Director of Business Affairs Update

2025 Financial Snapshot

The Friends’ School Incorporated is a registered charity regulated by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Rather than operating “for profit”, the School operates “for purpose” - serving our community in alignment with the objectives of our Purpose & Concerns.

In 2025, the majority of expenditure was directed towards staff and associated on-costs (72%), reflecting the School’s strong investment in people. Administration and operating costs accounted for 7%, with the remaining funds supporting curriculum delivery, facilities, and resources. Information Technology represented 5% of total expenditure, underscoring its integral role in the School’s operations - from student and staff devices to classroom technologies, communication systems, and essential software platforms that enable contemporary learning.

To see full financial statements for The Friends’ School Incorporated, please visit acnc.gov.au/charity

2025 Income

2025 Expenses

Facilities & Services

The School’s Facilities Team, in partnership with contractors, has recently completed significant upgrades at the Queens Walk Sportsgrounds. This includes the refurbishment of student change rooms, toilets, shower facilities, and the main pavilion area.

The project delivered improved accessibility and amenity, including the construction of single-occupancy toilet facilities, upgraded fittings and fixtures, specialised rubberised sports flooring, and a newly relocated kitchenette. These enhancements have also created a more functional and flexible pavilion space to support both sporting and general learning activities.

Argyle Motor Lodge: A Strong First Year

The 2025 financial year marked the first full year of The Friends’ School owning and operating the Argyle Motor Lodge (AML), and I am pleased to report a very strong performance.

AML exceeded its financial forecasts and delivered a meaningful net contribution to the School, directly supporting our broader educational priorities and resources. Occupancy remained consistently strong across the year, supported by a growing corporate client base that now represents a significant proportion of total revenue.

These results reflect the outstanding work of the AML team. Their professionalism, particularly during peak summer periods and sustained high-demand months, has been central to this success. With strong forward bookings through early 2026, AML is well positioned to remain a valuable and sustainable contributor to the School.

Human Resources

The start of 2026 has been both busy and energising for our leaders and Human Resources team, with a clear focus on welcoming new staff and supporting flexible ways of working.

In January, we hosted our annual induction program, bringing together 44 new staff members. This included those commencing in 2026, as well as colleagues who joined during 2025 and were able to participate for the first time. The program provided a valuable opportunity to build connections, deepen understanding of the School’s culture and values, and establish a strong foundation for their work within our community.

We also introduced our Flexible Working Arrangements Policy in 2026. This initiative supports greater flexibility for staff while ensuring that operational needs continue to be met. It reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and sustainable workplace.

Risk & Compliance

Managing risk and maintaining compliance are essential to ensuring a safe, responsive, and well-governed School environment. Our approach continues to focus on proactive planning, clear communication, and alignment with relevant regulatory guidance.

International Travel

Planning for international student travel begins well in advance and includes comprehensive risk assessment processes. This incorporates ongoing monitoring of global events and adherence to official government advice, including Smartraveller guidance. Where circumstances change - such as geopolitical instability - we prioritise student safety and make considered decisions, recognising the potential impact on planned programs while remaining committed to meaningful global learning opportunities.

Student Health and Wellbeing

The management of student health remains a shared responsibility between families and the School. In the case of concussion, medical assessment and appropriate recovery time are essential. We ask families to notify the relevant School office of any concussion occurring outside school hours and encourage engagement with reputable education resources to support understanding and recovery, such as the concussion short course, which is available here.

As we move into the cooler months, families are also reminded to follow recommended exclusion periods for infectious conditions, as outlined by national health guidelines. This helps minimise the spread of illness and supports the wellbeing of the broader School community.

Continuous Improvement

Across all areas of risk and compliance, the School remains committed to ongoing review and improvement of processes, ensuring that our practices evolve in response to emerging risks, regulatory expectations, and community needs.

Friends Health & Fitness

Friends Health & Fitness has commenced 2026 with strong membership and participation across its programs, including operating at near capacity in the Term 1 Learn to Swim program.

Throughout the year, the facility will support a range of School activities, including learn to swim programs, swim trials, and Primary School carnivals. It will also host bookings from the Department for Children and Young People and other schools across the region.

A number of enhanced safety and management processes have recently been introduced, including updated emergency procedures within the pool hall. These are supported by regular, calm and structured drills conducted during lessons, helping students understand how to respond safely in an aquatic environment.

The Friends Swimming squad continues to grow, with 125 active participants, including four competing at a national level. On 14 February 2026, a team of 38 swimmers competed in the Sprint and Relay Championships in Launceston, achieving the most successful result in the program’s three-year history - finishing second in the overall gold medal count (and first in the South) and third overall for total medals.

Shaun Sargent - Director of Business Affairs