TAS News

Another terrific week at TAS. Our students, parents and staff are certainly very active and involved!

KBJ night walk

What an amazing evening last Friday night at Kewarra Beach. After a sausage in bread to fortify the explorers, Paul McLellan led a group of intrepid parents and students on a torch-lit walk through the beautiful campus bushland with many things to see! Then onto the oval to look at the night sky and learn a bit about the stars using Skyguide or Skyview and other suitable apps.

TAS Jazz

Wow. So great to listen to our excellent TAS Jazz ensemble, playing at the American Car Club gathering last Sunday morning at the Cairns Showgrounds. As usual, our thanks to Sue Stitt and John Grace for being there and supporting TAS Music and Ms Leesa Cooke for her guidance and leadership of TAS Jazz.

Japanese lunch

They certainly sold out very quickly! Thanks to students and staff for putting on some yummy Japanese food last Thursday as part of our Japan Week. And raise some valuable funds for the Prince Alexander fund, part of the Round Square service program.

ISQ visit

It was great to host a visit from the Independent Schools Queensland CEO, Mr David Robertson and Director of Education Services, Mr Mark Newnham. They were at TAS to give independent school leaders from our region a strategic update on current government directions in education policy. Mr Robertson regularly meets with the Federal Education Minister, Senator Simon Birmingham and was able to give us some indication of current government initiatives.

Jump Rope for Heart

Ms. Alicia Barry from Jump Rope for Hart visited WRJ assembly last Friday. Ms Thomas, Mr Long and Mr Sage were able to demonstrate to WRJ students how (not) to skip as they get ready for the upcoming Jump Rope for Heart program. Thanks to our wonderful staff who are so willing to get in and have a go!

Principal’s Forum

Thanks to all parents who attended last week’s Principal’s Forums at both campuses. Thank you also to Board member Mr Greg Gilboy who attended both sessions and was able to answer questions regarding the Board from interested parents. It is wonderful to be able to have these gatherings where parents are able to ask and discuss issues about the school and education in general.

ACE Noreen Wilcox Awards

It was wonderful to hear that three TAS staff were nominated for the Australian College of Educators Noreen Wilcox Awards. There are three categories and a TAS staff member was nominated in each:

• Classroom Based – Beginning (one to five years’ teaching experience) Ms Shannon Saunders
• Classroom Based – Accomplished (more than five years’ teaching experience) Ms Sarah Coleman
• Non-Classroom Based (Educators whose work is mainly leading, administrative or consultative) Mr Darren Osmond

Congratulations to Ms Saunders who was awarded the Noreen Wilcox Award for her category.