TAS Talks Term 2 Week 6

At any time, there are multiple capital works projects ongoing at TAS to ensure that facilities are kept up to date and new facilities are built as and when required to support our students. After two slower years due to the pandemic there is currently plenty going on. As you will know we are currently renovating our Science Building and its associated access to Fisher. We are also due to start work on a new Middle School play equipment area, a classroom for the Agriculture plot and an expansion of our Medical Centre this year, while we are concurrently finalising plans for some significant developments in boarding.

Many buildings at TAS have been and continue to be made possible with help from the TAS Foundation. If you are not familiar with the purpose and work of the Foundation, which also includes supporting a number of our students through scholarships, I would encourage you to read the information sent to all families with the Annual Giving Appeal. For those families who do find themselves in a position to give this year, any donation to the projects outlined there, small or large, will be incredibly gratefully received.

In TAS staffing news, Miss Hannah Lo has resigned from her position as HSIE teacher. Miss Lo will be moving to be closer to her family at the end of this term. Mrs Jacki Fletcher who ably manages the TAS Medical Centre and has cared for so many students over the years, will also be leaving at the end of this term, although she plans to return on a casual basis at a later date. Both staff members will be greatly missed and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Dr Rachel Horton
Principal

It has been a busy few weeks for many of our students who have been working hard outside the classroom to challenge themselves and have achieved outstanding results along the way. It was a privilege to watch our choirs perform last week and to be part of the many TAS successes at this year’s Eisteddfod as a member of the School community. Solo and ensemble performances have seen TAS set the bar high for all-round performances in the region, and our students have relished the opportunity to perform once again in front of an audience. 

In addition, we have seen students perform exceptionally well in Mountain Biking, representative Hockey and Cross-Country, along with our da Vinci Decathlon teams who recently took part in the state finals.

This weekend we have a strong team of students representing at the North West Equestrian events in Coonabarabran while our next round of AAGPS rugby fixtures sees four teams travel to Sydney to compete against The Kings School. Congratulations to all students who are pursuing their passions. Regardless of the result, the School is very proud of the diversity of talents and interests of our student body. 

As we approach the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend, I remind families that Friday 10 June will be a student-free day to enable a 4-day break from school for all our students. To ensure our academic program is not disrupted and the majority of our students are not disadvantaged,  I request that wherever possible leave is not taken outside of the four days.

Mr Ray Pearson
Deputy Principal

P&F Meeting

The P&F will meet next week on Wednesday 8 June at 7.00pm. We will be face to face in Upper Maxwell as well as have a Zoom session running for those wishing to attend remotely. Zoom details are below. All are welcome with the added bonus of snacks and drinks for those able to attend in person.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://as-edu.zoom.us/j/2155172798?pwd=Z1VRMTRrcjZoVStLYlFKOG5CdVovQT09
Meeting ID: 215 517 2798
Password: parents

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

By the time you read this, Year 9 and 10 exams will be nearly finished for the semester. Many students and parents are concerned about how much work their child may have missed due to illness this semester. Please stress to your child that these exams show the teachers what you do know – and they know when they were away. Reports reflect achievement over a semester and not just on the exam. We take into account what we have seen in class, as well as formal assessments when grading students. These exams are designed for students to learn how to study and how to work in exam situations – they are not high stakes.

A number of our senior staff met with Dr Horton this week to look at the support on offer for our Year 12 students as they head into their last term of schooling. We are keen to also hear student voices on what support they would like and I will be speaking with them each week from now until the end of their time at TAS keeping them updated on what they need to do next and what they should be doing regarding studying for their Trial HSC in Term 3 and their HSC in Term 4. It is not too late to make a significant difference, but may well be by the time we return next term. Discussions will also include what work they should be aiming to do during the upcoming term break – it is not a time to put the books aside – balance is key and there will be plenty of time for a significant break once the HSC is done. It is also important for them to realise the importance of diet, exercise and sleep and how to ensure the right balance of social vs work. Please reach out to your child’s advisor if you are concerned in any way regarding these matters and to get advice particular to your child.

In the coming week, Year 9 and 10 students will be selecting their final electives for the year. Due to staffing matters, some variations to the published elective lines from the end of 2021 will be made. Swapping electives from one course to another will not be occurring this semester, so considering their choices carefully in each line will be important – as they can’t always get their first choice.

