Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Information Somerset Lifetimes is published twice a year by Somerset College to share items of topical interest relating to overall activities of College life and the greater Somerset community. Cover Photo: Brad Walker, Service Learning Co-ordinator. Students taking part in the memorial for the Myall Creek Massacre, read the cover story inside this edition. Editorial Committee: Narelle Higgs, John Bacon, Wendy Bacon and Linda Keefer Layout: Somersault Group Contributing Writers: Craig Bassingthwaighte, Annette Allen, Michael Brohier, Ayla Chirathivat-Geralds, Justine Cirocco,
Dane Oman, Rebecca Collie, Brad Walker, Melanie Lamb, Margaret Kiddle, Liam Rawson, Stephen Walther, Aidan McKeon, Jade Mansell, Uni Kyeong, Valerie Fang, Meghan Rooney, Damian Flint Contributing Photographers: Brad Walker, Elaine Fei, Darcy Beynon, Valerie Fang, Isla Clancy, Tris Zhou, Kipp Thrupp Printing: Southport Printing Co, 65 Johnston Street, Southport One copy of Somerset Lifetimes is distributed to each household within the Somerset community. If you would like us to post you additional copies simply email your request to: publications@somerset.qld.edu.au
Inside This Issue •
From the Headmaster
•
2017 Academic Results
•
Garden Party
•
Celebration of Literature – 2018
• Bond Business School Year 12 Extension Program
•
Starkey Makes House History
•
Students Drive Sustainability
• Musicals – The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast
•
New Staff
•
Staff Update
•
Somerset Remembers Myall Massacre
•
A Teacher’s Tree Change
• My Performance at Brisbane’s Parliament House
•
Founding Student Finds her Feet
•
Alumni Update
•
•
Girls State T20 Cup Challenge
• Storyfest – Closing the Book on a Chapter
P&F Events
• A Celebration of Indian High Art and Culture • Athletes Endorse World Class Facilities
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 comradery. 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 Email: alumni@somerset.qld.edu.au Phone:
(07) 5559 7327
Mail: Community Relations Office Somerset College Somerset Drive Mudgeeraba Qld 4213
From the Headmaster We have begun 2018 with a new Strategic Plan, Our Future, which will instill our students with 21st century skills to critique, collaborate, create and communicate. Further we are motivated to expand our Service Learning opportunities for students and concentrate our efforts in continuing to improve Wellbeing for students and staff. As we entered the 36th year of Somerset College we celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2017. The time and effort students invested was commendable and many attained remarkable results; 12 earned an OP ranking of 1 with a quarter of Year 12s reaching an OP 1 to 2. An impressive 94.5 per cent of the OP Cohort (109 students) scored an OP of 1 to 15, resulting in a median OP of 6 for the year. Our Somerset community is continuing to flourish and in 2018 we welcomed more than 1,500 students, including a record number of second generation students, over 100. We introduced several new staff members, from teaching staff to maintenance, our Exercise Physiologist, Clinical Psychologist and a new Head of Junior School; a number of existing staff members were also recognised and appointed to new roles. Term One saw the Celebration of Literature conclude with The 25th Chapter and the launch of Somerset Storyfest. We are excited to see the direction our renowned storytelling festival will take in the years ahead.
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
From the Headmaster continued The College embraced the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, hosting many international teams and individual athletes for training sessions at our fabulous new Athletic Facilities. The presence of the Canadian, Northern Ireland and PNG teams, before and during the Games, offered our students an inside look at the commitment and skill involved in competing on a global stage. Students, Staff, Alumni and Somerset parents were directly involved in the Games’ events from volunteering to participating in the Opening and Closing ceremonies. Max Deffenti (Year 7 Starkey) earns a special mention as the voice of the Closing Ceremony; evidently a confident young man to so seamlessly carry this role. Consistent with our enhanced approach to Wellbeing, teaching and support staff attended a full day of Visible Wellbeing training at the start of Term Two. Our facilitator hosted the more than 250 staff in The Great Hall. Case studies and research reveal that implementing Visible Wellbeing strategies in education has profound benefits on students and staff. We are pleased to see Service Learning expand throughout the College and in the community. Our work with Mudgee Kids continues and again another group of students headed west, visiting the area of Murgon in Queensland. Our Pop Up Library – an initiative that was launched in 2017 on the beach in Surfers Paradise during our Celebration of Literature – will travel to the neighbouring remote town of Cherbourg. We look forward to seeing the extraordinary images and stories from these experiences.
As we prepare for the exciting semester ahead we celebrate Founders’ Day and the second Somerset Gift on a weekend where, for the first time we host our Alumni reunions at the one time. Also in Term Three we have our Inter-House Athletics Carnival and following in Term Four our second Celebration of Entrepreneurship. Somerset will continue to deliver on our mission, Personal Success/Global Outlook. Craig Bassingthwaighte Headmaster
2017 Academic Results In 2017 Somerset had 130 students who completed Year 12, with 112 OP eligible students and 11 students who completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Tertiary Destinations for the Class of 2017 12%
We are delighted to share that 50% of the Somerset College Class of 2017 gained an OP of 6 or above.
Bond University
4% 25%
2%
Queensland University of Technology
2017 highlights: • 60.7% of students achieved an OP between 1 and 7
16%
Southern Cross University
• 76.8% of students achieved an OP between 1 and 10
The University of Queensland
• Median OP of 6, equivalent to an ATAR of 89* *Australian Tertiary Admission Rank is the criteria for most undergraduate-entry national university programmes.
