The Armidale School Term 4, 2008 No 144 binghi

2 Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008

In thisissue

Binghi is a quarterlyproduction of The Armidale School published at the end of each term

Editor/Typesetting Anne White binghi@as.edu.au

School Photographer James White

PrinterEvans Printing, Armidale

Contributions for inclusion, enquiries or letters to the editor are welcome.The Armidale School, Locked Bag 3003, Armidale NSW 2350

Tel (02) 6776 5800Fax (02) 6776 5830 Email info@as.edu.auWeb www.as.edu.au

CoverRichard Nixon and Jock Perkins demonstrate their surf lifesaving skills

From the Headmaster 2Creative Arts Centre 3Staff Recognition 4Gold DEA 4Senior Prefect's Address 5 Pierre de Coubertin Award 5Dr Ivan Head 62008 HSC Results 7Academic Achievements 8Congratulations 9Round Square 10Play 11Hawkesbury Classic 12Surf Lifesaving 13Skiing 13Junior School 14P&F Assoc 15Lt Michael Fussell 16Old Boys Jottings 17-20

From the Headmaster'sSpeech Day Address

Change and Innovation at TASAs the School looks ahead to what will gain our attention in 2009 and beyond, we will see more change, including: • the development of new structures for student mentoring • the establishment of a Technology and Trades Centre with the support of the Federal Government grant announced this year, • gathering momentum in extension and enrichment and • a new national curriculum on the horizon. In the face of the demands that these changes will bring, I am conscious that TAS must stay true to itself. To do this we must continue to address broader aspects of the growth and development of young men than cannot be covered in the classroom alone. The words ʻadventureʼ, ʻchallengeʼ and ʻopportunityʼ which feature so often in the TAS lexicon appear under threat in the wider society and that should concern us. A growing weight of research and professional opinion tells us that the resilience we need to move through a normal life with healthy balance, confi dence and respect for ourselves and others is learned through the experiences of school years.The leader of the International Resilience Project, Dr Michael Ungar, and his colleagues includ-ing Michael Carr-Gregg are raising their voices on the importance of presenting real chal-lenge and responsibility to our teenagers. Dr Ungar is direct in his commentary, claiming that many young people from good homes are growing up without the risk-takerʼs advantage. He believes, and many of us adults at TAS see this every day, that children crave adventure and responsibility every bit as much as we did at their age. He goes on to recognise that too much risk will endanger a child, but also that with too little risk, we fail to provide a child with healthy opportunities for growth and psychological development. His social observations and his advice to parents and schools is important. It is also well grounded in educational theory and practice. From the Russian Lev Vygotsky who argued decades ago that all learning follows from experience, to Kurt Hahnʼs commitment to adventure, service and international understanding, it has long been recognized that we cannot grow up without getting our hands dirty.I am pleased to say that TAS has, perhaps intuitively, long recognised that presenting genuine challenge and responsibilities for young men is fundamentally worthwhile and we will continue to deliver on this count.

2009 Prefects Back row left to right: Sam Topp, Ricky MacCormack, Richard Nixon, Ed Hoddle, Matt Baker, Josh Tombs, Andrew Liston, Murray Guest (Headmaster)Front row left to right: Elliot Diebold, Ben Armstrong, Ian McNeil, Toby Brunckhorst (Deputy Senior Prefect), Sam Adams (Senior Prefect), Andrew Bell (Deputy Senior Prefect), Jason Wright

Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008 3

From the Headmaster's Speech Day Address

"Of course the most visible, disruptive, expensive and important project has been the on-going building of the Creative Arts Centre. Within the context of planning for curriculum and facilities, this stands as a bold statement of School priorities and I will not shy away from it now. Provision of fi rst-rate facilities for drama, art and public speaking – bringing them together with music in a creative and performing arts precinct – has been put on the top of the agenda. I see this area as not only a core strength of the School but as an area of fundamental importance to boys̓ development. "This facility will shine the spotlight on public performance and creative expression as part of the core curriculum, along with literacy, numeracy and the like, rather than a co-curricular activity for those with an ʻarty bent .̓ Just as I believe that every boy has a spirit of adventure that should be developed through outdoor challenge, I also believe that every boy has creativity inside him that must be challenged to bring it out."It is the further development of this side of school life within the curriculum that is the real excitement of the Creative Arts Centre and I am looking forward to seeing it in the coming years very much." -Murray Guest

"I believe that every boy has creativity inside him that must be challenged to bring it out,"

Murray Guest, Headmaster

theatre

Creative Arts Centre

Grand Opening on 20 MarchThe new Creative Arts Centre will open with a whizz and

bang on Friday, 20 March, 2009. An event not to missed.

The opening will involve a spectacular concert over two nights with details to follow.

Meanwhile we would love to hear from any Old Boys who would like to participate in the Policeman's Chorus from

The Pirates of Penzance for the opening.

This would involve a rehearsal on Friday afternoon, Friday evening concert and two concerts on the Saturday. You would

be supplied with the music and instructions on a DVD.

Please contact Anne White on 02 6776 5851 or email awhite@as.edu.au if you are interested.

