Matthew Bonson, Dean of Learning Year 11-12

On Wednesday 20 August, Tara hosted the annual HSC Showcase Evening. Despite the challenging conditions and seemingly endless rain, we welcomed our largest-ever audience, gathered to celebrate and encourage our most senior students. Parents, teachers, families, friends, current HSC students, and younger year groups all came together to admire the incredible Major Works, Bodies of Work, Performance Pieces, and Design Projects completed by Year 12.

The evening began with Drama performances in the Tara Theatre and Music in the Chapel—our first time using this beautiful space, which proved to be the perfect setting. Stunning vocal and instrumental pieces set the tone for the evening, while Drama Individual Performance Pieces brought comedy, tragedy, and everything in between to life through outstanding monologues.

From there, the crowds moved to explore the displays for Design and Technology, Visual Arts, History Extension, Science Extension, and English Extension 2. Guests were treated to an impressive array of food and drinks prepared by our talented kitchen staff and Year 11 Hospitality students—so popular that many guests came back for seconds.

Year 12 students stood proudly alongside their work, fielding questions and sharing the time, commitment, and skill involved in producing such high-quality projects. The breadth and standard of work on display was extraordinary: from complex essays to video installations, oil and acrylic paintings to scientific experiments, luxury doghouses to moving works of short fiction.

As is tradition, the evening concluded with Drama performances. A large, enthusiastic crowd filled the Theatre, creating an atmosphere of support, encouragement, and excitement that carried through until the final curtain call.

We extend our gratitude to all the teachers, maintenance and IT teams, kitchen staff, promotions and administration staff, and the school executive for their tireless support of our students throughout the year and in bringing this night to life. Special thanks also to the many students who came along to cheer on Year 12 while gaining inspiration for their own future studies. And finally, to our parents, friends, and the wider Tara community—thank you for continuing to make this showcase such a highlight of our school calendar.

The talent, skill, and dedication of our HSC students never fails to inspire us, and this year’s Showcase was a powerful reminder of what our students can achieve.

Check out some more photos from our HSC Showcase below and on our social media pages @taranaglicanschoolforgirs

We are delighted to announce that our much-loved Carols in the Colonnade will take place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, from 4:00pm – 9:00pm.

This year, we are once again bringing back our festive Christmas Markets as part of the celebrations. If you own a small business and have something special to offer for the holiday season, this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your products. Families are always on the lookout for unique and last-minute Christmas gifts, making it the perfect time to be part of the event.

If you are interested in having a stall, please contact Jodie Doyle at jdoyle@tara.nsw.edu.au.

Come and enjoy an evening filled with festive cheer, beautiful carols, and community spirit.

Expressions of interest for the markets close on Friday, 26 September 2025 (end of Term 3).

A friendly reminder to secure your spot for our special Father’s Day Breakfast on Monday, 8 September 2025. Bookings will close on Tuesday, 2 September, so don’t miss out! 

Event Details: 

📅 Date: Monday, 8 September 2025 
🕒 Time: 7:30am – 8:30am 
📍 Venue: Main Oval 
👉 Click here to book: https://www.trybooking.com/DEEJA 

We look forward to celebrating this wonderful occasion together. 

All dads in our School community are warmly invited to attend the next Tara Dads Club meeting on Wednesday, 3 September at 6:00pm in the Glass Room (located next to the Uniform Shop). 

If you are looking to connect with other dads, share experiences, and be part of a supportive community, we would love to see you there. 

Come along and be part of the conversation.  

We are excited to invite you to the 2025 Tara Dads Club Camping Trip, taking place from Friday, 14 November to Sunday, 16 November at the beautiful NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Umina Beach. 

Last year’s trip was a fantastic success, with dads and daughters enjoying a weekend full of fun, connection, and unforgettable memories. We can’t wait to do it all again this year! 

✨ Places are limited — don’t miss your chance to join in the adventure.

Bookings close Friday, 31 October 2025. 

👉 Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/DEPPR 

The Tara Uniform Shop will be open this Saturday, 6 September for your convenience.

🕘 Opening Hours: 9.00am – 12.00pm

📍 Location: Tara Uniform Shop

This is a great opportunity to purchase any uniform items you may need ahead of the new term. Whether it’s updating everyday essentials, replacing outgrown pieces, or preparing for upcoming school events, our staff will be available to assist you.

