Author Archives: Jacky Sargent

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter November 23rd 2018

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora e te whānau

We'll start with a reminder about the Staff Only Day on Monday which has been in every newsletter since 31st August. School is CLOSED on Monday and we will be working with staff on our planning for 2019.


It's been three weeks since the last newsletter, and there has been a lot happening at school. The weather is certainly keeping us all on our toes at the moment with its extreme fluctuations and changability. Our Pōhutukawa team struck it extremely well for their camp at Living Springs last week. A huge 'thank you' to the teachers and the parents who helped to make that camp such a success.


Our New Entrants had two wonderful days of trips to a farm belonging to the whānau of one of our children. The exploration and discovery of life on a farm and the experience of just being in the outdoors in a different environment was amazing. Every child had their own personal highlights including going on the bus, climbing on the tractor, feeding out hay to the cows, toasting marshmallows, eating sausages cooked over the firepit, playing on the trampoline or the flying fox, collecting treasures like wool from the fence as we walked around the farm, or simply being at the farm with friends.


A group of Year 7/8 students, with the blessing of the local authorities, are working on beautifying the Eastern Terrace ponds toilet block with a fabulous mural. Special thanks to Ira Kirk, a local artist and past parent of the school, for giving her expert assistance with this project.


The Koru Year 1/2 team had a big trip on Friday to the Art Gallery. We will try and include a couple of photos from that in next week's newsletter.

Staff News

Rebekah Stoop and her partner have made the decision to return to their home province of West Otago and are relocating to Tapanui at the end of the year. Rebekah has won a position at Tapanui Primary School and we wish her all the best with her new role. Rebekah started at Beckenham in 2015 and has made a wonderful contribution to our school and the teams she has taught in.

After seven years at Beckenham, Mike Matulewicz has decided to give himself the challenge of moving to another school to further develop his professional capacity and direction in different ways. He has won a position at Heathcote Valley School and will start there in the new year. This school is in the same cluster of schools as Redcliffs School, where Mike's two boys are enrolled, so this move will also give him the opportunity to be a dad on the sideline at local zone sports events. Mike has been teaching at Beckenham since the start of 2011 and has also made a wonderful contribution to the school and the teams he has taught in. We wish him all the best in his new role.

Our school roll is growing and we are on the cusp of having the biggest roll the school has ever had with 488 students at the moment. We have made the decision to grow our Leadership Team next year and to have two Deputy Principals, rather than just one. We currently have an advertisement out for this position, and hope to be able to appoint before the end of the school year.

There will be another newsletter next Friday, which will outline the teaching teams for 2019.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Sat 25 Nov - PTA Top Team Family picnic
Wed 28 Nov - CSM Blow Test at school, 9am
Wed 28 Nov - BOT Meeting 5:30 7:30pm
Wed 28 Nov - PTA Meeting 7:30 - 9:30pm
Mon 3 Dec - Yr 7/8 Debating final
Wed 5 Dec - Canterbury Athletics, Nga Puna Wai Park, Wigram.
Fri 14 Dec - Final Celebration Assembly.  9:30 - 10:30am in the school hall
Thu 20 Dec - last day of term 4.  School finishes at 12:30pm

Mon 26 Nov - School closed - Staff Only Day

Term Dates

Click here to view 2018 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

James Stoney - Year 4

James, you are a creative and inquisitive learner. You love the environment and are the expert in the hub on native bird life and all the treasures of the Port Hills. You demonstrate amazing problem solving skills during Discovery and persevere with your learning until you achieve success. You are a loyal friend and always treat others with respect and kindness.

Abigael Cockfield - Year 6

Abby, you are a very kind and caring member of the Pōhutukawa team. You volunteer to help when you see a need and you are always looking out for others. Your quirky sense of humour entertains us, as does your love of drama and performing. Abby, you are articulate and hard working. You are a fabulous role model in our hub.

Family Support

We are very proud to bring you a webinar series we've produced about reducing stress in children. There are 6 short episodes helping to explain stress in children and how to deal with it. The episodes will be released over the next few weeks. The work is based on the research of Kathleen Liberty from the University of Canterbury and her team. We thank Dai Henwood for his time, and the many others who have helped bring this project to you.

Presented by Neighbourhood Trust & Papanui Youth Development Trust.


