Message from the Executive Principal

Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요 

From the stage to the court and in the classroom, our students have enjoyed a busy yet rewarding week.

On Tuesday this week, I was able to visit our teams competing at the AIMS games in Mt Maunganui. The level of competition there was very high and I was impressed by the way our athletes pushed themselves, even in the face of stern competition. A highlight for me was to see the way our teams supported each other and I am sure it added a little more determination for a top performance. While finals are still being played today, great success has already been attained, and camaraderie established that will last for years ahead.

The Year 3 and 4 show has been a great success and while there are plenty of tired faces today, I know the students are very proud of what they achieved. I particularly enjoyed that every child was on stage and had a chance to shine under the spotlight. My thanks go out to all of the staff involved, bringing a show together is a challenging experience and they were able to do it with a sense of energy and excitement.

One area that I am excited for us to develop further in the school, is the way in which we support our most capable learners, many of whom have the true depth of their talents hidden by either being satisfied with good enough grades, not wanting to let themselves shine in the crowd, or through learning difficulties that can mask the depth of their knowledge. Early next term, three of our staff from across the school are attending an excellent professional learning course and I am looking forward to working with that group to ensure we provide outstanding learning opportunities for all of our students.

On Wednesday, our Year 9 students hosted an excellent market day, with some great handmade products on sale. With a theme of sustainability, the students were able to go through a process of planning, production, and selling to get a sense of what it is like to run a real business. It was clear a great deal of hard work had been put in by the students, and I am thankful to the staff involved, and particularly Mrs Mann, for helping bring the event to life.

With the end of term quickly approaching, it means many co-curricular activities are coming to an end. For some students, this means that they may begin to feel disconnected from their peers as the bond of activity disappears. If your child needs any help in building and maintaining friendships, please feel free to reach out for support.

I hope you all enjoy the weekend ahead.

Kind Regards,

Mike Waller

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Dates for your Diary

Monday 11 September

Year 4-5 Netball Prizegiving (selected students)
Year 6 Netball Prizegiving (selected students)
Year 8 HPV (Second Immunisation)
APO Visit - Primary and College Orchestra

Tuesday 12 September

Year 10 Environmental Trip
Year 9 Checkpoint Mock Examinations
Primary Parent Conferences

Wednesday 13 September

Year 9 Checkpoint Mock Examinations

Thursday 14 September

Year 9 Checkpoint Mock Examinations
Primary Parent Conferences

Friday 15 September

Year 11 Duke of Edinburgh Silver Practice
New Entrants Parent Induction
New Entrants Orientation (First Visit)

SEE MORE DATES

Message from the Principal of Primary

Kia ora,

This was a long-awaited week in the Primary as Year 3 and 4 finally got to perform the Magic Treehouse story of Pirates Past Noon. Auditions started last term for the main cast and ever since there have been rehearsals, singing, dancing, and costume fitting. Alongside ideas for make-up, props, and lots of conversations and communications to bring it all together. What an amazing team effort from our Year 3 and 4 syndicate under the expert guidance of producer and syndicate leader Delwyn Kruyff. Having the new theatre has made such a difference, not only to how the show looks and sounds but also to the ease of putting on a production with almost 140 students. We always include every student in our productions so that they get the experience of the show. Some will love it, others not so much but they will create memories together as a cohort and for their families. We are so proud of all our students, what they created was magical and we will never forget how good it was.

This week’s assembly was run by P15, and it was very interactive for the audience. Our Year 5 and 6 syndicate have been doing fantastic learning around sustainability, led by Mrs Sophie Berry and Ms Emily Markley and the Pinehurst Planet Protectors. The audience had their knowledge of recycling tested with a Kahoot on screen and the competition to be the top class was fierce. We also saw some crazy basketball skills as well as musical performances. Ukeleles played Eye of the Tiger and the older ones amongst us sang along happily, remembering the Rocky films from our youth. Student led assemblies are the best kind and great for developing confidence and presentation skills in younger children.

Our newest New Entrants are off on a visit to Kiwi Valley Farm Park in Henderson for a hands-on farm experience. They have been learning about the farm, using it as a context to their writing in class, and they will get to experience some animals they may have never seen up close before. We are sure that they will have lots of fun.

Thanks as always for your support.

Kia pai tō rā whakata, have a good weekend.

Ngā mihi, Sian

Primary News

Primary Science

In an exciting and delicious science experiment, Year 4 students have been learning how the Sun's radiation can be harnessed as heat. The key learning objective of this engaging project was to understand the concept of capturing and utilizing solar energy, and what better way to do that than by making solar ovens to cook s'mores?

