Dr Fiona Isaacs

Every April, Chaplains are asked the same question, “Why does the date for Easter change each year?”. The answer (which is not simple) is that Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere). This is because it aligns with the Jewish celebration of Passover, and we read in the Bible that is when Jesus did die and rise again, but it is also because Spring is the right time for a celebration of new birth. 

Spring is when flowers shoot up, bunnies hop across fields, and new life abounds around us. If you are ever fortunate enough to have been in the Northern Hemisphere for Easter, you will have seen how, after a long, cold winter, Spring brings signs of new life. These act as a visible reminder that God is not defeated by death, the flowers and baby animals and even the warmth of the sun on skin are all tangible prompts for us that Jesus defeated humanity's worst enemy, and triumphantly rose to eternal life, inviting us to join him.

But that is not our experience here in Australia. 

We have autumnal Easters. It's kind of the opposite. Everything is getting darker and cooler. Autumn leaves do not bring a reminder of new life. 

I have found that the Australian Easter gives us a precious insight into Good Friday. Good Friday is the day when Christians remember that Jesus died on the cross, dying so that we can have eternal life. For me, the crisp coldness of an Autumn morning is a reminder of the solemnity of the day, one that is most precious to Christians. Good Friday is our chance to stop, to consider Jesus’ death as an act of sacrifice and horror that we cannot fully comprehend. We remember that God would come into the world as a human and die; a horrific, painful death. But that at the same time, an act of incomprehensible love, that horrific, painful death is for us. He died to take the guilt and shame that we ourselves cannot bear. Died so that we do not have to face God’s judgement but rather have eternal life. 

In Sonnet 73, Shakespeare reminds us that Autumn is a time to reflect on our mortality. Good Friday allows us to do that, to remember that we are humans, frail and broken, people who have failed and rightly deserve God’s judgement. How glorious to hold that at the same time as the message of Easter Sunday. We know that we have an invitation to eternal life, assuring us that “the black night” (to quote Shakespeare) can never take away our eternal joy, our hope and peace; especially our confidence that death is a vanquished enemy and that we are safe forever in our Saviour’s love. 

I think that Sydney is at its absolute prettiest in April, the glorious blue skies against the vibrant autumnal leaves. May the beauty of this season draw your heart to reflect on death and life, but particularly that death has been conquered by Christ and consequently, eternal life is available to all. 

We would like to remind everyone of the importance of safety during drop off and pick up each day. To ensure a smooth and safe flow of traffic, please park only in the allocated spaces within the Junior School and Chapel car parks.

We have observed instances of double parking, which poses a significant safety risk. Masons Drive is an exceptionally busy road, serving three schools, and it is essential that we all contribute to maintaining safe and efficient traffic flow.

Please also be mindful not to block the roundabout, as this leads to further congestion and delays for vehicles entering or exiting Tara. Additionally, ensure that the driveway to the ring road remains clear to prevent obstruction for other cars.

Your cooperation in following these guidelines will greatly assist in keeping traffic moving as efficiently as possible.

This is a reminder to purchase your Tara Winter Uniform, ready for Term 2. The Uniform Shop will be open on Saturday 5 April from 09:00 – 12:00 noon.

Holiday Trading Hours

The Tara Uniform Shop will be closed from 12 - 23 April 2025 and will reopen on the following dates:

24 April 10:00am - 4:00pm
25 April - CLOSED ANZAC Day
28 April - normal term hours resume 

We were incredibly fortunate to welcome Megan Lord (Tara Alumnae, 1997) to our recent Senior School awards assembly. Megan’s journey from Tara student to Professor in Biomedical Engineering at UNSW is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and the courage to follow one's passion.

During her time at Tara, Megan immersed herself in music, academics, and new challenges, laying the foundation for a remarkable career in biomedical research and engineering. After achieving an outstanding HSC result, she pursued Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at UNSW, where she discovered a love for research and innovation.

Megan went on to earn a PhD, conducting groundbreaking research on medical devices and biomaterials. Her work has contributed to advancements in nanoparticle drug delivery, contact lens technology, and medical implants. She has mentored over 2000 biomedical engineers, supervised 22 PhD students, and published more than 100 research papers. As a leading advocate for women in STEM, she established programs to encourage more girls to pursue engineering and was nationally recognised for her efforts in bridging academia and industry.

