TAS Talks Term 3 Week 10
In this issue
01. From the Headmaster
MR MURRAY GUEST
GPS Athletics
For the small TAS team of our best athletes, last Saturday was a special experience. Competing on the tartan track at the Olympic Stadium in front of what is by far and away the biggest crowd at any athletics carnival in the Southern Hemisphere is something that will be remembered for a lifetime and our athletes lived up to the moment with a tight team spirit and some fine personal performances. Coming at the end of a long Winter sports season, with exams either looming or just finished for our most senior students, made it an even bigger commitment for some and all of us can be proud of them.
The convener of this huge event was our own Jim Pennington and it ran, as I would expect, like clockwork, with the new addition of live streaming allowing those families from far away who could not be at Homebush on the day to feel a part of it. I congratulate Jim on the success of the championships and thank him for representing us so well.
Farewell to Year 12
There is plenty of focus this week on our Year 12 as they come to the end of their school days. Formal classes are now complete and today they head to the coast for some final special time together before returning for their final assembly and the experience that many have been looking ahead to for years of walking down the front drive as it is lined by the assembled school in silent respect to them. There will also be house dinners, the celebrations of Valedictory Day and prize giving on Friday after others have left for the term and, of course, the fun of the Year 12 Formal at UNE on Friday night.
It has been a pleasure to be associated with this particularly delightful group right through their time at TAS and I look forward to the opportunity to fondly farewell them and wish them every success in their final weeks of study and the HSC exams early next term.
Holiday Travels
As our Year 12 students settle into what will hopefully be a focused and purposeful study routine and others head home for a well earned break, a good number of our students will represent their school in a range of special experiences and I take this opportunity to wish them safe and happy travels. Those trips include the big challenge of trekking the Kokoda Track, Christian service work for Year 8 students at St Christopher’s Home in Fiji and for senior students in Thailand and for others as our delegation to the Round Square International Conference in India. This is a good representation of the breadth of possibilities available here and I look forward to hearing the reports from each at the start of next term.
Murray Guest
02. Calendar of Events
| Week 10 | |
| Wednesday 25 September | Year 12 Day Students to coast and return Year 12 Day House Dinner – Wicklow Hotel (6.30pm) Year 12 Boarders to the coast |
| Thursday 26 September | Year 12 Boarders return from coast Light Lunch on Chapel Lawn for Year 12 and Parents (12.30pm) Year 12 Final Assembly Year 12 Boarding House Dinners Classes conclude |
| Friday 27 September | Boarders buses depart Year 12 Valedictory Service in Memorial Hall (10.30am) Year 12 Valedictory Lunch – Dining Hall (11.30am) |
03. From the P&F
MRS RACHAEL NICOLL
Another term has come and gone and in a couple of weeks, we’re into the final stretch for the year.
The P&F would like to say thanks to all the Year 12s and their families for their help throughout their time at TAS and we wish you good luck with HSC and into the future. Remember that the P&F stands for Parents and ‘Friends’ so please keep in touch.
To all other TAS families have a safe, relaxing and fun school holiday (hopefully with lots of rain), and we look forward to seeing you ready to go for Term 4 and enthusiastic about the 125th celebrations which are just around the corner.
125th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER
TAS is turning 125 this year and School, supported by the P&F, are looking at celebrating this with ‘TAS Fest’ – Celebrating TAS’ 125th Anniversary with an evening of music, food, short films and fireworks.
The night will be a celebration rather than a fundraiser and will be open to all the TAS Community – past parents, students, Old Armidalians, current parents and staff – also anyone else with an attachment to TAS (past, present or future) will be welcome too.
The night will run from about 5 to 10pm on Adamsfield. We will have:
- Casual music performances by TAS students
- A Junior School Disco in Memorial Hall
- Yummy Food and drinks stalls
- ‘TAS Fest’ films screening on a giant screen – large cash prizes for the best films
- Produce Stall (including Christmas puddings, peonies and some plants – weather dependent), Tombola, professional Face Painter, Zorb Balls and Bouncy Castle
- Fabulous fireworks
The aim is for people to have a lovely evening sitting on Adamsfield listening to music, watching short films, having dinner, eating popcorn and slurping on an ice cream whilst catching up with friends. We will then finish the night with a fireworks display to ‘light the candles’ for the birthday celebration.
More details of the film entry requirements are available from Mr O’Connell.
