No images? Click here
Message from the Executive Principal
Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The last ten weeks have flown by and we now find ourselves at the mid-point of the year with two terms completed and two to go. Reflecting on the term, the is a great deal to be proud of, with our students enjoying great success across all areas of school life.
On Wednesday evening I enjoyed watching the College performance of High School Musical. With live music and outstanding singing and acting, a great deal of talent was on display. The entire cast and crew have come together so well, and I am sure there have been deep connections made between the students that will last well beyond the show. If you are attending either of the last performances, you are in for a real treat to start the break.
Unfortunately, the weather played its part again this week leading to the cancellation of the cross-country for College students and the supercluster football for our Primary team. Despite the rain, our Year 4 classes has a great day at the art gallery and they came back inspired to find ways to share their creative ideas. Now that we are through the shortest days of the year, we all have our fingers crossed that next term will be a little drier so that we can enjoy all of the available outdoor opportunities.
On Sunday evening, a group of 50 staff and students will be traveling to the United States for ‘Space Camp’, an opportunity for them to take part in a range of design and problem-solving activities focused on the exploration of space. It promises to be a great trip for all involved and now that international travel is back in full swing, we will continue to investigate other trips so that students have a chance to experience new and exciting places.
Looking ahead, Term Three is a critical one for our students in Years 11-13. They will begin the final preparation for their external examinations and will naturally bring an academic focus to their school life. There is also a lesson there for all of us and that is that we need to intentionally plan for success. It is easy to think about excellence as an outcome, but we must be prepared to pursue excellence as a process if we are to achieve our goals.
During the break, I hope you are able to spend some quality time together as a family with rich conversation that is afforded by extra time. These conversations may reveal more about your child than you might normally see and lead to areas that may be outside of your comfort zone. If you need any advice or ideas on how to support your child, please reach out to us. As a community, we are here to help your child and you.
Finally, best wishes to you and your family for the holiday break and that you are able to enjoy Matariki celebrations, wherever you may be.
Regards
Mike Waller
如需阅读校长的中文留言和重要事件日期，请点击
Message from the Principal of Primary
Kia ora,
Our Year 3 and 4 syndicate have had an exciting time this week with visits to Stardome for Year 3 and the Auckland Art Gallery for Year 4. Our visits link to curriculum programmes and help to bring life to learning by providing a variety of stimulating contexts to challenge thinking and bring a sense of awe. By all accounts everyone had a fantastic time, and our students were great ambassadors for our school. Not so long ago we couldn't go on trips outside of the classroom and it is wonderful to be able to visit places of interest again.
One of the aspects of our school that we work hard to foster is independence and along with that goes confidence. This week's whole school assembly was a great example of young children having the opportunities to demonstrate those skills through leadership. Our young leaders were tasked with the running of the assembly, and it was totally up to them to decide what they wanted to present. For the past few weeks there has been a steady stream of students into Mrs Jones Hill's office coming to share their ideas for the assembly. What a show of talent it was, with riddles to solve and magic tricks being very popular with the audience. Mrs Jones Hill was very proud of everyone who took part.
Earlier this term we put the call out for staff in the Primary who are passionate about the world we live in and who wanted to create initiatives to teach children about their footprint on their environment. They have lots of fantastic ideas about how we can all be more conscious of the resources we use and have already instigated Pinehurst Planet Protectors with students in Years 5 and 6 meeting each week to discuss their ideas. We will be starting with the waste we create through lunches and snacks and investigating ways of reducing rubbish and the use of plastics especially. Zero waste will be the aim so look out for some information coming your way next term. We will need everyone's help to protect the planet!
You will receive your child's Term 3 overview today on Seesaw. This details the programmes of learning your child will be involved in next term in each subject. Please give your child opportunities to read during the holidays, set a timer if it's not their favourite thing to do. As always, we want to thank you for your support, the smiles, and the chats at the start and end of the day. Take care of yourselves and see you in three weeks.
Nga mihi,
Sian
Ngā mihi,
Sian
Exploring Line in P23
In P23 we have been exploring line using pastel and coloured paper. First, we read ‘The Dot’ by Peter H Reynolds. In this story a little girl called Vashti was struggling in her art class to draw anything on her paper. Her teacher encouraged her to make a mark and then sign it. On returning to art class Vashti saw her dot framed in swirly gold. She then felt motivated to show all the amazing types of dots that she could make. Vashti kept experimenting with colourful dots, small and large dots and even made a dot without painting a dot! We talked about how everyone’s dot is unique to them and can be celebrated.
