TAS Talks Term 4 Week 4
In this issue
01. From the Acting Headmaster
MR ALAN JONES
I write to you this week with a very heavy heart in what is a truly sad time for so many. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Joanne, Annelise and Harry Guest and all of Murray’s extended family. I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the messages of support, offers of condolences and the selflessness of so many people in the wider TAS community in continuing to enquire if there is any way that they can offer their assistance.
The well being of the students in our care has been at the forefront of our concerns this last week and every effort had been made to sustain all of them – from Junior School all the way through our departing Year 12 cohort. These young people have been amazing in response to the call to look after each other and of course our staff. It has been a manifestation of community spirit in its truest sense that has kept us all going here on campus and I will never be able to express adequately my gratitude for all of that amazing goodwill and affirmation.
Alan Jones
Acting Headmaster
Important information for Parents
Dear Parents,
As you would have received via email last night, please find below the arrangements for tomorrow’s Memorial Service. Again, I thank you all of you for your support in so many ways, including providing our staff with frozen meals that I know has been welcomed by many.
The Memorial Service will commence at 11am (seating from 10:30) in the TAS Gym with live streaming available in the following additional venues:
-
- Hoskins Centre Auditorium
- Hoskins Centre Foyer
- Memorial Hall – where all Years 6 -10 will view the service
- The Library
- On an outdoor screen under the trees outside Abbott House
- Live streamed through a link via TAS FaceBook
We anticipate up to 3,000 visitors so seating will be tight and I appeal to everyone’s patience as we manage this process in controlled stages. As you will appreciate there are many important family members and guests coming to the school and there is reserved seating for them, for staff and their families and for Years 11 and 12.
Please take the time to read the information below so you and your family are aware of how the Service on Friday will be managed.
1) Junior School will be closed for all students but any parents or carers who would like to attend the service with or without their child are of course most welcome to do so. Supervision, similar to After School Care will operate from 8:45 to 3:30 for any families who require it. Please let Mrs Sandra Lasker know at [email protected]
2) Years 6 – 11 should come to school on Friday as normal for periods 1 and 2 (which is being shortened for an early Recess). After this, any student wishing to accompany their parents to the service are permitted to do so and should meet them here at school. Years 6 – 10 who are not with their parents will be watching the service in Memorial Hall. After the service, they will proceed to lunch and then to the remaining periods of the day. Families who wish to take their children home with them after the service are free to do so.
3) Years 11 and 12 (in 2019) will have allocated seating in the gym. Year 11 students who are staying at school after the service will attend periods 6 and 7.
4) All students must wear Formals on Friday with clean shoes and neat hair. This is an important mark of respect for Mr Guest and the School.
5) Light refreshments – organised and managed by the P&F – will be served in three locations; Hoskins Foyer, under the Junior School covered area and at the northern end of the Junior School playground.
6) Parking will be available on Friday on Dangarfield (off Douglas Street) and on the northern end of Wakefield (off Barney Street).
7) Please also be aware that today the Chapel Street Gates will be closed from 9am – 3pm while we lay bitumen in the car park area. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Alan Jones
Acting Headmaster
Notice Board
Daily Absence
If your child is to be absent from school for any reason outside application for exemption requirements, including arriving late or leaving early, please advise the appropriate Administration Assistant (see below), explaining the reason for absence by phone, email, or write a note before 10.00 am that day. In addition, a written note confirming the circumstances of the absence is required within seven days.Sickness in excess of four school days requires a doctor’s certificate detailing the nature of sickness and duration of sickness.
Junior School: Phone 6776 5817 or by email
Middle School: Phone 6776 5819 or by email
Senior School: Phone 6776 5800 or by email
More information about absentees and extended leave can be found using the link provided.
FIND OUT MORE
Exemption from Attendance
A reminder that a parent or guardian must apply for an exemption from school attendance if they wish to take their child out of school temporarily by completing an Application for Exemption from Attendance form (see link below).Students must attend school regularly until an exemption has been approved.
Exemption from attendance at school is often sought because of:
- Elite Arts or Elite Sporting Events (CIS, NCIS etc.)
