TAS TALKSTHE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF THE ARMIDALE SCHOOL

Wednesday 6 March, 2o13 Term 1 Week 6House on Duty Tyrrell, 0439 041 606

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

HEADMASTER, MURRAY GUEST

Founders’ Day and the Belltower SocietyLast Wednesday students from Years 3 to 12 crowded into the Memorial Hall to celebrate the 119th anniversary of the founding of the School in 1894. The Founders’ Day event was initiated in 2010 as a means of linking the current experience of TAS students to the traditions of the generations that have gone before. Whilst it may appear as just a short break in the usual proceedings of the day, it is also a statement to our student community that they are a part of something larger than themselves and that their school’s identity has developed over many years.Each year a different element of TAS life is explored through short presentations from some of our students. Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, the 2013 theme was the TAS Activities program and students heard and saw something of the origins and purpose of our Cadet Unit, Rural Fire Service training, Surf Lifesaving, Pioneers, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and the most recent addition, Year 6 Rangers.

I enjoyed sharing the notion of Founders’ Day with a gathering of some of our most senior TAS Old Boys in Sydney last Friday, ‘The Belltower Society’. Named after the structure above Tyrrell House that carries the scrawled names of so many past TAS boys, the Belltower Society is for TAS Old Boys who have passed 70 years. Members of that august group gather together in Armidale, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and elsewhere on a regular basis and their stories are sometimes shocking, but always entertaining. Between meetings they share their recollections through the publication ‘Tales from the Tower’ which is fast becoming an important part of the written history of the School. Anyone interested in looking through this window to the past can find ‘Tales from the Tower’ at: http://www.as.edu.au/community/Alumni/belltower.php

NCIS SwimmingYesterday the cream of TAS swimming competed at the North Coast Independent Schools Championships in Lismore and performed with distinction. The TAS secondary team finished 3rd in the 10 school competition behind Bishop Druitt and Lindisfarne – a fine performance given that we are the only boys’ school in this group and therefore not eligible for half the races. More importantly though, it was a pleasure to be with the TAS team and I was again proud to be associated with a group with such good manners and sportsmanship.This competition is the next step from our school carnival and the pathway for our most competitive swimmers to move on to further representative honours and I offer congratulations to the 5 primary and 8 secondary swimmers who will represent the NCIS at Homebush later this month and in April. Special congratulations also go to age runner up Jack Kaynes and champions Liam Donaldson, Jay Kennedy and Angus Brunsdon for their impressive performances.

TAS TALKS 2

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 7Wednesday 13 March Year 10 Music Day at NECOM3.30-5.30pm Athletics pre championship events6.30pm Choral Communion Thursday 14 March HSC Music Day at NECOM Year 7 Vaccinations

Friday 15 March Activities Day 2 Junior School Athletics - field eventsCancelled Regional Kayaking weekend at Nymboida

Saturday 16 March Tennis, basketball and cricket (1st , 2nd) vs Woodlawn at Lismore Armidale Autumn Festival Cancelled Regional Kayaking weekend at Nymboida

Sunday 17 March Tennis, basketballl and cricket (1st , 2nd) vs Woodlawn at Lismore Monday 18 March3.30-5.00pm Athletics pre-Championships events

Tuesday 19 March3.30-5.00pm Athletics pre-Championships events Summer Sport/House Photos

Tough Men the Ocean and the Triple CrownTwo big physical challenges are beckoning in the next few weeks for TAS boys who think they are up to it. This weekend TAS will enter six 4-man teams in the annual Inverell Tough Man competition. This oddly appealing event will see teams of all ages flipping tractor tyres, climbing hay bales, crawling through mud under barbed wire and variously torturing themselves for little more than their own amusement. There will be honour at stake of course and I am sure that some will be sucking up the pressure over the next few days.The next challenge a fortnight later is much more mainstream, but a big one all the same. A full coach load of our strongest swimmers, including many of our triathletes and all our surf lifesavers, will compete in the 2km Coffs Ocean Swim. This event draws hundreds of aspiring iron men and women and has become a feature event in the TAS adventure calendar.

Whilst the Inverell Tough Man is not a prerequisite for anything other than madness, the Coffs Ocean Swim is the first leg in the TAS Triple Crown. This new and highly elite recognition is awarded to those who successfully complete the Ocean Swim, City to Surf and Hawkesbury Classic during their secondary years at TAS. To those setting off on this path, I wish you well.

ARU PartnershipAs the rather wet summer sporting season draws to a close, TAS is preparing to host two high profile rugby events this weekend in preparation for the season ahead. On Saturday Australian Rugby Union High Performance staff will conduct an Advanced Coaching Session for coaches from right across the Northern Inland region. Then on Sunday we will host squads, include 15 TAS players, from the ARU North Coast Junior Gold Program for a series of skill development sessions and games. These events are part of the formal partnership that TAS has entered into with the ARU and its Junior Gold Program. The partner-ship will see the regional JGP based at TAS and it will provide TAS and other local coaches access to skill development from some of the best in the business. It is a relationship that has great promise for TAS and I look forward to seeing it develop.

