‘Oliver!’

After months of preparations and rehearsals, the much anticipated season of ‘Oliver’, our major musical production for our 125^th anniversary year, opened last night in a special final dress rehearsal for our boarders and it is clear that it ‘wowed’ its first audience. This whole of Middle and Senior School production is the biggest staged at TAS for many years and it has brought together scores of actors, musicians, technical and stage crew and set builders from right across the School, making it a real community event. The success of last night is a tribute to producer and director Andrew O’Connell who has led a very big team to the opening night and I am sure that it was a great relief to see the show finally on stage. As Andrew reports in TAS Talks this week, it is still possible to purchase tickets at trybooking.com/BAMXV and I encourage you to make sure you don’t miss the opportunity.

Sporting Matters

After the impressive performances of our girls at the NSW Schoolgirl Head of the River last weekend, our three boys’ crews will head to Sydney this weekend to compete in the First, Second and Third IVs at the GPS Head of the River. Competing in front of thousands of spectators in prestigious historic events such as these will be a memorable experience and I wish each of our crews every success in their efforts.

In the same vein I offer the best of luck to our First XI who take on The King’s School First XI today in Sydney. Playing the GPS premiers is both a privilege and a challenge and I am sure all will be behind our team today.

Inverell ‘Toughen Up’

Congratulations to the more than 100 TAS students who took up the challenge of the annual Inverell ‘Toughen Up’ last weekend. This iconic event seems to have captured the imagination of TAS students and the fact that so many would choose to spend their weekend sweating and panting and covered in mud while they flipped tractor tyres, climbed cargo nets, crawled through mud pits, carried sand bags, all for the fun of it, is impressive. Our Coordinator of Challenge and Service, Jim Pennington, has reported on the event in this edition of TAS Talks with some outstanding photos and I recommend that to you.

Headmaster’s Country Tour

As I write our first touring team of Jo Neilson, David Drain, Tim Hughes, Pip Warrick and myself are heading to Inverell and then on to Glen Innes on the first stage of our annual visit to centres around the NSW North West to meet with prospective students for 2020 and to meet socially with our current families and former students. This chance to meet away from the School and school events is special and I am particularly grateful to Gundy Rhoades and Kelly and Chris Hoppe who will host us this week in Inverell and Glen Innes.

Responsible Water Use at TAS

Last week, Armidale Regional Council announced they would be implementing level 1 water restrictions now that Malpas Dam levels have dropped to below 60 percent. These are the first water restrictions to be implemented for a number of decades and they reflect our collective awareness of the environmental impact this drought is having on our community. TAS is, of course, implementing these restrictions, and they are supported by recent initiatives at the School to make us more water efficient.

Over recent years we have progressively invested in an extensive underground irrigation system for the main campus, fed by water pumped from Croft Dam. This dam retains street and roof runoff water from the site and also upstream and was deepened several years ago to increase its capacity. When necessary, this supply is supplemented from our underground bore, located near the Cricket Oval. This irrigation system is not just for the main playing fields, but includes each of the more recently landscaped areas, such as Junior School, White and Abbott Houses, the Hoskins forecourt and around Girls Boarding. The installation of remotely-controlled underground piping networks (as recently also installed at Doody Park, fed from its dam) allows pumping to be done at night and in the early morning, without the danger of people running into above-ground piping. The roof water feed to the tank behind Hoskins now also includes all of the roof runoff from Girls Boarding. All of the toilets in Hoskins and Girls Boarding are supplied by water pumped from this tank.

Our main formal gardens, such as the Chapel garden, have a Heritage listing and, being traditional ‘English-style’ gardens, will need watering to keep them alive. This watering, however will conform to the water restrictions where the city’s water mains are the source and Adrian our gardener has kindly volunteered to significantly adjust his working hours to achieve this. In the Lawrance Quadrangle we have access to water in the old school cistern located beneath the Sandilands Studio, which is quite deep and makes a reasonable amount of water. We installed a pump for it a number of years ago, which allows us to water the main Quad gardens. Regardless of the source though, Chet Davies, our Works Manager, has adjusted pumping hours, restricting watering across the campus where possible and making sure it is not happening in the heat of the day.

