TAS Talks Term 3 Week 1

Students and staff have hit the ground running this week for the second half of the school year. Term 3 is the longest (and coldest!) of the year, offering either a fresh start or an opportunity to build on the successes of Semester 1. For many students, it also represents a critical time academically, either through trial exams as the end of their time at TAS nears, or through subject choices as they move into their senior years at TAS.

TAS is known and valued for its development of well-rounded young people through a range of co-curricular activities and student challenges. A willingness to accept and rise to challenges in particular, is a core part of who TAS students are. Part of my message to students in assembly this week was to reinforce that with the opportunities they are given at TAS, comes the responsibility to make the most of them. There is also an expectation of all students that they will challenge themselves in all aspects of school life and give their best effort inside and outside of the classroom, whatever their personal best might be.

This weekend will be a busy one on campus as we welcome back Old Armidalians for the first major Reunion Weekend since 2019. The reunions will include tours, social events and a number of competitive fixtures against current students. They are a critical part of remaining connected with our alumni and represent a much-valued opportunity for prior TAS students to reconnect, reminisce and find out what is currently going on at the School. Thank you to all of our current students who are involved in this exciting weekend in any way.

I do hope all of our new students and families have a wonderful start as they join us as members of the TAS community and I wish everyone a healthy and successful Term 3.

Dr Rachel Horton
Principal

I would like to echo Dr Horton’s words regarding the opportunity and significance that Term 3 presents to our students. All have the ability to build on the hard work invested in Semester 1, take on feedback from their reports and reassess goals set at the beginning of the year.

Throughout the year significant emphasis has been placed on the importance of class time and maintaining positive routines. I would like to specifically highlight just how valuable it is for our students to be in their classroom and learning from their teacher wherever possible. Following a number of disrupted years, I doubt many would disagree that the classroom is the best environment for learning. 

Respectfully, we request that parents avoid student absences during term time where possible and if unavoidable, apply for any known absence as far in advance as possible. For our boarding parents, there is a need to gain approval through School prior to putting in a Reach leave request for any leave involving the School day. The process for this can be found below.

Absence, Illness and Punctuality 

1. All students must be at school on time. If late, the student must sign in at Reception. 
2. Parents are asked to advise the School if their son or daughter is absent by 8.30 am on the day of absence. A written note or email from a parent explaining the absence MUST be provided to Reception by the commencement of the day of return. 
3. Should a student be ill during school hours, they are to go straight to the School Medical Centre. The School Nurse will then take appropriate action. Boarders must not be in the Boarding House if they are ill. 
4. Should a parent require a student to keep a special appointment that would interfere with academic time the student must sign out and back in at Reception. 
5. In any case of infectious disease or contact with an infectious disease, the School must be notified immediately and the student shall not return to school until the School Nurse informs the Principal that there is no risk of spreading infection. 
6. Students are expected to attend school for the full period of the term. An Application for Exemption from Attendance at School must be completed by a parent and permission given prior to the leave being taken. This form should be directed to the Deputy Principal at deputyprincipal@as.edu.au for approval for students in Years 9-12, [email protected] for Middle School students and [email protected] for Junior School students. (This form is located on the ‘Parent Portal’ on the right hand top corner of the TAS website www.as.edu.au).
7. Should a student be unable to meet sporting obligations for a match for which they have been selected, they are to seek leave from the coach concerned, giving as much notice as possible so a replacement can be found.

As per our rules and regulations document, the support of parents and students following the leave guidelines wherever possible is appreciated. As always, if unexpected leave does arise, please get in contact so that we can assist in ensuring your child is supported academically and pastorally wherever possible.

Mr Ray Pearson
Deputy Principal

Hundreds expected for Reunion Weekend this weekend

This week we welcomed back students after a three week break – and this Friday, Saturday and Sunday we will welcome back to school after a much longer break, hundreds of former students who will be attending Reunion Weekend.

After not being able to hold a proper Reunion Weekend for a few years due to COVID, former students from across the decades (generally those who were Class of a year ending in ‘2’ or ‘7’) are looking forward to catching up with each other and seeing their old school. It is a particularly significant Reunion Weekend as we welcome back our first Old Girls, for their 5 year reunion.

Among the events will be sporting events between the Old Armidalians and current students in hockey on Friday night at Sport UNE (before the official Welcome Drinks in the Hoskins Centre), and on Saturday morning, in tennis, rifle shooting, chess, and for the first time ever, netball. It will be busy on Backfield with lots of support for the rugby matches against Scots College, and the tug-o-war between the 2^nd XV and the 10 year leavers. On Saturday afternoon a concert in Hoskins will showcase a breadth of musical talent at TAS; that night the main Reunion Dinner will be held in the Dining Hall, with an OAU Chapel Service and the OAU AGM both on Sunday morning.

