Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
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, Sue Roberts, Craig Sayer and Paul Taylor. Contributing Writers: Jared Akenhead, Kelly Baker, Craig Bassingthwaighte, Forrest Butcher, Alethea Campbell, Caitlin Cooper, Andrew Cousins, Katrina Fisher, Merran Harris, Hayden Jiang, Adrian Johnson, Josie Kay, Jessica Lydiard, Mike Murray, Sue Roberts, Craig Sayer, Sharen Sewell, Lisa Thomson, David Thornton 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 Class of 2014 Academic Results ANZAC Memorial Garden Teaching and Learning Parents’ and Friends’ Association Celebration of Literature – Book Me In Introducing Schoolbox… Years 4 to 6 Musical – The Little Mermaid Jr Sports Precinct Update
Diana Stonier – One For the History Books Graham Wand – A Yellow Jersey Ride House Plays Festival New Staff Hee Soo’s Concerto Coup Whole College Cross Country Carnival Iceland, James Bond and Saxophones … A Few Years Down the Track Class of 1995 Reunion
Class of 2005 Reunion Alumni Updates Out of Madagascar A Triple Threat? Mako Mermaids Head of the Tweed 2015 State and National Swimming Champions In Memoriam: Ray Jackson Milestones
From the Headmaster Class of 2014 Academic Results A complete summary of their outstanding results are available at www.somerset.qld.edu.au but the highlights are as follows: • 12 OP1s – 11.11% (State – 2.7%) • OP1 to 2 – 24.07% • OP1 to 4 – 46.29% (another four (4) students and we would have had a median of 4!) • OP1 to 5 – 55.55% (our first ever median OP of 5, a very rare achievement) • OP1 to 10 – 75.62% • OP1 to 15 – 94.44% So many opportunities for so many of our graduating students. IB Diploma Results All students were awarded a Diploma and the average grade across all subjects was a B+ equivalent. QCS Test Results For the second time in our history, the Class recorded over 50% of results as an A on the test, with 21.42% of the cohort eligible to apply for courses requiring the highest achievement level (the equivalent of an OP1). Incredibly, over the history of our results the most common OP score continues to be an OP1, 210 students! We have yet to find a coeducational school to better our OP1 to 5 result. Your School – The Australian’s Report on 2014 NAPLAN Results On 20 June 2015, The Australian published its annual report on the NAPLAN outcomes for 2014. For the first time, the report combined Years 3 and 5 results for Primary and Years 7 and 9 for Secondary. Once again, Somerset’s results put us in the top echelon of schools across the nation. Our rankings were as follows: National Top 100 Secondary Schools • 49th (up from 75 in 2014) • 28th non-selective school • 5th non-selective co-educational These are all our best ever results. National Top 50 "Private" Secondary Schools • 16th (after 11 selective schools) Top Schools by State • 3rd after the two Brisbane Grammar Schools • 1st co-educational We congratulate our staff and students on these outstanding results. When we all work together, great things happen. continued over page ...
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
From the Headmaster continued Last year, via Somerset Lifetimes, I shared details of the Strategic Plan 2014 to 2018 which included new Athletic Facilities. I am pleased to report that the construction of the Athletics Facilities is well underway. You will find a detailed report about the Athletic Facilities progress from the Chief Operating Officer, Mr David Thornton, on pages 11 and 12 of this edition of Somerset Lifetimes. I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Damian Flint, M Sc Rec Leis, B Sc Spt Mgt, Adv Dip Spt Rec, to the new position of Sport Facilities Manager. Mr Flint is currently working as Sports Development Officer at St Columban’s College, Caboolture. His previous appointments have been as Sports Supervisor for Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines, Miami, Florida before joining The College of Brockport, Brockport, New York as Club Sports and Intramurals Co-ordinator where he assisted with the construction and opening of a 164,000 sq ft, $44M athletic and recreation facility. Mr Flint will commence on 3 August 2015. We have continued to work towards achieving the Strategic Plan goal to broaden our Community outreach through the attendance of indigenous students from Nyangatjatjara College at the base of Uluru, who were again able to join us for this year’s Somerset Celebration of Literature. In addition, we again hosted the Yugambeh Mobo, an indigenous event for over 1,000 people. This magnificent event was generously supported by the Somerset community and the wider Gold Coast community. Craig Bassingthwaighte MA (Griffith), B Ed Studies (Qld), BA, Dip T, FACE, MACEL Headmaster
Somerset College congratulates the Class of 2014 on its outstanding results, leadership and service to the College. The Senior Class achieved a median OP of 5. Overall Position OP 1 OP 1 to 5 OP 1 to 10 OP 1 to 15
Percentages 11.1% 55.6% 79.6% 94.4%
State Percentages 2.7% 20.5% 49.6% 79.3%
24 of our Seniors (21%) were treated as OP1s in their tertiary entrance as a consequence of their studies of a second language or Maths C. Well done to our Class of 2014 graduates!
Above: Yugambeh Mobo Indigenous performers Below: Aria Award Winner, William Barton, performing at this year’s Yugambeh Mobo Photographer: Susie Cunningham
ANZAC Memorial Garden Recent visitors to the College will have noticed an addition to the grounds opposite The Great Hall. As a Commemorative Grant recipient from the Federal Government Veteran Affairs Department, the College commissioned a Memorial Garden to be constructed in readiness for the 100th Anniversary of ANZAC. We worked closely with the Mudgeeraba RSL to confirm the position and design of the Memorial. In a nod to the cliffs of Gallipoli, a sandstone headstone from the hinterland was selected to take pride of place here, and the garden is dominated by hedges of rosemary. Below the coats of arms for the three Armed Forces, the inscription on the brass plaque reads:
In honour of the men and women who serve Australia in times of conflict Lest We Forget 100th Anniversary of ANZAC 25 April 2015 Obviously, the new Memorial featured prominently in our ANZAC Services this year. Member for Mudgeeraba, Ms Ros Bates, attended our Service and laid a wreath, and the Mens’ Chorus sang a most moving rendition of In Flanders Fields. The congregation was able to turn to view flags being raised to masthead whilst Rouse was played by Duncan Hossy (Year 11 Starkey). We thank Warrant Officer Class One Douglas MacDonald (Retired) for his support with the project and for speaking at the Senior School ANZAC Service. Mudgeeraba RSL, in consultation with Palmer Flags, kindly provided the three flag poles. We will fly a range of flags on these poles throughout the year – acknowledging important occasions, such as Sorry Day. Our gardener, Mr Christopher Eddelbuttel, oversaw the plantings – nurturing a Gallipoli Pine, which was donated by the National Nursery in Canberra, from a seedling. A number of current students have volunteered to be Guardians of our new Memorial Garden, raising and lowering flags when required. Given the numbers of current students who attended ANZAC Ceremonies across the coast, laying wreaths at five services, it is clear The Spirit of ANZAC lives on. Adrian Johnson Head of Senior School
Are you serving, or have you served, in the Australian Defence Force, or know a past Somerset student who has? We are currently compiling a record of service members from our Alumni Association. Please contact alumni@somerset.qld.edu.au.
