HouseNews

As I shared in the introductory comments in the Footloose program, these events reflect the enormous effort in the preparation; the time and intensity of work behind the scenes and the hundreds of hours of rehearsals in the case of the production. One of the main songs in the show Holding out for a Hero, was so appropriate tying in as it does with our school values using the mnemonic HEROIC.

Honesty and Integrity is paramount for rehearsals and improving the standard while working toward Excellence. Respect and Care are both important while practising as we acknowledge people’s efforts and look after them. Major productions have been an important part of the School’s Origins … and they often show Innovation, this year is the first time we have had a matinee in some time. Finally, a project involving over 100 students and many staff is clearly a Community event.

These are lifelong memories for all involved; working closely with students across the year levels creates a special bond. Students, alumni and Staff working toward a production that ticks my ‘best ever’ box in my time at our School. The cast, the magnificent band, the stunning dancers filling every inch of the stage, the extraordinary stage work and direction, marvellous sound and lighting and the creativity from the artistry captured. For those who did not attend… you missed a real treat.

Sincerest thanks and my deep gratitude to all who were involved… and in two years’ time, I am sure we will be treated again. 

Turning to the Mothers’ Day Lunch, once again highlighted the special qualities of our beautiful School. And again, the quality of the day can be measured by the inspirational leadership of our PHPA Co-Presidents Connie Pople and Kate Parsons and their marvellous committee and strong group of volunteers. A highlight this year was the team of Dads organised by Joe Jones who served, waited and were there in whatever support was needed during the event. It was a record number who filled the Hall to capacity; a Hall that was simply yet stunningly decorated to reflect the day. The Raffle, whilst always a highlight was this year, even more so. The beautifully wrapped gifts went to some very lucky mothers… the organisation through each class made this so. I think that the photos from the day speak louder than any words.

Thus, my final comment on the day is very simply: thank you to our wonderful family that is Pittwater House. 

As widely reported in the media, ACARA, who are responsible for the NAPLAN testing, experienced significant problems with connectivity across Australia. All manner of schools were impacted to varying degrees. We were fortunate in that the temporary loss of connection was brief and not universal, and we had significant technical support on  hand to support the students. For those who did suffer a short loss, their time clock was stopped until they were reconnected. I am sure we will continue to hear of the veracity of the testing experience and whilst it remains a worthy exercise for its original intent, the challenge in running such a massive program nationwide, will continue to test its authenticity if the results are used to pit school against school. This was never the intent. 

Year 12 Advanced English Excursion
On the 27th of March, Year 12 Advanced English students visited the Giant Dwarf Theatre in Surrey Hills, to see a live performance of their HSC text, William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Richard III. It was an iconic take on a villain who seizes power. Using live performance, objects, projections and shadows the production delivered a modern pulse to the evil genius, giving our HSC students another way to explore this important text. 

Year 11 English Excursion
On the 10th of April, Year 11 students also visited the Giant Dwarf Theatre, where they were fortunate to experience a live performance of Shakespeare’s Othello which they have been studying in class.

These two productions were terrific opportunities for Advanced, Standard and English Studies students to see how these plays could be performed, using real actors with modern interpretations and with a range of stagecraft to convey their performances.

 Shakespeare’s tragedies are more timely than ever in our current cultural climate. These productions explored themes such as racism, isolation, toxic masculinity, domestic violence and fake news. Our students wrote reviews about the performances, considering elements like directorial interpretations, stagecraft and the ways the actors interpreted the Shakespeare plays.

 I liked that they adapted the play to be more relatable to modern society. They represented the antagonist, Iago as a part of the police force, which is related to the more modern-day issue, like the “black lives matter” movement. Audience participation was encouraged, and the actors engaged with the audience such as responding to comments and throwing objects towards the audience. Parts of the acting was also done down the alleyways of the seating, so the audience was able to feel more included and up close and personal to the performance. (Emily)

Overall, the play was an exciting and unexpected experience, as it was engaging and unpredictable. The way the play was interpreted to become more relatable, made the play comedic and appealing to the audience.  The representation of Australia and typical Australian traits onto the play, conveyed the same story of Othello in a modern sense and brought humour to the tragedy.  (Harry)

 The play was a very entertaining and engaging performance that appeared relatable to the young audience. Through the actors’ characterisation and the structure of the theatre, an engaging atmosphere was created. The theatre had a very suitable structure, it was open and allowed everyone to see all the action. In terms of the actors, they all had their own individual character, they all exaggerated their characters immensely to capture the attention of the audience. I was definitely not expecting the twist on the original piece of Othello. Their twist successfully suited the audience, making it much more amusing and enjoyable. (Filippa) 

We have already had an action packed start to Term Two competing in the Cross Country Carnival. We were shocked that so many of us could run 2 kilometres! The most important thing was that we were so proud of everyone for having a go!

This week, we have used our creativity, problem solving and team work skills during our Robokids Workshop. We can’t wait to find out what the rest of Term 2 has in store for us! We have heard whispers that we might have 1, 2 and if we are lucky 3 excursions!!

There were many highlights to Term 1 with Year Two narrating the K-2 Egg-cellent Easter Concert, as well as explaining to everyone how Easter is celebrated around the world.

In Science, we loved designing, constructing and experimenting with different ways to clean water. Despite our excellent science skills, Miss Floyd and Miss Faassen still weren’t very keen to drink our filtered water!

We are really enjoying the Friendology program, especially the role plays because they are giving us greater confidence in putting out our own ‘friendship fires’, and our lessons help us remember that everyone is different. 

