No. 7, Term Two, 2019

The reason why I have chosen this goal, is based off my current understanding of the consequences of modern societies’ effect on the environment, and my own initiative towards wanting to decline these detrimental effects. Being a Somerset Sustainable Spartan, I have always wanted to benefit our planet, and reduce the detrimental effects of globalisation. Through research, I have discovered that the global fashion industry contributes substantially towards the waste in our landfills. Specifically, I discovered that 20 per cent of the total fabric consumed by the fashion industry, becomes textile waste. The majority, if not all of this percentage, comes from the fabric-off scraps that are left on the floor and thrown out during garment cutting. These small pieces of material still have the potential for reuse, however, are discarded for their size and shape. By using the estimation that 20 per cent of all textile waste is off-scraps, it is estimated that the fabric fills 80 million cubic square metres of landfill space in one year.

Discovering that an astonishing amount of quality, but small and irregular pieces of fabric are constantly being sent to landfill, inspired me to find a way to utilise the potential of this wasted resource. Through this, I initially planned to create a clothing line, likewise to companies such as Zero Waste Daniel, however experienced much difficulty. I then inevitably decided to create teddy bears, making and stuffing them with fabric off-scraps. Because of my previous experiences in hospital and receiving the comfort of a stuffed toy, I then then planned to donate the bears to a paediatric ward to the Gold Coast public hospitals. When I was seven, I broke my elbow and had to stay in hospital overnight. Being young, I was afraid and confused about what was going on around me. However, that night I received a teddy bear from one of the nurses. I can clearly remember that teddy bear being of great comfort to me, hugging it tightly like my life depended on it. Because of the great emotional impact I have previously felt in the past, I understand the true benefit of toys, and thus, have always wanted to make other children in hospital feel comfort too in a scary and unknown environment. Therefore, I hope that my actions can give children and their families to comfort, to brighten their experiences in hospital.

To achieve my goal, I had to complete many tasks. Firstly, late last year, I contacted local clothing manufacturers on the Gold Coast and Brisbane and asked whether if it was possible if I could have some of their fabric-off scraps from clothing production, that would have been instead been sent to landfill. I was able to maintain contact with CCC manufacturing and OCC apparel over email and was lucky enough to receive fabric scraps from both companies. Now that I had the materials, I needed to learn how use a sewing machine. After purchasing a sewing machine, I received an introductory lesson from my mum’s friend who was able to teach me effectively the basic function and tips behind using a sewing machine. At this time, my initial goal was to produce a clothing line, however once it changed, I knew that I had to contact a hospital/charity that would enable me to visit their paediatric centre to donate my bears.

After research, I found the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, who happily accepted my offer over email and call. On April 18, I then visited the Gold Coast University Hospital and was extremely moved by what I experienced. Through my contact with the Foundation, I met Tegan, the Fundraising Co-ordinator. She was very welcoming and asked me to appear on their media (as we had previously discussed on the phone). We then took photos of the 15 teddy bears with the nurses in the children’s ward, and filmed a video explaining my Project. Afterwards, we went around the ward and visited four kids and their families to donate the bears. While visiting, I met wonderful families who opened up to me about their struggles and worries, constantly having their young child in and out of hospital and how they felt grateful for my kindness. This really opened my eyes and heart as I had never in my life come across young kids in such scary situations.

I was grateful myself to just be there and have the opportunity to meet such strong kids and to give them a little bit of happiness over Easter. As expected, there wasn’t a lot of kids in the hospital as most of them were well enough to go home for Easter. Therefore, I was aware that those in the hospital had experienced the most hardship, even though they were only three to 11 years old. Through completing the 'project’ aspect of my Personal Project, I am very happy and satisfied with how it has enlightened me and improved my skill-set, while also having a positive benefit on others and the environment. This is truly an experience that I will treasure and remember for the rest of my life.

In groups of eight to 12, parents have visited a variety of classrooms spanning year levels from Prep to Year 5.

