Mrs Michelle Kay-Browning

Last year, for my year-end community message, I commenced by reflecting upon one phrase from the famous Christmas carol, Oh Holy night. The line that took my attention:

‘A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices’. 

I have always loved a good version of that song. At the end of 2020, however, I think it particularly captured my focus because we were all so incredibly tired! It had been a long, draining, exceptionally challenging year for many reasons, and the description of a ‘thrill of hope’ was particularly enticing.  And now here we are, the end of 2021, and I am not too sure that the world as a whole, or our little part of the world that we call home, is any less weary to be honest. 

Do you have any good quality second hand uniforms that your daughter has outgrown or no longer wearing? 

The Uniform Shop requires summer uniforms. If you have second hand uniforms please complete the form located on the website and drop them into the Uniform Shop.

https://www.tara.nsw.edu.au/documents/209/2021_PF_Secondhand_Uniform_Item_Sheet.pdf 

The Tara Dads Club had a wonderful picnic on Saturday 20 November at the beautiful Fagan Park, Galston. The girls had lots of fun on the flying foxes and played a competitive game of cricket whilst enjoying a BBQ. Even though it was slightly overcast everyone had a great time and we look forward to organising the picnic next year at School! 

Ms Katrina Mann - Coordinator of Performance

We are so thrilled to announce our Junior School Production, Playful Tales 2021, finally made it to the stage during Week 6 of this term. After an unforeseeable extended rehearsal period, each grade made their way up to the Tara Theatre over three days to rehearse and finally perform in their assigned grade plays. 

Year 6  - Let Loose

Year 5 – We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday

Year 4 – Camp Kindness

Year 3 – Snow White Rap and It Could Be Worse

Whilst we were not able to perform to a live audience, we were blessed to have approval to professionally film each play so we could later share these with families and friends. 

Anyone wishing to purchase a link to own Playful Tales 2021 can head to the Tara Bookings page on the Tara website to make a purchase before Friday 3rd December. Your link will be e-mailed to you as soon as the edited product is finalised. https://www.tara.nsw.edu.au/book-events/

Congratulations to every girl in Years 3 – 6. You rose to the occasion with such professionalism to each give your best performance. You should all be extremely proud of your accomplishment.

We not only reduce-reuse-recycle but we also rethink and up cycle 😊 - our Recycled Christmas tree is up and we are very proud of how it looks.

It has been great to see the girls at ASC be so involved in a hands-on task as well as seeing the older girls assist the younger girls or their peers who may be struggling with paper cutting. We are using fabulous handmade and recycled creations to decorate our Centre for Christmas. 

The team at B & A S Care wish the Tara Community a wonderful Christmas with their families and friends.

Mr James Harrison - Dean of Junior School

Mrs Wendy Abernethy - Dean of Learning ELC-6

This year’s NAPLAN results in Years 3 and 5 were very encouraging. During two years of disruption, it is affirming to see that rigorous academic programs and excellent teaching has resulted in strong learning outcomes. 

The results in the tables below show the percentage of Tara students in a particular band compared with the overall number of students in each band across the state.

When reading the table, we can see across both the Year 3 and Year 5 cohorts that Tara students have achieved significantly more students in the higher bands in comparison to the State and, conversely, there are significantly less Tara students achieving results in the lower bands.

These two charts represent results across all five domains (tests) over time for Year 3 and Year 5 respectively. Tara Girls (green line) have achieved excellent results, especially when compared against statistically similar schools (black line) and the State (red line).

Year 3

Year 5

We have already begun the process of analysing overall trends, specific items of content and individual student results to best inform ongoing teaching plans. Whilst we acknowledge that NAPLAN only tests a discrete amount of knowledge and skills at one particular moment in time, the results nonetheless are something of which the students, parents and teachers can be proud.

Last Friday night, two Tara Year 10 Commerce Teams made it to the final round for the Western Sydney University competition for BLUEPRINT. This is a competition where students have to identify and solve a real world customer problem.  

Five teams in NSW progress to the finals, so it is incredible that Tara had two teams that made it through to this stage of the competition.

