TAS Talks Term 2 Week 5

Next week is National Reconciliation Week and our assembly this week reflected that. We heard from one or our Indigenous students, Jordyn Melville, and from a wonderful guest speaker, Rose Lovelock, an Anaiwan woman from Armidale, each giving their personal reflections on reconciliation. While a week to learn about shared histories and culture is important, reconciliation is an ongoing process. Earlier this year, TAS started its journey to building a Reconciliation Action Plan with a group of committed students and staff. More information on both the assembly and the RAP can be found in Mr Pearson’s article this week.

Last week in assembly I spoke to students about honouring their co-curricular commitments at TAS. The breadth and depth of opportunities at TAS allow our students huge options in the activities they choose, but it is an expectation that they will follow through and commit to their choices once made. This is important for their own personal development, and also in support of the team they are a part of. While winning is wonderful, their commitment in this way, added to the way they conduct themselves during fixtures as players or spectators is more important (the atmosphere during last week’s SBHS fixtures was wonderful!). If your child is struggling to engage with their chosen sport, please encourage them to continue to be a part of the TAS student community through their participation.

Cold weather has finally descended on Armidale and with it has come a higher than usual level of sickness among our students. Sadly, this was not unexpected given decreased contact with each other over the past two years and in line with NSW Health advice, I would like to recommend the influenza vaccination for those who have not yet had the opportunity to get theirs this year. If your child is ill, their health is our priority. Communication with the School is key to supporting them while they are away and on their return. Please let their form teacher (Junior School) or advisor (Middle and Senior School) know. If they are a Boarder, their Head of House will also be a key contact and for all students, the Year Level Coordinator may also be useful.

Dr Rachel Horton
Principal

With the distribution of our termly ’Binghi’ publication this week I was fascinated to discover that the name  – ‘Binghi’ comes from the local Indigenous word for brother. Throughout our early history, boys would refer to their fellow students as their Binghi or Brothers. In 1954 the Sydney branch of the OAU developed a news sheet for their members called Binghi which has evolved into the outstanding magazine we know it as today.

Relevantly, this Friday marks the start of National Reconciliation Week which has the theme of ‘Be Brave. Mark Change’ in 2022. To mark the occasion, we welcomed an international speaker, ambassador for Indigenous experience and local Anaiwan woman Ms Rose Lovelock as a guest speaker at our Senior School Assembly yesterday. Rose spoke of her experience with reconciliation in Australia, its relatively short history and the importance of it in closing the gaps in employment, housing, justice and health for our First Nations People. Rose spoke with great optimism about what can occur in the future and the importance of an ongoing open dialogue on reconciliation. Year 12 student Jordyn Melville, a proud Dharug woman, was inspirational in providing a background as to why reconciliation matters to her and the importance of the changes that have occurred in Australia since the 1967 referendum. These changes have ensured that Indigenous Australians have basic rights and opportunities that did not exist prior. 

Reconciliation Week highlights the need for this momentum of change to continue. In 2022, TAS has made the decision to ‘Be Brave. Make Change’ and is undertaking the process of developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for the School. This will allow us to join a significant group of socially conscious organisations in making a coordinated contribution to reconciliation which will be meaningful and sustainable. 

Mr Ray Pearson
Deputy Principal

The new P&F Executive

Last Wednesday was the P&F AGM – thank you to all who attended in person or via ZOOM. At this meeting a few new faces were elected to the P&F Executive with the 2022/23 team being:

President:                   Paul Gaddes
Vice-President:         Craig Pevitt
Secretary:                   Kath Little
Co-Secretaries:         Jane Dauparas and Emma Freebairn
Treasurer:                  Liz Rogers
Co-Treasurer:           Belinda Banister

A huge thank you to the outgoing members of the P&F Exec team – Pip Benham, Melanie Fillios and Sam Coupland – for their hard work over the past year.

Sydney Boys’ High School

It was a double-header last weekend for the P&F to then assist with the SBHS visit and the Rugby Season Launch. Another thank you to the many volunteers who assisted the P&F operate the BBQ, Kiosk, and Bar and feeding the players and TAS boarders on Saturday.

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

As NAPLAN draws to a close for the year, I would like to congratulate all those students who sat these exams on how they conducted themselves during this period. I had the pleasure to manage Year 9 during this period and it was such a positive experience to see them trying as hard as they did for all of the exams.

It is interesting to then look forward to the Mid-Course exams that Years 9 and 10 will sit next week. In last week’s TAS Talks we published the dates and times for each exam – please refer to that information if you are wanting to know the plan for the week for your child. In the meantime, please remember that we run these tests to not only determine what skills and knowledge the students have acquired this year but to also teach them how to study and sit exams.

