Dear Parents/Guardians, 

Incredibly, we are already over halfway through the term, and while it seems to have gone by quickly, it also feels like we have already managed to fit in a whole term's worth of activities! 

In Primary, Respect has been the theme of the week, leading to discussions about what it means to respect ourselves and others. As part of our core school values, we believe respect comes from understanding ourselves as individuals and through this, we can recognise that we all have differences and similarities and use this knowledge to grow together. 

Year 5 and 6, and College students had swimming sports yesterday, and the racing was very impressive. With outstanding swimmers across the school, the records are already fast, but once again they tumbled, with April, Osbert, and Arissa in particular showing they have great potential for a future in the pool. 

During the week, I make time to walk around the school campus, often popping into classrooms to see some of the fantastic opportunities our students have. From enrichment robotics to music lessons and science experiments, there is always plenty of hands-on learning. I also enjoy simply observing learning from a distance, and I am continually impressed by how our students engage in lessons, trust their teachers, and show vulnerability as they try something new. 

Next week, a group of College students will enjoy a trip to Tip Top to learn about the production process, labour management, and marketing. While they take all that on board, I’m sure there will also be a sweet treat to enjoy! One of my favourite activities, Bubbles Day, is on in Primary next Thursday, 12 March. Running around chasing bubbles is one of life’s simple joys, and I can’t wait!  

Some of you may have seen this week's news of a government committee recommendation to ban under-16s from social media. While any legislation is likely some time away, it is important to have regular discussions with your children about the challenges and dangers of social media. At school, we will continue to promote appropriate online behaviour, and your support for this at home is appreciated. 

Last night, we hosted our new parents with the intention of welcoming them to the school and connecting with others who are in the same position. One point I reminded them about, which is important for all, is that we are here to support you on the parenting journey, and if you ever need help or ideas, please do get in contact. 

I hope you have a great weekend. 

Regards,
Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 9 March

• Year 9 Netball Trials, 7.15–8.30am

Tuesday 10 March

• Hockey 1st XI Boys Team Trials, 7.15–8.30am
• Year 9 Netball Trials, 7.15–8.30am
• NHSS Athletics Championships (AUT Millenium)
• Year 11 Tip Top Factory Trip
• Year 7-8 North Harbour Swimming Zone Day (Glenn National Aquatic Centre)

Wednesday 11 March

• Duke of Edinburgh Silver Practice 2 (Wed-Fri)
• Senior College Netball Trials, 7.15–8.30am

Thursday 12 March

• Senior College Netball Trials, 7.15–8.30am
• Midbays Tennis Super Cluster 8.20am-2.30pm (Campbells Bay Tennis Club)
• AKSS Orienteering Sprint Series 4 (Long Bay College)
• Primary Bubbles Day, 12.40-1.30pm
• Year 5 & 6 Solo Performance Showcase, 3.30-4.30pm (Theatre)

Friday 13 March

• Senior Ethics Olympiad Training Day
• Year 7-8 North Harbour Triathlon Zone Day (Long Bay Reserve)

Primary News

Kia ora tatou,

This week has been a wonderful celebration of excellence, community, and our shared values across the Primary School.

At the Interhouse Swimming event at AUT Millennium, our Year 5 and 6 students were superstars. Their determination, encouragement of one another, and participation made the day special. It was fantastic to see excellence on display, not only in performance but in sportsmanship and team spirit, and wow they can swim!

Our P8 and P13 class assemblies continued to focus on the value of respect. Each class shared their learning and talents in reflective and creative ways. These moments remind us how capable and confident our learners are when given the chance to lead.

We enjoyed meeting new families at last night’s Wine and Canapés event. Building these connections is so important; our students benefit when our community is supportive. 

Thursday 12 March:

• Primary Music Concert Year 5-6 Theatre 3:30pm
• Bubbles Day!
• Tennis Supercluster Years 5-6

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

🎓 Primary Upcoming Events

🫧 Primary Bubbles Day on Thursday!

When: Thursday 12 March, Lunch time
Where: Primary Top Field

We would like to invite all students to join us for a lunchtime of bubble fun. This will take place on Thursday 12 March.

All students are encouraged to bring their bubble wands, bubble mixture, and sense of fun. If you are interested in making your own bubble blower, we have attached the link to the Snake Bubble Maker here!

🎹 Year 5 & 6 Solo Performance Showcase on Thursday

Who: Year 5–6 students
When: Thursday 12 March, 3.30pm
Where: School Theatre

We are looking forward to hearing our talented musicians from Year 5 & 6 next Thursday as they perform along with guest performers, Year 4-6 Marimba students. Friends and family are welcome to attend the hour-long concert.

More details have been sent to parents of the performers by email. If you would like more information, please email Mrs Jaques cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz.

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Well done to students who participated in the Year 9-13 Swimming Sports event yesterday, there were some very impressive times achieved and students represented Pinehurst beautifully.

