Walker House Update

Term 3 is often one of the busiest periods of the year at Walker House. Hobart’s winter mornings are dark, the days are short and the temperature can certainly make getting out of bed a little more challenging. Despite the short days, life in the House continued at full pace throughout the term.

For many of our boarders, Term 3 marked the conclusion of their winter sporting and co-curricular commitments. Across the House, students have been involved in a wide range of activities throughout the winter months, balancing training, games and other commitments alongside the demands of school and boarding life. As always, there were plenty of conversations around the dinner table about weekend games, results and performances, along with students heading out to support friends and fellow boarders.

Academically, it was also an important term. Mid-year examinations and assessments brought plenty of focused study to Walker House, with bedrooms and study spaces becoming noticeably quieter as exams and deadlines approached. Students are now receiving feedback, reflecting on their results and beginning to turn their attention towards the final part of the academic year.

Walker House was also represented at the School’s Meet the Principal event at Peppermint Bay, with Sophia and Marius joining staff to speak with prospective families. They were able to share their own experiences of Friends’ and boarding, including settling into the School, developing friendships, becoming more independent and the opportunities they have enjoyed during their time here. Hearing directly from current boarders gives prospective families a much more authentic sense of what life at Friends’ and Walker House is actually like, and we were very grateful to Sophia and Marius for representing the House.

One of the nicest changes towards the end of Term 3 has simply been the return of some morning light. After months of waking to darkness, there are signs that spring is on its way. We are again seeing students getting up early to head to the gym, go for a walk or run, and occasionally sit outside with breakfast before school. These are small things, but after a long Hobart winter they make a noticeable difference to the rhythm and mood of the House.

There is also a growing sense, particularly among our Year 12 boarders, that time is moving quickly. When they return after the holidays, there will only be a relatively short period before their school days - and for some, several years of living at Walker House -  come to an end. It is a strange point in the year when conversations begin to shift from what is happening next week to what might be happening next year, and where home, university, work or other opportunities may take them.

That is still a little way off, though. For now, Walker House continues to be busy with school, study, friendships, sport, meals, laughter and all the normal ups and downs that come with living together. After a long and busy Term 3, everyone is certainly ready for a well-earned break before returning for the final term of the year - hopefully with a little more sunshine waiting for us.

Matt Dixon - Director of Boarding