13%
For 2017 the results compared to those achieved across the state are shown below.
Griffith University
27%
1%
Interstate Universities Overseas Universities Gap Year
OP 1 to – 25 Somerset College and State Percentages 16.0% 14.0% 12.0% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Somerset Percentage
State Percentage
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Garden Party to the Scholarship Fund! Tickets to this fundraiser are limited, so secure your tickets online at www.Somerset.qld.edu.au/Our‑Community/Foundation Silent Auction There’s more than one way to be involved! Open to everyone, this year’s online Silent Auction will provide an opportunity to contribute to the Scholarship Fund and also access to an extravaganza of experiences, products, and memorabilia – all just a tap away! Your mobile device is all you need to join the Silent Auction, with bidding opening one week before the Garden Party. Sponsorship The time has come to don your garden party attire, tailored sunglasses, hats and fascinators to bask in the entertainment and atmosphere of the 2018 Garden Party! Held on Saturday 20 October 2018, this biennial fundraiser will take shape within the forecourt of our very own Sports Facility precinct, set amongst rustic bars, market umbrellas, spring flowers, luxury cars, and magnificent dining. The Garden Party is the College’s only fundraising event where all funds raised are donated to the Somerset College Scholarship Fund. This Fund provides scholarships for students who otherwise may not have the financial capacity to attend our College. Tickets Available from the Somerset College website, tickets are $150.00 per person, or $140.00 per person when booking a table of 10. Every ticket purchased includes not only an all‑access pass to the 2018 Garden Party and a three course spring luncheon created by our very own Chef De Cuisine Mr Martin Furlong, but most importantly includes a contribution
The Foundation appreciates all support of the Garden Party, whether through patronage on the day, participation in the online Silent Auction, sponsorship of this fundraiser, or donations to our auction items. To become a sponsor, or to donate to the Silent Auction, please contact sdaniel@somerset.qld.edu.au All current and past parents, staff, alumni, and friends of the College are invited to attend the 2018 Garden Party. Tickets to this fundraiser are selling fast and are limited, so flag the date in your calendar, don’t miss out, and we’ll see you there! Annette Allen Chair, Somerset College Foundation Garden Party Committee Member, Somerset College Foundation Management Committee
For all Garden Party enquiries, contact Siân Daniel Secretary – Somerset College Foundation Management Committee Phone +61 7 5559 7100 | Email sdaniel@somerset.qld.edu.au
Celebration of Literature – 2018 The 25th Chapter
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Storyfest Closing the Book on a Chapter… The Somerset Celebration of Literature closed 25 chapters of Reading and Writing in 2018 with an inspirational Literary Dinner. The dinner showcased the new direction and name of the festival in 2019, Somerset Storyfest, with an emphasis on reaching out to the Gold Coast community and being inclusive and innovative. The celebration of reading will live on, with a new name, and a breath of ‘new’ life! Some things will change, but many much loved aspects of the festival will remain the same; with the most important ones, the venue and the ownership, being Somerset. Also at the dinner, Somerset’s Vivi Baker unleashed the brilliance of her unique brand of poetry to a receptive audience. The winners of the National Novella and Poetry Competitions were presented; with Vivi from Somerset College winning the Senior National Poetry Prize for her poem on Love, Connections, Family and Genetics. Following presentations, Richard Fidler and Kari Gislason entertained the dinner audience with their own intellectual and witty repartee about Iceland, the Viking Sagas, the curious and solitary nature of male friendship and Kari’s own search for family and identity. Through the days leading up to the 2018 festival and during the three days of the celebration of reading, writing, creating and simply being reflective, all that was inspirational about this singular event was on show. Over 70 schools attended (21,000 tickets sold), children were bussed in from remote schools, authors spoke, entertained, sketched, sang, and wrote beautiful message in the covers of
their books that they sold to excited children; many who were in the process of being ‘turned on’ to books. What a worthy goal! The Prologue Party on the Wednesday night was relaxed, convivial and feisty with the enthralling fireworks closing the evening. Thursday lunchtime saw Clementine Ford elevate the consciousness of the 100 plus women (and a few hardy men), on the issue of genuine gender equality, by posing difficult questions for the audience to contemplate. The very idea of this lunch with this relevant and topical issue being so openly discussed, is testament to the power and maturity of the Somerset festival and community. The festival’s goals are very much aligned with the strategic goals of the College, where we encourage the asking of difficult questions and moving into the zone of disruptive and critical thinking and – hopefully – constructive problem solving. On Thursday night, the ‘Kids Dinner’ with its eight authors and passionate students, under the stars in the Towers Quad, gave birth to eight zany and creative mini drama performances, which entertained other students and parents alike. The 2018, 25th Celebration was a success in so many ways but through all the humidity, noise, fun, food, fireworks, heated debate, books, speeches, workshops and so many other notable aspects of the festival, the primary focus has and will always be, creating a love of reading and writing in students and adults; leading to a better, more literate and more functional society. Michael Brohier Deputy Headmaster/ Artistic Director – Somerset Storyfest
My Performance at Brisbane’s Parliament House
