From the Principal's Desk

There could be no better demonstration of community than as occurs with the annual House Swimming Carnivals. Across three days, we enjoyed three carnivals: the Years 3 to 6; the Grammar carnival and the College. And we were treated to very different weather conditions for the final day where the girls of the College, responded magnificently. 

The sense of pride shines brightly at Pittwater House. Our student leaders create a wonderful atmosphere, and the students respond and draw more from the events with each passing year. Year 12 students Jaime and Sophia decided to record the day through the Butterworth House lens; their result was a brilliant rendition that says much of their engagement and pride. The happiness, the sense of house spirit and the support of each student were evident through each day. Records aplenty were broken for College girls, where the depth of talent is immensely strong. 

Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival

Years 7-12 Grammar Swimming Carnival

Years 7-12 College Swimming Carnival

Thank you to the PHPA for their provisioning of snacks for the hungry masses. Each day a marvellously supportive group of parents ensured the students, staff and parent spectators were well fed, whilst the coffee aficionados could source the coffee van.  Even young members of our community had their day made via chocolate ice blocks… We are forever grateful for the work of the PHPA. Through your collective support and volunteer work, the students are the beneficiaries. In last week’s PHPA meeting, a range of items were provided to our School; items that students in Science, Design and Technology, Junior School robotics, and tennis lessons, will all use and appreciate. This support makes a key difference to each day’s lessons and experiences for all. Therefore, I urge all parents to seek ways you can volunteer, and thus help your children.

Our first Volunteer Morning Tea for 2023 is taking place this week, on Wednesday 1 March at 9.00am in the Hall. I hope to see many of you there.

Community can be seen weekly in our Assembly time. A packed Hall, messages and Awards from our Student Leadership team, and celebrations weekly. Our Year 12 group the ‘Shenanigans’ performed for us again in their true style, with Rory entertaining from the organ loft and Josh, Aiden, Oliver and Edwardfrom the stage… another great performance. And community was demonstrated in other ways last week; the PHPA AGM and meeting heralding plans for this year, and the regular Alumni meeting. I am an ex-officio member of each group, naturally. Thank you to those parents who have agreed to be Network Parents. You are the glue for your class and year group; supporting families in a social setting, and ensuring new families feel that connectedness, immediately. 

At the start of the year, I shared a photo of our newest members of Staff. Beginning with this edition of HouseNews, each of these staff will provide a brief comment on their experience joining Pittwater House. I thank these staff for their contribution to date and know that your good wishes for their journey in our community, continue to go with them in their work with your children. 

Miss Caoimhe Mellon, J6 Class Teacher

My first experience at Pittwater House has been immensely positive. I have received such a warm welcome from staff, students and parents alike. I feel as though I am officially Australian after attending my first ever Swimming Carnival! 

My repertoire is ever evolving at the moment, as I catch words such as ‘lollies’ and ‘thongs (for flip-flops) landing in the middle of my sentences. (I can never let anyone at home know as much!) 

I am a fluent and very proud Gaeilgeoir from Ireland. I am probably as Irish as you can get… I play the traditional Irish flute and tin whistle and was also previously a competitive Irish dancer. 

I am currently soaking up the fantastic Australian lifestyle that I have dreamed of for so long. From beach swims, to morning meditations, to sizzlers at the swim carnival. It is everything I had dreamed of and more. 

Ms Arielle Bird, HSIE Teacher

Since joining Pittwater House at the beginning of 2023, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the wonderful staff and students at the School. As a first-year teaching graduate, after a 15-year career in corporate marketing, I have appreciated the ongoing support and guidance provided by the School. I have joined the HSIE team as a Commerce and Business Studies teacher with a wealth of real-world business experience, which I hope will enrich my teaching practice and create engaging classroom experiences for all my students. Outside of school, I enjoy pursuing passions such as swimming and surf lifesaving, and spending time with family and friends.

Mrs Kate Stephens, Science Teacher 

I’m originally from Toronto, Canada and moved to Australia 15 years ago. I was working at St Paul’s Manly for the last decade before moving to Pittwater House to teach science and senior chemistry. I love living on the Northern Beaches with my husband and three children. My passions include spending time in nature, snowboarding, playing futsal and soccer. I’ve played soccer against Mrs Thomas in the local competitions! 

Miss Molly McIndoe, PK Class Teacher

Thank you to the Pittwater House School community for the warmest welcome. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know the students and parents, who have been incredibly kind and helpful. I have grown up on the Northern Beaches and previously taught at Balgowlah North Public School. I enjoy cooking and love to read. I count myself very lucky to be working alongside inspiring teachers at Pittwater House and I look forward to utilising my skills and expertise to encourage my students to be critical thinkers and engaged learners in an environment where they can thrive.

Ms Kellie Brennan, J4 Class Teacher

Before starting at Pittwater House, I worked at Central Coast Grammar School, where I had been for over 20 years! Moving down to the Northern Beaches was a big change but the staff and students at Pittwater House have shown so much kindness, which has made my start a fantastic one. I love music, chocolate and travel…and all things creative; whether it be on the stage, exploring art or writing, creativity makes me happy!

2024 Scholarship Examinations

Last Saturday we held the annual Scholarship examinations for 2024. In a record turnout, and an increase of 33% of applicants from last year, the students undertook three hours of rigorous testing. The time allowed me the opportunity to undertake a Q&A session with parents. My thanks too, to four of our Year 11 students: Molly, Pru, Jack and Ramon for giving up their Saturday morning to support nervous students and to share snippets of their Pittwater House journey with our prospective parents. 

May our students take every opportunity to foster their HEROIC academic habits in the weeks ahead.