Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
Information Somerset Lifetimes is published twice a year by Somerset College to disseminate items of topical interest relating to the overall activities of College life and the greater Somerset community. Editorial Committee: John Bacon, Wendy Bacon, Alethea Campbell, Virginia Lamb, Sue Roberts, Craig Sayer and Georgina Watson. Contributing Writers: John Bacon, Craig Bassingthwaighte, Clint Bridges, Forrest Butcher, Andrew Butler, Melinda Green, Holly Halford-Smith, Adrian Johnson, Meg Johnson, Shane Lunniss, Sue Roberts, Michele Sauer, Craig Sayer, Lisa Thomson. Printing: Surfers Inkspot Printers, 65 Lawrence Drive, Nerang 4211 Somerset College, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba, Queensland 4213 ACN 010 946 906 Phone (07) 5559 7100 Fax (07) 5559 7345 publications@somerset.qld.edu.au www.somerset.qld.edu.au One copy of Somerset Lifetimes is distributed to each household within the Somerset community. If you would like us to post you additional copies of Somerset Lifetimes, simply email your request to publications@somerset.qld.edu.au.
Inside This Issue From the Headmaster A Tribute to Mrs Virginia Lamb To Name and Dedicate New Somerset College Website Year 7 Moves Into the Senior School Student Services Hub Senior Ball – Class of 2013 And the curtain goes up... Spartan Athletes Rise to the Top Class of 1993 Reunion Class of 2003 Reunion A Few Years Down the Track
Movie Night Under the Stars Alumni Updates Dynamic Duo Somerset Swimming 2013 Gold Coast Secondary School Drama Festival Success Community Service at its Best! Somerset Rowers – 8th in Queensland Year 10 Camp: Challenge – Resilience – Achievement Tasmania Trips In Memoriam: Rod Wells Milestones
From the Headmaster As following pages will attest, it is certainly the end of an era at Somerset with the retirement of Mrs Virginia Lamb, Head of Junior School and teacher for most of the College’s history. Mrs Lamb has seen many changes over her time at Somerset but she would be the first to say that there was always something special about Somerset and that remains so today. The 26th graduating Senior Class leaves us and they are the first cohort to go through in the Senior School with me, more than 75% of them starting in Year 8 in 2009 when I also took some nervous first steps in these beautiful grounds. I have great affection for them and they have certainly brought themselves, their families, their peers, and their College great credit. It is never coincidental that we are a happy, safe and productive place. That only comes about because of the will and work of many people. Hard won and easily lost. I know the Class of 2014 is ready to embrace the marvellous legacy that we enjoy. We launch the next blueprint for the College’s future in the Strategic Plan 2014 to 2018 and the Master Plan 2014 to 2023. This document has come after many months of consultation with all our stakeholder groups; students, staff, parents, alumni, and Board; to draw together some themes, actions and facilities that will light our way. Our aim, unashamedly, is to be the best we can possible be, improving every year the outcomes and opportunities for our students. Demand for Somerset College has never been higher. We will open 2014 with record enrolments over 1,430; for all intents and purposes the Board has determined we are full! Admissions enquiries continue at record pace, our academic results are firmly entrenched at the top of the co-educational tree in Queensland, whenever we advertise for staff we are inundated with applications, parent satisfaction and support is unwavering, and the Master Plan will deliver some of the finest educational facilities in all of Australia. But more than this, in all ways, it is the atmosphere as you walk around the grounds, see our students on fields, courts, stages, podiums, in front of laboratory equipment and in sandpits, that convinces you, as it did Mrs Lamb all those years ago, that there is something special indeed about Somerset. Craig Bassingthwaighte Headmaster Pictured from top to bottom: Mr Bassingthwaighte with College Captains Elizabeth Thomas and Liam Rawson; chatting with the Pre-Preps; and an aerial photo of the College, featuring the most recent developments
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
A Tribute to Mrs Virginia Lamb In farewelling Virginia Lamb, our current Head of Junior School, it’s hard to know where to begin, so entrenched is her connection to the College after 29 years of dedicated service. Her special touches are in every corner of College life and indeed in our own lives. It all began in 1985 when Virginia joined the College in its third year, as then Infant Mistress. At the time we had just moved into two streams of Years 1 and 2 and such was her enjoyment for pursuing excellence in these early years, everyone knew she had the strength for great things to come. Those early years saw her focus her colleagues on developing quality teaching and learning practices through a myriad of professional development opportunities and through careful networking she brought much expertise into the College. Yet first and foremost, it was her determination to introduce true early childhood practices based on sound pedagogy. Virginia was instrumental in developing our Preschool, which opened its doors to students in 2004. Her dream of true early childhood practice continues to thrive in those early years. We have an outstanding programme admired and envied by many educational institutions and we have Virginia’s vision and drive to thank for that. Virginia’s direction was significant in creating opportunities for students to showcase their many, many talents; from Christmas Concerts, Italian Day Luncheons (including the chicken dance), Multicultural Day, Book Character Day, and now to Global Awareness Day, Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, the Easter Hat Parade… If we have a special day – more than likely Virginia is behind it or leading the charge from the front line! Virginia introduced the Lower Junior School carnivals for swimming and athletics. Here she was determined that all students, no matter their sporting ability, had the opportunity to be involved and to walk away feeling a great sense of achievement, while showcasing a large smile – which of course she was there to photograph! Her interest in photography has allowed for a rich documentation of the Junior School years in Archives. A creative off-shoot from her many talents, she pursued capturing those special moments of joy. For many years she has proudly displayed the faces of her students and their work outside her office. It is hard to go by without stopping to look and ponder over.
