FOCUS 114 December 2023 by The Friends School

Issue #114

Reflecting on a Quaker education:

Outgoing Principal shares gratitude and insights Saving the Platypuses P. 4

IB PYP P. 6

Nelson File

Leadership P. 9

Campus Naming P. 20

It was February 1973 when I stepped foot for the first time into a classroom at a Quaker School - Abington Friends School just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Unlike Australia, February is in the second half of a school year in the United States, so I was really the ‘new kid on the block’ joining the School in the middle of the school year. Despite being born and raised in a Quaker family, none in our immediate family attended Quaker schools. During 1972 and 1973, Philadelphia Public School teachers were on repeated strikes. Subsequently, my parents were desperate to

get my brother and me back in school, after having our education repeatedly and for extended periods, interrupted. Byberry Monthly Meeting, the Meeting our family had been in continuous membership since its inception in 1683, agreed to provide some financial assistance for my brother and me to leave public education and embark upon our Quaker education. My brother (who was three years older than me) was admitted to George School (north of Philadelphia) and I was enrolled in Abington Friends School (AFS). Not ideal for my parents, but somehow they made it all work. When I entered AFS, it was a very different setting

from the public school I had been attending. From a city school with 1,200 Year 7 students to a suburban school with beautiful green grounds and mature trees surrounding the school was quite a change. There were 46 students in my Year group - 27 girls and 19 boys. What a difference. What struck me most, however, and what I remember most is the caring relationships the teachers had with the students. The high expectations in the relaxed atmosphere were immediately evident, with the understanding that everyone was supposed to live up to that which is inside them to do their best. What I see here at The Friends’ School, where I am completing my journey in Quaker education, is a set of very similar relationships between students and staff. A relaxed learning atmosphere full of high expectations that enable students and staff to be their most authentic selves. We all know the best schools (Quaker or otherwise) are developed through the strong relationships that exist within them - students/ students, students/staff, staff/ parents, staff/staff. Unless these relationships exist in an atmosphere of kindness, common purpose, and a caring community, people

are not able to feel in enough of a safe place to develop and grow as they should. My family and I have been blessed with the opportunities we have had living in different regions of the world and learning about those places and cultures while working in those locations for extended periods of time. Professionally, my family and I have lived and worked in New Delhi, India (11 years), Muscat, Oman (9 years) and now here in Hobart for 11 years. Now, I am returning to an America that is a very different place from when we left 32 years ago. As I reflect back on my life as a student, starting at Abington Friends School more than 50 years ago and my life here as the Principal at The Friends’ School, I realise how fortunate I have been. For me, the Purpose and Concerns sums up Quaker education better than any other Quaker school document I have come across - “We seek to help our students develop as people who will think clearly, act with integrity, make decisions for themselves, be sensitive to the needs of others and the environment, be strong in service and hold a global perspective.” The goal of all Quaker schools across the world is to help develop students

into positive, contributing members of society - to build a better, more just world. Who does not want to work towards that goal and live in that sort of world? It has been both heartening and gratifying to see staff, students and the wider Friends’ School community live out the Purpose and Concerns. A Quaker saying that comes to mind is ‘Let your Life Speak’. As I have said before, some find that sentence a bit daunting. In reality, we all let our lives speak everyday through the choices we make in how we live our lives. For me, I think it asks each of us to be a bit more conscious of how we choose to live our lives - in modern parlance - to be mindful of the choices we make - both the large choices and the daily ones. On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to share a warm and deeply felt sense of gratitude to the entire Friends’ School community. My time at The Friends’ School has been a fulfilling and joyous period in my life, littered with challenges, successes and friendships. Thank you. With Friendship, Nelson

2023 Year 12 Leavers’ Service Equestrian P. 24

The Clemes Leavers’ Service was held on Monday 20 November in The Farrall Centre. It was an important event to recognise and celebrate student effort

and achievement, and to acknowledge the end of time at The Friends’ School for our Year 12 students. Following the Service, refreshments were offered in the Clemes

THE FRIENDS’ SCHOOL, PO BOX 42, NORTH HOBART, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA.

foyer, which provided an opportunity for Year 12 students and their families to celebrate their contributions to The Friends’ School. The recipients of the

Palmam Qui and Palmam Quae awards will be announced in early 2024 once the TCE and IB results have been finalised.

Continued Page 3

P | (03) 6210 2200 E | focus@friends.tas.edu.auPH:(03)6210 Online | friends.tas.edu.au/news-events/publications 2200 FAX:(03)6234 8209

Reconciliation

December 2023

Contents Reconciliation

Achievements

Environment

Service

Learning Communities

History Competitions

Quaker Values in Action

Leadership

Community

Creative Writing

11-12

Community News

13-21

Sport

22-24

Focus Team Editorial and Production Holly Chilman Russell Pitman Mary Woolnough

Reporters & Contributors Nelson File Tracie Acreman Michelle Pepingco Matilda Stacy Isabel Adams Olivia Lai Wendy Crow Mark Allan Fiona Zinn Jess Dundas Thea Ramsay Jemima Stacy Meher Gill Liv Killingsworth Emilia Chester Charlotte Schramm

Anthony Edwards Louis Underwood John White Reo Lazaro Tiara-Lee Castle Lisa Di Venuto Alison Boleyn Charles Rawlings-Way Jenny Mitchell Lucy Loney Bill Avery Holly Chilman

Focus #114

Reconciliation through action

Tracie Acreman, Chair of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Party

Reconciliation is an ongoing process to create a society that is just and equitable, where the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background. First Nations Australian Peoples have been calling for better lives, self-determination and justice for nearly 200 years. This movement did not end on October 14, 2023. Although The Friends’ School voices a strong commitment to peace and reconciliation, it is through our actions as individuals and as a community that we contribute to positive change. Quakers believe that faith is lived through action. Reconciliation takes action. It takes genuine commitment, care and awareness. Through our Purpose and Concerns, and every day across the School, we ask our students

and community to advocate for a world where peace, justice and equality are available to all people. For reconciliation to happen, we need to make it a daily part of who we are and a daily part of our learning and being at school. The practical actions and deliverables built into our school Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will help drive our contributions to reconciliation. Underpinning the RAP are the key themes of Relationships, Respect and Opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, their families and communities. As a school, we aim to develop relationships with others based on trust and respect that are free from racism. These relationships need to provide opportunities for equal participation and recognition, which are important for well-being. As a learning community guided by Quaker testimonies of equality, community and integrity, we recognise the importance of these ways to live and act when we

consider our approach to reconciliation. The Working Party has collaborated with Reconciliation Tasmania via the Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education platform to create The Friends’ School Reconciliation Action Plan. The RAP outlines how the School will take meaningful and strategic action toward reconciliation with a focus on fostering pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions. The draft RAP is in its final stage of development and will undergo a review process with Reconciliation Australia before it is published. Our RAP is not yet published, but actions and events happen regularly across campuses that support reconciliation and build awareness of the perspectives of First Nations Australian Peoples. For example, as a part of their Year 9 Humanities curriculum, students create work that expresses their views about reconciliation. Some students submit their work

to the annual Reconciliation Tasmania Youth Speak Out event, which shares the theme of National Reconciliation Week and invites students to create an artwork, multimedia piece, essay, speech, letter or poem addressing the theme. The theme this year was Be a Voice for Generations. It invited Australians to honour the work of past generations who have campaigned for justice and equity in Australia and was a call to action, encouraging every person to be a tangible voice for reconciliation in our everyday lives. Year 9 students, Lucy Clougher, Petra Trambas, Hannah Daly, Georgia Manners, Isabel Jolley and Bahzi Nicholas were selected to share their work at a special reception at Government House, attended by the Premier and Governor General. Bahzi Nicholas had her work hand-picked from all state finalists to be framed and hung at the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts.

Thank you to the many contributors who have made this issue of Focus possible.

The Friends’ School community acknowledges Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples as the traditional custodians and owners of this island lutruwita / trowunna. As a learning community, we recognise the value of continuing Aboriginal knowledge and cultural practice, which helps inform our understanding of history, culture and country. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the strength and resilience of all of Tasmania’s First Peoples and we walk alongside them respectfully bearing witness.

