Message from the Executive Principal

Kia ora koutou, good afternoon,

With another short week at the start of the year, students might have felt a bit unsettled. However, that has certainly not been the case. I have been incredibly impressed by how everyone has managed the disruptions with quiet focus both in and out of the classroom.

The school camp season kicked off with a fantastic Year 6 camp at Carey Park. I had the pleasure of visiting the group yesterday and enjoyed hearing about the great activities and challenges they had overcome. Importantly, the positive remarks about the food suggest it was an overwhelming success! A big thank you to all the parents who attended the camp; your efforts are greatly appreciated. I am also thankful to all the staff who sacrificed time with their families during the week (including Waitangi Day) to make it such a memorable experience.

I was delighted to learn that 19 of our College students will be recognised at the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards next week. We will share the details of the students and awards following the ceremony, but the evening will be a great opportunity to celebrate the incredible talents of our students and the support they receive on their academic journey.

Today, our College students enjoyed their annual athletics day, filled with strong competition and plenty of fun. These days are important in our school year, providing a chance for outstanding athletes to showcase their talents and for students to come together in an effort to lead their houses to victory. For our Year 13s, it was an early 'last,' reminding us to make the most of every opportunity before it's gone. Results will be celebrated in upcoming assemblies.

Traffic safety around the school, especially during drop-off and pick-up times, is a shared responsibility and must be taken seriously. Please ensure you are cautious of students crossing roads and cooperate with our staff who are managing traffic during peak times.

Next week, we are looking forward to many activities starting up. I know the students are excited to pursue their passions and challenge themselves in new endeavours. Involvement in activities outside the classroom is crucial for holistic development and teaches many life lessons that will serve the children well into the future.

Throughout the year, your child will inevitably face a range of ups and downs. While the ups are certainly reasons for celebration, the downs can present challenges. Our goal at school is to support your child in bouncing back from these lows, and we understand this is not always easy. If you or your child need any help overcoming difficult moments in the year, please reach out; we are here to assist.

Finally, I wish a happy and prosperous New Year to those celebrating in the coming days.

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend.

Best wishes,

Mike Waller

Dates for your Diary

Monday 12 February

Year 5-6 Basketball Trial
New Families Meet and Greet
Year 4 Swimming Lessons
Year 5 Swimming Lessons

Tuesday 13 February

Year 5, Swimming Lessons
Year 3-6, Parent Information Evening and Year 3 and 4 Camp Information Evening
Year 9, Parent Information Evening

Wednesday 14 February

Year 3-4 Basketball Trials
Year 5, Swimming Lessons

Thursday 15 February

Year 3 Camp
Year 5, Swimming Lessons

Friday 16 February

DOE - Silver Qualifier
Year 7-8 Basketball Trials
Year 3 Camp
Year 5, Swimming Lessons

SEE MORE DATES

Message from the Principal of College

Tēnā koutou katoa

This morning, our students donned House colours and headed off to the Millennium Institue to compete in Inter-House Athletics. Athletics day is always greatly anticipated by our students and by the time you read this newsletter, students will have run, jumped and thrown their way through the day.

As we moved into week 2 of the term, student notices reflected the myriad of extra-curricular opportunities offered to Pinehurst students. I encourage every student to involve themselves in at least one school activity outside of their timetable. Whilst research suggests that involvement in a range of school activities enhances academic achievement, there are many other benefits. As well as opportunities to further their interests and develop skills, extra-curricular pursuits enable students to build self-esteem by broadening their social connections in the school community. There is so much on offer, and there really should be something for everyone, so please do discuss this at home and decide on which groups would work best for you.

The beautiful weather and opportunity to spend time with family on Waitangi Day was made even better by the news from Cambridge that Pinehurst students have gained twenty-two Cambridge Outstanding Learner awards from the 2023 examination series. This includes seven Top in The World awards across IGCSE, AS and A Level. Additionally, the awards span all seven of our departments in the College, demonstrating excellence in teaching and consistent commitment from our students. Last year, over two million students sat Cambridge examinations in over ten thousand schools in countries around the world. We are so proud of our students who work hard to become some of the best performing learners in New Zealand and in the world. Students will receive their awards at a special ceremony in Auckland on 15 February.

A reminder is that if students are driving to school, they must not park on the school site and abide by their restricted license rules. The safety of all our students is of utmost importance to us. Students are not permitted to carry passengers under a restricted license.

We have our first full week of the year next week, and some exciting things to look forward to. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Year 9 information evening which will be held in the theatre on Tuesday, and I hope you all enjoy some time to relax over the weekend.

