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Friday 8 August
Message from Mike
Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The ability to be a reflective person is essential, not just in education, but in life. This week, I spoke to many students and asked them what the best and most challenging parts of their day had been. While the answers were naturally varied, I was impressed by the way they were able to reflect and give thoughtful responses, particularly in how they planned to overcome the challenges.
Many of you will have seen the news this week regarding proposed changes to NCEA in the coming years. While we will monitor any changes as they relate to secondary literacy and numeracy requirements, the announcements reaffirm the consistency and rigour that we value in the Cambridge curriculum. There is no doubt that Cambridge allows us to offer an outstanding education in the classroom, and we are committed to continuing this journey.
Earlier this week, I enjoyed speaking at the Primary assembly, welcoming our New Entrants students, highlighting that they are joining a community of people that care deeply for one another. The class has quickly settled into new routines and, most importantly, has been warmly welcomed by their peers. I also discussed this theme of care and kindness at our Open Days, which were very well attended, particularly given that many were interested in places in 2027 and beyond. Many of the parents talked about their friends who already have children at Pinehurst, so thank you for sharing your experiences with them.
This week, our Year 6 students were challenged with important progression testing. Early feedback suggests they have collectively performed to a very high level and will now look for ways to find improvement through the remainder of the year. Our senior students have their turn starting next week, and I am sure they will be focused on their revision ahead of these critical assessments, with an eye also toward their final examinations beginning in late September.
Next week, plenty is going on across the school, and I am looking forward to seeing our College orchestra performing at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. The Year 9 Market Day is also an annual highlight, and I am sure there will be some great products on display. In Primary, a 0-2 concert on Wednesday and supercluster netball on Thursday are just two events to look forward to.
Over the coming weeks, there are many parent events taking place across the school. Please keep an eye out for detailed communications, as they are an ideal chance for you to come in and connect with your child’s learning and school experiences.
At this time of year, some students find balancing the pressure of assessments a challenging task. If you feel that your child needs a little extra support, please get in touch, and we will happily work with you to ensure they find their balance. We also know that navigating stress and worry can be just as tough for parents as it is for students. To support our families, we’re hosting a session with Clinical Psychologist and Paediatric Neuropsychologist Megan Fowler, who will share practical strategies for helping children and teens manage anxiety - around exams and other high-pressure times. You’ll find more details about this session further down in the newsletter, and I encourage you to come along if you can.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Regards,
Mike Waller
Dates for your Diary
Monday 11 August
- Spanish Language Week (All week)
- A Level Options Evening, Theatre (6pm)
Primary 'Keeping Ourselves Safe' Parents Meeting, Theatre (2.15pm)
Tuesday 12 August
- Year 0-2 Primary Solo/Duo Concert, Theatre (3.30pm)
- Year 8 Trees for Survival Planting Day, Meet outside Dance Studio at 8.30am (All Day)
- College Orchestra at KBB Music Festival (12.30pm-6.00pm)
- AKSS Junior Badminton Individuals & Doubles Championships (All day)
- North Harbour Basketball Girls Zone Day (All day)
Wednesday 13 August
- P4 Primary Phonics Session
- Year 9 Market Day
- North Harbour Basketball Boys Zone Day (All day)
Thursday 14 August
- New Entrants Parent Phonics Session, Dance Studio (9.00am)
- Year 11 Mock Examinations Start
- Years 5-6 Primary Super Cluster Netball
Friday 15 August
- Year 11-13 Mock Examinations
- AKSS Table Tennis Championships (All day)
Message from Dawn
Tēnā koutou katao
As we move into Week 4, our primary focus in the College is the upcoming mock examinations which commence this Thursday for Year 11 students. After Thursday, all Year 11–13 students will be on study leave and are only required to attend school for their scheduled examinations. I spoke with students during this week’s assembly about embracing the nervous energy that often accompanies the examination season, encouraging them to harness it in a positive way. They should also be careful to look after themselves during this busy time.