We are ecstatic to announce that Tara came second in this prestigious competition...AND...FIRST!!!!

Safe Suit was awarded second prize of $2000 that will be shared amongst these students and was designed by Brianna L, Mylan D and Hannah W. 

The winning team of Wendy W, Suzie K, Sienna S, Sophia M and Mandy S, won $5000 for the School as well as $3000 for themselves by developing a product called Hear4U that essentially assists the deaf community in communicating more effectively. They were inspired by past Tara student Tracey Trinh. 

Mrs Wong and Mrs Losco are so very proud of these hardworking students.

By Natasha G - Walker House Prefect

On Friday 19 October, the incoming Year 7's spent the day in Tara Senior School. The girls, shy but excited, were greeted by teachers and introduced to their respective House Leaders. The day began with an introduction from Mrs Donato, Mr Baker, Mrs Winfield and the 2021/22 Head and Deputy Girl (Sienna and Evelyn). We were even lucky to have received a visit from Henry, our Tara dog, who the girls adored! Throughout the day the girls participated in a range of activities, from making Gingerbread Houses with Mrs Cropper to learning about Egyptian History with Mrs Donato and engaging in Drama Games with Ms Mann. It was delightful to witness the exciting chatter, laughter and energy from each of the girls. 

If they had to bring home one valuable piece of advice, it would be Mrs Griffith's motto for them to "Jump Right In"; whether it be forming new friendships, signing up to Tara Clubs or endeavouring in the endless cocurricular activities the Tara Enrichment Centre has to offer. Although 'Tara Senior School' had begun as a daunting concept for most of these young girls, by the end of the day, many questions had been answered and everyone had made at least one new friend. 

The day concluded with many sad goodbyes, however in saying that, we are looking forward to embracing the Year 7's as they embark on this new chapter of their lives next year. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making it a day for them to remember!

By Trisha R - Social Justice Prefect

Tara students took on the role of taking action for White Ribbon Day (Friday, 19 November) through raising funds for the organisation by selling beautiful White Ribbon pins and wristbands during lunchtime. The stall was a huge success, with all items selling out and raising a total of $581 for White Ribbon Day. Along with this, the Leadership Team made a video highlighting the importance of White Ribbon Day and how we can raise awareness around domestic violence against women, and further encourage each other as women to empower one another and look out for all of our peers. Overall, this day allowed the Tara community to reflect on issues of domestic violence against women, and take a stand for all women in Australia.

Mila N – Community Prefect

World Kindness Day is a global day that emphasises the importance of being kind to ourselves, to each other, and to the world. On Friday 12 November, World Kindness Day was celebrated at Tara.

During lunchtime on Friday, girls embraced the opportunity to write an affirmative “Kindness Postcard” to a friend or staff member as a gesture of appreciation. The day was filled with postcard deliveries, music, stickers, quote cards and smiles that created a warm and encouraging school atmosphere. 

Thank you to Amani S, Angela V, Emily DT, Emma H, Kate A and Kate H who helped me bring this vision to life! 

“NO ACT OF KINDNESS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, IS EVER WASTED.” — AESOP

By Dana G - Year 9 

On Wednesday 17 November, the Year 9 Tara girls experienced a day of ‘Stepping Up and Stepping Out’, a monumental day of transition from the Junior years to Senior. During this day, the Year 9 girls were presented with an opportunity to practice their leadership skills by attending Peer Support training. The training allowed the girls to grasp and put in practice the necessary skills required for leadership in the senior years through a variety of activities through the guidance of current Year 10 peer support leaders. This day was an excellent way for the Year 9 girls to understand the range of leadership opportunities available to all Tara students in senior years and their responsibilities. We also learnt the role that the Peer Support Programme plays in allowing for a smooth transition from primary to high school as girls adapt to new changes. 

The day was a success as the Year 9 students stepped up to participate and demonstrate leadership in each of the activities. From making handshakes to newspaper fashion shows each girl learnt about the importance of working together and the various individual skills that makes up leaders. Together with the guidance from the current Year 10 peer support leaders, Year 9 engaged in all the activities and ended the day having a new sense of understanding of the major transition to senior years, the skills required for leadership and a certificate of completion. 

