Dear Parents and Caregivers 

Our first full week of the term has been a very positive one and I have been impressed by the focus shown by students in and out of the classroom. A particular highlight was looking out my office window yesterday morning as students had a great time drawing patterns in the frost, making the most of a chilly morning. 

On Tuesday, I enjoyed attending the Primary assembly where we welcomed new students and staff and discussed the value of unity. It is a value that speaks a great deal about our community, rooted in the belief that if we all bring our unique character and perspectives, we grow from the experience and can achieve far more than we thought possible as individuals. 

Following my message last week about the national swimming champs, it was amazing to see that our team finished 4th overall in New Zealand! This is an incredible achievement, and all of the swimmers should be very proud of their contribution. Please make sure you check our social media channels and news section on the website, as they share so many great stories of outstanding student success. 

Next week will be a busy one across the school. Our College Orchestra and Concert Bands will perform at the KBB Music Festival at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. If you have the opportunity to attend, I encourage you to do so, as the standard of performance promises to be exceptional. Our Year 6 students will complete progression tests, providing valuable information as we plan the next steps in their learning journey. Year 9 students will also attend the IGCSE Options Evening, where they will explore the pathways available to them as they progress through the College. 

On Wednesday and Thursday, we will host open days for families considering Pinehurst for 2028. I am always proud to share our school with prospective families and showcase what makes our community so special. If you have friends who may be considering schools in the future, please encourage them to get in touch. Strong communities are built through relationships, and there is no greater endorsement than a recommendation from families who understand what Pinehurst is truly about. 

Last week, Jake Bailey gave an inspiring presentation about resilience and how we can support our children in overcoming the natural obstacles of life. These events are very important as we look to support you on the parenting journey. If there are any topics that you would like us to explore, let us know, and we will endeavour to cover them at future events. 

Sometimes the obstacles faced by our young people require support beyond what we can provide at home, and if this is the case for your child, we are here to help. Please reach out and we will make sure that your child receives the support they need and that you get some advice based on our experience and expertise. 

I hope you all enjoy the weekend ahead. 

Regards
Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 10 August

• Year 6, CIE Math Progression Test
• KBB Music Festival - College Orchestra
• IGCSE Options Evening

Tuesday 11 August

• Year 9, Commerce Market Day
• Badminton Individual & Doubles Junior Championships
• College Parents - Supporting Your Teen Through Exams Parent Evening

Wednesday 12 August

• Year 6, CIE English Progression Test
• Year 7-8, Immunisations
• Year 9-10, EPRO8 Challenge
• College Open Day
• KBB Music Festival - Concert Band

Thursday 13 August

• Primary Open Day
• AS Environmental Zoo Trip

Friday 14 August

• Year 6, CIE Science Progression Test

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa 

A big thank you to all the families who joined us for Parent Teacher Conferences this week. It was great to celebrate our students' achievements and work together to set goals for a successful second half of the year. As a school, we value these opportunities to strengthen the parent, school partnership in supporting student learning. 

There is plenty to look forward to next week, with several opportunities for families to be involved in College life. 

On Monday evening, we look forward to welcoming our Year 9 students and their families to the IGCSE Options Evening. This is an exciting milestone as students begin thinking about the subjects they will study over the next two years. The evening will provide valuable information about the range of courses on offer and the pathways available, helping students make decisions about their future learning. 

Our Year 9 Market Day will take place next Tuesday lunchtime, providing an opportunity for students to showcase their entrepreneurial skills. Year 9 students have been very busy planning for this day and it promises to be a great event.  

Also on Tuesday evening, we are delighted to welcome Northspan to the College. Their session for our senior students and families will provide practical strategies and guidance as students prepare for their upcoming mock examinations, helping them approach this important stage of the year with confidence.  

Have a lovely weekend.  

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🎓 College Upcoming Events

💛 Year 9 Market for Good Day Returns 2026

As part of their Commerce programme, Year 9 students have been learning how to run their own businesses, including developing products, marketing their ideas, managing finances, and making business decisions. The Market for Good Day gives them the opportunity to put this theory into practice by operating their own stalls and experiencing entrepreneurship firsthand.