4 Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008

From the Headmaster's Speech Day Address"It was a thrill to see the work of TAS teachers recognised in the wider educational community as Dennis Dempster received the William Walker Award from the Australian Council of Educational Leaders. The Australian Council of Education also recognised Martin Levins with the Sutherland Award and the innovation of our new Traineeship and Apprenticeship program with the Harris Award. This is signifi cant and fi tting acclamation for each of the staff recognised in those awards, but I know that each one of them would instinctively turn to the team that supports them in appreciation, because in a lively and spirited place such as this, none can achieve alone.The generosity of spirit and camaraderie of the staff at TAS are features of the place that many schools would envy. They infuse the School with the collective energy that enables so much to happen and our students are the direct benefi ciaries of that." - Murray Guest, Headmaster

From the Headmaster's Speech Day Address

Recognition of TAS Staff

Martin Levins' speech of thanks at the Awards refl ects the words of the Headmaster, "none can achieve alone"."Many of us have been doing this teaching thing for a long time and I often wonder why we return to classes, some of which should, frankly, have warning signs attached. I saw a sign today on a chocolate bar that could be applied to a year seven classroom: “warning, may contain nuts”. Why do we continue to work with boys in outdoor education activities who sound like an Armidale weather forecast: "16 with the chance of a shower?"Because we’re interested in the development of the individual, and the changes involved in this, keep us young; and the particular area that I am interested in, Information Technology, provides its own challenges in keeping up with change."It’s hard to identify individuals when this sort of speech is given: there are so many to thank in all areas of education. But it’s this particular school that has allowed me to achieve things and I’d like to call on all 30 or so here tonight to stand up, and take a deep breath together. Breathing is also called inspiration. So thanks - you’ve been an inspiration to me."

Gold Duke of Edinburgh AwardCongratulations to four of our 2008 Year 12 boys on receiving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards: (from left) Jarrod Hore, Jesse Stevenson, the Headmaster, Robbie Oppenheimer and Alex Barwick. There is a growing involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme at TAS which is very pleasing as it sits well with our ideals and extra curricular program.

Dennis Dempster, Martin Levins, Brett Monley (on

behalf of the Traineeship & Apprenticeship program)

Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008 5

Congratulations to Year 12 student Simon Haron on being awarded the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin Award. This award is presented by the Australian Olympic Committee, “In recognition of sporting achievements and demonstration of those endeavours which are consistent with the aims of the Olympic Movement.”Simon has had an exceptional sporting career during his time at TAS including athletics (equalling the 200m record at GPS), swimming (represented NCSA at CIS swimming), rugby (select-ed in the NSW Country team for three consecutive years), touch football (coached and played) as well as participating in football and basketball.He has been an outstanding role model for other players, always being the fi rst to congratulate the other team, stopping playing to assist injured players and displaying humility in success.As Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the Modern Olympics, said, “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.”

Pierre de Coubertin Award

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"Standing here, at the ʻfi nish lineʼ and looking back it doesnʼt matter whether I succeeded or failed at school, only that I learnt something in the process. "Kel Hardingham was a teacher at TAS a couple of years ago and he once gave me some advice which I think illustrates this point well. "He said that many things in life, and especially being a student, is like having a pile of bricks and trying to build a house. As you lay the fi rst bricks you have little idea what to do, and it often seems tedious and diffi cult, and you make loads of mistakes. But by the time you fi nish you are a better builder than when you began. In fact, the more chances you take to try new and diff erent things, such as techniques for brick-laying, or a diff erent style of setting it out, the greater the eff ect will be at the end. Because then you can stand back and say, “that bit works well” and, “that defi nitely doesnʼt”, you l̓l be able to see what works for you and what doesnʼt, you l̓l be able to understand your strengths and weaknesses as a builder and you l̓l have the skills to tackle a variety of jobs.

"In the end it is not the individual successes or failures that matter but rather the contribution that those combined successes and failures make to the builder you will be upon fi nishing your house." - Robbie Oppenheimer, 2008 Senior Prefect

Robbie Oppenheimer delivers the Senior Prefect's Speech

Ben Stacy receives the Coventry Cup for Best All

Rounder in Year 7

Simon Haron

Ben Stacy receives the Coventry Cup for Best All

Rounder in Year 7

Robbie Oppenheimer delivers the Senior Prefect's Speech

Simon Haron

6 Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008

Dr Ivan Head, 2008 Speech Day Guest

Dr Head began with the thought 'What Flourishes, What Does Not' and a poem he wrote about the country and its hopes, about our links to this vulnerable land, and also about ʻvanishing into our own futuresʼ which this day marks for Leavers."Accidental River GumsThe surviving River Gums grow along a once degraded creek.

Without intent or plan he picked an end branch of podded fl ower. Carelessly potted, they grew, and next year a proto-grove was returned to the farm.They push fi ve metres now out along that fenced-off creek bed, It would be pleasant to sit beneath them for a whileand think about what fl ourishes and what does not."

Dr Head then spoke of:The True AthleteA National Initiation RiteFrom Gorgeous Boys to Good Menand Vanishing and Connections

The Reverend Canon Dr Ivan Head, Warden of St Paul's College, University of Sydney, presented the Speech Day Address

"You are about to vanish into your own future. Like the river gum seed in the poem, I want to encourage what fl ourishes. and about leaving TAS with your eyes open ready to meet what unknown events your future holds – ready and focused."In the 1970s I was a curate in WA and met a man named Russell Leith who was a trustee of the Diocese. In the late 70s I worked with his wife and the local Mothers' Union to help resettle two refugee families from the then fallen regime in Vietnam.

