Leave Arrangements

Senior Students Flexible Leave Arrangements During School Hours

To support the growing independence of our senior students and align with the flexible timetable arrangements available to day students, Year 11 and 12 boarders may remain at or return to Walker House during the school day when their timetable permits. Year 12 students may have a later start when they have morning study periods, while Year 11 students are expected to attend school from the beginning of the day during Term 1, in line with the Senior School's expectations for all Year 11 students. Greater flexibility is available to Year 11 students from Term 2. All senior students must be at school by recess each day and attend all scheduled classes and compulsory school activities. Students may return to Walker House after lunch if they have no further scheduled classes or school commitments for the day. Students must communicate their movements with boarding staff and ensure these are accurately recorded through REACH. They are also expected to respect the daily routines of Walker House, particularly housekeeping and cleaning arrangements.

Daytime and Afternoon Leave

Students are welcome to leave Walker House for leisure and recreation activities after school and on weekends with the approval of Walker House staff and parents. Students must create leave requests using the REACH boarding system, which parents may need to approve depending on the type of leave. Activities may include going to North Hobart, the city or Salamanca, visiting friends, participating in sport and other co-curricular activities, seeing a movie or going to the gym.

Friday and Saturday Night Leave

Permission to leave Walker House after dinner on Friday and Saturday night will be given by Walker House staff if the activity is deemed suitable and appropriate for the age of the student. Curfews can be extended if the student provides details of their exact whereabouts and contact details for the activity via a Weekend Leave Request Form well in advance. If students need to change their plans, they are expected to speak with the staff member on duty first and seek approval.

Overnight Leave

We understand that students may occasionally wish to spend a night away from Walker House, and we’re happy to support this when appropriate arrangements are in place. Overnight leave will be approved for students staying with a responsible adult who is acting in a parent or guardian role. Before confirming any leave, Walker House staff will need to speak with the adult host—either by phone or in person—to ensure everyone is comfortable with the arrangements. It's also important that the student has a proper bed to sleep in during their stay.

If a student is invited to stay with family friends or others in the community, we kindly ask that the adult host get in touch with Walker House staff to confirm the invitation. The only exception to this is when a student is invited to a party, in which case staff will contact the host directly.

An overnight leave request must be created using the REACH Boarding system and must be confirmed in writing in advance and approved by the Director or Assistant Directors.

Part Time Work for Boarders

Year 11 and 12 students may have a part-time job in the local Hobart area. Younger students may be granted permission for part-time work at the discretion of the Director of Residence.

Part-time work is considered a privilege that must not interfere with academic studies or School or Walker House obligations.

Boarders must meet the following responsibilities to participate in part-time work:

Have permission in writing from parents and forwarded to the Director of Residence agreeing to part-time employment and clearly stating the name, address and telephone numbers of their employer.
Notify the Director of Residence of the days and times for the part-time work. It is preferable that part-time work occur from Friday-Sunday.
Organise their own safe transport to and from the place of employment.
Ensuring that all School work is up-to-date before agreeing to work hours.