Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 13th June 2025

Principal's Update

Kia ora koutou,

There's so much exciting progress as we approach the end of Term 2! A heartfelt thank you to all the families who took the time this week to attend a learning conference with their child. We truly appreciate your time and your commitment to strengthening the partnership around your child's learning and aspirations.

I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our PTA for their ongoing efforts in bringing our community together and raising valuable funds to support the purchase of resources that enhance our school. Last weekend’s book and clothing sale in the school hall was a great success. A big thank you to everyone who donated items and took the time to attend the event - we’re grateful for your support!

Matariki is the Māori New Year, marked by the rising of the Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades) in the winter sky. It is a time to reflect, remember those who have passed, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. Families and communities come together to share food, stories, and traditions. Matariki is a special time for learning, connection, and renewal. 

To celebrate Matariki we would like to invite all our community to our Whānau Rōpū hui next Tuesday 17th of June from 5:00 pm. The PTA will be having a Sausage Sizzle on the night for a small koha (donation). 

Outline of the night:

5:00 pm - Welcome & Performance in Māpuna, the Hall - Te Whānau Mahi Tahi.

5:25 pm - Matariki activities begin in Hubs.

6:10 pm - Matariki activities finish in Hubs, whānau to head back to the hall.

6:15 pm - Pōhutukawa and Kōwhai Kapa Haka performance in Māpuna, the Hall.

We hope to see you there!


Have a great weekend.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Cade
Principal / Tumuaki
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Tue 17 Jun - Matariki Evening (5pm-7pm)
Thu 19 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 20 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (Matariki)
Wed 25 Jun -  Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 25 Jun - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 27 Jun - Funky Hair Day 
Fri 27 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 27 Jun - Last Day of Term 2
Mon 14 Jul - First Day of Term 3
Fri 18 Jul - Welcome Assembly, Week 1 (9:15-9:45am)
Wed 23 Jul - PTA Mid Winter Breakfast (TBC)
Wed 23 Jul - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 25 Jul - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Thu 31 Jul - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)

Citizen of the Week

Matilda - Year 6

What a star you are, Matilda! In the Pōhutukawa hub, your independence and dedication shine brightly in all your learning. You tackle everything with such resilience, always pushing yourself to explore new concepts and work diligently. It's wonderful to see your eagerness to understand deeply. Ka pai, Matilda!

Tish - Year 8

 Tish, you consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic. You face each lesson with focus, determination, and a desire to succeed. Always eager to deepen your understanding, you seek clarification when needed, ensuring you grasp concepts fully. Tish, your commitment to growth and learning inspires those around you, creating a positive atmosphere in the classroom. Anō te pai! Fantastic,Tish!

School Notices

New Guitar Tutor - Matthew Stevenson


Hey there! I’m Matt, offering Guitar/Bass/Ukulele lessons.

Pricing: One on one 20min lesson  (tutor and one student) - $24.50
               Two on one 30min lesson (tutor and two students) - $19 per student
Styles: Rock, pop, jazz and most other styles
Suitability: Years 5-8

A bit about me:
I graduated with a Bachelor of Musical Arts from Ara Institute of Canterbury in 2018. With over 10 years of teaching experience, I genuinely enjoy sharing my passion for music. Besides lessons, I work with bands, ukulele orchestras, and various ensembles.

Teaching Info:
My teaching approach revolves around setting goals; at the beginning of each term, we discuss the songs, techniques, and styles students are eager to learn, and we tailor our lessons to achieve those objectives.

To Register Interest:

Student Council

The Student Council is excited to announce a special event to support a great cause (the Kaimanawa Horses) - Funky Hair Day, happening on Friday 27th of June, or the last day of school!

We’re encouraging all students to come to school with their craziest hairstyles. Use hairspray, gel or anything to make your hair as funky as possible! It’s a fun way to get involved while making a difference.

This term, the student council are raising money to support the Kaimanawa horses, a species of horse in the North Island. These wild horses, of which there are about 300, are sadly being slaughtered. The funds we raise will go towards helping them find safe, loving homes.

We ask that students bring a gold coin donation. Every contribution will help provide care and protection for these special animals.

Ngā mihi,
Oscar on behalf of the Student Council

Head Lice

Unfortunately we have had a growing number of cases of headlice reported across the school, spread throughout various age group hubs.

Can you please check your child's head for eggs and live lice regularly and treat accordingly if detected.

The following link has very helpful information about headlice and how to treat it.


Matariki Evening

We would like to invite you to our Whānau Rōpū hui next Tuesday.