On Monday at 6pm in the Theatre, we are holding an information evening for families of students who will be entering Year 12 or 13 in 2026. This session will feature presentations from our Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning, Tony Berghuis, and our Careers Counsellor, Lila Pulsford. They will provide valuable insights into AS and A2 subject options for students’ final two years at school.
We are also looking forward to a range of events next week, including buddy class visits, the KBB Music Festival, Spanish Language Week, and various Zone Days.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan
College News
Market for Good – Student Enterprise in Action
On Tuesday 13 August, during lunchtime, our talented Year 9 students will be hosting the Market for Good – a vibrant showcase of student-made products with a purpose.
This event is open to teachers and students (Year 7 and above) and will be held in the courtyard outside the theatre. From handmade crafts and games to innovative creations, every item sold has been thoughtfully designed and produced by our students as part of their Commerce learning journey.
The Market for Good isn’t just about selling—it’s about giving back. Not only are the students donating their profits to KidsCan, but their businesses are required to be sustainable, considering their impact on the environment.
Don’t Forget to Bring Cash! If you’d like to purchase a gift or support a student business, please bring cash on the day. There will be a wide range of affordable items available, and every dollar spent helps encourage creativity, initiative, and social responsibility.
Year 8 Farm Planting Trip This Coming Tuesday
On Tuesday, a group of Year 8 volunteers will be heading to a farm in Waitoki to plant 300 native seedlings—many of which they helped pot last year. This initiative supports the regeneration of native flora and helps reduce land erosion in rural areas around Auckland.
Students will meet at 8.45am outside the Dance Studio and will return—tired and muddy—before the end of the school day.
KBB Music Festival This Week
On Tuesday 12 August Pinehurst’s College Orchestra will participate in the KBB Music Festival held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. The orchestra has been working extremely hard on their repertoire and are looking forward to presenting their items.
New Orchestra Director, Eugenie Middleton has enjoyed preparing the group for this event and parents were entertained with a concert last Sunday when they came to pick up their students from a two-hour workshop.
Of special note this year is the group’s performance of The Typewriter by Leroy Anderson, where Year 11 student Callum M 'plays' the typewriter as the featured soloist of the piece.
A-Level Art and Design student Holly Y completed this week's Toi o te Wiki
Titled 'fated', this stunning piece by Holly Y (Year 13) has been entered into the Asian Mental Health & Wellbeing Summit – Youth, Art Exhibition , which will be held in Parliament on 13 August 2025.
The exhibition will shine a light on the voices of young people with the theme focused on youth mental wellbeing. Alice Z, Alina W, Crystal Z, Lucy S, Olivia Z, Sunny W, Soraya S and Emily Y will also have their work exhibited in this exhibition. Keep an eye out for their work in the coming weeks.
'Endless threads of fate
her future weighs in her hands
fading and unknown'
AS-Level Art and Design student Crystal Z has won the Pat Hanley Creativity Award
Congratulations to Crystal Z (Year 12), who has been awarded the prestigious Pat Hanly Creativity Award. Her artwork, along with pieces from students across other schools, will be showcased at the Auckland Art Gallery from 16 August to 31 August.
The 2025 Pat Hanly Creativity Project and Awards are open to all Year 12 and 13 secondary school Art Teachers across Auckland, with the aim of supporting young artists by providing opportunities to explore and shape their own pathways in the creative sector.
2025 Arts Week Piano Competition
Last Tuesday evening, we were captivated as we listened to twelve College students perform works from Chopin, Haydn, Liszt, Strauss and Beethoven, as they competed in our second annual Piano Competition.
Our competition was judged by well-regarded pianist, teacher and adjudicator, Matteo Napoli. While all the competitors gave outstanding performances, we congratulate these three winners - Steven X in 1st place with Chopin's Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Kyros Z in 2nd place with Sonata in C Major by Haydn and Kathleen F in 3rd place with her performance of Etude Op. 10 No. 3 by Chopin.
