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Tara News Term 4 Edition 2, 2021

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General News

  • World Teacher's Day Australia

From the Dean of Learning ELC-6

  • Independent Inquiries and Skills for Life - PYP Exhibition 2021

Community Events

  • Gingerbread House Decorating
  • Tara Dads Club Catch Up
  • Tara Dads Club Family Picnic at Fagan Park

Tara Community News

  • Second Hand Uniforms Required

Junior School News

  • Before and After School Care and Vacation Care News

Senior School News

  • Reconnection Morning
  • Future Problem Solving Program Australia - National Finals
  • Mooting News
  • 2021-2022 Leadership Team

Careers News

  • Careers Newsletters

Term 1, Week 9, 2020

General News

World Teacher's Day Australia

On Friday, 29 October we celebrated teaching and all teachers no matter where they are on their journey. 

Never has there been a more significant time to celebrate them and take the opportunity to recognise our primary, secondary and early childhood teachers. 

We held a celebratory breakfast to acknowledge all our dedicated teachers do for us and our students. 

Tara teaching and support staff as always have risen to challenges presented to us. They have devised ways to use technology in the most innovative ways while striving to maintain student engagement. 

This engagement has extended beyond online learning classes and screens to keeping a caring watch on our students. 

Thank you Tara Teachers!

From the Dean of Learning ELC-6

Independent Inquiries and Skills for Life - PYP Exhibition 2021

Wendy Abernethy - Dean of Learning (E-6)

A wonderful thing about teaching and learning alongside Junior School staff and students is knowing that everything we do is equipping the girls for their future Year 6 PYP Exhibition, the culminating experience of the Primary Years Programme. What does this teaching and learning look like?  Students are explicitly taught and given authentic opportunities to use different approaches to learning. They gain deep knowledge across the 6 transdisciplinary themes and learn to live out the attributes of the PYP Learner Profile, predispositions that will serve them well throughout life.

For the PYP Exhibition this year, our Year 6 girls each completed their own inquiry into an issue or opportunity of personal relevance to them. This year the Exhibition happened entirely online, meaning that some unique technological and communication-based challenges were encountered. These challenges were met with courage and positivity as Year 6 teachers and teacher mentors expertly provided guidance and reassurance throughout the complex process. Tenacity and grit were harnessed as the girls worked to identify concepts and related concepts connected to their big idea. They wrote their own central idea, a true statement, free of value judgments which incorporates two related concepts. This is no easy task! They pursued two chosen lines of inquiry to direct their research, and also investigated one shared line of inquiry about forms of creative expression and persuasive devices. A key part of the Exhibition process was for students to ideate and make a creatively expressive piece, such as an artwork, poem, or song, designed to change the mind of an audience about their chosen issue. Even though all this all occurred at home in 2021, with students sourcing their own materials and managing their time to meet a final deadline, the results were worth celebrating.

Along the way, many valuable skills were developed including:

  • Using a conceptual lens to view issues
  • Researching using a variety of sources
  • Applying ethical referencing practices
  • Employing techniques for writing effective survey and interview questions
  • Interpreting and presenting data and research in creative and coherent ways
  • Incorporating images and recorded narration within a PowerPoint presentation
  • Utilising technology in a variety of ways
  • Managing time to meet goals
  • Reflecting deeply on the process and knowledge gained

The final experience, Tara Exhibition World Tour took place in online class meetings in Week 2. Prior to the World Tour, each class was allocated three or four Year 6 students. Girls from ELC to Year 5 viewed their allocated Year 6 narrated PowerPoint presentations and creative expression pieces. From here, they generated questions to ask the Year 6 students about their research findings, expressive piece or the inquiry process. During the World Tour, the discussions were rich and interesting. The Year 6 students are to be commended for their mature approach to answering the varied and thoughtful questions asked by their audience.