While it is Reunion Weekend, the OAU naturally welcomes all members of the community – parents, family friends – to join in the festivities. Please click below for the Schedule.

Tim Hughes
OAU Hon Sec

Term 3 Timetables and Class Allocations

Welcome back to Term 3, a busy time across all areas of the academic realm of the school. This term sees a whole new selection of exciting Stage 5 elective classes kicking off as well as the consolidation of Year 11 and 12 content for our older students.

Year 11 will be focusing on the final modules of their program working towards their yearly examinations in Week 9. It has been a productive year for them, and the staff continue to support and encourage our Year 11 students to be practising productive study habits including using their study periods effectively to consolidate class work and prepare for upcoming assessments.

Year 12 enter their busiest term with the final modules and units being a major focus of their day-to-day learning as we prepare for the Trial HSC which will occur in Weeks 5 and 6. As part of this preparation, a number of TAS senior staff will be running Sunday Study Sessions either in the Hub or across other classrooms in the school. This week, however, we still start in the Hub between 2 and 5pm. I will be running the first session and will be able to guide students on how to study/focus for a three hour session and how best to prepare for their Trial exams. Alternatively, Year 12 students are also welcome just to come and work for all or part of that time.  Additionally, Ms Robins will be running a Standard Maths session from 2pm – 3pm this Sunday in Cash Block focusing on examination techniques and preparation.  A full timetable of these offerings is currently being finalised by our Subject Coordinators and this will be emailed to all Year 12 students in the next few days.

Year 10 attended an informative Year 11 Subject Selection Evening on Monday evening which allowed them and their families to speak to staff and Coordinators about the rich variety of subjects we offer in our Stage 6 program. I would like to thank all the staff who contributed their time and energy to this evening; the feedback has been very positive from students, staff and families.

As we head into the coming weeks of study, I wish you all the best and encourage you to take the time to set some clear short-term goals for the term ahead, this is a process that helps us focus our attention on what really matters and to have a plan for the months ahead.

Mrs Seonia Wark
Director of Studies

After an extended break it is great to be getting back into structured sport. Winter sport resumed this week and for most teams that means games this weekend. The Old Armidalians’ reunion this weekend sees a range of sports for both boys and girls which culminates in a First XV fixture against The Scots College on Backfield at 12.30pm. I am sure the weekend will provide many opportunities to reflect on the past, enjoy the present and look forward to what lies ahead.

After a week-long camp at Malabar the TAS Shooting Team competed at the AAGPS event this week. I was fortunate to see the team in action on Tuesday at Hornsby Riffle Range. The competition was of a particularly high standard and I commend our shooters for their dedication and commitment. I am grateful for the expert coaching that Mr Lawrence, Mr Murray, Mr Hey and Mr Bondfield have provided over the past two weeks, their passion for shooting is evident and their care of the students was outstanding.

I remind students and parents of the importance of ensuring we meet the basic standards. These standards include, being punctual, wearing your uniform well, demonstrating sportsmanship at all times and making every effort to do your best. It has been pleasing to see so many TAS students, to date, gain higher honours in their chosen field. I remind parents that if your child is selected to represent in a sporting team not affiliated through the school’s system (NCIS/CIS/NSW Schools) and they require time away from school, that you apply for Academic Leave. I also encourage students to email their teachers so they can keep up to date with their studies.

Next week school photos will take place which includes a number of summer and winter sports. A run sheet is attached and I ask that all students ensure they have the correct uniform and are on time to avoid disappointment.

2022 Photo Schedule – Term 3 2022

Mr Huon Barrett
Director of Co-curricular

I would like to offer a warm welcome back to everyone as we commence the second half of the year. This term we welcome a number of new families to Middle School and I hope that you all settle into TAS well.

The holidays have been a busy time for many and no doubt as the term gets underway, we will hear more success stories from the break. It has been very encouraging to hear about the fundraising efforts of our Year 8 students heading to Fiji on the service trip to St Christopher’s Orphanage at the end of this term and I know that our Middle School production is well underway. On the sporting front, congratulations to Mosie Wright and Luke Schmude, both in Year 8, who toured New Zealand as part of last year’s NSW U13s hockey squads that couldn’t tour last year due to COVID. Both Mosie and Luke have been named in NSW U15s squads for 2023, with Luke also umpiring at the U13 state championships during the break. Ashlee Morgan has also been selected in the NSW U13 2022 team to play nationals in Hobart later this year, as well as being selected in the NSW 2023 U13 squad. Congratulations also to Will Hall and Archie McMaster, also in Year 8, who played in the NSW Schoolboy Rugby Championships as part of the U14s Country team. I know that some of these games were impacted by recent flooding and we look forward to hearing how this went. I know that TAS has been widely represented in a number of terms and sports over the break and we look forward to hearing more about these over the next little while.

