From the Principal's Desk

What a week!  We have been entertained, enthralled, and the lives of our performers enriched as a result of their involvement in our biennial Major Production. Walking into our Hall that had been transformed was merely the start. The professionalism of the production, in all guises, was amazing. We were treated visually, artistically, and musically; our students have taken their place on the stage and owned it. They brought the story to life; and they had passion, energy and their delivery came from their heart. The students showed talent and grace and their hard work has given us all memories, music and magic.

This will be something shared by those involved long into their futures. Sincerest thanks to Mr Hardy, Ms Wenman, Ms Finlay, Ms Humphries, Mrs Colless, Mr Abraham, Ms Leong and their team of supporters, with the overall Executive Producer, Mr Walmsley. To the cast of 80 students and the stage managers, we owe you an enormous round of applause. The strength of our vocalists shone, and those toe-tapping tunes we all know, coupled with the glitz and creativity of costuming, and the fantastic set, drew the eye. Parents were agog. And we are all deeply appreciative of the countless hours the Staff have put into the final production. Your guidance, mentoring and encouragement have created a stage of stars.

Let some photos from the performances take over… 

We are indebted to you all.

Whilst this was happening, the project to be unveiled on Foundation Day, Day 1 of Term 1, was taking shape. Let us just say that red, white and blue were all over the place… creating something new, eye catching, and vibrant, are hallmarks of our Foundation Day projects over the years and 2025 will not disappoint. I deeply appreciate the work of Ms Wenman and Ms Kemp in supporting this latest addition to our Hall. All will be unveiled on Foundation Day.

Foundation Day Relay

I invite all parents to the traditional Foundation Day Relay to take place at the conclusion of the Foundation Day Assembly. You are all welcome to take your place on the Hall Balcony at 12.30pm to watch what is possibly my favourite event of the year… bringing together, as it does, representatives from every class from Kindergarten to Year 12, running their hearts out for their House. Another wonderful showing of Red, White and Blue. Who will take out the prize for the Girls, and the Boys, this year?

The Junior School Athletics Carnival was held last week on a truly magnificent Sydney day. The day started very crisply(!) yet with bright blue sky the entire day, and we were treated to perfect conditions as all students ran, threw, jumped and engaged in friendly but highly competitive activities. The photos that follow are surely the best way to show the extent of fun and joy the students experienced. 

And in this final week of the Term, and Semester, there is more wonder at stake. The Junior School Performing Arts Night showcased the wonderful music, dance and drama from our younger students. I know you will join me in applauding all students, and their fabulous teachers under the guidance of Ms Tamatea… all of whom have seamlessly pivoted from our academic focus through the term, to the athletic sports last week, to the Performing Arts this week. We have been challenged though by a very large number of absentees. There are some horrid bouts of flu and COVID plaguing us. I think that sums up the focus we have across so many domains to ensure our students are provided with every opportunity to shine, and to participate and find what may be their lifelong passion.

It was another very crisp (!) morning at Narrabeen for the Secondary Athletics Carnival, yet unlike the Junior event last week, Wednesday was extremely windy. This did not dampen the spirits, the focus or the colour; and it was another marvellous day bringing great results, House spirit, and much fun for the students; it was a great way to edge toward the end of of term. I hope the photos provide a taste of the day we all enjoyed. Again, my gratitude is extended to the Staff, under the direction of Mr Richard Upton, and of course logistically, Mr James Walmsley, who have all had an extraordinarily busy and highly successful Term.

The coming three-week Semester break is a time for all students to review their learning as they read their reports carefully crafted by their teachers. I urge all students to set targets for what lies ahead. For our HSC students, these weeks provide important study focus for their Trials that are now beckoning. They need to ensure their study is consistent, measured, and covers all that is asked of them by their teachers. There will be classes in some subjects and those undertaking major projects will need to push through with the depth of time this needs. I wish you all well and for those travelling, I hope it is refreshing, and above all else, safe.   

Additionally I would like to take a moment to say thanks to our Pittwater House parents who give their time as PHPA volunteers. We appreciate your help supporting our School community. This term we would like to say particular thanks to the following volunteers:

Glynis Clarke 

Nia Kirkham 

Clare Van De Wall

Rebecca Santos

Zoe DeVito

I would urge anyone who would like to get involved with the PHPA, please email: PHPAvolunteer@tphs.nsw.edu.au

I look forward to welcoming you back on Campus for another action packed and joyful Term 3. My warmest wishes to you all, and thanks for all our community has achieved, and continues to achieve. As I reflect on the depth of student engagement, and success this Term, I could not be more proud.