Ngā mihi nui

Dawn

College News

Economists Eat Watermelon

Who wants to spend an entire lesson eating watermelon?? For free?? That’s what Year 13 students did in their Economics class this week. We started off the new topic off with an experiment called The Watermelon Test. In this experiment, students eat slices of watermelon, and keep a track of their total satisfaction (or utility) from each slice they eat. Renalle, Dylan, Jack and Jax all opted to be test-subjects, while the other students monitored results. We proved, in a highly scientific manner, that as more watermelon was eaten less and less satisfaction was gained from each slice. We had some intriguing results. One student was overall better off for having eaten 18 slice of watermelon. On the other hand, several students kept eating after it made until their overall utility decrease, in other words, they felt sick. This nicely demonstrates the law of diminishing marginal utility, which is an important concept in the A2 syllabus this year.

Year 10-11 Physical Education – Frisbee Games

The Year 10 and 11 students have started the year with a Frisbee Games Unit. The focus of this unit is for students to develop a range of cooperative teamwork skills and unique technical movement skills. So far, lessons have involved Frisbee Volleyball, Frisbee Softball, throwing for accuracy and distance. Most classes are now moving onto learning the rules of Ultimate Frisbee and are looking forward to putting their skills to the test in an interclass tournament.

Year 11 Geography

Year 11 Geography has started the term looking at weather and climate. We got to experience field work skills outside of the classroom. Students were asked to move around the school recording wind and temperature using anemometers in various places. We are hoping to repeat the experiment throughout the year to record changes. We were lucky enough to have a bright clear day to contrast with winter weather later in the year.

Golf Success

Over the holidays, Sarah (8PL) in Year 8 continued her exceptional golfing form at several tournaments around the North Island. Sarah, who placed 2nd overall at AIMS Games in the 18 Hole Championship, continued her strong form in December 2023 as she placed 1st in the 11-12 year old division at the 2023 World Star of Golf New Zealand Open Championship which was held at Windross Farm Golf Club. Sarah then went on to compete in the 2024 Lydia Ko Junior Open at Pupuke Golf Club in which she placed 2nd overall. More recently, Sarah placed 1st in the North Island Girls Under 16 Championship which was held at Taupo Golf Club. A huge congratulations to Sarah for her outstanding results. We are looking forward to watching Sarah excel this year on the Golf course and continue her winning form.

Mandarin Classes Embracing the Tradition

This Chinese New Year is on this Saturday 10 February. Our Junior College Mandarin Classes are embracing the tradition of red envelopes, known as "hongbao." Symbolizing luck and prosperity, these envelopes are being lovingly crafted by our students, each one a unique expression of our cultural diversity and unity. We wish each other a year filled with happiness and success. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Registration is now open for our co-curricular music groups for 2024.

We offer a wide range of co-curricular music groups that students have the opportunity to take part in, including Choir and Orchestra for both Primary and College students.

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.

Please go to the Music page on our website for a list of our music groups and to register.

Registrations are now open for 2024 Instrumental Lessons at Pinehurst School!

Each week, 16 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. And if you'd like to learn a Brass instrument, we offer a Brass Scholarship programme to help support and develop our Brass players.

Students who have previously taken music lessons at school need to register again for 2024 even if they have let their teacher know they are continuing with lessons.

Register now via our website. Lessons start in Week 2, 5 February 2024.

Please email Mrs Jaques if you have any questions cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz.

Message from the Principal of Primary

Year 4 started swimming lessons this week and they were very excited to bring their togs to school and travel by bus to Northern Arena. Next week it will be the turn of Year 5 and later in the term Year 6 will learn to sail at Murrays Bay beach as part of the Waterwise programme. The beautiful weather has taken many of us to the beach and swimming pools and so it is very important for all children to learn how to swim, and the earlier the better. Our programmes are designed to build confidence so that our students can safely enjoy the water and to complement what parents do about water safety at home.

We are continuing to focus on building relationships with our students so that they feel a sense of belonging and connection. A new class with different friends to play with takes time to bring together and teachers are busy getting to know their new classes and the best ways to help them to learn. Happy children feel safe to learn and to take responsible risks. On the playground we are watching out for children playing by themselves and checking in with them to make sure they don’t feel lonely. One of the roles our Year 6 Peer Mediators will take on once they are selected, is to spend time in the playgrounds making sure that younger children have a friend to play with and helping with any minor disagreements. It is an important role and one they take seriously.

