HouseNews

Issue 2021 / 04

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

As I write this piece, my joy of Sunday is enhanced with the wonderful background noises; the pounding of the surf, relentlessly providing the backdrop to the magic of our Northern Beaches world, coupled with the gentle whirr of hang gliders. Peering into the distance, surfers, and the odd marine craft… what blessings we have. May they never be taken for granted.

These elements of mindfulness shaped for me today, were covered as part of the parent briefing Hugh van Cuylenberg gave to secondary parents last Thursday evening. I was pleased that we had 60 attending this zoom session; though every family in our School would have benefited from hearing Hugh’s stories that shape his approach to teaching Resilience. And as I have mentioned in House News already this year, the Resilience Project, that is the centre piece of our secondary Wellbeing Project, is his valuable contribution to this key area of our work with your children.

I take an excerpt from the 'Student’s Resilience' Journal Lesson 42:

Three things I noticed today:

One about my body

One about my environment

One about my thoughts…

and I urge you, parents, to stop before this day ends, and reflect on this question posed… and do try to adopt a daily practice, whether it be mindfulness or gratitude or empathy.

I shall continue to return to these elements of our Resilience work for they have immeasurable value if undertaken daily, as a routine, either in the morning or in the evening. Gain that sense of ritual, for I can guarantee that you will find a peace and joy from so doing. 

New families to Pittwater House

All new families to our School this year will be receiving a telephone call from either the relevant Head of School, or me.

We are keen to touch base with you all over the coming weeks of Term. 

Alumni News

Happening upon alumni and enjoying a catch up is just a part of my continuing engagement with our former students. And so, I caught up with news from Dr Harriet Channon (Hattie) and Addie Channon last week, from the Class of 2011 and Class of 2018 respectively. 

Hattie has just received her letter of completion for her Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) which she undertook at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music within the University of Sydney. Her Thesis title was ‘For Trumpet Alone: Australian Unaccompanied Trumpet Music’. We are indeed fortunate to have Hattie as one of the Private Trumpet tutors contracted to the School. Hattie having been providing us this service since she graduated from Pittwater House. Hattie, we congratulate you on your wonderful achievement and have been delighted to have benefited from your ongoing commitment to music education at Pittwater House.

Addie is currently in her third year at the Conservatorium undertaking a Bachelor of Music (Performance) studying with Owen Morris who is principal trumpet of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Addie has won a scholarship from the Henderson Travellers program to study trumpet at Midwestern University in Chicago from the middle of the year and hopes following her time in Chicago, to gain entry to the Juilliard School in New York, a world leader in performing arts education. Additionally, Sydney University Independent Press will be publishing an anthology of Poetry Addie has compiled. Publication is due in October.

Warm congratulations to these two fine Alumni.

Whilst reflecting on the success of Hattie and Addie in their graduate music studies, I wandered around some junior and secondary music classes to watch our current students in action. From the joy of J1 to secondary students, both in class and performing at last Friday's assembly I witnessed wonderful engagement.

Supporting Maths Educators Across NSW

It gives me great joy to share the work our Staff are undertaking in support of teachers across the State. Recently, our Coordinator of Maths, Mr Adam Demasi and Assistant Coordinator of Maths, Mrs Jane Richardson ran a zoom session titled ‘Leveraging Technology in Mathematics’. In Mr Demasi’s words “Jane and I have been working with the AIS for the past year, as part of the Mathematics Department network in NSW. We were invited to present on “Leveraging Technology in Mathematics” at a recent network webinar due to the innovative ways we teach and integrate technology positively here at Pittwater House. We demonstrated and provided resources particularly around our use of OneNote, GeoGebra and Desmos and how they enhanced the learning experiences of our students. Jane has also been worked closely with the Education Consultant in Teaching and Learning at the AIS to helped write a course on the Common Core content in the new Mathematics Standard and Advanced HSC courses. I will be presenting this material, as well as further technology integration strategies at the upcoming Mathematics Head of Department conference at Taronga Zoo, in August. Jane and I have enjoyed celebrating the dynamic teaching methods that occur inside our mathematics classrooms to the wider community of schools in our AIS network. “

Thank you to these fine members of our Staff.

In the second of these New Staff introductions, I have asked Visual Arts teacher Ms Karina Teh and Music Teacher Ms Amaris Leong, together with Performing Arts assistant Maddy Liu to share a little of their experience and time with us at Pittwater House. Welcome to our School.

