Somerset lifetimes 2019 Semester 1

Staff NEW

Janie-Marie Burgess Co-ordinator – Debating Janie-Marie completed secondary school on the Gold Coast, where her team was named three-times Gold Coast Debating Champions and National Rotary Model United Nations winners, amongst other titles. So appreciating the enrichment that these opportunities provided, Janie has dedicated her adult life to facilitating debating, public speaking, model UN, and leadership programmes in South‑East Queensland by serving as UN Youth Queensland President, Gold Coast Debating Vice-President and Chief Judge, and debating coach and co-ordinator at numerous Gold Coast schools. Janie hopes to strengthen the culture for these opportunities at Somerset College by bringing them under one umbrella for the first time, facilitating rigorous and specialised coaching, and ensuring promotion of students’ successful participation throughout the College.

Maarten de Kruijf Co-ordinator – Football Maarten grew up in Holland, playing football from Under 7 to seniors at one of the local clubs in his hometown Utrecht. While Maarten was playing football, he finished his studies at the ROC from Amsterdam as Sports and Movement Co-ordinator. After studies Maarten explored the world. An eight‑year journey took him to South America, Central America, North America, Asia, Africa and back to Europe. In these countries Maarten worked as a social worker and football coach. During this time Maarten was also coaching, teaching and building sport programmes. After years of social work in Sport and Development, Maarten stepped up to work in elite and excellence programmes in China and Australia. In 2018 Maarten coached the Football Queensland U13 State Team at the National Championship. Football has the power to change lives anywhere in the world. It doesn’t matter where you live or where you play the game, in any continent Football is helping and inspiring people. Somerset has the facilities, staff and students for a very successful football programme. I have taken on this challenge at Somerset College to build the Somerset Football Programme to the next level.

New Staff

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