Matariki is the start of the Māori new year and a time of reflection, connection and planning for the year ahead. We would like to celebrate with you and your whānau on Tuesday the 17th of June from 5:00pm. The PTA will be having a Sausage Sizzle on the night for a small koha (donation). 

Outline of the night:

5:00 pm - Welcome & Performance in Māpuna, the Hall - Te Whānau Mahi Tahi.

5:25 pm - Matariki activities begin in Hubs.

6:10 pm - Matariki activities finish in Hubs, whānau to head back to the hall.

6:15 pm - Pōhutukawa and Kōwhai Kapa Haka performance in Māpuna, the Hall.

We hope to see you there!


Kupu Māori o te Wīki:

These are our whakataukī (phrase), instructions and kupu (words) for the last couple of weeks. Give them a go! 

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

Instruction: Tō ringa ki runga - put your hand up

Kupu: Huarākau - this means fruit.

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 is looking for new members to join our committee. If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Harriet Takamore via email or pop on in when you have the chance to chat.

You would be joining a lovely bunch of volunteers who are passionate about the service BOSCO provides and being a part of its future.

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


Garden Club Compost

A message from the GARDEN CLUB.

This is to show you what happens to plastic when it goes into the environment. 
Recently the garden club dug into the lovely compost bins & amongst lovely new soil was enormous amounts of plastic.
We found yoghurt potties, zip lock bags, pens, whiteboard markers, bubble wrap, popcorn & chip packets! 
This is all rubbish that was put in the compost bins. It doesn’t break down. 
Some of it can get shredded into little bits of plastic that then damages the eco-system.
We want to use this compost to grow healthy vegetables & give back to nature.

If you want to see it, come look behind the garden shed in the Garden Club area. 
No, to any form of plastic in the compost bins.

Let’s look after our environment!
Because ….We Care!




Special Congratulations to one of our Students - Hamish McCrae

Hamish took part in football trials over the April holidays and has been selected by the West Ham United Foundation to go to their Australian National Football Camp 2025 this coming September. There he will be coached by top class coaches from Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Hamish has worked really hard and we are very proud of him!

PTA News

CookieTime Fundraiser



Back by popular demand. The PTA are selling CookieTime Rookie Cookies. Look for an order form in your child’s bag or Online Order Here. Extra forms are available at the office.

This CookieTime Fundraiser features the 25g Rookie Size version of the famous Original Chocolate Chunk Cookie. Made with real Chocolate and real ingredients, this size is ideal for lunchboxes, handbags and coat pockets. 
 
$20 per bag for 20 Individually wrapped delicious cookies.
 
Orders close Thursday 26th June 2025. Please put your paper forms in the box in the office.
Collection will be the 1st week of next term at the School Hall. Date to be confirmed and advised.

Book & Clothing Sale


Thank you for helping us make this event a success. From the donations we received, to the amazing parent helpers. We hope you enjoyed the Sale.

We raised $3,700 towards this year’s fundraising goals.

We have donated the remaining items to local charities, Clothed in Love and City Mission. 

BOT Update

Policy Review

  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.

Community Notices

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

School Holiday Drama Workshops - Storybox Drama x Heather McQuillan 

Friday 4 July, 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm
Somerfield Community Centre, 47 Studholme St, Christchurch
$60

Come explore key ideas in Avis and the Promise of Dragons and Avis and the Call of the Kraken through process drama with author Heather McQuillan and Storybox Drama. There will be chocolate and surprises too! 

Find out more and register here:




KiwiVolley School Holiday Programme

Canterbury Volleyball is excited to be running our holiday skills session for Primary aged children through the 2025 School Holidays.

It will be a fun, action packed morning where we will cover all the basic skills of serving, passing, setting and spiking with lots of fun games and drills.

These sessions will be great for any children from Yr 5 to Yr 8 of any ability.

Children will get to learn all the skills in a fun way, play a lot of game like drills and get to meet heaps of new friends while playing volleyball!

All sessions are 10am - 12 pm on the following dates:

Tuesday 1st July + Wednesday 2nd of July 

Tuesday 8th + Wednesday 9th of July

Where: Pioneer Stadium

Cost: $20 per day or $30 for two days per week



SCHOOL HOLIDAYS EVENT - Kid's Winter Retreat!

I am running a Kid's Winter Retreat with some awesome talents in the upcoming school holidays and would like to invite all kids/families in need.

aroha nui
Lou / The Children's Imagination Academy




Badminton Holiday Camp

Term 3 Holiday Camp - Open to ALL ages!

Enrolment for our weeklong high intensity badminton training camp is now open! 
Limited spaces available so get in quick!