Who: Year 9 Commerce students
When: Tuesday 11 August, lunchtime
Where: College campus

Get ready to support a great cause at our annual Year 9 Market for Good Day.

As part of their Commerce programme, Year 9 students have been learning how to run their own businesses, including developing products, marketing their ideas, managing finances, and making business decisions. The Market for Good Day gives them the opportunity to put this theory into practice by operating their own stalls and experiencing entrepreneurship firsthand.

Last year, the event raised an impressive $2,716.67 for KidsCan, and this year our students are once again raising money for the charity as they aim to beat that total and make an even bigger impact.

Students are encouraged to visit the stalls, take part in the activities, and support their peers. Please remember that this is a cash only event, so bring cash along on the day.

Unfortunately, due to space and supervision requirements, parents are unable to attend.

We look forward to another exciting Market for Good Day and thank our school community for supporting this worthwhile initiative. Every dollar raised will help make a difference for Kiwi children in need through the work of KidsCan.

🍰Support Pinehurt's Daffodil Day Fundraising

The Pinehurst Citizenship Council is proud to support the Cancer Society this August with a range of fun fundraising activities for our school community.

🧁Baking Competition

Get creative and bake a Daffodil Day inspired cake, cupcakes or sweet treat!

Three judging categories: Students | Parent/Caregiver | Teacher/Staff

Key dates:

• Wednesday 12 August – Collect your cake box from Reception.
• Wednesday 19 August (8.00 am to 9.00 am) – Drop off your entry.
• Wednesday 19 August – Winners announced.

🏆Prizes awarded for each category

Bonus! First 20 people to collect their cake box will receive a complimentary back issue of Dish magazine (while stocks last)

🎟️ Daffodil Day Lunch Tickets Go on Sale Next Week

Tickets for our annual Daffodil Day Lunch, will go on sale next week.

The event itself will take place on Wednesday 19 August, when guests will enjoy a delicious selection of sweet treats, savouries, and drinks while supporting the Cancer Society.

🎗️ Places are limited, so be sure to secure your ticket early once sales open.

More details on how to purchase tickets will be shared next week.

🎼 KBB - College Orchestra and Concert Band

We are excited to once again be participating in the annual KBB Music Festival.

Who: College Orchestra and College Concert Band
When: Monday and Wednesday
Where: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell

On Monday, our College Orchestra will present three pieces during the afternoon session. Building on previous successes, the orchestra has grown to include 65 talented musicians. We are grateful for Eugenie Middleton's dedication and passion in rehearsing with and conducting the group. Following a final rehearsal this Sunday, the orchestra will perform two South American Tangos, Spirited Away (arranged by our Concert Master: Year 12 student Yicheng Wang), the much-loved Carnival of the Animals, and Bacchanale.

This year, we are also delighted to have our College Concert Band participating in the festival. Formed at the beginning of the year, the group has shown tremendous commitment, rehearsing each Wednesday before school with Eugenie Middleton. They will perform the 3-Minute Nutcracker, Soldiers' Procession, Sword Dance, and the blues and gospel inspired Amen! during Wednesday's evening session.

Parents are warmly invited to attend both performances. Further information can be found on the KBB Music Festival website.

We wish all our musicians the very best as they take to the stage.
 

🇪🇸 DELE Spanish Examinations

Several parents have recently asked about the DELE Spanish examinations, and we know that some of our students are already preparing to sit these internationally recognised qualifications.

The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) examinations are the official Spanish language qualifications awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education. They certify a candidate's level of proficiency in Spanish, are recognised internationally, and remain valid for life.

What you need to know

📝 Registration for the 2026 examinations is now open.

📅 Information about examination levels, fees, examination dates, and registration deadlines is available on the Instituto Cervantes website.

❓ Families who would like further information or advice about whether the examinations would be suitable for their child are welcome to contact the DELE coordinator in New Zealand at o.coordinacioncursos@gmail.com.
 