School Notices

Year 7/8 Debate Competition 

Three teams from Year 7 and 8 participated in a debate competition against St Martins School on Monday evening. The topic was: Social media’s ability to replace face to face communication is of great benefit to society. Beckenham had two affirmative teams and one negative team. Many fantastic arguments were built and rebutted. St Martins were well prepared with well-written speeches that were convincingly delivered. Senior students from Cashmere High’s debate teams were our adjudicators and gave the children great feedback to work on. In the end, it was Beckenham’s day with each team ultimately winning each debate. For now, it is back to the drawing board as the teams prepare for a new topic, ready to meet St Martins again in three weeks time.

Special Group and New Entrant Photos

Order forms for these were distributed this week.  Please bring the completed order forms to the office

CSM Beckenham Band Programme

Every year, children from Year 4 - Year 7 are invited to join the CSM Beckenham Band programme for the following year. Parents of Year 4-7 children were sent a separate email about this opportunity early this week.
Maree Parr, who runs the band programme, will be organising the process slightly differently this year. The Blowtest on Wednesday this week, will only involve the children who have been pre-registered. You can find out more about the programme, and how to pre-register through this link.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students who recently passed their music exams:
Clarinet: 
Georgina Cockfield grade 4 (Merit), 
Charlotte Grey grade 3 (Distinction), 
Emily Rowe grade 3

Trumpet: 
Tom Woodhouse grade 4 (Merit)

Flute: 
Charlotte O Connor grade 3, 
Mia Aramowicz grade 2 ( Merit), 
Eva Cameron grade 2 (Merit)

Alto Jazz sax: 
Hannah Winchester grade 3 (Merit), 
Joel Kingham grade 2 (Merit)

Sports News

Athletics 

We recently held our senior school athletics day. This is an event where our school values are out in force as children put their PE learning to the test and encourage each other to go higher, further and faster. One of many examples of this was the Year 7 girls whose cheers filled the park as each competitor took on the challenge of the ever-increasing high jump bar. The sprint finals were the concluding part of the day with the House Relay providing an exciting and nail-biting finale. In the end, it was Fisher who brought it home with the staff and parents managing a respectable 2nd place, (a vast improvement on last year).

This year, we invited Year 4s who wanted to embrace the challenge of competitive sport to participate in the day. Like the year 5 to 8s, they had been out in the park learning technique and developing their fitness on many afternoons in the lead up to the event. This dedicated practice paid off and there was lots of fantastic technique on display and school records being broken. Above all else, there were lots of smiles; I’m a firm believer that if you look like your having a good time, you’re doing it right.

On Monday last week, over 50 children from Year 5 - 8 represented Beckenham at our zone athletics. The children all did their school proud, demonstrating great sportsmanship and holding their own among the best athletes from our zone. Eleven of our students have qualified from that event, to represent our school at the Canterbury Athletics competition which will be held on Wednesday, December 5th at the new Nga Puna Wai Park in Wigram. This is the first year since 2011 that we have been able to have the Canterbury Athletics in Christchurch rather than having to travel to Ashburton Domain for the day.

Summer Tournament

Last Wednesday teams from Year 7/8 competed in a fast and furious round robin tournament in the sports of slow pitch, orienteering, tennis and kiwi tag (touch). We met some really polished competition, which tested the children’s perseverance. The orienteering team, which comprised of Gemma York, Santi Montejo, Lucy Gray and Ella Clarke, came second in both the rogaine and orienteering. Many thanks to George York and Simon Scott, who managed teams during the day and to all the parents who helped with transport.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Winni Goldsbury, who came second in the Girls On Dirt Advanced Downhill Race in the under 15 years category. It is impressive enough that she can ride such an advanced track, let alone tackle such terrain at race speed!

Congratulations to Harper Ford who has been selected to represent NZ in baseball.

Also congratulations to Thomas Lyall who, in September, achieved a bronze medal in the Senior boys (11-14 years) under 40kg category of the South Island Judo Championship held in Nelson.

Special Congratulations also go to the following past students of Beckenham who recently graduated from Cashmere High School with the following distinctions:

Thomas Flynn - Head of Sheppard House Award

James Hanlon - Student Representative on the Board of Trustees

Sabine Grey - Leaders of tomorrow Scholarship

Briana Steven - Emerging leaders Scholarship, Engineering high achievers Scholarship, Hugh McDougall Rankin Science Scholarship, The Foundation Pupils All Round Excellence Prize, Cartwright Prize for Academic Excellence in Year 13, Dux.

