2019 Term 2 Week 6 | 05.06.2019

TAS Talks Term 2 Week 6

In this issue

From the Acting Headmaster
Calendar of Events
Notice Board
From the P&F
From the Director of Studies
From the Development Office
From the Director of Co-curricular

From the Creative Arts Coordinator
From the Head of Middle School
From the Head of Junior School
IB Primary Years Programme
Junior School Sport
Community Notices

01. From the Acting Headmaster

MR ALAN JONES

Years 6 to 10 Exams

Students in Years 6 to 10 complete their exams this week, marking the half-way point in their academic year. With exams comes a range of emotions, from feelings of anxiety or ‘stress’ to excitement, relief and, ironically for those who have worked the hardest, a strange feeling of emotional low when they are finished. Students and perhaps parents too will naturally be focused on the results that come from them, but results and rankings are not the purpose of these exams. They will not determine university entry or career paths and in most cases they will not even impact future subject choices. Rather, they are designed to drive study programs, assist in the development of exam technique and extended concentration and enable the very important process of reflection as papers are returned. I wish all our students well for the remainder of their exams and look forward to seeing the reports that will follow.

Year 12 Careers Expo

I enjoyed hearing reports over the weekend from Year 12 students who attended the Careers Expo in Sydney late last week. In a crowded Year 12 calendar, a discerning eye is cast over opportunities like this, so the enthusiasm and positivity I have heard has been heartening. This huge expo held at Moore Park brings together the full gamut of post-school options, from universities to apprenticeships, gap years, defence force recruiting and even the Australian Taxation Office, with a range of seminars to complement direct contact with exhibitors. Whilst such huge breadth of choice might seem overwhelming, the feedback I have heard has been all about the excitement that comes from thinking about new futures. Choices will change over time of course and a good number will have to wait to see what doors their HSC will open, but it is wonderful to see our senior year group focused, purposeful and looking ahead.

Thanks are due to the staff and Old Armidalians from St Andrew’s College, St Paul’s College and Women’s College who welcomed our students and took them on guided tours. Having the opportunity to visit the University of Sydney and some of its most prestigious colleges opened up new horizons and created new aspirations for our students and I know that it was greatly appreciated.

Band Night

The second of the gala evenings for the Armidale Eisteddfod, ‘Band Night’, was held last night and TAS was well represented by our drumming troupe, junior band and, of course, the TAS Big Band who won their competitive section. I was pleased to see the evening continue the spirit of happy celebration of music, rather than focused competition, that has been evident right through the Eisteddfod this year. It was very clear again last night that the Armidale music community is a close-knit and mutually supportive one and the emphasis on the enjoyment of music fits with that feel perfectly. Rather than detracting from the great dedication of our musicians, this spirit brings a sense of joy to it that is much appreciated and I look forward to seeing, and hearing, this continue into the future.

TAS v Farrer

Before we launch into our Long Weekend many of our students will be travelling to Tamworth to contest a number of sports against Farrer High School. Basketball, chess, debating, football, mountain biking, shooting, table tennis, tennis and rugby are all on the program as both schools vie for the Dick Hodgson Shield. I would like to wish of our families all the best for the short break as we prepare for the final weeks of the term.

Alan Jones
Acting Headmaster

02. Calendar of Events

Week 6
Wednesday 5 June	Eisteddfod Years 6-10 Exams
Thursday 6 June	Eisteddfod Years 6-10 Exams Sports Fixtures vs Farrer (Tamworth)
Friday 7 June	No classes Eisteddfod
Week 7
Monday 10 June	Boarders Return
Tuesday 11 June	Classes Return
Wednesday 12 June	P&F Meeting (7pm)
Thursday 13 June	Fiji Parent Information Night
Saturday 14 June	Rugby vs Sydney Grammar School (Sydney)

Noticeboard

End of term travel

Free rail and charter coach bookings for eligible boarders - see details below:
End of Term 2 and start of Term 3
Students depart – Friday 28 June 2019
Students return – Monday 22 July 2019
Bookings should have been submitted to travel@as.edu.au by – Friday 31 May.