- Family travel or holidays
- Medical or health appointments
- Employment
- Disability or behaviour problems requiring part time exemption from school
- Other circumstances that warrant an exemption eg. Work Experience, Political Rally, etc.
Casual Boarding
Casual boarding can be for a single night or several weeks. It is proving to be increasingly popular. The cost of casual boarding is $75 per night inclusive of linen, dinner and breakfast.Space is limited and may not always be available at the times required. Please assist us by providing as much notice period as you can and complete an online casual boarding application by using the link below or if any queries, please contact TAS Reception on (02) 6776 5800.
Medical Centre
Year 7 vaccinations were scheduled to happen this Thursday 7 November. This has now been rescheduled to next Thursday 14 November. Thank you for your understanding.Sister Jenny Murray
02. Calendar of Events
| Week 4 | |
| Friday 8 November | Murray Guest Memorial Service – 11am in Gymnasium with live streaming in Hoskins Centre, Memorial Hall and Facebook. Seating will commence from 10.15am |
| Sunday 10 November | TREK 125 student expedition
Madagascar Working Bee |
| Monday 11 November | TREK 125 student expedition
Remembrance Day Service – 11am |
| Tuesday 12 November | TREK 125 student expedition
ArtSound – Year 11 Art/Music Collaboration |
| Wednesday 13 November | Douglas Shield Cricket ( Years 9-11) – TAS Oval |
| Friday 15 November | Year 10 Dinner – The Stro from 7pm |
03. From the Chaplain
MR RICHARD
1 Corinthians 13
There have been many literary attempts at describing love, titles you might recognise:
“Love is a many splendid thing”; “Steady Love”; Billie Eilish says “I love you”, Boys2Men said… actually never mind what they said, Frozen told us “love is an open door”, Meatloaf “would do anything for love”.
Apparently, “All you need is love”; Ed Sheeran sings “Give me love”, KISS nailed it with “I was made for lovn’ you baby you were made for lovn’ me”.
Let’s face it some people want to fill the world with silly love songs, from the K-Pop to KISS, we love, love.
We love the school reading about love.
It is ‘THE’ love chapter in the Bible. It would be hard to find a better expression or monument to love elsewhere in society. It is a genuine feel good passage. The idea of loving others is such an attractive notion.
We have not thrown this love chapter out as irrelevant or antiquated. But we hold on to it, we hold it up as a most desirable attribute, one that is to be encouraged in all who walk these hallowed corridors. And may I say, that has been our experience this last, and I thank you for it.
The importance and priority of love should not surprise us. After all it is the essence of Jesus’ great summary of the law – “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbour as yourself.” Love is not just commended it is commanded.
Those romantics among us will claim love cannot be commanded, you fall in love, you are inflamed by love, love surges or wains but cannot be demanded.
Others will say to love is to exercise the will such that one seeks to benefit another regardless of how one feels about that person. They argue that you can act in love for your neighbour and hate their guts.
However, 1 Corinthians 13 itself will not allow for such an interpretation. Ultimate sacrifice even the giving of one’s life in in the name of doing good for others, amounts to zero without love.
No getting out of the command to love so easily. We must love in every facet of our lives. KISS were right when they said, “I was made for lovn’ you and you were made for lovn’ me”. The reality is that while we hold up the attributes of pure love, at some point or another, we all fail in our attempts to put it into practice.
While we should pray that the love described in this beautiful passage would characterise us, particularly at a time such as this, it is also a reminder that we are in great need of the grace of God and his forgiveness won for us. Won at the point when He demonstrated love most perfectly when Jesus died for our failure to love.
Richard Newton
04. From the P&F
MRS RACHAEL NICOLL
Help for Mr Guest's Memorial Service
Firstly, please let me offer the P&Fs condolences and sympathy to Joanne, Annelise, Harry, the wider Guest family, Alan Jones and TAS staff, students, parents and all those that were friends of Murray. It has been a very difficult week for everyone.
School has asked that the P&F help commemorate the wonderful man, leader and friend Murray was by providing the catering at his Memorial Service on Friday.
