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 t

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.

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.

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.

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.

Year 12 Graduation

Tonight we celebrate the culmination of 13 Years of formal schooling, 7 years at primary school and 6 years at high school. There are those amongst us who might be thinking well that is a bit six - seven .... But not me. It is a serious milestone that needs to and must be celebrated.

And so tonight, as we gather to honour your achievements and mark this important milestone, I want to talk about something that reaches beyond academic scores, sporting victories, or creative, performing and artistic success - something that speaks to the heart of life itself. The spirit we celebrate tonight is not just excellence at school, but excellence in living.

Spirit Week 2025

Congratulations to the entire Student Leadership Council for a fantastic Spirit Week. You managed the weather well and brought the school together to understand the origins of Spirit Week and celebrate our sensational Penno Pride.

Congratulations and thank you to Mr Thai, Ms Graham and Mr Banyai for their outstanding coordination of this special week. Their hard work, creativity and dedication supported our students before, during and after each event making the week a memorable experience for all.