The importance of service in the community is central to TAS and has been since our first students arrived in 1894. As a School we are proud of our history of service and actively seek to immerse our students in the power of selflessly giving time and investing care into the needs of other people in our community.
Our Service program aligns particularly closely with our Outdoor Education program, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, as well as our commitments as a member of the Round Square association of schools for whom community service is a central tenant.
Serve from the start
Students are introduced in a practical form to the school’s philosophy of service in the broader community from the moment they enter Middle School. This is expressed in a variety of meaningful ways, encouraged by academic staff and lead by student leaders.
While the importance of local community support tends to be the focus of many activities, the long standing, 20 year relationship Middle School has with St Christopher’s Orphanage in Fiji, is particularly special.
Our deep connection with St Christopher’s Orphanage
Year 8 students nominate to go to Fiji for 10 days and work in the orphanage to assist the Anglican Sisters of the Community of the Sacred Name repair the fabric of the buildings, painting, creating vegetable gardens and playing with their Fijian ‘buddies’ who accompany them during this period. It is a rewarding and enriching experience for all involved. Continuing a tradition started so many years ago, students work to make the orphanage a better place, by giving of themselves physically, mentally and emotionally.
Service through the Outdoor Education Program
The mandatory nature of Cadets in Years 8-10 reflects the value TAS places on service with students learning through experience the importance of serving a greater purpose. The Armidale School’s close association with the armed forces and national service is a tradition of which we are particularly proud.
In addition, from Year 11 students join either Surf Lifesaving, Rural Fire Service or Local Community Service with the intent that students will continue to volunteer their time to serve their community after they complete their schooling.
Student leaders - leading to serve
Our Prefect and Student Representative Council work each year to raise funds for causes that they identify as the most important for the whole-school student body. The commitment and student empowerment in driving these initiatives ensures high levels of engagement and connection from the broader TAS community.
Service - one of the Round Square IDEALS
As one of the Round Square IDEALS, Service to others is an important element of our character curriculum. Service at TAS is expressed in many ways, acknowledging our responsibility to society generally and building empathy, understanding and compassion so our students can make a difference in the world. Students and staff have the opportunity to do valuable work for disadvantaged communities in projects domestically and overseas, organised by Round Square.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
TAS was one of the first schools in Australia to adopt the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme making a set commitment to service as a core component of the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. Students can also extend themselves through local community service initiatives such as weekly cooking sessions for the Armidale Community Refuge Centre and international service projects through Round Square.