An email has gone out to parents requesting help, and the incredible response reflects the regard Murray was held in, but we are still seeking
- Homemade sweet slices and biscuits. These can be delivered directly to After School Care (below Junior School in the covered area) on Thursday or Friday morning (preferably before school starts).
- Helpers to pack up on Friday afternoon.
For any parents and friends that arrive before the Service please feel free to come on down to the Junior School area and say hello to old friends and make some new ones. You are most welcome to just mingle there until you take your seats.
Meals for Staff
The P&F are still supporting and thanking staff at TAS who have had a very busy and difficult time ensuring the smooth running of school. If you would like to help by making a meal please contact me on [email protected]
TAS FEST Cancelled
As you are aware TAS Fest has been cancelled. However, some things that were scheduled to be at TAS Fest are still happening:
- Films – We are still awarding the prizes so please enter your film. The deadline has been extended until 11 November. If you have any queries please contact Mr O’Connell
- Plants – we will be having a Drought Sale of the few plants that have managed to survive until now on the morning of Saturday 16 November at the TAS greenhouses. More information will be on Facebook and email next week.
- Christmas Puddings – Our famous P&F Christmas Puddings are now available for sale. Puddings are $25 each and can be paid for on TryBooking.com https://www.trybooking.com/BGIVL
- Puddings can be collected from TAS Main Reception once they have been ordered. We will also have a few for sale at the Plant Drought Sale.
Next P&F Meeting – Wednesday 20 November
Our final P&F meeting for the year will be on Wednesday 20 November at 7pm in the Lower Maxwell Room. All are welcome and we would love for you to come along for a drink so that we can thank you in person for all the amazing help you have provided.
Mrs Rachael Nicoll
05. From the Director of Studies
MRS SEONIA WARK
This week has made me very aware of how lucky we all are to be a member of the TAS community. The level of respect and compassion that the students from all years have shown to one another, to the staff and to the wider community has been a privilege to witness.
I wanted to write to you all to update you on how the term is progressing academically. For Year 12, the HSC is nearly over – what a mammoth effort from them all, and it has been lovely watching their relieved faces as they leave each exam and tell their teachers how they have faired. Year 11 (or the ‘new Year 12’) are busy meeting with Mr Taylor to discuss progress and map the twelve months ahead – what a journey it will be.
Some Year 6-10 students may have felt the pressure lift as semester exams were cancelled due to Mr Guest’s passing. However, I spoke at assembly this week about staying focussed on their learning – that the year isn’t over yet. Staff are still setting prep and I encourage parents to support us in ensuring students are working until the end of the school year.
For those in Year 10, subject selections for 2020 are now due. Some families are still wanting to sort the details out and I ask that you email me next week if there are questions still needing to be answered.
We know that academic results are not the way to judge any child. When speaking with your child, as the year comes to an end, please value their effort, their perseverance and all of the skills that are not discipline-specific but are transferable across all areas of life at school and beyond – they are the ones that really matter. This week all of our students have demonstrated many attributes that any person would value and appreciate and I thank them for it.
Director of Studies
06. From the Head of Boarding
MR DAVID DRAIN
A heartfelt thank you to the boarders’ families, past and present, who have passed on condolences to the Guest family during this difficult time. It is during times like this that the true essence of a community is shown and this has never been more evident than the past week. I thank you all for the continued support you are giving your sons and daughters during this time and hope to see many of you at the Memorial Service on Friday.
Regarding Friday’s Memorial Service, information has been e-mailed out with the logistics of the day and all students were informed of the School’s expectations at Tuesday’s Assembly. All boarders can take weekend or Friday evening leave immediately following the Service from approximately 12.30pm. On behalf of the Heads of House we would appreciate receiving all leave requests by Thursday evening to avoid any last-minute requests on what will be an emotional day for all.
Mr David Drain
Director of Boarding and Head of Croft House
07. Leadership, Service and Adventure
Cadets
Annual Camp represents the culmination of the year’s cadet training, and will be conducted over the period 23-29 November at Nymboida. Q Store & Advance Party will depart Friday 22 November. Signals Platoon & B Coy will depart on Saturday 23 November, A & C Coys on Sunday 24 November.
