Category Archives: Weekly Newsletters

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 4 April 2025

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to the final newsletter of Term 1! With just one week left before the holiday break, we reflect on all that has been achieved this term. It’s been amazing to see the growth in all of our students. Our staff have worked incredibly hard and truly deserve a well-earned break. We hope you enjoy the holiday time with your children and are able to prioritise some quality family moments together.

Kapa Haka

Every Friday, Whaea Cath visits Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto to support both students and staff in growing their understanding and performance of kapa haka. Learning about Māori culture and enhancing our proficiency in te reo Māori helps us all to become strong and valued Treaty partners.

Recently, under Cath’s guidance, we’ve gone through a process to design new kapa haka uniforms for our school. We are very fortunate that the PTA has generously agreed to fund the first rollout of these uniforms for Te Whānau Mahitahi, our senior kapa haka group. 


Sporting Success

A huge congratulations to two of our Team Kauri students, Zach and Daniel, who placed 1st and 5th respectively in the U13 cross country race at the South Island Mountain Biking School Championship in Methven. Well done, Zach and Daniel - you should be incredibly proud of your outstanding achievements!


A big congratulations to our Year 5/6 Touch Rugby team for winning their division in the local touch rugby competition! The time, effort, and teamwork you've all put in throughout the season truly paid off. We are incredibly proud of your achievements!


Building Work

During the school holidays, building work will begin on the Kōmanawa Block and the PTA Uniform Shop. Perimeter fencing will be installed around both sites, and we are hopeful that all work will be completed by mid-term next term. While construction is underway, the scooter/bike pen adjacent to the Kōmanawa Block will be unavailable for use.

New Staff Members 

At the beginning of Term 2, we are excited to welcome two new staff members to our school. Niquita Dalley will be joining our New Entrants team to support our roll growth, and Kate McGregor will be joining the Kauri team, filling the role left by Jenny at the end of last year. We are thrilled to have Niquita and Kate on board and look forward to them becoming integral members of our team.

Kate

Niquita 
Have a great holiday break.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Cade Englefield
Principal / Tumuaki
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Thu 3 Apr - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 11 Apr - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Fri 11 Apr - Last Day of Term 1
Mon 28 Apr - First Day of Term 2
Fri 23 May - School Cross Country
Wed 28 May - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Thu 29 May - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 30 May - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Mon 2 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (King's Birthday)
Tue 17 Jun - Matariki Evening (5PM-7PM)
Wed 25 Jun -  Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 25 Jun - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 27 Jun - Last Day of Term 2
Mon 14 Jul - First Day of Term 3

Citizen of the Week

Luna Clark - Year 4

Luna, you are an amazing role model in the Kōwhai hub and you consistently show all of the school values. You particularly embrace the value We Love Challenge, putting your best foot forward when facing challenging situations. You are a caring. helpful, inclusive and conscientious student, always putting your best effort into your learning. Congratulations, Luna. You are an absolute star!

Lucy Lee - Year 5

Lucy, you are a superstar in the Pōhutukawa Team! Your positivity, enthusiasm, and dedication to learning inspire those around you. You always put in your best effort and show great enthusiasm in everything you do. Your kindness and thoughtfulness make our hub a wonderful place to be. Keep up the amazing work!

School Notices

Legacy Dance

Reo Māori o te Wīki

This is our Whakataukī (phrase), Kīwaha (saying), and Kupu (word) for the week. Remember, Mauria te pono - believe in yourself and give it a go!

Whakataukī: Whaowhia te kete mātauranga - this means to fill the basket with knowledge!

Kīwaha: Kia Tau! - this means relax, or settle petal!

Kupu: Ngahuru - this means Autumn.

If you are unsure of the pronunciation of a word, have a look at Te Aka (the Māori dictionary) where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.

Community Dental Service - Holiday Clinics April 2025

The Community Dental Service will be closed for some of the upcoming school holidays

Closed On:        Friday 18th April,
                           Monday 21st April &
                           Friday 25th April

Reopening on:  Monday 28th April

Five of our community dental clinics will be open during this School Holiday period:

     Burnside (96a Memorial Avenue)
     Woolston (11 Hopkins Street)
     Rangiora (163 Ashley Street)
     Northcote (24 Tuckers Road)
     Timaru (18 Woollcombe Street)

If your child is experiencing any dental pain/discomfort, you can call us on 0800 846 983 and/or email: commdental@cdhb.health.nz and one of our clinicians will contact you.

General Shelter in Place and Lockdown Information

Please find below our school's approach to managing situations safely when we are required to either shelter in place or move our school into a lockdown scenario. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the information outlined below.

General Whānau Communication about Shelter in Place and Lockdown 

If a situation arises that people need to remain inside for safety, Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto has two levels, Shelter in Place and Lockdown. 

A Shelter in Place directive is issued when the threat is external and not directed at the school. For example, the school may activate the Shelter in Place plan if there is a report of a swarm of wasps, toxic smoke from a nearby fire, or active armed offender in the community (but not in or near the school grounds).

A Lockdown instruction will be less commonly used and is only likely to be issued if the threat is directly to the school or in the school grounds. This will generally happen on instruction from Police.

LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS
Lockdown procedures are determined by Police advice and require the cooperation of students, staff and parents. We ask all parents to please follow the protocol outlined below to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
  • When the school goes into lockdown, all parents will be notified via both a text message (via Hero) and HERO App alert (which will generate an email for those who don’t use the app). Please ensure the contact details the school holds for your child’s caregivers are current.
  • The school will continue to communicate through these channels, plus on the school Facebook page.
  • Students will not have access to laptops or other devices during a lockdown situation. This is for their own protection until the school ascertains the severity of the situation in consultation with the Police.
  • School phones may not be manned, so please do not try and contact the school, or your child. All information will be sent to you through the channels outlined above as soon as it becomes available. We will be doing the best that we can do to keep everyone informed. 
  • The school will remain in lockdown until advised by the Police or other authorised personnel that it is safe to be lifted.
  • Please do not, under any circumstances, come to the school until you are advised it is safe for you to do so. You may be putting yourself and others in danger.
  • Once the lockdown is over, parents will be contacted immediately.
Thank you for your understanding and for taking the time to familiarise yourself with this protocol as we work together in an emergency situation to keep everyone safe.

2025 Canterbury Primary Schools Swimming'

Congratulations to all of our swimmers who represented Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto at the 2025 Canterbury Primary Schools Swimming! You all swam valiantly!

Gardens

Our children are having more of an input into the gardens.  Building an awareness of looking after our environment, nurturing our special places and growing food at school.
Great heavy work breaks with purpose. 

PTA News

Our fundraising plans are up and running! This year we are raising funds for new blinds for the hall (which should help those disco lights!), new sports uniforms as well as contributing to all the buses needed for camps and school trips. We'll kick off next term with the Annual Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Readathon so look out for sponsorship forms at the beginning of next term and getting reading and planning a costume. 

We are also planning a book sale in June and a Colour Run in November - we're always keen for helpers with these fundraisers, as well as events like the School Disco so if you're keen to get involved don't hesitate to join our Messenger Group or email us via pta@beckenham.school.nz

Uniform Temporary Relocation

From Monday next week (April the 7th), the PTA Uniform Shop will be temporarily housed in the Green Room, adjacent to the Hall. This will take place until the work on the PTA Uniform Room has been completed.

Staff Profiles

Fynn Skelton - Teaching Assistant

Kia Ora Beckenham Whānau! My name is Fynn, back in 2018 I graduated from Beckenham, went on to study at Cashmere High School, travelled the world, experienced a lifetime of amazement, and I find myself back at Beckenham as a TA and am loving it! A bit about me, I’m a massive theatre nerd, music nerd, sports nerd and a regular nerd; I love talking about anything and try to learn something from everyone! Happy to be back in a place near and dear to me!

