Tara Circle Autumn 2022 by Tara Anglican School for Girls

A publication for the Tara Community Autumn 2022

Final year boys enrolled

Tara’s first Secondary classes

Ellangowan purchased 153 George St Parramatta

Tara becomes a Church of England Diocesan School

First ELC Class

Miss Mary Elizabeth Waugh establishes Tara

Tara Junior School Tara Senior School becomes an IB becomes an IB Tara Chapel World School World School officially opened

Pool ground breaking

Junior School Aquatic Centre and Sports Precinct Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Senior School

CONTENTS 3

From the Principal

HSC Results 2021

An exciting time Dean of Learning Years 11 - 12

10 Generation Alpha Dean of Learning Years 7 - 10 12 Understanding in education Dean of Learning ELC - 6 18 STEM in Senior School

20 STEM in Junior School

22 Why your daughter belongs at Tara

23 My role as Registrar

24 Discover Boarding at Tara 26 Tara Alumni - Dream, Lead and Achieve

32 School of Rock Gallery

34 Connected Community

36 Tara Old Girls’ Association

39 Vale - Miss Vera Abell OAM

Tara Anglican School for Girls Masons Drive, North Parramatta NSW 2151 Tel. 02 9630 6655 www.tara.nsw.edu.au CRICOS 02320A

40 Vale - Mrs Valerie Glassock 45 HRH The Princess Royal Visit

46 1-12 Timewarp 2 NightBeGallery Inspired.-Be Challenged. Decades Be Excellent. BE YOU.

Editors: Mrs Angela Doubleday, Mrs Sue Hammond, Ms Alison McLaughlin Printers: SNAP Eastwood

From the Principal

his is an incredibly special year at Tara as we celebrate 125 years as a school. In 1897 Miss Joan Waugh, our first Principal, began operating morning classes from St Ronan’s, a church in George Street, Parramatta.

We have had various homes over the years, including the School operating from the Waugh family home in George Street, Parramatta. Their home was known as Tara and the School has continued with this name. The School had boys up to Grade Three until the mid 1960’s. I have met some of these ‘old boys’ and they tell wonderful tales of their time at Tara. Everyone I have met who knew Miss Waugh, talks of her kindness and good humour. She seems to have been a wonderful person. Miss Waugh served as Principal of Tara for 50 years, until just before her death in 1946. I often think of her and wonder about all the changes and trials she led through. There was the Federation of Australia, two World Wars, the Great Depression and the worldwide flu pandemic in the 1920’s. She guided the School through that particular time when there was no thought of vaccines. I often think, while it has been difficult for us, we are so much more fortunate than people who lived through those times. Over the years Tara has had more homes, always in Parramatta, and the Senior School moved to this site in North Parramatta in 1958. Since then, we have built classrooms and facilities, sometimes rebuilt them, moved the Junior School to their new buildings in 1970, purchased more land, and continued to thrive so that now we are one of Sydney’s leading schools for girls. We have strong academic programs, fantastic facilities, brilliant teachers and amazing girls. Some things have not changed. We are still a School with strong Christian foundations that inform all we do. The care of students with their learning and wellbeing and a focus on the woman she is going to be, are still paramount. What a wonderful legacy we have as we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us. I feel it is a great privilege to lead this School and I hope you enjoy this special edition of Tara Circle as we celebrate the past and provide you with some glimpses of how we are shaping the future. Mrs Susan Middlebrook, Principal Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

HSC RESULTS

2021

I am very pleased to share with you some of the highlights of the results for the Tara Class of 2021 HSC students. We are delighted for our Tara young women that individually and as a group have done so well, with many choices for their future.

arm congratulations to the five students who achieved ‘All Rounder’ which means a score of more than 90 in 10 or more units they studied: Emma Kent, Olivia Lim, Dhara Narsey, Aneesa Saadat and Amanda Tao.

Congratulations also to Nikki Zhang who placed second in the Hospitality Examination and to Vivian Zheng for placing fourth in Chinese and Literature. We had 52 students (from a cohort of 81) placed on the Distinguished Achievers list for achieving a Band 6 (a score over 90) in at least one subject. In terms of ATAR results, 22% of the Year group achieved over 95, 43% over 90 and 69% above 80. A most impressive result! I am grateful to our staff who worked with great skill and dedication to lead and support Tara girls in their learning, and the girls’ families who were with them through it all. It is always important to remember that behind these excellent results there is a young woman who has worked hard with commitment to her studies and participated in a wealth of opportunities as she has travelled through her school years. We are so delighted with the young women they have become. 2021 was particularly challenging for the students who endured four months of lockdown, delays to the HSC examinations and all the difficulties that have arisen throughout their two years of the HSC Courses that coincided with the pandemic. Throughout, they have led the School with distinction. What amazing young women! May God bless each girl as she moves forward, very well equipped, for the next steps in her life.

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

99+

34th

Top ATAR 2 students

Tara rank in SMH Top 100 Schools Report

Students on All Rounders Honour List (90+ in 10 best units)

Students on Top Achievers List (top 20 in NSW in a subject)

22%

91%

151

Students on HSC Distinguished Achievers List from a cohort of 81

Of the year group with an ATAR of 95+

Students with early offers to universities

Total Band 6/E4 results (90+) from a cohort of 81 students

TOP ACHIEVERS IN COURSE

Nikki Zhang 2nd Hospitality Examination

Vivian Zheng 4th Chinese and Literature

ALL ROUNDERS

Emma Kent

Olivia Lim

Dhara Narsey

Aneesa Saadat

Amanda Tao

HSC SHOWCASES AND EXHIBITIONS

Amelie Abboud ARTEXPRESS Nominated

Isabelle Brown ENCORE Nominated

Jordyn Elliott OnSTAGE Nominated

Amanda Tao ENCORE Nominated

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Distinguished Achievers by Subject ANCIENT HISTORY

ENGLISH EAL/D

LEGAL STUDIES

MUSIC 1

Alexandra Doubleday Paris Gillhespy Kathy Guo Alana Khattar Dhara Narsey Mary-Claire Nassif Natasha Reuben Charlotte Sommer Amanda Tao

Yaxuan (Vivian) Zheng

Sophie Boland Asmi Chopra Mackenzie Cocks Jordyn Filies Vivien Gao Paris Gillhespy Sophia Kennaugh Alexandra Li Dhara Narsey Aneesa Saadat Nikki Zhang

Isabelle Brown Sophia Kennaugh Siena Leckovski Alexandra Li

BIOLOGY Yara Alhajali Emma Kent Olivia Lim

ENGLISH EXTENSION 1 Alexandra Doubleday Caroline Holland Deveka Lingam Evelyn Moon Dhara Narsey Manasa Soundararasa Amanda Tao Kiri Zhang

ENGLISH EXTENSION 2

BUSINESS STUDIES Mackenzie Cocks Jordyn Filies Paris Gillhespy Kathy Guo Bianca Mansour Dhara Narsey Mary-Claire Nassif Natasha Reuben Nikki Zhang

Vivien Gao Caroline Holland Manasa Soundararasa Kiri Zhang

FOOD TECHNOLOGY Sophia Agee Sarah Fahd Sophie Gill Annelise Juriansz Emma Kent Shara Percival

CHEMISTRY

HISTORY EXTENSION

Olivia Lim

Alexandra Doubleday Sophia Kennaugh Dhara Narsey Mary-Claire Nassif Aneesa Saadat Charlotte Sommer

CHINESE AND LITERATURE Yaxuan (Vivian) Zheng

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY Macayla Hole Linlin (Arianna) Pang Shara Percival Grace Robinson

HOSPITALITY EXAMINATION (FOOD AND BEVERAGE)

ECONOMICS

Jordyn Elliott Annelise Juriansz Nikki Zhang

Bianca Mansour Evelyn Moon Mary-Claire Nassif

JAPANESE CONTINUERS

ENGLISH ADVANCED Yara Alhajali Sophie Boland Mackenzie Cocks Alexandra Doubleday Vivien Gao Sophia Kennaugh Emma Kent Olivia Lim Deveka Lingam Evelyn Moon Dhara Narsey Aneesa Saadat Amanda Tao Caitlin Wong Kiri Zhang 6

Joanne Kim Caitlin Wong Kiri Zhang

JAPANESE EXTENSION Joanne Kim Kiri Zhang

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

MATHEMATICS ADVANCED Yara Alhajali Vivien Gao Ka Leng (Vicky) Hoi Siena Leckovski Ellie Lu Amanda Tao Caitlin Wong

MATHEMATICS EXTENSION 1 Olivia Lim

MATHEMATICS EXTENSION 2 Olivia Lim

MATHEMATICS STANDARD 2 Paris Gillhespy Kathy Guo Caroline Holland Emma Kent Bianca Mansour Dhara Narsey Natasha Reuben Aneesa Saadat Charlotte Sommer Nikki Zhang

MODERN HISTORY Sophia Agee Sophie Boland Winnie Deng Alexandra Doubleday Jordyn Filies Sophia Kennaugh Emma Kent Siena Leckovski Alexandra Li Evelyn Moon Aneesa Saadat Amanda Tao

