How do I log in to the school systems?

Pinehurst School uses Microsoft Single Sign‑On (SSO) for most school systems, including the FACTS Portal and Monitor cashless account.

You sign in using the email address you provided to the school. This email is registered in our Student Information System and linked to our secure sign‑on system.

Can’t sign in to the FACTS Portal?

1. Check you are using the correct email address

• You must use the email address recorded in our Student Information System.
• If you are unsure which email is on file, please contact the Enrolment Team.

2. Error message about your email not being recognised

You may see a message saying your email address is not found or is not recognised:

• Please ensure you are using exactly the same email address you provided to the school.
• For new families, your Microsoft guest account is created shortly before your child starts school. If you are logging in too early, access may not yet be available.

I can log in, but something doesn’t look right

Try these steps:

1. Log out, then clear cached sign‑in data by visiting:
   👉 https://pinehurst.nz/fix
2. Log in again.
3. Check the name shown at the top of the page:
   • It must be your own name, not your child’s.
   • If it is incorrect, log out and sign in again.

I have to sign in every time, especially on my phone

This commonly happens on mobile devices.

For example:

• You tap a link in an email on your phone.
• The link opens in Safari (iPhone default browser).
• Safari may be in Private Browsing mode, which does not retain sign‑in sessions.

What to do:

• Use a web browser where you are already signed in to your email account.
• Avoid Private / Incognito browsing when accessing the Portal.

The verification email or code is sent to a different email address

This happens when two‑factor authentication (2FA) is enabled on your email account.

Depending on your email provider, verification may be sent to:

• Another signed‑in device
• A text message
• A secondary email address you previously set up

This behaviour is controlled by your email provider, not the school.

I don’t know my Google, Microsoft, or email password

• Passwords are managed by your email provider.
• Pinehurst School does not store or reset caregiver passwords.

Please use your email provider’s password recovery process to reset your password.

I’m using a shared computer or browser

If the browser has cached sign‑ins from other Microsoft or Google accounts:

• Use an InPrivate / Incognito window
• This ensures you sign in with the correct email account

I have changed my email address

There are two steps involved:

Option 1: Update it yourself

• Sign in using your old email address
• Go to Update My Details
• Enter your new email address
• The change will take effect once verified (usually within two business days)

Option 2: Contact Admissions

• Ask the Admissions Team to update your email address
• Once updated, your new email will be invited into our Microsoft Single Sign‑On system

What is Microsoft Single Sign‑On?

Pinehurst School uses Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) to securely provide access to school systems for caregivers.

• Caregivers are invited as guest users
• We use Microsoft Single Sign‑On, with support for Google accounts as an external identity provider
• This allows you to sign in using your existing Microsoft or Google account, while the school maintains control of its data and systems

I didn’t receive the one‑time passcode (verification code)

Unfortunately, the school cannot access or generate verification codes.

Please:

• Check your junk or spam folder
• Close your browser completely
• Start the sign‑in process again

How can I avoid entering a one‑time password every time?

We recommend linking your email address to a Microsoft or Google account.

You can do this using your existing email address:

• Microsoft: https://accounts.microsoft.com
• Google: https://accounts.google.com

This improves sign‑in reliability and reduces repeated verification prompts.