Kate McGregor - Y7/8 Teacher

Kia ora! My name is Kate McGregor, and I am excited to be joining the Kauri team and working alongside the Year 7/8 students. I recently got married and have a beautiful six-month-old daughter. I grew up locally in Cashmere and have just returned after spending the last two years in Upper Hutt. I love going on walks with my sister and friends, playing and watching all types of sport, and spending quality time with my little family. I am thrilled to be joining the Beckenham whānau. 

Niquita Dalley - New Entrants Teacher

Kia ora koutou,

I'm Niquita Dalley and I'm so excited to be joining the Koru team! Most recently I have been teaching year 7/8 students, but I've always had a soft spot for working with little learners. There's just something special about their curiosity, excitement, and those awesome “aha!” moments when they figure something out — I love being part of that!

Creating a classroom where ākonga feel safe, loved, and ready to give things a go is super important to me. I want my students to feel proud of themselves every step of the way.

My husband Jacob and I have two gorgeous girls, Anastasia and Tallulah, who are both under two — so life at home is busy but full of aroha (and plenty of giggles). When I'm not in the classroom and I get some time to myself, you'll probably find me painting or curled up with a good book.

I can't wait to meet you all and get stuck into this exciting journey together!

BOT Update

Policy Review

From time to time we ask you to review one of our policies that come up on our review cycle. A policy for whānau review is the Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries, and Illness policy. You will find it on School Docs at this link. Click on current review, start review and follow the directions. 

Username: beckenham
Password: pride

Instructions for reviewers
  1. Follow the link to the policy.
  2. Read the policy.
  3. Click the "Start Review" icon at the right-hand top corner of the page. A new screen will appear.
  4. Select your role (board member, staff member, student, whānau or other) from the drop-down list.
  5. Enter your name (optional).
  6. Submit your ratings and comments.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can easily provide you with printed copies of the policy and the review form.

Concerns & Complaints Procedure

BOSCO - April School Holiday Programme

BOSCO April school holiday Programme is open for bookings
Head to bosco.aimyplus.com to register and book
For any further information please contact Harriet
027 645 6632
office@bosco.org.nz

Mana Ake

Tuning into Kids
Term 2 Tuning into Kids Parenting programmes – parents can register directly here: https://manaake.health.nz/tuning-in-to-kids/

Pāpā to Pāpā – A Supportive Drop-in Space – see the flyer below
When: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Philipstown Community Hub - 39 Nursery Rd Christchurch 8011

Pāpā to Pāpā is a welcoming, drop-in space where pāpā can connect, share experiences, and learn together in a kaupapa Māori setting. Each week, we explore different parenting topics, with a focus on whanaungatanga - building strong relationships and community support. Whether new to fatherhood or experienced, this space provides an opportunity to kōrero, uplift one another, and strengthen our role as pāpā and whānau.

School Holiday Activities

https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/holiday-programmes-events-and-activities/
https://thekindfoundation.org.nz/what-we-offer/holidayprogrammes/
https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/school-holiday-fun/
https://olympia.org.nz/holiday-programme
https://christchurchadventurepark.com/experiences/school-holiday-programmes/

Community Notices

(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)

Storybox Drama - Afterschool process drama classes

Storybox Drama is a new local business in the area, offering after school drama classes to children 5-10yrs old.
Our classes are perfect for children new to drama. We provide a playful approach, with a focus on story, imagination and creative process.
Our learning is focused around a story, and we unpack the themes and ideas explored in the book over the term.
In Term 2 we will be exploring the story of Oliver and the Night Giants by Kitty O'Meara.

Find out more & enrol here:


Term 2 classes
Wed 07 May to Wed 25 Jun (8 weeks)
Wednesdays 3:30 pm to 4:40 pm, 1 hour
Somerfield Community Centre, 47 Studholme St, Christchurch
$180 

Find us on Facebook, Instagram or email us:
storybox.chch@gmail.com

We look forward to exploring the stories with you!

After-School Squash Coaching – Join the Fun! 

Looking for a fun and active way for your child to build skills, confidence, and fitness? Our after-school squash coaching sessions are perfect for beginners and experienced players alike!

Location: Christchurch Squash Club, 52 Colombo Street
Days & Times: After school Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Ages: 9+
All equipment provided

Spaces are limited, so get in touch to book your spot. Contact Tim McVie at coaching@christchurchsquash.co.nz  for more details and to sign up! 

Methven Scarecrow Trail: Saturday April 12 – Sunday April 27, 2025

The Methven Scarecrow Trail is a hugely popular and fun family event run in the April school holidays. It is suitable for all ages!

Every year, members of the Methven community build scarecrows to a particular theme and these scarecrows, over 30 of them, are scattered around the town for families to find and try to identify the name of the character.  This year's theme is HEROES/HEROINES AND VILLAINS (characters from children’s movies). Families or small groups purchase a Trail Map/Entry form from the iHub Information Centre and there are sponsored prizes for the most correct entries and for the most popular scarecrows.

Don't forget to like the Scarecrow Trail FB page if possible - this is where we post messages and the results - https://www.facebook.com/MethvenScarecrowTrail/
Thank you so much for your support!

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 21 March 2025

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to our week 8 Newsletter. It is hard to believe we are coming towards the end of Term 1.

Building a Strong Sense of Community and Service

At our school, we believe that community and service are essential to shaping compassionate, responsible individuals. Giving back and practicing reciprocal kindness helps us care for others, and in turn, care for ourselves. When we extend a hand to help someone, we not only improve their lives but also enrich our own, fostering a sense of connection and well-being.

Caring for others is a valuable life skill we encourage in our students. Whether supporting a classmate or volunteering in the community, kindness helps build a more compassionate world. We also emphasise the importance of caring for our environment. Teaching our students to be stewards (kaitiaki) of the planet ensures a sustainable future for everyone.

By nurturing these values, we are preparing our students for a lifetime of compassionate living, where caring for others and the world around them is just as important as caring for themselves.

At last week's celebration assembly, we acknowledged the service of our road patrollers and the contribution they make to keeping our school safe. We also thanked a group of Year 1 students who have taken it upon themselves to be responsible for rubbish collection around the school. Additionally, we recognized the large group of students from across the school who participated in the Weetbix Tryathlon under our school name. These are all great examples of students supporting a strong sense of community at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto.


Celebration of Culture Day 

As you will have seen through a HERO community post, next Friday will be a Celebration of Culture Day at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. 

Students are invited to wear clothing that represents their cultural heritage on this day, whether it's a traditional outfit, something symbolic, or an item that has cultural significance. We want to embrace and honour the many cultures within our school community.

Throughout the day, teachers will provide opportunities for students to share about their culture, fostering an environment of learning, understanding, and appreciation for one another’s backgrounds.

We are really looking forward to this day of celebration, where the diversity within our community will be showcased and celebrated.

Have a great weekend.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Cade Englefield 

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Wed 26 Mar - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 28 Mar - Celebration of Culture Day
Fri 28 Mar - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Wed 2 Apr - Fri 4 Apr - Living Springs Camp - Pōhutukawa (Y5/6)
Thu 3 Apr - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 11 Apr - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Fri 11 Apr - Last Day of Term 1
Mon 28 Apr - First Day of Term 2
Fri 23 May - School Cross Country
Wed 28 May - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Thu 29 May - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 30 May - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Mon 2 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (King's Birthday)
Wed 25 Jun -  Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 25 Jun - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 27 Jun - Last Day of Term 2
Mon 14 Jul - First Day of Term 3

Citizen of the Week

Walter Stallworthy - Year 6

Walter, you are a calming and positive influence on those around you. You consistently demonstrate what it means to be an upstander, living out our values of We Care and We Make a Difference every day. Your dedication and determination to always do your best make you a truly diligent student. Ka pai tō mahi, Walter!