MUSIC 2 Tanisha Kolodochka Amanda Tao Yishun (Roi) Zhang

MUSIC EXTENSION Tanisha Kolodochka Amanda Tao Yishun (Roi) Zhang

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION Sophie Boland Annelise Juriansz Emma Kent Bianca Mansour Shara Percival

PHYSICS Olivia Lim

STUDIES OF RELIGION I Sophie Boland^ Alexandra Doubleday^ Mia Azzi* Mackenzie Cocks Sienna Eswaran* Kate Hedges* Evelyn Jang* Georgia Morley* Aneesa Saadat ^Completed 2020 *Year 11 Accelerated in 2021

VISUAL ARTS Amelie Abboud Vivien Gao Kathy Guo Yaxuan (Vivian) Zheng

2 students achieved an ATAR of 99+ 22% of the cohort have achieved an ATAR of 95+ 43% of the cohort have achieved an ATAR of 90+ 69% of the cohort have achieved an ATAR of 80+

Early University Offers In 2021, 91% of Year 12 received at least one early entry offer to a university or college to commence study in Semester 1, 2022. Most of these offers were received prior to the HSC examinations. This is an increase from 82% in 2020. At least 335 early offers (up from 173 in 2020) including 29 School Recommendation Scheme offers, were shared by 74 girls from 81 students. Many students received multiple offers! two (2) students received 16 offers; two (2) students received 15 offers; one (1) student received 13 offers; two (2) students received 12 offers; twenty one (21) students received 5 -11 offers and forty four (44) students received 1-4 offers. The greatest number of early offers to students (49) was made by Macquarie University under the Leaders and Achievers Scheme and the Schools Recommendation Scheme. The criteria for these early entry schemes varied greatly including multiple examples of leadership, ongoing and regular service/ volunteering in school or in the community where students positively impacted the lives of others, strong academic results in Year 11 and Year 12, demonstrated soft skills including team work, problem solving, organisation, time management and IT skills, part time employment, involvement in a range of cocurricular activities, individual interviews, auditions, submission of a personal statement and school recommendation.

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

An exciting time Mr Matthew Bonson - Dean of Learning Years 11 and 12

s Dean of Learning Years 11 and 12, my job has been very clearly outlined by the new Strategic Plan. While the whole Strategic Plan is vital in outlining who we are as a School and what we want a Tara Student to be, there are key elements which drive my decision making and guide my interactions with students, staff, parents and the wider School community. These four elements are crucial to my understanding of how best to teach, support, guide and nurture Year 11 and 12 students, and best prepare them for life ‘beyond the Gates’: •

•

Tara teachers are committed to holistically knowing their students. This enables every girl to develop and thrive in a learning environment that encourages her to successfully engage with a dynamic and evolving curriculum. Tara offers outstanding co-curricular opportunities. This fosters development beyond the classroom and encourages positive student wellbeing.

•

Each Tara girls is equipped with the skills to make positive choices. This empowers her to voice, and advocate for, informed opinions.

•

Tara is an innovative leader in Australian education.

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

This is by virtue of its research informed best practice, ongoing evaluation and evolution of pedagogy and contributions to the education sector. I started at Tara as a History/English Teacher in 2004 and have had many roles since, changing and learning. But this is nothing compared to the changes in education I have seen during this period. Some are obvious, such as the rise in technology in education, and new National Curriculum, NESA syllabuses and pathways to tertiary education. The focus of education has changed, shifting from one of ‘direct instruction’ to one that emphasises student voice and the development of learning skills. At a conference in 2020, Louise McWhinnie UTS Head of Transdisciplinary Studies, made a very bold statement; one that demands attention because it encapsulates this educational paradigm shift: Old learning is based on retention of information. We do not need to do this anymore (the information is readily available). It should now be about how we use and adapt that information. – Louise McWhinnie 2020

At this same conference, Dr Peter Ellerton from the University of Queensland, stated that:

facilities, and I am delighted to say that this research is informing tangible innovation at Tara.

Thinking is the means of the production of knowledge. We need to not just “allow” for thinking in our programs, but embed it. The thinking occurs when we ask the question “what do you want the students to DO with the information?”

We have been trialling methods of teaching that are student driven, and insist that students are active participants, rather than passive recipients. Students are running conversations and are determining how to best use their time to prepare for ‘Harkness Discussions’. These discussions require students to have the knowledge at hand, to prepare their arguments and questions and to utilise information to inform their argument and positions. They require students to be organised, to have a deep understanding of the topic and to strongly advocate for a point of view.

Dr Peter Ellerton 2020

Our students are at the forefront of change, and we are privileged to be a part of this.

We are part of an education movement which is not based on the ability to retain and remember information, but one that recognises and rewards what students do with the information. And this is not restricted to academics. In NESA’s new curriculum, Paul Cahill, its Director of Curriculum Operations, has clearly stated the outcomes NESA wants to see in our most senior students: 1.

Student agency/Student voice. Students cannot be passive but must be active participants in the learning process

Skills in applying and using knowledge, rather than just retaining it

Assessment experiences that focus on skills and the learning process, rather than just the recitation and reiteration of information

Deep understanding of the courses they are studying (Cahill, P, 2019)

At Tara, we have celebrated the outstanding results each student receives in the HSC and their excellent ATARs, often when this represents a ‘personal best’. We have celebrated how these results have provided pathways for students to move into the next stage of their lives. With the HSC examinations changing to reflect these new priorities of student voice and agency, and a focus on their skills in applying knowledge, we are at the forefront of this adaptation. It is a delicate balancing act: we must retain what we do so well while also continuing to improve the way we teach and prepare our students. As universities have changed how they offer places to students (the Early Entry system provides more places each consecutive year) we know we are preparing our students to grasp these opportunities. To keep adapting, teachers have visited some of the best schools in Australia and throughout the world. We have looked at pioneering pedagogy and asked questions of leading educators and educational

As educators, we recognise the speed of change in our world as it asks: “How do we prepare students for such a shifting work environment, or for jobs that don’t even exist yet?”. Our mission is to teach students to think and to learn. We need to make them adaptable and provide them with skills that will help them apply their thinking and learning to every situation, including the changing workplace. Research will continue. Trialling new methodologies and pedagogy will continue. We will respond to the needs of this generation and improve how we educate and prepare them for ‘the next step’. This is an exciting time. Our students are at the forefront of change, and we are privileged to be a part of this. In our 125th year, Tara is holding on to all which has made it such an outstanding School and embracing the change to ensure that it continues to be a leader in Girls’ Education: celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Trialling new methodologies and pedagogy will continue as we respond to the needs of this generation.

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Generation Alpha Mrs Casssandra Winfield - Dean Of Learning Years 7-10

his year, Generation Alpha entered the gates of the Senior School for the first time. This generation, characterised by their fast evolving, technology driven, highly connected lives, is predicted to experience working lives unlike anything we have experienced thus far. The working lives of Generation Alpha are expected to include dynamic working environments, filled with highly educated individuals who work in partnership with leaders and co-workers in ways that are yet to even be imagined (McCrindle, 2020). They will be more connected and more mobile than the generations before them and for many of our girls this will mean working in regions beyond Australia and with people from varied backgrounds in roles that require adaptability. At Tara, we have the role of preparing our girls, not just for their future careers, but for taking their place in the global societies of today. In choosing to implement the International Baccalaureate, Middle Years Programme (MYP), 10

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

Tara made a conscious decision to develop in our students an outward looking view, an international mindedness that allows them to meaningfully contribute to communities near and far. At its heart, the MYP is a programme built to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. (MYP: From Principles into Practice, 2014).

Students at Tara are challenged to look beyond their own classroom and to develop a global mindset that will support their journey into future endeavours.

Throughout each unit of work, students at Tara enhance their understanding through the lens of a global context: a big picture idea that encourages them to explore the

world from different points of view. Through the process of inquiry, the girls are called to appreciate and respect varied perspectives and to take action in such a way that authentically enhances the lives of those around them. Students at Tara are challenged to look beyond their own classroom and to develop a global mindset that will support their journey into future endeavours. More so than ever before, our girls are being equipped to step forward in a globally connected world that will ask them to think critically, to stand tall and act for their beliefs, and to serve those in need. Developing international mindedness and a desire to serve others should allow a Tara girl to adapt to her changing world, no matter where she finds herself, or with whom she works. As Dean of Learning, it is my role to ensure that learning in Years 7 to 10 delivers on this brief. I work closely with the Heads of Department and with individual teachers to continue to grow and develop the girl’s learning opportunities.

Crests of Tara

Throughout the continual development of our units of inquiry, we are constantly seeking opportunities to help the girls to explore their world and to develop the skills needed to thrive in it. Current events, new innovations, and interesting people are often discussed as part of our planning as are opportunities for the girls to give back through meaningful action. Having placed a renewed emphasis on the explicit teaching of the Approaches to Learning Skills over the last 18 months, and with a current focus on authentic inquiry learning, I am excited about the learning that is happening in Years 7 to 10 at Tara!