The risk of fire impacting TAS Cadet activities is being continually assessed, and a decision regarding amending or suspending planned cadet activities will be made when accurate weather forecasts and prevailing fire conditions are known.
Please read the important information attached about Annual Camp 2019 by clicking on the button below.
Major (AAC) Angus Murray
Commanding Officer TASCU
Annual Camp 2019
43rd Hawkesbury Canoe Classic
Arriving at Windsor for the start of the 43rd Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, wind threatened to tear our marquees loose and send them into the river. This was our 39th year of involvement in the event and we weren’t about to let the elements spoil our day. Competitor numbers were down this year with approximately 195 boats registered in total, so our 17 TAS team kayaks made up nearly 10 percent of the fleet.
Landcrew and supporters pulled together, prepping kayaks, having them scrutineered, making lunches and literally holding onto the marquees to prevent them becoming parasails. In the excitement, time marches on rapidly and before we knew it the 2:30pm safety briefing had come and gone. With little time to lose, we carry the kayaks down to the waters edge, paddle out and the horn sounds – go! Cheers from the well-wishers and family fade into the distance as the kayaks start down the Hawkesbury River on their 111km marathon paddle.
The conditions must have played a part to add to the difficulty of the race. By the first major checkpoint a number of the competitors had already pulled out and TAS had its first withdrawal. Later we were to learn that only 135 of the starting kayaks, finished.
One thing that draws us to the Hawkesbury Classic are stories of team spirit. At the first major checkpoint, Sackville, we had two paddlers take ill – but from separate boats. Rather than have both boats withdraw and immediately dash the hopes of the remaining paddlers, Hilton Jackson offered to combine with Angela Blackie and continue the race. Sadly, later, due to other complications, they too were forced to withdraw.
Two time hopeful Bronte Garcia was also taken ill the day before the Hawkesbury. We are most grateful to Jack Sewell who stepped in at a moment’s notice and paired with Ellie de Gunst to complete the 111 km paddle.
Before sunrise on Sunday morning our first kayak came in to be rewarded with cheers and clapping from early onlookers – Jack Van Roy and his father Peter with a time of just over 12 hours. We had four student-parent kayaks, one teacher-parent kayak among our 17. Our last kayak to arrive at the Brooklyn finish line was the pair of Rocco Louis and Oliver Cook, who persevered on the water for just over 15 and a half hours.
The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic is an enormous event, but not just in terms of logistics. It is a great opportunity to see the best in people and to work with so many towards a common goal. To all my parent helpers and land crew, thank you.
I wish to also thank Dr Charlotte Mack for her support at Malpas Dam during our training sessions. You need two pairs of hands to shift a kayak and her time given was much appreciated.
I’d also like to offer a huge vote of thanks to Mrs Lisa Rogers-Ellis who went over and above to support our students during the Malpas Dam training with her generous supplies of additional food which, post paddle, were rapidly and gratefully scoffed down by hungry paddlers.
I offer my hearty thanks to Mr Tim Scott for being the designated bus driver – bringing down and returning students and staff to the race. Mr Scott offered to drive the bus before I had even organised the training schedule this year and I am most appreciative of his early and unwavering pledge of support.
I also thank my wife Kirsten Hey for being such a strong supporter this year. Kirsten was one of our servers at Sackville, ably helped by Jarrod, one of the UNE students. Paddlers arrive at Sackville from about 8:30pm until about 10:00pm. She also travelled with me through the night retrieving the kayaks of our team members who were unable to finish and slept on an esky lid in true TAS style in the back of the minibus.
Finally, I want to offer my thanks to Murray and Joanne Guest who set up and manned the Wiseman’s Ferry checkpoint. They were outstanding – departing just before race start at Windsor to set up in anticipation of paddlers who normally arrive from before midnight until 2:30am. The confluence of wind and tides this year pushed some paddlers to a much later departure from Windsor so they didn’t get to set head to pillow until after 4:00am. When I spoke to them after the event, I reiterated my sincere thanks. In light of the devastatingly sad loss of Murray last week, it is important for everyone to know what a positive impact they, and all our supporters had on our paddlers, providing that which we so often ask of our students – service to others.
