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Friday 7 November
Message from Mike
Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope you have enjoyed a great week, and it has been lovely to see many of you at the different events that have taken place, particularly for our Primary students.
Exams have been a focus for College students this week, with the test being a final chance to show the progress they have made this year. But more importantly, there is an opportunity to reflect on how progress has been made and what the next steps are in learning. Our staff are committed to impactful lessons until the last day of term, and it is important that students pay careful attention to feedback and do their best to respond before the summer break.
The use of AI in education remains a hot topic as we respond to a rapidly changing environment. This year, Mrs Green (Year 6 teacher) has led a working group with teachers from across the school to explore how we can best harness this technology. From 2026, a clear roadmap will be shared across the community, outlining how we will educate and use AI across all year levels. The plan draws on global research and adapts it to our context, and I know this will have a great impact on our learners.
In recent weeks, I have been able to have extensive planning time with our Primary and College Senior Leaders as we look at 2026 and beyond. With stability in our staffing and a clear framework for how approach teaching and learning, I am looking forward to seeing how we can continue to make high levels of progress in the classroom. Similarly, we have ambitious plans for life beyond the classroom, and the opportunities for your children to grow into well-balanced young people will continue to grow.
Next week promises to be busy with trips and activities across the school. The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh qualifier will be a challenge for Year 10, and the New Entrant to Year 2 showcase will be an excellent event with all of our younger students on stage. We also have two open days next week, and I am looking forward to sharing our school with prospective families who will be looking for places in 2027 and beyond!
The end of the school year can bring uncertainty for some students as they consider what it will be like with new teachers and changes in classes next year. If your child needs any support in managing their emotions around change, please get in touch, and we will make sure they feel well supported.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Regards,
Mike Waller
Dates for your Diary
Monday 10 November
- North Harbour Golf Zone Day (All Day)
- Road Patrol Rainbows End Trip (9.00am - 2.00pm)
Tuesday 11 November
- College Open Day (All Day)
- North Harbour Badminton Boys Zone Day (8.30am - 3.30pm)
- Year 0-2 Showcase (2.00pm - 3.30pm)
- Year 2 to 3 Transition & Camp Information, P11 (6.00pm - 7.00pm)
- Year 4 to 5 Parent Transition & Camp Information, P21 (6.00pm - 7.00pm)
- Year 6 (2026) Parent Camp Information, P21 (6.30pm - 7.00pm)
Wednesday 12 November
- Year 9 Wero Whitewater Park (All Day)
- Year 10 Geography Trip to Orewa (All Day)
- AKSS Volleyball Junior Championships (All Day)
- New Entrant Parents Phonics Information Session, Dance Studio (9.00am)
- Year 4 Auckland Art Gallery Trip (9.15am - 2.45pm)
- Year 5 Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, P16 + P15 Group One (9.15am - 2.45pm)
Thursday 13 November
- DofE Bronze Qualifier (All Day)
- AKSS Volleyball Junior Championships (All Day)
- Primary Open Day (9.15am - 11.00pm)
- North Harbour Badminton Girls Zone Day (8.30am - 3.30pm)
- Year 5 Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, P17 + P15 Group Two (9.15am - 2.45pm)
Friday 14 November
- DofE Bronze Qualifier (All Day)
- AKSS Volleyball Junior Championships (All Day)
Message from Sian
Kia ora tatou,
This week’s amazing weather added to the excitement of our Year 0–4 Athletics Day. Year 3–4 students impressed us with their running, jumping, throwing and their cheering each on, while our Year 0–2 syndicates shone in their determination and willingness to give things a go. It was wonderful to see everyone giving their best.
We were also treated to an incredible Year 0–6 Music concert on Wednesday afternoon. The talent and confidence on display were exceptional, our young musicians played with skill and passion, creating a memorable event. As an audience there were many moments when we just said wow!
Adding to this week’s success, Pinehurst claimed the trophy as overall winners at the North Harbour gymnastics competition this is an outstanding achievement for our team and congratulations to them! On Thursday afternoon, Year 0–2 students enjoyed a fantastic afternoon at Bounce Trampoline Park for their end of year social. They were pretty tired at the end of it but they certainly had lots of fun.
Coming up next week:
- 10 Nov: Rainbow's End trip for Road Patrollers
- 11 Nov: Year 0–2 Showcase; Year 2-3 and Year 4-5 Transition Evenings & Camp Meetings
- 12 Nov: Year 4 Visit to Auckland Art Gallery
- 12–13 Nov: Year 5 Brick Bay visits
- 13 Nov: Buddy Classes
Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon
Primary News
Year 0-2 Showcase Concert on Tuesday
We're all going on a Summer Holiday!... ✈️
Our youngest learners are ready to take you on a musical journey around the world aboard Pinehurst Airways. From the sandy shores of Fiji to the snowy magic of Lapland, this delightful concert will feature songs and performances inspired by cultures across the globe.
2.00pm and 3.30pm: Families are warmly invited to join us in the Theatre for one of two showtimes.
