Our Learning

News Champions Forum

Year 9 student, Zoe Adams, attended the News Champions Forum (held at Old Parliament House) in October 2019.

Held during National Media Literacy Week, the two-day event saw 21 students aged 10-17 come together to discuss the future of news media and to train to be News Champions who are equipped to lead discussions and engage with news in their local communities.

The students also developed questions to contribute to a national news poll for young Australians to be completed in early 2020.

When writing about her experience, Zoe stated: 

I feel that young people are not granted safe access to the news that we need in order to make well-informed decisions. Without safe access to news, young Australians are being prohibited from accessing the information that we need to be able to make a change in our communities. I also feel as if it is important that we take a stand against the under-representation and involvement of young people within the media. It is crucial that Australian media is involving everyone equally and that we are able to have access to everyone’s opinions.

Check out her article about her experience here: https://www.friends.tas.edu.au/2019/12/18/2796/

Year 7 Camp

Year 7s undertook a three-day / two-night introductory camp at Far South Wilderness Lodge at the start of the year. The main aims of the camp were for staff and students to get to know each other, and for the students to have an introduction to the Outdoor Education Program in the High School.

Day one involved travel to Far South and the afternoon at the beach, playing frisbee, cricket, swimming and rock hopping. After dinner, one class group set up the tents and had the night around the Campfire, while the second class had fun games in the Lodge. These activities were reversed on night two.

Day two was spent in a range of activities, depending on the weather conditions. Walks included Ida Bay Railway, Hartz Peak, South Cape and Duckhole, and activities included a swim at the thermal pool and a trip to Hastings Cave.

The final day saw the students create a mandala which is one of their activities in their OE journal. Packing up tents and cleaning out cabins was a task shared by all prior to a Gathering, where students and staff had the opportunity to reflect on Camp and to express their gratitude.

An early lunch was eaten, then students and staff were back on the bus to return to school. Students availed themselves of all the opportunities on Camp and many overcame their worries and fears to have a fabulous time.

Outdoor Play at Morris

You may have noticed that play has transformed at Morris, especially during breaks over the past few years. As it is very common for children these days to spend a lot of time indoors, we are encouraging our students to spend time outdoors regularly, with different resources provided to support outdoor play, including a wooden boat located at the back of the Grandstand. Donated by a family, Year 2 students in 2019 sanded and painted the boat for all to use.

The area known as ‘Behind Wells’ provides an opportunity for water play. The water flows when the students choose and much creativity has been exhibited. Students from Prep to Year 2 share this play space, with an abundance of energy and imaginative play.

The ‘Veggie Garden’, a hidden gem behind the Walpole building is a hive of activity of interested gardeners from Prep through to Year 6, with a Year 6 leadership team supporting. Fruit, vegetables, eggs and herbs are commonly available. Students are encouraged to play in all gardens, in a safe and caring manner, unless a red circle is displayed. 

The ‘Loose Parts Play Shed’ has evolved over the past 18 months. The shed is jam-packed with various equipment and tools allowing future builders and engineers to make and create. The flying fox, hammocks, tyre swings, bike tracks, agility courses and cubbies are a common sight. Major builds are allowed to stay erect for the week, with a team effort pack away each Friday.

The ‘Year group lunchtime sports bucket’ is a new initiative in 2020. A group of Year 6 Leaders have created a request form which can be posted in the Morris letterbox. With an allocated  budget the leaders decide upon purchases, using a spreadsheet to administer costs. Tennis, handball and basketball are often played on the courts using the school equipment.

Occasional clubs occur to support special events, such as, Ride to School Day. A lunchtime bike and scooter club was facilitated on 13 March with support from the Clemes and Morris Council. 

There is no doubt these opportunities play a significant role in shaping the way children play and learn together at The Friends’ School. Playing outdoors has many positives for children’s health and wellbeing, helping motor, sensory, social and cognitive development.

Thank you Debbie Taylor for this article.

Fun with Outdoor Education

Term 1 is (usually) chock full of amazing Outdoor Education experiences as our students make the most of the more pleasant Tassie weather. Before the COVID-19 restrictions came into play, some students were able to get out and enjoy some Outdoor Education experiences. Here is a gallery of Outdoor Education so far this year. 

Distance Cooking

The move to distance learning has not slowed our foods students down at all, with students providing almost daily photos of delicious-looking dishes that they are whipping up at home. Check out some of these tasty creations: