From the Principal's Desk

Three performances, three packed and appreciative audiences. The return of the major production; and icon of the Pittwater House biennial calendar. Across the decades there have been 30 major productions, beginning in 1968 with 'The Little Sweep' and including several Gilbert and Sullivan productions and other perennials from a different era. After Footloose in 2019, we are back on stage with a vengence. The large cast, the response of the audience and the sheer depth of love was evident particularly on closing night. And of course for students in Years 10 and 11, their final opportunity to be a part of something quite special. The emotion at the final curtain call was there for all to experience.

Friendships that transcend across year levels are a naturally corollary from this experience. These opportunities at Pittwater House, whether on stage, court or parade ground, allow staff to see and show different sides of our student body.  As I discuss with prospective parents, the extent of participation is only limited by the student's timetable...and are often life changing.

I extend my warmest congratulations to all the cast and crew of High School Musical, together with the 14 members of staff who have worked with the students over five months. My appreciation too to the families of the students for your support through the journey. Your children have been at school every weekend for months...so now we can return them to you, and family life can resume!

What an absolute joy to experience once more a live production on Campus.

No show of this calibre is possible without the months of work, dedication, resilience, and will to excel that was on show. As a community we salute you all, there are so many moments that those of us who were fortunate to attend one (or more...) performances can recall, and thus I am reluctant to single out individual performances!

I feel our social media accounts have reflected the busyness of this year more so than the past. Reviewing the breadth of images captured and shared, reflects the extraordinary diversity of our students and Staff. From the physical and mental challenge P5 teacher Mr Smith and Head Prefect Levi endured on the Ultra-Trail Australia 100k (and for Levi the 22k event) to the career opportunities of our Year 12 Computer Science students, and the robotics workshops in the Junior School, Year 12 Geography fieldwork to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree, formal dining in night at Women's College at the University of Sydney, and dance and sporting achievements, following Alumni such as Cam Peupion's EPL and Olyroo journey and of course our building works; all these we enjoy sharing with the Pittwater House community. Understanding these additions to our academic program and continuing our links beyond graduation is certainly coming through the conversations I am currently having with scholarship aspirants. They are excited about the future for their families.

Years 8 and 10 2023 Subject Selection Evening

This has been a busy week for students in Years 8 and 10 contemplating their subject choices for 2024.

Staff were busy on each night showcasing their subject and faculty area as students and their families had the opportunity to delve into our wide offerings. Additionally, on Tuesday evening, representatives from Sydney and Macquarie Universities attended the ‘marketplace’. It was marvellous to see Alumna, Lara Huby-Stewart represent Macquarie University. 

Mr Walmsley wisely noted that the coming weeks should see students discuss the varied choices with their teachers and make the best decisions for 2024. There is no prize for being first to complete the selection form!

We are looking forward to our Secondary Athletics Carnival next Monday. Please make sure this is day where students support their House, their peers, and are part of a compulsory School event.

I trust the weeks ahead will be successful and happy times for you all.