TAS TALKSTHE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF THE ARMIDALE SCHOOL

Wednesday 27 February, 2o13 Term 1 Week 5House on Duty Croft, 0439 026 748

phone: 6776 5800 fax 6776 5830 web: www.as.edu.au email: reception@as.edu.au

HEADMASTER, MURRAY GUEST

Cadet Leaders’ CoursesOver 50 TAS cadets, from Year 8 to Year 11, are now carrying the responsibility of new leadership rank and responsibility. This follows their successful completion of five days of rigorous training in the field that began last Wednesday and continued through the wet weekend. Ten inches of rain at Jeogla Station through Friday night may have dampened bodies, but spirits remained high and the determination of these young men to push on with their training was clearly quite inspiring. With thanks to the Braham family for their generous support, activities continued in the wet and there is no doubt that some lasting memories were created.Leadership is a concept bandied about at all levels of education. We talk about it, value it and celebrate it in many ways. Student leadership positions are central to the good operation of every school and we rely heavily on the good influence of those young people who show natural leadership talent. Despite its importance though, the deliberate development of leadership skills is less common. What makes our cadet leadership training so special is that it is linked to real responsibility for the activities and wellbeing of others. Our cadet leaders are not figureheads. They serve and take responsibility for the cadets they are placed in charge of and their performance is actively assessed, just as it will be in later life.I continue to admire the efforts of our cadet leaders and staff and all that I heard of their work last weekend impressed once again. I look forward to seeing them putting their new skills into action through the year.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Term 1 Week 6Wednesday 6 March Headmaster’s Country Tour to Inverell6.30pm Evening Prayer Thursday 7 March Headmaster’s Country Tour to Bingara MTA Assessment Day Friday 8 March2.00-5.00pm Year 6 Parent/Teacher Interviews 2.30pm Rowers depart for Head of the River - Sydney Walcha Show

Saturday 9 March Head of the River - rowing, Sydney Independent Schools Expo - Sydney Walcha Show

Sunday 10 March Independent Schools Expo - Sydney NEDRA Prize Shoot at Spring Ridge

Monday 11 March3.30-5.00pm Athletics, pre Championship events

Tuesday 12 March NCIS Football Championships at TAS

Term 1 Week 5Wednesday 27 Febuary6.30pm Evening Prayer7.30pm Thailand service trip info evening - Lower Maxwell Thursday 28 February 6.00am TAS/NEGS Visual Arts to Sydney Yrs 11 & 12

Friday 1 March TAS/NEGS Visual Arts to Sydney Yrs 11 & 12 Armidale Show

Saturday 2 March Year 9 Father & Son weekend -Gibralter Range National Park, Glen Innes Mungindi Prize Shoot Armidale Show7.00pm approx TAS/NEGS Visual Arts return from Sydney Sunday 3 March Year 9 Father & Son weekend

Monday 4 March1.00pm NCIS swimmers depart - Lismore

Tuesday 5 March NCIS swimming - Lismore

P&F AGMAs you will see later in this edition of TAS Talks, our P&F has appointed a new Executive and I look forward to offering my support to them in their new positions. For the first time, each of the key executive positions of President, Treasurer and Secretary has been shared by two parents. This is proof to me of the willingness of so many of our parents to commit their time and energies to supporting the school and I am greatly encouraged by it.

The AGM last week also provided the opportunity to express appreciation to our outgoing P&F Executive and I am sure that the wider community will join in that thanks.

Our 2012 President, Sandra Kaynes and Treasurer Tanya Coldham have stepped up again and I am looking forward to continuing our work together. Our 2012 Secretary, Aileen McDonald, has finished her time on the Executive and I offer her special thanks for her work over several years, particularly as it extended well after her youngest son had left the School.

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CHAPLAIN, RICHARD NEWTON

DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL CARE, BARNEY BUNTINE

Word Watch, 1 Peter 3:17-18

For the rest of this term we are going to keep an eye on some words that are starting to appear in our society.This week we seek inspiration from the SMH’s “Dictionary For The Modern World”. The word or term this week is “Blame Storming”. “Blame Storming is when a group of people get together in a professional, collegiate environment to workshop on whom they can lay blame for a mega-stuff up. It might be a bad press review, a failed product launch or an oil spill. Whatever the stuff-up, the blame stormers rarely become the blame takers.”

