Dear Parents/Guardians,

I have continued to be impressed by the way our students have started the year. My morning conversations highlight purposeful ambition, blended with a sense of joy for the day ahead. This atmosphere is the foundation for long-term success and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds throughout the year. 

On Tuesday, I enjoyed seeing our Year 5 and 6 students at Carey Park. Along with all the great lessons from being faced with new challenges, the connections established across the two-year groups are so important in building a strong community. Our Year 3 students also had a great time at their day camp yesterday and today. I am sure there will be lots of great stories shared, and hopefully, there is not too much smelly washing for the weekend! 

Yesterday afternoon, it was great hearing our College orchestra from my office as they began rehearsals. We have high ambitions for the creative arts programme across all year groups, as it provides opportunities for expression not seen in many parts of life. Along with music and drama performances, we continue to look for ways to showcase art in public spaces and I encourage you to stop and view the work on display. 

I am pleased to share that on February 19th, we will be hosting the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards in the theatre. Given the school’s long association with Cambridge and the prestige the awards are held in, it will be an honour to welcome outstanding scholars from across the country, and it will be a special moment for our own students who receive an award. 

The technical fault that created some timetable challenges in Veracross has been resolved, and I am pleased with how the system is being embedded across the school, both for general operations and for teaching and learning in the College. I anticipate there will be some minor challenges as we continue to come to grips with new functions, and I will share details with you if there is any significant impact. 

As a gentle reminder, please make sure that you do not come into the main part of the grounds before 3.05 for afternoon pickup. It is important that lessons finish well and despite best intentions, parents outside the windows can be distracting as we try to wrap up learning. 

Next week, there are a range of parent information events, so please check the calendar carefully. Our Year 9 to 13 students will be involved in fierce competition at the athletics sports on Wednesday, and we have our first open day for prospective primary parents. As ever, there is plenty to look forward to. 

I hope you all have a great long weekend. 

Regards,
Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 9 February

• Year 11 Physics Stardome Trip
• Year 8 Curriculum Information Evening, 6.30pm (Theatre)

Tuesday 10 February

• College Principal Tour, 9.00am (Theatre) - Registration only event
• Year 0-6 Sports Information Evening, 5.00pm (P21)
• Year 4-6 Parent Information Evening, 6.00pm (P13)
• Year 9 Curriculum Information Evening, 6.30pm (Theatre)

Wednesday 11 February

• Year 4-5 Swimming Lessons (AUT Millenium)
• Year 9-13 Interhouse Athletics (AUT Millenium)
• Year 10 Curriculum Information Evening, 6.30pm (Theatre)

Thursday 12 February

• New Parent Reading & Phonics Meeting, 9.00am (Dance Studio)
• New Entrant Principal Tour, 9.15am (Theatre) - Registration only event

Friday 13 February

• Year 4-5 Swimming Lessons (AUT Millenium)

Primary News

Kia ora,

Learning in the outdoors was the theme across Primary this week, with our Year 5 and 6 students heading off to Carey Park for great adventures and our Year 3 students experiencing their very first offsite camp at Camp Maynard. These opportunities help children develop confidence, take responsible risks, build strong friendships, and make meaningful connections beyond the classroom. A fantastic time was had by all, and experiences will strengthen bonds in the classroom for the rest of the year.

We were also thrilled to see so many parents at our Year 0 to 3 information evenings. Thoughtful questions and engagement showed a real commitment to supporting learning and the year ahead. 

Next week we look forward to our information evenings on Tuesday 10th of February, beginning with a Year 0 to 6 Music and Sport session at 5pm in the Dance Studio and followed by the Year 4 to 6 sessions at 6pm. Year 4 will also be talking about this term’s camp so that parents can get prepared.

Next week, Year 4 and 5 students begin swimming lessons on Wednesday 11th of February at the Millennium Centre, and New Entrant parents are warmly invited to a phonics session at 9am in the Dance Studio on Thursday 12th of February with Year 1 teacher Louise Prance.

Enjoy the long weekend, apparently there is some sunshine on the way.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

🎓 Primary Upcoming Events

🏑 Welcome to our Sports Information Evening

When: Tuesday 10 February at 5.00pm
Where: Dance Studio

All parents of Primary students (Years 0-6) are warmly invited to attend our upcoming Sports Information Evening on Tuesday 10 February. This session will provide an overview of the Primary sports programme, including key information for the year ahead and an opportunity to ask questions. We look forward to welcoming you.

