1. Art and Diseño

2 February 2015 Term 1 | Edition 1
From the Principal
Welcome to the 2015 academic new year. While there has been a great deal of action in the school during the break,
it has been a delight to see the real heart and soul of the school - Tara students arriving back at the school this week.
Welcome to all our returning families and to all of the families who are new to the school. The school term began
with a service for all students and staff which meant we were able to pray together, share in all of the good news that
has been happening and welcome new staff to the school. In my welcome to the students, I encouraged the students
to think about the school’s values and how they can be applied to their own life. I share some of this with you now:
“We are a values rich school, based on the message of Christ in the Bible. Our values of affirmation, service to others,
opportunity and integrity are not just words. They have meaning and are applicable to you as an individual as well as
to what we aspire to as a school. You can affirm others through the nurture and respect of every individual. You just
need to be kind. You too can serve others, in fact it is your responsibility to do so. All you need to do is think of the
needs of others as well or before your own. This school provides a lot of opportunities - because that is what we want
for you. All you have to do is to take them up. The value of integrity is a really important one. It is about acting with
honesty and consistency and behaving in a way that reflects your integrity, no matter who the audience. You can do
this as well and is a something that many people hold dear when they talk about the qualities they admire in people.
The values of this school are lived out as best we can by all of us who work here and are values you can live by for
your whole life. We are all a work in progress, but these deeply held Christian, bible based values are something we
can aim for each day.”
The HSC results for 2014 have been a real source of joy and I am pleased to share some of the highlights with you.
As a cohort, the students achieved the best result at Tara in 6 years with 46% of the graduating class achieving an
ATAR over 90. Madeleine Wainwright achieved the top rank with 99.45and all-rounder status with all of her subjects
above 90%. Leah Nye was 2nd in the state in Geography. Angela Guo 5th in the state in Music and an ATAR of 99.35.
Alisha Kinkade achieved full marks in her Music course. There were 42 girls who are on the Honour Roll for the State
as Distinguished Achievers. Tara received 3 nominations for Encore (Angela Guo, Alisha Kinkade and Stephanie
Troost), the showcase of the best music performances in the state and one nomination for OnSTAGE (Emily
Richardson), the showcase of the best drama performances. There is indeed a lot to celebrate. Not just for the high
achievers but for every girl who worked hard and did her best. It is also a testament to the teachers in the school
and the girls’ families, who over many years supported Tara girls in their learning. It is good to know that current
students can be confident thhat they will be well cared for, known and encouraged in their learning and development
as young women.
There has been a lot happening in the holidays. One of the major works was the removal of the cottage in the Senior
School which has opened up a great vista to Mouleric Field and beyond. The final stage of works are scheduled to
take place in the next term break.
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Thank you to the many
parents who joined us
on Friday at the Parent
ACTiVATE function,
sponsored by the Tara
Parents and Friends. It
was so good to spend time
with you and meet new
families as well as catchup
with parents who have
been involved with the
School for some time.
This week is camp week
for the Senior School
followed by Junior School
camps the following
week. Camps are such
an important time for
students as they learn
more about themselves,
develop new skills
and establish stronger
relationships with each
other and their teachers.
There are swimming
carnivals, school photos,
sport training and
competition and - yes- lots
of learning in amongst
it all.
There is a new performance floor in the Tara Theatre. I sincerely
thank the P&F for their contribution which has allowed this to take
place. The fundraising efforts of the parent community are well used
by the school in improving facilities for students.
If you bring your daughter to the senior campus by car, you may have
noticed that there is a boom gate being installed near the turning circle
at the front of the school. We have been concerned for some time
now about the safety of students as cars zoom around the campus,
especially at the peak drop off and collection times at each end of the
day. It is often very congested and cars have hit each other. As student
safety is paramount, there will be no access for cars into the school,
beyond the parking areas as soon as the installation of the boom
gate is complete. Parents will need to drop and collect students at the
turning circle or the main carpark. The boom gate may be lifted on
some evenings if we have a parent event or a concert (or something
similar) but other than that, students will need to walk the extra 100
metres into the school. It may take a little getting used to but I believe
student safety is more important than anything else.
During Term 4 last year, Family Information Forms were sent home
to all families. Thank you to those families who have returned them.
If you have not returned yours, can you please do so during the next
two weeks, as we need to finalise all the information about your
daughter/ward. In particular, can you check the medical information,
and also the privacy information relating to the class lists which we
hope to distribute in early March. Throughout the year, if there are
any changes to your contact details, please contact me in writing or
by email.
You should have received a letter about the Mentor Meetings
Evening on Wednesday 18 February. This is a new initiative and a
great opportunity to meet with your daughter’s/ward’s Mentor and
discuss her goals for the year. I hope you will make the most of this
opportunity and I look forward to seeing you there.
Please feel free to contact me throughout the year about any matters
of concern.
(Mrs) Sue Hammond, Deputy Principal - Head of Senior School
The focus this year for the school is on student learning. We have
a new tracking program which will bring together, student results,
reports and learning goals which each student will develop with
their academic mentor. It is important that students think about
and reflect on their learning, what they hope to achieve and what
support they will need to meet their goals. As a staff, the teachers
are working on learning frameworks of the best way to promote and
support learning. In the Junior School, the final step of accreditation
with the International Baccalaureate Organisation to be accredited as
a PYP school will occur in the next few weeks. In the Senior School a
feasibility study is being finalised on a robust learning framework for
senior students. At all times, we aim to deliver the very best for each
student and it is important that we constantly examine our practice.
I hope and pray that you have begun the year feeling refreshed and
excited about the year ahead. I know I am so pleased to see the girls
back at school. It has been good to have a break but it is so good they
are here. They are the life of the school and we rejoice in each one.
(Mrs) Susan Middlebrook
Welcome from the Deputy Principal Head of Senior School
Dear Parents/Guardians
Welcome to the New Year! I hope everyone had a refreshing holiday.
A special welcome to all our new students, parents and staff.
Term 1 is always busy and this year is no exception. It was a
wonderful start to the year last Friday night at the ACTiVATE
Parents’ Welcome evening.
All Senior School students will have their photos taken next Tuesday
and I would like to remind you that blazers need to be worn, shoes
polished, hair tied back neatly and definitely no make-up or jewellery.
Order forms need to be returned on the day.
Community
Risk Warnings
(Under Section 5M of Civil Liability Act 2002)
On Behalf of Tara Anglican School for Girls, AHIGS and IPSHA:
Non Sporting Activities 2015
Tara Anglican School for Girls organises many activities such as
debating, mock trial, orchestra, choir during the course of a year.
Students participating in these activities take part in practice and in
competitions.
The Association of Heads of Independent Girls’ Schools NSW
(AHIGS) administers and convenes inter - school activities (such as
Archdale Debating and Festival of Speech) in which many students,
including students of this school, participate.
While Tara Anglican School for Girls and AHIGS take measures to
make the activities as safe as reasonably possible for participants,
there is a risk that students can be injured and suffer loss (including
financial loss) and damage as a result of their participation in these
activities, whether at practice or in actual events.
