The delicious Tara boarding house food tradition continues with our inhouse Chef Albert overseeing the Tara kitchen serviced by a dedicated team of staff who prepare a wide variety of healthy meals.

Girls enjoy a regular menu rotation of delectable food. Meals and dining are about balance, nutrition, taste and diversity of foods and cuisines.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is now open for entries.  Any parent who wishes to supervise their daughter’s reading for this challenge please email to request a username and password.  

Mrs Svetlana Paul in Junior School 

spaul@tara.nsw.edu.au   

Mrs Megan Wade-Ferrell in Senior School 

mwade-ferrell@tara.nsw.edu.au 

Usernames and passwords remain unchanged from previous years.  If students are participating with an existing username and password then please let us know by email so that we can send a reminder to conclude on time if needed.   

If your daughter participated at a different school please email so that the school details can be changed on the PRC site. 

All online reading records must be completed well before the website closing date of 19 August 2022. 

For comprehensive information, rules and booklists visit the PRC website: https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html 

We welcomed back our distinguished achievers from the Class of 2021 to celebrate their outstanding results.

The girls enjoyed catching up with their teachers and sharing their success.

To read all about their incredible achievements and see names of students click here.

Students endured four months of lockdown, delays to the HSC examinations and all the difficulties that have arisen throughout their two years of the HSC course that coincided with the pandemic.

We are delighted for our Tara HSC Class of 2021 that individually and as a group have done so well.

Congratulations to all - the Tara Community is very proud of you!

School of Rock is the current musical production involving The King’s School and Tara. Students from both schools have been rehearsing for two terms and are now almost ready to perform in The King’s Theatre from 16-26 March.

Best of luck to all the cast and crew involved in the show. To book tickets to see the show please go to www.kings.edu.au/tickets

There are not many seats remaining so get in quick if you would like to see the show!

Na-Young K - Year 12, Hake House Prefect

The Leadership Team is so excited to announce the most anticipated event on the Tara calendar, the 1-12 night!

Get your dancing shoes on and make sure to save the date of 29 April (Term 2, Week 1)! Also, look out for clues for the theme this year!

The night will be for girls in Years 1-12 and will feature a lot of amazing food, dancing and lots of fun with your friends!

Booking links will be sent out soon, so to not miss out, book your spot quickly! We look forward to seeing you there!

What is the 2022 Class Parent Network?

The Class Parent Network (CPN) operates under the banner of the P&F Association*. The purpose of the Class Parent Network is to arrange for a few parents from each year in Junior and Senior School to act as social links between parents and families. The social link works to encourage parents to build friendships and to share information to develop their year community.

The Secondhand Uniform Shop is after volunteers. If you are able to spare a couple of hours a month we would love your help!

Please email us at community@tara.nsw.edu.au 

Academicus is a holiday program designed for high potential students in Years 2-8. Workshops cost $49 each and cover a large array of disciplines, from Algebra to Astronomy, and Earth Sciences. 

Programs for Years 2-4: 

• Monday April 11: The Mathematics of Zebra Patterns 
• Monday April 11: Rocket Science 
• Tuesday April 12: Amazing Archaeology for Kids 
• Tuesday April 12: Writing the Headlines 

Programs for Year 5-8: 

• Monday April 11: Predicting the future with Maths 
• Monday April 11: Frontiers with Medicine 
• Tuesday April 12: Communication Philosophy 
• Tuesday April 12: An Introduction to Archaeology 

High potential students in Junior School can register their interest with Ms Meril Snelson at msnelson@tara.nsw.edu.au and Year 7s-8 students can email Mrs Jane Wong at jwong@tara.nsw.edu.au 

Towards the end of last year, the girls planted various seeds to grow herbs, fruits, and vegetables in our OOSH garden. At Before and After School Care the children take responsibility of the garden by watering it, harvesting the herbs and tomatoes we have grown and ensuring no one is damaging the plants. The girls smell the different herbs and discuss what we could use them for.

Our garden is thriving, and we are excited to use the produce for more cooking activities, breakfasts, and afternoon tea. 

Looking after the garden has become part of our routine and it is allowing the children to become socially responsible and show respect for their environment. 

On behalf of everyone at Before and After School Care we would like to send our best wishes to Miss Kuldeep, our Educational Leader who has just left to go on Maternity leave. We are all very excited for you and your family.

This was not your usual assembly. Australian Paralympian Ellie Cole was on stage to meet students from Years 10-12 as part of their Mentor Meeting Week. This young woman, still in her early 20’s, has established herself as a sporting super star and international advocate for people with a disability. She proved to be an inspiration.

Sarah C - Year 12 Extension History student

“History has its eyes on you.”

On Tuesday 8 February, 16 students from Year 12 Extension History had the opportunity to experience Hamilton the Musical, live at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.  

The production is “the story of America then, told by America now”, as it follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, an American founding father. The musical is a modern adaptation of history, capturing the audience with singing, dancing, and extremely humorous characters.  