Zakhar Voinov - Year 8

For demonstrating outstanding kindness, respect and responsibility within our Kura. Zakhar, you lead by example, treat everyone with fairness and compassion, and embody the values we hold dear at Beckenham. Thank you for being a role model and an exceptional member of our community!

School Notices

Absence Text Line

Thank you for your patience this term while our text line has not been working. We appreciate you adjusting to emailing or phoning the office about any absences during this time.

We are happy to let you know that our text line is now working again!

Please contact the school office if your child will be absent from school. When contacting us please remember to include; your name, your child's name, the reason for their absence and how long you expect your child will be away from school.

If you do not provide a reason for your child's absence, we are required to mark this as an unjustified absence on their attendance report.

Phone: (03) 337-1404
(Press 1 to leave an absence message)
Email: office@beckenham.school.nz
Text: 02102794107

Cultural Diversity

On Wednesday, the student council organized a whole-school chalk project to advocate for cultural diversity. Years from 1-8 were invited to come and add symbols from their culture. The result is a beautiful mural, just inside the school gates. 

Unity Week: 15th - 21st of March

Launched in 2022, award-winning Unity Week NZ holds a special place in our hearts as we come together to reflect on the lessons of the 15 March mosque attacks and renew our commitment to strengthening our connections with one another.

Unity Week NZ comes to life through a series of impactful events, made possible by the collaborative efforts of Unity Week NZ champions in Christchurch and across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The message of Unity Week NZ is simple: See the humanity in one another, honour the ties that bind us, and respect our differences.

Unity Week NZ embodies the values of Understanding, Nationhood, Integrity, Trust and You. We call on you to commit to building a future where the lessons of 15 March are not only remembered and where unity, compassion, and respect are not just ideals, but actively woven into the lived experiences for everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand.

See more here: https://www.unityweek.co.nz/ideas


Reo Māori o te Wīki

This is our Whakataukī (phrase), Kīwaha (saying), and Kupu (word) from last week. Give it a go! Remember, He taonga te ako, We Love Learning!!

Whakataukī: Mauria te pono - this means to Believe in Yourself!

Kīwaha: He reka! - this means Yummm!

Kupu: Wero -  this means challenge

If you are unsure of the pronunciation of a word, have a look at Te Aka (the Māori dictionary) where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.

Scooters

Please ensure you are taking your child's scooter home at the end of each school day. There have been a growing number of incidents where scooters are being left at school overnight or over the weekend and are not there on return to school the following week, or morning. This does take a lot of time and resources to investigate each incident so if whānau could please be diligent about ensuring the collection of scooters at the end of each school day, it would be greatly appreciated. Our bike and scooter areas are locked from 9.15-2.45 each school day.

Thanks Qizzle - a new vegepod!

We have been incredibly fortunate to win a new Vegepod and stand from Qizzle following their Back to School 2025 competition! We can't wait to put this to good use and see what wonderful kai our keen Garden Club tamariki can grow with the help of our incredible Teaching Assistant, and garden whizz Lucy! Qizzle is where our stationery packs can be ordered from - https://qizzle.co.nz/

South Zones Swimming

We had our swimming sports earlier in the month at Wharenui pool and selected students then participated in the South Zones last week on Thursday the 13th of March. Our students represented our school amazingly. A special shoutout to the sportsmanlike conduct displayed at the pool, and to Hugo for supporting this endeavour. Congratulations to all the students who took part in both days, and please see below the placement results from South Zones.

South Zone Swimming Results 2025

50m Freestyle

Year 8 Boys 
2nd Place - Kawariki Taylor

Year 7 Girls 
2nd Place - Sarah Welch

Year 6 Boys 
3rd Place - Haydn O'Connor

50m Backstroke

Year 8 Boys 
1st Place - Zakhar Voinov
2nd Place - Kawariki Taylor

Year 8 Girls 
3rd Place - Imogen Orchard
4th Place - Emeline Henderson

Year 7 Boys
3rd Place - Sebastian Blane
4th Place - Samson Nutall

Year 7 Girls
3rd Place - Sarah Welch

Year 6 Boys
2nd Place - Haydn O'Connor
4th Place - Jack Hurst

Year 5 Girls
1st Place - Chloe Sayer
3rd Place - Cora Nuttall

50m Breaststroke

Year 8 Boys
2nd Place - Kawariki Taylor

Year 7 Boys
4th Place - Sebastian Blane

Year 6 Boys
4th Place - Jack Hurst

Year 5 Girls
4th Place - Chloe Sayer

50m Butterfly

Boys Open
2nd Place - Archie Chapman

Girls Open
1st Place - Tish Gillman
2nd Place - Sarah Welch

Celebration of Culture Day

We are excited to announce that our Student Council is leading a Celebration of Culture Day on Friday, 28 March. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate the rich diversity that makes Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto such a special place.

Students are invited to wear clothing that represents their cultural heritage on this day, whether it's a traditional outfit, something symbolic, or an item that has cultural significance. We want to embrace and honour the many cultures within our school community.

Throughout the day, teachers will provide opportunities for students to share about their culture, fostering an environment of learning, understanding, and appreciation for one another’s backgrounds.

This event aligns with our school values:

We Love Learning (He taonga te ako) – We celebrate learning about the unique cultures that make our community strong.

We Love Challenge (Nau mai te wero) – We encourage students to explore new perspectives and challenge their thinking.

We Care (Arohaina te tāngata me te taiao) – We show care and respect for each other’s cultures and traditions.

We Get There Together (Mā tātou katoa te waka e hoe) – We work as a community to create an inclusive and supportive environment.

We Make a Difference (Nā mātou he rerekē te ao) – Together, we make the world a better place by celebrating and valuing the differences that make us unique.

We look forward to celebrating this special day with our students and whānau.

Congratulations Ivy!

2nd place at her Karate Club Championships!

CSM Outreach Recorder Lessons

Join us every Wednesday morning for our engaging recorder lessons, a fantastic way to introduce your child to the world of music! Not only is the recorder a fun and accessible instrument for kids, but it also lays a solid foundation for learning more complex woodwind instruments like the saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon.

Exciting Performance Opportunity: Strum Strike Blow
Our recorder students will have the thrilling chance to participate in the Strum Strike Blow festival in September, where they'll perform alongside hundreds of other young musicians playing ukuleles and marimbas. This event is always a hit!

Enrolment Details:
Cost: $97.50 per term
Enrolment: Visit the Christchurch School of Music website to enrol online. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page to secure your child's spot in our outreach recorder programme.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity!

BOT Update

Policy Review

From time to time we ask you to review one of our policies that come up on our review cycle. A policy for whānau review is the Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries, and Illness policy. You will find it on School Docs at this link. Click on current review, start review and follow the directions. 

Username: beckenham
Password: pride

Instructions for reviewers
  1. Follow the link to the policy.
  2. Read the policy.
  3. Click the "Start Review" icon at the right-hand top corner of the page. A new screen will appear.
  4. Select your role (board member, staff member, student, whānau or other) from the drop-down list.
  5. Enter your name (optional).
  6. Submit your ratings and comments.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can easily provide you with printed copies of the policy and the review form.

BOSCO - April School Holiday Programme

BOSCO April school holiday Programme is open for bookings
Head to bosco.aimyplus.com to register and book
For any further information please contact Harriet
027 645 6632
office@bosco.org.nz

Community Notices

(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)

Art Competition: Design a frame for one of the city’s favourite paintings!

Ākonga from Years 3–8 are invited to enter a competition to design an imaginative frame for one of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū’s most treasured paintings, Burial in the Winter on the Island of Marken (also known as The Dutch Funeral).

Ākonga from Years 3–8 are invited to enter. One winner will be selected from Years 3–4, Years 5–6 and Years 7–8.

Prize winners must be able to be at Christchurch Art Gallery on Thursday 17 April (during the school holidays), from 10am until midday, and have parent or guardian consent for a photograph of the children to be made available to media for publication. Full details will be provided to the winning entries.