"Years later I met the same man at a function here at TAS and learned that he was a TAS Old Boy and the story of his Spitfi re escapade and the story of the canopy of the Spitfi re. Earlier on I knew none of that. "Sometime you could listen to Professor Alan Atkinson, a great Oz historian and TAS Old Boy, who has discussed with me the stories and legends of the men of past years who have given your TAS a great name in our world - always vanishing but memorable and remembered."A Tom (Toby) Kitley, chaplain at TAS for many years, who coxed the St Paulʼs VIII and taught Latin. “A wonderful man” says Professor Atkinson."Or Bishop J S Moyes, a founder of the university here, who was a keen advocate of good, holistic community life from the 1930s to the 1950s. He was a great believer in TAS. “I still have a vivid memory of him swinging down the corridor when I was about 16”, says Professor Atkinson."Three graduates of St Paulʼs were headmasters of TAS from 1910-26 (T K Abbott F T Perkins, and H K Archdall who were at the College from 1904-09)."Several men who had been at both TAS and Paulʼs served in World War I: Arthur Edward Cooper, only son of the then Bishop of Armidale. Cooper was killed in France, aged 21."Another Pauline TAS boy was Hubert Rawson, son of Governor Sir Harry Rawson, donor of the Rawson Cup at Paulʼs. Thereʼs a Rawson Cup at TAS too, also donated by the Governor. Hubert was also killed in World War 1. "It is with some of these thoughts in mind that I can mention with great respect the late 25-year-old Lieutenant Michael Fussell, a 2001 TAS graduate who was killed very recently serving Australiaʼs commitment in Afghanistan and acknowledge his place in the living memory of TAS: adding precisely the remarks of the Defence Force chief who said, “Our hearts go out to Michaelʼs family during this very sad time. I hope the knowledge that they are in the thoughts and prayers of so many Australians will be a source of comfort for them. Michael died while serving his nation and his sacrifi ce will never be forgotten.” .Dr Head's Speech is published in full in the Armidalian or contact the Editor for a copy.

Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008 7

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Robbie Oppenheimer (Walcha)Merit List -2 Band 6 Results

UAI 97.15

Alex Pearson (Guyra)Merit List - 3 Band 6 Results

UAI 97.75

Hamish Barnet (Walcha)Merit List - 4 Band 6 Results

UAI 98.65

Alex Barwick (Armidale)Merit List -3 Band 6 Results

UAI 95.85TAS boys have again achieved results of which they should be proud. The scores of the top four students who achieved a UAI in excess of 95 were excellent. The Schoolʼs dux was Hamish Barnet with a UAI of 98.65. He was closely followed by Alex Pearson with 97.75 and Robbie Oppenheimer with 97.15. Alex Barwick scored 95.85 and Simon Haron and Jarrod Hore were both above 90. Thirteen students were mentioned in the Merit Lists and there were 22 Band 6 results (plus 3 notional Band 6 results in Ext 2 Maths). There were 5 Band 6 results in the four Maths courses, placing TAS in the merit list of schools for Maths (SMH). Impressive results were achieved in the Primary Industry Studies exam with Lewis Crothers and Sam Gates jointly ranked 5th in the State.Both Henry Killen and Boyd Lamoureux were nominated for DesignTECH for their major works - a shooting trailer and a welding platform.

2008 HSC Results

8 Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008

Success in UNSW English CompetitionSeventeen students from Years 7 to 10 achieved Distinctions in the recent UNSW English Competition, an excellent result for the boys! A Distinction indicates that the students have achieved in the top 10% of candidates in the State (out of a candidature of about 10,000 per year group). Twenty-eight boys achieved Credits; placing these students in the top 30% of the State.However, the most notable achievement was that of Jack Tearle in Year 7 (seen right) who received a High Distinction - placing him in the top 1% of the State. Well done to Jack and all the boys who performed to such high a standard.

HSIE - Several Successes HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment) students have achieved outstanding results in state and national competitions this term.

Andrew Grigg, Year 10, was the regional winner in an essay writing competition run by the National History Challenge. The theme of the competition was ̒ War and Peaceʼ and his essay on the bombing of Darwin during the Second World War was simply outstanding.

Academic Achievements

Above: Tim Pearson, Jonathan Paul andNigel Bell in Sydney to receive their award

Above: David Brown

Above: Jack Tearle

David Brown, Year 11, (right) is one of four students who has been recognised by the University of Newcastle for his business plan submission of a coff ee shop. David got the idea for his plan while doing weight training at the UNE Sports' Centre, where he realised that a number of his exercise buddies were annoyed at the fact that a good coff ee was hard to fi nd after training sessions. David presented his business plan to a panel at the University where it was very favourably received.

Three Year 9 commerce students, seen right, Tim Pearson, Jonathan Paul and Nigel Bell were short-listed to attend a prize ceremony in Sydney for their submission in this year s̓ ʻMoney-Stuff Challenge ,̓ a competition that is run by the NSW Offi ce of Fair Trading. They were fortunate enough to receive a High Commendation in the Years 7-9 Rural Division for NSW.

The Australian Geography Competition has been another success for TAS students with fi fteen achieving High Distinctions and nineteen receiving Distinctions.

