TAS Talks Term 2 Week 1

We are now officially at the start of Term 2 with so much to look forward to in this short but busy term, and with staff and boarders back on-site yesterday, there was a real air of excitement. I was heartened to see so many TAS students and their families attending the ANZAC ceremonies in Armidale on Monday, both in official capacities with the Cadets or NECOM, and in unofficial capacities, taking the opportunity to remember and give thanks.

It was also wonderful to start this morning with so many attending our ANZAC Service at TAS. We were privileged to be joined by Mrs Madeline Fussell as our Guest of Honour for the Ceremony. Madeline gave a moving address on her memories of her son Michael who attended TAS between 1994 and 2001. She recalled Michael as a cheeky, disorganised redhead who loved rugby at school. Michael went on to have an outstanding military service record before being tragically killed in 2008 in Afghanistan. Madeline spoke about the importance of caring for those who are hurt, and the significance of even small acts of kindness. She also wanted the students to take away the message that while TAS absolutely lays the foundations of success for every student, not all students are or have to be outstanding at school to do great things after they leave.

While we often get caught up in looking to the future and exciting events on the horizon, it is incredibly important for us all to remember stories like Michael’s, to reflect and give thanks for those whose sacrifices allow us the liberties and way of life we currently have. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine causing such terrible destruction and loss, ANZAC Day is also a timely reminder to respect the memories of those who fought for our freedom by striving to resolve differences and achieve peace without the need for conflict.

I am sure you will be aware that there is no longer a requirement for household or close contacts to isolate which is very positive news for us as a School in terms of minimising disruptions for our students. Any students or staff members classified as close contacts will be allowed to attend school as normal during the seven-day period but must wear a mask at all times while indoors. They will also be required to complete a negative RAHT daily prior to school. Please contact the relevant Head of School, or email [email protected] to let us know if your child is a close contact and to organise the collection of RAHTs if required before their attendance at school.

Dr Rachel Horton
Principal

Starting Term 2 with the School ANZAC Service made the return to school extra special. The students will attest that I often refer to the concept of ‘Time and Place’ and the importance of getting this right. This morning’s service was a wonderful example of how all our students in attendance understand the poignancy and weight of remembering the service of those on behalf of a grateful nation and indeed school. 

The School was anything but quiet during the Easter holidays with many activities being undertaken to extend, engage and excite our student body. Starting with the TAS Rugby Carnival seeing us host some 46 teams along with all their staff and supporters on campus. This monumental undertaking was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Our Open rugby teams travelled down to Kinross Wolaroi School at Orange for trial matches providing great preparation for their upcoming season. A Production Camp was held on campus to prepare for next week’s opening of our 2022 School Play ‘Rhinoceros’ and included a ‘flash mob’ performance in Beardy St Mall last Sunday. And of course, our Catafalque Guard performed at Dangarsleigh and the Central Park services on ANZAC Day. 

Obviously, none of these activities along with so many of our programs at TAS would be possible without the dedication and generosity of those within our community. Our staff, P&F and other volunteers who tirelessly contribute to making this school great have and continue to make a difference in the lives of our students. 

To the students involved, we appreciate the time and effort you have invested into countless hours preparing for your pursuits. We are amazed by your talent and are grateful for your service to the School and community. Continue to find ways to challenge yourselves, show gratitude, be kind and make the most of the many opportunities available to you at TAS.

I wish all students the very best for the term ahead.

Mr Ray Pearson
Deputy Principal

TAS Rugby Carnival

What an amazing weekend of community, sport and good weather. It takes a village to bring together such a successful event and the P&F continues to be privileged to be a part of it. To the many parents and student volunteers – planning, ordering, setting up, cooking, baking, serving and packing up – THANK YOU. To the staff from the TASRC committee, teachers, gappies, works, housekeeping, catering and IT support – THANK YOU.

Middle and Senior School Athletics Carnival

The MS/SS Athletics carnival is just around the corner in Week 3. The P&F will operate a small kiosk with snacks and drinks for the students.
Requesting volunteers to serve at the kiosk between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm on Monday 9 May. Please contact the P&F Exec at [email protected] if you are able to help.

Next Meeting P&F AGM

Wednesday 18 May 2022 at 7:00 pm is the next meeting of the P&F as well as our AGM. Please note the date and keep an eye out for details to attend over the coming weeks.

Contact the P&F Executive

If you have anything you would like to raise with the P&F Executive, please send us an email at [email protected]

Mr Paul Gaddes
P&F President

Year 10 End of Term Barbecue

At the end of Term 1 Year 10 had a barbecue lunch to celebrate a successful start to the year. It was a great way for the year group to come together and reflect on their resilience throughout the term. A special thanks to the catering team and the students who volunteered to cook the barbecue, and especially to all Year 10 for being such a great group to work with.

Mr Jordan Lane
Year 10 Advisor

An Adventurous Journey

During Term 1 holidays, at the end of the Easter break, 12 students undertook a three-day adventurous journey as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. Split between the Bronze and Gold levels, students cycled and trekked their way in/around/through/up and down Armidale and its surrounds. Enhancing their cycling skills on day one, the Pine Forest and Sport UNE were the main attractions, covering both fire trails and a single track. Day two saw a ride to Dangars Falls, followed by a 15km trek to the bottom of the gorge at Salisbury Waters, a very demanding walk. Day three was another ride, this time heading out along Boorolong Road to Invergowrie and returning.

