While the girls were away on camp, the issue of sexual assault and consent were unfolding in the media. The coverage was prompted by allegations emanating from Parliament House and an invitation on Instagram for young women to share their experiences of assault, along with a call for schools to deliver high-quality education about consent from a young age.

I read many of the highly personal and graphic accounts that so many young women courageously provided in response to this call. It was heartbreaking to read.

The message that sexual activity without consent is sexual assault, needs to be heard loud and clear. As a young woman, it does not matter where she is, who she is with, how much alcohol has been consumed, what she is wearing, or what she said a short while ago, her body is her own. Bringing about change will require reconsideration of how these matters are approached by schools and by society at large. How pertinent that this year’s International Women’s Day theme is Choose to Challenge. It is by challenging unacceptable social norms that we can hope to bring about change in attitudes and behaviours. 

You send your daughter to Tara, safe in the knowledge that she will be educated holistically, equipping her to live a life that is safe, productive and purposeful. We have wide ranging programs at Tara, from a very young age in Stage 1, where privacy and safety are discussed in an age appropriate way. As your daughter progresses through school, the discussions broaden and are approached within the curriculum and in the pastoral programs. We regularly update and adapt our programs but until sexual harassment and assault have been altogether eliminated, our work is not done.  I also know that such knowledge will not protect our girls and young women unless they also have the maturity, confidence, and foresight to implement the knowledge when they need it. Developing these characteristics is just as important as anything else. There is no doubt schools have an important role to play, but this issue will not be solved through school education programs alone. Everyone needs to take responsibility in finding real solutions. 

Parents and families have an important role to play in protecting our young women. After all, you are her first and most important teacher. Conversations about sexual consent are not easy to have between parents and children but it is important that you do. I have provided some links for some useful resources that would be worth considering. The videos: “Tea and Consent” are ones we use in our discussions with the girls at Tara and use the analogy of offering a cup of tea to capture the issue of consent very well.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice/hard-to-have-conversations

Tea and consent for older students 

Tea and consent for younger students

https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/makenodoubt#consent

https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-04-27/teaching-kids-consent/8475740

https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/talking-to-kids-about-sexual-abuse-consent-body-safety/10947958

In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to continuing discussions with students and parents in order to strengthen and equip Tara girls, both now and for their future.

Crucial to educational success is the ongoing engagement of parents and carers in the school life of young people. If we didn’t already know it, online learning of 2020 certainly reminded us that student learning does not best happen in a bubble, and accordingly there continues to be numerous opportunities for the partnership between Tara parents, students, and teachers to grow. Most recently the Mentor Meeting Evening provided a forum for the girls to thoughtfully develop goals and plans for the year ahead, and share these with their parents and mentors as a key aspect of being actively engaged in their own learning and facilitating connection between home and Tara. 

The next point of formal scheduled feedback to families about student progress are the Term 1 Academic Reports where some early data is provided as well as commentary from mentors on how students are settling into plans for achieving their goals. Follow up to these Reports takes place through Academic Learning Conferences and information sessions throughout late Term 1 and early Term 2 (dates noted below) when parents, students, and teachers can discuss progress and areas for improvement in specific subject areas. The cycle of regular feedback and opportunity for reflection and adjustment continues right throughout the year as Termly Academic Reports are made available and contact with teachers at the point of need encouraged via email, telephone, Teams, or if necessary face to face meetings. 

Tara students are regularly told that their teachers are always available to them for additional assistance and support. Parents reminding their daughters of this is an important part of the girls understanding that this is OK, that it is not unusual or ‘nerdy’ and is a normal element of learning that is not limited to the four walls of the classroom and a 53 minute lesson. Meeting students before and after school, during lunch times and study periods, is common practice at Tara and an opportunity that teachers enjoy with students who are taking responsibility for their own learning. Likewise, students are able to access the After-School Help program in Claridge library (schedule below) to supplement the assistance of class teachers. 

This year we have also recruited former Tara student Olly Gu as a point of contact for our overseas students who are living away from home. Olly is available to assist them in organising and accessing academic and pastoral support, as well as ensuring that the families of overseas students are kept abreast of important information about Tara events and their daughter’s learning. In this way Olly will provide an important service ensuring that all Tara students and families can be connected to all that is on offer at School, including processes for tracking and monitoring student progress.