Those boys who received an HD are (back row from left): Matthew Kahl, Nigel Bell, Jack Vidler, Ben Brunckhorst, Christian Marchant, Callum DillonFront row from left: Andrew Grigg, Jock Robinson, Angus Begg, Tim WilliamsonAbsent: Matthew Maunder, Nathan Eagar, Tom Armitage, Tristan Glover, Will Smidt

Angus Begg, Absent: Matthew Maunder, Nathan Eagar, Tom Armitage, Tristan Glover, Will Smidt

Above: Tim Pearson, Jonathan Paul and

Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008 9

The ʻWorldskills Australiaʼ competition is designed to challenge young people to achieve excellence in vocational education and training. The New England/North West regional competition was held at various venues in Tamworth in October.TAS entered Sam Adams in the Primary Industries section, Jake Kruidenier in Hospitality, and Giles Holmes in Tourism. Competition was very strong with students from across the region demonstrating an exceptional level of skill within their sector. A fantastic result was achieved by all three TAS boys, each winning hissection. As a result they were awarded a gold med-al each. Feedback from the conveners indicated that the highly developed communication skills demonstrated by our boys was what set them apart from other competitors.Below left to right: Sam Adams (Primary Industries), Giles Holmes (Tourism) and Jake Kruidenier (Hospitality)

Congratulations to Henry Killen on having his shooting trailer nominated for inclusion in DesignTECH. Henry has designed and purpose built a very comprehensive trailer for tak-ing away to shooting meets. It includes a locked compartment within the trailer for rifl es and ammunition, an area for easy cleaning and maintenance of the rifl es and storage for tables and chairs. Well done Henry.

Congratulations to Boyd Lamoureux on having his HSC major worknominated for inclusion in Design-TECH. Boyd designed and built a hydraulic, scissor lift welding or lifting platform. A really great concept, well done.

Congratulations to Harry Kirk (above) who captained the NSW Mixed Junior Polocrosse Team which won the Nationals in Perth in an unbeatem run. This is a fantastic achievement and refl ects many years of training and devotion to the sport.

DesignTECH Nominations

Congratulations

10 Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008

"This conference is about improving our world. We are all part of humanity and we have the same goal: to create a better future for the generation that

comes after us.” - Eugene Pyuen, Collingwood School

Round Square Conference 2008Creating Sustainable Communities

- Local to Global

Each year Round Square schools send a team of representatives to a fi ve-day conference held at a member school. During the conference collaborative activities are reported on and evaluated, and new projects are planned. In October 2008, 600 high school students from 27 countries met at Collingwood School in Vancouver and Glenlyon Norfolk School in Victoria to discuss how young people can help create sustainable communities. They enjoyed inspiration from a number of speakers that included award-winning authors, activists, a zoo-keeper, a mountain climber and a king. It was all part of the Round Square 2008 Conference supporting an organisation of 70 schools worldwide that share the common philosophy of IDEALS: internationalism, democracy, environ-ment, adventure, leadership and service. The TAS delegation to the 2008 Conference were from left: Grant Harris (TAS RS co-ordinator), Callum Mackerras (Year 10), Jock Barnett (Year 10), Ethan Fry (Year 11), Elliot Diebold (Year 11), Jason Wright (Year 11), James Heagney-Perrott (Year 11) and Deon Moss (staff)."The timely nature of the Conference theme, "Creating Sustainable Communities - Local to Global," canʼt be underestimated,” said Collingwood teacher Chris Moore, a conference organiser, “As humans, we are fi nally beginning to recognise that the preservation of our Earth is the most important issue we all face.” There were also activities, expeditions and events organised by the host schools to allow participants to explore not only the conference theme but also Canada, its culture and its environment.

The Pre-Conference Service Project was the Laem Tong International Community Resource Centre Project on Ko Phi Phi Island.

TAS student Ethan Fry working on the cement mixer

TAS has fundraised to support this project since the tsunami in 2004 and this year has actively volunteered service in assisting to build this community centre for the sea gypsies on the island. The community now only occupies a very small parcel of land where the fresh water sup-ply has been spoiled by resort development. This project is building a Community Resource Centre which will be used by the school and community to off er courses which will lead to the sea gypsies being able to gain employment in the resorts.

An artists impression of the Laem Tong International Community Resource Centre

Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008

shakespeare in 90 minutes

the audience participationlevel was fantastic

characterisation excellent

The play 'Shakespeare in Ninenty Minutes', was the concluding performance of the School year. It is a parody of all ofShakespeareʼs plays with them being performed in very shortened forms during the show. Indeed there was a very brief version of the essentials of Hamlet. It was an outstanding success – very funny and wonderfully put together with a very talented cast. All the actors played multiple roles extremely well and all played for laughs with extraordinary skill. The audience participation was a great feature and who will ever forget the Headmasterʼs wife as Ophelia or David Toakley being admonished by Jason Wright. They played for laughs and they certainly got them.Congratulations to our exchange, drama teacher Kate Caster and her actors on an evening of great entertainment.

great performances

12 Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008

Hawkesbury Canoe Classic

The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic is a 111km overnight paddle on the Hawkesbury river.The race for canoes and kayaks is paddled from Windsor to Brooklyn Bridge starting at 4.00pm and running throughout the night under a full moon. The paddlers encounter tidal conditions on their journey with several tide changes during the night. The race is one of the longest continuous paddling events in the world and annually attracts over 400 boats. It off ers, as Rudyard Kipling said, “a meeting with triumph and disaster, treating these two imposters just the same”. It involves a huge range of emotions for the paddlers as they face disappointment or triumph.

