No. 9, Term Two, 2018

The speakers included descendant of one of the perpetrators, Mr Des Blake; descendant of the massacred, Aunty Sue Blacklock and Keith Munro; and inaugural co-chair, Mr John Brown. All encouraged us to advocate for the rights of those without power or privilege, helping to bridge gaps, particularly when they are of the first peoples of this land. It was a deeply moving service for the 1000 strong crowd.

Some students’ thoughts from the weekend are provided below, but for me it was wonderful to introduce our first group to the warm and inspirational Gamilaraay elder Aunty Sue Blacklock; discover the music of our land and people at a Sounds of Country concert in Bingara; have a discussion with a descendant of the perpetrator Mr Des Blake; and to see so many of the local schools, particularly Tingha Public School’s young indigenous dancers, play such an active and engaging part in proceedings.

Special thanks to accompanying staff Clare Walker for making the round trip possible. I was especially proud of our student representatives Marcus, Desmond, Vivi, Kristin and Kydra. I asked them to move "totally proud and strong" (to use Tingha Public School’s motto) throughout the day, shake people's hands and look them in the eye, and listen to the stories that they may have to share. On top of this, they helped where they could, particularly in the public reciting of the sad history at one of the seven tablet stations, as hundreds of people passed along the rainbow-serpent track towards the monument. Their reflections suggest they have gained and gathered a lot from this experience and have been excellent ambassadors at this, our first trip down for the commemoration service.

Somerset College will take students to Myall Creek because we need to, not just to join a symbolic act, but because it goes in hand with the practical, of putting students alongside students as we do on our B Trips where we can learn from each other. It is worth travelling 1000kms for that.

Extracts from Reflections

1: I have learnt not to take shame in the dark spots in our not-so-ancient history but to find empowerment and hope in the ways we are healing. I have learnt that talking and remembering, is healing. Forgetting, denial and selective deafness to sorrow is never progress. Silencing the voices of those in pain in an attempt to ‘move on’ is always a step backwards. It is a band-aid on a bullet wound. I want to start more conversations, meet more people, ask more questions and spark greater awareness in our collective consciousness. I want to listen and I want to understand, and I want to walk alongside and exist and act in solidarity for as long as it takes. This is what I want to do.

2: I found myself looking for birds after the ceremony as I remember Aunty Sue mentioning that they carry the souls of those lost in the massacre. I think there is a peace in knowing that the slain live on watching and looking over you. The descendants of the victims are incredibly forgiving people. If it was the other way round, would we all be as open to this?

From the Senior Sustainable Spartans

One driving focus has been to reduce plastic usage within the College and since 2017 we have made progress. Plastic cutlery has been replaced for bamboo alternatives in the Bird and Bush and we have sewn fabric bags (Bounce Bags) out of old College uniforms to replace single-use plastic bags. The initiative to eliminate plastic bags ties in with the Queensland Plastic Bag Ban being implemented 1 July when retailers will be banned from providing customers with single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags under 35 microns, including compostable, degradable and biodegradable plastic shopping bags.

Along with our current successes, the Sustainable Spartans continue to discuss and develop new ideas for future change. Currently, we are undertaking a task to implement sustainability into Storyfest 2019. The committee is looking to propose a sustainability policy for the festival, create guidelines and ideas for sponsors and other festival contributors regarding sustainability and come up with a waste management strategy.

Although the Sustainable Spartans are split into three sectors, each group helps the other work towards the ultimate goal of a sustainable Somerset College. Recently all committees took part in organising and creating a whale art installation on the Towers Quad, using plastic bags. This was a Primary Years Programme (PYP) led initiative, and the committee was able to collect over 2100 plastic bags to create the whale. The art installation successfully communicated our message, being the importance of recycling soft plastics and to celebrate the ban of single use plastic bags in July.

Sustainable Spartans are always open to new ideas and suggestions from the community, and are looking for new members. The Senior committee especially need volunteers to provide assistance in sewing more Bounce Bags for the Bird and Bush. Our next major sewing day will be held on Friday 22 June from 8.00am until 12.00noon. All help, from students, staff and parents, will be greatly appreciated in working towards a sustainable future for our College.

