Senior School News
- Seien Girls’ High School Visits Tara
- Elevate Scholarship Recipient
- Exchange to France
- Generation STEM Showcase
- Update from the Environment Prefect
- Update from the Christian Faith Prefect
- The Inaugural Years 9 and 10 History Mastermind Competition: A Triumph of Historical Knowledge
- Years 7 and 8 History Mastermind Competition
Term 1, Week 9, 2020
General News
Abdallah and Sakr Family Memorial Garden Opening
On behalf of the Abdallah and Sakr families, and the i4Give Foundation, the Tara Community is invited to attend the Abdallah and Sakr Family Memorial Garden Opening.
Leila and Danny Abdallah have been so grateful for the support they continue to receive from the Tara Community, and your attendance would be most welcome.
This special memorial site is a long-anticipated hope for the Abdallah and Sakr families and promises to be an enduring place of honour and remembrance.
Please join us.
From the Chaplain
Christmas Message
Dr Fiona Isaacs - Chaplain | Director of Christian Faith and Values
In the Senior School, Term Four 2023 was affectionately designated “The Term of Joy”. Joy makes sense for this part of the School year, as it leads into summer (with its long holidays, overseas travel opportunities, and beach trips!), Christmas (with its gifts, family time, and delicious food!), and all the celebrations that accompany the end of the School year. It is easy to feel joy while surrounded by family and friends, singing carols, and eating and drinking together.
However, joy can also feel elusive in a world that is blighted by war, as the cost of living impacts the Christmas celebrations of many Australians, and as our own lives so often involve heartbreak, grief, and trouble. It can be easy to wonder if there is anything more to joy than a sparkly band-aid that has no impact against life's larger troubles. Is joy just toxic positivity? Another demand on our emotional resources that are already feeling depleted?
The Bible suggests that no, there is genuine joy to be found.
In Luke's gospel, there is a story from that first Christmas night, when the angels come to tired and lonely shepherds. The shepherds are, understandably, frightened at the sight, but the angels have a message. They say, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Scholars of first-century writings tell us that the term "good news" (or εὐαγγελέω) was normally reserved for the announcement of a new ruler or emperor, something that would never be joyful for ordinary people. New rulers bring demands, conscription, new unjust laws, and new taxes. But the angels are deliberately subverting this term; they are saying that this "good news" is actually good; it is a message of joy.
The message that the angels bring is that the ruler of the universe, God, has not forgotten or abandoned his world. He has sent a new ruler, but one who comes in humility. His own Son has come, not to a palace, but to be born to a young woman, surrounded by animals in a manger, in a forgotten town called Bethlehem. God knows that we are hurting, and that we cannot fix the brokenness of our world through our own efforts, so he has sent his Son, to be the Lord of Lords and Prince of Peace. A ruler who is so good, that he will die for his people. Who will die to take the pain and sadness of the world on himself. And in doing so, he allows us to find an existential peace, an ultimate security, and a deep sense of belonging that leads to an unassailable joy.
This Christmas we can confidently sing “Joy to the World, the Lord has come”, because God’s joy is a cosmic fix for a broken universe. It is good news. It is worth singing about.
May the peace of the Christ child and the joy of the angels be with you and yours this Christmas.
From the Chair of Tara Council
Message from Chair of Tara Council
Simone Gilbert - Chair of Council
The members of Tara Council are volunteers who give generously of their time and expertise to work for the good governance of Tara. I thank every member of Tara Council for their hard work and dedication to the role in 2023.
I’d like to especially thank the three Council members who finish their time on Council in 2023, Nicki Brown, Dave Keun and David Braga.
Ms Nicki Brown finished earlier in the year after 2.5 years of service. We thank her for her service to Tara, particularly for her period of service as Chair of RAFCO, Council’s Risk, Audit and Finance Committee.
Rev Dave Keun finishes at the end of 2023 after more than 7 years’ service, joining 2016. Dave took on the role of Chair of ERCO, Council’s Environment and Resources Committee, in 2019 and the Deputy Chair role in 2021. Council thanks Dave for his incredible contribution in leading ERCO through the most significant recent building project that Tara has seen, the Aquatic and Fitness Centre and also for the work done on the master planning process in 2023. We also thank him for his work in the role of Deputy Chair. I personally appreciate and thank him for his strong support in this role and for the additional work he took on in this position, including actively working to ensure the succession of Tara Council’s membership.
Mr David Braga leaves Council at the end of 2023 after more than 12.5 years’ service, joining Council in 2011. David took on the Chair role in 2012 and worked hard in that role for 3 terms totalling 9 years before standing aside in 2021, but kindly agreeing to continue to serve on Council.
