TASObserver - Trinity Anglican Schooltas.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/TASObserver-Ed9-2018.pdf ·...

TASObserver

Learn | Believe | Achieve

Edition 9, 201821 September 2018

“Teaching them to observe all things”

2 | TASObserver - Ed 9, 2018

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESKBishop BillAs we end Term 3, I am attending Bishop Bill’s final service at the Cathedral in Townsville where he will officially “lay down his staff” as Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of North Queensland. Bishop Bill has been a wonderful supporter of TAS over his time as Bishop and we wish him and his wife, Robyn, all the best in their upcoming retirement. The Anglican Church will now begin their search for the next Bishop of North Queensland and we offer our prayers that they find a worthy successor.

NAPLANThere has been continued media coverage of NAPLAN results over the last few weeks. My view of NAPLAN is the data is best used as (i) a way of reviewing curriculum and pedagogy (through item analysis) for each cohort and (ii) to assist with identifying areas or concepts of challenge for individual students. These two approaches focus on how NAPLAN can improve student learning and thus are worthwhile. Unfortunately, there is a lot of media discussion regarding other concerns with NAPLAN. I was saddened to see “league tables” come out on the day of release, and an article in the Cairns Post that highlighted schools that had finished at the top of the tables (which is fine), but also identifying the schools that finished at the bottom of each table. This wasn’t necessary and achieved nothing positive by being included in the article.

At TAS we use NAPLAN results as a way to review the learning growth in a cohort over a 2 year period, in conjunction with more detailed ways of measuring this metric. As parents know, we continue to be at or near the top of each NAPLAN table for our region, but we concentrate on the student gain between Year 3 and 5 and between Year 7 and 9, which have again been pleasing this year. When we look at Year 3 2016 to Year 5 2018 growth over the last 2 years, on average across the 5 strands NAPLAN assesses, TAS students

improved by 75.6 points whilst the national mean increased by 73.8 points. Of course, this TAS increase is from an average score 35 points above the national mean, and we know that score improvement is harder the higher the starting score. The story is similar when we consider Year 7 2016 to Year 9 2018 where TAS students improved by 42.8 points whilst the national mean increased by 39.4 points. Again, this TAS increase is from an average score 20 points above the national mean.

Performing ArtsIt has been a terrific term for TAS, in particular for Performing Arts. This term saw three significant events in the performing arts program at TAS: the secondary production of Peter Pan, the Junior School Variety Night, and the GALA Night that showcased our musicians, dancers and dramatists. The standard of talent and performance of our students was terrific and I thank the staff involved in working with our young people both in the lead up to these events and over the year. In particular, thanks to the tireless parents of the TAS Friends of Music who do so much fund raising and catering for our performing arts events.

Prize WinnerFinally, I’d like to congratulate Vinuka Gamage, Year 4, for winning the first prize medal for Queensland in the ICAS Digital Technologies competition recently. Vinuka was recently notified of this award and he and his family will travel to Brisbane early in December to be officially presented with the medal by the University of NSW.

I wish all members of the TAS community a wonderful and safe break and we look forward to a terrific Term 4.

Paul

Paul Sjogren Principal

TASObserver - Ed 9, 2018 | 3

SCHOOL RESUMES FOR TERM 4

MONDAY 8 OCTOBER


SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER 2018WHITE ROCK | 3PM TO 8PM

You’re invitedto get involved

There are many ways you can support the TAS P&F at Coconut Carnival this year.

* donate to the Pop Up Op Shop or Book Stall - a great way to recycle those 'treasures' and pre-loved books you will be spring cleaning over the school holidays;

* vouchers and prizes of any size and value are welcome for Cent Sale and Treasure Jar stalls;

* we have market stalls available, with discounted stall prices for TAS Community members;

* put your name down to help out with preparations, set up, and pack down

* and don't forget to save the date and head on down for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

CC2018 is held on Saturday, 27 October, at White Rock. Contact any of our P&F committee members for more information.