ParadingThe Armidale Show last weekend was amongst the wettest in memory, but that didn’t dampen the spirits or dull the success of our the TAS Cattle Team. Enjoying the shelter of the main pavilion, the TAS cattle impressed the judges and this bodes well for the season ahead and, ultimately, the Sydney Show. Most impressive though were the paraders and I offer special congratulations to Tom Costello on winning the 12 years and under competition and Will Lambell on taking out the prestigious 18 to 25 years competition.

TAS TALKS 3

CHAPLAIN, RICHARD NEWTON

Word Watch #2 1 John 2:1-11As I trawled through the list of new words added to the Oxford and Collins Dictionaries over the last week in the hope of finding a golden word that may assist us, I came across words that entered the dictionary only one hundred year ago. It’s a somewhat surprising list, including words like vitamin and ambivalence. Most of the new words reflect the discoveries of the time – both in the fields of science and culture. Much like the push of new words being forged by the multitude of social net working and text messaging now.There is another category that finds itself appearing that comes from the dominance of a particular character in the culture of the day. The dawning of a new age a century ago brought the new word Churchillian, with obvious reference to Winston Churchill, who would be a defining figure on the world stage in decades to come. So the dictionary entry reads like this: Churchillian adjective Churchill, Sir Winston in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of Churchill, Sir Winston in the US English dictionary(1874–1965), British Conservative statesman, Prime Minister 1940-5 and 1951-5Prime Minister of the coalition government in 1940 and led Britain throughout the war, f orging and maintaining the alliance which defeated the Axis Powers.

To use in a sentence, you might say “the leadership being demonstrated by Darcy built to Churchillian heights as he led the school community through many great battles to its first GPS rugby premiership.”

Again this is an interesting concept to ponder. Could words grow from our own community of impressive characters? Could we have dictionary entries such as Smithian for those who frequent the gym; or Thatcharianism for the propensity to wear green; or even Jonesian to describe the love of scrapping?

There is another word that we frequently adopt, but as with many of us attempting to expand our vocabulary, we often misuse a word. Many of us claim the word Christian. We use it to describe a belief system, yet when the word was first forged, it didn’t describe an institution or a box on the census form, it described those who trusted in Jesus enough to follow him, literally walk in His footsteps. A short time after Jesus, writers were keen to maintain this definition and so we have John writing things as we have just read like “6 Whoever claims to live in him (ie. anyone who calls themself a Christian) must live as Jesus did.”Or, “Anyone who claims to be in the light (ie. anyone who calls themself a Christian) but hates is still in the darkness.”To use the adjective ‘Christian’ of oneself means to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

COUNSELLOR, ROB HADFIELD

It’s interesting how some things that look so unpromising to begin with turn out well in the end. That was certainly true of last weekend when fathers and Year 9 sons went bush. The rain at Gibraltar Range was torrential, the Park was closed and it looked like the end of plan A, B, C and D. In fact, it looked like we had nowhere to go but home again, to Dubbo, Moree and various other places. Eventually ending up at Newsome’s woolshed was nothing short of a miracle. We had a good time of it and the venue had a lot going for it.

I certainly enjoyed meeting up with so many fathers and sons and being part of something that felt important. We covered a lot of territory in our sessions and some good things were opened up in conversation. Laying foundations for the mid-adolescent transition makes this weekend an important event each year. The boys who came to the first one six years ago are now turning 21. I wonder how things are unfolding in the father – son relationship these days.

The joke so many fathers suggested was needed to make them read the Counsellor’s Corner each week goes like this: Can you guess who said the rain would cease at 6pm on Friday 1 March and that we could be confident of clear weather for the weekend?

It wasn’t me. It wasn’t Jim. Yes you got it!!!

The weekend was worth staying the distance for in the end. It’s worth remembering that even though some beginnings look ordinary, that is not the last word, ever.

TAS TALKS 4

P&F ASSOCIATION, PRESIDENT - SANDRA KAYNES

CLOTHING SHOP, VIV TEARLE - CO-ORDINATOR

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 next week! If you are able to help in anyway please contact Sally Carmichael on 0408 388 444 or sally.carmichael@outlook.com

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.

Primary Rugby Carnival The primary rugby carnival is on 13 and 14 April, the first weekend of the school holidays. This is a fantastic weekend of not only rugby for the visiting teams from NSW and QLD but a great opportunity to show off our great school. We are looking for volun-teers to cook (cakes, slices and the BBQ’s at school), sell on the cake stalls, make up lunches and assist in the McConville Centre. If you could spare any time during this huge weekend please contact Sandra Kaynes on 0438 373 189 or skaynes@bigpond.com Any assistance you could spare over this weekend, whether it is baking or giving up your generous time, it would be greatly appreciated.

