News and events for the week ending 7th September 2018 Friday 7th September 2018 Opening words from the Executive PrincipalGood afternoon, Kia ora tatou, 你好 We’ve had great excitement in Papakura this week (which isn’t a sentence you’ll read too often): our competition-conquering Boys Hockey First XI have fought their way into the semi-finals of their tournament. As I write, on Thursday morning, they’re preparing for a semi-final clash with John Paul School from Hamilton. Our fingers are crossed! Meanwhile, our table tennis team have had a storming week in Hamilton, finishing with a bronze medal, and our netball girls and golf team have done us proud. Next week, we have around 60 Year 7 and 8 students heading to AIMS, mostly Year 8 students: they’re gearing up every day at the moment and will be heading to the Bay of Plenty with a big support team, smart tournament hoodies and the support of the whole school. There won’t, I think, be many other schools sending such a large proportion of their students, and it’s a mark of the outstanding standard of sport (and dance!) at Pinehurst. It’s also the last weekend of Kidzplay on Saturday, so it’s a good chance to thank all of the people involved in making our sports programme so successful, especially the huge number of parents who manage, coach and support our students. On that note: we had our first cricket adventure earlier this year, and we are hoping to run some more cricket activities in Term 4 with our Primary students, so keep your eyes peeled. In College, the main focus this week has been on examination for our Year 11, 12 and 13 students. They should have received all of their marks now and have a clear idea of the things they need to do to improve their grades in the external exams next term. There have been some outstanding performances in these exams – well done to those students! – and there will be some disappointed young people as well. That’s to be expected. But the message from the school is very clear: you have time to make a significant improvement regardless of the marks in your mocks. Nothing matters more over the next couple of months. Students should have their study plans in place, should be taking the initiative with teachers and asking for extra support where they need to. Teachers will be offering precise guidance, and students should respond by listening carefully and taking their advice. At home, I would be expecting students to be doing at least two hours of study a night by now, and if you have concerns that your son or daughter needs guidance in any area, needs help working out how to study, or is finding it hard to keep things in perspective, please contact us. In Primary, I know that some parents are a little anxious about the progression testing and Checkpoint Exams at the start of next term. Please don’t be concerned: these assessments are to support us to help your children. We don’t want students to be doing lots of extra work in preparing for exams – they are too young for this. The tests are important to us, as we make sure that our students making the progress we expect all children to make, but we do everything we can to protect young children from feeling anxious about exams. Please help us with this. Enjoy Seussical! I’m so excited that I’ll be at both performances next week. I think we’ve completely sold out now, so packed houses await us. WEEK 8: AIMS Games, Year 7-8 selected students (all week), Tauranga Tuesday 11 September
Wednesday 12 September
Thursday 13 September
WEEK 9: Monday 17th September
Tuesday 18 September
Wednesday 19th September
Thursday 20th September
Friday 21st September
如需阅读校长的中文留言和重要事件日期,请点击此处 Kia Ora, It feels as though every time that I write for the newsletter that sport is a key part of what is said. However, this week and next, sport is having a significant impact on the school timetable. High schools all around New Zealand have been engaged in Tournament Week. We have had a very good week. Our table tennis team finished third in their tournament with Grace Qin placing 2nd in the individual competition. Our golf team were disappointed in their performance but finishing 8th in New Zealand is still quite an achievement and highlights how much they expect of themselves. Our boys 1st XI hockey team have had a great week. Unfortunately, they lost their semi-final yesterday and will be playing off for third place today, still an excellent achievement ahead of schools such at St Peters Cambridge. At yesterday’s assembly 60 athletes from Year 7 and Year 8 were presented with their Aims Games hoodies. There is a great amount of talent in this group both as teams and individuals. We are confident that they will have a brilliant week in Tauranga and we expect to report back with some great results. Next week also allows us to play host to Santiago College as we compete in 1st XI Girls Hockey, 1st XI Boys Football, Girls Volleyball and Boys Basketball. On the academic front our senior students have been working with their teachers to review their mock examinations. These results provide integral feedback as students now work to complete their coursework and prepare for external examinations next term. Yesterday our Year 13 students spent most of the day in a transition to university workshop led by our Careers Counsellor and featuring presentations from