Principal’s Message
Welcome to The Friends’ School. I hope you are exploring this website because you are considering becoming a member of The Friends’ School community.
As with any school, the day-to-day activities at Friends’ reveal the essence of our educational philosophy.
We believe the culture at Friends’ is unique in Australia because it is a Quaker school where we actively seek to incorporate Quaker ideals on a daily basis. Families from all religious and spiritual traditions (or none) are attracted to Quaker schools throughout the world because of these shared values.
The School’s Purpose and Concerns statement serves as our mission and clearly informs every decision at The Friends’ School. The first part of this statement provides the framework – we believe in “the intrinsic worth of each person, the recognition of ‘that of God within everyone’, the desirability of simplicity and the need to establish peace and justice.”
The statement also guides the outcomes for our students and reminds us that we want to “help our students develop as people who will think clearly, act with integrity, make decisions for themselves, be strong in service and hold a global perspective.” In short, we work to develop our graduates into active, positive and contributing members of society.
There are two core principles of Quakerism that have a defining influence on the educational philosophy of all Quaker schools. The first is that ‘there is that of God in everyone’ which is clearly stated in the School’s Purpose and Concerns. At Friends’, this translates to a belief in the inherent dignity of each person, which is to be nurtured. Additionally, all members of the community share an obligation to answer what is best in themselves and in others – developing talents to the fullest and respecting the strengths, efforts and perspectives of everyone. At a practical level, we strive for each of us to contribute our best on a daily basis.
The second core principle is that we are on a journey of seeking knowledge and understanding together with the students. All Quakers share continuing revelation as a belief that furthers our personal understanding of spiritual Truth and the world around us. Quakers seek the Truth through the practice of communal silent worship.
Our students have wide ranging opportunities to explore and develop individual passions, with many of our students being recognised for outstanding achievements in academics, the arts and sports.
It is a continuing privilege to be part of The Friends’ School
and contribute to the legacy of quality education that was established over 130 years ago, and I invite you to share it with us.
In Peace
Nelson File