The young scientists in Year 4 embarked on this hands-on adventure with enthusiasm, combining science and culinary arts to create solar-powered ovens from everyday materials. Their solar oven designs featured cardboard boxes lined with aluminium foil to maximize the reflection of sunlight and black paper to effectively absorb the Sun's heat.

Throughout the project, students learned about the principles of solar energy, including how different surfaces absorb and reflect sunlight. They also explored the concepts of heat transfer and insulation, vital components in harnessing the Sun's energy effectively.

The culmination of their hard work was the cooking of mouth-watering s'mores using nothing but the power of the Sun. By placing their s'mores inside the solar ovens, the students demonstrated a practical application of their knowledge. As the Sun's rays beamed down on their creations, the chocolate and marshmallows began to melt, resulting in perfectly gooey and delicious treats.

This engaging experiment not only taught Year 4 students about the science of solar energy but also instilled a sense of creativity and problem-solving. They had to make adjustments to their ovens, experiment with angles and positioning, and record data to improve the efficiency of their designs.

Mrs Herbert was delighted at the students' enthusiasm and success in the project. The hands-on nature of the experiment made complex scientific concepts accessible and enjoyable for the young learners.

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and renewable energy, Year 4 students have taken a delicious step forward in understanding the potential of harnessing the Sun's power. This project not only delighted taste buds but also sparked a deeper appreciation for the science behind solar energy among the next generation of innovators.

Primary Science Pinwheels

Year 4 students embraced the power of the wind by crafting pinwheels. These seemingly simple toys became a captivating window into the world of energy transfer, teaching children the principles of wind energy conversion.

The project aimed to demonstrate how moving air can be transformed into mechanical energy, a concept that many might consider complex, but these young scientists grasped with enthusiasm.

The pinwheels served as miniaturized versions of wind turbines. Just like their larger counterparts dotting the landscapes, these pint-sized turbines demonstrated the conversion of wind energy into useful mechanical power or even electrical energy.

As the wind energy struck the blades of the pinwheel, it set the rotor into motion. This rotation, in turn, caused the central shaft to spin. And here's where the magic happened. As the shaft turned, it had the potential to perform work, converting wind's kinetic energy into mechanical or electrical energy, albeit on a much smaller scale.

The project not only taught these budding scientists about the basics of energy transfer but also gave them a firsthand understanding of the potential of wind power. Wind turbines, like the pinwheels they mimicked, harness the kinetic energy within the wind and convert it into mechanical power or electricity, contributing to the ever-expanding world of sustainable energy sources.

This hands-on experience not only stirred their curiosity but also provided them with valuable insights into the remarkable potential of wind energy in our rapidly evolving world.

Winter Netball Fun Day

The end of a very successful winter netball season saw the 13 Primary netball teams come dressed up for the occasion. There was even a dinosaur netball coach seen roaming the courts showing off his excellent ball skills.

We would like to thank all of our side line supporters who provided the costumes for the day and have cheered us on through some wet and windy netball games.

This week in P7…

We started our writing lessons this week by learning what a Sea Shanty is. Now we know that when pirates travelled on long voyages, they use to make up and sing shanties to keep them jolly and not feel homesick. In the Sea Shanty we identified the different poetic features which included: rhyme, repetition, punctuation and syllables!

We also discovered onomatopoeia for the first time and created our own A-Z of onomatopoeia which we are going to keep and display in our classroom to remind us to keep using these exciting words in our writing.

Then we picked some of our favourite words and put them into sentences. Our challenge was to also use an expanded noun phrase and alliteration. Amber, Evelyn and Stanford would like to share their sentences:

Year 5 Explores Sustainability: A Day at the Zero Waste Zone

In an eye-opening and educational field trip, our Year 5 students recently embarked on a journey to the Zero Waste Zone at the Waitakere Refuse Centre. The trip opens our new Global Perspectives Unit: Where does all our packaging go? It provided an invaluable opportunity for students to gain a firsthand understanding of waste management, renewable and non-renewable energy, and the importance of sustainability.

The day began with an informative tour of the Waitakere Refuse Centre, where students witnessed part of the intricate process of waste sorting and storage. They were astonished to see the staggering amount of waste being destined for landfills. This visual revelation sparked thoughtful discussions among the students about the necessity of reducing waste in their everyday lives.

Following the tour, the students eagerly explored the Zero Waste Zone, where they delved into the world of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Under the guidance of knowledgeable instructors, the young learners pieced together flow charts to track how these energy forms are transformed into the products we rely on in our daily routines.

