Issue 67 / Autumn 2018 PRINT POST NUMBER 100019688
Contents All-round Excellence in the HSC
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Tara Celebrates MYP Authorisation 6 Tara Open Day
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Ancient History Tour 2017
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Outdoor Adventures – Senior School
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We Will Rock You
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New Direction for School
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Leadership Structure Junior School News in Brief
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Senior School News in Brief
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Sports News in Brief
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Boarding News in Brief
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Staff News in Brief
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Connected Community
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Tara Alumnae
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Masons Drive North Parramatta NSW 2151 Telephone 02 9630 6655 publications@tara.nsw.edu.au Email
@Tara_School
facebook.com/TaraAnglicanSchoolforGirls
www.tara.nsw.edu.au Editors: Angela Doubleday and Nikki Williams Design & Artwork: Redhot Design Printing: Megacolour CRICOS 02320A
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From The Principal All great schools undergo change. In a sense, it is what continues to make them the vibrant and relevant places to educate young people. We would all agree that Tara is a profoundly different place to its small beginnings in 1897 although its Christian ethos and values have held true all this time. It is this underpinning faith and values that informs our decisions as we plan for the future and as we constantly strive to provide the very best for each Tara girl and also honour our significant heritage. In this issue of the Tara Circle, some of the changes in recent months to our senior leadership team are presented. The expanded Executive Team is providing great energy to the task of fulfilling the Strategic Plan for Tara and we are indeed blessed to have such strength and experience in our School that all these appointments could be made from within our own people. Tara staff have been working for some time now on implementing the Primary and Middle Years Programmes of the International Baccalaureate. We have
seen considerable growth in students’ capacity to be critical and reflective in their thinking and learning as the School has adopted this approach to learning while also delivering the NSW curriculum. By the end of 2017, the School had achieved dual registration and accreditation with both NESA and the IBO. Some of this story is provided for you in this edition of the Tara Circle. We also highlight some of the HSC results for Tara students in 2017. We continue to be so pleased for the young women who graduate from Tara and we admire them for the accomplished, articulate and confident people they have become. Each student has her own story and we celebrate the individual as well as the cohort as they begin the next part of their life. We hope you enjoy these small windows of life at Tara as we celebrate girls, their education and empowerment as young women. Mrs Susan Middlebrook
HSC Distinguished Achievers List 2017
ANCIENT HISTORY Adams, Jacqueline Coppolelli, Natalie Fuggle, Annaliese Gesto, Natasha Jiang, April Jiang, Ke Yuan Katherine Lata, Sneh Mansour, Aleisha Wang, Ya An BIOLOGY Anania, Alexandra George, Cristen Oldman, Sofia BUSINESS STUDIES Newman, Sarah Xiao, Annie CHINESE AND LITERATURE Zhang, Aibo DRAMA Barrow, Tyler Gan, Garcia Stubbs, Maddison ENGLISH (ADVANCED) Adams, Jacqueline Gan, Garcia Gesto, Natasha Quadrio, Kate Sommer, Lily Song, Sydney Wang, Ya An Xiao, Annie Yang, Lian ENGLISH EXTENSION 1 Pathinather, Stephanie Yang, Lian FOOD TECHNOLOGY Georgopoulos, Elizabeth Robson, Chloe
HISTORY EXTENSION Adams, Jacqueline Coppolelli, Natalie Fuggle, Annaliese Gan, Garcia Joy Stott, Isabelle Mansour, Aleisha Sommer, Lily Xiao, Annie
MATHEMATICS GENERAL 2 Adams, Jacqueline Davey, Andrea Dixon, Keira Dwight, Brianna Mansour, Aleisha Pathinather, Stephanie Quadrio, Kate Stubbs, Maddison
HOSPITALITY EXAMINATION (Food and Beverage) Byrne, Erin Crampton, Cate Dwight, Alyssa Georgopoulos, Elizabeth Robson, Chloe Song, Sydney Wang, Renee
MODERN HISTORY Adams, Jacqueline Fuggle, Annaliese Sommer, Lily Xiao, Annie
JAPANESE CONTINUERS Oldman, Sofia Song, Sydney JAPANESE EXTENSION Oldman, Sofia LEGAL STUDIES Coppolelli, Natalie Joy Stott, Isabelle Newman, Sarah Xiao, Annie Yang, Lian MATHEMATICS Kim, Kyong Zhang, Aibo MATHEMATICS EXTENSION 1 Wu, Mengyue Yang, Lian MATHEMATICS EXTENSION 2 Wu, Mengyue Yang, Lian
MUSIC 1 Chamoun, Vanessa Pathinather, Stephanie MUSIC EXTENSION Gesto, Natasha PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION Anania, Alexandra Georgopoulos, Elizabeth Quadrio, Kate Saroufin, Angelina PHYSICS Yang, Lian STUDIES OF RELIGION I Anania, Alexandra Saroufin, Angelina VISUAL ARTS Clark, Dominique Jiang, April Quadrio, Kate Rosenberg, Claudia Song, Sydney Wang, Ya An
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All-round Excellence in the HSC CLASS OF 2017 Tara Anglican School for Girls is delighted to congratulate the Year 12 students of 2017 on an outstanding performance in the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Individual and subject performances this year were amongst the School’s very best over the past decade and they stand as a tribute to the hard work and high aspirations of students and staff alike. The following students are congratulated on gaining strong individual results in the state: • Dominique Clarke nominated for Art Express (Visual Arts)
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• Annie Xiao has placed second in History Extension and received one of Tara’s top ATARs • Isabelle Joy Stott awarded History Extension Essay Excellence Prize (HTA) • Natasha Gesto who has received early entrance to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music for tertiary study • Akanksha Singh and Maddison Stubbs who have been awarded a prestigious 2018 Bond University Excellence Scholarship. This scholarship is given to students who demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership skills & community involvement.
