TAS TALKSTHE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF THE ARMIDALE SCHOOL

Wednesday 10 April, 2o13 Term 1 Week 11House on Duty White, 0439 041 330

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

HEADMASTER, MURRAY GUESTHead of Middle SchoolThe process of advertising for and interviewing a wide field of candidates is now complete and it is my pleasure to announce that Mr Mark Harrison has agreed to take up the position of Head of Middle School following Dennis Dempster’s retirement at the end of next term. Mark’s wealth of educational leadership experience, extraordinary reputation as a teacher and deep understanding of all that is involved in this critical juncture in boys’ development will be welcome in our Middle School. I know that it is Mark’s intention to carry on the philosophy and good practice that has made Middle School such a successful part of TAS under Dennis Dempster’s leadership and that he will be working closely with Dennis over the coming term. I am also pleased to report that Mark will continue teaching HSC English in conjunction with his new Middle School role.

Update from the Sydney RoyalIn a follow-up from my recent comments on our performance at the Easter Show, I can now report that TAS performed well beyond earlier expectations in the final judging of the poultry competition. Not only were TAS chooks awarded 1st place in the ‘purebred layers team presentation’ and 1st place for the ‘purebred layers egg competition’, but TAS was awarded the prestigious Most Successful Exhibitor in Pure Bred Egg Laying Classes and 3rd place in the overall egg laying competition for the entire show.The TAS poultry program is a relatively new addition to the agriculture program at TAS and this success in the world of this huge and competitive industry will no doubt give Mike Ball and his team great encouragement as they look ahead. Once again, I would like to thank and congratulate the team for their great commitment to what is a very positive part of TAS life.

TAS Primary Rugby CarnivalThis coming weekend will see the School on show as around 3,000 visitors join us for the ninth TAS Rugby Carnival. With 48 teams from across Queensland and NSW competing, the TAS carnival is the biggest primary age rugby carnival in the country and hosting it is both a privilege and a great responsibility. Around 1,000 players will be treading our fields with their coaches, family and friends on the sidelines and the logistical demands of that are very substantial indeed. The carnival, which is the brainchild of Jason Lincoln, began in 2004. With around half the number of teams at that time, it was still the major carnival of its type in the country. Since then it has grown every year, a victim of its own success perhaps, and it is now a huge venture for a single school to be running. It remains the responsibility of Jason and I thank him very much for his continued commitment to it. Beyond the core staff team leading the carnival, dozens of volunteers will be there to support in catering, refereeing and generally looking after our guests. I am looking forward to the weekend very much and I take this opportunity to thank all our supporters very much for stepping up to make sure it is a proud weekend for TAS.

ANZAC DayYou will see details of arrangements for ANZAC Day services later in this edition of TAS Talks and I encourage you to take note of them. ANZAC Day falls in the second week of the school holidays this year, but that does not mean that it will be missed by the School. The TAS Cadet Guard will form the catafalque party for both the Dangarsleigh and Armidale services on April 25 and I wish those boys well as they support our community in this important service. I encourage all TAS students who are able to be in Armidale on the day to show their support by joining the march. The TAS contingent will gather at Moore Street, in formal uniform, at 10:20am ready to march at 10:40am.

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Wednesday 10 April2.00pm Year 9 Parent/Teacher interviews

Thursday 11 April2.00pm Year 9 Parent/Teacher interviews Classes conclude Friday 12 April Boarders depart Staff PD day4.00pm Players arrive TAS Rugby Carnival

Term 1 Week 11

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April Holidays 13/14 April TAS Rugby Carnival at TAS

13-20 April Forensic Science Camp at TAS

14-19 April Junior Round Square Conference - preconference tour

20-25April Junior Round Square Conference - Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School Bunbury, WA

24-29 April Service in Sydney and KYCK Camp

Kellys Plains Community Church Service

at Perrott Chapel, Kellys Plains

11am, Sunday 14 Aprilfollowed by morning tea

all welcome

Any queries please phone Rev Newton 0429 157 905

CHAPLAIN, RICHARD NEWTON

The school ANZAC service will be held on Thursday May 2 at 7:00am and our special guest will be Major General Paul Brereton. This year, the communion service which follows will include the dedication of new honour boards in the War Memorial Hall to recognise those TAS Old Boys who have served their country in active military service since the Vietnam War. All are welcome.