Enrolment link below:

*Application closes Friday 4 July 2025, BAPN T&Cs apply*

See you all on court! 
BAPN Team
 
Willie Chen
BAPN | CZW Limited | Director
Mobile: +64 210 224 5655 | willie.chen@mybadmintonshop.co.nz

Hagley College Year 9 2026 Enrolments - CLOSING SOON


Enrolment applications for Hagley College Year 9 2026 are closing soon, on Thursday 19 June at midday – ahead of the long Matariki weekend.

Our close-off date is firm and we will not be able to receive any new applications after this date. We are also aware that our closing date is quite a bit earlier than for many of the other high schools, so I am just hoping to avoid anyone missing out.

If you are keen but haven't put an application in yet, go to:
https://www.hagley.school.nz/enrolment/year-9-enrolment/ and click the button to start a new application as soon as possible.

Any questions can be directed to me any time at the below number or email address. I do also have paper copies of the enrolment form here for families who are unable to apply online (though we may be cutting it a little fine to rely on physical post at this point).

Thank you so much for your support. We really appreciate it.

Ngā mihi

Lisa Amer
Junior College Enrolments
Te Puna Wai o Waipapa - Hagley College
DDI: 03 364 5134
lisa.amer@staff.hagley.school.nz



Matariki at The Arts Centre

With Matariki around the corner, we're letting you know what's on for students and whānau during this special time of year. 

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is working with artists to celebrate Matariki from 7–22 June, with a vibrant programme featuring live performances, visual art, kapa haka, Tīrama Mai, an evening mākete, delicious kai, and so much more.

For tamariki and their whānau, we have a kid’s concert, Matariki for tamariki; wānanga/workshops making whetū harakeke (flax stars), tī rākau and poi making, and porotiti making. There is also kapa haka performances in the Great Hall, an evening mākete (with 60 stallholders over the Matariki long weekend) and Tīrama Mai light displays and storytelling. These events range from being free - $25+BF per child.

We thought you might be interested in sharing details of these activities with your students and their whānau via your newsletters, social media, and other communications channels. Attached is a small flyer you can use.  

The full programme and booking details can be found at https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/matariki-2025/

We hope to you can join us in celebrating.

Ngā mihi,

Arts Centre team


Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāpare (Thursday) 29th May 2025

Principal's Update

Kia ora koutou,

As you will be aware, our school will be closed for instruction tomorrow to allow our teachers to participate in Rā Kaimahi 2025 - Te Mana o Te Tamaiti (Our Kāhui Ako Conference Day), hosted at Cashmere High School. We appreciate the community’s support in enabling our staff to attend this important professional learning event.

Thank you to the 243 families who have already made bookings for upcoming Learning Conferences. 

As a reminder: 

Learning Conferences will take place on:

Tuesday 10 June - between 1:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday 11 June - between 1:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

On both of the above days, classes will finish at 1:00 p.m. We thank you for accommodating this change to support the facilitation of Learning Conferences. Limited supervision will be available at school until 3:00 p.m. and we will be in touch over the next couple of weeks to confirm arrangements for those who require it.

To make a booking, please go to:
https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code and use the following code: r3wt9

Or use the QR Code below:

Reports 

Next Friday, school reports will be sent out through HERO. As you read your child’s report with them, it’s important to remember that every child grows and develops at their own pace - and that’s not only okay, it’s completely normal. Progress can look different for each learner, and success isn’t always linear. Celebrating effort, curiosity, resilience, and growth - no matter how small - can make a world of difference in how your child sees themselves as a learner. Your encouragement and belief in their potential are powerful tools that help them thrive.

Have a great long weekend. 

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

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

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)
Fri 6 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Tue 10 Jun - Learning Conferences (school closes at 1pm)
Wed 11 Jun Learning Conferences (school closes at 1pm)
Tue 17 Jun - Matariki Evening (5PM-7PM)
Thu 19 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 20 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (Matariki)
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 - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 27 Jun - Last Day of Term 2
Mon 14 Jul - First Day of Term 3

Citizen of the Week

Abigail Brinner - Year 8

Abigail, you are a hard working and tenacious learner. You apply yourself to every task and experience with the same dedication. Your contributions are not isolated to the classroom either as you are a valued member of our school student leadership team. Thank you for being an amazing role model in our team and school. Ka pai tō mahi!

Maya Buckman - Year 4

Maya, you are a hardworking and diligent learner. You consistently show our school kete values each and every day. You are a kind friend, and your caring and warm nature brightens our hub! Thank you for helping others and being an excellent role model! Tino pai tō mahi, Maya!

School Notices

PTA News

Readathon

Thanks for all your support with the Readathon. It looks like there has been some great reading happening and lots of fabulous costumes were seen. We raised $5,163.30 towards this year's school bus trips.

