Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Information Somerset Lifetimes will be 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. Cover Photo: by Year 11 Student, Valerie Fang
Contributing Writers: Craig Bassingthwaighte, Dane Oman, Davy Harris, Brad Walker, Cathy Carroll, Merran Harris, John Bacon, Luke Maguire, Greta Mayr, Ali Harris, Savannah Walker Printing: Surfers Inkspot Printers, 65 Lawrence Drive, Nerang 4211
Editorial Committee: Narelle Higgs, Wendy Bacon
Inside This Issue »»
From the Headmaster - Strategic Plan
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Sayonara, Auf Wiedersehen
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The Arnison Hall Gallery
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Naplan Results
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Bye Bye Mrs B
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Inaugural Somerset Netball Tour, NZ
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School Banking Boosts Somerset Literary Fund
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An End of an Era
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U15 New Zealand Rugby Tour
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Sustainable Nurse Linny
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Somerset Celebration of Literature
Commonwealth Games Comes to the College
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More from the Sustainable Spartans
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Somerset Celebration of Entrepreneurship »»
Class of 1987 Reunion
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New Staff
Showcase and Sunday Sessions
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Class of 1997 Reunion
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Staff Updates
Day of Dance
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Class of 2007 Reunion
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Senior Performer Dances to Melbourne »»
Somerset Festival for Young Performers
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Mudgeeraba to Murgon Songlines
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Alumni Milestones
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Alumni Updates From Somerset to the Circus
Somerset Alumni Association All students become members of the Somerset Alumni Association as they walk through the College gates as students for the last time. Association membership is for life, and our network is one founded in shared experience and camaraderie. The Association seeks to create, nurture, and grow positive and mutually beneficial associations within the College community, be that with current students, staff, and families, or with those who are now a part of the Association. As part of its service to the Alumni and College communities, the Association provides an Association Business Directory, allowing an ever-increasing number of members an opportunity to connect through two-way communication, mentoring, networking, and employment solutions. The Association also hosts reunions that celebrate our College’s history, its present, and its future. The Association provides all members with a copy of the College’s annual Somerset Lifetimes publication, and works to contact our many Association members with information about upcoming reunions and other social gatherings. All College alumni can access the Association, simply visit our Facebook page or website below. This network is your network, so come and join us! For further information regarding the Association, please contact our Community Relations Office: Facebook: www.facebook.com/somersetalumni Web: www.somerset.qld.edu.au/college/community/alumni_association One copy of Somerset Lifetimes is Email: alumni@somerset.qld.edu.au distributed to each household within Phone: (07) 5559 7327 the Somerset community. If you would Mail: Community Relations Office like us to post you additional copies Somerset College simply email your request to: Somerset Drive publications@somerset.qld.edu.au Mudgeeraba Qld 4213
From the Headmaster Strategic Plan We embarked on the College’s third Strategic Plan after the successful completion of the last Plan two years ahead of schedule. The campus has been transformed with the addition of Australia’s best school based Athletic Facilities. Of course, it is in the people and programmes that populate these facilities we find the inspiring work of providing further diverse opportunities for our students. It would be remiss not to note that the College holds the APS Premiership in Athletics, for the third straight year, Rugby and Netball simultaneously for the first time in our history. These were moments of great joy along with the Boys Tennis and Girls Basketball winning titles in dominant fashion. The process for developing the plan that we released on Scholars’ Day, Our Future, Somerset College’s Strategic Plan, 2018 to 2022 involved, 20 parent forums, and interviews with students, alumni, the College Leadership Team and the Board. There were numerous readings and reference points, a final workshop and constant benchmarking with other independent schools. The feedback we gathered was most encouraging, with high levels of satisfaction with the College’s direction and the completion of its goals from the last plan. However, there was a lack of clarity about what our Vision, Personal Success, Global Outlook, and our Mission, Developing engaged global citizens aspiring to excellence, demonstrating integrity and valuing difference, actually means in our day to day life. You will see we have been more explicit about that in the new Plan. Interestingly, the students I spoke to were crystal clear about what these meant, it was the adults who needed to be shown the way. Our Plan has four goals, Dynamic Learning, Inspired Teaching, Community Wellbeing and Organisation Sustainability. Underpinning these goals are some identified strategies that have emerged from the feedback. These are the things the College will set its mind to over the next five years so I hope you like them. The Master Plan is also updated and has new projects like the Performing Arts Centre rebuild and the Design Centre, while retaining previous projects like the Chapel and the Child Care Centre. It has been an unprecedented process of feedback and consultation, an ongoing statement about the College’s transparency and collaboration with our stakeholders. This Plan is Somerset’s green light to move forward. I am delighted to tell you of three new programmes that are being driven by members of the College Leadership Team. In 2018 we will create the Somerset Leadership Academy so that our greatest resource, our people, have a chance to explore or extend their leadership skills and experience. This is the brainchild of Mrs Michele Sauer, Dean of Middle Years. Somerset will formally enhance Student Wellbeing by our continued membership as a Positive Education School and the introduction of the Visible Wellbeing Programme. Under the leadership of Dr Adrian Johnson, Head of Senior School, our Pastoral Team has been building to this commitment from Pre-Prep to Year 12. We are instituting a Talent Identification Programme in Sports that will enable students to be tested and guided towards sports and activities that they might not have ever considered or been reluctant to explore. All Years 6 and 7 students will have this opportunity through our Physical Education Programme and external consultants. Mr Craig Sayer, Dean of Activities, has been the architect of this initiative. Our last Talent ID focus produced Sarah Carrigan OAM (Class of 1998), Gold Medallist. Green lights in Mind, Body and Spirit. Two initiatives this year have returned great results. We formalized the Service Learning Programme under the leadership of Mr Brad Walker and as impact was felt in the first B Trip where 20 of our students spent a week in the classrooms of Murgon State School. There they read with and helped the indigenous students before sharing play times in the grounds. The photos from this will melt your heart. As ever, we gained so much from this service learning opportunity and we look forward to the next group who will have their opportunity. Our inaugural Celebration of Entrepreneurship was held in October around the Year 10 Business Studies annual event. We felt what it must have been like launching the Celebration of Literature all those years ago. 5,000 participants in its first year show that this is certainly something of interest. To see our Year 6 students selling their wares, our Year 10s and 11s pitching their innovative ideas in a real shark tank, and our many Alumni returning to tell of their success and inspire the next generation was worth all the effort. continued over page ...
