Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We have enjoyed a week of quiet focus in the classroom and lots of activity outside of it. I have enjoyed a few chances to be in the playgrounds during lunch this week, and there is a real positive buzz, which is always uplifting. 

Assessment was the theme of the week for many year groups, and I know that students will be looking forward to receiving their results. While outcomes are important, it is equally important to remember that sitting exams is part of the journey; learning to cope with pressure, exam technique, and how to respond to feedback are skills that set our younger students up for long-term success. 

This week, Primary students had a taster session for golf, an opportunity to try a new sport, learn a new skill, and perhaps uncover the next Lydia Ko! This was the first of a range of ‘have a go’ days this term and next year, as we seek to promote engagement in physical activity across the school. Our goal is 100% participation in sport, so students develop an appreciation for an active lifestyle and build character traits that often come through competition. 

Yesterday, Year 2 visited Kelly Tarlton’s, with other Primary year groups to follow soon. These trips are all about fostering curiosity and getting students to start thinking about big questions that can lead to deeper learning when they get back to the classroom. A sense of wonder is a disposition shared by so many successful people, and it is important we keep growing it and keep it alive. 

The Auckland Showdown Awards took place on Wednesday, with the school receiving 16 nominations for the College production of Anastasia, with Ece winning Best Performer in a Lead Role in a Musical. This recognition is very impressive in itself, but from a wider perspective, it reflects the outstanding performances we have consistently seen in the creative arts this year. Across drama, music, and visual arts, students are expressing their creativity, and we will continue to nurture these opportunities. 

As is natural at this time of year, we are recruiting for a small number of teachers for next year. The quality of applications has been high, and I am very happy with the appointments we have made to date. Our growing reputation among teachers in Auckland, across New Zealand and internationally means that roles at the school are highly sought after, helping us continue to attract excellent people to our community. 

Next week, Year 8 will be at camp in Tongariro National Park, and a group of Year 9 students will complete the sailing part of their camp, postponed from earlier in the year. Year 5 and 6 will enjoy a day of competition at their athletic sports, and there are trips for New Entrants, Year 1 and Year 5 students. On Friday morning, Coffee Connect is on during drop-off, so I hope to see many of you there. 

Please remember that Labour Day is on Monday next week. After such a positive start to the term, I hope you can enjoy the long weekend and some extra time together as a family. 

Take care, 

Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 26 October

• Labour Day (School Closed)
• Year 11–13 Exams (All week)

Tuesday 27 October

• Junior Year 1 Zoo Trip
• Year 8 Camp (Tuesday-Friday)
• Year 9 Bravo: Catch-up Sailing
• New Entrant MOTAT Trip, 9.00am

Wednesday 28 October

• APO School Concert Trip
• Year 5–6 Interhouse Athletics
• Year 9 Bravo: Catch-up Sailing

Thursday 29 October

• Year 3–4 Movie Night
• Year 5 Brick Bay Trip

Friday 30 October

• Coffee Connect , 8.15am–9.15am 🎃

Primary News

Kia ora koutou,

It has been another busy week in Primary.  Well done to our Year 6 students, who have completed their Cambridge Checkpoint testing, and to Years 4 and 5, who have undertaken progression tests in Maths, English and Science. This was a first for Year 4, and they approached the experience with maturity, I know their teachers are proud of them.

Our Have a Go Golf Day was a great success, with plenty of enthusiasm on show. You may well have some requests this weekend to practise hitting a golf ball in the garden! Team spirit continued on Thursday with our House Volleyball Competition. Well done Matai the winners, and to Kauri for picking up points for cheering their team on.

The Ukulele Festival was a tuneful occasion as we welcomed other schools to Pinehurst for a fantastic jam. Year 2 also enjoyed a successful visit to Kelly Tarlton’s, where I’m told they even got to touch a penguin!

Tickets are going fast for the Year 0–2 end-of-year show, The Magic Paintbrush, which promises to be full of colour and very cute.

A reminder that from Tuesday next week, students are in full summer uniform. It will be a busy four days ahead, with trips to the zoo, MOTAT and Brick Bay, Orchestra Explorers, and the Year 3–4 Syndicate Movie Night Social. Enjoy the long weekend!

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian

Sian Coxon

🚍 Year 0 (P3, P4 & P5) Trip to MOTAT

When: Tuesday 27 October, 9.00am – approximately 1.30pm
Where: MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology)
Who: Year 0 students from P3, P4 and P5

As part of our Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) programme, our Year 0 students from P3, P4 and P5 will visit MOTAT for an exciting day of hands-on learning. Students will explore interactive exhibits and discover how technology has changed over time and how it impacts our everyday lives. They will investigate different forms of transport, communication and innovation, making connections between their classroom learning and the world around them.