David has been an incredible leader of Tara Council, he is a wise commercial leader, with a deep understanding of day to day operations yet always guided by and focussed on the strategy. At the same time, he is fair, caring and compassionate, ever mindful of every person effected by his decisions. David’s leadership is grounded in and shaped by his faith and the example that he sets as a Christian leader is commendable.
Much has been achieved at Tara during the period of David’s strategic leadership, including;
• In the implementation of successful learning frameworks of the PYP and MYP.
• In physical projects such as the Colonnade, Chapel and Aquatic and Fitness Centre;
• In the careful and considered oversight of the school’s finances;
• In maintaining strong relationships with the Principal and Executive team; and
• In the steady growth in student numbers.
Since David stepped aside as Chair in 2021, he has continued to be closely involved in the everyday business of the Council and in additional Council work, in particular, the commercial aspects of the Aquatic and Fitness Centre build and in taking a key role in Council’s work in selecting a new Principal for Tara. I personally thank David for his ongoing support and encouragement and the amazing example of Christian leadership that he provides. Tara has been blessed to have David on Council and as Chair for so many years.
I ask the Tara community to join me in thanking Nicki, Dave and David for their enormous contributions to Tara. Please join me in praying for them in their next season.
From the Uniform Shop
Tara Uniform Shop Christmas Closure
Tara Community News
Tara Dads Club
The recent camping trip organised by the Tara Dads Club at the NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort was a fantastic experience for everyone involved! The combination of good weather, beach activities, sports, sing-alongs, and even a magician made it a memorable event for everyone involved. Planning is already underway for the next camping trip which we hope will be joined by many families.
Activate
Tara Hub
We extend a warm invitation to all community members to attend the upcoming AGM for the Tara Hub. The AGM is scheduled for Tuesday, 5 December at 7pm in the Bowern Room. This is a significant event where the new Tara Hub Committee will be announced, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for our community. Remember to vote using the email that was sent with your voting details prior to the deadline at 6pm on Tuesday, 5 December 2023.
Tara Aquatic Centre
Squads at Swimming@Tara
The anticipation is over! We have now opened our squad sessions!
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 for more information.
All students must complete an assessment at the Tara Aquatic Centre prior to joining a squad group.
Holiday Intensives in January 2024
We will be offering Holiday Intensive in January 2024. The first week of Intensive will begin 8 January and the second week will begin 15 January. You will be able to book your child into Private lessons now.
Please speak to reception or email us if you are interested.
Active Kids and First Lap Vouchers
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
Safety Week
We have just completed our second safety week for this year, a couple of weeks back. And once again it was such a fun and exciting week had by all students and some laughs as well!
Afternoon swimming program finishing up & starting back for 2024:
We will be finishing on Friday 15 December 2023 and starting back on Monday 8 January 2024.
Merry Christmas from the Tara Aquatic Centre Staff
Aquatic Staff would like to wish all our Swimming@Tara Families a Happy and safe Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you all in 2024!
Senior School News
Seien Girls’ High School Visits Tara
Last week, Tara hosted students from Seien Girls' High School in Japan, creating unforgettable memories for our Year 9 Japanese students!
It was a day filled with laughter, cultural exchange, and new friendships as our Tara girls immersed themselves in the Japanese experience.
The bond between our schools grew stronger as we shared stories, embraced each other's cultures, and had a blast with some fun Australian activities.
We are so grateful for these wonderful global experiences at Tara!
Elevate Scholarship Recipient
We are thrilled to extend our congratulations to Hannah, Class of 2023, for being awarded a prestigious scholarship from the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) through their Elevate scholarship program. This achievement is not only a testament to her dedication but also a recognition of her outstanding potential in the field of STEM.
The Elevate Program, an integral initiative of ATSE, was established to tackle gender inequities in STEM. It strives to bridge the gap by fostering meaningful collaborations between industry and academia, amplifying the professional skills of women in STEM, and propelling them into leadership roles. We are proud to see one of our own benefiting from this initiative.
As part of the program, undergraduate scholars like Hannah receive substantial support, including a financial grant of $30,000 over three years. This goes hand-in-hand with exclusive access to a myriad of events and networking opportunities, personalised mentoring, and continuous support throughout their university journey.
In just its second year since inception in 2022, the Elevate Program has already made significant strides in empowering women in STEM fields. This year, we are delighted to share that the program has received funding from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR), with additional support from Defence Australia, further solidifying its commitment to advancing diversity in STEM.
In expressing her gratitude, Hannah shares, "Personally, I am overjoyed to have been awarded this scholarship and motivated to continue contributing to the field of STEM. It is a tremendous honour and I'm eager to embrace this valuable opportunity. My sincere thanks to all my teachers for the ongoing support that inspire and fuel my passion for learning."
Hannah's success not only reflects her individual accomplishments but also underscores the collective efforts of our academic community in nurturing talent and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. We look forward to witnessing Hannah's continued success and contributions to the world of STEM.
