From the Principal's Desk

From all of us to you… a very warm welcome to the 2023 academic year!

Already we have had the opportunity of welcoming you in word and deed, as many of you have had opportunities to engage with Staff; Tess Spark in the Uniform Shop, Kellie Finlay in Admissions, the IT team loading computer software, and the myriad of questions being posed as you familiarise yourself with our ways of operation. You have been chatting with our Heads of School: Mr Heath, Mrs Thomas and Acting Head of Junior School, Mrs Tickle, and now, I hope you feel ready for all that lies ahead. So welcome once more and I trust that this means of communication gives an added view of our activities, along with our social media, Facebook and Instagram accounts, and the more formal information available to you.

We have a large group of new students, together with a group who are still seeking to enrol after Day 1; these students are gradually finding their place, and feel welcomed. Our record 158 Year 7 students are certainly making their mark alongside new students in every year group from Kindergarten to Year 10, and I was grateful to the Prefect team who came in on Monday to assist with the integration of these new members of our School family.

The Opening Assembly of the School year set the scene for our expectations. The word RESPECT is key to who we are. It is one of our Core Values as depicted in the mnemonic HEROIC which drives all we do, daily. We value respect, we focus on respect with your sons and daughters, and in turn, I ask that you respect the Staff in your engagement with them. In a world and society so often lacking in graces, we do all we can to support you and your children; a simple please and thank you, are key words to be used by all, whether posing an online request or in face to face interactions.

Importantly too, we delighted in awarding the Dux Medals for the Class of 2022 to Liliana Edwards and Aaron Jia, the respective Duces of the College and Grammar School, and Dux Secondo to Jamie Stoddart. As is our custom Liliana, and in Aaron’s absence, Jamie, responded with an insight to their journey, and what lies ahead for each. Liliana spoke passionately of her teachers, naming their extraordinary dedication, in addition to their course content presentation. Importantly too she shared the need for a balanced approach and of sleep and rest. Jamie spoke on analysing your own behaviour and identifying what's constructive and what's not. Whilst Jamie is heading to UNSW for a combined Metatronics and Computer Science degrees, Liliana will be taking up a place at UTS undertaking a combined Law and Journalism degrees.  Aaron meanwhile is heading to the UK for his tertiary studies.

We congratulate Liliana, Aaron and Jamie, once more.

And so, to Week 1…

Junior School Student Leadership Team

Our Junior School student leaders have been announced and are now taking on their duties and coming to terms with all that these roles require. Congratulations to the group: 

The School Prefects are already continuing with strength from where they finished at the end of 2022. You will have seen a Facebook posting of the beach clean-up they undertook in the holidays as part of their focus on our environment. It is a key element for us all, and Brandon will be pushing the message each week for everyone to play their part. So, whether through Big Bros under the leadership of Kael, or the Charity work of Taya or the Performing Arts under Scarlet, each of this fine group of Prefects will ensure 2023 sets the benchmark for years to come. I hope you appreciated their introductory welcome back video posted on Facebook last week. And now a message from our Head Prefects...

Welcome to 2023! We hope that you all enjoyed the break and had a very happy new year! Levi and I are looking forward to 2023, filled with lots of excitement and opportunities for everyone. We hope that you are all looking forward to the year ahead… 

This year, the leadership team, alongside our Year 12 cohort and the Staff at Pittwater House, aims to create an environment that is inclusive, supportive and enjoyable for all. We aim to instill our HEROIC values into all the students through a range of activities that the School has to offer, as well as weekly reminders at assemblies. We encourage all of you to make the most of this year, and involve yourself in as much as you can, as we truly believe that these opportunities allow you to meet new people, and grow as individuals, as well as create the important sense of community that Pittwater House enables. 

Overall, we hope that you all make the most of 2023 at Pittwater House. Through academics, sport and athletics, cadets, performing arts and all of the other amazing things that the school has to offer, we hope you all strive for your personal best and continue to thrive within our community. Set goals, create friendships and most importantly, have fun. We are looking forward to seeing and recognising all of your amazing achievements throughout the year, as well as supporting and being alongside you throughout 2023. 

Bridget and Levi, Head Prefects

Masterplan Works

As has already been addressed with commentary in last week’s Principal’s Pack from the Business Manager and the Deputy Principal, the major works will necessitate a raft of changes to movement around the Campus. The impact on the Junior School will be minimal however for all secondary students, they will notice great change whilst the South Wing exterior remains a building site. Yes, it is challenging, however, the completed works will be of enormous benefit to our community. And I therefore ask for your forbearance during these months of inconvenience. 

Kiss and Drop Zone

A reminder regarding the Kiss and Drop zone.

I stress the timing in particular. The gates to the zone will not be opened until the designated times as follows:

Years K-2:            3.05pm

Years 3-6:            3.25pm

Years 7-12:          3.30pm

I implore you to give additional time to allow your children to gather themselves and farewell their friends. Your waiting for their arrival merely clogs up the smooth process for others.

Our Parent Information Evenings are always an important element of the start of year. Details of these have been sent through by Mr Walmsley and Mrs Tickle. These provide important information for all parents to ensure the key issues for each stage are covered and you are able to meet the main pastoral staff caring for your children. 

New Staff

It is my delight to welcome through this medium our new Staff for 2023. Over the coming weeks I shall ask these staff to share a little of their background, allowing you to know each of these fine professionals. I know you will join me in welcoming them and supporting them as they come to understand Pittwater House. The media has been awash with detail of the unprecedented shortage of teachers. This is not just in New South Wales, but nationally. In an interesting twist, the UK was once a significant pool for gaining staff. Now, with staff shortages in the UK, they are taking increasing numbers of Australian teachers! There are literally thousands of staff shortages and in almost every school. We are therefore most grateful to each of these new members of our community.

It is my hope that we have a huge turnout to the Welcome Drinks on Friday evening in the Hall at 6.00-8.30pm. There is no better way to begin our 2023 journey than coming together in this way; I look forward to welcoming you and encourage you to meet with your children’s teachers on the night.

We have so much to look forward to in the weeks and months ahead. Please make sure you contact the relevant member of Staff for any clarifications as your sons and daughters take on all that 2023 offers. 

In Memorium

I am saddened to share the news that our much-loved former Tennis Coach, Mr Oliver Cordell succumbed to his lengthy health battle in January. Many students in our Junior School will remember Mr Oliver with great fondness as his manner in teaching young children significant ball skills was exemplary. He was such a kind and generous soul, and he will be so missed.  I attended his funeral by zoom and I was grateful that several members of the Junior School staff were in attendance to pay their respects. Rest in peace, Mr Oliver.

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