This year the event attracted 54 entries from TAS, NEGS, and PLC students, staff , Old Boys, parents and friends and they were supported by a land crew of over 60 parents, staff and friends.The provisional results showed that the TAS pair of Ricky MacCormick and Richard Nixon recorded a handicap time of 12:38:45 to better the record in the Junior Men's Rec2 class by an hour and 40 minutes. Similarly the two NEGS crews of Kate Miles and Courtney Waugh and Polly Witts and Aysha McCoy fi nished with identical handicap times of 11:13:32 to claim the record in the Junior Ladies' Rec2 class.The fastest boat was that of staff member Will Caldwell and parent Angus McDouall in 12:58:08. The slowest boat to fi n-ish, an honour celebrated by the ʻUp the Creekʼ trophy, was paddled by the TAS Headmaster, Murray Guest and his wife Joanne in a little over 19 hours.In all, 20 boats fi nished the race, representing 71% of the squad, with a number completing milestones such as their 5th or 10th fi nish. The senior paddler in the group and event organiser, Peter Hall, paired with James McEwan to complete his 10th Hawkesbury Classic in just under 15 hours.

The Hawkesbury Canoe Classic has become part of the fabric of TAS. off ering real challenge, service and a community eff ort. This year over $35,000 was raised by the group for the Arrow Foundation, thanks to a major donation of $20,000 from the Count Charitable Foundation. A great eff ort from everyone.

Ricky MacCormick and Richard Nixon

James McEwan and Peter Hall

Photos courtesy of Phil Morley

Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008 13

TAS Surf LifesavingSurf Lifesaving has become a very popular activity at TAS. The training is conducted under the auspices of the Sawtell Surf Lifesaving Club and involves all aspects of beach safety including rescue board riding, ocean swimming, patient rescues and resuscitation plus fi rst aid and theory training.This year the School raised money for the Sawtell Club and donated a surf ski that can be used as a rescue craft and for competition. Surf Clubs like Sawtell rely on community support and fundraising eff orts as they do not receive any government funding, being a true volunteer organisation.There is an annual Ironman trophy awarded within the squad to the member that has shown the greatest level of physical fi tness, skill, community service and leadership in all aspects of the Activities program. All boys were highly commended for their behaviour and commitment to the beach communityand Andrew Liston was awarded the Ironman of the Year trophy.The squad will undertake rostered weekend patrols of the Sawtell beach during January putting their skills and training into practice.Swim between the fl ags!

Ironman Andrew Liston

Maybe itʼs the altitude, maybe itʼs the attitude, but our fl edgling fi rst trip in 1994 has grown to a highly anticipated annual event, attracting up to 150 people from families and friends of TAS, NEGS, PLC and, increasingly, Old Boys.The single Toyota Coaster that carried the 15 original skiers has now become a fl otilla of private vehicles and luxury coaches, heading south in the last week of the July school holidays.Over the last 15 years, weʼve moved from Blue Cow mountain, to Perisher Blue and to Mount Hotham before settling on Falls Creek near Mt Beauty in Victoria“Falls is great for families”—you hear this often from our skiers. We have everyone accommodated in well-equipped apartments on snow at Falls Creek Country Club, fi rst stop as you enter the village. At around 50m from the car park or the Gully Chair ski lift, our accommodation means that families can ski home for lunch, or non-skiers can be a real part of the holiday. Falls is known for its huge snowmaking capacity which augments its excellent annual snow-falls. Itʼs also known for its runs which can accommodate diff erent skill levels in the same area: the advanced skier schussing down the moguls on Father Fosterʼs and only metres from the intermediate Ruined Castle.Aprés ski events may include one of the regular parties held by the organising staff (the 2003 beach party at Julianʼs Lodge has a special place in TAS skiers' folklore) or a video for the kids on the big screen. Diners linger each night swapping stories before retiring to do it all again the next day.2009 will see a big celebration of our 15th anniversary.Why not join us to help make this trip the best yet?For more information, go to the website (www.as.edu.au/skifallscreek) or the Facebook group (http://tinyurl.com/TASskiers) or make enquiries directly to Martin Levins at TAS.If youʼd prefer information on our Japan ski trip, see www.as.edu.au/skijapan

TAS Skiing

14 Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008

Junior School

Guest Speaker for Junior School Speech Day Wow! We were delighted to have Mr Ruben Meerman as our guest speaker this year. Ruben is the ABCʼs surfi ng scientist and has both a love of surfi ng and of science. Ruben has written two books – The Surfi ng Scientist and The Surfi ng Scientist #2 and can be seen on Triple J, ABC Science Online, ABC TVʼs The Experimentals, Rollercoaster and the Sleek Geeks TV series with Dr Karl and Adam Spencer.Ruben presented a most exhilarating and fascinating science show to students the day before Speech Day but what a wow factor on the day. Ruben produced his liquid nitrogen on stage and blew everyone away (not literally). What a 'cool' show it was. As well Ruben was a very special person who signed books, entertained and was genuinely nice. This made for a great Speech Day, a little out of the ordinary.

The group reciting the prayers was an outstanding successCharlotte Caldwell receives her prize

photos courtesy of Simon Scott

Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008 15

RazzamaTAS Fete

From the Headmaster's Speech Day Address"I am hopeful that many of you have noticed the good number of improvements around the School campus this year. Much of this has been funded by our great supporters – the P&F, Old Boysʼ Union and the TAS Foundation – and simply would not have been possible without their generosity and initiative. For example, the painting of the gates around the School, the new kitchen in the McConville Centre, the landscaping around Middle School, the new kiln for our Art Depart-ment, the Junior School bus shelter and the purchase of two new kayaks have all been made possible by the work of our P&F and this complements their funding of the Year 10 Canberra Excursion and support of the Creative Arts Centre. Perhaps even more important than this direct fi nancial support have been the eff orts in community building that our P&F has again made this year. From fetes to formals to carnival catering and parent welcomes, our P&F has held its vision fi rmly on supporting the School in all its eff orts and I am grateful to them." - Murray Guest, Headmaster

Farewell to Rosemary MarshallIt was with much sadness that the School family farewelled one of its stalwarts. Rosemary Marshall left the Clothing Shop after twenty years of loyal service having clothed our students, set up touring teams, and been custodian of the Old Boys merchandise throughout. We have indeed been fortunate to have Rosemary as the ‘face’ of the clothing shop both for our new and current students, providing service and care beyond her charter. Many ex-P&F Presidents came to the fare-well and a highlight of the evening was a wonderful gift from the School of a James White painting and honorary lifemembership of the Old Boys' Union.We wish Rosemary and Richard well in their retirement.

16 Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008

The School Remembers Lieutenant Michael Fussell Michael Fussell, Old Boy 1994-2001, was killed on active duty in Afghanistan

"I remember Michael as an exceptional young man. During his eight years at TAS he was a fi ne academic and performed at a high level right through to his HSC. At the same time he was one of those boys who thrived on involving himself in every part of school life with energy, good humour and great generosity of spirit. He was a keen sportsman, playing squash, rugby and polocross - as well as paddling the demand-ing 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic overnight to test himself whilst raising money for the Arrow Foundation. Michael was a part of the School cadet unit for four years, completing the junior leaders' course, before taking on surf life-saving in his senior years. Most importantly though, he was simply a delightful young man - with a touch of the rascal about him, plenty of integrity and a natural willingness to give of himself. That he chose to serve his country was no surprise to any of us at the School."

Murray Guest, Headmaster

The School is currently updating its Honour Boards and would be interested to hear from anyone who has served on active duty since the Malaysian confl ict. Or if you know of someone who has been on active duty, we would be very pleased to hear from you about them. Contact Grant Harris on 02 6776 5826 or email gharris@as.edu.au

Michael was at TAS from Year 4 to Year 12. He was a very capable student and one who was fully involved in sport and activities. It was obvious in his cadet service that he possessed fi ne leadership skills. Michael was one of life's outstanding characters. He had a good mix of larikinism and a totally genuine gregarious and vibrant personality.From TAS Michael went straight to the ADFA and then to Duntroon from where he graduated as a Lieutenant in 2005.Michael was serving with the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan. He was a member of the Sydney based 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) and was conducting a dismounted patrol when he and his team were struck by the IED.Michael was involved in ongoing Australian Special Forces operations to neutralise and fracture the Taliban insurgency leadership in Oruzgan province. Acting Chief of Defence, LTGEN Hurley said, "His death is a tragic reminder that Afghanistan remains a dangerous place and that our Service personnel place themselves in great danger to assist the Afghan population each day. Michael's death with be keenly felt by the SOTG, across the Army, and throughout the wider ADF." Michael's death was also felt very deeply across the TAS community. Major Grant Harris advised the School at a parade following the conclusion of Activities Week. In so doing he said, "Indeed eight years ago Michael would have been standing like you, on a parade just like this, at the end of another Cadet Camp. Let us as a community remember him."

Michael Fussell on graduating from theADFA-with Major General Peter Cosgrove

Michael Fussell

Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008 17

Old Boys' Jottings

Here and ThereDavid Tregear (42-49) writes, "I noticed with interest the article in Binghi 143 on the Needhams at Dangar House 1941-43. The photo of the yabbie pond certainly revived memories. My fi rst year at TAS was 1942 in Dangar House and I have fond memories of Christian and the happy, pleasant bicycle excursions which she co-ordinated. If possible please convey my kind regards and best wishes to her (a few years inbetween)."

Rob Tomlinson (60-64) was saddened to read of the death of Roma Crossle. He writes, "Earlier in the year Julie and I were in an antique store in Brisbane when we found a watercolour painted by Roma entitled Out Puddledock Way. It shows the area in a good New England spring. It now hangs on our wall with a few James White's and is a great reminder of George and Roma of Brown Street, Armidale.

Andy McConville (77-85) now settled in Singapore writes, “You never realise how many people read Binghi until you appear in it. I have had two lovely notes: one from Simon Gibbons (79-85) who was in my year and lives in Singapore and one from Robert Aisi (70-75) who is the Ambassador to the UN for PNG, based in New York.

News from Neil Roberts (ex-Bursar) about his sons: Lynden (80-84) is a medical specialist in Townsville and Cameron (82-84) is also a trained medical doctor but is actually a full time concert pianist in Madrid. All have fond memories of, and aff ection for, The Armidale School.

Brian Johnson (80-85) and his wife Teresa, along with their four and half year old daughter Grace, continue to live in Brewarrina .They have just sold the post offi ce there after 10 years. Brian was diagnosed with acute myloid leukaemia in March and has undergone seven months of chemotherapy. He is now in remission and looking forward to a better 2009. We wish you all the best, Brian - Ed.

Robert Templeton (85-90) is principal at Bloomsbury State School in Bloomsbury, North Queensland. He and his wife Natalie have two daughters, Bronte aged fi ve and Sasha aged three and half.