It was a dark and cloudy night. There was an icy chill in the air as I slowly emerged from the car, then I saw it. There it was, big, tall and standing proud like a monarch; the Brisbane Parliament House. For a second, I felt overwhelmed to perform in such a grand and important building, but with my family at my side, I knew this was going to be a night to remember… Excitedly, I walked through the immense glass sliding doors of Parliament House. I was so honoured and grateful to be given such an opportunity and I knew all of my hard work had paid off. After passing security, we walked up the grand staircase and halfway up, we stopped to take a photo in front the large governmental crest. We continued into the waiting room outside the Premiers’ Hall. The room was buzzing with excitement, all of the guests and performers were chatting anxiously while huddled in the small area. As I looked around the busy, almost crowded room, I saw dozens of painted portraits of many dignitaries neatly displayed on the walls. Suddenly, all of the performers were called inside the hall, leaving our families outside. I was a bit nervous as we took our seats, I was seventh in line to perform. As I was sitting there, a memory came to my mind, from when I was in Year 2. I was outside the Senior Studies block, waiting to perform at my first Somerset Festival for Young Performers in Speech and Drama. My parents were trying their best to comfort me as I was in tears. I was incredibly nervous, I froze and couldn’t go in, but soon I overcame my fear, and since then I have improved greatly. Back in the Premiers’ Hall, I felt much calmer. Many great performers (also receiving top scores in Queensland for their exams) got up on stage, and soon, as I watched with wide eyes it was my turn. I felt the adrenaline rush through my body, this
was my moment, my chance to entertain the audience, but mostly, to prove to myself, I had definitely conquered my stage fright. It finished as quickly as it started. I was beaming from ear to ear, receiving my book award from the special guest, actor Matthew Backer and many smiles from the audience. My parents were taking photos and suddenly I was back in my seat. I was truly inspired watching the rest of the performances and feeling really proud of myself. It was an incredible but long night, and I was happy to be in my warm bed having great dreams about my Parliament adventures. I would like to thank my family, Mrs Jane Irvine; my Speech and Drama teacher and my College for helping me on this journey. Ayla Chirathivat-Geralds Year 5N
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
P&F Events Welcome Function The Parents’ and Friends’ Association organises many wonderful social events for parents, including the Welcome Function to celebrate the new school year. This popular event provides an opportunity to mingle with other parents, welcome new families, meet the Headmaster, College leadership team and teachers. Justine Cirocco Parents’ and Friends’ Association President
P&F Events continued Mothers’ Day Luncheon Somerset’s Parents’ and Friends’ Association held their annual Mothers’ Day function; a sell out event held Thursday 10 May at Cucina Vivo Italian Restaurant, The Star Gold Coast Broadbeach. All attendees enjoyed a fashion parade from Sonia Stradiotto Couture, featuring our glamorous Somerset mum models. Many guests left with fabulous prizes and, at the very least, a sumptuous bag of gifts.
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Bond Business School Year 12 Extension Program Bond Business School and the opportunity to be awarded a Year 12 Extension Program Scholarship valued at 50 per cent of tuition fees. As participants in the Program, Jasmin, Bryce, Blake and Stephan received: • An early offer into a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management; • Teaching that enabled the students to be better prepared for their Year 12 exams; • The opportunity to improve their communication, presentation and Microsoft Excel skills in a small class environment; Blake Mills (left) and Bryce Carstens, photo by Elaine Fei, Year 12 Starkey
During April, Year 12 students Jasmin Baker, Bryce Carstens, Blake Mills, and Stephan Zhigluin participated in the Bond University Business School Extension Program. The Program involved a two-day workshop at Bond University providing students with opportunities to help them better prepare for the transition from school to university. These four students were also part of a select group of teens handpicked for the opportunity to receive an early offer into
• The opportunity to get a feel for university life and meet Bond academics and students; • Access to the Macquarie Trading Room for a Bloomberg session; and • The chance to experience the Transformer innovation space. These students deserve to be congratulated for their efforts. A particular congratulations must go to Blake Mills who was awarded a Distinction at the conclusion of the two-day workshop. Dane Oman Assistant Head of Department – Business and Humanities
Junior School Musical – The Lion King “Any story worth telling is worth telling twice.” – Rafiki, The Lion King The Junior School cast and crew of more than 100 students from Year 4 to Year 6 put on a spectacular performance of Disney’s The Lion King – not once, not twice, but three times. How awe inspiring that the students and staff pulled a musical of this calibre together in one term. The amazing work behind the scenes helped bring the production together. People rallied to build sets and costumes, rehearse individually and as a team, choreographed dances and learnt songs. Congratulations to all of the cast and crew involved including staff and parents who dedicated many additional hours. The story of The Lion King is such a beautiful one I am sure it will live in the hearts of all of those involved for a very long time to come. Rebecca Collie Head of Junior School
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Senior School Musical – Beauty and the Beast A “tale as old as time” was told at the Senior School Musical when an impressive cast put on Disney’s, Beauty and the Beast. From Belle and her lusting Gaston with his sidekick, to the Beast and his castle full of characters, to the engaging chorus, the production was arguably one of the best Somerset College has shown. The cast, crew and many staff and parent volunteers deserve a mountain of thanks and congratulations for delivering a remarkably entertaining, first class performance.
Photos by Darcy Beynon, Year 8 Starkey
Somerset Remembers Myall Creek Massacre What a privilege it is to live in a place where nations and languages and culture have cared for this land and known its story for 50,000 continuous years and more. We have so much to learn from, and be grateful for, First Nation peoples. The 180th anniversary of the Myall Creek Massacre was commemorated under a blue sky, at an inspiring service held at the monument overlooking the slopes where 28 Weraerai children, women and elderly were senselessly slain by 11 stockmen in 1838. Many guest speakers presented at this year’s service in June, all having a close association with the story of Myall Creek. The speakers included descendant of one of the perpetrators, Mr Des Blake; descendant of the massacred, Aunty Sue Blacklock and Keith Munro; and inaugural co-chair, Mr John Brown. All encouraged us to advocate for the rights of those without power or privilege, helping to bridge gaps, particularly when they are of the first peoples of this land. It was a deeply moving service for the 1000 strong crowd. Some students’ thoughts from the weekend are provided below, but for me it was wonderful to introduce our first group to the warm and inspirational Gamilaraay elder Aunty Sue Blacklock; discover the music of our land and people at a Sounds of Country concert in Bingara; have a discussion with a desendant
of the perpetrator Mr Des Blake; and to see so many of the local schools, particularly Tingha Public School’s young indigenous dancers, play such an active and engaging part in proceedings. Special thanks to accompanying staff Clare Walker for making the round trip possible. I was especially proud of our student representatives Marcus, Desmond, Vivi, Kristin and Kydra. I asked them to move “totally proud and strong” (to use Tingha Public School’s motto) throughout the day, shake people’s hands and look them in the eye, and listen to the stories that they may have to share. On top of this, they helped where they could, particularly in the public reciting of the sad history at one of the seven tablet stations, as hundreds of people passed along the rainbow-serpent track towards the monument. Their reflections suggest they have gained and gathered a lot from this experience and have been excellent ambassadors at this, our first trip down for the commemoration service. Somerset College will take students to Myall Creek because we need to, not just to join a symbolic act, but because it goes in hand with the practical, of putting students alongside students as we do on our B Trips where we can learn from each other. It is worth travelling 1000 kilometres for that. Brad Walker Service Learning Co-ordinator
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Somerset Remembers Myall Creek Massacre continued Extracts from Reflections
1: I have learnt not to take shame in the dark spots in our not-so-ancient history but to find empowerment and hope in the ways we are healing. I have learnt that talking and remembering, is healing. Forgetting, denial and selective deafness to sorrow is never progress. Silencing the voices of those in pain in an attempt to ‘move on’ is always a step backwards. It is a Band-aid on a bullet wound. I want to start more conversations, meet more people, ask more questions and spark greater awareness in our collective consciousness. I want to listen and I want to understand, and I want to walk alongside and exist and act in solidarity for as long as it takes. This is what I want to do. 2: I found myself looking for birds after the ceremony as I remember Aunty Sue mentioning that they carry the souls of those lost in the massacre. I think there is a peace in knowing that the slain live on watching and looking over you. The descendants of the victims are incredibly forgiving people. If it was the other way round, would we all be as open to this?
3: My time here has opened an intangible feeling that gives me such warmth and happiness; a feeling I wish I could pass on to everyone. I wasn’t sure how the local Gamilaraay would receive us at the Commemoration. We were welcomed with open arms by many. We were united; all sharing a common goal. The indigenous culture is so rich. This experience has opened my eyes to a different part of Australia. 4: Moving forward, we need to talk about it. Spread the word to young and old for they are the people of the past and the people of the future; those who come from a place of misunderstanding and those from a place of forgiveness. The trip allowed me to learn beyond the textbook and much better understand a story that was unknown for so long. As a young person, I feel it’s my responsibility to share both indigenous and non-indigenous history to better the lives of tomorrow. 5: Watching the descendants of the stockmen and the descendants of the victims come together with mutual respect and understanding really moved me and how I view others. Awareness plays a big role in reconciling our past with the future. Such brutal murders and people are still able to forgive to show an understanding and such great respect.
Somerset Remembers Myall Creek Massacre continued
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Staff Farewells A Teacher’s Tree Change Junior School’s Physical Education Teacher, Melanie Lamb leaves for Grafton In my fifteen years at Somerset I have had three different identities, Mrs Walsh-Till, Mrs Framp and leaving now as Mrs Lamb and a plan that this be the only name I carry with me. I have been at Somerset for 15 years, more than half of my teaching career, so while I am excited for my new adventure I am also extremely sad to leave. My husband and I both love our jobs. Justin is a BMX Coach and he loves his job and I work in the best school in the world with the best job as a PE teacher IN the best school in the world. That is what makes it hard to leave. My little family has made a huge life decision to relocate to a small country town, Grafton, about two and a half hours south from the Gold Coast. My daughters AJ and Milla love horses and to be really honest, I do too. I grew up a horse rider, it was my life and my passion; until I left home at age 17, and went to university. I started my first teaching job as a PE teacher in a country town in NSW. I didn’t take my horse with me, we sold him and all of my horse gear deciding I wouldn’t have horses again, they were expensive and hard work. As time moved on I met Justin, who actually likes horses too and has been convinced we should all have horses, on land, in Grafton where we bought 50 acres with a cottage and a horse, Misty. We have some big future dreams for our property; to cultivate the land and have lots of horses, and perhaps one day a horse riding school. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to guide and encourage so many lives, during my time at Somerset, towards lifelong healthy living and to help coach them and teach them in Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics and so many other sports. I am going to miss seeing students’ beautiful happy faces arrive to my lessons everyday with stories to share back and forth and so much excitement and enthusiasm shared for what we are learning. Thank you all for always saying Thank You. Now, it’s my turn to Thank YOU. Farewell to my work colleagues, my mentors, my friends; thank you all for sharing your balance of professionalism with friendship in our workplace. Jenny George gets special thanks