Mr Alasdair Hey
Below are our race statistics for 2019.
| Kayak number | Paddlers | Registered Event | Time |
| 293 | Jack van Roy and Peter van Roy | Brooklyn or Bust 2 | 12:00:18 |
| 292 | Archie McDonald and Duncan McDonald | Brooklyn or Bust 2 | 12:58:16 |
| 294 | Lily Neilson and Scott Neilson | Brooklyn or Bust 2 | 13:09:27 |
| 280 | Ben and David Rowe | Brooklyn or Bust 2 | 13:27:27 |
| 170 | Todd Currell and Jeremy Jones | Brooklyn or Bust 2 | 13:58:53 |
| 291 | William Benham and Thomas Stinson | Brooklyn or Bust 2 | 16:56:58 |
| 286 | Hamish Pearce and Archie Chick | Mens Junior LRec2 | 14:05:55 |
| 281 | Henry Mitchell and Archi Lawrence | Mens Junior LRec2 | 14:34:29 |
| 283 | Harry Litchfield and Louis Cannington | Mens Junior LRec2 | 15:40:57 |
| 285 | Rocco Louis and Oliver Cook | Mens Junior LRec2 | 17:34:00 |
| 290 | Jack Sewell and Ellie de Gunst | Mixed Junior – LRec2 | 14:25:53 |
| 279 | Molly Northam and Edward Bell | Mixed Junior – LRec2 | 16:13:41 |
08. From the Director of Co-curricular
MR WILL CALDWELL
125 Trek
Next Monday and Tuesday many students, staff, parents and friends will embark on the 125 TREK. This is a celebration of TAS; recognising the importance of challenge and adventure in our proud history. I wish all riders a safe and memorable experience and thank all those who have supported this initiative. Particular thanks to Mr Jim Pennington, whose drive and passion for the event have inspired so many to step up.
Sports training will still run according to schedule and basketball will play in their usual Tuesday evening competition. Please contact your coach or MIC if you are unsure.
Interschool Cricket
It is sudden death for our First XI and U15 cricketers next week as both teams compete in the state knock-out tournament on Wednesday. Our U15 team travel to Tweed Heads to play Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School in the Wiburd Shield whilst our First XI will also play Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School in the Douglas Shield at TAS. This is a rare opportunity for our First XI to play both an interschool fixture and on TAS Oval. I wish all players the best of luck and encourage students to come and support the First XI during recess and lunch.
Mr Will Caldwell
Director of Co-curricular
Armidale Fun Run
The Armidale Fun Run has shown tremendous growth over the past five years, with massive community support and a very strong local club driving the cause. This year TAS had a squad of 51 runners competing in the 5km event from Year 5 to Year 11.
The first TAS runner home was Toby Hall, who not only won the Junior Male Category, but was 2nd overall, a massive achievement! He was followed in by Mac Orr (9th), Harrison Miller (11th), Oliver Griffiths (12th) and Will Nash (13th). In the ladies, Emily Buntine was a sensational 17th overall, just nudging out Matilda Cullen (26th), Isabella Crawford (33rd) and Karen Baker (38th).
Congratulations must also go to Tempe Macarthur-Onslow and Theo Munsie who both finished 2nd respectively in the Sub Junior Category.
Mr James Pennington
From the Captain of Basketball
The TAS First VIII Basketball, as mentioned at Prefect’s Assembly last week is:
Sam Howes (VC)
Nick O’Neil
Sam Jones
Luke Velcich
Oliver Cook
Josiah Alcorn
Finlay Lambeth
Lachlan Reiss-Wears (C)
Given the tragic events of last week, TAS teams involved in a plethora of sports have been paying their respects in a variety of ways. Last Monday, the TAS First VIII Basketball wore a black armband and held a minute silence before their game – in honour of Mr Guest. It was followed by a neck and neck game, unfortunately, we lost by 6 points to the Lynx Team.
TAS Gold and TAS White Opens teams also wore armbands and held a minute silence before their respective games.