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
From the Headmaster cont. Congratulations to Mr Dane Oman, Mrs Andrea Lewis, and the Events team for their ‘can do’ attitude. Our start up for startups, another green light. Our second generation numbers moved within sight of 100 students, a wonderful testament to the lasting effect of the Somerset Experience. 2017 has been another year of great achievement and service for the members of the Somerset Community. May I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the festive season. Craig Bassingthwaighte Headmaster of Somerset College
NAPLAN Results Included here are the average scores for Somerset Students for comparison with the Queensland averages and the Australian averages for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 for each of the five areas tested.
Writing
Spelling
Year 3
Somerset Average 431
Queensland Average 402
Australian Average 414
Somerset Average 440
Queensland Average 409
Australian Average 416
Year 5 Year 7 Year 9
500 567 623
461 503 539
472 513 552
533 596 631
497 546 577
501 550 582
Reading
Punctuation
Year 3
Somerset Average 456
Queensland Average 425
Australian Average 431
Somerset Average 472
Queensland Average 437
Australian Average 439
Year 5 Year 7 Year 9
552 593 634
503 540 575
506 545 581
543 611 631
496 538 574
499 542 574
Numeracy
Year 3
Somerset Average 435
Queensland Average 402
Australian Average 409
Year 5 Year 7 Year 9
528 619 655
490 549 585
494 554 592
School Banking Boosts Somerset Literary Fund Somerset College’s School Banking Programme has made substantial contributions to the Somerset Literary Fund, which provides opportunities to disadvantaged children to attend the annual Celebration of Literature. The Programme began in the Junior School in 2014, when it was decided a percentage of every transaction from Commonwealth Bank would support the Fund. For more than three years, parent volunteer Helen Evans has collected bank books and tallied deposits each week. The mother of two boys (in Years 6 and 9 at Somerset) counted the final deposit for 2017 this November. The Programme’s contributions have sponsored up to 1,000 children to attend the Literature Festival; helping the College continue to change children’s lives, one book at a time. Mrs Evans says she really enjoys being involved and despite her children moving on to the Senior School, she will remain the Junior School banker, along with the friends she has made. “It’s really lovely. We get gifts from the kids thanking us.” Mrs Evans looks forward to more money being raised for the Fund in 2018.
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Somerset Celebration of Literature 2016 Cover to Cover
Somerset Celebration of Literature 2017 Right Here, Write Now
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Somerset Celebration of Entrepreneurship Somerset launches a new Celebration Somerset College hosted the inaugural Somerset Celebration of Entrepreneurship in October, 2017. The motivation behind launching the Celebration was to offer students support in their growth of entrepreneurial skills. In its first year, the Celebration provided Somerset College students and members of the wider community with the opportunity to meet and be inspired by Queensland’s best and brightest entrepreneurs. Key speakers included Steve Baxter from Shark Tank, and Mark Sowerby, the Queensland Government’s Chief Entrepreneur. The highlight of the Festival, was having Brisbane-based charity Orange Sky (whose founders, Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett were awarded 2016 Young Australians of the Year) celebrate their third birthday with an orange poppy seed cake with us during their presentation.
