From the Principal's Desk

What a treat!

The much-anticipated Junior School Performing Arts Night is one of ‘the’ events of the year. And we were not disappointed. Pictures speak louder than words in this instance. The sheer joy of capturing the stage and conquering any uncertainty is an important skill to develop, thus all students are to be commended. Sincerest thanks to our wonderful Staff in their support over many weeks, headed by our Co-ordinator of Performing Arts, Mr Cosentino, and Co-ordinator of Dance and Drama, Mrs Tamatea. Ably supported by all members of the Performing Arts and Dance and Drama teams, with excellent skills from our Sound and Light student team, it was the culmination of a semester of focus, and frenzied final, finishing touches. Congratulations. 

After two false starts for the Secondary School, and one for the Junior School, I really hope we can all enjoy the combined Athletics Carnival on Friday, our last day of Term. The Carnival is a compulsory day of School attendance so please do not be complicit in compromising the day by allowing your child an additional day of ‘holidays’. Such behaviour would set a poor example of our HEROIC Core Values. We can not all be Olympic athletes, yet we can be fine, supportive members of the Pittwater House community, participating to the best of our ability, and cheering those who excel on the track and in field events. 

As we go into a much needed, and valued, Winter Recess, I wish you the time and space to rest and reflect on what the Semester has provided for your family. There have been so many outstanding moments. I am in the process of reading every student report and can thus see the academic journey, achievements, and areas needing improvement, for all. Pastoral comments too are key in ensuring all students make the most of the deep opportunities available. The holiday recess is time for solid conversations with your child, with praise, and challenge noted, and a set of goals to be implemented on the return to Semester 2. Of course our Year 12 students will be focused on their Trial Examinations not long after the start of Term 3.

I cannot let a significant moment pass, without comment. This break is a poignant time for a group of our Cadets, who, with Captain Blackwell, and Cadet Staff, are walking the Kokoda Trail through the Owen Stanley Range in New Guines. They have been preparing for this significant physical challenge for months. With hot, humid days, cold nights, torrential rainfall and tropical diseases, to be conquered, those making the trek require great preparation. We wish you well.

When we return for Term 3, as always, we celebrate our School's Foundation. Founded in 1961, we proudly acknowledge our history and our future on this day. It is a time to be creative and our Head Prefects, Nick and Sienna have spearheaded a project to be unveiled on the day. Both the Junior and the Secondary Assemblies will be followed by the Foundation Day Relay which for many of us is our favourite event of the whole year. Let us hope the weather will be kind for the Relay, which encompasses 3 selected students from each level of Kindergarten to Year 12. I am sure some of you will want to cheer on your sons and daughters. Selected students will be told of their participation at the conclusion of the Athletics Carnival on Friday.

My thanks and best wishes to all Pittwater House families, and Staff for all the Semester has offered. If you are travelling, stay safe.