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Somerset Committees

The International Committee
The aim of the International Committee is to enable pupils at Somerset College to be aware of International issues and to recognize the multiculturalism at our school. The committee has achieved this by organizing events such as Harmony Day Chapel. Through this event, we recognize the 53 different nationalities at Somerset College and give pupils the opportunity to hold up their country’s flags with pride. Orange ribbons are sold throughout the school to symbolize the harmony we have between different nationalities and cultures.

Other events we have planned include a silent auction, which will see the money raised going to an underprivileged school in Africa and a Wish for Peace Day chapel, which will allow us to take time to appreciate the peace we have in Australia.

The Wordsmiths Committee
One of the many highlights of joining the Wordsmiths Committee is the annual Wordsmiths retreat. So what is the Wordsmiths Committee and where do they retreat to? The Wordsmiths comprises of a group of pupils who enjoy creative writing, reading a variety of literature, performing poetry and song and generally improving their writing skills across all genres. A relaxing environment, under the guidance of Mr Brohier, pupils hone their writing skills through experimental writing sessions which are held on a regular basis.

Every May pupils rug up and head up a mountain for a weekend retreat to share writing ideas and utilise the inspirational setting of Mount Tambourine. A variety of workshop sessions are held, mixed in with some meditation and the odd soccer game. Pupils write enthusiastically for most of the weekend and present their original material on the final afternoon.

In addition to the Wordsmiths regular meetings, committee members are given the privilege of hosting one of the many talented authors who attends the Somerset Celebration of Literature. Members introduce the author at the beginning of each session at the Literature Festival and see to it that they are well looked after.

Community Service Committee
Our committee provides awareness of International, national and local issues, whilst providing support for chosen charities through promotions, donations and appeals. One of our biggest events for the year is our involvement in the 40 Hour famine which is widely supported by the Somerset community.

Technical Services Crew
The Technical Services Crew provides invaluable assistance to the many functions, musicals and events held at Somerset College. Pupils in the Crew work seamlessly together to ensure that events such as The Celebration of Literature, weekly Chapels, Scholars’ Day, House Plays and Purple Faces, to name but a handful, are provided with quality sound and lighting.

Rugby Committee
Somerset College enthusiastically supports rugby and we have recently introduced a Rugby Committee with the aim to improve the College’s already high standard of facilities. Future goals include raising funds for a score board and other equipment which will better the standard of rugby facilities and performance at Somerset College in the future.

Sports Development Committee
2007 has seen the inception of the Sports Development Committee, which aims to develop the sporting aspect of Somerset College. The focus is currently on use of the Ray Building, in particular the climbing wall. The committee wishes to promote the benefits of fitness within the school by organising events which fully utilise our state-of-the-art equipment such as the gymnasium.

The Environmental Committee
The Environmental Committee provides an increased level of environmental awareness throughout the junior and senior school, via a wide range of initiatives and activities. The committee encourages pupils to involve themselves in events such as Save the Koala Day, Tree Planting Day, Clean up Wyangan Day and gardening in the College’s grounds.

Science Committee
The Science Committee promotes all things Science! In 2007 during Somerset College’s Science Week, members of the committee organized experiments in the Quad, with the theme being “Pigs May Fly”. Members also involved themselves in the judging of Somerset Science Competitions and have advertised and encouraged the participation in many other Science-related activities.

Inkspot Committee
Inkspot is Somerset College’s very own zine, published on a quarterly basis for the enjoyment of Somerset College pupils. This light-hearted and popular publication keeps everyone up-to-date with facts, trivia, quizzes and news-worthy items. Members of Inkspot get a taste of what is involved in researching and writing articles, editing them, collating and distributing to the student body on the last day of each term.

Engineering Committee
Over the past few years the Engineering Committee has worked continuously and tirelessly on designing and constructing a Lotus 7 replica, from scratch. The whole process began over five years ago with the initial planning and designing of the space frame. Once the design and materials were chosen, the main box section frame was constructed. Over the years, more components have been added to the frame, such as the boot section, floor and seat belt brackets.

The car is near completion due to the hard work and dedication of the smallest committee in the school.

Cultural Committee
To foster an appreciation of art and culture within the community of Somerset College is the main aim of the Cultural Committee. Pupils meet irregularly throughout the year to attend events which expose them to a wide variety of cultural mediums in order to broaden their knowledge of the arts and meet like-minded people.

House Committees
As well as assisting Heads of House with the organization and management of sporting carnivals, the main purpose for each of the House committees is to increase House spirit throughout the year. Members of each House Committee organize decorations and snacks for their House participants at each of the major events. Each House strives to be competitive and are encouraged to add to the atmosphere through colourful dress and the chanting of House war cries. In addition to sports carnivals the members assist in the running of events that are unique to each individual House. Purple Faces is a fundraising event held by Franklin House which provides pupils from any House to showcase their talent in a night of singing, dancing and stand up comedy. Andrews House has big plans to raise money in 2007 to assist a local charity, by holding a side-show carnival.

Seniors Committee
The Senior Committee meets every second Tuesday with the representatives of the __ sub-committees: Fundraising Committee, Senior Magazine Committee, Senior Ball Committee, Senior Photography Committee and Senior Jersey Committee. Every year the committee is in charge of organising the aesthetics of the Senior Ball, including menus, invitations, guest lists and venue decorations. The committee is also responsible for designing and organising the senior jersey and collating information and pictures for the Senior Magazine and power point presentations at the Ball and Valedictory dinner. Furthermore, the fundraising committee works tirelessly throughout the year to raise money through events, such as Movie nights, pizza lunches and barbeques to put towards the senior gift which is decided on by the current Seniors. Primarily, the Committee is responsible for voicing any concerns or suggestions on behalf of the grade 12 body and ensuring the grade twelve’s final year at Somerset is as exciting and enjoyable as possible!