1. education
2. school

16 February 2015 Term 1 | Edition 2
From the Principal
Young women are amazing people. As the school year has begun I have each day been impressed with the manner in
which girls embrace new challenges. This was evident in the last week in both the Senior and Junior Schools as I saw
students moving through their days. In the Senior School, all students went on camps last week which were planned
as part of the wellbeing programs for each year. In Year 7, students in just their second week of high school, went off
with some trepidation I am sure, but returned triumphant having had the time to meet new people, discover how
wonderful their teachers and mentors are and take on new challenges on land and in the surf. This theme seemed
to go across the year groups and when the girls returned on Friday, looking slightly unkempt but happy, there were
many comments about the positive experiences - some even declaring their camp was “the best camp ever”.
Saturday sport began the following day and while I am sure many of the girls were very tired, they represented their
school with pride and great sportsmanship. The highlight of the weekend for me was the IGSSA rowing regatta
on Sunday. At this event, our rowing team competed against other girls’ independent schools, and collecting
several medals along the way. Kate and Bridie O’Gorman competed in the double scull event and at 1500m had a
commanding lead. At this point, one of the oars broke and the girls had to row the remaining 500m with only one
set of functioning oars and they still crossed the line to take the gold medal. An outstanding feat not only of skill but
perseverance!
Junior School students have also been on camp and for several students, this was the first time they have been away
from home overnight. A happy time was had and the teachers have relayed how impressed they were with the girls’
willingness to take risks and meet new challenges. Both the Junior and Senior Schools followed up their camps with
the swimming carnivals and once again it was a great joy to see the students represent their year group and houses
in both championship and participation events.
Learning across the school is in full swing now. The Junior School students are well involved with their learning and
the manner in which the students are able to reflect on their learning and outline the skills they are developing is
most impressive. Visiting class rooms and having the girls share their experiences with me, is the best part of my
day.
In the Senior School, the parent mentor meetings evening is being held this week. This is a new initiative in the
school and is part of the program we have developed where the students work with their mentor to set learning
goals for the year and this is then discussed with parents. Parents play an important role in partnering with the
school to support the students in meeting their goals and we look forward to meeting with you.
(Mrs) Susan Middlebrook
Saturday 21 February is
another significant day
in the school calendar.
On this day scholarship
applicants will be visiting
the school to complete
academic assessments
and we are taking the
opportunity to open the
school and invite the Tara
and general community
to visit us. We aim to
showcase both the Junior
and Senior Schools and
everyone will have the
opportunity to meet staff
and students and tour
the school. Please come
and support this day and
of course, invite people
who you think may be
interested in Tara. The
students and staff are
very keen to talk about
the learning and wellbeing programs as well
as all of the wonderful
opportunities for the
development of fine
young women the school
provides.
Inside this edition
Principal
1
Community
2-5
Junior School
6 - 8
Senior School
9
School Diary
10 - 11
Editor: (Ms) Eileen Opilas Email: taranews@tara.nsw.edu.au
Dear Tara Families,
It is so lovely to know that with the
rich history and traditions of Tara that
we have such great ambassadors with
our current families. The Principal and
I would like to personally invite you as
well as your family members and
friends to our upcoming Tara Open Day on Saturday 21 February from
12noon until 3:00pm.
Community
Welcome from the Deputy Principal Head of Senior School
Join us for a rich and engaging program of events, talk with the students,
teachers and the Principal, enjoy performances, view and participate in
a tour of the Junior and Senior Schools as well as the Boarding House.
Come and experience the vibrancy and essence of our school community.
Tara is hosting a learning bazaar in the gymnasium and this is a great
place to start on the day. Families, parents, students and friends can to
Dear Parents/Guardians
talk with our teachers and co-curricular staff and visit the displays and
It was good to meet so many families at the Activate evening and I look activity stations in between tours.
forward to seeing you at future events.
From the gymnasium (as a central location) tours with our student
The next evening is on Wednesday 18 February when we are holding the leaders and staff will be leaving for Junior and Senior Schools on the half
Mentor Meetings for Years 7 – 12, and everyone should have received a hour. Tours for the Boarding House and the Tara Observatory (with the
largest privately owned telescope in Australia) will leave once an hour.
letter recently about booking your appointments.
The Principal, Mrs Susan Middlebrook, and Head of Junior School, Ms
Ruth Adams, will also be hosting Q&A sessions for parents at 1:00pm
On Wednesday, Year 7 will be having vaccinations, organised by the
Health Department, and on Monday 23 February we will be holding an and 2:00pm in the Tara Theatre.
SRC Training Day for all SRC representatives.
For further information about Open Day or enrolments, please contact
the Enrolments Office on 02 9630 6655 or enrol@tara.nsw.edu.au.
For those students who would like to participate in the Duke of
Please let us know if you can attend via our website to receive the
Edinburgh there is a parent meeting on Monday 2 March.
updates ahead of the event. We look forward to seeing you at Tara.
Please remember to return your Family Information Forms, including
(Ms) Nikki Williams, Director of Enrolments & Communications
updates of your daughter’s medical details, and your privacy details
regarding the class lists information. I hope the class lists will be sent
home in early March.
I would like to remind all parents about dropping and picking up your
daughter at the turning circle and not at Mouleric or in any other part
of the school. Safety of students is our priority at all times. It is also
important that you observe the speed signs on the roads around the
school.