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Teaching and Learning As competition intensifies, the need for creative thinking increases. It is no longer enough to do the same thing better ... no longer enough to be efficient and solve problems ... we need to generate new directions of thinking, see new opportunities and develop fresh ideas. This is the essence of creativity. – Edward de Bono, 2014 Over the last two years, teaching staff at the College have been provided with the opportunity to undertake action research as a way of reflecting on their pedagogy, challenging their beliefs, developing fresh ideas and enhancing student engagement. As part of our Strategic Plan, the College has made a commitment to encourage innovation and research in Teaching and Learning. These action research projects have provided a tangible way to support staff in this endeavour and the projects covered a varied of topics and the Year Levels involved ranged from Prep to Year 11. The areas staff explored encompassed the flipped classroom and other 21st century pedagogies, providing effective student feedback, supporting early years reading and the integration of gaming into the curriculum. Despite the differing research areas all the projects were ultimately required to demonstrate how their innovation had enhanced student outcomes using evidence based research. These projects also afforded an opportunity to trial different virtual learning environments and to survey students and staff about their overall effectiveness as a tool to enhancing Teaching and Learning at the College. Students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the learning journey with their teachers. The website best helps me with the fact that I can play the videos over and over again. The convenience of being able to listen to a helpful explanation without having to ask again is awesome! This helps me a lot because I believe I learn methods better by constantly repeating them, which is what I can do with the videos. – Mackenzie Quiggin, Year 8 Veivers It brings more fun to every day lessons to work like this. It is different to what we are used to. We are gaining more experience with different types of learning. – Aaron Mitnovetsky, Year 7 Laver Overall these research projects provided several key outcomes with respect to Teaching and Learning at the College. These projects: • • • • •
highlighted the importance of teacher collaboration. This has led to the introduction of designated collaborative time, allowing teachers further opportunities to develop fresh ideas and generate new directions of thinking. confirmed our approach of using evidence to inform our curriculum decisions as we seek out creative and innovative solutions to engage students in the classroom. provided a strategic direction about the implementation of a virtual learning environment, which is due to come online in 2016. delivered another occasion to seek student and staff feedback about Teaching and Learning at the College. presented a wonderful opportunity for staff professional learning. As discussed in the Grattan Institute report Making time for great teaching (2014), the process of groups researching helps teachers to evaluate their own teaching, and to discover how they should change their teaching to benefit students.
The greatest outcome of these projects was however; that they provided staff with the opportunity to look beyond what they were currently doing well, identify the great ideas of tomorrow and put them into practice. "Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious … and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." – Walt Disney Andrew Cousines Dean of Teaching and Learning
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Parents’ and Friends’ Association Building Friendships, Partnerships and Community The first half of 2015 has been very busy for the Parents’ and Friends’ Association, with time spent reflecting on the great work of past and present parents who created Somerset’s wonderful spirit of community over the past 33 years. Parents often mention a sense of belonging when they walk through our beautiful grounds. The P&F’s vision and philosophy is abundantly clear ... create opportunities to build friendships and partnerships as they benefit everyone within our community. The year started very strongly with 23 parents joining the committee, supported by 31 Year Level Parent Liaisons who regularly organise get togethers, opening doors that lead to life long friendships. You may recall the first time you ventured into this unknown territory with much intrepridation, usually walking away with a new friend or two. Our annual Celebration of New Year function was well supported with 340 guests enjoying a beautiful night under the stars in Towers Quad – a little light rain did not dampen our spirits! A few weeks later, volunteer parents were sharing lots of laughs and raising funds at the Junior and Senior School Swimming Carnivals. This was also our inaugural year sponsoring the Volunteers Room at the Celebration of Literature. There is still plenty of talk about the group of selfless ladies who pampered us with delicious home made sandwiches and treats. Our Parent Liaisons organised an amazing Mother’s Day event where 140 mothers were spoilt in the beautiful surroundings of EcoStudio Fellini at Mudgeeraba. It was an unprecedented sell-out weeks prior to the event and over 30 businesses donated fantastic lucky door prizes which was greatly appreciated by community and all the lucky winners. There are exciting times ahead for your Parents’ and Friends’ Association. Josie Kay President – Parents’ and Friends’ Association
Celebration of Literature – Book Me In
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Introducing Schoolbox ... Implementation of a New Online Learning Environment Starts 2015 has seen the College begin the process of implementing Schoolbox, our new online learning environment and communication platform. With this change, we look forward to a more dynamic platform that will meet the needs of all members of our community, now and into the future. Schoolbox is a web-based platform, meaning it works anywhere, anytime for everyone. It is already in use in a number of large independent schools in New South Wales and Victoria, Australian-owned and specifically developed for the Australian independent school market. In the choice of platforms, the key distinguishing features were the user friendliness and ease of use for all, the future potential and development, and a core alignment to a focus on teaching and learning and effective communication. 2015 will also see the College app (iOS and Android) version of Schoolbox deployed, allowing us to deliver push notifications for important communications. News and notices will be able to be clearly and quickly delivered for parents and students to access, with the ability to receive notifications in real time to your device or in the form of a digest. During 2015, a staged implementation of Schoolbox is taking place. In some Year Levels and some subjects, initial use in the classroom has started. In other Year Levels, Year Level communication pages for students have started. In Semester Two, as part of a staged rollout, its use in the classroom will increase. We look forward to later in the year, introducing parents to Schoolbox as our new communication environment and an online space for parents to join in their student’s journey with regular information and updates. Lisa Thomson Dean of Information Technologies
Years 4 to 6 Musical – The Little Mermaid Jr
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Sports Precinct Update As I write, the construction site hoardings are being moved tight up against The Dr Peter Brown Building on the upper campus and ‘down below’ the rock climbing wall is being removed piece by piece. The Sands and Farm Ovals are about to host their last fixtures as a ‘cropped paddock’ before they succumb to site fencing and to a scale of earthworks and flood-mitigation measures that only our Dutch brethren would smile at! But you can appreciate the encroaching boundaries of the construction works, which is now affecting normal passage for students and staff across campus, is physically imposing the reality of what was more easily announced by our Chairman, Mr Tony Hickey, as the largest capital expenditure project the College has ever undertaken! This is true in financial terms as well as physical dimensions and I am sure its impact on students and the wider community will stretch well beyond our expectations. It is a project that will be of landmark significance in the history of Somerset College and poignant too that it is predominantly composed of internationalstandard sports facilities that we are providing for a school that has already built its reputation on high academic performance, personal success and global outlook. In quantity surveyor terms we are only 30% ‘complete’ but, in fact, we are reaching a peak construction force of around 50 builders on site and maximising the use of heavy machinery and cranes as concrete slabs are poured for tennis and pool facilities and for the emerging first floor of the two end-to-end basketball courts. I think the amount of covered seating added to all these venues is equally impressive; imagine the colour and atmosphere that will be generated from cheering Houses and attending families, which I am sure will ignite a new appreciation of the Somerset experience and sense of community that will be unrivalled on the Gold Coast. We have recently interviewed for the new position of Sports Facilities Manager, who will manage the sports programming of the main gymnasium centre and athletics track complex. Our chosen candidate, Mr Damien Flint, will join the College in August from working as a Sports Co-ordinator at an impressive American University sports complex that was completed during his tenure there. Though he is Australian (home is Ipswich) he presented fresh ideas and initiatives to the role of sports facilities management in a student-based context that won us over. Be prepared for an injection of American-style razzmatazz in our activities – all of which I’m sure will make sport, health and fitness both fun and competitive! You may not also be aware that, in addition to the centrepiece new attractions of indoor basketball courts, gymnasiums, synthetic athletic track, tennis courts and tennis bunker, there are some additional improvements. These include: •
Swimming Pool Function Room: This is incorporated inside the new pool grandstand at the southern end that shall have sweeping views over the hinterland by day and illuminated backdrops to the pool at night. We aim to cater for a seated function of around 60 people, which might include wedding reception style events, or standing presentations for larger numbers. It fills a gap in the range of venue sizes we have across campus and with the expected increase in sporting teams, this should be a popular location for celebrating Spartan victories!