Some of the things I spoke about with Year 9 post NAPLAN exams were:

• Understanding well beforehand what you will be expected to do in the test: Is it multiple choice? Short-answer? Or, an essay? How long will you have for each section? What will a good response include? What equipment do I need to take to the exam?
• Reading the question carefully: slow down and make sure you have interpreted it correctly.
• Keeping track of time: don’t get stuck on one difficult question and then run out of time to answer others that you knew.
• Don’t waste the time available to you: If you finish early, what can do you do that would be a good use of time? correct your spelling? check for those ‘silly’ mistakes in maths?

and, above all:

• Keep calm: these tests are not high-stakes. We know your child and their skills and school is about learning. We all learn from mistakes and exams in these early years of high school are the best time to learn from them.

Please reach out to your child’s advisor if you have any questions about these exams or your child’s ability to handle them – we are here to help.

Mrs Seonia Wark
Director of Studies

Last weekend we hosted Sydney Boys’ High School. SBHS have been travelling to TAS for ten years playing in a variety of sporting fixtures. The Friday night fixtures saw TAS winning the Volleyball and Open Football, while SBHS won the 16s and Opens Basketball games. Heading into Saturday the competition continued. High won the Shooting, 14s Football and both Tennis matches but as has been the case for the past two years, TAS dominated the Rugby and won the relay which meant we won the Hannon and Harris Cup back from the clutches of SBHS. A special thank you to our hard-working Parents and Friends who again fed the masses, and to the staff from High whose efforts, commitment and belief in the value of the fixtures, make it all possible.

At the conclusion of the SBHS fixtures it was an absolute pleasure to be a part of the TAS Rugby Season launch. With over 240 parents, coaches and players in attendance it was a stark reminder of the importance of TAS Community events and encouraging to see the support and somewhat excited parents who continue to enjoy being back on-site and engaged in their children’s sport. A big thank you to Mrs Rachel Edmonds and Mr Adam Whalley for a fantastic event.

Congratulations to all the NCIS Cross-Country runners who made the pilgrimage to Tweed Heads last week. With over 30 competitors qualifying for CIS, in what resembled more of a tough mudder event rather than a cross-country run, it was an outstanding performance from the TAS team. Thank you to Mr Pennington for his organisation and planning to ensure our students were able to perform at their best in very tough conditions.

Sports Uniform

I have made mention multiple times this year about the importance of wearing our TAS sports uniform correctly. I have informed students that if they fail to wear the correct sports uniform to matches or games they will not be permitted to play for TAS. The message is simple “All students MUST wear TAS Sports Uniform TO, DURING and FROM all TAS Sporting matches/games”.

Thank you for your support.

Mr Huon Barrett
Director of Co-curricular

NCIS Cross Country

Fantastic students, fantastic results! That’s the story of NCIS Cross Country. Despite illness hammering the team in the preceding week, and torrential rain flooding the course, nothing could stop this incredible momentum. In what was the most outstanding result for TAS, 30 students have qualified for the NSW CIS Cross Country Championships to be held in June.

On a course that tested each athlete, with gnarly climbs, steep descents, mud, rocks and water hazards, it was a true Cross Country event. Congratulations are extended to age group winners, Zana Ross, Tempe Macarthur Onslow, Isabella Crawford, Karen Baker, Andrew Brennan and place getters Halina Saunders, Emily Ussher, Harriet Crawford and Will Ledingham on their remarkable performances. For the first time, TAS won the overall trophy based on student numbers, a magnificent reward for such a spirited effort! I wish to thank Mrs Barrett, Mr Secker, Harriet, Darby, Victoria and Hugo (our awesome gappies) for their wonderful support and assistance over the two days.

Mr James Pennington

TAS Triple Crown - The 6 Hour

With a respite from floods and lifting of COVID restrictions, let’s get it on!

Sunday 6 June from 10-4 pm – welcome to the TAS 6hr, a glorious crisscrossing of the eastern side of the Armidale Pine Forest. Cycling serenely upon your mountain bike, please join us for six hours of bliss, lapping a 6.7km course, either Solo or in teams of two. Chase the goal of completing the course by yourself, or pair up with a friend, Mum or Dad, the choice is yours. There is also a Junior School option, please see this in the FAQ’s on the webpage.

I’m pleased to be able to offer this experience to all TAS students, staff and parents. Please come along and ride, join in the fun or cheer on your child!