We congratulate the following Year 9 students who have been appointed as Peer Support Leaders in Year 10 2022.

Charlotte O, Jasmine X, Sophia S, Ella W, Angie L, Jaskirit K, Kaitlyn G, Lakshana R, Isabella C, Charlie H, Selina F, Marissa S, Sharon D, Tess M, Afraah S, and Elizabeth G.

By Emma H, Crawford House Prefect

The Tara Leadership team of 2021-2022 has chosen to focus on the three themes of Connection, Spirit, and Servant Leadership. Academic Prefect Nara B Christian Faith Prefect Jessica D, Community Prefect Mila N,  Debating Prefect Jessica S, Drama Prefect Amani S, Environment Prefect Natasha A, Liaison Prefect Emily DT, Music Prefect Jean H, Social Justice Prefect Trisha R and Sport Prefect Charlotte M fill the portfolio prefect roles at Tara, striving to nurture each and every girl's needs in respect to their corresponding area of leadership.

Jessica S - 2021-2022 Debating Prefect

Congratulations to our Year 10 Tara debating team of Alisha G, Aarushi H, Alisha V and Faith W for reaching the Semi Finals of the IGSA Festival of Speech and the Quarter Finals of the Archdale Debating Competition. 

Congratulations also to our Year 9 Tara debating team of Georgia H, Suhanya J, Jemma S and Jasmine X for reaching the Semi Finals of the Archdale Debating Competition for the third year in a row. 

Mrs Stephanie Sinclair - Assistant Head of Science

During online learning, students across all year groups at Tara participated in the International Chemistry Quiz. This unique and challenging competition is conducted by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and attracts over 94,000 entries from over 1,400 schools throughout Australia and 23 other countries. It tests a student’s knowledge and understanding of Chemistry concepts in an exciting and stimulating way. 

This year, Tara had over 50 students competing, with many achieving outstanding results. In particular, Rebecca Z in Year 8 achieved a HD Excellence award, meaning she achieved an almost perfect score. Several other students also attained a High Distinction, which puts them at the top of their age group. I would like to extend my congratulations to all students who took part. 

HD Excellence

• Rebecca Z (Year 8)

High Distinction

• Lara W (Year 7)
• Grace M (Year 9)
• Siya P (Year 10)
• Daiana C (Year 11)

Mrs Cassandra Winfield - Dean of Learning Years 7-10

Tara girls have once again achieved pleasing results in Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN. 

The following tables show the number of students in each band across each NAPLAN domain (Numeracy, Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation). The average results for the state are also included for comparison. 

The results shown above demonstrate the excellent achievements of the girls. In each cohort, a significant number of girls achieved the highest bands, often demonstrating above expected growth. These results reflect the outstanding work of these students and their teachers and speaks to the strength of the learning occurring at Tara. Our academic program focuses on creating lifelong learners who have outstanding learning skills including critical and creative thinking, problem solving, communication, organisation and collaboration.  

Well done Years 7 and 9, you can be very proud!

Sophia S, Sophia R, Nyssa M, Kate W - Year 9

Year 9 had a great surprise waiting for them in Year Meeting on Tuesday last week. Mrs Morgan came to meet us with her husband and 7-week-old twins, Matilda and Henry. We were so excited to finally meet them in person instead of photos. We had to stay quiet, so we didn’t disturb the babies and surprisingly, there was no crying.

Year 9 had the opportunity to ask Mrs Morgan and her husband questions during a Q&A session, learning the ins and outs of parenting. We learnt how hard it was to have one newborn let alone two. We found out about the sleep schedule of new parents and their daily life with new babies.

Although it was a challenge, you could see how happy they were with the new additions to the family, and we were very excited and happy to be able to celebrate their arrival into the world.

