TAS Talks Term 3 Week 2

While it felt unlikely that the Tokyo Olympics would ever come to fruition, they are now in full swing and it is wonderful to see so many athletes competing in such a diverse range of sports. The Olympic Games are a showcase of impressive feats of athleticism brought to life by the stories behind the competitors; challenges overcome, dedication to goals, determination and self-belief. Added to the importance of hard work, there are other lessons that can be taken from these elite athletes, and these are values TAS students learn and develop through participation in sport; teamwork and sportsmanship.

The need to connect and become part of a cohesive team is self-explanatory in traditional team sports such as hockey or netball, but those competing in individual events, swimming, mountain biking, gymnastics, are also part of a team. Training well with their fellow athletes, challenging each other to be better, while also working well with their coaches and mentors are important skills and critical components of success.

Sportsmanship is the ability to demonstrate fairness and respect, both qualities that are valued at TAS. Sportsmanship also shows a growth mindset. To be a good sport requires the losing athlete or team to graciously acknowledge that their opponent was better on the day and to learn from their experience. We all continue to grow and learn throughout life, but our school days are a steep curve in this respect. Participation in sport, in addition to the joy of participation and regardless of ability, provides so many valuable opportunities to learn skills and values that will take our students far in their lives beyond school.

The recent news that Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympics struck me as a truly exciting opportunity for those who do have aspirations to compete at a high level in their sport. What a wonderful goal it represents for some of our students to have the possibility of competing on the world stage in front of a home crowd.

To finish, this week I have been reflecting on my experience this time last year during the Melbourne lockdowns. I remember the uncertainty and anxiety that this caused many people, particularly Year 12 students and families. As I said last week, we are incredibly fortunate at the moment to be subject to very few restrictions and for the staff and students to be together on-site. While I do understand that there is a lot of speculation around, particularly in the media, please be assured that as a school, we continue to react to updated guidelines and to seek relevant advice. We will continue to make decisions to keep our community safe and to advocate for our students and I will update you of any significant changes as they occur.

Dr Rachel Horton
Principal

P&F MEETING – THIS WEEK

Please join us this Wednesday 28 July at 700pm. We will be live in Upper Maxwell under the prevailing COVID-19 directions – please bring your mask. There will be drinks and nibbles provided.

Zoom will be operating for those who wish to join remotely.

Join TAS P&F Meeting (Meeting ID: 215 517 2798 ; Password: 280721)

The proposed Agenda for the meeting can be found in the resources section of the TAS Parents Portal https://www.as.edu.au/pf/

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 pandf@as.edu.au

Mr Paul Gaddes
P&F President

Year 12

I trust that all parents of Year 12 students have had the opportunity to read through the letter sent at the end of last week, outlining the most recent changes made by NESA. I spoke with all of Year 12 on Monday to discuss these changes and to reaffirm our ongoing support for this cohort during their final term of schooling. We remain in a fortunate position to be able to continue teaching face to face and I encouraged Year 12 to remain focused on their students and enjoy the moments they have with their peers. Whilst this is a period of uncertainty for them and we fully appreciate that,  I encourage Year 12 to focus on what they can control as they continue to move forward this term. We will continue to monitor the advice from NESA and will be in further contact again if additional announcements are made.

Assessment in Years 6 – 10

Students in Years 6-10 have been emailed their assessment calendars for the remainder of the year and parents can access copies of these through the Parent Portal of the School’s website. These calendars outline the more formal assessment tasks that are scheduled during the year to assess students’ learning. They have been created to help students, families and teachers and our boarding staff to be more aware of the workload our students are facing. Teachers continue to informally assess learning during lessons and adjust programs to suit the students in their class. Students will continue to receive a formal notification at least two weeks prior to an assessment task which outlines what is required to be done, and where possible, marking criteria and revision advice. These calendars indicate the Week when the task is due, the subject, brief details of the task, whether the task will be completed at home or in class and where relevant, the task weighting.

NESA Inspection

Following the work over the past year, we received advice from NESA last week that TAS has been accredited for a further five years, following no concerns highlighted with any of the documentation that NESA has been working through. I would like to thank all of our staff who have contributed to this process over the past twelve months and this outcome is a testament to the quality offering that is provided at TAS.

Mr Luke Polson
Director of Studies

 Whilst the weather last Friday was doing its best to dampen our enthusiasm, the highly anticipated Dick Hodgson Shield went ahead. The TAS v Farrer fixtures were played in great spirit. Farrer retained The Dick Hodgson Shield with nine out of 16 wins across the day. TAS were able to retain The First XV Challenge Shield (Jim Levy Shield) and enjoyed success in both the Junior and Senior Chess matches, Junior Debating, Shooting, Firsts Football and the Second XV.

A special thank you to the MIC’s, coaches and teachers for your ongoing support and I commend and thank parents and visitors for adhering to our COVID-safe practices.

Congratulations to our Netballers who performed exceptionally well last Saturday at Lynch’s Road Courts. Following the disappointment of the NCIS Netball Carnival being cancelled it was pleasing to see the girls in action on the weekend. The high standard of play, sportsmanship and passion from our coaching staff was clearly evident. A resounding win by our First Netball team against PLC will hold them in good stead as they take on NEGS this week.

Please find attached the Term 3 Winter Training Schedule. Students are reminded if you are unable to attend a training session or game due to illness or a significant appointment or commitment, you must communicate this to your coach/manager, prior to the session.

Term 3 Winter Training Schedule

School Photos will take place next week on Tuesday and Wednesday

Students are required to ensure that they have the correct uniform (check the list attached( including correct shoes that are polished. Check the schedule to ensure you are on-time, all photos are in Formals other than those noted.

Please use the link below to view the Photo Schedule

2021 Photo Schedule

Mr Huon Barrett
Director of Co-curricular

TAS Triple Crown - The next challenge!

As many of you are aware, the City2Surf is not only the most prominent event of the TAS Triple Crown, it is also a significant fundraiser within our community. Given the current COVID climate, the City2Surf is unlikely to go ahead in 2021. As a result, the ‘TAS 4hr’ will be held on Saturday 14 August at TAS. I am grateful to Dr Horton for her wonderful support of this event.

Once again we will run for the ‘Guns out for Tombsy’ Foundation, in recognition of TAS OA (1985) and former Wallaby Richard Tombs who suffered a serious spinal injury and is still going through rehabilitation. We will also run for the late Anya Zuber (big sister of Alexander, current Year 11) and the late Peta Kerr (little sister of Lettie, current Year 11). The charity is ‘Anya’s Wish’ (funding research into children’s cancer) and I cannot think of anything more appropriate than supporting those in our immediate community.

I encourage every student, parent, staff member, Old Armidalian and TAS friend to join in for what will be a memorable Saturday evening, challenging yourself whilst supporting a most important cause.

We are grateful that the current NSW COVID guidelines allow for this to proceed as a community participation event (at the time of publication).

You can register on the TAS 4 Hour webpage, where you will also find a link to Frequently Asked Questions (also included on this page) for the event. If there is anything else you wish to know, please email me at jpenning@as.edu.au.

Expressions of Interest close on Friday 6 August.

Mr Jim Pennington

Frequently asked Questions

Why?

Given the current COVID climate, the City2Surf is unlikely to go ahead in 2021. As well as the signature event for the Triple Crown, the City2Surf is a major fundraiser for charities supported by the TAS community. This alone highlights the important role played by such events, an opportunity we do not wish to lose.

Which Charities are being supported?

As in 2019, TAS will again run for the ‘Guns out for Tombsy’, Foundation in recognition of TAS OA (1985) Richard Tombs who suffered a serious spinal injury and is still going through rehabilitation. We will also run for the late Anya Zuber (big sister of Alexander, current Year 11) and the late Peta Kerr (little sister of Lettie, current Year 11). The charity is ‘Anya’s Wish’ (funding research into children’s cancer) and I cannot think of anything more appropriate than supporting those in our immediate community. I am grateful for the courage demonstrated by Lettie and Alexander in Assembly this week, launching the ‘TAS 4hr’. They are amazing young people.

