News from the Junior School

From the Head of Junior School

I’m incredibly grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from both parents and students, your big smiles and open hearts have made these first two weeks truly special. From the moment I stood at the gate on day one, I felt a genuine sense of community. It’s been a joy meeting many of you at our Friday Junior School assemblies, and I’ve loved the conversations over coffee afterwards.

I’ve also appreciated the informal chats in the playground and was delighted to visit the Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club last Saturday afternoon. It was fantastic to see so many of our students wrapping up their Nippers sessions and enjoying a BBQ with their families.

Please don’t hesitate to come and say hello. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can continue to strengthen our connections and celebrate the vibrant life of our Junior School.

Looking ahead, our Junior School House News will take on a fresh format. Each edition will feature a one-page update from our Executive Team, offering insights into recent happenings and highlighting upcoming events you’ll want to save the date for! I am learning how to navigate the Pittwater House Orbit app and I am finding it so helpful in keeping me informed as to upcoming events and communication from the School. Can I please encourage you all, especially as we start to enter the end of year events, to keep an eye on the app. I would hate for you to miss anything!

Thank you again for making the beginning of my journey here so memorable, I’m excited for all that’s to come!

From the Assistant Head of Junior School

Empowering Student Voice and Leadership at Pittwater House Junior School

This week, we commenced the process for nominating the 2026 Student Leadership team. As a part of the process, Mrs Breckenridge and I met with the 2025 leadership team and asked for feedback about the nomination process and the authenticity of the roles.  It was wonderful to hear from the current leadership team. Our Student Leadership Team takes an active role in running assemblies, carnivals and House meetings, demonstrating confidence, teamwork, and a genuine pride in representing their peers. These experiences allow our leaders to develop vital communication and organisational skills while inspiring others to get involved.

At Pittwater House Junior School, student agency is at the heart of our approach to learning and wellbeing, and we provide many opportunities for all students to take the lead, make decisions, and positively influence their school community. This occurs daily, but we have many significant opportunities available. 

Our Year 5 UR Strong Friend-o-Leaders play an important role in promoting kindness, respect, and positive relationships across the playground. They model what it means to be a good friend and help younger students build strong, healthy connections.

Through our Student Representative Council (SRC), students share ideas, discuss school initiatives, and collaborate with teachers to enhance school life. This gives our students real ownership and a chance to see how their contributions can make a difference.

The Buddy Program further strengthens our community, pairing older and younger students together to foster care, confidence, and mutual respect. These relationships help build a sense of belonging and responsibility among all students.

By providing these authentic leadership opportunities, Pittwater House Junior School continues to nurture confident, compassionate, and capable young people who are ready to take on the world.

From the Junior School Curriculum Co-ordinator 

My name is Ciara Loughland, the K–6 Curriculum Co-ordinator and J5 classroom teacher. I joined Pittwater House earlier this year and have felt warmly welcomed into the community.

In this edition of HouseNews, we’re highlighting the exciting learning happening in Year 5. Students are exploring The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, a rich text full of vivid imagery, strong characters, and meaningful themes like good vs. evil and redemption. As part of this unit, students are examining key textual concepts such as Imagery, Symbol, Connotation, and Theme. These concepts, central to the revised NSW English syllabus, help students understand how texts create meaning and deepen their appreciation of literature.

To provide some insight into our English teaching and learning programs, focus texts are carefully selected to support the teaching of textual concepts. The revised NSW English syllabus was introduced in 2022, placing textual concepts at the centre of the curriculum. These concepts help students understand how texts function and how meaning is constructed. They promote deep and transferable learning about language and literature.

To help inform our families about the ‘what’ and ‘why’ below are the seven textual concepts taught across each year level as part of our English program. You may hear your child refer to these textual concepts during discussions about their learning. I encourage you to engage in these conversations to support their understanding of the texts they are studying. 

I hope you have found this helpful. Please reach out if you would like any further information regarding what your child is learning at school or if you have any ideas around communicating and informing our community on curriculum.

From the Junior School Wellbeing Co-ordinator

Fisher Road School Partnership

Throughout the year, a small group of our Year 6 students have been visiting Fisher Road School each week to build meaningful connections with students who have moderate to severe disabilities. Together, they’ve played football and T-ball, tackled obstacle courses and most importantly, formed genuine friendships. This initiative has been a highlight of our Service Learning program, fostering empathy, leadership, and joy in all involved. The first group of students didn’t want their sessions to end and it’s easy to see why, they’ve loved every moment. We are now thrilled to extend this opportunity to other Year 6 students so that more of them can experience the rewards of this special partnership.

