Senior School
Exchange Trip to Germany 2027
We are thrilled to announce that planning is underway for an exciting educational and cultural exchange program to Germany in April 2027! This program offers students a unique, life-changing opportunity to immerse themselves in German culture, dramatically improve their language skills, and build global friendships that last a lifetime.
Trip Overview (Provisional)
- When: April 2027 (Approx. 2–3 weeks, aligning partly with school holidays)
- Who: Open to students in Years 9–11 having studied German for a minimum of two years.
What’s Included: Homestays with host families, attending our sister school, Lessing Gymnasium Uelzen, a 3-4 day stay in Berlin and a visit to Hamburg.
Why Participate?
- Language Immersion: There is no better way to learn a language than to speak it every day with native speakers.
- Cultural Growth: Students will experience authentic daily life in Germany, broadening their perspectives and building independence.
Reciprocal Hosting: As part of the exchange tradition, we also hope to welcome German students to our community later in the year (October 2027).
Next Steps: Express Your Interest
At this stage, we are gathering Expressions of Interest (EOI) to determine if we have sufficient numbers to move forward with booking and logistics. Submitting an EOI does not commit you financially or contractually; it simply helps us gauge viability. If your child is interested in this incredible adventure, please complete our quick digital form by Monday 6 July, 2026.
Information Evening
We will host an information session at the beginning of Term 3 to discuss estimated costs, draft itineraries, and safety protocols. Stay tuned for the date and time! If you have any immediate questions, contact Christine Wittlinger.
We look forward to hopefully bringing this unforgettable experience to life!
ThinkUKnow
Student Presentations
ThinkUKnow presenters will be visiting our Years 9 and Year 10 students during Long Tutor in Week 1 of Term 3 (11-11.30am, Friday 31 July). The presentation is tailored to each age group and focus on helping children recognise safe and unsafe online situations, make positive choices, and identify trusted adults who can support them if they have concerns.
Parent and Staff Information Session
To complement the learning taking place with students, we warmly invite parents, guardians and staff to attend a ThinkUKnow Parent Presentation.
4pm-5pm, Thursday 9 July
Bill & Marjorie Oats Theatre, Senior School Campus
The presentation will explore:
- what young people see, say and do online
- the online challenges they may encounter, including online child sexual exploitation
- practical strategies parents and carers can use to support children and young people to stay safe online.
The session has a strong focus on prevention and provides practical, evidence-based advice to help families have informed and supportive conversations about online safety at home.
Please note: This presentation is for adults only. Attendance is free, however, bookings are requested to assist with seating and planning. Click here to register to attend
Careers and Pathways Newsletter
The latest edition of the Careers and Pathways Newsletter is available here.
Features include:
- ATAR, Bonus Points Explained for ADHD Students
- UTAS School Recommendation Program for Year 12 Students
- UTAS Open Day
- Meet Melbourne University (in Hobart)
- Understanding VTAC - Victorian Admission Centre applications
- Creative Industries at JMC Academy
- Scholarships Guide
- Future Doctors Program
- Year 10 Mock Interviews
Peter Jones Peace Prize
This writing competition is open to Years 7-10 students.
The 2026 theme is…
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” – Albert Einstein.
Entries close at 4pm on the last day of Term 2: Friday 10 July.
For more information, talk to your English teacher, contact Nadine Frick or visit our TFS Writing Prizes Google site via the English page on our Library Learnpath.
Jean Yeates Writing Prize
This writing competition is open to Years 11-12 students.
The 2026 theme is… Knot
Entries close 4pm on the last day of Term 2: Friday 10 July.
For more information talk to your English teacher, contact Nadine Frick or visit our TFS Writing Prizes Google site via the English page on our Library Learnpath.
Years 7-10 Art Exhibition | Ends on Friday
Family and friends are invited to view an exhibition of Years 7 - 10 artwork on display in The Farrall Centre. The exhibition will run from Thursday 21 May until Friday 3 July and will be open to visitors during school hours. Please sign in at the Middle School or Primary School Offices.
Years 9 and 10 2027 Subject Selection Evening: Save the Date!
Next Term, students in Years 8 and 9 will be making their subject choices for 2027. As part of this process, there will be a Subject Selection evening held in The Farrall Centre from 7.00pm on Wednesday 5 August. This will provide an overview of core subjects and the Year 9 Program and will provide an opportunity for current Year 9 students to speak with subject teachers about electives. On 6 August, students and parents will be emailed details on how to choose their subjects via Web Preferences, and will also receive a link to the Years 9 and 10 Coursebook. Subject choices will be due on Monday 17 August.
Contact Kate Baldry for further information.
Continuous Reporting
Thank you to those parents who attended the Learning Conferences last week. Please be aware that assessment and reporting continues in all subjects until the end of Term. Feedback is shared via SEQTA. Please continue to keep in touch with subject teachers if you have any concerns about progress.
Contact Kate Baldry or your child’s teacher with any questions.
Absentees
If your child will be absent from school for the day please advise the Senior School Office (phone: 6210 2255, or email: seniorschooloffice@friends.tas.edu.au). We appreciate your support in this process.