HouseNews

With the 2020 academic year now underway for 2 million Australian school children, I hope that you are all adjusting to a change in pace from the languid days of the long break.  I trust that these weeks have allowed you the time of rest and recreation needed prior to the start of a busy year; the 59th year of Pittwater House. I trust too that the material shared with you in the Principal’s Pack sent in the holidays, has answered the inevitable questions as a new year commences. The year ahead is fully laid out in the plethora of documents we have shared with you. And I do hope that all the new families to Pittwater House are feeling more at ease with our expectations and ways of doing… a warm welcome to you all.

In my letter to you in the Principal’s Pack I addressed the distress that the summer weeks of bushfires have caused, including some within our community. Our concern for all those impacted remains and we will work with the Prefect body to express this in practical ways, in coming weeks.

It has been a difficult time too for those families affected by the quarantine period required as a result of the Coronavirus. We have endeavoured to support these students through this time, particularly as they were expecting to begin their studies with the rest of their cohort.

We are, nevertheless, very excited about all that is before us as we set sail for 2020. 

In our Opening Assembly led by our Head Prefects Alex and Gracie , all students from Years 3-12 were seated in the Hall. Alex and Gracie provided an inspiring address ensuring all students, whether new or returning, seniors or juniors, were encouraged by their messages of expectation and support, going into a new year. As part of our Assembly is has become our custom to welcome back the Dux of the College and the Dux of the Grammar School from the previous year. Geordie Smith with an ATAR of 99.05 and James Pinnington with an ATAR of 97.2 were welcomed and awarded their Dux Medal; their names have been etched onto our Honour Boards as a permanent reminder of their achievement. Geordie and James spoke of the way they balanced their unrelenting academic focus with their diverse array of activities. And for James, this continued into December when he won the 13’ Skiff National Championship at Port Stephens. Geordie too was an outstanding athlete, achieving great success in soccer and surf lifesaving.  They provided some tips, not just to the Class of 2020 but to all students as they embark on a new academic year. I trust too that their words inspired the students to get the very best from their time at Pittwater House.

Our congratulations to our graduating Class of 2019 for the next phase of their lives. I look forward to sharing further details of their tertiary destinations when they come to hand. With in excess of 20% of the students gaining early entry to their chosen courses, these students knew their destination prior to sitting their final exams. This is a great acknowledgement of their achievements. Additionally, we were able to celebrate the outstanding results of our accelerated students from Year 11 who undertook HSC subjects. Mia gained 4th place in HSC Dance and Isabella a Band 6 in Dance; both girls were presented with medals of acknowledgement. The Dance class and the Studies of Religion class each had wonderful results from our 2019, Year 11 accelerated students.

Another tradition at our Opening Assembly is the announcement of our new Junior School leaders. They were led onto the stage by their corresponding School Prefect and were then able to see their parents sitting in the Mezzanine in an act that was full of secrecy. A parent then came on stage to officially pin their newly acquired School Leader Badge on their lapel. In a special moment (and departing from the formula of corresponding School Prefect), Deputy Head Prefect of the Grammar School, Benjamin led his brother Henry onto the Stage as the new Junior School Assembly Leader.

For students, the weeks of holiday saw some marvellous achievements. Included in this is Meg (C12), who has continued her outstanding Waterpolo success gaining Gold in the U18 Australian Youth Waterpolo Championship with her team the Sydney University Lions. Paris (C11), spent January at our sister School, Woodward Academy in Atlanta Georgia in what was a life changing experience. 

It seems it was only yesterday that we were farewelling 2019 with our marvellous Prize Giving ceremonies. Whilst we asked ourselves ‘Where has the year gone?’, we can equally ask ourselves and challenge ourselves at the start of a new year that this is an opportunity for accomplishments, for challenges and for being the best we can be in every way. That is what is being asked of all students. I should offer a word of warning… the year 2020 will pass so quickly and consequently, I challenge every member of our community to make the most of every opportunity; to be the best you can be and at year’s end, look back on 2020 as the year where milestones were not only reached but exceeded, that achievements can be clearly articulated and progress made on individual goals that you and your children are setting with their teachers as a new year begins.

This new beginning need not be feared; begin the new year seeking growth, with each student using the combined tools of our academic and wellbeing programs to make this a truly happy and successful year.

Walking around the corridors and classes in the past week, I have seen students engaged in their new programs and making use of the new opportunities the year brings. The K-2 Discovery Hub is a wonderful place for the youngest members of our community and, they are enjoying their outdoor learning environment which is a lovely extension of their classrooms.  I am pleased too that the new Mobile Phone Policy is being accepted by our students. Our desire to limit the distraction caused by mobile phones through the school day has come after a period of review and reflection with our concern too for the social development of our young people.

