Term 2 Middle and Senior School (Years 7-12) Service

Students at The Friends’ School are strongly encouraged to engage in service activities either through their own community links or through structured service activities and initiatives offered at school. Students are also strongly encouraged to show leadership in service, and are able to approach student leaders and service coordinators for support with new or existing service initiatives. Details for student groups are usually published on SEQTA Notices.

Key Contacts

Head of Service Karina Churchill

Years 9-12 (Senior) Service

Karina Churchill

Hamish Hall (IB CAS Coordinator)

Years 7 and 8 Service

James Wright (Stewardship)

Mathu Martin (Environment)

Liesa Winkler (Pastoral Care)

Esther Hoggart (House Leader)

Primary School Service

Fiona Lewis / Debbie Taylor (Co-curricular Coordination)

Emily Keeling (Environment)

Middle School (Years 7 & 8)

Students can approach Student Leaders to contribute their own service ideas and to help plan and run service-based events, including those with wellbeing and environmental focus, both in and outside school hours.

Contact: Esther Hoggart

The Service Committee meet once a week at lunch time in C121. Students can learn about upcoming service opportunities and can choose to take on various levels of responsibility for service events. Students can count 30 minutes of each meeting towards a Service Award if desired.

Contact: James Wright & Liesa Winkler

Senior School (Years 9-12) Stewardship Committee

This committee is for students in Years 9 to 12. Students meet once a week for half an hour to discuss, plan and organise service projects for the Senior School In addition, they work with other sections of the school to facilitate service initiatives that have a whole school theme. The Senior Student Council Service and Environment Representatives are responsible for the running of the committee, including organising minutes to be taken and distributed to all members. All Years 9-12 students are welcome to join the committee and they are encouraged to initiate, plan and participate in service events that are school based or based in the community. The hours they accumulate can count towards their Service Colours and/or The Friends' Certificate. The Committee convenes on Tuesdays at Lunch time in W209.

Contact: Karina Churchill

Relay for Life

Relay For Life is an overnight community event organised by the Cancer Council. Thousands of Tasmanians relay in their team as they celebrate cancer survivors, remember those lost, and fight back against the disease by raising important funds.

This year’s Relay for Life will be held at the Domain Athletics Centre on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March.

All students from Year 5-12 are invited to join our team and walk for an hour or more (between 1-11pm Sat and 6-9am Sun) with team 'Friendlies’ to help raise money and awareness in support of the Cancer Council Tasmania.

Please register with our team 'Friendlies' at https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/Friendlies6275. More information will be shared by Operoo on registration.

Contact: Simone Summers, Greg Downes

Sewing for Service

The group is designed for beginner to advanced sewing skills for students in Years 7-12. You will be involved in sewing to create items for service in the community. This might include Boomerang Bags and Period Poverty Pouches. It will take place on Tuesday afternoon after school in the Senior School Textiles room (T103) from 3:30-5:00pm.

Contact: Jane Smith to find out more or to register for the group.

Climate Action / Advocacy Service Learning

For students interested in the impacts of Climate Change on the world, leading to actions for change. The group researches issues of climate, then drafts letters to community and government leaders in action for change. Students also write letters on behalf of prisoners of conscience on behalf of Amnesty International. Occasionally, members of the group are encouraged to attend rallies and the Justice Action Network group meetings. Student may work with Senior Student Council leaders to organise a Battle of the Bands/Talent each year in Term 3 to raise funds for Amnesty International. This group meets at lunch time once a week.

Contact: Mathu Martin (Years 7 & 8)

Environment Action in the Middle School

Environment Action is a group that works towards improving the Middle School and the greater community through positive action to reduce waste, reduce energy use, and educate and encourage the community towards sustainable practices.

We will be holding a number of events such as the Snow Cone stall to fund the FOGO bins the students purchased last year. Students will also present at assemblies about direct action to improve the schools environmental footprint. We will also lobby governments and companies to improve their practice and regulations.

Meet every Tuesday at first break in M102, Meredith Building in the Middle School.

The group is student-led, Mathu Martin is coordinating the group.

