TAS Talks Term 4 Week 6

Following on from welcome to the HSC sessions for Year 10 at the start of term and the official induction of senior student leaders for 2024 last week, students across the Junior and Middle Schools are currently ‘Stepping Up’ to experience their next steps at TAS. This started with Year 5 students attending Middle and Senior School Assembly this week and no doubt many parents will Zoom into the Year 8 into 9 webinar on Thursday evening. Next Monday all students from Pre-kindergarten to Year 8 will be involved in Step Up Day when we will also welcome Pre-Kindergarten students for 2024 to TAS and many new and current parents to the Junior School morning tea.

Junior School is a hive of activity at the moment, as we head towards the end of the year with classroom activities and summer sports in full swing. This Friday is Junior School Bike Day, a day devoted to bike skills, safety and maintenance culminating in what will no doubt be a hotly contested triathlon around the TAS campus. While we are a few weeks away from the Junior School production of Finding Nemo, the set and costumes already look spectacular. If you haven’t planned your attendance, it is a guaranteed highlight of the year and tickets can be found HERE.

Dr Rachel Horton
Principal

Cadet Commander Johnathan Woodbridge organised a wonderful Remembrance Day service last Friday that highlighted the ongoing personal connection we as a School have with Remembrance Day and service. This was aptly highlighted by Abbott White speaking about his great grandfather who served in World War 1. The service was student run and I commend our House and School leaders for the roles they played in making it a success. The Prefects and Student Representative council (SRC) also sold close to 1000 poppies in the lead-up to Remembrance Day, raising over valuable funds for SoldierOn. 

Mr James Pennington coordinated our final challenge event last Friday evening with over 230 students, 14 parents (and 2 grandparents) and a large contingent of staff ‘walking a mile in another man’s wheels’. It was wonderful to witness the deep empathy-building exercise take place with all involved developing a much deeper appreciation for the challenges associated with life in a wheelchair.  

The process of selecting our 2024 Student Representative Council is underway with students currently in Years 8-10 asked to apply this week. In 2024 the SRC meetings will be chaired by the Senior Prefects and have two representatives in Years 9-11, four Junior School students and  the incoming Middle School Captains. The SRC positions will be announced in our final assembly in Week 9.

Students were reminded at Assembly yesterday to ensure their uniform is meeting expectations. Specifically, shoes need to be in good repair and polished, girls skirts need to be at the knee when standing and boys who are admirably persevering with the long socks need to ensure they are ‘up’! 

Mr Ray Pearson
Deputy Principal

Christmas Puddings – Order & Collect Now

The famous TAS P&F Christmas Puddings can be ordered online here Order Puddings Now.

Puddings can be collected from the school’s Reception during office hours. If you would like to pre-arrange with reception, please email or call.

Next P&F Meeting

The P&F will meet on Wednesday 29 November at 7.00 pm. As this will be the last meeting for 2024, we will be face-to-face at the Railway Hotel.
No Zoom session will run.

Please add the date to your calendar and come join us for a social gathering.

Contact P&F Executive

If you have anything you would like to raise with the P&F Executive, please send us an email at pandf@as.edu.au

Mr Paul Gaddes
P&F President

Cadets - Annual Camp

A reminder that cadets are to assemble on Adamsfield Sunday 26 November by 1330. It is imperative that cadets are not late as rolls are to be marked by 1330 in order for pack inspections to occur.

Cadets are reminded they are not to bring:

• KNIVES
• PHONES OR OTHER TECH DEVICES
• CONTRABAND AS PER SCHOOL RULES

Knives and Technology will be confiscated, and Contraband will be dealt with in accordance with regular School policy.

Company briefings are to be conducted Thursday and Friday Week 6 (16 and 17 November)

• A Coy Briefing – 0840-0925 Friday 17 November, McConville
• B Coy Briefing – 0840-0925 Friday 17 November, Memorial Hall
• C Coy Briefing – 1130-1215 Thursday 16 November, McConville

Should any cadet be absent from this briefing they are to contact their SGT, CUO or Company Commander.

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 DPCU HAT
• 1 DPCU SHIRT
• 1 DPCU TROUSERS
• MULTIPLE PAIRS of SOCKS and UNDERWEAR
• 1 PAIR of BOOTS
• 1 GROUND SHEET
• BED ROLL/MAT*
• 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*
• 1 SLEEPING BAG*

Cadets may bring:

• 1 JUMPER
• THERMALS*
• GREEN UNDER SHIRT*
• BIN BAGS/SNAP LOCK BAGS* (to keep gear dry)
• 1 CHANGE OF CIVILIAN CLOTHES (shirt, shorts/jeans)
• ADDITIONAL MUSELI BARS

Cadets will be issued at Nymboida Canoe Centre:

• RATION PACK(s)
• MAP
• HEXI TAB(s)

( * indicates not supplied by TAS)

In addition to the list above cadets may be asked by their Company Commander to bring additional equipment specific to their Company’s needs.