Mr Baker, Miss MacAskill and all the teachers who acted as mentors for PYP Exhibition 2021 humbly showed and shared their dedication, patience, adaptability, and expertise throughout the process. It was not an easy task to bring PYP Exhibition to fruition in a remote learning context, but there were many things gained. Congratulations to the Year 6 girls who worked consistently to learn new skills, pose better questions, communicate more clearly, act on feedback and meet the many deadlines.

  • Carol Z - The process of creating her work  'The Future Arctic' Issue - Habitat loss in the Arctic.
    Carol Z - The process of creating her work 'The Future Arctic' Issue - Habitat loss in the Arctic.
  • Carol Z - The process of creating her work  'The Future Arctic' Issue - Habitat loss in the Arctic.
    Carol Z - The process of creating her work 'The Future Arctic' Issue - Habitat loss in the Arctic.
  • Chloe E - Creative Expression 'Watching Others' Issue - Loss of culture in young people.
    Chloe E - Creative Expression 'Watching Others' Issue - Loss of culture in young people.
  • Alisha S - Creative Expression 'Through the Tunnel' Issue - Impacts of gymnastics on the physical and mental health of gymnasts.
    Alisha S - Creative Expression 'Through the Tunnel' Issue - Impacts of gymnastics on the physical and mental health of gymnasts.
  • Nicole W - Creative Expression 'Different' Issue - Social anxiety in young people.
    Nicole W - Creative Expression 'Different' Issue - Social anxiety in young people.
  • Wynne W - Creative Expression 'The Other Half' Issue - The benefits of making and appreciating art.
    Wynne W - Creative Expression 'The Other Half' Issue - The benefits of making and appreciating art.
Show more

Community Events

Gingerbread House Decorating

    Tara Dads Club Catch Up

    John Capolupo, President of the Tara Dad’s Club, invites you to come along to rebuild and reconnect with other Tara Dads at the General Bourke, Parramatta on Wednesday 10 November at 7:00pm. All Tara Dads welcome, please register by the Tara Bookings page. Meals and drinks paid individually at the venue.

      Tara Dads Club Family Picnic at Fagan Park

       

      The Tara Dads Club invites all the Tara Community to reconnect and enjoy a family fun filled day with other Tara families at Fagan Park, Galston.

      Saturday, 20 November 2021

      11.30am - 5.00pm

      There are over 55 hectares of beautifully manicured gardens, fabulous picnic areas, bicycle tracks, two playground and electric BBQ facilities. Explore the gardens of many nations which cover 10 hectares with 11 themed gardens including Japanese, Dutch, Chinese and Mediterranean. The park was originally owned by the Fagan family and operated as an orchard and cattle farm before it was donated to the government. Netherby Cottage was the original Fagan family homestead and is still preserved on-site along with an adjoining museum featuring heritage artefacts. BYO food and drinks. To book please click here www.tara.nsw.edu.au/book-events

      Tara Community News

      Second Hand Uniforms Required

      Do you have any good quality second hand uniforms that your daughter has outgrown or no longer wearing? 

      The Uniform Shop requires summer uniforms. If you have second hand uniforms please complete the form located on the website and drop them into the Uniform Shop.

      https://www.tara.nsw.edu.au/documents/209/2021_PF_Secondhand_Uniform_Item_Sheet.pdf 

       

        Junior School News

        Before and After School Care and Vacation Care News

        Prasannakshi, Miranda and Ms Kuldeep made blueberry muffins. The girls used measuring cups and mathematics to double the recipes. We worked as a team, taking turns, and teaching each other how to bake. The Children are improving their cutlery skills which is great for their hand eye coordination and fine motor skills.

        Girls engaged with creating abstract art out of recycled material. They used old bottle caps – “It’s very satisfying to work with old bottle caps as there is no wastage involved,” said Miss Kuldeep. After arranging the lids to their satisfaction, the girls then used them to play the bingo game (Bluey/French) which they found great fun.

        Show more

        Senior School News

        Reconnection Morning

        Mila N - Community Prefect (2021-2022)

        On Monday 25 October, the incoming Year 12 Leadership Team led a Reconnection Morning initiative to welcome back staff and students after approximately 120 days in lockdown. 