If at any time parents and carers want to know more about their daughter’s/ward’s progress, please ask. We love hearing from you and working together towards the care and success of all Tara students.

Meeting Dates

• Year 12 ATAR and UAC Information Evening – 10 March
• Year 12 Academic Learning Conferences (online) – 18 March
• Year 7 (and new students 8-10) International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Information Evening – 23 March
• Year 11 HSC Information Evening – 24 March
• Year 11 Academic Learning Conferences (online) – 30 March
• Years 7-10 Academic Learning Conferences (online) – 27 April and 6 May
• Year 10 Subject Selection Evening and HSC Structure Presentation – 19 May
• MYP Personal Project Exhibition PLUS Year 9 Parent Information Session for MYP PP & Curriculum Options 2022 – 15 July
• Mentor Meeting Evening Years 7-10 (Online) – 20 July
• Year 8 (2022) Subject Selection Evening – 29 July
• Mentor Meeting Evening Year 12 2022 (Online) – 12 October

Senior School Afterschool Help Schedule

Tuesday A and Wednesday A

English and Literacy, English as a Second Language or Dialect, English and Literacy, Mathematics

Tuesday B, Wednesday B and Thursday B

English and Literacy, English as a Second Language or Dialect, English and Literacy, Mathematics

Mrs Trac shared the knowledge she has gained in her marketing job for Coca-Cola. She spoke about how marketing is known as ‘the plan’. This is where they brainstorm ideas such as the targeted audience, the packaging type and the consumers’ wants. Mrs Trac explained that their team conducts a big survey where they research data to find out what the consumers are looking for. After that, they try to think of new and creative ways to sell their product. They advertise on billboards and on social media.

Coca-Cola Sydney introduced personalised name labels on their product and this idea was adopted by the whole world. Mrs Trac spoke about how they decide on the bottle design. They need to make sure the bottles are easy to hold and have a good feel or grip. The labels need to be colourful and big enough to fit in all of the necessary information. Mrs Trac shared a fun fact with us: the people who make Coca-Cola are not aware of the ingredients used. They are known as Part A, Part B etc. The ingredients are secured in a vault, 6 floors underground in Atlanta! We think that’s just crazy!

Mrs Currall also visited to share her expertise on marketing and advertising. We learnt many valuable advertising tips that have helped us to investigate and build our skills further in our Unit of Inquiry. Mrs Currall shared the importance of roles and responsibilities of marketing within a company, specifically organising, contributing to and assisting with the production of advertisements. The process of advertising, from start to finish, was insightful and interesting as there are many steps involved. These include the product development, product agreement and the design and production of the advertisement.

Year 5 are so appreciative for Mrs Currall and Mrs Trac’s knowledge and for the time they took to present to us.

“Each of these women have not only been successful in their own fields but have used their platforms to make a difference in the world. For example, Serena Williams and Emma Watson have both been advocates for gender quality, Greta Thundberg has been a successful leader in Climate Change. Malala and Princess Diana have both worked in underprivileged countries to encourage better health care and access to education.” – Caroline, Year 12

International Women’s Day is very important at Tara and while this day encourages the girls to speak out and be heard, Tara has always fostered this and continues to help girls reach their potential. The breakfast also gave us the opportunity to praise the amazing women at Tara that care for us every day.

As we approach the end of Year 12, we can speak on behalf of our grade when we say that Tara has shaped us into strong, capable, and united women who are prepared to take on the world. Tara is truly an amazing place for girls to be excellent and inspired.

We thank Year 12 for their help in assisting the event, Mrs Middlebrook, Mrs Losco and Brooke (Mrs Losco’s daughter) for making purple ribbon badges and personalised baked goods. 

We also thank everyone for their support and participation, it was truly great to see all the grades together in unity.

Today not only reminds us of the amazing women in society that inspire us, but also gave us the chance to reflect on the privilege we have to seek education and attend a school for girls. 

Happy International Women’s Day!

We would like to thank all the teachers who put so much effort into the planning and executing of our camp. Mr Shepherd, Mr Stevens, Mr Hoy, Mrs Heaton, Mrs Losco, and Ms Abadier thank you for taking the journey with us. You were incredibly motivational throughout the entire adventure and we couldn’t have done it without you. 

