Middle School

The Nature Conservation Project

Jen Sharman from The Nature Connection Project visited The Friends’ Middle School recently to speak with students from the Climate Action Group. This national research project is gathering stories as a way of gaining insight into how Australians connect with nature and the impact of that connection. The project has a particular interest in building understanding of opportunities for supporting youth mental health through nature connection.

For more information about the project click here. You will hear more information soon about how students can get involved and tell their story of spending time in nature—whether through words, art, photos, or videos. 

Term 2 and 3 Co-curricular Ceramics 

The Co-curricular Ceramics group will be running during Term 2 and 3 commencing on Monday 5 May. The group will start at 3:40pm and finish at 5:00pm. The class is held in the Ceramics Studio A201 on the Senior School Campus.

This activity offers students the opportunity to work on self directed ceramics projects, learn a variety of ceramic techniques and enjoy working in a relaxed and friendly studio environment.  It is open to students from Years 7 - 12. Numbers are limited to 22 in the studio.  Please sign up using Clipboard or contact Miriam Berkery.

Middle School Harmony Day

Wednesday 26 March

Harmony Day celebrates cultural diversity and showing respect to all people. Due to a number of excursions on the official date, the Middle School will be celebrating Harmony Day on Wednesday 26 March. In recognition of the date and to raise awareness, students are invited to accessorise their sports uniform with something orange or wear traditional clothing/ an accessory that represents and celebrates their cultural heritage.

We will be running activities at break times, including bracelet-making in the library at lunchtime. 

Middle School LEGO MASTERS - House Edition!

The hottest building competition has hit the Middle School with the launch of LEGO MASTERS - House Edition! Teams of three students from each House will compete in a free build relay. Each lunchtime will see a new theme brought to life, and winners will verse each other in the following weeks to find our HOUSE LEGO MASTERS! Every participant will earn House points that will go towards the coveted House Cup.

Competition will begin on Monday recess, and we need your help. If you have any spare Lego at home that needs a new home, we would love donations. Drop-offs can be made at the Middle School office or Library. 

Which House will take out the title? Time will tell...

NAPLAN

NAPLAN takes place for Y7 students next week and the week after (Wed 12 March - Tue 18 March). Students and parents have been sent this information about NAPLAN timing and preparation via email. Tests take place during English/Humanities and Maths/Science lessons, and students are encouraged to carefully review the information they have been sent, especially regarding permitted and non-permitted items during testing. 

Year 7 Hobart Rivulet Excursion

• Thursday 20 March - Mott and Penn
• Thursday 27 March - Backhouse and Oats

As part of the Year 7 Science and Ecology unit, students will spend some time on the Hobart Rivulet where they will undertake an environmental health check of the water.

Students should wear sports uniform on this day, including sturdy sandshoes.  They must also bring a bucket hat and a waterproof coat and sunscreen.  A change of shoes or gumboots is also essential as students will need to be in the water to access good water samples.

Students will need recess snacks, lunch and a drink. Please liaise with the Middle School Office or Key Teacher about any medications that your child will need for the day.

Year 8 Rafting and Tasman Day Programs

We are excited to inform you that our Year 8 students will be embarking on two Outdoor Education Day Trips in the coming months. These outings serve a dual purpose: to foster stronger connections between students and staff, and to cultivate positive and supportive relationships between peers. Our carefully planned days will immerse the students in two distinct Tasmanian environments, one along the coast and the other through inland rivers. Each class will have a day in March, then swap locations for a day in June.

An Operoo will go out this week with further information on the activities and what to pack for each day as well as details of access to our Outdoor Education website. This website is a great resource for all Friends’ School excursions.  A reminder that Epipens or other medications should be packed for the day and please contact the Middle School Office or your Key Teacher prior to the day if you have any concerns about storage of medication for the day.

Important: Drop-off and Pick-up are at our Bell St Grounds (8.30am to 3.30pm)

March Programs

June Programs

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Thomas van Sant who is our Outdoor Education Teacher by email.

Smith Family - Student2Student Reading Program 2025

The student2student program works by matching students who need to improve their reading with peer Buddies who help and encourage them with their reading. Peer support is central to the program’s success. Each student and Buddy read two to three times a week for at least 20 minutes, over an 18 week period. The student2student digital model enables students to connect using a website called Chatty Kids. Students read eBooks provided on the site and use the Voice over IP function to speak to their Buddy.

Phase/Cohort 2 – Years 7-10

The Key Dates for recruitment and training of students for Student2student this year:

• Friday 2 May - Application forms due
• Friday 16 May - Buddy Training (aprox 1 hour)
• 19 May to 26 September - Reading Period

Please contact Karina Churchill to indicate your interest or if you have any questions.

Buddy Application Form Link here.

Save the Date - 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

Performance times will be released shortly.

Tickets coming soon.

Follow our Facebook Event to keep updated.

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:

Monday 10 March - Eight Hour Holiday

Tuesday 11 March - SSATIS Athletics Carnival at Domain

Saturday 29 March - Relay for Life  (Sign-up to Friendlies Team)