Parliament of NSW Schools Leadership Day

School Captains Spencer and Jemimah attended the Parliament of NSW Schools Leadership Day, joining student leaders from across the state for an enriching experience focused on leadership, civic engagement and public service. Through discussions with Members of Parliament, observing parliamentary proceedings and meeting the Governor of New South Wales, they gained valuable insights into leadership, decision-making and the democratic process. Participation in this event provided an opportunity to extend their leadership capabilities, develop a deeper understanding of civic responsibility and connect with other high-potential young leaders, supporting talent development within the social-emotional and intellectual domains of the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) framework.

Year 8 Premier's Debating Challege - WIN!

The Year 8 Debating Team achieved a successful win against Cherrybrook Technology High School in Round One of the Premier’s Debating Challenge. Competing on the topic “Laptops should be banned in classrooms”, students demonstrated strong critical thinking, persuasive communication and teamwork as they constructed and delivered well-reasoned arguments. Their success reflects the dedication and effort invested in developing effective debating skills and highlights the value of the Premier’s Debating Challenge as an enrichment opportunity. Through participation in this program, students extend their intellectual and social-emotional capabilities, developing confidence, analytical thinking and communication skills in alignment with the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) framework.

Sailing Championships

Pennant Hills High School students Eliza, Miranda, Jialin and Theo competed in the NSW Combined High Schools Sailing Championships alongside some of the state's most accomplished young sailors. Racing in challenging conditions against a fleet of more than 80 boats, they demonstrated advanced technical ability, strategic decision-making, teamwork and resilience, achieving a podium finish in the Flying 11 class and representing the school as an official team. Participation in state-level competition provides valuable opportunities for students to extend their potential, refine high-level performance skills and excel within the physical domain of the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) framework. We thank Mr Wilson for organising and supporting this valuable opportunity for our students to challenge themselves and develop their talents at a state level.

Archival Viewing of Fangirls

Year 11 and 12 Drama students attended a screening of the archival production of Fangirls by Yve Blake at Belvoir Street Theatre. The experience enhanced students’ understanding of contemporary Australian theatre practice, providing valuable insights into staging, performance and production choices. For Year 12 students, the excursion supported their HSC studies, while Year 11 students gained inspiration and practical ideas as they prepare to stage their own productions.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week under the theme of “All in
for Reconciliation” was celebrated last week with an assembly and a morning tea held for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families. It
provided an opportunity to continue to build
relationships and share understanding between the
broader Australian community and Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples and to focus on how we might create a more just, equitable and reconciled
country for all.

Year 12 Premier's Debating WIN!!

Congratulations to the Year 12 Debating Team on their victory against Pendle Hill High School in the Premier’s Debating Challenge. Arguing the negative case on the topic, “That government cabinets should include members of the opposition,” students demonstrated advanced critical thinking, persuasive communication and teamwork skills. Their success has secured progression beyond the regional competition and into the wider zone stage, providing further opportunities to extend their intellectual potential and develop high-level analytical, research and public speaking skills.

Principals Commendation

The first Principal’s Commendation Morning Tea for the year celebrated the outstanding achievements of Year 12 students. Joined by their families, students were recognised for their academic excellence, diligence, resilience and perseverance as they progress through their HSC year. The event acknowledged their commitment to learning and their dedication to achieving personal success across a range of subjects.

Zone Cross Country Carnival

Nearly 100 of our students represented the school at the Zone Cross Country Carnival at St Ives Showground, demonstrating determination, resilience and sportsmanship despite challenging weather conditions. Students competed across a range of age groups and distances, showcasing their commitment to personal bests and team participation. Congratulations to all competitors, particulartly the 14 students achieving outstanding results and progressing to the Sydney North Cross Country Carnival.

Public Speaking Excellence

Year 11 students Katerina and Alyssa proudly represented Pennant Hills High School at the Plain English Speaking Competition held at Hornsby Girls High School. Competing alongside students from across Northern Sydney, they demonstrated strong communication, critical thinking and presentation skills through prepared speeches on topics of personal interest and social significance. Participation in this prestigious competition provided valuable opportunities to extend their intellectual potential, develop confidence in public speaking and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives and ideas, supporting talent development within the intellectual and social-emotional domains of the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) framework.

Premier's Debating Challenge - Round 2 WIN!

The Year 12 Debating Team once again represented the school with distinction, securing an impressive victory against Inner Sydney High School in the latest round of the Premier’s Debating Challenge.