It’s actually quite a fun game to imagine scenarios where this blame storming might take place. Imagine… Broughton House after the now second consecutive swimming carnival loss (for if one doesn’t win by definition they lose, just to tease this out fur-ther, Broughton won the carnival as much as Green house, no that’s not true, Broughton House performed under expectation). What would the conversation look like, Miss Flanegan in what has become a faded yellow blouse, Josh Pearson with smudged yellow zinc smeared on his saddened and confused face and Will Frost at the round table looking for scape goats – could you blame the judges, the starters, Tyrell House? Maybe look internally, Jay! After all he only created 5 new records, could he have spent longer on his warm up?Fun game, try role-playing it – try a cadets one or maybe the Australian swim team. PTO

Over the past few weeks, I have mentioned the term “Positive Psychology” several times and I thought it might be worthwhile to offer a few details on and how it applies to TAS. Martin Seligman, one its founders, defines Positive Psychology as “a belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best in themselves and to enhance their experience of love, work and play.” It focuses on positive interventions, concentrating on: * strengths as much as weaknesses; * building the best things in life alongside repairing the worst; and * increasing well-being and decreasing misery.

Perhaps it can be best likened to the equivalent of preventative medicine (against depression). Alternatively, this image might be useful: that where traditional psychology might be about “clearing weeds” from the garden bed of someone’s mental and emotional world, positive psychology is about “planting seeds”, particularly those than equip us all with more resilience that will help to deal with the inevitable hardships of life.

It might be helpful also to consider what Positive Psychology is not. It is not a focus on, nor a pursuit of, pure happiness and it is important to distinguish between positive emotion and positive function. In fact, Positive Psychology is aligned strongly with a curious social paradox: that humans are ultimately more fulfilled by serving others than we are ourselves. It has emerged in response to rising rates of depression and keenly attacks hedonism and the Self -Esteem movement of the last few decades. The last of these has been especially criticized for creating children who have an inflated sense of self, encouraged by parents and educators, and who are then actually more susceptible to depression because their perceptions of their abilities and their likely achievements are not wed to reality.

So at TAS, we want our boys to flourish because they are resilient, because they recognize and work towards their strengths, because they are engaged in the world beyond themselves and because their worth is derived from genuine achievement. We want them to be realistically optimistic, mindful, grateful and, ultimately, very happy – but happy for all the right reasons. These principles lie at the core of Positive Psychology.If you are interested in learning more, Seligman’s texts, Authentic Happiness and Flourish are well worth reading.

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COUNSELLOR, ROB HADFIELD

P&F ASSOCIATION, PRESIDENT - SANDRA KAYNES

Most mornings I take a walk (plus a bit of jogging) before breakfast. It takes about 50 minutes. Sometimes I don’t feel like it but because this decision was made many years ago for good reasons that had been thought through, I no longer have to think about it. I just do it. Motivation can be zero, yet because the decision was made a long time ago no further thought is necessary. The reasons remain beyond dispute – it has to be good for my health. Feelings are not my guide in relation to this. Feelings change. Some mornings it’s enjoyable and the walking rhythm is easily established and maintained. Other mornings it feels like hard labour – limbs are heavy and stiff and I’d rather be at home in bed. But the pattern is maintained.

Students in the senior years often complain of low motivation. It becomes a reason for not engaging in the difficult task of studying. I don’t think ‘motivation’ is a good place to start when contemplating study. If the presence of motivation is needed to start, we might be waiting a long time. What is needed is a single occasion of deep thought about the reasons for being at school, then a free decision to commit to the process of engagement, an acceptance that motivation will vary, and a plan for action. If motivation is low, working for short, sharp periods of say, 15 minutes at a time, followed by a short break, can help. Chunking up two hours of prep time into 7 or 8 blocks of 15 minutes can build in variety, efficiency and a sense of control. You are not forcing yourself through the resistances, just working with them, recognising that sometimes it’s just plain hard slog. You can engage for a small chunk of 15 minutes followed by a mini-break and a change of subject for the next chunk.

Sometimes motivation grows through our engagement with the process. If we stop one subject after 15 minutes and move onto another subject for 15 minutes, our memory of engaging with the first subject is positive (because it was short, sharp and reasonably effective), so that when we return to it, positive feelings remain from the previous occasion.

If you now think you don’t have the ‘discipline’ for such an approach, you are simply using another word, like ‘motivation’. Discipline is nothing more than the establishment of a pattern that works well for you. Developing that pattern is linking an original decision with an action and practising it. ‘Discipline’ is what it begins to look like to others. For you it’s simply what you do. Interested?? I’m happy to talk about this at any time.

AGMOur Annual General Meeting was held last Wednesday night. Thanks to those who supported the evening and voted in the new executive for 2013. The new executives for 2013 are: Co-Presidents Sally Carmichael and Sandra Kaynes Co-Treasurers Terina Doherty and Tanya Coldham Co-Secretary’s Di Johnston and Susie Hester All contact details will be available for the executive and the 2013 Liaison Parents next week.

