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Home » TAS TALKS 2026 T3 WEEK 9

TAS Talks Term 3 Week 9

In this issue

01. From the Principal

MR RAY PEARSON

For most of our students, the winter sports season has now concluded, with just our Senior Boys and Girls Hockey teams remaining in action this weekend as they contest their finals. 

As another season comes to an end, I want to congratulate all students who have represented TAS. Whether through training, competing, supporting teammates or simply having the courage to try something new, our students have demonstrated commitment, resilience and sportsmanship throughout the season. We are grateful to the coaches, staff and families whose support makes these opportunities possible. 

This weekend also sees over 20 of our students compete at the AAGPS Athletics Championships. We wish them every success as they represent both themselves and the School on this significant stage. 

Next week, we look forward to celebrating our Year 12 students as they enter the final phase of their time at TAS. It is always a special occasion for our community and an opportunity to acknowledge all they have contributed during their years at the School. 

There is a common thread connecting these moments. Whether in sport, study or service, there is value in finishing well. Character is often revealed not at the beginning of a journey, but in the willingness to see it through with commitment and purpose. 

Finally, a kind and timely reminder to families that, in line with our enrolment agreement, a full term’s notice is required for any students not returning in 2027. If your family circumstances are changing, please contact enrol@as.edu.au  

 

Mr Ray Pearson
Principal

 

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02. From the Deputy Principal

MS BRONWYN FILE

As we approach the holidays and families gather together, the question of screen time management inevitably arises. Rather than enforcing rigid rules that create conflict, research suggests a more balanced approach works best.  

Studies from the Australian eSafety Commissioner indicate that excessive screen time during holidays can disrupt sleep patterns, reduce physical activity, and limit meaningful family connections. However, the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne found that complete digital bans often backfire, creating resentment and secret usage.  

Screen Sanity Australia recommends the “zones and times” approach: screen-free zones in dining areas and bedrooms; tech-free times during the first hour after waking, mealtimes, and an hour before bed; and purposeful screen use that prioritises creative or educational content over passive scrolling.  

Dr Kristy Goodwin, digital wellness researcher, emphasises that not all screen time is equal. Video calling grandparents differs from endless TikTok scrolling. Encourage co-viewing and discussion about content. 

Taking back control from algorithms is another powerful step. As I shared with our senior students this week, platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow you to turn off algorithmic feeds, giving you intentional access rather than letting the app decide what you see. On Instagram, switch to ‘Following’ instead of the algorithm-driven home feed. On TikTok, curate your ‘For You’ page by selecting ‘Not Interested’ on content that doesn’t serve you. These small adjustments create intentional engagement rather than mindless scrolling. 

Create alternative attractions: family board games, outdoor activities, or collaborative cooking projects. When screens appear, make them social; watch a movie together rather than everyone on separate devices.  

At TAS, character education extends to digital citizenship. This holiday season, challenge yourself to model healthy tech habits. Children mirror what they see, not what they’re told. Let’s encourage connection. Use technology intentionally, not automatically. 

 

Ms Bronwyn File
Deputy Principal

Valedictory Week arrangements

After 13 years of schooling, the formalities for the Class of 2026 culminate in Valedictory Week next week. It is a special time to celebrate, reflect and recognise their achievements and contributions to the TAS community and wish them well for the upcoming exams and their future endeavours. Some of the events will be for the student community only whilst parents are warmly invited to others, including Valedictory Prize Giving Lunch and House Dinners on Wednesday, and Morning Tea, the Lining of the Drive, and Valedictory Chapel and Candle Ceremony, on Thursday. Year 12 students are expected to attend school on Monday and Tuesday for special organised activities.

For full details about Valedictory Week, please visit as.edu.au/valedictory-day-2026/

If you have any questions about Valedictory Week please contact Vickey O’Brien – vobrien@as.edu.au or phone 6776 5806.

