Cassandra Winfield - Dean of Learning Years 7-10

Students “learn from thinking—thinking about what they are doing or what they did, thinking about what they believe, thinking about what others have done and believe, thinking about the thinking processes they use—just thinking and reasoning. Thinking mediates learning. Learning results from thinking.” (Jonassen et al, 2020)

Learning is not a passive process - students do not absorb knowledge from their teachers, nor do they learn from doing experiments, using technology, or reading text. Humans learn by thinking about the material presented by their teacher, analysing the results of experiments, asking questions about technology (especially if using AI), and considering what their novel tells them about the real world. The role of educators goes beyond delivering content; their role is to inspire deep thought, spark imagination through probing questions, and create scenarios that foster critical debate. The role of schools is to build each student's capacity to interact with their world, to think deeply about it and to learn. 

One of the ways we are building learner capacity is through the new study skills program for Years 7 and 8. The program runs all year and involves workshops each term. The sessions start by showing students how to prepare for learning at home. 

1. On Sunday plan your week (where can you find 1-1.5 hrs each day?)
2. Set up a study space (no distractions, clear space, tools for learning available)
3. On the day, first meet your basic needs (have a glass of water and a snack, use the bathroom) 
4. Plan your time into Pomodoros (20-30 min blocks) (what do you need to finish first, next, last?). Homework due first should be prioritised, large tasks may need to be broken into chunks and completed over a few sessions or even days. Once homework is complete, note-making and study tools round out your time, do not finish early just because your homework is finalised, there is more to do. 
5. Set a timer and do not allow minor distractions to get in your way, get the first tasks done! 
6. Take a short break (less than 5 min) to move and meet your basic needs, then return to learning. If this is a transition time e.g. you are going home, remember to reset by meeting your needs before you sit down for the next Pomodoro. 

Next, the program has focused on taking effective notes in class, using the Cornell Notes approach (you can learn more about Cornell Notes here.) We have also looked at a range of study tools and approaches such as 

• Vocabulary lists
• Flashcards
• Linear and logical note making 
• Concept maps 
• Mnemonics 

More study tools will be explored as we progress through the year. 

The purpose of all of this is to encourage students to think more about the concepts being explored in class, not just to memorise facts (though that is important for some things), but to see connections and discrepancies, to link learning to their life, and to deeply understand the new pieces in the jigsaw puzzle that is their world. We know that our brains need repeated exposure to new things, ideally after periods of sleep, so building skills in independent study early in high school, rather than waiting until Year 11 to do so can help students learn how to learn and to begin to see their learning develop in real-time. 

Another great learning opportunity at Tara is the Personal Project, a significant undertaking that spans Term 4 Year 9 until Term 3 Year 10. With a requirement to spend over 25 hours working toward achieving their goals, the Project requires much from the girls, but they always rise to the challenge. This year, the girls outdid themselves, presenting an extraordinary exhibition. From professional quality cookbooks to a near-life-size car model, from beautiful clothing to freshly bound books, the range and quality of products were outstanding. This year’s group demonstrated excellent skills in learning which were evident in their ability to discuss their project experience and the high quality of their comprehensive reflective reports. 

Year 10 would like to thank Ms Yule and the library staff, their supervisors, and everyone who helped to make the evening happen. They would also like to thank everyone who visited them, it would not work without you all. Congratulations Year 10 on your work!

“Thinking mediates learning,” and we are busy thinking in Senior School.

The Tara Dads Club's next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 September, at 6.00pm in the Glass Room. All dads in the School community are encouraged to join. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow dads and strengthen your connection with the School.

With just five days remaining until the Gala Ball, we are excited to announce that the Silent Auction is now officially open! A wide array of fantastic prizes are available, and you can start bidding right away in anticipation of the event. The Silent Auction will close at 11.00pm during the Gala Ball. Whether you are attending the ball or not, you can still participate and we will ensure that your prize is delivered to you.