Holiday ActionBeyond the rugby carnival and ANZAC Day, the short holiday break ahead will see plenty of other school activity. Through the first week we will host over 100 talented Year 8 science enthusiasts for the annual Forensic Science Camp. This is our premier academic co-curricular activity for the year and with good numbers of TAS students attending, it promises to be a great week for the School. Plenty of preparation has gone into the camp already, with a team of student ‘controllers’ and ‘controller-managers’ working through the past eight months to design crime scenarios and prepare materials and evidence. All of this has been led by Cindy Barnsley with support from Seonia Wark and I thank them very much for their huge commitment to it.

At the same time, TAS will be represented at the Australasian and South East Asian Junior Round Square Conference at Bunbury Cathedral School in Western Australia. After their pre-conference tour through the South West with Trinity Anglican School (the other TAS) from Cairns, they will launch into an environment and service themed conference with the title: ‘From little things, big things grow’.

At the end of that first week, a TAS team of over 20 students and staff will join over 400 other cyclists on the 2013 ‘Tour de Rocks’. The three day journey from Armidale to South West Rocks will be purposeful as well as challenging as funds are raised for cancer research and I wish all our riders well for the trip.

To finish the holiday period, our chaplain Richard Newton will lead a group of students to undertake service work supporting the homeless in Sydney before heading to Katoomba for the annual ‘KYCK’ Christian youth convention. Our group will once again be hosted by Cranbrook School whilst in Sydney and I take this opportunity to thank Cranbrook for their generosity and support.

For all others, I wish you a happy and rejuvenating time with family and friends over the holiday break.

TAS TALKS 3

P&F ASSOCIATION, PRESIDENT - SANDRA KAYNES

Primary Rugby Carnival The primary rugby carnival is on this weekend 13,14 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 expecting 1150 players and their families! We are looking for volunteers 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 Please advise which day you can volunteer.We are looking for volunteers to cook the BBQ from 7am each day – please send me an email if you can help out. For the P&F this is a huge .fundraiser and profits from this event go back into our fantastic school.Wishing all families and staff happy holidays and safe travels!

HOSKINS CENTRE, EMMA BUZO - MANAGERThe cast of 'Antigone' set sail for their production in JuneThe twelve talented actors in this year's TAS/NEGS/PLC Year 11 Drama class will be presenting one of the classics of ancient Greek theatre on June 18th and 19th. Sophocles' 'Antigone' (pronounced An-tig-on-ee) is the tragic story of a young woman who remains loyal to her brother at all costs despite the narcissistic edicts of her uncle King Creon and eventually suffers the consequences. The cast have been working with UNE's Dr Lynn Everett this term on movement skills and a physical approach to text in the style of French theatre practitioner Jacques Lecoq. We hope to use this experience in rehearsals to create a rich, visceral and highly physical theatrical experience for the audience.

COUNSELLOR, ROB HADFIELDStudents and teachers are looking forward to two weeks break (time ‘off’) from face-to-face encounters in the classroom and school environs. It’s a ‘pause’. ‘Pauses’ really matter. Let’s use some ‘re’ words here. Pauses help us re-align ourselves, re-gather the scattered and fragmented bits of ourselves that have developed during the term, and to re-orientate to the challenges ahead in the new term. ‘Pauses’ are also a time for ‘re-freshment’, a time to re-balance, and a time to re-furbish our depleted resources and to re-arrange our life furniture in ways that serve us best.It helps not to rush into pausing but rather to let it sneak up on us in the process of letting go of the accumulated stresses of the term. If we rush at pausing we run the risk of the holidays being ‘more of the same’, a bit like being at school, full of activity, going ‘flat-out’. Pausing too, may be helped by approaching it intentionally, with a little thought about how best to nurture our self during the time ‘off’.So, happy pausing! I hope you get the balances right for you.

