HouseNews

Issue 2020 / 12

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK

As we inch toward the back end of a challenging term, it is timely to remind our children (and ourselves) of the importance of a growth mindset. Cast aside the ways of a fixed mindset. Take on board the opportunities that elements of our daily life provide. The diagram below spells out elements of an approach we should all follow. This is my plea to our community at a time when it would be so easy to wallow in the setbacks or unwanted feedback we receive, feel defeated by the talents of our friends or peers, or our skills that we may underrate or the desires we push to the side. 

Please take these final weeks of term to give your best effort with practice and perseverance and in so doing set yourself up for a great final term. Whether you are facing final HSC exams, Year 11 exams, vying for school leadership roles, or completing end of term assessments, there is need for all to focus on the challenges before us; by perhaps taking some risks that will allow you to grow as a person in your approach to your studies, or indeed, life; the opportunities are there for you to take.  The reward will come.

Each week there are examples aplenty of this growth mindset approach. Watching our Year 6 Virtual Debaters last week showed the spirit and tenacity of our students despite their narrow defeat, the confidence and sense of community emanating from the significant number of applicants for a 2021 Prefect role was superb, or the sheer joy on the faces of our Junior School students celebrating Book Week… taking on their character and playing it out to the delight of both our on Campus audience or those of you at home… not to mention the spirit shown by their teachers! What delights there were across our junior and secondary schools. And each week we enjoy a musical piece from a secondary student at our zoomed Assemblies; last Friday Josh showed us his talent on guitar and I trust encouraged others to either take up the guitar or practise more. Additionally, we heard from Mr Hammerton the great results of the Science Week global challenge with Chloe, Yarra (C8) and Milla (C10), achieving the Elite medal (see whole School Science Week results following this article) and C11 student Ella showed her initiative in suggesting a poster tackling the all-important mental health issues, to be placed in our bathrooms. Yes, each day I witness countless examples where our students are practising the lessons of a growth mindset. It is not a time to dwell on the things we cannot do but rather, it is a time to get in there… and do it.

So that is my challenge to you this week and for the remainder of the Term.

Despite the worry of another COVID 19 cluster that may impact our community, I continue to delight in the busyness of each day on campus. I can see the students being so well supported by their teachers and making sure that every lesson, every activity, every opportunity is used wisely and well. For whilst the reality is one of uncertainty… I continue to be appreciative of your support in ensuring our best efforts are matched by your understanding.

May the remainder of the Term be all you wish, and can achieve.

Book Week

Science Week

Science Week Results for the Whole School

  • 9th overall globally - out of 1,874 schools
  • 6th overall in Australia - out of 1,281 schools
  • 4th overall in NSW - out of 403 schools
  • 5th overall in the 501 - 1000 students category - out of 577 schools
  • 3rd in Australia for the 501 - 1000 students category - out of 423 schools
  • 3rd in NSW for the 501 - 1000 students - out of 146 schools

Year 6 Virtual Debating

From the Deputy Principal

Parents and Visitors on Campus

Just a reminder that Parents and Visitors are not allowed on campus unless pre arranged and necessary for operations.

Parents needing to drop something off or to collect a child, need to call Reception from the School gate on 9981 4400 rather than entering the School campus.

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS

Student Achievement

A big congratulations goes out to Blair (G9), who received his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and pin.

To achieve this award, Blair had to show excellent commitment, self-organisation and personal drive across multiple components.

Well done Blair and keep working hard toward your Silver Award.

Maths Study Centre

The Maths Study Centre for Years 7-12 occurs on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Library from 3:30 – 4:20pm. 

SPORT NEWS

Pittwater House Sport News

Click 'Download' below to view Junior and Senior School Sport News
Download

PHPA (PITTWATER HOUSE PARENTS ASSOCIATION)

From the President of the PHPA

Term 3 PHPA Zoom Catch Up

A huge Thank You to everyone who came along to the Term 3 PHPA Parent Community Zoom catch up recently.  It was lovely to see you (and your pets!) - we value your contribution big or small.

It was also great to hear from Dr Hillier about all the non-stop work being undertaken behind the scenes to keep our school safe and supportive for all during these challenging times. 

On the events/fun side, we will be mostly quiet for the near future. However, please keep Saturday, November 28th penciled in for a Year End Community Event should circumstances allow.  We will update everyone as and when we can.

If there is anything you would like to talk about with us, please do not hesitate to reach out at: PHPA@tphs.nsw.edu.au

The last PHPA Community Zoom Catch Up for 2020 is planned for Term 4, Week 5 - Friday, 13th October @ 9:00am.  We look forward to seeing you then.

Take Care and Best wishes.

Kate Parsons and the PHPA Team

PHPA Clothing Pool - APPOINTMENTS ONLY

A reminder that the PHPA Clothing Pool (Second Hand Uniform Shop) will continue with appointments only, for the foreseeable future.       

  • Please email phpaclothingpool@tphs.nsw.edu.au to organise and a Volunteer Parent will meet you at the agreed time at the Clothing Pool. Parents with an appointment will need to go directly to and from the Clothing Pool without visiting other parts of the school. All visitors will be requested to use the hand sanitiser provided before entering the Clothing Pool.
  • PAYMENT FOR SOLD ITEMS -  Please check your Inbox regularly for an email from the Clothing Pool advising you of amounts due for payment from your sold items.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School Uniform Shop - Fittings and Purchases Only by Appointment - No Drop Ins

All fittings are strictly by appointment only and only one family member may accompany the student to the appointment. Please call Mrs Tess Spark on: 9972 5721 or email: school.shop@tphs.nsw.edu.au to book your appointment or for further inquires. For other purchases we suggest you utilise the online order forms available here. The Uniform Shop manager will call or email you to let you know when the items are available for collection. This will significantly reduce the number of people in the Uniform Shop at any one time.

Please Note: Students in Years K-6 must have written permission eg. email, note in diary from their parent/guardian in order to purchase items from the School Uniform Shop.

Term Dates

Click Download
Download