Ms Holly Boardman

At Tara Junior School the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme is more than just a curriculum framework – it shapes our educational approach and defines the culture of our School community. Our commitment to academic excellence, student-centred learning, and international mindedness was recently affirmed through a highly successful IB evaluation visit at the end of 2024.

The IB evaluation process is a rigorous, evidence-based review that ensures schools are meeting the high standards expected of authorised IB World Schools. Following the visit, the evaluation team generally identifies three strengths relating to a school’s implementation of the programme. We are thrilled to share that our school was recognised with 17 identified strengths—a testament to the dedication and expertise of our educators, the enthusiasm of our students, and the strong support of our community. These strengths highlight the depth and quality of our Programme of Inquiry, the thoughtful integration of the NSW curriculum, and the authentic ways students are encouraged to inquire, reflect, and take action.

The purpose of the evaluation process is not only to celebrate current success but also to set clear goals for future growth. As a school, we are excited to build on this momentum, continually reflecting on and refining our teaching practices to ensure all learners are engaged, challenged, and supported to reach their full potential.

An exciting upcoming development is the introduction of the new NESA curriculum, which includes new syllabus documents for Science and Technologies, HSIE, Creative Arts, and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. This curriculum reform presents a unique opportunity to refresh and further align our Programme of Inquiry, ensuring our transdisciplinary learning experiences remain contemporary, contextually relevant, and connected to NSW curriculum standards. Our Junior School teachers are enthusiastically engaging in a range of professional learning opportunities and working collaboratively to plan for these changes.

Another key focus area is the continued development of student agency in our teaching and learning cycle. Student agency is at the heart of the PYP—it means giving students voice, choice, and ownership over their learning. In the Junior School, we are strengthening practices that give students the tools and strategies to help shape the direction of inquiries, set personal learning goals, and reflect meaningfully on their progress.

Through the PYP framework, we provide a dynamic learning environment where students not only meet curriculum expectations but also develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to thrive as global citizens. As we reflect on our recent IB evaluation visit and look towards the future, we aim to continuously improve our practice and remain dedicated to growing and developing our programme to ensure Tara is a school of excellence in teaching and learning.

Last Term the exceptional cast and crew from The King’s School and Tara Anglican School for Girls put on an outstanding production of Newsies! 

A huge shoutout to our talented Year 11 Tara girls who gave it their all to help bring this story to life—we are so proud of you.

Congratulations to everyone involved – what a show! 

Congratulations to Luna (Year 7) who recently performed in the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Young Symphonists concert in Canberra.

Luna was selected from a national pool of high school-aged talent, joining 68 other exceptional young musicians for an intensive week-long residency. The program is considered one of the highest accolades for young instrumentalists—akin to representing Australia in an Under 18 national sports team.

The week concluded with a sold-out public concert at Snow Concert Hall on Saturday 19 April, where the orchestra performed an inspiring program featuring works by Jessica Wells, Ann Carr-Boyd, Johann Strauss II, and Mussorgsky (arr. Ravel).

This prestigious opportunity reflects Luna’s talent and commitment to her craft. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to seeing where her musical journey takes her next.

Congratulations to Tara alumna Sarah Fahd (Class of 2021) on her outstanding results at the 2025 National Rowing Championships.

Competing with UTS Haberfield Rowing Club, Sarah achieved remarkable success across three events:

1st place – U23 Single Scull

1st place – U23 Quadruple Scull

3rd place – U23 Double Scull

Following these exceptional performances, Sarah has been selected for the U23 Australian Rowing Team and will now represent Australia at the World Rowing U23 Championships in Poland later this year - what an amazing opportunity!

We are incredibly proud of Sarah’s achievements and look forward to following her continued success in the sport.

Well done Sarah! 

Congratulations to Jaskirit Kaur, Class of 2024, who has been awarded a Co-op Scholarship in Marketing at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

This highly competitive scholarship recognises outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a passion for the marketing profession. Jaskirit will combine her studies in Commerce with hands-on industry experience and professional development as part of this opportunity.

We are incredibly proud of Jaskirit’s achievements and look forward to seeing where her journey in marketing takes her.

Tara Hub is delighted to host Winterfest 2025, and preparations are well underway! As one of our major community fundraising events, it's wonderful to see so many parents getting involved by coordinating and running stalls, we can’t wait to experience them all on the night.

There are plenty of opportunities for parents to contribute and lend a hand on the night. If you would like to volunteer, please complete the form linked below.

Tara Hub - Volunteer Sign Up

A special thank you to the Sassine family for their generous donation of gifts to be used as prizes. If your family would also like to donate items for prizes or raffles, please contact Jodie Doyle at jdoyle@tara.nsw.edu.au.

A highlight of the evening will be our International Food Festival, offering a delicious variety of cuisines including Chinese, Japanese, Pakistani, Indian, and Lebanese dishes. What a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our community’s diversity through food. 

Please keep an eye out for the booking form in the coming days. 

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

The Tara Dads Club warmly invites all dads to join them at The Winston to watch Game 2 of the State of Origin. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other dads, enjoy the game, and be part of the Tara community.

Please see details bellow and use the link to RSVP. 

Tara Dads Club - State of Origin Social Night

A big thank you to everyone who joined the Tara Tigers team and participated in the Mother’s Day Classic at Parramatta Park on Sunday, 11 May. We’re proud to share that the team raised an outstanding $2,006.00, with all proceeds going directly to support vital research into breast and ovarian cancer.

Thank you to all the mums who attended the Mother’s Day Luncheon last week at Oatlands Golf Club. We were honoured to welcome Dr Iona Abrahamson as our guest speaker. Iona was truly inspiring, reminding us of the vital role we play as mothers to our beautiful Tara girls. Through her heartfelt personal stories, we were left feeling deeply moved and grateful that both she and her daughter are part of our cherished Tara community.

We hope you had a wonderful Easter break and are feeling refreshed and ready for an exciting new term of swimming! We’re so excited to see all our swimmers back poolside.

As we dive into the new season, we’d like to remind everyone of Our Commitment to a Safe & Respectful Environment. We are dedicated to creating a space where everyone feels safe, supported, and welcome. Please take a moment to read the following important reminders:

• Privacy in Change Rooms: Please be mindful of others’ personal space. Harassment, bullying, or any behaviour that invades someone’s privacy will not be tolerated. The use of phones, cameras, or recording devices is strictly prohibited in the change rooms.
• Respectful Conduct: Let’s continue to foster a positive atmosphere by treating staff, students, and other families with kindness and respect.
• Change Rooms: These are reserved for students only. If you need to assist your child with getting changed, please use one of the accessible bathrooms available.
• Staying Within the Facility: For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask all families to remain within the swimming facility during lessons and avoid wandering through the school grounds.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to come and see us next time you’re at the Centre for lessons. Thank you for being part of our swim family — we’re excited for another fantastic remainder of the year of learning, growth, and fun!

Safety week coming up (Monday 12 May – Friday 16 May). Please ensure all students are to wear long pants and a top over their swimmers to their lesson. No goggles are required for this lesson, but you will still need your swimming cap.  ALL lessons will be conducted in the 25m pool. 

Theme will be: Super Heros (dress up in your favourite Superhero movie character like Wounder woman, Superman, Captain Marvel, ect). 

As the weather cools down, it’s easy for swimming lessons to slip off the radar. But water safety is a year-round concern, and keeping your child enrolled in swimming over winter is one of the best ways to protect and grow their skills.

To help keep your child progressing, we’re offering 50% off a second weekly lesson during June, July, and August. This special applies to all levels except Private, Semi-Private, and Adult classes. If your children already take a second class, you will get the discount over the months as well.

Here’s why continuing through winter is so important:

• Research shows that children who swim year-round learn up to 50% faster than those who take seasonal breaks.
• A study by Griffith University found that children involved in regular swimming programs were 11 months ahead in motor skill development compared to non-swimmers.
• Physical activity like swimming can help boost the immune system, not weaken it.

By continuing lessons, your child not only stays active but also avoids skill regression and loss of confidence. All the time and effort you've invested so far will continue to pay off — rather than needing to be regained later in the year.

Let’s keep the momentum going and make water safety a priority — rain, hail, or shine!

We are so proud to announce that Julian is our Swimmer of the Month! Julian always comes to class with a smile and gives 100% every time he is in the water. Well Done!

A massive “Thank you” to all the students that put in for our colouring in competition, they were ALL amazing and it was so very hard to pick a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner.

Congratulations to the following winners of our swimming@tara Easter colouring in competition:

1st Prize: Rachel 

2nd Prize: Ezra

3rd Prize: Ayami

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 the final day of Term 1, our Junior School students welcomed their grandparents and grandfriends for a special day of celebration.

Following a relaxed picnic lunch, students invited their guests into the classroom to share what they’ve been learning and take part in a range of fun, hands-on activities together.

There were smiles, laughter, and plenty of heartfelt moments throughout the day—a wonderful opportunity for students to honour the important role grandparents and grandfriends play in their lives.

Thank you to all the special visitors who joined us and helped make the day so memorable.

As part of their Unit of Inquiry, Where We Are in Place and Time, Year 2 students stepped back in time last term with a visit to Elizabeth Farm.

During the excursion, our girls explored the home of the Macarthur family—significant figures in Australia’s early wool industry—and learned about what life was like in the past. The visit offered a meaningful contrast between life then and now, helping students appreciate how inventions and innovations have shaped the way we live today.

It was a hands-on learning experience that brought history to life in an engaging and memorable way.

In the last week of Term 1, Year 5 were finally ready to go to Canberra. Our bags were packed, most of us were excited—and also a little nervous! After a short stop at Berrima, our first stop in Canberra was the AIS. We saw where athletes trained for volleyball, gymnastics and swimming, and tested our own sporting abilities with skiing, kicking goals, shooting hoops, chin-ups, and sledding.

