It began well enough. Events were happening, parents were able to join us again, school camps were underway and the academic program was moving along. It all became a little wobbly in late Term 2 and then we were told we would not be returning to the campus for the first three weeks of Term 3. This became 7 weeks, then 10, then 14 and finally 16. Learning moved online. Assessment dates changed, the HSC Trials were moved to accommodate the new dates for online learning- three times, the Junior School plays were postponed, the date for the HSC examinations changed four times. On and on it went. We made plans, we cancelled them, made new ones, made adjustments, moved as many of the all-important parts of the School day, beyond classroom learning online as much as we could.

I think it is safe to say we are all exhausted and ready for a good break for the summer. We all know the difficulties that staff, students and families have endured but I think there is also so much success to acknowledge and for which we can be grateful. We have learned about perseverance, being grateful for the small things in life, really valuing the work and strengths of each other and for the way the whole community has rallied in taking the steps needed to have our society function normally again. We are really working now from a place of hope and optimism. The plans for 2022 look very exciting. We will be celebrating the 125th Anniversary of this great school, the Aquatic and Fitness Centre will be finished which will provide us with a wonderful facility and we look forward to enjoying all the events and learning opportunities that make up the rhythm of a school year.

I am thankful for the work and support of families as you have cared for your children and kept them engaged in their learning, while juggling your own work commitments and the stresses of maintaining business during an extended lockdown. Thank you to the staff who worked on and offsite each day to support Tara girls. Thankyou to our IT team, School Counsellors, and many others who worked tirelessly. Once again, I am reminded of the strength and value of the community that makes up this School and I consider it a great blessing to be part of it all.

I pray you enjoy a wondrous Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, special times with your family and have the opportunity for rest.

May God bless you.

This year we wanted to change things up and make our presentation unique from the ones before. We focused on creating a sense of togetherness because whilst we may have been online when we started our booklet, in the end, we got to come together to present it to not only the Executive but eventually to all Tara girls. 

It can most certainly be said that there were some nerves in the air. However, with a beautiful and meme filled PowerPoint and a script sure to entertain, we were ready to put our best foot forward presenting an informative, yet engaging presentation.

The team did an excellent job presenting our initiatives for the year under our three main pillars of connection, servant leadership, and pride. Some of the exciting initiatives we pitched to the Executive included Tara Tube, Debating Workshops and a range of house initiatives!

There was an overwhelmingly positive response from the Executive Team, with many commenting on our new presentation style, working as a team rather than as individual roles. Tara Tutors is just one of the many initiatives the Executive Team looks forward to, as it aims to foster vertical integration. 

Overall the afternoon was a great success. On behalf of the Leadership Team, we want to pass on our thanks to the Executive for listening and providing us with valuable feedback, Mrs Losco for guiding us through the process of putting together our booklet and Tony and the Cafeteria staff for putting on an excellent afternoon tea.

From Emma & Kate - Crawford:

Our vision for Crawford in 2021/22 is to continue to foster unity within the house by focusing on vertical integration and to inspire Crawford girls to extend their horizons through participation and opportunity. We aim to both encourage and inspire each and every Crawford girl to take on different opportunities from singing to swimming, as such opportunities often only occur in high school. We aim to encourage and support Crawford girls to make the most of school events and subsequently challenge themselves in all aspects of house culture so that we can grow together, support those in our House, and ultimately, aim for victory. As leaders of the House, we endeavour to further build connections between all Crawford girls like the leaders before us. By focusing on unity, opportunity, and participation, we strive in 2021/22 to make Crawford a place where each girl is recognised for their efforts and contribution as we encourage passion within Crawford and create a positive atmosphere.

From Senaya and Na-Young - Hake:

Our primary vision for Hake 2021/22 is to strengthen affirmative relationships amongst the students across all grades and build a positive connection between seniors and juniors of the house to thus promote an increase of house spirit, participation and engagement. To achieve this goal, we hope to utilise Hake’s optimistic spirit to drive the vertical integration of grades as we adopt Monday Mingles to get to know the girls, recognising individual strengths and talents. Overall, we aim to continue to establish a comfortable and energising environment, foundational upon strengthening relationships between the girls. 

From Kate & Natasha - Walker:

Our vision for Walker in 2021/22 strives to embody a dynamic sense of Walker pride within each girl; increasing house spirit and engagement in a space which Walker girls can call a ‘second home’. We endeavour to motivate every Walker girl to step out of their comfort zone through the introduction of ‘YOUR Walker Win’ where each girl is encouraged to set a personal goal. Further, we aim to ensure that every individual Walker girl feels recognised and valued, and that everyone’s diverse strengths are appreciated in a ‘safe space’. Whilst 2021/22 will be focused on new traditions and re-energising the Walker spirit, in essence we envision it as a year of individual growth, new connections and victories to carry on the Walker legacy.

From Mia and Angela - Waugh:

Our primary mission as the Waugh House Prefects of 2021/2022 is to create an inclusive and engaging house environment that fosters a sense of house spirit and unity. To achieve this, we intend to reduce barriers between grades through the introduction of new traditions focused on vertical integration.  We will also strive to develop personal relationships with all Waugh members, with the intention of creating a comfortable environment where we are accessible as house leaders and girls are empowered to participate on their own accord. Ultimately, we seek to cultivate a positive and supportive house culture that promotes participation and risk-taking.

High Distinction

Jemima B, Isabella C, Megan C, Sharon D, Kaelyn D, Dana G, Elizabeth G, Silvia K, Grace M, Jemma S, Jasmine X, Janice Y, Mylan D, Lara E, Alisha G, Brianna L

Distinction

Noor A, Siena C, Elisha K, Joohe U, Myfina B, Hruthika D, Suhanya J, Chelsea K, Muskaan L, Eliza M, Sophia S, Marisa S, Ella W, Angelique H, Aileen K, Faith W

Stay tuned for more good news from the Social Science Department. The following Year 10 students have made it into the finals of the Western Sydney University Blue Print for their Business Plans.

Brianna L, Mylan D, Suzie K, Mandy S, Wendy W, Sienna S, Sophia M