Friday 15 November

Message from the Executive Principal

Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요 

Another busy week has brought a great sense of accomplishment across the school as we give our all to every event, both in and out of the classroom.

As you may have seen through our various messaging channels, we are currently collecting items for our annual hamper drive. This year, we are supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, an important charity that can benefit greatly from our support at this time of year. We greatly appreciate your donations of non-perishable food items, as well as Christmas treats and gifts.

Our Year 5 and 6 students enjoyed their athletics day at Onewa Domain on Tuesday. The conditions were ideal, and the performances matched the occasion. Every student gave their best, and the way they supported each other was truly inspiring. Our sports programme will be winding down over the next few weeks, and the challenge for our young athletes will be to maintain their dedicated training over the summer.

With Cambridge exams finishing this week for our College students, there were lots of relieved smiles as they wrapped up. Now begins the anxious wait until late January, when results will be released. Year 4 and 5 students received their Progress test results on Wednesday, and the overall performance has been excellent, with students tracking in line with our expectations. I am sure there were many proud students upon receiving their results, and they should all feel pleased with their efforts.

Our Year 10 students will be returning later this afternoon from the Duke of Edinburgh expedition to Rangitoto. Despite a the rain, the group was well-prepared, and I am sure they have had a memorable experience. With another DoE trip still to come, along with our Year 12 camp next week, we are certainly making the most of opportunities outside the classroom.

This week, College senior leaders have been conducting student interviews as part of the selection process for our Head Students and other leadership positions for 2025. The feedback so far is that our students have a strong understanding of what it means to be a leader and the positive impact they can have on our school. I am looking forward to seeing the students placed in various roles and working directly with the Head Students next year.

On Wednesday, we bid a fond farewell to our Year 13 graduates at the valedictory dinner. This event marks the final step in their journey from school students to young adults, and it was a pleasure to share the occasion with them and their families. I look forward to seeing what this group will accomplish in the future; with many pursuing careers in medicine, our healthcare system will undoubtedly be in capable hands.

Please be mindful of parking at 269 Rosedale Rd during pickup, the tenants are becoming frustrated at not being able to access their private car parks.

While we are still a few weeks from the end of the year, I am sure there is already plenty of discussion about the summer break. It is easy to forget that our students have a well-established routine at school and the break in this can create a sense of uncertainty for some. I encourage you to talk with your child about what the summer will, giving them some clarity over what they can expect, particularly if they will be away from their friends for the whole break.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Best wishes,
Mike Waller

Dates for your Diary

Monday 18 November

Year 12, Great Barrier Camp
Year 10, Geography Trip to Orewa
Road Patrol Rainbow's End Trip (Selected Students)

Tuesday 19 November

Year 12, Great Barrier Camp
NH Badminton Boys
Year 8-10, NISS Junior Volleyball Championships
Primary Sports Prizegiving
Years 7-8, Sports Prizegiving
Year 3, St John visit (P9)
Primary Transition Parent Information Evening
Year 5-6 Camp Information Evening

Wednesday 20 November

Year 12, Great Barrier Camp
Year 8-10, NISS Junior Volleyball Championships
College Open Day
Year 3, St John visit (P11)
Year 3, St John visit (P10)

Thursday 21 November

Year 12, Great Barrier Camp
NH Badminton Girls
Year 7-10, Interhouse Challenge
Year 8, Students vs Wild
Year 8-10, NISS Junior Volleyball Championships
Year 6, Birkenhead Leisure Centre Adventure Trip

Friday 22 November

Year 12, Great Barrier Camp
Primary PREP Market Day
Year 5-6 Disco
Year 8, Students vs Wild
Year 8-10, NISS Junior Volleyball Championships
NE Parent Induction

SEE MORE DATES

Message from the Principal of Primary

Kia ora,

The weather has been very mixed to say the least this week, but it hasn’t stopped us from experiencing the curriculum in lots of exciting ways. At the beginning of the week, we had a visit from ASB with their Get Wise financial literacy programme. Our students learned all about money, saving, spending, investing and everything age appropriate to do with finance. The presenter was entertaining and funny and really brought the key messages around financial literacy to life. The programme links with PrEP, the Primary Enterprise Programme and will lead nicely into our Market Day on the 22 of November. From the outside PrEP can seem to be just making things to sell for pines at the market but there are so many lessons contained in the process of making and designing a product. PrEP teaches children to think about the resources they use to create their product, and our market has a theme of sustainability. They learn to design, make a prototype, buy resources, pay rental and hireage fees for goods and services, make decisions at the margin and consider profit and loss. Alongside this, working in a company to create and make a product requires people skills such as collaboration, teamwork, decision making, resilience and sometimes kindness. Everyone is really excited for the market next week and to see what is on offer for them to spend their hard-earned pines.