Sports Precinct Update continued •
Pool amenities renovation: The existing showers, changing and office space shall be renewed with the addition of extra changing space that is easily accessible to the new gym or can double as spill-over on particularly large swimming carnival events. Aesthetically, it will also mean that old and new precincts will blend together and appear a similar age.
•
Performing Arts and classroom modernisation: Continuing our theme of researched-based classroom refurbishments, which gives traction to the pedagogical innovation we outline in our strategic plan and makes possible the continuous improvement we sustain to keep at the top of academic performance in Queensland. New classrooms will be created in The Ray Building following the transfer of gym and climbing wall activities and this will more functionally accommodate the increase in Junior School streams and the reorientation of Junior School administration offices.
•
Campus infrastructure: Improved lighting around car parks and pedestrian thoroughfares to key College buildings. Extensive optic fibre will also be laid to peripheral corners of the campus for higher featured security and communication possibilities, as well as increased shading cover for watching outdoor sport and close to key student collection points. These are all designed for the greater wellbeing and comfort of our community when on campus and we hope that visitors and parents alike experience a modern, aesthetically pleasing and intuitively accessible Somerset domain.
All these works, together with the planned updated directional signage to help steer you around key buildings and spaces, makes Somerset College one of the most complete destinations your whole family can enjoy as part of this great Somerset community. We prioritise opportunities for students and we treasure our community ties; we hope to see you all at one or more of these exciting new College venues. David Thornton Chief Operating Officer Opposite page, from left: construction of Pool Grandstand, view from the second floor of the Dr Peter Brown Building of the new gymnasium. Below: A birdseye view of the College and construction sites (image courtesy of Condev Construction).
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Diana Stonier – One For the History Books At the end of Term One with great regret, we accepted the resignation of our Archivist, Mrs Diana Stonier after 27 years of service to the College. Over the years Diana has been a senior teacher of English, History and RE, as well as Year 8 Co-ordinator. She formally established and has passionately guided our Archives collection since its inception, to what you see today. During her time at Somerset, apart from her teaching duties, she has been instrumental in the publication of The Bird and The Tree: The First 25 Years of Somerset College and the arranging and installation of the Heritage signage around the College, both requiring many, many hours of research. During the 25 Year Celebrations she was involved in the opening of the time capsule and the selecting of new material to add to the capsule for the future. She helped in organising the portraits of the Headmasters, now hanging in Reception, and has always arranged the staff 20 Years’ Service gifts. The overseeing of all the gold lettering on the honour boards within the College, and the engraving on all the trophies has also been a very large part of her interest. One of her greatest pleasures was to have the Year 7 students come into Archives when researching for their “What is History” unit of enquiry, focussing on Archives. So much information came, not from the files, but from her personal memories over her many years at the College. The success of Archives has occurred because of Mrs Stonier’s passion and expertise and Somerset owes a great debt to her. Her legacy will live on in the Somerset Archives collection. We thank Diana for her extraordinary service and wish her and her husband Jim every happiness in their relocation to Brisbane. Merran Harris Administrative Assistant – Archives
Graham Wand – A Yellow Jersey Ride Of the tens of thousands of students, parents and teachers that have ever been associated with Somerset College, few (if any) would not know Mr Graham Wand, but for many of us he is more affectionately known simply as ‘Wandy’. Sadly for us, after 29 years of untiring care and guidance to thousands of students and the broader Somerset family, Graham along with his wife Christina, have decided to spend more of the ever-precious years ahead in retirement. Having both taught and cycled alongside Graham for 22 of those years, I expect he will best be remembered by all he has guided for his softly spoken, supportive and reassuring manner – both in the classroom and on the road. Encouraging all to realise their full potential was a defining mark Graham has left upon the extended Somerset College family. Graham is the longest serving member of Laver House and was Head of Laver House for many years. From mentoring and inspiring Olympic Gold in Sara Carrigan (Class of 1998) to deliberately dropping off the back of many a peloton to gently encourage my own son, (then 10 years old with his dad also struggling to keep up I might add), to persevere in finding a sustainable pace and gradually work back to the pack, Graham has always lead the way through his genuine commitment and care for others. As the typically modest and quiet achiever, Graham also took Somerset students, as the winning Australian team, to compete on the world stage in the 1997 international Think Quest web design competition. Honourable mention must also be made of Graham, at an age beyond most people’s retirement, only two months ago completing the incredibly gruelling Port Macquarie Ultra Iron Man Australia comprising a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run. All in a day’s work for Wandy – although not so sure for the rest of us. With Graham’s departure, it is fitting that the appreciation of three decades of the Somerset Community be expressed in a similarly understated manner. That is, with the same two simple words I have used daily over the decades past but this time on behalf of thousands of Somerset beneficiaries of his enduring contributions – "Thanks Wandy!". A Somerset yellow jersey is secured firmly on your back, mate. Mike Murray Senior School Teacher
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
House Plays Festival The annual House Plays Festival is always an event which is highly anticipated and not to be missed; and 2015 was certainly no exception. The productions ranged from Andrew’s CSI-styled fairy tale mystery, Franklin’s crazy claustrophobic elevator comedy, Laver’s tension-filled ensemble drama, Starkey’s twisted take on the classic Snow White, and a murder mystery with a Shakespearean twist brought to us by Veivers House. The audience truly appreciated the theatrical spectacle on the night and all involved must be congratulated on their work in bringing these productions to fruition on the stage. Whilst these plays are always an ensemble effort, special mention must go the directors of each of these productions; Andrews House Directors – Taylah Wright and Talia Nieves, Franklin House Directors – Christian Focas and Samantha Price, Laver House Directors – Amelia Chapman and DJ Alexander, Starkey House Directors – Ryan Neale and Hannah Letica Hamar, Veivers House Directors – Jacinda Gray and Maddison Troy-Woodbury. On the night of the adjudication, individual performance awards went to Charles Gibbons (Year 12 Veivers), Sam Bensley (Year 11 Starkey), Candice Taylor (Year 8 Starkey) and Xsarea Power (Year 11 Andrews) for Best Actors, while Ella Hammond (Year 8 Andrews) took home the Adjudicator’s Award. Anticipation was high while waiting for the winning House to be announced, and this year the award for Best Overall Play went to Starkey! Congratulations to all casts and crew involved in putting together such an entertaining night of theatre. Katrina Fisher Director of Theatre Arts
House Plays Festival
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
New Staff Sarah Ames – Sports Assistant
I am a recent High School graduate who was looking for a gap year before undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce at Griffith University. I love AFL, a Collingwood fan naturally, and when the AFL-sponsored opportunity of Sport Assistant at Somerset became available I jumped at the chance. I am enjoying my time at Somerset working with Shane Lunniss and I am learning a lot about running a Sports Department. I am also undertaking a Certificate III course in Sport and Recreation which I hope to put to good use in the future.
