TAS Talks Term 2 Week 4

Last week, Junior School assembly returned to its usual home in the Hoskins Centre with parents also again welcome to attend. The week three assembly was run jointly by both Kindergarten classes, enabling over half of the students to have a speaking part at the microphone supported by Mrs O’Connor. All of the students, however, had an opportunity to perform. They showcased a fun and energetic musical number with Mr Armstrong and two poems being prepared for the Armidale Eisteddfod. It takes courage to speak or perform in front of an audience and for the Kindergarten students they were the youngest in the theatre. These assemblies represent a wonderful opportunity to start our TAS students on their challenge journey; to develop their communication skills and to begin to grow their confidence in situations that require bravery.

This term, assemblies are also providing an exciting opportunity for Year 5 students to learn new skills. Under the guidance of Mr Secker and Mr Cornford, they are managing all technical aspects of the assembly including live streaming in an incredibly professional manner.

On the theme of assemblies, this week’s Middle and Senior School assembly was presented and run by our boarders with every House represented in the planning process and on the day. In National Boarding week we recognise and celebrate the incredibly important contribution boarding students, staff and families make to the TAS community. Half of our students from Year 6 upwards board at TAS, creating an on-site community of wonderfully vibrant, supportive and resilient young people.

Dr Rachel Horton
Principal

We are currently in the middle of National Boarding Week for 2022. To acknowledge this here at TAS, a special ‘Boarder’s Assembly’ was run yesterday to highlight and celebrate our residential program. Rowan from Garoo set the scene with an insightful history of boarding at TAS and the core values which have remained at the centre of the boarding experience for our students. It was a privilege to hear from Oliver (Cobbadah) and Lachlan (Gunnedah) on their boarding journeys and the momentous changes they had to adapt to when coming from home to school.  Chelsea from Moree demonstrated her amazing AV talent with an entertaining video of life out of school hours and Emma (Tamworth) had the whole of Memorial Hall in awe as she performed ‘Slipping through my fingers’ by ABBA. 

It was touching to hear from the students and learn about the lifelong friendships they are making and the sincere gratitude for the care given by our excellent residential team and our supportive day families in Armidale. Our boarding program is strong because we have such a strong community to welcome and embrace our students locally. 

I would like to pay special tribute to our boarding parents and caregivers who make such a significant sacrifice for their children by choosing a boarding education. While there is certainly a financial cost, it is the emotional toll and unparalleled levels of trust that is of most significance. Thank you to our boarding parents for choosing a TAS education for your children.

Mr Ray Pearson
Deputy Principal

Next Meeting – P&F AGM

Wednesday 18 May 2022 at 7:00 pm is the P&F AGM. The meeting will be held in Upper Maxwell and on Zoom (TAS P&F Zoom Meeting / Meeting ID: 215 517 2798 / Password: parents / Dial in phone number:  +61 2 8015 6011)

If you would like to get more involved with the P&F and become a voting member, please find the P&F Membership Application Form on the Parent Portal. If you would like to become a member of the P&F Executive team, then please complete the P&F AGM Executive Nomination Form also. Both of these can be emailed to the P&F Exec team at the address below.

Sydney Boys High School

SBHS are visiting TAS again this weekend. The P&F will operate a BBQ and Kiosk on Saturday 21 May to feed the players, coaches and spectators. A Coffee Van will also operate all day.

We are looking for volunteers to help on the BBQ, at the Kiosk, with Player Lunches, and with setup/pull down. If you are able to spare some hours on that day, please email us at [email protected] and let us know your availability and preferences.

Wallabies Jersey Raffle

For those of you who attended TASRC this year, you might have seen a group of students around selling raffle tickets for an original Wallabies jersey.

This is a 2012 Australian Wallabies Rugby Jersey signed by the team and coach. It’s now a collector’s item being the 10th anniversary of the season of the Spring Tour played during November and December in France (Stade de France), England (Twickenham), Italy (Stade Artemio), & Wales (Millenium Stadium).

