Friday 17 October

Message from Mike

Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

With typical spring weather upon us, there has been an interesting mix of making sure sunscreen is applied, while dodging rain showers between lessons!

Our Year 4 and 5 students have completed progression tests this week, and for many, it was the first time they have sat tests in a more formal format. The purpose of these tests is to highlight progress that has been made and to identify areas where further support may be needed. Any tests of this nature should be viewed as part of the learning journey and an opportunity to look at how improvement can be found.

On Tuesday, I enjoyed speaking at the Primary assembly to welcome our new students to the school. I also shared a message of making the most of every opportunity and finding the enjoyment, even when things get tough. On Wednesday evening, it was a chance for our new parents to come in and get to know each other as well, and it was lovely to hear how quickly their children have been settling into the school.

Field trips are always an exciting part of learning and there are lots of activities taking place this term. Our New Entrant students will be excited by their trip to MOTAT on Monday next week, especially as it is the first school trip for many of them. Equally, our Year 10 biology students will be having fun at the zoo on the same day, and while there is a focus on their IGCSE course, I am sure they will still enjoy seeing the animals.

During Term Four, there are many opportunities for our teachers to attend professional learning sessions as part of the Cambridge network. While I am aware that having staff out can be disruptive, these days are highly valuable and have a lasting impact on learning across the school. Impressively, many of these sessions are led by Pinehurst teachers, highlighting the extensive expertise we have on staff.

As part of our ongoing commitment to child protection, we must know who is on the campus at all times. If you need to visit the school during the school day, it is essential to sign in at reception, and you will be issued a temporary lanyard. Also, please be reminded that adults must not use student bathrooms at any time.

I hope that you are able to enjoy some great family time this weekend.

Regards,
Mike Waller

Dates for your Diary

Monday 20 October

New Entrant MOTAT Trip (9.00am-1.30pm)
Year 10 IGCSE Biology Zoo Trip (9.00am-3.00pm)
Year 4 Progression Testing (All Week)

Tuesday 21 October

Years 4-6 Interhouse Athletics

Friday 24 October

Year 5-6 Athletic Day (9.00am-2.30pm)

SEE MORE DATES

Message from Sian

Kia ora tatou,

It has been a truly musical week! Our Year 5 and 6 students were treated to an incredible performance by the Australian Girls Choir. There was choral singing, actions, and dancing too and everyone joined in, including the staff! On Thursday afternoon, we also enjoyed a fantastic showcase featuring the marimba, strings, and our talented rock band. The standard of performance was incredibly high and the atmosphere was joyful.

Meanwhile, Year 3 have just returned from their trip to Ambury Farm Park, where they spent the day walking, exploring, and learning about farm life. They will probably sleep well tonight. Congratulations to P11, who were excited to celebrate their Shore-to-Shore class competition win with a fun-filled reward trip to Bounce trampoline park.

Looking ahead to next week, our New Entrants are off to MOTAT on Monday 20 October, for a day of discovery. Our Year 5 and 6 students will be heading to the Millennium Stadium on Friday, 24 October, for their Athletics Day.

Have a lovely weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

Primary News

New Entrant Trip to MOTAT

Monday 20 October: Departing 9.15am from School (Return 1.30pm)

We are excited to let you know that our New Entrant students will be heading off on a special science and technology focused trip to MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) on Monday 20 October. As part of our integrated learning programme, this trip will enrich our current units in Computer Sciences and Global Perspectives.

Learning Focus

In the Kia Atamai Get Smart Exhibit, students will explore how computing and communication technologies have evolved, and how these changes have shaped the way we live, work, and play.

In the Toys Workshop, students will compare toys from different generations and cultures, investigating how simple machines create movement. This supports our Global Perspectives unit, which focuses on how toys and technology have changed over time and what this tells us about history and society.

This hands on experience will help students make real world connections to their classroom learning through exploration and discovery.

What to Bring

Children should wear their normal school uniform
Bring a water bottle
Bring a snack and packed lunch
No extra items are needed

We are looking forward to a fun and educational day, and we are sure the children will come back full of exciting new knowledge to share.