A Tribute to Mrs Virginia Lamb Her love of the creative also extended to her support and enthusiasm for the Junior School Musicals. As these musicals continued to evolve over the years into the outstanding shows they are today, Virginia was there at all times, after-school, on weekends, lunch hours – providing support, loads (and loads of ideas), laughter at the most important times, time for staff where needed so they too could provide their very best and through all a great sense of calm and grace. As we were all entrenched in the frenzy of the back room, make-up, costumes, props – she would suddenly appear, smiling widely, appreciating all that staff and students had achieved and of course, capturing those moments with her zoom lens. Virginia always had a strong sense of Somerset in the Mudgeeraba community. In our early years we would exhibit work in the local show. Over the past 15 years we have marched as a Junior School in the Mudgeeraba Anzac Parade – with Virginia by our side, proud of her troupe and embracing the camaraderie of her clan. In 2010 she introduced Club Somerset, enabling parents a later pick-up time if required. More recently Virginia instigated the Mandarin Trial currently in Pre Prep, Prep and Year 1 and of course we are all aware that it was Virginia who pushed for our new Pre-Prep facility and programmes with the support of the Headmaster, Craig Bassingthwaighte, and Anne Copperwaite. While she joined us as Infant Mistress (which is a title we now chuckle about and one which certainly morphed into several varieties) it was her most recent title of 16 years, Head of Junior School, that allowed her to fully infiltrate her vision, passion and enthusiasm for not only the achievements of her students but also for the development of her colleagues. Encouraging, pushing us to take on new challenges but always supporting and guiding our way. For staff, she has been influential in providing opportunities for each and every one of us to develop the skills of leadership and excellence in our fields. She has actively been part of the tremendous growth of the College both in terms of size and in terms of quality teaching and learning. Such is her passion for authentic quality education that it allows all under her to blossom. I don’t know how she will sustain her interests… gardening, knitting and enjoying the odd Bacardi! Educationally we will miss her, but as a true friend and colleague, a lot more. Many current students and Alumni have only the fondest memories of their Grade Two teacher and of course her amazing qualities as she truly developed her leadership role in the Junior School. I don’t think there is a Junior Staff member among us who has not been touched by her compassion and support over the years. Special cards, phone calls, a gentle hug – her warmth is undeniable and her sense of humour catching. Always there for others and of course, giving her special advice. Together, everything seemed possible. I know many parents would also acknowledge her care and consideration, her sense of integrity in dealing with issues and certainly her honesty. Virginia, we are humbled by your tireless energy and for all that you have made possible at the College. The naming of a building after you this year seems such a small way to acknowledge your contribution. Virginia, we wish you nothing but happiness as your life moves in a new direction. May it be all that you dreamed possible – you certainly deserve no less. Michele Sauer Deputy Junior School and Middle Years Programme Co-coordinator
To Name and Dedicate On occasion, we have the opportunity to honour the commitment, dedication and passion that drives members of our community to give enormous amounts of their time and talents. These generous people provide their assistance, guidance, skill or ability for the betterment of Somerset College. In doing this, we also honour their families who share these people so willingly, thus enabling their outstanding contributions to Somerset. This year, on Founders’ Day, we named and dedicated a classroom, an internal roadway and three buildings to honour such people: The Dr Peter Brown Knowledge and Information Precinct The Precinct is named to honour the commitment and dedication of benefactor and parent Dr Peter Brown – Somerset parent 1986 to 1999, Parents’ and Friends’ Association President 1993 to 1994, College Board Member 2000 to 2011, Chairman of the College Board 2003 to 2011. Dr Brown’s contribution to Somerset College remains significant and unique. The Tony Cordner Building This building was named to honour the leadership and service of Mr Tony Cordner, Member of the College Board 1987 to 2004, Chair of the Finance Committee 1987 to 2004, and parent of the College. The Virginia Lamb Building Named to honour the energetic leadership and service of Mrs Virginia Lamb, Senior Assistant (Infant Department) 1985, Infant Mistress 1989 to 1991, Director of Early Childhood 1992 to 1997, Head of Junior School 1998 to 2013, and parent of the College. The Virginia Lamb Building is the building in which she commenced her career at Somerset. The Brenden Toohey Classroom Named in memory of Mr Brenden Toohey B.Ed., MACE (1973 to 2009). Teacher 2001 to 2009, Year 7 Convenor 2004 to 2005, Junior School Co-ordinator – Pastoral Care 2006 to 2009. Remembered for dedication to his students and colleagues and in promoting the Junior School Cross Country. The Bryce Lindores Way This internal roadway connects with Sara Carrigan Court, and is named in honour of Mr Bryce Lindores (Class of 2004). Bryce lost his sight in an accident in his Senior year, became a non-sighted cyclist and has given motivational talks to many of our Junior School Classes. He was 2008 Bronze Medallist at the Beijing Paralympic Games, 2010 Gold Medallist at the Road World Cup, 2011 Bronze Medallist at the World Track Championships, Gold Medallist at the Cycling World Championships and National Championships (time trial), 2012 Gold Medallist World Track Championships and Silver Medallist at the London Paralympic Games and Queensland Tandem Cyclist of the Year.
New Somerset College Website In the final weeks of the academic year of 2013, we are very pleased to launch the College’s new website. This has been an ongoing project in 2013, involving a number of people that have provided feedback, written copy, taken photographs and helped to make the website a reality. The feedback we collected from surveys of some current and future parents, students and staff, reflected a desire for the website to be more dynamic, more intuitive, more up-to-date and relevant for current parents and students and to show more of what occurs at the College every day with strong visual imagery. Other strong feedback was that access to our online environments was to be no more than a click away. We’ve listened to this feedback and sought to incorporate these aspects as key parts of the new website. The new website is very much driven by the articles produced each week for the Somerset Times, with articles and photographs relevant to each aspect of the College feeding through onto each page. The result is a very dynamic website that is constantly being updated with evidence of the Somerset Experience that occurs everyday for our students and community. For prospective and current parents, this new website will paint a far richer picture of the different aspects of College life and what makes our College such a vibrant and busy community, and uniquely Somerset. Moving forward, the College website will become a key aspect of our communication with our community. In 2014, we look forward to continuing to work on completing our online environment and to further improve parent communication. Our website is the virtual door into Somerset College – we would like to invite you to visit in http://www.somerset.qld.edu.au, and take a look around! Lisa Thomson Dean of Information Technologies
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
Year 7 moves into the Senior School Over time, each State in Australia has established its own education systems. With the advent of the Australian National Curriculum, there is a need for more commonality across the country to enable families relocating from one State to another to enrol their children in school with greater certainty in relation to the correct year level placement. From 2015, Queensland students in Year 7 will be part of high school programmes throughout the state. Such a move is possible because of the change to the school starting age. This change was made in 2007 with the introduction of the Prep year in Queensland (students must turn 5 by the end of June in the year they commence in Prep.) The move to high school for Year 7 students will bring Queensland into line with New South Wales and Victoria. At Somerset, Year 7 students will be a part of the Senior School programmes from 2014. Our Year 7 students have always benefitted from access to specialist facilities and specialist teachers and thus the change for our students is more structural than academic. Somerset Year 7 students will be a part of the House based pastoral care programme and have their own “home” in the Student Services Hub. Planning is well underway to ensure a smooth transition for our Year 6 students this year as they move from the Junior School to the Senior School next year. The traditional programme for transition into Year 8 has been modified to ensure our continuing students and the 20 students joining them next year will be well prepared for their first day in the Senior School next year. The Year 7 students will be well supported, with Mrs Anne Rowe becoming the Year 7 Co-ordinator, taking special care of these students as they start life in the Senior School. We know our Year 7 students in 2014 will meet the challenges associated with a move to the Senior School with confidence and determination, knowing they are well prepared for all that lies ahead. John Bacon Dean of Admissions
SOMERSET ALUM QUALIFIED FOR THE WORLD ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL Bond University would like to congratulate Alex Beck and his relay team for making the final of the recent IAAF World Championships, the first time Aussies have made the final since 2010. For further information about sport at Bond visit bond.edu.au/elite-sport. DS1133
Alex Beck – SOMERSET COLLEGE GRADUATE AND BOND UNIVERSITY STUDENT CRICOS Provider Code 00017B
Student Services Hub A new and exciting development at Somerset College is the Student Services Hub. The completion of this new facility means so much more than additional spaces for lockers. Students in Year 7 will enjoy their own area as they transition into life in the Senior School. Adjacent to their locker room are spaces for meetings and recreational areas, and the Year 7 students will also have most of their classes in nearby buildings. The Year 7 Co-ordinator, Mrs Anne Rowe, has an office within this area and so she is readily available to address queries as they arise. Over the course of the year, we will work to ensure our newest members of the Senior School feel comfortable within their new surrounds and ready for the challenges which lie ahead. Students in Years 8 to 10 will move into a House room upstairs – again with ready access to a member of staff which, in this case, is their Head of House. Gone are the old combination locks (!) on lockers; these have been replaced by an electronic version which students can programme with their own PIN. Each House room has access to the new amphitheatre which, apart from displaying the Daily Notices on a plasma screen, will serve as a meeting space for House groups and year levels. Learning Support and English as a Second Language (ESL) will move into the new buildings as well. State-of-the-art facilities here are as flexible as the learning programmes co-ordinated by Mrs Anita Russ. We also have designed a variety of other spaces with the facility which will serve our needs as we further develop our Wellbeing Programme. Now with a little more time devoted to these sessions, we will have opportunities to really ‘unpack’ issues with smaller groups of students and impact individuals’ beliefs, attitudes and habits. This is a one-of-a-kind building which builds on the things which make Somerset special: a focus on students and their relationships with one another, irrespective of their age or House allegiance, and our staff. Adrian Johnson Head of Senior School
It’s black and white . . . kids just love to play chess! Look at the opportunities:
students can learn in co-curricular groups at Somerset College
they can enjoy free chess at lunchtimes during school
The educational and social benefits students gain may surprise you - and they have much fun in the process.
