Message from the Executive Principal

Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요  

Best wishes,
Mike Waller

Message from the Principal of College

Religion and propaganda in AS Classics

Recently in AS Classics we've been learning about religion and propaganda under the first Roman emperor, Augustus. We studied the statue Via Labicana Augustus which portrays him as the Pontifex Maximus, the chief priest of religion in ancient Rome. We also discussed libations, which were liquid sacrifices used to ask the gods for help.

We did a mock libation, in which students 'sacrificed' some of the water from their drink bottles in order to ask the now deified Augustus for success in their Classics exams. They could also write their request on a bay leaf - victoria for victory, memoria for memory, or sapientia for wisdom. If their leaf floated, their request was successful. Thankfully everyone's leaf floated!

Spot Miss McRae in her cardigan to mimic the priest's hooded robes...

Digital Technology Students Shine in Global Challenges!

Our Digital Technology students have been busy putting their skills to the test in two exciting international competitions — and we are proud to share their amazing results!

Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge 2025|
Held from 17–31 March, the Bebras Challenge introduced students to the world of computational thinking through fun, logic-based puzzles. With no prior experience required, students had 45 minutes to solve a range of brain-teasing problems.

We are thrilled to celebrate seven students achieving perfect scores:

• Years 7–8: Leo Liu, Mateo Palliser, Kevin Zhou, and Isabelle Zheng
• Years 9–10: Logan Murphie, Doris Xiao, and Isabella Zhang

Ka rawe!

Grok Python Comp 2025
Launched on the 17^th of February, this global competition was perfect for students aged 12–16 who were new to text-based coding. Participants learned to program in Python while completing interactive challenges.

Our students performed brilliantly, with six achieving perfect scores:
Jimmy Wang, Logan Murphie, Milton Wang, Oscar Zhao, Shawn Li, and Yuhai Zhou.

Well done to everyone who participated — we are incredibly proud of your hard work and growing confidence in Digital Technologies!

Year 7 Camp in Raglan

Canyoning, Abseiling and Surfing were only a few of the epic and adventurous activities that the Year 7 students participated in on camp down in Raglan last week. Not only that but they also built strong friendships while supporting each other to take on challenges. Surfing was a favourite of most of the students, and they were lucky to catch a clean break at the beach. It was so impressive how hands on and involved the students got in all the activities offered to them. Well done to the Year 7 group for making the most of their time at camp, it was truly epic!

Pinehurst Swimmers Shine at Auckland Intermediate Interzone Swimming Championships

Pinehurst School's swimming programme continues to go from strength to strength, with 11 talented students qualifying for the Auckland Intermediate Interzone Swimming Championships held at St Cuthbert’s. This is a significant achievement, considering that only four students qualified for this event last year. The growth and success of our swimmers are a testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as a very competitive environment amongst students.

The competition was fierce, with some of the best intermediate swimmers from across Auckland competing for top honours. Our students performed exceptionally well, securing multiple podium finishes and demonstrating outstanding team spirit and individual excellence.

Outstanding Results:

Relay Events:

• Open Girls 4x50m Medley Relay: 2nd Place – April L, Serena C, Amelia C , Olivia F
• Open Boys 4x50m Medley Relay: 1st Place – Lucas W, Eddie L, Tim W, Isaac G
• Freestyle 4x50m Relay:
  • Year 7 Girls: 1st Place – April L, Serena C, Cynthia S & Eva S
  • Year 8 Boys: 1st Place – Lucas W, Eddie L, Tim W, Isaac G

Individual Events:

• 50m Freestyle:
  • Year 7 Girls: 1st Place – April L
  • Year 7 Boys: 3rd Place – Devin B
  • Year 8 Boys: 1st Place – Lucas W
• 50m Backstroke:
  • Year 7 Girls:
    • 1st Place – April L
    • 2nd Place – Serena C
  • Year 7 Boys: 2nd Place – Devin B
  • Year 8 Boys: 1st Place – Lucas W
• 50m Breaststroke:
  • Year 7 Girls: 1st Place – April L
  • Year 7 Boys:
    • 2nd Place – Devin B
  • Year 7 Boys:
    • 1st Place – Tim W
    • 2nd Place – Lucas W
    • 3rd Place – Eddie L
• Open Boys 50m Butterfly: 1st Place – Lucas W
• Open Boys 100m Freestyle: 1st Place – Lucas W

Our swimmers showcased their skill, determination, and sportsmanship, making Pinehurst proud. Their success at this prestigious event is a reflection of the continuous improvement and dedication within our swimming programme. With such strong performances, the future looks bright for Pinehurst swimming, and we look forward to seeing even greater achievements in the years to come.

