Junior School News

From the Head of Junior School

2026 Kindness Convention 

On Wednesday 13 August, eight Year 5 students proudly represented Pittwater House at the Children’s Kindness Convention, held at Pymble Ladies’ College. Bringing together 120 students from 16 schools across Sydney, the convention provided a wonderful opportunity for young people to share ideas, explore important issues and discover how kindness can be a powerful catalyst for positive change.

Throughout the day, students engaged in thoughtful discussions about a broad range of topics affecting children, communities and the environment. These included caring for our ageing population, understanding the impact of fast fashion and the importance of sustainable choices, managing children’s screen time, recognising the value of small acts of kindness, protecting our oceans, supporting bee populations, creating green spaces in urban areas and encouraging children to lead active, healthy lives.

While the topics were varied, they were all connected by one important question: How can we use compassion, creativity and collective action to make a positive difference in the world around us?

Students were encouraged to listen respectfully to different perspectives, ask meaningful questions and appreciate that even the smallest actions can have a lasting impact. They returned to school inspired by the conversations they had shared and empowered by the knowledge that they can play a role in creating a kinder, healthier and more sustainable future.

This convention was a wonderful example of student voice and agency in action. Alongside Mrs James, I felt incredibly proud to watch our students contribute so thoughtfully to a movement that is inspiring young people across many schools. A recurring theme throughout the day was the idea of the ripple effect; how one small act of kindness, whether through action or simply a few thoughtful words, can inspire others to do the same and create a powerful "pay it forward" mindset.

In a world that is often fast-paced, filled with screens and endless distractions, it was a timely reminder for all of us, not just our children, to pause, connect and choose kindness. These lessons are just as important for adults as they are for young people.

A particularly special moment occurred at the conclusion of the day when our very own Harvey (P5), was recognised by Mrs Brown, Head of Junior School at Pymble Ladies’ College. Harvey was highlighted for the many acts of kindness he demonstrated throughout the day, noticed by staff members when he believed no one was watching. He was invited onto the stage and applauded by the entire audience. We could not have been prouder of him, as his actions beautifully reflected the very message at the heart of the convention: that genuine kindness, often shown quietly and without expectation of recognition, has the power to make a meaningful difference.

Some reflections captured the spirit of the day beautifully from our students:

“Kindness is the key to everything.” — Chloe (J5)

“Don’t watch kindness — choose kindness.” — Ivy (J5)

“Kindness always comes back.” — Holly (J5)

“Kindness costs nothing.” — Olivia (J5)

“Kindness is a ripple effect.” — Harvey (P5)

“Kindness will provide everything.” — Kaimo (P5)

“Kindness is our money.” — Harvey (P5)

“Kindness is the way to lead.” — Oscar (P5)

Extraordinary Everyday People

This week also saw the introduction of an exciting Stage 3 SRC initiative led by Ms James, Extraordinary Everyday People, our very own Human Library experience.

The premise is simple yet incredibly powerful: instead of borrowing a book, students borrow a person. Members of our Pittwater House community generously volunteered to share their stories, experiences, passions and perspectives with our students, creating opportunities for authentic conversation and meaningful learning.

As students explored the Human Library Cards and selected the people they wished to meet, they discovered that extraordinary stories can be found in the most unexpected places. From experiences of living overseas and speaking other languages to volunteering, overcoming challenges, pursuing unique careers and following personal passions, every volunteer demonstrated that each person's journey has something valuable to teach us.

The initiative beautifully reflected the values we seek to cultivate in our students. Through listening, asking thoughtful questions and engaging with different perspectives, students developed a deeper understanding of empathy, respect and the richness of human experience.

Most importantly, the Human Library reminded us that every member of our community has a story worth sharing. By taking the time to listen to others, we broaden our perspectives, strengthen our connections and learn to appreciate the diversity that makes our community so special.

Both the Children's Kindness Convention and Extraordinary Everyday People highlight the importance of looking beyond ourselves and recognising the value in every individual we meet. Whether through an act of kindness or a meaningful conversation, our students are learning that positive relationships and genuine human connection remain some of life's most important lessons. Thank you to Ms Victoria James and all the parents who dedicated their time to make this happen, your efforts make you extraordinary people and we are very grateful. 