The views in this newspaper do not necessarily represent those of the Members of the Board of Governors or their nominees. This paper is produced by students and staff of The Friends’ School. The Friends’ Community News section is prepared by the Community Engagement Office. The Friends’ School P.O. Box 42, North Hobart Tasmania, Australia 7002 Ph. (03) 6210 2200 focus@friends.tas.edu.au www.friends.tas.edu.au

Teacher Peter Gibson, Year 9 student Bahzi Nicholas and Marnie Ritz from Reconciliation Tasmania. Photo: Sharon Stone

Mixed media artwork by Bahzi Nicholas. Photo: Bahzi Nicholas

Bahzi’s statement of intent reads: The figures in my artwork are representative of time. While First Nations Australians have lived on this land for over 65,000 years, Europeans have been here for only a few centuries. This ratio is roughly equal to 300 years to 1. The tear in the paper represents the impacts of the stolen generations; the loss of culture, country and connection. Sewing this tear back together illustrates the process of reconciliation. I

to prompt reflection and inner work to support the expression of positive values in everyday life. The first query reads: How am I learning about and building respectful relationships with Indigenous people in the communities in which I live, work, and/or worship? How am I building relationships of truth and understanding with nonIndigenous people in the communities in which I live, work, and/or worship?

recognise that reconciliation is an ongoing initiative, which is why the sewing is left unfinished. The gap created by the stolen generations will never completely heal. A scar will always remain; a reminder of the past, a warning for the future. The imagery of the unfinished thread in Bahzi’s work is a powerful reminder of the work left to do. This year, the Canadian Friends Service Committee released a series of eight queries

Reference Reconciliation Queries for Friends (11 June 2023), Canadian Friends Service Committee, accessed 21 November 2023. q u a k e r s e r v i c e . c a /n e w s / qua ker-queries-to-boostyour-insight-a nd-cla rit yabout-reconciliation

Achievements

Focus #114

December 2023

2023 Year 12 Leavers’ Service

Continued from Page 1

Some of the award and prize recipients are listed below. Nancy Reardon Award Service to Sport Sophie Connolly Jean Yeates Award Service to Sport Harry McHugh

RJ Shield Memorial Prize for Musicianship The student who shows the most promise and a desire to promote an interest in music at the School Feliciantonio Churchill

Gertrude Clemes Award Service to the School based on Quaker ideals Reese Noye

Wendy Chapman Award The student deemed most sensitive to the needs of others Zac Menadue

Clarice Rogers Award Leadership Tara Powell

Martin Zochling Award Year 12 boy - in recognition of effort and endeavour Caerwyn James

Old Scholars Award Leadership James Scavone Clarice Tegg Prize Outstanding work in musical composition Henry Dunbabin

Sports Badge Outstanding achievement in sport Maeve Bylsma Mitchell Walker

Back row: Henry Dunbabin, Noah Everett. Front row: Hannah Hookway, Aniela Kowalski, Ruby Scully, Lucia Poljansek.

Head Students Maeve Bylsma Noah Everett

2023 HONOUR BOARDS AND FUNDED AWARDS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN A SINGLE DISCIPLINE

Huxley Charleston (voice) and Henry Dunbabin (guitar) perform Skinny Love by Bon Iver.

Tom Lord Board (Chemistry) Feliciantonio Churchill Bill Chambers Board (Physics) Thomas Petty Lilian Sharp Board (Mathematics) Tara Powell

Back row: Eirin Mahs-Gore, Tilla Haddow. Third row: Caitlyn Wells, Mackenzie Walch. Second row: Mia Lewis, Emily Lo. Front row: Josie Gunner, Reese Noye, Kelsie Wells.

AH Nightingale Board (Biology) Maeve Bylsma Dora Pedder Board (English) Michael Reid Madeleine Townsley Board (History) Christopher Evans

Guest Speaker, Evie Clarke (2012)

Wilfred Asten Board (Geography) Sophie Connolly HG and ME Chambers Board (Languages) Joshua Luk

The full results can be viewed on the News section of The Friends’ School website: www.friends.tas.edu.au/news-events/news Photos: Richard J. Ho

Harry Howard (flute) and Felix Churchill (violin) perform Sonata Op 51 No 3 for flute and violin by Bodin de Boismortier.

Isabelle Kruimink and Lucy McMullen and their families.

December 2023

Environment

Focus #114

Children draw on arts skills to save platypus

In 2022, Prep students (now Year 1 students) were deeply moved by the death of a Hobart Rivulet platypus. For many students, they felt they needed to do more to care for the platypuses of our special rivulet and thought of ways they could raise money in support of platypuses going forward. They created these bespoke charcoal sketches of platypuses and agreed they’d like to auction their sketches off to the Friends’ community, as well as any other person who is a ‘friend of the platypus.’

And that they did! The children auctioned off their gorgeous platypus drawings and far surpassed their fundraising goal, with a total of $2,765 raised!

Back row: Henry McDonnell (Year 1), Orlando Carr (Year 1), teacher Michelle Pepingco. Front row: Tessa Wise (Year 1). Photo: Chris Kidd of The Mercury.

Specifically, the funds raised will go towards a new recovery centre at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: the Denise Morgan Seabird Treatment and Recovery Retreat (DEMSTARR). This enclosure will include a deep water dive and swim rehabilitation healing pool. It will be the facility where injured platypuses needing care will go for their rehabilitation, therefore children were keen for the money they raise from their sketches to go to this worthy cause.

The work of our Year 1 students captured the hearts of our local community. Thank you to The Mercury and ABC Radio for featuring the initiative taken by the students in their mission to do more to care for the platypuses of our special rivulet. Well done to all involved and a special thank you to the dedicated staff who helped put this fundraising effort together to support the care and rehabilitation of injured platypus and other wildlife in our community. Thank you also to those people in our local and school community who so generously donated to this cause.

Kindergarten students creative inspiration leads to stunning platypus mural and environmental advocacy Michelle Pepingco (Kindergarten Teacher) One day a Kindergarten student said that on the weekend she went to “the platypus cafe” and saw “the big platypus on the wall of the coffee shop.” Another student said, “I have an idea, what if we make a mural here?” This sparked a beautiful collaborative artwork of a near 3-metre platypus mural.

The Kinder children were very proud of their artwork and many wondered if they could take it on an excursion to the very mural that inspired it, on the wall of Bear with Me cafe in South Hobart. We went to visit the mural to celebrate it alongside what the children had created themselves, and then walked along the rivulet looking for rubbish and looped litter to clean up. Pete Walsh joined as a visitor and reminded us: even picking up just one piece of looped litter

makes a difference, as it could be the one that would have otherwise harmed a platypus. When reflecting on why they wanted to make their own giant mural, the children shared: “Because it inspired me” - Hugo “Because we need to help platypuses.” - Leni

“This is very important… it’s really important to us.” - Penny “We get the rubbish, to stop it from being around their neck.” - Lindsay “Because platypuses do very cool things. They eat water creatures and also do talented stuff to be sneaky!” - Nevaan

Pete Walsh chatting to the Kindergarten children. Photo: Michelle Pepingco

Collaborative artwork of a near 3-metre platypus mural in front of the very mural on the Bear with Me Cafe wall that inspried the artwork of the Kindergarten children. Photo: Michelle Pepinco

Service

Focus #114

December 2023

Cross-Campus connection: Year 8s and Year 3s unite for a day of stories, activities, and fun!

Matilda Stacy (Year 3)

On Tuesday the 14th of November some of the Year 8s came to visit the Year 3s as part of their Connections Service Day. They first read a story - the book was Little Red Reading Hood. After, we did an activity - we had to draw a character from the book. Some of the characters were Little Red Reading Hood, the big wolf, the librarian, the mum, and the cute little pug. P.S. don’t be fooled by the pug’s cuteness, they will betray you! I chose to draw the librarian character being tied up by the wolf. While we worked we got to meet some Year 8s. They were really kind

and liked all of our drawings. I met a girl called Eva. All the Year 8s and Year 3s had a blast. After the second break, we went down to the Green and did some activities. We got put into groups and went to different stations. There was a soccer station, where we played mini soccer that went on for about 10 minutes, then we went to a beam activity. There were three hoops and we had to try to throw the bean bag into the hoops. The first one counted as one point, the second one counted as two points and the third one counted as three points. The next activity, and probably my favourite, was bowling. It was on a hill so the pins were on the bottom and we

rolled from the top. I made the new high score to have only two left standing. The next one was an activities course. We had to walk across the balance beam, across the monkey bars, and up this climbing thing. When we finished, we said thank you to the Year 8s and went back to class. I had a super fun time and I hope the Year 8s did too. Thank you Year 8s.

Year 3s and Year 8s engaging in some fun outdoor activities. Photo: Jayne Martin

Year 3s drawing a character from the Little Red Reading Hood book, ably assisted by Year 8 students. Photo: Jayne Martin

Year 8s reading the Little Red Reading Hood to Year 3s. Photo: Jayne Martin

Empowering Australia’s youth:

A collaborative strategy shaped by young voices Isabel Adams (Year 10) The Australian Government’s Youth Steering Committee was established in late 2022 to advise the government on engagement with young people. The Committee comprises 15 diverse young people, aged 12 to 25, from all across Australia. The Committee

meets bimonthly, usually online, to advise the government on the best ways to engage with youth. I was appointed to the inaugural Committee in November 2022. I applied because I wanted to ensure that young people in Tasmania have their voices heard by key decisionmakers. All too often, adults in positions of power fail to listen to the voices of youth

when they make decisions that will drastically impact young people. Through my work on this Committee, I want to ensure that young people are no longer left in the dark. The primary role of the inaugural Committee has been to draft the first Youth Engagement Strategy. This document advises the government on how to engage with young people on

a variety of issues, now and in the future. The Committee has undertaken significant consultation with young people and the youth sector to help shape the strategy. I have supported the Office for Youth to facilitate consultations in Hobart on August 17. This consultation was advertised among Friends’ students through email and student bulletins. We also ran a stall at the UTAS open

day on September 17, which several Friends’ students attended. Students were also given access to a survey, which will also shape the strategy. Consultations such as these ran all over Australia. Over 50 consultations were held. Thousands of young people responded to the survey. The consultations and survey have now ended. The Youth Steering Committee will now work alongside the Office for

Youth to draft the strategy, which will be approved by the minister and published earlymid 2024. It is our hope that this strategy embeds the voices of young people across Australia and supports the government to meaningfully engage with youth.

December 2023

Learning Communities

Focus #114

Olivia narrates inspiring journey of tasmania’s first female police commissioner Donna Adams APM! 10-year-old, Year 6 student, Olivia Lai, shared Donna’s story on ABC’s Fierce Girls podcast, and met with the Commissioner to talk about all things ‘fierce’. Olivia shares the process she took in narrating Donna’s journey, who went from police officer to Tasmania’s first female Police Commissioner.

Commissioner Donna Adams and Olivia Lai. Photo: Tasmania Police

Olivia Lai (Year 6)

Fierce Girls is an ABC podcast for kids, which celebrates bold, adventurous and inspiring girls, and shares the stories of some of

Australia’s most extraordinary women – from athletes to aviators, scientists to spies… and now, Tasmania’s very own Police Commissioner,

I originally heard about the Fierce Girls competition in class and I really wanted to do it. Together, mum and I brainstormed what inspiring, influential, and well-known women I could reach out to. These people included politicians, activists and more. I ended up deciding to do Donna Adams, the first Tasmanian female commissioner of police. I emailed her with all of the questions. Since she was very

busy I didn’t hear from her for a while so I decided to write about Ruth Forrest. But later she did reply so I decided to write about both of them. Donna was definitely harder to write about because I only had the information from her emails while I met Ruth Forrest. I was definitely more confident with writing about Ruth, but I decided to enter them both. I heard that I had won a couple of weeks later and was so excited. In a couple of weeks I got to facetime with the main writer. And she gave me lots of ideas. We made my writing more descriptive because it’s about creating an image in the listeners mind. Later I got to go to the ABC building to record. It was a huge building and everyone was really nice. They took me into a studio and I got to practise recording. They also

taught me how to stand and speak so that I sounded my best. At first it was difficult because there were lots of things you had to remember and it was a long script. It was really fun and a great learning experience. I only got to meet Donna early this term where I got to take pictures with her in the police station. I was also given a special coin, which only a police officer can give you. I hope to keep writing and be able to do amazing things like this. You can listen to the podcast via the ABC Listen App, or by scanning this QR code:

Learning communities built through the year 6 exhibition Wendy Crow (Deputy Head of Curriculum, Primary Years and PYP Coordinator)

Thea Ramsay.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) connects a worldwide community of learners who celebrate a common humanity and share a belief that education can help to build a better and more peaceful world. As a school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), we hold a commitment to the IB’s mission through building a community who have agency, see themselves as contributors to its ongoing strength and success and take action to make change. The PYP views the world

as the broadest context for learning. It is inclusive of everyone involved in the life of the school: students and their families, all school staff members and other important adults in the students’ lives and community members. By situating learning within local and global context, individual and collective perspectives are formed, highlighting the interdependence of everyone and everything. Throughout the Year 6 Exhibition, students engaged with many members of our learning community, as mentors and as primary resources, informing the students inquiries. The students have reflected upon this aspect of the Exhibition and shared these thoughts on their interactions and engagement with community

members. Aurelia Livingston was appreciative of the time that Whendiey Gearside from Small Paws Animal shelter spent with her, explaining how they work within the community finding homes for animals. Seb Pritchard spoke with Sam Ibbott, a marine biologist from Hobart, and learnt about how the Northern Pacific Starship is an invasive species and how scientists are working towards finding a repellent that would reduce the population of the starfish. Seb was appreciative of the expert knowledge that Sam was able to offer. Thea Ramsay met and talked with Peter Jones, who shared his experiences of supporting migrants to Tasmania. Thea recalls that

Seb Pritchard. Peter was kind and willing to share his vast knowledge, “he was really knowledgeable and interesting”. The students and staff of Year 6 are thankful to all the members of our community who supported the learning

of the students, enabling them to have success and be confident in sharing their new understandings throughout the Exhibition.

Focus #114

History Competitions

December 2023

From our Humanities faculty Mark Allan (Head of Humanities)

AUSTRALIAN HISTORY COMPETITION During Semester 1, students taught by Maddie Walker and Gabbie Adams, competed in the Australian History Competition with about just under half of the Year 10 cohort participating. This competition is largely skills-based and focussed on evidence-based argument and source analysis as well as some content from the Australian Curriculum for Years 9 and 10. During a Gathering in Term 4, we acknowledged three students for achieving a High Distinction in this national competition. They were Isabel Adams, Oliver Magil and Will Holland. Nine students also achieved a Distinction award and they were: Lucy Castley, Nellie Cheek, Saxon Craigie, Charlie Gregg, Olivia Lang, Penelope Spender, Oliver White and Abby Mcleod. Many others received Credits.

SIMPSON PRIZE COMPETITION The Simpson Prize is a national competition for Year 9 and 10 students that focuses on the service of Australians in World War I. The 2024 Simpson Prize Question that students must respond to, is ‘Commemoration of the Anzac tradition has widespread support in Australia despite different historical interpretations and debates about the nature and significance of the Anzac legend. To what extent does your own research support this view?’ Results will be announced in the near future. Three students have submitted their work for this competition. You can read an excerpt of Dihansa Udawatta’s (Year 10) entry below.

Oliver Magil and Will Holland. Absent: Isabel Adams. Photo: Mark Allen

“The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est, Pro patria mori”. – Wilfred Owen, 1920 Across the country we take a minute of silence for those who fought at war; each year, the Anzac legend reappears, reminding us of the sacrifices and bravery of those who fought for our country. While so many Australians put their lives on the line to create lasting peace, not all are remembered when we whisper, “Lest we forget”. Countless wars and people are forgotten, ignored, neglected. Why is it that year after year, so many medals are awarded, yet Indigenous soldiers are not recognised? Why is it that wars fought on Australian soil are overlooked? Why is it that people have to die to be celebrated? There are numerous conflicting perspectives on the Anzac legend, which instead of bringing us together, continue to divide us, enabling our democratic right to question the ethics and representation of war. … Although over 103,000 names decorate the walls of the Australian War Memorial and the great wars of the 20th and 21st centuries are remembered and taught, the Anzac traditions continue to eclipse the stories of the many Aboriginal soldiers who represented Australia, and also the wars that occurred on our home front that continue to be ignored. Many Indigenous people have served Australia, with over 1,000 fighting in WWI and 3,000 in WWII, yet the “liberty” and “freedom” that soldiers sacrificed have never been extended towards the Aboriginal population (Holt 1966). While Caucasian soldiers fought for a sense of pride and honour, Indigenous soldiers failed to even be recognised as human; while Australian soldiers returned home to a hero’s welcome, Aboriginal soldiers were shunned and faced racial discrimination, being relocated from their homes on “reserved land” to “free up [space] for the returning [white] soldiers” (Orsag 2014). This discrimination cannot be justified as Australia, in its entirety, originally belonged to the Aboriginal people, whom we fought and manipulated to conquer their home. Still, Australians refuse to admit the invasion of this land; the current curriculum prioritises Australia’s involvement in WWI and II and the Cold War, yet ironically, overlooks the wars that occurred on this soil – the Australian Frontier Wars (History 2017). From the day the British invaded Australia, Indigenous people have only experienced inhumane and unjustified treatment, with the British trespassers striving to completely extinguish the Aboriginal population and culture in an attempt to purify Australia. The massacre map (Appendix D) indicates that 11,257 massacred people were identified across 421 areas, and this knowledge has only recently become accessible in steps taken toward national recognition of truth-telling and acknowledgement of the mistreatment of Australia’s true custodians. The extent of the disconnection felt by Indigenous people that began with the Frontier wars continues to plague successive generations. For them, the celebration of the Anzac only emphasises the unjustified theft and genocide that occurred on their land and their ongoing racial discrimination (Appendix E). At almost every Australian function, we hear an acknowledgement of country, but we fail to admit and apologise for the brutality that Aboriginal people faced. … “Australia is more than Anzac – and always has been” (Broinowski & Stephens 2017). The legend creates an idealistic image of a selfless, brave and united nation, which values sacrifice and mateship. Yet, this unrealistic model is ignorant of Australia’s honest history and plays out well-worn stereotypes that trample upon the recognition of both people and events that are pivotal to Australian culture. This land holds the memories of intergenerational trauma created by a series of foundational wars that continue to be forgotten. The values and traditions of the Anzac legend are clearly outdated, upheld by a conservative culture that continues to celebrate death and fails to understand the importance of truth-telling. Our land is full of the voices of the Indigenous people, whose cries have remained unheard. Only recently have we begun to listen and use their knowledge to bring justice to their experiences of war.

December 2023

Quaker Values in Action

Focus #114

Meeting the world through the eyes of children

Photo: Caitlin Bakes

Fiona Zinn Deputy Head of School (Early Learning Year 1)

Through the ongoing exploration into drawing and mark-making, the Rose Room children (1 - 2.5

Photo: Caitlin Bakes year olds) at Friends’ Early Learning encountered an experience set up outside to encourage them to engage with natural materials. Using some flowers, pieces of card, grey lead pencils and crayons selected specifically for their colour likeness to the flowers and leaves provided, the children had the opportunity to explore

and engage as they pleased. Meeting the materials in this way allows children space and time to enter into some mindful drawing, and/or work alongside their peers in small groups. Some children needed no introduction and began drawing straight away, others looked to their Educator, Caitlyn, (who was seated closeby) for some

Photo: Caitlin Bakes direction. Caitlyn asked the children “What can you see with your eyes?” as a way to introduce the concept of observational drawing to the children who may be ready for it. The moments that followed were full of delight and surprise as the children engaged with the materials and shared connections to their lives at home.

Planning and facilitating new and challenging learning experiences that stretch children’s understanding of graphic language supports them to share and represent their thoughts through imagination, expression and communication. In these moments we can see and hear children connecting their previous experiences

to new experiences, using this opportunity to engage with mark-making time to represent their ideas, interests, share or give insight into their home lives. It is a true delight to be part of!

Morris Meeting House Gatherings Jess Dundas (Morris Quaker Gathering Teacher)

During Term 3, I was lucky enough to be supported by the School and Tasmania Regional Meeting to attend a “Playing in the Light” training workshop in Wellington, New Zealand, led by Faith and Play trainer, Melinda Wenner Bradley from Westchester Meeting in Philadelphia. This was training for the Godly Play and Faith and Play Method of storytelling, which are stories from the Bible (parables and Old Testament stories) and stories about Quaker Faith and Practice and significant Quakers that are told in beautifully simple ways. The stories allow children (and

adults) to wonder together in a safe and supportive way. Once back at school, I shared a Quaker story about “Gifts” with the younger students in Morris. This is a beautiful story that talks about the gifts each of us are given that help to make us who we are and that help us to contribute to our community. Gifts of welcome, service, questioning and song are explored, along with the affirming message that some people may not yet know what their gifts are, and that their community will help them to discover these. The children responded thoughtfully to the story and to the opportunity to wonder about their own gifts. Many of them returned to their classrooms and continued to wonder about this. Prep students reflected together on

the gifts they share with each other, the 3-year-old Kinder children created their own version of the story and the Year 1 students made their own people and chose the gifts that they each bring to the School community. It will be wonderful to continue to use this powerful storytelling tool with our younger students.

Morris Meeting House Gatherings.

Leadership

Focus #114

December 2023

Insights from Morris Council’s 2023 year 6 representatives Why did you decide to be on the Morris Council? “I chose to be on the Morris Council because I wanted to help the School in my last year of being at Morris. I didn’t want to leave without doing something big and I think I certainly achieved that by helping out with the sausage sizzle in Term 1.” - Thea Ramsay “I chose to be part of the Morris Council because I like to be the one that helps, like being the one that makes a difference, the person you can go to if you think of a change, and I love how the School gives the students a chance to make a change and have a voice.” - Jemima Stacy “I chose to be on the Morris Council because I have really been interested in listening to people’s new ideas which can really improve our school environment.” - Meher Gill “Because I would have regretted it if I didn’t. I wanted to take the opportunity and wanted to represent my class and have a say in what’s happening in my school.” - Fergus Scott “A way for kids to put their opinion out into the School.” - Liv Killingsworth

Mackenzie and Bea stirring the milk at Hot Chocolate Day. Photo: Debbie Taylor

“I chose to be in Morris Council because I wanted to help make the School better and help to make sure people have a say. I think that Morris Council is a place where thoughts can be said and be discussed and I think that Morris Council has taken lots of action as well as I think the students definitely have a say and thoughts are shared, for example, all the free dress days and how we raised funds for charities and raised a lot of money.” - Emilia Chester

From your perspective, what actually is it? “The Morris Council is a group of students, one or two from each class, who get together to meet once a week to help improve the School and organise fundraisers to help charities in need. The Morris Council is a small stepping stone towards Senior School Councils and more.” - Thea Ramsay “Morris Council is a kid version of the School Board - they are the ones that give the Board something to think about. They are like a newspaper - a person that gives you information and gets important information from their class.” - Jemima Stacy “I believe that Morris Council is when you get a very good opportunity to talk to your class about new things and things that we can improve on. The best part is that everyone gets a chance to suggest something unique that is fun but also can be very collaborative. I have felt that students have their voice heard, for example when there was a hot chocolate day, this was actually kindly asked by Year 6 students.” - Meher Gill “From my perspective I think being part of the Morris Council is a fun way to practise leadership skills. At our school it’s like a mini parliament. You also get to share ideas about helping our school change for the better. Yes I think students had a voice because once a week the class representatives got to talk to the class about what they would like to do. Will we have something like this in High School?” - Charlotte Schramm

Morris Council Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser. Photo: Debbie Taylor

Meet the new head students of 2024 We are so pleased to introduce our new Head Students for 2024, Eve Cooper and Charlie Bradford!

Eve has been at The Friends’ School since Year 5 and has been involved in many co-curricular experiences – from various music ensembles, service activities, sporting teams and different academic opportunities. During her time as a Head Student, Eve hopes to be the ‘bridge’ by communicating with people and providing a voice. In her speech, Eve said: I would love to lead by building strong relationships between year levels, and to create a strong sense of connectedness across the school. The importance of holding strong relationships with others is a key part of the Quaker value of simplicity – focusing on what is truly important. Knowing of the changes that are happening next year, supporting these connections across the school is something I believe is really important.

Eve Cooper and Charlie Bradford. Photo: Emma Gilligan

Charlie has been at The Friends’ School since Year 7 and has successfully balanced being a Year 11 Rep and Music

Rep, achieving good academic results, involved with sport and music, setting up a school-wide compost system, has over 130 hours of service, while still having time for catching with friends. In his speech, Charlie shared what he is passionate about achieving next year: Keeping the school aligned with our Quaker values, enhancing intercampus communication, boosting house spirit and organising more engaging events, bringing back the school musical, incorporating fun activities during ‘opportunity blocks’, and enhancing our school’s diversity and discrimination program, to name just a few. However, what I care about most is improving the experience of everyone within and connected to The Friends’ School. I firmly believe that effective leaders, within a sound system, can collaborate to find solutions that benefit all. We are so excited to see the wonderful examples of Leadership that these two young people will bring to their Head Student roles.

December 2023

Community

Focus #114

Primary Years celebrate grandparents and older friends We welcomed grandparents and older friends of our Primary Years students on 24 October to participate in classroom activities, followed by musical entertainment performed by students during morning tea. It was lovely to see our students enjoying some time with their special guests. Photos: Richard J. Ho

Primary Years marimba students performing

Grandparents and Older Friends Day.

Student Emma Van Der Heidi (Year 5) pictured

Student Sam Hebbink (Year 6) pictured

Primary Years choir students performing.

Students Leon Tang and Sienna Matar (Year 2) pictured.

Student Vishwak Gaikhe (Year 2) pictured.

Student Miles Fong (Prep) pictured.

Student Audrey Loney (Year 3) pictured.

Student Archie George (Year 6) pictured.

Student Sam Bowerman (Year 2) pictured.

