From the Principal's Desk

This has been a mighty Term with so many opportunities for students to flourish and now we must reflect, regroup and reenergise for another powerful nine weeks of learning and engagement.

Welcome to this final edition of House News for Term 1, 2025.

Whilst the final week of Term has seen 89 Cadets enjoy a 3-day biv, we bookend this with two solemn events on Thursday and Friday, as both the Junior and Secondary schools pause as we commemorate those who lost their lives in war, fighting for the values of Australian democracy, so dear to us all. As is always the case, Pittwater House will be a strong presence at the Narrabeen Service on 20 April and services across the Beaches on ANZAC Day: the Dawn Service at Manly Dam, the Brookvale Service at 7am, Avalon at 11am, Manly also at 11am and Collaroy Beach at dusk. Our cadets form catafalque parties at each, our Bands and Choirs provide music, and our Cadet leaders offer words to capture the solemnity of the service. Such depth of involvement continues to be key to our school community reaching out across the Beaches. This is always a proud moment for me. 

Whilst we pause at the end of this week, 29 students along with 3 Staff, under the leadership of Mr Walmsley, will be flying to Europe, for our inaugural History Tour. Beginning in Germany, and then to Italy, the Tour takes in elements of both the European and Ancient History courses for Stage 6. These students will benefit from this exposure as well as having the depth of knowledge of both Mr Walmsley and Ms Maloney, and I am sure Mrs Leman will ensure the students receive economic and business studies highlights, from each of the countries too! It is an action-packed trip as you can see from Mr Walmsley’s hoodie!

I continue to take great pride in our students and their commitment to good works. The Year 10 leadership group last week baked a marvellous array of treats, with the proceeds, nearing $800, going to the Women’s Shelter. Whilst our Charity Prefects, Tilman and Ella arranged for the selling of badges depicting the colour patch of the 44th Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, and of poppies, with the proceeds supporting a memorial to be built in Kings Park in Perth commemorating the service personnel who served and who gave their lives in World War 1. These brave soldiers fought 15 battles on the Western Front. Of the 2800 men who served in this battalion, there were 60% casualties with 482 soldiers making the ultimate sacrifice in the service of Australia. 

Year 10 Leadership - Bake Sale

Charity Prefects - Badge Sale

My sincere congratulations to 2 of our elite athletes: Talea (CG12) and Taiaroa (CG11), who have both been selected for the Emus National Youth Touch Football squad. They will be competing initially in the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup event in Queensland in May.

Congratulations also to Nate (G7), who achieved a 3rd place podium position in both the 800m and 1500m events at the Australian Athletics Championships being held in Perth this week.  Ruann (G12) competes tomorrow in the U20 Men's javelin throw. And further news in this morning of Miles (G10) who is currently representing Australia in the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia as part of the Subway Joeys team. With every good wish to these students.

My thanks also to Ms Young who has a significant group of elite performers with whom she is now working, to ensure their heavy external commitments and study requirements are supported in every possible way.

And may I echo Mr Goldrick and Mrs Thomas’ communication to parents last week highlighting just some of the events of recent times in the secondary school. And a word of concern too around student care when riding E bikes. All too frequently we are being advised by members of the public of poor decision making from some of our E bike riders; not wearing helmets, and riding either too fast or without due care for cars. There have been several near misses in the past two weeks with students failing to watch out for cars, give signals, or failing to wear helmets, and in one case, not wearing shoes when riding. If your child has an E bike, please take time in these holidays to lay down explicit rules for their safety. I cannot contemplate a tragedy for our community.

And as we move into a two-week holiday period, a reminder of the special person who visited our Junior School recently… with each child receiving the gift of chocolate… 

I wish all families peace and joy. May you be safe as you travel and happy as you take part in all this season offers.