Principal's Update

As we near the end of 2024, a year that saw the implementation of significant structural changes, we are grateful for the ways in which our community has supported us as we strive for continuous improvement.

Whilst one of the fathers of Western philosophy, Descartes said, "Cogito, ergo sum" or "I think therefore I am", the African philosophy of Ubuntu adds an important extension to this. “I am because we are” which reminds us of the importance of community and interdependence. 

Listening to our Graduating Class of 2024 reflect on their experience at Friends’, so much was about their relationships with each other and with staff and the importance of the community in supporting them in their journey. Congratulations and thank you to our Year 12 Leavers. In a year of significant changes at the School, you have been forgiving and supportive. You have achieved outstanding results, but you have also left a strong legacy for the newly formed Senior School; a legacy of openness, generosity and care.

As the School continues to respond to the changing needs of our students in a rapidly changing world, we are pleased to provide an update on two important future-focussed projects: our Master Plan for the Argyle Street Campus and the development of our new Strategic Plan.

Master Plan

Whilst the past few years have seen the focus of our capital works on ensuring our facilities supported the changes in our L@F24+ program, the completion of these works and the acquisition of the Argyle Motor Lodge (AML) site has seen us enter a new planning phase. Throughout this year we have worked on a new Master Plan for the Argyle Street Campus, a collaborative process supported by architects, Bence Mulcahy, where we have initially identified how the AML site will be used in the future, followed by a design for the remainder of the Campus that sees planned renovations and upgrades in the coming years. We will look forward to sharing the key findings of this planning process in the first term of 2025.

Strategic Planning Update

Thank you to all the staff, parents, Quaker community, alumni and community members who recently participated in a number of Strategic Planning workshops and discussions.

Through the Appreciative Inquiry process, the insights, experiences and feedback gathered have been invaluable in highlighting and underlining:

• What makes Friends’ unique
• What our School needs to protect and nurture
• Our most important achievements in recent years
• What we provide that is highly valued by our learners and school community
• What opportunities (or challenges reframed) are presented by current external forces and trends
• What is most important to us and where should we focus our energy in the future

These insights and feedback can be viewed on this webpage.  Information on the next steps of engagement and learning can also be found via this webpage.

Heartfelt Thanks

As I reflect on the year that we have had, I am filled with gratitude for the support and commitment of The Friends’ Community. To the staff who carry the torch of The Friends’ School culture - some of which can be described and some of which is very hard to put into words - thank you for your service, dedication and commitment to our Purpose and Concerns. To the students who have embraced all that has been on offer and who have risen to the challenge of a year that held much change and much opportunity. To the families and community who have offered guidance and support in what has been a year that at times has been challenging, but always rewarding, heartfelt thanks.

To all those, near and far who have held me in the light, heartfelt thanks. 

Wishing you all a safe, connected time over the festive season, surrounded by the beauty of the world and the laughter of family and friends. 

In Peace

Esther Hill - Principal