How will it work?

• 4:40pm                        Students/Staff/Parents meet in the TAS Gym.
• 4:50pm                        Welcome to the event by Dr Rachel Horton (Principal)
• 5:00pm                        5.9km, 13 laps, lane 8
• 6:00pm                        5.2km, 12 laps, lane 6
• 7:00pm                        4.1km, 10 laps, lane 3
• 8:00pm                        4km, 10 laps, lane 1

Why is it 19.2km?

One of the charity’s we are supporting is ‘Anya’s Wish’. Anya Zuber was only 19 years old when she passed away, hence the “19 for 19”.

Where are we running?

The event is being held at TAS, on Wakefield Oval (see attached map).

Is it a race?

No, its always about the “journey”. However, you must complete the entire 19km in order to qualify for the Triple Crown.

Do I have to run the whole way?

No, you can run, walk, old man jog, whatever you like. You must though, finished the program distance within the hour.

What about Junior School?

Yes, we want you! Junior School students will participate for the first two hours. For those in Years 3-5, this event will go towards your Compass Award for 2021.

What about Parents and TAS Community Members?

YESSSSSSS, everyone is both welcome and encouraged to join in.

I really want to join in, but 19km is too far for me!

 Not a challenge! We have another category, the ‘Legendary Supporter’, who will walk exactly half the distance for each hour. It’s about raising funds for ‘Anya’s Wish’ and ‘Guns out for Tombsy’.

• 5:00pm                        3.2km, 6 laps, lane 8
• 6:00pm                        2.6km, 6 laps, lane 6
• 7:00pm                        2.1km, 5 laps, lane 3
• 8:00pm                        2km, 5 laps, lane 1 

How will you measure each person’s distance?

We will create a team on Strava, which will track every participant (there will be no hiding!)

As the event is at night, how will I see where I going?

Wakefield Oval will be completely floodlit, ensuring everyone’s safety throughout the evening.

What about medical support?

TAS staff are trained in first aid and the school nurse will be in attendance during the run.

I’m going to get very hungry travelling 19km, what about FOOD?

Dinner will be available from 5:30-7pm for all participants, (Not the common BBQ sausages

and steaks). There will be snacks and water/Powerade stations as well.

What about a singlet?

Yes, there are event singlets for every participant. 

Toilets?

There are female and male toilets/change rooms in the TAS gym.

What about COVID?

We will be following the NSW Health Department Guidelines on COVID, with the mandatory check-in, social distancing and the wearing of masks when appropriate.

What is the cost?

The cost will be $85, which includes dinner, snacks

14s Girls Rugby

On Saturday 24 July, the TAS 14s Girls Rugby 7s team travelled to Bingara to play in a Central North Gala Day. The competition was strong from surrounding towns including Inverell, Gunnedah, Quirindi and Narrabri. The team consisted of Bella Crawford, Jackie Collett, Trudy Johnstone, Bella Michelle, Sophia Lawrence, Clare Wilkinson, Georgia Rose, Stella Maroulis, Lily Grieve and Regan Simpson from NEGS with the help of Siri Sparkes as the team’s water girl. We played four games of great rugby, getting better and better with every game.

The girls’ efforts on the day were brilliant, managing to back up and play four intense matches in quick succession. We played excellently, winning two of our four matches against Quirindi (39-0) and Narrabri (19-5) and suffering defeats to Inverell and a narrow loss, by three points, to Gunnedah. The team played well when passing the ball out to the wings and were very strong in defence. Jackie, Sophia, Stella, Georgia, Bella, Regan and Lily scored tries over all of the games, it takes a team to score a try and everyone was a star player on the day.

As a team, we would like to thank and show our appreciation to Mr Gary Walsh for organising the day. Also, we thank Mrs Goudge for managing the team and Mr Waterson for coaching our team on such a wonderful day.