Next, we visited Questacon and braved the free fall slide—it was really high and a little terrifying, but satisfying once we reached the bottom. We explored a house that simulated an earthquake, saw an electrical storm up close, and explored exhibits on motion, liquid mixing, and more. After settling into our rooms at Leumeah Lodge, we wrapped up the day with a fun trivia night covering pop icons, movies, sport, and history.

On Day 2, our first surprise was the National Library of Australia—the largest library in the Southern Hemisphere. We learned that it holds a copy of every book published in Australia, with over ten million books and 6390km of shelving. We also viewed letters written over a century ago and old photographs of familiar places. At the Royal Australian Mint, we learned about the history and production of Australian coins.

As we drove to the National Portrait Gallery, our bus driver showed us the Prime Minister’s residence, embassies, and high commissions. At the gallery, we explored portraits and discussed them through the concepts of connection and perspective. We discovered how differently each of us interpreted the artworks. We then visited the National Film and Sound Archive and watched films from different decades, appreciating how they’ve evolved over time.

That evening, we went to the National Arboretum—an enormous open space with many plant species. We took part in orienteering in teams and raced to collect plant samples. The best part was rolling down the huge hill (though the teachers didn’t join us!).

On Day 3, we visited the National Museum of Australia, where we viewed historical artefacts, including a bent beam from Cyclone Tracy and a phone booth destroyed in the Canberra fires. At the National Capital Exhibition, we learned how Canberra was designed by Walter and Marion Griffin, whose winning city design incorporated the land’s natural features.

Our final stop was Geoscience Australia, where one of our classmates poured a layer representing Tara. We touched rocks from around the world and learned how tectonic plates move and shift.

We had a fun time in Canberra and came back having conquered challenges, made great memories and new friendships, and gained a deeper understanding of Australia’s history.

At the end of Term 1, our Year 6 students took part in a three-day excursion to Canberra, designed to deepen their understanding of Australian history, government, science, and the arts.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion and is deducted from the overall cost of the trip billed to the Activities and Resources Levy.

The journey began with a visit to the National Arboretum, where students explored the Pod Playground and Discovery Garden, enjoying the open space and natural beauty. At the Australian War Memorial, they participated in the We Will Remember Them program, engaging thoughtfully with stories of service and sacrifice.

Parliament House offered students a chance to tour the House of Representatives and the Senate and later take part in a mock debate—bringing their classroom learning about democracy to life. Other highlights included a visit to the National Gallery of Australia, where students explored art and fashion through the Art in Focus program, and a hands-on science session at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

At Mount Stromlo Observatory, students learned about Australia's role in space exploration, while a workshop from The Big Issue encouraged reflection on empathy, homelessness, and social responsibility.

The final day featured visits to the Museum of Australian Democracy and the National Electoral Education Centre, where students explored leadership, people power, and the importance of every vote.

Throughout the excursion, the girls represented Tara with maturity, enthusiasm, and kindness—embracing every opportunity to learn, explore and reflect on their role as informed young citizens.

We are proud to announce the first Tara Values Staff Award for 2025, created to recognise staff who exemplify the values of Service, Integrity, Opportunity, and Affirmation — not only in the classroom, but in the way they support and uplift others in the Tara community.

Our Term 1 recipient is, Pascale Warnant. Pascale is our remarkable Head of Science, who leads with servant-hearted humility, empowers her colleagues, and goes above and beyond for every student. Her colleagues describe her as someone who sets the standard for excellence, affirms and supports others, and models our School values in everything she does.

From supporting her team with unwavering dedication to inspiring us all by running marathons in her spare time — Pascale, we celebrate you.

During the holidays, our girls on the Modern History Tour had an amazing time experiencing Germany, Belgium, and France, bringing history to life in a way no classroom ever could.

From walking through Dachau Concentration Camp and standing at the Berlin Wall, to exploring the Palace of Versailles and visiting Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg, they saw firsthand the places where major world events unfolded.

They also honoured those who served at the ANZAC Day Service in Villers-Bretonneux and the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, gaining powerful insights into the impact of war and remembrance.

This trip was full of learning, news perspectives and memories that will last a lifetime. 

- Isabella C (Year 10) 

From 25 to 27 March, I was one of 118 delegates from all states and territories across Australia who attended the 30th National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra. This three-day event was held at both Federal Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

The convention is a major component of the Australian Government’s Civics and Citizenship Education (CCE) program, which aims to promote understanding and informed discussion among young Australians about the Constitution and our system of government.

This year’s topic was: “Revisiting Sections 51(ii) and 90 to Reimagine Australia’s Fiscal Federalism — Does the Constitution allow us to maintain national priorities while embracing new regional economic possibilities?” This theme was the focus of discussion over the course of the convention.

Throughout the program, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from inspiring professors, peers, and Federal Members of Parliament. Highlights included witnessing Parliamentary Question Time and attending the 2025 Fiscal Budget Talk from the public galleries of the House of Representatives. I also had the chance to speak with various MPs about their experiences working in politics. One of the most memorable moments was having afternoon tea with the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, who spoke about the importance of political participation and civic responsibility as we become the voters of the future.

