Arrival in Australia

Call Home
Settle into Walker House
Attend Walker House Orientation
Attend School orientation and any welcome activities
Name/label all school uniform
Start Classes
Get involved in school and boarding activities

When you Arrive

You may have spent the last few weeks or days preparing for your trip and wondering what life and school will be like at Friends’. Your parents will also be worried to call home as soon as you first arrive at Walker House.

In the first few days following your flight you may be a bit tired. This may be because you are still on the time schedule of your home country. This is called “jet lag” and commonly all travellers need to adjust to it. Fortunately, this stage only lasts for a couple of days and many experience only a small amount of tiredness. You may experience other symptoms such as stomach upsets while your body is getting used to the different food and water. The suggestion is that you try to adhere with meal and bedtimes straight away and remember to drink plenty of water.

Surroundings and Environment

Living in Hobart

Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia. For those who are not in the know, Tasmania is an island and a state within the territory of Australia. The city is located on the estuary of the Derwent River and its most dominant feature is Mount Wellington with a height of 1,271 meters (4,170 ft.). If you are southbound, it is the last stop before Antarctica. Below are a few cool facts about the city.

Attractions

Hobart is more beautiful than all the other Australian States’ Capitals. Among the things that draw tourists to the city include; Wellington Park, Louisa’s Walk, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Cascade Brewery, Salamanca Market, Battery Point, Museum of Old and New Art – MONA, Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens among others.

Climate

The city features a mild temperate oceanic climate. The most extreme temperature conditions ever recorded in the city were; 41.8 °C (107.2 °F) on 4 January 2013 and the lowest was −2.8 °C (27.0 °F) on 25 June 1972 and 11 July 1981.

Urbanization

Tasmania is the least urbanized state in Australia. This can be shown by the population of approximately 250,000 in its largest city, Hobart.

Antarctic Operations

For those who wish to cruise to the Antarctic, this will be the last stop before embarking on the long southern cruise. The French and Australian Antarctica operations are based in Hobart. The city has one of the best natural harbors in the world.

Hobart is a small city compared to cities such as Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Sydney. However, in matters of tourism, it can hold its own among the best. Its beautiful beaches, active night scene, diverse flora and fauna make it even more attractive than its competitors.

Walker House - Boarding

Walker House is situated in North Hobart on the fringe of the Argyle Street Campus and one block from the Commercial Road Campus. For students 16 years and over, gym membership at Friends Health & Fitness is included in the boarding fee. The facility is managed by a professional team of staff committed to providing a warm, supportive and inclusive environment for boarding students.

We are a coeducational school with boarding facilities for 23 girls and 23 boys in Years 7 – 12. Students have an individual room in designated male/female areas and share common areas for meals and recreation.

Please view the Walker House Handbook to access the full information, daily routines rules and expectations that you need to abide by.

Services

Calling Emergency Services DIAL 000

In Australia dial 000 from any phone for fire, police or ambulance services. 112 may also be dialled from mobile phones. Dialling 112 will override key locks on mobile phones and therefore save time. Emergency Services operators answer this number quickly and to save time will say, “Police, Fire, or Ambulance”. If you are unsure of what emergency service you need, tell the operator what the emergency is. You will then be connected to the appropriate service to assist. It is wise to think ahead with the most important information which will help them to respond. Where you are; (note street names and the closest intersection), what has happened and to whom; what their condition is. The operator may then ask you to stay on the phone until the emergency services arrive. In life

threatening situations the operator may also give you some instructions to assist until the emergency unit arrives. If you are concerned about your English, remain calm and work with the operators who are very experienced with all cultures. You can also download an Emergency App from the App Store on iTunes see https://www.triplezero.gov.au/ (See also: Health – Emergencies)

Making Phone Calls within Australia

To make international phone calls:

Dial – international access code (0011) + the country code + the area code (if required) + phone number (when adding a country code to a number, any leading 0 (zero) on the area code following it is NOT dialled).

To make domestic phone calls:

Dial – the area code + phone number

Area Code States

(02) ACT, NSW

(03) VIC, TAS

(07) QLD

(08) SA, WA, NT

Visit www.whitepages.com.au and www.yellowpages.com.au for directories of residential, commercial and government phone numbers in Australia; and for a list of country codes and area codes for international calls.