In this edition: •AllGovernmentsmustgetGonskiright! •StateFundingCutsUpdatefromDrGeoffNewcombe,ExecutiveDirector,AISNSW •PartneringforourChildren-goodparentengagementgoesalongway! •HasyoursonordaughterstartedBoardingSchoolthisyear?RichardStokes,ExecutiveDirector,AustraliaBoarding Schools Association •ScaryScalingintheHSC-ClickhereforfurtherinformationandtoreserveyourspotAnd more....Check out www.parentscouncil.nsw.eduu.au

http://parentscouncil.nsw.edu.au

Middle School Boarding Jersey

These are now available from the Clothing Shop Cost $75

LOST ITEMS

Jay Kennedy inadvertently left his 2012 NSW Country Swimming towel behind after the TAS Swimming Championships in the pool

ACTIVITIES DAY 2 - 14 -15 March

LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND ADVENTURE

Activity Day 2 commences with a back brief by the SUO and Coy Commanders to the CO MAJ Thatcher on Thursday 7 March at 1.15pm. Orders will be delivered to all cadets on Tuesday 12th Mar during Period 3 (normally Assembly).Cadets in 3 Platoon and 5 Platoon will attend an overnight bivouac on Thursday night 14 March. Cadet leaders in 1 Platoon will also go out on the bivouac and then marry-up with their platoon at Dumaresq Dam on Friday morning.

A Coy1 Platoon - Dumaresq DamCanoeingRiver CrossingFieldcraft ExercisesParade 8.40am Fri 15th MarchDismissal 5.00pm

2 Platoon - Gara GorgeAbseiling Roping ActyRATELParade 8.40am Fri 15th MarchDismissal 5.00p

3 Platoon + 1 Platoon leaders Mt DuvalOvernight Bivouac Parade 3.45pm Thur 14th MarchDismissal 3.30pm Fri 15th March

B Coy4 Platoon - Dumaresq DamCanoeingWater Safety / SurvivalFirst Aid / RATELTri-Lesson (2)Field CookingParade 8.40am Fri 15th MarchDismissal 5.00pm

Correct as at: 26 Feb 2013

A Coy B Coy C Coy

1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4 Platoon 5 Platoon 6 Platoon 7 Platoon 8 Platoon 9 Platoon

Platoon Commander

CUO C. Butcher

CUO S. Doyle CUO N. Murray CUO J. Simmons

CUO H. Abey

CUO Broadbent-Wicks

CUO P. Williamson

CUO B. Harradine

CUO B. Morley

Platoon Sergeant SGT T. Gall SGT N. Finney

SGT B. Broster

SGT T. Kingham SGT B. Hutchison SGT T. Stier SGT W. Claridge

SGT B MacDougall

SGT S. Redhead

Section Leader

SGT W. Raliegh SGT R. Butcher SGT K Fergusson CPL W. Waterson LCPL J. Bourke

CPL E. Chung

CPL L. Pollard

CPL R. Baile CPL S. Danke

CPL E. Monk

Section Leader SGT D. Quast CPL J. Jackson CPL L. Apps CPL A. Braham CPL C. Holcombe CPL B Kelly-Wirth

CPL A. Chambers

CPL T. Cunningham

CPL H. Morton CPL C. Sellar

Section Leader CPL C. Grant CPL A. Munro CPL H. Coldham CPL C. Wyatt

CPL T. Peters

LCPL J. Kingham CPL J. Hunt CPL N. Day CPL A. Jenkyn CPL R. Pullar

CDT B. Doak CDT B. Power C. Bailey (Exch)

CDT L Erskine-Smith CDT H. Coupland H. Whitelaw (Exch)

CDT C. Bourke CDT L. Howard CDT T. Butler

CDT Hardingham CDT L. Chappell

RADIO CDT J. Dennis CPL N. Taber CDT I. Dillon SGT F. Gifford SGT T. Mailler CPL B Cartwright SGT G. Guyer CDT W. Smith CDT F. Moore CPL W. Sajjev CDT A. Carlon

CDT Angus Roxborough-Batt

Q-STORE

CDT G Sedgwick

CDT H Williams

CDT T. Witts

THE ARMIDALE SCHOOL CADET UNIT KEY APPOINTMENTS - 2013

OC A Coy - CUO J. Tearle 2IC A Coy - CUO T. May CSM A Coy - SGT W. Lambell

-

OC C Coy – CUO N. Allen CUO A. Blunt

SUO - CUO M. Maunder 2IC - CUO A. Wright OC B Coy - CUO D. Sole 2IC B Coy - CUO N. McCarroll

Correct as at: 26 Feb 2013

A Coy B Coy C Coy

1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon 4 Platoon 5 Platoon 6 Platoon 7 Platoon 8 Platoon 9 Platoon

Platoon Commander

CUO C. Butcher

CUO S. Doyle CUO N. Murray CUO J. Simmons

CUO H. Abey

CUO Broadbent-Wicks

CUO P. Williamson

CUO B. Harradine

CUO B. Morley

Platoon Sergeant SGT T. Gall SGT N. Finney

SGT B. Broster

SGT T. Kingham SGT B. Hutchison SGT T. Stier SGT W. Claridge

SGT B MacDougall

SGT S. Redhead

Section Leader

SGT W. Raliegh SGT R. Butcher SGT K Fergusson CPL W. Waterson LCPL J. Bourke

CPL E. Chung

CPL L. Pollard

CPL R. Baile CPL S. Danke

CPL E. Monk

Section Leader SGT D. Quast CPL J. Jackson CPL L. Apps CPL A. Braham CPL C. Holcombe CPL B Kelly-Wirth

CPL A. Chambers

CPL T. Cunningham

CPL H. Morton CPL C. Sellar

Section Leader CPL C. Grant CPL A. Munro CPL H. Coldham CPL C. Wyatt

CPL T. Peters

LCPL J. Kingham CPL J. Hunt CPL N. Day CPL A. Jenkyn CPL R. Pullar

CDT B. Doak CDT B. Power C. Bailey (Exch)

CDT L Erskine-Smith CDT H. Coupland H. Whitelaw (Exch)

CDT C. Bourke CDT L. Howard CDT T. Butler

CDT Hardingham CDT L. Chappell

RADIO CDT J. Dennis CPL N. Taber CDT I. Dillon SGT F. Gifford SGT T. Mailler CPL B Cartwright SGT G. Guyer CDT W. Smith CDT F. Moore CPL W. Sajjev CDT A. Carlon

CDT Angus Roxborough-Batt

Q-STORE

CDT G Sedgwick

CDT H Williams

CDT T. Witts

THE ARMIDALE SCHOOL CADET UNIT KEY APPOINTMENTS - 2013

OC A Coy - CUO J. Tearle 2IC A Coy - CUO T. May CSM A Coy - SGT W. Lambell

-

OC C Coy – CUO N. Allen CUO A. Blunt

SUO - CUO M. Maunder 2IC - CUO A. Wright OC B Coy - CUO D. Sole 2IC B Coy - CUO N. McCarroll

5 Platoon - Peatfields Overflow (Little Mt Duval)Overnight Bivouac Parade 3.45pm Thur 14th MarchDismissal 3.30pm Fri 15th March

6 Platoon - UNE Property ‘Kirby’Navigation TrainingTeam Building ExTri-Lesson (2)RATELParade 8.40am Fri 15th MarchDismissal 5.00pm

C Coy - UNE Property ‘Kirby’Overnight Bivouac Parade 3.45pm Thur 14th MarchDismissal 3.30pm Fri 15th March

The Armidale School Cadet Unit - Key Appointments for 2013SUO-CUO M Maunder 2IC-CUO A Wright

TAS TALKS 5

TAS TALKS 6

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.

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

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

We’re Off to France - Four Spaces LeftYou still have an opportunity to join Ms Tamminga and Mr White on this extraordinary journey.We have sixteen participants and thus four places left. So if you are still considering it please contact Reception.

This is an opportunity to spend a week in Paris then head to the countryside and visit Monet’s garden at Giverney, Mount St Michel and the chateaus of the Loire.Plus time at the Asterix theme park!!

FOUNDATION, CRESSIDA MORT

TAS TALKS 7

Foundation 30th Anniversary Cocktail Party

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

SAVE THIS DATEThe 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 Foundation, please call /email Cressida on cmort@as.edu.au or 0417 271 835

Activities program the focus of Founders’ Day From cadets and surf lifesaving to kayaking and the Rural Fire Service, The Armidale School’s long tradition of outdoor education was commemorated at the school’s Founders Day assembly last week (in February).

The Activities program at TAS began with the foundation in 1897 of the school cadet unit – now the second oldest in Australia. Surf Lifesaving was introduced when the school introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in 1967; bush fire brigade, and other outdoor programs including Pioneers, followed.

“Whether it is abseiling or doing surf lifesaving or trekking overseas, there are many opportunities that give us experiences and challenges we can learn from – even if they don’t always seem like fun at the time,” Year 8 student Tom Wright told the assembly.