If you would like to purchase a ticket for $5 each then please visit Wallabies Raffle Tickets. The raffle will be drawn in September 2022 at the end of the season with proceeds to the TAS P&F and ultimately back to the students.

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

We welcome Ms Belinda Macri to the Round Square team as Co-Representative. Having participated in a number of Round Square activities and events in the past couple of years, Ms Macri will assist in promoting activities and conferences, helping organise exchanges, and fostering the Round Square culture within the school.

We have assembled a delegation for the RS Virtual Conference on Democracy hosted by Belgrano Day School in Argentina. The Conference Hosts have posed the following question: “How will AI change kids’ and teenagers’ ways of learning and living?”. Through different activities and discussions, delegates will reflect on, and imagine, future scenarios for life, education, and work in a society transformed by an increasing digital integration. It’s a fascinating topic and we’ll be sure to have those involved share their experience.

We’re calling for students aged 10-12 to be involved in a Round Square Virtual Conference on 8 June hosted by Newcastle Grammar School on the theme “Our Environment: A Responsible Legacy”. The conference starts at 12pm and the focus is on the question, “what can one person do to make a local change that has a global impact?”. Through different activities and discussions, this virtual conference aims to build students’ commitment and ambition to act in ways that leave a positive environmental legacy for the future. If you are interested please send me an email so we can add you to the delegation list.

Mr Andrew O’Connell
Round Square Representative

As the term quickly passes, I write to remind students of the academic goals they may have set themselves this term. How are they going? Is it time to revisit and map out a plan?

Year 9 and 10 will be having exams for English, Maths, Science and HSIE in Week 6. They will receive notifications from their teachers and advice on how to study. Does your child’s goals include an element that could be addressed in the weeks prior to these exams?

Other year groups will also have assessments in the coming weeks. What are they? When should they start revising? What assistance do they need? These are all questions that parents/carers can ask their children. You don’t need to know the answers yourself – just ask them and point them to their advisor if they are unsure of any details.

Year 9/10 Exam timetable – Week 6 (30/5/22 – 2/6/22

Year 9: 
Monday 30/5: Mathematics in periods 2/3

Tuesday 31/5: English in periods 2/3
Wednesday 1/6: HSIE in periods 2/3
Thursday 2/6: Science in periods 2/3

Year 10:
Monday 30/5: English in periods 4/5
Tuesday 31/5: Mathematics in periods 4/5
Wednesday 1/6: Science in periods 4/5
Thursday 2/6: HSIE in periods 4/5

All exams will be held in the Green Room.

Students who miss an exam will be able to catch up. Please let the classroom teacher know of any expected absences as soon as they become known (eg. clashes with Eisteddfod events).

Mrs Ahern will be working with students requiring additional provisions. Students should check in with her as soon as possible to confirm this.

Director of Studies Office change

After some time in the same office at the end of the main corridor, I have requested a move into the middle of the school so that I can be more accessible to students and staff. I have a lovely new space between the Director of Co-Curricular’s office and the Year 11 Coordinator’s office and welcome students and staff to drop in at any time. I have already seen a difference in the number of people I’m seeing each day which has been lovely.

Mrs Seonia Wark
Director of Studies

Meeting with boarders and boarding staff while visiting the boarding houses and evening prep rooms of an evening this term, I have been impressed by the positive tone and sense of excitement as we all adjust back to relatively normal boarding conditions and routines. I am aware that Term 2 presents many challenges for the boarders, however their enthusiasm thus far during evening prep and their commitment to their co-curricular activities across the Performing Arts and the winter sports including rugby, football, hockey, and netball is pleasing to see.

Term 2 is a busy term with Year 6 – 10 Semester 1 Exams and Years 11 – 12 working through a few assessments. The cooler weather, which is now upon us, often brings a positive change in focus during evening prep and I implore all students to take advantage of this time. Balance is always encouraged and weekend sport, whether it be a weekend trip to Sydney for rugby or a local netball fixture, is crucial in ensuring the boarders prioritise time for physical activity and time with friends.