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03. Calendar of Events

Friday 18 SeptemberStock & Crop Lunch
Opens Hockey DinnerArmidale Golf Club
Monday 21 SeptemberBIVOUAC
Tuesday 22 SeptemberBIVOUAC
Wednesday 23 SeptemberYear 12 Final AssemblyStudents only
Valedictory Prize Giving LunchUNE Bistro
Year 12 Day House DinnersTAS Dining Hall
Foundation Board Meeting
Year 5 ‘Shark Tank’ PYP Exhibition
Thursday 24 SeptemberYear 12 Lining of the Drive
Classes Conclude
Year 12 Formal
Friday 25 SeptemberFiji Service Trip
Term Break
Monday 12 OctoberStaff Day
Boarders Return
Tuesday 13 OctoberClasses Resume

 

 

Noticeboard

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop will be open during the school holidays on select days; please book an appointment via the website.

Orders placed online during the holidays will be able to be picked up on Friday 9 October 10am - 12pm or when students return. Postage can also be arranged and will be available the first week of holidays to allow enough time for parcel to reach the student's home.

Ms Cate Hayton




UNIFORM SHOP ONLINE
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04. From the President of the P&F

Ms Carmel Reilly

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Monday evening’s P&F meeting. It was a productive evening and an exciting step forward as we continue to align the work of the P&F with the School’s Strategic Plan. 

One of the key outcomes was the announcement of three new P&F sub-committees, each providing new and different ways for parents and friends to contribute: All three committees are centered around the School’s pillars. 

Academics, Care and Challenge – connecting the skills, experience and networks within our community with opportunities for student learning, wellbeing, careers, mentoring, service and enrichment. 

Our People – focusing on connection and belonging across our parent and family community, including communication, volunteering, social activities and the Liaison Parent program. 

Stewardship – supporting strategic fundraising, partnerships, advocacy and P&F investment in projects and priorities that benefit TAS into the future. 

There will be much more information about these committees and how you can become involved coming soon. Importantly, there is no single way to be involved in the P&F. It might be joining a sub-committee, helping at an event, sharing your professional expertise, volunteering occasionally or simply putting forward a good idea. There really is a place for everyone. 

Meanwhile, Christmas Pudding preparations are well underway! Puddings are pre-order only, so make sure you place your order using the link below: 

CHRISTMAS PUDDING PRE-ORDER LINK 

We are also still looking for donations of brandy, dried fruit and other ingredients, financial contributions towards supplies, and volunteers to help with making and packing. Please email pandf@as.edu.au if you would like to help. 

And finally, a reminder for our Kindy families that RSVPs are open for the Kindy Parents’ Lunch at Petersons on Sunday 8 November – a lovely opportunity to celebrate the end of your first year at TAS together. 

KINDY LUNCH RSVP LINK 

There is lots happening, and plenty more to come as we continue to create new opportunities for connection and involvement across our TAS community.

Minutes from our previous meeting can be found here: 

P&F MEETING MINUTES 

 

Ms Carmel Reilly 
President, TAS P&F 

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05. From the Director of Boarding

MR DAVID DRAIN

This Friday, I will travel to Sydney with the TAS athletes competing at the annual AAGPS Athletics Championships on Saturday. This is always a significant event on the AAGPS sporting calendar and is shaping up to be one of the largest yet, with more than 12,000 spectators expected to attend. I am sure our boarders competing will embrace the opportunity and enjoy the unique atmosphere of such a major sporting occasion. I wish all our TAS athletes the very best for the weekend. 

End of Term Travel Arrangements 

As we approach the end of term, I ask all boarding families to please confirm their child’s travel arrangements with their respective Head of House as soon as possible. This will allow us to finalise staffing and catering arrangements for Thursday evening, 24 September, and Friday morning, 25 September. 

On Thursday evening, our boarding houses will consolidate, with either Tyrrell, Croft or Abbott House remaining open for boys, and either Nina Macdonald or Charlotte May Wright House remaining open for girls. 

The two houses remaining open overnight will close at 10:00 am on Friday, 25 September, and all boarders will need to have departed by this time. 