Thank you for your constant support. Please contact me if you have any
questions on s.hammond@staff.tara.nsw.edu.au
The Tara BallPuttiRaffl
e...
ng on the Ritz
1st Prize - TRAVEL ADVENTURE
Two Business Class Tickets
to any destination city in the world flown by Malaysian Airlines
Valued between $10,000 - $12,000
Generously donated by Best & Less Travel and the Juddani Family
Terms & Conditions Apply.
(Mrs) Sue Hammond, Deputy Principal - Head of Senior School
2nd Prize - CITY ESCAPE
Sydney Hilton Overnight Accommodation for Two
with breakfast at Glass Restaurant.
Plus a Merivale Voucher to over 23 bars, 12 restaurants & Establishment Hotel
Total Prize valued over $700
3rd Prize - URBAN SPA ULTIMATE RETREAT
Four hours of pure indulgence and pampering plus an Urban Spa product hamper
Valued over $500
Generously donated by Urban Spa and Campbell and Taylor Families
TARA
boarders REUNION
DATE: 28TH MARCH 2015
VENUE: TARA ANGLICAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
MASON’S DRIVE, NORTH PARRAMATTA NSW 2151
TIME: 11:30AM SCHOOL TOUR LUNCH: 12 NOON
RSVP: 21ST MARCH 2015
Enquiries: Claire Redfearn e: credfearn@dodo.com.au p: 9639 1604
or Lyn Okeefe e: laokeefe@bigpond.com m: 0414 389 770
Cost: $45 pp Includes: hot/cold buffet lunch, dessert and drinks
Online Bookings: www.tara.nsw.edu.au/events.asp
Can’t attend? Please go to bookings and leave a message for us.
www.bestandlesstravel.com.au
For any further information and to obtain ticket books please contact:
Jan Wilson j.wilson@staff.tara.nsw.edu.au
Kelly Greig k.greig@staff.tara.nsw.edu.au
Please return all ticket stubs, money and unsold tickets in an envelope
to the Junior School office or Senior School student reception
no later than Thursday 21 May 2015.
Buy online at: www.tara.nsw.edu.au/events.asp
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
16 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 2
2
Community News
Look what’s coming to Tara!
Our extended community will soon have its very own
monthly, full colour magazine produced exclusively
for Tara. For many years, the community has wanted a
relevant, active business register. This magazine will fill
this space with a whole lot more benefits.
Mrs Susan Middlebrook,Principal,
Tara Anglican School for Girls
and the Tara Parents & Friends Association
Cordially Invite You to
The Tara Ball...
PuttingontheRitz
Where
Grand Ballroom, Hilton Sydney
488 George Street, Sydney 2000
When
23 May 2015, 7pm - Midnight
TARA TALK
• offers a way for businesses to promote their services and
products
• generates funds for the P&F to support Tara
• is a fantastic read filled with interesting and engaging
articles
• contains content about Tara and our community
LOOK WHAT’S COMING TO
TARA ANGLICAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS!
in 2015
Full Colour
Magazine Produced
Exclusively for Tara!
This Magazine
Generates
Funds for P&F to
Support Tara!
Offers Our
Surrounding Business
Community A Way
To Promote Their
Businesses
A Fantastic
Read Filled With
Fun, Interesting and
Engaging Content
For You And About
You – Our School
Community!
Dress
Black Tie
Tickets
$170pp
Entertainment
RSVP
08 May 2015
Bookings
www.tara.nsw.edu.au/events.asp
If You Own A Business Or Know A Business That
Would Like To Promote Their Services To
Our Entire School Community
Please Call or Email Our Publishing Partners
The Millennia Project NOW!
P. 1300 900 171
or
Email. jane@themillenniaproject.com.au
If you would like more details of getting into our very
first issue, please contact Jane at Publishing Partners
via email jane@themillenniaproject.com.au. I am really
excited about what all of us can achieve through this
magazine. I do hope you will be curious by the idea and
get in to contact with Jane or Wendy McDermott via
w.mcdermott@staff.tara.nsw.edu.au.
Activate 2015
It was fabulous to see so many people chatting,
connecting and enjoying each other’s company on Friday
30 January. The speed networking was terrific! Thank you
to all those parents and staff who attended. This event
will certainly be a tradition for years to come.
Putting on the Ritz Ball is being held during the ‘Vivid Festival’. City accommodation
may be at a premium. The ball committee has organised 20 rooms to be held for Tara
guests at a special tariff. Half of these rooms have been booked so contact Hilton
Sydney direct on 9266 2000 and ask for In-House Reservation and quote the booking
code - GTARA.
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
(Mrs) Wendy McDermott, Community Coordinator
16 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 2
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Community
Online http://portal.tara.nsw.edu.au/parents
Phone (Community Coordinator) 8838 2613
Diary Dates
• Parents & Friends meetings, 17 Feb and 17 Mar, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
• Senior School Parent Network meeting, 5 Mar, 7:30pm - 9:00pm
• Junior School Parent Group meeting, 6 Mar, 8:45am - 10:15am
• Junior School Family Picnic Afternoon, 21 Mar, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Putting on the Ritz Ball, 23 May, Hilton Sydney, 7:00pm - 12midnight
‘Putting on the Ritz’ Ball
Online bookings are open via tara.nsw.edu.au/events.asp and we are
excited by the activity on the site! The last Tara Ball was SOLD OUT so
act now to plan a wonderful evening of friends and fun and supporting
us in this special fundraising event.
