TAS Talks Term 2 Week 3

This week I would like to provide an update on some staff movements at the end of this term. Most significantly, Director of Development, Cressida Mort has resigned, effective from the end of this term. We will wish Cressida well at the end of term, but look forward to her remaining a part of the community as a parent who will soon see her third son graduate from TAS.

Cressida has been an integral part of TAS for nearly 16 years and her enthusiasm and passion in life alongside her incredible advocacy for the School and the Foundation will be greatly missed. As a key member of the Executive, she has been particularly active in developing the strategic direction of the School. Cressida has overseen huge changes at TAS, most notably the transition to coeducation eight years ago, both a challenging and an exciting time where she played a pivotal role.

In her philanthropic work for the Foundation, Cressida has formed close relationships with countless members of our community. Her ability to imagine and organise spectacular events has led to a range of memorable occasions over the years, most recently the hugely successful Foundation Gala night for the spectacular production, Legally Blonde last week. The overarching purpose of the event was to provide a kickstart to Creative Arts scholarships at TAS. We are incredibly grateful to the Belalberi Foundation who donated $50,000 towards a drama scholarship prior to the night and to all our generous donors who contributed to an additional $45,000 on the night through ticket sales and donations.

Miss Charlotte Low will also be leaving TAS at the end of the term to pursue exciting teaching opportunities in Europe. While Miss Low has only been with TAS for just over 2 years, she has made a huge impact on many of our young musicians in particular as a wonderful teacher, musician and role model. She will be greatly missed, but we wish her well in her adventures overseas.

Head of Middle School Girls Boarding, Mrs Julie Crozier will step down from her Head of Dangar/Moyes House role at the end of this term. Mrs Crozier has built strong relationships with many of our girls and their parents and I am pleased to say that while she is stepping down, she will continue to work as a member of the duty staff in Girls Boarding at TAS.

Dr Rachel Horton
Principal

I would like to pass on my sincere admiration and congratulations to all of the cast and crew of Legally Blonde. What an amazing spectacle of talent and brilliance that is quite simply better than any school production I have ever seen. While the performances came and went quickly, the months of rehearsing and the final product will ensure lifelong memories for all involved.

With Winter Sport well and truly underway I have been impressed with the effort and enthusiasm in which our students have undertaken their co-curricular responsibilities. Representing the School is something all students should be proud of and reflected in how the uniform is worn. All students have been reminded that they must be wearing the correct TAS crested items when travelling and competing for the School. It would be a great shame for students not to be permitted to travel or participate because they were not organised in wearing the appropriate clothing. With Sydney Boys High travelling up next weekend (19/20 May) for our first GPS fixtures of 2023, we expect all students who are available to come or stay after their sporting fixture to support our teams competing. All spectators are to be in their Formal Uniform.

Absence from School

If students are going to miss academic time for reasons other than being unwell, the following ‘exemption from school’ form needs to be completed and sent to:

• Years 9 -12:  absentees@as.edu.au 
• Middle School: middle@as.edu.au
• Junior School: junior@as.edu.au 

Please note that except for exceptional circumstances, leave from compulsory school events will not be approved and absence will be recorded as unjustified. 

Link to form: https://www.as.edu.au/content/uploads/2020/06/Application-for-Exemption-from-School.pdf

Mr Ray Pearson
Deputy Principal

P&F AGM

This Wednesday 10 May 2023 is the P&F AGM. We will meet face-to-face in Upper Maxwell as well as have a Zoom session running for those wishing to attend remotely.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://as-edu.zoom.us/j/2155172798?pwd=Z1VRMTRrcjZoVStLYlFKOG5CdVovQT09

• Meeting ID: 215 517 2798
• Password: parents
• Dial in phone number:  +61 2 8015 6011

As is the nature of an AGM, the current P&F Executive team will stand aside from their roles, and we will take nominations for any members who wish to become a part of the future P&F Executive team. If you would like to get more involved with the P&F and become a voting member, please find the P&F Membership Application Form on the Parent Portal. If you would like to become a member of the P&F Executive team, then please also complete the P&F AGM Executive Nomination Form also. Both of these can be emailed to the P&F Exec team at the address below or brought to the AGM.