International Day of Friendship 

Last week, our school proudly celebrated the International Day of Friendship, a special occasion dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusion and a sense of belonging within our community.

Throughout the week, students had opportunities to explore more about what it means to be a good friend and how to build strong, healthy relationships. These activities encouraged meaningful conversations about empathy, respect and the importance of positive connections with others.

Our Year Five Friend-O-Leaders also hosted a lunchtime friendship session for our K-2 students with activities such as making friendship bracelets, drawing, reading friendship stories and creating “Friendship Ninja” headbands. It was wonderful to see so many students getting involved, making new friends and demonstrating kindness towards one another.

As part of the celebrations, Junior School students were invited to participate in a “What Friendship Means to Me” creative competition. Ms Olds and the Friend-O-Leaders were blown away by the quality and thoughtfulness of the entries. Each submission highlighted the many different ways friendship can be experienced and expressed, reminding us of the value of meaningful relationships in our lives.

Congratulations to our competition winners:

• K to Year 2 Winner: Chaitanya (Kindergarten)
• Years 3 to 6 Winners: Brandon (P6B) and Chloe (J5)

Well done to all students who entered the competition and shared their inspiring ideas about friendship. Your creativity and effort made choosing winners very tricky!

While the International Day of Friendship provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate friendships across our school, it also served as an important reminder that we do not need to wait for a special day to show kindness and inclusion. Every day is a chance to reach out to others, make someone feel welcome and be the kind of friend who helps make our school a happy and supportive place for everyone.

From the Junior School PDHPE Co-ordinator

This term, students across the Junior School are continuing to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to support their health, wellbeing and participation in physical activity.

Our PDHPE program is guided by the new NSW syllabus, which places a strong emphasis on students applying their learning in authentic and meaningful contexts. Rather than simply learning sporting skills, students are developing movement competence, working collaboratively, solving problems, making informed decisions and reflecting on their learning.

In PE lessons, students are participating in a variety of units designed to develop fundamental movement skills, game strategies and confidence in movement. Throughout these experiences, students are encouraged to demonstrate resilience, communicate effectively, show respect for others and apply fair play and sportsmanship.

In PDH lessons, students continue to build their understanding of health, safety and wellbeing through age-appropriate learning experiences. They explore topics that support positive relationships, decision-making, self-management and personal growth, while developing the skills to make informed choices in everyday life.

Our aim is for every student to leave each lesson with greater confidence, improved movement skills and a deeper understanding of how healthy choices and positive relationships contribute to lifelong wellbeing.

Out and About in our Classrooms

Mrs Afshan Valani on behalf of Mrs Ciara Loughland

With Mrs Loughland on maternity leave, Mrs Valani will be sharing what is happening in the Junior School curriculum space. Each week she will be sharing different class stories.

Enjoy!

What makes Pittwater House special is the way learning extends beyond the curriculum. Every day, our educators create purposeful opportunities for students to develop not only academically, but also socially and emotionally - building the confidence, communication skills and self-awareness they need to thrive.

During Form time in Mrs Garrad’s J3 class, student voice recently shaped an important learning opportunity. The girls shared that navigating friendship challenges can sometimes be difficult, particularly knowing what to say or do when a friendship problem arises.

Using the URSTRONG Friendology framework, Mrs Garrad explored the Friend-o-Cycle and Friendship Fires, providing students with practical strategies for managing these everyday situations.

To make the learning authentic and accessible, Mrs Garrad used puppets and carefully considered friendship scenarios for role-play. This helped remove the confrontational element that can come with discussing real friendship difficulties, while giving the girls a safe space to practise conversations, consider different perspectives and build confidence.

What began with student voice became an opportunity for explicit skill building. Through discussion, modelling and role-play, students were able to practise the language and strategies they can draw upon when navigating their own friendships.

It is moments like these that capture something special about learning at Pittwater House: educators who listen, respond and intentionally create opportunities for students to grow as learners, friends and confident young people.

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