The ‘Putting on the Ritz’ ball committee is a small, dedicated group of
parents and the success of the Ball will be completely determined by
parent’s support and contribution. Thank you to our Tara families who
have been so generous in their donations – Juddani Family, Campbell
Family, Taylor Family, Feizi Sobbi Family and other sponsors Lexus of
Parramatta, Best and Less Travel, Alexander Jewellers, Urban Spa.
There are a number of ways you may be involved. Will you support us
please?
• Book a table or some tickets – organise a group of friends, other
parents and family to make up a table of 10. Tables will be planned for
year groups so individual bookings are encouraged. Book online now
attara.nsw.edu.au/events.asp
• Become a sponsor – a great way to market your business to the Tara
community and help to defray some of the costs of staging the event.
• Donate an item for our silent auction – We will take anything large
or small! If you are unsure what you have, please call us! For some
suggestions think:
o Pampering – jewellery, beauty, health and wellbeing vouchers,
products or services
o Entertainment – party needs, great bottles of wine or alcohol,
o Lifestyle, Family, Sport – weekends away, accommodation, tickets to
shows, sports events
o Food – restaurant vouchers, coffee machines, home products,
cooking classes and equipment
Any donated items may be left (with contact details) at Senior School
Main Reception between 8:00am and 4:30pm.
• Buy some raffle tickets – there are some fantastic prizes! Total prizes
valued at over $13,200. To obtain raffle ticket books please send an
email to Lindy Williams to request a book via
lindy@lighthousehealthgroup.com. You may also purchase raffle tickets
online when you book your tickets!
Putting on the Ritz Ball is being held during the ‘Vivid Festival’. City
accommodation may be at a premium. The Committee has organised 20
rooms to be held for Tara guests at a special tariff. I believe half of these
rooms have been booked so contact Hilton Sydney direct on 9266 2000
and ask for In-House Reservation and quote the booking code - GTARA.
Email parentsandfriends@tara.nsw.edu.au
I hope you will join us, in some way, to support our fundraising efforts
for all our Tara girls.
(Mrs) Fiona Morley, 2015 Ball Convenor Volunteer (Yr 8)
Activate 2015
What a great start with Activate 2015 kicking off the year in the Senior
School Colonnade on Friday 30 January. Over 240 people joined the
‘Parent Welcome Evening’ with current and new parents meeting staff
and congratulating the 2015 Year 12 leadership team. This opportunity
to network, catch up with friends and gather information is a yearly
featured event and will continue to be hosted by the P&F. Thank you to
all those who attended. The feedback has been excellent and many new
friends and acquaintances were made.
On behalf of the P&F, I would like to encourage all parents to show
your support to our daughters and Tara by participating in these events
and activities. Parent friendships that are developed, often, last a
lifetime and all funds raised by the P&F go directly back into the school
on projects that enhance our girls’ schooling experience. The P&F
committee is here for you. We would like your input and suggestions so
please contact us via parentsandfriends@tara.nsw.edu.au.
(Mr) Sanjit Roy, P&F President (Yr 10, K)
P&F Meeting Agenda Items
Do you have any relevant item you would like to include in the
Parents and Friends meeting? If so, please contact me via email
parentsandfriends@tara.nsw.edu.au.
(Mrs) Jo Sanker, P&F Secretary (Yr 8)
Second Hand Clothing Shop
There is a good supply of summer dresses, sports polos and blazers if
girls are needing additional uniforms. Winter uniforms will be available
from week 6.
If you have uniforms you want to sell, or donate, refer to the Tara
website for the necessary forms or visit the shop. The second hand
uniform volunteers are in the shop on Thursdays from 12noon until
4:00pm but second hand uniforms can be purchased or dropped off any
time the uniform shop is open.
(Mrs) Alison McDonell, Volunteer Second Hand Clothing Shop Coordinator
(Yrs 7, 9)
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
16 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 2
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Community
Online http://portal.tara.nsw.edu.au/parents
Phone (Community Coordinator) 8838 2613
Friends of Tara Rowing
The double header last weekend included the Kings/
PLC Regatta on Saturday 7 February and then IGGSA
on Sunday 8 February. Parents pitched the large Tara tent in prime
position overlooking the SIRC Regatta Centre. Saturday was quieter
with our races spread throughout the day but at the IGGSA event,
everyone arrived at 6:00am to a beautiful sunrise and we were filled to
the brim with parents, girls, siblings and dogs!
Email parentsandfriends@tara.nsw.edu.au
Thank you also to Vicki Wright who took photos of all the girls in their
racing zooties, sculls and as a crew. We will have them printed for
families to purchase later in the term.
If your daughter has ever shown an interest in rowing or you think
they might be interested, they can attend any Sunday morning and join
rowing anytime. Please get in touch with the Tara Rowing Convenor/
Head Coach, Miss Laura Brienesse, via email l.brienesse@staff.tara.
nsw.edu.au or mobile 0431 884 635.
(Mrs) Jo Horton, Rowing Publicity & Promotions Officer (Yr 10)
Friends of Tara Snow Sports
The Friends of Tara Snow Sports are developing excellent programs.