Sydney Boys High School

SBHS is visiting TAS in the coming weeks. The P&F will operate a BBQ and Kiosk on Saturday 20 May to feed players, coaches and spectators. A Coffee Van will also operate all day.

We are looking for volunteers to help on the day at the BBQ, Kiosk and with player lunches, and with set up/pull down. If you are able to spare some hours on that day, please use this link to let us know your availability and preferences https://signup.com/go/wWzyqmb

Contact 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

Examinations and Assessment

Mid-Year Examinations are coming up in a few weeks for our Year 9 and 10 students as they near the end of both their elective courses and the first component of their HSIE courses. Other core subjects such as English, Maths and Science are approaching the mid part of their Year 9 and 10 courses and as such, we will be examining students on their demonstration of knowledge, understanding and skills.

A timetable for the Week 6 Examinations has been published to students via email and the Canvas Student Portal; this is also available on the website’s Parent Portal for families.

If students know in advance that they will be absent for an assessment task, they must speak to their teacher and Head of Department early, so that arrangements can be made. For Year 11 and 12 students, absences must be valid or there is the chance a penalty in marks will be awarded. If there are any questions or concerns around absences, please ensure you speak to your support staff (teacher, Head of Department, Advisor, Mrs Downes) in advance so we can assist you with advice and guidelines. Illness on the day of an assessment must be accompanied by a medical certificate. Again, if there are questions, please direct them to your class teacher, Head of Department or Mrs Downes.

Academic Achievement – Recognition

This semester, a number of high-achieving students from Years 6 – 11 were acknowledged for their impressive academic results in 2022. In Years 6 – 10, the awards are referred to as Academic Medallions and are determined by consistently high grades achieved across their subject areas.

The following students were acknowledged with an Academic Medallion:

In Year 11 and 12, students are eligible for the award of Academic Colours – Bronze, Silver and Gold. The following students achieved this very high standard across their Year 11 pattern of study:

Academic Support

Sunday Study Sessions – Year 12

Last Sunday, TAS began a series of Sunday Study Sessions which involved our wonderful staff volunteering to come in to run academic and practical workshops or to supervise individual study time in the Hub for our Year 12 students as well as Mr Slade and Mr Nexo assisting students with their Major Works. Last weekend’s sessions saw about 30% of the year group accessing these opportunities. A great start.

This weekend will see two sessions running on Sunday:

Winter Break Study Camp – Year 12

The Winter Break Study Camp will be running in the final week of the Term 2 break (12-14 July). I now have confirmation that the external company Elevate Education from Sydney will be presenting 2-3 sessions (on rotation) focusing on study skills, time management and examination technique. Additionally, there are several TAS staff presenting targeted workshops on the revision and consolidation of content. We have a number of tutors also attending the camp to assist students.

To finalise the program and costs, I am waiting to hear back from the final 25 students about their attendance but at this point, over half the year group will be attending which is a great outcome in our first year back after COVID running such a camp.

Mrs Gill Downes
Director of Teaching and Learning

Year 11 Geography Trip

On Wednesday 3 May the Year 11 Geography students made their way to the Cascade Environmental Centre near Dorrigo to hone their geographical data-collecting skills. On the beautiful drive to Cascade, the students were able to appreciate the rolling countryside, the meandering rivers, v-shaped valleys, and interlocking spurs. Someone said to me a couple of weeks ago that “at some point in everyone’s life, you think about moving to Dorrigo” and with such great physical geography on show you can see why.  Angus Ditchfield was given the responsibility of providing the soundtrack for our beautiful drive, and we received an education into his two favourite genres of music, Country and Western.

Upon arrival at the Cascade Environmental Centre, we were greeted by the Principal and our instructor for the day, John McQueen. The purpose of the day was to examine how the planet’s four spheres interact. The students were taught how to collect measurements for temperature, humidity, soil pH, water pH, water conductivity, water turbidity, dissolved oxygen levels, nitrate levels and phosphate levels within the Rainforest and its creek. The students’ favourite aspect of the field trip was meeting and handling the reptiles housed at the education centre and studying the methods by which they adapted to their environment. The baby Blue Tongue Lizard and the Carpet Python made quite an impression on the Year 11 students. On the way home, Angus relinquished his DJ services to Ruby Hyland and a more eclectic playlist was experienced.