4.30pm - 4.45pm: Students will be taken, one class at a time, to collect their bags from the classrooms behind the Theatre. Teachers will bring their class to the foyer, where each student will be released once their has come to collect them. For safety reasons, students will not be permitted to walk out to the car park or wait outside on their own.
Tickets: FREE to attend, but bookings are required to ensure we have enough seating for everyone. Each family may book up to 3 tickets.
Primary Transition & Camp Information Evening
Q. Is your child in Year 2 and moving into Year 3 in 2026?
A reminder to all Year 2 parents that this session is important to attend, as it provides important information about your child’s next year at school, and next year's camp.
- Date: Tuesday 11 November
- Location: P11
- Time: 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Q. Is your child in Year 4 and moving into Year 5 in 2026?
A reminder to all Year 4 parents that this session is important to attend, as it provides important information about your child’s next year at school, and next year's camp.
- Date: Tuesday 11 November
- Location: P21
- Time: 6.00pm – 7.00pm
We look forward to seeing all parents there.
Child supervision will be available.
Camp Information Evening for Years 5 and 6
Q. Will your child be in Year 6 in 2026?
The 2026 Year 6 parents will join the Camp Information Evening with Year 5s, as both year groups attend camp together.
- Date: Tuesday 11 November
- Location: P21
- Time: 6.30pm – 7.00pm
We look forward to seeing all parents there.
Child supervision will be available.
Year 4 Visit Auckland Art Gallery on Wednesday
Year 4 students will be heading off on a special art-focused trip to the Auckland Art Gallery on Wednesday.
As part of our current learning in visual art, the children will explore how artists use printing and storytelling to express ideas and connect with their own experiences. They’ll have the chance to view recent exhibitions featuring print-based artworks and discover how these creative techniques can inspire their own projects in class.
Trip Details:
• Departure: 9:15am from school
• Return: 2:30pm
• Location: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
What to Bring:
• Children should wear their normal school uniform
• Water bottle
• No extra items are needed
It’s going to be a creative and inspiring day, full of colour, imagination, and new ideas that the children will be eager to bring into their art learning!
Parent Reminder: Phonics Information Session on Wednesday morning
We warmly invite you to our upcoming Phonics Information Session with Mrs Louise Prance. Apologies for the change in date, we appreciate your understanding.
- NEW Date: Wednesday 12 November
- Time: 9:00am
- Location: Dance Studio
This session will introduce you to how Phonics is taught at Pinehurst, what it looks like in the classroom, and how you can support your child’s learning at home. We look forward to seeing you there!
Year 5 Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 November
As part of our EOTC programme, Year 5 students will be visiting the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail next week. This exciting trip supports our learning in Design Technology and Art, giving students a hands-on opportunity to explore sculpture, design and artistic expression.
Two group sessions:
Wednesday 12 November P16 & P15 Group One
Thursday 13 November P17 & P15 Group Two
- Departure 9.15am - Returning 1.00pm
- What to bring: Full school uniform, school hat, sports shoes,
small day bag + drink bottle - Morning Tea and Lunch (NO LUNCH ORDERS AVAILABLE)
We’re looking forward to a creative and inspiring day out!
Message from Dawn
Tēnā koutou katoa
Our students can be proud of the way they have conducted themselves throughout this week’s examinations for Years 7–10. Their focus, maturity, and positive attitude have been commendable. The coming week is an equally important stage of the examination process, as students will receive feedback from their teachers. I encourage students to see this feedback not simply as a reflection of their grades, but as valuable guidance to help them grow and improve their learning.
This week during Community Time, students will visit their Primary School buddy classes. This is a highlight of the term that always brings smiles and a wonderful sense of connection across year levels.
There is also plenty of excitement ahead for Year 9 and 10 students. Year 9 will be visiting Wero White Water Park on Wednesday as part of their PE and Health course, this will be a great opportunity for teamwork and adventure. Meanwhile, Year 10 will undertake their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze qualifying journey on Motutapu Island, hiking, camping, and building resilience together in the outdoors.
Have a lovely weekend.
Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan
College News
Critical Minds for Digital Times: Year 7 Dive into Decoding Truth in the Digital Age
At Pinehurst School, we believe that learning should be both meaningful and relevant to the world our students live in.
Our new Year 7 Scheme of Learning in English exemplifies this philosophy, inviting students to explore stereotypes in literary heroes and villains before applying their learning within the world of social media.
This engaging unit encourages students to think critically about the characters they encounter in literature and the narratives they see online. By examining how stereotypes are constructed through a writer’s manipulation of language in works of literature, students begin to understand how similar patterns appear in social media and digital content. The scheme helps our students to develop the skills to question what they read online, identify bias, and distinguish the facts from the fake —essential tools for navigating today’s information-rich world.
This unit deliberately connects literature and language, empowering Pinehurst students to become proactive, responsible and reflective digital citizens. It’s a great example of how we at Pinehurst connect classroom learning with real-world application, fostering thoughtful, informed individuals who can interpret and respond to the world around them.
