MR ALAN JONES
An individual vote of thanks to all those people from the TAS community who assisted with the events of last week would fill this entire issue of TAS Talks so for fear of leaving anyone out I offer my deepest gratitude to all of you who were involved.
It is my great hope this week that all have emerged from the current bush fire threat safely and while that threat remains on the Tablelands we are wishing you all the very best as you face the very real concerns that have to be dealt with on a personal level.
It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the 125 Trekkers upon their return to TAS after lunch on Tuesday. I can only commend all of the students, staff and parents who completed the journey in very trying conditions. It was an event that would have been very dear to Murray Guest’s heart and I am pleased that the decision was made to forge ahead. Very special thanks go to Jim Pennington who was the driving force behind the whole project. The group who participated were involved in something very special indeed and when they have time to reflect on their efforts they can justifiably proud of this achievement.
Another example of the opportunities available to our students was the Art/Sound presentation last night from our Year 11 Creative Arts students. There is some real talent emerging from this group and I look forward to viewing and listening to their major works for the HSC next year. As a side note four of these students had just returned from Trek 125.
As stated above we are in the midst of an unprecedented bush fire season and there has been much discussion here with regard to Activities Week and any adjustments that need to made in our planning for each of the groups who may be out in the field. At the forefront of our thinking is the safety and well-being of students and staff and some decisions have already been made. Year 6 and Year 7 will stay at school. Year 11 RFS and Year 11 Surf Lifesaving may be able to complete their qualifications. Following fires going through the area surrounding Nymboida there will be a modified camp for Cadets if a suitable location can be determined and we are constantly monitoring the changing conditions.
Our core values within the school are embedded in the simple principle of respect and consideration for the individual and this respect can be one of mankind’s most noble sentiments. Please keep Joanne, Annelise and Harry Guest in your thoughts and prayers and my heartfelt thanks once again for your very special support for TAS during the last two weeks.
Alan Jones
Acting Headmaster
Week 5 | |
Friday 15 November | Year 10 Dinner – The Stro from 7 pm Staff Drinks with Year 10 at Booloominbah from 5.30 – 6 pm |
Saturday 16 November | Mann River white water practice |
Sunday 17 November | Mann River white water practice |
Week 6 | |
Monday 18 November | ASC Gala Debating Day (Years 7-8) |
Tuesday 19 November | ASC Gala Debating Day (Years 9-10) |
Wednesday 20 November | Year 6, 2020 Orientation
Transition to Year 5, 2020 Orientation P&F Meeting (7 pm)
|
Thursday 21 November | First Aid Course – Year 10
Twilight Concert ( Memorial Hall) 6pm |
Friday 22 November | Year 5 Valedictory Dinner ( Hoskins Centre) |
MR RICHARD NEWTON
When considering new words in the Dictionary, traditionalists may lament the likes of text-speak into mainstream lists, but Susan Butler of the Macquarie Dictionary says these people misunderstand the purpose of a dictionary. First, she says, “it is a reference tool to help us spell and understand the meaning of words. Its other function is to be a true record of a language in the society as it is used.” (Source SMH)
She goes on to say, ”The main test is currency – have people actually offered this word to each other and been understood, and expected to be understood?”
David Astle, a crossword compiler for the Herald believes there are loose rules governing which words catch on. ”Either there is a genuine gap the word fills, or there’s a charm or (dare I quote him) a sexiness to the word that we want to retain,” for example he believes ”de-friend” is here to stay. Although it describes a distinct act in cyberspace, it also has the capacity to be generalised into non-Facebook contexts.
If words are a record of our times what does this word say about us? Sure, it suggests that we use social media, and talk about such concepts. However, I think it says more. In our increasingly individualistic and self-centered society, we are prepared to treat so called friends as commodities – happy to consume them one day and discard them the next. Based on performance ratings set by us. I don’t know what may make one de-friend another, but I would say if they’re doing or saying antisocial things that you want to distance yourself from, you no longer want to be associated with them, fair enough.
Thankfully, God isn’t fair. God does not give us what we deserve, he does not simply de-friend us when we behave in a way that is unattractive, even wrong, in fact it is in these very moments, that he gives us chance after chance. He does this through the death of Jesus, he died for those who had de-friended him, in order that they may become his friends again.