Lily Grieve
Year 8

COVID Challenge

As I indicated last week, it’s another term but as days progress it’s increasingly obvious that its overarching context is not dissimilar to Term 2, 2020. However, the fundamental difference for us is that, unlike our metropolitan counterparts, we are still at school and for this we are grateful. To ensure that we have the best chance to enjoy face-to-face academic, sporting, and pastoral activity we can’t be complacent; rather, there’s the need to be vigilant regarding the wearing of masks, social distancing whenever and wherever possible and hand sanitising. The mask issue is one that Middle School people can be proud of – almost invariably they are wearing them in designated places around the campus, including in the classrooms. And, in relation to this issue if anything, we are improving daily. Hand sanitising is very reasonable, but it needs to be better. Social distancing is perhaps the greatest challenge and, considering the age group we deal with, I guess this is unsurprising. So, in today’s assembly Mrs Piddington and I outlined measures that will ensure the greatest compliance with school-based initiatives that will ensure ‘best practice’. Simply, we will continue to monitor all relevant issues and will do so on an ongoing basis. Of course, compliance is the operative issue; at TAS the measures I have outlined here are requirements of all people: they are not requests. When you’ve read this section, ask your children how they’re managing, specifically how they rate the management of their part in COVID-related responsibilities. Your encouragement of them will assist us in no small measure.

Farrer visit

We’ve been lucky to host Farrer and the range of activities we enjoyed last Friday afternoon was as challenging a learning experience for us as it was enjoyable. Debating was Junior (Year 9) and Senior – we won the former but lost the latter and were gracious in defeat. Rugby presented its challenge for our teams, too, but we acquitted ourselves well in the shooting and chess matches. Seriously, the best part of the visit was just that – the easy ability to welcome people from another regional school to TAS. In relation to being with others, all going well, our students will be able to travel to Tamworth this coming Friday for more games.

Assessments

Being slightly shorter than Term 2, assignments will be ongoing, and it is important that all families keep abreast of assessment requirements, due dates, and the necessity of ‘pacing’ work output so that students aren’t overwhelmed by requirements of all subjects studied. Again, it’s a very good idea to ask your children about their work, to encourage them and, where appropriate and practicable, to assist them. For boarders there is the facility of tutorial attendance in key areas that reflects as far as possible the ‘home help’ situation. Above all else, we need to encourage them to pace themselves and the best way this can be done is to know what’s due and when. An Assessment Grid has been recently published by Mrs Downes and this will be of great assistance regarding students’ abilities to measure their academic pace.

As you are no doubt aware, it is important that students, especially Middle School ones, are busy but the general theme of this inclusion is that, in order to enjoy themselves, they must be organised as well. Your support of us in this regard is appreciated. Overall, the term has begun very well: boys and girls seem well rested and prepared to negotiate the second half of their academic year.

Assembly

To facilitate the distancing issue as much as we can, most assemblies this term will be split: the first Middle School one occurred this week. It was almost entirely student-driven, and reports were made by our various student leaders and I concluded it with my general comments largely, as indicated, concerning COVID compliance issues. A feature was an MYP-blend of English, Maths and Visual Arts in the form of a sketch presentation ably led by Ms Xeros. It even featured musical accompaniment by Mr Collett. Most clouds can boast their silver lining: because it was ours, the assembly featured Middle School talent – and we’ve a lot to feature. I’ve included below some visuals from this assembly. In future we may publish some of the student representatives’ reports.

All the best,

Mr Mark Harrison
Head of Middle School

Have you ever stopped to think about how you learn? Have you ever thought about the skills you need to learn? This is what we encourage our students to do, by building on their toolbox of skills of different approaches to learning. 

Being an IB school, our lessons are framed by the ATL (approaches to learning) framework and aims to develop different approaches and strategies that students can add to their toolbox of learning. These skills come from 5 main categories:

• Communication
• Social
• Self-management
• Research
• Thinking

This learning journey starts in Junior School, and is further built upon in the Middle School. As students complete a unit of work, or an assessment, they should always have these skills at the forefront of what they do. So I ask, what skills do you need in your toolbox? What skills do you want your students to have in their toolbox? Let’s encourage them to use them!

