Message from the Executive Principal

Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요  

Best wishes,
Mike Waller

Message from the Principal of Primary

Primary Enterprise in P19

Our enthusiasm for Primary Enterprise this year really paid off. Our weekly sessions were filled with creativity and collaboration. We began by exploring design briefs, where we learned the importance of thoughtful planning and setting clear, achievable goals for our products. From there, we moved onto the exciting phase of product design and development. We brainstormed innovative ideas, refined our concepts, and created prototypes, making sure to test and improve our design, while keeping sustainability at the forefront of our efforts.

Once our prototypes were perfected, we focused on the production process. We worked collaboratively to ensure our production line was efficient and that our products were of high quality. We also discussed how to build a strong brand and developed marketing plans to effectively promote our products. As part of our preparation, we explored sales, gaining the skills and confidence needed to successfully sell our creations.

Throughout our journey, we were committed and worked effectively as a team. Our hard work was worth it and we were thrilled to see our efforts come to life in a very successful stall.

Understanding Climate Change: A Year 6 Exploration

By William Jiang & Rainbow Williams

This term, Year 6 delved into the pressing topic of climate change. Through our studies, we gained a deeper understanding of its causes, effects, and the urgent need for action.

What Are Greenhouse Gases?
We learned about greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases form a "blanket" around the Earth, keeping it warm. However, when their levels become too high, this blanket traps excessive heat, leading to global warming.

The Role of Humans in Rising CO2 Levels
Our class explored how human activities, like burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased CO2 levels. This rise in CO2 is a major factor driving climate change.

The Consequences of Climate Change
We discussed the serious impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events like the 2023 floods. It’s clear that climate change affects ecosystems, communities, and the future of our planet.

Learning Through Stories and Action
After reading Our House Is on Fire, inspired by Greta Thunberg’s activism, we created our own protest placards. This creative activity helped us express the importance of raising awareness and taking action to combat climate change.

Our studies this term have highlighted the critical role we all play in protecting our planet. We hope to inspire others to join the fight against climate change. Together, we can make a difference!

Road Patrollers’ Reward: A Fun Day at Rainbows End

This week, our Year 6 Road Patrol students enjoyed a trip to Rainbows End Adventure Park. It was a well-deserved reward for their hard work in keeping our school community safe.

We were lucky it wasn’t too busy, and in the first hour, we had already done four rides. The students loved the Corkscrew roller coaster and other exciting rides. They also enjoyed visiting the sweet shop and sharing treats with friends.

The Log Flume ride was a favorite, providing a splash of fun. The Invader ride was thrilling, with lots of screams and laughter. For those seeking more excitement, the Fear Fall and Stratosphere rides were the ultimate challenges. Bumper boats, Dodgems and Go Carts allowed for some thrilling driving fun.

We thank our Road Patrollers for their dedication and service. We appreciate Ms Shaw, Terry and Mr Banyard for accompanying us on our trip.

Kiwi Kapers Trip

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!

Capacity in P4

This week in P4, we’ve been having lots of messy fun while learning about capacity! The students explored terms like empty, quarter full, half full, nearly full, and full to describe how much is in a container. We also measured capacity using non-standard units, ensuring we used the same spoon each time for accuracy. The class enjoyed comparing and ordering objects based on how much they can hold and discovered that the tallest container isn’t always the one with the most capacity. It’s been a week of hands-on learning and lots of fun!

Lions Basketball Team

Our Year 1/2 Lions Basketball team had an excellent season and placed 2^nd overall in Semester 2.  The team won 5, drew 1 and lost 1 game.

Year 0-2 Social – BOUNCE

Last week one hundred and eighty-one the school’s youngest children in Year 0-2 celebrated the end of the school year with a highly energetic social at BOUNCE.

The children were all very eager and excited to explore BOUNCE’s new trampoline park with its climbing walls, foam pits and challenging high ropes course. There was even a ball pit for our littlest New Entrant children to play in!

Our Junior and Senior Year 1 children ‘bounced’ first whilst the Year 2 and NE children enjoyed their afternoon tea snack of chippies and biscuits, and then it was time to swap over.

It was a hot afternoon, ending with lots of sweaty foreheads, huge smiles on faces and thankfully no broken bones. Well done Year 0-2 for a fabulous, memorable celebration together and a successful year in the junior area of Pinehurst School.

Primary Athletics Day

The overall results from Athletics Day are in. Congratulations to all our students on their achievements!

P11 Art

This week in art was very exciting as we used playdough to practice techniques to use to make clay coil pots.