Landcare

The Landcare group involves a hands-on approach to environmental action. This student-lead group follows students’ interests linked to the core Landcare ideals of environmental conservation and land management, as well as education and advocacy of environmental issues. Possible weekly activities may include: native plant propagation from seed, division, and cuttings; germination techniques; revegetation projects; how to care for/maintain native plants; macro photography; participation in national events such as Clean Up Australia Day, National Tree Day, and Earth Hour; promoting environmental issues and potential change; local rubbish monitoring and collection. The Landcare group usuallt meet once a week at lunchtimes.

Contact: Peter Smythe (Years 9-12)

Environment / Sustainability

The Sustainability group focusses on actions that can develop, promote and enact reduction in negative environmental impacts. This student-led group engages with a range of interests and concerns, and seeks to enact sustainable practical means for carbon-offset and waste reduction such as the bus-buddy system, the worm farm on the Primary School campus, the recycling bins across campuses, supporting the Indigenous Garden outside the WN Oats Centre via the Landcare group, and various other student-initiated projects.

Contact: Environmental Sustainability Group: Emma von Poupe (Years 9-12)

Friends of Diversity

Diversity group is for students interested in a forum for students to discuss topics around Diversity group is for students interested in a forum for students to discuss topics around the inclusion of all members of our School community, and to celebrate the diverse range of people at The Friends’ School. The group promotes the recognition, respect and valuing of students with differences based on ethnicity, gender, religion, disability and sexual orientation. This group is meeting once a week at lunch time.

Contact: Luke Edmunds (Years 7 & 8) or Casey-Rae Mullen, Kate Baldry (Years 9-12)

The Smith Family Student2Student Buddy Reading Program

The Smith Family's Student2Student Buddy reading program matches an older student (Buddy) with a younger student (Reader) who is behind in their reading. The Buddy provides support and reading assistance to the Reader so that they can improve their confidence and skills in reading. Each Buddy will be reading for 18 weeks with their Reader. Buddies receive appropriate training and the resources required to fully participate in the Program. Buddies call their Reader 2 or 3 times a week and read for 20 minutes per session. Buddies need to have their phone (landline, mobile phone or on a website called 'Chatty Kids' using tablet or computer) and books (these are posted out in the mail or on the Chatty Kids website) ready at the agreed scheduled times and days they are working with their Reader.

Interested students can download copies of the Student2Student flyers and student2student Buddy Application Sheet or contact Karina Churchill

Young Leaders of Tasmania Ltd (YLOT)

Young Leaders of Tasmania Ltd is a community not-for-profit organisation whose vision is for every young Tasmanian, including those living with disability, to reach his or her full potential. Interested students in Years 9-12 apply in Term 1 for the 'school buddies' program and will visit classes at the Southern Support School fortnightly between mid Term 1 and the end of Term 3. Participating students need approximately 2 hours for their visits so need appropriately placed study periods*. There are opportunities for visits to Dark Mofo and helping in the holiday buddies program.

Contact: Karina Churchill

Southern Support School

The Young Leaders of Tasmania - All Abilities Programs (YLOT) runs in conjunction with the staff and clients at Southern Support School. In addition to the YLOT Program, a social is generally planned for students and parents of the Southern Support School. This is organised through the Years 9-12 Stewardship Committee or as an IBDP Year 11 CAS project.

Contact: Karina Churchill

The Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, commonly known as the Duke of Ed, offers students at The Friends’ School a transformative experience. Through this voluntary, non-competitive program, young participants aged 14 to 25 engage in practical, cultural, and adventurous activities. By setting and achieving goals across various sections, they earn internationally recognised certificates, fostering personal growth, skill-building, and a sense of purpose. The Duke of Ed journey prepares these students to become world ready. To find out more, access the Outdoor Education - Duke of Edinburgh page

Contact: Thomas Van Sant

Year 7 & 8 Service Awards 2025

If you are considering applying for a Service Award this year, you can find instructions about how to engage in Service on the Service Learning Site under Service Awards. Your hours must meet the Service Award Guidelines.

Applications for Service Awards are due: 15 September 2025

The Friends' Certificate 9-12 and Service Awards 2025

If you are considering applying for the Friends' Certificate and/or Service Award, here are the links to the Friends' Certificate Guidelines, the Service Award Instructions and the CAS Record template. You will need to submit your application through the relevant Google Form prompt on the Submission Instructions page of the Friends' Certificate site.

Friends' Certificate and Service Award applications are due: 15 September 2025.

