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Term 1, Week 2 Wednesday 11th February 2026
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Welcome to the new school year and also Happy Year of the Horse! 马年快乐！
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We have had an amazing start to the school year. It was wonderful to have our Pōwhiri on Monday to welcome our new staff members, 28 new students and whānau. It is important to us that your move to our school is as easy as possible. If there is anything you need to know, please do ask. No question is ever too small.
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Whānau Connect Meetings.
We began the year with our ‘Whānau Connect’ meetings, giving families and children an opportunity to meet their 2026 teachers before the first full day of school. These meetings were an excellent way to establish relationships, discuss communication, and share information to ensure an enjoyable and successful year. With an impressive 81% attendance rate, it was wonderful to receive positive feedback from parents, students, and teachers about their value. If you missed out but would like to arrange a meeting, please contact your child’s teacher directly. Working together as a team ensures the best possible outcomes for your child.
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Property Updates
Over the summer break, several property projects took place, including the demolition of the water damaged Administration block. As there is a stream that runs underground in this area, there are no future plans to build any new blocks in this area. We will continue to landscape this area and transform it into a welcoming entrance to our kura. The final water damaged block in our school is Ruru block (next to the hall). This block continues to hold moisture and mold, despite much remediation and continues to have very unhealthy air readings. We are required to continue to keep it vacant and the ministry is working on a date to demolish this block also. We will put three new (built to safety and compliance standard) classrooms in the same place and will keep you updated as the plans for this progress.
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Unfortunately, the school also experienced vandalism over the holiday break and this was mainly in our 'Creative Playbox' shed on the field. It was disheartening to see the walls and oven smashed in, following the hours that Mr Skeath put into creating this space and knowing the hours the children enjoy playing in this space. We will investigate putting video camera surveillance in this area, as well, as it is one of the few spaces at the moment without video surveillance. We extend our gratitude to Property Manager Mark Skeath for his hard work in maintaining the school grounds, creating a wonderful environment for everyone to come back to school to and enjoy.
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Support for Families
We appreciate the effort families have made to prepare children for the new school year, especially given the financial challenges that can come at this time. Please remember, we are happy to work with you to spread costs over the year if this helps manage expenses.
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Hats and Sun Safety
Congratulations to all the children already wearing hats outside! As per Ministry of Education requirements, hats must be worn during the summer months. Children may wear a hat of their choice or purchase a school hat from our uniform provider, Janbells Ltd (phone: 09 478 3455). Please ensure hats and other clothing items are clearly named.
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8:50 am School Start Time - 3:00 pm Finish Time
Our school day starts promptly at 8:50 am, with the electronic roll taken at 8:50 am and again at 1:30 pm. To ensure a stress-free start to the day, we encourage students to arrive by 8:40 am, allowing time to settle in, greet their teacher, and connect with peers. The school gates open at 8:15 am, and if your child requires drop off and supervision before this time, please contact Rochelle from PKC on 027 325 3229 or rochelle@premiumkidscare.co.nz to make arrangements.
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At the end of the school day, pick-up time is at 3:00 pm. As per our school policy, students must not be left in the playground unsupervised by an adult family member. If you require after-school supervision, please contact PKC to arrange care for your child.
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Fortnightly Newsletters
Our newsletters will be published every fortnight on Wednesdays and shared digitally on HERO. These newsletters contain important information, so please read them carefully. If you need assistance downloading the HERO app or updating your email address, contact the school office at info@pinehill.school.nz
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School Assemblies
Whole-school assemblies continue every Tuesday at 2:15 pm in the hall. This term, in odd-numbered weeks, classes will host assemblies to share their learning, while even-numbered weeks will feature singing and waiata led by Mr. Rogers. Next Tuesday 17th February, R1 will be hosting our school assembly. Details about your child’s class presentation schedule are available on our school website calendar. Assemblies are a wonderful time to celebrate learning and achievements, including class shields. Whānau are warmly invited to join us.
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We hope you enjoyed Waitangi Day last week and had an opportunity to reflect on its significance for us as New Zealanders. We also wish you a very happy Chinese New Year as we celebrate the Year of the Horse.
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Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini
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Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.
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Hearing and Vision
The National Public Health Service – Northern region’s Vision and Hearing Screening team
will be visiting our school Friday 20 February 2026 to screen those in Years 0-2 who have not previously had their B4School screening or require a follow-up re-screen. If you do not want your child’s vision and hearing to be screened, please notify the school prior to testing.
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Results of vision and hearing screening will be sent home with your child. The results may be
shared with the school, including your child’s teacher.
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Young Guns Skate Club - Wednesdays at Pinehill School.
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Click on the link below for all Young Guns bookings.
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Sports X - Tuesdays at Pinehill School
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We Chat
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如果您想了解學校的資訊或者有關於學校的任何問題，請加這個微信號碼，我會在我工作時間內盡量解答您的問題。
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