Likewise, we congratulate our other top ATAR students, Kate Quadrio; Jacqueline Adams; Lily Sommer who realised her dream by self-publishing her debut novel, ‘Hide and Seek’, during her time at Tara; Annaliese Fuggle; and Amber Zhang. Once again this year upper band results in the great majority of subjects were well beyond state percentages in Bands 5 and 6, with especially strong performances in the following subjects in which Band 6 percentages significantly exceed the state percentages. Students taking Ancient History, Drama, Food Technology, Legal Studies, Mathematics General 2, Mathematics Extension 2, History
We congratulate Lian Yang, who was dux of the School, with a superb overall result of Tara’s top ATAR. In addition, we congratulate her on gaining a place on the All Round Achievers’ List for attaining over 90 in 10 or more of her units. Lian has most notably
“The Year 12 2017 students are warmly congratulated on their results in the Higher School Certificate Examinations. The examinations are the final step in the school journey and it has been a great privilege to
excelled in mathematics during her time at Tara, attending the National Mathematics Summer School, hosted by the Australian National University,
walk with the Tara young women as we have
in Year 12 where students
watched them thrive in their learning and
are selected from the top
development as young women. We celebrate
few percent of students in
with them as their results are released and they
Australia.
begin their life beyond the School gates,” said Principal, Mrs Susan Middlebrook.
Extension, Music 1, PDHPE, Visual Arts, and Hospitality attained at least double the state average of Band 6 results, while English Extension 2, Music 1, Music 2, Music Extension, Japanese, Japanese Extension had 100% of students achieving in the top two Bands. Overall the effort from staff and students saw 27 courses achieve above the state average. As a non-selective school, Tara is especially proud that students gained 88 places on the HSC Honour Roll for top Band results, with 39 students earning a place on the Distinguished Achievers’ List for attaining 90% or more in at least one of their subjects.
“As educators, we care deeply about providing the best education we can possibly imagine for students. An excellent academic standard is important, but so too is enabling students to think deeply about all of their subjects, so that they are curious, passionate, articulate, resilient and thoughtful young women. While we have presented you with some of the highlights of the Class of 2017 results, we are so very pleased for every Tara girl and who she has become, in addition to anything the HSC results may demonstrate,” said Mrs Middlebrook.
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Tara Celebrates MYP Authorisation At the end of 2017 Tara Anglican School for Girls was excited to celebrate its authorisation as an International Baccalaureate World School for the Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for Years 7-10. Tara is now part of a global community of schools committed to developing knowledgeable, caring young people who will be ready to negotiate their futures successfully and make contributions resulting in a more harmonious and peaceful world. The program is holistic and provides a structure which supports and fosters a connection between the academic and pastoral curricula. Being Concept and Context driven, whilst demanding Action and Service is an area of particular strength and reflects Tara’s Core Values, Core Purpose, and Mission Statement. Learning in an IB MYP framework moves students beyond knowledge of information and development of skills, into an analytical approach to learning which engages them in the world beyond the classroom to fully appreciate the value of what they are
learning as individuals and as members of a global community. The conceptual nature of learning in the IB MYP framework encourages students to reach beyond national and cultural boundaries. Units of learning developed around concepts help to integrate learning, add coherence to the curriculum, deepen disciplinary understanding, build the capacity to engage with complex ideas and allow transfer of learning to new contexts. Currently at Tara, Year 7 to 9 are being taught in the MYP framework with Year 10 to be added in 2019. Over the last two years we have already seen evidence of the strengths provided by the MYP framework to guide and embed all that is ‘best’ about modern constructivist teaching and learning in a systematic and holistic manner. Informed by broad up to date and internationally recognised research, the IB MYP framework ensures that all Tara teachers have a common understanding in regards to teaching and learning, collaboratively and consistently employing best practice pedagogy, supported by a vast wealth of resources and ongoing targeted professional development within a formally connected global learning community. Tara students continue to benefit, not only from the richness provided by the framework’s core structures, but also from the improvements in pedagogical practice across the Senior School. The International Baccalaureate organisation commended Tara’s educators, administrators, students and families for their active roles in supporting the learning culture of the School. Congratulations to all Tara staff for their contribution to this considerable achievement. Mr Daryl Hinton If you have any specific questions please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Daryl Hinton (Dean of Learning Years 7-10), or visit the International Baccalaureate website http://www.ibo.org
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Reasons for Teaching the PYP
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Learn by doing and experiencing
Become ecome a life-lo ong learner life-long
5 Learn fo for understanding understa anding
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S bj t ar Subjects are re nott taught in iso isolation olation You are encouraged to t make connecti tions ons bet between subjects. connections
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Mrs Wendy Abernethy Dean of Learning E-6 (IB PYP)
Reasons for Teaching the HSC Explo global Explore cha hallenges challenges
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It encourages nccoura c rage es rn n iona nati al-internationalmindedness nd d nesss dedn
The T he MYP M P encourages critical crittical thinking
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Train yourself y yourse self to: to: o
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The Primary Years Programme (PYP in Tara Junior School from ELC to Year 6) is a transdisciplinary, inquirybased learning framework which promotes active, life-long learning. Within the framework, there is an increase of practical, real-life application of all subject areas and a decreased emphasis on isolated, fragmented learning experiences where each of the different disciplines is presented separately. The PYP places a strong focus on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both at school and beyond. The program is informed by research into how students learn, how educators teach, and the principles and practice of effective assessment.