Should you wish to avail yourself of this epic opportunity, please register your Expression of interest via the link https://www.as.edu.au/whats-on-2/triple-crown-the-6-hour/ by Monday 30 May.

Mr James Pennington

In the last month or two there has been an explosion of activity in the Creative Arts, with much of it happening behind the scenes. Music has been particularly busy, and I want to start by acknowledging some recent achievements. Back at the end of last term Anouska Byrne, Holly Dauparas, Essie Lindeman and Jasper O’Neil were offered spots in the Gondwana Choirs – few singing experiences rival it for the development of young performers and they will be involved with that program throughout the year. In the previous holiday break Emily Thompson had the opportunity to perform with internationally-recognised musicians as part of the Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp. Several students have completed significant examinations, with Ruby Straker completing her Grade 8 exam in Sydney and Abigail Thompson sitting her AMusA performance exam and receiving her performance diploma with a Distinction. And in our own neighbourhood Will Mackson received a grant as part of the New England Young Arts Program through ADFAS and Rotary Club of Armidale Central, which will support him and his music development after the HSC.

With the Eisteddfod beginning there is plenty to report on already and to be prepared for in the coming weeks. The Composition Workshops held last Thursday were an amazing experience for our music students and TAS was there in huge numbers. This was not only great practise for their academic work, but led to the Composition Night – check Ms Roobol’s Music Matters page for the full results (but suffice to say TAS students dominated every section of the competition). This Wednesday is Choirs Night and I wish all the best to our vocalists who properly return to the stage after several years of restrictions.

Last Friday we had a number of students participating in the Regional Shakespeare Carnival. Despite Rhinoceros and illness they put on a great show and we had the Music and Duologue students selected to compete at the Sydney finals in Week 6. Also last week the leadership positions for upcoming shows were announced – congratulations to Meave Churchyard, Claude Toakley and Millie Coupland on their appointment as co-Assistant Directors for Middle School’s History’s Worst Mistakes and the People Who Made Them, and to Netty Whysall as Assistant Director of Junior School’s Shrek JNR. It is fantastic to have so many students wanting to take on creative leadership roles in the school.

Finally, we have a busy two weeks of shows in the Hoskins Centre. Tonight is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow – probably most appropriate for our parents, it should be a cracking night of standup comedy. And on Saturday 4 June we have 100 Years of the History of Dance as Told By One Man in 60 Minutes with an Energetic Group Finale – part dance, part theatre, it should be a brilliant night of entertainment and I encourage you to grab a ticket to this rare treat: https://www.trybooking.com/BZEIS.

Mr Andrew O’Connell
Head of Creative Arts

Eisteddfod Performance Results

Ms Leanne Roobol
Director of Music

Activities Day

Last Monday saw all of our Year 6, 7 and 8 students fully immersed in various activities as part of our Outdoor Education and Cadets Programs. Year 8 students travelled to a property at Black Rock to complete their fieldcraft activities and further develop their skills in navigation. Students in Year 6 and 7 completed activities both on campus at TAS, including swimming skills in the TAS Pool, an obstacle course, navigation skills, service learning and travelling to Sport UNE to complete an indoor rock climbing session. I am sure the day was enjoyed by many and the skills acquired through these activities set students up well for bivouacs and Activities Week held in Term 4.

Pictured here are a number of our Year 8 students completing their fieldcraft activities.

Year 8 Service Trip – Fiji

It was with much excitement that we were able to announce to Year 8 in Chapel last Friday that the 2022 Fiji Service Trip is open to expressions of interest. The trip will occur in the Term 3 holidays from 23 September 2022 to 3 October 2022. An information session for students and parents who are interested in applying to be part of this opportunity will be held on Friday 27 May 22 from 4:30pm – 5:30pm in the McConville Building.

We will have a digital option for this information session for parents who are unable to be there in person. If you would like to access this Livestream, could you please email Mrs Robyn Frost in Middle School (middle@as.edu.au) before Friday.

A website has been established for this Service Trip and contains important information about this opportunity: https://www.as.edu.au/leadership-service-and-adventure-activities/fiji-service-trip-september-school-holidays/ 

Also linked to this website is a copy of the Expression of Interest Form and a flyer.

Mr Luke Polson
Head of Middle School

Staffing

I feel that I do not need to tell you how busy your children have been recently here at School. With NAPLAN, Athletics Carnivals, NCIS Cross Country, Mother’s Day, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, National Simultaneous Storytime, Eisteddfod, sports training, wet weather rearrangements….homework…. and multiple other factors, maintaining the balance requires a great deal of planning (and patience) and I thank all involved for being able to look forward and navigate these busy times. Please stay in touch with us to let us know how you are travelling as I know just how busy this term (as with most) can be.

