TAS Talks Term 1 Week 10

Collaboration was the name of the game at last week’s Twilight Concert with the evening showcasing the musical, artistic and dramatic talents of students across the whole school. The single campus nature of TAS as a school allows for wonderful opportunities like this as not only did we have Music, Art and Drama working together, but the evening provided an opportunity for students from Kindergarten to Year 12 to perform, with family and cross age group partnerships also on display. Talent, diligence in practice and absolute joy in performance were on display throughout the night from the students and staff supporting them. It is tempting to try to pick a favourite performance, but in the words of Grammy winner Jon Batiste this week “there is no best musician, best artist, best dancer, best actor; the creative arts are subjective and they reach people at a point in their lives when they need it most”. It really was wonderful to attend an exciting evening like this after such a long time without the performing arts on display and I am sure it will be the first of many this year.

With the end of term this week, I look forward to seeing many parents throughout parent-teacher interviews and over the weekend of the TAS Rugby Carnival. Information regarding any changes to operations next term will be sent to all families on Thursday 21 April. In the meantime, I would like to wish all of our TAS families and friends a peaceful, blessed and safe Easter.

Dr Rachel Horton
Principal

As we approach the end of term, I would like to wish all our staff, students, and families a safe and enjoyable break.

From the swimming carnival to Activities days, flood fundraisers to our academic assembly, I trust that all students have had the opportunity to express themselves, find success and gain a greater insight into their true capacity throughout the past 10 weeks. Undoubtedly, some will have been reserved and placed limitations on themselves, conscious of what those around may be thinking. To me, this is a true point of reflection for us all. I encourage all to take time over the break and reflect on what has been achieved but also what could have been achieved if more vulnerability was shown and positive risks were taken. To try and fail is far more courageous and advantageous than to not try at all. 

This holiday is a much-needed circuit breaker for us all to refresh minds and bodies in time for the second half of the semester. This being said, all students should aim to maintain the important elements of the routine they have worked so hard to establish over the past 10 weeks. Adequate sleep and hydration, putting limits on screen time along with exercise and eating well are the basics that are needed for personal success. In addition, I encourage our senior students to put aside time for study over the break to reduce the challenges Term 2 will present by getting ahead – preparation is the key to success.

Have a wonderful Easter, enjoy the time with family and friends and I look forward to seeing all students return safely for Term 2.

Mr Ray Pearson
Deputy Principal

It’s the last week of Term 1 – that went fast.

The P&F have a big weekend ahead with the TASRC. Spread the word that breakfast & coffee will be available on both Saturday and Sunday from just after 8:00am.

TASRC – Volunteers

Thank you to all who have already volunteered to help the P&F at TASRC.

We still need about 50 helpers to assist with Canteens & BBQ’s

Please visit the link to confirm your support TASRC Volunteer SignUp

TASRC – Baking

Much of the financial success of the TAS Rugby Carnival can be attributed to the TAS baking community. So once again, we are calling on your donations.

Baked items need to be:

• nut free
• well-formed (such as slice) to keep shape when moved into individual bags
• fresh for consumption until the Sunday of the carnival
• accompanied by a list of ingredients
• of a serving size suitable for a $2-$3 price point
• Note that jelly cup contributions require the snakes/frogs left in packet and not set into the jelly.

Sign up for baking: This year, we are asking donors to click on this link to nominate your baking commitment TASRC Baking SignUp

Recipes available at this link: TASRC Baking Recipes

Drop off baking: TAS Junior School Homework Centre (opposite pool) on Thursday afternoon, Friday or Saturday morning.  Or leave with Reception.

Queries: Caroline Coupland 0417 52 44 92 or carolinekcoupland@gmail.com

TASRC – Emporium

The Emporium returns to the TASRC in the Hoskins Centre Foyer!