Mandarin
This term, Year 5 students have learned about how to tell stories with proper opening, body and ending using 5 senses. Y6 students have looked at important inventions in human history and learned to write lost and found notes.
The mixed group has been learning about pets and animals. Not only have we learned to use the correct measure word for each animal, but we can also discuss our own pets and describe them using adjectives.
In the last week of the term, we all celebrated the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节 duānwǔjié) in various ways. We explored the festival's origin, learned about different types of dragon boats, and discovered the traditional food associated with this special event.
CHESS SUCCESS
On Sunday, the first of the Monthly School Chess Competition was successfully held at Northcote Citizens Centre. This is open to our primary students to attend with their families.
We would like to congratulate the following students on their achievements:
Leslie Yan, Quinn Song and Oscar Zhou attended the competition and they won 3rd place in the Y1-4 School groups.
Last Friday, 24th June, Jasmin Jiang competed in the Auckland Girls Championships 2023 and won first place in the under 6 age group – well done Jasmin!
Flippaball Success – Pinehurst Year 5-6 Makos
The Pinehurst Year 5-6 Makos have gone from strength to strength this year, as they have won every single game of the Term. Remarkably, the team hadn’t been scored on for the whole season until the Final for 1st and 2nd Place, in which Takapuna Orcas only managed to score 1 goal. The team took out the final for 1st and 2nd Place in the C grade last week, winning 3-1. This means that the team will most likely be promoted to the next grade, which will be a great challenge for our Makos team. It is awesome to see the improvement across the board within this team and we are excited to see them in action next Term. A huge thank you to the Coaches and Manager for their effort over the last two Terms.
Stardome and Pizza – What a fantastic way to end Term 2.
On Monday, the Year 3’s had a very informative visit to Stardome. The outdoor education experience linked to our science unit this term. We were able to explore the models within the complex and found some amazing facts on the fact hunt. Afterwards, we went to outer space. The theatre was quite dark so we could see some of the constellations and we even got to see the planets, the screen made them really big. Did you know that some of the stars that shine at night are actually planets? Also, if you are on the moon and you go into a shadow, it is extremely cold, and you could freeze.
We were lucky that the sun continued to shine, and we could have our lunch in the park and then play on the playground. It was a fun way to end our trip.
During the last five weeks, P9 have become Math Whizz Super Stars. Each member of the class worked very hard to achieve their three Maths Whizz progressions for five weeks in a row. Classes that reach this target are treated to a pizza lunch. This yummy incentive, plus the drive to work together as a team, meant that even students who were away completed their progressions. So, on Tuesday, Kirsty kindly ordered our pizzas and delivered them to our classroom. Ka rawe mahi P9.
Clay in P19
After our trip to Orewa Arts Centre, where we studied clay techniques and made our own sculptures, we practised our skills in the classroom by creating a clay tile. During Term 2, we have been studying how art can preserve the past in landscape paintings, so we decided that our tiles should be based on a landscape. Out designs aimed to have a foreground, middle ground, and background to create depth.
We experimented with different clay techniques, including joining clay together using hatching and slip, making coils, and twisting and braiding them, carving details into the clay and smoothing joins. We experimented with a variety of tools to help us with the techniques, and to make marks and create textures in the tile’s surface. For this project we used air dry clay so the tiles will not be fired, instead we will let them slowly dry out over the holidays. We are looking forward to painting them.
We are really proud of the clay tiles. We all drew on different sources for inspiration and explored many different ideas, reflecting the creativity and individuality in Year 6.
Clay Reflection by Mateo:
I learned how to make braids from coils and enjoyed using this technique to make a tree trunk. I also practised using hatching and slip to stick pieces of clay together. It took a long time to make a landscape, I also added an animal, which made it difficult, but I enjoyed it and am proud of my tile.
Clay Reflection by Ivy:
I created a sunset relief tile. I enjoyed practising the skills I had learned at Orewa Arts Centre, for example adding texture and hatching. I made different textures with a kebab stick. I was happy we worked with air dry clay, so I didn’t have to worry that my work might explode in the kiln! I am looking forward to painting my tile.
Clay Reflection by Olivia:
I created a beach landscape tile. I am proud of my it because I added lots of details and textures. I also added layers with slip and hatching. It was difficult to finish it in time and to work with the clay before it dried.
Message from the Principal of College
Kia ora e te whānau o Pinehurst School
At Pinehurst, we don’t slow down towards the end of term; the pace is well and truly maintained, and this week was no exception. After a tremendous school ball at the Crowne Plaza on Saturday evening, we went into week 10 feeling positive and energised.