8 It empowers empo o yo to develop you de e your yo talents ta a
It prepares you for future education
Based on IB research - www.ibo.org/research www ibo org/research © International Baccalaureate Organisation 2014 International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional®
Our senior years program for Years 11 – 12 has been carefully designed to help students achieve their best possible outcomes in the HSC and prepare them for life after Tara. Students can study a range of HSC courses, including extension courses in English, Mathematics, History, Languages, Music; and VET Hospitality. As each Tara student is unique, her program of studies is carefully designed to best suit her strengths and the School timetable is designed to allow her time for individual study as well as face to face teaching lessons. Senior students are consistently monitored to track their progress in each of their subjects and to implement strategies to help them to continue to improve. Tara teachers are experts in all subjects and many work as markers for the HSC so that they can best prepare students to excel in their final examinations. Senior students at Tara know that they have the full support of Tara staff to help them reach their full potential at university and in life beyond Tara. Mr Matthew Bonson Dean of Learning (Years 11-12)
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Over 900 people from all over Sydney visited Tara Anglican School for Girls on Saturday 10 March 2018 at the Open Day. “Our guests were able to meet Tara students and staff in our Learning Bazaar and view the
Photo 8 Credit: ActionPortraits.com.au
School’s facilities and student performances. It was a day full of fun and enjoyment as people were able to capture the true essence of the Tara experience,” said Mrs Susan Middlebrook, Principal.
Ancient History Tour 2017
The first destination on our Ancient History Italy Tour was the beautiful Naples! Girls from Year 10 and Year 11 stayed in a lovely hotel opposite Mt Vesuvius, in a small Italian town called Vico Equense, which presented an unmissable opportunity for many glorious photos and an unforgettable view. Despite inevitable jetlag, the first breakfast was definitely a surprise for many due to the unending selection of cakes and pastries on offer. Thick and creamy Italian hot chocolate and the melt-in-themouth croissants were distinctly favoured amongst us all. The Amalfi Coast drive was a smooth start to the tour and thoroughly displayed the natural wonders Italy had to offer. A quick stop-off enabled us to take in the magnificent view of the coastline and surrounding mountains, as well as meet some of the friendly locals, though, all the girls would probably agree that the narrow streets and large bus were not missed. Time flew quickly in Naples, with visits to Paestum which is the place of the oldest Greek temples in Italy, the little town of Herculaneum and rainy walk around the very big city of ancient Pompeii, which was frozen in time (79 A.D.) due to Mount Vesuvius’s eruption. We were lucky enough to also explore some of the treasures in the Naples Archaeological Museum the next day. Shopping was also a necessity among the girls; hence some of our free time was set aside for exploration of Naples Christmas-themed streets. The small Christmas markets of handmade goods were a favourite amongst us all and some time was spent in luxurious clothing and chocolate stores, just in time for Christmas! Despite the chilly conditions, the girls thoroughly enjoyed their time in Naples. Rome was next on the list of the Italy Tour. We stayed in a quiet converted convent for their time in Rome and enjoyed the goodies on the ‘cake table’ for breakfast each morning. Visits to the Colosseum and the ancient Roman Forum gave us a sense of the day-to-day life of an ancient Roman, and we learnt a lot about the Roman Emperors, especially Augustus, and how power operated in Rome. The Pantheon was a sight to behold
and less crowded than originally thought!! The Trevi Fountain was a tick off the bucket list and we didn’t pass the opportunity to throw a coin or two in. The following day, we travelled to Villa d’Este, located just outside of Rome, which proved to be one of the most picturesque locations in Italy. We adored walking around the wellkept gardens. Next on our tour of Rome, was a visit to St Peters Basilica, which provided a stunning view over the Basilicas´ square when at the top. The Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel offered impressive views of Michelangelo’s best work. The seven-hour bus ride to Venice, via the pretty town of Bologna, was our next stage in the tour. We had a quick boat ride to our hotel, which was well worth it as we got to experience a place void of cars on roads, and instead replace them for yachts, ferries and gondolas to travel around Venice’s famous canals. We stayed in a hotel opposite to the blue-green waters of the famous canals and were fascinated by the interesting Venetian lifestyle. A walk around Venice, especially through Piazza San Marco, displayed evidence of the city’s gradual sinking and laughs were directed at a particular leaning belltower. The next day, we jumped on a ferry and explored the beautiful Venetian islands of Burano and Murano. We witnessed amazing glass blowing in Murano and walked the colourful houses and laneways of Burano, and ate pizza and pasta! That evening, we travelled around Venice on a Gondola and squeezed a few more hours of shopping in the brightly lit laneways. The final day in Italy consisted of another walk around Venice for the last time, a quick supermarket stop for the plane ride back home and a memorable speed boat ride to the airport. A couple of hours and a few plane trips later, we were safely back home with many memories of Italy to share! Faith Comerford - Year 11 9
Outdoor Adventures – Senior School School camps took place in the Senior School in Week 5. In following the overarching theme of Jump Right In, Year 7 travelled to Lutanda at Toukley where they embraced a variety of activities focused on team building and making friends. The Urban Challenge was undertaken by students in Year 8 with the learning opportunities in navigating the CBD considered particularly relevant for girls at this stage of development. The 4-day Outdoor Adventure was completed by all of the Year 9 students. Girls were proud of their achievements and it is encouraging to note they have completed a component of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. The Year 10 Service Camp in the city provided a learning experience in authentic service with girls working with the homeless, refugees and the elderly. The engagement of students and feedback from them was most encouraging. The Year 11 camp at Stanwell Tops provided all students (not only the Prefects) in this year group to learn about leadership styles, personal strengths and the practicalities of leadership roles.
