Kayley Harris - Class of 1979

My name is Kayley and I am 57 years old. That must sound very old to someone in high school but believe me, I don’t feel it...ok well some days I do!

When I was in Year 6 in 1975 at Epping West Primary School, we were all asked what high school we would be attending. Most of the class were going to Carlingford High School but my parents had decided to send me to Tara which was then called Tara Church of England Girls School. I was upset because no one in my year was going there and my friends all thought it sounded very snobby. I asked my parents why I had to go to Tara and they said it was a good school and I would have better job prospects. Being the 70’s, my parents also hoped I would learn to become a young ‘lady’, whatever that meant.

On my first day of school I met another girl, her name was Fiona. We stayed best friends through school and remain friends to this day. My most cherished memories of Tara are all based on my friendships. High school can be very difficult as we navigate puberty, boys, friendships and school work. I wasn’t overly academic and I didn’t think I paid particular attention to the teachers but I must have absorbed more than I thought. There are still times today when I recall things from school…..I was actually able to

win a trivia competition for knowing that the Battle of Hastings was in 1066! At lunchtimes in summer my friends and I would sit on the grass and sunbake our legs and talk about boys and our favourite songs. We believed in each other, defended each other and we belonged to each other. I left school in Year 10 as my parents and I felt like I would be better off in the workforce than continuing my education. I regret leaving to this day and would love to go back and finish my HSC. I began working in an office as an administrative assistant but it wasn’t for me. I have a rather outgoing personality so I enrolled in a three month radio announcers course because I loved music and couldn’t believe it was possible to earn a living just by talking and playing records...something I did daily! Following the course I secured a job as a junior traffic reporter at 2UW (now KIISFM) and my career took off from there.

I worked hard and eventually secured a job co-hosting the breakfast show on WSFM. I was there for 12 years, starting each day at 3am. In 2004 I left and had a couple of years off to be with my three children and in 2007 I was offered a job at Radio 2GB as an Assistant Producer.

I still work for Radio 2GB as a casual Executive Producer which means I’m responsible for producing radio shows.

I have also worked as a Publicist for The Wiggles and hosted many programs for 2GB, 2UE and 2CH. Being a Tara girl certainly helped me in the early days. When applying for jobs I was always asked which school I had attended and Tara’s reputation never failed to impress. I then understood why mum and dad sent me there.

I think one of the most important things Tara taught me was to not always think about myself, to consider other people and to be the best version of myself. As I said, I was not really academic but I like to think I was kind and compassionate and I learnt this at Tara. My advice to my younger self would be to be your own best friend. No one knows you better than you. If you’re in high school right now, here’s my advice - making hamburgers isn’t beneath you, your grandparents called it opportunity.

Harnsle Joo - Class of 2012

We’re really blessed at Tara. The tight knit community and dedicated teachers create an environment that encourages all young women to try new things and discover their identities. My fondest memories of Tara are all of the extra curricular activities I took part in. I wasn’t always very good, but I was always given the chance to have a go. I also had many opportunities to foster and grow my talents and passions. This was crucial in shaping me into who I am today. The moment I finished high school, I dived head first into the crazy, clustered world of media, trying to find my place. I definitely worked a lot harder outside of uni than within...but that was the right decision for me because it led me to where I am today. I’m currently the Executive Producer of Afternoons with Deborah Knight on 2GB radio - Sydney’s number one station, and arguably one of the most influential media outlets in Australia. It’s a privilege and it’s a challenge. But it’s one I absolutely love - everything from the heartfelt moments with listeners, to the stressful and sometimes draining news stories. I started out at 2GB as an intern in my final years of uni. Ben Fordham was having lunch near me one afternoon (while I was interning at another media outlet) so I decided to approach him (read: hassle). I introduced myself, expressed my passion for radio and asked for work experience. He gave me his number, and I called the very next day. Fast forward six years and they haven’t gotten rid of me yet! I remember back in high school, I was that kid who wouldn’t leave teachers alone until I got an answer to my question, or until I had milked the last bit of feedback off them. And while I admit, I was annoying, my teachers always responded positively. That showed me that if I really want something, I need to find a way to get it done, and to find ways to improve myself. A massive barrier so many young women face is a fear of others’ perceptions - that we shouldn’t try too hard or come across as needy. It’s completely understandable and I feel this way a lot as well. But when you want something, or if you’ve got an opportunity that you know is good for you, go for it. Hassle and hustle until you get it. Seize those moments.

I’ve been really privileged in my life - I had the opportunity to attend a fantastic school like Tara, and I’m working my dream job. And while I know a lot of it was luck, I also know a lot of it wasn’t. If you get “lucky” with an opportunity, don’t just wait for it to turn into something...YOU need to make it into something. And don’t be afraid of what might happen. If you see your role model, say hi and introduce yourself; seek their advice. The worst thing that could happen is they turn out to be not as nice as you thought. If your dream job is being advertised, apply. What’s the worst that could happen? They say no because you don’t meet the criteria yet, but they have you on file now. And if you don’t get the best grades, don’t stress (P’s get degrees!). Because you may have more real-life experience than your competitors. Just keep at it - keep hassling and hustling.

Jessica Sarkis - Class of 2009

From my time at Tara, I vividly remember my Kindergarten teacher, Miss Simmonds telling me she had eyes in the back of her head so she could see what we were doing at all times.