Once again, congratulations Hannah! Your achievements make us proud, and we are excited to see the great heights you will reach in your STEM journey.
Exchange to France
Last weekend our three French Exchange Students; Jemima, Carol and Audrey, bravely set off for Paris. Having successfully navigated their way through their flights and airports, they arrived at their destination to meet their host families. The girls had spent time in the lead up to this program corresponding with their host ‘sisters’ and their families getting to know them and starting to plan what their six weeks away would include.
Already within the first week they have been attending Saint Dominique’s, the school they are attending, getting to know their way around and becoming used to the French weather. It is exciting to learn how they are embracing this time together, and getting a lot of opportunities to practise and improve their French language skills.
The last message from the girls was -
Bonjour! We have started our exchange journey in Paris this week. Already, we have visited the Eiffel Tower and some Christmas Markets. We are all enjoying school and have been learning so much in the process. We can’t wait to share more with you later on. A bientôt!
Jemima, Carol and Audrey
Generation STEM Showcase
Over the last two years, Tara has been involved with Generation STEM, a CSIRO initiative to attract students towards careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In 2022, the Year 9 Elective Science took part in the program, and this year they have been joined by one of the Year 7 Science classes.
In this initiative, students work in groups and are presented with a particular scenario. They research the problems presented in the scenario, then design a STEM based solution to address one of the issues.
The year 10 students focused on identifying and addressing problems faced by older people. They designed and administered a survey, then used the results to design potential solutions to the issues identified. For instance, they found that a number of the survey respondents wanted to learn more about using the various applications on their phone. They also indicated that their preferred mode of learning was to follow instructions consisting of annotated screen shots. The students then created an example of this type of instructions. The Year 10 Elective Science class also investigated the use of technology to alleviate loneliness, which included exploring some of the benefits of electronic pets.
Year 7 students completed their Generation STEM project in Term 2, as part of the Water Unit. They identified problems relating to water, such as droughts and floods, and identified solutions to address these.
At the showcase, students had the opportunity to present their work to students from other schools, their teachers, parents, as well other invited guests. The girls were excellent ambassadors for Tara as they described their projects and answered questions eloquently.
Update from the Environment Prefect
Stephanie H
This year the Environmental Committee has created significant change to Tara. The Committee introduced a ‘Return and Earn’ recycling scheme into the Senior School. This scheme has been very successful and has raised more than $120 to support World Vision and future Environmental Committee initiatives. Additionally, the Committee has also launched an education campaign regarding significant environmental issues such as climate change and overconsumption of resources. As part of this campaign, the Committee organised activities and a competition for World Environment Day. The Environment Committee is a fantastic cocurricular activity as its members engage with students across year groups as they advocate to raise awareness of important environmental issues.
Update from the Christian Faith Prefect
Suhanya J
The chapel has been abuzz with plenty of exciting activities happening over the term. Regular Crew on Friday lunchtimes has been full of laughter (and lollies) and it’s lovely to see so many girls engaged in this space. We have been speaking on the theme of Joy, and we also introduced our new crew leaders this term!
Thank you to the new crew leaders Ella W (Year 10), Emma S (Year 10), Hannah W (Year 10), Janavika H (Year 10), Jemima B (Year 10), Lara T (Year 10), Laura D (Year 10), and Priscilla M (Year 10) who have taken on this role with so much enthusiasm! Thank you also to our existing crew leaders Dana G (Year 11), Elizabeth G (Year 11) and Meghann B (Year 11). Your impact on the junior girls is already seen and we’re only just getting started!
Earlier this term, King’s hosted us for a pancake prayer breakfast where we prayed over our two schools, sang, and got to eat a heap of pancakes that the boys made for us! We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with King’s for ‘Crewunion’ events in 2024.
We have also launched a new termly event for senior students in Years 10-12. This term, we had guest speaker Holly Turner, the assistant youth pastor at St Paul’s Anglican speaking on the theme “More Than a Feeling”. She gave an amazing talk on how our faith is based on more than just a feeling and God’s love for us. Thank you to all the girls who have attended these We’ve already started planning for more events like this in 2024 and we can’t wait for the girls to see it! Watch this space…
The Inaugural Years 9 and 10 History Mastermind Competition: A Triumph of Historical Knowledge
Christine Abadier - History Teacher and Mariam Awadalla - Head of History
After attending the Years 7 and 8 History Mastermind Competition at St Clair High School in 2022, our students asked if there was a Years 9 and 10 Competition. After a lot of deliberating and discussion, we decided that for the love of History, we would make it happen!
On Wednesday 15 November, Tara Anglican School for Girls hosted the inaugural Years 9 and 10 History Mastermind Competition bringing together 26 schools, 73 teams, and over 350 students in a celebration of History and learning. Schools came from across Sydney and beyond! Special shout outs to Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange and Nowra Christian School for making the effort to travel hours just to attend this day!