It was marvellous to see so many of you at our Welcome Drinks that we co-hosted with the PHPA last Friday night. Meeting in this relaxed way with the Staff brought closure to a hectic yet exciting first week of School. New parents went away feeling connected with others in their year group and knowing teachers with whom they will engage over the year, whilst returning families were seen engaging widely. Sincere thanks to the PHPA once more; to Kate Parsons, Connie Pople, Asia Punter, Shannon Harcourt and Petrina Rousel together with the Barmen for the evening: Chris Pople and Daniel Parsons.

Pascalle Casey (Class of 2012) is a member of the Australian Women’s Waterpolo team, the ‘Aussie Stingers’ who were involved in a 3-test series against the USA Team, as they build toward the Tokyo Games.

Simon McTavish (Class of 2014) is training hard for inclusion in the Canadian Kayaking Team for Tokyo. Simon was the 2019 Canadian National Sprint Champion and a 2-time Gold Medallist in the 2019 World Championships. And in 2018 he was awarded the Australian University Male Athlete of the Year. After completing his HSC in 2014, Simon gained a Bachelor of Project Management (Built Environment) at the University of Sydney, before returning to his native Canada to continue his kayaking.

We wish Alumni Pascalle and Simon every success as they head into this Olympic year.

Lewis Beard (Class of 2014) has completed his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering at University of Sydney. It is wonderful to report that he took out a 1st Class Honours Degree, continuing the fine academic approach that he demonstrated whilst at School. We wish him well as he ventures into the world of work.

Always a cricket tragic, Lewis has been playing in the ACA Inclusive team competition and along with other hearing impaired cricketers, had great success in playing for NSW. Lewis has now gained selection in the National team. We will follow both your cricketing and engineering futures with great interest, Lewis.

Finally, my best wishes to all Pittwater House families and I very much look forward to engaging with you as students, parents and members of our wider Pittwater House family in the coming weeks.

School Shop Receipts
Please note that from February onward, receipts from all School Uniform Shop purchases will be emailed.  We will no longer be printing receipts.

Parking
Can all parents who park in the surrounding streets please be aware of the signed parking restrictions.  Local residents very often ring to complain about illegally parked cars.  Our advice always is to photograph the offending vehicle and send the details to council so the vehicle owner can be issued with a fine.

Maths Study Centre will be held in the Library from 3.30 to 4.20pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Car Park
I would also draw your attention to adhering to the car parking arrangements both at drop off and at collection time. For ease of traffic flow we ask you to follow the instructions outlined clearly in the Principal’s Pack. The speed limit of the car park is 5km per hour. If you need to escort your Year 1-6 child to the playground you must use the surrounding streets to park. Kindergarten and ECC parents must have their coloured permits on display to park in the designated car spaces for 10 minutes only. With new staff on car park duty, please have your family name displayed on the dashboard to support the process of collecting your child quickly and safely. Please be reminded travel is in the one direction in the car park at 5km per hour. Speeding and negligence places our children’s lives at risk. Mobile phones cannot be in use whilst driving through and dropping or collecting your children. Other vital Car Park reminders for you are:

• Kiss Drop Go is used for students from Kindergarten
• Wait for crossing guard to escort families across the crossing
• 10 min only bays may be used to quickly deliver heavy or awkward equipment to rooms
• Only ECC and Kindergarten vehicles can park from 07:30 - 08:30am and 14:30-15:30pm
• There is no ‘Events’ days parking (carnivals etc) on campus during the pickup /drop off times
• The training sessions on oval, gym, tennis courts and pool; vacate the car park by 7:30am
• Wherever possible seniors drop off / pickup at Westmoreland Ave.
• Staff on car park duty are not able to have ‘parent interviews’ whilst on duty
• Patience and politeness go a long way towards a pleasant car park experience.
  

Co-curricular Clubs
Junior School students’ clubs and co-curricular activities will begin in earnest next week (Week 3), if they haven’t already. Specific flyers advertising new afternoon clubs and parental permissions will make their way home this week.

Our Drama classes are outsourced to Helen O'Grady Drama Academy - Northern Beaches. The classes run on a Tuesday morning from 7:30am until 8:15am, in the sports centre. To enrol your child in these classes you need to contact    sydneynthbeaches@helenogrady.com.au  

Chess Club will also recommence in Week 3. Please see the flyer below.

Congratulations to Amy (J5), who has been selected to spend a week in Melbourne at the Australian Open Tennis Championships to attend the National Super 10s camp. Amy has also been invited for Term 1 and Term 2 to train at Sydney Olympic Park for the NSW Junior Development Squad. Congratulations Amy, what an awesome achievement.

Congratulations to Melanie (J5) and Kaya (J6), for being part of the Manly Warringah Representative Team that won the 2019 U12 Girl's State Softball Championships late last year. They played with determination and precision, whilst attaining the highest level of achievement in NSW softball for their age group. Well done girls.

