Update from Pittwater House - leading with legacy

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the first edition of the Pittwater House Alumni Newsletter. This marks another important milestone for our School in what has been a year of firsts - not least of which was the inaugural Alumni Social held in July. It was a joy to see former students reconnect, share memories, and celebrate the enduring spirit of Pittwater House.

As we strengthen our ties with the broader alumni community, it is fitting that we also welcome our newest members, the Class of 2025. On Wednesday, 17 September, they gathered for their Valedictory Assembly - a deeply meaningful moment as they prepared to graduate and embark on the next chapter of their lives. We wished them every success as they completed their final HSC preparations. Their final week of school is always one filled with reflection, anticipation and emotion. A time that many of our graduates will carry with them and recount for decades to come.

Our School continues to evolve, shaped by the traditions we honour and the innovations we embrace. Recent weeks have seen several highlights, including the recognition of our graduating cadets. Despite the rain requiring a scaled-down Ceremonial Parade in the Hall, the spirit of the occasion was undiminished. The Awards Ceremony and the formal Mess Dinner at Victoria Barracks were standout events - moments that parents, staff and students alike will remember with pride. I extend my sincere thanks to our Reviewing Officer, Colonel Matt Stevens - a Pittwater House alumnus whose ongoing support of our Cadet Unit has been invaluable. Now serving as Director within the Australian Army Special Forces Group, Colonel Stevens represents the calibre and character we hope all our students aspire to.

For those alumni who may not have had the opportunity to visit in recent years, the campus itself has begun its Masterplan transformation, including the upgrade of our pool facilities, the extension of the West and South Wing balconies in the Senior School, the transformation of our former Early Childhood Centre into a Junior School Discovery Hub for Pre-Kindy – Year 1 students, and the creation of the kiss-and-drop driveway, which doubles as a vibrant playground area outside of drop-off and pick-up times.

As I prepare to conclude my tenure and return to my hometown of Melbourne, I find myself reflecting on the many milestones that have defined my 15 years at Pittwater House. I am especially proud that, during this time, our enrolments have grown by over 70%, a reflection of the trust placed in us by families and the strength of our School community. Our current NSW school ranking of 49, our commitment to holistic education, and our strong academic and co-curricular programs continue to speak to the calibre of our students and staff.

I leave knowing Pittwater House is in capable hands. I extend my best wishes to Dr Steven Middleton, who will assume the role of Principal in 2026. I have every confidence he will continue to lead with integrity and vision.

Thank you for your continued connection to Pittwater House. Our legacy is not fixed - it evolves, and it lives on in each of you.

Warm regards,

Dr Nancy Hillier

Principal