The Armidalian

The Armidalian

2015

2015 McDouall, H G Whibley, B G Gibson, S J Stier, T W

McGrath, H J White, O J Gifford, F J Towns, J T

Moffatt, B T Wyatt, C D Gilson, J A Townsend, D J

Monk, E S Gwynn-Jones, H J Waterson, W C

Moore, N J Year 12 Harradine, J D Williams, D E

Morton, H H C Ahsan, S A Hawker, W I Williams, H D

Nott, D P Alcorn, M J Howard, E B Wright, H D

Parker, J J Allen, D W Howard, L M Wright, H Z

Pilon, D P Apps, L J Hunt, J D Yung, C K W

Pitt, D Archer, W D Hunter, C J

Pullar, R M Baker, D P Jackson, J T

Radford, J H Bennet, N G Kennedy, L R

Ranby, J W Bennett, J W Klepzig, M J

Rankmore, M L Bishop, J W MacDougall, B C

Rasmussen, N C Bishop, T H Mailler, T J

Rees, B I Bourke, C J Makeham, J O

Rodgers, G R Butcher, R J McDonald, J A

Rogers, N B Butler, T S McDonald, L R

Rogers-Ellis, Miss E K Caskey, B M McGowan, C D

Scherer, I A Claridge, W C Mills, L H

Sellar, C J Cook, C J Moore, F C

Simmons, A S Cooper, L J Mumbulla, W D

Spiers, C A S Coupland, H H Pollard, L R

Spiers, E M R Cushway, M T Power, B J

Spokes, A J Davis, W A Quast, D D

Stainton, C J Doak, B W Raleigh, W T

Taylor, L W Druery, N H Redhead, S J

Tearle, Miss H R Erskine-Smith, L G Roxborough-Batt, A M

The Armidalian is the magazine of record of , Thomas, L G Fergusson, K A Roxborough-Batt, A P Armidale NSW . Tizzard, J H Finemore, C G Sedgwick, G W Credits Editor: Tim Hughes Tonkin, L T B Finney, N J Shepherd, H J Design & Layout: Donna Jackson Tullie, S W H Foster, M D Slobodetsky, M Photographs: Tim Barnsley, Tim Hughes, Tim Scott, Jeff Mackay, Graham MacDougall, Will Forsyth, James White, MSP Photography, Adrian Goddard, Terry Cooke, Darrel Whan Webber, A J R Gall, T H Stevenson, J D Cover Photo: Valedictory Walk 2015 - Tim Hughes

199 The Armidalian

Volume 117

2015 Contents

Introduction 2 Valete 41 78

Staff 4 Salvete 53 Head of Middle School 80

Comings and Goings 7 Prefects & House Captains 55 Middle School Activities 82

Introduction of Co-education 8 Academic Subjects 56 84

Chairman of Council 10 Academic Support 58 Head of Junior School 86

Headmaster’s Address 14 Agriculture 60 Junior School Activities 90

Michael Crossland’s Address 18 Creative Arts - Drama 61 Speech Day Awards 92

Senior Prefect’s Address 22 - 62 Extension and Enrichment 93

Chaplain’s Report 24 - Visual Arts 64 Transition 94

Counsellor’s Report 25 English 66 95

Wellbeing and Pastoral Care 26 HSIE 68 Year 1 96

Aboriginal Student Program 27 Languages 70 Year 2 97

Senior School 28 Library 72 Year 3 98

Director of Studies’ Report 30 Mathematics 73 Year 4 99

Speech Day Prizes 32 PDHPE 74 Year 5 100

Valedictory Day Addresses 38 Science 75 Junior School Sport 101

Valedictory Day Response 40 TAS 77

The Armidalian Leadership, Service & Adventure 106 Myall Classic 133 Football 165

Round Square 108 Residential Life 134 Hockey 169

Community Service 111 Abbott 136 Mountain Biking 172

Cadets 112 Croft 138 175

Passing Out Parade 116 Tyrrell 140 176

ANZAC Address 118 White & Dangar 142 Rugby 178

Rangers 120 Co-Curricular Life 144 Shooting 184

Pioneers 121 Director of Co-Curricular 146 186

Rural Fire Service 122 Captains of Co-Curricular 147 188

Surf Lifesaving 123 Co-Curricular Creative Arts 148 189

St Christopher’s Orphanage, 124 Co-Curricular Music 150 School Community 190

Thailand Service Trip 125 Chess 154 Foundation 192

Duke of Edinburgh 126 Public Speaking and Debating 155 Old Boys’ Union 193

Kokoda 126 Athletics 156 Parents & Friends 194

City to Surf 128 158 School Roll 196

Cofffs Harbour Ocean Swim 129 and 160

Triple Crown 129 161

Hawkesbury Classic 130 Equestrian 164 Introduction

School Board

Chairman Mr S Hempel AGIA, BSc (Syd), LLB (Syd), GradDip(AppCorpGov) Deputy Chairman Mr R Busby BE(Chem) (Syd), MEd (Ad Ed) (UTS) MIChemE (UK)

Mr T Catterall BSc.Hons(Melb),MNutrDiet(Deakin),MBA (Melb) Rev G Eastment DipAppSc(Aviation) (UniTAS), BTheo (MooreTC), DipMinistry (MooreTC) Mr A Erratt B.Bus (UTS), MBITM (UTS) Ms A Green MBA – resigned from the Board in April 2015 Ms M Lawler MBA (MGSM)

MB, BS (Syd), DCH, DTM&H, DRANZCOG, FACRRM - retired from Board in Dr N Pain December 2015

Mr R Perkins BAgEc (UNE) Mrs K Tromp CA, BFinAdmin Mr R Tumeth DipLaw - retired from Board in May 2015 Mr W Winter DipFinM, MAg, RD Company Secretary Mrs A Barnier JP

The Members of The Armidale School Company

Anglican Diocese of Armidale TAS Foundation Old Boys’ Union P&F

Bishop R Lewers Mr D Uther Mr D Martin Mrs L Beasley Mr J Kahl Mr C Anderson Judge P Johnstone Mrs J Treloar Mr M Browning Mr I Kiernan OAM Mr P Barratt AO Mrs K Lamoureux Mr J Levingston Mr J Wakefield Mr E Wright AM Mr D Ward Mrs M Wyatt Mr A Stuart Mr J Abbott Mrs R Marshall Rev S Williams Dr P Smith Mr A Fenwicke Mr A Murray

Foundation

Director of Development Ms C Mort BA (Syd), MBM (UTS)

President Mr S Paul BBus (Acc), CA Secretary Mr P Bradley BE(Mining)(Hons) (Syd)

Old Boys’ Union Parents and Friends’ Association

President Mr M Berry President Mrs S Cartwright

Secretary Mr T Hughes Secretary Ms S Molesworth

Treasurer Mr A Thomas Treasurer Mrs M van Duijnhoven 2 The Armidalian Introduction

School Executive

Headmaster Mr M Guest BA(Syd), DipEd(STC), MComm(Hons) (UNSW), MACE

Deputy Headmaster Mr A Jones BA (UNSW), DipEd, DipLaw (LPAB) (Syd) Director of Studies Mrs S Wark BA, GradDipEd (UNE), MACE Business Manager Mr P Bradley BE(Mining)(Hons) (Syd) Head of Middle School Mr M Harrison BA (Syd), DipEd(ESL) (Syd), LLB(Hons) (UNE), MACE Head of Junior School Mr I Lloyd DipTeach (ACAE), BEd(AdminL’ship) (UNE) Director of Enrolments Mrs P Warrick BA, DipEd (UNE) Director of IT Mr M Levins BA (Macq), GradDipEd (SACAE), MACE Director of Pastoral Care Mr B Buntine BA, DipEd (Syd) Director of Development Ms C Mort BA (Syd), MBM (UTS) Director of Co-Curricular Mr W Caldwell BEc (Syd), DipEd (UNE) GradCertSprtMgt (UTS)

Executive Assistant to Mrs A Barnier JP Headmaster

Boarding Housemasters

Abbott Housemaster Mr A Smith BEd (Syd)

Deputy Housemaster Mr C Nexo BCompSc, DipEd (UNE) (Sem 1) Mrs D Burke BSc (RMIT) (Sem 2) Croft Housemaster Mr D Drain BBus (ACU); MSportM’ment (Bond); Grad DipEd (SCU) Deputy Housemaster Mr E Morgan BA, DipEd (Macq) (Term 1) Mr T Currell BSc, BTeach (UNE) (Term 3&4) Tyrrell Housemaster Mr J Pennington BA (UNE), MACE Deputy Housemaster Mr J Davies White/Dangar Housemaster Mr A Junge BA (UQ), Grad Dip(Sec) (ACU) Deputy Housemasters Miss K Bock BA(InfoTech), BTeach (UNE) (Term 1) Mr H Johnson BEd (HMHE) (Syd) Ms H Symons BA(Hons)(Macq), BTeach (CSU) (Term 3&4) Housemother Mrs M Jones

Day Boy Housemaster

Broughton, Green & Ross Mr B Buntine BA, DipEd (Syd)

3 Academic Staff

* Designates Subject Coordinator

Creative and Performing Arts Science Mr A O’Connell* BA, BTeach (UNE) Mr T Wheaton* BSc (UNE), GradDipEd (SCU) Ms L Roobol (Director of Music) BMus, AMusA, Grad DipEd Mr S Thompson BSc(Physics) (UNSW), DipEd (UNSW) Mrs R Butcher BA (UNE), BMus (UNE), DipEd (UNE) Ms G Geyle-Chick BHMSc (SCU) Mrs L Cleaver BA, BTeach (UNE) Ms C Webster-Knife BSc, BTeach (UNE), BA (ANU) Mr I McPherson BArt Ed (CoFA - UNSW) Technology and Applied Studies English Mr D Slade* BEd (CSU) Ms J Flanagan* BA, DipEd (UNE) Mr M Levins BA (Macq), GradDipEd (SACAE), MACE Ms C Boydell BA, DipEd (Syd), DipTEFL, Grad Cert COGE(UNSW) Mr C Nexø BCompSc, DipEd (UNE) Ms C Brus BA (perf)(UNSW), GradDip Ed (UNE) Mr T Scott BA, DipEd (UNE) Mr B Buntine BA, DipEd (Syd) Mr T Wheaton BSc (UNE), GradDipEd (SCU) Mrs L Cleaver BA,BTeach Mr M Ball (Ag)* BRurSc(Hons), DipTeach (UNE) Mr M Harrison BA (Syd), DipEd(ESL) (Syd), LLB(Hons) (UNE), MACE Head of Middle School

Miss J Heagney BA (UNE), Grad Cert Theo (UoN) Mr M Harrison BA (Syd), DipEd(ESL) (Syd), LLB(Hons) (UNE), MACE Mr A Moore BTeach, BEd (UNE) Middle School

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) Ms C Brus BA (Perf) (UWS), GradDip Ed (UNE) Mr D Toakley* BEd (SouthAust), BBusAdmin (Canberra) Mrs K Brunsdon DipTeach (KCAE), Grad Cert WRAP Mr D Drain BBus (ACU) MSportM’ment (Bond); Grad DipEd (SCU) Mrs L Cleaver BA, BTeach (UNE) Ms J Flanagan BA, DipEd (UNE) Miss J Heagney BA (UNE), Grad Cert Theo (UoN) Mr M Harrison BA, DipEd(ESL) (Syd), LLB(Hons) (UNE), MACE (Term 3 & 4) Mr A Junge BA (Macq) GradDip Ed (UNE), MACE Miss J Heagney BA(UNE), Grad Cert Theo (UoN) Mrs A Murray BA (ANU), GradDip(SecEd) (ACU), (Terms 1-3) Mr A Jones BA (UNSW), DipEd, DipLaw(LPAB) (Syd) Mrs R Pollard BEd (UNE), DipTeach (ACAE) Mr A Junge BA (Macq) GradDip Ed (UNE), MACE Mr L Polson BEd(Primary) (UNE) Mr A Murray BComm (ANU), GradDipEd (UNE), CPA (Terms 3 & 4) Ms F Taber BEd(Hons) (UNE) Ms F Taber BEd(Hons) (UNE) Head of Junior School

Mr I Lloyd DipTeach (ACAE), BEd(AdminL’ship) (UNE) Languages Ms K Tamminga* BA, DipEd(LOTE) (UWA) Junior School Mrs A Hine BEd (Uni of Alberta, ) Mrs V Waters BEd, DipTeach (UNE) (Junior School Curriculum Co-ordinator) Mr A Moore BTeach, BEd (UNE) Mrs L Adams Early Childhood Cert Mathematics Mrs T Ball BEd(Early Childhood) (CSU), BEd (UNE) Mrs L Hawksford DipTeach (UNE) Miss A Robins* BSc, GradDipEd (UNE) (Terms 2- 4) Mrs L Brown BA, DipEd (Macq) Miss K Bock BA(InfoTech), BTeach (UNE) Mr N Druce DipTeach(Primary) (ACAE), MACE, MACEL Mr W Caldwell BEc (Syd), DipEd (UNE) GradCertSprtMgt (UTS) Mrs A Hine BEd (Uni of Alberta, Canada) Mr T Currell BSc, BTeach (UNE) Mr A Portell BEd(Primary) (UNE) Ms A Hudson BSc (UNE), GradDipEd (UNE) Mrs A Trenerry DipTeach (ACAE), Grad Cert WRAP, MACE Ms R Harrison BA (Hons) (UK) Mrs C Wright DipTeach (ACAE) (Junior School Sports Co-ordinator) Mr A Shortt BEng (QUT) BMaths (QUT), GradDip Lit (USQ) Academic Support, Learning Support, Extension and Enrichment Mrs S Wark BA, DipEd (UNE), MACE PDHPE Ms C Boydell BA, DipEd (Syd), DipTEFL Mrs L Brown BA, DipEd (Macq) Mr M Taylor BEd (PE) (VCAE) Mrs A Hine BEd(Second Lang) ( of Alberta) Mr J Moore BEd, DipTeach (UNE), GradCert(PDHPE) (UOW), Cert IV Fitness Mrs R Pollard DipTeach (ACAE), BEd (UNE) Mr J Pennington BA (UNE), MACE

Mr H Johnson BEd (HMHE) (Syd) Student Support Services

Mr A Smith BEd (Syd) Chaplaincy Rev R Newton BA (UNE), DipEd (UWS), BTh (SMBC)

Mrs J Benham BAg(UNE), GradDipEd (CSU) - Assistant

4 The Armidalian Counsellor Administration BA(Syd), MLitt (UNE), MHSt (UQ), MA (SCD), Mrs A Barnier JP Exec Assistant to the Headmaster Mr R Hadfield MTh(Newc), DipEd (Syd), AdDipEd (Lond), MAPsS Mrs M Sadler Academic Secretary Careers Advisor Mrs V Lucas Receptionist Mr M Taylor BEd (PE) (VCAE) Mrs V O’Brien Director of Studies Assistant

Quartermaster/Transport Ms F Chappell Junior School Admin Assistant Mrs A Evans Middle School Admin Assistant Mr S Ball Mrs K Hutton Co-Curricular Assistant Study Centre Supervisor Mrs S Broadbent Music Department Assistant Ms W Hill DipEd(Primary)(ACAE), BEd, MEd(Hons) (UNE) Mr A Carlon Hoskins Technical Supervisor Technical Assistant Mrs G Piper Trade Training Centre Admin

Mr G McLennan SIACert (TAFE) Mr W Sadler General Office Manager

Technology (IT) Assistants Marketing and Development Office Mrs D Burke BSc (RMIT) Ms C Mort BA (Syd) MBM (UTS) Director of Development Mrs K Behrend Mrs P Warrick BA, DipEd (UNE) Director of Enrolments Homework Centre Assistant to Director of Mrs A Gayner JP DipHRMgmt, DipMgmt Enrolments Mrs J Thomas Mrs J Guest Overseas Enrolment Officer Uniform and Book Shop Mr T Hughes BA (Syd) Media Manager Mrs V Tearle Mrs D Jackson Website Manager, Library Development Assistant

Librarian Business Office Mr P Bradley BE(Mining)(Hons) (Syd) Business Manager Mrs L Allan BHlthScN (SCU), MAppSc (Lib & InfoMgt) (CSU) Mrs K Lawrence DipRuralBus (Orange) Assistant Business Manager Mrs J Ranck Dip BusinessTech (MBC) - Assistant Mrs P O’Sullivan BFinAdmin (UNE) Secretary/Debtors Mrs N Ramazani Business Cert (MBC) - Assistant BFinAdmin, DipEd Mrs F Tafra Payroll Manager Teaching Assistant (ESL) (UNE) Mrs Y Lawlor BEc (UNE) Creditors’ Clerk Miss S Toogood (Term 4)

Technology and Trade Training Centre Property

Mr D Lawrence Mr B Michel Mr C Davies Works Manager Mr G Frost Head of Housekeeping Medical Centre Mr A Goddard School Gardener Dr L Bookallil MB, BSc (Syd), FRACGP, DOBST, RCOG Mr K Farleigh Catering Manager Sister J Murray RN Sister M Miller RN Sister J Gowen RN Sister A McReynolds RN Sister H Murtagh RN Sister R Pabalan RN Director of Co-Curricular Mr W Caldwell BEc (Syd), DipEd (UNE) GradCertSprtMgt (UTS) Sports Centre

Ms D Coombes General Assistant

5 Staff

TAS Staff 2015 Back Row (l-r): Jonny Beer, Harriet Symons, Tim Scott, Hugo Johnson, Angus Murray, Luke Polson Fifth Row: Alison Evans, Alex Murray, Fiona Taber, Piers Beesley, Stephen Thompson, Alan Shortt, Todd Currell, Patrick Williamson, Jenny Postle, Kirsty Brunsdon, Regina Pollard Fourth Row: Alex Portell, Joshua White, Anthony Carlon, Jamie Moore, Justin Davies, Daniel Bermudez, Kate Lawrence, Gavin Latham, Gordon McLennan, Mark Taylor, Wayne Sadler, Tim Hughes, lan McPherson, Christian Nexo Third Row: Lucy Adams, Leasa Cleaver, Meg Sadler, Lana Hawksford, Sharon Wei, Veronica Lucas, Gaye Piper, Tania Ball, Karen Hutton, Rachel Harrison, Genevieve Chick, Donna Jackson, Tabitha Dowse, Audrey Panon, Anne Hine Second Row: Raylene Ogilvie, Anne Trenerry, Yvonne Lawlor, Frances Tafra, Anna Gayner, Chelsea Knife, Susi Redhead, Anna Barnier, Christine Wright, Lesley Brown, Colette Brus, Alice Hudson, Vickey O’Brien, Jayne Heagney, Lillian Sims, Michelle Nelson, Joanne Benham Front Row: David Toakley, Kathryn Tamminga, Tim Wheaton, Alexander Smith, David Drain, Richard Newton, Pip Warrick, Patrick Bradley, Alan Jones, Murray Guest, Seonia Wark, Mark Harrison, Barney Buntine, Cressida Mort, Will Caldwell, Andrew Junge, James Pennington, Andrew O’Connell, Michael Ball, Julie Flanagan

GAP Students 2015 (Semester 1) GAP Students 2015 (Semester 2) l-r: Harry Gardner, Joshua White, John Bowers, l-r: Kenneth Kimathi, Daniel Bermudez, Jonny Beer, Deputy Headmaster Deputy Headmaster Mr Alan Jones, Douglas McCardle. Mr Alan Jones, Piers Beesley, Joshua White. Absent: George Miller Absent : Jordan Wildman, Callum Kyle

6 The Armidalian Comings and Goings

The following appointments were made in 2015 Farewells Ms T Basson and Miss S Simmons; Mrs C Brus (Mat. Leave Ms K Bock, Mathematics; Mr A Carlon, Hoskins Technical replacement for Mrs A Murray S1) English S2; Mrs G Geyle- Assistant; Mr C Clayton-Dixon, Aboriginal Support Officer; Mr Chick, Science (T Thatcher Leave 2015); E Morgan (HSIE); Mr G Derrin, Head of Science (resigned end Mr C Clayton-Dixon, Aboriginal Support Officer; Mrs M Craven S1; Mr M Moore, PDHPE; Ms A Panon (French Assistant). (Chaplain’s Assistant T2 and 4); Mr T Currell, Maths T2-4); Mr J Davies (Tyrrell Dep Housemaster); Ms T Dowse (LSL replacements in JS 2015); Mr W Dunham, Music Support; Ms K GAP Students 2015 Englehart (LSL K Tamminga T4); Ms R Harrison, Mathematics; Jan - June Mr H Johnson, PDHPE and MS Deputy Housemaster; Miss C Jordan Wildman (UK); John Bowers (UK); Harry Gardiner Webster-Knife, Science LSL for Mr G Derrin and Mr T Thatcher; (UK); Calum Kyle (UK); Joshua White (South Africa); Douglas Mr W Mazzei, Cadet Training Officer; Mr I McPherson, Visual McCardle (Scotland). Arts; Ms A McReynolds, RN; Mr E Morgan, English/HSIE Term 1; Mr A Murray, HSIE; Ms H Murtagh, RN; Ms R Pabalan, RN July - December S2; Ms A Panon, French Assistant; Mrs S Redhead, Act. MS Daniel Bermudez (Columbia); Jonny Beer (UK); Piers Beesley Assistant (Ms F Chappell on leave); Mr A Shortt, Mathematics; (Switzerland); Kenneth Kimathi (Kenya); George Miller (Isle of Miss H Symons, HSIE, Learning Support and MS Deputy Man); Joshua White (South Africa). Housemaster; Ms G Vanzella (LSL in JS T2 (Mrs T Ball) and T4 (Mr A Portell); Rev S Williams, Acting Chaplain (Rev R Newton on LSL T4).

Role changes Mrs J Benham, Agriculture T2 (Mr M Ball LSL); Mrs A Evans, Act. JS Assistant; Mr W Caldwell, Director of Co-Curricular; Ms A Robins, Mathematics Coordinator; Ms F Taber, Acting HSIE Coordinator (Mr D. Toakley LSL); Mr M Taylor, Careers; Mr T Wheaton, Acting Science Coordinator (Mr G Derrin LSL) S1, Science Coordinator S2.

7 Co-education heralds new era for The Armidale School

The year 2015 was a milestone in the history of The Armidale Declining economic conditions in the agricultural sector and School, as it mooted, proposed, and implemented a transition Armidale’s unchanging population of around 25,000, have to full co-education, from concept to reality. placed enrolment pressures on all three independent schools. That said, the fact that boarding numbers at TAS (210) were In January the School Board announced that it would embark the highest since 1994 and the total secondary enrolment on a two-month consultation process, following more is the highest since 1997, placed the school in a position of than two years of analysis, research and external review strength rather than weakness for such a major strategic of independent education in the , nationally, and change. Contrarily, it then prompted the question from some overseas. in the school community: why does the school need to make Research and Analysis such a change when it is clearly continuing to do well? The research included a detailed analysis of the large body According to the Headmaster, moving to full co-education of research on single sex and co-educational schooling and will allow TAS to grow and prosper into the future, and in Australia’s sector by the Headmaster doing so, enable the school to further develop and offer Murray Guest, who also spent a term in 2014 on sabbatical specialisation in academic programs and expand its school’s in the , visiting six co-educational boarding co-curricular, outdoor adventure and service opportunities. schools that had all been established as boys’ schools. Rather than an end in itself, co-education is the means to The research found that the worldwide trend toward co- enabling growth. Central to this strategy is the determination education continues unabated. In the UK there are now only that co-education and growth will not come at the expense 24 boys-only boarding schools and 48 girls-only boarding of the school’s culture or values. schools, compared to 257 co-educational boarding schools. In Australia, there has not been a single sex boys founded since Canberra Grammar in 1929 (and in October 2015, that school announced that it will also introduce co-education, from 2017).

Pedagogically, he found there was no conclusive evidence that single sex education is ‘better’ than co-education. Rather, what makes a ‘good’ school is more about the quality and innovation of the teaching, the values, culture and tone of the school, having viable cohort numbers to provide social stability and offering, and access to excellent resources. There are good single sex schools and good co-educational schools, but what makes a school good, is not whether it is single sex or co-ed, his research found.

Nationally, Armidale is the only regional city in Australia to have no independent co-educational secondary offering for families, despite the fact that 85 per cent of all Australian independent schools are co-educational. Armidale was also found to be an anomaly, with Australia’s smallest independent boys’ and girls’ single sex boarding schools. Rather, maintaining what is best about TAS and offering that to secondary girl boarding and day students, just as Co-education as a driver of growth the school has done throughout its history for boys, will The long term environment of independent schooling in the be the aim. In addition to the greater opportunities and New England region of northern NSW has been of interest to sustainability afforded by growth, other benefits to students the TAS Board for a number of years. were identified.

8 The Armidalian Co-education heralds new era for The Armidale School

For families, particularly boarding families who may live a Building work began in May on expanding White House to long way from Armidale, the decision to go co-ed also makes accommodate all Middle School boy boarders so Dangar TAS a single family destination for brothers and sisters. House could be refurbished for girl boarders.

Community consultation Communicating the message During the two-month consultative period, 24 meetings The school engaged the services of an advertising agency to were held with parents, Old Boys, staff and students across create a campaign (‘TAS - The for all’) across television, NSW and in . There was also consultation with print and other platforms, visualising the future of TAS. The the Anglican Diocese of Armidale, written submissions to message that TAS was open for business for secondary girls a specially designated email address were invited and an was also taken to various education expos, trade shows and online survey was sent to more than 4,500 stakeholders. information sessions in centres large and small. The school held a successful Co-education Expo, at which prospective Key stakeholders such as the Old Boys’ Union, P&F and TAS families (of both girls and boys) had the opportunity to Foundation were all consulted directly and all separately ask key staff from across the School about their areas of expressed their support for the Board to make whatever responsibility, hear implementation plans, see the unveiling decision Directors felt was right for the long-term future of of the new girls uniform, and have a tour of the school. This the school. was followed up by a ‘Girls’ Day In’, an informal lunch at which As expected, the full range of opinion was received from girls and their families interested in the school came together across the school community, from those who believe in a relaxed setting to learn more about each other. A Girls’ co-education would benefit their sons academically and Experience Day was then held in Term 4. socially, families with daughters who were excited about the The change was not just historic for TAS; as the first member possibility that they might be able to attend TAS, to those of the NSW GPS to become fully c-educational, it prompted who were concerned that what made TAS a good school for widespread media interest and commentary on single-sex their sons would change because the move. versus co-education in national mainstream and online Planning for implementation media. As soon as the Board made its decision on 31 March after Enrolment reality weighing up all the feedback, the school’s Executive ramped As a result of parent interest, the Board made the decision up the planning of what a co-educational TAS would ‘look like’ in Term 3 that it would allow the enrolment of day girls in the areas of academic curriculum, pastoral care, boarding, going into Year 12, to start at TAS at the beginning of co-curricular life, leadership service and adventure programs, Term 4. Consequently Holly Tearle, Maddy Dennis, Emily and facilities. In addition to the experience offered by a Blackbourne and Elssya Rogers-Ellis became the first senior co-ed Junior School, insight was provided by the experience TAS girls on 6 October. The four were already quite familiar of having senior girls on the TAS campus in a range of with TAS. One had attended TAS Junior School, three had co-curricular and academic programs for more than three older brothers attend TAS and three had been studying some decades. Over the past four years an average of 50 girls each subjects at TAS since the start of Year 11, as part of combined year have been taught at TAS in a range of senior secondary subjects arrangement with other Armidale secondary subjects as part of an arrangement with other schools. schools. By Speech Day, the last school day of 2015, there From a facilities perspective, additional classroom capacity were confirmed enrolments for 2016 of 36 additional girls, was identified, and it was decided that the teaching of including 15 boarders, the extensions to White House was technics will be relocated to the Trades Training Centre to almost complete, and the refurbishment of Dangar for girls’ allow the conversion of the woodworking room into a senior boarding, was well underway. social and study space.

Mr Tim Hughes

9 Chairman’s Address

Guest of Honour Michael Crossland, Headmaster Murray Guest, Members of the Board, members of staff, TAS Company members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, students of TAS.

I welcome you all to Speech Day 2015 at The Armidale School. I welcome our Guest Speaker, Mr Michael Crossland.

This is the fourth time I am addressing you as Chairman of the TAS Board of Directors. Can I also state that I am a TAS parent and also a past student of the School. I am pleased to see a number of our 1983 cohort here today.

My address will cover the governance of the School, the important strategic decision made earlier this year and further improvements to the infrastructure of the School. I am also obliged to deliver a few thankyous. I will be brief and leave most of the reporting to the Headmaster, Mr Murray Guest.

Last year I mentioned our Vision 2025 and how we, the School Board and the School Executive working together, continue to pursue the Vision that we have set. I also stated that this is a school that has always evolved, and will continue to evolve, and adapt to meet the needs of parents, country families and the regional community. Mr Sebastian Hempel, Chairman of TAS Board The new School Company turns six in a few days time. As a public company, we have a Board of nine Directors, currently with seven men and two women, all on a voluntary basis, and I am grateful for the service they give to this institution.

We have had two retirements from the Board during the year.

Mr Robert Tumeth retired from the Board at the Members’ annual general meeting in May, in order to take up a new career role in after many years working in the Aboriginal Legal Service providing legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal men, women and children. Rob was a former student at this School and had several years of service to the School’s governing body, starting in 2002.

Dr Nigel Pain has also retired from the Board in recent days. Nigel is a well regarded GP in Armidale and has represented the Diocese of Armidale on the School Board for many years, having joined us in 2001. We are immensely grateful to these two men for their wisdom and great contributions to the governance of the School for a combined 29 years.

10 The Armidalian While sensitive to the needs of parents, students and the We are not frightened of making difficult decisions and community, the Board - in a corporate sense - reports and weighing up the interests of the many different people that is accountable to the 24 Company Members who, as I have are involved with TAS or have a wish to see it continue to said publicly before, represent our deep roots into the New thrive as an independent school. England and broader community – their names are in your I would like to quote from a governance commentator in programs. You will note they fall into four categories covering Sydney who followed the TAS co-ed decision quite closely: our four stakeholder bodies, including the Armidale Anglican Diocese. “It’s to be expected that passions would run high on a subject such as education, which is close to the hearts of every An important publication this year on governance of parent and family member. independent schools stated the following and I quote: “The key lesson to emerge from this case is that school “The governance of a school board raises unique challenges. boards, principals and business managers need to have Schools predominantly operate on a not-for-profit basis sophisticated skills to manage all of the stakeholders and are reliant on government funding, philanthropy and when proposing change. They need to have the tools and fees. However, they may also be substantial commercial knowledge to identify flashpoints, balance competing enterprises. Schools deliver a service to the community and interests while holding the needs of students at the centre, as they constitute the hub of families’ hopes concerning and to make important decisions in a transparent, rigorous education outcomes, they involve long-term personal and accountable way. investments in the school and they set high ideals and expectations. Being on a school board is a commitment to a “Above all, active and transparent stakeholder engagement shared purpose and direction. Schools are held to the highest is key to ensuring that all parties remain informed and standards in terms of ethics, accountability and transparency change can progress without causing significant reputational and board members should be able to withstand challenges damage. Schools which have a strong governance framework and scrutiny.” will be in a better position to manage the multifaceted challenges that arise from running an institution entrusted In recent weeks we have welcomed two new Directors to with the vital task of educating and developing our children.” the Board to replace Rob and Nigel. They are Andrew Erratt and Tim Catterall, both experienced and successful business It is my belief that The Armidale School’s strong governance people. Some of you will remember Andrew as he is an Old framework is to be credited with making this change Boy. Tim and his family moved to Armidale a couple of years possible, and it will underpin its success. ago and Tim is a current parent. Both are here today and we are glad they are happy to join the team. One boys’ school that Mr Guest mentioned in his presentations in Term 1 was Canberra Grammar School. As you would all be aware, earlier this year on 31 March, This was the last boys’ boarding school to be established the Board made a very important strategic decision for the in Australia and that was in 1929. You might be interested School and one of the most significant in its history. This was to know that just over five weeks ago, Canberra Grammar the decision to ‘go co-ed’, or as one might say, ‘implement full announced that it will also become fully co-educational at all co-education in all year groups from 2016’. levels, with a major transition at the start of 2017.

In his address later, Murray will cover what growth, as the With our move into the co-ed list, TAS becomes the 12th main driver for that decision, means for an independent oldest co-ed boarding school in Australia, slotting in just school like ours, and why it is important. However, I want behind Barker College. to say that I lead a Board that is fully aware of its duties and responsibilities to the School as a whole and as an We join 21, or with Canberra Grammar 22, other independent educational institution with a long history, and with boarding schools that have changed status to co-ed. expectations of a long and prosperous future.

11 Chairman’s Address (Cont.)

The Board is heartened with the level of interest in Let me give you a brief update on capital works in 2015. A co-education from our broad community. Enrolment new wing has been added to White House for Middle School numbers are well ahead of a number of budgeting and risk boy’s boarding. The application to Armidale Dumaresq assumptions made by the Board back in March when the final Council for development approval to modernise and extend decision was made. White House was submitted in May and approved soon thereafter. We are grateful for the supportive way in which Old Boys are the life blood of this School and I am very our application was handled by the Council. Construction pleased to see that many of the female students who will work commenced mid-year, and you might notice the start at TAS in 2016 are daughters of Old Boys. It was great substantially completed new wing over to your right when to hear from many former TAS boys of all generations you leave this building after these Speech Day proceedings supportive of the proposal to move to full co-education. are finished. In our letter to the TAS Community of 31 March 2015 we The Trade Training Centre has had significant work done to stated that the Board’s resolution to adopt full co-education allow the Technics room on the main campus to be relocated included a commitment to: there.

1) Continue co-operation with NEGS and PLC Armidale, Dangar House is being refurbished for girls' boarding as many including in the areas of combined classes in Years 11 and 12 female students start to make it their home away from home under the arrangements that have been in place for several at the end of January 2016. years, and joint co-curricular activities that enhance the A modern Year 12 common room is being created in what programs of the three independent schools. was the Technics room. 2) The continued upgrade of boys’ boarding house facilities, Improvements are being made in the Science Block, and our concurrently with the creation of girls’ boarding facilities. lighting upgrade project has been completed with positive 3) Ongoing resourcing and upgrading of existing school results. facilities which will not be affected by the introduction of A quick diversion on the history of two of the buildings I have co-education. just mentioned, and I read from Jim Graham’s short history 4) The continued delivery of quality Christian education in of the School as contained in his marvellous publication of Armidale. speeches and other articles called Word of Mouth launched in September this year. The Headmaster and I will give you an update on the second and third commitments, and specifically the upgrade of boys’ boarding facilities. The Headmaster will make reference to that, as well as making an announcement that will be of some interest.

12 The Armidalian The Technics room or building was designed as a gymnasium I would also like to thank Murray’s wife, Joanne for all the by R N Hickson, a local architect, and was constructed during things that she puts into our School life during the year. We 1938. The major donation for its construction was given by have some flowers to present to you in acknowledgment. Miss S E K Hudson whose brother, John Hudson had served I would also like to thank the School's Business Manager on the School Board and was president of the Old Boys’ Union Pat Bradley for all that he does in and around the School. I from 1938 to 1940. congratulate him for his award this year of the Australian Fire At the end of 1919 the then Headmaster, Rev Archdall, Service Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. persuaded the Board to establish a Junior School and Can I please also publicly acknowledge the P&F and their plans were made to absorb the students from an existing executive, led by Sue Cartwright, and the support the preparatory school in Armidale owned by a local woman. P&F provides to the School in so many different ways. The Although Archdall hoped that the Old Boys would fund a innovation of TAS @ Dusk was wonderful to witness only a Junior House as a war memorial, this proved to be beyond few weeks ago. their resources. In May 1920 Archdall informed the Board that Mrs Nora Dangar, widow of CC Dangar, had offered to pay for I also thank the TASOBU and its Committee under the the building and equipping of a Junior House to be named in leadership of its Immediate Past President Mark Berry, and its honour of her late husband. new President, Graham MacDougall. They are a focal point for the huge support this School enjoys from its former students CC Dangar was a son of AA Dangar of ‘Baroona’, Singleton and their families. and was the first Old Boy to become a member of the School Board. He was a student at TAS from August 1894 to I also want to acknowledge the ongoing support the School December 1899 and then served in Africa in the Boer War and receives from several endowments, and in particular from the later in India. Before World War 1 he took over the property Aberbaldie Foundation as we head into 2016. ‘Gostwyck’, near Uralla and he then served in that war, being awarded the Military Cross. Wounded in Palestine, he died Finally, I would like to extend the School’s thanks to the TAS soon after his ship reached . Foundation and its board of directors, including its new chairman Mr John Grant. The Foundation’s fundraising efforts, The building was opened in 1924 by the Governor, Sir Dudley supported by you the School community and other donors, de Chair. make a TAS education possible for many grateful boys and girls. Now for some thank-yous.

As Chairman, I once again thank the Headmaster for his Mr Sebastian Hempel service to the School and also, for the extra effort he has Chairman put in this year with the co-education consultation process in Term 1, and the energetic way he and his team have conducted planning and preparation for co-ed in 2016.

13 Headmaster’s Address

Guest speaker Michael Crossland, Member for Adam Marshall, Councillor Rob Richardson, Chairman and members of the School Board, special guests, ladies and gentlemen, TAS students.

2015 will stand in TAS history as a milestone year. It has been marked by strategic decisions that have opened our future to new and bold aspirational goals to grow and develop in ways that could not have been imagined only a few years ago. The decision to pursue these goals through the introduction of co-education has been controversial and attracted more comment and media attention than the School has probably ever had. Ultimately, the lengthy and challenging process of research, wide consultation, weighing of alternative school futures and then planning that has brought us to where we are today has been as healthy as it has been thorough. It required the Board and School Executive, working in tandem, to think deeply about the traditions of our school and what we want for the future and I will return to that later.

Beyond the Board Room, the year has been about much more than planning for the future and today offers us the opportunity to celebrate the developments in our academic program and co-curricular activities.

Challenging decision making is no stranger to the TAS Board. Through our long history the School has met with its share Mr Murray Guest, Headmaster of triumph and disaster, such as the Scarlet Fever epidemic that reduced the school enrolment by 30 percent in 1916 or the water shortage in 1919 that led the city council to disconnect TAS from the town water supply. Even in good times, decisions regarding budgets, the fabric of the campus and the strategic direction of the School present a weighty responsibility. The Board has looked to the future before too, when it responded to losing town water by finding water on the grounds at the willow tree near what is now the dam or when it joined with NEGS to combine Year 11 and 12 classes in 1973 or more recently when it designed the Vision 2025 as the blueprint for its ambitions some five years ago. It would be fair to say though that it has never embarked on a project of this magnitude.

Whilst views on the decision of the Board will differ amongst you, there can be no doubt that they, collectively, have stood up to face their responsibility to act in the interests of the School not just in the present, but for the long term.

14 The Armidalian Above: The nine members of the School Board pictured before Speech Day. Left to right: Mr Rob Busby, Ms Michelle Lawler, Mr Tim Catterall, Mr Will Winter, Mr Rob Perkins, Mrs Karen Tromp, Rev Gary Eastment, Mr Sebastian Hempel, Mr Andrew Erratt. Tim Catterall replaced outgoing Diocesean appointee Dr Nigel Pain, while Andrew Erratt replaced outgoing director Mr Rob Tumeth.

This is never the easy path and it stands as testimony to them Responses to those questions have been largely non- that they have ventured down it with such clarity of purpose committal up to this point, other than to say that we expect and commitment. that the growth will be slow initially. As we reach the end of the year I am able to offer more clarity. At the beginning Please join me in thanking Sebastian and the TAS Board. of next year we expect to have at least 40 girls in Middle As varied as the community responses to the co-education and Senior School, with the bulk being in Years 9 to 12 and issue were, the Board had good affirmation for their role in including the four Year 12 girls who led the way as they making the decision, not just from the staff, but from some began their HSC with us at the start of Term 4. This number of our most important supporters. At their February meeting, includes 15 boarders coming from places far and wide. For in the midst of the consultation process, the Old Boys’ Union the School, including the School Board, these numbers are licensed the Board to make its decision on the basis of the very encouraging and the ongoing stream of enquiries gives future as it passed the motion to give “its support to the strong indication that numbers will continue to grow into School Board to make the best decision for the School”. That next year. the Old Boys in considering the decision before the Board Over half the new girls come from government, Catholic would lend their support to the future, rather than the past, is and other schools outside Armidale and our hope that the as significant as it was encouraging. move to co-education would increase the number of girls in Throughout the course of this journey questions about independent schools in Armidale will certainly be realised in predictions for enrolments of girls, where the girls would 2016. come from and what impact there would be on existing At the same time, I am sorry to say that we will lose five boys enrolments of boys have dominated discussion. at the end of 2015 as a consequence of co-education. Whilst

that is disappointing, I wish them well as they move to new

schools. 15 Headmaster’s Address (Cont.)

The support for the decision to embrace co-education has These new senior members of the academic staff offer the run parallel to the practical support for our school activities promise of fresh and direct support for both students and and campus that we have again enjoyed this year. With staff and I look forward to welcoming them at the beginning attention being directed to decision making and later of 2016. planning for future change, it was important that our feet The growth model that we are now committed to can remained on the ground to serve our current students first be seen in the development of our facilities that is now and foremost. underway. We expect that the extension to White House This was assisted by our support groups in initiatives such that will enable all our Middle School boarding boys to live as the P&F’s TAS @Dusk that breathed new energy and together in one significantly refurbished house to be ready entertainment into a tiring school fete, the wisdom of our for day one of next year. company members in bringing rigour to our decisions Dangar House, that a number of those Middle School boys and the work of Old Boys who have been on the ground at are vacating to move to White House, is undergoing a major sporting fixtures and behind the scenes to support rowing, re-decoration through the coming two months to create our kayaking, hockey and other growing sports at TAS. first girls’ boarding house and we expect this to be ready too. The Chairman has already thanked the Foundation and our The new Senior Common Room, a purpose designed space donors who have done so much this year and I ask that you for work and socialising in the current technics building – or join me now in thanking our parents, Foundation, Old Boys the old gym for those with longer memories – may not be Union and Company Members for all they have done through ready for the start of term, but we hope it will not be long 2015. after and it promises to be a wonderful facility that will The commitment to maintain and build on what is good at enhance the school experience of our most senior students. TAS is at the cornerstone of our understanding of our future. I am pleased to bring the news this morning that the benefits It is a promise that has exercised the minds of our staff and of the growth model that we are now in will flow to all helped generate new vision for our development. Perhaps our current boarders. At its final meeting for the year, the the most striking example of that visionary thinking is the Board yesterday approved a $600,000 overhaul of boarding creation of an entirely new structure for elective subjects in furniture across all boys’ houses in 2016. This commitment Years 9 and 10 by our Director of Studies, Seonia Wark. All represents belief in the growth that co-education will bring schools would aspire to the ambition of providing as wide and it is being made possible through the support of the a choice of elective subjects as possible and using this first TAS Foundation. The furniture in these houses was last taste of subject selection to prepare for the HSC years ahead. replaced around 15 years ago, again with the support of the Seonia has achieved this not by tinkering with the traditional Foundation, and it is clearly time. school model, but rather replacing it with the structure used by university faculties. With Year 9 and 10 combined for the Some might have expected, of even looked for, the decision elective classes, in 2016 our students will have nine choices for change in the future to be reflected in a slowing in each of their three elective lines, instead of the usual four. commitment to what we do in the present at TAS. The Over the year they will choose six semester long courses from evidence makes it clear that this has not been the case. a huge offering of 54 different subjects. Every one of these is Whether in the classroom or in the wide and deep co- linked directly to an HSC course and for many students this curricular program that this school is renowned for, the pace provides the opportunity to sample future HSC options and of school life seems to have accelerated rather than slowed there is no doubt that they will be better directed as a result. this year.

Pastoral programs have seen similar commitment and In academic life, the impact of a new structured preparation this is expressed in the design and recruitment of the new program for exams designed to develop good habits for Executive positions of Director of Boarding and Director of senior years has impacted positively on results in Middle Girls’ Education. School and beyond.

16 The Armidalian At the same time there has been a boom in the Creative Just one member of our permanent teaching staff leaves us Arts in 2015. We have never seen as many students learning today. Amongst many responsibilities taken since joining the musical instruments, including those in the flourishing PDHPE staff in 2003, Jamie Moore has served the School as voice program. This can only be encouraged by 2015 HSC Acting Head of Department, Housemaster of Tyrrell, Master in accolades for our students selected for exhibition in the Charge of Rugby, First XV Coach, Strength and Conditioning prestigious showcases for Music, Visual Arts and Drama, coach and manager of the Fitness Centre. He leaves us now in including, once again, film making. We saw this in the success a major career change to join the team at Invest Blue. Please of the 2015 major school production of Once Upon a Mattress join me in thanking Jamie and wishing him well. and the Middle School Play Lost Property Rules and more Notwithstanding Jamie’s departure, our teaching staff will recently the very keen competition for roles in the 2016 major maintain more stability between this year and next than production Bye Bye Birdie which is already in rehearsal. it has for decades. Maintaining this stability and the deep The same enthusiasm has been seen in adventure and understanding of TAS culture that it provides is especially service activities this year. The Gold Triple Crown, awarded important as we look ahead to change. It provides confidence for completing the Coffs Ocean Swim, City to Surf and and encouragement that we will be able to achieve our Hawkesbury Classic in a single year, was earned by a record ambition to evolve with the heart of our school well intact. 17 students this year, whilst holiday service work and As I finish, I return to the where I began, to the decisions by representative trips were oversubscribed. Just last weekend, which 2015 will ultimately be judged in TAS history. Through after returning from a hot and demanding Activities Week the co-education consultation process early in the year the in the field, over 30 students backed up early on Saturday stream of questions and concerns regarding the traditions morning for the 10km Suck it up Buttercup modern day of the School attested to the value that our community ‘toughness’ competition in Tamworth. I doubt that many attributes to our long and rich history. others in the event had the same preparation. It gave cause to look beyond the particular activities That so many of our students continue to value challenge and ways of doing things that are sometimes held up and service over their weekends and holidays is impressive as traditions, but in fact come and go over time as suits by any measure. our purposes, and to focus on the essence of what a TAS education has always been. All of this represents our ambition to test and develop character, to promote a worldly empathy and to find the The ultimate ambition for the School Board is to ensure resilience that can only come through the experience of that the School is able to adapt and evolve to maintain its disappointment rather than the universal success and praise currency and position as a vibrant leading Christian school that is all too commonly seen as the goal of education. We offering a broad, challenging education that prepares for life. may not seek all the life experiences of today’s guest speaker, This is our greatest tradition and it is what our plans for 2016 but we do aspire to his character, resilience and astoundingly and beyond aim to protect. Our plans to grow and flourish positive view of life. Creating experiences such as these through the changes decided upon this year offer great requires our staff rise above the levels of commitment promise and much that is worth celebrating. required in many schools and the way that this is embraced May I wish you all a happy and holy Christmas and safe and enjoyed is a thing to be celebrated, but never taken for travels. granted.

We are very fortunate to have such a committed staff, both as teachers and in other support roles, and it is appropriate that Mr Murray Guest we thank them now. Headmaster

17 Michael Crossland Address

My wife and I live in a beautiful of part of the world Sawtell, which isn’t far from here and we’ve been married a couple of years and my father-in-law, loves to give me a lot of advice on how to be a great husband.

He’s been married four times so he’s able to give me some great advice.

He regularly tells me there are two things to say to get you out of a jam with your wife, and that is “I’m sorry”, and “Yes Dear.” I’ve pretty much nailed these two sentences. Recently she said to me “Michael I want a fireplace”. Now we live in Sawtell which is about twenty five degrees in winter and thirty five degrees in summer so why would we want a fireplace? My wife said “we want a fireplace” so I said those two words “yes, dear” and we got a fireplace. Now I’m on the other end of handy so I got somebody else to do it!

He was very good looking, he had massive biceps he sweated in all the right places and I had no idea why my wife would be so interested in installing a fireplace. She actually sat in the lounge room the whole time and watched him. Eventually I heard the words I had waited so long to hear: “Michael, can you give me a hand”. I’m so excited I ran into my room and put my old clothes on and came back out and said “What do you want me to do?” and he said “I want you to stay down the bottom here and I’m going to get on the roof and I’m going to lower down the stainless steel pipe and all I want you to do is catch it and put it into place”.

Guest Speaker, Michael Crossland Well I can catch, I’ve played baseball overseas I can definitely catch and was ready so the last thing you want to hear from builder who is on the roof with a stainless steel pipe is one word: ‘Oops’. And I heard the word “oops” and the stainless steel pipe comes down and I try get my left hand out the road and the right-hand gets stuck and as the tendons, nerves and blood goes everywhere, my wife goes ballistic because I got blood on the carpet, and the builder actually drove me to the hospital because my wife wanted to stay home and clean up the mess. Anyway when we got the hospital I just went straight in and had surgery and came back out. I’m sure everybody in the room has been in hospital before. What I do when I’m in hospital lying on bed is look to the bed to my left an the bed to my right just to make sure that I’m not worse off than everyone else in the room.

18 The Armidalian So I’m looking to the right and there is a boy and you know Sometimes it’s a powerful exercise for you to compare your how the curtains are never quite closed so can see through adversities and your challenges with others for you to realise the crack and he’s got this big smile on his face and I’m how lucky you are to have what you have. thinking, “he is loving morphine or all his problems aren’t as My journey began when I was 11 months of age. I went bad as mine”. to the doctors with my mum and my sister. My sister had And then I hear the nurse walk in and she pulls the sheet an infection and as we were leaving the room together I back and I hear her say “Oh my God that’s terrible what’s gave the doctor a hug and his knee brushed my stomach. happened?” I hear this little eight year old boy and he says, Something so innocent, yet something that changed my life “Nurse, I was riding my quad bike and I was cruising through forever. He reached down and felt my stomach and thought the bush having a great time that went around the corner that was a bit firm for an 11 month old boy. I was taken to and I fell off this big stick got jammed right up into my leg”. hospital and that night was flown to Sydney And then he said, “But it could be worse”. Then she said “It and following morning I was diagnosed with an incurable could be worse? What do you mean it could be worse? cancer of the central nervious system, called neuroblastoma. You’ve got a stick in your leg you are going to have to have Stage Four. No chance of survival. “Take your boy home and surgery, then you’ll be on crutches, you won’t be able to allow him to live the next few months with his family because go swimming what you mean it could be worse?” And this there’s nothing more we can do”. But like everybody in this little cheeky eight year old boy with a smile on his face and I room we all have choices and the choices we make each and apologise in advance for this irreverence, but he responded every day can reshape, remould, and redefine our future. with, “Nurse, it could be worse, the stick could have got me in My mum asked one question: “I don’t want to know what the balls”. I can just imagine the father saying in the car on the the chances are my son dying are. I want to know what the way home ‘well stop your whingeing at least you still got your chances are from my son surviving this”. The doctor said I balls’ and you just shut up straight away there’d be no more had a ninety six percent death rate. “So go home”. How often whingeing! do we look at the glass in front of us being half empty as opposed to being half full? I’m so privileged and so blessed But I think to myself in life isn’t that true about everything. that my mum chose to look at my life being four percent full Every challenge, every adversity, every bit of pain and and not ninety six percent empty. I started my chemo cycle suffering that we face in our life, it could always be worse and on my very first birthday. My chemo cycle was nine days on I don’t doubt that everyone in this room has a story to tell. three days off, nine days on three days off, not for weeks, Everybody has challenge, everybody has pain. not for months but for years. I was on that same cycle until I’ve been lucky enough to speak to troops in Iraq fighting my fourth birthday when the doctor came in and said to my for freedom. I’ve spent time in some of the worst juvenile mum, “Kerry we’re sorry the treatments are no longer doing detention centres in America. I’ve spent time with the 911 the job, we’re going to have to go into surgery”. victims and their families whose lives were completely and I went into surgery and six hours later I came out and the utterly destroyed by one act of terror yet they get out of bed doctor said to my mum, “we didn’t get it all and now there every day and strive for a brighter tomorrow. I’ve been lucky is nothing we can do”. My father and my three older sisters enough to work with professional athletes in Australia and were flown from Coffs Harbour to Sydney to say goodbye overseas who are earning anywhere between $22 and $35 to their son and brother. But three days later a doctor came million a year and one thing that I’ve learned throughout all in and told my mum that we have a test drug that we’re of those journeys is that it’s not the adversity that you face going to trial on twenty five kids, we have twenty four other in your life that determines the quality of life that you get to candidates, this drug is called DTIC and it’s never been trialled live, it’s about how you deal with your adversities that allows on humans before, only on animals. you to live a remarkable life. I love the saying “I cried when I didn’t get a new pair of shoes until I saw a boy who had no feet”.

19 Michael Crossland (Cont.)

I truly believe that hope is one of the most powerful words in I’ve been lucky enough to achieve some great things. I’ve the English dictionary. It does not matter if you are a student, played, captained and coached for my country. I’ve been a parent whether you are rich or poor, every single one of us inducted into the International Baseball Hall of Fame. I was has the same opportunity every single day to instill hope into one of the youngest national sales development managers somebody’s life. We started this drug DTIC at nine am on a for one of the largest companies in the world. Tuesday morning. A few years ago after the earthquake hit in Haiti and killed Within twenty four hours we were all transferred from the three hundred and sixteen thousand people I was lucky oncology unit to the burns unit. The after-effects of this enough to go down there and help rebuild the school for one drug were so bad that we were covered from head to toe in hundred and twenty little kids. blisters. Within one month twenty of the patients had passed. When you’re educated and have the ability to dream and Within the second month of this drug it had begun to burn when you have the ability to dream you achieve some my intestinal organs. I lost one of my lungs, my liver and a remarkable things in your life. When we came back from kidney were destroyed, and the muscles around my heart rebuilding the school we came past this little village and began to deteriorate. Within ninety days of this drug, twenty these twenty little kids, half of them had clothes, half of them four of the twenty five patients on this drug had passed away. only had rags on. I said to this little boy “what’s the best part I say to people all around the world, that I’m one of the lucky about living in this orphanage?” and he said “the best part ones. But I never say I’m one of the lucky ones because I’m about living here in the orphanage is I get a bowl of rice still alive I say I’m one of the lucky ones because I wasn’t every other day. After my mother and my father and both my my mum. My mum had it tough. She had to make a choice brothers died I lived on the street for months and the only a choice every single day to inject a drug into her son that food I would ever get to eat was out of garbage bins”. He said had killed everybody that had ever been on it. I had one “but the worst part about living here is the night because dream as a child and that one dream was to live normally every time I go to bed the roof over my bed leaks and I get like everybody else. I just wanted to go to school I wanted soaking wet.” And then he said “that it doesn’t really matter to make friends I just wanted to enjoy the simple things in whether it rains I still get soaking wet because the two little life that people take granted every single day. After seven boys I have to share my bed with still pee their pants”. years in hospital the doctor said I would never go to school, And we complain every single day about having to do I would never play sport and if I reached my teenage years homework, about having to do an assignment about having it would be a miracle. But my family believed in miracles my to go to work. When we can understand and appreciate that mum wanted to make sure that my dreams came true. At the it’s not your adversity but how you deal with adversity that age of 12 I suffered my first major heart attack. At the age allows you to leave the remarkable life, then we can get to of 18 when I was playing professional baseball in America I live in amazing life. suffered my second heart attack and was sent home. At the age of 24 I was unlucky have to have bacterial meningitis. I My mum always taught me to shoot for the moon and if you had fluid on the brain and then four years ago when I was a miss you still end up in the stars. Every day is an opportunity senior executive of a very large finance company I became for you to have a dream and a goal and a vision. very sick at work and had a stroke down the right hand side of my body. A few years ago I received a phone call from a lady named Michelle. She asked me if I could help raise some money for I’ve realised throughout my life does not matter how many the family of a boy named Kai, who was dying of cancer. I was times you get knocked down it’s about how many times you on a speaking tour in Australia and America, but locked in get back up that truly determines the quality of life that you some dates. get to live.

