Dear Parents/Guardians,

There was a Valentine’s theme across the College today, flowers were shared, red lattes were brewed, and serenades were sung. The simple joy in coming together to celebrate and have fun is a good reminder that school is about much more than just what happens in the classroom. 

The College athletics day on Wednesday was a great success, with very high levels of participation and impressive performances on the track and field. I particularly enjoyed seeing our new students get into the house spirit and find their competitive edge. At the same time, next door, Year 4 and 5 students had the first of their swimming lessons, and I look forward to seeing their progress in the pool as they prepare for swim sports in a few weeks' time. 

Open days this week were very well attended by families interested in joining our school, and, as always, I was very proud to share who we are as a school. From discussing record exam results to sport and arts achievements, there is a great deal to talk about. But the key message I share is that this is a community that deeply cares for each other, where young people can pursue their passion and grow in confidence to make their own mark in the world. 

Coming up on Tuesday, we will have a whole-school photo to mark the 35th anniversary of Pinehurst. In the last week, I have had a chance to look at yearbooks from those first years, and it is amazing how far the school has come over that time. Through the year, we will have several events to mark the anniversary, and I encourage you to join us to celebrate our past and future.  

Next week is the first expedition of the year for our Duke of Edinburgh programme, kicking off a very busy calendar! Our students' engagement is brilliant, and while the camps are a highlight, their commitment to learning new skills and to community service is what makes the award so special. 

Naturally, over the year, your child will go through challenges in their school or personal life. If you feel like you need any support in guiding your child, please reach out and we will share ideas that we have learned through experience that may help you on the journey. 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. 

Regards,
Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 16 February

• Year 5-6 Basketball Trials, 7.20am (Arena)

Tuesday 17 February

• Year 5-6 Tennis Trials, 12.50pm (Courts)
• Whole School Photo
• Year 7 Curriculum Information Evening, 6.30pm (Theatre)

Wednesday 18 February

• Photo ID (Catchup), 12.30-1.30pm (Arena)
• Year 5-6 Tennis Trials, 12.50pm (Courts)
• Year 11 DOE Silver Practice 1 (Wednesday - Friday)
• Year 4-5 Swimming Lessons (AUT Millenium)
• Primary Road Patrol Training, 9.00am (Dance Studio)
• Ethics Team NZ International Final

Thursday 19 February

• AKSS Orienteering Sprint Series 1 (Birkenhead College, Birkdale Intermediate)
• Cambridge Special Awards Evening (Theatre)
• Primary House Sport Competition

Friday 20 February

• Year 4-5 Swimming Lessons (AUT Millenium)

Primary News

Kia ora,

It was wonderful to see so many of you at our information sessions this week. Connecting in this way helps us share relevant updates and answer any questions you may have. We are excited about our co-curricular programmes this year as well as everything we have planned in our classrooms. Thank you also for your patience as our new student management systems have been installed, we appreciate your understanding as some communications didn’t initially reach everyone at the beginning of the term.

Our Year 4 and 5 students enjoyed their swimming lessons at Millennium Pools. It was great to use a venue so close to school, making the sessions smooth and enjoyable for all involved.

Our New Entrant phonics workshop for parents was very well attended, and we hope families now feel confident supporting their child at home as they begin their reading journey.

Dates for next week:
16 February: Basketball Trials Y5–6, 7.20am, Arena
17 & 18 February: Tennis Trials Y5–6, 12.50pm, Courts
18 February: Road Patrol Training, 9.00am, Dance Studio
18 & 20 February: Y4 & Y5 Swimming Lessons
19 February: House Sport Competition

Have a lovely weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

🎓 Primary Upcoming Events

🏀 Primary Years 5 & 6 Basketball Trials

When: Monday 16 February ready to start at 7.20am
Where: Arena

If you have registered for Year 5 & 6 basketball, the trials will be held on the Monday 16 February in the arena. Be in your PE uniform and basketball shoes ready to start at 7.20am. If you have not yet signed up, there are space available, please come and we can sign you up then.

Games are on the Wednesday evenings and trainings are on Monday mornings at 7.20am Coach Christ and Ms McIntosh look forward to seeing you there.

🏁 Primary House Sport Kicks Off for 2026!

When: Thursday 19 February at Lunchtime

This year in Primary, we are excited to launch our refreshed House Sport programme, with competitions taking place twice each term. These events are designed to strengthen school spirit, build a sense of belonging, and help students feel proud of the house they represent.

Next week, we begin our first competition of the year: a lunchtime football tournament on Thursday. Students will take the field with enthusiasm, teamwork, and plenty of house pride. Will it be Tōtara, Rimu, Kauri, or Matai who claim the first victory of 2026?

We’re looking forward to a great start to the year and can’t wait to see our students showcasing sportsmanship, effort, and house spirit.

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Despite the hot weather on Wednesday, the Year 9-13 House Athletics Day was a wonderful event. Thank you to the family members who came along to support our students and assist on the day.

This week, we look forward to welcoming Year 7 parents to school on Tuesday for our information evening. The session will cover curriculum, pastoral care, student leadership, and the Year 7 camp.

Students working towards their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award will head out on Wednesday for their practice adventurous journey at the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park where the students will complete a three-day tramp.

We are delighted to host the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards on Thursday, providing an opportunity to formally recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of students who have received these prestigious awards, including twenty-one awards to students from Pinehurst School.

As we move into a part of the term when assessments begin in some subjects, we encourage families and students to reach out if anyone is feeling under too much pressure and to treat assessments as learning opportunities.

Best wishes to the students competing in the Ethics Olympiad on Wednesday.

I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🎓 College Upcoming Events

💼 Pinehurst Career Centre with Lila Pulsford

Pinehurst students benefit from career development education throughout their school journey.  Our career counsellor, Ms Lila Pulsford, stays closely connected with universities in New Zealand, Australia and beyond, keeping up to date with new programmes and admissions requirements. Using a strengths‑based, supportive approach, students build self‑awareness, explore opportunities and make informed decisions.

Ms Pulsford also manages all university references and school submissions, helping students gain offers from leading universities worldwide.

Keep up to date on upcoming career events here: Career Education website

Community News

⚠️ Road Patrol Training on Wednesday 

Since some students weren’t able to complete their training last year, we’ve arranged a session in the Dance Studio. Officer Murray Fenton will be running the training in the Dance Studio from 9.00am until 11.00am.

Please ensure students have watched this video link before Wednesday: 
https://youtu.be/a-_KD4VN-Dc 

⛑️ Changes to School-Based Immunisations from 2026

From 2026, our school will follow Health New Zealand’s nationally consistent immunisation delivery model. This means Year 7 students will be offered both the Tdap (Boostrix) and HPV vaccines together at school. 2026 will be a transition year.

• Year 7 students will be offered Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough (Boostrix) and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccinations.
• Year 8 students will be offered the HPV vaccination.

From 2027 onwards, Year 7 students will receive both vaccines, and any Year 8 students who missed out in Year 7 will have another opportunity to receive them.

Students will be bringing home immunisation information and consent forms. Please return the signed consent forms to school by Wednesday next week. Participation remains optional, and parents and caregivers decide whether their child receives immunisations at school or at their General Practitioner. We do require that all parents complete the forms.

Immunisation dates for our school:

• Year 7: 04/03/2026 and 12/08/2026
• Year 8 (HPV only): 04/03/2026 and 12/08/2026

This model reduces disruption to learning, decreases follow-up for school staff, and provides more opportunities for students to catch up if they miss a scheduled vaccination day.