Mrs Stephanie Griffiths - Director of Student Wellbeing

There is no doubt that navigating the world of social media can be hard work for parents, teachers and most of all for students.

Earlier this year we were fortunate to have an Australian expert in cyber safety, Susan McLean, visiting Tara. Susan led a series of workshops with students from Years 5-11, as well as for interested parents, on the subject of safely navigating the exciting but sometimes fraught world of online technology.

Throughout the day, Susan shared interesting, and at times alarming, insights regarding the online world covering a range of topics including online bullying, sexting, sextortion, digital reputation and the current laws concerning the use of social media.

When using social media, Susan consistently promoted the general life advice of “Be Kind or be Quiet”. Students were advised to support and look out for each other online, being a courageous and brave friend particularly in the case of others posting unkind comments. While this might appear as common-sense Susan noted that many young people find being kind to others or stepping in to support a person receiving unwelcome messages to be challenging for fear of some form of backlash. She stressed that it is important for parents and carers to encourage such supportive behaviour and to proactively model this response with their own children.

From a legal perspective, younger students were reminded that it is not until the age of 13 that they can open accounts such as Instagram, Kik, Snap Chat, Facebook, iTunes etc. Setting up a fake account under the age of 13, even if the account is monitored by parents, is also against the law. It was acknowledged that in such circumstances parents are often under intense pressure to assist their children in embarking on the world of social media before the age of 13 often being told that they are the only ones without these accounts. However, in this regard it is important that parents work together to uphold a common position and say ‘no’ to avoid supporting their children in breaking the law.

At the same time, when students reach the legal age to have online accounts, Susan McLean strongly encourages parents to actively engage with their children online. This opens the way for parents to be aware of the sites being accessed by their children and have some direct knowledge of interactions involved and how these interactions function. In addition, this engagement fosters familiarity with online language (the ‘lingo’) which is helpful in deciphering the content. If children are playing games online, parents could at times offer to play with them as they would do at other times. Apart from hopefully providing a sense of connection such joint activity can also be helpful in managing any online issues that might emerge.

Sexting or sending sexually explicit messages or naked selfies under the age of 18 was also identified as being a criminal offence, even when consent has been provided by both parties. Apart from becoming part of a person’s digital footprint that could resurface when least expected, such as when applying for scholarships or jobs, an immediate and unfortunate outcome is when these images are shared amongst the person’s peers or school community. Students and parents were again advised that to even to be in possession of photos or videos of this nature for a young person under the age of 18 is a criminal offence.

Despite the best of intentions, education and proactive planning, a summary of social media statistics and literature reveals that it is highly probable that challenges will be quite common. Alarmingly, and while this seems outrageous, according to Susan McLean the majority of students by the end of Year 7 will have been asked for a nude photograph!

 Through reference to findings of the eSafety Commissioner, it was noted that 44% of Australian young people report having a negative online experience in the last 6 months. This includes 15% who received threats or abuse online. Students are strongly advised to talk to a parent or trusted adult if they are being harassed or bullied online or feeling worried about the nature of communications they may be receiving on social media. At the same time, it is realistic to note that most young people may not tell a parent or teacher for fear of getting into trouble or even worse, losing internet access!

Installing filters and other monitoring or blocking software can minimise dangers, provided that they are kept up to date. However, it has to be acknowledged that such blocking measures can be bypassed by tech-savvy teenagers. With this in mind, establishing some form of family agreement or contract regarding the use of the internet, would be of great value.

Consistent parent engagement in the online world of their children is important, as it is in the world at large. Despite what parents may be told by those in their care, involvement in this space is not invading the privacy of young people but it is parenting in the digital space. It is vital that 21C parents establish some form of monitoring their children’s online activities in knowing who they are talking to, what sites they are on and how they are engaging in this context.

It is evident that collectively, for parents, educators and students, engaging positively in the navigation of the online world is a matter of utmost importance in the safety and wellbeing of our contemporary screenagers.