📚 Come along to our Phonics Information Session for P1 & P2 Parents

When: Thursday 12 February at 9.00am
Where: Dance Studio

We warmly invite Parents and Caregivers to our upcoming Phonics Information Session with Mrs Louise Prance. This session will give parents and caregivers insight into our Phonics approach in P1 and P2, and how it supports children as they develop confidence and enjoyment in early reading. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this important stage of your child’s learning journey.

🏊🏻‍♀️ Year 4 & 5 Students are Learning to Swim!

When: Every Wednesday & Friday (Weeks 3, 4 and 5)
Where: AUT Millennium

We are very excited to give our students this opportunity to develop their confidence and skills in the water. These lessons support water safety awareness, help students build essential swimming techniques, and encourage fitness and resilience. Learning to swim is an important life skill, especially in New Zealand where many activities happen near water. We’re looking forward to seeing our student's confidence grow as they enjoy their time in the pool!

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Week 1 has been a busy start to the year, with a strong focus on students reconnecting with one another and settling back into school routines. It has been wonderful to see students building relationships, re-establishing friendships, and engaging so positively with their learning as the year begins.

As we move into Week 2, learning continues at pace alongside a number of important events for students and families. We are looking forward to hosting several Information Evenings, which provide a valuable opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn more about the year ahead. The Year 8 Information Evening will be held on Monday, followed by Year 9 on Tuesday and Year 10 on Wednesday. We encourage families to attend these evenings to strengthen the partnership between home and school.

On Monday, our Year 11 Physics students will be visiting the Stardome Observatory, an exciting opportunity that complements their classroom learning and sparks curiosity beyond the school gates.

We will also be holding our Open Day on Tuesday and warmly invite prospective families to visit the school and experience our learning environment firsthand.

Finally, on Wednesday, students in Years 9-13 will attend their annual Athletics Day at the Millennium Centre. This is always a highlight of the year and a great opportunity for students to demonstrate teamwork, perseverance, and House spirit.

I hope you have a wonderful Waitangi Weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🎓 College Upcoming Events

🪐 Year 11 Physics Students Travel from the Classroom and into the Cosmos at Stardome Observatory

When: Monday 9 February, Departing at 8.50am
Where: Te Whatu Stardome Planetarium and Observatory
What to bring: Packed morning tea and lunch (there will be NO opportunity to purchase food) + Appropriate clothing for outdoors (planned picnic stop in Cornwall Park - weather permitting)

Year 11 Physics students will head out on an exciting, hands-on learning experience to Te Whatu Stardome Planetarium and Observatory on Monday 9 February. The visit is designed to ignite curiosity about the universe and directly support students’ study of the Space Science unit within the IGCSE Physics course.

During the excursion, students will take part in an educator-led, curriculum-based session, explore the Space Gallery and interactive exhibits, and enjoy a spectacular 360-degree planetarium show, Beyond the Known. This immersive experience journeys through the universe - examining galaxies, the expansion of space, black holes, dark matter, and even the possibility of a multiverse - encouraging students to question the very fabric of reality.

Students will return by 1.30 pm, in time to attend Period 5 and 6 lessons.

This excursion involves all Year 11 Physics students, and we look forward to an engaging and thought-provoking day exploring the mysteries of our universe.

⚙️ Year 9 Technology Education with Yvonne Berger

Technology Education plays a key role in developing students’ creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence as independent learners. Across the year, students will take part in practical and theoretical learning that involves identifying problems, generating ideas, developing solutions, and reflecting on outcomes. These experiences build resilience, innovation, and collaboration, and include five assessments.

For many Year 9 students, Technology is a new subject experience. Learning takes place in a specialist workshop environment, with lessons moving between planning, designing, making, and evaluating. This hands-on approach can take time to adjust to, and students are encouraged to adopt a growth mindset, viewing mistakes as part of the learning process while building confidence and independence.

Health and safety is a strong focus, particularly in the first module. Students will learn workshop rules, hazard identification, emergency procedures, and how to keep themselves and others safe. As a result, enclosed footwear is mandatory at all times (trainers are suitable; sandals or open footwear are not permitted). Students without appropriate footwear may be unable to participate in practical activities.

Students will also be taught the safe and responsible use of tools and machinery. Workshops require focus, maturity, and self-discipline, and families are encouraged to discuss the importance of appropriate behaviour and following instructions.