20 The Armidalian Then I was seven weeks into the tour and I got a phone In life so many people quit because they look at how far they call from a lady named Kylie calling from the Make-A-Wish still have to go as opposed to how far they have come. You Foundation she said to me “Michael I’m calling in regards to a young men and women have had an amazing journey. You little boy named Kai and he has been diagnosed with cancer” guys are stepping up into the senior roles, and now is your and I said “yeah I’m well aware of Kai, I’m getting out there opportunity not just to make a difference around your peers when I get back from overseas”. She said to me “unfortunately and in the school but beyond that in this community, in the Kai has been transferred from the oncology ward into the state, in this country. You all have the opportunity and ability palliative care unit. This little five-year-old boy has less than every single day to make this world better place. two weeks to live and his one last dying wish is to meet you”. Too often in life we’re fearful of what could be or should be I remember saying to myself on the plane going to Adelaide and forget to focus on what is. “do not connect yourself emotionally with this little boy, he is going to be dead within weeks”. I get off the plane, I get We all have the chance to walk out that today and be my hire car and drive to the hospital and this adorable little the same person we were when we walked in, or we can boy comes running through the ward and jumps into my realise that we truly have a gift we are blessed every day with arms like I’m his hero and immediately I was emotionally the air that we breath and the opportunities that are around connected. us and we can truly take our life to new heights.

We had the most amazing day together. We went to the Ladies and gentlemen, when you get the opportunity to give vineyards, we played catch, we kicked the ball around, I let back to people that have sacrificed so much for you, it will him drive the hire care back through the vineyards to the change your life forever. It’s not about the number of days highway. I took him back to the hospital and he said to me: that we live on this earth that determines the quality of life “thanks for a great day, I’ll see you soon”. And I remember I that we get to live, it’s about what we fit into this world that couldn’t say anything back because I knew I was never going truly determines the quality of life that we get to live. to see that little boy again.

That night I spoke in Adelaide and we raised thirteen Mr Michael Crossland thousand dollars for the family. Three thousand was used to fly him and his mum to the snow the next day because I found out that he wanted to do angel wings. The other ten thousand dollars was used to bury him four weeks later. I think to myself every day that there’s been a time in my life that I’ve been able to make a difference in someone else’s. I thought for a long time that success was about a car that I drove around in, the house I lived in, the amount of money that I earnt.

I realise now that success is about getting out of bed every single day and knowing in your heart that you that you can make a difference in someone else’s life and the best thing about that is that it doesn’t matter how rich or powerful or famous or broke you are, we all have the same opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.

21 Senior Prefect’s Address

TAS Board members, guest of honour, Mr Michael Crossland, special guests, Headmaster, staff, parents and students.

I want to begin by thanking our guest speaker Mr Michael Crossland for his generous words and also his good counsel. Please join me in thanking Mr Crossland.

Ladies and gentlemen, at the outset of my speech I wish to make my message clear; get involved, be busy and as engaged as you are able to in your life at this school. This message comes in a couple of forms.

Firstly, the non-compulsory experience, but arguably the most significant. I’m referring specifically to trips, service trips and the Triple Crown just to name a few. To this end I would like to make clear that the Triple Crown was one of the greatest memories of my schooling career. I completed it with a mate, some of you may know Waterson, and, to be honest, neither of us should have made it. From the swim, where the Armidale local hadn't made it past the 25 metre mark without touching, to the City to Surf where I, coming into the cricket season, had planned to run a maximum of just 22 yards at any one time. Then came the Hawkesbury, oh dreaded Hawkesbury, where before-hand we had only completed a series of two leisurely Senior Prefect, Jack Bennett on Malpas Dam, only to pronounce ourselves ‘no hopers’. I’ll leave it at that for the stories of the Triple Crown, not because some involve expletives from then on, but because an individual’s response to the same experience can be different, after all. But, I can assure you of one thing, it’s truly an experience of a lifetime and one that can shape your personal character greatly. All you need to remember is that the journey can be more significant than its result.

Now, the compulsory experience. Here I refer to Cadets, Surf Life Saving, Anzac Day, sports. Due to the nature of the experience, you can often become sour toward it. I have to admit I came close to sourness when I was half way through a Year 9 trekking activity in cadets. But there were times when we just enjoyed it, and they’re the times I’ll remember forever. And while abseiling is a powerful experience in itself, spending a week in the bush with a group of mates can outweigh it. Maybe it was made easier to enjoy because of the company of Finemore, Druery and Cook, but none the less we were better off when we were a part of the experience, not just passive onlookers.

22 The Armidalian Finally, I want to tell about the personal experiences, my As I finish up I want to extend the best wishes of our Year personal favourites. Here I refer to touch footy before roll 12 group to the current Year 12s, to the Prefects, to Ben, call, pool in study breaks (few and far between of course) Jarrod and Charlie, we wish you all the very best and greatest or just sitting around ‘shooting the breeze’ as our beloved successes. Housemaster would say. This is the main message of my To the parents, especially my own, I thank you for giving your speech, because it wasn't until I had finished school and its children the chance to experience such an amazing school. celebrations that I had time to take stop and to reminisce, to think of the things I enjoyed, and whether I did have any To the teachers and wider staff, thank you for your tireless regrets. Not so strangely, perhaps, I couldn't decide if I had work in creating, encouraging and allowing such opportunity any, because nothing could eclipse the great memories and for vast experience here at TAS. mates that I have - forever. Simply, a part wished for more Finally to everybody here, I sincerely hope you can take games of touch with the Tyrrell lads, more chats in Archer’s something from today, and I want to thank you for my room with whatever crowd turned up, more cricket trainings, wonderful experiences. more tours, more mates, more memories.

And hence, my message today remains simple, get involved. Be a part, of everything that’s going on. Take your mates with Jack Bennett you. And most importantly, enjoy it. Senior Prefect

TAS Prefects 2015 Back Row (l-r): Samuel Redhead, Will Waterson, Maxwell Alcorn, Lachlan McDonald, Thomas Stier, Ben MacDougall, Joe Makeham, Thomas Gall, Klaebourne (KB) Fergusson Front Row: George Sedgwick, Harry Wright (Deputy Senior Prefect), Headmaster Mr Murray Guest, Jack Bennett (Senior Prefect), Mr Alan Jones, Nicholas Finney (Deputy Senior Prefect), William Archer, Lachlan Pollard

23 Chaplain’s Report

The Armidale School is a Christian educational institution. It rests with the chaplaincy to continue to inform and such that this claim is authentic, Biblical and God honouring.

The task has been made easier with the very competent Mrs Jo Benham, although Jo will be on maternity leave over the next year with the arrival of young Edward. While Mrs Benham taught Agriculture for a term Maria Craven stepped in and did a fantastic, God honouring job, then again for Jo as she went on maternity leave. At this stage we are making plans for Old Boy, Cameron Patrick to join the team to fill in for Jo next year. Meanwhile, Jo continues to be a great asset to the team and we praise God for her provision. I am thankful for the provision of Rev Stephen Williams who filled in for me in Term 4 as I took long service leave.

Following in his brother Tim’s footsteps, we’ve had Patrick Williamson take up the position of our seventh ‘Year 13’ student this year. It has been a wonderful encouragement and very effective for ministry to have Pat around.

As usual we took a group of students to KYCK. This forms a major focus for Term 1. Term 2’s focus is then on following these boys up, the Thursday lunchtime Bible study becomes the backbone of this process. Year after year this is a

Reverend Richard Newton, TAS Chaplain rewarding and encouraging time.

We continue on with great support from the school. This has allowed our staff Bible study, Junior School Bible Club, Middle School Bible Club and other less regular groups to continue.

Confirmees We were most encouraged by our three outreach nights. William Benham, Jock Campbell, Angus Cornell, These nights were designed to give opportunity to staff and Anna Finney, Cooper Gerdes, Andrew Kirk, Thomas Price, Tom parents to investigate the Bible’s claims as they attended Simmonds, Nicholas Taylor, Julian Vogt, Sam Wright. dessert and question nights looking at issues from Creation to Revelation.

I am spurred on more than ever to keep considering how we Weddings might reach the broader community of TAS as relationships Samuel Francis Dutton and Katherine Mary Mulligan on form and trust is established. This, along with the boys 25 April, 2015 who have recently committed their lives to Christ, now has Christopher Thomas Anthony Laurie and Jeanna Joy become my predominant prayer, and what I ask you also to be Shepherd on 5 December, 2015. taking to our good and gracious Lord.

Rev Richard Newton Chaplain

24 The Armidalian Counsellor’s Report

The Counselling Service at TAS provides services to students, These days we are acutely aware of the challenges to parents and staff. As students progress through the school mental health. The evidence is mounting that children and there are a number of developmental transitions that lead adolescents can experience conditions like anxiety and a person from childhood to the cusp of adulthood. Major depression. Indeed, one in five young people will experience changes in physical, social, emotional and cognitive aspects one or both of these, at a level that requires specific and of self occur in this period, as well as unexpected life events focused treatment. Early identification and intervention that can impact sharply on a young person’s life. Life events can assist in the recovery process and the development of can cut across the anticipated trajectory of life – significant skills and strategies for managing them. At TAS we are very loss experiences, illness, changes in family structure and responsive to these experiences. TAS also places an emphasis relationships, and financial changes brought on by things on the acquisition of positive approaches to mental health like drought or fire. Adolescents also have to work through a so that elements like resilience and positive mind-sets are number of specific issues to do with internet management, developed wherever possible throughout the School. social pressures to do with alcohol and drug availability, The opportunity also exists for parents to come and discuss intimacy experiences, as well as the pressure and stress of the their concerns for their children, and the emerging stresses HSC. that accompany the parenting of growing children and So, it is an important contribution to students’ well-being, adolescents. Parenting is sometimes a most difficult role and that the pastoral system in the school that oversees the well- there are specific principles, skills and strategies that can help being of students and staff, includes a counselling service. ease the way. This is an aspect of the counselling service that Here, a person can engage in detailed discussion of issues can extend the sense of connection and support. that are proving difficult to surmount, address dynamics As we move into a period of change at TAS, the opportunities emerging in peer, academic or relationship arenas, moral and have never been greater and the umbrella of support and social dilemmas, or simply engage in some self-development encouragement has never been so well integrated into the by talking through emerging identity changes. mainstream life of the school. New positions and structures in the school have enhanced the quality of care. The TAS Counselling Service is one key element in this.

Mr Rob Hadfield Counsellor

25 Wellbeing and Pastoral Care

Twenty fifteen was another year of progress within the realms The decision to embrace co-education from Years T-12 of Wellbeing and Pastoral Care at TAS. Combining the welfare informed key changes to the existing structures in 2015 and of both students and staff, programs, key events and general the boys from Years 6-11 took part in several sessions through practices foreground wellbeing as central to life at TAS and in the year to assist them in this milestone transition. our 2025 Vision. This culminated in a three-part program late in Term 4 where, students took part in workshops with key staff One of the highlights of the year was the commencement of before participating in sessions with Old Boy and former the formal teaching of Positive Education in Years T-8, with Wallaby, James Holbeck, who spoke on issues of masculinity, the ‘You Can Do It’ resiliency TAS designed program forming self-worth, relationships with women in an engaging and the basis in Junior School and our own program in Years challenging presentation. This complemented several other 6-8. The School remains committed to this strengths-based sessions that the Year 10 students attended as part of the approach to wellbeing and, while we would argue that this ‘STEPS to Adulthood’ program in the last week of the year. is not new for TAS, teaching Positive Education assists in refining focuses and gives us a slightly new language along Another highlight for the year was a visit from Batyr, a the way. Sydney-based organisation who deal with ‘the elephant in the room’ of mental health. Led by another Old Boy, former The Middle School Homeroom and Senior School Advisor Senior Prefect Jono Peatfield (2002), the team from Batyr structure assist in communicating the key principles of spoke about de-stigmatising mental health and strategies pastoral care and the themes for 2015 through these both to recognise and manage difficulties and the students forums were Gratitude and Grit. Students participated in were handed concrete strategies to support them with the exercises that allowed them to express their gratitude to complexities of life both at and beyond School. other members of the School community, while the study of famous cases (Earnest Shackleton, for example) and TAS remains a happy and supportive place and the students circumstances closer to home (such as the Triple Crown understand that their safety and wellbeing is the School’s challenge at TAS) allow students to understand the value of priority and, equally, that their greatest responsibility is to persistence in all things. The Homeroom and Advisor groups ensure the safety of others. In an increasingly complex world, are the foundation for positive relationships within the it is even more important that all members of the community School and are central to our wellbeing practices, especially are supported in maintaining a healthy sense of self and that the mechanism that allows students in Years 10-12 to choose they feel purpose and value in their achievements. their Advisor. Mr Barney Buntine

26 The Armidalian Aboriginal Students’ Program

The Aboriginal education program at The Armidale School NAIDOC events were given a fresh look as our Indigenous has continued to develop in positive directions through 2015. boys developed their own Anaiwan Welcome to Country The focus this year has been on staffing, physical spaces, dance with support from our visiting dance troupe to individual programs and cultural experiences, together perform at our NAIDOC Assembly. This was followed by a representing a focus on pride and place within the School. NAIDOC Dinner for students and parents with guest speaker Steve Widders, a highly respected Anaiwan Elder, inspiring The 16 students embarked again on their cultural trip the audience as he spoke of local history. to Sydney that included a visit to Koori Radio for on-air interviews, NITV and the University of Technology Aboriginal At the individual level, our Indigenous students have been Student Centre. The purpose of the trip was to open horizons well represented in senior rowing, rugby, athletics and the for our students and the combination of cultural linkages and recent appointment of one of our incoming Year 12s as aspirational connections served this purpose well. In addition prefect. All of this points to healthy development in our to this, one of Australian Indigenous Education Foundation program and the support of AIEF and Yalari Foundation has scholarship holders, Bailey Widders was supported on a been absolutely critical in this. We particularly congratulate four-day visit to the Australian Defence Force Academy to Jayden Harradine (Narrabri) for completing Year 12 in 2015. investigate the feel of a military career. He was inspired by it. In other career directions, our first three boys to join the AIEF Pathways Program in Year 11 began this year with good Mr Barney Buntine success and it is hoped that this will generate momentum in Director of Pastoral Care future years.

A key initiative this year was the appointment of a new staff member to work with our Indigenous students, particularly in academic support work. This position was taken by a local Anaiwan man, Callum Clayton-Dixon, who has returned to country after completing his tertiary studies in Brisbane. He has a particular passion for Aboriginal languages and was focused on nurturing Anaiwan language in the region. Unfortunately, after only one year, we farewell him as he undertakes further study at the UNE in linguistics.

A dedicated room was also created in the centre of the teaching campus to celebrate Indigenous culture and create space for our Indigenous students to give recognition to their identity for the benefit of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike. This is where our Indigenous students meet and where much of the support activities for them takes place.

The relationship between TAS and the local Minimbah Aboriginal continued positively this year with both junior and senior students from TAS visiting to assist with sports and their reading program and Minimbah Callum Clayton-Dixon looks on while Dennis Pitt and Dad, Dennis Sr. work students joining the TAS Junior School athletics carnival and together on an art work presented to the school. our NAIDOC assembly.

27 28 The Armidalian Senior School

29 Director of Studies’ Report

Sixty eight students completed their HSC at TAS in 2015. • Joshua Stevenson (ATAR 99.2) was listed on the Board of They sat 376 HSC exams in 28 Board of Studies subjects Studies’ All Round Achievers List achieving Band 6 results and also completed studies in additional TAFE and Board in Ancient History, Business Studies, Economics, English Endorsed courses. Three of the HSC courses fell under Advanced, Legal Studies and Mathematics General. the banner of Vocational Frameworks. These figures are • Sebastian Gibson (ATAR 98.05) achieved Band 6 testimony to the broad spectrum of opportunities available results in Economics, English Advanced, Mathematics, to TAS students that cater for Extension 2 in English and Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics. Maths through to Vocational subjects. • Other outstanding ATAR results were achieved by Liam Eleven students were mentioned in Distinguished Achiever Kennedy, Tom Mailler and Samuel Redhead. Lists and there were 26 mentions overall in 13 of the Board of Studies subjects studied. • Thomas Bishop was selected for both OnScreen and ART EXPRESS for his film based major works. Highlights • Rob Butcher performed in Port Macquarie in Bravissimo • Ali Ahsan, with an ATAR of 99.75, is Dux of The Armidale whilst Calliden Hunter was nominated for OnStage and School in 2015. Ali was the top student in the region, Willis Yung was nominated for ARTEXPRESS. listed on the Board of Studies’ All Round Achievers List and appeared seven times in the Distinguished Achievers The 2015 cohort demonstrated a commitment to their List. He achieved Band 6 (>90%) results in Chemistry, studies over a long period of time. Students in this year Economics, English Advanced, English Extension 1, group strived to achieve the best results they could whilst Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2 and collaborating with their peers. Physics. He also received a Band 6 result in Mathematics in 2014 as an accelerant. Ali received Academic Honours Academic Initiatives in the final week of his time at TAS for his selection The teaching staff have spent significant time over the last 12 Australian Science Olympiad squad for both Chemistry months developing the new elective program for students and Physics. Ali commences his study of Medicine at in Years 9 and 10. This has seen considerable interest from UNSW in 2016. current and prospective students and their families.

Mrs Seonia Wark, Director of Studies with Sambavan Jayakumar and Sam Marshall (Year 9) 30 The Armidalian The breadth of offering moves from students choosing Academic Colours three electives from a list of 12 or 13 over the two years to a choice of 12 semester electives from a list of nearly 100. The Honors Silver Year 12 Year 12 breadth of new courses is exciting and we look forward to Syed Ali Ahsan Liam Kennedy implementation in 2016. My thanks goes to all the teaching Ben MacDougall staff for their considerable work on this initiative. Gold Harry Wright The TAS Junior School has now launched into its candidacy Year 12 for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Sebastian Gibson Year 11 This brings a renewed focus on to the academic program in Tom Mailler Nathan Rasmussen Joshua Stevenson Dominic Pilon these years and the staff have begun the extensive training requirements. Students and families will see an inquiry Year 11 approach to lessons and more global connections. Language Charles Wyatt Awarded at the lessons have increased in frequency in French in all years and Jarrod Bourke beginning of 2016 for adding a third language of Japanese into Years 4 and 5. Jack Tizzard achievement in 2015. Angus Lloyd A particular focus for teaching staff in 2015 was the introduction of the work on Growth Mindsets by Dr Carol Dwek from Stanford University. The whole teaching staff Academic Medallions attended their first workshop on Growth Mindsets during Gold Gold the year with follow up sessions already planned for 2016 Year 10, 2014 Year 9, 2014 focussing on including this approach in the classroom. Jack Radford Sebastian Scott Charlie Wyatt Liam Donaldson Renovations of classroom spaces continued with an exciting Jarrod Bourke Liam Treavors new Science Laboratory being constructed on the southern Angus Lloyd David Wu end of the ground floor. It is truly an innovative design and Alexander Chambers Sam Thatcher my thanks go to Timothy Wheaton, Science Coordinator, for Robbie Pullar Mike Nyathi his work on this project. Jim Orr Silver Caton Lupica The plans for a new Year 12 study area and common room Michael Harris Tom Wright have begun in what has recently been the woodwork room Lachlan Tonkin Lachlan Knowles and in the area that many Old Boys would know as the Old Brough Whibley Ziggy Harris Gym. The SRC and Prefect body have both had input into this Henry Coldham design and we look forward to opening it in 2016. Jack Parker Silver Nathan Rasmussen Oscar Alcorn It is clear that the academic environment at TAS continues to Angus Simmons Sinclair Moore grow from strength to strength. Students, parents, teachers Alister Braham Sam Kealey and the wider school community are wanting to support our Jack Boydell students to achieve their individual goals. We look forward Jack Tizzard Bronze to the new boy and girl enrolments in 2016 as the increased Charlton Grant Lukas Cook numbers allow us to expand our offering and support Callan Moffatt mechanisms. Bronze Henry Perrottet Samuel Danke Jack Kaynes Brent Rees Mrs Seonia Wark Sam Finlayson Awarded at the Director of Studies Lachlan Thomas beginning of 2015 for Hugh Morton achievement in 2014. Ben Moffatt

31

Speech Day Prizes

Year 6

Music Cassidy Williams

PDHPE Nicholas O’Neil

Visual Arts Josiah Alcorn

French, Mathematics Jack van Roy

Citizenship, English, HSIE, Japanese, Science & Technology Lachlan Galbraith

Citizenship Henry Mitchell

Armidale Dumaresq Council Citizenship Award Samuel Coombes

Year 7

PDHPE Andrew Kirk

Visual Arts Remy Taylor

English, History, Geography, Japanese, Music, Science & Technology Matthew Wark

Freemasons’ Prize Excellence in Community Service John Moore

Citizenship Jaden Carroll

Citizenship & French Colby Hanes

Coventry Cup – Best All-round student in Year 7 James O’Brien

Year 8

History Thomas Price

Japanese Angus Earle

Music Jacob Fernandez

PDHPE Timothy Cimino

French & Mathematics Kieran Dennis

Citizenship Michael Harrell

Citizenship Harry Mason

Visual Arts & Commitment and Perseverance Prize for consistent effort and desire to improve William Forsyth

Philip and Lenna Smith Prize for innovation in Design Matthew Whibley

Design & Technology, English & Armidale Diocesan Middle School Prize Jack Halliday for willingness to support, encourage and serve others

Geography, Science, Middle School Prize Outstanding contribution and service to Middle School Henry O’Neil

32 The Armidalian Year 9

Agriculture – Kenneth Caldwell Memorial Prize Ryan Schmitt

Commerce Nicholas Jackson

Industrial Technology Tully Muller

Japanese Bayden Wright

Maths / Science Extension Nicholas Bohlsen

PASS - Physical Activity & Sports Science Jack Berry

Visual Arts Alexander Ziesemer

French, Industrial Technology – Automotive Angus Apps

Drama, History, Information Software & Technology, PDHPE - Personal Development, Health & Physical Education Nicholas Moar

English, Geography, Mathematics - Mottershead Memorial Prize, Music

Science - Lochhead Memorial Prize Sambavan Jeyakumar

Freemasons’ Prize Excellence in Community Service Nicholas Farrar

Adam Munro Prize for Citizenship Sam Marshall

Year 10

Drama Ziggy Harris

French Caton Lupica

Industrial Technology - Timber Sam Kealey

PASS - Physical Activity & Sports Science Michael Baldock

PDHPE - Personal Development, Health & Physical Education, Visual Arts Liam Donaldson

Agriculture, Industrial Technology - Automotive Callan Moffatt

Mathematics – Blaxland Memorial Prize, Maths / Science Extension Liam Treavors

History & Science Thomas Wright

Commerce, English & Music Samuel Thatcher

Geography, Information Software & Technology, Japanese David Wu

Carson Shield Achiever’s Award Matthew Giakoumi

33 Year 11

Biology Alistair Braham

Business Studies Bailey Hanes

Design & Technology Jack Parker

Drama Dominic Pilon

English Standard Jack Evans

French Continuers Madeline Dennis

Metal & Engineering (VET) Joseph Kingham

Primary Industries (VET) Lachlan Thomas

Mathematics General – E P Spencer Memorial Prize PDHPE - Personal Development, Health & Physical Education Henry Coldham

Geography, Japanese Continuers Jacob Hunt

Agriculture – F W Nivison Memorial Prize, Automotive (VET) Harrison McDouall

Ancient History, Modern History, Visual Arts Jack Tizzard

McConville Prize for Communication & Leadership Charlton Grant

St Vincent de Paul Prize (Armidale) for heightened sense of social justice, warm empathy and practical support for those in need Brough Whibley

Chemistry, Mathematics Extension 1, McConville Prize for Communication & Leadership Jarrod Bourke

Legal Studies, Music 2, Physics, John Montgomery Prize - Best All-round Achievement in Year 11 Angus Lloyd

34 The Armidalian Year 12 Awards

Academic Prizes

Overall Academic Achievement (estimated > 90)

Sebastian Gibson, Liam Kennedy, Tom Mailler, Samual Redhead, Joshua Stevenson, Harry Wright

Headmaster’s Academic Prize for Excellence

Best HSC Assessment Syed Ali Ahsan

Automotive Nicholas Druery

Biology Ben MacDougall

Design & Technology (Philip & Lenna Smith Prize), Drama Tom Bishop

English Standard (Ken McConville Memorial Prize) Hayden Shepherd

French Continuers Tom Mailler

Geography Nicholas Finney

Mathematics (Mottershead Memorial Prize) Sebastian Gibson

Metals & Engineering Robert Butcher

Music 1 (Roger Bailey Memorial Prize) Harry Wright

PD, Health & PE Thomas Gall

Visual Arts (May Wills Magoffin Prize) Chun Kiu (Willis)Yung

School Based Traineeship Award William Claridge

Primary Industries, School Based Traineeship Award Charles McGowan

Agriculture (Sinclair Trophy), Poll Hereford Stud Shield Bradley Doak

English Extension 2, Creative Writing (Hadley White Prize) Frazer Moore

Japanese Continuers, Mathematics General 2 (E P Spencer Memorial Prize), Modern History (Blomfield Memorial Prize) Liam Kennedy

Ancient History , Business Studies, Legal Studies Joshua Stevenson

Chemistry, Economics (Drinkwater & Howard Tolhurst Memorial Prize), English Advanced, English Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Physics Syed Ali Ahsan

35 Lions Citizenship Medallions for Exemplary Character and Service

Robert Butcher, William Davis, Bradley Doak, Felix Gifford, Jock Jackson, Thomas Stier, Will Waterson

Special Prizes

Rotary Citizenship Prize (Outstanding degree of Citizenship) Maxwell Alcorn

N K Moffatt Shield (Best all-round Sportsman) William Archer

Cecil Hill Memorial Prize (Contribution to Co-curricular Music) Robert Butcher

Celia Skeggs Memorial Shield (Personal Achievement through School Activities) Nicholas Bennet

Brendan Vickers Memorial Prize for Individual Excellence ( Awarded to a student who shows individual character and flair in any area) William Claridge

G A Fisher Prefect’s Prize All-round Achievement of a Prefect (character and influence) Thomas Gall

Jim Graham Drama Prize (Contribution to Co-curricular Drama) Calliden Hunter

Rotary Citizenship Prize (Outstanding degree of Citizenship) Ben MacDougall

Peter Beit Prize (Achievement Beyond Expectation in Several Fields) George Sedgwick

Ruth Langford-Smith Memorial Prize (For persistence and determination) Chun Kiu (Willis) Yung

Ruth Langford-Smith Memorial Prize (For persistence and determination) Joe Makeham

GPS OBU Sport Prize (For outstanding sportsmanship, exceptional dedication, commitment and contribution to sport) Joe Makeham

Anthony Kent Biggs Memorial Prize (Leadership and good influence amongst Juniors) Samuel Redhead

Rajendra Perpetual Debating Trophy Samuel Redhead

Keith Lawrance Memorial Shield (Leadership and Service in many fields) Nicholas FInney

The Brad Fenner Prize (Prize for Deputy Senior Prefect) Nicholas Finney

Andrew Beattie Memorial Prize (Outstanding contribution to Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities) Harry Wright

36 The Armidalian Headmaster’s Prize for the Best All Rounder (Excellence in academic, sporting & community fields) Harry Wright

The Brad Fenner Prize (Prize for Deputy Senior Prefect) Harry Wright

Rawson Cup (For the Senior Prefect) Jack Bennett

Higinbotham Prize for Dux of the School 2014 Patrick Williamson

37 Valedictory Day Address

This was my experience about four years ago while volunteering on a scientific expedition with Sydney University. I wasn’t meant to be there. I was meant to be in class at the Uni. Actually, I had two mid-semester exams and an essay due. But I was fed up with university, I just wanted to drop out, get a job and DO something. I figured that by skipping class, working in the field, I’d actually learn more than I was in classes anyway. And I did. Experiences like that; sitting around the campfire chatting about the desert, the complexity of one of the most volatile eco-systems in the world, with irregular flash-floods and bushfires, helped me rediscover my love of nature, of learning about nature, and of science. It also opened for me upon returning from the desert five weeks later. Suddenly it was OK for me to approach these professors and to start my own research projects. For instance, through this I had the opportunity to camp out in the Tarkine Forest, in Tasmania, trapping Tasmanian Devils.

Later I started an iGEM team at Sydney University. iGEM is an international competition for student research in Synthetic Biology. It’s kind of like a robotics competitions but for biology. And it shares that engineering attitude - rather than trying to pull something apart to its smallest bits (DNA, proteins, and so on), we try to build a biological system from Mr Robbie Oppenheimer, Guest Speaker the bottom-up. Biotechnology is becoming simple enough, easy and cheap enough for thousands of iGEM students around the world to do their own projects and show them Headmaster, Staff, Parents and Guests, Year 12. off at MIT, in Boston. They do things like, “Could we engineer algae that could photosynthesize, absorb carbon dioxide, You’re in the back seat. It’s a dark, early morning. Bouncing and produce biofuel?”, “Can we design a virus that specifically around in the back of a 4WD landrover, you feel the vehicle attacks cancer cells?” All sorts of projects in agriculture, turn off a dirt road. Sand skids under the tyres. You get to the energy, food, bioplastics, and medicine. Starting a team was a top of the sand-dune and everyone piles out. The sand-dunes lot of hard work. I actually bombed that semester of uni and extend in every direction like waves rippling to the horizon. only just passed every subject. You walk towards a small hole in the ground, a trap, and stick your hand in, wondering what you might find. Most likely a But it was also SO MUCH FUN, and I learned more than I had Spinifex Hopping Mouse (it’s like a kangaroo shrunk to the in any other semester at uni. Strangely, after so many years size of a marsupial mouse), or a reptile. A gecko maybe, or a of science classes learning about and repeating what other snake (we’ve had two already). As you reach down you feel scientists had done, it was my first experience of BEING a your hand pricked, as if by a rose-bush. You call the others scientist, coming up with your own idea or question and over and peer down in the dark. You reach down and pull exploring it in the lab. It was the experience of discovery. out a Thorny Devil. And the sun comes up over the Simpson Desert.

38 The Armidalian And coming back from MIT with iGEM, just like the Simpson I pretend for a second that I’m sitting here with you and Desert, I found that new doors opened. Our team was someone leans over saying - ‘you need to get to Oxford’. invited to present at the first Synthetic Biology conference Aiming towards where I am would have changed everything. in Australia - which was exciting because the other speakers I wouldn’t have travelled on a GAP year, I would have gone were all practising scientists. And one of the presenters was a straight to uni, picked different subjects, worked my ass off, really inspiring guy. He and I clicked immediately, and I ended narrowed my focus and there’s no way would I have skipped up doing my Honours research year in his lab at the Victor class for the Simpson Desert, or done iGEM and bombed Chang Cardiac Research Institute. That was a total surprise - at classes. I would have put pressure on myself, going uphill the time I just thought iGEM was more fun than classes. But the whole way instead of being open to those side-paths it led to accidents like meeting the NSW Chief Scientist, who and detours that developed my passion, where I was able to was really taken with the idea of students learning science by actually help people, and become a better scientist. doing real research, that together, we and a group of other If there’s one thing I could share with you, it’s my faith in iGEM students proposed a grant pool for student research. freedom and fun. If you give yourself the freedom to be open Every year in March there’s now $100,000 for NSW students to the world, then the world opens up to you. If you can doing innovative research in science and engineering. At be free of your preconceptions about the world and about the Victor Chang Institute I also saw people from all over the who you are, then you will see opportunities every day to world, collaborators from Japan, Europe, America. I heard question, to expore, discover, and innovate. And it’s FUN! about this great PhD course in Synthetic Biology at Oxford By that I mean, when you are open to all these options, you that just started last year. And I’m about to start next week! can pick the ones that are most interesting and fascinating, On Monday! And I don’t know what things I’ll learn there, the ones that make you passionate, the ones that get you what I’ll do, who I’ll meet. I’ve actually got no idea where this buzzing, that keep you up at night, and get you up in the could lead, just like you, today, about to leave TAS. morning. If you have an inkling of that feeling you should And that’s what I’d really like to get across - that there are hunt it like a hawk. You’ve no idea where it might lead, exciting surprises. You don’t plan to pull out a Thorny Devil! but when you’re in that space you will always work harder Oxford wasn’t part of some plan. Not when I did iGEM or went because it’s a pleasure, and you’ll make a better contribution to the Simpson Desert. I wasn’t aiming for this. When I left to whatever community you find yourself in, because you school, I had this vague, messy list in my head of all the things care. Freedom and fun. I wanted do - go to TAFE or uni, but also travel, and volunteer Thank-you for giving me the opportunity to share and in a third-world country, but also work part-time to pay for celebrate today with you. It is thrilling to see you standing rent because I’m moving out because I’m young and free and on the precipice, looking out over the edge of so many new living it up and getting the girl, but also doing the internship lives. You’re going to become engineers, farmers, teachers, to work towards a career that means something in the crazy doctors, lawyers, firemen, whatever!! There are so many rich world with challenges like climate change, pollution, poverty, experiences waiting for you and I hope that they’re full of food and water security!!!…. This IMPOSSIBLE list! And I surprises. believe that this kind of image of your future can actually be dangerous. In one sense it can be dangerous because it’s impossible, so when you fail you might get down on yourself. But in another sense, it’s actually limited. It is limited by Mr Robbie Oppenheimer your imagination. By the things that you think are possible, Senior Prefect 2008 and therefore by your past experience. It doesn’t capture the richness of life. There are surprises and accidents and discoveries and opportunities that you will miss if you’re blinded by a vision of what you’re meant to become.

39 Valedictory Day Response

However, I do not believe that this is a weakness. Rather, I believe the opposite. I believe strongly diversity is a real strength. As they teach in Geography, the greater the diversity of species within an ecosystem the greater the level of resilience. I am of the belief that our year group performed strongly across the board throughout our schooling career, with a wide range of achievements in co-curricular activities, academia and leadership only as a result of the broad range of interests and activities that each of us uniquely held.

On behalf of all Year 12 present today, I want to offer my most sincere thanks to the staff of this great School. It was only through you, that our experiences, both academic and in regards to co-curricular activities could have been achieved. You take this journey each year with a new year 12 group, and your willingness to offer advice, help us and encourage us are things that I can honestly assure you are appreciated by all.

Furthermore, on behalf of each Year 12 student, I would like to take a moment to recognize the tremendous contributions our parents have made over the years. The support and encouragement of not only us boys, but of the school as well are also qualities that we have all greatly appreciated. As much as it’s been a journey for us boys, it’s one that has equally been shared by you, and the school, and, seriously, Nicholas Finney, Deputy Senior Prefect we thank you for this!

Headmaster, Mr Robbie Oppenheimer, Staff, Parents, Year 12. Finally, Year 12, I wish each of you the best for the coming years, despite the broad range of activities we are taking Robbie, thank you on behalf of all of us here for sharing up with GAP years, trades, university and entry into the your inspiring and engaging speech. Your messages about workforce, I am of the belief that each of you is in a position perseverance, courage and adventure in the pursuit of to succeed. During a year of considerable change, the everything you do connect strongly with the journey we are balance and friendliness of our year group is something now beginning. Doing this with faith in the freedom of our that I have been considerably proud to be a part of. No decisions to lead a fun and fulfilling life is something that I matter the obstacle faced, these traits have remained, and believe is a great message. So, thank you again Robbie! personally I would like to thank each and every one of you for As a year group, I believe we can be labeled in a variety of contributing to that! ways – academic, athletic, driven, and also fun, dependent on If you would all be up standing, and please charge your which boys you examine. The difficulty is when you attempt glasses for a toast to The Armidale School. to place one of these labels on us as a whole, which one do you use? Now, I know I struggled immensely to do this, and I am sure most would agree that this is the case. Nicholas Finney Deputy Senior Prefect

40 The Armidalian Valete

Ahsan, Syed Ali (2012-15) Green House

Office held: Chess Captain 2015 Awards/Prizes: Dux of the School 2016. The Headmaster’s Prize for Academic Excellence – Top HSC Assessment, The Drinkwater Memorial Prize for HSC Economics, The Howard Tolhurst Essay Prize, Prizes for HSC Advanced English and Extension I, Prizes for HSC Mathematics Extension I and II, Prizes for HSC Chemistry and Physics 2015; Year 11 Prizes for Mathematics and Extension I, Year 11 Physics, The Jim Bain Prize for Year 11 Economics, Gold Colours – Academic Excellence 2014; Gold Medallions in Chemistry and Physics – Australian Science Olympiad 2013, Year 10 Prizes for Commerce, English, Geography, History and Mathematics 2013, Gold Medallion – Academic Excellence 2013; Mottershead Memorial Prize for Year 9 Mathematics 2012. Activities Program: Pioneers 2013-14, Cadet Unit 2012. Sport: Basketball 2012-14; Football (Soccer) 2012-14; Squash 2015. Other: Debating and Public Speaking 2013-15, Chess 2012-15.

Alcorn, Maxwell John Macquarie (2009-15) Green House

Offices held: School Prefect, House Captain 2015 Awards/Prizes: Rotary Citizenship Prize 2015. Activities Program: Cadet Unit 2010-15, WOII 2015, SGT Signals 2014, CPL Signals 2013, CPL A Coy 2012; Rangers 2009. Sport: Cricket 2009-15, 1st XI 2013-15, Silver Colours 2013, 14, 15, Mottershead Cup 2014, 15; Rugby 2009-15, 1st XV, Silver Colours 2014, 15, New England and Country Schools 2013-15, Country Schools Tour to Singapore and Hong Kong 2014, NZ Tour 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2013-14; Representative Swimming PSSA, NCSA, Hanna Shield 2009; Touch Football 2011-12; Weights 2013-14. Creative and Performing Arts: Trombone 2009. Other: RS Exchange Term 1 2013, Tour de Rocks 2012.

Allen, Daniel William (2002-15) Green House

Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014, Pioneers 2013, Cadet Unit 2010-12, CPL 2012, Rangers 2009. Sport: Football (Soccer) 2009; Kayaking 2009-10, NSW All-Schools 2009-10; Rowing 2004-15, Silver Colours, GPS Head of the River 2014-15, Sypkens Shield – Best Individual Performance over 2000 mtrs 2015; Rugby 2010-15, NZ Tour 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2012-15; Representative Swimming 2009-10, Monckton Shield, NCSA 2010, Hanna Shield 2009; Tennis 2010-12; Touch Football 2011-12; Triathlon 2011-12; 2013. Other: Gold Triple Crown 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Chess Club 2014, Tour de Rocks 2013, 14, Fiji Service 2011.

41 Apps, Lachlan James (2009-15) Broughton House

Awards/Prizes: Silver Medallion – Academic Achievement 2014; Certificate II in Sports Coaching 2013. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014, Cadet Unit 2010-13, CPL 2013; Rangers 2009. Sport: Athletics 2010-14, Silver Colours 2014, CIS and GPS 2012-14, NCSA 2010; Basketball 2009, 2011; Football (Soccer) 2009- 11, 2015, 2nd XI 2015; Rowing 2013-15, Silver Colours 2014-15, GPS Head of the River 2014-15; Strength and Conditioning 2013-15; Swimming 2010-12, NCSA 2010; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC), 2009-11; Tennis 2011-15, 1st IV NCIS 2013- 15, NCSA 2011-12, CIS 2012, Silver Medallion 2012, SE Qld Inter-Schools Tours 2011, 2014. Other: KYCK/SiS 2014-15.

Archer, William Dougal (2010-15) Tyrrell House

Offices held: School Prefect, House Captain, Vice Captain of Cricket 2015, Middle School Monitor 2011. Awards/Prizes: N K Moffatt Shield – Best All-Round Sportsman 2015, Cert III Sport and Recreation. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2010-12, CPL 2012. Sport: Cricket 2010-15, 1st XI 2012-15, Vice Captain 2014-15, Gold Colours, Uther Cup – Best , Geoffrey Bigg Bat – Best All-Rounder 2014 and15, Silver Medallion 2013, Independent Schools Cricket Festivals 2013, 14, 15, NSW Country Rep 2013-15, Northern Tablelands Rep 2010-11, Armidale Rep 2013-15; Rugby 2010-15, 1st XV, Silver Colours 2014, 15, NZ Tour 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2013-15; Tennis 2010-12, Weights 2013-15. Creative and Performing Arts: Guitar 2010-11. Other: Delegate RS Conference – The Kings Academy Amman Jordan 2014; Minimbah Service 2013, Equestrian 2012-14, Fiji Service 2011.

Baker, David Peter (2012-15) Croft House

Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2012. Sport: Athletics NCIS 2013; Rifle Shooting 2012; Rugby 2012-15, NZ Tour; Strength and Conditioning 2013-14; Triathlon 2013-15. Other: Minimbah Service 2014.

Bennet, Nicholas Gilmour (2009-15) Tyrrell House

Awards/Prizes: Celia Skeggs Memorial Shield – Personal Achievement through School Activities 2015, Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 2014. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014, Pioneers 2013, Cadet Unit 2010-12, Rangers 2009. Sport: Basketball 2012-15, 1st VIII, Armidale Rep, Silver Colours 2015; Kayaking 2009-10; Rugby 2009-15, 2nd XV (vc); Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2010-11; Tennis 2011-12; Touch Football 2011-12; Weights 2014. Creative and Performing Arts: Guitar 2011-14 Other: Gold Triple Crown 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Minimbah Service 2013.

Bennett, Jack William (2011-15) Tyrrell House

Offices held: Senior Prefect, Sports Council Rep, Colours Rep, Captain of Cricket 2015, SRC 2013-15. Awards/Prizes: Rawson Cup 2015, Silver Medallion – Academic Achievement 2013, Year 9 Physical Activity and Sports Studies 2012. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2011-12. Sport: Cricket 2011-15, 1st XI 2011-15, Captain 2014-15, Gold Colours 2014 and 2015, Consett Stephen Cup – Best Batting Average 2014 and 2015, Independent Schools Festivals 2012-15, Silver Medallions 2012 and 2013; Rugby 2011-15 1st XV 2015, 2nd XV 2014-15, Captain 2015, Country Schools Tour to Singapore and Hong Kong 2014, NZ Tour 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2011-15. Other: Gold Triple Crown 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Minimbah Service 2012-14.

Bishop, Jack William (2010-15) Ross House

Office held: Vice Captain of Hockey 2015. Awards/Prizes: The Philip and Lenna Smith Prize for HSC Design and Technology 2014 and 2015. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2010-12. Sport: Hockey 2010-15 1st XI 2013-15, Vice Captain 2015, Silver Colours 2015, Bronze Medallion and Coach’s Award 2014; Kayaking 2010-14, CIS, All-Schools, 2010-12, North Coast CIS 2010-14; Small Bore Rifle Shooting 2010; Tennis 2014-15. Other: Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Myall Lakes Canoe Classic 2014, Fiji Service 2011.

42 The Armidalian Bishop, Thomas Henry (2010-15) Ross House

Awards/Prizes: Drama Prize 2015. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Pioneers 2013, Cadet Unit 2010-12. Sport: Hockey 2010-15 1st XI 2013-15; Kayaking 2010-11; Rifle Shooting 2010; Tennis 2014-15. Other: Film Club 2014, Photography Club 2013.

Bourke, Callum James (2013-15) Tyrrell House

Office held: Vice Captain of Triathlon 2015. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Cadet Unit 2013. Sport: Cricket 2013; Rugby 2013-15, 2nd XV 2014-15; Triathlon 2013-15; Weights 2013-15. Other: Gold Triple Crown 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014.

Butcher, Robert James (2008-15) Green House

Offices held: Captain of Mountain Biking, Vice Captain of Music 2015. Awards/Prizes: Lions Citizenship Medallion, HSC Metal and Engineering, The Cecil Hill Memorial Prize for Contribution to Co- Curricular Music 2015, SoA towards Certificate III in Engineering 2015, Year 11 Metal and Engineering 2014, Silver Medallion - Academic Achievement 2014, Year 10 Industrial Technology- Automotive 2013, Gold Medallion – Achievement in Music 2012, Year 8 Citizenship Prize 2011, Year 7 Music Prize 2010, Year 6 Citizenship Prize, Year 6 French Prize 2009. Activities Program: Cadet Unit 2010-15, CUO 2014-15, B Coy Commander 2015, Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award 2015; Rangers 2009. Sport: Basketball 2009; Cricket 2009-13; Football (Soccer) 2009-14; Mountain Biking 2011-15, Captain/Coach 2015, Silver Colours 2015; Rifle Shooting 2010-11. Creative and Performing Arts: Debating 2011, Alto Saxophone 2009-15, Big Band 2010-15, Jazz Combo 2010-15, Cadet Band 2010-15, Junior Stage Band 2009-12, TAS Singers 2010. Other: KYCK/SiS 2014-15, Tour de Rocks 2012-14, Myall Lakes Canoe Classic 2012.

Butler, Thomas Stirling (2013-15) Green House

Activities Program: Cadet Unit 2013-15, CSM 2015, CPL 2014. Sport: Basketball 2013; Football (Soccer) 2013; Rugby 2014-15; Strength and Conditioning 2013-15; Level 1 Touch Football Referee 2013-15. Other: Service 2014; KYCK/SiS 2013-14.

Caskey, Benjamin Moses (2014-15) Croft House

Awards/Prizes: Certificate III in Sport and Recreation. Activities Program: Pioneers 2014. Sport: Rugby 1st XV 2014-15, Gold Colours 2014, Country Rep 2014, Silver Colours 2015; Strength and Conditioning 2014-15; Triathlon 2014-15.

Claridge, William Christie (2007-15) Ross House

Offices Held: Captain of Shooting 2015, Middle School Monitor 2011. Awards/Prize: The Brendan Vickers Memorial Prize – Individual Excellence 2015, Certificate II in Agriculture, Certificate II in Automotive, SoA towards Certificate III in Engineering 2015. Activities Program: Cadet Unit 2010-13, 2015, WOII 2015, Surf Life Saving 2014, Rangers 2009. Sport: Athletics 2009-15, GPS 2012-13, 2015, Silver Colours 2015, NSIC, PSSA 2009; Basketball 2009-11, New England 2011; Cricket 2009-10; Football (Soccer) 2010, Junior Referee 2010; Rifle Shooting, Captain GPS 1st VIII 2015, Silver Colours, W A Ward Trophy – Best Performance at GPS Shooting Camp, Small Bore 2009; Rugby 2009-15, 1st XV, Silver Colours 2015, 2nd XV 2014, Country Rep 2014, NZ Tour 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012, Level 1 Referee; Strength and Conditioning 2012-15; Tennis 2010-12; Touch Football 2011-12; Triathlon 2012-13, 2014-15. Creative and Performing Arts: Guitar 2011-13, Vocals 2015. Other: School Based Traineeship in Agriculture 2014-15, Gold Triple Crown 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Minimbah Service 2013, Fiji Service 2011. 43 Cook, Campbell Jarrod (2010-15) Abbott House

Awards/Prizes: Certificate II in Agriculture, Certificate II in Automotive, SoA towards Certificate III in Engineering 2015. Activities Program: Pioneers 2013-14; Cadet Unit 2010-12. Sport: Cricket 2010; Rifle Shooting 2010; Rugby 2010-15, NZ Tour 2013; Squash 2015; Strength and Conditioning 2014; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2010-11; Tennis 2011; Touch Football 2011-12; Triathlon 2012-13; Weights 2013-14.

Cooper, Liam John (2007-15) Green House

Office held: Vice Captain of Football 2015. Awards/Prizes: Year 11 Ancient History Prize. Activities Program: Pioneers 2013-14; Cadet Unit 2010-12; Rangers 2009. Sport: Basketball 2009-12; Football (Soccer) 2009-15; 1st XI 2014-15, Silver Colours 2014, 15, NCIS 2013; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2009-11; Tennis 2009-10; Squash 2013-15; Weights 2012-13. Creative and Performing Arts: Stage Band – Percussion 2012, Drama Club 2010. Other: Delegate RS Australasian and East Asia Regional Conference – South Korea 2015, Study Tour to Japan 2012

Coupland, Hamish Harcourt (2013-15) Tyrrell House

Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014, Cadet Unit 2013. Sport: Cricket 2013-15, 1st XI 2014-15, Silver Colours 2015; Hockey 1st XI 2014-15, Silver Colours 2014; Rugby 2013-15, 3rd XV 2014-15. Other: Thailand Service 2013.

Cushway, Maxwell Thomas (2005-15) Broughton House

Awards/Prizes: Innovation and Design in Year 9 Design and Technology 2012. Activities Program: Pioneers 2013-14, Cadet Unit 2010-12; Rangers 2009. Sport: Hockey 2009-15, 1st XI 2014-15, Silver Colours 2014; Kayaking 2009-12. Creative and Performing Arts: School Musical Productions - Pirates of Penzance 2010, Les Misérables 2012, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat 2012, Treasure Island 2015; Debating 2011, Violin 2010-12, Drama Club 2010, Chapel Choir 2008-10. Other: KYCK/SiS 2011-15; Study Tour to France, 2013, Fiji Service 2011; Forensic Science Camp 2011.

Davis, William Ayrton Peter (2014-15) Croft House

Awards/Prizes: Lions Citizenship Medallion 2015. Activities Program: Pioneers 2014. Sport: Cricket 2014-15; Rugby 2014-15; Weights 2014.

Doak, Bradley William (2013-15) Tyrrell House

Office held: Deputy House Captain. Awards/Prizes: Lions Citizenship Medallion, Sinclair Trophy for HSC Agriculture, Poll Hereford Stud Shield 2015, F W Nivison Prize for Year 11 Agriculture 2014, Year 10 Agriculture Prize 2013. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Cadet Unit 2013. Sport: Basketball 2013-14; Rugby 2013-14; Squash 2015; Strength and Conditioning 2015. Other: Poll Hereford Stud Cattle Team 2013-15; Delegate RS International Conference – The Kings Academy Amman Jordan 2014.

44 The Armidalian Druery, Nicholas Harry (2010-15) Tyrrell House

Office held: Deputy House Captain. Awards/Prizes: HSC Automotive Prize 2015, Certificate II in Automotive, SoA towards Certificate II in Engineering 2015, Year 7 Technology Prize 2010. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2010-12. Sport: Rifle Shooting 2010-11; Rugby 2010-15; Squash 2015; Strength and Conditioning 2013-14; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2010-11; Tennis 2011-12; Triathlon 2012-13; Touch Football 2011-12.

Erskine-Smith, Lewis Geoffrey (2013-15) Croft House

Activities Program: Pioneers 2014; Cadet Unit 2013. Sport: Basketball 2013-15, 1st VIII 2014-15, Silver Colours 2014, NCIS 2013; Football (Soccer) 2014; Rowing 2014-15, GPS Head of the River 2014-15, Silver Colours 2014-15; Weights 2013-14.

Fergusson, Klaebourne (KB) Alexander Francis (2009-15) Ross House

Offices held: School Prefect, Captain of Triathlon, Colours Rep. Awards/Prizes: Year 9 Drama Prize 2012, Year 7 PDHPE Prize 2010. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Cadet Unit 2010-13, SGT 2013; Rangers 2009. Sport: Athletics 2009-15, Gold Colours 2015, GPS, NCIS, CIS 2015, GPS NCSA 2010, PSSA, NCSA 2009; Football (Soccer) 2009- 15, 1st XI 2015, NCIS 2015, Silver Colours 2015, 2nd XI 2014, Sydney Tour 2013; Rugby 2011-12; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2009-11; Triathlon 2010-15, Captain 2015, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, All-Schools 2015. Creative and Performing Arts: Cast Member School Musical West Side Story 2014; Big Band 2013-14, Debating 2011; Guitar 2009-10; Drama Club 2010. Other: KYCK/SiS 2013-15, Delegate RS Australasian and East Asia Conference – South Korea 2015, Delegate RS Junior Australasian Conference – 2011.

Finemore, Cameron Gordon (2010-15) Tyrrell House

Awards/Prizes: SoA towards Certificate II in Agriculture, SoA towards Certificate II in Automotive, SoA towards Certificate III in Engineering. Activities Program: Pioneers 2013-14, Cadet Unit 2010-12. Sport: Cricket 2010; Small Bore Rifle Shooting 2010; Rugby 2010-15; Squash 2015; Strength and Conditioning 2013-14, Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2010-11; Tennis 2011-12; Touch Football 2011-12; Triathlon 2012-13; Weights 2013-14.

Finney, Nicholas John (2010-15) Tyrrell House

Offices held: Deputy Senior Prefect, Captain of Rugby, Cadet Unit SUO, Sports Council Rep, Colours Rep 2015, SRC 2013-15, Head Middle School Monitor 2011. Awards/Prizes: The Keith Lawrance Memorial Prize – Leadership and Service in Many Fields, The Brad Fenner Prize – Deputy Senior Prefect, HSC Geography Prize 2015, Year 11 Geography Prize 2014, Silver Medallions – Academic Achievement 2013 and 2014, The Adam Munro Prize for Citizenship 2012, Year 9 History Prize 2012, Silver Award – Academic Achievement 2012, Middle School Prize – Outstanding Contribution and Service to the Middle School 2011, Year 8 PDHPE Prize 2011, Year 7 Citizenship Prize 2010. Activities Program: Cadet Unit 2010-15, SUO, Sword of Honour 2015, Ceremonial Guard 2012-15, Ceremonial Guard Commander 2015, Catafalque Shield 2015, RSL Trophy – Best SGT 2013, Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award 2013; Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award 2013; Max Tavener Award – Most Outstanding 2iC 2012. Sport: Athletics 2010-12, GPS 2010-11, NCIS 2012, NCSA 2011; Cricket 2010-12; Rugby 2010-15, 1st XV 2014-15, Captain 2015, Jim Holland Memorial Trophy – Contribution to Rugby 2015, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, Country Schools 2011-14, Country Schools Tour of Singapore and Hong Kong 2014, Northern Inland Rep - ARU Junior Gold Cup, Country Schools Tour to Fiji 2012, Gold Medallion – Vice Captaincy U15 Country Schoolboys 2011, Central North 2010-13, Level 1 Referee 2013-15; Swimming 2010-15, 15 yrs Age Champion 2012, NCSA, CIS 2011; Strength and Conditioning 2013-15; Touch Football 2011-12; Triathlon 2012-14; Water Polo 2012-15. Other: Gold Triple Crown 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2013 and 2014, Minimbah Service 2011-12.