What a better place it would be if we understood this better, accepted his offer of friendship, and then were characterised by this grace, not as those who are so quick to cut friends loose.
Rev Richard Newton
MRS RACHAEL NICOLL
The P&F Executive would like to express our heartfelt thanks for all the help we received from you all to make Mr Murray Guest’s Memorial Service so special. The baking, help and general goodwill was wonderful and enabled us to put together a huge event at very short notice. We have an amazing community here at TAS and it was an honour to say ‘Vale Murray Guest’ in the true TAS style.
If you baked for the service please collect your containers from Main School Reception (Big School) as soon as possible. If we knew you were a Junior School family your container may be in Junior School Reception. If you can’t find it there, please check main Reception. If the containers are not collected by the end of Speech Day (Thursday 5 December) they will be disposed of.
Also our thanks to everyone who made a meal or two for the TAS staff. We have received heartfelt feedback from staff about how grateful they have been for these and how yummy they have been too!
Just a reminder that TAS Fest has been cancelled. However, the films are still going ahead. Our thanks to everyone that took the time to make a film. Submissions of films closed on Monday and we will be announcing the winners shortly.
The drought and fires are making gardening difficult but 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 from 9-12. The greenhouses are just to the left in the Chapel Street Carpark.
Payment will be cash or internet banking (no Eftpos). Roses are $10 and all other plants will be between $2 and $5. Whatever plants not sold will be turned into compost so please come along and make an offer. Information on available plants will be posted on our Facebook page.
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 on the 16th. Depending on sales we may also have a few available at Speech Day.
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 wish you an early Merry Christmas and thank you in person for all the amazing help you have provided throughout this difficult year.
Mrs Rachael Nicoll
MR ANDREW O'CONNELL
In the next few days we will be opening up Expressions of Interest for two amazing Round Square conferences in 2020 and some initial information can be found below.
Delegates are going to be consumed in Korean culture – both the old and the new. From experiencing the splendour of Seoul’s ancient palaces, to submerging themselves in the world cultural phenomenon of K-Pop, delegates will be able to reflect on rapid social changes and how such changes apply and are manifested in their own countries. Delegates will also be able to experience the realities of being in the world’s only divided country, up close and personal! Delegates will travel to the DMZ – the border dividing the two Koreas – and will have the opportunity to gaze into the world’s most secretive state: North Korea. This experience will set the stage for delegates’ participation in our famous Model United Nations, in which they will each represent a state and try their hands at diplomacy and the exercise of democracy. We sincerely believe that this conference is the opportunity of a lifetime for all delegates, and that it will imbue them with a sense of ‘Reverence for the Past’ and ‘Aspirations for the Future’.
https://www.rskorea2020.com/
Taking action for a sustainable future: Chiang Mai offers a unique natural environment surrounded by the beauty of mountains and forests, it is a place where new and old Thailand meet. Students are invited to take part in a variety of sustainability discussions, activities and service. Prem is a school that values sustainability and is working hard to build a culture of sustainability amongst our students. Onsite there is a sustainable farm, and many outdoor sporting and recreational facilities. In the local area there are also have many organisations that are also working toward sustainable futures for the community. Conference organisers hope to arm students with the ability to take on new challenges, to take action on sustainability issues whilst meeting students from across the globe. There will have lots of fun led by Prem’s own students, you will visit an elephant sanctuary, create natural products on the school’s farm, work with a hill tribe village and visit a forest and help restore it. As well we will have valuable discussions on sustainable action, service and see some live examples of these here at Prem.
MRS SEONIA WARK
Annual Camp represents the culmination of the year’s Cadet training, and was planned to be conducted over the period 23-29 November at Nymboida. At this stage due to the devastating fires that have impacted the small community of Nymboida and other parts of the region, plans are continually being reassessed. Annual Camp as it was planned and published in TAS Talks last week will now be substantially different as a result.
Further information will be communicated to staff and parents as soon as possible to allow planning and logistics to take place, ensuring the safety and welfare of students and staff is of the highest priority.
Major (AAC) Angus Murray
Commanding Officer TASCU
MR WILL CALDWELL
House Captains are in the midst of planning their Cash Cup performances to be presented on Tuesday 3 December. There are 3 elements that will be judged:
This is an opportunity to feast on the creative talents within the school, to work together as a team and to have FUN! I wish all Houses the best in their preparations.