Such injury can occur while the student is engaging in or watching a
non-sporting activity, or travelling to and from the event. The injury
may result from a student's actions, the actions of others, the state
of the premises or equipment failure (e.g. a collapsed stage during a
debating competition).
On some occasions, an injury can be serious (such as torn ligaments,
dislocations, back injuries, concussion or broken bones). In very
rare cases an injury can be life threatening or result in permanent
disability.
Students could also suffer loss as a result of their personal property
being lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
Camps will be held for all students in Years 7 -12 on 4 – 6 February
and I am sure everyone will have a great time.
Sporting Activities 2015
This will be followed by the Swimming Carnival at Parramatta Pool,
and you are very welcome to join us and watch your daughter swim.
Tara Anglican School for Girls organises many individual and
team sporting activities during the course of a year. Some of
these are organised in conjunction with the Association of Heads
of Independent Girls’ Schools NSW (AHIGS) and some with the
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
2 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 1
2
Inside this edition
Year 12, 2014 Academic Excellence
Principal
1 - 2
Community
2 - 6, 14
Junior School
7 - 10
Senior School
11 - 12
School Diary
13
Editor: (Ms) Eileen Opilas Email: [email protected]
Congratulations to the Class of 2014 for their wonderful HSC results.
Tara students are consistent in obtaining excellent results across a wide
range of subjects in a non-selective environment.
We are proud of all of our 2014 HSC students who have attained personal
academic goals. These students have contributed enormously to the
vibrant life of the school in all areas, including leadership, sport, and in the
creative and performing arts as well as developing lifelong friendships.
Independent Primary School Heads’ Association of Australia NSW
(IPSHA). Students participating in these sporting activities take part in Special thanks to our teaching staff who have worked so hard together
with our girls during their years at Tara. Our staff are caring to each
practice and in competitions.
individual girl and are so very passionate and dedicated about their craft.
Teachers at Tara are integral to our girls’ achievements. We take pride in
Tara Anglican School for Girls, AHIGS and IPSHA expect students to
the success of each girl in making the most of her abilities.
take responsibility for their own safety by wearing compulsory safety
equipment, by thinking carefully about the use of safety equipment
that is highly recommended and by behaving in a safe and responsible The Class of 2014 are confident young women, who have developed a
passion for learning and are ready to meet the challenges of the world
manner towards team members, opponents, spectators, officials,
ahead of them. I wish them every success in the future. We eagerly await
property and grounds.
news of their continuing achievements.
While Tara Anglican School for Girls, AHIGS and IPSHA take measures
Some of the outstanding achievements include:
to make the sporting activities as safe as reasonably possible for
participants, there is a risk that students can be injured and suffer loss · Tara is a Top 100 School, ranked 54th (source: The Sydney Morning
(including financial loss) and damage as a result of their participation in Herald, 18/12/14)
· 42 Distinguished Achievers (with a 102 Band 6 results across the cohort
these sporting activities, whether at training or in actual events.
of 80 students)
· Tara had 13 courses with 100% of students achieving in the top 2 Bands
Such injury can occur while the student is engaging in or watching a
and 32 courses achieving above State average
sporting activity, or travelling to and from the event. The injury may
· Madeleine Wainwright achieved the top ATAR of 99.35 and is an All
result from a student’s actions, the actions of others, the state of the
Round Achiever (over 90 in 10 units) – amazing result!
premises or equipment failure.
· Congratulations to Tara’s School Dux, Angela Guo, who gained an ATAR
of 99.30. Angela also achieved 5th in the State for Music 1. She has been
On some occasions, an injury can be serious (such as torn ligaments,
accepted to study Medicine at UNSW.
dislocations, back injuries, concussion or broken bones). In very rare
cases an injury can be life threatening or result in permanent disability. · 24% of Tara students gained ATARs over 95, 46% over 90 ATAR, and
If a student has a pre-existing injury, participating in a sporting activity 67.5% over 80 ATAR
· Congratulations to Leah Nye who achieved 2nd in the State in
could result in an exacerbation of that injury.
Geography
· Congratulations to Mishel Kamolova who achieved 2nd in the State in
Students could also suffer loss as a result of their personal property
Russian (external)
being lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
· Congratulations to Alisha Kinkade who received 100% in her Music
Extension 1 course
· Tara received three nominations for Encore. Congratulations to our
Year 12 HSC music students: Angela Guo, Alisha Kinkade and Stephanie
Troost
· Congratulations to Emily Richardson (Head Girl) on her nomination for
A warm welcome to all new staff starting
OnSTAGE (individual drama performance)
at Tara in 2015. We would like to
introduce our new Chaplain/Director
Mrs Susan Middlebrook (Principal)
of Christian Faith & Values, Reverend
Nicholas Russell to the Tara community.
Welcome to Tara’s new Chaplain
Reverend Russell comes to Tara from St
Clement’s Anglican Church in Mosman
where he was the Assistant Minister.
He has worked in music publishing,
studied Ancient History at Macquarie University before becoming
a Secondary English Teacher. He later studied at Moore Theological
College. Reverend Russell is married to Penelope and they have two
sons, Theodore and George.
He is looking forward to working at Tara and seeing how the person
of Jesus can impact our lives for the better.
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
2 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 1
3
Upcoming Tara Open Day Foundation Thank You Cocktail Party
We are inviting new families to come and
experience Tara at Open Day - Saturday 21
February 2015 from 12noon till 3:00pm.
Thank you in advance for the assistance from
the staff and student leadership teams and
performance groups within Tara that will
be assisting on the day to showcase Tara.
Parents will receive a note about this in the
coming weeks. Thank you to the P&F who will
also be assisting on the day with a BBQ.
Stay up to date with this event and school life
on the Tara Facebook page and please let your
family and friends know about it.
The Thank You Cocktail Party was held at the end of Term 4, in
honour of all those in the Tara community who gave so generously in
2014. It was a fabulous night, and a great opportunity to
contemplate on all that we have to be thankful for as a community.
It is a wonderful tribute to the faith in Tara shown by parents, staff,
past staff, past parents and old girls over so many years how the
facilities of the School have developed on this beautiful site.
We pray that 2015 is another successful and fulfilling year for the
entire Tara community.
(Mrs) Miray Makram, Foundation Development Manager
(Ms) Nikki Williams, Director of Enrolments &
Communications
Music Monday – starts 2 February 2015
Vocal:
Senior Choir for years 7-12
at 3.30-4.20pm
in the Theatre
Tara Singers
at 4.30-5.30pm
in the Theatre
TaraCappella
at 5.30-6.00pm
in the Theatre
Instrumental:
Chamber Orchestra
at 4.30-5.20pm
in M2
String Quartet
at 5.20-6.00pm
in M2
Stage Band
at 4.30-5.30pm
in M1
Senior Concert Band
at 6.00-7.10pm
TARA
in M1
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: [email protected] p: 9639 1604
or Lyn Okeefe e: [email protected] 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.
*** Please see Student Reception by Thursday to book a student dinner if staying
for band. ***
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
2 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 1
4
Community News
A warm welcome to our new families and to all our
returning families.
