Our Learning

Fabulous Fives Have Fun

Written By Year 5 Students - Alice Morgan, Luca Giannakopoulos, Christopher Noble, Victoria Hill, Vivienne Ellis & Emma Bennett

This year, 25 new students joined the Year 5 community, creating a whole new class. From March 22nd to 24th, Year 5 students went to camp at Spring Beach. We had a fantastic time getting to know everyone, both staff and new students, and participating in various exciting activities, such as the flying fox, low ropes course, commando course, kayaking, collaborative groups, beach games, and many other fun experiences.

Upon arrival, we were introduced to the camp's rules and other important information before diving into the activities. Students were divided into 5 groups and rotated through kayaking, the commando course, low ropes, flying fox, and collaborative tasks. The flying fox, for example, was an amazing activity that involved teamwork, cheering, being a risk taker and capturing exciting mid-air photos.

In the low ropes activity, partners took turns as the climber and the spotter. The climber traversed the ropes, while the spotter provided support and helped prevent falls. The most challenging course was the sixth one, which had a difficult crossover section. A favourite was the fifth course, where we had to walk on a rope and grab onto hanging ropes above.

The commando course was a thrilling obstacle course filled with challenges that tested our strength and endurance. Obstacles included jumping over logs, monkey bars, and a tall wall to climb. The second to last obstacle was a rope hung between two poles, and it was particularly difficult. Despite being exhausting, the activity was incredibly enjoyable.

Kayaking was another great activity where we learned how to steer and played games. We even saw people going down the flying fox above us while we were on the water. The instructor used a whistle to signal instructions, and although we got wet and cold, we all had a blast.

Collaborative activities required us to work as a team and make decisions as a group. This proved to be challenging for some as disagreements arose, requiring negotiation, but it was still an enjoyable experience.

Each day, we walked to the beach to appreciate the beauty of nature in a Quaker silence. We then had free time to explore the rocks, play in the sand, or engage in sports like cricket and soccer.

The camp provided delicious meals throughout our stay, including schnitzel, cereal, toast, hash browns, baked beans, and curry. On the second night, we had a talent show featuring various acts, including performances from our teachers. Lindy, one of the judges, was surprisingly strict, but everyone enjoyed the event. Prizes included chocolates for the top teams and stuffed toy category winners.

The accommodation was modest, with four bunk beds, a sink, and a mirror in each room. Although the mattresses were slightly uncomfortable, we didn't mind. Some nights, the sounds of snoring and other noises made sleeping a bit difficult, but overall, we had an amazing, fabulous, fun time at camp.

Year 9 Careers Day

By Esther Hoggart, Year 9 Coordinator

On Wednesday 8 March, our Year 9 students participated in our first Connections event of the year; the Year 9 Careers Day. In this new initiative, students reflected on their passions and interests, and what employability skills they currently possess. Led by a range of knowledgeable staff, Year 9 students considered what their future self might want to achieve, and how they can align their future careers with what matters most to them. They also heard from our guest speaker, Anthony Edwards, whose journey in both his Olympic campaigns and career developments provided students with some fantastic life advice. After spending the morning learning about pathway planning, the afternoon consisted of  a range of student-selected, practical workshops, aligning with the students’ current interests and what they feel is most relevant to their career aspirations. It was a wonderful day, raising a plethora of ‘big ideas’ questions that we will investigate together throughout the year.

Term 1 Outdoor Education

By Michael Francis, Outdoor Education Coordinator

This term has seen our High School and Clemes students take full advantage of the beautiful weather to embrace some of Tasmania's unique landscapes. Year 7 students started the term straight into a 3 day program on Maria Island, introducing students to camping and cooking, hiking up Bishop and Clerk and interacting with the local wildlife. A few weeks later they completed a traverse of the Blackmans Bay coastline, allowing them to experience the thrill of coasteering. Clemes students had the opportunity to come along on a surf weekend based around Bicheno and Chain of Lagoons and a sea kayak trip around Fortescue Bay. Fortunately the weather again was favourable, delivering amazing waves for both beginners and advanced students surfing and calm conditions for students to paddle around the candlestick and the highest sea cliffs in Australia. An unbelievable experience for all involved. The outdoor ed team is looking forward to another term, jam packed with experiences to get our students out and engaged with the natural world.