To help make the night great we will be seeking helpers, including people who hold their RSA to serve drinks – if you’d like to help for even an hour or two please email pandf@as.edu.au
We will be having a Produce Stall… in line with the 125 theme we are thinking a little bit old school retro, items in jars or bottles would be great… so if you have time over the holidays and would like to donate items could you please:
- Make jams, sauces or chutney (please include ingredient labels)
- Perhaps make a baking mix in a jar – cake, biscuits or brownie dry ingredients work well (don’t forget the instructions!)
PLEASE ALSO START MAKING TOMBOLA JARS – this is always popular and we can never have enough full jars of goodies. Anything from marbles, lollies, colouring pencils, hairclips, soaps and shampoos packaged into a jar would be wonderful.
Please leave all jars at Main School Reception.
BRANDY WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS
The famous TAS P&F Christmas Pudding bake is coming up and prior to that we need heaps and heaps of brandy to soak the fruit in – this is what gives the puddings that spectacular taste!! If you can donate a bottle of brandy please either drop it in at Main Reception or contact Pudding Co-ordinator Heather Williams on hwilliams@tmsmp.com.au
Pudding baking will be at the start of Term 4 on Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 October. It’s a fun morning each day. If you would like to help please contact Heather – all helpers must we covered in shoes and have their hair tied back.
‘TAS FEST’ PLANNING MEETINGS
Our next planning meeting is on Wednesday 16 October (next term) at 7pm in the Archdall Room (opposite the Dining Hall). Everyone is welcome and we would love to see you there.
Mrs Rachael Nicoll
P&F President
04. From the Chaplain
MR RICHARD NEWTON
No Boasting! Ephesians 2:1-10
I know we have been doing an ‘On This Day’ series at assembly this term, and I was going to continue with it. But when some momentous happens, something noteworthy occurs, we must stop and acknowledge it.
What is this moment we find ourselves in? Of course, it was the Dragons progressing one step closer to the 2019 premiership. It was an incredible game that saw the Saints come from behind to then absolutely annihilate the Warriors 26-6.
I know some of you, mostly the narrow-minded and short-sighted don’t know what I’m talking about, you’re thinking ‘but they aren’t even in the finals’… think again! You have the criteria all wrong, you are barking up the wrong tree, you have the wrong end of the stick, I’m speaking of the NRLW, and the Dragons’ hopes are well and truly alive. In fact, they are well and truly alive in a competition where skill and strength are not stifled by big names, egos and media interruptions, you want to see the real league – watch the women, watch the Dragons.
You know we’ve been doing the same thing when it comes to who’s kicking goals with God for centuries, even millennia.
We continue to hang on to the idea that God will be much happier with me if I’m more religious, or a better person, or have the right heritage and social standing. No, they’re all the wrong criteria. They are all barking up the wrong stick. You see we love to, not just boast in our team, but in ourselves, which of course is why we love to boast in our team. We think we look good somehow if our team is doing well, when we make no contribution to their success.
We love to boast in things… even our ability to please God. Even though the Bible is clear that we can make no contribution to our salvation. There is no boasting in our performance because that is not what God is pleased with, he simply wants us to trust in him, accept his gift of life and forgiveness and stop trying to approach him with all the wrong criteria.
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Mr Richard Newton
05. From the Director of Studies
MRS SEONIA WARK
Year 12
Wishing all Year 12 students a productive study vacation. Teachers will be available at the start of the term and over the course of the HSC exam period for extra support. Students should email teachers to organise a suitable time to meet with them.
Remind your child to eat well, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and ask for help if they need it. The Armidale Regional Council are organising HSC study sessions in the Armidale Public Library over the holidays for students sitting HSC exams.
For further information you can contact Jennifer Watson – 6770 3812 or email jwatson@armidale.nsw.gov.au
Invitation from Armidale Regional Council – Public Library
HSC group study sessions – 8 October – 11 October
Tuesday – Thursday. 10-6pm.
Friday – 10-8pm Pizza for tea to end the week.
Come along and study together in our comfy big meeting room.
Exclusive access to HSC students only.
Free drinks, toast and snacks all day.
Friday night Pizza.
Free printing services.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN results have arrived at the school and will be posted to parent this week.
Library and Tutoring
Please note: There is no tutoring on Thursday evening – 26 September and the library will close at 5pm.
Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday.
