From the Deputy Principal

As you can see from the articles in this week's HouseNews, from our Principal and the Heads of College and Grammar, we greatly enjoyed hosting students from our sister school, Woodward Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. Their visit was a valuable opportunity to strengthen international connections and share in the life of our community. We were also treated to outstanding performances from our Year 12 musicians at the HSC Music Soiree, and our SRC led an engaging subject selection showcase to support our current Year 10 students as they consider their pathways into Year 11 in 2027.

We also marked National Reconciliation Week, embracing this year’s theme, “All In.” This theme is a powerful call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

“All In” reminds us that reconciliation is not a spectator activity. It asks each of us to step away from the sidelines and take meaningful action to create positive change. Importantly, the theme reinforces that advancing reconciliation and supporting the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is not a passive responsibility, nor one borne solely by First Nations communities. “All In” challenges all Australians to share this responsibility with genuine commitment and purpose.

As highlighted in the Junior School report, our younger students have led the way with thoughtful and engaging activities throughout the week. Building on this momentum, it is exciting that Pittwater House has now begun developing a whole-school Reconciliation Action Plan. Our RAP Committee, comprising staff from across the school, has been exploring both internal and external opportunities to strengthen our understanding, deepen learning, and build respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community.

While this work has been staff-led to date, we will shortly expand opportunities for student voice and warmly invite contributions from our parent community. We recognise that meaningful progress is strengthened through shared knowledge, connections and collaboration.

On Tuesday evening, our HSC Music students performed two of their major works before an appreciative audience of parents, friends and supporters. The breadth of styles, instruments and musical interpretations on display was exceptional and reflects the depth of performing arts talent within our school. My sincere thanks to Miss Finlay, Mrs Colless and Mr Hardy, our Coordinator of Music, whose expertise, dedication and guidance have enabled these students to perform with such confidence and excellence.

Our Year 10 students are currently making important decisions as they consider their subject selections for Years 11 and 12. Following the recent information evening delivered by staff, students gained an authentic peer perspective on Wednesday morning through an SRC-organised subject showcase in the Hall. Current Year 11 and 12 students hosted subject booths, sharing their experiences, outlining assessment tasks, and speaking candidly about what they have enjoyed. While staff provide valuable guidance, there is particular value in hearing directly from students. My thanks to Lottie and Neehan, our SRC Prefects, for their initiative and organisation in making this event such a success.

Together, these experiences reflect our commitment to the Pittwater House HEROIC values, demonstrating Excellence through performance, Respect and Care in our relationships, and Community through our shared commitment to learning, connection and meaningful engagement with the world around us.