Tara Circle Autumn 2023

A publication for the Tara Community

Autumn 2023

From the Principal

Class of 2022 HSC Results

The Class of 2022 has certainly outdone themselves with their outstanding HSC results.

I am constantly impressed by the dedication and hard work of our students. Tara takes pride in contributing to their success and being able to offer all opportunities to discover their interests and passions. Each girl at Tara has a distinct story, and it is inspiring to note they have a world of choices available to them.

Congratulations to our Top Achiever in Course students, Hannah and Cherie, our All-rounders Mia, Nara, Cherie, Karen, Evelyn, and Angel and our students who received nominations for ArtExpress, ENCORE and OnStage, Rebekah, Elaine, Phoebe and Guinevere.

We also congratulate our 54 students acknowledged on the NSW Distinguished Achievers list for 2022.

All of our students are truly a testament to the excellence of Tara’s academic program. I encourage everyone to read the HSC Results story on page three for more details on their remarkable achievements.

Tara Aquatic Centre and Sports Precinct

The long-awaited completion of our Aquatic Centre and Sports Precinct has finally arrived! Despite the challenges posed by COVID, lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and even torrential rain, our dedicated team has worked tirelessly over the past two and a half years to bring this project to fruition. We are overjoyed to announce that the facility is now ready for use!

Our School community had a special “launch event” on Tuesday, 9 May with a representative from each grade from ELC -Year 12 participating in Tara’s First Jump into the pool followed by celebratory cupcakes on the main oval. A formal opening will take place later in the year.

The Aquatic Centre features a 25-metre main pool with a constant depth of two meters and eight lanes, making it suitable for water polo and squad swimming. Additionally, we have a program pool that is approximately one meter deep and will be used for activities such as learn to swim, flippaball, and water aerobics. The main deck offers warm showers, fully equipped change rooms, first aid facilities, and easy access for individuals who require additional support.

We have designed the facility with plenty of glass walls to allow natural light to permeate the centre, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere. Moreover, this design enables stunning views of the parkland surrounding our

School. Outside, we have rebuilt the covered areas to provide ample space for play and physical education classes, regardless of the weather conditions. I am particularly pleased to highlight that the Aquatic Centre is equally inviting from both the Junior School and Senior School sides, serving as a central hub for all our students.

We are incredibly proud of the Aquatic Centre and Sports Precinct, and we cannot wait to witness the immense joy and growth that it will bring to our students. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to celebrating this incredible milestone together.

Mrs Susan Middlebrook, Principal

HSC RESULTS 2022

Every year when the HSC results are released, I wake up early with great excitement and anticipation. This year was no different. As I read through the results student by student, I think about each girl with admiration for what she has achieved. Every girl has her own story, and we are pleased that Tara students have a world of choices before them. We are so delighted with the young women they have become.

Warm congratulations to the six students who achieved ‘All-Rounder’ which means a score of more than 90 in 10 or more units they studied; Mia Azzi, Nara Baek, Cherie Ghadiali, Karen Hu, Evelyn Jang, and Angel Poi.

Congratulations to Hannah Campbell who placed first in NSW for the Hospitality Examination and to Cherie Ghadiali who placed third in Studies of Religion I.

Several students received nominations for inclusion in HSC Showcases for their performances and major works with the details of these achievements over the page. We congratulate Rebekah Lee for her selection in ARTEXPRESS.

It is particularly exciting that every single student in the cohort received an early entry offer to a university course. This demonstrates the considerable efforts of the students, and the staff who supported them and also how much every student embraced the opportunities presented to them by the School and their families so they could build an impressive portfolio showing commitment to their studies and the cocurricular program.

May God bless each girl as she moves ‘beyond the Tara Gates’ and we pray, feeling well equipped for the next steps in her life.

Mrs Susan Middlebrook - Principal

99.45

ATAR

31st

TOP ATAR

1st 1st place in NSW

3rd

3rd place in NSW Studies of Religion I

ALL ROUNDERS

26% Of the year group with an ATAR of 95+

100% Students with early offers to universities

TOP ACHIEVERS IN COURSE

6 Students on All-round Achievers List (90+ in 10 best units)

54 Students on HSC Distinguished Achievers List achieved a total of 156 Band 6/E4 results (90+)

HSC SHOWCASES AND EXHIBITIONS

Rebekah Lee ARTEXPRESS Inclusion

Elaine Cheng ARTEXPRESS Nominated

Phoebe Mulia ENCORE Nominated

Guinevere Fisher OnSTAGE Nominated

Nara Baek Mia Azzi

Cherie Ghadiali Kening (Karen) Hu Evelyn Jang

Hannah Campbell 1st Hospitality Examination

Cherie Ghadiali 3rd Studies of Religion I

Highest

Mia Azzi

Hospitality Examination

Tara rank in SMH Top 100 Schools Report

Mia Azzi 99.45

Angel Poi

Distinguished Achievers by Subject

ANCIENT HISTORY

Mia Azzi

Evelyn Jang

Na-Young Kim

Lucia Zhang

BIOLOGY

Nara Baek

Erika Dudkin

Olivia El-Rassi

Kate Hedges

Kening (Karen) Hu

Hana Lawson

Angel Poi

BUSINESS STUDIES

Jiaer (Emily) Feng

Natasha Go

Kate Hedges

Lucy Khadi

Sarah Kuo

Mila Nikolic

Hannah Travis

CHEMISTRY

Nara Baek

Daiana Chen

Olivia El-Rassi

Kening (Karen) Hu

Emily Lin

Angel Poi

DRAMA

Kate Addison

Sienna Eswaran

Emma Hansen

Kate Hedges

ENGLISH ADVANCED

Mia Azzi

Nara Baek

Amandini (Jessica) David

Emily Dawson-Taylor

Sienna Eswaran

Melissa Feng

Cherie Ghadiali

Natasha Go

Kate Hedges

Evelyn Jang

Lucy Khadi

Hana Lawson

Juwon (Kelly) Lee

Rebekah Lee

Charlotte Mackenzie

Mila Nikolic

Aimee O’Brien

Angel Poi

Trisha Rastogi

Jessica Sant

Angela Vu

Yi Qi (Kiki) Yu

Lucia Zhang

ENGLISH EAL/D

Anna Fu

Kening (Karen) Hu

ENGLISH EXTENSION 1

Mia Azzi

Elina Baek

Nara Baek

Amandini (Jessica) David

Olivia El-Rassi

Sienna Eswaran

Guinevere Fisher

Natasha Go

Lara Hatoum

Evelyn Jang

Rebekah Lee

Georgia Morley

Mila Nikolic

Trisha Rastogi

Jessica Sant

Angela Vu

Yi Qi (Kiki) Yu

Lucia Zhang

ENGLISH EXTENSION 2

Guinevere Fisher

Trisha Rastogi

Lucia Zhang

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Sarah Kuo

Charlotte Mackenzie

Alison Mulveney

Hannah Travis

GEOGRAPHY

Sarah Davidson

Mila Nikolic

Alicia Potts

Jessica Sant

HISTORY EXTENSION

Mia Azzi

Amandini (Jessica) David

Sienna Eswaran

Cherie Ghadiali

Lara Hatoum

Evelyn Jang

Na-Young Kim

Georgia Morley

Lucia Zhang

HOSPITALITY EXAMINATION (FOOD AND BEVERAGE)