TAS TALKS 4

GENERAL SCHOOL NOTICES

Term 2 Week 2 Excursion WeekYear 10 to CanberraDuring Week 2 next term Year 10 will enjoying their annual excursion to Canberra.Below is the link for information on this excursionhttp://wordpress.as.edu.au/canberra13

Anzac DayAnzac Day 25 April is on Thursday of the second week of the holidays. Our ceremonial guard will provide the Catafalque Party at the Dangarsleigh service at 8.45am and the town service at 11.00am. Any local students interested in marching on the day at the town service are encouraged to attend in school formal uniform. Gather at Moore St at 10.20am for a 10.40 step-off.

TAS Anzac Memorial ServiceOur memorial service will be held on Thursday 2nd May (Week 1 Term 2) commencing at 7.00am. All students are encouraged to attend, gathering on Adamsfield at 6.45am. The cadet unit Year 8 and above will parade in DPCU sleeves rolled up, clean boots, black belt and slouch hat. Hat and belt will be issued at lunchtime on Tuesday prior.

Major Thatcher

The Headmaster, Mr Murray Guest

and Commanding Officer, TAS Cadets,

MAJOR Trevor Thatcher

invites you to attend

TAS ANZAC CEREMONY

on Adamsfield

Thursday 2 May 2013 at 7.00am

Guest Speaker

Major General Paul Brereton AM RFD

Head Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division

ADFAS - Thursday 11 April - Hoskins Centre - 6pmConserving the legacy of Scott and ShackletonMr Julian BickerstethJulian's abiding passion is the historic heritage of Antarctica. He is closely involved in the planning for the conservation of Mawson's Hut at Commonwealth Bay and the huts of Scott and Shackleton in the Ross Sea region. He visited the Ross Sea huts in 2004 and 2006, and is currently leading a program to conserve the contents of the huts over the next decade. 2012 marks the centenary of the attainment of the South Pole by Amundsen and the death of Scott during his return. The Ross Sea Region of Antarctica contains 3 surviving huts of the British Antarctic expeditions led by Scott and Shackleton between 1901 and 1913. Julian Bickersteth has been working on the conservation of the huts and the 15,000 artefacts they contain since 1997. This lecture covers the history of the expeditions and looks at these fascinating relics of the Heroic era of Antarctic exploration and the conservation issues they present.

UNE Open Day - 3 and 4 MayStudents interested in university study are encouraged to attend the UNE Open Day on Friday 3 May or Saturday 4 May. Check-out their website: http://www.une.edu.au/for/future-students/landing/openday.php

As Year 11 and 12 exams commence on Monday 6 May, TAS is not planning on having an organised school visit to the UNE Open Day. Parents/Students will need to seek leave for the Friday and make their own way to the Open Day. Otherwise Saturday is recommended for individual visits to UNE.

CAREERS, TREVOR THATCHER

LOST ITEMS

Clarry Butcher's jumper has been missing for several weeks - if anyone finds it please return to Reception or the Music Department.

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FOUNDATION, CRESSIDA MORT

FOUNDATION, CRESSIDA MORT

CELEBRATION OF GIVINGTAS Foundation 30th Anniversary Cocktail PartyFriday 3 May at Hoskins Centre from 6.00 – 9.00pm

The Armidale School Foundation would like to thank all those parents, Old Boys and friends of the school who have given so much to make TAS the extraordinary place it is.

Come and celebrate with usTickets $85 per person

includes a $50 tax deductible donation to the FoundationAND FEATURING A FANTASTIC AUCTION

Contact Veronica at TAS Reception

02 6776 5800 or vlucas@as.edu.au

The TAS Foundation is still looking for auction items !If you are able to donate an auction item (valued from$100 please) to the TAS Foundation’s 30th Anniversary Silent Auction, please let Cressida know….