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The Year 12 camp held at the School allowed students some time to reflect on their approach to Year 12, a consideration of their Christian faith, an exploration of possible careers and the development of practical skills for life beyond Tara. Mrs Stephanie Griffiths Director of Student Engagement & Development
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the annual Tara Anglican School for Girls and The King’s School musical. It was the Australian school premiere of We Will Rock You held in March 2018 at The King’s School Theatre receiving rave reviews!
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New Direction for School Leadership Structure
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In the Junior School, to support Ms Adams in this new role, Mrs Denise Hayward has been appointed as Deputy Head of Junior School. While in the Senior School, Mr Scott Baker has been appointed Head of Senior School. Mr Baker will be responsible for the day to day running of the Senior School and he will continue to have oversight of the academic programs for Years 7-12. In order to continue to meet our teaching and learning goals under the Strategic Plan 2016-2020 three new roles have been created across Junior and Senior Schools: • Dean of Learning E-6 (IB PYP) - we welcome Mrs Wendy Abernethy into this role. • Dean of Learning 7-10 (IB MYP) - we welcome Mr Daryl Hinton into this role. • Dean of Learning 11-12 (HSC) - we welcome Mr Matthew Bonson into this role. In other news, Reverend Nicholas Russell took on a new and exciting role at Christ Church Grammar in Western Australia at the end of 2017. We are so excited that the role of School Chaplain/Director of Christian Faith and Values has been taken by Mrs Michelle Kay-Browning who, as a Tara mother, Music Teacher and a women who has significant experience in Christian ministry, has great passion for Tara as well as a wonderful vision for Christian life at Tara. I count it a great blessing to lead a team of enthusiastic and talented staff members who are committed to the students and families of Tara. I am so grateful for all staff who continue to serve the School and that we have such a huge depth of talent that enables us to make senior appointments from within as we continue to strive to provide excellent outcomes for each and every Tara girl. I look forward to continuing to do this as we plan for the future. Mrs Susan Middlebrook, Principal
T
he new year has brought significant changes for Tara Anglican School for Girls senior leadership team after the School’s wonderful deputy, Mrs Sue Hammond, has decided to have a change from her role as Deputy Principal Head of Senior School, which she has held with great distinction for 15 years. Mrs Hammond will be moving into a newly developed role as Director of Policy, Compliance and Human Resources, which commenced at the start of 2018. This is an important and ever increasing role for schools and Mrs Hammond’s skill set is well suited to serve Tara in this way. As a result, I have appointed to the role of Deputy Principal, Ms Ruth Adams from the beginning of 2018 who will also maintain her current position as Head of Junior School. As an experienced leader in the Junior School and a very accomplished teacher we are very fortunate that we will be able to draw on her expertise across the whole School.
“Tara’s School Council acts as guardians of the past, present and future of the School, and is the steward of the School’s name and reputation. To do this, the Council sets the strategy and policies within which the School operates. In addition, Council is responsible for the property and finances of the School. This is done in partnership with the Principal and the School Executive. One of Council’s most critical roles is the selection, management and support of the Principal and the Principal enacts the decisions of Council within the School. The School continues to be ably and excellently led by Mrs Susan Middlebrook and her wider executive team. One of God’s blessings to the School is the superb teaching and administrative staff who are dedicated to the girls of the School and work hard every day at enriching and developing the lives of those in their care. The School Council continues to be grateful for all that our staff does in the life of the School. We move into the future, aware that all we have is thanks to God’s rich blessing and we seek to use it to honour Him.” Mr David Braga, Chair of Council 13
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS IN BRIEF
SPORTS CARNIVALS
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It was a busy first term for Junior School girls with both the Swimming and Cross Country Carnivals. There was great team spirit displayed at the Swimming Carnival and we saw some outstanding individual results with an incredible five records being broken on the day. Congratulations to Grace Taylor (Sub-Junior Runner Up), Verity Arnold (Sub-Junior Champion), Natalia Antalfy (Junior Runner Up) and Skye Arnold (Junior Champion) for their achievements.
In the lead up to the Cross Country Carnival girls participated in fitness circuits as well as implementing mental strategies such as goal setting. All students successfully completed the course and the house cheers on the day were outstanding. Congratulations to those girls who placed in the top ten in their age group. Our champions and runners up for 2018 were Raelene Wang (Sub Junior Runner Up), Abigail Ryan (Sub Junior Champion), Charlotte Oitmaa (Junior Runner Up) and Skye Arnold (Junior Champion).
Congratulations to Natalia Antalfy for her third place swim in the 11 Years Breaststroke at the IPSHA Swimming Carnival. Natalia earned a place on the IPSHA team and competed at the CIS Swimming Carnival where she placed fourth in the same event and only narrowly missed out progressing further.
The Cross Country Team competed at the IPSHA carnival in April and performed exceptionally well in challenging temperatures. Abigail Ryan placed 10th in the 10 year age group and will now run at the CIS Carnival in June.
GRANDPARENT’S AND GRANDFRIEND’S DAY PICNIC In March, Junior School hosted the annual Grandparent’s and Grandfriend’s Day Picnic. It was lovely to see the joy on the faces of the girls and their special guests as they were able to spend time together on a beautiful warm day in the grounds of the Junior School. After picnicking on the lower playground our guests were entertained with performances from each year group as well as the Ellangowan and Mary Elizabeth Choirs.
ICAS MEDAL Congratulations to Katherine Pan who attended a ceremony at the University of New South Wales to receive her ICAS medal for her performance in the Spelling competition! Students with the top score in each subject in each year level are awarded a medal and a medal winner’s certificate. This year over 980,000 entries were received and only 514 students from Australia and 100 students from New Zealand and the Pacific Region were awarded medals for their outstanding achievement.
