HouseNews

Student Success

Great student success is occurring across many fields. Lexi C9 and Hannah C11 have competed in Florida at the Worlds Cheerleading competition and they should feel on top of the world… literally. In a huge and star-studded field, they have returned to Sydney sporting amazing results; sixth in the world in the Open Elite Lyrical Team and were awarded the third highest score on the Nation’s Cup. They also placed seventh in the Open Elite Jazz which was awarded the fourth highest score in the Nation’s Cup.  And Charlotte C10 and Adele C9 in the IRBD Competition took out Gold and Silver Awards respectively. We made a huge splash at the CIS Swimming and Diving Championships with special congratulations to Sadie C7 and Lillie C8 who now face their next challenge at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships in June. And Henry G7 and Macie C9 represented Pittwater House at the CHS Secondary Schools Sailing Championship with commendable results. Meanwhile, Zara C9 dominated the 14-years girls’ division at the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships winning four golds and a silver and Ryan G10 who plays for the Manly All Stars Senior League won the State Championships qualifying for the Australian National Baseball Championships. For the first time, Pittwater House, represented by Stella C8 has reached State level in Volleyball, in the NSW All Schools Squad. It has been a remarkable few weeks of engagement, and success. Our warmest congratulations to all these students, and those who trialled for the sporting pathways on offer. 

ANZAC Day

Although some weeks ago, I do wish to commend our Cadets who continue to support our community as we all stopped to remember the heroes of our past on ANZAC Day. And as a School, we honoured the people of Australia who served our nation to protect our sovereignty. On the final day of Term 1, we were able to say, “be proud of what you have done, as we are proud of you.” For above all else, we all share the responsibility to remember. And at a time of heightened global tension and with the devastating war in Ukraine that we are witnessing through unrelenting news and social media feed, it is particularly poignant to recall the ANZAC legend, built as it is around mateship, solidarity, integrity and the facing of adversity. This legend of our ANZAC’s has transcended time to become a symbol of what we value as Australians. ANZAC Day reminds us that wars are to be avoided, but, when necessary, we must stand up for our values. It requires us to reflect on the past with pride, but also to look ahead and build on the achievements of our predecessors. We remember too the current defence personnel who are serving abroad this 107th ANZAC Day, as part of multinational peacekeeping forces.

I am so proud that Pittwater House has a strong Cadet Unit that is well known across the Northern Beaches for its support of our community and veterans at this key national time of commemoration where our obligation is to pass on to our children and future generations, the stories of those who gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Involvement at the Manly Dam Dawn Service, the Avalon Beach RSL Service and the Collaroy Beach sunset service were noted and appreciated by those in attendance. My thanks to the students involved and the guidance they continue to receive.

Mother's Day Lunch

No account of recent weeks would be complete without recognition of our Mother’s Day Lunch. For those fortunate to be in attendance, it was simply marvellous. Not only were folk thrilled to be out and about, engaging in an event that is so special to our School, but I do wish to thank you all for your beautiful raffle prizes; our Network Parents created splendid prizes that the lucky few were able to take home and are no doubt, continuing to enjoy. I acknowledge particularly our PHPA President Mrs Sheridan Millward, Treasurer Mrs Sam Beard and Secretary Mrs Nicole Hallett for leading the day.

… and now to the Christmas Night Markets. Please note your diaries now… Saturday 3 December is a day for all Pittwater House families to participate and support our School. For those who are more recent arrivals at our School, this fabled event is a must-attend!

As I shared with you last week, I am taking a period of leave and shall return to Campus in the final week of Term. During this time, Mr Walmsley will be our Acting Principal and can be contacted through my Personal Assistant, Mrs Julia Paul on Julia.paul@tphs.nsw.edu.au or 9972 5766. I look forward to stories of continuing success when I return.

With every good wish to you all.

Collaboration is essential in our modern world. Matisse in Year 6 has written an article about the importance of the competency of collaboration.

