‘Our commitment to student safety – the past and the present’
While TAS was and continues to be a place of joy and fulfilment for so many, we recognise and acknowledge that for some, their time here was one of unhappiness, loneliness or suffering.
To those who were abused, bullied or victimised, or felt that their voices were ignored or that no-one cared, the School expresses profound sorrow and regret.
As part of the School’s commitment to working with former victims, the School joined the National Redress Scheme in 2019, which provides redress, acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional sexual abuse.
For more information on the NRS, please visit https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/ or call the National Redress Scheme line on 1800 737 377.
To report an incident of historical abuse, please contact the School on (02) 6776 5800, email [email protected] or contact Armidale police directly on (02) 6771 0699.
The School also constructed a Reflection Space, with the blessing of some of those who suffered, as a place for acknowledging injustices of the past. It incorporates both a physical statement of apology as well as a pledge for a hopeful future. While this Space can never make up for the hurt done to those who experienced abuse, it may hopefully provide for some, a place for reflection and assist with a journey towards healing. The Space, which is downstream from the school dam on Black Gully, can be conveniently accessed via the Chapel St entrance (Gate 7) to the School.
TAS, like Australian society, has changed a great deal in recent decades. Culturally, we are a co-educational school that seeks to be an inclusive and compassionate community which celebrates diversity and hope, cognisant that the strength of any community is the way it looks out for all those who are part of it. It strives to be a place where lasting relationships are built on mutual respect and trust, and where all have a voice that is heard.
To our current and prospective parents, we give our utmost reassurance that the School has a zero-tolerance policy to inappropriate behaviour. This commitment to making sure TAS provides a safe and happy environment for all who live and work here is reinforced through our pastoral care structure, in formal and informal settings, in the classroom and outside of it.
If you or anyone you know would like more information, has questions or concerns, please contact one of those below.
Principal
Ray Pearson
[email protected]
Director of Development
Emily McOrist
[email protected]
Director of Human Resources
Susannah Warrick
hr@as.edu.au
Director of Pastoral Care
Adam (AJ) Whalley
[email protected]

