From the Principal's Desk

With the end of Term, we farewell the Class of 2023.

Led superbly by Head Prefects Levi and Bridget, who each week have sat on stage in our Secondary Assembly and given such a strong presence, authority, and community focus, they have been so well supported by their team of Prefects. These students have been wonderful initiators for a range of programs that will stand as reminders of this special group. Behind these student leaders, are the Year 12 cohort. They can all be immensely proud of the legacy they have left.

We wish them well in the weeks of study ahead, including on site HSC classes for the first two weeks of the holiday Recess, prior to the first English exam in the middle of our third week of the break.

I know you will all join me in thanking these students and offering them every success now, and in the future.

Their final week of school allowed opportunities to relax poolside with some fun and a barbeque on Monday, followed by the traditional Great Race around the CBD on Tuesday and then their Valedictory Assembly on Wednesday morning. At this Assembly, our Valedictorians showcased some of their experiences, we enjoyed one last offering from the famed Shenagigans, and then we all applauded the awardees across subject and community prizes, prior to their being clapped out of the Hall for one last time. There were parents, grandparents, Alumni siblings and special friends who all wanted to applaud our senior students on a most special day in the lives of families. 

Photos by Eva, Keisha and Millie (10PDM)

Over the past few weeks, a growing number of the Class of 2023 have been receiving early entry to university courses. There are still universities yet to send out such offers, however many of the cohort will go into their exams knowing their tertiary place is secured. It is a relief yet, as always, we encourage every student to give their absolute best to prove to themselves, their capacity. With offers coming in from Sydney universities, ANU, Charles Sturt, Wollongong and Newcastle, we know that this group of students is unlikely to be together beyond the three final events: Valedictory Assembly, the compulsory English exam, and finally, the Valedictory Dinner to be held at the conclusion of the exam period. It truly marks a moment in time.

As a school, we should reflect on the past ten weeks. So many students should walk away feeling a great sense of achievement for their academic studies, their cocurricular involvement, and additionally, for their role in advancing the HEROIC values which we foster each day. The holidays should allow all students to consider goals for the coming term. In this case, it is a brief 8.5 weeks which includes examinations and final assessments for many. Of course, our current Year 11 students return to leadership of the student body, and the beginning of their HSC courses. A group of this cohort however will be undertaking HSC examinations; those who have undertaken the Accelerated Mathematics, Dance, and Studies of Religion courses. To these students, every good wish from us all.

I trust the coming three weeks will provide a much-needed time and space for refreshment, goal setting, and determination to complete 2023 in the best possible way. Whatever plans your family has, please stay safe. To the cadets going on camp, we hope you have a wonderful time undertaking your activities at Holsworthy Barracks in Week 1. To the French students journeying to New Caledonia, we hope your trip provides great scope for language development, and to the Staff supporting all these students, together with the Year 12 teachers, taking classes in the first two weeks, my gratitude to you, which I know is shared by the Pittwater House families.

I look forward to sharing the many events of Term 4 that will challenge and excite us all.

With every good wish.