Ms Teh

I am excited to be working at Pittwater House with students who are passionate and engaged in their education. Previously I have worked at Greystanes High School and Maronite College, both in Western Sydney. I have worked in Learning Support, Mathematics, Technology and Visual Arts departments, thus being able to adapt and work in different faculties. I have implemented gifted and talented programs after school, as well as extra-curricular art competitions. Working in the Visual Arts department at Pittwater House is exciting, as we aim to deliver an abundantly rich experience of both art making and exploration of art history. I am offering Art Club to Years 7 and 8 students at lunch time each Tuesday, Week B, to improve their skills and assist them in entering art competitions.

Ms Leong

Over the last 5 years, many staff in the Junior School have seen me coming and going from their classrooms once or twice a week for an hour to teach instrumental lessons as part of the Stage Two band program. I am the mother of two boys aged 3 and 6 years, and have been working as a specialist Music teacher in the Diocese of Broken Bay schools across the North Shore and Northern Beaches of Sydney, since 2003.

I feel excited to join an amazing and inspiring team of educators this year. I will be working on staff 2 days each week as part of the Music department. For me, it is no cliché when I tell others that I love my job and look forward to going into work each week. In six short weeks, I feel happy and grateful to have this opportunity to work alongside such supportive Junior School teachers and learn so much from my department colleagues about delivering quality music education in Australia.

Ms Lui

My name is Maddy Lui and I am the newest addition to the Performing Arts team. I’ve been at Pittwater House since the beginning of March as a part time administrator. My role is to make sure everything is in tip top shape behind the scenes and have the department running as smoothly as possible. I have an extensive background in Music performance and have previously worked in Film and Television.

Outside of Pittwater House, if I’m not studying for University, I spend most of my time hanging out with my pets whilst jamming to Triple J Top 100.

Passion Projects

College 10 Coordinator Ms Stephanie Burke supported her students in 2020 to develop either individually or in small groups, Passion Projects. Groups of students have been sharing these with me in recent time as they are soon to be introduced to our School. Sienna, Mikayla H, Lauren and Mikayla M have shared their thoughts for a student written newspaper or blog which we hope will be in the hands of our students by the start of Term 2. Alannah and Katrina presented me with their College Movie Night proposal… both these projects demonstrate the learnings for each student in pitching an idea to the Principal, covering requisite COVID challenges and working through financial and security and marketing necessities. These and other Passion Projects were shared with College students from Years 7 to 9 in Assembly this week. It was so good to be in the Hall once more! I salute these students and look forward to their passion projects being enjoyed by us all. And thank you Ms Burke for your great support of these girls.

Charity in action…

Before the next edition of HouseNews will slide into Skoolbag, the Head Above Water 24-hour swimathon will have taken place at Collaroy Pool on 20 to 21st March. I commend this wonderful fundraiser to all families, and congratulate our Prefect Team for their leadership, under the Charity Prefect, Charlotte. The men of the Grammar School will also be undertaking their additional swimathon charity event on Tuesday 29th as Deputy Head Prefect, Sam, outlined to the Grammar School last week. These actions, in support of Men's Mental Health, and the current collection of Bread Tags for Wheelchairs, (which will be recycled in Robe South Australia), and will go to fund wheelchairs for needy South Africans, are wonderful examples of student spirit.

There is a real spirit of goodness, and respect in our student body. I call on you all to support your children to continue in their quest of recognition and commitment to those less fortunate. Pittwater House must continue to be a School seeking out a range of areas where our good fortune can be of continuing benefit to others. These student-led actions give me such a sense of pride.

May you find joy in your daily practices and happiness in the range of opportunities your children are experiencing. 

From the Deputy Principal

COVID Restrictions Ease on Campus

From Monday 8 March 2021, restrictions ease at NSW schools, including allowing parents back on school grounds. 

Parents and carers are now able to enter school grounds but should continue to follow COVID safe practices, including maintaining social distancing between adults of 1.5 metres.  We look forward to welcoming you back to various sporting activities and school events.  There will still be requirements for COVID safe practices, and we will inform you of those for each activity.  For example, school sporting events must align with requirements for community sporting competitions and training activities in NSW.