Rowing RegattaOn Sunday 24 March there will be a rowing regatta at Malpas Dam. The P&F have been asked to run a food stall with tea, coffee and cakes. This is a great opportunity to see our rowing boys in action and also enter into a race. More details to follow.

Athletics CarnivalJunior School Athletics carnival is on Tuesday 26 March, followed by Middle/Senior School on Wednesday 27 March. Lunch is provided for parents and students on both days and the Liaison Parents will be looking for volunteers to bake cakes and biscuits, and roster on the Cake Stall for each day. This will work on a roster system with each year group covering an hour. Please help where you can.

Chaplain contdLike all these ‘new’ terms or words, it holds up a mirror to our society. As blaming others becomes so deliberate and ingrained it must speak of what we are like, we do not like to take the blame. The good news is, at least at the most significant level, God has offered us a way of avoiding blame. In fact the Blame Storming took place many generations ago, and God in His wisdom de-cided that He of all people, should take the blame. This is the reverse of the normal Blame Storming activity – the blame stormer becomes the blame taker. The blame that should have landed firmly in our own laps has fallen on the innocent. The passage tells us, “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous”. The blame taken, the guilty skulk into the shadows – not quite. You see the great irony here is, that we must be honest with God, and even those around us, we must face up to our stuff-ups, seek God’s forgiveness, then and only then, does He promise that the blame transaction will take place. Guilt removed, never to be exposed at some later date – no, its been dealt with once and for all.

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GENERAL SCHOOL NOTICES

Tour de Rocks is on again in 2013! (18-20 April)Tour de Rocks is a fun bike ride from Armidale to South West Rocks. Last year the event raised $100,000 for cancer research, awareness and prevention.

TAS is entering a team of over thirty riders and this is now almost at capacity.Parents willing to be support crew (assist with catering and transport) are asked to contact Mark Taylor (mtaylor@as.edu.au 0458 726 362) or Geoff Derrin (gderrin@as.edu.au 0428 255 240) Approximate costs are $100 to register and $100 for expenses (food, camping 2 nights) for both riders and supporters.

Bus TravelNorthwest Mini Bus - this weekendThere will be a TAS minibus to Tamworth, Gunnedah, Boggabri, Narrabri and Moree this weekend departing 4.00 pm Friday 1 March and returning Sunday 3 March. Book your seat by emailing msadler@as.edu.au

Walcha ShowThere is a one-way service to Walcha on Friday 8 March at 5.15 pm. This a one way service only so you will need to arrange your own private transport back to Armidale and NOT rely on the Edwards Walcha Bus service on Monday morning (unless a ‘daily’ traveller of course). $7 one way charged to your school account. Book your seat by emailing msadler@as.edu.au

Easter Weekend Bookings and Term 1 HolidaysBooking are also being accepted for the Easter weekend (booking deadline Thursday 28 February) and also for the April holidays. Book your seat by emailing msadler@as.edu.au

Thailand Information EveningFor those interested in participating in this extremely worthwhile venture, there will be an information evening on Wednesday 27 February, 2013 in the Lower Maxwell.Come along and have all your questions answered.

TONIGHT

Sister Kalo from St Christopher's Home VisitingMany students who have been on the Fiji Service Trip will remember fondly Sister Kalo from St Christopher's Home. We are fortunate to have her visiting and at the McConville Centre on Friday from 5:30-6:30PM for drinks and nibbles. All are welcome, both students and parents. Please RSVP to cspencer@as.edu.au if you are able to come along. There will be $5 cover charge per person. Contact Chris Spencer for more information.

FOUNDATION, CRESSIDA MORT

OzCLO - Australian Computational Linguistics OlympiadThis is a competition for code breakers using linguistics instead of numbers. Have you ever wondered how languages form? What impact social influences have on the development of languages? This competition will ask the boys to consider all sorts of reasons why a sentence is put together the way it is. Is the verb at the end or is second? Is the tense of the verb marked or ignored? Do we refer to the first person or is it inferred? The State Olympiad is being held today Wednesday 27 February and we wish the TAS boys all the very best as they enter this fantastic, but incredibly tricky competition. Catherine Boydell

Cadet Leadership Course (20 - 24 February)Our annual leadership course run at New England University Company Depot (Army Reserve) and Jeogla Station was very successful. 51 boys attended the course at junior, senior and CUO level and are now promoted to ranks from Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant and Cadet Under Officer. I'd like to congratulate all boys on their commitment and achievements during the course and thank the many TAS staff that gave up their time to support the 5 day (live-in) course.

Cadet Key AppointmentsThe key appointments list (leaders at company, platoon and section level) will be posted in Week 6.

Activites Day 2 is on March 14 and 15 - Information pertaining to this will be in next week’s TAS Talks.

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Foundation 30th Anniversary Cocktail Party

Friday 3 May 6pm – 8pm “30th Anniversary Celebration of Giving”

SAVE THIS DATE

Keep Tabs on the TAS World - subscribe to TAS Talks, Twitter and FacebookIn order to keep you in touch with what is happening at TAS we have a weekly newsletter - TAS Talks that comes out every Wednesday and deals with current information and changes that might occur during that week.

The newsletter comes from a LIst Server to which you need to subscribe.If you click on the link below it will explain how to subscribe.http://zeus.as.edu.au/mailman/listinfo/tastalksand follow the prompts.Just fill in the bits as far as the word 'subscribe'.

Please use a password you can remember for when you want to change your email address. Once subscribed you will receive a link to the newsletter each Wednesday.

Also Keep tabs with TAS on Facebook, just 'Like' the school's official page at www.facebook.com/TASarmidale and follow us on twitter: @TASarmidale

The TAS Foundation is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year and we would like to invite all TAS parents to come and join us at our first Armidale fundraising event. We would like to recognise and thank all those parents, Old Boys and friends of

the school who have given so much to make TAS the extraordinary place it is.

So many of the current buildings around us have been built through donations to the school and so many families have been supported through scholarships and bursaries.

We thank you all for the time, effort and financial support you give.

Come and celebrate with us.

Tickets $85 per person includes a $50 tax deductible donation to the Foundation

We are still looking for silent auction items too … so if you have something we could auction to raise money for the Foun-dation, please call /email Cressida on cmort@as.edu.au or 0417 271 835

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DIRECTOR OF CO-CURRICULAR, JASON LINCOLN

TAS boys continue to achieve well in other sports. Tom Lane, Pierce Hayden and Tom Witts competed in the NSW All Schools Triathlon against incredible competition (no less than 17 National Team Members competing across four age groups). Our boys performed admirablywith Pierce finishing 63rd/130 and Tom 79th/130 in the Senior division, whilst Tom finished 120th/187 in Intermediate.

Tom Gall has been selected in the Central North u16s Rugby Team for the Country Championships as has Nick Finney. Unfortunately Nick (who was already selected as Captain) broke his ankle in the final trial.

Thanks again to all those who helped out with the School swimming carnivals, it was much appreicated.Jason Lincoln

CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS

T.A.S. @ TASTechnology & Applied Studies at The Armidale School

The TAS Department is offering two excellent opportunities for boarders and day boys who are interested in building and understanding how things work.

TAS Engineering Club - ThursdaysThe TAS Engineering Club provides an interactive environment with opportunities in designing, planning and the

constructing of different projects. The Engineering Club is open to all students from Year 6 and above who have an inter-est

in science, technology, engineering, electronics, robotics and making.The club is restricted to 15 places. It will meet at the Trade Training Centre on Thursdays, with a bus departing from the

Q Store area at 5:00pm and returning at 6:15pm. Day boys may be collected direct from the TTC.Cost: Free

TAS Electronics ClubInterested in Electronics? Enjoyed making a Robobug in Year 8? Interested in finding out how to repair your own iPod

or iPhone? Each Sunday afternoon a leading local electronics specialist will give expert tuition in workshops at the Trade Training Centre.

Sessions will run from 2:00pm-4:00pm.Cost: $12 per lesson ($120 per term).

Forms for both clubs are available at Reception. For further information on either club, please contact Tim Scott on 0427 277 702.

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HEAD OF DRAMA - EMMA BUZO

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, NIK GLASS

Webpage - music..as.edu.au

DrumlineI am excited to announce we will be starting a drum line at TAS this year. The introduction of a drum line is an exciting initiative that will offer students a great outlet for performance while playing a crucial role in generating school spirit. The drum line will consist of snare drums, quad toms, bass drums and cymbal. We will learn a range of drumming patterns called cadences. These will form part of our performance routine.

Performances will eventually take place on the sporting field - we are hoping to have a presence at this year's rugby season and other sporting events. Drum lines are rewarding and a real thrill to watch and be a part of. Of course it takes quite a lot of practice to get to an impres-sive standard. To support this process all students involved will have access to practice pads and sticks and will be expected to maintain their skills on a regular basis. Rehearsals for drum line will take place on a Monday afternoon from 5-6pm. Rudiment sessions will also be available for students from 4-5pm (before our main ensemble rehearsal). The rudiment session will be optional or offered on a needs basis. Any student interested in joining the drum line should email nglass@as.edu.au

SPORT, JASON LINCOLN

Autumn Soccer Development SeriesFor five consecutive Tuesdays starting 12 March. Sessions will run from 5.30pm to 7.00pm, weather permitting. If one session is washed out we plan to add another session. The first two sessions will have a registration period from 5.00pm to 5.30pm. Rologas fields for girls and boys aged 8 to 15yearsBring shin pads, boots, water bottle, hat/sun screenCost is $15.00 Phone contact is 6772 7100

FootballThe TAS 1st XI Football team will have their first match next Tuesday 5 March. This will be a pre-season fixture against Souths. Kick off will be 6pm at Doody Park. It would be great to see a lot of supporters there next week as the football season gets underway. Luke Polson, MIC

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LEADERSHIP SERVICE AND ADVENTURE

A bushwalking challenge you’ll never forget.