Our thanks go to John McQueen and the Cascade Environmental Centre for organising such an interesting day. His guidance and expertise were second to none. The Geography Students will now apply their newfound skills for data collection to apply to their Senior Geography Project.

Mr Doug Fawcett
Year 11 Geography Teacher

I write to advise those parents of Dangar/Moyes boarders that Mrs Crozier addressed the Dangar/Moyes girls at Roll Call last Wednesday evening to ensure they were the first to hear of her decision to step down from the Dangar/Moyes Head of House role at the conclusion of Term 2. I am pleased to announce that Mrs Crozier will continue her involvement in TAS Boarding as a part-time staff member across both Dangar and Moyes Houses from the commencement of Term 3. An extensive recruitment process has been undertaken to appoint a new Head of House from the commencement of Term 3.

I cannot thank Mrs Crozier enough for her unwavering support and application across a number of roles and boarding houses since commencing as a Housemother in 2017. Mrs Crozier’s work ethic and genuine passion for girls boarding as a Head of House will be hard to replace and I am looking forward to her continuing her work in girls boarding next term.

Croft House was announced the worthy winners of the prestigious Cash Cup at the conclusion of the Lip Syncs at Tuesday’s School Assembly. A big congratulations to all members of Croft House, particularly the House Leaders; Ardie, Mischa and Taliesin and the ever-present PJ, for all their work behind the scenes to ensure such a quality performance. I am sure the Croft House boarders and Mr Fawcett will enjoy the upcoming Celebratory Dinner.

Mr David Drain
Director of Boarding

Foundation Gala Event - Fundraising for Creative Arts

The TAS Foundation Gala Event on Friday evening was a fun, over-the-top addition to the already wildly successful Legally Blonde production.  Enormous thanks to the significant donation from the Belalberi Foundation of $50,000 donated before the event. The Foundation also raised an additional $45,000 on the night towards Creative Arts Scholarships.  Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Gala Night, and an even bigger thank you to the cast and crew of Legally Blonde for a spectacular performance.  We are in awe.

The cast and crew of Legally Blonde were on show last week. Four magical performances highlighted the depth and breadth of talent in the TAS Creative Arts department. Whilst the performance was hugely entertaining, and the stage was alive with vibrant pink it was the story of Ellie Wood that left a smile on my face. There were moments of hilarity, heartbreak and in the end triumph. I am amazed at the skilful casting, from our inciteful and committed staff, and the way each character was able to bring their role to life, on centre stage, with poise and professionalism. Thank you, Mr O’Connell, Mr Lane, Mrs Roobol, Mr Collett and Ms Cleaver, for your dedication, attention to detail and the opportunity that you have afforded our students.

This week in assembly we watched the final instalment of the Cash Cup. The Lip Sync performances. Croft House won the Lip Sync section of the Cash Cup and following the other performances –

• House Artwork won by Abbott, Ross and Tyrell
• House Band won by Green
• House Drama won by Ross and Tyrell

Congratulations to Croft who won the overall Cash Cup (Creative Arts Inter-House Competition). I have been particularly impressed with our House Leaders and Year 12 for their involvement and encouragement throughout the Cash Cup performances, their leadership, direction, and energy has been outstanding.

Next week we look forward to Sydney Boys High School visiting TAS for a weekend of sports. TAS and SBHS will play for the traditional Hannon and Harris Cup across the following sports, Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Shooting, Tennis and Rugby.

Please click on the link below to access the game times.

SBHS DRAW

Mr Huon Barrett
Director of Co-curricular

After months and months of work and thousands of combined hours the curtain finally came down on the 2023 TAS Production Legally Blonde: The Musical. It was almost a completely sold out run, with standout performances night after night and rave reviews from the audience. The students and staff lifted the show to impossible heights and truly gave it their all. Friday’s Gala Performance was a spectacle unlike any other, with the audience dressed to the nines in all their pink finery, the foyer bedecked with stunning decorations, a team of fanatic fans and pestering paparazzi, and some moving speeches that saw great generosity towards our new Creative Arts scholarships. There are far too many people to thank, it was such a team effort, but I know that all involved should feel tremendously proud of what was achieved on and off the stage.