or they can attend the Gardiner Junior Chess Club on Tuesdays from 4.30-6.30pm at Mudgeeraba Foundation Hall.
and they can enjoy playing in inter-school competitions. For any information about junior chess, please call, or come and see us, at our chess office at 8/55 Railway Street Mudgeeraba Q Phone 5522 7221 ~ Fax 5522 7760 info@gardinerchess.com.au
www.gardinerchess.com.au
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
Senior Ball – Class of 2013
And the curtain goes up... The Gold Coast Eisteddfod has been a part of the College’s performance regime since Somerset College’s first year, and 2013 was no exception. With 25 ensembles performing, involving over 500 students, it is always a busy time of the year. Our groups appearing in the footlights ranged from chamber and instrumental ensembles through to bands and orchestras and then on to choirs. Each and every ensemble spent time ensuring that they were well-prepared for their turn in the spotlight and the results were the proof of the fruit of their labours. This is also an acclamation of the time, effort and expertise of the directors of each group. Every group representing Somerset received at least an Honours award with positive comments from a range of adjudicators. Some groups enjoyed particular success. The Senior Percussion Ensemble, the Junior Piano Trio, the Senior Concert Band and the Show Choir were fortunate enough to be placed first in their sections. Show Choir was also named Most Outstanding Secondary Choir for their rendition of ‘Seussical’. Following these performances, the Junior Piano Trio and the Show Choir were invited to be part of the Gold Coast Eisteddfod Musicale concert, an event for outstanding performances from the Eisteddfod. As with all the performing ensembles, the emphasis within our groups is participation and always working to give of our best. However, there is always one consideration that is above the rest. Ask any of the ensembles as they are about to take to the stage ‘What is the most important thing about the performance?’ The answer is always a resounding ‘To have fun!’ This is the essence of the programme. Whilst learning new skills and honing existing ones, it is most important to enjoy what you do and success will surely follow. Sue Roberts Director of Music
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
Spartan Athletes Rise to the Top 2013 has been a stand-out year for Somerset Track and Field. New tartan training facilities, excellent coaches, high participation rates at the House Carnival, followed by second place at the APS Carnival, and record numbers of Somerset students qualifying for both Regional and State Titles. Early in Term Three, Veivers broke an 11 year trophy drought in taking out the Annual House Athletics title. An impressive 25 school records were broken at the three day event, some due to the changing of implement weights (shot and discus), our new rubber track (all jumps) and others due to the increasing level of performance of our athletes. This year, as a way of better preparing our athletes for competition, Somerset hosted three “Twilight Athletics Meets”, inviting a variety of schools from the Gold Coast. This complemented the training that many had been doing since January, with the Spartan Elite training group. We have been fortunate to secure an elite group of coaches including Phillip Newton (Level 4), Chris Lewis (Level 4) and Lars Hansen (Oceania Athletics) who have been ably assisted by Alumni Sebastien Murphy and Sam Makin as well as parent, Glen Degarnham. Due to the unavailability of Griffith University, Somerset was chosen as the venue to host the APS Athletics Carnival this year. Starting the day with a dominant display in the hurdles (with nine Somerset athletes finishing in the top two across the age divisions), the team amassed 388 more points than the previous year to jump into second place behind All Saints Anglican School. APS Team Aggregates 13 Boys: 1st 14 Girls: 1st 14 Boys: 3rd 15 Girls: 3rd 15 Boys: 1st 16 Girls: 2nd Senior Girls: 3rd Senior Boys: 2nd
APS Age Champions 13 Boys: 1st – Hamish Boyd 5th – Preston Degarnham 14 Girls: 4th – Amelia Braithwaite 5th – Mayla Singh 15 Girls: 4th – Julia Wright-Smith 15 Boys: 1st – Cooper Degarnham 16 Girls: 3rd – Zahra Crough-Heaton Senior Girls: 3rd – Isabel Wright-Smith Senior Boys: 2nd – Bodey Reynoldson
APS Record-Breakers 14 Girls: Morgan Riley – Shot Put 9.8m 15 Boys: Cooper Degarnham – 100m Hurdles 14.44s 15 Boys: Luke Butcher – High Jump 1.85m 16 Girls: Kirsty Williams – Discus 43.15m, Javelin 37.06m, Shot Put 13.83m These outstanding results at the APS Carnival resulted in a record 42 students qualifying for 67 events at the Queensland State Athletic Centre in Brisbane for the South Coast Athletics Championships. In hot sunny conditions, the Somerset athletes performed exceptionally well with many great results and a record 20 students qualifying for Queensland Schools Athletics Championships from 24 to 27 October (following on from 13 qualifiers in 2012).
