Friday 14 November

Message from Mike

Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Even as we approach the end of the year, we are managing to keep the calendar packed with events. Across the school, there are opportunities for all, and even as you read this message, our Year 10 students are returning from their Duke of Edinburgh expedition.

Many of you will have been receiving results from key assessments this week, and I am sure that you are proud of the effort that your child has shown throughout the year. It is important to remember that these results are a step on the journey, and that the most important step is what they do next. I encourage you to talk with your child about what has worked well for them and what they can do differently to find improvement. I am a firm believer that how you finish one year is how you start the next, and we have three weeks to lay the foundation for 2027.

Our Year 4 students had a great trip to the art gallery on Wednesday, learning about different artists and styles, before getting their hands dirty with clay creations. Year 9 got very wet as they enjoyed white water rafting at Wero waterpark. These types of experiences are a valuable part of education, and the smiles and stories certainly suggest our students are enjoying the lessons.

The last Buddy classes of the year took place yesterday afternoon, and as always, there was plenty of fun by both our older and younger students. I regularly discuss the value of a New Entrant to Year 13 school but to see such tangible evidence of the connections that are fostered is very special.

As we approach the end of the year, we will be farewelling a small number of staff who have given great service to the school. In the College, we will be saying goodbye to Mrs Sandy Liu, Mrs Abi Mantaj, Mrs Paige Bayliss, and Mrs Hillary Mann. In Primary, we farewell Mrs Paige Wilson, and Mrs Michelle Coombridge, our library manager, will be leaving early in 2026. They all leave with our very best wishes for the future, and I am sure they will have a positive impact in their new roles.

Next week is particularly busy for the College, with a range of trips and activities, along with transition days, and the Year Graduation dinner on Wednesday night. In Primary, we will celebrate athletic achievement with the Sports Prizegiving and Year 5 and 6 will be lighting up the dance floor with a disco on Thursday evening!

Looking to the last week of term, please remember that our Christmas picnic is planned for Wednesday, 3 December, and it will be great to see you all there as we celebrate another great year at Pinehurst.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Regards,
Mike Waller

Dates for your Diary

Monday 17 November

Year 12 Great Barrier Camp (All Week)

Tuesday 18 November

North Harbour Beach Volleyball Girls Zone Day (All Day)
Programming for Girls PC4G (8.00am - 3.00pm)
Years 1-6 Sports Prizegiving (9.15am - 10.30am)
Years 7-8 Sports Prizegiving (2.00pm - 3.15pm)

Wednesday 19 November

Year 10 DofE Silver Tramp (All Day: Wed/Thurs/Fri)
Year 6-7 (2026) Student Orientation (All Day)
North Harbour Beach Volleyball Boys Zone Day (All Day)
Year 5 Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, P16 + P15 Group One (9.15am - 2.45pm)
Year 7 and 9 (2026) Student Orientation (8.45am - 12.40pm)
Year 9 Social Science MOTAT Trip (9.00am - 3.00pm)
Year 13 Graduation Dinner (5.30pm - 11.00pm)

Thursday 20 November

Year 5 Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, P17 + P15 Group Two (9.15am - 2.45pm)
Year 9 Chelsea Sugar Factory Trip (9.00am - 3.00pm)

Friday 21 November

New Entrant Orientation Day (All Day)
Year 9 Social Science MOTAT Trip (8.00am - 9.00pm)
Year 8 Technology Challenge (9.00am - 12.30pm)
Year 9 Chelsea Sugar Factory Trip (9.00am - 3.00pm)
Year 5-6 Social Disco (5.00pm - 6.30pm)

SEE MORE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Message from Sian

Kia ora,

We began the week with an exciting trip to Rainbows End for our dedicated Road Patrollers—a well-deserved reward for their commitment to keeping our school crossing safe. Year 4 students enjoyed a creative adventure at the Auckland Art Gallery, working together on collaborative art pieces. Year 5 were delayed by the weather and were not able to attend the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, we are making plans to visit next week.

Meanwhile, our Year 0–2 Showcase lit up the theatre with a vibrant, “Summer Holiday” extravaganza! Our youngest students took us on a colourful journey around the world, dazzling us with wonderful costumes, singing, and dancing. It was a delight and created wonderful memories for us all.

Next week:

18 November – Primary Sports Prizegiving
19 November – Year 6 to 7 College Orientation
21 November – Year 5 & 6 Social

Have a great weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

Primary News

Year 5–6 End of Year Social - Let's Dance!

It’s time for our Year 5 and 6 students and teachers to celebrate the end of another successful year in the Senior Primary.

Year 5s and 6s are invited to join us for a fun-filled evening of pizza, games, dancing, and exciting challenges—there’s something for everyone!

When: Friday 21 November
Time: 5.00–6.30pm
Where: The Arena
What to wear: Comfortable clothes suitable for dancing, jumping, and playing games.

Please complete the consent form via SchoolBridge to confirm your child’s attendance.

This event is for Pinehurst Year 5 and 6 students only. Parents are asked to drop off and pick up their children from the Arena.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic evening to wrap up the year together!

Upcoming Primary Christmas Concert 2025

Thursday 4 December, Gymnasium (11.00am - 12.00pm)

Come and celebrate with our Pinehurst Primary students and enjoy a wonderful evening of Christmas songs and music from the School Orchestra, Woodwind Ensemble, Marimba Group, and School Choir!

