organic food and cosmetics and the challenges that she and her team have faced as they have grown and commenced exporting to overseas customers. Students learned the requirements of organic certification and the challenges of growing a business, while maintaining an absolute devotion to the original vision of providing genuine organic choices for customers.

UGG since 1974, based in Miami, is a company that must compete against much larger foreign rivals in producing a product once known as uniquely Australian. Despite experiencing significant financial and operational problems, the company continues to grow its sales by taking advantage of the boom in foreign tourism. Students met the Marketing Manager at the UGG factory to learn about promotional strategies and observed a production process that can provide high quality customised footwear for overseas visitors within 48 hrs.

This was an experience students will undoubtedly remember for many years to come. We hope some will also be inspired to take on the challenges of establishing their own business one day.

Olivia Collins- Swimming

Olivia has been selected in the Queensland Short course Team to go to the AIS in Canberra. A great achievement as only ten 13/14 girls selected (and one of only three Gold Coasters in this age group).

Camille Neighbour

Camille competed in Level 6 at the NSW Rhythmic Gymnastics State Championships on Saturday 26 August in Sydney. Being the only Queensland competitor representing the Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics Club, Camille snatched the gold medal in her perfect rope routine with an unbeatable score of 9.7.

State Athletic Knock-Out Competition

A select number of students have been selected to represent Somerset College at the Schools Track and Field Knockout (South Queensland Final) on Saturday 9 September 2017. The competition will be held at the UQ Athletics Centre.

Summer Sport Intermural Games

On the last Friday of Term Three there will be no APS Sport against an opposing school. Coaches will run organised Intermural Games for the selected Summer Sports. There will still be a number of teams catching buses to venues to play their games. All the ingredients needed to create a great afternoon of sport and finish off the Term in style.

Athletics Season

Athletics practices are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday before school for South Coast and competitors or anyone who would like to continue training.State Knock-out (UQ): Saturday 9 September Queensland Schools State Athletics Titles: Thursday 12 to 15 October

Queensland School Basketball Championships

Somerset College will have both a boys and girls team represent the College at the Queensland School Basketball Championships from Thursday 14 September to Sunday 17 September. The event will be held at Insports Cornubia Park, 146 Bryants Road, Shailer Park and Mt Warren Sports Centre, 2 Milne Street, Mt Warren Park. The competition will run over four days, Thursday to Sunday. Two or three games will be played on each of the first three days, with the possibility of a finals game on Sunday.

Sport this week:

Monday 11 September (7.00am or 3.30pm) - Compulsory APS Summer Sports Practice

Wednesday 13 September (7.00am or 3.30pm) - Compulsory APS Summer Sports Practice

Thursday 14 September - State School Basketball Championships

Friday 15 September - Summer Sport Intermural Games

Friday 15 September - State School Basketball Championships

Friday 15 September - State Rowing Titles

All sporting details are posted on Schoolbox on the Sports page.

Teams from Coombabah, St Vincents, Merrimac Tallebudgera and TSS competed in the Red Ball format in both singles and doubles. The competition is open to students in Year 4 and below and aligns to the National Curriculum bands.

Matches were played in a round robin format which allowed each student the opportunity to compete in numerous matches throughout the day. Somerset College students showed fantastic tactical awareness and employed consistency as their prevalent component for their matches. This proved to be successful with the Somerset College team going through undefeated to win the Regional final.

As a result, Somerset will now progress through to the State Final to be played at the State Tennis Centre in January, during the Brisbane International. Somerset College will field representatives in each of the Red, Orange and Green Ball sections of the State Finals and have the opportunity to play alongside some of the world’s best tennis players in Brisbane.

Many thanks to Luke Spanner for his organisation and team management for the event.

Our Onesie Party is a great opportunity to celebrate reading and to bring students together to have fun at an event that is all about reading. Many thanks to our fabulous Year 6 helpers for reading to our younger Junior School students. This year we had the Dr Seuss Zone, the Hairy Maclary Zone and everyone’s favourite, the Australian Animal Zone. Because so many Australian animals are nocturnal, this was a great excuse to transform the Alumni Room in the KIP into a reading by torchlight experience and the children certainly enjoyed it. The curtains were closed in the Junior KIP for some wonderful storytelling from Year 6 students, as well as books galore to explore.

We encourage you to make a date with a book for Australian Reading Hour on Thursday 14 September. Reading doesn’t only improve the mind. It also improves lives and makes better societies by increasing happiness, reducing stress, and improving health.

Each team was awarded a Best Defensive Player and a Spartan Spirit Award. The Spartan Spirit award encapsulate the attitudes and values of trust, care, commitment, pride and respect. The Best Defensive accolade was awarded to players who take on challenges, play defence with their voice, eyes, feet and most of all……their hearts.

Nominated students from each team spoke about their experiences playing with their team members and how fortunate they are to represent the college as a Spartan. It was music to everybody’s ears and you could feel the passion through their words.

The major award of the night was the Club Person of the Year. Katie O’Boyle was the inaugural winner of this award for her dedication, commitment and significant contribution to basketball at Somerset College. Katie coaches junior teams throughout the week, on Friday nights and would you believe, on the weekend as well! Without Katie the club wouldn’t be in the strong position it is today.

It was great to have Craig Bassingthwaighte in attendance to congratulate and wish all the best to our Club Captains for the remainder of 2017 and 2018 - Katie O’Boyle and Mitchell Murdoch. Two quality students who demonstrate the attitudes and values that epitomise our positive culture at Somerset.