By Uni Kyeong, Valerie Fang and Meghan Rooney, Year 12 Students

From the Junior Sustainable Spartans

The PYP Communication Team is working on effectively promoting our vision for sustainability to the College. We have brainstormed ideas for slogans and sent in various pictures, with the idea to create catchy signs such as, “If you’re out – lights are out”. Our intention is to bring as many people on board to also work toward a sustainable College. Another idea the Communication Team will be promoting in Term Three is Waste Free Wednesdays.

By Mia Richards, Year 5W

In the PYP Recycling Depot Team we’ve been inquiring into the various day to day items that can be recycled, such as, paper, soft plastics, cardboard and ink cartridges. Each member of the Recycling Depot Team has been assigned an item to research and discover whether it is recyclable. We are working on installing numerous recycling bins in eating areas on College grounds, as well as working towards adding the largest recycling bin beneath the loading dock stairs next to the Bird and Bush. As a team, we’re aiming to recycle as many items as possible.

By Mason Richards, Year 5N

It was a dark and cloudy night. There was an icy chill in the air as I slowly emerged from the car, then I saw it. There it was, big, tall and standing proud like a monarch; the Brisbane Parliament House. For a second, I felt overwhelmed to perform in such a grand and important building, but with my family at my side, I knew this was going to be a night to remember…

Excitedly, I walked through the immense glass sliding doors of Parliament House. I was so honoured and grateful to be given such an opportunity and I knew all of my hard work had paid off. After passing security, we walked up the grand staircase and halfway up, we stopped to take a photo in front the large governmental crest. We continued into the waiting room outside the Premiers' Hall. The room was buzzing with excitement, all of the guests and performers were chatting anxiously while huddled in the small area. As I looked around the busy, almost crowded room, I saw dozens of painted portraits of many dignitaries neatly displayed on the walls. Suddenly, all of the performers were called inside the hall, leaving our families outside.

I was a bit nervous as we took our seats, I was seventh in line to perform. As I was sitting there, a memory came to my mind, from when I was in Year 2. I was outside the Senior Studies block, waiting to perform at my first Somerset Festival for Young Performers in speech and drama. My parents were trying their best to comfort me as I was in tears. I was incredibly nervous, I froze and couldn’t go in, but soon I overcame my fear, and since then I have improved greatly.

Back in the Premiers' Hall, I felt much calmer. Many great performers (also receiving top scores in Queensland for their exams) got up on stage, and soon, as I watched with wide eyes it was my turn. I felt the adrenaline rush through my body, this was my moment, my chance to entertain the audience, but mostly, to prove to myself, I had definitely conquered my stage fright. It finished as quickly as it started. I was beaming from ear to ear, receiving my book award from the special guest, actor Matthew Backer and many smiles from the audience. My parents were taking photos and suddenly I was back in my seat. I was truly inspired watching the rest of the performances and feeling really proud of myself. It was an incredible but long night, and I was happy to be in my warm bed having great dreams about my Parliament adventures.

I would like to thank my family, Mrs Jane Irvine; my Speech and Drama teacher and my College for helping me on this journey.

The field study included collecting data on different organisms in the area, the shape of the rocky shore landscape, and measuring several abiotic factors. Throughout the day, we all had the opportunity to observe how different organisms interact with their environment and the ways in which they live, whether it be in dense clusters or far apart.

The tide was rising from the moment we arrived and forced us all to work quickly as a team to gather data. It caused some minor havoc but everyone managed to record sufficient data in the end. When completed, students had the opportunity to spend some time enjoying the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of Hastings Point. Once we all arrived back at school, we began to process our results and draw profiles of the rocky shore using the data collected at the shore.

Overall, the day was very enjoyable. It would not have been possible without the guidance of our teachers, Mrs Leslie, Mr McLaughlin and Mrs McNeil. It was an amazing day and on behalf of the students who participated, I would like to say thank you, and we all really appreciate the time you spent preparing the day.

Despite an exciting study path we found, most interestingly, Nachi was glowing of his Somerset experience and how his time at the College prepared him for life after Year 12.