Dion Maple (94-96) lives on Christmas Island and works for Parks Australia having completing his environmental management degree. Currently he is holidaying throughout Burma, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Andrew Wilson (94-00) has been selected as a member of the Australian Rifl e Shooting team. Andrew started shooting at the age of 14 while at TAS and was captain of the TAS shooting team in both 1999 and 2000. This is not the fi rst time Andrew has worn the green and gold. He was a member of the Australian under 25s team which has competed in international matches at-Bisley, England in 2000, while he was in Year 12, and then in Perth in 2001. Since making the open ranks, Andrew has been a member of the NSW team, competing in national competitions. This year he was again selected for the NSW team, which will compete in Brisbane in June 2009.Hot on the heels of the state selection trials, Andrew spent a week in Brisbane at the Australian selection trials. It was a gruelling trial with a great deal of shooting from 300 to 1000 yards, interviews and a psychological test. There were 44 shooters at the trial, competing for 20 places on the team. Andrew was the youngest amongst the fi eld. Much to his surprise he has been selected in the Australian team. The selectors commented on the new team having a mix of experience and younger, up and coming talent. The team will be competing in a Trans Tasman and a mini Palma match near Wellington, NZ, in January, 2009.

Brendan Roberts (01-03) has been living in Canada for almost a year and intends to live there for another twelve months. He is holidaying and working in Banff . His email address for anyone wanting to contact him is Brendanroberts@gmail.com.au

W A (Bill) Somerville's (42-45) new address in Thailand has been passed on to us by Dr Robin Fisher (40-41). Bill is now living in south eastern Bangkok only 5kms from the new airport. Bill and his twin brother Jim (now deceased) used to have a business in Thailand and have lived there for a number of years.

18 Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008

ObituariesPeter C Hewson (42-44), late of Nords Wharf, NSW died aged 79 in Newcastle on 1 October, 2008. His father Jack (1915-16) and sons Robert (71-74) and Peter (78-83) also attended TAS. Thanks to Alan Smith (42-44) for this information.

Lance Hooton (46-50) passed away on 13 October, 2008. Lance spent his adult years as a grazier with his wife Oriel on the Clarence River at Tabulam. Sons Murray (76-81) and Mark (81-86) also attended TAS. A note from Oriel reads, ”Lance was extremely disappointed that he was unable to attend the last Old Boys' Weekend as he was unwell. He always said his school days at TAS were the best thing that ever happened to him. Lance and I also loved the years whilst Murray and Mark attended TAS. The friends we made are very special and for Lance he enjoyed meeting his old mates. We always looked forward to receiving Binghi.”

Samuel John Allen (59-60) passed away in Lismore on 21 September at the age of 64. He is survived by his wife Suzanne, daughter Elizabeth and brother Bill (57-59). He was the uncle of Charles and Paul Allen (91-97).

Some belated obituaries:We note the death of David M B Ross (33-36) in July 2008. David was one of three brothers who attended TAS from Walcha in the 1930s. His brothers were Donald Bede Ross (31-35) and Murray A B Ross (33-36).

John B Vasey (34-36) also died in July of this year. His son James Thomas (72-76) attended TAS.

Barry Lillyman (53-54) died in February 2006 in Tamworth.

Michael Miesch (53) died on 1 July 2001. He was living in Yamba at the time of his death.

The School extends its sympathy to the families and friends of these deceased Old Boys.

Congratulations

Anthony Dunk (86-89) married Kate Thompson in March 2006. They have a son, Oliver Anthony, born on 4 July 2007. They are now living in Highfields, Toowoomba.

James Middleton (02-04) and Elizabeth Endersby are delighted to announce the arrival of their first child, Harriet Elizabeth Margaret. She weighed 7lbs 15 ozs.

GPS OBU NewsThere are still a few vacancies in the proposed TASOBU Lawn Bowls team to play in the GPSOBU comp held one Sunday afternoon a month from May to November.Newington keeps winning and we need to knock them off. First six applicants are sure to make the team. For details contact Paddy Flower on 0418468708. For the first time in many years TAS fielded a team in the GPS OBU Annual Golf Day in 2008 and two team members even won prizes. We need more players for next year to show the other Schools that some of us know how to play the game. The date for 2009 is 13 August. For more details contact Michael Webb on 02 9972 4262. We are also looking for a sponsor to shock the GPS OBU people by having our own TAS shirts!

Alan H Smith (42-44) has joined the ranks of the authors with the publication of his book Gunners in Borneo – Artillery During Confrontation 1962-1966.Alan joined the CMF in 1951 as a recruit gunner and was commissioned in 1954. He had regimental service with the Royal Artillery in London and the Royal Canadian Artillery in Toronto. He was promoted to major and went into logistics. He was awarded the Efficiency Decoration in 1966 and retired in 1968. He was appointed to the executive of BHP and remained with them until 1992. His third ʻcareerʼ is writing artillery history as editor of the journal of the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company, Cannonball.

Congratulations to Philip Bailey (51-53, 58-60) on the publication of Yehudiana, Reliving the Menuhin Odyssey – a new

biography published by Fountaindale Press.Nine years in the writing, this is the first of two volumes. It traces the Menuhin odyssey from anti semitic pogroms of late 19th century Rus-sia to the eve of Yehu-diʼs second marriage in 1948. Philip Bailey was on the Menuhin staff in London from 1976 until Yehudiʼs death in 1999.

Congratulations of different kind to Bruce Taylor (71-77) who has won his 11th Australian National Gliding Championship. Bruce has been gliding competitively for over 20 years and during this time has won many state and regional competitions, as well as his eleven national titles. He has competed overseas many times and scored as high as 8th in the world. This July he competed in Italy and finished 13th.