Jesse Crisp – Junior School Teacher
My name is Jesse Crisp and I will be taking Mrs Zernike’s class for the first three terms of the year whilst she is on Maternity Leave. I have now lived on the Gold Coast for 16 years, spending half this time in Surfers Paradise and half in Main Beach. Before moving to the Gold Coast, I lived at Jervis Bay on the South Coast of New South Wales. For me, life took a dramatic (but planned) change of course around three years ago with the birth of boy number one, Fletcher. This year we welcomed boy number two, Elijah, into the world. I now spend much of my spare time with these two beautiful little people that have so much to learn about the world. Before children, life was somewhat different. In the year before the birth of Fletcher for example, my wife and I travelled to Hawaii, Japan, China and throughout Europe. I especially enjoy active travel and choose destinations where I can surf, bike, snowboard or play golf. Favourite destinations include France and Hawaii. I am very excited to be joining the Somerset community during 2015.
Keegan Foss – Activities Assistant
After living in South Africa and schooling at Kearsney College in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, I decided a change of environment and company would be best for me. I’ve always been passionate about the education system and especially sport within schools, so making the decision to move to Australia for the year and working at Somerset was a no brainer. Being able to coach and watch the development of younger kids is extremely rewarding and a driving force for me. Having represented South Africa in Tennis and Under 19s Cricket, I realise and understand the importance of sport as well as education in one’s life, not just for health and wellbeing, but rather the development of social skills which we use on a day-to-day basis. I look forward to gaining some invaluable experience to take back with me at the end of the year, as well as forming some lifelong friendships. I look forward to the rest of my year here with the Somerset family!
New Staff Naomi Robinson (Class of 2004) – Senior School Teacher
Since my own graduation from Somerset College in 2004, my career path has taken a few surprise twists and turns. Originally embarking on a career as a lawyer, I found that daily life in the corporate world just wasn’t the adventure I’d hoped it would be. I decided that what I really needed was a one-way ticket to South America, where I planned to spend at least a year travelling, studying Spanish and deciding on my next move. Upon returning to Australia, I began teaching in the Humanities Department at Miami State High School, and I loved every minute of my new career. It wasn’t until I became a teacher myself that I could truly appreciate just how dedicated and inspiring my own teachers had been, and how fortunate I was to have had so many incredible opportunities as a student at Somerset College. It’s still a little surreal at times, but I can honestly say that my career is now everything that I dreamed it would be. There is never a dull moment here at the College and I’m sure that this is the perfect place for my adventure to continue.
Brigette Weintrop – Junior School Teacher
Having recently moved to Australia with my family from England, we are really enjoying exploring and discovering in our new home. I have called a few different places my home and have had amazing adventures from growing up in South Africa on a farm with wild animals like hippopotami, to teaching in China and in England. I fell in love with Somerset when we arrived in Australia and were driving around looking at the different areas, when I saw the grounds it reminded me of an English estate in the country. My husband and I came to an Open Day and it was then that the Year 6s took us around the College and showed such pride in their school that I wanted to be a part of the Somerset family. Every experience is an opportunity to grow and learn and I believe being at school is the first step in finding yourself and teachers guiding you is part of that step in helping you grow.
Annabel Westhoff – Junior School Teacher
Music has been an integral part of my life and I have always relished in all aspects of Music – curricular and co-curricular, so a career in Music education was a natural progression for me. Following my graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Music Education, I was fortunate to begin my teaching at St Ignatius’ College, Riverview, where I spent many years until my move up north. I am really enjoying the same sense of community and the well-rounded education that Somerset College provides, as well as belonging to a vibrant and busy Performing Arts department, in both the Junior and Senior Schools.
Somerset also welcomes the following staff who are new to the College: Lauren Grocott – Junior School Teacher; Jane Irvine – Speech and Drama; Irene Merriman – Teacher Assistant; Lauren Millers – Junior School Teacher; Kelly Murphy – Senior School Teacher; Phoebe Young (Class of 2013) – Dance
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Hee Soo’s Concerto Coup On Monday 16 February 16 2015, Hee Soo Kim (Year 8) was announced by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as the winner of The English Family Prize for Young Instrumentalists. Playing the cello, Hee Soo’s winning performance was of the 3rd movement of Saint-Säens Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33. Part of Hee Soo’s prize was to perform with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in the Song to Symphony concert, on Thursday 5 March in the QPAC Concert Hall. Hee Soo also won a monetary prize of $5,000, which will go towards her tuition or perhaps the purchase of a new instrument. The English Family Prize is open to Queensland Secondary School students studying an orchestra instrument (including saxophone). Selected students, considered of a very high standard by the adjudicators, perform in the Finalists Recital (considered round two of the competition). The process for Hee Soo (aside from the many hours of practice and lessons) started with an application to audition. This application needed to include a study plan outlining how the prize money would be used. The minimum playing level accepted is of Grade 8 AMEB level. After acceptance of the application comes the audition. From the auditions, the competition’s entrants are decided on by a panel of adjudicators. This year there were 22 entrants in the competition. From these 22, six finalists (two on violin, one on alto saxophone, one on oboe, one on French Horn and one on cello) were selected to play in the Finalists recital. From this point, the winner was Hee Soo. We would like to congratulate Hee Soo on her outstanding achievement and her performance during the concert and we are, of course, looking forward to hearing more in the future! Sue Roberts Director of Music
Whole College Cross Country Carnival Somerset have now established a new tradition with a festival of Cross Country running. Held during the first week back in Term Two each year, the College now conducts events from Pre-Prep through to Year 12. With events ranging from only 100m for the very young through to 6km for those older teenagers, the day has something for everyone. While competitive, the focus of the day is to do the best for your House with the overall team prize being paramount. Parents with children in all areas of the College can now stake their claim to a prime spectator viewpoint and watch as their children experience the wonderment of lactic acid for the first time. Some will win, some will come in the middle of the pack and some will come at the back of the pack but all who participate and have a go are winners. Next year with our new synthetic track and undercover spectator seating area we plan to have the finish on the track emulating the finish of Olympic games. Students from Years 4 to 12 continued to train early morning with our team of professional coaches. In the recent APS Cross Country competition the Junior School gained 2nd place while the Senior school gained 3rd – a fantastic result! Stay fit and keep on running. Craig Sayer Dean of Activities
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Iceland, James Bond and Saxophones ... Hailing from Iceland, author Kári Gíslason was a hit at the Celebration of Literature, and was invited back to host a Wordsmiths session on Thursday 23April. Being well-read on stories and literature of all kinds, Kári regaled Wordsmiths with a story of one of the first English novels, ‘Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded’, and the significance of the novel. Published in 1740, the novel deals with the position of women and the difficulties they faced in that time, and was also interestingly written as a series of letters. Causing a social uproar, ‘Pamela’ laid claim to the first fans of novels, creating fanfiction comparable to modern fangirling. Afterwards, Kári brought us into the world of different genre writing, giving us four options of ‘Spies: Gadgets, Girls and Gin’ (coined ‘James Bond in a nutshell’), Science Fiction, Romance (the mostly predictable genre of sorts) and the Detective genre, drawing from examples such as Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple and many others. Kári set us the task of plucking a person from real life and placing them into one of the four genres. After a lengthy writing session, many Wordsmiths members performed their pieces, including Ryan Hamilton’s (Year 11 Laver) wildly satirical ‘In which a saxophone saves the day’. Students noted that while it was difficult to write in a set genre, it also gave a sense of direction for the piece, and helped mold the story. We would like to thank Kári Gíslason again for hosting a Wordsmiths session! Hayden Jiang Wordsmiths Captain
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A Few Years Down the Track Jessica Lydiard (nee Tandy) – Class of 2005 and College Captain 2005 1.
