From the Principal's Desk

Whilst the eyes of the world are currently focused on Paris, and we become instant experts in all sports, Pittwater House has engaged in a raft of our own competition. 

The Hall was transformed for the PHPA Trivia Night where all manner of creative spirit ensured a great night of fun and frivolity, and of course competition for the big prize. Sincere thanks to all those who supported our School in this way. And for those who missed the night, please mark your calendar for next year… or get a sense of occasion from someone who was there. COMMUNITY was the Gold medalist!

Across the first two weeks of Term, our HEROIC Literacy Festival has allowed students to see this fundamental area of our curriculum through an alternate lens. Author visits, an Edible book festival, and the Junior School Book Parade, all gave participation enjoyment in bucketloads. Gold Medals to all.

Morgan House led the Pet Competition, which although occurring at the end of Term 2, was decided and announced… and what a challenge for the judges. Cutest, naughtiest, dirtiest, best dressed, cutest baby and Staff Pet were all categories to be determined. We have so many adorable furry additions in our homes. But in the end the judges vote was final… The piece from Morgan House Captains Brooke and Campbell, below gives a full account of our successful furry friends.

Like our fellow House Captains, we were tasked with holding a school event at the end of Term 2 to raise money for the Prefect’s chosen charity - Canteen. This charity supports young people impacted by cancer. We decided to do something a little different and were excited to introduce the inaugural Pittwater House Pet Photo Competition. Thank you to all those who participated. We raised $270 to contribute to this very worthy charity. As you can imagine, it was very difficult to choose our final winners as there were so many adorable pets to choose from, and so we invited some guest judges to help us come up with the final selection. Thanks to Mandi from the Canteen, Tess from the Uniform Shop, and Dr Hillier for your assistance with the adjudication. Ultimately all your pets are winners even if they didn’t finish on the podium on this occasion, as they are obviously very special and much-loved members of your families. Congratulations to the following students for success in our various categories.

Brooke and Campbell (CG12)

Morgan House Captains 

Whilst these special events took place, our regular sporting competition took off for a new Term and Semester. I always enjoy attending matches whenever time permits and last week our 16s Rugby side began their quest for success with a strong performance against NBCS. In a 24-0 decisive win, the boys have shown strength, determination and a great sense of team. To further show their skill, this week saw another win by the boys against St Lukes.

The competition for our HSC students is a very different one. This week the Class of 2024 have begun their Trials, the result of which will, along with their internal assessments, create their class rank. The remaining weeks after the Trials move to a very collaborative learning environment where collectively the group works for the best grade for all.  A highly supportive approach, which is the essence of our School culture anyway, will allow this wonderful group of students to see the end of their formal schooling surrounded by long-term friends and classmates. We wish all our Year 12s and Year 11 accelerants, every good wish in this challenging time. 

We celebrated the academic achievements of our Junior School students at a special Assembly last Friday. Certificates were presented to the first placed student in each year group for the Junior College and the Prep School. Congratulations to each of these students and please remember my challenge to all students; to try your hardest and raise the bar for what you are seeking academically in Semester 2. Your best effort is key, every lesson, every day.

Whilst the Class of 2024 are reflecting on their leadership year, the Prefect aspirants from the Class of 2025 have presented their speeches to the Secondary School. All secondary students will now vote and then each candidate is interviewed by members of the Executive.  I congratulate this group of fine Year 11 students who showed great courage and tenacity and have thought deeply about what leadership means in general and how they wish to apply the essence of leadership to our School. They all know it is very much more than a badge and I am sure that the group, when decided, will make their mark on our School in a very positive way, as has the outgoing leadership team from the Class of 2024.

Last weekend Pittwater House exhibited at the North Shore Schools Expo at Chatswood. Across Saturday and Sunday I enjoyed many good conversations with families interested in Pittwater House. Along with colleagues, we responded to a raft of questions, discussed our academic, pastoral and cocurricular programs, and showcased our facilities and bus services. As is often the case, we met with former staff, parents of Alumni, and our colleague educators from independent schools across Sydney, and beyond. In one such conversation it was wonderful to hear news of a student from the Class of 2019 who has just graduated from a Bachlor of Film and Video and is now working as a cameraman; the Visual Arts always being his passion. Connecting too with an Alumnus from the Class of 2008 and sharing news of others of his era. This continuing engagement with Alumni makes these events more special.

Mr Andrew Goldrick, our incoming Head of the Grammar School, visited us this week. Over the coming weeks, he will be working with Mr Walmsley and Mrs Thomas to ensure there is a staged handover and increasing familiarity with the Pittwater House structure, processes and personnel. We delight in having Mr Goldrick gradually assume this key Executive role.

With the final weeks for our HSC students comes several key annual events. The Ceremonial Parade acknowledges and celebrates the Cadet program for our graduating cadets. All families are invited to attend this formal event on Tuesday 20 August at 1.40pm. I look forward to sharing this milestone with you.

With every good wish for all that lies ahead.