Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Thursday) 11th September 2025

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Principal's Update

Kia ora koutou

As we reach the end of another busy term, I want to take a moment to thank you all for the energy, encouragement, and support you give to our kura.

ERO Review

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, we welcomed the Education Review Office (ERO) team as part of their normal review cycle. It was a very positive experience and a wonderful opportunity to share all the great things happening across our school to support student success. We expect to receive the finalised report in the coming months.

Kapa Haka Celebration

This evening our kapa haka group will make their first performance in their new costumes at the Pō Whakangahau celebration at Cashmere High School. A huge thank you to Cath, Paerua, and Georgia for all the mahi/work they have done to support the success of this group.

Property Projects Over the Holidays

It will be another busy holiday period at school, with several projects scheduled to take place:
  • Installation of the new public address and bell system
  • A full internal repaint of Parenga - Year 5 - 8 classrooms (including Ferndale)
  • Electrical testing of all school-owned equipment

Staff Only Day

I also want to thank our community for your support of tomorrow’s Staff Only Day, and for spending an additional day with your children while our staff extend their professional knowledge and strengthen their teaching practice. Your support enables us to keep improving learning outcomes for all students.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our kura as we continue to create a safe, engaging, and inspiring environment for our learners.

Have a restful weekend. 

Ngā mihi nui,
Cade
Principal / Tumuaki
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

WEEK 9
Fri 12 Sept - Staff Only Day 

WEEK 10 - Last Week of Term 3
Tue 16 Sept - Wed 17 Sept - Board of Trustees Election Results Declared & Board Takes Office
Fri 19 Sept - Last Day of Term 3
Fri 19 Sept - Celebration Assembly
Fri 19 Sept - BGT - 'Beckenham's Got Talent' Show

WEEK 1 - Term 4
Mon 6 Oct - First Day of Term 4
Wed 8 Oct - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 10 Oct - Welcome Assembly (9:10-9:40am in the Hall)

WEEK 3 
Wed 22 Oct - Thu 23 Oct - Huxster Mountain Biking Event
Wed 22 Oct - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)

WEEK 4
Mon 27 Oct - Labour Day - School Closed
Wed 29 Oct - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm)
Fri 30 Oct - Athletics Day

WEEK 6
Thu 13 Nov - Staff Only Day
Fri 14 Nov - Canterbury Anniversary Day - School Closed

WEEK 7 
Fri 21 Nov - PTA Colour Run (1:30pm-3:00pm Fundraiser Event)

Citizen of the Week

Sofia - Year 7
Sofia, you are a kind, conscientious student. You apply yourself consistently in every learning area and you are a true role-model of our school values. You stand out as a leader through your actions both in your kindnesses to all students and staff. Thank you for being awesome!! Ka Rawe.

BOT Update

2025 Triennial Elections

Voting in our school board elections has now closed.

Keep an eye out for the announcement of the parent representatives elected to join the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto School Board coming soon. 

Thank you to all of our whanau and families who took part in the school board elections this
year.

Term 3 Policy Review - SchoolDocs

  1. Visit the website https://beckenham.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
  2. Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride).
  3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
  4. Read the policy.
  5. Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
  6. Select the reviewer type.
  7. Enter your name (optional).
  8. Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
  9. Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

School Notices

Sunhat and Drink Bottle - Reminder for Term 4

As we near Term 4 and warmer weather, it is very important that every child attends school with a named sunhat and water bottle. Sunhats are compulsory when outside during Terms 1 and 4. Please also remember to send your child to school each day with sunscreen applied as well.


Absences From School

With the ongoing winter ills that many of our whānau are suffering from, it is really important to let the office know, in the first instance, when tamariki (children) are going to be absent from school.
If you wish to provide extra information to their home group teacher, please feel free to email them as well. On some occasions their home group teacher may not be the person who marks the roll, so it is very important to let the office know every time your child is going to be absent from school or will be turning up late. If your child is unwell, please support their recovery and others' health by keeping them at home. If they have had the vomiting bug they need to be away from school for 48 hours.
You can email office@beckenham.school.nz, send a text 021 0279 4107, or leave a voice message on 03 337 1404.
Please note: when children are collected from school, whether unwell or not, they must please be signed out at the office.

