Douglas Shield Cricket

As the Armidale cricket season begins to wind up with finals in the coming weeks, our First XI have continued their Douglas Shield campaign, finished with a valiant loss to Kinross Walaroi in the grand final recently. Placing as ‘runner up’ in this knock-out competition gives the TAS team the right to play Kings as part of the NSW Independent Schools Co-ed Cricket program. Reaching this level of the competition is a fine achievement in itself and I wish our players well for their upcoming game in Sydney and, as competition leaders in Armidale, the finals back here at home.

Perhaps as entertaining as the cricket itself is the story linked below from the Central Western Daily newspaper on the feats of our regular scorer and mother of our cricket captain, Helen Dennis. Any ageing off-spinners amongst our readers may find some of the commentary challenging.

https://goo.gl/Yx5cxg

Send off to TAS Rowers

The rowing season is rising to its crescendo too and, like our cricketers who have been playing in Orange and will play soon in Sydney, our rowers will compete in the highlights of their season well away from the support of the School. With that in mind, Middle and Senior School came together in the Quadrangle this morning to send our crews off in style and to make sure they know the School is behind them in their efforts. Rowing is, of course, a physically and mentally demanding sport and I know that the commitment through training and regattas of all our crews deserves this support. I am sure that parents too will join me in wishing our girls well as they compete in their Head of the River events this weekend as well as our boys who will compete in the GPS Head of the River the following week.

Headmaster’s Country Tour

Beginning on Wednesday next week, Enrolments Registrar Jo Neilson, Director of Boarding David Drain and Director of Development Cressida Mort and I will head out on the first leg of the Headmaster’s Country Tour. This trip around the home country of many of our boarding families is the opportunity to meet with parents and students considering TAS for 2020 and sometimes beyond and to meet socially with our school community in their backyards. This year the tour will take in Inverell, Glen Innes, Scone, Tamworth, Moree, Narrabri and Gunnedah, with both enrolment interviews and evening social functions in each of those towns and I hope to see as many of our current families and former students there as can possibly make it. This is also our chance to bring our celebrations of our 125th anniversary to our community and it is sure to be fun.

Murray Guest

Breakfast BBQ Saturday 30 March - Senior Athletics Carnival

For 2019 the Middle/Senior Athletics Carnival will be spread over two days – all day Wednesday 27 March and the morning of  Saturday 30 March.

To feed hungry tummies the P&F will be hosting a breakfast Bacon & Egg Roll BBQ on Saturday 30 March  (the cake stall will not be operating on the Saturday).  The BBQ will be under the P&F tent behind the gym on Wakefield from 8.30am – 12 noon.  B&E rolls will be $5 and soft drinks and water will be available so that you don’t starve during the morning.  We will also have a coffee van to make sure you get your morning caffeine fix!

If you’d like to help please contact Rachael Nicoll on pandf@as.edu.au

P&F Email Address

The P&F now has an email address – if you would like to contact us please use pandf@as.edu.au – this will also be the main address we will send emails from in future.

TAS RUGBY CARNIVAL – WE NEED YOUR HELP

The TAS Rugby Carnival is coming up at the start of the April holidays on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 April. This is the biggest event of the year for TAS and the P&F and showcases TAS far and wide – we have well over 1000 kids, coaches and managers to feed each day – plus their families, from as far as Perth, Dalby and Canberra … phew!!!

We need your help to make the weekend fabulous… you don’t have to have a child playing or be interested in rugby… but if we could have a few hours of your time it would be wonderful… If you can help or bake or both for this event it would be much appreciated.  The Rugby Carnival does clash with Tour de Rocks this year so we would love if you can help. Helpers and Community Service volunteers can sign up using the following link http://signup.com/go/UosTCih

More information will be sent out through TAS Talks, emails and Facebook in the next few weeks.  We will also be having planning meetings so if you would like to be a part of the core team please give me a call on 0418 980 662 or email pandf@as.edu.au or come to our P&F meeting next week.