As part of our exploration of Fiscal Federalism, we heard lectures from leading university academics including Professor Kim Rubenstein (University of Canberra), Professor Emerita Anne Twomey AO (University of Sydney), and Professor Alan Fenna (Curtin University). These sessions focused on how Australia’s fiscal decisions affect the financial autonomy of states. We also engaged in group discussions with fellow delegates on key topics such as the nature of taxation, the division of powers between state and federal governments, issues surrounding Vertical Fiscal Imbalance and Horizontal Fiscal Equalisation, and ideas for improving how states can fund essential services.

Click below to read about the referendum-style vote on two proposed constitutional changes.
    

Congratulations to Kyrene Z (Year 8), who was recently awarded Second Prize in the 2025 Hornsby Youth Art Show for her painting, Vibrant Flying Fish.

This achievement is a recognition of Kyrene’s creativity and artistic talent. We are proud to celebrate her success and look forward to seeing her continued growth as an artist.

Well done, Kyrene!

Last term, Years 9–12 Japanese students had the opportunity to host a group of 18 visiting students from Tsuchiura, Japan for the day.

The visit provided a meaningful opportunity for our students to practise their Japanese language skills and share life at Tara with our guests. The day included a tour of the school, classroom-based language and cultural activities, thoughtful gift exchanges, and lively lunchtime games—including a match of volleyball.

It was a joyful and enriching day of connection, learning and cultural exchange, and we were proud to see the warmth and enthusiasm with which our girls welcomed their peers from Japan.

Congratulations to Sophia T (Year 10), who spoke in the first heat of the Rostrum Voice of Youth competition.

Rostrum is a national public speaking competition that encourages students to communicate with clarity, confidence and conviction. Sophia embraced the challenge and presented with poise and purpose.

Well done, Sophia, on a fantastic performance and for representing Tara so proudly!

Year 9 Commerce students swapped the classroom setting for crazy coasters and thrilling rides as we ventured out to Luna Park Sydney, one of the city’s most iconic attractions. But we didn’t just go to enjoy the rides and the variety of food offered—Year 9 investigated how this popular amusement park operates as a successful business.

We discovered that Luna Park isn’t all just about fun and food, but a business built on strategic planning, marketing, and customer service.

We explored Luna Park’s product and service offerings, evaluated their e-commerce—particularly their website—promotion and advertising strategies, how they meet market demands, maximise consumer satisfaction, and how they differentiate from their competitors.

We also learnt that Luna Park earns revenue through many avenues including tickets, food and beverage outlets, sideshow games, event hosting, merchandise, and sponsorships. Every ride we screamed on and every snack we devoured was part of a business aimed to attract, entertain, and make a profit. Luna Park appeals to both tourists and Sydney locals.

As we explored the park, we observed how Luna Park targets consumers of all age groups, with a particular focus on primary-school aged children. This was reflected in the variety of attractions—from the scenic Ferris wheel to a children’s favourite, the carousel, or the Sledgehammer for adrenaline-seekers.

A key part of Luna Park’s success is its strong focus on branding and audience engagement. The park uses a variety of digital platforms, including social media and its website, to connect with customers. With the website’s user-friendly interface, vibrant photos, interactive map, simple ticket-purchasing system, and limited-time promotions, Luna Park creates a sense of excitement and convenience that encourages people to visit. Whether it's families, school groups, or thrill-seeking teenagers, Luna Park has something for everyone.

During our visit, we also learnt how seasonal promotions are important in maintaining Luna Park’s popularity and increasing visitor attraction. The current promotion running during our visit was an interactive Squid Game experience, with an upcoming Stranger Things-themed event starting in May. These sponsored promotions are examples of marketing strategies we’ve discussed in class.

We Year 9 students also had the opportunity to ask employees about visitor safety. It gave us insight into how staff play a major role in running the park smoothly and keeping it a safe environment—covering risk management, guest satisfaction, operations, and logistics.

“The Luna Park excursion was an exciting opportunity to see how business concepts are applied in a real-world setting. I didn’t realise how much goes on behind the scenes for Luna Park to be a thriving business.” – Dunja V (Year 9)

This excursion was not only an exciting day but also offered valuable insight and a hands-on look into how entertainment-based businesses operate. It gave students a solid understanding of key Commerce concepts in action and revealed how much work goes into creating the fun and excitement that makes Luna Park such a popular destination.

Shenaya S, Year 9 Commerce Student

As part of their Business Studies unit on financial performance, Year 11 students recently took on the challenge of running a small-scale shop to gain firsthand experience in business operations.

Through this practical activity, students explored key concepts such as revenue statements, sales, cost of goods sold, gross profit, and net profit. It was an engaging way to see how theoretical knowledge applies in a real-world context.

A special congratulations to Selassie, who created and sold a range of delicious handmade products. She demonstrated a strong understanding of business principles by developing a product line, applying marketing strategies to promote her items, and packaging and pricing them thoughtfully for her classmates.

It was a valuable and enjoyable experience that gave students a deeper understanding of what it takes to manage and run a business—turning theory into action in the most practical way.