Later on, the students enthusiastically engaged in discussions on how they could be more sustainable by reducing, reusing, and recycling. They brainstormed innovative ideas to implement in their school and homes, taking on the responsibility of being eco-conscious citizens. These discussions not only educated the students but also empowered them to make environmentally friendly choices in their lives.

As the day drew to a close, the young explorers made their way to the site's captivating worm farm. There, they were fascinated to learn how these remarkable creatures play a vital role in composting organic waste. From fruit and vegetable peels to hair from their hairbrushes, the voracious worms were showcased as the unsung heroes in the battle against food waste.

"Seeing the worms in action was definitely my highlight," said Louis Zhu, one of the enthusiastic Year 5 participants. "It's so cool how nature can help us manage waste and be more sustainable."

The Year 5 field trip to the Zero Waste Zone at Waitakere Refuse Centre was a resounding success, leaving both students and teachers inspired to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives. It served as a reminder that small actions taken by individuals can collectively make a significant difference in preserving our environment. The students returned with a newfound appreciation for the importance of reducing waste, harnessing renewable energy sources, and caring for our planet.

The ONZA Marimba Festival - A Joyous Event

Last weekend, on a bright and sunny Saturday, our Pinehurst Marimba Group attended the ONZA Marimba Festival at the Barfoot and Thompson Stadium, Kohimarama. The students joined hundreds of other students from schools in Auckland and Whangarei to perform 10 songs based on the theme of Tawhirimatea – Songs of the Wind. After a dress rehearsal at 11:00am our students played in the concert at 12:00pm to an audience of family and friends. Everyone played their prepared music and joined in the fun with some spontaneous music making. A great effort by everyone. To quote the ONZA president - “It was a fantastic celebration of inspired children's music making!”

A huge thank you to everyone who supported this event.
Arohanui

Getting ready to play in the dress rehearsal before the concert at 12:00pm

Children dancing in a whirlwind motion to the music of ‘Cyclone’ with festival conductor- Jeremy Hantler.

Table Tennis Year 5-8 Awards

We are pleased of the following Year 5 – 8 Table Tennis results that were announced on Wednesday 6 September.

Pinehurst White won 1^st place team for their class, A reserve grade 2. This team comprises of Felix L, Alex S and Peter W.
Peter W winning 1^st place for the individual player award at that class.
Pinehurst Gold also won 1^st place team for their class, B1 grade. This team comprises of Ryann W, Ethan H and Yolanda Z.
Ryann W winning 1^st place for the individual player award at that class.

Message from the Principal of College

Kia ora e te whānau

At the start of the week, a very grey, wet Monday was brightened up by a lovely pōwhiri for our visitors from Academia Arguello in Argentina. The Argentinian students had prepared their own waiata to share with us and they performed it so well. They have done a great job of settling into their new routines and have already had some wonderful New Zealand experiences with their host families. The students have another week with us before heading off on a trip around North Island with their teachers. We are enjoying having their input in classrooms and around the College.

On Monday evening we welcomed students and their families who will be joining the College next year in Year 7 to an information evening. The evening focused on Year 7 College life. Mr Reynolds talked about the opportunities available as students move through Years 7 and 8 and Mr Elliot, who will be 2024 Year 7 Dean, was available to answer questions. It was a very positive evening and awesome to meet families who will be new to the College next year.

This week our Year 9 Commerce students held a Market for Good. The students have been busy creating well thought-out, high-quality products which they sold to raise money for the KidsCan Charitable Trust. College 5 provided a great venue for the market and many of the stalls sold out very quickly; it was an excellent event and students should be very pleased with their work.

On Wednesday evening of this week, we were joined by a group of student alumni who were generous enough to give their time to Year 11, 12 and 13 students who are considering various future university courses. This ‘speed meet’ event was organised by our Careers Counsellor, Kaye Griffiths, and allowed our students to hear first-hand from those who have gone before them. It also gave some of our alumni the opportunity to reconnect and share their stories with each other. Kaye also hosted a ‘transition to tertiary’ workshop for Year 13 students on Thursday of this week. Students discussed the practicalities of the first year at university, studylink and tips on how to manage their time. We also had three ex-Pinehurst students discuss what to expect when starting university.

Next week our Year 9 students will be sitting their Checkpoint mocks. Whilst students will undoubtably want to spend time preparing and studying this weekend, it is important that they also get a good rest and spend some time outdoors getting some exercise. Embedding good habits during study time is crucial to students learning to perform at their best in assessments.

AIMS games are finishing today. Whilst the weather has not been ideal for outdoor sports, our teams have represented us very well. Mr Waller and Mr Reynolds were able to visit the event and we had some very pleasing results. We are looking forward to seeing our AIMS competitors back in school on Monday.