Nachi said the, ”range of extracurricular activities offered, the level of rigor in each respective subject, and the level of independence and self-motivation expected of you at Somerset," prepared him better than many of his peers at other schools for life at Berkeley.

We are truly thankful to Nachi for giving up his time to share his experiences since leaving Somerset.

Around 40 students from Year 5 to Year 12 attended as our new Coach Howard Arbuthnot introduced some of the fundamental skills of the sport. According to Coach Howard it was clearly evident of the potential that lies within, “Who knows where some of these students could be after a couple of years training. What a fantastic response to the beginning of a new programme.”

Over the course of the two-hour session, introductory skills such as pole grip and placement was covered. When moving over to the long jump pit, a simulated runway approach, plant and take off took place and the students put their newfound skills into practice. If Tuesday’s session was any indication, it will not be long before we see our students scaling to new heights as they improve their knowledge, skill and understanding of the sport.

The Pole Vault Pit and subsequent equipment is a result of the recent Commonwealth Games Training Camps held at the College and the new programme is just one example of the many Legacies created from GC2018.

The current programme aims to enhance strength and stability to not only improve performance but also prevent injury. Sessions for dancers also involve regular movement screening, goal setting and education regarding the application of evidence-based sports science into the world of dance.

Ballet students can be seen (pictured) working on their mobility, leg strength and trunk control.

All Saints came out firing in the first quarter with scores level going into the break, but with a team regroup and a defensive change, our girls went out defending with heart, gathering turnover after turnover. By halftime Somerset had taken a strong lead, so it was just a matter of sticking to the game plan and playing some good patient Netball.

All Saints tried hard to gain turnovers but Somerset were just too slick with the ball. The speed through the court by Madizen Wilkins and the accuracy in the shooting circle by Kasey Collings and Rylee Burns was difficult for the opposition to defend. Our circle defence was impressive with Erin Crough-Heaton and Natalie Blauberg disrupting the All Saints shooters and gaining crucial possession.

The win was an outstanding team effort led by Captain Kirsty Brodbeck with all players deserving to, once again, bring the Premiership Trophy home.

1st Netball team: Kirsty Brodbeck (Captain), Madizen Wilkins, Erin Crough-Heaton, Sara Dann, Kasey Collins, Tara Davies, Katisha Webb, Rylee Burns, Natalie Blauberg, April McMullen.

Game time was highly anticipated for our lads but their nerves certainly showed as the less favoured King's side threw everything at our boys in the first half, forcing some uncharacteristic errors on our behalf. Playing with the wind, the King's pack found themselves hot on attack in the first five minutes of the match. A dart down their blindside was fruitful as they caught the Somerset boys short of numbers and dove over in the left hand corner. The kick went astray and King's found themselves ahead five nil. There was no doubt King's were up for the challenge and the breakdown proved a happy hunting ground for them as they flirted with the rule book, continually disrupting our ball and halting our continuity.

Much of the first half was played in our own half, as we struggled to gain any ascendancy despite having a superb and dominant scrum. Our best scoring chance came in the final minute of the half as our forwards strung some phases together and attacked down the right hand side. It looked likely they may keep it tight and rumble over in the right hand corner but the ball was spun to the backs only for a kick-pass attempt for left winger, Aidan McKeon to bounce unfavourably and the half time whistle to blow.

The message at half time was to remain patient and to use our extensive kicking game to pin Kings down in the left hand corner. We felt that by controlling territory, the cracks would eventually tell and we could capitalise. Once again, King's remained resolute and a few odd refereeing calls left the Somerset boys feeling a little perplexed and frustrated. With 12 minutes left on the clock and hot on attack the pressure finally told and rampaging Tight Head Prop, Charles Pye busted through a split ruck to score 20 metres to the right of the posts. Henry Arbon had a difficult conversion attempt to give Somerset the lead and he duly delivered by striking the ball straight through the uprights, much to the delight of the Somerset crowd.