P&F Meeting - 13 March at 7pm

We have our second meeting of the year next week.  All are welcome.  This meeting will be primarily planning for the Rugby Carnival but other matters will be discussed as well.  The meeting starts at 7pm and will be held in the Lower Maxwell Meeting Room (turn left at the foyer of the main school building and follow the noise).  Nibbles and drinks are provided.

Alternatively if you’d like to receive a copy of the minutes please email us on pandf@as.edu.au.

Mrs Rachael Nicoll
P&F President

ANU Changes to Admissions

A quick reminder that applications for ANU have this year, changed and that all courses are now done through application. There are a number of selection criteria of which students need to be aware. Admissions will not be solely based on ATAR. Applications have opened, so I would encourage students and families to start the process as soon as possible to avoid any confusion or late entries.

Please see the link below for more details.

http://wordpress.as.edu.au/careers/2019/02/27/australian-national-university-anu-changes-to-admissions-for-2020/

Newsletters

Each month I get sent numerous newsletters from the various Universities. To stream line the distribution process I have put a copy of them on the school Careers webpage. Below are the latest versions.

University of Newcastle Newsletter

http://wordpress.as.edu.au/careers/2019/02/27/university-of-newcastle-newsletter-february/

Australian Catholic University Newsletter

http://wordpress.as.edu.au/careers/2019/02/27/australian-catholic-university-newsletter/

HSC  and Careers EXPO –
MOORE PARK – 30 – 31 May & 1 June

We have been attending the HSC & Careers Expo at Moore Park for the past four years and have incorporated a visit to University of Sydney for a campus tour as well as tours of the St Andrews, Women’s and St Paul’s residential colleges. I am yet to speak to the Year 12 group about this but will do so shortly. We will be leaving at 1.45pm on 30 May and returning at approximately 10.00pm of Friday 31 May. We will be staying at Sydney High Boat Shed. The major cost for the day will the hire of the coach but approx. cost will be around $120 – $140.

There is a scheduled game against Shore that weekend in Sydney, so the rugby players will stay in Sydney with Miss Symons and catch up with the rest of the team at the SBHS boat shed.

I have found that this trip has been a very good motivating factor for the students as they get the opportunity to research, discuss and clarify ideas about their future endeavours as well as see what the major universities have to offer.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact at mtaylor@as.edu.au

Med Entry

Med Entry is a Registered Training Organisation that offer services in the field of preparing students for the UCAT exams.

They offer a range of courses for perspective Medical students in differing format.

Below is a link where people can find more details about Med Entry.

https://www.medentry.edu.au/

UAC Entries

The Universities Admission Centre is the body regulating university entries in NSW. They are also responsible for the determination and allocation of the student’s ATAR scores. They have extended the opening period for UAC applications this year. Below is a list of dates they have set for the Year 12 cohort of 2019.

“MARCH- Year 12 students will be receiving their UAC Guides and UAC pins late March.

APRIL- Applications through UAC will be opening on 3 April, and early bird closing will be 30 September 2019. This opening date is earlier than previous years which means that students can apply earlier, and that your school will have more time to submit SRS ratings for students.”

The important date to remember is not the opening date but the closing date which is 30 September.

I would encourage students not to rush in with making their UAC applications. We will be taking them through the process later in term 2, as well as SRS and Early Entry applications.

UNE Open Day

This year’s Open Day will be held on Friday 10 May. We generally attend with all our Year 11 cohort as part of their first look at University life. As well as a tour of the main campus and the displays from the various Schools and Faculties, students will also get a chance to have look at the residential colleges and talk with university students about campus life.

More details to follow.

A visit from Greg Eddy Head of College and Chief Executive at Kings College,
University of Queensland

Greg Eddy, Head of  King’s College, UQ, will be with us 29 March at Recess, 10.15-10.35am, in the Lower Maxwell Room to speak to any Year 11 or 12 boys who are considering studying and attending a residential college in Queensland. He will be speaking about life at a residential college including King’s (all male) and the associated university.

If you are thinking of further study north of the border in Queensland I would encourage you to come and listen to Greg’s presentation. Please be prompt.

Early Entries

Charles Impey from Carinya Christian School very kindly produces and shares a document each year which details the Early Entry schemes with NSW. It is very detailed and comprehensive, for which I am very thankful and will share with the school body. A copy of the document is posted on the school website (link below) and I will be sending a copy to all the Year 12s as well.

I would encourage all Year 12 parents and students to read the document carefully.

http://wordpress.as.edu.au/careers/2019/03/11/early-entry-programs-information/

HSC In the Holidays

HSC in the Holidays is a revision program run for year 12 students which offers subject specific tutorials, sample questions and answers and the opportunity to post questions to online tutors as well as holiday study camps.

I have included the link for their website. Past students have used the program and have spoken very highly of the program.

www.hscintheholidays.com.au/

Mr Mark Taylor
Careers Advisor

Armidale Civic Reception

On Wednesday 6 March the Armidale Regional Council organised a Civic Reception for all International students studying in Armidale this year. Ten of our students received an Honorary Citizenship Certificate from the Mayor and they proudly had a photo taken with their Flag. We are very lucky to have students from a variety of countries studying at TAS as they broaden our thinking and we gain an appreciation of other cultures.

Mr Allan Moore
Coordinator of Languages

Malaysian student, Elton Ti Ern Liau

White House Community Service

Term 1 has unveiled a fantastic group of service minded young men from White House. Seven boys with myself, joined our very own Sister Murray and the other RSPCA volunteers to look after the litters of puppies and kittens, as well as helping with the set up and pack up during the most recent Adopt a Pet Day at Curtis Park.

They were able to cuddle and entertain the puppies as well as talk to the volunteers to learn about the importance of the RSPCA and the history of many of the puppies and larger animals that are under their care looking for their forever homes.

The boys showed true compassion for many of these animals and while they may not have been in a position to take any of the animals home, they gave many of the dogs a fun day and kept them entertained while others searched for their newest family member.

These seven young men were excited to help and showed a genuine interest in supporting the community, very well displaying The Armidale School’s presence in the community and our students’ willingness to jump in to any situation to help out.

A huge congratulations to these boys who have reminded us that there is always a little time to help the community!

Ms Belinda Macri
Deputy Head of White House

Expeditions

Students involved in the Expeditions program enjoyed a challenging Activities Day 2 last Friday.  The first half of the day was spent in the Trade Training Centre with a bake-off, with three groups baking a cake, cupcakes and brownies.  The brownies were the winner of the competition with an emerald green cake coming in second place. The boys also cooked up a storm for their lunch, creating a spaghetti bolognese from scratch which was delicious.

Our afternoon took us over to the UNE rock climbing wall where forearm strength was truly tested and egos were boosted when the top of the wall was grabbed with relief.  It was fantastic to see the less confident students give it a go and were able to achieve more than they expected, determination and grit was demonstrated on that wall by all and fears were faced. Well done boys!

Ms Alice Hudson

Travel

Depart Monday 18 March 2019

• 6:30am Brown Street
• Boarders early breakfast at 6am

Return

• Depart Sawtell Beach 1.30 pm
• Arrive Brown Street at 4.30pm

Staff

Mr J Pennington (0419 250 984), Mr M Ball, Mrs G Chick

Organisation

Monday
Arrive Sawtell approximately 9:00am
Unpack bus

• 9.30am – 10.30am     Beach Session 1
• 10:30am – 12:00pm    Beach Session 2
• 12.00pm-1:00pm         Beach Session
• 1.30pm                          Depart Sawtell
• 4.30pm                          Arrive Armidale

Requirements

Swimmers, goggles. Pens, Manual and Workbook. Casual clothes including covered shoes.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries.

Dress

To travel – School sports uniform – Full school tracksuit if necessary, white shirt, blue shorts, white socks, sports shoes, hat, water bottle (to be carried onto beach), swimmers (board shorts are not allowed for lifesaving activities; rashies and caps provided), towel.

Meals

Breakfast: Cereal/toast and spreads  at TAS

Lunches: Rolls, salad filling, sliced meat, fruit.

