Quaker Values Committee Update

A Culture Guided by the Light: Reflections from the QVC Visit

You will have seen the School’s new Strategic Plan, which was developed following extensive consultation with members of the whole school community. This plan provides a pathway for us to follow over the next five years. Central to the plan is the Culture Pillar, with a vision that states:

“Quaker values and practices are at the heart of our culture, guiding our community and shaping our shared journey together.”

Supporting the community in realising this vision is the Quaker Values Committee (QVC).

The QVC comprises representatives from each of the Quaker Regional Meetings in Australia, along with Quaker Board members and the Principal, Esther Hill. We meet regularly via Zoom throughout the year, sometimes joined by the Quaker Advisor and Gathering Advisors. Each year, the QVC visits The Friends’ School to observe how Quaker values and practices—as expressed in the Purpose and Concerns statement—are being enacted and to support this process. The QVC also nurtures the relationship between the School, the Australian Yearly Meeting and Quaker Meetings across Australia.

In the middle of Term 2, QVC members gathered at the School for classroom visits, meetings with curriculum leaders and Gatherings. We also spent time in thoughtful discussion with the Quaker Advisor and Gathering Advisors. The theme for this year’s visit was:

“How is critical thinking embedded in the teaching, learning, and decision-making processes of The Friends’ School?”

For Quakers, seeking truth is a vital foundation for decision-making.

During our visit, which spanned the entire School—from Friends’ Early Learning through to Year 12—it was evident that critical thinking is both present and actively practised in all areas.

Examples we observed included:

A Year 5 class undertaking research while evaluating the reliability of their information sources.
A Year 7 class being guided to make their own ethical decisions regarding the removal of Mungo Man’s remains from an ancient burial site.
Engaging with Years 11 & 12 students in the TCE First Nations class as they worked to discern whether the treatment of Tasmanian First Nations peoples constituted genocide.
Observing an IB Year 12 metaethics class in which students were examining their own worldviews, posing questions such as, “How can I think critically?” and “How can I layer on everything I know?”

Collaboration and inclusiveness were evident among staff, including those in leadership roles. Across the School, students are encouraged to be curious, to ask questions and to express their ideas freely. A strong sense of equality permeates the classrooms, fostering a feeling of "we are in this together". For instance, in a senior drama class, we saw students experiencing a genuine sense of inclusion as they workshopped ideas before finalising the next act of their play.

Decision-making within both the Student Council and staff curriculum meetings was conducted in a manner closely aligned with the Quaker practice of worship sharing, where all voices are heard and silence is observed between contributions. Classroom Essential Agreements, co-created by students, empower them to have a voice and take responsibility for their behaviour. The use of silence at the start of some classes and meetings fosters a centred, spirit-filled approach to learning and decision-making.

At the conclusion of our visit, we reflected that the cooperation and mutual respect between students and staff is remarkable. It is clear evidence of the depth to which Quaker values are embedded in the culture of the School.

In particular, we commended:

The School’s ongoing exploration of the Peace testimony, particularly through the co-development of the Building a Culture of Peace statement with Jess Morrison, Quaker Peace Worker.
The long-term development of the Reconciliation Action Plan.
The comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions within the School.

The QVC is deeply grateful to all at The Friends’ School who welcomed and hosted us so warmly. We are also thankful for Esther Hill’s rigorous, thoughtful and collegial leadership since her appointment in 2024. We are moved by the care and commitment evident in all educators and general staff.

The new Strategic Plan carries the guiding words:

'Live up to the light thou hast'.

While few Friends’ students or staff identify as Quakers, it is clear that many are indeed living up to the Light they have.

Jen Newton and Mary Beadle - Deputy Presiding Members of the Board of Governors and members of the Quaker Values Committee