Victoria University and several of our recent Pinehurst graduates. It is sinking in for our Year 13 that they have only 3 weeks left of school, there is definitely a mix of excitement as well as trepidation at this prospect. Finally, I must mention Mikayla O’Brien and Mackenzie Cooper. I listened to a radio interview of these two Year 13 students this week. They are doing amazing things within the commerce area and having an impact in our local community. Tonight, they are hosting a night market at Pinehurst with proceeds going towards the KidsCan Charity. If you are in the Albany area between 5pm – 7pm tonight it would be worth your while to pop into school and enjoy the night market experience. Ngā mihi, Chris Wiggin and Kieran Verryt Principals of College Year 13 Transition to Tertiary WorkshopYesterday we welcomed back six ex-students – Chase Clayton, Izzi Gibbs, Jenna Marsh, Josh Martel, Rebecca Merrick and Anna Yu (representing a variety of universities and courses) who helped facilitate the afternoon session of the Transition to Tertiary Workshop for the current Year 13 students. Our students valued hearing from voices of experience as there were discussions on how to settle into university, the differences to expect and, most importantly, what they wish they had known this time last year! Other sessions during the day included topics such as employability skills (what they are and how to gain them), study and note-taking skills (facilitated via Zoom by the Student Learning dept at Victoria University) and Studylink (Student Loans) all designed to help them think about how best to prepare for life after Pinehurst. Youthline Rescue RunA large group of Matai students (as well as Hayden Neal-Brown, Harry Townsend and Jade Imrie) have worked extremely hard to raise as much money for this year’s Youthline Rescue Run which will be held at Woodhill Forest this Saturday, the 8th of September. The students sold waffles, friendship flowers, baking, held two Saturday sausage sizzles and organised a ‘Movie Night’ for the Junior College students at the start of the year. Due to the students’ hard work, a total of $3,411.50 was donated to Youthline. If you would like to help the Pinehurst School team reach their target of $5,000, please go HERE to donate. Pinehurst Interact Rotary ClubOur Yendarra Primary School collection has been completed. The Interact Club spent two days sorting through and repacking the many clothes and toys. There were many wonderful donations from the Pinehurst families and we appreciate your support. The children at Yendarra will certainly have smiles on their faces when we deliver their new clothes. YouCan for KidsCan – A Pinehurst School EnterpriseMikayla O’Brien and Mackenzie Cooper are two Year 13 students on a mission. Now that exam week has ended, the real work begins; preparing for a night market here at Pinehurst School. On Friday this week, Young Entrepreneurs from all over Auckland will be showcasing their products designed and created at the YouCan Night Market event. These young entrepreneurs have been spending all their spare time this week marketing the event, spreading the word far and wide to encourage attendance at the market day. On Wednesday, they were interviewed by Radio DJ Andrew Urquhart, about their entrepreneurial journey, and their passion for social enterprise. Listen to the interview here. YouCan Night Markets will be held in College 4 from 5pm, Friday 7th September. There will be spot prizes, performances, and a selection of innovative products on show. NZSS Table Tennis TournamentOur four Year 9-10 table tennis students Grace Qin, Lockie Burnell, Michael Belov and Ryan Connolly, had an exceptional week at the NZSS Table Tennis Champs in Hamilton. They had some tough competition throughout the tournament coming up against students that were much older than themselves. As a team they placed 3rd overall in the Open B grade. In the individual U15 Champs Grace also did us proud, placing second overall. Congratulations and well done! A huge thank you to Patrick Ryoo for managing the team throughout the season and supporting them at the tournament. NZSS Golf TournamentOur Pinehurst Golf team travelled to Palmerston North to play in the NZSS Golf Team Champs. The team had a practice round on Sunday then it was straight into playing two rounds (36 holes) of golf on Monday albeit in trying conditions. The greens were flooded from the rain throughout the previous night and at first it was doubtful they would even get to play one round of golf never mind two! But play they did, and while still overcast along with the odd shower they managed to get in a full day of play. Our team placed 8th/16 after playing to the best of their abilities on the day! Well done Eujin Kang, Subin Wui, Jaewoo Son & Sung Jin Yeo. AIMS Games 2018Pinehurst will be taking their biggest ever team to AIMS Games in Tauranga next week, competing in 13 different sports at this National Intermediate School event: Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Futsal, Golf, Gymsports, Hockey, Netball, Performance Group, Swimming, Table Tennis & Tennis. Kia Ora, The excitement is building in the Junior Primary as we head towards next week’s performances of Seussical. The stage is set, the props look amazing and we have enjoyed some exceptional rehearsals this week. With such young performers it is easy to rely on the cute factor, if all else fails they will be so gorgeous we know that everyone will love the show. Having seen what is in store for you though we know that you will be really impressed with the standard of the performances. I have loved watching the faces of children who have been singing their hearts out when I have popped into rehearsals this week. They are so earnest and totally committed to putting on the best show they possibly can. The lighting and sound systems arrive this weekend ready for the technical and dress rehearsals on Monday and Tuesday and then the show will begin. We are especially looking forward to making some really happy memories with our students and their families. Doors will open from 5:30pm, don’t forget to bring your tickets! Our Year 6 students will be taking their Cambridge Checkpoint examinations at the beginning of Term 4 and are spending time revising their work in English, Maths and Science. This will be an opportunity for them to demonstrate their learning under timed conditions and will be a snapshot of where they are currently achieving. They have worked really hard this year and it has been wonderful to see them taking responsibility for their learning, identifying what they need to work on next and actively seeking help when they need it. We are looking forward to seeing the results of their efforts and spending an exciting last few weeks in the Primary with them next term. Ngā mihi, Sian Coxon, Principal of Primary Basketball – Year 5/6We have 1 space available for a Year 5 or Year 6 player to join our Pinehurst Cavaliers Basketball team for the remainder of Semester 2. The team plays on a Tuesday afternoon/evening, and trains at Pinehurst on a Wednesday morning before school. For further information, please contact basketball@pinehurst.school.nz Congratulations Year 5 & 6 Girls Hockey TeamThe Year 5 & 6 hockey girls team have had an awesome season, coming second place in their grade, only a few points behind the leader. There has been some very closely fought games that have come down to the wire. As the season has progressed it has been amazing to watch their progress, their hockey has gone from strength to strength and they have shown their commitment to the team by turning up to all the games and practices, regardless of the weather. A big thank you also goes to their amazing coaches Alyssa Earnshaw and James Harrison, for all their hard work and dedication. I know the girls have appreciated your effects throughout the season. Primary Hockey Year 3 & 4At the start of Term 2 we had some very enthusiastic hockey players who were ready for the season ahead. Games were played on Monday evenings, come rain or shine and training was on a Friday morning. Indoor team talks discussing different strategies were held on the rainy days. The team were graded into the B section which they may have found a little challenging. Being the first time the children had played together as a team and going into quite a strong competition, they often struggled to get points on the board. Their last game was on Monday and although so hopeful for a win, unfortunately it just wasn’t meant to be. A big thank you to all the players and coaches, Milly Abbott, Anabelle Kendall and Riya Odedra for all their hard work and making it to all the games as well as early morning training on Fridays. Lastly, thank you to the parents for all your support and encouragement on and off the field. Have a wonderful break, ready for next season! Year 3 & 4 Syndicate NewsThe excitement is mounting amongst the Year 3 students as the rehearsals take place for the production Seussical. If you haven’t purchased your tickets get in quickly, they are selling fast. I have seen some interesting props heading down to the Arena, as the team begin setting up for the performances next week. Year 4 are constructing paper mache piggy banks, using balloons as the base of the armature. They have begun to add the features, ears, legs and the snout. This week they will add another layer of paper. Each week the Year 4 students have a DanceSport lesson with Marie and Hari from Ucan2 Dance. There is also a group practicing for the Dance Sport competition later this year. Congratulations to the following Year 4 students who have been selected to represent Pinehurst Year 4’s at the Mid Bays Cross Country event next week. Year 4 Boys
Year 4 Girls
A Busy Week in P4We are Performing Artists in P.4! We are working hard to perfect our part in Seussical! We are Scientists in P.4! We have sprouted mung beans in our classroom! We are Artists in P.4! We used pastel and dye and our knowledge of plant structure to create beautiful works of flowers. We are Readers and Authors in P.4! Year 6 Spanish¡Buenos días! We all began our Spanish semester at the start of Term 3, by revising how to describe our hair. “Tengo el pelo rosa y liso” = my hair is pink and straight. We then studied how to describe clothing and say what we are wearing. “Llevo una bufanda azul y blanca, un gorro multicolor y unos guantes verdes.” = I am wearing a blue and white scarf, a multi-coloured hat and some green gloves. Next we will learn about our pets; what noises they make and how to describe them! We are all really looking forward to Spanish becoming a