How to enter

1. Download and print the entry form, linked here. Entry forms are also available from the Gallery foyer.

2. Design a frame using any materials – and plenty of imagination! All entries must be on the official entry form.

3. Drop completed entries in the drop-box in the Gallery foyer or hand them to the front counter by Wednesday 9 April. Please get in touch if we can help you by collecting entry forms.

Winning entries will be announced on Friday 11 April.

Entries that do not win a prize can be collected from the Gallery until 1 May. (Entries not collected after this date will be disposed of.)

Any questions? 
Email emma@christchurchartgallery.org.nz.

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 7 March 2025

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

The Stretch Zone 

The Stretch Zone is that space just beyond our Comfort Zone, where we are encouraged to push our boundaries, take risks, and step outside of our usual routines. It's a place where we can challenge ourselves, acquire new skills, and experience personal growth. At Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto, our goal is to help all our students expand their comfort zones through a diverse range of learning experiences and opportunities.

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting our Year 7/8 students at camp. This environment provided the perfect setting for our senior students to push themselves in a "challenge by choice" context. Activities like high ropes, the giant swing, and coasteering allowed students to set both individual and group goals, fostering growth and teamwork.

We are incredibly grateful to our teachers and whānau who attended camp and dedicated their time and effort to making this experience possible. Without your support, this valuable opportunity wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you! Below are some photos from the camp. 

Annual Plan

The school's Annual Plan for 2025 is now available on our website. This plan outlines focus areas for 2025 that build towards the achievement of our strategic plan for 2024-2025.
The Annual Plan can be viewed here: 

Building Work

We are in the final stages of planning for renovations to the Kōmanawa Block and the PTA Uniform Shop. If all goes to plan, work will begin during the school holidays and is expected to be completed by early Term 2, allowing these spaces to be reopened. Once the start dates are confirmed, we will notify the community.

Uniform 

We’ve seen a positive improvement in students wearing the correct uniform, and we’d like to thank everyone for supporting this effort. As a reminder of our expectations, please refer to the graphics below.
Ngā mihi
Cade Englefield
Principal / Tumuaki
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Thu 13 Mar - Zone Swimming Sports Y5-8
Fri 14 Mar - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Wed 19 Mar - School Photos TBC
Wed 26 Mar - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 28 Mar - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Wed 2 Apr - Fri 4 Apr - Living Springs Camp - Pōhutukawa (Y5/6)
Thu 3 Apr - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 11 Apr - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Fri 11 Apr - Last Day of Term 1
Mon 28 Apr - First Day of Term 2
Wed 28 May - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Thu 29 May - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Mon 2 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (King's Birthday)
Wed 25 Jun -  Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 25 Jun - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 27 Jun - Last Day of Term 2
Mon 14 Jul - First Day of Term 3

Citizen of the Week

Aayan Adhikari - Year 8

Aayan, it has been a delight to see your commitment to the Kauri Team. You demonstrated the value of We Love Challenge at camp by tackling new experiences. We have seen how you Make a Difference through your high standard of work, setting an example for others. Congratulations on an amazing start to the year. Me he tī!

Charlie Windsor - Year 6 

Charlie, your bright smile and kind nature are noticed by many. You have a positive outlook and see the best in all situations. You step up and help when needed and you do it with an extremely cheerful attitude. You show our school values consistently and are a wonderful role model for all. You are a shining star, Charlie!

School Notices

Before School

Please remember that classrooms are open to children from 8.30am. This is to allow teachers time to prepare for the day.
Prior to 8.30am there is no supervision of children and they should not be left on site.

If you need to drop your child/ren off before 8.30am BOSCO provides before-school care. 
Please contact them for more details 
Phone 027 645 6632
Email office@bosco.org.nz

PTA Uniform Room

Autumn is on its way! With the change of season and cooler temperatures now is the time to stock up on warm winter uniform.
Come and check out what the PTA uniform hub has to offer: sweatshirts, polar fleeces, gumboots and more. We are well supplied at the moment so make the most of what we have to offer!
We are open Mondays 2:45 - 3:15pm and Fridays 8:45 - 9:15am.
Please feel free to drop off any donations at the office

Financial Statements - Year 5 & 6 Camp

If you have a student in Year 5 or 6 who is going to Living Springs Camp in early April, you will have received your student's financial statement this week, with the Camp donation request added.

Payments can be made in part or full to the school bank account - ASB Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Board of Trustees 12 3148 0131641 000 using your child's name as a reference. The school office also has Eftpos facilities available.

This is just a reminder that donation payments (including camp donations) are able to be submitted for the Donation Tax Credits from the IRD. This scheme entitles you to claim back 33% of your donation payments, if you meet the eligibility criteria. Payments made by 31st March, can be submitted as part of your application for the financial year ended 31st March 2025.

If you need any assistance logging into Hero to view your statement or if you wish to find out more about setting up payment instalments and claiming the donation tax credits, you can refer to the Finance and Annual Donation page of our website.

If you have any queries, please email accounts@beckenham.school.nz

Communicating Absences

Our Text Line for reporting absences is currently not working. Please contact the school office if your child will be absent from school via the below methods instead:

Phone: (03) 337-1404
(Press 1 to leave an absence message)
Email: office@beckenham.school.nz

When contacting us please remember to include; your name, your child's name, the reason for their absence, and how long you expect your child will be away from school.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we sort this matter.

Bananas from The Funky Pumpkin

We want to say a massive 'thank you!' to The Funky Pumpkin, who donated 140 bananas to the Kauri camp. The tamariki and adults on camp enjoyed some banana splits for dessert one night! We really appreciated this kind and generous offer from The Funky Pumpkin.

Walk or Wheel to School Week

This week was 'Walk or Wheel to School Week', this is a fun week that encourages primary school children and their whānau to walk, cycle, scoot or skate to school.

Well down everyone for giving it a go, rain or shine!

Hardship Fund Contributions

We know that sometimes families, and others in our community, would like to contribute towards the costs for students whose families might be experiencing some hardship, and are not able to readily fund uniform, stationery or even lunches. If you, or anyone you know, would like to make a contribution to our hardship account, please email accounts@beckenham.school.nz or simply deposit funds into the school bank a/c, Beckenham Te Kura o Pūtoro Board of Trustees - 12 3148 0131641 000, with the reference "Hardship donation". We will ensure that these funds are used to support those families who need support. 

Getting support from our Hardship Fund

If you are a family who would appreciate some support with uniform, stationery or food, please contact the office or email accounts@beckenham.school.nz and we will do the best we can to support you. We want to ensure that all of our tamariki have everything they need to succeed at school.

Lost Property

We have a collection of smaller or special items in a Lost Property box in the Office. This is not put out for children to go through like the Lost Property clothing rack is, so please pop in to the Office to have a look through if you or your child are missing any items. This has been accumulating over the years so please do check this space even if you haven't lost anything recently!


Reo Māori o te Wīki

This is our Whakataukī (phrase), Kīwaha (saying), and Kupu (word) for the week. Give it a go! Remember, Nau mai te wero, We Love Challenge!

Whakataukī: He rau ringa e oti ai - This means many hands make light work. So, let’s focus on working together as a team!

Kīwaha: Wananei - This means Wicked!

Kupu: Ako - this means to learn

If you are unsure of the pronunciation of a word, have a look at Te Aka (the Māori dictionary) where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.

Toys at School

We have noticed a large number of toys being brought to school lately. This includes keyrings, Pokemon cards, special notebooks etc. Please could you ensure these stay at home. It might help to check the backpack in the mornings. Thank you for your support with this.

Seeds from Mitre 10 Beckenham

Thank you Stacey M for nominating Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto to win a seed pack from Mitre 10 Beckenham last week. We were selected and are very excited to have some seeds for Lucy and the Garden Club to grow!

Garden Club

Another successful Garden Haul - thanks to Lucy and our tamariki! 