We look forward to welcoming you this Saturday!

Following the Annual General Meeting of the Tara Old Girls’ Association on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, we are pleased to introduce the 2025–2026 Committee: 

• Lucinda Beck – President 
• Ivy Wang – Vice President 
• Barbara Edge – Treasurer 
• Nathalie Taylor – Secretary 
• Leah Virtue – Joan Waugh Scholarship Chairperson & Committee Member 
• Una Cha – Committee Member 
• Kathryn Dickinson – Committee Member 
• Emma Hull – Committee Member 

We were also privileged to hear from Lauren Baikie, recipient of the 2024 Joan Waugh Award, who shared her inspiring journey as a veterinary student and reflected on the valuable placements she has undertaken with the support of her scholarship. 

2025 Joan Waugh Scholarship – Applications Now Open 

Applications are now invited for the 2025 Joan Waugh Scholarship, closing Monday, 20 October 2025. 

The Joan Waugh Scholarship is awarded annually to a former Tara student who demonstrates: 

• outstanding academic achievement 
• leadership potential 
• strong commitment to community life 

Valued at $10,000, the scholarship supports further study, research, or the pursuit of a particular field of interest, skill, or expertise—within Australia or overseas. 

How to Apply 

Application forms are available via the Tara Anglican School for Girls website under: 

Community - Tara Anglican School for Girls 

Make a splash this summer—spots are filling fast!

With summer just around the corner, now’s the time to dive in! From toddlers taking their first splash to refining your strokes—secure your spot in our swimming lessons before they’re gone! 

Holiday Intensives for October 2025  

We will be having Holiday Intensives over the October school holidays for 2 weeks. We will be offering Private Lessons and group lessons available. Please contact swimming@tara.nsw.edu.au or contact reception on 8838 2699 to book in.  

Dates: 

29/09 - 3/10 (5 days) &
7/10 - 10/10 (4 days)

Note: Our regular Learn to Swim lessons will continue during the holiday period.   

Carnival Prep Program

Our Carnival Prep Program will be opening soon! 

With carnival season fast approaching, our coach (Peter) is here to help you get race-ready and perform at your peak. 

Dates: 

Wednesday 1st October 7.30am - 9.30am 
Friday 3rd October 7.30am - 9.30am 

It will be offered to the following levels: Dolphin, Advance & Squad students only.  

SAVE THE DATE: Another “Twilight Race Night”: 

As the last several “Twilight Race Night” was such a success we will be putting on another race night. We are excited to say we have a date: Thursday 13th November, 6.30pm - 8.30pm! You will need to be enrolled in the program to participate in the race night. So, get those race swimmers ready! Details for entry will be sent out closer to the event.

Squad:     

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!      

Lost Property: 

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. 

Donation of swimming fins:

If you have outgrown or no longer needing your fins, we are happy to take them in and they will be put to good use!

Year 6 Teachers - Nicky MacAskill, Julyann Dos Santos, Giorgia Chapman
Dean of Learning E-6 - Holly Boardman

Year 6 students have begun the Exhibition process by exploring issues that matter most to them. They started by sharing what bothers them in everyday life, big or small. From frustrations like people interrupting before someone can finish their thought, to broader concerns about responsibility and decision-making.

Working together, students connected their ideas in groups and noticed patterns that reached beyond school life. Students examined the responses from their peers and discovered that many of their concerns linked to themes such as local and global decision-making, school, sport, wellbeing, technology, relationships, health, and storytelling.

Building on these ideas, students began framing their own questions using PYP concepts. They practised creating open-ended, conceptual questions that would spark further inquiry. This skill will be important as they move deeper into their Exhibition journey.

When Tara parents and staff joined as experts, the girls had the chance to listen, ask follow up questions, and take notes. These conversations not only gave them deeper insights into potential issues they would like to inquire into but also sparked new ideas they had not considered before.

Students are excited to continue their Exhibition journey as they discover their groups and mentors and begin building knowledge through research into their chosen issues.

Reading Takes you Anywhere! 

