Dear Parents and Guardians, 

On cold mornings and rainy days, going out to duty at the crossing can be a little hard, but it is always a highlight of my day. The chance to chat with students from across the year levels is something I don’t take for granted, and it is amazing what I learn from just a few quick words! 

I was very proud to watch our boys' First XI hockey team play their final against Westlake on Wednesday night. While the final result was a narrow loss, the boys should be incredibly pleased with their season and the way they rose to the occasion against excellent opposition. The core of the team has played together for many years, and I hope the memory of playing their best game in Pinehurst colours is one they will cherish. The support from their peers was very special and highlights the close bonds across our school. This weekend, many of our netballers are in playoffs, and I am sure they will bring the same attitude to their matches. 

Earlier this week, I had the chance to discuss Primary education with a number of other principals. Those conversations reinforced my belief that our youngest learners are receiving an exceptional education. Our approaches are guided by evidence-based practice, and it was clear from these conversations that the work of our Primary staff is held in very high regard by colleagues from other schools. 

Next week, our Year 5 and 6 students take to the stage for sell-out performances of Mary Poppins, and in the tradition of theatre, I hope they ‘break a leg’. Spanish Language Week is being celebrated at the College, alongside mock exams for senior students. I look forward to seeing many of you at Coffee Connect on Friday morning. 

Our school uniform is a visual representation of our community and our shared values, and it is important that it is well worn by every student. Can you please help ensure your child is correctly dressed before leaving home each day, including wearing clean shoes. 

Please remember to regularly check the news section of our website and our social media channels. With so many great things happening across the school the newsletter is just a snapshot of school life and student achievement. The stories shared on our other channels highlight the richness of the student experience at Pinehurst. 

We often underestimate the importance of resilience, yet we have all faced obstacles that can seem too difficult to climb at first glance. If your child is facing particular challenges at school, please let us know so that we can support them in making the mountain a more manageable hill. 

Have a great weekend. 

Warm wishes,
Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 24 August

• Spanish Language Week in College
• Year 11-13 Mock Exams (All Week)

Tuesday 25 August

• Primary School Production: Mary Poppins Jr. School Theatre, 6.00pm

Wednesday 26 August

• College Taco Wednesday + Mexican Food Truck (as part of Spanish Language Week)
• North Harbour Gymnastics Zone Day

Thursday 27 August

• Primary School Production: Mary Poppins Jr. School Theatre, 6.00pm

Friday 28 August

• Coffee Connect: Outside Reception, 8.15 - 9.15am
• AAIMS Cross Country Championships

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa 

Mock examinations are now underway and next week our Year 11–13 students will continue on study leave, except when scheduled to sit a mock examination. This period is an important opportunity for them to consolidate their learning and prepare for the challenges ahead. A reminder that students sitting examinations should be mindful of their wellbeing at this time. Getting enough sleep and regular exercise are at least as important as study in creating the conditions for success.  

A reminder that there are strict rules around driving under a restricted driver's license. Many of our senior students will drive themselves to and from school during the examination period and they should familiarise themselves with the rules which include, in most cases, not carrying passengers.   

Next week is Spanish Language Week and Ms Marino Grana and the team have been busy organising lots of fun activities. Throughout the week there will also Spanish-themed music, games, and quizzes to look forward to as well as some yummy food to purchase.  

I hope you have a lovely weekend. 

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🎓 College Upcoming Events

Spanish Language Week at Pinehurst

Next week is Spanish Language Week in Aotearoa, and we are excited to celebrate the beauty of the Spanish language and the rich and diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world!

Throughout the week, students and staff will have plenty of opportunities to get involved, with fun activities, quizzes, music, language challenges and, of course, some delicious food! We will also be sampling churros — because no Spanish celebration would be complete without them! 😋

Wednesday will be a special highlight, with a Mexican food truck visiting our school. Come along and enjoy some delicious quesadillas, nachos or tortas. Payment can be made by cash or card, so make sure you come hungry!

Spanish Language Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only a language spoken by millions of people around the world, but also the many different cultures, traditions and communities that make the Spanish-speaking world so vibrant.

