On Wednesday 17 August, Tara held its annual HSC Showcase Evening. The event has multiple purposes. The first aim is to provide students with feedback and to ask questions about their Major Work, Body of Work or Performance Pieces. This feedback is extremely useful in helping students to reflect on what they have done and, in some cases, allow them to carry out changes to improve their work. 

The second major reason for the event is to celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 students, and this was certainly a theme of the evening. Parents, Staff, Students and members of the wider Tara community were able to see the extraordinary achievements of Year 12 students in Design And Technology, Drama, Music, English Extension 2, History Extension, IT Multimedia Technologies, Science Extension and Visual Arts. 

Music and Drama Performances bookended the evening and the large crowds were effusive in their appreciation for these students in their final preparations for the HSC. Visual Arts showcased impressive painting, sculpture and design while the Design and Technology and IT Multimedia Students showcased their Major Works which had a noticeable focus on innovation and creativity. The Library was home to students who had completed Major Works in Science Extension, English Extension 2 and History Extension and it was extremely pleasing to see students explaining their ideas, methodology and final products to a large audience. Throughout the evening, the VET: Hospitality students ensured that no one went hungry, providing a range of sweet and savoury treats!

The most important part of the evening is our Year 12 students, who were amazing in every way. Each year these students surpass expectations and deliver outstanding work. However, it is extremely important to thank others who made it possible for the evening to occur. Thanks go to all of the teachers and departments who supported the students. Thanks also go to the Maintenance staff, the Kitchen staff, the IT Department, Promotions, the Library Staff, Mrs Cropper and Mrs Madigan and our VET Hospitality students, the School Executive and Mrs Giselle Henley. 

Thanks to all who attended. It was a wonderful evening that could not have happened without your support.

As you are no doubt aware, changes were needed over the last few years in the way we held our end of year events such as the traditional “Celebration”.

After feedback on those events and continuing the cycle of adaptions necessary in today’s environment, we have finalised arrangements for "2022 Celebration".

Wednesday 21 September:

Year 12 Valedictory Assembly - Students will receive their final awards during this event.

Tuesday 18 October:

Year 11 Celebration - This would generally be a Senior School Assembly but as it will be Year 11’s final Assembly as a cohort before commencing their Year 12 course and content the following week, we have agreed to make this a Year 11 Celebration.

Tuesday 6 December:

Morning: Years 7 and 8 (Stage 4) Celebration

Afternoon: Years 9 and 10 (Stage 5) Celebration

Wednesday 7 December:

Morning: ELC – Year 2 (Early Stage 1 and Stage 1) Celebration

Mid-Morning: Years 3 – Year 6 (Stages 2 and 3) Celebration including Year 6 Graduation certificates

On Wednesday 7 December Senior School will have a House Pool Party and Swimming Heats day.

When we set up the drop-off/pick-up location alongside Eggleton House, it was done under the assumption that it would be used only before and after school.

We have noticed a significant number of vehicles coming into the campus via this road during the school day, and in order to ensure the safety of the students and staff we have decided to close this road from 9am to 3pm.  

All visitors to the School between 9am and 3pm are asked to park in the main carpark behind the Chapel and then come to Main Reception.

Wendy Abernethy - Dean of Learning E-6 (PYP)

On Monday 22 August, Tara girls from Year 5 and Year 6 worked alongside 30 students from The King’s School in the Tara Junior School Library from 8am to 8pm to ideate, write, edit and illustrate a book for the Write a Book in a Day Challenge. The commitment, creativity and collaboration shown by the students was extraordinary. In teams of 6, teams were given set parameters and random words to include in their stories. They spent time crafting different settings, inventing characters, and plotting the events, with consideration to using flashbacks, twists and foreshadowing to engage their readers. It was important to decide on the style, tone and point of view for telling their story. Teams worked flexibly and respectfully, considering different perspectives as they decided how each chapter would connect.

Each student should be congratulated for their efforts. The ‘Write a Book in a Day’ process can be challenging at times, but it was pleasing to see how active listening and a willingness to compromise when needed, led to a successful and productive experience. The 10 mixed Tara and King’s teams sought sponsorship from families and friends to raise money for the Kid’s Cancer Project with excellent results. A copy of each book will be put into a hospital for sick children to enjoy.