Parking in the 3min area on Sandwich Road

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.

Parking over Driveways 

We have received several complaints from surrounding residents about cars parking over their driveways.
Please ensure you leave 1 metre from any vehicle entrance (as is required by law) so that residents can access their driveways at any time during the day. This is especially important in case there is an emergency and residents need to exit their property or emergency services need to enter.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. We get there together!

Congratulations to ALARM 

Recently, A.L.A.R.M — Alex, Letta, Alfie, Robbie and Mark — took part in Rockshop Bandquest, Aotearoa’s live music event for primary and intermediate students. Now in its fifteenth year, the programme brings hundreds of young bands to stages around the country to showcase their talent.

A.L.A.R.M impressed the judges and secured 2nd place on Canterbury Day 4, winning $300 in NZ Rockshop credit for our Music Department.

We are incredibly proud of their achievements and of the legacy they are leaving for other students to follow!

Community Book Swap

Need a good book to read, but can't get to the library? Need a good book to read but the prices are just too steep? We have the solution! 
Conveniently situated just behind the admin desk is a wide-ranging selection of books that have either been donated by staff or just somehow arrived at school. This is a book swap, so if you take one, it would be great if you could bring one too, but don't let that stop you if you're short of books you want to give away.
Come and have a look, you might just find that very something you've been looking for!

Kupu Māori o te Wiki

Give these a go! Nau mai te wero - We Love Challenge!


Kīwaha: Kei runga noa atu koe! - this means You're awesome!

Kupu: Māra - this means garden

Waiata: Ki Mau Ki Tō Ūkaipo - Don’t Forget your Roots, Six60

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFHaEuep5eI&ab_channel=M_Y_S_T_I_K  


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.

BOSCO

BOSCO currently has availability each day for before and after school care for regular or casual bookings. If you have thought about using BOSCO for your tamariki but aren’t 100% sure what we're about or how we work, please feel free to pop in for a chat with Harriet or send through an email with any questions you may have.
A trial session is welcome if you would like your tamariki to give it a go first.
Harriet Takamore | Programme Leader | BOSCO Incorporated
office@bosco.org.nz | 027 645 6632

Lunchonline Orders

Lunchonline now has a QR code for easy account creation and ordering of school lunch deliveries. 

Sports Highlights

We Love Challenge

It was amazing to see Nathan having an incredible time on the snow at Mount Hutt last week. After a few runs on the beginners slope, he asked when he was going on the lift!

Such a brilliant attitude and showing "We Love Learning" and We Love Challenge".

Kauri Mt Hutt Ski Trip

A fabulous day yesterday, Wednesday 10th September, on the slopes, with many happy and tired skiers!

PTA News

Calling All Business Owners and Local Legends! 

The Beckenham School PTA is excited to announce our very first School Colour Run, happening in Term 4! This vibrant community event will raise funds for a brand-new playing turf for our tamariki.

Do you run a local business, or work for a company that loves giving back to the community? We’re looking for sponsors to partner with us. In return, sponsors will receive promotion through event signage, social media, school newsletters, and more!

If you or someone you know is interested in supporting this exciting event, please click the link here to register your interest. 

KIDS TRYathlon

We have signed up a school group for The Weetbix TRYathlon and we’re looking forward to seeing as many of you there as possible! Early bird entries are now open for the TRYathlon on 22nd February 2026 at Jellie Park. 

Last year our school won the prize for most students signed up, so let’s do it again! The TRYathlon is all about giving it a TRY and is a rewarding, fun day out for you and your child. Every child gets a t-shirt and medal. We will have the school gazebo set up, where children and parents can gather while waiting. 

