Dear Parents/Guardians,

With the first week already drawing to a close, it has been very positive to see how quickly we have settled back into school routines. At the end of last year, I spoke at a number of events and highlighted the way we finish is how we start, and I am pleased to see that this has been the case, picking up from what was a brilliant 2025 and seeking further excellence in 2026. 

Yesterday morning, it was great to hold a pōwhiri to welcome our largest new cohort of students and families to our community. From New Entrant to Year 12, they have settled in quickly to school and those whom I have spoken to have said they feel like they are settling in quickly to the new environment. We have a number of new parent events on next week, so please keep a careful eye on the calendar. 

A highlight for me this week was presenting badges to our senior student leaders in assembly yesterday afternoon. These roles set the tone for students across the school, modelling our values and ensuring that all of our learners feel supported by their peers. I look forward to working with Lily, George, Dev, and Katrina to understand the evolving needs of students and to make sure we continue to elevate their school experience. 

Our new junior playground is proving to be an outstanding upgrade to our facilities, and combined with the new ‘river’, has opened up for some great imaginative play. This project was the first to be completed as part of our long-term site plan, and we continue to move forward with plans for a cover over the Primary netball courts, and a new classroom block for the College. 

The outdoor education programme starts next week, with our Year 5 and 6 students heading to Carey Park and Year 3 students looking forward to their day camps at Camp Maynard. Across the term, six year groups, along with a range of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, will take place. Each of the trips represents a chance to form new relationships and develop skills not easily learned in the classroom. Holistic education is a core part of who we are and I encourage everyone to make the most of the opportunities in front of them. 

At the start of the year, it is timely to remind you about traffic safety around the school. Please keep your speed to a walking pace and remember that at key times, patience is needed to ensure our community safety. 

Over the year, it is natural to go through periods of ups and downs, and along the way we all need support. If you feel like your child is struggling in any area, in or out of the classroom, please reach out and we will make sure they get the guidance they need. 

I hope to see many of you this afternoon as we celebrate the start of the year with the back-to-school picnic. 

Regards,
Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 2 February

• New Families Meet & Greet, 9.00am (Meet at Reception)
• Year 5 & 6 Camp, Carey Park, Waitākere Ranges (Monday - Thursday)

Tuesday 3 February

• Year 0-3 Parent Information Evening, 6.00pm (P7)
• Year 3 Camp, Camp Maynard (Tuesday - Wednesday)

Friday 6 February (Waitangi Day)

Primary News

Dear Parents/Guardians,

There is nothing quite like the first week of a new school year. The Primary campus seemed to breathe back to life - full of bright smiles, summer stories, and that special sense of possibility that only the start of the year brings. Classrooms have been buzzing as students settled in, reconnected with friends, and began forming new relationships with teachers who are already so proud of the positive start their classes have made. 

On Monday 2 February, we host our New Families Meet and Greet. It is a pleasure to welcome the newest members of our Pinehurst community, and the school  extends a heartfelt invitation to all new parents to the school from Years 0-13. This event provides an opportunity to meet the Senior Leaders, ask questions and to make connections with other parents. When you arrive, please report to Reception.

Our Year 3, 5 and 6 students are already turning their attention to the excitement of next week’s Camps. Year 3s will attend Camp Maynard in Paremoremo, whilst our Year 5 and 6 students will spend the week at Carey Park, in the Waitākere Ranges. The talk around the playground has been filled with sleeping bags, favourite camp meals and the thrill of outdoor challenges. We know the experiences ahead will help students grow in confidence, independence, teamwork, and resilience. 

As we look ahead to next week, we continue focusing on the routines that help children thrive - establishing strong learning habits, building class culture, and developing a sense of what learning looks, feels and sounds like in their classroom. We look forward to working alongside our families to support the growth and wellbeing of all our Primary students. 

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

🎓 Primary Upcoming Events

🎒 Year 3 Camp – Watch Out Camp Maynard!

The Year 3 students are looking forward to an exciting camp experience next week as they head off for two days of fun and connection.

When: Tuesday 4 February – Wednesday 5 February
Where: Camp Maynard
What to bring: Check your Seesaw messages

This camp is a wonderful opportunity for students to build friendships and strengthen relationships across Year 3, and grow in confidence as they share new experiences together. Check your Seesaw messages for important information about what to bring and other key details. We can’t wait for our Year 3 adventure to begin!

⛺️ Year 5 & 6 Camp – Here We Come!

The Year 5 and 6 students are buzzing with excitement as we head off to camp next week!

When: Monday 2 February - Thursday 5 February
Where: Carey Park, Waitākere Ranges

Students will take part in a wide range of action-packed activities, from Burma trails and kayaking to orienteering, archery, and many more adventures in between. Camp is a fantastic opportunity for students to challenge themselves, build confidence, and strengthen friendships - and we can’t wait to get started. Bring on camp 2026!