Extension History students are called to identify the purposes of history whilst also understanding how history has been constructed and ‘altered’ over time. In particular, our aim is to investigate the nature of history through understanding the role and perspective of the historian.

The production of Hamilton provided us with not only a modern representation of history, but one that allowed us to consider who history is for and why it is written. The poignant words of, ‘You have no control – who lives, who dies, who tells your story,’ prompted us to reflect on the historians who construct history and the agendas behind their writings. 

It was a great night – despite having to wear masks!

Club Expo in the Senior School was held last Thursday during activities with great success.

The Leadership Team coordinated the expo to spread awareness amongst the students on the wide variety of clubs and activities we have at Tara.

Students were encouraged to join the SRC, the Environmental Committee, do photography, join Book Club, Japanese club and much more.

Jessica S and Alicia P - Year 12

On 16 February, the Year 12 Geography class went on an amazing fieldtrip to Barangaroo. Departing in the morning from Parramatta station, we took the train into the city, where we met our tour guide, Holly from Observatory Hill Environment Education Centre, at the Barangaroo wharves. We began our day by testing ourselves on what we remembered from our study last term of Urban Dynamics of Change, talking about urban renewal and consolidation that is taking place in Barangaroo, and its neighbouring suburb, Millers Point. We looked at satellite images of the finger wharves that used to be in Barangaroo’s place, as well as the old shipping port that was redeveloped into Barangaroo South, Central, and Reserve. We talked about Crowne Resort and the three International Towers, as well as their current projects, One Sydney Harbour, and the Barangaroo Metro.

Future Problem Solving (FPS) is a dynamic international program involving thousands of students annually from around the world. FPS teaches critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and decision making. This competition is highly recommended for high achievers in Years 8-10.

In groups of four, students research a series of global topics and learn a six-step creative problem-solving process. Participants apply their knowledge and the problem-solving process to address an imagined situation or a “Future Scene” under timed conditions. All submissions are externally marked. The 2022 global topics are:

• Water Scarcity
• Building Green
• Insects
• Mining

Teams will be mentored by Year 11 leaders who have experienced success in the FPS program themselves. Last year, Tara’s Year 8 and 10 teams qualified for the National Finals. This year, Tara’s Year 11 team will progress to the International Conference.

High achievers in Year 8-10 who are interested in participating in FPS must email Mrs Wong jwong@tara.nsw.edu.au by Friday 25 March.

Mila N – Community Prefect

On Monday 14 February, Valentine’s Day was honoured at Tara by “cupids” handing out cards and heart-shaped chocolates to staff and students.

A ‘24-hour Valentine’s Day Kindness Countdown’ provided practical ways for demonstrating kindness, whilst music throughout lunchtime promoted a warm and affirming school environment. 

Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate love, friendship, and the joy of having other people in our lives. The Leadership Team look forward to continuing to support both kindness and affirmation in our School community!

Jean H - Year 12

Previously known as ‘Thursday Lunchtimes with Leaders’, our Leadership Team of 2021-22 have decided to continue this initiative, now renamed as ‘Together Thursdays’.

Our purpose is to uplift community spirit at Tara whilst allowing more vertical integration within the year groups through holding a variety of activities all girls can participate in at lunchtimes. 

This year, our prefects are working together with the SRC to host activities every fortnight. In doing so, we can allow the younger leaders of our School to learn leadership qualities, and also prepare them for future formal leadership roles.

Our next ‘Together Thursday’ is going to be organised by the Year 9 SRCs, with a Tug-of-war!

Tess M - Year 10 Peer Support 

The Peer Support Program is a great way for girls in different grades at School to communicate and interact with one another, and to provide Year 7 and 8 students with a role model and familiar face to encounter when in the beginning of their high school studies.

The girls meet with their two peer support leaders once a fortnight. In each session they may discuss in a circle, play games, or participate in Kahoots all aligning with the theme to that session, which could be anything from focusing on teamwork to building and maintaining friendships.

As a student who has been at Tara since Year 6, I remember peer support in Year 7 and 8 and how my leaders set good examples and provided my mentor group with great tips on how to deal with some of the challenges of secondary school. A key memory of mine was the comfort in recognising an older girl in the playground if I didn't have friends to sit with and being invited to be hang out with them, so I'm honoured to be able to give back to the Tara community and younger girls by being the role model that I looked up to.

“I found the Peer Support session loads of fun. I love knowing I have friends in older years who I can also ask for help from. We played lots of games and got to know each other. I can't wait for our next peer support session.” - Lucy T, Year 7

Emily D - Liaison Prefect

Recently the new School ambassadors were elected after an extensive interview and application process. This role is only available for girls in the SRC, and we congratulate all applicants.

The swimming carnival was a perfect way to welcome the new School year.

Girls from Years 7-12 all travelled to Auburn Aquatic Centre on Monday 7 February to compete in various swimming races.