Ideas include: jewellery (for the wonderful TAS women), meat (we are a boys school after all), wine, experiences, art, vases… small pets (no, I was joking about that one)

All donations of items GRATEFULLY received.Please contact Cressida on cmort@as.edu.au or phone 0417 271 835

So far our auction items include:Major auction item - Kindly donated by Ian and Angela Sole from National Trailers:Black 6’ x 4’ box trailer with private registration included. Valued over $2,000

Silent auction items: • 3 separate weeks of coastal holiday accommodation donated by the McDoualls, the Warricks and the Heaths - each valued at over $1,000 • Enormous Trampoline - donated by Di Johnson at Armidale Toys • James White print • Case of aged red wine from Mudgee vineyards - donated by Rob Busby • Signed Wallabies team jersey - June 2013 - donated by Kooga • Signed copy of Stephen Cooper’s book The Final Whistle, the Great War in 15 Players - signed by Michael Lynagh • A patchwork quilt donated by Ryan Mitchell’s family

Thank you so much to all these wonderful people who have come forward to donate am item to our auction, we really appreciate this.

Bookmark the date Friday 3 May for a great night.

TAS TALKS 6

DIRECTOR OF CO-CURRICULAR, JASON LINCOLN

TAS Football NewsBill Turner Cup SuccessCongratulations to the TAS Bill Turner Cup Side for their recent win on Monday against Glen Innes High, 7 - 1. This was the first round match for this competition, as the previous match was a qualifier. Our next game will be a home game to be played early next term. Special mention of the goal scorers from this match which were Jim Orr (2), Alex Boulus (1), Euan Spiers (3) and Michael Klepzig (1). This team is really playing well and we look forward to their next game. My thanks to their coach, Tim Hadfield, and the parents who drove the students to Glen Innes yesterday.

Football Pre-Season TourI had the privilege of accompanying the tour to Sydney last weekend with both the 1st XI team and a younger development side (14s). The 1sts played against 1st Barker and Cranbrook sides, and the (14s) played against Scots. The boys came up against some very challenging competition in their games, but were most enthused by the overall experience and came back very positive. The boys also enjoyed dinner with Paul Wade, an ex-Socceroo as well as a training session. My thanks go to Richard Newton for his organisation of the trip and to Allan Moore for driving and also joining us on the trip. A full report and gallery of photos will be available on the TAS Football webpage soon.

Football Coaching CourseTAS Football Club will be hosting a Grassroots Football coaching course on Tuesday 30th April from 4pm - 7pm. This course will be held at Doody Park. Please contact Luke Polson to book a place or for more information.

Football TransfersIf you are new to TAS Football Club this year and played with a different local club last year, I need to arrange to have you transferred to TAS Football Club. I can do this on your behalf. Please email me (lpolson@as.edu.au) with the following details:Player's Name:Player's Date of Birth:Player's Former Club:Last Season Played:This transfer process must be completed before you play your first game for TAS. Please send this information to me as soon as possible.

Another Busy Term at TAS I would like to congratulate all the students of TAS on their outstanding contributions to our school beyond the classroom over recent months. From rowing to Les Mis, from cricket tours to hosting football carnivals and the countless other opportunities it has been an enormous term. Our staff continue to support our boys in these endeavours and to that end I am most appreciative of all their outstanding contributions to the Co-Curricular life of our boys. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.

TAS Rugby CarnivalWe are delighted to be welcoming over one thousand budding young rugby players from across the Eastern seaboard to the beautiful grounds of TAS this weekend. I’d like to wish the young men representing our school the best of luck for the `carnival and to say yet again how amazed I am at the way the school community pulls together to host an event of this size. I look forward to seeing many of the TAS family over the course of the weeknd as we host this huge event.

TAS TALKS 7

Tennis NewsWill Waterson, Josh Stevenson, Lachlan Apps, Angus Apps and James Wicks competed in the Tamworth Easter Bronze Open Junior Tournament over the Easter weekend.Angus Apps was runner up in the 12s singles, runner up in the B mixed doubles and semifinalist in B doubles, Lachlan a semi finalist in the B doubles, Will Waterson a semi finalist in the 16s singles consolation draw.

Will, Josh, Angus and Jo Gordon will be attending the 2013 NIAS tennis induction in Tamworth this Saturday, then competing in the Armidale Junior Development Series tournament in Armidale this Sunday, then all travelling with NIAS to the Newcastle Open Junior tournament the following weekend.

Congratulations to the students who participated in the recent Medibank Junior Development Series tennis tournament held in Armidale on Sunday. By all reports, it was a terrific day and some high quality tennis played. Full details and results of the TAS players will be posted to the TAS tennis website when they are available.