Foster, Mitchell David (2012-15) Abbott House

Awards/Prizes: Year 9 Geography Prize 2012. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2012. Sport: Cricket 2012-15, 1st XI 2015, Silver Colours 2015, 2nd XI 2014, Independent Schools Cricket Festival Tours 2013, 2014, Silver Medallion 2013; Rugby 2012-15; Squash 2015.

45 Gall, Thomas Henry (2009-15) Broughton House (2009-14) Abbott House (2014-15)

Offices held: School Prefect and Abbott House Captain, Vice Captain of Athletics 2015, Middle School Monitor 2011. Awards/Prizes: The G A Fisher Prefects Prize – All-Round Achievement - Character and Influence, HSC PDHPE Prize 2015, Certificate III in Sport and Recreation 2015, Silver Medallions – Academic Achievement 2013 and 2014, Year 10 Physical Activity and Sports Studies 2013, Year 9 PDHPE Prize 2012, Year 8 Technology Prize 2011, Year 8 Drama Prize 2011. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Cadet Unit 2010-13, Rangers 2009. Sport: Athletics 2009-15, GPS 2010-15, Vice Captain 2015, The Warren Pengilley Cup – 100m Champion 2015, NCIS 2012-15, Silver Colours 2014, Silver Medallion 2013, NCSA 2010-11; Cricket 2009-12; Rugby 2010-15, 1st XV 2015, Silver Colours 2015, Country Schools Tour to USA 2014, Gold Medallion 2014, NZ Tour 2013, Central North Rep 2012-13, New England Rep 2013, Country Schools Rep 2013-14, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2013-15; Triathlon 2013. Creative and Performing Arts: Guitar 2009. Other: Fiji Service Trip 2011.

Gibson, Sebastian Johannes (2007-15) Broughton House

Offices held: Vice Captain of TAS Speakers 2015, Middle School Monitor 2011. Awards/Prizes: The Mottershead Memorial Prize for HSC Mathematics 2015, Academic Achievement Award 2015, Silver Colours – Academic Excellence 2014, Gold Medallion – Academic Excellence 2013, Gold Award – Academic Excellence 2012, Year 9 Design and Technology Prize 2012, Year 8 English Prize 2011, Year 8 French Prize 2011, Year 7 HSIE Prize 2010, Year 7 Mathematics Prize 2009, Year 6 HSIE Prize 2009. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2010-12; Rangers 2009. Sport: Athletics, GPS, NCSA 2011, PSSA, NCSA 2009; Basketball 2009-15 1st VIII 2014-15, NCIS 2014, Silver Colours 2014; Football (Soccer) 2009; Rugby 2010-15, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Tennis 2009-11; Touch Football 2011-12; Strength and Conditioning 2013-14; Weights 2014. Creative and Performing Arts: Debating 2011-15, Vice Captain TAS Speakers 2015, Silver Colours 2015, Drums 2010. Other: Gold Triple Crown 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, RS Exchange to Quebec Canada Term 1 2013.

Gifford, Felix James (2009-15) Broughton House

Awards/Prizes: Lions Citizenship Medallion 2015, The University of Newcastle Science and Design Award 2014, Year 10 Information Software and Technology 2013, Year 9 Commerce Prize 2012, Year 8 History Prize 2011. Activities Program: Cadet Unit 2010-15, CUO Adjutant 2015, Signals 2013-14, WOII Craig Churches Award – Perseverance at 2011 Annual Camp, Rangers 2009. Sport: Cricket 2009-13; Football (Soccer) 2011-15; Hockey 2010; Weights 2013-14. Creative and Performing Arts: Debating and Public Speaking 2011-12; TAS Singers 2015; Trombone 2010-15, Senior Jazz Combo 2010-15; Big Band 2012-15; Cadet Band 2010-14; Junior Stage Band 2011-12; School Musical Productions West Side Story 2014 and Once Upon a Mattress 2015. Other: ANU National Youth Science Forum Rep 2015, Photography and Film Club 2014-15, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Delegate RS International Conference – The King’s Academy Amman Jordan, 2014, Myall Lakes Canoe Classic 2012 and 2013, Media Organiser Junior Australasian RS Conference TAS Armidale 2012, Delegate Junior Australasian RS Conference St Phillip’s College Alice Springs 2011.

Gilson, James Allan (2006-15) Green House

Awards/Prizes: Silver Medallion – Academic Achievement 2014, Year 8 Japanese Prize 2011. Activities Program: Pioneers 2014-13; Cadet Unit 2010-12 CPL 2012; Rangers 2009. Sport: Basketball 2011-14; Football (Soccer) 2009-15, 1st XI 2015, Silver Colours, NCIS 2015, 2nd XI 2014, Level 1 Referee; Small Bore Rifle Shooting 2011; Squash 2014-15; Weights 2011-12. Creative and Performing Arts: Guitar 2011-14, Debating and Public Speaking 2010-11, Cast Member School Musical West Side Story 2014. Other: KYC/SiS 2015, Study Tour to Japan 2012.

Gwynn-Jones, Harry James (2013-15) Tyrrell House

Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Cadet Unit 2013. Sport: Basketball 2013-15; Hockey 2015; Squash; 2014-15; Triathlon 2014-15; Weights 2013-15. Other: Senior Chess Team 2014-15.

Harradine, Jayden Donald (2010-15) Tyrrell House

Awards/Prizes: SoA towards Certificate III in Engineering; Certificate II in Automotive 2015. Activities Program: Pioneers 2013-14; Cadet Unit 2010-12, CPL 2012. Sport: Basketball 2010-11; Rugby 2010-15, 1st XV 2015, Silver Colours 2015, 2nd XV 2014, Northern Inland Rep, Junior Gold Cup 2014, New England Rep 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2012-15; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2011; Tennis 2011-12; Touch Football 2011-12.

46 The Armidalian Hawker, William Ian (2013-15) Croft House

Awards/Prizes: Certificate II in Agriculture, Certificate II in Automotive 2015, Year 11 Standard English Prize, Year 11 Primary Industries Prize 2014. Activities Program: Pioneers 2014; Cadet Unit 2013. Sport: Rugby 2013-15, 1st XV 2015, Silver Colours 2015; Strength and Conditioning 2013-15.

Howard, Edward Bagenal (2011-15) Abbott House

Offices held: Deputy House Captain, Colours Rep. Activities Program: Pioneers 2013-14; Cadet Unit 2011-12. Sport: Basketball 201-15, 1st VIII 2014-15, Silver Colours 2014, NCIS 2013; Cricket 2011-12; Rugby 2012-15; Rowing 3rd IV, GPS Head of the River, Silver Colours 2015; Tennis 2011-12; Weights 2013-14.Creative and Performing Arts: Guitar 2013. Other: Gold Triple Crown 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014.

Howard, Liam Michael (2013-15) Croft House

Offices held: House Captain, Vice Captain of Cricket. Activities Program: Pioneers 2013-14. Sport: Cricket 2013-15, 1st XI 2014-15, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, Independent Schools Festivals 2014 and 2015, Armidale Rep 2013; Rugby 2013-14; Strength and Conditioning 2013-15. Other: Delegate RS International Conference – The King’s Academy Amman Jordan; Minimbah Service 2014-15.

Hunter, Calliden John Hewlett (2008-15) Green House

Office held: Theatre Captain, Theatre Club Convener 2015. Awards/Prizes: The Jim Graham Prize – Contribution to co- curricular Drama 2015. Activities Program: Pioneers 2013-14, Cadet Unit 2010-12, CPL 2012, Rangers 2009. Sport: Basketball 2008; Hockey 2008-15, 1st XI 2014-15; Kayaking 2012-15; Squash 2011; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2009; Tennis 2011-15; Weights 2013-15. Creative and Performing Arts: Guitar 2010-15, Vocals 2012-15, TAS Singers 2012-15, Guitar Band/Ensemble 2010-15, Silver Colours – Theatre 2015, Silver Colours – Music 2015, Roles in School Musical Productions- Once Upon a Mattress 2015, Les Misérables 2013, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat 2012, Grease 2011; Drama Club 2009. Piano 2008. Other: Photography and Film Club 2013-15, Study Tour to Japan 2012, RS Exchange to King’s College Auckland NZ 2011, Delegate Junior Australasian RS Conference Singapore 2010.

Jackson, Jock Taylor (2009-15) Broughton House

Awards/Prizes: Lions Citizenship Medallion 2015. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014, Cadet Unit 2010-13, CPL 2013, Rangers 2009. Sport: Cricket 2009-11; Kayaking 2011-15,All-Schools and CHS 2013-15; Rugby 2009-15, 1st XV 2014-15, Silver Colours 2015, Country Schools Tour of Hong Kong and Singapore, NZ Tour, 2-13 New England Rep 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning; Swimming 2009-10, NCSA 2009; Triathlon 2013-14. Other: Gold Triple Crown 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Tour de Rocks 2012.

Kennedy, Liam Robert (2004-15) Ross House

Awards/Prizes: Blomfield Memorial Prize for HSC Modern History, E P Spencer Prize for HSC General Mathematics, HSC Japanese Continuers Prize 2015, Silver Colours – Academic Achievement 2015, Year 11 Prizes for Modern History and Japanese Continuers, E P Spencer Prize for Year 11 General Mathematics 2014, Year 9 Prizes for English and Japanese 2012, Year 8 Geography Prize 2011. Activities Program: Cadet Unit Ceremonial Drummer Catafalque Parties 2013-15; Pioneers 2013-14; Cadet Unit 2010-12; Rangers 2009. Sport: Basketball 2011-14; Hockey 2009-13; Kayaking 2010-11; Squash 2014-15; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2009. Creative and Performing Arts: Drums 2006-15, Silver Colours and Commendation – Music 2015, Big Band and Cadet Band 2013-15, Senior Jazz Combo 2015, Cast member School Musical West Side Story 2014, Drum Corps 2014, Jazz Band 2011-12, Cast member School Musical Les Misérables 2012, Concert Band 2010, Drama Club 2010. Other: Study tour to Japan 2012, Forensic Science Camp 2011.

47 Klepzig, Michael John (2004-15) Ross House

Office held: Vice Captain of Football 2015. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2010-12, CPL 2012; Rangers 2009. Sport: Athletics GPS, NCSA 2011; Basketball 2009-2013; Football (Soccer) 2009-15, 1st XI 2012-15, Silver Colours 2015, Gold Colours 2014, NCIS 2012-15, Tours to Sydney 2014-15; Small Bore Rifle Shooting 2010-11; Squash 2013-15; Swimming NCSA 2011; Weights 2011-12. Creative and Performing Arts: Guitar 2008-10. Other: KYCK/SiS 2012, 2013, 2015, Study Tour to Japan 2012.

MacDougall, Ben Callum Campbell (2009-15) Broughton House

Offices held: School Prefect, House Captain, Captain of Boats 2015, Middle School Monitor 2011. Awards/Prizes: The Rotary Citizenship Prize, HSC Biology Prize 2015, Year 11 Biology Prize, Year 11 PDHPE Prize 2014, Gold Medallion – Academic Excellence 2014, Year 10 Design and Technology Prize 2013, Silver Medallion – Academic Achievement 2013, Year 9 French Prize 2012, Year 6 Science and Visual Arts Prizes 2009. Activities Program: Cadet Unit 2010-15, CUO, OC A Coy 2015, Lee Enfield Award – Most Efficient Platoon 2014; Rangers 2009. Sport: Athletics GPS 2013; Cricket 2009-11; Rifle Shooting 2009-10, 2014-15; Rugby 2009-15, 2nd XV 2014, NZ Tour 2013, New England Rep 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Rowing 2013-15, GPS Head of the River 2014-15, 1st IV Captain, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015; Strength and Conditioning 2014-15; Tennis 2010-12; Triathlon 2013-14. Other: Tour de Rocks 2012 and 2013, Delegate Junior RS Conference to Singapore 2010.

Mailler, Thomas James (2010-15) Ross House

Office held: Colours Rep. Awards/Prizes: HSC French Continuers Prize 2015, Year 11 French Continuers Prize, Silver Colours – Academic Achievement 2014, Year 10 Prizes for Science, Mathematics and Science Extension, HSIE Extension 2013, Gold Medallion – Academic Excellence 2013, The Lochhead Memorial Prize for Year 9 Science 2012, Year 8 Mathematics Prize 2011, Year 7 Mathematics, Science and French Prizes 2010. Activities Program: Cadet Unit 2010-15, CUO 2014-15, OC C Coy 2015, SGT Signals 2013. Sport: Basketball 2010-13; Football (Soccer) 2011 and 2015; Kayaking 2012-13; Rifle Shooting 2010-15, GPS 1st VIII, Silver Colours 2015, GPS 2nd VIII 2012; Rugby 2010, Squash 2014. Creative and Performing Arts: Debating and Public Speaking 2010-12, Guitar 2010-15, Guitar Band 2013-15, Guitar Ensemble 2010-12, Big Band 2012-15, Senior Jazz Combo 2013-15, Silver Medallion – Music 2012. Other: Senior Chess Team 2015, Chess Club 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Delegate Junior Australasian RS Conference – St Phillips College Alice Springs 2011, Forensic Science Camp 2010-11.

Makeham, Joseph O’Shea (2009-15) Tyrrell House (2012-15) Broughton House (2009-11)

Offices held: School Prefect, Captain of Athletics 2015, Middle School Monitor 2011. Awards/Prizes: The Ruth Langford-Smith Memorial Prize – Persistence and Determination, The GPS OBU Sport Prize – Outstanding Sportsmanship 2015, The Kenneth Caldwell Memorial Prize for Year 9 Agriculture, Year 9 Visual Arts Prize 2012, Year 8 Citizenship Prize 2011, Year 7 Citizenship Prize 2010, Year 6 Citizenship Prize 2009. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014, Pioneers 2013, Cadet Unit 2010-12, CPL 2012, Rangers 2009. Sport: Athletics 2009-15, Honours 2015, J C Bucknell Trophy – Open 3000m Champion 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, Swinton Cup – Open 1500m Champion, 2013 and 2015, Gold Colours 2014, Gold Medallions 2010, 2012 and 2013, Silver Medallions 2009 and 2011, GPS 2010-15, NCIS 2013-15, NCSA 2010-12, CIS 2010-15, All-Schools 2010, National Championships 2010, PSSA 2009; Cricket 2009-12; Rugby 2009-15, 2nd XV, NZ Tour 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012, New England Rep 2011; Strength and Conditioning 2011-15; Tennis 2012-15; Triathlon; Touch Football 2011-12. Creative and Performing Arts: Guitar 2009-11. Other: Minimbah Service 2014, Tour de Rocks 2013. McDonald, Jock Alexander (2011-15) Abbott House

Office held: Colours Rep. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014, Pioneers 2013, Cadet Unit 2011-12. Sport: Basketball 2011-15, 1st VIII 2014-15, NCIS 2014-15, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015; Rugby 2011-15, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2013-14; Tennis 2011-12. Other: Delegate RS International Conference – The Kings Academy Amman Jordan 2014, Gold Triple Crown 2013, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2013, Thailand Service 2013.

McDonald, Lachlan Roderick (2011-15) Abbott House

Offices held: School Prefect, Deputy House Captain, Vice Captain of Basketball 2015, Colours Rep 2014-15. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2011-12; Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 2015. Sport: Basketball 2011-15, 1st VIII 2014-15, NCIS 2015, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015; Rugby 2011-15, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Tennis 2011-12. Other: Gold Triple Crown 2013, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2013, Thailand Service 2013.

48 The Armidalian McGowan, Charles Duncan (2011-15) Abbott House

Offices held: Vice Captain of Rugby 2015, Middle School Monitor 2011. Awards/Prizes: School Based Traineeship Award, HSC Primary Industries, Certificate II in Agriculture, Certificate II in Automotive, SoA towards Certificate III in Engineering 2015. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2011-12. Sport: Athletics 2012-13 NCIS 2012-13; Rugby 2011-15, 1st XV 2014-15, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, NZ Tour 2014, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2012-15; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2011; Triathlon 2012-13. Other: School Based Traineeship in Automotive.

Mills, Lachlan Hugh (2012-15) Abbott House

Awards/Prizes: Year 9 Industrial Technology – Automotive 2012. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2012; Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 2015. Sport: Basketball 2012-13; Rugby 2012-15; Strength and Conditioning 2013-14; Tennis 2011-12; Triathlon 2014-15. Other: Gold Triple Crown 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Forensic Science Camp 2011.

Moore, Frazer Cameron Tamminga (2003-15) Broughton House

Awards/Prizes: Hadley White Prize for Creative Writing, HSC English Extension Prize 2015; Year 11 Visual Arts Prize 2014; Year 6 English Prize 2009. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service; Cadet Unit 2010-13; Signals 2013; Rangers 2009. Sport: Kayaking 2010-12; Hockey 2007-13; Strength and Conditioning 2014; Tennis 2009-13. Creative and Performing Arts: Hoskins Theatre Technical Crew School Drama Treasure Island 2015, Cast member School Musicals- West Side Story 2014, Les Misérables 2013; Violin 2007-13, Debating 2011, Chapel Choir 2007-10. Other: Study Tour to France 2013, Delegate Junior Australasian RS Conference – St Philips College Alice Springs 2011, Delegate Junior Australasian RS Conference – Singapore 2010.

Pollard, Lachlan Robert Reginald (2010-15) Ross House

Offices held: School Prefect, Captain of Basketball 2015, Middle School Monitor 2011. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Cadet Unit 2010-13, CPL 2013. Sport: Basketball 2010-15, 1st VIII 2013-15 Captain 2015, Johnstone Trophy – Best Contribution to Basketball 2015, Silver Colours 2013 and 2014, NCIS 2013-15, Armidale Rep 2011, Level 1 Referee 2010-15; Rugby 2010-15, NE England Rep 2013-14, NZ Tour 2013; Strength and Conditioning 2013-14. Creative and Performing Arts: Guitar 2010-14, Big Band 2012-14, Stage Band 2012-14, Guitar Ensemble 2010-12, Jazz Band 2010-11. Other: Thailand Service 2014, KYCK/SiS 2012 and 2013, Fiji Service 2011.

Power, Brendan John (2013-15) Abbott House

Offices held: House Captain, Colours Rep 2015. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Cadet Unit 2013. Sport: Cricket 2013-15, 1st XI 2014-15, Silver Colours 2015, Independent Schools Festival 2014; Rugby 2013-15, 1st XV 2014- 15, Silver Colours 2015, New England and Country Rep 2013, 2014 and 2015, Gold Colours 2014, NZ Tour 2013; Strength and Conditioning 2014-15.

Quast, Duncan Donald (2009-15) Green House

Activities Program: Cadet Unit 2010-15; CUO 2014-15; Rangers 2009. Sport: Kayaking 2009-14; Rifle Shooting 2009, 2014-15, GPS 1st VIII 2015, Silver Colours 2015, D W Willis Trophy – Outstanding Service to TAS Rifle Club; Rugby 2009-15. Creative and Performing Arts: Saxophone 2009-11, TAS Singers 2010. Other: Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2013 and 2014, Thailand Service 2013.

49 Raleigh, William Todd (2010-15) Tyrrell House

Offices held: Captain of Swimming, Colours Rep 2015, Middle School Monitor 2011. Awards/Prizes: Silver Medallion – Academic Achievement 2014, Year 7 Visual Arts Prize 2010. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Cadet Unit 2010-13, SGT 2013. Sport: Athletics NCIS 2014, NCSA 2011-12; Cricket 2010-14, 1st XI 2014, Armidale Rep 2011; Football (Soccer) 2010, 2013-14, 2nd XI 2013-14; Rowing 2014-15, GPS Head of the River 2nd IV, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015; Rugby 2010-13; Swimming 2010-15, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, Commendation – Services to Swimming 2015, 18 yrs and over Age Champion 2015, NCIS 2013-15, NCIS Team Captain 2015, CIS 2010-15, NCSA 2010-12, 17 yrs Age Champion 2014,16 yrs Age Champion 2013, Junior Champion 2012, 14 yrs Age Champion 2011, New England and North West Rep - NSW Country Championships 2011, 13 yrs Age Champion and Sub-Junior Champion 2010; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2010; Water Polo 2013-15; Weights 2013-15. Creative and Performing Arts: Trumpet 2010.

Redhead, Samuel John (2009-15) Ross House

Offices held: School Prefect, House Captain, Captain of Debating (TAS Speakers) 2015, Middle School Monitor 2011. Awards/ Prizes: The Anthony Kent Biggs Memorial Prize – Leadership and good influence amongst juniors, The Rajenda Perpetual Trophy – Debating, Silver Colours and Commendation – Contribution to Public Speaking and Debating 2015, Year 11 Communication and Leadership 2014, Year 10 Drama Prize 2013, Gold Medallion – Academic Excellence 2013, Silver Medallion – Academic Achievement 2012, Year 8 Science Prize 2011, Year 7 English Prize 2010, The Armidale Dumaresq Citizenship Award 2009. Activities Program: Cadet Unit, 2010-15, CUO 2014-15, Unit 2iC 2015, Moffatt Sabre – Best Platoon Commander 2014; Rangers 2009. Sport: Basketball 2013; Cricket 2009-11; Football (Soccer) 2009-151st XI 2015, Silver Colours 2015, NCIS 2015, 2nd XI Captain 2014; Gymnastics 2011; Rifle Shooting 2011; Squash 2013-15. Creative and Performing Arts: Debating and Public Speaking –1st IV 2014-15, Captain 2015. Other: KYCK/SiS 2014-15, Chess Club 2014, Forensic Science Camp 2011-13, Delegate Junior RS Australasian Conference – Singapore 2010.

Roxborough-Batt, Alex Michael (2010-15) Green House

Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2010-12, CPL 2012. Sport: Kayaking 2010-15, All-Schools and CHS 2010-12; Hockey 2011, 2013, 2015; Rugby 2010-14; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2010-11; Tennis 2012-15; Touch Football 2011-12. Creative and Performing Arts: Piano 2010.

Roxborough-Batt, Angus Peter (2010-15) Green House

Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Cadet Unit 2010-13, Signals 2013. Sport: Kayaking 2010-15, All-Schools and CHS 2010-12; Hockey 2010; Rugby 2010-15, Country Schools Tour to Singapore and Hong Kong 2014, New England Rep 2012-15, NZ Tour 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2012-15; Touch Football 2011-12. Creative and Performing Arts: Saxophone 2010. Other: Triple Crown 2015, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Cameraman Junior RS Conference TAS Armidale 2012, Delegate Junior RS Australasian Conference – St Philips College Alice Springs 2011, Junior RS Exchange - Ballarat Grammar 2011.

Sedgwick, George William Gillett (2010-15) Abbott House

Offices held: School Prefect 2015, Middle School Monitor 2011. Awards/Prizes: The Peter Beit Prize – Achievement beyond expectation in several fields 2015, The Armidale Freemasons Prize – Excellence in Community Service 2013, The Armidale Diocesan Middle School Award – Willingness to support, encourage and serve others 2011. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Cadet Unit 2010-13; Matthew Slade Shield for Contribution to Q Store 2013. Sport: Cricket 2010-15, 2nd XI 2014-15; Rugby 2010-15, New Zealand Tour 2013, Level One Referee; Tennis 2011-12. Creative and Performing Arts: Guitar 2014-15, Chorus member School Musical West Side Story 2014, Clarinet 2011. Other: Minimbah Service 2014, Thailand Service 2013, KYCK/SiS 2011.

Shepherd, Hayden James (2014-15) Croft House

Office held: Deputy House Captain 2015. Awards/Prizes: The Ken McConville Memorial Prize for HSC Standard English 2015, Certificate III in Sport and Recreation. Activities Program: Pioneers 2014. Sport: Rugby 2014-15, 1st XV, Silver Colours 2015, NSW Country Schools, Development Tour to USA 2015, Central North Rep – U18 team captain 2015, Gold Colours 2014, NSW Country Schools, Development Tour to Singapore and Hong Kong 2014; Strength and Conditioning 2014-15.

50 The Armidalian Slobodetsky, Michael (2010-15) Abbott House

Activities Program: Pioneers 2014; Cadet Unit 2010-13. Sport: Basketball 2010-11; Kayaking 2010; Rugby 2010-15, New Zealand Tour 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2013-15; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2010-11; Touch Football 2011-12; Triathlon 20111-14; Weights 2011-14.

Stevenson, Joshua David (2010-15) Green House

Office held: Vice Captain of Athletics and Vice Captain of Tennis 2015. Awards/Prizes: HSC Ancient History, Business Studies and Legal Studies 2015, Academic Achievement Award 2015, Year 11 Business Studies and Legal Studies 2014, Silver Medallion – Academic Achievement 2014. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2010-13. Sport: Athletics 2010-15, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, All Schools Championships 2015, GPS 2013, NCIS 2012-14, CIS 2012-14, NCSA 2010-11; Tennis 2010-15, 1st IV 2012-15, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, NCIS 2014, Gold Medallion 2012, Silver Medallion - Junior Champion 2011, NCSA 2010-11. Other: Senior Chess Team 2015, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, KYCK/SiS 2011-15, Tour de Rocks 2014, Fiji Service 2011.

Stier, Thomas William (2010-15) Broughton House

Offices held: School Prefect, Deputy House Captain 2015, SRC Rep, Head Middle School Monitor (day) 2011. Awards/Prizes: Lions Citizenship Medallion 2015. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014, Cadet Unit 2010-13, SGT 2013, Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award 2012. Sport: Basketball 2010-11; Cricket 2010-15, 1st XI 2914-15, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, Mottershead Cup – Most Improved 2014; Rugby 2010-15, NSW Country Schools 2014, New England Rep 2013, New Zealand Tour 2013, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2013-15; Touch Football 2011-12. Other: Gold Triple Crown 2014, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Minimbah Service 2014-15, Tour de Rocks 2012 and 2013, Fiji Service 2011.

Towns, Jack Thomas (2010-15) Tyrrell House

Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2010-12. Sport: Athletics NCIS 2012; Basketball 2010-11; Cricket 2010; Rugby 2010-12, Gold Coast Tour 2012; Strength and Conditioning 2012-15; Swimming, Weights and Cycling (SWAC) 2010-11; Touch Football 2011-12; Triathlon 2011-13, Weights 2013-14.

Townsend, Dane Joseph (2003-15) Broughton House

Awards/Prizes: Bronze Awards – Academic Achievement 2013 and 2014. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2010-12; Rangers 2009. Sport: Football (Soccer) 2009-15; Tennis 2009-14, NCSA 2009-11. Other: KYCK/SiS 2012-15, Study Tour to Japan 2012.

Waterson, William Charles (2001-15) Ross House

Offices held: School Prefect and Deputy House Captain, Captain of Tennis, SRC Rep 2015, Colours Rep 2014-15. Activities Program: Rural Fire Service 2014; Cadet Unit 2010-13, CPL 2012-13; Rangers 2009. Sport: Cricket 2008-15, 1st XI 2002-15, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, Northern Inland Rep 2013-14, Northern Tablelands Rep 2012-13, Armidale Rep 2009-12, Independent Schools Festivals 2013-15; Football (Soccer) 2009-10; Rugby 2013-15, 2nd XV 2014-15; Tennis 2009-15, 1st IV 2013-14, Silver Colours 2014, NCIS 2012-2013, The Walter Taylor Memorial Challenge Cup – Senior Singles Champion 2013, Gold Medallion 2012, Silver Medallion 2011, NCSA 2009-10. Other: Delegate RS Conference – The Kings Academy Amman Jordan 2014.

51 Williams, David Edward (2008-15) Ross House

Office held: Vice Captain of Hockey. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2010-12; Rangers 2009. Sport: Cricket 2009; Hockey 2009-15, 1st XI 2013-15, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, New England Rep 2009; Kayaking 2010-15, Award for Excellence 2015, All-Schools, CHS, State and Regional Championships 2010-15, National Club Championships 2013; Rowing 2014-15, GPS Head of the River 2014-15, 1st IV 2015, 2nd IV 2014, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015; Swimming, NCSA and Monckton Shield 2009-10; Strength and Conditioning 2014. Creative and Performing Arts: Chapel Choir 2009-15, Trumpet 2011-15, Big Band 2011-13, Junior Stage Band 2009-10, Concert Band 2010-11, Cadet Band 2010-11, TAS Singers 2010-13, Cast member School Musical West Side Story 2014, Piano 2008-09. Other: Gold Triple Crown, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Myall Lakes Canoe Classic 2012, 2013 and 2014, Study Tour to France 2013, Choral Tour to London and Vienna 2012, Fiji Service 2011, Student Exchange to Tezukayama Gakuin Osaka Japan 2008.

Williams, Harry Derek (2008-15) Ross House

Activities Program: Cadet Unit 2010-14; Rangers 2009. Sport: Basketball 2012-13; Hockey 2009-13; Rugby 2014-15; Tennis 2010-11. Creative and Performing Arts: Chapel Choir 2008-13, Guitar 2015, Saxophone 2011-14, Big Band 2010-13, Junior Stage Band 2009-12, Concert Band 2011, TAS Singers 2010-13, Cast member School Musical West Side Story 2014, Piano 2008-09. Other: Student Exchange to Meitoku Gijuku Senior High Schools Kochi Japan 2014, Thailand Service 2013, Choral Tour to London and Vienna 2012, Fiji Service 2011, Student Exchange to Tezukayama Gakuin Osaka Japan 2008

Wright, Hadrian (2010-15) Green House

Offices held: Deputy House Captain, Captain of Football. Awards/Prizes: Gold Medallion – Academic Excellence 2014, Year 9 French Prize 2013. Activities Program: Pioneers 2013-14; Cadet Unit 2010-12, CPL 2012. Sport: Basketball 2011-13; Football (Soccer) 2010-15, 1st XI 2014, Captain 2015, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, NCIS 2014-15; Small Bore Rifle Shooting 2011; Squash 2014-15; Tennis 2010. Other: KYCK/SiS 2015, Delegate to Australasian and East Asia RS Conference – South Korea 2015, Fiji Service 2011.

Wright, Harry David (2005-15) Broughton House

Offices held: Deputy Senior Prefect, Captain of Hockey, Captain of Music, Vice Captain of TAS Speakers, Vice Captain of Swimming, SRC Rep, Colours Rep, Sports Council Rep 2015. Awards/Prizes: Headmaster’s Prize for Best All-Rounder, The Brad Fenner Prize - Deputy Senior Prefect, The Andrew Beattie Memorial Prize - Outstanding contribution to extra curricular activities, HSC Music Course 1 Prize, Academic Achievement Award 2015, Year 11 Prizes for Music Course 1 and Design and Technology, The Freemasons Prize for Community Service, The John Montgomery Prize for Best All-Round Achievement in Year 11, University of Newcastle Science in Design Award, Silver Colours – Academic Excellence in Year 11 2014, Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 2014, Gold Medallion – Academic Excellence in Year 10, The Carson Shield Achievers Award – commitment in several areas, Year 10 Music Prize, Year 10 PDHPE Prize 2013, Silver Awards – Academic Excellence in Year 9, Year 9 Music Prize 2012, Year 8 Music and Visual Arts Prizes, The Reuben F Scarf Award – Consistent effort and desire to improve 2011, Year 6 Music Prize 2009. Activities Program: Surf Life Saving 2014; Pioneers 2013; Cadet Unit 2010-12, CPL 2012; Rangers 2009. Sport: Athletics NCSA 2009-10, PSSA 2009; Hockey 2009-15, 1st XI 2013-15, Captain 2015, NSW Hockey Association Community Umpiring Award 2015, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015; Kayaking 2009-15, Regional Championships 2009-11; Rowing 2013-15, GPS Head of the River, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015; Strength and Conditioning 2013-14; Swimming 2009-15, Silver Colours 2014 and 2015, NCIS 2014 and 2015, Award for Services to Swimming, U17 Age Champion and Senior Age Division Champion 2015, U16 Age Champion 2014, U15 Age Champion and Junior Age Division Champion 2013, U14 Age Champion 2012, U13 Age Champion and Sub Junior Age Division Champion 2011, NCSA 2010 and 2011, CIS 2010; Tennis 2011-13; Water Polo 2012-13. Creative and Performing Arts: Debating and Public Speaking 2013-15, Silver Colours 2015, Lions Youth of the Year Finalist 2014; Drama 2011-14, Silver Colours 2014, Silver Medallion 2013, Cast member in School Productions West Side Story 2013, Les Misérables 2012, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat 2012, Grease – The Musical 2011; Music 2009-15, Gold Colours 2015, Silver Colours 2014, Gold Medallion 2012, TAS Singers 2012-15, Vocal tuition 2014-15, Saxophone 2009-15, Big Band 2013-15, Jazz Band 2011-15, Concert Band 2009-12, Cadet Band 2009-12, Violin 2009-12, Chapel Choir 2009- 10, Junior Stage Band 2009-10. Other: Gold Triple Crown 2014, ANU National Youth Science Forum 2015, Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 2014, Myall Canoe Classic 2014, KYCK/SiS 2014, Tour de Rocks 2013 and 2014, Fiji Service 2011. Yung, Chun Kiu Willis (2013-15) Croft House

Awards/Prizes: The May Wills Magoffin Prize for HSC Visual Arts, The Ruth Langford-Smith Memorial Prize - persistence and determination, 2015, Year 10 Visual Arts Prize 2013. Sport: Basketball 2013-14, Squash 2014-15.

52 The Armidalian Salvete & Valete

Salvete Skipper, S E Graesser, A Year 1 Thomas, J R Metcalf, M E B Smith, J W Transition Ng, T T Carruthers, C A Year 7 Ryan, B N Year 2 Chick, Miss M E G Armstrong, J H Sze, C L Bower, C T Junge, Miss E J Benham, W F Tydd, H A Buntine, Miss S A B Newton, Miss E K Beynon, G A J Whibley, M R Coupland Miss C J Robb, O S Brennan, P A Latham, L J Stephen, X M Broadbent, H A D Year 9 Ward, F I Taylor, H A R Campbell Z A Almond, W D Taylor, Miss L A L Carroll, J F Bourke, B M Year 4 Wood, J W J Chambers, R D Louis, B H Broun, Miss P E Clark, J B Martin, S P Buntine, Miss E L B Kindergarten Clonan, J N P Mills, J Chalmers, Miss D K Baumgartner, J Close, D C Muller, T F Harris J R Robb, M F Davidson, A J A Parramon, L R Henzell, Miss B A Davidson, J F Taylor, N G Janda, M Year 1 Deshon, H W Tursan d’Espaignet, Y Pongrass, J A Billingsley, E M Ellis, W W Year 10 Webber, A C Grant, N J Baldock, M D Year 3 Hanes, C L Bartel, W L Baumgartner, C Higgins, N L Hooper, Z Year 6 Kirton, H N Jones, S P Ihle, F Anderson, J N White A H Kelly, L C A Nicol, W L Kirk, A Year 11 Rottcher, T C Year 4 Koraba, W S Blackbourne, Miss E M Inglis, T F Kratzmann, S J (Term 4) Year 7 Russ, J W Layton, E B Dennis, Miss M J (Term 4) Clonan, J N Taylor, H S McMaster, T O Evans, M W Grant, N J Moore, J P Landenberger, C Kratzmann, S J Year 5 Moore, N G Rankmore, M L Matherson, L R Jubb, W D Morris, D J K Rogers-Ellis, Miss E K Matherson, Z P O’Brien, J H (Term 4) Year 6 Parsons, H M Stainton, C J Year 8 Burwell, B H Pidgeon, N Taylor, L W Carlon, J A Coombes, S L Roberts, C S Tearle, Miss H (Term 4) Edmonds, H T Cotterill, A Scotton, J W Webber, A J R Graesser, A Fulloon, A J Simmons, R W Halliday, J S Gellie, J P Smith, T R Valete Henzell, H Lindeman, T J Stinson, T B Jackson, N H McGregor-Thew, J W Taylor, R L Kindergarten Kennett, F Mitchell, H W Bock, S J Moore, H J Munsie, N Year 8 Buntine, Miss M A B Nivison, T P F Nicol, W L Fernandez, J C Connor, F J Ryan, B N Osborne, S G Flannery, N Webber, R C Sze, C L Weber, B M 53 Salvete & Valete (Cont.)

Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Grant, W H Collison, L G Evans, M W Martin, S P Doran, T F Kelly-Wirth, B Z Mills, J Dulihanty, P J Landenberger, C Parramon, L R Harradine, B P Ranby, J W Qorovarua, M Hooper, Z Smith, B J Moon, N R Year 12 van Duijnhoven, N E Oudenryn, C J Hunt, J D Piper, N T Mumbulla, W D Weber, M J

House Captains

House Captains 2015 (at the time of appointment) Back Row l-r: Nicholas Druery (Tyrrell vc), Bradley Dock (Tyrrell vc), Hayden Shepherd (croft vc), Lewis Erskine-Smith (Croft vc) Terms 4 & 1, Edward Howard (Abbott vc), Lachlan McDonald (Abbott vc), Hadrian Wright (Green vc), Thomas Stier (Broughton vc), Will Waterson (Ross vc) Front Row: Brendan Power (Abbott c), Ben MacDougall (Broughton c), Liam Howard (Croft c), Headmaster Mr Murray Guest, Max Alcorn (Green c), Samuel Redhead (Ross c), William Archer (Tyrrell c)

54 The Armidalian Prefects & House Captains

Senior Prefect Jack Bennett

Deputy Senior Prefect Nicholas Finney, Harry Wright

Prefects

Max Alcorn Thomas Stier William Archer Joe Makeham Lachlan Pollard Will Waterson

Klaebourne(KB) Fergusson Ben MacDougall Samuel Redhead

Thomas Gall Lachlan McDonald George Sedgwick

House Captain Vice Captain

Abbott Brendan Power Edward Howard and Lachlan McDonald Broughton Ben MacDougall Thomas Stier Croft Liam Howard Hayden Shepherd Green Max Alcorn Hadrian Wright Ross Samuel Redhead Will Waterson Tyrrell William Archer Bradley Doak and Nicholas Druery

Co-curricular Captain Vice Captain

Athletics Joe Makeham Thomas Gall and Joshua Stevenson Basketball Lachlan Pollard Lachlan McDonald Chess Ali Ahsan Cricket Jack Bennett William Archer and Liam Howard Football Hadrian Wright Liam Cooper and Michael Klepzig Hockey Harry Wright David Williams and Jack Bishop Mountain Biking Robert Butcher Music Harry Wright Robert Butcher Rowing Ben MacDougall Rugby Nicholas Finney Charlie McGowan Shooting William Claridge Speakers Samuel Redhead Harry Wright and Sebastian Gibson Swimming William Raleigh Harry Wright Tennis Will Waterson Joshua Stevenson Theatre Calliden Hunter Triathlon KB Fergusson Callum Bourke

55 Academic Subjects

56 The Armidalian 57 Academic Support

Academic support in 2015 continued to flourish, with The 10 disciplines include Mathematic and Chess, Science, opportunities arising both through in-school programs English, Philosophy, Engineering, General Knowledge, such as the TAS Forensic Science Camp, the regional da Vinci Art and Poetry, Drama – Creative Producers, Geography - Decathlon to external opportunities such as the Australian Cartography and Code Breaking. Computational Linguistics Olympiad, , Dorothea Here is a little taster of the day for Years 5 and 6 Mackellar poetry competition, Science and Engineering Spelling -illumination, Phosphorescence, Lambent, Challenge and the Brain Bee and that is only listing a small Incandescent, Frivolous, Gossamer, Alabaster, Buoyant, number. For students with learning enrichment needs the and Scintillate. While a group was working on the spelling, continuation of programs such as MultiLit and English Plus other team members were creating a 150-word maximum (to be known as Curriculum Plus/Support in 2016) ensured a micro-story that had to include: a torch, power blackout, a comprehensive program is on offer catering for individuals. simile and onomatopoeia. At the same time the team had Specific Extension activities on offer at TAS ranged from ICAS to allocate members to tackle the Mathematics challenge - Competitions, Maths and Science Olympiad challenges, How much time passed between the solar gas eruption and Neuroscience and much, much more. its detection near Earth? And finally, again, at the same time Once again, Mrs Anne Hine, Junior School Extension and Philosophy - induction or deduction? All flight attendants Enrichment teacher organised for two teams to be entered know how to swim, Ralph knows how to swim; Hence, in Knox Grammar School’s State da Vinci Decathlon, with the Ralph is a flight attendant. And we still have not even begun exciting result of the TAS Year 5 team being awarded first the Science challenge and that was just the first session. place in the Creative Producers’ challenge. This year group Exhausted…. ? then went on to win the regional challenge hosted by TAS in Results for the regional da Vinci Decathlon 2015: September. Year 5 - The Armidale School, Year 6 - Ben Venue Public During September, TAS for the third time hosted the Northern School, Year 7 - PLC Armidale, Year 8 - Armidale High School, NSW regional da Vinci Decathlon with over 600 students Year 9 - Bishop Druitt College, Year 10 - Bishop Druitt College. attending. Schools from Dubbo, Tamworth, Narrabri, Moree, TAS also competed in the Northern NSW Philosothon Inverell, Scone, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour attended making hosted by Bishop Druitt College at Coffs Harbour. This was it the biggest year we have catered for yet. This year’s theme a tremendous success for our teams, with our senior team was ‘light’ with all 10 disciplines focusing their questions on being awarded joint victors of the senior section and our the topic. junior team being runners up of the junior division. Angus

Simmons was also awarded the ‘Spirit of Philosothon’

medallion. This is awarded to the person who demonstrates the qualities of a philosopher; acceptance of others' ideas, able to continue discussion positively, contributes positive direction to discussion and encourages others. The mystery question this year was, “Is ignorance bliss and knowledge anguish?’ By far voted the best question of the competition as it allowed students to show their innate philosopher’s voice, without the opportunity for weeks of preparation on the topic.

Year 11 Alexander Chambers, Angus Simmons, Nathan Rasmussen, Lachlan Tonkin; Year 10 Saxon Hughes, Tom Wright, James Murphy, Hugh Worsley; Year 9 Owen Chandler, Xavier Tonkin, Angus Cornall, Will Grant; Year 8 Henry O’Neil,

Northern NSW da Vinci Decathlon held in TAS Memorial Hall Jack Halliday Tom Price, Hamish Edmonds and Harry Mason.

58 The Armidalian Forensic Science Camp Meanwhile the management team organised the This year’s 18th annual TAS Forensic Science Camp attracted logistics, which included recruitment, catering, organising 76 boys and girls from 24 different state and independent accommodation in the boarding houses. schools, in cities and country towns, in four states and At the camp, participants were divided into groups and then territories, who spent five days of the July school holidays, solve fictitious felonies using a range of forensic techniques, solving ‘crimes’ at TAS. including microscopy, chromatography, fingerprint analysis, The camp continues to be acknowledged as a leading cryptography and general science. They analysed the academic enrichment opportunity for gifted and talented evidence, identified and interviewed the suspects, ordered students in Year 8 (NSW) and Year 9 (Queensland), and medical and scientific tests and searched criminal databases. interest remains strong, no doubt due to the continuing On the final day, the teams presented their committal cases popularity of forensic and crime shows on television. to a legal professional who determined if they were strong Student run and staff supported, this year’s Camp Director enough to go before a court. was Mitchell Cartwright (Year 10), attending his third This year’s camp made The Sydney Morning Herald, thanks to camp. The student management team included five other a visit from one of the newspaper’s journalists. TAS students, all involved in various aspects of the camp, including creating the scenarios, and managing the event itself. Ms Catherine Boydell Academic Support Coordinator Camp controllers started developing their scenarios camp Learning Support, Extension and Enrichment in November 2014, and at a management camp at TAS in January they nutted out most of the details of scenarios and collect ‘evidence’ for the campers.

Photo: (l-r) Josh Lowinger () Monique O’Brien (Hunter Valley Grammar School), Ela Curic (Sydney Girls’ High School) and Mitch Cartwright (TAS) set up one of the scenarios ahead of the 2015 Forsenic Science Camp

59 Agriculture

Term 1 saw the students harvest the hefty potato crop Term 3 flew by with us breaking in the next round of cattle planted in 2014. Year 11 conducted a plant density trial for the 2016 show season, preparing paddocks and planting as their first assessment task and Year 10 prepared their high performance pastures and hatching chickens ready for Sydney Royal poultry exhibits. This proved to be a very 2016. Year 12 were very busy finishing off their respective successful venture with our Light Sussex hens winning the courses in both Primaries and Agriculture and getting ready Grand Champion pure bred layers trio. The cattle team was for the HSC. also successful at both Guyra and Armidale shows winning Term 4 Year 9 harvested an outstanding crop of honey, various classes. Sam Cannington (Year 10) qualified for the caught new swarms of bees around the school and got an state final of the F002 junior paraders competition which was insight into how bee hives work. Year 10 planted another held at the Sydney Royal. Whilst he didn’t place in the final it potato crop, pastures were irrigated and a major project of was still a great experience for Sam. making our irrigation dam much larger completed. Year 11 In Term 2 I took long service leave for the entire term and Primaries boys undertook a number of animal husbandry the students were under the guidance of Mrs Jo Benham. competencies working with the stud cows and calves at our My thanks to Jo for the fantastic job she did. The students lease block and the Ag students started their Year 12 work. enjoyed the experiences she prepared for them and I know The 2015 HSC results have just been released and both the they appreciated the enormous effort she put in to the Agriculture and Primaries students should be justifiably lessons. proud of their efforts. 2016 is looking promising and with luck

rain will continue across the state.

Mr Mike Ball

Charlie Uren, Callan Moffatt and Hugh Finemore with their TAS Lady Magic J02 with Dan Lethbridge (front), Ryan Schmitt and Cooper Sydney Royal Poultry exhibits Gerdes at Armidale Show 60 The Armidalian Creative Arts - Drama

Drama continues to be a vibrant and diverse subject for Thomas Bishop’s IP quirky murder-mystery film Murder, our Middle School and Senior students. It is a subject in Apparently was selected for OnSCREEN, a fantastic which we encourage students to develop confidence, work achievement that marks the second year in a row for a TAS collaboratively with their peers and explore their interests student to be recognised at the top level. and passions. We are fortunate to have such a range of talent All students have set a fine example for our next HSC in the student body and it is great to see them sharing that Drama candidature and will be names to look out for in the same level of skill in the classroom as we enjoy in our many entertainment world in the future. school productions.

Students in the younger years have a wide range of exciting Mr Andrew O’Connell opportunities that include puppetry, slapstick comedy, film, Creative Arts Coordinator improvisation and playbuilding. Many classes have had the opportunity this year to use the newly-established Film Production Studio and that facility is an invaluable addition to the school’s resources. The combined Year 9/10 Drama class was a large group of enthusiastic students who explored a range of theatrical styles and pushed themselves as performers. Perhaps the most memorable event of the year was during our Street and Environmental Theatre unit, when the class surprised the entire school with an unexpected masked physical performance during an assembly that left everyone – including the Headmaster – a little stunned but playfully entertained. The Year 11 Drama class began their journey towards the HSC, exploring scripts and theatrical styles and working collaboratively in playbuilding and devising activities.

For all younger students interested in Drama the HSC class this year set a fine example, carrying on with the enthusiasm and achievement set by past years. At the beginning of the year the class travelled down to Sydney for the annual HSC Drama excursion. As well as watching STC’s After Dinner the class went to OnSTAGE to watch the top HSC Drama Above: Max Cushway, Calliden Hunter and Harry Williams perform in Curtain Up IP and GP pieces from 2014, one of which was Harrison Abeyasekera’s film Business Trip. This year the students Below: Still from Thomas Bishop’s film Murder Apparently selected Performance and Video Drama as their options and their work was diverse in topic and style. The dedication of the students was shown at the CurtainUp performance evening and audiences particularly enjoyed the two adventurous group pieces, with the students taking us into a future of dream manufacturing in Slumber or tempted us along the River Styx in The Last Resort. It was very exciting to again have recognition of the students at the highest level. Calliden Hunter was nominated for OnSTAGE for his Individual Performance of a manic agoraphobic in Shallow Quick.

61 Music

There have been many exciting developments in Music at TAS HSC students at an evening performance of selected HSC in 2015, with increased growth in numbers in younger years pieces. A new initiative is the TAS@Twilight Concert, which boding well for the future of Music at TAS. is a celebration of TAS Ensembles. This was a wonderful performance evening that showed the breadth of talent at Our Year 12 Music class achieved excellent results in the TAS with performances by TAS ensembles, selected senior HSC. Four students studied Music 1 in 2015 with students soloists and culminated with a performance of all performers achieving above the State average overall, including two and the audience. Band 6 results. We were delighted that Robert Butcher was selected to perform at the annual Bravissimo! concert at We said farewell to Mr Alastair Finco at the end of 2014 when The Glasshouse in Port Macquarie. The concert showcases he left to pursue his interests in counselling and other Music some of the best of the 2015 HSC Music performances teaching opportunities. We thank him for his dedication, chosen from around 35 schools in the North West of NSW. commitment and compassion for students and staff. Rob opened the concert with a performance of Mercy, Mercy, 2015 was a year of advancing current skills and gaining new Mercy accompanied by the TAS Senior Jazz Combo. This ones, inspiring a love of Music among students of all ages. I’d performance was one of the highlights of the concert. like to thank our Music staff for their hard work, commitment Our Junior School Music program has continued to grow and enthusiasm. with more students than ever choosing to learn a musical instrument. This is a pleasing development that has been encouraged by our Junior school Music teacher Mrs Rachel Ms Leanne Roobol Butcher. Students have had the opportunity to learn about Director of Music and play a variety of instruments in their Junior School Music lessons.

Research has shown that learning Music can help students’ self-confidence, self-discipline and team work. Music also helps students to progress in key learning areas. Studies continue to reinforce that countries with a strong focus on Music education tend to have higher scores in literacy and numeracy.

Our key learning areas in Music include performance, composition and listening. Our students have continued to embrace the opportunity to perform in class and for the wider community. Composition is a chance for students to develop their creative skills and this is an area that continues to grow at TAS. Our composition specialist Mr Warwick Dunham has fostered this area, in particular. Students have had the opportunity to work regularly with Mr Dunham is the development of their compositions. Listening skills through aural and musicology activities are a focus in classwork and are linked to all our composition and performance activities.

As part of the Creative Arts Department at TAS, we continue to work closely with Mr Andrew O’Connell the Creative Arts Coordinator to create performance opportunities for our students. This includes Final Note, which showcases our

62 The Armidalian Calliden Hunter gave a vocal performance at Final Note, the TAS concert of HSC Music major works

Rob Butcher was selected for the HSC Music showcase event Bravissimo Harry Wright performs at Final Note

63 Visual Arts

Visual Arts at TAS challenges students with a diverse range of learning experiences balancing art making with critical and historical studies. Becoming comfortable with making a mistake ten times to succeed the eleventh requires self control, maturity and resilience and it is this approach, fostered in Visual Arts, that will make our students effective in their pursuits in the classroom and beyond.

Year 7 and 8 Visual Arts students experimented with pencils, acrylic paint, linoleum printmaking, digital art in Photoshop and ceramics with each artmaking task supported by a unit of art writing and art history. A highlight of 2015 was the Year 7 study of animated characters from Dreamworks and Pixar which culminated in the development of a ceramic (fired clay) dragon eye. The TASibald Portrait Prize was again a success with Year 8 having a serious taste of autonomous senior artmaking with students making independent choices regarding the media and subject of their work. The students produced a work using either digital collage, detailed pencil drawing, expressive relief charcoal drawing or acrylic painted artworks. These demonstrate our students’ imagination, care Joshua McCormick (Year 11) at work and skill were displayed in the Hoskins Centre.

Visual Arts at TAS has been transforming since before I joined the staff. While we continue to strive to develop our traditional practices including pencil drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture and painting the focus has been shifting to offer a greater opportunity for students to diversify and explore connected visual and creative vocations. This is well supported by TAS’s new elective Stage 5 offering which will empower students to specialise their own learning paths. In 2015 Year 9 students have competed in groups as rival advertising companies using graphic design to advertise the Middle School play The Lost Property Rules. While Year 10 student architects have designed a building that is both functionally useful and aesthetically relevant to a particular identified space.

I would like to briefly describe Jim Orr, Harry Forsyth and Liam Donaldson’s architecture project because, for me, it identifies the core of a TAS Visual Arts education. This architecture project identified the town of Kingslake the site of the 1983 and 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. They recognised the communities’ need for having a fire shelter and the prevalence of AFL and cricket in the area.

Year 8 Sydney Excursion – Newtown Street Art

64 The Armidalian Working through a complex design process including area and material research, creating mood boards, floor plans, concept drawings and finally a scale 3D model.

This was combined with a critical study of spaces from around the world including The Big Banana, The Gherkin and The Barclays Centre. The team designed a fire bunker underneath a new sports oval that demonstrated sleek Modern design and conscientious functional application below.

HSC Visual Arts can be a roller-coaster mixture of hair pulling frustration and a profound sense of accomplishment but the latter far outweighs the prior. Beginning the year with an excursion to art galleries in Sydney students are immersed in the full scope of Visual Arts from traditional through to contemporary and the ARTEXPRESS exhibition is a revelation of the depth of study and attention to detail required to complete a Visual Arts Body of Work. After many hours of work in the Hoskins Centre our HSC students submitted six diverse artworks including a film, an animation, a pencil drawing, a chalk pastel drawing, an assemblage sculpture, and a large format acrylic painting. This diversity reflects our students’ tenacity to try the untried and produce outstanding quality work. Oliver Broadbent’s Mr A Junge

It is my pleasure to congratulate Tom Bishop who has been selected for ARTEXPRESS and his artwork will be on display at The Glass House in Port Macquarie and also Willis Yung who received a nomination for ARTEXPRESS.