Senior Prefect Darcy James told some tales about his own gorge trek last year to qualify for his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.“I regard it as one of the most challenging things I have done. I look back on it with my mates and every time we share a laugh about Mr Derrin’s hallucinations, our soupy pancakes, and even the possum that ate our flour. Without that trek, and without that experience, I wouldn’t be able to talk about the fun I had, about our less than average navigation, about how far we trekked, or even about how good you feel when its over,” Darcy said.“The freedom to choose what you want to do is something that makes this program a continual success. If you wanted to, you could do a bike ride as your expedition, or a kayak, or even climb Mt. Kosciusko. The joy of doing the Duke of Ed. is that it is all about you, and for that reason, it is entirely suited to your preferences, to your dislikes, and to your aspirations.”

TAS TALKS 8

DIRECTOR OF CO-CURRICULAR, JASON LINCOLN

SPORT, JASON LINCOLN

TAS Football The inaugural AGM for the TAS Football Club was held on Tuesday 26 February in the McConville Centre. Office bearers were elected to the new positions as follows: President Brad Evans, Vice President Tim Hadfield, Secretary (MIC) Luke Polson, Coaching Director Barry Knowles, Social Convenors Janine Ranck, Terri Boulus, ADFA Representative Richard MacKenzie. The new committee looks forward to developing and raising the profile of football throughout TAS and the entire school community. We have a busy few months ahead with the goal of fielding 3 senior sides as well as all junior age divisions in the local ADFA competition.The TAS Football Club is excited that our school will be hosting the North Coast Independent Schools Football Carnival on Tuesday 12th March. This carnival, which has previously been held in Coffs Harbour, will attract around 300 football players, coaches and supporters to our school for the day. We are also pleased to announce that TAS will this year be entering into one of the world’s largest team sport competitions, the Bill Turner Cup. Over 400 teams nominate each year for this prestigious knockout competition for 15 year old boys & under. Tim Hadfield will be coaching this side and will be holding trials shortly.Calling all Old Boys, parents and other members of the school community who are interested in playing senior football in the local competition for TAS FC to please contact either Brad Evans on 0458 272 323 or Luke Polson lpolson@as.edu.au Luke Polson, MIC

Next Monday sees our first Athletics afternoon followed by further after school event days on Wednesday 13 March and Mon-day 1 March. The MS/SS Athletics Championships will be held on the last Wednesday 27 March. The boys are aware that like the swimming championships the Athletics Championships are mass participation events where boys are strongly encouraged to participate in all events. Results from the Championships go toward selecting the team to compete at both the GPS Champion-ships on 11 May 2013 and later in Term 3 the NCIS Championships in Coffs Harbour.

On the main day of events, and the days prior to the main day, boys are to wear their House polo shirt, or House athletics singlets and PE shorts and running shoes.

BBQ LunchOn the day of the Championships lunch will be provided for all boys and their families.

All information regarding the carnival can be found on the TAS Website at: http://teams.as.edu.au/groups/athletics/Summer Sport PhotosPhotos of our Summer Sport teams and some specialty groups will be taken at TAS on Tuesday 19 March. Details of what to wear and a full schedule can be found at: http://teams.as.edu.au/groups/sport/

This week sees our students participating in events across the State including our swimmers at the North Coast Independent Schools’ Championships at Lismore, our Tennis Players competing in Inverell and our Rowers once again giving their best at the prestigious GPS Head of the River at Penrith.It is important to not only recognise our boys efforts at times like this but also to thank our staff whose efforts behind the scenes in organising and developing our young men is one of the great strengths of our school.Closer to home our Chess team is preparing for the local schools competition and the TAS Speakers are in the midst of organising some major events in upcoming weeks including welcoming some very special guests to our school.

TAS TALKS 9

ShootingNew England District Rifle Association Prize Shoot - Sunday 10 MarchTAS Rifle Club will compete at this prize shoot at Spring Ridge. Fullbore shooters meet at the Armoury at 5.45am Sunday.

Firearms Safety TrainingFor all new boys to shooting, firearms safety training will be held on Tuesday 12th March and Tuesday 19th March in S0-1. Boys need to attend one of these training sessions. I will nominate boys for each session. The P650 form 'Permission to Undertake Firearms Safety Training' must be returned to Mr Thatcher (with adult's proof of ID - eg. copy of driver licence) prior to boys attending the training session.

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 interest 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 Club - SundayInterested 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.

TAS Hockey Club Launch and Welcome BBQThe Sportsmaster, MIC Hockey and the recently formulated TAS Hockey Club committee would like to formally invite all current and interested TAS Hockey players and families to a club launch and registration BBQ for the 2013 winter season. The BBQ is to be held at The McConville Centre on Friday 15 March from 4 till 6pm.

TAS Hockey Club is the beginning of an exciting new phase in the sport’s history at TAS and we welcome any current family members, Old Boys or interested students to come aboard and play hockey for TAS Hockey Club in the 2013 Hockey New England winter competition. We are indeed optimistic that we will be able to field a Mens B Grade and C Grade side this year, as well as a host of Junior teams. Any support would be greatly appreciated and beneficial to the ongoing development of our many fine young TAS hockey players.