It was lovely to see so many parents gather at our New to 2 parent information evening on Wednesday. The event was well attended, and parents came away with a greater sense of understanding of what and how their child will learn this year. We also discussed social and emotional changes applicable to the different age groups and what parents can expect socially from their child. On Tuesday next week it will be the turn of Years 3-6 parents and we are looking forward to a great turn out and an opportunity to connect and share with you the plans for 2024. Please don’t hesitate to talk to your child’s teacher, syndicate leader or myself and Catherine if there is anything we can help you with or any concerns you have about your child.

Thanks for a great week.

Ngā mihi, Sian

Primary News

P23 Global Perspectives

Our new Senior year one students have begun the year working hard in Global Perspectives.

The lesson began with a group discussion all about the topic of growing up, inviting the children to think of their own questions during the discussion: We talked about what does it mean to ‘grow up’? Are you growing up? How do you know? Can you remember being younger? How were you different then? Why do we need to grow up? Why can’t we stay as children? How will you be different in a few years? Will you be able to do different things?

We then worked on the activity which needed us to cut out pictures before sorting them into one of the three different columns. A fun way to combine working on our gross and fine motor skills as we decided which age group the picture belonged in.

The lesson plenary today was listening to a story called “Growing and Growing Up” and our exit pass was independently posting a photo of our completed activity onto Seesaw.

Big Write in P15

Last week we started our first writing mission for the year ‘Animals in danger’. Dan Johnson, an eco film-maker, is in Sumatra making a film about endangered orangutans and he is in need of P15’s help! Already, students have delved into the world of orangutans, exploring their habitat, behaviour, and the numerous threats they face. They have uncovered alarming facts about the decline in the orangutan population due to deforestation and illegal hunting.

Before students start using this information to help Dan write a radio broadcast, they have written a letter to him to apply to be his assistant. In our first ‘Big Write’ for the year, students used persuasive language, rhetorical questions, and exciting vocabulary to convince Dan that they are suited for the job. These writing techniques will also be valuable when it comes to persuading the public to help save the orangutans.

Music in Years' 1-3

This term at Pinehurst School, Year 1 students have been busy with "Exploring Timbre." They've been trying out different sounds using voices, body percussion, and various instruments. These activities help them understand the basics of timbre, pitch, and volume. They're also developing their understanding of performance etiquette and how to give and receive feedback.

Year 2's focus is on "Animal Voices." It's all about mimicking animal sounds, which helps the students to understand musical concepts like pulse and pitch. They're working on singing and playing instruments more accurately, taking inspiration from animal sounds and pieces from 'Carnival of the Animals'. They are also starting to learn some basic musical notations.

For Year 3, it's all about "Rhythm and Pulse." Students are learning to tell the difference between beat and rhythm and are becoming more familiar with different note durations. Their activities include clapping and tapping to various rhythms, and they're using body percussion and starting to play the recorder. This is setting them up for more musical learning and future work with other instruments. Interesting fact: did you know that the recorder has the same fingering as the saxophone?

In P2

In P2, we have had a fantastic start to the year! We have been settling into the routine of school, making new friends, becoming more independent and learning many new things! Here are some other things we have loved at school so far;

"I love writing because it helps me to know what words to say and spell."- Seraphina
"I like Science because I like learning the parts of the body and where they are"- Mia
"I love PE because it makes me good at throwing." Doria
"I like maths because we can do addition and subtraction."- Neo
"I love drawing and painting and making a blue octopus in art."- Kathy
"I love being in P2 because Miss O'Connor is my teacher."- Drew
"I like being in P2 because I love learning with Miss O'Connor"- Richard

Year 0 - 3 Physical Education

In Physical Education for students in Year 0 - 3, the focus is on developing their fundamental movement skills through the use of invasion games. These games encompass various sports such as basketball, netball, football, rugby, and hockey.

Throughout the term, students will be assessed on their proficiency in performing locomotor skills like running, jumping, and hopping. They will also be evaluated on stability skills such as balancing and landing, as well as manipulative skills including throwing, catching, kicking, and trapping.

In addition to acquiring these specific sports-related abilities, our students are also beginning to learn important teamwork concepts. They discover how to collaborate effectively with their peers and navigate challenges that arise when working together. Moreover, they understand the significance of positively influencing others' experiences within a group setting.

It's crucial for students to recognize that the skills they acquire in PE can extend beyond school boundaries. Whether it's at home or with friends or even in a club setting outside of school hours. The interpersonal skill set developed through teamwork is an essential aspect of life that can greatly contribute to success in any chosen career path later on.

