Daily Routine

Friday - Saturday

There is greater flexibility given to students for the weekend routine but students are encouraged to be awake by 9.30am and have breakfast at this time. Lunch is available between 12.30pm – 1.00pm and dinner remains at 6.00pm.

While study is strongly encouraged, there is no set study period on a Friday or Saturday.

Bedtimes are different on the weekend:

• Years 7–8 are to be in their own rooms by 9.30pm
• The Snack Room, laundry and showers are also cleared at 9.30pm
• Years 7-10 hand in laptop, phone and any other personal devices before bed
• Years 9–12 are to be in their own rooms by 10.00pm

Sunday 

On a Sunday night, the focus is on preparation for the week ahead. All common areas are cleared at 8.55pm with all students in their own rooms at 9.00pm.  Year 7-10 will also hand in laptop, phone and any other personal devices at 8.55pm.

Rooms

Students may personalise their room with mementos or plants from home. Posters or other decorative items may only be placed on the notice boards provided. Students are responsible for keeping their rooms tidy. For health and safety aspects, a high standard of cleanliness is expected.

Caring for Your Room at Walker House

At Walker House, we encourage all students to take responsibility for their personal space and contribute to a clean, safe, and respectful living environment. A well-kept room supports wellbeing, helps everyone feel at home, and reflects our shared commitment to community care.

We ask students to keep the following in mind:

• Aim to keep your room neat, clean, and tidy each day. Making your bed in the morning helps start the day well.
• Clean clothes should be folded and stored in drawers or cupboards, and used clothes placed in the laundry basket.
• Please hang towels on the appropriate rails or hooks so they can dry properly.
• Open your curtains, blinds, or windows each morning to let in light and fresh air.
• Switch off all lights and electrical appliances before leaving for school to support safety and energy efficiency.
• Keep desks and benches tidy, and free from general clutter or rubbish.
• Floors should be kept clear to support cleanliness and safety.
• Larger items, such as suitcases, should be stored neatly under beds or in allocated storage areas.
• Heaters should only be plugged into the designated heater power point.
• Other electrical devices should not be connected to the heating outlet, and care should be taken not to overload power points.
• Arrange your room to avoid cords running across the floor and make use of existing power points safely.
• Crockery and cutlery should be returned to the scullery promptly after use.
• Please respect each other’s privacy—students should only enter another student's room when the occupant is present.

Many of these expectations are in place to support the School’s Occupational Health and Safety requirements, and to help ensure a positive and comfortable environment for everyone.

Looking After One Another: Accidents, Near Misses, and Hazards

As a community, we all share responsibility for creating a safe and supportive environment. We encourage students and staff to be mindful of their surroundings and to let the Director or the staff member on duty know if they notice anything that could pose a risk.

If an accident or near miss occurs—no matter how minor it may seem—we ask that it be reported with care. This allows us to respond appropriately, learn from the experience, and ensure the wellbeing of everyone in our care.

Recording these moments is part of our commitment to the safety of our community and is an important part of our Occupational Health and Safety responsibilities.

Airport transport

While it may not always be possible, Walker House staff will generally do their best to assist with airport drop-offs and pick-ups. To help us plan, we ask that flight details be shared with the Director well in advance.

On occasions when staff are unable to provide transport, students will be supported in making alternative arrangements, such as booking the Airport Shuttle Bus or a taxi.

Co-curricular Opportunities

The Friends’ School Co-curricular Program offers a wide range of enriching experiences that complement classroom learning and support personal growth. With so many opportunities available—including sport, music, drama, cultural, and service activities—boarding students are strongly encouraged to get involved in activities they connect with or are curious to try.

Participating in co-curricular life helps build friendships, confidence, and a deeper sense of belonging within the school community, and we hope all Walker House students will explore the options that interest them.

Damage to Property

We understand that accidents can happen, but we also expect all students to treat the spaces and belongings at Walker House with care and respect. In instances where damage occurs as a result of inappropriate behaviour or deliberate actions, the School reserves the right to charge the student(s) responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.

Dishes and Washing Up

Outside of dinner and supper times, students are expected to be responsible for their own crockery and cutlery including washing it up and putting it away in the cupboards.

Electrical Devices

To ensure the safety of our boarding community and meet the requirements of the Australian Workplace Standard AS/NZS 3760, all electrical devices brought to Walker House will be tested and tagged.

This testing will take place early in the new year, and again at the beginning of Semester 2 for any new students joining at that time. Boarding families are encouraged to ensure all personal electrical items are in good working order before bringing them to Walker House. For safety reasons, electrical equipment—including the heaters provided in each room—must never be covered with clothing or any other material.

Emergency Evacuation - Fire and Lockdown Procedures

Students will be briefed on evacuation and lockdown procedures at the beginning of the year and will be given regular reminders. Fire drills are held regularly. In the event of a real or false fire alarm, students need to exit the building in a safe and sensible manner from the nearest door and make their way to the front of the building.

Students are asked to gather on the footpath outside the wall of Rydges on Lewis Street. If students are unable to access the front of the building, then they need to assemble on the top oval behind the house and wait for a member of staff to arrive.