It was great to meet many of you on the TAS Regional Tour late last term where a number of TAS staff visited Inverell, Maitland, Scone, Tamworth, Moree, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. It was a humbling experience interviewing such a large number of prospective students and seeing a large number of parents and friends of the school gather for the social functions of an evening. I always enjoy the opportunity to meet the regional parents, friends and Old Armidalians on their own turf. There was much positivity across all the towns visited, which gives me added confidence in the TAS Boarding Program. I am blessed with the staff we have working in boarding at TAS and I appreciate the team effort that goes into delivering a strong boarding program for all the boarders.

TAS will be closed for the upcoming Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend with boarders allowed to leave from 3.30pm Thursday 9 June. Boarding houses will re-open at 3.00pm Monday 13 June. Boarders can stay overnight in their houses on Thursday evening 9 June, however are encouraged to make plans to vacate their boarding houses by 10.00am on Friday 10 June.

I am pleased to announce the 2022 Food Committee started meeting mid-last term and will continue meetings twice per term this term. This committee, which I enjoy being part of, comprises boarders across all six houses and year levels and plays an important role in ensuring the boarders have a voice regarding food offerings, across all meals at the school.

Finally, congratulations to all boarding houses for their strong efforts in the Cloisters Race on Friday 6 May and the Athletics Carnival on Monday 9 May. Croft House (Croft boy’s pictured below) deserve special mention for once again winning the boy’s Cloisters Race in a convincing fashion and I am confident one of the boarding houses will be named winner of the Athletics Carnival at next week’s School Assembly.

Mr David Drain
Director of Boarding

Cadets

Activities Day 1 will be held on 23 May, Monday of Week 5.

Cadets will be briefed on their activities and required equipment on Thursday 19 May during Advisor.

Cadets will assemble at TAS Adamsfield for parade on Monday 23 May at 8.40am.

Activities will cease and cadets released on completion of parade at 5:00pm Monday 23 May.

The activities will be conducted as follows:

A Company

1 Platoon. Competitive Navigation Exercise (Rogaining) at Newholme Station

2 Platoon. Competitive Navigation Exercise (Rogaining) at Newholme Station

3 Platoon. Abseiling and Fieldcraft at Property Black Rock.

B Company

4 Platoon. Abseil and Fieldcraft at Gara Gorge.

5 Platoon. Abseil and Fieldcraft at Gara Gorge.

6 Platoon. Navigation and Firearms activity at Property Loch Abba.

C Company

7 Platoon.  Navigation and Fieldcraft at Property Black Rock

8 Platoon. Navigation and Fieldcraft at Property Black Rock

9 Platoon. Navigation and Fieldcraft at Property Black Rock

All students have been issued with the required equipment by the TAS Q-Store on joining the unit. Due to this cadet activity not being an overnight exercise, many of the items taken on BIVOUAC may not be required. A list of required items will be delivered to students at briefings Thursday 19 May.

If cadets have questions about their activities, they should in the first instance approach their platoon leader for more information.

LT (AAC) Johnathon Woodbridge
Officer Commanding TAS Cadet Unit 

Last Friday saw TAS play Farrer in the traditional annual fixtures for the Dick Hodgson Shield (overall point score) and the Jim Levy Challenge Shield (First XV). Whilst Farrer proved to be too strong in the majority of matches it was pleasing to be able to retain the Jim Levy Challenge Shield after trailing at the half-time break.

For the first time, we also extended the day of competition to include Hockey, Netball and Debating against NEGS. The Debaters won their match-ups, as did the junior Hockey and Netball. Overall, it was a great day of co-curricular activities and one we intend to continue and extend in the future.

This week we host Sydney Boys High School. SBHS has been travelling to TAS for several years playing in a variety of sporting fixtures. Once again, the matches across the two days of competition will contribute toward the Hannon and Harris Shield (overall point score), which will be presented to the winning School at the conclusion of the First XV fixture. Thank you in advance to our hard-working Parents and Friends who again take on the challenge of feeding the masses on Saturday. More help is always welcome and I encourage you to join in the action at the BBQ station on Backfield this Saturday.

