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Friday 5 September
Message from Mike
Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This week, I enjoyed the chance to attend both Primary assemblies and to speak at the College assembly yesterday. Something I particularly enjoy is seeing the way our students take the lead in presenting and sharing. The self-assurance shown with a microphone in hand is commendable, and the willingness to step outside of personal comfort zones leads to a real growth in confidence.
Last week, when writing about the results from tournament week, our Fencing team was still waiting to compete, and sometimes we have to wait for the best, as the team was crowned national champions! With some brilliant results also coming back from AIMS, it has certainly been an exceptional winter season.
Parent conferences take place in Primary next week, and they are an important part of ensuring we have a shared understanding of the progress your child is making. If you have booked appointments, it is useful to complete the short questionnaire to help focus the conversation on your particular interest.
Next Thursday and Friday, our senior students are hosting performances of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. For many of our performers, it will be their last time on stage at Pinehurst, and I encourage you to come along. Entry is by gold coin donation on the night.
Later next week, I am looking forward to attending the ISNZ conference in Wellington. It provides a chance to hear from leading education experts on a range of topics, from the impact of AI to the future of literature in schools, there will be many lessons to bring back to school. Professional development is a key aspect of continuous improvement and is something we seek across all levels of our school, and while it may create short-term disruption, it is heavily outweighed by the long-term gains.
With just two weeks until the holidays, it is timely to remind you that learning continues right up to the last lesson of the term. Extended leave during term time should only be requested for exceptional circumstances, as time away from school can have a negative impact on learning, both for your child and their classmates. Leave requests should be shared with either Mrs Coxon or Mrs Sullivan in the first instance.
On Wednesday, Megan Fowler spoke to a group of parents about stress and anxiety and offered thoughtful ways about how we can best support our children. We will continue to offer these types of events to help you on the parenting journey and if there are any topics of particular interest, please contact Sylvia Lum and we will do our best to accommodate.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Regards,
Mike Waller
Dates for your Diary
Monday 8 September
- Argentina Exchange (All Week)
Tuesday 9 September
- Super Cluster Football
- Year 9 Mock Checkpoint Exams Begin (All Week)
- Argentina Exchange Cultural City Trip (All Day)
- Primary Conference Evening (3.45pm-5.50pm)
Wednesday 10 September
- Duke of Edinburgh Silver Qualifier Begins (All Week)
- Year 8 HPV2 Vaccinations
- Primary Conference Evening (3.45pm-5.50pm)
Thursday 11 September
- College House Waiata Competition (2.25pm-3.15pm)
- Dad's F&T at Hazy Tiger (5.30pm Onwards)
- The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wild Play (5.00pm-7.00pm)
Friday 12 September
- New Entrant Orientation
- New Entrant Parent Induction
Message from Dawn
Tēnā koutou katoa
It has been a pleasure to welcome our visitors from Academia Arguello this week, and we are delighted that they will be with us next week too. Their presence gives our students a great opportunity to practice their Spanish speaking skills.
Next week, from Tuesday to Friday, Year 9 students will sit their mock Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint assessments. These practice assessments are a valuable chance to prepare for the Checkpoint assessments next term, and students are encouraged to approach them positively.
At the end of the week, a group of students and teachers will embark on their adventurous journey for the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This experience will allow them to put into practice their navigation, communication, route planning, and teamwork skills as they work towards achieving their Silver Award.
On Thursday, we will host the eagerly anticipated House Waita Competition. It has been wonderful hearing the enthusiasm and dedication as students rehearse for this event.
On Thursday and Friday evenings, a group of students, led by Zoe Atkinson, will present The Importance of Being Earnest. Everyone is warmly invited to attend. Entry will be by gold coin donation on the night.
Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan
College News
Year 11 Silver Qualifier Tramp... Adventure Awaits!
This week, fifty intrepid Year 11 students will head to the stunning Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park for their Silver Qualifier Tramp.
Over three days, they’ll hike through the Kaimai Ranges, summit Karangahake and cross the Waitawheta River - an unforgettable outdoor challenge!
Key Trip Details:
Dates: Wednesday 10 – Friday 12 September
Meeting Point: Outside the Dance Studio, 7.00am Wednesday
Return: Approximately 6.00pm Friday
Reminder: Students must bring all items listed on the gear list.
Don't Miss This Student Production: The Importance Of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Get ready for a fast-paced, witty, and hilarious night of theatre!
The Importance of Being Earnest is a must-see for anyone who loves live performance, filled with clever humour, quick twists, and plenty of laughter.