Calling Australia from Overseas

To contact Australia, first dial the international access code from that country (this will vary in each country), then Australia’s country code prefix (61) followed by the area code without the first zero (for instance Sydney would be 2 instead of 02), and then dial the required number.

Example: International access number +61 2 XXXX XXXX

Australia Post

Australia Post is one of our nation’s largest communications, logistics and distribution businesses; and is committed to providing high quality mail and parcel services to all people within Australia.

Small Letters

The cost of posting a small letter for distribution in Australia is an AU$1.50 postage stamp which you affix to the envelope.

A small letter has the following characteristics:

No larger than 130mm x 240mm
No thicker than 5mm
Maximum weight 250g

Envelope Layout

Australia Post uses advanced letter sorting technology to read the address on each envelope electronically. These machines work best when address formats are structured in a consistent manner. That is why it is necessary to address your mail clearly and correctly. The information below demonstrates how.

Typical Hand Addressed Envelope

Getting Around

The city centre of Hobart is only a 15-20 minute walk from Walker House and the School.

Key Phrases

Some of the key concepts applicable to Hobart’s public bus system:

Greencard - Rechargeable credit-card-like bus ticket (cheaper than cash tickets) that you swipe on boarding the bus.

Metro Shop - Central outlet for all public bus fare, ticket and timetable sales and info.

Zones Hobart is divvied-up into five zones for bus-ticketing purposes: Central, Southern, Eastern, Northern and Brighton, plus the Non-Urban Zone beyond these five. Tickets are available for one, two or all zones. Additional fares apply to the Non-urban Zone.

When to Travel

Hobart isn’t huge, but it does have rush hours on weekday mornings and evenings: if you can, avoid the CBD one-way road system, Tasman Bridge, Brooker Hwy and Southern Outlet between 8am and 9am and 5pm and 6pm.
If you’re relying on public transport, don’t bank on a whole lot of options at night or on weekends.
Taxis can be impossible to find at busy times (major festivals, New Year’s Eve etc). Book ahead.

Metro buses run from Elizabeth Street in the centre of North Hobart.

every 10 minutes Monday to Friday 7am–7pm;
every 20 minutes Saturdays 7am–7pm;
every 30 minutes Sundays and Public Holidays 7am–7pm

For full details of each route, see the individual timetable pages.

Etiquette

Hobartians aren’t used to sharing cabs – don’t try and muscle in on someone else’s ride. Join the queue at bus stops if there are a lot of people waiting.

Have the correct coinage ready if you’re buying a bus ticket from the driver (they hate it when you don’t). Alternatively, have your Greencard ready to swipe so you don’t hold up the other passengers waiting to climb aboard.

Taxi

Taxis are available and can be booked online, telephone or found at the taxi stand. The closest taxi stand is on the corner of Newdegate and Elizabeth Streets in North Hobart. It is also possible to hail a taxi as it drives past, the taxi if safe to do so and free will stop.

How to Hail a Taxi

Order a taxi over the phone or find one at an official taxi rank. Alternatively, look for a cab with its roof light illuminated (available).
If the cab is approaching, stick out your arm and wave it around.
Tell the driver your destination before you climb in.
All taxi rides here are metered.
Sit in the front passenger seat or climb in the back.
Drivers mightn’t always help with luggage – they might just pop the boot (trunk) and let you DIY.

Uber

Uber rides are available using the Uber app similar to most places in the world.

Bicycles

A number of day students ride to and from school each day. There are designated areas to store your bike while at school. Boarding students are able to bring and store their bikes and helmets at Walker House.

Tasmania’s bike laws are aimed at users staying safe, and are a bit more laid back than other states’: Cyclists must wear a helmet at all times, unless you have medical, cultural, or religious reasons not to. Cyclists are allowed to ride on footpaths unless otherwise stated.

Shopping and Shops

Hobart is known to be the best place for shopping in Tasmania. Stroll down Elizabeth Street towards the west and you will discover a multitude of shopping arcades and interesting shops.

