Operations & Staffing
The School's Business Services and Operations teams have had a busy first half of the year, with significant work to enable the new Middle and Senior School campus implementation, the acquisition of the Argyle Motor Lodge and supporting our staff and students with teaching and learning needs.
Safety & Wellbeing
Increased 3D printing capacity
Eight new advanced 3D printers are now operational on the Senior School Campus and additional printers are being prepared for the Walpole building in the Primary School.
Key aspects of these new printers are enhanced technology features that will result in enriched student learning experiences and improved design safety - that help mitigate fumes and lessen the risk of burns from hot surfaces.
Road Safety
As part of planning for works to create safer and more equitable access, changes to the pedestrian access are currently being trialled at the Argyle Street Campus entrance. Families should familiarise themselves with the School's road safety mapinformation.
Concussions
A number of students have suffered concussion injuries across the School year. Families are asked to be aware of the School's concussion management guidelines.
A Connectivity’s Concussion Short Course designed in partnership with the University of Tasmania is also available for families. The course is designed to help families further understand concussion, including; recognising the signs and symptoms, how to manage concussion, understanding the pathways to recovery and how concussions can impact your everyday life. You can enrol in the free concussion awareness short course here.
Facilities
The Friends' School Campus Redevelopment Project was awarded a commendation in the Education category and The EmAGN Project Award at the recent Australian Institute of Architects 2024 Tasmanian Chapter Awards. The project citations read as follows:
Education Category - Commendation - The Friends' School Redevelopment Project
Bence Mulcahy with H2o architects
“The Friends' School Redevelopment is commended for its successful interventions within a complex and previously ad-hock school precinct. The new works have renewed the old space and found opportunities for adaptation, while bringing a rich materiality and attention to finer detail to the daily lives of the occupants.
At a civic scale, the project sensitively knits into the urban fabric of its residential neighbourhood along with the heritage and other significant architectural elements of the site.”
The EmAGN Project Award - The Friends' School Redevelopment Project Bence Mulcahy with H2o architects
“The Friends' School Redevelopment Project reflects the collective efforts of EmAGN members in leadership, collaboration, and architectural expertise. The partnership with H2o architects provided Bence Mulcahy with the opportunity to contribute to the practice's first, large-scale education project. Their collaborative approach led to a design outcome that seamlessly integrates a larger-scale urban development within its historic surroundings.
The project was led and staffed by a team of emerging architects, including the practice director, ensuring a culture of collaboration and innovation in achieving architectural excellence.
The project's success is a testament to the team's ingenuity and collaborative spirit, setting a standard for emerging architects in the industry.”
Photos by Adam Gibson
Financial Services
During Term 2, the School took ownership of the Argyle Motor Lodge (AML). This business and property is adjacent to the School’s Argyle Street Campus, on the corner of Lewis Street and Argyle Street. The School purchased the AML as an important part of our strategic vision for the Argyle Street Campus. The School has been able to fund this acquisition through careful fiscal planning and management. It has been a significant undertaking involving many colleagues carrying out due diligence, consultation and business analysis, supported by extensive legal advice.
In recent months, the Financial Services team has been working on a new payroll system called Definitiv, which will replace the current software Micropay. Definitiv will create many efficiencies across the School and ensure our processes are in line with current best practices.
Shaun Sargent - Director of Business Affairs