Hannah Campbell

Rose Comerford

Alison Mulveney

Hannah Travis

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

JAPANESE CONTINUERS

Melissa Feng

Kening (Karen) Hu

Jungmyung (Angie) Hyun

Hana Lawson

JAPANESE EXTENSION

Melissa Feng

Jungmyung (Angie) Hyun

Hana Lawson

KOREAN IN CONTEXT

Juwon (Kelly) Lee

LEGAL STUDIES

Sarah Davidson

Cherie Ghadiali

Charlotte Ghannoum

Hana Lawson

Sydney Pan

Trisha Rastogi

Jessica Sant

Yi Qi (Kiki) Yu

MATHEMATICS ADVANCED

Mia Azzi

Nara Baek

Olivia El-Rassi

Melissa Feng

Jean Hong

Evelyn Jang

Rebekah Lee

Emily Lin

Trisha Rastogi

Angela Vu

Lucia Zhang

MATHEMATICS EXTENSION 1

Nara Baek

Daiana Chen

Kening (Karen) Hu

Emily Lin

Angel Poi

MATHEMATICS EXTENSION 2

Angel Poi

MATHEMATICS STANDARD 2

Amandini (Jessica) David

Erika Dudkin

Cherie Ghadiali

Sarah Kuo

Charlotte Mackenzie

Georgia Morley

MODERN HISTORY

Mia Azzi

Amandini (Jessica) David

Sarah Davidson

Sienna Eswaran

Cherie Ghadiali

Evelyn Jang

Na-Young Kim

Emma Malka

MUSIC 1

Natasha Abhayawickrama

MUSIC 2

Phoebe Mulia

MUSIC EXTENSION

Jean Hong

Phoebe Mulia

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Charlotte Mackenzie

PHYSICS

Angel Poi

STUDIES OF RELIGION I

Imogen Barber*

Cherie Ghadiali

Jovana Kacavenda*

Jessica Sant

*Year 11 Accelerated in 2022

VISUAL ARTS

Elaine Cheng

Rebekah Lee

Mila Nikolic

Sydney Pan

Behind the Success Stories: HSC Distinguished Achievers

For students of Tara Anglican School for Girls, the transition from school to new life journeys can be bittersweet, as they reflect on their final years at school and all the memories they’ve made. Among these students are the HSC Distinguished Achievers, a group of exceptional young women who have excelled in their studies and made a lasting impact on the Tara community. We were able to chat with some of our Distinguished Achievers when they returned to school at the beginning of 2023.

MIA AZZI Top ATAR and All Rounder

How do you think your education at Tara prepared you for the HSC?

My teachers were dedicated to ensuring we were equipped with the higher order critical thinking skills necessary to excel in the HSC. Instead of simply delivering the relevant course content, education at Tara would exceed this foundation, with our teachers ensuring we could skilfully apply and manipulate the course content into a particular form. Whether it was learning how to structure a thesis statement or knowing how many minutes to allocate to specific questions, such guidance was crucial to succeeding in the HSC.

How do you think Tara has prepared you for life after School?

The vast opportunities on offer at Tara certainly made me more well-rounded. Namely, my involvement in leadership helped inspire personal confidence alongside efficient liaising and communication skills, which are all valuable qualities for the future.

What are your plans for the future?

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering and Project Management at the University of Sydney, hoping to eventually settle into a job in the industry.

How do you think your education at Tara prepared you for the HSC?

The high level of standards that were expected was, in hindsight, one of the most valuable qualities of my education when both preparing for and sitting the HSC. The teachers constantly pushed us to gain both organisational and academic skills that made the HSC feel similar to a regular exam. Throughout my entire schooling, being able to create close relationships with my teachers had one of the biggest impacts on my education. Beyond my teachers’ experience and qualifications, it was their empathy, patience, and being able to build a rapport with them that made it so much easier for me to ask for whatever help I needed, whether it was gaining feedback, asking for clarification or just having a genuine interest in our wellbeing.

How did the Hospitality department support you in achieving 1st in the state?

My hospitality teacher was one of my biggest supporters in Years 11 and 12, as she constantly pushed me and my peers to submit answers for feedback and offered her help in any way we needed. Her immense experience in the subject was always clear, reiterating key points that were important for us to know and incorporate into our answers while also teaching us how to structure and refine them specific to the question being asked.

What are your plans for the future?

I have always been interested in sciences and naturally decided to continue on from that interest at uni. I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Advanced Science, Majoring in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney, and am planning on becoming a pharmacist.

HANNAH CAMPBELL First in State - Hospitality

CHERIE GHADIALI

Third in State - Studies of Religion I

How do you think your education at Tara prepared you for the HSC?

Tara assisted all girls greatly with preparing us for the HSC, by pushing us to higher standards, giving us extensive amounts of resources and materials as well as working with each girl one-on-one to help us all improve.

How do you think Tara has prepared you for life after School?

Tara has allowed me to grow academically but also as an individual. Moreover, the experiences and knowledge gained from high school have been critical in shaping the woman I am in this competitive and evolving world.

What was your favourite part about Tara?

The friendships I made and who I will take with me into the next chapter of my life as well as the unique opportunities I was able to experience which enriched my high school experience.

What are your plans for the future?

To study a Bachelor of Laws/Arts at the University of NSW.

EVELYN JANG All Rounder

How do you think your education at Tara prepared you for the HSC?

We always had access to a wide range of learning resources and support systems so during HSC we were always equipped with readings and valuable feedback from teachers. We were also assessed to a higher standard, so we were prepared by the time of HSC.

How do you think Tara has prepared you for life after School?

Tara prepared me for life after school largely due to the leadership process. It taught me how to manage my time, especially during Year 12, as well as communication and people management skills.

What was your favourite part about Tara?

The community. I always had such a supportive system around me, whether that be the lifelong friends I made or the teachers who truly wanted to see me improve.

What are your plans for the future?

I am currently doing a Bachelor of Psychology at The University of Sydney and am looking to be a clinical psychologist in the future.

CLASS OF 2022

at university or college in 2023

Early University Offers

For the Class of 2022, 100% of students received at least one early offer to study at university or college in 2023. This number is a significant increase from 91% of students in 2021 and 82% of students in 2020.

Early offers to students were made directly from universities or colleges or via the UAC School Recommendation Scheme (SRS). Many students received multiple offers. Some students only received one offer and then did not apply for other courses as their offer was for their first preference.

