From the Head of Teaching and Learning

Schools are relational institutions be their very nature. Each day all members of our school community interact with each other, and it is in relationship with each other that we grow to appreciate all that a vibrant learning community offers us. Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King, American author, activist, and civil rights leader once quipped; "The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” Our HEROIC school prioritises empathetic actions that show our care for each other, as we know that the riches of compassionate actions in our learning community, serves each of us personally, as members of it.  This week, I continue the journey of unpacking our Pittwater House Learning Framework. 

It is my pleasure to present the fourth of five volumes that frame our ‘School for HEROIC Learners’: ‘Knowing and Respecting Students, Staff and Families.’

Empowered by our HEROIC Core Values, our young men and women become the best version of themselves in a supportive yet down-to-earth environment where they are known and valued. This starts in the classroom, where our students benefit from small class sizes and high student-to-teacher ratios, resulting in every student being known by the teachers and by one another. This structure also affords teachers the opportunity to offer an individualised approach to teaching. 

Pastoral Care Programs:

Our down-to-earth school culture, where students feel known and connected, provides the perfect foundation for a successful pastoral care program, which brings about individuals who are positive contributors to society with a strong sense of self-worth and emotional literacy. At Pittwater House, pastoral care is a daily part of school life which is continually evolving to adapt with age changes and developmental milestones. While our pastoral support team starts with the Junior class or Senior Form Teacher, there is a structured hierarchy of care in place as well as a range of formalised programs and camps. For those needing additional support, two on-site counsellors are available to work confidentially with students and their families if required. 

Pittwater House Alumni Association (PHAA) 

As an association of past students, teachers, and friends of the School, the PHAA keep connections alive by facilitating events, sporting teams, reunions, and parties, and provide mentoring and work experience to current students.

Pittwater House Parents’ Association (PHPA) 

We are fortunate to have parents who partner with the School daily, to support student learning, safety, and wellbeing. This includes the PHPA, a dedicated network of parents who generously contribute their time by fundraising, holding various social events and liaising between parents and staff for the benefit of our School community.

Leadership 

Our large number of Junior and Senior leadership initiatives help to build confidence in budding leaders, inspire students and serve our local community. From prefect positions to peer support and buddy programs, community service initiatives, The Duke of Ed and our Cadet corps, there are many opportunities for aspiring leaders at our School.

I am very much looking forward to my first meeting with a couple of members of our newly inducted 2023/2024 Prefect Body, as they articulate their vision for the academic year ahead and how in community, our students across both the Junior and Secondary school will become even more enriched academically and personally through the formation of HEROIC habits for learning and life.