National Schools Constitutional Convention

From Tuesday 21 March to Thursday 23 March 2023, Georgina (Georgia) Bendeich (Year 11), representing Tasmania, was among 116 Year 11 and 12 students from around Australia attending the 28th National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC), held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra. The topic for the 2023 Convention was, ‘Constitutional Reform - Is section 128 still a necessary requirement to change such an important document as the Australian Constitution?’. This topic provided students with the opportunity to examine Section 128 of the Australian Constitution and discuss if the requirements for alteration are still appropriate. A range of stimulus speakers discussed the issues with students for them to debate with all delegates. Outcomes from the Convention will be incorporated into a Communiqué that will be forwarded to the President of the Senate, Senator Sue Lines, for tabling in Parliament and recorded in Hansard.

Other elements of the program included the Prime Minister’s Welcome Reception at Parliament House hosted by The Hon Patrick Gorman MP, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, a meeting with the Governor-General, The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) at Government House, and a dinner at the High Court of Australia.

What a great experience Georgia! Well done.

2023 Simpson Prize Competition

We were delighted that Sam Castle and Isabel Adams were selected by the judging panel as Winner and Runner-up, consecutively, of the 2023 Simpson Prize Competition for Tasmania. Sam and Isabel attended the award ceremony in Canberra in March 2023 where they (and every winner and runner-up from each state and territory) were recognised for their achievements. Read the article here.

Outstanding 2022 TCE and IB Results

We are proud of all of our 2022 graduates, their remarkable results and all that they have achieved during their time with The Friends’ School.  These results are a testament to the wonderful efforts of our students, our staff and to the dedication of our supportive School community. This was a year group that participated in all aspects of School life, represented the School’s values and they leave Friends’ enriched by much more than top ATARs.

Key achievements include:

• 17% of our graduating students achieved an ATAR of 98.35+, placing these students in the top 100 in the state and in the top 1% nationally.
• 51% of our graduating students achieved an ATAR of 90+, placing them in the top 10% of students nationally.
• Across the whole Year 12 cohort, 97.6% of students achieved a TCE and 95.2% achieved an ATAR.

Principal Nelson File congratulated the Class of 2022, whilst also acknowledging that Friends’ students are even more than their ATAR.

“Friends’ students are passionate young people who want to make a difference in the world. I know they will make an impact on those around them to help create a world that is sensitive to the needs of others and the environment, be strong in service and hold a global perspective.”

“Our TCE and IB students embody the School motto, ‘Nemo Sibi Nascitur – No One Is Born For Self Alone’.  Our students worked hard throughout the year and together, supported by their teachers and families, to achieve these excellent results.

These results are the culmination of, in most cases, at least 14 years of education, with some Year 12 students’ results among the highest scores in the state, while for others, their hard work has resulted in achievements in doing their best.

On behalf of the whole School community, congratulations to all our students on their hard work and excellent achievements. We hope that these young people go on to let their lives speak.”

Congratulations to the following students who achieved an ATAR (or equivalent ATAR) of 95.75+, placing them in the top 5% nationally:

Education, Children and Youth Minister Roger Jaensch recognised Senior Secondary students with Outstanding Achievement Awards at the Hobart Town Hall on 30 January 2023. Each student achieved excellence in a diverse range of academic and Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies in 2022.

We would like to extend our congratulations to these students and wish them well in their future endeavours.

Read the media release here: https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/.../dove-lake-viewing...

Pictured above, L-R: Zachariah Bartlett, Max Reardon, James Skinner, Alexander Kwa, Isobel Heathcote and Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC.

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