Morris Handbook [2012] - The Friends' School

WELCOME TO MORRIS
FRIENDS’ PRIMARY YEARS
We look forward to working in partnership with you in the education of your child. Our aim is for
students to learn in the context of the values of the intrinsic worth of the individual, peace, justice
and community and in doing so, to become life-long learners embodying responsibility and
integrity.
Morris offers educational programmes from Kindergarten to Year 6. From the very beginning we
pay particular attention to the social and emotional needs of children. Children need to feel secure
and confident that they are valued and known. Parents need to be assured that their son or daughter
is to be cared for by staff who value each child’s individuality and who plan to meet their needs.
Constructive play and exploration in Kindergarten provides a solid preparation for children moving
into the more formal Prep programme where early literacy, numeracy and the development of
independent learning skills are the focus. As they move through the school children are
progressively exposed to aspects of the broader programme, including; co-curricular activities and
the application of inquiry, across all disciplines. Each child’s development is documented and
tracked in consultation with parents. Every child is made to feel special and is encouraged to ask
questions knowing that they can make mistakes, strong in the knowledge that teachers are there to
support them.
The International Baccalaureate (IB), founded in 1968, is a recognised leader in the field of
international education. It is a non-profit, mission-driven foundation that works with 1,598 schools
(October 2005) to develop and offer three challenging programs in 121 countries to approximately
200,000 students. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is the curriculum of choice in Morris. The
curriculum offered has at its core fundamental precepts that align seamlessly with the Quaker ethos
of the School. Within the PYP students learn to make connections, delve deeply into thinking and
problem solving, and do so in the context of internationalism, collaboration and reflection. At
Friends’ our explicit attitudes and values are all pervasive and can be found at the core of all Schoolrelated
activities.
The family-like atmosphere of the School today still reflects the intentions of the men and women
whose founding vision for the School in 1887 was education for spiritual and intellectual growth.
It is a place in which learning in all its forms is the core activity. The composition of the School
Community, the physical surroundings, and expert staff, rich teaching programs and the support of
the parent body complement the values of the School and provide for your child this unique
experience.
Allison Pocius, Head of Morris
John Green, Principal
The Friends’ School – Morris Handbook 2012, version 0.0.1
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