Sportsperson of the Year - Liliana Braun, also a past Beckenham student.  Liliana is currently in Year 12 and this award is usually reserved for year 13 students.

We wish them all the very best for their futures.

PTA News

IT'S BACK!

Registrations are now open for the 2018/2019 Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kid TRYathlon Series!

The world’s largest kids TRYathlon series is back.  Open to kiwi kids aged 7-15 years of all sporting abilities, the Sanitarium Weet-Bix kids TRYathlon is a fun day out for the whole family.  Swim, bike and run your way to the finish line as an individual or in a team of two, and receive your very own gold medal from top Kiwi sporting stars.  Go on give it a TRY!

Register NOW to receive the Early Bird Discount price of only $40.00 per participant.  Be sure to link your entry to Beckenham School - the school with the most entries can win LOADS of prizes!!  To register under the Beckenham School Group use the link below;
Sunday 24th February 2019
Jellie Park, Burnside

TOP TEAM CHALLENGE & FAMILY PICNIC THIS SUNDAY!

Time to Celebrate!.....We want to THANK everyone for helping us reach our target
Please come along to the BeckenhamTe Kura o Pūroto TOP Team Challenge & Family Picnic - just ONE week away today for some well deserved FUN & GAMES.
Come in a team, $10 per team: https://goo.gl/forms/oPqxEmaeEyG7Ckbz2
OR Come & help: https://goo.gl/forms/6NH4CzeIf4m6Zhe63
OR come & be a SPECTATOR....however you want to participate, make sure you & your family are there.
So lock this date into your calendar NOW: Sunday 25th November from 2pm.
Let's celebrate reaching our OUTDOOR SPACES Target. We got there together & we deserve to have some FUN with a capital F!
The PTA are subsidising this event to ensure ALL can participate. If the $10 fee per TEAM is preventing your family from participating in this Challenge please email pta@beckenham.school.nz & we will assist.

BECKENHAM "We Care" XMAS DEAL:

JUST in time for Christmas & proudly brought to you by the PTA - the BECKENHAM “We Care” Products are available to ORDER NOW ready for Santa to deliver!

All orders will be ready for collection before December 1st, making overseas posting an option.

AND with the XMAS DEAL-FREE Jute Bag for all orders over $30, how can you resist?
Help your school & the environment with these sustainable products. These affordable items will make fabulous gifts for family and friends.

HOW DO I ORDER-click on this link: https://goo.gl/forms/j0Kr9v0JWmSRHrAV2

Community Notices

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

SURFKIDS

Childrens Surfing  Programme.

Learn the skills of Surfing in a fun, safe environment. All equipment provided and professional instruction from Aaron Lock and team. For kids 8 - 14 years.
Sundays 10am to 12pm.
Dec / Jan Holidays : from 17th Dec, 10am -12pm
Cost $30 per day or $135 for five. Bookings essential.
Venue :Sumner.
Call Aaron on 0800 80 SURF (7873) or register online at surfcoach.co.nz

Starfish Swim School

Bookings for the January Holiday Programme are now open!
Mo 21 Jan - Fri 25 Jan, $65 for the week.
info@starfishswimschool.co.nz.  Ph: 033381795.
2 Nash Road, Aidanfield.

Beckenham Community Christmas Celebration

In the grounds of Beckenham School.
Wednesday 13th December 2018 5.00pm -7.00pm
Free BBQ and/or bring a picnic.
Come and join the Choir, join in or just listen to some community carol singing.
Organised by Beckenham locals for the Beckenham community. BBQ provided by Beckenham Neighbourhood Association.

Community Choir (aka anyone who wants to sing).

If interested in providing a stall complete this form https://goo.gl/forms/wOF708smpAtVSpuG2





Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter November 2nd 2018

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora e te whānau

Our teachers met after school this week to l'moderate' assessments of samples of children's writing. This is a process that deepens our shared understanding of assessment of writing, which has the potential to be quite subjective and can vary from one teacher to another.
This process feeds into the ongoing assessments for learning that teachers are doing. These assessments support the next learning steps for your child, and the writing of the end of year reports which began this week.

Sound Garden in the Junior play area

There was activity happening in the grassed area next to the junior playground today. Earlier in the year we were gifted some items from the GapFiller SoundGarden project that had most recently been installed on Peterborough St. The two large concrete drums that have been sitting out on the grass are part of this installation.
We have decided to go ahead and reinstate some of the Sound Garden items on a trial basis. This will enable us to evaluate their potential for an ongoing and more permanent place in any outdoor learning space that is designed. We are conscious that they will be quite noisy and a LOT of fun...
Thanks to Gaby Montejo, a parent and one of the artists who designed some of the original pieces, for helping us to reinstate them.