It was a glorious day on Tuesday for our Year 5 and 6 Athletics day at the Akoranga fields. The breeze was welcome as it kept the heat in check and allowed our athletes to give their best performances. We were lucky enough to be able to watch a training session of one of New Zealand’s long jump Paralympians and to be inspired by his long jump style and abilities. Not only were our students competing in the high jump, but the parents had their own competition too. Some commented afterwards that maybe they should remember they weren’t as young as they used to be! Results will be shared soon and medals and certificates presented. As always, we were so proud of the way our students conduct themselves when they are off site, they are ambassadors for Pinehurst.

A trip to Kiwi Kapers for members of the orchestra and woodwind groups was a musical treat this week. Our students loved it and cheered at the top of their voices when the various items were played by the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra. What an amazing opportunity to see the APO in concert and enjoy the theme of storytelling through music. We are looking forward to the Ukelele Jam for Year 5 and 6 this afternoon, I am sure it will be a joyous time and a musical treat. Continuing the cultural theme our Year 4 students are spending today at the Auckland Art Gallery where they will be building their knowledge through meaningful engagement with art. I am sure they will have lots to share with us when they get back.

On Thursday afternoon Years 0-2 all met at Bounce for their social and what an amazing time they had. Jumping around on the trampolines and climbing up the new climbing frame was such fun to do with friends and there were so many smiles and damp foreheads from all the activity. Once again, the staff at the venue commented on how fantastic the children were. Well done New to 2, you were amazing.

Enjoy your weekend.

Ngā mihi,
Sian Coxon

Primary News

Year 5’s Fun-Filled Trip to the Sculpture Trail at Brick Bay

Year 5 students recently enjoyed an unforgettable trip to the Sculpture Trail at Brick Bay, where they had the opportunity to explore a stunning collection of outdoor sculptures. The trail not only provided an enriching experience for their Design Technology and Art studies, but it also gave students the chance to get active and appreciate the benefits of being outdoors. Walking through the beautiful, sun-drenched surroundings, students observed various construction techniques and materials used in the sculptures, while also reflecting on their aesthetic and cultural significance. The weather was perfect both days, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the fresh air, stay active, and be inspired by the creativity around them. It was a wonderful opportunity to combine fitness, art, and nature - an experience that will no doubt inspire the students’ own creative work back in the classroom!

A Day to Remember: Teddy Bears Picnic at Pinehurst Primary School

Friday saw our fields transformed into a joyful scene of adventure and laughter as students celebrated the much-anticipated Teddy Bears Picnic! With excitement in the air and teddy bears in hand, our Primary students enjoyed a fun-filled day designed and run by our Year 6 students.

The day kicked off with a Teddy Bears picnic on the field (luckily the rain drops soon left us!) and then onto a disco. Students and their cuddly companions danced to their favourite tunes. Laughter and cheers filled the Arena as everyone, teddies included, grooved to the beats.

Next up was a series of action-packed events on the field. The three-legged races were a crowd favourite, challenging students to work together in perfect sync while keeping their teddy bears safe in hand.

The excitement continued with a special visit to the Teddy Bear Hospital. Here, Year 6 students acted as junior medics, patching up any worn-out teddies with the help of bandages and well stocked first aid kits. It was a wonderful opportunity for children to practice empathy and creativity, ensuring their cherished bears were in top shape.

Meanwhile, the parachute game drew lots of cheers. The bright colours of the parachute rippled as students eagerly lifted and lowered it, making it a playful shelter for their furry friends to hide under.

At the photo booth, children posed with their teddies, capturing memories of the day. Every photo was a reminder of this special celebration with friends and beloved bears.

Thanks to the Year 6 students who made this day possible. The Teddy Bears Picnic was a memorable occasion for all.

