From the Head of Junior School

Welcome Back to Term 4

On behalf of the Junior School team, I hope that all students, parents and extended family enjoyed a safe and relaxing holiday break. It was wonderful to see so many smiling and eager faces charge through the school gates on Tuesday morning as students donned their summer uniform once again for the term ahead.

With numerous events scheduled for Term 4, it promises to be a jam-packed and exciting final quarter of the year, full of enriching learning experiences and opportunities for our students to hopefully make the most of.

In light of this, parents are reminded of the importance of regularly checking the School calendar this term, in conjunction with the notifications highlighted through the new ‘Parent Orbit’ app, as the final 8 weeks of the school year are sure to be an incredibly busy, yet rewarding period of time for our students.

I would like to remind all students of a famous quote regularly used by American author, Jim George, who emphasises the importance of finishing the year off on the right note: “You are not remembered for how you start the year; instead, it is for how you finish it.”

As a cohort, our Junior School children have enjoyed an excellent year thus far and all students are strongly encouraged to continue working hard and to remain focused in class for the final stretch of the 2024 school year.

All of our staff are very much looking forward to seeing the way in which students continue to challenge themselves to reach their full potential and demonstrate their best effort both within and outside of the classroom, as each child hopefully continues to flourish in all aspects of their education in the Junior School.

Staffing Update

This term, we welcome Miss Mia Christensen to the Junior School in her role as classroom teacher for J6, following the departure of Mrs Treloar. Miss Christensen has already worked across the Junior School as a casual classroom teacher and is very much looking forward to ensuring all J6 girls have a positive final term to finish their Junior School journey at Pittwater House. 

Service Learning

Already this year, I have written of several examples of Junior School students who have taken part in different Service Learning activities to assist others in need. The benefits of engaging in Service Learning are numerous as it provides a valuable opportunity for students to develop key life skills, including leadership, communication, and social responsibility. 

This term, I am excited to announce a unique Service Learning opportunity for our Year 6 students, designed to foster community involvement and personal growth. A small number of students will have the chance to participate in a weekly service activity at Collaroy Plateau Park, working alongside a selection of students from Fisher Road School.

Our students will be helping with various play-based activities designed to promote teamwork, empathy, a greater sense of community and also increase their understanding of communicating with students who have special needs.

By interacting with students from Fisher Road School, it is hoped our students will continue to learn the importance of inclusivity, compassion, and understanding different perspectives.

Several other Service Learning opportunities are also currently being planned for our Year 6 students this term, before we look to broaden these offerings to other Junior School year groups over time.

Aspire – Outside School Hours Care

A reminder that Aspire has been handpicked as the Junior School’s provider for student care outside of regular school hours. 

Aspire offers Before School (7am – 8.30am), After School (3pm – 6pm), and Holiday Care (7am – 6pm) services for all students across Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6.

Please refer to the documentation linked below for further information about the student supervision offerings being provided by Aspire:

ASPIRE OSHC

ASPIRE Flyer

To learn more about ASPIRE's services, fees, and registration process, please visit their website at https://www.aspire-oshc.com.au/pittwater-house or contact our Service Manager, Aaliyah Paki on: 0498 568 086. 

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.