Luke Polson, MIC Tennis

Rugby RefereeingCongratulations to the following boys who attended the ARU Foundation Course on Sunday 7 April. The following boys are training to be rugby referees:Morgan Broadbent-Wicks, Nick Finney, Greg Guyer, Samuel Jackson-Bolton, Tom Lane, Lachlan Mack, Campbell Martin,Harry Maxwell, Nick Rogers, Angus Roxborough-Batt, George Sedgwick, Jack Simmons

Many of these boys will be acting as referees for the first time during the TAS Rugby Carnival this weekend.

Good luck boys, Mr Thatcher.

ShootingFullbore Training Weekend 6 and 7 AprilCongratulations to all boys who attended the training weekend. The weekends training was made up of a theory session on Saturday morning at the McConville Centre and the practical sessions were held at Wallamumbi Rifle Range on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning with the NSW Country Coach Paul Carberry and TAS GPS Coach Rob Bondfield from Warwick Rifle Club running the training program. 15 students attended the weekends training program which was made possible with funding from the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Armidale Rifle Club.

Trevor Thatcher, MIC Shooting

InterHouse BasketballCongratulations to Broughton, winners of the Inaugural House Basketball Challenge, who overcome a very competitive Abbott team in extra time in the Final.

Play of the day goes to Reilly Pickering who shot an amazing three-pointer in the dying seconds of the Final and very nearly brought a fairytale win to Abbott House.

Thanks to Mr Pittman and Mr Smith who controlled nines very entertaining games with great skill.

Thanks also to Will Lambell and Sam Hutton for some perceptive commentary on all games.

Final thanks to Ms Larman-Yalda and Mrs Hutton who controlled the bench for all games, and to the House Captains who organised and ran their teams all afternoon.

Great effort all around! Ms Flanagan

TAS TALKS 8

TAS Trebles TAS Trebles will continue to offer our students with unchanged voices the opportunity to sing together. This non-selective choir offers a specialised vocal experience as an extension of our core K-2 and 3-5 vocal program. Directed by Mrs Butcher and Mr Finco, the ensemble will rehearse on a Monday lunchtime in the Music Centre. Rehearsals will recommence from the beginning of Term 2. All students are welcome to take part. Please contact Mrs Butcher for further information - rbutcher@as.edu.au

Ensemble Rehearsal ScheduleEnsemble Day Time Venue Ensemble DirectorTAS Trebles Monday :15-2pm Music Centre Mrs Butcher and Mr Finco TAS Big Band Monday 3:45-5pm Music Centre Mr FincoTAS Drum Line Monday 5-6pm Music Centre Mr GlassSenior Jazz Combo Monday 5:00-6:00pm Music Centre Mr DunhamTAS Singers Tuesday 7:40-8:40 Music Centre Mr Glass TAS Guitar Band Tuesday 1:20-2pm (lunchtime) Music Centre Mrs ButcherTAS Wind Ensemble Thursday 7:40-8:40am Music Centre Mr Woodhouse3-5 Choir Thursday Period 4 Music Centre Mr OxleyK-2 Choir Thursday Period 5 Music Centre Mr OxleyChapel Choir Friday 3:45-5pm Chapel Mr Oxley

Elective Music Soiree Congratulations to our Elective Music students who performed at last Tuesday’s Soiree. Repertoire across a broad range of styles was convincingly presented by students in years 9, 10, 11 and 12. Thanks to Mr Scott for the fabulous photos.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, NIK GLASS

TAS TALKS 9

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL, DENNIS DEMPSTER

From the Head of Middle SchoolAs the term draws to a conclusion, I extend my thanks to our students, parents and Middle School staff members for your contributions and efforts in ensuring a successful start to the year. Congratulations to our students for their academic, cultural and sporting achievements and their willingness to become actively involved in the many opportunities our school provides. Please make note that Year 8 parent/teacher conferences will be held on August 8th and 9th. Information will be sent out closer to the date. However, we believe that an open line of communication between parents and teachers is essential and we encourage all parents to talk with their son’s homeroom teacher whenever the need arises. Please also be reminded that Excursion Week activities begin on Monday 5 May.

