Dear Parents and Guardians, 

What a week to finish the term. There has been so much happening, and I have been very proud of everything that has taken place in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and beyond this week. 

Our Matariki celebrations continue to grow as a key event for our community. Before sunrise, students were at school preparing food for the hāngī and then sharing a warm breakfast after a very cold morning. To see our students come together to share kai at lunch was very special, especially the way our senior students helped their younger peers feel settled amongst the big kids. Our kapa haka group gave a powerful performance in assembly, and it was a fitting way to bring the day to a close. 

In the classroom this term, we have seen significant progress in learning across all age groups. Over recent years, we have been able to gather more definitive baseline information about our students, allowing us to track progress more accurately over time. The data to date suggests we are on the track we want to be, where students are being challenged in their learning and are meeting, and often exceeding, our high expectations. 

On Wednesday evening, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the College production of Anastasia. The quality of the singing, acting, choreography, and music was very impressive, and I hope you have the chance to see the show either tonight or tomorrow. The confidence and stage presence of our performers continue to develop, and I am already looking forward to seeing Years 5 and 6 in Mary Poppins next term. 

This term has produced some outstanding sporting results, and I encourage you to read about the successes of so many of our teams. In recent days, we have seen a number of gold medals in basketball, 11 wins on a single morning at Kidzplay, and our 1st XI boys hockey team defeat Kristin in a tightly contested match. The real difference in sport is the willingness to put in the work when no one is watching, and I hope our athletes reflect on this over the break. 

During the first week back, Jake Bailey will be presenting on the mindset needed for success. One of our key priorities is to ensure that parents are supported on the parenting journey, and this session will be very beneficial. You will have received a separate message this week with the sign-up details. 

Please remember that Monday, 27 July, is a Teacher Only Day, so I look forward to seeing your children again on Tuesday, 28 July. Coffee Connect is on that first morning, so I look forward to seeing many of you there as well. 

I hope the holiday provides an opportunity for you to spend quality time together as a family. 

Regards, 

Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 27 July

• Teachers Only Day (No School)

Tuesday 28 July

• Coffee Connect, 8.15-9.15am
• Legal Mooting
• The NED Show

Wednesday 29 July

• Powhiri, 9.00-11.00am
• North Harbour Netball Zone Day

Thursday 30 July

• Photo ID Catchup
• NZSS Swimming Championships
• Parent Talk: Jake Bailey, 6.00-7.00pm

Friday 31 July

• NZSS Swimming Championships

College News

Tēnā koutou katao 

We have had a wonderful week of celebration and learning to wrap up another great term. The Matariki celebrations this week reflected our school values beautifully and provided an opportunity for students and staff to come together to reflect, celebrate and look ahead with hope. From our early morning gathering and shared hāngī to our very special assembly, it was wonderful to see our community embracing the significance of Matariki while deepening our understanding of New Zealand's rich cultural heritage.  

Matariki hunga nui.  

Our school production of Anastasia has received glowing reviews. Congratulations to the cast and crew for delivering such a fantastic performance. I am very much looking forward to seeing the show this evening.  

You should now have received your child’s midyear report. These reports reflect the dedication, effort, and achievements of our students throughout the first half of 2026 and I am delighted with the standards our students are maintaining. Their hard work deserves recognition and celebration. 

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable school holiday. I am looking forward to seeing students back at school on 28 July. Full winter uniform with blazers to and from school is expected throughout term 3.  

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🎓 College Upcoming Events

🎻 Pinehurst Students Perform with the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra this Saturday

Congratulations to Yan Tong Lu (Year 12) and David Zhu who have been invited to perform with the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra (NZYO) this Saturday.

The NZYO is one of New Zealand's premier youth orchestras, bringing together outstanding young musicians from across the country to rehearse and perform at the highest level. Being selected is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, talent, and commitment required to perform in such a prestigious ensemble.

This weekend's concert at the Auckland Town Hall will feature works by celebrated composers Claude Debussy and Benjamin Britten.

Members of the Pinehurst community are warmly invited to come along and support Yan Tong and David. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

✈️ Argentina Cultural Exchange 2027

Expression of Interest Reminder

Who: Current Years 9–12 students (travelling as Years 10–13 in 2027)
When: Thursday 8 April – Saturday 24 April 2027 (April school holidays)

👉 Parents and caregivers are reminded that Expressions of Interest for the Argentina Cultural Exchange 2027 close on the last day of term.

The tour includes four nights in Buenos Aires, followed by a cultural exchange programme in Córdoba, where students will stay with local host families and attend Academia Argüello School.

This is not a formal commitment. At this stage, we are simply gauging interest to determine whether there are sufficient numbers to proceed with an information evening.

The estimated cost of the trip is approximately $8,400, plus spending money for incidentals and some meals while in Buenos Aires. As part of the reciprocal exchange, Pinehurst families will also be invited to host students from Academia Argüello when they visit New Zealand in September 2027.

For further information, please contact Nicole Lorimer via email nicole.lorimer@pinehurst.school.nz

🎓 Update from the Careers Centre

World Leading School Association College Admission Network: Wednesday 29 July

We're delighted to invite students and families to the WLSA CAN Oceania Tour. This is an opportunity to meet senior admissions leaders, Vice Provosts and Deans, from several leading U.S. universities in person. Students and all attendees will be able to hear directly from these decision-makers and put their questions to them face to face.

Event details

Date: 29 July 2026
Time: 6.30 - 9.00pm
Venue: Aotea Centre, Auckland
Address: 50 Mayoral Dr, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Register here: 2026 WLSA CAN Oceania Conference Tour

💜 College Lost Property Reminder

Has your child misplaced a school uniform item or PE gear?