I didn’t believe her until she told us what she did when she turned around. I’ll never forget that lesson! After successfully exiting two start-ups early on in my career, I am now an advisor, coach and mentor to provide the tools and support to those looking to reach their goals, whatever they may be, whilst also holding a Director role in various companies. My career has been an interesting one, one that I wouldn’t change in any way. I was once working three jobs during my HSC right through to starting two start-ups in my first year of University. I felt that I always have been working whether it was to gain experience, or if it was for myself. I was never settled taking a break and knew there was always something new out there that I could do or learn.

Tara instilled discipline into me as one of my core values at a young age. Tara applies and demonstrates its rules because it really does teach you a lot. The skill of discipline equips you with valuable life skills that you need for your future. Without discipline, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Never give up or waste time feeling sad when you fail. Instead invest your energy into learning where you went wrong so you do it better next time. To current students I would say, ‘Don’t get too caught up in worrying about failure or looking silly. It’s bound to happen at some point in your life, so embrace it because nobody is perfect.’

Sarah Blacker - Class of 1999

My time at Tara has given me great friendships. I have a close group of school friends who I keep in touch with and consider my dearest and most valuable friendships in life.

We can rely on each other for anything and keep in touch regardless of what continent we are on. At school, English and Visual Arts were my strengths and greatest interest so I loved the excursions to the art gallery and the theatre where our studies became a reality. I went straight to university after graduating as I was fortunate to receive a mark that allowed me to study a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of NSW. There I would see some of my Tara class mates studying dentistry, interior architecture and other degrees. I also visited Japan! First and foremost, I have been an architect. I have worked in the industry since my student days and have worked alongside some great and highly respected architects.

I am now the Director of Sarah Blacker Architect which is an architecture, interiors and heritage design practice and we work predominantly within the residential market.

For about a decade, on the side, I co-published a magazine, with my husband, which was sold in newsagents throughout Australia and overseas, as well as being available on iTunes. Following the arrival of our daughter, I had to choose between being a publisher and being an architect and given my passion truly does lie with architecture it won out. I have had my own design practice for almost a decade.

I feel grateful to have attended a school like Tara, being a smaller school in an expansive and natural surround. Having smaller class sizes meant you knew everyone in your year and this allowed you to feel supported amongst your peers and helped you feel confident in your pursuits at school. This kind of grounding sets you up for later in life. Having teachers that supported my interests, art and English, has seen my career travel down that path. To current Tara students I would say, work out what your true passions and interests are and go from there. There is always a plan B or an alternate route, so never give up.

Brianna Horn - Class of 2016

Looking back on my time at Tara, I always reflect on the School carnivals and House competitions. There was no better feeling than your whole House cheering you on to finish a race. Equally as exciting were the creative arts activities made available to us.

My favourite memories stem from all the different musicals and plays we had the opportunity to perform in. I adored dressing up, playing wild characters, and creating what my friends and I thought were hysterical masterpieces in the Tara Theatre. Following my graduation, I travelled abroad to Europe for a month to destress after the HSC. I learnt a lot about the benefits and drawbacks of travelling solo and practised my fresh French HSC skills on every local imaginable! I then began a Bachelor of Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences at Macquarie University, the first step in becoming a Speech Pathologist. Whilst studying, I continued to pursue my love of learning by working for a tutoring company where I taught French, English and Studies of Religion to students with learning difficulties. A year into my role I was promoted to Lead English Tutor where I managed a team of 20 tutors, providing resource development and advice for parent liaison and the management of challenging students. Once the company ceased trading, I continued in the education field by working for a local After School Care centre as an Educator of Primary School students. Nearing the end of my degree I was seeking a career change, searching for a role where I could apply my newfound knowledge of speech and contribute to society in a meaningful way. A university placement led me to becoming a Teacher’s Aide at St. Lucy’s School on the North Shore where I have been working for the past year and a half. I immediately felt as though I was in the right place at St. Lucy’s. It is the most incredible school that caters for students with moderate to severe special needs. I am fortunate enough to work across different age groups and capability levels and I support the students in their learning through a holistic approach to their education. I also assist with feeding, toileting, and management of challenging behaviours. I am so grateful to be able to share in the significant milestones of the students, whether that be responding to their name or asking a question independently. Their progress is celebrated with praise. It is truly rewarding to work with such deserving individuals and there is no greater joy than encouraging them to develop both socially and academically to reach their full potential. The values Tara instilled in me have been invaluable to the success of my career. I always admired the tailored approach my teachers applied throughout my learning and have sought to implement these same personalised techniques in my tutelage of students today. My leadership responsibilities throughout high school have gifted me a strong sense of agency and confidence in my abilities, allowing me to pursue any path of interest. External to my career, Tara’s promotion of sport and creative pursuits of near importance to academia has equipped me with a healthy work-life balance which is the core of my success.

Looking back on my past self, I would tell her to appreciate living in the moment and cherish every second with my friends. I would encourage her to not get so caught up in the societal expectations of social media and focus more on the pursuits that bring her joy. For current students who are unsure of their future career path, I would advise them to make the most of every single opportunity that comes their way. Try your hand at anything of interest to you and avoid getting fixated on a set plan. You never know what wonderful adventures life has in store for you so be resilient in your endeavours as mistakes are a sign of growth.