Outdoor spaces

A group has formed to develop some concept plans for the Outdoor Spaces. We are conscious that our junior playground is looking very tired, the sandpit is now a very exciting 'mud kitchen' (that's a technical term 😉) and the grass area adjacent to the junior playground has unrealised potential. The group includes representatives from the Board, PTA, staff and parents. They will be engaging with the children and the community. We look forward to seeing the amazing fundraising efforts of the PTA being put towards the development of exciting, challenging and creative spaces for our tamariki to learn and play in.

New Staff

We welcome Stacey McLachlan to our teaching staff this term.


Stacey has been working one day a week in our New Entrant area so far this term, and on Monday next week will be working mornings with our other New Entrant teachers as the numbers in our New Entrant groups continue to grow.

Strike Action - Wednesday 14th November

New Zealand’s principals and primary teachers have just voted about what to do to get government action on the current crisis in recruiting and retaining teachers.

We’re agreed - we can’t in good conscience accept the Government’s latest collective agreement offer because it does not begin to address the crisis.

We have therefore voted for an unprecedented second strike. There will be nationwide rolling strikes over a week, and our region will be striking on Wednesday 15th November.

Our school will be closed for instruction on that date. While we regret the inconvenience we know this will cause, we need to send a clear message to the Government that we are standing strong for our students.

Already children’s education is suffering because of the difficulty in recruiting teachers and relievers, and we must take bold steps to turn this around. The Government recently announced a $5.5 billion surplus, so there is no reason to make our children wait while the situation deteriorates further.

Through our union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, we are asking for:
  • Smaller classes, so our children can get more one-on-one attention
  • More resources and staffing to adequately support children with additional learning needs – this will benefit all children because teachers will be freed to spend more one-on-one time with every student
  • A significant increase in teachers’ salaries so that they are properly valued for their qualifications and responsibilities, and as a country we can recruit and retain teachers. 
We appreciate your continued support on this important issue. For more information, please go to http://campaigns.nzei.org.nz/time/ or talk with your child’s teacher.

Ngā mihi nui

Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Wed 7 Nov - Kapa Haka Performance in the hall for all Kapa Haka groups, 6:30 - 7:30pm..            Students to arrive no later than 6:15pm.  Entry by gold coin donation.
Thur 8 Nov - Board of Trustees Meeting, 5:30 - 8pm
Fri 9 Nov - Celebration Assembly, 2:20pm All welcome
Fri 16 Nov - Canterbury Anniversary Day.  School is closed.
Mon 26 Nov - School closed - Staff Only Day

Term Dates

Click here to view 2018 and 2019 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Archie de Clifford - Year 6

Archie, you are an outstanding role model in the Pōhutukawa Team. Your enthusiasm for learning is evident in everything you do and you are an impressive self-manager. You love nothing more than getting stuck into researching an interesting topic. You bring a wonderful warmth and good humour to all that surround you. Always wonderfully empathetic, you can be relied on to be a fabulous friend to many. Keep shining, Archie.

Lola Harris - Year 4

Lola, you are an exemplary role model and demonstrate all of our school values positively everyday. You go the extra mile with all your learning, striving to do your absolute best, going above and beyond what is asked of you. You are a wonderfully caring, positive and supportive friend, Lola, and we are very proud of how you lead others. Ka pai, Lola!

School Notices

Lost Property

There is an increasing amount of lost property in the bin which is now overflowing onto the rack.  Please come and check and see if any of it belongs to your children. Remember to name any items of clothing that come to school, particularly hats!

Parking

The issue of parking and congestion around the school at the beginning and end of the school day is an ongoing concern.  Please be considerate of other road users and local residents and use your common sense.  Yellow lines and time limits on parking areas are there for the safety of everyone.  