As part of their unit on Consumer and Financial Decisions, Year 9 Commerce students recently headed to North Rocks Shopping Centre for an engaging, real-world learning experience.

The excursion challenged students to explore key economic concepts by observing and analysing consumer behaviour in a local retail environment. Working in groups, students investigated a central question: To what extent have global consumer trends contributed to the decline of local shopping centres?

They also considered what factors influence people to shop at North Rocks specifically, such as convenience, price, store variety, and brand preference.

To further apply their learning, students were asked to plan a hypothetical dinner party—creating a menu, listing the required ingredients, and then identifying which products could be purchased at Coles or Aldi. They then compared prices between the two supermarkets to determine where better value could be found, using this information to reflect on the importance of budgeting, brand loyalty, and consumer decision-making.

This hands-on activity provided valuable insight into the complexities of financial and consumer choices, all within a familiar and practical context.

Over the recent school holidays, 49 of our Year 10 students embarked on their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Practice Journey. As part of the Award’s requirements, the girls spent three days canoeing along the Hawkesbury River, developing their teamwork, resilience, and outdoor navigation skills.

This challenging and rewarding experience marks an important step towards achieving the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and we commend our students for their dedication and determination throughout the journey.

Ellie H and Lara W - 2025 Future Problem Solving Captains

Future Problem Solving (FPS) is a research-based academic program where teams and individuals generate challenges and solutions in response to a given scenario about a global issue.

In Term 1, we explored the topic of Food Security, which is crucial to study as it impacts many aspects of human well-being. It also encourages the development of innovative strategies and key initiatives to address food insecurity and hunger faced by people around the world. Specifically, we examined a Future Scene involving the introduction of new FOOD Inc. cards in Canada, aimed at combating food insecurity. We identified problems, formulated an underlying problem, and proposed solutions based on the scenario.

Our Term 1 results were outstanding—nine out of fifteen teams/individuals ranked first in their sets, with the remaining teams following closely in terms of points scored. These are incredible results—well done, girls, for your hard work!

This term, we are focusing on rising sea levels, and how hard and soft armouring strategies are being implemented by a company called Re'Sea'd in Florida to slow the rate of sea level rise. We will be working through all Steps 1–6 in the FPS booklet and developing new ideas and innovative solutions for this Future Scene. We hope Tara’s results will be just as successful as in Term 1—keep working hard, girls!

Last week, Year 11 Commerce held a heated election between four political parties, where we took on the roles of ministers for different departments. Each student had the opportunity to present strategies they would implement if elected, providing an engaging and insightful look into political decision-making.

Each party focused on a major issue currently faced in Australia: gender disparities, cost of living, inequality, and unequal access to education. Not only did we learn about these critical challenges, but we also had the chance to vote for the party that best aligned with our values.

It was a unique experience that gave us a glimpse into how Australia's elections work and the significance of the voting process—knowledge that will be invaluable for our future.

Last week, our Year 11 girls took an important step in their leadership journey as they participated in Leadership Day at Novotel Parramatta. Dressed in business attire, the students embraced the opportunity to learn about leadership principles and personal growth under the guidance of Matt Cogin, founder of Levelling Up.

Through hands-on sessions, Matt shared his tips on building confidence, resilience, and leading with a growth mindset. Through interactive activities, the girls learned how to strengthen their communication skills and explore the key qualities of effective leadership. 

The experience provided students with valuable tools and strategies to carry forward, both within the school community and in their future endeavours.

Thank you to Matt for leading an insightful day. 

Year 12 Drama recently participated in a monologue workshop run by Suzannah McDonald from the Sydney Theatre Company. Suzannah conducted a range of activities focused on character, emotion, and action, all designed to assist the students with their HSC practical works. The workshop was engaging and beneficial and enabled the class to breathe new life into their performance pieces.

Suzannah McDonald is a teaching artist with the Sydney Theatre Company, working with teachers and students across New South Wales to explore quality texts and literature, and to discover powerful ways of telling stories. She is also a professional actress and is currently in rehearsal for Coriolanus with the Bell Shakespeare Company.

Here what students had to say by clicking below. 

On Friday 12 April, Tara held its annual Senior School Cross Country and Interhouse Sports Afternoon. It was a fantastic day filled with energy, competition, and House spirit as students participated in both the championship and participation races to earn valuable points for their houses. View the champions for each age group below. 

There were also overall individual trophies awarded in the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior categories. The Junior Champion was Chelsea H from Year 8 (Hake), followed closely by Runner-Up Tiasha J from Year 8 (Walker). The Intermediate Champion was Sarah S from Year 11 (Crawford), with Reeta L from Year 10 (Hake) placing second. In the Senior Division, Bernice T from Year 12 (Hake) took the top spot, and Veronika A from Year 12 (Waugh) was the runner-up!

The overall house cross country results saw Hake come in first place, followed closely by Crawford, Waugh and Walker!

Last term, our Senior Geography and Economics students had the opportunity to engage with a guest speaker working at the forefront of renewable energy. As a professional engineer in the renewables sector, the speaker shared first-hand insights into the environmental challenges facing our planet and the role that policy plays in driving meaningful change.