for being my mentor, my coach, my Positive Action Panda guide and my friend. I entered the college as a young widow (aged 29) after losing my first husband in the Bali bombing. Somerset was my comfort and my safe place and it gave me such a meaningful purpose and focus in my life. I am thankful to so many wonderful colleagues who brightened my days, Bev Gallus, Ray Jackson (RIP), Geoff Jones, Scott Ham, Carrie Smith, Clare and Brad Walker, Tracey Payne, Kim Capper, David Goodburn, Dane Oman, Julian Rovira, Kirk Drinan and Rixy and the boys group back then, who used to take me surfing at Burleigh before school. I remember those days fondly and thank you all for taking me under your Somerset wings. One more thing, Scott Ham, you are a treasure and an amazing human being. Somerset College is so lucky to have you. Thank you for your ongoing kindness of heart and sincerity. I love our random pathway chats. Thanks for being so wonderful. Melanie Lamb Junior School Physical Education Teacher
Founding Student Finds Her Feet Even before Somerset College opened, it was a part of my life. My parents were heavily involved in the planning and early development of the College and many weekends were spent at working bees. I started School at Somerset as a student on 27 January 1983, the first day it opened. I fondly recall my Year 5 class, taught by Ruth Kirkness. Later, in Year 7 I would spend my Friday afternoons helping with Art in Virginia Lamb’s Year 2 class. After graduating from the College, I went on to Griffith University to study Hotel Management. I then set off to travel the globe. For a time I followed the snow, working in hospitality and as a nanny. When I returned to the Gold Coast, I began working in major hotels such as the Sheraton Mirage Resort and the resort at Royal Pines. Seeking a change from the tourism industry, I began a new career, studying Veterinary Nursing. For almost 10 years I ran a Puppy Pre-School; my studies specialised in Veterinary Dentistry, Ophthalmology and Practice Management. My passion beckoned and I answered again returning to study. I completed post-graduate studies in teaching, specialising in Early Years Education.
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Founding Student Finds Her Feet continued Returning full circle, I returned to Somerset College as a relief teacher, prior to starting in Pre-Prep for the Foundation year in 2013. My children and my niece now also attend Somerset. Reminiscing on my formative years as a student at the College, I can appreciate and value the sense of community and the pride in Somerset. These attributes have remained throughout the history of the College’s growth. I was fortunate to have amazingly inspiring role models guiding me early on in my teaching career. The mentorship from both
Anne Copperwaite and Virginia Lamb continues to influence the way I teach in Pre-Prep. My days in Pre-Prep, (the happiest part of Somerset) are surrounded by future leaders of the College and our community. It is certainly an honour to be entrusted with supporting the development of these inquiring little minds. Margaret Kiddle Director of Pre-Prep
Alumni Update Liam Rawson – Class of 2013 What are some of your fondest memories of your time at Somerset? My fondest memories from Somerset are all the small moments that seem insignificant at the time. Things like racing to the Bird and Bush to buy a bacon and egg wrap after rowing training on a winter morning, catching the bus to and from sports on Fridays, even just relaxing in the senior common room. The Somerset community is so welcoming and I always felt at home in those moments. How did Somerset shape your career path? I am currently studying in my final year of a Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in the mechanical and aerospace fields. Beyond inspiring my passion for STEM, Somerset developed my critical thinking skills and shaped my worldview through the lens of community service and global mindedness. Despite the clichÊ, one of my greatest aspirations is to be a global citizen. Because
of this mindset I have sought every opportunity to travel and have been lucky enough to visit both Southeast Asia and Nepal several times. Last year I was able to merge this interest with my study through an Engineers Without Borders Humanitarian Design Summit in Nepal, completing workshops on humanitarian engineering and a community project in a remote homestay. I will be forever grateful to Somerset for fostering the values which led me to pursue such valuable experiences.
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Alumni Update continued How do you spend a working day?
Who are the people who inspire you?
I spend my days on campus at university going to classes or working on my thesis project, which is making a design change to the T4 Shock Tunnel at UQ. At the moment, this means running some physically demanding experiments on material failure in the hypersonics laboratory. This is very hands on which is a lot of fun, as well as being fascinating research tying directly into the aerospace field. It’s always particularly exciting on days when the tunnels are firing, as the shots are so loud that people on the next floor can hear them.
I’m inspired by my parents and stepmum, because they have all shown me just how much you can achieve with perseverance and they make sure that I keep things in perspective. I’m also inspired by the musician David Leaupepe and the emotional power and honesty of his art. The late astronomer Carl Sagan also inspired me and his poetic approach to science was a key factor in my choice to pursue a career in the aerospace industry.
On days when I am off campus I intern at a mechanical engineering consultancy, where I work on varied projects such as designing medical equipment, designing mechanical components and analysing motor vehicle accidents and industrial equipment failures. These projects are always interesting and come from all over the world, and the method of approaching them can be anything from hours of research to improvised experiments to group brainstorming sessions in front of a whiteboard. I particularly enjoy trying to reverse engineer a component or work out what it is and what it’s made of, as there’s a very forensic and evidence-based approach to this sort of problem solving. Among all of this I also find time to work part time at Brisbane Airport, and occasionally at a local Thai Restaurant in my neighbourhood in the inner west of Brisbane.
