From the Deputy Principal

The year has started with wonderful energy throughout the School, as students quickly settle into routines and engage enthusiastically in their learning. 

Last Friday, both our Junior School and Senior School communities gathered for our first official Opening of Term Assemblies for 2026. These assemblies provided an opportunity to hear from our new Principal, Dr Steven Middleton, the Heads of the Junior and Senior Schools, Head prefects, and the 2025 academic Duces of Pittwater House. These moments allowed us to reflect on student achievements, inspire the year ahead, and celebrate the successes of our 2025 graduates.

We were delighted to welcome back our top academic achievers of 2025:

• Charlotte Smith – Dux of Grammar (ATAR 99.5)
• Errol Sandhu – Dux of College (ATAR 99.3)

Charlotte ranked 5th in NSW for English Extension 1, and Errol ranked 15th in NSW for Legal Studies. Both students presented thoughtful and inspiring addresses to the student body, offering guidance and encouragement as we embark on the 2026 academic year.

A highlight of the assembly was recognizing our current Year 12 students who, while in Year 11, completed the Mathematics Advanced HSC course a year early and achieved a Band 6 result (top Band). Congratulations to Henry, Zane, Denam, Annie, Lottie, Lillie, Frederique, and Emma.

Other special moments included the successful test of our brand-new sound system in the Hall, and our students getting to use our newly renovated Food Technology room and facilities. 

This week, we held our Year 7 Parent and Student Information Evening, and on Wednesday, we will hold our Year 11 Parent Information Evening. It was wonderful to see almost all of Year 7 at their evening, meeting their Form teachers and learning about Term 1 at Pittwater House. It was also lovely to connect with many Year 7 families and hear their stories about starting the school year.

Our sense of community will continue on Friday night with the Pittwater House Parent Association sponsored welcome drinks and refreshments in the Great Hall. Next week, we will have the Years 8–10 Parent Information Evening on Tuesday night and the P-6 evening on Thursday. We look forward to welcoming parents across these year groups to campus.

Parents are encouraged to review the 2026 Key Dates Summary, located in TASS Parent Lounge → Links → School Information. This summary is essential for keeping track of major events, assessment periods, reporting timelines, and key school activities for the year.

Assessment Booklets for Years 7–12 have been uploaded to the Parent Lounge under Links. These booklets provide a comprehensive overview of upcoming assessment tasks, task weightings, due dates, and expectations and guidelines. They are an excellent resource to help students plan and stay organized throughout the year.

To ensure the safety of all students and the smooth operation of traffic around the School, please remember:

• Parents must not park or drive in the Westmoreland Avenue Carpark at any time.
• Families with students in Years 1–12 must use the Kiss-and-Drop zones for pick-up and drop-off.
• The South Creek Road Carpark must remain clear during peak times to allow safe bus access and student movement.
• Only Pre-Kindy and Kindy parents should drop off and pick up from this carpark.

Your cooperation supports the safety and wellbeing of our community.

As you are all aware, School Photo Day took place on-site on Wednesday. Parents are reminded that all orders are online. Please refer to the email from the curriculum office for more details on the process. Ensure orders are placed before Sunday, 22 February, as late orders attract an archive fee.

Looking ahead, this fortnight marks a strong and positive beginning to the year, highlighted by student achievements, the leadership of our returning Dux recipients, and building community through the engagement of families through our Information Evenings and Welcome Drinks. We look forward to the exciting learning, challenges, and celebrations ahead.