To start bidding, please register with GalaBid using this link.

A reminder of some of the great items available:  

Dinner with Principal, Mrs Adele Ramsay
Take advantage of this exclusive offer to have dinner with our School Principal, Mrs Adele Ramsay. The winner will have the opportunity to invite six adults to this special evening, giving you the chance to spend uninterrupted time with Adele. Prepare your questions and enjoy this unique experience. (Please note: no children allowed)
Kindly donated by: Tara Anglican School for Girls

Head of Junior School for a Day
The chance of a lifetime for any Junior School student! Your day as 'Head of Junior School' will include dismissing Chapel, visiting classrooms, meeting the Principal and Deputy Principal, changing one school rule for the day, playground duty and lunch with the teachers in the staff room.
Kindly donated by: Tara Anglican School for Girls 

Ralph Lauren Sunglasses
A beautiful pair of black framed sunglasses, with Polarized gradient brown lens that will elevate any outfit! Celebrate your purchase with a bottle of wine included.
Kindly donated by: Tara Families

Byron Hinterland Hideaway 
Midweek 2 nights' accommodation for 2 adults, daily breakfast, champagne and cheeseboard on arrival. This luxury destination is a boutique home away from home for couples. An ideal location to relax amongst nature and a great base to use for walking, kayaking and exploring the region. 

$2,000 Robert Cliff Voucher
Robert Cliff Master Jewellers is an organisation with a proud legacy of exceptional customer service. Only the finest hand-picked stone and high-grade precious metals are used, which when combined with their cutting-edge craftsmanship, results in timeless creations. Spoil yourself with a Robert Cliff Gift Voucher valued at $2,000!
Kindly donated by: Robert Cliff

Olivia Rodrigo, Qudos Bank Arena - Friday 18 October 2024, Tickets for 2
Prepare to be swept away by the enchanting melodies of Olivia Rodrigo as she graces the stage of the prestigious Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 18 October 2024, at 7.30pm. Join thousands of fans for an unforgettable evening of soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics that speak to the depths of emotion. Don’t miss your chance to witness this rising star shine bright on stage. Seats are in Section 8-1.

Cruise Raffle – Get Your Tickets Now!
We have partnered with Hello World Winston Hills to bring you an incredible raffle opportunity! For just $50 per ticket, you could win a spectacular Family Getaway aboard P&O's Pacific Adventure. Embark on the ultimate tropical escape, island-hopping through some of the Pacific Islands' most stunning destinations. P&O is renowned for delivering the best of the Pacific, and now you can experience it firsthand!

Discover:

• The French-chic ambiance of Noumea
• The rich, ancient culture of Lifou
• The vibrant, Caribbean-like atmosphere of Vila
• And, of course, breathtaking beaches at every stop!

Itinerary:
A family of 4 will set sail from Sydney on 14 April, 2025, and enjoy a 10-day adventure with stops at:

• Noumea, New Caledonia
• Lifou, New Caledonia
• Port Vila, Vanuatu
• Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Don’t miss this chance to travel in style and luxury—you might never want to come home!

Click her to enter the Cruise Raffle now! 

*Please note this will be a Carnival Cruise by the time of departure 

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Applications for the prestigious Joan Waugh Scholarships are now open. If you are a former student of Tara Anglican School for Girls and meet the criteria, don't miss this chance.

Scholarship Details:

• Named in honour of Miss Mary Elizabeth (Joan) Waugh, the former headmistress of Tara Anglican School for Girls.
• Scholarship value: $10,000.
• Eligibility: Candidates who demonstrate excellence in various aspects of community life and show leadership potential, in addition to strong academic abilities.
• Purpose: To support further studies, research, or development in a specific field of interest, skill, or expertise, both in Australia and overseas.

Application Deadline: 20 October 2024

To apply, please download the application form here

Don't miss your chance to honour Miss Waugh's legacy and further your educational pursuits. 