Beyond these school operations, we are conscious of our responsibility to educate our students on responsible use of water as a habit for life. The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage has compiled a list of simple things you can do to use less water and I offer them as suggested good practice:

• Keep drinking water in the fridge to avoid running water down the sink.
• Take shorter showers and turn off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving.
• Use the washing machine and dishwasher only when full, using the economy cycle.
• Turn taps off firmly and replace washers as soon as they start leaking.
• Use the toilet half-flush.
• Detect and notify someone if you see a water leak.

Murray Guest

Famous Last Words #3

2 Samuel 23

Great leaders obviously get that reputation from things they have achieved in their lives. On one’s deathbed we see what they hope for when they are gone.

Washington, George (1732-1799) “It is well, I die hard, but I am not afraid to go.”

Villa, Francisco `Pancho’ (1878-1923) “Don’t let it end like this. Tell them I said something.”

Narvaez, Ramon Maria (1800-1868) “I do not have to forgive my enemies, I have had them all shot.”

The great King of Israel, King David, had unimpeded clarity as he approached death. He knew where his leadership had come from, he knew what made a successful leader, and it is a picture of great beauty, great beauty that he hopes can characterise Israel long after he has gone.

This is not always the word used when we describe leadership.

We can use words like self serving, power hungry, dominant, tyrannical – and that might be unfair for most of our leaders and in fact is the opposite of what we hope for, even what we vote for in our leaders.

Jim Collins, the Stanford University business analyst, and author of the book Good-to-Great, says, that the research has shown that one the two key characteristics of leaders that have moved businesses from good to great is humility.

What does the great King David say, as he departed this world?

Leadership can be like a clear and cloudless sunrise. It’s a picture of life and hope, this sort of morning fills us with optimism. It is refreshing and productive – it brings grass forth from the earth.  This sort of leadership brings growth in its people, productivity, purpose, a sense of real value.

Where does this sort of leadership spring from? It is not from the books on how to become a great leader, it is not from a highly developed sense of self. It springs from humility that acknowledges that God himself leads, he is the rock, and when we rest on him, when we lead with justice this is liberating for the people.

Interestingly, this is not how David always led. He had his moments, he acted in self serving ways that destroyed lives and undermined the nation. But none the less he could see, that only happens, when there is an absence of fearful respect of God.

When we can lead with an eye on God being our first witness and judge, we will lead with other’s interests at heart.

Whenever you take up leadership roles in at TAS, I hope you can lead in righteousness that comes from humility, that will make this good school greater than you found it.

Mr Richard Newton

Breakfast BBQ Saturday 30 March - Senior Athletics Carnival

For 2019 the Middle/Senior Athletics Carnival will be spread over two days – all day Wednesday 27 March and the morning of Saturday 30 March.

To feed hungry tummies the P&F will be hosting a breakfast Bacon & Egg Roll BBQ on Saturday 30 March  (the cake stall will not be operating on the Saturday).  The BBQ will be under the P&F tent behind the gym on Wakefield from 8.30am – 12 noon.  B&E rolls will be $5 and soft drinks and water will be available so that you don’t starve during the morning.  We will also have a coffee van to make sure you get your morning caffeine fix!

If you’d like to help please contact Rachael Nicoll on [email protected]

P&F Email Address

The P&F now has an email address – if you would like to contact us please use [email protected] – this will also be the main address we will send emails from in future.

TAS Rugby Carnival – We need your help!

The TAS Rugby Carnival is coming up at the start of the April holidays on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 April. This is the biggest event of the year for TAS and the P&F and showcases TAS far and wide – we have well over 1000 kids, coaches and managers to feed each day – plus their families, from as far as Perth, Dalby and Canberra … phew!!!

