Dear Parents and Guardians, 

It is wonderful to welcome everyone back for Term Four. Although this is our shortest term of the year, just eight weeks, it will still be busy, with plenty happening across the school between now and the end of the year. 

We began the term with a pōwhiri to welcome new students and families to Pinehurst. These occasions are always special and provide an important opportunity to reinforce the sense of belonging that sits at the heart of our community. The highlight of my week was watching the first-day photos and smiles underneath the Pinehurst sign at reception, it was a beautiful contrast to the graduation parade through the same space last term. 

We have also enjoyed welcoming exchange students from IMAE School in Korea. Having international students spend time with us adds another dimension to school life and gives our students the opportunity to make connections beyond Pinehurst and New Zealand. This was certainly the case for a group College students who visited Hainan over the break. They learned a great deal being immersed in Chinese culture and are richer for the experience. 

For many of our students, the start of the term has had a strong academic focus. Our Years 11–13 students are now in the midst of their examinations, while Year 6 students have been completing their Checkpoint exams. These are important moments in the year and an opportunity for students to demonstrate not only what they know, but also the independence, organisation and confidence they have developed over time. 

School life, of course, extends well beyond the classroom and at the time of writing this message, our Year 7 and 8’s are competing at their Athletics Day, which is always a fantastic opportunity for students to participate, compete, support one another and enjoy being together as a school community. 

On returning to school, I was delighted to receive a range of messages sharing student success from the holidays. Golf, swimming, alpine events, and fencing all featured as our young athletes continued to show impressive form. I do enjoy hearing of life beyond school, so please keep sharing! 

Looking ahead, next week Years 7- 9 and Years 4 and 5 have their turn with assessments. While it is tempting to think of them as end-of-year exams, the real focus should be viewing them as a measure of progress and allowing for planning for the next steps. Year 2 will be excited for their underwater experience at Kelly Tarlton’s, and the ukulele festival will be great fun for all involved. 

With such a short final term, the weeks will pass very quickly. There is much to look forward to before the end of the year. Please keep a careful eye on the calendar, especially for the Friends of Pinehurst launch event, so that you don’t miss the action! 

I hope you enjoy the weekend ahead. 

Regards, 

Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 19 October

• Years 7 & 8 Exams (All Week)
• Years 11–13 Exams (All Week)
• Year 9 Checkpoint Exams (Mon–Wed)
• Phonics Information Meeting, 10.00am–10.40am

Tuesday 20 October

• Years 2–6 Golf Have a Go Day

Thursday 22 October

• Year 2 Kelly Tarlton's Trip
• Years 2–6 Golf Have a Go Day
• Primary Ukulele Festival, 10.30am

Primary News

Kia ora Koutou,

Welcome back to an action-packed Term 4! We have hit the ground running with Cambridge Checkpoint testing for Year 6. Our students are well prepared and took the experience in their stride, they have just English to go next week. Year 4 and Year 5 will also begin progression testing next week.

These assessments are opportunities not only to demonstrate learning under timed conditions, but also to learn how to get the most from the experience and build confidence. By practising these skills now, when it really matters in a few years, our students will feel calm, capable, and prepared.

A very warm welcome to our new families. It was wonderful meeting you at Pōwhiri. We also welcome back Bree O’Hare, who takes over P7, and Suzy Aston, who will teach P3. We wish Grace Osborne all the very best as Grace leaves to have her baby and look forward to welcoming a new addition to our Pinehurst family.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

🔤 P4 Phonics Information Session

When: Monday 19 October, 10.00am Where: Dance Studio

Welcome to Term 4! We’re delighted to welcome our new P4 students as they begin 
their school journey at Pinehurst.

Parents and caregivers are warmly invited to attend a Phonics Information Session with Mrs Louise Prance, providing an opportunity to learn more about our approach to phonics and how to support your child’s early literacy development at home.

We look forward to seeing you there!

🦈 Year 2 Trip to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

When: Thursday 22 October, 9.30am – 2.30pm
Where: SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

As part of our Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) programme, our Year 2 students will visit SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium for an exciting day of discovery and hands-on learning. The trip will provide students with opportunities to explore marine life and see how the science concepts they have been learning in the classroom connect to the world around them. Students will travel by bus, departing School at 9.30am and returning at approximately 2.30pm.