The competition showcased the students' passion for History as they navigated through four rounds of 20 questions, each designed to test their understanding of the people, places and events that are covered in the Stage 5 History Syllabus.
Students were asked questions such as: ‘Name the 1992 High Court decision that overturned the notion of “terra nullius”’, and ‘How many times was Darwin bombed during WWII?’
The competition was fierce!
In-between rounds to break up the day included Flags of the World, Who am I? and Heads and Tails.
While teachers were furiously marking and calculating scores, the atmosphere was charged with excitement as top performing teams faced off in a round of 10 questions in the Semi-Final Rounds. The stakes were high, with teams earning 5 points for correct answers and losing 5 points for incorrect ones.
The first Year 9 Semi-Final Round was between 1st placed St Aloysius College A and 4th placed St Scholastica's College A. Questions included: ‘Who is known as the Father of Federation?’ and ‘How many ships were in the First Fleet?’ St Aloysius College A made it through to the Grand Finals for Year 9!
The second Year 9 Semi-Final Round was between 2nd placed The Kings School A and 3rd placed Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School. Questions included: ‘Who wrote the poem In Flanders’ Fields?’ and ‘What revolution began around 1750?’ Northmead CAPA made it through!
The first Year 10 Semi-Final Round was between 1st placed Sefton High School B and 4th placed James Ruse Agricultural High School A. Questions included: ‘How many midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour in May 1942?’ and ‘Name the THREE countries that made up the Axis powers in WWII’. Sefton High School were successful in making it through to the Grand Final.
The second Year 10 Semi-Final Round was between 2nd placed St Aloysius College A and 3rd Placed Smith’s Hill High School A. Questions included: ‘In what year was the first Aboriginal Day of Mourning commemorated on 26th January?’ and ‘Name the NSW country town that was the site of the largest POW breakouts in 1944’. In an intense tie-breaker, St Aloysius College made it through to the Year 10 Grand Final.
The atmosphere was palpable as teams progressed to the Grand Finals. It was extremely close in the Year 9 Grand Final between St Aloysius A and Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School A. Ultimately, St Aloysius College A walked away with a narrow victory in the final question. In the Year 10 Grand Final between St Aloysius College A v Sefton High School B, competition was also fierce. After an intense round of questioning, St Aloysius also walked away as the Year 10 winners!
Congratulations to all teams involved, and particularly St Aloysius’ College for the clean sweep as Year 9 and 10 Grand Final Winners!
There are so many people to thank for this day including Robyn McKenzie (Past HTA-President) for her enthusiasm and support in making this day happen. We could not have pulled this together without you! To all the teachers who came along to support the day, as well as those who helped with the intensive marking process throughout the day, thank you! To all the students for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship – you are the reason why we do what we do as teachers!
We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
Years 7 and 8 History Mastermind Competition
Last week, our Year 7 and 8 students showcased their passion for history at the History Mastermind Competition at St Clair High School. With 75 teams from across Sydney, the event was a vibrant hub of historical exploration and friendly competition.
Our students participated in History Trivia and enjoyed fun engaging games. The competition provided a unique chance for them to connect with peers from other schools, fostering new friendships and expanding their historical knowledge.
Congratulations to our Tara teams for their exceptional enthusiasm and teamwork.
Senior Sport
Tara 1st Water Polo Team Success
Elise Mirabito - Tara 1st Water Polo Coach
I am delighted to share with you the incredible achievement of the Tara 1st Water Polo Team, emerging as the winners of the Term 4 IGSA Championship season. This victory reflects the dedication and unity demonstrated by these young athletes over the past six months.
I was lucky enough to work with the team this year and witness the high expectations, skills, and perseverance that each member has contributed to securing this success. Their hard work and commitment have truly defined the values of our team and I am extremely proud to have been apart of the journey.
A special acknowledgment is due to our esteemed Captains for the 2023/24 season, Henrietta and Skye. Their leadership has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of precision, enjoyment, and teamwork among our players not only in the first team but our extended squad. Together, all the girls have developed their skills and have set a foundation for the 2024 season.
Beyond the victories, the team's camaraderie has been exemplary. The unity, support, and shared determination among the members have cultivated an environment where every team member feels valued and is held accountable to contribute their best.
As we celebrate this achievement of our 1st team, it is crucial to recognise that the journey doesn't conclude here. The Tara Water Polo Teams remain focused on future challenges. Our collective vision is set on upcoming championships, and the ongoing development of our greater squads. Through these endeavours, we aspire to increase participation and enhance the School's reputation in the realm of water polo.
Bring on the 2024 season!