You will by now have received an email outlining the overseas trips we are hoping to provide over the coming two years. I hope the information you received will help you with your planning. Yesterday Ms Lui talked to students in assembly about a prospective trip to Japan which will focus on AI, STEM and business. Ms Lui will hold an information evening on 23 March at which she will be able to give you more details and also answer any questions you may have. If you think your child may attend this trip, please do bring them along with you to the information evening.

On Tuesday of next week, Year 11 Business Studies and Accounting students will visit The Tip Top factory in Mount Wellington in support of their IGCSE learning.

Also next week, our second group of Silver Duke of Edinburgh students will be out of school from Wednesday as they complete their practice adventurous journey. Best wishes to all students attending this trip.

Have a great weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🎓 College Upcoming Events

🔬 Science Update: Practical Skills and Olympiads

Week 7 is a particularly busy week in the Science Department.

Year 7 & 8 students are continuing with their Science Fair projects and should be working on their methods or starting their experiments. Students: please remember to make sure you have your method signed off at home and by your teacher before you start your experiment.

Year 10 Chemistry students will have their practical skills test in week 7. This is a unique experience as students need to collect experimental data under test conditions. The test requires scientific skill and detailed recording of data.

A small group of senior students will also be sitting a test in week 7, though this test is a bit different: the New Zealand Chemistry Olympiad training group selection test is an opportunity for students to gain a place at the training camp and potentially represent New Zealand at the international Olympiad later this year. This program selects the very best chemists in the country and it is amazing that so many students have made it this far.

Good luck to all our students in their endeavours this week!

🎭 Year 9 Drama Update

It’s full steam ahead for Drama in year nine as students find themselves mid-term and well and truly underway. In pairs and threes, they are using Stanislavski techniques to bring their short scenes to life for the stage.

Stanislavski technique is a theatre stalwart for Naturalism on the stage and is also known as ‘realistic acting’ or Method acting’ or ‘The System’. It’s essentially a process of analysis of the play. Equipped with a pencil, a script and a workbook, students are learning to convey subtext, innuendo, emotional realism, authenticity and generally developing their skills in group work. It’s a pleasure to see them enjoying the challenge of the work.

They will be building on these skills to embrace Shakespeare, Stage-fighting, self-devised performances, and Mime and Greek Theatre as we go through the year.

🍦 Year 11 Tip Top Factory Marketing Trip on Tuesday

Who: Year 11 Accounting and Business Studies
When: Tuesday 10 March, Departing 9.00am
Please wear: Full school uniform + covered shoes for health and safety

Our Year 11 Accounting and Business Studies students will be visiting the Tip Top factory in Mt Wellington. This trip supports their learning in costing, marketing and production as they tour the facility, see how Tip Top ice cream is made, explore the company’s marketing strategies, and enjoy a sample of their products. 

Students will depart Pinehurst at 9.00am and will return by lunchtime. Please ensure they are in full school uniform and wearing covered shoes for health and safety. We are looking forward to our trip.

🤼 PE & Health Update

As we move through the term, our P.E programme continues its outdoor focus, with lessons designed to promote manaakitanga and strengthen positive social skills through active participation.

In Health, students are transitioning into the application phase of their first topic. For example, Year 7 students will now begin applying their understanding of Hauora, exploring practical ways they can positively impact their own wellbeing.

Families can support this learning by encouraging conversations at home about:

• Physical wellbeing (tinana)
• Mental and emotional wellbeing (hinengaro)
• Social wellbeing (whānau)
• Spiritual wellbeing (wairua)

Further information will be shared directly with classes as topics progress.
Image credit: 'My Hauora', Katherine Chen (Year 7)

💼 Careers Events Coming Up...

• Victoria University of Wellington Overview Presentation on Tuesday 10 March at lunchtime in Room 511.
• University of Canterbury Overview Presentation on Wednesday 11 March at lunchtime in Room 511.
• University of Oxford Colleges Explained webinar on Thursday 12 March at 11.00pm. Register on Pinehurst Career Education website
• If you are interested in attending the University of Otago Open Day on 3 & 4 May, please be sure to book your flights now.
• If you want your teen to be a safe driver and boost their employability, a Defensive Driving Course is being offered. Here is the booking link for the course.

Community News

⛑️ Changes to School-Based Immunisations from 2026

From 2026, our school will follow Health New Zealand’s nationally consistent immunisation delivery model. This means Year 7 students will be offered both the Tdap (Boostrix) and HPV vaccines together at school. 2026 will be a transition year.

• Year 7 students will be offered Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough (Boostrix) and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccinations.
• Year 8 students will be offered the HPV vaccination.

From 2027 onwards, Year 7 students will receive both vaccines, and any Year 8 students who missed out in Year 7 will have another opportunity to receive them.

Students will be bringing home immunisation information and consent forms. Please return the signed consent forms to school by Wednesday next week. Participation remains optional, and parents and caregivers decide whether their child receives immunisations at school or at their General Practitioner. We do require that all parents complete the forms.

Second immunisation dates for our school:

• Year 7: 12/08/2026
• Year 8 (HPV only): 12/08/2026

This model reduces disruption to learning, decreases follow-up for school staff, and provides more opportunities for students to catch up if they miss a scheduled vaccination day.