Primary Gymnastics Zone Day

After working hard in term 3 preparing for the Zone Day. The Year 3 - 6 were off to compete at North Harbour gymnastics against ten other schools from the Shore.

It was an especially exciting day for Year 3s since it was their first school representation event. Our seniors walked into the competition with confidence and were able to support their younger teammates. A few of our students were recognised by North Harbour for their sportsmanship and endeavour to achieve the best they can -

Thank you to our well organised team of parent helpers at the Zone Days. A big thank you to our team of college student coaches and pro-coaches - Georgia Thomson, Olivia Heaven, and Zoe Bennett, who helped us prepared for the competition.

All gymnasts competed to their very best ability, and some were able to achieve podium finish. Congratulations to everyone who competed over the two-day event.

Kiwi Kapers

Our Primary Enrichment and Extension Music students had an incredible time at the Kiwi Kapers concert at Auckland's Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on Wednesday! With captivating performances from the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, students experienced orchestral music through pieces like Beethoven’s "Symphony No. 5," Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz," and the lively "Can-Can Finale" by Offenbach. A big thank you to our parent helpers for ensuring a smooth and memorable day. The students returned inspired and excited to explore more music in our own school programs!

Message from the Principal of College

Tēnā koutou katoa

Today was the final day of Cambridge examinations for students in years 11-13. I am sure there are some very tired, relieved and satisfied young people in the community who are looking forward to a well-deserved rest. Congratulations to all students who sat Cambridge examinations over the last seven weeks.

On Wednesday evening we celebrated the journey and achievements of the Pinehurst Class of 2024 at our annual Graduation Dinner. The event was a wonderful opportunity to commend an exceptional group of students. We were able to present House trees to seven students who started their schooling at Pinehurst as five-year-olds and are still with us as they embark on their life beyond school. In many ways, the symbolic act of presenting House trees is a celebration of all of those students who finish their schooling journey at Pinehurst School. Our founding principal, Mrs Sherida Penman-Walters presented the trees at the event. During the evening, we also had musical performances from Lingyao Qu and Quianle Yu along with shared memories, fun and some tears. The evening ended on a high note with Head Prefects Natalie Raphael and Dylan McKay regaling us with a very entertaining speech. Kia kaha Class of 2024.

Students in years 7-10 have been busy this week working through their examination feedback. Examination papers should now be with students and they can use their answers to identify any remaining areas for help before we end the school year. At assembly on Thursday, I suggested to students that they should pick two things to work on for each subject.

Yesterday, year 10 students headed off to Rangitoto Island to complete their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey qualifier. As well as preparing and organising their own food and resources for the trip, students completed a tramp to Motutapu and camped out overnight. The trip is going well and we are expecting to see Year 10 with their teachers back at school later this afternoon.

We had more good news this week from our Ethics Olympiad Team. This group of students have shown great commitment and maturity and they once again achieved a silver medal in the olympiad. You can read more about their day further on in the newsletter.

Next week, a group of Year 12 students will be on the Great Barrier sailing trip and a selection of Year 8 students will be completing the Boys and Girls versus Wild Trip. We also have the Interhouse Challenge on Thursday and year 7 and 8 sports prizegiving on Tuesday along with our usual learning programme.

I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

College News

Year 7-8 Touch Rugby

Our Year 7-8 Mixed Touch Rugby team participated against the best touch rugby teams on the North Shore this Tuesday in the annual Touch Rugby Zone Day at Sunnynook Park. Our first game against Wentworth went down to the wire, 3 tries all when the full-time hooter sounded just as Wentworth scored the decider. Our next game against Birkdale was a tough encounter – losing 7 – 0. Then we pushed one of the favourites Northcross, narrowly losing 5 – 3. We saved our best game for Horizon School, winning 4 – 1. We finished fourth in our pool so we played Murrays Bay Intermediate in the Plate round losing 4 – 2, putting us in the final 5^th and 6^th place Plate game against Wairau. Our team played incredibly well, pushing Wairau Intermediate right down to the last-minute finishing with a draw. We then went into extra time with only 4 players… they score first, we scored second, then we dropped another player each – only 3 on 3 and they score to win. All in all, our students played their hearts out and bonded strongly as a team over the course of the day. Special thank you to Loren Cowley for managing and Ms Puckett and her team for organising an amazing event.