The session encouraged thought-provoking discussions, with students exploring the complexities of climate change, Australia’s energy future, and how global and national initiatives are shaping the path forward.

This experience deepened the girls understanding of how economic and geographic knowledge can be applied to real-world issues—and inspired many to think about their own role in creating a more sustainable future.

Ellie H - Touch Football Captain

Well done to the TAR04 touch football team for making it to the finals. Despite the loss, it is a great achievement and is due to the training, motivation, and game plays that the girls have performed within the term. Throughout the whole season, the girls have worked very hard, adapting to a new team as well as to Senior School sport for the Year 7 girls. They have improved in both their attacking and defending, learning new skills such as arrows (straight drives in the attack), quickies on the line, and even wraps to move the ball down the line and help to score more tries.

In particular, within the final game, Bronte J (Year 7) and Linlin W (Year 7) were key players in both the attacking and defending aspects. Summer M (Year 7) also had an excellent game by implementing dodging and quick passes of the ball, as well as using her speed to run through some players quickly.

Congratulations girls—hope to see you all play again in the touch footy season later this year!

Grand Finals

J12 Tara 9 vs Wenona 15, Win, 4.5-3.5

J14 Tara 10 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 7, Loss, 

J15 Tara 11 vs Mount St Benedict 5, Draw win

Y704 Tara 15 vs Loreto Normanhurst 26, Win, 5-3

Laura W - Badminton Captain

Many of the badminton teams successfully advanced to the finals after winning their semi-final matches! However, beyond the results, a huge thank you goes out to our dedicated coaches, whose support and guidance have played a crucial role in the girls' success. During training, they have devoted their time to mentoring the players, offering their advice and motivation. On game days, they closely monitored matches, provided insightful feedback, and encouraged the teams every step of the way. Their commitment has truly made a difference!

Among the standout performances, Tara 8 (Mat B, Cindy S, and Laura W from Year 11) and Tara 10 (Nicole C, Ella J, Nicole W, and Allison Z) won their semi-final games with an outstanding 5–0 victory. Their skill and teamwork led to exceptional performances!

Meanwhile, Tara 3 (Fiona B, Sienna L, Claire M, and Elaine W) fought hard in a challenging match, narrowly missing out on a double in the finals with a close 2–3 result. Despite the outcome, their commitment to training was evident throughout the game, and they should be incredibly proud of their past games in the season.

Tara 8, Tara 13, and Tara 28 each won their Grand Final matches with a close 3–2 score. Tara 22 also came away with a win of 4-1. Every point mattered, making the matches both exciting and breathtaking to watch. Anna C from Year 8 played an important role in her doubles, showing strong teamwork and communication with her partner, which helped her team secure the win. 

Zissie W (Year 10) from Tara 12 won her singles match. She was able to spot her opponent’s weakness and placed her shots smartly into open spaces on the court, earning her team a well-deserved round.

This season, both the Senior and Junior teams have not only improved their badminton skills but also formed strong friendships along the way!

Grace T and Bernice T - Water Polo Captains

On March 29, the Tara Juniors 1sts played a tough game against Frensham in the Danebank Pool in the semi-final round! The girls demonstrated improved team coordination and skilful gameplay developed during trainings over the season. The players' courage was boosted by the support of their family and friends, who cheered them on throughout the game. Carissa C and Adelaide P stood out, making incredible far shots, as well as the girls in defence, like Julia W, who showed amazing strength and perseverance. Heidi J also scored a strong goal, while Ellie O and Miraya S exhibited confident and strong defence.

Despite not advancing into the next round, the girls showed incredible perseverance and team spirit. We are so proud of the Junior 1sts for making it so far—it is a significant achievement—and hope they are eager to continue playing, refining their skills, and succeeding in the coming season!

Bernice T - Basketball Captain 

TAR01:

The first game of the season for the Senior Firsts today proved promising through a tough game with Pymble. The team coordination improved greatly throughout the match as our communication and awareness of one another developed. Our girls played extremely well for this first game today through tactful movements and passes, strong pressure on defensive play, and calculated drives on offence. Deborah S (Y11) scored multiple goals through strong drives and layups. Nikki Y (Y10) showed skilful ball control and strategic movements to push through defence, and despite the pressure, scored many goals too. Anika V (Y12) played a strong game today, particularly in defence, fighting for the ball and regaining control. As the season goes on, we are excited to keep working on skills and drills whilst raising our team spirit for future games!

TAR02:

On Saturday, the Senior Seconds had an intense game against Loreto Normanhurst. Despite a tougher first half, a few goals behind the other team, with great effort and determination, Tara won the game by a narrow margin—winning by two points. A shoutout would like to be given to Claire K (Y11), who displayed outstanding defence, and Eden W (Y10), who maintained great sportsmanship and encouragement.