TAS P&F Committee Sue Crocker ([email protected]), Sarah Coll, Robert Gale, Kimika Turnbull, Annie Dong, Sue Swanston

or email Sue Wicks, Director of Community and Marketing ([email protected])


BOOKS,BOOKS, BOOKS

Support ourCOCONUT CARNIVAL BOOK STALL

Have yougot oldBOOKS lying around

DONATE any good quality pre loved books to the

Coconut Carnival Book Stall and support Year 4R and 6L (KBJ).

Books can be dropped in to any TAS Receptions. Trinity Anglican School | White Rock | 27 October | 3pm

Support ourPOP UP

DONATE any good quality pre loved clothing and household items to the

COCONUT CARNIVAL POP UP OP SHOPItems can be dropped in to any TAS Receptions. Trinity Anglican School | White Rock | 27 October | 3pm

Planning your


AlumniReid Harding, Graduating Class of 2014The Outdoor Education Department had the pleasure of catching up with former student Reid Harding on his recent visit to TAS. After finishing school in 2014, Reid spent three years working for a large outdoor education centre in Scotland. He is now living in New Zealand, building his experience in climbing and mountaineering and completing an Outdoor Education / Physical Education teaching degree. Like many of our past students, Reid speaks with passion about how his experiences at TAS have helped to shape him as a person, and in this case also his career. He also mentioned that he would one day love to come back to be a leader on our 18-day Year 9 Outdoor Education Program so it will be great to see what the future holds.

While he was here, he took some time to hang out with the Chess Club with Mr Long and current students. He also met up with with Mrs Kennedy, who had a chat about his studies in Scotland and caught up on the news of brothers Campbell, Henry and William who all attended TAS.

Thanks for the visit Reid.

TAS in the MediaQCS Exams for Year 12QCS is done and dusted for another year, and our Year 12’s enjoyed one night off. After they appeared in the Cairns Post and starred on Ch 7 News, of course.


TAS Staff MattersSarah Coleman

Head of English at White Rock Senior, Mrs Sarah Coleman, is highly regarded in English and Literature teaching circles.

It was great to see her analysis featured recently in the English Teachers Association of Queensland periodical, “Words’Worth”.

Michael HaseldineRepresenting AustraliaMichael Haseldine, Physical Education Co-ordinator at WRS, is also the TAS Triathlon Coach. While keeping his students physically active, and his triathlon athletes racing and performing strong, he also managed to be selected to represent Australia as a Triathlete.

Michael travelled to Gold Coast this month and competed in the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final, a testament to his dedication and passion.

Congratulations on your selection, Michael.


TAS Staff MattersRecently TAS Junior Journalists, Annabelle Deeb and Larah Turnbull interviewed Mr. Gazzola, the Head of White Rock Junior.

During the interview it became apparent that there was more to Mr. Gazzola than meets the eye. He spoke of his background and nationality. The name Gazzola is Italian and he has some French ancestry as well.

Mr. Gazzola spoke about his journey to becoming a principal and his long history in education, where he spent a large portion of his time teaching in a Year 6 classroom.

Mr. Gazzola was inspired to become a principal so he could help students reach their full potential. The main thing he enjoys about being the Head of Junior School at White Rock, is helping people. When a student has a problem he likes to help them find a solution and solve it.

Mr. Gazzola enjoys his new position and is encouraging students to try new things. Mr. Gazzola enjoys the lifestyle and sunny weather in Cairns but struggles with the hot and humid weather at times. He is lucky to have his son Troy living in Cairns. Troy is the new swimming teacher at the TAS Aquatic Centre.

It was also discovered Mr Gazzola is a keen sportsman and has enjoyed playing AFL, running marathons and a bit of road running, which shouldn’t surprise anyone because he used to be a HPE teacher from Prep to Year 6. These days, due to a knee injury, he prefers to ride his bike on the weekends.

What Mr Gazzola loves is working with children, and he has inspired to be the best he can be. He loves to be involved with students learning and community events that occur around the school. These are great qualities and this is why he is such a wonderful Head of Junior School for us at White Rock.

Interview with Mr Gazzola


TAS Staff Matters

Some Year 6 students at KBJ wanted to know more about Mrs Kershaw, so we asked her a few questions:

-oo0oo-

I was born in Armidale NSW and grew up on a sheep and cattle property near the village of Kentucky. It was exciting to miss school sometimes because flooding creeks or heavy snowfalls cut off the homestead. Each morning and afternoon my brothers, sisters and I would ride our bikes 3km to and from the bus-stop. The bus trip to and from school took 90 minutes and involved changing buses halfway through the journey.