Ms Holly Boardman, Dean of Learning E-6  

This year, as part of Book Week 2025, we were excited to launch our new playground libraries—small street library–style book houses where students can borrow, share, and enjoy books during play times. To make these little libraries extra special, our students were invited to design and paint the wooden panels. Their creativity has helped transform the libraries into colourful, welcoming spaces that reflect the joy of reading. 

Each artist worked to the theme ‘Reading Takes You Anywhere’, submitting both their design and a short artist statement explaining how their artwork expressed the theme. These statements offer a glimpse into the imagination and inspiration behind each design. Here are some of our artist statements:  

Everywhere means walking. I see rainbows, clouds, sun and blue sky. I walk with my ELC friends. Jean, ELC 

The girl in the painting is myself, Grace, and I think reading can take me everywhere – even under the sea! I am not just swimming in the ocean, but swimming in my imagination. The sea world allows me to see every sea animal in detail! Grace, Year 1 

My design relates to the theme ‘reading takes you anywhere’ because most of my drawings are things that can fly. I thought of doing it because when I read, I feel like I am travelling to another world. Shirley, Year 3 

My artwork shows a bookshelf with windows embedded into the wall. It represents new fictional and non-fictional realities waiting to be opened and explored. They are different sizes and shapes for not every book is the same. Mia, Year 5 

‘Reading takes you anywhere’ explores the boundless nature of imagination and discovery through books. Each page is a doorway into distant lands, inner worlds or entirely new dimensions. Through my work, I am to capture the transformative power of reading; how it expands our minds, ignites our creativity, and transports us far beyond the limits of our physical surroundings. Whether through vivid colours, surreal imagery, or layered textures, I invite views to recall the journeys only a good story can take them on – where the only passport required is curiosity. Bonnie, Year 6 

Congratulations to all of our artists: Jean (Kindy), Isla (Year 1), Grace (Year 1), Miya (Year 1), Aimee (Year 1), Adelina (Year 2), Sharna (Year 3), Rachel (Year 3), Shirley (Year 3), Sunny (Year 4), Mia (Year 5), and Bonnie (Year 6). Their creativity has helped brighten our playground and reminded us that reading can transport us to new worlds, ideas, and adventures. 

We would also like to sincerely thank some of our wonderful teachers; Ms Rainy, our Junior School Art Teacher, for her time, guidance, and encouragement throughout the project. With her support, each student artist was able to bring their vision to life and contribute something lasting to our school community. Mrs Paul, our teacher librarian who has worked with teachers and students to ensure our playground libraries are filled with stories to read during recess and lunch times. Thank you! 

Last week, a team of talent Junior School students represented Tara at the IPSHA Athletics Carnival! It was a wonderful day of competition and sportsmanship, with our girls giving it their all out on the field. We are incredibly proud of each of the students that participated on the day.

A special mention goes to two of our students who achieved outstanding results and placed in the top 10 for their events:

ReRe (Year 6)

• 6th place – 200m
• 4th place – Long Jump

Lucinda (Year 6)

• 5th place – Discus
• 5th place – Shot Put

We are so proud of your achievements and the way you represented Tara. Congratulations to all our athletes!

     

Congratulations to the 10 artists across the Junior School whose artworks have been chosen to be displayed in this year's IPSHA Virtual Art Show!

Check out their amazing work and more by clicking the link below:

IPSHA Virtual Art Show

Password: IPSHAart2025 

Kiara, Year 7

On 27 August, our Year 7 History classes welcomed archaeologist and Tara Old Girl, Ally Doubleday (Class of 2021).

Ally talked about her experience of being an archaeologist and gave us an overview of what careers use the subject of History.

She mentioned many of her adventures of travelling the world to places like Egypt and Spain and uncovering mysteries and puzzle pieces to her questions. We were lucky enough to hear about her travels to the Egypt and the Valley of the Nobles, visiting tombs and the challenges she faced, such as discovering pieces of broken artefacts and piecing them back together one by one to find out their origin. She also worked in a medieval pit which was used to bury people for hundreds of years.

We all had a wonderful time during her talk and Ally really helped us give a better overview of what it is like to be an archaeologist. She’s now off to Edinburgh to continue her studies. Good luck with your next adventures Ally!