Congratulations to Tom Ball and Lennox Neilson (Year 7) who joined an elite but growing number of TAS hockey players to be selected into NSW state hockey teams. Tom and Lennox have been selected in the U13 NSW Stars and U13 NSW Lions indoor hockey teams respectively after outstanding performances at the recent U13 NSW State indoor hockey championships in Orange. Tom, Lennox and Miller Harwood (Year 6) were part of the HNE team that came third in division 1 in what was an outstanding result for a young team.
Tom and Lennox will now represent NSW at the Australian U13 Indoor hockey championships in Wollongong from 18-21 January 2020.
This is a reflection of the strong commitment of TAS hockey players and the TAS hockey community. My thanks go to the Hockey coaches and committee who are continually developing the program to provide such opportunities.
The 2020 Rugby Draw has now been published and players and parents will be pleased to hear that five of the seven GPS games will be held on Backfield. This along with our involvement in the local competition will significantly reduce the amount of travel required next season. It will also provide opportunities for boys to play a combination of Football, Hockey and Rugby.
Mr Will Caldwell
Director of Co-curricular
DATE | TERM, WEEK | GAME |
18-19 April | Holidays | TASRC |
26 April (Sunday) | Holidays | Ambrose Treacy College (Opens Only) |
Trial Games | ||
2 May | Term 2, Week 1 | TBC |
9 May | Term 2, Week 2 | TBC |
16 May | Term 2, Week 3 | Kinross |
GPS Games | ||
23 May | Term 2, Week 4 | TAS v Shore |
30 May | Term 2, Week 5 | TAS v Riverview |
13 June | Term 2, Week 7 | Scots v TAS |
20 June | Term 2, Week 4 | TAS v SBHS |
25 July | Term 3, Week 1 | TAS v Grammar |
1 August | Term 3, Week 2 | TAS v Kings |
8 August | Term 3, Week 3 | Joeys v TAS |
The Armidale School’s run in the National Virtual Debating competition came to an end in Week 2 with the Year 9/10 team succumbing to Canberra Girls Grammar in round 8.
It was the second time the two teams had met this year; on the first occasion, TAS successfully defeated last year’s champions in round 3, forcing them into the bottom draw of this double-elimination competition. TAS would soon join them in the bottom draw in round 4 at the hands of Essington International School Darwin, but stayed alive in the competition with subsequent wins against St John’s Lutheran College Kingaroy, Mamre Anglican School Sydney and St Luke’s Bundaberg.
The do or die clash would determine who would go into the major semi-final and sadly, this time the CGGS team were too good against TAS in manner and method (though not necessarily matter) on the topic ‘That governments should install more cameras to monitor public spaces’. It was a really topical issue with Hudson McAllister, Will Jubb joined by first time TAS virtual debaters Alexander Gibson and Georgia Donoghue in an interesting and engaging debate. Well done to this debate’s team, and Hugo Catterall, Frank Perrottet and Henry Moore, who between them kept TAS well-placed in this lengthy national competition, only two wins shy of a grand final berth.
It’s not the end of the season for TAS debaters however, with the school to field teams in a gala day being hosted by Armidale Secondary College next week, and NEGS to host the final round of Tri-Schools.
Meanwhile, Lucy Ball and Jack Nivison represented TAS magnificently last week at the public speaking component of the Armidale Dumaresq Lions Youth of the Year competition. The seven contestants were given two impromptu topics (‘Age before beauty’ and ‘Which world leader, past or present, would you like to spend 30 minutes with and why?’) and also presented a five minute prepared speech. Lucy tackled the dearth of constructive engagement with the drought, while Jack reflected on the power of fiction to portray a diversity of truths. It was a close competition with judges taking more than half an hour to come to a decision. While neither Lucy or Jack will go on to the next level, their engaging, intelligent and confident deliveries were a great credit to themselves and their school.
Mr Tim Hughes
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator
MR ANDREW O'CONNELL
Good news for our HSC Creative Arts students has continued until the very end – yesterday we were notified that HSC Drama student Stu Kang is being considered for OnSCREEN, a showcase of the best Individual Project film submissions. This is on top of the other nominations the class received earlier in the year (unfortunately no selections this time around) and a great piece of news for a student who has been accepted into Vancouver Film School in Vancouver, Canada for 2020.