I was delighted to be able to spend some of Monday evening supporting our Year 7 and 8 Lakers Basketball team. The boys have had a wonderful semester and made it into the final for their league, playing against Ponsonby Intermediate. The game was very exciting and the two teams were extremely well matched. At the final whistle, the Pinehurst team were just beaten by one point. I was so proud of the way all of the boys fought until the last minute of the game and also the sportsmanship they demonstrated throughout the game.
On Tuesday, we had a full day of rehearsal for the High School Musical cast and crew and then in the evening we were extremely fortunate to have members of the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra visit us to run sectional practices with members of the College Orchestra. It was a busy but productive day for many of our musical students.
College reports were released on Wednesday after school. The reports paint a picture of hard work and endeavour from our students over this half-year. Students should carefully read and take note of the advice and guidance from their teachers and ensure that they understand how to act on the advice they have been given.
High School Musical has been running since Wednesday and the closing night is tomorrow. Opening night was a huge success as was last night’s performance; the cast and crew can be proud of the work they have done to get the production ready for us to enjoy. School productions provide an opportunity for the entire school community to celebrate some of the hard work, commitment and talent of our students and it was wonderful to see tickets selling so well. I am looking forward to being in the audience tomorrow evening.
This coming Sunday, forty-seven Pinehurst College students and four of their teachers, led by Mr Reynolds, head off to the United States for what is bound to be an amazing experience at Space Camp. They will spend time in San Fransisco, Silicon Valley and Houston where they will experience hands on space industry activities. This is certain to be an unforgettable experience for the students and we are eager to hear about their adventures when they return.
Enjoy the school break, I am looking forward to seeing you in Term 3.
Ngā mihi nui
Dawn
Update from the Junior Debate Club
Should murderers be released from prison? This was the question at the heart of the debate session our Junior Debating Club had on Thursday, the 22nd of June.
On the affirmative side, Anna Gao, Zoe Wang, and Sylvia Yang argued against their release, recognizing the seriousness of their crimes and the need to ensure public safety. They emphasized punishment and the rights of victims and their families.
On the negative side, Alex Stanford, Oliver Pendergrast, and Sabrina Mok believed in the possibility of rehabilitation and second chances. They argued for the importance of helping offenders change and return to society.
This debate explored these opposing views, considering the complexities of justice, rehabilitation, and public safety.
Both teams were well organised, and presented us with a very well-crafted and entertaining debate session. Congratulations to the affirmative team who won by a narrow margin and to Alex Stanford who was voted best individual speaker.
Volunteer Club
This term the Volunteer Club, with over 30 members, has been busily volunteering some of their after-school time every Monday to walk dogs and chat to the residents of Settlers retirement village in Albany. Although some members are not available to be on the weekly roster, students volunteer ‘behind the scenes’ to create crafts and cards with uplifting messages written to give to the residents. Many of the residents treasure these crafts and messages and this truly demonstrates how a little really does go a long way and even young school students can have such a positive, profound impact on our hapori. On Monday, the Volunteer Club organised a quiz afternoon,
‘Quizingo’ where residents were in teams with our Pinehurst students and worked together to answer a variety of questions that were made by some of our members. Prizes were given to the top three teams who got the most points, and we even had a piano performance from one of our members Chloe Zhang, which the residents thoroughly enjoyed! Overall, all the visitations have been so rewarding helping members of our community by spreading aroha in the form of service.
A huge thank you to Elaine from Settlers rest home who consistently communicated with the leaders and made the visitations possible. Also, another thank you to Mr Johansen for all the support and guidance for our club.
-Katrina and Natalie (Volunteer Club Leaders)
AKSS Intercollegiate Individual Swimming Champs
Congratulations to our three swimmers, Osbert Gu, Yeenok Zhang, and Sonny Liu, who competed in the AKSS Intercollegiate Individual Swimming Champs. All three had podium finishes in events they had entered. Well done!
Year 8 PE
The Year 8 students have been coming to the end of their Net Games Unit in Physical Education. They have been focussing on cooperative activities to develop their ability to be a productive member of a team. They have practiced conflict resolution, active listening, goal setting and evaluating strengths and weaknesses as a team. The classes rounded off the term with a tournament to practice their cooperative skills in a competitive environment, with many classes choosing badminton doubles.
