A Note from Craig

Dear Friends’ Community Members,

As the School year progresses, I thought it appropriate to update you on the progress of two key matters the Board is working through.

You may be aware that our Principal Nelson File has extended his term with the School through to the end of 2023, which has given the Board the time to put in place a thorough and considered process for searching for his successor in the role. We have spent considerable time developing a Position Description for the role, alerting Quaker communities of the upcoming opening, planning an appropriate timeline and reviewing other relevant issues.

For the next step, we are pleased to advise that we have appointed Kathy McLean, a partner in Fish and Nankivell, to undertake the recruitment process on our behalf. Fish and Nankivell are a pre-eminent Australian owned executive search firm and Kathy specialises in recruitment in the not-for-profit and education sectors. 

Some of you may have met Kathy already as she has spent time at the School developing a deeper understanding of the needs and culture of The Friends' School. We look forward to reporting back to you as this recruitment process progresses.

The second matter, which the School is progressing, is the Learning @ Friends’ 24 Plus Program (L@F24+). Earlier in the year, the Board approved a proposal made by the Learning @ Friends' Working Group for the School to work on a program, which would base Years 9 through to 12 (Senior School) on the Commercial Road campus with Years 7 and 8 (Connections Years) on the Argyle Street Campus.

This decision of the Board was made after much consultation and reflection on the teaching outcomes that could result from such a move, along with the student experience and alignment with the School's Purpose and Concerns. Deep consideration was given over an extended time to the impacts of such a change and how it would impact the various stakeholders of the School before the Board resolved to proceed with the recommendation. 

Much work is being undertaken at the moment on all the aspects of the change so that the appropriate building blocks are in place when time comes for it to be implemented.

As the program progresses, more information will be available as to how this will look in practice and the benefits that are expected to flow to students and staff from the restructure.

I would like to thank all involved in the two matters outlined above, for their time and efforts in progressing same. To all of you, enjoy the rest of Term 4, I hope it provides a rewarding and challenging end to the School year.

Warm regards,

Craig Stephens