What to bring:

• Correct summer uniform
• Named drink bottle
• Morning tea and packed lunch (lunch orders will not be available)
• Small day bag, as storage space at the aquarium is limited

We look forward to a fun and engaging day of learning beyond the classroom!

🎼 Year 6 North Shore Ukulele Festival

When: Thursday 22 October
Where: Pinehurst School

Our Year 6 students are looking forward to participating in the North Shore Ukulele Festival, proudly hosted at Pinehurst School.

Students will perform 10 musical pieces alongside young musicians from Mairangi Bay, Kristin, Scotts Point and Upper Harbour Primary Schools. This exciting event is a wonderful opportunity for students to collaborate with fellow musicians from across the North Shore, celebrate their musical achievements and experience the joy of making music together.

We look forward to welcoming our visiting schools for a fantastic celebration of music!

⛳️ Smile Golf Academy Visits Primary Years 1–6

We are looking forward to welcoming Smile Golf Academy to Pinehurst in Term 4 for two exciting days of golf activities for our Primary students.

On Tuesday 20 October and Thursday 22 October, students will have the opportunity to participate in a series of fun, interactive golf stations designed to introduce them to the sport, develop new skills and build confidence in a supportive and engaging environment.

Please note: Senior Year 1 through to Year 6 students will participate in these sessions. Junior Year 1 students will have their opportunity to enjoy a Smile Golf Academy session in Term 1, 2027.

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa  

Term 4 has begun with great energy and purpose as students enter the final phase of the academic year. It has been wonderful to see our students reconnecting and spending time together outside during their breaks. 

Our senior students are now fully engaged in their Cambridge examinations, while Years 7 and 8 are preparing for their end-of-year assessments taking place next week. Year 9 Checkpoint assessments continue into next week.  

It has been a pleasure to welcome our visitors from IMAE School in South Korea this week. Students have enjoyed building connections with their international buddies, and our Korean guests have enthusiastically embraced the opportunities and experiences available at Pinehurst. Thank you to all host families who have generously taken care of our friends.  

Next week, Year 9 students who were unable to complete the sailing component of their camp due to adverse weather will have the opportunity to participate in a two-day sailing programme with the New Zealand Sailing Trust. We are hoping for more favourable conditions this time around so they can enjoy this valuable experience on the water. 

As Term 4 progresses, I encourage all students to embrace every opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute.  

Have a lovely weekend.  

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🤗 Choosing a Language for Years 7–9 in 2027

Parents and caregivers should have received an email regarding language selections for 2027. Students entering Years 7–9 will choose to study either Spanish or Mandarin.

Both languages offer valuable opportunities to develop communication skills, cultural understanding and confidence. There is no single ‘right’ choice, and we encourage families to consider their child's interests, strengths and enjoyment when making their selection.

Spanish is spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide and offers opportunities to explore the rich cultures of Spain and Latin America. It is also relatively accessible for English speakers, with many familiar words and sounds.

Mandarin is the most widely spoken first language in the world. Learning Mandarin develops cultural awareness and skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing Chinese characters, while strengthening communication within Mandarin-speaking communities.

How to submit your selection:

• Please refer to the email sent to parents and caregivers for the language choice form and your child's Student ID, which is required to link your selection to the School's timetabling system.
• Only one submission is required per student. If your current Year 8 child has already selected their language through Preferences Manager, there is no need to complete the form again. If you are unsure, you may submit the form.

Please complete your selection by Monday 19 October.

For any questions, please contact Mrs Marta Marino Grana, Head of Languages, at marta.marinograna@pinehurst.school.nz.

✈️ Year 9 Travel Expo

Next week, our Year 9 Commerce students will be hosting their Travel Expo, showcasing the work completed as part of their Term 3 Budgeting Unit.

Throughout the term, students have planned and budgeted an overseas holiday, developing their financial literacy, research and decision-making skills. As part of the project, they also explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI), evaluating AI-generated travel plans before creating and comparing their own itineraries.

During the Expo, students will engage visitors in conversations about their destination, itinerary and budget choices. Rather than delivering formal presentations, they will answer questions and explain the reasoning behind their decisions. Visitors will carry a travel passport award stickers to destinations they would genuinely consider visiting.