We need your help to make the weekend fabulous… you don’t have to have a child playing or be interested in rugby… but if we could have a few hours of your time it would be wonderful… If you can help or bake or both for this event it would be much appreciated.  The Rugby Carnival does clash with Tour de Rocks this year so we would love if you can help. Helpers and Community Service volunteers can sign up using the following link http://signup.com/go/UosTCih

More information will be sent out through TAS Talks, emails and Facebook in the next few weeks.  We will also be having planning meetings so if you would like to be a part of the core team please give me a call on 0418 980 662 or email [email protected] or come to our P&F meeting next week.

Mrs Rachael Nicoll
P&F President

Science and Engineering Challenge

On Wednesday 6 March, students from Year 10 attended the University of Newcastle Science and Engineering Challenge at the University of New England. Students encountered a series of unique challenges designed to stimulate their thinking on problems with an engineering focus: bridge building, distribution networks, power regulation, vehicle suspension, building support, biomechanics and communication.

TAS students did particularly well, and although narrowly beaten, placed second at the venue.  Our thanks to Armidale Central Rotary Club who provides financial support to the event.

My thanks to Dr Charlotte Mack for her organisation of the activity for our students.

Science Practical Assessment Tasks

Practical tasks are an essential component of learning in science. Weeks 7-10 of term 1 is a busy time as student practical skills are assessed. A practical assessment task is designed to allow students to demonstrate  experimental skills that are fundamental to the practice of science.

Applications Now Open – 2020 NYSF Year 12 Program

The National Youth Science Forum 2020 is for students in Year 11 with a passion for science. If you see yourself working in a science-related field and would like to know more about science related study and career paths then this could be an event for you.

Run in January each year, participants:

• visit science and technology related laboratories and facilities
• go on site tours
• listen to lectures
• take part in workshops
• go to social events
• participate in group activities that improve communication and presentation skills.

The standard fee to attend the program in 2020 is $3,150. Part of this cost may be covered by an endorsing Rotary Club. In addition, forty equity scholarships are available.

See: https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/

Mr Alasdair Hey
Science Coordinator

Kokoda

NSW Schoolgirl Head of the River

On Saturday the TAS Girls rowed a Coxed Four at NSW Schoolgirl Head of the River – the first time TAS has entered a crew in this event. The crew of Molly Dooner, Lily Neilson, Tayla Frahm and Kim Bange, coxed by Hattie Oates, achieved a 19 second PB, completing the 2000m course in a time of 8.16. Ramona Nedianu, competing in the Schoolgirl Single Scull over the same distance, achieved a 60 second PB, in a time of 10.26.

These improvements come on the back of months of hard work; developing both individually and as a crew. It is not only their development on the water but their ability to work together and respect each others differences – to recognise that each individual faces different challenges and every journey is unique – that marks their growth. The fact that they pulled together to finish the season on a high reflects their resilience and determination.

The AAGPS regatta will be held this Saturday 23 March at the Sydney International Regatta Centre with TAS crews competing in the First, Second and Third IVs.

Middle & Senior School Athletics Championships 2019

Program

Please find attached the schedule of events for the Athletics Carnival. All events are held on Wakefield except for the Cloisters Run which is held in the main quadrangle.

Overview:

Tuesday 19 – Thursday 21 March (lunchtimes) : High Jump qualifying and 800m

(Students should attend the qualifying event for high jump to be eligible to compete in the final.)

Monday 25 March: 3000m – 3:45pm.

Tuesday 26 March: Cloisters Run – 1:15pm.

Wednesday 27 March: Full Day 8.45am – 3:30pm

Saturday 30 March: Half Day 8:30am-12:30pm

Participation

The TAS Athletics Championships is a mass-participation ‘event’. All students are strongly encouraged to participate in all events on all days. Attendance is compulsory on 27 and 30 March. Participation in the 100m (where a roll will be taken) and two field events is the minimum expected on the main day.

Age groups are based on how old a student turns this year eg. a student turning 15 this year is in the 15yrs age group.

Team selections

These Championships will be used as a guide to select our athletics teams for the GPS, NCIS and PSSA carnivals.

Dress

Students are to wear their House polo shirt, or House athletics singlet, navy TAS shorts and running shoes/spikes to all events. If socks are worn they must be white. If tracksuits are needed they must be TAS tracksuits. When not competing students should wear a TAS cap.