Upon evacuating the building (if there is time) students should ensure windows and the door to their rooms are closed if they come from their rooms and turn off any electrical equipment.

The fire brigade will arrive and turn the alarm off and give the all clear before anyone is to re-enter the building. Students should be aware that each room is fitted with a smoke detector. Students must refrain from over-spraying aerosols in rooms as this can trigger the alarm. If a student has contributed to setting off the alarm through negligent actions, they may be charged the $500 call-out fee.

Laundry

Boarding staff take care of washing all bed linen and towels for students. Each student is allocated a weekday laundry slot to support this process and help manage the flow of laundry through the House.

Students are responsible for washing their own uniforms and personal clothing. To support our commitment to reducing energy use, students are asked to speak with the staff member on duty before using the dryers. Laundry should be completed during the week or by early Sunday morning to ensure uniforms are ready for the start of the School week.

Personal Possessions, Money and Valuables

The School is unable to provide any insurance cover for personal items that have been brought into Walker House. Any individual valuable items that it is necessary for students to have at Walker House should be advised to the Director of Residence and families must make their own insurance arrangements.

To help ensure the safety of valuable belongings, students are strongly encouraged to use their personal safe for storing important items. The Residence is unable to take responsibility for personal items that are left unsecured in student rooms. Passports, in particular, should be stored in the student’s safe. A copy of the passport and visa will be provided to the Enrolments Office for record-keeping purposes.

Students are encouraged not to store large amounts of cash in their rooms. If they do need to bring money with them, placing it in a bank account is the safest and most reliable option.

For students who are responsible for paying School fees, using a bank cheque or arranging to go directly from the bank to the School with a staff member is recommended.

Families are also encouraged to make School fee payments through electronic funds transfer whenever possible, as it provides a secure and efficient way to manage school-related expenses.

Security

A CCTV security system (equipped with cameras and alarms) is installed at Walker House to protect students and their property.

School Calendar

The school dates can vary according to the year level and academic program of each student. The dates at the front of this booklet were accurate at the time of publication. In addition, the term dates can be found here and the School Calendar here.

We ask that families arrange travel to and from Walker House in line with the published term dates to ensure students are present for all scheduled classes. Walker House expects that students attend all lessons, and we appreciate your support in making travel plans that align with the School calendar. Consistent attendance not only supports academic progress but also helps students stay connected with the rhythm of community life. Please note the Department of Immigration has strict guidelines regarding attendance for international students, so too does the Office of the Educational Registrar (OER) in Tasmania. 

Signing Out

In order for a student to leave Walker House, the student must inform the staff member on duty and in some cases seek permission – depending on the nature of the activity. Students must return to Walker House by an acceptable time agreed to by the student and staff member on duty.

Students must sign out, and back in, each time they leave Walker House, stating their exact destination and the exact time they intend to return. If a student is late for any reason they must phone the staff member on duty before the time they have indicated to return. If their plans change, the student must phone Walker House and seek permission for the alternative arrangements.

Other than during the School day, students are required to carry their mobile phones when leaving Walker House. Parents are encouraged to provide their child with a phone, if the student does not have a phone, they will need to be accompanied by someone who does when they leave the boarding house.

Streaming, Gaming, and Personal Belongings

At Walker House, we encourage students to make thoughtful choices about the media they watch and the games they play, keeping in mind both legal age guidelines and the values of our community.

Films and games rated M are not recommended for those under 15, and staff will help decide if this content is appropriate for younger students. R18+ content is not permitted, regardless of a student’s age.

We also ask students to be considerate of others when watching movies or playing games in shared spaces, as the boarding environment includes people of different ages and sensitivities. In keeping with the School’s Quaker ethos, content that is excessively violent or disrespectful is not appropriate.

Students should avoid illegally downloading or sharing movies, music, or games, as this can carry serious consequences under copyright law.

If a personal item or piece of media is found to be inappropriate for the boarding setting, it may be removed. In some cases—particularly if material has been shared—further conversations may take place to review the student’s enrolment conditions.

We appreciate everyone’s support in helping make Walker House a safe, respectful, and inclusive place to live.

Visitors

Visitors are warmly welcomed at Walker House. Just as you would expect in your own home, all visitors, including parents, are to be introduced or introduce themselves to the staff member on duty and sign in using the iPad in the corridor near the stairs. Visitors are welcome for a meal but notice is preferred to help with catering.

After school is a very busy time at Walker House with students returning from school and going out for afternoon leave. Students are asked to limit the number of friends they invite and suggest they come after 4.00pm.

Weekend Meals

Meals are provided on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but students are welcome to eat out at local restaurants with friends from School and Walker House. These occasions are at the student’s expense. If intending on going out for a meal it is important to notify Walker House staff with as much notice as possible.

Evenings

We start to wind down from 8.45pm onwards (Sunday to Thursday evenings). Younger students are preparing for bed and older students may need to continue with their study. All communal televisions and consoles are switched off at 9.20pm during the week.