A Snow Sports Information Night will be held on Tuesday 28 April at
7:00pm in the Bowern Room.
Both days many of our girls got first and second places. Many won
medals but all the girls rowed superbly and looked so professional. All
the hard work from the girls, the coaches and the parents is paying off
and we have a strong rowing crew winding up to State Championships,
Head of the River and Nationals.
There is also an opportunity for girls aged 12-15 years in January
2016 to compete in the International Children’s Winter games in
Innsbruck, Austria from 11-16 January 2016 with a training week in
the lead up. Parents would need to accompany the girls and the cost
would be around $6500. Please send expressions of interest by the end
of February to see if we have the interest to go ahead with this. Email
n.musto@staff.tara.nsw.edu.au.
(Ms) Ngaire Musto, Snow Sports President
Next Meeting
Please join the P&F committee and other parents on Tuesday 17
February, Bowern Room (Senior School Cafeteria) from 7:30pm –
9:30pm. We hope to see you there.
(Mr) Sanjit Roy (Yr 9, ELC), 2014 - 2015 Tara P&F President
Wayne and Kate Dickinson provided a wonderful barbecue breakfast
with the most delicious sausage, egg and bacon rolls. The set up was
magnificent - they even had a coffee machine on the go! Many parents
pitched in and the morning ran smoothly. Thank you to the Dickinson’s
and all helpers.
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
16 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 2
5
From the Head of
Junior School
Character construction at camp
As I write, I have just waved off our Years 3 – 6 girls to camp. And back
at school we are gearing up for a fantastic ELC-Year 2 Treasure Hunt
Adventure Day. These co-curricular experiences are a demonstration of
Tara’s commitment to a balanced and ‘whole child’ education. While we
value academics, we acknowledge the growing evidence that character
traits such as appreciation, commitment, enthusiasm and courage
actively contribute to improved academic grades. These are key qualities
that our camp and other co-curricular experiences help to develop in
your daughter.
Being at camp, whether at Galston, Lake Macquarie or here at school,
grows in the girls the attitude of appreciation, as they develop the ability
to be open and receptive, to be willing and to feel connected. Girls
have the opportunity to enjoy the journey of learning in a new context,
wonder at nature, indulge in curiosity and creativity, relish a good story,
feel good about achievements, and enjoy the companionship of others.
An attribute of the Learner Profile that we are highlighting this year
is ‘courage’ as a suitable replacement for ‘risk taker’. Camp develops
courage in the girls, whether that be mental courage, physical courage
or moral courage where girls decide to act with integrity in the face
of what is popular but perhaps not right. Camp means stepping up to
new challenges. Great learners are just as frightened of this as others,
but can overcome their fear and find focus. They are able to try, fail,
and try again. Courageous girls understand that learning has plenty of
setbacks and that they can overcome them. Courageous children talk
to themselves differently and don’t turn mistakes into catastrophes.
Instead, they look at a wider, more positive picture. As a parent, you can
model this type of self-talk by the way you react when your daughter
relays her disappointments. I find the word ‘yet’ enormously helpful.
When one of the girls is down on herself over a perceived inadequacy
like “I can’t climb the wall” I always put “Yet” at the end of her sentence
to communicate the idea that there was once a time when we couldn’t do
anything but now look at us!
I find it interesting that the word ‘courage’ originates from the French
and Latin for ‘heart’. In trying new things, overcoming fear of the
unknown, leaving home, dealing with disappointment and tasting
success, and supporting and helping others, camp helps the girls develop
their brave hearts. A life-long character trait.
Tara girls making their mark
I would like to congratulate Jessica Coppolelli of 3 Violet on her success
at the North Met Zone Athletics Championships in December! In the
Under 9 division, Jessica placed 3rd in shot put (2 kg) with a distance of
5.43m, 7th in discus (500 g) with a distance of 12.46m, and 11th in the
700m walk. Jessica can now progress to the regionals which were held on
14 and 15 February at Narrabeen. I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Being CyberSmart
Those of you who also belong to the King’s community may have been
interested to see the news a week ago of the launch of the Alannah and
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Madeline Foundation (AMF) eSmart Digital Licence, held at the
Prep. T his new online resource helps protect students from online
risks such as cyberbullying and inappropriate content. The Digital
Licence will be made available to every Year 6 student in Australia in
2015 thanks to a grant of over $1.2 million from Google. The online
challenge uses quizzes, videos and games to prepare Australian
students (aged 10 and over) to be smart, safe and responsible digital
citizens. Students will complete learning modules which evaluate
their comprehension of key technology and cybersafety topics, and
equip them with the knowledge and skills they require to learn, play
and socialise online. Each of the eight modules takes approximately
15 minutes to complete.
Until this is fully rolled out, I would strongly recommend the
resources provided by ACMA (Australian Communications and Media
Authority). ACMA is the government organisation who came to
speak with our school community last year. We ran sessions for girls,
teachers and parents to learn the very latest strategies in staying
happy and healthy online.
ACMA’s resources are specifically designed to meet the needs of its
target audiences of children, young people, parents and teachers.