Some activities may involve noise or airborne dust. Students will be issued with a personal dust mask, which must be kept in its plastic bag and brought to lessons when required. Please inform staff of any sensitivities or health considerations so support can be arranged.

Assessment is based on practical projects, design documentation, reflection, and skill development, with students encouraged to manage their time well and seek feedback to improve their work.

🧮 College Math Update with Nadia Perrin

This year, our Mathematics Department is continuing to strengthen our teaching by drawing on the work of Craig Barton. His approach is evidence‑based and grounded in cognitive science. After attending one of Barton’s training sessions in Sydney last year, I spent the summer reading his book How I Wish I’d Taught Maths (yes, I did get strange looks on the beach). With all this new knowledge fresh in my mind, I have begun sharing my learning with our department.

Our focus for this semester is on improving the scaffolding and modelling of worked examples. We’re refining how we demonstrate new ideas, how we ensure students become procedurally fluent in their practice, and how we gradually remove support as confidence grows. These small instructional shifts are designed to help students move new learning into their long‑term memories. It has been an amazing experience sharing my learning with teachers who are all so passionate about their practice.

📊 College Commerce Update with Kate Hawthorn

It’s been an enthusiastic and exciting start across Commerce. Students from Years 9–13 have hit the ground running—showing curiosity, teamwork, and strong engagement in lessons and practical tasks, from Banqer simulations and market-structure debates to hands-on accounting practice.

Year 9 Commerce: Students will deepen their financial literacy through Banqer, exploring bank accounts, credit cards, budgeting, and savings goals, before moving into an introductory Accounting unit that explains why businesses keep records and how simple transactions are recorded.

Economics: Year 10 will study the Factors of Production (land, labour, capital, enterprise) and how they combine to create goods and services using real-world examples. Year 11 will explore Market Structures—from perfect competition to monopoly—comparing pricing, efficiency, and local case studies. AS (Year 12) will examine how different economic systems (market, mixed, planned) allocate resources, weighing efficiency and equity trade-offs. A2 (Year 13) will investigate Utility and Consumer Equilibrium, analysing how consumers maximise satisfaction within budget constraints and how this links to price and choice.

Business: Students will build their understanding of entrepreneurship, business objectives (including profit, growth, survival, and social responsibility), and stakeholder perspectives. A2 classes will analyse external influences on business, with a particular focus on the impact of technology on strategy, operations, and competitive advantage.

Accounting: Across all year levels, students will develop practical skills for life and work. Year 10 will learn the differences between bookkeeping and accounting before progressing to double-entry for accuracy and organisation. Year 11 will record depreciation and asset disposals, linking principles to real practice. Year 12 will focus on cost and management accounting, especially absorption costing, to support pricing and budgeting decisions. Year 13 will apply accounting to clubs and societies, building practical skills relevant to not-for-profit organisations.

📚 AS and A2 English Literature with Lauren Campbell

The coming weeks promise to be an engaging and enriching period for our AS and A2 Literature students as they delve further into some powerful and thought-provoking texts.

Our AS Literature students are currently studying the poetry of Maya Angelou, exploring her distinctive voice, poetic craft, and the ways her writing reflects themes of identity, resilience, justice, and hope. Students will be developing close reading skills as they analyse Angelou’s language, imagery, and structure, while also considering the broader cultural and historical contexts that shape her work. Lessons over the next few weeks will include guided discussion, collaborative exploration of key poems, and structured analytical writing to help students build confidence and precision in their responses.

Meanwhile, A2 Literature students are immersed in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, one of the most complex and rewarding texts on the course. As the term progresses, students will continue to explore the play’s central concerns: appearance versus reality, revenge, morality, and the nature of action and inaction. Lessons will focus on character development, dramatic techniques, and interpretative debates, encouraging students to engage critically with the text and develop their own informed readings. Students will also be supported in refining their academic writing and preparing for assessment-style responses.

Across both year groups, English lessons remain a space for curiosity, challenge, and thoughtful discussion. Our English teachers are very much looking forward to continuing to build strong rapport with students and their families, working together to support progress, confidence, and a genuine enjoyment of literature. We value open communication and welcome ongoing dialogue as students move through these important stages of their literary studies. We look forward to a rewarding few weeks ahead.