Argentina Trip 2027 - Parent Information Evening

Pinehurst School is pleased to be hosting a parent information evening for the upcoming Spanish trip to Argentina. This trip will take place in the April School Holidays, 2027.

When: Wednesday 12 August at 6pm
Where: Room 512 (upstairs from the theatre)

This is a chance to hear details such as the itinerary, travel plans, accommodation, supervision and safety. We will also discuss the next steps for those interested in joining this trip.  Everyone is welcome to attend even if you did not fill in the original form last term.

This experience will include four nights in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital city. While there, students will practice their Spanish in local markets, explore the city’s impressive architecture, and take part in activities such as a tango lesson and dinner. We will also visit a traditional Argentine estancia (a rural ranch), where students will experience aspects of gaucho culture, including traditional food, music, and rural life. A local guide will support us throughout this part of the trip

We will then fly to Córdoba on Monday 12 April, where students will spend the remainder of the trip before departing on Friday 23 April. During this time, students will take part in a cultural exchange programme with Academia Argüello and stay with local host families.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing more about this exciting opportunity for our students. Please email and get in touch with Nicole Lorimer if you are interested but unable to attend, so an information pack can be given to your child.

Upcoming Careers Events

Students and families may be interested in the following upcoming opportunities.

Massey University Open Day

When: Saturday 15 August

Explore study options across a wide range of subject areas, meet academic staff and current students, and learn more about the support services available to students. 
Open Day details and registrations.

Overseas Medical Placements Webinar

When: Monday 17 August

Students interested in studying health related subjects can learn more about the overseas medical placements offered by Projects Abroad. Open to students in Years 10 to 12, these programmes combine practical hospital and community experiences with the opportunity to explore a new country and culture alongside other students. Please join the free webinar for more information.

Explore Engineering at Canterbury

Applications are now open for the January 2027 Engineering Residential Programme. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in engineering to gain valuable insight into university life and study pathways.

University of Auckland Young Scholars Programme

Applications remain open for current Year 12 students. The Auckland Young Scholars Programme gives eligible students the opportunity to experience tertiary study by completing one or two Stage One university courses during Year 13.

Please contact the Careers Department for further information.

Primary News

Tēnā koutou katoa,

The mornings have certainly been chilly this week, and the children have loved arriving to see the icy frost covering the fields. It has been wonderful to watch their excitement as they explore and talk about the winter weather.

We were delighted to officially welcome our new students at Tuesday’s assembly. We are looking forward to seeing them grow and learn and are so impressed with how they have settled into their new school.

This afternoon we are looking forward to the NED Show, which promises plenty of inspiration on how to manage social skills and friendships, learning, and of course lots of yoyo fun for everyone.

Looking ahead to next week, our Year 6 students will be taking part in progression testing in Mathematics, Science, and English before their Checkpoint exams in Term 4. We wish them all the very best as they demonstrate their learning and progress.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

🎵 Primary Solo and Duo Performance Showcase

Who: Year 0 to 2 students
When: Thursday 10 September, 3.30 pm
Where: School Theatre

We are looking forward to celebrating our Year 0 to 2 musicians at our Term 3 Primary Solo and Duo Performance Showcase.

Students who would like to perform are invited to register their interest by Monday 24 August by completing the registration form and uploading an audition video of their chosen piece.

We welcome students of all ability levels and encourage a variety of instruments and musical genres, including voice, to create a balanced and entertaining programme.

Please note that performances should be three minutes or less, and places are limited to 16 students. Families should also be aware that pedal extenders cannot be used on the grand piano in the theatre, so this should be taken into account when selecting a piece.

If you have any questions, please contact cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz.

We look forward to seeing our young musicians take to the stage.

🧸 The One Trick That Gets Kids to Tidy Up – No More Nagging!

Getting children to tidy up can sometimes feel like an endless cycle of reminders, negotiations and frustration. But what if there was a simpler way?

One small change can help make tidying up easier, encourage independence and reduce the daily battles that many families experience.

 Watch this 2-minutes video courtesy Rob Cope: 'Tidying Up Without the Battles'