From the Head Girl As Tara women, we are encouraged to strive for excellence, and are empowered to achieve the best in all we do. The Christ centred environment ensures that each girl is nurtured and welcomed, and is evident in all aspects of the School, from the staff to the students.
Message from key school bodies From the Principal At the end of 2018 we have completed the third year of our current Strategic Plan. The plan comprises five strands, with goals within each strand. In order to achieve the set goals, we develop action plans each year, which help us to determine priorities in terms of resourcing as we work towards achieving our purpose to be a Christian learning community characterised by excellence, which encourages girls to achieve and serve in a dynamic world. The gains made in each area represent considerable research and consideration that have helped us respond to the changing expectations of student wellbeing across the School. The implementation of the Primary and Middle Years Programmes of the International Baccalaureate is resulting in great gains in student learning as we not only focus on what they need to learn according to the NSW curriculum, but we also strengthen them as learners. It is amazing how courageous girls are in their learning when adults remove the limits and allow students to apply their knowledge to real world issues. We were so very pleased for Tara girls as the results for the 2018 HSC cohort were released. Two students achieved ATARs above 99 and 25% achieved an ATAR above 95. More than 40% of the grade achieved an ATAR over 90 and more than half the Year 12 group gained early entry to university courses in Australia and overseas, before they had undertaken their final examinations. We remain very pleased for every girl who achieved her goals and acknowledge their considerable effort together with the support of their very fine teachers and families. The graduates of Tara continue to impress with their ability to engage with world issues and willingness to take on their roles in contributing to the many facets of life that make up our society. A very exciting event, almost a year in the planning was launched at the end of October. “Beyond the Gates” allowed us to welcome and draw on the expertise of Tara Alumni as they shared their stories and reconnected with each other for the world of work. Women need to build connections and learn from each other and even just here each other’s stories about their journey for work and how they have built their life based on the decisions they have made and experiences they have had. It was a wonderful event and students in the current senior years were able to see the possibilities of life beyond their school years. As we continue to plan for the future, we announced the next major project for the School in 2018 an Aquatic and Fitness Centre to complete our sports precinct. This project will provide for the future health and wellbeing of Tara girls for many generations to come. At Tara, we remain committed to the development of young women in a manner which allows them to grow and thrive and become women who are articulate, accomplished, grounded in Christian values and ready to step out and contribute to the world. Mrs Susan Middlebrook, Principal
This translates to both excellent academic results and cocurricular opportunities, exemplifying Tara’s dedication to the holistic education of young women. The Tara Values of Service to Others, Integrity, Affirmation and Opportunity underpin the girls’ actions where they learn and grow together to become the next leaders of their generation. The Tara Community fosters strong and confident women, united to reach our full potential, where we are well prepared for life beyond School. Sophie Robson, Head Girl (2018/2019)
Contextual information about the School About Tara Anglican School for Girls Tara Anglican School for Girls is a specialist in girls’ education. Tara is an independent, Anglican day and boarding school for girls located on 12 hectares of beautiful grounds in North Parramatta. Established in 1897, Tara has a rich heritage of more than 121 years, an active School community, and a bright and exciting future. Under Principal, Mrs Susan Middlebrook, our purpose is to be a Christian learning community, characterised by excellence, which encourages and empowers girls to achieve and serve in a dynamic world. Tara is an inspirational learning environment for close to 760 students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, including 60 boarders. Tara has a strong and proud tradition as a non selective school for girls which nurtures its students academically as well as provides wonderful opportunities in the cocurricular arenas of the performing and creative arts, sports and the service of others. It is a school filled with energy and vitality and the students enjoy impressive facilities and excellent teaching by passionate and dedicated staff. The Strategic Plan 2016-2020 provides the impetus and direction for the development of the School. Our aim is to build a future that optimises each girl’s ability to learn and develop as a strong, resilient young woman who leaves Tara well prepared to embrace life’s adventures. Our vision in our current plan is that by the end of 2020, Tara will be a leader in girls’ Christian education: research informed teaching and learning with an emphasis on the holistic development of each student, and where every student is cared for, challenged and equipped to live out the distinctive values of the School. Tara will continue to promote excellence in all aspects of School life. The relational aspects of connection and support will continue to be key defining aspects of the School’s culture and the Christian faith will continue to form our foundation.
Affirmation Service to Others Opportunity Integrity 1