Thank you for your patience as we carry out our defect rectification works, and we do apologise that these works mean that the Tara Aquatic Centre will need to remain closed for a few more weeks. The builder is working hard to ensure that the works are completed well, and we appreciate your ongoing support during this time.

We will provide a further update on when our programs can restart as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding. 

“Power Hour” is a non-competitive squad program that offers a combination of endurance, speed, overall fitness, with plenty of fun with friends. The session runs for 60 minutes and is a great way to help improve or maintain your fitness level during the water polo season (or supplementing other sporting activity), as well as your mental health.  

Contact the Swimming@Tara team for more information and to join. 

swimming@tara.nsw.edu.au 

Please review the Tara Aquatic Centre Terms and Conditions in the Aquatic Centre parent portal as they have been updated.  

We are 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

Congratulations to Year 6 student Chloe and her horse Flame who had a very successful day at the Arndell Equestrian on Saturday!

Chloe and Flame finished with the following results:

• 1st in Hacking Class
• 2nd in Rider Class
• 3rd in Led Class

Go Chloe! 

Mr Matthew Bonson - Dean of Learning Years 11 and 12

We are delighted to invite you to the 2024 HSC Showcase Evening on Wednesday, 21 August 2024. This special event celebrates the remarkable work of our HSC students as they present their performances, Major Works, and Bodies of Work.

The evening offers an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of our students, receive valuable feedback, and enjoy performances by our talented Music and Drama students in front of a large audience. It is also a wonderful occasion for drinks and refreshments, allowing you to fully appreciate the dedication and creativity of our students throughout 2023-2024.

All students are encouraged to attend, especially those considering studying these subjects, to gain insight into the expectations and standards of Year 12.

We look forward to sharing this enjoyable evening with you.

Earlier in the year, students at Tara tested their geographical skills and knowledge against students from all around Australia. The results are outstanding.  Geography is such an important subject because it develops in students a holistic understanding of the world around them and their place in it.

Congratulations to the following students who excelled in the competition.

Girls who received a Distinction -
Xingxiao C, Jenny L, Aarna M, Annabel N, Olivia P, Lakshmi Sanjana P, Aileen Y, Patricia Z, Zoe M, Ella Z, Allison Z, Diba Dehghani F, Manisha G, Angelique L, Teon O, Hannah R, Isabella C, Eliza M and Radha S.

Girls who received a High Distinction -
Claire H, Heidi J, Mili S, Shievon T, Isabella W, Charlotte G, Christina H, Christine M, Megan S, Nicole W, Mia C, Yezka H and Iris J.

On Wednesday, 14 August, three of our Year 7 students embarked on an important excursion to participate in the SunSafe Student Ambassador Program. Hosted by Melanoma Institute Australia, the workshop focused on educating students about melanoma prevention and promoting sun safety.

During the session, our students learned about the risks of melanoma, effective prevention strategies, and how to deliver impactful presentations. They also gained valuable skills to help make our school a sun-safe environment.

We are excited to see these students use their newfound knowledge to raise awareness among their peers and foster a culture of sun safety at our school.

The Year 9 Canberra trip kicked off with an exciting departure straight after school on Thursday. Despite the chilly weather, everyone was in high spirits as we headed south, making a quick stop at Macca's to fuel up for the journey. Upon arrival at our hotel, we settled into their rooms quickly, eager to escape the cold and get some rest for the big day ahead.

We woke up to a frosty morning, with temperatures dipping to -3 degrees. After a hearty breakfast, we set off to explore the capital. Our first stop was Mount Ainslie, where we were treated to breathtaking views from the highest point in Canberra. Next, we visited the National Museum of Australia, where students engaged with a rich collection of historical artefacts, including exhibits on First Nations and Australian history. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real world history which ties in crucially to what we study in Stage 5 on Australian History. After the all important lunch stop at Canberra Centre, our day continued with a self guided walking tour, starting from the steps of the Australian War Memorial. Along this commemorative pathway, we reflected on the sacrifices made by Australians in various conflicts as we passed and explored memorials including the Boer War, Vietnam War, and the Australian Service Nurses. Finally, we concluded our historical journey at the Australian War Memorial, where students paid their respects and deepened their understanding of Australia’s military history with guides who were both informative and engaging.