Water Polo
Skye A - Water Polo Captain
Round 6
S05 Tara 1 vs Wenona 2, Win, 7-6
S07 Tara 2 vs Loreto Kirribilli 3, Win, 12-5
J05 Tara 3 vs Loreto Normanhurst 4, Loss, 9-11
Y703 Tara 4 vs Loreto Kirribilli 8, Loss, 2-14
Round 7
S05 Tara 1 vs Frensham 2, Win, 16-4
S07 Tara 2 vs Abbotsleigh 2, Loss, 7-19
J05 Tara 3 vs Danebank 3, Loss, 5-17
Y703 Tara 4 vs BYE
Round 6
The Tara Senior firsts water polo team played against Wenona on the weekend. This was the hardest game we have played this season. The first two quarters were even, then Wenona started to get ahead. In the last two quarters the girls pushed each other to score more goals. Henri M shot two amazing goals! This meant at that point we were tying 6 all. With only 2 minutes to go, Skye A scored a counterattack goal which meant we were now winning. Lucy T had strong defence skills and managed to take the ball from the other team. Camille M and Verity A had showed strong ball skills throughout the game. Eliza M saved many incredible goals in her position as goalie. The girls loved playing this game as it really pushed us out of our comfort zone and we are excited for our last game next week!
The Tara Senior seconds played against Loreto Kirribilli at the Tara pool on the weekend. The girls won their game with a score of 12 to 5! The girls played an amazing game with Keira C showing good defensive skills on the ball and Zoe H scoring lots of goals! Charlotte O had great attacking skills at the back of the field and had some good shots throughout the game!
The Tara Junior water polo team had an outstanding game this week against Loreto Normanhurst! It was a close game with the girls only just losing by two points and winning the last three quarters! Abbey B and Claire D had great defensive setups throughout the game with Christine M doing an amazing job in her position as goalie. Olivia H and Belita K showed great attacking skills throughout the game!
The Tara Year 7 water polo team played an amazing game this weekend! Sophie L, Natasha S and Jhanvi J all scored goals! Elaine L showed amazing skills in her position as goalie blocking multiple goals from the opposing team. Although the other team was tough, the girls managed to push through with everyone attempting shooting goals! The girls enjoyed their game this week and are excited for their last one next week!
Round 7
The Tara Senior firsts team travelled down to Frensham on the weekend to play their final game of the season! The girls won their last game 16-4! All the girls had a chance to shoot many goals throughout the game practicing our defensive and attacking skills. All the girls loved playing water polo this season and our team is extremely proud that we are undefeated!
The Tara Senior seconds played against Abbotsleigh on the weekend! Diya H played well with strong attacking skills, Zoe H and Keira C showed unreal defensive skills towards the other team! The girls enjoyed their final game of the season.
The Tara Juniors team played against Danebank on the weekend. This was a game to remember as it was highly competitive and physical. The team scored 5 amazing goals from Abbey B, Olivia H and Claire D. The girls had an impeccable defensive front, and many great saves were made by the goalie. The girls enjoyed their last game of the season!
Touch Football
Angelina H - Touch Football Captain
Round 6
S03 Tara 1 vs Santa Sabina 1, Win, 9-2
S07 Tara 2 vs Frensham 5, Loss, 0-4
S12 Tara 3 vs PLC Sydney 4, Win, 1-0
J04 Tara 4 vs Wenona 11, Win, 7-3
J10 Tara 5 vs Loreto Normanhurst 23, Loss, 1-8
Round 7
S03 Tara 1 vs Queenwood 1, Win, 4-3
S07 Tara 2 vs Pymble 6, Loss, 3-4
S12 Tara 3 vs Ravenswood 6, Win, 1-0
J04 Tara 4 vs Frensham 9, Loss, 2-5
J10 Tara 5 vs Loreto Normanhurst 22, Loss, 0-9
Round 6
Tara Team 4 played excellently this week, with a result of 7-3 against Wenona. Throughout the whole game, our attacking and pressure on the other team gave us many opportunities to score. Lara K from Year 7 scored an awesome try where she ran across the whole field. Pennie M from Year 9 and Erum M from Year 10 worked well together by passing the ball, and they both scored tries as well.
In the Senior first touch football team, every single girl played to the best of their ability and worked together to create smart and quick sets leading us to victory 9-2 against Santa Sabina. During this game there was lots of communication on the field between players and accurate passes. A run through by Angelina H (Year 10) and Zayla T (Year 10) scored us the try of the game, where I ran down the field with the ball and before the defender touched, I passed the ball to Zayla in which we scored. Another amazing try was from Antonia S also in Year 10 who had great catching skills and was able to catch tricky balls from arrows where the dummy half scoops the ball and catches the defender offside.
Super proud of everyone for all their incredible achievements!
