Service

This committee is for students in Years 9 to 12. Students meet once a week for half an hour to discuss, plan and organise service projects for the Senior School In addition, they work with other sections of the school to facilitate service initiatives that have a whole school theme. The Senior Student Council Service and Environment Representatives are responsible for the running of the committee, including organising minutes to be taken and distributed to all members. All Years 9-12 students are welcome to join the committee and they are encouraged to initiate, plan and participate in service events that are school based or based in the community. The hours they accumulate can count towards their Service Colours and/or The Friends’ Certificate.

Relay For Life is an overnight community event organised by the Cancer Council. Thousands of Tasmanians relay in their team as they celebrate cancer survivors, remember those lost and fight back against the disease by raising important funds. The event takes place on a weekend in March at the Domain Athletics Centre. Each year, Friends’ students, staff and parents enter a team called the ‘Friendlies’, have a lot of fun and raise money for cancer research and support services. 

The group is designed for beginner to advanced sewing skills for students in Years 7-12. You will be involved in sewing to create items for service in the community. This might include Boomerang Bags and Period Poverty Pouches.

For students interested in the impacts of Climate Change on the world, leading to actions for change.  The group researches issues of climate, then drafts letters to community and government leaders in action for change.  Students also write letters on behalf of prisoners of conscience on behalf of Amnesty International. Occasionally, members of the group are encouraged to attend rallies and the Justice Action Network group meetings. Student may work with Senior Student Council leaders to organise a Battle of the Bands/Talent each year in Term 3 to raise funds for Amnesty International.

Environment Action is a group that works towards improving the Middle School and the greater community through positive action to reduce waste, reduce energy use, and educate and encourage the community towards sustainable practices.

We will be holding a number of events such as the Snow Cone stall to fund the FOGO bins the students purchased last year. Students will also present at assemblies about direct action to improve the schools environmental footprint. We will also lobby governments and companies to improve their practice and regulations.

The Landcare group involves a hands-on approach to environmental action. This student-lead group follows students’ interests linked to the core Landcare ideals of environmental conservation and land management, as well as education and advocacy of environmental issues.  Possible weekly activities may include: native plant propagation from seed, division, and cuttings; germination techniques; revegetation projects; how to care for/maintain native plants; macro photography; participation in national events such as Clean Up Australia Day, National Tree Day, and Earth Hour; promoting environmental issues and potential change; local rubbish monitoring and collection.

The Sustainability group focusses on actions that can develop, promote and enact reduction in negative environmental impacts.  This student-led group engages with a range of interests and concerns, and seeks to enact sustainable practical means for carbon-offset and waste reduction such as the bus-buddy system, the worm farm on the Primary School campus, the recycling bins across campuses, supporting the Indigenous Garden outside the WN Oats Centre via the Landcare group, and various other student-initiated projects.

Diversity group is for students interested in a forum for students to discuss topics around Diversity group is for students interested in a forum for students to discuss topics around the inclusion of all members of our School community, and to celebrate the diverse range of people at The Friends’ School. The group promotes the recognition, respect and valuing of students with differences based on ethnicity, gender, religion, disability and sexual orientation.

The Smith Family’s Student2Student Buddy reading program matches an older student (Buddy) with a younger student (Reader) who is behind in their reading. The Buddy provides support and reading assistance to the Reader so that they can improve their confidence and skills in reading. Each Buddy will be reading for 18 weeks with their Reader.  Buddies receive appropriate training and the resources required to fully participate in the Program. Buddies call their Reader 2 or 3 times a week and read for 20 minutes per session. Buddies need to have their phone (landline, mobile phone or on a website called ‘Chatty Kids’ using tablet or computer) and books (these are posted out in the mail or on the Chatty Kids website) ready at the agreed scheduled times and days they are working with their Reader.

Young Leaders of Tasmania Ltd is a community not-for-profit organisation whose vision is for every young Tasmanian, including those living with disability, to reach his or her full potential. Interested students in Years 9-12 apply in Term 1 for the ‘school buddies’ program and will visit classes at the Southern Support School fortnightly between mid Term 1 and the end of Term 3. Participating students need approximately 2 hours for their visits so need appropriately placed study periods. There are opportunities for visits to Dark Mofo and helping in the holiday buddies program.

The Young Leaders of Tasmania – All Abilities Programs (YLOT) runs in conjunction with the staff and clients at Southern Support School. In addition to the YLOT Program, a social is generally planned for students and parents of the Southern Support School. This is organised through the Years 9-12 Stewardship Committee or as an IBDP Year 11 CAS project.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, commonly known as the Duke of Ed, offers students at The Friends’ School a transformative experience. Through this voluntary, non-competitive program, young participants aged 14 to 25 engage in practical, cultural, and adventurous activities. By setting and achieving goals across various sections, they earn internationally recognised certificates, fostering personal growth, skill-building, and a sense of purpose. The Duke of Ed journey prepares these students to become world ready.