In fact, the live stream reached over 1400 viewers living in 40 different countries!
To kick the day off, our students in Years 3 - 6 visited our friends in the ELP to share their favourite books with one another. It was delightful to see our older students interacting with the youngest members of our school community by sharing their love and appreciation of literature.
Thank you once again to our parents and friends for your involvement in co-ordinating your child’s costumes and continuing to support their literacy journey by reading with them regularly.
With the help of volunteers from the STEM Ambassadors (Lauren Chan, Kaye Amores, Kate Jordan, Emelia Fink, Steven Xu and Amaani Bhasin) and the Year 12s (Desmond Chuah, Jacinta Mai, and Abhinay Panda), the Year 3s enjoyed a 40-minute hands-on experience where they Predicted, Observed and Explained the amazing science experiments they have explored.
They investigated the science behind chromatography just by using a paper towel and water with food dye. The second station was to explore chemical reaction between the bicarb and vinegar and collecting the gas produced using a balloon. The Year 3 students predicted the size of the balloon, and then observed as it grew bigger and bigger! The third station was to identify the pH of some household products like shampoo- we used a universal indicator, and the colour change was compared to the pH colour chart. Some of the results surprised everyone.
The fourth station was to investigate how far a soda can could travel using a charged ebonite rod. Predictions were made but to their surprise, the can kept rolling right off the table! Mr Moy ended up performing the test on the floor! Yes, it went over three meters!
All three classes managed to experience these experiments by morning tea but they were so excited to come back for the Science Show at 11.00am.
As student volunteer, it was a day to remember; being able to inspire the Year 3 students who went away with excitement, curiosity and gratitude was indeed something uplifting. We too, are grateful for the opportunity.
They were in awe at the many transformations that the dry ice can do, they screamed at the hydrogen rocket and rushed to the front for a chance to catch the dry ice droplets.
When we had our time for questions and answers, it was also amazing to witness their curious minds ask in-depth questions about the experiments and not just those wanting to try the elephant’s toothpaste! We were so pleased to witness their engaged reactions and truly hope that the show opened their young minds to pursuing science in the Senior School.
Because of this opportunity, we the Chem IB volunteers (Leigh Amores, Chloe Ming, Xenia Dariush-Far, Brigid Mullins, Jarvis Dover, Andre Vasquez, Maito Yamaguchi, Miku Adachi, Hannah Kennedy, Kushi Tumkur), thank the Science Department for the effort and support and the Year 3 teachers who initiated this plan and also graciously gifted us with heart-warming hand-written cards and chocolate.
We also hope to use this experience to prepare an even greater show for the National Science Week in Week 6 and even for next year!
This year has been novel, stressful and challenging in many respects. Thankfully in choosing Somerset College, we have all been able to rest assured that our students have received the best possible experience over that time. This is due in no small part to the innovative, agile and wise pivoting of our Junior School leadership team.
Thank you Mr Bassingthwaighte and Ms Collie. We see you, we appreciate you and we thank you.
Last week our Open Boys beat All Saints in a thrilling contest. The Open Boys team are showing signs of improved leadership, maturity, and a willingness to sacrifice and play their roles in order to get the job done as a unit. Defence and rebounding was critical but shooting the lights out helps too!
Wilson Partridge, Dom Bensley and teammates combined for 11 three pointers, and the defensive flare of Tal Mougrabi and Lucas McKean was second to none. Big Nick Spegel rebounded and defended the rim in style, while Felix Jackson, Tyler Longfield, Matt Leal and Angus Fitzgerald all player their roles to perfection.
The Open Boys will continue to prepare for the State Champs Tournament when they take on All Saints again next week at ASAS.
The Open Girls also had a great victory last week. They matched up with some quality opposition in Varsity College, who Somerset has never beaten before.
The girls played what can only be described as an inspirational team game. They started hot out the gate and played some fiery defence from start to finish, diving on loose balls and putting their bodies on the line for one another. Captain Steph Kay lead the way with her defensive intensity and competitive drive; she was everywhere. Our fearless point guard Katie O'Loughlin controlled the pace with class. Courtney Stoten and Claudia Crimmins were accurate all night making shots and hustling in defence. Libby Burrows blocked every shot in sight, Alice Jones was tough as nails, Riley Davenport was locking down on defence, and Ruby Partridge showed she has what it takes to compete with the best.
The Open Girls have proved what they are capable of, and have a renewed belief in themselves heading into the State Champs Tournament next month.
In the Premier Division Somerset 1 which comprised Byron Morris (6/7 board 1 prize), Kenny Ming (7/7 board 2 prize), Eason Wang (7/7 board 3 prize) and Jason Li (6/7), scored a massive 26/28 to comfortably win the day. Somerset 2 (Jack Luke-Paredi, Charlie Liu, Kona Baldock and Lyanna Chan) scored an impressive 21/28 to claim 2nd place, with Lyanna scoring 7/7 to claim the board prize.
These two teams will now represent the school and region at the Interschool State Finals in October up in Brisbane.
In the Open Division, Somerset 3 (Jennifer Yeung, Melody Yang, Aadi Rai, Aaron Lim) claimed third position in the teams section, whilst Nina Varcoe claimed third place individual with 5.5/7.
Recently a number of Somerset students have also played in the Cookies Rapid events over the last couple of weeks. Eason Wang, Alessandro Martinese, Elijah Hadikusumo, Oscar Credland-Ballantyne, Harrison Qu and Dylan Hu. In the July event, Alessandro picked up third in Rating Group B and gained 11 rating points. Elijah picked up 13 points in July and another 12 in August, and Harrison gained 11 points in the August event.
Well done to all the players who took part in the Inter-school event and we hope to see the primary event going ahead in the near future!
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