Q-Store will be open Lunchtime Week 7 Monday to Thursday to swap out any damaged gear. Any gear that is lost will be charged to student accounts. TAS Cadet Gear is loaned to students for their time in cadets. One set of cadet gear costs $2500, and hence should be looked after appropriately.

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

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

Walk a Mile in Another Man's Wheels

The final Triple Crown event for 2023 saw 234 students, 12 parents and two grandparents wheel their way around TAS in support of Richard Tombs for four hours. This was a remarkable turnout and with 32 of the students being Junior School, it was a remarkable show of support. Team colours were proudly displayed, the music was loud, and the exuberance of youth was clearly on parade. Staff manned the BBQ, checkpoints and corners, making this truly, a whole school occasion. More than this though, there was an appreciation of the difficulty that one would have, should they be shackled to a wheelchair for life. This was our central aim, to gain insight and empathy for those less fortunate than ourselves. As the majestic Mahatma Gandhi said: “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members”. Every time our students put themselves out there, they move further towards the appreciation of what this quote entails.

Mr James Pennington
Adventure & Service Coordinator

Over the past two weeks TAS has enjoyed success across a range of our co-curricular activities. Our Shooting Team competed at the Northern NSW School’s Trap Shot in Tamworth. Notable performances included Tony Formaggin winning the A Grade High Gun, Cohen Wright for winning C Grade, while Tony Formaggin, Charlie Ward, and Jack Bach were victorious in the School’s Competition. Congratulations to Mr Lawrence and the whole team for their outstanding performance.

In addition, the Year 11 Debating team (Megan Cory, Bella Fernance, Henry Kirton, Martin Shankland) and the Year 10 Debating team (Jack Coddington, Nina Deshon, Daniel Emmery, Stella Maroulis) have won through to the National Virtual Debating Competition Grand Finals to take place in the coming week. Mr Hughes has worked tirelessly with these students, and I commend them for their continued high standard and attention to detail.

Activities Week is less than two weeks away. As students prepare for the coming activities week it is imperative that the information is read thoroughly to avoid missing any detail in relation to departure times and equipment needed. Each of the Year 6-11 camps are challenging but manageable when preparation is at the forefront of our minds.

Mr Huon Barrett
Director of Co-curricular

TASRC 13-14 April 2024

The TAS Rugby Carnival (TASRC) is an annual sporting extravaganza set to take place on April 13-14, 2024 on our beautiful grounds, which promises to be an action-packed weekend for rugby enthusiasts. This event is tailored for Under 12s (15-a-side) and Girls Under 14s & 16s (7-a-side) teams, uniting around 60 teams across these age categories. The TASRC offers a platform for young talents to refine their rugby skills, foster teamwork, and bask in the camaraderie that rugby so uniquely provides.

A highly esteemed accolade, the ‘Team of the Carnival’ award, is presented to the team that epitomises the ‘Spirit of Rugby.’  This team exemplifies values like discipline, respect, integrity, passion, and sportsmanship. The recipient of this distinguished award is determined through votes collected from referees, team personnel, and event staff. In 2023, the TAS Under 16 Girls shared this award with Dalby mighty U12s.

Preparations for the 2024 carnival are in full swing, with accommodation and green space to be filled with participating teams and their dedicated supporters. Registration is at capacity, featuring teams hailing from various regions, including Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Far North Coast, and regional New South Wales.

Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a foodie, or simply a community-minded individual, this is your chance to get involved and contribute to a memorable weekend of rugby and fun.

The TASRC committee and the Parents and Friends (P&F) association will be seeking volunteers (adults and students) to contribute their time and energy during the weekend’s festivities, emphasising the vital role the TAS community plays in making this event a success. Serving as the primary fundraising event for TAS P&F, the Canteen and BBQ will operate throughout the entire weekend, ensuring that teams, staff, and visiting supporters are well-catered for.

The carnival isn’t just for rugby enthusiasts; it’s a family-friendly event with entertainment, food stalls, coffee vans and the Emporium stalls in Hoskins foyer and around the grounds. Bring the whole family and make a day of it! If you are interested in attending as stall holder on Saturday 13 April do not hesitate to contact me for more information.