Arguing the negative case on the topic, “That we should stop testing sportspeople for recreational drugs,” the team delivered strategic responses under pressure, winning convincingly across almost every major clash in the debate.

The Premier’s Debating Challenge supports the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) policy by providing a high-level enrichment pathway that develops students’ intellectual, social-emotional, and creative capabilities.

Open Knockout Netball

The Pennant Hills High School Open Netball team demonstrated outstanding skill, teamwork and determination in their second match of the Open Knockout Netball Tournament against Kincumber High School. After a closely contested opening quarter, the team found their rhythm and worked together seamlessly to secure a convincing 62–38 victory. Progressing to the semi-final and quarter-final rounds, students had the opportunity to further develop their sporting talents, competitive performance skills and teamwork, reflecting the physical and social-emotional domains of the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) framework.

Careers Expo

On Monday 11 May, PHHS hosted the Hills Tertiary Education and Careers Expo. This collaborative event with several local schools saw our MPC buzzing with eager students engaging with a wide range of providers, including universities, apprenticeship programs, and private colleges. The atmosphere was one of genuine interest and meaningful conversations.

The Careers Expo supported the school’s implementation of the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) policy by giving students opportunities to explore future study and career pathways through engagement with tertiary institutions, training providers, and industry representatives.

Congratulations to our Careers Adviser, Ms Baker, for coordinating the event.

Emerging Leaders Workshop

Year 11 student Charlotte and Year 12 student Alyssa attended the Macquarie University Experience Day, followed by the Emerging Leaders Workshop.

Charlotte participated in lectures in Economics, Psychology and Marketing. Alyssa attended sessions in Law and Politics.

During the workshop, both students collaborated with like-minded Emerging Leaders Award recipients to further develop their communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Through a series of collaborative challenges, they learned how to structure and deliver effective "elevator pitches" addressing real issues faced within their communities.

This program forms part of PHHS’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) provision, reflecting the school’s commitment to providing high-potential students with opportunities to extend their learning, build confidence and develop leadership skills beyond the classroom.

Year 7 Camp – Lake Macquarie

The PHHS Year 7 Camp at Lake Macquarie was a fun, memorable and action-packed three-day experience for our Year 7 students.

They participated in a wide range of exciting activities, including high-flying adventures, teamwork challenges and outdoor experiences. Supported every step of the way by dedicated staff, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and celebrate their achievements.

The camp also played an important role in supporting students as they transition into high school, helping them build friendships, confidence and a strong sense of belonging within the PHHS community.

Experiences such as the Year 7 Camp reflect PHHS’s commitment to providing enriching opportunities beyond the classroom that develop essential life skills, including resilience, independence and collaboration.

Australian Mountain Biking (MTB) Interschools
Competition 2026

The Australian MTB Interschools 2026 was held at Thredbo from March 2–6, bringing together student riders from across the country for a week of competition and camaraderie.

Eight PHHS students proudly represented the school, competing in downhill, flow, pump track and enduro events.

The week provided the opportunity for riders to challenge themselves, support one another and create lasting memories on and off the track.

Duke of Edinburgh

Fifteen Year 10 students successfully completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey, paddling from Wisemans Ferry to Brooklyn Bridge over three days. Throughout the expedition, students developed teamwork, leadership, resilience and outdoor recreation skills while navigating challenging conditions, planning daily activities and managing campsite responsibilities. Their cooperation, problem-solving and perseverance were evident throughout the journey, culminating in the successful completion of this significant milestone in the Duke of Edinburgh Award program.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

To mark International Women’s Day, several SLC students attended the Zonta International breakfast, centred on this year’s theme, Balance the Scales, highlighting justice, safety and equality for women and girls.

Students heard from keynote speaker Dr Eliza Middleton, who encouraged reflection on expectations and the many ways leadership and progress can be achieved.

We congratulate school captain Jemimah, a finalist in the 2026 Young Women’s Leadership Award, for her commitment to supporting women and girls and advocating for positive change.

The event was a meaningful celebration of the strength and achievements of women.

Year 11 Biology Excursion

Year 11 Biology students visited the Bateau Bay rock platforms to conduct fieldwork investigating ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity in a coastal environment. Through firsthand observations and the use of scientific sampling techniques, students examined the relationships between organisms and their habitats, while analysing how abiotic factors influence species distribution. The excursion provided valuable opportunities to develop practical investigation, data analysis and scientific communication skills, supporting key course outcomes and preparing students for future assessment tasks.