Mrs Susan Middlebrook,Principal,
Tara Anglican School for Girls
and the Tara Parents & Friends Association
Cordially Invite You to
The Tara Ball...
Tara is such an active school and we have many
opportunities for parents to become involved. If our
parents are active and engaged it adds strength to the
fabric of the school. If you only have a few hours or
a lot more time to contribute, we would enjoy your
participation. Please contact me via phone 8838 2680 or
email [email protected] to know more
about the parent groups and to discuss what suits your
family commitments and what level of interest and skills
you may be willing to share in our endeavours for the girls
and Tara.
PuttingontheRitz
Where
Grand Ballroom, Hilton Sydney
488 George Street, Sydney 2000
When
23 May 2015, 7pm - Midnight
Dress
Black Tie
Tickets
$170pp
Entertainment
RSVP
08 May 2015
Bookings
www.tara.nsw.edu.au/events.asp
As the ball is the major P&F fundraising initiative for the school, the committee is
currently offering sponsorship packages and seeking donations for our silent auction
to be held at the event. Any interested Tara families or businesses wishing to discuss
these opportunities, please contact Fiona Morley [email protected], Heather
Mallett [email protected], Bill Wright [email protected] or Wendy
McDermott [email protected].
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
A brief snapshot of the Parent Groups currently operating
are:
• Parents and Friends – Purpose: oversees all parent
groups & activities, fundraising and distribution and
discusses education issues within Tara. Monthly meetings
• Senior School Parent Social Network - Purpose: creating
social activities and providing focus groups for new ideas
and issues. Meet once per term and at events.
• Junior School Parent Group – Purpose: creating social
activities, link to class teachers, providing focus groups for
new ideas and issues. Meet once per term and at events.
• Tara Ball Committee – Purpose: fundraising and social.
Project based time, currently active and looking for
support
• Saturday Sports Canteen – Purpose: provide visitors
with food and coffee at Saturday morning sport
• Community Care – Purpose: providing meals for Tara
families in times of need, register and on need basis.
• Second Hand Uniform Shop – Purpose: providing
alternatives for full priced uniforms, selling good quality
second hand items on consignment. Operates Thursdays.
• Tara Crested Items – Purpose: provide opportunity to
purchase Tara related gifts and mementos.
• Friends of Tara Rowing – Purpose: Focus support for
rowing at Tara
• Friends of Tara Snow Sports - Purpose: Focus support
for snow sports at Tara
• Friends of Tara Equestrian - Purpose: Focus support for
equestrian at Tara
• Tara Great Day Out Fair – Purpose: fundraising, social,
promotional. Project based time, commencing June 2015
I look forward to you taking part in our community and
meeting with you throughout the year.
(Mrs) Wendy McDermott, Community Coordinator
2 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 1
5
Community
Online http://portal.tara.nsw.edu.au/parents
Phone (Community Coordinator) 8838 2613
Happy New Year and Welcome to 2015
A special welcome to all our new families and new staff. 2015 is shaping
up to be an exciting year for the Parents & Friends with a number of
events and activities planned – friendship building and social as well as
fundraising. Please note these dates focused on Term 1:
• Activate 2015 – Parent and Staff Welcome Evening, 30 January
• Parents & Friends meetings, 17 February and 17 March, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
• Senior School Parent Network meeting, 5 March, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
• Junior School Parent Group meeting, 6 March, 8:45am – 10:15am
• Junior School Family Picnic Afternoon, 21 March, 1:00pm – 4.00pm
• Putting on the Ritz Ball, 23 May, Hilton Sydney
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.
Please contact us at [email protected]
2015 Executive Committee
Mr Sanjit Roy, President (Yr 10, K)
Mrs Vicki Kennett, Vice President (Yr 5)
Mrs Julie Cleary, Treasurer (Yr 3)
Mrs Jo Sanker, Secretary (Yr 8)
Committee:
Mrs Patricia Cross (Yr K)
Mrs Ange Humphries (Yr K)
Mrs Sunny Hres (Yr 1)
Mrs Fiona Morley (Yr 8)
Mr Bill Wright (Yr 8)
Mrs Vireena Peacock (Yr 9)
Mrs Catherine Fisher-Graves (Yr 11) Mrs Breda Power (Future)
Putting on the Ritz Ball
Time to start dusting off your top hat, white tie and tails! Plans for
the Tara ‘Putting on the Ritz’ Ball to be held on Saturday 23 May at
the Sydney Hilton Hotel are in full swing! Online bookings are already
open at www.tara.nsw.edu.au/events.asp. The last Tara Ball was SOLD
OUT so act now to plan a wonderful evening of friends and fun while
supporting us in this special fundraising event.
We would encourage parents to consider organising table bookings
early to avoid disappointment as we anticipate that the ball will be
a sell-out occasion again! We will also be organising tables for each
year group. Please mark the date in your diaries – it promises to be a
glittering event!
Email [email protected]
Regatta Centre and the camaraderie of
all being together as a team especially on
the bus! A full term of regattas are ahead,
starting with Pymble on 31 January and
culminating with NSW Schoolgirl Head
of River on 8 March. Over the last couple
of years FoTR fundraising has been very
successful, seeing the money go towards
items such as new rowing machines, a new
tinny, oars, life jackets etc. We have now
raised enough money to have a big ticket item in our sights for this year
- a new coxed quad and set of oars!
We will be running the Club 300 Meat raffle again this year - tickets and
information out soon. The wine and chocolate fundraisers we organised
before Christmas went very well. Thank you to Bill Wright and Steve
Dwight for their swift organisation of these events.
If your daughter is interested in rowing
you can get in touch with the Tara Rowing
Convenor/Head Coach, Laura Brienesse,
via [email protected] or
mobile 0431 884 635. Laura is also at Tara
on Tuesday from 10:00am-2:00pm. I am one of the dedicated rowing
parents and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Please contact me on 0421 274 650.
Mrs Jo Horton, Rowing Publicity & Promotions Officer (Year 10)
Second-Hand Uniform Shop
I look forward to taking on the role as coordinator from this year.
We have a range of good quality second-hand uniforms and sports
uniforms available. I will be at the Tara Uniform Shop on Thursdays
from 12 until about 4pm with other volunteers. If you have good
quality, clean uniforms that you wish to place on consignment or
donate to the P&F, please contact me via [email protected].
edu.au or come and see me on Thursdays in the shop.
Mrs Alison McDonell, Volunteer Coordinator (Years 7, 9)
Tara Crested Items
There is a range of Tara crested products which make perfect presents
and gifts for all family members. When you visit the Uniform Shop
please take time to look at the products. If you would like to see
alternatives or have suggestions of other items, please let me know.
(Mrs) Fiona Morley, 2015 Ball Convenor Volunteer (Year 8)
(Mrs) Lea Lloyd, Volunteer Coordinator (Years 6, 7)
Friends of Tara Rowing (FoTR)
Next Meeting
The rowing girls and coaches have been working hard
over the summer holidays to keep up their fitness,
training three times a week at the boat shed and this summer have
managed a couple of mini camps at SIRC! The rowing parents are a
wonderful group of people and we definitely ‘bond’ over our early
morning drop offs! The girls have enjoyed the intense training at the
Please join the P&F committee and other parents on Tuesday 17
February, Bowern Room (Senior School Cafeteria) from 7:30pm –
9:30pm. If you have any items for the Agenda please forward these via
[email protected]. We hope to see you there.