In addition to hosting the visiting teams, TAS will also field its own teams in each age category. Eligible students will be contacted in the coming weeks to express their interest in participating in this thrilling event. Stay tuned for more details regarding the carnival. It promises to be a weekend filled with rugby excitement, skill development, and the embodiment of the true spirit of the sport and our fabulous TAS Community.

Mrs Rachael Edmonds
redmonds@as.edu.au
TASRC Administrator Manager

This Friday Year 11 Music 1 and Visual Art are combining for the ArtSound exhibition and concert. A spectacular collaboration between the two classes, get to the Hoskins Foyer from 4pm – 5:30pm to see the fusion of these different artistic disciplines. Then next Thursday, we have the Band Night, a showcase of TAS ensembles and contemporary bands from Middle and Senior rocking out in the Hoskins Centre. The last of our showcases for the year, it should be a night of great entertainment and everyone in the community is invited to attend

Mr Andrew O’Connell
Head of Creative Arts
 

Music

TAS Contemporary Band Night – 6:00pm, Thursday 23 November (Hoskins Centre Theatre)

We are delighted to be running our first Contemporary Band Night on Thursday 23 November in the Hoskins Centre Theatre. The Band Night is the result of the Contemporary Band Program that we have developed at TAS which is directed by Mr Denis Dos Santos Arakaki. There are 15 contemporary bands that have been rehearsing in preparation for this event. A list of students performing at the TAS Contemporary Band Night will be in next week’s TAS Talks. We look forward to seeing you at this event.

Twilight Concert

Congratulations to all our performers at our two Twilight Concerts last Thursday evening! Over 40 students from Years 1 – 11 performed at the Twilight Concerts, showcasing their musicality and confidence in front of an appreciative audience. This was the last Twilight Concert of the year and it was fabulous to hear students playing and singing a variety of genres on a wide range of instruments. Thank you to our fabulous peripatetic staff for their excellent preparation of these musicians and thank you also to our wonderful accompanists.

Free Holiday Songwriting & Production Workshop – NECOM, Tuesday 23 & 24 January, 2024

The New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM) is offering an exciting opportunity for a FREE songwriting and production workshop for young people aged 16-21. Participants will spend two days writing and recording songs and learning about music careers from some of Australia’s most inspiring creators.

The Armidale workshop mentors are:

Kristy Lee Peters (KLP) is a singer, songwriter, producer and DJ who has worked with Skrillex and Slumberjack, has graced festival stages such as Splendour in the Grass, and whose track ‘Energy’ with Stace Cadet peaked at Number 1 on the ARIA club chart.

Taka Perry is one of Australia’s most exciting producer/artists. With a credit list consisting of Ruel, Denzel Curry, Stellie, JP the Wavy, Thomston, Max Frost, SACHI, and A.GIRL, his creative contributions have now amassed over 130 million plays on Spotify, and rising. He has one of triple j’s most popular Like a Versions, making over Kanye’s Jesus Walks in 2020. 

Astrid Holz is lead singer, writer and producer in Forces & Fury, an electronic lofi pop duo based in Umina, NSW. Asti has also operated in the music industry for many years as a musical director and drummer, and is currently performing with Jack River, Faker, GRAACE, Ashwarya and Urthboy all around the country.

The SongMakers Holiday Sessions are presented by national music organisation, APRA AMCOS, as part of the Office for Regional Youth Holiday Break program in partnership with Create NSW.

There are only 16 places available so this workshop will definitely book out quickly!

REGISTER HERE NOW:      https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SVMFDWP

Ms Leanne Roobol
Director of Music

Middle School Lunch and Final Assembly

Dear Parents,

I would like to take this opportunity to personally invite you to join myself and the Middle School staff for Lunch in the Hoskins Centre Foyer on Thursday 7 December at 1:00pm. This will be followed by Middle School Final Assembly taking place in the Gymnasium at 2.00pm.

Please use the link provided below to RSVP for catering purposes:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUV8we9-DlHCvktseeIrFdK561AOzUB6r7M_LXYWSZiSM35w/viewform

Stand Tall Excursion

Thank you to everyone for returning your consent forms to attend the Stand Tall event in Tamworth on Friday. More details about the event can be found here: https://www.standtallevent.com/

Please check the reminders below for this event:

• Students need to meet at the Flagpoles by 7:15am on Friday morning.
• Students are to wear their summer uniform, including their blazer.
• Day students need to bring a packed morning tea, lunch and water bottle. Boarders will be provided with a packed morning tea and lunch.
• Our departure from Tamworth is scheduled for 2pm. We will aim to return to TAS by 3:30-3:45pm.