Mr Jim Pennington

Activities Day 3 - Cadets

Activities Day 3 conducted by The Armidale School will be held on 18 March, Monday of Week 8. Cadets have received a full briefing on their activities and required equipment on Tuesday 12 March.

Cadets conducting an overnight bivouac (6, 7 & 10 Platoons) will camp overnight on the night of Sunday 17 March in the vicinity of Mt Duval, and are required to assemble at TAS for parade on Sunday afternoon at 3.45pm.

All other cadets will assemble at TAS Adamsfield for parade on Monday 18 March at 8.40am.

Activities will cease and cadets released on completion of parade at 3.30pm Monday 18 March.

The activities will be conducted as follows:

A Company

1 Platoon: Kayak touring at Malpas Dam.

2 Platoon: Advanced abseiling at Gara Gorge.

3 Platoon: Mountain Biking, Black Mountain to Armidale via Puddledock.

B Company

4 Platoon: Kayaking & water activities at Dumaresq Dam.

5 Platoon: Abseiling at Gara Gorge.

6 Platoon: Night harbour and routine in vicinity of Mount Duval.  Trek to Dumaresq Dam.

7 Platoon: Night harbour and routine in vicinity of Mount Duval.  Trek to Dumaresq Dam.

C Company

8 Platoon:  Navigation & fieldcraft training at Kirby Station (UNE)

9 Platoon: Canoeing activities at Dumaresq Dam.

10 Platoon: Night harbour and routine in vicinity of Mt Duval. Trek to Dumaresq Dam.

11 Platoon: Canoeing activities at Dumaresq Dam.

Equipment Requirements

Cadets conducting an overnight bivouac (6, 7 & 10 Platoons) should note the below packing list as a minimum. There may be additional equipment required by platoon leaders for cadets. These will have been discussed at activities briefing.

Back Pack (issued)

Compass* Hootchie (issued)

Spray jacket* / raincoat* 5m hutchie cord/rope*

Kidney Cup* (issued) Pegs x 4* (issued)

KFS set* Ground sheet (issued)

Water bottles x 2 (issued) Sleeping bag* & mat*

Towel (small) Olive Green thermal or cotton undershirt*

Notepad (in plastic bag)* Jumper (issued)

Torch + spare batteries* Wet gear (swimmers, shirt & shorts)

Plastic bag for wet gear Bush Hat* (issued)

Sun screen & insect repellent (tube or roll-on only)

Change of underwear & socks*

Toilet bag  (toothbrush + paste, baby powder)

*Available for purchase from TAS Clothing Shop

All participating students will be issued with all required equipment by the TAS Q-Store. If this equipment is lost or damaged, it must be replaced at students’ own cost. Many items in the list above can be purchased from the TAS Clothing Shop and have been selected specifically for their suitability for TAS Activities use and reasonable cost. Clothing that has been outgrown can be replaced at no charge at Q-Store by arrangement with the School Quartermaster.

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

MAJ (AAC) Angus Murray
Commanding Officer Cadets

Mountain Biking

On Sunday we had a number of students (and some families) attend the UNE 3 Hour teams challenge. This event was aimed at having fun, with a ‘choose your own adventure’ track, while points were awarded to the best dressed team and the craziest transition ’tag’. The winning team of the day went to Jack McCook and Ted Chick who rode under the team name ’The Cockie Farmers’. Well done Jack and Ted, and thanks must go to New England Mountain Bikers for hosting such an enjoyable event.

