Dear Parents/Guardians, 

A short week has provided a lovely end to the term, with plenty of Easter celebrations across the school. The hat parade yesterday was a highlight in Primary, and today’s POD challenge brought our College students together for some serious fun. 

There have been many highlights throughout the term, from welcoming our new entrants on their first days at school to the wide range of trips and camps that have provided valuable opportunities beyond the classroom. This sits alongside high-quality learning in class and strong engagement in our co-curricular programme. In particular, it has been pleasing to see our senior students grow into their roles as leaders and role models within the community. 

Tomorrow, our staff will be on campus focusing on professional learning as we continue to refine and strengthen classroom practice. With our framework for effective lessons now well established, our focus is shifting to the tools and strategies that best support student learning. We will also be exploring how data from a range of sources can be used more effectively to understand and respond to the needs of all learners. 

Our Primary swimmers were in exceptional form yesterday at the Mid-Bays meet, delivering outstanding performances across all age groups. Impressively, seven records were broken, which is a reflection of both the talent within the school and the strength of our programme. 

Next term, the focus naturally shifts indoors as we move into the winter months. For our senior students in particular, this is an important period to maintain momentum in their learning and position themselves well for success later in the year. 

As we return for Term Two, cooler weather will require full and correct winter uniform. You will receive separate communication from both Primary and College outlining expectations for the first day back. 

While international travel can occasionally lead to last-minute changes, it remains an expectation that all students return to school on Tuesday, 21 April. Any additional absence must be approved in advance. 

It was great to see many of you at Coffee Connect this morning, and I hope to see you at the BBQ this afternoon. 

I hope you enjoy some quality family time over the break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in Term Two. 

Regards,
Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 20 April

• Teacher Only Day

Tuesday 21 April

• Term Two Begins

⭐️ Parent Reminder: Term 2 will begin in Full School Winter Uniform

Primary News

Kia ora,

Term 1 is always a time for new beginnings and connection, and it has been wonderful to see our students settle so positively into school life. Our number one priority in every classroom is relationships, and our teachers work hard to create spaces where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. When students want to be at school, great learning follows.

Education Outside the Classroom has played an important role this term. Before we head into the winter months, we have made the most of the outdoor spaces we have available to us. These opportunities help students to build resilience, practise responsible risk taking, and grow confidence; skills that feed directly back into their classroom learning.

It has been a joy to watch students grow in both knowledge and skill. There has also been plenty of fun and laughter, especially with the arrival of the new pirate ship and Crossbones Creek! 

It has been a busy and happy term, and we look forward to doing it all again in Term 2.

Enjoy time with your children and the slower mornings! 

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa,

This afternoon, we are delighted to be hosting the POD Challenge, the Year 7 and 8 House Challenge, and our House Barbeque. Our students have worked so hard to create a memorable experience for everyone, with an impressive display of very creative, and often humorous, costumes. It is shaping up to be a fantastic, fun-filled way to finish the term on a high note.

We have completed a busy term, and throughout it our students have demonstrated outstanding positivity, enthusiasm, and resilience. I hope the upcoming break provides an opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy valuable time with family. As we look ahead to Term 2, please note that students are expected to return in full winter uniform. Term 2 is often demanding, with preparations for midyear examinations beginning, so I encourage all students to make the most of the holidays and return refreshed and ready to learn.

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter.

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🧳 News from the Careers Centre

In Term 2, Pinehurst will be hosting the Australian and Selected Universities Expo. Students in Years 12 and 13 have been sent an Expressions of Interest form to fill in before the end of the school holidays. Parents are welcome to attend. Tickets will be advertised in Term 2.

If you want your teen to be a safe driver and boost their employability, a Defensive Driving Course is being offered. More info, cost, dates and registration at this link.

Community News

🛍️ Uniform Shop – Holiday Opening Hours

If you need to purchase or replace uniform items during the upcoming school holidays, the Pinehurst Uniform Shop will be open at the following times:

Monday 13 - Friday 17 April

• 9:00am – 12:30pm
• 1:00pm – 4:00pm

The shop will reopen for Term 2 on 20 April. Please plan ahead if your child requires any uniform items before the new term begins.

🌺 Anzac Day Commemorations in Term Two

The Cultural Council is planning a special ANZAC Day commemoration to take place in Week 1 of Term 2, outside the front of the school and within the College grounds. This meaningful event will invite both Primary and College students to take part in a shared act of remembrance.

From Wednesday 22nd April, students will be encouraged to create a paper poppy and write a short message on it, or simply add their name. These poppies will then be displayed together on a board, creating a collective tribute to honour the sacrifices of those who served.

The display aims to promote reflection, respect, and unity across the school community as we commemorate ANZAC Day.