Learner Profile Award Winners

• Angus Benham – Communicator award
• MJ Blanch – Thinker award
• Alexandra Coventry – Thinker award
• Robin Henry – Communication award
• Sam Krishnan – Caring award
• Jack Lucas – Open-Minded award
• Sophie Rogers – Inquirer award
• Oliver Saunders – Knowledgeable award
• Ty Schalk-O’Brien – Principled award
• Charlie Ward – Communicator award

Mrs Rachel Piddington
MYP Coordinator

Junior School Musical – Shrek The Musical Jnr!!

I am sure you will have heard by now, but despite the complications of COVID, we are moving ahead with our plans for the end of year musical production. We are very excited to announce that Junior School will be performing Shrek The Musical Jnr, a lively comedy that brings the lovable ogre back on stage….and I’ve been told we have a few from which to choose… So, stay tuned; audition material will be coming home soon and they will be held in the very near future. Exciting news indeed?!

Formal Uniform – School photographs Wednesday August 4

Next Wednesday, all students will need to be in their Formal uniform (plus blue jumper) for the annual School photo. Please make a note in your diary to avoid complications on the day and if you have any questions, please ask.

Year 5 Service

I would like to highlight the fantastic work Year 5 is doing at the moment as part of their Exhibition for the PYP. Each group has been working on their own project and we look forward to seeing all the fruits of their labours later this term. As part of their project, they will be raising funds for an organisation of their choice. We would like the whole school to support them as much as possible and so we would also like to encourage our Junior School students to bring a modest amount of money to school during week 4 to donate to the fundraiser(s) of their choice. Year 5 students will be providing more information as we go, but I am very pleased that they are taking this initiative.

• The groups and their projects are as follows:
  Priorities for Minorities – (Harriet Coupland, Mila Wright, Libby Ditchfield and Zana Ross) Project: World Vision Education program for girls
• Per Historia Migration – (Lucas van der Werf, Elsie Teng and Kevin Tighe) Project: UNICEF Afghanistan
• #animalmigration4thenation – (Lucy Taylor, Arthur White, Oliver Robb, Jack Maitz and Sophie Brett) Project: WIRES – donation of blankets, towels, possum cages, food bowls, pillowcases woollen pouches, gauges, tape, Elastoplast
• The Shock Squad – (Archie Tonkin, Xavier Stephen, Jack Wood and Cameron Carruthers) Project: CWA NSW – aiding those affected by natural disasters
• E.A.R.S (Employment, Aged Migration, Refugees, Scholarship) – (Izzie Glover, Minnie Chick, Rhidima Das and Edwina Newton) Project: Rotary Club – book donations required.

The ‘TAS 4 Hour’ – a challenge for us all!
From Mr Jim Pennington….

“Given the current COVID climate, the City2Surf is unlikely to go ahead in 2021. As a result, the ‘TAS 4 hr’ will be held on Saturday 14 August at TAS. I am grateful to Dr Horton for her wonderful support of this event.

Once again, we will run for the ‘Guns out for Tombsy’ Foundation, in recognition of TAS OA (1985) and former Wallaby Richard Tombs who suffered a serious spinal injury and is still going through rehabilitation. We will also run for the late Anya Zuber (big sister of Alexander, current Year 11) and the late Peta Kerr (little sister of Lettie, current Year 11). The charity is ‘Anya’s Wish’ (funding research into children’s cancer) and I cannot think of anything more appropriate than supporting those in our immediate community.

Junior School students will be able to participate in a modified version of this event, participating with the rest of the school or opting for another version, including just being involved for the first two hours. There will be plenty of information coming out about this soon but for those who would like to be involved in this fantastic school community event, please note the date in your diaries.

Winter Uniform

Please ensure that your children’s clothing is fully named. We have a growing amount of lost property at the moment and we would like to keep this to a minimum. Also, we are asking everyone to ensure that the whole uniform (correct jacket, school ties, neck ribbons and hats etc) is brought to school and worn correctly.

