Message from the Executive Principal

Kia ora koutou, good afternoon, 下午好, 안녕하세요  

Best wishes,
Mike Waller

Term 1 2025

Message from the Principal of Primary

Year 6 Ten Pin Bowling

The Year 6 students buzzed with excitement as they arrived at the bowling alley. This was not just a celebration of the year’s achievements but also a moment to savour one of their last big outings together before transitioning to the College.

Upon arrival at the bowling alley, the students were greeted by colourful lanes, flashing lights, and upbeat music that instantly set the mood. Divided into small groups, they quickly selected their bowling balls, and the fun began. Cheers and laughter echoed as the first pins fell, with some students showing surprising skill while others found humour in their gutter balls. It didn’t take long before Mrs Clark suggested we put the gutter guards up.

As the games progressed, the competitive spirit remained friendly, with high-fives exchanged after every strike and spare. The event was more than just a game; it was a celebration of friendship, teamwork, and the growth they had experienced together throughout their primary years.

Exploring the Art of Dialogue in Writing

This week in our writing lessons, students have been diving into the exciting world of storytelling by exploring how dialogue can bring their narratives to life. During mat time, we’ve been focusing on ways to add detail to stories, enhancing their depth and engaging the reader more effectively.

A key highlight has been learning how to craft dialogue between characters, using punctuation correctly to make conversations clear and dynamic. The students have shown great enthusiasm as they bring their characters to life, infusing their stories with vibrancy and authenticity through dialogue. It’s been wonderful to see their creativity flourish as they experiment with these techniques, making their stories more lively and engaging.

I am so proud of their progress and look forward to seeing how these skills will shape their future writing projects!

Year 5 - 6 Mandarin

This term our year 5 and 6 students have been immersed in learning the Chinese culture. They performed their Mid-Autumn festival play in Chinese to the junior primary at the beginning of the term. Mid-way through the term, students were treated to a taste of Chinese painting from Tui Tuia Learning Circle, which was a fascinating session. They also had a taste of Chinese calligraphy, using Chinese brushes and ink to write the basic strokes, it was a challenge to not paint the stroke but to write them! Finally, this week students presented their ideas where we should travel to in China for our summer vacation. So many great choices, it was so hard to choose where to go!!

In P8

P8 have enjoyed their last Art lesson this week for Year 2 by making a musical instrument. The students chose to make shakers and had to make a few decisions on what the best way would be to make these.

They decorated them, filled them with what they thought was the best choice (sand, beads or sequins) and then closed the ends up. Many students learnt that the less the better, rather than fill it to the top and see if it worked. Some students had to rethink their choices, but a fun and happy lesson was had by all.

Registrations are now open for 2025 Instrumental Lessons at Pinehurst School!

Each week we have 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. 

All students need to register for 2025, including those who have previously taken music lessons at school, even if they have let their teacher know they are continuing with lessons. 

If you'd like to learn a Brass instrument, we offer a Brass Scholarship programme to help support and develop our Brass players.

All information, including a list of music lessons on offer, the link to the music lesson registration form and to the brass bursary application form, can be found on our website. Please email Mrs Jaques if you have any questions cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz.

Register now via our website or via Schoolbridge (under Extra-Curricular). 

Lessons start in Week 2, 3 February 2025.

Registration is now open for our co-curricular music groups for 2025.

We offer a wide range of co-curricular music groups that students have the opportunity to take part in.

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. 

More information, including a list of groups on offer, can be found on the Music page on our website.

Register now via our website or via Schoolbridge (under Extra-Curricular). 

Message from the Principal of College

Year 9 Factory Trip

Did you know that up to 10,000 tonnes of sugar is processed each week at the Chelsea Sugar factory?

Year 9 students visited the Chelsea sugar factory last week on Thursday and Friday. They had a tour around the factory, learnt about the history of the site, and baked some delicious yo-yo’s!

It is always fascinating to see the inner workings of such a large facility, from the conveyor that transports the raw material across the factory, to the process of melting, washing and refining the raw sugar, and even more impressive is sugar mountain. There is even a syrup tasting station at the end of the tour.

