From the Head of Junior School

World Teachers’ Day

Last Friday, 25th October, marked an important day in the global education calendar for students and staff alike; World Teachers' Day! This special occasion holds great significance for educators as it offers a platform to reflect on the transformative power of schooling and the crucial role teachers play in this process.

As educators listen to and empower students in an ever-evolving societal landscape, it’s important to reflect on a few key tenants of education that remain steady, even in the face of seemingly constant change. Some of these important hallmarks include: 

Cultivating critical thinking – 

Education is not just about memorising facts; it's about developing critical thinking skills. Teachers encourage students to question, analyse and evaluate information critically. In celebrating this day, educators reaffirm their commitment to nurturing independent thinkers.

Developing creativity –

Creativity is the cornerstone of innovation. Teachers inspire creativity in their students, fostering the next generation of artists, inventors and problem solvers. In fact, 65% of students cite doing and creating as the most effective methods of learning. World Teachers' Day underscores the importance of fostering creativity and innovation in education.

Fostering academic integrity – 

Teachers instil a strong sense of academic integrity and ethical behaviour in their students. They teach the importance of honesty, originality and responsible research. World Teachers' Day emphasises the need for nurturing not only intellectual growth, but also ethical development.

Promoting literacy – 

Teachers are the torchbearers of literacy. They introduce students to the world of diverse books and knowledge, opening doors to a lifetime of learning. On World Teachers' Day, educators are reminded of their pivotal role in helping students become proficient readers and writers.

We are enormously proud of our teachers in the Junior School. They impart far more than the curriculum they are asked to deliver; they impart vital life-lessons for the students in their daily care. Our teachers ultimately shape your children into young adults of substance and significance who we can all be proud of as Pittwater House students.

Year 6 Camp

Recently, our Year 6 students undertook an educational tour of our nation’s capital city, Canberra. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s culture, democracy, heritage and history. Below, are several summaries of the Year 6 Canberra camp experience written by several students from each class.

Madison (J6)

After we arrived on the first day of camp, we went to the National Capital Exhibition, and we learnt all about the history of Canberra. Next, we went to New Parliament House and learnt about the House of Representatives and the Senate. Finally, we went to the motel for the night. 

The next morning, we went to the War Memorial and heard interesting stories about the bravery of Aussies at war. Then, we took a bus to orienteering at the National Arboretum where we had recess. They gave us a map with numbers on it and the same numbers were hung on trees and bushes around the arboretum, so we had to find them all. Next, we went to the National Museum where they taught us about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ culture and showed us some artworks about plastic in our oceans.  

After that, we had a lunch break and went to Questacon! Questacon was amazing as we got to see exhibits about the weather, the earth, Lego, and much more. There was a giant slide where we hung from a bar over a slope, before letting go and sliding down, but I was too scared to go on it. After Questacon we were all really tired, so we went back to the motel for showers and dinner. 

After dinner we went to Zone bowling! We got spilt into groups of five and we played one round. This was one of the best parts of camp because we got to spend time with each other and reflect on the other parts of camp with our friends. After bowling we went back to the motel and headed to bed.  

On the last day of camp, we went to the Australian Institute of Sport, and we got to see where some Olympians trained like the gymnastics and volleyball training areas, the swimming pool and the gym. After we finished looking around, we went to a games room where we got to play on different sports simulators, which was great. After that we drove back to school. Camp was a great experience overall and something we will always remember!

Annie (J6) –

Year 6 camp was a very informative and educational journey throughout Canberra.

On the first day, we were on the bus and stopped at Goulburn for recess and a little morning snack. After nearly 4 hours, we hopped off the bus and went directly to the National Capital Exhibition, where we learnt about how our Nation’s capital was formed with interactive displays and ideas. Following that, we went to Parliament House where we got to learn about how Parliament in Australia works, as well as participate in a role play of how bills would be passed for laws.

When we arrived at our motel we were greeted by lush artificial plants and a dining room with a mini dance floor. However, the exhilaration soon wore off and we got ready for bed. Unfortunately, the time on the air conditioner was very off. Instead of waking up at what we presumed was 4:30am, it was actually closer to 2am.

