Author Archives: Chloe Miller

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 15th May 2026

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Principal's Update

Kia ora koutou

This week I attended some professional development where I was asked to reflect on what drains my optimism as a leader and what restores it. I was very quick to answer what fills my bucket - connecting with our staff and students.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful school community, and I feel very privileged to be part of it. The care, commitment, and positivity shown by our students, staff, and whānau every day make our school a very special place.

There is some important information in this newsletter, so I hope you have time to read through it carefully.

Upcoming Reporting

As part of our ongoing professional learning, teachers have been developing their knowledge and confidence in reporting student progress and achievement against the Ministry of Education’s new curriculum and descriptors for English and Mathematics.

This work has focused on making accurate, strengths-based judgements about student learning and includes opportunities for moderation through professional dialogue. Particular attention has also been given to identifying clear next learning steps for students.

In our next newsletter, we will provide further information about the new descriptors, what each of them means, and what our updated student reports for 2026 will look like.

Book Character Day and Readathon

It was fantastic to see so many students dressing up today as their favourite book characters. Today’s celebrations, along with the current Readathon kindly organised by the PTA, reinforce the importance of reading and developing a love of books.

The benefits of reading are well researched and documented. Research consistently shows that habitual reading, especially reading for pleasure, is linked to improved health and well-being, greater academic achievement, enhanced cognitive function, and even longer life expectancy.

Thank you to our PTA for supporting this wonderful initiative, and thank you to families for continuing to encourage reading at home. Keep encouraging your children to read, it truly makes a difference!

Digital Learning Survey

Thank you to the 130 parents who provided feedback through our recent digital learning survey. We greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your voice and perspectives with us.

Our first step has been analysing the information gathered. From this, the key message emerging from the survey is a desire for a more intentional, transparent, and balanced approach to the use of digital tools in learning.

Our next steps will involve completing a research review and gathering further feedback from both teachers and students. Following this, we will develop a pathway forward to ensure our digital learning practices are the very best they can be for our learners.

Ngā mihi nui,
Cade

Principal / Tumuaki

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

2026 Term Dates - Linked Here

Upcoming EventsTerm 2
Wed 20 MayBoard of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 22 MayKahikatea Hansen Park Walk (9:30am-1:30pm)
Wed 27 MayYear 5-8 South Zone Cross Country Event
Fri 29 MayStaff Only Day - School Closed
Mon 1 JuneKing's Birthday - School Closed
Wed 3 JunePTA Meeting (7:30- 9:30pm, Staff Room)
Thu 4 JuneTrees4Survival Planting Day
Fri 5 JuneCelebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)
Wed 10 JunePSC Artistic Gymnastics (Chch School of Gymnastics)
Fri 12 JuneCelebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)
Mon 15 JuneYear 5/6 & 7/8 Canterbury Softball Sessions
Tue 16 JuneYear 5/6 Canterbury Softball Sessions
Wed 17 JuneYear 5-8 PSC Cross Country Canterbury Zones
Wed 17 JuneBoard of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Tue 23 & Wed 24 JuneLearning Conferences (Tue 2pm-7pm, Wed 2pm-6pm)
School finishes at 1:45pm
Wed 24 JunePTA Mid Winter Breakfast
Fri 26 JuneCelebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)
Tues 30 JuneYear 0-4 Cross Country Challenge (Zones)
Wed 1 JulyPTA Meeting (7:30- 9:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 3 JulyLast Day of Term 2
Mon 20 JulyFirst Day of Term 3

Citizen of the Week

Kyle - Year 8

Kyle, you consistently demonstrate all of our school values in everything you do. You show genuine kindness and inclusion in every setting, making others feel welcome and supported. You are a loyal friend with an honest and caring nature, and you approach every challenge with a positive, fun-loving attitude. Kyle - well done!

Nina - Year 6

Nina, your gentle and patient nature makes you a pleasure to be around, and this shows in the culture you set in the learning space. You consistently impress by how you stay deeply concentrated on your tasks, showing a level of focus that leads to wonderful results while also bringing your fun and outgoing energy. You have a fantastic balance of personality and diligence; you should be very proud of your progress.  

School Notices

Public Health Nurse

My name is Holly, and I am the Public Health Nurse for Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. The Public Health Nursing Service (PHNS) work with tamariki and their whānau where health and wellbeing concerns impact on their home and school lives.
Please contact me if you have any health concerns for your tamariki.

waea pūkoro: 03 383 6877 ext: 99628, 0272843397
īmēra: holly.cummings@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Medication at School

If a child requires medication at school on a long or short-term basis, parents/caregivers need to complete a medicine authority form with Jacky, Alisa or Chloe in the office. Procedures are followed to ensure that it is kept securely and administered appropriately.

Any medication that is required to be kept at school on an ongoing basis, expiry dates need to be checked regularly by parents/caregivers. If the school notices an expiry date is due, parents/caregivers will be advised.

Parents/caregivers are asked to please update the school on any medical/health information about their child by contacting the school office.

Kupu Māori o te Wiki

Kia ora koutou! This term, we will be learning a new Whakataukī (phrase/proverb), an instruction or saying, and a Kupu (word) each week. Here are the last two weeks' new te reo we have focused on:
Give these a go! "Nau mai te wero - We Love Challenge! He taonga te ako - We Love Learning!"
Mauria te ponoBelieve in yourself and give it a go!
Whakataukī:He rau ringa e oti aiThis means many hands make light work. So, let’s focus on working together as a team!
Whakataukī:Mauria te ponoThis means to Believe in Yourself!
Saying:Ka kite anōThis means see you later!
Instruction:Turituri!Be quiet!
Kupu:ManuhiriThis is the word for guests or visitors.
Kupu:HōtokeWinter (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.

The Sports Corner

Kia ora koutou,

This section of our newsletter will be dedicated to highlighting the successes and challenges our students are experiencing in sports outside of school. We love seeing our ākonga (students) showing our school values, especially We Love Challenge Nau Mau Te Wero in the community. If your child has had a sporting success that you’d like to share with our community, please email me with a short blurb and photo to: kate.mcgregor@beckenham.school.nz - We’d love to feature it in our next newsletter!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kate McGregor
Sports Coordinator

BTKOP Cross Country - Champions & Runners Up

Our school cross country was a fantastic success, with students showing determination, resilience, encouragement, and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. It was wonderful to see so many tamariki challenging themselves and supporting one another across every race. We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our Cross Country Champions and Runners-Up listed below — an incredible effort from all involved. Congratulations also to Fisher House, who took out the Inter-House Cross Country Cup this year!