Her inspiring message reminded us to embrace challenges, seek opportunities, and celebrate our unique perspectives. We are grateful for Megan’s time, wisdom, and generosity in sharing her journey with us.

Thank you, Megan, for being such an incredible role model and for showing us what’s possible. 

Once again, the Tara School Community is proud to participate in the Mother’s Day Classic at Parramatta Park. Join us on Sunday, 11 May, as we walk 5km together in support of this incredible cause.

We will meet at 8:30am to take part in this inspiring event, now in its 28th year, raising vital funds for breast and ovarian cancer research.

We look forward to walking together for a meaningful cause.

To register, please join the Tara Tigers team via this link. Save now and register at the early bird prices. 

Mother's Day Classic Foundation: Tickets

Tara-branded umbrellas are now available at the uniform shop. To purchase one, please use the link below and collect your umbrella from the staff at the uniform shop.

Click Here to Order a Tara Umbrella

A heartfelt thank you to all the dads who attended the Tara Dads Club Annual General Meeting last week. The evening concluded with the election of the following members to the Tara Dads Club Executive Team:

President: Nicholas Ross

Vice President: James Raad

Secretary: Rocky Nematalla

Year Group Representatives serving as committee members:

Anuj Agarwal, Sachin Dhage, Mouhamad Dib, James El-Azzi, Rob Fallins, Daniel Goffredo, Darren Green, Kass Hassem, Abhishek Kotkal, Elie Maroun, Pascal Mouawad, Dinesh Nathan, and William Pickering. 

Please join me in congratulating the newly elected executive team. 

A sincere thank you to the Tara Dads Club for its ongoing support of Tara. Your dedication and service to the School are truly appreciated.

Donna Karam

Hi I'm Donna! First and foremost, I am mum to the most amazing, fun, and compassionate children; Nestacia (Year 12), Nicolas (Year 10) and Neve (Year 5) who keep me busy with sport, social lives, and school assignments. I am also wife to the handsome numbers man George. I love cooking to feed their hungry bellies and baking birthday cakes for loved ones. I am a passionate educator who loves to learn just as much as I love to teach! I The beach is my happy place, and I believe kindness goes a long way. I look forward to meeting you all and planning community events that create lasting memories!

Jenny Po

Finance & Accounting recruitment pro who's equally skilled at finding top talent and locating missing school emails! Mum to the amazing Maddie (Year 7) and Tyler (Year 8), my days are filled with interviews, sport practices, and never enough coffee. I thrive on connecting great people with great opportunities—whether that's matching professionals with their dream jobs or introducing fellow parents at school events. A natural networker who believes the best conversations happen over good food and better company. Let's connect! 

Jenny and Donna are here to connect parents and offer valuable support for all of the Hub’s events planned for 2025. 

Get Involved with Tara Hub – Volunteer for Winterfest 2025

Tara Hub is excited to host Winterfest 2025, a vibrant community and fundraising event happening on Saturday, 14 June 2025. This special evening will feature market stalls and an International Food Festival, bringing together the flavours and cultures of our community.

We warmly invite all Tara families to take part—it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with others, support the School, and celebrate our community spirit. 

How You Can Help?

Would you like to be part of this exciting event? Here’s how you can get involved:

Host an International Food Stall – Share your culture through food. If you are interested, please email jdoyle@tara.nsw.edu.au.

Volunteer for Winterfest or Other School Events – Whether you can help with event planning or lend a hand on the night, we would love to have you. There’s a role for everyone, from organising to running stalls and assisting guests. Sign up today by completing the below volunteer form.

Please note: By signing up, you agree to share your name, email, and mobile number with Tara Hub for event coordination.

Click here for Tara Hub - Volunteer Sign Up 

The International Food Festival is a highlight of Winterfest, celebrating Tara’s rich cultural diversity. We can’t wait to experience the amazing dishes prepared by our community. 

Join us and be part of this incredible event. 

The Tara Old Girls’ Association is creating a special recipe book and would love to include cherished recipes from our Alumnae. If you have a favourite recipe you would like to share, please send it to jdoyle@tara.nsw.edu.au

If you have been away and would like to re-enrol it is now the perfect time to do so or if you would like to join our program, please contact our reception on 8838 2699 or email: swimming@tara.nsw.edu.au      

Learn to Swim run:    

Monday to Friday Afternoon: 3.30pm - 6.30pm    

As of the 1 April 2025 we will be changing the time duration for Advance, Mini and Junior/Senior Squads. Advance classes will be 1hr, Mini Squad will be 1hr & 15mins and the Junior/Senior Squads will be 1hr & 30mins. The start times for the classes may change but this will be communicated in the next couple of weeks, as well as emailed. Increasing the Advance and squad times will benefit the swimmer in not only their fitness and conditioning but for many other reasons, such as refine techniques, develop advance skills which will create stronger competitive results.  