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Understanding in education Mrs Wendy Abernethy - Dean of Learning ELC - 6

s Dean of Learning Years ELC-6, my role is informed by five big understandings: 1. Understanding the nature of learning 2. Being in tune with the students 3. Harnessing and building staff capacity 4. Knowing the curriculum 5. Understanding Tara’s context

These interdependent understandings, of what is important to know and understand in a contemporary school setting, shape how I guide, lead and support the learning and teaching approach in the Junior School. In collaboration with the Pedagogical Leadership Team and all staff, it is key that we: 1. Understand the nature of learning Learning should be explicit, adventurous, rigorous, transferable across disciplines, relevant, creatively designed, thoughtfully sequenced, and contextually appropriate. Learning at Tara is all these things. Our world is complex and rapidly changing. We can only begin to imagine what the future may bring. With its purposeful removal of boundaries between the traditional subjects and recognition of learning as transdisciplinary, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides the ideal framework for Tara girls to become active, caring citizens who show empathy, make positive choices, confidently share their opinions and make a difference in the world. 2. Are in tune with the students Tara girls are agentic: they are well known, listened to and cared for. Strong relationships optimise the academic, social and emotional wellbeing of individuals. Along with this culture of care and attention, there are also formal systems in place which track the progress of each child, painting a complete picture which allows teachers to best meet specific needs, remove barriers to learning, provoke and inspire. At Tara, we understand that girls thrive in a safe and challenging environment, where they are free from battling gender expectations, and can confidently ask questions and tackle uncertainties. We know the importance of fostering a ‘growth mindset’ where mistakes and disappointments are understood as a normal occurrence and an opportunity for growth. Tara is a place where students can build resilience and the capacity to cope and adapt, realise purpose, and experience connectedness. 12

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

3. Harness and build the capacity of staff As perpetual learners themselves, each staff member plays a key role in shaping the future of the School. They continually seek to refine practice and embed current research. Collaborative planning informed by reflection is a key component of the PYP, allowing space for staff to consider: • How to expand upon current student knowledge and skills • How students can engage with mandated curriculum in a meaningful and authentic way • The balance of conceptual understandings, skills for learning, and content knowledge

• • •

How we all intentionally grow and live out the IB Learner Profile Space for student agency (hearing their voices, providing choices and encouraging a sense of ownership) Using real audiences and resources to motivate and inspire students

4. Know the curriculum Learning in the past saw the teacher as the source of all knowledge and students as passive recipients. Content from different disciplines was presented in an isolated and disconnected manner. By contrast, the PYP uses a constructivist approach where learners are viewed as active participants who ask lots of questions and build on their misconceptions through experiential learning. This transdisciplinary approach acknowledges the fact that learning, like life, is full of unexpected occurrences and a network of complex connections. In practice, students inquire into big central ideas; ideas with deep conceptual links that transcend place, time and traditional subject disciplines. Some examples are: Central idea

Competing interests shape places

Time systems enable humans to organise, describe and understand natural patterns in the world

• • • • •

• The skills of self awareness and self management contribute to School and life success.

Conceptual link

Inquiring into:

• • •

the features of local places how humans and environments determine what places become environmental conflict resolution and management God-made patterns in time – minutes, hours, days, seasons, years etc Human-made systems to measure/ record time – timelines, calendars, clocks, timetables, stop watches, sand timers, sun dials How reflection illuminates the reality of a situation The role of personal and corporate goals Strategies for emotional monitoring and self regulation The social norms and safety considerations that guide behaviour

Links to traditional disciplines

Form Perspective Causation

Science, History, Geography, Personal Development (conflict resolution)

Form Function Change

Mathematics, Christian Studies, History, Science, Spanish

Perspective Causation Responsibility

Personal Development and Health

5. Understand Tara’s context Tara has a rich historical and cultural foundation on which we build. We delight in exploring Tara’s journey. Inquiring into the School’s past provides clarity for the future. In our 125th year, Tara is a community of engaged and passionate learners: staff, students and families who share important roles in the journey of each girl. We purposefully design parent information seminars, targeted programs, play experiences based on courageous exploration rather than passive participation, enrichment excursions and events, open communication based on trust and good will, and direct parent participation in the life of the classroom. These intentional cultural elements, along with a clear strategic vision, contribute in equipping girls to be active, confident, respectful, independent and ready to be learners for life!

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

A few words from our 125 Celebration Dinner Platinum Sponsor Thank you to Smile Team Orthodontics for their sponsorship and support. Smile Team Orthodontics is a team of highly experienced specialist orthodontists dedicated to helping clients achieve their ideal smile. We take pride in our quality of care, professional service and exemplary clinics, and have done so for over 50 years. We provide state-of-the-art orthodontic technology and treatments ranging from clear aligners such as Invisalign®️, clear or behind-the-teeth appliances, and traditional braces. Our Parramatta clinic is located a stone’s throw from Tara Anglican School for Girls. We also have interconnected branches in Fairy Meadow, Shellharbour and Bowral. Smile Team Orthodontics prides itself on our ‘client-first’ attitude. We offer: • Extended opening hours (before and after school) and Saturday appointments. • Easy access on-site parking and near public transport. • On Time Guarantee; we understand that your time is valuable and offer a refund in the unlikely event you are kept waiting beyond your appointment time. • Range of flexible payment options including a ‘zero-deposit’ payment plan to help you commence your journey to achieving your dream smile. • Free initial consultations; initial consultation fees have been waived since the advent of COVID-19 as a gesture of good will to our community. Our team in Parramatta is headed by Dr Emmanuel Chan and Dr Jessica Yeo, both of whom have had their specialist training at the world renowned University of Sydney orthodontic program. Having grown up in the North Parramatta area, Dr Emmanuel finds great joy in being able to serve the community he loves. In his free time, Dr Emmanuel is also a clinical lecturer at the University of Sydney. Dr Jessica herself has undergone orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery and understands the significant impact our treatment can have on our clients’ lives. We are excited about our partnership with Tara Anglican School for Girls and invite you to visit. We look forward to continuing to transform smiles and lives in our neighbourhood!

Smile Team Orthodontics 13 Grose St Parramatta NSW 2150 Tel: (02) 9688 3588 www.smileteam.com.au Smile Team Orthodontics (@smileteam_orthodontics) • Instagram photos and videos Smile Team - Home | Facebook

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

125 Celebration Dinner Sponsors Gold Sponsor - Bloompark Pact Bloompark Pact is a professional project management and development advisory consultancy, founded in 2009. We apply our services to property and construction projects throughout Australia, and across a diverse range of industry sectors including education, aged care, seniors living, residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructure and resources. We have an enviable project portfolio, and we are proud of our reputation for successfully delivering major, complex projects and generating repeat business with our clients. Achieving exemplary project outcomes and investment returns for our clients underpins our consultancy approach, and we differentiate our business by being client aligned, service focused, and outcome orientated. Our approach is driven by the prospect of meaningfully contributing to our clients’ projects and strategic visions. Our success is governed by our people, and we maintain a dynamic team of project management professionals. Our company Directors, Peter Brogan, Lee Thomson and Corey Taylor maintain excellent industry reputations and combined have over 60 years of industry experience, attained both in Australia and internationally. We allocate experienced resources to all our projects and we leverage our team’s experience and relationships to add value at every stage of the development lifecycle. The Bloompark Pact focus is always to actively lead and control projects with the aim of achieving exceptional results for our clients and all project stakeholders. bloompark.com.au

Gold Sponsor - Commonwealth Bank At CommBank we’re focused on achieving our vision of a brighter future for all. As Australia’s leading technology bank, we’re committed to delivering global best digital customer experiences for our 15 million customers. Beyond Banking Recently voted Best Business Customer Service (Major Bank) by our customers in the 2022 DBM Australian Financial Awards, CommBank is a partner who offers more than simply looking after your day-to-day banking needs. In your world, as in ours, it’s people who make the difference. Our people are committed to driving positive change within their communities to create a better society. Being involved is not a nice to have - it’s who we are. Some of the ways we are building a brighter future across our communities include: • • • • •

$247 million total community investment (2021); Over $3 million in community grants awarded from the Staff Community Fund in 2021; Over $3 million raised for cancer support with more than 6,000 of our people walking, running or riding to raise fund to change lives and help end cancer; $25 million to support customers impacted by domestic violence and a further $5 million to support those impacted by financial abuse through domestic and family violence. Through our partnership with Good Shepherd, we have created the Financial Independence Hub. Through this service, Good Shepherd can help individuals who are recovering from financial abuse regardless of who they bank with.

CommBank - a proud sponsor of Tara Anglican School for Girls 125 year Celebration Dinner.

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

125 Celebration Dinner Sponsors Gold Sponsor - Taleb Taleb Australia has been manufacturing school uniforms in Australia since 1959 and we are proud to have been supplying uniforms to the Tara Anglican School for Girls since 1984. Our aim is to provide superior quality school uniforms in contemporary designs. We have expertise in designing, manufacturing and distributing school wear that has been developed over three generations. Quality and Service, You Can Trust. We congratulate Tara in this special 125th Anniversary Year. www.taleb.com.au/

Silver Sponsor - Westpac At Westpac we strongly believe in the power of education and how a positive education can help future generations of students thrive. Westpac’s team of dedicated Education Relationship Managers, work with schools to help understand their strategic goals and find new ways to achieve great outcomes, no matter how large or small they are. We also believe that innovation plays a key role in education and as technology evolves so should the way we educate. That’s why we’re partnering with industry leaders and creating new and innovative ways to support schools and education across Australia, so that communities can continue to grow and develop, through our students, well into the future. More than just a Bank, we’re in the business of supporting education. For Teachers, designed to make your life easier, Westpac provides a range of innovative financial packages to support your personal and business banking needs and goals, so you can do more of what you love to do – teach. We are proud of our long term relationship with Tara and are proud to be a part of the 125 year celebration! https://www.westpac.com.au/business-banking/industries/education/schools/

Table Sponsors Thank you to our Table Sponsors Taylor Construction Group and WH Electrical Solutions.