Stay in touch with Tara online.
(Mr) Sanjit Roy (Yr 9, ELC), 2014 - 2015 Tara P&F President
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
2 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 1
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our workshop. Richard trained as an IB-accredited adult educator last
year and we certainly reaped the benefit of that training!
From the Head of
Junior School
Learning Journeys
Welcome to another year of learning in the Junior School: the fifth and
final year of our School’s Strategic Plan and the Junior School’s third
year of implementation of the International Baccalaureate Primary
Years Programme (PYP). I especially welcome our new students and
their families. It has been delightful to see so many new friendships
being forged, and for those new Tara girls who were able to participate
in our 2014 Tara Experience Days, I trust they helped you feel happy and
prepared to start at Tara last week. I look forward to welcoming all our
new friends formally at our first chapel for the year on 2 February. To our
new families, thank you for the privilege of entrusting your daughter to
us. I trust you feel warmly greeted and embraced into the Tara family! To
our newest Tara girls: I am thrilled that you are continuing your learning
journey here in 2015!
We have four new Tara girls who are rather special. Our new teachers join
a cohesive and collegial staff. I am sure you will get to know them over
the course of the term, but for now I ask that you join me in welcoming:
Holly Hamilton who will be teaching Year 1. Mrs Hamilton is an
experienced early years teacher who is proving a wonderful asset
especially in the areas of tracking and targeting early numeracy and
literacy. She has been delving into the Sophie books by Dick King-Smith
in order to prepare her class for being Sophie girls in 2015.
Sarah Hellyer who will be teaching Year 5. Miss Hellyer is known to
many of us as a long serving and trusted casual teacher at Tara who is
warm and genuine in all her dealings with the girls. Year 5 is the grade of
espionage, as Miss Hellyer’s class of 5 Harriet (the spy) joins with 5 Max
Remy (the superspy) across the hall!
Jessica Paillas who will be teaching music during Mrs Druitt’s maternity
leave. With a passion for choral music, and a talent across a number
of instruments, Mrs Paillas has been teaching music at Kambala for
15 years, and I just know the girls are going to adore her positive and
vivacious manner.
Jessica Worden who will be teaching art during Mrs Ostrowski’s
maternity leave. Ms Worden is truly a global citizen, after being born and
raised in Kenya, having spent her life in Africa, North America, Asia and
now Australia. Just the kind of compassion and open-mindedness we
aim to develop in the girls.
The hardworking staff of the Junior School began their year prior
to the long weekend, attending a workshop on ‘Assessment in the
PYP’. These were two wonderful days of learning as we reflected on
best, research-backed practice in assessment and reporting. We all left
the workshop with different ‘take homes’ but there was a universal
aspiration to include students more in the assessment process, with
judicious use of self-assessment and student-created criteria. For the
staff, it also affirmed the imperative of ‘feedback’ as a powerful tool
for student-directed learning. This is an area of continued professional
development for staff in 2015. I am grateful to Richard Curtis for leading
Stay in touch with Tara online.
We certainly have planned an action-packed start to the year,
beginning with our Learning Information Evening on Wednesday 4
February. This is an invaluable evening, designed to give you insight
into your daughter’s learning journey here at Tara. You will meet
teachers, hear about programs and routines, and have the opportunity
to chat with other parents. Given the general nature of the Learning
Information Evening, individual concerns about your daughter are
best not addressed here. Feel free to make another time to meet with
the class teacher regarding any concerns you have. We deliberately
moved this forward in the school calendar to be more useful and
relevant for parents. This evening is intended to provide a window into
the classroom as well as much needed ‘nuts and bolts’ information. I
am looking forward to walking around and seeing teachers and parents
engaged in hands-on activities that replicate the kinds of learning
experiences the girls are having, especially as we start our year by
introducing our new Class Characters and the PYP Skills.
• 6:00 – 6:45 pm (Classrooms with Teachers) Parents of Years K – 3
• 6:50 – 7:15 pm (JS Hall with Ms Adams) Parents of Years K – 6
• 7:15 – 8:00 pm (Classroom with Teachers) Parents of Years 4 – 6
It won’t be long and you will be invited to book in for a ‘Learning
Conversation’ with your daughter’s teacher to be held on 25 February
in Week 5. This afternoon and evening of short conversations is
an accompaniment to our formal teacher-to-teacher handover
meetings and designed to be an opportunity for you to share relevant
information about your daughter with her teacher. The teacher will
also have some initial insights to talk through with you.
PYP – the next step
1. PYP Skills
This year we will continue to revisit the PYP Learner Profile and PYP
Attitudes. These are attributes and approaches to learning that we
have found help girls speak about and reflect upon their learning.
In 2015 we will formally introduce the girls and families to the PYP
Skills in an explicit and ‘whole-school’ way, equipping girls with the
necessary proficiency across a range of skills that have relevance
both within and beyond the classroom. The girls will spend 2015
learning and reflecting on their development of research skills,
communication skills, self-management skills, thinking skills and
social skills.
If you have seen my office window, you will notice that my big focus
for the start of the year is social skills, particularly manners, courtesy
and consideration for others. I am unapologetically determined that
every girl in the Junior School will understand and practise social
graces such as ‘please and thank yous’, stepping aside for adults
and others, learning to wait before interrupting, using appropriate
greetings, and helping both those in our Tara community as well as
visitors to our school. These behaviours require courage, respect,
integrity and confidence. It is no wonder we have spent 2013 and
2014 focusing on these elements that are included in the Learner
Profile and PYP Attitudes.
2. PYP Lightbulb Seminar
As parents in the Junior School, I consider you are legitimate
member of our learning community and warmly invite you to attend
our annual ‘Introduction to the PYP’ Lightbulb Seminar for parents
on 3 February 2015 in the Junior School Library. Come along to learn
with our PYP Coordinator, Richard Curtis, what makes the PYP such
a unique and exciting learning framework for your daughter.
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2 February 2015
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3. PYP Verification Visit
An exciting next stage in our implementation of the PYP occurs on 16
and 17 February when we host two representatives of the International
Baccalaureate Organisation who are coming to visit the Junior School
and verify our progress with the PYP so far. Part of this visit will see
our visitors speaking with teachers, students and parents. The last
IB visit we had saw a lovely group of our parents speak confidently
and enthusiastically about the way their daughter learns at Tara. If
you would like to be part of the group of parents who talk with the IB
visiting team in February, feel free to make contact with Richard Curtis
via [email protected]
If you are interested in doing some extra reading, the IB website is a
useful destination. http://www.ibo.org/pyp/
Upcoming Dates
One thing that makes Tara such a wonderful place is the way the girls
welcome others. Our Year 6 ‘Friends of Tara Team’ will host a new girls
morning tea on 5 February for all new girls from Year 1 – Year 6. This is
a lovely morning where new girls can meet each other across the school
as well as provide the Year 6 leaders with an opportunity to share with
them ways they can feel at home in their new school.
conducted prior to the turning circle, or in the car park or courtyard.