Koru:
Champions: Thomas & Devon
Runners-Up: Max & Izzy

Year 1:
Champions: Arthur & Tallulah
Runners-Up: Rafael & Athena

Year 2:
Champions: Greyson & Erin
Runners-Up: Max & Sadie

Year 3:
Champions: Hugo & Leah
Runners-Up: Bear & Hanaē

Year 4:
Champions: Beau & Florence
Runners-Up: Mason & Violet

Year 5:
Champions: Hunter & Amelia
Runners-Up: Jos & Stella

Year 6:
Champions: Ethan & Laurien
Runners-Up: Simon & Chloe

Year 7:
Champions: Haydn & Jayme
Runners-Up: Lucas & Clara

Year 8:
Champions: Zach & Laura
Runners-Up: Ben & Misha

PTA News

Readathon - Thank you

Thank you for all your hard work on the Readathon! If there are any last-minute forms or sponsorship money to return, you are welcome to bring it next week - we still have plenty of bookmarks!
 
Sponsorship money can also be paid directly into the account:  
PTA-Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto 12-3148-0244558-00

PTA Supporters Group

We’re always looking for people to support our fundraisers and events, so if you’re keen to get involved (but can’t attend meetings), you can join our Supporters Group:

Help us tidy up the school grounds!

We would love you to join us for a garden and outdoor space tidy up (and BBQ!) on Sunday, 24th May at 10am. Meet at Tree-mendous with your gardening gloves and tools!

BOT Update

Term 2 Policy Review Now Open - 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, our 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.)

ACTT Parent Seminar (Mandarin)

Many children growing up in New Zealand today are navigating life between two cultures. This Mandarin-language seminar explores how parents can better understand “third culture” children and create a safe space for communication and connection at home.

Saturday 16 May
1:00 PM
Halswell Library

Free childcare available for children aged 5–12. Please scan the QR code on the poster to register.

ACTT亲子讲座

在新西兰长大的孩子，往往生活在两个文化之
间。本场中文讲座将帮助家长更理解「第三文
化」孩子的内心世界，并学习如何建立一个让
孩子愿意沟通与表达的安全空间。

5月16日（星期六）
下午1点
Halswell 图书馆

提供5–12岁儿童看顾服务。
请扫描海报二维码报名。

Spaces Available at Pebbles

Dear Families,
We are pleased to share that we currently have spaces available in our Kea Room at Pebbles Montessori Cashmere (26 Colombo Street), for children under 2 years of age.

Our centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:30pm, including throughout the school holidays. We close for a two-week period over Christmas each year.

At Pebbles Montessori, we warmly welcome all enquiries. You can get in touch via the online enquiry form on our website linked here. We would love the opportunity to show you around our centre, introduce you to our teaching team, and give you a chance to observe our Montessori philosophy in practice.

If you would prefer to speak with us directly or arrange a visit, please feel free to call us at any time on 021 274 1967. We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming your family to our community.
Kind regards,
Pebbles Montessori Team

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 1st May 2026

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Principal's Update

Kia ora koutou

A big thank you to all those who attended our cross country event today. It was fantastic to see such strong community support, and even better to watch our students giving it their all in the sunshine at Beckenham Park. Events like this really highlight the spirit and energy of our kura.

Important Strategic Review - Use of Digital Devices for Learning 

We are beginning a strategic review of the use of digital technologies in our school. This is important work as we consider how digital tools can best support learning, wellbeing, and balance for our students. We value your voice in this process and invite you to contribute by completing the survey linked below. Your feedback will play an important role in shaping our future direction. Ideally we would get feedback from every whānau/family in our school. 

Please fill in the 5 question below to contribute your voice to the future of learning at our school: 

Chicken Update

You may have seen earlier in the week that some of our chickens will be competing in the Christchurch Premier Chicken Athletics Event, Chicken Stock. Adding to the excitement, yesterday we had our first eggs produced by the chickens! This created a real buzz across the school, with students eager to see and learn more about the process.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.

Ngā mihi nui,
Cade

Principal / Tumuaki

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

2026 Term Dates - Linked Here

Upcoming EventsTerm 2
Wed 6 MayPTA Meeting (7:30- 9:30pm, Staff Room)
Thu 7 MayU11 NFL Tournament (Yr 4-6)
Fri 8 MayCelebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)
Wed 13 MayGirls Got Game - Basketball Programme
Thu 14 MayTeam Kauri Trip to Cashmere High School
Fri 15 MayBook Character Day
Fri 15 MayCelebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)
Wed 20 MayBoard of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 27 MaySouth Zone Cross Country Event (Yr 5-8)
Fri 29 MayStaff Only Day - School Closed
Mon 1 JuneKing's Birthday - School Closed

Citizen of the Week

Julia - Year 4

Julia, 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, Julia!

Maya - Year 5

Maya, you are the kind of person who makes our school feel like a community. You show kindness and empathy every day, and you’re always quick to help others and include everyone. You take on challenges with confidence and treat everyone with respect. Thank you for being such a positive role model.

School Notices

Pedestrian Crossing and Road Safety on Sandwich Road

We know that everyone is keen to keep our tamariki safe as they travel to and from school. To support this, please always use the pedestrian crossing when crossing the road. Please do not cross over the road outside of the crossing. This is especially important during the busy pick-up and drop-off times with increased traffic around the school. 

Please also remember that the 3-minute 'Kiss & Go' drop off zone on the school side of Sandwich Road is MAX 3 minutes - not enough time for you to get out of your car and go into school to drop off or collect your child, or to sit waiting in your car. If everyone uses this area as a quick drop-off/pick-up point, then all of the traffic will flow more smoothly, and the surroundings will be much safer for our children. 

Thank you for working together to keep our tamariki safe!

September Staff Only Day

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the date for our upcoming Staff Only Day in September has changed. The original date of 11th September has been rescheduled to 4th September. 

Term 2 Reminder - Food Allergy Guidelines

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

To support the well-being of these students, we have the following guidelines in place, which we ask you to please 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 has prepared and sent with them. We have a number of students with food allergies, and we also need to respect the wishes of some families who want to monitor what their children are eating and prefer their children to only 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.  
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 throughout 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’.

