HouseNews

Cadets

For the Cadets, however, the Easter break will be a busy and, we trust, enjoyable time. 77 members of our unit are attending the Autumn bivouac at Douglas Park near Picton. I wish them well and look forward to hearing the many stories and triumphs they will inevitably experience under the leadership of the SUO Chris and RSM Jared. My sincere thanks to our Commanding Officer, Captain Steve McClean for all his work to ensure the success of this activity. Congratulations too to the following senior cadets who have been chosen to attend the Adventure Training Course immediately after the bivouac: Chris, Paris, Anderson, Sascha, James and Jamie. Whilst speaking of our Cadet Unit, Captain McClean and I attended a Dinner last weekend for Principals and Commanding Officers of the NSW 2nd AAC Brigade, numbering 21 schools and several thousand cadets. We were most pleased that the Deputy Chief of Army Major General Anthony Rawlins was among the full-time career members of the Army present, giving us a wonderful address on the role that Cadets play in shaping our future as a nation. For the aim of cadets is to provide a youth development program that will inspire our youth to be better community members both today, and into our future. 

Head Above Water

The 24-hour swimathon was postponed, understandably, last weekend. We had advertised this event widely in our community in support of Men’s Mental Health, literally swimming to save men’s lives. We have been engaged as a school with the organisation since its inception in 2018. Its link to Pittwater House through the founder of Head Above Water, Alumni Andrew Ward and Jason Jenkins (and daughter Mali, our Head Prefect of the College) has brought their passion for Men’s Mental Health into sharp focus. I hope that through our continuing involvement we are not only supporting this wonderful charity but continuing to raise awareness of these key issues in our backyard, the Northern Beaches. Thank you to all those families who were registered to participate; we hope the new date, when known, will see a wonderful turnout from Pittwater House.

NAPLAN Online Practice Test - Reminder

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy – important skills that each child needs to succeed in school and life. The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us make sure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in NAPLAN tests for reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

Between 11-21 May 2021, our school will participate in NAPLAN Online. Students do not need to be computer experts to take the NAPLAN test online. Making sure students have computer skills is part of our school curriculum, and our teachers will ensure your child is familiar with the online format. To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, visit the public demonstration site.

This week our students will sit the NAPLAN online practice tests. These are currently scheduled for:

• Year 3 – Wednesday 24 March
• Year 5 – Thursday 25 and Friday 26 March
• Year 7 and 9 – Thursday 25 March 

The practice tests include an omnibus test (combination of reading, conventions of language and numeracy questions) and a writing test. The omnibus test and the writing test run for 45 minutes and 42 minutes respectively. All students in Years 5, 7 and 9 participate in both tests. Students in Year 3 participate in the omnibus test only.

These tests will provide the students and the school with the opportunity to check that the test works well on their computer (Year 3 will be using school devices). It will also provide the students with an invaluable opportunity to familiarise themselves with the type of questions they will be answering in the real NAPLAN tests.

Please note, in both the practice tests and the real NAPLAN tests, the students will need a set of ear phones. There are some oral instructions that are given to the students through the computers and ear phones are essential.

For more information:

• Please click on the following link to view: NAPLAN Online information for parents and carers brochure
• How to support your child during NAPLAN - information for parents and carers
• Subscribe to ACARA’s monthly parent newsletter, Parent Update

Please feel free to contact me at: james.walmsley@tphs.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions. 

Enrolment of Siblings for Future Years

Please put in your applications for future enrolments quickly, particularly for 2023 as we have already started the interview process for that year.  If you have siblings to enrol for 2022 and you have not yet put in an application, please do so immediately as we already have waiting lists for Year 7, including siblings of current students.  We do prioritise siblings during the offer process, but if applications come in after general offers have been made, siblings may be put on the waiting list for an available place.

If you are unsure if you have submitted an application for children not yet started please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Team to confirm at enrolments@tphs.nsw.edu.au.

Last week the students who represented the School as part of the HICES Swimming Team at the CIS carnival certainly swam their hearts out and each is to be congratulated on their wonderful effort. Sadie Maggs of J6, will go on to the PSSA (state) Swimming Carnival representing CIS. What an amazing talent Sadie has in the water.

