Infants Sports Day

On Friday 31 May, Tangara Infants hosted their Annual Infants Sports Day. Not even the forecast of heavy rain was going to stop the children anticipating the fun and excitement. The children offered many prayers and good deeds leading up to the big day, and we are grateful to God that our prayers were answered. We extend a big thank you to our wonderful Mrs. Gilbert and her team of Year 9 and 10 students who prepared and guided our competing groups throughout the event. We are also extremely grateful to our fabulous team of volunteers who helped make this day a fun-filled memory making moment.

Reading Information Evening

On Wednesday night it was wonderful to share and discuss the importance of reading to children in their early years of learning and how to help support your child with home reading.

In Kindergarten White, something exciting is happening every Friday. The air is charged with anticipation as our students eagerly await their weekly lesson of STEM exploration. The introduction of our STEM lessons has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among Kindergarten White.

Each Friday, the classroom is abuzz with activity as students delve into hands-on STEM activities, diving into the world of coding. From the moment Miss Corrine, the STEM educator, steps into the classroom, their eyes light up with curiosity and excitement, ready to start their coding journey.

The students in Kindergarten White are using coding skills to maneuver a BEE-BOT, a small, programmable robot designed specifically for Early Stage One. With its colorful buttons and friendly appearance, it is perfect for teaching counting, sequencing, directionality, problem solving and estimation.

Under the guidance of Miss Corrine, the students eagerly tackle coding challenges, learning valuable problem-solving skills along the way. As they input commands into the BEE-BOT, they witness the results of their code in action, fostering a sense of achievement.

To support our social-emotional education we read the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. This analogical story teaches that everybody carries an invisible bucket to hold all their good thoughts and good feelings about themselves. Having a full bucket makes you feel good about yourself, while having an empty bucket leaves you with uncomfortable feelings. We discussed how to be kind, and that our kindness fills other people's buckets. Similarly, when we are unkind, we dip into each other’s buckets.

Teaching Prep Rust and Prep Navy about Jesus and the Catholic faith is truly a joyful and humbling experience. Their simple and sincere questions often remind us of the beauty of faith in its purest form. This term, the children have been busy learning about significant events in Religion, including Pentecost, the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, and the Good Shepherd. We also went on a mini pilgrimage to celebrate the Month of Mary.

The term is flying by and things are humming in the Primary school!

What is your favourite thing?

I had the opportunity to ask some girls from each year group what their favourite things about their grade are:

Year 2

• Experiments

• Fun teachers

• Great art

• No boys!

Year 3

• Free choice

• Desk Pets

• Our friends

• Our teachers

Year 4

• Science

• Fun assignments

• Stem

• Doing assembly items

Year 5

• Having more responsibility at school

• Having new opportunities – like the School Magazine

• Going to Bathurst in Term 3!

• Group work

Year 6

• Playing on the equipment every morning tea

• Extra jobs and responsibilities

• Playing the organ at Mass

• Being the oldest in Primary!

Chess Club

Our Chess Club is going very well under the guidance of Mrs Elliott. The girls are learning some useful strategies and becoming very familiar with the workings of the game.

Giving Girls

Thank you to Jasmine and Siya from the Giving Girls group on this update:

Year 3 were inspired by Georgia O'keefe's cropped florals, making a special effort with tonal variation.

Year 4 have been busy honing their skills in textiles and sewing. 

Year 5 have have delved into Land Art and created some awesome abstract Autumn artworks. 

Year 6 experimented with Indigenous art techniques and also Japanese NOTAN. 

Each class is also madly preparing an extra art piece to be sold at our Art Show on Grandparents day. 

Mrs Denahy

Six Navy has had a particularly productive term. In Science, we have been studying the properties of materials and conducted several experiments. We have investigated the affect of different solutions on steel wool and the safety aspect of different types of ‘soft fall’. Humpty Dumpty must have fallen on concrete or artificial turf. Our little eggs survived even a 3 metre fall onto the compressed rubber under the infants play equipment. This is in preparation for a group task to design a new playground for the primary.

The virtue we have been learning about in the Junior School is Friendliness.

Friendship is a relationship based on shared interests and values as well as trust and support. A good friendship means you can be honest and feel comfortable. It is based on equality where both people put in effort, treat each other with kindness and neither one pressures the other into something they don’t want to do. 