TAR03:

TAR03 put on an outstanding performance, securing a dominant victory against Queenwood! Allison Z (Y10) was sharp on offense, scoring most of the points with excellent positioning and precision. Belita K (Y11) was unstoppable, snatching the ball from opponents with speed and awareness. Audrey O’s (Y11) defensive skills were unmatched, blocking shots and protecting the goal effectively. Nicole W (Y10) and Akshraa P (Y10) were quick and strategic, stealing the ball multiple times. Maia L (Y11) worked to push the ball forward, keeping the team’s momentum strong even under pressure. Wynne Y (Y10)  was a wall on defense, shutting down most attempts by the opposing team. It was a game filled with teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship, a fantastic effort by everyone involved! Well done, Team 3! 

TAR04:

TAR04 had an amazing first game over the weekend, leaving with a victory against Danebank! The team played really well, especially when attacking, working together to get the ball down the court. Suhanya J (Y10) scored some great shots, helping Tara stay in the lead the entire game. Everyone also showed their tight defence skills, with Lara W (Y11) intercepting the ball multiple times. With limited players, the girls worked hard the whole game, with Cindy S (Y11) and Saira K (Y10) making some really hard shots, while Lucinda M (Y10) and Alissa L (Y10) held the team’s defence. They had a lot of fun playing, despite this being some of the girls' first basketball game!

TAR08:

The Junior 3rds did exceptionally well on the weekend, coming out with an amazing win against Loreto Normanhurst! Gloria H (Y8) and Miraya S (Y8) stood out with their impressive dribbling skills, along with Michaela L (Y8) and Chloe T (Y9) contributing remarkable goals to keep the team ahead. The whole team worked tirelessly to stay resilient throughout the game.

TAR12:

Our team, TAR12, did exceptionally well by winning with a big difference playing Pymble. Our team, especially Emily T (Y7), was good at keeping our shoulders low, marking players, and balancing our bodies to allow for quick movements in defence. Shooting was great by Samantha G (Y7), strategically positioning herself to shoot most effectively. Our team was good at our use of passes worked on in training and adapted the skill to the game. To improve as a team, we could establish clear communication on and off the court and will work on this in future trainings by calling on each other for passes.

TAR13:

TAR13 had a fantastic game on Saturday with a strong win against Danebank. From the start, everyone displayed great energy and teamwork, keeping up a fast pace and solid defence throughout the match. Everyone participated with passion and power to the win. During the game, on offence, Charis M (Y7) led the team with several goals, Eleanor Z (Y7) and Samaira D (Y7) helped control the pace and made some great passes. Our offence worked smoothly thanks to strong movement and smart plays. Defensively, Penny T (Y7) was a standout with solid pressure and quick steals. Elisa C (Y7), Chloe C (Y7), and Grace W (Y7) rebounded many missed shots and kept the opponents in check. Our whole team showed incredible spirit and sportsmanship throughout the game, supporting each other on and off the court. It was a great team effort and a well-deserved victory.

Ellie H - Football Captain 

Round 1

The Tara Football teams had an excellent first round, with girls shining and showing their skills on the field.

TAR01 had a close game, and despite the unfortunate loss, it was a competitive match with strong communication, passing, and skill from all the girls. Summer M (Year 7) and Cleo F (Year 9) were excellent, versatile players on the right and left wings, moving the ball around players and kicking the ball through for the strikers. They helped to move the ball along the line and create space. Our excellent goal was scored by Cleo F and assisted by Maya W (Year 8), with her dribbling skills in the centre of the field, then passing off to the left.

TAR03 also had a close game, where goals were scored by Grace T (Year 11) and Alisha S (Year 10). For their first game together, they had very strong kicks, passes, and shots—especially Sydney M (Year 10) in defence and Verity A (Year 11) in the midfield. The girls are continuing to build on their football skills during trainings. Well done girls!

Over the weekend, our Tara Senior Firsts team played an exciting match against Wenona. The game was full of energy, with the girls displaying strong teamwork and communication, working cohesively throughout. April O (Year 10) was outstanding in the shooting circle, demonstrating precision and confidence as she scored multiple goals. In defence, Clare C (Year 11) was a standout, consistently applying pressure, intercepting key passes, and disrupting the opposition’s attacking flow with smart positioning and determination.

TARA02, our Junior Firsts team, also played at Tara against a higher-division team from Wenona. The girls played well, implementing skills practised during training. Scarlett H (Year 7) made a strong impact during the second half, shooting confidently and moving quickly around the circle. Her ability to find open space and contribute defensively was a highlight. In the mid-court, Rhea M (Year 9) utilised fast, precise passes off the centre pass, helping to build attacking momentum. Ellie O (Year 9) capitalised on switch-over opportunities, showcasing skills in both passing and shooting with accuracy. The team's communication was excellent, with players consistently working to get in front and call for the ball. One area for improvement is the use of preliminary moves before receiving a pass to create stronger leads.

TARA03, the Junior Seconds, played an intense game against St Vincent's, marking the first time they had played together. The girls communicated strongly on the court, which helped our team to score goals. Leah W (Year 9) and Grace Y (Year 8) delivered strong, directed passes throughout the game, while Olivia P (Year 8) and Faith Y (Year 8) demonstrated impressive defensive skills.