Mrs Seonia Wark
Director of Studies

A big thanks to the Heads of House and Senior House Leaders who initiated and coordinated an enjoyable inter-house Capture the Flag contest, played throughout the Senior and Junior School precincts last Friday afternoon. All boarders involved enjoyed the inter-house contest, won by Tyrrell House, and are keen to continue with such activities moving forward. The Girls’ Boarding House and Dangar House boarders enjoyed a Mexican Theme night on Saturday night which highlighted the strong bonds between our Senior and Middle School girl boarders. Plus all White House boarders have enjoyed Sunday BBQ breakfasts at their senior houses this term. These dinners and breakfasts have given the Middle School boarders the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their senior house surroundings and get to know senior boarders and staff.

I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the importance of the Year 12 boarders driving permissions being accurate. Heads of House are experiencing more frequent late requests regarding the transportation of boarders. The driving permission forms can be downloaded from the school website. Approval for boarders to travel with other boarders or hosts are to be recorded on this original form or communicated in writing to Heads of House well in advance.

Thanks for your ongoing support by ensuring weekend leave requests are submitted by Thursday, giving Heads of House sufficient time to approve or clarify any queries with the boarder/s, hosts and parents involved in the leave process. With two upcoming Sydney rugby fixtures this term, can I ask that any leave requests for after rugby on these weekends be submitted well in advance.

A reminder that during the next week’s June long weekend, all boarding houses will be closed from 10.00am Friday 10 June through to 1.30pm Monday 13 June. Classes will conclude at 3.30pm Thursday 9 June and re-commence at 8.40am Tuesday 14 June. Exemption from School Forms will need to be submitted in advance to the Deputy Principal, Mr Ray Pearson, for boarders missing any classes during this time.

Mr David Drain
Director of Boarding

Mexican Night

TAS girls had a Mexican themed night in the boarding house with music, dancing and a feast of nachos, tacos, fajitas and churros along with a mocktail station over the weekend. Great fun was had by all.

Social Media

Please follow the link below to an interesting article on the Safe on Social website. It talks about the distractions of social media from a student’s perspective.

https://bit.ly/3M6sD9J

Mr Adam (AJ) Whalley
Director of Pastoral Care

This week in Assembly we recognised student achievement in the Summer Sports Program. A select group of students in Years 11 and 12 were awarded Colours and in Years 6-10 Medallions were awarded to those students who excelled in their chosen sport. These awards recognise the achievement of TAS students in the co-curricular domain of the School. In order to receive a medallion or colour, students are assessed on the following criteria: attitude, attendance, ability, achievement, sportsmanship and be involved in a recognised school sport – a sport that TAS plays in competition either at a school level or a local competition.

The following link identifies the students receiving a medallion or colour – CLICK HERE

The Athletics Age Champions and Runners-up have also presented their awards this week in Assembly. In addition to these awards, there were a number of special awards and Abbott House was named as both the Overall House Champions and Aggregate ‘Points Per House Member’ Champions.

House Trophy for “Points Per House Member”

House Championship Trophy: “Archdall Cup for House Athletics”

Below you will find a link to the records broken during the Athletics Championships.

Girls Records 2022

Congratulations to the TAS Mountain Biking Team who took out the champion school at the Tamworth All-School MBT event in front of Calrossy (2nd) and Farrer (3rd). A special thank you to Mrs Benham and her team for their continued support and guidance of the MBT program.

Sports Uniform

I commend students on their improved appearance last weekend at sport. I had the opportunity on the weekend to watch rugby and both the boys’ and girls’ hockey. I was impressed by the level of sportsmanship, positive attitude, and overall appearance of the TAS teams. I continue to remind students of the same message “All students MUST wear TAS Sports Uniform TO, DURING and FROM all TAS Sporting matches/games”.

Thank you for your support.

Mr Huon Barrett
Director of Co-curricular

Over the weekend the HSC Visual Arts students headed out to Kwaimbal National Park for an incredible artists retreat. Across two days they worked intensively on their artistic practice, with workshops on drawing, watercolours, oil pastels, photography, sculpture, and wearable art. Ms Fiona Xeros is an exceptional artist and teacher and this opportunity was one-of-a-kind, giving them the time and space to work on their artmaking skills and art theory in the stunning natural environment.