Year 10 Chemistry

Year 10 Chemistry students are currently working on the study of Reaction Rates. This topic involves lots of practical work in the laboratory and students are honing their laboratory skills.

Girls Mean Business

On Wednesday 13 November 5 fabulous girls from Year 7 ( Pippi, Amelia, Elizabeth, Lia and Eva ) attended the Girls Mean Business event at Auckland University. They had a blast!! With multiple activities where they had to use teamwork and business skills. They learnt how to run and manage a business. Everyone had to make a business idea and had to pitch their idea to everyone else. Congratulations to Amelia for her group coming 2nd out of 9 groups! Thank you to Ms Mann for taking us there :)

Written by; Pippi, Elizabeth, Lia, Amelia and Eva

Duke of Edinburgh Award Preparation

In Health lessons this term students have been preparing for their DofE adventurous journey. All students in Year 10 undertake the award which provides them with the opportunity to gain the Bronze Award for completing a physical recreation, learning a new skill, providing a service to the community, and completing two adventurous journeys in the wilderness.

This week students in Mrs Peter’s class applied what they had learnt about cooking whilst on their hikoi (walk). Students had discussed their energy requirements as well as suitable food for cooking on the camping stoves and then had a go and making themselves some kai (food)!

North Harbour Athletics Year 7-8 Zone Day

Our athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the recent Athletics Zone Day, making it one of our most successful events yet! Competing against some of the best in the region, our students showcased their talent, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Track - Top 3 Finishers:

100m Year 7 Boys: 2nd Place – Noah R
200m Year 7 Boys: 1st Place – Noah R
800m Year 7 Boys: 2nd Place – Noah R
4x100m Relay Year 7 Boys: 2nd Place – Noah R, Matthew B, Edward N, John X

Field - Top 3 Finishers:

Long Jump Year 7 Boys: 1st Place – Noah R
Discus Year 7 Girls: 2nd Place – Elizabeth D

The top 3 finishers above will go on to represent Pinehurst at the Auckland Championships in Week 7. Congratulations to all our athletes for their incredible achievements and representing Pinehurst with pride. We look forward to more successes in the future!

North Harbour Golf Year 7-10 Zone Day

Pinehurst students showed impressive skill and determination at the North Harbour Golf Zone Day, held at Warkworth Golf Club. It was a great day for golf, and our players made the most of the opportunity to compete in a supportive and competitive environment.

GIRLS

1st Stableford: Felisha Z (Year 9), 33pts

BOYS

62nd Stableford Div 1: Ashley C (Year 9), 35pts
3rd Stableford Div 1: Edward N (Year 7), 30pts

Congratulations to all our golfers for their hard work and achievements on the course. We look forward to seeing more great performances in the future! A huge thank you to Mr Boden & Miss Thomson for supporting the team on the day, we really appreciate your support.

Community News and Events

Pinehurst Christmas Hampers

Dear Parents

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 5 December (1.30 pm-3.15pm).

Contributions of non-perishable food, Xmas treats, vouchers, new toiletries, 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.

April’s Swimming Achievements

April participated in the Wellington Junior Championship during the school break, competing in 6 events and securing 5 gold medals along with 1 silver.

During the recent level 1 and 2 meet, she set a new record for the 200m breaststroke in Auckland for 11-year-olds, surpassing the previous record from 1997. Congratulations April!

Dad's F&T: Whiskey 'n' Mingle

If you missed the last Dad's F&T event of the year, you truly missed out on a fantastic night! Themed "Whiskey & Mingle" to tempt our whiskey lovers, the evening was filled with great conversation, fine whiskey, and delicious food.

About 47 dads joined us, kicking off at 5:30 pm for an after-work start and wrapping up around 10 pm for most—though a few stayed on until after midnight! It was the perfect setting for everyone to connect, share ideas, plan future events and just have a banter.

Dad's F&T will be back next year with more fun evenings! A big thank you to our hosts, John Kim and Ryan Shearer, for ensuring the night ran smoothly, with glasses topped up, hearty meat platters, and plenty of laughs. Special thanks to John for arranging a photographer to capture the night. https://shaunross.pixieset.com/fandtmixnmingle7thnovember2024/

Notices and Events

If you have any news or submissions you’d like considered for our newsletter, please contact news@pinehurst.school.nz