• The ‘inner circle’ of the turning circle is a no standing zone (more
accurate signage to come). Cars on the ‘inner circle’ of the turning
circle are to continue circling, merging considerately with traffic already
in the turning circle.
• Timing is everything with the turning circle: parents are encouraged
to time their arrival at school to align with the time their child is
released, to ensure minimum time is spent in the turning circle.
Parents with K-2 and 3-6 children should time their arrival once the
oldest child is in the turning circle.
• All families are encouraged to display their family name in the front
window to expedite allocating children to cars.
• In the interest of duty-of-care, all students are to be collected by
3:30pm. In the case of an unforseen event that delays you, please notify
the Junior School office. Children not collected by 3:30 will be cared for
in After School Care. Some days there are obvious delays in the traffic (eg.
inclement weather). In these circumstances, please be assured of the Tara
staff’s preparedness to be flexible in turning circle finishing time.
Whether you are just starting your learning adventure at Tara or
continuing with us, I warmly welcome you to 2015.
(Ms) Ruth Adams
This week the Year 3 and Year 4 instrumental program begins. Can I
stress the importance of your daughter seizing this opportunity to
learn an instrument?
I am pleased to advise that Assembly this week on 6 Feb at 2:30 pm
will include the SRC badge presentation. As always, parents are invited
every week to Assembly and Chapel (please check the Turning Circle
noticeboard to check that it is an Assembly week) and when an extra
special event occurs, parents can expect notification.
Turning Circle
It is timely to remind all users of the Turning Circle of the Essential
Agreement written by parents.
I do strongly ask that the family name be displayed on the front
sunshield. It really does make the whole Turning Circle work much
better when teachers and the girls can see the names from a distance. I
really appreciate your cooperation with this.
Around the School
Beginning of the Year
Welcome to a new and exciting year at Tara.
I hope that your family had an enjoyable
and relaxing holiday. It was great to see all
the girls and staff returning to school with
smiles and a few butterflies. I would like to
extend a special welcome to our new girls and
parents. Welcome to the Tara community.
The year has begun in a lively and positive manner with staff returning
to a range of meetings and planning that ensures a quality start for
all the students. Staff in fact came in two days early to attend a PYP
workshop on Assessment. Following on from such an important
professional development opportunity, staff have been busy finalising
programmes for the first few days of school, organising for the 3-6
camps in Week 3 and the ELC-2 camp day.
Additionally, for personal safety, we would encourage children to not
step off the kerb, to go behind their car to access the boot. Nothing
stops my heart more than seeing girls placing bags in the boot while
another car pulls up quickly behind them! If you need to place bulkier
items in the boot, it will be necessary to park and then walk up to
collect your daughter from the Courtyard or Turning Circle.
Our Essential Agreement for using the Turning Circle:
• Safety of students, staff and parents is the primary concern of all
individuals using the turning circle: courtesy and consideration to other
drivers, Staff and students, in addition to an adherence to a 10 km/h
limit, is expected by all users of the turning circle.
• Parents and caregivers are to remain inside the car during peak times.
This is a Baulkham Hills Shire Council recommendation based on its
evaluation of our turning circle. A member of staff is on hand to assist
with getting in and out of cars, but should parents need to assist their
child, then parking in the car park is the best option.
• Children leave and enter the car from the curb side in front of
the entrance to Junior School. Calling students across the road
contravenes our commitment to safety.
• Turning circle is a ‘kiss-n-drop’ system. Extended farewells are best
Stay in touch with Tara online.
As the year begins and the girls are welcomed into their new classes
they will get to know their new class character.
With our units of inquiry starting in Week 2 we have had an
opportunity to get back into the groove of school life and have the girls
start to think about their role in the learning process. Among a raft of
varied tasks, staff and students have been working together examining
the learner profile, attitudes, negotiating essential agreements, electing
student representative council members, revising expectations and
discussing the attitudes that are crucial for individual and collaborative
group work.
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8
Finally, thank you all for the wonderful support we have received in
this early phase of the school year. We appreciate the time parents and
other family members have given to help make the transition to school,
be it for the first time or just after the holidays, a smooth and positive
experience. It has been a delight to meet and speak with many of you at
the various events that have been scheduled since the year begun.
Starting School
It was wonderful to see the new Kindergarten students on their first
full days at Tara. Starting school at Tara, even if they have been in our
ELC for a year, is an important milestone for the girls and parents.
The Department of Education has a great site that has tips for families:
“Helping Kindy Kids Succeed at School”. http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.
edu.au/wellbeing/development/helping-kindy-kids-succeed-at-school.
This site is a thriving online community with comprehensive homework
and school life support for parents that is easy to use, relevant and
engaging. There are free apps to download, informative podcasts,
videos and articles by experts in the field.
There are a couple of tips offered that are good for all parents to keep in
mind, such as:
• Keep up the things you did with your child before they started school,
like bedtime reading.
• Talk to your child’s teacher if you have any concerns about your child’s
learning.
• Get your child to school on time; it helps to avoid anxiety.
• Get involved in your school; it demonstrates to your children that you
value education.
In addition to these tips, it is very important to always be positive in
your communications with your daughter about school, focusing on
positive things that they can do to deal with some of the situations that
they might face. Giving children positive strategies to deal with school
situations themselves helps them to develop confidence and resilience.
and deny girls a valuable learning experience. No girl should be phoning
a parent during the day about forgotten equipment except in the rare
instances that their teacher has given permission. If you are unsure
how to handle such instances please discuss this with your daughter’s
teacher to ensure a consistent approach.
Student Leadership
An important part of Tara’s Christian foundation is fostering the
sense of selflessness which links us with all humanity and we do it
through active leadership and service programs. Many parents and girls
comment that Tara’s greatest strength is educating the ‘whole’ student
to draw out the best in each girl. Girls are not a homogenous group and
we focus on each girl’s unique gifts and qualities. This is particularly
important in Junior School as it lays the first foundations for further
learning.
Student engagement is key to this and Tara’s Christian ethos through
service to others sees key members of staff take personal mentoring
roles for every girl, to provide an environment where their individual
personalities can develop.
From there we actively role model Tara’s values of courage, responsibility
and respect as well as developing a passion for learning that girls can
carry with them for the rest of their lives.
To encourage the values of kindness and service, our girls visit places
such as nursing homes, hospitals and special schools. Each House leads
an annual ‘service day’ where they design fun, innovative activities to
raise money and awareness for organisations of their choice.
Developing Responsibility
Our philosophy of leadership sees leadership by students, for students.
Through leadership roles girls show and grow their skills by taking
initiative, taking risks and reflecting on how they are leading others.
Our Christian perspective is largely about service, and, given that we
expect all our students to serve others, all therefore have important
leadership roles. Tara Junior School provides strong leadership
training and opportunities for our girls.
I am sure you would agree that one of our aims as parents and
educators is to encourage the girls to be responsible for their own
behaviour. Part of this is to encourage the girls to be independent and
responsible for their day to day organisation at Tara. In primary school
a student should be bearing the bulk of responsibility for packing their
own bag and knowing what is required for each day.