Mr Huon Barrett
Director of Co-curricular

Last night we enjoyed two fabulous Twilight Concerts showcasing some great musical talent from Junior, Middle and Senior school. The styles and instruments may have varied, but the obvious constant was the enjoyment they all displayed being back in front of audiences. The same enjoyment was evident for the many parents and friends in attendance. It is fabulous having live performances back in the Creative Arts and to be able to share the hard work and talent of the students. I commend all involved last night and make special mention of the staff and peripatetic tutors who tirelessly support our young musicians. The concerts were great performance preparation and I wish everyone the very best as the Eisteddfod looms large on the horizon.

The 2022 Middle School play is getting ready to launch with student leaders being interviewed this afternoon. Once the team is in place, the show will be announced and auditions will commence – keep an eye on emails from director Mr Wheatley as it is sure to be a heap of fun.

The Hoskins Centre is preparing for a number of professional touring productions in the coming weeks. First up we have Windmill Theatre Company’s BEEP next Monday 23 May, and we’re lucky to be able to send all of Pre-K to Year 2 to watch this gorgeous show (but if you want to go yourself there are still seats available here – https://www.trybooking.com/BYQNM). Then we have the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow on Wednesday 25 May. Definitely one for the adults, it’s always a hilarious night and this year we have a number of recognisable comics in the lineup – https://www.trybooking.com/BXWZM.

At the start of June we have an incredible show (with an incredible title) – 100 Years of the History of Dance as Told By One Man in 60 Minutes with an Energetic Group Finale. Taking the stage Saturday 4 June, it is rare to have touring dance and the show looks to be as funny and entertaining as it will be informative – https://www.trybooking.com/BZEIS. 

And then after that Armidale Drama and Musical Society (AMDS) take to the stage with the epic musical Les Miserables. Directed by Hoskins’ very own Mr Michael Cornford, and featuring some TAS talent, it is sure to sell quick so grab a ticket for their June/July run here: https://www.adms.org.au/

Mr Andrew O’Connell
Head of Creative Arts

It is hard to believe that we are already in Week 4. So much has already occurred this term and there is still plenty to come. Since my last TAS Talks, I have had the pleasure of accompanying Year 6 on their recent Canberra expedition and I am pleased to report that it was a most successful week. These students represented themselves and their school well and we should be proud of all of them. Excursions such as these are a huge undertaking and the success of trips such as this relies on the willingness of our dedicated staff to be a part of them. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank both Mrs Regina Pollard and Molly Ambrose (Gap Student) who attended this excursion and ensured that the students were well cared for and everything went smoothly. Additionally, I would like to thank all of our Middle School staff for everything extra they picked up in my week of absence with illness.

I have spoken to all of Years 7 and 8 recently about growing up, risk-taking and sound decision making. Mr Ray Pearson put it very well in last week’s TAS Talks where he stated “It is widely acknowledged that risk-taking is a normal part of adolescence. It is our collective role as educators and parents to empower our inquisitive young people with knowledge to ensure the decisions they make are informed. We can also encourage positive risk-taking and turn mistakes into learning opportunities. It is important to be clear though that positive risk-taking doesn’t include hurting others, jeopardising health or feeding addiction”. My conversations with Year 7 and 8 were specifically around Vaping, in a bid to educate all students about the risks associated with such behaviour, strategies to be able to say no and where to seek help when you need it. I also made it explicitly clear to all of our students that this behaviour is not permitted at school, nor is it tolerated. Such behaviour is a significant breach, and the consequences are serious. I encourage families to have open conversations about this, and no doubt some of these have occurred already following my discussions with students last week.

Activities Day

Next Monday 23 May is an Activities Day for all Middle School students. For students in Year 8, information about the Cadet program for the day can be found elsewhere in this edition of TAS Talks. Middle School students will be briefed tomorrow in Advisor Period about their specific activities. Year 6 and 7 will be completing activities involving the Climbing Wall at Sport UNE, activities in the TAS Pool, an obstacle course, navigation and some service activities. Parents of Years 6 and 7 will need to ensure that the consent from is completed for this Activity, including travel to and participation in the UNE Climbing Wall.