What subjects were you interested in at school?
My love of the English language has always prevailed. I think this is because I am inherently analytical and appreciate artful communication. I also found Biology fascinating and regret not taking Physics at school as I enjoyed it so much at University. 2.
What activities were you involved in at school?
I was not in the boy’s choir. Otherwise, I think I had most bases covered. From athletics to ‘musical’, debating, creative writing and even playing the bassoon with the concert band, I participated widely. I always saw school as an opportunity to sample a variety of interests and help myself become widely experienced and rounded. I am so pleased I took these opportunities as I am always surprised by their relevance in my current life. Ultimately, being broadly experienced affords opportunity for understanding of and identification with a greater variety of people and this has been invaluable in my work as Physiotherapist. I also do not underestimate its contribution to my formation of identity and confidence. 3.
What would you say you were known for at Somerset?
I like to think I was known for the way in which I conducted myself within the school. My broad participation was part of an effort to assimilate and I enjoyed being able to engage and interact with many different people. In reality, I was probably best known for my sporting abilities or it could have been something trivial, who knows ... 4.
5.
What are some of the things you have done since leaving Somerset?
I have fulfilled a few of my goals; graduated from University with 1st Class Honours, travelled and presented my research to an international audience, created my own company, purchased and renovated a home in Mermaid Waters and destroyed my yard by welcoming two large dogs into my life. By far, the best thing I have done is found my best friend in my husband of three years, David Lydiard. Love flows effortlessly when it is with the right person and we make a fantastic team. Dave is the Studio Manager at Oven Creative and is incredibly busy, balancing full-time work and the completion of his Masters of Marketing Degree. Sometimes, we find time to hang out together and it’s just super. 6.
What do you plan for the future?
I intend on enjoying continued personal development and good health. I have some exciting professional learning opportunities that I will be pursuing and I will be supporting Dave in his initiatives. His passion is for using his marketing platform to promote creativity on the Gold Coast. It’s exciting to watch the culture that is slowly emerging thanks to his and other efforts. When the time is right (if it’s ever 'right'), we hope to start a family. I want for my children to share the same educational opportunities that I did and given that we are both so happy in our workplaces and that we enjoy such a great lifestyle with our wonderful friends and family here on the Gold Coast, I anticipate that we will continue to live locally for many years to come.
Did you know what you wanted to do after school? If so, what was it?
I entertained other ideas along the way but from the age of 12, my one, unwavering desire was to be a Physiotherapist. I turned down a substantial scholarship to follow this dream and I am so pleased I did. I am thoroughly enjoying my clinical work at PhysioLogic in Robina. Being so close to Mudgeeraba, I always enjoy seeing familiar faces and meeting the new generations of Somerset parents and students. My work is stimulating and incredibly rewarding and I am so fortunate to love what I do. It was not by chance. I did work experience in several different professions in making my decision and always encourage school-leavers to do the same. Perceptions of a job are often far from its reality and I think it’s really important to speak with people within an industry and seek a balanced view. There are many things to consider and having a long-term plan is important. For your future health and happiness, I would recommend considering your work environment and whether your work will positively impact your wider community. If so, you will likely enjoy more satisfaction throughout your career.
Above: Jessica and her husband, David Lydiard.
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Class of 1995 Reunion | Saturday 12 September 2015
Class of 1995 – ‘Missing Persons’ We have now notified members of the Class of 1995 of reunion details, however need contact emails and phone numbers for the following students. Can you help us find these classmates? If so, please email their details to alumni@somerset.qld.edu.au. Alexander (Aj) Aitken Nicholas Bloore Esther Cary Amber Cook Nathan Cruickshank Michalle Davis Michael Day Jacqueline Dean Simon Done Evan Douglas Julie Dudley Aaron Guy Martin Hall Wesley Hough Kate Janetski Kelly Jones Alvin Khoo Sayaka Kondo Kurt Lane
Amanda Lawson Jen Wei (Alex) Lin Caroline Macquillan Bernadette Marr Kyle McLaughlin Gemma Morrison Marnie Nobbs Frank Penkava Tanya Plamantouras Janet Probst Rukita Ragg Sharmyn Rowe Lisabeth Sleep Keisuke Suzuki Adam Tessieri Kelly Turner Angela Wakelin Danny Weng Jenny Wu
Remember When – 1995 Paul Keating continues as Australia’s Prime Minister, while John Howard becomes the Liberal Party leader and federal leader of the opposition. Telecom Australia changes its domestic trading name to Telstra, Windows 95 released by Microsoft, JavaScript was first introduced and deployed and DVD, optical disc storage media format, is announced. Popular Culture in 1995 Pay television arrives in Australia with Foxtel and Optus Vision launching in the metropolitan areas and Galaxy and Austar launching in regional areas that year. Cheez TV begins on the Ten network, and the first-ever wholly computergenerated film, Toy Story, is released, along with classics Jumanji, Pochahontas, Braveheart, Die Hard with a Vengeance and Golden Eye. Alanis Morissette debuts her album Jagged Little Pill, UK rockers Oasis present (What’s the Story) Morning Glory and Radiohead give the world The Bends.
To purchase tickets to the Class of 1995 Twenty Year Reunion scan the QR Code on the right or visit www.somerset.qld.edu.au/events.