NSWPSSA CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIPS Arnvi Maharaj competed at the end of October as a member of the CIS Cricket Team at the NSWPSSA Cricket Championships for 2017. Played over four days in and around the Maitland region, Arnvi and the CIS team dealt with extreme weather conditions throughout the competition. All girls had a chance to bat and bowl providing an opportunity for developing skills and teamwork. It was a highly enjoyable week for all, with CIS finally finishing in tenth place when they lost the final exciting play-off game by two runs. It was an exciting opportunity for Arnvi and we congratulate her on her selection in the CIS team.
JUNIOR SCHOOL COMMISSIONING SERVICE 2018 Congratulations to all Year 6 students as we celebrate their year of leadership at Tara. In Term 1 2018 a special commissioning service was held in the Tara Chapel with families and members of the School community in attendance.
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SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS IN BRIEF
SPORT CARNIVALS This year saw the Swimming and Diving Carnival split onto two different dates. The Swimming Carnival was an engaged and eventful day. Exemplifying the talents of many skilled swimmers in our School through the championship events, with the rest of the girls eager to participate in the splash and dash. The day united house groups to support one another, congratulating their peers and cheering on the competitors within the race. Congratulations to Sarah Kuo (Junior Champion), Nara Baek (Runner Up), Olivia Kuo (Intermediate Champion), Mari Yoo (Runner Up), Arah Ko (Senior Champion) and Jacqueline Burnand (Runner Up). This year the Boarders vs Daygirls relay was won by the Daygirls and the Interform relay was claimed by Waugh.
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The Diving Carnival was held on 25 February at Sydney Aquatic Centre. This carnival saw girls from all houses competing in individual and synchronised diving. Congratulations to Hannah Campbell (Junior Champion), Sophia Moon (Runner Up), Macayla Hole (Intermediate Champion), Lily Gavan (Runner Up), Alex Bowen (Senior Champion) and Faith Comerford (Runner Up). In the synchronised diving Hake took out the Junior Championship and in the Seniors, Walker claimed first place.
LINGUAFEST SHORT FILM WINNERS Year 10 French students participated in the MLTA NSW Linguafest in 2017 and are congratulated on their short film, Egรถiste Eggman. The Tara entry was shortlisted as a finalist in the short film competition. The film had to be about a second chance and had to incorporate a watch somewhere in the 2 minute film. Judging of the films was based on language accuracy, creativity and interpretation of the theme and film quality. The Year 10 French class were announced as winners of the Best Concept category. A fantastic achievement in a competition where there were over 100 entrants!
NATIONAL HISTORY CHALLENGE AWARD WINNER
NATIONAL MATHEMATICS SUMMER SCHOOL
In November 2017 Annette Kim attended the National Award Winners Conference - National History Challenge. It was an amazing experience that Annette will never forget! Annette won the National Award for her research project on East Timor. She then travelled to Canberra with other students, from all over Australia, who completed the National History Challenge where she built new friendships and learnt about interesting historical projects that other students had researched.
Over the Christmas holiday period Phoebe Zuo (Year 12) attended the National Mathematics Summer School (NMSS) that is held annually at the Australian National University. Phoebe was able to meet likeminded friends and get a taste of university life. She attended lectures and participated in tutorials that challenged students with problems to make them think deeply about simple things. “The NMSS was such a fun and interesting experience. I gained a lot of insight into Mathematics and met so many brilliant people. I highly recommend the Summer School to anyone who might be interested,� said Phoebe.
YEARS 8 AND 9 SHINE IN PERFORMING ARTS PROJECT A spectacular evening showcased the amazing talents of girls in Years 8 and 9 for the 5th annual Performing Arts Project that was held in November 2017. The preparation for the showcase was the focus of the pastoral care programs throughout Term 4 and the process posed challenges for the girls. They experienced many issues relating to leadership and dealing with conflict in a positive manner. They were encouraged to explore their strengths and note the value of taking risks and making mistakes. The Year 8 contribution was centred on the choreography of a dance routine exploring the Tara School Value of Affirmation with each house group performing a different routine. Year 9 students created a storyline portraying the lives of women of power. This year the house groups chose Chinese heroine Mulan, well-known media personality Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, the first African American First Lady and the Hake house team identified that for them, the most powerful and influential women in their lives were their mothers.
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SPORTS NEWS IN BRIEF
BADMINTON Congratulations to Angie Liu on achievements in badminton in 2017/18. Angie attained an individual ranking of number 3 at the 2017 Australian U15 Championships held in Perth in September 2017. She then went on to claim her first national badminton championship title, winning the Girls Doubles at the ILT Australasian U17 Championships in NZ this year. Angie also represented NSW Thunder in the teams events. Angie played Singles, Doubles and Mixed winning a valuable three matches for the team.
SNOWSPORTS Annual Australian Ski and Snowboard Awards
Outstanding Achievement for a Small School Winner: Tara Anglican School for Girls 2017 saw one of the most exciting and successful years for the School, which saw the launch of the Tara Development Squad (turning beginner skiers into 2018 racers) with start up participation numbers of 20 girls, along with great performances at the Interschools Championships. Teams from both the Junior and Senior School were successful in reaching the National titles at Mt Buller. Tara sent a team of just 6 girls to the Nationals, 5 of those girls came home with medals, including 3 individual medals. A fantastic achievement for our School! Congratulations to all Snowsports team members and their families, Tara staff and coaches for their support, hard work and commitment to the sport.