The trip was both educational and inspiring, offering students a deeper connection to our nation’s past. We look forward to seeing how these experiences will continue to enrich our learning of History throughout the remainder of Year 10 and beyond.

Mrs Cropper and Mrs Napier - Food Tech & Hospitality Department 

Our fortnightly cook for “Dignity Dishes” is in full swing again this term, with the need out in our community greater than ever.

After speaking recently with one of the volunteers, we were told that the “Dignity” team are supplying over 1300 meals per week to those struggling not only with homelessness but also families struggling with the cost of living crisis and displacement through domestic violence. Meals are being delivered from their North Parramatta hub as far as Newcastle and Wollongong as well as the Sydney metro area.

We are consistently making between 60-70 meals each cook and are very thankful for the students who give of their time after school to this service activity.

We have also had several staff members come down and help, which has been very much appreciated. The end result of their efforts is always very rewarding.

Well done girls for all your hard work and please keep volunteering as the need is certainly there to help others!

Last week, our Year 9 Commerce girls had an incredible time hosting Market Day for the Senior School! The day was a huge success, raising $5,343 for Cure Cancer.

Market Day is a unique opportunity for our Commerce students to bring their classroom learning to life! From ideation to execution, the girls showcased their innovative business wisdom and creativity, creating and managing stalls that were well researched, appropriately priced, and properly marketed.

A huge congratulations to the girls who ran the stalls, and a heartfelt thank you to their families who generously donated products for sale. We are also incredibly grateful to our supportive Tara staff and students for their encouragement and involvement. 

At Tara, we love to see learning lead to action, and the generous donation to Cure Cancer is a perfect example of this. Amazing job Year 9! 

Congratulations to Year 7 student Dora for achieving 2nd place in the Sydney Eisteddfod Stringed Instruments Competition in the Plucked & Bowed Lower Strings category for students aged 15 years and under!

Dora showcased her talent on the Chinese Guzheng. Well done Dora!

On Thursday, the 29 August, Year 8 SRC will be hosting the Jeans and Jersey day!

Our goal is to raise awareness for organ donation.

Jersey Day was inspired by the gift of life that Nathan Gremmo gave to six people when he became an organ donor at age 13. Jersey Day is fun, it’s free and by registering to become an organ and tissue donor you could be helping to save a life.

At lunch time, there will be games between students including football, volleyball and basketball.

For this event students will attend school on Thursday wearing a pair of jeans and their favourite sports jersey. This is still a school day, so all uniform guidelines still apply. To be eligible to wear the mufti on the day, you must purchase a mufti day pass on Flexi Schools. This will be sent out shortly. The cost will be $6.

Thank you from the Year 8 SRC :)

Our Japanese exchange students, Koyuki and Ayaka have had another busy and exciting week at Tara. They delivered a beautiful speech in English on assembly this week, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to be at Tara and their delight in all of the friendships they have made. Obento Day followed at lunch, during which time students studying Japanese in Years 8-11 ate Japanese lunch boxes and our exchange students showed their volleyball prowess. In celebration of all things Japanese, two Tara groups also performed J pop dance numbers on this day and Year 11 Japanese students led the school in a quiz celebrating our 30 year exchange with Tosajuku.

Ayaka and Koyuki have also been participating in Japanese classes again this week to remember the story of Sadako and Peace Day in Japan on the 6 August. Many classes made origami cranes and these will be sent back to Japan with the girls as a gift of friendship to our sister school.

