Dear Parents and Guardians, 

As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding term, I have been reflecting on just how much our students have achieved over the past ten weeks. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage, through service to others, or in the many activities that enrich school life, our students have embraced challenges with enthusiasm and commitment. What has stood out most is the way they have supported one another, celebrated each other's achievements, and demonstrated the values that make the Pinehurst community so special. 

As I finish writing this message, anticipation fills the air as our Year 13 students prepare for their graduation parade and ceremony. In recent years, this has become a special rite of passage, as our graduates take time to say farewell to students and staff across the school. This class will be remembered for the way they have led the school together, modelling a strong sense of community and belonging. They have made the most of their time at Pinehurst across academic, sporting, cultural, and service pursuits, while maintaining a genuine care for those around them. I wish them well for the future and look forward to hearing of their achievements in the years ahead. 

Yesterday afternoon, our College students celebrated the success of our sports programme. There is little doubt that this has been the best year on record, with our athletes performing at an exceptional level across a wide range of competitions. The number of national champions, representative selections, and outstanding team performances reflects not only talent, but also the hard work, perseverance, and resilience shown throughout the year. Congratulations to every student who has represented Pinehurst. No sporting achievement happens in isolation, and I would also like to acknowledge the coaches, managers, staff, and families whose encouragement and commitment have helped make these successes possible. 

On Tuesday, I was thoroughly impressed by our Year 4 to 6 speech finalists. The ability to stand on a stage in front of your peers and present with confidence is not an easy skill to develop. What impressed me most was the quality of their ideas, the depth of their preparation, and their ability to engage an audience. These experiences help students develop communication skills that will serve them well throughout their lives, and our finalists should be extremely proud of what they achieved. 

While the holidays are beginning, learning and school activities certainly do not stop. Over the weekend, we have a number of students competing at the National Chess Championships, while a group of College students departs for Hainan. On Monday, Cambridge examinations begin, marking the start of an important period for many of our senior students. We wish all students sitting external assessments every success and encourage them to approach their examinations with confidence, knowing that their preparation and effort have laid a strong foundation. 

Finally, with the change of seasons just around the corner, please note that Primary students may wear either full winter or full summer uniform at the start of Term 4, transitioning to full summer uniform from Tuesday 27 October, immediately following Labour Day. College students will transition to full summer uniform from the start of Term 4.

I hope you and your children enjoy some quality family time together over the holiday break. Thank you for your ongoing support of the school and for the many ways you contribute to our community. I look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready for an exciting final term of the year. 

Regards, 

Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 12 October

• Primary in either Full Winter Uniform or Full Summer Uniform (until 27 October)
• College in Full Summer Uniform
• Coffee Connect, 8.15-9.15am, In front of Reception 

Tuesday 13 October

• IMAE School Exchange Visit (Tuesday - Friday)
• Year 6 Checkpoint Testing

Wednesday 14 October

• Powhiri, 8.15am
• Year 9 Exams begin

Thursday 15 October

• Year 3 Ambury Farm Trip
• Year 6 Checkpoint Testing

Friday 16 October

• Year 7-8 Athletics Day

Primary News

Kia ora tātou,

As Term 3 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the many moments that have made this a memorable term in the Primary.

Our students have enjoyed a term filled with learning, sport, and the arts. Highlights included the Year 5-6 production of Mary Poppins, performing at the opening of the International Federation of Principals Conference at SkyCity, netball successes, chess achievements and the Year 4-6 Speech Competition. The standard of speaking this year was exceptionally high, with students presenting a wide range of topics with confidence and skill.

While these events are worth celebrating, it is often the everyday moments that stand out most. From five-year-olds proudly sharing their writing, to students speaking about and demonstrating our value of Unity at assembly, to staff celebrating the progress their students are making, there have been countless moments that remind us what a special place Pinehurst is.

Thank you for your support throughout the term. I hope the holidays provide an opportunity to spend some extra time with your children, without the early morning rush to school. The traffic might be a little lighter too!

Have a safe and enjoyable break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next term.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa 

It was wonderful to celebrate the achievements of our students across an impressive range of sports at Sports Prizegiving yesterday. We were able to recognise not only outstanding performances, but also the dedication our students have shown throughout the year. Congratulations to all of our award recipients and thank you to all students who have represented PInehurst in sports teams throughout the year.  

Today has been a particularly special day as we said farewell to our Year 13 students. Throughout their final year, this cohort has set excellent examples for our younger students and their contributions to College life have been fantastic. Their final morning began with breakfast together before the now traditional Graduation Walk and ceremony, giving our whole school community the opportunity to celebrate them and mark the end of their school journey. We will certainly miss them, but we ar e excited to see where their next chapter takes them. 

Our Year 11, 12 and 13 students will begin study leave from 12 October, the first day of Term 4, as they turn their attention to their Cambridge examinations. For many, preparation will continue throughout the school holidays with tutorials and examinations taking place over the next two weeks. We wish all of our students every success and encourage them to balance focused preparation with opportunities to rest and recharge. 

A reminder that all College students are expected to return in full summer uniform from the first day of Term 4. This also applies to students coming onto the school site to sit Cambridge examinations. 

Thank you to our students, staff and families for everything you have contributed to another busy and successful term. I hope everyone enjoys a well-earned break and has the opportunity to spend some special time with family and friends. 

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🎓 College Upcoming Events

🎓 Career Education News

Students and families considering future study in the United States or at the University of Oxford may be interested in the following upcoming events:

👉 Tuesday 6 October: University of Oxford – Inside the Interview: Tutors’ Views
This online webinar will give prospective students first-hand insight into Oxford’s interview process, including what tutors look for, how interviews are designed, how candidates are assessed and common misconceptions. Practical advice will also be provided to help students prepare with confidence.

Two online sessions are available:

• Featuring admissions tutors from PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) and Mathematics: 10.00am – 11.15am BST Register here.
• Featuring admissions tutors from History and Engineering Science: 4.00pm – 5.15pm BST BST Register here.

Registration is required for both live and on-demand access. Recordings will be emailed to all registered attendees.

👉 Wednesday 14 October: EducationUSA – Studying in the United States
Time: 4.30pm – 6.00pm
Where: Professional Art Centre, Diocesan School for Girls, Clyde Street, Epsom

Sean Palmer from EducationUSA will be in Auckland to speak with students interested in future study in the United States. Topics will include how the U.S. higher education system works, choosing colleges and universities, applications and admission requirements, scholarships and financial aid, tuition and living costs, application timelines for New Zealand students, and opportunities for student-athletes. Register here.

Community News

🛍️ Uniform Shop Holiday Hours

Days: Tuesday 6 October - Friday 9 October 2026
Times: 9.00am – 12.00pm & 12.30pm – 3.30pm

The Uniform Shop will be open during the Term 3 holidays to help families get ready for summer uniform before Term 4 begins. We look forward to seeing you 🤗

🧁 Coffee Connect: Welcome to Term Four

When: Monday 12 October, 8.15am – 9.15am
Where: Outside Reception

Join us on the first day of Term 4 for a relaxed Coffee Connect.

Enjoy a complimentary hot drink, reconnect with other Pinehurst parents and caregivers after the holiday break, and ease into the new term with good conversation and community.

We’re delighted to have Suzi from LittleCooks joining us, with delicious mini cupcakes and biscuits to enjoy while stocks last. Suzi will also be available to chat about the popular LittleCooks classes held at Pinehurst and answer any questions about the programme.

We look forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces for a friendly start to Term 4!