Middle School
Safe on Social Parent Event
Tuesday 1 April - 7.30pm (Online Event)
We invite parents of students in all sections of the school to a special online session with Kirra Pendergast, founder of Safe on Socials, on April 1st at 7.30 PM via Zoom. Kirra will provide essential guidance on keeping children safe in the digital world. Topics include understanding terms and conditions, protecting personal data, managing online relationships, recognising scams, preventing cyberbullying, and more.
Years 7-9 students will also complete a session on Thursday 3 April.
Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to support your child’s online safety and to continue the conversation we will be having with them in the student sessions at home.
RSVP here now to secure your spot.
RSVP is required to receive the Zoom link.
Whole School Gathering
Friday 21 March
A Whole School Gathering is being held tomorrow, Friday 21 March from 12pm - 1pm for all K-12 students and staff. This Gathering will be held at the Argyle Street Campus on the top green. All students are asked to attend this event. Due to capacity, the gathering will not be open to parents.
Students will need to bring their Friends' School hat and sunscreen will be available.
Ride/Walk to School Day
Monday 31 March
We are celebrating Ride/Walk to School Day on Monday 31 March. This is an event proudly run by the school’s Climate Action and Environment Groups, and we would like as many students as possible to participate. As of 2023, Australia's transport sector is responsible for 21% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, making it the third-largest emitting sector, with road transport being the main culprit. In support of a greener future, we would like to encourage students to walk or ride their bikes or scooters to school instead. Bikes/scooters are to be stored in the under-cover area outside of the canteen, and the Climate Action and Service Committee are preparing pancakes (gluten-free option provided) to recognise everyone’s effort.
Term 2 Co-Curricular Sport 2025
The following sports are on offer for Term 2. Students are asked to sign up by Tuesday 25 March so that further information can be sent out to parents via Operoo.
- Netball
- AFL boys
- Water Polo
- Badminton
Link to the information for all sports is available here.
Year 8 Subject Enrichment Activities
Friday 28 March
Year 8 students will participate in a Subject Enrichment Session, during their Connections time next week.
Core Subject Enrichment activities include; Creative Writing Workshop, Constructing 3D Models, Mirror Anamorphosis, Kidney Dissection, and an Excursion to TMAG.
Elective Subject Enrichment activities include; Cricket, Minecraft, Snorkelling, Basketball, Fibre Craft, and a Silent Disco.
Students have chosen two of the above activities, some of these will require permission forms. If your child has chosen an activity that requires a permission form (cricket, snorkelling, TMAG, or basketball), further information will be shared in Operoo soon.
If you have any queries, please contact Kylie McKinnon and/or your child’s Key Teacher.
Term 2 and 3 Co-curricular Ceramics
The Co-curricular Ceramics group will be running during Term 2 and 3 commencing on Monday 5 May. The group will start at 3:40pm and finish at 5:00pm. The class is held in the Ceramics Studio A201 on the Senior School Campus.
This activity offers students the opportunity to work on self directed ceramics projects, learn a variety of ceramic techniques and enjoy working in a relaxed and friendly studio environment. It is open to students from Years 7 - 12. Numbers are limited to 22 in the studio. Please sign up using Clipboard or contact Miriam Berkery.
Year 8 River and Coastal Days
Friday 21 March
- Preston - River Rafting
- Tuke - Coasteering
Students are to arrive at Bell Street at 8.30am and be collected by 3.30pm. A list of clothing and other items required are listed on the Operoo form.
Year 7 Hobart Rivulet Excursion
Thursday 27 March - Backhouse and Oats
As part of the Year 7 Science and Ecology unity, students will spend some time on the Hobart Rivulet where they will undertake an environmental health check of the water.
Students should wear sports’ uniform on this day, including sturdy sandshoes. They must also bring a bucket hat and a waterproof coat and sunscreen. A change of shoes or gumboots is also essential as students will need to be in the water to access good water samples.