A huge thank you to Mrs Chaiban. Words can’t describe how grateful we are for your phenomenal efforts in planning and putting this astounding opportunity under our belts. 

Classics Club

In anticipation of Dennis Villeneuve’s film adaption starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, we will discuss Frank Herbert’s seminal sci-fi classic, Dune. Whether you like, love or loathe the original text we want to hear your point of view. Bring your own lunch to the Claridge Learning Resource Centre. No experience necessary. Interested? Speak to Mrs Wade-Ferrell or Ms Aitken. For more information see the Classics Club noticeboard in the library. 

The Writers’ Workshop

If you would like to craft an original piece of writing over the course of 2021, The Tara Writers’ Workshop is for you! All final works deemed by a panel of English Teachers to possess literary merit, be of a publishable standard and have met the audience specifications will be published in The Works, our annual digital anthology. Interested? Please send your expression of Interest to aaitken@tara.nsw.edu.au. You may also like to read the printed anthologies from previous years available at the library. 

Round 3

S01 Tara 1 vs Loreto Normanhurst 1, Loss, 1-15
S04 Tara 2 vs St Catherine’s 1, Loss, 5-9
J02 Tara 3 vs Abbotsleigh 10, Win, 14-7
J04 vs J03 Tara 4 vs PLC Sydney 5, Draw, 7-7
Y701 Tara 5 vs PLC Sydney 7, Loss, 5-7

Round 4

S01 Tara 1 vs Frensham 1, Loss, 2-5
S04 Tara 2 vs Frensham 3, Loss, 9-11
J02 Tara 3 vs Frensham 8, Loss, 3-7
J04 Tara 4 vs Roseville 8, Draw, 7-7
Y701 Tara 5 vs Pymble 5, Loss, 4-7

Tara saw some very close scores resulting in draws, wins and losses for Softball Round 3. The Junior 1sts played remarkably well coming away with a win (14-7). Tess M and Janavika H’s very consistent and powerful pitching to their awesome catcher Dana G, put a lot of pressure on the Abbotsleigh girls and made them swing! There were many speedy pick ups by the girls on bases as well as the outfielders, who had to run for some big hits. The Junior 1sts have improved significantly in regard to base running and stealing with thanks to their two coaches Skye & Samantha. Senior 2nds played a tough game unfortunately ending with a tight loss. Jovana K played pitcher for the first time and picked up the skills needed very quickly. Anika P also played a great game, running a home run and catching a player out on first base. Lots of hard work and consistent training is being put in by all the girls and we look forward to the games ahead. 

It was a tough game on the field in Round 4 for all Tara teams, as the very experienced softball teams that we played showed off their skills. The girls remembered to keep their heads held high and each team was able to take something away from their game, that all girls can work really hard on at training in the coming weeks. Hopefully, all teams can take similar skills into Round 5. All the best for future games - play hard, enjoy the game with friends and represent Tara with pride.

Jaz H - Softball Captain

Tennis

Round 3

S03 Tara 1 vs Pymble 2, Loss, 3-5
S12 Tara 2 vs Brigidine 1, Win, 4.5-3.5
S14 Tara 3 vs Santa Sabina 4, Win, 4.5-3.5
S15 Tara 4 vs BYE
S18 Tara 5 vs St Stanislaus, Win, 4.5-3.5
S19 Tara 6 vs Meriden 13, Games Win, 4-4
S21 Tara 7 vs PLC Sydney 8, Loss, 1-7
S22 Tara 8 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 8, Loss, 1-7
S25 Tara 9 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 9, Loss, 1.5-6.5
J07 Tara 10 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 12, Loss, 1.5-6.5
J10 Tara 11 vs MLC 8, Win, 5.5-2.5
J12 Tara 12 vs PLC Sydney 16, Games Win, 4-4
J14 Tara 13 vs Meriden 24, Loss, 1-7
Y706 Tara 14 vs Meriden 33, Win, 5.5-2.5
Y707 Tara 15 vs Pymble 28, Loss, 3-5
Y710 Tara 16 vs Meriden 34, Loss, 2.5-5.5
Y711 Tara 17 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 18, Games Loss, 4-4

