The Tara Foundation

Tara Foundation History

Tara was founded by Joan Waugh in 1897 in Parramatta, opening her home, called Tara, to accommodate the girls and boys in her new school. Tara has always survived and flourished because of its strong sense of community and that community meeting the need.

Tara moved to Ellangowan at Parramatta to accommodate the growing student population.

Ellangowan was purchased in 1951 for 4,500 pounds, versus the budget of 1,000 pounds – fathers went guarantor and the rest raised by appeal. As written by Bronwyn Hubbard in the book on Tara’s history, A Telling of The Tapestry, explains "Some saw a derelict building in need of repair, others saw a symbol of hope and growth".

Tara continued to grow from strength to strength and the need to move to even larger premises became evident. An opportunity arose where land and suitable buildings for Tara was up for sale.

The land on this current site on the top of the hill at Masons Drive was purchased in 1958 for 66,000 pounds. Tara’s loan was 50,000 – a considerable sum and hefty commitment made by the School Council at the time. So that this vision could be realised, parents agreed to a compulsory interest free loan of 20 pounds during a child’s schooling.

"The dream of Tara on the Hill was finally realised" (B. Hubbard)

To read more about Tara's history, please visit our history page here. If you have been associated with Tara or are a former student, please visit our archives page - your memorabilia will help broaden the history of our school!


To read more about the Tara Foundation, please click on the following links below:

 

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