We understand not everyone is a born leader but believe good
leadership qualities such as mental courage, constructive spirit and
compassion can be taught to all. Throughout all years all girls are
encouraged to take leadership roles within school life that are then
developed with real-life experience, training and ongoing support.
Girls do enjoy and grow from being responsible appropriate to their age
and abilities. Of course this is a process which they sometimes need
assistance with in the way of reminders, charts and other techniques.
But the end goal should be that they do it, rather than mum or dad or
the teacher doing it for them. By working together we can teach our
girls to be organised so that they grow into the increasing demands of
the later school years and life.
In Year 5, our girls attend leadership preparation courses by external
specialists as well as in-class exercises and opportunities to lead
assemblies and mentor younger girls. These are just some of the ways
we prepare Year 5 to reflect on responsibilities of Year 6 leadership.
Year 5 students also have opportunities to lead assemblies, be ELC
Buddies and run House Jams. Additionally, every day in the classroom
and playground presents opportunities to grow and show leadership in
kindness and service to others without any hope of personal gain.
As a simple place to start I would encourage our younger girls to carry
their own bag into and out of school and unpack it themselves. Our
older girls can be reading Tara News and using their planner to pack
their own bag with the necessary materials for each day. It is worth
remembering that when students do forget items, experiencing the
natural consequences of this (which may include explaining to a teacher
or missing out on an activity) can be an important part of the learning
process.
In Year 6 every girl takes a role of her choice within team or as a
member of the Junior School Leadership Committee. This committee
actively expresses our philosophy of student-led learning. These
leadership roles are excellent opportunities with each girl actively
mentored by a senior staff member who is trained to identify and
grow a girl’s skills by encouraging initiative, calculated risk taking and
reflection on how they are leading others.
Parents dropping forgotten items to school or calling to excuse
forgetfulness, whilst always well-meaning, can actually be unhelpful
Our most senior leadership role is known as the Elizabeth Medallist.
This year this role is being fulfilled by Mary-Claire Nassif and the Vice
Stay in touch with Tara online.
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2 February 2015
Term 1 | Edition 1
9
Captain and SRC Chairperson is Sophia Kennaugh. Our Crusader
Leader is Jordyn Filies. Sports Captain is Lily Gavan and Heads of
House are Alessandra Natale (Crawford), Macayla Hole (Hake), Siena
Leckovski (Walker) and Natasha Reuben (Waugh)
All girls in Year 6 will have an opportunity to be a team leader, to lead
assembly and take on other roles within the school where they see a
need. Over the year the girls will be reporting in Tara News what they
have been up to - a student insight into school events.
All Leadership responsibilities are to be undertaken before school,
at recess, lunch or after school. Students are not to come out of class
to perform leadership duties unless they have permission from the
Head of Junior School or the Director of Teaching and Learning. All
communications regarding leadership roles should be through mentors
or the Director of Teaching and Learning, not Year 6 class teachers.
Contacting your teacher
If you have a concern or query about your child’s learning we encourage
you to contact us. The first ‘port of call’ should always be the class
teacher as they will have the best knowledge of your child’s learning. If
you would like to make an appointment to speak to your child’s teacher
please either send a note or contact the office.
If it is an urgent matter, you can phone to talk to the teacher – but
please be aware that teachers may not be able to take phone calls during
the teaching day. Please be assured that we value open communication
with parents, and our teachers will be happy to make an appointment
to discuss your concerns at any time during the year. We will be
holding 15 minute learning conversations on Wednesday 26 February.
Routines
The first few weeks of any school year are an important opportunity
to establish routines that will serve students well throughout the year.
The girls have made a great start in their first few weeks and handled
events with ease. I encourage parents and girls to work together in
these early weeks to ensure the establishment of good habits at school
and home. It is important for girls to be on time to school each day and
with the correct equipment for the day’s lessons.
The planner will be of great assistance in this regard and parents should
be ensuring they sight and sign it each day as well. It is an important
avenue of communication between home and school. The Tara News
(emailed fortnightly and on-line) and the Parent Handbook (online)
will also be a constant sources of valuable information and I would
encourage parents to maintain familiarity with both. Most classes in
the Junior School use Edmodo to communicate with the girls at home.
Questions will still arise from time to time. Please, in the first instance,
contact your daughter’s class teacher who will be happy to help you
with your enquiry or direct you to whomever can provide appropriate
assistance.
Morning Routines
Thank you to all our Kindergarten parents who have been encouraging
their children’s independence in the morning by dropping them and
allowing them to meet their new friends in the playground. It really is
a delight to see how well our newest students have settled into school
life!
On Monday mornings the girls are asked to enter the school via the
main reception area and leave their bags in the courtyard in their class
areas. If it is after 7:45am they will then proceed to the playground. On
Tuesday-Friday the girls enter the lower playground via the gates near
Stay in touch with Tara online.
After School Care in the morning and line their bags up on the blue soft
fall.
Just a reminder – the first staff supervision of the day begins at
7:45am. Students should not arrive prior to this as there is no
supervision prior to 7:45. I ask all parents to be mindful of what time
they drop their children off. The only exceptions to this are those
students who have extra subjects, sport or music / band lessons prior
to 7:45am. Any student arriving prior to 7:45am is asked to sit in the
main courtyard. At 7:45am the staff member of supervision will collect
the girls and take them down to the lower playground.
Crunch&Sip
To support healthy eating habits at school Crunch&Sip was introduced
in 2013 and continues this year. The girls enjoy a quick Crunch&Sip
break every morning around 9:30am. This is an opportunity for
students to increase water intake and highlight the need for a healthy
diet, with a particular emphasis on fruit and vegetable snacks. The
idea is to help the girls to re-fuel and boost their physical and mental
performance and concentration in the classroom.
Please remember that packaged items are not suitable, just fresh fruit,
vegetables and water. A small portion is all that is required. Particularly
with regard to K-2, a few slices of fruit or vegie sticks in a small
container can be quickly eaten - this avoids waste of leftovers of whole
pieces of fruit when time is limited. Please avoid items that are sticky
or drippy as many girls are continuing with their learning as they eat.
Crunch&Sip does not replace the need to have fruit at recess. This year
we will be working with the girls to move away from packaged products
to healthier items. Thank you for your support as we work together to
encourage the development of healthy lifestyles in all of our students.
School Uniform
A reminder that all girls wear their panama hats to and from school.
The girls should have their hair tied back if it touches their collar. Blue
or white hair accessories are the only colours except on House Jam
day. On cooler morning girls should wear their blazers, not jumpers to
school.
All girls must also have a raincoat. Girls without raincoats will not be
taken to turning circle. Parents will have to park and come down to pick
their daughter up from the courtyard.
Camps
An integral part of the school’s beginning of the year curriculum
and specifically of the students’ learning programs is our outdoor
education program for girls in Years 3-6. Notes went home at the end
of 2014. Years 3 and 4 will be attending Galston Crusaders Camp and
Years 5 and 6 will be at Lake Macquarie from Monday 9 February until
Wednesday 11 February.