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

Ezlunch - School Lunch Deliveries

Ordering Ezlunch through Kindo is quick, easy, and one less thing to think about in the morning. You order from home (or on the go), and your child's lunch is delivered to school, ready to eat.
Here's how:
1. Log in to the Kindo app (or set up an account at shop.kindo.co.nz)
2. Pick from the menu on your school's available days
3. Your child collects their lunch at school

Order & win! 
Every Ezlunch order placed between 27 April - 22 May goes in the draw to win 1 of 5 x $50 Kindo credits each week. Order here: mykindo.co.nz
T&Cs apply. 

Kupu Māori o te Wiki

Kia ora koutou! This term, we will be learning a new Whakataukī (phrase/proverb), an instruction, and Kupu (word) each week. Here are the last two weeks' new te reo we have focused on:

Give these a go! "Nau mai te wero - We Love Challenge! He taonga te ako - We Love Learning!"

Mauria te ponoBelieve in yourself and give it a go!
Whakataukī:Ahakoa he iti kete, he iti nā te arohaThis means it’s the thought that counts.
Whakataukī:Whakarite ngā kete mō te haerenga!This means filling our kete for the journey.
Instruction:Whakarongo maiThis means listen to me
Instruction:Titiro maiThis means look at me.
Kupu:HīkoiThis means walk
Kupu:ArohaThis means love

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.

Staff Profiles

Welcome Stacey Hurst - Assistant Caretaker

Hi, I’m Stacey. I moved to New Zealand two years ago with my family from Western Australia. My three children currently attend Beckenham School.

I have been working as a professional gardener for the past 20 years. I look forward to learning more about native plants of New Zealand and love seeing all the restoration work to bring back native habits throughout Christchurch and the rest of the country.

Chicken Chat

Chicken Stock - Poultry Athletics Competition

As shared earlier this week via Hero - 'Our school chickens continue to be a real highlight around the kura! A big thank you to the students and whānau who are giving their time to ensure these chickens receive such high-quality care in our school environment.
We’re excited to share an egg-citing opportunity… a few of our chickens have been selected to compete in Christchurch’s premier chicken athletics event – Chicken Stock! 

It would be fantastic to see as many of you there as possible to support Potato, Ripeka, and one more soon-to-be-named representative as they proudly represent Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto in events such as:
  • The Egg Pull – a true test of strength as chickens attempt to pull a tray of 12 eggs across the arena
  • The High Jump – clearing increasingly difficult obstacles until only one chicken remains
  • The Maze – sounds simple… but is it?
  • Chicken Dressage – precision routines (yes, really!)
  • Roundest Chicken – the quest for the most perfectly spherical chook
  • The Legendary Stair Climb – the ultimate poultry showdown
  • Best in Show – your chance to vote for your favourite chicken!
You can find more information about the event here:
Please note: the photo attached below has been enhanced (slightly) using Artificial Intelligence.'

The Sports Corner

Kia ora koutou,

This section of our newsletter will be dedicated to highlighting the successes and challenges our students are experiencing in sports outside of school. We love seeing our ākonga (students) showing our school values, especially We Love Challenge Nau Mau Te Wero in the community. If your child has had a sporting success that you’d like to share with our community, please email me with a short blurb and photo to: kate.mcgregor@beckenham.school.nz - We’d love to feature it in our next newsletter!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kate McGregor
Sports Coordinator

Tennis Success for Matthew

We’re really proud to share that Matthew from Year 6 was selected to represent Canterbury in the Under-12 squad at the National Teams event during the holidays.

Over four days of competition, the team had a fantastic run and finished as runners-up overall. They had some great wins along the way, including tight 5–4 games against Central and Waikato Bays, a 6–3 win over Northern, and a strong 7–2 victory against Southern.

While Auckland took out the final 3–6, the Canterbury team showed real determination and teamwork throughout the tournament, competing well against some tough opposition.

Primary Sports Canterbury Aquathon

The Aquathon was a fantastic event, with students showing great enthusiasm, determination, and resilience throughout the day. It was awesome to see everyone challenging themselves and supporting one another, creating such a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
A quick shout-out to Samson for his outstanding sportsmanship—encouraging others, showing respect, and being a great role model throughout the event.

PTA News

The Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Readathon is up and running! 

Hopefully, everyone is keeping up with their Daily Reading Target, finding plenty of books to read or share, and getting a few sponsors.  

And why not try to Stop, Drop, and READ together as a whānau!

Additional forms are available from the office. 

The PTA will be at school from Monday, 11th May, to collect sponsorship forms and present a new bookmark to each Reader. 

Book Character Day

On Friday, 15th May, it’s Book Character Day - come to school dressed as your favourite book character!!

PTA Secondhand Uniform Room Hours

The PTA Uniform room is open on Mondays from 2:45 - 3:15pm and on Fridays from 8:45 - 9:15am.

The uniforms are all very reasonably priced, and with the colder weather now here, check to make sure you have a fleece or sweatshirt for your child.

You can pay by cash in the uniform room or by EFTPOS at the office.

BOT Update

Term 2 Policy Review Now Open - 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, our 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.)

Girls Rugby “Have a Go” Festival Day Sunday 3 May

This fun, girls‑only morning is all about giving rugby a go, building confidence, and having fun with friends in a supportive environment. No previous rugby experience is required.

Event Details
  • Date: Sunday 3 May
  • Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm (approximately)
  • Venue: Burnside Rugby Football Club
 Who Is It For?
This event is open to girls from Rip grade through to Year 8, including:
  • Girls who are brand new to rugby and want to have a go
  • Girls who want to try tackle rugby or build confidence with new skills
  • Current tackle players
  • Rippa players who just want to play, connect, and have some fun
Girls will be grouped by age and experience, so everyone feels comfortable and supported.

What to Expect
  • Fun skill‑based activities
  • Optional contact and tackle‑style sessions (age‑appropriate)
  • Games and “have‑a‑go” opportunities
  • A mini festival atmosphere with plenty of encouragement
  • Support with connecting players to local clubs for future opportunities
We’re also hoping to finish the morning with a BBQ.

How to Register
Register using the link below:
Sunday Girls Festival Day – “Have a Go” Event Registration Link – Fill out form

After School Climbing Club - 5-8 Year old Classes

This term, Boulder Co. Climbing Gym is launching a brand new afterschool bouldering class for 5–8 year olds.

Bouldering is a fantastic activity for young children. It builds:
• Physical strength, coordination, and body awareness
• Confidence and resilience - every problem solved is a genuine achievement
• Problem-solving and focus - kids learn to read a route and think creatively
• Social skills in a supportive and non-competitive environment
• A love of movement that carries well beyond the bouldering gym

2026 Term 2 dates for the 5-8yr old classes:
Tuesdays 4:00pm-5:00pm starting 21st April. Running for 11 weeks.

No experience is needed - our experienced coaches welcome complete beginners and work at every child's own pace in a safe, purpose-built environment. We keep the prices as affordable as possible with options available for non-members and members.

