Welcome to Walker House

Thank you for entrusting the Walker House “family” with the care of your child/children. We warmly welcome both students and their families on their personal journeys of education and self development and look forward to guiding them through their transition from contentious learner to global contributor. Walker House is a home away from home and we aim to provide a supportive caring community.

Walker House fosters the Quaker values, whereby Quaker beliefs inform every action we take in our everyday lives. We know that there is value in every human being and we treat everyone with respect. Quaker philosophy is peaceful and patient and helps one to make positive changes in the world for all. Students and families are invited to grow, reflect and evolve through their participation in the Walker House community. Students are encouraged to experience all that the Friends’ School offers, from cultural events, to co-curricular activities, sporting pursuits, performing arts and service opportunities. We also live in a wonderful part of the world and experiencing the local area is also a key to developing a sense of community.

The boarding house is a friendly and supportive communal living environment. Staff and students are encouraged to make decisions with integrity, minimise impact on environment, be sensitive to the needs of others, overcome differences through conversation and embrace a simplistic and peaceful way of life. Each student at Walker House has their own room, access to multiple shared living and outdoor spaces allowing for personal space, time to relax and the ability to feel at home. Each evening we come together as a whole house where we share in silence and self-reflection, followed by our evening meal and an opportunity to discuss current events. We strive to create an equal environment where students contribute to the successful running of our household. We want our students to feel supported, encouraged and challenged to become the best possible version of themselves, be that academic, social or emotional development.

My family and I are looking forward to supporting your child/children instilling insight, strength and courage to look within and strive for a fairer, better society. I have taken joy in educating the future leaders of society since 2003 both within Australia and internationally. I was also fortunate enough to gain insight into the rigours of elite level sport through my involvement with UK athletics and a team that participates in the VFL/AFL. I live onsite with my wife, son, dog and cat sharing on a daily basis in your child/children’s challenges and successes, joy and sadness and help them achieve their potential and foster values with purpose.

I hope that the resources and information contained within this handbook will help answer any questions you may have, and paint a picture of what your Walker House experience could be. Should you wish any further information, or discuss any aspect of the Walker House boarding experience please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or one of the other experienced Walker House Staff.

Jason McDonald

Director of Residence