Mrs Judy Cropper

Head of Food Technology/Hospitality 

On Thursday 7 August, DIGNITY celebrated their 10 Year Anniversary with an afternoon tea at Wests Leagues Club in Leumeah, and Mrs Napier and myself were privileged to be invited.

Founder and CEO, Suzanne Hopman, a past Tara mum, greeted guests, supporters, and partners to the event. From humble beginnings of distributing meals from the boot of her car, she spoke of the 117,000 individuals DIGNITY has helped in those 10 years with meals, accommodation, and employment assistance.

DIGNITY continues to expand with the help from government, partners and volunteers as the need in the community is sadly increasing.

We were encouraged to know that the 80-90 meals we prepare and cook every fortnight are gratefully accepted, and they are excited to continue this association with Tara.

So, thank you, girls, Mrs Napier, and Ms Lachet, for your enthusiasm and willingness to serve in this way - we are definitely making a difference! 

At the start of Term 3, Tara welcomed four students from our sister school in Japan, Tosajuku Junior Senior High School. Hosted by Tara girls in Years 9 and 10, the exchange students attended school each day, joining regular classes as well as Japanese lessons. It was a wonderful opportunity for all students studying Japanese at Tara to make meaningful connections and share culture.

A highlight of their visit was Obento Day, where students enjoyed Japanese lunch boxes together. The Tosajuku girls also delighted us with a Kendama competition and a performance of a traditional dance from their home region of Kochi—a truly special experience for our community.

Tosajuku visits us annually, so please look out for future opportunities to be part of this vibrant exchange program. Later this year, in September, Tara’s Year 9 and 10 students will travel to Japan on the Japan Tour, where they will have the chance to reconnect with their new friends.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the families who so generously hosted the students for two weeks, and to everyone involved in making this cultural exchange such a great success.

   

This year for Science Week, Year 8-10 students were involved in a Taskmaster type challenge.  Groups competed to keep 200ml of boiled water the hottest temperature after 8 minutes, using only materials found in the classroom. The winning group of each class won a chocolate prize.

  

Last year, students enjoyed receiving fun Science stickers during Science Week.  This year, there was a sticker competition for the girls to design their own.

The winning stickers will be printed and shared with the year groups.

Congratulations to the winners:

Year 7 to 8 - Elsa (Year 8) 

Year 9 to 10 - Pahri (Year 9)

Mr Munn and Mrs Paul

Earlier in the year, Year 9, chose one of Jesus’ parables and created a contemporary retelling with original artwork in a picture book format for a Tara Junior School audience

Book Week provided the perfect opportunity to turn this project into an authentic task and for the Senior girls to share their works with Junior School.

In Weeks 4 and 5 leading up to and including Book Week, about two dozen Year 9’s volunteered to spend their Friday lunch entertaining and teaching Junior School their stories.

Firstly, they brought their lunches down to the library and shared eating time with Junior School. Then, either solo, in pairs or groups of 3, they shared their contemporary parable retelling, which of Jesus’ parables it was based on and explained the moral teaching it conveyed.

The Junior School girls were engrossed in the stories and in the exquisite original artwork that adorned each piece of work. No doubt the girls were all inspired not only by the story telling but also the artistic talents on display.

Unbeknownst to Yr 9, in Week 4 there was an additional, unannounced audience member. Acclaimed Australian author Belinda Murrell, who, was running a series of writing workshops for Tara and Kings for the upcoming Write a Book in a Day had stayed on to sign books and listen to the presentations. She sat and smiled as she enjoyed each of the presentations. Image the thrill when, towards the end, a few girls recognised the company they were in, with one sheepishly going up to her and saying, “Belinda, you’re my favourite author!”

What a way to share their works with a younger generation and in turn be encouraged by such esteemed company.

In August, our Year 9 and 10 PASS students had the opportunity to take part in the Celebrating Girls in Sport Festival, a dynamic program designed for teenage girls across the Parramatta local government area. The festival aims to inspire young women to remain active and engaged in sport by connecting them with accomplished female athletes and offering a wide variety of sporting experiences. 

The day was divided into two exciting segments.

The first was an Interactive Panel featuring high-profile female athletes and sports leaders who generously shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in their sporting careers. Students were captivated by the stories of Elsie Albert (Women’s NRL), Hannah Darlington (Sydney Thunder Cricket), Amy Sliger (Giants Netball), Melissa Wu (five-time Olympian Diver), and Genevieve Longman (Water Polo Australia). Their words provided not only encouragement, but also powerful role models for our girls to look up to.

The second part of the day was all about hands-on participation. Our students immersed themselves in a variety of workshops and activities, from NRL, netball, cricket, and soccer, to more recreational pursuits such as a silent disco and rock climbing. This balance of competitive sport and fun activity highlighted the many ways sport can bring joy, confidence, and connection.

The festival was a valuable opportunity for our students to see firsthand the importance of resilience, teamwork, and passion, while also experiencing new activities and meeting like-minded peers. Our girls came away motivated, empowered, and inspired to continue their sporting journeys both within and beyond Tara.

The Tara Gymnasts have been busy preparing for their State Qualifying competition over the last few months. On Sunday 10th August we had our Level 3 & 4 Gymnasts (Level 3 - Ava H, Kaaya G, Kayla B, Mia N & Level 4 – Juliana H, Olivia K and Scarlett C) compete at Sydney Gymnastics Centre. Our Level 5 – 7 Gymnasts also had their trials over the past few weekends (Level 5 – Mia L, Mirna I, Paru S & Level 7 – Linda H & Olivia F) We are so proud of all the girls and their efforts at these tough competitions.

The top 40 gymnasts from Level 3 & 4 in the Metropolitan West Region are selected to represent Met West at State Championships later in the year. A special congratulations to Ava H, Kaaya G, Kayla B, Mia N & Juliana H who have successfully qualified for State Championships. Keep up the great work.

The Tara Gymnastics youngest gymnasts had a competition at Sydney Academy of Gymnastics on Sunday 24th August. All the girls performed their routines beautifully and have improved so much since the start of the year. This is their first year of competitive gymnastics and they all had huge smiles on their faces and enjoyed showing off their skills to family and friends. Congratulation to all the girls involved (Aimee C, Sophia H, Violet M, Harper P.R, Julie L, Isla W, Audrey N, Ashley B, Charlotte M, Olivia Z, Lara T, Bella X and Avi R).  

CONGRATULATIONS ALL GYMNASTS!!

Our Snowsport girls did an incredible job at the State Interschools Snowsports Championships!

A special congratulations to the following girls who have qualified for Nationals:

🥉Jemima (Year 12), Veronika (Year 12) and Ash (Year 9) came 3rd in Cross Country

🏅Lucie (Year 6) came 5th in Ski Cross and 13th in Alpine

We wish them all the best for the upcoming competition in September!

We also want to congratulate Jemima (Year 12), who came 3rd in Biathlon. Such an incredible achievement!

Recently, 24 Tara girls proudly represented our school at the NSW Inter-School Badminton Competition, held at Alpha Badminton in Auburn. With over 360 athletes from schools across the state, the competition was fierce, yet our girls stepped onto the court with confidence, skill, and unmistakable Tara spirit.

Tara entered five teams, each made up of five players, and every girl gave her all. Their determination and sportsmanship were evident in every match, and the results speak volumes: two gold medals, two silver medals, and two third-place finishes. This remarkable achievement marks a huge milestone for Tara Badminton and highlights the depth of talent and commitment within our community.

Throughout the day, our students embodied the Tara values—supporting one another, showing resilience in both victory and defeat, and celebrating every moment as a team. Their achievements are a testament to countless hours of dedication and training, as well as the encouragement they received from coaches and families.

Special recognition goes to our coaching team led by Coach Yu Zhang, whose passion and guidance over the past two years secured Tara’s invitation to this prestigious annual tournament for the first time. Their commitment has not only elevated our players’ skills but also helped grow a vibrant badminton community at Tara.

We are deeply grateful to the families who continue to cheer on and support our athletes. The coaches are excited to build on this success, create even more opportunities for Tara girls to shine, and look forward to celebrating even greater achievements in the future.

Congratulations to all our players—you have made Tara proud!

    

Catherine competed in the Australian Youth Circuit Championships in Melbourne.

Congratulations to her team for winning the silver medal in the épée team event! 🥈

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

 Careers Newsletter for 01 September 2025

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