We already run established term programmes for 9-12 year olds and 13-17 year olds, and we're thrilled to now be able to cater to our youngest climbers too. 
Full details on all classes, including days, times, and how to book can be found linked here.

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Final Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāpare (Thursday) 2nd April 2026

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Principal's Update

Kia ora koutou

As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding term, I would like to take a moment to thank our entire school community for your ongoing support. It has been a term filled with learning, growth, and many opportunities for our students to shine.

Solar Project Update

I wanted to share some good news with you all. Last year, we were approached by a company called COG about the potential for solar arrays to be installed on our school buildings.

The advantages of this include:
  • Reduced carbon emissions
  • The school receives power at a discounted rate
  • Zero upfront or ongoing costs for the school
  • An interface to support students’ learning about sustainability through solar electricity generation
Following a period of consultation, I can confirm that the Board has passed a motion to proceed with this initiative. Below is an indicative image showing the proposed locations of the arrays around the school.

COG will now work with the Ministry of Education to complete all required documentation. If everything proceeds as expected, installation will take place next term.

Community Update

You may be aware of the damage to our school that occurred late last week. This has been disappointing for our community, and we are continuing to work through the situation.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support, offers of assistance, and information to help resolve the matter. We really appreciate the strong sense of care and pride our community has in our school.

We are continuing to follow this up and will work with the appropriate agencies to bring the matter to a resolution.

Looking Ahead 

Next term brings new opportunities for learning and involvement. We will share key dates and upcoming events early in the term so you can plan ahead. We look forward to continuing to build strong connections with our community.

Thank You

Thank you again for your support throughout the term, whether that’s helping with learning at home, attending events, or simply encouraging your child each day. It makes a real difference.

We hope you all enjoy a safe and relaxing break and look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for the start of next term.

Ngā mihi nui,
Cade

Principal / Tumuaki

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

2026 Term Dates - Linked Here

Upcoming EventsTerm 1
Fri 3 AprGood Friday - School Closed
Upcoming EventsTerm 2
Mon 20 AprFirst Day of Term 2
Wed 22 AprNgā Puna Wai Tournament (Yr 5-8)
Fri 24 AprWelcome Assembly (Hall 9:10am - 9:30am)
Mon 27 AprANZAC Day - School Closed
Wed 29 AprPSC Aqua-thon Event (Swim & Run)
Wed 29 AprWorld Vision Junior Youth Conference
Fri 1 MaySchool Cross Country Event
Wed 6 MayPTA Meeting (7:30- 9:30pm, Staff Room)
Thu 7 MayRugby Fun Day (Yr 4-5, Burnside Park)
Thu 7 MayU11 NFL Tournament (Yr 4-6)
Wed 13 MayGirls Got Game - Basketball Programme
Fri 15 MayCelebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)
Wed 20 MayBoard of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 27 MaySouth Zone Cross Country Event (Yr 5-8)
Fri 29 MayStaff Only Day - School Closed
Mon 1 JuneKing's Birthday - School Closed

Citizen of the Week

Mason - Year 8

Mason, you are a dedicated and skilled student who is showing a strong commitment to your learning. You help create an inclusive and welcoming classroom by sharing your social skills and building positive connections with others. Your sense of fun and great humour bring energy and positivity to our class each day. Thank you for the way you contribute to our learning environment.

Oscar - Year 5

Oscar, you are a fantastic role model in our hub. You give everything your best effort, and your focus and self-management make you a star learner. You are a kind, supportive friend and a respectful member of our class. Keep up the great work!

School Notices

Viewing our School Calendar in Hero

Any events added to our school calendar will now sync to the calendar in the Hero Family app. When logged into Hero, caregivers can view this by going to Events from the Hero landing page or in the menu on the left side of their Hero app.

Dungeons and Dragons Club!

Are you someone who has an interest in Dungeons and Dragons?
Do you know someone who has an interest in Dungeons and Dragons?

We want to begin a Dungeons and Dragons Club at school. We have some keen players - can you help us?

Please get in touch with Sue Leadbetter at: sue.leadbetter@beckenham.school.nz

Our Weet-Bix TRYathlon Tamariki

Kupu Māori o te Wiki

Kia ora koutou! This year, we are embracing our te reo Māori and will be learning a new Whakataukī (phrase/proverb), Kīwaha (saying), and Kupu (word) each week. Here are the last two weeks' new te reo we have focused on:

Give these a go! Nau mai te wero - We Love Challenge! He taonga te ako - We Love Learning!

Mauria te ponoBelieve in yourself and give it a go!
Whakataukī:Whaowhia te kete mātaurangaThis means to fill the basket with knowledge!
Whakataukī:He waka eke noaWe are all in this together!
Kīwaha:Kia Tau!This means relax, or settle petal!
Kīwaha:Kei runga noa atu koe!This means you're awesome!
Kupu:NgahuruThis means Autumn.
Kupu:HarareiThis means to go on holiday.

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.

Chicken Chat

Some of our tamariki visited Ferndale this week to speak with the children about chickens and take them on a visit to the garden area and to see the chickens in their home.  

We would like to share the slideshow the children made to share with our Ferndale Hub Friends.

Potato (the chicken) loves to sit on Seth's knee every time he visits!

The Sports Corner

Kia ora koutou,

This section of our newsletter will be dedicated to highlighting the successes and challenges our students are experiencing in sports outside of school. We love seeing our ākonga (students) showing our school values, especially We Love Challenge Nau Mau Te Wero in the community. If your child has had a sporting success that you’d like to share with our community, please email me with a short blurb and photo to: kate.mcgregor@beckenham.school.nz - We’d love to feature it in our next newsletter!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kate McGregor
Sports Coordinator

Canterbury Swimming Championships

We are incredibly proud of our students who represented our school at the Canterbury Swimming Championships. They showed determination, sportsmanship, and excellent effort in the pool, achieving some fantastic results against strong competition from across the region. We had 14 students competing over the two days.

Sailing Success for Samson

We would also like to celebrate Samson, who achieved an outstanding result at the Canterbury Optimist Championships over the weekend, placing 3rd overall. This is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the hard work and dedication he has put into his sailing. We are very proud of his success!