Mr Ian McPherson Visual Arts Teacher

Still from Tom Bishop’s Video Prismatic Comparisons Panel from Willis Yung’s Drawing It Must Be a Cultural Thing

65 English

In 2015 there were again a number of changes to the English ICAS Spelling, Writing and English Competitions Department staff. Ms Colette Brus joined our Department and During 2015 we received some impressive results and has worked hard to offer a variety of learning experiences to feedback from the ICAS Spelling, Writing and English her students. We also welcomed Mr Hugo Johnson for a term Competitions. These International Competitions and to replace Mr Edward Morgan who returned to Sydney at the Assessments for Schools (ICAS) are independent skills-based end of Term 1. In Term 3 we were very happy to see the return assessments with a competition element. Commonly referred of Mrs Alex Murray after her maternity leave. to as the UNSW tests, these ICAS tests are unique, being the most comprehensive generally available suite of academic As well as a variety of engaging and enriching classroom assessments and school tests for primary and secondary activities this year, our students also experienced a number school students. While we have always entered students of English-based opportunities to challenge and extend into the English Competition, this year we also offered the themselves: Spelling and Writing Competitions to those who were keen NAPLAN to participate and challenge themselves against the best Once again our students in Year 7 and 9 sat the NAPLAN students in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the tests in Term 2, focusing on Reading, Writing and Language Pacific Region, Singapore, South Africa and Australia. Conventions. This data from this test is extremely useful in While all students receive a certificate and overview of their guiding the development of our programs and classroom performance, this year the following students achieved Credit practices for all students at TAS. or Distinction Certificates:

Year 6 - Spelling Credits – Alexander Gibson, Tristan Rottcher, Jack Van Roy

Year 7 - Spelling Credits – Andrew Kirk, Alistair Le Surf, Cotter Litchfield Distinctions – Jack Nivison (top 8%); Matthew Wark (top 11%)

Year 6 - Writing Distinction – Henry Moore (top 4%)

Year 7 - Writing Credit – Jack Nivison Distinction – Matthew Wark (top 10%)

Year 8 - Writing Distinction – Thomas Price

Year 9 - Writing Merit – William Almond Distinction – Owen Chandler

Year 10 - Writing Merit – Jim Orr Credit – David Wu

Year 11 - Writing Credit – Jack Tizzard (top 15%) David Wu achieved a High Distinction in the ICAS English competition Distinction – Jacob Hunt (top 2%)

66 The Armidalian Year 6 - English Year 10 - English Credits – Archibald Chick, Lachlan Galbraith, Tristan Rottcher, Credits – Michael Baldock, Lachlan Knowles, Caton Lupica, Cassidy Williams Nkosiphile Nyathi, Henry Perrottet, Liam Treavors, Tom Wright Distinctions – Alexander Gibson (top 7%), Henry Moore (top Distinctions – Sam Thatcher (top 8%), Mitchell Cartwright 7%), Jack Van Roy (top 10%) (top 2%), Matthew Giakoumi (top 10%), Sam Kealey (top 3%), Sinclair Moore (top 10%) Year 7 - English High Distinction - David Wu (top 1%) Credits – Gwynne Beynon, Zac Campbell, Jaden Carroll, Andrew Kirk, Cotter Litchfield, Liam Matherson, Hamish We gain valuable feedback and data from ICAS and continue Newton, Jack Nivison, Oliver Peart, Thomas Wu to find this experience a very valuable one for both our Distinction – Matthew Wark (top 3%) students and staff.

Year 8 - English We look forward to the opportunities and challenges of 2016 Credits – Lachlan Oates, Flynn Charley-Briggs, Kieran Dennis, as we move ahead with our focus on students’ learning. Jack Halliday, Harry Mason Distinction– Hamish Edmonds (top 11%) Ms Julie Flanagan Year 9 - English English Coordinator Credits – William Almond, Nicholas Bohlsen, Angus Cornall, Sambavan Jeyakumar Distinctions – Thomas Bailey (top 11%); Owen Chandler (top 3%), Nicholas Jackson (top 6%), Noah Rose (top 6%)

Jack Nivison and Matthew Wark gained Distinctions in the ICAS Spelling competition

67 Human Society & Its Environment

The year 2015 was another year of success and great activity Year 11 Geography students travelled to Moree with Ms Taber for the HSIE department. The numbers of students who and Mr Junge to examine the cotton industry and its impact are choosing HSIE subjects in the senior years continues to on the natural and built environments. grow, and the department now boasts good class sizes in all elective areas, including Ancient History, Modern History, Year 10 HSIE students again travelled to Canberra, and one Extension History, Geography, Business Studies (two classes of the highlights of this trip is a visit to the Australian War in both Years 11 and 12), Economics, Legal Studies and Memorial. A number of TAS students have relatives who Commerce. The department is very lucky to have highly fought in the significant wars of the 20th and 21st century, talented, experienced and innovative teachers in all of our and it is always a humbling experience for those students subject offerings, and I believe it is for this reason that the we to examine the records at this incredible national resource have seen such growth in student numbers over the last few to find information on family members. For other students, years. this trip also provides an opportunity to search for evidence of TAS Old Boys who fought for their country, and there are Students in Geography, History, Business Studies and numerous references to young men from TAS throughout Economics achieved some commendable results in national the Memorial. As part of their work for their Research Action and state competitions in 2015. Of the 93 students who sat Plan, Year 9 Geography students travelled to Bellingen for a this year’s Geography competition from Years 8 to 12, 28 day late in Term 3. After listening to a presentation by town achieved a High Distinction. This is the best result the school planners who work for the Bellingen Council, students were has received in a number of years, and speaks very positively unleashed onto the streets of Bellingen to ask local residents about the strength of the school’s Geography program. about change in their local community. Part of this activity The students who achieved High Distinctions in this year’s required students to interview people from the community, Geography competition were David Wu, Lewis Taylor, Callum and to gauge their reaction to possible changes at the Sellar, Matthew Rankmore, Jack Radford, Hugh Morton, Caton local level, such as the introduction of well known fast food Lupica, Jacob Hunt, Liam Donaldson, Lachlan Collison, Alex chains, or national supermarket chains in the local business Chambers, Mitchell Cartwright, Liam Treavors, Mike Nyathi, community. Sinclair Moore, Jack Kaynes, Nicholas D Jackson, James Doyle, Owen Chandler, Nicholas Bohlsen, Oscar Alcorn, Thomas Price, Tom Nivison and Harry Mason. Fifty students from Years 8 and 10 sat this year’s Australian History test, and of those, eight received a High Distinction. Again, this result is very pleasing when compared to results from previous years. Students who achieved High Distinctions this year include David Wu, Caton Lupica, Sam Kealey, Mitchell Cartwright, Flynn Charley-Briggs, Harry Mason and Thomas Price. Year 11 and 12 students sat this year’s Business Studies and Economics competitions, which are run by the University of . For the tenth year in a row TAS students won monetary prizes in Economics, and the pleasing feature of this result is that this accomplishment ranks with some of the best schools in Sydney. Both Ali Ahsan and Liam Kennedy (both Year 12) won $50 each for their efforts, and Charlie Wyatt (Year 11) won $75.

So much of what we do in HSIE requires students to get out into the real world to see first hand what is studied in the classroom. Charlie Wyatt achieved a High Distinction in the University of NSW Economics Competition and was placed in the top 1.35 percent of the State 68 The Armidalian Unfortunately, some students forgot to mention during their The competition required students, either individually or questioning that these were only hypothetical scenarios, and in groups, to create a nonsense product or service, and some Bellingen residents were temporarily alarmed to hear then pitch their idea to a number of judges on a day of that their community was being exposed to these changes. competition at the university. Four students from Year 10, Fortunately, the dust settled fairly quickly, and thankfully, no Sam Thatcher, Noah Piper, David Wu and Caton Lupica, stories appeared in local newspapers about the ‘proposals’. competed with students from schools all over the region, In Commerce, Year 9 students once again did an exemplary and although none won prizes this year, they performed job in this year’s school business activity. One product that commendably on the day, and it is likely that this event will featured this year that quickly snapped up a large part of feature as a part of the Commerce program in future. the TAS market was Nick Farrar’s, Tom Morgan’s and Rowan Finally, my thanks go to all of the teachers in the department Croft’s salted caramel slice. Few people who sampled it for their ongoing commitment and tireless efforts over the could resist not buying it again, and this group of students course of the year. easily achieved the top ranking of highest earnings this year. Overall, students raised over $1,200 this year, which was marginally more than the previous year, and it will be Mr David Toakley interesting to see if this total can be beaten in 2016. Year HSIE Coordinator 10 students participated in this year’s inaugural Business Challenge, run by the University of New England.

Students who achieved High Distinctions in the Geography competition were Back Row( l-r) Jack Radford, Jacob Hunt, Matthew Rankmore, Callum Sellar, Alex Chambers, Hugh Morton, Lewis Taylor, Third Row: Caton Lupica, Mitchell Cartwright, Lachlan Collison, Oscar Alcorn, Mike Nyathi, Samuel Thatcher, James Doyle. Second Row: David Wu, Sinclair Moore, Thomas Price, Owen Chandler, Nicholas Bohlsen, Nicholas D Jackson, (front) Tom Nivison, Harry Mason, Liam Treavors, Liam Donaldson, Jack Kaynes

69 Languages

The Languages Department experienced another hectic, The children participated in a number of educational French enjoyable and varied year in 2015. For the first time at TAS, games, such as Attacher le Tapis à la Souris and Apprenons languages have been taught across the entire school, as nos Couleurs, enjoyed a multi-cultural feast and decorated a Transition students joined the rest of the Junior School in traditional Bûche de Noël. They also learned some linguistic their study of French. Japanese and French continue to be the and cultural facts about a number of French-speaking languages studied by our Junior, Middle and Senior School countries. students and, with the proposed implementation of the IB Primary Years Programme, the number of language classes We would like to thank our many helpers on this day, across the entire Junior School has increased this year. This including Salomé Longuêvre and Sally Young, for running has been an exciting development both for our Department such lovely activities for the students to enjoy. We would also and for Junior School students. like to thank a number of the French Year 11 and 12 French Continuers students for their assistance in making this day As well as choosing to learn either French or Japanese, such a successful one. a number of students extended their second language learning to other languages this year, via correspondence During Excursion Week in Term 2, Year 8 students studying studies. The following students are to be commended French and Japanese had the opportunity to participate in a on their independence, effort and achievement in this variety of language activities at the Chauvel Cinema, le Petit area: James Gilson (HSC French Beginners), Sam Danke Escargot, La Renaissance Café, the Nihongo Tanken Centre (Preliminary German Continuers), Jacob Hunt (Preliminary and the Daiso Japanese Shopping Centre, as part of their Spanish Beginners), Cai and Euan Spiers (Preliminary Spanish trip to Sydney. This allowed students to use their language Continuers), Jack Kaynes (Stage 5 French), Sambavan skills in an authentic and fun environment, with experiences Jeyakumar (Stage 5 French) and Angus Smith (Stage 5 not available in Armidale. Middle School students have also French). It is pleasing to note that a number of students have had the opportunity to attend the Animé Club on a weekly selected to learn a language that interests them through basis throughout the year. Students watch a variety of animé correspondence in 2015. in Japanese, and in this way extend their knowledge in an enjoyable and informal way. We have been fortunate to have a small number of dedicated language assistants working with our students, as tutors and In August, all Languages students in Years 9 and 10 in small-group conversation classes, and their native speaker completed the Assessment of Language Competence support has been most beneficial for students. We wish to Certificates (ALC). The ALC is a program designed to celebrate thanks Mariko Noguchi for her assistance in Japanese and we and enhance the learning of Languages in Australia, New also bid a fond farewell to Audrey Panon. Audrey has worked Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region. The skills testing full-time, across all areas of the school, assisting with French program includes listening and reading comprehension classes this year. She returns to France to continue her studies tasks in a multiple-choice format that is designed to be both in order to become a teacher in her own right, and we wish challenging and to enable all students to experience success. her the best of luck in this. Her patience and enthusiasm will be greatly missed! In total, students from TAS received 4 High Distinctions, 11 Distinctions and 26 Credits. Special congratulations All Junior School students, from Transition through to Year go to Sambavan Jeyakumar, Hugh Stonier, Yannick 5, had the opportunity to participate in an entertaining and Tursan D’Espaignet and Bayden Wright on gaining a High enriching La Kermesse Francophone on 10 November, to Distinction, and to Angus Apps, Jack Berry, Jonathon complement their regular weekly Languages lessons. The aim Chamberlain, Owen Chandler, Lukas Cook, Matthew of this day, apart from having fun, is for students take part in Giakoumi, Caton Lupica, Mike Nyathi, Samuel Thatcher, hands on activities celebrating the learning and speaking of Sam Wright and David Wu on gaining a Distinction in this French throughout the world. competition.

70 The Armidalian In the September holidays a group of 24 students enjoyed a Year 10 Japanese student, Jonathon Chamberlain, recently combined Art and French study trip to France. During their participated in a two months exchange to Meitoku Gijuku. European adventure students spent time in both Paris and During this time he was immersed in the Japanese language, the Loire Valley, participating in a diverse and engaging was a boarder at the school and participated in a wide range itinerary. Some of the many highlights included visits to of activities, also having the opportunity to travel around the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, Versailles, Notre-Dame, the Western Japan. Mont St-Michel, Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur, as well We are looking forward to another multilingual year for as a number of French châteaux, le Clos-Lucé - Leonardo da Languages at TAS in 2016! Vinci’s last home, a river cruise along the Seine and, of course, the Eiffel Tower, amongst many others. Students also had the opportunity to visit Saint-Denis International School, a Mme Kathryn Tamminga French lycée, and to spend three nights with a host family Languages Coordinator in the beautiful town of Loches. This was an amazing trip, which enabled students to greatly improve their knowledge of French culture and language. In 2016, it will be the turn of the Japanese-HSIE study and cultural trip to Japan to again take place.

In August we welcomed students from Tezukayama, our sister school in Japan. Students were billeted by TAS Junior School families and participated in a variety of activities together during the course of a week. Some of the highlights for the Japanese students included horse riding at Harlow Park, a farm visit at ‘Wayward ’ and the ‘Snake Tales’ reptile show. TAS Junior School students will have the opportunity to visit Tezukayama as part of this biannual exchange in December, 2016. Working together at Tezukayama Gakuin Elementary School in Osaka

Samuel Thatcher, Sambavan Jeyakumar, Jock McMaster and Mike Nyathi Matt Giakoumi gives a lift to Ziggy Harris whilst Matt Weber takes a snap at take in the sights of Mont St Michel the Eiffel Tower 71 Library

The Premier’s Reading Challenge was taken up by 30 students We have recently started subscribing to ClickView which is from Kindergarten to Year 5 with 11 children completing the an online method of viewing curriculum based free-to-air task. Well done to everyone. television as well as purpose-made audio visual material. Teacher resources and lesson plans can be added to the This year’s National Simultaneous Storytime book was The audio-visual resource making it a complete package available Brothers Quibble written and illustrated by Aaron Blabey. The in the classroom, on demand and to multiple users. Australian Library and Information Association arranged for a great YouTube clip of the book making it a very enjoyable Libraries have evolved into meeting places as well as research session for the many Junior School children who came to the and study centres and TAS is no different. Recess and library. lunchtime will see students playing cards, board games and chess as well as meeting friends for a chat. My Two Blankets won the Picture Book award for this year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week. The story Mrs Lou-Anne Allan, Mrs Natalie Ramazani which is about friendship and belonging is written by Irena and Mrs Janine Ranck Kobald and illustrated by Freya Blackwood. Junior School then made a beautiful ‘blanket’ based on their weekend. This was hung in the library.

TAS Library

72 The Armidalian Mathematics

It has been a year of change in the Mathematics Department. Extension 2 Mathematics (Notional Band 5) At the beginning of the year we welcomed Mr Alan Shortt Max Cushway, Lewis Erskine-Smith, Samuel Redhead, Willis from Queensland who is enjoying a change of career having Yung spent a number of years in engineering before switching to Extension 1 Mathematics (E3) education. Ms Rachel Harrison joined us from England having Max Cushway, Ben MacDougall, Samuel Redhead, taught maths overseas and while she started in learning Harry Wright, Willis Yung support it was quickly evident that she would contribute Mathematics greatly to the faculty. With the sad departure of Miss Katrina Ben MacDougall, Harry Wright Bock due to a long term illness we were also joined by Mr Todd Currell who was well known to the students and staff at General Mathematics TAS having worked for a number of years in boarding and he Daniel Allen, Bradley Doak, Nicholas Finney, Duncan Quast was quick to have a positive impact in the classroom. ICAS 2015 saw the continued introduction of the new NSW syllabus into Year 8 and Year 10 and the consolidation of High Distinction the new syllabus in Years 7 and 9. The new syllabus is highly Year 10 Lachlan Knowles, David Wu engaging for students with an emphasis on questioning, Distinction applying strategies, communicating, reasoning and Year 10 Liam Treavors, Mike Nyathi reflecting. Year 9 Sambavan Jeyakumar, Jack Berry Year 8 Hamish Edmonds This year there was a broadening of student involvement in Year 7 Thomas Wu, Matthew Wark, Cotter Litchfield, more challenging maths tasks and activities. For the first year Andrew Kirk students entered both the Computational and Algorithmic Year 6 Jack Van Roy Thinking competition and the ICAS Maths competition along with the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC). These activities along with our continuing involvement in the UNE AMC Year 8 Maths Day, the da Vinci Decathlon and in Research High Distinction Partnership with UNE have provided unique challenges and Year 12 Ali Ahsan experiences in Maths. Year 6 Jack Van Roy Of particular note both David Wu (Year 10) and Lachlan Distinction Knowles (Year 10) were invited to ‘A Day at UNSW’ due to Year 12 Tom Mailler, Lewis Erskine-Smith, Harry Wright their performance in the ICAS competition while Jack Van Year 11 Lachlan Tonkin Roy was invited to the Australian Mathematics Trust award Year 10 Samuel Thatcher, Liam Treavors, Lachlan Knowles, presentation and workshop due to his performance in the Mike Nyathi AMC. Year 9 Angus Smith, Xavier Tonkin Year 8 Jasper Leoni HSC Results - Band 6 Year 7 Cotter Litchfield Year 6 Alexander Gibson Extension 2 Mathematics (Notional Band 6) Syed (Ali) Ahsan, Tom Mailler Extension 1 Mathematics (E4) Miss Amanda Robins Syed (Ali) Ahsan, Sebastian Gibson, Tom Mailler Mathematics Coordinator Mathematics Sebastian Gibson General Mathematics Liam Kennedy, Lachlan Mills, Joshua Stevenson

73 PDHPE

With the farewell of Mr Jim Pinnington last year, we Lastly, we farewell Mr Jamie Moore from the faculty and welcomed to the faculty Mr Hugo Johnson. He joined us school after 13 years at TAS. Mr Moore started in the Middle from Sydney Grammar where he was employed on a casual School as a Year 6 home-room teacher before continuing teaching basis as well as their Second XI cricket coach and his studies to re-train as a PDHPE teacher. Whilst in the Third XV Rugby coach. faculty he was responsible for the introduction of the Sport, Recreation and Fitness VET course offered in Stage 6, year Mr Johnson has immediately adopted the TAS philosophy of co-ordinator, relieving Head of Department and Swim & becoming fully involved in all aspects of school life. He has Survive co-ordinator. Outside the faculty, he was the strength been appointed as Deputy Housemaster of Middle School and conditioning coach, First XV coach, MIC Rugby, TASRC boarding (White House) as well as coach of the First XI cricket event manager, New Zealand rugby tour manager, weights team. He has been a more than worthy replacement for Mr room manager, surf life instructor, cadet officer, staff fitness Pinnington and has been warmly accepted into the faculty. co-ordinator as well as many other roles and positions. I Mr Smith had the challenging experience of teaching the HSC personally, will miss his support, collegiality, professional class this year. He is extremely proud of the work completed manner, his rapport with the students and his wicked sense and hopeful of a successful year. Top honours went to of humour. We wish him every success in his brave new Thomas Gall closely followed by Ben MacDougall. We wish endeavours as he is leaving education altogether. the class all the best for the future directions. There seems to I wish to thank the staff and students for another successful be a high number of the class choosing to complete further year and look forward to the many changes and challenges study in the area of Health and Sport, which is an indication we will face in 2016. of the quality of teaching that has inspired them in this direction.

With the introduction of co-education in 2016, we have Mr Mark Taylor had to re-examine our Stage 4&5 PDHPE program. The PDHPE Coordinator PDHPE National Curriculum has just been approved by state education ministers and should be coming to school for consideration next year. Even so, the new national curriculum for our subject won’t be ready for implementation until 2018 at the earliest. Add to this the mandatory changes to the PDHPE program in the form of Child Protection and Domestic violence, we have numerous changes to make.

We are also incorporating Positive Education into the PDHPE program for next year. Planning for the changes was done with the help of Nicky Sloss, the PDHPE/Student Welfare consultant from the Association of Independent Schools. I am very grateful for her help and expertise in this area as well as the enthusiastic acceptance of the changes by the PDHPE staff. Nicky was very impressed with the our professional approach and the diversity of ideas and experience within the faculty.

74 The Armidalian Science

This year has seen a number of changes in the Science State Finals Department and the most significant one being the In August the same team of Year 10 boys headed to the retirement of the Head of Science, Mr Geoff Derrin. Geoff University of Newcastle to compete in the NSW State Finals of retired from teaching at The Armidale School at the end of the Challenge. Once again they did very well and were placed Term 2 after spending the first half of the year away on long second on the day. service leave. His inspiration in the Science Faculty was not This has been the fourth year in a row that we have reached his only contribution to the school as he was also actively the state finals. I am very grateful to the of involved in cadets and his love for music kept him busy in a Newcastle and New England and the many sponsors of this number of different performances. Both staff and students event. will miss his passion for teaching. Science Competitions Two new Science staff members began teaching this year This year, of the many on offer we only competed in the with Ms Genevieve Geyle-Chick and Ms Chelsea Webster- International Competition and Assessments (ICAS) Science Knife filling in for Mr Trevor Thatcher while he was on Competition so as to allow boys more time to adequately leave and Mr Geoff Derrin respectively, while Mr Stephen prepare for internal examinations. Boys from Year 6 to 12 Thompson continued with his delivery of the Senior Physics were entered and of these there were many credits awarded program and achieved two Band 6 results in the HSC. as well as distinctions awarded to at least two students per They have all worked hard this year and their efforts were year group. appreciated. Mr Gordon McLennan was also a busy member Year 9 Science Excursion of Science having to prepare practical activities for the new The Year 9 Science excursion during week 2 of Term 2 was staff as well as Steve Thompson and myself. Gordon has also modified this year with a variety of activities added to the had to make adjustments to his own laboratory preparations program. These included visiting the Marine Science Centre with his main storage room being converted back into a 24 at Coffs Harbour, hands on experiences in a number of seat Science Laboratory that will be ready at the start of 2016. different ecosystems around Coffs Harbour and Dorrigo as This laboratory will be a welcome addition to the current well as gaining an understanding of the indigenous history classrooms in the Science Department and will ensure a of Mutton Bird Island and a bush tucker tour of Bongil Bongil quality learning experience. National Park as well. This was followed by two days at Science And Engineering Yarrahapinni to finish off the week. Highlands Challenge Forensic Science Show In March, 32 of our Year 10 boys competed in the Highlands In Term 4, the top classes in Years 9 and 10 participated in a Science and Engineering Challenge and once again we were forensic science show called A Case of Conspiracy. This was a winners. The University of Newcastle, the UNE and the Rotary hands-on activity that our boys clearly enjoyed. They learned Club of Armidale sponsor the local challenge. Teams of three much about forensic science and the session ended with or four built Mars Rovers, catapults, bridges, electricity grids, many questions of the presenter who had experience as a satellite receivers, propeller driven vehicles and flew airships forensic investigator. and gliders they built themselves, with a number of these teams winning their individual challenges. It would be easy to dismiss our win as relatively minor but we compete and regularly win in spite of the best efforts of many schools in the area.

75 Science (Cont.)

Australian Brain Bee Challenge Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) This event has become a regular feature of the extension Titration Competition activities for Year 10. About two thousand Year 10 students All students in the Year 12 Chemistry class participated in from around NSW participate in the state round of the the RACI Titration Competition held at the University of Australian Brain Bee Challenge in order to select a small New England in Term 3. Out of the eight teams of three that team to compete internationally. Again, two of our students attended, one team made it to the National Titration Final. were selected to participate in the next round – Mitchell The members of this team were Lewis Erskine-Smith, Lachlan Cartwright and Hugh Worsley. Mitchell and Hugh did not Apps and William Raleigh. This competition required the progress to the final round, however, they enjoyed the teams to identify the concentration of an unknown acid and experience and it allowed them an opportunity to participate base through titration and the accuracy of their lab technique in a number of different practical activities throughout the and calculations lead to them achieving a high mark. day to expose them to different areas neuroscience.

Mr Tim Wheaton Science Coordinator

Liam Treavors, Lachlan Knowles, Thomas Goodfellow and Mike Nyathi with their catapult that accrued more than double the score of the second place team, helping TAS win the Highlands Science and Engineering Challenge at the University of New England on 18 March

76 The Armidalian Technology & Applied Studies

In 2015 the Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) faculty The challenge runs for five weeks twice a year and is an has implemented key digital technologies in the context of excellent introduction to the highly relevant technology our curriculum whilst maintaining a strong foundation in literacy of coding that is both valued and in high demand by practical, problem solving and thinking skills, which can be of employers. Their efforts were recognised with a number of lifelong benefit to our students. The staff of Mr David Slade, students receiving merit and credit awards. Mr Martin Levins, Mr Tim Scott, Mr Christian Nexo, Mr David Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, which Lawrence and Mr Bevan Michel remained the same. include Metals and Engineering, Automotive and Primary With the support of the Parents & Friends Association, we Industries, continued to have solid enrolments and be well have been able to purchase and commission a laser cutter received by industry. Our Work Placement (VET) students for use within our faculty and wider school subject offerings. and School Based Trainees often win praise as well as Along with 3D printing it allows students to envision and employment offers from local businesses who value our create prototypes as well as finished, one off and low volume students training and attitude. Support from these employers project items, digitally and professionally. These technologies is vital and we strive to maintain healthy relationships with are insights into the future and have been readily embraced them. by students and staff. Nothing stands still when Technology is in play. In a 21st Century school environment, the Technology and Applied Studies faculty will continue to challenge and inspire students towards the future and I firmly believe that the best is yet to come.

Mr David Slade Technology and Applied Studies Coordinator VET Coordinator

Year 7 students with the new laser cutter

In 2016 the school will begin its new Stage 5 subject offerings and the Technology and Applied Studies faculty has taken the opportunity to revamp and update curriculum and pedagogy accordingly.

In addition to this change the old Gymnasium that has been used as a woodwork room for the past three decades will be relocated to the Doody Park TTC facility, bringing all the practical subjects under one roof.

In Term 3 this year 55 of our students competed in the beginners and Intermediate levels of the Python Challenge. The school has fostered students in this annual software programming contest since its inception nine years ago.

Samuel Kealey with his timber project 77 78 The Armidalian Middle School

79 Head of Middle School

After four terms they were weary when they went home because they’d tried so much that is new, and I guess this is one of the justifications for holiday and family time, especially at the end of the academic year.

There’s good reason for the longer end-of-year break. In terms of time frames, TAS is a fluid environment in that so much of what students undertake either complements other activities or marks further change in them: for example, half way through the first term, summer sports made way for early winter options: Athletics schedules began during Weeks 6 and 7, lunch time Cricket and Tennis sessions became fewer for some because Debating season began, Year 7 lunches with the Headmaster and Mrs Guest were in ‘full swing’ for the first half of the term and towards its end preparations about the extent of our involvement in the Autumn Festival and the ‘Campus to City Canter’ took place. And, all the while, boarding and day house activities continued as did classes, prep work in the Cash Block and Dangar and White Houses, assessment task preparation and other meaningful engagement in academic activity. Further, the fact that in Week 7 we welcomed to TAS Open Day prospective students for 2016 was sure proof of the fluid nature of the framework of the wider school. Mr Mark Harrison, Head of TAS Middle School So, the Middle School is always busy; at times, bemusing; rarely quiet; never boring. But we’re not busy for the sake of being busy. Students must be gainfully employed; must be in the business of forming mutually dependent and beneficial ‘Nothing is less worthy of honour than an old man who has no relations with others. In the words of Jim Graham, the man other evidence of having lived long except his age’ after whom the Middle School building is named, “This is Seneca – De Tranquillitate a time, both physically and mentally, for investigation, for discovery and in order to be part of the group (so necessary This rather lofty opening line is relevant to us in a very for every student) it is a time, above all others, when the practical way. The brief of ‘looking out’ for the needs and young person must work against self-interest, and moderate interests of the 11 – 14 age group is a challenging one, and ego-centric behaviour”. It’s understandable then that so it is so, regularly. As I indicated in a previous Final Assembly, many of our winter term options in the wider curriculum are ‘fast and furious’ would seem to be the best adjectives to team-based activities. characterize the pace and variety of Middle School activities. But, colorless this place is not – being young adolescents, Accordingly, sports like football, rugby and hockey in Terms these boys have not fully realized the significance of 2 and 3 were complemented in turn by our Excursion Week moderation and arguably it won’t become significant till activities, formal Mid-Course Examination preparations, later on in their lives. To be honest, as Seneca implies, it phenomenal participation in the Armidale Eisteddfod shouldn’t either because students, especially younger ones, and active involvement in other cultural and community need to be profitably employed and such employment activities. needs to be varied.

80 The Armidalian For example, the middle of the year was distinguished by the In addition to yet another successful battery of exams and combined facts of preparation for our annual inter-house a productive Activities Week, one of the highlights of Term debates and the Hoskins Centre performances of Treasure 4 was the Middle School Play, The Lost Property Rules which Island. featured the talents of so many of our students. Our boys did us proud – and you too, of course. Mr Andrew O’Connell and Term 3 of course distinguished itself as the away trips term, Ms Leasa Cleaver were there to receive the thanks that they generally to Sydney. Through all activities, our Middle School deserved. It’s so good to see the boys in an environment they students in turn distinguished themselves as they are ‘best’ clearly enjoy – and they acquitted themselves admirably in when they’re busy. I can say with a degree of confidence that, terms of performance and entertainment skills. Those of you by this time of the year they were settled and I enjoyed my who attended the performances were very lucky indeed! interactions with them. Clearly, one of the healthiest aspects of TAS life is the breadth I don’t think there were many Town Meetings during Terms 2 of activity: there really is something for everyone and and 3 that didn’t boast at least one senior ‘in attendance’ and Middle School students were confident enough to pursue contributing to the proceedings. These boys were welcome opportunities that suited their needs and interests. The guests in the Middle School and younger students enjoyed Athenian educator and philosopher, Plato, once asked: ‘Who speaking to them. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but the are the real educators of our youth? Are they the poets, the ‘old school’ year group barriers have virtually disappeared – teachers, the philosophers? ‘No’ he said, ‘not any one of these’. such a good thing for everyone, really. Again, the debating ‘The real educator is society itself – the community in which and cadet meetings were examples of healthy senior and young people live.’ In 2015, TAS Middle School has been a junior interaction. On a number of occasions, too, senior community characterised by activities boasting individual boys helped some of ours with a number of pastoral issues. and collective success. In particular, some Year 11 and 12 boys continued to give us phenomenal support throughout 2015 and they’re deserving of our thanks for assistance given to the Middle School. It was Mr Mark Harrison encouraging to note, too, that our Year 8 Monitors were still Head of Middle School invited, when appropriate, to the School Prefect Meetings each Wednesday morning.

Middle School Monitors Back Row (l-r): Harry Mason (Semster 2), William Swales (S1), Hamish Moore (S1), Jack Waters (S2), Joshua Jones (S1), Nic Ward (S2), Will Forsyth (S1). Front Row: Angus Earle (S1), Nick Corderoy (S2), Henry O’Neil (Head Monitor - Day), Nicholas Barnier (Head Monitor – Boarding), Tom Deshon (S2), Kieran Dennis (S1). Absent: Jack Halliday (S1).

81 Middle School Activities

Middle School 2015 TASibalds Being involved is what being a TAS student is all about – and Always a highlight on the Visual Arts calendar, this annual it was gratifying to see so many boys put their hands up Middle School portraiture competition requires all Year 8 across a diverse range of activities specific to Middle School. students to paint or draw a portrait of a staff member of their They are reported on elsewhere in The Armidalian, but are choosing. The results range in technical quality and subject worth highlighting here. material, but there again were both impressive and amusing.

Drama Let’s Hang It For the second year, Middle School staged its own dramatic Year 8 student Will was a finalist in the junior secondary production in the Hoskins Centre, in Term 3. The imaginative school section of the University of New England Schools piece The Lost Property Rules by Matthew Ryan, told the story Acquisitive Art Prize with a photograph called Finally, of a of two boys who have to spend the night at a train station, drought-breaking storm. The work was one of 60 hung in hiding from the guard dog. Huddled in a Lost Property box, the Let’s Hang It exhibition at the New England Regional Art they try to stay calm by telling each other stories based on Museum. the lost things they find in the box. The play foregoes large Junior Round Square pieces of costume or set for the imaginative transformational Year 6 teacher Mr Luke Polson led a TAS delegation to the skills of the actors and the cast did a wonderful job bringing a Young Round Square Conference held at Westminster School, range of whimsical stories to life. The production involved 16 Adelaide, in April. The students who attended were Henry students on the stage and a further two who were part of the Robertson, Jack Nivison, Alistair Le Surf and Riley Eichorn, all Hoskins Tech Crew, looking after sound and lighting. in Year 7. Debating The Tri-Schools’ Shield, a Middle School debating competition between TAS, NEGS and PLC, was once again held in 2015. Each school hosts a round and provides two teams per year group to debate each of the other schools. Whilst the TAS boys were varied success and PLC were the clear winners, the boys improved tremendously through the year and had fun in the process.

In Term 2 the Middle School inter-house debating competition introduced several newcomers to the sport, and in the final Ross House successfully negated the case put by Tyrrell, That Art is Better than Sport.

Public Speaking After a hiatus of a year, the Middle School public speaking competition (part of the Clemson Cup) was held in Term 3. Each student was given a visual stimulus to use as the basis for their speech, which was open to interpretation. These references included the rock band Kiss, a pile of books, and an animated Minion character. Tim Cimino eloquently spoke about the dichotomy of fire as both a life giver and destroyer, winning the competition for Croft House.

Jack Halliday’s portrait of Mr Jones in the TASibalds portraiture competition

82 The Armidalian Middle School Play, The Lost Property Rules

Riley Eichorn, Henry Robertson, Alistair Le Surf and Jack Nivison attended the Young Round Square Conference held at Westminster School, Adelaide

83 84 The Armidalian Junior School

85 Head of Junior School

Looking at the year that was 2015, I am astounded by the range of activities and the wide range of opportunities on offer to our students. As a staff, we expect our students to develop independence of thought. This essential attitude continues to be reflected in our application of the Three Steps approach to dealing with potential issues – State your case, propose a solution and if required, seek assistance and support. This year, our Leadership Program increased its profile and our leaders and other students, played a major role in initiating many of our community service activities. Our House leaders this year were: Broughton House - Frank Perrottet, Hugo Catterall and Joshua Miron; Green House - Harrison Ditchfield, Isabel Newton and Ben Rowe; Ross House - Cameron Le Surf, Blair Eichorn and Samuel Ball. Having attended the GRIP Leadership course early in the year, I commend them on the role they played in our school.

Throughout the year, the classroom, specialist and support staff, were hard at work implementing many of the practices associated with our move towards becoming an International Baccalaureate School. As a Candidate School for the Primary Years Programme, the rigours of the program require us to apply the principles of Inquiry Learning. Our

Mr Ian Lloyd, Head of TAS Junior School staff have benefitted enormously from the supportive services at hand, with constant communication with the consultancy provided by the IB organisation. Programs of inquiry have been prepared, introduced into our classrooms, completed and assessed. The implementation of the IB program rolls on….

As our PYP Coordinator, Mrs Veronica Waters has worked tirelessly to ensure this process has been thorough and sustained. Her efforts are to be highly commended and applauded. Similarly, Mrs Christine Wright has coordinated our extensive sporting program and the positive energy she brings to this role has been greatly appreciated by all the students and their parents.

There has been a growing sense of community again this year and with huge attendances at both our Welcome and Christmas Barbecues, the parental support has been significant. Our thanks go to our dedicated team of Liaison Parents, so ably led by Mrs Rachael Nicoll, for the enthusiastic manner with which they approach this task. Support for Community Open Days, Sporting carnivals and social occasions for class groups has been greatly appreciated.

86 The Armidalian Again this year, hosting the Tezukayama Gakuin Elementary Twilight concerts and public performances demonstrated the School from Osaka, Japan, provided students and their successes in this department and I would like to acknowledge families with a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange. the Music Department team of Ms Leanne Roobol and What a great reflection it is on our community to be able Mrs Rachel Butcher, ably assisted by Mr Warwick Dunham to host 45 students from Japan for a week, and have such and Mrs Sarah Broadbent all of whom have contributed to positive reports of their experiences! For a week, our students this tremendous growth in our music. Without doubt, the were able to develop real friendships while working together production of Peter Pan Jr, brilliantly directed by Ms Leasa in the classroom, playing sport and visiting various local Cleaver was the highlight of the ‘season’ and all would agree, sights and undertaking cultural activities. The positive has paved the way for continued, quality performances. I do feedback from this exchange is heart warming and reinforces not believe I have witnessed such a polished primary school the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with TEZ. performance, in all ways, and it has set the scene for similar shows in the future. It is appropriate to highlight the significant growth and success of our Music program at TAS and to consider the It is unusual to comment upon the relocation of one of our breadth and depth of its offering. Growth in musical pursuits families from Junior School. In the time Jonathan Harris in Junior School has been enormous with more than half attended TAS, he became a gifted student academically, our students now learning an instrument. The success of our musically and athletically. As his parents commented, he made ensembles - the Junior Vocal Ensemble, the TAS Junior Guitar many friends and benefitted enormously from the wonderful Ensemble, our TAS K – 2 and 3 -5 Choirs, the TAS FanTAStics teachers and experiences he had throughout his time in Junior (our Junior School Band) were on constant display at various School. The significant financial gift they left to Junior School times throughout the year. deserves mention; its stated intention being to provide more access to the extra curricular opportunities of Junior School.

The FanTastics

87 In addition to this, their contribution towards a completely House Leaders refurbished trophy display cabinet in Junior School will stand Broughton House: Frank Perrottet, Hugo Catterall and Joshua as an everyday reminder of the family’s generosity. Miron; Green House: Harrison Ditchfield, Isabel Newton and Ben Rowe; Ross House: Cameron Le Surf, Blair Eichorn and Finally, the visit to TAS for our Junior School Speech Day Samuel Ball. by Mr Paul Jarman, internationally renowned composer and conductor, was a special way to finish a very busy year. Presentations, performances and activities days Paul’s time with us, leading up to and including our evening Questacon Science Circus, Treasure Island, ‘Walk Through the Speech Day event, was simply superb. His easy manner Orchestra’, Life Education Van. Niangala Primary School Visit when working in workshops with our students was evident Activities Days included: Clean Up Australia Day, from the outset and when our students performed his own Athletics Pre-events with Minimbah Primary School, song ‘Shackleton’ during Speech Day, the poignancy of the Sustainability Day, Questacon Science Day, World of Maths performance was profound. It was a spectacular way to Day, Bike Safety and Triathlon Day, Languages conclude what was another fantastic year for our School.

Staffing School Clubs Term 1 - Mrs Anne Trenerry (LSL replaced by Ms Tabitha Pottery Class – Mr Rick Hatch Dowse) Miss Audrey Panon (Teaching Assistant in French Dance Club – Mrs Collette Brazier Terms 1 – 4); Term 2 Mr Neil Druce (LSL, then extended leave Chess Club – Mrs Anne Hine T3 & 4, replaced by Ms Tabitha Dowse), Ms Fiona Chappell da Vinci – Mrs Anne Hine (leave Terms 2 – 4, replaced by Mrs Alison Evans); Mrs Tania Ball LSL replaced by Mrs Gerry Vanzella), Mrs Jo Benham Excursions (seconded to Senior School then Maternity Leave, replaced Transition Train to Uralla and Thalgarrah Enviromental by Mrs Maria Craven). Term 4 – Mr Alex Portell (Long Service Education Centre Leave, replaced by Mrs Gerry Vanzella),Mrs Jo Benham Kindergarten Train to McCrossins Mill, Helicopter (seconded to Senior School in T2 then Maternity Leave for Hanger and Thalgarrah Terms 3 & 4, replaced by Mrs Maria Craven) Year 1 & 2 UNE to the Lewis Theatre, Waste Transfer Station and Recycling Centre, and Saumarez Practicum Students Homestead Ms Gabby Collier, Mr Wayne Bulmer Year 3 Lake Keepit Gap Students Year 4 Lake Keepit Term 1 Douglas McCardle, Calum Kyle Year 5 Myuna Bay Term 2 Josh White, John Bowers Choir & Vocal Ensemble to Armidale Bowling Club for Term 3 Jonny Beer, Piers Beesley Morning Melodies, School attendance at Armidale ANZAC Term 4 Daniel Burmudez, Kenneth Kamathi Day Service, Hosted the AIS Travelling Art Show in the Liaison Parents Hoskins Centre,The Tezukayama Gakuin Elementary School Transition Mrs Sonya Newton, Mrs Natasha Junge Kindergarten Mrs Mandy Fenwicke, Mrs Dee Ford Competitions and Tournaments Year 1 Mrs Ingrid Evans, Mrs Lynelle Slade da Vinci Decathlon – Knox Grammar School Year 3 Mrs Jo Neilson, Mrs Jennifer Blackburn Participants: Hugo Catterall, Harrison Ditchfield, Marcus Year 4 Mrs Rachael Nicoll, Mrs Karen Morgan Hempel, Will Jubb, Cameron Le Surf, Frank Perrottet, Harrison Year 5 Mrs Jacqui Perrottet, Mrs Justina Catterall Price and Ben Rowe (Placed first in the Creative Producers Division)

88 The Armidalian Maths Olympiad ICAS Spelling Competition Will Jubb, Frank Perrottet, Marcus Hempel, Harrison Price and Distinction - Harry Pennington, Alex Webber and Harrison Cameron Le Surf Ditchfield Merit - Henry Kirton The Newcastle Permanent Primary School Maths Credit - William Gilpin, Joshua Pongrass, Frank Perrottet and Competition Casey Smith Distinction - Cameron Le Surf Merit – Frank Perrottet, Harry Pennington, Joshua Pongrass, Fundraising and Community Service Marcus Hempel, Will Jubb, Harrison Price, Jonathan Harris and Clean Up Australia Day Lachlan Costello Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea - $354.95 Jump Rope for Heart - $3456.50 ICAS English Competition Daffodil Day Cancer Appeal - $317.00 High Distinction - William Jubb Christmas Child Appeal – Supporting Vanuatu hit by extreme Distinction - Harry Pennington cyclones Merit - Cameron Le Surf Christmas Wishing Tree Appeal Credit - William Gilpin, Henry Kirton, Emily Buntine, Jonathan Harris, Hugo Catterall, Marcus Hempel, Frank Perrottet, Harrison Price, Casey Smith and Ruby Straker Mr Ian Lloyd ICAS Maths Competition Head of Junior School Merit - Toby Ford, Lachlan Hunt, Toby Inglis, Harrison Ditchfield, and Cameron Le Surf Credit - Caleb Baumgartner, William Gilpin, Henry Kirton, Harry Pennington, Lachlan Costello, Joshua Pongrass, Hugh Taylor, Alex Webber, William Jubb and Harrison Price Below: Some of the cast from the Junior School production of Peter Pan Jr.

89 Junior School Activities

90 The Armidalian 91 JS Speech Day Awards

Class Awards Prizes for exceptional performance

Encouragement is awarded for consistent effort and English Prize Casey Smith improvement with reading Mathematics Prize Will Jubb Commendation is awarded for outstanding effort and HSIE Prize Marcus Hempel improvement Science Prize Frank Perrottet Merit is awarded for consistent high achievement and Deidre Rickards Excellence in Music Prize application (for excellent musicianship and an outstanding contribution Transition to all areas of music) All Transition students received a book commemorating Year T-2 Scarlett Buntine starting their education at TAS Year 3-5 William Nash

Kindergarten James White Art Prize (for excellence in Art, Years 3 - 5) Encouragement Max Junge Ruby Straker Commendation Marcus Robb, Remy Webber Anabel Busby Memorial Prize (For outstanding effort leading to Merit Peter Thompson achievement that exceeds expectations in Years K - 5)

Lachlan Morgan Year 1 Encouragement Ryan Sharkey Chloe Chick and Arlie Pilcher Citizenship Award Commendation Tom Rowe Isabel Newton Merit Felix Winslett Sports Awards (for outstanding ability and sportsmanship) Year 2 Infants Gold Iles Baker Encouragement Lance Latham Silver Scarlett Buntine Commendation Lachlan Litchfield Primary Gold Tom Ball, Jonathan Harris, Merit Scarlett Buntine Hugh Taylor Silver Samuel Ball, Emily Buntine Year 3 Bronze Daniel Morgan, Jasper Russ, Encouragement William Gilpin Toby Inglis Commendation Henry Kirton, Abbott White Merit Harry Pennington Outstanding Citizenship Kindergarten Madeleine Buntine Year 4 Year 1 Mitchell Evan Encouragement Alexis Langlois-Peters Year 2 Ty Schalk-O’Brien Commendation: Lachlan Hunt, Jasper Russ, Lachlan Year 3 Caleb Baumgartner Costello, Jonathan Harris Year 4 Flynn Broadfoot Merit Emily Buntine Year 5 Harrison Ditchfield Year 5 Armidale Diocesan Junior School Award Encouragement: Byron McCann (to a Year 5 student for outstanding support and service) Commendation: Hudson Eichorn, Cameron Le Surf Samuel Ball Merit: Will Jubb, Harrison Price Ben Rowe Certificates acknowledging the contribution children have made Armidale Dumaresq Council Annual Citizenship Award to TAS Junior School from Transition to Year 5: Samuel Ball, (to a Year 5 student for exceptional contribution in several areas) Ben Rowe, Harrison Ditchfield, Casey Smith, Henry Douglas- Hugo Catterall Menzies, Alexander Zuber, Hudson Eichorn, Isaac Gerdes, Isabel Newton, Frank Perrottet 92 The Armidalian JS Extension and Enrichment

Chess Club was held every Monday morning before school. The Year 5 da Vinci Decathlon team consisted of eight skilled All students from Transition to Year 5, were welcome. team members, who competed as a team at Knox Grammar The aim of Chess Club is to teach the basic rules for new School in Sydney in May and here at TAS in August. Hugo players and improve the skills and games strategies for Catterall, Harrison Ditchfield, Marcus Hempel, Will Jubb, experienced players. Chess Club offers a fun and friendly Cameron Le Surf, Frank Perrottet, Harrison Price and Ben environment suitable for chess players of all ages and Rowe worked fast and furiously to decode, classify, spell, skill levels. Playing chess develops skills such as problem- create and solve a myriad of problems and puzzles. The Year solving, forward planning, lateral, logical and sequential 5 team was successful in securing first place in the Creative thinking as well as memory and visualization. Chess also Producers challenge at Knox Grammar School and first place provides an opportunity for all children to develop self- overall at TAS. All students thoroughly enjoyed the challenges confidence, decision-making skills, resilience and a sense of and there is already talk of next year’s Northern NSW’s da responsibility. Our teams successfully competed in a variety Vinci Decathlon, to be held here at TAS for the fourth year of Chess competitions across Armidale and Tamworth. Our running. Year 6 team won third place overall at the One Day Chess

Tournament at St Mary’s Primary School. Stewart Williams Mrs Anne Hine also received at trophy for third highest point score. We Junior School Extension & Enrichment Coordinator were able to join Middle School to travel to Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in Tamworth, to compete at the Sydney Academy of Chess Championships. A truly enjoyable day was had by all!

The TAS Year 5 da Vinci team: Marcus Hempel, Will Jubb, Harrison Price, Cameron Le Surf, Harrison Ditchfield, Frank Perrottet, Ben Rowe and Hugo Catterall

93 Transition

During Term 1 Transition enjoyed getting to know each The children loved taking objects in to shine, light up and other, their teachers and new environment in our first unit explore, going on a light walk, visiting Mrs Chick in the TAS of inquiry ‘Schools are organised to help us learn and play Science department, looking at reflection and refraction and together’. This involved looking around the whole school, chasing rainbows. Transition participated in Jump Rope for meeting lots of teachers and people that all help make Heart and Daffodil Day and loved meeting the children from our school the great place it is. Each week was filled with Tezukuyama Gakuin Elementary School Japan and some fun in the classroom and out with specialist lessons, a visit attending their first Junior School social. from Healthy Harold, as well as involvement in the athletics Term 4 started with an excursion to Thalgarrah carnival before ending the term by hosting the Junior School Environmental Centre with Kindergarten. Getting close to assembly Mrs Vanzella joined Transition in Term 2 while Mrs nature by looking, listening and smelling, teddy bear games Ball had long service leave. and picnics, and meeting some special creatures made it a Now settled the class joined the weekly infants Chapel very memorable day. This fitted in perfectly with our ‘Living service, started a weekly sound of the alphabet and number. things have certain requirements to grow and stay healthy’ Our unit of inquiry was ‘We interpret our environment unit. Working out if something is alive and what it needs to through our senses’. This allowed for lots of interesting, stay that way kept us busy especially with all the other fun practical experiments and exploration like visiting the tree activities going on! group, nature collections and taste tests. Special events included our mothers and special friends invited in for a Other highlights were a train trip to Uralla and play at Alma manicure and some pampering. Park, a visit from vet Natasha Junge, languages day, bike day and involvement in Peter Pan Junior musical made this a very Term 3 saw the addition of a ‘dark cubby’ in the classroom busy final term. What a fantastic year 2015 was! to complement our inquiry unit ‘Light comes from different sources and has different properties’.

Mrs Tania Ball - Teacher Mrs Lucy Adams

Transition Back Row (l-r): Mrs Tania Ball, Henry Taylor, Oliver Robb, Cameron Carruthers, Xavier Stephen, Mrs Lucy Adams Front Row: Lucy Taylor, Minnie Chick, Edwina Newton, Evelyn Junge

94 The Armidalian Kindergarten

We started the year with 16 magical little people, 14 boys and After watching weather patterns, we learnt about cyclones, two girls. We were sad to see our two friends Sam Bock and tornadoes and other disasters through a variety of hands Fletcher Connor move on to other towns, however, we were on experiments. This term we also completed our first Cross delighted to gain a new addition to our class Diesel Murphy Country. in Term 3. We have grown in so many ways and had many Term 3: We were delighted to go on our first excursion to ‘first’ experiences. Thalgarrah Environmental Centre exploring the concepts This year we began implementing our International of living things and then have the amazing opportunity of Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Our first PYP Tezukayama Gaukin our Japanese friends coming over for unit was Family History which allows us to celebrate ‹who an exchange visit. During this term we also explored our PYP we are and where we have come from’. We explored our own unit called ‘stories express feelings and ideas’, which led us to personal family history, extending the concept to include the write, create and then design a number of short movies that enjoyment of many related guests coming in and bringing were presented at our Assembly. items of the past to share with the children. From past Term 4: This was a whirlwind term. We completed in our first objects brought in we gained a concept of time, progression Triathlon and enjoyed our very own cultural ‘Languages and change. We went global and explored different day’. Our PYP unit was exploring the concept of transport types of families, comparing environment and building supporting communities. We caught a train to Uralla to structures. Kindergarten competed in their first and athletics see one of the oldest fire engines in the area, looked at a carnival. Term 1 was all about getting used to our many first sulky and then travelled to the Armidale airport to visit the experiences. helicopters. Kinder studied the latest transport designs in Term 2: Our PYP unit was ‘weather affects human action’. This the world and how over time designs have changed, often led us to constructing individual buildings and testing how including environmental concepts. We performed in our first their construction helped or hindered exposure to weather. school musical called Peter Pan and finished the term we our We explored houses around the world and learnt how the last PYP unit ‘All living things go through a process of change’. weather determined the type of house constructed. Mrs Lana Hawksford

Kindergarten Back Row (l-r): Mrs Lana Hawksford, Marcus Robb, Sam Ford, Joe Fenwicke, Mr Douglas McCardle (GAP). Middle Row: Peter Thompson, Hugo Broun, Lily Peart, Fletcher Connor, Max Junge. Front Row: Harry Brownlie, Joshua Rucci, Andi Li, Lucas Hu, Sam Bock, Remy Webber

95 Year 1

2015 began with Year 1 welcoming a new student Two highlights were an awesome storytelling session with Euan Billingsley, and a new teacher Miss Dowse, as the Mrs Annie Young and a thought provoking indigenous replacement teacher for Mrs Trenerry while she took long storytelling gathering with inspiring Year 11 student, Sam service leave. Term 1 was an enjoyable term as we settled Jackson-Bolton. Celebrating the 100th Day of School was also into a new classroom, a new teacher and some great new a definite favourite with some stimulating activities about the learning. magic number 100 to challenge our maths brains.

Term 2 saw the return of Mrs Trenerry. The classroom was a Term 4 began with much excitement as we commenced our buzz of learning as we immersed ourselves in some exciting Living Things unit. The classroom became alive with life – inquiry units. First, it was a unit exploring our community. seeds germinating, grassy heads emerging and a selection Excursions were a stimulating part of our learning with of insects and minibeasts scurrying around. We very much interesting outings to the Armidale Waste Transfer Station, enjoyed an excursion to Thalgarrah Environmental Education the University of New England, Armidale Dumaresq Council, Centre to further our understanding of Living Things. A visit Armidale and District Hospital not to mention such enjoyable to the science lab with expert ecologist, Mr McLennan, gave visits to and from people and places around our school. us much to think about in the plant and animal kingdom. We practised earnestly for the Eisteddfod, performing Learning about the PYP attitudes this term provided much beautifully in the K-2 choir. We also presented a wonderful food for thought. Bringing our bikes to school for Bike Day assembly which included a poem about community workers, was a real hit as was the ever-popular event, the triathlon. a community rap and some French speaking about jobs we To finish off a great year, we loved being part of the Junior might like to have in the future. School production of Peter Pan.

Term 3 was a busy term full of many wonderful learning Year 1 2015 has been a year of growth and a more experiences. We thoroughly enjoyed discussing, reading, enthusiastic, thoughtful, cooperative and committed group writing and acting out stories, fables in particular. of learners would be hard to find! The joy and enrichment we gain from books was well and Mrs Anne Trenerry truly demonstrated throughout this unit.