Distances are approximate and are as follows:

6 year olds 50m swim / 1.5km run
7 year olds 50m swim / 4km cycle / 1.5km run
8 – 9 year olds 100m swim / 4km cycle / 1.5km run
10 – 15 year olds 150m swim / 8km cycle / 1.5 km run

Entry Options
  • Splash & Dash - 6 year olds only. Swim and run.
  • Individual TRYathlete - 7-15 year olds. Swim, cycle and run.
  • Teams of Two - 7-9 year olds (Juniors) and 10-15 year olds (Seniors). One team member does the swim, the other does the cycle, and both do the run.

If you have any questions please contact the PTA via pta@beckenham.school.nz 

Next PTA Meeting

Our next meeting has been rescheduled due to the school holidays and will now take place on Wednesday 8th October, 7.30pm to 9.00pm in the Staff Room.

Entertainment Membership

This month, your Entertainment Membership has double the power - because Entertainment is gift-matching every donation from your Membership purchase. That means your impact for our cause is instantly doubled.

And it gets even better. With your Membership, you’ll also unlock:
  • $20,000+ in yearly savings
  • Up to 50% off dining and activities
  • 15,000+ offers ready to use anytime, anywhere
Your Membership isn’t just about benefits—it’s about creating memorable experiences while giving back twice as much. Make your Membership go further today! Every 25 Memberships sold raises $350 for our cause.


Community Notices

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


Neurodiversity 101

Date: Tuesday, 16th September 2025

Essential Information for Parents

Join us in understanding Neurodiversity! The Cashmere Parents Group is pleased to present this event in partnership with The Collaborative Trust. Emma Read will lead this informative Parent Talk, accompanied by a Youth Tutor. Emma is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist.

This session is designed for those who are just beginning to explore these concepts, their meanings, and their effects on families. Deepen your understanding of neurodiversity and explore topics including autism, ADHD, and more.

If you suspect your child may be neurodiverse or has recently received a diagnosis, this presentation will give you some tools to support their journey. There are many strengths to neurodivergence, but it can also add extra challenges to the already bumpy teenage years. We'll explore some of the common struggles, look at what approaches can help you navigate those, and give you some practical tools for parenting a young person with neurodiversity.
  • Spot signs that show they are struggling
  • Learn approaches that help
  • Turn challenges into strengths
Nibbles, Tea, Coffee and Juice will be served in the foyer at 6.30pm prior to the presentation. It will start at 7pm in the Auditorium, with a Q & A session afterwards. The event is expected to end at 8.30 pm

Parking is available on school grounds; entry is through the Barrington Street entry, as the Rose Street gate is closed after hours.


Venue: Cashmere High School, Performing Arts Centre (PAC)
Date: Tuesday 16th September 2025
Time: Talk 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm (Drinks + Nibbles served in the foyer at 6.30 pm)
Cost: FREE

Gill Weavers, Chairperson  / Cashmere Parents Group
cpg@cashmere.school.nz

Storybox Drama – What’s On

School Holiday Workshops:
Join us these spring holidays for creative workshops at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora:

Tue 23 Sep - Call of the Kraken (ages 9–12)
Dive into the mysterious underwater world of Avis and the Kraken with music, drama, and a Q&A with author Heather McQuillan!

Tue 30 Sep - Tiny Seed (ages 5–8)
Playfully explore The Tiny Seed with collage, music, and drama alongside art educator Meg Nicoll. Together we’ll bring this heartfelt story of change and courage to life!

Term 4 Afterschool Process Drama Classes
Wed 15 Oct to Wed 3 Dec (8 weeks) at Somerfield Community Centre: 

Moon Mouse (ages 5–8)
Step into the world of Moon Mouse, a shy little space mouse who finds friendship in the most unexpected places. Join us on a magical process drama journey perfect for curious adventurers!

Off the Page: Voices Uncovered (ages 9–12)
Fairytale voices with a twist. Discover the secrets the characters have been waiting to share. Poems come alive through drama, music, and imagination.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram or email us: storybox.chch@gmail.com to register your interest:


Posted in Weekly Newsletters.