From the Principal's Desk

At the halfway point of the Term, Head Prefect of the Grammar School, Ruann, reminded all students in Assembly last Friday to make the most of the weeks ahead. In an Assembly showcasing the wonderful Stage Band, (who also performed in the Junior School Assembly earlier on Friday), acknowledging students who had made CIS teams across a number of sports, and House Captains focusing on the charity options occurring in the coming weeks, and applauding the leading students in the ASX Schools Shareholder Game as part of the Year 9 Commerce course, it was a marvellous representation of all that is happening this Term. Representatives from Year 12 Geography shared their recent experience undertaking fieldwork at the Great Barrier Reef and finally, the awarding of the inaugural Principal’s Badge for HEROIC Awards to Ashton, Jet, Joshua, Lucas, Oscar, Callum, Lachlan and Owen pictured below. Archie and Callum also received this award but were absent for the photo.

 Yes, it was certainly another full Assembly of celebration across so many domains.

Of course, the big event of Term 2 is the Major Production, and Mamma Mia is now a mere 3 weeks from Opening Night. Tickets went on sale on Monday across the 5 performances beginning Wednesday 18 June. With 100 students involved, this experience is one these students will always remember. We all know the story; we all know the music and putting these together in a hectic schedule of rehearsals will nevertheless produce a quality event by Opening Night. For this is a high energy, upbeat show, it is fun and engaging and inclusive for those showing their stagecraft and teamwork skills and allowing for the building of confidence and self-esteem. What also sets such events apart is its ability for community building; students, alumni, teachers and parents are all sharing the accomplishments. Sometimes you must take a chance and risk everything in order to achieve your dreams…

Major Productions over the years have allowed many a career in the performing arts to flourish.  And it will be so again this year. The future will no doubt allow some of our cast an insight to their future selves. These talented actors, singers and dancers and musicians, show the joy they are experiencing in their rehearsals.  The opportunities to learn, grow and collaborate while creating something particularly special is what we want. Therefore, I look forward to sharing the performances with you, as we surround the students with our support, encouragement, and accolades ensuring the holistic education of Pittwater House, is to the fore.  So go for it… the winner takes it all!

With the Year 10 Parent-Teacher night on Monday, we have gone through the full circle of such opportunities for meaningful discussion, and sharing, where students hear from their teachers, wisdom and tips on further improvement. I always ask students at these nights, what have you learnt and what will you start doing from tomorrow? Even a student with the highest grades, can learn to lift their bar a little higher. The timing of the Year 10 evening is crucial. For it is closely  followed by the Year 11, 2026 Subject Selection Evening… the options are vast for Stage 6 and students are so fortunate to have a wonderful insight into all that each subject offers, presented in a clear and meaningful way by teachers and Department Heads. 

It has been a challenging time coping with the weather thrust upon us. Whilst we have lamented a closed oval and incessant rain, I am sure we are all deeply aware of those in our state whose livelihoods and lives have been severely or catastrophically impacted. We have looked on in disbelief at those who a mere few years ago, suffered the same horror of mud and destruction when they returned to their homes in Taree, or the central, mid, or north coast, having been evacuated, or indeed, winched to safety. All to face the same again. Possessions lost forever. Memories and treasures gone.

So, in our lives, let us be mindful of the support structures we have at difficult times. Reach out and find ways to lend a hand to those who have limited capacity to start all over again. At Pittwater House, we have students whose big hearts show time and again, their ability to share and support. I wonder how we can best show our compassion, creativity, and initiative? 

I look forward to sharing key events with you in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, make sure you hop online… and grab your tickets for Mamma Mia…