BBQ lunch

On 30 March lunch will be provided for all students (including day students) and their parents from 12:00pm at Wakefield.

Results

Results will be published outside the weights room after each event. Students are encouraged to check results and notify the recording room if there are any errors.

Wet Weather Plan

In the case of continuous rain leading into the carnival or extreme conditions on the day, events will be rescheduled.

TAS Rugby Carnival

On 13-14 April (first weekend of school holidays), 53 visiting primary rugby teams from as far as Perth, Dalby and Canberra will descend on TAS for the annual TAS Rugby Carnival. All members of the TAS community are encouraged to get involved in what is an amazing team effort. I guarantee that you will walk away feeling uplifted. If you are willing and able to help could you please contact Rachael Nicoll at [email protected]

Mr Will Caldwell
Director of Co-curricular

Campus City Canter

Not quite there yet

Clearly someone I’ve recently spoken to is counting the days: not quite four weeks of actual classes left before the term break. Well, life continues busily here and there’s something (more) I want you to do for me: tell your version of your children’s settling, the challenges (indeed difficulties, in some cases) they have encountered and, most importantly those aspects of school life that they are enjoying in their relatively short time with us this semester. This isn’t for new students only – there are those in Year 8, for example, who may benefit from having their voice heard. They are our senior students I admit, but in terms of the school’s wider context, they are very young and could ‘do’ with extra assistance.

To be fair, some of you are calling, responding via email or calling in and these contacts are good. With luck, by the end of term, fast approaching now, I’ll have had the opportunity to speak to you, too. I’d prefer to speak as this affords me the further opportunity to get to know you a little better.

Athletics

The Athletics Carnival is to be held next Wednesday and Saturday and, like the Swimming Carnival in Week 3, again I encourage you, wherever possible, to travel to Armidale to see your children’s events. The day promises to be as well attended as the Swimming Carnival day and I know for a fact that Middle School people love to have their families at such major calendar events. We enjoy having you here as well. Armidale weather is predictable in its unpredictability I know, but, suffice it to say that, at this time of year it is generally pleasant (mind you, it is raining heavily as I write). What I know is that you’ll enjoy the events of the day: always entertaining; real competition; amazing House spirit and there is always something to do and many people to talk to. I’m looking forward to catching up with you.

Parent and Teacher Interviews

I’m happy so many of you have organised to attend interviews at the end of last week with Year 6 and 7 teachers. As the term is nearing its end, I’m not sure whether the following comment distinguishes me as ‘Old’ or ‘New’ school, but that doesn’t matter really because it’s what I feel, and I’ve always felt this way in relation to interviews about academic performance: the ten minute sessions concern your children and the manner in which they’ve conducted themselves in class over the school’s longest term. Wherever possible, I encourage students to attend these sessions wherever possible. It’s important that students know an interview concerns both their welfare and academic wellbeing. In a productive way, it’s appropriate they are given some time to address issues that arise and since these (issues) concern them directly, having them present to make comment and answer questions is an integral part of the learning process.

‘Lines’ of Communication

Now that the dust has settled considerably, I’m finding it relatively easy to speak to students on a one-to-one basis and generally I’m enjoying the experience, not so much in my office as a matter of fact, but outside at the appropriately named round table or in the grounds. They’re generally relaxed enough now to speak honestly, too. With the majority, these talks are as informal as they are brief. Sometimes they’re discussions about food, boarding, schoolwork, skateboards and home. They all love the latter topic. I’m even getting to know the names of some students wider family members, too. So, all in all, life here is becoming ‘normal’ for all, challenging for most and increasingly easy for some. In short, they’re continuing to settle well and, apart from the food wrappers and paper planes (from the upstairs rooms) quite a few leave around the grounds, I’m happy with their progress here.

Now, I want to revisit an earlier point: being a mere mortal, I don’t always ‘get it right’ so, if there’s something you’re aware of that could assist me to address concerns you have about your child’s wellbeing, then I want you to call me rather than wait for me to call you. Mr Jamie Brauer, Mrs Bekk Baumgartner and I talk at least once every day, so our awareness of boarders’ needs is, in my view, excellent, and our management of them is good. But day students have needs as well and I urge you to avail yourselves of the opportunity to speak to me if and when you want or need to do so. The lines are always open.

