No images? Click here
Friday 15 August
Message from Mike
Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요
Dear Parents/Guardians,
A few cold mornings have certainly tested the winter jackets this week, but the warm smiles on arrival at school have definitely made up for it!
Our Year 5 and 6 netball teams had a great day at the super cluster tournament yesterday, with the top teams winning their respective grades. Most importantly, all four teams showed great teamwork and enthusiasm, highlighting two traits that are learned through sport. Good luck to our teams across all sporting codes as they approach the last games of the season.
Over recent weeks, we have enjoyed hosting our community police constable for a series of sessions with students across the school. The theme has been focused on keeping safe and understanding personal rights and responsibilities, with age-appropriate content to ensure our young people can cope with the external pressures that they face. These sessions will continue over the remainder of the term.
The Year 9 market day was a great success, with all profits being donated to Kids Can. The effort and entrepreneurship that went into the stalls were excellent, and there is no doubt that there are many great business leaders amongst our cohort. Thank you to all families who supported what may have been messy production processes at home!
Our College orchestra had a brilliant performance at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on Tuesday, and set the benchmark for future concerts. Well done to all of the students involved, and my particular thanks to Ms Eugenie Middleton, who has led the group so well since joining our staff earlier in the year.
Tickets for the Year 3 and 4 show are now on sale. There is no doubt that both shows will sell out, so please get in quick. Also, please be mindful that if your child has a central part, you should check which night they are part of the leading cast.
With Lego Day for Primary next Tuesday, there is bound to be plenty of excitement, and I know I can’t wait to build something as well! There is also a Year 8 to 9 transition evening on Tuesday and I encourage those parents to attend as the move up the school can bring unique challenges that we need to prepare families for.
Traffic on the roads surrounding the school remains a concern at key times. Please make sure that you are conscious of following all road rules, particularly as they relate to yellow lines and turning bays.
With our senior students now just a few weeks away from study leave, there are some who may be struggling with the anxiety of exams. If you notice any change in behaviour at home, please reach out so that we can help make sure that support is in place.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Regards,
Regards,
Mike Waller
Dates for your Diary
Monday 18 August
- Primary Keeping Ourselves Safe Programme (All Week)
- Year 11-13 Mock Examinations (All Week)
Tuesday 19 August
- Primary Lego Day (All Day, No Assembly)
- Year 8 to 9 Transition Evening
Wednesday 20 August
- North Harbour Gymnastics Zone Day (All Day)
- Year 9 EPro8 Challenge Finals Series
Thursday 21 August
- AKSS Diving Championships (All Day)
Friday 22 August
- Middle School Ethics Olympiad Training Day
Message from Dawn
Tēnā koutou katoa
As we approach the midpoint of the term, there is much to celebrate and be proud of in our students’ achievements. Mock examinations are now underway, and next week our Year 11–13 students will continue on study leave, except when scheduled to sit a mock examination. This period is an important opportunity for them to consolidate their learning and prepare for the challenges ahead. A reminder that students sitting examinations should be mindful of their wellbeing at this time.
Looking ahead, next Tuesday we are delighted to be hosting a Transition Evening for families of our Year 8 students who will be joining Year 9 in 2026. This event is an exciting step in their educational journey and we will be offering insights into the opportunities and experiences that await our students. We invite students and parents to join us in the theatre, where we look forward to an informative evening.
Have a lovely weekend.
Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan
College News
NHSS Boys Hockey Competition 1A Grade: Final Secured, Eyes on Back-to-Back Championships!
We warmly invite our school community to cheer on the Pinehurst 1st XI Boys in the final this week, to be held at the North Harbour Hockey Association. Your support could make all the difference!
The NHSS Hockey Competition took place across Terms 2 and 3, with Pinehurst XI Boys Hockey team once again competing in the 1A grade. This year brought a fresh challenge — with several players graduating from last year’s championship-winning squad, almost half of the team were new members.
For a smaller school, fielding and developing an 11-a-side squad is no small feat. Morale and skill had to be rebuilt, and early in the season, the team faced further setbacks with several key players sidelined by injury. Despite these hurdles, the squad’s determination shone through, steadily improving and building momentum with every match.
By the end of the regular season, Pinehurst finished 3rd on the table, securing a place in the semi-finals. On Wednesday 13 August, they delivered a thrilling 2–1 victory against 2nd-placed Northcote, booking their spot in the grand final. Now, the team is aiming to lift the 1A grade trophy for the second consecutive year.
We hope you will come along to support the team at the NHA (159 Bush Road). Check here for game day and time to be posted soon.
Year 9 students raise over $2500 for KidsCan!
Each year, Commerce students are tasked with developing a sustainable business with a budget of only $20 each. The challenge of developing a product that is both sustainable and meets the strict budget criteria is challenging.
This year's cohort really rose to the challenge, at the market day this week. They presented an impressive range of products, from soap, candles, lights and bookmarks to games of skill and chances to throw wet sponges at their teachers.
This year's Commerce students raised over $2500 through their efforts. This is such an achievement and something that we are all proud of. Funds raised for KidsCan go towards providing less advantaged school children with breakfast, school shoes and rain jackets so that they can equally participate in education.
Thank you also to the 'good sports' (staff members and prefects) who took a 'good soaking' for a great cause! 💦
KBB Article
The Music Department was delighted with the College Orchestra’s performance at the KBB Music Festival on Tuesday afternoon.