Students will need recess snacks, lunch and a drink. Please liaise with the Middle School Office or Key Teacher about any medications that your child will need for the day.
Nature Connection Project
Jenni Sharman from UTAS runs the Nature Connection project. She will be in the middle School Library, on Friday 28 March to talk about her work and some help she needs from you. All are welcome, direct questions to Mathu Martin.
Final Call: Relay for Life 2025
Registration closes Monday 24 March
This year’s Relay for Life will be held at the Domain Athletics Centre at the earlier date of Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March. Registration closes Monday 24 March.
All students from Years 5-12 are invited to join our team and walk for an hour or more (between 1-11pm Sat and 6-9am Sun) with team Friendlies’ to help raise money and awareness in support of the Cancer Council Tasmania.
Students who come along to Relay for Life usually return the following year as it is a great atmosphere and a way to join with our school community.
We encourage Middle School students to register with our team Friendlies here. Once registered, more information will be shared by Operoo closer to the event.
Any questions please contact Liesa or James through the Middle School Office.
Middle School Harmony Day
Wednesday 26 March
Harmony Day celebrates cultural diversity and showing respect to all people. Due to a number of excursions on the official date, the Middle School will be celebrating Harmony Day on Wednesday 26 March. In recognition of the date and to raise awareness, students are invited to accessorise their sports uniform with something orange or wear traditional clothing/ an accessory that represents and celebrates their cultural heritage.
We will be running activities at break times, including bracelet-making in the library at lunchtime.
Middle School LEGO MASTERS - House Edition!
The hottest building competition has hit the Middle School with the launch of LEGO MASTERS - House Edition! Teams of three students from each House will compete in a free build relay. Each lunchtime will see a new theme brought to life, and winners will verse each other in the following weeks to find our HOUSE LEGO MASTERS! Every participant will earn House points that will go towards the coveted House Cup.
Competition will begin on Monday recess, and we need your help. If you have any spare Lego at home that needs a new home, we would love donations. Drop-offs can be made at the Middle School office or Library.
Which House will take out the title? Time will tell...
Smith Family - Student2Student Reading Program 2025
The student2student program works by matching students who need to improve their reading with peer Buddies who help and encourage them with their reading. Peer support is central to the program’s success. Each student and Buddy read two to three times a week for at least 20 minutes, over an 18 week period. The student2student digital model enables students to connect using a website called Chatty Kids. Students read eBooks provided on the site and use the Voice over IP function to speak to their Buddy.
Phase/Cohort 2 – Years 7-10
The Key Dates for recruitment and training of students for Student2student this year:
- Friday 2 May - Application forms due
- Friday 16 May - Buddy Training (aprox 1 hour)
- 19 May to 26 September - Reading Period
Please contact Karina Churchill to indicate your interest or if you have any questions.
Buddy Application Form Link here.
Save the Date - Matilda the Musical JR.
Join us for a magical time as our talented Years 5-8 students bring Matilda the Musical JR. to life on stage! Based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl, this inspiring story follows the extraordinary Matilda as she discovers her inner strength, courage and determination.
- Dates: Thursday 19 - Saturday 21 June 2025
- Location: The Farrall Centre, Argyle Street Campus
Performance times will be released shortly.
Tickets coming soon.
Follow our Facebook Event to keep updated.
Absentees
If your child will be absent from school for the day please advise the Middle School Office (phone: 6210 2235, or email: middleschooloffice@friends.tas.edu.au ). We appreciate your support in this process.
Important Dates:
Friday 21 March - Harmony Day (Whole School Assembly)
Friday 21 March - Year 8 Preston & Tuke - Rafting / Coasteering
Wednesday 26th March - Middle School Harmony Day
Thursday 27 March - Year 7 Backhouse & Oats - Rivulet Excursion
Friday 28 March - Year 8 Enrichment activities
Saturday 29 March - Relay for Life (Sign-up to Friendlies Team)