*Routes serviced by NSWTrainlink on the above dates

Sydney via Upper and Lower Hunter, Tamworth - Coach or Rail
Tenterfield via Glen Innes - Coach
Bourke via Walgett, Narrabri and Gunnedah - Coach
Lightning Ridge via Moree and Inverell - Coach
Dubbo (change for Nyngan/Baradine) via Coonabarabran and Mullaley - Coach
Port Macquarie via Coffs Harbour - Mini Coach and trailer

Please direct all enquiries regarding these services to Mrs Veronica Lucas at travel@as.edu.au

*Reminder: School Drive Subsidy applications should be submitted now if not already. Eligibility criteria and application forms can be found via the link below.

FIND OUT MORE

Exemption from Attendance

A reminder that a parent or guardian must apply for an exemption from school attendance if they wish to take their child out of school temporarily by completing an Application for Exemption from Attendance form. (see link below)

Students must attend school regularly until an exemption has been approved.

Exemption from attendance at school is often sought because of:

Elite Arts or Elite Sporting Events (CIS, NCIS etc.)

Family travel or holidays

Medical or health appointments

Employment

Disability or behaviour problems requiring part time exemption from school

Other circumstances that warrant an exemption eg. Work Experience, Political Rally, etc.

Exemption from Attendance Form

Round Square - Year 8 Exchange Opportunities

As is usually the case, Year 8 students are able to go on exchange to Round Square schools within our Australia and East Asia region. This is usually done in pairs for a period of two weeks but there is flexibility. A confident Year 8 student is welcome to exchange on their own.

Currently I am looking for two boys to exchange with Scotch College in Perth from around 19 October to 2 November. Two of their boys will be coming to us the following two weeks.

I also have an exchange opportunity with Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School in Western Australia for boys or girls.

Of course, your interest may go beyond these schools and you should check out the Round Square website to see other Round Square Schools that are on offer. https://www.roundsquare.org/our-schools/

Please see Mrs Barnier or Mr O’Connell if you are interested.

03. From the P&F

MRS RACHAEL NICOLL

BECOME A VOTING MEMBER OF THE P&F

In line with our Constitution if you wish to vote at our meetings (including the funding meeting) you must be a Voting Member. To be a Voting Member you just need to fill in a form and send it to our email pandf@as.edu.au or bring it to a meeting. Forms can be filled in at any time, including if you pop into a meeting.

Registration Form

CANTEENS AND BBQs FOR EVENTS

If you are thinking of holding a BBQ or canteen for any TAS sporting group, event or co-curricular activity the P&F may be able to help with organising this.

NEXT P&F MEETING WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE – ANNUAL FUNDING MEETING

Come and help us spend the money you’ve helped us raise at the Funding Meeting on Wednesday 12 June at 7 pm in the Maxwell Meeting Room.

If you would like to come along and help us determine where the money we have raised in the past year should be allocated we’d love to see you there. Meetings are open to all parents… but to vote you need to be a Voting Member – just fill in that form!

Alternatively, if you wish to put forward a proposal for the use of funds please send these to Mr Jones as soon as possible (and by no later than Friday 7 June) so all proposals can be evaluated prior to the meeting.

Funding proposals should be costed, justified and seek to help a significant proportion of school. Any proposal should also be for things that are tangible, something that school wouldn’t normally pay for and on the ‘really nice to have’ list. If you have any queries about the funding process please contact

Mrs Rachael Nicoll
P&F President

04. From the Director of Studies

MRS SEONIA WARK

Exams conclude today for students in years 6-10

Stage 5 Electives

The deadline for students in years 9 and 10 to make their elective choice selection is Tuesday 11 June. Please check with your child that they have submitted their choices. They should see Mr Polson or Mrs O’Brien if they have lost their login details and code.

Extended Day Program – Library

The Library will close at 5pm on Thursday 6 June and will re-open with normal tutoring services on Tuesday 11 June.

Mrs Seonia Wark
Director of Studies

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
Year 6-8	4pm-5pm English/Maths/Science		4pm – 5pm English/Maths/Science
Year9-10	7pm-9pm Maths/Science/English (General assistance)	7pm-9pm Maths/Science/English (General assistance)
Year 9-12			7pm-9pm Maths (All levels)	7pm-9pm Maths (All levels) English (All levels)
Year 11-12	7pm-9pm Maths/Chemistry/English (General assistance)	7pm-9pm Maths/Chemistry/English (General assistance)

05. From the Development Office

06. From the Director of Co-curricular

MR WILL CALDWELL

TAS Farrer Fixture, 6 June

This year sees the broadest range of fixtures yet and we are grateful to Farrer for hosting what promises to be an engaging and spirited afternoon of friendly competition.

Please find attached ‘Fixture Information’ and ‘Maps’. Could I please ask for your support in managing the transport of students to and from the event, by adhering to the following:

All students participating in events will be expected to catch a bus from TAS to Farrer.
Seniors with permission to drive will not be allowed to carry passengers to the game; passengers being transported from the game require usual parental approval.
Spectators will not be allowed on buses unless they have approved leave through the Deputy Headmaster and have arranged a seat through Co-Curricular Office.
Students may only leave directly from Farrer if parents gain approval from their coach/manager – otherwise they will catch a bus from Farrer to TAS.

Best wishes to all for a safe and happy long weekend.

Farrer Fixture Information

Mr Will Caldwell
Director of Co-curricular

NSW CHS and All Schools State Canoeing Championships 2019

Remy, Lydie and Nina Taylor representing TAS recently competed in the State CHS and All Schools Championships on the Mann River at Hanging Rock Road near Cangai. Fifty competitors travelled from across the state to compete over four days. A large proportion of the paddlers were from Sydney and train on the Penrith International Whitewater Course. The TAS students all came home with medals, Remy leading the charge with four 1^st places in Open M K1 Slalom, M K1 Wildwater (WW) Sprints, M K1 WW Classic and Mixed C2 WW Sprints with his sister Lydie. He also managed a silver in Mixed C2 Slalom with his youngest sister, Nina, and a silver in C1 Slalom.

Remy has committed a lot of time this year travelling to all the significant mainland events including the National Junior Championships on the Goulburn River, Victoria and the two International Canoe Federation events being the Australian Open and Oceania Championships both held at the Olympic Penrith Whitewater Stadium conveniently located next to the Penrith Regatta Centre where he was also competing in rowing. Just to complete the two international slalom courses and recording a time is a noteworthy effort for someone with only a small dam and a swimming pool to train in. ICF world rankings were recently published and he has moved into 15^th overall in the men’s for Australia and 5^th in the Juniors for his efforts. Still room for improvement though ranked 374 out of 910 paddlers internationally.

Mr Jim Pennington

07. From the Creative Arts Coordinator

MR ANDREW O'CONNELL

Next Friday 14 June we have the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshowand from past experience this promises to be an hilarious night of entertainment. And then at the very end of the term on Friday 28 June we have Melbourne City Ballet performing Alice in Wonderland, so don’t miss that either as I am sure it is the only ballet you will get to enjoy in Armidale this year. Tickets for both shows are selling very well so jump onto the Hoskins Centre website to avoid missing out!

Next Wednesday TAS will host the New England Regional Shakespeare Carnival with a number of students from Years 7 – 11 competing in a range of performance categories. TAS has had a strong involvement in the NSW Shakespeare Carnival over the last few years and we wish those students the best as they make their final preparations.

In Eisteddfod news, the Music staff have been flat-chat and we’ve also had Drama events in the past week so I thought I’d give you an idea of some of the top achievements of individual TAS students so far – as you can see, the list is rather extensive, but I would also extend my congratulations to all those who have participated in the Eisteddfod, your passion and commitment is admirable. There’s plenty more still to come in the Eisteddfod so keep the energy up (and breathe a sigh of relief that exams are over)! And if you’re missing from this list, or you’ve entered in a category we don’t know about, please send an email so we can celebrate your accomplishments.

Mr Andrew O’Connell
Creative Arts Coordinator

08. From the Head of Middle School

MR MARK HARRISON

Half Term

It has snowed this morning and outside the windchill factor, as I’ve just been reliably informed, it’s still the equivalent of -6…something. Winter’s here (but it’s still early enough in the season for me to say ‘finally’ through a mist-filtered exhalation). Ms Boydell was certainly the flavour of Brown Street today – no sooner had she parked her snow-capped car than a plague of locust-like girls descended, happily snatching and dispatching said snow in many directions. Not mine of course: I walked away quickly.

Well, this time exams have definitely arrived and, like last week, ‘so far, so good’. In fact, because this is the second week they’re close to finishing for your young people. As indicated a few weeks ago, I believe these people are as ready as they can be and that the timing of the examinations, over this two-week period, is as fair as it can be during this term. Certainly, any later would be a little unwise, really. The term, as you know, is not an especially long one, but it is characteristically ‘full’ and, as indicated, it’s become very cool, very quickly. Accordingly, the combined weather and pace considerations would make students too tired if exams ‘fell’ later in the term. I know that staff have worked through the exam schedule booklets and that girls and boys have been assisted wherever possible. But, when ‘it all boils down’ students need to take responsibility for their performance during the scheduled exam weeks. This level of responsibility is something that you both pay for and expect – we do our best to fulfill our end of the bargain. By the way, thank you to those of you who’ve taken the time to contact us about the exam schedule booklets – your comments about them are affirming and we’re as sure as you are about their worth to younger adolescents for whom the greatest values in relation to exams are technique, time management and process.

Please, if there are others of you who have any enquiries about the exam schedule booklets, timetables and preparation times, I ask that you contact, in the first instance, your children’s Homeroom teachers. These are the people who best know ‘specifics’ as they relate to individual year groups and students within specific classes. Our communication needs to be ongoing and your comments are taken seriously, I assure you.

Queen’s Birthday Weekend

I advise that all students have a good rest this coming long weekend. However, immediately before this happens, the Farrer fixtures will take place on Thursday and there’ll be a mass exodus from here because pretty much every worthwhile activity is on offer: whether it’s basketball, chess, or football, it’ll happen and I can think of no better way to celebrate the completion of semester exams. While the majority will be at home from Friday till Tuesday morning (Monday night for the majority of our boarders) they should sit down or at least to have some time to themselves. Yes, I hear you groan, here he goes again but, time permitting, it would also be good if you could talk to them about how they feel they ‘faring’. If there are any issues, I’d appreciate it if you could contact Homeroom teachers (again, in the first instance) or me. As indicated, it is important that we are aware of all ‘computations and permutations’ as they relate to this important aspect of school life. Pressure is something that we all have to deal with and our collective responsibility is to assist boys’ and girls’ management of it in the Middle School. I know that they are feeling it as some have been a bit restless of late – because I hear and see them. I guess this makes them normal – in fact, as adults, we’re tired and testy too, to be honest. It’s our job to inculcate coping mechanisms for these young people. They’re worth it too – just this week I received an email from a senior staff member who observed, while on lunch duty, one of our Year 8 boys gently reminding one of our youngest ones, to take off his cap while in the dining hall. This may not mean much to you, but it means a lot to me – our people do listen, can learn, will assist.

