Middle School
Neurodiversity Day
Wednesday 11 June
We are pleased to welcome psychologist Emma-Rose Parsons back to The Friends' School and to continue our endeavour to create a more neuro-affirmative school environment. We invite parents to a Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 11 June, from 6:30-7:30pm in The Farrall Centre. This event will focus on supporting your child's self-advocacy and communication of needs effectively. This session will benefit both parents of neurodivergent and neurotypical children from Years 7-12.
Emma-Rose Parsons is a registered psychologist with extensive experience supporting neurodivergent young people and their families.
The evening will focus on:
- The importance of developing self-efficacy as children grow and gain independence.
- Understanding that the ability to advocate is often assumed, yet many students may struggle to do so or choose not to.
- How effective advocacy can be empowering for children and reduce anxiety and distress.
Emma-Rose will guide us in exploring these areas through a neuro-affirming lens, offering practical strategies to help our children build these vital skills in a safe, supportive way.
There will also be a Q&A session at the end, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussion.
Please click here to secure your tickets for the event.
Middle School Soiree
Thursday 22 May | The Farrall Centre from 5.30-6.15pm
You are warmly invited to join us for this relaxed mini-concert. Our Middle School Soiree provides soloists and small groups to perform in a less formal setting. This year, we will be enjoying flute, piano, trumpet, cello, string trio and vocalists who have all been working hard to prepare for this event.
All welcome, no ticketing required.
Marimba Concert
Tuesday 3 June | The Farrall Centre from 6.00-7.30pm
Did you know that the word ‘marimba’ means ‘Wood that sings’ in the African Bantu language? What a great way of describing the wonderful sounds our students from Year 3 - 12 are able to make in our Marimba Ensembles. Students have been working with our Marimba teachers and tutors and we would love to invite you to come along to our annual Marimba Concert to enjoy the work of our ensembles.
All welcome, no ticketing required.
Friends Together Student Giving Day & Free Dress Day
Wednesday 28 May
As part of our Friends Together Annual Giving Program, on Wednesday 28 May all Middle School students will be participating in the Student Giving Day, raising awareness and money for The Friends' Fellowship. This needs-based scholarship will enable a student, whose family can least afford it, to access a Friends' education next year.
In the Middle School, students are encouraged to get cozy and wear their pyjamas to school for a gold coin donation. Students will also be able to purchase hot chocolates and cookies supplied by our VET Cookery students for $2 a piece.
For more information on Friends Together 2025, please visit giving.friends.tas.edu.au
Secondhand Uniform Pop-up Shop and VET Coffee - Friends' Fellowship Fundraiser
Tuesday 27 May - 3pm to 4pm & Wednesday 28 May - 8am to 9.30am
The Parent Year Group Reps are assisting the School in organising a Secondhand Uniform Pop-up, to be held from:
- Tuesday 27 May - 3pm to 4pm
- Wednesday 28 May - 8am to 9.30am (PLUS Coffee & Hot Chocolate from VET)
Find more details in the Whole School Section.
Sings and Strings Concert
Tuesday 27 May | The Farrall Centre from 6.00-7.30pm
This annual concert is a wonderful opportunity for audiences to appreciate the depth of hard work and talent across our school strings program, choirs and vocal ensembles. Students from Years 3 to12 will perform a range of works in our many string and vocal ensembles, supported by our dedicated music teachers, tutors and accompanists.
All welcome, no ticketing required.
Middle School Semester 1 Learning Conferences
Interviews will take place in the Middle School on the Argyle Street Campus on Wednesday 28 May from 3.50pm to 6.30pm.
If you have not yet booked a spot, you can click here to book your Learning Conference times via SchoolInterviews.com.au. Classes and room numbers are listed for each teacher within the system to assist you when making bookings, and are also available in an easier-to-read format here, with teachers organised by Key Class.
We strongly encourage students to be present during these meetings as an important part of their voice and agency in their learning journey.
Please note that bookings for the Learning Conferences will close at 1pm on Tuesday 27 May. If you have any questions or require assistance with bookings, please do not hesitate to contact the Middle School Office.
Year 8 River & Coastal Program
The second River & Coastal Outdoor Education Days will occur on the following dates:
Monday 2 June
Rustin - Coasteering (Tessellated Pavement)
Bracey - Rafting on Huon River
Wednesday 4 June
Knight - Coasteering (Tessellated Pavement)
Stowe - Rafting on Huon River
Thursday 5 June
Preston - Coasteering (Tessellated Pavement)
Tuke - Rafting on Huon River
A reminder that drop-off and pick-up is from Bell Street.
A list of what to have for the day is in the Operoo that was sent out in March. The Outdoor Education Website is also a great resource for all Outdoor Education experiences at The Friends’ School. A reminder that the website can only be accessed with a Friends’ School email address (which all students have). This allows us to better control access to the site but also encourages parents/guardians to sit down with their children and look at the information together.
Year 7 Outdoor Education Beach and Bike Days
Year 7 students will be attending the second Outdoor Education Day Trips that they began in March. The May days are listed below. An Operoo was sent out in February that has the information for each activity.
Reminder: Drop off and pickup from Bell St Campus (8.30am to 3.30pm).
- Friday 23 May Penn (Beach / Coasteering)
- Friday 23 May Mott (Bike / Walk)
- Monday 26 May Walker (Beach / Coasteering)
- Monday 26 May Fry (Bike / Walk)
Please ensure any medication is handed directly to a staff member on the morning of the excursion (at Bell Street) with written instructions included. A reminder that an asthma puffer or Epipen must be in-date and carried at all times by the student.
More information about the Outdoor Education programs can be accessed by the student and viewed with the family. The Operoo has a link to a google site that has extra information about the Beach and Bike Day.
Leggings Available from Uniform Shop
A reminder that the uniform shop now stock 7/8 length leggings in sizes 4c up to 2XL. The fabric is a standard activewear legging mix of polyester and elastane. The leggings have The Friends’ School crest on the left outer leg.
Support of families in ensuring the correct uniform is worn is appreciated, particularly wearing of School leggings and not other brands such as Lululemon.
Whole School Marimba Concert
Tuesday 3 June | 6pm
The Farrall Centre
Featuring all Year 3 to 12 Marimba Ensembles
All welcome, no ticket required
Tickets on Sale Now - Matilda the Musical JR.
Join us for a magical time as our talented Years 5-8 students bring Matilda the Musical JR. to life on stage! Based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl, this inspiring story follows the extraordinary Matilda as she discovers her inner strength, courage and determination.
- Dates: Thursday 19 - Saturday 21 June 2025
- Location: The Farrall Centre, Argyle Street Campus
Tickets available here (until sold out)
Absentees
If your child will be absent from school for the day please advise the Middle School Office (phone: 6210 2235, or email: middleschooloffice@friends.tas.edu.au). We appreciate your support in this process.
Important Dates
Tuesday 27 May - Sings and Strings Concert (6pm to 7.30pm)
Wednesday 28 May Middle School Semester 1 Learning Conferences
Friday 30 May - Year 7 Immunisations
Monday 2 June - Rustin & Bracey River and Coasteering Day
Wednesday 4 June - Knight & Stowe River and Coasteering Day
Thursday 5 June - Preston & Tuke River and Coasteering Day
Wednesday 11 June - Neurodiversity Day (Parent Info Evening 6.30pm)
Wednesday 25 June - Sibling Photos
Friday 4 July - Last day of Term 2