Last night we had our second Twilight Concert for the year. It was another fabulous evening of music performances and great preparation ahead of the Armidale Eisteddfod, which is about to go into overdrive. Our thanks to the amazing Ms Roobol for backing up from Legally Blonde to put this together and congratulations to all the amazing performers and accompanists who took part. We also wish the students participating in the Eisteddfod Composition night tonight the very best.

The cast for Fight With All Your Might the Zombies of Tonight has been announced! With over 30 keen actors auditioning the Production Team had to be thorough but we feel confident that this group will help us put on a wild and wacky show. Rehearsals start today – no slacking by Mr Lane or Mr O’Connell – and keep Week 4, Term 3 available as that will be the performance week.

Mr Andrew O’Connell
Head of Creative Arts

Regional Youth Orchestra NSW –  London Symphony Orchestra Project

Abby Thompson (Yr 11) and Peter Thompson (Yr 8) were in Sydney last week playing Cello for the exciting NSW Regional Youth Orchestra (RYO) London Symphony Orchestra Project from Saturday 29 April to Thursday 4 May.

Talented young musicians from RYO NSW joined forces with members of the London Symphony Orchestra to perform a programme of diverse repertoire featuring works by Ethel Smyth, Edward Elgar, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Ayanna Witter-Johnson and more at the Sydney Opera House.
During the week, Abby and Peter had the wonderful experience of being conducted by the great Sir Simon Rattle OM CBE with Abby leading the cello section under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle (see attached photo).

Twilight Concert
Congratulations to all our performers at our Twilight Concert last night! The performers ranged in age from Year 1 to Year 12 and played and sang with confidence. Many of the students played their Eisteddfod pieces, taking the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. Thank you to our fabulous peripatetic staff for their excellent preparation of these musicians and thank you also to our wonderful accompanists Mrs Robyn Bradley, Ms Li Ling Chin, Mr Warwick Dunham and Dr Robert Manley.

Sydney Youth Orchestras – Youth Orchestral Camp
Holly Dauparas (Bassoon), Andi Li (Violin), Abigail Thompson (Cello) Peter Thompson (Cello) and Olive Lockett (Double Bass) joined Sydney Youth Orchestras when they came to Armidale for an intensive (and fun!) week of orchestral music-making at their Youth Orchestral Camp at TAS. Holly, Andi, Abigail, Peter and Olive each joined one of the SYO’s orchestras for the week, giving them the opportunity to stay, rehearse and perform alongside SYO musicians, conductors and instrumental tutors. Launching as part of their 50th-year celebrations, SYO’s Youth Orchestral Camp saw over 250 young musicians travelling to Armidale. At the conclusion of the camp, the four different orchestras performed across the region, including concerts in Armidale, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Quirindi and Werris Creek.

TAS Community Choir

Come and join the TAS Community Choir! Our first rehearsal is this
Thursday, 11 May 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm in the TAS Music Centre Basement.

We are inviting students, parents, staff and friends to join us in singing a fabulous arrangement of “I Sing Because I’m Happy”, which was adapted by Rollo Dilworth from the gospel-style interpretation of the hymn, “His Eye is on the Sparrow”. We will be singing at the Armidale Eisteddfod Choir Night on Wednesday, 24 May (non-competitive event) at 6:00 pm.

Please email Leanne Roobol lroobol@as.edu.au if you are interested in being part of this choir. If you are unable to attend rehearsals, we will send out a copy of the music and a recording to allow you to rehearse at home. We look forward to singing with you!

Armidale Eisteddfod Commences this Wednesday

The Armidale Eisteddfod commences this Wednesday with the Composition section. The Eisteddfod will be held over the next month, culminating with the Eisteddfod Gala Concert on Sunday 18 June. We wish all our ensembles and individual performers the best for the Eisteddfod. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the experience of performing and for our students to share their talents with a wider audience.