Spartan Athletes Rise to the Top Leading in to the State Titles, Somerset sent six teams to the Schools Track and Field Knockout Final in Brisbane. The format is an inter-school, teams-based, athletics meet which involves many of the best schools from South-East Queensland. Our 45 students performed exceptionally well against the bigger schools from Brisbane, Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast, all finishing in the top half of the table. As their season enters its fifth month, the following athletes will now battle for positions at the Australian Schools Athletics Championships in Townsville from 30 November to 1 December. State Qualifiers Age Events Yanis Benzenati 13 1500m Walk Brandon Starr 13 1500m Hamish Boyd 13 Hurdles, Javelin Preston Degarnham 14 Hurdles Yasmin Browning 13 Hurdles Mayla Singh 14 Hurdles Amelia Braithwaite 14 Hurdles Kaito Yoshida 15 Hurdles Harry McMaster 15 Long Jump Luke Butcher 15 High Jump Cooper Degarnham 15 Hurdles, 400m Laura Lucas 15 2000m Steeple Chase Kenza Benzenati 16 2000m Steeple Chase, 5000m Walk Zahra Crough-Heaton 16 Long, Triple and High Jumps Kirsty Williams 16 Shot Put, Javelin, Discus, Hammer Isabel Wright-Smith 17 High Jump, Triple Jump, Hurdles Jared Thompson 18 400m Miki Pohio 18 200m, Hurdles Bodey Reynoldson 18 Triple Jump Georgina Bennett 18 Javelin Well done to all our Spartan athletes on another outstanding year. Shane Lunniss Director of Sport
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
Class of 1993 Reunion The Class of 1993 celebrated their Twenty Year Reunion on Saturday 12 October 2013
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Your Alumni Association Committee
Ms Sian Daniel (Class of 2004) – President Mr Rhys Christy (Class of 2004) – Vice President Mr Craig Bassingthwaighte – Headmaster Mr John Bacon – Dean of Admissions Miss Alethea Campbell – Alumni Association Secretary Mrs Kylie Sherrington – Accountant
to Right) Class of 1993 Twenty Year Reunion attendees Nicole Gore-Brown and Kathy Farrugia Larissa Cordner, James Vidgen and Nicole Fifield Sally Uttley, Maria Vanderstaay, Leticia Tenas, Ryan Llewellyn and Lee Langeveld Mrs Edith Smith, Grant Ellis and Rebecca Mills Stanley Yip, Jonathan Handyside, Karla Fischer and Mr Ray Jackson
Mrs Fiona Wright (Class of 1987) Mrs Sally Leslie (Class of 1992) Mr Arjun Gandhi (Class of 2004) Ms Savannah Ray (Class of 1994) Mrs Margaret Kiddle (Class of 1991) Mrs Kate Stoten (Class of 1990)
Class of 2003 Reunion The Class of 2003 celebrated their Ten Year Reunion on Saturday 17 August 2013
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(Left to Right) 1. Tiffany Angliss, Jenna Johnsen and Natalie You 2. Brad Paddison, Ed Cherry, James Thompson, Louis Stevens, Blair McDonald and Luke Ackland 3. James Garwood, Cara Tamandl, Anya Robbie and Lauren Davidson 4. Mitchell Carey, David Cook, See Ho Wong and Jacob Bartels 5. Nikki Goldstein and Amanda Freeman 6. Class of 2003 Ten Year Reunion attendees
Network with other past students at the new official Somerset Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/somersetcollegeaustralia
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
A Few Years Down the Track Clint Bridges – Class of 1993 and College Captain 1993 1. What subjects were you interested in at school? I took a strong interest in the Maths and Sciences throughout Senior School, particularly Physics, but I also enjoyed the technical and design aspect of Graphics. 2. What activities were you involved in at school? I was lucky that Somerset had (and still has) a wide variety of different activities to be a part of – and I took full advantage of that. There were the musicals, plays, debating team, public speaking competitions, science competitions and a wide variety of sports including soccer, sailing, basketball and athletics. I participated in as much as I could fit in and I can’t thank my parents enough for all the after-school pick-ups they had to do for myself and my brother! 3. What would you say you were known for at Somerset?
By 2006, we had two clinics and I decided to move out of the Project Management industry and concentrate on our business full time as we took on more employees. This work in the healthcare industry then led to other opportunities and I am now the Education Director for Kinesio Australia and organise courses for other health professionals (physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths et cetera). Part of this role also includes co-ordinating clinicians who have been trained in the Kinesio Taping Method for events such as rugby tournaments or the Mark Webber Challenge, as well as sorting out research proposals. With Thuy being one of the instructors, it has meant that we have travelled quite a lot with the clinical and course requirements of our positions whilst still maintaining our well respected physiotherapy clinics in Sydney.
I think it was probably that aspect of being part of everything that was on offer. I was able to get to know and enjoy time with a wide range of students from all walks of life and was also able to experience more from the teachers outside of the classroom setting.
We also have two children, Sasha (nearly six) and Briony (nearly four). They have travelled with us which has been a great experience for them as they have visited all parts of Australia and accompanied us on trips to New Zealand and the USA. The only downside is that Sasha now expects that a trip to Disneyland should be on the cards every year (not happening little one).
4. Did you know what you wanted to do after school? If so, what was it?
6. What do you plan for the future?
Right up to part way through Year 12, I still had no real idea what I “wanted to be”. In an effort to keep my options open I selected Accounting, Physics, Maths 2 and Graphics as my electives for Years 11 and 12 – much to the chagrin of Mrs Smith (Head of Science at the time) who was expecting me to take at least two, if not all three, of the Science subjects. However I wanted to make sure that a variety of different university courses would be available and this mix gave me the best spread of pre-requisite subjects, as well as being subjects that I enjoyed (don’t underestimate that aspect!). Work experience opportunities during Senior School helped a lot and so by the time I had to apply for university, I had worked (unpaid of course) at an accounting firm, an architectural firm and an engineering firm. These experiences steered me towards engineering, although I still kept up with the business side of things by taking electives at uni.
If I had made plans for the future back in high school – it would not have ended up looking like this! At this stage, our main focus is on raising our two little girls and to hopefully give them the same opportunities and experiences that I was given at the same stage in my life. Who knows where the future will take us, but if you keep your eyes open to the opportunities that come by, then the future tends to be pretty good. In the words of Douglas Adams (one of my favourite authors), “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be”. Don’t go reading the book – that quote sounds much more profound when taken completely out of context.
5. What are some of the things you have done since leaving Somerset? Despite studying Civil and Construction Engineering, my first job after uni was with a project management company (in the building industry) and I never actually worked as an engineer directly from that point on – although the degree did give me a great foundation for the work I was doing. After six years together, I married Thuy (Twee) in 2001. In 2002 Thuy started her own physiotherapy clinic with me looking after the business side of the operations whilst she did the actual “fixing people” bit.
Above: Thuy, Briony, Clint and Sasha during a holiday in Vietnam in 2012.
