Dear Parents and Guardians, 

A short week brings busy days as we manage to fit five days of action into four! 

As you read this, Year 8 students will be completing their last full day of activities at camp. For the second year, we are using the Hillary Centre in Tongariro National Park as the hub for this challenging, yet highly rewarding, camp. Our outdoor education programme is planned as a progression from New Entrants all the way through to Gold expeditions for senior students, and the memories made will certainly last a lifetime. 

Year 5 and 6 students had an excellent athletics sports day on Wednesday, with many exceptional performances in both track and field events. I enjoyed seeing how our students support each other, genuinely care for their classmates, and recognise effort as much as the outcome. They are also quick to celebrate success, and it is important that we recognise our top athletes and their achievements. 

Yesterday afternoon, it was great to see College students involved in an enormous game of elemental tag as part of their House challenge. The friendly (and sometimes a little more serious!) competition builds the sense of belonging between students, and the conversations I shared after school suggested it was a real highlight. 

On Tuesday, our youngest students enjoyed visiting the zoo, and while the animals always create curiosity and smiles, splashing in the puddles was also great fun! Brick Bay was the destination for Year 5 yesterday, and despite the wind, the sculptures have provided plenty of inspiration for learning over the next few weeks. 

Earlier in the week, you will have received a message regarding the launch of Friends of Pinehurst. The first event is about sharing information and hearing your ideas on how the group can help shape connections in our community. If you have ideas or are able to support the group in any way, please complete the form included in the email. 

Taking some time to stop, chat, and connect is important in life, and I enjoyed having the opportunity to do that with many of you this morning over a cup of coffee. Most importantly, these events are an opportunity for you to connect with each other, and I hope you take the chance to attend as many as possible over the remainder of the term. 

Next week, there are a number of zone days and gymnastics competitions to look forward to, as well as a Bounce trip for Years 0–2. Please remember that there is a non-uniform day on Wednesday to help raise funds for Starship, so please give generously and enjoy the sparkly theme. 

I hope you all enjoy the weekend ahead. 

Regards,

Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 2 November

• Year 11–13 Exams (All Week)
• Year 11–13 Study Leave (All Week)

Tuesday 3 November

• North Harbour Year 7–8 Touch Zone Day
• Year 6 Orewa Surf Trip

Wednesday 4 November

• Year 2–4 Gymnastics Competition
• Non-Uniform Day – Sparkle for Starship

Thursday 5 November

• Year 5–6 Gymnastics Competition
• Year 0–2 Bounce Trip
• Erhu Workshop, 11.20am–12.00pm

Friday 6 November

• North Harbour Athletics Year 7–8 Zone Day

Primary News

Kia ora e te whānau,

There has been a common theme running through this week: which is how kind, polite, and calm our students are when they are out and about representing Pinehurst. We hear it from the adults who accompany them and from the people they meet along the way. It makes us incredibly proud to see our students being such wonderful ambassadors for Pinehurst.

Being an ambassador is also about taking pride in how we present ourselves. When our students wear their uniform correctly and smartly, alongside showing the thoughtful manners and positive attitudes we value, they represent our school and our community well.

It has certainly been a busy week of learning beyond the classroom. Year 1 visited the Zoo, our New Entrants explored MOTAT, Years 4–6 enjoyed Orchestra Explorers in the city, Year 5 visited the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, and our Year 5–6 students took part in Interhouse Athletics at Millennium Stadium. We also had our Year 3–4 Movie Night at Event Cinemas. What a great range of opportunities to learn, explore, compete, create, and have fun across Auckland.

Next week promises to be just as action packed. On Tuesday, Year 6 will head to Orewa Beach for their Surf Trip. Wednesday is the Sparkle for Starship non-uniform day, as well as Gymnastics Zone Day for Years 1–4, on Thursday our Year 0–2 students will enjoy their Bounce Trip after school. Week 4 promises to be busy but full of learning and fun!

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy spending time with your children.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian

Sian Coxon

🎉 Years 2–6 North Harbour Gymnastics Competition

When: Tuesday 4 & Thursday 5 November
Where: North Harbour Gymnastics

Our Years 2–6 gymnasts are preparing to represent Pinehurst at the North Harbour Gymnastics Competition next week. The groups are split across two days.

Tuesday 4 November: Years 2–4
Year 2: Students will meet at North Harbour Gymnastics and compete in the morning session.
Years 3–4: Students will compete later in the day, travelling to and from the venue by bus.

Thursday 5 November: Years 5–6
Students will travel by bus and spend the day at the competition.

What to Bring:

• Morning tea and lunch
• Water bottle

A leotard will be provided for all competitors to wear during the event. We wish all our gymnasts the very best and look forward to seeing them represent Pinehurst with pride!

🏄 Year 6 Surf Education Day at Orewa Beach

When: Tuesday 3 November
Where: Orewa Beach
Who: Year 6 Students

As part of our Water Safety Education programme, Year 6 students will be heading to Orewa Beach for an exciting day of surf education and surfing activities.

To help the day run smoothly, students are asked to wear their togs or swimwear underneath their clothing before arriving at School, where possible. This will reduce pressure on public changing facilities and allow activities to begin promptly.