Focus #114

Creative Writing

December 2023

Mary Stanfield public speaking competition The Mary Stanfield Public Speaking Competition was held in Term 4, with former alumna and staff member Mark Nicholson, as a Guest Judge. The topic, ‘The Defining Issue of our time…’, was a pertinent idea that the student speakers appealed to their audience about. First speaker, Anneka Lewis, focussed on the subject of happiness and connection and the importance of personal solutions and seizing the day. She was followed by Lillian Malone, Noah Haas and Andrew Cooper who variously grappled with the pressing issue of the environment and climate change: considering the actions that need to be behind our words, the personal nature of our choices, and the importance of action rather than inaction. Runner-Up Isabel Adams challenged the audience to consider ‘impactful ally-ship’ in a strong clear voice with excellent pacing, surprising the audience with her focus on how education for girls can make the difference to the impact our population makes on our planet, in a deeply connected world. Winner, Samuel Castle took an interesting and personal approach for the audience, suggesting that the real issue is humans are destroying humanity, with a call to action that suggested if ‘the buck stops with us’, then we are the ‘buck’. The audience were gripped by his emphatic delivery, strong gestures and topical examples.

L-R: Guest Judge Mark Nicholson, Isabel Adams (Runner-Up) and Samuel Castle (Winner). Photo: Emma Gilligan.

What Matters? Writing competition What Matters? is a writing competition open to Australian school students in Years 5 to 12. This competition is inspired by Gough Whitlam’s commitment to involving young people in shaping Australia’s future. Students are asked to respond to the simple question ‘what matters?’ and are free to express their views on any matter they care about. Part writing exercise, part civics and citizenship activity, What Matters? is the perfect opportunity to empower students to raise their voices on issues that are important to them. To know that their perspectives are valuable, no matter their age, background or viewpoint. The What Matters? writing competition is run by the Whitlam Institute (within Western Sydney University). Several students entered What Matters? Tasmanian Writing Competition, with Tasmanian State Award Winners: • • •

Amelia Cooper Years 9/10 ‘Every Citizen Matters - rethinking Australia’ Highly Commended; Lily Wooding Years 11/12 ‘The Boy I Once Knew’ Runner-Up, and Sahansa Udawatta Years 11/12 ‘Under the Desert Sun’ Highly Commended.

Years 9/10 - Highly Commended – Amelia Cooper ‘Every Citizen Matters – rethinking Australia’ excerpt Every day our global population increases by two-hundred thousand people. The boom in Western populations started after the second world war when prosperity followed trauma. Countries were eager to repopulate, families eager for a new start. But new research by the United Nations suggests that in developed areas like North America, Australia and much of Europe, populations are starting to drop. On the contrary, Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, India, Pakistan and the Philippines will be responsible for contributing over 50% of the world’s population growth in 2050. By the end of the century, one-third of the global population will reside in sub-Saharan Africa. To give some perspective on this, in the past year Nigeria has grown by 5.2 million people. So there are some pretty dramatic changes in our global population figures. Read the full entry at: www.decyp.tas.gov.au/learning/awards-scholarships-students/what-matters-tasmania

Years 11/12 - Runner-Up – Lily Wooding ‘The Boy I Once Knew’ excerpt Let me tell you the story of a boy I once knew. A boy I used to play mario-kart with for hours, a boy who challenged me to trampoline contests, a boy who played all night ping pong tournaments with me, a boy who once lied to my father for me when I got my new shoes soaked at a saltwater beach. Let me tell you the story of a boy I once knew. It’s always hard to know what to call this boy, my almost stepbrother? My dad’s exgirlfriend’s son? My almost kind-of, sort-of brother? None of it feels right. Although all those over-complicated options are better than what he is, a boy failed by the Tasmanian Health System. The boy I once knew is dead; he killed himself just two days after being discharged from an adolescent psychiatric hospital in Melbourne. He had to travel to Melbourne just to get the vital help he needed, because, even though Tasmania is home to over 112,600 young people, we still don’t have a dedicated adolescent mental health ward. Meaning young people like the boy I once knew, who are suffering, are forced to travel to the mainland to receive the help they need to survive. Where after they cross the Strait, they are cut off from essential support systems like friends, family, and familiarity, and all of this comes at an atrocious out-of-pocket price. Almost half of young Australian women, and a third of young Australian men suffer from a mental illness. Still, the Tasmanian Government does not provide them with the essential life saving services they need desperately, letting the young people of Tasmania down so badly, it is killing them. Read the full entry at: www.decyp.tas.gov.au/learning/awards-scholarships-students/what-matters-tasmania

December 2023

Years 11/12 Highly Commended – Sahansa Udawatta ‘Under the Desert Sun’ Pictures of the past. Whispers in the wind. Swiftly the dust rises, Snaking through the sand, Leaving ripples of amber rifts. Deep in the desert they lie, These fragile creatures. A figure draped in a burka Struggles beneath the strength of a man. Her body moulded by trauma, Her mind drugged by his lies. Opening the window, She faces a muted sunset.

Creative Writing Walls white with fear, Fractured and cracked. When tapped give tongue, Evidence of his control. Threatening whispers echo among the walls, Hate harboured in this house, Radiating a plea to God almighty. He doesn’t want her. He doesn’t like her. Just the idea of it thrills him. The loop which binds them, An infinity which doesn’t exist. Yet he follows the scent like a mutt.

Focus #114

Lifeless, The puppet stares outside, Counting the statues, Waiting for the next, And the next, To arrive. Step by step, the window fades. And forever, the night rings sorrow As she ages in white. A reverie forgotten. From a daughter to a wife, She is a man’s slave, Just another statue under the desert sun

The little girl within is dead. Controlled by her master, Possessed by her ring. A choke hold tearing at her soul. Within she wants to scream and shout, But her voice trembles deep inside.

Young Tasmanian Writers’ Prize 2023 The Young Tasmanian Writers’ Prize is a short fiction competition open to all Tasmanians enrolled in Years 7-12. It is sponsored by Forty South Publishing, with the generous support of the Tasmanian Association for the Teaching of English (TATE). Excerpt of ‘Closer Creeps the Dark’ by Michael Reid Winner - Senior section An arthritic finger flicks a switch, and a lone lightbulb flickers on, humming a pale orange glow in the living room of Sasha Sahnov’s farmhouse. Sasha has refused to leave. He has lived here his whole life; he was born here, his father born here, and his grandfather. Eighty-two years he has lived in this house— he is far too old, he has told the grey-suited government officials who have tried to persuade him to leave, to pack up all he owns and spend whatever time he has left decaying in some cold concrete box of a government apartment. If the dark gives up on its good graces and decides to swallow him, so be it. Sasha ghosts his fingers along his bookshelf, over the spines of books, brushing dust from a picture frame whose occupant he cannot bring himself to look at for too long. Plucking a worn paperback volume of Gogol’s from the bookshelf, he settles into his armchair to read, and to wait. It has been nearly a year since the darkness first appeared. There is no other village within a fifty-mile radius of this one, so it easily went unnoticed as it descended from the North and consumed the deeper parts of the forest, taking with it the deer and the hare and the boar. Then the more remote farms, the ones on the very outskirts of town, were taken, whole families disappearing along with their livestock. Only when the dark engulfed the rivers and creeks that fed their wells, and the drinking water ran a sickly, brackish brown, did people start to notice, and to talk.

L-R: Head of English Faculty Karina Churchill, Michael Reid (Winner) and Grace Winspear (Runner up). Photo: Adam Chambers

Excerpt of ‘Lone Warrior’ by Grace Winspear Runner up - Senior section I had never been to a funeral before Annie. Well, I still haven’t I suppose. Unless you count staring at a coffin on Zoom as going to a funeral. It’s weird; everyone knew the virus was happening but no one thought their lives would actually be affected by it. And then Annie was dead and nobody quite knew what to think. Some people made an effort to dress up, at least on their top halves. Others were clearly in bed; not trying to hide it at all. Peter had a sunny beach as his virtual background, crowded with sunbathing women and screaming children. It was vile; looking at all those people so close together. It made me anxious. I don’t think he realised. Or maybe he just didn’t know how to get rid of it. The only people actually there with Annie were the undertakers, in full PPE gear of course. They must have gotten them custom made in black. I couldn’t stop watching their little box of livestream; they performed all their tasks in eerie, muted silence and reflective visors. I felt as if I was watching an alien ritual. But the whole thing was a complete disaster. People kept freezing in the middle of their speeches or were interrupted by someone forgetting to mute themselves. The actual coffin-lowering ceremony dropped out and they had to hoist her up again and redo it. When the little timer popped up saying we had ten minutes left in the session we decided to call it quits early and let everyone grieve in peace.