An initiative of The Armidale School The Kokoda Trail... all Australians know the name. It resonates in our minds as one of the most emotionally-charged and important battlegrounds of World War II.

Today, this important historical region in Papua New Guinea boasts one of the world’s most tranquil and celebrated bushwalks. One that we challenge you to experience yourself.

The Kokoda Trail is a trek that not only offers immeasurable beauty, moving experiences and humbling moments with gracious locals, but a major physical and mental challenge. Indeed, the Trail is regarded by many to be one of life’s great experiences - it is to walkers what the marathon is to runners.

THE HISTORY In mid-1942, north Papua was the Pacific frontier that the Japanese wanted to penetrate, with a view to taking Port Moresby. For 7 long months, Japanese and Australian forces (assisted by Papuan locals) were locked in a massive struggle for control. The unique geography of the Trail made victory difficult to achieve for either side, and the Japanese retreat eventually came. But not without a price. Countless lives were lost on the Kokoda Trail. (These treks are led by well recognised War Historians on the Trail).

THE CHALLENGE This 96 kilometre track still bears its battle scars in the shape of scattered ammunition, guns, helmets and stirring campfire stories. For you, the trail is firstly, an opportunity to pay tribute to the soldiers who died there, and to celebrate the renowned Aussie spirit of the Diggers. Secondly, and just as importantly, the Trail is about personal challenge. It is not an easy walk. There are steep rugged mountains, treacherous ridges, jungle terrain, unforgiving rivers, rainforests with giant trees that will tower over you and look down, mocking you, at every opportunity. Conquer it, though, and you will know what a sense of accomplishment really is.

THE PREPARATION This Kokoda Trail Challenge is different to others. We offer a 9 day trek, which is an exacting pace to move at. However, your adventure really begins 3 months earlier with a comprehensive individualised online training program by a qualified exercise physiologist. It includes internet support leading up to your departure. This preliminary preparation serves to increase your fitness, giving you an extra dimension to the trek. Having Students train together creates team spirit and camaraderie leading to lifelong friendships.

THE ADVENTURE After your 3 month training, you’re ready for The Kokoda Trail. All inclusive in your adventure are flights to PNG and then on to Kokoda village, Internal Flights, transport between the airport and hotels in Port Moresby, 2 nights accommodation in Port Moresby, 7 nights accommodation along the trek in village huts, camps or guesthouses, group camping costs, Trek Permits, all food during the trek, porter and trek guides, qualified Medic and transport from Ower’s Corner back to Port Moresby on Day 9. A total of 9 days Sept 20th – Sept 29th

Departure Dates; Sept 20th – Sept 29th ,2013 THE NEXT STEP Call or email Mr Chris Pittman Ph: : 0428 765 836 Email: cpittman@as.edu.au, aidan@ourspirit.com.au

THE KOKODA TRAIL

$3200ex Bris Fares are dependent on Airline increase

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HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL, DENNIS DEMPSTER

TAS Open DayIt was pleasing to see such a large number of visiting students and their families at this years TAS Open Day and Scholarship examination day. We congratulate the students who sat for these exams and wish them well with their test results. We look forward to welcoming a large number of these boys and their families to our Middle School next year. Our thanks to Mrs Pip Warrick and Mrs Donna Jackson for organising this event and to all of the boys and support staff whose contribution on the day is greatly appreciated.

Headmaster’s Lunch – Year 7Mr and Mrs Guest will be hosting small groups of Year 7 boys at a luncheon at The Lodge during Term 1. The lunch dates have been organised and your son will have received an invitation to which he has RSVP. We would appreciate your assistance in ensuring that your son is wearing a formal uniform on the day of his lunch. The Year 7 boys have expressed how much they enjoy this opportunity to chat informally with Mr and Mrs Guest and enjoy a fabulous lunch.

Year 6 Parent/Teacher InterviewsThese will be held on Friday, 8 March 2013.This year TAS is moving to an online system to book parent teacher interview times. At the end of week 5 parents will receive an email which outlines the process and includes an individualised username and password.Parents who do not have internet access and/or an email address should contact Alison Evans on 6776 5819.