Please access the hyperlinks below to some of their excellent
resources: Cybersmart Information and Resources
• Information for Young Kids, Kids and Teens
• Information for Parents and Schools
• Kids Helpline for Web Counselling
• Cybersmart on YouTube
• Cybersmart Blog
Cybersafety help button is available for use by anyone, but was
designed specifically for young Australians, as it provides 24-hour
easy access to practical advice, support and information
(Ms) Ruth Adams
Around the School
All classes in the Junior School are named
after female, lierary characters. It is
through these characters over the last two
years that girls have become familiar with
the PYP Learner Profile and Attitudes. In
2015, these elements of the PYP are now an everyday part of the
girls day to day lives. This year, the class characters will continue to
act as a way for girls to understand these elements as well as further
develop their understanding of different skills used within the PYP
framework and their everyday lives.
Class Characters
Early Learning Centre – Maisy Mouse – Mrs Wilson
Maisy is a kind and caring little mouse who always looks out for the
needs of others. She is curious about the world around her. Maisy is
always ready for a new adventure and loves to find the best solution
to a problem. She likes to learn new things and share what she has
learnt with her friends.
Kindergarten Alice – Alice in Wonderland by Charles Lutwidge
Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carrol -Mrs Hodgkinson
Follow the Alice girls down the rabbit hole in 2015. Their curiosity
will lead them on many wonderful adventures. They will be placed
in many silly and fun situations that will allow them to appreciate,
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
16 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 2
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cooperate and lead each other confidently down new and diverting
paths. Together they will take on the Queen of Hearts and teach her the
importance of being honest and respectful. Be careful as you walk past
us because “We are all mad… but we will tell you a secret…, all the best
people are!”
Kindergarten Lola - Charlie & Lola books by Lauren Child – Mrs
Beasley
Lola is Charlie’s little sister, she is small and very funny! She is an
imaginative little girl who is extremely confident in communicating her
(often misinformed!) ideas with her older brother and friends. Luckily,
Lola is also enthusiastic and committed to discovering the truth about
whatever has baffled her, letting her curiosity guide her through
questions and investigations until she works it out. She is an energetic
and charismatic character who is constantly inquiring about the world
around her, and she is absolutely not too small for school!
1 Olivia - by Ian Falconer – Mrs Jolly
Olivia is from a series of Olivia books by Ian Falconer. She is very
confident and loves having a go at new things. Her favourite colour
is red and nobody could ever fault her creative sense of style! She is
always having adventures and Year 1 are enjoying getting to know her.
1 Sophie - a set of 6 books by Dick King-Smith – Mrs Hamilton
Sophie is from a series of books by Dick King-Smith. She may be small
but she is very determined! Sophie is an adventurous and imaginative
little girl who loves being outside and taking care of all sorts of animals.
She wears a faded blue jumper with her name written on it, jeans and
red gum boots. Her one and only ambition in life is to become a Lady
Farmer. Year 1 will love learning new things and going on adventures
with Sophie!
2 Alice Miranda - by Jaqueline Harvey – Miss Davies
Alice-Miranda is young girl with a compassionate heart and a sense
of wonder for the world around her. For someone so small, she is
extremely independent and confident. She is armed with a range of
skills which she uses daily to interact with others, manage herself
and solve any problem she encounters. Alice-Miranda is intelligent,
courageous and creative in the way she approaches tasks and unravels
mysteries. She always treats others with respect, even when they are
unkind in return. Alice-Miranda’s enthusiasm for life and learning
is contagious. She appreciates her friends, family, school and
environment and strives to help and protect them. Alice-Miranda is an
absolute inspiration for our class. Join us and the author, Jacqueline
Harvey, as we follow the adventures of Alice-Miranda this year.
with lots of feet! Violet is creative, resourceful and independent. She
is bubbling with curiosity about the world around her loves developing
theories. Violet Mackerel is just the sort of character the girls can relate
to and her enthusiasm for life is contagious!
3 Audrey - Audrey of the Outback by Christine Harris – Mrs Walker
Audrey is a curious and creative girl who lives in outback Australia. She
has a vivid imagination and is always asking questions. Her favourite
toy is a sardine tin and her favourite games are all pretend. Audrey
is empathetic and is always looking out for others. She shows great
commitment as she never gives up, especially when trying to find out
what the swagman carries in his swag. She spends all her time with her
best friend, Stumpy, getting up to mischief!
4 Boss - The Loner by Ester Wier – Mr Harris
Boss is a character taken from Ester Wier’s novel ‘The Loner’. A
committed shepherd by profession, Boss takes in a stray boy and
teaches him that looking out for others is more important than looking
out for oneself. Boss is a strong and caring character, presenting a
wonderful female role-model in the face of adversity and adventure.
4 Matilda - Matilda by Roald Dahl – Miss Fisher
Matilda is a clever, witty and courageous little girl who loves to read
and learn. Despite her brilliance, she is extremely modest. She has so
much power inside her mind that sometimes it starts coming out of her
eyes and she can move things without touching them.
5 Harriet - Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh – Miss Hellyer
Notebook. Check. Pen. Check. Spy Route. Check. Harriet M. Welsch
is a confident 11-year-old girl who loves to write and is committed
to becoming a spy when she is older. She has a natural curiosity
for the world around her, undertaking a daily spy route around her
neighbourhood each afternoon. Using a vast range of research skills,
Harriet shows a penchant for gaining knowledge of life and people by
observing, inquiring and constantly questioning everything. According
to Harriet “I will be the best spy there ever was and I will know
everything. Everything” (page 24).