Camps are a great way to start the year and serve as an opportunity to
develop and extend relationships as well as participate in a wide variety
of adventurous activities and challenges. It is the school’s hope that
each girl is able to stretch themself by tackling a new experience and
that each gains a sense of personal achievement. These camps are an
important part of our program at Tara, providing an opportunity for
children to learn and be extended in new areas as well as build a sense
of teamwork with each other and staff. Thank you to the staff who
organise the camps and who supervise the girls.
(Mrs) Denise Hayward, Director of Teaching and Learning
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2 February 2015 10
Term 1 | Edition 1
Senior Sport
were the first to score in extra time and unfortunately held Tara off
with the end result being 7-6. It was a sad loss but the girls tried their
best and had a fantastic season, being undefeated which they should
be proud off. Every player in this team was outstanding during the
game and although Tara didn’t win, their skill development over the
season got them to the Grand Final. A big congratulations to all the
girls and a massive thank you to Elise, the team’s coach, for all her
hard work this season.
Rowing 2014
By Elizabeth Gordon (Waterpolo Captain)
Roseville College Regatta
Tara rowers were faced with windy conditions
at the Roseville College Regatta on Saturday 16
November. The regatta was held at Iron Cove
so both the weather and rowing course were a
new challenge for our junior rowers. The team
however rose to the occasion, in particular our
Year 7 girls who had some outstanding results.
Frances Juriansz and Demi Papasinos came
2nd in the Year 8 double scull. A huge congratulations to Genevieve
Wiltshire, Heather Kelly and Millie Dickinson all of whom placed in
their Year 8 sculls. Chloe Wright won her division of the Year 8 single
scull. A huge well done to Chloe! Cate Crampton and Ella Horton
were just pipped at the line and came 2nd in the Year 10 double,
while Eliza Keary and Ella Summers also came 2nd in the Year 10
double. The Dwight twins, Alyssa and Brianna, once again put in
an incredible effort in the Year 10 sculls with Brianna winning and
Alyssa coming 2nd. The water conditions deteriorated, with a heavy
cross wind and the rowers had to focus on technique and setting a
good line of racing. Kate and Bridie O’Gorman won the senior double
scull race, but it is our Year 7 rowers who should be congratulated
with both crews placing in the Year 8 quads. Well done to Tiffany
Anon, Chloe Wright, Heather Kelly, Millie Dickinson and Genevieve
Wiltshire for picking up their first win. Holly Brooks, Frances
Juriansz, Becky Rose and Demi Papasinos should also be very proud
of their efforts placing 2nd in the Year 8 quad. This regatta showed
the class of Tara rowing and the improvements that are being made
within the squad.
Independent Schools Regatta Association (ISRA)
Championships
On Sunday 26 November, the ISRA Rowing Regatta was held at
the International Regatta Centre in Penrith. Tara’s Year 8 quads
raced very well in the morning with Chloe Wright, Millie Dickinson,
Heather Kelly, Genevieve Wiltshire and coxswain Tiffany Aoun taking
out 2nd in the Division 1 race, followed by 6th place in the A Final.
Sabrina Hu, Holly Brooks, Francis Juriansz, Demi Papasinos and
coxswain Eliza Keary came 3rd in the Division 3 race and 8th in the
C Final. There were also dominant performances by Bridie O’Gorman
won the Year 11 single and Kate O’Gorman who won the schoolgirl
single scull. Unfortunately racing was cancelled due to very hot
conditions.
By Kate O’Gorman (Rowing Captain)
Waterpolo 2014
On 29 November the Senior Tara water polo team played against St
Vincents in the Grand final for the 2014 season. The girls knew it
was going to be a hard game as St Vincent’s were a strong side but
the team gave it their all. At the end of the third quarter the score
was 6-3 and the team was starting to relax however St Vincents came
back strongly in the final qaurter, with the game finishing 6 all. The
game didn’t finish there though as there was extra-time. St Vincents
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Training Schedule 2015
The latest version has been emailed to all senior students. Please
check it carefully. It does change regularly so keep an eye on sports
boards and the sport section of the intranet for the latest version.
Swimming Carnival
The Swimming Carnival is on Monday 9 February. That is the
Monday of week 3 - straight after camp. It is at Parramatta Aquatic
Centre and buses will take you to and from the venue. Every student
competes in this carnival. If you have made a Championship event
your name will be on a list. These lists will be posted on Ms Musto’s
office window on Tuesday evening 3 February so you can check them
before you go to camp on Wednesday morning. They will also be
emailed to House Patrons, House Prefects and Year Coordinators. If
you do not make a championship race or missed out on swimming
heats you will participate in the ‘Splash and dash’ (participation
events) Any questions you can see your House Prefect or Bridie
O’Gorman (Swimming Captain).
Swimming Heats Catch Ups
Year 7 had their swimming heats on Friday 30 January after lunch so
any other student who wishes to do catch ups can do it at lunch on
Monday 2 February or Tuesday 3 February.
Diving Carnival
The Diving Carnival is held in conjunction with the swimming
carnival on Monday 9 February at Parramatta Aquatic Centre. Only
those students who have attended training are able to compete in
this carnival. Dives are to be done inbetween swimming events. You
can also direct any questions to Megan O’Keeffe (Diving Captain).
Diving Training
Unfortunately due to timing we are not able to fit another diving
training in before the carnival. Girls who attended diving training
in Term 4 can compete at the school carnival but any girl who would
like to try diving can attend trainings once they begin again on
Wednesday 11 February. They are usually Wednesday and Friday
mornings from 6.30-8am at Parramatta Aquatic Centre and you will
be required to pay pool entry. A bus will bring you back to school at
8:00am.
Softball and Tennis
Teams have now been finalised and training begins this week. Please
check the Sports Board to confirm your team number and check the
Training Schedule when your trainings are on. There are no games
this Saturday 31 January, the first games are Saturday 7 February.
As there is camp in the three days directly before the first Saturday
of games the draw may change. Please check your emails, the sports
board or the sport section of the intranet for the draw after camp.
Any queries can also be answered by Antoinette Tipple (Softball
Captain) or Ruth Yeend (Tennis Captain).
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2 February 2015 11
Term 1 | Edition 1
Saturday Sport Wet Weather
Absence from Sport Notes
http://www.ahigs.nsw.edu.au/IGSSA.aspx - this link will take you
to the IGSSA website. It is a lovely pink website! At the top of the
page there is a wet weather section. If you click the ‘find out more’
button it will give you a list of venues and whether they are open or
closed. This needs to be refreshed if you are checking on the morning
of a game as Schools notify IGSSA of venue closures. Keep this link
on your smartphone as you drive to a venue if in doubt of weather
cancellation.
If you are away for a game or training you must submit an absence
from sport note. One has been attached for you. You may wish to print
out a pile and keep them handy to fill in when needed. They need to be
returned via the pink sports box outside Ms Musto’s office.
Fitness Centre
The Fitness Centre is open every afternoon except Friday and every
morning except Wednesday. If you need a program and someone to
motivate you, Jack can assist you with this. He will also be running
group fitness classes from 4:00-5:00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday afternoons so if you prefer a group workout environment
that is for you. Please keep an eye on the Training Schedule as to
what type of class will be on which afternoon. To attend the Fitness
Centre just complete the Permission note and the Pre-exercise
Questionnaire (both attached) and you can begin working out.