Last week, we celebrated our incredible Tara boarders—the heart of our community. Boarding at Tara is more than just living on campus; it's about building lifelong friendships, creating unforgettable memories, and dreaming big.

To kick off National Boarding Week, our boarders enjoyed a special dinner, followed by a sausage sizzle and bake sale to raise funds for the Vanessa Grant Trust—an initiative close to our hearts. The much-anticipated Day Girls vs. Boarders Tug of War took place yesterday, with our boarders proudly claiming the victory! 💪🏆

The Vanessa Grant Trust has been supported by Eggleton House for many years. It raises funds to buy resources, build schools, and provide educational opportunities for children and young adults in rural Kenya. Vanessa Grant and her sisters were boarders at Tara in the 1970s, and Vanessa was elected as Head Boarder.

🔗 Read more about Vanessa's story here

Tara Hub warmly invites all parents to the next Tara Hub community gathering. We are delighted to share that our Principal, Mrs Adele Ramsay, will be joining us to present the new Master Plan, a bold and inspiring vision for the future development of our campus over the next decade and beyond.

The first exciting initiative in this plan is the development of a new Senior School Learning Centre. Mrs Ramsay will provide insights into this initial project and outline the broader, long-term vision for our school community.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, 3 June 2025
Time: 7:00pm
Venue: Bowern Room, Senior School
RSVP by: Monday, 2 June 2025

To help us with catering arrangements, please click the link below to confirm your attendance.

Click here to RSVP - Tara Hub Community Gathering

Join the Tara Dads Club for Game 2 of State of Origin!

The Tara Dads Club warmly invites all dads to come together at The Winston to watch Game 2 of the State of Origin. It’s a fantastic chance to enjoy the game, connect with fellow dads, and strengthen your ties within the Tara community. Please see details below and use the link to RSVP.

Click here to RSVP to the State of Origin Tara Dads Club Event

The next Tara Dads Club community meeting will be held on Wednesday, 4 June at 6:00pm in the Glass Room.

All dads are warmly welcome to attend, we look forward to seeing you there.

All white blouses in the Second Hand Uniform Shop are now available for just $15.

A range of sizes from 4 to 20 is available, but only while stock lasts. Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up on uniform essentials at a reduced price.

The Tara Old Girls' Association warmly invites you to join us for Back to Tara Day 2025, an afternoon dedicated to reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating the special memories we share as part of the Tara community.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025

🕐 Time: 1:00pm

📍 Location: Tara Theatre Foyer, Tara Anglican School for Girls

Enjoy a delightful Devonshire tea, complete with freshly baked scones, sandwiches, and the wonderful company of fellow Tara alumnae. It’s the perfect chance to catch up with old friends and revisit cherished moments.

Cost: $15.00 per person

RSVP by: Friday, 6 June 2025

Click Here to Book

Bookings are now open for the International Food Fair at Winterfest 2025. All food must be pre-ordered, so be sure to secure your selections early.

Pre-order your food using the link below. Bookings close Thursday, 29 May.

This event is Tara’s major fundraising event by Tara Hub, and we would love for as many of you as possible to join us for a night of celebration and community fun.

Alongside delicious international cuisine, we have a fantastic line-up of stalls and activities planned, including:

• Face painting
• Temporary tattoos
• Hair braiding
• Face gems
• Light-up toy store
• Cupcake decorating
• Iron on badges
• Second-hand books
• Slime making
• Lolly guessing competition
• Fete games

...and much more!

The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display, a perfect way to end a magical night.

Click here to order your food now

Winterfest is a significant fundraising event for Tara Hub, and we are seeking support from our community. Tara Hub aims to raise funds to enhance the engagement and enjoyment of sports by installing shade and seating structures at Mouleric Oval. Additionally, we are raising funds for the Tara Theatre Foyer upgrade, which includes improvements to the kitchen area, new flooring, and doors.

Both the Mouleric sporting field and Tara Theatre are frequently used by people of all ages for sporting events, carnivals, performances, information sessions, and functions.

