TAS Talks Term 2 Week 1
In this issue
01. From the Acting Headmaster
MR ALAN JONES
Welcome to Term 2
Welcome to the new term, to returning and new students and families alike, after what I hope has been a refreshing and rewarding break over the past fortnight. For many the break from classes did not mean a separation from school activities and the holiday brought with it plenty of high profile school events. Some of these activities are reported on in TAS Talks this week and I expect that other reports will be presented in upcoming assemblies and editions of TAS Talks and so I comment only briefly here.
The holiday break this year has been book–ended by two Round Square Conferences. The first was for 13 – 15 year old students to Woodleigh School in Victoria and the second was for 10 – 12 year old students to the British School in Jakarta Indonesia.
Another wonderful travel opportunity was provided for the students who attended the Japanese Study Tour which included, language immersion, a home stay in a remote village as well as the highlights of a school visit and tours of major cities.
I was very pleased to see TAS enter a team of over 30 riders in the 2019 Tour de Rocks charity cycling event in support of cancer research and cancer victims. This is a challenging ride that is now well entrenched as a fourth element in the ‘Triple Crown’ award and it was good to have so many students, as well as a number of parents and staff, take it on, whether it be on the bike or as support.
The holiday break also began with a Football Tour across to the NSW north coast and up to Queensland and offered our senior boys and development team a wonderful opportunity to compete with teams there that we would otherwise not come in contact with. This is key preparation for the local season ahead and I am pleased to hear reports that it was very valuable to all the teams involved.
Most will be well aware of the TAS Rugby Carnival that took place on the first weekend of the break and know that it was, again, our biggest public event for the year. Old Armidalian and past Wallaby James Holbeck was our special guest this year and he entertained the young players from the 51 teams with anecdotes from his own playing career and also with his responses to a special Q and A that he hosted. I was very pleased to see that the carnival was quite probably the most comprehensively successful to date. It is a showcase for TAS and with the grounds looking immaculate, a chance to show off our boarding facilities, excellent catering, tight and slick management throughout and amazing community support, it offered a proud moment for our school. The accolades for all of this are shared widely, amongst the management team, the grounds, housekeeping and catering staff and the many parents and senior students who contributed so much through the weekend and I offer the special thanks of the School to all involved for such an incredible effort.
Once again our chaplaincy team led a group of students and some recent Old Armidalians to the Katoomba Youth Christian Convention known as ‘KYCK’. This is a great opportunity for our students to rub shoulders with literally thousands of other like-minded young people who are exploring and developing their faith and I know from past experience that it can have a huge impact on life decisions. I was very pleased to hear about the success of the trip from Richard Newton on his return yesterday and look forward to hearing more details in the coming weeks.
Whilst Anzac Day landed well within the school break this year, TAS was again very well represented at Armidale services. All who attended the Dangarsleigh, Central Park and Saumarez services last week would have been proud to see our Ceremonial Guard under the command of Jack Waters provide the catafalque party at those services with such distinction.
I look forward to seeing the School come together en masse tomorrow for our school Anzac Service. This is an important opportunity for us to show our respect for the service and sacrifice of those who have gone before us at TAS and it is a compulsory event for students. Parents are most welcome of course and should gather in front of the Memorial Hall for a prompt start at 7:00am. Our Guest of Honour will be Captain Lewis Crothers who completed Year 12 at TAS as a boarder in 2008.
Term 2 begins with some major activities that will gather the attention of our students. Winter sports begin this weekend and I wish all players well as they settle into new teams, develop new friendships and relationships in that process and set their sights on goals for the season ahead. This will include the first travel for our rugby teams as they meet Kinross Wolaroi School from Orange on neutral ground at Coonabarabran and I thank all involved for their commitment in making this possible.
Next week Year 6 will head to Canberra for the experience of our capital city that is shared by so many other students of this age right across the country. With tens of thousands of Year 6 students visiting Canberra every year, the city is impressively well set up for them and I am sure that the experience will be as enjoyable as it will be educational.
