From the Junior School

From the Head of Junior School

As Term 1 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what a wonderful term it has been for our students. There has been so much happening both inside and outside the classroom, and it has been a joy to see the growth, enthusiasm and engagement from our learners across the Junior School.

Teaching and learning have been strong and consistent throughout the term. Early assessment data has provided our staff with valuable insight, allowing teaching to be carefully targeted in both literacy and numeracy. Differentiation plays a key role in meeting students where they are in their learning, and it can take many different forms. Sometimes differentiation is not about a different task or worksheet, but rather the way teachers pose questions, provide scaffolding, or offer alternative examples that support deeper understanding. This approach ensures all students are working towards the same curriculum outcomes, while feeling confident to approach tasks in ways that reflect their learning needs and styles.

In areas such as our Stage 3–6 spelling program, differentiation occurs through adaptive grouping, where data informs both teaching and activities. This allows for explicit, focused instruction that is responsive to student need and supports steady progress.

Across the curriculum, our students have been immersed in a rich range of learning experiences and are making meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them. They have explored environments and the impact of human behaviour, investigated water and its role in sustaining life, and reflected on the importance of international days of significance. In mathematics, students have explored two and three digit numbers and discovered what happens when numbers are combined as well as searching for the solution to problems that have multiple outcomes. In creative and literacy learning, students have experimented with colour mixing, written poetry from different perspectives, and learned how ideas and viewpoints can be expressed through different text forms. Problem‑solving tasks have encouraged students to propose solutions for conservation issues, building both skills and confidence as thinkers. Together, these experiences continue to shape students’ knowledge, skills and developing opinions. A really exciting mixed bag of how our students here at school have grown this term in who they are as learners.

Our co‑curricular programs have also been a highlight this term. Students have had opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills and pursue passions beyond the classroom. The Entrepreneur Club has been busy problem‑solving and creating early start‑up businesses, which students will proudly showcase at the Mother’s Day stalls. Coding Club continues to challenge and extend computational thinking, while our sport‑based activities have fostered teamwork, resilience and commitment. These programs provide invaluable opportunities for students to grow in confidence and capability.

A strong message of diversity and inclusion was evident throughout our Harmony Day celebrations, which began with a smoking ceremony led by an elder. While the theme of “everyone belongs” was beautifully highlighted during the week, it is a message we strive to live every day. At Pittwater House, celebrating diversity is not a one off event, but a value that is embedded in who we are. I was incredibly proud of our students for the respect and thoughtfulness they demonstrated during these important conversations.

As Term 2 approaches, there is much to look forward to. Please keep an eye on the school calendar and the table of upcoming events to ensure you don’t miss any important information.

As this is our final House News for the term, I would like to wish all our Junior School families a very happy Easter and a restful break. I look forward to seeing our Pre-K to Year 2 families at the Easter Hat Parade.

House Keeping

Term 3 will be a return to winter uniform. Please check the diary or contact the uniform shop for any fittings if required.

Due to staffing changes in Term 2, which have previously been communicated via Dr Middleton, please check the Parent Lounge for updates. I will send further communication as soon as I have confirmation of the new staff members.

Easter Eggs

Please note that students will receive an Easter egg from the Easter Bunny on Thursday. These eggs are dairy, gluten, and nut-free. If you would like to send in any Easter treats, please give them directly to your child’s class teacher, who will distribute them at the end of the day.

Reminder that Mrs Brooke Hartley is now our full-time Junior School receptionist and Junior School Campus Manager. All late arrivals and early pick-ups are now to go through the Junior School reception.

K-6 SRC Planning and Leadership Day 

On Tuesday the 24 March the SRC had the incredible leadership opportunity that was led by Future Focused Australia. 

We started the day by playing some fun, collaborative games. Some were quite complicated and challenging, although they showed us different ways we can communicate with each other. The SRC practiced ways they can listen to each other, improve our communication, and work as a greater team. Throughout the day we discovered that exceptional teamwork isn’t about winning. It is about sharing ideas and including everyone.

The SRC worked with different year groups this helped us to think from different perspectives. It was an interesting day we brainstormed ideas and shared our opinions. By collaborating and sharing our ideas we were able to unleash our creative ideas and discover different ways to raise money for our school, local charities and those in need.