Excursion WeekThe program for the Year 6 week at Mosman Prep (Sydney), the Year 7 excursion to Emu Gully at Pindari Dam and the Year 8 Creative Arts/Culture in Sydney have been emailed or sent home to parents. Please contact your son’s homeroom teacher for enquires regarding these excursions, which commence during Term 2 Week 2.

Middle School SocialThe second Middle School social of the year will be hosted by NEGS on Friday, 3 May from 7pm to 9pm. Boys are to meet in front of the Memorial Hall for roll call at 6:50pm. The boys will then travel to NEGS by bus and return to TAS at 9pm. There will be a charge of $5.00 per student, which will be debited to your school account. We appreciate you promptly collecting your son at 9pm. If you wish to make alternative travel arrangements for your son, a written note to Mr Dempster will be required.

Lost PropertyNathan van Duijnhoven’s akubra was taken from the athletics events two weeks ago. Could all students and parents please check their akubra to see if they have picked up the wrong one. If found please return to Middle School.Archie Stacy’s tennis racquet has gone missing. It is a babolat racquet yellow with a red grip and black tape at the top.His name is written on the racquet. If found please return to the Middle School Office.

PLEASE LABEL CLOTHING ITEMS as we have a number of akubra’s and items sitting in our lost property box unlabelled.

Rangers Camp Out - Written by Brayden HadfieldOn 8 April Year 6 went to Mr Harris’ property to do a number of fun and challenging activities and get a taste of what living in the bush is actually like.

At 4:00pm, the bus left with Year 6 on it. The bus stopped after about 20 minutes and we had to hop off the bus. We then took a little walk to get to

where we wanted to be. Here was where the first challenge really started. This was what most sections dreaded. This is the one very challenging, yet,

probably the most important necessity while we were there. We had to set up our hoochie.

Now for those who don’t know what a hoochie is, it is like a tent except you have no walls, and no zips for doors. Actually you don’t have any doors so

anything can get through. The roof acts like a roof and 2 walls. Imagine a house that only had 1 room and that was literally the house. Imagine it bare.

Now imagine the roof of the house. Nothing special, just a brick roof. Now imagine that roof being the shape of a triangular prism. Imagine there was

a big truck that had crashed into the house and destroyed all the walls. There is now nothing holding the roof up unless somehow there is no gravity.

The roof would fall straight down. Now cut out the equilateral triangle faces on the sides and turn the thing you have created into tent material and

BAM! You’ve got a hoochie. Anyway the reason why we dreaded this so much was because of one particular knot that no one was really good at, the

truckies knot. If you have no idea what a truckies knot is but you think you can do it, search it up on the Internet and then you’ll see what I mean. I’m

not going to go into too much detail, but let’s just say that our section was last by quite a long way off.

TAS TALKS 10

You know the saying, slow and steady wins the race, although we weren’t that

steady. All right, so we weren’t the best but it’s ok. After setting up the hoochies

we went to the fire that the teachers made. There we had a talk about hexi

stoves and hexi tabs. The hexi stoves are just like a mini stove and a hexi tab

is just really a very powerful fire lighter. When you light it, the fire could go on

for just under 10 minutes. Anyway, after we had dinner from our ration packs.

Oh yeah. I didn’t tell you about ration packs did I. Ration packs are literally bits

and pieces that we can eat while we are there. If you want something else go

kill a kangaroo.

After we had dinner, we played a very fun night game called ‘Catch The Lantern.’

All the teachers would have a torch and go put the lantern somewhere. The

lantern was on so you could see it clearly. Ms Bock told us where the starting

point was and all the teachers hid. Remember that it was very dark so you had

to get used to it, which was very hard when boys kept flicking torches on. The object of the game is to strategise your way to the lantern, pick it up and

shout “I’ve Got It.” Teachers have to stop you. They can’t change their place and have to stay in that particular spot they chose. They can’t have their

torch unless they see someone, which in that case they shine their torch on that someone and that someone must go back to the starting point and

try again. After playing that game three times we all went to bed. Some got to sleep easily (like Brayden) and some found it harder (like Henry) but in

the end we all got to sleep.

At 6am we all got out of our hoochies and I swear it was like walking from a cosy house into an igloo. Luckily, there was a big fire to keep us all warm.

We had breakfast and packed up the hoochies, which was actually extremely hard when you have very numb fingers. After that we hopped on a

bus (no not literally) and travelled to Mount Yarrowyck where we found out about some of the aboriginal culture. We even got to see an aboriginal

painting and no this was not just a small one this covered the whole wall of the rock. On the way down, Mr Derrin (The head of science and a terrific

one too) told us about some of the animals around and what they do and how to tell the difference between one tree and another.

We then went to a nice river where we had our lunch and our last activity was there. If you’re in the bush, you need to wash yourself so that’s exactly

what we did. We washed ourselves in the river. The very cold river! After that, we travelled home and got to TAS at about 2:30pm so we got to chill for

about an hour. I guess that concludes what we did while we were there. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who have willingly come to help: Mr

Dempster, Mr Hadfield, Ms Bock, Mr Druce, Mr Derrin, Mrs Pollard, Mr Hossle and Mr Burke.

Education is a Journey The following is an excerpt out of the Principals’ Digests we thought was appropriate for the end of term.There is a story about a group of martial arts students who have finally achieved the peak of their ambition – the Black Belt. After many years of discipline, training and striving, they at last kneel before their master to receive their reward.But first the master says he has one more test for them to pass. “Tell me, what is the true meaning of the Black Belt?” The students quickly reply, “It is the end of our journey. It is the reward for all our years of hard work.”The master pauses. “You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return again in one year.” The next year, after months of hard work, the students kneel again before their master.“What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?” he asks them. The students reply, “It is the highest honour in martial arts. It is the sign that we have achieved the highest goal.”The master pauses. “Alas, you are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one year.”The students go away for a further year of effort. When they return one year later, once again they hear their master’s question.“What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?”This time the students reply, “The Black Belt is not the end of our journey. It marks the beginning. From now on we begin a never-ending effort for higher and higher standards, to learn all we can about our discipline, to become masters of our art.”The master pauses. “That is the answer I was seeking. You are now ready to receive the Black Belt and begin your work.”All change leads to new beginnings. All achievement opens up opportunities for even greater achievements. Education is change and growth. The more we learn the more we understand we need to learn.The success you enjoy at school is a result of the teachers and parents working together to encourage, motivate and assist you to take full advantage of all that TAS has to offer to strive to achieve your full potential.

TAS TALKS 11

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL, IAN LLOYD

From Ian LloydNEGS Sports DayYesterday, NEGS hosted a Sports tabloid at St John's on a beautiful autumn afternoon which was both a great way to celebrate the end of term and an opportunity for us to combine with the girls' schools and enjoy many different sporting activities. Our thanks go to NEGS and their organisers as I know our children thoroughly enjoyed the activities. (Photos x 2)

Anzac DayAnzac Day, 25th April, is on Thursday of the second week of the holidays. The TAS community, especially the Ceremonial Guard will provide the Catafalque Party at the Dangarsleigh service at 8.45am and the town service at 11.00 am. Any junior School students interested in marching on the day at the town service are encouraged to attend in school formal uniform where School supervision will be provided. Please contact the school if you would like to be involved and be ready to gather at Moore St at 10.25 am for a 10.40am start.

With term 1 complete now completed and holidays on the way, I thank our school community for the fantastic developments this year. It has been a busy term, and this has been the topic of conversation in our staff room and with many families. I hope that the holiday is one that brings meaningful family time and the opportunity to relax, and as we look forward to launching into our winter terms.

Looking Ahead Wednesday 10 April Transition Assembly – Hoskins Centre K- 2 Choir performing at AssemblyThursday 11 April Last day of TermFriday 12 April Staff PD Day

Term 2Monday 29 April Staff PD DayTuesday 30 April Classes resumeThursday 2 May ANZAC ServiceMonday 6 May Year 5 to Myuna BayTuesday 7 May Year 4 to Lake KeepitWednesday 8 May Year 3 to Lake Keepit

Happy BirthdayWe wish a very happy birthday to the following students for this week and the Holidays: Jack van Roy, Cooper Gerdes, Jacob Smith, Emily Buntine, Jack Ackling, Josiah Alcorn, Beatrice Henzell, Luke Evans, Sam Meehan, John Nivison and Calin Simmonds.