Alan Jones
Acting Headmaster
02. Calendar of Events
| Week 1 | |
| Wednesday 1 May | Round Square Conference (10-12 year old) British School, Jakarta |
| Thursday 2 May | Round Square Conference (10-12 year old) British School, Jakarta |
| TAS Anzac Service ( 7am) | |
| Saturday 4 May | TAS Rugby vs Kinross Wolaroi ( Coonabarabran) |
| Week 2 | |
| Monday 6 May | Year 6 Excursion to Canberra |
| Tuesday 7 May | Year 6 Excursion to Canberra |
| Wednesday 8 May | P&F Meeting (7pm) |
| Thursday 9 May | Year 6 Excursion to Canberra |
| Year 9 Parent Teacher interviews | |
| Twilight Concert (6-8pm) | |
| Year 6 Excursion to Canberra | |
| Year 9 Parent Teacher interviews | |
| Saturday 11 May | TAS Rugby vs St Gregory’s at TAS |
| Rugby Season Launch ( McConville Centre 7pm) |
03. From the P&F
MRS RACHAEL NICOLL
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP AT THE RUGBY CARNIVAL
The TAS Rugby Carnival was on the first weekend of the holidays and was a marvellous success – what a wonderful weekend!!
The Carnival is the biggest event of the year for TAS and the P&F and showcases TAS far and wide. We had approximately 1100 kids, coaches and managers to feed each day – plus their families … phew!!! Without the slew of parents and friends, Community Service helpers, Old Armidalians and staff serving food, making players lunches, cooking on the BBQ, baking or donating food or just generally lending a hand we could not have pulled of this huge event and we thank you for your help.
I think an event like the Rugby Carnival shows what an incredible community we have at TAS. It is a great reflection on the children and families that make up the wider TAS community that people are prepared to pitch in, lend a hand and donate both time and effort to help and I can’t thank people enough for what they do. It is difficult to put into words how much the P&F appreciate your help but know that we are continually amazed by the help that we receive so thank you, thank you, and thank you some more.
On an administrative note – if you loaned us any containers or other items these can be collected from main Reception.
P&F ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Our next P&F meeting is our AGM. This will be on Wednesday 8 May at 7pm in Lower Maxwell Room. At this meeting all positions on the general Committee and The Executive (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary) will be declared ‘open’ and we will vote on the new 2019/20 positions. If you interested in being involved a nomination form can be collected from Reception or downloaded from the P&F webpage. Please note that you do need to be a ‘voting’ member of the P&F to vote and/or stand for a position but forms will be available at the meeting or on our website so don’t let that stop you.
RUGBY HOME GAMES
With the colder months rapidly approaching the rugby season is about to kick off. We have our first home games against St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown on Saturday 11 May. If you wish to know more please contact Rachael Edmonds on redmonds@as.edu.au
Mrs Rachael Nicoll
04. From the Director of Studies
MRS SEONIA WARK
Year 9 Parent Teacher Interviews
Library Extended Day and Academic Support
Mrs Seonia Wark
Director of Studies
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | |
| Year 6-8 | 4pm-5pm
English/Maths/Science |
4pm – 5pm
English/Maths/Science |
||
| Year9-10 | 7pm-9pm
Maths/Chemistry/English |
7pm-9pm
Maths/Chemistry/English |
||
| Year 9-12 | 7pm-9pm
Maths (All levels) |
7pm-9pm
Maths (All levels) |
Academic
What Matters?
05. From the Director of Co-curricular
MR WILL CALDWELL
TAS Rugby Carnival
You would think that hosting a rugby carnival at the end of a busy term is the last thing anyone would want to do. However, an army of students, staff and parents, many of them having no direct association with rugby, worked tirelessly before, during and after the carnival. They volunteered their time to create something that we are all immensely proud of; to be a part of a team of volunteers, contributing to something bigger than themselves. My sincere thanks go to all those who contributed.