What life lessons guide you? One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems at first, so always give yourself a cup of tea and a good night’s sleep to process things. Another lesson I have learned is the value of really listening to people, everybody has something to teach you and everybody has an interesting story. What are some of your most defining moments in life, so far? I am incredibly proud of the fundraising cycling trip I organised and completed in high school to raise money for researching Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a degenerative brain disease that my late grandfather suffered from. My experiences overseas have also included some defining moments when I came across and had to handle seemingly big problems while totally alone in countries where English isn’t the native language; from falling ill while trekking in the Himalaya to running my motorbike out of petrol in rural Vietnam. What advice would you offer current students? School is filled with so many opportunities, so get as involved as you can in academics, music, sport, drama or anywhere else that your interests lie, and take the time to enjoy it!
Girls State T20 Cup Challenge little. Ashleigh Childs seems to be a born wicket-keeper, and I suggest that she starts taking glucosamine now if my knees are any indication. Alex Grgic could not be dismissed in an innings in which our batters struggled against some St Stephens’ bowlers who did have some experience in Cricket. Despite the best efforts of our girls, we could not overcome our opponents. Important to mention, our girls had zero cricketing experience going in and just four training sessions under their belts. Aside from watching with humour as they tried putting on unfamiliar equipment, I have to marvel at the progress they have made in this short time. They made me proud.
A new era in Spartan Sport, girls Cricket was born at Somerset this semester. The State T20 Cup Challenge is a state-wide knockout competition and following my aggressively enthusiastic recruitment style, the College formed its first girls Cricket side. To clarify, Somerset has had girls Cricket in the past but it was a condescendingly watered down affair, played with soft balls and giggles. The gender assumptions behind this travesty, has long rankled those who think girls in sport are somehow delicate flowers needing protection, have never seen Katrina Howard take a cricket ball in the throat and still have the presence of mind to still take the catch. The 11 girls in the squad were a pleasure to coach. They were unflaggingly energetic and enthusiastic. They turned up for non‑compulsory training and were prepared to work on their game. They were happy to take suggestions and be coached by the hoary relic whose cricketing skill reached its acme in Gymea Bay B3s somewhere in the 90s. We hosted St Stephen’s College on Wyangan, where our beloved groundsman Pete did his best to prepare a pitch in the middle of Rugby season. Thanks must go to him and to Rodger for prioritising this job, as it gave the girls from both teams a thrill to play on turf and to see the Wyangan electronic scoreboard feature a girl’s Cricket team, for the first time. Thanks must also go to our Headmaster who gave up some time in his busy schedule to support the girls. I would expect no less, as all know how committed he is to see women’s sport take its rightful position. Our other two supporters must also be mentioned. Ms Green came down to watch an over or two (thanks to the high representation of Starkey girls perhaps) and Janine Ardill‑Walker, whose association with Somerset Cricket has not ended with her son Rory, who skippered the First XI in 2015. Performances from the girls were shared almost equally on the morning, with Emma McTaggart bagging two wickets, and with Holly Clements and Alex Halloran bowling well and giving away
I hope this is the first step in a long tradition of women’s Cricket at the College, and should my fantasy of becoming Australia’s oldest poet laureate come to fruition, being part of this journey will be something I will always treasure. Stephen Walther Co-ordinator – I.B. Diploma
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Starkey Makes House History As Starkey House Captains, we have failed to keep a long-lived Starkey tradition alive. What tradition you might ask? Let us explain… Somerset College was founded in 1983 and Starkey was named one of the four Houses (with the fifth House, Franklin, arriving on the scene a few years later). Since the College opened, there have been many sporting carnivals, including the annual Inter‑House Swimming Carnival but Starkey has never experienced the glory of winning the Swimming Carnival. Never. Not once. Nothing for 35 years. In fact, we had never even tasted the joy of coming second at the Swimming Carnival! But after 35 years of placing no higher than third, we finally broke tradition. 2018, the year Starkey won the Swimming Carnival, the year we broke a 35-year losing streak. So how did it happen? As House Captains, we knew breaking our drought would be our biggest challenge of the year but this gave us greater incentive to make Starkey victorious! Over many weeks we met with multiple groups within Starkey to discuss tactics, ideas we could implement and how to raise the spirit of the House during the Carnival. After much prep-work, we were strong as a House and, with some additional war cries under our belt, we were ready to take on the day.