When: Thursday 11 & Friday 12 September
Time: 7.00pm-9.00pm (includes intermission)
Where: Pinehurst Theatre
Tickets: Gold Coin Donation
Our talented Senior Students have been working hard to bring this brilliant comedy to life. If you’re free next Thursday or Friday evening, come along, enjoy the show, and support their efforts!
Message from Sian
Kia ora tatou,
This week, our Year 5 students had a fantastic opportunity to visit the Zero Waste Zone at Waitākere Transfer Station, where they explored how recycling and reusing materials can help reduce landfill waste. It was an eye-opening experience that sparked great conversations about sustainability and caring for our environment.
We also loved being back in the theatre for assemblies. A huge thank you to P16 for sharing their incredible learning through dance, music, art, and writing. Their creativity and confidence were inspiring.
Next week, we’re excited to welcome families to our Parent Conferences on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 September. These are a wonderful chance to celebrate progress and discuss your child’s next steps in learning. Don’t forget to complete the pre-conference form and let us know what you would like to focus on.
Looking ahead to Term 4, we are thrilled to be welcoming 10 New Entrants into P5 with their teachers Mr. Walker and Mrs Aston. They will join us for their first visit on Friday 12 September and we can’t wait to see them join our school community.
Have a lovely weekend.
Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon
Primary News
Primary Conferences
Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 September.
Attending conferences at Pinehurst Primary is a vital part of building strong partnerships between home and school.
These conferences provide a valuable opportunity for parents and caregivers to connect with teachers, gain insights into their child’s learning progress, and celebrate achievements together. They also allow for meaningful conversations about goals, challenges, and next steps, ensuring that every child is supported in a way that reflects their individual needs. We look forward to seeing you at conferences.
New Entrant Visits
Friday 12 September & Friday 19 September.
We are thrilled to welcome our newest intake of students to Pinehurst School during the upcoming New Entrant visits.
These special days mark the beginning of an exciting journey for our youngest learners and their families. It’s a time filled with curiosity and anticipation as children explore their new environment, meet their teachers, and begin forming friendships. We look forward to getting to know each child and supporting them as they take their first steps into school life. The entire Primary team is excited to greet our new Pinehurst whānau and help make their transition into school a positive and memorable experience.
Y5–6 Football Stars Set for MidBays Showdown!
MidBays Football Super Cluster – Tuesday 9 September
On Tuesday 9 September our Y5-6 girls and boys team will head to Ashley Park in Long Bay to compete in The Midbays Football Super Cluster to compete against seven local schools. The teams have been training hard for the last three weeks in preparation for this tournament. We wish them all the best of luck
Community News
Dad’s F&T: Hazy Tiger
We’re excited to launch a new venue with our Dad’s F&T event on Thursday 11 September from 5.30pm. This will be all about dads in our community coming together, sharing stories, and showcasing the diverse cultures that make our school so special.
Our very first evening will be hosted by John Kim, at Hazy Tiger Korean Fusion Restaurant & Bar at 22 Durham Street West, in the city. There will be bold flavours and a vibrant atmosphere, Hazy Tiger is a great way to enjoy modern Korean dishes with someone who know how to order!
A light dinner will be provided, and any extras can be purchased directly from the restaurant.
This event is more than just a night out—it’s the start of something new, where dads can connect, celebrate their backgrounds, and introduce others to the food and traditions that matter to them. A light dinner will be supplied and any extras can be added
We’d love to see you there as we kick off this journey of culture, conversation & community.
Notices and Events
Year 8 HPV2 Vaccinations This Week
This Wednesday 10 September, Year 8 students will receive their HPV booster during school time, held in the Dance Studio.
There is nothing parents or students need to do, just to mention that students will be called across in groups during the morning. If your child is unable to attend school on this day, this follow-up vaccination can be arranged through your local GP.
Beautiful Bookmark Designs Now on Display
Head to Albany Village Library over the next few weeks to see a stunning display of bookmarks created by talented Pinehurst and Albany Village Library students. These bookmarks are the winning entries from a competition held last term, organised by our Year 13 Library Prefects, Edward and Lily.
Congratulations to Pinehurst’s prize winners, Olivia Z and Jeremy T! Their winning designs have been printed and are available for free at both Pinehurst Library and Albany Village Library. Be sure to stop by and enjoy the incredible creativity showcased in this collection.
Uniform Shop School Holiday Hours
If you need to buy any uniform, please do this before Week 8.
The Uniform Shop will be closed in Week 9.
Uniforms can also be purchased during the holidays on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 October between these times: (9.00am-12.00pm & 12.30pm-4.00pm)
Normal trading hours will resume in Term 4: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays (8.00am-10.00am & 12.30pm-4.00pm)
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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