Everyone else has gone now, flown a hundred miles south to Karachev. I grieve in pieces. The only sound identifying Sasha’s house as belonging to a living person is the low, throbbing hum of the generator. The curtain of darkness brought silence with it– nothing lives in that freezing fog, or at least, Sasha thinks to himself, nothing living has ever come out of it, and the curtain has never drawn back to reveal what it might leave behind. He knows that scientists visit it every day to study it, to monitor its inexorable progression, and there have even been reports of a few foolish children who dare each other to touch the fog, to enter it. Wasn’t that how Gregor’s grandson vanished? Read the full entry at: www.fortysouth.com.au/young-tasmanian-writers-prize-2023

Usually I would take myself off to a bar and get as drunk as possible, but that isn’t an option and I finished the last bottle of wine three days ago. My order is stuck in transit and I have the little tracking page open on my computer at all hours, refreshing it as often as possible to see if the tiny dot has moved another millimetre while I was away. It never has. Read the full entry at: www.fortysouth.com.au/young-tasmanian-writers-prize-2023

Community News

Focus #114

December 2023

Quick Alumni Updates Our thanks to Charles Rawlings-Way (1987) and Alison Boleyn for our alumni updates for this edition of Focus. If you have an update to share please email stayconnected@friends.tas.edu.au. Dr Alison CANTY (1993) and family have recently returned to Hobart after a year’s sabbatical at Trinity College Dublin. An Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Alison’s career has also taken her to Melbourne, Stockholm and London – but it’s the friends she made at Friends’ that have remained constant. “These friendships remain strong and have given my life a sense of continuity,” she says.

Sarah CHICK (2020) is studying a Bachelor of Music in classical piano performance at UTAS, on a full scholarship. In 2023 she won the prestigious Ossa Music Prize, touring her winning program ‘Portraits: Women Composing Wonders’ around Tasmania. Highlights of Sarah’s Friends’ days include English Literature, Music and the Year 12 formal. “Take opportunities that will help you grow,” she says.

After Friends’, Benjamin D’EMDEN (1993) was an exchange student in Chile and a barista in London, then travelled to Colombia, El Salvador, Kenya and Ethiopia buying coffee for Campos Coffee. He’s currently the senior roaster at Sydney’s Coffee Supreme. “A great life will be full of difficulties,” he says. “But I like to think that these things don’t happen to me, they happen for me.”

Vitreoretinal surgeon Thomas EDWARDS (1994) has played a key role in pioneering gene therapies and robotics that offer hope to people with formerly untreatable blindness. “Sometimes people look like they’ve planned everything out,” says Tom, who’s also rowed for Australia. “But I think the best thing to do is see where even a half an opportunity leads you.”

Damien GOUNDRIE’S (1987) music career – as a DJ, producer, recording artist and teacher – kicked off while he was a student at Friends’. His start at 16, DJing house music, was the base that everything to come would build from, but Damien calls relationships the true foundation of his work: “I’ve learnt to focus on appreciating the good people.”

After leaving Friends’, Kyle FITZPATRICK (2016) completed a Bachelor of Visual Communication at UTAS, before relocating to Brisbane mid-pandemic. A four-month struggle with homelessness ensued, but Kyle’s creative gifts and furious work ethic helped him rise to the position of Art Director and Principal Concept Artist with US indie gaming studio Affray. “With perseverance and motivation, you can do anything,” he says.

Now living in Canberra, Tony HILL (1955) taught Mathematics at the school (1961–81). But his defining Friends’ moment was meeting fellow teacher Miss Clifford, whom he married in 1965. Their three children, Alison, Jenni and Graeme also went to Friends’. Tony’s advice? “Have a quiet place to study, and don’t get diverted by having a milkshake or a chocolate every 10 minutes.”

While Geordie FREE (2016) studied his Bachelor of Science, he joined UTAS’s education programs, leading study sessions for chemistry students and STEM activities in schools. Now Geordie is himself a teacher, recalling the lessons of one Friends’ figure who taught him “the importance of kindness, connection and schools as places for personal, as well as academic, growth”. Geordie often thinks of something a fellow Friends’ graduate once said to him: “If you shoot for the stars, even if you miss, you might still land on the moon.”

After Year 12 (British History with Wendy Chapman was a highlight), Michael LEMMER (1983) spent a year as an exchange student in Minnesota. He now lives in Canberra, working as a librarian at UNSW and travelling to Germany regularly to see his partner. He’s also a talented blues guitarist. “Do what you enjoy intrinsically,” says Michael.

December 2023

Community News

Roberta MACLEOD (1987) knows all about ups and downs: horse-training success, two children, divorce, then losing her second husband in an accident. But her passion for adventure remains undiminished. She’s ridden horses everywhere from Russia to Argentina (including the 1000km Mongol Derby), and now lectures in equine management at Geelong’s Marcus Oldham College. “All experiences teach you something,” she says. “Stay positive.”

After Friends’ (Alliance Française with Sally Williams was a highlight), Julian MAGUIRE (2015) travelled in Europe, studied film in Sydney, then became a solo filmmaker. His short film A Beating Heart debuted at the 2023 St Kilda Film Festival. Julian now lives in Edinburgh, where he’s working on Threads of Fate, another short film. Wisdom from Julian’s hero, CS Lewis: “Courage, dear heart.”

After a busy gap year in 2021, Isabella SHACKCLOTH (2020) now lives in Sydney, studying Arts-Law at UNSW and working in radio with ABC Sydney. Looking back, Isabella values school Gatherings, where she developed “the skill of stillness”. Some advice for current students? “Travel,” and know that “you are never too young, or too inexperienced, to give something a go.”

2011 graduate Cameron SWEENEY’S fondest Friends’ memory is night-fishing and carving spears during a Year 9 camp at Bruny Island, learning about men’s business from a local elder. “The vast majority of people don’t get the opportunity of an amazing education,” says Cameron, senior advisor at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. “This has influenced me in wanting to work in fields where I can help people.”

Focus #114

After leaving Friends’, Katie QUIRK (2003) and Aidan LEWIS (2003) travelled far and wide, building their careers in Victoria, NSW, the Northern Territory, Papua New Guinea, San Diego… Now a Communications Coordinator and Technical Services Manager respectively, they’ve both embraced change as a positive force. “Don’t be afraid of uncertainty,” says Aidan, “because great things can come from it.”

Friends’ Alumni LinkedIn community To access mentoring opportunities, join the The Friends’ School LinkedIn group (select The Friends’ School in the ‘education’ section of your profile using the drop down list via www.linkedin.com). There are over 500 alumni now active in our LinkedIn community that you can reach out to about your career path. Email us at stayconnected@friends.tas.edu.au if you need help connecting with another alum.

Community News

Focus #114

December 2023

Reunions & Events 2023 saw the Friends’ alumni community enjoy a full program of reunions allowing our alumni to see the changes and improvements in their school but also foster a sense of community, provide a platform for networking and maintain lifelong friendships. Reconnecting with old friends (no pun intended) can be heartwarming, creates lasting memories and reinforces the bonds formed during their time at school.

Class of 1983 and 1993 Reunion The following weekend the reunion of the next two year groups at Boodle Beasley took place and once more, it was clear that the joy of reconnecting was genuine. People travelled from various parts of Australia and even the USA to attend these gatherings. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in these reunions whether they were large or small, making them truly memorable occasions.

Sam Hay, James Walker and Shannan Sutherland Barry (Henderson). Photo: Jenny Mitchell Andrew Williamson, Ben Curtis, Margery Jensen (van Emmerik), Andrew Johnson and Jerome Thiessen. Photo: Jenny Mitchell

Camille Farrall, Anna Johnston (Bown) and Alison Kerr (Canty). Photo: Jenny Mitchell

Class of 1993. Photo: Jenny Mitchell

Amy Brown, Liz Stephens, Sarah Heald and Alex Foley. Photo: Jenny Mitchell

December 2023

Community News

Class of 2003 and 2013 Reunion The first of our double header reunions was on Saturday 9 September with the two year groups enjoying a whole school tour followed by drinks and nibbles at Boodle Beasley in North Hobart. It was evident that they were very happy to see one another judging by the lively vibe in the room.

Vasheya Naidoo and Adam Cornock. Photo: Jenny Mitchell Class of 2003 outside Hobartville. Photo: Jenny Mitchell

Helene Tabor, Fiona Whittle (Oakely) and Chris Roach. Photo: Jenny Mitchell

Class of 2013. Photo: Jenny Mitchell

Sam Wells and Melinda Morris. Photo: Jenny Mitchell

Focus #114

Community News

December 2023

Class of 2018 Reunion On Friday 17 November, the Class of 2018 had their five-year-out reunion. They had a delightful morning exploring the recently upgraded facilities of the School - the transformed WN Oats Centre and the Revell Sports Centre. Later that day they met at Boodle Beasley for a chance to exchange stories and reconnect with each other’s lives.

