Our Learning

Making a mark at Friends’ Early Learning 

“The urge to draw appears to be universal. Beginning with early playful mark-making, children develop an understanding that mere lines and shapes on paper can stand for real objects and events, words and ideas beyond the drawing surface. It’s a profoundly important development. Their rapt faces and the stillness of their bodies when they’re engrossed in drawing tell us that something significant is going on.” Ursula Kolbe

At Friends’ Early Learning we value and support children’s curiosity and actively seek to create interesting experiences that can capture their inquisitive approaches to learning. As they playfully engage with the world around them, young children also delight in finding a myriad of inventive ways to represent their experiences and ideas by making marks on paper. Mark making is an indispensable building block in the developmental trajectory of early childhood; it not only paves the way for formal writing and reading but also nurtures creativity, communication, and cognitive skills; setting the stage for a lifelong love of learning and literacy.

Even from the youngest of ages, the children at Friends’ Early Learning have recently been exploring many different ways to experiment with the process of mark making - exploring the relationship between writing and drawing materials, different surfaces and types of paper. Making a mark on a page is not only a joyful experience of spontaneous discovery, but also a fundamental and often underestimated aspect of early literacy development. It involves the act of creating and interpreting various types of marks, whether through drawing and scribbling, or progressing early symbolic representation and figurative drawing. Mark making and drawing also become a context for encountering ourselves, our peers and our Quaker values. In the Rose Room recently the children have been exploring what happens when we take away the colours and work from a palette of simplicity in black and white. This compelling ‘act of research’ often draws other children in, as they observe each other and engage together in an ever-evolving ‘theatre of drawing’ that emerges from the page.  

Contemporary research shows that drawing taps into visual, kinesthetic and linguistic areas of the brain, so the information is processed in three different ways, establishing and strengthening neural connections for deeper learning (Terada, 2019). 

The Rose Room children have also enjoyed changing the medium from crayon, to smooth mover, to marker and ink painting, layering their marks across the page in large collaborative artworks. When we pause and observe these moments unfolding, we notice that this kind of joy and close observation is innately present in all our young children as they engage in research into the world around them… and what wonderful researchers they are!

We also know that mark making also serves as a precursor to later development of formal writing and reading skills. As children explore their own sense of agency, creating shapes and marks on the page, they dive into the world of symbols and begin to develop a sense of their own symbolic competence. Through the physical act of drawing and experimenting with different marks, our babies and young children are also developing important fine motor skills, grapha-motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they encounter the power of graphic languages as a storytelling medium. After all, drawing is one of the many important ways children show how knowledgeable they are!

Our babies and young children in The Nest  have recently spent time making marks with special markers called ‘smooth movers’ exploring different marks on white and black paper. This experience helps them to develop relationships with materials, people and place. The ‘smooth movers’ are such a joy to draw with, making clearly defined marks as they slide effortlessly across the page; quite a different sensation to drawing with a crayon, marker or pencil. This drawing experience provoked an interesting inquiry into the relationships between light and dark colours as the babies’ marks were transferred onto different shades of paper. Slowly and deliberately, educators in The Nest introduced new colours to see how the babies would respond. Moving quickly from lines to experimenting with enclosed shapes, the children watched as the marks and colours transformed in front of their eyes. 

Staying by the children’s side in these moments, and watching their joyful engagement with the medium of drawing, reveals many wonderful stories, interactions and ideas and it is here that we can see the children’s identity, relationships and personalities truly shine.

“Drawing is the speech of art, the words we utter, the stories we tell. They come before writing and quite often they linger long after the script has departed.” Laura Cumming (adapted)

Outside School Hours Care

The Friends’ School Outside Hours Care program is a program that values the importance of play and leisure for children in safe and inclusive environments. The program seeks to provide opportunities for children to spend time actively engaging through movement, exploration, relationships and being creative in the outdoor environment, both on the school grounds and in the wider community. Throughout the week the After School Care program children spend time outdoors exploring and playing in all areas of the school. The Vacation Care program provides an opportunity for them to engage with natural spaces in the wider Hobart community visiting parks, beaches and outdoor places of interest. The children enjoy the opportunity to connect to country and have lots of fun experiences.

Morris Council Share Hot Chocolate

Many suggestions arise at Monday lunchtime Morris Council meetings and Charlotte shared with her class rep Lila the possibility of making hot chocolates. The council decided it would be a great idea for wellbeing week and the planning began. All of the primary school and parents was the initial idea until the finer details were discussed with Debbie, such as:

What equipment can we use that would be big enough?

How can we keep milk hot for long enough?

How can we quickly heat milk for the next class?

How much does it cost to make 400 hot chocolates?

Where is the electricity located?

How can we cater for all students if they have an allergy?

What sort of cups should we use?

On Thursday 7 September all Year 3 to 6 students were invited for a hot chocolate and if possible to bring their own cup. The morning was a success with lots of great feedback. Prep to Year 2 students enjoyed their opportunity a fortnight later with similar success. 

Well done to Solly, Mackenzie, Toby, Bea, Paddy, Lucas, Lex, Lila, Isobel, Liv, Emilia, Ida May & Eloise for all their hard work and sense of giving. Thank you to Alex in the Morris Office and Kurt in the The Farrall Centre kitchen for their wonderful support.

RoboCup Junior Club

By Will Logan (Digital Technology Teacher and Robotics & Programming Coordinator)

The RoboCup Junior Club students recently participated in the RoboCup Junior Tasmania state competition, held at Dominic College on September 2nd. The club had an outstanding performance, showcasing their robotics and programming skills.

In the Secondary Rescue Line category, a team consisting of year 9/10 students excelled and secured the first-place position. The triumphant members of this team are Toby Lethbridge-Thoen, Jasper Martin, and Wolfgang Baukes. Their dedication and innovative approach to problem-solving shone through in this challenging category.

Additionally, the club fielded three teams from grades 7 and 8 in the Standard Soccer category. One of these teams clinched the first-place position, displaying exceptional teamwork and strategic thinking. The victorious soccer team members include Miros Eleftheriadis and Alex Giannakopoulo. Another team from the club secured the third-place position, with Frank Donovan and Charlie Zinn as its key contributors. The third soccer team, comprising Darcy Sutton and Henry Veska, also put up a commendable performance.

The RoboCup Junior Club then headed to Melbourne for the Nationals, from October 6th to 8th. Their impressive achievements in the state competition made them formidable contenders for success at the national level, where they represented the School and region with distinction. The rescue line team came 5th overall out of 37 teams. One of our soccer teams finished in 5th as well. The other soccer team placed 3rd. All teams were exhausted but thrilled with their success at their first competition. It was an incredible achievement by all our participants and they already have some awesome ideas for improvements for next year. 

Fostering Creative Thinking with Apple and Jamf

Enhancing learning with technology is a priority for The Friends’ School. The School has strong commitment to service and the latest technology to support its exemplary student/staff relationships, and to foster independent and creative thinking.

The partnership between the School, Apple and Jamf is leading-edge in the education sector not in Tasmania, but beyond.

Read More at: https://www.jamf.com/resources/case-studies/the-friends-school-fostering-creative-thinking-with-apple-and-jamf/

To view a video on the School’s approach and partnership Apple and Jamf: https://youtu.be/Y2rOPTSqDrI 

Year 6 PYP Exhibition

Our Friends' Year 6 students, along with the school community, recently celebrated the 2023 International Baccalaureate Exhibition by sharing their voices and their desires for the future. Students explored issues and concerns that matter to them, then created a response that demonstrated their conceptual understanding. The Exhibition is a powerful demonstration of student agency, as well as the agency of the community that has nurtured them through their years in the Primary Years Programme.

Why study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year programme taught in 153 countries and has been offered at Friends’ for 25 years. The IBDP comprises internal and external assessment that prepares students for many pathways, especially university entrance. The Diploma Programme has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students and is recognised by Australian and international universities. Students will study a broad range of disciplines which will include their first language, an additional language, the social sciences, the experimental sciences and mathematics. They may also choose to study subjects from the Arts. In addition to the academic curriculum, students will engage in a course of Theory of Knowledge, complete an Extended Essay and develop their own program of Creativity, Activity, Service.

To view a video with past alumni talking about their IBDP experience - please click here

Butterfly Foundation Visits The Friends' School

It was a pleasure to welcome the Butterfly Foundation to The Friends' School yesterday, to speak with our Year 8 students about the theme of Body Image in a Digital World.

Butterfly Foundation is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them. Their vision is for all people in Australia to live free of eating disorders and negative body image.

Julie Gough Visits Year 11 IBDP Students

Julie Gough came to speak to our Year 11 IBDP students in September. She shared with us the inspiration for her artwork, specifically her close focus upon the first 35 years of white settlement in Tasmania and the ongoing consequences of colonisation. It was a great privilege to have Julie in our school.

2024 Head Student Announcement

Introducing our new Head Students for 2024 - Eve Cooper and Charlie Bradford.

Eve and Charlie will be responsible for being the voice of the students for 2024 and we look forward to seeing what they achieve over the coming year. You can read more about our new Head Students on our website: https://www.friends.tas.edu.au/.../2024-head-student.../

Year 4 Outdoor Education Excursions

During Week 6, the Year 4 classes took part in Outdoor Education excursions as part of their 'Sharing the Planet' inquiry. With a focus on the preservation and management of marine ecosystems, they explored the coastal environment at Seven Mile Beach and walked the track to Roches Beach. Along the way they collected rubbish for data analysis and discussed the human impacts on the ecosystem. One class conducted experiments on the beach to model coastal erosion. It was a wonderful experience for all.

'It Takes a Spark!' STEM Conference

In early September, 20 students from Years 7-9 (including students from Lab Rats) were invited to attend the 'It Takes a Spark!' STEM Conference, hosted by Guilford Young College. Students chose the workshops and design challenges they attended throughout the day. Topics ranged from detecting dark matter and preparing towns for climate change, to making formula one cars and solar powered cars. Students also had the opportunity to hear from two leading Tasmanian Scientists Dr Mars Buttfield-Addison and Dr Lila Landowski. At the end of the day, we were fortunate to spend time at the STEM Expo, trying out some of the hands-on scientific and digital technology gadgets.

TCE Chemistry Students Visit UTAS 

In late August, TCE Chemistry students visited UTAS - Discipline of Chemistry. They toured some of the lab facilities, specifically focusing on spectroscopic techniques. Students study X-ray crystallography, infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry in their course and were able to view these very expensive instruments and techniques first hand.

Year 5 students Travel to Port Arthur Historic Site

In late August, Year 5 students travelled to the Port Arthur Historic Site for a full day’s excursion as part of their ‘where we are in place and time’ inquiry into how 'recognising bias helps form a balanced understanding of history'. Students looked at artefacts and how they tell stories, as well as identifying all the different experiences and perspectives at Port Arthur e.g. convict, soldier, judge, settler.

Tasmanian children's author and illustrator, for a writing workshop

Our Year 7 students welcomed Christina Booth, Tasmanian children's author and illustrator, for a writing workshop. The students were asked to write creative stories based on images that Christina selected.

In Year 7 English, students have been studying the genre of picture books. In particular, students have been analysing the different language techniques and visual imagery that is used by authors and illustrators to create meaning and emotion for their readers. The next step of the students' learning journey is to create their own picture book, and what better way to be inspired than a visit from award winning Tasmanian author, Christina Booth! Christina talked about her own creative process, the history behind her own books, and gave the Year 7s insightful tips and tricks to grow an idea from a seed into a story. It was a wonderful, innovative morning, leaving students inspired to get creative!

2023 Book Week at The Friends' School

Our Primary Years, High School students and Guinea Pigs had a wonderful time celebrating the joy of books and reading during the 2023 Book Week at The Friends' School.

Book Week at Morris Primary Years is a rich and enjoyable community celebration of Australian literature, and embodies the power of stories to bring us together.

Twice daily, students have rushed to the library to hear a “mystery reader” (parents and staff) share a story. On Wednesday, it was our Maintenance team’s turn - our children loved Jeanine and Kai’s stories, and helping Dean bring “The Very Cranky Bear” to life!

Our Celebration Day saw every K-Year 4 student and a large number of families participate in story-walks throughout the school grounds, hosted by our Year 5 and 6 students, followed by a variety of literature events. Following a book about Indigenous Australian athletes, our students played traditional indigenous games; a book with Indigenous Australian symbols inspired the painting of a shared story-mural; a Dreaming story led to the creation of an accompanying musical sound-scape; and following a story with nature themes, our students used magnifying glasses to examine specimens and then did scientific drawings.

Two stories had hat themes, so staff and students were invited to wear their own. Inspired by books with messages of kindness and resilience, students also created origami hats and decorated leaves with their ideas about how to be kind to others.

We thank all staff, parents and volunteers for their time in assisting with all the exciting activities that occurred throughout the week.

Year 11 IB Student Workshops

Year 11 IB students recently completed three days of workshops for Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and their Extended Essay. One highlight on TOK day included the interactive presentation 'Gumnuts to Buttons' workshop with local indigenous elders. All students were deeply moved by the workshop which heightened awareness and understanding of the colonial history of Tasmania and the ongoing and devastating consequences of colonisation.

Included in their CAS workshops, was a presentation from local Quaker and former staff member, Peter Jones, who shared what 'being strong in service' means to him.

Students visited TMAG and undertook a guided tour with one of the indigenous guides and visited the Parawa Parawa and Twist exhibitions. This sits within the unit of study: Indigenous Knowledge & Societies.

Kindergarten Children Deliver Letters to Home

Kindergarten children recently started making cards and exploring symbolic languages. They decided to explore this idea further and set up a post office to send letters home. Some children wrote to their parents, some wrote to their friends and others wrote to their pets. The walk to the letterbox was long awaited. Finally the letters started arriving at homes. "My mum got really happy when she got my card," said Oakes. Henry added, "My mum wanted to keep mine, that's how happy my mum was."

VET Outdoor Recreation Traverse the Great Western Tiers

Our VET Outdoor Recreation class set off for a three-day walk through the Great Western Tiers during August. The group aimed to develop skills in navigation and bushwalking and learned how to respond to scenarios in the outdoors while minimising any trace of their presence in the environment. Students started their adventure on the Higgs Track and walked to Lady Luck hut before reaching Lake Nameless on the weekend. It sounded like a chilly, but fun adventure with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -2º to a maximum of 3º.

Year 5 “Mystery Quaker” Inquiry Experience

Year 5 students were involved in a “Mystery Quaker” inquiry experience to provoke thinking about perspectives, particularly in relation to artefacts chosen to represent history. Students examined clothing, documents, photos and other artefacts that had been gathered in suitcases for each of the chosen Quakers – Peter Jones, The Robey sisters, Bill Oats, Ernest Unwin and Helen Walpole.

Students were asked to use the items to make inferences about each person and their lives, particularly their interests, values and connection to the School. They made connections with the WN Oats Centre and Walpole Building and Unwin House in the High School. Students had interesting questions and comments about the artefacts that had been chosen and the particular perspectives being presented.

VET End of Year Dinner

One of the highlights on the Clemes calendar is the VET Cookery dinner where students showcase their creativity and food preparation skills by preparing a gourmet three course meal for invited guests. Under the guidance of teacher Sue Walker and chef Kurt Denman, students have honed their skills in organising, preparing and serving food, completed a barista and RSA qualification and learned the essentials of safe work practices and hygiene procedures.

Many of you may be aware that Sue Walker will be retiring at the end of this year after more than 40 years of teaching including the last eight years here at Friends'. Sue epitomises what it means to be a genuinely great teacher. She understands that education is about much more than the transmission of knowledge and is committed to connecting with the good in each person and nurturing their ‘inner light’ which is a central aspect of what makes a Friends’ education so special. The VET Cookery classes are the gold standard for creating a supportive atmosphere where students can share all sides of themselves, such as asking questions and making mistakes. 

Each dish created by students for the dinner was inspired by well known chefs or restaurants. Among the offerings were: 

Bruscetta bites with cucumber and hummus

Seared tuna with Japanese wasabi foam and teriyaki bubble 

Breaded pumpkin with stuffed mushroom in Napoli sauce

Deconstructed beef wellington 

Caramelised pork with salted flatbread, soba noodles and apple salad 

Meringue nest with pistachio and ginger nut crumb 

Burned fig jam with honey mascarpone 

Strawberry and rhubarb tartlets with white chocolate ganache 

The event also served as a fundraiser for Second Bite, a charity which ensures good food is getting to people who need it most rather than to landfill.

Eve Cooper and the Duke of Edinburgh Award

Congratulations to Eve Cooper who has been awarded the Duke of Edinburgh award. The internationally recognised certificate recognises the amazing things young people can do and learn outside the boundaries of formal education by discovering hidden talents, developing leadership potential and making a difference in the community. Eve met the requirements by taking part in service activities including Landcare and the Climate Action Group, playing Badminton and learning a new skill by taking piano lessons. 

Japanese Speech Competition

Congratulations and well done to Jack Burgess, Luka Johnston, Joshua Luk and Akira Yianni who took part in the recent Japanese Speech Competition with other college students from around the state. Akira and Josh won first place in their respective categories and will receive a cash prize and entry into the National Competition later this year. Jack and Luka were awarded Honorable Mentions in the Q&A division.

Maths Relay 

Towards the end of Term 3, 12 students competed in the Maths Relay. All teams did well, but Alex Rackham, Caerwyn James, Tara Powell and Andre Chua won the Southern Division, which is an exceptional performance. The scores will be combined with other divisions across the state and we should find out soon if Friends' has taken out the overall title. For Alex and Tara it was their sixth consecutive year of competing in the Maths Relay. 

Object Design Exhibition 

Students who have studied the UCP Object Design course this year will showcase their work in an exhibition starting today at the UTas Hunter Street campus. Students were asked to craft their pieces using the theme of 'place' as an inspiration. Charlotte Winter's textile creation has been selected as one of the best in the state and will be displayed at the Devonport Regional Gallery.

**We encourage you to follow the School’s Facebook page and/or Instagram page, where we share news, activities, upcoming events and interesting stories of our students and community.**