We are extremely excited to share the amazing events we have planned and can’t wait to bring it into our local community. The SRC hope these events make a positive difference and bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Overall this day was a great opportunity and a very valuable day. We hope we can show off our new skills and change our school for the better.

by Ivy (J5)

Earth Hour - Art and Poetry Competition Finalists

Congratulations to the finalists of our SRC Junior School Earth Hour Art and Poetry Competition. We were thrilled to see so many Junior School students take part and showcase their creativity and passion for the environment. Our SRC Members alongside Mrs Breckenridge, Mr Nunura, Mrs James and Mrs Sommer all had the very tough role of voting. Our winners artworks were acknowledged at Assembly. 

Stage One Art Winners: George (P1), Dax (P2) and Avalyn (J2)

Stage Two Art Winners: Maya (J3), Theo (P4) and Indi (J3)

Stage Three Art Winners: Amelie (J6), Siena (J6) and Isla (J6)

Stage Three Poetry Winners: Fletcher (P6B), Elliot (P5), Indigo (J6) and Timothy (P6B)

From the Junior School Curriculum Co-ordinator 

 Last week, our Year 5 class visited the high school science laboratories to do interesting experiments about states of matter. We worked in groups to collaborate and try the experiments to see whether it succeeds or fails. My group worked well by trying different ways until we got it. This brought our learning to life. Overall, this lesson was one of the best I’ve had at Pittwater House, and I hope we can do more like it.

by Jack (P5)

From the Junior School Wellbeing Co-ordinator

Service Learning and Wellbeing at Pittwater House

At Pittwater House, we believe that wellbeing is developed not only within the classroom, but through meaningful connections and service beyond our school gates. This term, we are very proud to have commenced our Service Learning Program with Fisher Road School, a specialist school for children with moderate to severe disabilities.

Each Tuesday, a group of our students visits Fisher Road School to assist one of their classes during a sports session. This experience provides a wonderful opportunity for our children to contribute positively to the wider community, demonstrating kindness, patience and empathy through authentic experiences. The benefits to our students’ personal development and character building have already been significant, with students growing in confidence, leadership, compassion and understanding. Just as importantly, it has been a joy to see how much the Fisher Road students enjoy these sessions, responding with enthusiasm, smiles and genuine connection. It is truly a rewarding program for everyone involved.

Looking ahead to next term, the rest of Year 6 will begin visiting a residential aged care facility run by the RSL. These visits will allow our students to provide companionship, conversation and care to residents, while learning valuable life lessons through engagement with older members of the community. Once again, this experience will be of great benefit to both our students and the residents, strengthening our students’ sense of responsibility, empathy and service.

Service learning is a very important part of life at Pittwater House. Through these programs, our students learn the value of giving back, building perspective, and recognising the positive impact they can have on others in the community.

As we approach the end of Term 1, it has been wonderful to see students continue to give their best right through to the final days of term, even when energy levels are understandably low. This commitment reflects strong character and resilience, and it is something to be very proud of.

As we prepare for Term 2, we will be looking to start strong from Day 1 and build on the excellent foundations established this term. We encourage all students to strive to be the very best version of themselves each day, showing kindness and empathy, following school rules, and living out our HEROIC values in all aspects of school life.

As the Easter holidays approach, I wish all Pittwater House families a safe, restful and happy break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 2.

From the Junior School PDHPE Co-ordinator

As we come to the end of Term 1, it has been pleasing to see students across the Junior School engage positively in a wide range of sport and physical activity.

Throughout the term, students have developed their skills and confidence during our swimming program, participated in PISA training and games and demonstrated perseverance and determination during the Cross Country. It has been particularly encouraging to see students willing to challenge themselves, try new activities and support one another.

A consistent focus this term has been on participation, effort and sportsmanship. Students have been encouraged to take responsibility for their involvement, approach activities with a positive attitude and recognise the value of both individual effort and teamwork.

We have also been fortunate to introduce additional coaching support into our Friday Sport program. This has provided students with further opportunities to develop their skills in Rugby and Cricket, while also building fitness and endurance through running-based activities. These sessions, supported by classroom teachers, have been a valuable addition to our Junior School Sport program.

Thank you to staff and families for your continued support throughout a busy and successful term.

We now look ahead to Term 2 with a new season of PISA Sport and our 3-6 Athletics Carnival, where students will continue to build on their skills, confidence and understanding of game play.

Junior School Housekeeping

A friendly reminder to please ensure all belongings are clearly labelled. Lost property will be emptied out at the end of this Term. Please ask your child to check for any items before we do so.

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