Friday 10 October

Message from Mike

Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It’s great to be back in school! While I am sure everyone had a great holiday, the smiles and positivity show how much our students enjoy being at school (despite the occasional protest).

Assessment has been a major part of the week, with end-of-year examinations taking place for Years 11-13 and checkpoint testing for Years 6 and 9. Each day, I have a chance to talk with students to see how they are feeling before and after and I am impressed by the confidence they show and the reflection they offer. With the level of preparation that has taken place, I am sure we will see some exceptional results.

As you will have seen in the recent message from the board, we are now making steps forward with our site master plan, and I am excited about what this will mean for the long-term future of the school. Later in the term, I am also looking forward to sharing our new strategic plan that gives clear direction for the community and highlights our ambitions as one of New Zealand’s leading schools.

Next week, our Year 8 students head to Tongariro National Park for their school camp. This trip represents a positive change to our outdoor education programme, as the students will experience growth and challenge in a special environment that is uniquely ‘kiwi’. While the forecast is for it to be a bit chilly, I am sure they will build many great memories.

Term Four is always very busy in the life of a school, with many events, both large and small, taking place. Please make sure you keep a careful eye on the calendar so that you are able to attend as many events as possible.

While it is early to mention, please remember that we are committed to creating effective learning opportunities until the last lessons of the year. This means that you should be mindful when planning for the summer holiday, ensuring that all bookings are made for after school finishes on Thursday, December 4th.

As we enter the final term, some students begin to develop concerns about how the year will conclude and what that might mean for next year. If your child needs any support in managing their feelings, please reach out, and we will ensure they get the help they need.

I hope you all enjoy the weekend ahead.

Regards,
Mike Waller

Dates for your Diary

Monday 13 October

New Family Meet and Greet (9.00am-10.00am)
The Australian Girls Choir (11.00am-12.40pm)
Year 4 and 5 Progression Testing (All Week)
Year 8 Camp (All Week)

Wednesday 15 October

New Parent Wine and Canapes

Thursday 16 October

Year 3 Bounce (11.00am-1.30pm)
Year 4-5 Marimba Showcase (3.30-4.30pm)

Friday 17 October

Year 3 Ambury Regional Park Visit (9.30am-2.00pm)

SEE MORE DATES

Message from Dawn

Tēnā koutou katoa

We are looking forward to an exciting and productive Term 4 as students focus on the final stretch of the year. Senior students are now immersed in Cambridge examinations, while Years 7–10 prepare for their own end-of-year assessments. The term is packed with opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, including camps, trips, and school events that will round off the year with challenge and adventure.

Next week, our Year 8 students head to the Tongariro Hillary Outdoors Education Centre for a week of exploration and teamwork through activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, and a possible overnight expedition. Back at school, on Wednesday evening we are looking forward to welcoming new families for an informal get-together.

As we move through Term 4, students are encouraged to make the most of every opportunity to grow, connect, and finish the year with pride in all they have achieved and anticipation for what comes next.

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

College News

Final Preparations for Camp Complete

Excitement is building as students make their final preparations for next week’s camp in the spectacular Tongariro National Park.

The week promises to be both challenging and rewarding, offering students the chance to develop their leadership skills while exploring one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural environments.

Students will depart on Sunday and return next Friday, ready to share their experiences and achievements. Gear lists and additional information are now available on Schoolbox, so please ensure all items are packed and ready for what’s sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

Accelerate+ (Massey University)
For Year 12–13 students at NZ secondary schools; take up to two university-level courses via distance in 2026 with zero tuition fees
for up to 20 students per school.
Rainbow NZ Charitable Trust Scholarships
For Rainbow (LGBTTQIA+) students entering tertiary study in NZ in 2026; $4,000 scholarships for those showing leadership, academic merit,
and community impact. Apply before 31 October 2025.
Female Grants – Techtorium
For female students enrolling full-time in a Diploma in IT at Techtorium
in 2026; receive free tuition for one year.
TechFest 2025 (Techtorium)
For Year 12–13 students interested in IT, coding, and tech careers;
hands-on workshops and demos in AI, hacking, and more.
15 October 2025, 9.30am–2.00pm, Techtorium, Newmarket.
Young Scholars Programme (University of Auckland)
For high-achieving secondary students; take university courses
while still at school.

Message from Sian

Kia ora tatou,

We have had a very settled start to the final term of the school year, our students seem very happy to be back, and parents had lots of smiles too. Well done to Year 6 who have completed their Cambridge Primary Checkpoint testing this week in English, Maths, and Science. They have worked hard to prepare, and we are looking forward to their success.

Next week is packed with engaging activities and important milestones for our students. From 13th to 17th October, Year 4 and Year 5 will be participating in progression testing, a valuable opportunity to reflect on their learning and academic growth over the year.

On Wednesday 16th October, we invite families to enjoy the Marimba Showcase in the theatre — a celebration of rhythm and talent that promises to be a musical highlight.