Book & Clothing Sale

Get ready for some seriously good bargains at our upcoming Book and Clothing Sale on Saturday 7th June, 8am – 4pm.

We are needing some parent helpers:

Saturday (7th June) morning, we need some people to help on the checkouts and some floaters refilling and tidying up tables. 

If you are able to help at any time please fill in this form. https://forms.gle/47wyH91WdvMs91Vc9

Thanks everyone who has already donated. Last week for Donations. We are currently collecting up until 3pm Friday 6th June:

- Gently used adult and children’s clothing (please, no rips or stains)
- Books of any genre
- Puzzles (with all the pieces, please!)

Please drop your donations in the boxes at the school office.

Thank you for helping us make this event a success.


CookieTime Fundraiser

Back by popular demand. The PTA are selling Cookie Time Rookie Cookies. Look for an order form in your child’s bag or Online Order Here. Extra forms are available at the office.

This Cookie Time Fundraiser features the 25g Rookie Size version of the famous Original Chocolate Chunk Cookie. Made with real Chocolate and real ingredients, this size is ideal for lunchboxes, handbags and coat pockets. 
 
$20 per bag for 20 Individually wrapped delicious cookies.
 
Orders close Thursday 26th June 2025
Collection will be the 1st week of next term at the School Hall. Date to be confirmed and advised.

Kupu Māori o te Wīki:

These are our whakataukī (phrase), instructions and kupu (words) for the last couple of weeks. Give them a go! 

Whakataukī:
  • He rau ringa e oti ai - This means many hands make light work. So, let’s focus on working together as a team!
  • Mauria te pono - this means to Believe in Yourself!
Instruction:
  • Ka kite anō - this means see you later!
  • Turituri - be quiet!
Kupu:
  • Manuhiri - this is the word for guests or visitors.
  • Hōtoke - Winter (season)
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.

Matariki Evening

40 Hour Challenge: Go Offline. Make a Difference.

13–15 June | Be Part of Something Bigger

This year, World Vision are inviting the youth of Aotearoa to make a real impact — by going completely offline for 40 hours (or choosing your own challenge) to raise life-changing funds for children in the Solomon Islands.

Why?
Because right now:
  • 1 in 6 children in the Pacific are living in severe child food poverty.
  • Nearly half of kids under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition.
  • 80% of Solomon Islanders depend on fishing and farming for food and income. 
  • World’s 2nd most at-risk country for disasters because of extreme events and sea-levels rise. 
We’re fundraising so communities in the Solomon Islands have what they need to grow strong in a changing climate. Just $28 can provide a family with a vegetable garden — a daily source of food, health and hope.

Our Year 5–8 students will be signing up on during week 5 and starting their fundraising journeys. Let’s get behind them!

40 Hours? Challenge Accepted. 

Sign up. Switch off. Stand up for Pacific kids. 

Child not taking part in the 40 Hour Challenge but still like to donate? Here is a link to our schools fundraising page.


Sports News

Cross Country

South Zones Cross Country Results

What an amazing morning at the South Zones Cross Country! Our Beckenham students truly embodied our school values, offering support to both their Beckenham peers and all competitors.

Here are the results of the students who have qualified for the Canterbury Zones Cross Country:

Year 5: Laurien (3rd) & Chloe (6th)
Year 6: Max (2nd), Haydn (3rd), Jayme (2nd) & Clara (6th)
Year 7: Ben (4th), Zach (5th), Laura (2nd) & Misha (3rd)
Year 8: Bianca (2nd)

Every student gave their best effort! It was a fantastic morning overall.

BOT Update

Policy Review

  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.

Community Notices

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

Canterbury Rams Basketball Junior & Senior Holiday Camps

We would like to invite your students who are interested in basketball to attend our upcoming school holiday Rams Basketball Camps.  We have a Junior Camp for School Years 5 – 8 and a Senior Camp for School Years 9-13.  The participants receive coaching from Canterbury Rams basketball players!  The camp is suitable for all levels of basketball players with the emphasis on fun & learning new skills!

Canterbury Rams Holiday Basketball Camps Registration - Camps & Schools - Canterbury Rams

The Rams basketball season is in full swing, if you have never been to a game or would like to check it out please see below our game ticket link.


Christchurch Holiday Program

Looking for an engaging and educational holiday activity? AkoTech's Holiday Programs at University of Canterbury, Christchurch, offer hands-on experiences in coding, logical problem solving, and AI entrepreneurship. Students can explore their interests in project-based learning with technology. Programs run throughout July from 9 AM - 4 PM. Learn more and register at www.akotech.nz