Teaching was always my preferred career; inspired by my mother who home-schooled each child in the family until she felt we were old enough to make the long bus trip to and from school each day. At primary school, there were 70 students and one teacher in each classroom. I was taught the piano, violin and guitar at school, performing with the school band at school and local events. Netball was a favourite sport. There were no school camps but I met up with many of my friends at Pony Camp for two weeks each year to prepare for local gymkhanas and other equestrian events.

The University of New England in Armidale is my alma mater and this is where I developed a passion for chamber music. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons remains a favourite. There were 38 students in my first class after graduating from university and each of the three school terms

lasted 14 weeks. Schools on the New England tablelands of NSW often closed down for a few days in winter because it was too dangerous to drive on the slippery roads through the snow. This always generated many fun learning activities when school resumed.

My first experience of a cyclone was when I arrived in Queensland to teach at Mission Beach just one day before a Category-5 cyclone destroyed much of the surrounding lush rainforest I had come so far north to experience. While I love living in North Queensland, the South Island of New Zealand remains a favourite holiday destination; although the frequent earth tremors are unnerving.

I enjoy being in the role of Head of Junior School at Kewarra Beach and appreciate the vibrant community atmosphere and love of learning evident in classrooms around the school.

I love that Kewarra Beach Junior has many talented, passionate and committed staff members, students and parents. However, I like to go home at the end of each school day and relax with my family over dinner.

Reading, cooking, walking and bike riding are favourite weekend pursuits.

I would not change anything about KBJ but encourage everyone to be thankful for and cherish the amazing school and community we have the privilege to be part of each day.

Finding out about Mrs Kershaw


Outdoor EducationYear 2 OE ProgramWhat a fun night was had by all at the Year 2 “Sleepover” Outdoor Education Program on 7 September. The first program in 11 years of continuous, yearly Outdoor Education Programs at TAS, this program is often the first time students spend a night away from their parents. This year the students particularly enjoyed making friends with students across both campuses, as it was the first time this program was run for Kewarra Beach and White Rock at the same time.

The main aims of the program were to see students complete some group games and activities (where

they practiced sharing ideas and listening to others), to teach them how to wash up their own dishes hygienically and efficiently, and to unpack and re-pack their own equipment, including using our new self-inflating sleeping mats provided by the TAS P&F.

We were fortunate also to have Mr Sjogren, Mrs Kershaw and Mr Gazzola visit us for various parts of the program (and also to make sure students ate enough of the lovely salads and fruit platters that we prepared). Thank you especially to the wonderful teaching staff who attended.


Outdoor EducationThe Year 10 Outdoor Recreation course completed their Walsh’s Pyramid walk last week. It was a hot day and not all in the group made it all the way to the summit for various reasons, however some good learning occurred which was timely for preparation for their end of term 4-day expedition. The Year 10 Outdoor Recreation students also recently completed a day of orienteering at Goomboora Park, again as part of the Hinchinbrook Island walk preparation. For their end of term expedition the Year 10’s hiked the world-renowned Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island. Over four big days the students walked the moderately challenging 32km trail, camping at some amazing locations including little Ramsay Bay, Zoe Bay and Mulligan Falls.

The Year 11 Outdoor Recreation students completed their very last end of term expedition with a trip to Townsville to climb at Mt Stuart. This included a session at an indoor climbing gym on the first day, being taught some finer points of technique by a professional climber. The bulk of the time at Mt Stuart was spent climbing the 22m cliff several times, on climbs ranging from grade 13 to 18. The final activity was a spectacular tyrolean traverse, 15m above the ground. Being the final trip of their seven-term course, several culminating activities were conducted, including a major group initiative task and course debrief. The students had their graduation ceremony on Thursday night, where they received a range of certificates. Congratulations to the students on the completion of this challenging program.

Outdoor Recreation Course Update


Outdoor EducationWorld Challenge India 2019 UpdateRecently students and parents attended the World Challenge India 2019 planning meeting. Well done also to the students who prepared fantastic research presentations. The first group fundraising activity for these students will happen at the Coconut Carnival at the end of week 3 next term,

as we have been given the opportunity to run both the indoor climbing wall and the dunking machine. Please come along to support these students at these two stalls, as the funds raised go directly to their community service project in India.