Photo by Elaine Fei, Year 11
Somerset Celebration of Entrepreneurship cont. Another highlight was the Somerset Alumni, Middle Years Pitch Competition. Alumni President, Sally Leslie said, “All of the Middle Years students involved were so engaged in the process and maintained their motivation throughout the competition. “I was particularly impressed by the level of co-operation and collaboration that I witnessed between Alumni and our students. There were some students who find concentrating for a one hour lesson difficult, so to see them engaged and working for an entire day with a shared purpose was magical.” Following a successful first year, we look forward to welcoming more entrepreneurs in 2018. Dane Oman Chair of the Somerset Celebration of Entrepreneurship
Photos by Valerie Fang, Year 11
Somerset Alumni Middle Years Pitch Competition
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Junior School Showcases and Sundays at Somerset We have continued our Showcase events at Somerset, holding two each year. The Showcase offers Junior School students an opportunity to perform on a stage, in front of an audience. The events continue to be successful for our musicians and Speech and Drama students. This year Sundays at Somerset were introduced. Held on the last Sunday of each term in our Performing Arts Centre, the sessions are a prime outlet for our young people to gain confidence and experience performing on a stage, during a casual Sunday session. We see instrumentalists flex their musical muscle in solos and with accompaniment, while our budding actors recite monologues. We look forward to nurturing the performer in all our students with the continuation of Sundays at Somerset in 2018. Sue Roberts Head of Performing Arts
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Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Day of Dance 2017 Photos by Stephen Weir
Senior Performer Dances to Melbourne The Somerset dance students filled the Performing Arts Theatre with laughter, sweat and tears as they performed in the annual Day of Dance Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 October. The 300-seat Performing Arts Theatre was sold out over the two days, for all three performances. This year’s Day of Dance consisted of several dance varieties including: Jazz, Classical Ballet, Tap, Commercial Jazz, Hip-Hop, Cheer, Contemporary and Lyrical with the concerts being hosted by Daiana Yoon and myself. At Somerset College, 42 dance classes occur each week with over 300 students enrolled in the dance programme. This leads to an approximate 550 dance lessons occurring each week at Somerset, a phenomenal feat. Thanks must go to all of our fabulous dance faculty for their tireless efforts and immaculate choreography, Ms Melissa Parkinson, Ms Phoebe Young, Ms Corina Burgess, Mrs Jodie Walton, Mrs Christine Flint, Ms Hayley Wallace and Ms Lucy Hourn. Thanks must also go to the parents, staff, students, sound and lighting and the stage crew involved in the production over the weekend and of course Mrs Sue Roberts, without whom none of this would be possible. I would also like to wish all the graduating Year 12 students the best of luck with their futures in whatever they wish to pursue. For next year I will be moving down to Melbourne to partake in a full-time dance course at Patrick Studios Australia, under the direction of Todd Patrick. After completing my year at Patrick Studios, I will hopefully secure a professional dance contract on a cruise ship with my end goal to end up on Broadway or to perform in the leading musicals in Australia. I would like to thank all of the dance teachers who have taught me over the past 10 years for believing in me, and for the knowledge, wisdom and skills that they have shared. I would like to wish all the best for Somerset Dance, and I will certainly be returning to watch next year’s production. Davy Harris Year 12 Student, Performing Arts Captain
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Mudgeeraba to Murgon Songlines The Barambah trip As a staff member on this wonderful, magical, at-times-exceptional B-journey of the heart, I found it impossible to tell who benefited the most – not that it truly matters. Is it the Somerset students who have had their eyes, ears and, ultimately, hearts opened by seeing an Australia they have not been familiar with? Or the beautiful kids of Murgon and Cherbourg (where our kids assisted in the classrooms), so accepting and welcoming and warm and fun and effervescent, despite what past history, gloomy statistics and contemporary apathy to their plight might place as roadblocks on their own life journey? I was moved, after this just our first year, by the glorious success of our first Barambah trip. There are so many stories to share from these visits; too many to recount here. Our penultimate day at the school saw the students farewelling each other. Twenty minutes quickly turned into sixty and there wasn’t a dry eye on the ‘tiger-turf’ by the time we departed. Sharing our smart, sensitive, sensible and sympathetic young people from the Gold Coast with the beautiful B-kids in Murgon was and will continue to be a transformative service experience for any Year 10 student who chooses to engage. This year has seen significant inroads made in our partnership with Indigenous communities in this rural setting. I would hope Somerset is well on the way to being truly reconciled with the good people of this region, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and with what we are trying to do together. An invitation has been extended to our students to return for the Murgon-Cherbourg Fun Run in May next year. We look forward to the prospect of entering a Spartan team. I would like to acknowledge the Somerset staff who have supported the trip – particularly Mrs Clare Walker and Ms Carrie Smith – who accompanied our students this year, 20 in total, on such a life-affirming journey of discovery. With the permission of a student, I would like to share their reflection with you: “At the conclusion of our trip to Murgon, we were asked by Mr Walker to reflect on our experience as a whole, but to also think about three questions specifically: what had we learned about ourselves, our country and indigenous culture? I remember looking at these questions in my book and feeling slightly disillusioned. Of course, we had learnt so much in all three of these categories. We learnt leadership skills, how to function as a group, we visited sacred indigenous sites and learnt about the history of the land we are so privileged to live on. We met so many new people and made connections and bonds to last a lifetime. We did all these things. And yet, it had never really crossed my mind that this trip was about learning about things that were foreign to us, or gaining insight into how other, “different”, people lived. It was just about… people. For me, I felt the most rewarding part of this trip was not discovering differences in lifestyles. It was finding the innate similarities. How inextricably linked we all are, and how little circumstance matters in the end - we’re all human.