Year 1 Back Row (l-r): Mrs Anne Trenerry, Tom Rowe, Charlie Ryan, Lachlan Schumacher. Middle Row: Peyton Slade, Mitchell Evans, Euan Billingsley, Felix Winslett. Front Row: James Smith, Levi Broadfoot, Ryan Sharkey, Blake Whitehill. Sophia White

96 The Armidalian Year 2

Year 2 relished the new opportunities for inquiry-based learning that the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Transdisciplinary Themes have brought. Blending much of the new curriculum documents with conceptual learning around such themes as Sustainability, Personal Histories and Artefacts, Puppetry, Communication and Changing Land and Skies has enabled the class to delve into personally motivating and relevant learning engagements whereby they can realise their learning potential in active and productive ways. Especially interesting were the excursions to the Armidale Waste Management Facility and Recycling Centre, historic Saumarez Homestead and the University of New England’s Computer Science department, which supported our learning endeavours. Year 2 were also appreciative of the expertise of specialist teachers Mrs Rachel Butcher (Music), Mrs Anne Hine (French), Mrs Jo Benham and Mrs Maria Craven (Divinity and Chapel), Mr James Pennington (PE) and Mr Ian Lloyd (PDH). With such a diverse group of individuals, it was wonderful to see the class gel into a considerate and collaborative cohort as the year progressed. During Term 4, Mr Portell had Long Service Leave and was replaced by the highly capable Mrs Gerry Vanzella who did a fine job finishing out the 2015 academic year.

Mr Alex Portell

Year 2 Back Row (l-r): Mr Alex Portell, Lance Latham, Ty Schalk-O’Brien, Iles Baker. Middle Row: Ted Chick, Archie Douglas-Manzies, Nicholas Thomas, Flinders Ward. Front Row: Evan Kwan, Sam Strelitz, Camilla Coupland, Lachlan Litchfield, Christopher Bower

97 Year 3

The year has been full of adventure, new learning The enjoyment of designing and constructing was had opportunities and growth for each child. Embracing our new during Term 4 in our unit on building materials. The IB PYP program, the 17 boys thrived on the inquiry approach boys designed and built ‘Mouse Houses’ and matchstick to learning this year, with an excursion to Thalgarrah constructions. With the use of IT within the classroom, Educational Centre one of the highlights in term 1. The boys their designing of structures on ‘Sketch up’ was impressive culminated their studies of life cycles with a movie making along with their newly acquired presentation skills using session using iStopMotion. Powerpoint and iMovie.

The outdoor adventures proved popular throughout the year The boys have been involved in many extra curricular with another excursion to Lake Keepit in Term 2. The outdoor activities this year including Junior School Band, vocal activities were enjoyed by all along with the experience of ensembles and many sporting teams. The growth in living away from home for three days. Highlights during confidence amongst the cohort has been tremendous from this excursion included kayaking, making damper and in class individual presentations, assembly performances to orienteering. our final Peter Pan production.

Our studies of art and story telling in Term 3 were enhanced by the Japanese visit. The boys welcomed our visitors into Mrs Christine Wright their classroom for a week of cultural exchange and activities. This bi-annual exchange has proven invaluable over the years, with this visit being one of the best. The friendships made and the experiences shared will be long remembered.

Year 3 Back Row (l-r): Mrs Christine Wright, Alistair Newton, Tom Ball, Lachlan Gerdes, Henry Kirton, Lennox Neilson Middle Row: William Gilpin, Abbott White, Joel Blackburn, Toby Ford, Banjo Lawrence, Harry Pennington Front Row: Wilkie Davison, Lincoln Connock, Thomas Dundon, Blair Eichorn, Alec Campbell. Absent: Caleb Baumgartner

98 The Armidalian Year 4

In 2016 Year 4 was taught by Mr Neil Druce in Term 1 with In Term 4, the units of Inquiry included ‘Materials undergo Ms Tabitha Dowse being the class teacher for Terms 2, 3 permanent or temporary changes’ which poses challenges and 4. In Term 1 the students work was focused on People’s and provides benefits for society and the environment and Cultural Background has an impact on their beliefs, values ‘Market places depend on the ability to produce goods and actions and Exploration leads to discovery and develops and provide services that can be exchanged’. These Units new understandings. of Inquiry combined with the students studying natural materials going through a process of change in the During Term 2 Year 4 had the pleasure of attending their manufacturing process through to being shipped off to annual school camp and this was held at Lake Keepit. Time at various marketplaces around the world. the camp was filled with adventure, excitement and activities that provided the opportunity for courage. All students took Also Year 4 have been involved in a number of fundraising on activities that tested their inner strength and faced their events including Jump Rope For Heart, Christmas Child fears together as they attempted the ‘Giant Swing’. Appeal and Daffodil Day just to name a few. Along with fundraising Year 4 also participated in a Information In Term 2, as part of the Unit of Inquiry ‘Sharing the Planet’ the Computer Technology day hosted by Mr Martin Levins where class visited the Armidale City Council Wastewater Treatment they demonstrated their ability to use the ‘Scratch’ program Facility. For some, this was an eye opener as to where our to solve problems and create many and interesting programs. water ends up and what happens to it after we use it.

The Unit of Inquiry for Term 3 was centered on Ms Tabitha Dowse Communication and how it is constantly evolving. This included the need to share our feelings and ideas that have shaped the way people interconnect locally and globally. The class studied various forms of communication including Braille, Semaphore, Sign Language, Morse Code, Hieroglyphics, ancient cave paintings and the promotion on positive, online communication.

Year 4 Back Row (l-r): Mr Neil Druce, Calin Simmonds, Charlie Repin, Michael Janda, Jasper Russ, Jonathan Harris, Lachlan Costello, Will Nash, Alexis Langlois-Peters Middle Row: Peter Evans, Joshua Pongrass, Dimity Chalmers, Beatrice Henzell, Poppy Broun, Toby Inglis, Jasper O’Neil Front Row: Alex Webber, Daniel Morgan, Conal Nicoll, Hugh Taylor, Oliver Smart, Flynn Broadfoot, Lachlan Thomas, Lachlan Hunt Absent: Emily Buntine 99 Year 5

Year 5 have grown from strength to strength this year and This has allowed skills to be developed from the art of giving have shown maturity in all facets of their education. They a prepared speech, to thinking on the spot and giving an have warmly welcomed visiting teachers and numerous impromptu speech to the skill of being an effective debater guest speakers, participated in excursions and come to realise and being able to rebuke effectively. that leadership is both a rewarding and challenging task. Mathematics has seen students ensuring their mathematical This year, as part of our unit work, Year 5 have focussed ‘tool boxes’ are full to enable effective problem solving. All on developing their learner profiles and have grown to have been encouraged to use a variety of problem solving understand what the attributes of each profile means. There strategies when solving higher order problems. Students has been time dedicated to reflecting on these profiles and it have also focussed on the ability to clearly articulate has been encouraging to read the depth of these reflections strategies used with correct mathematical vocabulary. and the goals students have set themselves. Throughout the year students have had the opportunity We have also focussed on what it means to be a collaborative to take action and to work as part of a community service learner. All students have worked well to produce radio project team. Much prior planning was completed and advertisements, iMovies, skits, speeches and debates and some very successful fundraising achieved for Jump Rope written reports, which have explored a variety of national, For Heart, Operation Christmas Child and Australia’s Biggest international and global issues. Throughout the collaborative Morning Tea. process students have become familiar with Edward de The Year 5 class of 2015 have all been encouraged to set their Bono’s six Thinking Hats and have used this framework when sights high, to give everything their best shot and to strive to conducting inquiry-based investigations. be the best person they can. They are all very special young Our Units of Inquiry have enabled public speaking to be a people and each unique in their own individual ways. focus across all Key Learning Areas. Mrs Veronica Waters

Year 5 Back Row (l-r): Mrs Veronica Waters, Byron McCann, Cameron Le Surf, Harrison Ditchfield, Alexander Zuber, Benjamin Rowe, Joshua Miron Middle Row: Isaac Gerdes, Samuel Ball, Isabel Newton, Casey Smith, Ruby Straker, Marcus Hempel, William Jubb Front Row: Hudson Eichorn, Harrison Price, Henry Douglas-Menzies, Lachlan Morgan, Hugo Catterall, Frank Perrottet

100 The Armidalian Junior School Sport

This year again saw our students participating in the full gammet of sports. Swimming, athletics, triathlon, orienteering and cross country were all highlights.

JS Swimming Carnival 2015

Swimming Champions 6 years Joe Fenwicke Sophia White 6 years runner-up Sam Ford 7 years Charlie Ryan Peyton Slade 7 years runner-up Mitchell Evans 8 years Iles Baker Scarlett Buntine 8 years runner-up Joel Blackburn Millie Coupland 9 years Tom Ball 9 years runner-up Abbott White 10 years Will Nash Ruby Straker 10 years runner-up Hugh Taylor Poppy Broun 11 years Sam Ball Isabel Newton 11 years runner-up Frank Perrottet 12 years Casey Smith Division Champions Sub Junior Champion Charlie Ryan Sophia White Sub Junior runner-up Joe Fenwicke Peyton Slade Junior Champion Tom Ball Ruby Straker Junior runner-up Will Nash Poppy Broun Senior Champion Sam Ball Isabel Newton Senior runner-up Alexander Zuber Winning House - Ross House

The McCready Cup

Given to the highest point score - Tom Ball

PSSA Swimming Team

Scarlett Buntine, Banjo Lawrence, Iles Baker, Joel Blackburn, Abbott White, Lochlan Gerdes, Tom Ball, Will Nash, Peter Evans, Hugh Taylor, Oliver Smart, Beatrice Henzell, Poppy Broun, Ruby Straker, Isabel Newton, Alexander Zuber, Sam Ball, Frank Perrottet, Ben Rowe, Casey Smith, Joseph Anderson, Sam Skipper, Hamish Chalmers, John McGregor-Thew, Archie Chick.

101 NCIS Swimming (Lismore)

The TAS team to compete at The NCIS Swimming Championships at Lismore comprised of Sam Ball, Ben Rowe, Frank Perrottet, Peter Evans, Oliver Smart, Will Nash, Hugh Taylor, Abbott White, Tom Ball, Iles Baker, Ruby Straker, Isabel Newton, Beatrice Henzell. From that event, the following students gained selection in the NCIS team to compete at the CIS Championships in Sydney: Sam Ball, Tom Ball, Ruby Straker, Abbott White.

Junior School Swimming Champions- 2015 Back Row (l-r): Casey Smith , Samuel Ball, Ruby Straker Second Row: Thomas Ball, William Nash, Isabel Newton, Iies Baker Front Row: Sophia White, Scarlett Buntine, Peyton Slade, Charlie Ryan, Joe Fenwicke

102 The Armidalian Junior School Sport (Cont.)

JS Athletics Carnival 2015

Age Champions 4 years Oliver Robb 5 years Cameron Carruthers Minnie Chick 6 years Samuel Ford Sophia White 7 years Blake Whitehill Peyton Slade 8 years Iles Baker Scarlett Buntine 9 years Toby Inglis 10 years Hugh Taylor Emily Buntine 11 years Isaac Gerdes Isabel Newton 12 Years Casey Smith

Division Champions Sub Junior Champion Samuel Ford Sophia White Junior Champion Iles Baker Scarlett Buntine Intermediate Champion Hugh Taylor Emily Buntine Senior Champion Isaac Gerdes Isabel Newton and Casey Smith Winning House - Broughton House

Highest Point Score - Scarlett Buntine on 106 points and Iles Baker on 94 points

New Records- Emily Buntine – 800m Intermediate Girl (3.20.21) and Harrison Price – Intermediate Discus (20.04)

PSSA Athletics Team

John McGregor-Thew, Benjamin Rowe, Alexander Zuber, Joseph Anderson, Sam Skipper, Frank Perrottet , William Nash, Samuel Ball, Hamish Chalmers, Beatrice Henzell, Peter Evans, Iles Baker, Abbott White , Oliver Smart, Hugh Taylor, Thomas Ball, Banjo Lawrence, Scarlett Buntine.

Cross Country Age Champions

6 year girls 1st – Madeline Buntine, 2nd - Lily Peart, 3rd - Sophia White 6 year boys 1st – Hugo Broun, 2nd - FLetcher Connor, 3rd - Joe Fenwicke 7 year girls 1st – Peyton Slade 7 year boys 1st – Blake Whitehill, 2nd - Mitchel Evans, 3rd - Felix Winslett 8 year girls 1st – Millie Coupland 8 year boy 1st – Iles Baker, 2nd - Banjo Lawrence, 3rd - Evan Kwan 9 year boy 1st – Toby Inglis 2nd- Tom Ball 3rd - Alistair Newton 10 year girl 1st – Emily Buntine 2nd- Dimity Chalmers 10 year boy 1st – Toby Inglis 2nd- Emily Buntine 3rd- Hugh Taylor 11 year girl 1st – Isabel Newton 11 year boy 1st – Hudson Eichorn 2nd – Marcus Hempel 3rd - Frank Perrottet

103 Junior School Sport (Cont.)

TAS Triathalon - Teams and Individuals

Kindergarten 1st – Harry Brownlie, Diesel Murphy and Andi Li Year 1 1st – Blake Whitehill, Peyton Slade and Felix Winslett Year 2 1st – Scarlette Buntine, Millie Coupland and Evan Kwan Year 3 1st – Harry Pennington, Caleb Baumgartner, Henry Kirton and Lennox Neilson Year 4 1st – Peter Evans, Oliver Smart and Jasper Russ Year 5 1st – Byron McCann, Henry Douglas-Menzies and Cameron Le Surf Year 2 1st – Sam Strelitz 2nd- Iles Baker Year 3 1st– Tom Ball 2nd- Abbott White 3rd- Banjo Lawrence Year 4 1st– Toby Inglis 2nd- Emily Buntine 3rd- Hugh Taylor Year 5 1st - Sam Ball 2nd- Hugo Caterall 3rd- Alexander Zuber

Lachlan Costello is pensive before the throwing the discus

Hugo Catterall, Joshua Miron and Frank Perrottet hold aloft the trophy for the Scarlett Buntine and Banjo Lawrence sprint down the straight mighty Broughton

104 The Armidalian Junior School Gymnastics- 2015 Back Row (l-r): Lennox Neilson, Alistair Newton, Beatrice Henzell, Peter Evans, Banjo Lawrence Second Row: Scarlett Buntine, Alec Campbell, Thomas Dundon, Blair Eichorn, Archie Douglas-Menzies, Camilla Coupland Front Row: Madeleine Buntine, Evan Kwan, Felix Winslett, Mitchell Evans, Sophia White, Christopher Bower, Remy Webber

Broughton House Spirit - Junior School Swimming Carnival 2015

105

Leadership Service & Adventure Round Square

Young Round Square Conference Internationalism Democracy Westminster School, Adelaide Environment On Friday 10 April Henry Robertson, Jack Nivison, Alistair Adventure Leadership Le Surf and Riley Eichorn, accompanied by Mr Luke Polson, Service left Armidale bound for Adelaide to attend the 2015 Young Round Square Conference hosted by The Westminster Round Square Representatives School. The trip commenced with a three day tour of The Round Square Staff Representatives this year were Kangaroo Island. During the tour, the group travelled to a Mrs Anna Barnier and Mr Barney Buntine. Mr Guest and number of locations including a sheep dairy, honey farm, Mrs Barnier attended the Australasia and South East eucalyptus distillery, a tour through Flinders Chase National Asia Regional meeting of Round Square Heads and Park. A number of highlights for the group included a visit Representatives in Singapore on 28 February and 1 March to Pennington Bay, the narrowest part of the island where which was hosted by the United World College of South East only 640 metres separate the north and south coasts. This is Asia. Mr Guest was nominated for and accepted the position a natural coastal site facing the Great Southern Ocean, with of Regional Director for a period of three years. the next land being Antartica, some 5320 kilometres away. The time at Kangaroo Island concluded with a visit to the

Exchange – Outgoing 2015 local Koala Sanctuary, Birds of Prey Show, visit to the Seal

Term 1 conservation centre and a trip up (and rather fast trip down) Harry Forsythe (Year 10) Gordonstoun School, Scotland; the Little Sahara Australian Geological Monument (massive Tom Southwell (Year 10) , Canada; sand dunes). Oscar Alcorn (Year 10) Rothesay Netherwood School, Canada; Sebastian Scott (Year 10) Woodstock School, India Our time at Westminster School went by very quickly, as the (6 months); Nick Moar and Alex Ziesemer (Year 9) Kings group was immersed in three full days of the conference College, Auckland, NZ program. The program was designed as a learning program, Term 2 which took students from listening to and understanding Angus Eichorn (Year 10) Rockport School, Ireland; stories from others, to engaging with workshops where Liam Treavors (Year 10) , USA the students were given techniques and methods to tell Term 4 their story. Throughout the conference, the group heard Mitchell Cartwright (Year 10) , from a number of keynote speakers from a variety of Vancouver, Canada; Harry Mackenzie (Year 10) Felsted backgrounds including Maurie Japarta Ryan, His Excellency School, England the Honourable Hieu Van Le AO, Governor of South Australia, Alice Fraser (musical director for Mumford and Sons) and

Exchange – Incoming 2015 Andrea Boyd, who is the only Australian on Earth working Term 1 in the International Space Station Control Team and from a Kyle Strachan (Year 10) Gordonstoun School, Scotland number of workers at the Westcare Homeless Centre who (Croft); Jay Yunas (Year 10) Woodstock School, India (Croft 3 shared their stories, as the speakers were once clients of the months) centre.

Term 2 The week allowed for plenty of opportunities to tour around Jay Yunas (Year 10) Woodstock School, India (Scott family 3 the local Adelaide area. The group visited Victor Harbour and months); Naman Chabra (Year 11) Vivek High School, India Granite Island and traveled to these places on the Cockle (Croft); Uday Nath Behl (Year 11) Doon School, India (Croft); Train. Additionally, students were bussed to the top of Matt Ota (Year 10) Athenian School, USA (Abbott); Ben Snell Mount Lofty to take in the view of the Adelaide area before and Sam Grenfell (Year 8) Kings College, Auckland, NZ (Moar commencing the walk back down to the bottom. The group family homestay) took part in a service project which aimed to replace part of Term 3 the vegetation that was once in the area as Adelaide is built Kai Sampson, Woodridge College, South Africa (Abbott) on a drained wetland. 108 The Armidalian Above: Henry Robertson, Riley Eichorn, Alistair Le Surf and Jack Nivison (with Mr Polson) on the top of Mt Lofty, Adelaide

The project aims to, over time, to plant some 7000 trees and For the Pre-Conference tour we went snowboarding, bruising work with the traditional owners of the land, the Kaurna ourselves horribly and generally having a great time. By the people, to try to reconnect their culture to country. end of the three days we had made many new friends. We The group extend their thanks to all who made this trip then travelled to the Cheongshim campus proper for the possible and to the Westminster School in Adelaide for sightseeing and the cultural part of the trip. This is where we hosting us. met the rest of the schools from all across East Asia and the students from Cheongshim, who would be accompanying us.

Mr Luke Polson That night was spent getting to know the other students and dividing into baraza groups of five or six students from different schools, 2 staff and 2 students from Cheongshim. We would stay with this group to discuss topics later in the Australasia & East Asia Conference conference. Over the next three days we went to a number Cheongshim International Academy, South Korea of different cultural sites such as the old palace in the heart On 21 January three students, KB Fergusson, Liam Cooper of Seoul, Namsam tower which overlooks all of the city and myself and two teachers, Mr Moore and Mr Slade set off and many different shopping districts such as Insadong for what would be a long day of travel. We arrived at Incheon and Gyeoynbok which both offered a different experience. airport in Seoul, exhausted after a gruelling 21 hours. Our first Insadong was filled with traditional goods and Gyeoynbok impression was that it was cold, the temperature averaged was a modern marketplace. around -3 degrees the whole trip and even though we were expecting it, it was still a shock. Perhaps one of the most interesting experiences of the trip was going to the de-militarised zone, which marks the border We moved to our accommodation at the Cheongshim Youth between South and North Korea. South Korea is technically Academy, one of the largest in all South Korea. It was a still at war and this provided a shock as guards at the Incheon magnificent area, which really set the scene for what would airport carried fully automatic assault rifles and there are laws be a great conference. That night we met schools from such as no aerial photography because of military equipment Australia and Singapore and they were all amazing people. set up on top of the skyscrapers in Seoul. However when we arrived at the border it was surprisingly normal. 109 Round Square (Cont.)

I don’t know what I expected but it certainly didn’t match up After each speech we split into baraza groups to discuss with the country on the other side. The people looked normal the ideals and values behind each leader. After all four and the countryside was the same. speeches, we wrote a resolution, which was then presented After sightseeing we moved to the new accommodation at to everyone. This resolution was summed up by one delegate School in Seoul where the conference when they said “think globally, act locally”. itself began. The whole trip was amazing we formed friendships that will The theme of the conference was ‘Building Bridges Beyond hopefully last a lifetime. Thanks must go to Cheongshim Borders’ and already this had been shown throughout the school for hosting us and showing us around Korea, Mr conference by the friendship of the delegates. We also Moore and Mr Slade for looking after us even after a long day learned about the different countries of the delegates. Did when they were just as tired as us and finally to Mrs Barnier you know that in Singapore chewing gum is illegal because and Mr Guest for providing us with this amazing opportunity. it’s so messy? You need a doctor’s certificate to purchase any and it is a hefty fine if you’re caught with any. These Hadrian Wright kind of small discoveries were reminiscent of the whole trip. Year 12 The conference opened with a short talk on North Korea by Soloman Diaz, he was one of the five to six thousand tourists who are allowed into North Korea each year. He spoke about a country that looked healthy, the streets were clean, the education was good, the people were happy. First we had our own perspectives on North Korea, then we saw it for ourselves, and finally we were presented with a new concept, one that actively challenged our prior thoughts of a hellish country. Some believed it and others thought it was just propaganda but still, it made us think and questions our beliefs.

The actual conference consisted of four speakers talking about four influential leaders for world peace- Ghandi, Dr Moon, Mandela and Round Square founder .

Mr Allan Moore and Mr David Slade (right) with students in Korea

Round Square students snowboarding in South Korea Cheongshim International Academy

110 The Armidalian Community Service

“Caring has the gift of making the ordinary special.” George R. Bach

Service is one of the six ideals of all Round Square schools. These are excellent projects as they allow students the Service is also an important component of the Duke of opportunity to commit to learning skills while also providing Edinburgh Scheme. For many students service is an essential a prolonged service. Internationally, TAS aims to provide part of their year. Community Service at TAS in 2015 saw students with a wide range of community service projects students taking part in national projects such as the Tour which are often challenging, forcing students to step out de Rocks - raising money for cancer research, The Walcha of their comfort zone such as the annual service trips to Mountain Bike Classic - raising money for the Westpac Rescue Thailand and Fiji and Round Square conference service Helicopter; the Red Shield Appeal - raising money for the projects. Salvation Army; and the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic - raising Congratulations to Nicholas Farrar and John Moore who were money for the Arrow Foundation into bone marrow research. awarded the Freemason’s Prize for Excellence in Community Students have also assisted in our local Armidale community Service in 2015. at the Autumn Festival, at Minimbah Primary School, or in our own school community, by giving their time to assist Ms Catherine Boydell with the TAS Rugby Carnival, TAS at Dusk, Old Boys’ Weekend Community Service Coordinator or assisting in the co-curricular program; through coaching or umpiring sports, as accompanying musicians for Year 12 students or the many school theatre productions. The activities program also offers opportunities for students to complete community service through the Rural Fire Service, Surf Life Saving and Cadet Guard.

Steve Waugh with 2015-16 Senior Prefect, Ben Moffatt Students attend Minimbah as part of a regular lunchtime program

111 Cadets

Cadet Unit Staff

Commanding Officer Major Trevor Thatcher Training Officer Mr Will Mazzei Quartermaster Sergeant Simon Ball Catering Mr Josh Fairleigh and Ms Gail Rogers Radio Second Lieutenant Tim Scott A Coy Commander Lieutenant Michael Ball B Coy Commander Second Lieutenant Angus Murray C Coy Commander Second Lieutenant Fiona Taber

Officers of Cadets Captain Michael Hill, Lieutenant William Caldwell, Second Lieutenant Geoff Derrin, Second Lieutenant Amanda Robins, Second Lieutenant David Toakley, Second Lieutenant David Lawrence Training Staff Sr J Murray, Mr D Drain, Miss J Heaney, Miss A Hudson, Mr A Jones, Mr A Junge, Miss H Symons, Mr G McLennan, Mr H Johnson, Mrs A Murray, Mr R Newton, Mr A O’Connell, Mrs R Pollard, Mr A Smith, Mr M Taylor, Miss S Toogood, Mr B Corbett, Ms C Webster-Knife, Mr T Currell, Mr T Brunkhorst, Mr I McPherson, Miss R Harrison

Key Appointments

SUO CUO N Finney 2IC CUO S Redhead ADJT CUO F Gifford RSM WO2 M Alcorn

A Coy

OC A Coy CUO B MacDougall 2IC A Coy CUO D Quast CSM A Coy SGT T Butler

1 Platoon 2 Platoon 3 Platoon

Platoon Commander CUO C Holcombe CUO J Faint CUO J Kingham

Platoon Sergeant SGT J Orr SGT A Spokes SGT S Thatcher 1 Section Leader SGT C Sellar, SGT S Danke SGT S Kealey CPL A Mazzei, CPL N Bohlsen (2IC) 2 Section Leader CPL O Alcorn SGT H Perrottet CPL C Moffatt CPL A Cornall (2IC) CPL S Wright (2IC) CPL H Hughes (2IC) CDT L Thomas 3 Section Leader CPL L Knowles, CPL H Worsley C PL L Cook CPL T Muller (2IC) CDT H Stonier (2IC) CPL O Shannon (2IC) CDT M Rankmore CDT Z Hooper CDT M Baldock CDT S Cannington CDT S Yunas CDT F Ihle CDT A Webber CDT L Treavors

112 The Armidalian B Coy

OC B Coy CUO R Butcher

4 Platoon 5 Platoon 6 Platoon

Platoon Commander CUO A Chambers CUO A Braham CUO C Wyatt

Platoon Sergeant SGT T Wright SGT S Hughes CPL H Forsythe CPL S Scott

1 Section Leader CPL H Graham CPL M Turnbull CPL A Apps CPL J Hartog-Smith

2 Section Leader CPL M Qorovarua CPL N Jackson CPL S Marshall (2IC) LCPL T Simmonds (2IC)

3 Section Leader CPL A Smith CPL N Farrar CPL B Widders CPL J Huang (2IC) CPL S George (2IC) CPL S Jeyakumar (2IC)

C Coy

OC C Coy CUO T Mailler

7 Platoon 8 Platoon 9 Platoon Platoon Commander SGT L Donaldon CUO C Grant SGT M Giakoumi Platoon Sergeant SGT J Murphy CPL T Southwell SGT H Mackenzie 1 Section Leader CPL N Day CDT J McMaster SGT J Doyle CPL B Simmons (2IC) 2 Section Leader CPL J Vogt SGT J Kaynes CPL H Smith CPL W Grant (2IC) 3 Section Leader CPL S Moore CPL L Vagg CPL L Collison

CDT S Warton

Radio

SGT H Morton CPL J Hunt CPL D Wu

CPL M Cartwright CDT F Hardingham CDT B Fellowes CDT L Bray CDT Z Harris CDT H Purkiss CDT J Campbell CDT H McGrath CDT M Nyathi

Q-Store - WO2 W Claridge (RQMS)

CUO E Monk CPL K Hall CPL T Goodfellow CDT D Pitt

113 Anzac Day TASCU is grateful to UNSWR for the use of the army reserve This year on the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day the school depot and to Mr Greg Maguire for allowing us to exercise on commemorated the day with a whole of school service at the ‘Danehurst’. Memorial Hall, followed by an Anzac Eucharist service. The Guest of Honour at the TAS Service was Major General Iain Home Training Spence, Head Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division. The Unit engaged in the usual whole day and overnight Later at 11.00am the complete cadet unit, A, B, & C Coy, training days in rotation throughout Terms 1-3, leading up Signals and Q-Store and ceremonial guard marched at the to the two day Bivouac and six day Camp in Term 4. The skills Armidale town service – surely one of the largest parade of obtained in the year are necessary to successfully complete TAS cadets in its history. the tasks set at Bivouac and Camp.

Passing Out Parade The unit’s ceremonial guard mounted a catafalque party at The annual Ceremonial parade took place on Friday the school’s Memorial Hall, the Dangarsleigh service and afternoon 11 September, a departure from the normal Armidale’s Central Park. Old Boys’ Weekend parades. The occasion marked the Members of the TASCU Guard: CUO Nicholas Finney, culmination of loyal service for twelve Year 12 cadets who (Commander), CUO Alister Braham, CUO Alexander passed out of the unit. This year’s parade was reviewed Chambers, CUO Jacob Faint, CUO Charlton Grant, CUO Ethan by Colonel Jeffrey Squire, Director Information Activities Monk, CUO Charlie Wyatt, SGT Matthew Giakoumi, SGT Harry Military Strategic Commitments Division in Canberra. Colonel Mackenzie, SGT Samuel Thatcher, CPL Harry Graham, CPL Squire arrived on parade in a World War 2 Willys jeep and Bailey Simmons, CPL Bailey Widders, LCPL Thomas Simmonds Bushmaster vehicles from the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers CDT William Almond, Drummer, CDT Liam Kennedy. held ground for the parade. Remembrance Day The 12 senior cadets were recognised for the commitment The school assembled around the flag pole at 11.00am on 11 they had made to the cadet unit. They had successfully November to take part in the traditional Remembrance Day completed leadership training, excelled in a range of ceremony with a Catafalque Party composed of leadership appointments, and led the way on activities days, CUO Charlton Grant (Commander), CUO Charlie Wyatt, SGT bivouacs and annual camps over their time at TAS - proving Samuel Thatcher, SGT Sebastian Scott, and LCPL Thomas to be fine examples for the younger cadets. Simmonds, CDT Clancy Roberts - Drummer, CDT Sam Wright - Bugler. These senior cadets represented a wealth of skill and experience and they were commended for the service A Catafalque Party was also provided for the Armidale town they had given the unit over their time at TAS. They were service at Central Park: CUO Alister Braham (commander) farewelled in the traditional way with the group slow CUO Jacob Faint, CUO Ethan Monk, CUO Alexander marching past the Unit and paying their compliments to Chambers, SGT Matthew Giakoumi, CDT Alex Ng - Drummer. the colours for the last time. The Unit itself turned on a fine

display of drill and self-discipline to mark the event and Leadership Courses in turn saluted the outgoing Cadets. The Friday afternoon Fifty Three Cadets enrolled in the TAS based Leadership scheduling of the parade proved to be a roaring success, Courses at all three levels, CUO, SGT & CPL. This year the with the whole school in attendance on a beautiful spring courses were conducted continuously over five days and four afternoon. nights at the Army Reserve depot of New England Company University of NSW Regiment (UNSWR) and the property ‘Danehurst’ via Kingstown. Three army instructors supported the course from 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers.

114 The Armidalian Formal Dinner A successful camp was held with cadets typically being A Formal Dinner for Year 12 Cadets, guardsman and their challenged in a range of leadership and adventurous parents was held on 11 September, after Passing Out Parade. activities, whilst also enjoying their time over the course of The dinner is held to recognise the service of the cadets the week. and the long hours or service provided by members of the Awards (presented at Annual Camp 2015) Ceremonial Guard. Best Platoon in each Coy Colonel Jeffrey Squire was the unit’s guest of honour. He C Coy: 9 Pl presented the annual awards and addressed the large B Coy: 4 Pl gathering at the dinner. A Coy: 3Pl This year the unit took the opportunity to fit out all officers WO2 Churches Award for ‘Intestinal Fortitude’ - 3 Platoon and CUOs in formal military mess dress – white jacket, Matthew Slade Shield for Contribution to HQ cummerbund and bow tie. They looked a splendid group in CDT Luke Bray their formal military officer dinner dress! Tri Service Shield for Best Cadet CDT Anthony Russell-Thomas The Annual Awards for 2015 (presented at Formal Dinner) Max Tavener Award for the Most Outstanding Section 2IC Lee Enfield Awards for the Most Efficient Platoons CDT Michael Baldock A Coy 1 Platoon - CUO Cameron Holcombe and SGT Jim Orr LTCOL DJ Harrison shield ‘the Colonel’s Trophy’ for the Most B Coy 5 Platoon – CUO Alister Braham and SGT Saxon Hughes Outstanding Section Leader C Coy 7 Platoon – SGT Liam Donaldson and SGT James CPL Sam Marshall Murphy RSL Trophy for Best Sergeant SGT Tom Wright Quota Shield for Best Shot Moffatt Sabre for Best Platoon Commander CPL Lukas Cook CUO Jacob Faint Wears Sam Browne for Service to A Company CUO Ben MacDougall Reed Sam Browne for Service to B Company Farewells CUO Robert Butcher This year we also farewelled two long-standing, loyal and Cash San Browne for Service to C Company dedicated officers of the cadet unit: Lieutenant Michael Ball CUO Tom Mailler and Second Lieutenant Geoff Derrin. We wish them all the McConville Sword – Unit 2IC best in the endeavours. CUO Samuel Redhead Sword of Honour – Unit SUO CUO Nicholas Finney Trevor Thatcher Major (AAC) Annual Camp 2015 COMMANDING OFFICER The year’s annual training was put to the test at Nymboida in late November where 259 cadets from the three companies, signals and Q-Store engaged in a full range of activities centred around their respective expeditions. The weather was fine, hot and humid and cadets were in good spirits with a messing facility established at the canoe centre, whilst spending any available moment in the river cooling off.

115 116 The Armidalian Passing Out Parade

Adress by Colonel Jeffrey Squire Getting started - initiating - means that you have to overcome your doubts, remove other distractions and focus In this centenary year of the landings at Gallipoli, it is on the task that you know must be completed. important that we all pause to honour the service and sacrifice of those young Australians, so many of whom In a school like this, and in your homes there are leaders, gave their lives in the service of this nation, defending our teachers and parents who will encourage, help, or even make freedoms and way of life. you start - get you up, get you to school and guide you to organize your lives. While the events at seem very distant to us now - what strikes me, and is reinforced in the faces of the young For those of you in Year 12, soon you will be out there on your Australian soldiers I have seen serving in East Timor, Iraq own. Unless you join the Army, no-one is going to make you and Afghanistan in recent years, is that the Anzacs were just get out of bed. As a young adult it will soon be up to you and like us - Australians, many not much older than you, who, in your Initiative. It may sound simple, but success starts with difficult times, chose to serve their country and defend our getting out of bed in the morning. values. So, why get up, why show initiative, why have the discipline The lives by the values of Courage, Initiative do what is right? and Teamwork. Today I would like to share some thoughts I put it to you that Teamwork is the reason that you show on these Army Values that you, as Cadets can also aspire to courage and initiative. Teamwork is knowing that you are part live by, now and in your lives ahead. Courage, Initiative and of a group that is relying on you to do what is right, whatever Teamwork are values that can be assessed separately, but the cost, and knowing that your contribution is valuable to they are connected and best considered together. others. Teamwork is doing your part for a cause that is bigger Throughout your life you will be confronted with situations than you. It is these causes that give our lives meaning and where you are challenged to do what is right. Maybe you motivate our sacrifices. have seen vandalism. Maybe you have seen cruelty. The cadet unit at this school has given you the opportunity To step in, to stop or report these things takes courage. To to develop your understanding of Teamwork, the Courage overcome your fear takes courage. If you make a habit of and Initiative required to be successful as a team and what it showing this kind of courage it becomes easier to do and means to support and serve others. Your experiences through your actions can influence those around you. You do not leadership courses, bivouacs, camps and ceremonial activities need to be on a battlefield to be courageous. have prepared you to serve others.

Courage is also a discipline. There are many kinds of As much as I would like to see most of you join the Australian discipline. The discipline to polish your boots this morning, Defence Force, it is important to remember that you do not the discipline you have displayed in your rehearsals to need to be in the Army, Navy or Air Force to serve others. prepare for this parade. Courage, however, is the discipline In your life as a worker, boss, parent and member of this to take action, to demonstrate Initiative. No one has ever society you will have countless opportunities to serve others, succeeded in life by doing nothing. Courage takes Initiative. to do the right thing and work as part of a team towards I am sure you know that one of the hardest things in life is common achievement. ‘getting started’. How many assignments have stared at you waiting to be started - sometimes, I am sure, right up until the Visiting the school today, it is clear to me that you are all very night before they are due? lucky to be students and cadets here. With the privilege you have, also comes a responsibility - the responsibility to help others that are less fortunate than you and to never take Left: Colonel Jeffrey Squire accompanied by SUO Nicholas Finney and the Headmaster, inspect the parade what you have for granted.

117 ANZAC Day Address

Address by Major General Iain Spence CSC RFD You know the story of the campaign as well as I do – the failed attempts by both sides to break the stalemate, the Headmaster, staff and students of The Armidale School, ladies baking summer, the freezing winter, the flies, the constant and gentlemen, sickness, and a steady stream of casualties – punctuated It is an honour to be here today on the 100th anniversary of by spikes of heavy losses when one side or the other tried the landings at Gallipoli – in a school which is itself 121 years to push forward. The Anzacs held on despite everything old, with a cadet unit only three years younger than that. until December 1915 when, in contrast to the muddle and That is a lot of tradition – and very important to have it. confusion of the landing, the entire force was evacuated I believe that without some tradition it is very difficult to without a single . have a good school – or a good army, navy or air force. How did they achieve this? How did the Anzacs perform as Today, Anzac Day and the landings at Gallipoli are a major well as, or better than, their British and French allies who part of our national and military tradition (and of your school had all that tradition and experience? I am going to suggest tradition too). But, it has to start somewhere, and I can’t that it was basically because of the four qualities which the help thinking about the contrast between the Anzacs who Australian Army today uses as its core qualities: courage, went ashore at Gallipoli 100 years ago and our French and initiative, respect, and teamwork. British allies who were landing simultaneously, elsewhere on Nine Victoria Crosses were awarded to Australians during the the same peninsula. These men came from armies steeped (almost 10 percent of the total number in tradition going back centuries, with regiments whose awarded to Australians), along with numerous other bravery ancestors had served under Napoleon or Wellington and awards. Their physical courage was unquestioned. But moral some with recent experience in colonial wars fought all courage was just as important to their success as the physical. around the globe. This was not only the courage to persevere over months of In comparison, we (and our New Zealand brothers) were continual pressure because they knew it was not only the a new Army, poorly trained by today’s standards and very right, but the only thing to do. It was also the courage to inexperienced. Some had served in the South African (or question authority, when it needed to be questioned. It is Second Boer) War of 1899-1902, but it was only a sprinkling also the courage you need to say ‘no’ to something you know of men and, as they were about to find out, this war was to be wrong or to stand up for others you see being treated going to be very different from the one in South Africa. Full unfairly. While Australians didn’t, and don’t have a monopoly of enthusiasm, perhaps because of their lack of knowledge, on this, I would like to think that our sense of fairness, and they went ashore, the first in darkness, into heavy fire and more relaxed attitude made it a characteristic more common appallingly difficult terrain. among the Anzacs than in other armies on the peninsula.

Sheer courage and initiative got them further inland than Paradoxically, our relative lack of training and tradition made should have been humanly possible under the circumstances. ordinary Australian soldiers quicker to seize the initiative and In unfamiliar and rugged terrain, with mounting casualties, step up to replace dead or wounded officers and NCOS. and against a determined Turkish opposition, they simply ran Soldiers in other armies often floundered when their out of steam – in part because of the inexperience of their leadership was lost – in ours they generally did not. Perhaps commanders. But it was the same story with their British and because of their bush skills learned from country living, the French colleagues – they too were unable to force their Australians were also quick to find ingenious new ways of way inland. solving military problems – at all levels.

118 The Armidalian Respect for others, although in 1915 often wrapped in a The quality of the soldiers was the same, but now it was rough humour, was also a feature of the Anzacs. Indigenous being properly harnessed. At the same time, the early and non-European Australians (such as Chinese) were not traditions of our navy and air force were also being officially allowed to enlist, but many found ways of doing so established. (which is another good example of initiative). Once in, they We have built on this tradition in World War Two, Korea, were almost universally accepted by their fellow soldiers. It is Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. There common to hear their voices in the historical record stating are names around the walls of your Memorial Hall from that the only time they were not discriminated against was most, if not all, of these theatres. Here our soldiers, sailors, when they served in the armed forces. airmen and airwomen performed, and continue to perform, Teamwork is also linked with respect – working with your professionally and with compassion, still embodying the mates, no matter what their background is a key to success. It qualities of courage, initiative, respect and teamwork. is also, of course, a crucial part of the reason why the Anzacs So, I’d suggest to you that you could do a lot worse than held on for eight months. It also (along with meticulous adopting these as part of your own values – at school, in the planning) goes a long way towards explaining how the cadets, and for life in general. I would also strongly suggest to entire force was evacuated not only without a bloodbath, you that while tradition is very important, just like the Anzacs but without a single casualty. Most big things in life worth 100 years ago today, do not be afraid to start your own. achieving take the efforts of a team not an individual.

Those first Anzacs sowed the seeds for our ultimate success in Major General Iain Spence World War 1. By 1918 the Australian Army had supplemented these four characteristics of its soldiers with what was missing in 1915 – good training and sound planning and preparation.

Above: Officers and CUOs in formal military mess dress – white jacket, cummerbund and bow tie.

119 Rangers

The 2015 Year 6 Rangers program continued to be a highlight This experience allowed all in the program to apply the skills for students in and an effective stepping-stone into learned throughout the year in a practical sense. The staff and the future years of the program. students have thoroughly enjoyed the program this year.

This year the Rangers program aimed to develop the foundational skills required to enter the Cadet program from Mr Luke Polson Year 7 through fostering their independence, resilience and MIC Rangers confidence through a series of activities to provide the basic outdoor skills needed for participation in future years.

The year began with the first activities day, held at TAS. The boys participated in a number of challenging activities including harnessing up and attempting the climbing wall in the TAS gym, learning how to make a stretcher out of common cadet-issued items, learning and practising how to tie a variety of knots, an introduction to basic first aid and completing a physically demanding obstacle course. The skills developed during this first day were regularly revisited by staff, through taking students through appropriate procedures and core skills throughout the year, culminating in our three-day Bivouac at the end of the year.

The second activities day focused on the necessary skills required for the first sleep out. The group headed off campus to a local property where they rotated through five training stations. These included fire lighting, bush cooking, high ropes activities where they climb a suspended ladder whilst harnessed, navigation including bearings and how to use a compass and learning how to erect a shelter in which to sleep. Despite this day being incredibly warm, the day was a success with much gained. The third activities day was a real highlight of the program where the boys were able to use all their learned skills in the field for the first night camping out.

Subsequent activities days took the Rangers group to the New England National Park where they hiked through the park to explore the habitat and environment. Additionally, team building and initiatives style activities proved useful for character development and teamwork skills.

The Rangers program culminated in a three-day bivouac to Buccarumbi in November. The group were based on a property trailing the Nymboida River and with the expertise of Exodus Outdoor Adventures, the group participated in white water canoeing, laser-tag skirmish, orienteering, night vision activities and trust-based activities.

120 The Armidalian Pioneers

The stated goal of Pioneers, communicated to each boy These risks are further mitigated by roving staff in 4WDs and at the beginning of the year, is “to have a great time in the two radio bases manned by year 11 Pioneers Support. Australian Wilderness, independent, without adults, but with Enormous thanks to our team of Alan Shortt, Allan Moore, your mates”. Barney Buntine, Christian Nexø, Colette Brus, David Slade, Year 10 Pioneers, and its Year 11 Pioneers Support groups Stephen Thompson and Tim Wheaton, ably supported by returned to the Macleay River gorge country for its Sister Marilyn Miller. expedition week in 2015.

Over five years ago, after two successive years of flooding Mr Martin Levins and the associated danger, we moved to the heritage walk MIC Pioneers in Gibraltar Range National Park, which still allowed us to have the students walk on their own, increasing the sense of independence and self-reliance.

Sixteen year old boys in the wilderness by themselves. What could possibly go wrong?

As it turns out (and as we all know) there are lots of issues, which Pioneers staff plan to mitigate with a range of procedures. Pioneers are trained in navigation, first aid, food preparation and planning, radio procedure and emergency situation management.

Most importantly, our recent decision to have staff walk close by student groups, with its associated freedom and wilderness sections, also helps, and this also allowed us to return to the river.

The conditions this year welcomed us back, with a river at just the right height to refresh a warm walker, yet not the need for complex river crossing techniques. Oxley RIvers National Park

Mr Stephen Thompson and Mr Alan Shortt led the first two days, walking from Halls Peak upstream to West Kunderang Homestead in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

Mr Barney Buntine and Mr Allan Moore accompanied the groups from 5am on the Thursday morning from West Kunderang to East, to complete the approximately 55km trek before temperatures got too high.

As well as the boys and staff radios (both UHF and VHF) all staff were equipped with satphones, and the boys had SPOT GPS devices that sent their position via satellite to a mapping program in the Netherlands, which can be accessed via the East Kunderang in the Oxley Rivers National Park internet.

121 Rural Fire Service

This year was a very strong one with 22 boys electing to undertake the TAS RFS activity program.

The program involved the boys joining the NSW Rural Fire Service and undertaking their training in the Bush Firefighter qualification, which allows them to become fully fledged firefighters at the end of the program.

The BF training involved the basics of firefighting such as pumping and draughting, hose and safety drills, first attack firefighting with extinguishers, and several scenarios that included small fires that involved dry firefighting techiques using and hand tools, through to large fires that involved property protection and defensive firefighting operations. Additional training also covered motor vehicle and car fire scenarios. Part of the practical assessment included a large broad-acre hazard Reduction at the property ‘Granite Springs’ at Backwater. The burn went well and the boys achieved a great result achieving all set objectives on a burn that had not been able to be completed for several years due to adverse weather conditions on all other planned burn dates.

With wet weather during Bivouac hampering the plans to conduct hazard reduction works, the boys undertook some more advanced fire training which covered fire weather and behaviour, and some more in depth fire-fighting techniques.

During Activities Week the boys conducted hazard reduction works as the weather was more in our favour than Bivouac. One of these burns was a roadside burn on the Thunderbolts Way at Yarrowyck. The burn took several days to black out and the boys performed very professionally.

I would like to thank the boys, and staff involved for what was a quite enjoyable and productive year of RFS.

Mr Bevan Michel Rural Fire Service coordinator

122 The Armidalian Surf Lifesaving

In 2015 another level was added to Surf lifesaving as along Days are long, starting with a run/swim at 6am every with completing their Surf Bronze Medallion, the boys also morning and not finishing until 8pm at night. The boys were undertook a service project in support of the Sawtell Surf outstanding throughout the course, demonstrating their Lifesaving Club. This was an acknowledgment of the huge ability to work very hard in difficult conditions well outside of volunteer base from the club towards TAS, which underpins their comfort zone. Brent Rees was awarded the TAS Ironman this unique activity. The students sandbagged part of the in recognition of his performances throughout the 12 days headland near the clubhouse, in appreciation of the support of the program. Year 11 Students to participate this year they receive. were: Jack Radford, Nathan Rasmussen, Brent Rees, George Rogers, Angus Simmons, Sam Tullie, Brough Whibley, Alex Once again, Mr Dennis Meagher (Sawtell Chief Instructor) Boulus, Jack Boydell, Jarrod Bourke, Henry Coldham, Callan took charge of the program, putting the boys through this Creighton, Lachlan Cruickshank, Samuel Finlayson, Samuel demanding course with aplomb. He is man of vast talent, Jackson-Bolton, Andrew Knight, Angus Lloyd, Oliver Mayhew- who is extremely thorough and professional. The first three Sanders, Ben Moffatt and Jack Parker. days in Term 1 were spent covering the basic fundamentals of understanding beach conditions, first aid, tube and board I would also like to once again thank Mr Jamie Moore rescues and CPR. Further extension in first aid, rips, tides, for his efforts throughout the year. His enthusiasm and wave types and currents was undertaken during Terms 2 and professionalism was a hugely motivating factor in supporting 3 at school. Bivouac and Annual Camp saw the boys spending the boys, both with the practical and theory elements of the vast amounts of time in the water, honing their surf skills and course. then performing these whilst under pressure.

Mr James Pennington MIC Surf Lifesaving

123 St Christopher’s Orphanage, Fiji

Once again, the September holidays saw 24 excited Year 8 students from TAS, NEGS and PLC head to St Christopher’s Home in Fiji for the much anticipated Christian Service trip. This long-standing relationship with the Home is a special one, spanning nearly two decades. Careful preparation is done over the two terms leading up to the trip, planning lessons for teaching at the local primary school, learning songs to sing at church and making contact with the children at the Home. A core aspect of this trip is a project that can be completed by students while there. Over the years students have painted, cleaned, tiled, concreted, built shelters, worked in the garden and installed solar panels. This year our main project was to remove and replace cupboards in the girls’ . These flat-pack cupboards were made in Australia and sent ahead of us to Fiji, assembled and installed. At the end of the work day comes ‘buddy time’, always the highlight, where all of the children play together and get to know one another better.

As always, at the end of the trip our students realise that they have actually received far more than they have given, citing the happiness and love that is so evident at the Home. They are inspired by the small blessings that are a daily part of the Home and often come home making resolutions to appreciate what they have far more than they did before. It’s a very special place and a very special trip.

Students prepare the vege garden Ms Fiona Taber Fiji Service trip coordinator

Will Swales makes new friends

124 The Armidalian Thailand Service Trip

In the September holidays four TAS boys, joined by a group Their vision was very successful and is now is a large facility of girls from NEGS and PLC, embarked on a journey of a treating hundreds of leprosy patients every year. As we life time, our destination, Thailand. Arriving at the Sydney arrived Heather talked to us about how the Leprosy Clinic International Airport everyone was buzzing and ready to go, came to be and how that the island that the clinic is on so we after spending a short time in the airport we boarded used to be owned by the royalty of Thailand. We helped the our plane and set out on a 10 hour flight to Chiang Mai in the leprosy clinic by simply moving furniture around the facility north of Thailand. Arriving late we collected our belongings so that more patients could live in the settlement. We also and went outside into what seemed like a sauna. Greeted by cleared areas of vines and weeds, so that these areas could be a nice Thai man he took us to what would be our transport for used for farming or as gardens next to the homes. We were the rest of the trip, but it wasn't your ordinary taxi, and not shown some of the tests they use to identify which parts of knowing how this would end we jumped onto the back of the body have leprosy and also how they create prosthetic a truck which had seats lined down the side, a roof, no back limbs for these patients. door and no seatbelt, very fun! And slightly scary. Getting to On our last day we looked around the tourist attractions the hotel that night, it was straight to our rooms and straight of Chiang Mai. We climbed to the top of a mountain to see to sleep to prepare for the next day. the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which roughly translates to Waking up the next morning having a variety of your usual Temple of the Golden Mountain. From the temple, there was breakfast items we left the hotel, jumped in the trucks and an amazing view of the city itself. After the temple we fed headed to the HIV/AIDS orphanage known as Agape where and took photos with some elephants at an elephant reserve, we meet a woman named Avis, who was the proud owner which was outside of the city. of the orphanage and also the proud ‘mother’ of more than The Thailand Service trip has been an amazing and eye 100 kids that called it home. This orphanage was huge and opening experience. It was really moving to play and get to full of colour and it was about to have even more, for half the know the kids at Agape, to meet Heather from the Leprosy reason we were there was to re-paint one of their many large Clinic and to have experienced Thailand from the perspective buildings. It took some time but by the end of the week it of these people. The trip may have required a bit of work, looked as good as new. But painting wasn't our only job for but overall the experiences and memories have totally when the kids got home from school it was tools down and outweighed that part of the trip. Thanks to Reverend Newton, ‘playtime’, bubbles and colouring-in for the little ones and Mr Guest, and Ms Heagney for this spectacular journey to intense games of soccer and lots of sweaty running around Thailand and to be able to have had this opportunity to be for the older kids. Thinking it would be an easy game we apart of this trip. went in guns blazing but clearly we bit off more than we could chew being absolutely destroyed, even by kids half Thomas Goodfellow and Henry Perrottet (Year 10) our size and age we still lost, even Rev Newton was having a hard time with the kids running circles around him, we were doomed from the start. All that aside we created massive bonds with the kids and wish we could've stayed longer it was truly heartbreaking having to leave the kids and come back to Australia in the end, but while we were sad to have left, we knew that we had made a difference to their lives and the made a great difference to ours as well.

Everyday as one group went to Agape, the other group would go to McKean Rehabilitation Centre. Dr James McKean and Heather, American missionary, founded the McKean Rehabilitation Centre in 1907. Their focus was to make a settlement to help people suffering from leprosy.

Thomas Goodfellow (front) with others on the Thailand service trip 125 Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme provided a fantastic Expedition requirements were achieved through the Cadet opportunity for students to extend themselves through and pioneers programs, whilst boys participated in a broad sport, service, skill development and expeditioning. The range of activities in order to satisfy the community service, school’s co-curricular, leadership and adventure program physical recreation and skills requirements. provides an excellent framework for students to complete All boys in the program are to be congratulated for their each section of the Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold level. commitment to challenging and extending themselves as Recognition of the importance and international outlook part of a very successful youth development scheme. of the Award is evidenced through the number of boys enrolled in 2015. There are 94 boys enrolled at either the Mrs Veronica Lucas Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Duke of Edinburgh coordinator This year Jarrod Bourke, Felix Gifford, Lachlan McDonald, Lachlan Mills, Samuel Thatcher, Tom Wright achieved their Silver award, while Rob Butcher, Jock Campbell, Harry Pollard and Tom Southwell were awarded Bronze.

Kokoda

This report starts off the same as most of TAS related trips, with a number of TAS students beginning a journey together. Where this report will deviate from the rest is the dedication, resilience and determination in which it took to complete this specific challenge, the Kokoda track. On 16 September, five TAS boys: Damian Nott, Jonathan Frogley, Adam Jenkyns, Matthew Rankmore and myself left Armidale alongside the company of parents and students from PLC and NEGS, for the destination of Port Moresby, and then to the starting line of the trek at Kokoda. The trek itself would take 10 days total, spanning 96 kilometres with 10,000 metres of vertical change. With no relief from the constantly undulating terrain, the trek proved to be a challenge for all.

The Kokoda Track can only be respected with a sound The men of the 39th Battalion were known to many to be knowledge of its history, and that is where I will start. In ‘chocolate soldiers’, soldiers that when confronted by the 1942, the 39th Battalion of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force horrors of war would melt under the pressure. However, these held off a much larger Japanese force from reaching Port proud Australians slowed the Japanese advance through Moresby, a crucial foothold from which the Japanese could horrendous conditions until it was eventually halted, an act invade Australia. This is what I believe shows most prominent that prevented the invasion of Australia. It is this courage that example of resilience and mateship on the track. was the drive for myself and many others on the track.