Please visit the Junior School Library to enjoy reading the complete stories.

As part of Kindergarten's third Unit of Inquiry, we have been exploring the characteristics and needs of living things. We learned about the responsibilities we have when a living thing is entrusted to our care. Kindergarten became responsible for 7 little ducklings for two weeks. The girls made sure the ducklings had clean water, lots of food to eat, a cozy and warm shelter that was cleaned every morning and afternoon, and lots of love and cuddles. Each day we wrote in our duckling journals to record our careful observations of how the ducklings looked, felt, moved and our favourite things about them. The little ducklings thrived under the Kindergarten girls care and will be dearly missed. 

My favourite thing about having the ducklings: 

Rachelle, Sanya, Astrid, Shirley: I loved watching them splash in the water 

Rachel, Ava, Stefeni, Mila, Norah, Sharna: I like hugging and holding them in my lap 

Rose, Olivia, Georgia, Chloe: I like them when they slipped and slid in the water 

Olivia, Arielle, Kathy: I loved when they fell asleep on my arms 

Magdalena, Evelyn, Aarunya: I love snuggling them 

Jamie: I like kissing them 

Amahra, Alice, Angela, Shirlene, Cynthia: They were so cute 

Lily: I like them when they are calm so I can hold them on one hand 

Zoe: They are good at swimming 

Kate, Dolly, Maya, Chloe: I like touching their fluffy body and holding them 

Mia, Miranda, Lydia, Chelsea: I like hugging them and feeling their smooth beak 

Ayat: They were a little scary, but I touched one 

Some of the things that surprised Kindergarten: 

Amelia: It surprised me they pooped so much and ate it 

Magdalena: They slipped when they ran fast 

Jamie: I liked it when they were running a lot on the mat and they fell 

Rachelle: They splashed in and out of the water and one ducked his head under the water 

Aurelia C - Creative Arts Leader

The Tara Junior School Cedars Band were given the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Combined Band Festival this month. We went on a fun trip to The King’s School on 4 August to play music with students from The King’s School & Burnside Public School.

This term our central idea in ELC is Making is a Process. We have been learning about the design process and exploring lots of different things that people make, such as houses, bridges and other structures. In Week 6, we were privileged to have an incursion to visit our new aquatic centre being built at Tara. Thank you to Mr Ryan, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations, Fred from Taylor Australia and Selvy from Bloompark – Pact PM who provided hard hats and safety vests for everyone and took us on this adventure. Following are some of the girls reflections:

“I liked wearing the safety vest because it was comfortable.” – Jeaneva

“I liked having a hard hat to wear. I liked banging my head and it didn’t hurt.” – Sabelle

“I liked seeing the big drain. All the rainwater will go down the drain into a big tank and then it will water the plants.” – Bella

“I liked looking through the gate to see the big tunnel where the trucks will go.” – Lara

“I saw the new area near gymnastics. I liked that you could see the pool from the window.” – Alexia

“I liked the smaller pool. I can swim in it.” – Ellie

“I liked seeing the pool. There was no water, but I saw blue tiles.” – Zoe

“I saw the swimming pool. I liked that I will be able to use it.” – Isla

“I liked seeing the tiles inside the swimming pool. They were blue and that’s my favourite colour.” – Adrianna

“I liked watching the digger pick up the dirt and put it in a big pile.” – Amelia

“I liked seeing the digger scoop the dirt and put it in a pile. It waved to us.” – Violet

“I liked seeing everything.” - Mary

Year 3 had an exciting time bushwalking as part of their UOI lesson. 

The girls explored human impact on the environment through the use of built walkways and pollution. The girls also explored natural impacts such as weathering and erosion on the natural landscape.

Year 3 engaged with local birdwatching and spotted king parrots and kookaburras! They participated in nature play by constructing a shelter that could withstand the weathering challenges faced in the bush which include wind, rain, sunlight and heat. The girls also looked at sustainable building materials such as rocks, sandstone, branches, leaves and brush. 