On Thursday morning there was another Vege Market from our keen gardeners.
There was celery, beans, potatoes and some apples on offer.
A koha is always much appreciated!  If you have any spare seeds at home, we will warmly welcome these contributions to our gardens, these can be dropped off at the Office!

Sports News

2025 School Swimming Sports Results

FREESTYLE

Year 5 Girls FREESTYLE - 1 LENGTH FINALS (25m)
  1. Moana Humphreys
  2. Florence Cross 
  3. Meera Verma
Year 6 Girls FREESTYLE - 1 LENGTH FINALS (25m)
  1. Clara Shaw
  2. Vienna Aldridge
  3. Harriet Scott
Year 7/8 Boys & Girls FREESTYLE - 1 LENGTH FINALS (25m)
Year 7 Girls - Minah Malak 1st Place
Year 7 Boys - Dylan Batchelor 1st Place, Mitchell Trotter 2nd Place

Year 5  Boys FREESTYLE - 1 LENGTH FINALS (25m)
  1. Simon McKean
  2. Terence Lee
  3. Leo Davies
Year 6 Boys FREESTYLE - 1 LENGTH FINALS (25m)
  1. Walter Stallworthy
  2. Toby Johnston
  3. Emerson Wood
Year 8 Boys FREESTYLE - 2 LENGTH FINAL (50m)
  1. Kawa Taylor
  2. Archie Chapman
  3. Zakhar Voinov
Year 5 Girls FREESTYLE - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
  1. Chloe Sayer
  2. Cora Nuttall
  3. Molly McGuigan
Year 6 Girls FREESTYLE - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
  1. Mietta Turnbull
  2. Harriet Scott
  3. Amelia Soppit
Year 7 Girls FREESTYLE - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
  1. Sarah Welch
  2. Minah Malak
Year 8 Girls FREESTYLE - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
  1. Imogen Orchard
  2. Ella Hamilton
  3. Emeline Henderson
Year 5 boys FREESTYLE - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
  1. Laurence Blane
  2. Jethro Henton
Year 6 boys FREESTYLE - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
  1. Haydn O’Connor
  2. Hamish McCrae
  3. Jack Hurst
Year 7 Boys FREESTYLE - 2 LENGTH Final (50m)
  1. Sebastian Blane
  2. Daniel McKean
  3. Zach Guise

BACKSTROKE

Year 5 Girls BACKSTROKE - 1 LENGTH FINALS (25m)
  1. Moana Humphreys
  2. Florence Cross
  3. Julia Wallace
Year 6 Girls BACKSTROKE - 1 LENGTH FINALS (25m)
  1. Clara Shaw
  2. Harriet Scott
  3. Lily Hale
Year 5, 6 & 7 boys BACKSTROKE- 1 LENGTH FINALS (25m)
Year 5
  1. Leo Davies
  2. Terrence Lee
Year 6
  1. Toby Johnstone
  2. Emerson Wood
  3. Soren Durrant
Year 7 
  1. Mitchell Trotter
Year 5/6 Girls Backstroke - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
Year 5
  1. Chloe Sayer
  2. Cora Nuttall
  3. Molly McGuigan
Year 6
  1. Vienna Aldridge
  2. Mietta Turnbull
Year 7 and 8  Girls BACKSTROKE - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
Year 7
  1. Sarah Welch
  2. Nelly Palmer
  3. Jessica Kaur
Year 8
  1. Imogen Orchard
  2. Emeline Henderson
  3. Tish Gillman
Year 5 and 6 boys BACKSTROKE - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
Year 5
  1. Laurence Blane
  2. Terence Lee
  3. James Newland
Year 6
  1. Jack Hurst
  2. Haydn O’Connor
  3. Hamish McCrae
Year 7 Boys BACKSTROKE - 2 LENGTH Heats (50m)
  1. Samson Nuttall
  2. Sebastian Blane
  3. Vinnie Firmedow
Year 8 boys BACKSTROKE- 2 LENGTH FINAL(50m)
  1. Kawa Taylor & Zakhar Voinov
  2. Archie Chapman
  3. Lukas O’Connor

BREASTROKE

Year 5, 6 & 7 boys & Year 6 Girls BREASTROKE- 1 LENGTH FINALS (25m)
Year 5 Boys
  1. Jethro Henton
Year 6 Boys
  1. Emerson Wood
  2. Levi Bunting
Year 7 Boys
  1. Mitchell Trotter
Year 5/6 girls BREASTROKE - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
  1. Chloe Sayer
  2. Cora Nuttall
Year 7 and 8 Girls BREASTSTROKE - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
Year 7 
  1. Sarah Welch
Year 8
  1. Imogen Orchard
  2. Tish Gillman
  3. Emeline Henderson
Year 5 and 6 boys BREASTROKE- 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
Year 5
  1. Laurence Blane
  2. Simon McKean
  3. James Newland
Year 6
  1. Haydn O’Connor
  2. Jack Hurst
  3. Hamish McCrae
Year 7 and 8 boys BREASTSTROKE - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
Year 7
  1. Samson Nuttall
  2. Sebastian Blane
  3. Daniel McKean
Year 8
  1. Kawa Taylor
  2. Archie Chapman
  3. Lukas O’Connor

BUTTERFLY

Year open mixed  BUTTERFLY - 2 LENGTH FINALS (50m)
Year 5 Girls
  1. Chloe Sayer
Year 7 Girls
  1. Sarah Welch
Year 8 Girls
  1. Tish Gillman
Year 8 Boys
  1. Archie Chapman
  2. Kawa Taylor

HOUSE RELAY

1st Place - Heathcote
2nd Place -  Fisher
3rd Place - Waimea
4th Place - Tennyson

BOT Update

Policy Review

From time to time we ask you to review one of our policies that come up on our review cycle. A policy for whānau review is the Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries, and Illness policy. You will find it on School Docs at this link. Click on current review, start review and follow the directions. 

Username: beckenham
Password: pride

Instructions for reviewers
  1. Follow the link to the policy.
  2. Read the policy.
  3. Click the "Start Review" icon at the right-hand top corner of the page. A new screen will appear.
  4. Select your role (board member, staff member, student, whānau or other) from the drop-down list.
  5. Enter your name (optional).
  6. Submit your ratings and comments.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can easily provide you with printed copies of the policy and the review form.

Community Notices

(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)



SEEN: The Film – A New Parenting Documentary

This film is about the lives of four parents with 6 experts (one being New Zealander Nathan Wallis) providing insights into children’s needs and the science of understanding them. It not only explores the transformative power of personal healing for parents but also delves into the scientifically supported effects of such healing on parenting and its impact on child brain development.

It is a film about learning to see who we are, where we come from, the impact we have and how to change.

The film is being screened throughout Australia and in Auckland, Dunedin and Christchurch.

In Christchurch, the Neighbourhood Trust is screening the film on Thursday 27th March at 7pm at the McFaddens Centre, 64 McFaddens Road, St Albans.

To watch the trailer please go to https://seenthefilm.com/

Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite and are appx $19.

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 21 February 2025

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Ngā mihi e te whānau,

It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of Week 4! The term is well underway, and it’s great to see so much positive learning happening across the school. Our new staff and students have been warmly welcomed by our community, which has been wonderful to see.

This newsletter is packed with important updates, and we hope you take the time to read it through.

Kauri Camp

Next week, the Kauri team will embark on their exciting camp adventure at Wainui, departing on Monday and returning on Friday. This camp is a fantastic opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and build resilience. We wish them all the best and extend our gratitude to Hugo, the Kauri team, and the dedicated parents who are joining them for the duration of the camp - your support makes this experience possible. 

PTA

Joining the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a fantastic way to get involved in your child’s education and make a meaningful impact on the school community. The PTA provides a platform for you to contribute to school events and fundraising efforts that support important school initiatives. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to connect with other parents and stay informed about what’s happening at school. 