Class of 2005 Reunion | Saturday 15 August 2015
Class of 2005 – ‘Missing Persons’ We have now notified members of the Class of 2005 of reunion details, however need contact emails and phone numbers for the following students. Can you help us find these classmates? If so, please email their details to alumni@somerset.qld.edu.au. Caillam Bottriell Karla Bramanathan Matthew Cooke Travis Dartnell Jerome Hainaut Robert Haron
Stephen Harris David Lundmark Hari Muralidharan Jonathan Schibalski Chanel Van Der Merwe
www.facebook.com/ somersetalumni
Remember When – 2005 John Howard continues as Australia’s Prime Minister, and with the death of Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is elected as the new Pope, taking the name Pope Benedict XVI. The Bali Nine are arrested for drug smuggling in Indonesia and Schapelle Corby is convicted of drug smuggling by an Indonesian court. The Socceroos qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974, while Makybe Diva wins the Melbourne Cup horse racing event for an historic 3rd time in a row and is immediately retired. The Sydney Swans defeated the West Coast Eagles to with the VFL/AFL Premiership for the first time in 72 years, and the West Tigers defeated the North Queensland Cowboys for the first time in NRL history. Popular Culture in 2005 Wolf Creek terrorises movie-goers, while favourite children’s books are brought to life on the big scren with the re-release of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Unusual music hits topped the charts in 2005, with Crazy Frog and Schnappi proving popular, alongside Anthony Callea’s The Prayer and The Pussycat Dolls’ Don’t Cha.
To purchase tickets to the Class of 2005 Ten Year Reunion scan the QR Code on the right or visit www.somerset.qld.edu.au/events.
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Alumni Updates – Class of 1987 I graduated in 1987, which seems like I came out of the prehistoric era when I think back. Since then, life has certainly presented a multitude of opportunities and experiences for me. Not all good, but certainly all valuable in creating the person I am now. Travelling has always been an important part of my life and the more I do, the more I realise how much more I want to do. Here’s a glimpse into some of those travels: graduated Uni in Australia, played Rugby for the “Gold Rats” of Lismore, went on a twoyear religious mission to South Australia and the Northern Territory, spent 4 years studying Sports Medicine in the United States of America, played rugby for the University in most of the US West Coast States, drank tea with the King of Bahrain, mentored troubled youth in Western Samoa, had a close encounter with a black bear in Canada, almost got put in jail in Mexico, watched the Rugby World Cup in a small pub in Paris, went on safari in South Africa, cycled with a team for over 500 miles from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas in the middle of summer, and climbed Mount Whitney (the tallest mountain in the lower 48 States, America). I call Utah home now and enjoy the amazing surroundings this State has to offer, from its National Parks to the lakes and mountains, and of course, the best snow on earth! My work life seems to be as varying as my travels but I’m currently working for Ancestry.com and have been for almost four years now. I get to travel and discover/acquire historical documents that are valuable for family history research. It’s rewarding to see people making discoveries from the past and to hear how it affects their lives. I’m a strong believer of connecting to the past and the implications that has for all of us as we leave our own personal legacies for those in our future. I have a family of my own, Austin (14), Olivia (12) and Ashley (9). I typically have no idea what I’m doing as a parent but somehow everything seems to work out. Being active has also been an important part of my life. My time at Somerset was always memorable, from running up that hill for Cross Country, playing rugby across the road in the cow paddock, or sports day where Veivers always seemed to win! I’ve played a lot of rugby since leaving Somerset, run a few marathons, cycled hundreds of miles and have recently become involved in triathlons. I figure my chances of doing well increase the older I get, as the pool of participants decreases! I Iook forward to keeping in touch with my Somerset roots! Jared Akenhead Class of 1987
Alumni Updates – Class of 1994 Innovative Design – Sharon Sewell (nee Brelsford) Sharon recently marked 10 years of business with her graphic design and print business, Varsity Graphics, which she part owns with her parents. Varsity Graphics has always been about innovation and was amongst one of the very first shops to open in the Varsity Lakes commercial hub. During their 10 year anniversary they moved to bigger premises on Scottsdale Drive in Robina. After finishing school at Somerset in 1994, Sharon completed a diploma in Marketing and Advertising and moved to London for 6 years, where she was a senior graphic designer for traditional print businesses in the centre of London. She was behind starting one of the first large format departments in a print shop in London. Whilst living in London she met her husband, Roger, who is from Melbourne, and they both moved back to Australia to the Gold Coast in 2001. They were married at the Colonial Golf Club in 2007 in Robina and now have a 3 year old boy, Rhys. When Sharon returned from the United Kingdom her family started Varsity Graphics. Starting off with just Sharon and her father, Varsity Graphics now employs a total of eight people including three graphic designers. One of these designers includes Cliff Smith, who is a Class of 1996 Somerset Alumnus. Cliff excelled at art whilst at Somerset and Sharon considers him the most talented graphic designer she has come across in her years of experience! Sharon and her family are proud of the expansion of Varsity Graphics in recent times especially when many printing businesses are closing their doors due to the digital media explosion. If you’d like to find out more about Sharon’s business, Varsity Graphics, visit their website at www.varsitygraphics.com.au.
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Out of Madagascar Fresh out of school (well, almost), I found myself in Madagascar administering injections and extracting teeth, observing surgeries performed by a world expert on head and facial injuries, establishing a friendship with a severe burns victim and helplessly witnessing child prostitution on beaches, in every restaurant, in every street. I see beggars and homeless street children everywhere and every day children are kidnapped and trafficked. After graduating from the Class of 2013, I spent an incredible gap year in Austria as a Rotary Youth Ambassador. I thought that this experience couldn’t be topped; I was wrong! This February, I embarked on a 10 month journey as a volunteer Receptionist on board the Africa Mercy hospital ship. Mercy Ships is a global Christian charity that utilises the world’s largest civilian hospital ship to deliver free surgeries to the forgotten poor in the least developed nations. After two weeks of seafarer training at Mercy Ships Headquarters in Texas, I flew to the capital of Madagascar. On the 10 hour bus ride to Tamatave, where the ship is docked, I saw abject poverty, vastly different to that of the over-sensationalised film "Madagascar", as most people know the country by. I assisted the (off-shore) Dental team (there was no running water so water has to be brought from the ship daily); I spoke at a local prison about why I was serving on the ship (my Aussie accent stumped the translator as she could only understand American so another translator had to take over!); I have seen medical conditions never seen in the West such as Noma (a ravaging face-eating gangrene caused by malnutrition and poor hygiene); I have made friends with two little 5-year-old girls, one who lost her nose because a rodent had attacked her face and another with a massive tumour protruding from her face and saw 30 tiny women with obstetric fistula. I met a man named Sambany who carried the burden of a 7.46kg tumour on his face for the past 19 years. It caused him misery and disgrace and he was treated badly because of it. He took the three-day journey out of his village and went home a changed man. His wife didn’t recognise him and wasn’t expecting his return! People in the developing world have no choice but to endure terrible pain and hardship because they simply have no access to doctors. What an adventure it has also been. I survived a car crash when the steering wheel detached from a dodgy rental vehicle that wasn’t fitted with a seat belt. The car crashed into the side of a small hill and flopped 90 degrees on to its side. This happened on one of the only stretches of windy road in the 4 and a half-hour journey where cliffs didn’t surround the road. On another trip, while in the middle of the ocean on a pirogue, the operator conveniently informed us that because we were using their services so early (4.00am), we had to pay a “special price”, twice as much as usual. I suppose if we objected, we were welcome to hop off the boat. I was also stranded for two days on the island of Ile St Marie due to dangerous seas, when our chartered boat cancelled its services and we were forced to take an alternate, extended 13 hour journey. This experience made me empathise with refugees as everyone desperately attempted to get off the island. We endured a smelly boat loaded with fish, with waves coming in from every which way and all the locals throwing up. My unfortunate friend happened to be in the way of some child’s throw-up and I mentally high-fived myself for escaping a similar fate.