The girls absolutely loved the experience!

Friday, 2 September is Jeans and Jersey Day.

The Year 9 SRC have been organising Jeans and Jersey Day to raise awareness at Tara about organ donations and to support the DONATE LIFE network, an organisation that was made after Nathan Gremmo became an organ donor.

The Gremmo family’s life changed dramatically when their eldest son, Nathan Gremmo was critically injured in an accident and unfortunately passed away. His family decided to donate his organs in honour of Nathan’s generous personality and because of this gift, six lives were saved!

On Friday, all girls must bring in a gold coin donation, which will be collected during activities time. Everyone is to wear jeans with their jerseys - no leggings, bike shorts or ripped jeans. The jersey can be a Tara sports shirt or any sporting team’s jersey. No other top is allowed to be worn.

Jeans and Jersey Day is an important day in the calendar and one where everyone can reflect on the lifesaving gift given by organ donors!

Jessica S - Year 12 Debating Prefect 2021/2022

Congratulations to the Tara 7B, 8B and Junior Archdale Debating teams for reaching the Quarter Finals. Although you did not win your debates, well done on reaching this stage of the competition.

Good luck to all students involved in the upcoming competitions:

• Soroptimist Public Speaking on September 10
• Australian Debating and Speakfest online on September 19 and 20
• IGSA Festival of Speech at Pymble Ladies' College on October 21 and 22

Natasha A - Environment Prefect

On Thursday lunch in Week 8, our clothes swap will be happening!

A clothes swap is an event in which participants bring pre-loved but still in good condition clothes to swap for something else! It's a great opportunity to clear out items you just don't love anymore and snag something new!

If students wish to participate, please remember to drop off your items on Monday and Thursday recess outside Student Reception, these are the last few weeks that we're taking things in!

Congratulations to Nikhita (Year 11) and Yuna (Year 6) for their performances at the Australian Rhythmic Gymnastics and Yotala 4-8 Friendly Competition held on Sunday 7 August at Rooty Hill.

Yuna (Level 4): 3rd Hoop, 5th Ribbon, 4th overall

Nikhita (Level 8): 2nd Hoop, 2nd Clubs, 3rd Ribbon and 2nd overall

The coaching team is very pleased with the gymnasts’ achievements – Good luck for the next competition this season!

Rubie - Co Equestrian Captain 

Congratulations to Year 11 student Ruby and her horse River, for their success at Arndell’s Interschools Competition for Equestrian! Read below to see how their day went. 

I woke up at 5:00am to leave for the Arndell Equestrian Carnival. I was so excited to be able to compete for Tara once again. As soon as we got there, I took River off the float and began to get ready for a 8:30am start. My first class was smartest on parade and I had to look my best in order to win the class, my boots had to be shiny and all my gear cleaned. Then, my riding classes followed, I won all my riding classes but one, and had a great day with all of my friends.

Awards won: 

Best presented- Mounted Yr11 (1st)

Handler Yr11 (1st)

Open Rider Yr11 (3rd)

Active Rider Yr11 (1st)- reserve champion Active Rider Yr10-12

Open Hack- Hack 15hh and NE 16hh (1st)

River and I also participated in the sporting which had three events: keyhole which was in the shape of a keyhole and you had to ride up turn around and ride back down. I had a time of 6 seconds and also won this event. Bounce pony which had 5 poles set up and a bending pole at the end. I had to race over all of them and turn around the pole at the end and race back over them. I won this event with a time of 10.63 seconds. Fastest time of the day!! Last was the western pole bending with 5 bending poles set up and I had to race up, bend down and back up again, then race to the finish line.

Overall, I won champion for the sporting with 12 points!  

Cameron K - Athletics Captain

Following 4 weeks of Friday night Twilight Athletic Carnivals where students were able to contest for a place to compete in IGSA Athletics, on 19 August, qualifying Tara girls attended the IGSA Athletics Competition, despite the challenge of injuries and illness.

The day showed some light rain, but the girls persevered and continued to exhibit incredible teamwork and Tara spirit. The girls pushed through with students including Cameron, Charlotte and Zayla all progressing to finals. A special mention to Jessica who had an exceptional meet coming away with a Gold Medal in Discus. 