If you would like to contribute to HouseNews then please email our Co-ordinator of High Potential and Gifted Students at: Victoria.james@tphs.nsw.edu.au

Years 7-11, 2022 Australian Mathematics Competition

The Australian Maths Trust (AMT) is offering your child an opportunity to participate in the Australian Mathematics Competition. 

The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) has been held annually since 1978. One of the largest annual events on the Australian education calendar, the AMC was the first competition of its kind in Australia and is now one of the largest of its type in the world. More than 30 countries participate each year. The competition aims to be accessible to all students from Years 7 to 11, not just the mathematically gifted. There is an emphasis on problem solving, a valuable life skill, and the questions are designed to be fun for the student. The AMC consists of five separate papers, each with 30 questions in the Middle Primary (Years 3 and 4), Upper Primary (Years 5 and 6), Junior (Years 7 and 8), Intermediate (Years 9 and 10) and Senior (Year 11) divisions.

The AMC is run by the not-for-profit Australian Maths Trust (AMT). The problems created for AMC papers are set to the highest possible standards by volunteer teams of the most experienced mathematics teachers and academics in the country. In order to prepare students for the AMC try the online practice problems. The website www.amt.edu.au also provides details of other valuable mathematics and informatics enrichment programs offered by the AMT.

 AMC: 

• is an annual skills development assessment program in key areas of learning for students in Years 7–11; assessments are available in Mathematics.
• gathers performance information through a 60-minute supervised online in-school test
• provides a continuous, independent and comprehensive record of a student’s performance, and maps their development over the full period of primary and secondary schooling
• enables the progress of each student to be mapped in each skill against their previous performance, demonstrating personal improvement no matter the starting point
• accessible to all students, not just mathematically gifted.
• provides an excellent preparation for online testing
• medals are awarded to the top students per state in each subject and year level (when sufficiently meritorious and the test was sat on the official sitting date)
• achievement certificates are awarded to all students at a range of levels.

For Years 7-11 we are offering students the opportunity to participate in Mathematics on Wednesday 3rd of August. This assessment is now only available online. As this assessment is offered on an opt-in basis, the cost is not covered by the incidental charges. The cost of this assessment is $7.50 which will be charged to your school account.

To enrol your child in the AMC Mathematics assessment, please complete the Skoolbag permission form no later than 3rd of July, 2022.

For more information about AMC go to: www.amt.edu.au, contact AMT on (02) 6201 5136.

Your child can also prepare for AMC using the Resource section via the website. Find out more about Practice Online at: https://competitions.amt.edu.au/index.php?action=user_competitions

What to Do: Send your answers in to your Maths teacher (or your childs' Maths teacher if you are a parent!) to see if you get it correct.

Solutions will be posted in HouseUpdate - Week 5!

On Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, Mrs Rouse and Mrs Tristram (respectively) offer their support in the Maths Study Centre directly after school until 4:20pm in the school Library. This provides an opportunity for students to work with our staff to address any concerns or problems with their mathematics. 

COMMONWEALTH GAMES SWIM TRIALS

Congratulations to Lillie (C8) for qualifying for the Commonwealth Games Swimming Trials being held in Adelaide from the 19th to the 23 May. Lillie you will have all of Pittwater House cheering you on. Good luck!

FOOTBALL

East Mallorca Cup

Congratulations to Jaxton (G9) and the U15 MUFC team travelled to Mallorca Spain to compete in the East Mallorca Cup 13-17th April. Underdogs in this European competition, the team played their hearts out to win 4/6 games (a club record) including a 1-0 win over Liverpool FC. Jaxton played strong in the goalkeeper position to help his team place 3rd in their pool. Well done to Jaxton and team on not only an amazing tournament but an incredible adventure abroad.

Pho3nix Futures Foundation

During the Easter Holidays Conner (G11) was selected to attend the Pho3nix Futures Foundation 5 day camp at Olympic Park, this was an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity to rub shoulders with a few Olympians learning what it takes to become a professional athlete.