Harriet is a complex and interesting character who experiences real
problems that girls can relate to and appreciate. Throughout the novel,
Harriet goes on a reflective journey of personal growth. She learns to
take responsibility for her actions and discovers the importance of
learning from her mistakes. Harriet is a great role model for young
girls.
2 Clemintine Rose - by Jaqueline Harvey – Mrs Abernethy
Clementine Rose is a delightful girl who lives in a large ramshackle
house called Penberthy Floss with her mother, Lady Clarissa and the
butler, Digby Pertwhistle. She was not delivered in a hospital in the
usual way, but in the back of a mini-van in a basket of dinner rolls.
Clementine is a sociable and courageous girl who is full of bright ideas
and continually asks thoughtful questions. She has many exciting and
sometimes disastrous adventures with her adorable teacup pig called
Lavender. Luckily, Clementine understands the importance of learning
from your mistakes.
5 Max Remy - Max Remy Superspy Books by Deborah Abela – Mrs
Burrough
Max Remy is a super spy and is part of a series of 10 books written by
Australian author Deborah Abela. Max is a curious and independent
11 year old girl who loves to create her own adventures through
Alex Crane. She learns that integrity is a great quality to have as
she develops confidence in herself and is able to trust her friends.
Throughout the series she becomes empathetic as she learns to see
the world from other peoples perspectives and respect others ideas
and opinions. Year 5 are loving getting to know Max and the young
adventurer she is!
3 Violet – Violet Mackerel by Anna Branford – Mrs Schultz
Violet Mackerel is the star of Violet Mackerel’s Brilliant Plot, written by
Anna Branford. She is little girl with important ideas, excellent plans
and something special that she would quite like to own. Violet wants
to be an archaeologist when she is older. Her favourite flowers are
violets (of course) and fuchsias because they look a bit like tiny dancers
6 Adeline - Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah – Mrs Fredericks
Chinese Cinderella is the autobiographical account of a young Chinese
girl, Adeline Yen Mah, growing up in twentieth-century China. Adeline
experiences a painful childhood without her own mother and struggles
to find a place that she belongs. She finds comfort in the relationships
with her grandfather and aunt who give her the support she needs to
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16 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 2
7
remain resilient in the face of adversity. She also seeks solace in reading
which allows her to transform her ill-treatment into creativity, courage
and kindness. Adeline is a model of perseverance, she epitomises the
power of positive thought and she demonstrates how adversity and
rejection can be overcome.
Junior School Awards
Term 1, Week 2
Classroom Awards
Class
K Alice
Chloe Eltenn, Alannah Tang
K Lola
Sascha Davenport, Sydney McCartney
1 Olivia
Abigail Ryan, Ru'a Zreika
6 Liesel - Liesel Meminger from the Book Thief - Mrs Scott
1 Sophia
Isabella Attard, Chelsea He
“She was the book thief without the words. Trust me, though, the
2 Alice Miranda
Shreya Atluri, Arushi Chauhan
words were on their way, and when they arrived, Liesel would hold
2 Clementine Rose Ella Hazzouri, Emma Malek
them in her hands like the clouds, and she would wring them out like
3 Audrey
Suhanya Jayasuriya, Janice Ye
the rain” The Book Thief, p.80.
3 Violet
Alessia Nassif, Angelina Nohra
4 Boss
Imogen Barber, Catherine Mo
Abigail Arrage, Tahlia Hazell
Words and stories hold incredible value and power for Liesel Meminger. 4 Matilda
Emily Dawson-Taylor, Aleeza Khan
She is a curious youngster who hungers for knowledge about language. 5 Harriet
5 Max Remy
Mia Azzi, Charlotte Mackenzie
Even as a child, Liesel questions the status quo of life in Nazi Germany
Yara Alhajali, Paris Gillhespy, Gabriella Hogan
and creates a refuge for herself in the written word. She cares for many 6 Adeline
Niharika Gupta, Caroline Holland, Sophia
people in her life. She also cares deeply about the injustices perpetuated 6 Liesel
Kennaugh
by Hitler and empathises with the voiceless. As Liesel matures and
becomes a more critical thinker, she comes to understand that
Awards
language can be ugly, as with the Nazi propaganda, yet also a beautiful
gift enabling her to become more communicative, open minded and
Smiley Award
Natasha Abhayawickrama, Emily Eid, Hannah
reflective. Liesel is courageous beyond words.
Fenech, Lily Gavan, Georgia Grasso, Gabriella
Hogan, Macayla Hole, Ruby Shorrock, Zoe Thomas,
Student Leadership
Sarah Tunbridge, Akshara Varatharajan
Kate Addison, Natalia Antalfy, Connie Beckett,
Welcome
to
Tara
In addition to our Year 6 leaders, Tara has a Student Representative
Hannah Campbell, Shirley Chen, Chelsea Cocks,
Council (SRC) whose members come from Years 2-6. The girls serve for
Mackenzie Cocks, Liliana Colosimo, Chloe
a semester when fresh elections are then held.