Sandy Bay is known for its fashionable boutiques and designer wear. You will be able to find a variety of shops, ranging from high-end fashion to quirky little shops filled with interesting finds, all over the city of Hobart.

Shopping hours are generally 9.30am to 6.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday but larger shops may stay open until around 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Sunday trading is usually between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm.

Cat and Fiddle Shopping Arcade

Located in the city centre, this shopping complex has a variety of fashion boutiques, supermarkets, newsagents, specialty stores and much more. The Arcade is famous for its Cow Jumped over the moon clock, which becomes animated every hour on the hour. Murray Street, Hobart Tel: +61 (0)3 6231 2088

Centrepoint Shopping Centre

This is a large shopping mall with a variety of fashion shops, gift shops, specialty shops, newsagents and supermarkets to choose from. Murray Street, Hobart Tel: +61 (0)3 6223 2572

Elizabeth Street Mall

One of the most popular malls in Hobart, containing many of the high-street names, national chain stores and a variety of shops. This mall also has a large food court. Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Eastlands Shopping Centre

This shopping centre contains a number of specialty shops, fashion outlets, homeware shops, gift shops, supermarkets, toy stores, bakeries, a large food court and much more. Bligh Street, Rosny Park Tel: +61 (0)3 6244 5222

Salamanca Market

This vibrant, exciting flea market is held every Saturday between 8am to 3pm and is one of the most popular attractions in Hobart. There are over 250 stalls, which include organic produce, savoury snacks, local delicacies, clothes, books, art, vintage products, Aboriginal items, local arts and crafts, jewellery, fashion accessories and much more. Most of the stalls do not have fixed prices so it is common to indulge in some friendly haggling. Salamanca Place, Hobart Tel: +61 (0)3 6230 8233

Health

Emergencies – Dial 000

The Triple Zero (000) service is the quickest way to get the right emergency service to help you. It should be used to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance services in life threatening or emergency situations only. Emergency 000 lines should not be used for general medical assistance.

Police

In Australia police protect people and properties, detect and prevent crime, and preserve peace for everyone. They are not connected to the military or politics. The police can help you feel safe. In a non-emergency situation you can contact the local police station directly on: 13 14 44

Fire

The fire brigade extinguishes fires, rescues people from fires in cars and buildings, and helps in situations where gas or chemicals become a danger. As soon as a fire starts call 000 no matter how small or large the fire may be.

Ambulance

Ambulances provide immediate medical attention and emergency transportation to hospital. Dial 000

State Emergency Service

The State Emergency Service (SES) is an emergency and rescue service dedicated to providing assistance in natural disasters, rescues, road crashes and extreme weather conditions. It is made up almost entirely of volunteers and operates in all States and Territories in Australia. For emergency assistance in a FLOOD or STORM dial 132 500.

Lifeline

Lifeline’s 13 11 14 service is staffed by trained volunteer telephone counsellors who are ready to take calls 24-hour a day, any day of the week from anywhere in Australia. These volunteers operate from Lifeline Centres in every State and Territory around Australia. Anyone can call Lifeline. The service offers a counselling service that respects everyone’s right to be heard, understood and cared for. They also provide information about other support services that are available in communities around Australia. Lifeline telephone counsellors are ready to talk and listen no matter how big or how small the problem might seem. They are trained to offer emotional support in times of crisis or when callers may be feeling low or in need of advice.

Poisons Information Line

The poisons information line provides the public and health professionals with prompt, up-to-date and appropriate information, and advice to assist in the management of poisonings and suspected poisonings. The seriousness of a poisoning situation is assessed after a detailed history is obtained from the caller. Members of the public may be then given first aid instructions, information on possible symptoms, and advised on the need for assessment by a doctor or referral to hospital. The Australia-wide Poisons Information Centres have a common telephone number: 131 126.

Emergency Translation

For translation service in an emergency situation dial 1300 655 010

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Overseas student health cover (OSHC) is insurance that provides cover for the costs of medical and hospital care which international students may need while in Australia and is mandatory for international student visa holders. OSHC will also cover the cost of emergency ambulance transport and most prescription drugs.