During the first week of Term 3, it was Maths Week. We had lots of fun celebrating in and out of class, participating in fun challenges like pi races, Rubix cubing, and number games, as well as watching the teacher vs. student maths jeopardy. 

All throughout the week, pi reciting took place during maths class, and everyone got a slice of delicious apple pie. Maths Week cannot be complete without pi – or pie! 

On Wednesday at lunchtime, there were all kinds of Interhouse competitions. First, there was a pi race. Girls from each house raced to collect the correct digits from the table in the middle of the colonnade to stick them up in order on the whiteboard, before time ran out. Then there was the Rubix cube race, where competitors quickly tried to solve their cubes first. After that was the numbers challenge. Contestants were given a target number and six smaller numbers. They had to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to reach the target number the fastest, using the smaller numbers. They didn’t need to use all their numbers, but they couldn’t use numbers more than once. 

Finally, at lunchtime on Thursday, a small team of Year 12 girls faced off against some teachers in an intense game of maths jeopardy, while we enthusiastically cheered them on. The competition was tight, but in the end, the students were victorious.  

Everyone had a fun time during Maths Week, and we thank all of the teachers from the maths department, who made this happen, setting up so many fun activities throughout the week. This would not have been possible without them!  

The Maths staff would like to thank Trinity T and Heidi J from Year 7 for giving us their thoughts on Maths week. We would also like to congratulate Heidi on making Tara history by reciting 1000 digits of Pi completely from memory! She took 10 minutes to get through all the digits, pausing only once in all that time. Great work Heidi!

The Tara Gymnasts have been busy preparing for their State Qualifying competition over the last few months. On Sunday 4 August we had our Level 4 Gymnasts (Matilda A, Neve K, Mia L, Gabriella M and Jana V) compete at Sydney Gymnastics Centre. We are so proud of all the girls and their efforts at this tough competition.

The top 50 gymnasts (out of 137 competitors) from the Metropolitan West Region are selected to represent Met West at State Championships later in the year. A special congratulations to Gabriella M who has successfully qualified for State Championships and to Jana V for being listed as a reserve. Keep up the great work.

Congratulations to Chloe Z (Year 2), Celine Z and Hannah X (Year 4), Chloe H (Year 5) Jessica R and Lin Lin W (Year 6) for their participation at the Voski Cup Rhythmic Gymnastics Event held on 4 August.

The gymnasts performed outstandingly with improvements across all routines! 

Head Coach Rachel and the entire Rhythmic Gymnastics coaching team are thrilled with all of the gymnasts’ confidence and artistry performing on the floor!

Round 2
Tara's senior first played an exciting game against PLC Armidale. This was a tough game as the pace was fast and the movements were of high intensity. Verity A and Charli H worked together in the circle and shot amazing shots from far distances! It was back and forth throughout the entire game and despite the loss, the girls still had a fantastic game.

Tara’s second netball team secured a narrow victory on the weekend with a score of 17-14. The team's middle-court defence was outstanding, consistently regaining possession through crucial interceptions. Their Goalkeeper (GK) and Goal Defence (GD) were instrumental in securing rebounds and efficiently transitioning the ball down the court, contributing significantly to their amazing win on the weekend!

The senior thirds played a thrilling match against Queenwood, they emerged victorious with a score of 23-13. Despite facing taller opponents, Selina S and Zara S excelled in intercepting the ball and moving it down the court. The game was highly competitive, with both teams demonstrating excellent skills, but Tara ultimately claimed the win.

Tara's seniors' fourth team triumphed over Meriden 07 with a commanding score of 27-11. The attack line showed remarkable improvement, with Claire C as Goal Shooter (GS) and Assya G as Wing Attack (WA) working seamlessly to advance the ball. The highlight was the fourth quarter, where the team scored 8 goals, further widening the gap, and securing a decisive victory.

Taras junior firsts played a thrilling match that ended in a 25-25 tie. April O showcased excellent shooting skills, and the team exhibited strong coordination, effectively moving the ball up the court by positioning themselves strategically in front of opponents. The defence throughout the game was amazing. This was an extremely close game and an exciting watch!