Friendship is crucial for our emotional health and development. 

I am practicing friendliness when I:

· Smile and greet people with courtesy

· Have the courage to introduce myself

· Show interest in others

· Ask people about themselves

· Show caring when a friend needs me

Synonyms:

Where does Friendliness fit?

Love

·        Forgiveness

·        Compassion

·        Empathy 

·        Charity

·        Respect

·        Friendliness

·        Courtesy

·        Kindness

·        Patience

·        Helpfulness

For older students:

😊Would I want to be friends with someone like me?

😊How could I be a better friend this week?

😊Am I loyal? Think of a time when someone was loyal to you and describe how it made you feel.

As part of the Year 12 Physics Module Electromagnetism, the students completed a Depth Study in which they had to design and construct a simple DC Electric Motor using basic materials. The challenge was to build a motor that will rotate for a minimum of 30 seconds without the student touching it more than once to keep it operational. Congratulations to all these girls as all of their motors were able to run for 30 seconds or more.

Maths STEM Day

On Wednesday, 10 April, all students from Year 6 - 11 participated in the Maths STEM Day activities. The activities were designed to develop their engineering skills and mathematical thinking. Students were required to work collaboratively to plan, design and build structures using their knowledge of mathematics and engineering design. They worked in their house teams that were led by the Year 11 students.

Maths STEM Day - YEAR 6

The Year 6 students were involved in the Sierpinski Triangle Origami Challenge, which explores the various ways origami can be used in engineering processes. The goal was to achieve the highest number of Sierpinski triangles, which were combined to make a larger scaled triangle.

Year 7´s Math STEM Day was a success. Everyone enjoyed the moments as a grade. We started off with making a paper basket. It was very enjoyable and interesting. Chocolate eggs were given out to everyone as a treat. After the paper basket event, our teachers announced that we were going to have an egg event. The egg event was more enjoyable than you can imagine. Dropping an egg 3 meters and not letting it crack is pretty much impossible, but we got to wrap it up slightly. You still had to leave enough space for the egg to easily fall through. Even with all the difficulties, three groups managed to not let the egg crack. At the end, we all received a treat for participation and hard work. When the end-of-the-day bell rang, I knew that everyone would hold this very special memory in their hearts.

Juliana Z

Year 8 had a lot of fun on Wednesday participating in the STEM activities, it was a great challenge and everyone learnt so much as it was interesting and allowed us to use our minds in a different way. We made a flexi-cube which was eight cubes folded together to be able to fold in different shapes, and we also created a small and large geodesic dome out of paper straws in house groups. We raced to see who would finish first to receive a prize. These two activities were an exciting experience which taught us many skills such as creativity, attention to detail and patience while also working efficiently and as a team. We were all so glad to have this wonderful experience and can’t wait to participate in it next year!

Margot B

On Wednesday, Year 9 had STEM and worked with the help of the year 11's to create a strong bridge that can hold heavy amounts out of spaghetti and other resources given to us. We were put into groups of 3-4 people from our house groups and had to work together to create the bridge. We were educated on the types of bridges and how different types of shapes are stronger than others. It was an enjoyable experience as we worked with people in our grade and had fun while building the bridge. 

Aditi G

On Wednesday, Year 10 participated in a STEM activity for three periods where students, in groups, had to create a roller coaster out of paper for a marble to run through. The winners were groups who had the longest time, whose rollercoaster was the most creative and technical and those with the best spirit and teamwork. Although this task sounded simple, it proved to be very challenging when the group was put under timed conditions and had to think outside of the box to create a design unique and effective. A big thank you goes out to Mrs de Kock for organising an amazing activity for us. 

Syona N

It is estimated that 75% of jobs currently require STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills, with this figure rising to 90% in the future (CSIRO, 2023). To help build these crucial skills, Tangara Technology students are actively engaged in problem-based learning. Explicit teaching underpins the skills and knowledge in each unit. Technology learning empowers our learners to become actively engaged, independent drivers of their own learning, with agency over how they apply that learning. Students learn to apply all areas of STEM to research, develop and iterate innovative solutions to relevant, real-world problems. They collaborate and use computational thinking, systems thinking, and design thinking. Most importantly students love their learning.