This Saturday, the fortnightly Interhouse competition will continue this Saturday – starting from 8.45am until 11am at the TAS Gym. Brekky is provided. Students are to wear their house shirt.
In addition to training and games, there are Fitness training run throughout the week. Just as a reminder the times are as follows –
- Year 5-9 – Monday fitness training on Wakefield
- Year 10-11 – Wednesday training on Wakefield
All basketball players are expected to be there.
Lachlan Reiss-Wears (Captain of Basketball)
09. From the Creative Arts Coordinator
MR ANDREW O'CONNELL
This Sunday 12pm – 2pm is the second Working Bee for the Junior School Musical. If you can spare some time to help paint the set, make some props or help with sewing it would be greatly appreciated. And now is the time to buy your tickets to the show! The ticketing link can be found on the school website so get in early before all the best seats are gobbled up.
The TAS Fest Short Film Competition has been extended until Monday 11 November. Please make sure that you complete the entry form that was sent out via email and is linked here in TAS Talks. We will be setting up an online showcase of those films so that the hard work of students can be seen and enjoyed by all.
Next Tuesday is ArtSound, a creative collaboration between the Year 11 Music and Visual Arts students. This is always one of the highlights of our academic program, but with whispers of a combining of the creative genius of Ms Xeros and Mrs B there’s even more of a reason to get there. The performances and exhibition begins at 5:30pm in the foyer and everyone is welcome.
ENTRY FORM
Mr Andrew O’Connell
Creative Arts Coordinator
10. From the Acting Head of Middle School
MRS GILL DOWNES
Thank you to the Middle School Community
As indicated in my email last week, the Middle School staff have been overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit and kindness shown to the community by our families during this challenging time as we come to terms with the loss of Mr Guest. Your children have been kind, thoughtful and incredibly supportive of one another and the staff during this very difficult period; we are so proud of them.
Discussions for home (or over the phone)
I have seen a strong improvement in punctuality; thank you for speaking to your child about this important behaviour and a big thank you to the students who are being so responsible with their movement between classes. We are here to learn and being on time and prepared for class is central to getting off to a positive start for all lessons. I will continue to encourage and follow up at my end to ensure we are all working together for a smooth academic day.
The coming weeks will see the Middle School take part in elections for the 2020 MS Leaders; more information will be available in the next week on specific leadership roles and the nomination and voting process. Having a discussion with your Year 7 child about their interest in leadership opportunities next year would be a great idea at this point.
A detailed email regarding Friday’s Memorial for Mr Guest has been sent out by Mr Jones; please read this closely for details. A reminder that all students are asked to be in Formals on Friday, this includes their blazer.
Best wishes to you all and please let me know if you need anything. You can contact me through Mrs Robyn Frost on 6776 5819 or via email at [email protected].
Mrs Gill Downes
Acting Head of Middle School
11. From the Acting Head of Junior School
MR LUKE POLSON
Madagascar – Working Bee
Our first working bee was a great success with many of the tasks organised for the day being completed. The heavy lifting on the stage, construction and painting of various sets and props was complemented by the intricacies sewing and gluing of some fantastic costumes. There is still much to do over the coming weeks, but thank you to all who contributed last Sunday to ensure that a great start was able to be made. Our next working bee is Sunday, 10 November. Please see separate letter for this.
Fathering Project – Pizza and Paper Planes
TAS hosted the first event in partnership with the Fathering Project. Making paper planes and eating pizza together, around 50 men and their children spent some quality time at Junior School’s inaugural event with The Fathering Project on the night of Thursday 24 October. It was the first of a number of events aimed at positively promoting the critical role of fathers and father-figures in the lives of children and facilitating an opportunity for the special engagement of young children with the men who are significant for them. The evening was a big success and I thank all those who were able to attend. Please keep an eye out early next year as we aim to host more of these events next year.
PSSA Orienteering
All of Years 3, 4 and 5 recently attended the annual Orienteering event, this year held at Thalgarrah. This is always an enjoyable event to attend each year and the students are to be commended for their effort and participation in this year’s event.