There was a range of championship events, including the 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. There was also the much loved 'splash and dash' events where girls not in the championship events could get in on the fun racing 25m in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, to get a ribbon!

Not even the rain could stop the girls from competing to the best of their abilities, and the sun eventually did show just in time for the relay races. The relays were exciting as ever, with everyone cheering for their house or grade as their swimmers swam it out to claim first place. Special mention to Waugh house, who won four out of the six year group relays, coming second in the other two.

The new house cheers were presented loud and proud to our exceptional judging panel consisting of Mrs Middlebrook, Mr Baker and Mrs Cocks. The Boarder’s vs Day Girls’ race was another very close relay with boarders being this year's victors!

To finish off the day, groups of eight to nine Year 12 girls from each house competed in the synchronised swimming competition, presenting flawless routines consisting of some impressive throws and perfectly coordinated moves.

We would like to give special thanks to Ms Musto, Mr Bickersteth, and all the teachers who worked hard to make the day run smoothly. From marshalling us to timekeeping and cheering us on, thank you!

Emma M - Rowing Captain

The Roseville Regatta, which took place on Saturday 12 February was the first regatta of this season. After weeks of preparation and anticipation, it was great to see everyone give all of the races their best efforts, despite the fast-changing conditions. 

The squad came away with three gold medals in total! Gemma W and Mareya K placed first in their Year 8 double, and the partners Caitlin I, Eliza M and Charlotte O and Mackenzie N of Year 10 also took away a gold medal each. 

Other notable results include the Year 9 quad of Lydia S, Gemma W, Jalina X, Selina S and their cox, Mareya K who placed second! 

Congratulations to everyone who raced and I can’t wait to see more achievements throughout the rest of the season. 

On Sunday 13 February, the Learn to Row girls had their first session. Whilst it was different to normal, the girls were still able to practice in singles that were set up on the grass, and have a go on the rowing machine. They were able to learn about proper rowing technique, and what is involved in being able to row. I can’t wait to see the girls progress as they develop and become more comfortable in boats!

Emma M - Rowing Captain

This past weekend the Senior rowers competed in the NSW State Rowing Championships.

On Saturday, the Year 10 rowers all competed in doubles, racing their first 2ks. Whilst no doubles made it through to the finals, Charlotte and Mackenzie managed to place fourth in their heat, missing out on the finals by one spot!

On Sunday, Emma raced in the schoolgirl single scull, placing third in her heat. She moved onto the semi finals where she placed sixth, unfortunately not able to qualify for the finals.

The Year 10 girls also raced their quads which they had trained very hard for. The first quad of Eliza, Caitlin, Mackenzie, Charlotte, and their cox, Amelia placed third in their heat! They qualified for the final where they battled against the best Year 10 quads. They managed to place ninth in the state!

The second quad of Natalie, Jemma, Krishnaa, Suhanya, and their cox Holly, had a hard heat and placed seventh.

I am extremely proud of everyone who raced. It was great to see the girls cheering each other on, and the continued positivity coming from everyone. I am very excited to see how the girls go for the remainder of the season! 

Tennis - Round 1

• S03 Tara 1 vs St Catherine’s 2, Win, 5-3
• S09 Tara 2 vs Meriden 6, Loss, 0.5-7.5
• S15 Tara 3 vs MLC 5, Loss, 3-5
• S18 Tara 4 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 5, Loss, 1-7
• S20 vs S21 Tara 5 vs Danebank 4, Win, 8-0
• S22 Tara 6 vs Abbotsleigh 12, 
• S24 Tara 7 vs Loreto Kirribilli 12, Loss, 1.5-5.5
• J07 Tara 8 vs Abbotsleigh 19, Loss, 0.5-7.5
• J10 Tara 9 vs SCEGGS 7, 
• J11  Tara 10 vs Brigidine 8, Win, 6-2
• J12 Tara 11 vs Monte 9, Loss, 1-7
• J13 Tara 12 vs Meriden 18, Loss, 3-5
• J17 Tara 13 vs Pymble 20, 
• Y704 Tara 14 vs BYE
• Y708 Tara 15 vs Wenona 21, Win, 7.5-0.5
• Y709 Tara 16 vs Brigidine 14, wet
• Y710 Tara 17 vs PLC Sydney 19, Win, 2-0
• Y710 Tara 18 vs Danebank 9, Loss, 3-5
• Y711 Tara 19 vs Queenwood 14, win forfeit

Softball - Round 1 

• S01 Tara 1 vs Loreto Normanhurst 1, Wet
• S03 Tara 2 vs Loreto Normanhurst 2, Wet
• S04 Tara 3 vs Danebank 3, Wet
• J01 Tara 4 vs Abbotsleigh 8, Loss, 7-11
• Y701 Tara 5 vs GALA Day, Wet

Mrs Michelle Williams - Careers Coordinator

All girls in Yrs 7-12 are encouraged to read this newsletter every week on the Canvas Careers page.

Careers Newsletter - 16 February 2022

For more information please contact Mrs Michelle Williams via email.