Sports News

Harper Ford was recently involved in the first ever baseball game in Nelson.  They are actively recruiting more players so if you are keen to give it a go contact Lynn Togerson 0273388918, or Peter Ford 021894126.
Please click on the following link to read about the game in Nelson.
baseball game in Nelson

Athletics Sports today

A huge thanks to Jenny Diggle and all of the staff and parents who assisted with the running of our senior Athletics day today. We were very pleased that we had made an early call to postpone when the rain was bucketing down at 10am yesterday, and today turned out to be a pretty good day. Our children appeared to enjoy the day, and a number of new school records were created. It was also good to see some of the Year 4 students taking the opportunity to get experience in the senior athletics, in preparation for their opportunity to qualify for zone sports this time next year.
Jenny will share some highlights from the day in the next newsletter.

Congratulations to...

...Keanna Hakeagaiki for her recent achievements in gymnastics. This photo was from end of August when she got 3rd overall in the Canterbury Championships for her Step 3 level. She got 2nd in Vault apparatus and 2nd in Floor exercise apparatus.


This competition was her personal overall best for Step 3. She is now starting her Step 4 level. 

BOT Update

Hui for whānau of Māori students

Thank you to the whānau who managed to attend our hui this Wednesday. We appreciate that there was a clash with increasingly popular local Halloween events which prevented some from attending.
The purpose of the Hui was to assist the Board of Trustees with its self review process in the way that the school supports our Māori students to be successful.
We have compiled some suggestions from the hui to feed into our strategic plan. One area we will be giving more attention to in 2019 is the use of Te Reo Māori across our school in a simple and integrated way, so that all our whānau, staff and students can learn and use it together.

PTA News

TOP TEAM CHALLENGE

Let's celebrate reaching our OUTDOOR SPACES Target. We got there together & we deserve to have some FUN with a capital F!
So please come along with all your Whanau & friends on Sunday 25th November from 2pm, for the BeckenhamTe Kura o Pūroto TOP Team Challenge & Family Picnic, games commence at 3pm

What is the Sports Canterbury Top Team Challenge?- It is a series of team-based activities that promotes cooperation, initiative, problem-solving and communication skills and was originally inspired by the unique environment of post-quake Christchurch & the 1970s Top Towns Competition. The activities are not sport-specific or skill-specific and require using a bit of the old grey matter, adapted for all ages & FUN!!!

The PTA are subsidising this event to ensure ALL can participate. If the $10 fee per TEAM is preventing your family from participating in this Challenge please email pta@beckenham.school.nz & we will assist.

How many members can you have in your team? A max. of 6-8 people including at least 1 but no more than 2 adults. (Adults = 18+). Bring along those big kids/teens too.

If you would like to enter a team please complete this form NOW & guarantee your team a spot: https://goo.gl/forms/3tpbHD98KWKN48YG3

BIG thanks again to Gail from Platform Design Ltd for a wonderful poster design for our event. And a HUGE Shout out to Corey Harris, from Peak Personal Training (http://www.peaktraining.co.nz), who has kindly offered his services to lead the warm up for all our teams again.

PTA VACANCIES:

We are HIRING - Join our TEAM in 2019!
We have TWO Vacancies: Treasurer & Secretary

The primary role for the Treasurer is to manage and control the funds the PTA raises and to maintain up-to-date records of all PTA financial transactions.

The Secretary is responsible for ensuring effective communication links between committee members and between the PTA and the school. The Secretary deals with all the correspondence that the PTA receives and helps the Chair ensure that committee meetings run smoothly & takes the minutes of these monthly meetings.

IF either role interests YOU OR you know someone who would be perfect please contact the current person in these roles to discuss further. Training will be offered for both these roles.
Treasurer: Amanda Wolt: amandawolt6@gmail.com
Secretary: Nicola Arnott: nicandbic@gmail.com

Community Notices

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

Patricia Paul School of Dance

The Patricia Paul School of Dance, your local dance school, is currently giving Jazz and Ballet lessons in your area. The school’s director is teacher, choreographer & ex-ballet dancer Patricia Paul A.R.A.D. (London). Ballet lessons from 3 years through to Advanced, and all levels in Jazz, Tumble and Hip Hop starting from age 7. For all enquiries please phone 372-9191 or email info@studioone.co.nz


SwimSmart Survey: Be in to WIN!

You could win a free fun day for your school at Jellie Park (pool and slide) on the 18 December by filling in a short survey around water safety and learning to swim. Each entry increases your school’s chance of winning. Currently only 30% of school age children participate in swimming lessons and the Christchurch City Council’s Swimsmart team are keen to understand parents and caregivers views around water safety and learning to swim.