Jack McCook and NEMTB Club President Peter Hosking

Drawn in different directions

We are well over half way through the first term, summer sports are making way for winter options: athletics events are beginning this week, lunch time cricket and tennis sessions are fewer for some because debating season draws near, we’re finalising the extent of our involvement in the Armidale Festival which this year features fewer schools and a shorter city circuit. And, all the while, boarding house activities continue as do classes and concluding Unit work and associated prep activity. Realistically, assessment task preparation at this pointy part of the term justifies and explains meaningful engagement in academic activity. Oliver rehearsals continue unabated and this is a necessary part of life since actual performances a scheduled for next week. Are your children beginning to fray a little? Starting to question? Becoming testy? If so, welcome to the new normal in such a long and consistently warm term. What do we all do here? We support one another by being consistent, fair, firm and kind. Being an adult isn’t easy is it – but together we’re going to manage well enough, simply per kind favour of working together. I believe it must be difficult to be a child in this age as well: so many commitments, as many corresponding expectations at a time when one adolescent responsibility is jockeying for a position of authority with another. No wonder these young people are weary: they don’t yet have our capacity to pace self; they lack the wisdom to know when to ‘put on the brakes’; they are still at that wonderful age where they still get a buzz out of pleasing people.

Before you look for something to throw at me, I hasten to add that I’m not writing about all children. But, I am referring to the majority of those we look after. Of course, there are others, thankfully fewer in number (otherwise this job would have a definite ‘finish’ date) who ‘drag the chain’, who complain unreasonably about expectations, who make unwise decisions or thoughtless comments that have deserved consequences, the likes of which indicate a more realistic and increasingly adult social and educational existence. These kids – what do we do with them? Well, again, we work together and do our best to help them because they need our help. They’re the same age as the first group, but they don’t cope as well. Do we kick them in the pants? Metaphorically, yes we do because it’s the only way we can let them know we give a damn about them, as well. Again, we need to work together to help one another.

New England Festival

This year a good number of our boarders will represent TAS at the New England Festival (formerly the Armidale Autumn Festival). Students participating in this event will be given community service hours. They will also be fed. Students are asked to wear their sports clothes. However, I don’t just want boarders – day students are required as well. They’ve as much a vested interest in our school as any other person, so I’m asking you, all you day student families, to support your school here as you so ably do on other occasions.

Parent Teacher Interviews – a reminder

How to Make the Most of Parent/Teacher Interviews

Parent/teacher interviews are an important part of your child’s education. I take this opportunity again to give some tips to make the most of the time you spend at your parent/teacher interview:

•  Try to be relaxed. Teachers don’t want to put you on the spot or make you feel like you are being judged. They want a useful discussion that will help them teach better and your child learn better.
• When you and the teacher are united, that’s a powerful message from the most important adult team in your child’s education.
•  Try to be on time and keep to the allotted time. If you cannot make the appointment, arrange one at a time that suits you and the teacher better.
• Ask your child if there are any matters that you should raise at the conference.
• If your child is not making progress, ask teachers for specific suggestions about how you can help your child do better.
• Stay in regular touch (email is the most efficient means of communication) with the homeroom teacher to discuss the progress your child is making.

Some good questions to ask:

• Is my child in different groups for different subjects? Why?
• How well does my child get along with others?
• What are my child’s best and worst subjects?
• Is my child working at his / her ability level?
• Does my child participate in class discussions and activities?
• Has my child missed any classes other than ones I contacted the school about?
• Have you noticed any sudden changes in the way my child acts?
• What kinds of assessments are being done? What do the assessments tell about my child’s progress?
• How does my child handle taking tests?

Most importantly, try asking your most important questions first, just in case time runs out before you and the teacher have a chance to discuss them all.

Athletics 

The Athletics Carnival is fast approaching and, like the Swimming Carnival in Week 3, I encourage you, wherever possible, to travel to Armidale to see your child’s events. The day will be as well attended as the Swimming Carnival day and I know for a fact that the Middle School students love to have their families at such major calendar events. We enjoy having you here as well. I know you’ll enjoy the events of the day: always entertaining; real competition; amazing House spirit and there is always something to do and many people to talk to. I’m looking forward to catching up with you.

Mr Mark Harrison
Head of Middle School

Excursion Week

At our Junior School assembly today (in the Memorial Hall), students will be making the most of an opportunity to reflect on and share their experiences from last week.