Congratulations to Barnes (G8), who with his Manly team, on the weekend of 23/24 November, competed in the Warriors Tournament where they faced a competitive division with 12 teams in total.  They were undefeated all weekend, taking out the final against Ryde on Sunday afternoon. Great results Ryan

Congratulations to Ramon (G8), for finishing 3rd in his division In the NSW Open Skiff Championships at Mannering Park late last year.  Well done Ramon

Congratulation to Alex (G9), for his commitment, dedication and training in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Late last year he attained the rank of Yellow/White belt (intermediate level), and competed at the recent Grappling Industries Sydney BJJ competition (September 28th), just missing out on the bronze medal.

In addition, Alex has been awarded his 3rd Kup (Red Tip) for Hapkido on the 30th October (2 ranks below 1st degree Black Belt), by Master Kevin Brown of Pittwater Hapkido, 7th Degree Black Belt, and ex-technical director for the Australian Hapkido Association. Great achievement and well done Alex

Congratulations to Noah (G7) and Connor (G9). It has been a very a big week for the boys at top level sport. Noah competed with Sydney Northern Beaches in Brisbane for Nationals and his team won, and Connor competed for New South Wales Surf Life Saving team on the Sunshine Coast and NSW won! Connor also won the Ironman event and all the relays with his teammates. Well done boys 

Congratulations to Paris (C12), who has been selected into the Australian Oztag woman’s opens team. She is the youngest in the team by years, so huge congratulations, Paris.

Congratulations to Meg (G12), and her team, the Sydney Uni Lions, who claimed the gold medal at the 2020 Under 18 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in a penalty shootout victory over cross town rivals Drummoyne Devils 10-9. Meg was the team's No.2 goalkeeper but played almost 1/2 the match time throughout the competition, in which her team went through all the preliminary and final rounds undefeated.

The library staff were very busy over the holidays accessioning and covering thousands of beautiful new books. We are so grateful for our library volunteers who have spent countless hours covering our new additions. See some of the picture below.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the 2020 school year - we hope that you all are settling in nicely. 

For new families, there is a lot for parents to get their heads around, hang in there, it gets easier.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you to everyone who came along to the 2020 Welcome Drinks and made it such a fantastic evening! It is such a lovely way to start the school year and meet new and returning families and teachers.

Keep an eye on Skoolbag and communications from your Network Parent regarding all PHPA happenings, so you can join in when you can and be a part of this fabulous parent community!

In the meantime, here is some information to get you started…

Network Parents
Along with the School, we are gathering a list of parent representatives from each class group to act as a Network Parent - your point of contact for general school-life queries and class social interactions. In the meantime, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at PHPA@tphs.nsw.edu.au

AGM The 2019/20AGM, postponed from Term 4 2019, will now be held on Friday 14th February, at 9am in the Principal’s meeting room. We will be reviewing the 2019 PHPA results and introducing some key changes for 2020. Please join us - RSVP  PHPA@tphs.nsw.edu.au

Canteen Volunteering
To help foster community spirit within the school and to increase our fundraising capacity, we encourage every family to do their best to Volunteer in the School Canteen at least once this year - this is open to all parents, grandparents and carers. The full 2020 Canteen Volunteer Roster is now open and available at volunteersignup.org/3FEPT.  To sign up please click on the link and just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do and you won’t regret it! Each week is allocated to a different year group each semester -  this is only a guideline to encourage class groups to volunteer with parents they know. If your availability differs from your class’s allocated week - please go ahead and volunteer on the day/week that suits you best. Without your support the Canteen wouldn’t be as wonderful as it is! For all questions on Volunteering please email Shannon at PHPAvolunteer@tphs.nsw.edu.au and for more information on what is involved please see the skoolbag 'Canteen Volunteering’ folder.

Swimming Carnivals
The PHPA will again be running the Pitt Stop Cafe, poolside, during the Swimming Carnivals this term to keep Swimmers, Parents & Staff fed and watered throughout the day.

We do rely on Volunteers to help serve and operate the BBQ - This is a fun opportunity to meet other Parents and Carers and be involved in a wonderful school event... 

 You will find the link below to enable you to Volunteer for your child's event if you are in a position to. Just put your name down at a time that suits you - if you end up being rostered on when your child has their race you will of course be able to go and watch them! 

Years 3-6: Thursday 13th February volunteersignup.org/H4AJP

College Years 7-12: Wednesday 19th February volunteersignup.org/AREKW

Grammar Years 7-12: Thursday 20th February volunteersignup.org/AC3LT

Years K-2: Thursday 26th March volunteersignup.org/PAC8A

That’s it for now, we look forward to seeing you around campus!

Warm regards
Kate and Connie
PHPA Co-Presidents

Note: The School Uniform Shop will be closed from Monday 17th to Friday 21st February 2020.  It will re-open on Monday 24 February at 8am.

In Stock Now:  Girls K-12 Navy Summer Shorts as an option to the Summer Dress.

If you are interested in some basic training in Edumate and/or 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.

Pittwater House is committed to using student images in a safe, dignified and responsible manner.  If you Do Not want images or film of your child/children engaging in School activities to be published to promote Pittwater House School please ensure you complete and submit the Photo/Film Opt Out form on Skoolbag.  You may opt out at any time.  No action from you will be taken as implied consent.