Throughout the weekend TAS was buzzing as 51 teams of 11 and 12 year olds, from NSW, Queensland and WA, played 130 games over two days. The crowds of parents and friends who lined the eight fields were in awe of the grounds and the facilities but above all the generosity of spirit that makes this carnival so special.
Our special guest, James Holbeck, captivated the audience young and old with his honest and personal views on rugby. He recognised the purity of grass roots rugby and the importance of the volunteers and supporters, whose selfless contribution are the hallmark of this game.
The most prestigious award (in fact the only trophy presented), is to the team that demonstrates the greatest sportsmanship. This year, the trophy was awarded to Canberra Grammar School.
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- TAS Headmaster Murray Guest, coaches David Ross, Mike Baumgartner, Matt Crosby and Peter Strelitz with James Holbeck and TAS players
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- James Holbeck signs the jersey of Flinders Ward
Term 2 Training Schedule
I hope that you all had the opportunity to relax and spend some quality time together over the holidays and are ready for another term full of opportunities.
This weekend our Football, Netball and Hockey teams will be in full swing locally whilst our Rugby teams will head off to Coonabarabran to play against Kinross Wolaroi School. I encourage all teams to recognise this as the beginning of their journey; set their goals, learn from the experience and enjoy every moment.
A copy of the Training Schedule and Coaching Allocation is attached.
Winter Sports Training Schedule
Winter Sports Coach Allocation
TeamApp – Be part of the Team
Another reminder for parents, students and supporters to sign up to Team App for their chosen sport. It is an excellent way to keep up to date with fixtures information, team selections, results, etc.
Simply:
Download “TeamApp” from the Apps Store.
Search for “[your sport] – The Armidale School”.
Register as a Player or Supporter.
Turn on Notifications.
You are now on The Team
Please contact the MIC of your sport if you require assistance.
Mr Will Caldwell
Director of Co-curricular
Netball
| Date | Team | Versus | Court | Time | |
| 4/5/19 | TAS 1 |
VIP Vipers |
A |
2:40 |
|
| TAS 2 |
Court Jesters St Marks |
2 |
12:00 |
||
| TAS 3 |
NEGS 5 |
3 |
1:20 |
||
| TAS 4 |
Horizons Purple |
B |
12:00 |
||
| TAS 5 | ACSC Fever | 5 | 12:00 |
If you haven’t already done so, please download TeamApp which is the source of all information for netball. This is updated a number of times per week, with game times and any information the girls need to know. Parents are welcome to download this also. Here are the steps involved:
- Download Team App from the Apple or GooglePlay App Store
- Sign up to Team App. (It’s free) You will be sent an email to confirm your registration
- Log into the App and search for ‘Netball – The Armidale School’
- Choose your applicable access group. We will then approve your request
If you don’t have a smartphone you can go to netballthearmidaleschool.teamapp.com to sign up and view this App online.
Please ask if you have any questions on this by emailing myself at ahudson@as.edu.au
Many thanks,
Ms Alice Hudson
Tour de Rocks a mighty TAS effort
Two sets of brothers, two mothers and sons, four fathers and sons, one mother and daughter and a full family of five… the TAS team in this year’s Tour de Rocks was larger than ever. Thirty four student and 11 adult riders including two staff members were assisted by a support team of six as they made their way along a 255km route from Armidale to South West Rocks in the ninth annual event from 11-13 April. TAS has a long connection with the event, which was founded by TAS student Jonathon Wheeler in 2010 as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award. This year the ride attracted around 380 riders and raised almost $60,000 for regional cancer projects.
And they finished! The TAS team at South West Rocks after their gruelling ride
The spirit of things – Michael Taylor helps daughter Nina (Year 7) up a climb
06. From the Coordinator of Creative Arts
MR ANDREW O'CONNELL
Term 2
Though the TAS Production might be behind us don’t mistake Term 2 for a quiet affair, there is plenty going on in the co-curricular and academic worlds to keep us all on our toes. The Armidale Eisteddfod dominates much in the Music world and I know we will again participate to showcase our enthusiasm for, and love of, performance. The NSW Shakespeare Carnival will hopefully see a number of our students participating in a range of areas to represent the school and aim for the glory of one of the crowns. Before the end of the term I expect we will have announced the Junior School Musical and auditioned that production. And with a busy term of showcases, assessments and exams there will be plenty happening in the classrooms to make this a term that demands from our students hard work and organisation.