South Island Schools Mountain Biking Championships

Our students also achieved fantastic results at the South Island Schools Mountain Biking Championships. In the Cross Country race, Zach placed 1st, Daniel 6th, and Ben 11th. The boys also teamed up for the Year 7/8 Cross Country Relay, taking out 1st place. In the Enduro event, Zach finished 9th and Ben 21st. Unfortunately, Sedas was unwell and unable to race. We are incredibly proud of the effort and determination shown by all of our riders. Thank you to Malcolm Stoney for the incredible photos of our riders.

Huxster Mountain Biking - 2026 Success

Well done to all of our students who participated in the Huxster Mountain Bike Event. It was another great couple of days of racing with plenty of whānau support on the sidelines. The results below highlight some particularly commendable performances.

In the Year 5/6 division, Lexi and Laurien placed 1st in the Girls Team event. In the Year 7/8 category, Zach took 1st place in the Boys race and recorded the fastest overall time across both days of the event. Laura and Ben also placed 1st in the Open Teams, while Jayme and Mietta finished 4th in the Girls Teams.

PTA News

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Easter raffle in any way, by donating grocery items for the hamper or selling raffle tickets. Every little bit helps, and together we raised almost $5000 for new shade sails over the junior playground!! 
Congratulations to our Easter Raffle winners, who all take home Easter hampers, and we hope you all got a look at Cade dressed up in his Easter Bunny outfit in support of our fundraising. Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone! 

BOT Update

Term 1 Policy Review Closing Soon - 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, our 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 Vs Wellington Saints - Ticket Discount

We would like to offer your school & community an exclusive 10% discount on tickets for the Canterbury Rams vs Wellington Saints home opening game at Parakiore on the 19th April.

10% Discount – Canterbury Rams vs Wellington Saints - https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/events/RAMSSAI26/venues/CPR/performances/ECPR0000026RA/tickets

We would also like to offer your school community a 25% off to attend the upcoming Canterbury Rams holiday camps & game day clinics for boys & girls. 
25% discount Referral Code on Checkout - TAKEOFF25
 
Canterbury Rams Holiday Camps & Game Day Clinics - Camps & Schools - Canterbury Rams

Table Tennis Canterbury - Free Event

This free event will be held on Sunday, 12th of April at Table Tennis Canterbury Stadium from 9.30am - 12.30pm. Registrations can be made by following the link here.

From Bellies, Babies to Tweens Market - SUNDAY 12 APRIL

Looking to save on quality baby, kids and tween items – or keen to turn your own pre-loved gear into cash?
Come along to the From Bellies, Babies to Tweens Market – a community focused buy/sell market dedicated to all things maternity, baby, kids and tweens. You’ll find a wide range of new and gently used items at affordable prices – all in one convenient location.
Sunday 12 April
9:00am – 12noon
Halswell Rugby League Club, Halswell Domain
It’s the perfect opportunity to shop sustainably, support local whānau and snap up a bargain. Bring your friends, spread the word and mark your calendar! Free entry for shoppers.
To book a stall or find out more, email: fbbtmarket@gmail.com

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 20th March 2026

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Principal's Update

Ngā mihi e te whānau,

It has been a very busy couple of weeks at school. Students have been working hard in the classroom and engaging in a wide range of activities beyond it. At times like this, it can be difficult to keep up with everything that is happening!

Thank you to all our staff for providing these opportunities, and to our community for your ongoing support in making them possible for our students. There is some important information in this newsletter. Thank you for taking the time to read it carefully.

Join a band!


You may have seen a HERO post earlier in the week about opportunities for students to register their interest in school bands. This is a great opportunity for those learning instruments to take their practice to the next level in a highly supportive environment.

If you would like your child to take up this opportunity, please click the link below:

Safety on the Roads

Please note this message relates to a very small minority of our community. We are becoming increasingly concerned about some of the driving behaviours being demonstrated at pick-up and drop-off times. These include making U-turns in areas with heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and using designated no-parking areas for parking.

If this behaviour continues, we will seek support from external agencies to help mitigate the health and safety risks to our students.

Digital Technologies Review

As part of this year’s Annual Plan, we will be undertaking a review of how digital technologies are used in our school to support learning. This will include gathering feedback from families, reviewing current research, and considering health and safety guidelines related to digital technology use.

Our aim is to ensure that when digital technologies are used, they enhance learning experiences and outcomes, while also equipping students with the skills and attitudes they need to use these tools effectively and responsibly in the future.

Please look out at the beginning of next term for opportunities to be involved in this important review.

Turf Update

We are pleased to confirm that our new turf will be laid during September and/or October this year. The turf will be a real asset to our school and wider community.

Thank you again to the PTA for their work on this project, and to our community for their generosity through our fundraising efforts.

The turf location and design is shown below. 

Update from the Chicken Palace

 It is hard to believe that the tiny chicks that graced our office space at the end of last year are now on their way to maturity.

Caring for the chickens provides our students with valuable, real-life learning opportunities. Through this, they develop a strong sense of responsibility, empathy, and respect for living things, while also building patience and an understanding of animal welfare. These experiences bring our school values to life in a meaningful and authentic way, particularly in fostering care for others.

Thank you again to everyone who has played a part in making this possible at our school.

Work at School over the holiday break 

Over the holiday break, work will be completed on the exterior of the Old Dental Clinic (PTA Uniform Shop), and the interiors of the Music Rooms, Pūkaki, and Kōmanawa. Please feel free to use the school grounds as usual, but take care around work areas.

Have a great weekend!

Ngā mihi
Cade

Principal / Tumuaki

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

2026 Term Dates - Linked Here

Upcoming EventsTerm 1
Mon 23 MarCanterbury Hockey Sessions (Yr 7/8)
Tue 24 MarCanterbury Hockey Sessions (Yr 5/6)
Wed 25 MarCanterbury Swimming Event (Yr 5/6)
Wed 25 Mar - Sat 28 MarSouth Island School MTB Championships
Wed 25 MarBoard of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Thu 26 MarCanterbury Swimming Event (Yr 7/8)
Fri 27 MarCelebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)
Wed 1 AprPSC Huxster Mountain Biking Event
Wed 1 AprPTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm, Staff Room)
Thu 2 AprLast Day of Term 1
Fri 3 AprGood Friday - School Closed
Upcoming EventsTerm 2
Mon 20 AprFirst Day of Term 2
Wed 22 AprNgā Puna Wai Tournament (Yr 5-8)
Mon 27 AprANZAC Day - School Closed

Citizen of the Week

Stella - Year 5

Stella, you are a magnificent role model in our hub. You are always positive, kind, and thoughtful towards others. You are an incredibly hardworking student, and you consistently demonstrate excellent self-management skills in all that you do. You are a star, Stella!

