From the Head of Junior School

Welcome Back to Term 3 

'Always Hardworking'. Other than reflecting the School motto, these words also underpin the attitude that students and staff seek to display each day as we all strive to ensure that the Junior School at Pittwater House truly reflects a school of excellence in every area of its operations. I recently read a book titled, 'Sevens Heaven', which detailed rugby union coach Ben Ryan’s account of how he took the Fijian Rugby Sevens team to victory at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The heart of the book was centred on Ryan’s philosophy, 'the standard you walk past is the standard you accept'. During the lead up and throughout the Olympics, he maintained that standards were not negotiable. Having this mindset makes you do what needs to be done, even when it’s difficult or when you are tired and don’t have the desire to continue. Once you ignore things or simply start to walk past them, standards fall, and along that route lies failure.

Having high standards inspires, empowers and challenges us to achieve at higher levels...not to take shortcuts because doing so becomes habit forming and soon you start cutting corners in other aspects of your life too. Each standard we cultivate in the Junior School becomes part of what it means to represent the School. How we act and the decisions we make says a lot about our character, what we stand for, and the standards we have for our School community.

Not all actions are heroic...sometimes it’s just people simply doing the right thing. Yet, I am very aware that doing the right thing is not always easy for young people and the implications can be surprisingly difficult at times. Nevertheless, it should still be the baseline for our behaviour. It should be the standard by which we live our lives, from one decision or moment to the next. Ultimately, the standard you walk past is the standard you accept and therefore, what you become.

Aspire – Outside School Hours Care

I am delighted to reveal a new development in our School's efforts to support the needs of our students and their families regarding our supervision options for children outside of regular school hours. Commencing this week, Aspire has been handpicked as our new provider for student care. 

Most pleasingly, Aspire will offer before school (7am to 8.30am), after school (3pm to 6pm), and holiday care (7am to 6pm) services for all students across Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6.

As a renowned childcare organisation, Aspire has a strong reputation for providing high-quality care and educational programs for children. Their dedicated team of professionals is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for our students at Pittwater House.

Aspire, which is also a registered childcare subsidy provider, operate on a maximum ratio of 1 staff member per 10 children, allowing for a deeper level of care, engagement and understanding of each child enrolled in their services. Educators employed by Aspire will also be suitably qualified, including relevant Pre-Kindergarten training, and work in consultation with parents to ensure the individual needs of each child are met.

It is my genuine belief that partnering with Aspire will greatly benefit our School community by providing flexible, reliable, and enriching childcare options. Their programs are designed to cater for the diverse needs of our students, ensuring that they are appropriately looked after and engaged in meaningful activities during their time outside of regular school hours.

Please refer to the documentation linked below for further information about the student supervision offerings being provided by Aspire from this term onwards:

To learn more about Aspire's services, fees, and registration process, please visit their website at: https://www.aspire-oshc.com.au/pittwater-house or contact our Area Manager, Hannah Hornery, on: 0484 386 830. 

I am very confident that this new partnership with Aspire will enhance the overall experience for our Junior School students and also provide valuable support to our families. 

Term 3 - Coding and Wellbeing Clubs

A friendly reminder about our exciting coding and wellbeing co-curricular clubs this term for students to be involved in which are run by external providers. These clubs will be held for the duration of the term and begin next week for students in the Junior School across Kindergarten to Year 6.

Coding Clubs:

Coding Club (for students in Years 3 to 6) is run by educators from Code Camp and will take place on a Monday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4.45pm in M112 (Junior School Art Room).

Little Coders (for students in Kindergarten to Year 2) is also run by educators from Code Camp and will take place on a Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4.45pm in M112 (Junior School Art Room).

Please click here to enrol your child/ren in the relevant coding club.

Wellbeing Clubs:

The Wellbeing Club (for students in Kindergarten to Year 6) is run by educators from Shining Little Souls and will take place on a Thursday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4.30pm in M112 (Junior School Art Room).

Please click here to enrol your child/ren in this wellbeing club.

I look forward to seeing students across Kindergarten to Year 6 participate in these targeted co-curricular club opportunities throughout Term 3.

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: glenn.stephenson@tphs.nsw.edu.au or phone: 9981 4400 and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.