From the Principal's Desk

One of the endearing qualities of the Pittwater House community, is the wonderful support of families for their children in all their cocurricular activities.

This past week has seen this feature on show each day.

As the Class of 2023 wind down to a mere few days, key annual events are occurring. Each year, our Cadets perform the Ceremonial Parade in front of the Secondary School and a growing number of parents. SUO Rory is rightfully to be congratulated for his leadership of the PHSCU and was praised, along with all the Cadets by the Reviewing Officer LtCol Andrew Kfoury, in his speech at the Cadet Awards that followed the Parade.

And then in the evening, the 12 graduating Cadets celebrated along with one of their parents, in the traditional Mess Dinner. Again, this was an outstanding event marking the end of a key leadership opportunity for our students.

It was no surprise that in the interviews with prospective Prefects for 2023/2024 held through the week, that many aspirants shared the key role the Cadet experience has had for them in leadership preparation. As an aside, I am delighted that the Army has decided, in its wisdom, to once more allow Year 7 students to become cadets, irrespective of age. Therefore, I am hopeful that the 160 incoming Year 7 students will sign up for this wonderful cadet program that is such a valued aspect of our School. 

At the other end of the Pittwater House journey, our members of the Kindergarten to Year 2 Hub enjoyed a great Athletics Carnival on Wednesday. And it was marvellous to share this excitement with these young students on our School Oval. Everything was in miniature, with students going through the javelin, discus, shot put and high jump rituals of a full Athletics Carnival, but in K to 2 style. Having so many parents enjoying the day and celebrating too, is always special.

On Wednesday evening, our accelerated HSC Dance students performed in a showcase of their examination works. One element of HSC Dance requires a composition which is then performed by one of our younger Stage 4 or Stage 5 dancers. It was a great night to not only demonstrate the exquisite work of these senior students, but to also show the talent of our younger dancers in their Eisteddfod troupes.

For me, the highlight of the week was the inaugural House Festival. COVID intervened in the tradition of House Dinners, and it was decided that the House structure needed to have a celebration this year. Hence the emergence of a new style of community focus. All students from Years 10 to 12 came together in the Hall for a Hogwarts style dinner followed by General and School Trivia, and the finale being a Battle of the Bands. We were thrilled at the sense of spirit evident. Additionally, and central to the success of the event was the provision of 8 different food stalls from which students chose their menu for the night. All the food was prepared by the Stage 5 Food Technology students under the guidance of Mrs Tobia. Sincerest thanks to all these chefs for your challenging, nerve wracking and intense preparations to feed hundreds of very hungry students and staff. We could not be more proud of you.

There was no time to waste for Mr Walmsley and me, to leave the House Festival and join Mr Nunura and many Dads at the PHPA Father’s Day Beer and Pizza Evening at the 7th Day Brewery. Those in attendance had a great night, the second of these events held by the PHPA. My thanks to Sheridan Millward and Sam Beard for creating this opportunity again in 2023.

The week concluded with the Under 10 netballers playing their grand final on Saturday. Once more the parents and staff were out in force in support of these young players, who have had a remarkable season of netball. Whilst they were runners up on the day, it will stand them in good stead for the 2024 season. We must all learn to miss the major prize. Life is full of challenging situations. In the end we went down by 1 goal in a tight and tense four quarters of netball. 

I must congratulate our Manager of Sports and Co-curricular Activities, Mrs Sue Grigg for her extraordinary work across all sport at Pittwater House. It was Sue who established the strong netball culture we have at our School. Sue is a coach at State and National level; it is why we are so fortunate to have her guiding our students. And it is why it is sometimes disappointing that parents, in the belief that their child must be given a particular opportunity, are challenging, and impacting a situation in a game, that goes against coaches with the skill and history of success, whose judgement should not be questioned.  I have every confidence in the highly skilled coaches we employ, and I implore you, as parents, to respect these fine individuals.

With another busy week ahead, I look forward to meeting with you on the sideline, in the Hall or in team as together we work to support, guide, and extend your children, daily.

With every good wish.