126 The Armidalian Kokoda (Cont.)

To stand in the same places that the diggers stood, to see This experience has formed a bond between all who were the battle sites and to truly understand the withdrawal involved, one that will live on for years to come. and then advance of the Australian forces was an amazing I can personally say that this experience was easily the experience that can only be found on the track. Few places in hardest and yet most rewarding experience the school the world can offer Australians an opportunity to understand has been able to offer me in my 13 years of schooling and the military history of their country, and for this we are very four years of cadets, and that it is only for those who seek a grateful. challenge. While many people say that they will complete the Along the progression of the track we were granted with trek, many lack the discipline and determination to progress historic vision and wisdom from our guide Aiden Grimes through the training, let alone the track itself. Thanks to the and the many ‘Legends’, Papuan track professionals, who school for making this challenge possible. educated and influenced our experiences. Without them the track wouldn’t have been possible, and they have our many thanks. Our respect and thanks go to Mr Taylor for Alex Chambers his countless hours motivating and supporting us in our Year 11 preparation and completion of the track.

127 City to Surf

A Year 11 boy from the and a classmate The vast majority of runners completed the course in less from Scotland encouraged each other to success in the City than 100 minutes, with all TAS competitors home inside the to Surf footrace in Sydney on 9 August, crossing the line at two-hour mark. the same time to be the first of 83 runners competing from The TAS contingent of 83 included 74 boys, two staff, two TAS this year. fathers and a former student and friend, and was believed Jack Boydell from Darwin and Sam Tullie from Berwickshire to be one of the largest school groups in the event. Almost set off together in the ‘blue’ category which was the largest 80,000 people are entered this year’s race, which goes from group of runners in the iconic 14km footrace, getting to Hyde Park to Bondi. the starting line early so they could get a reasonably clear The evening before, the TAS contingent were treated to an path. Jack got away through the first tunnel but Sam caught exciting game of rugby, witnessing Australia defeat New up with him going up the notoriously challenging 1.6km Zealand 27-19 in the second Bledisloe Cup game played at Heartbreak Hill section. However with different laneways at ANZ Stadium. It made for a special evening and despite the the finish, the two didn’t realised they crossed the line with late night only added to the enthusiasm of the group for the exactly the same time of 1:02:57. run the next morning. Once again we were grateful to Sydney Not far behind was Saxon Hughes from Glen Innes in 1:03:36 Boys’ High for accommodating us at their boatshed. and Nicholas Makeham from Walcha, finishing in 1:04:34.

Mr James Pennington MIC Athletics

TAS City to Surf team 2015

128 The Armidalian Coffs Ocean Swim

This year 51 swimmers from TAS took part in the 2km Coffs It was the twelfth year the school had entered a team in the Harbour Ocean Swim on 29 March, making up around 18 per event. cent of all entries. The Coffs Swim continues to engage our boys, not just First home for TAS was Harry Wright in a time of 29.40, those who are seasoned swimmers but those prepared to crossing the finish line in 17th place overall and four minutes tackle what for many is quite a challenge. However there is faster than his time last year. overwhelmingly a feeling of accomplishment, rewarded by a jump off the Coffs jetty before we head back up the hill. Younger brother Sam Wright was first in the 12-15 boys (33:45) and Liam Donaldson, second in the same age group.

The TAS team comprised 50 of the 273 swimmers who Mr James Pennington finished, with the school contingent around 50 per cent MIC Swimming bigger than last year. Many of the TAS boys used the event as part of their training for their Surf Bronze Medallion, in conjunction with Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club.

TAS Triple Crown

This this year a record number of students, 26, completed their Triple Crown, an award which recognises those who complete the 2km Coffs Harbour Ocean Swim, the 14km City to Surf run, and the 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, during their time at TAS. Of those, 24 boys achieved their Gold Triple Crown by completing all three legs in the one year - as did TAS father Rowan Rodgers, who completed the trio of events with son George. The award, now into its third year, continues to attract an increasing number of students wishing to challenge themselves.

Among those achieving their Triple Crown this year were: Back Row (l-r): Henry Coldham, Lukas Cook, Thomas Goodfellow, Henry Perrottet, Angus Webber, Robert Hann. Middle Row: George Rodgers, Sam Cannington, Will Bartel, Ben Moffatt, Brent Rees, Jack Kaynes, Samuel Thatcher. Front Row: Jarrod Bourke, Liam Donaldson, Callan Moffatt, Oscar Alcorn, Sam Kealey, Saxon Hughes, Jim Orr, Sam Tullie, Brough Whibley and Jack Boydell Absent: Jack Radford, Bailey Fellowes

129 Hawkesbury Canoe Classic

The 39th Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, held on 24-25 October, The event once again was blessed with good weather, attracted 69 paddlers from TAS, NEGS and PLC. They were although the tides were not favourable for most paddlers. supported by a land crew of over 70 parents, staff and friends. Sackville checkpoint was manned by staff member Mr David In a very successful weekend one of the largest groups of Lawrence and his two boys with the assistance of Mr Peter paddlers entered the race with 35 competing in Hall cooking the pasta dish. TAS staff members Mr Simon Ball the overnight and all but two of our 69 paddlers and Ms Gail Rogers were responsible for the checkpoint at completed the full 111km. The fastest of our boats to cross . A big thank you to Mr Tim Scott who again the line was a junior double rec paddled by Sebastian Scott drove us to and from the event. Mr Will Caldwell also assisted and Liam Donaldson (Year 10). These boys completed the throughout the season, driving the students to Malpas Dam race in a time of 11 hours, 53 mins and 13 secs. They won each Sunday and supporting at the Grafton practice paddle both the fastest TAS Double and also the fastest TAS Junior as well. Mrs Anna Caldwell looked after the PLC students Double winning the John Hextall Memorial Trophy. throughout the season and Mrs Amber McCulloch was responsible for the NEGS students and it was pleasing to see Mr Will Caldwell was the fastest TAS single and won the so many students from each of the girls’ schools participating John Forsyth Shield. this year.

Father and daughter Alex and Mikaela Ball (NEGS) were the At the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic’s presentation night held at fastest Adult/Junior kayak and won the Peter Hall Shield. Ryde in November, TAS was awarded a number of trophies. They are as follows: Mr Anthony Uren was the largest adult fundraiser this year and Mikaela Ball (NEGS) raised over $2500 to achieve the John Hextall Memorial Trophy – (Fastest Junior Double) largest junior fundraiser out of the TAS paddlers as well as the Sebstian Scott & Liam Donaldson Hawkesbury Canoe Classic Paddlers. They were named on the Macquarie Bank Cup Corporate Team Trophy (Fastest three Jack Abbott Fundraising Shield. boats) - The Armidale School Arrow Sponsorship Trophy (highest funds raised by This year, the club again presented four trophies donated employees and family of one company) - TAS staff/family by Sydney paddler, Alastair Morris. The trophies for fastest HCC Family Trophy (Highest points from one single, double and adult/junior pair are mentioned above. In family.) - Alex and Mikaela Ball addition, the Hardingham Cup for the most successful school The John Bourne Trophy (Top Junior Fundraiser) went to TAS this year (TAS 2014). Mikaela Ball Teabag of the Year award (Landcrew award) The shield donated by Duncan McDonald and his family to Peter Hall & Cam Banks celebrate Team Spirit was presented to Mr Peter Hall and Commonwealth Bank Cup or Club Trophy (Highest paddling Mr Cam Banks for their joint efforts in helping paddlers at points from one club) - The Armidale School the Sunday training sessions at Malpas Dam, attending the Won by TAS once before, in 2009. Grafton Paddle and also landcrewing at the HCC. They have volunteered many hours of their time and passed on valuable Thanks must also go to Peter Hall and Cam Banks for all advice in an attempt to get as many paddlers as possible to their efforts throughout the year at training sessions, successfully complete the event. Peter and Cam also won the Grafton and also at the HCC. Their knowledge and support is Hawkesbury Canoe Classic’s ‘Teabag of the Year’ award for the irreplaceable. most dedicated land crew members for 2015. This has been won by TAS landcrews only three times before in the history We also raised funds for the major charity, The Arrow of the race. Foundation, supporting research into stem cell and bone marrow transplants for sufferers of leukaemia.

130 The Armidalian A number of boats were loaned from the wider TAS community and thanks must go to Mr Andrew Murray, Peter Hall and Mr Rob Perkins for loaning their kayaks to allow additional paddlers to compete this year.

For the partners of the support crew who were able to be without their husbands for the weekends, I do appreciate this. It is hard to have weekends disrupted, especially for families with children. Thank you to Alison Hall, Lee Banks and Nicci Wheaton, for being understanding throughout the season.

I would like to finish by thanking all the parents and friends who travelled long distances with little sleep to support their paddlers. I hope that it was a rewarding experience. The event involves all members of the TAS community and was a positive and unifying experience for all.

Mr Tim Wheaton MIC Hawkesbury and Myall Conoe Classics

131 Hawkesbury Camoe Classic Results

Name Time (hr:min:sec) Award

Liam Donaldson & Sebastian Scott 11: 53: 13 Mens Junior Rec 2 Oscar Alcorn & Jim Orr 12: 56: 42 Mens Junior Long Rec 2 Sam Cannington & Hugh Worsley 13: 06: 39 Alex & Mikaela Ball (father/daughter) 13: 09: 44 Anthony & Sophie Uren (father/daughter) 13: 13: 20 John & Emily Farrar (father/daughter) 13: 13: 20 Jack Radford & Brent Rees 13: 45: 31 Rohan & Joseph Kingham (father/son) 13: 53: 19 William & Henry Perrottet (father/son) 13: 56: 37 Tim & Saxon Hughes (father/son) 14 : 36: 31 Sam Kealey & Callan Moffatt 14: 38: 21 Richard & Alys Marshall (father/daughter) 14: 56: 58 Will Caldwell (Single) 15: 18: 26 Henry Coldham & Lucas Cook 15: 13: 38 Rowan & George Rodgers (father/son) 15: 08: 50 John & Sarah Hamparsum (father/daughter) 15: 08: 52 Greg & Jack Kaynes (father/son) 15: 18: 17 Michael & Alexander Chambers (father/son) 15: 40: 45 Trevor & Samuel Thatcher (father/son) 16: 08: 21 Lachlan Knowles & Tara Murray 17: 08: 55 Mixed Junior Rec2 Jonathon & April Larsen (father/daughter) 17: 05: 05 Will Bartel & Bayley Fellows 17: 21: 06 Jock Campbell & Hugh Morton 17: 21: 06 Justin & Jack Boydell (father/son) 17: 22: 43 Dakotah Love & Dominic Pilon 17: 50: 02 Mixed Junior Long Rec2 Alex Hiscox & Kiera Shaw 18: 02: 23 Catherine & Madeline Lane (mother/daughter) 17: 48: 00 Robert Hann & Sam Tullie 18: 11: 01 Angus Webber & Brough Whibley 18: 15: 37 Sophia Bohlsen & Simone Foley 18: 39: 58 Harry Graham & Matthew Turnbull Withdrawn due to injury

132 The Armidalian Myall Classic

This year four kayaks were entered into the Myall Classic. Only one boat paddled by TAS father Anthony Uren and his daughter Sophie Uren (NEGS) entered into the longer 47km race and came fourth out of 21 entries in the Open doubles race class with a time of 5:14:38.

Husband and wife Rowan and Annie Rodgers and fathers and daughters John and Emily Farrar, and Peter and Hannah Van Roy all competed in the shorter 27km race.

John and Emily Farrar won the Veteran/Junior Doubles race class in a time of 3:04:52, Peter and Hannah Van Roy came in 12 minutes after them and Rowan and Annie Rodgers eight minutes later.

Myall Classic - 47 km

Name Time (hr:min:sec) Award Anthony and Sophie Uren 5: 14: 38.00 4th Open Doubles

Myall Classic - 27 km

Name Time (hr:min:sec) Award John and Emily Farrar 3: 04: 51 Fastest Veteran/Junior Double (27km) Peter and Hannah Van Roy 3: 16: 42 Annie and Rowan Rodgers 3: 24: 20

133 134 The Armidalian Residential Life

135 Abbott

2015 has been another stellar year for Abbott House, marked Housemaster by a great range of individual and collective achievements Mr Alexander Smith in the classroom, on the sporting field, and within the Deputy Housemaster community. I am very proud of the leadership shown within Ms Dominique Riddell the House this year, which inspired enthusiastic house spirit and created a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for boys and Duty Staff staff alike. Mr Mike Cursons Miss Rachel Harrison The spirit of Abbott House has never been on more Miss Rachel West enthusiastic display than at this year’s war cry competition. After several years of narrowly missing out on the top spot, Cleaning/Maintenance Staff Abbott House took home the competition with a stirring Mr Steven Bishop show of vocal genius, with adapted performances of 80s Mrs Jean Waddle classics ‘Eagle Rock’ and ‘Run to Paradise’.

House Captain The Abbott boys showed off their sporting prowess with Brendan Power great representation during the First XV rugby season House Vice Captains by Charlie McGowan (vc), Brendan Power, Tom Gall, Jack Lachlan McDonald Radford, Oliver White and Joe Kingham. Nine boys achieved Edward Howard the physically challenging Triple Crown by completing the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, the Coffs Ocean Swim and the Sydney City 2 Surf in one year. Congratulations to Jack Radford, Sam Tullie, Sam Thatcher, Henry Perrottet, Robert Hann, George Rodgers, Tom Goodfellow, Jack Boydell and Ben Moffatt on this outstanding effort in physical endurance.

We were once again blessed with a beautiful spring day to celebrate a number of house achievements at the annual Abbott Lunch. It was wonderful to welcome the whole Abbott community and acknowledge the hard work of some of the outstanding young men in the house. The following prizes were awarded on the day:

• The B J Mattingley Shield for Involvement in Extra- Curricular activities – Thomas Gall

• The Harrison Trophy for Service to Abbott – Brendan Power

• W D Richards Award for Involvement in the Extra Curricular Life of the School by a Year 9 – Tully Muller

• The Richards Academic Award for Year 12 Academic Achievement – Thomas Gall & Lachlan McDonald

• The Lincoln Family Award for Outstanding Citizenship and Contributions to School Life by a Year 10 boy – Henry Perrottet & Thomas Goodfellow

136 The Armidalian The end of 2015 means we are saying farewell to Rachel Harrison, who has been a great contributor to Abbott House. She will be very missed by all, and I wish to extend my congratulations to her on being offered a full time teaching position. I also want to warmly welcome Rachel West, who has already made a smooth transition into her role in the house. Rachel is a third year education student and Robb College alumnus, and she has already proved herself to be a valuable new addition.

I wish to convey a sincere thank you to Dominique Riddell, who has continued to provide me with invaluable support in her role as deputy housemaster. Her commitment to Abbott House and her dedication to the wellbeing of all the boys are unfailing and appreciated by all.

I am extremely proud to be Housemaster of this wonderful house and to witness the development of these fine young men on a day-to-day basis. Once again it has been an extremely busy year and I have only touched upon a few of the admirable achievements of some boys within the house. I look forward to the boys returning in 2016 and all that the Thomas Goodfellow receives an award at the Abbott House Lunch year will hold.

I wish to thank all the boys for the support they have offered me and the other members of staff this year. In particular, the Mr Alex Smith Year 12s, led by captain Brendan Power and vice-captains Ed Housemaster Howard and Lachlan McDonald, showed great maturity and leadership. I am sure I speak for the whole Abbott community when I wish them all the best for the future.

As we farewell the older boys, it is a great pleasure to welcome a new cohort of Year 9 boys, who are already settling in well after making the move over to Abbott late in Term 4 2015 due to renovations on Dangar House. Amongst the new Year 9s are four boys who have older brothers currently in the house. These connections are fantastic as they highlight the brotherly atmosphere of the house and continue the rich tradition of family ties in Abbott.

I am looking forward to working with the 2016 Year12 boys as they take over the leadership responsibilities in the house. They are a fantastic group of boys who have already shown strong leadership potential. Amongst the Abbott Year12 are five boys who have been elected to school leadership positions, namely Senior Prefect, Ben Moffatt, and prefects Cameron Holcombe, Joseph Kingham, Jack Radford and George Rodgers. Abbott House Lunch 137 Croft

Term 4 2014 saw the 2015 inter-house creative arts Housemaster competition with Croft House keen to retain the coveted Mr David Drain Cash Cup. A strong drama and musical performance Deputy Housemaster complemented by a unique artwork featuring the faces of all Mr Edward Morgan (Term 1) Croft House boys, meticulously prepared by William Davis, Mr Todd Currell (Terms 3 & 4) saw Croft House finish a commendable second place. The Cash Cup continues to remain a timely event for Croft House, House Mother bringing the house together under the guidance of the new Mrs Vickey O’Brien Year 12s for the first time.

Duty Staff This year’s Coast Weekend offered a great opportunity for all Mr Faisal Habib boys and staff to both reaffirm and develop relationships in a Miss Jennifer Goldsworthy fun and relaxed setting at Sawtell. On the Saturday morning Mr Ben Corbett all boys enjoyed some free time in town and on the beach Miss Stephanie Toogood where some competitive games of beach cricket and touch Mr Patrick O’Connor football were played. The afternoon was spent at the Coffs Harbour Jetty, where a number of boys showcased their Cleaning/Maintenance Staff acrobatic skills, with the other boarding and day houses. All Mr Phil Foley boys enjoyed attending the movies in Coffs Harbour on the Ms Sue Edmunds Saturday evening, a great way for all to unwind after a busy Ms Donna Eather day in the sun.

House Captain Term 1 provided a busy start to the year with all boys Liam Howard involved in the War Cries, Swimming Carnival, Athletics House Vice Captain Carnival and the inaugural Cloisters Run. The War Cries Hayden Shepherd witnessed another gallant effort from Croft House and an improved performance by the swimmers saw Croft House finish a respectable 3rd place overall. After our victory in the athletics carnival in 2014, Croft House was determined to perform strongly again in 2015. A number of boys, across all age groups, performed strongly in a number of events with Croft House finishing a narrow 2nd to Tyrrell House in the final standings. Special mention must go to Jonathan Hunt, Dominic Pilon and Edward Pitt for their contributions on the day. The inaugural Cloisters Run was a much-anticipated event and filled the school with much excitement in the days preceding the race. The Croft House team of Hayden Shepherd, Connor Stainton, Dominic Pilon, Michael Baldock, Jason O’Keefe and James O’Brien were honoured to be representing Croft House in this unique race. The race lived up to expectations with Croft House finishing a respectable 2nd place. The support shown to all houses, by both the boarders and day boys, ensured this event remains on the schools sporting calendar. To conclude the term, the annual Croft House Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Breakfast continued to be a much-anticipated event with all boys enjoying collecting a large number of eggs. 138 The Armidalian

Other inter house competitions, which Croft performed strongly throughout the year, were the inter-house Cricket and Clemson Cup debating and public speaking. The Croft House cricket team played strongly throughout the pool games and were narrowly defeated in final. The team was well led by House Captain Liam Howard. Croft House finished First in both the Senior School and Middle School public speaking and First and Third respectively In the Senior School and Middle School debating. It was fitting that Croft House retained the Inter-House Cup for 2015. The Inter-House Cup is awarded to the most consistent House across all inter house competitions throughout the year.

There is always a great passion for sport over winter and there are endless opportunities to both participate and support. Croft House has a healthy diversity of sportsmen, being well represented across a range of sports at a variety of levels. Many Croft boys competed in the GPS rugby competition, with four boys being selected in the TAS First XV and three in the Second XV. Croft was also well represented Once again we were fortunate to host four exchange in under age school representative rugby teams, with Edward students this year. It was great to host Kyle Strachan from Pitt selected in the Combined GPS U16 First XV and Harrison Scotland, Uday Behl and Naman Chabra from India and Kai Jackson selected in the Combined GPS U16 Second XV, and in Sampson from South Africa on Round Square Exchanges school and representative football teams, with two Croft boys throughout the year. This program presents the Croft boys being selected in the premiership winning First X1 football with a wonderful opportunity to broaden their global team. The increase in number and intensity of sporting awareness with all four boys adding diversity to the House. fixtures of a weekend has increased the commitment levels As a result, a large number of boys have expressed a strong amongst the boys and brought with it a sense of pride in interest in participating in a Round Square Exchange in 2016. their achievements. It is good to see so many boys actively involved and supporting their peers of a Saturday. Thanks must go to our cleaning and maintenance staff Phil Foley, Sue Edmunds and Donna Eather who do a tremendous job maintaining such a big house and to the groundsman, laundry, painters, carpenters and plumbers who all take such pride in their work.

As always, mixed emotions surrounded the departure of the Year 12s. Valedictory week allowed the boys to spend a relaxed afternoon and night at Sawtell, before returning to a special evening at Peterson’s Winery, where boys, staff and parents celebrated friendships forged over years of living, working and growing together. This was an emotional evening and typified the strong bonds that exist between these young men.

Mac Metdalf, Mike Nyathi,nthony Russell-Thomas and Dominic Pilon replicate the ‘March of Progress’ to demonstrate the evolution of a Croft boy in this Mr David Drain year’s Cash Cup Housemaster 139 Tyrrell

The year 2015 started with a roar for Tyrrell House, under the Housemaster esteemed stewardship of Will Archer (Prefect and Captain of Mr James Pennington Cricket), Bradley Doak and Nicholas Druery. A magnificent Deputy Housemaster Coast Weekend was followed by victory in both the War Cries Mr Justin Davies and the Swimming Carnival. This was built on the back of participation, with the numbers from Tyrrell outstanding. The Duty Staff input from the Middle School boys highlighted the depth of Mr Todd Currell talent and commitment in the house. Miss Stephanie Simmons Miss Hannah Gregory Tyrrell was incredibly unique in 2015, with Jack Bennett Mr Robert Yen (Senior Prefect), Nicholas Finney (Deputy Senior Prefect, Captain of Rugby), Joe Makeham (Prefect, Captain of Cleaning/Maintenance Staff Athletics) and Will Raleigh (Captain of Swimming). Surely Mrs Trina Bishop never before has a boarding house had both senior Mr Michael Bishop prefects as well as so many Prefects and Captains of Sport. House Captain This leadership permeated throughout the house, with Will Archer outstanding role models scattered in every corridor of Tyrrell.

House Vice Captains The honour roll continued in 2015 with victory in the Bradley Doak athletics carnival, again due to mass participation form the Nicholas Druery boys. A massive undertaking from 12 Tyrrell boys saw them achieve their Triple Crown awards. This involves completing the Coffs Ocean Swim (2km), the City to Surf (14km) and the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic (111km). Charles Wyatt and Jarrod Bourke received Gold Colours for academics, the first time that two Tyrrell boys have achieved this in the same year. Furthermore, Liam Donaldson was awarded a Gold Medallion also for academics. We had Henry Coldham, William Claridge and Jack Bennett tour Singapore and Hong Kong as part of the NSW Country Schools development team, and Ben Hamparsum, Dan Lethbridge and Nicholas Makeham played in the Junior Gold Development Squad. Sterling George was a member of NIAS Hockey and Hamish Coupland received the TAS Ironman Award for his efforts throughout Surf Life Saving.

I must acknowledge and thank Mr Justin Davies for his outstanding service to the house as Deputy. His professionalism and commitment ensure the smooth running of Tyrrell. Our support staff of Trina Bishop and Michael Bishop are invaluable, and their ongoing efforts are to be commended. I also thank Mr Mark Harrison for his work as academic coordinator in the house.

Mr James Pennington Housemaster 140 The Armidalian 141 White & Dangar

Boarding is a wonderful way to truly get the ‘whole’ school Housemaster experience. The students who reside on campus have Mr Andrew Junge a unique connection to TAS. It is their primary place of Deputy Housemasters residence for almost 80 percent of the year, and for many, Ms Katrina Bock (Term 1) over a six year period. The school and more importantly Miss Harriet Symonds (Terms 3 & 4) the boarding house must be a comfortable, accepting and Mr Hugo Johnson supportive environment and should not be underestimated in the formative years of these young men. Housemother Mrs Manuela Jones With the decision to undertake co-education from 2016 and the movement of boys from Dangar into an expanded White Duty Staff House, the Middle School Boarding landscape was dynamic Mr Duncan Carmichael to say the least. The positive aspect was the way in which Ms Bridie Fitzgibbon the boys accepted and embraced the change showing great Mr Jonathon Green resilience. Ms Jenna Hazelton Mr Sam James This year our Years 6, 7 and 8 boys have been involved in Mr Aaron Kennewell everything that the school offers. From the Toughen Up Miss Ellie McCarthy Buttercup in Tamworth to the City to Surf, from the NCIS Ms Amanda Waninga Swimming to the GPS Athletics, from service in Fiji to every Ms Andrea Watts sporting field at TAS and beyond. The boys of White House Mr Josh Whitehead and Dangar have represented the school with great pride.

Cleaning/Maintenance Staff Boarding is an academic advantage and this year the MS Mr Steve Bishop Boarding prep structure has undergone further refinement. Mr Don Maloney Mrs Regina Pollard has attended prep twice a week for Mrs Kristy Martland literacy support. Teaching staff, including MS homeroom Mrs Jenny Postle teachers, regularly ‘drop in’ to assist the students. An examination preparation structure was implemented for end of year exams and included extra staff, ‘paper prep’ and instruction about developing effective technique to revise and prepare for final assessments. House activities have involved attendance at the Armidale Show, trips to the movies, time in the pool on the inflatable, dances with PLC/NEGS, a weekend 5 a-side cricket competition, an Easter Egg hunt, Christmas Breakfast and Coast Weekend to Park Beach, Coffs Harbour.

It is important to recognise those that make Middle School Boarding operate so efficiently. The team of cleaners, especially Jenny and Kristy, our maintenance staff including George, Don and Steve. Sister Jenny Murray and her team in the Medical Centre that play such an important role in the care of our boys and their attention at all times is highly valued.

142 The Armidalian White & Dangar

The House Monitors set a high standard and met every request put to them with enthusiasm and responsibility. Nicholas Barnier as Head Monitor- Boarding is an outstanding young man. He was supported at all times by a wonderful year group primarily the Middle School Monitors, Will Swales, Josh Jones, Will Forsyth, Nick Corderoy, Tom Deshon and Angus Earle.

Duty Staff are a vital ingredient in the success of the house and we were fortunate to have high quality staff this year. I would like to acknowledge two, Mr Sam James and Mr Josh Whitehead who made important contributions and are now leaving us after two years.

Mr Hugo Johnson was a positive addition as Deputy Housemaster, his Sunday morning sessions and more importantly his natural rapport with the boys was a great support. Ms Katrina Bock unfortunately left us after Term 1 for health reasons and we wish her well. Miss Harriet Symonds joined Dangar in Term 3 and had an immediate impact. Her genuine enthusiasm and ability to connect with the cohort provided the necessary support and stability that the students deserve.

Our Housemother Mrs Manuella Jones is the constant in all our lives. She is there to support the boys as they walk out the door in the morning and to welcome them at the end of the school day. It is difficult to imagine the Houses without her. Her contribution was again significant to MS Boarding and greatly appreciated.

It has been a challenging year as Housemaster, but a rewarding one. The commitment to boys boarding and the White House extensions will make 2016 a year to look forward to.

Mr Andrew Junge Head of Middle School Boarding

Joshua Jones and Tom Cannington who were selected for the Two Wheel Academy

143 144 The Armidalian Co-Curricular Life

145 Director of Co-Curricular

Alex Keath realized his childhood dream when he became the Last round of rugby v Scots at Bellevue Hill – after four trips to first player to be contracted simultaneously to both an AFL Sydney in six weeks, all teams lifted to arguably their greatest outfit and a Big Bash League franchise. Whilst it is perhaps performances of the season. Nothing at stake except pride in not every child’s dream, most would envy Alex’s opportunity the jersey! There was as big a TAS crowd there as any home to pursue his passion. He may reach a point where he must game. It was testament to all the effort that goes into making choose between the two but surely it is a blessing to have this experience possible. that choice. Football Premiers – The TAS 16As and First XI were both At TAS students are encouraged to be involved in a breadth crowned premiers for 2015. Perhaps what was most of pursuits. 2015 has been no exception to this philosophy. memorable was that five players took part in both victories. It is exhausting just thinking about the involvement of These boys honoured their commitments to both their teams, some students. Imagine being Captain of both Hockey and confident that their determination would overcome the Swimming, Captain of Music, Vice-Captain of TAS Speakers, inevitable fatigue. rowing at the Head of the River, being a member of the Big First XI Cricket - The senior members of our First XI cricket Band and Deputy Senior Prefect, and still making time to team showed maturity beyond their years. After the study. resignation of their coach and MIC Cricket, the boys carried There will be a time where students will have to choose on their shoulders the responsibility of TAS cricket; preparing which path they take, but until then, we encourage them to for each game, carefully considering team selections and suck the marrow out of every opportunity. They will become game plans, sharing the leadership and recognising every fantastic time-managers and what’s more well-rounded man’s contribution to the team. They went on to be Joint individuals. Premiers in Second Division.

All staff know how busy the students are because they are Triple Crown – A record 24 students achieved the Triple there with them; to guide them and nurture them, to watch Crown this year, requiring them to have completed the Coffs them grow and flourish. I am both in awe and sincerely Ocean Swim, The City2Surf and the Hawkesbury Canoe grateful for their unbelievable commitment; their ability to Classic. It says a lot about the character of these boys but give without counting the cost and to support our students it is says much more about the culture of TAS. These boys to follow their passion. overcome their fears through their inbuilt resilience and determination. They were confident doing so because of The breadth and depth of involvement at TAS engenders the encouragement they receive from their peers and their respect for each other and an appreciation for all pursuits. I teachers. Whilst we applaud excellence we celebrate those have been privileged to witness many myself and would like who have a go. to share some highlights with you. GPS Rifle Shooting - After seven days of intense training, The year 2015 has seen continued involvement in GPS a young and relatively inexperienced TAS First VIII started competition at Athletics, Rifle Shooting, Rugby and Rowing. their campaign with a disappointing seventh in the Rawson More locally, increased participation in NCIS has provided a Cup, before rising to a fifth in the NRA Shield. They then pathway for students to compete at CIS and State level. finished the competition with an impressive third place in AAGPS Head of the River - In the spirit of thriving on the Buchanan Shield. However, the highlight was the positive opportunity, an oarsman in the Third IV this year chose to attitude and constant encouragement, giving the team the play rugby as part of the Junior Gold Cup, in Armidale, on the courage and belief to keep fighting. eve of the Head of the River. Arriving in Sydney at midnight, Ensemble Night – A packed Hoskins Centre shared the joy he then joined his crew at Penrith on Saturday morning to and love of music that was so obviously felt by all musicians, compete. The crew had the race of their lives smashing 25 the audience were drawn into every performance including seconds off their personal best time to come fifth out of the TAS ‘HUGE’ Band that boasted some 20 solos and seven crews. musicians from Kindergarten to Year 12. 146 The Armidalian On top of our full school musical, Once Upon a Mattress, the The Worker Bees - At TAS we have many staff and students Creative Arts Department also introduced the Community who work away quietly, consistently, going about their production of Treasure Island, the Middle School performance business, getting the job done. They think they are un- of The Lost Property Rules and the Junior School Musical Peter noticed, but the truth is quite the contrary. These people are Pan. our worker bees without whom nothing would happen. No team would take the field, no musical production would have War Cry Night at Swimming Carnival - Abbott House bent a chorus, no debate would be prepared. We celebrate all who and swayed in perfect harmony to claim victory in the participate and support our co-curricular programs. War Cry Competition at this year’s swimming carnival. Their performance could only be bettered by all six houses The achievements within each activity are too broad and spontaneously embracing and belting out To The Old Boys. many to mention in this report, However, I would like to They were celebrating TAS and the pride in their school was commend all students who accomplished their goals this palpable. year, who brought credit to themselves, their team and their School. Many of these highlights are mentioned in GPS Athletics - Joe Makeham has never been off the dais the ensuing reports and I would invite you to bask in the in the 1500metre event at the AAGPS Championships, reflective glory of our students as you read them. In the midst winning it on four occasions. I do not mean to single out of these celebrations I am sure that you would agree that TAS the achievements of this one individual but rather celebrate is an exceptional School. Not only for what it achieves but the manner in which he achieved this. Joe is the model of what it creates. determination and humility. His efforts always brought credit to himself his team and his School.

Mr Will Caldwell Director of Co-curricular

Captains of Co-Curricular

Back Row (l-r): William Claridge (Shooting), Harry Wright (Football), Hadrian Wright (Football), Robert Butcher (Mountain Biking), William Raleigh (Swimming), Jack Bennett (Cricket), Ben MacDougall (Rowing), Joe Makeham (Athletics) Front Row: Lachlan Pollard (Basketball), Syed Ali Ahsan (Chess), KB Fergusson (Triathlon), Headmaster Mr Murray Guest, Samuel Redhead (Speakers), Will Waterson (Tennis), Nicholas Finney (Rugby)

147 Co-Curricular Creative Arts

Never let it be said that TAS is a school willing to play it But of all the cast, it is perhaps best to acknowledge our safe; we embrace a culture that values ambition, daring young leads, Alexander Gibson and Lucas Cottrell, who and passion and the aspiration to always do our very best. had the lofty task of carrying the show and did it with such Reflecting on 2015 in the world of the Creative Arts, there confidence and skill. Costumes, props and the multi-story set has perhaps not been another year that better illustrates just were all fantastic and particular praise must be given to our how ambitious a school we are. This has been the busiest resident engineer Mr Pat Bradley, whose construction of a year for the Creative Arts and the Hoskins Centre to date, ship’s mast that rose out of the deck was a surprising delight with four school productions and so many shows and touring for the audience. Seeing current students, academic and non- productions vying for the space that there wasn’t a day free academic staff, parents of current and past students, Old Boys in the theatre in the first six months of the season. It has also and tutors all share the stage was affirming and I hope this is been wonderful to see such enthusiastic support for the Arts not the last time we undertake such an endeavour. within the Armidale and wider community and TAS has truly come to be valued as a cultural centre of the region. Beginning in Term 3, we again put on a Middle School play and this year the students had great fun with the imaginative School productions dominated the calendar this year and piece The Lost Property Rules. The play foregoes large pieces it was not unusual for us to begin the next show before of costume or set for the imaginative transformational skills the curtain had gone down on the current one. We began of the actors and the cast did a wonderful job bringing a Term 1 with Once Upon a Mattress, the hilarious Broadway range of whimsical stories to life. We made the decision to comedy that made its TAS debut. At the end of the summer donate all ticket proceeds to St Christopher’s Orphanage in holidays we held our first Musical Camp, which saw most Fiji, the major service project for Middle School held during of the cast return to the school early to work on the show the Term 3 break, which added to the rewarding nature of the and take the pressure off weekly rehearsals. This hard work production. definitely paid off, with our two-week run a huge success as wacky characters, fun songs and playful dance numbers The final school production was a significant addition to tickled and entertained audiences. With so many talented the school calendar, with the reintroduction of a full Junior students in this year’s cast we decided to double-cast several School musical. Under the organisation and direction of Leasa of the leads and extend our run, which gave even more Cleaver the entire Junior School put on an enthusiastic and performance opportunities to students. A great part of the energetic production of the Disney classic Peter Pan Jnr. It was show was seeing some of the school’s classic handmade wonderful to see students of all ages singing, dancing and costumes have fresh life breathed into them on the stage. acting with such passion and it fills me with great confidence And the set painted by the talented Mr James White looked for the future of the Creative Arts at TAS to see such talented stunning as always. My thanks must go out to Ms Leanne performers coming through the ranks. Peter Pan Jnr made for Roobol, Mrs Leasa Cleaver and Mr Warwick Dunham for their the perfect end to the calendar year and I am sure it will not contributions in the production team and everyone else who be too long between performances for the Junior School. made the show such a vibrant and fun success. A production of that size involved a huge team and I again share Leasa’s many thanks to Leanne Roobol, Mrs Rachel Before Once Upon a Mattress had even finished we were Butcher and all the staff, parents and friends who assisted in auditioning for the TAS community production Treasure bringing this significant endeavour to life so vibrantly. Island: A New Musical. With the ambitious goal of staging a full musical with people from all areas of the school community Outside of school productions there was still a lot of we had a demanding run to performance week that saw late involvement in Drama with a large number of students nights building set and an intense long weekend of final doing Trinity Speech and Drama over the year. These rehearsals. But the show ended up being a great realisation students participated in the Armidale Eisteddfod as well as of countless hours of planning and work and all involved in preparing for intense exams in Term 4. Parents and friends the production must be praised for what we achieved in the were entertained with a showcase evening as a good way of world amateur premiere of a brand new musical. developing their performance experience. 148 The Armidalian This year we had some students achieve excellent results in those exams and I give my congratulations to all students who dedicated themselves to developing their acting skills and confidence. Even with the school using the Hoskins Centre for so many of our own productions the space was almost constantly filled with community groups and touring shows. The space was in use from the beginning of January as Opera New England staged the crowd favourite Carmen to a completely sold-out house for all shows. The next community production was ADMS’ Legally Blonde, which also performed to packed houses and was a tremendous (and very pink) success that showcased the talent enjoyed in Armidale. Later in the year ADMS put on the classic comedy The 39 Steps and the small cast of actors did a wonderful job bringing the large Treasure Island cast of characters to life. High Country Theatre put on Woolf at the Door, an interesting production with three plays about letters, love and lunacy. And the final community production of the year was Felt Tip Theatre’s faithful adaptation Alice in Wonderland, which displayed again the talent in Armidale and once more filled the house for every show. Profession productions were also squeezed in between the local shows with Australia Day, a play satirising small-town life in preparation for our national celebration, and All My Love, a powerful drama documenting the tragic romance between Henry Lawson and Mary Gilmore, taking to the stage. The internationally renowned guitar duo the Grigoryan Brothers were one of the calendar highlights, with audience gripped by the talent of these two masters. And word was obviously Peter Pan Jr. ( Photos courtesy of Terry Cooke) out about the fun had at the Sydney Comedy Festival tour last year because the theatre was packed for some outrageous, salacious and slightly bizarre humour of the comics.

Lastly, it was our sad business at the end of the year to farewell Anthony Carlon, the exceptionally talented technical supervisor of the Hoskins Centre, and I acknowledge the extraordinary contributions he has made from the time he was a student in Year 10. I would also like to thank everyone from the wider school community for their involvement and support that was instrumental in making the year the success it was. Once Upon a Mattress Mr Andrew O’Connell Creative Arts Coordinator

149 Co-Curricular Music

Co-curricular Music has seen exciting growth in 2015. The FanTAStics, directed by Mrs Rachel Butcher with the support number of students learning instruments continues to of Mrs Rebekkah (Bekk) Baumgartner and Ms Leanne Roobol. increase and we have introduced new instruments including TAS Big Band, TAS Senior Jazz Combo and TAS FanTAStics Bagpipes, which are taught at TAS by Old Boy Mr Andrew joined to form the TAS Huge Band to entertain appreciative Nash. We are also delighted that Mr Warwick Dunham is audiences at TAS@Twilight and TAS@Dusk. The musicians teaching students on the magnificent new school organ in performed C Jam Blues together with an incredible number Memorial Hall. of soloists, which were each applauded by an appreciative audience. Over 30 co-curricular Music teachers work at TAS each week, providing tuition across a wide variety of instruments. At the TAS Senior School Speech Day our Year 12 students We continue to have strong links with the New England returned to perform with the TAS Big Band and Senior Jazz Conservatorium of Music (NECOM), with a number of our Combo. A highlight was Andrew Knight’s performance of co-curricular teaching staff being NECOM instrumental My Funny Valentine with the Senior Jazz Combo and Mr teachers and/or NECOM educators. Our students are also Warwick Dunham. The combined bands performed an involved in many of the NECOM ensembles including energetic rendition of the Blues Brothers Medley as a the Huff’n Puffs, Armidale Youth String Orchestra (AYSO), recessional with vocalists Matthew Giakoumi, Ziggy Harris, Armidale Youth Wind Ensemble (AYWE), Armidale Youth James Murphy and Samuel Thatcher that left the audience Orchestra (AYO), Minisingers, Cantilena and New England tapping their toes. Singers, to name a few. Thank you to NECOM and our many The TAS Cadet band played with precision as they marched co-curricular teachers for their support of the TAS Music into town with the TAS Cadet unit for the Centenary of Anzac program. A special mention our Creative Arts Administrator 2015. A special mention must also go to Andrew Knight (Year Mrs Sarah Broadbent who supports the organisation and 11) who sang both the Australian and New Zealand National running of our co-curricular program. Anthems at the Centenary of Anzac service in Armidale. There have been some wonderful new initiatives in the Music The TAS Cadet Band welcomed new musicians and a large co-curricular program this year including the foundation of drumming contingent from TAS Drummers for Passing a Senior String Ensemble, TAS Camerata, directed by NECOM Out Parade this year. It was a pleasure to once again have String teacher Mr Robert Jackson. TAS Camerata will see a representatives of the Armidale Pipe Band play with the significant increase in the number of String players in 2016 Cadet band. Congratulations also to Matthew Turnbull (Year and we look forward to the continued growth of Strings at 9) who has taken on the role of Drum Major this year. After TAS. many years of service, Year 12 student Liam Kennedy handed Another initiative is TAS Drummers, directed by Mr David over the role of TAS Guard Drummer to Clancy Roberts (Year Van Tongeren. This ensemble is a Drum line that has been 7) and Alex Ng (Year 8) who drummed at Remembrance Day focusing on developing the student’s skills on snare drums. services at TAS and in Armidale. A highlight for TAS Drummers was our ensemble concert, The Senior Jazz Combo, directed by Mr Warwick Dunham, TAS@Twilight, where they joined with the TAS Bagpipers to continues to be one of our premiere ensembles at TAS. This form TAS Pipes and Drums. We look forward to TAS Pipes and year the ensemble has welcomed many talented younger Drums performing together again in 2016. students as we bid farewell to our Year 12 musicians in 2014 Our ensembles continue to perform at a high level this year. (half of the Senior Jazz Combo). At the Armidale Eisteddfod TAS Big Band, directed by Mr Warwick Dunham and Mrs the Senior Jazz Combo performed with distinction achieving Rachel Butcher, with the support of Mr Tim Scott, has gone 1st place in both their events with marks of over 90. The from strength to strength in 2015. It is a dynamic young band Senior Jazz Combo also performed with Robert Butcher for with many musicians, particularly Brass players, joining this his HSC performance, which was a valuable experience for year. The growth of our Band program is assured through these students. the continued development of our Junior Band the TAS

150 The Armidalian We are pleased to announce that Robert Butcher has been selected to perform at Bravissimo, a showcase of outstanding HSC Music students from the Mid-North region. This concert will be held at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie in February, 2016. Rob will perform Mercy, Mercy, Mercy with the TAS Senior Jazz Combo and Mr Warwick Dunham.

Our vocal program has seen considerable growth this year. TAS Singers has continued to grow becoming a large ensemble consisting of students from Years 6 to 12. Highlights included being joint winners of the New England Choral Championship (Open) and performing for The Captains Ride led by former Australian Cricket Captain Steve Waugh. TAS Singers performed Thoroughly Modern Men

TAS Drum line performing at Twilight Concert and Always Look on the bright side of Life to an enthusiastic audience who sang along and requested an encore.

Our Junior School choirs, directed by Ms Leanne Roobol and Junior Vocal Ensemble, directed by Mrs Rachel Butcher were very fortunate to work with one of Australia’s leading composers and conductors Mr Paul Jarman, our Junior School Speech Day guest. Students from Transition to Year 5 attended workshops with Paul Jarman where he entertained, sang with and enthused his audience. It was very special to see Paul Jarman conduct the combined Transition to Year 5 choir as they sang his beautiful piece Shackleton at Junior School Speech Day.

TAS Chapel Choir, directed by Mr Phil Oxley, is one of our busiest ensembles at TAS. This choir consists of TAS students, Paul Jarman Workshop with Junior School TAS Parents, students from PLC and NEGS and community members that all share a love of singing. TAS Chapel Choir performs at services at St Peter’s Cathedral, Gostwyck Chapel, St Mary’s West as well as performing at TAS events including Choral communion each term, Easter service, Anzac Day service, Confirmation, Old Boys’ service and the Christmas Carol service.

Congratulations to Andrew Knight (Year 11), Ziggy Harris (Year 10) and Samuel Thatcher (Year 10) who were selected, after National auditions, to attend the Gondwana National Choral Camp as part of the choir Gondwana Singers in January 2015. After two weeks of working with nationally and internationally renowned conductors the camp culminated in a concert at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Andrew Knight was selected to sing a solo in Paul Jarman’s stirring Samuel Thatcher, Ziggy Harris and Andrew Knight were all selected to perform in Gondwana Choirs in 2015 piece Towards Infinity.

151 Co-Curricular Music (Cont.)

The boys have once again been successful in their recent the addition of a Junior String Ensemble, a String Quartet, auditions for the Gondwana National Choral Camp in 2016, as well as a number of new Vocal ensembles. This will which this year auditioned singers from Australia and New provide enriching opportunities for all students learning an Zealand. Andrew Knight has won a spot in the Gondwana instrument or voice at TAS. Chorale, a national choir for youth aged 17-25, whilst Students were treated to a broad range of performance Ziggy Harris and Samuel Thatcher have been selected for opportunities including the Twilight Concert series; the HSC Gondwana Singers, for students aged 13-16. showcase Final Note; Grigoryan Brothers Concert and Master TAS ensembles achieved excellent results at the Armidale Class; TAS@Twilight; TAS@Dusk; and the TAS Foundation Eisteddfod in 2015. The K-2 Choir and 3-5 Choir, both Summer Organ and Music Recital. conducted by Ms Leanne Roobol, sang beautifully in their TAS Twilight Concerts, held once a term, have become events. K-2 Choir performed confidently in their non- increasingly popular with large numbers of students from competitive section and Year 3-5 Choir achieved 2nd place in Kindergarten to Year 12 performing at each concert. Due to the K-6 Choir Unison event. The TAS Junior Vocal Ensemble, the popularity of these events, we will now hold two Twilight conducted by Mrs Rachel Butcher, achieved 2nd place in the Concerts each term in 2016. highly competitive K-6 Vocal Ensemble event and TAS Chapel Choir (non-competitive section), conducted by Mr Philip Our HSC Music showcase Final Note concert provided a Oxley, were praised for their vocal quality and ensemble skills. wonderful evening of entertainment. Congratulations to our TAS Singers, conducted by Ms Leanne Roobol, achieved 2nd HSC Music Students, Robert Butcher, Calliden Hunter, Harry place in the Choir 19 years and under section and 1st place in Williams and Harry Wright on the high standard of their the New England Choral Championship (Open). TAS Singers performances. The Year 12 TAS Music students and Isabella were selected to perform at the Eisteddfod Gala Performance Watson from NEGS performed to a full house in the Hoskins where they sang Thoroughly Modern Men. Thank you to Theatre. Thanks must go to Anthony Carlon and William our conductors and our wonderful accompanists Mr Robyn Forsythe (Year 8) for their fabulous organisation behind the Bradley and Mr Warwick Dunham. scenes.

TAS bands also excelled at the Eisteddfod. TAS Guitar Band Another highlight of our performance calendar was the and TAS FanTAStics, directed by Mrs Rachel Butcher, both Grigoryan Brothers who performed at TAS Michael Hoskins achieved 2nd place in their events. TAS Big Band, directed Centre as part of their National tour This Time. The New York by Mr Warwick Dunham, was awarded 2nd place in Band, Times says of the Grigoryan Brothers “…guitar playing of Concert, Stage or Brass (24 years & under) and 3rd place in uncommon originality and authority. Musicality, expressivity Any Instrumental Group (Open). TAS Senior Jazz Combo and daring…” The Grigoryan Brothers conducted a master achieved first place in both the Jazz Ensemble (Years 7-12) class at TAS and Angus Lloyd (Year 11) played for the brothers, and Open Jazz Ensemble sections. receiving positive feedback.

Other notable performances were TAS Camerata, our newly TAS@Twilight is a new event on the TAS Performance formed String Ensemble who achieved a Highly Commended calendar. This concert featured many of the TAS ensembles for Ensemble on any bowed instruments (Years 7-12). In and Year 12 students. Students from Kindergarten to Year addition there were many individual successes by TAS 12 performed at this event, which culminated with the musicians at the Armidale Eisteddfod in 2015. Thank you to combined choirs and the audience performing Long White our ensemble directors Mr Warwick Dunham, Mrs Rachel Sails by Paul Jarman. Butcher and Mr Robert Jackson. Music was one of the many highlights of TAS@Dusk, which In 2015, a large number of students undertook an AMEB has replaced the TAS fete. Our ensembles including TAS Big or Trinity performance exam with strong results across all Band, TAS Senior Jazz Combo, TAS FanTAStics, TAS Huge Band, instrument and vocal sections. This will continue to add value TAS Junior Vocal Ensemble, TAS Singers and a number of to our ensemble program, which will increase in 2016, with Junior school soloists performed for a large audience at TAS@ Dusk. 152 The Armidalian This was a wonderful performance opportunity for our students and we look forward to performing at this fantastic new event in 2016.

The TAS Foundation Summer Organ and Music Recital showcased our magnificent new TAS organ. The TAS Chapel Choir, TAS Singers, TAS Junior Vocal Ensemble, TAS Drummers with brass and percussion all performed at this impressive event. Internationally renowned organist Mr Warwick Dunham showcased the organ with his expertise and our combined choirs, brass and percussion raised the roof with their magnificent voices. The concert featured talented TAS Big Band Back Row (l-r): Nicholas Bohlsen, Harry Wright (Music Captain), Sebastian students including Jasper O'Neil (treble soloist - Year 4), Alex Scott, Tom Mailler, Robert Butcher (Music Vice Captain), Charlton Grant, Ng (timpani – Year 8), Sam Wright (trumpet – Year 9), Sam Angus Smith. Second Row: Mrs Rachel Butcher, William Almond, Samuel Wright, Henry Perrottet, Nkosiphile (Mike) Nyathi, Felix Gifford, Benjamin Thatcher (organ – Year 10) and Andrew Knight (baritone Friend, Mr Warwick Dunham. Front Row: Jaden Carroll, Lachlan Cameron, soloist – Year 11). Our guest soloists included former Opera Luke Evans, Liam Kennedy, Sambavan Jeyakumar, Lachlan Tonkin, Josh Australia baritone Mr Stephen Tall, sopranos Miss Constance Armstrong, Hamish Parsons,Samraj Ruba Rolfe and Ms Leanne Roobol, TAS Old Boy Will Smith (trumpet) and one of our talented trumpet teachers Miss Georgie Chorley. Special thanks to our conductor Mr Phil Oxley and all the singers involved in the combined choir. We are very appreciative to the donors of this magnificent organ.

Community performances are an important aspect of our performance program at TAS. It’s a chance to give back to the local community, and provides invaluable experience for our students. Performances included TAS Junior Vocal Ensemble and TAS FanTAStics at Armidale Care for Seniors where the TAS Camerata ensembles were highly praised for their musicality and their Back Row (l-r): Ms Leanne Roobol, Clancy Roberts, Angus Cornall, Liam obvious enjoyment when they performed. Smith, Matthew Giakoumi Front Row: Alexander Gibson, Angus Earle, Owen Chandler, Jonathan Harris, I would like to thank the following Year 12 students for their Marcus Hempel contribution to music at TAS and wish them well in their future endeavours: Harry Wright (Music Captain 2015), Robert Butcher (Music Vice Captain 2015), Felix Gifford, Calliden Hunter, Liam Kennedy, Tom Mailler, and Harry Williams.

I look forward to welcoming Mrs Rebekkah (Bekk) Baumgartner to our Music teaching staff in 2016. Many TAS families know Mr Baumgartner through her work with Mrs Rachel Butcher and the TAS FanTAStics (our Junior School Band) and as the Conductor of Minisingers at NECOM.

I also welcome our new Music Captain Charlton Grant and TAS Singers Back Row (l-r): Dominic Pilon, Thomas Wright, Robert Butcher (Music Vice Angus Lloyd, as Music Vice-Captain. Captain), Sebastian Scott, Andrew Knight, James Murphy, Charlton Grant Second Row: Ms Lenne Roobol, Liam Smith, Samuel Wright, Nicholas Bohlsen, Ms Leanne Roobol Calliden Hunter,Harry Wright (Music Captain), Samuel Thatcher, Archie Graesser, Director of Music Angus Smith. Front Row: Cassidy Williams, Lucas Cotterell, Matthew Giakoumi, Tristan Rozendaal, Felix Gifford, Angus Haire, Clancy Roberts, Connor Shaw, Andrew Kirk 153

TAS Clubs

TAS again took part in the Sydney Academy of Chess Chess Club Interschool Chess Challenge held at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in March, with TAS placing 2015 was an extremely successful year for Chess at TAS. Ably first against 11 other competing schools. Ali Ahsan also captained by Ali Ahsan, the First IV team of Joshua Stevenson, successfully defended his individual title from last year, Charlie Wyatt, Harry Pollard won the regional New England accruing six wins and a draw. Josh Stevenson, Charlie Wyatt, North West competition, meeting the following teams on Harry Pollard and Harry Gwynn-Jones were awarded equal their way: O’Connor Catholic College, Holy Trinity School sixth. The TAS Junior School team also played in the Primary Inverell, Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School, Inverell School’s section of this competition, coming third overall High School and St Mary’s College Gunnedah. The State from nine schools with Stewart Williams placing seventh Country School’s final was held in Sydney where the TAS overall. Junior School also competed in a variety of Chess team won their first round against John Paul College from competitions in Armidale throughout 2015 with the Year 6 Coffs Harbour. This was an exciting way to start the round team winning third place overall at the annual One Day Chess robin by winning all four boards. Round two saw TAS winning Tournament held at St Mary’s Primary School. three boards to one against Marian Catholic College from Griffith. Sadly, here ended the dream run, losing the next Congratulations to Charlie Wyatt who has been named Chess rounds to Newcastle School of Performing Arts, Macquarie Captain for 2016. Anglican Grammar School Dubbo and Smith Hill High School Woollongong. The TAS team were placed fouth overall on 9 points. Ms Catherine Boydell MIC Chess

The TAS First IV: Joshua Stevenson, Ali Ahsan, Harry Pollard and Charlie Wyatt

154 The Armidalian Debating & Public Speaking

Captain: Samuel Redhead At an enjoyable Day Boys v Boarders debate held during a Vice captains: Sebastian Gibson and Harry Wright school assembly in Term 2 the day boys successfully argued Silver Colours: Samuel Redhead (also Director of Co-Curricular that boarders are more successful (a topic ‘switched’ so Commendation), Sebastian Gibson, Harry Wright whatever the result, the winning team would be negating Bronze Medallions: Tim Cimino, Jack Halliday, Harry Mason, their position). Then at Old Boys’ Weekend, the TAS Firsts Henry O’Neil (Samuel Redhead, Sebastian Gibson and Harry Wright) Winner of the Clemson Cup: Croft House defeated a team of 20 year leavers arguing the case ‘That tradition is a thing of the past’ - without, surprisingly, either Armed with wit, bravado and the powers of persuasion – team raising the topical issue of the introduction of co- albeit sometimes hastily harnessed – boys from Years 6-12 education! debated between houses, schools and generations in 2016. Also in Term 3 the inter-house public speaking was held. For Middle School boys, the Tri-Schools’ Shield was again After a week of putting off starting his entry in the senior contested between TAS, NEGS & PLC. In Term 1 PLC held and competition, Will Davis from Croft House looked to his won the first round, whilst in Term 2 TAS proved it was a very resignation for inspiration – and only hours later at a generous host, conceding every debate. NEGS repayed the whole school assembly, delivered an amusing reflection hospitality in Term 4, but our boys were again out-debated on procrastination that won him the title. Will put fear into by the girls’ schools – clearly something to seek to improve the hearts of the staff and reassurance into the minds of upon, in 2016. students, as he championed delay tactics and professed the Many newcomers to the sport (or is it art?) were blooded at power of prolonging: “Procrastination is just another form of the inter-house debating held at lunchtimes in Term 2. In the prioritisation”. final of the Middle School competition, Ross was victorious, Croft House also won the Middle School public speaking negating the case argued by Tyrrell, That Art is Better than competition, with Tim Cimino speaking about the dichotomy Sport. With Tyrrell giving a narrow interpretation of art, the of fire as both a life giver and destroyer. Middle School debate was open for Ross to compare professional incomes, students were given a visual source which they could sponsorship, and social outcomes of the two fields of interpret however they liked. Will and Tim’s win helped endeavour, in a convincing way. propel Croft House to win the Clemson Cup for inter-house Meanwhile in the senior school final, Croft House narrowly competition in public speaking and debating. defeated Ross, successfully arguing That Knowledge is Debating and public speaking competitions could not occur Corruption. While Croft took the line that knowledge is power without adjudicators, and gratitude is extended to the and power is corruptible, the negative team used the tack numerous staff who assisted in this regard. The leadership that “absolute knowledge enlightens absolutely”. team of Samuel Redhead, Sebastian Gibson and Harry Towards the end of Term 3, TAS hosted, for the first time Wright, while having limited opportunities themselves, since 2009, NEGS & PLC for debates in Years 9-11. Success gave generously of their time in helping organise fixtures, was shared between the schools, with some solid individual preparing students, and running TAS Speakers, an informal performances. It is hoped this senior invitational will become forum after class on Fridays when boys across year group an annual fixture. discuss ideas and build communication skills.