Natasha G - Walker House Prefect

In Week 8 Term 4, the Leadership Team commenced the 'Christmas Countdown' by holding a variety of Christmas themed events through Wednesday to Friday in Senior School. The long awaited Christmas celebrations began on Wednesday lunch, where many girls came down to the Christmas tables to write grateful Christmas cards to their friends or hang messages on the Christmas trees. 

On Thursday, Tara held the annual World Vision Christmas markets which brought Tara's Christmas spirit to life. Girls moved from store to store radiating with excitement as they cashed in their 'World Vision money' to purchase a variety of goods. We even had Christmas carols playing and a visit from Santa (thanks Mr Redford)! Thank you to the many, many girls who volunteered to set up the Christmas stalls selling goods such as sweets, candles, brownies and books. Also, a huge thank you to Ms Losco and Year 12 for bringing this vision to life! 

As we finally approached Friday, there was no better way to end the week of celebrations than with Chapel's 'Christmas Unlocked'! In Period 2, girls participated in a range of exciting activities competing within their mentor groups. Congratulations to Year 10 Hake 2 and Year 8 Hake 2 for being crowned the winners. Girls also enjoyed this special day wearing their Christmas accessory, and bringing in donations for World Vision. Thank you to all who assisted in making these three days an exciting beginning to the Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

Alicia P and Sarah D, Year 12 World Vision Christmas Markets Team

On 25 November, Tara hosted our second annual Christmas World Vision Fundraiser markets, continuing on from the success of last year.  

As part of Tara’s core values we believe it is our turn to serve the community to help those less fortunate than us this Christmas season, and it was so good to see so many girls come together and support World Vision. 

There were more than 30 stalls that sold an array of goods including Christmas candles, Christmas cookies, brownies, succulents and second-hand books. The Tara Community was able to surpass last year’s total and raised more than $4000 for World Vision. 

We thank everyone for their endless support and the time they gave which made this event the success it was, from Mrs Losco and the other Staff who helped, to the stall holders, and finally to the Tara Girls who purchased goods. None of this would have been possible without you all! 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and a safe New Year. 

Mrs Kristie Tannock - Drama Teacher

Year 9 and 10 Elective Drama students have successfully completed a very interesting year of Drama, particularly the part where they had to learn a practical subject online! Impressively, this didn’t stop their motivation or energy in the slightest. They turned their cameras on each lesson enthusiastic and ready to give anything a go, no matter how peculiar.

Year 9 students completed the year learning about the history and traditions of Commedia dell’arte. They explored the stock characters associated with this style of theatre and used improvisation to explore characters and situations. There were some very amusing online lessons where students would dress up and act as these bold and colourful characters in their kitchens, living rooms or patios. I’m sure their families were very entertained.

Year 10 students were introduced to detailed character work through the study and exploration of Stanislavski’s system for creating believable characters. They also looked at Director’s Concepts and the Elements of Production and attempted their own creative visions and designs.

Here’s what some of them had to say about their experience in Drama this year…

This year in Drama was super fun. I loved how it was so unique to any other subject I’ve done before. We were always on our feet getting involved with rehearsing and performing. My favourite part was doing Children’s Theatre where we recreated picture books into performances for a children’s audience.

- Kate, Year 9

Drama is one of my favourite classes. I feel very comfortable in the class, and I am able to express myself in many different ways. For example, monologue, design and improvisation. I highly recommend choosing Drama. 

- Annabelle, Year 9

Drama has been a space where I feel the most understood and happy. Drama classes have been a great escape to build life skills and confidence.

- Evie, Year 10

Although scary at first, Drama has helped me grow as an individual and has allowed me to work towards improving my confidence and self-belief that I can do anything I put my mind to.

- Arnvi, Year 10

A very big congratulations and well done to all students. It has been extremely rewarding to watch them learn and grow, both as performers and individuals. I look forward to more of the same in 2022.

Mrs Michelle Williams - Careers Coordinator

Girls are encouraged to keep checking details on the Careers Newsletters as many institutions are reviewing details such as closing dates for early entry schemes.

Careers Newsletter - 18 November 2021

Careers Newsletter - 25 November 2021

For more information please contact Mrs Michelle Williams via email.