A big thank you to Katie Kee and the basketball parents for their work behind the scenes, ensuring that our first ever basketball awards night was a huge success. This is Sparta.

Described as an aerobic dance form of Colombian origin, usually set to Latin American or World music, Zumba mixes low-intensity and high-intensity moves, combining all levels of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility - for a serious amount of fun.

Whilst most were excited, some of the group were initially reluctant to start the unit, with one student describing the task of creating, choreographing and performing a two-minute Zumba routine in front of his class as "...a nightmare". However, the Physical and Health Education unit introduced professional Zumba teacher Cindy Xu, who led several sessions with the students, enabling them to see the variety of moves that they could use in their sets.

The students were allocated groups, given their guidelines and away they went on their creative journey. The first task was to choose their music. With the uplifting beats booming out of the speakers each lesson there was such a vibe and building excitement amongst the Year 10s that even the most reluctant students were tapping their toes. PE teacher Mr Attoe’s wise words of advice, "Fake it ‘til you make it" struck a chord and after six gruelling weeks, the Year 10s were ready to perform their group Zumba performances.

And what performances they were! The students effortlessly led their peers through their routines, with great support shown for each of the performances. There was an amazing energy to the lessons and some groups were so inspired they introduced costumes, wigs and bright colours to enhance their final performances.

The students surprised themselves with their overall success, exclaiming, "We really didn’t think we would be able to pull that off". But as Mr Healy added, "The best learning discoveries come when we step outside our comfort zones and try new and foreign experiences."

It is our passion as Physical Education teachers to challenge students, encourage them to dig deep, experiment and take giant steps forward in their development and education and this Creativity in Zumba unit has definitively achieved this whilst also being a load of fun, laughs and energy as well.

We can’t wait to do this unit again in 2018 with this year’s Year 9 students.

Click below to see the team's performances:

Bria Phillips and Vanessa Twuiver Suarez

Charlie, Isla, Brendan, Maia, Sprague

Kristen, Bella, Britt, Lilly

The five houses create five rounds in the Tournament, with the inclusion of a bye for each team. Each house is asked to field a team of six players as well as two reserves who often rotate into the team.

With the growing strength of the Senior School’s Chess Programme, it was bound to be a great Tournament. Franklin were favourites going in following convincing wins over the past few years but the question was whether they could regain the title? The additions of the new Year 7 contingent did not make it so easy. Many of the early rounds went according to seeding and both Veivers and Franklin showed strength going undefeated for the first four rounds.

The two highest rated teams met for a six board match to decide the Senior School Champion house. Among these teams are six of the eight highest rated players in all of the Senior School, making this match a real test for both. The top three boards ended in a draw quite quickly, leaving it down to boards four to six. Board five finished next and also resulted in a draw but Veivers won the sixth game. This meant it all came down to board four.

Matthew McConnell played for Franklin against the improving Year 7 Charlie Liu. The game's intensity drew a crowd of students and coaches alike; their attention focusing to the potential Tournament decider. For most of the game, it looked to be a draw until the end game where Charlie became extremely resourceful and found a tactic to win his opponent's Queen. This led to a resignation and with that, Veivers had won defeating the always strong Franklin and ending their long running dominance for Inter-House Chess.

Players on the team were as follows: Kabilan Munaneedi, Jack Luke- Paredi, Jason Li, Charlie Liu, Talia Varcoe, Jennifer Yeung and Hamish Khafaji.

Below are the final team standings:

Following the Senior Tournament, time came to reset and prepare for the Junior Inter-School Tournament. Coinciding with Pyjama Day meant many of the students were still wearing nightwear, adding an interesting quirk to the event. To combat this twist and show house spirit, novelty items matching house colours were given to each team, as well as coloured streamers to decorate accordingly.

Unfortunately this year Starkey was not able to field a team, so the team became a three round, four team round robin, with an extended time control eliminating the bye. Round one was headed for an upset with Nikita Rubis having an advantage over Eason Wang. Anson Qu appeared to be up an entire piece against Oliver Yang; however, experience conquered for the higher rated players and both secured wins.

After round two, lead looked like going to Laver who defeated both Veivers and Franklin, while Andrews drew against both teams. The final matchup of the two highest rated teams was the deciding match. Andrews needed to win 4 to 2, to take the title. Anything less meant both teams would finish equal, on match points and the tiebreak beneficial for Laver. First game to finish was an upset in Andrews favour with Melody Yang defeating Raphael Atia. Boards four and six gave Andrews a huge 3 to 0 lead. Pressure was on in the three remaining games, where Jack Walker and Kenny Ming secured wins.

The two highest rated players in the Junior School, Oliver Yang and Eason Wang (and current members of Somerset College’s successful 2016 Australian Primary School Championship Team) remained. The pair has a long and friendly rivalry, having competed in many tournaments together nationally, however this game was serious. Oliver took an early advantage winning a piece for two Pawns and decided to exchange pieces into an endgame. The final endgame position was Knight and Pawn verse Knight when a draw was agreed. This meant the match score was 3.5 to 2.5 to Andrews.

A tie of match points then went to the tiebreak method of individual scores as below:

The champion Laver team consisted of; Eason Wang, Raphael Atia, Kenny Ming, Aadi Rai, Jack Walker and Joshua Pieri.

With all the excitement of inter-house chess over for the year I wish all participants the best of luck in any of the upcoming inter-school chess tournaments and hopefully we see further success from Somerset College Chess at State finals in October.