Middle School Debating This is back up and running this year and we are looking for new members who are willing to come along every Wednesday lunchtime. We get together in the Middle School and offer boys training in the art of debating going through the basics and getting them to practice the skills. Debating in short is a structured argument. A debate consists of two teams of three speakers each debating on a non-bias topic. Debating is a great way to increase your confidence and your public speaking skills and the best part is, it is all done in a relaxed environment where everyone has fun. So if your son is considering doing Middle School debating, I encourage you to talk to him about it, you won’t regret it, as it will give you skills for life.Sam Doyle – Middle School Debating Coordinator

Rangers ReportLast Friday the first Activities Day of the year was held here at TAS for the Rangers. The day began with each platoon/section going to their activities. Platoon 1 started off with the climbing wall, every boy in the platoon gave the climbing wall a go with great sportsmanship coming from the other members of the platoon. Following the climbing wall came knot tying and then first-aid. For knot tying you learned how to do a half-hitch and a very hard knot called the trucky’s knot. In first-aid we learned how to help someone with a broken limb or sprained ankle. We were also taught how to handle spider and snake bites.Sadly it was a very wet day so we weren’t able to do the obstacle coarse but instead we got to do very exciting trust and team-work related games with Mr Druce. We did pretty weird games such as: rob the nest, a commando crawl game, getting in age order without saying a word, Chinese whispers and a lot of other games. The day was very fun and we are looking forward to next activities day, hoping it won’t rain this time.

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Written By Henry O’Neil and Flynn Charley-Briggs

AdolescenceHis voice had deepened, I couldn’t recognise it.His face had changed so much he could well have been another person.His body had grown, he was taller than everyone else.His shoulders had broadened, he didn’t look the same.What had happened? What had this thing done to him.Adolescence.It had made a man of that little boy………me.

C Company Activities Day 1Unfortunately raft building will have to wait for another day, as the weather for our first day of Activities was not kind! However, the boys made the best of an adapted program back at school which included some very inventive first aid scenarios, knot tying challenges, an introduction to navigation and some initiative games. The boys also met the Senior Under Officer (student) of the unit, who along with some other Year 12s, taught them some basic drill during their short lunch break from a study day!My thanks to the staff who help to make these days run so smoothly and congratulations to Year 7 for a very successful start to your cadet program. 2Lt. Fiona Taber, OIC C Coy

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HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL, IAN LLOYD

From Ian Lloyd

Science Activities Day this FridayThis Friday, Junior School is very fortunate to have a team from CSIRO visiting the School. Science will be the focus for the day as each class are taken through a wonderful presentation – yr 5 Electronic Circuitry and K – 4 Seeing the Light. With others activities included in the day, it augurs to be action packed and very busy and I thank the organising staff for their work in its preparation.

Messages to Staff and Students at SchoolEvery effort is made to ensure that messages forwarded through to us are delivered to staff and students in an accurate and timely fashion. Unfortunately, when the inevitable last minute change is necessary, this process can be complicated. In leaving messages for us, please feel free to use either the email address junior@as.edu.au, (to both Fiona Chappell and myself ) or the Junior School Reception office number 6776 5817 or if urgent, the School Front Desk number which is always manned during school hours – 6776 5800 with the request to forward the message to my mobile phone number.

NCIS SwimmingI congratulate all our swimmers on their fantastic achievements recently at the PSSA swimming held in Armidale. Their mood and spirit was great to see last Friday, despite the miserable weather, and their efforts were commendable. Our thanks go to Mrs Brunsdon for her excellent organisation yet again and I wish many of these same competitors well as they travel to Ballina to complete in the NCIS Swimming Championships.

TAS Executive WeekendLast weekend, I participated in the TAS Executive Weekend, dedicated to reflection and review about the year just completed and the progress towards the vision of the School in its Strategic Plan 2025. I was very pleased with the initiatives implemented last year and the feedback received both from the Executive and Junior School parents alike. I continue to encourage all our parents to assist with this process by contacting us with their observations and suggestions for our Junior School.

Looking Ahead Wednesday 27 March Kindergarten Assembly Founders DayFriday 1 March Activities Day – CSIRO visit Schools “Clean Up Australia Day” Armidale ShowMonday 4 March NCIS Swimmers Depart at LunchTuesday 5 March NCIS SwimmingWednesday 6 March Year 2 AssemblyThursday 7 March Life Ed VanTuesday 19 March Summer Sports PhotosThursday 28 March Pupil Free Day

Happy BirthdayThis week we wish a very happy birthday to Olivia Strelitz, Charlie Rutledge and Harry Ashton,

Late ArrivalsPlease be aware the impact of arriving late has on your child/ren and on their class. Arriving 5 minutes late can be disruptive in the teacher having to repeat instruction, the child missing information on class routine and activity. Testing may be starting and the class needing to wait while your child settles.Classes start at 8.45am and it would be beneficial for children to be here 10 mins prior to say hello to friends and then move into the classroom together.

