Primary School Update
Celebrating Term 1 at Friends' Primary School
Reflecting on a Term of Connection and Growth
As we conclude our first term at the Primary School, we celebrate the ways in which we have reconnected as a vibrant and engaged learning community. From our youngest learners in Early Learning through to our Year 6 students, we have come together with curiosity, compassion, and a shared commitment to growth.
Guided by the IB Learner Profile, our students have demonstrated what it means to be inquirers, thinkers, and knowledgeable individuals, approaching learning with enthusiasm. We have seen open-mindedness and principled action flourish, as our children have shown care for one another and their world. Through reflective and balanced learning experiences, they have built resilience and developed holistically—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Aligned with The Friends’ School Purpose and Concerns, our goal has remained clear: to cultivate a community where integrity, respect, and a love of learning thrive. Together, we have embraced this journey of connection and discovery.
Highlights in Early Learning
At Friends’ Early Learning children have had a wonderful start to the year, fully settling into the rhythm of the new year. Thanks to the wonderful weather we have had in Term 1, the children have enjoyed spending plenty of time both indoors and outdoors, enjoying the sunny weather as they engage in a range of outdoor play and creative learning experiences. Our focus for creative learning has included a close look at bookmaking and mark-making, exploring various materials, and diving into the fascinating world of colour. The Waratah and Starlight groups, in particular, have been captivated by the ongoing transformation of the Starlight playground, gathering at the fenceline each day to see what the diggers and construction workers are doing - they delight in seeing changes in their space, which is evolving into an exciting new landscape for play and exploration - to be opened in the coming months.
Teaching and Learning K-6
Kindergarten to Year 1: A Place of Play, inquiry and Community
Kindergarten children have shown a keen interest in kites, flags, and the concepts of movement and flight, creating many imaginative works as they test their theories. Meanwhile, the Prep students have been excited to bring their understanding to life through their weekly 'word of the week' investigations. Recent words, such as harmony, expressive, and mindful, have sparked discussions that support the growth of a vibrant and engaged Prep community.
In Year 1, the children have been deeply engaged in learning how messages can be communicated without words and how perspectives influence the way people respond to those messages. Their exploration has included examining the various methods of communication and understanding how decoding, analysing, and interpreting messages plays a role in building comprehension. The children were especially fascinated by the traditional postal system and its role in conveying messages, so they took the opportunity to write heartfelt letters and special messages to important people in their lives, mailing them off for delivery. These experiences are helping to foster a deeper understanding of communication and the power of both written and non-verbal messages in shaping our connections with others.
Year 2 – Strings Program Excellence
A highlight of starting Year 2 has been the students’ participation in the Year 2 Strings Program. Each child has taken on the challenge of learning the violin, cello, or bass, and in just a few weeks, they have gone from having no prior knowledge to playing in tune and together. This remarkable achievement showcases their dedication, perseverance, and the power of early musical education.
Year 3 – Expanding Vocabulary and Hands-on Learning
Year 3 students have been engaged in sparking curiosity about language and expanding their individual vocabularies through shared stories and discussion. Their enthusiasm for learning has also extended to hands-on experiences in the thriving garden and cooking program, which takes place each Wednesday. This immersive approach has encouraged collaboration and practical skill-building in a fun and meaningful way.
Year 4 – Encouraging Creativity and Confidence
Year 4 students embraced creativity and collaboration through the ‘Friends’ Idea Eggs’ project, designed to encourage idea-sharing in an innovative way. They presented their ideas at Whole School Gathering with courage and poise, demonstrating confidence and a willingness to take risks—an inspiring effort from this group of young thinkers.
Year 5 – Building Community and Resilience
With the Year 5 cohort growing from 50 students in Year 4 to 75 this year, the early part of Term 1 has been dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community and resilience. The students participated in fantastic resilience-building sessions at Bell Street, helping them form strong connections and develop skills that will support them throughout the year.
Year 6 – Exploring Citizenship and Government
Our Year 6 students have been actively inquiring into citizenship and systems, with a particular focus on government. Their learning will culminate in an exciting trip to Canberra in early Term 2—a tradition that has been shared by many students over the years. This experience will provide them with firsthand insights into how our nation is governed, reinforcing their classroom learning in a meaningful and engaging way.
Co-Curricular Highlights
Lunchtime Clubs
Lunchtime clubs have been a great success, providing opportunities for students to develop new skills and friendships. The debating club is preparing for Term 2 competitions, while the Maths Olympiad has challenged participants with complex problem-solving tasks. The drift bike club along with many other clubs remains a weekly favourite, enjoyed by students from Prep to Year 6.
Sporting Achievements
Students have shown fantastic team spirit in soccer and cricket rosters, as well as swimming carnivals for Years 3-6, where they proudly represented the school and themselves.
Music and Creativity
Music ensembles are thriving, with strong participation in choirs, marimbas, bands, and string groups, along with smaller ensembles like the popular guitar group. The enthusiasm and commitment from both students and staff reflect a shared love for making music, highlighting the strength of our creative community.
Primary School Council
Our Primary School Council (Year 2 to 6 representatives) have met weekly and aired and discussed many wonderful ideas including new suggestions for co-curricular clubs, resourcing ideas as well as organising a fun lunchtime disco and a free dress day to support the Cancer Council.
Living Our Values Through Meeting House Gatherings
This Term, students have inquired deeply into what it means to be part of a Quaker school and the unique values that shape our community. Through Meeting House Gatherings, they have explored the significance of gathering in silence, reflecting on how this practice fosters mindfulness and connection. Discussions have focused on what it means to be “moved to speak” in the silence, encouraging thoughtful contributions and deep listening. By approaching others’ words with open minds, students have learned to seek truth in different perspectives, strengthening their understanding of respect, reflection, and shared wisdom in our school community.
Looking forward to the remainder of 2025
As we look ahead to the rest of the year, we embrace the opportunity to work together in partnership, fostering a strong and supportive learning community. Our shared commitment ensures that every student has the chance to grow—not only as an individual but also as a valued member of a collective. By nurturing curiosity, resilience, and collaboration, we create an environment where all can thrive. Through meaningful connections, mutual respect, and a dedication to lifelong learning, we will continue building a community that encourages each student to reach their full potential while contributing to something greater than themselves.
Mark Febey - Head of Primary School (Early Learning to Year 6)