Walker House Update

Boarding House Update – A Strong Start to 2026

The beginning of the 2026 school year has brought a strong sense of energy and renewal to our boarding community. This year, we have welcomed 14 new boarders into the house, with students joining us from Germany, Japan, Victoria and across the East Coast of Tasmania, including Nubeena. Each student arrives with their own story, and it has been a genuine pleasure to watch those stories begin to intersect as friendships form and a shared sense of belonging develops.

A highlight of the opening weeks was our Welcome Afternoon Tea, which offered families, students and staff the opportunity to connect in a relaxed and informal setting. These early moments matter. They help establish trust, ease the transition for new families, and set the tone for the year ahead. For many of our new boarders, this marked one of the first steps in what is a significant life transition - moving away from familiar people, places and routines, and stepping into a new and highly communal way of living.

As the Term has unfolded, it has been impressive to see how quickly students have found their rhythm. Our returning boarders have played a critical role in this, demonstrating quiet leadership through inclusion, encouragement and everyday acts of support. Whether it is inviting someone into a game, helping navigate School routines, or simply making space at the dinner table, these small actions have had a meaningful impact.

Life in the boarding house has been full and vibrant. The common spaces are rarely still - with ongoing games of 8-ball and table tennis, groups of students gathered on the couches sharing conversations or watching a show together, and plenty of outdoor activity whenever time and weather allow. These informal, unstructured moments are often where the strongest connections are formed. Alongside this, students have embraced a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, with afternoons seeing a steady flow of activity as students travel across Southern Hobart to take part in sport, music and other pursuits.

Academically, students have settled into the expectations of the Term, supported by structured study times and access to tutoring. Developing consistent routines around study, rest and organisation is an important part of boarding life, and it has been encouraging to see students respond positively as the Term has progressed.

We are also mindful that, while there is much to celebrate, the adjustment to boarding is not without its challenges. For some students, particularly those who have travelled long distances or are living away from home for the first time, there are moments when the transition feels more demanding. Our staff remain attentive to these moments, providing support, guidance and care to ensure each student feels known and supported within the community.

Overall, it has been a very positive and purposeful start to the year. There is a strong sense that our boarding house is not just a place where students live, but a community in which they are known, supported and encouraged to grow. We look forward to continuing to build on this foundation as we move into Term 2.

Student Reflections

Felix Wilson, Year 12

What has been your most memorable experience in the boarding house?

I would struggle to name one single most memorable experience from my time in the boarding house, but particular events stand out, such as excursions to the beach, laser tag and many others. However, the most memorable experiences for me are those with more sentimental value, such as the farewell for departing Year 12 students each year. This is matched by the excitement of meeting new boarders, who eventually become your closest friends.

How has boarding shaped your time at School and influenced who you are today?

The boarding house has shaped my time at School in many ways and has played a significant role in who I am today. Boarding requires a greater level of independence as we live away from our families. While this can be one of the most challenging aspects, it is also one of the most valuable in shaping personal growth and resilience.

What will you miss most about the boarding community?

I will particularly miss the small, everyday moments. One of the best things about the boarding house is how easy it is to find someone to spend time with. Above all, I will miss the strong, multi-year bonds formed with other boarders, built through shared experiences - whether positive or challenging, hilarious or embarrassing. These connections create a sense of care and support that feels more like family than friendship.

What advice would you give to younger students who are new to boarding?

If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be that you are not alone. Always ask for help, talk with other boarders, and do your best while making time to enjoy the experience. Most importantly, be kind and open to others.

What are your plans for next year, and what are you most looking forward to beyond School?

While I am still undecided about my specific plans, I intend to take a gap year and am looking forward to the opportunities and experiences that will come with that.

Ruby Ma, Year 12

What has been your most memorable experience in the boarding house?

My most memorable experience would be our trip to Richmond at the end of last year. As a boarding community, we spent an afternoon there enjoying the natural surroundings, feeding ducks and taking photos of the beautiful scenery. I still remember the flavour of the ice cream, which is well known in Tasmania. It was a special experience to share with others from the boarding house.

How has boarding shaped your time at School and influenced who you are today?

The international environment of the boarding house has helped me build friendships with a diverse range of people and encouraged me to take an active role in activities such as volunteering. Living in this environment has made me more aware of others and more willing to offer support. Boarding life has also strengthened my independence, teaching me to manage my time, balance responsibilities and adapt to challenges. These experiences have shaped me into a more responsible and thoughtful person.

What will you miss most about the boarding community?

The boarding house brings together people from different backgrounds and creates a strong sense of belonging. It is a shared environment built on connection and care. Every experience I have had here, whether joyful or unexpected, has contributed to who I am, and I will carry these memories with me.

What advice would you give to younger students who are new to boarding?

Stay open to the experience. It can feel overwhelming at first, especially when leaving familiar surroundings, but it becomes easier over time. Boarding offers a unique opportunity to connect with people from around the world. Take part in activities, start conversations and remember that you are never alone - there is always support available from both staff and fellow students.

What are your plans for next year, and what are you most looking forward to beyond School?

I am considering studying in a different city or even overseas. I look forward to new experiences, meeting new people and continuing to explore my academic interests. My time at School, particularly in boarding, has prepared me well for this next stage.

Staff Profile – Jiayi Liu (Angel), Residential Supervisor

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to join The Friends’ School?

My name is Jiayi Liu, also known as Angel. I completed a Master of Teaching at the University of Tasmania last year, specialising in Visual Art and Language Education. Before joining the School, I worked across a range of Tasmanian schools as a Learning Support Officer and Relief Teacher.

My connection to boarding life and international education is personal. I arrived in Tasmania as an international student at the age of 16 and have lived in a boarding environment since Year 7. These experiences shaped my understanding of the challenges and opportunities students face when living away from home. Joining The Friends’ School felt like a natural step and an opportunity to give back by supporting students in their transition and sense of belonging.

What inspired you to take on this role, and what do you enjoy most?

My own experiences as a boarding and international student inspired me to take on this role. I understand how important it is to feel supported in a new environment. I most enjoy helping students settle in - not just academically, but emotionally and socially - and seeing their confidence grow over time.

How would you describe your approach to supporting students?

My approach is empathetic and student-centred. I focus on building trust and creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help. I also encourage independence by supporting students to develop routines, manage their time and build confidence.

What is most important in building a strong boarding environment?

Creating a sense of belonging is essential. Boarding is a home away from home, and it is important that students feel safe, respected and included. Encouraging connection within the boarding house and the wider community is key to helping students feel confident and engaged.

What are some of your interests outside of the role?

I enjoy visual arts and creative activities, which are great ways to connect with students. I also have a strong interest in languages and cultural exchange. In addition, I teach Business Studies and Economics at a public school and work as an International Student Program Leader, experiences which I bring into my work in the boarding house.

Matt Dixon - Director of Boarding