Last night the Year 11 Music 1, Music 2 and Visual Arts students put on the much-loved ArtSound exhibition, a showcase that has become a highlight of our academic program. It was another incredible display of the breadth and depth of the artistic talent we enjoy at the school and it was so engaging to hear the students speak with authority about the works they have created and composed. ArtSound is also excellent preparation for those about to commence the HSC courses and I thank Mrs Baumgartner, Ms Roobol and Ms Xeros for all their hard work supporting the students. The art exhibition will remain in the foyer for the next couple of weeks and I encourage you all to stop by and enjoy the many pieces on display.
Perhaps inspired by the work of the Year 11’s, the Stage 5 Advanced Music class have also been studying the association between art and music. Yesterday they visited the Hinton Collection of the New England Regional Gallery, with students selecting a single work of art in order to prepare a presentation with accompanying music and extension students encouraged to also develop a composition. Art and music have a long history of being mutually influential – French composers Debussy and Ravel were heavily influenced by the impressionist movement of art, and Satie by early modernism – and it will be great for that class to discover such an influence first hand.
The Junior School Musical Madagascar is already filling the Hoskins Centre with colour and energy during rehearsals and there is still a little bit of time before performances in Week 7. Tickets are now selling quickly, even with the additional performance this year, so make sure you jump onto the TAS or Hoskins Centre websites to avoid missing out.
Mr Andrew O’Connell
Creative Arts Coordinator
MRS GILL DOWNES
In this current climate we have seen some terrible bushfire damage occurring in our wider community and the Middle School would like to assist in a practical and meaningful way those affected by the fires. Mr Angus Murray, our Commanding Officer of Cadets here at TAS, is collecting and delivering jerry cans to the Nymboida community to allow the residents who have lost their property, and in many cases rainwater tanks, to access fresh water during this time of distress and difficulty. As such, the Middle School is purchasing some large jerry cans to be delivered as part of this initiative. Year 6 student Ty Schalk-O’Brien is spearheading Middle School’s contribution to this initiative and asks that Year 6-8 students donate a gold coin to this worthy cause. Thank you to Ty for suggesting such a practical measure, how wonderful to see him acting with such integrity and generosity of spirit. Please give your donation to Ty over the next week.
Congratulations goes to Tom Ball and Lennox Neilson for their selection in the U13 NSW Squad for Indoor Hockey; it is great to see their hard work and talent rewarded in this sport. Well done to you both!
I would also like to thank Gus Seville for his part in our Remembrance Day ceremony on Monday. Gus played the bagpipes with precision and pride as the TAS community met to acknowledge those lost in the wars.
This term sees a re-working of our existing MS Leadership structure; an exciting and welcome change that will see opportunities for our young people to lead and serve by learning important interpersonal and communication skills.
This week the Middle School students will receive information about each of the leadership roles, including role descriptions, and we will be discussing this to allow for an informed and democratic system of election for the Middle School Head Boy and Head Girl roles, and a nomination system for the Academic, Creative Arts, Service and Sport leadership positions. I look forward to moving through this important process with the Middle School and encourage Year 7 students to consider these roles and the opportunities that they will provide. Year 6-8 will be involved in the nomination and voting process.
Have a great week 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
MR LUKE POLSON
My thanks to all who were able to attend the working bee last Sunday. A huge amount was achieved through a massive group effort, working on costumes, set and props. With only a few weeks away, rehearsals are in full swing and we are all looking forward to the production in a few weeks’ time.
Last Thursday, Junior School was lucky to be able to host a number of visitors from the University of New England to immerse our students in a number of cultural activities. Students participated in dance, craft and cooking activities and gained an increased understanding of a variety of cultures. Students were involved in cultural activities from Saudi Arabia, France, India, China, Japan and Vietnam. My thanks go to Alexandra Cook from the University of New England International department for their generosity and organisation of these activities.
Please make a note of the new time for our Junior School Speech Day next term. Last term Mr Lloyd introduced our Guest Speaker and presenter Tanya Ha, an award-winning environmental campaigner, television presenter, author, science journalist, speaker and sustainable living advocate. There is plenty of more information at <https://tanyaha.com/home/about/> and I am sure the occasion will be enjoyable for all. Please lookout for a separate invitation to this event in the coming weeks.
A reminder that supervision does not commence in the Junior School until 8:15 am and students are not to 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.
