From the Deputy Principal

We are now in Week 3 of Term 2, and the term is already progressing quickly with a number of important academic and co‑curricular milestones taking place.

Last week saw the completion of the Year 8 Parent–Teacher Interview Evening, which was a very successful occasion. These evenings provide an invaluable opportunity for families and teachers to engage in meaningful conversations about student progress, learning habits and next steps. We look forward to continuing these discussions with our senior cohorts, with the Year 12 Parent–Teacher Evening taking place next Monday, followed by the Year 10 evening in Week 5 on Tuesday 19 May.

Next week also brings some outstanding extension opportunities for our students. Selected Year 7 and 8 students will represent the School at the Da Vinci Decathlon on Tuesday, with Year 5 and 6 students competing on Thursday. The Da Vinci Decathlon is a highly regarded inter‑school academic competition that challenges students to work collaboratively across ten disciplines, including mathematics, science, engineering, English, creative problem‑solving and ideation. The competition places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, teamwork and higher‑order problem‑solving, and brings together students from schools across New South Wales in a spirit of academic challenge and respectful competition. We commend all participating students for embracing this demanding and enriching experience.

On Tuesday evening next week, we will also host the Year 8 Time and SpaceEvent. This valued Father and Child event provides an important opportunity for shared reflection, conversation and connection during the middle years. It complements the Mother and Child event conducted in Year 7, and continues our commitment to building strong relationships between students, families and the School.

I have now completed reading all Year 12 academic mid‑year reports, which will be distributed shortly. It has been extremely pleasing to see the level of effort many students are applying to their studies, alongside the thoughtful and constructive feedback provided by their teachers. We strongly encourage students and parents to use this information, together with feedback from the Parent–Teacher Evening, to refine goals and plans for maximising improvement as students move into the final stages of their schooling in the lead‑up to the HSC.

A reminder to families about the importance of students becoming actively involved in the wide range of co‑curricular clubs and activities on offer at the School. There is almost something happening every day of the week, and these opportunities play a vital role in developing teamwork, confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.

It was particularly pleasing to see the enthusiasm of students at the Secondary Chess Club on Monday lunch, where the atmosphere was one of genuine excitement and focus. Students were especially engaged as they watched one of their peers confidently challenge our Chess Master, Mr Matthew Jones, in a closely contested game. Moments such as these highlight the value of co‑curricular programs not only in skill development, but also in fostering passion, commitment and positive peer connection. We encourage parents to continue supporting and prompting students to sign up for co‑curricular activities that align with their interests and strengths, as these experiences are a vital complement to classroom learning.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind families of the importance of safe bicycle practices, particularly the consistent use of helmets. Students must wear helmets when riding bikes, and this includes ensuring that any passenger they are riding with is also wearing a helmet.

Earlier this week, there was a very close call involving a child and a motor vehicle at the zebra crossing on Campbell Avenue near or school. While no Pittwater House student was involved, it serves as a timely reminder of the need for vigilance, riding safely, wearing a helmet at all times, and exercising care when crossing roads, even at designated pedestrian crossings. We ask parents to reinforce these messages regularly with their children, as student safety remains a shared responsibility. We will continue to push these messages at school.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership with the School.