Starkey Makes House History continued Before entering the pool deck, we had a House meeting and the atmosphere was electric. With our PC-decorated Sombreros providing that extra bit of shade, we, and the Carnival captains (Meghan Rooney and Cian Muenster) rallied the troops. After a few motivational speeches, and fostering our House motto of Unity is Strength, Cian hollered loud and clear that we were Juan House! Juan Team! Juan Starkey!!! (a play on the words that Starkey members will understand). Miss Green made sure we knew that be it second or first place, Starkey was going to make history today. And we, in turn, reminded Miss Green that if history was made, she had agreed to be pushed in the pool. Our Age Managers met with their groups and talked strategy, while we set-up our chants and team lists. Marshalling began and before we knew it, the races were on! Over the course of the Carnival we recorded some memorable moments: • New student to the College, Christian Pai (Year 7, S4) ran to the pool to fill an empty lane, with Miss Green stretching the Starkey cap over his head as he ran. He reached the block just in time for Mr Healy to say, “SET” and managed to jump in the pool in time for the race. • Pheonix Kyaw (Year 7, S3) gave incredible performances throughout the day. Most impressive was his willingness and enthusiasm to represent Starkey in the Open Division races as a Year 7 student against 17 and 18 year olds. • The “anonymous” female student whose tog strap broke as she stood up to the diving block. She quickly grabbed her strap and, ensuring her togs were being held together(!), she jumped in the pool and completed her race. • Marc Eksteen (Year 12, S10) showed amazing dedication to Starkey, by quickly running to the blocks when he realised Starkey had an empty lane. Diving in before he even knew what stroke it was, it wasn’t until he came up for air and looked to the swimmer in the next lane that he knew which stroke he was meant to be doing. • Jade and Meghan in the marshalling area all day. In near 40 degree heat. Their only break was when they got in the pool to swim a race, and then went straight back to marshalling to ensure no lanes were left empty. At the end of the Carnival, with the last race completed, Starkey waited in anticipation – nervous, uneasy anticipation. Had we done what we set out to do? We listened and cheered on Veivers and Andrews as they were announced as fifth and fourth place respectively. Starkey hadn’t been named yet and, with the announcement of third place, we would soon know if we had made history. Third place was announced …. and it wasn’t Starkey! We cheered loudly for Franklin, but also for ourselves, knowing we were placed in the top two Houses! Laver had won in 2017 and have a fantastic group of swimmers.
Were they going to take top place again this year? This was it, our moment of reckoning. Had we done enough to get there? To make history? With Mr Lunniss holding the reveal (much too long for our liking), it was finally announced that, yes, Starkey had won the Carnival! The entire House let out a cheer of joy, exhilaration, bafflement, shock, awe, pride…. the emotions were raw (there may have even been some tears) and the verdict was in. Starkey House had made history! After a day of shouting and cheering (not to mention the shock and adrenalin running through our veins), it came as no surprise that we had very little voice left for our speech (the first thing Aidan managed was a “squeak”)! We got there in the end, had a few photos taken and returned to our House. With the official Carnival finished, there was one thing that still had to happen… Miss Green had to go for a swim. So, on the count of three (and fully clothed!), Jade and I were pushed into the pool alongside Miss Green, followed soon after by other Starkey students and then Chief Keef (Mr Keefer) did a celebratory bomb-dive in to join us. It took 35 years, and a massive effort from everyone involved but we did it. Congratulations to all members of the historic 2018 Starkey Swim Team! Aidan McKeon and Jade Mansell 2018 Starkey House Captains
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Starkey Makes House History continued
Starkey Makes House History continued
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Students Drive Sustainability From the Senior Sustainable Spartans One driving focus has been to reduce plastic usage within the College and since 2017 we have made progress. Plastic cutlery has been replaced for bamboo alternatives in the Bird and Bush and we have sewn fabric bags (Bounce Bags) out of old College uniforms to replace single-use plastic bags. The initiative to eliminate plastic bags ties in with the Queensland Plastic Bag Ban implemented 1 July when retailers were banned from providing customers with single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags under 35 microns, including compostable, degradable and biodegradable plastic shopping bags. Along with our current successes, the Sustainable Spartans continue to discuss and develop new ideas for future change. Currently, we are undertaking a task to implement sustainability into Storyfest 2019. The committee is looking to propose Photo credit to Darcy Beynon, Year 8 Starkey
a sustainability policy for the festival, create guidelines and ideas for sponsors and other festival contributors regarding sustainability and come up with a waste management strategy. Although the Sustainable Spartans are split into three sectors, each group helps the other work towards the ultimate goal of a sustainable Somerset College. Recently all committees took part in organising and creating a whale art installation on the Towers Quad (pictured), using plastic bags. This was a Primary Years Programme (PYP) led initiative, and the committee was able to collect over 2,100 plastic bags to create the whale. The art installation successfully communicated our message, being the importance of recycling soft plastics and to celebrate the ban of single use plastic bags in July. Sustainable Spartans are always open to new ideas and suggestions from the community, and continually search for new members. Uni Kyeong, Year 12 Franklin, Valerie Fang, Year 12 Veivers and Meghan Rooney, Year 12 Starkey
Students Drive Sustainability continued From the Junior Sustainable Spartans The PYP Communication Team is working on effectively promoting our vision for sustainability to the College. We have brainstormed ideas for slogans and sent in various pictures, with the idea to create catchy signs such as, “If you’re out – lights are out”. Our intention is to bring as many people on board to also work toward a sustainable College. Another idea the Communication Team will be promoting in Term Three is Waste Free Wednesdays. Mia Richards, Year 5W In the PYP Recycling Depot Team we’ve been inquiring into the various day to day items that can be recycled, such as, paper, soft plastics, cardboard and ink cartridges. Each member of the Recycling Depot Team has been assigned an item to research and discover whether it is recyclable. We are working on installing numerous recycling bins in eating areas on College grounds, as well as working towards adding the largest recycling bin beneath the loading dock stairs next to the Bird and Bush. As a team, we’re aiming to recycle as many items as possible. Mason Richards, Year 5N
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
New Staff
Royce Smith Royce joins the College’s Design Department as the Senior Information Technology Teacher. Royce previously taught in private schools and has three children who all benefit from attending private education. He left a leadership role at Southport State High School to return to the classroom here at Somerset College. Royce has significant industry experience in Information Technology through his previous career as a Police Sergeant in the Queensland Police Service. Royce is passionate about providing today’s students with 21st century skills.