The first PTA meeting of the year will be held next Wednesday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Green Room, adjacent to the school hall. We would love to see you there.

If you are unable to attend meetings regularly but would still like to contribute, consider joining the PTA support group. This group assists the PTA by helping at events throughout the year. A strong support group is essential for the PTA to successfully organise events that benefit our school.

To join the PTA support group click on the link below: 

Weetbix TRYathlon

This weekend, more than 60 students from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto will be participating in the Weet-Bix TRYathlon. We wish them all the best for the event and look forward to hearing about their experiences and results next week.

Celebration Assembly

Thank you to the whānau who attended our celebration assembly last Friday. It was great to come together and recognise our students’ achievements. Congratulations to those who received certificates for demonstrating our school values.

As a reminder, the values that are central to our schools vision are:

Arohaina te tāngata me te taiao - We care about people and the environment, fostering an inclusive community.
Nau mai te wero - Bring on the challenge.
Nā mātou he rerekē te ao - The world is different because of us.
He taonga te ako - The treasure is learning.
Mā tātou katoa te waka e hoe - We are all rowing this waka together.

Thank you for your ongoing support in role modelling and reinforcing these values with your children. 

Uniform 

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto requires students to wear a school uniform. Our uniform expectations outline what students can and cannot wear at school and when representing the school. Staff are actively reminding students about the correct uniform, particularly regarding tracksuit pants,  shorts and hats. The imagery below provides a clear guide on these uniform expectations, which you can use at home to support your child’s understanding.
Communication

Open and transparent communication is at the heart of a successful school. We value building strong learning partnerships with whānau. From time to time, you may have questions or concerns about your child’s learning at school. This is completely normal, and we encourage you to raise these promptly by following the steps below.

Step 1 - First point of contact
Home Group Teacher: Your child’s Home Group teacher should be your first point of contact for any important information or worries. They are best placed to understand your child’s individual needs and address your questions directly.

Step 2 - Second point of contact
Team Leader: If you feel the matter requires further attention after speaking with the Home Group teacher, please contact the relevant Team Leader. Contact details can be found on our website, linked here.

Step 3 - Third point of contact
Senior Leadership: If the issue remains unresolved at the Team Leader level, Senior Leadership can be contacted for further support. 

We also want to hear about any celebrations, cultural traditions, or achievements outside of school. Please share these with your child’s Home Group teacher so they can be acknowledged at school.

Ngā manaakitanga
Cade

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Mon 24 Feb - Fri 28 Feb - Wainui Camp - Kauri (Y7/8)
Wed 26 Feb - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 28 Feb - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Mon 3 Mar - Fri 7 Mar - Walk or Wheel to school week
Wed 5 Mar - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room) 
Wed 5 Mar - School Swimming Sports
Fri 7 Mar - Kōwhai Top Team Challenge
Thu 13 Mar - Zone Swimming Sports Y5-8
Fri 14 Mar - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Wed 19 Mar - School Photos TBC
Wed 26 Mar - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 28 Mar - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Wed 2 Apr - Fri 4 Apr - Living Springs Camp - Pōhutukawa (Y5/6)
Thu 3 Apr - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 11 Apr - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Fri 11 Apr - Last Day of Term 1
Mon 28 Apr - First Day of Term 2

Citizen of the Week

Keira Ai - Year 4

Keira, your positive disposition shines through in everything you do. In your learning, you approach tasks with a growth mindset and are motivated to do your best. You are also a keen helper and love to make a positive difference by doing jobs around the hub and looking after your classmates. Kia kaha tō mahi, Keira! 

Jeremy Kemsley - Year 6

Jeremy, you are an incredible role model in the Pōhutukawa hub, in the way you consistently show all of the school values. You are a conscientious learner, keen to do your best, and you are highly organised, thinking ahead and making sure you are prepared. You are also an extremely caring friend, always looking out for others and helping where needed. Jeremy, you are an absolute star!

School Notices

PTA News

Join the PTA In 2025! 
We will be having our first hui next week 26th February, 7.30pm in the room next to the hall. We’ll be planning lots of fun fundraising and school community events for the year and we’d love some more hands. Don’t hesitate to get in touch via pta@beckenham.school.nz. If you can’t do meetings but would like to help with events we would also love to hear from you. 

The PTA meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm at school. We raise money for the school through a variety of fundraising efforts (new ideas welcome!) and run events such as the Disco and the Bingo night. We also run the second hand uniform shop. 

We’re looking forward to seeing Weetbix Tryathlon participants on Sunday. Look out for the big black gazebo at Jellie park and don’t forget to come and get an iceblock after the run. 

Communicating Absences

Our Text Line for reporting absences is currently not working. Please contact the school office if your child will be absent from school via the below methods instead:

Phone: (03) 337-1404
(Press 1 to leave an absence message)
Email: office@beckenham.school.nz

When contacting us please remember to include; your name, your child's name, the reason for their absence, and how long you expect your child will be away from school.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we sort this matter.

Garden Club

Some children put together some bags of beans last week grown with loads of aroha.

The year 1-4s hope to have more vege sales…so keep an eye out for our garden sale table in the mornings.

Any koha would be greatly appreciated to keep up the hard work!

There has been celery, apples & more beans, even some sunflower seeds in the mix! 

Also if anyone has any leftover seeds at home they are happy to donate to the garden club, we would love to get growing this term.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

The munch bunch!

Financial Statements

You will have received your student's financial statement this week.

This is just a reminder that donation payments (including camp donations) are able to be submitted for the Donation Tax Credits from the IRD. This scheme entitles you to claim back 33% of your donation payments, if you meet the eligibility criteria. Payments made by 31st March, can be submitted as part of your application for the financial year ended 31st March 2025.

If you need any assistance logging into Hero to view your statement or if you wish to find out more about setting up payment instalments and claiming the donation tax credits, you can refer to the Finance and Annual Donation page of our website.

If you have a student in Kauri, you will see the camp contribution request for the Wainui camp has now been added to your account. Thank you very much to the PTA for the kind contribution towards the buses! If you have chosen to pay your school donations in instalments over the year, please consider increasing these to allow for additional contributions towards the cost of camp.

Payments may be made in part or full to the school bank account - ASB Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Board of Trustees 12 3148 0131641 000 using your child's name as a reference.

The school office also has Eftpos facilities available.

If you have any queries, please email accounts@beckenham.school.nz

Reo Māori o te Wīki

Have a go at saying these every day, throughout the day. “We Love Learning ”, "He taonga te ako”!

Whakataukī: Ahakoa he iti kete, he iti nā te aroha - This means it’s the thought that counts. 

Kīwaha: Mē he tē! - this means like a boss! An expression used to say that someone does something very well.

Kupu: Kāore - this means no.

If you are unsure on the pronunciation of a word, have a look on Te Aka (the Māori dictionary) where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.

CSM Band programme try-an-instrument

CSM try-an-instrument afternoon was a busy success! Thank you to everyone who came along to try out an instrument!

If your child is interested in learning an instrument with the Christchurch School of Music School Band Programme in 2025, we encourage you to enrol using the google form https://forms.gle/pJ322wdRYh44hPZ77

Con Brio band was filmed by What Now last year: https://youtu.be/t17V1suMMMY?si=U0_FXDOem8kWuU__

Lunch Orders

Lunches are delivered to the school office for children to collect at 1.20pm

Monday – Sushi Factory is available through LunchOnline.

Tuesday – Subway is available through LunchOnline

Wednesday – Subway is available through LunchOnline.

Thursday – Sushi Meets Dumplings is available.

Friday – Sushi Factory is available through LunchOnline.

Lunch Online

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto uses Subway and Sushi Factory through the Lunchonline web based ordering system.
LunchOnline orders  need to be placed by 8:30am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Please ensure that you update your child's details on their database so lunches can be matched up with your child more easily if they need to be delivered.