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

STEM in Senior School Mrs Jennie Young - Astronomy and STEM Coordinator Thursday evenings. Specific observing nights for Junior School students are also planned. There will be a focus on astrophotography, with the production of a Tara astronomy coffee table book, showcasing the girl’s photographs as the goal. Tara has extended an invitation to students from other schools, including The King’s School and Pacific Hills Christian School, to attend the viewing nights. Viewing night activities range from an introduction to the use of telescopes, to advanced observing projects using the Oxford Telescope. Tara is also working towards setting up an Australian Schools Astronomy Network, through which, students from around Australia can share their experiences observing the night sky. The Science Faculty continues to integrate STEM concepts into its teaching and learning programs. In Term 2, Year 10 will undertake an Interdisciplinary Unit in collaboration with the Mathematics Faculty. This year, the unit will be a prelude to the Motion topic. Students will work collaboratively to investigate an aspect of car safety.

hroughout its 125 year history, Tara has provided girls with the skills required to enter the profession of their choice. Over the years, technology has changed, and new professions have emerged, particularly in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Tara has kept pace with these changes and continues to provide opportunities for girls to access the skills they need through excellent teaching and learning programs and a wide variety of cocurricular experiences. The Space Odyssey Team program (SPOT), began at Tara almost two decades ago. The program saw the acquisition of an array of excellent astronomy equipment, and the installation of the Oxford Telescope, situated at the end of the Mouleric Oval. The dome that houses the Oxford Telescope is the first thing visitors see when they enter the Tara gate. The SPOT program has evolved over time and now encompasses a Thursday lunchtime group, which meets weekly throughout the year and is currently undertaking projects involving the observing and recording of sunspots and photographing the solar analemma. The evening viewing nights are continuing in 2022, with Years 7-8 and Years 9-11 students attending on alternate 18

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

The Year 9 Elective Science class studied aquaponics and hydroponics in Term 1. They assembled and maintained aquaponics and hydroponics equipment and collected quantitative data which formed the basis for their Term 1 Assessment Task. They also submitted project proposals for a future revamp of the Science pond. The Year 8 Space Night, traditionally held in late Term 2, is an opportunity for the girls in Year 8 to experience STEM activities with a space theme. This program draws upon the wealth of expertise of Tara staff members. The Space Ice Cream workshop, conducted by our Science Laboratory assistant, Mrs Helen Atkins, is always a favourite. The Mathematics Faculty offer a variety of STEM based learning experiences. Year 8 students designed and constructed a kite from right angled triangles as part of their study of Pythagoras. Maths Club is a place for students of all abilities to enjoy mathematical games, puzzles and activities and to also develop their logical and creative thinking skills. Some activities planned for this year include making a mathematical clock, solving a Rubik’s cube, organising the events for Pi Day and the reintroduction of the Interhouse Maths Relay plaque. The Tara Drone and Technology Club is in its seventh year. Initially a technology club, students learn to use design software such as Corel Draw and Adobe

Illustrator. Upon joining the club, the first project undertaken is the design and production of a drone landing mat. In addition to the software, this project teaches the girls how to use a laser engraver cutter. Girls also learn to use Tinkercad and the 3D printers. The club members learn to fly drones and undertake training to do this in a compliant manner. They make videos using the cameras mounted on the drones, and use a variety of video editing software, including Adobe Rush and Adobe Premiere Pro. The girls also learn to fly around obstacles and do search patterns. The Drone and Technology Club has a leadership component, in which ongoing members are trained to fly and maintain the drones and then they help impart these skills to new members, as well as maintaining the attendance records, emailing members and devising new activities. Girls can also use this as part of the service component of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Visual Arts Faculty incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) components into its teaching and Learning programs. Science and Visual Arts teachers are currently planning an Interdisciplinary Unit to be introduced into the Year 7 program next year. In this unit, the girls will combine their scientific study of animals and classification, with their drawing skills and produce structurally accurate drawings of animals. Year 9 Visual Arts students complete a unit about Marine life. They research aquatic issues such as coral bleaching and overfishing, then use their developing skills in the use of ceramics, to create a piece of art which represents their findings. Year 11 Visual Arts students conduct a study into postmodern art. In this unit, they repurpose items to create art works from nontraditional materials. The annual Year 9 STEM Day gives girls the opportunity to select from a variety of STEM workshops to enrich their learning in Science, Technology and Mathematics. In 2022, the STEM Day will take place in Term 3. Some of the workshops are presented by visiting experts, such as the inflatable Planetarium Dome, which is a firm favourite with the students, and the CSIRO Forensics workshop. Other workshops offered, once again draw upon the expertise of Tara staff members. These include a drone workshop, presented by Mr Warwick Shepherd, Head of Design and Technology and an IT workshop, presented by Ms Liz Brockliss, Director of Technology.

Tara has recently become a part of the Generation STEM project, a CSIRO program in which students use their STEM skills to design a solution to a problem in their local area. Students in the Year 9 Elective Science Course will take part in this project. Year 10 students continue to select many STEM or STEAM based careers to observe or participate in during their work experience program. The interest in such careers is often reflected in the girls’ Stage 6 subject choices, and subsequent University courses applications. Many of the 2021 HSC cohort included STEM and STEAM courses in their UAC preferences. In fact, 39% of offers of University places to Tara girls were for STEM or STEAM based courses. These courses include; BEngineering Hons/BScience (Medical Science), BDesign Computing, BClinical Science, BEngineering Hons ( Software), BScience (Computer Science), BEngineering Hons (Civil)/BSurveying, BInformation Technology. It is well understood at Tara that the best gift a girl can receive is an education. It is also understood that teaching and learning programs and cocurricular activities must be adaptable in a constantly changing world. The increasing emphasis placed on STEM and STEAM by universities and industry has resulted in many different study and career opportunities. The successful integration of STEM and STEAM at Tara ensures that girls exit high school prepared for a variety of options, both now and into the future.

The Space Odyssey Team program (SPOT), began at Tara almost two decades ago. Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

STEM in Junior School Miss Alyssa Longmuir - IT Integrator (pictured), Mrs Wendy Abernethy - Dean of Learning ELC-6 and Ms Ruth Adams - Deputy Principal and Head of Junior School and supported by the ICT integrator, to stand alone STEM lessons where girls can express themselves and learn specific skills in the areas of information technology, coding, and engineering. Digital skills such as typing, file management, email etiquette, as well as an understanding of the Microsoft suite, may not seem to be at the cutting edge of an exciting STEM offering; however, by intentionally teaching these skills, girls gain the fundamentals that are necessary to thrive in a contemporary world from an early age (UNICEF, 2020). In addition to this, girls become experienced in concepts such as the design cycle, team roles, computational thinking, and the all important role of ‘failure’ in STEM. They encounter opportunities to understand online wellbeing, and the steps we all can take to safeguard ourselves, learning how to ‘play safe’, ‘be kind’ and ‘share with care’; what we call being ‘internet awesome’!

TEM is the buzz acronym in contemporary education: one so ubiquitous it has become a word in its own right. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics have always been an important part of education. Any time students are using a tool for an intentional purpose, whether that is a pen or a digital stylus, they are engaging with Science, Technology and Engineering: the creative output of someone who has gone before them with an ingenious invention (solution to a problem eg straw broom) or innovation (improvement on an existing idea eg robot vacuum). Technology does not just pertain to digital equipment and skills. A wheel is technology! However, our students are also grappling with STEM concepts, tools, processes and thinking which are at the cutting edge of the contemporary world, often beyond the day-to-day experience of many adults. Being a girls’ school and an IB World School implementing the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Tara is uniquely placed to create novice scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians. Girls are learning that these pursuits are available to them, relevant for them, and key to the role they will play in the world, both now and in the future. STEM in the Curriculum The Junior School embeds STEM in a multitude of ways, from the PYP inquiry units led by classroom teachers 20

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

Design and Construction: A Cautionary Tale for Girls Design and construction are at the heart of STEM. Engineering and mathematics are key components of construction, underpinned by strong spatial awareness – the capacity to think about objects in three dimensions. A girl with good spatial ability can draw conclusions about objects from limited information. For example, she may be good with tangram puzzles or be able to describe how a 3D object will look from a different viewpoint. Play equipment such as Lego, blocks and jigsaw puzzles are the best means by which children develop spatial, and by association mathematical, ability. Therefore, the play opportunities we give our daughters can develop or put limitations on their development of spatial ability and capacity to construct, especially when we consider that only 12% of preschool girls play mainly with construction toys compared with 50% of boys. Children who engage frequently in constructive play (blocks, Lego, jigsaw puzzles, building, tangrams, paper folding, knitting/crochet) have better spatial skills and therefore higher performance on mathematical word problems and spatial tasks. Girls can experience ‘gender polarisation’ of play activities where, through almost imperceptible socialisation, they refrain from playing with construction toys and therefore have lower interest in mathematics and technical fields later in life. Social norms traditionally consider construction toys appropriate for boys, with toys associated with ‘care and aesthetics’ aimed at girls. We see this in action with a simple visit to any toy department! At a very young age, children can adopt these subtle ideas about gendered play:

dolls are for girls and construction is for boys. That’s why STEM at Tara is so important.

failures, and build an understanding of structures and grammatical nuances.