Eleanor Bamford Eleanor became part of the Somerset community in 2016, working alongside teachers in Year 5. She took on the position as a classroom teacher in Prep 2017 and continues to work in the Early Years at Somerset. A background in Drama allows Eleanor to assist in College productions throughout the year.
Mark Pitura
Luke Spanner Luke first came to the College two years ago as a Tennis coach and stepped up as the Acting Head Coach for a term in 2017 when former Head Coach, Jay Deacon was on long service leave. Also in the same year Luke coached in Las Vegas at a top Junior Tennis academy. This year Luke temporarily took over the Tennis department, following Jay’s departure. He can also be seen teaching Motor Skills with the Pre-Preps and Preps.
Mark joined the College in 2017 after previously working as a classroom teacher at Brisbane Boys College and St Peters Lutheran College. Previous to this, he lived and worked in the United Kingdom for nine years and most notably taught, as a PE teacher, at Thomas’s Fulham, one of inner London’s most prestigious Junior Schools. While living overseas, Mark completed his coaching qualifications in the sports of Rugby, Football (Soccer), Cricket and AFL. He had the privilege of playing AFL at the highest level with Richmond, Essendon and Collingwood. Outside of his important role at Somerset, Mark is currently assisting and aspiring young players to a possible career as an AFL player at the Gold Coast Suns AFL Academy and in the past, has enjoyed coaching the Great Britain Bulldogs AFL team as well as working with the Brisbane Lions AFL Academy. At home, life is busy, where he and his wife Samantha are blessed and honoured to be raising three young children aged three, five and seven.
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Staff Update Congratulations to our Junior School Specialist Music Teacher Melissa Black who married Chris Henderson on June 30!
A Celebration of Indian High Art and Culture
High art speaks directly to the soul. It transcends language and national barriers – to communicate, to energise and to generate beauty and emotions. Artists who perform at such a high calibre are rare and even more so, are artists who can teach and convey artistry of a high level through their students. Guru Mrs. Chamundeswari Pani, the titled Bharathanatyam teacher who visited Somerset College thrice over the past six years, is one such lady. Bharathanatyam is one of the classical dance art forms of India with roots going back more than 2,000 years. Training in the art begins at a very young age. The debut stage performance with a full repertoire of seven dances is called an Arangetram, which literally means ‘entry to the stage.’ The young dancer should convey the full aesthetics of the art form with this performance. Anna Tashwina Thomas (Year 6 Veivers) was fortunate to have the stars align for her to achieve this milestone. She was able to learn this art form with the help of her older sisters, Mrs Manga Surendran, her teacher in Brisbane, and her Guru, Kalaimamani Mrs Chamundeswari Pani, who choreographed and provided guidance and supervision of her training from the United Kingdom. Anna flew to the U.K. to spend time with Mrs Pani in December and January. Direct lessons continued in Chennai, India. Mrs Pani spent another four weeks with her in Australia to further polish her repertoire. The Arangetram requires live orchestral accompaniment on stage. Anna was again fortunate to have renowned professional musicians agree to fly in from India for her performance.
Anna completed her Arangetram on Saturday 21 April 2018, at Somerset College. The event was attended by her teachers, College friends and friends of the family. Many people in the audience said the afternoon was filled with magic; some said they had goose bumps through the performance and some had tears in their eyes when they met Mrs Pani and Anna after the performance. Somerset College is proud to have showcased this event. Though the event was a display of rich Indian heritage, it also reflects an Australian perspective, we come from different parts of the world often with different perspectives; it is important to live and share such experiences and work together to make this nation great. Bharathanatya Arangetram of Anna Tashwina Thomas
Somerset Lifetimes Fifty First Edition – Semester One 2018
Athletes Endorse World Class Facilities In the weeks leading up to the Opening Ceremony the Somerset College Sports Precinct was abuzz, with world class athletes in preparation for competition. There were gift exchanges, media interviews, and open training sessions, giving the Somerset Community an opportunity to embrace the Commonwealth Games.
“You’re now part of the Somerset Community and we welcome you to our College. We wish you the best of luck no matter what country you’re from.” Year 6 student Leo Kelly-Correa summed it up perfectly when he stood tall and officially welcomed visiting Commonwealth Games Athletes from Athletics Canada, Northern Ireland, Fiji, and Swimming Canada. Students took the chance to meet with and view training sessions, as the athletes fine-tuned their preparations. Down at the Hammer Cage, two time Commonwealth Games Champion Sultana Frizell from Canada could be seen christening the new Hammer Cage Facility. Frizell, whose personality is as big as her throws could be seen interacting with a group of Junior School students who had gathered around to watch her in action. At our new Pole Vault facility, Canada’s Alysha Newman put the final touches together of what would later become a gold medal performance. One of the lasting legacies for the College is that we will soon have our own Pole Vault programme for students. Over at the pool Taylor Ruck stole the limelight before going on to secure eight medals and tie the record for most medals won in a single Games. And just when you thought you had seen it all, in walked Games Chairman Peter Beattie, former Olympian Stephanie Rice, along with Borobi to promote the Commonwealth Games at the pool. During their time here the athletes demonstrated the necessary traits which had made them Commonwealth and Olympic Champions. They were professional in their interaction with others, displayed discipline in their training, and exhibited great work ethic to complete their programme load. It is some of these traits that we hope our students also witnessed, will learn from and can portray through their own experiences. Damian Flint Sports Facilities Manager
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