In terms of our curriculum, Excursion Week ticks many boxes as outlined previously. For teachers to live this with their students allows an excellent opportunity to observe students outside the classroom, in a secure, safe yet challenging environment. Watching students succeed, whether it be snake handling, wall climbing, giant swinging, canoeing camp cooking or trekking is so gratifying, and I was so pleased with most of the aspects we saw at camp, both at TAS and Lake Keepit. I know that you would join me in thanking our team of teachers for the outstanding job they do while supervising students (some of them 24/7). I thank you for your feedback, and we  certainly appreciate your emails of support and thanks which I have passed on to those involved. We will let you know when the photos are available on our website.

The Armidale Show some outstanding success

We like supporting the Armidale Show. As a community event, it has had its ups and downs but at School, it gives us the chance to structure our first Activities Day to have our children working in House groups across the grades, which has become a hallmark of our collaborative learning. Not only is it a lot of fun, it is wonderful to see students assisting others in such a cooperative and friendly fashion and there have been some excellent results as outlined later in TAS Talks. Special mention should be made of Arabella Hodges (Yr 2) who was Grand Champion in her age group and section.

New England Festival Parade – Saturday 16 March

On Tuesday, all parents should have received an email with advice that this Saturday 16 March, Junior School will join with Middle and Senior School to participate in the parade at the New England Festival.

TAS will supply food and drinks for all students involved and students should wear clean and tidy sport uniform with coloured house shirt and hat.

Parent/Teacher Interviews – Monday and Tuesday, 8 & 9 April

Please note the new dates for the Junior School Parent Teacher interviews for Kindergarten to Year 5, avoiding a clash with the Memorial Hall with others. These interviews are an ideal opportunity for you to speak with your child’s classroom teacher about their progress so far this year and goals for the future. All the information for booking your interviews will be emailed to you soon, so please note these dates to avoid disappointment.

Junior School Athletics Carnival

Monday 18 March & Friday 29 March

Our first event in preparation for our Athletic Championships will be held this Monday, during Activities Day No 3. Please ensure all children are wearing their coloured House shirt with their sports uniform. Leading into the carnival in this manner, allows students to begin to focus on Athletics and helps them prepare for what is a full and very enjoyable Athletics Championship Day. Again, parents are very welcome to attend, especially on Friday 29 March, where assistance in timekeeping and officiating with field events is always appreciated.

Arrival and Departure of Students at TAS

We have all heard of terrible situations where accidents have occurred involving young children and cars. This is an issue we take very seriously here at TAS and we ask all drivers to take special care when on campus. The Chapel St Turning Circle system of pick up and drop off is not a complex one but at times of high usage, it requires care and patience. Please follow the instructions on the signs and ask if it is unclear. After school and sport, a teacher is on duty but this is not the case before school. If you have concerns because of any issue that occurs, please contact us immediately with the details and it will be followed up. A reminder, also, that the Chapel St gates are the preferred entrance for drop off and collection of Junior School, and that the Mann St gates to Croft House are not to be used for this purpose.

In addition, it is school policy that students are collected from school by an adult who has the written authority to do so. At times, if this is not to be the case, contact must be made to inform us of changed arrangements. Staff will not proceed with any arrangement if they are not certain that it has been consented to by parents and guardians and sanctioned by the School. Please help us avoid confusion and delay by ensuring the School has your intentions in writing if you are not collecting your child in person.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Charlie Ward and Mila Downes. We hope you have a great day girls.

Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Middle School

Activities Day – Athletics Events – Monday, 18 March

Next Monday our Junior School will be involved in some Athletics events during our Activities Day. Children are to wear their PE gear with their coloured House sports shirt for the day. Please ensure your child also has their hat and a water bottle for our Athletic events.

The morning will involve some events which will count toward the carnival and individual points. The following events will be official events for the carnival.

• Intermediate – Long Jump
• Senior – Shotput

All other events for the day will be practise only events.

If you are interested in watching your child in these events, they will commence at 10am on Wakefield oval.

Athletics Carnival – Friday, 29 March

Just a reminder that our Junior School Athletics carnival will be coming up very soon! We will be running a few Monday afternoon Athletics sessions for those teams who have finished their summer sports commitments. Stay tuned for more information from either Mrs Wright or your summer sports coach!

Mrs Christine Wright
Junior School Sports Coordinator