Movie Night Under the Stars This year, the Somerset College Community and Service (CAS) Committee hosted a hugely successful “Movie Night Under the Stars”. The committee worked very hard over many months to prepare for the event, which raised funds to provide water tanks for a Tanzanian village. Iron Man 3 was shown on the big screen, and this turned out to be a great hit, with over 100 people attending. Through ticket sales, food transactions, and sponsorship, we were able to raise an astonishing $1800 profit, which will help to support the village in Tanzania tremendously. The Community and Service Committee worked on all the planning for the event. Our trusty screen and soundman, David Miller, set up the sound system and the inflatable two by three metre screen. With help from the CAS committee members, as well as Mr Davies, Mr Shapland and my parents, Café MacKenzie was transformed into our own little food stall, with sausages sizzling and cakes, chips, popcorn and soft drinks ready to be bought and consumed. As the clock ticked six o’clock, groups of people descended upon Towers Quad, ready to set up their beanbags and rugs. By 6.15pm, the sun had disappeared, we had full attendance and we were ready to screen Iron Man 3. The night was full of entertainment; the sky was clear and the moon was full. It was a time for friends and family to get together, to socially relax and watch a movie under stars, whilst also supporting a great cause. I’d like to say a big thank you to our sponsors: Woolworths, Gold Coast City Council, MLS Pty Ltd, Peter Miller Media, Essential Office Choice, and GMP Events. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Grant Peel, the Somerset College Events Office, and the Community and Service Committee for all their help in organising and supporting the event. Through grants and fundraisers, a total of $7,400 has been raised to support my Tanzanian water tank project and this will be a great help in undertaking the task next year. Holly Halford-Smith Year 12 Student
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
Alumni Updates Alex Beck (Class of 2009) Alex Beck (Class of 2009) has recently returned for the World Athletics Championships in Moscow, where he took part in the 4x400m relay event. Alex (pictured second from right) and his teammates, Steve Solomon, Tristan Thomas and Craig Burns, secured a place in the final event after they finished second in their final heat in a time of 3:02.42. Managing to improve on their time in the final, crossing the line in a time of 3:02.26, the team finished in eighth place overall – an effort the men should certainly be proud of. Alex is currently completing a Doctor of Physiotherapy course at Bond University, having previous graduated from Bond’s Exercise and Sports Science Programme. Congratulations to Alex and his teammates, and we wish him all the best with his future studies and athletic ventures.
Andrew Hodges (Class of 2012) On 4 to 7 September, Andrew Hodges (Class of 2012 and Somerset Rowing Captain 2012) won his first international gold medal in the Men’s Coxless Quad Final at the Under 21 Trans-Tasman Competition at Lake Karapiro, New Zealand. After a very close competition, following three days of racing in Sydney in July and two days in New Zealand on Thursday and Friday, the teams were all square at 68 points – all leading into the third and final day at Lake Karapiro on Saturday 7 September. Andrew and his teammates’ gold medal helped secure Australia’s win over New Zealand, winning the Rusty Robertson Trophy for the first time in years. Congratulations to Andrew and his teammates!
Kate Morton (Class of 1993) Kate Morton (Class of 1993) has recently been awarded the Courier Mail People’s Choice Book of the Year Award at the Queensland Literary Awards for her historical novel, The Secret Keeper, published in 2012. The novel is first set in 1961, on a sweltering summer’s day. While her family picnics by the stream on their Suffolk farm, sixteen-year-old Laurel hides out in her childhood tree house dreaming of a boy called Billy, a move to London, and the bright future she can’t wait to seize. But before the idyllic afternoon is over, Laurel will have witnessed a shocking crime that changes everything. The novel changes scene to 2011, where Laurel, now a much-loved actress, finds herself overwhelmed by shades of the past. Haunted by memories, and the mystery of what she saw that day, she returns to her family home and begins to piece together a secret history. A tale of three strangers from vastly different worlds – Dorothy, Vivien and Jimmy – who are brought together by chance in wartime London and whose lives become fiercely and fatefully entwined. Kate has written a number of novels, including The House at Riverton, The Forgotten Garden and The Distant Hours, which have all been number one bestsellers around the world. She has sold over 7.5 million copies in 26 languages, across 38 countries. Kate was also awarded for her latest novel, The Secret Keeper, the Australian Book Industry Award for 2013 for General Fiction Book of the Year, presented as part of the Sydney Writers’ Festival in May. Kate is hoping to finish her fifth book this year, and we wish her all the best with her writing.
Alumni Updates Dr Rajan Patheja (Class of 2005) Upon graduating from Somerset College in 2005, Rajan moved to Sydney to study Medicine and graduated at the end 2012 with First Class Honours and prizes for excellence in Medicine and Surgery. During this time, he was fortunate enough to experience and contrast medical practice in Kenya, the United Kingdom and Australia. He has moved back to the Gold Coast in 2013 (“lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle!”) and will be working at the new Gold Coast University Hospital next year. He still loves sport and played squash for the university while he was there. Rajan has also picked up the electric guitar since finishing school and says that jamming with mates is a great way to escape the chaos of hospital. His first self-bought ‘toy’ was an American Standard Fender Stratocaster.
Alex Roberts (Class of 2008) After graduating from Somerset in 2008 with both an Overall Position and an International Baccalaureate Diploma, Alex attended the University of Queensland until May 2010. She was then offered a full-ride athletic scholarship to the University of Louisville, Kentucky, to compete on their rowing team. This required not only more than 20 hours of training, but also a minimum of 12 contact class hours per week, a minimum grade average of a B and at least 40 hours per semester of community service. Her time on the rowing team took Alex all over the United States and allowed her to meet people from all over the world. Alex graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Health and Human Performance (Exercise Science concentration) in May this year. She is now the Aquatics Director at All About Kids, a major children’s sports facility in Kentucky. “I’ve had some fantastic opportunities and experiences that I never would have dreamed possible, and it’s due in large part to the education and possibilities opened up to me by my time at Somerset. Not only did I start rowing there, but my time in the IB Diploma Programme, along with my involvement in many different sporting, musical and service activities, truly set me up to succeed,” said Alex.
Matthew Wright-Smith (Class of 2012) Matthew Wright-Smith (Class of 2012) was recently awarded the Australian Student Prize for 2012 by the Department of Education. Matthew was one of only 500 exceptional students nationally who received this prize in recognition of his academic achievements in 2012. Matthew was awarded a certificate, as well as $2000 in prize money. Matthew is currently studying at The University of Queensland and commented on how well Somerset prepared him for the rigours of university academia. Well done, Matthew, and all the best for your continued studies!
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
Dynamic Duo Ever wondered what Somerset students do in their spare time? What spare time you may ask? Two young gentlemen in Years 9 and 10 respectively have little spare time as they spend many hours polishing their skills. These skills relate to the piano. Lokman Lo (Year 9) and Nelson Hu (Year 10) spend many hours preparing works for various competitions both locally, interstate and overseas. These two young men have shown themselves to be stand-out performers already at their young ages. Just look at some of their highlights from this year. Nelson (pictured top left with sister Lillian) • • • • • •
1st place in the Queensland Piano Competition (third year in a row) 3rd place in the National Piano Competition ABC 1 national television broadcast 4MBS Classics FM 103.7 broadcast and CD recording Brisbane Eisteddfod – multiple placings as well as Open Age Group Aggregate Trophy for highest overall marks Gold Coast Eisteddfod – Open Age Piano Championship
Lokman (pictured far left) • • • • •
Travelled to Italy for an extensive piano course in July Redlands Eisteddfod – multiple placings as well as Most Outstanding Senior Performer Murwillumbah Eisteddfod – multiple placings as well as the Southern Cross Credit Union Award for Music Invited to perform at the Winners’ Concert of the Murwillumbah Festival Wynnum-Manly Eisteddfod – multiple placings as well as the Most Outstanding Pianist Award, the Eleanor Mazetti/Imelda Holt Award and the Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre Award
Belying their abilities, both Lokman and Nelson are modest regarding their achievements, but it is why they are among the best young pianists in the country. We look forward to hearing more. And in the future? Both Lokman and Nelson have younger siblings, Himman and Lillian respectively, who are already making their mark on the music world as well; so next year could see an article on this qualitative quartet. Sue Roberts Director of Music
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Somerset Swimming 2013
The Somerset College Swimming complex and programmes have grown to an exciting new level in 2013. During the winter school holidays this year, work began on the construction of a new purpose built Learn to Swim Pool to run classes from infants through to beginners before they graduate to the larger, existing indoor pool for their learn to swim lessons. In addition, the new pool would be used by the Pre-Prep classes now running at the College. The pool itself was finished in record time, with water filling the structure within ten days of construction beginning. Although the pool was not utilised until the beginning of Term Four, it is now great to see it being filled throughout the week with a variety of classes and lessons. The final stage of the complex will be a structure to go over and around the pool to shelter the swimmers and parents from the elements in all weather conditions.