The Schools Recommendation Scheme gives students the opportunity to be assessed for an offer to study at one of fifteen participating institutions based on criteria other than, or in addition to, their ATAR.

44 students applied for an offer via the SRS and 28 students received an offer. Two students received two offers and one student received three offers.

Including early offers directly from institutions and 28 SRS offers, at least:

2 students received 12 offers

4 students received 9 offers

4 students received 8 offers

6 students received 7 offers

6 students received 6 offers

13 students received 5 offers

14 students received 4 offers

8 students received 3 offers

11 students received 2 offers

14 students received 1 offer

26% of students achieved an ATAR of 95+ 50% of students achieved an ATAR of 90+ 73% of students achieved an ATAR of 80+ 100% of students received at least one early offer to study

A Boarder’s Journey

It’s a long way from The Marra to The Parra(matta), but it is a journey that Tara’s Head Boarder, Jet has been on for the past seven years.

Jet’s home, The Marra, is a small New South Wales rural area within the local government area of Warren on the edge of the Macquarie Marshes, a nature reserve recognised internationally for its important and unique wetlands, home of the Wailwan People, and one of the largest remaining inland wetlands in south-eastern Australia. The Marshes protect vulnerable species of waterbirds and are a habitat for woodland birds, fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals.

Situated over 600 kilometres from Tara, encircling The Marra are Bourke, Brewarina and Walgett to the north, and Cobar, Nyngan and Gilgandra to the south. And it is here, on a property of 15 000 acres, that Jet calls home. The property has three distinct ‘identities’. The Mole is where Jet and her family live. Maxwelton is a smaller holding which hosts visitors and university students who come to learn about the unique marsh ecosystems. Rumour has it, the old lady who the family purchased the property from, haunts it to this day! Finally, there is Willie Retreat, the old shearing property and now popular tourist farm, where holidaymakers come to star-gaze, bird-watch and get out in the bush, staying in caravans or onsite accommodation, with the new two kilometre boardwalk along the marshes just one of the ways to enjoy this exceptional part of the world.

Jet and her brother are the fifth generation to call The Mole home, with Maxwelton and Willie Retreat purchased more recently by Jet’s parents. The family run Angus cattle on The Mole and Maxwelton. When asked how many, she replied “About 800 breeding cows…. it’s no hobby farm!”. Jet is passionate about this family business. She describes the importance of tracking lineage and breeding, and the technical knowledge and skill behind this. The farm’s family beef is sent all over the world, with Japan its biggest market.

Jet has loved being able to share her home with Tara. Knowing more about Jet’s home, has helped Jet be more known at Tara. When visitors come to stay, they are astounded by its beauty and its remoteness. With about 58 residents in the region, Jet says, “No one understands how remote it is”. When her Deputy Head Boarder came to stay, Jet had to say, “There is no one here, Imogen!”. Understanding that, and how family, farming and nature have shaped Jet, and her journey between the two worlds of home and school, has been key in supporting her life at Tara.

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

Jet started at Tara in Year 6, leaving a school to which even her father went. Jet and her mum attended the Dubbo Boarding Expo and met the Tara staff there. She recalls them being “amazing” and loved their enthusiasm and the opportunities that Tara would offer her within a close-knit boarding house. Jet came to visit and thought “Geez, this is alright!”, the trees, open spaces and close-knit boarding house family, all appealing to her immediately. The significance of this is even more apparent when you consider that Jet’s school in The Marra had a student population of six (three of whom were related) when she commenced in Kindergarten, which at one point was reduced to three when she left for Year 6 at Tara!

This is just one of the many differences between The Marra and Tara. The Marra School was fifteen minutes’ drive from home, whereas Tara is nearly eight hours. At Tara, Jet walks out of Eggleton House, across the green expanse of lawn and is ‘at school’. In The Marra, when not taking the school bus (really just other families with a spare seat passing the Mole letterbox!), Jet rode her horse to school, ‘parking’ it in the cross country track, a fenced paddock at the back of the school.

Ms Ruth Adams - Deputy Principal | Head of Junior School with Jet - Year 12 Class of 2023

L-R: Jet - Head Boarder, Imogen - Deputy Head Boarder, Ida - Class of 2019

But there are similarities also. Regardless of where she is at school, Jet takes advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. At home she drove to Warren every Tuesday for netball, a round trip of three hours, and occasionally “hitting roos on the way back in the dark”. This love of sport has also lived out at Tara, with Jet playing various sports for the school as well as community AFL, an outlet that enabled her to make a whole new group of friends beyond Tara. Jet has loved the service learning she has experienced at Tara. Volunteering for Ronald McDonald House in the tutoring and mentoring program has been a highlight of her senior years. That vulnerable children often so far from home, have Jet to relate to and call a friend, must be such a gift.

Jet’s entire school experience, whether in The Marra or at Tara, has been typified by her love and appreciation for her Principal. In The Marra, it was Mrs Hibbins who Jet describes as such, “She helped me along, pushed me to be better. We had a close relationship. She set the rules but when you suggested something, she did it. Lovely Principal”, a description Jet also ascribes to Mrs Middlebrook: two women whose kindness, authentic interest and desire to see Jet challenged and extended, have honoured and appreciated who Jet is and paved the way for her success.

Since being in Eggleton House, Jet has been barely homesick, an emotional resilience not only inherent in her character, but supported by coming to Tara at the same time as her cousin Ida Dawson who came for Year 10. Jet recalls afternoons walking up from Junior School at the end of the school day, and going into Ida’s room to talk through everything that had happened. They were like sisters before they came, and their shared experience at Tara has only cemented that strong bond and deep connection. Jet has appreciated the compassionate culture of the boarding house. She has been able to call her mum and dad whenever she has wanted to and for as long as she has needed. Jet says, “This has mattered to Mum and me. I think it’s been hard on Mum. She used to cry every time on the way home after she left me, and bought herself flowers to cheer herself up…or so I was told!”.

Jet speaks affectionately about Mrs Cocks, Tara’s Head of Boarding, “She’s amazing. She knows all the girls. She is so positive, with the biggest smiley face after a big day. She knows who I am as a person, what makes me tick. She has visited my home and understands what matters to me and why I am like I am”.

Jet has loved her work in Hospitality at Tara and learning with Mrs Cropper, “I get so much out of it”. Work experience in the field as part of her education along with Ida’s encouragement, has provided Jet with skills and options for her future.

Jet is on the cusp of her life beyond Eggleton House, and the classrooms and sporting fields of Tara. She is already living out her imagined future, attending sale yards, travelling and learning by following the footsteps of an AI technician, being passionate about EBVs (estimated breeding values), and possessing the patience, precision and experience in breeding techniques.

