From the Principal's Desk

With the commencement of a new Term, there are new faces to welcome. In addition to new families, we have new members of Staff: Ms Bird taking Ms Sutton’s HSIE classes, and Ms Humphries taking Ms Eaton’s Dance classes. Ms Olds will be taking additional days in Diverse Learning, where Ms Potenza-Smolinski will also be working.  We also welcome back Mr McClean who is taking Mrs O’Sullivan’s classes whilst she is on Long Service Leave. 

Both our Facebook and Instagram pages have showcased a variety of holiday activities. Some 93 cadets enjoyed a bivouac across the first few days of the holiday Recess with fieldwork activities and opportunities for leadership and initiative on display. SUO Catherine and the Rank provided a busy schedule around key ANZAC services and ensured this significant time of the year was appropriately marked. Our end of term services for both the Junior School, and the Secondary School showed the precision of the Catafalque Guard with their excellent sword drill on display. Please see the ANZAC speeches that were written and read by the Year 10 Elective History students in the Senior School News section of this edition of HouseNews: Link to Senior School News 

Junior School Service

Senior School Service

The four beaches services that the School participated in marking ANZAC Day were memorable: Manly Dam, Brookvale, Manly Corso March and Service, and the sunset service at Collaroy Beach. Our Adagio and Allegro Choirs and Senior Concert Band were vital to the services at Brookvale and gave support at Collaroy. In addition, Tilman (G11) and Mr Cosentino provided snare and bass drum support to the Balgowlah Service the previous week and the Catafalque Guard at the War Vets Service on Wednesday of Week 1 of the break. This year, we really seemed to support an even greater number of services on the Beaches across the full two weeks of our break. No account of these services would be complete without acknowledging the tribute given by Ella (C11), at Brookvale and SUO Catherine (C12) at Collaroy. I could not be prouder of these students for their community service and commitment to exhibit the finest of Pittwater House values.

And of course, none of this would be possible without the support of their teachers: Captain Blackwell, Mr Cosentino, and Mr Abraham. Any account of the day would not be complete without mention of Alumni Hattie and Adelaide Channon who continue to give outstanding service with their playing of the Last Post at these services.

Holiday Works

I am reminded that this break was our first in almost two years where there have not been significant building works in play! Yet we never stand still, and the relatively short break allowed our wonderful team to continue with their never-ending work around our Campus. Most of these jobs you would hardly notice however they are always critical to ensure we have the best possible facilities for students and staff upon their return. 

Success…

In addition to this account of the break, we always look to acknowledge significant success for our students in their chosen sporting endeavour. Our warmest congratulations are extended to Alex, Leo and Ruaan (G11). Ruan was crowned National U18 Javelin champion at the 2024 Australian Athletics Championships held in Adelaide from 11 to 19 April. Ruaan is now granted automatic selection into the Australian U18 National Team, competing in the Oceania U18 Athletics Championships in Fiji in June.

Another great accomplishment was for Noah (G11), who was selected as a reserve for the Australian Youth Life Saving Team at the recent Australian Lifesaving Championships. We wish him every success at the Worlds in August.

Although there were two weeks of holidays, sport continued… our Netballers continue to grow in strength in the Manly Warringah Netball Competition. Another growth in teams has occurred for Pittwater House in 2024. It is marvellous to see our parents and Staff compete too and proudly wear the Pittwater House uniform. Such a great spirit exists, and I do enjoy their sense of team each week.  My time with students, and parents and Staff, at our sporting events, currently Basketball and Netball, is always a highlight of my week. 

Our Professional Learning Day that begins each new Term is always significant. This week was no different. Increasingly the whole Staff, both Teaching and Business Services, come together for there are many topics that require knowledge for all employees. Child Safe Standards, Information Technology changes, Safety on Campus, in addition to meetings for our teachers in their Schools, and Faculties, provide a full Agenda for the day. 

The term ahead is an action-packed affair. Year 8 have their Parent Teacher interviews next week and at this, and through the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting with many of you across so many varied events where your presence will not only impact your children, but the progress and success of Pittwater House as a strong family and community School.

With every good wish as we navigate the weeks ahead.