Under the careful eye of Mr Wheatley and his student assistant directors Claude, Meave and Millie, the cast has been selected for Middle School’s History’s Worst Decisions and the People Who Made Them. Based on the comedic book by Stephen Weir, it promises to be a fun journey through some calamitous choices told by an energetic theatrical ensemble. I congratulate all the students who auditioned and have the privilege of announcing the cast: Pahanma Perera, Oliver Goudge, Mac Bradford, Jack Lucas, Hamish Pengilley, Cormac Downes, Robin Henry, Katie Hynes, Olive McKay, Angus Fletcher, Jack Rogers, Jack Wood, Tom Chappell, Steven Hopwood, Peter Thompson, Zana Ross, Harriet Coupland, Mila Wright, Clare McDouall, Ruby Menkens, Minnie Chick, Belle Bradford, Maddie Buntine, Tessa Jackson and Emily Croker.

This Saturday 4 June we have 100 Years of the History of Dance as Told By One Man in 60 Minutes with an Energetic Group Finale – part dance, part theatre, it should be a brilliant night of entertainment in the Hoskins Centre and I encourage you to grab a ticket to this rare treat: https://www.trybooking.com/BZEIS.

Next Friday 10 and Saturday 11 June UNE Theatre and Performance is staging a theatrical work Fools for Love at the Armidale Playhouse. It is a darkly comic anthology of contemporary scenes, developed from the work of UNE’s Acting unit. Following the Saturday matinee will be a Q&A session with the director and cast as a bonus experience for performers. Please note the production contains adult themes and content (some low-level violence, strong language and physical intimacy) and is recommended for Adults and students 15+. Tickets can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fools-for-love-tickets-346412277447

Mr Andrew O’Connell
Head of Creative Arts

Eisteddfod Performance Results

Ms Leanne Roobol
Director of Music

There is much happening in the lives of Middle School students at The Armidale School, highlighted across the sheer breadth of activities and range of age groups throughout the past week. The Eisteddfod continues in full swing and is a wonderful opportunity for our students to perform. Our students have been on show both in large groups, smaller ensembles and in individual items. I commend everyone who has been involved in this process and continue to wish all of those who are performing the very best and hopefully some reward for their very hard work. A full list of achievements will be available in TAS Talks soon.

Rehearsals are underway for the 2022 Middle School play and I look forward to seeing this come to life over the weeks and months ahead. I thank in advance, Mr Andrew Wheatley, for his time and leadership of this important aspect of the Middle School calendar. The show will certainly not be one to miss and further information on performances and dates will be shared in due course. There are opportunities for students to help out in other elements of production, including the technical elements, and I encourage students who are interested to speak to Mr Wheatley as it is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in.

Sport continues to be a big part of Middle School life and last weekend was certainly no exception. On top of regular sporting commitments, TAS was well represented at the Tamworth All Schools Mountain Biking Championships and a large contingent of Middle School girls played in the U15s State Girls Hockey Championships in Parkes. This weekend sees a number of students travel to the Coonabarabran Horse Expo to compete and we wish these students all the very best. Many students and staff will also be participating in the TAS 6 Hour Mountain Bike Challenge on Sunday and we wish them well.

Our students are at that point of the term (and year!) where assessments and class tasks are well underway – and of course these are important because they help us assess the extent of meaningful engagement in academic activity. If your children have some difficulty completing tasks in the allotted time for prep sessions and assessment periods, part of our role in assisting people at this age is to equip them with the necessary skills and strategies to succeed in this area. What they need to do is let their Homeroom Advisor know and we’ll do our best to employ the strategies necessary to assist with their easier management of this. It’s important that we are aware of the fact that students are actually doing their prep over a number of nights, rather than at the ‘last minute’. We’re much better at dealing with issues before they progress to the ‘problem’ stage. As teachers and parents our job is to encourage, assist where appropriate and monitor progress carefully so that all students can gain greatest benefit from utilising time available to them.

Mr Luke Polson
Head of Middle School

Chapel St Turning Circle - We are reviewing it…and we need you help please?!