Community News and Events

Well done Cynthia!

We are delighted to announce that Cynthia has been honored with the Highest National Score for Jazz Development Levels by GDQ (Global Dance Qualification). We couldn't be prouder of her remarkable achievements in this field.

Additionally, Cynthia's recent participation in the Anthony Mosse Classic 2024 swimming competition was a resounding success. She earned three gold medals in the 50m and 100m butterfly events, as well as the 50m backstroke event. She also secured a silver medal in the 100m backstroke event and three bronze medals in the 50m and 100m breaststroke events, along with the 100m freestyle event. These achievements were accomplished within the category of girls aged nine years old and under. Furthermore, Cynthia broke the North Shore Swimming Club's record for Year 9 girls in the highly competitive discipline of the 50-meter butterfly stroke.

Congratulations Shawn!

Congratulations to Shawn L who won the 2023 Most Valuable Player Award from the North Harbor Water Polo Intermediate League. Shawn was recognized by North Harbour Intermediate League among so many schools, which is an outstanding honor.

Devin Bu's remarkable achievements

Devin Bu's outstanding accomplishment in the Anthony Mosse Classic 2024 Swimming Competition that occurred during the school break is truly remarkable. Devin has been an active member of the North Shore Club since last year, and his dedication and hard work have resulted in significant growth in both his skills and performance throughout this time.

Devin achieved the following:

3 Gold Medals - (10&O,50,100,200 Breaststroke)

3 Silver Medals - (10&O,200 Backstroke,200IM/Medley,50 Butterfly)

4 Bronze Medals - (Mixed 11&U, 200 Freestyle & 200 Medley Relay,10&O,50 Backstroke &100 Freestyle)

Well don Devin!

Julie's Remarkable Performance in Australian Fencing Tournaments

Julie recently participated in two fencing tournaments held in Australia within the past few days. Now, let's take a look at the outcomes she achieved during these competitions.

2024 Australian And Oceania Junior Fencing Championships - she was selected by Fencing New Zealand to compete in this event. She was one of youngest fencers and ranked 28th in the event.

2024 Australian Youth Circuit (AYC) #1- she ranked 7th in the individual girl’s Epee event and ranked 2nd in the team event.

Australian DanceSport Championship

Cecilia L (P17) participated in the "77th ADS Australian DanceSport Championship" held on December 6, 2023. This prestigious competition featured various dance styles including Latin, New Vogue, and Ballroom. Cecilia achieved remarkable success in the event and secured the following positions:

First Place ---Sub-Juvenile Open New Vogue Championship
First Place--- Sub-Juvenile Open Standard Championship
Third Place--- Sub-Juvenile Open Latin Championship
First Place ---Sub-Juvenile Open Latin-Paso
First Place ---Sub-Juvenile B Grade New Vogue
First Place--- Sub-Juvenile Open Standard-V.Waltz
First Place ---Sub-Juvenile B Grade Latin
First Place ---Sub-Juvenile B Grade Standard
First Place ---Sub-Juvenile Follow C Grade New Vogue-G.Tap

In 2023 CBOC China Ballroom Dance National Open Championship. Cecilia won First place in Under 10years old V.Waltz, Q.Step. and Paso.

Congratulations Cecilia!

Nicole C's wonderful Golf news

Nicole C spent the first week of school in Thailand playing some very cool golf at the Siam Country Club in Pattaya.

Among elite players, Nicole really played spectacularly well in the prestigious Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific tournament. Easily making the cut , Nicole went on to finish the four rounds an astounding 6 under.
Nicole was thrilled to have the on-course support of Mrs Daly. We are delighted to welcome Nicole back to school golf beginning Monday and wish Team 1 and 2 well in the North Harbour school competition.

2023 FIRST Robotics Competition Winners

Diana S (Year 10) and Peter S (Year 9) - both students from BestCoder Education, entered the 2023 FIRST Robotics Competition in December, against various high schools across NZ. Despite facing older and more experience competitors , they performed exceptionally well, securing the first and second place is in the competition. Their team will represent NZ in the World Championship in April, which is held in Houston USA. Congratulations to you both for an amazing achievement!

Please see further below for BestCoder Education class information.

Christmas Horse Show

Congratulations to Lola on achieving 3rd place in her '2023 Christmas Horse Show.'

Uniform Shop

Limited edition Pinehurst x Titleist PRO V1 golf balls are now available in the uniform shop! Buy now and improve your skills.

Our opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Welcome to contact anna.xu@pinehurst.school.nz if you have any other questions. Thank you.

Notices and Events

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