Mudgeeraba to Murgon Songlines continued While there was always the sense that the children we were connecting with at Murgon Primary were having a very different upbringing to our own, it was never central to our interactions. No matter where you are or who you are, the joy of play remains a constant. These were just kids willing to welcome us, play with us, laugh with us, and upon our departure, cry with us. For me, this trip gave me the most uplifting reminder that we are all connected, no matter what. Learning about indigenous culture and the history of our country was incredibly valuable, but the human connections we all made is what will really stay with us all. I think what I am trying to say, really, is that this wasn’t a trip about differences or foreignness, it wasn’t about “us” and “them”. It was about closing the gap completely, not just crossing the bridge. It was about what unites us, not what divides us. Those connections we made, the “realness” of them, the sense of humanity and empowerment in forming those bonds, that is what I will never forget.” “Remember this: joys are the same, and love is the same. Pain is the same and blood is the same. Smiles are the same, and hearts are just the same wherever they are, wherever you are, wherever we are, all over the world.” - Mem Fox Brad Walker Service Learning Co-ordinator
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Sayonara, Auf Wiedersehen Senior School teacher farewells career My family has always been very important to me. Growing up in Brisbane with 11 siblings - five brothers and six sisters - involved lots of fun (no shortage of playmates), chores (the roster of jobs for little pocket money), some fights (you had to get noticed somehow) and there was always church and music. We all went to Catholic schools and our extended family get-togethers continue to grow with the next generation. Dan and I married in Brisbane, moved to Cairns, Townsville, Melbourne and the Gold Coast with his job as our own family came along. Our five children, their partners and seven grandchildren bring us a lot of happiness. In 2001 I joined Somerset College as a Secondary Japanese/German teacher, working in the Years 6 to 10 area. I loved watching the students develop their appreciation for other cultures. I marvel at the wonderful professionalism, commitment and friendship of the staff and especially the Languages team. Sport, concerts, festivals, camps and overseas trips to Germany and hosting German and Japanese visitors, provided many exciting and challenging moments and for me; they are the icing on the cake. While I teach languages, music is my hobby and I love exploring the local areas and tripping away on holidays. I hope to enjoy more of these in my retirement. Cathy Carroll Senior School Teacher (Languages)
Somerset College Open Days anD TOurs The Somerset Experience Open Days and Tours 2018
Tuesday 13 February, 9.30am: The Dean’s Tour Wednesday 28 March, 5.00pm: Twilight Tour Tuesday 17 April, 9.30am: The Dean’s Tour Friday 4 May, 9.00am to 11.00am: Open Day Saturday 16 June, 10.00am: The Dean’s Tour
persOnal success | GlObal OuTlOOk Developing engaged global citizens aspiring to excellence, demonstrating integrity and valuing difference
Bye Bye Mrs B. Prep Teacher, Mrs Sandy Berghofer retires After more than 30 years, Mrs B has marked her last roll, dusted her final chalk board and capped her last red pen. She has been a much loved teacher and College staff member, she will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.
Mrs B’s Prep class for 2017 pay tribute:
She’s really nice. - Sharni Norman
Thank you for being our teacher. - Alex Sun
She’s always nice to people. - Mia Brennan
She’s kind and nice. - Harper Loon
Mrs B was kind. We got to do everything, play at discovery time. - Max Bowden
She helped me when I was doing my work. - Karissa T.J.-Wilson
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
An End of an Era The end of Term Four will mark the end of an era for our Archives Department. Administrative Assistant Merran Harris will retire after more than 20 years of service to the College. Over the years I have worked in many different areas of the College, including – the Foundation office updating computer records, the Accounts Department relieving staff on leave, the Junior and Senior School Administration, and for the past ten years, in the Archives office. Past History teacher, Mrs Diana Stonier formally established the Somerset College Archives Department in 2002. To quote her, “Archives is in fact, one of those jobs that is never finished and that fact in itself, is part of the exciting challenge for the future!”
Every year memorabilia and photos are provided for each of the 10, 20 and 30 year Alumni Reunions, including displays showing the old and new school uniforms. I will now retire from Somerset to pursue new interests with my husband Kevin and I am looking forward to spending more quality time with our grandson Casey. Merran Harris Administrative Assistant – Archives
One of my biggest jobs in Archives was being instrumental in the collection of all the photos for the publication of The Bird and The Tree: The First 25 Years of Somerset College. This involved searching through countless boxes of photos to put names to faces, and dates to events. After Diana’s retirement in 2015, I continued on, in the tradition which had been established. My job description covered a multitude of areas, including the collection and overseeing of all the gold lettering on the honour boards, keeping track of the engraving on all the trophies within the College, and organizing the calligraphy in our Leaders’ Book.