As the adjudicator deliberated and wrote his feedback to our students, we were treated to a performance of an original composition by Year 10 Music student, Zion Feng. Overall, it was a very enjoyable evening, showcasing the talent of the outstanding piano students we have here at Pinehurst.
Pinehurst Junior Mooting Team Crowned Auckland Champions!
We are incredibly proud to announce that last Thursday, our Junior Mooting Team - Isabella Z, Emily Z, Carmen C, Stacy G, Cher Y - won the grand finals of the Auckland Schools Legal Mooting Competition!
Stepping into the shoes of lawyers, the junior team went almost undefeated in the preliminary rounds, and excellently handled a complex divorce and custody case to win the final. This was held in a mock courtroom at Meredith Connell, one of New Zealand's leading law firms.
As we celebrate this incredible achievement, we’re already looking forward to what them and the club will accomplish next year. The future of law is in very good hands!
If your Year 13 Student is eligible and interested in applying for a scholarship, please remind them to check the application deadlines, as many close this week.
There are many students interested in attending Massey University next year and the Open Day for the Auckland Campus is coming up on Friday August 15th. Find out more here. A reminder that all upcoming career events are listed on the Pinehurst Career Education website.
Message from Sian
Kia ora tatou,
Well done to our Year 6 students who completed their progression tests this week in preparation for their Checkpoint testing in Week 1 of Term 4. They were nervous, excited, and focussed all at the same time. We have a fantastic group of students in Year 6, and we are all enjoying their final year in Primary.
Next week we will have a visit from Constable Murray our community Police officer who will be talking to parents, teachers, and students about Keeping Ourselves Safe. KOS is a nationwide programme facilitated in all New Zealand Primary schools and one which we run every two years.
On the 13th of August is the Y0-2 Solo/Duo concert in the theatre at 3:30pm. I always look forward to our concerts, with such talented musicians it is sure to be delightful.
On the 14th of August, our Year 5 and 6 Netball teams will take part in the Mid Bays Supercluster event here at Pinehurst. We wish them every success! Also, on the 14th our New Entrant parents in P4 are invited to a Reading and Phonics session in the Dance studio at 9am to hear about how we teach students to read and how they can support at home.
Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon
Primary News
Parent Information Session on Monday
We warmly invite you to attend the 'Keeping Ourselves Safe' Parents Session hosted by Constable Murray Fenton on Monday 11 August at 2.15pm in the School Theatre.
This 60 minute session will provide valuable insights into how you can support your child’s learning and wellbeing.
P4 Phonics Information Session on Thursday
We invite all P4 parents to join us for a phonics information session on Thursday 14 August at 9.00am in the Dance Studio.
This morning session will provide an overview of how phonics is taught at Pinehurst and offer practical tips on how you can support your child’s phonics and reading development at home.
Primary Netball Super Cluster This Week
Pinehurst will host the Primary Netball Super Cluster tournament on Thursday 14 August. This year, we’re excited to have two teams entered - one each Year 5 and Year 6.
Competing schools include Sunnynook, St John’s, Browns Bay, Murrays Bay, Campbells Bay, Pinehill, and Pinehurst - there will be a total of 16 teams.
Please note that parking may be busier than usual on the day.
Musical Success for Chantelle C
Chantelle C (P21) has had a brilliant month, showcasing her talents on both piano and harp. At the Hamilton Instrumental Music Competition, she achieved:
1st in 10 Years – Two Contrasting Pieces
2nd in Open Age – Romantic Era
2nd in 12 Years & Under – Sonatina 1st Movement
She then competed at SAPACS on harp, earning:
1st in General Instrumental Solo 11yrs & Under – Own Selection
1st in General Instrumental Solo 11yrs & Under – Traditional/Pre-1900, retaining her title as Junior General Instrumental Champion.
Chantelle also performed with the Vivaldi Junior Chamber Group, who won 1st place in the Large Ensemble category at SAPACS.