Director of Studies
06. From the Director of Co-curricular
MR WILL CALDWELL
Congratulations on both thriving and surviving another busy term – I am sure that you are ready for a well deserved break. To ensure that we start Term 4 on the right foot I have attached a copy of both the Training Schedule and the Coaching Allocation. There may be some minor adjustments as we navigate the challenges of water shortages – we continue to pray for rain where it is needed most. All students attended a Sports Admin session this week and should be aware of the expectations and requirements for their chosen sport. If you have any further questions please contact the MIC of the sport or email dcc@as.edu.au
Summer Training Schedule T4 2019
07. From the Creative Arts Coordinator
MR ANDREW O'CONNELL
Well, what a term it was! Our HSC students have completed, submitted and performed their practical work (already to some great acclaim) and now they look towards the written examinations. Deke Sharon brought his inimitable energy and enthusiasm to the school for the most outstanding of workshops. And amongst it all there was the usual flurry of academic projects, evening showcases, exhibitions and events. I know that both staff and students will be looking forward to a rest (or a period of intense study if they’re in Year 12).
Finally, audition materials for The Wizard of Oz have been sent out to students and you can find the booklet below. Auditions will be held right away in Week 1 of Term 4, so if you have any questions please shoot myself or Ms Roobol an email. And remember that the TAS Production is open to everyone – it is both a chance for our high-flying performers to do what they love and anyone to get involved, try something new and share in the fun and excitement of staging a show.
Below you will find video links to the TAS production of Oliver. Enjoy!
Oliver – Leads: Felix Hruby/Miah Lupica
Oliver – Leads: Lennox Neilson/ Hannah Neilson
Mr Andrew O’Connell
Creative Arts Coordinator
08. From the Head of Middle School
MR MARK HARRISON
Holidays: they are only days away
The students are ready and the staff are very ready, meaning the holiday break is going to be welcome at the end of this week. This ten-week term? Well, if you’ve been assiduously following the weekly news reports, it’s been characteristically ‘full’. Only over the last week and a half, for example, we’ve had grand finals (girls’ and boys’ sports), assembly speeches, inter-house touch football, basketball, assembly awards and also front drive practice to farewell our Year 12 students. Today marked the beginning of formal assembly awards for co-curricular pursuit and the real promise of more to come.
Hello Mrs Gill Downes
That’s a hello to our colleague and friend, Mrs Gill Downes who will be the Middle School Head (Acting) next term. On your behalf and on the behalf of our staff and students, I welcome Mrs Downes to the Middle School. Simply, in addition to being an experienced Homeroom teacher, she has taught English to Years 6 and 7 over the last several years and therefore knows ‘things Middle School’ and I think you are very lucky that Gill will be here to assist issues, adjudicate concerns and accommodate needs and interests as appropriate. I will be absent next term on Long Service Leave and, as far as possible, will be doing ‘things family’. Thank you, yet again, for your support of me over the last three terms. I wish you well.
Early Leave Requests
I’m aware this is a repeat of the message over the last few weeks and believe it is important enough to be repeated. For whatever reason, early leave requests come to us at the end of term. Unless they attach to very unusual conditions, strictly, these are not granted. Activities at school are all inclusive as a general rule. For example, at the end of this week all students from Years 4 –11 will farewell the Year 12 people on Thursday, by lining the School’s main drive. This kind of farewell is a tradition at TAS and it’s important that our Middle School students feel a sense of connection to the wider school. In fact, all Homeroom staff and I have spoken to the students about the significance of such farewells. They know the importance of these final farewells to our Year 12 cohort, some members of which have been at TAS for fourteen years, being longer than so many Midddle School people have been breathing on this earth. As such, I believe it is very important that they are here to participate in such an activity and ask for parent support in regard to the matter of early leave requests.
Special Award: Harrison Miller
Harrison Miller, from Ms Brus’ Year 8 English class, was acknowledged in the Short Story Writing competition, Storyathon, last week. Specifically, students were required to write an imaginative piece of no more or less than 100 words. There were over 15,000 entries from both Australia and New Zealand and Harrison was voted in the top ten for the Year 7/8 age group. This is wonderful achievement for Harrison and his school. It is also an endorsement of the calibre of our students and their learning.
Holiday Activity
As the term finishes we farewell staff members and Year 8 boys and girls who will travel to Fiji for their Service Trip to St Christopher’s Home for Children. Collectively, this year the students have raised several thousand dollars from their various initiatives. Pleasingly, the very large stationery box is almost full – so, thanks for your generous donations yet again. The experience is an amazing one for these young people: they assist in classes, help organise and supervise games and provide help at meal times. They will also perform music and drama games each night for the children. The trip will not be a holiday for them because their primary task, as indicated, is to help others for the whole time they are away. These lucky young people will come back to us knowing fully the real meaning of service to others.
Here’s to rain.
Mr Mark Harrison
Head of Middle School
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Over the past few weeks, our Middle School students have been busy completing assessments for various subject areas. This is a chance for our students to show all that they have learned and enquired into over the unit, as well as put some of their Approaches To Learning (ATL) skills into practice.
