HouseNews

Farewell Class of 2020

Friday night allowed us all to celebrate with the Class of 2020. We gathered at Miramare to bid a final farewell to this wonderful group of young men and women. Adhering to strict COVID rules, we were still able to share our memories and participate in some of the traditions that this night allows and create a new set of traditions. The newly graduated students were formally inducted into the Pittwater House Alumni Association by the President of the Alumni Association Mr Anthony Buckton (Class of 1985) in addition to the presentation of their gift from the School, and a letter written to each student from their parents. We were presented formally with the gift to the School from the Class of 2020, which includes the 4 benches that are currently on the Hall concourse and under the Hall eaves and are being enjoyed by students throughout the day. Additionally, an environmental vertical water tank with plants in the centre of the School, plus some indoor greenery for the Reception area, has been added to this gift and is currently being installed. Our thanks to you all for your gifts which will continue to be appreciated by so many. For many parents this was their final association with the School whilst others continue their engagement through younger siblings. 

On your marks, get set…

The week past also allowed our current Year 6 students to undergo 2 transition days with their new friends who will be joining us in January as the Year 7 cohort for 2021. Both Junior School students and new students participated in several classes and undertook activities as we urged them to get to know as many new people as possible by the end of the day. Suffice to say, the wide smiles on faces at day’s end and the level of engagement in the activities bodes well for the new academic year.

I asked our Assembly Leaders Henry and Pip to reflect a little on their Junior School years. Here are their thoughts: 

Q1. How does it feel to be in Year 6 and finishing the Junior School?

Henry: Finishing Junior School feels like both the end of a journey and the beginning of a new one. I am not necessarily sad about leaving the junior School but intrigued into what high school has to offer. Junior School has been a fantastic journey, but I am excited to learn new skills in new ways.

Pip:  Leaving the Junior School may be the end of an extraordinary adventure but also the start of a brand new journey. The Junior School has offered many great things as well as great experiences, and I’m sure that High School has just as many, or even more. It has been a pleasure to witness what the Pittwater House Junior School has to offer, though I’m eager to see what challenges await in High School.

Q2. What have you learnt from your time in the Junior School that you will take with you into the Secondary School?

Henry: Junior School has taught me many skills throughout the years including public speaking. A few years ago, I was scared to speak in front of my class but now I am more than happy to speak in front of the School. I have learnt how to make friends through the URSTRONG program which will be vital next year when there are so many opportunities to make new friends.

Pip: I have learnt many things within the Junior School, though something that will be brought through to the Secondary School will be my persistence and determination. Early when I joined the School I did not attempt every challenge with as much effort as I do now, and I believe that in the High School, these are very important values, as they help you achieve your academic goals. I use everything I have leant at Pittwater House frequently, and I will continue to do that throughout High School, and throughout my life.

Q3. What are you most proud of from your time in the Junior School?

Henry: There have been many things in the Junior School that I am proud of, but I am most proud of a recent achievement. I was part of a debating team that would debate through Zoom to schools across the State. We were able to make it to the Semi-finals of the competition and I am so proud of both the team and myself.

Pip: There are many memories at Pittwater House that give me a sense of pride, though I am most proud of a recent accomplishment. I was part of Pittwater House’s Year 6 Virtual Debating Team, in this we debated all across the State, and our team made it through to the Semi Finals. I am extremely proud to have been a part of such a great team.

Christopher - SUO

Hello Pittwater House community. My name is Chris and I will be filling the role of SUO for the coming year. Cadets is a student driven, community-oriented organisation that builds life skills in its members. On multiple occasions across the year the Cadet Unit assists in ceremonies across the Northern Beaches. Cadets greatly assists in developing the maturity of its members. It also helps build friendships between year groups and is a great way to meet new people. Personally, I have created many friendships through cadets and still keep in touch with these people long after they have left the Unit. Due to COVID-19 the rank members have missed a large portion of their training due to brigade promotions courses being cancelled. These courses are imperative to the rank members having the skills to effectively and efficiently teach both theory and drill lessons to the younger cadets. Over the next few months, myself and the other CUO’s will train the rank members to a satisfactory level. I am looking forward to watching the cadet unit improve over the next year. I am also looking forward to participating and assisting in the programs created by the rest of the Prefect team. 

Anfisa - Prefect

My name is Anfisa, and I am a general Prefect at the Pittwater House School. For me, Pittwater House is more than just an ordinary school. When I first came to Pittwater House in Year Five, I was surrounded by many supportive, friendly, and kind teachers and students, who helped me to adapt and find my passions in life. From younger years, I was inspired by many young leaders to one day strive to become one of these strong, compassionate students and give back the support and encouragement that Pittwater House gave to me. Moreover, Pittwater House has provided me with numerous opportunities to learn new things and gain new skills through normal classes and extracurricular activities, such as social events, sport events, and creative arts. Consequently, Pittwater House has not only helped me gain academic knowledge, but it also helped me to grow morally and socially.

I have taken the role of the Sustainability Prefect because I believe that sustaining our natural environment is essential. I hope to educate students about environmental issues and inspire them to fight and help to protect our natural environment. 

Charlotte - Prefect

My name is Charlotte, and I am in my last year of High School at Pittwater House as a general Prefect. I joined the Pittwater House community in 2016 when I started in Year 7. The School has provided me with so many amazing opportunities to grow not only academically but in all aspects of life. Once joining the community, I have made many new relationships through my classes, sporting events and being involved in the creative and performing arts. All of these experiences have made me the independent young lady I am today, and I am so fortunate for those opportunities. I wanted to give back as many people are not as fortunate as myself, so I have taken on the role of charity and fundraiser Captain. Through my role, I hope to make people lives a little easier and I would like to educate the younger years on how important it is to help others. 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone and I feel this role is more important than ever.  I am truly grateful that I can help make a difference for the upcoming year.  

Flynn - Prefect

I am Flynn, general member of the Prefect team of 2021.

I have a passion for boxing and train about seven hours a week and am looking forward to my first competitive fight in February 2021. This is the next step on my journey to hopefully represent Australia in the Commonwealth Games.

I also really enjoy acting and did my first stage performance when I was 8 in Leeds Grand Theatre although I’ve stopping acting this year while focus on my Year 12 studies. However, I hope to continue acting after I graduate from Pittwater House.

My role on the Prefect team includes; announcing sporting results in Assemblies and contributing to the broader Prefect team particularly in Prefect meetings.

My goals as a Prefect are to leave a lasting impression on the younger students of Pittwater House, inspiring them to become leaders in their own right, just as past leaders have inspired me, and to contribute to all students’ general happiness and enjoyment of the Pittwater House experience.

Thank you, and I’m greatly looking forward to what I can achieve as a member of this year’s Prefect team.