Year 7-8 Lakers Basketball – Spoils in the final
The Year 7-8 Lakers Basketball team has had a very strong Semester, with the team only losing one game which was to TNIS Spurs by 3 points. This winning streak landed the Lakers team in the final for 1st and 2nd Place in League 4, against Ponsonby Intermediate Bucks. This was a very tight game, and it went down to the wire with the teams being very even. Unfortunately, the team lost by 1 point, 21-22. Although the Lakers came away with Silver medals, the team played exceptionally well, not just in the final, but throughout the whole season. The team and Coach (Rochelle Pompallier) should be very proud of their season, and this is a great building block leading into next Semester. A huge thank you to the Coaching Staff and Manager for the time and effort that you have put into developing this team over the Semester.
Year 13 Chemistry - Making Plastic from Potato Starch
Students in A2 Chemistry have been studying polymers. As part of the unit, they have made plastic out of potato starch. They first had to extract the starch out of the potato by grinding the potato with a solvent and decanting a number of times. Then they made the plastic using acid and propan-1,2,3-ol. Some students added dye to their polymer. A lot of fun was had making their plastic.
Creative Writing Club
Oh, the Beautiful World Shall Never Be the Same,
- By Carmen Chen
Oh, the beautiful world shall never be the same,
Without you, my faithful and devoted companion.
Remember all those days filled with such fun and games?
I feel as though my heart’s been dropped into a canyon.
Down, down all the way down, so deep down it plunged,
A gaping hole in my soul that shall never be filled.
A loyal pet who shall never be expunged.
How I wish you had not been killed!
Nevermore shall I have a good friend to play ‘fetch’ with,
I’ll miss those days that were filled with such fun,
In the nights I'll never sleep soundly, only twist and writhe,
For without you, the amount of joy is none.
We were always together through thick and thin.
My wistful tears fall, each one containing a loving memory.
No one will ever be as loyal as you, not even your twin.
Sadly, nothing will cure my anguish, not even the strongest remedy.
Oh, the beautiful world shall never be the same,
But alas, hard as it will be, we will move on.
Your picture will rest in a golden frame of love.
You, my trustworthy friend, who will be replaced by none.
For your place in my soul is always above,
However, we must, oh, we must, continue with life.
Perhaps happiness can still be found in the hallways.
Rest now, for your love is imprinted on us for eternity.
Toi o te wiki
Our Year 7 students have finished the term, and their rotation in Visual Art, with their eyes firmly set on achieving personal excellence.
These beautiful works have been created to celebrate Matariki.
Students have been learning about Toi Māori artforms including:
Tāniko: a method of decorative weaving used especially to decorate the borders of fine garments.
Kowhaiwhai: Kowhaiwhai are Māori motifs. They are a way to tell a story and each has a meaning. Kowhaiwhai patterns are traditionally painted in whare tipuna (meeting houses), pataka (storehouses), on the prow of a waka (canoe).
Whakairo: Toi whakairo (art carving) or just whakairo (carving) is a Māori traditional art of carving in wood, stone or bone.
Raranga: Raranga is a weaving style used for rourou (food baskets), kete (bags) and other small objects.
Included in these circular Toi Māori works are Tui and Kea feathers, the wings of butterflies such as the Monarch. There are elements of water/earth/sea and sky present in the works that connect to the whētu of the Matariki constellation.
Whatever your whānau are dnoing over Matariki, the arts faculty wish you health and prosperity for the year to come.
We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of Year 7 students into the art faculty – we know they will do extraordinary things.
Year 7 Toi Māori by (left to right)
Row 1: Sylvia, Lucci, Charlotte
Row 2: Harry, Abbie, Declan
Row 3: Junchen, Tiffany, Suki
Only 2 More Shows: High School Musical!
Gather round, Wildcats, Pinehurst's production of High School Musical is nearly here! The cast and crew have been working so hard for the past two terms to bring you a phenomenal show filled with singing, dancing, and basketballs.
We are so excited to perform for you, so get in quick to get your tickets before we sell out! Only tonight and tomorrow left!
Tickets are $20 - grab them here: https://events.humanitix.com/high-school-musical-dut2bnik
Pre-show coffee will be available to purchase from 6.15 at the Busy Bean Cafe in College 4.
Get ready to Break Free and give a big Wildcat Cheer for High School Musical
Dad's F&T makes a Comeback!
A great evening for our first Dad's F&T - with the best turnout so far. Despite the miserable weather we had the best turnout since the event was first introduced. So much so that the space booked for 20 couldn't hold all our Dads, so additional space was needed for the group. It was a great evening with the majority of the attendees being first time guests of Dad's F&T and also new to the school. It was great seeing Mike Waller attend and his presence was very much appreciated by all who had the chance to meet and chat to him. More catchups including other events such as golf or social soccer have been requested - so watch this space for the next event - just for Dads!