UniformThe Junior School is doing it’s best to ensure the School uniform is worn correctly and we would like the support for families as we endeavour to maintain an appropriate standard for both our School and sporting uniforms. Please help us to remind stu-dents to have shirts need to be tucked in, socks pulled up, and ties worn correctly.

AllergiesThe start of a new school year is the time to reinforce our awareness of allergies and in particular those from foods such as pea-nuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, and shellfish. We do have children in our Junior School who are allergic to these foods so it is impera-tive that if you bring in any item of food, such as a birthday cake for your child’s birthday that the class teacher be made aware of exactly what is in the food item. We would particularly like to encourage children not to bring in nut spreads also, such as peanut butter and nutella spreads. We would appreciate your assistance in this matter.

Please Label all ClothingAs the Year gets underway, please check all old clothing is still l and that all new clothing has been labelled.Having everything labelled is very important for items to be returned to the rightful owner should they be misplaced.

PSSAPSSA was an interesting event this year that saw many swimmers shine and improve their times from the TAS carnival. The weather was challenging to say the least, one minute sunny then windy then rainy. Certainly kept us on our toes with trying to keep gear dry! The swimmers all excelled in their events and were an absolute delight to take to the Monckton Aquatic Centre. Their behaviour was exemplary and the group were delightful to deal with. Thanks also to the parents for their help and to Hi-ram, our wonderful gap student, who worked tirelessly all day timekeeping for us. The relays were very exciting with both the junior and senior boys winning and the girls placing 2nd. The senior boys was very close with only 0.15 secs between first and second, whereas the Junior boys won very convincingly.I am very much looking forward to taking this group to Lismore in a week’s time and seeing them perform over there. The results are as follows:GirlsRuby Straker – 2nd 8 yrs 50m freestyleChloe Lincoln – 5th 8 yrs 50m freestyle Isabella Rutledge – 2nd 9 yrs 50 m freestyle, 2nd Junior relayZoe Strelitz –5th 9 yrs 50m freestyle, 2nd Junior relayOlivia Strelitz – 3rd 10 yrs 50m freestyle, 2nd Junior 50m breaststroke, 3rd Junior 50m backstroke, 4th Junior 50m butterfly, 2nd Junior 200IM, 7th Open 100 freestyle, 2nd Junior relaySophia Grant – 6th 10 yrs 50m freestyle, 7th Junior 50m breaststroke, 6th Junior 50m backstroke, 6th Junior 50m butterfly, 2nd Junior relayNicola Simmons – 19th 11 yrs 50m freestyle, 20th 50m breaststroke, 19th 50m backstroke, 14th 50m butterflySophia Rutledge – 16th Open 100 freestyle - a wonderful effort against Yr 6 girls

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JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT, KIRSTY BRUNSDON

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BoysSam Meehan – 8 yrs 50m freestyleWill Nash – 10th 8 yrs 50m freestyle Archi Lawrence – 4th 9 yrs 50m freestyle, 1st Junior relaySam Ball – 5th 9 yrs 50m freestyle, Joseph Anderson – 1st 10 yrs 50m freestyle, 3rd Junior 50m breaststroke, 2nd Junior 50m butterfly, 1st Junior relayHamish Chalmers – 4th 10 yrs 50m freestyle, 6th Junior 50m breaststroke, 3rd Junior 50m backstroke, 4th Junior 50m butterfly, 1st Junior relayAngus Alford – 3rd 11 yrs 50m freestyle, 2nd 50m breaststroke, 2nd 50m backstroke, 2nd 50m butterfly, 4th Open 200 IMOscar Henzell – 1st 11 yrs 50m freestyle, 1st 50m backstroke, 1st 50m butterfly, 6th Open 200IM, Boys 1st Senior relayNoah McCann – 5th 11 yrs 50m breaststrokeNicholas O’Neil – 2nd Junior 50m backstroke, 1st Junior relayMichael Paull – 6th 12 yrs 50m freestyle, 8th Senior 100m freestyle, 5th 50m backstroke, 9th 50m breaststroke, 12th 50m but-terfly, 1st Senior relayHamish Moore – 3rd 12 yrs 50m freestyle, 2nd Senior 100m freestyle, 7th 50m breaststroke, 6th 50m butterfly, 1st Senior relayNick Jackson – 7th Senior 50m backstroke, 1st Senior relay

Basketball - TAS Green - Ms BromwichTAS Green had a ripper of a game. Cassidy Williams caught the opposing team off guard with his low dribbling. Lewis Graham demonstrated wonderful pivoting and Henry Moore was once again the king of jump ball. Isaac Gerdes, Zaiden Kennedy and Ben Rowe demonstrated improved positioning and defence work. Nicki O’Neil, Jack Van Roy, Lewis Graham, Ben Rowe and Henry Moore scored goals. The impressive end result was a sensational 38/4. The enthusiasm for the game was contagious today and I look forward to seeing their next game. Bravo boys!