 Here is a link to the survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SchoolSwim18




Mental Health Education and Resource Centre

MHERC are frequently funded to offer free community workshops.  This November we are hosting two free parenting workshops.
Please go to the following links for more information.
https://mherc.arlo.co/courses/340-managing-anxiety-and-building-resilience-in-your-children
https://mherc.arlo.co/courses/341-managing-anxiety-and-building-resilience-in-your-teensv

EVworld South Public Day

Have you thought about making the move to electric?  Are you interested to learn more about Electric cars or electric bikes?  Visit the EVworld South Public Show on Saturday 24 November at The Air Force Museum in Wigram.

Find out why more New Zealanders are making the switch to quiet, energy efficient electric vehicles.  With FREE seminars running throughout the day covering all things you need to know. There will also be a wide range of e-bikes and e-scooters available to try on the e-bike track.

EVworld South is also hosting EVolocity national schools’ competition and the grand finals will be happening at this event. EVolocity’s schools programme engages teams of students in designing and building an electric vehicle using supplied electric motor componentry kit/s.

Bring your friends, your family and join the EVolution this November!  For more information and to pre-register for the chance to win a Hyundai Kona for a month or a Wattwheels e-Bike to keep - head to www.evworldsouth.nz

EcoSort Open Day

Ever wondered what happens to the contents of your yellow bin? Come along to the Ecosort Open Day!  Giveaways & prizes, educational for the whole family.
Sat 8 Dec 9am - 12 noon.  21 Parkhouse Rd, Sockburn, next to the EcoDrop.  
For more information call 9418999, ccc.govt.nz.





Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter September 28th 2018

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora e te whānau

Another term has come to an end and we are all looking forward to recharging over the next two weeks. The children have been engaged with amazing learning across the teams with a focus Sustainability.

We have all enjoyed hosting Tyson Grinham from Lockleys North School here for the past four weeks. Tyson and I were invited to Wellington this week on Monday and Tuesday to visit the Ministry of Education and to speak with a number of different sector leaders who were interested in our exchange and who wanted to share with Tyson about our New Zealand system. With being away in the first four weeks of term, and then having Tyson here in the last four weeks, I am indebted to Sue Leadbetter and our Leadership Team who have kept their eyes closely on school during this time. 
Thank you to everyone who made him feel so welcome. We finished his visit with a Trans-Tasman Masterchef Pizza Challenge this week! I will leave you to watch the video to find out who won! Needless to say, lots of fun was had by everyone.


Our Koru New Entrants hub have finished the term with an amazing oral language focus day with a pirate theme! There was lots of 'Ahoy me hearties' and they were visited by two pirates who put on an amazing performance and generated lots of singing and language opportunities!


Congratulations to Caitlyn Downing, one of our wonderful Koru Year 1/2 teachers, who is getting married to Jake during the upcoming school holidays. Today the staff celebrated with her at morning tea time, and we all wished her well in assembly today.


Staffing Update for 2019

As is common at this time of the year, we become aware of some changes in our staffing for the following year. Our Board have received resignations from two of our teachers this term, which they have reluctantly accepted, and we wish both of these teachers all the very best.

Susan Walsh is retiring from full time teaching. Susan is an avid follower of fashion and a keen traveller, and is looking forward to spending more time in pursuit of both of these passions. We do expect to still see Susan back at Beckenham in the future as a reliever and we thank her for the wonderful contribution she has made to our staff since she started in 2013.

The other resignation we have received is from Amy Buick. Amy began at Beckenham as a beginning teacher in 2007 and we have had the joy of watching her grow from a promising young teacher into a highly skilled and effective teacher and team leader. Amy has been on leave this year, and she and her partner have made the difficult decision to move to the North Island and settle in New Plymouth. We are very sad to see this long relationship with Beckenham come to an end, and we wish Amy and her partner all the very best for their new life in the north!

We are delighted to announce three new staff appointments for 2019:
Steve Cooke will be joining our permanent teaching staff from Breens Intermediate. Steve and his family live in the St Martins area and we are looking forward to welcoming him to our staff.
Jules May will be joining us as a fixed term teacher for 2019 from Wellington where she has been teaching at St Patricks School. Jules is originally from Canterbury and is looking forward to returning to her home town.
Kate Swan will be joining us to cover the position that Caitlyn will be taking maternity leave from for 2019. Kate has been teaching for a number of years in Auckland and she and her partner have recently moved to Christchurch to make it their home.