The Friends’ School uses Medibank Private as their preferred provider and are able to organise this for you. The cost will be calculated and included in the offer. The Friends’ School will obtain this on your behalf and provide to you once the offer funds have been received. You should be aware that you must have OSHC to obtain a Student Visa. Immigration will not issue a Student Visa without OSHC cover. Health insurance covers basic medical gap and emergency hospital cover. It does not cover the full cost of a doctor’s visit or dental.

Only Australian health funds that have signed an agreement with the Australian Government can provide OSHC. Most Australian education institutions have a preferred OSHC provider. Depending on the institution you will be attending you will be required to join one of these four registered health funds. You may choose to change your health fund at any time, but will need to abide by the conditions of change of the health fund provider you are leaving.

OSHC Providers

Medibank Private www.medibank.com.au

Allianz OSHC www.oshcallianzassistance.com.au

BUPA OSHA www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/oshc

Australian Health Management www.ahm.com.au

Further information on OSHC can be found at: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc

If you come to Australia on a visa other than a student visa and undertake a short course of study of three months duration or less you will not be eligible for OSHC. It is wise to purchase travel or private medical insurance in this case.

What am I covered for?

OSHC provides a safety net for medical expenses for international students, similar to that provided to Australians through Medicare. Additionally, OSHC includes access to some private hospitals and day surgeries, ambulance cover and benefits for pharmaceuticals.

How do I use my OSHC card?

If you need to visit a doctor or medical centre, show your card at the end of the visit. You will be charged the doctor’s fee and the government fee component of that may be processed by the medical centre. If the medical centre is not able to process the government fee, pay the total amount, keep the receipt and you can claim the government fee back from your OSHC provider.

How do I make a claim?

Claiming is easy. You can submit claims for your OSHC online, in store or by mail. Whichever way you make claims, keep a copy of your paperwork and receipts in case you need them later.

Claiming online

You can make claims for most medical services you have already paid for here through Online Member Services. It’s an easy way to make claims and generally you get payments into your account within 2 business days.

What do you need to do?

Log in to Online Member Services
Provide details about the claim
Scan and upload your receipts
Make sure we have your correct Australian bank account.

Claiming by Email

Email us your membership number and receipt to oshc@medibank.com.au.

Claiming in Store

You can drop off your claim at any Medibank store. You’ll need to bring along your receipts and details about your claim.

Claiming by Email

Complete the Medibank OSHC claim form and send it with your receipts to:

Medibank OSHC

GPO 2984 Melbourne Vic 3001

Get a copy of the claim form.

Types of Health Care in Australia

The Australian healthcare system is mixed. Responsibilities for healthcare are divided between the Federal and State governments, and both the public and the private sectors play a role. Government programs underpin the key aspects of healthcare. Medicare, which is funded out of general tax revenue, pays for hospital and medical services. Medicare covers all Australian citizens, pays the entire cost of treatment in a public hospital, and reimburses for visits to doctors.

Public System

The major provider of healthcare services in Australia is the Public Health System (Medicare). The Public Health System provides a comprehensive free-of-charge healthcare service for all Australian citizens covering both hospital-based and community-based medical services. Public hospitals are owned by the State. One of the problems with such a system is that waiting times in public hospitals can be extensive due to a shortage of healthcare professionals and facilities.

See also: Attending an Australian hospital.

Private System

Private hospitals provide about a quarter of all hospital beds in Australia. Private medical practitioners provide most non-bed medical services and perform a large proportion of hospital services alongside salaried doctors. Most dental services are provided by private practitioners. For Australians who take out private health insurance a range of services can be covered, such as access to your own Doctor in a private hospital, and extra services such as dental, optical and physiotherapy.

Attending an Australian Hospital

Few private hospitals have emergency departments, so, in an emergency, most Australians rely on the public hospital system. If you attend an Emergency Department in a hospital you will be attended to immediately by a triage nurse for information about you, your cover, and your current health condition. The triage nurse will determine the urgency of your condition in comparison to others in need in the emergency room and it is likely that you will remain at the emergency room for several hours. Whether you are seen immediately by a Doctor, or have to wait, it is customary to keep you in the emergency room for several hours to monitor your condition before releasing you to go home, or admitting you to hospital in more severe cases.