We all enjoyed rolling and coiling the playdough to create a pot shape.

STEM Experience this Week

During our STEM experience this week P11 had to follow instructions and steps to make a paper plane that was aerodynamically balanced and could fly.

We were very successful.

The Year 3 and 4 Movie Evening 2024

It was a very exciting evening at the Albany Events Cinema, when 138, very excited Year 3 and 4’s arrived at the foyer of the Albany Events Cinema.

We were going to see “Harold and the Purple Crayon”. There is nothing so exciting as going to the movies with your friends and being dropped off by mum and dad. The movie theatre was abuzz with chatter, whispers and the eating of popcorn (even though it was dinner time). Overall, we all enjoyed the movie, and we made excellent connections to the other books in the series for example, “The Day the Crayons Quit”.

 What did the students all think of the movie:

• Mia P10: I felt like in some parts it was intense (for example when the floor changed into lava) and other parts were boring.
• Vincent P10: I felt sad when all of the drawings disappeared. I liked it when they put the author into the boy’s world.
• Mrs Kenny thought that the movie provided the audience with a very good lesson about everyone being unique.
•  Mrs McIntosh: I was really excited as it was so organised everyone was was able to attend and were engrossed in the movie itself.
• Stanford and Jinyi P9: We liked it because we were there with our friends and could sit where we wanted (we didn’t have any parents with us)
• Claire P9: It had a lot of funny parts and the actor who was Harold showed a lot of actual emotions – I could see how he felt.
• Mrs K: I was so excited to see how excited all the students and teachers were to be out at the movies together, particularly as it was a sequel to a book, we had all read!
• Sicily P11: It was good because it wasn’t very scary and it was actually kind of funny that Harold drew things that came to life.
• Ethan P11: I liked it because it was quite funny. Harold and Moose were my favourite characters and said funny things.

Overall, we all thought it was a fun, interesting and exciting thing to do together as Year 3 and 4

Registration is now open for our co-curricular music groups for 2025

We offer a wide range of co-curricular music groups that students have the opportunity to take part in.

Our music groups are run by Pinehurst teaching staff or by instrumental specialists, all with an impressive range of experience and knowledge, who work to ensure our students get the most out of these musical opportunities. Our groups meet at various times, such as lunchtime and after school, during the school term. 

More information, including a list of groups on offer, can be found on the Music page on our website.

Register now via our website or via Schoolbridge (under Extra-Curricular). 

Registrations are now open for 2025 Instrumental Lessons at Pinehurst School!

Each week we have specialist instrumental and voice teachers come onto campus to share their wealth of knowledge, experience and passion and give one on one music lessons to students. 

Lessons are open to all students in both Primary and College, from beginners to the more experienced. These lessons also provide a robust foundation for students involved in our College Orchestra and Jazz Band. 

All students need to register for 2025, including those who have previously taken music lessons at school, even if they have let their teacher know they are continuing with lessons. 

If you'd like to learn a Brass instrument, we offer a Brass Scholarship programme to help support and develop our Brass players.

All information, including a list of music lessons on offer, the link to the music lesson registration form and to the brass bursary application form, can be found on our website. Please email Mrs Jaques if you have any questions cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz.

Register now via our website or via Schoolbridge (under Extra-Curricular). 

Lessons start in Week 2, 3 February 2025.

Message from the Principal of College

First Lego League Auckland Regional Competition

We attended the First Lego League Auckland Regional Competition on Saturday 16 November.

Getting up early in the morning, the teams ventured towards to competition venue, Bucklands Beach Intermediate. Luckily, they arrived on time despite the long distance. On the practice rounds, they quickly adapted to the structure and format of the competition, and saw their score improve drastically. Racing against the clock, they felt the intensity of the competition, yet they persevered tenaciously. Invested into their work, the senior team presented a crafted piece regarding oil spills for their innovation project and used RoboRobo parts to construct a prototypical mechanism. Afterwards, all individuals received a Lego-Built Medal and the senior team The Roboschoolies was awarded with a meaningful Lego Trophy; they reflected on the fun they had, and the experiences gained.

Chinese Cultural Activities

This week, our Year 7, 8 and 9 students are immersed with Chinese cultural activities: ink blowing painting, willow pattern plates painting and Chinese knotting.

Ink blowing painting (吹墨画) is a fascinating art technique where ink is blown onto paper or canvas to create intricate, organic patterns. This method allows for a high degree of spontaneity and creativity, as the artist can manipulate the ink flow by varying the direction and intensity of their breath. The resulting images often resemble natural forms like trees, flowers, or abstract designs.