L-R: Grace Elliott, Maddie Webster, Luke Haas, Wilhelmina Johnson. Photo: Bill Avery

L-R: Rowan Tesch, Lily Djeric, India Lockley

L-R: Shuqi Yu, Cooper Wiss, Oliver Wood, Aqiella Azhar

Class of 2022 At the time of printing, we are looking forward to our final reunion on Saturday 2 December for the Class of 2022 at the Hobart Brewing Company. Photos will be shared in the next edition of Focus.

December 2023

Community News

Focus #114

Friends’ goes to Melbourne On November 18, we experienced a beautiful day, gathering with our Melbourne-based alumni. The conviviality began with a superb lunch at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club and extended into the evening at The Mill, owned by Friends’ alum Mirek Aldridge (2005), for Saturday night drinks. It was heartening to share the day with numerous alumni, spanning from the Class of 1947 to the Class of 2022, making the weekend truly special. On Sunday, we attended Melbourne Meeting, where the Melbourne Quaker community extended a warm welcome. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, making it a weekend filled with shared connections and cherished memories. Our special thanks to Karl Mattingly (1977) for sponsoring us at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, and Alumni Reps Jade Mitchell (1995) and Gryff Connah (2022) for helping us with the event.

Jenny Mitchell, David Robbie (1959)

Nicholas Way (1980), David Murphy (1969)

Elizabeth Milne (1960), Elizabeth Mead (Sprott) (1961)

Lisa File, Nelson File, Drossos Haramantas (1984), Evelyn Harris (1984)

Eileen Li, Tony Chen (2008)

Community News

Focus #114

Melbourne Alumni

December 2023

Edith Rogers (Davies) (1947), Nelson File

Jane Caught (1996), Jamie Unicomb (1989), Sara Monaghan (Lange) (1999), Jade Mitchell (1995), Sarah Jackson (MacKay) (1996), Kate Hornsey (1999), Anna Sculthorpe (1999), Emma Pitfield (1997)

2024 Reunions

2024 is going to be just as big with plans for an Adelaide reunion, plus all our regular peer years. So if you were in the following classes and wish to be notified of your reunion in 2024, please visit our website to update your details to avoid missing yours! www.friends.tas.edu.au/w/alumni-community/update-your-details Class of 1974 Class of 1984 Class of 1994 Class of 2004 Class of 2014 Class of 2023 Trying to work out your peer year? Peer year means the year you finished, or would have finished Year 12 (or Year 13 in the years 1965 to 1975 inclusive). Even if you left in an earlier year, you will want to be sure you go to your reunion with your classmates who continued on to Year 12. All alumni are welcome at reunions, even if you attended the School for a short time, early in your schooling.

Nelson File and the Class of 1973

December 2023

Community News

Focus #114

Friends’ Alumni representatives meeting October 2023 What a vibrant and joyful discussion the Alumni Reps had at our meeting on 30 October 2023. We met online, as we now have Reps from across Australia.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 21 February 2024

After an update from Principal Nelson File about the Learning at Friends’ 24 Plus Program plans that will be implemented in the new year we took the opportunity to acknowledge, thank and farewell Nelson who is retiring at the end of 2023. New Principal Esther Hill commences in the new year. Bill Avery, Director of Community Engagement then shared with us the School’s plans for a Friends’ Food Festival on 25 November 2023, and a School Fair in 2024. We also noted a number of important reunions coming up including the Class of 2018, Class of 2022 and our Melbourne alumni events across 18-19 November 2023. The discussion then moved to a review of the initiatives and activities each of our Reps is undertaking, including co-curricular reunions, sports anniversary celebrations, alumni and current student correspondence, welcoming inductees to the annual 50+ lunch, a past staff reunion, the alumni mentoring program, including careers and mentor videos and the annual awarding of school pins to our incoming Year 7 students. We heard at our meeting that Andrew Kibbey is laying down his service to this Committee. Andrew was one of our inaugural Committee members and we are so grateful to Andrew for his contributions and time invested in the Friends’ alumni community.

Lucy Loney (Ogilvie) (1988) (Convener) Gryff Connah (2022) Riley Curtain (2021) Tessa Fink (1999), Germany Jade Galbally (1995), Melbourne Alex Given (2009), London, UK Trish Groom (1966) Roly Hill (1959), Western Australia David Ovens (2017) Roger Stilwell (1956), British Columbia, Canada

Your Alumni Representatives

Seeking Hobart Alumni Reps We currently have openings for Hobart-based Alumni Reps to join our team. If you would like to get involved, enjoy interacting with the community and are a proactive person, please get in touch with Lucy Loney at lloney@friends.tas.edu.au. Alumni Representatives are volunteers who create meaningful connections amongst the alumni community and with the School. Together they work across geographic locations, peer years and different parts of our community to broaden and deepen connections amongst our community, foster and promote life-long connections, share stories, and advocate for the School and its Purpose and Concerns. The Friends’ Alumni Community encompasses alumni and their families, former staff and volunteers, and friends of the School – Jade Mitchell (1995), Jane Caught (1996) wherever they are in the world.

We Give Thanks for the Lives of... Mark BARAN (Past staff) Hilary BENNELL (Past staff, past parent) Raymond CRAWFORD (1958) Graham DUDGEON (1952) William DUREAU (1950) Patricia GRIFFITHS (WATT) (1949) Judith HARVEY (1973) Kerrie PARSONS (CLARK) (1964) Michael THOMPSON (1953) Gwenneth VAUGHAN (1946) We are saddened to hear of the recent deaths of these Friends’ community members since the last edition of Focus. We hold them and their loved ones in the Light. Gryff Connah (2022), Nelson File

Focus #114

Community News

December 2023

School sections campus naming The Board of Governors approved an updated naming plan for the School Sections on each campus at a recent Board meeting. The names have been chosen in conjunction with the Learning at Friends’ 24 Plus Program. We all know at the heart of the School are the relationships, people and values that create the culture and environment which makes Friends’ and sections of the School special. The updated School section names are simple, functional, clear to visitors and embody the stages of learning and development throughout the School. They are also names that will assist people who may be considering Friends’ to learn, work or visit.

The updated School section names are: Primary School - Friends’ Early Learning to Year 6 Middle School - Years 7 & 8 Senior School - Years 9 to 12 Importantly, building names (for example Clemes) will remain as they are since they convey a meaningful part of the School’s history and acknowledgment of some of the people who have made a positive, lasting impact on many students’ lives. For this reason, the Board decided to rename the Primary School Administration building as the Morris Gate House. There will be a steady transition to these new section names, which will officially take effect from the commencement of the school year in 2024.

The Friends’ Fellowship

Providing access to a Friends’ education is often life-changing for a young person, creating pathways to tertiary education and career opportunities they would not have had access to otherwise, as they benefit from the

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passion and commitment of our educators and staff. Involving these students in our school is also central to our shared commitment to equality and vital to the enrichment and diversity of our student population. “Overseeing the The Friends’ Fellowship program is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. I see the amazement and gratitude of the recipients as they come into the School, and then get to see their progress and achievements. They work so hard. It is truly a transformational gift to give a young person. One person at a time, our community is doing its bit to increase educational attainment in Tasmania, which benefits everyone.” Lucy Loney (Ogilvie) (1988), Development Manager

So far this year, 90 donors have donated $42,975. All donations are used to enable a student, who can least afford the tuition fees, to start at Friends’ the following year. The 2024 Friends’ Fellowship has now been awarded and a new student is now looking forward to commencing in Year 11 at Friends’ in 2024.

T OGE

The Friends’ Fellowship is a needs-based scholarship funded entirely from community donations during our annual giving program, Friends’ Together.

2023

Friends’ Together Update The School’s annual giving program, Friends’ Together 2023, continues until the end of the year. All funds raised during annual giving are fully expended immediately, for the direct benefit of students. • • • •

There are opportunities to donate to: The Friends’ Fellowship needs-based scholarship through the Scholarship, Bursaries & Prizes Fund Enhanced facilities through the Building and Development Fund; or Information literacy and online subscriptions through the Library Fund.