Community members can contribute by making a tax-deductible donation to the Tara Anglican School for Girls Foundation Building Fund. Sponsorship packages (not tax-deductible) are also available. The sponsorship packages are below.

If you are interested in supporting Tara and providing our wonderful students with upgraded facilities, please contact Jodie Doyle on jdoyle@tara.nsw.edu.au.

Clear Your Shelves for a Good Cause!

Year 3 is excited to host a Second-Hand Book Stall at this year’s Winterfest and we would greatly appreciate your support.

We are inviting donations of second-hand books from Monday, 2 June to Wednesday, 11 June. Please bring your books to the Senior School Main Reception during this period.

Kindly note that book donations will not be accepted at the Junior School Reception, so be sure to drop them off at the Senior School.

Thank you for helping us share the joy of reading.

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

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!

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.  

You may have seen her around in her bright, red and yellow uniform or even dressed up as a superhero or instructor in the water.

We want to Congratulate Amanda who was a Finalist at the “Aqua Awards” with Royal Lifesaving, for Swim Teacher of the Year. Well done Amanda and all the hard work and support you put into helping the community.

Get Ready, we’re making a splash again — and you’re invited to cheer loud and proud!

After the incredible success of our last Twilight Race Night, we’re thrilled to announce another evening of fast swims, big smiles, and great fun!

When: Friday 20 June Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm Where: Tara Aquatic Centre

Important:

• Swimmers must be currently enrolled in the program to participate.
• Dust off those race swimmers and get ready for another night of exciting competition!
• Entries are now open! Submit your swimmer’s details here: https://forms.office.com/r/r6E7iGE7ue
• Secure your spot: Please see Reception to confirm your booking and payment.

Come along and make it a night to remember — let's celebrate our swimmers' hard work with plenty of cheering, laughter, and some well-deserved fun!

Last week, Swimming@Tara suited up as superheroes for Safety Week!

It was a fun and action-packed week for our students, who not only learned vital water safety skills but did so alongside their favourite heroes. 

From mastering safety jumps and survival strokes to learning how to respond if they fall into a pool, river, or any body of water, our students gained essential skills—all while having an absolute blast.

The biggest lesson of all? Real superheroes know how to stay safe in the water!

As part of their Science unit on forces, Year 4 students took on the challenge of designing their very own Rube Goldberg-inspired machines. Using a variety of everyday materials, the girls created intricate chain-reaction devices—each with a unique twist.

This hands-on project was a fun and engaging way to deepen their understanding of how forces work, while also encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. It was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 4 girls to apply classroom learning in a practical manner.

Last Friday, 9 May, Tara Junior School came alive with the vibrant colours and flavours of Hispanic culture during our eagerly anticipated Hispanic Festival. From the bustling morning crafts sessions to the lively afternoon performances, families, students and staff alike immersed themselves in a day filled with joy and cultural enrichment.

The day kicked off with creative crafts in the classrooms, where students explored their artistic talents with traditional Hispanic designs. Later, students from Years 1 to 6 swayed to the rhythms of Latin dance lessons, learning popular dances under the guidance of skilled instructors from Venezuela and Colombia.

A highlight of the day was the unique alpaca experience, where attendees had the opportunity to interact with these gentle animals, adding a touch of Peruvian charm to the festivities. Meanwhile, our food trucks delighted taste buds with a mouth-watering array of Hispanic delicacies, including churros, paella, empanadas, arepas, chorizos and nachos. As families enjoyed their meals, live music filled the air and students lined up for colourful face painting, adding to the festive atmosphere and giving children a chance to share the joy of the day with their loved ones.

In the afternoon, the main event unfolded with an assembly led by our enthusiastic Year 6 students. Girls from Years 1 to 6 showcased their talents through various performances that celebrated the diversity and richness of Hispanic culture. It was a moment of pride for our school community as we came together to witness the creativity and dedication of our students.

Beyond the Junior School, students from our Senior School’s Spanish Club joined in during lunchtime, demonstrating their language skills and further enriching the cultural exchange. The food truck providers were impressed by the students' fluency in Spanish, a testament to the school’s commitment to language education.

At its heart, the Hispanic Festival embodies the spirit of community and camaraderie, offering everyone a chance to experience the warmth and joy of the Hispanic world. It is a celebration that not only educates but also fosters bonds and creates lasting memories for all who participate.

On Tuesday, students from Years 3 to 6 braved the wet weather and had a fun filled day at their Athletics Carnival.

Despite the rain, spirits were high as our students took to the track and field with enthusiasm. From sprints and long jump to discus and relays, it was wonderful to see each girl giving her best effort and enjoying the day with friends.

House spirit was strong throughout the event and was a great reminder of the resilience and camaraderie that defines our Junior School community.

Congratulations to all our participants—and a big thank you to staff and helpers who made the day run so smoothly!

Now in its 26th year, the Sheen Family Prize for the Performer of the Year remains a much-loved tradition at Tara Anglican School for Girls. Held on Friday 23 May, this year’s event featured 13 finalists performing an impressive mix of vocal and instrumental pieces.

From Hadyn and Sondheim to Vivaldi and Hamilton, students shared performances that reflected both technical skill and genuine personal expression.

We congratulate this year’s placegetters:

First Place – Kha-Thi (Year 10) - Piano

Second Place – Ellie (Year 11) - Trumpet

Third Place – Ella (Year 12) - Voice

Thank you to flautist Lamorna Nightingale, our guest adjudicator, for generously offering her time and feedback. Ms Nightingale is a respected performer, educator, and Artistic Director of Backstage Music, and her insights were valued by students and staff alike.

We also thank Dr Adrian Sheen and his family for their long-standing support of this prize and the performing arts at Tara.

The Sheen Family Prize continues to highlight the importance of music education in building confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of self in our students.

On Thursday, 22 May, the Senior School hosted an exciting and enriching event—"Dip into the IB Diploma"—designed to give Year 10 students a taste of the International Baccalaureate (IB) DP experience. The event offered a unique opportunity for students to explore what the IB Diploma Programme has to offer through engaging mini lessons to try out courses that are not offered in the HSC or are not delivered by Tara prior to their subject selection evening on Wednesday 28 May.

Twenty-five students signed up to participate in sample classes across three IB DP subjects: Psychology, Spanish ab initio (beginners), and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Each session was designed to reflect the inquiry-based, globally minded approach that defines the IB curriculum.

In Psychology, students delved into the fascinating world of human behaviour, exploring how our minds work and what influences our actions. The Spanish session brought language learning to life through stories, while the TOK class challenged students to think critically about knowledge itself—how we know what we know, and why it matters. Students were asked ‘What’s in a name?’ and to consider if they had preconceived ideas about a person if they had a particular name, as well as ‘What is the role of a dictionary?’ to be prescriptive or descriptive?

Adding to the immersive experience, students enjoyed Spanish-themed snacks, which added a delicious cultural touch to the day. The atmosphere was vibrant and curious, with students actively participating, asking questions, and reflecting on their learning.

The Dip into the IB DP event was a fantastic introduction to the IB Diploma Programme, sparking interest and enthusiasm among Year 10 students as they begin to consider their academic pathways for the future. 

We look forward to seeing many of these students take the next step into the IB DP journey.

Year 11 Drama took to the stage with their performance of Debra Oswald's House on Fire!

As part of their Elements of Production in Performance unit, the girls took part in set design, costumes, lighting, sound, and promotion. Their hard work and creativity brought the play to life, capturing the beautiful chaos of relationships.

Because sometimes, you do not need to get along like a house on fire—just showing up for each other is enough. 

Earlier this year, the Amadeus Quartet - Bernice Tsang, Ella Jiang, Jessica Koo, and Maia Luo entered the National Chamber Music Competition. They were then chosen to receive a masterclass with renowned violinist, Dr Marianne Edwards.