Our Year 11 Geography students recently embarked on a fieldwork excursion to Narrabeen Beach, Narrabeen Lagoon, and the surrounding coastal area. This hands-on experience allowed our students to apply their classroom learning to real-world situations, focusing on the pressing issues of coastal erosion and human development on the northern beaches.

At Narrabeen Beach, students had the opportunity to observe and study the natural processes shaping our coastline. Using a range of geographical skills and fieldwork tools, they conducted detailed investigations into the causes and effects of coastal erosion. Equipped with measuring tapes, GPS devices, and clinometers, students meticulously measured beach profiles and mapped out erosion patterns.

The fieldwork also included discussions on coastal management strategies implemented to mitigate the effects of erosion and human activity. Students evaluated the effectiveness of seawalls, groynes, and beach nourishment projects, considering their environmental and socio-economic impacts. These discussions emphasised the importance of sustainable development and the need for balanced approaches to preserving our coastlines. Students returned with a deeper understanding of the geographical concepts studied in class and a heightened awareness of the environmental issues affecting our Northern Beaches.

Dive into University Month: Exploring Future Opportunities

This week marked the beginning of our much-anticipated "Dive into University" month. Throughout June, we will be visited by representatives from various universities, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and insights to our students. These sessions will include talks and discussions on a range of topics, such as the university admission process, exploring different university options, and understanding university life. Our goal is to provide students with comprehensive information and firsthand experiences to help them make informed decisions about their future educational paths.

We are thrilled to welcome Miss Nazli Sendurgut, a distinguished cellist who completed her Bachelor and Master of Music Studies (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, to Tangara.

Nazli, a passionate advocate for the transformative power of music, has performed in diverse venues worldwide and now joins us to inspire and educate our students.

Cello lessons resumed this Wednesday.

To sign up for lessons, please contact us at musicacademy@tangara.nsw.edu.au.

To read more about our wonderful peripatetic music staff, please click the following link.

Our weekly group singing classes are a fun and friendly environment that assist students in consolidating music skills learnt in the classroom.  We work toward fostering a lifelong love of music and creativity. Classes can focus on breath control, music games, posture, aural skills, projection, rhythm and performance skills. These classes are ideal for aspiring young performers who enjoy singing, dance and acting.

Our infant singing classes and choirs are getting ready for their upcoming performances in Tangara’s Recital Evening.

We are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of all students involved in the Tangara Music Academy and elective Music ensembles at our annual Recital Evening on Friday 21 June 2024. This year we present to you “Around the World'' with all ensembles (including K-2 singing groups) performing music composed by musicians from across the globe.

The Recital Evening is split into two sessions, Primary and Secondary. This event will not be ticketed and there will be limited seating available.

Primary Event: 6:00pm-7:00pm

Secondary Event: 7:30pm-8:30pm

On Wednesday 22nd May, 20 of our primary students had an opportunity to represent our school to compete in the annual Northwest Primary Schools Basketball Challenge. 

Our year 3/4 Junior and year 5/6 Senior teams competed amongst other surrounding  primary schools and showcased their incredible talent, athleticism and teamwork in true Tangara Spirit. We made history with our two teams being undefeated and taking home the 2024 Northwest Primary Schools Basketball Challenge Championship. 

You all have made us proud and congratulations on the well deserved win! Big thank you to all our coaches, parents and relatives who supported our teams. 

Year 3/4 Junior Team:

Joy B, Isabella N, Tess K, Nicole G, Jane K, Ivy N, Yustina K, Talitha G, Maria F & Isabella M 

Coaches: Mrs Chloe Gilbert & Mrs Alison Benson 

Year 5/6 Senior Team:

Lilymarie A, Melody J, Isla I, Mia Maroun, Marice D, Ava M, Arielle G, Sienna N, Amelia Rose L & Emma Z

Coach: Mr Reg Banez

Congratulations to the following students who represented Tangara at the HZSA Cross Country Carnival:

Primary - Arya Arisuthan, Clara Botros, Talitha Gregory, Tess Kennedy, Yustina Kwak, Ivy Niu, Arshia Arora, Maya Arvind, Scarlett Bechara, Zahra Chen, Isabella Nisbet, Charlotte Wang Park, Lucia Assaf, Felicity Barbero, Evelyn Grzech, Isla Iglesia, Joy Mazidi, Emma Zagari, Anya Dudson, Avila-Rose Kroeger, Amelia-Rose Lin, Mia Maroun & Ava McAuley