Commonwealth Games Coming to the College Earlier this year, the College confirmed the use of our swimming complex for training camps by Swimming Canada and our Athletic Facilities by both Athletics Canada and Athletics Northern Ireland as they prepare for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. To have world class athletes training at the College is a chance for our students to gain an insight into the dedication and sacrifices elite athletes make to ensure they are successful at the highest level. It is hoped there may be further involvement by various groups in the lead up to the Games next April. John Bacon Dean of Admissions
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Class of 1987 30 Year Reunion | Saturday 15 July
Class of 1997 20 Year Reunion | Saturday 9 September
www.facebook.com/ somersetalumni
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Class of 2007 10 Year Reunion | Saturday 19 August
Alumni Updates – Class of 2007 Life since graduating in 2007 has been an absolute roller coaster. I remember finishing school with a very average OP compared to my peers, no real drive for any specific field and about to start a degree that I wasn’t overly interested in. After getting my business degree I was still lost and confused, applying for many jobs in all areas of marketing and getting rejected by most of them. I thought this was the worst time of my life and that I would never find my passion. There was one subject however, which shaped the way for the rest of my life and that was internet marketing. Finally believing in myself, I went ‘all in’ and sold everything of value I had, even up to my car to invest into my business. Fast forward to now, I’ve been able to build a business working directly with Facebook that does multiple seven figures profit a year but more importantly helps hundreds of thousands of people around the world daily, through social media marketing. I get to travel, speaking to thousands of people live on stage every month, teaching them how they can create their own online businesses from scratch. My business has enabled me to help build schools in extremely underfunded countries, take my family on our first overseas trip ever, be recognised as a finalist in the Queensland Entrepreneurship Awards, work directly with multiple INC 500 companies and create a lifestyle I used to dream about. Looking back, while I didn’t realise it at the time the interpersonal skills and foundations I learned at Somerset have paved the way, leading me on a journey doing what I love most – helping other people. Luke Maguire Class of 2007
www.facebook.com/ somersetalumni
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
From Somerset to the Circus Greta Mayr: Acrobat in Toruk - The First Flight by Cirque du Soleil What are some of your fondest memories of your time at Somerset? Since my time at school I have really come to appreciate the uniqueness of Somerset in that it is ‘cool’ to do well academically and be involved in as many co-curricular activities as you can. There is such a sense of family in your year level at Somerset and so many opportunities to meet people outside of your social group - through pastoral care, House Plays, sport and the many clubs and societies. I would say that some of my fondest memories at Somerset were House Plays and Intermediate/Senior plays of the Gold Coast. Looking back, this seems very fitting considering I now perform in front of thousands of people every night for my job. I loved the rehearsals and the cohesion between different year levels as well as the opportunity to perform without being graded on it. I particularly enjoyed writing and directing a play for Starkey House when I was in Year 12 (and giving Starkey what was then a fairly rare win!)
How did Somerset shape your career path? Somerset prepared me so well for university and beyond, both academically and outside of the classroom. I moved to Sydney on my own for University when I was 17 on a whim after a chance suggestion from our Academic Counsellor. It was a major risk as I didn’t know anyone and had never even been to Sydney before! I soon realised this was the best decision I could have made. As well as teaching us the necessary skills to write essays, conduct research and reference correctly (which turns out are very helpful at university and beyond) Somerset encouraged us to make the most of opportunities when they arise and to deal with obstacles. The most difficult thing for me leaving Somerset was deciding on a specific career path because I enjoyed all of my subjects and had supportive teachers in every area. I always loved writing and performing, but also enjoyed learning about the world in humanities and widening my perspective by learning a second language - German. At university I therefore tried to combine as many things as possible, deciding to study Media and Communications majoring in International Relations and Germanic Studies. During and after university I wrote for various magazines and newspapers and produced two radio shows. I also worked as a Content Manager and Account Manager for digital media companies. However, throughout this time I continued to train and perform circus and acrobatics. While at Somerset I had been a competitive gymnast, training before and after school and competing at many state and national events. I then transitioned into acrobatics and circus, which was a hobby that was always supported by my teachers and friends. After working full time in a media company for almost a year post-uni, I decided that the pull of the circus was too strong and I thus packed up my life to join a French-Canadian circus in China, called Cavalia. Performing full time was a very different change of pace but I haven’t looked back since. I worked at Cavalia in China for two years, performing a variety of acts including bungee, trampoline, rope, hand balancing, and partner acrobatics. The show was performed in a big top seating 2,000 audience members and it was a wonderful place for me to hone my
From Somerset to the Circus cont. performance skills - which in hindsight I realise were initially developed in Secondary School drama at Somerset. After this, I trained hard and made connections within the industry and recently received a coveted spot with Cirque du Soleil, arguably the most renowned and popular circus company in the world. I got a spot in the show, TORUK The First Flight, which is based on James Cameron’s Avatar. It’s an arena-scale multimedia spectacle filled with amazing projections, gigantic puppets, and 40+ performers. I was flown to New Zealand to join TORUK’s arena tour, which this year toured Australia. This has been an absolute dream come true and I still sometimes have to pinch myself that I am a part of this phenomenal company. I remember seeing my first Cirque du Soleil show when I was just five years old and dreaming of one day performing on stage for them, without ever really believing this dream would come to fruition.
How do you spend a working day? I would usually go into work in the mid afternoon for rehearsals. These rehearsals were initially for me as a newcomer to learn the specific skills and routines required for the show, and to practice on new equipment with new costumes and new people. We have ongoing rehearsals to ensure we have backups, to integrate new artists or technicians, and to continually evolve and improve the show, ensuring we are always performing at the highest level and the most entertaining show we can. After rehearsals I would eat at catering, which is provided at each arena. With so many active athletes we are always offered nutritious and diverse meals, and often a few scrumptious desserts for a bit of extra energy. Then I would have to do my own makeup to transform myself into a Na’Vi, the people of Pandora as seen in Avatar, which would take me about an hour and a half (some speedier people can do it 45 minutes). I would then usually do some extra stretching and conditioning, double check which acts and sequences I am performing in for that night, warm myself up and then get into costume. The show runs for a little over two hours, which means we tend to have fairly late nights but we do get to sleep in in the morning. We stay at hotels with the rest of the cast and either walk or have an organised shuttle between the venues. The fact that we perform, live and then hang out with the same crew means that they very quickly become your family. I work with such an incredibly supportive team filled with people from all over the world - America, Canada, France, Hungary, the UK and Brazil just to name a few. Each week, we usually perform seven to ten shows and have two days off to explore the city we are in. Because it is an arena tour, we move cities every week or two so it’s a rapid pace. We get to see so many incredible and diverse places all over the world but it also means you have to become accustomed to living out of a suitcase and being constantly on the move. continued over page ...