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ROWING The NSW State Championships were held 18-19 February this year at Penrith. Congratulations to Macayla Hole and Sarah Fahd for their bronze in the doubles and to Lily Gavan for attaining gold in her singles race. It was a busy end to the rowing season with the last regatta, Head of the River held on 3 March. Tara’s rowing team continues to add to their medal tally with the addition of gold to Lily Gavan and bronze medal to Heather Kelly and Chloe Wright.
TABLE TENNIS TRIUMPH In October 2017, Year 8 students Helena Berridge and Sophie Boland represented Tara in table tennis for the first time at the Bennelong Cup Competition. Weeks of training in the lead up to the event proved fruitful as they conceded only one match and their efforts were rewarded with a silver medal. The Schools’ Table Tennis program began in Bennelong in 2011 when, during visits to local schools, John Alexander identified cultural divides when it came to participation in sport. “We are proud of our achievement and it was a wonderful experience. One of the highlights of the event was having a ‘rally’ against Member for Bennelong, Mr John Alexander.” Helena and Sophie will be back in 2018 with gold in their sights.
TILDESLEY 2018 It was a wet start to Tildesley that proved challenging this year, as players had to wait for hours for the rain to pass. Once the sun started to appear, the Tara team played well with girls progressing through to Round 2 in both the singles and doubles. Congratulations to team members Mylan Do (Year 7), Carla-Ann Capolupo (Year 12) and Caroline Holland (Year 9) for their Round 2 wins.
TRIATHLON A small group of motivated girls, teachers and coaches attended Triathlon training in Parramatta Park in preparation for the All Schools Triathlon held in February/ March 2018. Macayla Hole and Jacqueline Burnand competed in the individual events for their age group. It was Macayla’s first year in the Intermediate Girls where she ran a competitive race and finished in the top half of the field. Jacqueline competed in the Senior Girls category and had a great race finishing second overall, qualifying to represent NSW at the School Sport Australian Championships. For the teams event two teams represented Tara. Gabriella Johnston (swimmer), Demi Papasinos (cyclist) and Jessica Smith (runner) came all the way from their camp in Wollongong to compete in this race. Their first time racing in this event provided great experience for them and they competed extremely well as a team. The team of Arah Ko (swimmer), Jacqueline Burnand (cyclist) and Ruby Napper (runner) were also strong as a team, finishing in fifth place overall and second in CIS.
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BOARDING NEWS IN BRIEF
Throughout the term the boarders enjoyed amazing activities going out to shopping centres and Leura Markets, ice skating, bush walking at Lake Parramatta Reserve, going to cafes, Easter show, seeing the performance Mamma Mia at the Capitol Theatre and even a spa day in the Boarding House. The fun didn’t stop there as girls also enjoyed afternoon activities of baking, craft activities, swimming, bush walking and even going to the local cafes.
This year Eggleton House
welcomed 12 new boarders to join the boarding family.
They finished the term with a
themed dinner - Sports Night. They played capture the flag
and had a running race to give the girls a chance to prepare
for the Athletics Carnival and
the next Boarders vs Day Girl race!
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Each year the boarders raise money for their choosen charity, the Vanessa Grant Trust. They raised money at Carols 2017 and in Term 2 with a bake sale and carnival on International Women’s Day. They have raised around $1,000. The funds will support the Vanessa Grant Girls’ Boarding School in East Kenya, established in memory of a Tara Old Girl.
Congratulations to Mrs Sarah
Norman, Junior School teacher,
STAFF NEWS
and Anthony on their December 2017 marriage at Oatlands House. They met at university, both studying to become primary school teachers. Sarah
IN BRIEF
absolutely loved the lead up to their wedding, receiving input from her very excited Year 5 students about the cake and bouquet choices.
Congratulations to Mr Iain Hoy, Head of Performing Arts, who competed at the Australian National Band Championships on Easter Saturday with the band that he plays in, the North West Wind Ensemble, winning the Open A Grade Concert Band section. Iain was also involved in recording a CD with the band and there is a CD Release Concert on Sunday 22nd July at 7pm at the Concert Hall of The Concourse, in Chatswood. All are welcome to attend and hear the finest wind bands in Australia.
SBS Learn & Tara launches new Small Business Secrets educational resources Senior School teachers Mrs Jane Wong, Mrs Melissa Losco and Mr Mark Swainson collaborated with SBS Learn and Small Business Secrets to adapt real-life business stories into classroom resources for secondary students. Australian curriculum and learning outcomes from Economics and Business Studies were also used, to ensure that the resources would assist educators to develop practical lessons for students.
Congratulations goes to Mr Tim Harris whose book ‘Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables’ has been included in the 2018 Notables for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award.
Jane Wong said: “SBS Learn features a range of relevant resources that add another dimension to textbook learning. As a teacher, it’s great to have had the opportunity to develop these resources first-hand with SBS, which will be invaluable in helping to demonstrate to students just how diverse running a business can be.” To access visit www.sbs.com.au/learn
Tim was a much loved Junior School teacher at Tara until 2017 when he left to pursue his writing full time.
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STAFF NEWS IN BRIEF
Welcome New Staff
BRIDGET NGUI Senior School English/EAL Teacher
REES WILSON Senior School - Teacher Computing/Mathematics
PETA CAPPELLO Senior School Library Assistant
PARUL ROY Junior School Teacher
PHILLIP REID Junior School Teacher
Bridget graduated from the University of Adelaide with a double degree in Arts/ Education. She is an avid reader and enjoys Latin dancing. Recently she has started learning Spanish in an attempt to master it as her fourth language. Bridget is looking forward to becoming part of the Tara community.
Rees is excited to be teaching at Tara this year, having recently completed his postgraduate studies at Western Sydney University. He is excited to use his computing and software development skills within the classroom, and believes that deep learning involves collaboration and student investigation. Rees loves reading, playing guitar, and taking walks in the outdoors.
