From the Principal's Desk

In another wonderful week at Pittwater House, the students have had great opportunities to engage collaboratively, compete determinedly, and find compassion as they support new initiatives.

Given the Narrabeen sports facility is closed due to significant refurbishment, we were challenged in finding a suitable venue for both the secondary and primary athletics carnivals. However, the Bannockburn Oval in Pymble proved a wonderful place to engage our students in fierce inter-house rivalry! The good-natured day not only had fine competition but a real sense of community. Each House demonstrated qualities so dear to us in our Core Values.

Years 7-12 Athletics Carnival

Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival

Whilst reflecting on our House structure as it plays out at carnival time, the Houses Captains are also to be commended for their initiative in establishing a charity event this term.  Through a sausage sizzle, bake sale, and movie night, each House encouraged the community to support their chosen charity. And each can be proud of the HEROIC impact made.

Reports are currently being written and thus this signals the near completion of another semester of learning. I have spent many weeks this term interviewing potential scholarship students seeking entry to our School in 2024. The breadth of activities in which they are engaged, in addition to their academic placement, bodes well for the future of our School. For not only are we seeking to have students with high academic potential, but we are also wanting all round students to continue the traditions so dear to us and through their student voice, create new and lasting traditions. I am thrilled at the prospect of the impact these wonderful young people will provide in the years to come. I always ask what the scholarship aspirant, and their family, knows of our School. Which students and families are known? What messages have been relayed to them, and why is Pittwater House their favoured destination for the secondary years. Their answers to these questions form part of my sense of whether a student is best suited to Pittwater House.

The last two weeks gave me opportunity to support our performing arts students who presented across four evenings ; what marvellous talent lies amongst our student body. With Year 1 through to Year 11 students performing in a welcoming and familiar environment, great practise was gained before future opportunities to perform on the large Hall stage. And our HSC students showcased their Dance and Music talent to an appreciative audience this week over 2 evenings. Each of these students should feel great pride. Additionally, my weekly attendance at basketball, gives me great joy. Seeking students put team above individual performance, and supported strongly by their peers, speaks volumes of our community. Pittwater House is such a supportive community, and it augurs well for our continuing success.

Weekly, hundreds of students are putting on their uniform and playing not merely for themselves, but their team, and School. They do with gusto, and pride.

For one Year 12 student, Alicia, recent news of her success in completing her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, is cause for us to join her in celebration. This is a very significant moment and I could not be more proud of her achievement. Sincerest congratulations from the Pittwater House community.

It was a marvellous week to reflect on who we are and how our Core HEROIC Values are played out each day.

May the final week of term continue to provide a rich array of opportunity. 

As this is the final edition of HouseNews for Term 2, I wish you all a wonderful holiday recess. May it be a period of rest and replenishment ready for all that Term 3 will ask of you. Our first school day is a celebration of our Foundation; an Assembly and then the famed, traditional House Relay. It is a marvelous new beginning for us all.

Happy and safe holidays to the Pittwater House family.