From the Principal's Desk

With the end of Term, we farewell the Class of 2024.

Led superbly by Head Prefects Nicolas and Sienna, who each week have sat on stage in our Secondary Assembly and given such a strong presence, authority, and community focus, they have been so well supported by their team of Prefects. These students have been wonderful initiators for a range of programs that will stand as reminders of this special group. Behind these student leaders, are the Year 12 cohort. They can all be immensely proud of the legacy they have left.

We wish them well in the weeks of study ahead, including on site HSC classes for the first two weeks of the holiday Recess, prior to the first English exam in our first week back.

I know you will all join me in thanking these students and offering them every success now, and in the future.

Following their final 2 classes on Monday the final week of school for our graduating class allowed opportunities to relax at the beach with some fun and a barbeque on Monday, followed by the traditional Great Race around the CBD on Tuesday and then their Valedictory Assembly on Wednesday morning. At this Assembly, our Valedictorians showcased some of their experiences, music from the Year 12 Music Group the aptly titled I'll Always Remember Youby Miley Cyrus, and then we all applauded the awardees across subject and community prizes, prior to their being clapped out of the Hall for one last time. There were parents, grandparents, Alumni siblings and special friends who all wanted to applaud our senior students on a most special day in the lives of these families. It was a poignant moment too for the families whose formal association with Pittwater House ended today; quite a group of families have had 2 or 3 children, come through our School and I have known these wonderful people since 2010. It is a significant moment...

Over the past few weeks, a growing number of the Class of 2024 have been receiving early entry to university courses. There are still universities yet to send out such offers, however many of the cohort will go into their exams knowing a tertiary place or two, have been secured. It is a relief yet, as always, we encourage every student to give their absolute best to prove to themselves, their capacity. With offers coming in from Sydney universities, ANU, Charles Sturt, Wollongong and Newcastle, we know that this group of students is unlikely to be together beyond the three final events: Valedictory Assembly, the compulsory English exam, and finally, the Valedictory Dinner to be held at the conclusion of the exam period. It is truly a defining time.

On Monday we were treated to a night of colour, vibrancy, variety and great skill. Congratulations to all the performers across the orchestra, bands, ensembles, drama and dance groups. Our Theatre Sports students kept us entertained between performances and the night allowed us the opportunity to acknowledge our departing Creative Arts students and hear once more from our Music Prefect, Tiana, and stalwart of multiple creative groups, Yarra. Sincerest thanks to all our performers and particular acknowledgment and deep gratitude to Tiana and Yarra.

As a school, we should reflect on the past 9 weeks. So many students should walk away feeling a great sense of achievement for their academic studies, their cocurricular involvement, and additionally, for their role in advancing the HEROIC values which we foster each day. The holidays should allow all students to consider goals for the coming term. In this case, it is a brief 8.5 weeks which includes examinations and final assessments for many. Of course, our current Year 11 students return in Term 4 to leadership of the student body, and the beginning of their HSC courses. A group of this cohort however will be undertaking HSC examinations; those who have undertaken the Accelerated Mathematics, Studies of Religion and Dance courses. To these students, every good wish from us all.

I trust the coming three weeks will provide a much-needed time and space for refreshment, goal setting, and determination to complete 2024 in the best possible way. Whatever plans your family has, please stay safe. To the cadets going on camp, we hope you have a wonderful time undertaking your activities at Holsworthy Barracks from this Thursday. To the netballers journeying to New Zealand, for our inaugural netball trip we hope it provides great scope for skill development, competition and new experiences and to the Staff supporting all these students, together with the Year 12 teachers, taking classes in the first two weeks, my gratitude to you, which I know is shared by our Pittwater House families.

I look forward to sharing the many events of Term 4 that will challenge and excite us all.

With every good wish.