Many students and parents are still recovering from the Footloose show last week! All the 100s and 100s of hours of hard work after school and at weekends paid off with 3 exceptional performances and standing ovations. It was very memorable and over 1000 seats were sold over the three shows, allowing us to break even in costs. The matinee was very successful with many grandparents taking advantage of the offer. The photographs here capture some of the character of the performances. We look forward to the next production in 2021!  

The Junior School Music Festival will take place during Term 2 on Wednesday 5 June and Thursday 6 June.  This is a wonderful opportunity for students to perform with a supportive audience and is ideal preparation for students about to take exams and perform in eisteddfods. There is a 4 minute time limit and students may perform up to 2 pieces.  It is open to all Junior School students whether they have lessons in school or externally. Further information can be found on Skoolbag or by emailing Mr Jim Abraham at: musictutor@tphs.nsw.edu.au. Applications must be submitted through Skoolbag by 3.30pm on Friday 31 May.  Late entries will not be accepted.

HICES Music Festival 5 to 8 and Jazz Academy (18 to 21 August 2019)
We have completed all video auditions and are now waiting on the placement information. If you have any questions contact the Creative Arts Cottage through email musictutor@tphs.nsw.edu.au. 

This term we will be showcasing our HSC Dance, Drama and Music students in the Creative Arts Centre and Hall. This will be held over two nights Wednesday 19 June (Dance [Hall] and Music [CAC]) and Tuesday 25 June (Drama [CAC]). This is an excellent night that allows the students to perform their works in front of a supportive audience. 

Throughout the year our very talented Creative Arts students will be performing in numerous Eisteddfods competing in many sections such as: Contemporary Vocal, Solo Dance, Dance Groups, Solo Instrumental and Instrumental Groups. These students will be representing either Pittwater House, themselves or their own private studios. We would like to acknowledge the results of students, please let us know of their Creative Arts success throughout the year by emailing musictutor@tphs.nsw.edu.au and we will publish the results. 

IRBD Eisteddfod Results:
India – Open Ballet Solo 13 years and under – 2nd Place and Jazz Solo 13 years and under – Highly Commended.

Northern Beaches Eisteddfod Results:
Michael – Solo for Strings 11 year and under – Highly Commended

Omar – Sacred Vocal Solo 16 years and under – 1st Place

2019 has seen a significant increase in membership throughout all instrumental ensembles. We do expect that all students have practice copies of their music and take these to their private tutor between ensembles rehearsals to assist them preparing for the coming weeks. Please ensure that your students have a folder for this music and brings it to every rehearsal. If they require practice copies or have misplaces their music, it is responsibility of the students to email musictutor@tphs.nsw.edu.au and ask for a copy. When emailing please ensure that you include the title of the piece and the part required. If they have misplaced their entire folder please replace folder and email musictutor@tphs.nsw.edu.au to gain replacement parts.

At Pittwater House we offer an extensive internal Instrumental Music Tuition Program. We offer instrumental tuition in all String, Wind and Brass Instruments, Percussion which includes Drumkit and Tuned Percussion, Vocal Lessons Guitar, Bass Guitar and Piano Lessons. For more information about private music tuition please email musictutor@tphs.nsw.edu.au.

For information on the following 'Sport News' items please click the 'Download' button below:

• Term 2 Nominations, Academies and Calendar Dates
• Sport Reports
• Sports Office Contact Details

On Friday 3 May, the Junior School held their annual cross-country carnival. With bad weather forecast all week and a repeat of last year’s athletics’ carnivals a chance, we were blessed with some fine running weather for most of the events. The school track, a grueling 1 km track, that includes Heart Break Hill is run over grass, concrete, rubber and wood. It takes a degree of mental toughness to take on the track and succeed. Whilst your body is screaming out, STOP, your mind needs to keep it moving.

The participation from all students between Kindergarten and Year 6 was admirable and almost everybody finished the distance they were challenged with. We are especially excited about our HICES carnival in Orange in a few weeks as we have some outstanding runners. Congratulations to the athletes who have made the HICES carnival and will represent Pittwater House on 23 May.  

To view these results please click on the 'Download' button below.

All students who will turn 13 or older in 2019 are able to join the cadet unit. Enrolment forms are available at Reception or click here.

Each week is allocated to different year groups however you can still volunteer for any shift during the year regardless of which year your children are in.

To volunteer for a slot, please visit https://volunteersignup.org/signin and put your name next to the time/date that suits you best.

Please click on image below for days where a volunteer is still required.

Canteen Manager is Amanda Corbett - Phone 9972 5718 after 8.00am

Thank you for your support!

For the latest menu and to find out the weekly specials visit the Canteen folder on the Skoolbag app.

Tuesdays from 8am-9.15am and Thursday from 2pm-3.15pm

Located next to the School Uniform shop the Clothing Pool is run by volunteer parents.

Please Note: Purchases cannot be charged to your School Account.

The Clothing Pool has a 7 day Return/Refund Policy.

In Stock Now

• School winter scarves and jumpers are available.
• Long sleeve boys shirts for Years K-6 are available for winter only as an option to the short sleeve shirt.
• Trousers are available for boys in Year 5-12
• Senior boys blazers are available for those who ordered one.
• Girls Navy trousers are in stock  for Years 5-9 as an option to the tartan skirt for winter only and for Years 10-12 as an option to the Navy skirt.
  Note: Years 10-12 girls wear Navy stockings not Black for winter.

Temporarily Out of Stock

• Junior tracksuits are unavailable due to manufacturing problems, as soon as they are in stock we will advertise in HouseNews.

Note:  Kindergarten parents you will be happy to know  we will be making size 4 in our tracksuits for the smaller children in those classes.

If you are interested in some basic training in Edumate and Skoolbag. Please call School Admin on 9981 4400 or email school.admin@tphs.nsw.edu.au to book a half hour appointment between 7.30am and 3pm.