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
From Somerset to the Circus cont. Who are the people who inspire you? My colleagues and fellow performers are a constant source of inspiration for me. They are so resilient and are able to overcome any challenge that is thrown at them, all the while staying positive. My parents, sisters and friends have also been incredibly supportive throughout my topsy turvy career, always encouraging me to follow my heart and pursue my dreams, no matter how outlandish some of it may seem.
What life lessons guide you? When I was at school I was nominated for the Gold Coast Female Student Leadership award and I remember telling the panel as a 15-year-old that if you don’t achieve something, you obviously didn’t want it enough. This must have been instilled in me throughout my schooling and gymnastics career and it seems somewhat incredible to me now that I truly believed that from such a young age. This principle has guided me throughout my career as I do think you are capable of anything that you put your mind (and sometimes body) to.
What are some of your most defining moments in life, so far?
Te La ch te no st lo gy
I am probably going through one of the most defining and challenging moments as we speak. A few weeks ago, I hurt my back at training and it turns out I need to take four months off and go through a rehabilitation process to get back to the level I was at before the incident. My friends and colleagues have been so supportive in this difficult time but it is still a very tough mental challenge for me knowing I won’t be able to train for so long and will have to lose strength, flexibility and skills before beginning the gruelling task of regaining it all. Even if we train daily for many years to prevent these moments, this is one of the realities of the industry I chose to be a part of. Luckily, Cirque du Soleil makes sure we are surrounded by the right people through this challenging transition. They have a team of various people both on tour and on call or appointment to ensure our well-being on Non-invasive Body Contouring all levels and to help us athletes get back to our full potential. Get rid of stubborn fat These days, I remind myself of the people who have come out quickly and effectively! the other end of injuries even stronger and more determined. And that’s exactly what I intend to take from it. ENQUIRE HERE
What advice would you offer current students? Often when you are at school and faced with the challenge of deciding a study or career path, we tend to limit our possibilities. Becoming a doctor or a lawyer is not the only option. You need to follow your passion because you are much more likely to excel in an area that you are passionate in. I am very lucky that I have a media degree and experience to fall back on as I won’t be able to perform forever, however, working in a travelling circus is the most incredible experience that I could ever imagine and I would never regret this alternative career path for a second.
Greta Mayr Class of 2010
Flanks and Abdomen Before
6 weeks after 1 Tx
Photos courtesy of Sean Doherty, MD
Flanks and Abdomen Before
6 weeks after 1 Tx
Photos courtesy of Sean Doherty, MD
sculpsure.com.au
The Arnison Hall Gallery Thanks to the vision and perseverance of Registrar, Louise Woods The Arnison Building’s halls (where main Reception is located) are now adorned with student artwork. From Pre-Prep to the Senior years, the creative talents through the College are being showcased for staff and visitors to admire.
Chasing After Safety, artwork by Year 12 student Aimee Mulvihill is currently on display in the gallery. Aimee won the People’s Choice Award at the 18th Annual Synergies Exhibition held in October, 2017.
Gardiner Chess is proud to be involved with the co-curricular chess program at Somerset College Why your children should play Chess:
Enhance reading, memory, language, concentration and mathematical abilities
Strengthen problem solving and social skills
Foster critical, creative and strategic thinking
Teaches how to think logically and efficiently
But most importantly, Chess is FUN! For Everything Chess Contact us! Wooden & Tournament Chess Sets Giant Chess Sets School Holiday Programs Weekend Tournaments Inter-school Chess Competitions
All Enquiries: Gardiner Chess 8 / 55 Railway Street Mudgeeraba Q 4213
Phone 07 5522 7221 info@gardinerchess.com.au www.gardinerchess.com.au
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Inaugural Somerset Netball Tour - New Zealand Somerset’s Netball team along with Coach Sheryl Burns and Manager Jacqui Sina travelled around the beautiful country of New Zealand, on the College’s first International Netball tour. Captain Ali Harris shares her experience from the tour.
by over 10 points, there were no hard feelings as we all shared pizza at dinner before heading home with our billets for the evening.
My teammates and I first explored Auckland’s spectacular scenic coastline, before ending our first day with our first game against St Cuthbert’s College. After a tough game, we were incredibly proud to come away with a great win. On day two, we spent the morning at Snow Planet for some tobogganing and fun in the snow, where we quickly discovered that any more than three people flying down the slope at one time did not end well On day eight, we met at the school and said our final goodbyes to our billets. We spent our morning at the Weta Workshop where we learnt about the process of making different props for different movies including Peter Jacksons Hobbit and Lord of the Rings and how the massive, lifelike soldiers were created for the amazing ANZAC exhibition at Te Papa museum. We spent our final afternoon in New Zealand shopping before packing our gear and flying home the next day.