It’s a privilege to support your child’s swimming journey, and we remain committed to providing high quality coaching in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.  

To continue delivering exceptional lessons, investing in our expert instructors, and maintaining top tier facilities, we will be making a small adjustment to our lesson and squad pricing from April 1 2025:  

•  Learn to Swim – $25.56 per lesson (Tara Students: $23.00)  
• Mini Squads – $177.78 per month (Tara Students: $160.00)  
• Junior/Senior Squads – $188.89 per month (Tara Students: $170.00)  
• Power Hour (1 session/week) – $88.89 per month (Tara Students: $80.00)  
• Power Hour (2-3 sessions/week) – $177.78 per month (Tara Students: $160.00)  

We know that any change requires adjustment, and we want to thank you for your ongoing trust and support. This update allows us to keep delivering outstanding programs that help your child grow, improve, and thrive in the water.  

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at swimming@tara.nsw.edu.au. We’re excited for another fantastic season of swimming and can’t wait to see your child continue to shine in the pool.

As the last “Twilight Race Night” was such a success we will be putting on another race night. We are excited to say we have a date: Friday 20 June 6.30pm – 8.30pm! You will need to be enrolled in the program to participate in the race night. So, get those race swimmers ready!  Details for entry will be sent out closer to the event. 

Please note that there are no swimming lessons during the Easter Holidays:

Maundy Thursday 17/04/2025
Good Friday 18/04/2025
Easter Monday 21/04/2025 (Lessons resume Tuesday 22/04/2024)
Anzac Day - Friday 25/04/2024

Please note that we will continue the afternoon swimming program during the school holidays. If you are going away, please ensure you put in explained absent to ensure you receive your make up token.

If you have a child or know someone who is at squad level, and are wanting to join Swimming@Tara squads, please email swimming@tara.nsw.edu.au so we can get them in for an assessment!

We are now accepting Active Kids and First Lap vouchers. To use them in our program, please forward the details to swimming@tara.nsw.edu.au with your child’s details.

We have a collection of lost property that has been left behind at the Aquatic Center. If you or your child have misplaced any items, please come down and check out lost property area. 

On Tuesday, 25 March, Year 3 set out on an adventure to The Ian Potter Children's WILD PLAY Garden in Centennial Park, ready to explore the wild side of nature! While it may have looked like a day of running, jumping, and discovering secret hideaways, don’t worry—there was plenty of learning happening too.

This excursion was the exciting launch of our new Unit of Inquiry, How We Organise Ourselves, where students began their journey into understanding mapping skills. Using the BOLTS features of a map (Border, Orientation, Legend, Title, and Scale), they became expert explorers, navigating through the dramatic landscapes of WILD PLAY with their trusty maps in hand.

Divided into small teams, students worked together to tackle a scavenger hunt, solve mapping problems, and use images to track down different destinations. They discovered just how fun and useful maps can be!

Of course, there was plenty of time for play, adventure, and a few unexpected encounters with nature. Read what some of our intrepid explorers had to say by clicking 'read more' below!

Last week, Year 2 had the privilege of welcoming Mrs Ramsay, our Principal, into our classroom. As part of our learning about the central idea "With rights, come responsibilities", Mrs Ramsay took the time to explain the important role she plays in looking after our school.

She shared with us how much she cares for every part of the School community, from the students to the teachers and parents. We learned that being a Principal comes with many responsibilities, like making sure everyone is safe, organising events, and making important decisions that help the school run smoothly.

Mrs Ramsay’s visit helped us understand how rights and responsibilities go hand-in-hand. Just like we have the right to a safe and happy learning environment, she has the responsibility to make sure our school is a great place for all of us.

We are grateful for her time and are excited to continue exploring how responsibilities shape our lives and change over time.