My thanks to Mrs and Mr Palfreyman and Mrs Banister for their support of the students and some sensational coffee!

Congratulations to Karen Baker, Emily Palfreyman, Grace Pennington, Reegan Jackson, Madeleine Nicholls, Eliza Crawford, Isabella Banister, Bethan Palfreyman, Alexandra Nivison, Matilda Cullen, Alice Bourne and Eryn Benham for completing this component of their Award.

Mr James Pennington
Service and Adventure Coordinator

MACK IS BACK!

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope you have all had a restful break and are looking forward to the term ahead.

Mack the Dog

Some exciting news from the Counselling Office, Mack is back! He is really looking forward to seeing you all and will be resuming his position snoring at the feet of whoever is on the couch.

Even more exciting, we welcome Tori to the Counselling space. Tori is a final year Masters of Social Work student, she is completing her final placement with us this term. Tori will be ‘shadowing’ me in my role and will be learning about direct clinical practice. Students will be asked permission for Tori to sit in on counselling sessions. I hope you all welcome Tori, it is great to have her with us.

I wish you all the best for the term ahead.

Ms Alix Goudge
Counsellor

Everyone is looking forward to the official start of the winter sports season. Please see the training schedule attached which contains more information.

WINTER SPORT SCHEDULE
 
Mr Huon Barrett
Director of Co-curricular

It may have been the holidays for some, but for the cast and crew of Rhinoceros, the final four days of the break were all about Production Camp. The whole team came back to school early to put the final parts of the show together and start incorporating set transitions, lighting and technical elements. In between rehearsing and prop making we still found time to stampede through the mall and do a flash mob performance of one of the songs from the show (yes, there’s dancing alongside all the rest!). It was a huge amount of fun and startled many unsuspecting market-goers. Our evenings were great fun with so many highlights, but most of all everyone is talking about a particular Elton John impersonator who blew everyone away. A huge shout out to everyone for their long days and positive energy, and a particularly HUGE thanks to Mr Lane and our student leaders Bridget, Charlotte, Chelsea, Hugo and Sam for making it such a productive time. We have a rehearsal this Friday evening, our final fixes Sunday, and then our performances in Week 2!

Mr Andrew O’Connell
Head of Creative Arts

Anzac Service

As we return to school this week, it is important that we pause and reflect to honour the servicemen and women who have and continue, to serve our country. I commend all of those who attended services, both in Armidale and at TAS and further afield.

Term 2 Reminders

• Students are to wear the Winter school uniform for Terms 2 and 3

• Year 6 students travel to Canberra for Week 2 (2 May to 6 May). A final letter was sent to families at the end of  last term. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns

• Year 7 students will be sitting NAPLAN examinations in Week 3, commencing Tuesday 10 May

• The Middle/Senior School Athletics Carnival is scheduled for Monday 9 May. Further details to come in due course

• The next Activities Day (single day, no overnight) will be held on Monday 23 May. Again, further details will be published closer to the date

• Please ensure that all students bring a mask to school each day as these will be required for certain activities (such as assemblies)

• If your child has tested positive over the holiday break or is a contact of a household case, please contact me directly at [email protected] so we can continue to keep our records here at school up to date.

Mr Luke Polson
Head of Middle School

Welcome Back - Term 2

It is exciting to think that the year is now well underway as we welcome everyone back everyone to Term 2 including a couple of new families to Junior School. We all hope you had a wonderful Easter break and were able to refresh and reset over the holidays. The start of a new term is always exciting and this was certainly the case this morning. As I mentioned in our return to school letter, we also welcome Mrs Lou Barrett and Miss Jaime Curran to our staff and knowing that they will make a valuable contribution in Junior School. With new faces (and a new timetable for many) it will take no time to settle into a good routine. Checking the School calendar on the website will always help but please get in touch with us if you have any questions.

ANZAC Service

Starting a term with the traditional TAS ANZAC Service was very special this morning…and such a poignant reminder of the importance of the occasion when listening to Mrs Madeline Fussell, mother of Michael, whom I remember so clearly as a young student in Junior School. To see a number of our parents and students attending, representing our younger student body so ably, was quite special and I thank everyone for their efforts. I congratulate Sophie Banister for reading the Ode so confidently and clearly; she did a wonderful job. I have been to many such services and I sincerely believe that this was one of the best.

Congratulations

Ellen Adams has had a very busy Easter and I congratulate on her outstanding riding achievements. She was placed in each event entered, including a second and was member of the team with the highest points score. She is looking forward to the State Equitation competition and we wish her well as she prepares.

Uniform and Hair

School uniform is flexible for the first two weeks of Term 2 in Junior School. Families can choose whether their child comes to school in either their winter or summer uniform depending on the weather. From Week 3, all children are expected to wear winter uniforms.

Again, this term, we are ensuring that all students wear the correct uniform, in a tidy and 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 available at the TAS Clothing 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

Welcome back and happy birthday to Bradley Byrnes, Heidi Secker and Darcy Jackson.

Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Junior School

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