Dear Parents and Guardians, 

The highlight of my week is always walking through the campus both during lessons and at break times. It gives me a chance to see our students engaging with each other and our values in action. I also take the time to look for the little things, the moments in time where we can find small improvements that often have an outsized impact. 

This morning I enjoyed chatting with a number of you over a cup of coffee and then sharing key messages relating to our strategic plan with a larger group at ‘Bites and Insights’. These sessions are a valuable chance for me to directly share ideas in greater depth about education and the future of the school that is not always possible other forums. I encourage you to come along to the next breakfast forum on 11 June. 

Exams continue for Years 11 to 13 next week, representing an important step on the learning journey. It is important to remember that an assessment at this time of year, at any level, is about reflecting on the work that has been done, recognising that there are still plenty of learning opportunities ahead and planning for improvement. A difference between current grades and target grades is to be expected, and focusing on next steps is key. 

Years 5 and 6 had an excellent experience with bike skills days during the week. From novices learning the basics to highly confident riders, there was something for everyone. I hope the newfound skills encourage all the students to get outdoors and be active over the weekend. Year 6 also had the fun of visiting the Chelsea sugar factory, and I confess I was a little jealous of the treats they took home! 

Primary students will have the chance for hands on learning with STEM workshops next week. With the rapid advancement of AI, I firmly believe there is a place for developing practical skills, where students can take an idea through product development and then undergo iterative improvement. It will also be great to see the work Year 7 and 8 students have done for their Science Fair projects on Thursday, 

Next Friday afternoon, I am looking forward to seeing lots of grandparents on the campus. Grandparents are very special people in the lives of our children, and I know that these moments are truly the memories that will last a lifetime. 

While I often write about road safety, please also remember to be safe in your car. It is important that children remain seated and secured until your car has completely stopped, at which point they can safely exit at drop-off time. 

Please remember that Monday is a public holiday, so I will see you on Tuesday. 

Take care and enjoy the long weekend.

Warm wishes,
Mike Waller

🗓️ Dates for your Diary

Monday 1 June

• Kings Birthday Public Holiday (No School)

Tuesday 2 June

• PE Lifesaving
• Year 0-4 STEM Day
• Year 11-13 Mid Year Exams
• Year 5-6 STEM Motat Visit

Wednesday 3 June

• Year 5-6 STEM Motat Visit
• Year 11-13 Mid Year Exams

Thursday 4 June

• North Harbour Waterpolo Zone Day
• Year 11-13 Mid Year Exams
• Year 7 & 8 Science Fair
• AKSS Snowboarding Champs

Friday 5 June

• Year 11-13 Mid Year Exams
• 12.15-13.30 Primary Grandparents Day Lunch

College News

Tēnā koutou katoa 

Next week, midyear examinations continue for students in years 11-13. Students in these year groups are on study leave unless they have an examination scheduled. If a student is unable to attend an examination due to sickness, they should contact their Dean. Midyear examinations can be tiring for students, and they should ensure that they have good routines in place through the week including regular mealtimes and continuing to get fresh air and exercise. Quality sleep is extremely valuable during this time and so removing devices from bedrooms is especially important.  

On Thursday afternoon, our Year 7 and 8 students will be presenting their Science Fair projects in the gym. An enormous amount of effort, collaboration, and problem-solving has gone into these projects, and I am very much looking forward to seeing the students’ hard work and creativity showcased on the day. 

Enjoy Kings Birthday Weekend, I hope you get some time to relax and have some family time together.  

Ngā mihi nui,
Dawn Sullivan

🎓 College Upcoming Events

Update from the Career Centre

Round the World Exchange Expo
31 May: 1.00-4.00pm at Taitamariki Hall, 8 Auburn Street, Takapuna 

Many scholarships are now open for applications
1 June: Check application deadlines carefully as they all vary

Victoria University of Wellington Information Evening 
2 June: 6-7pm at Aotea Centre

Applications still open for Young Scholars Programme

Primary News

Kia ora tatou,

It has been a busy week across the Primary school, with a range of opportunities for students to take part in and represent the school. Year 5 and 6 students participated in the Bike Ready Cycle Skills programme led by Harbour Sport, developing their skills and road safety awareness. It was fantastic to see those who were a little nervous to start with gaining confidence and being so happy with their achievements. Kids should be out riding bikes and exploring, and it is a great family activity to do together.

On Tuesday our teams also competed in the Supercluster Basketball competition, showing strong teamwork in both the girls and boys competitions. Students also took part in the Ski and Snowboard events at SnowPlanet. Podium placings went to Hesper, Dylan, Reimi, Jaden, and Eli with very close results from Ethan, Audry and Caleb.

Year 6 were lucky enough to visit the Chelsea Sugar Factory, where they learned about the production process and history and saw a giant mountain of sugar!  On Thursday afternoon we enjoyed the Primary Solo and Duo Music Showcase, which was a magical musical performance that showcased the remarkable talents of our young students.

Of course, learning never takes a back seat, and these opportunities enrich our students’ lives by providing meaningful, hands-on experiences beyond the classroom.

Thank you to staff and families who supported these events throughout the week. Have a great long weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sian Coxon

🎓 Primary Upcoming Events

Primary STEM Days This Week

Primary students will soon be taking part in our annual STEM Day, a fun-filled day designed to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning.

This year, students in Years 0–4 will be “heading to the moon”, exploring space travel and discovery through a range of practical STEM activities inspired by the recent Artemis II mission.

Our senior primary students will also enjoy a visit from the MOTAT STEAM Cell, taking part in hands-on coding and robotics workshops led by MOTAT educators.

STEM Day provides a wonderful opportunity for students to think creatively, apply new skills, and engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in exciting real-world contexts.

Community News

Host Families Needed: Korean Student Visit

Pinehurst is excited to welcome students from IMAE Middle School (South Korea) in Term 4, Week 1, and we are currently seeking host families from our school community.

When: Tuesday 13 – Friday 16 October 2026
Who: Students aged 14–15 years
Hosting Duration: Three nights

Hosting is a voluntary but incredibly rewarding experience, offering families the opportunity to build friendships, share Kiwi culture, and be part of a meaningful international exchange.

Students will attend Pinehurst during the week and experience everyday family life. There is no expectation to organise special outings - simply including students in your normal routine is more than enough.

If your family may be interested in hosting, or if you would like more information, please contact laurie.cadag@pinehurst.school.nz

We would greatly appreciate the support of our community in helping make this special experience possible. All host families will be police vetted.

Australian & Selected Universities Expo on Wednesday

A reminder that if you would like to attend the Australian & Selected Universities Expo on Wednesday 10 June here at Pinehurst, please book your tickets here:  https://events.humanitix.com/australian-and-selected-universities-expo

The access code is: PINEHURSTCODE

• There are a limited number of tickets available
• If your parents want to attend, you need to book for them
• Maximum of 3 tickets per student (this is for you and two parents if you want both to attend – parents do not need to attend)
• If you make a mistake or need to cancel your booking, you can do that for yourself - you do not need to tell me. Please cancel if you need to, to give someone else an opportunity to attend.
• If you miss out on a ticket because they sell quickly, you will go on a waitlist. Once tickets become available (because someone else cancels) then waitlisted people will be given tickets on a first in, first served policy