To access this, you will need to set up an account with LunchOnline here.

Sushi Meets Dumplings

Sushi Meets Dumplings is delivered on Thursdays.
To place an order, please complete this form – Sushi meets Dumplings order form.
Orders for Sushi Meets Dumplings need to be placed the night before, and latest by 9am on Thursdays.

'Kiss & Go' Drop Off Area - 3 min Parking

A reminder please, that the drop off and pick up area on Sandwich Road (by the bike stands) is a 3min drop-off zone from 8:30-9:30am and 2:30-3:30pm on school days. This means drivers are not able to sit in their cars from 2:30pm waiting for children, or to park cars in this area and go into school. If you arrive early and wait for children, or if you need to get out of your car and come into school, please find an alternative place to park. Having this area just for drop-offs means that the traffic on Sandwich Road moves smoothly before and after school, and this is much safer for our children.

Staff Profiles

As part of promoting the teaching profession, interviews were carried out with new teachers, and published on the Education Magazine - The Education Gazette.

This article features our very own Georgia. 

Well done Georgia.

BOT Update

Policy Review

From time to time we ask you to review one of our policies that come up on our review cycle. A policy for whānau review is the Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries, and Illness policy. You will find it on School Docs at this link. Click on current review, start review and follow the directions. 

Username: beckenham
Password: pride

Instructions for reviewers
  1. Follow the link to the policy.
  2. Read the policy.
  3. Click the "Start Review" icon at the right-hand top corner of the page. A new screen will appear.
  4. Select your role (board member, staff member, student, whānau or other) from the drop-down list.
  5. Enter your name (optional).
  6. Submit your ratings and comments.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can easily provide you with printed copies of the policy and the review form.

Community Notices

(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)

Events/Activities: for Caregivers and tamariki

Christchurch City Libraries, what’s on:  https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/holiday-programmes-events-and-activities/
Sparklers at Home: https://sparklers.org.nz/wh%C4%81nau/
www.nooknz.com : Keeping families up-to-date with ‘what to do’ : https://nooknz.com/

Community Services Quick links:

Foodbanks: https://www.foodbank.co.nz/links
Family Services Directory - The Family Services Directory is a searchable online database.  It lists information about family support organisations and the services/programmes they offer to support New Zealand families (we call the organisations in the Family Services Directory "providers").  The purpose of the Family Services Directory is to connect people with providers who can help them to cope with common issues and problems.  https://www.familyservices.govt.nz/directory/
Community Law: https://communitylaw.org.nz/

 Wellbeing Support:

Safe to Talk: https://www.safetotalk.nz/
Youthline: https://youthline.co.nz/  Call: 0800 611 116  Call: 1737
Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ: https://info.health.nz/

Food Support:

Kairos: https://www.foodb Kairos Free Store: Mondays and Fridays 5:30-6:30, 284 Tuam St  Free Store: Kairos Food Rescue foodbank.co.nz/canterbury
Christchurch City Mission foodbank: via appointment 0800 787 855
Salvation Army foodbanks and other welfare services: Central, Sydenham, Linwood, Aranui.
St Ambrose Church foodbank: 03 388 6699
Hoon Hay Foodbank: 14A, 12 McCarthy St, Hoon Hay
Lyttelton Community House: 03 741 1427
Pataka Kai:(community pantries)
The Housing First Christchurch Office: 242 Ferry Road
111 Barbour Street Waltham

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 7 February 2025

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Ngā mihi e te whānau,

It has been truly wonderful to welcome our students to the 2025 school year. There's been a positive energy around the school, and it’s been a pleasure to see new connections form and learning getting underway. A huge thank you to all our staff who have worked tirelessly to prepare our environment for the community. I also want to acknowledge the Mihi Whakatau (welcome) on Tuesday morning, which officially welcomed me to Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. It was a truly humbling experience. A big thank you to Sampson, Marcel, for your words of support, Te Whānau Mahitahi for their performance and to Whaea Cath, Sue, and Jo for your organisation.


Welcome to Our New Staff Members for 2025!

We are excited to introduce the newest members of our team for the upcoming year:

Talia - Kahikatea Team
Kendall - Kōwhai Team
Hazel - Kōwhai Team
Chris - Pōhutukawa Team
Chloe - Kauri Team
Hugo - Kauri Team

Each of our new staff members has shared a brief bio in this newsletter, so you can get to know them a little better.

Welcome Assembly
This morning, we had the pleasure of welcoming our new students and their whānau to our school. It was inspiring to see the diverse cultures and countries represented in our flag ceremony. We are thrilled to have you all join us and become part of the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto community.

Staff Only Days
Leading up to the start of the school year, the staff spent four days engaged in professional learning and preparations. One of these days was spent with colleagues from schools within the Te Mana Raupo Kāhui Ako (Community of Learning), receiving professional development from Kathryn Burkett, an expert in the intersection of education and neuroscience. Her key message was: “Young people simply can’t perform in a classroom unless their basic needs have been met.” The remaining three days our staff spent together focused on ‘Setting up for Success,’ with key themes around setting up for student success through consistency, building relationships, and maintaining high expectations.

Learning Conferences
Thank you for taking the time to meet with your child’s homeroom teacher, either last Friday or Monday of this week. We see these conferences as a fundamental step in developing strong learning partnerships that will support your child to thrive throughout the year. If, for any reason, you were unable to attend, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher so that an opportunity to connect can be arranged.

Attendance
As you may know, one of the government’s key education targets is for 80% of students to attend school for more than 90% of the term. This is a goal we are committed to achieving as we start the school year, and we are committed to supporting all of our students in maintaining regular attendance.

In 2023, the Education Review Office (ERO) published Attendance: Getting Back to School - A Guide for Parents and Whānau. Overall ERO reported that ‘We found lots of evidence that regular attendance has a big impact: the more often children attend school, the better they do at school, the happier they are, and the better they are set up for life.’
This guide also offers practical tips for whānau to help support their child’s regular attendance, many of which you may find useful to implement at home:
  • Talk to your child about how school is important for their future, and how it is important to go every day. Be positive about school!
  • Make sure your child knows that you care if they are going to school.
  • Only take your child out of school when there is a really good reason, like if they are sick.
  • Have a consistent morning routine, not too rushed.
  • Help your child to be prepared for school, like making sure they have done their homework the night before.
Morning Drop-Offs
To help your child start the school day positively, we encourage parents to leave once they have dropped their child off at the classroom, ideally before the bell rings at 8:55 a.m. This supports a smooth transition from being in your care to settling with their homeroom teacher, ensuring they are ready for learning.

A reminder of our 2025 term dates can be viewed here: http://www.beckenham.school.nz/index.php/information/term-dates

Have a restful weekend.

Ngā mihi nui
Cade
Tumuaki (Principal) 
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Tue 11 Feb - Try an Instrument (CSM) 3pm-4pm in the Hall. All 8+ welcome
Mon 24 Feb - Fri 28 Feb - Wainui Camp - Kauri (Y7/8)
Wed 26 Feb - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Mon 3 Mar - Fri 7 Mar - Walk or Wheel to school week
Wed 5 Mar - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room) 
Wed 5 Mar - School Swimming Sports
Fri 7 Mar - Kōwhai Top Team Challenge
Fri 13 Mar - Zone Swimming Sports Y5-8
Wed 19 Mar - School Photos TBC
Wed 26 Mar - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Wed 2 Apr - Fri 4 Apr - Living Springs Camp - Pōhutukawa (Y5/6)
Thu 3 Apr - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 11 Apr - Last Day of Term 1
Mon 28 Apr - First Day of Term 2

School Notices

Staff Profiles

Hugo Weaver - Kauri (Year 7/8) Team Leader

My name is Hugo Weaver and I am excited to be joining Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto this year. The staff and my team have been very welcoming and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone better as the year progresses. A few things about me: I am a father of four, live locally in St Martins and love running, cricket, rugby league, and football. When not at school I love tinkering away in my garage on projects for my house or going on runs in the hills.

