Community Engagement
The School recently surveyed our parents and guardians about communications from the School. The 401 responses have provided valuable insights on the type of information, the way it is accessed (a single web/app platform is being implemented in 2025) and what we need to share more and less about to our families. One action is the updated structure and content of this Rose & Waratah publication. If you have any feedback, please don't hesitate to contact our team at stayconnected@friends.tas.edu.au
We highly value the volunteer support the School receives from a range of community members and as such, we are truly grateful for all those who this year have generously provided their time, mind or means to assist students at the School. This volunteer support has been exemplified this year through many activities and initiatives, some of which are mentioned below.
Friends Together & Student Giving Day
On Wednesday 26 June, all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 supported the School’s annual giving program, Friends Together. This year the Friends’ community is raising funds for the School’s needs-based scholarship, The Friends’ Fellowship.
Students participated in several activities and discussions across Primary, Middle and Senior School campuses, including reflecting on the meaning of the word philanthropy, the impact we can have collectively and its connection to our Quaker values. Students also thought about the importance of diversity in the student population, gratitude for their own education and what we can do to make all new students feel welcome at Friends’.
For this year's Appeal, we are thrilled to have raised over $100,000 so far, which will support at least two students to attend Friends' for the next 2 to 3 years. To donate or find out more about Friends Together - please visit https://giving.friends.tas.edu.au/
Alumni Mentoring
The Friends' School Alumni Mentoring provides opportunities for alumni to connect, support and inspire one another wherever they are in the world. By participating, alumni can offer their wisdom, experience and guidance to current students and recent graduates, helping them to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
After conducting a review, the School selected LinkedIn as its preferred place to develop our global digital community. When you visit The Friends’ School on LinkedIn, you will see the ‘Alumni’ button – where you will already find just under 500 alumni already registered.
Class of 2021 graduate Riley Curtain used the Friends’ alumni LinkedIn community recently to schedule some mentoring time with a leading Singapore-based alum who specialises in economics. Through emails and a video meeting, Riley found the advice he needed to change and resolve the right pathways for him at university.
If you would like more information on how to mentor fellow alumni, please contact our Community Engagement Office at stayconnected@friends.tas.edu.au
Alumni in the News
It was exciting to see Emi Pavlides (Class of 2023) featuring as the youngest artist in Handmark Gallery’s Emerging Artistsexhibition recently, with both her paintings – 'microscopic murmurs 2.0 & 7.0', close-up oils of Bees – selling before opening.
Congratulations to Eddie Ockenden(Class of 2005) for being a flag bearer of the Australian Olympic Team. We are proud of Eddie's performances, but also his humble approach, hard work and determination, providing an inspiration to many Tasmanian and Australian people.
So many people are following the wonderful adventures of Nicola Hughes (Class of 2000), as her family rides bikes around the world. Check out and follow their amazing journey at https://swagfamily.au/
Keep an eye out for Michael Reid’s (Class of 2023) story, “Closer Creeps the Dark”, which has been selected to be published in the Forty South Anthology 2024. The anthology will be officially launched at Tasmania's @tamarvalleywritersfestival in October.
Lizzy Crotty (Class of 2007) is one of 114 women globally to be accepted into a women’s leadership program called Homeward Bound, which is an initiative aimed to elevate women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) into leadership roles. Lizzy recently completed a 12-month online course and is now preparing for the pinnacle of her journey: an intensive three-week, in-person workshop in the remote and awe-inspiring landscape of Antarctica.
Congratulations to Mark Rapley (Class of 1992), the Tasmanian State Litigator, who was recently appointed Senior Council by Chief Justice of Tasmania, Alan Blow.
If you would like shared an alumni update, whether it be about yourself or another alumni member, please contact our Community Engagement Office at stayconnected@friends.tas.edu.au
Parent Year Group Representatives
The relatively new Parent Year Group Representatives Group are a selection of parents/guardians from each year level at the School from Kindergarten to Year 12. They work together, and with the School, to foster community spirit and connection among the parent community and with the School. There are over 25 Parent Reps, with meetings held each term and throughout the year. They support the community by organising events, fostering parent connections, and various communication and engagement activities.
To find out more, please visit https://www.friends.tas.edu.au/community/parents/parents-friends/
Finally, we have some limited enrolment places in Kindergarten and Year 5 in 2025 and 2026. If you know a family who may be interested in joining the Friends' community, please share our school enrolment webpage or encourage them to book a personalised tour.
Bil Avery - Director of Community Engagement