Students will travel to and from MOTAT by bus, leaving school at 9.00am and returning at approximately 1.30pm.

What to bring:

• Correct summer uniform
• Drink bottle
• Morning tea and packed lunch (lunch orders will not be available)
• Small day bag, as storage space is limited

We look forward to a fun and engaging day of learning and discovery at MOTAT!

🦁 P1 and P2 Zoo Trip on Tuesday!

A reminder that our P1 and P2 students will be heading to the zoo on Tuesday 26 October for an exciting day of learning and exploration.

What: P1 and P2 Zoo Trip
When: Tuesday 26 October
Where: Auckland Zoo

What students need to bring:

• A small backpack (please do not bring wheelie bags, as students will need to carry their belongings throughout the day).
• A packed lunch and snacks. Please note that lunch orders will not be available as we will be eating lunch at the zoo.
• A water bottle
• A sun hat
• A school jacket if required
• Summer uniform (not winter uniform)

We are looking forward to a fantastic day and thank you for your support in ensuring students are well prepared.

🏃‍♂️Year 5 & 6 Athletics Day

When: Wednesday 28 October, 9.00am–2.30pm
Where: AUT Millennium Athletics Track

Next Wednesday, our Year 5 and 6 students will head to AUT Millennium to showcase their track and field skills. Students have been working hard during PE lessons to develop their technique and prepare for the event.

This is an all-day event, with students travelling by bus, departing School at 9.00am and returning at approximately 2.30pm.

We look forward to a fantastic day of participation, effort and sportsmanship!

🍿 Years 3 & 4 End-of-Year Cinema Social

When: Thursday 29 October, 4.10pm arrival for a 4.30pm start
Where: Cinema, Albany

To celebrate the end of the year, our Year 3 and 4 students are heading to the cinema in Albany to enjoy Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.

Students should arrive at 4.10pm, ready for the film to begin at 4.30pm. Their ticket includes popcorn to enjoy during the movie, but students will need to bring their own water bottles.

This special social is exclusively for our Year 3 and 4 students and will be a wonderful opportunity to have fun with friends and celebrate a fantastic year together.

If your child is in Year 3 or 4, please ensure they are signed up to attend.

🚌 Year 5 Brick Bay Sculpture Trail

When: Thursday 29 October
Where: Brick Bay Sculpture Trail

As part of our EOTC programme, Year 5 students will be visiting the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail next week. This exciting trip supports their learning in Design Technology and Art, providing a hands-on opportunity to explore sculpture, design and artistic expression.

Departure and Return Times:

• Group 1 (P17 and P15): Depart 9.15am, return 1.00pm

• Group 2 (P16 and P15): Depart 10.15am, return 2.00pm

What to Bring:

• Full school uniform and school hat

• Sports shoes

• Small day bag and drink bottle

• Packed morning tea and lunch (no lunch orders available)

We're looking forward to a creative and inspiring day out!

🎹 Primary Solo, Duo & Group Performance Showcase

When: Thursday 19 November, 3.30pm
Where: School Theatre
Registration Deadline: Friday 30 October

We are looking forward to our Term 4 Solo, Duo & Group Performance Showcase, celebrating the musical talents of our Primary students.

Students in Years 0–6 who would like to perform are invited to register their interest by Friday 30 October by completing the registration form and uploading an audition video of their intended performance.

We welcome students of all ability levels and encourage a variety of instruments and musical genres, including voice, to create a balanced and entertaining programme.

⭐️ Important Information:

• Places are limited to 16 students for this one-hour concert.

• Performances must be three minutes or less.

• Preference will be given to students who have not already performed this year.

• Pedal extenders cannot be used on the Theatre's grand piano, so please consider this when selecting a performance piece.

⭐️ To Register: Please complete the registration form AND upload an audition video using the links provided.

For any questions, please contact Mrs Cynthia Jaques at  Cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz

We look forward to another wonderful afternoon of music and performance!
 

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa  

Next week, our Year 9 students who were unable to complete the sailing component of their camp due to inclement weather will have another opportunity to take to the water. They will spend two days sailing with the New Zealand Sailing Trust, developing their skills, confidence and teamwork. We are hoping the weather is kinder to them this time and that they are able to enjoy the full experience. 