Peta is very happy to be part of the Tara team. She has previously worked in real estate and various other schools in Western Sydney as a Library Assistant. She has 3 teenage children and volunteers at the Sydney Writer’s Festival annually. Her passion is youth literacy as she believes the ability to read can change lives.
Parul is excited about teaching Year 2 this year and looks forward to sharing moments of exploration and discovery with the girls. Parul has been teaching for 21 years and believes that education is to draw from within, to nourish minds with rich experiences to help everyone reach their potential. Parul has been a proud member of the Tara community since 2011. She loves to spend time with her family, read and travel whenever she can.
Phillip Reid is excited to be joining the Tara Junior School team with Year 5. He is passionate about being involved in, and promoting, inclusive and engaging learning environments underpinned by the diverse curriculum frameworks available to Tara students. Music, quality board games and two wheeled adventures are some of his other interests. He has enjoyed his brief time with the class thus far and is looking forward to the year ahead.
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JOANNE SCOTT Junior School Music Teacher
MARGARET DAY Auslan Interpreter
MEGAN DAVEY Library Clerical Assistant
LAURA MALLISON Senior School Print Room
MERVYN MOODLEY Database Administrator
Joanne is passionate about giving students the highest quality music experiences. Her students learn via skills’ based activities that encourage improvisation and creativity. An ongoing interest in professional development has resulted in extensive study in the Orff Schulwerk and Kodaly approaches to music education both in Australia and Salzburg. Joanne’s interest in music was fostered at Tara where she was an Tara Old Girl from 1981-87.
Margaret has been working as an accredited Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpreter since 2006 in various settings. She considers the best part of interpreting is providing Deaf people with opportunities to access the wider community and, particularly in educational settings, seeing Deaf students flourish and expand their horizons. When not interpreting, Margaret enjoys travelling, cooking and eating out. She also loves igniting a passion for Auslan in people by teaching them to sign.
Megan is thrilled to be working in a permanent part-time role in the Senior and Junior School libraries, having previously been at Tara on a contract. She is a Tara Old Girl who enjoys reading, writing and watching movies in her spare time.
Laura started here at Tara in Junior School working casually as a Teacher’s Aide in 2016. She is now in the Senior School, helping out at Student Reception and in the Print room. Laura loves to get involved in many sports such as AFL, Softball and had the delight in coaching a Junior Softball team for Tara in Term 1. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science with the goal of becoming a PDHPE teacher in a few years’ time.
Mervyn is interested in the use of Information Technology to improve teaching and learning. He has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Natal and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of South Africa. His current interest is in the use of Business Intelligence software to inform conversations between staff, students, and parents. Mervyn’s interest includes Music and current affairs.
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New Uniform Shop to Welcome Tara Families to our Community The Tara Uniform Shop and Secondhand Clothing has moved to a new home under the Tara Chapel! Thank you to Sue Koedam from Koedam Designs and her daughter Alanah (2008 Leaver) for their expertise and time above and beyond their requirements to ensure the move happened smoothly.
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Connected Community Carols in the Colonnade This was a fabulous event to finish the School social calendar for 2017 on 25 November! The evening commenced with Rev Nicholas Russell conducting the first Community Christmas Service in the Tara Chapel for 200 people. Then nearly 700 people - families, staff and friends - gathered in the Colonnade for a community celebration. The Carols provided the perfect opportunity for girls from ELC through to Year 12 to take to the stage. The Orchestra and Choirs excelled in their love of performing and musicianship. The Year 12 Leadership Team were a wonderful support to Santa – a highlight of the evening!
Remembering the Chapel Opening – A Year On The first Chapel Anniversary Service & Afternoon Tea was held on Saturday 7 April 2018 for the Tara community. The service was led by Mrs Michelle Kay-Browning, Chaplain, and several Tara students shared their faith and musical gifts. The afternoon service was attended by many current and past Tara families as well as current and past staff and School Council members. After the service everyone enjoyed catching up with a cup of tea.
Connecting the Tara Community Abroad A great trip was had by Susan Middlebrook (Principal) and Nikki Williams (Director of Enrolments & Communications) in March 2018 who visited Hong Kong, Korea and Japan to meet with our future, current and past community. In addition to attending several exhibitions and key meetings to promote Tara overseas, a special evening event was held in Hong Kong at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel with The King’s School to bring together our shared community past, present and future. Thank you for the wonderful support provided by our partner organisation - Australia Boarding Schools International - as part of this trip (pictured with Nikki Williams, Director of Enrolments & Communications).
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Inaugural Women of Influence Dinner In November 2017, 16 women gathered for the inaugural Women of Influence Dinner. This was a fantastic opportunity to come together and share ideas over dinner. There was a positive feeling in the room and anticipation from guests of wanting to reconnect. It was a wonderful start to our endeavours of creating strong ties with Tara Alumnae!