Secondary - Emily Chiha, Clara Mulkeen-Suarez, Candiace Zhu, Juliana Zhu, Isabella Assaf, Margot Bou-Samra, Zara Iglesia, Olivia Perisa, Lucia Vlastelica, Sairah Arora, Yumin Oh, Isabella Raad, Sophie Setoh, Amelie Assaf, Keira Mifsud, Syona Nishant, Ruby Scheepers, Taylor Zeaiter, Victoria Martinelli, Caitlin Nisbet, Liana Perisa, Diyva Sharma, Olivia Siau, Clare Tanna, Erene D Souza, Michelle Kim & Sofia Mabutas

Congratulations to the following secondary students who progressed through to AICES:

Amelie Assaf, Victoria Martinelli, Clara Mulkeen-Suarez, Caitlin Nisbet, Yumin Oh, Clare Tanna & Olivia Siau

Good luck to our runners who are running at the CIS Carnival on Thursday June 6.

Primary - Talitha Gregory, Tess Kennedy, Ivy Niu, Isla Iglesia, Scarlett Bechara & Mia Maroun

Secondary - Clare Tanna & Clara Mulkeen-Suarez

Ava McAuley (Year 6)was selected to represent CIS at the NSWPSSA - Primary Basketball - Girls Championship in Newcastle in May. Her team finished 3rd overall.

Ava shared the following recount of her tournament experience:

It was such an amazing experience representing Combined Independent Schools (CIS) in the NSWPSSA Basketball Championships held in Newcastle. Over 4 days we played against top teams from all over the State! I’m super happy for the opportunity to play against other talented and skilled girls in NSW. I met great people on this journey and made friendships I will never forget. I was fortunate to meet Natalie Burton (Australian Olympian, basketball player), who talked about her basketball journey. She really inspired me to always try again even if something doesn’t go your way. I definitely will never forget the great experience I have had with my team and I’m excited for future opportunities.

Congratulations Ava, we look forward to hearing about your future achievements!

Olivia Siau (Year 10)was selected to represent CIS at the NSW All Schools - Secondary Swimming - Championship in May. Olivia secured a Bronze medal in the Girls Mixed 800m Freestyle.

Second overdue notices have been emailed to all studetns and their parents with books still outstanding from Term 1. Please assist your child in finding their Library books and returning them ASAP. Books still outstanding at the end of term will be assumed lost and charged to your account together with a $5 processing fee. Thank you for your assistance!

Dear Parents and students

My name is Dominique Sarkis and I am the Tintagel House Captain for 2024. This year has already seen many events full of cheer, excitement and house unity that shows great house spirit across our school from all ages. Students have been particularly challenged to get out of their comfort zones this year with the Swimming carnival and new and improved initiatives like Interhouse and Co-curricular Lunch time which is aimed to enhance individual confidence and unite students from different grades and build friendships

We aim to foster the Class Motto for 2024, ‘Tollere Talea’ - Raise The Bar, to help every student realise their potential and encourage them to strive to achieve personal excellence in all areas of their school life; in friendships, academics, physical, cultural and spiritual aspects. We support each student to become a leader of faith and of action, to stay committed to co-curricular activities, remain driven through their sporting events and be motivated and persistent throughout their assessment blocks.

Dear Readers,

We are beyond delighted to announce that the Star Lit Family Night was a complete success! Despite the weather issues, the night raised just over $4500 to contribute to the finalisation Yarra Hall.

The night was filled with laughter, joy and the fresh smell of popcorn and sausage sizzles, as the students and parents munched on their snacks throughout the night. We had people arrive in their comfiest clothing and some… in their pyjamas, rugged up in a blanket withtheir friends, to enjoy a moment of relaxation amid a very busy term!

Thank you to all parents and student helpers on the night for making this dream of mine a possibility. I would like to especially thank members of the Tangara Development Committee, Mrs Tiana Tsipidis, Mrs Kathryn Mitchell, Mrs Cecelia Herrera and Mrs Vukovic for their assistance in running this successful event.

We thank Mr and Mrs Vukovic for donating the Audio equipment and Projection Screen for the night, through WOLFSON ENT (available for all hire of events), and all other donations of the night.