Meanwhile, our Year 8 students will head to Tongariro this week for their camp, which promises to be filled with adventure, teamwork and memorable experiences. Camp provides a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves, strengthen friendships and enjoy learning beyond the classroom. We wish them a fantastic week and look forward to hearing about their experiences when they return.  

Cambridge examinations also continue throughout the coming week, including an IGCSE Drama examination on the afternoon of Labour Day. Students have approached their examinations with a positive attitude and great focus so far, and I encourage them to maintain this commitment and resilience throughout the coming weeks. 

I hope you enjoy the long weekend. 

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

📣 Come and Support Our Pinehurst Cheer Team!

When: Sunday 1 November
Where: Eventfinda Stadium, North Shore
Performance: 9.30am
Awards Ceremony: 11.00am

Our Pinehurst Cheer Team is preparing for their final competition of the year, Super Nationals, and we'd love to see our school community come along to cheer them on!

Following an exciting first competition season, our talented cheerleaders are looking forward to taking to the floor once again and showcasing their hard work, dedication and team spirit. We warmly invite Pinehurst families and friends to join us at Eventfinda Stadium to support the team and celebrate their achievements.

Let's get behind our Pinehurst cheerleaders and finish the season on a high!
 

Community News

🎃 Coffee Connect: A Little Halloween Fun!

Join us outside Reception on Friday morning for a slightly spooky edition of Coffee Connect as we head into Halloween weekend!

When: Friday 30 October, 8.15am–9.15am
Where: Outside Reception
Who: Pinehurst parents and caregivers

Join us outside Reception on Friday morning for a slightly spooky edition of Coffee Connect as we head into Halloween weekend! Stop by on your way into School for a complimentary coffee or hot chocolate, catch up with other Pinehurst parents and caregivers, and enjoy a little Halloween fun to start your day.

There will be a Halloween-themed photo opportunity to capture a fun moment with your children before they head off to class, along with a few sweet treats to enjoy.

Coffee Connect is a relaxed opportunity for parents and caregivers to stop for a moment, meet other families and stay connected with our Pinehurst community. Whether you have five minutes or a little longer, we'd love to see you there.

Come for the coffee, stay for a chat... and a little Halloween mischief! 🎃👻

✨ Sparkle for Starship – Non-Uniform Day

When: Wednesday 4 November
Who: All students, Years 0–13

Pinehurst is proud to support Sparkle for Starship this Christmas, helping raise funds for children receiving care at Starship Children's Hospital. On Wednesday 4 November, we invite all students to take part in a special non-uniform day, wear something sparkly and bring a gold coin donation to support this wonderful cause.

Every contribution will help support the Starship Foundation and its work caring for some of New Zealand's sickest children, including those spending the festive season in hospital.

We look forward to seeing our Pinehurst community come together and spread a little sparkle for Starship! ✨

🎵 Erhu Workshop – Discover a Traditional Chinese Instrument

When: Thursday 5 November, 11.20am–12.00pm
Where: School Theatre
Who: Students from all year levels

Pinehurst is delighted to welcome Erhu teacher Zoe Li, who will be leading a special workshop introducing students to the Erhu, a traditional Chinese musical instrument.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about this unique and expressive instrument and try playing the Erhu themselves. Following the workshop, students will also have the option to enrol in Erhu lessons with Zoe at School. The workshop is open to students from all year levels, with places limited to 40 students, so we encourage families to register their interest early.

⭐️ To Register: Please email Cynthia Jaques at cynthia.jaques@gmail.com if you would like your child to attend.

We look forward to introducing students to this wonderful musical tradition!

🎅 Pinehurst Christmas Hampers

It is a cherished Pinehurst tradition to donate Christmas hampers to those in need. This year, we are proud to support Women's Refuge, an organisation providing 24/7 crisis support, safe accommodation and advocacy for women and children experiencing domestic or family violence.

We warmly invite our Pinehurst community to contribute to this meaningful cause by donating non-perishable food, Christmas treats, gift vouchers, new toiletries, toys and games.

Christmas-wrapped collection boxes will be placed in classrooms from Monday 27 October, with student helpers collecting donations each morning. These contributions will be used to create beautiful Christmas hampers, which will be presented at our Christmas Service on Thursday 3 December.

⭐️ Cardboard Boxes Needed: If you have any good-quality cardboard boxes suitable for hampers that you would be happy to donate, please contact Nicole Webb at nicole.webb@pinehurst.school.nz.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us share a little Christmas kindness with families in need.