Congratulations to Tara Junior School student Chelsea, who swam her way to 1st place in the 9 Years Girls 50m Freestyle and placed 4th in the 8–10 Years Girls 50m Butterfly at the CIS Swimming Championships! 🥇🏊‍♀️💪

Chelsea’s results are a powerful reminder of what sport is all about—pushing your limits, showing up with determination and celebrating the rewards of hard work.

Chelsea will now represent CIS at the NSWPSSA Swimming Championships, competing in the 50m Freestyle and as part of the CIS 4×50m Freestyle Relay Team.

We are so proud of her and can't wait to cheer her on in the next stage! 

Jana (Service Leader), Ava and Cathy (Walker Heads of House)

Walker’s Service Learning Day was all about coming together to learn through service and making a positive impact. This term, we focused on World Down Syndrome Day, on the 21st of March, coincidentally the same day as our Service-Learning Day! We focused on trying to raise awareness and to help support individuals with Down Syndrome.

We joined the cause by wearing bright, mismatched socks for the “Lots of Socks” campaign, sparking conversations about Down Syndrome. We also organised a donation and took part in learning activities, one being a scavenger hunt, to better understand the experiences of individuals with Down Syndrome. A special highlight was the heartfelt video from Kate and Lucy Wallace, which encouraged us to embrace inclusion and celebrate our differences. 

Thanks to our amazing Tara community, we raised $500 to support Down Syndrome Australia. The enthusiasm and generosity of everyone involved made the day truly special.

Seeing students and staff come together for a shared cause, learning, and having fun while making a real difference was incredible. Service Learning Day highlighted the idea that small actions can lead to big change.

Sophia T (Year 10) and Suhanya J (Year 10) 

On Wednesday, 26 March, a group of Year 9 and 10 students attended the Science and Engineering Challenge at Homebush. We participated in a number of puzzles, challenges and games, which encouraged critical thinking to solve. The day required us to apply Science and Engineering to real-life problems.  The challenges were innovative and gave us insight into what STEM looks like in our future. They ranged from sending code messages with different coloured lights, to building mechanisms such as wind turbines, planes and bridges.

The competition tested our collaboration, Science, and Engineering skills, empowering us as future women in STEM.  The girls excelled in their categories, with Tara placing 3rd overall. As well as our overall success, many of the teams bonded with each other through these activities, combining knowledge in different scientific areas.

We are very grateful for this unique and challenging experience.

For the first time, Tara is introducing Textiles Technology as an elective for Year 9 students in 2025!

As part of the Fashion Flair unit, students have already begun developing essential design drawing skills, leading to the creation of their own unique skirts. This hands-on experience has sparked enthusiasm across the cohort, as students bring their ideas to life through fabric, pattern, and personal expression.

The course offers a deep dive into the world of textiles, exploring the properties and performance of different fibres, yarns, and fabrics, along with the art of colouration. Students also investigate the historical, cultural, and contemporary influences that shape textile design today. Through this lens, they develop a greater understanding of the global textile industry and their roles as informed consumers.

We look forward to seeing the creativity and innovation our students will showcase through this exciting new subject!

Mia C - Debating Captain 

Each year, Tara offers a wide range of Debating and Public Speaking opportunities designed to equip students with confidence, critical thinking and strong communication skills.

Tara is off to a strong start in 2025, with the Friday Evening Debating Competition coming to a close. We congratulate the teams who will be progressing to the Quarter Finals and commend all participants for their hard work and dedication. Last week, several Tara girls also participated in the Rostrum Voice of Youth competition at OLMC. We are thoroughly impressed by their eloquence, deep thinking, and passion for speaking on issues that they care about.

With more exciting opportunities ahead such as Archdale Debating, Festival of Speech, Harvard Model UN and other competitions later in the year, we look forward to seeing even more students embrace these opportunities, challenge themselves and continue Tara’s strong tradition of debating and public speaking. If you have any question or would like more information regarding public speaking at Tara, please feel free to contact Ms Ockert (Debating Coordinator), Isabella (Debating Prefect), or Mia (Debating Captain).

Remember – whether or not you are an experienced speaker, every voice has the power to make a difference! So, we urge everyone to step up, take these opportunities and make their voice heard!

Ashley W, Yajju M and Emily L - Year 11 Geography Students 

On Thursday 28 March, Year 11 Geography travelled to Millers Point to study the cultural change of the area, specifically studying gentrification. Millers Point is located north of the Central Business District and east of Barangaroo so it was not surprising it has undergone major gentrification over the past 15 years, pushing many low-income residents out, many of whom were social housing, to welcome in high-income SINKS and DINKS, many we met and interviewed. As such, many of the residents of Millers Point were displaced from the suburb and their homes. 