full year programme in 2019! ¡Saludos, amigos! Maths in P20Last Friday was the perfect day to go outside, enjoy the sunshine and do some Maths. In P20 we have been learning how to calculate the area and perimeter of a shape. The students partnered up and worked together measuring the outside lines of the netball courts. They then used their knowledge to calculate the perimeter and area of the whole netball court and also one and two thirds. Following this, the students explained their answers and the methods they used to find the area and perimeter of the courts. The class really enjoyed the practical hands-on lesson and was a great opportunity for the students to engage in conversation and collaborate with others. P4 Buddy Pizza PartyThis term we started a new 'buddy' initiative for the children starting school for the first time. Our Term 3 New Entrants were paired with a Year 3 'buddy' that was in the same House and lived in a neighbouring suburb. Not only are the children ‘buddied’ up, but the respective families too! Our Year 3 Parent Buddies also touched based with the new parents and introduced themselves to welcome them to Pinehurst. Already this term we’ve had birthday parties and play-dates between the buddy families. We aim to foster these buddy relationships through the years so that our Pinehurst families have a strong social network at Pinehurst. The Buddy Initiative will now be rolled out each term with all New Entrant children entering Pinehurst. Last Friday our P4 New Entrants and their buddies enjoyed a Pizza Party together. There were 8 pizzas to share amongst 23 children, and who would have guessed that it was all eaten, with some of the children wanting more! It’s safe to say the pizza went down a treat, whilst the plate of fruit was not so popular! SeussicalThe wait is almost over… There is great excitement in the Junior Primary this week as it has suddenly become very real for our students! Last Friday David Ward and his team brought in the stages, with the remainder of the stages arriving on Monday morning. They have spent the rest of this week moving things, blacking out windows and building the set for us. Behind the scenes they have been beavering away for weeks, creating structural supports. Without their expertise, guidance and handiwork we would not have been able to bring together the vision – so thank you, Tony, Shane and Juan! You have taken this to new heights – quite literally! After a full week of rehearsals, we are confident enough to say we are ready…bring it on! We look forward to seeing our audiences next Tuesday and Thursday. Disclaimer: We take no responsibility for any audience member who may get the songs stuck in their head! I Spy in the PrimaryI Spy....clever research in P15. I Spy...the teachers learning coding. I Spy....P7 making a special card for Dad! I Spy...P18 readers looking for key words to answer inference questions. I Spy....lines being rehearsed. I Spy... netball fun day I Spy.... from the archives, our Year 4 and 5 Netball players when they were just so little! Battle of the BrainsLast Friday was the Pinehurst Quiz Night which saw 13 teams go head to head in a battle of the smartest. Spirits were high and teams eager to get started. After 6 intense rounds, it was the TROPICANA TEMPTATIONS who emerged victorious. Our Quiz Master Steve Geach, kept everyone on their toes with games and banter. Tables were themed and teams all in fancy dress. There was an amazing array of teams from Friday Night Fever to The Medical Misadventurors with a patient lying on their table on a drip of red wine, Zombies, Grease Lightning, and other interesting characters. It was plain to see that everyone got into the spirit of the night and had put a huge amount of effort in organising their teams. If only we could have given everyone a prize. They all deserved it, but in the end THE MISUNDERSTOODS were Best Dressed with ‘Malificent’ being awarded the prize for Best Dressed Individual and TROPICANA TEMPTATIONS awarded Best Themed Table. All in all it was a great night and everyone seemed to have a blast. A huge thank you to all the teams for supporting this event. We loved having you all there. Introducing Cheryl Grice - Classical GuitarCheryl Grice joined the Pinehurst music itinerant team this year and we are lucky to have someone who is internationally recognised for her guitar playing skills, teaching our students. Cheryl won a scholarship to the Royal Manchester College of Music when she was 16, studying under Gordon Crosskey and privately with John Williams in London. At the age of 20 she won the ‘Lanchester International Guitar Competition’ and the ‘Concorso Internazionale di Chitarra di Alessandria’ in Italy. Following her outstanding performance in a Masterclass with Julian Bream recorded for the BBC, Cheryl was personally invited by Bream to record an individual lesson with him for French Television. She also made her debut at the Wigmore Hall in London, establishing herself as one of the world’s leading Classical Guitarists and gave the debut performance of Wilfred Joseph’s ‘Saratoga’ Concerto for harp, harpsichord and guitar at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Cheryl was awarded second place in the Segovia International Guitar Competition in England which was recorded by the BBC, and her performance