Mr Mark Harrison
Head of Middle School

09. From the Head of Junior School

MR IAN LLOYD

June Long Weekend – June 7 – 10 (inclusive)

It has come to our attention that there has been some confusion surrounding the dates for the June Long Weekend. Yesterday I sent a mailout via our school database, outlining the arrangements for this weekend. As published in last week’s Junior School calendar, all classes conclude this Thursday (tomorrow), June 6 at 3.30 pm and resume on Tuesday, June 11 at 8.45 am.

For all information relating to Junior School issues, please ensure that you have access to TAS Talks. The 2019 Term dates can be found at https://publications.as.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Term-Dates-2019.pdf and as always, please contact the School if you require further information.

Vacation Care – Available for the Term 2 holidays

TAS will once again be providing Vacation Care throughout the Term 2 holiday period. We will be posting the details of the program to you this week and it will be every bit as good as the Term 1 program. Organisation is greatly helped if we know numbers well in advance so please contact us at oshc@as.edu.au or junior@as.edu.au to make you bookings once you receive the program.

Whooping Cough and Illness in Junior School

Please be advised that there is a good deal of illness around at the moment and that we believe it is always wise to err on the side of caution if you feel your child is not well by keeping them at home. With one Whooping Cough diagnosis to date, please contact the school if you have doubts about your children’s health or if you would like further information about the Junior School protocols for sickness. With the Long Weekend around the corner (with the School closed on Friday 7 and Monday 10 June), we hope that a break will enable many to return to a clean bill of health.

Tezukayama Gakuin Visit in August

Arrangements for the TEZ visit to TAS are coming together nicely but we are still after some more families who can billet students. Thanks to those who have contacted the school so far – we are keen to hear from parents who are able to host a student or 2 during their stay with us. If you have any questions about billeting, please contact us at School.

School Spirit Awards

Congratulations to the following students for receiving School Spirit Awards at last week’s assembly:

Sahib Singh, Hercules Nedianu, Humjot Sandhu, Jack Shenko, Chelsea Miller, Lucy Taylor, Jack Maitz, Sonny Blanch, Sam Vrkic, Duncan Klabe, Salam Alkhathami, Josiah Baumgartner, Blake Whitehill, Andy Hardin, Peter Thompson, Baxter Carruthers, Thomas McKern, Ruby Rice and William Minter.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday wishes to Kaitlyn Baker, Daniel Bayne and Archer Starr.

Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Junior School

Junior School Upcoming Events

Week 6
Wednesday 5 June	Kindergarten Assembly – Hoskins Centre (2.45pm) Years 2, 4 and 3 to Eisteddfod for ensembles FanTAStics to Eisteddfod
Thursday 6 June	Classes conclude at 3.30pm
Friday 7 June	School closed for Long Weekend – No students
Week 7
Monday 10 June	School closed for Long Weekend – No students
Tuesday 11 June	Classes resume
Wednesday 12 June	Year 3 Assembly including Dance Club Performance – Hoskins Centre (2.45pm)
Week 8
Wednesday 19 June	Transition Assembly – Hoskins Centre (2.45pm)
Week 9
Wednesday 26 June	Year 5 Assembly – Hoskins Centre (2.45pm)
Thursday 27 June	Classes conclude at 3.30pm
Friday 28 June	Staff Day – No students

Primary Years Programme

VOICE… CHOICE and RESPONSIBILITY

As many are aware there is a craze sweeping playgrounds nationwide – beyblades.

Kindergarten have demonstrated student agency in their unit of inquiry focussed on ‘How The World Works’. They are unlocking elements of the descriptor as they explore the central idea “Forces around us affect how objects move.”

They are exploring this through the following lines of inquiry:

An inquiry into objects move differently

An inquiry into objects are designed to move on land, water and/or in the air

An inquiry into the way objects move depends on a variety of factors

Through their love of playing with their beyblades they have inquired into how they behave and spin differently when placed on different surfaces. They have made observations and measured the movement of beyblades on carpet, cement, bubble wrap and a variety of playground surfaces. Engagement has not been an issue as the students are exploring through play and have had a voice in deciding how to explore the factors which impact an object’s movement.

They have had a wonderful time exploring their playground where they have engaged in discussions about design possibilities for ramps and considered the resources available to construct ramps.

They have placed a variety of surfaces on the slide in the playground and observed the way objects move such as sliding, rolling, spinning and bouncing when the surface changes-hence being introduced to the concept of friction.

Mrs Veronica Waters
PYP Coordinator

Junior School Sport

Football

U7s TAS Tornados

Our Under 7’s TAS Tornados football team played spectacularly well on Saturday against the North Dingos. Xander, Ethan, and Baxter all scoring goals for the Tornados with Will scoring multiple! Rudra and Evelyn put up a great defence with Humjot making some huge kicks down the field!

Everyone should be congratulated for their spectacular efforts over the weekend!

Miss Belinda Macri

U8 TAS Blue

Today TAS Blues got to play against the Armidale City Whites. We only had four players so two players from the Armidale City White team joined us.

All the kids were very welcoming and there was a very good energy and fun during the game.

George did some great stops as goalkeeper and is getting better at kicks. Rebecca played the whole game as an attacker and played very well. Thanks to her kicks the team got some good opportunities. Andrian played as a goalkeeper and a defender and did a good job stopping the ball with some effective tackling. Bonnie also played as goalkeeper and in the field, also doing some good kicks. As we build our confidence, we will have more opportunities to work with the ball and continue to have loads of fun.

Miss Elisabeth Nau

PLEASE NOTE – There is no Football over the June Long Weekend

Football Round 6 ( 15 June)

TEAM	PARK	TIME
U6
TAS T-Rex	Rologas 4	10am
TAS Tigers	Rologas 5	10am
TAS Triceratops	Rologas 3	11am
U7
TAS Tornadoes	NE Sportground 2	10am
U8
TAS White	Rologas 16	9am
TAS Blue	Rologas 17	9am
U9
TAS	Rologas 15	10am
U10
TAS Blue	Dangarfield	10am
U12
TAS White	BYE
TAS Blue	Uralla 8	11.10am

Hockey

U11 TAS Navy

A full regiment of United players were eager to play our first game of the season. Unfortunately TAS White had a number of players away due to Eisteddfod performances and illness.

However, this did not dampen the spirit of our wonderful team. The United team had a goalie and subs galore to keep the energy buzzing. We had a small team, but plenty of grit to take them on.

Hugo Broun, Sam Ford, and Harry Brownlie were our forwards, keeping pressure on the team and displaying excellent stick work. Xavier and Ryne were our strong backs who displayed speedy manoeuvring when needed.

Unfortunately on the day we were pipped at the post in the last 10 minutes. A good game was had by all. I was impressed with the tenacity of the team and their love of the game.

Watch this space. I think we have an awesome team!

Mrs Lana Hawksford

U11 Girls

The U11 Girls played their second game of the season last Saturday, against PLC. Whilst PLC were the winners on the day, the team worked hard to improve their position, passing and using the full width of the field. Maitha was very capable in defence and held the opposition out of the attacking circle on a number of occasions. This team continues to improve from week to week and we are looking forward to our next game on Saturday.

Mr Luke Polson

U11

On Saturday, the TAS Under 11s girls hockey team played against the United Under 11s team. We played at the UNE hockey fields at 9:30am. Since we had a shortage of players, two of the girls from the United team had to play for our team. There was a big effort put in from everyone from the team, but sadly we lost the game. It was a great game with good defenders, as well as good forwards. Everyone got involved and we worked together really well as a team. Many of the people in this team have never played hockey before and it is amazing to see how much they improved since the start of the year. It was a great game and everyone tried their hardest.

By Mimosa Wright – Year 5

Netball

The TAS Junior netball girls loved their second game of the season! Big improvements have already been made, especially in the girls who are new to netball this term. The girls are looking forward to working on their defence at training in the next few weeks!

Mrs Anna O’Connor