To spend an hour with Jet, listening to her speak about her life, her family, her experience and her hopes beyond Tara’s gates, is a delight. Ask her about the Maxwelton ghost and how the property entered her family, or why The Mole is so named. Ask her about how her boarding experience differs from her brother’s, the difference between a heifer and a cow, or the influences on the lineage of the family’s Angus line.

What you will realise is that Jet is the living embodiment of Tara’s values. She has served others, acted with integrity and character, taken every opportunity on offer, and affirmed those who have walked the journey with her and smoothed her way. “It’s been amazing”, she says. Jet, the privilege has been all ours.

Diving into a Bright Future

The dream of the Tara Aquatic Centre and Sports Precinct has finally become a reality, and what better way to celebrate than with a spectacular first jump into the brand new Tara Aquatic Centre Pool! On 9 May, the School community gathered with great anticipation to witness this historic moment. It was a day that will be remembered for years to come.

To add to the excitement, one student from each grade and three staff members were selected to take the first plunge. As they stood on the edge of the sparkling pool, anticipation filled the air. The rest of the School lined the poolside, cheering and clapping, ready to witness the momentous occasion.

With a countdown, the brave individuals leaped into the water, creating a splash that echoed the enthusiasm and spirit of the entire School. The first jump marked the beginning of a new era at Tara, where swimming and aquatic activities will play a vital role in the School’s curriculum.

The development of the Tara Aquatic Centre and Sports Precinct has been a long-held dream for the School

community. The state-of-the-art facility will cater to our community’s sporting needs, promoting physical fitness and overall wellbeing.

The Aquatic Centre will serve as a hub for swimming lessons, competitive swim training, water polo and recreational activities. With its modern facilities and dedicated instructors, it will become a place where students can build their confidence in the water and explore their potential as athletes.

Following the exhilarating first jump, the Tara School community gathered for a fun filled afternoon with a whole school picnic with celebratory cakes and games.

The first jump into the Tara Aquatic Centre pool marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in the School’s history, and we can’t wait to see the incredible achievements and memories that will be made within its walls.

So, here’s to the Tara Aquatic Centre and Sports Precinct - a dream realised, a community united, and a future full of swimming success!

Leadership in Junior School

The

Embodiment of Affirmation, Opportunity, Integrity and Service

Ms Ruth Adams - Deputy Principal | Head of Junior School

An important and meaningful annual event was held in the Tara Chapel on Friday 17 February: the Year 6 Commissioning Service. This is a really special event and, accompanied by the Year 6 Graduation Dinner and Ceremony, ‘bookends’ the year for our oldest Junior School girls.

Led by our Chair of Council Ms Gilbert, the congregation prayed for Year 6. We were addressed by our Chaplain, Mrs Kay-Browning, drawing on the Psalms, the focus in Junior School Chapel during Term 1. Mrs Kay-Browning reminded us of that to ‘be commissioned’ means to be put into service. Using the key words of sheep, character and competence, we learned how the leadership criteria we employ as humans is quite different to God’s, who does not look at external appearance, but rather at the heart – our thoughts, intentions and motivations.

With the visual aid of an equal arm balance and the example of David’s shepherding, Mrs Kay-Browning drew our attention to the importance of balance in leadership: striking that equity between character and competence in leading our ‘sheep’. This year, through their leadership opportunities, the girls will be focusing on developing their ‘character’ by acting with integrity,

kindness and trustworthiness. And at the same time, becoming more competent by becoming more reliable, skilful, and organised. Already this year in working with Year 6 I have enjoyed seeing their competence grow! Like David, they are working hard not to consider themselves too important to care for and protect Tara girls, their ‘sheep’.

Mrs Kay-Browning left us with this enduring message from Psalm 78: look out for, care for, and serve your ‘sheep’. And do it with character and competence. In a joyful and thoughtful service, it was gratifying to see the girls stand before parents, teachers, peers and Mrs Middlebrook, and declare their intention to serve the school that has served them.

In her address, Jasmine, our Elizabeth Medalist, made reference to the fact that our current Year 6 girls have been led by the Year 6 girls who went before them, and on behalf of her peers, committed to leaving the Junior School better than they found it. What a great declaration! Jasmine honoured Mrs Middlebrook and Mrs Kay-Browning in their last Junior School Commissioning.

Leadership is important in Senior Schools. After all, these are the students who are the closest to joining

the non-academic sphere of their life. However, it is difficult for students to be leaders in Senior School if Junior School does not begin their training. When students start early there’s a “difference in leadership ability when they get to high school”(Checkly, 2004). Leadership in the Junior School is unique in that every girl has a role that genuinely supports and improves the experiences of girls in ELC-Year 6.

Rather than a ‘delayed gratification’ view of leadership – that somehow everything we are doing now is not actually useful now, but may be in some indeterminate future – student leadership in the Junior School is viewed as a vital skill and experience, with benefits in the ‘right here’ and ‘right now’. Students supported and affirmed in leadership are able to carry out a wide variety of self- and school- improvement projects. Student leadership is a great way to tap into student energy, to build self-respect and to create a sharing and caring school.

But for student leadership to be authentic, meaningful and connected to real life, requires schools and teachers to broaden their understanding of ‘education’ to view and appreciate students as equal participants rather than just objects in the educational process. We do that here at Tara.

For two terms a year, each House takes on a special responsibility. During one term, they ideate, plan and organise the student Assemblies. During their other term, they serve the School community through direct action: leading a service learning day; assisting our smallest girls to the playground every morning; managing the playground student noticeboard and undertaking their House leadership project.

Planning for this project starts back in Year 5 and builds on the awareness they gained on the Year 5 Learning Leadership day, planned in collaboration with The King’s School Prep and Tudor House, and hosted at Tara. People often ask me how our girls fare when

confronted with a co-ed environment. Very well, is what I answer. The girls are happy and confident, and have a strong sense of their own ‘voice’, as evident in their engagement, participation and learning outcomes on these combined leadership training days.

At the end of Year 5, and supported by our Senior School leaders, the girls of each House gather to brainstorm a possible House leadership project they will lead when they are in Year 6. This year, in Term 1, Walker House is leading an art project – aptly titled Native Creative – which invites girls in the Junior School to create art works around a central theme using objects found in the natural environment. What a wonderful opportunity to grow appreciation for the beautiful environment in which Tara is situated! These leadership projects are just one example of ‘student voice’: an approach that respects the views, hopes and ideas which young children bring to their education.

There are additional acts of leadership Year 6 undertake. The Elizabeth Medalist along with the Heads of Houses have an important role in the management and stewardship of our sandpit toys and run special morning teas throughout the year for new girls and Silver Award recipients.

The Heads of Houses have met with their House Patron to prepare for the recent Swimming Carnival and will do again as we lead into the Athletics and Cross Country seasons. The Christian Service leaders have jumped in feet first, promoting Crew, and working with Mrs KayBrowning and Miss Bec to lead weekly Chapels and reviews in Assembly.