Please add IMG 5911, IMG9372, IMG 6654, IMG 6648.jpg
Bike Safety and Triathlon Day
All of Junior School enjoyed a most successful annual Bike Safety and Triathlon day held last Thursday. This is always an annual highlight. A full report including results is in the Junior School sports section. My thanks go to Mr Jim Pennington and his group of elective PE students from Years 9-11 for their facilitation of the Bike Day activities and for their assistance with the running of the triathlon. My thanks also to Mrs Christine Wright for her coordination and smooth running of the triathlon.
Assemblies – Week 4 and 5
Please note, there will be no assemblies in Week 4 or 5. This is due for the need for the whole Junior School to gather for Madagascar rehearsals with only a few weeks to go! Our Final Assembly will be held on Wednesday 20 November and separate information will be sent out about this shortly.
Junior School – Start and Finish Times
A reminder that supervision does not commence in the Junior School until 8:15am and students are not be at school prior to this unless they are participating in a morning club. Additionally, please ensure that collection arrangements are known by the school. Students are not to be left unsupervised after school as our playground is not supervised at this time.
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday wishes for last week goes to Minnie Chick, Braith Westaway and Oliver Goudge and for this week we wish Libby Ditchfield a very Happy Birthday.
Mr Luke Polson
Acting Head of Middle School
Junior School Upcoming Events
| Week 2 | |
| Wednesday 23 October
|
Year 2 & Kindy Assembly – Hoskins Centre – 2.45 Transition Excursion to Thalgarrah |
| Week 4 | |
| Wednesday 6 November | No Assembly |
| Friday 8 November | Junior School Closed |
| Sunday 10 November | Madagascar Working Bee (12-2pm) |
| Week 5 | |
| Wednesday 13 November | No Assembly |
| Week 6 | |
| Wednesday 20 November | Final Assembly – Details to be advised |
| Orientation Day | |
| Friday 22 November | Year 5 Dinner |
| Week 7 | |
| Wednesday 27 November | No Assembly
Madagascar Jnr Matinee (1.30pm) |
| Thursday 28 November | Madagascar Jnr Matinee (1.30pm) |
| Friday 29 November | Madagascar Jnr (6.00pm) |
| Saturday 30 November | Madagascar Jnr (6.00pm) |
| Week 8 | |
| Wednesday 4 December | Junior School Speech Day (9am) |
IB Primary Years Programme
PYP- Term 4 Units of Inquiry
All Junior School classes are about to embark on their final units of inquiry for 2019. The table below outlines the transdisciplinary themes and central ideas that these units will be taught under.
We value the input parents and the wider school community can have in the learning journeys of our students. The information below may help to provide some conversation starters for you. We really want the students in Junior School to be able to talk about their learning and to articulate not just what they are doing and why but HOW they are learning and why.
| Year Group | Transdisciplinary Theme | Central Idea |
| Transition | Where we are in place and time | Journeys can lead to new experiences and opportunities
|
| Kindergarten | How we express ourselves | Our imagination grows through the creative arts
|
| Year 1 | Sharing the planet | To survive, living things depend on their features and the preservation of their natural environment
|
| Year 2 | Sharing the planet | Plants and animals can be used to satisfy our needs
|
| Year 3 | Where we are in place and time | Many people have contributed to a community and have influenced how the community has developed.
|
| Year 4 | Sharing the planet | We have the responsibility to help create a more peaceful world
|
| Year 5 | How we organise ourselves | Interactions and connections between people, places and environments
|
If you have some expertise in any of the areas above we would warmly welcome you to let us know as we love welcoming visitors into our classroom to share knowledge.
Mrs Veronica Waters
Primary Years Coordinator
Junior School Sports
Orienteering Results
Results have come in for our annual Armidale Schools Orienteering event held on Friday 25 October at Thalgarrah. Congratulations to all Year 3-6 children who participated and supported their team-mates during the morning event.