Mr Tim Hughes Debating & Public Speaking coordinator

155 Athletics

MIC: Mr James Pennington 4th Ross 34.03 Coaches: Mr James Pennington, Mr David Drain 5th Broughton 33.79 Captain: Joe Makeham 6th Green 27.70

TAS Awards NSW CIS Primary Athletics Honours: Joe Makeham The following student represented the NCSA at CIS Primary: Gold Colours: Thomas Gall, KB Fergusson, Joshua Stevenson Jonathan Harris Silver Colours: William Claridge, Brett Kelly-Wirth, Lewis Taylor, NSW CIS Secondary Athletics Angus Webber The following TAS boys represented the NCIS at the CIS Service to Athletics: Joe Makeham and Lachlan Knowles Secondary Athletics Championships held at the Sydney Most Inspirational Performance at GPS: Joe Makeham Olympic Park Athletics Centre: TAS Middle/Senior School Athletics Championships Remy Taylor, Nicholas Ward, Lachlan Knowles, Thomas Results Goodfellow, Will Brissett, Brett Kelly-Wirth, Callan Creighton, Angus Webber, Jack Boydell, Samuel Tullie Age Champion Runner-up 12yrs & under Nick O’Neil Joseph Anderson GPS Athletics 13 yrs Harry Mason Remy Taylor Members of the TAS Athletics Team which competed at the 14 yrs Maxie Qorovarua Nicholas Barnier- GPS Championships were: Merzliakov Joe Makeham, Thomas Gall, Joshua Stevenson, KB 15 yrs Lachlan Knowles Nicholas Makeham Fergusson, William Claridge, Jacob Faint, Nicholas Rogers, 16 yrs Dominic Pilon Liam Donaldson Brett Kelly-Wirth, Lewis Taylor, Angus Webber, Dominic 17 yrs Brett Kelly-Wirth Oliver White Pilon, Michael Baldock, Lachlan Knowles, Jordan Frahm, 18 yrs & over Jonathan Hunt Joe Makeham Thomas Goodfellow, Tim Finlayson, Nicholas Makeham, Senior 100m (Warren Pengilley Cup) Thomas Gall Max Qorovarua, Nicholas Barnier-Merzliakov, James O’Brien, Open 1500m (Swinton Cup) Joe Makeham Samuel Jones, Harry Mason, Remy Taylor, Liam Smith 3000m (J C Bucknell Trophy) Joe Makeham NSW All Schools’ Secondary Athletics House Points Samuel Finlayson, Brett Kelly-Wirth, Joshua Jones, Samuel The Archdale Cup for Total Athletics Championships points Jones score: TAS Athletics 2015 Place House Points Without a doubt, the highlight of 2015 was the awarding 1st Abbott 3,963 of Honours in Athletics to Joe Makeham. Joseph is one of 2nd Tyrrell 3,564 the finest athletes to have ever graced the track at TAS. His 3rd Croft 3,237 performances over seven years resulted in him becoming 4th Ross 2,722 the first athlete to receive Honours. The highlights of his time 5th Broughton 2,467 include: National Cross Country Championships, four-time 6th Green 2,216 winner of the 1500m at GPS and never off the podium in six years, five time winner and course record holder of the House Points Armidale Campus City Canter, five time winner of the JC Champion House ie, the House which scored the most Bucknell Trophy (3000m), winner of the 1500m at NSW CIS number of points per student enrolled in that House three times, twice podium finisher at NSW All Schools. Place House Points GPS Athletics 2015 1st Tyrrell 50.20 With brilliant sunshine heating the blazing red track, the 2nd Croft 49.81 120th GPS Athletics Championships produced yet again, so 3rd Abbott 49.54 many outstanding performances.

156 The Armidalian From the outset, the boys were focused and driven, straining The same drive was evident in the 4x400m relays with all for every second, driving themselves on as their muscles teams doing themselves proud, especially in the Seniors distorted with pain. team of KB Fergusson, Thomas Gall, Jacob Faint and William Claridge. Sam Jones set the standard from the first track event of the day, in the 13 years 800m running a huge PB to finish 4th. The Championships highlighted some emerging talent at Harry Mason played the same tune in the following event, TAS, with Thomas Goodfellow, Harry Mason, Sam Jones, Lewis gaining 4th, again in a PB. Nicholas Makeham, searching Taylor, Angus Webber and Jordan Frahm all demonstrating for a sub 2:10 performance as a 15 year old, blasted that that with the appropriate training, they can be competitive at goal, racing to a 2:06:92, and a 4th place finish. Joshua this level. Stevenson flew out of the blocks to record yet another 4th Joe Makeham in his final 1500m, again set the pace, leading place finish and a 2:04:12 PB whilst Joe Makeham raced with from the start and only relinquishing his position in the last utter determination in the Open 800m to record another 250m as the pace increased rapidly. With many in the field impressive result. already left behind from the frenetic early stages, Joe held on Lachlan Knowles, in one of the finest performances of the to finish 3rd in the time of 4:12:23. day, finished on the dais in the 15 years running to a 3rd place The year 2015 was the culmination of Joe’s time at GPS and he finish with the time of 52:99. Michael Baldock then raced at a leaves both a legacy and a record that may never be toppled. PB in the 16 years 400m and in the 17 years, Brett Kelly-Wirth Four GPS 1500m titles and two 3rd places. Never off the dais scorched the track with a sensational 51:91 6th place finish. in six years, always racing from the heart giving everything Liam Smith, the sole shot putter for TAS threw a PB of 8.50m he has, every time. Joe embodies the GPS code. He is a role in his inaugural GPS Carnival, a welcome addition to the model to all those around him and a wonderful ambassador team. for TAS. In the Open 100m Championship Thomas Gall, a true stalwart Thanks to Mr David Drain and Mr Hugo Johnson for their of the TAS Athletics Team for many years, broke the 12s coaching, time, support and professionalism throughout the barrier for the first time in his final year. Brett Kelly-Wirth Athletics program. backed up his 400m with a flashing 11:57 100m and James O’Brien collected another PB in the 13 years 100m. Mr James Pennington Nicholas Barnier-Merkozliz put everything on the line in MIC Athletics leading the 14 years 1500m for the fist two and half laps. His tenacity was apparent for all to see.

Athletics: GPS Team Back Row (l-r): Michael Baldock, Lewis Taylor, Dominic Pilon, Jordan Frahm, Angus Webber, Jacob Faint, Nicholas Makeham Second Row: James O’Brien, Lachlan Knowles, Brett·Kelly-Wirth, Thomas Goodfellow, Maxie Qorovarua, Nicholas Rogers, Timothy Finlayson, Samuel Jones Front Row: Nicholas Barnier, KB Fergusson, William Claridge, Mr James Pennington, Joe Makeham, Mr David Drain, Thomas Gall, Joshua Stevenson, Remy Taylor 157 Basketball

MIC: Ms Julie Flanagan Our annual fixture against Sydney Boys’ High School was Head Coaches: Mr Alex Smith (1sts), Ms Fiona Taber, the closest encounter we’ve had against this perpetually Mrs Alex Murray strong opposition with our Firsts looking extremely good Captain: Lachlan Pollard and holding the talented opposition to an even score line Vice Captain: Lachlan McDonald throughout the first half of the game. Likewise, the young guns in the TAS 16s team also showed great tenacity against Firsts team members: : Alex Boulus, Jacob Faint, Sebastian a skilled Sydney Boys’ High team, demonstrating speed Gibson, Andrew Knight, Jock McDonald, Lachie McDonald and enthusiasm. Inspiring cheering from both schools and (vc), Lachlan Pollard (c) the games being played in a great spirit continue to be the TAS Awards hallmarks of this fixture. Silver Colours: Alex Boulus, Jacob Faint, Andrew Knight, The 2015 Inter-House Basketball Challenge was again a great Sebastian Gibson, Jock McDonald, Lachlan McDonald, way to finish our Term 1 season. After some very entertaining Lachlan Pollard and physical pool matches, Abbott and Tyrrell met in the Silver Medallion: Alex Boulus finals, with Tyrrell taking out the championship for 2015. 2015 saw the continued popularity of Basketball at TAS. Sincere thanks also goes to Jock Campbell for refereeing all We entered 12 teams in the Term 1 competition run by the of the nine matches. The House Captains did a fantastic job in Armidale District Basketball Association, continuing our focus putting together some very athletic teams in what turned out on Basketball as a key summer offering. to be a very evenly matched competition.

Highlights for the year include participating in the North Thank you to all coaches and in particular Head Coaches Mr Coast Independent Schools Championships in Grafton (Term Alex Smith, Ms Fiona Taber and Ms Alice Hudson, and to all 4, 2014) where our First VIII competed convincingly all day, parents for your support of the boys throughout the year in being knocked out in the semi-finals of the competition. what has been another great year for Basketball at TAS.

First VIII Basketball Back Row (l-r): Lachlan McDonald, Sebastian Gibson, Jock McDonald Front Row: Jacob Faint, Andrew Knight, Lachlan Pollard, Alex Boulus 158 The Armidalian 2015 Summer Season, Term 1 Under 14s Opens Head Coach: Ms Alice Hudson Firsts - Coach: Mr Alex Smith Arrows - Coach: Ms Alice Hudson Alex Boulus, Jacob Faint, Andrew Knight, Sebastian Gibson, Archie Graesser, Hugo Henzell, Nav Higgins, Harry Mason, Jock McDonald, Lachie McDonald, Lachlan Pollard James Scotton, Clayton Southwell, Thomas Wu

TAS Blue - Coach: Mr Sam Jones Jets - Coach: Mr Daniel Sole Lachlan Cruickshank, Samuel Danke, Oliver Mayhew-Sanders, Jackson Clark, Luke Evans, Michael Harrell, Nicholas Jackson, Nicholas Moore, Dennis Pitt, Connor Stanton, Jack Tizzard Leon Kelly, Samuel Kratzmann, Zac Matherson, Joe Sewell, Matthew Wark TAS White- Coach: Mr Ben Corbett

Nicholas Bennet, Alexander Chambers, Harry Gwynn-Jones, Rockets - Coach: Mr Jenica Stephenson Ed Howard, Adam Jenkyn, Isaac Scherer, Andrew Spokes, William Braham, Zac Campbell, Tim Cimino, Jack Halliday, Willis Yung Alistair Le Surf, Henry O’Neill, Aiden Rogers-Ellis, Tristan Under 16s Rozendaal, Benjamin Weber Head Coach: Ms Fiona Taber Lightning – Coach: Mr Alan Shortt Ms Julie Flanagan Jordan Frahm, Thomas Goodfellow, Kobi Hall, Thomas Hyatt, MIC Basketball Nicholas Kirk, Toby Lau, Maxie Qorovarua

Titans– Coach: Mr Josh White Oscar Barrett, Dom Jackson, Mike Nyathi, Connor Oudenryn, Noah Piper, Noah Rose, Yannick Tursan d’Espaignet, Alex Ziesemer

Torque - Coach: Mr Callum Kyle Joshua Danke, Angus Haire, Harry Pollard, Ben Smith, Kyle Strachan, Charlie Uren, Julian Vogt, Hugh Worsley, Jay Yunas

Troopers - Coach: Ms Jenna Hazelton Jonathon Chamberlain, Benjamin Clark, Lachlan Collison, Lachlan Owen, Will Reeves, Sam Ruba, Bailey Simmons, Xavier Tonkin

Thunder – Coach: Mr Doug McCardle Nicholas Bohlsen, Lachlan Cameron, Jacko Huang, Ryan Mitchell, Sinclair Moore, Matthew Weber, Bill Whitney, David Wu

Torpedoes– Coach: Ms Stephanie Simmons Richard Boney, Reuben Charley-Briggs, Lukas Cook, Saxon Hughes, Caton Lupica, Rex McGrath, Darcy Smyth, Matthew Turnbull

Jacko Huang takes a shot for TAS

159 Canoeing and Kayaking

MIC: Mr Tim Wheaton North Coast All Schools State Kayaking Championships The same students that participated in the regional North Coast All School Regional Kayaking Championships championships attended the State Championships at Five TAS boys and one PLC girl (a TAS Old Girl) travelled Nymboida on the 31 May through to 2 June. to Nymboida Canoe Centre on Thursday 19 March to compete in the North Coast All Schools Regional Kayaking The same competition events were on offer as well as an Championships three day event held on 20- 22 March. additional flat water event held on the Clarence River and all paddlers performed well with the additional competition that They competed in three different paddling disciplines of was present for these championships. Slalom, Whitewater Sprints and Downriver racing. Highlights from the weekend were David Williams and Highlights for the weekend were David Williams achieving Harry Graham winning their 5000 m Flatwater events, Kate four second places and two thirds in his events, Nicholas Allen winning the under 14’s Whitewater Sprints in her K1 Bohlsen - first in the Junior Mens K1 Sprints and places in Kayak, Remy Taylor winning the under 14’s Mens Wildwater other events, Heath Chandler – first in the 13-14 Mens K1 SK1 River Race and Kate Allen won the under 14’s Womens Slalom and places in other events, Remy Taylor – first in Wildwater SK1 River Race. his Sub-Junior Mens SK1 Sprints and Downriver Run, Harry As well as these firsts, all paddlers achieved seconds and Graham received three thirds and a second place in his events thirds in most of their race classes. and Kate Allen coming first in the Sub Junior SK1 Sprints and places in other events. All students have shown great commitment this year and our efforts have been to ensure all paddlers can roll back up TAS was ranked third out of all the schools that competed at in their kayaks to allow us to improve and gain confidence the end of the competition. in the water. has also been a regular event in the TAS pool to improve paddler confidence and skills. This will be open to all students in 2016 to encourage more paddlers to join the sport.

Mr Tim Wheaton MIC Canoeing and Kayaking

Kayaking Squad Back Row (l-r): David Williams, Mr Tim Wheaton, Angus Roxborough-Batt. Front Row: Heath Chandler, Nicholas Bohlsen, Harry Graham, Remy Taylor 160 The Armidalian Cricket

MIC: Mr Jim Pinnington (2014), Mr Allan Moore (2015) The annual Independent Schools Cricket Festival is always a highlight for our First XI and the team achieved outstanding First XI results at St Ignatius College, Riverview this season. They had Coach: Mr Jim Pinnington, Mr Barney Buntine wins over the hosts and Downlands and lost a hard fought Manager: Miss Amanda Robins game against Shore. TAS were awarded co-winners and Captain: Jack Bennett are now custodian of the highly coveted bat signed by the Vice Captains: William Archer and Liam Howard Western Australian team that won the 1991-92 Sheffield Shield Achievements: Semi finalists in Douglas Shield; Co-Premiers competition. TAS now looks forward to hosting the Cricket 2nd Grade Armidale District Competition; Co-Winners in the Festival in 2016. Cricket Festival at Riverview Team (including Cricket Festival Squad): Jack Bennett (c), In this year’s Douglas Shield, TAS achieved their best result in William Archer (vc), Liam Howard (vc), Will Waterson, Thomas this prestigious competition. TAS made the semi-final before Stier, Hamish Coupland, Max Alcorn, Brendan Power, Dominic going down to Rouse Hill Anglican College. TAS defeated Lakes Pilon, Nicholas Day, Ben Moffatt, Mitchell Foster, Jack Anglican Grammar School on the Central Coast and Calrossy Radford, Liam Donaldson Anglican School on the way to the semi-final. Captain Jack Bennett, William Archer and Nicholas Day were selected to try TAS Awards out for the CCSCA representative team with Jack selected for the First XI Best Batting (Consett Stephen Cup) – Jack Bennett shadow team. First XI Best Bowling (Uther Cup) – Max Alcorn First XI Best Allrounder (Geoffrey Bigg Bat) – William Archer In the Junior competition, there were victories for the Under 16s First XI Most Improved (Mottershead Cup) – Thomas Stier in the local competition and in the inaugural Junior TOAD Cup competition. Henry Smith, Kieran Dennis and Nicholas Farrar also Gold Colours: William Archer, Jack Bennett excelled in representative teams at State level. There were also Silver Colours: Will Waterson, Thomas Stier, Liam Howard, excellent individual and team performances in the other younger Max Alcorn, Ben Moffatt, Dominic Pilon, Hamish Coupland, age groups. Nicholas Day, Mitchell Foster, Brendan Power Gold Medallion: Henry Smith, Kieran Dennis Four TAS boys were recipients of Armidale and District Junior Silver Medallion: Nicholas Farrar Cricket Association awards, including Henry Smith (Armidale Junior Cricket of the Year), Cotter Litchfield (Armidale player Cricketers at TAS had another enjoyable season, with some of the Under 12 Lismore Carnival) and Nick Farrar (Under 16 tremendous development at both individual and team levels. Armidale Representative Player of the Year). Another TAS player, This years First XI team achieved the best results in competitions Wally Davidson was awarded Armidale player of the Under 15 in many years. They were joint-premiers in the Second Grade Walter Taylor Shield. Kieran Dennis and Sam Wright also secured Armidale District Competition, joint-winners in the Cricket that most elusive of prizes, hat tricks, during the season. Festival at Riverview and semi-finalists in the prestigious Douglas Shield. In March, TAS hosted a visit from NSW Breakers Captain and Australian Southern Stars world champion cricketer Lisa For the first time in many years, our First XI had the chance to Sthalekar, who conducted coaching workshops at the school. win the premiership in the Armidale competition. After a very Lisa is a right-handed all rounder who bowls off spin, and was consistent season the team were the first team into the grand rated as the leading all rounder in the world when rankings were final and were confident of victory. Unfortunately the weather introduced. forced the game to be abandoned and they were awarded co-premiers with Hillgrove. William Archer was awarded the TAS Under 16 Yellow had a terrific 2014/15 season, which Best and Fairest award for the Second Grade competition. culminated in the team winning the grand final against Hillgrove, the team that had been on level pegging with TAS Yellow for the whole summer. 161 Cricket (Cont.)

Playing a 25 over a side format made it somewhat difficult Nick Farrar started the season with an excellent score of 72 for players to develop a feel for a spot in the batting lineup, against Hillgrove, and took over the captaincy of the team and never really gave the bowlers an opportunity to towards the end of the season. Nick is a very disciplined and develop much of a rhythm. Nevertheless, it was pleasing to determined opening batsman, and often got the team off to see a squad of highly talented players develop into a very a good start with a gritty innings. He obviously has a great successful and cohesive team, and I very much look forward passion for the game, and I look forward to watching his to watching their progress in coming years. The depth ongoing development during his time at TAS. of talent in Under 16 cricket is so good that TAS can look Lastly, I would like to thank Mrs Helen Dennis for her unfailing forward to seeing a very strong First XI over the next few support over the season. Mrs Dennis was a rock for both the years. team and me, and her administrative and scoring support There were a lot of individual performances over the season were very much appreciated over the course of the season. that are worthy of mention. Firstly, Henry Smith won the Under 16s White title of Junior Cricketer of the Year for 2014/15. Henry is Coach: Mr Hugo Johnson an exceptional talent. He is an outstanding batsman, with Team: Jim Orr (c), William Almond, Benjamin Hamparsum, almost flawless technique, is a fine wicketkeeper, and when Blake Harradine, James Hartog-Smith, Sambavan Jeyakumar, not keeping, is a highly accomplished legspin bowler. Kieran Dougal Mackay, Sam Marshall, Sebastian Martin, Ben McElroy, Dennis may have been the youngest member of the team, Tully Muller, Angus Smith, Liam Treavors but he was nevertheless one of the most highly regarded players in the competition. He is also a very talented all round Under 16s Yellow player, and I was very impressed with the level of maturity Coach: Mr David Toakley he demonstrated on the field, and the great awareness he Team: Oscar Alcorn, Jack Berry, Kieran Dennis, Liam demonstrated for what is happening in a match. Donaldson, Nick Farrar, Stirling George, Dan Lethbridge, Ryan Schmitt, Oliver Shannon, Henry Smith, Sam Weston, James Wicks

First XI Cricket Back Row (L to R): Miss Amanda Robins, Mr Barney Buntine, Thomas Stier , Dominic Pilon, Maxl Alcorn, Mr John Bowers Front Row: Nicholas Day, Hamish Coupland , Will Waterson, Jack Bennett, William Archer, Liam Howard, Ben Moffatt 162 The Armidalian U16s Blue U12s Coach: Mr Joshua Whitehead Coach: Mr David Slade Team: (and number of games): Lucas Atkin (5), Nick Corderoy Assistant: Mr Callum Kyle (5), Wally Davidson (7), Harry Forsythe (5), Ben Friend (7), Team: Archibald Chick, Hudson Eichorn, Henry Douglas- Kobi Hall (3), Brendan Knowles (5), Angus Mazzei (8), Jock Menzies, Dominic Ferguson, Lachlan Galbraith, Marcus McMaster (10), Charlie Radford (5), Anthony Russell-Thomas Hempel, Harry Litchfield, Jack Van Roy (c), Benjamin Rowe, (8), Hugh Stonier (8), Luke Vagg (9), Stockley Warton (6), and Harrison Price, Lachlan Morgan, Harry Chandler, Jasper Russ, James Wicks (3) Byron McCann, Will Nicoll

Under 14s Yellow Coach: Miss Stephanie Toogood Team: Richard Alcorn, Samuel Behrend, William Benham, Gwynne Beynon, Rory Chambers, Angus Davidson, Harry Deshon, Stuart Epworth, Nicholas Grant, Cooper Johnson, Chad Kleindeinst, Liam Matherson, Noah McCann, Liam Smith, Toby Smith (c)

The Headmaster and cricketers Will Archer, Jack Bennett and Liam Howard NSW Breakers Captain and Australian Southern Stars world champion cricketer inspect the names on the Independent Schools’ Cricket Festival trophy, Lisa Sthalekar working with the boys. signed by the Western Australian team that won the 1991-92 Sheffield Shield competition.

163 Equestrian

MIC: Ms Genevieve Geyle-Chick Although TAS’s presence was not as large as other schools, Team: Jack Davidson, Harry Deshon, Thomas Deshon, Hamish our students had some very pleasing results, with almost all Edmonds, Samuel Finlayson, Timothy Finlayson, Benjamin competitors receiving a ribbon. Benjamin McElroy received Hamparsum, Benjamin McElroy, Michael Paull, George the Reserve Champion Boy 13 Years. Rodgers On 26 June Jack Davidson went on to represent TAS in the The TAS equestrian team has enjoyed great success this year, Gunnedah South School Horse Sports event, held at the with the largest group of riders representing the school at Curlewis Sports Ground Gunnedah, and received the Reserve the Coonabarabran North West Equestrian Expo. The Expo Champion Boy Rider 13 years. was a five day event held 29 May-2nd June, with 10 riders Coonabarabran Horse Expo Results from TAS competing in individual and group events from Year Benjamin McElroy - 2nd C grade One Day Event’s - Reserve 7 to year 11. Over 500 individual competitors from across Champion Boy 13 years; Michael Paull - 2nd Bending; 2nd Australia made their way to Coonabarabran to participate team penning; Timothy Finlayson; 4th 14yrs Warrumbungle in this wonderful competition. Most horse disciplines were Way; 1st team penning, George Rodgers - 5th 17years - contested including: One Day Event (ODE); Dressage; Show Warrumbungle Way - 1st Team penning; Jack Davidson - 2nd jumping; Team Six Bar; Polocrosse; Sporting; Hacking; Team team penning; Benjamin Hamparsum - 6th Team penning; Penning; Working Horse Challenge; Horse Ball and the Hamish Edmonds - 6th Team penning; Thomas Deshon - 6th Stockman Challenge called The Warrumbungle Way. Team Penning; Harry Deshon - 6th Team penning. The weather was not kind on Sunday, rain, cold winds and masses of mud, did not prevent any of the riders from Ms Genevieve Geyle-Chick competing in all of their events. MIC Equestrian

Surprisingly there was only one injury, Sam Finlayson’s horse slid in the slippery wet conditions whilst competing and rolled on his ankle, breaking a few bones in his foot. This however did not stop him from jumping back on his horse and continuing the event.

George Rodgers at the NW Equestrian Expo at Coonabarabran Sam Finlayson in the flagging event at the NW Equestrian Expo 164 The Armidalian Football

MIC: Mr Luke Polson The team played strongly here, and this set the stage for the Captain of Football: Hadrian Wright year ahead. Additionally, our pre-season fixtures included Vice Captains of Football: Liam Cooper & Michael Klepzig TAS’ re-entry into the Acropolis Cup and the CIS Knockout. As we look to 2016, one of our challenges remains sourcing 2015 Colours & Medallions quality schoolboy fixtures for our teams to be immersed in. Silver Colours: Alex Boulus, Jarrod Bourke, William Brissett, Liam Cooper, KB Fergusson, James Gilson, Michael Klepzig, Again, TAS hosted the NCIS Football championships for the Angus Lloyd, Sam Redhead, Cai Spiers, Euan Spiers, Angus third consecutive year, which attracted one of our largest Webber, Hadrian Wright. numbers of entries, with some 200 players in 19 teams Silver Medallions: Lachlan Knowles, Jim Orr competing across four divisions. This carnival saw six boys Director of Co-Curricular Commendation: Angus Webber from the First XI and one junior player selected to play for the (coaching junior football) NCIS Squad. Locally, TAS entered 17 teams. This was a team in every age division in the local competition. TAS continued The year 2015 again saw significant growth for TAS Football, to maintain high numbers of players, with well over 200 both in our level of competiveness in the local region and registered players encompassing students, staff, parents and in our offerings to our students. At our First XI level, this Old Boys. year we focused on increasing the depth of our pre-season fixtures. For the first time, TAS entered the FFA Cup – the main There were an abundance of highlights for the 2015 season. national knockout competition in Australia. Our First XI were again major premiers in First Division, This entry gained widespread media attention, with TAS following a 3-0 victory over Guyra in the grand final. Our 16As being the only non-Premier League side to enter. were both minor and major premiers in the 16s Division 1 competition, following a nail-biting 1-0 victory over Norths in their grand final.

First XI Football Back Row (l-r): Will Brissett, Jarrod Bourke, Angus Webber, Angus Lloyd, Alex Boulus, KB Fergusson. Middle Row: Mr Christian Nexo, Jim Orr, Samuel Redhead, Euan Spiers, Cai Spiers. Front Row: Lachlan Knowles, Michael Klepzig, Headmaster Mr Murray Guest, Hadrian Wright, Liam Cooper, James Gilson

165 Football (Cont.)

The mighty TAS Dads put up a valiant effort against Glen Innes in the local Fourth Grade grand final to be runners up in this division. In addition to our grand final appearances, TAS was well represented in a number of semi-finals including the 12As, 12Bs, 14As and Third XI. TAS was the only local football club to be represented in more than one senior grade grand final.

This year we expanded to four opens sides and entered the TAS Third XI into Third division. Both the Second and Third XI played consistently well throughout the season, with regular encounters between TAS teams being a highlight throughout the year. A number of referees have made comment about how much of a delight these TAS vs TAS encounters are to officiate.

The outstanding work of our Grounds Manager, Mr Chet Davies and his dedicated staff, has not gone unnoticed. Doody Park and Adamsfield looked an absolute picture throughout the season and Doody Park, is by far, the best football pitch in our local area. It was a testament to Chet and his staff to host a full set of grand finals fixtures at Doody Park Lachlan Knowles heads one for TAS in 2015. This year, TAS continued to develop a partnership with Northern Inland Football through hosting a number of pre-season competitions and being the Armidale venue for Second XI the high-performance training sessions. The partnership will Coach: Mr Sam James continue throughout the summer, with Doody Park hosting Team: Lachlan Apps, Will Brissett, Alexander Chambers, the Summer 6s football competition. Samuel Danke, Jack Evans, KB Fergusson, Felix Gifford, James Gilson, Mr Sam James, Ethan Monk, Sam Redhead, Dane Townsend, Mr Josh Whitehead Team Reports Awards: 2015 Coach’s Trophy (outstanding effort, First XI commitment and sportsmanship) – Sam Danke. Second XI Coach: Mr Christian Nexo Players’ Player – Jack Evans Team: Alex Boulus, Will Brissett, Jarrod Bourke, Liam Cooper, KB Fergusson, James Gilson, Michael Klepzig, Lachlan Third XI Knowles, Angus Lloyd, Mr Christian Nexo, Jim Orr, Sam Coach: Mr Dan Sole Redhead, Cai Spiers, Euan Spiers, Angus Webber, Hadrian Team: Ollie Broun, Sam Carmichael, William Claridge, Nicholas Wright Day, Jacob Hunt, Chris Landenberger, Tom Mailler, Noah Achievements: Major Premiers – 2015 ADFA 1st Grade Piper, Dennis Pitt, Robbie Pullar, Matthew Rankmore, Mr Dan 2015 Armidale Sports Council Awards – Junior Local Team of Sole, Andrew Spokes, Jack Tizzard the Year Achievements: Fourth Division Semi-Finalist Awards: 2015 Coach’s Trophy (most outstanding team player) Awards: 2015 Coach’s Trophy (outstanding consistency, - Jarrod Bourke. First XI Players’ Player- Cai Spiers. Richard organisation and reliability)– Robbie Pullar. Third XI Players’ Newton Golden Boot – Euan Spiers. First XI Opens Football Player – Robbie Pullar Best and Fairest – Alex Boulus and Cai Spiers

166 The Armidalian TAS Dads 16Bs Blue Coach: Mr Brad Evans Coach: Mr Jordan Wildman (T2) & Mrs Chelsea Knife (T3) Team: Mr David Barrett, Bailey Bourke, Angus Cornall, Mr Paul Team: Angus Apps, Thomas Bailey, Oscar Barrett, Nicholas Cornall, Mr Brad Evans, Mr Sebastian Hempel, Mr Don Hine, Bohlsen, Richard Boney, Angus Cornall, Sterling George, Mr Peter Le Surf, Harry Mackenzie, Mr Richard Mackenzie, Mr Angus Haire, Sambavan Jeyakumar, Ming Lai Lau, Rex Will Mackenzie, Mr Andrew McCann, Mr Richard Newton, Mr McGrath, Nicholas Moar, Lochlan Owen, Thomas Simmonds, Andrew O’Connell, Mr Brian Shaw, Mr Jason Simmonds, Tom Sam Ruba, Ben Smith, Nick Taylor Simmonds 16Bs White Achievements: Runners-Up Fourth Division Grand Final Coach: Mr Dan Sole Awards: 2015 Coach’s Trophy (outstanding improvement): Team: Rueben Charley-Briggs, Liam Donaldson, Matthew Paul Cornall. TAS Dads Players’ Player: Brian Shaw. Local ADFA Giakoumi, Floyd Hardingham, Zac Hooper, Daniel Jackson, Div 3/Div 4 Golden Boot: Harry Mackenzie Dominick Jackson, Nicholas D Jackson, Caton Lupica, 16As Matthew Weber, Bailey Widders, Bayden Wright, Tom Wright, Coach: Mr Alan Shortt David Wu Team: Bailey Bourke, Jarrod Bourke, James Doyle, Hunter 14As Hine, Flynn Ihle, Lachlan Knowles, Harry Mackenzie, Jim Orr, Coach: Mr Josh Whitehead Luca Parramon, Noah Piper, Cai Spiers, Euan Spiers, Julian Team: Emerson Browning, Joseph Carlon, Timothy Cimino, Vogt Kieran Dennis, Stuart Epworth, Luke Evans, Jacob Fernandez, Achievements: Minor & Major Premiers 16s Division 1 Ben Friend, Chad Kliendienst, Cotter Litchfield, Tristan Awards: Matthew Turner Memorial Shield: Jim Orr Rozeendal, Connor Shaw, Joseph Smyth, Nicholas Ward Achievements: Semi-Finalist ADFA 14s Division 1

TAS 16As- Premiers 16s Division 1 Back Row( l-r): Mr Alan Shortt, Lachlan Knowles, Euan Spiers, James Doyle, Julian Vogt, Cai Spiers Front Row: Bailey Bourke, Harry Mackenzie, Noah Piper, Jim Orr, Jarrod Bourke, Flynn lhle, Hunter Hine

167 Football (Cont.)

TAS 14Bs TAS Tigers (7s) Coach: Mr Stephen Thompson Coach: Mrs Lana Hawksford Team: Azyz Alenazi, Fahad Alenazi, Patrick Brennan, Jaden Team: Euan Billinglsey, Mitchell Evans, Tom Rowe, Lachlan Carroll, Flynn Charley-Briggs, Nicholas Grant, Colby Hanes, Schumacher, Felix Winslett Michael Harrell, Hugo Henzell, Dylan Morris, Hamish Newton, TAS Tanks (6s) Clancy Roberts, Aiden Rogers-Ellis, Remy Taylor, Hamish Tydd, Coach: Mr Henry McDouall, Miss Jayne Heagney Ben Simmonds, Benjamin Weber, Thomas Wu Team Members: Josiah Baumgartner, Sam Bock, Harry TAS 12As Brownlie, Hugo Broun, Fletcher Connor, Lucas Hu Coach: Mr Allan Moore TAS Tonkas (6s) Team: Archie Chick, Samuel Coombes, Dominic Ferguson, Coach: Miss Jenica Stephenson (T3), Angus Webber, Miss Lachlan Galbraith, Alexander Gibson, Marcus Hempel, Harry Jayne Heagney Litchfield, John McGregor-Thew, Nick O’Neil, Jude Piper, Team: Joe Fenwicke, Sam Ford, Max Junge, Andi Li, Diesel Harrison Price, Tristan Rottcher, Ben Rowe, Jack Van Roy. Murphy, Marcus Robb, Peter Thompson Achievements: Semi-Finalist ADFA 12s Division 1

TAS 12Bs Mr Luke Polson Coach: Miss Jenna Hazelton MIC Football Team: Josiah Alcorn, Joseph Anderson, Finn Daugherty, Hudson Eichorn, Isaac Gerdes, Archi Lawrence, Cameron Le Surf, Byron McCann, Joshua Miron, Lachlan Morgan, Lochlan Nicoll, Cassidy Williams, Stewart Williams Achievements: Semi-Finalist ADFA 12s Division 2

TAS Trucks (10s) Coach: Mrs Kirsty Brunsdon Coaching Assistants: Mr Neil Smart, Mr Adam Pongrass Team: Nawaf Alenazi, Flynn Broadfoot, Lachlan Costello, Peter Evans, Lachlan Hunt, Toby Inglis, Daniel Morgan, Jasper O’Neil, Josh Pongrass, Charlie Repin, Cal Simmonds, Oliver Smart, Hugh Taylor

TAS Terriors (9s) Coach: Mr Tim Lawrence, Mr Peter Dundon Team: Caleb Baumgartner, Joel Blackburn, Wilkie Davison, Thomas Dundon, Blair Eichorn, Lochlan Gerdes, William Gilpin, Henry Kirton, Banjo Lawrence, Alistair Newton, Harry Pennington, Abbott White

TAS Taipans (8s) Coach: Mrs Chelsea Knife (T2), Mrs Alexandra Murray (T3) Team: Iles Baker, Ted Chick, Evan Kwan, Lance Latham, Lachlan Litchfield, Oliver Murphy, Charlie Ryan, Ty Schalk- O’Brien, Sam Strelitz, Nick Thomas, Flinders Ward

Angus Lloyd shows off some fancy footwork

168 The Armidalian Hockey

MIC: Mr Alexander Portell Guest speaker, Regional Coaching and Development Officer Captain: Harry Wright for Hockey New South Wales, Mr Blair Chalmers, was an Vice Captains: Jack Bishop and David Williams inspiration to the players, offering them key insight into progression pathways and tips along the way for their Colours and Medallions individual journeys. This year, the Wright Shield for Junior Gold Colours: Will Brissett Club Person was awarded to outstanding young goalkeeper Silver Colours: Ben Moffatt, Harry Wright, David Williams, and field player Sterling George for his roles in the Under Jack Bishop, Robert Hann 16s, Seconds (C Grade) and Firsts (B Grade) sides; whilst it Silver Medallion: Liam Matherson, Sterling George, Sam was a pleasure to see the return of last year’s recipient of Wright, Jonathon Chamberlain, Matthew Turnbull, Sam the Simmons Family Trophy, Old Boy Jack Simmons, and his Behrend, Zac Matherson, Cooper Johnson, Cooper Mills parents Scott and Jennie, to present the Senior Club Person award to 2015 Hockey Captain Harry Wright. The evening was The past year proved to be one of the most fruitful for the an overwhelming success, enjoyed by all. TAS Hockey Club, with its highest number of teams hitting the turfs over the winter season, comprising once again of Three days later, at the conclusion of the Hockey New two senior division teams, and going one up on 2014 with six England Senior Grand Finals, four young TAS Hockey players, junior teams. Although the 2014 proposed pre-season tour Will Brissett, Sam Wright, Sam Behrend and Cooper Johnson, of New Zealand was cancelled due to insufficient numbers were recognised by the association for their skills, efforts and in both hockey and football, this posed no hindrance to the achievements throughout the season. enthusiasm of our players as the season began with some excellent coaching recruitments, including Ben Hanlan, Once again, thank you to the TAS Hockey Club committee Michael Young and Michael Cursons to direct the top levels members, players, coaches, family members and supporters of our hockey talent. Although mixed results were achieved for their efforts and the commitment they have shown this throughout the season, the improvements shown by many year. The foundation has been set for the club’s strong growth new and experienced players were heartening and a good into the future and all involved look forward to its continued precursor to the upcoming years. Unfortunately, Hockey prosperity. was not included in the 2015 Farrer fixtures, although the longevity of the TAS vs Old Boys game was affirmed with the Team Reports donation of the Moffatt Shield, which for the second year in a Firsts row was inscribed with the winning Old Boys insignia. Coach: Mr Ben Hanlan Achievements: Semi-Finalists in 2015 Hockey New England TAS Hockey, this year, was unable to emulate the competition Winter Mens B Grade Competition winning efforts of last year’s TAS Seconds, however, three Players: Mr Michael Ball (staff), Mr Piers Beesley (GAP), Jack of our teams, the Firsts, Under 16s and TAS White Under Bishop (GK), Will Brissett, Jonathon Chamberlain, Mr Simon 13s were able to qualify for semi-finals. Despite quality Chamberlain (parent), Mr Drewe Ferguson (parent), Sterling performances, neither of our teams were able to progress George, Robert Hann, Ben Moffatt, Mr Tim Moffatt (parent), through to the decider. Mr Alex Portell (staff), Matthew Turnbull, David Williams, Harry Wright, Sam Wright The end of season was celebrated in fine style on Thursday Special Achievements: Will Brissett awarded Hockey New 10 September with the TAS Hockey Club Junior Presentation England Award for U21 Goal Keeper (Partridge Family Award) Afternoon Tea on the Hoskins forecourt steps, followed and Gold Colours; Harry Wright awarded Simmons Family shortly after by the Senior Players Dinner, a nice progression Trophy for Senior Club Person from last year’s successful club barbecue, which saw players, coaches and family members from the TAS Firsts and Seconds combining for a formal dinner in the Hoskins foyer.

169 Hockey (Cont.)

Seconds Alistair Le Surf, Tim Lindeman, Liam Matherson, Cooper Mills, Coach: Mr Michael Young William Nicol, Oliver Peart, Jack Sewell, Toby Smith Achievements: 2015 Competitors in Hockey New England U11s - Titanium Winter Mens C Grade Competition Coach: Ms Tabitha Dowse Players: Samuel Behrend, Thomas Bishop, Max Cushway, Achievements: Competitors in 2015 Hockey New England Sebastian Etheridge, Sterling George (GK), Liam Matherson, Winter Junior U11s Competition Zachary Matherson, Harry McGrath, Hugh Morton, Mr Team Members: Emily Buntine, Dimity Chalmers, Jonathan Campbell Nicoll (parent), Henry Perrottet, Mr Luke Polson Harris, Michael Janda, Alexis Langlois-Peters, William Nash, (staff), Nathan Rasmussen, Angus Simmons, Mr David Conal Nicoll, Jasper Russ, Hugh Taylor, Lachlan Thomas, Alex Simmons (parent), Henry Smith, Jack Tizzard, Lachlan Tonkin, Webber Brough Whibley U11s – T-Rex U16s Coach: Ms Stephanie Simmons, Henry Perrottet (assistant) Coach: Mr Michael Cursons Achievements: Competitors in 2015 Hockey New England Achievements: Semi-finalists in 2015 Hockey New England Winter Junior U11s Competition Winter Junior U16s Competition Team Members: Sam Ball, Tom Ball, Caleb Baumgartner, Alec Special Achievements: Sam Wright awarded Hockey New Campbell, Lincoln Connock, Toby Ford, Lochlan Gerdes, England Award for U16 Best and Fairest; Sterling George Cameron Le Surf, Lennox Neilson, Harry Peart, Charlotte awarded Wright Shield for Junior Club Person Portell Players - Samuel Behrend, Jonathon Chamberlain, Owen Chandler, Joshua Danke, Sterling George (GK), Jack Halliday, U9s Liam Matherson, Zachary Matherson, Hugh McDouall, Perry Coach: Mr Alexander Portell Palmer, Henry Smith, Toby Smith, Matthew Turnbull, Patrick Achievements: Participation in 2015 Hockey New England Woodburn, Sam Wright Winter Junior U9s Competition (Non-Competitive) Players – Christopher Bower, Madeleine Buntine, Scarlett U13s White Buntine, Camilla Coupland, Archie Douglas-Menzies, Lily Coach: Ms Rachel Harrison Peart, Charlotte Portell Achievements: Semi-finalists in 2015 Hockey New England Winter Junior U13s Competition Special Achievements: Samuel Behrend awarded Hockey New Mr Alex Portell England Award for U13 Best and Fairest and Silver Medallion; MIC Hockey Zachary Matherson awarded Silver Medallion Players - Samuel Behrend, Josiah Alcorn, William Forsyth, Alexander Gibson, Cameron Le Surf, Zachary Matherson, Lochlan Nicoll, Frank Perrottet, Olivia Strelitz, Zoe Strelitz, Cassidy Williams (GK), Stewart Williams

U13s - Blue Coach: Mr Alexander Portell Achievements: Competitors in 2015 Hockey New England Winter Junior U13s Competition Special Achievements: Cooper Johnson awarded Hockey New England Award for Best Junior Goal Keeper (Arthur Adams Award) and Silver Medallion; Liam Matherson, Cooper Mills awarded Silver Medallion Players – Jack Gellie, Cooper Johnson (GK), Andrew Kirk,

170 The Armidalian Senior Hockey: TAS Firsts Back Row (l-r): Mr Alex Portell, Jack Bishop, Matthew Turnbull, David Williams, Mr Piers Beesley Front Row: Ben Moffatt, Robert Hann, Harry Wright (Captain), Mr Murray Guest, Will Brissett, Sterling George. Absent: Mr Ben Hanlan (Coach), Jonathon Chamberlain, Samuel Wright, Mr Tim Moffatt, Mr Drewe Ferguson, Mr Simon Chamberlain, Mr Michael Ball

171 Mountain Biking

MIC: Mrs Joanne Benham Luke Rorke, Tristan Rozendaal, Seaton Sharpe, Riley Simmons, Coaches: Mrs Joanne Benham, Mr Matthew Benham, Joseph Smyth, William Swales, Hamish Tydd, Patrick Mr Richard Newton, Mr Aaron Kennewell Woodburn. Student Coaches: Michael Harris, Robert Butcher The 2014/15 summer sports season saw mountain biking Captain: Robert Butcher introduced as a formal sport at TAS. It was an option for Colours and Medallions Middle School students only, with the exception of two Honours: Michael Harris senior students who assisted in coaching. The sport proved Silver Colours: Robert Butcher popular amongst the students, with beginner to experienced Silver Medallion: Joshua Jones, Tom Cannington, Alexander riders enjoying the various events that were on offer Kirk throughout the season. Bronze Medallion: Angus Cornall, Lachlan Oates, Tom Nivison, The program for mountain biking included two weekly Hamish Newton training sessions, weekend races during Term 4 and Monday Team Achievements evening races during Term 1. TAS placed second in the New England North West All The first major race for the season was the Walcha Westpac Schools Invitational MTB race. TAS teams placed in the top Rescue Helicopter Mountain Bike Teams Challenge held at three positions of the junior division of the Walcha Westpac Langford Homestead Walcha. This was a charity race in which Rescue Helicopter MTB Teams Challenge and the UNE 12 race entries contribute to the financial needs of the ’ Hours in the Pine forest. rescue helicopter service. The event was a relay style race Individual Achievements that involved each team (of three riders) completing as many Australian Cross Country Mountain Bike Championships: laps as possible of the challenging 13km course within the Michael Harris (6th in under 19 male) three-hour time limit. The TAS teams finished strongly, with Oceania Mountain Bike Championships: Michael Harris (9th in all achieving a podium position within their respective age under 19 male XCO and 4th in elite male XCE) groups. Michael Harris also set the fastest course record. New England North West Schools Invitational: Robert Butcher The second major race for the season was the New England (2nd Under 19s), Michael Harris (1st Under 17s), Joshua North West High Schools Invitational, hosted by the New Jones (5th Under 15s), Finn Kennett (2nd Under 13s), Hamish England Mountain Bike Club. TAS had 24 students attend. Newton (3rd Under 13s), Cooper Mills (5th Under 13s) The race was a Cross Country Olympic (XCO) format with New England Mountain Bikers 2015 Summer Series: riders completing a set number of laps in the fastest time Michael Harris (1st elite men), Angus Cornall (2nd under 17 they could. TAS students rode exceptionally well, despite the male),Williiam Grant (4th under 17 male), Joshua Jones (2nd heat. With approximately 80 participants hailing from schools under 15 male), Alex Kirk (3rd under 15 male), Lachlan Oates from around the New England and North West, there were (4th under 15 male) some notable results achieved by our boys. Some of these include: U19 - Rob Butcher 2nd, U17 - Michael Harris 1st, Regional Representative Selection: U15 - (with 36 in this category) Joshua Jones, Alex Kirk and Joshua Jones, Tom Cannington (Two Wheel Academy Tobias Markerink finished 5th, 6th & 8th respectively while in selection) the U13 - Finn Kennett placed 2nd, Hamish Newton 3rd and The Squad: Robert Butcher, Zac Campbell, Hamish Cooper Mills 5th. In the competition for the Inter Schools MTB Cannington, Tom Cannington, Jaden Carroll, Benjamin Perpetual trophy, TAS finished second out of the 10 schools in Carter, Samuel Coombes, Angus Cornall, Hamish Edmonds, attendance, just being beaten by O’Connor Catholic College. Jack Gellie, , Michael Harris, Joshua Jones, In Term 1 the TAS MTB squad attended the New England Finn Kennet, Alexander Kirk, Tobias Markerink, Mac Metcalf, Mountain Bikers (NEMTB) Summer Series Races run every Nicholas Munsie, Hamish Newton, Tom Nivison, Monday evening throughout the term. Lachlan Oates, Samuel Osborne, Luke Rice, Clancy Roberts,

172 The Armidalian 173 Mountain Biking (Cont.)

The races were held on various mountain bike tracks around TAS had four teams of four riders in the junior category, four Armidale, including the Armidale Pine Forest, Sport UNE, teams of four riders in the intermediate category, Michael Kookaburra Crest, and ‘Fat Tyre Farm’ (Black Mountain). The Harris rode under his sponsor team in the open men’s format of these races involved riders completing as many division, and the coaches Mrs Joanne Benham, Mr Matthew laps of the 2-3km tracks as possible within the 35 minute Benham, Mr Richard Newton entered a team with fourth time frame. Riders received points according to their placing rider Mr Stephen Rumble in the open mixed division. In the in each race and those with the highest points at the end of junior division TAS teams rounded out the podium, while in the series were the overall winners. The TAS students rode the intermediate division TAS teams placed first and second. well with some outstanding results at the end of the series: In the open male teams division Michael Harris’ team won Michael Harris placed 1st in the Elite Men’s division; Joshua and placed first overall while the TAS coaches team won the Jones, Alex Kirk and Lachlan Oates placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th mixed division. respectively in the under 15 male division (which had 48 At national level cross country mountain biking, Michael participants); while Angus Cornall placed 2nd and William Harris competed in the under 19 men’s division of the Grant placed 4th in the under 17 male division. Australian Mountain Biking Championships. He placed 6th in The final major race of the season was the UNE 12 Hours this division and missed out by one place on being selected in the Piney. This was a teams event in which participants to represent Australia at the world junior championships. This make up teams of two to four riders and complete as many was his first year in the under 19’s so next season he will have laps of the 5km course within the four hour time frame (for a stronger chance when he is a year older. At international juniors), the 14km course within the eight hour time frame level, Michael competed in the Oceania Mountain Bike (for intermediate aged riders), or the 14km course within the Championships and placed 9th in the under 19 male XCO 12 hour time frame (for open riders). race and fourth in the elite men’s division of the XCE race behind two former world champions.

Mrs Joanne Benham MIC Mountain Biking

TAS Mountain Biking Team 2015 Back Row (l-r): Mrs Joanne Benham, Mr Richard Newton, Finn Kennett, Joshua Jones,Tom Nivison, Lachlan Oates, Tobias Markerink, Tom Cannington, Zac Campbell, Tristan Rozendaal. Second Row: William Grant, Hamish Newton, William Swales, Seaton Sharpe, Patrick Woodburn, Hamish Cannington, Clancy Roberts, Luke Rorke, Rob Butcher, Mr Aaron Kennewell. Front Row: Mac Metcalf, Samuel Coombes, Jack Gellie, Joseph Smyth, Nicholas Munsie, Ben Carter, Jaden Carroll, Riley Simmons, Hamish Tydd, Sam Osborne. Absent: Alex Kirk, Michael Harris, Angus Cornall, Hamish Edmonds

174 The Armidalian Netball

MIC Mrs Anne Trenerry Our Primary Division 2 players had a very positive season, developing confidence and skill. Our girls were an integral NET program: Peyton Slade, Sophia White part of the Super Sparkles team which ended the season as SET program: Scarlett Buntine, Camilla Coupland Grand Final winners, touching out the opposition in the last Primary 2 Division: Emily Buntine, Isabel Newton, Casey shot of the game to win 11-10. Smith, Ruby Straker

Mrs Anne Trenerry The Armidale and District Netball Association restructured MIC Netball the junior competition in 2015, implementing the NET, SET, GO program. This provided structured skill sessions for both the NET and SET players every Saturday. SET players, Scarlett Buntine and Camilla Coupland, who joined with the Sandon Stars, played games with slight modifications. Their season was very successful.

TAS Netball Team Back Row (l-r): Mrs Anne Trenerry, Ruby Straker, Casey Smith, Isabel Newton Front Row: Peyton Slade, Scarlett Buntine, Emily Buntine, Camilla Coupland, Sophia White

175 Rowing

MIC: Mr Will Caldwell The boys enjoyed warm hospitality from the Croker family at Captain of Boats: Ben MacDougall their January camp on Oxley Island, Taree. This was the venue for the 2012 camp and it was nice to go back to our roots. Colours and Medallions The boys were treated to a tour around the oar factory along Silver Colours: David Williams, Lachlan Apps, Ben with some sound career advice and life lessons from Howard MacDougall, Daniel Allen, Lewis Erskine-Smith, Harry Wright, Croker: “Find something you are passionate about and make William Raleigh, George Rodgers, Angus Lloyd, Joe Kingham, a living out of it”. Edward Howard, Will Brissett Silver Medallion: Jack Berry (cox), Henry Hughes (cox), The venue provided a perfect environment for hard work Hunter Hine (cox) and enjoyable down-time. The boys were on the water three Bronze Medallions: Charlton Grant, Chris Landenberger, Sam times each day and continued to work harmoniously as a Wright squad. Even after selections there was less than one second between the First and Second IV over the 2000 metre course. First Four The competition induced greater determination and a good- David Williams, Lachlan Apps, Ben MacDougall, Daniel Allen, natured rivalry between the crews. Throughout their journey Jack Berry (cox) the squad attracted attention due to their manner and Second Four bearing (and fluorescent bucket hats). People were generally Lewis Erskine-Smith, Harry Wright, William Raleigh, George interested and keenly followed the boys’ progress. It was an Rodgers, Henry Hughes (cox) enormous boost to the program to be able to purchase the Third Four ‘Jason Lincoln’ through the generous donation of a TAS Old Angus Lloyd, Joe Kingham, Edward Howard, William Brissett, Boy. Hunter Hine (cox) Reserves On 7 March, TAS entered a First, Second and Third IV in Charlton Grant, Chris Landenberger, Sam Wright the AAGPS Head of the River at the Sydney International Regatta Centre. The First IV achieved a shed best of 7:03 and In 2015, thanks to generous support from Old Boys and the a personal best by 13 seconds. The Second IV equalled their School Foundation, TAS became self reliant, boating all three best time, whilst the Third IV smashed their previous best by crews in TAS boats. Six boys returned from the 2014 season an amazing 25 seconds, finishing in a time of 7:19. None of making positions in the First IV extremely competitive. the crews made it to the podium but all of them added to As in previous seasons the strategy was to integrate the the competition and finished in front of schools with much experienced rowers with the novice rowers. In so doing, bigger and better resourced programs. the novice rowers were able to develop quickly and at the Grafton Regatta in December, you could throw a blanket over The fact that all three crews left the course with an the three crews. The squad remained in Grafton for four days overwhelming sense of satisfaction is testament that the and set about reducing the gap between them and their measure of their success was not their placing in a race but competition. It was both an enjoyable and productive time, rather how far they had come as rowers and young men; providing a solid foundation for the challenges ahead. the experiences they had enjoyed, the adversity they had overcome and the manner in which they constantly strived for excellence.