We’re incredibly proud of Chantelle’s passion and dedication.
Community News
🌼 Join Our Daffodil Day Bake-Off! 🌼
Calling all parents of Pinehurst!
On Daffodil Day (Friday 29 August) the Citizenship Council will be hosting a ticketed shared lunch in the study area (Room 401) to fundraise and raise awareness for all types of cancer.
To help make it a success, we’re asking you all, our wonderful parent community, to show off your baking skills and donate yellow or daffodil-themed baked goods (sweet or savoury)!
Baking should fit within a 30cm x 30cm x 12cm (H) cake box – cake boxes are available to be collected from reception from Monday 11 August. As a fun bonus, entries will be judged by Mr Waller, and the winner will enjoy a one-night stay (including breakfast for two) at Crowne Plaza Auckland!
Baking is to be dropped off to reception by 9.00am on Friday 29 August. If baking’s not your thing, you can still support the cause by donating HERE.
We can’t wait to see and taste all your baked goodies! Remember to keep a look out for other initiatives happening in and around the school as well.
Thank you for your support!
Love Soup Citizenship Council Volunteer Activity
On 26 July, 13 members of the Citizenship Council participated in a volunteer event organized by the charity Love Soup.
Love Soup works in collaboration with supermarkets and community groups to collect food that is still edible but would otherwise be discarded. The organization provides free meals, food support, and distributes donated items such as second-hand books, clothes, and toys to those in need.
The event took place at the Albany Community Hub and welcomed over 1,000 visitors. Our student volunteers helped for up to 12 hours, sorting supplies, organizing donated clothing, and assisting with distribution.
It was an incredibly valuable experience for us all, offering a firsthand look at how communities come together to support one another.
Notices and Events
Aladdin JR. Tickets On Sale Next Week!
Tuesday 26 & Thursday 28 August in the Pinehurst School Theatre
Step into a world of magic and adventure with Aladdin JR., adapted especially for young performers. This enchanting production is filled with humour, heart, and all your favourite moments – from mystical caves to magic carpet rides and unforgettable songs.
Keep an eye out for posters around school with the QR code to purchase your tickets, and join us for a magical evening you won’t forget!
PE Expectations – Reminder
A polite reminder about our Physical Education expectations:
If a student is unable to participate in a PE lesson, they must provide one of the following:
A written note from home, handed in personally, or
An email from home sent prior to the lesson.
Verbal explanations without valid communication from home will not be accepted.
Our full PE expectations are also displayed in the gym and changing rooms. Please ask your child to refer to them if needed, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Join us for a Parent Session: Supporting your Child through Anxiety and Worry
Exam season can be a particularly stressful time for students and their families. To help, we’re hosting a special presentation by Clinical Psychologist and Paediatric Neuropsychologist Megan Fowler, who will share insights into how children and teens experience anxiety, and offer practical strategies to support them through high-pressure times.
Parents of children at any school age will find this session valuable and informative. Register HERE by 29 August.
On-site childcare is available during this event at $10 per child.
Business Networking at Pinehurst
Introducing the Pinehurst Community Business Directory
At Pinehurst, we value the strength of our close-knit community and the power of connection. That’s why we’re excited to launch the Pinehurst Community Business Directory—a platform designed to support, promote, and connect businesses within our school community.
This platform and affiliated events will offer opportunities for parents and caregivers of the school to connect, collaborate, and support one another professionally within our vibrant school community.
The aim is to bring together business owners, industry experts, and professionals across a range of fields to:
- Share insights and ideas
- Explore collaboration and referral opportunities
- Inspire future generations through student mentorship or career talks
Whether you're looking to grow your network, share your expertise, or simply connect with like-minded members of our community, we’d love to hear from you.
If you’d like to be involved—as a guest speaker, participant, or directory listing—please contact Carmen Stella via email: carmen.stella@pinehurst.school.nz with a brief overview of your business, your role, and contact details.
Let’s build stronger connections through shared knowledge and support.
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