Connors, Zed Davenport, Nikita Grover, Jade
Huynh-Delalande, See-Yeon Kim, Mackenzie Nott,
The role of the SRC is:
Charlotte Oitman, Emanuella Prajudha, Amelia
• To provide opportunities to organise, coordinate, support and
Tarrant, Annemarie Wang, Ashley Yovich, Jessica
participate in:
Yovich
• School/student activities
• Decision making activities related to issues nominated by students
• Fund raising activities
• To liaise between students, staff, school community and seek
Date
information which enables them to make informed decisions
Help Needed
Help Needed
• To participate responsibly in the implementation of the SRC’s
Mon 16 Feb
Help Needed
Amaly Sassine
decisions.
Tues 17 Feb
Help Needed
Help Needed
Wed 18 Feb
Help Needed
Help Needed
The aim of the SRC is:
Thurs 19 Feb
Shanthini Seelan
Bharti Lala
• To provide a voice for students
Fri 20 Feb
Help Needed
Help Needed
• To address issues raised by students which will result in improvements Mon 23 Feb
Help Needed
Tanya Zlatanovic
• To develop student understanding of decision making processes and
Tues 24 Feb
Help Needed
Shirley Mathieu
meeting procedure
Wed 25 Feb
Rebecca Lee
Rachael Arrage
• To develop confidence and skill in leadership and pubic speaking.
Thurs 26 Feb
Paula Shorrock
Lea Lloyd
Fri 27 Feb
Help Needed
SRC Leader
SRC Leader
Help Needed
Class
Mon 2 Mar
Help Needed
Emily Dohnt
Madeline Arrage
Rebecca Thomas
2 Alice-Miranda
Tues 3 Mar
Christine Robinson
Sonya Zlatanovic
Rebecca Coombes
2 Clemintine Rose Chelsea Cox
Wed 4 Mar
Help Needed
Isabella Cleary
Janice Ye
Marianne Schmidt
3 Audrey
Thurs 5 Mar
Help Needed
Annabelle Doubleday Ella Watson
Allison Grasso
3 Violet
Fri 6 Mar
Bree Talty
Hannah Fenech
4 Boss
Jessica Gosper
To volunteer, phone Mandi Pooley, Junior School Canteen Convenor,
Tahlia Hazell
4 Matilda
Emily Dawson-Taylor
on 8838 2643.
Kiara Gray
5 Harriet
Charlotte Ghannoum
Guinevere Fisher
5 Max Remy
Leila Cummings
Chloe Connors
6 Adeline
Tanisha Kolodochka Niharika Gupta
6 Liesel
SRC Chairperson Vice Captain - Sophia Kennaugh
Honorary Member Elizabeth Medallist -Mary-Claire Nassif
Canteen Roster
(Mrs) Denise Hayward, Director of Teaching and Learning
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
16 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 2
8
Senior School Awards
As at 10 Feb 2015
Gold Outstanding Academic Achievement
Walker: Stephanie Todd (Year 12)
Silver Excellent Academic Achievement:
Crawford: Sophie Alder (Year 12)
Senior Sport
Bronze Academic Achievement:
Rowing
Tara has continued their rowing program through the Christmas holiday
break. The girls trained, competed and had a mini-camp held at the Sydney
International Regatta Centre.
On 1 February, the squad competed at two regattas with the senior rowers
going to the Small Boats Regatta and the junior and intermediate rowers
going to the Pymble Ladies regatta. The Small Boats Regatta was a selection
regatta where Bridie O'Gorman came 6th in the final of the U21 Woman's
Scull and Kate O'Gorman came 5th in the final of the Woman's Elite Single
Scull. Kate and Bridie also came 2nd in their U21 double. Meanwhile at the
Pymble regatta, the Year 8 doubles of Demi Papasinos and Heather Kelly
took out 3rd and Chloe Wright and Millie Dickinson took out 2nd place. The
Year 8 Division 2 Quad also showed some vast improvements with Holly
Brooks, Frances Juriansz, Demi Papasinos and Becky Rose coming in 2nd.
The squad also competed on Saturday 7 Feb at the Kings/
PLC Regatta. The Tara scullers were putting on a dominant
performance with Heather Kelly winning her Year 8 scull,
followed by Ella Horton winning her Year 10 scull with
Brianna Dwight not far behind in 2nd place.
Racing resumed on Sunday with the prestigious IGSSA
Regatta. The squad was very successful in the small boats
with almost all our sculls and doubles placing. Heather
Kelly and Ella Summers placed 2nd and 3rd respectively
in the Junior Single and Ella Horton took out the Year 10
single title, with Brianna Dwight coming in for a silver. Cate Crampton and
Alyssa Dwight also got a silver in the Year 10 double scull. Kate and Bridie
O'Gorman crossed first in the senior double scull, despite one oar snapping
in half with 400m to go. Bridie demonstrated determination and strength
when she had to row individually to get the boat across the line. A notable
mention should go to Stevie Crouch in Year 12 who placed second in the
senior single scull in her first ever sculling race!
Ella Summers will be heading over the Eaton Collage in England this coming
July to partake in a one week rowing course both on the river Thames and
on the Olympic Eaton rowing course. Ella Horton is also looking forward to
going over to England on a rowing exchange.
By Kate O’Gorman (Rowing Captain)
(Ms) Ngaire Musto, Director of Sport
Crawford: Angelina Saroufin (Year 10), Kate McKay (Year 8)
Hake: Priya Tolhurst (Year 9), Amelia Dickinson (Year 8)
Walker: Annie Xiao (Year 10), Jacqueline Burnand (Year 9)
Waugh: Chloe Leo (Year 8)
Extra Subjects
Rhythmic Gymastics
Congratulations to Mikki Poon (Level 7
Open) who competed at the RG SMC Level
7-10 Invitational held on 31 January at
Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatic, Rooty Hill.