Friends’ Together is one way we can show our support for The Friends’ School, a not-for-profit, co-educational institution informed by Quaker values. Founded with philanthropy in 1887, and supported by a philanthropic partnership with its community ever since, together we can ensure that we leave this vital institution in good shape for the next century. Please consider donating to Friends’ Together 2023 to support our School, and all of its students. Visit: giving.friends.tas.edu.au

Photo: Rosie Hastie

December 2023

Sport

Focus #114

School rowing program achieves highest participation across all age groups Anthony Edwards (Head of Rowing) This time of year, the Friends’ Boatshed becomes busy once again. We have 145 rowers across all age groups participating throughout Term 4 and into Term 1, 2024. Below is a snapshot of what has occurred so far. During October, we had 60 of our Year 6 students participate in the Sculling Skills program in the Term 3 holidays. This was a great way for students, both current and those joining us in 2024, to build great connections through rowing. Our Open rowers competed in the Kirby Cup long distance event, winning the Women’s Quad, Men’s Pair and also the Kirby Cup trophy (Men’s Four). Our Opens then competed at the State Club Regatta 1, with a strong performance from our boys squad. During the weekend of 4-5 November, we held our Friends’ Mini Regatta in New Town Bay. St Virgils, St Mary’s and Collegiate joined us, which turned it into a ‘not so Mini Regatta’, with 250 competitors and 72 races across two days. It was a wonderful community effort from rowers, coaches, students’ support and parents fundraising and feeding our rowers. The entire program competes at Lake Barrington at the first Schools regatta in late November. Part of the build up to this event is the naming of our new boat (an Eight) at

our Welcome function, along with the entire program moving to Lake Barrington for this particular weekend. We continue into December with State Club Regatta 3 & 4 and the New Norfolk Long distance eight event and Junior Quads Regatta. It’s a busy time yet very rewarding for all involved.

The Open Boys and Open Girls squads win several events at the Kirby Cup, including the prestigious Kirby Cup trophy, October 2023. Photo: Anthony Edwards

The Open Boys 8 being presented with the winners trophy for the Bridge to Bridge 6km race (Bowen Bridge to Tasman Bridge), November 2023. Photo: Anthony Edwards

Unlocking athletic potential: open boys rowing crews thrive with weekly yoga sessions and expert workshops Louis Underwood (Year 11)

Over the past three years, the Open Boys Rowing Crews have attended Community Yoga with Julia Gibson. Each Wednesday morning before school we meet in The Farall Centre to participate in a 30-minute yoga practice. While this is not a large amount of time it has proven to be significantly beneficial. Both ourselves and our coach find yoga improves our mental and physical abilities which can then be applied to rowing. Yoga offers the opportunity to increase

our flexibility, improve our balance and allow for relaxation and downtime, something that is hard to come by as a rower. In addition to physical advantages, yoga also trains the mind, mentally building balance and stability to combat stress and angst in times of great pressure. Yoga allows for a deeper exploration of our bodies’ abilities and limits, which is vital as an athlete as it allows the examination of possible areas for growth. This helps to enhance the crew’s technique as a whole, as yoga focuses on centring attention and sharpening concentration on oneself. This is equally important for anyone, rower

or not, as techniques learned in yoga can be used in more than just sports, such as methods of mental clarity and calmness that can be used on a day-to-day basis, boosting moods and mental wellbeing. On top of the weekly sessions, Julia has been invited to conduct a workshop at the last two Rowing camps where she takes both Open and U16 crews through an extended practice where she shares her expansive knowledge of relaxation techniques, stretching positions and recovery methods. All of which are found to be fundamental in keeping the body happy and healthy.

Some of the Boys Open Rowing Team during yoga practice. Photo: Julia Gibson

Sport

Focus #114

December 2023

Swim team shines with record wins John White (Head of Secondary Sport) A team of 46 students participated in the SSATIS and SATIS swimming carnivals, which for the first time was held during Term 3 at the Hobart Aquatic Centre. SSATIS Swimming Carnival Congratulations to the swim team on a fantastic effort at the SSATIS Carnival on September 1. For the team to win five shields was a wonderful achievement and certainly one of our best results over the last five years. There were some brilliant individual performances as well as some great relay team results. Congratulations to the U16 Boys freestyle relay team who broke the record - Rupert Gan-Pain, Lachlan Clues, Will Mackinnon and Sam Castle. SATIS Swimming Carnival In the SATIS Carnival on September 13, the Northern Schools were very strong and their depth certainly stood out. Our best results in the Shields was the Open Boys placing 2nd in the Open Boys Shield and we placed 3rd in the Co-Ed Aggregate. The U13 girls and U16 boys placed 2nd, and the U13 boys placed 3rd in the age group pennants.

SSATIS & SATIS Swimming. Photo: John White Thank you to everyone involved in swimming this year and in the manner that you represented The Friends’ School. It was a pleasure to be involved and see you all perform in such a high class event.

The full list of results can be found at: satis.com.au/sports/swimming/2023-swimming Congratulations also to those who managed to gain placings in events - Sam Castle, Lachlan Dewhurst, Open Boys 4 x 50m freestyle, U16 Boys 4 x 50 Freestyle & Medley, U13 Girls 4 x 50 freestyle, U14 Boys 4 x 50m freestyle, Lachlan Clues, Eliza Gardner, Maggie Hopster, Logan McCourt, Sophie West and congratulations to James Clues who was 1st in the Open 50m Breaststroke and Backstroke, as well as placings in other events. Thank you to our Open students - Issy Gan-Pain, Tara Powell, James Clues and Lewis Stevens - for their commitment and strong performances over six years in representing the School. It was fantastic to see them give their all in their last event in the 4 x 50m, where both teams had notable improvements in times from the SSATIS Carnival.

Charlie Bradford in Heat 2 of the 50m Breaststroke. Photo: John White

U16 Boys freestyle relay team who broke the SSATIS record - Rupert Gan-Pain, Lachlan Clues, Will Mackinnon and Sam Castle. Photo: John White

Friends Swimming Tasmanian Swimming Club of the Year 2022/23 Reo Lazaro, (Aquatic Coordinator, Friends Swimming) Friends Swimming has won the W J Harrison Trophy for Tasmanian Swimming Club of the Year 2022/23. Congratulations

to all our swimmers and team of families/helpers for an amazing first year for our swimming club. This Swimming Tasmania award gives recognition for the success of our program and everyone involved in the journey so far. In our first year, Friends Swimming has grown from

29 swimmers to now having 74 swimmers. We have expanded our Junior Program from having one Junior Squad to now having three levels. This has allowed us to accept new swimmers and streamline the pathway from our Learn to Swim program to our higher-level squads, chasing performance goals.

We’ve achieved great results at the Long and Short Course Championships, including lots of personal bests and now becoming Tasmanian Club of the Year.

Reo Lazaro. Photo: Llewellyn Newlyn

The Friends’ School

SPORT Interschool Horse Trials showcase student resilience

Lily Curtis, Tiara-Lee Castle and Tilla Haddow. Photo: Amy Harris

Tilla Haddow and Lily Curtis. Photo: Amy Harris

Tiara-Lee Castle (Year 8)

The school’s ODE was at Huntingfield on the 6th of November, with representatives from all southern schools participating. The competition was tough and it was Lily and my first grade 4 competition. I made it a round a minute too fast on cross country which means that I got 28.5 pentall which

Tiara-Lee shares her experiences and results from this competition. —---

Three students participated in the Interschool Horse Trials in Term 4. Tilla Haddow (Year 12), Lily Curtis (Year 8) and Tiara-Lee Castle (Year 8) competed, with Tilla part of the winning college team.

At the beginning of the year, I got Sparky. When we started our journey together we went well and then throughout the year, we had some problems, which made

us stronger. To get ready for the school’s One Day Event (ODE) is the same as another ODE. I make sure Sparky is fit, especially as it was our first grade 4 together. In my training with Sparky, I do polo work, trail rides, gallops, and flat work before the competition. A month or two months before a competition I do cross-country training.

put Sparky and me, first to last. The trophy went to 4 and whoever also won the board with all the other schools that have won. The individual ribbon went to 6th and everyone in your team went into a different grouping. The Friends’ School team was made up of our students and two other riders from another school. I really had

fun and it was a good day out with Sparky. At the time of writing, my next competition is in northern Tasmania to an ode and the Monmouth Pony and Riding Club Gymkhana.

Highlights from the Years 3-6 Morris Athletics Carnival Lisa Di Venuto (Head of Morris Sport)

The Years 3-6 Morris Athletics Carnival was held on Thursday 19 October at the Domain Athletics Centre. In perfect running conditions, the day started with the Boys 1500m event. Students participated in a variety of events from sprints to long distance to field events to three-legged races. The annual Peace Pull was held during the middle of the day which all students competed in, and much to the delight of the winning house, was awarded 1st place ribbons. Several outstanding results and personal bests

were achieved throughout the day and students are to be commended on their team spirit and motivation. We welcomed our Year 2 students to cheer on the ‘big kids’ and allowed them to have a run on the track, in preparation for their attendance next year. Thank you to all staff and Year 9 helpers who acted as officials, and our terrific House Captains who prepared the students for their individual races.

Kiraz Marriott & Emilia Chesher. Photo: Catherine Duffet

Olivia Wells, Charley Cooper, Isobel Milne. Photo: Catherine Duffet

Photo: Catherine Duffet

Results: 1st place: Benson 1250 points 2nd place: Cadbury 1091 points 3rd place: Cooper 1091points

THE FRIENDS’ SCHOOL, PO BOX 42, NORTH HOBART, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA.

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