Walker House Update

Walker House continues to be a vibrant and thriving community, with students actively engaged in all aspects of school life. On any given afternoon or evening, it is common to see boarders representing the school in a wide range of co-curricular sports, while others pursue their interests through music, drama, or the many clubs and activities on offer. This breadth of involvement reflects not only the diverse talents of our students but also their commitment to contributing positively to the wider Friends’ School community.

This year, with a large group of Year 12 students in the House, there has been a strong focus on supporting them through the final stages of their schooling. Their leadership and example have played an important role in shaping the culture of Walker House, and it has been encouraging to see younger students look to them as role models. By the time this newsletter is published, our Year 12s will have celebrated together at the annual Leavers’ Dinner — a much-anticipated occasion that brings both joy and reflection. This evening is always a highlight, with students taking the opportunity to dress up, share memories, and acknowledge their journey through Friends’ and boarding.

We were also delighted to welcome two new Year 9 students, Lucas and Heinrich, this term. Both boys have made a positive start to life at Walker House, embracing new experiences, building friendships, and making the most of the opportunities available to them. Their energy and enthusiasm have been warmly received, and they are already valued members of our community.

Alongside the busy rhythms of daily boarding life, it is often the small, behind-the-scenes details that make Walker House such a unique and memorable place. To capture a sense of this, we thought we would share some fun “Walker House Facts” that highlight the everyday contributions of our wonderful staff, as well as the culture and character of the students who call Walker House home.

Fun Facts from the Kitchen

Most popular meal of the year: Fried chicken
Weekly staples: 16kg of rice, 10kg of pasta, and 20kg of potatoes cooked each week
Eggs used: 40 dozen every week
A secret ingredient? The chefs won’t give away their secret!
Most unusual student food request: Matcha tiramisu dessert
Favourite dessert that students ask for again and again: Ice cream
Cuisine most represented on the menu: Asian stir-fries and curries
Litres of milk consumed each week: 80

Fun Facts from the Cleaning Team

63 Loads of laundry completed each week: not including student clothes
Most common lost item found: Socks (closely followed by boys’ underwear!)
Strangest item ever discovered: A large sum of money
Most difficult area to keep tidy: Boys’ rooms

Walker House Community Fun Facts

Nationalities represented in the House: 7 (Japan, Malaysia, Germany, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Australia)
Birthdays celebrated this term: 9 (including a number of 18th birthdays)
Most popular games and activities: Table tennis, 8-ball, and FIFA on the Ps4
Favourite late-night snack: Instant noodles
Kilometres walked between school and the House each week: Too many to count!

These insights not only shine a light on the routines and rhythms that keep the House running smoothly but also celebrate the people — both staff and students — who make Walker House such a welcoming, energetic, and diverse place to live and learn.

Matt Dixon - Director of Boarding