Rowing
Rowing has commenced and we have the IGSSA Regatta at the
Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) Penrith on Sunday 8
February. If you are interested in coming to spectate that would
be fantastic and if you would like to try Rowing you can email the
Rowing Administrator, Laura Brienesse, via [email protected].
nsw.edu.au or have a talk with the Rowing Captain, Kate O’Gorman,
for further information.
Term 2 Sport Registration for Basketball and Football
Registrations for Term 2 sports are now open - http://www.
trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=118989
this is the link. Registrations will close Friday 20 February (end of
week 4). Selections will be on Tuesday and Wednesday afterschool
in week 5 and 6. Check your planners for when your year has their
selections. Chelsea Menna (Basketball Captain) and Amelia Raymond
(Football Captain) can also assist you.
Triathlon
Triathlon training for bike and run will begin again in Parramatta
Park at 6:00am on Wednesday 11 February. Please speak with
Morgan Nicholson (Triathlon Captain) if you have any questions. We
are happy to have more girls involved.
Dance
More information about dance and when it will begin will occur in
week 3. This year there will be two dance groups that will be graded.
If you intend to participate in dance you must be prepared to do all
the eisteddfods. Dates for these will be available when registrations
open. You can contact Madeleine Yeaman (Dance Captain) for more
information.
Uniform
Leggings are now in the uniform shop! For trainings for sport and
the Fitness Centre you are able to wear any Tara sport uniform - eg.
shorts, leggings, house shirt, white sports shirt, basketball singlet.
Non Tara uniform is not acceptable.
Bags
All bags brought to school must only be Tara bags. There is a Tara
sports bag available in the uniform shop if you cannot fit your sports
gear into your school bag.
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Sport Captains
The overall Sport Captain is Megan O’Keeffe but each sport has its
own captain. Often these girls are a good place to start if you have any
questions about a particular sport.
ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS
Asma Merchant
EQUESTRIAN
Madeleine Yeaman
SNOWSPORTS
Amelia Raymond
ATHLETICS
Holly Reuben
FOOTBALL
Amelia Raymond
SOFTBALL
Antoinette Tipple
BASKETBALL
Chelsea Menna
HOCKEYSophia Drury
SWIMMING
Bridie O’Gorman
CHEERLEADING - CHEER Lauren Dritmanis
NETBALL
Lauren Baikie
TENNISRuth Yeend
CROSS COUNTRY
Kate O’Gorman
CHEERLEADING - POM
Stevie Crouch
TOUCH FOOTBALL
Nicole Alevras
DANCEMadeleine Yeaman
RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS Mikki Poon
TRIATHLON
Morgan Nicholson
DIVINGMegan O’Keeffe
ROWINGKate O’Gorman
WATER POLO
Elizabeth Gordon
As always you can contact me via email [email protected]
or come and visit our office in the Senior School. Looking forward to a
great 2015!
(Ms) Ngaire Musto, Director of Sport
Extra Subjects
Tara/Club PERÓ Rhythmic
Gymnasts; Sarah Goddard,
Natasha Hopman, Jesse Kidd,
Sophie Palmer, Stephanie
Peacock and Mikki Poon
competed at the Gymnastics New South Wales State
Multiples Championships held on 15 November 2014 at Rooty Hill.
The girls were exciting to watch on the floor, and their hard work this
year has paid off in their wonderful results. Club PERÓ Head Coach,
Rachel Weiner, is extremely proud of the way the girls competed.
Congratulations girls!
Special Mentions:
• Mikki Poon and Belinda Nixon (Club PERÓ TARA Coach and
Gymnast) placed 2nd overall in Category 4 Mixed Pair
• Sarah Goddard, Natasha Hopman, Jesse Kidd, Sophie Palmer and
Stephanie Peacock (Open Clubs Group) placed 4th overall.
(Miss) Rachel Weiner, Extra Subjects Coach
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
2 February 2015 12
Term 1 | Edition 1
Day
Date Event
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
2-Feb
Swimming catch up heats - lunchtime
Half of ELC students begin, Kindergarten students begin
ELC-Year 6 New Parents Chapel
Senior School Music Rehearsals
Friends of Tara Rowing meeting 7:00pm
Senior School Social Justice Committee meeting - lunchtime
3-Feb
3-Feb
3-Feb
3-Feb
3-Feb
Senior School Photographs and ID (Years 7-12 and Houses)
Sisters’ Photos Junior School and Senior School 12:50pm
No Senior School Assembly today
Swimming catch up heats - lunchtime
All ELC at School
4-Feb
Years 7-12 Camps
5-Feb
Years 7-12 Camps
6-Feb
Years 7-12 Camps
7-Feb
7-Feb
7-Feb
7-Feb
IGSSA Softball and Tennis Round 1
IPSHA Sport Round 1
Uniform Shop open 9:00am-12:00noon
PLC / Kings / RNSW Regatta SIRC
8-Feb
8-Feb
2nd Year Reunion Luncheon Alumni 2012 12:30pm Bowern Room
IGSSA Rowing Regatta
9-Feb
9-Feb
9-Feb
Senior School Swimming and Diving Carnival - Parramatta Aquatic Centre
Years 3 and 4 Camps - Galston
Years 5 and 6 Camps - Lake Macquarie
10-Feb
10-Feb
10-Feb
10-Feb
10-Feb
Senior School Assembly 12:22pm
Years 3 and 4 Camps - Galston
Years 5 and 6 Camps - Lake Macquarie
ELC -2 Camp - Tara
Senior School Leadership meeting - lunchtime Room 19
11-Feb
11-Feb
11-Feb
11-Feb
Years 3 and 4 Camps - Galston
Years 5 and 6 Camps - Lake Macquarie
Tara Old Girls’ Association Meeting 7:00pm CMR
Senior School SRC meeting - lunchtime
12-Feb
12-Feb
12-Feb
12-Feb
12-Feb
Junior School Swimming Carnival (Years 3-6) (Senior School students required)
Senior School Prefects’ Service at St Andrew’s Cathedral
Tara Coding Club - lunchtime
Year 10 Careers Assessment Periods 1-4
Senior School Environment Club - lunchtime
13-Feb
13-Feb
13-Feb
13-Feb
13-Feb
Study Skills Year 10 Period 3; Year 11 Period 4 and Activities
Year 12 Biology excursion / Senior Science
Junior School Photographs - Individual and Class
Senior School CRU - lunchtime
Year 8 Guest Speaker in Mentor Time
Sunday
15-Feb NSW State Rowing Championships - SIRC
14-Feb IGSSA Softball and Tennis Round 2
14-Feb IPSHA Sport Round 2
14-Feb NSW State Rowing Championships - SIRC
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
2 February 2015 13
Term 1 | Edition 1
Community
Stay in touch with Tara online.
Visit tara.nsw.edu.au or follow Tara on Twitter @Tara_School
2 February 2015 14
Term 1 | Edition 1