Out of Madagascar continued Next we endured a two hour 4WD drive. Two vehicles had to fit 45 people from the boat, each packing about 22 people. In the back, 18 squished and piled on top of one another. Legs would go numb and cramp up. I managed to sit in the front with a local so my friends later joked: "Kelly, how was the Hilton … can you let us have the wi-fi passcode?". In the next leg (on a small boat), the "seats" were broken wooden planks. Two girls who weren’t able to get a seat under the tarp were soaked by the end of the two hours from rain. Finally, our taxi-brousse broke down twice. We had no access to toilets of any kind on this day, not even a hole in the ground. If you had to go, it was on the beach with no convenient bushes for privacy. I also experienced "Island Time". At a local shack restaurant, the proprietor was happy and excited that nine of us were dining at his little restaurant. He reassured us "yes, no problem, no problem, yes". Then we found out the fish would take one hour to cook and that he had to go into town to buy the other ingredients. He also needed us to give him some money beforehand so that he would have money to go into town. The fish came two hours later, but it was delicious. In another restaurant, someone forgot to shut the door and two little beggars started very animatedly and fervently begging for food. I tore two small pieces off the naan I had almost finished eating and walked to the door. They gratefully accepted this and ran away so happy and excited. It was a really humbling experience that these kids would be so contented with the morsels I gave them and did not ask for more. Tamatave is a very unsafe place to be and that’s why Mercy Ships has a curfew of 9.00pm. There are pickpockets in the markets and even money in zipped up pockets disappears. The local workers here are very fearful at night time and recently one crew member escaped assault, however unfortunately another was assaulted. One of the patients I met on board was a zebu herder and managed 15 zebu. One day, three men brandishing machetes came to steal the zebu and even though he didn’t resist them, they also cut off his nose for no reason whatsoever. Mercy Ships restores these people. Many of the patients who come on the ship are victims of ridicule, outcasts from society and have been told they are worthless. I have seen that through the surgeries Mercy Ships perform, hope and healing is discovered and patients leave with a joyful heart and have a second chance at life. That’s what makes me passionate about being here. The ship depends entirely on volunteers, including the Captain, the Managing Director, the administrators, surgeons, dentists, nurses, teachers, engineers, mechanics, plumbers, housekeepers and deck hands, all of whom pay for the privilege of serving. If you’d like, you can make tax-deductible donations towards my Crew Fees (which includes room and board) which are $830 a month. Visit www.mercyships.org.au, click on the "Donate" button and in the optional field which says "My donation is for" and you can specify the volunteer’s name (Kelly Baker). For more detailed accounts of my adventures you can follow my blog at www.kellyinafrica.wordpress.com. Tahin’andriamanitra ("God Bless" in Malagasy) Kelly Baker Class of 2013
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
A Triple Threat? Have you ever wanted to sing, dance and act? And perhaps play an instrument as well? Then, the ever burgeoning co-curricular programme at the College can give the start that is needed. From its humble beginnings in two small teaching rooms found in the back of the old Ray Music Room (the Year 11 Common Room is now on that site) with teachers of string, keyboard and piano, through to today where there are 25 staff teaching a myriad of instruments along with speech and drama and dance, the co-curricular programme at the College has gone from strength to strength with over 1,100 lessons taking place each and every week. This programme involves our very youngest students in Pre-Prep, who may be undertaking violin lessons but would also be involved in our Move and Groove classes, through to Year 12 students completing advanced level examinations and preparing for tertiary studies in their areas. The lessons are not only limited to the students of the College but there are also some parents, alumni, staff and students of other schools who avail themselves of this tuition. The College’s students are offered this wonderful opportunity to enhance their education within the programme through the high calibre staff who strive to bring each child to their full potential. Many of the staff are examiners in national and international syllabi as well as composers, authors and performers in their own right. The tremendous growth in the programme is testimony to the fact that many believe that experiences in these areas are a necessary part of the Somerset Experience, which all lead to developing engaged global citizens, aspiring to excellence, demonstrating integrity and valuing difference. Sue Roberts Director of Music
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Mako Mermaids Throughout my time at Somerset College I have been fortunate to participate in some absolutely amazing opportunities; one of which being with the production of Mako Mermaids. Somerset College has forged a community connection with Mako (which is partly filmed on our campus) that has allowed many students the opportunity to engage with, and learn from, this production. Such opportunities that other students and I have been involved with include; witnessing the work that happens behind the scenes, working as an acting extra, travelling to the Oxenford Village Roadshow Studios to participate in a personal tour of the sound stage set and creating professional networks with the producer, actors and crew involved in the making of this show. For students interested in film and media, this has benefited us in many ways. During the behind the scenes tour of the Village Roadshow Studios students were shown every intricate detail which leads to the final production. We were able to watch scenes acted time and again during rehearsal and then see the final take, as the camera crew and directors worked together carefully to get the best shot from every angle. We also observed the roles of many of the crew behind the scenes; from those who set up the lighting, managed the set, checked for continuity and orchestrated the sound, right through to the camera crew whose job it is to capture the final image. Just this experience at the studios alone provided significant benefit to the students, as it gave a greater understanding of the very many people involved in the creation of such a production. Some of us were also given the opportunity to sit behind the scenes during the filming at Somerset for a day, watching how the crew manipulates lighting when there is cloud cover, and how they can recreate the same shot from many angles through the manipulation of the cameras. As well as this, I was given the opportunity to work as an acting extra. This allowed me to see how important extras are to every production, and how they are used to add to the atmosphere of the scene. Overall, Somerset College has provided many on- and off-set opportunities and experiences for me and many other students. The network connections which we have formed have been invaluable, and will stand us in good stead for any future professional work which we undertake in the film industry. Caitlin Cooper Year 12 Starkey
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Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
Head of the Tweed 2015 The Tweed is a wonderfully scenic, lazy river with broad meanders and grassy banks, room for spectators to cheer and for a few waterside pubs to cater for the variety of water sport visitors. It’s not until you get into a 'racing eight' rowing boat do you realise there’s actually quite a strong current and that its flowing the wrong way – away from the finish! Ignorance of the sport had got me this far and no doubt there would be other challenges along route, so I dutifully wedged my lunch between my feet and followed Mr Andrew Butler’s timing when the starters gun went off. Our crew was made up entirely of current or past Somerset parents and I think we averaged around 50 – I’d like to think that figure was our stroke rate but alarmingly it was our age; fortunately we had doctors on board! There were also Single Sculls and Quads of Somerset students all racing and completing the full 21kms too, and all moving much faster than us. Congratulations to all who completed the course and if you were in a tough racing category, I can only imagine the reserves you would have had to draw on to battle over that distance; incredibly well done! Close to the end we passed a Somerset Masters Quad but on closer inspection it turned out to be a ‘tri-some’ as they had clashed with a fishing boat and lost an oar; that gave Mr Peter Trimble the freedom to offer regal waves to spectators. First impressions were ‘never again!’ but now as I begin to heal and as my mind plays games of improving from ‘last’, there may be another race in me! David Thornton Chief Operating Officer
From top: Year 9 Boys’ Quad, Year 9 Girls’ Quad and (below) the Men’s Eight, competing in the Head of the Tweed.