On the other hand, Willow pattern plates (青花瓷盘) are a type of blue and white china that originated in England during the late 18th century. These plates feature a distinctive design inspired by Chinese porcelain, depicting a romanticized scene of a Chinese landscape with elements like pagodas, bridges, and willow trees. The pattern tells a traditional story of star-crossed lovers, adding a narrative element to the beautiful, intricate designs.

Chinese knotting (中国结) is a traditional Chinese folk art that involves creating intricate decorative knots using a single length of cord. This art form has deep cultural significance and is often associated with good luck and prosperity. Each knot is crafted to be symmetrical and can vary in complexity, with some designs incorporating additional elements like beads or jade for added symbolism.

Year 7-8 Sports Prizegiving 2024: Celebrating Excellence and Dedication

On Tuesday, our Year 7-8 Sports Prizegiving brought together students, families, and staff to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our young athletes throughout the year. The event highlighted the diverse talents and commitment of our students who excelled across a variety of sports and demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and teamwork.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our coaches and managers, whose unwavering commitment and expertise have been instrumental in shaping our students’ success. Your dedication, guidance, and support have left a lasting impact on our sporting community.

Thank you to everyone who made this event and the sporting year a success. Here's to another year of excellence and teamwork in 2025!

Please see some of the awards below:

Year 7-8 Supreme Awards

House Shields & JC Fiet Cup

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh

Qualifying Journey. After taking the ferry to Rangitoto, the groups began their hike toward Home Bay on Motutapu Island. Although they reached the summit of Rangitoto, the views were limited due to heavy cloud cover and occasional showers. Upon arriving at Home Bay, the students set up camp, with some taking the opportunity to enjoy a brisk swim in the Hauraki Gulf at the coastal campsite. Friday morning brought more rain, but despite the wet conditions, sore legs, and blisters, the students made their way back to Rangitoto Wharf. Along the way, they displayed remarkable perseverance and resilience. The sense of accomplishment was evident as they boarded the ferry for the journey home.

Year 9 Physical Education – Striking and Fielding

In Year 9, our students are building upon the foundational striking and fielding skills they acquired in Year 7 and 8. The focus of their efforts has been on honing their strategic and tactical awareness in striking and fielding games. Some classes have been focussing on Softball where others have been learning to play English Rounders. Central to this learning experience has been the concept of decision-making. Students have been actively engaged in discussions surrounding the critical decisions they make when both at bat and in the field. When batting, students have been evaluating how carefully aiming their hits can make the difference between an out and a run scored. Additionally, students have been learning to analyse the position of opposition batters whilst fielding to make effective decisions about where to throw the ball once it's in their possession.

Success at North Harbour Badminton Girls Zone Day

Our students showcased their talent and determination at the North Harbour Badminton Girls Zone Day!

A special congratulations to Anna L, who placed 3rd in the Girls Singles competition, demonstrating exceptional skill and focus on the court. Additionally, Anna L and Yu Ying Z performed brilliantly as a team, securing 5th place in the Girls Doubles competition.

We also commend Yuri C and Talia H, who paired together in the doubles and played exceptionally well, displaying great teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Well done to all participants for representing our school with pride and dedication. Your efforts are truly inspiring!

Students vs Wild

As part of the Students vs. Wild adventure, a group of students set out before dawn to hike to the top of Pinnacles National Park for a stunning sunrise. Armed with headlamps, they navigated rocky trails and steep terrain, supporting each other through the challenging ascent. The journey tested both their endurance and teamwork, with the promise of an unforgettable view spurring them on.

At the summit, they were greeted by a breathtaking sunrise, painting the sky over the rugged peaks and valleys below. For many, the experience was a powerful reminder of the rewards that come from pushing personal limits and embracing the beauty of nature.

Volleyball North Island Secondary Schools (NISS) competition

Our Junior Boys’ and Girls’ 1st Volleyball teams have spent the last four days battling it out on the volleyball court at the Bruce Pulman Arena in Takanini.  It is the first time Pinehurst has sent juniors to the tournament and it has been a positive experience for everyone. 

Both teams have improved tremendously and have seen a side of volleyball they don’t often get to see.  They have appreciated the experience and discipline that comes with winning having to stay for late games and rise early for their first games.  There is some amazing talent among our players and we look forward to seeing what they can produce in the future.   

College Art Exhibition

Please join us for a showcase of the remarkable and diverse talents of our college students. Enjoy light refreshments and an opportunity to mix and mingle while taking in the wide array of artwork.

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.

Anna L Shines at the FBC Open 2024