The new pool is bringing an added depth to the learn to swim programme that now complements the very strong mini squad and squad programme at Somerset. The new classes on offer include morning learn to swim classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings as well as additional mums and bubs classes through the week, including both morning and afternoon classes. Somerset can now boast world class facilities and a full breadth of classes on offer starting from six month old all the way to our very own Olympian and Somerset Swim Club member James Roberts. For enquiries on learn to swim or any of our great programmes, please call (07) 5559 7338. Happy Swimming! Forrest Butcher Head Coach – Swimming
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Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
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Gold Coast Secondary School Drama Festival Success Somerset’s long standing involvement in the Gold Coast Secondary School’s Drama Festival continued in August. Our three plays performed exceptionally well and this creative and dedicated group of actors and directors were rewarded with outstanding results. Our Junior Play was directed by Year 11 students Lauren Staines and Konna Chakravarty. Its Year 8 cast performed Aine, Goddess of Vengeance (a student devised script based on the Celtic myth). With many of the actors ‘treading the boards’ for the first time, they were thrilled to receive the following awards: • • • • •
Highly Commended Awards for Individual Acting, Student Direction, Ensemble Work, Costuming, Lighting and Sound Most Outstanding Supporting Actor Trophy to Olivia Hodge Adjudicator’s Trophy for most Outstanding Direction Most Outstanding Dramatic Performance Trophy Overall second place in the competition
The following week our Year 11 and 12 students took to the stage with our Senior Play entry. Directed by Miss Josephine Flynn, this abridged and imaginative reworking of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest was warmly received by its audience, and adjudicator alike. After some fierce competition, the cast were awarded with: • • • •
Highly Commended Awards for Individual Acting and to the Entire Cast (for their comic sense of ensemble) Most Outstanding Actor Trophy to Lachlan Morris Most Outstanding Comic Performance Trophy Overall third place in the competition
Our Intermediate Play involved a cast of Year 9 and 10 students. They performed Charles Way’s play, Missing, concluding the Festival with outstanding success. Directors Sarah Stallwood-Hall and Donovan Hossy (both Year 11) certainly rose to the challenge of directing this gothic and complex interpretation of Hansel and Gretel. The cast and directors were elated to receive: • • • •
Highly Commended Awards for Individual Acting, Meticulous Student Direction and Innovative Physical Theatre Most Outstanding Supporting Actor Trophy to Christian Focas Adjudicator’s Trophy for most Outstanding Direction Overall first place in the competition
During the weeks of script writing/editing, auditions, rehearsals and performances, I was continually impressed with not only how talented our students are, but also the collaborative and inspired manner in which they work. Each year, they seem to outdo themselves and produce plays and performances where the standard of work just gets better and better! Melinda Green Acting Director of Theatre Arts
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
Community Service at its Best! Sorry – the following article is going to be overloaded with superlatives. Our group of ten spent two weeks in Ladakh, Northern India, and it was truly a time brimming with memorable experiences. Let’s start with the money and materials raised back in Australia (thank you Somerset and Gold Coast communities), and see how it was put to such purposeful use in Ladakh. Matthew Swait, from our travel company, World Horizons, works in conjunction with a Ladakhi organisation called SEWA (Social and Economic Welfare Association). Liaising with SEWA, we focused on three community causes: a dental camp being held at a remote village school, provision of funds to help lay the foundations for a group of shops, and provision of stationery and sporting equipment for school children. Can you imagine a line of school children queuing outside a small concrete room awaiting their first dental treatment – ever? Inside were two chairs (one being a mere wheel chair) and a local dentist accompanied by various assistants, one of whom held a torch by way of an overhead light. Our bags on the flight into Ladakh had been jam packed with dental equipment kindly donated by some Gold Coast clinics: Totally Teeth at Tweed Heads, The Pines Dental Surgery and Tweed Banora Dental. A big thank you goes to those generous donators. Admittedly, we had little idea of the nature of our dental cargo, but we were assured of its true value when we saw the appreciative smile beamed by Renate Carius, a wonderful volunteer who co-ordinated the camp and who is also president of CETOP (Cranbrook Explorer’s Overseas Partnerships). There were a few tears shed amongst the nervously waiting children, but it was amazing to see their stoicism while in the chair and their pride when re-joining their friends and showing off their dental procedures. The plan for shops is an exciting new SEWA venture with the aim of helping people in the “Upshi” community become self-sufficient. We visited the location by the Indus River and saw the first architectural drawings. Just as we once watched the progress of classrooms being built in Laos through our sponsorship, it will be exciting to receive regular updates of the shop building progress. Our first day in Leh, Ladakh’s capital, was made especially interesting for two of us as we went shopping for stationery to take to the “Phukse” school. Olivia Bourne and I were accompanied by a member of the local constabulary who made sure we “got the right deal” as we built up a mountain of stationery, dictionaries, picture books, bats, balls and skipping ropes. Hopefully the accompanying photos will give you an idea of the extent of our gathered goodies and the “royal welcome” we received at the school. The satisfaction we experienced in assisting the Ladakhi community was deeply felt, but I must also mention some very physical sources of satisfaction. Our team consisted of five adults and five students – the Bourne family, Shane and Angus Fitzgerald, and Paul and Finley Burns. Whatever doubts we held about the younger members managing the steeper climbs were promptly allayed. When we reached the dizzy summits of passes over 4000 metres in height, guess who often first reached the welcoming prayer flags strategically placed at the very top? Some of the climbs were tough. There was plenty of huffing and puffing as our lungs came to grips with the reduced oxygen levels and we were certainly grateful that we’d made the effort to do some worthwhile training beforehand back on the Gold Coast. The mention of prayer flags leads to another source of superlatives: “Rich, detailed, authentic, personal, and indelible”. These all apply to our immersion in the local culture. Stanzin, our wonderful Ladakhi guide, is a very well-educated, personable young man who guided us though centuries old monasteries. Our viewings of precious art works, thangkas
Community Service at its Best! and various representations of the wheel of life were made so much more meaningful through his thoughtful and skilled presentations. One day, an old monk climbed up with us to an otherwise unoccupied monastery and especially conducted a puja by way of thanking us for our assistance to his community. We sat mesmerised by his steady beating of the giant drum suspended from the ceiling, his long, low chanting and his leafing through aged, yellowing pages of prayers. I doubt that any film or text book could make such an impression as that! As I write this, there is a sense of pride in our small group’s venture into all sorts of challenges, both physical and mental. We climbed mountains, dealt with altitude sickness of varying degrees, had amazing adventures and made meaningful contributions to a remote Himalayan community. Humbling, however, is our increased understanding of the stamina and resilience displayed by these mountain people. Every day we remarked on their happy, cheerful natures. It is my sincere hope that there will be an ongoing relationship between Somerset and the Ladakhi community. We both have much to learn from each other. Meg Johnson Junior School Teacher Librarian
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Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