TAS Orienteering EventAs part of AdventureSportNQ’s Urban Navigation series, the TAS Outdoor Education Department recently conducted a park orienteering style event at the school. Thanks to all who attended this event – it was great to see several of our students, parents and staff participating. Two of our teams even topped the leaderboard of 18 teams,

completing the 2.5km course in around 20 minutes. From feedback received the extra challenges like the climbing wall and swimming checkpoint were enjoyed as something different and several first time orienteers are now looking forward to their next event.


Counsellor’s Corner•Practise mindfulness - school can be stressful and get overwhelming at times (academically and socially). Practising mindfulness can help you recharge and prepare for the rest of the year. Mindfulness is about being aware of and focusing on the present moment. For more info about being mindful see http://mindfulnessforteens.com/•Get outdoors – spending time in nature improves wellbeing (physically and mentally)•Spend time with friends face to face (not virtual) – there are benefits to spending time with friends on social media, but the benefits of spending time doing things with them in the real world are far greater•Participate in random acts of kindness – kindness makes you feel good - do something nice for a family member, friend or neighbour•Get active – exercise – plan to walk, swim or play sport at least twice a week – regular exercise enhances wellbeing (physically and mentally) •Leave your mobile device in another room – spend some quality time doing things you love or with people you love, without a device present •Make some personal goals for the rest of the year

For student wellbeing resources see https://au.reachout.com/ (senior school students) or https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/families (families of junior school students).

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Wellbeing Refresher: To-do List

Outdoor EducationQORF Outdoor Symposium

Mr Darren Osmond and Miss Emma Beveridge had a very educational and inspiring day last Friday at the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation’s (QORF) symposium in Cairns. Three of our outdoor education contractors also attended and the important theme was Stewardship, both environmental and cultural. They learned about some of the wonderful indigenous enterprises happening in the region and the keynote speaker Marcia Langton set the scene for this perfectly. TAS looks forward to weaving the concept of Stewardship into our future programs.


Year 3-6 Aquathon


CONGRATULATIONSMax Davis Joel Sutherland

Congratulations to Joel Sutherland who placed both first in the Elite Mens Class and First Overall at the Cairns Downhill Mountain Biking event.

After starting this year this year with an injury, Joel is now back to top condition as he works towards his goals of entering some National Downhill Series and Enduro World Series Oceania races next year.

(Thanks to Reilly Hurst for the permission to use his amazing photo.)

Max Davis represented TAS in competing in the Subaru Australian Interschool Skier Cross at Perisher Valley in NSW.

Out of 96 competitors Max came 46th in an event he has only competed in this year. On a challenging course that had to be altered mid event, Max’s combined time over two runs was less than 7 seconds behind first place.

Well done Max.

TriathlonMurray, Daisy and Ruby Colbridge, andRebecca Robinson all competed in Yorkeys Knob Triathlon.

Rebecca came 2nd and Ruby 3rd in Junior triathlon.

Daisy was in Enticer Triathlon and came 2nd in her age group and 2nd female overall in Enticer.

Murray 1st in his age group in Sprint triathlon.

Also a special mention for Caroline Gould who works at KBJ Admin, who also took part and finished Enticer race.


Surf Life Saving

Congratulations to the TAS surf lifesaving team who won the Interschool Surf Lifesaving carnival for the first time. Well done to all of our talented athletes!

Mountain BikingCongratulations to Ethan, Lochie and Thomas (junior male) and Chris & Luke Robinson (senior male) on taking out second place in their respective categories at the fiercely contested Davies Creek Interschool Mountain Biking Event.


GRAND FINAL SUCCESSTAS-BROTHERS HOCKEY S2Congratulations to our TAS-Brothers Hockey Team who won the S2 Division Grand Final at the Cairns Hockey Association. They won the game 2-0 after scoring both goals early in the second half. Goal scorers were Maya Shepherd and Maegan Berther with Maegan also being named Player of the Final. Well done and thank you to all involved, including Jody Middleton as team manager and coach Mr Long.