In fact, it’s essential that we communicate because, as indicated in past TAS Talks segments, it’s so much easier to manage issues than it is to address problems. The people we deal with are too young to be burdened by many problems anyway and the more we adults talk, the less likely is the situation where they may arise. Problems have the capacity to impinge on the enjoyment of skateboarding, sitting under trees (sometimes with a good book, though more often, good company), careering around ovals and other life-necessities of early adolescents. It’s supposed to be a world where kids can be anything they want – why don’t we just encourage them to be kind.

I wish you well and look forward to catching up before term ends, in ‘not quite three weeks’.

Mr Mark Harrison
Head of Middle School

New England Festival

Our thanks to all the TAS parents, teachers and friends who joined together for the New England Festival Parade last Saturday. Clearly those that attended enjoyed themselves and I am grateful that so many were from Junior School. We appreciate your help for these occasions and we feel that our participation in community events such as the Armidale Show, the Parade and Eisteddfod is a valuable experience.

Junior School students flying the flag at this year’s New England Festival Parade

Sharing our Planet and the Spirit of Environmentalism

Last week, we were reminded in various Units of Inquiry, that out planet needs our help. Last year, Year 1 lead the way with their Return and Earn initiative which got off to a fantastic start. Having met with senior school SRC students this week, Junior School is reviewing what was such a promising project last year and looking for ways to continue the drive. There have been a small number of successes this far; with the TAS Rugby Carnival looming however, another great opportunity presents itself and this will be the focus of our attention in the short term. We will be putting together a team of helpers to coordinate the collection and return of bottles and cans. If you think you might be able to help, please contact Reception and we will forward further information when it comes to hand.

Winter Sport

You will see in our Sport Section that the Winter Sport program for Football will begin on the last weekend of this term. Our winter teams are being finalised (so please ensure your child’s preference has been received) along with coaches and training days. Suggestions are that winter training will commence on 1 April to ensure our teams are ready for that weekend. More information will be forthcoming but please note this in your diaries.

Athletics Championships – Friday 29 March

I hope you have seen the date for our Athletics from various sources, including the request from the P&F for support for the canteen. This is one of the big days in our calendar and it is great to have as many parents there as possible, especially those who know the right end of a stop watch! We hope to see you there.

Parent/Teacher Interviews – Monday and Tuesday, 8 & 9 April, 2019

Please note the new dates for the Junior School Parent Teacher interviews for Kindergarten to Year 5, avoiding a clash with the Memorial Hall with others. These interviews are an ideal opportunity for you to speak with your child’s classroom teacher about their progress so far this year and goals for the future. All the information for booking your interviews will be emailed to you soon, so please note these dates to avoid disappointment.

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday wishes to Joe Fenwicke, Katie Hynes and Josiah Baumgartner.

Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Middle School

Activities Day – Athletics Events – Monday, 18 March

We had a fantastic day on Monday completing some events for our carnival and some practise events. Children were involved in shotput, long jump, relays, sprints and novelties during the morning session.

Athletics Carnival – Friday, 29 March

Our Junior School Athletics carnival is on next Friday, 29 March.  Children will need to arrive at school by 8:30am to get ready for the day. House shirts are to be worn on the day. Please ensure your child has a drink bottle and hat for the day.

A BBQ lunch will be supplied, and a cake stall will also be set up for the children. Please send along a small amount of money if you wish your child to have something from the cake stall.

Please see Mr Ian Lloyd or Mr Luke Polson on the day if you are able to help out with timekeeping.

The Athletics Programme is available here: ATHLETICS PROGRAM

Sports Training for the remainder of the Term

• Week 9 – Training continues for all teams
• Week 10 – Football training commences
  Tennis and Gymnastics children to finish this week
• Week 11 – no sports training this week

Mrs Christine Wright
Junior School Sports Coordinator