Our thanks – Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Thank you for your generosity! Junior School hosted this annual fundraiser last Friday and to say it was a success is an understatement. The donations for morning tea defied imagination! It was the biggest yet, and we were able to offer a fantastic selection of home baking to all our students as they left the Dining Hall at lunchtime, such was the enormous amount of food that remained after morning tea. And believe me, I tried….

In all, Junior School raised $560 which is a testament to the time and effort contributed by everyone; our Year 5 leaders and SRC, those who planned and organised the event and to you, our wonderfully supportive parents. (Please don’t forget to collect your containers from the After School Care centre). We thank you all.

National Simultaneous Storytime

Every year, Junior School enjoys this event which brings us together to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of storytelling. This year, we will be sharing “The Family Are” by Josh Pyke with a difference. While our older students are singing their hearts our at Eisteddfod, our juniors will be in the Hoskins Theatre together with a number of guests presenters, listening to, seeing and reflecting on this award-winning book. For those who are interested, you can see a presentation by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/gxFIM1WBluk

The TAS 6 Hour

Mr Jim Pennington has been in touch recently to invite you all to be apart of the TAS 6 Hour, a glorious crisscrossing of the eastern side of the Armidale Pine Forest. Cycling serenely upon your mountain bike, please join us lapping a 6.7km course, either Solo or in teams of two. There will be a huge contingent of the TAS community there on the day and it will be a day to remember. Please see the following link: https://www.as.edu.au/whats-on-2/triple-crown-the-6-hour/and/or contact the school for more information.

Round Square Virtual Conference – Environmentalism

We have been encouraging students, especially those in Year 5,  to become involved in this wonderful opportunity, coming together with other Round Square schools to discuss the important factors involved in looking after our globe. If your child has not considered it, please encourage them to talk to their teachers tomorrow as places are limited.

And finally…..

We wish Mrs Anna O’Connor and her husband Tom all the best for the exciting time that lies ahead, as she takes maternity leave for the next 12 months. Anna will finish her time in Kindergarten this Friday and, even though I know she won’t be able to stay away, we will miss her…….a lot.

School Spirit Awards

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

Alex Feng, Revant Das, Gus Hodges, Edward Minter, Daisy Hammond, Elara Polson, Rayyan Shahid, Mishkah Alrdadi, Evie McDonald, Carla Price, Daniel Mo, Ruby Rice, Ethan Downes, Evelyn Brownlie, Sophie Banister, Harry Fawcett, William Cooper-Fillios and Katie Flynn.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Jacqui DuBois, Tom Loxley, Mila Nexo and Fletcher Wright who all celebrate their birthdays this week.

Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Junior School

Upcoming Events

TAS Junior School Learning Community

The enhanced PYP has a renewed focus on the learning community and on the shared commitment that education can help to build a better and more peaceful world.

“Education is a social or collective endeavour and a benefit to the community as a whole, as well as to the individuals within it.” (IBO 2018)

Our Junior School looks for opportunities to foster our learning community through the engagement of community members whether that be staff members, mentor students from Middle or Senior School or parents. We pride ourselves on the involvement of our community. Over the past week, our students have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from and work with others.

Year 3

Last week, the Year 3s were fortunate to have two senior teachers provide them with extra knowledge regarding their current Unit of Inquiry ‘Sharing the Planet’. The students are currently investigating the Central Idea: ‘Living things need to adapt in order to survive.’

Mr Currell along with his fabulous Year 11 students focussed on animal adaptations, where the students had to match the adaptations to the animal’s environment. The Year 3s were also correctly shown how to use the microscopes. Thank you to the Year 11s who were so patient and supportive during this task.

Mr Fawcett then focussed on rainforest adaptations of flora and fauna and why it is so necessary to preserve the tropical rainforests. The students particularly liked learning about the Howler Monkeys and their enlarged hyoid bone alongside the Poison Dart Frog.

 Activities Day

On Monday the Junior School students were engaged in a myriad of activities, which had a connection to Internationalism. We were thankful that Mr Alrdadi was able to join us to share with the Year 3-5 students some information about Saudi Arabia and the beliefs, values, and traditions of this culture. The students asked many questions and were able to sample coffee and fresh dates. It is this approach to learning that ignites curiosity and engagement from our students. We are very thankful that Mr Alrdadi was able to join us and share his knowledge.