Recently, six TAS Hockey Club coaches attended a weekend coaches accreditation course run by former international and FIH Grade 1 Coach Ivan Boulton of OZSports. This is just one example of the commitment TAS Hockey Club have to ensuring a quality experience and developmental pathways for our young players. We look forward to providing such opportunities to our young players and look forward to introducing many to more competitive hockey through player mentoring in Mens Grade Competitions.

If you have any questions, there will be a Club Meeting held today (Wednesday 6) at 4pm in the McConville Centre, or contact the Club Secretary, Alex Portell on 0458 006 053 or at aportell@as.edu.au.

Audio Engineering at TASThe Music Department is now accepting enrolments from students interested in developing their skills in sound recording and audio engineering. The Music Department recently refurbished the recording studio which now contains state-of-the-art digital multi track digital recording gear. Our set up includes a range of excellent microphones for most recording situations as well as the ability to mix in surround sound. Training on Protools is available although we also run Logic. For further information please email music@as.edu.au or visit our music webpage - music.as.edu.au

Boarders Practice By completing regular practice students are more likely to achieve a positive outcome on an instrument. TAS is committed to supporting this process by granting boarding students access to the TAS Music Centre after hours. Although boarders will generally determine their own times (when the Centre is open), they might need a helping hand from their instrumental tutor or from the Boarders’ Practice Supervisor to get organised. At any point in the year boarders may shift their practice times around as long as this is arranged with the Boarders’ Practice Supervisor.During practice sessions students are expected to work on practice objectives set by instrumental tutors as their first priority. In addition to this, students may also jam with friends, improvise, and play for enjoyment. It is a good idea that students bring their practice book so the supervisor can assist where required.Boarders practice times are as follows: Monday , Tuesday, Thursday and SaturdayMiddle School students practice from 7-8:30pm (Mon, Tues, Thurs) and on Sat from 3-5.00pmSenior School students practice from 7-9pm (Mon, Thurs) 7:30-9pm (Tues) and on Sat from 3-5.00pm For further information please email music@as.edu.au

Music (curriculum based) - Annual NECOM Music Days NECOM will once again present their annual workshops for Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 elective music students. The Music workshop for year 9 and 10 elective music students, to be held on Wednesday 13 March, is designed to bring music students from around the New England/North West region for a day of fun syllabus-based practical activities to complement their elective classroom work. The cost of the Music day is $25 per student and will be charged to the School account of year 9/10 elective Music students. The HSC Music workshop, to be held on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 March, although due to Activities Day, TAS students are only permitted to attend the workshop on the 14th. The HSC workshops are specifically designed to prepare year 11 and 12 music students for the written exam, performance exam and submitted works for HSC Music. The cost is $45 per student for the one day and will be charged to the School account of each Year 11 Music student (Year 12 Music students will have received information from the NEGS music dept). The NECOM HSC music days should be viewed as a highly valuable opportunity in which students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the curriculum in preparation for the HSC.

All students involved are to bring their own lunch and morning tea. Transport will be provided by TAS to and from NECOM on Wednesday and Thursday - 8:45 Departure and 3:30 return (book room). Students are permitted to wear casuals.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, NIK GLASS

DrumlineI am excited to announce we will be starting a drum line at TAS this year.

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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

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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

Congratulations to Fiona Taber on her recent engagement to Andrew Fraser. We wish them a very happy future together.

Autumn FestivalThis year our Middle School will represent TAS at the Autumn Festival Parade. We are hopeful that a significant number of our day and boarding students will participate in this important community event. The exact timings have not been confirmed but we anticipate that the boys will be required for most of the morning. Boys participating in this event will be given community service hours.

Grandparents DayWe are looking forward to welcoming all our Grandparents on Friday 22 March. This is a special day for the boys as I know how much they value their Grandparents and love to show them around their class rooms and their school.

Sport Wet Weather ProcedureParents, please be advised that due to wet weather, coaches may elect to have an indoor coaching session or decide to cancel training. Coaches will contact reception by 3:30 pm to provide notification of cancellation. Please contact your son’s coach or the main reception on 6776-5800 if you have any concerns with sport cancellations.

Rangers Activities Day 2 – Friday, 15 March 2013Dress: Rangers shirt, Rangers hat, blue jeans, belt, joggers, socksBring: Rangers backpack, Rangers water-bottle (full), rope, jumper, raincoat, note book and pen, Personal medication.Timings: 0845 hrs – roll call and embus for immediate departure. 1530 hrs – Dismissal at TASMeals: ProvidedActivities: Fire lighting, damper cooking, tent construction, Introduction to the compass and navigation activities, Climbing activitiesTraining Location: Mr Harris’ property near Dumaresq Dam

Activities Day No. 1 Rangers: the cooperation, team building and trust activities provided a lot of fun on activities day. In this particular activity the students were asked to all sit down but only with the use of one chair.