The link to this form can be found here: https://forms.gle/afLmqHATZCdks1DV6

Please ensure that this consent form is completed by the end of the week.

COVID-19 and Illness

Please be aware that we have recently had cases of Covid-19 in both our Year 7 and 8 cohorts. Whilst we do anticipate that there will be a steady amount of Covid-19 cases circulating, it is important that everyone is following the protocols that are in place for the safety and wellbeing of all of our students and staff.

• Masks are no longer be mandatory for staff and students during the School day at TAS. They are still strongly recommended when indoors. Masks will be required for settings where social distancing is not possible, such as assemblies. For this reason, students are requested to carry a mask with them at all times.

• Students and staff must not attend school if they display any COVID-like symptoms, even if they return a negative RAHT.

• Parents and carers must inform the School as soon as possible if their child/children test positive or if they are required to follow the current guidelines as a Household contact.

• Isolation times for positive cases or guidelines for Household contacts are currently mandated by the NSW Government and can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/testing/self-isolation-rules

If you have any questions or concerns at any stage, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mr Luke Polson
Head of Middle School

Staffing

We welcome Ms Lara Nicholls to our teaching team next term as Mrs Anna O’Connor takes maternity leave. Lara will be joining us next term for 12 months and comes to us having started her teaching career as a Teaching Assistant in Brisbane at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School and St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School recently, with a Master of Education (Early Education/Primary) (ACU) and a Bachelor of Communication and Arts (UQ). She is also completing her teaching proficiency in French with a view of adding this to her teaching capabilities. Lara is a hobby painter of some repute and enjoys creating her own classroom resources. Amongst other things, she describes herself as a passionate,  dedicated and creative educator inspiring curious, innovative and kind citizen. It sounds Lara will fit right in and we welcome her to both Armidale and TAS Junior School.

GRIP Student Leadership Course

Congratulations and well done to our Year 5 leaders who attended the Leadership Course last Monday. They have already demonstrated a great deal of initiative this year, organising our Sports Shed, coordinating support for each House for the Swimming and Athletics Carnival, meeting with senior teachers and the MS/SS SRC and this was another great opportunity for them to further their skills. We look forward to them bringing some of their ideas to both our SRC and our assemblies.

(L to R) Harry Fawcett, George Drain, Mila Nexo, William Cooper-Fillios, Jacqui Dubois (Absent: Layla Abu Assab)

Activities Day – Monday 23 May

Our next Activities Day will be a very special one focussing on the Round Square pillar, “The Spirit of Internationalism” and we are inviting parental input where possible. Junior School teachers are putting together ideas and they will be approaching you to see if there may be a way you would like to contribute. In the past, we have highlighted our cultural differences through food, national costume and dress, slide shows, music, song and dance and if you have something that you may be able to contribute it would be greatly appreciated. It has been a fantastic day in years gone by and we hope this will be another wonderful way to celebrate and share our cultural differences. Please contact your teacher if you feel you can assist.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Each year, Junior School has as its 2 major annual fundraisers, “Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea” and “Jump Rope for Heart.” This Friday 20 May, we will be hosting morning tea in the JS Undercover area for the entire school We are asking that all teachers and Junior School students contribute by making a gold coin donation.

We ask all our families to prepare and provide some (nut free) morning tea from home…it doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it all goes to a fantastic cause so we hope you will be able to contribute. Please ensure it does not contain nuts and all contributions may be left in the OSHC (After School Care room, beneath our building)

We really hope you can join us on the day.

Twilight Concert

I was really pleased to be able to attend another twilight concert last night with so many of our junior students performing. From soloists to small ensembles, we were treated to everything from song to instrumentals. It was a fantastic concert and I thank the organisers in The Creative Arts Department and congratulate the performers: Riley Sykes, Bryana Galpathage, Edward Minter, William Minter, Raymond Wang, Tom Loxley, William Cooper-Fillios, Daniel Mo, and our Junior String and Junior Piano Ensembles.

Happy Birthday

Sending birthday wishes to Sophie Banister, Tobias Holland, Tom Loxley and Aaryan Peddi for your special days this week.

Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Junior School

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