Somerset Rowers – 8th in Queensland A group of 46 rowers took part in the Queensland Schools Rowing Championships at the beginning of the last school holidays, ranking 8th on the medal tally in the toughly contested regatta. All Somerset rowers across the board competed really well across a wide range of categories, with 11 rowers winning medals over the four day regatta. Persistence Pays in Gold for Year 9 Rowing Boys After a season where wins were hard to come by, the Year 9 Boys Quad Scull of Finlay Walton, Jahron Pennant, Oliver Thew, Reuben Mansell and Zachary (Zach) Mark took their first victory of the year in the Quad Scull to win the final of the Queensland Schools Rowing Championships. The crew have trained with great endeavour all season, but have been unable to step onto the top step of the podium. After making it into the final of the State Championships by a mere two one-hundredths of a second the crew went out and attacked the final from the start, leading the race all the way to take the gold medal. I would like to congratulate the boys on their fantastic result and to thank the rest of the Year 9 boys who formed a great training group, especially Ryan Abedian and Harrisen-John Leckenby who were both very close to making the top Year 9 Quad, ensuring that the crew kept a high standard throughout the season. Chloe Bischof Breaks the Drought for the Girl Rowers I would like to extend a big congratulations to Chloe Bischof, who earned a silver medal representing the Gold Coast in the Inter-Regional Under 16 Girls Quad Scull race. Chloe has had a great season where she has improved immensely, not only winning a medal in the Quad, but also in making the final of the Single Scull, placing her 7th in Queensland. Other Highlights Kiun Clucas Boyes, Alexander Hodges and Samuel (Sam) Lindsay also picked up gold medals in the Boys’ Under 16 Quad Scull, while Frasier Heath won a silver in the Boys’ Open Quad. Frasier also teamed up with Liam Jameson to earn a bronze medal in the Boys’ Year 11 Double Scull. I would like to extend a big thank you to all of the parents who helped with the catering and logistics, and to Mr Juniper and Mr Ritchie for taking time in their holidays to help out with State Championships campaign. Andrew Butler Head Coach – Rowing
Year 10 Camp: ChallengeEducation – Resilience – Achievement 30 Years of Enhancing Senior School Inaugural United States of America Trip
Camp is not a competition. Camp is an opportunity for students to choose a challenge. Yes – they all choose the difficulty rating of their camp and increasingly During the September school holidays, a group of 21 students and three supervisors students are opting for the most difficult camp routes. Who the youth of today jetted off to said the United States of America (USA) on an Economics, Legal and Business are soft? Studies trip. In our modern lives, one day is not too dissimilarWe from theheaded next. We can avoid first to New York, which was a wonderful experience for us all. Here we challenges and remain perfectly positioned in ourvisited cocooned comfort ourthe Federal Reserve and the United Nations, along places such aszone Wall with Street, parents to protect us and solve all our problems… until we are unleashed on the with many other classic tourist attractions. This trip was a learning experience for us world ready to rule at 21. Perhaps we are not equipping children all the all, as weour were given with a degree of skills freedom throughout the city, providing valuable life necessary to succeed in tomorrow’s world. experiences, as we all mastered how to navigate the streets, hail taxis and use the infamous New York subway. Camp is a unique opportunity for students to experience something different. For only five days each year we ask students to put away social media, give up thewhere we visited Disneyland, every child’s dream, Next we travelled to Los Angeles, comfy bed and the home cooked meals and venture intogroup the unknown. and the was also lucky enough to participate in a leadership and behind-thescenes seminar through Disneyland. Unlike sport, on camp everyone can be a winner. Students select a camp route, pack a rucksack with food, tent and sleeping bag andOverall, embarkwe on got a three day hike though of Los Angeles, as we also visited Universal a rounded experience some of Australia’s most rugged terrain. It is veryStudios, tough and everythe year I am surprised walked Hollywood Walk of Fame and spent the afternoon in Santa at which students rise to the challenge, overcome their aversion dirtthe and bush Monica. We alsotogot opportunity to contribute to the American economy through toilets and embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm some and retaildetermination. therapy before we headed back home. The camp experience unearths many of our quietThis achievers, who don’t for have trip wasstudents a great experience us all, as we all learnt new things about the a bucket full of gold medals at home but have deep desire to test their resolve, prove world whilst also encountering experiences that will be with us for life. We are all their resilience and come away knowing that whatever challenges confront them in very grateful to have participated in the first ever USA Trip, and on behalf of all the life, they have the tools and are equipped to succeed. students, I would like to thank Mr and Mrs Oman and Ms O’Connor for their time Well done to our Year 10 campers. You earned a rest!
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Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
Tasmania Trips 2013 saw us celebrating ten years of Year 7 students travelling to Tasmania for their annual year level trip. It all began in 2004 as a welcome change of pace from our annual jaunt to Canberra. With the phasing in of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, where curriculum integration and real world connectedness was central to the development of the whole child, we decided to select Tasmania as our state of study. On examining our rationale and curriculum directions, we believed Tasmania offered a wealth of opportunity to provide an educationally engaging experience, as well as a socially rewarding time. And so it began, in June 2003, with Mrs Eileen Wheeler and I heading south on a fact-finding journey to Tasmania in order to personally plan a suitable yet exciting itinerary. We were overwhelmed with the educational opportunities and the beauty that this small state had to offer. The winter weather also added a positive ‘chilling’ thrill to the adventure. We knew we were on a winner! So here we are ten years later. This trip is always a culmination of units studied, spanning Years 6 and 7, in the areas of Humanities, Science, English, Mathematics and Technology. Of particular interest were the early Australian colonial and penal settlements, the significance of Tasmania’s vast and unique World Heritage Environment, the rich mining history and the pioneering developments in both mining and rail transport. Through their study, students examined the impact these developments had on the economy of Tasmania as well as the mainland and wider international community. After three terms of study we head to the far south, starting in Launceston, then travelling to the far west, back across to the east coast and in the early years we even had a day excursion to the far south. In brief, our travels include: Launceston (Cataract Gorge), Cradle Mountain (Dove Lake), Strahan (Macquarie Harbour, Sarah Island, and Gordon River Cruise), Queenstown and the Mt Lyell open cut mine, Lake St Clair, Derwent, Hobart, Richmond‘s oldest Catholic Church, oldest Stone Bridge, oldest Australian Gaol and Ye Olde Sweet Shop, Port Arthur (including the ghost tour), Mount Wellington, Cascade and the Cadbury Chocolate factory. Naturally, we continued to refine the trip over the years, with past visits including Zeehan and their Mining Museum, ABT Wilderness train trip from Strahan to Queenstown, Hastings Cave and Thermal Springs (yes we swam), Tahune Forest Airwalk (The Southern Forests), Mount Field National Park to Horse Shoe and Russell Falls and one year we were even there on the right day to visit the Salamanca markets. Gifts for everyone! Over the years we have taken close to 1200 students to enjoy the unique offerings of this beautiful Australian state. We have traversed the countryside in varying degrees from minus three to a mighty 14. We have enjoyed sun, gale force winds, torrential rain and even heavy snow. Every day brought a new experience. Through it all, including the early starts, full days and sometimes late nights everyone continued to laugh, smile, socialise and above all, learn about this special part of Australia, coming to appreciate the unique role it played in our early history.