We are pleased to welcome parents and carers back to campus.  Please ensure you follow our visitor procedures by scanning the NSW QR code upon entry to the Campus, signing in and out at Reception, and maintaining social distancing. If you do need to come on school grounds there is no available on-site parking at pick up or drop off times with the exceptions of limited parking for ECC parents and a very few, time limited, spots for Kindergarten parents.  Parents of other years, please park in the surrounding streets, giving appropriate courtesy to our neighbours.

Students are reminded to stay at home if feeling unwell and monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms. Visitors, including parents and carers, should not come onto Campus if they are feeling unwell.

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

School Information

https://www.pittwaterhouse.com.au/portal/school-information
Click the Banner above for School Information


JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS

From the Assistant Head of Junior School - Years 3 to 6 Wellbeing

As we enter Week 7, the staff in the Junior School welcome the relaxing of COVID restrictions and are looking forward to seeing more parents on Campus at various times.  

Mrs Achurch is currently on one week’s long service leave.  After two long years of being unable to see her daughter and grand daughter in person (mostly due to COVID restrictions) they are now back in Australia and Mrs Achurch has flown to Darwin to bring her family home to Sydney. 

In the absence of Mrs Achurch’s HouseNews, I thought I would take the opportunity to update parents about one of the school-wide wellbeing/friendship programs that we run in the Junior School.  

Friendships are an incredibly important part of a young person’s journey through not only school, but throughout life. Research shows that children with healthy friendships perform better academically, have higher self-esteem, a more positive body image, get involved in more leadership roles, and make smarter decisions in future relationships. Our whole-school friendship strategy works on the social climate of our school, teaching children a common language for confidently managing conflict and creating a culture rooted in respect and kindness.

Friendology for Students

All students from Year 1 through to Year 6 have been participating in URSTRONG’s flagship program called ‘Friendology 101’.  URSTRONG is an internationally-recognised friendship program that empowers children with the skills, language, and self-confidence to be better friends and develop healthier relationships. 

The skills-based programming teaches children how to put a voice to their feelings, create healthy friendships, and build a solid foundation for future relationships. Along with learning what is normal in a friendship and the difference between healthy and unhealthy friendships, students also learn and practise URSTRONG’s proven step-by-step approach for putting out common Friendship Fires™ (i.e. conflict) and how to combat Mean-on-Purpose behavior like a ninja.

Friendology for Parents

Do you ever find yourself at a loss for advice when your children come to you with friendship issues?  Sometimes, parents may just need a little bit of help with choosing the right language, but for other parents, we know how heart-breaking it can be to watch your child struggle with friendship issues. The time has come to extend beyond what we are doing in the classrooms, and invite you to become a part of the program.  The parents of students at Pittwater House are invited and encouraged to sign up to Friendology for free. You can register through the link below and help support your child deal with friendship issues by using the same approach and language at home.  You will learn how to empower your child to make healthier decisions about friendships in a respectful way.

Parent Membership:  https://urstrong.com/parents/

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS

From the Science Faculty

Famous Female Scientists Competition

Recently NASA landed the Mars rover Perseverance onto the surface of Mars. If you watched the video feed you would have heard the voice of Dr Swati Mohan who is the Steerage and Control operations lead at NASA’s jet propulsion lab (JPL). In honour of Dr Mohan and the recent International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021, we in the Science faculty have decided to have a competition to identify famous female scientists. The first 3 correct entries submitted to the Science faculty office in N24 will receive a prize.

Who am I?

  1. I am commonly referred to as the first computer programmer.
  2. I was in charge of the Harvard “computers” in the early 1900’s and was responsible for the star classification system that is still in use today.
  3. I was the first person to discover that the sun was composed predominantly of Hydrogen and Helium.
  4. I am often thought to be the inspiration behind the tongue twister “She sells, seashells on the seashore”.
  5. I discovered the first pulsars in the universe.
  6. I am at the forefront of discoveries into quantum computing and was a recent Australian of the Year recipient.
  7. I am now credited as the person who helped discover the structure of DNA, even if my work was overlooked at the time.
  8. I am one of the only people to have won the Nobel prize in two different strands of science (Chemistry and Physics).
  9. I am a famous anthropologist most well-known for my work with Chimpanzees.
  10. I have helped to develop “CRISPR” technology which has the ability to help eradicate diseases such as HIV and AIDs.