And, of course… Let’s not forget that it is the language of the World Cup champions!

¡Vamos a celebrarlo!

Upcoming University Open Days

• Victoria University of Wellington Open Day: Friday 21 August
  Register here

• University of Canterbury Open Day: Friday 28 August
  Register here

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

• AUT Open Day: Saturday 29 August
  Register here

Primary News

Kia ora tātou,

It is nearly time to put on a show!

After months of rehearsals, singing, dancing, learning lines, and perfecting every scene, our Year 5 and 6 production of Mary Poppins Jr. is finally coming together. This week’s dress rehearsal was an exciting milestone, bringing all the elements of the show together and giving students the opportunity to perform in full costume on stage.

Our students have demonstrated tremendous commitment throughout the rehearsal process, and we are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm, resilience, and teamwork. A special thank you must also go to the staff who have devoted countless hours behind the scenes to support and prepare our young performers. Their dedication, alongside the hard work of our students, promises to add up to an amazing show.

Tickets are selling fast, and as this is a ticket only event, we encourage families to secure their seats soon to avoid disappointment. We look forward to sharing this magical production with you all.

Congratulations to our netballers this week at the Mid Bays tournament hosted here at Pinehurst. Year 5 secured 3^rd place and Year 6 were overall champions. Both teams played their hearts out despite the freezing wind, and it was amazing to watch their level of skill.

Stay warm and well this weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

🎓 Primary Upcoming Events

☂ Mary Poppins comes to Pinehurst!

Performed by: Year 5 and 6 students
When: Tuesday 25 and Thursday 27 August, 6.00pm
Where: School Theatre
Who is invited: Everyone is welcome!
Buy tickets: Link below👇

Our Year 5 and 6 students are getting ready to take to the stage in Mary Poppins, a magical 70-minute family production filled with colourful characters, humour and much-loved songs including A Spoonful of Sugar, Feed the Birds and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Set in London, the story follows the Banks family and their extraordinary new nanny, Mary Poppins, who brings a little magic, adventure and fun into their lives. Whether you already know and love the story or are discovering it for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to see our talented students shine on stage.

Ticket Information

One ticket price applies to adults and children. All attendees aged 2 years and over require their own ticket and seat. Children under 2 may attend free when seated on a parent or caregiver’s lap for the entire performance.

Seating is general admission, with all seats providing a good view of the stage. Please have your original ticket open on your phone when you arrive, rather than a screenshot, to help make entry quick and easy.

We look forward to welcoming Pinehurst families to the Theatre for a truly supercalifragilistic night out!

🎟️ Buy your tickets here

🎵 Primary Solo and Duo Performance Showcase

Who: Year 0 to 2 students
When: Thursday 10 September, 3.30 pm
Where: School Theatre

We are looking forward to celebrating our Year 0 to 2 musicians at our Term 3 Primary Solo and Duo Performance Showcase.

Students who would like to perform are invited to register their interest by Monday 24 August by completing the registration form and uploading an audition video of their chosen piece.

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.

Please note that performances should be three minutes or less, and places are limited to 16 students. Families should also be aware that pedal extenders cannot be used on the grand piano in the theatre, so this should be taken into account when selecting a piece.

If you have any questions, please contact cynthia.jaques@pinehurst.school.nz.

We look forward to seeing our young musicians take to the stage.

Community News

🌼 Coffee Connect Friday 28 August

Join us for a special Daffodil Day Coffee Connect! Enjoy a complimentary hot drink, connect with other parents and caregivers and help us support the Cancer Society.

When: 8.15 - 9.15am
Where: Outside Reception

☀️  Share Some Sunshine

Help us create a community Positivity Flower by writing something that brings a little sunshine to your day on a flower petal. Add it to our display and go in the draw to WIN a beautiful bunch of daffodils!

💛  We're also raising funds for the Cancer Society

Donations can be made via our school fundraising page here or by scanning the QR code on the day.

⭐️  Wear a touch of yellow, share some sunshine, and help us make a difference.

Whether you're new to Pinehurst or have been part of our community for years, we'd love to see you there.