The ATL framework is a set of skills that support students teaching and learning. A concept-driven curriculum that uses ATL skills enables students to become stronger, more independent and self-regulated learners.
ATL skills can be learned and taught, improved with practice and developed incrementally. They provide a solid foundation for learning independently and with others. ATL skills help students prepare for, and demonstrate learning through, meaningful assessment. They provide a common language that students and teachers can use to reflect on, and articulate on, the process of learning.
There are five ATL skill categories, expanded into developmentally appropriate skill clusters, which are shown below:
| ATL skill categories | MYP ATL skill clusters |
| Communication | I. Communication |
| Social | II. Collaboration |
| Self-management | III. Organisation |
| IV. Affective | |
| V. Reflection | |
| Research | VI. Information literacy |
| VII. Media literacy | |
| Thinking | VIII. Critical thinking |
| IX. Creative thinking | |
| X. Transfer |
Over the holidays, it is important that our students get a much earned break. However, they also need to keep in mind that they have end of year examinations creeping up in Week 3, Term 4. This is a time where the use of ATL skills is critical in helping students prepare for these end of year assessments. This involves all Year 6 – 8 students, across various subject areas. Students will be starting to receive some revision materials for these, both hard copies and on our online learning platform CANVAS. I strongly suggest that students get themselves a display folder to keep all of their exam notifications and revision materials safe and organised.
Mrs Rachel Piddington
MYP Coordinator
09. From the Head of Junior School
MR IAN LLOYD
The Fathering Project
TAS Junior School is in the early stages of developing a relationship with the Fathering Project. The Fathering Project is a research/evidence based, not-for-profit organisation, which simply wants to help dads and father figures spend some quality time together with their children.
As fathers and father-figures, it’s easy to get lost in our other roles and forget what our first job is. Yet, it’s the most important job we’ll ever have, because what we do, or don’t do as dads, has an enormous impact on the happiness and health of the kids we love.
Together, we can help build resilience, self-respect and emotional intelligence in our kids. In addition, we can give our kids a great deal of self-worth, just by showing up and being there.
The Fathering Project aims to positively promote the important role of fathers, and father figures, through a handful of small events normally within the school. Two of those being simple ‘Dad and Kids’ events like Paper Planes and Pizza nights, and two being dads-only nights which are designed to be fun, informal but informative. We will simply talk about what fathering is about and encourage each other along the way. What we will use is information which has come from reputable research, to help guide us in our journey as an effective father or father-figure.
TAS is pleased to be hosting a Pizza and Paper planes evening on Thursday 24 October. More details and invitations will come out in the first week back next term.
Further details on the work of the Fathering Project, see thefatheringproject.org
Student Led Reflections
I hope the large majority of you were able to participate in our first, school wide opportunity for our students to share their learning with you last week. From all reports and observations, it was a very busy afternoon and I am sure, very informative. Exchanging ideas and being able to view children’s work in their own classrooms has a wonderful impact on students and their sense of satisfaction and achievement and we greatly appreciate the efforts of all parents who attended. We have had some really constructive responses already and would welcome any more to ensure that we keep meeting our goals and providing the best feedback to parents that we possibly can.
Steptember
You will have read last week that 20 Junior School staff have been raising funds for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, an organisation that raises funds and awareness for those living with Cerebral Palsy. It was wonderful to have all the students join us as we stepped it out around Wakefield oval last week in support of this great cause. If you missed the fun, you can check it out (and even follow the link to make a donation) on the official TAS Website at https://www.facebook.com/pg/TASarmidale/posts/?ref=notif
We thank you all for supporting our wonderful staff and this worthy cause.
Out of Hours School Care – Vacation Care
The Junior School Vacation Care program will run from Monday 30 September through the holidays, except weekends and public holidays. Each day will have a theme which includes outside challenges and adventures, indoor game days, baking, competitions, arts and craft activities and many more. There will be various excursions during this holiday period as is outlined in the email sent to all Junior School families. The aim of OSHC is to keep children from Year 6 to Transition actively engaged, happy and safe throughout the break.
Detailed information should have already reached you by email and is now available on the Junior School website. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Ms Jacinta Coates at our OSHC Centre on 6776 5818 or oshc@as.edu.au (your messages will also come through to Junior School Reception) or download the flyer HERE.