Mr Will Caldwell MIC Rowing

176 The Armidalian TAS Rowing Team Back Row (l-r): Lewis Erskine-Smith, Lachlan Apps, William Raleigh, George Rodgers, Angus Lloyd Middle Row: Mr Will Caldwell, Mr Ed Morgan, David Williams, Harry Wright, Joe Kingham, Edward Howard, Charlton Grant, Will Brissett, Mr Tim Wheaton. Front Row: Jack Berry, Henry Hughes, Chris Landenberger, Ben MacDougall (Captain of Boats), Daniel Allen, Samuel Wright, Hunter Hine

Head of the River 2015 177 Rugby

MIC: Mr Jamie Moore Unfortunately no seniors were able to secure spots but three Captain: Nicholas Finney boys were selected in the GPS Presidents U16 sides, Edward Vice-Captain: Charles McGowan Pitt (President’s A), Samuel Thatcher and Harrison Jackson (President’s B). All three performed well for their respective Another season of TAS rugby wound up with our suite of sides with President’s A eventually winning the state title. teams and support staff well travelled. Our annual treks to Staff member Mr Hugo Johnson was also the head coach Coonabarabran (to play Kinross Wolaroi School from Orange) of that team. Outside that pathway the school was very and Tamworth (Farrer MAHS) as well as twice to Sydney (Scots honoured to have players from all age groups representing Sevens, Senior and St Ignatius College First XV, Second XV further afield, be it playing for New England, making various and 16A) in the pre-season four trips to Sydney in the regular country age sides, representing Northern Inland Junior season and a late off-season journey to Warwick (Sevens Gold Cup sides, or touring with the final Country Schools Senior at Scots PGC) saw TAS teams travel well in excess of Development team to Singapore and Hong Kong, all of our 7000 km. Once again, and not surprisingly, the TAS rugby boys flew the TAS flag with distinction. community handled this with a positivity that typifies the attitude that, it is a privilege to play this game not a right. An There are many people and groups who combine to make attitude reflected, also, in our supporters who continue to our season a success and they deserve recognition. The make the effort to travel ‘down the hill’. Add to that the U16s players, coaches and managers all of whom work hard tour of NZ, our 12s playing in both the TAS Rugby Carnival through the cold winter afternoons and nights, sit on buses (TASRC) and National Primary Games in Tamworth and you and sleep on floors then play and back on the bus only to do have a full season. it again multiple times a year. To the parents who continue to support the boys, away and at home it is much appreciated. TAS teams performed well against their city rivals as well The Rugby Supporters Group who continue to work tirelessly as their country counterparts and furthered the programs to organise, work and support the TAS rugby program. The philosophy of playing the game in an open and fast TAS P&F run the canteen for home games and play a large manner. Our traditional ‘never say die’ defence is now being role in providing support for the TASRC. Finally, to all those complemented by skilful and exciting attack. This style of play who are involved in the logistics of hosting visitors and will continue to develop under the guidance of a dedicated getting our teams on the road. and experienced coaching team who, once again, have gone above and beyond to offer our players great opportunities to play. Mr Jamie Moore Our senior teams came up against some strong competition MIC Rugby this season and performed well with our Second XV winning a majority of their games and the Third/Fourth XV enjoying their opportunities to play. The First XV played in the GPS Third XV competition, which continues to grow in strength, and had some great wins and hard fought defeats. Our younger teams played some entertaining rugby against, what was regularly bigger opposition but, most importantly, derived great enjoyment from the challenge. (A table is included with all the scores.)

As always our biggest challenge is to provide competitive pathways. With Country Schools ceasing to operate in 2015 our option was to nominate for GPS representative sides.

178 The Armidalian Rugby Reports Teams who are proud to maintain and create their own First XV culture are a rarity. From warm up at the first training session Coaches: Mr Alan Jones, Mr Alex Smith to the final whistle of the game that particular week the Manager: Ms Julie Flanagan focus of each player was on the team and its success. Captain Strapper: Mr Kevin Creighton Nicholas Finney and Vice Captain Charlie McGowan were Captain: Nicholas Finney the heart and soul of the squad who absolutely relished the Vice Captain: Charlie McGowan challenge of leading the team against our GPS rivals as well Team: Will Hawker, Harri Jackson, Jayden Harradine, Henry as Kinross, Farrer and Canberra Grammar. All of the players Coldham, Jock Jackson, Charlie McGowan, Hayden Shepherd, ‘bought into’ the culture the group was endeavouring to Max Alcorn, Thomas Gall, William Archer, Brendan Power, establish and all contributed to the cause. Nicholas Finney, Lachlan Cruickshank, William Claridge, A GPS season is no simple task and I could not be more Damian Nott, Oliver White, Joe Kingham, Jack Bennett, Ben pleased for the players that all their hard work brought them Caskey, Jack Radford the victories they so well deserved. The results in our away

games this year were not atrue reflection of the team’s ability This season of 2015 for the team can only be described as and after two seasons as Third grade competition winners outstanding in all aspects of preparing for and playing the the standard of rugby has certainly improved as has the great game of rugby. The culture and dedication of the preparation of all teams that we face. This team should be players set a high benchmark and their commitment to the judged by their performance both on and off the field as ethos of TAS Rugby deserves high commendation. A TAS role models, as leaders and as a group of young men who rugby season with its travel, examination periods, assessment just loved playing for their school and for each other. It was tasks, training schedule etc is not an easy road for a senior a most enjoyable and rewarding coaching experience and student to contemplate but these hurdles were overcome I know that Mr Smith absolutely thrived in the company of and when on the park the team played with such passion and these fine young men. verve for the TAS jumper they were a joy to behold and to coach.

TAS Rugby First XV Back Row (l-r): Will Hawker, Damian Nott, Joe Kingham, Henry Coldham, Jock Jackson, Jack Bennett, William Claridge. Middle Row: Lachlan Cruickshank, Brendan Power, Thomas Gall, Jayden Harradine, Oliver White, Hayden Shepherd, Samuel Jackson-Bolton, Jack Radford. Front: Row: William Archer, Harri Jackson, Mr Alexander Smith, Nicholas Finney (captain), Headmaster Mr Murray Guest, Charles McGowan (vice captain), Mr Alan Jones, Max Alcorn, Ben Caskey 179 Rugby (Cont.)

TAS Second XV 15As & 15Bs Coaches: Mr David Drain, Mr Michael Barry & Coaches: Mr Andrew Junge, Mr Barney Buntine, Mr Jono Mr Oliver Bartlett Green. Manager: Ms Julie Flanagan Captains: 15As Dan Lethbridge,15Bs Nick Farrar and Jack Team Members: Lachlan Pollard (11 games), Lachlan Thomas Berry (11), George Sedgwick (11), Oliver Mayhew-Sanders (10), Team Members: Will Almond, Jack Berry, Richard Boney, Dominic Pilon (10), Harry Maxwell (10), Callan Creighton (10), Lachlan Cameron, Rowan Croft, Nick Farrar, Will Grant, Kobi Brett Kelly-Wirth (9), Jack Radford (9), Nicholas Bennet (8), Hall, Ben Hamparsum, Henry Hughes, Thomas Hyatt, Dan Damien Nott (8), Callum Bourke (8), Joe Makeham (7), Tom Lethbridge, Nicholas Makeham, Sam Marshall, Seb Martin, Butler (6), Angus Roxborough-Batt (6), Joe Kingham (5), Oliver Angus Mazzei, Thomas Morgan, Joshua Mills, Tully Muller, White (5), Sam Tullie (4), Jack Bennett (3), William Claridge (3), Jason O’Keefe, Maxie Qorovarua, Charlie Radford, Noah Rose, George Rodgers (3), Nicholas Day (3), Thomas Stier (2), Ben Anthony Russell Thomas, Ryan Schmidt, Angus Smith, Hugh Caskey (1), Will Waterson (1), Andrew Knight (1) Stonier, Harry Tombs, Luke Vagg, Max von Gavel-Cleasby, James Wicks, Alex Ziesemer Third & Fourth XV Awards: Recipient of Award for Best Rugby Team in the Coaches: Mr Ian McPherson, Mr Josh White School 2015:15As Manager: Ms Julie Flanagan Most Improved:15As Rowan Croft, 15Bs Sam Marshall Team Members: David Baker, Alister Braham, Tom Butler, Best and Fairest:15As, Dan Lethbridge,15Bs Tully Muller Campbell Cook, Hamish Coupland, Will Davis, Nicholas Druery, Matthew Evans, Cameron Finemore, Sebastian U14s Gibson, Cameron Holcombe, Edward Isaac, Andrew Knight, Coach: Mr Angus Murray, Mr Ben Corbett, Mr Patrick Jock McDonald, Lachie McDonald, Harry McDouall, Lachlan O’Connor Mills, Nicholas Moore, Duncan Quast, Brent Rees, Nicholas Team Members: Lucas Atkin, Oliver Broadbent, Hamish Rogers, George Rodgers, Callum Sellar, Connor Stainton, Cannington, Tom Cannington, Duncan Chalmers, Heath Thomas Stier, Sam Tullie, Will Waterson, Harry Williams Chandler, Henry Claridge, Nick Corderoy, Thomas Costello, Thomas Deshon, Angus Earle, Hamish Edmonds, Nicholas U16s Flannery, Ben Fogarty, Archie Graesser, Jack Halliday, Nicholas Coaches: Mr Hugo Jonson, Mr Jonny Beer H Jackson, Ethan Jones, Joshua Jones, Alex Kirk, Jasper Leoni, Manager: Mr Todd Currell Toby Markerink, Angus Martel, Harry Mason, Ben McElroy, 16As Mac Metcalf, Hamish Moore, Alex Ng, Tom Nivison, Henry Team Members: Oscar Alcorn, Michael Baldock, William O’Neil, Lachlan Oates, Michael Paull, James Pointing, Thomas Bartel, Lukas Cook, Wallace Davidson, Thomas Doran, Bayley Price, Luke Rorke, Ben Ryan, Joe Sewell, Seaton Sharpe, Liam Fellows, Harry Forsythe, Jordan Frahm, Harrison Gall, Nicholas Smith, Clayton Southwell, William Swales, Jack Waters, Henry Kirk, Dougal Mackay, William Morrice, James Murphy, Edward Watkins Pitt, Harry Pointing, Harry Pollard, Samuel Thatcher, Samuel U13s Weston Coaches: Mr Mark Taylor, Mr Will Chapman, Mr Joe Pareti 16Bs Manager: Ms Amanda Robins Team Members: Samuel Berry, Luke Bray, Sam Cannington, Captains: 13As Cooper Johnson & Liam Matherson Angus Eichorn, Hugh Finemore, Jonathan Frogley, Thomas 13Bs Will Benham Goodfellow, Blake Harradine, James Hartog-Smith, Saxon Hughes, Jack Kaynes, Sam Kealey, Jock McMaster, Callan Moffatt, Nathan Moon, Sinclair Moore, Nkosiphile (Mike) Nyathi, Matt Ota, Connor Oudenryn, Henry Perrottet, Will Reeves,Sebastian Scott, Oliver Shannon, Darcy Smyth, Liam Treavors, Charles Uren, Stockley Warton, William Whitney, Hugh Worsley 180 The Armidalian Team Members: Harry Ackling, Joe Alcorn, Josh Armstrong, Jack Nivison, James O’Brien, Hamish Parsons, Nathaniel William Benham, Gwynne Beynon, Marcus Braham, William Pidgeon, James Scotton, Jack Sewell, Riley Simmons, Toby Braham, Zac Campbell, Benjamin Carter, Rorie Chambers, Smith, Thomas Stinson, William Young. Jackson Clark, Jake Clonan, Lucas Cotterill, Jack Davidson, Awards:13As, Harry Deshon, R/Up Angus Davidson Angus Davidson, Harry Deshon, Riley Eichorn, Will Ellis, 13Bs: Will Braham, R/Up Niall Moore Navajo Higgins, Cooper Johnson, Samuel Jones, Leon Kelly, Coaches Awards: 13As Angus Davidson,13Bs Will Benham Will Koraba, Liam Matherson, Zachary Matherson, Noah Manager’s Award : Cooper Johnson McCann, Toby McMaster, John Moore, Niall Moore,

Rugby Results - 2015 Season TAS SGS TAS JOEYS TAS SHORE TAS SCOTS 1st XV 10 26 7 31 3rd XV 0 3 3rd XV 12 12 3rd XV 2nd XV 28 12 14 17 5th XV 12 13 5th XV 47 7 5th XV 3rd XV 7 15 10 20 7th XV 10 27 7th XV 39 7 7th XV 4th XV NG NG NG NG 12th XV 0 38 8th XV NG NG 16As 7 38 19 37 16B 10 12 16Bs 28 31 16B 16Bs NG NG 5 31 16D 12 17 16E 14 24 16D 15As 43 0 14 7 15B 21 29 15B 40 0 15B 15Bs 21 36 7 55 15E 28 43 15D 26 28 15C 14As 17 19 15 44 14B 22 17 14B 17 7 14B 14Bs 36 10 0 45 14D 20 14 14D 0 53 14D 13As 25 19 5 22 13B 7 47 13B 22 7 13B 13Bs 12 14 0 60 13G 12 15 13F 12 22 13E 12s 21 59 13C

TAS KINGS TAS NEWINGTON TAS SBHS TAS RIVERVIEW 1st XV 24 5 3rd XV 24 0 3rd XV 40 10 26 5 3rd XV 2nd XV 27 0 4th XV 22 21 SIC 5th XV 78 0 74 5 5th XV 3rd XV NG NG 7th XV 12 41 SIC 6th XV NG NG 47 5 7th XV 4th XV NG NG 10th XV NG NG NG NG 9th XV 16As 12 13 16B 22 27 16A 66 5 19 7 16B 16Bs 21 45 16B 14 27 16B 37 5 19 27 16D 15As 20 15 15B 30 5 15B 10 12 14 21 15B 15Bs 0 66 15C 0 61 SIC15C 40 34 7 24 15D 14As 52 10 14B 20 19 14B 12 22 12 32 14B 14Bs 12 22 14C 0 48 SIC14C 22 19 5 12 14D 13As 10 10 13B 17 7 13B 5 20 13 13 13B 13Bs 5 48 13C 12 7 SIC13D 0 5 0 29 13D

181 NZ Rugby Tour The skills acquired by the boys were then put into practice On 30 July 27 TAS boys embarked on the annual New Zealand during a tough game against Christchurch Boys’ High, Rugby Development Tour testing their endurance, resilience where unfortunately they were defeated. This however did and fortitude. Over 10 days the TAS boys got to experience not damped spirits as the boys joined their opponents in a everything New Zealand has to offer from picturesque homestay where the TAS boys got to experience the customs landscapes and frozen rugby fields though to the heart of a New Zealand family. racing, adrenalin pumping activities such as the Shot Over The final game of the tour was against St Thomas’ where the Jet, skiing at Coronet Peak Ski fields and the Skyline Gondola boys stood as proud respectful TAS boys and endured their and Luge. first ‘Haka’. The TAS boys did not let this intimidate them and The first match in the tour was at Wanaka against Mount played a very hard game and unfortunately were beaten in a Aspiring College where the team was lead by Wally Davidson close finish.Two Canterbury level coaches, again improving as captain; unfortunately the boys were defeated however the boy’s skills and helping further develop their passion for settled into the cold New Zealand climate. the game, conducted one last developmental session prior to departure. Terrace Downs was to be an experience for all boys and coaches alike, getting an insight into the minds of two The tour drew to a close with a visit to the International professional Canterbury coaches and having the opportunity Antarctic Centre & Penguin Encounter where the boys got a to stay at one of the South Island’s best golf resorts. detailed overview of not only many species of animals living in the Antarctic regions but how scientists and researchers endure these remote and harsh locations.

Mr Todd Currell Tour Manager

Thomas Gall avoids the tackle from a St Joseph’s College player at TAS 182 The Armidalian TAS Rugby Carnival 2015

Two Sydney teams battled it out in the final of the top division, but it was a Queensland school that took home the most coveted award at the 2015 TAS Rugby Carnival in April, the largest primary-aged rugby carnival in Australia.

For the second time at a TAS Rugby Carnival, Matthew Flinders Anglican College of Buderim, Queensland, won the BLK Team of the Carnival that recognises good spirit and sportsmanship on and off the field. One hundred and five games of rugby were played over the weekend, with Sydney club team Gordon Highlanders defeating Prep 1 by 19-5 in the main division one final.

Waverley College Blue won the second division while Cranbrook School took out third division, both determined Ben Rowe forges ahead with the ball for TAS, supported by teammates by overall points. Sam Osborne, Archie Chick, Sam Skipper and Henry Mitchell. Photo: www. pixonline.com.au

After sunny and warm conditions on Saturday, light rain on Sunday did not dampen the spirits of the 850 boys and girls from 42 teams who had travelled from as far as the Sunshine Coast and the NSW Southern Highlands for the 11th annual fixture.

General Manager Rugby Development at NSW Rugby Union Adam Crane and Australian Rugby Union General Manager Pathways & Performance Ben Whitaker attended the carnival and paid tribute to organisers and spoke with players and parents about pathway opportunities.

At a ‘Q&A’ session after the official opening on Saturday afternoon former Brumbies and Wallabies player Rod Kafer, who had a son playing in the carnival, offered inspiring advice to participants, sharing his story about how his drive to succeed came out of suffering from diabetes, and how he then battled injuries three years his initial selection in the Wallabies.

Among others attending the carnival in private capacities were Australian Rugby Union President David Crombie and tennis great Tony Roche, but supporting grandsons from the sidelines.

A new initiative was the Spirit of Rugby Relay, a spectacle watched by 1000 supporters. The only time during the carnival when all teams are competing on the one field, the event comprised of four runners from each team, with Ambrose Treacey College Blue team (formerly Nudgee Junior College).

183 Shooting

Master-in-Charge: Mr Trevor Thatcher GPS Shooting Camp Manager: Mr Max Tavener At the annual GPS camp at Hornsby Rifle Range Sydney, TAS Coaches: Mr Rob Bondfield, Mr David Lawrence, teams trained with the support of current national team Mr Mark Morton coach Rick Ashton, renowned old boy Rob Bondfield and Captain: William Claridge 1980 Olympian David Hollister, and Bryan Mellor from North Vice-Captains: Cameron Holcombe and Hugh Morton Sydney Smallbore Club. Achievements: Selection in NSW Under 25 Country Team - All Schools Competition (11 July) Hugh Morton and Cameron Holcombe TAS competed with three teams in the Fiona Reynolds

Memorial All Schools Match at Anzac Rifle Range Malabar on Fullbore Teams Saturday 11 July, 20 five person teams across seven schools First VIII participated in the competition with the match being shot William Claridge (c), Duncan Quast, Tom Mailler, Cameron as one stage at 500m and two stages at 600m. Most teams Holcombe, Hugh Morton, Sam Cannington, Tom Southwell, having the opportunity to use electronic targets for the first Angus Mazzei, Henry Smith (one match only) time. Best of the TAS shooters was Sam Cannington with an Second VIII aggregate score of 141-12 (possible 150). Lewis Taylor (c), Sam Marshall, Henry Smith, Angus Earle, Hugh Stonier, Nathan Moon, Tom Deshon, Noah Rose GPS Shooting Premiership (14 -15 July) Day 1 saw the Rawson Cup shot at a 500m and 600m stage. TAS Rifle Club continued to develop students in target rifle Unfortunately the team struggled with this competition and shooting in 2015. ranked last in the event. In the afternoon the NRA Shield Our smallbore shooting at TAS Meadowfield Range focussed was shot at 600m. A significant improvement by the team on training and preparing boys for participation in the resulted in a 5th place, with narrow margin to 4th and 3rd fullbore discipline. Midweek practices were shot at the 50 place of only seven points. Best of the TAS shooters was yard deliberate and snap matches. In Term 4 a Friday evening Cameron Holcombe, having only dropped 7 points, Duncan prize shoot competition was staged, proving to be very Quast, Sam Cannington and Angus Mazzei. popular and successful with 29 shooters registered (students Day 2 of the Shooting Premiership saw a strong performance and Old Boys) and over $1300 worth of prizes presented. by all TAS shooters. In the morning the Second VIII competed The rifle club also applied for and received funding from shooting aseven shot stage at 500m followed by 7 shots NSW Department of Sport and Recreation’s Safe Shooting at 300m for the GPS Seconds Premiership Shield. Our boys Program, allowing upgrades to the range including gallery shot exceptionally well ranking highly after the 500m and lighting, butt stop and target gallery renewal and alarm continued with their strong performance at 300m. The team system installation. ranked 5th, although only four points separated 2nd place to 5th place. Best of our shooters was Henry Smith, dropping Fullbore shooting commenced with Saturday training days only one point for the match with a score of 69-7 (possible at Wollomombi rifle range, shooting deliberate and snap 70) followed by Sam Marshall with a 65-4 and Angus Earle applications from 300 – 600 yards. 65-2.

Subsequently, boys competed in prize shoots held at Spring In the afternoon the final match of the First Grade Ridge and Warwick with a great deal of individual success. premiership was shot, the Buchanan Shield. Shot as a 300m A fullbore training camp was also conducted at the end of eight shot deliberate stage followed by the famed snap the April holidays at Spring Ridge Rifle Range with Mr Rob application, the team performance significantly improved. Bondfield (Old Boy and QLD shooter) and Mr Nathan Smith TAS ranked third in this match, narrowly beaten into second (Australian team member and NSW coach). place by two points from Scots and King’s further ahead in first place.

184 The Armidalian

Best of the TAS shooters in this match were Sam Cannington, Our annual presentation dinner was staged at Hornsby Tom Southwell and Henry Smith - all with 75-3 (possible 80). RSL Club on Wednesday night immediately after the GPS Henry Smith was picked into the First VIII for this match after competition. A semi-formal occasion with most parents, his exceptional performance in the morning. coaches, the headmaster and director of co-curricular in attendance, proved very successful. Our best shooter was Cameron Holcombe with a score of 186-8 (possible 200). Unfortunately TAS shooters did not Mr Trevor Thatcher qualify for a place in the GPS representative team, the cut off MIC Shooting being 189.

Shooting Awards 2015 J Bell-Allen Cup Top Score at GPS First VIII Cameron Holcombe The Abbott Shield Top Score at GPS Second VIII Henry Smith Holmes Trophy Most Improved Shooter Angus Mazzei Snap Shooting Trophy Best Snap Score at GPS Cameron Holcome and Sam Cannington W A Ward trophy Best Performance at GPS Shooting Camp William Claridge Cox Memorial Challenge Cup Club Champion Sam Cannington Max Tavener Award Junior Champion Angus Mazzei Stening Shield Wind Coach of Top Score at GPS Sam Cannington D W Willis Award for Outstanding Service to TAS Rifle Club Duncan Quast

First VIII Shooting Team Back Row (l-r): Sam Cannington, Tom Southwell, Mr Mark Morton, Mr David Lawrence, Angus Mazzei, Henry Smith Front Row: Tom Mailler, Cameron Holcombe, Headmaster Mr Murray Guest, William Claridge, Mr Trevor Thatcher, Hugh Morton, Duncan Quast

185 Swimming

MIC: Mr James Pennington Coaches: Mr James Pennington, Mr James Harwood Captain: William Raleigh Vice Captain: Harry Wright

TAS Awards: Gold Colours: William Raleigh, Harry Wright Silver Colours: Jack Parker Gold Medallion: Liam Donaldson Silver Medallions: Samuel Wright, Jack Kaynes

TAS Middle/Senior School Swimming Championships Results Middle & Senior School Age Champions Championships Back Row (l-r): Liam Donaldson, William Raleigh, Harry Wright Front Row: Joseph Anderson, Hamish Cannington, Samuel Wright, Age Champion Runner-up James O'Brien 12yrs & under Joseph Anderson Lucas Cotterell 13 yrs James O’Brien Clancy Roberts NCIS Swimming Championships 14 yrs Hamish Cannington Hamish Moore Members of the TAS Swimming Team which competed at the 15 yrs Sam Wright Jack Kaynes NCIS Championships were: William Raleigh, Harry Wright, 16 yrs Liam Donaldson Saxon Hughes Jack Parker, Liam Donaldson, Saxon Hughes, James Hartog- 17 yrs Harry Wright Jack Parker Smith, Will Bartel, Samuel Wright, Jack Kaynes, Matthew 18 yrs & over William Raleigh Nicholas Finney Turnbull, Hamish Cannington, Hamish Moore, Michael Paull, Clancy Roberts, James O’Brien, Lucas Cotterell, Joseph House Points Anderson, John McGregor-Thew, Hamish Chalmers For Total Swimming Championships points score: Place House Points NSW CIS Secondary Swimming 1st Broughton 12517 Lucas Cotterell represented TAS at the NCIS at the CIS 2nd Tyrrell 12463 Secondary Swimming Championships held at Sydney 3rd Abbott 10846 Olympic Park. 4th Ross 8806 TAS Swimming Championships 2015 5th Green 8544 In 2015 there was a return to the victory dais for Broughton, 6th Croft 8130 better known as the ‘Yellow Swimming Team’. With Tyrrell Champion House (ie, the House which scored the most having won the past four years, breaking the Broughton number of points per student enrolled in that House): streak of 17 consecutive years, the day boys had a point to prove. From the outset, it was a close fought battle, with Place House Points participation rates once again breaking previous years. The 1st Broughton 169.1 initial scores suggested any house could win, such was the 2nd Tyrrell 168.4 strength of competition, but as the day drew to a close with 3rd Abbott 152.8 the relays, it was evident that Broughton would rise again. 4th Croft 133.3 5th Green 105.5 6th Ross 104.8

186 The Armidalian NCIS Swimming The Middle School assault was lead by James O’Brien A strong contingent of 31 swimmers presented themselves and Lucas Cotterell who both received overall runners- to the annual NCIS Swimming Championships at the Lismore up trophies for their age groups. Coupled with solid Memorial Pool. In conditions perfectly suited to swimming, performances from the likes of Clancy Roberts, Michael Paull these athletes glided their way to numerous personal bests and the two Hamishs (Moore and Cannington), the future of and outstanding places. TAS swimming continues to shine brightly.

The children of Junior School performed with aplomb, Under the stewardship of Will Raleigh (c) and Harry Wright enjoying the camaraderie with the older students, with the (vc), the Senior School was fantastically represented. The two girls excelling in the freestyle events, especially Poppy Broun Jacks (Parker and Kaynes) were once again the dominant and Isabel Newton. Hugh Taylor and Oliver Smart performed force in breaststroke, Liam Donaldson (R/U 16s) was all power strongly throughout the day, swimming powerfully in their in the butterfly, James Hartog-Smith slipped through the respective events. backstroke and Saxon Hughes and Will Bartel unleashed themselves in the freestyle.

Mr James Pennington MIC Swimming

NCIS Secondary Team- 2015 Back Row (l-r): Harry Wright, William Raleigh, Jack Parker, James Hartog-Smith Second Row: Sam Wright, Jack Kaynes, Liam Donaldson, William Bartel, Saxon Hughes Front Row: Lucas Cotterell, Clancy Roberts, Hamish Moore, James O'Brien, Hamish Cannington, Michael Paull

187 Tennis

MIC: Ms Jayne Heagney There were also number of highlights for TAS tennis this Staff: Mr Stephen Thompson, Mr Christian Nexo, Ms Jennifer year. The year started with TAS entering players in the MJDS Goldsworthy, Miss Amy Symons tournament in both Armidale and Inverell. From here, our Captain: Will Waterson, (2014-15), Charlie Wyatt (2015-16) tennis players were immersed in schoolboy fixtures against Vice Captain: Joshua Stevenson (2014-15), Sam Tullie Sydney Boys High and the Old Boys. (2015-16) The NCIS tennis tour to Grafton was a successful event for all TAS Awards age groups. Our teams were entered into seeded pools of six- Silver Colours: Will Waterson, Joshua Stevenson, Charlie Wyatt eight players in a round robin draw, with the top eight results Gold Medallion: Nicholas Barnier going onto quarter finals, semi finals and then finals. TAS had Joshua Miron, Hunter Hine, Sam Wright, Will Waterson Team Members and Nicholas Barnier progress through to the quarter finals. 2015 TAS NCIS Primary Team: Cameron Le Surf, Lachlan With the backing of the entire TAS squad Nick won his final in Morgan, Joshua Miron, Harrison Price straight sets 6-0. 2014 TAS NCIS U14s Team: Nicholas Barnier, Hunter Hine,

Toby Smith Ms Jayne Heagney 2014 TAS NCIS U17s Team: Will Waterson, Nicholas Moar, MIC Tennis Sam Wright, Harry Graham

This year saw a major shift in the format of TAS tennis. The shift in format has enabled the students to develop their skills for competition tennis, with all students taking part once a week in a singles and doubles competition. This has been a positive move for tennis, and the students are thoroughly enjoying the competition component of the sport.

TAS Tennis Team Back Row (l-r): Angus Apps, Charlie Wyatt, Lachlan Apps, Joshua Stevenson, Jason O’Keefe Front Row: Nicholas Barnier, Ms Jayne Heagney, Will Waterson (captain), Headmaster Mr Murray Guest, Duncan Chalmers

188 The Armidalian Triathlon

MIC: Mr James Pennington It was however the growth in participants at the NSW All Coaches: Mr James Pennington, Ms Jayne Heagney Schools Triathlon that was the most pleasing. This is a very demanding and fast course, with the best triathletes in the TAS Awards state competing. For 2015 we had KB Fergusson (Captain of Gold Colours: KB Fergusson, Jack Parker Triathlon), Brent Rees, Jack Parker, Sam Finalyson, Hamish Silver Colours: Brent Rees, Sam Finlayson Moore, Joshua Jones, Samuel King, Sam Jones, James O’Brien Gold Medallion: Brough Whibley, Angus Webber, Lewis Taylor flying the flag for TAS, and they did not let themselves or Silver Medallion: Hamish Moore, Samuel King, Joshua Jones their school down. It is also important to acknowledge the competitors for this year’s ‘Suck it up Buttercup’ race 2015 was a watershed year for Triathlon at TAS. Our numbers in Tamworth, a10km obstacle/off road event held the have increased stratospherically, which is such a wonderful weekend just prior to Activities Week. The boys are by this signal of health amongst the student population. The unique time extremely tired, but will still had the full complement challenge offered by Triathlon continues to inspire and attract of athletes along with several ‘ring-ins’ joining us for the day. athletes of all abilities to this sport. This proves that the youth of today are always in search of a challenge. The usual events on offer from the Armidale Triathlon Series, Inverell Triathlon, Coffs Harbour Ocean Swim, Inverell Mr James Pennington Toughen Up, Inverell 100km Bike Challenge, Tamworth MIC Triathlon Suck it Up Buttercup, Inverell Fun Run, Sydney City to Surf and the Armidale Fun Run were well supported as always.

TAS Triathlon Team Back Row (l-r): Nicholas Makeham, Callan Moffatt, Angus Webber, Jarrod Bourke, Jack Parker, Joe Makeham, Lewis Taylor, Brough Whibley, Harry Tombs Third Row: Jack Boydell, Hamish Moore, Luca Parramon, Henry Perrottet, Jack Kaynes, Bayley Fellowes, Tobias Markerink, Joshua Jones, Hugh Finemore, William Bartel Second Row: Miss Jayne Heagney, Mr David Drain, Patrick Woodburn, Hamish Cannington, Sam Finlayson, Lachlan Knowles, Sam Kealey, Timothy Finlayson, Brent Rees, Samuel King, Stuart Epworth, Mr James Pennington Front Row: Henry Watkins, James O’Brien, Michael Paull, Thomas Price, Callum Bourke, KB Fergusson, Bailey Bourke, Henry Claridge, Sam Jones, Hamish Tydd

189 190 The Armidalian School Community

191 Foundation Report

Foundation Office Bearers

Director of Development Ms C M Mort Progress and development in the Foundation this year President Mr J Grant has centred around some core projects: the updating of Secretary Mr E P B Bradley the Foundation’s 30 year old Constitution, the approval of funding to replace all the furniture in boys’ boarding houses It is with great pleasure that I present my first report as the and the approval to create a TAS Bequest Society from 2016. newly appointed President of the TAS Foundation and to All of these projects we consider to be essential for the future summarise the activities and performance of the Foundation development of the school and the Foundation’s role within over the past 12 months. it.

It has been an interesting period for the directors of the Once again this year we have enjoyed the financial support of TAS Foundation in ensuring stable development in the our community with donations to our various Annual Giving Foundation’s portfolio for the continued financial support for projects reaching $123,000. These invaluable contributions the school’s scholarships, bursaries and building programs make it possible for us to offer over 70 TAS families and, at the same time, aiming for prudent investment scholarship and bursary assistance and for us to continue our allocation that avoids the pitfalls of the market while program of building upgrades. capitalising on growth opportunities. The graph below The upgrade to Memorial Hall was again the cause we indicates the year-end value of the portfolio, which is promoted at the end of year Foundation organ concert. pleasing despite the instability of global markets over the The stunning organ recital, supported by the TAS music past 12 months. staff, choirs and students was the highlight of the year and I thank all who attended and contributed with a donation to the critical work needed in Memorial Hall. This work will commence in 2016 and we all look forward to its completion and another opportunity to enjoy the musical performances from staff and students alike.

This year we farewelled Mr Simon Paul and Mrs Angela Sole as a directors following many years of service to the Board and in April we welcomed Mr Duncan McDonald. I extend my deep thanks to all the hard work of my fellow directors for their commitment over the past year and commend all in the TAS community to consider supporting the TAS Foundation through donation and membership.

Mr John Grant President, TAS Foundation

192 The Armidalian Old Boys’ Union

Old Boys’ Union Office Bearers This year the OBU iniated the Old Boys’ Shooting Appeal to help raise money to purchase new rifles and equipment for President Mr M A Berry the the School. The OBU has donated ten thousand dollars Secretary Mr T R Hughes and other Old Boys have made significant donations as well. Treasurer Mr A B Thomas Thank you to the Rugby Supporters Group and the P&F for It is with great pride and satisfaction that I deliver my annual their contributions. A special mention to Mr Hugh Cameron report to the 2015 AGM. I have really enjoyed the past three for bringing the plight of the shooters to the committee’s years as President. Thank you to the committee for all your attention, as shooting has been one of our most successful support and willingness to move forward. It is important that GPS sports for many years. as a committee we remain an active and supportive unit to On behalf of the OBU I would like thank Mr Murray Guest for the School and its needs. allowing the OBU to use the School for reunions, meetings To Tim Hughes, our secretary for his professionalism and and other special functions. Thank you to the ground dedication in his role. Having Tim working at the School helps staff for all their help setting up and keeping the School the OBU to maintain a good relationship with the School and in such magnificent condition. A special thanks to Mr Will up to date with current information. To Alex Thomas, well Caldwell for making it possible to have a GPS rugby game done for your first year as treasurer. in conjunction with the Old Boys’ Weekend and with all the other sporting events he made possible for the day. Thanks The OBU would not run smoothly without an administrator, also to all the Old Boys who organised and competed in thank you to Donna Jackson for all her work and time competition against the school. organising OBU business. Thank you to Cressida Mort for her valuable help and support to the OBU and Bell Tower Society. I am proud to be an Old Boy.

Special mention to Mr Paddy Flower, our GPS OBU Mr Mark Berry representative in Sydney. His passion and pride for the School President TAS OBU and OBU is truly amazing. To our Sydney committee led by Andrew Erratt, thank you for flying the OB’s flag down there Old Boys in Memoriam 2014-15 and organizing functions for Old Boys, including the ‘long lunch’ later this year. Robert Peter Cannington (54-59) John Colin Chapman (48-52) This year history was created with the announcement The George Clift (44-46) Armidale School would become co-educational in 2016. This Quentin Stewart Croft (82-85) sparked a lot of healthy debate within the TAS community. Bruce Crosby Dyson (42-43) Education is a very competitive business and with all business John Gordon James Ede (54-56) Richard Ross Evans (65-68) you need to look outside the square to remain competitive. Roderick (Ike) Fisher (42-44) We as past students talk about our times at TAS which is now William (Roy) Forsyth (32-35) history. In years to come the present students will have their Theodore Charles Hill (43-50) own history to talk about. It is important when change comes Reginald William ‘Silky’ Hudson (39-46) Stephen Richardson (32-40) we embrace it to keep the future moving forward. I wish Trevor Vautier Robinson (Hon OB) the School Board and the Headmaster every bit of success Ian Michael Seale (38-43) implementing these changes. Cecil Thomas Spence (57-63) Richard Roger Stanton (78, 80-83) Congratulations to the School on their academic and Neil Gordon Stewart (71-72) sporting achievements over the last year. I always enjoy Bruce Morison Treloar AM (40-44) watching the boys competing in all sports. John James Tuit (51-52) Raymond Osborne Walker (34-48 Richard Vernon Way (33-35) Dudley Malcolm White (44-45)

193 Parents & Friends

Parents’ and Friends’ Office Bearers And, finally, our Community Service teams who have again provided to us muscle power when we needed it to move 2014-15 stuff with a smile. President Mrs S M Cartwright

Vice President Mrs R Nicoll We cannot do it without you, and your support and Secretary Ms A B Molesworth commitment to our school community is very much Treasurer Mrs M C van Duijnhoven appreciated. And I repeat my comment from last year that 2015-16 all of this is what sets this school apart from so many. We President Mrs S M Cartwright are a relatively small community, but this family of parents, Secretary Ms A B Molesworth current students, friends, Old Boys and the staff truly do Treasurer Mrs M C van Duijnhoven make the most incredible team. And this is evidenced at so many events, including assemblies, where students across From an early AGM in 2015 to a slightly later AGM in 2016 the school support others in the achievements and also their we have had a longer year in office. This came about with participation - from the ones who enter a swimming race consideration of the extraordinarily busy time the school, and even though not a confident swimmer, to be cheered along therefore your P&F, experiences in Term 1 each year. So we and provided with a standing ovation when they finish; to the investigated the options and decided to move it later. While lengthy standing ovation given to Michael Harris at Assembly Term 2 is still active with home games and our involvement in in recognition of him becoming the U19 National Mountain that, it gives incoming Executives and Committees a chance Bike Cross Country champion. to build into their roles before managing large events and activities. We were fortunate that our reporting timelines Our activities have tracked, for the most part, along similar allowed us to make this change. lines as previous years - school sporting carnivals, the We have been in office now for five terms and for four of enormous TAS Rugby Carnival which with a brand new team those I have been living in Sydney. So I would like to start went off so smoothly - what a credit to all involved, home this report with the biggest and most heartfelt thanks to my game canteens, TAS Pudding weekend and as the year was wonderful support team - Rachael Nicoll as Vice President; drawing to a close, the inaugural TAS@dusk, and then this Sal Molesworth as Secretary and Mandy van Duijnhoven as year we started it all over again and have even had our first Treasurer. Mandy resigned at the end of last year when her rugby home game canteen for the season. son left the school, but fortunately Melissa Jubb and Janetta A quick run-down: Matchett stepped in to fill her shoes and I thank them too. • Term 1 Swimming and Athletics Carnivals are supported Of course it is not only the Executive who work through the with a small canteen activity - drinks and home baked or year. It is also the wonderful group of parents who give of bought sweet treats are sold to staff, students and visitors to their valuable family time to act as Liaison Parents, serve on the carnivals. organising committees and to work at the individual events. Not to mention all those who regularly bake up a storm! • War Cry 2016 - this year it was suggested that the P&F should put on a little sausage sizzle for those parents and And as for the school staff...what can I say? Across the entire students not involved in Middle School Barbecue. We decided staff we have been supported and assisted at every turn. to start pretty small as it was a brand new offering, and we Murray Guest is always available as a sounding board and were very pleased with the results. It really did offer friends a is the face of most of what we do; the Business Office team chance to reconnect at the start of the new school year, and it provide support for our events and activities; Cressida Mort, is something that we would like to see continue. Tim Hughes and Donna Jackson in the Development Office - what don’t they do?; the kitchen, housekeeping and grounds’ staff - nothing is too much trouble.

194 The Armidalian • TAS Rugby Carnivals - The P&F is not involved in the As a first event we could not have asked for a better result organisation of the carnival itself, but we oversee the catering - lots of guests, lots of happy faces, great weather, love the for players, the barbecue and canteen. new location and a wonderful platform from which to build this new annual fundraiser. I take this opportunity to thank The carnival’s dream team organising committee of all those involved in organising and also working on the day. Will Caldwell, Cressida Mort and Sarah Broadbent made This was something that I was super keen to see happen, but everything seem easy (well, as easy as it could be, given all with moving to Sydney could only be involved from afar until the variables!) and they are to be commended for an amazing the actual event took place - and what fun I had working with job. the organising committee. I was unable to make to the carnival this year, but I would like All of these events have provided many opportunities to raise to thank Rachael and Sal (and no doubt others I have missed) the funds we distribute for non-core school activities and for really getting in and making it happen. The big change ‘things’. This year we again raised many thousands of dollars this year was the use of the ‘big hoochie’ to centralise food that have been distributed across many areas and I believe sales, and also the use of Middle School for player lunches. we will be able to build on the last five terms and do it even This gave a greater control of production and sales, resulting better. in much better financial results this year over last year. We are at the start of a new chapter in the school’s history • Rugby home games - with the assistance of the rugby year and, as the P&F has so many opportunities to contribute groups we continued to run the canteen in the McConville available to us, I take this chance to thank you all again and Centre for rugby home games. It is still a work in progress invite you to continue to support our efforts both big and in terms of style and running, but it is regarded as a very small. important way of raising money and also offering TAS hospitality to all involved from near and far. In closing, I again thank my incredible support team for their commitment and tireless efforts. • TAS Puddings - I have two personal favourite events/ activities, and this is one of them.

Mrs Sue Cartwright Kel and his team in the kitchen provide a lot of assistance President prior to us turning up, and even when we are there, but it is the team of mums (and in Term 4, 2015, a brand new student as well - one of our first girls) who get in and weigh, count, mix, distribute, package and wrap that makes it fun. All puddings were sold this year, with the last few being sold at Speech Day.

• TAS@Dusk - Earlier in 2015 it was discussed that the RazzamaTAS fete had run its course for the time being, and it was time to try something new to engage the school community and also the work towards bringing in the broader community. A brainstorming meeting or two later and TAS@Dusk was born - music, emporium, some stalls, more food providers, raffles, lots of music and of course the wonderful pig races.

195 School Roll

Transition Year 1 Year 3 Morgan, D J Year 6

Carruthers, C A Billingsley, E M Ball, T J Nash, W R C Alcorn, J M

Chick, Miss M E G Broadfoot, L J Baumgartner, C Nicoll, C S Anderson, J N

Junge, Miss E J Evans, M B Blackburn, J G O’Neil, J S M Burwell, B H

Newton, E K Rowe, T J Campbell, A W Pongrass, J A Chalmers, H J

Robb, O S B Ryan, C B Connock, L H Repin, C G Chandler, H

Stephen, X M Schumacher, L J Davison, W O Russ, J W Chick, A W G

Taylor, H A R Sharkey, R C Dundon, T J Simmonds, C J Coombes, S L

Taylor, Miss L A L Slade, Miss P O Eichorn, B E Smart, O N Cotterill, A

Wood, J W J Smith J W Ford, T J Taylor, H S Daugherty, F O I

White, Miss S Gerdes, L D Thomas, L A Ferguson, D A

Kindergarten Whitehill, B A Gilpin, W J Webber, A C Fulloon, A J

Baumgartner, J Winslett, F B Kirton, H N Galbraith, L J

Bock, S J Lawrence, B E Year 5 Gellie, J P

Broun, H H W Year 2 Neilson, L B Ball, S J Gibson, A P

Brownlie, H J A Baker, I T Newton, A N Catterall, H J Jackson, F J

Buntine, Miss M A B Bower, C T Pennington, H D J Ditchfield, H O Lawrence, A J

Connor, F J Buntine, Miss S A B White, A H Douglas-Menzies, H C Lindeman, T J

Fenwicke, J D P Chick, E B G Eichorn, H E Litchfield, H F

Ford, S T A Coupland, Miss C J Year 4 Gerdes, I A McDonald, A

Hu, L Douglas-Menzies, A R Alenazi, N Y O Hempel, M C T McGregor-Thew, J W D

Junge, M H Kwan, E Broadfoot, F J Jubb, W D Mitchell, H W

Li, A Latham, L J Broun, Miss P E Le Surf, C J Moore, H A T

Murphy, D L Litchfield, L O Buntine, Miss E L B McCann, B Munsie, N

Peart, Miss L M Murphy, O B Chalmers, Miss D K Miron, J D Nicol, W L

Robb, M F B Schalk-O’Brien, T J Costello, L Morgan, L E Nicoll, L J

Rucci, J Strelitz, S P Evans, P M Newton, Miss I N O’Neil, N J M

Thompson, P N Thomas, N F Harris, J R S Perrottet, F R J Osborne, S G

Webber, R C Ward, F I Henzell, Miss B A Price, H J Piper, J L

Hunt, L A Rowe, B J Rottcher, T C

Inglis, T F Smith, Miss C L Skipper, S E

Janda, M Straker, Miss R J L Thomas, J R

Langlois-Peters, A F H Zuber, A C van Roy, J W

196 The Armidalian Williams, C B Higgins, N L Stinson, T B Graesser, A Smith, L A

Williams, S S Johnson, C T Taylor, R L Halliday, J S Smyth, J A

Jones, S P Wark, M A Harrell, M J Southwell, C J

Year 7 Kelly, L C A Wu, T S Henzell, H Swales, W H T

Ackling, H J Kirk, A Young, W L Jackson, N H Sze, C L

Alcorn, R J D Kliendienst, C R Jones, E W Tydd, H A

Alenazi, A Y O Koraba, W S Year 8 Jones, J M Ward, N S

Armstrong, J H Kratzmann, S J Alenazi, F Y O Kennett, F Waters, J W

Behrend, S L Layton, E B Atkin, L J King, S T Watkins, H

Benham, W F W Le Surf, A W Barnier-Merzliakov, Kirk, A J Weber, B M B N A Beynon, G A J Litchfield, C W Leoni, J J F Whibley, M R Broadbent, O L D Braham, M D McCann, N P McDouall, H W Woodburn, P J A Browning, E J L Braham, W P McMaster, T O McElroy, B H Cannington, H J Brennan, P A Matherson, L R Markerink, T L Year 9 Cannington, T W Broadbent, H A D Matherson, Z P Martel, A W Almond, W D Carlon, J A Campbell, Z A F Mills, C C Mason, H H Apps, A W Chalmers, D J Carroll, J F Moore, J P Metcalf, M E B Bailey, T D Chandler, H J Carter, B H Moore, N G Moore, H J Barrett, O H P Charley-Briggs, F S Chambers, R D Morris, D J K Ng, T T Berry, J R Cimino, T J Clark, J B Newton, H O Nivison, T P F Bohlsen, N W Claridge, H C Clonan, J N Nivison, J M O’Keefe, J L Boney, R J Corderoy, N J Close, D C O’Brien, J H O’Neil, H M M Bourke, B M Costello, T C Cotterell, L D Parsons, H M F Oates, L T R Cameron, L A Dennis, K M Davidson, A J A Peart, O B Palmer, P G Chandler, O R Deshon, T A Davidson, J F Pidgeon, N Paull, M R Cornall, A H Earle, A L Deshon, H W Roberts, C S R Pointing, J T Croft, R J Edmonds, H T Eichorn, R M Robertson, H J S Price, T G Danke, J Etheridge, S Ellis, W W Rogers-Ellis, A P Rorke, L V B Farrar, N J Faint, T C Epworth, S J Scotton, J W Rozendaal, T C Finlayson, T J Fernandez, J C Evans, L M Sewell, J S Ryan, B N George, S A Flannery, N Gerdes, C K Simmonds, B A Sewell, J B Graham, H J Fogarty, E B Grant, N J Simmons, R W Sharpe, S D Grant, W H Forsyth, W J Hanes, C L Smith, T R Shaw, C N Haire, A J G Friend, B J

197 School Roll (Cont.)

Hamparsum, B I S Taylor, N G Fellowes, B J Orr, J B Broun, O M

Hine, H J Tombs, H J Finemore, H R G Oudenryn, C J Campbell, J A

Hughes, H K S C Tonkin, X M B Forsythe, H P Perrottet, H W Carmichael, S A

Hyatt, T M Turnbull, M J J Frahm, J A Piper, N T Chambers, A D A

Jackson, N D Tursan d’Espaignet, Gall, H J Pitt, E C Coldham, H G Y P L Jeyakumar, S Giakoumi, M N Pointing, H A Creighton, C S Vagg, L M Lau, M Goodfellow, T J Pollard, H E Cruickshank, L J B van Duijnhoven, N E Lethbridge, D M Hall, K H M Purkiss, H E Danke, S Vogt, J M J Louis, B H Hardingham, F Reeves, W J E Day, N E von Gavel-Cleasby, McGrath, R J M M Harradine, B P Scott, S R Dennis, Miss M J

Makeham, N J Wicks, J A Harris, Z A C Shannon, O J Evans, J W

Marshall, S F Wright, B W Hartog-Smith, J N Smyth, D J Evans, M W

Martin, S P Wright, S G Hooper, Z Southwell, T B Faint, J T

Mazzei, A W Ziesemer, A R A Huang, J Thatcher, S A Finlayson, S R Mills, J Hughes, S W M Treavors, L M H Frogley, J A

Mitchell, R J Year 10 Ihle, F Uren, C A Grant, C A S

Moar, N B Alcorn, O A J Jackson, D J O Warton, S W Hanes, B A

Morgan, T J Baldock, M D Jackson, D J T Weber, M J Hann, R E

Muller, T F Bartel, W L Kaynes, J G Weston, S G Harris, M W

Owen, L H Berry, S M Kealey, S C Whitney, W M Holcombe, C B

Parramon, L R Cannington, S R T Kirk, N W Widders, B Hunt, J G

Qorovarua, M Cartwright, M R Knowles, L C Worsley, H P Isaac, E A C

Radford, C W Chamberlain, J J Lupica, C T Wright, T D M Jackson, H A

Rose, N H J Charley-Briggs, R J Mabbott, B P Wu, D Jackson-Bolton, S D

Ruba, S Clark, B J Mackay, D T Jenkyn, A

Russell-Thomas, A D Collison, L G Mackenzie, H Year 11 Kelly-Wirth, B Z

Schmitt, R J Cook, L K McMaster, J R Blackbourne, Miss E M Kingham, J D L

Simmonds, T J Davidson, W R Moffatt, C P R Boulus, A W Knight, A T

Simmons, B D Donaldson, L N Moon, N R Bourke, J W Landenberger, C

Smith, A M Doran, T F Moore, S J T Boydell, J A Lloyd, A D

Smith, B J Doyle, J A Morrice, W C Braham, A C Maxwell, H J

Smith, H J Dulihanty, P J Murphy, J P Bray, L A Mayhew-Sanders, O J J

Stonier, H B Eichorn, A C A Nyathi, N M Brissett, W A McCormick, J J

198 The Armidalian McDouall, H G Whibley, B G Gibson, S J Stier, T W

McGrath, H J White, O J Gifford, F J Towns, J T

Moffatt, B T Wyatt, C D Gilson, J A Townsend, D J

Monk, E S Gwynn-Jones, H J Waterson, W C

Moore, N J Year 12 Harradine, J D Williams, D E

Morton, H H C Ahsan, S A Hawker, W I Williams, H D

Nott, D P Alcorn, M J Howard, E B Wright, H D

Parker, J J Allen, D W Howard, L M Wright, H Z

Pilon, D P Apps, L J Hunt, J D Yung, C K W

Pitt, D Archer, W D Hunter, C J

Pullar, R M Baker, D P Jackson, J T

Radford, J H Bennet, N G Kennedy, L R

Ranby, J W Bennett, J W Klepzig, M J

Rankmore, M L Bishop, J W MacDougall, B C

Rasmussen, N C Bishop, T H Mailler, T J

Rees, B I Bourke, C J Makeham, J O

Rodgers, G R Butcher, R J McDonald, J A

Rogers, N B Butler, T S McDonald, L R

Rogers-Ellis, Miss E K Caskey, B M McGowan, C D

Scherer, I A Claridge, W C Mills, L H

Sellar, C J Cook, C J Moore, F C

Simmons, A S Cooper, L J Mumbulla, W D

Spiers, C A S Coupland, H H Pollard, L R

Spiers, E M R Cushway, M T Power, B J

Spokes, A J Davis, W A Quast, D D

Stainton, C J Doak, B W Raleigh, W T

Taylor, L W Druery, N H Redhead, S J

Tearle, Miss H R Erskine-Smith, L G Roxborough-Batt, A M

The Armidalian is the magazine of record of The Armidale School, Thomas, L G Fergusson, K A Roxborough-Batt, A P Armidale NSW Australia. Tizzard, J H Finemore, C G Sedgwick, G W Credits Editor: Tim Hughes Tonkin, L T B Finney, N J Shepherd, H J Design & Layout: Donna Jackson Tullie, S W H Foster, M D Slobodetsky, M Photographs: Tim Barnsley, Tim Hughes, Tim Scott, Jeff Mackay, Graham MacDougall, Will Forsyth, James White, MSP Photography, Adrian Goddard, Terry Cooke, Darrel Whan Webber, A J R Gall, T H Stevenson, J D Cover Photo: Valedictory Walk 2015 - Tim Hughes

199 The Armidalian

The Armidalian

2015

2015