Seven to five up and with 10 minutes to play the team controlled the kick off and once again plugged King's into the left hand corner which they struggled to exit from. Minutes later a quick tap by Scrumhalf, Sam Dalton saw him go desperately close to scoring under the posts. The ball was recycled to find hard man and Open Side Flanker, Kale Brenssell who bustled his way over the try line. The conversion was made to give our boys a handy 14 to five lead. With some breathing space the team finally felt a little more confident and with the extensive defensive work from the Kings side starting to tell the final icing on the cake was made with Inside Centre, Riley Noon diving over in the left hand corner in the final minute of the game. The final act of the game was a beauty as Henry Arbon hooked his sideline conversion beautifully around to complete his perfect day with the boot. A jubilant Somerset team and bench swamping him as the final whistle blew. Somerset going back to back for the first time in the College’s history, 21 to five.

At the completion of the match, Rhian Stowers was named the Player of the Match and received the Sean Harman Medal and Captain, Will Stoten spoke extremely well thanking all the players, parents, coaches and supporters before raising the APS trophy aloft and kissing it.

Considering around 30 Netball teams from across nine schools from Years 4 to 6 competed in the all day Netball competition, the results from all teams were fantastic. Congratulations to all Junior Sports teams!

Year 4 to 6 APS Summer Sports Choices

In Term Four, all Years 4 to 6 students participate in an APS Junior Summer Sport.

They can choose from the following: 

Please note - selection for Basketball will be limited to only an A and B squad for each year level, boys and girls with only a maximum of eighth players per squad. Teams will be selected on ability only with some preference going towards those who play often. It is not advised that you select Basketball if you are a beginner wishing to learn this sport for the first time. Opportunities to play club in this sport are available all year round. Please contact Mr Sam Wish-Wilson for more information.

Trials/Training for Summer Sports will commence as of Thursday 16 August (Week 5) from 1.20pm to 3.20pm at various venues on site at the College.

The first round of APS Summer Sport is in the first week of Term Four on Thursday 11 October from 12.00noon to 3.00pm. During this period, training will then shift to Tuesday after-school 3:30pm to 4:30pm. All training sessions are compulsory and students will be expected to attend.

Junior APS Winter Sports – Striving, Merit and Trophy Winners

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Striving and Merit Certificates and Perpetual Trophies at the Junior APS Winter Sports Assembly:

The Cooper Cup for Soccer: Sarah Hammett and Lachlan Milan

The Grocott Trophy for Volleyball: Yu-Chun (Cameron) Hsieh and Elizabeth (Bessie) Dear

The James Trophy for Tennis: Hayeon Byun and Hamish Kennedy

The G B and J M Mason Trophy for Hockey: Siena Moss and Daniel Liu

The Preston Trophy for Rugby: Ethan Carson

The Townson Family Trophy for Netball: Ruby Partridge

Up and Coming Events:

Friday 27 and Saturday 28 July Junior School Inter-House Athletics Carnival

All information about Junior School Sport can be located on Schoolbox by clicking on the Junior School Sports page.

APS Summer Season 2018

All students have been emailed the link to sign up for this season. Sports include Basketball, AFL, Touch, Tennis, Water Polo, Cricket and Softball. Summer Trials will begin next week on Friday, 22 June. Students should be prepared to consider other sports if required. If on the long-term injured list and seeking to join the Rehab Group, parents must forward a medical certificate to the College Nurse with all relevant information.

Track and Field Season 2018

Practices have started. Join Somerset’s biggest team at the Track. Practices are daily and optional, beginning at 7.00am sharp, concluding at 8.15am.

Mondays and Wednesday: SS Jumps and Throws, JS TrackTuesdays and Thursdays: JS Jumps and Throws, SS TrackFridays: All events for JS and SS

Next Week

Daily 7.00amAthletics Practices (Somerset Track)

Friday 22 June10.40am to 11.15am: Sports Assembly (Winter Sports Awards - Part 2 - The Great Hall)11.15am to 1.00pm: House Athletics Trials #2/21.30pm to 3.15pm: APS Summer Season Trials #1/2

Holidays

7.00am to 8.15amMonday, Wednesday and Friday Athletics Practices (Somerset Track)

Term Three

Daily 7.00amAthletics Practices (Somerset Track)

Thursday 26 JulyDay 1 of the Senior School House Athletics Carnival Friday 27 JulyDay 1 of the Junior School House Athletics Carnival Saturday 28 JulyDay 2 of the Junior and Senior Schools' House Athletics Carnival

Somerset Sport Policy

All policies and procedures are outlined in the Senior School Sport page of Schoolbox, under “Sport Policy and Dates”. All students and parents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these.