For information on how to engage in a Service Learning Project, please visit the Service Learning site

Term 2 Service Events

Share the Dignity School Fundraiser (Senior School)

The Senior School will be holding a fundraiser on Friday the 9th of May (Term 2 Week 2), where students can dress in pink (with a gold coin donation), as well as buy from a pink-themed bake sale. Students wanting to contribute to the bake sale can sign up here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uTNdE-pc_CYErPUylbN7dUf7GJOtS27RMKyFD8v2TdE/edit?usp=sharing

During the month of May there will also be a collection box at the Senior School Office where students and parents can donate period/feminine hygiene products.

All donations will directly support women in need through Share the Dignity.

Contact Senior Student: Amelia Cooper: amelia_cooper26@student.friends.tas.edu.au

Tassie Mums Coat Drive (Senior School)

The Senior School Stewardship Committee are seeking donations of old, too small/large or unused coats to the Tassie Mums Coat Drive, an organisation which helps mums and children in need. Coats must be in good condition - no fading, tears, rips or stains, please.

Donations can be placed in the allocated house boxes in the Senior Library/Senior School Office. The house with the most donated coats wins House Points!

The drive will run from Monday 31 March and into Term 2 concluding on Friday 16 May. Collect your coats over the holidays and donate!

Any queries to Karina Churchill: kchurchil@friends.tas.edu.au

WWVP Session - Long Tutor Period Friday 16 May (Senior School)

A Working with Vulnerable Persons Pass is needed for people aged over 16 for many service activities where they engage as a volunteer, and especially if a student is a member of the Senior School Council. It is recommended for students over the age of 16. Several forms of ID are needed, and if you have lived overseas, exact dates needed when you were out of country. Students are advised to have a look at what information and documentation they may require in advance with the support of their Tutor.

A follow up/support session will be run on a Monday afternoon in the following weeks. Date to be advertised.

Middle School Assembly - Reconciliation Week

On Wednesday 21 May the Middle School will engage in awareness building and reflection for Reconciliation Week at an Assembly at The Farrell Centre. Speaker Rodney Dillon will share with the assembly about Reconciliation efforts in Tasmania.

Year 11 IBDP CAS Day (Senior School)

The Year 11 IBDP CAS Day is scheduled for Wednesday 21 May will follow a similar format to previous years. Students will participate in a workshop with the YMEP (Young Migrant Education Program) students, which will take place in Hodgkin Hall. The VET Catering class are kindly catering. The day will focus on building intercultural understanding, collaboration, and service learning, in line with CAS objectives. Students will engage in shared activities designed to promote communication, creativity, and community connection.

WWVP Workshop Session - Monday 2 June (Senior School)

A Working with Vulnerable Persons Pass is needed for people aged over 16 for many service activities where they engage as a volunteer, and especially if a student is a member of the Senior School Council. It is recommended for students over the age of 16. Several forms of ID are needed, and if you have lived overseas, exact dates needed when you were out of country. Students are advised to have a look at what information and documentation they may require in advance with the support of their Tutor.

A follow up/support session will be run on a Monday 2 June at 2.50pm in W114 (WNOats Building) for students to complete the online process. Students are able to attend Service Tasmania after the session to complete payment once dismissed.

Senior School Service Assembly

On Wednesday 4 June the Senior School Stewardship Committee will review, reflect upon and introduce a range of service opportunities in the Senior School from Term 1 and planned for Term 2 at The Farrell Centre at 10.45am. The purpose and importance of Service will be explored and celebrated.

Push Up Challenge 2025 (Senior School)

The Push Up Challenge is to raise awareness, foster connection, encourage speaking up, and fundraise to contribute to Headspace, Lifeline and the Push For Better Foundation. However, you do not have to raise funds and participation is free.

If you would like to be a part of the School team this year, follow this link to sign up:

https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/TheFriendsSchool2025

Sign up under the community; ‘The Friends School’ and choose your House team. There is also an app where you are able to log push ups. Note that you are also able to do any other form of exercise - sit ups, squats, star jumps! This is also a great way to get some winter recess activities going on. You are able to count up to 5 hours towards Service for promotion and collecting donations.

Any inquiries contact students: Essie Rapley: esperance_Rapley26@student.friends.tas.edu.au

or Bahzi Nicholas: bahzi_nicholas26@student.friends.tas.edu.au

or staff member Karina Potter: kpotter@friends.tas.edu.au

Pride Month Activities (Middle School/Senior School)

The Middle School will be holding a Bake Sale and gold coin donation for Free Dress Day in Week 9 (23 - 27 June). There will also be a Pride Art Show for students to engage in and enjoy. More details to follow soon.