⛹️‍♂️ PE & Health Update: Respect, Excellence and Whanaungatanga in Action

The Physical Education Department at Pinehurst School has had an energetic and positive start to the term, with our PE philosophy strongly reflecting the school’s values in action. Across all year levels, students have demonstrated respect for self, respect for others and excellence through their participation, effort, and resilience in lessons. Lessons have learning intention which foster positive attitudes which our students have grasped well and will continue to flourish in our department.

We are also delighted to welcome Mr Curwen to the PE and Health department this year. He has already made a fantastic contribution, brought manaakitanga and enthusiasm to the department (Including the pepeha at the pōwhiri ). All students have responded positively, and the collaborative spirit within the department continues to grow. The full departments enthusiasm, care, and commitment to student wellbeing have helped strengthen whanaungatanga, building strong relationships within classes and across the wider school community.

In our curriculum, Year 9, 10 and 11 students are currently completing Athletics units. These units focus on developing technique, fitness, and goal setting while encouraging students to show whakaute for individual differences and celebrate personal progress. Students are challenged to support one another and demonstrate manaakitanga through constructive feedback and encouragement.

Year 7 and 8 students are engaged in Striking and Fielding units, where teamwork, communication, and cooperation are key. These activities provide valuable opportunities to strengthen whanaungatanga, as students work together, solve problems, and develop trust within their teams.

Whanaungatanga is intentionally embedded across all PE lessons, with a strong focus on connection, belonging, and positive relationships. Through cooperative learning, team challenges, and reflection, PE continues to be a space where students feel supported, respected, and motivated to do their best. We look forward to an active and successful term ahead in Physical Education and Health.

🎭 School Production Auditions Start Next Week!

Excitement is building for our upcoming school production of 'Anastasia', with auditions taking place in Week 3. Students who are interested in being part of this wonderful musical experience are encouraged to see Mr Ronayne to secure an audition timeslot.

Community News

🧧 Celebrating Chinese New Year Together

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time for renewal, connection, and joyful traditions that bring families and communities together. This year, our celebration will highlight a few meaningful customs that reflect the spirit of creativity, togetherness, and good fortune.

Paper Cutting: Crafting Symbols of Luck
Paper cutting is one of the oldest folk arts in China, traditionally used to decorate windows and doors during the New Year. The intricate red designs often feature symbols of prosperity, happiness, and longevity. As we gather to create our own paper cuttings, we take part in a tradition that expresses hope for a bright and flourishing year ahead.

Shared Lunch: A Feast of Togetherness
Food plays a central role in Chinese New Year, not just for nourishment but for the sense of unity it brings. Our shared lunch will echo this tradition, inviting everyone to come together, enjoy a variety of dishes, and celebrate the bonds that make our community strong. Sharing a meal reminds us that the New Year is as much about people as it is about festivities.

Rice Dumplings: A Taste of Good Fortune
Rice dumplings, or tangyuan, are often enjoyed during New Year celebrations as a symbol of family unity and completeness. Their round shape represents harmony and the promise of a sweet year to come. Making and eating rice dumplings together adds warmth and meaning to our celebration, connecting us to generations of tradition.

⚠️ Road Safety Reminders for Our School Community

The safety of our students is always our highest priority, and road safety is an area where we all play an important role - particularly during busy drop-off and pick-up times. To help reduce congestion, families may wish to adjust their routines where possible. Traffic is typically lighter between 8.15–8.25am, and in the afternoon cars are moving more freely by 3.30pm. As a reminder, after-school care for Primary students is free until 4.00pm.

⚠️ Carpark Bush Road Entrance

• Only turn into the school when there is a clear space to enter the driveway
• Avoid blocking traffic in either direction
• If dropping off outside the grounds, stop only in designated areas
• Do not park on yellow lines
• At pick-up, remain with your vehicle unless parked in a designated space
• When exiting, always left turn (until 4.00pm)

⚠️ Carpark Rosedale Road Entrance

• Do not park on the median barrier
• ​​​​​​​When turning right into the school, ensure there is clear space to enter without blocking traffic

🛑 No U-Turns in Albany ITM Driveway

Please do not use the Albany ITM driveway to make U-turns, located directly across the road from the school entrance. This is a busy private commercial driveway and using it to turn creates serious safety risks for:

• Delivery vehicles and customers entering and exiting the site
• Students and families near the school entrance
• Other road users

Drivers are asked to continue along the road and turn safely at an appropriate location, such as Carolina Place, the next street on the right. While U-turns may be permitted on public roads when safe, driving onto footpaths - especially near a school - is illegal and dangerous.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support in helping keep our entire school community safe.