Should you require any further information regarding end-of-term transport arrangements, please contact Mrs Veronica Lucas directly at vlucas@as.edu.au. 

Thank you in advance for assisting us by confirming travel arrangements as early as possible. 

Kind regards  

Mr David Drain 
Director of Boarding

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06. Leadership, Service and Adventure

CADETS

Good afternoon Parents, Carers and Cadets

The second full unit BIVOUAC of the year will be conducted from 0840 Monday 21 September to 1530 Tuesday 22 September, 2026. This is a two day, one night exercise.

Cadets are to assemble on Adamsfield at 0840 21 September under ‘Marching Orders’, that is with their pack, webbing and all their gear ready for two days and a night in the field.

Briefings were conducted Tuesday 15 September 0840-0945. Where cadets received key information about activities and packing lists. If any cadet was absent and/or has questions regarding BIVOUAC, they must contact their SGT or CUO.

The unit will operate in the following location for BIVOUAC 2:

  • A Company (1, 2, 3 & 4PLT) – Jeogla Station to conduct rotation of Abseil, Trek, Fieldcraft and MTB.
  • B Coy (5, 6 & 7PLT) – Jeogla Station to conduct a rotation of Trek, Abseil and Fieldcraft.
  • C Coy (9, 10, 11 & 12PLT) – Jeogla Station to conduct Trek Thursday and rotation of Canoe, RATEL, First Aid and Fieldcraft Friday.

Q-Store will be open this week during the following times:

  • Monday 1:30pm – 2:00pm
  • Wednesday 1:30pm – 2:00pm & 3:30pm – 4:30pm
  • Friday 1:30pm – 2:00pm

Cadets are to bring:

  • 1 FIELD PACK
  • 2 WATER BOTTLES
  • 1 KIDNEY CUP
  • 1 HEXI STOVE
  • 6 TENT PEGS
  • A LENGTH of HOOTCHIE CORD
  • 1 HOOTCHIE
  • 1 AMCU HAT
  • 1 AMCU SHIRT
  • 1 AMCU TROUSERS
  • MULTIPLE PAIRS of SOCKS and UNDERWEAR
  • 1 PAIR of BOOTS
  • BED ROLL/MAT
  • 1 GROUND SHEET
  • 1 HEAD TORCH (preferable with RED LIGHT SETTING)
  • 1 COMPASS (available from clothing pool)
  • 1 PENCIL
  • 1 SMALL PAPER NOTEBOOK
  • 1 SMALL TUBE of SUNSCREEN

Cadets may bring:

  • 1 JUMPER
  • THERMALS
  • GREEN UNDER SHIRT
  • BIN BAGS/SNAP LOCK BAGS (to keep gear dry)

Cadets will be issued the morning of the first day:

  • RATION PACK(s)
  • MAP
  • HEXI TAB(s)

Cadets are not to bring:

  • MOBILE PHONES
  • NUTS OF ANY KIND (TAS is a nut free environment)

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

MAJ (AAC) J WOODBRIDGE
Officer Commanding, TASACU
jwoodbri@as.edu.au

 

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07. From the Director of Development

MRS EMILY McORIST

 

 

The TAS Foundation Stock and Crop Club is looking forward to hosting an exciting industry forum this Friday, 18 September, featuring Mick Crowley (MD, Meat & Livestock Australia), Dr Georgina Pengilley (MD, Cotton Research & Development Corporation) and TAS student Ruby Menkens, all compered by Oli Le Lievre (Humans of Agriculture podcaster).  

Stock and Crop Club members will have the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and build professional relationships to strengthen the future of Australian agriculture. 

The forum is running from 12 pm – 1 pm at Meadowfield, with lunch from 1 pm – 3 pm at TAS. if you want to be involved, then get in touch with Emily McOrist, dod@as.edu.au 


Mrs Emily McOrist
Director of Development

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08. From the Head of Sport and Activities

MR RHOAN ABBOTT

Congratulations to all teams who competed in the final rounds of competition and preliminary finals last weekend, TAS has once again been represented well this season across various sports. 