Congratulations to P11, winners of the Shore to Shore class challenge! They’ll be heading to Bounce for a well-deserved reward.

Meanwhile, our Year 3 students will be exploring nature and farm life during their trip to Ambury Regional Park on Friday 17th October — a fantastic hands-on learning experience.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a week of learning and fun! Have a great weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

Primary News

Primary Marimba Showcase

Thursday 16 October: 3.30-4.30pm School Theatre

We look forward to our up-and-coming concert featuring the talented students from Pinehurst Year 4 and 5 Marimba and Xylophone Group. This special event will also showcase our Primary Rock bank and String Ensemble. We hope to see you there.

Year 3 Farm Trip to Ambury

Next Friday, our Year 3 students will head to Ambury Farm for the 'Close Encounters of an Animal Kind' programme. They’ll get up close with pigs, goats, sheep, and hens while discovering how farmers care for them and why they are so important in New Zealand.

Highlights include a shearing and crutching demonstration in the wool shed, a milking session in the cowshed, and a farm walk to explore the animals in their environment. The trip supports learning in Science, Technology, and Social Sciences and provides a rich introduction to New Zealand farming life.

Primary Solo and Duo Performance Showcase

Wednesday 5 November: 3.30pm School Theatre

Students in Years 0 - 6 who would like to perform should register their interest by completing this form AND upload an audition video of the student performing their piece here by Friday 17 October.

We welcome students of all ability levels and encourage a variety of instruments and music genres, including voice, to provide a balanced and entertaining programme. Please note that places are limited to 16 students and performances are limited to three minutes or less. Preference will be given to students who have performed so far this year.

If you have any questions, please email Mrs Jaques Cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz.

Community News

Message from Terry's Family

On behalf of Terry’s family, we would like to offer a heartfelt thank you for the love and support we have received from the Pinehurst School Community.

From students past and present, their family and caregivers, along with the teaching and support staff, we have been cared for during this sad time. It’s fair to say we were all overwhelmed and humbled by the memorial service and donation. Your kindness and generosity has been a ray of sunlight on a very dark time for us.

As a family we have lost a husband, father, grandparent and great grandparent. A man who was much loved and adored. We know he will be missed by his colleagues also, and to some extent, this is comforting for us.

Terry found his time at Pinehurst not just a job, but a vocation. He would share with us his work stories and reflect on his week. He loved his interactions with the students and the connections he developed over the years. His can of Guinness after work with the team on Friday was a highlight.

Terry was a high spirited and effervescent person in all aspects of his life. His cheeky persona and authenticity aligned well with his deeply caring and kind soul. He upheld the spirit and values of Pinehurst School in all he did. The school environment was perfect for him. He was stimulated by, and committed to, his role at Pinehurst School.

We trust our relationship with Pinehurst School will be ongoing, that the chapter remains open and the there is no closure.

As a family we again say a warm thank you, but not a good bye.

Notices and Events

International Singer Joins Pinehurst Music Department

We are delighted to have our new singing teacher and Boy’s Choir Director, Tim Wayne-Wright join our Music Department this term.

Among other things, Tim has been part of the world famous vocal group The Kings Singers for ten years and is also the recipient of a grammy award. He will be taking our newly established boys' choir on Thursday lunchtimes, as well as offering singing lessons to selected students.

You can see Tim singing in this performance with The King's Singers here.

Interested students wishing to join the boys' choir should come along to our Thursday rehearsals. For more information on taking singing lessons with Tim, please email cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz.

Australian Girls Choir

We are excited to have the Australian Girls Choir visit our school on Monday 13 October as part of their New Zealand tour.

They will be giving two inspiring performances, at 11:00am for selected Primary students and 11.55am for College students. The Australian Girls Choir has been performing around the world for over 40 years and we look forward to welcoming them to our school.

Tennis Coaching at Pinehurst in Term 4

Small group tennis lessons will be available at Pinehurst School for Term 4 with our professional coach, Megan Rogers.

These sessions are a fantastic way for students to develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment, while benefiting from personalised coaching in small groups. For Term 4, we are offering:

Red Ball Beginners (Years 0–2) – perfect for younger students who are new to tennis and keen to learn the basics.
Red Ball Advanced (Years 2–3) – for students who have gained confidence with the basics and are ready to progress further.
Orange Ball sessions – designed for older students to improve technique, rally consistency, and match play skills.

Each group is capped at a maximum number of players to ensure quality coaching. To register your child or find out more, please contact Megan Rogers directly on 021 295 1765.

Looking for more extra-curricular activities?

For more information about extra-curricular activities, please visit:
School Bridge > Resources > Co-Curricular

While your local community board remains the best resource for exploring all available options, we are pleased to share details of the programmes that have been sent to us by members of our wider school community.

Please note that the school does not advocate for or endorse any particular programme, we simply provide this information as a service to our families.

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.

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