Chris Gaut - Pōhutukawa (Year 5/6) Team Leader

Kō Chris Gaut tōku ingoa, I am really looking forward to working with our Yr 5/6 students in the Pōhutukawa Team this year and getting to know both the students and the community. I enjoy being active and joining in all things that the students are doing and being a part of their world, I'm excited to be a part of the Beckenham Team. 

Hazel Ritchie - Kōwhai Teacher (Year 3/4) 

Kia Ora koutou, I am a new teacher joining the Kōwhai team. I highly value emotional intelligence in my teaching and strive to uplift and inspire all tamariki. I enjoy getting out into nature and finding new walking tracks. I have a passion for crafting and turning my living room into a creative whirlwind. I look forward to building relationships within our incredible community.

Chloe Wilson - Kauri Teacher (Year 7/8) 

I am originally from Australia and have recently moved from Melbourne to Christchurch, following four years of teaching in London. My experience has primarily been in senior schools, and I am passionate about fostering student voice and agency within the Kura.

Talia Garrick - Kahikatea Teacher (Year 1/2) 

Kia ora koutou, I’m Talia. Last year, I completed my Bachelor of Teaching and Learning, and I’m thrilled to begin my teaching journey at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto this year. I was lucky enough to grow up in this neighbourhood so I am super excited to give back to the community. I am part of the awesome Kahikatea team. I love the arts and sports, particularly netball and volleyball. If you see me around school please come and say hello!

Kendall Skelton - Release Teacher

Kia Ora, I’m Kendall Skelton. I have been a parent of Beckenham for nearly a year now and I am very excited to now join as a teacher in the Kōwhai team on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Sunscreen, Hats and Drink Bottles

Please remember to send your child to school each day with sunscreen applied, and with a school hat and their drink bottle. Hats are compulsory in Term 1 and Term 4.

Stationery

If you have not yet purchased your child's stationery, you can download the stationery list from the school website.

Pencil Cases: if your child brings a pencil case to school, please keep these small - the storage spaces are not big enough for large pencil cases!

Before School

Please remember that classrooms are open to children from 8.30am. This is to allow teachers time to prepare for the day.
Prior to 8.30am there is no supervision of children. 

If you need to drop your child/ren off before 8.30am BOSCO provides before-school care. 
Please contact them for more details 
Phone 027 645 6632
Email office@bosco.org.nz

Staff Carpark

To keep everyone safe when arriving and leaving school, please do not walk through the staff carpark. This area is for staff cars, taxis and accessibility parking only. Thanks to everyone who is using the pedestrian gates; onto Beckenham park, near the flagpole, on Sandwich Road by the PTA uniform room, or onto Eastern Terrace. Our school gates are to keep children in, gates are to remain closed during school hours.


Food Allergy Guidelines

Across our school, we have a number of children with different food allergies.

To support the wellbeing of these students we have the following guidelines in place which we ask you to follow:
  • All students should only eat lunches and snacks that have been provided by their caregivers.  
  • Bottles, other drinks, and lunch boxes provided by caregivers should be clearly labelled with the name of their child.  Home group teachers and caregivers will decide where the children’s bottles and lunch boxes will be kept during the day to ensure no cross contamination occurs.
  • Parents are asked not to bring food into school to be shared with other children.  Whilst we understand that there are times you want to celebrate special events for your children with their friends at school, e.g. birthdays or being awarded prizes, by bringing food and treats for them to share, we have a policy of children only eating the food that their whānau have prepared and sent with them.  We have a number of students with food allergies and also need to respect the wishes of some families who want to monitor what their children are eating and prefer their children just to eat food they have prepared. From time to time, there may be an event that teachers have organised that will involve food (cultural or learning activities) and they will have advised families in advance that this will be happening.  
  • At the beginning of each year caregivers will need to check the expiry dates on any medication to be held at school.  
  • On the first day of school, caregivers will need to bring their child’s medication to the school office.  Caregivers will need to sign a medicine authority form (School Docs).  The responsibility of monitoring the expiry dates of medications rests with the parent.
  • Caregivers may be asked to come and talk to staff about their child’s specific health needs and ways we can support them at school.
We will inform you during the year if specific guidelines for your child’s hub change. 

Our full allergy policy and guidelines are available on the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto website under Information - Policies - SchoolDocs, then search ‘allergy’.
Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride).

If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them in the first instance with your child’s home group teacher.

Children's Health Needs

If your child has medication that needs to be kept at school, on a long or short-term basis, it is very important that you come into the office and set up a new plan with Chloe or Jacky for the administration of this. All medication held on site should have been sent back home to you at the end of last year. Please check expiry dates on medications before you bring it in. All parents/caregivers need to complete a medicine authority form and procedures will be followed to ensure that it is kept securely, and administered appropriately.

If your child has an emergency medical plan for asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, seizure, allergies or any other critical medical emergency, and you have had that plan and or medication updated over the holidays, please also bring that into the office.

Communicating Absences

Our Text Line for reporting absences is currently not working. Please contact the school office if your child will be absent from school via the below methods instead:

Phone: (03) 337-1404
(Press 1 to leave an absence message)
Email: office@beckenham.school.nz

When contacting us please remember to include; your name, your child's name, the reason for their absence, and how long you expect your child will be away from school.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we sort this matter.

Waitangi Day

Acknowledging Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Waitangi Day is an opportunity to take notice and to be mindful of the small, everyday actions we can all take to make a positive difference. The weight of history can often feel overwhelming. We all have a positive part to play in building connection, understanding and unity within our tamariki as our future leaders.


Waitangi Day is an important part of Aotearoa / New Zealand’s past, present, and future... but often we don't know how it really affects us, except for a public holiday! 

Here is a fantastic resource made for both adults and young people which gives a rich insight into Waitangi Day, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and The Treaty of Waitangi in a very friendly yet informative way.

We invite you, and your whānau to take a look at this comic-style storybook or listen to the audiobook together. This is a great way to engage in more learning and create space for curiosity to grow. 

Link to the storybook resource here


"Ka mua, ka muri" is a whakataukī that many will know means "walking backwards into the future" - the idea of this is that we should look to the past to inform the future. 

Once you have looked through this resource, if you have any pātai (questions), please feel free to share these with us. We are all on our own journey, but as our school values state, "We Get There Together", and "We Love Challenge". We know that reflecting on our history is a chance for us to sit with and live these values, to help us as individuals on our own journey, but also to strengthen the communities that we live in. Your questions and curiosity are welcome! Kōrero mai.

Dental Care

Kupu Māori o te wīki

We are continuing to embrace our reo Māori (Māori language), and tamariki (children) will be learning a new Whakataukī (phrase/proverb), Kīwaha (saying), and Kupu (word) each week. In line with our school value: “We Love Learning” He taonga te ako”, have a go at saying these every day, throughout the week and learning alongside your tamariki.

Whakataukī: Whakarite ngā kete mō te haerenga! - This means filling our kete for the journey. 

Kīwaha: Paia! - this means Awesome!

Kupu: Āe - this means yes.

If you are unsure on the pronunciation of a word, have a look on Te Aka (the Māori dictionary) where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.

Christchurch School of Music (CSM) 

CSM Band programme try-an-instrument

Is your child 8 years or older and loves music?  
Beckenham Te Kura O Puoroto has music lessons for many instruments and is one of only a small number of primary schools with its own Concert Band and String Orchestra.  
If your child would like to try a blowing instrument, the CSM Outreach Band team will be at school on Tuesday 11 February in the hall foyer from 3-4pm.  
Instruments on offer are flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion and electric bass guitar.  
Fliers with information about both the CSM Outreach Concert Band and the CSM Outreach Strings programme are available at the school office.  Check us out on What Now! 

Community Notices

(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)