📚 Parents in P1 and P2: Come along to our Term One Phonics Information Session

We warmly invite Parents and Caregivers to our upcoming Phonics Information Session with Mrs Louise Prance.

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

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.

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa,

It has been a wonderful start to the year, with students happily settling back into routines and reconnecting with one another.Yesterday, we held our Scholars Assembly, where we had the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of our students. We are extremely proud of what our learners have achieved and look forward to building on this success in the year ahead.

As we move into next week, students will be well underway with their learning programmes. We will be holding House Assemblies for Year 9–13 students, providing an opportunity for them to reconnect with their Houses and begin planning for the year. These assemblies play an important role in fostering belonging, teamwork, and school spirit.

In addition, an assembly will be held for our Year 7 and 8 students during which we will induct and celebrate our student leaders for 2026. We look forward to acknowledging the contribution these students will make to our school community.

Finally, on Tuesday evening Ms Ridler will host a Duke of Edinburgh information evening. Many of our students have achieved excellent outcomes through this prestigious award, and families are warmly encouraged to attend to learn more.

Have a lovely weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🎓 College Upcoming Events

🗺️ A Great Start to the Year in Junior Social Sciences

Our Junior Social Science classes are diving into an exciting range of topics this term. Students are set to explore the world - past and present - through geography, culture, and history. It has been amazing to see how well our students have settled straight into learning!

Year 7: Early Aotearoa - Polynesian Migration

Year 7 students are beginning their learning journey by looking at the early history of Aotearoa New Zealand. Their first topic explores Polynesian migration, examining how the first navigators used stars, currents, and traditional knowledge to travel vast distances across the Pacific.

Year 8: Oceans and Continents

Year 8 are starting the year with a global focus. Their first unit, Oceans, introduces students to the world’s major oceans and continents.

Year 9: Ancient Civilisations

Year 9 students are stepping back in time to investigate Ancient Civilisations, beginning with the Egyptian civilisation and the Nile River. They’ll discover why the Nile was essential for farming, transport, religion, and daily life.

Year 7–9: Global Citizenship

Our students have also started their Global Citizenship classes, a programme designed to help them understand the wider world and their place within it. To start the term, many classes are looking back at key global events and stories that took place over the summer break, as well as discussing news and perspectives surrounding Waitangi Day. Year 9 are beginning to look at their focus of Leadership which supports the Year 9 camp objectives.

🎼 Check out What's Coming Up in Music

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 sign up for an audition using the link below. For further information, please see Mr Ronayne.

🎭 Sign up for the School Production 'Anastasia' Here!

Looking ahead to Week 2, several co-curricular music groups will be starting rehearsals:

College Concert Band: Wednesday, 8.00am (Music Room 202)
Harp Ensemble: Wednesday, Lunchtime (Music Room 202)
College Orchestra: Wednesday, 3.30–5.00pm (Drama Room 201)
College Choir: Thursday, Lunchtime (Music Room 202)

For other co-curricular music groups, please keep an eye on notices for details about first rehearsals. In addition, itinerant music lessons will begin in Week 2 with some of our visiting music teachers. Families will be contacted directly with start dates and lesson times.

Community News

👋 Welcoming new Primary and College families to Pinehurst (Years 0-13) at our 'Meet and Greet'...

We are inviting all new parents to a 'Meet and Greet' on Monday morning.

When: Monday 2 February at 9.00am
Where: Meet at Reception

This is an opportunity to meet the Senior Management Team and connect with other new families that have joined Pinehurst this term. We will take you through a few things that will be useful to know and answer any questions that you may have after your child's first week of school at Pinehurst. Please come to reception and we will bring you to our meeting place.

🎹 Register for 2026 Music Lessons Now!

Registrations for music lessons at Pinehurst in 2026 are still open.

Students who have had lessons at school in 2025, MUST register again for 2026. Lessons are 30 minutes long, held during the school day. Experienced teachers come on-site to teach a range of instruments, from Piano, to Trumpet, to Drums, to Singing and more. You can register via our website under the Music Tuition page.

Please email Mrs Jaques cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz if you need more information.

🎵 Register for 2026 Co-Curriciular Music Groups

Our Co-Curricular Groups will be holding their first rehearsals over the next couple of weeks. We are keeping registrations open during this time.

Students who have been part of a group in 2025 and would like to continue in 2026, MUST register again. If you were keen on being part of our College Orchestra, please note that it is now full. If you were in one of our Orchestras in 2025, you should have received either an acceptance letter or a waitlist letter from us already. This year we are offering a College Concert Band that instrumentalists (excluding String players) are welcome to join. The list of groups on offer and registration form are here. 

Please email Mrs Jaques cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz if you need more information.