TARA04 played at Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park. The team performed well in the first two quarters, with a strong defensive line-up, particularly GK Alison D (Year 8). Harleen K (Year 9) showcased precise, accurate shooting, and the communication between the goal attack players supported effective play in the circle.

TARA05 played at Tara, facing a challenging match. Despite the result, the team showed solid effort and growing cohesion on the court. Kyrene Z (Year 8) stood out with a strong performance, scoring our only goal and displaying great positioning and determination. Mia Z (Year 8) was impressive in the Goalkeeper (GK) position, catching numerous rebounds and applying consistent pressure in defence. The team worked well together and is focused on improving passing accuracy and decision-making under pressure for future games.

Ellie H - Softball Captain

TAR01 had a great win in both of their games over the finals weekend, and we are the grand final winners of the division! This is an incredible achievement, and I am so proud of how far we have come and how much all of us have improved throughout the season. Thank you to our coach, Miss Elliott, for her amazing skills and the enthusiasm she put into our trainings and games and thank you to all the girls for making this season so special. Here are some highlights from the games:

In the first game, we had a solid win, 11–2, where we remained strong all the way until the end in both our fielding and batting. On the field, Bella S (Year 10), Taylor J (Year 11), and Sophie B (Year 10) were our three pitchers who threw many strikes and helped us to get many quick plays on the field, and Claire D (Year 10) was our catcher, stopping the balls quickly and with precision. In the batting, Claire C (Year 12) hit several times over all the opposing fielders, and Anika V (Year 12) was also excellent in her batting, playing very tactically to make us win more runs—the parents were on the edge of their seats watching her base-to-base running!

In the second game, this was a closer game, and we were able to end the season successfully. Danbi S (Year 11) and Assya G (Year 12) were our excellent first bases, catching and throwing strong balls. Aarya R (Year 10) and Keira C (Year 12) had excellent batting and base-to-base running, doing some strong hits! Lucinda M (Year 10) was also excellent at base-to-base running, even despite her fall on first base, and she ran well, making it home. Overall, our team showed persistence, skill, and teamwork throughout the whole season, and we have definitely improved so much as a team. 

Congratulations to Catherine S (Year 9), Melody Y (Year 9), and Dora Z (Year 7), who recently represented Tara at the Australian Youth Circuit 1, a national-level fencing competition.

Competing against athletes from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, the girls achieved commendable individual results: Catherine placed 7th, Melody 9th, and Dora 15th in their respective divisions.

Their efforts also saw success in the team events, with:

Melody receiving Team Gold

Catherine receiving Team Silver

Dora receiving Team Bronze

We are proud of their hard work, commitment and sportsmanship on the national stage. Well done, girls!

Congratulations to Chelsea X (Year 3) on her impressive performance at the recent State Swimming Championships.

Chelsea was part of the winning team in the 4×50m relay and also competed individually in the 50m freestyle, placing 2nd in the preliminary round and 5th in the final in the 9-year-old division.

This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Chelsea’s dedication and growth as a young athlete. Well done, Chelsea—we look forward to seeing your continued success in the pool!

Congratulations to Angela (Year 8) and Chelsea (Year 12) on their outstanding volleyball achievements! Both girls recently represented CIS at the All-Schools Volleyball Championships and have been selected for the NSW State Teams — Angela for the U15s and Chelsea for the U19s.

Earlier this year, Angela also competed at the Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships, where her NSW U15 team placed 9th out of 17 — a fantastic result at national level!

A special shoutout to Chelsea, who has been selected for the U20 Australian Volleyball Team and will be heading to Japan later this year. What an exciting opportunity. 

Well done girls! 

Congratulations to the TAR13 Badminton team (Aditi D, Leah L, Aishani S and Radhe S) and the TAR22 Badminton team (Gloria H, Olivia K, Chloe Z and Mia Z) on their victories in their grand final categories!

Well done girls for your dedication and teamwork. We’re proud of your effort and spirit throughout the season – an outstanding achievement!

Tara Rowing embraced community, connection, and a shared love of the sport at its inaugural Mother’s Day Learn to Row Open Morning on Sunday, 11 May, at the Tara Boat Shed.

Held alongside the Year 7 Learn to Row training sessions, the morning welcomed new parents, siblings, and supporters for a relaxed riverside event filled with energy, encouragement, and new connections. Guests enjoyed a BBQ breakfast, met the dedicated coaching team, and even jumped on the rowing machines for a light-hearted workout led by our Senior student rowers.

A special highlight of the morning was the opportunity for parents to see firsthand the skills their daughters are developing and to experience the strong culture of teamwork that underpins the Tara Rowing Program. As a gesture of appreciation, all mothers were treated to a cupcake as a thank you for the support they provide from the sidelines throughout the season.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Friends of Tara Rowing for their help with the event and to the many families who joined us. It was a wonderful reminder that Tara Rowing is not just about competition—it’s about community and shared experiences.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the next opportunity to connect and celebrate our rowers.

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

Careers Newsletter - 12 May 2025 

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