A story of Resilience
Lessons from Lord Somers Camp
It’s no secret amongst our staff, primary school students and several parents, that my passion for Rugby League runs deep, particularly when it comes to the State of Origin series. The game’s intensity, the bravery, determination, mateship, and selflessness displayed by the players are what I admire most. They battle not just for personal glory but for the honour of their team and state, whether it’s New South Wales or Queensland, often under harsh weather conditions and challenging circumstances.
For around 85 years, Lord Somers Camp located on the Mornington Peninsula’s adjacent to our Somers Beach has been a beacon of inspiration, teaching young individuals to triumph over adversity, collaborate, think critically, and cultivate integrity and tenacity. During our recent Grade 4 camp, I stumbled upon a framed Rugby Jersey adorned with noteworthy autographs. Tucked away in a small chamber filled with historical keepsakes—a space where our pupils were mastering the art of dough and pizza making—the signature of Stan Bisset caught my eye.
Stan and his brother “Butch” Bisset honed their rugby skills at Lord Somers Camp back in the late 1930s, without the luxury of modern gyms or nutritional supplements. Their regimen was one of rigorous training and manual labour, rising with the dawn to seize every chance. The Bisset siblings stood out, becoming the first Victorians selected to join the New South Wales team and represent Australia in an international match against England—a monumental feat for the 1930s and a source of immense pride for the Bisset family and all Victorians, who were often considered underdogs compared to their New South Wales counterparts. Yet, a twist of fate awaited them. Upon their arrival in England, at precisely 1:15 am on Sunday, September 3, 1939, everyone aboard the ship and throughout England was riveted to their radios. They listened as Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced from 10 Downing Street that England and its Commonwealth were now at war with Germany.
The Bisset brothers’ dreams of playing rugby on English soil were dashed. They never donned their jerseys for an international match against England. Instead, they channelled their disappointment into valour, becoming renowned Australian heroes on the Kokoda Track later in 1942. Their leadership galvanized the beleaguered 39th militia with a spirit of courage and relentless perseverance, embodying virtues like courage, endurance, fellowship, and sacrifice.
The journey of resilience and overcoming hurdles is an ongoing lesson in life. The Bible speaks to this in Deuteronomy 11:19, advising us to instil values and life skills in our children. It reads:
“You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk, and when you lie down, and when you rise. discussing them at home, on the road, at rest, and upon waking.”
I am filled with immense pride for our Grade 4 students who embraced the opportunities presented by the wonderful staff at Lord Somers camp. They faced and conquered challenges, ventured beyond their comfort zones, endured the trials of camp life and sleepless nights, and coped with the disappointment of not always being first. They learned to offer genuine encouragement even when things didn’t go their way. Their rewards were not tangible or monetary but intrinsic, taking pride in their efforts and their team. They learned the value of an indomitable spirit, regardless of the odds or the outcome.
I believe the Bisset brothers would willingly share in my pride for our Grade 4 students’ achievements.
Julian Van Tienen
Head of the Primary School