There are extensive waiting times for elective surgeries at public hospitals, e.g. for orthopaedic surgery. One of the attractions of health insurance is the ability to bypass public hospital waiting lists and go through the private system.

Private hospitals are very expensive for treatment and hospitalisation. Your OSHC will cover some of the cost of some private hospitals but you will have to pay the difference.

Your health insurance (OSHC) covers the total cost of accommodation in a shared ward of a public hospital. It also pays for the ‘schedule fee’ for the doctor but you will have to pay the difference if the doctor’s fee is higher than the ‘schedule fee’.

See also: Public hospital waiting times.

General Practitioners (GPs)

In Australia you do not have to go to a hospital to see a doctor. You can see a doctor (also known as a GP – General Practitioner) in their private practice or medical centre, with part or the entire doctor’s fee being covered by Medicare or OSHC. You must make an appointment to see a GP.

It is important to note that some GP surgeries will request full payment from you at the time of consultation and you will need to present the receipt to claim the rebate back from your health cover provider.

Medical Services and What to do if you get Sick

If you have woken in the morning feeling unwell and would like to see a doctor that day, you will need to alert the Director or Assistant Director on duty (this must be done prior to 8.00am Monday to Friday). All Residential Staff hold Senior First Aid Certificates and will use discretion with respect to making doctor’s appointments.

Please note however, that it may not be possible to get an appointment on the same day - you may have to wait one or two days before you can see a doctor (in some regional areas of Australia it may be a week or two before you can get an appointment).

In keeping with the School’s guidelines on prescription medicines, parents should provide the Director with all relevant, current medical information and update the information as required. Parents should discuss any medical information with the Director of Boarding as well as completing an Operoo profile for their child, including relevant Medical Information. This will assist staff in caring fully for all students. If a student has been under the regular care of a doctor, medical specialist, psychologist or psychiatrist for any condition, a letter from that practitioner, which summarises the problem and current treatment, must be sent by parents for inclusion in the student’s medical history.

We know that lack of sleep is one of the biggest contributors to poor health in adolescents. We expect that students adhere to set bed times, and aim to get the required nine hours of sleep each night for maximum brain functioning and formation of neural pathways.

Regular exercise is important in maintaining both a healthy body and a healthy mind. Students should aim to complete at least three sessions of physical activity each week.

Seeing a Doctor

When you attend your appointment, the doctor will ask you questions about your health and may give you a brief physical examination, such as checking your breathing, your throat, ears etc. The doctor will then give you some advice regarding management of your illness, and may give you a prescription for some medication. If you have had, or need to take time off studies you will need to get a medical certificate from the doctor to provide to your education provider. If your illness is more serious or the doctor is unsure of a diagnosis she or he may refer you for further tests eg: blood tests or x-rays, or to see a specialist Doctor. It is important to note that if you are dissatisfied with the diagnosis or service of the Doctor you see, you have the right to obtain an opinion from another Doctor.

Pharmacies

GP surgeries do not have medications to dispense to you. You must take the prescription given to you by the doctor to a Pharmacy or Chemist to obtain the medication. You will need to provide the pharmacy with your OSHC card, your full name and address. You are able to walk in off the street to any pharmacy/chemist/drug store in Australia and will only have to wait a short while for your prescription medicine to be prepared.

Prescription Medication

Medication prescribed by your doctor is not free. You must pay the pharmacy. Many pharmacists will offer you the option of having a “generic” brand of medicine. If the prescription medicine the Doctor has prescribed is also made available by a company which produces generic brands at cheaper prices, this option will be offered to you. This is ONLY offered if the content of the medicine is exactly the same as that prescribed by your Doctor. It will, however, assist you to pay less for your medicine.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Pharmacies/chemists also provide a variety of over-the-counter medications useful for treating colds, headaches, allergies and the like which do not require a prescription. Ask the pharmacist on duty for advice regarding the best medication for your symptoms. Ensure that you advise the pharmacist of any other medications you may be taking.

Dental and Optical

Dental and optical health services are not covered by your OSHC unless you take out extra cover. If you need to see a dentist or optometrist you will need to make an appointment (see the Yellow Pages) and pay the full fee of this service.

Interpreter Services

We are lucky in Australia to have a variety of healthcare professionals from many different cultural backgrounds, so you may be able to see a doctor who speaks your first language. However, if you are having difficulties communicating with your doctor, the Translation and Interpreter Service (TIS) can be used. For more information visit www.immi.gov.au or phone 131 450

School Expectations

Students shall at all times comply with any requirements the School may make in respect of dress, general appearance and behaviour.

You must comply with the Learning Partnership Agreement and School Expectations and Policies of the School and rules we adopt from time to time. You must ensure, as far as practicable, that your child complies with these policies and rules. The policies and rules do not form part of this contract.

The Principal may terminate your child's enrolment for misconduct if it is considered to be serious enough to warrant termination.

Attendance is mandatory, both for academic progress and to fulfill the requirements of your Australian student visa. Students are required to attend their lessons each day of the School week for the entire school day.

Communication with Parents

The School expects all students to work hard at their studies, to take part in school activities, including co-curricular activities, and for parents to have an active interest in the progress made by their son/daughter. For this reason, the School will regularly communicate with parents via School reports. School Progress Reports are shared via Seqta Engage throughout the year. The School will also wish to communicate with parents on other matters from time to time. In some cases, communications will be directly with parents (for example, School newsletters).

Student Conduct

It is important in maximising learning opportunities that:

all teachers and students be allowed to work without undue interference
students be assisted in developing behaviour patterns which lead to self discipline
all members of the school community understand the need to follow rules which define acceptable behaviour.

To ensure safety and security in the school, members of the school community should:

be able to work and play without undue interference
treat each other with respect
value and protect personal and school property
try to understand and listen to each other and talk out problems
help each other
discussed in class and communicated to the whole school community
modelled by students and teachers with the purpose of developing positive self-esteem and emphasising fair and consistent behaviour.

Wellbeing

We provide an engaging and stimulating wellbeing experience which encourages students to achieve excellence in a supportive environment. Our wellbeing program extends throughout the School to enhance student development and promote the physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual wellbeing of all students.

As a community, we ensure that:

learning takes place in a safe and supportive environment
personal possessions and School property are treated with care and respect
School values are upheld within the wider community
A Quaker ethos underpins our interactions
Bullying and harassment are not tolerated.

Every staff member has a role in supporting student growth, enhancing productive relationships and fostering a positive school environment. The Tutor delivers the formal component of the program and develops a deep connection with the students under his or her care, and is the first point of contact for students and parents.

The wellbeing needs of students are also supported by their tutor, key teacher, House Leader, Deputy Heads, Head of School and the School Psychologist.

Support and Intervention

Every student is valued as unique with individual gifts, areas for development and learning styles. We recognise the importance of development across all aspects of personal growth including academic, emotional, social, cultural, spiritual and physical development.

Uniform

At The Friends’ School we believe that the wearing of the school uniform by students is a fundamental part of students’ and their parents’ commitment to the School Community.

Wearing the School uniform is a visible way of establishing a student’s identity as part of The Friends’ School community.

It is expected that Friends’ students’ general appearance and the manner in which they wear the uniform, both at School and in public, will be of a high standard. We expect students’ appearance to be neat and tidy at all times and consistent with School requirements.

Seasonal uniform changeover is not required. Students may choose to wear the options of uniform in which they feel comfortably suited. Mixtures of seasonal options are not allowed, nor should there be any mix of formal and sports uniform.

Students in Years 7-10 are strongly encouraged to wear a sunhat for outdoors activities Students are required to wear hair tied back for subjects where there is a health or safety

requirement (for example Science, Foods, Design Technology, Art, PE) and in any other class where a teacher requires hair to be tied back for a particular activity.

At other times students may wear their hair out as long as it is clean, neat and tidy. Students are expected to wear their hair in a style and colour acceptable to the Head of School. Beading and dreadlocks, for example, are not acceptable.

School shoes are to be polished black leather lace-ups with heels of a height acceptable to Heads of High School. Shoes are to be kept clean and in suitable repair. Gym shoes are not to be worn with formal uniform.