Round 7
Reflecting on the amazing season of championship Touch Football for term 4, there has been some incredible games and great plays across all teams, with all the girls pushing their fitness to the next level and stepping out of their comfort zone. The Tara Senior First team came to a win last Saturday placing the girls in the top three teams across our division. Zayla T and Angelina H from Year 10 worked super well together in the middle position, performing buddying sets and scoops scoring us all 4 tries on the weekend. Successes like these have improved our fitness and agility in playing touch football, extending our knowledge of the sport and our overall skill. We are super grateful to all the wonderful coaches for their support and commitment, who make trainings so much fun and worthwhile, helping us succeed and improving our confidence our skills.
The touch footy season was an amazing season, with our team bringing home wins left right and centre. The team totally stole the show, making jaw-dropping plays that had everyone cheering especially the Year 9 and 10s. From epic passes to lightning fast sprints, our team rocked the field and gave the seasoned players a run for their money bringing home first in our division!!!!! The season was a blast! -Maleeha B Year 11
Tennis
Diya H - Tennis Captain
Round 6
S12 Tara 1 vs Wenona 9, Win, 5.5-2.5
J09 Tara 2 vs PLC Sydney 6, Loss, 1.5-6.5
J12 Tara 3 vs Frensham 9, Win, 4.5-3.5
Y703 Tara 4 vs Roseville 20, Win, 5-3
Y705 Tara 5 vs Frensham 11, Loss, 3-5
Y706 Tara 6 vs Meriden 6, Win, 5.5-2.5
Round 7
S12 Tara 1 vs Roseville 9, WET
J09 Tara 2 vs Frensham 8, WET
J12 Tara 3 vs Santa Sabina 3, WET
Y703 Tara 4 vs Loreto Normanhurst 17, WET
Y705 Tara 5 vs Loreto Normanhurst 21, WET
Y706 Tara 6 vs MLC 12, WET
Season Recap
Tennis has been thriving among all teams, thanks to the combination of team bonding, skill enhancement, and exploration of new aspects of the game! Witnessing the flourishing enthusiasm and sense of accomplishment in all the girls as they take pride in their sport is truly heartening. The Tara tennis teams persistently demonstrate ongoing improvement and dedication during their Saturday Sport Matches against different schools. While the outcomes varied with some teams securing victories and others facing losses, the common thread is the unwavering commitment of all players to give their best, striving to enjoy the games and have fun in the process. Well done girls for a great season!
Badminton
Round 6
S01 Tara 1 vs Meriden 1, Loss, 2-3
S02 Tara 2 vs Meriden 5, Loss, 0-5
S04 Tara 3 vs Kambala 3, Win, 5-0
S05 Tara 4 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 2, Win, 3-2
J01 Tara 5 vs Meriden 11, Loss, 1-4
J02 Tara 6 vs MLC 5, Win, 5-0
J03 Tara 7 vs Santa Sabina 1, Win, 4-1
J03 Tara 8 vs Meriden 13, Loss, 1-5
J04 Tara 9 vs Monte 3, Win, 4-1
J05 Tara 10 vs Danebank 12, Win, 4-1
J05 Tara 11 vs Danebank 11, Win, 5-0
Y701 Tara 12 vs Danebank 14, Loss, 2-3
Y702 Tara 13 vs MLC 8, Win, 4-1
Y703 Tara 14 vs BYE
Y703 Tara 15 vs Meriden 27, Loss, 1-4
As this year and final badminton season comes to a close, we reflect upon our previous successes and losses in hopeful attitudes towards the fresh season, next year Term 1. Whether in complete defeat, overwhelming victory or somewhere in-between, I would like to commend all students for their sportsmanship towards each other and their attitudes towards their inter-school peers. Many students are excited for this holiday, with numerous students stating that they will be playing outside of school, some with the new friends they had made along the way. Congratulations to our players for their consistent effort and commitment this year, in each early morning training and Saturday game and a great thank you to all staff, coaches and parents involved for making Badminton so organised and enjoyable this year.