Wishing Mitchell Evans, our only Birthday student this week, the very best for his upcoming birthday.
Mr Luke Polson
Acting Head of Middle School
Week 5 | |
Wednesday 13 November | No Assembly |
Week 6 | |
Wednesday 20 November | Final Assembly – Year 3, 4 & 5 from 2.00pm. Transition, K, 1 & 2 from 2.45pm |
Orientation Day | |
Friday 22 November | Year 5 Dinner – Hoskins Centre |
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)
Morning Tea ( Junior School undercover area |
“The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded young people, who recognise their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful word.” (IBO 2017)
Thursday afternoon saw all Junior School students participate in a wide range of activities, which centred around the theme of internationalism. We were very fortunate to have a range of guests from the UNE who shared their culture with us. The table below outlines the countries that were represented and the activities that students engaged in.
Saudi Arabia | Presentation on the country and Arabic writing |
France | Crepe making/decorating and presentation on the country |
India | Cultural introduction and a practical lesson on Indian Dance |
China | Calligraphy |
Japan | Presentation about food, culture and origami construction |
Vietnam | Whole school involvement in Bamboo Stick Dancing |
Special thanks to Mrs O’Connor and Alexandra Cook who coordinated this very special afternoon to acknowledge and celebrate cultural diversity.
Mrs Veronica Waters
Primary Years Coordinator
This week continued to show huge improvements from all of our basketball players. The students were lucky enough to have a coach from Armidale Basketball club join our training session on Wednesday. He focused on shooting and including all team mates. Their hard work paid off on Monday with all teams scoring a lot of goals. Chelsea showed a huge improvement in catching the ball and dribbling down the court. Marcus’ defence practice was evident getting him lots of intercepts from the other team! Jack utilised his team mates well helping him score three baskets. It is wonderful to see many of our basketballers getting in some extra shooting practice at lunch times. Keep up the great work!
Mis Alice Woodhill
(Reports from Week 1 and 2 of Competition)
On Friday, the TAS Hurricanes played their first game against Ben Venue. We won the game 4-0 and played really well as a team. I would like to congratulate the Year 2 players, Layla and Sahib who had never played a game before but did really well. I was excited to score a goal. I think the team needs to work on not bunching up to get the ball. Thank you to Lachie, our fabulous coach, for supporting us.
Minnie Chick (Year 3)
On Friday afternoon the Tornados played a game against the NEGS Under 11 team. We played well as a team remembering not to bunch up and we also set up the goals really well. Well done to Sam Ford who was able to score most of our six goals with the support of the entire team. At training we focussed on defence and building up our stick skills. I can’t wait for this Friday’s game and want to thank Miles, our coach, for his support.
Chloe Dennison (Year 4)
All gymnastics students were once again fully engaged in an action-packed training session. The warm-up was great fun with a game of ‘Captains and Convicts’ involving all participants in some fun stretches.
The students then rotated through the following four activities:
Activity 1- Swing- front support and swings on bars.
Activity 2- Ribbon statics, which was a bit tricky. However, there was plenty of focus and application of motor skills.
Activity 3: Spring and Land- springboard work and partner springing.
Activity 4: Cartwheels. Mrs O was so impressed with the skill displayed by all students and they have been encouraged to practice these skills this week.
The session finished with a group of very happy students completing a circuit and a cool down focussed on fundamental movement skills.
Please remember the following ‘pick up’ options available to you: Gymnastics Centre 4.40 pm, Junior School undercover area 4.50pm and TAS Chapel Street turning circle 4.55 pm.
Mrs Veronica Waters and Mrs Victoria Perrin-Baker
Mr O’Hara was a ‘special guest star’ for the warm-up activity of Shark at Junior School Gymnastics this week, and the students thoroughly enjoyed the dodging and swerving that this activity necessitated!
The small group activities were
The students were then rewarded for their excellent behaviour with the opportunity to jump into the foam pit for the first time this Term, which they embraced with enthusiasm during the final rotation activity, along with more forward rolls, bar work and bunny hops.
The key focus skill at the end of the session was skipping, both with a rope/hoop, and locomotion skipping. Students are encouraged to keep practising these skills at school and at home.
It is a pleasure to observe the students’ increasing focus and confidence demonstrated during the various activities week by week.
Mrs Victoria Perrin-Baker