During our excursion, we were able to investigate into the cultural characteristics that make up Millers Point. We observed the architecture and historical features of the area occupied by wharf workers, thus enhancing the suburb’s historical roots. 

Using the external research we had conducted prior to the excursion, we learnt that Millers Point was once a close-knit community and through street-scaping, we calculated the percentage of homes now taking advantage of the lucrative business of Airbnb's. We had the chance to interview many people living in the area. This was a rare opportunity as there are very few private property owners living in the premises. 

While on the fieldwork, many forms of transport could be seen, including ferries, metro, trains and buses. These have contributed to the gentrification of the suburb, increasing the number of workers and businesses located near Millers Point. Many people who we interviewed currently working in Walsh Bay commuted via public transport. They had also expressed the new metro and its positive impact in getting to work.  

We engaged in various fieldwork activities which assisted us in enhancing our knowledge and understanding of the area. We observed maps and diagrams, surveyed various members of the community, and completed urban transect activities of the uses of the land within Millers Point which added to our understanding of the cultural change and evolution of the area.  

Overall, our fieldtrip to Millers Point taught us a lot about the area and the effects of gentrification, especially, in the changing culture. We also learnt various fieldwork techniques which supported our understanding of our own Geographical Investigation.

Following a strong finish to the rowing season earlier this term, Tara is excited to offer students a chance to discover the sport for themselves through our Learn to Row program, starting in Term 2.

Open to all students in Years 7–12, the Learn to Row program is the perfect introduction to this dynamic and rewarding sport. Designed for beginners, the program focuses on developing foundational skills and technique, while offering students the opportunity to try a variety of boat classes in a supportive and fun environment.

As well as improving fitness, rowing offers valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline and perseverance — and it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors on the water. With no Saturday training sessions, students are also able to participate in other Saturday sports and co-curricular activities. All sessions will be held on Sunday mornings.

Whether your daughter is looking to try something new or thinking about joining the competitive rowing program in the future, this is a great way to get started.

Register your daughter here: Senior School Sport – Tara Learn to Row

Ellie H - Touch Football Captain

Round 6

S03 Tara 1 vs Roseville 2, Loss, 1-3
S07 Tara 2 vs Monte 5, Loss, 0-5
J02 Tara 3 vs Monte 7, Loss, 3-6
J07 Tara 4 vs Danebank 5, Win, 6-2

On the touch football fields this week, all the girls are using trainings well to improve their passing, throwing, attacking and defending skills. Thank you to the coaches who are helping the girls with faster plays, good communication and accuracy with the ball. In particular, TAR04 had a great game this week, resulting in a great outcome against a strong team. Alexis B (Year 7), Linlin W (Year 7) and Lorin G (Year 7) all played well in their touching of other players and passing down the line. Well done girls!

Round 7

S03 Tara 1 vs St Catherine’s 2, Loss, 2-6 
S07 Tara 2 vs Danebank 3, Loss, 0-12 
J02 Tara 3 vs St Catherine’s 6, Win, 6-3 
J07 Tara 4 vs Roseville 11, Win, 8-3 

A highlight on TAR02's game this week: it was fun to watch, where all girls played their best. Despite the score, it is great to see the girls taking in their knowledge and skills from trainings, including plays like quickies, wraps and arrows to help get as many runs as possible. Some Year 12 players, Georgia H, Heeya P and Paige M all played well in the offence and defence. They had great runs through players and quick passes to one another. Good job girls.

Ellie H - Softball Captain

Round 6

S02 Tara 1 vs Oxley, Win, 10-9
J01 Tara 2 vs Pymble 4, Win, 14-5

TAR01 this week played in the early hours down at Oxley, it was a very tight game resulting in a victory. As a team, we did many double plays and were great in our fielding, with many girls trying new positions and working together well. A spotlight on Aarya R (Year 10) who had excellent batting and fielding skills on third base, and Claire D (Year 10) with her batting and running, making it home many times. Well done girls!