School Camps

The excitement is building as our Years 3, 4, and 5 students head off on their overnight camps this week, with Year 6 set to follow next week. Camps provide a wonderful opportunity for students to develop independence, resilience, and teamwork as they step outside their comfort zones and try new challenges. They will return with lasting memories, new skills and stronger friendships. As always, students are reminded that they are representing Pittwater House and our expectations for respect and behaviour remain the same as they are at school. A special mention also to our Year 2 students, who enjoyed their own 'day camp' experience on Tuesday, an exciting taste of what’s to come in future years!

Bandanna Day

This Thursday, we will once again be supporting Bandanna Day to raise funds for CANTEEN, an organisation that provides vital support for young people impacted by cancer. Bandanas will be available for $7, with all proceeds going directly to this important cause. We’ll also have a handful of brave students taking part in lunchtime 'buzz cuts' on the Junior School deck to show their solidarity and help raise even more awareness. We encourage everyone to wear their bandanas proudly and take part in this act of generosity and compassion.

Wellbeing Week – Week 5

Week 5 marks our annual Wellbeing Week, with a special emphasis on reconnecting with family, friends, and the world around us. To support this initiative, students will not be assigned homework during this week. Instead, we encourage everyone to spend more time being active, enjoying the outdoors, and engaging in quality moments with loved ones. Whether it’s going for a walk, surfing, swimming, skating, playing a board game, or helping with household chores, each small action contributes to building connection and balance. At school, a variety of fun activities will be organised before school and during breaks to promote physical activity and social interaction across all grades. More details will be provided next week!

From the Junior School PDHPE Co-ordinator

Years 5 and 6 Learn to Surf 

This term our Years 5 and 6 students are excited to be taking park in Learn to Surf sessions for their Friday sport with the Manly Surf School at beautiful Long Reef Beach.

Guided by experienced instructors, students are introduced to the fundamentals of surfing, from beach safety and paddling techniques to catching their very first waves. The excitement was evident as many experienced the thrill of standing up on a surfboard for the very first time.

The program not only encourages physical activity but also promotes resilience, confidence, and respect for the ocean environment. Both the Manly Surf School instructors and our Pittwater House teachers alike were impressed with the enthusiasm, teamwork, and perseverance shown by all students throughout the session.

It was especially rewarding to see students support one another, celebrate small victories, and embrace the challenge with smiles and laughter, proving to be a lot of fun while building a collective sense of achievement.

We look forward to the upcoming sessions as our budding surfers continue to build their skills and enjoy all that the surf environment has to offer.

Year 4 Jiu Jitsu

This term the Year 4 boys are visiting the Northern Beaches Jiu Jitsu Academy as part of their Friday sports sessions. During their first session they were introduced to the fundamentals of this traditional Japanese martial art.

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, the boys learned basic techniques such as balance, movement, and self-defense skills in a safe and supportive environment. The emphasis on discipline, respect, and focus was clear throughout the session - values that align closely with our School's HEROIC values.

For many of our students, it was their first time trying Jiu Jitsu and the energy in the room was contagious. Every student gave it their all and left the mat with a smile. 

The visit was not only a fun and active way to end the week but also a great introduction to a sport that builds confidence, co-ordination, and resilience. We look forward to more opportunities like this that expand our students' horizons and encourage them to try something new.

Gymnastics 

This term for their Friday Sport sessions, our K–3 and J4 students will be jumping, balancing, and tumbling their way through an exciting series of sessions with ModBod Gymnastics.

These weekly sessions will introduce students to a wide range of Gymnastics skills in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment. From learning basic forward rolls and handstands to mastering balance beams and strength-based activities, so far students have thoroughly enjoyed developing their co-ordination, flexibility, and confidence.

Led by the energetic and encouraging ModBod coaches, each session is carefully structured to suit all skill levels, allowing every student to participate at their own pace while being challenged to try something new. It’s been fantastic to see the joy on students’ faces as they celebrate personal milestones. These sessions have not only helped improve physical literacy, but have also promoted teamwork, resilience, and a positive approach to physical activity from a young age.

With a few weeks still to go, we’re excited to see what new skills our students will unlock as they continue to roll, leap, and balance their way through the rest of the term!

 Term 4 - Save the Dates