Year 5 is currently preparing for their OEG Camp at Wombaroo in Week 10; the first camp for the year and first since 2019. This camp has a leadership and teambuilding focus and as such we are looking forward to seeing how our Year 5 will thrive.

In Week 10 the students in the K-2 Discovery Hub will be presenting their Easter Concert and Hat Parade on Wednesday 31 March and on the following day, Thursday 1 April Years 1 and 2 will be participating in their swimming carnivals. What a tremendous way to bring Term 1 to a close. Please refer to the Skoolbag notification for information about parental attendance and COVID 19 safety for the campus.

Over the past week the students in the Junior School have had to grow webbed feet to cope with the amount of water to which we have been subjected. And so, it is a timely reminder that all students must have a raincoat as part of their School uniform which is to be kept in their bags at all times. Having a wet head and wet clothing only leads to a miserable day.

Other reminders that are needed to be raised are that Smart Watches are not to be worn at school (My letter in the Principal’s pack at the start of the year here) and that trading cards eg Pokemon are not to be brought to school.

In Term 2 we will be offering Spanish language lessons as a club for students. And, a Coding Club Camp opportunity will be available in the last week of the school holidays. Please see the flyers below. 

Student Success

Jackson in (P5), has recently played the role of Gavroche in the production of Les Miserables, by The Noteable Theatre Company. It was an incredible experience for him, and he was very excited that one evening he was able to perform for the Honourable David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley.  One reviewer described Jackson as a dynamo whose acting was incredibly good; with adult, professional level theatrical discipline.

Last week the Years 3-6 students participated in an incursion ‘The Yard’ by Shaun Parker and Company. It was an educational and inspiring performance that aimed to educate the students and encouraged them to make positive life choices. The students engaged in a Q&A with the performers who then concluded the presentation with a mini workshop where they learnt the technique of tutting [a Hip Hop choreographic style only using the hands].  

The J4 girls have been working hard during our Maths investigations of Length. When we needed to adjust our lessons because of COVID-19 (blowing counters across a desk is not recommended) the girls investigated different ways to propel objects. They settled on the concept of trebuchets – to propel items and then measure the distance that they travelled. After researching a range of designs, they came up with these machines. Along the way, quite a few modifications were necessary based on the resources we had available, and the projectiles that would be launched. We’re proud of the outcome!

Years 9-12 Visual Arts Incursion

Philippine-born emerging artist Kristone Capistrano spent the day working between the elective Visual Arts classes this week. The artist is known for his monumental portrait charcoal drawings that focus on the stories behind the human face. His work reconsiders Australia’s history through a migrant lens and focuses on the act of observing the human face as a mysterious site of transcendence. Kristone has been awarded multiple prizes nationally, including winning the 'Black Swan Prize for Portraiture', the 'Royal South Australian Portrait Biennale' and more recently, he was selected as a finalist for the 'Dobell Drawing Prize' and the 'Fisher Ghost Art Award'.

His enthusiasm, time and generous expertise has been an invaluable experience for our students. It has been so inspirational to watch our students rise to the challenge and produce the work they have under his guidance. We can’t wait to see the progression as works are completed later in the year.

Year 9 Photography and Digital Media Excursion

On Monday 8 March 2021, Year 9 Photography and Digital Media students visited Dee Why beach to enhance their photography portfolio based on the theme ‘viewpoints’ which is part of their Term 1 assessment. Students used their DSLR cameras on a manual setting to practise the exposure triangle and complete a scavenger hunt based on the elements and principles of design, allowing students to take note of their surroundings, compose and shoot images appropriate to intentions. The weather was on our side with beautiful morning light and setting providing students with rich pickings for their images. Students will now create a photobook of their best images as an outcome for their first unit of work for Photography. 

Performing Arts Ensembles have been highly popular this year - it has been great to see the significant increase in the number of students getting involved. There is a selection of ensembles available for ALL students regardless of skill level and ability.

Our ‘Core’ Ensembles are open to all students.  The ‘Core’ ensembles give students a great opportunity to meet other like-minded students from across the school.