The Travel Expo is a celebration of the creativity, critical thinking and financial planning skills developed throughout the project. We look forward to welcoming visiting classes and showcasing the excellent work of our Year 9 students. 

🎓 Mr Le Lievre presenting at Cambridge Schools Conference Online

Conference begins: Monday 19 October
Mr Le Lievre's Presentation: Wednesday 21 October, 9.00–10.00pm (NZ time)

The upcoming Cambridge Schools Conference Online, Future-ready: Preparing Learners to Thrive, brings together international education experts to share insights and explore approaches to teaching and learning for the future.

We are delighted that our very own College teacher, Mr Paul Le Lievre, has been selected as one of just seven presenters at this international conference, and is the only classroom teacher among a distinguished group of global education experts and Cambridge representatives.

Mr Le Lievre will present Cambridge Global Perspectives – A Subject for Everyone, sharing his expertise and insights into the importance of Global Perspectives in education and its role in developing critical thinking, research and collaboration skills.

The conference is free and open to everyone, including teachers, parents and students. Sessions can be attended live or viewed on demand, making it easy to participate at a time that suits you.

To explore the programme and register, visit the Cambridge Schools Conference Online. Simply select Register for session beneath the session you wish to attend.

A wonderful opportunity to engage with international education experts and support one of our own Pinehurst educators as he shares his expertise on the global stage!

🎓 College Upcoming Events

🎓 Career Education News

Bond University Coffee Catch-Up

Students and families interested in studying in Australia are invited to join Bond University for an informal coffee catch-up to explore university life on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

This is a great opportunity to:

• Learn more about Bond University and what studying on the Gold Coast could look like.
• Explore study options, campus facilities and student life.
• Ask questions about applications, entry requirements and the admissions process.

Interested in attending? Register for a Bond University Catch-Up in New Zealand
Select Option 1 or 2, choose New Zealand, then register for your preferred location.

Community News

🎭 Anastasia: The Musical Celebrates 15 Showdown Award Nominations!

When: Wednesday 21 October, 7.00pm
Where: Bruce Mason Theatre, Takapuna

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate an incredible 15 nominations for Pinehurst School's production of Anastasia: The Musical at the 2026 Auckland Live Showdown Awards!

This outstanding achievement recognises the extraordinary talent, creativity and dedication of our students and staff, both on stage and behind the scenes. From exceptional individual performances to the creative and technical expertise that brought the production to life, these nominations are a wonderful acknowledgement of our Pinehurst performing arts community.

Performance Awards

• Ece D. – Best Performer in a Lead Role (Group A), Anya
• Zion F. – Best Performer in a Lead Role (Group A), Dmitry
• Sofia B. K. – Best Performer in a Lead Role (Group B), Anya
• Katie L. – Best Performer in a Supporting Role (Group A), The Dowager Empress
• Jayden W. – Best Performer in a Supporting Role (Group B), Gleb
• Jeremy T. – Best Performer in a Minor Role (Group A), Count Leopold

Creative and Technical Awards

• Best Make-Up & Costume Design – Sarah Knox-Coupe, Julia Maunder, Stephanie Curtis, Emma Miller and Lisa Tobler
• Best Properties Design – Yvonne Berger and Sandie Waddel
• Best Lighting Design – Amelia Claridge and Sam Cunningham
• Best Sound Design – Sam Cunningham
• Best Stage Management – Genevieve McClean
• Best Musical Director – Hadley Ronayne
• Best Director of a Musical – Amelia Claridge

Production Awards

• Best Dance Performance – The Cast of Anastasia
• Outstanding Musical – Anastasia: The Musical

⭐️ Come Along and Support Our Nominees on Wednesday 21 October!

To receive 15 nominations across such a broad range of categories is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the strength of performing arts at Pinehurst. We are immensely proud of every student, staff member and member of the production team who contributed to this spectacular show.

We warmly encourage Pinehurst families to join us at the Auckland Live Showdown Awards on Wednesday 21 October at the Bruce Mason Theatre. It promises to be a fantastic evening celebrating Auckland's secondary school performing arts, and we'd love to see a strong Pinehurst presence in the audience cheering on our nominees!

🎟️ Purchase your tickets for the Auckland Live Showdown Awards

Congratulations to all our nominees, and we wish the entire Anastasia team every success on awards night!