We’re excited to see our Year 7s grow not only as readers and writers, but as critical thinkers ready to engage with the world beyond the page.
Year 7 and 8 Music Students Prepare for College Christmas Concert
As December approaches, our Year 7 and 8 Music students are busy planning and rehearsing their Christmas performance pieces.
After three terms of ensemble-based learning - developing skills in ukulele, guitar, percussion, drum kit, and songwriting - students are now working in small groups to prepare for their final performances of the year.
Many groups have chosen Christmas-themed pieces, and the most polished of these will be showcased at the College Christmas Concert, held in the gymnasium on the afternoon of Thursday 4 December.
The concert will also feature performances by the school’s Harp Ensemble, Rock Bands, Jazz Combo, College Orchestra and our top Year 10 musicians.
Year 9 Commerce: Stock Market Analysis
This term in Year 9 Commerce, students are focusing on Investments and exploring how financial investment tools can contribute to a balanced personal wealth portfolio.
As part of this unit, each student will research a publicly listed company and make a recommendation on whether it represents a good investment. Students have also been given a virtual sum of money to build their own share portfolio, which they will track weekly. Through this, they will see firsthand that while some shares rise in value, others may fall - highlighting the importance of maintaining a diversified investment portfolio.
Families who would like to continue this learning at home may enjoy exploring the online platform Sharesies, which offers a fun and accessible way to learn about investing together.
Year 9 PE: WERO White Water Park Adventure
On Wednesday 12 November, our Year 9 students will take part in an exciting day of adventure and team building at WERO White Water Park.
This experience is the culmination of a term-long focus in PE on developing teamwork, communication, and resilience skills, that have also been reinforced through their Duke of Edinburgh (DOE) preparation in Health classes.
Students will spend half the day navigating a high-ropes challenge, where they’ll problem-solve and support one another to overcome obstacles. The second half of the day will see them working together in rafts to tackle the rapids, perhaps even braving the waterfall!
IMPORTANT: Permission slips must be returned to PE staff no later than Friday 7 November, this is essential please. Parents have been emailed the form and the students have all been given a paper copy too.
On the day:
Students will arrive to school in PE uniform and will need to bring swim-wear ready for rafting.
Students must have CLOSED shoes, so they can complete the high-ropes course, other major equipment (including wetsuits) included.
Bring a hat, towel, lunch, water and sunscreen
Leave your phone at home
It promises to be a fun and memorable day that reinforces key learning intentions and gives students a chance to apply their skills in a real-world, high-energy environment.
Year 10 Geography Trip to Ōrewa on Wednesday
On Wednesday 12 November, our Year 10 Geography students will head to Ōrewa for their field trip.
This excursion will give students the opportunity to apply their classroom learning to a real-world coastal environment, exploring key geographical concepts and data collection techniques.
Students are asked to meet at 8.45am outside the Dance Studio for departure. Please remember to check the weather forecast and come prepared with sunblock, a hat, and a waterproof jacket.
The group will return to school in time for the regular end-of-day buses. We’re looking forward to a productive and enjoyable day of learning outdoors.
Year 10 DofE Bronze Qualifier Thursday & Friday
The Y10 students will be completing their Bronze Qualifier trip this week.
They will be venturing to Rangitoto where they will hike to the summit and then onto their camp ground on Motutapu Island, returning via the Coastal Walkway.
Key trip information:
- Thursday 13 – Friday 14 September
- Students to meet outside the Dance Studio at 8am on Thursday morning.
- Students will return to school on Friday afternoon, they will be allowed to leave at 3.15pm.
- Students should ensure they have all items listed on the gear list.
Notices and Events
College Art Exhibition
The Pinehurst Art Department warmly invites our community to our College Art Exhibition on Friday, 28 November, 4–6pm in the Pinehurst Theatre.
The exhibition will feature an impressive selection of student artwork, including paintings, drawings, photography, design technology and digital art. Light refreshments will be served, and part of the exhibition will remain on display in the Theatre Foyer until Tuesday, 2 December.
This free event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students’ creativity and connect with our school community. Please register your attendance here for catering purposes.
Donations for Pinehurst Christmas Hampers
Collecting Now - Your generosity is greatly appreciated
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 so that we can make beautiful hampers to present at our Christmas Service.
Christmas Picnic: Market Stallholders Welcome
Wednesday 3 December Christmas Picnic 5.00pm-8.00pm
We're inviting anyone interested in running a market stall to join us at our annual festive Christmas Picnic. There is no stallholder fee - just bring your own table and gazebo (up to 3 metres x 3 metres).
If you'd like to take part, please click on the Register Button below by Friday 21 November. If you have questions regarding the market please email Carmen.Stella@pinehurst.school.nz.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to book early!
Keep up to date via our Pinehurst School (Official) Facebook and Instagram pages
We’re in the process of refreshing our newsletter format, meaning some of our stories and student highlights will be shared on social media.
@PinehurstSchool
@PinehurstSchoolSport
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