Binghi 143 Term 3, 2008 19

Catching up with an Old Boy of the Class of 2000

Douglas Nash (95-00) left TAS with a UAI of 98.5 in 2000, deciding to attend university immediately rather than take a year off . He went to the UNSW in Sydney where he studied industrial design, leaving at the conclusion of his fourth year with a fi rst class honours degree.In his fi nal year, his faculty entered an international design competition run by Electrolux, who selected eight universities from around the world with the best industrial design courses and challenged them to come up with the best design concepts for any electrical kitchenware of the future.There were eleven teams from NSW competing, and Douglas and his team of two others won through and they were off to New York for the judging.To huge media interest and hoopla, they won, enteringa waterless dishwasher, using a kind of technology that was used on a large scale for cleaning car parts, but had never been scaled down for domestic use. In essence, the method was to coat the dishware with heated liquid carbon dioxide gas, which turns super critical and coats every surface with the result that all dirt and grease slides off the coated surface. Later the waste is taken to the grey waste system, while the gas is recondensed and re-used. This concept won the day, and subsequently the concept model toured extensively world wide and exhibited in the Sydney Powerhouse Museum.Electrolux professed an interest in employ-ing Douglas in their design team, but did not have any vacancies at the time. Douglas then worked part time with a design company in St Leonards, Sydney, and completed a one year master of business at NSW. At the successful conclusion to this year he took up a posting in Sydney with the Electrolux Australian design team. He enjoyed working with them, principally in the area of refrigeration, and liaising between the design, engineering and manufacturing divisions. After just over a year Douglas moved to The One Centre, a branding organisation that off ers design, advertising and marketing all under the same roof. It off ered Douglas the opportunity to use his business degree as well as his design skills. The big change was the pace at which work comes in and fl ows out, and a huge increase in variety of work. One

of the projects that he recently had a large hand in designing was the mobile showroom for Audi, which has been very well received in Australia, and by the head offi ce in Germany.

Reviewing the industry which Douglas has chosen, it is interesting to note that he entered university with 70 people doing his course, he graduated with 40 of those, and of that number there were three that to Douglasʼ certain knowledge are working directly in industrial design.Thanks to father Jeremy for this information.

Douglas Nash, Ross Nicholls and

Oystien Lie with the Rockpool

1963 Reunion says ThanksThe class of 1963 held their 45th Year Reunion over the OB Weekend. Twenty four out of a possible 58 attended, many with their wives or partners. We had a wonderful time renewing friendships, recalling past School events that seem to get bigger and better with age, and generally enjoying the weekendʼs program.All this was made possible, in no small way, by those who were willing to give up their time to stage the OB weekend. Accordingly, we congratulate and thank them for all their eff ort and time that resulted in the OB weekend and our reunion being so successful.Many thanks, Ric Hall, for the 1963 Reunion

The Lead Plaque"I was fascinated by the

discovery of the lead plaque

as mentioned on page 19 of

the last issue of Binghi.

The question arises: how

did John Burkitt and David

Griffi ths obtain the lead

slab prior to the addition

of their inscription? It is unlikely that they took it from

roof fl ashings: the slab is too thick for that application

and TAS boys are not known to be vandals!

My guess is that they melted the lead from the

heads of .303 bullets scavenged from the Armidale

rifl e range. I recall climbing with mates over the butts

in 1958 collecting the heads ( on days when nobody

was shooting!) before making a fi re under one of

those square bulk jam tins obtained from the School

kitchens. We soon had a thick lead slab from which

we picked the now-empty bullet heads. There was no

serious purpose to what we did, just innocent fun derived

from extracting molten metal and moulding it into a

new shape. Although unaware at the time, it seems that

we were simply carrying on a TAS tradition.

What is even more intriguing is the question of the

method the boys used to produce the raised notation.

Perhaps they carved the wording in wood in reverse as

one would do when producing an engraving plate for

an etching. The mystery deepens."

Philip Bailey (51-53, 58-60)

Binghi 144 Term 4, 2008 20

Old Boy and Foundation Lunches in Sydney and Melbourne

The TAS OBU has joined forces with the TAS Foundation to organise a series of lunches with the Headmaster in attendance. Those enjoying the Melbourne lunch were from the left: Michael Burnett (50-55), Murray Guest (Headmaster), Paul Barratt (56-60), Sebastian Hempel (77-83), George Mills (74-79), Rob Busby (63-68), Ian Seale (38-43), Roger Stretch (41-46), Steven Conte (78-84) and Christopher White (91-96). This was a very entertaining occasion at the Melbourne Club with TAS Old Boy and guest speaker, literary award winner Steven Conte in attendance.

meanwhile in Sydney

The Old Boys from the 1940s enjoyed a lunch in the Speaker's Dining Room at Parliament House.Above right: Robin Want (42-45), Peter Ratcliff e (41-43) and Alan Smith (42-44)Above left: Sam Coulton (39-46) and Anthony Robb (42)

Old Boysʼ Union AGMAt the Annual General Meeting held on 20 September, 2008, Jack Abbott was elected president as Keith Perrett did not seek re-election. Keith had served the Union with distinction for two terms. Pat Bradley and Cameron Moore were appointed vice-presidents with David White (minute secretary) and Peter Croft (treasurer) re-elected. Paddy Flower will continue as the Unionʼs representative on the GPSOBU.At the meeting, David White was made an Honorary Life Vice-President of the Union in recognition for his many yearsʼ service to the OBU as minute secretary. He joins Peter Croft who was similarly recognised some years ago for his long service as treasurer.The AGM also endorsed the committeeʼs decision to confer membership of the Union on Rosemary Marshall who has recently retired from her position managing the TAS Clothing Pool. As such, Rosemary handled OBU merchandise on behalf of the Union as well as raising considerable funds for the P&F.

David Connah