The good news is that spatial skills, like all skills, can be improved with practice. Our girls need more real, basic construction experiences. As teachers, parents and grandparents, we should look for construction experiences for our girls that are just that: creative construction rather than closed play. This means choosing materials where there is open endedness, meaning many possibilities of what you can construct versus items that have only one outcome. Don’t fall victim to the many construction toys aimed specifically at girls! So many of them fail to have basic construction rigour and only seek to reinforce unhelpful and limiting stereotypes. Construction play develops specific brain connections and a whole range of STEM related skills. So, get your daughter stacking, tearing, assembling, disassembling, sorting and moulding: not only will she develop her mathematical ability, she will learn that there is nothing girls cannot do!!

Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future STEM learning across the curriculum enables girls to engage with the design process, interact with a variety of technology and media, and experiment with construction and making. While modern STEM education, with all its bells and whistles, is on full display within our classrooms, it is enhanced by also appreciating and inquiring deeply into the historical foundations on which the subject is built. Junior School students enjoy exploring artifacts such as telephones, cameras, tapes, floppy disks and old computers, the tools of technology that have in many ways been relegated to the history books but tell an important story regarding humanity’s ability to innovate, including the role of women.

Oostermeijer, M., Boonen, A., and Jolles, J. (2014)

Role Modelling It is hard to ‘be’ what you cannot ‘see’. Our girls need to ‘see’ themselves in a STEM world. Increased female representation in the form of peers, role models, and teachers assists girls to identify their strengths, and empowers them to take STEM subjects at higher levels (AGSA, 2019; IEU, 2020). This is a core belief and driver throughout the E-6 STEM curriculum. Students are exposed to a diverse range of female STEM professionals through case studies, visual displays, and guest speakers with the goal being that every girl can see her interests and potential reflected. Even the simple act of a female STEM integrator in both Junior and Senior School and a female Director of Technology sends a powerful message – the girls ‘see’ it and know they can ‘be’ it. Cracking the Code: What is Coding? Coding, the act of communicating with a computer to complete a task, is taught from the very early years. Students in ELC, Kindergarten and Year 1 participate in symbol based coding which allows them to begin to understand the skill of a coder, using tools which remove reading skills as a barrier for entry. Girls in the older years learn block based languages such as Blockly and Scratch. These provide a scaffold on which they build their solutions with text languages used by industry professionals such as Python, JavaScript and HTML5. While each of the languages provides something of value to students, our intention is not to instil the girls with a fluency in any particular coding language, but more importantly with the transferable skills of a coder that are essential in this rapidly evolving space. These skills include the ability to troubleshoot and debug issues, the confidence to push through

Branching Out and Beyond: Enthusiasm, Talent and Fun For some girls, STEM has a strong pull. Knowing the day holds opportunities to use, grow and share their STEM knowledge and skill is highly motivating. We know this, so in addition to curricular STEM, girls also can participate in special experiences such as National Coding Competitions and lunchtime clubs. Here, girls are using the green screen room to create out of this world video content for movie making, podcasting, dismantling computers using authentic engineering tools and methods, doing old school construction, and achieving common goals in Minecraft. These experiences allow girls with special interests in STEM to express their talents in unique ways. We spend time imagining the future world of our students. While we cannot know exactly how science, technology, engineering and mathematics will impact them, we do know it will. Therefore, our approach to lifelong learning encourages the girls to boldly explore, tinker, analyse, ideate, innovate, create, build, test, reflect, modify and play – ready to take their place beyond the gates.

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Why your daughter belongs at Tara How does Tara go beyond simple academics? Tara parents and alumnae identify that one of the School’s greatest strengths is educating the whole student through extensive academic and cocurricular opportunities. Our School is renowned for offering opportunities to empower students, including debating, public speaking, performing arts, sports, and academic, special interest and social clubs. Students are encouraged to think globally, with opportunities for cultural experiences, International Performance and Educational Tours and exchange programs abroad.

What cocurricular activities does Tara offer? What can students who attend Tara expect? Tara offers your daughter personalised attention and opportunities within our extensive facilities. Tara has a proud tradition as a non selective Anglican school that nurtures its students academically while providing wide ranging opportunities in the cocurricular arenas of the performing and creative arts, sports and the service for others. We have state of the art facilities, committed resources and excellent academic programs tailored to the individual and how girls learn best. All girls are taught to be independent, responsible and to care for others, as we empower them to be compassionate, talented, global citizens who realise their potential.

Our beautiful facilities and learning spaces Tara is located on 12 hectares of beautiful grounds and gardens in Masons Drive, North Parramatta. Our amazing learning spaces are an integral part of framing exciting learning experiences, from dynamic classrooms, a fully equipped sports gymnasium, pool, multiple playing fields, tennis, basketball and netball courts, movement room and fitness centre, rowing shed (offsite), state-of-the-art library and resource centre, Senior Learning and Careers Centre, Chapel, Science and Technology laboratories, Astronomy Centre and Observatory, Performing Arts Centre and Theatre, Before and After School and Vacation Care Centre, Boarding House,and Cafeteria. Boarding at Tara’s Eggleton House provides a supportive community for rural girls while enabling them to build independence and life skills. We value the commitment, ability and exceptional contribution rural girls bring to the life of the School.

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

Cocurricular activities provide students with experience in the wider world and help them value social and cultural diversity and teamwork. Participation in the performing arts or public speaking activities provides a rich environment for creativity, including musical productions, music tuition lessons and public speaking. Participation in specialised sporting and dance activities gives students the opportunity to develop new skills or focus on high level skills for everyone from beginner to elite athletes. Students can participate in outdoor activity programs, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to develop friendships and persist in the achievement of goals. Tara offers students the opportunity to develop language and cultural skills, through language clubs and lessons. Students can participate in study and language tours all over the world for different subject and focus areas as well as exchange experiences in Europe, Canada, Japan and South Africa. Tara also runs service learning programs locally and overseas.

What leadership opportunities does Tara offer? All activities and leadership roles are open to all our girls. They have the chance to participate, influence and lead. Student leadership is a great way to tap into student energy, build self respect and create a caring School. Student leadership at Tara empowers our students; what is important to them, is important to us.

My role as Registrar Mrs Marion Malouf

he role of registrar is a busy, multi-faceted one. If I had to bring it back to one simple statement, I would say the role is the point of first impression for Tara with families who want to engage with us.

It is to welcome, to guide and to provide enough information for our future families to make one of the most important decisions they will ever make for their daughter’s education.

How do we welcome families? With grace and humility.

For many families, having confirmation of an enrolment for their daughter is the culmination of years of planning and sacrifice. For others it is a continuance of a family tradition. For most it is an expression of confidence and wanting to share our values and standards. I think it is our role as a School to ensure that we gain something from each family and strengthen each thread in our rich tapestry, and in turn contribute to the education of our young women.

Why Tara for your daughter?

Of the many reasons that exist for sending a girl to Tara I believe the most compelling reason is this, ‘The Tara Experience’. Our rich history built on a Christian foundation, its diversity in enrolment, academic and cocurricular, its values, and a nurturing wellbeing program all contribute to an experience as unique as it is required to be for each of our girls.

Our girls only education allows our students to pursue excellence inside and outside of the classroom. Girls fulfil all leadership roles. Through the IB PYP and MYP framework, girls are encouraged to take risks and to be independent in their learning journey, while always being fully supported by outstanding staff.

What do I enjoy most about working at Tara?

I love being a part of a supportive and happy team as we all work to make a difference. I love the kindness of our girls and their willingness to get involved and to help others. I love our parents who just want to say hello and who work hard to support their daughters. Every day is different as we all continue our own learning journey.

School Tours Tara School Tours provide an excellent opportunity for prospective parents and students to view our facilities, meet the Principal and our girls, experience the School and ask any questions. Discover our School by booking your Junior or Senior School tour. Visit https://www.tara.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/book-tour/ for a list of School Tour events. Can’t make any of these tours? Private tours may also be arranged by contacting our Registrar (02) 9630 6655 or email us at enrol@tara.nsw.edu.au Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Discover Boarding at Tara

ara offers boarding at Eggleton House, situated in a contemporary, comfortable setting in the heart of our School. Boarders contribute to the daily life of the School, enjoying an all encompassing School experience.

Our boarders are known and cared for in a Christian learning environment and family atmosphere where they develop life skills for university and beyond. Families from rural and regional areas are an integral part of the Tara School community. Ensuring the continuation of this strong link between Tara and country families is a priority.

Why Board at Tara? • • • • • • • • • •

Security of living and studying in a safe and stimulating environment Spacious boarding rooms, recreational areas and vast green leafy grounds Junior School boarders have sizeable dormitories carefully designed for privacy Senior School boarders in Years 11 and 12 have individual rooms Boarders are supported with their learning and study routines Teachers and tutors are available during prep sessions to assist with homework Nutritionally balanced meals prepared by a professional chef A Health Centre and qualified School Nurse on site Great opportunities for companionship and friendship Independence through exciting learning experiences enabling girls to make the transition to city living and tertiary study

Girls can take advantage of the Tara experience no matter where they live.