Kura - Year 4

Kura, you are a highly engaged student who thrives on a challenge. Your inquisitive mind and confidence allow you to make insightful connections across your learning. You embody all of the Beckenham kete values every day. Thank you for always being an outstanding role model in our team!

School Notices

Parking Reminder - 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 on the street nearby. 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.

Furthermore, please do not park in or use the staff carpark entrance or exit - this is for staff and service vehicles only. 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

'EZlunch' Lunch Orders

Our school now uses Ezlunch, part of the Kindo platform, for all online lunch orders.
Ezlunch offers a simple, mobile-friendly way for families to order fresh, tasty lunches from the same local providers you already know and love. The ordering process is quick, payments are secure, and delivery to school is reliable and easy.

You can view the available menu, linked here.

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 uniforms, 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 uniforms, 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.

Kupu Māori o te Wiki

Kia ora koutou! This year, we are embracing our te reo Māori and will be learning a new Whakataukī (phrase/proverb), Kīwaha (saying), and Kupu (word) each week. Here are the last two weeks' new te reo we have focused on:

Give these a go! Nau mai te wero - We Love Challenge! He taonga te ako - We Love Learning!

Whakataukī:Mauria te ponoThis means to believe in yourself!
Whakataukī:He rau ringa e oti aiThis means many hands make light work. So, let’s focus on working together as a team!
Kīwaha:He reka!This means yum!
Kīwaha:WananeiThis means wicked!
Kupu:WeroThis means challenge.
Kupu:AkoThis 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.

Chicken Chat

Chicken fact ~ Did you know? Chickens are the closest living relatives to the Tyrannosaurus Rex!

The Sports Corner

Kia ora koutou,

This section of our newsletter will be dedicated to highlighting the successes and challenges our students are experiencing in sports outside of school. We love seeing our ākonga (students) showing our school values, especially We Love Challenge Nau Mau Te Wero in the community. If your child has had a sporting success that you’d like to share with our community, please email me with a short blurb and photo to: kate.mcgregor@beckenham.school.nz - We’d love to feature it in our next newsletter!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kate McGregor
Sports Coordinator

Swimming Sports Success 

What a fantastic day we had for our Beckenham Te Kura Swimming Sports! It was wonderful to see our tamariki giving their best in the pool and supporting one another throughout the day. Ka mau te wehi! A huge ka pai to all of our swimmers. You should be incredibly proud of the effort, determination, and positive attitude shown throughout the day. 

Results:
Year 5 Champions: Thalia & Jos 
Year 5 Runner-Ups: Jessica & Mati 

Year 6 Champions: Chloe & Laurence 
Year 6 Runner-Ups: Laurien & James

Year 7 Champions: Harriet, Hazel & Haydn
Year 7 Runner-Ups: Clara & Harvey 

Year 8 Champions: Sarah & Sebastian
Year 8 Runner-Ups: Zaria & Samson

Following our school event, a number of swimmers went on to represent Beckenham Te Kura at the South Zone Swimming Competition, where they achieved some outstanding results against strong competition from across the zone. We are very proud of all the students who represented our kura so well. This event was a fantastic example of what can be achieved through determination, resilience, and supporting one another. As the whakataukī reminds us: “Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei.” Pursue that which is precious, and if you stumble, let it be upon a lofty mountain.

South Zone - Individual Results:
  • Sebastian: 2nd in 50 m Freestyle, 3rd in 50 m Backstroke, 2nd in 50 m Breaststroke
  • Samson Nuttall: 2nd in 50 m Butterfly
  • Sarah: 2nd in 50 m Freestyle, 1st in 50 m Backstroke, 1st in 100 IM
  • Haydn: 2nd in 50 m Freestyle, 2nd in 50 m Backstroke, 2nd in 50 m Breaststroke
  • Hazel: 2nd in 50 m Freestyle, 3rd in 50 m Backstroke
  • Clara: 3rd in 50 m Freestyle
  • Harriet: 2nd in 50 m Breaststroke, 1st in 50 m Butterfly
  • Chloe: 2nd in 50 m Backstroke, 2nd in 50 m Breaststroke
  • Jos: 2nd in 50 m Freestyle, 2nd in 50 m Backstroke, 1st in 50 m Breaststroke
  • Mati: 1st in 50 m Backstroke
  • Thalia: 1st in 50 m Breaststroke, 2nd in 50 m Butterfly
South Zone - Relay Results (4 x 50 m Mixed Freestyle):
  • Year 8 (Sebastian, Vinnie, Sarah & Harriet): 2nd
  • Year 7 (Haydn, Harvey, Hazel & Clara): 1st
  • Year 6 (Laurence, James, Chloe & Laurien): 2nd
  • Year 5 (Jos, Mati, Amelia & Jessica): 2nd

Year 3/4 Miniball - A successful start to the season 

Our Year 3/4 Miniball teams, the Breakers, Ballers, and Boppers, have had a fantastic start to the season. It has been great to see our players developing their skills, working together as a team, and growing in confidence on the court each week.

Miniball is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn the fundamentals of basketball, and our teams have been doing a great job of supporting one another, showing determination, and giving things a go. Ka pai to all of our players for the effort and enthusiasm they are bringing to each game!

Touch Rugby - Fun for all year levels!

It’s been great to see the continued fun and success across our teams! The photos this week feature our Year 0–2 Fire and our Year 7/8 Eels and Pumas, who have been showing fantastic teamwork, effort, and enthusiasm in their games. Ka pai to all of our players for representing Beckenham Te Kura so well! 

PTA News

Easter Raffle 

Our Easter Raffle is up and running! Thank you for all the donations, and any last-minute donations can be dropped off at the office next week. You should all have a raffle sheet now, with 20 tickets to sell to family, friends, neighbours & workmates. Tickets are $2 each with a range of hampers to be won. Extra sheets are available at the office.

Please return all raffle sheets (sold and unsold) to the office by 3pm on Friday, 27 March.

Payment options:
  • Cash - place in an envelope with the raffles sheet in the box in the office.
  • Kindo app - download the Kindo app and pay online (and don't forget to bring your raffle sheet back to the office!).
All returned raffle sheets will go in a draw to win one of three Easter treats.

MoveX Fundraiser

Thank you to all those who supported our MoveX fundraiser last week! It was a great night, and we raised $660 towards the new shade sails. 