Tara's junior third team displayed impressive teamwork and communication. Leah W and Neasha D provided solid defence, while Charlotte G and Bianca Y drove the attack forward effectively. The team excelled in finding space and maintaining strong forward momentum throughout the game.

Although the junior fourths faced a challenging match, losing 10-24, there were notable improvements. Passing accuracy improved significantly, and the team consistently incorporated the coach's feedback. The progress made during weekly skill sessions was evident, demonstrating the team's commitment to growth. The girls played an enjoyable game and are excited for next week. 

Tara's Year 7 thirds team faced a tough match, resulting in a 6-19 loss to Meriden. Despite the outcome, the team's attacking strategies were effective, with multiple intercepted passes. Ananya K and Nadya L displayed excellent defensive skills. The girls managed to show 6 goals through their effective teamwork and communication!

Despite a tough 0-10 loss this week, Tara 1’s game was a blast. We focused on having a good time and, more importantly, learning valuable lessons in teamwork. The score might not have been in our favour, but the experience brought us closer as a team and set the foundation for future improvement. - Arushi C

Tara 2 had a challenging match, the Tara hockey team faced a strong opponent, Abbotsleigh, and unfortunately lost 0-5. Despite the final score, the Tara team displayed commendable effort and determination throughout the game. Abbotsleigh dominated the field with excellent ball control and strategic plays, putting Tara's defence under significant pressure. Hannah M’s impressive and persistent shots really threatened Abbotsleigh's defence but it was no match for their goalie.

Aarya (goalkeeper) made several impressive saves, but Abbotsleigh's persistent attacks eventually broke through. The Tara midfield, and Avika’s amazing tackles worked tirelessly to regain possession and create opportunities, but Abbotsleigh's defence was equally resilient, preventing any scoring chances.

While the loss was disappointing, the Tara team showed great sportsmanship and never gave up, playing with heart until the final whistle. - Navya S

Round 2
S03 Tara 1 vs Kambala 2, Loss, 13-16
J02 Tara 2 vs Danebank 4, Win, 27-11
J03 Tara 3 vs Tara 4, Win, 38-6
J03 Tara 4 vs Tara 3, Loss, 6-38
J04 Tara 5 vs St Catherine’s 5, Loss, 10-21
J05 Tara 6 vs Santa Sabina 5, Loss, 12-18

Round 3
S03 Tara 1 vs Wenona 3, Win, 22-8
J02 Tara 2 vs Wenona 8, Loss, 7-39
J03 Tara 3 vs St Vincent’s 3, Win, 50-0
J03 Tara 4 vs SCEGGS 7, Loss, 2-38
J04 Tara 5 vs Wenona 10, Win, 12-4
J05 Tara 6 vs SCEGGS 10, Loss, 4-22

Popi T - Football Captain

On the weekend, the Tara firsts team played a difficult game against the top of the table team. The girls in defence; Angelina H and Popi T from Year 11, Olivia B from Year 10, and Victoria H from Year 8 worked really hard and played well to maintain a strong defence against their opponents. Ellie H from Year 10 saved many shots on goals and successfully prevented the other team from scoring many goals.

The football junior team played an amazing game.

The girls cooperated with each other very well and portraited good communication throughout the whole game.

The girls worked hard and embraced each other’s skills leading up to the final result. 

Meghann B - Dance Captain

Last Saturday, our Tara dance team had the opportunity to perform at the Platinum Dance Competition against other schools. The girls came out of the competition placing second for their contemporary piece. The girls also performed their Jazz piece, showcasing the skills they have been working on throughout this year. Congratulations to all girls involved!! 

Each week we send Year 10 to Year 12 a listing of the relevant events and ideas and programs to them to help with their Career planning.  

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

Careers Newsletter -  19 August 2024 

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