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

The Best of Both Worlds

t Tara we are evolving to adapt to the changing needs of students and their families, recognising longer working hours for parents, growing travel times and an increased demand for flexibility.

We offer local weekly boarding as a Best of Both Worlds option for city based students. This provides the choice for our Sydney and surrounding area families to access boarding options for their daughters.

weekly boarder and benefit from: • Structured routine allowing students to develop good study habits prior to the HSC • Academic assistance tutors and teachers who are available Monday to Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm to assist with academic concerns • A Wellbeing Program which teaches boarders skills to improve their wellbeing, and essential life skills needed for adult life and independence • Delicious food, removing the need to make lunch, with all food taken care of

Weekly boarding provides a supportive and nurturing environment with the benefits of having the opportunity to be at home for all or part of the weekend.

• • Your daughter will appreciate the structured environment of boarding in Eggleton House with access to academic staff.

• •

Caring regular staff on duty throughout the week who have our boarders’ best interests at heart Homely environment (vertical structure) with a maximum of 60 boarders allowing students to mingle across year groups Private rooms for Years11 and 12 boarders Easy access to sport, cocurricular and before/after school classes with no transport/travelling concerns Home for weekends to relax with family

Weekly boarding can teach self management, self reliance, cooperation and cultivate friendships.

•

Changing from a day girl to a boarder is straight forward with no interview required. All Senior School students are welcome to take advantage of becoming a Tara

We invite you to contact our Director of Boarding who is available via email boarding@tara.nsw.edu.au

Have any questions?

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Tara Alumni

Dream, Lead and Achieve

We are so proud of our alumni, their accomplishments, determination and the inspiring lives they have gone on to lead after graduating from Tara. Time and again our alumni share with us how Tara’s teachers instilled within them an enduring sense of curiosity and a love for learning, while encouraging them to be independent thinkers, doers, and dreamers. Explore some of their stories and if you would like to share your own story, email us at alumnae@tara.nsw.edu.au and we will contact you for a chat.

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

Wendy Eather (Dalton)

Class of 1957

rewarding experiences with singing and Vocal Therapy was with elderly people in different Aged Care Facilities, Charity Organisations and Dementia Groups on a voluntary basis over many years. This led to being presented with a Premier’s Award in 2002. Choirs have also been a big part of my life. I was a member of the Philharmonia Choir, Sydney, Bach Choir, Hong Kong, the Chancel Choir, Ohio, USA, and other Choirs including Female Soloist with the Ku-ring-Gai Male Choir for many years. Through these life experiences and meeting many amazing people with different cultures, I have learnt the joy of giving is so rewarding without expecting anything in return. Again, this all relates back to my school days at Tara, and the basic principles taught.

was a student at Tara starting in 5th Grade and completing and passing the Intermediate Certificate in 1957. This was the last small class at Tara consisting of 12 students only. Mrs Buck was the Headmistress, a very formal lady who taught the students to be polite young ladies with respect for each other and society. After leaving School, I attended Business College, then worked at the Radio Station 2GB as a Script Assistant recording live audience shows in the 2GB Auditorium including John Dease and the Quiz Kids, Keith Smith-The Pied Piper and the Cadbury Variety Show: all amazing experiences. With the introduction of television, all live audience shows ceased and a new format for radio was implemented. With the change in radio, my Script Assistant position was made obsolete, so I moved to the ABC Children’s Hour with Jason and the Argonauts; another enjoyable and rewarding time. The principles learnt at Tara were a great influence for my life and working experiences. These years will always have special memories for me. I studied singing part time at the Conservatorium of Music, Sydney and graduated in 1995 with an A.Mus. A Diploma in Singing. This led to many Solo engagements in Sydney and overseas. The most

I married in 1963 and was blessed with two sons and three grandsons, and I have lived in Sydney, Hong Kong and Ohio. My husband retired twenty years ago, and we moved to the Southern Highlands, NSW settling into life on a farm witnessing new life being born, fresh air, and the beauty of the rolling green hills. Harley, our little dog and the beauty of the Highlands were a great inspiration to write over 80 poems now printed in a book, ‘Southern Highlands in Poetry’, (Southern Highlands Tapestry of Life). As I look back with gratitude I have been blessed with an amazing life based on the foundations taught to me at Tara by teachers who were so dedicated. For students at Tara today: Enjoy your school years and special friends you make. Pursue your dreams. Always be true to yourself in everything you do in your life, and you will have peace and happiness, and give joy to all the people you will meet on your journey of life. Thank you, Tara.

Congratulations on wonderful years. Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Clare Gerber

Class of 1998

landed on the gentle shores of Tara as a terrified 11 year old in 1992. I was the only Year 6 boarder in the School and my parents lived in Papua New Guinea. I was very very far from home.

What I remember most is how I was welcomed by the Tara community with an overwhelming amount of warmth, love and support. It was like walking into a big hug. My experience at Tara was wonderful. It was ‘cool’ to work hard, be smart, funny and get involved. I joined every single club available! Bands, choirs, sport, drama - you name it, I was there. And I loved it. Tara also embraced my ‘quirky’ personality. I remember my maths teacher Mrs Stooke letting me draw ridiculous cartoons all over the whiteboard every lesson, Mrs Brooks who let me cheekily play Monty Python’s, ‘Life Of Brian’ in Christian Studies, and the tirelessly supportive Mrs Woodward who built a personalised animation room for me so I could make a claymation film for my Year 12 artwork. I felt like I could do anything, and that the world was mine to go out and explore with all my heart. What a gift to have that foundation as a young woman. After School, I travelled to Shanghai to study Mandarin for a year at Fudan University, which was fantastic and a total culture shock. I then studied a Bachelor of Media at Macquarie University (I did attempt Media/ Law for a week but realised quickly it wasn’t the right path for me since I had little interest in understanding even the name of the course subject… sorry Mum and Dad). Soon after university, I landed a job at MTV Networks Australia as a Production Assistant. It was hard work, but an incredible amount of fun getting to work on music documentaries, live shows and travelling all over the world meeting musicians and popstars. I learnt a LOT and worked my way up to a Senior Producer role. I loved it, and I was grateful, but I wanted more... I had always had a deep passion for children’s television, and so one day I took the leap and was fortunate to join the Disney Channel, where I Series Produced an offbeat series called Alphabreaks, which taught letters of the alphabet to preschoolers through song. Soon after, I was approached by the ABC to join a small team to help create a new preschool hosting 28

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

block. The show we ended up making was called Giggle and Hoot. We thought that if anything we wrote made us laugh, then it would surely translate to the littlies too. And it did. Giggle and Hoot grew into a huge success which led to amazing opportunities of producing music albums, video clips and specials, a live show at the Opera House and even a spinoff series called Hoot Hoot Go! It was a dream job with lots of owls, singing vegetables, and ukulele tunes. Seriously, what more could you want? It was a true privilege to be part of something that touched so many people. After seven years at the ABC I decided it was time for another big change and moved into the world of social media.

What I remember most is how I was welcomed by the Tara community with an overwhelming amount of warmth, love and support. It was like walking into a big hug.

I joined Mamamia Women’s Network as a Supervising Producer on the video team. Working at a company with over 100 strong, funny, independent women was such a joy and it felt almost like being back at Tara! At Mamamia we made lots of silly, fun and social impact videos; quite a few of which went viral. The biggest one was probably, ‘If a man lived like a woman for a day’ which garnered over 45 million views, won video of the year at the Mumbrella Awards and was even licenced by the SBS to use as part of their internal onboarding for understanding sexual harassment. It was fascinating and fulfilling to see how much of an impact you can make through videos by just sharing simple truths that spark conversations. Since then I have run my own production company and more recently started working for an online wellness company that creates online courses, meditations and relaxation music.

Tara gave me the foundational confidence to believe that I could do anything - or at least give it a red hot go! It’s so important to back yourself, appreciate what you have, work hard and MOST importantly be kind. Always. Be a cheerleader for other people. These are the core values that I’ve taken with me throughout my career and life from my time at Tara. But, if I was going to say what I’m most grateful for from my experience at Tara, it’s definitely the lifelong best friends I made. Almost 30 years on, I still talk to them every week. We’ve been there for each other through all of life’s celebrations and unexpected turns. They are my sisters and my rocks, and I cherish them and our friendships every single day. Sure, I might send them too many TikTok videos, but thankfully they don’t judge me too much for it! So, hold on to your sisters at Tara and cherish them because you’re all going to be exactly the same in 30 years and still laughing together... if you’re as lucky as I am. ***Shout out to my Tara besties and forever soul sisters: Flissy, Trine, Bec, Pheobes, Paris, and Mica. Love you to the moon and back.

