Junior School News

From the Acting Head of Junior School

I hope that all our Junior School families enjoyed the long weekend.  As we move into the second half of Term Two, there is a building sense of energy and engagement across the School.  Perhaps it has something to do with Performing Arts Night.  From exciting excursions and performances to enriching classroom learning and community events there is so much occurring. It has been a busy and rewarding few weeks.  Our students continue to impress us with their enthusiasm, creativity, and care for one another. Thank you to our Staff and families for the ongoing support—it truly makes a difference. We look forward to the weeks ahead as we continue learning, growing, and celebrating together.

Please enjoy a snapshot of some of the exciting opportunities our students have been engaged in over the past two weeks. 

Years 4 to 6 Dance Company Rehearsals

Every Thursday morning, the Junior School Dance Group gathers for rehearsals, where they have been working on a powerful and meaningful piece that expresses respect for the Traditional Custodians of our land – the Indigenous peoples of Australia.

Through movement and storytelling, the group has explored the deep cultural connections to the elements of Country: air, earth, water, and fire. Their performance reflects the understanding that caring for the land is a shared responsibility. When we look after the land, the land, in turn, looks after us. We look forward to sharing this special piece with our school community soon.

Lunch Time Lego Club

During lunchtime on Mondays in the junior school, the LEGO Club buzzes with creativity and excitement as students gather to build, imagine, and collaborate. Held once a week in the J2 classroom, the club offers a fun and relaxed environment where children can express their ideas through imaginative structures, from towering castles to futuristic robots. With a wide variety of LEGO bricks and themed kits available, students of all skill levels work together, problem-solve, and share their creations with pride. The club not only sparks creativity but also helps develop teamwork, fine motor skills, and confidence.

Sydney Academy of Chess – Interschools Challenge

On Monday 26 May, selected students from Years 3 to 6 entered the local heat for the Sydney Academy of Chess Interschools Chess Challenge at Cromer Community Centre. Xavier, Ernest, Kenneth, Harvey, Leo, James, Ryan, Flynn and David spent the day competing against 100 students from 8 local schools in 7-round Swiss-style tournament, showcasing their strategic thinking and sportsmanship. A big congratulations to Kenneth (P4) for making the Primary Prizewinners list and achieving 5th place against 100 other participants on the day. 

Debating Update

During Week 5, our two HICES debating teams participated in Round Three of the HICES debates. The girls’ team had a very engaging and interesting debate on why school canteens should provide insects to eat. At first, we thought this topic would be quite challenging and complex but after discussing our arguments we worked through each point thoroughly step by step. The boys’ debate was also extremely intriguing as all their speakers spoke fluently and with purpose. 

Both teams worked together to build an effective, robust debate and were able to rebut the opposing team’s case on the day. The debates were extremely close. In the end, we were relieved and excited to hear that we won both of our debates against Newcastle Grammar School.  It was very close, and both teams had some great points. Overall, both the girls' and boys' teams did really well, and we had lots of fun.

Rose (J6)

National Reconciliation Week - Didjeribone Performance 

During Reconciliation Week, our Junior School classes took time to reflect on the 2025 theme of Bridging Now to Next. The theme reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future – learning from the past to look ahead and push forward together on the reconciliation journey. During reconciliation week, each class developed a reflection on Australia’s reconciliation journey and where we may take it in the future. 

On Tuesday 3 June, we welcomed Queensland based international performer Adrian Fabila Tjupurrula – also known as Tjupurru, a descendant of the Djabera Djabera Tribe of the Western Australian Kimberly region. Inspired by the music of Gondwanaland, Tjupurru first began his career with the didgeridoo learning to play through a vacuum cleaner pipe as a child at school. Our Junior School students were captivated by Tjupurru’s funny storytelling as well as the amazing sounds he could make! He even accompanied our students as they sang Happy Birthday to the recent J6 birthday girl, Izzy!

Year 5 Ratburger Excursion

Our Year 5 students enjoyed a fantastic excursion to see Ratburger The Musical at the Glenn Street Theatre. Based on David Walliams' hilarious and heartwarming book, the performance was packed with catchy songs, colourful characters, and plenty of laughs. The students were captivated by the energetic cast and creative staging, and it was a wonderful opportunity to connect their classroom learning with live performance. A big thank you to the staff who helped make this memorable experience possible.

Marble Run Year 5 

Last week, Year 5 students were studying forces in motion in science. For a fun and hands-on project, we all gathered different materials to make marble runs. We made awesome designs and had our Year 1 buddies come over to test out our designs and vote on their favourite design. 

Toby (P5J)

Year 5 are learning about Forces in Motion. We brought in materials to build a marble run with a partner. Some of us had successful designs meanwhile others needed more support to make some changes. We all tried our hardest and we all did an amazing job!

 Andrew (P5J)

Student Success - CIS State Softball Championships

Congratulations to Rose (J6), on her outstanding performance at the recent CIS Softball Championships! Competing as part of the CIS team, Rose helped secure an historic win, with the team going undefeated throughout the tournament and claiming the championship title for the very first time.

Rose had an exceptional tournament, showcasing her skill and composure as a pitcher - delivering crucial strikeouts under pressure and playing a key role in her team's success. A special highlight was Rose being selected as one of the flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony, a proud and memorable moment. We are also thrilled to share that Rose's achievements have earned her a place on the State team. Congratulations, Rose, we’re incredibly proud of you!

Calling all Proud Parents

I love celebrating the achievements of our students, both in and outside of school.  If your child has experienced a recent success, whether in sport, the arts, academics, or community activities, and you would like to share it with our School community, please feel free to email myself or Mrs Hartley on brooke.hartley@tphs.nsw.edu.au  

I’d be delighted to highlight their accomplishments in Assembly or HouseNews. 

After School Care

Please remember to book in advance for After School Care.  Places are limited and some afternoons are reaching capacity. 

All permanent bookings will roll over to Term 3 unless you cancel your permanent booking.

Please register permanent and casual bookings for your child by sending an email to: TPHSASC@tphs.nsw.edu.au  

For enquiries during TPHSASC operational hours (3.00pm to 5:30pm) please call Rachel Simons on: 9972 5775.

Holiday Camps Booking 

Over the school holidays, Pittwater House will be hosting school holiday programs run by ‘Code Camp’. A printed brochure was sent home with students recently. You can find the information and book via this link: School Holiday Camps at Pittwater House | Code Camp. 

Upcoming Dates: