Pastoral Care

In partnership with School staff, residential staff endeavour to meet the pastoral care needs of each student. We want boarding students to feel happy, comfortable, safe and secure.

All members of the residential community contribute to building a strong sense of community. A culture of tolerance, sharing and mutual respect is fostered. Peer support is encouraged.

Caring for each other is an integral part of life in the Residence. Induction processes for new boarders help them to learn coping strategies to deal with the changes in their lifestyle.

At Walker House, the Director and Assistant Directors have specific pastoral responsibility for the students. They maintain close contact with School staff regarding the health and wellbeing, personal and social development, and academic progress of each student. Students and parents are encouraged to share any concerns with the Director and Assistant Directors as they arise, in addition to contacting the tutor or key teacher of the student.

At the Senior School (Years 9-12), each student belongs to a tutor group of students under the care of a tutor who (where possible) stays with the group for the duration of their Senior School years. This tutor manages the daily needs of the student from a School perspective.

In the Middle School, the Years 7 & 8 students have a Key Teacher who is the contact person for the student and their families in relation to their pastoral care.

The School Psychologist is available for support with any personal or social issues. Referrals can be organised with health professionals for further support.

Court Orders

If there are any Court orders in place for a student who resides at Walker House, full details of the Court orders need to be disclosed, and a copy of the Orders given to the School with the enrolment contract or at the time of time of implementation.

Complaints Process

Students

The complaints process as set out in The Friends’ School Complaint Resolution Policy is open to all students.  International students also fall under the Complaints and Internal Appeals Policy. This process can be accessed by contacting the International Student Support Teacher, a Tutor, a Key Teacher, a Head of School or the Director of Residence. Please refer to the full policy on the School website.

Parents

If a parent has a complaint, they are invited to contact the Director of Residence at the first instance. If this is not appropriate or a resolution was not achieved, the matter can be raised with the Complaints Officer, either by completing the Compliments, Suggestions, Complaints and Child Safeguarding form (preferred) or by emailing complaints@friends.tas.edu.au. The complaint will be managed in accordance with the Complaints Resolution Policy and may involve further interviews, information from relevant parties, internal or external mediation, restorative conference, counselling or disciplinary action. If the situation remains unresolved, review by the Principal or the Presiding Member of the Board of Governors may be requested.