Students enjoyed exploring marketing, history of the local area and retail strategy during the trip. They even applied their knowledge of physics and surface area to better understand how to clean up a kitchen in the most efficient way!

Creative Writing Club

The meaning of Christmas by Isaac Sun

On Christmas day, God assumed a human nature
Such a magnificent show of grace, from our eternal creator
Born of the Virgin Mary, Theotokos, the God bearer
Christ has atoned for his people’s sins, forever

‘For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost’
The gap between Divine and Man, he has crossed
In the death of Christ, is the death of death
The worlds’ transgressions, are his alone to bear

This merry season is a time for giving
A joyous time, filled with singing
As the Christmas period descends upon us,
We will surely be filled with great happiness.
 

Trees for Survival

A group of Year 7s have been very busy this week potting seedlings for the ‘Trees for Survival’ school programme. Together they have potted 940 seedlings which they will then go and plant in 2025. The seedlings are intended to regenerate native species in areas of eroded hillsides and around waterways.

Our Year 7s have been potting Manuku, Kanuka, Cabbage trees, Karamu and Koromiko.

Year 10 Biology

Year 10 Biologists have finished the year studying Biotechnology. This has included learning about fermenters for the production of the antibiotic Penicillin. Looking closely at yeast fermentation for biofuel production and bread making. Making fruit juice with pectinase and the finale at the end of the year will be to do some laundry with biological washing powders that contain enzymes. Congratulations to Almas, Jerry and Neal for entering the bread making competition. Well done to the rest of the class for helping to judge the winning

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Qualifier

For their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Qualifier trip, twelve senior students spent five days hiking the Abel Tasman Great Walk. The walk spans 60 kilometres of native New Zealand bush, beaches and stunning vistas. Despite several gnarly blisters, long days walking in the sun and some very sneaky wekas, the group completed the trip with boundless enthusiasm. There were numerous opportunities for swimming in the ocean and a side quest to Cleopatra’s Pool brought some students face to face with a curious eel. The students showed excellent leadership and cooperation throughout, utilising the range of skills they have gained through the Bronze and Silver Adventurous Journeys.

 Duke of Edinburgh Silver Qualifier

After a disappointing end to the Silver Qualifier trip last term, the intrepid group of students headed back out to Pirongia Forest Park this week to complete their Qualifying Journey. Monday saw a long slow hike up to the top of Mount Pirongia which stands at 959m. The muddy track proved challenging for some students but the views from the top made the hard work worth it. Day two brought very technical track which all the students traversed with increasing confidence. The sight of the coach (with air conditioning and a DVD player loaded with Shrek 2) ready and waiting was a very happy sight at the end of a challenging yet rewarding trip.

Roboschoolies Shine at First Lego League NZ Nationals

Our school’s senior robotics team, the Roboschoolies, recently competed at the First Lego League NZ Nationals. As the only completely student-led team at the competition, with Year 12 student Charles Shen as their coach, they showcased exceptional dedication and hard work. While they didn’t claim a trophy, their journey to the national stage is a testament to their incredible efforts.

As a relatively new club, formed just this year, the Robotics club faced numerous challenges, including fundraising for new equipment and learning the intricacies of the Spike Lego robotic kits. Despite these obstacles, our senior team persevered and qualified for the national competition.

We commend our students for their unwavering commitment, sacrificing countless hours to practise and perfect their skills. Their participation in the First Lego League has not only enhanced their technical abilities but has also fostered teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.

We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to their continued success in future competitions.

• Students who will be in Year 13 in 2025 and are interested in studying Astronomy or Physics may be interested in applying to a 5-day residential programme over the summer run by the University of Canterbury. Link to apply and more information here: Elaine P. Snowden Astronomy School | University of Canterbury
• Interested in learning how to fly? Nelson Aviation College offers a summer programme. More info here: Summer Aviation Programmes - Nelson Aviation College

Uniform Shop Holiday Hours 2025

To avoid long queues on the first day of school, we invite you to visit us during the holiday.

Please note that the shop will be closed on the 22nd for the teachers only day.