As the weather becomes more exciting, please ensure that we work together to keep the system at our Turning Circle operating smoothly. We must see your name tags on your passenger visor from a distance to enable us to have your children ready and waiting. Without this, we know the system fails and we all feel the pain. Having said that, I remind everyone that Yr K-2 (and their older siblings) are collected from 3.20 pm. Yr 3-5 will not be ready to be collected until after 3.30 pm; please do not join the line before then as it allows us to get the younger students away first. Your cooperation is appreciated and you feedback is always welcome.

Sport

I have heard some fantastic stories about the way our families are approaching their commitment to sport. I have said it many times, it is a very important part of your child’s holistic education and there are so many benefits to be had. However, I am also aware that because of the cold weather, illness and simply that life just gets a little complicated at times, some of our teams have been left short, sometimes well short of players. Absence with notification is unfair on everyone and I will be chasing up absenteeism where required. Please inform your coach in the event that your child cannot attend. We all have a responsibility to our kids to ensure that our own organisation does not let them down and that means arriving on time, being well prepared and wanting to have fun. And that is what it’s all about.

The TAS 6 Hour

Mr Jim Pennington has been in touch recently to invite you all to be a part of the TAS 6 Hour this Sunday, a glorious crisscrossing of the Eastern edge of the Armidale Pine Forest, cycling serenely upon your mountain bike. Please join us lapping the 6.7km course either solo or in teams of 2. There will be a huge contingent of the TAS community there on the day and it will be a day to remember. Please see the following link: https://www.as.edu.au/whats-on-2/triple-crown-the-6-hour/and/or contact the school for more information.

Round Square

Congratulations are in order for Arabella Hodges, Cecelia Price, Edward Gillman, George Drain and William Cooper-Fillios for being selected to represent the school as delegates for the Virtual Round Square Conference on June 8. Their pre conference task is to discuss and have a perspective on environmental initiatives local to us, as well as issues that have a connection to global challenges and then create a collage of images that represent their collective thoughts!? Quite a challenge and we with them well.

National Simultaneous Storytime

We were very privileged to have Dr Horton read to K-2 for this event last week and our students thought it was a fantastic way to finish the day. Our classes had been well-prepared by both their classroom teachers and Mr Arndt and they were able to gain a great deal from the experience.

I am including some student writing that has come from Year 2 as a result of being asked to write about “A Tree’s Perspective…what can you  see, hear, touch, taste,
smell and feel?”  Well done to everyone involved and thanks again to those who organised this year’s NSS. We think we might do it this way again next year?!

“Branching Out!”

I am a tree. I can see the blue sky. I can hear the air carrying the baby bluebirds’ afternoon song. I can taste the fresh spring water that the kind children give us every day. I can feel the miner birds’ claws clutching on to me. I can smell the smell of the orangutans swinging on the vines.

Over on the hills I stand, waiting for some caring human to water me. It has been three months since I was last watered by the children across the road. Soon I will fall down and be sold! The winds are wild, winter is here! The next day my branches may fall off, and the dog that came yesterday will steal the lot!

By Evelyn McDonald

“Branching Out!”

I’m a tree. I can feel the wind blowing on my leaves, soft and hard. I feel children sitting on my roots, coming and going. I hear the school bell ringing loudly as the sun goes down and the cars driving around while the birds sing. I see people in their fancy costumes and children in their classrooms working hard through the windows.

I can touch the ground. I can touch the side of the buildings. I can taste the sweet taste of soil around me that the gardeners take care of three times a day. I can taste the clean spring water that the kind children give me. I can smell sweet cherries that grow in the garden and the amazing flowers. All around me, I see happiness and beauty and that makes me happy.

By Carla Price

School Spirit Awards

Congratulations to the following students that received School Spirit Awards last week:

Byron Ahern, Odin Lee-Winsor, Elara Polson, Fatimah Alkadi, Rayyan Shahid, Ivy Rice, Artie Rylands, Hasadi Wicks, Darcy Jackson, Emi Fawcett, William Minter, Lara Thavapalasundaram, Georgia Flynn, Lachie Wood, Matilda Polson, Nancy Ma, Jacqui DuBois, Arabella Hodges, Kaitlyn Baker and Hamish Molina.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Ari Ah-See, Daniel Bayne, Alex Feng and Mason Grace-Booth this week.

Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Junior School

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