Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We’ve had a great week, with plenty happening in and out of the classroom. Yesterday's buddy classes were certainly a highlight, and the way our older students connect with our youngest speaks to the strength of our community.

On Tuesday, there was a great deal of excitement in Primary as students enjoyed Lego-themed learning throughout the day. It is always wonderful to see students' imaginations come to life and to observe how the tangible act of building can create deep and meaningful learning opportunities. I am sure many of you enjoyed hearing stories on the day, and I encourage you to reinforce the lessons over the weekend (and perhaps enjoy playing with the Lego yourself!). 

Last night, I enjoyed connecting with new parents at our ‘Welcome and Connect’ event. The evening provides an opportunity to build relationships with both the school and one another, as many families begin a journey that will culminate in the 2039 graduation. Parent social events are an important part of the calendar, and if you have any ideas for bringing people together, please reach out and share them with us. 

This week, I have had the chance to visit many of our teams that have competed in Tournament Week. This year saw teams competing in Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North, Hamilton, and Auckland. My overwhelming takeaway is one of pride, as our athletes demonstrated grit, determination, and sportsmanship in equal measure, regardless of the result. As our programme continues to grow, so too does our reputation, and our opponents know they will need to perform at their best against Pinehurst teams. A full set of results will be shared with you next week, and I am sure you will be impressed by the performance of Pinehurst students on the national stage. 

Next week our top Year 7 and 8 athletes are competing at AIMS, and I am sure they will continue the run of success we have seen this week. Senior Year 1 students will visit Stardome, while Year 5 students will visit Arataki to gain firsthand experience of how native forests act as carbon sinks. There is also a Primary music concert to look forward to on Wednesday.  

Being a parent is not always easy, and sometimes an impartial perspective can make a significant difference. If you feel you would benefit from support or simply a conversation about the challenges of parenting, please reach out. We would be happy to meet with you and share ideas and strategies that may help. 

I hope you all enjoy the weekend ahead. 

Warm wishes,
Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 7 September

• College Pine Press Charity Clothing Drive for Years 7-13 (All Week), Ampitheatre
• AIMS Futsal (Monday - Wednesday)

Tuesday 8 September

• Primary Year 4-6 Choir perform at The Kids Sing Festival, Auckland Town Hall

Wednesday 9 September

• Primary Senior Year 1 Trip to Stardome Observatory
• College Year 7-13 Arts and Culture Festival (6.00-9.00pm), Theatre

Thursday 10 September

• Primary Year 5 Visit Arataki Centre
• Primary Year 0-2 Music Concert (3.30-4.30pm), Theatre
• College Student Council Quiz Night (5.30pm)

Friday 11 September

• IGCSE Weight Training Filming

Primary News

Kia ora tātou,

Lego Day was a huge success and a highlight of the week. A special thank you to our librarians for introducing a new competition that linked Lego creations to books. The creativity on display was outstanding, with students producing some amazing creations.

We were also delighted to welcome Bricks 4 Kidz, who worked with students to design and build windmills complete with motors and moving parts. It was fantastic to see so much problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration taking place while students were having so much fun. Bricks for Kidz run classes at our school if your child would like to explore Lego at an extended level.

On Thursday afternoon, everyone enjoyed spending time with their College buddies. It is always good to see the care and kindness senior students show, especially towards our youngest learners.

Looking ahead to next week:

• Tuesday 8 September: The Kids Sing Year 4–6 Choir
• Wednesday 9 September: SNR 1 Stardome
• Thursday 10 September: Y0–2 Primary Music Concert 3:30pm
• Thursday 10 September: Year 5 Arataki Visitors Centre

Have a great weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

🎓 Primary Upcoming Events

🎶 Year 4–6 Choir to Perform at The Kids Sing Festival

When: Tuesday 8 September, 9.00am – 11.45am
Where: Auckland Town Hall

For the first time, the Pinehurst Primary Year 4–6 Choir will perform at the prestigious Kids Sing Festival, bringing together school choirs from across the region to celebrate the joy of singing and music-making.

Our choir students have been working diligently throughout the year in preparation for this exciting opportunity and will perform three contrasting pieces:

• Hine e Hine
• Cat in the Dark
• Whisper!

Performing at the Auckland Town Hall is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their confidence, musicianship and performance skills while experiencing the excitement of one of New Zealand’s premier concert venues.

We wish our choir every success as they represent Pinehurst on this special occasion!

🔭 Senior Year 1 Trip to Stardome Observatory

When: Wednesday 9 September, 9.00am – 12.30pm
Where: Stardome Observatory, One Tree Hill

Senior Year 1 students are heading to Stardome Observatory next Wednesday as part of their learning about space and the universe.