Dr Edwards, Associate Principal Second Violin with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, holds a doctorate from the University of Sydney. Her advanced training also includes studies at the Mozarteum in Salzburg with Igor Ozim.

During the masterclass, Dr Edwards shared invaluable technical advice and emphasized the importance of stage presence, visual communication, and ensemble balance. She guided the quartet through the expressive nuances of Tchaikovsky's String Quartet, encouraging them to convey the composer's intentions—the stillness, the gentle breeze, and the heartfelt emotions embedded in the music.

Dr Edwards was deeply impressed by the quartet's beautiful tone, focus, dedication, musicality, and cohesive ensemble work. 

We are incredibly proud of Bernice, Ella, Jessica, and Maia for their hard work and dedication to becoming the best musicians they can be.

Year 9 students took part in a full day of hands-on learning during this year’s Thrills Without Spills. From mastering self-defence techniques to experiencing the challenges of wheelchair sports, the day was packed with engaging activities focused on building important life skills.

Our girls heard from former Socceroo Captain Paul Wade, who shared his insights on resilience and teamwork, and explored online safety with Trent Southworth from Teen Strategies Group. They also learned practical self-defence skills with Stay Safe Australia and watched Verbal Combat, a thought-provoking performance by Brainstorm Productions that opened up conversations about building respectful relationships.

A standout moment of the day was experiencing Wheelchair Basketball—a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion and resilience.

Thank you to everyone involved for making the day such a success.

Our Year 12 Legal Studies students welcomed back Tara Old Girls Stephanie Holland, Marisa Sorbello, and Inika Narayan (Class of 2024). 

With all three alumnae studying Law, they shared their invaluable insights on how to approach HSC exams with confidence and clarity.

The topics that engage our students include Crime, Domestic Violence, Human Rights, Family, and Consumer Law—areas that are both challenging and deeply relevant.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn from our inspiring alumnae!

Year 12 Business Studies students recently participated in a unique learning experience with Adam Stanshall from The Resource Factory, author of the McDonald’s Australia HSC case study. The session explored how McDonald’s manages operations, marketing, finance, and human resources across over 1,000 Australian stores. 

Our girls also heard from Grace Losco, the 2023 NSW state-ranked #1 student in Business Studies, who is now studying Law and Accounting at Macquarie University. Grace led a focused masterclass on essay and business report writing, sharing valuable advice to help our students strengthen their responses in the lead-up to the HSC. 

It was an insightful session that combined industry expertise with peer-to-peer inspiration, helping the girls prepare for the HSC with real-world context and practical strategies.

The highly anticipated Year 9 Market Day is just around the corner—mark your calendars!

Nestacia, Year 12 - Christian Faith Prefect

There is always a lot happening down at the Senior School Chapel - Crew, Bible study, prayer breakfasts and more. Recently on Saturday 17 May, Tara hosted its first Youth Conference! We are so blessed that at both Tara and King's we have wonderful Christian communities who look out for one another, however having these relationships with others outside of School is crucial too. The conference modelled Friday night youth groups on a larger scale, with fairy floss machines, games, pizza and a Worship Team.  

We welcomed the amazing Pastor Simeon, who gave a sermon that reminded the girls of what it means to be found by Christ. He challenged students to think about how they can recognise God’s grace, share it with others and be fulfilled by it. Students were able to ask questions, answered by both their discussion group leaders and the Pastor himself. Take Love from Anglicare also came along to run games and had merchandise available. They shared about the important work they do amongst Australia’s most disadvantaged teenagers. 

The highlight of the event was most definitely singing along in praise with the live band!

Congratulations to Pare (Year 9) and Sarah (Year 10) for their outstanding achievements at CIS Swimming!

🏅 Pare took home Silver in the 50m Fly and Bronze in the 100m Fly

🏅 Sarah secured Silver in the 200m Fly

Your hard work and dedication truly paid off—well done, girls! 

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

Careers Newsletter - 26 May 2025 

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