Year 12 Community and Family Studies Initiative

'Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs' collects bread tags nationally in Australia and has been running in South Africa since 2006. The tags are recycled locally in South Australia, raising funds to buy wheelchairs for disadvantaged people in South Africa. Most people in need of wheelchairs in South Africa are often unable to afford to buy their own. At present about 500kg are collected per month in South Africa, funding 2 wheelchairs.

A school is a great place to collect because so many families will be involved. You will be saving bread tags from going into landfill and helping people who cannot afford a wheelchair to get one. Pittwater House is hosting a collection. Please keep your bread tags, including broken ones, and pop them into the collection box at reception. You could also bring them in an envelope and hand them to Mrs Young, or any of the Yr12 CAFS students.

About 250kg of bread tags need to be recycled to raise enough funds to buy an entry level wheelchair, although some do cost more, depending on the client’s needs.

Let us see how many we collect! This is a community effort and all the small contributions soon add up.

Clothesline

In G10 O, we have partnered up with the organisation 'Clothesline' whose mission is to support homeless and needy Australians by providing them with new clothing and essential items. During form this year, we will be taking the time to knit our own scarves to then donate them to Clothesline and provide the homeless and needy with warmth this coming Winter. This activity is also a great opportunity for us to bond as a form class, learn a new skill together and express gratitude.

Year 7 Dig-In to Archaeology

Pittwater House is very fortunate to have an archaeologist in the HSIE faculty, Ms Selvaggi. She very generously showed her excavator gear and some real Roman artefacts she found at a dig in Oxford to Year 7 History students who have been learning about archaeology. Students have also been conducting archaeological examinations of replica ancient artefacts such as an Egyptian canopic jar, Polynesian wooden flute and a Persian oil lamp. These students will soon be moving onto their study of Ancient Egypt and Ancient China. 

From the Co-ordinator of Visual Arts

Express Yourself 2021, Manly Gallery

The annual curated exhibition of artworks by 2020 HSC Visual Arts students selected from the 20 High Schools across Sydney’s Northern Beaches, is on until the 28th March. Represented are diverse bodies of work including multi-media, digital, sculpture and drawing. The exhibition showcases Pittwater Houses students: Megan Shaw, Matthew Norton and Paris Ingegneri. Congratulations to these students on having their works selected.

Megan Shaw - Year 12, 2020
Paris Ingegneri - Year 12, 2020
Matthew Norton - Year 12, 2020

Year 10 Photography, Digital Media and Visual Arts

Do you believe in ghosts? This was the question that Year 10 Photography and Digital Media and Visual Arts students contemplated on Tuesday evening, 2nd March as they participated in a ghost tour at Sydney’s former Quarantine Station on North Head which is reputed to be one of Australia’s most haunted sites, with stories of ghosts and paranormal occurrences entwined throughout its history. Could there really be any better choice for an excursion that could totally engage and inspire our Stage 5 cohort in their own artmaking practice? As the darkness descended over the Q Station's historic buildings, the burial ground and empty pathways, the time soon came to encounter the ghosts of the site. With their EFT meters at the ready students visited the Grave Diggers cottage, shower block and the hospital.  Stories were told, cupboards rattled and opened on their own accord, physical sensations such as coldness and hairs standing on end are just some of the thing’s students encountered.  When we returned to School and students started to go through their photographs, we even found what appears to be an apparition. With the rich pickings provided from this experience Visual Arts students will now complete a drawing unit based on history and memory, and the Photography and Digital media students will plan and script a short film and return to the Q station for a day later in March to shoot around the theme of ghost stories. We cannot wait to see what these students produce.

Year 9 History Excursion

On Thursday 4th of March, Year 9 History students stepped back in time at their excursion to the ANZAC War Memorial in Hyde Park. The program titled ‘Devoted Service’ explored the experiences of Australian women during World War One in the ANZAC medical corps. Students particularly enjoyed the live verbatim theatre pieces featuring the real words of women who served as matrons and nurses. Students had a lot to say about their experience.

“I was really interested by the Dome of Stars which was a domed ceiling covered in 120,000 golden stars. These stars are a representation of every man and woman who served overseas during the Great War. Overall, it was a great excursion and I’d like to thank the teachers for organising it and the ANZAC Memorial staff for their insightfulness.”

