This month, Pittwater House proudly cements its relationship with important local charity, Head Above Water, by showing our support across two fundraising initiatives.

Students from our School have taken part in Head Above Water’s annual 24 Hour Swimathon since its launch in 2019. Founded by Pittwater House alumnus, Andrew Ward, (Class of ‘89), alongside a group of fellow School friends, Head Above Water’s aim is to help reduce the rate of suicide on the Northern Beaches by creating mentally fit and healthy communities.

At this year’s Swimathon taking place this weekend, the School have entered a team, led by Head Prefects Nicholas Hawkins and Mali Jenkins, whose father, Jason, is also a founding member of the charity. The prefect team will commence their swims at midnight on Sunday 21 March and aim to swim as many laps as possible.

All students, families, School alumni and friends are encouraged to register for the Swimathon at www.headabovewater.com.au and swim as many laps as possible in Collaroy rock pool tomorrow, Saturday, 20 March to help raise vital funds. Pittwater House will have a dedicated School tent on the day from 9am – 5pm, manned by student volunteers. On completing their laps, all Pittwater House swimmers can collect points for their House by registering their laps at the School tent. Students are encouraged to wear their School swimming attire.

Deputy Head Prefect, Sam Kinealy, who leads the Boys’ Grammar School’s “Big Broject” initiative, also recently announced an additional Pittwater House/Head Above Water supporter drive.

On Tuesday 30 March, the whole Grammar School will also take part in a School swim event in our School pool. Entitled ‘The Big Bros/Head Above Water Swim Event’, male students from Years 7 to 12 will participate in an all-day event, where each student, regardless of ability, will be encouraged to swim as many laps of the pool as they are comfortable swimming, within an allotted time, with each participant raising money for Head Above Water’s programs.

Over the last two years, Head Above Water has partnered with Gotcha4Life (founded by TV and radio personality, Gus Worland), to help fund mental fitness workshops including Tomorrow Man, Tomorrow Woman and Man Anchor, for Northern Beaches schools, sports clubs, businesses and community groups.

Head Above Water founder, Andrew Ward and Gus Worland joined the Grammar School last week to discuss the origin and aims of the charity as well as the partners and projects they are involved in.

We are delighted to be supporting and learning more about this worthy cause.