Our Aim For over 120 years Tara has been educating and shaping girls to become women with strength of character and ingenuity. They are now increasing the visibility of women’s leadership across an array of fields. From politicians and corporate executives, to philanthropists, to pioneering podcasters and app developers, Tara women are our mothers, sisters and daughters who permeate business and families and are paving the way for future generations. We believe that every woman is a woman of influence. Someone who is an authentic leader, an inspiring role model, an extraordinary achiever, a catalyst for change, and engaged in life. Women of Influence aims to connect with Tara’s graduates, celebrate their successes and strengthen the connection between entrepreneurial alumni and current students. Mentoring young women has proven to positively impact business success for both parties, by empowering women to contribute their ideas, insight, expertise and suggestions for creative approaches to intelligent and imaginative accomplishments to the twenty-first century. Thus, we have a prime opportunity to reconnect our community with each other in order to fill the gap for women looking for mentors, looking to connect with likeminded individuals on their path to success. It highlights the important contribution women make in creating a bold and diverse future locally, nationally and internationally. Last year’s event was developed with the aim of re-connecting cross-generational alumnae and forming a powerful conglomerate of women to actively impact the 26
ever-growing Tara community. With such a worldly range of experience in the room, we had the opportunity to capture a powerful image of the strength of a Tara woman. We wanted to uncover and promote Tara women who had dedicated their time and energy to help and encourage other women in their industry, and who are fighting for change every day – be it in their workplace, their family, their community or among their peers.
Beyond the Gates Invitations will be going out soon in our Past Community email to our next forum on opportunities, skills and the power of connections for Monday 29 October. Make sure your details are up to date to receive your invite. Contact us via email, alumnae@tara.nsw.edu.au
Start Networking Today! We have set up the new Tara Alumnae - Women of Influence LinkedIn Group. This will facilitate one of the many ways in which we will communicate now and into the future. Check it out & join here https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/8637354
Reunions 2018 Class of 2013 – 5 Year Reunion - more details to come
Class of 1978 - 40 Year Reunion - more details to come
Class of 2008 – 10 Year Reunion - more details to come
Class of 1968 - 50 Year Reunion Saturday 4 August - Woollahra & Sunday 5 August, High Tea, Tara at Old Girls AGM.
Class of 1998 - 20 Year Reunion Saturday 22 September Please connect with Carly Honan or Phoebe Faulkner-Deck for more details on carlyhonan@hotmail.com Class of 1988 – 30 Year Reunion Saturday 15 September Please connect with Anthea Azzi (Afaras) for more details on antheaazzi@gmail.com
Please contact Pamela Hall (Moore) via pfhall@bigpond.net.au or Jacquie Baker (Bentley) via jacquie@producemarketing.com For more information please email reunions@tara.nsw.edu.au
Stories from the Crest I was a day student at Tara from 1966 to 1971. Miss Claridge was my Principal. My house was Waugh. One of the many things I valued most during my years at Tara was the small class sizes and the individual attention given by the dedicated teachers. There were only 23 girls in my final year! I also appreciated the Christian values being taught and later chose to follow Jesus for myself. There certainly weren’t the subject choices or wonderful facilities which girls enjoy today! However, they were adequate for the time. I remember one year 1968 when my home room was in Limen Cottage. It was located away from the main school and was a bit special. Sometimes, we were naughty and played pranks on our teachers, climbing up into the roof and dropping papers. Tara had a small Tuck Shop which was run by the parents on a roster basis. The menu consisted of pies and sausage rolls in Winter and sandwiches in Summer. Cakes, chips, ice blocks and cold drinks were also available. It was exciting to order our lunch! We all hated our Winter uniform and were required to wear hat and gloves to and from School. I did Judo, Speech Training, Swimming and Lifesaving and Ballroom Dancing lessons as extracurricular activities. The boys from The King’s School came across to the hall on Friday nights. When I left School I trained as a primary school teacher and taught in private schools full time and part time for 30 years. I now run a small Tutoring business in Literacy skills, babysit my numerous grandchildren and am involved in many activities within my local Anglican Church and with the Mini Car Club of NSW. My advice to current students is to treasure your school years, do your best and be true to yourself. It is only a small part of your life, but it sets a good foundation for your future. Tamisin Thompson (nee Stephenson), 1972 Leaver 27
Courtnay Stubbs (2007 Leaver) married Common Terry in Berrima on 9 November 2017, pictured here with her sisters, Paige Stubbs (2010 Leaver) and Lisselle Lomax (2004, Year 9 Leaver).
Laura Cunneen (2007 Leaver) married Harry Gillam at St Swithun’s Anglican Church at Pymble with reception at Moby Dicks, Whale Beach on the 3 February 2018. Laura was attended by Andrea Zarantonello (2007) and Amy O’Sullivan (Cunneen, 2003)
Joan Waugh Scholarship The Tara Old Girls’ Committee is delighted to announce the 2017 recipient of this prestigious scholarship, Miss Sarah Deck. Sarah left Tara in 2012. She is currently completing her PhD in forensic psychology and her research will be investigating witness’ allegations for crimes which occur repeatedly over time (such as domestic violence and workplace bullying). This research has the potential to facilitate the detection of genuine and false accounts for recurring events, improving the justice of legal proceedings. We wish Sarah every success with her valuable research. If you would like to apply for this scholarship in 2018 please visit the Tara website.
Tara Old Girls’ Association Committee Meetings 2018 Committee Meetings – to be held in the room under Chapel – 7pm • Wednesday 13 June 28
• Sunday 5 August 12.30pm (AGM and Hight Tea)
• Wednesday 17 October
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Come to Tara and experience the cosmos up close! Take part in an exciting Astronomy experience for the whole family. Use the Tara-Oxford Telescope, view the stars with guidance from experienced astronomers, come along to the planetarium and have a guided tour of the night sky. Bring along a picnic and a rug and join us under the night sky. More details coming soon.
SAVE THE DATE
24 August - From 5.30pm The Colonnade
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Design & Technology Visual Arts Drama Music
Additional Early Learning Class for 2019 Limited vacancies for other year groups For more information visit www.tara.nsw.edu.au
Scholarships Scholarships available at Tara include: • Academic • All Rounder • Music • Means Tested • Boarding Applications for 2020 entry Scholarships will open online at the end of 2018. For more details visit www.tara.nsw.edu.au
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