We can’t wait to see you there — come along, join the festive fun, and don’t forget to wear something Christmassy! 🎄✨

Message from Dawn

Tēnā koutou katoa

We have an exciting and event filled week ahead in the College.

On Tuesday afternoon, we look forward to celebrating our Year 7 and 8 Sports Prizegiving in the theatre. We also kick off the Year 10 Volleyball Tournament on Tuesday, which will continue through to Friday. Best wishes to all of our volleyball team members.

All week, our Year 12 students will be away on their highly anticipated sailing camp, an unforgettable opportunity for challenge and team building at which our Year 12 can celebrate a great year of learning and endeavour.

Mid-week brings even more activity. On Wednesday morning, we welcome visiting Year 6 and Year 8 students who will be joining Years 7 and 9 in the College in 2026. Meanwhile, half of Year 9 will head out on their first trip to the Chelsea Sugar Factory and MOTAT, with the second half going on Thursday. Also from Wednesday to Friday, our Duke of Edinburgh silver award participants will embark on their Silver Adventurous Journey.

A special highlight next week is the Year 13 Graduation Dinner on Wednesday evening at Markovina, a milestone celebration for our senior students who have now all finished their Cambridge examinations and are ready for their summer break.

On Friday, the Year 8 Technology Challenge runs from 9am–12pm in the gym.

After all of that we will all be ready for a relaxing weekend!

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

College News

Year 8 Technology Challenge on Friday

On Friday 21 November, all Year 8 students will be off timetable for Periods 1–4 to take part in an exciting Technology Challenge in the gym.

After roll call, students will head to the gym with their teachers to spend the morning working in small groups on a hands-on, creative problem-solving task.

The challenge will involve teamwork, practical skills, and the application of concepts from Mathematics and Science, introducing students to the subject of Design and Technology in a fun and competitive way.

Morning tea and lunch will take place at the usual times, and timetabled teachers will supervise in the gym throughout the morning. The challenge is led by Mrs. Yvonne Berger, Design and Technology teacher.

Year 9 Social Science and Commerce Trips

Next week, our Year 9 students will be heading out on their Social Science and Commerce End-of-Year Trips. Please check your SchoolBridge permission slips or messages for details about which day your child is attending. The student lists are also available on Schoolbox News.

Social Science: Wednesday 19 & Friday 21 November

This year’s Social Science trip will take students to MOTAT and the Aviation Hall, where they’ll explore how innovation and technology have shaped our world.
Students should bring food, water, and a hat, and must wear full school uniform. If your child is absent or running late on the day, please contact the school as soon as possible.

Commerce Trip: Thursday 20 & Friday 21 November

For the Commerce trip, students will visit the Chelsea Sugar Factory to see how raw sugar is transformed into the wide range of products made here in New Zealand.
Students are required to wear full school uniform. As this visit includes a tour of the factory, long pants must be worn for safety reasons. Students who do not have uniform trousers should bring a pair of jeans or trackpants (no leggings or tights, please) to change into for the tour.

Year 11 DofE Silver Qualifier Tramp

The Silver Qualifier Trip is taking place next week, with fifty intrepid Year 11 Students heading to the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park for a three-day tramp.

Their route will take them through the beautiful Kaimai Ranges, including a hike to the top of Karangahake and a crossing of the Waitawheta River — a challenging and rewarding experience that will test their teamwork and endurance.

Dates: Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 November
Departure: Meet outside Dance Studio at 7.00am on Wednesday morning
Return: Estimated arrival back at school by 6.00pm on Friday

Students should ensure they have all items listed on the gear list before departure.

Helping Teens Navigate an Uncertain Future

Many parents feel unsure about how to guide their teens toward a meaningful future in a rapidly changing workforce.

The good news? You don’t need all the answers, just a willingness to listen and explore together.

Start by asking your teen about what they enjoy or dislike, whether it’s a subject, hobby, or activity. Go deeper: what exactly do they like about it? These conversations build self-awareness and confidence without the pressure of naming a specific career.

It also helps to share your own career journey; especially the detours, pivots, and setbacks. Teens benefit from knowing that career paths are rarely linear and that mistakes can lead to growth. Your openness and curiosity can be the most powerful tools in helping your teen embrace uncertainty with resilience.

Remember that upcoming career events, helpful resources and a booking link to my calendar are available on the Pinehurst Career Education website.

Notices and Events

College Art Exhibition

The Pinehurst Art Department warmly invites our community to our College Art Exhibition on Friday 28 November, 4.00 - 6.00pm 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

Thank you! Your generosity is greatly appreciated... we are still collecting

Many thanks to those of you who have contributed donations for our Xmas Hampers. It is tradition for Pinehurst to present these at our Pinehurst Christmas Concert on the last day of the school year, Thursday 4 December (1.30pm-3.15pm).

Contributions of non-perishable food, Xmas treats, vouchers, toiletries, new toys and games would be greatly appreciated. Please bring donations to your son/daughter’s homeroom or to the Admin Area.

If you have access to good quality cardboard boxes which you can donate, please contact Nicole Webb directly nicole.webb@pinehurst.school.nz

Thank you again for your support with this. Families in need will greatly your kind donations in what can be a stressful time of the year.

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