From the Principal's Desk

Celebrating with a 100-year-old veteran and listening to Ramon (G12), share his amazing experience onboard STS Young Endeavour, were significant moments that I enjoyed last week. Ramon was the recipient of a RSL ANZAC Village scholarship, and he undertook a life-changing voyage on this brigantine, last December. Along with 17 other young Australians, (most of whom had never sailed before and who therefore looked to Ramon for his significant sailing experience), Ramon took every opportunity offered including scaling to the top mast of this two-masted, square-rigged sailing ship. The photos that follow give you an insight to this voyage. Ramon has sailed Hobart to Sydney and is hopeful that this year may give him his goal of a place as crew in the Sydney to Hobart race. We wish him well in this quest and what will undoubtedly be a lifelong sailing engagement.

Ramon spoke to the gathering at the RSL ANZAC Village, in a way that demonstrated his passion for sailing, his humility at being chosen and his hopes for the future. Whilst there, we also celebrated the 100th birthday of a resident, a very special day indeed.

With the annual Pi Day π last Thursday, 3.14, we acknowledged this key date at our Secondary Assembly last Friday. My thanks to Mrs Richardson, Mr Demasi and the Maths Department for ensuring we were in awe of the 4 students who came on stage to recite, in the case of Chloe (C12), to an extraordinary 142 decimal places. This Pi competition has not been held for some years and therefore we were silently spellbound by the student’s bravery in undertaking such a challenge on stage, staring out at some 750 students. Naturally there were pies as part of the contestants’ winnings!

With the four brief commentaries from our new members of Staff shared below, I thank all new members of our teaching staff for their ongoing commitment and engagement with their classes. They have felt warmly welcomed by the Pittwater House family.

This has been a long and very busy term and there is still much to accomplish. It has been interesting and timely to read of the impact of technology on the after-hours life of folk in most industries. Education is no different. As a school we have sought to limit any after-hours communication to and between staff. We have asked that staff are left undisturbed, and emails are scheduled for a 7.30am delivery at the earliest. 

I ask that you abide by this too.

Please allow our staff to respond to your queries in a timely manner and with the night and weekend given to individual and family time. This has already been mandated in some industries and workplaces and I know you will accept what is appropriate for Pittwater House employees. 

With every good wish for the coming weeks.

Ms Georgia Oxley, Science Faculty

Hello, my name is Georgia Oxley. I am the new science teacher at Pittwater House this year. It has been fun getting to know the Pittwater House students and fostering their enjoyment for all things science. My partner and I made the move over to Sydney from Aotearoa New Zealand earlier this year. We are enjoying exploring the Northern Beaches and the extended summer that Sydney is providing. Outside of the classroom I am currently training for a team fitness event called 'The Turf Games'. 

Mrs Renae Kelly, HSIE Faculty

My name is Renae Kelly, and I am thrilled to be a part of the HSIE team here at Pittwater House. After years of teaching at Kincoppal-Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart and Barker College, and a background in Corporate Finance, I bring a wealth of experience to this vibrant community.

 

Since joining Pittwater House, I have been warmly welcomed by both the staff and students. I am particularly inspired by the School's HEROIC values which underpin our daily interactions. I firmly believe in the transformative power of education, especially when it's approached holistically and with a focus on positive learning experiences.

 

One of the things that excites me most is the enthusiasm for learning displayed by the student body. I'm eager to cultivate an environment in my classroom where every student can thrive and grow. Outside of school, you'll often find me immersed in a good book or enjoying quality time with my husband and young children at the beach.

 

I am looking forward to the year ahead, working closely with the students to help them achieve their goals, and getting to know more members of this wonderful community.

Ms Alyssa Wilson, PDHPE Faculty

Hi, my name is Alyssa Wilson and I am a PDHPE teacher, teaching across both the Junior and Senior School this year. I am very much enjoying the variety that this role brings. 

 

I actually had my first experience at Pittwater House back in 2016, when I was employed as a casual teacher. I have since spent the majority of my teaching career at Willoughby Girls High School. Having grown up on the Northern Beaches (in Collaroy), it feels very comfortable to be back teaching here in this area. I am very grateful for the supportive Pittwater House community, in welcoming me back so warmly. 

 

I have a passion for sport, particularly NRL and AFL. I am currently coaching the Pittwater House Junior Rugby 7’s team. I hope to play a part in further developing all students’ skills both on and off the field. 

 

On the weekends, I enjoy spending time with my young family - often outdoors, at the beach or camping. 

Miss Kristie Stubley, Visual Arts Faculty

My name is Kristie Stubley and I am new to the Visual Arts Faculty. I am also a tutor to a wonderful Year 8 (Grammar) tutorial group. I arrived from Yorkshire, in the North of England earlier this year and I am loving living in the beautiful Northern Beaches. I am a lover of coffee, sunshine, eating out, spending time with family and friends and the colour pink! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Pittwater House so far and look forward to the future!