College lost property is stored inside the purple seat in The Street (Junior College). Students and families are welcome to check the seat before or after school.

Please take a moment to check and refresh the name labels on all uniform and PE clothing to help us reunite lost items with their owners.

Primary News

Kia ora koutou,

What an amazing term it has been. Our students have embraced every opportunity for learning, play, fun and laughter, and it has been a joy to see their confidence and curiosity continue to grow.

This year Matariki falls during the holidays and so we celebrated early.  Students and staff from across the school came together at dawn to cook a hangi and share the stories of Matariki—an important New Zealand festival and tradition. It was very special to see our College students supporting and caring for their Primary buddies, creating a strong sense of connection and whanaungatanga across the school.

As we head into the three-week break, we are all looking forward to some time to recharge and refresh, ready for a brand-new term ahead. We hope you enjoy special moments making memories with your children and wider families. Thankyou for your support we appreciate the smiles, kind words, and care you show for us as we work together.

Stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 28 July.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

🎓 Primary Upcoming Events

💚 Primary Lost Property Reminder

Has your child misplaced a school uniform item or PE gear?

Lost property is collected in the black bin located in the Uniform Shop foyer. Families are welcome to check the bin before or after school, or during the Uniform Shop's opening hours.

Items that are clearly named will be returned directly to students by our Primary Head Councillors.

Please take a moment to check and refresh the name labels on all uniform and PE clothing to help us reunite lost items with their owners.

Community News

☕ Coffee Connect ✈️ Where in the World?

Join us on the first day of Term 3 for our next Coffee Connect on Tuesday 28 July, from 8.15am – 9.15am, outside Reception.

Enjoy a complimentary hot drink, connect with other parents, and relax with some live music.

👉 Where in the world did you travel these holidays? 🌏

Add a sticker to our world map to show where you've been - or mark your dream or favourite holiday destination - and go in the draw to WIN a Snowplanet voucher! 🎁

Whether your adventures took you overseas, around New Zealand, or simply somewhere special close to home, we'd love to hear your holiday highlights and travel stories.

We look forward to welcoming you back for the start of Term 3! ☕❄️🎸

🏆 The Mindset for Success

👉 Book your complimentary tickets before School Holidays!

Many parents ask the same question: how do we help our children become resilient, motivated, confident, and successful in an increasingly competitive world?

On Thursday 30 July, Pinehurst is delighted to welcome internationally recognised speaker Jake Bailey. Jake has worked with over 100,000 people worldwide, including students from more than 200 schools, helping young people develop resilience, confidence, and the mindset to succeed. He became a number one bestselling author in New Zealand at just 19.

In this engaging parent session, Jake will share practical strategies to help young people perform under pressure, stay motivated through challenges, and build habits for long-term success.

This is a complimentary event and one we highly recommend to every Pinehurst family.

Thursday 30 July | 6.00-7.00pm | Pinehurst Theatre
👉 Please register for this free event

🤗 Host Families Needed: Only 3 Nights in October

Pinehurst is excited to welcome students from IMAE Middle School (South Korea) in Week 1 of Term 4, and we are in need of host families within our school community.

When: Tuesday 13 – Friday 16 October 2026
Who: Students aged 14–15 years
Hosting Duration: Three nights

Hosting is a voluntary but incredibly rewarding experience, offering families the opportunity to build friendships, share Kiwi culture, and be part of a meaningful international exchange.

Students will attend Pinehurst during the week and experience everyday family life. There is no expectation to organise special outings - simply including students in your normal routine is more than enough.

If your family may be interested in hosting, or if you would like more information, please contact laurie.cadag@pinehurst.school.nz

We would greatly appreciate the support of our community in helping make this special experience possible. All host families will be police vetted.

♣️ The Power of Playing Together

In our busy lives, it’s often the simplest moments that leave the biggest impression. Setting aside time to play a game of cards, a board game, or another favourite family game creates opportunities to connect, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company.

These shared moments help children develop important life skills such as communication, resilience, patience, and problem-solving. Just as importantly, they strengthen relationships by giving children something every young person needs - time, attention, and a sense of belonging.

Whether it’s a quick card game after dinner or a family board game on the weekend, these small rituals can become treasured memories that last well beyond childhood. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our children is simply our time. 

Watch this 2 minutes video courtesy Rob Cope: 'Playstation vs Cards'

💳 Going Cashless at the Tuck Shop & Busy Bean Cafe

From Term 3, the Tuck Shop and Busy Bean Cafe will be moving to a fully cashless system, so now is a great time to get your family set up and ready to go.

We use Monitor, a cashless payment system that makes managing school spending simple and convenient. Through the My Monitor interface, you can manage account balances, view transactions, and load credit to your child's account - all online. When it comes time to pay, students can use their ID card (Monitor payment) or a bank card.

Monitor is available to students in Years 7 to 13, and for Year 6 students from Term 4. To get started or find out more, visit our Monitor Cashless System page.

Please note that cash fundraising activities and student-run events will continue to accept cash payments. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. 

🛍️ Uniform Shop: Holiday Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will be open on the following dates during the Term 2 holidays:

• Tuesday 14 July
• Wednesday 15 July
• Thursday 16 July
• Monday 27 July

Opening Hours

• 9.00am – 12.30pm
• 1.00pm – 3.30pm

Please note that these holiday hours apply only on the dates listed above. Normal term-time opening hours will resume from Tuesday 28 July. Families can also place orders at any time via the MyKindo app.