Primary Solo and Duo Performance Showcase

Wednesday 5 November, 3.30pm - School Theatre

Students in Years 0 - 6 who would like to perform should register their interest by completing this form AND upload an audition video of the student performing their piece here by Friday 17 October.

We welcome students of all ability levels and encourage a variety of instruments and music genres, including voice, to provide a balanced and entertaining programme. Please note that places are limited to 16 students and performances are limited to three minutes or less. Preference will be given to students who have performed so far this year.

If you have any questions, please email Mrs Jaques Cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz.

Message from Dawn

Tēnā koutou katoa

Our Year 8 campers will return later today after an amazing week at Tongariro filled with adventure, teamwork, and memorable experiences. I know many families have been keeping an eye on Team Reach to see photographs of the students having fun together. We look forward to hearing their stories and welcoming them back to school life next week.

On Monday, our Year 10 Biology students will visit Auckland Zoo as part of their IGCSE Biology studies. This hands-on learning opportunity will allow them to explore animal adaptations and ecosystems in a real world context.

Cambridge examinations continue throughout the week, although we do have a day on Monday with no examinations. Students are encouraged to maintain good routines, rest well, and ensure they are looking after themselves during the last weeks of examinations.

On Thursday, we will gather Years 7–10 for a full assembly. It will be wonderful to have our Year 8s back with us to share in the week’s celebrations and updates.

Have a lovely weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

College News

Year 10 IGCSE Biology to visit Auckland Zoo

On Monday, Year 10 IGCSE Biology students will be going to Auckland Zoo. They will be learning about organisms and the environment, human impacts and conservation with real world application.

The trip will allow students to explore theory in real world situations. Students will have lessons from conservationists with a focus on New Zealand wildlife and the systems in place to protect our precious species.

Year 12 Regional Finalists in Young Enterprise

Next week, student-run start-up Stuffed will represent our school at the Young Enterprise Regional Awards, having been selected as one of this year’s outstanding finalists.

The innovative team of seven students, led by Deonna Q, Jamie H and Gloria L, has shown remarkable initiative, creativity, and perseverance throughout the year as they developed and grew their business idea.

During the Regional Finals, the students will deliver one final pitch to a panel of judges to determine the regional winner. If successful, they will go on to represent our region at the National Finals in Wellington later this year.

This achievement marks an exciting milestone for the team and highlights their dedication, innovation, and teamwork. We congratulate them on their success so far and wish them the very best for next week’s presentation.

Accelerate+ (Massey University)
For Year 12–13 students at NZ secondary schools; take up to two university-level courses via distance in 2026 with zero tuition fees
for up to 20 students per school.
Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust Scholarships
For Rainbow (LGBTTQIA+) students entering tertiary study in NZ in 2026; $4,000 scholarships for those showing leadership, academic merit,
and community impact. Apply before 31 October 2025.
Female Grants – Techtorium
For female students enrolling full-time in a Diploma in IT at Techtorium
in 2026; receive free tuition for one year.
Young Scholars Programme (University of Auckland)
For high-achieving secondary students; take university courses
while still at school.

Notices and Events

Donations for Pinehurst Christmas Hampers

Collections start Tuesday 28 October onwards.

It is traditional for Pinehurst to donate Christmas Hampers to those in need.This year we have chosen the charity organisation, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. This organisation supports grandparents who are struggling financially to provide a normal life for their grandchildren, many who have been traumatised, neglected, abused and end up living with them.

We would greatly appreciate donations of non-perishable food, Christmas treats, gift vouchers, toiletries, cleaning products and new toys and games. Your contributions may be given to your child’s homeroom teacher from Tuesday 28 October onwards so that we can make beautiful hampers to present at our Christmas Service. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Looking for more extra-curricular activities?

For more information about extra-curricular activities, please visit:
School Bridge > Resources > Co-Curricular

While your local community board remains the best resource for exploring all available options, we are pleased to share details of the programmes that have been sent to us by members of our wider school community.

Please note that the school does not advocate for or endorse any particular programme, we simply provide this information as a service to our families.

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