would not have survived. On 6 February 1952, 142 junior school boys and girls moved from All Saints', and began school at "Ellangowan", at 153 George Street, Parramatta. In 1953, the school commenced classes for senior school pupils. At this site, Tara grew rapidly and thus it was determined that another larger premises was required. In Term 3 of 1958, 103 senior school girls commenced at the schools current site at Masons Drive, with a new Headmistress, Helen Claridge. This site had previously been The Smith Family Hospital for Children with Rheumatic Fever. A new Science Block was added in 1959; a library in 1962, and the swimming pool in 1965. Construction of the Tara Junior School, and the first floor extension to the main block commenced in 1969. The girls from the Junior School moved to the Masons Drive buildings late in 1970. Ellangowan was sold in 1969 to fund the construction. Since 1969, the school has gone from strength to strength and is now recognised as a leading Australian girls' school. Major building construction has occurred almost every year; Science and Technology facilities, a Gymnasium and Music Block, Boarding facilities, Cafeteria and Function Area, Senior Learning Centre and in 2011, a new Junior School Library and Technology Centre. The school also runs a Telescope, given to Tara by Katherine Blundell a professor at the University of Oxford. A team called the Space Odyssey Team is run in conjunction with the telescope bringing girls and boys all over Sydney to join the team and participate in the program. Principals House system Tara currently has four houses and all students and staff take part in a variety of house activities including academic challenges, debating, drama, team sports, choir, service to others, outdoor education and leadership. The Houses are named after women and men who have made a significant contribution to the life of the school. Crawford The Revd Doug Crawford, rector of All Saints' Parramatta, chaplain at Tara, former member of the school council, instrumental in relocating Tara to Mason's Drive. This house is traditionally symbolised by the colour purple. Hake Elizabeth Hake, wife of the headmaster at The King’s School, former member of the school council, instrumental in relocating Tara to Mason's Drive. This house is traditionally symbolised by the colour yellow. Walker The Revd Paddy Walker, rector of All Saints' Parramatta, former member of the school council, welcomed