Celebrating a Successful APACS Conference in Hobart
Posted on November 19, 2025
The Friends’ School was proud to play a key role in the recent Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools Association (APACS) Conference, hosted in Hobart. Held every two years, this year’s event—Engage. Enrich. Empower.—brought together more than 200 psychologists, counsellors, and pastoral care staff from across Australia for 2.5 days of professional learning, connection, and inspiration.
Friends’ Primary School Clinical Psychologist Morgan Norris served on the conference organising committee, a dedicated volunteer group of local school psychologists representing the Tasmanian School Psychology Association (TSPA). Together, the committee curated a program that highlighted the importance of inclusion, relationships, and understanding the “why” behind student behaviours and experiences.
Across keynote presentations, practical workshops, expo displays and shared conversations, attendees explored the power of connection—seeing the whole person and building environments that affirm and empower every learner. The energy, collaboration, and generosity of the national school psychology community were evident throughout.
Friends’ Staff Contributions
Wendy Crow, Deputy Head of Friends’ Primary School (Years 2 – 6) and PYP Coordinator, presented a workshop on Working Collaboratively with Allied Health Professionals. Her session emphasised the value of strong relationships in supporting effective ILP goals, adjustments, and accommodations. Through storytelling and a holistic approach, Wendy demonstrated how understanding the full picture of each student allows their strengths to shine—an approach embedded in our Primary School practice.
Casey-Rae Mullen, Friends’ Senior School Teacher and House Leader, also contributed to the program, speaking on a panel exploring how schools can better understand and support students experiencing eating disorders.
Students from the Middle and Senior Schools also contributed their musical talents at the conference dinner, receiving warm appreciation from attendees.
Celebrating Excellence: APACS Fellow Award
We are delighted to congratulate Sandra Wiggins, Friends’ School Psychologist, who was recently announced as a recipient of an APACS Fellow Award. This national recognition is awarded to esteemed Members of APACS who have made a significant contribution to the association and the profession for 10 years or more. APACS Fellows are honoured for strengthening the field of school psychology through expertise and contributions to research, practice, and policy.
Sandra’s dedication and impact are deeply valued by our community, and we are incredibly proud of her achievement.