CongratulationsAt the Armidale Show last Friday Thomas Costello from year 6D achieved outstanding results in the following by winning the 12 years and under Cattle Paraders Competition and was only beaten by his cousin Will Lambell (Year 12 at TAS), in winning the 8 to 25 years paraders competition.

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HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL, DENNIS DEMPSTER

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Thomas has won 3 events this year, including the overall parading title at Tenterfield Show. Attached photo was from the Angus Youth National Roundup at Dubbo in January where Thomas won the Junior Parading. He has the Walcha Show this Friday and he will be competing at the Sydney Royal the week of Sunday 17 March. He will be competing in Angus and Charolais Youth competitions and also leading some of his family's Stud Angus and Charolais.Well done Thomas!

Year 6 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held this Friday, 8 March 2013This year TAS is moving to an online system to book parent teacher interview times. Emails have now been sent out to parents. If you have not received this email please contact Alison Evans on 6776 5819 as soon as possible.

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL, IAN LLOYD

From Ian Lloyd

Junior School Contact Booklet

The publication of this booklet has recently been discussed at length by the Executive of the School and the decision has been made that it will, unfortunately, no longer occur. The process in the past has been inaccurate, unwieldy and very complicated, one which created a hard copy of a booklet that became out of date, with the possibility of being accessed by some for whom the information was not originally intended. Bearing in mind the importance of using correct procedures, in line with the prin-ciples outlined in the Privacy Act, the School is now investigating means by which this information can be made available for those who are comfortable to make the decision to do so. I will address this issue again in upcoming editions of TASTalks once this process is complete.

You’re invited to a special event to support The School of St Jude in Tanzania

Come along to hear the inspiring story of Gemma Sisia, founder of St Jude’s, and how she started one of the most successful educational programs in Africa. Date: Thursday, 14th March Venue: TAS Memorial Hall Cost: $2 students

$5 adults (donations at the door)

Bookings: TAS Junior School

6776 5817 Ms Fiona Chappell Mrs Christine Wright

Come and meet Gemma on 14th March in the TAS Memorial Hall at 2pm. $2 donation per person.

www.schoolofstjude.org

D

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The Armidale ShowThis year, TAS Junior School were very well presented at he Show, with our students and classes both singularly and in combina-tion, entering many categories with huge success. Outlined below is a table of result and we congratulate all of our participants who I know had a lot of fun preparing their entries, both from home and from school. Our thanks also go to Mrs Tania Ball and Mrs Anne Hine, who donated many hours to the School in the setting up and collection of materials before and after the event. It was greatly appreciated by us all.

Looking Ahead Wednesday 6 March Year 2 AssemblyThursday 7 March Life Education Van Tuesday 12 March Life Education VanWednesday 13 March Year 3 Assembly Friday 15 March Activities Day 2 – Junior School Field eventsSaturday 16 March St Patricks Day Autumn Festival Parade

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

The School of St JudeMuch has been said about Gemma Sisia’s visit to Armidale to speak about her life’s experiences - most notably her vision to cre-ate a School in Tanzania, for those who otherwise would go without an education. Her story is inspirational and we are indeed very fortunate to have Gemma at TAS, speaking with our students. We warmly welcome our parents and friends to join us in the TAS Memorial Hall on Thursday March 14 at 2.00 pm. Bookings through Fiona Chappell are essential. A small donation of $2 per child will be collected by the classroom teachers leading up to the event and for adults, $5 will be collected at the door.

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Armidale ShowThe Junior School produced some fantastic art and crafts that were entered in various sections of the Armidale Show.From sewing to war hammers, vegetables to drawing, the children should be very proud of them selves.The following students were awarded a prize for their section:Name Place CategorySam Ball Highly Commended 12 years & Under Colour Photograph- PeopleMillie Coupland 3rd 8 yrs and under - DrawingTom Ball 2nd Colouring competitionAngus Ditchfield 3rd Colouring competitionLucas Thornton 2nd Art - painting a chickenBlair Eichorn 2 Firsts and a 3rd Pumpkin, Squash and CucumberSophia Rutledge 3rd Fine arts - Spider drawingIsabel McBean 2nd Wind turbine construction Reserve Champion& 1st Drawing of Saumarez 3rd Hand Posy 3rd Quick and easy free expressionHudson Eichorn 1st Table PumpkinBen Rowe Champion and 1st Lego constructionRuby Straker 1st Child’s paintingZaiden Kennedy 1st Clay ModelChloe Lincoln 2nd Lego constructionJack Ackling 3rd DrawingCotter Litchfield 3rd PaintingBlake Whitehill 1st Colouring competition (pre-school and under)Peyton Slade 2nd Colouring competition (pre-school and under)Tom Rowe 3rd Colouring competition (pre-school and under)Tom Burke 2nd Pre School Age & under Painting 2nd Pre School Age & under DrawingTAS Transition 2nd Pre School Group PosterAlex Webber 2nd ArtDominic Ferguson 2nd Heaviest pumpkinFinn Daugherty 2nd Modelling other than lego 3rd PotteryLiam Matherson 1st Cloth paintingStuart Epworth 2nd LegoRiley Eichorn 3rd LegoCooper Gerdes 2nd Stand alone pumpkin 3rd Heaviest PumpkinJacob Smith 3rd Model shipSophia Rutledge and Isabel Mcbean 2nd Wind turbines on the farmOscar Henzell, Charlie Rutledge and Angus Alford 3rd Battery powered Lego speedsterYrs 2 & 4 2nd Primary PosterMr Portell 1st place and Champion Crab Apple JellyPeter Evans 3rd U8 Pottery section.Peter and Mitchell Evans 2nd Table Pumpkin - child 3rd Open pumpkin