Basketball - TAS White - Jessica McKellarDue to some confusion on the draw, we had a few extra players from TAS Blue this week. Tome C, Archie, Tom N, Joe C, Michael and Nick were assisted by Henry, Hugo, Tom J and Joe S; and I was very impressed by the boys understanding and willingness to allow for all boys to participate, even though it meant we had two full teams. Archie, Joe C and Nick helped to puts some points on the board, and we had many a close miss from the other boys, Michael missed by that much! The boys managed to keep their cool despite fouls being done by the other team and I congratulate them on this. Great effort boys!

Basketball -TAS Yellow - Ms BromwichWhat a change from the apprehensive girls who we saw last year. Our girls came forward and took control of our first game, scoring most of the goals. Isabel McBean, Nikki Simmons were tenacious, whilst Sophia Grant demonstrated superb positioning and sharp crucial passes under the goal. Hamish Chalmers and Archi Lawrence tore up the court to defend well, contributing to the goal scoring.Hudson Eichorn, Byron McCann and Alexander Zuber have clearly grown in their dribbling skills, passes and awareness of po-sitioning. It is clear that this team has grown. Their positioning, drive and improved skills will ensure an exciting season ahead. The TAS Yellows won 20/16.

Mrs WrightThese two teams played a fast and exciting game on Monday evening at the Den. The game with a Year 6 team playing our younger Year 5 team was an even affair with both sides scoring some amazing baskets. Luke Evans and Dillon Hill were amazing in attack, Sam Behrend, Alistair Le Surf and Thomas Wu were reliable and kept the defence work up right to the final whistle. Charley Game-Lopata must be commended for his improving game, especially in defence. Duncan Chalmers and Henry O'Neil continued the hard work for TAS Blue while their team mates unfortunately had the wrong time this week! Thanks to Aiden Rogers Ellis for playing for the Blue's this week and to Tyneisha from a town team who came to the rescue. Well done teams on a great game.

Gymnastics -Mrs Trennery and Mrs WatersThis week’s gymnastics session started with many eager participants who were ready for some physical activities after a wet day spent in the classroom.The children rotated through a variety of warm up activities efficiently and the improved balancing on the beam was impressive. Children then rotated through various activities. One of which, was forward-rolls. This was most exciting as many of the groups could do a forward roll and stand up like “true gymnast” at the conclusion of the roll. Time was also spent on the vault box where children worked hard at maintaining a well-postured jump. The pit evoked much excitement amongst all groups as the children were encourage to jump and then land standing in the pit. It was pleasing to see many working well on the bars and working on their cart-wheels.

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COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS

Saturday 16th March It’s on for young and old. Walk, jog or run along the bike track from the University into town. Are you up for it?

Entry fee: just $5 per person.

For entry forms, see the Armidale Express or Armidale Express Extra in the weeks before the event.

Start time 8.00am. Get there early, to avoid parking congestion & queuing for entries.

Please get your entry in before the day if possible! Call in at the Armidale Express office in Faulkner St.

FUN, FITNESS AND FRESH AIR. After finishing, stroll across the park for a Pancake Breakfast with the City Band. (Breakfast not included in the Canter entry fee.)

The Canter is organized by Armidale Athletic Club as part of the Armidale Autumn Festival. Results published in the Armidale Express.

Trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd males and females, first school team, first university college team and first corporate team. A team can have four or more people. Results are based on the first four in the team to finish.

Net proceeds go to our local SES.

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FITNESS BOXING Please note: This is NOT a full contact class Learn boxing skills such as:

• punching • evasive techniques • pad work • foot work • 60 minute

duration. When and where: Thursdays at 5.45. Meet in the foyer of the TAS Sports Centre.

Circuit Class

Come and join in a circuit class!!! A dynamic 1 hour session with uplifting music conducted and

supervised by Chris Doherty

Go as hard or as easy as you like!!!!!

When: Mondays 6.15 – 7.15 pm Tuesdays 5.15 – 6.15 pm Saturdays 4.15 – 5.15 pm Where: TAS Weights Room

Costs for classes are: First class free then $8 (TAS staff and students are only $7)

W W W . C D P T . N E T . A U Contact  Chris  Doherty  on  6771  1158  or  0414  984  378  

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