Our Creative Arts leaders have an ongoing role throughout the year across all areas of the arts: in the biennial Visual Art Walk and theatrical production, annual Performer of the Year, and Assembly items to name a few. They work quite independently to promote, encourage and engage students in the creative arts.

Finally, all Year 6 girls play a vital role in House Jams: fun, engaging and student-led ways to promote and celebrate a genuine sense of belonging in the whole community. It’s great to see the leaders (and leaders in training!) imagine, plan and implement such dynamic and enjoyable afternoons.

Leadership in the Junior School is an active demonstration of what is valued at Tara and the kind of character traits the School Community wish to see developed in the girls:

• It’s authentic and student-centred because girls are doing real life tasks, with adults in a consultancy and facilitating, rather than controlling, role. Girls generate and propose ideas, and plan and implement events. This promotes independence and risk-taking.

• It’s inclusive because in Year 6, every girl has a vital role, that should it be removed, would lessen the pastoral and operational capacity of the school.

• It’s empowering because a girl fills every leadership role. Often in schools, girls can be seen as ‘audience’ with boys as ‘actors’. In a girls’ school with a strong commitment to leadership such as Tara, we are agents to facilitate girls’ voices and creativity. Our leadership model redefines power for girls, as not power over things, but power to effect positive change.

• It’s collaborative because it requires girls to work with and alongside others on projects. The iGeneration expect that they can create, consume, remix and share information with each other. The leadership structure in the Junior School acknowledges that.

Leadership is not an easy road and does not always go to plan. There are hurdles and pitfalls. Members of a team don’t always listen to each other. We can take a while to find our groove in a new position. We may have to work closely with someone with whom we are not that close. We may feel overwhelmed, over committed, and struggling to find balance. In other words: leadership in Year 6 mirrors real life work! Every Year 6 girl has been promoted to a position that is just outside her area of expertise, but she will be spending this year working to build capacity and competency. It is not a surprise therefore, that the first Assemblies/ House Jams/Morning Teas are indicative of a ‘work in progress’. Leadership is a learning experience.

Leadership does not just ‘happen’ at Tara. We explicitly seek to teach the skills and attitudes necessary for a servant-hearted model of service to the School. It’s wonderful getting amongst the leadership culture in the Junior School. I hope you join me in praying for and supporting our Year 6 girls as they exercise student leadership at Tara.

Checkley, K. (2004). A seat at the table: tapping the power of student leadership. Educational Leadership. 7 (8).

Junior School Heads of House

Christian Service Leaders Creative Arts Leaders

Elizabeth Medalist for 2023 - Jasmine and her family

Australian Virtual Astronaut Challenge

Mrs Cassandra Winfield - Dean of Learning 7 - 10

Tara girls have once again demonstrated their outstanding knowledge and skills, this time in the field of aerospace engineering. In December 2022, the team of five young Year 10 women, Arya, Natalie, Jaskirit, Ella, and Monica, won the Australian Virtual Astronaut (AVA) Challenge by designing a revolutionary wheel fit for a Moon Rover.

The AVA challenge was undertaken as part of the Stage 5 Science Elective curriculum and involved small groups working to create novel solutions to unique scenarios. Each scenario focused on a series of issues related to future travel to, and colonisation of, the Moon and Mars. While some groups worked on building houses and growing plants on the Moon, team Pneumonis took on the big task of tackling problems associated with the transportation of essential resources on the Moon.

Team Pneumonis investigated the problems faced by the current Mars Rover wheel including increasing damage and reduced lifespan. Using their research and their creative thinking skills, the girls created a design for an improved model, focusing on the use of a unique material that is both lightweight and durable, making it an ideal choice for the harsh conditions on the Moon. The wheel also had an innovative internal spring design that aimed to provide increased flexibility and reduce the chances of permanent deformities, making it easier for the rover to traverse difficult terrain.

The girls had nine weeks to come up with a solution that they presented to their class. Using assessment criteria and peer voting, Team Pneumonis was awarded the opportunity to present and compete at the Great Space Pitch. After two weeks of pitch development, the girls headed to Little Bay to face teams from all over the state. The team’s presentation was nothing short of remarkable. They demonstrated their thorough understanding of the problem and presented their solution with confidence and poise. The judges were impressed by their ingenuity, the clarity of their ideas, and that each girl contributed in a significant and unique way to the group.

The win was a major achievement for the girls and for Tara. It was a testament to the hard work and dedication of Arya, Natalie, Jaskirit, Ella, and Monica. We are very proud! Activities such as this hopefully inspire young Tara women to pursue future education and careers in STEM, so that they too can contribute to the next generation of innovations.

L-R: Ella, Jaskirit, Monica, Arya and Natalie

Rugby 7s and Badminton Offer Exciting New Sport Opportunities

Unleash Your Inner Athlete: R

ugby 7s is a variant of Rugby Union that emphasizes quick ball movement, speed, and agility. It is played on a full-sized rugby field and games consist of two sevenminute halves, totalling 14 minutes. The sport has gained significant media attention in recent years, especially after its inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games, where the Australian women’s team won gold. Rugby 7s has also become increasingly popular at the school, club, and professional level. In mid-2022, a group of students expressed interest in forming their own 7s team at Tara. The process involved careful planning and constant input from the students to gauge interest and commitment to form a squad and compete in local competitions. Senior girls were given the opportunity to attend a “come and try” session led by NSW Rugby Union (NSWRU), where they were taught the fundamental skills and techniques necessary to participate safely.

In Term 4 2022, a group of 10 girls comprising of six Year 12s and four Year 11s commenced their training, focusing on essential skills such as passing, tackling, scrummaging, and strategy. Their coach, Ben, who is an elite rugby player and coach, instilled confidence in the girls to participate in a local competition, the Chloe Dalton Schoolgirl 7s. The girls played two matches on Monday nights at Barker College each week, which helped them gain valuable experience and improve their training.

The girls won their very first game convincingly and surpassed some strong teams who have been playing rugby for several years. They showed significant progress on a weekly basis, and in doing so, made the semi-finals. A narrow loss to Oakhill 1 saw them compete in the 3rd v 4th playoff, which they won against a strong team they hadn’t beaten all season. It was a great display of the progress they have made, with some incredible passing, tackling and teamwork. For the girls to finish 3rd in their very first competition is outstanding, and we are so proud of their achievements. The team owes much of their success to their coach, Ben, who has provided them with excellent guidance and support in their journey to learn and excel in a new sport for Tara.

Mr Will Bickersteth - Sport Coordinator

In 2023, IGSA Sport added Badminton to its list of Saturday sports available during Term 1. This new addition has given girls a second option for racquet sports, in addition to the three other sports already offered. Badminton has become very popular at Tara, with the school entering 21 teams across Years 7 to 12. To help the girls learn, we employed new experienced coaches, who between them have won numerous singles and doubles State titles. Girls have been taught the fundamental skills, including footwork, shot selection, positioning, and game strategy, and all teams have been performing well with some excellent results each week. The School is excited to see how this new sport will grow in the coming years.