During their visit, students will enjoy an interactive planetarium experience and take part in activities designed to develop their understanding of the Sun, Moon, stars and planets.

Students should bring:

• Named water bottle

Students will depart School at 9.00am and return by 12.30pm. Students will be back at School in time to collect their lunch orders as usual.

🥾 Year 5 Arataki Visitor Centre Trip

When: Thursday 10 September, 9.00am – 3.00pm
Where: Arataki Visitor Centre, Waitākere Ranges

Year 5 students are heading to the Arataki Visitor Centre for an Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) learning experience.

Students will take part in the Ka Mua, Ka Muri: Exploring Our Forests programme, investigating the forest carbon cycle through science, local history, drama and mātauranga Māori. They will explore how healthy forest ecosystems support wellbeing, resilience and the future of our environment.

Students should bring:

• Packed lunch and water bottle
• Full school uniform and school jumper
• Pinehurst raincoat
• Appropriate covered footwear (PE shoes) with white socks suitable for bush walking

Students will depart School at 9.00am and return approx. 3.00pm. We look forward to a fantastic day of learning and exploration.

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Well done to all our Pinehurst athletes who represented the school during Winter Tournament Week. We are incredibly proud of the way you competed and conducted yourselves, you were excellent ambassadors for Pinehurst School. 

This coming week, it is the turn of our Year 7 and 8 students to represent Pinehurst at the AIMS Games in Tauranga. We wish all our competitors the very best for an exciting week of competition and look forward to hearing about their experiences and achievements. 

We are also very excited to be holding our annual House Waiata Competition on Thursday during Community Time. PODs have been busy practising and preparing, and there is already plenty of House spirit building around the College. I am looking forward to having the honour, and undoubtably difficult task, of judging the competition. 

On Friday, we are delighted to welcome the Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford, to Pinehurst. Yan Tong Lu and members of Pinepress have organised this special visit, during which the Minister will address our Year 11-13 students. This will be a wonderful opportunity for students to hear firsthand about her career journey, leadership, education and experiences in public service, as well as gaining insights and advice they can take into their own futures. We are very much looking forward to welcoming Minister Stanford to Pinehurst School.  

Have a lovely weekend.  

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🎓 College Upcoming Events

🗞️ Pine Press Supports Auckland City Mission with a Charity Clothing Drive for Years 7–13

When: Monday through Friday, (morning tea and lunchtime)
Where: Amphitheatre

Pine Press is running a Charity Clothing Drive in support of Auckland City Mission, giving students the opportunity to support our local community while giving pre-loved clothing a second life.

Students in Years 7–13 are encouraged to donate clean, undamaged and wearable clothing they no longer need. Donations can include T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, jumpers, pants, jeans, dresses, skirts, hats, scarves, and gloves. Please ensure all donations are clean and suitable for someone else to wear immediately.

There’s an extra incentive to get involved! Every three items donated earns one raffle ticket, with additional tickets for larger donations. The raffle will be drawn following the clothing drive, with the winner of a beautiful Gift Basket announced on Veracross.

Clear out those wardrobes and help Pine Press support a great cause!

🎭 Years 7–13 Pinehurst Arts and Culture Festival

When: Wednesday 9 September, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Where: Pinehurst Theatre
Food trucks: From 5.00pm

Get ready for an evening of colour, music, dance, culture and incredible talent as the Pinehurst Arts and Culture Festival takes centre stage next week!

Brought to you by the Arts Council and Cultural Council, this exciting event will transform the Pinehurst Theatre into a vibrant showcase of cultures from around the world.

Students have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare a spectacular programme featuring cultural dances, musical performances and artistic showcases that celebrate the rich diversity of our school community. Whether you're a fan of energetic performances, beautiful music or simply enjoy supporting our students, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

But the festivities begin even earlier! From 5.00pm, enjoy a delicious line-up of food trucks including Karaage Boy chicken, Double Dutch Fries and Lalele organic ice cream.

Bring your family, invite your friends and join us for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and community spirit.

🧑🏻‍🎓 Years 11–13 Leadership and Careers Opportunity with Erica Stanford

When: Friday 11 September, 11.30am – 12.30pm
Where: Pinehurst Theatre

Year 12 student Yan Tong Lu, working collaboratively with Mr Waller, has organised a special visit from Erica Stanford next Friday for students in Years 11–13.

The event is designed as a student leadership and careers opportunity, giving students the chance to hear directly from a current Minister about her career journey, achievements, leadership and experiences.

Rather than simply a guest speaker presentation, the session will also provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and engage directly with Erica on topics of interest to them.