There will be over 17 stall holders; with items ranging from beautiful jewellery, artisan homeware, scented candles, clothing and locally produced food items. Come along to browse and purchase. It’s sure to be worthwhile, pick up something for yourself or a gift, remembering that Mother’s Day is only just around the corner!

Contact the P&F Executive

If you have anything you would like to raise with the P&F Executive, please send us an email on pandf@as.edu.au

Mr Paul Gaddes
P&F President

Monday afternoon saw staff in attendance of the first event held by our Year 11 Hospitality class.

Students have been practising their mocktail skills this term as part of their unit of competencies and were able to showcase this for staff at the newly refurbished Trade Training Centre kitchen.

Staff enjoyed a wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages prepared by the Year 11 students with glowing reports for customer service and quality of products produced.

A huge thank you to all who supported this event, and we hope to host many more in the future.

Emma Channon & Year 11 Hospitality

On Thursday all students will take part in the Cross-Country Carnival, another opportunity for students to compete for their house. The afternoon will commence with Middle School at 1.15pm, followed by Year 9 and 10 at 2.00pm and then Year 11 and 12 at 2.45pm. Students are to arrive at school in their school uniform and then change at lunchtime into their House shirt and sports shorts.

Last week saw the viewing of the Lipsync, one of the events in the Cash Cup. On reflection, I was particularly impressed with the overall leadership shown by our House Captains and Vice-Captains and the energetic involvement from the student body. Today we announced the winners and I commend Ross House on a polished performance.

1^st Ross House, 2^nd Abbott House, 3^rd Green House, 4^th Tyrrell House, 5^th Broughton House, 6^th Croft House.

The Twilight Concert last Thursday evening was an amazing showcase of our students’ ability and commitment to Music, Art and Drama. The performances and art work were a clear demonstration of the ability, confidence and hard work of each student involved.

As we move into the winter season, I remind all students that they must wear TAS Sports Uniform to and from their respective sporting venue. All students should have TAS tracksuit pants and a TAS jacket. Students who do not have the required uniform will be directed to the uniform shop.

TAS Rugby Carnival takes place this weekend. In 2022 we will enjoy having 30 Under 12 teams, five 14s Girls Sevens teams and eight 16s Sevens teams from both NSW and QLD. A real showcase of the school and Armidale. Thank you in advance to all the staff and parents who have committed to being involved over the course of the weekend. I encourage you all to come and enjoy the Rugby Carnival atmosphere and support our three teams who are competing.

Congratulations to Toby Inglis and Abbott White who competed the weekend before last in the Oceania Mountain Biking Championships at Nerang. Toby finished 1^st in the Under 17 Men’s division and Abbott 6^th in the same event. A great reward for their dedication and sustained training.

Please find information regarding the NIAS Primary Games for more details and registration follow the link. https://nationalprimarygames.com.au/

Mr Huon Barrett
Director of Co-curricular

Debating News

A series of seven debates against O’Connor Catholic College this term wrapped up on Tuesday with a win to our Year 7 team (Peter Thompson, Jessica Emmery, Finn Dwyer, Jack Rogers) who successfully negated the proposition ‘That bottled water should be banned’. In the past fortnight Year 9 students Will Knox, Isla Green, Daniel Emmery and Samuel Krishnan also had a victory (arguing against the topic ‘that Australia should close all its zoos’), whilst Year 11s Sofia Paris, Bella Banister, Louis Ross and Fred Kearney had a close loss as the Negative for the topic’ That reality television is harming society’ (did someone say, ‘MAFS’?).

Despite putting up a good case on each occasion, TAS Year 8 (Ellie Miller, Emily Ussher, Robin Henry and Steven Hopwood) were defeated by two O’Connor teams, firstly as Affirmative ‘(that online schooling should be the way of the future) and then as Negative (“that sports drug cheats should receive a lifetime ban’). Meanwhile, Year 12s Bridget Burnett, Charlotte Brunyee, Hugo Catterall and John Reeve) successfully argued ‘That compulsory national service should be introduced in Australia’, wisely proposing a model that went beyond the military to other forms of emergency and social service.