Ngā mihi nui

Dawn

College News

Market – For Good

The Year 9 Commerce market day was a huge success – There was a massive range of products on sale including pot plants, candles, toys, affirmation kits, lip balm, artwork, dog treats and trinkets.

The students have been working on these businesses all year. Having been given a loan to start their enterprise, they had to research, develop and produce a product that was “Good” in that it targeted one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Not only did students pay back their original loans, but they also made over $947.00 profit! The profit will all be donated to KidsCan, who do wonderful work in our community. Keep an eye on these young entrepreneurs, they will be doing great things in the future!

Toi o te wiki

Toi o te wiki this week goes to Sunny in Year 10.

Sunny has created this delightful portrait influenced by artist, Riso Chan.

Careers Speed Meet Evening

On Wednesday evening the top of College 4 was transformed into a Careers Hub with current students able to book appointments to chat with ex-students to gain up to date information on a variety of occupations and study areas. The opportunity to find out what it really is like studying certain subjects at uni (and what may lie after that!) is invaluable. Thank you to our alumni whose contribution enabled this to take place. It was lovely to welcome them back to the school. If you missed it this time, look out for it in 2 years time!

1st XI Girls

The 1st XI Girls had a fantastic week up in Whangarei last week. Captained by Emily Stuart and Brooke Peacock in their last tournament for Pinehurst School. The girls played exceptional hockey throughout the week, they were only defeated in one of the 5 games and ended up winning the Bronze Medal in the 3rd/4th playoff. Special moments over the tournament include Emily stepping up in a tight game against Otumoetai and calmly slotting a Penalty Stroke to tie the match for us. Brooke was our top goal scorer with 6 goals in 5 games, the 4th highest of all the players in the tournament. While we are sad to say goodbye to our Year 13s, we are very excited to see what the future holds for our young, talented team. We know there will be many more goals and wins to come! Thanks to all our supporters over the season and especially to Colleen Kenney and Amanda Stuart who made tournament week a dream.

Science Fair

A group of Year 7 and year 8 students participated in 2023 NIWA North Harbour Science & Technology Fair last Friday. It's an exceptional way for students to engage in active learning and develop sufficient science literacy including investigation skills and problem-solving skills. Students have gained confidence and crucial presentation skills during interview and the interaction with other schools ‘peers.

1st XI Boys Hockey Tournament

Our 1^st XI boys travelled to Whangarei to compete in the Hockey Winter Sports Tournament week. The boys had an amazing time away, with a few wins, draws, and losses, but managed to finish a credible 3^rd overall. A huge thanks to all our supporters who also travelled to Whangarei to cheer the boys on as well as Chris Stafford, Chris Wiggin, Reiss Hardy, and Carol James, who managed and coached the boys throughout the week

Year 13 Transition to Tertiary Workshop

On Thursday afternoon we held our annual Transition to Tertiary Workshop. Three ex-students helped facilitate this workshop for the current Year 13 students to help them prepare for life after Pinehurst:

Morgan Mendonca - University of Auckland, BSc (Biomedical Science)
Anders Sandberg - University of Auckland, BCom (International Business)
Maggie Yin - University of Auckland, BSc (Mathematics)

The current Year 13 students valued their voices of experience as they discussed how to settle into university, strategies for surviving the academic side, the differences to expect and, most importantly, what they wish they had known this time last year!

Creative Writing Club

Written by Kita Weir, Year 11

2023 Year 9-13 College Sport Prize Giving

Event Date: Thursday 21 September

Event Location: Pinehurst School Gym

Time: Doors open at 1:30pm, Start at 1:45pm

Student Dress Code: School Blazer and school dress uniform

Parents, caregivers, family, and friends are welcome to attend.

Community News and Events

Sophie wins NZ under 16 age group champs – Golf

Sophie in Year 10 couldn’t be caught in the Under 16 Girls section to claim her first national championship at Timaru Golf Course last week.

Sophie shot consistent rounds of 76, 70, and 73 on the par 73 layout to win by five over New Zealand Maori Golf Champion Hunter Edwards.

Congratulations and well done Sophie!

Singapore National Diving Championships

Noah Atkinson, a 13-year-old from Year 8PL, recently stood out at the Singapore National Diving Championships from 1 - 3 September. Congratulations on your remarkable performance!

Gold 12 - 13-years old Boys 1m Springboard
Gold 12 - 13-years old Boys Platform (5 - 10m)
Gold 14 - 18-years old Boys Synchronised 3m Springboard
Silver 14 - 18-years-old Synchronised Platform (5 - 10m)
Silver 12 - 13-years old Boys 3m Springboard.