NETBALL GRAND FINALGO TAS DEVILS!

Congratulations to our TAS Devils Netball Team, who convincingly won their netball grand final against St Mary’s 34-9. Well done to all players and our head coach Elisa Robati for the fantastic effort they have put in this year!


Facebook GroupTo help you stay informed about current events, upcoming events, photos, results and draw changes, the TAS Sport Facebook group is a popular resource. Simply log into your facebook account, search for “TAS Sport” and then ask to join the group.

Sporting NewsTELL US YOUR SPORTING NEWS: We would love to hear about external sporting achievements of our students so please email [email protected] with details and pictures

WINNERS ARE GRINNERSFOOTBALL GRAND FINAL

Congratulations to our U12 Football team who have won their grand final 3-1! Well done to all involved!


Facebook Group

CONGRATULATIONS

Raphael SpringellCalanna Public Speaking FinalsCongratulations to Raphael Springell who was one of nine students to compete in the Finals for the Year 4 and 5 Category at the Calanna Public Speaking competition this month.

Considering there were over 1500 students in the competition, his ranking in the top nine is an outstanding achievement. Well done Raphael.

Virtual Debating

The Year 9/10 debating team won their fifth consecutive Virtual Debate against The Armidale School (NSW) on Wednesday afternoon. They were the negative in response to the topic: advertising promoting pharmaceutical medicines should be banned. The team, comprising of Tegan Wells, Thomas Tung-Yep, Ashleigh Begg and Mohak Sengupta are undefeated, and will now compete in the Quarter Finals early next term against Oxley College, NSW.


LOST PROPERTYNOTICES

White Rock families - do you recognise anything? Have you lost anything?

Don’t forget to check out the rather large collection of Lost Property at the TAS Uniform and Bookshop.

• Waterbottles, • Lunch Boxes - big and small,• Pencil Cases and Diaries, • Black Shoes,• Bucket Hats,• And so much more!


Round SquareEnvironmentalism

Students at WRJ have been busy at the 2018 Round Square Service Trip. Volunteers from Years 3-6 went out to the Giangurra Esplanade Park to help clean up the beach with volunteers from the Tangaroa Blue Foundation.

There were all types of marine debris, which had to be sorted and classified. It was a great day helping out the environment!

KBJ had a leisurely Litter-Free Picnic Lunch in the shade with buddies – also promoting awareness about healthy eating and protecting the environment as part of our Eco-School initiative. Thank you parents for providing healthy, picnic food.


Glimpse of TASA brief glimpse at what our students have been up to lately.

Our Year 12 students enjoyed each other’s company having breakfast at the TAS Aquatic Centre in preparation for the first day of their QCS test.

Blue skies and sunny smiles at the KBJ K - 2 Athletics Carnival. Great to see such sportsmanship in our younger students. Thanks to Mr Sage, teachers, parents, Year 6 Captains and K - 2 students for a

great day of sporting activities and challenges.

KBJ Kindy students love visiting Kewarra Aged Care.

This morning they sang ‘Mr Clicketty Cane’ for the residents and joined an

exercise class with beach balls and ribbons. A lovely morning

for everyone!


In the Cairns Post this month!

KBJ students raised $250 for struggling Queensland farmers at the Friday Farmers’ Markets. Thanks to everyone who donated produce and

patronised the stall.

KBJ Team 1 won the FNQ Regional School Challenge Orange Ball Tennis Challenge at the Cairns Tennis Centre. The team will now

compete in the Brisbane International Orange Ball Tennis Competition on 3 January. Well done team!


PHOTO GALLERYYEAR 3 - 6 AQUATHON


DIGITAL LEARNING EXPO KBJ


TASObserverEdition 9, 2018

tas.qld.edu.au | 07 4036 8111 | [email protected] Road, White Rock Poolwood Road, Kewarra BeachKindergarten to Year 12 Kindergarten to Year 6

Trinity Anglican School, Cairns

TASObserver - Trinity Anglican Schooltas.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/TASObserver-Ed9-2018.pdf ·...

Documents

Transcript of TASObserver - Trinity Anglican Schooltas.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/TASObserver-Ed9-2018.pdf ·...