The blazer should be worn to formal School occasions.

Jewellery, other than a watch and a ring, is not to be worn. Students may wear in one or both ears, a single plain sleeper or stud. Facial piercings other than in the ears are not allowed. Make-up and nail polish (other than clear) are not acceptable with School uniform.

If a student does not wear the uniform correctly or present themselves correctly, they will be counselled and their parents informed of the School’s concerns. If there is no improvement, the parents of the student will receive a letter asking them to make an appointment to discuss the concerns with the Deputy or Head of School.

Requirements

The full range of uniform requirements is available from The Friends’ School Shop,

1 Wilson Street, North Hobart. The Shop is the only authorised retailer of the Friends’ School uniform. The Shop also sells an extensive range of second-hand uniform and accessories.

See our website for more details.

Mobile Phone and Other Personal Computing Devices

Introduction

The Friends’ School encourages and supports the use of new and evolving technologies to enhance teaching and learning. We also recognise the place of personal technologies in the lives of our students and encourage them to use these in an appropriate way within the School environment and in accordance with the School’s ethos.

Students who use personal computer devices inappropriately will face consequences which may include confiscation or banning of the item from future use at School.

Mobile Phones

Many students own mobile phones, and may have a legitimate reason to have the phone at school. Friends’ takes its responsibility for the wellbeing and personal development of students in our care seriously and aims to take a shared approach with students and parents to educate students on the responsible use of mobile phones. Friends’ approach to mobile phone use, is evidence based, aligns with the State Government policy which has been in place since 2020 and is also in line with similar policies in all mainland states.

Years 7-10 students

The protocol states that students in Years 7 to 10 should have their mobile phones 'off and away' during the school day. Students should store phones in lockers to check briefly during break times (recess and lunch) or to make purchases during break times at the canteen. Smart watches are required to be in 'flight mode’.

Friends’ recognises that mobile phones can enhance some learning experiences in the classroom and teachers may instruct students to use their phones under supervision in the classroom as part of an organised educational activity. Similarly, students with additional needs may be granted permission to use their devices on occasions as an assistive technology.

Years 11 & 12 students

Friends’ recognises the importance of developing student skills in self-management in the senior secondary years to help navigate life after school and in the workplace. As such, students in Years 11 and 12 will be granted increased autonomy to use mobile phones during Study Periods and break times.

Parents and guardians are requested to contact the campus office with any urgent messages for students.

It is recommended that students visit the Help Desk to connect their device to the school wireless network. This enables use of data without charge, and for the internet connections to go through the schools OpenDNS filter.

The School will not accept responsibility for the misuse, loss or theft of mobile phones.

Personal Music Technology

A number of students choose to bring personal music devices to school (e.g. an iPod, smart phone). Some students listen to music while travelling to and from home, others enjoy having access to music during the school day.

These devices should not be taken to class unless they are acceptable in the context of the teaching program, a decision that will be made by the relevant teacher. At all other times we require them to be kept secure in lockers. Personal music technology may be used at recess, lunchtime or while travelling between home and School.

The School will not accept responsibility for the misuse, loss or theft of personal items of mobile music technology.

Updating your Contact Details

It is important that you notify The Friends’ School of any changes to your address or telephone number in Australia.

This is particularly important for students studying on a Student Visa. The College notifies changes of address and telephone numbers to the Department of Immigration and Boarder Protection (DIBP). lf DIBP cannot contact you, they may regard you as being illegal and cancel your student visa. We will seek contact details including address, phone number, and email address every six months from students.

Policies and Guidelines

Please see our website to familiarise yourself with our policies and guidelines.

Data Collection

Data collected in the course of this application may be shared with Australian Government and State Agencies. All data collected is subject to The Friends’ School Privacy Policy as published on the School’s website.

Privacy Policy

The School has developed a Privacy Policy in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles, to explain how we manage personal information.

You can access the policy on our website (www.friends.tas.edu.au) or by contacting the School’s Privacy Officer on (03) 6210 2200.

International Student Handbook

2026 · 16 Nov 2025

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