Hugo (G9)

“After a tour around the ANZAC War Memorial my knowledge has grown as I have gained further insight into the astonishing events that made World War I incredible, yet ruthless. The key attribute I learned was how the women were treated during this war. For example, the women were not allowed to fight in the army corps, instead they were only allowed to join the medical corps; and if they wanted to do so, they would have to pay their own way! Overall, the ANZAC Memorial was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, teaching me extraordinary knowledge that I will never forget.”

Brooke (C9)

PERFORMING ARTS NEWS

From the Co-ordinator of Performing Arts

The ensembles are continuing to increase in size with record numbers in many of them.  It's great to see that so many students want to be involved.   

We have now introduced Theatre Sports on a Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30pm in the Performing Arts Centre.  Think… popular and hilarious TV shows, Thank God You’re Here and Who’s Line It Anyway… theatresports is a form of improvisational theatre.  This is an excellent program which will develop your dramatic skills and enrich your growth mindset and character; we would love you to join!

With the increase in ensemble membership, we have had an increase in students taking on private music lessons during the school day. It is expected that students who take private lessons, also should be attending one of our ensembles. This will allow for continued development and refinement of their musicality and skills. If you are having private music lessons through the School and have not yet enrolled in an ensemble, please complete the Ensemble Registration form, and come along. 

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 less 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.  

LIBRARY NEWS

From the Co-ordinator of Library

Book Review

'Future Girl' - Asphyxia

Review by Lucinda (C7)

Age recommended: 12+

Note: This book is on the 2021 CBCA's Notables list.

Piper’s mum wants her to be “normal”, to pass hearing tests and get a good job. But when Melbourne lurches towards an environmental catastrophe, Piper has more important things to worry about, such as how to get food.

Future Girl is the art journal of sixteen-year-old Piper, a visual extravaganza of text and artwork, created by Deaf writer, artist and activist, Asphyxia.

Future Girl is an intriguing book told from the incredible perspective of deaf girl, Piper. It was an amazing story and Piper’s courage, and determination will make you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. The book was jam-packed and full of action and you could almost see the characters in the book. With all the excitement and interest Future Girl brought to me, I would recommend this book to others.

ECC to Year 6 Book Fair 2021

We are hosting a Carnival Book Fair during Weeks 7 and 8 (8th to 19th March 2021)

Each class will be able to preview the books during their library lessons. The preview sessions are an ideal opportunity for children to browse and select the books that they wish to purchase.

The selection of books at our Book Fair will include a wide range of quality books from the best Australian and overseas authors & illustrators.

All books are discounted.

Every purchase from the Book Fair earns FREE books and resources for our school.

ECC

Parents from the ECC will be able to browse and purchase from the Book Fair during drop off and pick up times as their Book Fair will be in the ECC foyer.

Junior School

Book Fair selling times:

  • 8am – 8:20am
  • Junior Lunch 2
  • 3:30 – 4pm

Payment forms accepted onsite include cash and EFTPOS.

Books purchased onsite can be taken home immediately.

After preview sessions, students will bring home their wish list and any credit card payments can be made via: 
https://parentpayments.carnivalfairs.com.au/

Receipt of payment will then need to be forwarded to:  
library@tphs.nsw.edu.au so that we can collect those items and forward them onto your child.

Please Note: Parents and carers are now able to enter school grounds for this event but should continue to follow COVID safe practices, including maintaining social distancing between adults of 1.5 metres, scanning the NSW QR code upon entry to the Campus, signing in and out and maintaining social distancing.

For more information on Carnival Fairs: www.carnivalfairs.com.au

SPORT NEWS

Pittwater House Sport News

Click 'Download' below to view Junior and Senior Sport Reports
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Sadie (J6) - Surf Lifesaving
Liam (P5) & Henry (P6) - AFL
Andie (C8), Shontell (C10) & Talea - Softball(C8)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Maths Study Centre

The Maths Study Centre is held in the Library on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:20pm for students in Years 7 to 12.

School Uniform Shop News

Uniform Shop Bookings

Bookings are compulsory - 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 cannot 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

Canteen Summer Menu

https://www.pittwaterhouse.com.au/assets/docs/Summer-Menu-Term-4-2020-Term-1-2021.pdf
Click Banner to view Canteen Summer Menu

'How To' Notify the School of Student Absences

https://www.pittwaterhouse.com.au/portal/attendance

To Notify the School of Student Absences

Please download and use the Skoolbag app or Log in to the edumate Portal or email: attendance@tphs.nsw.edu.au

Term Dates 2021/2022

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