RUGBY 7S

CIS U18 Girls Rugby 7s Trials

I witnessed a sensational performance from Brooke (C10) at the U18 Girls Rugby 7s CIS Trials on Thursday 28th April at Barker College. There were over 100 ladies taking part in these trials to select the 2022 CIS U18 Rugby 7s Squad. Brooke who is only U15 needed a special dispensation just to take part because of her age. Brooke not only took part she dominated the trials scoring two tries in her team’s first game in the very wet and slippery conditions that were evident on the day.

The skills Brooke displayed were her great acceleration and evasive skills when she was carrying the ball, her ability to clean up any loose ball around the tackled players and a committed and very effective tackling technique. She left the selectors no choice other than to include her to this elite CIS Rugby team after her performances in all her team’s games. Well done, Champ!

SOFTBALL

National U14 Girls Softball Championships

Congratulations to Melanie (C7) who recently participated at the National U14 Girls Softball Championships that was held in Canberra during the school holidays.

Melanie, at only 12 years of age, was representing the ACT team. She played in the critical positions of pitcher and short baseman during the event. Her play was of a very high standard and despite being one of the youngest in her team, Melanie was pencilled in by the selectors as a player to watch for future representative teams.

Well done Melanie, on your efforts at the tournament.

SURF LIFE SAVINGS

Australian Surf Titles

The school would like to congratulate Zara (C9) on her recent dominating performances at the recent Australian Surf Titles that were held on the Gold Coast. Zara won five medals at the titles against the best in Australia. She won Gold Medals in: The Surf Swim, Ironman, Team Surf Swim and Board Rescue and a Silver Medal in the Cameron Relay! Well done Zara a very impressive effort from this young and talented multi sports athlete.

Pittwater House would also like to congratulate Conner (G11) and Noah  (G9) who also competed at this Championships with amazing results. Conner won 2 Gold medals and 1 Silver Medal and Noah won 1 Silver Medal and 2 Bronze Medals. Well done boys!

SWIMMING

Australian Age Swimming Championships

During the Easter holidays 4 very talented swimmers went to Adelaide to compete in the Australian Age Swimming Championships. Conner 16 Years, Sophie 15 Years, Zara 14 Years and Lillie 13 Years. Congratulations to all swimmers for qualifying for such a high-level competition. Our top swimmers at these championships were:

Lillie:

• Gold Medal 50m Butterfly
• Silver Medal 200m Freestyle
• Silver Medal 100m Freestyle
• Bronze Medal 50m Freestyle

Zara:

• 6th Place 200m Freestyle
• 7th Place 800m Freestyle

TENNIS

Australian Junior Tennis Championships

A massive congratulations to Amy (C7) who during the holidays competed for the first time in the National Australian Junior Clay Court Tennis Championships in Canberra. Amy finished 13th Nationally and made it through to the Semi Finals in the Doubles. She is flying to Tasmania during our first week of Term 2 to take part in the Rafa Nadal Tour event. Well done Amy! We wish you all the best in Tasmania.

Rafa Nadal Tennis Tour Event – Hobart

Congratulations to Amy (C7) who won the 14u girls - 2022 Rafa Nadal Tennis Tour event in Hobart. Winning this event has qualified Amy to play at the Rafa Nadal Australian Masters in January 2023, joining Rafa Nadal himself and his Academy team for a week in Melbourne (and a chance to win a trip to the Nadal Academy in Spain).

TOUCH FOOTBALL

CIS U12 Touch Football Trials

This event was held on 27 April at Penrith on the synthetic fields of Jamison Park. It was a very wet and cold day and our representatives at the event played in six games throughout the day. From our Junior Schools Harvey (P6) was involved in the boy’s team trials and Matilda (J6) and Reggie (J6) took part in the girl’s section of the event. Over 70 boys and 50 girls took part on the day. Well done to all our students who all looked comfortable in the high-level CIS event to select the CIS Representative teams for 2022. On the day Harvey’s team went through their pool of matches undefeated and Matilda and Reggie also had strong performances for their teams. Well done to all our representatives on the day.