Hockey 

The TAS Open Boys Hockey Team defeated United 1-0 on Friday night in an action-packed and exciting semi-final. Having not beaten United earlier this season, the boys chose the perfect time to deliver their best performance and secure a place at this weekend’s Grand Final. Thank you to all the students, staff, and families who came along to support the team. 

Hockey Grand Final Fixtures 

  • Open Girls vs Flamingoes Coral – Sunday, 11:00am 
  • Open Boys vs Flamingoes – Sunday, 3:00pm 

We wish both teams the very best as they compete for premiership honours. 

Netball 

Congratulations to both TAS 3 and TAS 5, who competed in their preliminary finals on Saturday. Unfortunately, neither team progressed to the grand final; however, both sides have enjoyed outstanding seasons and can be extremely proud of their achievements. The commitment, teamwork, and determination shown throughout the year have been a credit to the players and coaches involved. 

AAGPS Athletics Championships 

This weekend, 19 TAS boys will travel to Sydney to compete in the AAGPS Athletics Championships on Saturday. With more than 8,000 spectators expected in attendance and with a high standard of school athletics on show, the event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all involved. 

We wish our athletes the very best as they represent TAS on this prestigious stage. Families and supporters who are unable to attend can follow the action via the live stream: 

https://streamer.com.au/event/1250/aagps-2026-athletics-championships 

Bivouac Excursion 

We are also looking forward to next week’s Bivouac Excursion, with students from Years 6-11 participating in a wide range of outdoor and team-building activities. 

Students have been briefed on travel arrangements, packing requirements, and the program of events this week. Parents and students are asked to ensure they have read all communications sent by activity leaders, and if there are any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant staff member. 


Mr Rhoan Abbott
Head of Sport and Activities

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09. From the Head of Creative Arts

MS CLARE O'SULLIVAN

HSC Drama Success Celebrated 

We are delighted to congratulate our HSC Drama students on their outstanding achievements, with several students receiving prestigious NESA OnSTAGE nominations. Congratulations to Mila Downes, Sam Hunt and Aedan Earnshaw, who were each nominated for OnSTAGE for their Individual Performance monologues. This recognition highlights the exceptional quality of their performances and their dedication to Drama.

We also congratulate Mila Downes, Sam Hunt, Aedan Earnshaw, Katie Hynes and Jack Lucas, who received an OnStage nomination for their Group Performance, Bird Watching Goes Both Ways. This nomination is a testament to the creativity, collaboration and performance excellence demonstrated by the ensemble. 

OnStage is a highly regarded showcase that celebrates outstanding student performances from across New South Wales, making these nominations a significant achievement. We extend our sincere congratulations to Miss Leasa Denton for her outstanding stewardship of the class. Her guidance, expertise and commitment have been instrumental in supporting students to achieve these exceptional results.  

Well done HSC Drama class! 

 

Renovated Music Basement

We are excited to share the fresh new look of our Music Basement Performance Space. The Basement has been given a refresh with new paint, updated styling and the addition of theatrical drapes that frame the performance space. These improvements have created a welcoming and versatile space for rehearsals, performances and student creativity.

A sincere thank you to Mr Tom Collett and Mr Pat Swanson for their vision, collaboration and technical expertise in bringing this project to life. Their dedication and hard work have created a wonderful environment that will be enjoyed by students and staff for years to come.

 

2027 TAS MS/SS Production: Shakespeare in Love

Any students currently in Year 5 and Year 6 students who would like to be part of the 2027 TAS MS/SS Production ensemble, are welcome to join rehearsals at the start of Term 1 in 2027. Parents of current Year 5 students considering joining the production in Term 1 are asked to email cosullivan@as.edu.au.

Ms Clare O’Sullivan
Head of Creative Arts

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10. From the Head of Middle School

MR JAMIE BRAUER

 

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who helped make our Middle School Open Day last Saturday such a success. From our Enrolments team and teaching staff to our students, as well as the Junior School, parents, and carers who assisted throughout the day, it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that our school has to offer the wider community.