We look forward to welcoming Erica Stanford to Pinehurst and providing our senior students with this valuable opportunity.

🎓 Career Development: How Parents Can Make a Difference

Many people think career development is simply about choosing a university course or future career. In reality, it begins much earlier with understanding who we are, what we value, and the skills and strengths we enjoy using. Career development is a lifelong process of self-discovery, exploration, and decision-making.

Parents have a powerful influence on how young people view themselves and their future possibilities. The conversations you have, the opportunities you encourage, and the support you provide can help build the confidence and adaptability students need to navigate an ever-changing world of work. It is also worth remembering that career success is about much more than salary or status. Meaningful work, positive relationships, personal values, and wellbeing all contribute to long-term satisfaction.

Three ways parents can support young people:

• Notice and name strengths: Help your teenager recognise their skills, interests, and personal qualities. Self-awareness is the foundation of good career decisions.
• Listen without judgement: Create space for open conversations about hopes, ideas, and uncertainties without rushing to provide answers.
• Encourage exploration: Support part-time work, volunteering, new experiences, and conversations with people from different careers. Action often leads to clarity.

Perhaps the most important lesson we can share is that careers rarely follow a straight path. By staying curious, embracing uncertainty, and remaining open to opportunities, young people can develop the resilience and flexibility needed to build fulfilling futures.

Community News

🛍️ Uniform Shop Term 3 Holiday Hours

Days: Tuesday 6 October - Friday 9 October 2026
Times: 9.00am – 12.00pm & 12.30pm – 3.30pm

The Uniform Shop will be open during the Term 3 holidays to help families get ready for summer uniform before Term 4 begins. We look forward to seeing you 🤗

🕊️ In Loving Memory: Stephen (Steve) Geach

The Pinehurst community is deeply saddened by the passing of our former teacher, Steve Geach.

Steve made a lasting contribution to Pinehurst and to the lives of many students. Through his work in Design Technology, he inspired and supported students to achieve outstanding success, including Top in the World Cambridge results. Many of his former students have gone on to pursue international careers in design, and students and their families have remained in contact with Steve and Shay over the years.

Golf was another of Steve’s great passions. From the early days when Lydia was part of the team, Steve was a dedicated supporter of the Pinehurst golf programme and played an important role in establishing golf as a premier sport at the School.

Steve’s contribution to Pinehurst will be remembered with great affection and gratitude. Our thoughts are with Shay, his family, friends and the many former students whose lives he touched.

🌿

Steve was one of a kind. He had the energy of 100 men. He was kind, welcoming and he made new staff feel part of the family from day one. The students loved him, he was passionate about his craft and he knew how to get the most out of everyone. More than anything else, Steve loved his wife Shay and it was so obvious to all of us. They were a great couple and were warm and welcoming to everyone in the Pinehurst family. Steve will be missed by all of us. - Rachel Brennan

🌿

It is hard to put into words just how much Steve meant to so many people, whether they were colleagues, students or friends. Over the years, his kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humour have touched the lives of everyone around him. Steve had a unique gift for making people smile, lifting spirits, and bringing people together.

Steve's warmth, compassion, and genuine care for others made him someone people naturally gravitated towards. He was always willing to help, always ready with a laugh, and always there when someone needed support. The friendships he built and the positive impact he made will never be forgotten.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared so many years of friendship with Steve. The memories, laughter, and moments we shared will remain close to my heart forever. Steve was truly a special person, loved by many, and his legacy of kindness and friendship will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Rest peacefully, dear friend. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered. - Judy Eyre

🌿

As Dean of Rimu House Steve gave everyone in his house a sense of belonging and purpose. Rimu dominated all sporting competitions, mostly in part because of Steve’s passion and drive for success for his students. He ensured that everyone participated to the best of their ability, he instilled a sense of pride in all those who wore green and he shared a great joy in being part of a successful house.  He was the champion of many and had a huge heart that was often worn on his sleeve for all to see. His empathy, passion and joy will be missed by all who knew him. - Lily Perkins

🌿

Steve was a teacher first and foremost, and he cared deeply about his students, his subject and the people he worked alongside. He was a kind and generous colleague, but also someone who was never afraid to stand up for what he believed was right.

He was a huge presence in any room, usually with a joke, a smile and that unmistakable booming laugh. When Steve was asked to MC an event, which he was always eager to do, you knew everyone would be in stitches. He worked hard, played harder and threw himself wholeheartedly into the things he loved.

I will remember his passion for Design Technology and golf, but most of all, his wonderful love for Shay and his family. - Peter Reynolds