Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We’re over halfway through the term already and, while lots has already happened, there is still plenty more to look forward to. I have enjoyed chatting with students at lunchtimes this week, and especially the chance to pass a rugby ball, something I haven’t done in a while! 

Mary Poppins was absolutely magical! Our Year 5 and 6 performers did an incredible job on stage and should be feeling very proud of the show after two terms of rehearsal and preparation. The lead cast displayed outstanding talent, but the highlight for me was seeing every student play a meaningful role in the production, adding to the richness of the performance. My thanks go to all the staff involved, and particularly to Eugenie Middleton, who brought the vision to life. 

College exams finished today and the focus will now turn to improvement. Before results are released, I encourage you to talk with your child about how they prepared and what level of performance they expect to achieve. This can provide valuable insights into how they might refine their approach ahead of the final exams later in the year. 

Next week is tournament week for our senior athletes, and I am confident we will hear about some outstanding performances. More importantly, they need to represent themselves and the school with pride and ensure they embody the values that define who we are, regardless of the results. Sport teaches many important life lessons, and the character we show in adversity is perhaps the most valuable of all. 

Primary students will be excited for Lego Day on Tuesday, so please check the communications you have received for full details. Next week also includes two information evenings in the College, along with the North Shore Science Fair on Friday. On Thursday evening, I look forward to meeting the newest parents in our community at our Welcome Event in the Theatre. 

Please ensure that you carefully follow all road rules during drop-off and pick-up times. This includes not parking on yellow lines or blocking roadways. At the Rosedale entrance, please only allow your child to exit the car once you are stopped within the school grounds and directed by our staff. Also, please remember that the speed limit on campus is walking pace to help prevent accidents. 

If there is ever a time when your child is struggling, or if you need support as a parent, please reach out. We will ensure that you and your child receive the guidance and assistance you need. 

Enjoy the weekend ahead. 

Warm wishes,
Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 31 August

• Year 9-13 Winter Sports Tournament (All Week)
• Year 8 Camp Parent Information Evening, 6.00pm

Tuesday 1 September

• Primary Lego Day

Wednesday 2 September

• Year 6 Netball Field Day
• Year 8-9 Transition Evening

Thursday 3 September

• Welcome and Connect Evening, 6.00pm (Theatre Foyer)

Friday 4 September

• Primary Chess Finals, 8.30am
• North Shore Science Fair

Primary News

Kia ora tātou,

What a week, what a show! Our Year 5–6 production of Mary Poppins Jr. was truly spectacular. Over two memorable evenings, our students amazed audiences with their talent, confidence, and commitment. From the wonderful singing and dancing to the outstanding acting, every student played an important part in bringing the story to life.

We are incredibly proud of all our students for the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork they demonstrated throughout the last two terms. Performances like these do not happen without everyone contributing, and our students rose to the challenge magnificently. While many are feeling a little tired after such an exciting week, they are also happy, proud, and grateful for the memories created together. It was certainly a show to remember.

Looking ahead, we have a busy week with LEGO Day on 1 September, the Netball North Harbour Field Day for selected Year 6 on 2 September, Buddy Classes hosted by the College on 3 September, and House Rewards on 4 September.

Have a great weekend with your family.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

🎓 Primary Upcoming Events

🧱 LEGO Day – Build, Create and Make It Move!

When: Tuesday 1 September
Where: Primary Classrooms, Arena and Library

Primary is getting ready for a fun-filled LEGO Day, with students building, creating, collaborating and problem-solving through a range of hands-on LEGO activities.

On Tuesday students should bring a container of LEGO pieces and a tray or shoebox lid to use for their classroom challenges.

As part of the day, Bricks 4 Kidz will be visiting Pinehurst to provide Years 0–4 with a special motorised engineering experience in the Arena. Working in pairs, students will build, connect and make it move, creating motorised LEGO models while exploring movement, motors, simple machines and mechanical systems.

🚀 Library LEGO Day Exhibition

Students can also get creative at home and build a LEGO creation inspired by books – perhaps a favourite book character, setting, book, librarian or something entirely of their own imagination!

Creations should be brought to the Library on Monday after school or Tuesday before school, ready to be displayed in the Library throughout LEGO Day. 

We’re looking forward to a fantastic day of building, creating, engineering and LEGO fun! 

🏐 Year 6 Netball Field Day

When: Wednesday 2 September
Where: North Harbour Netball

Our Year 6 Netball team will be representing Pinehurst at the Netball Field Day next Wednesday, competing alongside teams from across Auckland.

Students should meet outside the Dance Studio at 8.30am, wearing their netball dress and Pinehurst jacket or hoodie. The team will travel to and from North Harbour Netball by school van.

We wish our players the very best for a fantastic day of competition, teamwork and netball!

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Mock Examination Week has concluded on a positive note, and I would like to thank and congratulate all students who completed their mock examinations this week. They should be proud of the way they conducted themselves throughout what can be a challenging and demanding time. The next stage of the examination process is also very important. The real value of mock examinations lies in the opportunity they provide for learning and improvement. By reviewing and acting on the feedback provided by their teachers, students can make meaningful progress in preparation for their end of year examinations.  

Next week, we look forward to Winter Tournament Week which starts for some teams on Sunday. Pinehurst is proud to be represented in a range of sports and we extend our best wishes to all athletes, coaches, and managers for a successful and enjoyable tournament week.  

This coming Wednesday, there will be a Transition Evening for families of our Year 8 students who will be joining Year 9 in 2027. This event is an exciting step in their educational journey and we will be offering insights into the opportunities and experiences that await our students. We invite students and parents to join us in the theatre, where we look forward to an informative evening. 

Have a lovely weekend.  

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🎓 College Upcoming Events

Year 7 & 8 NIWA Science & Technology Fair

When: Friday 4 September
Where: Northcross Intermediate School

A group of Year 7 and 8 students will represent Pinehurst at the 2026 NIWA North Harbour Science & Technology Fair next Friday, presenting 19 high-quality projects.

The Fair provides a fantastic opportunity for students to share their investigations, engage with students from other schools, and further develop their scientific thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills.

Following the success of our eight award winners last year, we are excited to see this year's students showcase their work and wish them all the very best for the Fair.

University Open Days and Career Information

Students and families are encouraged to explore the following upcoming University Open Days and Career Information events:

• Saturday 29 August
  University of Auckland Open Day: Register here
• Saturday 29 August
  AUT Open Day: Register here

More Dates for your Diary:

• Wednesday 16 September
  University of Sydney Bachelor of Arts Webinar: Register here
• Thursday 17 September
  Automotive Careers Information Evening, Sancta Maria College. Students and whānau are invited to explore career opportunities and meet industry professionals from the automotive, commercial road transport, mining and quarrying industries.

Community News