TAS TALKS 12

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT, KIRSTY BRUNSDON

Holiday Borrowing The coming holidays are the ideal time for children to catch up on reading time. Please note that children are able to borrow 2 books from the Library for the holidays without a permission note but if they would like to borrow more books, parents need to sign the permission note, which is attached to this newsletter.

Woolworths Earn and LearnThis year the TAS Junior School will be participating in the Woolworths Earn & Learn program. You can collect Earn & Learn stickers when you shop at Woolworths. There’ll be one sticker for every $10 spent (excluding liquor, tobacco and gift cards). Place the stickers onto a sticker card (which will be sent home shortly) and when the card is full it can be dropped into the sticker collection box here at the Junior School reception. Mr Polson has spare copies of sticker charts should you fill your first one.

Cross County Running SessionsIt is cross country running time again and many schools have started their cross country selections. The Armidale Athletics club holds a cross country running session every Wednesday for people of all ages to enjoy a run or a walk at Moran Oval. This is an ideal opportunity for people training for cross country to get some motivation and competition to help them achieve their goals. Contact Pauline Smith for more information - 0429 422269

Winter Sports TrainingStudents are to wear their white PE shirt and blue PE shorts with joggers to school with their tracksuit. Shinpads, rugby boots etc are to brought to school to change into after school. Students do not need to wear their soccer shirt to training. Rugby shorts are not to be worn to school. A reminder that skins are not to be worn under the shorts.

Cross Country Term 2A reminder that the annual TAS cross country will be held at school on Friday 3rd May. Further information will be on the website and in TAS Talks during the first week of Term 2.

TAS/PLC TOPAZ vs Golden Unicorns - 6 April Mrs TrenerryLast Saturday saw the first game of the season for our junior netballers, a game for which we had little preparation but made up for it with lots of intent and enthusiasm. The girls played well with the experienced players from last year very impressive in their ball handling and movement around the court. However, the most admirable aspect of our first game was the wonderful encouragement and assistance given by last year's Topaz players to our new members. It augurs well for a very rewarding season. Our experienced players certainly overshadowed the opposition but we were able to even up the teams by providing Topaz players to fill in for the Unicorns each quarter. Congratulations to Lucy Caldwell, Rachael Kenrick, Ruby Straker, Casey Smith, Stephanie Evitt and Isabel Newton on an impressive return to the court. Our new recruits were equally as impressive with their stamina and eagerness on the court. Well done to Grace Pennington, Grace Smith and Charlotte Portell on your successful debut performance. Netball resumes after the holidays with a game on Saturday, 4 May against Sunbeams on Court 19.

¬¬-----------------------------------------Please return signed note to Junior School Office -----------------------Permission to borrow Library books during the holidaysI give permission for my child ………………………………….in Year ………………………….to borrow six books from the TAS Library during the holiday period, and will return these books in good condition in the first week of Term 2, 2013.Should the books not be returned, or are returned damaged, I agree to the purchase cost of the replacement books being charged to my Child’s school account.

Signed …………………………………………………….. Date…………………………..

TAS TALKS 13

 Cross Country Running Armidale Athletic and Little Athletics Clubs

Cross  country  is  great  for  training,  exercise,  competition  and  fun.  All  age  groups,  children  and  adults  running  together.  

When?  Every  Wednesday  afternoon  during  term  2  and  3,  4.15pm  for  4:30  

start.    

Where?  Moran  Oval,  Taylor  St  Armidale.  

Cost?  $50/family  or  $25/person  

How  far?  1k,or  1.5km  or  2.5km  or  5km  

 Want  More  information?  

 Contact  Pauline  Smith  0429422260    

Sally Carmichael - Specialist Tutor

Offering tutoring to primary aged students in Literacy and Numeracy.

* Multilit– Word Attack and Extension programs.* Precision Academics - Visual Maths program.* Sight word, sound and blend association* Homework supervision* Reading and comprehension.

Before and after school appointments availablePh: 0408 388 444

COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS

TAS TALKS 14