The Armidale Eisteddfod program for 2023 is now available online! View the entire program here: https://buff.ly/40Ybc2N

Attached is the overall Eisteddfod schedule:

Solo Performers at the Eisteddfod
Over the coming weeks many TAS students will compete in individual sections of the Eisteddfod. We would be delighted to hear of their achievements. If you would like your child’s success to be put in the TAS Talks newsletter, please send an email to Mrs Veronica Lucas – music@as.edu.au
A reminder to also please let classroom teachers and Year Advisors know when your child will be performing at the Eisteddfod.

Arrangements for Members of TAS Ensembles
Arrangements are made by the Music Staff for members of all TAS Ensembles that are performing in this year’s Eisteddfod. Ensemble members and their families will be sent information regarding the arrangements for their ensemble. Please contact Mrs Veronica Lucas if you have any questions regarding transport to ensemble events – music@as.edu.au
Please note that students are required to wear TAS FORMAL uniform to participate in all events.

Armidale Eisteddfod Composition Finalists
Congratulations to the 11 TAS students who have been shortlisted for a prize in the Armidale Eisteddfod Composition section. Each finalist will perform their composition at the awards ceremony this Wednesday, 10 May from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm at the Armidale Teachers’ College.

Congratulations to the following composers (in alphabetical order):

MC02 Years 7-8
Nash Goodwin – Ostinato Challenge
Claudia Sykes, Meg Earle and Narlee Bird (performing with Emily Croker, Chloe Dennison and Clare Wilkinson) – Growing Older
Kevin Tighe – Tiger Groove

MC04 Year 10
Clare Wilkinson – Thoughts about you
MC05 Year 11 Music 1
Henry Kirton – Glissade d’été
MC06 Year 11 Music 2
Holly Dauparas – Siciliana
Sam Guppy – Vivace
Olive Lockett – Abyssal Drifting
Abigail Thompson – Reverie

Ziggy Harris Farewell Recital
Ziggy Harris’ Farewell Recital will be held in the Uniting Church on Saturday 10 June at 6:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased online:
https://events.humanitix.com/ziggy-harris-farewell-recital?fbclid=IwAR3qGwh7n7m4HGdyl1VsfoiDikTtrBH3E7d9Vufl14pmTgLEcNbHRPKzEz0

Ms Leanne Roobol
Director of Music

Social Media Use and Mobile Phones

Over the past fortnight, social media use and mobile phones have again become a focal point for us in Middle School. I encourage parents to read this article: Is 13 too young to have TikTok or an Instagram account? I encourage all of our families to read this short article if your child owns a mobile device. There is much discussion in the media and from various experts about the potential harm that can come from being exposed to social media from a young age. With the sheer amount of conflicting advice available; there is no doubt that navigating what parents should be doing in this space is as difficult as staying up to date with the current social media trends and apps.

As parents, it is important that we are across the concept of a ‘group chat’. These are a key part of young people’s interactions online and can occur within social media apps such as Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook. These group chats can have large numbers of people in them – some who attend TAS and others from outside of the school. I have stressed to Middle School how to appropriately engage in this space and the types of content and interactions that we need to be conscious of when interacting with larger groups of people. We have also discussed at length what to do if something online makes you uncomfortable. With group chats, there is one thing that every person has in their armoury if they come across something that makes them feel uncomfortable, and that is to leave the chat. I encourage everyone to have a conversation with their children about what group chats they are a part of and who is involved in them.

I am happy to speak to any families who have concerns in this space. In the meantime, I have included a number of links below which may be of interest to you.

eSafety Commissioner Issues and Advice for Parents

Helping Kids Thrive Online

Parental Controls in Social Media

https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Twilight Music Concert

Last night it was wonderful to attend the Term 2 Twilight Concert and support our musicians in the lead-up to the Eisteddfod. I congratulate Tom Loxley, Andi Li, Jack Wood, Harriet Coupland, William Cooper-Fillios, Kevin Tighe, Ethan Wooldridge, Gita Rajendra and Peter Thompson who all performed superbly. We wish them all well as they continue to prepare for the upcoming Eisteddfod.