Please note, practices are compulsory for both Winter and Summer Seasons.

APS Sport Photos

Click here to access photos of your sport or your team.

All Season details on Schoolbox Senior School Sports page. (“Winter Sports” tile for all season dates, and training schedules of the APS Season)

Sports Information

Don’t forget to check the Somerset Schoolbox Senior School Sport Page, as well as the noticeboard at the end of the Science Block for all Sports notes.

If you need more information, drop by the Sports Office.

The Sports page link must be added to your Schoolbox.

If you need more information, drop by the Sports Office in the Ray Building.

Student Injuries: If your son or daughter is injured at school sport, it must be recorded at the time by the school nurse/medical person present if parents wish to apply through the school insurance policy. If delayed signs or symptoms arise over the weekend, students must notify the school nurse on Monday morning.

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

go to “My Links” at the bottom left of your Schoolbox page and click ‘Edit”

at “Manage my Links”, click “+” at the top right of page

paste the link below and add title “Senior School Sport”: http://schoolbox.somerset.qld.edu.au/homepage/1466

Friday night. Exhausted, sweaty and so tired. The first thing Noa said as we arrive home was mum, that was the best Tennis I have ever had in Somerset, I had so much fun, can we please do this again? And again? Ha! Wait, there is more. It's Monday morning. Tennis lesson at 7.00am. It's cold, it's early, we went to sleep so late last night, the usual struggle to get to school on time.

ALAS! This morning?! Do I even know those girls? Noa was already up dressed and ready at 6.00am? Is this a dream? Super motivated, all smiles and energy. Wow! Someone needed to pinch me.

Now why am I telling you all this, you are asking? Well, because this is thanks to you, to us. This is what Friday evening did to us. I'm sure we were not the only ones who arrived home on that Friday night with such big smiles, happy bellies and a feeling of hope. We have finally taken the first step in creating a Somerset Tennis Tribe.

The clouds that filled skies that morning and the day before cleared especially for us, Luke and young Lachlan made sure everything is set and ready and before we knew it the The Tennis Lawn was ready for a fantastic evening of Tennis. And even though he hasn’t officially started working with us yet, the arrival of Lachlan was the cherry on the cake.

And what a fantastic evening. We played together, organised, learned and laughed together, the snags were sizzling the chicken nibbles were crackling, red, orange and green balls were flying above the nets, the children were laughing and running and owning the Somerset kingdom.

We had a King Of The Court and travelled Around The World… Such a great evening.

We welcome Lachlan to our Tribe of wonderful coaches, students and parents with hope and anticipation to create a dynamic community where everyone can enjoy the great sport of tennis, bring our young people to learn love and excel, have fun together, and develop the skills and values they will need to enjoy a lifetime of health, happiness, and a sense of belonging.

See you all on the Tennis lawn to celebrate the beginning of Term Three.

More details will be communicated through the Tennis page on SchoolBox.

Somerset won the Year 4 Girls Futsal Grand Final, finishing the tournament undefeated and were unfortunately defeated by Kings in both the Year 5 and Year 6 Boys final. Second place is still a very proud achievement.

The Year 4 Boys finished equal third, with the Year 5 and Year 6 Girls both finishing fourth. We are very proud of all our students for their effort and team spirit on the day. All students were well behaved, setting an excellent example for all participating schools.

Ari Thake was named Year 4 Girls Most Valuable Player for the tournament. This is a great acknowledgement from the tournament for Ari’s excellent effort, skill and teamwork on the day.

Holiday Camps

There are two holiday camps available to break the boredom. The first is run by Brisbane Roar and is being held at Somerset College on 12 and 13 July. The second camp is run by Maarten de Kruijf, who is one of our very experienced Somerset coaches – all details of these camps are on the Junior Football Schoolbox page.

Junior Football Schoolbox Page