Student AbsencesPlease note that it would be appreciated if parents would contact the Junior School to advise of student illness, family holidays or appointments. This enables us to keep an accurate record of our students’ attendances.

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JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT, KIRSTY BRUNSDON

Lost PropertyLachlan Thornton has lost his school hat. Would you please keep an eye out for this item of clothing.Also missing in the Junior School, a sports bag and blazer. Please check the clothing your child has taken home to ensure they have not accidently collected an item that does not belong to them and check your child clothing is labelled correctly.BasketballAll parents and students need to refer to the Basketball website each Friday to confirm times for games the following week. The information is put up there either thursday night or during Friday. The website is http://teams.as.edu.au/groups/basketball/

TAS Yellow - Ms BromwichWhat a difference a season makes. TAS Yellow continues to go from strength to strength each week. TAS Yellow played against the Black Ravens. Although a new and younger team, the Black Ravens were fast and keen to succeed. Throughout the game the TAS players displayed a more relaxed approach, dribbling for longer periods and really utilising the positioning of various members of their team. What is pleasing to see is that TAS Yellow are starting to mark opponents, pivot with greater ease and are actually communicat-ing throughout the game. The improved attitude towards teamwork led to an impressive score of 30/nil. Sensational!!

TAS Red v TAS White - Christine WrightA fast moving and exciting game was held on Monday evening between our Mighty Year 5 team and the experienced Year 6 crew. The game was a tight knit one early in the piece with great game play between both teams this week. It is exciting to wit-ness the ever improving skills the boys are demonstrating during games this term. Huge improvements have been made by all boys, however, Charley Game-Lopata, Thomas Wu, Hugo Henzell and Michael Harrell are displaying greater involvement and a commitment to their teams. Fast action on the court resulted in some excellent attacking moves from Dillon Hill, Duncan Chalm-ers, Luke Evans and Henry O’Neil. The game continued with some excellent passages of play, with all players displaying great team work this week. The mighty TAS Red’s came away with a convincing win this week. Well done boys!!

Gymnastics 4.3.13 - Mrs Waters and Mrs TrenerryThe Week 6 Gymnastics program saw the children challenged to execute forward rolls without the support of the wedge and

Liz Ellis Comes To ArmidaleLiz Ellis is one of the most respected names in netball, with 2 Commonwealth Games Gold Medals, 3 World Championships Gold Medals, 4 National League titles and an Australian record 122 Tests.

Liz now shares her knowledge and experience as a netball commentator and as a coach. Now you can join her on the court as she brings the Liz Ellis Netball Clinics to Northern NSW! Liz will be conducting a coaching clinic in Armdale on Sunday.

The details are: •When:Sunday,10thMarch9am-3pm •Who:7-13yeargirls •Where:ArmidaleNetballCourts-LynchesRoad •How:Registration-onlineatwww.lizellis.com.au-netballclinicsCost: $65 each.

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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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Any boys interested in audtioning for this should contact Stephanie Kentish, Events Co-ordinator at the Armidale Dumaresq Council - email skentish@armidale.nsw.gov.au

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Age Groups: Under 6, 8, 10, 12 & 14 When: Friday Evenings @ 5.30pm 8th March, 15th March,22nd March & 5th April, 2013

Cost: $20.00 / child or $10 / week ( includes a sausage sizzle & drink ) Location: Moran Oval Smart Rugby Accredited coaches

Former Wallaby Stars Appearing

BBQ and Bar available for parents

Welcome to Rugby Kits available to purchase—$30 each Registration 5.00pm Friday, 8th March, 2013 Enquires to Lyndie: T. 0412 309 369, www.rugby.com.au/tryrugby

Junior

Try 7’s Rugby An Olympic Sport