Wow! What an absolutely incredible performance by our Year 7/8 students in this year’s production. The amount of effort and dedication that went into making the night such a success was truly awe-inspiring. From writing the scripts, rehearsing scenes, performing solos, and choreographing dance routines, to crafting props, running the technology for the night, and designing advertisement posters – every student gave their all. The energy, confidence, and creativity on display was remarkable, and the performance itself was nothing short of spectacular. Every member of the Kauri Hub contributed in their own unique way, and we couldn’t be prouder of them all.

Yummy Treats              

As a thank you to the students' hard work on production, we made some ‘bake at home’ treats. They loved designing their unique labels for the jars. Hopefully whānau got to enjoy some yummy cooking. 

Victoria Park Adventure
We enjoyed a wonderful walk to Victoria Park. Although we started off with a little drizzle, the weather soon cleared, giving us a beautiful day to explore. The students loved having lunch with their friends, climbing the trees, playing on the playground, and taking in the views from the hilltop. There were plenty of laughs as they went down the slide as a “train,” and the excitement and energy throughout the day was infectious. It was a perfect opportunity for the tamariki to enjoy the outdoors, challenge themselves, and make memories with friends.

Year 8 Pool Party
After a big day of walking and outdoor fun, we celebrated our Year 8 students with a much-anticipated Pool Party. The tamariki had a blast on the slide, played fun pool games, and enjoyed some classic treats like a sausage in bread and an ice block. It was a fantastic way to acknowledge their hard work, friendship, and contribution to the Kauri Hub this year.

Fond Farewells
We also said goodbye to two of our longest-standing Kauri Hub students – Snowy and Nibbles – who have been with us for 10 years! Nicky’s mornings will certainly look a little different without bringing vegetables in each day to feed them. Their presence and personality have been a cherished part of our daily routine, and they will be missed. They will be going to live with Rowan Matthews, year 8 student. 

Cass Bay Adventures
Our trip to Cass Bay was an absolute highlight of this week! We were spoiled with beautiful weather, and the tamariki made the most of every moment. The perfect setting for a day of summer fun. The pontoon was a favourite spot, with endless manus. Groups explored the rock pools and discovered tiny crabs hiding under stones and shells. Our competitive crew enjoyed shoulder wrestles as the tide went out, and the battles brought plenty of energy and amusement. Some students found patches of clay along the seabed and decided to embrace nature fully… covering themselves head-to-toe like it was a day spa treatment! It was a day filled with sunshine, laughter, adventure, and memory-making, the perfect way to celebrate our time together this year.

It’s been a fantastic start to Term 4, with everyone returning settled, focused, and ready for a great final term of the year. It’s been wonderful to see the positive energy across the hub and students quickly getting back into routines.

Athletics training is well underway as we prepare for our upcoming sports events. Students have been practising a range of disciplines including high jump, sprints, relay, shot put, and discus. It’s been great to see everyone giving things a go, encouraging one another, and showing great teamwork and determination.

We are also delighted to have Jemimah, a second-year student teacher, joining Chloe’s homegroup for the next five weeks. She has already made a fantastic start, getting to know students and supporting learning across the hub.

We celebrated our Speech Finals this week, a huge congratulations to all who presented with confidence and passion. Well done to our Year 8 and Year 7 winners for their outstanding efforts and persuading speeches. 

Year 8: Winner - Annabelle Aitken, Runner up - Oscar Radford 

Year 7: Winner - Max Potter, Runner up - Minah Malak

Students who took part in the Kiwi Competitions have now received their results. A special mention to Tom Broadbank, who received an Excellence in Maths, and Ruvi Lawrance, who received an Excellence in English. Seven students were also awarded Merit certificates, with some achieving across multiple subjects, an impressive effort by all!

Our Passions Programme for Term 4 is off to an exciting start, with students taking part in a variety of engaging activities including Cooking, Digital Technology, Māori Games, and Mural Painting. It’s wonderful to see students exploring their interests, developing new skills, and collaborating across groups each week.

We’ve also enjoyed some friendly competition with our Staff vs Year 8 Basketball Game last week. It was a high-energy match filled with great teamwork, impressive shots, and plenty of laughter. Despite some strong plays from the Year 8s, the staff managed to take out the win, though we’re sure the students are already planning their comeback!

We have also begun our Navigating the Journey health unit. Thank you to the whānau who attended the information evening last week. Across the hub, students have approached these sessions with maturity, respect, and thoughtful discussion.

It’s shaping up to be a busy and exciting term ahead! 

Upcoming Events

Week 5

• Wednesday 13th August

• Cheese Roll fundraiser

• Friday 15th August

• Year 5-8 Duathlon

Week 6

• Tuesday 19th August

• Cantamath display drop off

• Wednesday 20th August

• Cantamath display open to public and Interschool competition

• Wednesday 20th August & Friday 22nd August

• Beckenham in school Touch competition 

Week 7  

• Wednesday 27th August

• Year 7 Girls self-defence

• Thursday 28th August - Team Kauri trip

• Quake City, Art Gallery & City Hīkoi

• Friday 29th August

• Beckenham in school Four square tournament

• Te Whanau Mahi Tahi Wānanga

Week 8

• Tuesday 2nd September 

• Year 8 Cashmere testing day

• Wednesday 3rd September 

• Team Kauri Ski trip

Week 9

• Thursday 11th September 

• Team Kauri Ōpawaho Hīkoi - TBC

• Pō Whakangahau - Te Whānau Mahi Tahi Performance 4:30-6:30pm

Week 10

• Monday 15th September 

• Staff vs Students basketball

• Tuesday 16th - Thursday 18th September 

• Koru Games

Calendar Art

Over the first few weeks students have been creating their Calendar Art using digital skills and applications. Students were to create a piece that was unusual and included an element of themselves in the art. As I am sure you are aware, Calendar Art is a great fundraising opportunity for our school and a great way for you to display your child’s art in a number of ways. We look forward to seeing what it looks like later in the term.

Bekamaths & Cantamaths

In preparation for Cantamaths 2025, Team Kauri students participated in a problem solving event we call Bekamaths. This event involved the students solving problems in small groups. As a home learning task students have also been encouraged to participate in a home learning challenge to create posters or projects to do with Maths. Students have been bringing them in this week and they will be available to view in the Kauri breakout space before and after school in Week 5. A number of these projects will be chosen by Teachers to represent Beckenham at the Cantamaths competition later this term.

Passions Term 3

This term teachers are offering some tried and tested and some new Passions for students to discover:

• Felt-making

• Buddies (students working in the Koru & Kahikatea)

• Mad Lab (STEAM activities)

• Debating

• Drawing workshop

Some students have requested some more outdoor options as were offered in Term 1 & 2, however, it was felt that the weather might be an issue this term so indoor options were offered instead and that more outdoor opportunities will be made available in Term 4.

Ski Trip

In Week 8, the Team will be heading out to the Ski fields for the day. This is an annual event for Team Kauri. One we would like to continue for the foreseeable future. We appreciate the support families are showing for this event by coming as parent helpers and by supporting school fundraising which has been helping reduce the cost of these events for families.

Maths Week Next Week!

To celebrate Maths week we will have a daily joke and maths problem on a whiteboard, outside our hub, for you and your child to solve! You are also welcome to come into the hub before and after school to walk through our Cantamath projects in the breakout space in Kauri Hub.

Mathematics & Statistics: Understanding your child's learning

The Ministry of Education Parent Portal is a collection of guidance and resources for parents, families and carers. Here, you will find information about the learning your child is doing at school within their year level, and how you can support them in their learning. Feel free to have a look and explore what you can do at home to support Maths learning, while keeping it fun!

Staying Safe Online: Snapchat and Privacy

Snapchat is a popular messaging app that lets users exchange pictures and videos (snaps) that are meant to disappear after they’re viewed. Many young people love Snapchat but it’s important that they understand how to protect their privacy on the app.

Check out Netsafe’s Privacy on Snapchat page for some helpful information on Snapchat’s features. You can also find out more information about privacy, security and safety on Snapchat’s help centre.

Have a safe and happy weekend!

Ngā mihi nui,

Team Kauri Teachers