Senior School Core Ensembles:

Show Choir (Friday Lunch), Senior Concert Band (Friday Morning), String Ensemble (Tuesday Morning), Senior Dance Troupe (Wednesday Morning), Theatre Sports (Wednesday Afternoon), Guitar Ensemble and Bass Guitar Ensemble (Tuesday Lunch).

Junior School Core Ensembles:

Cantabile Singers (Monday Junior School Form), Vocal Ensemble (Tuesday Junior School Form), Junior Dance Troupe (Wednesday Lunch), Junior Guitar Ensemble (Wednesday Lunch).

To take advantage of these great activities all you need to do is turn up.  The 2021 Performing arts Ensembles Rehearsal Schedule can be found in the General tab on Skoolbag under the Performing Arts folder.   If you would like more information, please visit the Performing Arts Cottage or speak to one of the Performing Arts Staff.

Dates and Events

In Term 2 we have a number of events that the Performing Arts students will be involved in.

Registration for 2021 Ensemble Membership

The ensembles’ structure has changed in 2021 to allow for greater inclusion and engagement throughout the entire School. If you require any further information, please email performingarts@tphs.nsw.edu.au

We welcome current ensemble members and new members to join our 2021 Instrumental and Dance ensembles, and hope 2021 proceeds with fewer interruptions caused by COVID-19 than last year. Access the Ensemble Registration form here.

Private Music Tuition 

We have a group of experienced private tutors achieving great results.  If you are interested in having Private Music Lessons at Pittwater House during the School day please fill in the Instrumental/Vocal Music Application form here.    If you have any questions, please email us at performingarts@tphs.nsw.edu.au.

Enrichment Opportunities 

We are looking for students to perform in our Senior School Assemblies. If your child is interested in performing please email your child’s interest to performingarts@tphs.nsw.edu.au.  

Student Achievements

Charlotte (C9), has made it through to the Semi-Finals of the prestigious 'Royal Academy of Dance Isobel Anderson Awards', after a preliminary round of over 100 dancers.

Emma (J6), successfully auditioned to be a part of the Victorian State Ballet production of The Little Mermaid, which will be performed at the Chatswood Concourse Theatre in April.

As we approach the end of Term 1 we are collecting English resources. The texts need to be returned to the library no later than Tuesday 30 March. If they are not returned on time the non-refundable charges will be added to your account to cover the cost of a replacement book and the cost of the work needed to add the book to the library collection.

These texts are:

• 'Lion'
• 'Animal Farm'
• 'Chinese Cinderella'
• 'The Happiest Refugee'
  

K-12 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards

Calling all students who are interested in writing poetry!

The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition is open to all students from K-12.

More information can be found here - Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards.

I will be facilitating this competition at school in Term 2, and I am hoping to gain interest from a wide range of students who are keen to submit an entry for this wonderful competition.

Please let me know via email by Friday 26th March if you are interested in submitting an entry victoria.james@tphs.nsw.edu.au.

Uniform Shop Bookings

Bookings are compulsory for parents who wish to purchase from the Uniform Shop - To make a booking the link is available on the Uniform Page of the Pittwater House website here: Book Online here. Alternatively you can contact Mrs Tess Spark at: teresa.spark@tphs.nsw.edu.au or call on: 9972 5721. Parents/guardians without a booking may not be able to  be served.

Please wait until the previous appointment has concluded before entering the shop. We ask that if you or your child/children are unwell, please reschedule your appointment. You must use the QR code at the entrance to the School.

Please Note:

• Winter uniforms are to be worn Terms  2 and 3.
• Senior girls can make their appointment during term time to be fitted during their recess or lunch break.
• Blazers are compulsory for Years 1-12.

Uniform Shop Autumn Recess Hours

Monday 12th April 9.30 –4.30pm

Tuesday 13th April 8am–3.30pm

Wednesday 14th April 8am–3.30pm

Thursday 15th April 8am–3.30pm

Friday 16th April 8am–3.30pm

Monday 19th April 8am- 4pm

Note: Closed Daily 12-12.30pm