Uniform Shop

We're always on the lookout for fleeces at the uniform shop, so if your child is growing out of theirs, we would love to have it. Donations can be dropped off at the office at any time, or come to the shop on Mondays from 2:45pm to 3:15pm or on Fridays from 8:45am to 9:15am.

BOT Update

Term 1 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, our 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.)

Cashmere Netball Club - Looking for extra Players!

Cashmere Netball Club are currently looking for a few extra players in the following teams:
  • Year 6 - Saturday at Hagley Netball Courts, 11am - x 2 spaces available
  • Year 5 - Saturday at Hagley Netball Courts, 11am - x 4 spaces available
  • We are also still taking registrations for year 3 and 4.

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 6th March 2026

Posted on by

Principal's Update

Ngā mihi e te whānau,

Our PTA plays an important role in supporting our school. Through their work, they raise funds for key school projects and organise events that help strengthen the sense of community and belonging within our school.

Following the successful fundraising for our new turf (which will be installed later this year), the PTA is now turning its attention to the replacement of the shade sails over our junior playground. The current sails are reaching the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced to ensure our students continue to have a safe, shaded space to play.

There are two ways our community can help support this project. The first is to attend the upcoming MoveX evening session, and the second is to contribute to the Easter raffle. Your support of these events will help us move closer to funding this important project.

The existing shade sails will be taken down at the end of this term, with the new sails planned to be installed in time for the beginning of Term 4. This is an important project that supports the health and safety of our students, particularly during the warmer months.

Thank you to our PTA and wider school community for the continued support you show our school.

Details for both fundraisers are below:

Easter Raffle

The Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA is excited to be running an Easter Grocery Raffle in Term 1, with all funds raised going directly back into supporting our tamariki and school initiatives.

We will be creating one large family grocery hamper along with smaller themed hampers - and we would love your support to help fill them!

🧺 How You Can Help

We are asking each family (if you are able) to donate one non-perishable grocery item based on your child’s year level:

• Year 0/1: Small Easter treats (e.g. mini eggs, marshmallows, Easter lollies etc)
• Year 2: Sweet baking items (e.g cake mixes, icing, sprinkles etc)
• Year 3: Lunchbox snacks, biscuits & crackers
• Year 4: Bathroom and beauty items (e.g soaps, body wash, hand wash, toothpaste etc)
• Year 5: Breakfast items (e.g cereal, spreads, porridge, honey etc)
• Year 6: Pantry staples (e.g pasta, rice, sauces, canned goods etc)
• Year 7: Drinks (e.g juice boxes, cordial, hot chocolate etc)
• Year 8: Other grocery items (e.g coffee, tea, condiments etc)

Donations don’t need to be big - every little bit helps make our raffle exciting for the tamariki. We truly appreciate any support you can give.

📦 Drop-Off Details

Please drop your item to the School Office over the next two weeks into the Easter box. 

Raffle tickets will go on sale soon for whānau to sell, with the draw taking place in Week 9 before Easter.

Thank you for supporting this PTA fundraiser - your generosity helps create wonderful opportunities for our tamariki.

Have a great weekend.

Ngā mihi,
Cade

Principal / Tumuaki

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

2026 Term Dates - Linked Here

Upcoming EventsTerm 1
Wed 11 MarSchool Photos (All Students, Except NE)
Thu 12 MarKauri Team Mount Vernon & Waltham Pool Trip
Fri 13 MarCelebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)
Fri 13 MarPTA MoveX Fundraiser
Thu 19 MarCJCA Girls Smash Cricket Festival (Yr 5/6)
Thu 19 MarKōwhai Scooter Skills
Mon 23 MarCanterbury Hockey Sessions (Yr 7/8)
Tue 24 MarCanterbury Hockey Sessions (Yr 5/6)
Wed 25 MarCanterbury Swimming Event (Yr 5/6)
Wed 25 Mar - Sat 28 MarSouth Island School MTB Championships
Wed 25 MarBoard of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Thu 26 MarCanterbury Swimming Event (Yr 7/8)
Fri 27 MarCelebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)
Wed 1 AprPSC Huxster Mountain Biking Event
Wed 1 AprPTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm, Staff Room)
Thu 2 AprLast Day of Term 1
Fri 3 AprGood Friday - School Closed
Mon 20 AprFirst Day of Term 2

Citizen of the Week

Max - Year 8

Max, you are an extremely positive and enthusiastic member of the Kauri hub. You consistently demonstrate the school values and you approach everything calmly and thoughtfully. You are a natural leader through your actions. Tino pai!

Corben - Year 6

Corben, you are a wonderful friend and a dedicated, hardworking student. The contributions you make to our learning environment are thoughtful and genuinely valued. Keep sharing that fantastic smile and continuing to make our classroom such a positive, welcoming place for everyone.

School Notices

Road Patrol

No matter the weather, our dedicated Road Patrol team is out there keeping us safe as we cross Sandwich Road. This week, they have had a refresher session with Constable Meg. They are doing a great job.

Please make sure that you cross the road at this designated space. Sandwich Road can be a busy place at drop-off and pick-up times.

We Get There Together.

Our School Timetable

TimeActivity
8:30 am – 8:55 amStudents arrive at school and prepare for the day
8:55 am – 9:00 amStudents go to class, and the morning roll is taken.
9:00 am – 10:30 amLearning time
10:30 am – 10:50 amPlay time
10:50 am – 11:00 amKai time (morning tea)
11:00 am – 12:40 pmLearning time
12:40 pm – 1:20 pmPlay time
1:20 pm – 1:40 pmKai time (lunch eating), the afternoon roll is taken.
1:40 pm – 3:00 pmLearning time
3:00 pmHome time
3:15 pmClearing bell rings (any children that are not collected by this time report to the office)

Public Health Nurse Notice

My name is Holly and I am the Public Health Nurse for your school. The Public Health Nursing Service (PHNS) work with tamariki and their whānau where health and wellbeing concerns impact on their home and school lives. 
Please contact me if you have any health concerns for your tamariki.

waea pūkoro: 03 383 6877 ext: 99628, 0272843397 
īmēra: holly.cummings@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Kupu Māori o te Wiki

Kia ora koutou! This year, we are embracing our te reo Māori, and will be learning a new Whakataukī (phrase/proverb), Kīwaha (saying), and Kupu (word) each week. Here is the last two weeks new te reo we have focused on:

Give these a go! Nau mai te wero - We Love Challenge! He taonga te ako - We Love Learning!