Our second game was against Hamilton Girls High School. This was also a hard fought game with us unfortunately going down by three. Our spirits were lifted quickly after the game though, as we travelled to beautiful Mount Maunganui. On day four, we looked around the town’s shops in the morning before walking up to the Mount summit in the afternoon. The hike was certainly a challenge, but the views from the top were worth it with amazing views of the Bay of Plenty region and coastline. We ended the day at the Mount Maunganui hot pools where we all relaxed for hours. In Rotorua we took on the Luge - and took in views of Lake Rotorua - before experiencing the geothermal geysers and a traditional Maori greeting from the area’s native members. After a six hour drive to Wellington we watched an entertaining netball game between NZ franchise teams Wellington Pulse and the Canterbury Tactix. On day seven, we spent the morning at the famous Te Papa museum before heading to St Oran’s Girls College where we played our third and final game. Despite us winning the game
This years New Zealand Netball Tour was a truly memorable experience. We came face to face with Kiwi style Netball, learned all about Maori and Kiwi culture, visited so many of New Zealand’s most exciting attractions and bonded as a team. It really was a once in a lifetime trip and I, and the rest of my lovely team, will surely never forget it. Ali Harris Captain 1st Netball Team
Under 15 New Zealand Rugby Tour During the 2017 Easter break 19 young men and two staff members from Somerset College ventured ‘across the ditch’ to take on the might of New Zealand in several games of Rugby Union. This was the very first tour conducted to New Zealand and the very first under age Rugby tour in the College’s history. The squad played at Auckland Grammar for their first tour match. There they had the very first opportunity to play on their newly installed IRB approved artificial turf which was an absolute privilege. The score at halftime was a respectable 15 to Nil, to Grammar. Somerset had their fair share of ball but Grammar’s defence was superb and they very rarely missed a first up tackle. The final score, 38 to 7 to Grammar. The almost 150 year old school has produced the most All Blacks of any school in New Zealand with 52, with famous names like Grant Fox, Doug Howlett and Wilson Whineray adorning their walls. Jake Sherrington made up for his over sleeping by being awarded Man of the Match for Somerset. The Tuesday was wet and cool with the temperature halving to 13 degrees. The morning we spent at the base of Mount Maunganui in the nice hot pools there. This was followed by some food at some local cafes around The Mount. The match against the Tauranga Boys was played in cold, wet and blustery conditions. The Somerset boys scrambled on defence well and managed to stifle several opportunities until Will Barry finished a great try and the team found themselves ahead. The game was a competitive affair, before Tauranga finished strongly on 40 to 7. Our final hosts of the tour was Saint Kentigern College. Their Under 14 coach made us immediately feel welcomed as we were asked to enter into a huddle with their boys and immediately broke down the barriers for both parties. We could tell that this was going to be the toughest match of our tour as Saint Kent’s scored within 10 seconds of the match! In the end our score of 22 was pleasing and we all managed to make it through three games against some of the toughest New Zealand Rugby schools without a single major injury. Overall, although we did not win a game, the tour was a great success as we developed an awesome team culture and new appreciation for the game of Rugby Union. On top of that, we also made some friendships and memories to cherish for years to come.
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Sustainable Nurse Linny Our College Nurse, Lindsey Clayton – fondly known as Nurse Linny – swapped her stethoscope for her sewing machine, to join the Sustainable Spartans for a day. The newly formed Sustainable Spartans Committee comprises an influential group of students, from all year levels, who have a passion to develop a whole-school approach to sustainability. The Committee aims to introduce the educational ideologies of sustainability into the College’s curriculum. When Nurse Linny learned of the Committee’s project, reusing old uniforms to sew into reusable bags, she jumped at the opportunity to get involved. “Sewing for me began out of a desire to live more sustainably, decrease consumption and packaging, and re-use items that would otherwise be thrown out. “When I heard about the Sustainable Spartans sewing session, I was excited to meet other people who share my passion. It was a fun morning, and I’m very much looking forward to the next time.” The bags will be handed to the Retail Centre, to replace the current plastic bags. It is hoped the reusable bags will be returned once used, so they can be used repeatedly. Now Linny’s looking to her Health Centre for more supplies. “Once we’re finished with the bags for the Bird and Bush, I’m looking to use the old bed sheets from the Health Centre to make washable arm slings and bandages to hold cold packs in place, instead of wasting plastic.” Our Nurse not only helps the environment, since she started at the College in 2016, she has been a nurturing soul for our students, when they need it most. “Being the College Nurse at Somerset has been such a rewarding experience for me over the past 15 months. “We all know it takes a village to raise a child, and I’m honoured to do my part. “Supporting the students in their education, long-term health, and well-being is what motivates me to do my best everyday.” Sustainable projects through the Committee are expected to increase throughout 2018.
The College is also continuing its commitment to sustainability, increasing the solar power with new panels being installed this year.