State and National Swimming Champions! This year, the Queensland State School Championships was a selection event for the swimmers hoping to qualify for the Pan Pacific School Championships in Adelaide in November this year. Somerset had 13 swimmers selected in the Queensland Team which is an unprecedented number of swimmers. Somerset students Olivia Collins, Jorja Otto, Bianca Crisp, Brooke Otto, Leon Shirayama, Harrison Smith and Toby Wilson were selected as well as Somerset Swim Club members Adele Phillips, Cameron Donovan, Sebastian Du Preez, Anarnya Berlowitz, Max Indriawan and Thomas Nowakowski. One swimmer in particular displayed some amazing performances at the State Championships with some extraordinary results. Jorja Otto won 7 gold medals in the 10 Years Girls events and in the process broke 7 records, some as old as 1988! Jorja won the 200m Individual Medley, 50m Backstroke, 100m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly, 100m Butterfly and was a member of the gold medal winning 4 x 50m South Coast Freestyle and Medley Relay teams. Jorja broke records in both the heats and finals (her own record) of the 50m Butterfly and 100m Backstroke, as well as breaking records in the 50m Backstroke, 100m Butterfly and the 4 x 50m South Coast Medley Relay team. These are outstanding performances and we are very proud of Jorja’s acheivements. The pinnacle event of the Somerset Swim Club season for Club swimming at an age group level is the National Age Championships. The Championships is split into two events being the National Open Water and National Age Championships. Special Mention must go to Bianca Crisp who attended the Open Water Championships in Perth in February. Competing in the 15 Years age group, Bianca won both the 10km and 5km Open Water races. This is an outstanding achievement and not an easy feat to win both events on consecutive days. Well done, Bianca. The National Age Titles held in Sydney in April saw 12 Somerset swimmers attend. This included Somerset students Jade Mansell, Bianca Crisp, Harrison Smith, Toby Wilson, CJ Licuanan, Miles Park, Mitchell Simmons, and Leon Shirayama, as well as Somerset Swim Club members Brooklyn Steele, Thomas Nowakowski, Anarnya Berlowitz and Ieuan Watkins. Six of the swimmers reached finals including Harrison, Toby, Anarnya, Miles and Leon and Mitchell, while Mitchell was part of the silver medal winning 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay team. Well done, swimmers. Happy Swimming! Forrest Butcher Head Coach – Swimming
From top: Pan Pacific School Games qualifiers, CJ Licuanan at the National Age Championships (Lane 3) and Jorja Otto with her outstanding 7 Queensland State School Championships Gold Medals.
Somerset Lifetimes Forty-Ninth Edition – Semester One 2015
In Memoriam: Ray Jackson That smile! Vale Ray Jackson (Jacko)
Former Director of Activities and Proctor, Mr Ray Jackson was involved in a fatal air crash on Tuesday 23 June 2015, just after he took off in his much loved micro-light aircraft on route to Uluru where he was to join some friends on another adventure. To most of us a brief snapshot of Ray’s life would include that he: • Attended Ivanhoe Grammar School as a student, went on to become a teacher of Mathematics and Physics and enjoyed outdoor education. • And his family, relocated to the Gold Coast from Melbourne and commenced as the Director of Activities at Somerset in 1985. • Was delighted when his children commenced at Somerset as students, Catherine (Class of 1997) and Luke (Class of 1999). • Was Head of Andrews House from 1989 to 1992. • With good friend Graham Wand, created an enduring cycling programme at Somerset in October 1994, that started Sara Carrigan (Class of 1998) on the path to her Olympic gold medal in Athens 2000. • Became Dean of Activities/Proctor in 1999. • Completed his MBA (Master of Business Administration) in 2004. • Left Somerset and took up the role of Human Resources Manager at Saint Stephen’s College in 2008. But there was much more to Ray than one could include here. There was his love of hang gliding, triathlons, kayaking, camping and four wheel driving, cycling and of course, flying his micro-light plane. He was dedicated to his children, grandchildren, partner and mother. He loved a challenge, he liked to punish himself in training – he was super competitive, always with himself, he was in it for the adrenalin and the competition. He was meticulous in his preparation for everything he did. Whether it be preparing for rock climbing, cycling, kayaking, surf lifesaving as Chief Instructor or lesson planning for his Maths or Physics classes, Ray’s utmost attention to detail regarding any craft and conditions, was second to none. Ray was always ready to help fellow competitors or acquaintance regardless of the sport or activity, he enjoyed camaraderie of others while travelling, camping, cycling, gliding, flying, racing buddies – he was always the first to drop everything and be there to help, guide, teach, encourage or reassure – he was, to many, indestructible! There were so many interests but his overarching passion was for teaching, and he was great at it. So what did Ray teach us? What will stay with us, long term, now that he is gone? It’s not Pythagoras’ Theorem, nor the Particle Theory of Matter (though he’d be happy if you did remember them). What we’ll take with us, from Ray’s example, is that he taught us to love life; to care for others before yourself; to always pitch in and help where you can; and be generous with yourself, your love, and your time. On behalf of the Somerset College community we extend our sincere sympathies and heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Ray’s family, his Mum Nancy, partner Karen, and children Catherine, Luke and their families. Ray Leslie Jackson (Jacko) – may you rest in peace.
Milestones Births
LEVITT (Staff) – on 14 February 2015, a son Jasper Robert to Adam and Jennifer Levitt and a brother to Henry (Picture 1) STAFFORD (Staff) – on 5 December 2014, a son Archer MJ to Josh and Mandy Stafford (Picture 2)
Marriages
1
BOSTON (Staff) – on 11 April 2015 at Byron View Farm in the Byron Hinterland, honeymooning in Southern France; Will Boston and Bronwyn Morrison (Picture 5) HARVEY (Staff) – on 10 April 2015 at Sheraton Mirage, Main Beach, honeymooning in Bali; Lisa Harvey and Joshua McQueen (Picture 7) 5
LU (Staff) – on 29 December 2014 in Jining, China, honeymooning in Germany in December 2015; Jingjing Lu and Benedikt Jagmann (Picture 6)
2
MURRAY (Staff) – on 17 January 2015 in the Chapel Gardens at Gold Coast Arts Centre, honeymooning in Siem Reap, Cambodia; Leanne Murray and Paul Gambetta (Picture 3) WORSFOLD (Staff) – on 11 December 2014 (their 10 Year Anniversary) at Mt Tamborine Vineyard and Winery, honeymooning in Grandchester; Sarah Worsfold and Luke White (Picture 4)
3
6
4
7
Passings
EMMERSON, Ross – 18 November 2014. Past Maintenance Staff Member JACKSON, Ray – 23 June 2015. Former Director of Activities and Proctor, 20-Year Service Staff Member and father to Catherine (Class of 1997) and Luke (Class of 1999).
If you have a Milestone to share with the Somerset Community, please contact alumni@somerset.qld.edu.au.
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