Senior
Can't believe it's our final game of the year. After so much fun with my teammates, Jessie W and Lin L from Year 12, Wincy L and Joy C from Year 10. We have made unforgettable memories together and gained much more than just muscles. So excited for badminton next term!” – Charlotte Y (Year 12, Team 2)
Junior
J02 Team 6
I am Raelene W and I was a part of TAR06 badminton team (Jr02). I really enjoyed badminton this term and got to practice and joke around with the other members in my team, Cindy S, Iris J and Angelina Z. We have grown very close and train and play together every week. Together we have been able to greatly improve our technique and skills. I highly encourage anyone who wants to try badminton to join next year 😊.” – Raelene W (Year 9, Team 6)
J04 Team 9
Hey! My name is Elaine W from Year 8, and I am proud to be a part of J04 Team 9 Tara Badminton. Over the past 8 weeks, I have improved my gameplay and playing doubles with Sienna L. I enjoyed exploring the different venues and having fun while competing in a friendly way. I made new friends on the way like Sharlot L, Maia L, and Aditi D and I am looking forward to learning more and making more friends! As always, our whole team tried our best and played well, and I am looking forward to the championship next term.” – Elaine W (Year 8, Team 9)
J05 Team 11
Hi! My name is Helena Z from Year 8, and I am grateful to be a part of J05 division, Team 11 Tara Badminton. Over the last term, I have gone to different venues, exploring the area and having friendly competition. I made stronger bonds with my teammates, Claire M, Emma K, Nicole C, and Wynne Y. Personally I improved my performance, playing with others I hadn't before or gaining the courage to play singles with the motivation from others. This all making me look forward to the many more opportunities that will come, and as always, our whole team has tried our best and played great!” – Helena Z (Year 8)
Round 7
S01 Tara 1 vs Meriden 2, Win, 3-2
S02 Tara 2 vs BYE
S04 Tara 3 vs Meriden 7, Loss, 1-4
S05 Tara 4 vs Meriden 8, Loss, 2-3
J01 Tara 5 vs Danebank 6, Win, 3-2
J02 Tara 6 vs Meriden 16, Win, 3-2
J03 Tara 7 vs Danebank 8, Win, 3-2
J03 Tara 8 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 4, Win, 4-1
J04 Tara 9 vs Tara 11, Win, 5-0
J05 Tara 10 vs MLC 6, Win, 5-0
J05 Tara 11 vs Tara 9, Win, 4-1
Y701 Tara 12 vs MLC 7, Loss, 1-4
Y702 Tara 13 vs Meriden 26, Loss, 2-3
Y703 Tara 14 vs Danebank 16, Loss, 2-3
Y703 Tara 15 vs Meriden 28, Loss, 0-5
This school badminton season was a dynamic and spirited period, bringing students with a shared passion or curiosity for the sport together. Many Tara players engaged in friendly and competitive matches, showcasing, and developing their skills in sportsmanship, camaraderie, and teamwork in their application of strategy in doubles and singles games.
Students dedicated themselves to honing their techniques under the guidance of our extremely capable coaches, every early morning and late afternoon in preparation for their Saturday games. I would like to commend them for their consistent commitment towards this sport and all coaches, staff and parents involved for organising and making this season so enjoyable!
Beyond the competitive aspect, the school badminton season has fostered a sense of community and friendship within the sport. It has been great opportunity especially for junior years to further socialise and network new friends outside of their comfort zones, making connections outside their grades.
Quotations from players
Team S01
“It was very fun and exciting term. I really loved playing with my teammates I felt like I was able to meet new friends through badminton. I hope to play next term, it had been a very enjoying experience. I became friends with some girls in the years below me in my team and this has made this experience enjoyable. I would like to commend Isabella. C (Y10) for her efforts as an amateur player as well as Eva. H (Y7) and Aoling. Z (Y12) for their funny jokes and great plays.” – Monica. Z Year 12
Team Y703
“We lost our match 2-3, but the game was very exciting at the same time.
Sandy H (Year 7), Lindy S (Year 7) and I were very happy to play together for the last time.
Sadly, Ashwiinah J (Year 7) couldn’t come to this match, but hopefully, we can play as a team at other times. Lindy and Sandy were great as usual, and it has been a great term to be able to play with them. The last game I played was quite tense, and we were very close to winning, sadly, the opposing team still won, but it was fun to be able to play with them.
They may have won the whole game, but we were able to score 6 more points than them in total! It was a nice term, and I hope to be able to play with my team some other times.” – Renee. W Year 7
Team S02
“The last badminton season was an absolute blast! Playing with friends added an extra layer of enjoyment, making each match filled with laughter and friendly competition. The camaraderie and shared moments made it an unforgettable and incredibly fun experience.” – Charlotte. Y Year 12
“Badminton was so fun as I very much enjoyed the competitions with other schools even though we lost it was still fun, and I enjoyed every morning training because Mr Maw is always there.” – Lin L Year 12
Softball
Angelina H - Softball Captain
Week 4
OP1 Tara 1 vs Central Coast Grammar 2, Win, 14-7
This week the girls showed some really good batting skills, swinging the ball all the way to second base giving them some great runs. As practiced in trainings, there were some good tags out in the field getting the players out, incorporated into the fielding and leading them to their win 14-7.