Tasmania Trips Every year we travel with nine staff and we always have to acknowledge the fantastic behaviour and positive attitudes displayed by all of our students. They certainly make us very proud and are fine ambassadors for the College. We were constantly told how “They were the best students we have ever had”, “The most polite students”, “The best behaved” and “We would welcome you back anytime”. Over the years we have received countless letters from tourists, Federal Hotel and Resorts and Chancellor congratulating the students on their manners and “impeccable behavior”. These letters were always proudly displayed in the Junior School Office. Of course, the trip always had time for socialising and bonding with fellow students and staff alike. We always come away grateful for the opportunity to have made new friends and to have gotten to know each other just that bit more. It is an opportunity for our students to grow away from home and to relish a new independence. We always noted how different they were after this trip. With Year 7 heading to Senior School in 2014 and to Mount Tamborine Camp, it seemed fitting that the current Year 7 and Year 6 groups ended their Tassie year on the tenth anniversary. It has always been something that we shared for many years, those special stories and fond memories of our small adventure to the Deep South. No matter whether students were in Years 8, 9, 10 or even 11 and 12, it was a common bond enriched by special memories. As we hand the baton over to the forthcoming Year 6 students, we wish you all the same level of excitement and anticipation for everything this wonderful state has to offer in terms of education, learning and taking that next step towards adolescent independence. When you are there, don’t waste a minute, for you will soon learn, like all good things in life, it passes very quickly. Michele Sauer Deputy Junior School Middle Years Programme Co-coordinator
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Sixth Edition – November 2013
In Memoriam: Rod Wells Thank You and God Bless On Monday 26 August 2013 Somerset College had the honour of hosting the Memorial Service celebrating the life of our Founding Headmaster, Mr Rod Wells. Mrs Roslyn Wells and the family, friends and former colleagues of Mr Wells, along with representatives of the schools where he was Headmaster, were in attendance. They were officially welcomed to the College by our Headmaster, Mr Craig Bassingthwaighte. The Headmaster welcomed representatives of Cannon Hill Anglican College including former colleagues whom Rod appointed, and current Principal, Mrs Robyn Bell; Dr Ness Goodwin, former Principal of Somerville House; Mrs Flo Kearney, current Principal of Somerville House; Trinity Anglican Mission Choir and Music Director Mr John Argyle, and former Board Members of Somerset College who worked with Rod in bringing the dream to reality. Mr Bassingthwaighte spoke of the great privilege it was to bring Rod back to Somerset a few years ago to celebrate Founders’ Day with us. He and Roslyn had a wonderful day catching up with familiar faces, seeing new ones and revelling in how the vision has turned to reality some 30 years after a simple sign announced audaciously that Somerset College would begin in January 1983. Two foundation staff members, Mrs Bev Gallus and Mrs Eileen Wheeler, remain in service to the College and were in attendance to celebrate Rod’s life. Rod left many things at Somerset but one of his finest is the staff he appointed. Mrs Virginia Lamb, Mrs Michele Sauer, Mrs Sue Roberts, Mrs Elly Van Vliet, Mrs Daina McFarland, Mr Graeme Trethewey, Mr Charlie Cooper, Miss Ann Cook, Miss Gilli Hill, and Mr Graham Wand all served with Rod’s successors over the years with the passion and joy with which they started their journey under Rod’s leadership. Fr John Pinson led the service with assistance from Fr Ian Dredge, while Rod’s daughter Mrs Susan Savage and Mrs Robyn Bell gave tributes to Rod as the family man and as an educator and visionary, while Rod’s friend, Mr Ron Maddox, delivered a pictorial presentation of Rod’s life. The joint choirs of Somerset College, Cannon Hill Anglican College and Trinity Anglican Mission sang, The Lord is My Shepherd, fittingly to Rod’s arrangement. In the words of our Headmaster, Mr Bassingthwaighte, “On behalf of a grateful third Headmaster and a community over 30 years old, thank you, Rod, and God bless”.
Milestones Births PROCTOR (Staff) – on 5 September 2012, a daughter Scarlett Marion to Stuart and Jacqueline Proctor LIUSSI (Staff; Luca – Class of 1992; Georgia – Class of 1993) – on 29 July 2013, a daughter Ilaria to Luca and Georgia Liussi and a sister to Allegra and Olimpia MICHAEL (Staff) – on 6 September 2013, a son Noah William to Andrew and Leisha Michael
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CALLUS (Staff) – on 23 May 2013, a daughter Aspen Mia to Ashley and Alethea Callus GORDON (Class of 1993) – on 9 July 2013, a son Parker James to James and Cassandra Shields (nee Gordon) STRATON (Class of 1993) – on 26 August 2013, a daughter Aelwen Elinor Curiosity to Anna Straton and Simeon Morgan
Engagements WATSON (Staff) – in August 2013; Georgina Watson to Campbell Pollok, with the wedding to take place on 23 November 2013
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Marriages GOODBURN (2007) and WILSON (2012) – on 7 September 2013 at Shamba Maliaka in Currumbin Valley, honeymooning in Bali and Komodo Island; Simon Goodburn and Jade Wilson.
Passings
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WELLS, Rod – Somerset’s Foundation Headmaster (1983-1986) passed away peacefully on 14 August 2013 after a long illness. We remember Rod’s vision, passion, and energy in establishing in those early days the many things we enjoy about Somerset today. RIDDEL, Craig – 27 July 2013. Husband to Linda and father to Laura (Class of 2013). 6
The Liussi Family with new daughter Ilaria Andrew and Leisha Michael with Noah Parker James Gordon Aelwen Elinor Curiosity Georgina Watson and Campbell Pollok Simon Goodburn and Jade Wilson on their wedding day
If you have any changes to mailing details or would like to let the College know what you have been doing since leaving Somerset College, we’d love to hear from you. Email alumni@somerset.qld.edu.au. Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba, Queensland 4213 Telephone 07 5559 7100 Facsimile 07 5559 7345 publications@somerset.qld.edu.au ACN 010 946 906