Overall the spoils were shared between TAS and O’Connor, but the friendly competition was more about giving interested students at both schools the opportunity, with a number of ‘first-timers’ amongst those taking to the floor. Thanks to O’Connor for enabling the fixtures and to Miss Hannah Lo and Ms Lorna Ahern for their assistance with adjudicating.

Mr Tim Hughes
MIC Debating and Public Speaking

The Creative Arts have been a busy place even as the term is close to wrapped up. Last Thursday we had a fabulous revamped Twilight Showcase with Music, Drama and Art coming together to put on a wonderful collaborative display. Our bands and ensembles sounded fantastic, the Stage 5 Drama monologues were a lot of fun, and all items were backed by artwork on the screen. Particular thanks to Ms Leanne Roobol, Mr Andrew Wheatley and Ms Fiona Xeros for all their hard work, as well as the many other teachers and peripatetic tutors working with the students behind the scenes.

It’s time again for the NSW & ACT Shakespeare Carnival, a competition in Drama, Music, Dance and Filmmaking where students represent the school and pursue the illustrious crown. The competition is open to students from Years 7 – 11 with the following categories: Duologue, Ensemble Scene, Group Devised, Dance, Physical Theatre/Movement, Music, and Smart Phone Short Film. The Regional competition will be held in week four of Term 2, with winners of the New England round-headed to compete in Sydney for the glory. Last year we took two groups down and had a fantastic experience seeing shows, participating in workshops and exploring the city. It’s the best excursion of the year. We’ve also got to defend our title as winners! To register for the carnival add your details to the following spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18p-y_8wzuG8TWwE2QBg3JkA3QZRs2GrWonCrHhHN37w/edit?usp=sharing

Over the holidays the cast and crew of Rhinoceros will be gathering on the final weekend to do their last preparations for the production. The Camp will be where scenes are finalised, set and props are completed, the tech is incorporated, and we have our dress rehearsals with all the costumes. There is a LOT to do in a short amount of time, but excitement for performances is mounting. Tickets are now on sale, and with only four performances we expect they’ll fill up fast. To avoid missing out go to the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/BYOKD

Mr Andrew O’Connell
Head of Creative Arts

Year 7 Camp

Last Friday, I travelled to Coffs Harbour with nearly all of our Year 7 students for the long-awaited orientation camp. Despite flooding and ongoing challenges with both COVID-19 and the weather, we travelled to Coffs via Glen Innes and Grafton. The perfect weather meant that every activity planned went ahead. These activities included a high ropes and ladder course, 10-metre giant swing, a series of initiative challenges and a team rescue scenario. The camp concluded with a whole Year 7 Minute to Win it Challenge and Commando Course. These activities were enjoyed by all and these, combined with the continued forging of friendship groups, excellent food and accommodation, encouraged our students to work together in an environment that is very different to that of school. The camp is of real benefit to the continued development of relationships and culture in our Year 7 cohort, as it provided the opportunity to work together as a collective group: boys, girls, boarders, day students and staff, together.

I offer my sincere thanks to Mrs Rachel Piddington, Ms Yolanda Kreuzen, Dr Charlotte Mack, Ms Julie Crozier and Mr Gavin Latham – for their assistance, kindness and good humour that ensured our students were well cared for and enjoyed the experience.

Debating Success

A series of seven debates against O’Connor Catholic College wrapped up yesterday with a win to our Year 7 team (Peter Thompson, Jessica Emmery, Finn Dwyer, Jack Rogers) who successfully negated the proposition ‘That bottled water should be banned’. Congratulations to these students.

COVID-19

Thank for your your cooperation with the management of COVID-19 throughout the term. If your child tests positive over the holiday break, please continue to notify me directly on lpolson@as.edu.au so we can continue to keep our records here at school up to date.