Congratulations to all our swimmers for their incredible achievements!

Toi o te wiki

Toi o te wiki this week goes to Year 13 student, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth is completing AS Art and Design this year and is exploring ideas related to 'metamorphosis'. Inspired by artist, Chloe McCarrick, she has collaged photographic images together before making a pencil drawing of one of her ideas. The next step for Elizabeth is to use the cyanotype process to create a 3 dimensional, layered art work.

Stunning work, Elizabeth!

Message from the Principal of Primary

Science and Maths in Year 1

This term, our young scientists explored the properties of different materials and investigated which ones are waterproof. We tested various materials (such as fabric, plastic, paper, and metal) to determine which would keep water out and which would let water through. The students were curious to see how different items might react when exposed to water.

We observed what happened when water was poured onto each material. Some materials allowed water to seep through, while others stayed dry on top.

Our next experiment was to test a variety of materials (such as sponges, fabric, paper, and plastic) to see how much water they could absorb. The children had lots of fun while learning about the concept of absorption and how different materials behave when exposed to liquids.

In P2 we’ve also been working hard on our maths skills, and last week, our focus was on sharing into groups. We have been learning how to divide objects into equal groups and understanding the concept of sharing. The students had fun using real-life objects, such as counters and blocks to help them share items into smaller groups.

Project Jonah and Primary Science

On Monday, Year 4, 5 and 6 students attended a Project Jonah educational session. Project Jonah are a marine welfare charity that is best known for attending whale and dolphin strandings throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand. They also campaign for the greater protection of whales and dolphins, train members of the public to help at strandings as well as teach and inspire children how to look after our environment. They believe that the more children know about amazing marine mammals, which live right here on our coastline, the more they will want to help and protect them and the oceans they call home.

This week Mike from Project Jonah gave a presentation to students all about the incredible Paikea/Humpback whale. Can they tell you how much a Humpback weighs? How far this species can swim in a year? Can they sing like a Humpback? Ask them to describe what it was like to see a life-sized Humpback and, if they got to go inside the whale, what was that like?

Back in the classroom we followed up with finding out about, “Why whales get stranded?” How the Humpback whale feeds, and the impact oil spills and ocean pollution on the whale.

I really hope your child enjoyed learning about the wonderful world of whales and the Walk-through Whale experience has a lasting impact on their science learning journey.

Exploring portraiture in Year 5

In Art this term, P15 have been investigating how artists use facial features and composition to create meaning. Students started by sketching their classmates and themselves, experimenting with different drawing techniques to show emotion and expression. They then focused on individual features, learning how small details can completely change the mood of a portrait.

Building on these skills, students were asked to design a movie poster linked to our Writing unit on saving the Orangutans in Sumatra. With “In the Blink of an Eye” as the title, students had to carefully select composition, colour, and an eye to create a striking and meaningful design.

Throughout this process, students have explored different artistic techniques, reflected on their own progress, and discussed each other’s work - just as authentic artists do.

Next, we will take on the challenge of clay sculpting to bring their sketches of a human face into 3D.

Here is a photo showcase which gives a glimpse into P15’s journey in Art this term, from early sketches, to portraits, to their final movie posters...

Collages in Year 6 Art

In Year 6 we have been working on collages in Art. Our collage theme was space and galaxies, which each group managed to take their own spin on. In P20 we had a lot of fun researching different things in space and using our imagination to add astronauts, planets, black holes and more! We have loved starting our backgrounds and are looking forward to building on our collage by adding different materials and images next week. 

Angles and Turns in Year 3 

In P10 and the Year 3 cohort this week we have been learning how to identify right angles in shapes and making and describing right angled turns.  Through practical activities the children have learnt that an angle is both a fixed measure, as in the size of the angles in a square, and also a measure of turning from one position to another. They really enjoyed programming the bee-bot robots to follow right angle turns and directions. The children can recognise that two right angles made a half turn, three make three quarters of a turn and four is a complete turn.  They can also identify using their right-angle tester whether angles are greater than or less than a right angle.

Primary P.E. Years 4 - 6

Invasion games are an exciting and dynamic part of physical education, and this term, our Year 4-6 students have been diving into the world of football, basketball, and netball. These games not only improve physical skills but also promote teamwork, strategy, and communication. 

What Are Invasion Games?
Invasion games are sports where one team tries to invade the opposing team’s territory to score points, typically by getting a ball into a designated area, such as a net or goal. The key elements of invasion games are attacking, defending, and working together as a team to control the game.

Football
Football is a classic example of an invasion game, and our students have been learning the fundamentals, such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. Through engaging drills and mini-matches, they’ve been developing their skills while understanding the importance of positioning and teamwork.
Football encourages our students to think quickly, be aware of their surroundings, and communicate effectively with their teammates. These skills are not only important on the field but are transferable to many areas of life.

Basketball
Basketball's fast pace challenges our players to think and move quickly. Students are learning how to dribble, pass, shoot, and play defense in exciting drills and games. 
Through basketball, students are building agility, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork. They’re also learning the importance of sportsmanship and how to handle both victory and defeat with respect.

Netball
Netball is a fantastic way to work on skills such as quick thinking, agility, and spatial awareness. Like basketball, the aim is to score by shooting the ball into the hoop, but with a few key differences—such as the fact that players can’t dribble and must pass the ball within three seconds. Students are learning to play positions like wing attack, center, and goal shooter, each with its own unique responsibilities.
Netball is a great game for building communication skills, as players must constantly talk to one another to set up plays and organize the defense. It's also an excellent way for students to develop their cardiovascular fitness while having a lot of fun.

The Benefits of Invasion Games
In addition to the physical benefits—such as improving coordination, strength, and stamina—invasion games also help to enhance mental and social skills. Students work together to solve problems, develop strategies, and adapt to changing situations. They learn how to win graciously and deal with challenges when things don’t go as planned.
These games also foster important life skills like leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Whether playing football, basketball, or netball, our students are gaining valuable lessons in cooperation and perseverance that will help them both on and off the field.

Kai to go to International Olympiad in Informatics '25

Year 13 student Kai Y has been selected, and accepted his place, as one of four students to represent New Zealand at the International Olympiad in Informatics, to be held in Bolivia from 27 July - 3 August 2025. 

This is a remarkable achievement, and Kai has our congratulations for his diligence and hard work! His efforts at a training camp earlier in the year along with contests held in February and March have paid off. We wish you all the best in Bolivia Kai and can't wait to hear how it goes..!

Dominance on the Trails: Helena and Xavier Shine in MTB XCO

Xavier W-W (Year 9) and Helena W-W (Year 7) took on the Auckland Schools Mountain Biking Cross Country race in the Hunua Ranges on Sunday, delivering outstanding performances.

Xavier put up a strong fight in a highly competitive field. He remained in the second group of riders, battling for positions 4 to 7, ultimately securing a respectable 6th-place finish.

However, the standout performance of the day came from Helena, who left the audience in awe with her sheer dominance on the course. Competing in the U13 category, despite being eligible for U12, she raced with remarkable prowess, overtaking not only her age group competitors but also all U13 riders and all but one in the U14 category. Her phenomenal effort saw her clinch victory with an astounding two-minute margin!

These performances reflect the hard work, perseverance, and talent of our young athletes. Congratulations to Xavier and Helena on their fantastic results!

Climbing Triumph: Xavier W-W Crowned National Champion!

Last Saturday, Xavier W-W (Year 9) showcased his exceptional climbing skills at the National Lead Championship in Tūrangi. Facing a series of technically demanding climbs, he remained calm and calculated, surpassing all competition to claim the prestigious title of National Champion! His victory is a testament to his dedication, skill, and mental strength.

With this national triumph under his belt, Xavier is now setting his sights on even greater challenges. His ambitions extend beyond New Zealand, as he prepares to take on the best in the upcoming Australian Nationals and the Oceania Championships. We wish him all the best as he continues to push his limits on the international stage!

Pinehurst End of Term House BBQ: Students please purchase your tickets for activities NOW!