The Stage 5 Drama Comedy class is in need of three actors to perform in a play they are working on this term. Anyone in Middle or Senior school can audition but actors need to be available Saturdays 3pm – 5pm to rehearse, with performances in Week 8. Auditions will be held this Thursday lunch (12:50pm Middle School and 1:30pm Senior School) and if you have any questions you can chat to Mr O’Connell or members of the class.
Meetings about the NSW Shakespeare Carnival will be happening this week to finalise groups and topics. If you have any questions or would like to make sure you are on the list please contact Mr O’Connell or visit the Hoskins Centre Office.
We will be doing a huge working bee to sort out the Hoskins Costume Room on Sunday 26 May. From 10am to 2pm we will be aiming to give that space a desperately-needed overhaul and we are inviting all members of the community, be you students or parents or friends, to come along and lend a hand. The Costume Room allows us to bedeck our students in amazing outfits for productions and events so we want to make sure it is in a great condition to keep the good work happening.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Welcome back for Term 2 at TAS!
TAS ANZAC Service, Thursday 2 May – Arrangements for TAS Ensembles
- All students in TAS Big Band, TAS Camerata and TAS Drummers are to wear formal uniform including blazers
- All students in TAS Pipe Band not wearing Kilts, are to wear formal uniform including blazers
- 6.00am: All students to Memorial Hall (Up and Go will be provided)
- 6.40am: TAS Big Band, TAS Camerata and TAS Drummers seated outside Memorial Hall
- 6:45am: TAS Pipe Band plays outside Memorial Hall
- 7.00am: TAS ANZAC Service commences
- Breakfast will be provided in the Dining Hall at the conclusion of the TAS ANZAC Service
- TAS Camerata will rehearse in Memorial Hall after breakfast
Twilight Concert – Thursday 9 May
TAS Ensembles and the Armidale Eisteddfod
Boarders’ Practice Times Term 2
Director of Music
07. From the Head of Middle School
MR MARK HARRISON
Welcome to the New Term
Hallmarks of the new Term: as outlined in this week’s Town Meeting, it’s slightly shorter than its predecessor, furiously busy with winter sports (remember that co-curricular events began on Tuesday and weekend commitments will start this week as well), ‘exam-packed’ and, I hope for all, it’s going to be rewarding. I’m looking forward to it and want students to be engaged with it as well. The holiday, not surprisingly, has not felt longer than two short weeks. However, I hope your time with our shared ‘charges’ was both relaxed, but I know it wasn’t damp and this is a real shame.
I enjoy being in the Middle School because all staff are in a position where we can actually do something about making life for these Middle School people more engaged, productive, rewarding and ultimately, more enjoyable. Personal experience is a great teacher. It’s been said before but its importance warrants repetition: the busier these young adolescents are the better, eventually, they will be. Of one thing about TAS we can be reasonably certain, there’s rarely a day that passes without something being ‘on’ and we actively encourage our girls and boys to do the ‘head first thing’ and, only then, to reflect on the completed activity. Reflection on ‘missed opportunity’ can be a fruitless exercise. If your children have indicated that they’ve not been doing enough to keep themselves actively engaged, then I’ve ‘missed’ something that’s important to them. Encourage them to talk to us. By all means, you talk to us as well.
