For siblings Morgan, Campbell and Emmy Shannon from Gunnedah, boarding at TAS has opened the door to find their own paths, yet stay together as they develop into capable, kind and confident young people.
Morgan, in Year 10, has been heavily engaged in the school’s service opportunities, including weekly visits to the nearby Newling Gardens Retirement Village and assisting at a home for disadvantaged boys and girls in Fiji.
“It gives you a sense of accomplishment and it’s nice to help people. We are fortunate to go to a good school and it’s important to help others that don’t have the same advantages in life,” she said.
Campbell, in Year 9, did likewise, and has just completed a cadet leadership course which will also contribute to a Duke of Edinburgh Award. Last year he achieved the school’s Triple Crown, an award for students who complete the Coffs 2km Ocean Swim, the City to Surf and the Nineteen for 19 charity event.
“I also love playing rugby against the Sydney schools and this year have taken on rowing – it’s been a bit commitment, but it’s really been worth it.”
Following her elder siblings, Emmy started at TAS this year.
“I was a bit nervous at first and thought I might get lost but I was also very excited by all the opportunities and having Morgan and Campbell was great support,” she said.
Morgan agrees that it’s wonderful all three can attend the same school.
“TAS is big enough for us to all do our own thing, but small enough that we can all keep an eye on each other,” she says.
TAS challenges students to be the best they can be, inside and outside the classroom. In last year’s Higher School Certificate, TAS was the highest performing co-educational school in northern NSW and the only one to make the Sydney Morning Herald’s top 200 schools list. However the school is equally known for its expansive character curriculum, which includes cadets, surf lifesaving, Rural Fire Service and community service.
TAS has a long association with the Namoi region and March 18 the school’s principal Ray Pearson, director of boarding David Drain and enrolments registrar Jo Neilson will be visiting Gunnedah to meet with current and prospective families. To book your chat just go to as.edu.au/tas-regional-tour/