Our best results were as follows:
Years 3-4 Score Course
7th – Peter Thompson and Cormac Downes
8th – Arthur White and Oliver Robb
11th – Tommy and MJ Blanch
12th – Joe Renwicke, Andi Li and Lucas Hu
14th – Xavier Stephens and Jack Wood
Years 5-6 Score Course
5th – Angus Tydd, Archer Starr and Charlie Ward
Bike Day and Triathlon
Our annual Junior School Bike Day and Triathlon was held last Thursday. Our children enjoyed the variety of obstacles and skills sessions delivered by Mr Jim Pennington and his senior school students during the morning. The children were given opportunities to enhance their riding skills through a variety of obstacles, fine tune their braking skills and discuss road and bike safety during the day. Many older children were fortunate to be able to test their skills on the solar powered bicycles during the ‘Beat the Boss’ session with Mr Mark Bullen. This is always a highlight of the day!
At 2pm we all participated in our annual Triathlon with enthusiasm and great spirit. During the afternoon we witness great teamwork, endurance and persistence as we put ourselves through the paces of swimming, biking and running. The teamwork was outstanding and the support and encouragement from students and parents was fantastic.
Charlie Ward and Ted Chick receive the Sarah Heagney Memorial Trophy for fastest Year 5 Girl and Boy Triathlete.
Results are as follows:
Kinder team:
1st – Duncan Klabe, Daniel Mo and Neave Drain
2nd – Issy Law, Eva Cook and Hunter Crane
3rd – Boyd Rogers, Freddie Post and Ruby Rice
Year 1 team:
1st – Lachie Wood, Baxter Carruthers and Humjot Sandu
2nd – Evelyn Brownlie, Daniel Bayne and Nancy Ma
3rd– Lucie Stephen, Xander Dell, Levi Watts and Ethan Downes
Year 2 team:
1st – Sophie Banister, Aamer Alazizi, Sahib Singh and Mohammed Alrdadi
2nd – Casper Cook, Mila Nexo and Arabella Hodges
3rd – Layla Abu Assab, William Cooper-Fillios and George Drain
Year 2 Individuals:
Girls: 1st – Sophie Banister
2nd – Cecilia Price 3rd Rebecca Billingsley
Boys: 1st – Joshua Bourke 2nd – Casper Cook
Year 3 team:
1st – Rhidima Das, Sophie Brett, Aziz Binmahfod, Micael O’dell and Jack Shenko
Year 3 Individuals:
Girls: 1st – Minnie Chick 2nd – Libby Ditchfield 3rd – Chelsea Miller
Boys: 1st – Arthur White 2nd – Cameron Carruthers 3rd – Xavier Stephens
Year 4 team:
1st – Cormac Downes, Marcus Robb and Xavier Leary
2nd – Lucas Hu, Andi Li and Richard Ma
3rd – Ryne Wilkinson, Salam Alkhathami and Saleh Alrdadi
Year 4 Individuals:
Girls: 1st – Chloe Dennison
Boys: 1st – Joe Fenwicke 2nd – Hugo Broun 3rd – Harry Brownlie
Year 5 team:
1st – Tom Rowe, Angus Tydd and Oliver Goudge
Year 5 Individuals:
Girls: 1st – Charlie Ward 2nd – Mosie Wright 3rd – Mila Downes
Boys: 1st – Ted Chick 2nd – Mitchell Evans 3rd – Blake Whitehill
Sarah Heagney Memorial Trophy (Fastest Year 5 Girl and Boy)
Girl: Charlie Ward
Boy: Ted Chick
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- Cameron Carruthers and Arthur White battle it out in the Year 3 Individual Triathlon event last Thursday.
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- Chelsea Miller and Jack Maitz ready to finish their Triathlon with the run leg.
Mrs Christine Wright
Junior School Sports Coordinator
Year 3/4 Basketball
It is always fascinating to see the progress these players make in a short space of time. The basketball organisation is mixing up the teams each week to allow the players to learn to develop teamwork with different players.
Pleasingly there is now an awareness of those players who don’t get the ball as often as some others and there is a concerted effort to ensure they are involved in the play. This week it was exciting to see Ruby take a bigger part in the game and dribble the ball up and down the court. Xavier is gaining lots of confidence to shoot baskets and had may successes and Mila had a fabulous game showing her developing defensive skills.
Well done to all the players on the sportsmanship being shown and the teamwork that is developing.
Mrs Brunsdon and Miss Woodhill
Community Notices