What to Bring:

• Hat

• Towel

• Suitable footwear

• Filled water bottle

• Lunch and a snack

• Appropriate beachwear

• Warm clothing to change into after water activities

Important Information:

We recommend applying sunscreen before School. Additional sunscreen will be available throughout the day.

Students are welcome to bring their own short or full-length wetsuit if they have one. Otherwise, wetsuits will be provided.

Please do not bring surfboards. All surfboards and necessary surfing equipment will be supplied as part of the programme.

We look forward to a fantastic day of learning, building confidence in the water and developing essential surf safety skills!

🎹 Primary Solo, Duo & Group Performance Showcase

When: Thursday 19 November, 3.30pm
Where: School Theatre

We have had a fantastic response to our Performance Showcase and registrations are now closed. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Cynthia Jaques at Cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz

We look forward to another wonderful afternoon of music and performance!
 

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa 

Our college-wide game of Elemental Tag yesterday was great fun! Congratulations to Kauri House who were victorious on the day.  

We are looking forward to welcoming our Year 8 campers back to school next week following what has been a wonderful week at Tongariro. The students have enjoyed a range of experiences and new challenges, developing their confidence and making lasting memories with their friends.  

Next week, Cambridge examinations continue for our Year 11–13 students. Some students have now completed their final examinations and will be feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment. For those who still have examinations ahead, I encourage you to remain focused, maintain revision routines and continue to look after your health and wellbeing. We wish all students the very best as they approach the final stages of their examinations. 

On Wednesday 4 November, I will be hosting an online information evening, Inside the College, starting at 6pm. This will be an opportunity to share some of our latest College news, including recent staff appointments, and to discuss how we can work together to ensure that learning remains a priority throughout Term 4. I will also provide an update on our work with Artificial Intelligence, a reminder of our approach to supporting students in navigating this evolving area of education. 

Have a lovely weekend.  

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

💰 MoneyHub MOVE 2026 – Free Tickets for Pinehurst Families

When: Saturday 21 November
Where: Auckland Showgrounds
Who: Students, parents, family and staff

Money can be a complicated topic, from KiwiSaver and investing to property, tax and planning for retirement. MoneyHub, New Zealand's largest independent personal finance website, is hosting a special event to help make managing money a little simpler.

We've secured free tickets for our Pinehurst community, and students, families and staff are warmly invited to attend.

⭐️ Book Your Free Tickets: Register here through Humanitix.

Hear from financial commentators and experts, including Shamubeel Eaqub, Brad Olsen, Maria Slade, Sam Stubbs, Catherine Emerson and Luke Kemeys, covering topics such as choosing a KiwiSaver provider, investing, the financial implications of the election, reducing household bills and preparing for retirement.

Visitors can also explore the expo and speak directly with KiwiSaver providers, banks, insurers, mortgage brokers and budgeting services.

⭐️ What's Included:

• Free parking, coffee and WiFi

• A goody bag for every attendee

• A prize draw with more than $10,000 in prizes

• Opportunities to ask questions and receive practical financial guidance

A great opportunity for our Pinehurst community to build financial knowledge and confidence!

Community News

✨ Sparkle for Starship: Non-Uniform Day

When: Wednesday 4 November
Who: All students, Years 0–13

Pinehurst is proud to support Sparkle for Starship this Christmas, helping raise funds for children receiving care at Starship Children's Hospital. On Wednesday 4 November, we invite all students to take part in a special non-uniform day, wear something sparkly and bring a gold coin donation to support this wonderful cause.

Every contribution will help support the Starship Foundation and its work caring for some of New Zealand's sickest children, including those spending the festive season in hospital.

We look forward to seeing our Pinehurst community come together and spread a little sparkle for Starship! ✨

🎵 Erhu Workshop: Discover a Traditional Chinese Instrument

When: Thursday 5 November, 11.20am–12.00pm
Where: School Theatre
Who: Students from all year levels

Pinehurst is delighted to welcome Erhu teacher Zoe Li, who will be leading a special workshop introducing students to the Erhu, a traditional Chinese musical instrument.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about this unique and expressive instrument and try playing the Erhu themselves. Following the workshop, students will also have the option to enrol in Erhu lessons with Zoe at School. The workshop is open to students from all year levels, with places limited to 40 students, so we encourage families to register their interest early.

⭐️ To Register: Please email Cynthia Jaques at cynthia.jaques@gmail.com if you would like your child to attend.

We look forward to introducing students to this wonderful musical tradition!

🎅 Pinehurst Christmas Hampers: Donations Now Open

Our Christmas hamper collection is now underway, and we warmly invite all Pinehurst families to contribute to this year's appeal in support of Women's Refuge.

What Can You Donate?

• Non-perishable food
• Christmas treats
• Gift vouchers
• New toiletries
• Toys and games

Where to Donate: Christmas-wrapped collection boxes are now in classrooms, with student helpers collecting donations each morning.

All contributions will be used to create Christmas hampers for families in need, to be presented at our Christmas Service on Thursday 3 December.

⭐️ Cardboard Boxes Needed: If you have any good-quality cardboard boxes suitable for hampers that you would be happy to donate, please contact Nicole Webb at nicole.webb@pinehurst.school.nz.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us share a little Christmas kindness with families in need.