Working Bees – Madagascar
Again, I would like to draw your attention to the two working bees that we will be holding next term to prepare for our musical production, Madagascar Jr. Mrs Leasa Cleaver and her production team has organised 27 October and 10 November to complete the costumes and props required for our performances. Again this year, we will provide a BBQ for those that can attend from 12.00 pm and conclude at 2.00 pm. Please put these dates in your diaries and there will be more details in the near future.
Uniform and Hair
School uniform is flexible for the first two weeks of Term 4 in the Junior School as the weather can be so variable. Families can choose whether their child comes to School in either their Winter or Summer uniform depending on the weather. From Week 3 though, all children are expected to wear Summer uniform. Additionally, sports uniform is only to be worn on the days students have a TAS sport (not those days when they have PE or Martial Arts). Travel to and from School in PE gear is also not permissible. Please ensure all students wear the correct uniform, in a tidy and presentable manner. All hair should be tidy and well kept, not cut to make a statement or become extravagant. For boys, it should be off the collar and ears and for girls, if longer than shoulder length, tied with blue ribbon. Hair should always be of natural colour. Earrings should only be a small plain stud or sleeper. Please support the School if your child has been asked to tidy up their hair and contact me should this become a problem.
Junior School Speech Day – Wednesday 4 December at 9.00 am
Please make a note of the new time for our Junior School Speech Day next term. Last week, I introduced our guest speaker and presenter will be Tanya Ha, an award-winning environmental campaigner, television presenter, author, science journalist, speaker and sustainable living advocate. There is plenty more information at <https://tanyaha.com/home/about/> and I am sure the occasion will be enjoyable for all.
And finally, as I hand the reins of Junior School to Mr Luke Polson and all the Junior School staff, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and a very safe and refreshing time with family and friends.
Happy Birthday
Between now and the next edition of TAS Talks we have the following students celebrating their birthdays. Happy birthday wishes to Bonnie Blanch, Edward Murray, Sahib Singh, Lucas van der Werf, Jack Wood, Sophie Brett, Cormac Downes, James Leahy, Rudra Tandon and Sam Vrkic.
Mr Ian Lloyd
Head of Junior School
Holiday borrowing from the library
The coming holidays are the ideal time for children to catch up on reading.
Please note that children are able to borrow their usual two (2) books from the library for the holidays without a permission note but if they would like to borrow three to six books parents need to sign the permission note that is attached to this newsletter and hand it in to the library or email the library at library@as.edu.au
————————-Please return signed note to Library ————————–
Permission to borrow library books during the holidays
I give permission for my child …………………………………………………………………………………..
in Year …………………….. to borrow 3 to 6 books from the TAS library during the holiday period and will return these books in good condition in the first week of Term 4, 2019.
Should the books not be returned, or are returned damaged, I agree to the purchase cost of the replacement books being charged to my child’s school account.
Signed ……………………………………………… Date ……………………..
Junior School Upcoming Events
| Week 10 | |
| Wednesday 25 September | Year 3 Assembly – Hoskins Centre (2.45pm) |
| Thursday 26 September | Classes Conclude |
| Term 4 – Week 1 | |
| Monday 14 October | Staff Day |
| Tuesday 15 October | Classes Resume |
| Week 2 | |
| Wednesday 23 October
| Assembly – Hoskins Centre – 2.45 |
| Friday 25 October
| Armidale Outdoors Schools Orienteering Carnival |
| Week 3
| |
| Wednesday 30 Oct
| Assembly – Hoskins Centre – 2.45 |
| Thursday 31 October | Bike Safety Day and Triathlon |
IB Primary Years Programme
Year 4 Unit of Inquiry 5
Transdisciplinary Theme: How the World Works
Central Idea: Changes to The Earth’s surface impact living things
Lines of Inquiry
Natural Processes and human actions change the Earth’s surface.
Features and uses of environments.
Action that can be taken to protect the environment.
Learning Goals-what is it that ‘we’ want students to know, understand and be able to do?
Knowledge: Students explore the range of natural and human processes that change The Earth’s surface.
Understanding: Students develop an understanding that the diversity of living things is connected to The Earth’s environment.
Do: Students examine the importance of natural vegetation and natural resources and learn about the ways people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, value environments. Students identify sustainable practices, recognising that there are differing views on how sustainability can be achieved and they recognise how scientific knowledge helps people to understand the effect of their actions on the environment.
Action: Students create an improved waste collection process to demonstrate how waste can be managed more sustainably in their local area or school.
Mrs Veronica Waters
PYP Coordinator
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- Andrew Alkhouri explores rocks as he develops new knowledge about The Earth’s surface
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- Year 4 students make their own ‘cast’ fossils
Community Notices