Mr Luke Polson
Head of Middle School

The transition program for both current Year 5 students and 2024 Kindergarten students continues to prove beneficial in supporting these groups with navigating the next stage of their educational journey. Year 5 students were yesterday guests at the Middle and Senior School assembly and will tomorrow spend break times in the Middle School environs. We have also enjoyed welcoming many of the students joining Kindergarten in 2024 on Monday for their second orientation session next Monday.

Our final preparation for the transition to 2024 is Step-Up Day, which takes place on Monday 20 November. This is an exciting occasion with all students, including those joining us for the first time in 2024, moving up a year level. It’s a day of exploration and anticipation as we prepare up for the coming academic year. Students joining pre-Kindergarten will be available for collection from the classroom at 11.00am. Incoming students joining other year levels will await collection from the undercover area at 1.00pm, when all who are currently enrolled at TAS return to their 2023 class groups. We warmly invite both current parents and those joining us for the first time invited to join us for morning tea in the Hoskins Centre shortly after 9:00 am.

The highly anticipated Bike and Triathlon Day takes place this Friday, November 17. Students from Pre-K to Year 5 are asked to bring their bike (with helmet) to school, with groups rotating through a range of bike-related activities throughout the morning. Students from Kindergarten to Year 5 will spend the afternoon (from 2.00pm) competing in a triathlon, either in a pre-established group or individually. Please check your emails for further information and note that students may now choose to wear their House shirt on this day in place of their sport/PE shirt. We expect this will simplify the changing process during the triathlon.

The Junior School is clearly a very busy place, and we take great care to maintain our focus on the teaching and learning that occurs within classrooms and during PE lessons. The importance of punctual arrival at school cannot be overstated. We value every moment of your child’s learning experience, and being on time to school plays a crucial role in ensuring they make the most of each day. Punctuality not only fosters a sense of responsibility but also helps in creating a positive and focused learning environment for all students. We appreciate your ongoing support in reinforcing this valuable habit at home. The following strategies have proven highly effective in supporting families with the morning routine:

1. Establish a Consistent Routine:
   Creating a structured morning routine helps children know what to expect each day. Outline specific tasks and their order, such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, having breakfast, and packing school bags. Consistency is key, as it establishes a sense of predictability for children. The use visual aids like a morning routine chart to provide a visual guide for younger children. Over time, the routine becomes a habit, making mornings more efficient.

2. Prepare the Night Before:
   Reduce morning stress by accomplishing some tasks the night before. Encourage children to lay out their clothes, pack their bags, and decide on lunch items before bedtime. This minimises decision-making in the morning and ensures that necessary items are ready to go. Additionally, set up a designated area near the door for bags, shoes, and any items that need to go to school. This prevents last-minute searches for essential items as you head out the door.

3. Use Timers and Alarms:
   Timers and alarms can be effective tools to keep the morning routine on track. Set a timer for specific tasks, such as a 10-minute limit for breakfast or a 15-minute limit for getting dressed. Alarms can act as reminders for different stages of the morning routine, signalling when it’s time to switch activities. This helps children develop a sense of time management and responsibility. Gradually, they may become more independent in adhering to the schedule without constant reminders.

Remember that flexibility and positive reinforcement are crucial components. Praise your child for completing tasks independently and for adhering to the routine. Celebrate small victories and be patient as they learn to manage their morning responsibilities.

Happy Birthday

Many happy returns to Evie McDonald, William Minter, Jasper Moran, Nirvan Sapkota and Harriet Stone for their special days this week.

Mr Scott Chittenden
Head of Junior School

Upcoming Events

Gymnastics

This term’s Junior School gymnastics program has been a whirlwind of excitement with students honing their skills in locomotive movements, beam, bar and handstands. The use of the trampoline and foam pit has added an extra layer of fun to their training, making it a memorable and engaging experience for all students involved.

Mrs Kate Moloney

Indoor Hockey

 Our youngest indoor hockey team ‘TAS Blue’ are enjoying the different format on Fridays.

Each week, they participate in a skill session and play a round-robin with PLC and Armidale City teams. The focus is on improvement, praise and enjoying the game not on winning, as scores are not kept.

It is great to observe their skills developing and see some of what we do at training used in the games. Keep it up TAS Blue!!

Mrs Tania Ball

Tennis

It was a sweltering afternoon on the courts on Monday! However, the steamy weather did not waver the enthusiasm of our budding tennis stars. Many skills were developed this week, including volleys, footwork (jump and split), and serving. Special mention to Max Dennison who won the ‘Fruit Salad’ volley game. Patrick Rodgers and Max Maria were a great team when practicing the split and jump and moving the ball over the net. Just a reminder that next week is the final training session of the term.

Miss Lara Nicholls