Deputy Principal's Update

As we approach the halfway mark of the 2025 school year, I am pleased to share that we have successfully completed two important processes on behalf of The Friends’ School community:

• School Registration
• CRICOS Registration

Both are legal requirements mandated by state and federal governments for all non-government schools. School Registration is overseen by the Office of the Education Registrar (OER), while the CRICOS review is managed by the Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC). I’m pleased to report that we received extremely positive feedback. While we await the official reports, we are confident that we have met all requirements to a very high standard.

These thorough reviews ensure that we are continuously reflecting on and improving our policies, practices, teaching, and learning. School Registration is a comprehensive process that helps ensure our alignment with legal and regulatory requirements across key areas, including student welfare and safety, governance, curriculum, assessment, facilities, risk management, compliance, and the financial health of the School.

The CRICOS review focuses specifically on our policies and practices for international students, where our duty of care is particularly significant. It ensures we are providing the best possible experience not only for our international students but for all students at Walker House.

Both review visits took place in May. While we received some minor suggestions for improvement, I’m pleased to share that we have met all key requirements. The formal report has been received and we have confirmation of our CRICOS registration for students on international visas for the next five years and we will hear soon if we have secured School Registration with the OER. 

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to these important processes. While this work is a vital part of my role, I must admit I was even more excited to be part of the audience for the Years 5–8 musical, Matilda JR.! Supporting important compliance processes is essential, but seeing our students shine on stage is a wonderful reminder of why I became an educator.

Shaun O'Rourke - Deputy Principal