After that rough night and breakfast, we departed to the War Memorial and saw a dedication/memorial being held for a fallen soldier. We learnt numerous facts on the tolls and events of war. Next in line was the National Arboretum. Stepping out of the bus was a movie-like scene as the scenery around us looked too staged, too picture-perfect and pristine to be true. Trees were lined up like soldiers, standing tall even against some breezy winds. I initially thought that we were going to be learning about trees and hiking in the woods, but it turned out, it was more like map-reading. Personally, I loved it. To read a perplexing map, then find the clue was so fun, to feel like you found the treasure and the ‘loot’ by yourself. I think that was my most enjoyable experience of camp.

Probably the most anticipated feature of Year 6 camp was Questacon! Every gallery was filled to the brim with fun facts and activities. There was a slide you had to go on and a 4-person air hockey table which was amazing.

Day 3 was the day to go home and after a few activities at the AIS we headed back to school. However, this was not before playing in a park in Goulburn where we also passed a giant ram statue.

Overall, I really enjoyed Year 6 camp. It was very factual, but also extremely enjoyable!

Andrew and Max (P6B) –

On Tuesday morning, the 15th of October, at 7:15am, the Year 6 students of Pittwater House left school, heading towards the nation’s capital, Canberra. After a long three-hour drive, our first stop was the Canberra Visitor Centre, where we learned about the history of Canberra and how it was named and mapped. We discovered that "Canberra" actually means "meeting place" in the local Indigenous language, which is why it was chosen as the city's name. Our second activity was visiting Parliament House, where we saw where the Parliament sits and makes decisions for all Australians.

The second day was very fun and exciting. The first thing we did was visit the War Memorial, where we learnt about wars and remembered the people who fought and lost their lives. The second activity was at the National Museum of Australia, which everyone found very interesting. Our third activity was orienteering at the National Arboretum, where we went on a scavenger hunt to see who would win. Then we visited Questacon, a fun and interactive science centre where everyone had a great time. Our final activity for the day was bowling, where we all enjoyed ourselves.

Before returning home, we visited the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), where we saw where athletes train. There was also an interactive section at the AIS where we could try different sports, which was really enjoyable. Finally, we arrived back at school after an incredible and memorable experience in Canberra.

Charlie (P6R) –

This trip to Canberra was one of the most fun camps I've been on. Many of the activities were engaging and interesting, for example, Questacon, which was an entertaining yet educational experience. 

Many students also found the museums, like the War Memorial and the National Australian Museum fascinating.

The motel was enjoyable, with well-proportioned beds too. The food was alright and breakfast was my highlight. 

I enjoyed the Australian Institute of Sport the most out of all the places we visited because we got to practise on virtual machines, and we could try out unique sports like skiing and rowing. I also liked seeing where the professional athletes train and work out. 

I would like to thank all of the teachers who helped us during the trip.

Oscar (P6R) –

Year 6 camp was a blast for me, from being with my friends at the motel to seeing all the facilities at the Australian Institute of Sport, let alone the fun activities we did at Questacon. Out of everywhere we went down in Canberra, the War Memorial was my favourite by far and something I will always remember.

Ultimately, it was wonderful to hear how much students benefitted from this 3-day Canberra camp experience and I have no doubt that these memories mentioned by the students in their summaries above will be cherished for years to come. 

Please note that the Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to Pittwater House in the amount of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program. The rebate is paid directly to the School upon completion of the excursion.

Aspire – Outside School Hours Care

A reminder that Aspire has been handpicked as the Junior School’s provider for student care outside of regular school hours. 

Aspire offers Before School (7am – 8.30am), After School (3pm – 6pm), and Holiday Care (7am – 6pm) services for all students across Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6.

Please refer to the documentation linked below for further information about the student supervision offerings being provided by Aspire:

To learn more about ASPIRE's services, fees, and registration process, please visit their website at https://www.aspire-oshc.com.au/pittwater-house or contact our Service Manager, Aaliyah Paki on: 0498 568 086. 

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: glenn.stephenson@tphs.nsw.edu.au or phone: 9981 4400 and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.