From the Acting Principal's Desk

As 2025 draws to a close, it is a wonderful moment to reflect on the year we have shared at Pittwater House. This year has been filled with growth, achievement, and countless examples of our HEROIC values in action. From the classroom to the stage, from the sports field to community initiatives, our students, staff, and families have shown what it means to belong to a vibrant and caring school community. One of the most inspiring demonstrations of this spirit was the overwhelming response to our Christmas Toy Drive. The generosity of our families in donating new and gently used toys, games, books, and sports equipment will bring joy to many children this festive season, with all gifts delivered to Taldumande. This act of kindness reflects the heart of Pittwater House and the importance we place on giving back to the community. Thank you to our Year 12 Charity Prefects for leading this initiative.

This week, we celebrated three significant Prizegiving assemblies. On Tuesday, our Junior School Prizegiving reminded us of the power of perseverance through the story of the Thirsty Crow. Students were encouraged to take one step at a time, to keep adding their pebbles, and to never give up even when challenges seem daunting. The assembly was enriched by beautiful musical performances that showcased the talent and dedication of our young musicians, adding a sense of celebration and pride to the occasion (photos in Junior School section of newsletter). On Wednesday, our Years 7 and 8 assembly focused on the importance of a growth mindset, drawing inspiration from Michael Jordan’s journey from rejection to greatness. Students were reminded that setbacks are not the end but the beginning of improvement. Music again played a central role, with performances that highlighted the creativity and confidence of our students. Later that day, our Years 9 to 11 assembly challenged students to ask themselves, ‘Did I do my job today?’, a lesson drawn from Richie McCaw’s story of daily effort and responsibility. The music at this assembly was equally uplifting, creating an atmosphere of celebration and reflection. These messages of resilience, persistence, and intentional action will serve our students well as they continue their learning journeys. Congratulations to all our prizewinners for their achievements and dedication in 2025.

Beyond these assemblies, our calendar has been rich with events that showcase the breadth of opportunity at Pittwater House. The College Performing Arts Festival was a highlight, with Butterworth House taking home the prize and Year 10 leaders guiding younger students in choir, drama, and dance. For our Grammar students, the Year 10 Dance Off was a standout moment, full of energy, creativity, and House spirit. Grammar students also embraced new challenges with team-building at Long Reef Beach and an amazing race around Narrabeen Lagoon. Our Christmas Charity Day brought festive cheer with themed mufti and a cake stall, raising funds for Taldumande. Each of these events reflects the joy, energy, and sense of community that define our School.

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Steven Middleton, our incoming Principal and CEO, has been named to The Educator’s Hot List 2025 as one of Australia’s 50 most influential educators. This prestigious recognition heightens our anticipation for his arrival in 2026. We were also thrilled to learn last week that Pittwater House ranked second place in Northern Beaches for our 2025 NAPLAN results. We were the top independent school and the top non-selective school. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of the students and teachers at Pittwater House and also a great reflection of the rising learning culture we have in place across our School.

As we conclude the year, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff for their passion and professionalism, to our families for their unwavering support, and to our students for their effort, kindness, and curiosity. To those staff members taking leave or moving on to new opportunities, we offer our gratitude and best wishes for the future. Your contributions have left a lasting impact on our community. As we head into the holiday break, I encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones. May this festive season bring happiness and renewal, and may 2026 be a year of new opportunities and continued growth. Thank you for making 2025 a remarkable year at Pittwater House. I look forward to seeing what we will achieve together in the year ahead.

Warmest wishes for a safe and joyful holiday.