World's Greatest Shave

The Student Leadership Council demonstrated their commitment to community service by leading Pennant Hills High School’s participation in the World’s Greatest Shave. With staff and students volunteering to shave or colour their hair, the event brought the school community together in support of vital blood cancer research. Through their leadership, fundraising efforts and advocacy, students helped raise more than $21,000, fostering empathy, social responsibility and a strong sense of community while making a meaningful contribution to an important cause.

Chau Chak Museum Excursion

Year 11 Ancient History students visited the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney to enhance their understanding of the Cultural Role of Museums. Through hands-on analysis of artefacts dating back over 8,000 years, students applied historical inquiry skills while exploring museum preservation practices, ethical considerations and the interpretation of ancient cultures. The excursion provided valuable real-world connections to their classroom learning and future studies.

Zone Swimming Carnival

On Wednesday of Week 6, Mrs Zavone led our Zone Swimming Team to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre to compete for a place at the Sydney North Swimming Carnival.

It was an incredible start to the day with Mathieu C breaking the 16 Years Boys 100m backstroke zone record!

Our team of 53 swimmers had a fantastic day, with standout performances including a win for the 13 Years Girls in the 4x50m freestyle relay.

We are also proud to celebrate our age champions, Natalie R (15 Years Girls) and Mathieu C (16 Years Boys), for their exceptional achievement!

Congratulations Teodora - ARTEXPRESS 2026

The Secretary for Education, Mr Murat Dizdar, highlighted the exemplary HSC artwork of our very own Teodora. He shared that her piece had particularly resonated with him during his preview and congratulated her in front of the audience, inviting her to stand and respond to several questions.

ARTEXPRESS 2026 is a premier annual exhibition showcasing exceptional artworks created by New South Wales (NSW) students for their 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC) Visual Arts examination. We are extremely proud of Teodora and congratulate her on this incredible achievement.

OnStage Excursion - Year 11 and Year 12 Drama

On Thursday 12 February, Year 11 and Year 12 Drama students attended the OnStage showcase at the Seymour Centre to view outstanding 2025 Year 12 HSC Drama works. They explored HSC Individual Design Projects in the foyer and enjoyed a variety of monologues, group performances, a Video Drama, and a staged script reading.

The students were highly engaged, leading to thought-provoking and passionate discussions. The experience will be invaluable in guiding their own HSC Drama project choices and setting high benchmarks for excellence.

Mirai: Futures with Japan, Macquarie University Excursion

On Thursday 12 February, Year 10–12 Japanese students attended the “Mirai – Futures in Japan” information day at Macquarie University with over 400 students from 20 schools. The event provided great opportunities to explore future pathways in Japanese language and culture, reflecting PHHS’s commitment to enriching language learning.

Students heard from Dr Wes Robertson (Senior Lecturer, Japanese Studies), Adam Claydon-Platt (founder of BoobooSKI), current exchange students, and a JET Program alum. They also joined rajio-taisou exercises with Pikachu, Kahoot quizzes, language exchange games, and enjoyed kare-raisu (Japanese curry rice) for lunch.

SLR Urban Surf Excursion

Year 11 and 12 Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) students attended URBNSURF Park, where they developed practical surfing skills in a safe and controlled environment. Following a land-based coaching session, students applied their learning on ocean-like waves, building confidence, balance, coordination and water safety awareness. The experience encouraged resilience, teamwork and active participation while highlighting the physical, social and recreational benefits of engaging in lifelong physical activity.

Annual Swimming Carnival

The Annual Swimming Carnival was a fantastic day of competition, participation and school spirit, bringing the entire school community together in an electric atmosphere of enthusiasm, encouragement and house pride. Students had the opportunity to showcase their skills, challenge themselves and celebrate the achievements of their peers, creating a strong sense of belonging and connection. A particular highlight was celebrating our Year 12 students in their final school swimming carnival, with their creative costumes and spirited participation adding colour, energy and tradition to the day. The event highlighted the joy of coming together as a whole school while fostering teamwork, resilience and active participation in a positive and inclusive environment.

Annual School Music Festival

The Music Festival was a huge success on the evening of Wednesday 11 June, where a very appreciative audience watched our Pennant Hills High School Music Ensembles perform in two concerts – Concert Band 1, Concert Band 2, Big Band, Junior Stage Band, the String Ensemble and the
Choir.

Several of the HSC Music students also performed on the night, as well as four of our local Primary School Bands – West Pennant Hills PS, Pennant Hills PS, Normanhurst West PS and Thornleigh West PS.