Round 7

S02 Tara 1 vs Danebank 1, Win, 12-6
J01 Tara 2 vs BYE

TAR01 had a great, close game on the weekend, their win leading them through to the finals in first place. The game was filled with great runs, throws and many outs. In particular, some great hits from Claire D (Year 10) and Aarya R (Year 10) helped get all girls home. On the fielding half, Taylor J (Year 11) pitched excellently throughout the whole game, where she threw so many strikes and got many people out. Well done!

Laura W - Badminton Captain

This term’s badminton season has been filled with memorable moments, and the girls’ teamwork has played a crucial role in their success. As they prepare for their final matches, they are in an excellent position. With the last games fast approaching, all teams are training hard throughout the week, and we can’t wait to see their performance!

As we head into the girls’ final games, badminton teams have been training diligently and giving their best in Saturday matches.

In Round 6, Tara 10, consisting of Nicole C, Ella J, Nicole W, and Allison Z from Year 10, continued their strong performance, winning most of their games. This round, they achieved an impressive 5–0 victory and remain at the top of the leaderboard heading into the finals.

In the junior division, Tara 22, made up of Gloria H, Mavis L, Kyrene Z, and Mia Z from Year 8, also delivered an outstanding 5–0 performance. With consistent effort and teamwork throughout the season, they have secured second place in their division. Their incredible results put them in an excellent position as they prepare for their final matches!

In Round 7, the Year 12 girls of Tara 4, including Joy H, Daria M, Amie P, and Sherry Z, secured a strong 4–1 victory. This round was played at Tara, where the team’s previous experience on the court gave them a boost in confidence. They showcased impressive skills—from powerful smashes to clever net plays—making it difficult for their opponents to return shots.

Meanwhile, Tara 13 has had an outstanding season, consistently winning their matches. The team, consisting of Aditi D, Leah L, Aishani S, and Radhe S from Year 10, won 3–2 in this round. They currently hold second place on the leaderboard and are working hard to prepare for the finals. We wish them all the best in their upcoming game!

Although the championship season has concluded, many teams have been invited to participate in the finals! We encourage all players to keep up the momentum and bring their winning spirit to the badminton season returning in Term 4.

With the last games approaching, all teams continue to train hard throughout the week. Stay tuned for more updates!

Bhavya B - Tennis Captain

As the tennis season ends, we have five teams in the semi-finals. We wish Junior teams (TAR09, 10, 11 & 12), and the Year 7 team (TAR15) all the best in their semi-finals and look forward to following their progress through the finals.

Tara’s Tildesley Team competed in the IGSA Tildesley Tennis Shield tournament at Pennant Hills. Our star performers in singles were Dunja V and Yashika K who both made the 3rd Round, with our other singles players Aaren S, Nikolina K and Sophia T competing very well against strong oppositions. Our doubles teams were also successful with Diya H and Zayla T making the 4th Round, Amber W and Elaine L making the 2nd Round and Sasha D and Kristina W along with Alisson L and Justine W losing in close 1st Round games. We managed a milestone this year with myself qualifying for the semi-finals for the first time in 34 years which I am very proud of, losing to the eventual winner from Meriden. Our team finished a credible 13th out of 26 schools.

The NSW All Schools trials were held in Week 9, and I have qualified for the NSW Secondary Schools’ team to compete in the National Pizzey Cup competition in Bendigo, Victoria in May. This has been a successful tennis season, with all girls developing their tennis skills and seeing improvements and results on the court.

All girls have developed their tennis skills and seen improvements and results on the court. I’d like to thank our coach Mr Geoff Brackin, Ms Musto and Mr Bickersteth for all their assistance which allowed these results to be obtained.

Bernice T and Grace T - Water Polo Captains

On March 15, our Junior 1sts delivered an incredible performance, securing a hard-fought victory against Ascham, the second-top team on the leaderboard. From the first whistle, the players showcased unmatched passion and dedication, battling fiercely against tough competition. 

Frankie B stood out with her impressive offensive and defensive plays, also contributing remarkable goals alongside Adelaide L and Carissa C, keeping the team ahead. The defensive line worked tirelessly, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and resilience throughout the intense match.

The players’ unwavering spirit and determination were amplified by the enthusiastic support of family and friends on the sidelines, creating an electric atmosphere. This hard-earned win is a testament to the team's growth and commitment, boosting their confidence as they look forward to future challenges.

A truly thrilling display by our Junior 1sts! 