Whakataukī: Whakarite ngā kete mō te haerenga! - This means filling our kete for the journey. Who knows where this saying can be found?
Whakataukī: Ahakoa he iti kete, he iti nā te aroha - This means it’s the thought that counts. 

Kīwaha: Paia! - this means Awesome!
Kīwaha: Mē he tē! - this means like a boss!

Kupu: Āe - this means yes.
Kupu: Kāore - this means no.

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.

Chicken Chat

Our silkies are settling well into their routine and life here at Beckenham Te Kura. They are well cared for and have an incredible roster of students who are part of the 'Chicken team' taking care of their cage cleaning and water/feeding needs throughout the week. Monday to Thursday are timetabled 'chicken experience days' for the tamariki, and on Fridays, the chickens have a rest day. 

Chicken fact ~ Did you know? Chickens can eat egg shells, and it helps them to lay more eggs!

The Sports Corner

Kia ora koutou,

This section of our newsletter will be dedicated to highlighting the successes and challenges our students are experiencing in sports outside of school. We love seeing our ākonga (students) showing our school values, especially We Love Challenge Nau Mau Te Wero in the community. If your child has had a sporting success that you’d like to share with our community, please email me with a short blurb and photo to: kate.mcgregor@beckenham.school.nz - We’d love to feature it in our next newsletter!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kate McGregor
Sports Coordinator

Embracing the Challenge at the New Brighton XRace

Last weekend, Jess and her Dad took part in the XRace in New Brighton, and it was an exciting day all around. Jess was thrilled to finish first place in her age group — a fantastic achievement!

For those unfamiliar with XRace, it’s a family adventure race filled with mystery challenges and fun obstacles that teams must complete together. Along the course, Jess and her Dad tackled activities like a three-legged race (not easy when Dad’s legs are so much longer!), crossword puzzles, piggyback rides, and plenty of running between stations. Most importantly, it was a fun and memorable day out for both of them.

It was also great to spot around half a dozen other Beckenham tamariki taking part alongside their adults. Seeing so many members of our community involved and enjoying the challenges was fantastic, and they were all clearly demonstrating one of our school values — “We Love Challenge.”

Year 0–2 Touch Rugby: Beckenham Fire & Beckenham Sharks 

Our Year 0–2 Touch Rugby teams, the Fire and the Sharks, have been having a fantastic time on the field! The tamariki have shown great enthusiasm, teamwork, and determination each week as they learn the game and support one another. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow while having lots of fun playing touch rugby together. Ka pai to all our players! 

Year 7 Relay Team Takes 1st at South Zones!

Congratulations to our Year 7 relay swimming team (Hazel, Harvey, Haydn, and Clara) who placed 1st at the South Zones swimming competition. This is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to their teamwork and effort in the pool. We are very proud of how they represented our school.
I will share more results and highlights from South Zones in the next newsletter, so keep an eye out for those!

PTA News

MoveX

We're looking forward to seeing you at MoveX next Friday, 13th March, 6pm to 8pm. We will have the place to ourselves, and the more the merrier (and more funds for the school). Grab your tickets here! Just $20 for 2 hours jumping, bring friends and family. Supervising adults don't need to pay. 

Easter Grocery Raffle

The Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA is excited to be running an Easter Grocery Raffle in Term 1, with all funds raised going directly back into supporting our tamariki and school initiatives.

Drop-Off Details

Please drop your item to the School Office over the next two weeks into the Easter box. 
Raffle tickets will go on sale soon for whānau to sell, with the draw taking place in Week 9 before Easter.
Thank you for supporting this PTA fundraiser!

Entertainment Book

And finally now is good time to order an Entertainment Book with $30 coming back to the school for all purchases in March. 
To get your membership follow this link here.
Ngā mihi nui,
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA

BOT Update

Welcome, New Board Member - Iwi Representative - Jess Tarawa

Term 1 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, our 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.)

Speaking 4 the Planet Competition 2026

The theme this year is based on SDG 2: Zero Hunger - Seeding Change: Feast for the Future.
Here is a link to the information booklet which offers support in getting to grips with the theme as well as detailed requirements for the 3 sections:
  • Prepared Speech, 
  • Spoken Word Poetry 
  • Visual Art
Registrations of interest to compete can be made via this Google Form link before Friday 24th April. Finals day is Friday June 26th at Tūranga. 
If you have any questions or concerns, please email chchnzaee@gmail.com

Free Kid's Easter Holiday Programme

Celebrity Netball - School Discounted Tickets

The Cancer Society has created a discounted promo code for our school community who would like to attend a Celebrity Netball Game at the new Parakiore Recreation & Sports Centre.

The event is an exciting, feel-good community event, it is the One Goal: Beat Cancer Harcourts Grenadier Celebrity Netball Game. 

This high-profile, high-energy event brings together sports stars, media personalities, and local legends for a fun, action-packed match, all in support of the Cancer Society.  Keep an eye on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cancersocietysouthern as we announce the players.

Two star-studded teams, captained by iconic Kiwi personalities, will battle it out on court to raise awareness and funds for families facing cancer. Every goal helps people stay at the Canterbury Cancer Centre while they receive life-saving treatment.

Unlock your exclusive 33% discount by booking via the link below and entering the password (special rate: $20 per adult and $10 per child – 14 years & under).

URL: https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=ONEGOAL26&EP=PLAYER26

Password: PLAYER26

Please note: this code is valid until Monday, 16 March, so be sure to book early. We’ve made it easy and affordable for everyone to be part of the action.

The venue:
Parakiore Recreation & Sport Centre — the largest aquatic and indoor recreation and leisure venue of its kind in New Zealand.

Event programme – Sunday, 22 March 2026

1:30 pm – Doors open
1:30 – 3:00 pm – Coaching sessions & pre-game entertainment
2:30 – 3:30 pm – Celebrity introductions
3:30 – 4:30 pm – The Celebrity Netball Game

Celebrate International Women’s Day – Women & Girls "Have A Go" Table Tennis NZ Event

Celebrate International Women’s Day by joining the Women & Girls "Have A Go" event in Canterbury.
  • Sunday 8th March 2026 
  • 10:00am – 4:30pm
  • Table Tennis Canterbury, 294 Blenheim Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8041
This free event is part of a nationwide TTNZ initiative encouraging women and girls of all ages and abilities to try table tennis in a fun, welcoming environment. No experience is needed and all equipment is provided.

For more information and to register, follow this link:
https://tabletennis.org.nz/tournaments/national-tournament-calendar/women-and-girls-have-go

Sydenham Rugby Club Registrations are open!

Follow the link here