Contact Liesa Winkler: lwinkler@friends.tas.edu.au

The Senior School will also be celebrating and raising awareness of diversity this term. A week of activities and awareness-raising is taking place from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 June. Pride pins are available in the Foyer on Tuesday 10 June, a Pride Bake Sale is planned for Wednesday 11 June, Trivia session in the Senior School Library on Thursday 12 June, and a Pride Accessories Day on Friday 13 June.

Contact: Hazel Jennings (student) hazel_jennings25@student.tas.edu.au

or Kate Baldry: kbaldry@friends.tas.edu.au or

Casey-Rae Mullen: c-rmullen@friends.tas.edu.au

Hobart City Mission Emergency Relief Program - Food Drive (Senior School)

Senior IBDP Student Oliver Magill and Tutor Group R6 will be running a food drive from Monday 2 June through to the end of Term 2 for Hobart City Mission’s Emergency Relief program which is in urgent need of nonperishable food:

Cans of Big’N Chunky soup (525g)
Long life (UHT) milk (1lt)
Jars of pasta sauce
Cans of tuna (185g and 95g)
Cans spaghetti & baked beans
Packet noodles
Packets of plain pasta
Packets of rice (1kg)
Cereal
Biscuits
Muesli bars
Lunchbox snacks

https://hobartcitymission.org.au/donate-goods/

Collection boxes will be in the Senior School Library or at the Senior School Office.

Contact student Oliver Magill: oliver_magill25@student.friends.tas.edu.au or staff member Lara Wojcik: lwojcik@friends.tas.edu.au

Speak Up, Stay ChatTY Shorts Day

Friday 20 June is Speak Up, Stay ChatTY Shorts Day! Shorts Day is an opportunity to wear your brightest shorts to brave the cold on the shortest day of the year - as well as braving the conversation around mental health. Shorts Day will be a gold coin donation event. There will also be a sunrise walk and breakfast, for which a sign-up link was made available to Senior Students. Some fun activities will be running during Long Tutor, and R4 have generously offered to hold a bake sale at lunch.

To get involved, wear your brightest shorts, keep an eye out for the sign-up link, come and buy a cupcake, or start a conversation about mental health with a friend. Every act of support helps to raise awareness of mental health and Speak Up Stay ChatTY’s mission.

Contact student Wellbeing Representatives Ione Rawlings-Way: ione_rawlings-way25@student.friends.tas.edu.au , Ash Negri: ash_negri26@student.friends.tas.edu.au , or Alia May: alia_may27@student.friends.tas.edu.au

or Deputy Head Senior School, Pastoral Care Amy Harris: aharris@friends.tas.edu.au

The Ransome Big Freeze (Senior School)

The 2025 Big Freeze is on Wednesday June 25 during Tutor Group time 10.45-11.30am on the top Basketball courts. Ransome 5 Tutor group are hosting this Fight MND event.

The Fight MND Big Freeze campaign that has been running for 11 years and raises money and awareness for research into Motor Neurone Disease. There will be posters advertising the money donations needed to raise in order to tip ice over their favourite members of staff. Anyone donating $15 or more get to tip a bucket. Card or cash can be paid to the Senior School Office. Anyone keen to purchase a Big Freeze 2025 beanie can also head to https://bigfreeze.fightmnd.org.au

Home Base (formerly Colony 47) Free dress day (Senior School)

Senior IBDP Students Jameson Eastoe and Grace Hortle are hosting a Free Dress Day for local charity and support service, Home Base on Friday 27 June. For a Gold Coin Donation students can wear free clothing in support of the programs Home Base provides such as Mara House or Colville Place temporary housing, Jumpstart rental subsidy, Reconnect for students ahed 12-18 or Step Up for young people ahed 11-17 experiencing violence at home or in relationships.

Contact students Jameson Eastoe: jameson_eastoe25@student.friends.tas.edu.au or Grace Hortle: grace_hortle25@student.friends.tas.edu.au

or IBDP CAS Coordinator Hamish Hall: hhall@friends.tas.edu.au

Term 4 Secondary Music

Term 3 Middle and Senior School (Years 7-12) Music