From the Head of Junior School

English and Mathematics Groups

Throughout the course of 2024 thus far, the Junior School team has spent a considerable amount of time reviewing our own educational practices and identifying areas we can improve upon across all operational aspects to ensure we reach our strategic goals. In line with current educational research and best-practice models, one such change we are delighted to announce is the commencement of English and Mathematics groups across Years 4 – 6, otherwise known as the ‘HEROIC Headways’ program. 

Intentionally grounded in our learning framework, this program builds upon the principles of ‘Deep Learning’ and provides students with opportunities to develop their skills across the six global competencies, igniting a path of progressive learning. 

As a staff, we recognise that each student is unique and brings their own level of knowledge and understanding to these two subject-specific lessons. We also know that this will change over time, and it is therefore important for our staff to be responsive to the individual development students make, whether that relates to extra support or extension being required. As such, these groups will be fluid and students may indeed change classes throughout the course of the year to ensure they remain in the best learning environment possible to continue their educational journey.  

Beginning next week, our student groups across Years 4 – 6 will be held within each year group and potentially be co-educational, depending on the results of the data analysis and individual profile review currently being conducted by teachers. The groups will be smaller in number to your child’s usual class size, resulting in more personalised attention for each student, and they may occur in a different teaching space to the regular classroom. Our English and Mathematics groups will take place twice per week and involve a number of staff across the whole school in order to ensure that our students are receiving the best possible support and extension from suitably trained teachers. Importantly, there will also be synergy between the work covered during these sessions and the knowledge and skills explored by students during their ‘regular’ English and Mathematics lessons. 

Parents can be assured that any changes made to the student groups will be based on sound assessment data collected and be clearly communicated with students so that they know exactly what the next steps are on their own learning journey. There will also be various opportunities for parents to discuss the progress made by their child with her/his specific English and/or Mathematics teacher throughout the remainder of the year ahead. 

For many students new to the school, grouping for specific subjects will not be a foreign concept. Ultimately, it is our aim to ensure that the Junior School teachers involved in our English and Mathematics groups are able to cater for the needs of the students they teach in the most meaningful and effective way possible. Quite simply, the formation of English and Mathematics groups across Years 4 – 6 will allow for this to occur.  

I would kindly ask all parents to remember the importance of emphasising the individual growth of their child above her/his overall academic achievement. As a teaching team, we are very excited to begin the implementation of this beneficial educational model for students and we look forward to working with parents to effectively support the development of their children. On a personal note, I am also very eager to work with a group of ‘lucky’ Year 6 students in Mathematics and witness the progress that I’m hopeful they will make in this subject throughout the remainder of 2024! 

Theodore Roosevelt once said that 'comparison is the thief of joy.' One could strongly argue that never a truer collection of words was spoken, especially when applied to the context of education. Your children are individuals, hitting milestones when ‘they’ are ready to hit milestones, achieving what ‘they’ are ready to achieve next ‘themselves’. Comparing them to others in their year group, or older/younger siblings is unhelpful at best, and damaging at its worst. I would therefore urge parents to avoid comparisons between your child/ren and other students at all costs! 

We sincerely appreciate your continued commitment and support as we strive to enhance the educational experience for all students across the Junior School at Pittwater House.   

Should you have any questions or require further clarification about the points outlined above, please feel free to contact me directly. 

Student Uniform Requirements

Given that we are now in Term 2, our students are currently wearing their winter uniform at school. This is obviously different to the summer uniform worn last term, so I would like to take the time to reinforce necessary uniform requirements. 

Please click here to view a document that has been created for all students and parents in order to assist with understanding school uniform expectations for each year group across the school.

At Pittwater House, we believe that wearing the correct school uniform plays a crucial role in fostering a positive and conducive learning environment, while also promoting the school in an encouraging light throughout the wider community. The uniform policy has been carefully created and student adherence to this is important for a number of reasons.

The uniform eliminates socio-economic distinctions among students, fostering a sense of equality and inclusivity within our school community. Regardless of background, all students are equal when they wear the same attire. Following a dress code instills discipline and responsibility among students. By adhering to uniform guidelines, students learn to respect rules and regulations, which is a valuable life skill. They also develop habits and attitudes necessary for success in future academic and professional settings and learn the importance of dressing appropriately for different environments. Furthermore, eliminating the pressure of fashion choices allows students to focus more on their learning. When everyone dresses uniformly, there's less distraction, enabling students to concentrate better in the classroom. Finally, wearing the school uniform fosters a sense of pride and belonging within our School community. It symbolises unity and identity, strengthening students' connection to the overall Pittwater House community.

We kindly request parental cooperation in ensuring that your child wears the correct school uniform each day. Your support in reinforcing our policy at home is invaluable in maintaining a positive and unified school culture that we can all be proud of.

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: glenn.stephenson@tphs.nsw.edu.au or phone: 9981 4400 and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.