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Leah Park

still remember my first day at Tara in Year 7. It was a warm sunny day, my parents had just dropped me off at the roundabout, farewelled me through the front car window, and then there I was, standing alone on the pathway. With the sudden departure of the cool breeze of the car’s air conditioner, I started to feel the heat, warmth spreading under my new starch-crisp blazer and coiling on my back where my heavy school bag rested. I walked a couple of tentative steps towards the big looming buildings, but in all honesty, I had no idea where I was going or what I was supposed to do. I decided to just follow a trickle of other students who appeared to know where they were going, towards the buildings and up some stairs. Luckily, somehow, I ended up at the Year 7 lockers, saw a couple of familiar faces, and my first day was soon underway.

Class of 2016

nurturing Christian community. I loved being part of a team in Saturday sports, making music on Mad Music Mondays, and meeting students from other schools through debating and da Vinci. Within classrooms, teachers exuded enthusiasm and passion for learning, often going above and beyond. Upon graduating in 2016, I farewelled Tara, apprehensive of the future, but nonetheless confident everything would be ok. The next years were spent studying a double degree in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of International Global Studies at the University of Sydney as the recipient of the Sydney Scholar Award and the Elite Athlete Program.

I can look back now and confidently say that my years at Tara were formative, in laying the foundations to who I am today.

Simultaneously with my studies, I continued to represent University and Australia at national and international levels in Taekwondo. During university, I also volunteered at various legal centres, starting with Marrickville Legal Centre, followed by Horizons Family Law Centre, which provided solid groundwork and insight into the legal workforce.

From the get-go, Tara inspired and encouraged excellence in sports, music and academics within a

Thankfully, I had learnt time management and organisation, continuing to use the diarising skills Tara

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

had taught me, which had started when I had been handed a beautiful blue hardcover diary on the first day in Year 7. I had had six years to learn and practise how to organise my time between homework, study, training and music, a skill I continue to rely on today. Towards the end of my degree, I was the recipient of the Defence University Sponsorship Program, to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force as a Legal Officer. In addition to covering university fees and paying a salary, I was exposed to the Defence legal environment. In my application, I drew heavily on my experience and reflections on leadership from being the Music Captain at Tara, as leadership is a key component of being an Officer in the Australian Defence Force. I have now completed my university studies, and am currently undergoing my Practical Legal Training, a postgraduate diploma required of lawyers in order to gain admission as a lawyer in NSW. This involves work experience across various Royal Australian Air Force bases and legal coursework. Following completion, I will go on the Officer Training Course and thereafter commence working as a Legal Officer. A key component of my motivation to joining the RAAF was service to community and to Australia. This desire was nurtured, I believe at Tara, as I remember when our music ensemble visited a nursing home to perform and socialise with the residents. It showed me the importance of service, to provide and give back to the people around us in any way we can.

Principals of Tara

Mary Elizabeth Waugh 1897 – 1946

Margaret Macdonald 1971 – 1973

Jessie Hall Bailey Young 1946 – 1950

Joyce McCredie Parker 1974 – 1979

Olga Phelps Wilson 1950

Ruth Shatford 1980 – 1999

Nancy Katharine Buck 1951 – 1958

Carol Bowern 2000 – 2008

Upon reflection, it is evident to me that my high school years underpinned who I am today. The friends I met, the teachers who exemplified leadership, and the opportunities presented opened my eyes to the world around me, and my place within it. For that I am grateful, and trust that many other girls can likewise benefit from the all-rounded education Tara provides.

Susan Middlebrook Helen Gore Claridge Celebrating the–past, present 1959 1971 shaping the future. 2009 –31

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Connected Community Parents and Friends Association (P&F) and Tara Dads Club (TDC) The Parents and Friends Association and Tara Dads Club recognise and value the roles parents and carers play in the education of their children and aim to strengthen and reconnect the partnerships between families, the School and the wider community. The purpose of the P&F is to reach out to current families to build a friendly and welcoming community by providing opportunities for parents and carers to gain insights into the life of the School. The Tara Dads Club connects, unites and facilitates the building of relationships between the Tara Dads and their daughters through social events and activities with their daughters. The P&F and TDC provide the School community with practical assistance and financial resources for educational, cocurricular and personal development opportunities for students and social events for the wider Tara community.

When your daughter commences at Tara, you automatically become a member of the Parents and Friends Association and Tara Dad’s Club.

Parents and Friends Association Executive Committee

Each year the P&F organises social events such as the Mother and Daughter High Tea, and Junior School Mother’s Day Stall and this year will contribute with the Tara Dad’s Club to the 125 Celebration Dinner, The Tara Family Picnic and Fireworks Evening and Carols in the Colonnade.

Treasurer: Nairi Malek

The Tara Dads Club organises social events and fundraisers which include The Colour Run Festival and the Dad and Daughter Camp. The P&F and TDC facilitate the second hand uniform shop, crested items and the running of the sport’s canteen every Saturday morning. These functions provide great opportunities for parents and carers to meet other parents and staff in which many wonderful relationships have been formed.

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

President: Patricia Cross Vice President: John Capolupo Secretary: Graeme Bellach Committee: Julie Cleary Kesara Jayasuriya Donna Karam Meg Le Lievre Peter Ryan Jacqui Seraglio

Tara Dads Club Executive Committee President: Pascal Mouawad Vice President: Vik Garg Secretary: Adam Canceri Committee: Joe Sassine John Capolupo Chris Hui James Raad Kassam Hussein Sanjit Roy Mouhamad Dib Rob Fallins

Diary Dates Tara Dads Club 12 November - Colour Run Festival

Community 18 June - Tara Family and Fireworks Twilight Evening 6 August - 125 Celebration Dinner at the Shangri-La Sydney 22 October - 125 Garden Party 26 November - Carols in the Colonnade

Tara Old Girls’ Association 2 November - Year 12 Breakfast

Year 7 Welcome Evening Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Tara Old Girls’ Association From the President The Old Girls’ Association was established in 1957. The Old Girls’ Association Committee is elected in August each year at the Annual General Meeting. Our current committee is comprised of members from Alumnae years of 1967-2011, giving us a broad range of experiences as a Tara Girl and beyond. The Tara Old Girls’ Association aims to support School events, gives donations of gifts and School equipment, and offers scholarships and bursaries to current daughters and granddaughters of Tara Old Girls. In 2020 we added the Janice Lee Memorial Award for excellence in Hospitality. The Joan Waugh Scholarship is awarded by the Tara Old Girls’ Association annually, to the value of $5,000, in the memory of Mary Elizabeth (Joan) Waugh, Headmistress of Tara from 1897 – 1946. The scholarship aims to support, inspire, and encourage Old Girls to ongoing education by assisting them to undertake further studies, research, or development in a particular area of interest, skill, or expertise, either in Australia or overseas. The process of awarding the scholarship is undertaken with great care and consideration from the committee and the team of past staff and alumnae chosen to interview the selected candidates. Applications for the scholarship will close on 30 September 2022. We take enormous pride in celebrating the achievements of our Tara Old Girls’ and share these triumphs with the community and our network through social media, functions, reunions and gatherings.

Also during this year we will be encouraging alumnae involvement in the terrific events planned for the 125th Celebrations. These celebrations hosted by the School will give alumnae opportunities to visit the School and reacquaint themselves with the impressive ever evolving landscape that is our Tara community. We would welcome any donations of memorabilia to be used in displays of life at Tara for future generations to come. Lucinda Beck - President

This year we are thrilled to see reunions return and postponed functions take place. In 2022 we look forward to working with the other community groups within Tara that support the School and provide fundraising and community engagement. It is with great excitement that the Tara Old Girls’ Association will be working on an initiative with the School to connect current students with alumnae for future careers mentoring. This program will give students a forum to ask questions and receive guidance towards tertiary education and career opportunities in their fields of interest from those who have had success in their chosen field.

1908-1911

1912-1951

1951-1963

1964-

Join Us To join the Tara Old Girls’ Association send an email to taraoldgirls@tara.nsw.edu.au with your contact details. Stay Connected: Tara Old Girls can update their details by visiting the Tara School website Community page or via this link

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

www.tara.nsw.edu.au/community/ tara-old-girl-update-your-details/

Tara Old Girls’ Association Joan Waugh Scholarship

Mary Elizabeth (Joan) Waugh was born on 25 January, 1872 at George’s Hall. What is clear, despite a dearth of documentation on Tara’s early years, is that Miss Waugh was devoted to her life’s work. Her pupils were thoroughly taught and developed pride in their School and a great respect for their teacher. Despite the fact that Miss Waugh’s school Tara, only catered for primary aged pupils at that time, many expressed the belief that it was the grounding Miss Waugh had given them which set them in such good stead for life. Mary Elizabeth (Joan) Waugh was regarded as a firm but fair teacher who, according to Mrs Elizabeth Hake, ran an ‘excellent little school’. In response to the strong, appreciative feelings of so many towards Miss Waugh and partly in recognition of her long career which crossed two centuries, the Tara Old Girls’ Association decided to honour the work and memory of Miss Mary Elizabeth (Joan) Waugh, Headmistress of Tara from 1887-1845, through the naming of the first Old Girls’ Scholarship. The Joan Waugh Scholarship is reserved for the candidates who demonstrate excellent endeavours in different aspects of community life and a potential for leadership in addition to their academic abilities. The award aims to assist the former student in the undertaking of further studies, research or development in a particular field of interest, skill or expertise, either in Australia or overseas. The Joan Waugh Scholarship is awarded by the Tara Old Girls’ Association annually to a former student to the value of $5000. In Order to be eligible to receive this Scholarship the Applicant must meet and abide by the Scholarship Criteria and Conditions as set out below.

