Author Archives: Charlotte Verity

Kahikatea Newsletter Term 2 Week 10

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Kia ora whānau
We hope you enjoy this update from our last two weeks at school.

Learning through play:
We are looking for donations of the following to support our play-based learning:  
  • Old newspapers and non-glossy magazines
  • Unwanted craft items e.g. wool, string, material scraps, 
  • Old clean socks 
  • Large suitcase (for storing dress ups)
  • Boxes for creations (eg biscuit boxes, soap boxes, etc) 
  • Clean plastic milk bottles 
  • Plastic caps (from milk bottles etc) 
  • Old kitchen pots, pans, spoons, etc. 

Wellbeing/Hauora







We continue to focus on children's wellbeing, with daily discussions and weekly home group circle time. Making time for gratitude, and making new friends have been key focuses recently.  Do feel free to discuss these at home with your child.

You might like to try this Sparklers Gratitude Journal in the next school holidays.

Personal "Space Bubbles"
Moving safely - We are noticing that some of our students are moving/playing in very busy and boisterous ways, and bumping into each other. Other times, some students are playing games that involved crashing, grabbing, pinching, and the like. 

While some of these games are fun for some students, they are upsetting for others. Thanks for your support in helping the children maintain their personal space bubbles, moving safely, and showing kindness to others. 

Take a look at this social story about maintaining safe spaces between people: 
 Space Bubble Social Story 


Parent Help
We are looking for some parents to volunteer their help during reading, by playing literacy games or supporting a group on a task, any day between 9.10-10.10 am. 
We also would love some volunteers to put reading books away. Putting reading books away can be done before school or at a time that suits you. If you can help, please email charlotte.verity@beckenham.school.nz

Week 12 Learning Conferences: If you haven't already, please book in for learning conferences. Go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and entering the code yseec

Enjoy some of our latest learning through play photos:

























Kahikatea:Learning At School!

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Kia ora whanau,
Our kinds thanks to you for following our new morning and pick up processes. Please read Sandy's email this evening which provides further clarity.

Here are our gorgeous kids enjoying time back together: 









       











Kahikatea News Term 4, Week 4

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A huge thank you for all your support...
As ever, we really appreciate all of the whanau support we are receiving. We are especially grateful to those dedicated parents who kindly put away books each week, and to those who volunteer for reading time. 

Trip to see the Symphony Orchestra at the Town Hall -  Wednesday 13th Nov, leaving at 9.15
In preparation, we are learning about classical music. We have loved listening to Peter & the Wolf, Peer Gynt and other popular pieces, and finding out about the parts of the orchestra.
On the day, please do make sure your child has their school uniform, a jumper and sensible shoes (no gumboots) on Wednesday.

Digital Learning 
We have a digital literacies expert coming to show us new Apps for learning. We have used Scratch Jnr for programming, and Draw & Tell to share our learning. 







Athletics 
The children really enjoyed participating and trying new skills


Shot Put



6 Year Old Sprints Winners


6 Year Old Sprints Winners


Watching races

Discovery This Week 

Self-directed play 

Salt dough creations


Beebots


Technology challenges



Self-directed play



More Beebots



Kahikatea News for Term 3, Week 10

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Kia ora Whānau

Thank you for all of your help and support over the term.

He waka eke noa - this is a canoe we are all in together, and we only keeping it moving by paddling together!

South Library Trip
We had a fantastic time exploring innovation and technology at South Library. We used Beebots, Scratch, undertook a library tour and saw a 3D printer operating! Scratch is a free app. It will be key in helping our students learn early programming skills, in line with the new Digital Literacy curriculum. 


Look at these little readers! 



Look what you can make with a 3D printer! Wow!


Watching the magic


Bee Bot Fun




Scratch Junior


Scratch Junior






Keep NZ Beautiful Week
We have picked up rubbish galore this week! We know that the rubbish in our local environment can easily blow into rivers and gutters, and out to sea. We encourage everyone in our community to make a difference by picking up the rubbish they see (even if it wasn't theirs!).

Mental Health Week
We learnt more about Te Whare Tapa Whā and the four (now five!) areas of wellbeing. See here for useful information and lots of ideas for working on your own wellbeing at home. 
Here are some photos of our tamariki doing yoga: 







Connecting with Community
Holidays are a perfect time for connecting with each other, and your local community. Some options: 
* The CCC Libraries have a number of interesting events and workshops for children.
* The Breeze Walking Festival includes free walks....check out the Gruffalo Exploration!
* Local planting and clean-up days are advertised on the Canterbury Enviro Calendar.


March for Climate Change
'
We are proud to have students who have given up talent show to march in the Climate Change Rally. Here are one family, getting ready to set off.

Sleep Routines & Our Performance

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Healthy Sleep 
How much sleep is your child getting? We are noticing that many children are tired during learning time. Did you know that 5-7 year old need 10-11 hours sleep per night?  The holidays are a perfect time to get sleep routines in order! For more information and strategies to help your child get a good night's sleep, see this info from Canterbury Health.

There is also a free sleep app developed by the London-based Children's Sleep Department http://kidssleepdr.com/index.html to help you understand your child's sleep.


Singing: we will be singing our team song at this week's Celebration Assembly on 5th July at 11am.

Thank you: to our wonderful parent helpers in reading, and for all those who put away reading books. We really appreciate your support. Thank-you!