Arts and Culture Fest - Get your FREE Tickets!

Come watch the performances and look at the artwork displays at the Pinehurst Arts and Culture Fest on Friday 15 September at 6:00pm! Tickets are free, and students, teachers, parents, and other guests are all welcome. We have so many incredible artworks and an amazing line-up of performers, with Bollywood Dancing, student rock bands, Korean Fan Dancing, and more. There will also be a special teacher performance! Tea, coffee and snacks will be available at intermission. Simply click here to fill out this form to secure your seat.

Dad's Fantail

If you would like to attend please click here to RSVP.

Bites and Insights - Helping Our Children Build Resilience

'Bites and Insights' with Mike - a rebranded version of our Breakfast Consultations that are both engaging and enlightening.

This session is available to our Primary and College Parents and will be focusing on 'Helping our Children to Build Resilience'. It will feature some insights on what this means for our children and the challenges they face day-to-day. We will also look at how the demands and expectations of an ever-changing world can impact young people. We will discuss tools that can help you cope as parents and how you can support your child to build resilience as they come face to face with and tackle those challenges.

Tuesday 19 September
8:30am-10:30am
Dance Studio

You’ll enjoy a light, finger-food breakfast in the Dance Studio and have the chance to hear valuable insights, ask questions and take part in discussions. If you are interested in attending, please complete the RSVP Form by Monday 11 September.

Understanding and Supporting Our Teenagers

We’re excited to invite you to an event that promises to provide insights into the fascinating world of teenagers and provide you with some valuable tools to support their growth and well-being.

Wednesday 20 September
6:00pm – 7:00pm (join us for tea and coffee from 5:30pm)
Pinehurst School Theatre

Why should you attend? Adolescence is a critical phase filled with physical, emotional and cognitive changes. We understand connecting with teenagers can be a challenge. With the right insights and tools, we can create an environment that encourages their well-being and personal growth.

What to expect:

Keynote Address - Sheridan Eketone from Parenting Place will cover topics like the unique changes in the teenage brain, how their emotions can affect behaviour and understanding their natural move towards autonomy. Sheridan will provide some useful tools and skills to help you understand stay connected with your teens during this important stage of development.
Q & A Session - Come prepared to ask questions regarding your parenting challenges.
Practical Strategies - Walk away with useful strategies to enhance your relationship with teenagers, promote their mental health, and create a supportive environment that allows them to flourish.

Don't miss this chance to enhance your understanding of teenagers and learn how to provide the guidance and support they need to thrive during this stage of life. Register here to secure your spot!

Coffee Connect

Last month we ran our first ‘Coffee Connect’ event and it was a huge success! It was so great to start the day chatting to so many of our parent community over a delicious coffee. To continue our efforts to foster a strong sense of community, we will be running another ‘Coffee Connect’ and invite you all to join us. Coffee Connect is an informal and relaxed gathering, where you can enjoy a delicious barista coffee on us while connecting with other parents and Pinehurst staff. It’s the perfect occasion to share experiences and build meaningful connections within our Pinehurst community.

Date: Friday 22 September
Time: 8:15am – 9:15am
Location: Pinehurst School – Outside Main Reception

To ensure we can accommodate everyone comfortably, please let us know if you can make it by emailing sylvia.lum@pinehurst.school.nz by Friday 15 September.

We look forward to sharing a wonderful morning with you over great coffee and insightful conversations.

Notices and Events

Kids Sewing Classes in Albany

In our sewing studio called Thread Room, we teach sewing classes for kids in Albany and various other Auckland locations. We have lots of students from local schools who attend our classes and we love teaching all of them!

Sewing is such a great skill for kids to learn, it is both practical and creative and kids get a great sense of achievement from making projects.

Albany Girl Guides

Drowning Prevention Auckland One Day Splash School Holiday Programme - September 2023

Drowning Prevention Auckland has just released a series of water safety programmes for the September school holidays that will run at pools around Auckland. The Splash Holiday programme is a fun and safe opportunity for children aged 8-15 to improve their water safety competence and knowledge, while enhancing their swimming ability. Places are limited to 25 per day and cost $30.00 per child.

Splash is now in its 10th year, and our experienced instructors provide a friendly and inclusive environment where confidence is built, and kids are encouraged to give new aquatic activities a go!

Activities include lifejacket safety, snorkelling, bystander rescue, beach safety with safer boating and Manu safety (bombing) on offer for the older age group sessions.

Further information and registration is available on our website. Parents will need to enrol their children in the correct session based on age group (8-10, 11-15) and select the location and date that suits. www.dpanz.org.nz/community/holiday-programmes

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