Principal's Message

Dear Parents/Caregivers

Thank you very much for considering Pine Hill School as a place of new entrant-year 6 primary school education for your child. Pine Hill School is a fantastic place of learning and our school values of Aiming High, Respect and Responsibility, are reflected throughout. My name is Melissa Ward and I am the Principal of Pine Hill School. I began my role at the start of term four 2017 with moving from a previous Principal position I had been in. I feel extremely privileged to be the leader of such an excellent school.

Pine Hill School comprises two classrooms on extensive grounds with a large playing area. We have a Junior Learning Team (years 0-3) and a Senior Learning Team (years 4-6). Our teachers are highly skilled and passionate, who have their children's and families very best interests at heart. Our support staff include a part time secretary and teacher aide and a caretaker. Our school is well supported by the Board of Trustees along with our school and wider community. All of the people involved with Pine Hill School make it a wonderful place to be.

Children come to school to develop intellectual, social, emotional, physical and creative skills that will assist them with their future lives. It is our intention to provide a positive learning environment in which students will develop a sense of pride in their work, an independent, collaborative and positive approach to their learning along with learning to co-operate with others. A variety of learning experiences are provided both inside and outside the classroom setting at Pine Hill School. Children's individual needs are catered for to ensure they are achieving to the very best of their ability.

Our school values are reflected throughout our school and are at the core of our Positive Behaviour for Learning programme. Working together for the best possible education for our children is the key idea behind our motto 'Reaching for the Top!' We want all children to 'reach for the top' with their education and as a person, during their time at Pine Hill School.

Technology plays a huge part in education, both now and moving into the future. At Pine Hill School we are committed to preparing our children for this. This involves ensuring they have the skills needed to operate technology effectively and efficiently as well as being creators of technology. Teaching staff also keep up-to-date with current trends in education and educational pedagogy.

A child’s schooling is an extremely important part of their life. Pine Hill School offers everything you are looking for in a new entrant-year 6 primary school education for your child. Our small school promotes a welcoming, caring, family atmosphere. 

Feel free to contact me should you require any further information. Our community looks forward to welcoming your child, your family and yourself into our wonderful environment.

Ngā mihi nui,

Melissa Ward
principal@pinehilldunedin.school.nz