Canberra

Last week, I had the pleasure of accompanying Year 6 on their recent Canberra expedition and I am pleased to report that it was a most successful week. These students represented themselves and their school well and we should be proud of all of them. Excursions such as these are a huge undertaking and the success of trips such as this relies on the willingness of our dedicated staff to be involve. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Mrs Kirsty Brunsdon, Emily Fordham and Tanatswa Mabuwa who attended this excursion and ensured that the students were well cared for and everything went smoothly.

Forensic Science Camp

We are back!!

Dear Parents and Students of Year 8 at The Armidale School,

We would like to offer your child an opportunity to participate in the 2023 Talented Students’ Forensic Science Camp.

The camp, which will be held at The Armidale School from July 4 – 8, 2023, is one of the state’s pre-eminent extension programs for Year 8 students. It offers challenging and hands-on experiences of scientific problem-solving and a chance to work with talented students from all over Australia.

The school is offering TAS Students the opportunity to apply for a ‘scholarship’ to attend the camp at the rate of $330 (the rate for non-TAS students is $660).

As compelling as CSI, as challenging as The Mentalist and addictive as Law & Order, the Camp brings the intrigue of these television shows to the fingertips of young Australians. No one can resist a ‘whodunit’ and that is what this Forensic Science Camp is all about. It’s fast and exciting with total immersion in the crime-solving process.

Over the years in the past, over 100 boys and girls, a mix of city and country students from both government and non-government schools were selected from a large number of applicants from NSW, the ACT, Queensland and Victoria to participate in the camp.

The camp fills a niche for students looking to be academically challenged and appeals to all enthusiastic and highly capable students.

To apply students need to send an email to forensic@as.edu.au. With a brief paragraph on why they would like to attend the Forensic Science Camp.

Ty Schalk-O’Brien
Year 10 Student
Director – Forensic Science Camp

Upcoming Dates

• The Middle/Senior School Athletics Carnival is scheduled for Friday 26 May.
• The next Activities Day (single day, no overnight) will be held on Wednesday 24 May.

Mr Luke Polson
Head of Middle School

With the onset of colder weather this week it is topical to remind all Junior School families of the uniform requirements throughout Terms 2 and 3. From Week 3 (this week), all students are expected to wear their winter uniform to and from school unless they have either PE lessons during the day or School sport after school. Beanies, scarves and gloves can be worn at sporting commitments but are not to be worn to/from school or during the timetabled school day.

I have had the pleasure of watching many of our Junior School students representing TAS in their chosen winter sport with energy and enthusiasm over the last week. Participation in sports has many well-documented physical, social and emotional benefits while also supporting the development of a host of skills that will be of benefit throughout one’s lifetime (Developing life skills through sports | healthdirect).  Some of my most notable observations were the camaraderie shown by all, the resilience our students showed in their respective matches and the unwavering support of our parent community, regardless of the score line.

The Year 5 students, ably led by the Junior School student leaders, have completed an audit of existing play equipment. They then surveyed all class groups to see which additional equipment would be most popular. Yesterday several of the leaders spent some time replenishing the equipment supplies after deciding it was best to support local businesses rather than purchase these goods online. We are sure to see some smiling faces in the coming days as all students enjoy the new equipment.

The Junior School are excited to welcome mothers and special friends to the Mother’s Day event this Friday, 12 May from 2.30pm. It is sure to be an enjoyable afternoon of decadence, and no more than is deserved. Please take the time to RSVP through this online form to enable us to plan appropriately for the afternoon.

All students are invited to participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge, launched this week in our library lessons with Mr Arndt. Further details, including your child’s login details to the online portal used to manage reading lists, will be made available shortly.

Happy Birthday

Many happy returns to Arden Johnstone-Burt, Aeden McDonald, Levi Watts and Olivia Whysall who all celebrate birthdays this week.

Mr Scott Chittenden
Head of Junior School

Upcoming Events

Netball

The TAS SET team made their debut at the Lynches Road courts on Saturday. Miss Nicholls was SO impressed by the teamwork and shining attitudes of all players. Despite this being their very first game (and some their first EVER game), we came away as the victors 5 to 1. Well done girls and thank you to the parents cheering from the sidelines.

Miss Lara Nicholls