A highlight of the programme was Leroy Anderson’s The Typewriter, featuring Year 11 student Callum M playing a real typewriter alongside the orchestra - a performance that was met with rapturous applause. Results for the orchestra will be announced tomorrow evening (Saturday).
Message from Sian
Kia ora tatou,
This week has been full of energy, confidence, and achievement across our school. A selection of our Year 0–2 students entertained us with what can only be described as a joyful music concert, showcasing their growing skills and musical talents. It was heartwarming to see our youngest people shine on stage!
Meanwhile, our senior students made us proud at the Supercluster Netball event held here at Pinehurst. Congratulations to both our Year 5 and Year 6 first teams for winning their respective tournaments—an outstanding result that reflects their dedication, teamwork, and sporting abilities.
Looking ahead to next week, we’ll be focusing on the Keeping Ourselves Safe programme with Constable Murray Fenton, helping students build essential personal safety skills. On Tuesday the 19th, we’re also looking forward to Lego Day, a creative and collaborative opportunity to solve problems with those famous little bricks. Our Year 3–4 students are entering their final week of rehearsals for Aladdin Kids, and we can’t wait to see their hard work come to life in Week 6. Don’t forget to get your tickets!
Have a great weekend, Sian
Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon
Primary News
Lego Day is coming on Tuesday 19 August!
On Tuesday 19 August the School Council have organised a Lego activity themed day. Students will be taking part in Music, Maths, PE, Art, Science, Writing and Reading activities all based around Lego.
We invite all students to bring to school a container of Lego to use on the day. Please do not send in a special set (eg Hogwarts Castle). A shoe box lid or a tray would be an excellent way of ensuring they do not mix their Lego with anyone else. We look forward to a fun, constructive and creative day.
It’s No Mirage... Aladdin JR. Flies in Two Weeks!
With just two weeks until opening night, the excitement is really building and everything is starting to feel like a 'whole new world'. We are now rehearsing with props, which is adding an extra layer of magic to our scenes. Costumes are coming together beautifully, and our talented cast is working hard to polish every song, dance, and line.
Behind the Scenes, our magic carpet rehearsals have been a real highlight. It is trickier than it looks to make it 'fly' smoothly across the stage without giggling, but the cast is getting the hang of it and having plenty of fun along the way.
Aladdin JR. promises an evening of adventure, laughter and heart-warming moments, from mystical caves to soaring magic carpets. We cannot wait to welcome you in Week 6: Tuesday 26 August and Thursday 28 August (6.00pm to 6.30pm.
Ticket sales opened electronically this week so make sure you secure yours early, so you do not miss out on this spectacular show. Purchase tickets here.
Year 0-2 Solo and Ensemble Performance Showcase
On Wednesday this week, we celebrated our Year 0–2 musicians with the Term 3 Solo and Ensemble Performance Showcase.
The concert began with three pieces performed by the Pinehurst Primary Orchestra, conducted by Ms Middleton, followed by seventeen solo performances featuring singing, piano, cello, ukulele, and drums.
Two Year 6 students did a fantastic job as MCs, guiding us smoothly through the afternoon’s performances. We applaud all our performers for the effort they put into preparing, as well as for their talent and courage in taking to the stage.
Community News
🌼 Join Our Daffodil Day Bake-Off! 🌼
Calling all parents of Pinehurst!
On Daffodil Day (Friday 29 August) the Citizenship Council will be hosting a ticketed shared lunch in the study area (Room 401) to fundraise and raise awareness for all types of cancer.
To help make it a success, we’re asking you all, our wonderful parent community, to show off your baking skills and donate yellow or daffodil-themed baked goods (sweet or savoury)!
Baking should fit within a 30cm x 30cm x 12cm (H) cake box – cake boxes are available to be collected from reception. As a fun bonus, entries will be judged by Mr Waller, and the winner will enjoy a one-night stay (including breakfast for two) at Crowne Plaza Auckland!
Baking is to be dropped off to reception by 9.00am on Friday 29 August. If baking’s not your thing, you can still support the cause by donating HERE.
We can’t wait to see and taste all your baked goodies! Remember to keep a look out for other initiatives happening in and around the school as well.
Thank you for your support!
Notices and Events
Purchase Your Aladdin JR. Tickets Today!
Keep an eye out for posters around school with the QR code to purchase your tickets and join us for a magical evening you won’t forget!
Uniform Shop School Holiday Hours
If you need to buy any uniform, please do this before Week 8.
The Uniform Shop will be closed in Week 9.
Uniforms can also be purchased during the holidays on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 October between these times:
9.00am-12.00pm & 12.30pm-4.00pm
Normal trading hours will resume in Term 4:
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
8.00am-10.00am & 12.30pm-4.00pm
Join us for a Parent Session: Supporting your Child through Anxiety and Worry
Exam season can be a particularly stressful time for students and their families. To help, we’re hosting a special presentation by Clinical Psychologist and Paediatric Neuropsychologist Megan Fowler, who will share insights into how children and teens experience anxiety, and offer practical strategies to support them through high-pressure times.
Parents of children at any school age will find this session valuable and informative. Register HERE by 29 August.
On-site childcare is available during this event at $10 per child.
Follow @Pinehurst on Facebook and Instagram
We’re in the process of refreshing our newsletter format, meaning some of our stories and student highlights will be shared on social media.
Stay up to date with exceptional achievements, standout student moments, event highlights, and celebrations of our school spirit and community values.
So jump online—it’s the best way to catch quick, inspiring updates and feel-good stories from across Pinehurst.
If you have any news or submissions you’d like considered for our newsletter, please contact news@pinehurst.school.nz