All in all, it was so wonderful to see the comeback of Athletics after a long two years! 

Hockey Round 4

S05 Tara 1 vs St Scholastica’s, Win, 4-0

J02 Tara 2 vs Kambala 2, Loss, 0-8

J06 Tara 3 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 5, Loss, 0-5

Hockey Round 5

S05 Tara 1 vs Frensham 4, Loss, 0-3

J02 Tara 2 vs Loreto Kirribilli 6, Win, 1-0

J06 Tara 3 vs Frensham 8, Loss, 0-7

Tara 1:

The Tara 1st team played a great game at Frensham on the weekend, keeping the score an even 0-0 in the first half. Unfortunately, in the second half, Frensham scored three goals, leaving the score 3-0 at the end. Even though we lost, the girls still played their best, specifically Ali, who sprinted after the ball in attack and had many great breakaways. Dana who was our goalie stopped so many goals from being scored with the help from other defence players. Isabella played a great game in defence, helping the team do a press, and many successful tackles. Great team work and communication this round girls!

Tara 2:

This week, Tar02 had the best results of the season. We were able to win 1-0 against Loretto Kirribilli. After a great defensive half for our team, with Jemima as the goalie and our defenders and whole team working together to keep Loretto out of our D, we were able to covert in the second half. Navika scored the goal, dodging Loretto’s defenders and dribbling the ball up before making her shot on goal. It was an incredible week for Tara’s 02 team as we collectively displayed sportsmanship, resilience and determination. 

Tara 3:

Unfortunately, Tara team 3 lost again this week, however, their gameplay and stick handling has improved so much since the first game. The girls were able to bring the ball up to their attacking half multiple times on the weekend, though the Frensham defence stayed strong. Navya was in the goals for the first time, and she did an absolutely amazing job stopping as many balls as she could from entering the goals. The midfield and defence worked especially hard driving the ball up the field and out of defence. Great resilience girls!

Netball Round 4

S04   Tara 1 vs Brigidine 2, Loss, 15-35

S07   Tara 2 vs Brigidine 4, Wet

S12   Tara 3 vs SCEGGS 4, Loss, 18-27

S15    Tara 4 vs Ascham 5, Win, 30-12

S17   Tara 5 vs Meriden 8, Wet

S17    Tara 6 vs PLC Sydney 8, Loss, 16-21

J02    Tara 7 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 3, Loss, 10-38

J05    Tara 8 vs Meriden 10, Wet

J11    Tara 9 vs Meriden 14, Wet

J12    Tara 10 vs Abbotsleigh 29, Win, 16-13

J14    Tara 11 vs PLC Sydney 15, Wet

Y702 Tara 12 vs Queenwood 19, Loss, 8-15

Y705 Tara 13 vs SCEGGS 13, Win, 8-6

Y708 Tara 14 vs St Vincent’s 20, Wet

Netball Round 5

S04   Tara 1 vs Wenona 2, Loss, 15-17

S07   Tara 2 vs Frensham 3, Draw, 16-16

S12   Tara 3 vs Meriden 4, Loss, 18-24

S15    Tara 4 vs Frensham 7, Win, 27-10

S17   Tara 5 vs Meriden 7, Win, 16-7

S17    Tara 6 vs SCEGGS 6, Loss, 9-18

J02    Tara 7 vs Ravenswood 9, Loss, 9-27

J02    Tara 7 vs St Vincent’s 9, Loss, 10-32

J05    Tara 8 vs Frensham 10, Loss, 5-17

J11    Tara 9 vs PLC Sydney 14, Win, 21-14

J12    Tara 10 vs Brigidine 15, Loss, 2-3

J14    Tara 11 vs St Vincent’s 14, Loss, 4-26

Y702 Tara 12 vs Frensham 15, Loss, 11-25

Y705 Tara 13 vs Roseville 22, Loss, 5-17

Y708 Tara 14 vs Meriden 23, Win, 18-10

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

Careers Newsletter -  1 June 2023

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