From the Principal's Desk

Welcome to a new term, to all those returning, and to our newest families and students.

The Easter break seemed to fly, yet there were many significant moments for our School, both on Campus, across the Beaches, and of course, the wondrous experience for our intrepid European History travellers.

Whilst last Friday's ANZAC Day services saw our cadets and Cadet Staff play key roles in five events, they have also been instrumental in several other services through the holidays. Anyone who attended these services would feel my sense of absolute pride in our School carrying on the tradition of this crucial day for all Australians. The way our students carried themselves and their demonstration of solemnity, service and understanding augurs well as Pittwater House students lead the way on the Beaches. From provision of the Catafalque Guard, Flag Party, Drum Corps, Band, Allegro and Choir, to the ANZAC message, and the playing of the Last Post, we once more were the backbone to many of the Beaches Services. Cadets too sold ANZAC Badges at the Collaroy service, in what was a record sale, the proceeds help veterans and their families who are "doing it tough". In the words of the President of the Collaroy RSL Sub-Branch President, who was also fulsome in his praise, noted... "the Service was arguably the best yet... CUO (Lachlan) gave an excellent address, and I received many compliments on the unit's performance afterwards. They are a credit to their unit and the School...". Thank you to Captain Blackwell and your Cadet Staff, along with Mr Hardy and your Music Staff, for the support you have given in the past two weeks. Of course, since the last HouseNews was published, the Cadets were instrumental in their role in both the Junior School, and Secondary School ANZAC Day services. And this year, we added a Parade for the Unit prior to the Secondary Service that allowed the Cadets from Years 8 to 12, a poignant moment in marching into the Hall at the beginning of the Service.

Thank you once more to Cpt Blackwell for this new addition to our commemoration.

Whilst we were undertaking this annual event, 29 students along with Mr Walmsley, Ms Leman and Ms Maloney were literally in the air, beginning their European History Tour. In an event filled 14 days, these students from Years 9 to 11 experienced wonder, awe, a deep appreciation of 1930s Germany, including a visit to Dachau Concentration Camp and the Nuremberg Rally ground, covering the rise of Hitler, before they headed to Italy where Pompeii and Herculaneum were the focus, and then finally to Rome. And in an extraordinary moment in time, the touring party was in Rome at the time of Pope Francis' death, and they visited The Vatican the morning after the announcement. In a photo to be prized, Ms Maloney's hotel room looked out upon Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore where Pope Francis has been buried.

I followed the journey through the WhatsApp group which allowed us to feel we were travelling too. There will be so many stories that continue to be shared. As always, I am most relieved when the plane touches down in Sydney and students are reunited with their families. And additionally, I know that these families have truly appreciated the enormity of responsibility shouldered by the Staff along with the sacrifice of being away from their families for Easter and the Term holidays after a particularly long Term 1.

My deepest gratitude once more, in addition to my congratulations to all the students whose demeanour, attitude, assistance and cheerfulness throughout the trip made it one that will long be remembered.

This term we are all looking forward to the major production. Last weekend, prior to the new term start, the cast of Mamma Mia had full scale rehearsals on both Saturday and Sunday and again on Monday. It is a tight schedule to be stage-ready for a June production; therefore, I extend my gratitude to Mr Hardy and all Staff who are engaged in this wonderful opportunity for all involved.

And now to the coming nine-week Term. It will be action packed with assessments, parent­ teacher meetings, and both performing arts and sporting events. I hope the break has prepared all students for what lies ahead.

I look forward to sharing these times with you.

My warm regards to you all.