As indicated this term is partly characterized by formal assessments, which culminates in a battery of exams. I’ve already spoken to some parents about the exams and would be happy to field enquiries about them. I want each student’s experience of them to be as palatable as possible, meaning that questions and concerns must be addressed before the exam week. So, don’t be hesitant to call or send an email to us, especially if you do have concerns. It’s our job, as far as possible, to allay your concerns about them as well. Our students, of course, will be receiving information that relates directly to their management and completion of these assessments. The best advice anyone can give to all is ‘work well and do your best’. Don’t worry, between us, we’ve considerable experience dealing with preparation, management of time and execution – of examinations, of course.
Leave Provisions
It’s your bounden duty to tell me, too. I assure you, there’s plenty of opportunity for boys and girls to feel a personal sense of satisfaction and if yours have a feeling of ‘isolation’, for lack of better terminology, just tell me. I say this in a lot of my interviews with children – they have a right to be happy at school and we have a responsibility to assist them. Having said this, it isn’t our job to instruct students in all that they do – they’re old enough to take responsibility for themselves, in a number of areas, and to make wise decisions. We can help of course if they seek advice. But, it’s definitely my / our job to let them know what’s available to them at TAS.
Laptops
It is our responsibility, however, to control aspects of life with which students do experience difficulty. As well you know, laptop use is available and its sensible use is vital to success in so many areas of life, both in and outside school. Something we’ve tried (in earnest, I assure you), in a number of ways over a number of years, to deal with is games use. Much as we have tried, we still have, reasonably regularly, to deal with the playing of computer games at school. Students should not play games, especially age-inappropriate ones and the only way that we can ‘produce the goods’ in terms of our Duty of Care requirements is, finally, though not so reluctantly, to ban them. Consequently, we have blocked Steam and Epic Games functions from Middle School laptops. At this point, I suppose I should admit to some lack of success in relation to my personal efforts to point students in the right direction regarding responsible laptop use, but when dealing with a number closer now than ever to 200 students, I must admit, simultaneously, to feeling a tremendous sense of relief that we are seeking a ‘global’ rather than ‘individual’ solution. I hasten to add that our IT and boarding staff are liaising to implement measures to assist with ‘down time’ in boarding houses. No doubt, those of you who are day student parents, it is in your interest and that of your children to devise ‘systems’ so that they, too, can happily occupy themselves at home. It is not my job to play the mongrel (this does not suit my personality) but it is my job to do the right thing by you and, ultimately, your children while they here at TAS. I’m looking forward to being able to assist the needs and interests of your children further and I know that I will be able to do so with your support that I trust will continue.
Until next week, then.
Mr Mark Harrison
Head of Middle School
08. From the Head of Junior School
MR IAN LLOYD
Vacation Care
We would all like to congratulate our Out of School Hours Care Coordinator, Jacinta Coates and her team for the very successful Vacation Care program that was held during the holidays. From the photos and short report that follows, it was evident that the children really enjoyed themselves participating in a wide variety of activities. During their various excursions, the group was approached and commended on their behaviour and this is a reflection of the planning and preparation carried out by Jacinta and her staff. A hallmark of sessions was the way friends were able to come together and look after each other while completing both indoor and outdoor activities including rope mazes, science experiments, Easter craft and hunting for eggs and pitting themselves against the staff in Minute to Win it games. It was a lot of fun and we look forward to expanding the Vacation Care program next holidays to include many other activities as well.
Junior School Cross Country
You will have received a letter from Mrs Wright this week advertising our Cross Country to be held today. One of the highlights of our athletic calendar in the Junior School, this event is the lead up to the representative season for PSSA and NCIS events and is held in the grounds of the school starting and finishing on Backfield (main rugby oval) from 2.00pm. Please see the information on the School website and contact us for any information.
Lovely Ladies’ Luncheon…..(Mother’s Day) Friday 10 May
Please mark in your diaries the date for our Lovely Ladies, Mothers’ Day Luncheon, to be held next Friday 10 May. There will be lunch provided for all parents from 12.25 pm with a wide range of activities and special concluding at the end of lunch. All our classes have been busily preparing and students are quite excited about hosting some of the Wonderful Women at their Lovely Ladies Luncheon. An invitation will be sent out this week so please contact the school to ensure we have the correct numbers for catering purposes.
Absentee advice
If your child is unwell and can’t come to school, please notify the Junior School via email to junior@as.edu.au or phone 6776 5817 before 9.00 am.
If your child will be away for any other reason for one day or more, please complete the Exemption from School form which can be found on the School website link attached:
https://www.as.edu.au/parent-forms/
It is a NESA requirement that we have correct information on students’ whereabouts.
Influenza and illness
With the flu season beginning, it is important for the School community to be aware that when children develop the flu, we encourage parents to err on the side of caution and keep the germs away from school for five (5)days. Children who have vomiting or diarrhoea during the evening or night should not come to school for at least 24 hours from the last symptom. It is very difficult to manage sick children at school and we feel the best place for children who feel unwell is at home until they feel well enough with the demands of school. We thank you for your assistance and support with this.
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday to Casper Cook for his special day this week.
Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Junior School
Junior School Upcoming Events
| Week 1 | |
| Wednesday 1 May | Junior School Cross Country |
| Friday 3 May | PSSA Cross Country |
| Year 1 Excursion | |
| Week 2 | |
| Wednesday 8 May | Year 2 Assembly – Hoskins Centre |
| Friday 10 May | Mother’s Day Lunch |
| Week 3 | |
| Tuesday 14 May | NAPLAN Language Conventions |
| Wednesday 15 May | NAPLAN Reading |
| Thursday 16 May | NAPLAN Numeracy |
| Friday 17 May | NCIS Cross Country |
Junior School Sport
Winter Sport
The commencement of our Winter Sports Program occurs this week. Your child will have nominated to participate in a winter sport this term and teams have now been finalised. Following is a list of teams and coaches for the Winter season.
Football:
Under 6s – (Kindergarten) Mrs Veronica Waters, Mrs Donella Tutt, Mr Miles Hollington
Under 7s – (Year 1 teams) Ms Belinda Macri, Mr Kelvin Kamau
Under 8s – (Year 2 teams) Miss Immy Syrrett, Miss Elisabeth Nau
Under 9s – (Year 3 team) Mr Mitchell Evans
Under 10s – (Year 4 teams) Mr Dan Bailey and Ms Amanda Robins
Under 12s – (Year 5 teams) Mrs Tania Hardin, Mr Stephen Thompson
Hockey:
Under 9 Mixed – Ms Samantha Clayton
Under 11 Girls – Mr Luke Polson
Under 11 Mixed – Mrs Lana Hawksford
Manager: Mrs Tania Ball
Netball:
Primary Girls – Ms Anna Frost and Miss Alice Woodhill
All Football and Netball teams will train on Monday afternoons at TAS.
Hockey teams will train on Wednesday afternoons at the UNE Turf.
Your child’s coach will be in contact with you this week to inform you of the websites to visit for sporting information.
Click on the appropriate link to view the Winter teams. Please email Mrs Christine Wright if your child does not appear on the list.
Mrs Christine Wright
Junior School Sports Coordinator
Pottery Classes
Greetings to all Pottery families and potential pottery families,
I am writing to let you now that myself (Rick) and Suzanne Hatch are once again offering after-school classes in clay work. Term 1 has been ultra successful and really fun! As you know the goal of our classes is for the children to have fun while developing imagination, fine motor skills and the ability to solve problems with creative flair.
As we keep the size of the class small we would really appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible.
Rick Hatch
Where: Classes are held in Art Room 1 of the Hoskins Centre at TAS
- Who : the classes are open to children in years K to 6
- When : Tuesdays from 4 pm to 5 pm. We do welcome any child to come earlier to arrive any time after 3:30pm.
- Commencement : Classes begin on Tuesday May 7 and run until June 11. We then have a week off, followed by our party and exhibition on 25 June.
- Cost: $ 150.00. This includes materials, instruction and firing of the work.
- Enrolment: via email to weemalapot@yahoo.com.au or phone on 6772 5371. For any questions please contact me at the above.
Community Notices