Rugby 7s 2023 L-R: Coach Ben, Caitlyn, Daisy, Rhema, Isabella, Charlotte, Abby, Jessica, Tahlia, Cameron and Ashiqca

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

Meet Our Chaplain

Ms Fiona Isaacs

It is a great joy to be joining the Tara community as the School Chaplain. My faith in Jesus is the centre point of my own life, and I count it a deep privilege to get to share that with others.

I came to School Chaplaincy with a background in teaching. I originally trained to be a Science teacher, specialising in Chemistry and Physics. Upon graduating from university, I started my career in public schools in Western NSW, including working in both Forbes and Dubbo. Teaching then took me overseas to international schools in Cambodia and Ethiopia - these countries are special places to me. It was during my time in Cambodia that I was first given the chance to teach Christian Studies and be involved in School Chaplaincy. I realised that this job was an awesome fit for everything I was passionate about; teaching, teenagers, having big conversations, and most importantly sharing God’s message of love and salvation. Consequently, I changed the focus on my Masters in Theology to be in School Chaplaincy, and was lucky to live in Los Angeles for a year as I completed that study at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Outside of school I am a member of my Church community at St Mark’s Darling Point, where I preach and lead Bible Studies. This may tip you off that I live in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, this is because I like being near the water and the beaches. I am a keen reader, and particularly love the works of Jane Austen. I also enjoy hiking and dabbling in various crafts. This year I have been experimenting with different styles of embroidery, and been having fun transforming boring looking clothes into new pieces. I am also working on completing my Doctorate in Ministry, which is exploring how Anglican girls’ schools empower students to choose virtue from a sense of personal agency.

I am very much looking forward to getting to know everyone in the Tara Community. It is a particular joy for me to be at the school that my great-grandmother and her sisters graduated from. I hope to meet you soon around the School campus or at a Tara event.

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

We welcome Ms Fiona Isaacs to Tara as our newly appointed Chaplain | Director of Christian Faith and Values. Fiona brings a wealth of experience in Chaplaincy and teaching. Hear from Fiona below.

Liaison at Tara

Social Connection

Mrs Cate Redman

Connection with Families Abroad

Mrs Geraldine Hsu

The role of Community Liaison Manager is all about connection. As a mum of two and an expat, I know how wonderful school-based connections can be.

Research shows that parental involvement in a child’s learning journey maximises both their academic outcomes and wellbeing. Shared experiences through being involved in school based activities are a wonderful way to make friends and improve our mental health. Both the individual, school and the wider community benefits from volunteering and the contributions that can be made to school infrastructure.

For 2023, a priority for Community Relations is to build on the current Tara parent groups, the Parents & Friends and Tara Dads Club, as well as facilitate other social events organised by volunteers from year groups and other school representatives. A networking group I am passionate about is the class parent system as I see those who are on the ground, mixing with other parents, as having a vital role in welcoming new families, organising social events and ensuring a cohesive and positive experience of schooling. Since my first son started school 16 years ago, I have embraced this connection and served on Parents & Friends committees, been a Class Parent and organised many fundraising events. I love being part of a team, working together to achieve and make a difference in each other’s and the students’ lives and I’m excited to connect with the many parent groups at Tara to plan and support events.

As Helen Keller says, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”. This year the P&F, Tara Dads Club, Community Relations, Class Parents and the Tara Old Girls’ Association will be hosting many eventsit’s definitely going to be a busy year!

My name is Geraldine and in November 2022, I started working with Tara as the International Liaison Coordinator.

With over 30 years of experience in the field of international education, I have expertise in various domains like operations, finance, HR, strategy development, change management, and people leadership. I have a strong background in school operations and have contributed to the creation of high-quality academic programs. I have also played a vital role in establishing links with vocational, tertiary, and private schools in NSW.

Working in this role allows me to bring my skills to assist the international community in understanding Tara better and helping international students to adjust to studying and living at Tara. I am able to facilitate communication, coordination, and relationships between Tara and international students and their families.

I am thrilled to inform the international community that Tara provides excellent academic and wellbeing support to international students. Our compassionate and qualified staff ensure that all girls receive the best possible care and assistance. When studying and boarding at Tara, international students are well taken care of and supported.

In 2023, I am excited to promote and expand the Tara brand internationally as a unique girls’ school with holistic values that set us apart from the rest.

Tara Staff News Engagement Announcements

Congratulations to Miss Temika Gambrill (Year 4 Teacher and 3-6 Leader) who became engaged in July 2022 with the wedding to take place in September 2023.

Congratulations to Miss Emma Poletto (Year 4 Teacher) who became engaged in July 2022 with the wedding to take place in November 2023.

Birth Announcements

Mrs Elizabeth George - Head of Social Sciences

We are pleased to announce the birth of my grandson Thomas Isaac Wilson on 25 October 2022.

Mrs Sarah Norman - Junior School Teacher

We are thrilled to share the news of the Valentine’s Day arrival Jack Thomas Norman, son of Mrs Sarah Norman, the Junior School LEAP Coordinator. Although big sister Ava was disappointed that Jack wasn’t a puppy dog or a little sister, she is smitten with her new little brother and is a helping hand to mum and dad.

Mrs Dominique Maruca - IT

We are pleased to announce the arrival of Gia Maruca who was born 20 February 2023.

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

From the Archives... B

ack in 1965, the first Tara pool at Mason Drive was completed. In the June 1966 issue of Tara Talk, the ‘Items of Interest’ column reports:

“The new Swimming Pool has now been fenced with a handsome wire fence to keep out straying stock and other undesirable characters! The official opening of the pool will be in Third Term – the water won’t be so cold then.”

The original change rooms were built using the Kennedy cottage, but in 1972, new changerooms were constructed. The pool had been a popular spot for Inter-House swimming carnivals and life-saving classes.

In the mid-1990s, as part of the Tara Centenary celebrations, a proposal was put forth for a heated and enclosed swimming pool complex. Submissions and plans from 1995 to 1997 showed an ambitious vision that was unfortunately delayed, with the hope that it would be finished in time for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

We can now celebrate the completion of the new Tara pool, complete with a cover to keep out those pesky ducks. This is another milestone for the Mason Drive location, and a testament to Mrs Susan Middlebrook’s time at Tara.

1967 Tara pool

1972 Tara pool changerooms

1975 Tara pool swimming carnival

1969 Tara pool

1974 Tara pool

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.

Kaitlin Staniforth

Class of 2017

At Tara, Boarding was a terrific experience. As Head Girl of Boarding, I was able to share my love of meeting new people and making friends across all year groups. I was involved in everything I could manage and Tara sport and competition was excellent.

