From the Deputy Principal

This week has been a wonderful celebration of House spirit, community, and engagement across the School, highlighted by our annual Swimming Carnivals and the strong return to co‑curricular life.

It was fantastic to witness the energy and enthusiasm at all three Swimming Carnivals across the week. The College Carnival for the Senior School girls took place on Monday, the Grammar Carnival for the Senior School boys on Tuesday, and the Years 3 to 6 Carnival on Wednesday. At each event, the House spirit was outstanding, with students supporting one another enthusiastically and proudly representing their Houses.

As of now, the final results for the Years 3 to 6 Carnival are still pending. However, the 2026 Swimming Carnivals have already been a resounding success, filled with fun and enjoyment. Morgan triumphed in the College Carnival, while Orrock claimed victory in the Grammar Carnival. A notable highlight was Lillie (CG12J), who astonishingly broke five records at the College Carnival. Another memorable moment was witnessing the students' triumphant victories in both Staff vs. Students relays, much to the crowd's delight. I extend my gratitude to the staff in the PDHPE and Sport Departments for organizing the events and to the PHPA parents who volunteered their time to support our students by providing a canteen.

Click here to view Years 3 to 6 Swimming Carnival photos under the Junior School PDHPE Co-ordinator heading.

Also this week, our Year 7 students headed off to their Year 7 Camp this morning and will return on Friday. The camp, held on the South Coast, provides students with a wide range of team building and adventurous activities. Most importantly, it offers a valuable opportunity early in the school year for our Year 7 cohort to truly get to know one another. In Week 4, this experience plays a vital role in breaking down barriers between students new to Pittwater House and those who have progressed from our Junior School. This camp is always a highlight of the year, and we look forward to seeing photos and reading reports as the camp progresses.

It has also been pleasing to see students well and truly back into the rhythm of our co‑curricular programmes. Bands and performing arts groups have commenced, and dance auditions took place last week. At Senior School Assembly last Friday, we were also treated to an extraordinary vocal performance by Chloe (CG12P), which showcased both her talent and confidence and was thoroughly enjoyed by students and staff alike.

In sport, our Junior School PISA teams played their first competitive fixtures of the year last Friday, while Senior School Touch Football teams began training and played their first competition games on Monday afternoon at Nolan’s Reserve. Basketball competitive games have also commenced for the season, and it has been great to see the various academies and clubs across the School all getting underway for the year.

While there has been a mix of results, and some teams are still developing new skills and combinations, a particular highlight was the Open Boys Touch Football team, who recorded a dominant 12 to 0 victory over St Paul’s Grammar. What has been especially impressive this year is the improvement in coaching resources, with our new Director of Sport bringing in additional external coaching expertise across both PISA and Touch Football programmes. The depth and skill development within our teams has been very encouraging to observe.

Students are reminded that attendance and commitment are essential aspects of co‑curricular involvement. If a student is absent due to illness during the school day, they are unfortunately not able to attend a co‑curricular game later that day. We are also placing a strong emphasis on consistent attendance at training. For teams to grow and perform well, it is essential that all members attend training and work together towards improvement. Students who miss training will start on the bench and may have limited game time.

At Pittwater House, a core focus is on belonging and character development. This is demonstrated through respect for one’s team, respect for the Pittwater House uniform, and a commitment to turning up to training even when injured and unable to play, provided students are well enough to be at school. These actions build strong team culture, reinforce identity, and reflect pride in being a Pittwater House community member.

It has been a busy and positive week across the School, and I thank our students and staff for their enthusiasm, commitment and support.