•

Be a former student of Tara, for a minimum of two (2) year’s attendance at the Senior Level.

•

Show and produce evidence of the further studies, research or development in a particular field of interest, skill or expertise, either in Australia or overseas.

•

Provide three (3) referees, at least two (2) being associated with their field of study, research or development and one (1) personal.

•

Commence their study, research or development within a twelve (12) month period from the date of the scholarship being awarded.

•

The Scholarship recipient will be invited with the expectation of attending the Old Girls’ Association AGM & various events over the twelve (12) months.

At the conclusion of twelve (12) months, the successful candidate shall be required to: •

Report to the Old Girls’ Association in writing including full documentation of the studies, research or development undertaken and the manner in which the awarded funds were applied.

•

Be willing to sit on the panel for the selection of the next Joan Waugh Scholarship recipient.

•

The successful recipient will have their name and photograph used in promotions of the Joan Waugh Scholarship within the School or any Tara/ Tara Old Girls’ Association publications.

Applications close on 30 September of the current year. To apply, visit the Tara School website. •

A short list of candidates will be notified by email, telephone or mail.

•

Interviews will be held in November.

•

The successful candidate and the non successful candidates will be notified in writing by email or mail notification regarding the awarding of JWS.

•

Award presentation will take place at the Senior School Final Assembly ‘Celebration’ held in the first week of December.

If the judging committee is unable to reach a decision the committee reserve the right not to award the Scholarship for that current year. All decisions made, are final.

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Tara Old Girls’ Association A life of contribution Janice Lee (1948 - 2020) Alumni 1965 Janice attended Tara in High School from Year 1 to Year 5 as it was known back in the 1960’s. During those five years she forged many life long friends and the reunions over the next five decades were an absolute joy to attend. Janice was born with a muscle weakness but this never defined her. After leaving School, Janice attended Macquarie University, completing her Bachelor of Arts degree. She worked as a primary school teacher before leaving home to travel. In spite of her mobility difficulties she travelled around Europe for three months in a campervan with a group of friends. Nothing held her back. She enthusiastically embraced all opportunities and experiences.

It was while at Sydney University that the medical profession was able to pin point the cause of her muscle weakness, and she was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. A friend from her school days contacted Janice in the early 1980’s and asked her to join the Tara Old Girls’ Association Committee. During the 30 years Janice was a committee member, she organised many of the functions for the Association such a fashion parades at her parents’ home, dinners at various venues, balls in the Great Hall at Sydney University, croquet tournaments and harbour cruises. Janice gave her time generously to support Tara and the Old Girls’ Association. Janice passed away in May 2020. The Tara Old Girls’ Association has established a Memorial Award to celebrate her life and to acknowledge her significant contribution to the Tara School community.

While still in England just before coming home she took a position organising a big Rotary conference, and it was this she realised was where her talents lay.

Janice was a kind, compassionate, supportive person and was highly respected.

On her return to Australia, she worked with the Sydney University Union as the Event’s Organiser and remained in that position until her retirement.

During her working life, Hospitality was Janice’s passion. The Association felt it appropriate to encourage and acknowledge the efforts of current students in this field of study in her memory.

Pictured L-R: Nath, Janice, Jen, Esmay and Barbara 38

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

Vale ABELL, Vera OAM

Miss Abell was a favourite teacher back in the 80’s! Miss Abell was the Senior Mathematics teacher and coordinator at Tara Anglican School for Girls. Miss Abell was awarded an OAM for her Anglicare Charity work inspired previously by her mother, Beatrice. Her mother in her 90s, made or collected about 10,000 items for Anglicare and she also was awarded the order of Australia at 99 years of age! Miss Abell formed the Beatrice Ellen Abell (BEA) group in 1998 with her friend Elaine Barnett OBE to continue her mother’s work. Over the many years the BEA group have donated about 40,000 items ranging from manchester to electronics for the Mount Druitt Anglicare Family Services team. The donations are given to families or used as gifts on days like Mother’s Day and Christmas. Miss Abell wrapped each gift individually and coordinated a group of volunteers who collect items that might be useful for families. Miss Abell’s mission was to provide items for the underprivileged to keep her busy and connected to the community in retirement.

Miss Vera Abell with some of the many donations for charity.

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Vale

GLASSOCK, Valerie Rose On 2 March, the small Tara bus took a number of retired staff on a sad journey to Christ Church Anglican Church, Springwood, to the funeral of Mrs Valerie Rose Glassock. They joined others who had braved the atrocious weather to drive there and yet others, who were grateful to have a sense of participating, as they watched the streamed service.

Tara expressed deep condolences to Valerie’s grieving husband, Rev Dr Geoffrey Glassock, her sons, her daughter and her grandchildren, her brother and her two sisters. Valerie Rose Glassock, we thank God for you. May you rest in peace and rise in glory.

Valerie gave twenty three generous years to Tara as Head of History and sometime, Geography. She contributed intelligently and widely to the broader life of the School, beyond being an excellent classroom practitioner and a respected senior colleague. New, young staff felt supported and encouraged; experienced staff felt valued and respected. Valerie brought gifts of kindness, helpfulness and collegiality to the staff. Many colleagues say you could always hear Valerie coming! She moved around the School like a dynamo, with characteristic vigour, speed, and purpose. When the deputy principal was on leave, it was well accepted that Valerie acted in that role. She was utterly trusted by the staff and her own energy seemed to be translated into a hum of purpose and activity in the staff room. Any organisation she undertook was done with great efficiency and recorded in her beautiful, immaculate script. Valerie made a very valuable contribution among her subject coordinator colleagues, always thinking through new proposals or policies and asking questions about possible unexpected fallout that could come from a different way of doing things. The PE staff found Valerie accurate and reliable as chief recorder at annual gymnastics, swimming and athletics carnivals.

Valerie Glassock c1977

Valerie’s commitment to the whole enterprise of the School was typified one year when we had the opening of a new building on a Sunday followed by informal lunch. It happened to be Valerie’s birthday, but instead of apologising for her absence, Valerie brought the whole family who picnicked together on the lawn after the opening ceremony. Valerie was very at home in a faith based school and brought her values of kindness, integrity, commitment, fairness and hard work to whatever role she undertook.

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

Valerie Glassock c1990

Celebrating the Past Buildings of Tara

“The Cedars” - Parramatta 1897 - 1902

St John’s Parish Hall 1902 - 1911

“Tara” George St - Parramatta 1912 - 1927

12 Hassall St - Parramatta 1928 - 1946

All Saints Church Parish Hall 1946 - 1951

“Ellangowan” - Parramatta 1952 - 1970

Masons Dr - North Parramatta 1959

Junior School 1971

Tara Gates

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Celebrating the Past Uniforms of Tara

Miss Joan Waugh with students 1904 - 1905

Northwood 1930

All Saints Hall 1948

First Form (Year 7) 1957

The First Boarders 1959

Sixth Form 1960

Fifth Form 1963

1976

Year 1

Junior School Leadership 1990

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU. 1984

Hassall St 1930 - 1940

Centenary 1997

Hassall St 1940

125 Years 2022

Shaping the Future

ELC

Junior School

Senior School

Boarding

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

The Tara Tradition our students as staff

Back Row L-R: Rachael Farries, Emma Poletto, Barbara Edge, Lucinda Brownlow, Ashleigh Bamford Front Row L-R: Julyann Dos Santos, Temika Gambrill, Janine Nguyen, Kiona Nicholl, Carla-Ann Capolupo Not photographed: Cathrine Ireland, Belinda Jamieson, Madeline Campbell, Kimberley Semken, Kathryn Dickinson, Ngaire Musto

The theme of our 125th year is ‘celebrating the past, shaping the future’. This theme is exemplified by a key group of staff members who were once Tara girls themselves. These wonderful women are a celebration of Tara’s past, and they have a strong influence in shaping its present and future. Across a range of roles as diverse as Senior School and Junior School teachers, Before and After School Care, Teachers’ Aides, Marketing, Catering and Community, these women typify the benefits of a Tara education, and we who work and learn with them continue to benefit from all they contribute to Tara today.

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

HRH The Princess Royal Visit In April, Tara students had the honour of welcoming HRH The Princess Royal at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron Kirribilli for a dinner event. HRH The Princess Royal was visiting Australia to open the 200th Sydney Royal Easter Show as patron of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth. The girls formed a guard of honour and welcomed HRH with pride and enthusiasm.

Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

Did you know...

/TaraAnglicanSchoolforGirls

You can view and catch up on all the latest Tara news and past events on our social media channels.

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/taraanglicanschoolforgirls

Celebrating the past, shaping the future. /tasfg

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Walker House

Waugh House Hake House

Main Entrance Senior School officially opens

Junior School Opens

Erection of sandstone gates

Crawford House

Tara Senior classes move to Masons Drive

Opening of Eggleton House

Tara Centenary Dedication of the Centenary Mosaic Cross

Tara purchases Smith Family Hospital Mount Arcadia

Be Inspired. Be Challenged. Be Excellent. BE YOU.

Ellangowan Opened

Observatory Installed

Tara Circle Autumn 2022

Articles inside

Smile Team Orthodontics