Year 6 Canberra Excursion

A final letter will come out to Year 6 families this week with the arrangements and packing list for Canberra. Any remaining dietary forms from Year 6 students need to be returned by tomorrow.

Best wishes to all for a safe and refreshing break. You should be proud of your children this term. It has been a busy and successful term and I look forward to seeing everyone back and ready to go next term.

Mr Luke Polson
Head of Middle School

Congratulations

Junior Musicians at the Twilight Concert

I was so pleased to be able to attend the latest and greatly anticipated Twilight Concert and see our junior musicians in action, after so much time away from their stage. Junior School was very well represented with our Junior Strings, hot off their latest ‘Happy Birthday Performance’ in the JS Reception, playing ‘Take Your Partners’. Will Minter (Cello) joined his sister to perform ‘Scherzando’ by Albrechtsberger, followed by William Copper-Fillios and Tom Loxley on violin and cello playing ‘Ode to Joy’ by Beethoven. A real highlight of this concert was seeing some of our youngest students join with their Senior School counterparts and it was fantastic to see Roman Sue join with Leonardo Wright (Year 9) on the piano and play ‘Moonwalk’ and ‘Jingle Bells’ followed by Eva Cook and Prudence Black (Year 10) play ‘The Mermaid’. Casper Cook played the drums in an exceptional band piece joined by Jeremy Carter (Year 12) and Mr Denis Dos Santos Arakaki (Bass Guitar). It was a brilliant return to the stage and I congratulate both staff and students for their efforts. More photos from the evening can be found on the school website gallery.

Layla Abu Assab – Year 5

Setting a shining example of School Service, Layla single-handedly organised and implemented a fundraising activity by selling personally woven loom pieces on behalf of Care International, raising funds for victims of war. Having raised close to $100 her efforts are highly commendable and I know that she still has a couple of items to sell before closing her books. Well done, Layla.

Josh Bourke – Year 5

While the details are still a little unclear, Josh very recently returned to school yesterday but we had already heard that he led the junior NSW Polocrosse team into the final of the Australian Junior Championships. They won…but the wonderful twist in this tale is that, as the youngest member of the team, he was a flag bearer for the team. There will be more (and perhaps more accurate) details next term but we congratulate Josh and his family for this outstanding effort.

Cross Country – Years 3, 4 & 5 – Thursday

As with a number of disrupted events recently, we have an opportunity that has recently presented to hold our Cross Country along with the rest of the School that will enable us to select runners in Years 3, 4 and 5 to compete at higher, representative levels. Along with the rest of the school, the races will be held this Thursday, 7 April 2022. All students in Year 3, 4 and 5 will compete, starting at around 1.20 pm from the front of School. They may wear sport uniform (with coloured House shirts) to school for the day.

Year 4 Live Stream Assembly

If you have time, tune in for the delayed Year 4 Assembly. Here is the link:

https://youtu.be/m-n2TFyd17s

School Spirits

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

Briyana Galpathage, Morrie Rylands, Ellie Chiu, Riley Sykes, Skye Knox, Lachie McDowell, Xavier Nozad Kahriz, Sansa Ranawake, Grace Crowley, Alexander DuBois, William Minter, Jose Ugwumba, Ellen Adams, Katie Flynn, Macey Rodgers, William Cooper-Fillios and Toby White.

BEEP – A Puppet Show for the younger generation….

We have booked our junior classes into a Puppet Show next term and would like to alert parents in year Pre-K to Year 2 not to book…. it’s done and paid for. Check out the promo using the following link. It looks fantastic and has been commended to us with a very important message for our kids…

https://vimeo.com/239790956

Happy Birthday

Wishing the following Junior School students, a very happy birthday for this week and throughout the holidays: Harry Fawcett, James Gillman, Hunter Grace-Booth, Gus Hodges, Rafi Kiehne, Carla Price, George Quast, Rory Secker and Bridei Stewart.

Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Junior School

Winter Sports 

Mrs Christine Wright
JS Sports Coordinator