I attended University straight from Tara and completed a Bachelor of Education K-6 teaching. During my time at the University of New England in Armidale, I lived on campus at St Alberts College for all four years of my study. It was a great way to meet people and have a lot of fun. When Uni was on a break, I spent most of my time working in the shearing sheds at home. In my final year of Uni I also did some casual teaching in Armidale. I finished study in 2021 and was excited when to gain a full-time position straight out of university at a small town called Warren. It is 120 kilometres northwest of Dubbo and has a population of about 1,600 people. I am currently in my second year of teaching at Warren.

I love primary teaching as it gives me the opportunity to encourage and support children. I love children and always have. Being able to work with them is great. I love seeing them grow and begin to understand and learn new concepts.

Teaching in a regional area creates a great sense of community and connection. Everyone is welcoming and supportive of everything that you do. It’s not just work where you see these families. You are having an impact on the students’ lives both inside and outside of school because they see you out in the community doing what you enjoy.

In small towns the best way to get to know people is by getting involved. I play tennis every Monday night in a team, play netball in both mixed and women’s competitions (during the week) and touch football on Saturdays.

Kaitlin pictured right

Sara Moore (Darmenia)

Class of 2004

My favourite memories from my time at Tara are mostly centred around people - the friends I made in the Boarding House who I still see almost 20 years later, my day-girl friends who are still very much in my life today, and a couple of very wonderful teachers who invested so much time and care in my learning and growth. I hope they’d be proud of me today!

Further Study

I completed a Bachelor of Social Science (Major in Sociology, Minor in Criminology) and a Bachelor of Laws, both at Western Sydney University.

Career

I joined the Australian Taxation Office as part of the Graduate Program in 2013, and have worked in a number of roles across the agency, gaining experience in areas as diverse as Financial Crime and the Individuals market! Most notably, during the 20202022 COVID pandemic, I was selected as part of the leadership and core design team for the JobKeeper Compliance Program.

I was incredibly fortunate to be able to be part of a phenomenal team of dedicated public servants, drawn from across the whole of the ATO, who came together, bringing varying expertise to design a very complicated program against brand new legislation.

During my 18 months working on JobKeeper, I was in charge of issues management and solution design for the compliance program, and spent many a very long day (and night!) working with a fantastic group of leaders and staff to ensure that vulnerable Australians were supported as seamlessly as possible during this unprecedented period.

I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to directly contribute to the country and be part of designing and managing a solution to help support the Australian community during a time that was difficult for so many people.

Post-pandemic, I returned to the Individual tax market, and now lead a branch responsible for managing strategic or complex issues and cases. My team and I work to provide guidance and support for audit staff, track strategic cases and issues through the ATO, and have the privilege of designing solutions for so-called ‘wicked problems’ and cases.

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

I’m passionate about my career in public service, and feel fortunate to have a career that is intellectually challenging, dynamic and always interesting, while allowing me to give back to the country and community in a tangible way.

Life Highlights

I married my wonderful husband Keith in 2013, and we welcomed our amazing son Jack in 2016. He is now 6, and in the first grade at school in North Parramattawe haven’t gone far!

Lucinda Brownlow Class

of 2015

My favourite memories of Tara included School sports, carnivals, the musicals, the dedicated and compassionate teachers and making lifelong friendships.

Further Study

After school I went on to study a Bachelor of Education Early Childhood and Primary.

Career

I started working at Tara Before and After School Care in Year 12, 2015. Whilst at University I continued to work there casually.

After graduating from University I went and taught at many schools around the area and continued to work at Tara in the holidays at Vacation Care.

When Barbara Edge asked me if I would be interested in taking on the role of Director of the Centre I was very excited and appreciative of the opportunity.

Barbara was a fantastic role model and taught me so many valuable lessons. I started my new role in August 2022 and that is where I am today.

My late Grandmother Shirley Brownlow taught in the Tara Junior School for many years and I know that she would be very proud of what I am doing now.

Life Highlights

I got engaged in Santorini in June last year and spent several months travelling Europe with my Fiancé Nick.

I have been busy planning my wedding for December this year. One of my bridesmaids is one of my best friends from Year 7 at Tara.

Tara organised a Garden Party on 22 October, 2022 that was attended by Alumni, past staff, and past parents. The event was a delightful afternoon of reconnecting with old friends and reminiscing about the rich history of Tara over the last 125 years. Mrs Michelle Kay-Browning, Tara’s Chaplain, began the afternoon with a Chapel Service, emphasising the importance of ‘Words to Live By’. The guests were served a scrumptious afternoon tea in the Senior School Colonnade, where they had the opportunity to explore Archive displays, historical images, listen to stories shared by Alumni, past parents, and past staff, and take a self-guided tour of the School. It was a memorable afternoon of celebration and nostalgia, marking a significant milestone in Tara’s 125th year! We hope you enjoy these photos from the Garden Party.

Connected Community

Parents and Friends Association (P&F) and Tara Dads Club (TDC)

Joining either the P&F or TDC is an excellent way to engage with the Tara community and contribute your skills and expertise towards shaping the School’s future. These groups not only act as positive supporters of Tara but also undertake fundraising initiatives that provide great benefit to the school.

The P&F is guided by a committee of four Office Bearers being the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Parents and Friends Executive Committee

President: Patricia Cross

Vice President: Nairi Khina Malek

Treasurer: Sid Diwakar

Secretary: Natalie Harrison

Committee:

Graham Bellach, Liz Brockliss, John Capolupo, Kesara Jayasuriya, Donna Karam, Meg Le Lievre, Malvika Mittal, Piyush Mittal, Teraza Nematalla, Rocky Nematalla, Eric Nguyen

The TDC aims to bring Tara dads and their daughters together through social events and activities. Its main goal is to foster strong relationships between fathers and their daughters.

TDC Executive Committee

President: Pascal Mouawad

Vice President & Treasurer: Vik Garg

Secretary and Communications: Adam Canceri

Committee Members: Neil Armstrong, John Capolupo, Tim Curtin, Mohamad Dib, Rob Fallins, Chris Hui, Kas Hussein, James Raad, Sanjit Roy, Joe Sassine

The P&F and TDC aim to support the School community by providing practical assistance and financial resources for students’ educational, co-curricular, and personal development opportunities. Additionally, they organise social events for the wider Tara community. As a parent of a Tara student, you automatically become a member of both groups.

Throughout the year, the P&F and TDC arrange various social events, including the Mothers and Daughter High Tea, Carols in the Colonnade, Movie Nights, and the Dads and Daughter Dinner dance. They also manage the second hand uniform shop and oversee the Sports Canteen every Saturday morning.

Year 7 Parent Welcome Evening

ELC - Year 2 Dinner

Tara Dads Club Sports Afternoon and BBQ

From the P&F President

P&F President, Mrs Patricia Cross

The Tara Parents & Friends Committee (P&F) is the overarching parent body within Tara. Every parent of a current Tara student is a member and we support and are supported by other parent bodies including Class Parents, Tara Dads Club (TDC), Friends of Tara Rowing (FOTR) and Snowsports. Additionally, the P&F supports the Secondhand Uniform Shop and the Sports Café.

