From the Deputy Principal

It has been a busy and rewarding period in the Senior School, and as we move towards the end of term, it is timely to reflect on the many opportunities our students continue to embrace with enthusiasm, care and a strong sense of community.

Over the weekend, many of our Senior students and staff took part in the Head Above Water swimathon at Collaroy Rock Pool. It was a powerful demonstration of commitment, resilience and community connection, with students from across the year groups supporting an important cause focused on mental health and wellbeing. The enthusiasm and teamwork on display, both in and out of the water, was impressive and speaks volumes about the way our students engage with opportunities beyond the classroom. We thank all students, staff and families who supported this initiative through participation, volunteering or fundraising.

This spirit of service and connection will continue on Friday with our Senior School Mufti Day and Harmony Day Bake Sale. Students participating in Mufti Day are encouraged to wear either orange, the symbolic colour of Harmony Day, or clothing that represents a country or culture, such as a national team jersey, colours of a country they support, or something connected to their heritage. Students who choose to wear Mufti are required to bring a gold coin donation, which they will give to a member of the Prefect team as they enter the assembly on Friday.

Harmony Day provides a valuable opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity, inclusion and belonging within our community, and we encourage students to engage positively and thoughtfully throughout the day. The Senior School celebrations will nicely support the amazing work the Junior School has done in this space this week, which Mrs Breckenridge speaks further about in her article. 

A reminder to families that Parent–Teacher evenings are approaching. The Year 9 Parent-Teacher evening will be held tonight, followed by Year 11 on Tuesday night next week. The Year 7 Parent-Teacher evening will take place on Tuesday in Week 10. Bookings will open for the Year 7 families early next week. As is our expectation at Pittwater House, students attend these evenings with their parents and are required to be in full school uniform.

It was also a pleasure on Wednesday morning to welcome almost 100 parents to the campus for the first of our Senior School Open Mornings for Senior School entry next year. The confidence, warmth and authenticity with which our students spoke about their experiences at Pittwater House was outstanding. They were exemplary ambassadors for the school, and it is a privilege to work in an environment where students so naturally and proudly articulate their learning, relationships and sense of belonging.

As we now enter the final two weeks of term, it is always a timely reminder to our students of the importance of finishing well. A strong focus on our HEROIC core values, particularly Excellence, Respect and Community, helps ensure we make the most of the many opportunities available to us, both in and out of the classroom. By striving for high standards, showing care and consideration for others, and contributing positively to the life of the school, our students continue to strengthen the culture that makes Pittwater House such a special place to learn. We encourage all students to remain engaged, supportive of one another, and committed to doing their best as the term draws to a close.