More from the Sustainable Spartans The Sustainable Spartans have been meeting regularly during Term Four, to discuss ideas about how Somerset can help our environment. One way is to have waste free lunchboxes, packed without packaging. The Sustainable Spartans pursued their mission to raise awareness about sustainability, presenting at the Junior School Assembly in Week 7. A waste free lunchbox makes the most of the natural packaging of food (eg. peels, skins etc.) and by wrapping food in packaging that can be re-used or recycled (such as reusable containers) helps the environment. Having a waste free lunch benefits and reduces packaging waste, in turn reduces energy and resource use. Great tips to be a Waste Free Warrior: • • •
Sandwiches in a snug fit reusable container; Snacks in a reusable container; and Water, juice and other drinks in a resealable bottle.
The Sustainable Spartans encourage everyone in the Somerset Community to take the challenge, pack a lunchbox that is waste free. Another project that Sustainable Spartans have undertaken is paper recycling in the Junior School. The result of the awareness raised has seen a reduction in landfill rubbish from each classroom. We are also looking into ways to address other wastes that we generate and recycling these. Savannah Walker Year 3 Veivers
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Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
New Staff Sian Daniel (class of 2004) – Community Relations
A Somerset College Alumna, Class of 2004, Siân studied a Bachelor of Laws at Bond University, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and Certification as a Mediator. Prior to joining Somerset College, Siân practiced as a Solicitor, assisting in the establishment of a new legal research centre where she held the positions of Senior Research Assistant and Centre Administrator. She worked on multiple research projects under governmental and competitive grants, was one of the co-contributors to LexisNexis Australian Legal Dictionary and mentored International Baccalaureate students and tertiary students. Siân assisted with legal research for several legal publications including in the areas of constitutional law, high risk offenders and preventive detention, offshore processing of asylum seekers, elder law and innovations in teaching, and community engagement. She is the Immediate Past President of the Somerset Alumni Association and returns to Somerset College in 2017 in Community Relations. Siân also holds the role of Secretary for both the Somerset Alumni Association and the Foundation, and looks forward to her continued involvement with the College community.
Elliot Roberts – Junior School Teacher
Elliot joined the teaching staff at Somerset College in July this year, after teaching for eight years in a number of private schools in both Brisbane and overseas. Elliot completed a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) as well as a Diploma of International Business. He has spent his time at Somerset teaching Physical Education in the Junior School. Prior to joining the College, he taught in Kuala Lumpur at the Australian International School Malaysia for two and a half years. Here he held a number of positions; Year 2 Classroom Teacher, ICT Coordinator, Junior Physical Education Teacher and Sports Coordinator. In his spare time, Elliot enjoys going to the gym, music production and spending time at the beach. Elliot feels Somerset College has welcomed him with open arms and he is thrilled to be able to work alongside so many passionate teachers in a school where students are given endless opportunities to excel and develop as individuals.
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Staff Updates Louise Woods – Registrar
Louise began working at the College when her youngest child was in Prep at Somerset. Now, after 17 years in the Junior School, Louise moved into the Admissions office, replacing Julie Taylor who retired after 14 years’ wonderful service to Somerset. Shortly after starting in the role Louise, who has a sales and marketing background, implemented several new initiatives to help improve Admissions at the College.
Bianca Hipperson (nee Arace) - Junior School Teacher
Prep teacher Bianca was married in 2016 and now she and her husband Tory are preparing to welcome their first baby in January. Bianca will spend 2018 on maternity leave.
Benita Yam – Junior School Administrator
Benita, who has joined the Junior School office replacing Louise Woods as Administrator, has a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Social Science. Benita commenced at the College in 2012, when her son Ruben (Class of 2022) was in Year 2, as a Teacher Assistant in Learning Support on a casual basis. She then became a permanent Year Level Teacher Assistant. A background in Psychology and Special Education allows Benita to take a proactive approach to all tasks.
Somerset Lifetimes Fiftieth Edition – Semester Two 2017
Somerset Festival for Young Performers Festival in its 25th year Over 25 years, the Somerset Festival for Young Performers has certainly grown. This year saw over 1,900 performances over a weekend in August. With spectacular weather, a new layout for venues and the Clef Café, Towers Quad sprung to life with competitors, their parents and in some cases their grandparents. As has been said before, the Festival is more than a competition – it is a celebration of the talents of younger Gold Coast students. Each year we are delighted that so many teachers from the Gold Coast are prepared to assist by adjudicating at the Festival. They all play a vital role in helping, through their feedback, each student to improve their performances. We are indebted to them for assisting so graciously and thank them for their efforts. We look forward to 2018, welcoming new and returning performers to the College at the 26th Festival for Young Performers. John Bacon Dean of Admissions/Chair of Somerset Festival for Young Performers
Alumni Milestones WYNNE, Stephanie (nee Spong) with husband, Andrew this year celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary and earlier, the birth of their son (left).
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Birth WYNNE – son
If you have a Milestone to share with the Somerset Community, please contact alumni@somerset.qld.edu.au
Mason born 10 May 2017, measuring 3.06kg and 45cm in length.
Birth RYAN – Isabel Grace, born 16 November 2017, weighing
3.6kg and measuring 49cm in length. A daughter for Kate (nee Dorrington) and David, and a sister for three-year-old Henry.
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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