I would again also like to draw your attention to the Middle School Open Day  – Where Adventure meets Education, that will be held on Saturday 6 August from 1.00 – 4.00pm.  This event is for all current and prospective families to enjoy a day of adventure, fun, creative arts and STEM activities.  It will also be an opportunity for all new and current families to meet the Principal Dr Horton and Deputy Principal Ray Pearson, enjoy lunch or afternoon tea and learn more about your child’s educational opportunities during the middle years at TAS. More details will be available in the coming weeks and I would encourage you all to attend this special event.

As the term gets underway, below are a few items of housekeeping to ensure a smooth start to the term:

• Absentees – please ensure that if your child is absent that you email [email protected] If it is a planned absence (not related to illness) please ensure the appropriate exemption forms are completed. Again, these can be obtained from the Parent Portal or by email – [email protected] Boarding families need to complete this process as well as submitting leave through REACH.

• Please ensure that the correct school uniform is worn at all times. If you have any questions regarding uniforms, please reach out to your child’s advisor.

• In regards to COVID-19, the only TAS requirements at this point in time are that you must isolate for 7 days if you test positive. If you are a close contact, you are required to test daily and wear a mask at school. There are viruses that are circulating in our community and any students with symptoms must not attend school. If you require additional RAHTs to be sent home, please contact us. Finally, if your child has tested positive to COVID-19 over the break, please let us know.

This term is shaping up to be a busy one, with a number of events planned. These events include:

• 26 and 27 July – School Photos

• 6 August – Middle School Open Afternoon. This event is open to all Middle School students, both current and prospective.

• 15 August  – Activities Day

• 30 August – 3 September – Performances of the Middle School Play, ‘Horrible Histories’.

• September 7 and 8 – Year 8 Creative Arts Immersion Workshops

Best wishes for the term ahead.

Mr Luke Polson
Head of Middle School

Staffing Update

As mentioned in our recent letter to all Junior School families, we hope that your break has been relaxing as well as refreshing. It is exciting to have our new staff and students in place and there was an incredible buzz at school yesterday. Ms Lara Nicholls, along with our new Gappies from England – Sonia Ambrose, Lexie Grant, Libby Johnson, Darby Lambert and Freddie Taylor are settling in well. In time, I hope you will all be able to come along and meet them in person.

Ms Nowa Saeed has been our French Teaching Assistant since the beginning of 2021 and her time with us is unexpectedly coming to an end. Nowa has been a huge asset to Junior School, a natural teacher, bringing her native French to our children in the classroom context. Her contributions have been generous and selfless and we will miss her. On behalf of us all….au revoir, bon chance et merci.

COVID- 19

Armidale winter, no doubt, has a few surprises in store and so we request that all children are dressed appropriately for the prevailing conditions. As mentioned, COVID regulations remain as for Term 2 and we ask that you stay in touch with us if you have questions. It is very important that everyone remains cautious and keep students at home if displaying any flu or COVID like symptoms.

Punctuality and Arrival/Departures from Junior School

It is important for children to arrive to school with plenty of time to settle into the day by playing with their friends in the playground before moving to class. There will always be the occasional late arrival, but we ask all parents to understand the nature of the morning routine and make a special effort to have children to school well ahead of the first lesson of the day. This is important as late arrivals cause disruption for everyone. Our playgrounds are supervised from 8.10 am. The arrival and departure systems for Junior School students and families seem to be working effectively but we do ask again that ALL families display their printed family nametag supplied by the school on the left-hand sun visor as this greatly assists with the collection of students. If another sign is needed, please contact JS Reception 6776 5817 or [email protected].

Uniform and Hair

Again, this term, we are ensuring that all students wear the correct uniform, in a presentable manner. All hair should be tidy, well-kept and cut in a conservative manner. For girls, if the hair is longer than shoulder length, it should be tied with navy blue ribbon which are available for sale at the TAS Uniform Shop. If you have any questions about the uniform, please have a look at the website and/or contact me at school. Please remember that students should wear sports uniform to school only when they have training after school. At all other times including days when they have PE, they should be arriving in the appropriate school uniform for the day. Please contact us if this is not clear.

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday to Ted Draney, Elsie Nexo, Sophia Nexo, Matilda Polson, Spencer Rice, and Spencer Stone who all celebrate their special days this week.

Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Junior School

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