Observations of explicit teaching, small group teaching and students working independently over many different curriculum areas have given parents an insight into some of the strategies teachers use to engage the learner. They have experienced how students work with visible thinking strategies, questioning in guided reading sessions, co-constructing success criteria with students, explicit teaching of sounds and handwriting, students working independently to research and construct timelines and how teachers make students aware of the diversity of prior knowledge they bring to a learning experience.

Students, on the other hand, have barely blinked an eyelid as the parents wandered into the classroom looking at the visual displays, making notes and writing down questions for the debrief session that follows the walks.

Debrief sessions follow all learning walks and allow the leaning community to ask questions and seek clarification of what they have observed or heard. Overwhelmingly reflections have articulated comments about impressive learning environments, engaged children, the level of adult support, (especially in the Years 1 and 2 classrooms) and the ability of older students to self-manage themselves in the classroom environment.

Opening our classrooms and giving our learning community an insight into their children’s learning experiences through learning walks helps build connections with our Somerset families. Learning walks will return in Term Three. Please look out for a notice on Schoolbox.

From the Prep rooms, more than $120.90 was raised for the Cancer Council.

The young students enjoyed a special Hundreds and Thousands biscuit together that also connected with one of the beginning sounds of the week “H”.

Our first semester exams have been and gone; however, the action is set only to continue with Term Three assessment getting underway, and our Senior Ball a mere week away. There’s something cathartic about replacing crucial academic stress with inconsequential formal anxiety… Some would call it obsessive procrastination or denial, I’m calling it therapeutic!

Once the Senior Ball comes and goes in the blink of an eyelash extension, the triple threats among us will take to the stage for the Senior Musical, our yearly opportunity to marvel at our peers’ superior abilities, while they marvel at how much more free time we have than they do. It’s a win/lose situation. And then, finally, we will be met with three glorious weeks of “Getting Ahead On Our Academic Studies”, and maybe a day or two of sleep for variety. I’m only half joking. Legend tells us that the wrath of Term Three spoken of only in whispers will come down on us harder than a Texan Republican. However, with the unwavering support and endless Freddo Frogs provided by Mrs Cornell and Signor Ham, I have faith that the Class of 2019 will make it out the other side relatively unscathed. In all seriousness, we are completely indebted to them both, as well as the rest of the incredible Somerset staff who keep us positive and mostly sane when we are struck with particularly extreme bouts of Senioritis (the World Health Organisation categorises this condition as a highly contagious virus - stay safe out there).

Year 12 is a wild year, but there are so many things to feel pretty darn great about nonetheless. If you’re a fellow Senior reading this, go and a) lie outside on the grass, b) listen to your favourite song while taking some DEEP breaths, or c) watch an episode of your favourite show. If you’re a parent of a Senior reading this, I’m really sorry. I know we’re moody all the time. It’ll be over soon. If you’re a parent of a future Senior, get excited because the best and the worst is yet to come.

Here’s to a wild and wonderful Semester Two!

Can you help? Homelessness is a growing problem in our city. I had the pleasure of attending three charitable organisations supporting the homeless recently. One particular organisation is called Havafeed. “The challenge is needing to look after so many people’s health and nutrition as many of our patrons suffer from chronic health problems, like diabetes, as well as intolerances and obesity.”

A long-standing Service initiative at Somerset has been Meals that Make a Difference. This is where generous College families cook hearty and nutritious meals using supplied recipes and trays. Once prepared, these meals are dropped off at the Ray Building and stored in our freezer until they are collected at the end of the week from organisations like Havafeed.

With the ever increasing demand, we are putting the call out to our families. If you are in a position to help, please ask your son or daughter to collect a tray (with recipe) from Miss Melinda Green in the Student Services Hub or from main reception. Trays (with recipes) are also available for collection from Junior School Reception.

Senior School students will soon have the opportunity to participate in our first Homelessness Sleepout next term. Students will sleep ‘rough’ (on their cardboard in the Quad/Gym with a sleeping bag) but prior to doing so meet and serve the people experiencing homelessness at safe community centres supervised by Somerset staff. Numbers will be limited to 20 students and positions will fill quickly at sign-up in Week 9.