of the hauntingly beautiful ‘Un Sueno en la Floresta’ was played over the subsequent production of ‘Life in Spain’. To see Cheryl perform, please click here. To enrol your child into classical guitar lessons, please complete the enrolment form at the bottom of this link. Informal Music Concert for Term 3All parents are invited to the informal music concert of this term, to be held in C2 on Wednesday the 12th of September from 4.30pm. Informal music concerts are open to all Pinehurst students from all ages that would like to share their performing talents, no matter what stage of their development, to an audience. Senior Music Concert – Performance Portfolio Wrap UpThe Year 11, 12 and 13 music students are currently working towards completing their performance portfolios this term. Students will be presenting most of their work on the 26th of September, Wednesday from 4.30pm in C2. If your child is in senior school and would like to consider Music as a subject in the future, this would be a good showcase of what the performance components of the syllabus entails. Click here to view Kairu Han’s (Yr13) performance of Lacha Chia Pianga by Handel. Space SchoolPinehurst is pleased to announce that we are offering students the opportunity to join the CASE Space School International Study Program in 2019. CASE Space School is an amazing opportunity for students seeking to pursue success in a STEAM career. Students will be immersed in enriched and exclusive space science activities to explore the multi-facets of STEAM. Students will also learn and engage in an inspiring personal and leadership development program to truly empower them for changing times. Junior Space School is astronaut training for youth and is an engaging, hands-on adventure. Students learn about space travel, the development of space-related technologies and are lead through several simulated missions. An information evening will be held at Pinehurst on Wednesday 19th September at 6pm in College 4 where students and parents can learn more about the program. Click here to RSVP. Parent Breakfast Meetings - Term 3
Venue: Caffe E Cuccina, 265 Albany Hwy Please RSVP: judy.wallace@pinehurst.school.nz North Shore Swimming AwardsAt the North Shore Swimming Club Awards Grace van der Eijk (Year 4) was named 8 year old Overall Champion. Grace was also 1st in 25 Fly, 25 Free, 25 Back, 50 Fly. 2nd in 50 Back and 3rd in 25 Breast in the Club Champs for boys and girls 8 years and under. We're extremely proud of her accomplishment and dedication to swimming. Northern Region Surf Pool ChampsYear 7 student, Jack Potier, competed at the Northern Region Surf Pool Champs for the first time over the weekend. Representing Orewa Surf Club, Jack and his team had 2 x 1st, 1 x 2nd and 1 x 3rd place finishes in the Relay events. The team will go on to compete at the Nationals in October. Congratulations Jack! Northern Regional Surf Life Saving Pool ChampsLast weekend Cenedra and Paige Waddel participated in the Northern Region Life-saving Pool champs held at the Millennium. They achieved a number of 5th placings in the team events involving manikins and towing but in the Rope throw event they came second place finishing in 21.28s. They were narrowly beaten by the first place getters who finished in 21.11s. The event involves the patient 20m down the lane with the rope just passed them. When the whistle goes the rescuer has to wind in the rope and accurately throw the rope 20m out to the patient but also make sure the rope is within the lane. Once the patient has the rope they get pulled in by the rescuer and have to touch the wall within 45s. The girls were thrilled at coming second and go on to the Nationals in October. National Mosaic ExhibitionIf you don’t know where Jill Harrison’s office is, then just follow the sound of the printers. There is a constant stream of teachers bringing in their orders and a constant stream of copying being sent out into the school. Jill’s mastery of everything to do with the copy room is not her only talent. This weekend Jill is exhibiting two ceramic pieces at the Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa at the National Mosaic Exhibition. It is the first time she has exhibited any of her work and her decision to do so was that she decided it was time to, ‘get out of her comfort zone’. Up till now, Jill has only made pieces on commission. Wall-hangings, plant pots, picture frames are just some of the things she has created. She calls herself a ‘fossicker’, finding the pieces for her mosaics in op shops, tile shops, on the beach and around her own house. She thinks that she has taken up this art form because of her interest in recycling and the fact she likes the idea of finding pieces to fit the puzzle. Jill will be exhibiting her two pieces on the opening night this Friday, 7th September at 6pm, UNICEF Charity BallThe annual UNICEF Charity Ball is back for 2018 - bigger and better than ever! With all proceeds going towards the Yemen Children's Crisis through UNICEF NZ, and not to mention - a full buffet dinner and professional DJ and photographers, the committee is pleased to present to you: Wander! For all students Years 11-13 through to University. Follow our Instagram: @wanderball18 Registration: http://bit.ly/wandersignups Permission Form: http://bit.ly/wanderform |