Week 5
OP1 Tara 1 vs Oxley College 1, Loss, 3-9
The Softball Senior 1sts had an incredible preliminary season. The team consisted of a wide range of girls from Years 7-12, who were all able to bond and work together as a team and win multiple games throughout the season. More importantly, we were able to have a lot of fun and create new friendships, both in trainings and at Saturday games, made possible by our wonderful coaches Kate and Ben, who guided us through the season. We were all able to improve and refine our batting and fielding skills with all girls willing to try out different fielding positions, some girls even trying pitching for the first time. This Preliminary Softball Season has been an amazing experience for our whole team and has prepared us all for an even more successful Term 1 season next year. - Sophia S Year 11
For Tara softballs last ever games, the girls played at Barker, against an Oxley softball team. Unfortunately, they lost, but there were some excellent plays made, like the excellent pitching and catching from Sophia S and Sophia R from Year 11 and amazing fielding. The girls also did quite well in batting as well, implementing the bunting and base running skills they had worked towards this year. -Anika V Year 10
Loreto Regattas
Tara rowers have just competed in their last weekend of racing in 2023. Congratulations to the squad on an amazing season so far. Tara, despite being a relatively small program, has put our stamp on the rowing world which is amazing to see!
Loreto weekend was a massive two days of races from the whole squad. We were very excited to have the VIII+ go out for the 3rd time this season and with some incredible podium finishes and a couple of squad member’s birthdays, we definitely had an awesome weekend. Thank you to the parents who have supported us in another massive weekend of racing – we really couldn’t do it without you. Also a huge thank you to the FOTR for hosting and catering for the BBQ Trailer!
Congratulations to the crews who placed in their races!
Loreto Normanhurst Regatta
• 3rd – Year 8 Double: Mili S (Year 7) and Melody Y (Year 7)
• 3rd – Schoolgirl Quad: Hannah W (Year 10), Evie B (Year 8), Kelly L (Year 8), Suhanya J (Year 11) and Olivia B (Year 9)
• 3rd – Year 9 Single Scull: Kelly L (Year 8)
• 3rd – Year 9 Single Scull; Reeta L (Year 8)
• 3rd – Year 10 Quad: Amy R (Year 9), Gemma W (Year 9), Leila O (Year 9), Olivia B (Year 9) and Suhanya J (Year 11)
Loreto Kirribilli Regatta
• 3rd – Year 9 Quad: Caitlin L (Year 8), Eden W (Year 8), Adele T (Year 8), Nicole W (Year 8) and Ella J (Year 8)
• 3rd – Year 10 Single Scull: Olivia B (Year 9)
• 3rd – Year 10 Single Scull: Gemma W (Year 9)
• 3rd – Year 10 Quad: Amy R (Year 9), Gemma W (Year 9), Leila O (Year 9), Olivia B (Year 9) and Suhanya J (Year 11)
• 2nd – Year 10 Single Scull: Amy R (Year 9)
• 2nd – Year 9 Quad: Nicole J (Year 8), Evie B (Year 8), Kelly L (Year 8), Reeta L (Year 8) and Charlotte G (Year 8)
• 1st – Year 10 Single Scull: Leila O (Year 9)
Congratulations to all the girls on a highly successful first half of the season. We are looking forward to the pointy end of the season and your support at SIRC in term 1. The countdown to Head of The River is on!
ISRA Regatta
The ‘zootie tan season’ is clearly in full swing with the rowing squad’s first championship regatta held on 18 November, and we have had some fantastic results! The Independent Schools Rowing Association Championships was a massive day of racing with girls competing in up to six races with heats and finals from 8am to 6pm! Most independent schools in NSW and ACT came down to SIRC and braved the tough wind and UV conditions. Luckily, the Tara rowers had an amazing Pasta Night (our first one for the season), the night before, and the supporters’ tent had the barbeque trailer making heaps of food which sustained a heap of us hungry rowers throughout the day! Thank you to Albert and the Cafeteria staff for catering Pasta Night and the Friends of Tara Rowing (FOTR) volunteers for catering and running the barbeque trailer. I’d like to also congratulate the girls who brought home some silverware this weekend in their A finals!
Congrats to:
• Silver: Reeta L (Year 8) in the Year 9 Single Scull
• Silver: Amy R (Year 9) in the Year 10 Single Scull
• Bronze: Leila O (Year 9) and Olivia B (Year 9) in the Year 10 Double Scull
• Bronze: Amy R (Year 9), Gemma W (Year 9), Leila O (Year 9), Olivia B (Year 9), and Suhanya J (Year 11) in the Year 10 Coxed Quad
Also well done to the rowers on the grit they maintained throughout the day which were showcased in our times. Nearly all our finals were raced faster than our heats and we made some amazing times – breaking records for the season.
Keep up the hard work girls, and we look forward to another massive weekend of racing at Loreto Weekend.
Careers News
Careers Newsletters - JobJump
All girls in Years 7-12 are encouraged to read this newsletter every week on the Canvas Careers page.
There are some great events and opportunities coming up! Learn more about them via the links below.
Careers Newsletter - 23 November 2023
For more information please contact Mr David Berridge via email - dberridge@tara.nsw.edu.au