As we conclude our Bullying prevention workshops for Term 3, our final Advisor sessions this Friday will refocus on ‘Small Acts, Big Impacts’. We are helping students understand that bullying involves a power imbalance and can have a significant impact not only on those directly involved, but also on peers, bystanders, and the wider school community.

Our goal is to empower students to become upstanders rather than bystanders. During this week’s session, students will explore safe and effective ways to respond when they witness bullying, including:

  • Reporting concerns to a trusted adult
  • Checking in with and supporting the person being targeted
  • Encouraging others to act respectfully and make positive choices.

This final activity is designed to help students recognise the important role they can play in preventing bullying and fostering a culture in which everyone takes responsibility for looking out for one another.

As we head into the final week of Term 3, I would also like to commend our students for their hard work and perseverance throughout their recent assessments and examinations. For many of our students submitting assessment tasks or sitting exams has been a new experience.

No doubt many of our Middle School students are very much looking forward to the upcoming Bivouac, which will provide a well-earned opportunity to step away from the classroom, spend time with friends, develop their outdoor education skills, and enjoy experiences alongside their student leaders and staff.

During Town Meeting today, Ms Taber will announce to our Year 7 students what steps will be involved toward expressing interest in nominating for a Middle School leadership position for 2027. Ms. Taber will be coordinating this process working with fellow staff and Middle School students. More information to come next week.

Mr Jamie Brauer
Head of Middle School

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11. From the Head of Junior School

MR SCOTT CHITTENDEN

As we head into the final week and a half of term, there is plenty happening across the Junior School.

Preparations for Seussical Jr. continue to gather momentum, with our second working bee taking place on Sunday 20 September from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Rehearsals are ramping up and the production is really beginning to take shape. Families are reminded that ticket sales are now open without restriction, with tickets available via this link. Those with children in Pre K to Year 2 are encouraged to carefully note their child’s allocated performance dates to ensure students attend the correct shows.

Next Wednesday evening, our Year 5 students will share their learning at the PYP Exhibition. This important culmination of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme sees students showcase not only what they have learned, but how they can use that learning to make a positive difference in the world around them. All are welcome to attend this event, which will this year take place in the McConville Centre between 5.45pm and 7.30pm.

Next Thursday morning, Junior School students will join their peers from across the School for the traditional Lining of the Drive to farewell the graduating Class of 2026. All Kindergarten to Year 5 students are asked to wear their formal uniform next week for this occasion, with those who have PE later in the day welcome to change afterwards.

With warmer weather approaching, students may wear their summer uniform from Monday 21 September.

Looking ahead, our final Celebrating Families event for 2026 will be held on Friday 30 October, where we celebrate the important role grandparents play in the lives of our students and families. Further details will be shared next week. Families travelling to Armidale may also enjoy supporting the many TAS students participating in New England Sings on Sunday 1 November

 

Mr Scott Chittenden
Head of Junior School

 

VACATION CARE PROGRAM

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are pleased to announce that bookings are now open for our upcoming Vacation Care Program. We have an exciting range of experiences planned for the school holidays, with opportunities for children to create, explore, learn, be active and enjoy time with their friends.

Our program includes a variety of special experiences, including Mystery at TAS, Tie-Dye Day, Sushi & Bike Day, Slime & Science, as well as dedicated days for outdoor play, creative activities and child-led experiences.

Important Update – Staff Development Days

While these days have previously been days on which the service was not open to families, we are pleased to be able to offer Vacation Care on these days during the upcoming holidays.

We encourage families to review the program and book early, particularly for our excursions and special activity days.

If you have any questions regarding the Vacation Care program, bookings, excursions or your child’s attendance, please do not hesitate to contact using the email oshc@as.edu.au.

We look forward to welcoming the children for an enjoyable and memorable Vacation Care period!

Kind regards,

Tanatswa Mabuwa
OSHC Coordinator

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Community Notices

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