Round 4

S03 Tara 1 vs St Catherine’s 2. Win, 6-2
S12 Tara 2 vs Loreto Normanhurst 4, Win, 5-3
S14 Tara 3 vs MLC 5, Win, 4.5-3.5
S15 Tara 4 vs Pymble 8, Win, 4.5-3.5
S18 Tara 5 vs PLC Sydney 6, Loss, 0.5-7.5
S19 Tara 6 vs Meriden 12, Loss, 2-6
S21 Tara 7 vs Meriden 14, Win, 4.5-3.5
S22 Tara 8 vs PLC Sydney 9, Win, 4.5-3.5
S25 Tara 9 vs PLC Sydney 10, Loss, 0.5-7.5
J07 Tara 10 vs Frensham 14, Win, 4.5-3.5
J10 Tara 11 vs St Stanislaus 2, Loss, 1.5-6.5
J12 Tara 12 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 14, Loss, 1-7
J14 Tara 13 vs Santa Sabina 7, WET
Y706 Tara 14 vs Danebank 8, Loss, 1-7
Y707 Tara 15 vs BYE
Y710 Tara 16 vs PLC Sydney 21, Loss, 0-8
Y711 Tara 17 vs Danebank 9, Games Loss, 4-4

Our first four weeks of tennis have been extremely successful. There were great results from all our teams with many scoring a win or girls winning individually in their singles matches. The Tara tennis community is exceptionally proud of our Year 7 teams winning their early round matches. In Round 4, Tara’s 1sts delivered an outstanding performance in S03 defeating St Catherine’s’ 2nds team 6-2. All girls (Zoe G, Caroline H, Mylan D, Stephanie H) won their singles matches with some amazing performances including Caroline Holland and Mylan Do who were down 5-1 and 3-0 respectfully. Both girls fought back to win their matches 6-5 (10-8) and 6-5 (7-5). Mylan and Stephanie comprehensively won their doubles defeating St Catherine’s 3rd and 4th players 6-1. Zoe and Caroline went down to the wire in their doubles, only narrowly losing 10-8 in the tie breaker. The week before Tara 1 had a very close round against Pymble, losing 5-3. Tara 2 & 3 have been performing exceptionally in S12 and S14, winning both their last two rounds of matches and both sitting within the top three on the ladder. Our Junior 1sts have also been performing to a phenomenal level winning three out of the four last rounds with one draw. They are currently 3rd on the ladder.

The girls had a more relaxed 2nd round as all matches were washed out. Round 1 saw some early success, with half the girls winning or splitting points due to wet weather.

This term, tennis has looked quite different at Tara. With the construction of Tara’s new Aquatic Centre & Sport Precinct, access to the tennis courts has been restricted. This has meant that all games have been away. Nevertheless, Tara girls have shown resilience through adversity and have continued our trainings in the Tara gymnasium and at The King's School tennis courts. We are very thankful to King's for allowing us to use their facilities for the term. 

All the best to the girls competing in the last three weeks of the competition.

Caroline H - Tennis Captain

Rowing

Over the weekend, the rowing team competed at the Sydney Girls regatta. First to compete was the Year 8 Double of Sally and Jemima. They raced well in the tough conditions. Milly in Year 8 also raced in her single, and after capsizing, she got back in her boat and kept going!

The Year 9 Quads of Jaskirit, Krishnaa, Suhanya, Eliza and their cox Holly; and Mackenzie, Caitlin, Myf and Charlotte both placed 3rd in their respective races. 

Olivia in Year 10 had a great race placing 1st. 

The Year 8 Quad of Holly, Arushi, Selina, Orchid and their cox Georgia, raced well and managed to place 4th!

Piper and Georgia in a Double fought hard against the other strong crews. Sarah and Emma were in Singles with Sarah palcing 1st and Emma 3rd. 

This was also the last Iron Cove regatta for Piper, Georgia and Sarah so they finished it off well!

Congratulations to those who raced. I look forward to seeing everyone race at our final regatta of the season, Head of the River!

Emma M - Rowing Captain

Ally competed in the 2021 NSW Junior Closed Championships where she won the U15 Girl's Singles. She also competed in 2021 NSW Junior Top 10 Challenge U19 Girl's Singles where she came in first place.

Fantastic achievement Ally! Ally will continue to work for future NSW and national events.