Our Year 7 team played a tough match against Monte. As a team they executed strategies from training, spatial awareness, and accurate passes. Scarlett H played a great game, swimming down the pool and scoring multiple goals. Bella Z effectively intercepting the ball and defending players. Sophia J and Veda B showed determination and perseverance after getting injured in the middle of the game, then continuing to play in the duration of the match.

Despite not playing, Bella L demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and encouragement. It was a tight match, with equal scores the whole game, with Monte only scoring within the last few seconds. As a team they are looking forward to refining their skills before the last game.

Verity A - Swimming Captain

On Friday 14 March, our girls had the honour of representing Tara at the annual IGSA Swimming Carnival. The team performed exceptionally well, with many swimmers achieving outstanding results and qualifying for finals!

The girls’ hard work and dedication throughout the season truly paid off. They achieved incredible personal success while also leading our school to a strong overall performance. Every Tara swimmer demonstrated exceptional talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship. As a team, they pushed one another to achieve personal bests and secured strong finishes across multiple events.

Tara girls achieved particularly impressive results this year, collectively qualifying for eight different event finals. A huge shoutout to Pare, who placed 3rd in both the 50m Butterfly and Backstroke, and 7th in the 14 Years 50m Breaststroke. She will now advance to the CIS Carnival. Congratulations, Pare!

Joanna also delivered a standout performance, placing 4th in both the 12 Years 50m Backstroke and Breaststroke, and finishing 8th in the 12 Years 50m Freestyle.

Bella L represented Tara in the 12 Years 50m Butterfly, finishing strongly in 7th place.

In the 200m Individual Medley, Chelsea delivered a commendable effort to finish 6th and also contributed to a strong result in the Junior Medley Relay, alongside Trinity, Bella, and Olivia, with the team reaching the finals and placing in the top 20.

These results highlight how far we’ve come as a school in competitive swimming. More swimmers reached finals, personal bests were broken, and our overall team score saw a significant boost. Tara placed 17th overall, a huge improvement from last year!

I would like to give a heartfelt congratulations to all our Tara swimmers who participated in the IGSA event, and to those who progressed in the finals! We deeply appreciate and recognize your dedication and success. You’ve set a great example for the entire school community, showing what can be achieved through perseverance and commitment. Well done and best of luck in all your future swimming achievements—we can’t wait to see what’s next!

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to all the staff who played a role in making this day such a success. To the sport coaches, swim coaches, Mrs Ramsay, Ms Musto and Mr Bickersteth, your guidance and motivation have been invaluable in helping our girls achieve such great success. We truly appreciate your dedication and support!

The Tara Rowing community gathered to celebrate the conclusion of a successful and spirited season. The event was a chance to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and growth that defined the girl's year.

From dedicated training sessions to race day triumphs, our rowers have demonstrated commitment, resilience and the power of teamwork. It was a season of personal bests, shared goals and unforgettable memories on the water.

The evening also recognised students who have gone above and beyond in their efforts throughout the season. Congratulations to the following award recipients:

 🏆 Outstanding Oarswoman – Amy R (Year 11)

 🏆 Best 2km Ergometer Score – Isabel D (Year 10)

 🏆 Most Improved 1000m Ergometer Score – Seona M (Year 8)

 🏆 Outstanding Coxswain – Charlotte G (Year 10)

 🏆 Best 1km Ergometer Score – Adrina M (Year 9)

 🏆 Most Improved 2000m Ergometer Score – Hannah W (Year 12)

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the coaches, families, and broader Tara community who continue to support the program and our students on and off the water.

With the season now behind us, our athletes are already looking ahead, turning their focus to winter training as they prepare for another strong showing in the summer.

Congratulations to Year 7 student Ariah B, who achieved outstanding success over the weekend at the State Rock Climbing Titles held at Villawood Elevate Climbing Gym. Ariah placed an impressive 2nd in her division and is now ranked 5th in NSW. She has officially qualified for the National Championships, to be held in May.

Ariah’s dedication to climbing has seen her consistently perform at a high level over several years. In 2024, she was ranked 1st in NSW for Speed and 3rd for Lead—an impressive track record that reflects her strength, focus, and determination.

We wish Ariah all the best as she prepares to represent New South Wales on the national stage!

There are some great events and opportunities coming up! Learn more about them via the links below. 

Careers Newsletter - 31 March 2025 

For more information please contact Mr David Berridge via email - dberridge@tara.nsw.edu.au