Her Club PERÓ coach, Miss Weiner, couldn’t
be more proud the way Mikki competed so
consistently at her very first competition
this year. Best of luck in their upcoming RG Level 7-10 State Trial
on 21 February at Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatic, Rooty Hill.
(Miss) Rachel Weiner, Coach
Jesus Christ Superstar
A number of our Year 11 girls have been busy rehearsing for the
upcoming King’s/Tara musical, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. This will
be held in The King’s School Theatre from 11 - 21 March. Book
your tickets through the King’s box office by phone 9683 8450
(8:30am - 12noon) or email boxoffice@kings.edu.au. Last year’s
production sold out so don’t delay in placing your order. We are
looking forward to another fantastic production!
Music Monday
Vocal
• Senior Choir (Years 7-12) at 3:30pm in the Tara Theatre
• Tara Singers at 4:30pm in the Tara Theatre
• TaraCappella at 5:30pm in the Tara Theatre
Instrumental
• Chamber Orchestra at 4:30pm in M2
• String Quartet at 5:20pm in M2
• Stage Band at 4:30pm in M1
• Senior Concert Band at 6:00pm in M1
(Mrs) June Davey, Assistant to the Head of Music and Cocurricular
Activities
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16 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 2
9
Day
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Date Event
16-Feb Senior School Music Rehearsals 3:30pm-8:00pm
16-Feb Year 8 Visual Arts excursion
16-Feb Senior School Social Justice Committee - lunchtime
17-Feb Senior School Assembly (HSC Academic Achievers)
17-Feb Parents and Friends Association Meeting 7:30pm Hall
17-Feb Senior School Leadership meeting - lunchtime Room 19
18-Feb
18-Feb
18-Feb
18-Feb
18-Feb
18-Feb
18-Feb
18-Feb
Year 11 Legal Studies excursion
Senior School Mentor Meetings Evening
Senior School SRC meeting - lunchtime
“Meet the Music” 6:30pm Sydney Opera House
Triathlon Full Event Training 6:00am
Year 12 Legal Studies breakfast 7:00am-9:15am at TKS
JS Verification Visit PYP
Leadership Girls visit Alice Betteridge School at North Rocks
19-Feb
19-Feb
19-Feb
19-Feb
19-Feb
19-Feb
19-Feb
Triathlon Individual Events
Junior School Photograph reshoot
Tara Coding Club - lunchtime
Senior School Enviornment Committee meeting - lunchtime
Year 7 Vaccinations 9:00am
Tara Ball meeting CMR
Year 9 PASS excursion periods 5 and 6
20-Feb
20-Feb
20-Feb
20-Feb
Basketball and Football Registrations due
CIS Awards Dinner
Senior School CRU - lunchtime
Junior School Assembly
21-Feb
21-Feb
21-Feb
21-Feb
Scholarship Testing Day and Open Day - Hall and Bowern Room and Gym
IGSSA Softball and Tennis Round 3
IPSHA Sport Round 3
Riverview Gold Cup - Lane Cove River
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
23-Feb
Senior School Music Rehearsals 3:30pm-8:00pm
Senior School Social Justice Committee - lunchtime
SRC Training Day
Year 10 PASS excursion
24-Feb
24-Feb
24-Feb
24-Feb
24-Feb
24-Feb
Senior School Assembly 12:22pm
Basketball and Football Selections 3:30pm-5:00pm Years 7-9
Senior School Leadership meeting - lunchtime Room 19
Year 6 Commissioning Service Rehearsal 1:30pm-3:00pm Theatre
Year 5 excursion to ABC Studios
FOTSS meeting 7:00pm Bowern Room
25-Feb
25-Feb
25-Feb
25-Feb
Basketball and Football Selections 3:30pm-5:00pm Years 10-12
Senior School SRC meeting - lunchtime
Junior School Parent / Teacher Learning Conversations (evening)
Leadership Girls visit Alice Betteridge School at North Rocks
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
16 February 2015 10
Term 1 | Edition 2
Day
Date Event
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
26-Feb
26-Feb
26-Feb
26-Feb
26-Feb
26-Feb
Tara Coding Club - lunchtime
Senior School Environment Committeee meeting - lunchtime
Triathlon Individual events - all day - SIRC
Tara Ball meeting CMR
Year 6 Excursion
Junior School Chapel Paver Drawing 12:24pm Art Room
27-Feb
27-Feb
27-Feb
27-Feb
27-Feb
27-Feb
27-Feb
Year 10 Elective Geography Fieldwork
Year 8 Science excursion
Triathlon Team events - all day - SIRC
Senior School CRU - lunchtime
Tara Leadership Forum 3:30pm-6:30pm Bowern Room
Year 6 Commissioning Service 9:00am Tara Theatre
Junior School Assembly 2:30pm Junior School Hall
28-Feb
28-Feb
28-Feb
28-Feb
IGSSA Softball and Tennis Round 4
MLC Regatta - Hen and Chicken Bay
IPSHA Sport Round 4
Year 12 English Extension 1 Study Day
1-Mar
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
16 February 2015 11
Term 1 | Edition 2