From the Principal's Desk

The ‘C’ of community in our HEROIC Core Values was very much played out this past week. We had a wonderful PHPA Meeting and AGM with many new parents in attendance. At these times, I enjoy the opportunity to share various happenings across the School and of course, get a snapshot of the experiences of students, and families, to date.

And then on Thursday evening, parents of G7 gathered for a social get together…these times really set the scene for parents who will be supporting their children as the Class of 2029. (with the years flying, you may not be surprised to know that at this point we have applications through to 2036!) A great topic though was the experiences from the Year 7 Camp. Exhaustion best sums up the time away; coupled with making new friends, surfing, snorkelling, mountain bike riding… and many fun adventures and stories that will be shared long into the future. 

Another key community event is our participation in the Head Above Water charity 24-hour swimathon. Congratulations to all those who got behind the Pittwater House team our largest team since its inception and the largest team registered! Pittwater House swimmers contributed over $3700 toward this key Beaches event. Special mention must be made of Seren in C7 who swam over 200 laps.

Although it seems hard to believe, we are now at the halfway point of the Term. As I wander the corridors, I am seeing and hearing good work; for Year 12 students, assessments are about to occur and of course, by the end of this term, their final year of schooling is half over. The importance of every day cannot be understated. For any member of our School.

Schooling though is a constant process of renewal. For just as I mention the rapid ending for our Year 12 students, I reflect on the large group of students who were on Campus two Saturdays ago, for the ACER Scholarship testing. Almost 200 students have applied for the Pittwater House scholarship program. Whilst the students were busily engaged completing a battery of tests, I took the chance to speak at length with these aspiring parents. It was the opportunity too for a group of our Year 11 students to speak with these families. My thanks to these students; the Class of 2025.

On Friday, 8 March we celebrate International Women’s Day with the theme this year being #InspireInclusion. As the literature notes, “IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere.” We will be presenting in Assembly commentary from various Staff sharing the women in their lives who inspired and were significant role models. It is always a day of great significance for us as a school of gender equality, where we celebrate and value difference. 

Given the importance of IWD, I share the privilege I had last weekend in my attendance at a Memorial Service for Miss Joan Montgomery. Miss Montgomery was an icon of Australian education, and girls’ education; viewed by many as “the premier women’s educator of her generation”. Her death, in her 99th year, has brought forward wonderful acknowledgements of her impact, for it is now 40 years, since she graced the Hall, and corridors of her School, PLC Melbourne. As Principal, Miss Montgomery challenged the girls in many ways; and her leadership had a far-reaching impact on her Staff. She was an extraordinary role model. In her obituary of Miss Montgomery, Professor Kim Rubenstein, PLC Alumna and Author of her Biography of Miss Montgomery, shares “Her students talk about her queen-like poise, style and elegance, her strong sense of judgement and most powerfully, the respect she commanded wherever she went. Her Assemblies set out her values and positions on matters ranging from “character” to “friends” to “peace” to “priorities” and even “the Queen” and left lasting impressions on her students. Her inventive ability to guide students ensured that each girl was encouraged to achieve her full potential.”  I was fortunate to spend my final four years as a PLC Alumna under Miss Montgomery’s Headship. I am forever grateful for those years. 

Continuing my introduction of new members of Staff, it is my pleasure to share these comments below.

Ms Emily Cornell, HSIE Faculty

My name is Emily Cornell, and I am a recent hire in the HSIE department, teaching History and Geography. I moved to Sydney from Montana, where I had a position as a full-time German teacher at a small rural school. Coming from Montana, the school system is quite different, so it has been a bit of a culture shock coming into a school like Pittwater House, which has a very formal feel; school uniforms, formal assemblies, etc. With that said, I have been warmly welcomed by all of the staff and students in my first few weeks, and I could not have chosen a better environment for my first Australian teaching experience! Coming from the snowy mountains, the Northern Beaches have brought a welcome and relaxed change to my life. As a former collegiate volleyball player, the beach volleyball scene has brought a great deal of fun on the weekends! I look forward to a great year of learning and growth at Pittwater House.

Mr Jordan Sands, PDHPE Faculty

Hi there, my name is Jordan Sands and I have moved over from New Zealand this year. I am in the PDHPE department, and I am loving the close community that Pittwater House School has. My personal hobbies include anything sport and fitness related whether that is watching or playing sports, gym or just being outdoors! 

Mr Evan Tancred, HSIE Faculty

Hello, I'm Evan Tancred, and I teach students in Years 7 to 10  in History, Geography and Commerce. I recently joined Pittwater House School, coming from Marist Sisters College at Woolwich. While my time has been brief here I've been thoroughly enjoying joining the co-curricular activities alongside teaching, as sports are a big passion of mine. I'm excited to get to know all the new students here at TPHS and to understand them as individuals. Originally from the Central Coast, the beach lifestyle is nothing new to me, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with my students.

Mr Isaac West, Mathematics and Dance and Drama Faculty

My name is Isaac West and I am a Mathematics and Drama teacher who has started this year at Pittwater House. 

 

I love problem solving and creating tangible objects using mathematics - I have a particular affinity for origami having been taught it when I was in school. I also love Shakespeare and have worked as an actor on many of his works. 

 

I am currently teaching Mathematics to two Year 7 classes, one Year 9 class and a Year 10 class as well as helping out with theatre sports on a Tuesday afternoons. 

I have been warmly welcomed into the Pittwater House community by both Students and Staff and feel very privileged to have the opportunity to share what I enjoyed when I was in school. 

Miss Nicole Saxby, Junior School Class Teacher

Hello Pittwater House Community,

 

I'm thrilled to be teaching J5S this year! It’s been an incredible start to 2024, where we are already kicking goals in Year 5.

 

My teaching journey began in Melbourne before I made the move back to Sydney, where I worked at Redlands. I spent last year travelling the world and working casually around the Northern Beaches. Pittwater House stood out from the rest of the schools. The support and enthusiasm from both the students and the community made my experience working casually, so fulfilling. 

 

Outside of teaching, I have a deep passion for dance, which has been a significant part of my life. I studied at the Victorian College of the Arts and continue to share my love for dance with the boys and girls at Pittwater House.

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know each of you better and sharing this exciting journey together!

Mrs Holly Farthing, Junior School Class Teacher

I'm Holly Farthing, a new addition to the teaching staff at Pittwater House this year. With 15 years of teaching experience in both Department and Independent schools, I deeply understand the significance of fostering a safe and nurturing environment for students to thrive and enjoy their educational journey.  

 

My teaching philosophy centres around getting to know my students on a personal level – understanding their strengths, areas for growth, interests, hobbies, and friendship dynamics. By doing so, I aim to create a classroom where each student feels seen and valued. My hope is that they step into my classroom every day ready and eager to embrace challenges on their unique learning paths, working towards becoming the best versions of themselves. 

 

Outside of the classroom, I thoroughly enjoy quality time with my family, indulging in breakfast outings, and the odd KX Pilates sessions.