        Socially distancing and wearing masks, the leaders stationed at the different School entrances in the morning, offering a pump of hand sanitiser and handing out stickers and small conversation starter prompt cards. Prior to Reconnection Morning, staff and students were encouraged to submit their favourite lockdown memory or something that had made them feel grateful during lockdown in a photo submission. These photos were then collaged and displayed outside Student Reception on Monday.

        A balloon arch, bubbles, compliment and conversation posters, music, and laughter rekindled a positive school environment that morning. As Community Prefect, I was overseeing this initiative, and felt it was successful in encouraging the Tara community to reconnect and rebuild important face-to-face connections. Thank you to all who were involved in bringing this vision to life!

        The 2021-2022 Year 12 Leadership Team are looking forward to the year ahead and are excited to introduce their respective initiatives.

        Future Problem Solving Program Australia - National Finals

        We are thrilled to announce the results of the National Finals, Tara’s Year 10 team of Alisha G, Alisha V, Siya and Brianna have placed 2nd and been invited to the 2022 International Conference.

        The Tara school community is so proud of you girls!

        FPS is a research-based, academic program that teaches problem solving strategies, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, and effective communication. The interdisciplinary approach helps develop ethical leadership skills and provides a unique opportunity for students to learn and apply essential life skills in the 21st century.

        Mooting News

        Tara recently had two teams enter the Western Sydney University Mooting Competition. 

        A moot court competition simulates a court hearing (usually an appeal against a final decision), in which participants analyse a problem, research the relevant law, prepare written submissions, and present oral argument. Students develop their advocacy, critical thinking, legal writing and research skills. 

        The girls worked hard in the last holidays preparing their arguments. The case concerned a law student who was arrested when protesting for the environment and whether she should be allowed to practice as a lawyer. The two teams were Team 1 Angelique H, Katherine S, and Aarushi H and Team 2 Ashley K, Imogen B and Faith W. Tara Team 2 have progressed through to the semi-finals. They won four rounds on Monday and entry into Law at Western Sydney University in the year after they complete the HSC. Congratulations girls!  

        2021-2022 Leadership Team

        The Tara Leadership team of 2021-2022 has chosen to focus on the three themes of Connection, Spirit, and Servant Leadership. Head Girl Sienna Eswaran, alongside Deputy Head Girl Evelyn Jang and Head Boarder Tia Sarju, are endeavoring to guide the leadership team to build upon the great community that Tara has and the foundations the leaders before us have provided. From this, we have developed our leadership team vision as "We strive to strengthen the broader connections within the Tara community to promote school unity and spirit. Through the Christian model of servant leadership, we aim to foster an inclusive, nurturing school environment that creates an accessible leadership team to empower student voice."

        From Sienna and Evelyn:

        "Our philosophy is that, as per our Vision Statement, we endeavor to create an authentic school environment that facilitates Student Voice and connection. As Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl, we strive to be empowering role models for the students who consistently showcase the Tara values within all aspects of their school life. In doing this, we wish to initiate and support a variety of events that unite the Tara community, as well as the broader community, acting as a facilitator to assist in these events."

        From Tia

        "My vision is to positively promote each boarder's individuality and student voice while both encouraging respect towards Eggleton House and to encourage unity and spirit within the house. To promote cohesiveness within year levels and cultures in boarding, I hope to introduce new initiatives and ideas which would encourage a wide range of girls to participate and contribute to an overall positive environment. My main goal is to keep the spirit and unity from the previous years and give back to the community while getting all the girls involved. As Head Boarder I strive for the boarding house to be connected to the school, as boarding is a foundation that shapes the School."

          Careers News

          Careers Newsletters

          Mrs Michelle Williams - Careers Coordinator

          Girls are encouraged to keep checking details on the Careers Newsletters as many institutions are reviewing details such as closing dates for early entry schemes.

          Careers Newsletter - 21 October 2021

          Careers Newsletter - 28 October 2021

          For more information please contact Mrs Michelle Williams via email.

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