From the Principal's Desk

A warm welcome to our final nine weeks of the academic year. I trust all families were able to benefit from this break. I welcome too the new families joining our community. Please reach out to our staff to ensure all your questions are answered. I hope that the break included some fleeting moments. Fleeting moments are often not recognised at the time yet upon reflection become cherished memories; it may have been laughter, tears or whispers that become a key part of the so-called fabric of time. They shape our lives as part of the richness and depth of our combined experience; perhaps unappreciated at the time but will over time be a cherished part of our family’s story.

To Mr Goldrick, our incoming Head of the Grammar School, a particular welcome. It has been wonderful that Mr Goldrick has met with Mr Walmsley and Mrs Thomas through last term, and again in holidays, to ensure his handover has been thorough. And of course, his office is alongside that of Mr Walmsley for ongoing support. I know you will join me in welcoming Mr Goldrick to our Pittwater House family.

During the holidays, Mr Fisher began as our new Head of IT. Mr Fisher comes to us from a like role at ICMS at Manly. He knows our Beaches lifestyle and is quickly settling into this key role that impacts us all. Ms Carpenter and Mrs Paul are returning from periods of leave, and Ms Philip, Ms Bamford and Ms Cameron are with us for English, Ms Conway for French and Ms Christensen taking Mrs Treloar’s Year 6 class.

As always, the Spring Recess was busy for work on site, and for our students.

For our HSC students the past three weeks have seen their final preparations for the first English paper which was written on Tuesday; some students have exams across the full four weeks of the examination schedule, whilst others are finished in barely two weeks. Each of our students have determined their particular way of study; whether alone, in the local libraries, or a combination of a group and solo approach. I was most grateful to the HSC teachers who led revision sessions through the first two weeks of the holidays. These sessions, together with continual marking of practice papers, is key for all our students in the final stages of the long-drawn-out HSC process. I am sure that you join me in wishing all our HSC and Year 11 accelerants, every success in the days ahead. My thanks to Jake for being on hand to support our students, particularly going into their first exam.

The holidays started with a large contingent of Cadets attending the annual Camp. Thankfully they enjoyed dry weather and perfect conditions for the planned program. It is at this camp that the new rank is determined and our SUO, RSM and CUOs were all notified of their success at the end of the Camp. We will have a wonderful unit in place with SUO Lachlan and RSM James ensuring our students continue the fine tradition of the Cadet Corps at Pittwater House. And 14 of the rank had the wonderful opportunity last weekend to attend Holsworthy Base to undertake a live firing experience.

A contingent of our girls set off for Christchurch in Week 1 of the break for our inaugural international Netball Tour. Over a three-day International Netball Festival, our girls played approximately 9 games each against teams from Australia, Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand. We had teams in each of U13, U15 and U18 groups. The competition was tough; however, the girls impressed our coaches, and the organisers with their never-say-die attitude. It was a marvellous learning experience, and we are always so proud of our student’s demeanour, and resilience. The acknowledgements from parents at the conclusion of the trip was much appreciated by the accompanying staff. A particular thanks to Mrs Sue Grigg for her organisation and oversight.

Congratulations to Year 10 students who on the final day of Term 3, undertook our annual Mullets for Mental Health event. All the proceeds were for the Black Dog institute.

Organisation of the event sat with the Year 10 leadership team with Xavier, Nehan, Tilly, Erica, Charlotte and Gemma working particularly hard to achieve a great outcome.

Sincere thanks must go to Cordony Hair for supplying the highly professional hair stylists; to Lara Batton, Claudine Cordony, Lucia Husband and Gabriella Dan, thank you so very much for your wonderful support.

Term 4 is a very busy 9-week term. Our Year 6 students’ journey to Canberra this week and through the Term there are another 4-year groups out in the bush. Of course, it is a term of assessments and ensuring everyone works with determination and commitment until the very last teaching day in December. 

I look forward to the many opportunities through the term of greeting you, and naturally seeing you all at our Christmas Fair on Saturday 30 November.

May it be a happy and productive time for you all.