The P&F are a network of dedicated volunteers from across both Junior and Senior School. They generously give of their time to help support Tara, the Tara community and ultimately all our daughters, current and future. For 2023, we have formed a new Executive Committee and are overjoyed and grateful that we seem finally able to put the past three years of COVID restrictions behind us.

The Committee have commenced a strategic plan for the next few years. We are mindful that some activities can take 18 months or more of planning, so it is vital that we look to the future and understand how we can best support both the Tara community and School.

Certainly, some activities raise funds which are donated to the School toward agreed items. We share in the community’s excitement for the opening of the Tara Aquatic Centre and are delighted to have contributed in excess of $150,000 towards it over the past three years, together with funds for the upgrade of the Mouleric Oval.

Other activities are created expressly for the purpose of “friendraising”, providing an opportunity for attendees to meet other members of the community, expanding personal social networks. Already, we have assisted with a Year 7 cocktail evening, and ELC –Year 2 Dinner. We are currently looking at potential dates for other year groups and will advise as soon as possible of these.

It’s already been a very exciting start to the year, and I’m looking forward to the P&F continuing to be of service to Tara, and the community.

Feel free to contact the Committee at parentsandfriends@tara.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions or suggestions.

On behalf of the P&F Committee, we look forward to seeing you at a P&F event or meeting soon!

Diary Dates

Community

26 August – P&F Trivia Night

25 November – Carols in the Colonnade

Tara Dads Club

20 June – Networking and AGM

22 July – Dads and Daughters Ball

Tara Old Girls’ Association

6 August – Back to Tara Day

30 August – AGM

19 September – Year 12 Breakfast

Tara Old Girls’ Association From the President

The Old Girls’ Association was established in 1957 and has since flourished as a part of the ever-evolving tapestry that is Tara community. In 2023 it is wonderful to see such a strong community of women coming together as our committee to support Tara and our past student network. The mix of alumnae from 1967-2019 provides a great opportunity to learn and exchange wisdom, stories, and knowledge from different generations of life as a Tara girl. It is inspiring to see the continued commitment to empowering women and fostering a sense of connection.

The Tara Old Girls’ Association is dedicated to providing support for School events, generously donating gifts and school equipment, and offering scholarships and bursaries to the current daughters and granddaughters of Tara Old Girls. By actively participating in various initiatives, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and provide valuable opportunities for the next generation of Tara students. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and continue the legacy of excellence that Tara stands for.

We were thrilled celebrate Tara’s 125th Birthday and in doing so, gifting two interactive archive tables to Tara. The collaboration with Enid, the School archivist, is a wonderful addition to our community. These interactive archive tables will allow current students to learn more about Tara’s history, and past students to reconnect with the school at reunions. It is a great opportunity to share the legacy of Tara with everyone.

We are so excited to hold our first Back to Tara Day on the afternoon of 6 August. It will be a chance for past students to reconnect with their peers and for themselves and past staff to reminisce about their time at Tara. An afternoon tea, followed by a School tour and access to the new interactive archive tables will allow exploration of the changes that have been made to the school over time. We hope that everyone will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to reconnect, while also taking time to appreciate the growth and development that Tara has undergone since their time as students and staff.

Our next Annual General Meeting will be held on the evening Wednesday, 30 August in Senior School. We would like to extend an invitation to all our former students who may be interested in becoming a committee member or engaging in the process of the Annual General Meeting. Please check our social media closer to the date for more details.

Lucinda Beck - President

To join Join Us

the Tara Old Girls’ Association send an email to taraoldgirls@tara.nsw.edu.au with your contact details. Stay Connected:

by visiting

1908-1911

1912-1951

1951-1963

1964-

Tara Old Girls’ Association

Joan Waugh Scholarship Winner 2022

In memory of Mary Elizabeth (Joan) Waugh, Headmistress of Tara from 1897 to 1946, the Tara Old Girls’ Association awards the Joan Waugh Scholarship annually.

The scholarship aims to support, inspire, and encourage Old Girls to further 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.

We wish to extend our warmest congratulations to Felicity Smith of the graduating Class of 2007, who is the recipient of the Joan Waugh Scholarship of $5,000. We are so proud of her incredible work as a humanitarian volunteer engineer and are delighted to be able to support her in furthering her education and research in this field. It is an honour to be able to recognise such an inspirational and dedicated person as Felicity.

We are so grateful to Alison Lillyman and the Joan Waugh Scholarship panel for their tireless contributions to the scholarship selection process. Alison has been an integral part of the panel for many years, and her dedication and commitment is greatly appreciated as she moves on from this position.

Joan Waugh Scholarship Applications

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) years’ 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 website.

Joan Waugh Scholarship Winner 2022 - Felicity Smith

Tara Old Girls’ News

Birth Announcements

Nathalie Taylor (nee Edge, 2002)

In June 2022 our family welcomed our beautiful girl, Daphne into the world. She is very loved by all but especially by her big brother, Henry.

Education Award

Emily Braga - InSpEd Postgraduate Student Award

Lara Bullen (nee Clift, 2009)

Matt and I are excited to share that our son Theodore Peter Bullen was born on 27 May 2022. He is a delight!

Congratulations to Emily Braga (2015) who was recently awarded the InSpEd Postgraduate Student Award with the Institute of Special Educators. Emily was nominated as the 2022 top student for the coursework component of the Master of Special Education (Special and Inclusive Education).

“Exposure to new research, knowledge and practice through my studies in special and inclusive education has equipped me to create a classroom that promotes all students’ access to the curriculum and high engagement in learning.

The opportunity to share my learning with work colleagues has been valuable for promoting the inclusion of all students at my school. While in the early stages of my teaching career, I look forward to all that I am yet to learn and develop as I seek to be the best teacher I can be for each of my students.”

Reunions

Class of 1991

On 22 November 2022, the reunion of the Class of 1991 was held in the Bowern Room at Tara. It was a delightful sight to witness so many familiar faces, and we were overjoyed to have Dr Ruth Shatford among us. The event was a great success, and everyone had a wonderful time reminiscing.

Class of 1992

The Class of 1992 had a reunion on 6 August 2022 at the Hart’s Pub in The Rocks. A wonderful afternoon spent catching up on the last 30 years with a fabulous and supportive group of ladies.

Class of 2012

The Class of 2012 reunion was held on 12 November 2022. Special guest, Mr Gilbert (ex-Tara English teacher), made a surprise appearance!

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

Did you know...

/TaraAnglicanSchoolforGirls

/taraanglicanschoolforgirls

/the-council-of-tara-anglican-school-for-girls

/tasfg

/TaraAnglicanSchool