COVID Declaration Forms

Please ensure you have completed the online COVID Declaration Form that has been sent to all parents. We have emailed those families who are yet to do so and ask that you contact the school if you have any questions or issues.

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday to Rory Watts, Mishkah Alrdadi and Ethan Downes who are all celebrating their special days this week.

Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Junior School

Winter Sports

All sporting teams commenced their games last weekend. Please ensure you have access to either the TAS app or draw on the association websites to locate your time and venue for each weekend.

PSSA Athletics

The PSSA Athletics carnival will be held next Friday, 6 August. All permission notes should have been returned this week. Please ensure your child is at school by 8am on the day, if they are catching the TAS Minibus down to Harris Park. Alternatively, children are able to meet at Harris Park before 8:30 am. Any parents wishing to attend the carnival will be required to sign in at the appropriate destinations at Harris Park.

Football

 U12

After a long break from soccer, last Saturday’s game for the U12s was spent mainly recapturing that skill that we saw last term. At the changed venue, Harris Park, we played against the very strong Demon Knight’s Demons on a cold and windy morning. The game finished at 5-0 to DK but there were a few strong counter-attacks by the TAS team. Cormac Downes got to showcase his skill in goals for the first time in the first half and did very well. Next week hopefully we can start putting more goals on against the opposition and put some pressure on them. Thank you to all the parents who braved the weather to come down and watch the game.

Mr Andrew Kirk

Triceratops

Cold and windy conditions greeted the TAS Triceratops at Rologas #4 on Saturday morning for their first game of Term 3. Early morning confusion regarding a change of venue was put aside as the Triceratops, and their family members braced themselves for a game of attrition due to the blistery conditions. Having Dr Horton’s presence on the sideline gave the team a lift as they went through their paces in an extended warm-up. Pre-game talk from the players was all positive with the focus on Daisy Hammond’s on-ball aggression, Elara Polson’s speed, Lachie McDowell’s evasiveness, James Gillman’s defence and Wilbur Drain’s unpredictable left boot. Having the full complement of players gave the Triceratops added confidence to play at speed and utilise rest periods when needed.

The game started at a frantic pace with the South Armidale Starfish’s cohesiveness evident from the kick-off. Their enthusiasm on the ball took the Triceratops by surprise and led to some early goals. The Triceratops re-grouped and gained back the ascendancy as the half wore on. At half-time, all players were commended on their efforts but reminded of the importance of playing field position in the second half. The second half started similar to the first with some Starfish individual brilliance allowing quick goals, some aided by the Triceratops players. Credit to Lachie, Daisy, James, Elara and Wilbur for maintaining their enthusiasm until the final whistle considering the trying conditions and quality of opposition.

Mr David Drain

Tigers

The TAS Tigers warmed up for the second half of their season on what proved to be a cold Saturday morning at Rologas 4.  Undaunted by the weather, the Tigers met the Redbacks in a friendly match as the Redbacks found themselves with only three players.  In the spirit of the Tokyo Olympics, both teams took the opportunity to achieve practice gold.  The match went end to end with opportunities all around for scoring.  Special thanks to Sabine and George for playing alongside the Redbacks and also to Dan, who shrugged off a WWF-grade epic challenge to continue what was for him, a brilliant offensive and defensive match.  Looking forward to seeing everyone again this Saturday.

Mr Gordon Arndt

Year 5 Exhibition Inquiry

Central Idea: Migration is a response to risk, challenge and opportunity.

Year 5 and Mrs Fawcett have certainly had a busy start to the term as they have commenced in-depth inquiries as part of the PYP Exhibition. The culmination of this inquiry will be shared with the wider school community on Wednesday 1 September, 2021 in the annual Junior School Exhibition.

There may be many in our school community who do not fully understand the thinking behind the exhibition and the table below explores the exhibition through a conceptual framework. It is important to remember that the emphasis of the PYP Exhibition is on the process, and all the stages are equally important.

Mrs Veronica Waters
IB PYP Coordinator