From the Principal's Desk

Whether students were engaged in preparing for the HICES Music Festival held last Wednesday at the Town Hall, were continuing to write their HSC Trial papers, were practising for the Annual Ceremonial Parade, or were involved in their weekly sporting events, one element remains central. Academics.

Our HEROIC learners were focusing on aspiring to be the best versions of themselves across each subject, each day.

Therefore, the opportunity to acknowledge our Academic Awardees for Semester 1 in the Secondary School, was key to last week. These students have achieved highly across their courses, gaining up to 9 As. They wear a badge acknowledging their academic status with pride. We hope that those who may have just fallen short this past semester will lift their effort and be a part of the group next gaining such an award at year’s end. I urge all families to discuss academic goals with their children; for it is in small steps, that growth should occur.

Following a marvellous few days at the HICES Years 5 to 8 Music Camp, over 30 of our musicians took to the stage at the Sydney Town Hall for the 2024 HICES Music Festival. The intense music making of four days in camp, across groups such as the Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, and String Orchestra, created a rich experience for those who attended, and whose efforts, alongside their fellow HICES musicians is always a highlight of the year. It is a stellar event. This year, working in parallel, the Jazz Academy also took place. Their concert was held at Foundry 616 and was aimed at students in Years 9 to 12; an elite group of a mere 36 students (with 3 from Pittwater House) from 31 HICES schools. We are full of praise for their collective music-making and performances on the night, including Adele C and Laura G who were selected to MC at the Town Hall concert. My thanks to the Music Staff: Mr Cosentino, Mr Abraham, Mrs Colless and Miss Finlay for their support of our students and varied roles they played during camp and at the final performance.

The annual Ceremonial Parade, prize-giving and Mess Dinner for our graduating cadets, is a firm fixture at this point of Term 3. It is another marker for the HSC students, that their time at Pittwater House is drawing to a close.

Our 52nd Annual Parade, Awards Assembly and then Dining-In Night for our graduating Cadets was a proud day. 

Despite all the rain last week, the Oval dried sufficiently for a wonderful Parade under the command of our SUO Catherine, supported ably by RSM Lachlan. The Unit performed with distinction and the ever-popular Drum Corps with its rendition of Quick Sticks was exemplary. Thanks to the Band for the music as the Cadets paraded.

Captain Blackwell and the Cadet Staff are to be thanked and congratulated for all they do each week on Monday Parade, culminating in this special day.

I wish to pay tribute to our Reviewing Officer, Colonel Costello as the first female Reviewing Officer in our 52 years of existence of the Unit. Not only was this element impactful, but Col Costello as a Pittwater House parent, gave great advice to the students at the Awards Assembly and the Mess Dinner.

The Mess Dinner is a significant moment for our graduating Cadets. It is a very formal affair with the strict Army regulations for dining, occurring. For many years now, we have invited each graduating Cadet to come with one of their parents, to witness a little of the Cadet life that has contributed to their Pittwater House journey. The sense of community too, with the Year 11 Cadets acting as Wait Staff, is so evident.

I wish to acknowledge all the Cadets on parade, the Prize Winners, and the graduating Cadets for all they bring to the uniqueness of this School activity. Long may it continue to prosper and provide outstanding leadership opportunities for our students.

Cadet Ceremonial Parade:

Cadet Awards Ceremony:

Cadet Mess Dinner:

The richness of experience our students enjoy is widely recognised and applauded throughout our community. Congratulations to you all for the past two weeks. What I love to see is the sense of team and the enjoyment students gain from getting out on the pitch, court, or rehearsal space. Seeing students working together, with varied skill levels, but a great commitment to their team or group members, and the sheer fun of participating, is surely a valued element of our cocurricular structure. 

Pittwater House is renowned for the support given to our students beyond our Campus. As the only weekend activity under the School banner, our 7 Saturday netball teams have had another great season. The weekend saw the first finals played, and once more our girls were backed by parents, furry friends, and Staff. With a further two weeks of finals, we are reaching an exciting crescendo and our best wishes go to those still seeking a podium position. What too is vital at this time, is learning how to both win and lose, gracefully. None of us can ever go through life as winners, always. At every point, we will be challenged by those with more skill or substance in every field. Learning how to deal with these highs and lows is a critical point of the schooling experience.

Meanwhile the HSC students with major works as part of their courses, are performing and putting the finishing touches to their works. We wish them well in these final endeavours for their 2024 courses.

Whilst these activities are occurring, work continues on schedule with the pool refurbishment.

We have now completed demolition of the old quartz base of our beloved Pool. The base of the pool has been prepped for rendering and tiling. Electrical earthing of the pool has also been undertaken. Dependant on the weather forecast the tilers will be on-site this week to commence tiling works and new pool grates will be installed. We cannot wait to see the pool in her refined glory in Summer.

Picture below showing repairs to expansion joint in the middle of the pool:

Re-rendered walls:

Tiles for pressure testing:

With every good wish.