Congratulations to all of the children (and staff!) who performed in the School Talent Show this afternoon. Each one of the children demonstrated our school values to the core, and we all were amazed at the confidence, energy and commitment that they brought to their acts.

I wish you all a safe and restful two week break and look forward to seeing everyone again in the new term.
Ngā mihi nui

Sandy Hastings - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Mon 15 Oct - First day of term 4.  School starts at 8:55am
Mon 22 Oct - Labour Day.  School is closed
Sat 27 Oct - PTA Ladies Night
Mon 26 Nov - School closed - Staff Only Day

Term Dates

Click here to view 2018 and 2019 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Lurandt Wolmarans - Year 6

Lurandt, you are an outstanding role model in the Pohutukawa team. You consistently demonstrate a positive, respectful and caring attitude towards others. You are an excellent self-manager and always put your best effort into learning. You have a witty sense of humour and make our hub a wonderful place to be. Thank you for being such a fabulous leader in our team.

Jemma Sunderland - Year 3

Jemma, you are a positive, enthusiastic and hard working student and you always strive to do your best. Your deep thinking skills and empathy towards others are  highly appreciated in our hub and this sees you well liked and respected by your peers. You are such a thoughtful and caring friend towards others and your willingness to lend a hand or take on extra responsibilities makes our hub a better place. Ka Pai Jemma, you are an absolute star! 

School Notices

Term 4 - Hats required at school please

As is always the case, your child(ren) will require a hat for all outside activities during Term 4 (and Term 1). You can purchase black or red bucket hats from the school office for $10. Alternatively (as they are plain and without our logo on) you can purchase a bucket or wide-brimmed style hat in plain red or black from another source.

Piano and Singing lessons available from Term 4

Margot Holcroft has been teaching in Christchurch for more than 10 years with the NZ Modern School of Music.  
She teaches a broad range of musical styles from pop through classical, including music reading and theory.
She will be taking private lessons at Beckenham Tuesdays during school hours. Suitable for students 7yrs old and up.
Lesson cost: $25 per half hour lesson.  Small initial cost for books.
For more information, contact Margot on 0211782418 or 3857825.  mjholcroft@outlook.com

Staff Carpark

Please do not enter the staff carpark either by vehicle, bicycle or on foot. The only vehicles in the staff carpark should be staff cars and vehicles with an accessible parking sticker.  The staff carpark is not a safe place to drop off or pick up children and should not be used as a turnaround area.

Many thanks for your support of this.

Māori Education Engagement Wānanga - Ministry of Education

Earlier this year, the Minister of Education announced a major programme of review and reform across the education sector (the “Education Work Programme”). This work is designed to ensure New Zealand has an education system that is fit-for-purpose for the 21st century.

The Government has been clear that issues and opportunities for Māori education must be addressed across the entire system. In addition, it has commissioned work to refresh and update Ka Hikitia (the Māori Education Strategy) and Tau Mai Te Reo (the Māori Language in Education Strategy).

As part of our work to engage with whānau, hapū and iwi, we are planning a series of wānanga in communities across New Zealand. Through these wānanga, we would like to hear from people about what is important to you: what you like about the current education system; what frustrates you; what you would like to change and how you would change it. We have not prepared a consultation document or any other material because we want to hear from you.

We would like to invite you to be a part of these conversations at wānanga being held in the Canterbury/Chatham Islands region:

  • Monday, 1 October 2018, Addington Event centre (Christchurch), 6:00pm to 9:00pm
  • Tuesday 2nd October 2018, Addington Event Centre (Christchurch), 6:00pm to 9:00pm
  • Thursday 4th October 2018, Temuka Alpine Event Centre (Temuka), 6:00pm to 9:00pm

These are open events and we encourage you to bring along as many voices as you can rally.

Please send your RSVP to Events.Christchurch@education.govt.nz by Midday Monday 1 Oct, 2018.

For further information, please contact : Joanna.Houston@education.govt.nz

Sports News

Orienteering

The following students who took part in the Canterbury Schools Orienteering Competition on the weekend of 15 - 16th September.
Quinn Clarke, Marcellus Scott, Connor Ingram, Fergus Macdonald.
Anna Wright, Torun Joergensen, Hebe Butland, Zoe Clarke, Vida Gerard.
Gemma York, Florence Gerard, Ella Clarke, Meg Macdonald, Vienna Scott, Charlotte Grey.


The first day of the competition was a sprint event held at South Brighton Domain. The second day
was a long event held at Bottle Lake Forest. The Beckenham team had some outstanding
performances which resulted in joint first place for the Year 6 and Under Boys team and a second
place for the Year 6 and Under Girls team. Ka Pai

Congratulations to...

Roxy Murfin who competed in the Intermediate Schools Sword Fencing Championships last weekend.  Roxy was unbeaten during the rounds and won the final 10-8.

Koru Games

This week, 12 children from Kauri participated in the Koru Games. The three day tournament is the full primary school’s version of the AIMs Games and took place at various locations in the Selwyn district. This is the first occasion that Beckenham has participated in the games and so was an exciting event for all involved. A passion for volleyball has emerged in the Kauri hub after Carisbrook selected the sport for our annual sports exchange during Dunedin Camp. We entered two teams into the tournament, who both played exceptionally well, finishing 10th and 2nd overall. The children demonstrated fantastic dedication in the lead up to the tournament, giving up many a lunch time to practice and hone their skills. On the court they showed great cohesiveness as a team, working together to build an effective attack. A huge thank you goes to Nicola Reddecliffe, Izabel Lyall and Leigh Conley, who gave their time to manage the teams and umpire games during the tournament. 

PTA News

ITS BACK!
Registrations are now open for the 2018/2019 Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kid TRYathlon Series!

The world’s largest kids TRYathlon series is back.  Open to kiwi kids aged 7-15 years of all sporting abilities, the Sanitarium Weet-Bix kids TRYathlon is a fun day out for the whole family.  Swim, bike and run your way to the finish line as an individual or in a team of two, and receive your very own gold medal from top Kiwi sporting stars.  Go on give it a TRY!

Register NOW to receive the Early Bird Discount price of only $40.00 per participant.  Be sure to link your entry to Beckenham School - the school with the most entries can win LOADS of prizes!!  To register under the Beckenham School Group use the link below;

https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=31841&G=68545

Sunday 24th February 2019
Jellie Park, Burnside


Readathon

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A very very BIG thank you from your PTA for all of your INCREDIBLE SUPPORT of our children as they took part in this years Read-a-thon.  We were all blown away by the enthusiasm from all the children and families and just how much money was raised.
Soooooooo… Hats off to EACH and EVERY one of you.  An incredible $9189.10 was raised giving our Outdoor Spaces Fund an incredible boost!!!

C:\Users\Nicola\Desktop\thank 2.jpg

Community Notices

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

Hohepa

We are delighted to invite your school community to the 2018 Hohepa Art & Sculpture Exhibition, held in the last weekend of September. Monies raised from the Exhibition will be used to support adults with intellectual disabilities.  Opening Night tickets are available from our website, https://www.hohepacanterbury.com/events/,  and the exhibition is free to the public over the weekend.  We look forward to seeing you!


Aquagym

459 Cashel Street.  Learn to Swim & Coaching.
Book now for October Holidays and Term 4
Leaders in Aquatic Education.  info@aquagym.co.nz

The Breeze Walking Festival

Spring is on the way and so is The Breeze Walking Festival, 29 September to Sunday 14 October 2018.
Now in its seventh year, the festival offers 50 free walks with a range of easy, medium and challenging routes.  Many of the walks combine the chance to learn more about nature, culture, history and new developments around our city and region. 
The opening weekend sees the return of the popular feature walk 'Dogs Day Out' that begins with a guided scenic walk in the Heathcote Valley and then the opportunity to explore Ferrymead Heritage Park at your leisure with doggie-tram rides, free micro chipping for Christchurch registered dogs, and lots of treats for dog lovers of all ages!
Exciting new additions to the 2018 event are: Discover Quail Island, Walking Netball, walk from the Malthouse to Cracroft along the Heathcote river, view the Historic Glentunnel Museum and surrounds, the stunning Hinewai to Look Out trek, explore the East with the Rawhiti Roam and the NEW Allright? Amble in Waimakariri.  Back by popular demand are the exciting and interactive walks designed specifically for pre-schoolers and children: the Gruffalo Explorers, Pukeko Stomp and the ever muddy Going on a Bear Hunt, as well as many other family friendly walks.
So get your family and friends together, head outdoors and put some spring into your step with The Breeze Walking Festival.

Pick up a copy of the festival booklet with all the walk details from your local Library, Service Centre or Recreation and Sport Centre, or check out the programme online here.



Mega Air Trampoline Arena

Trampolining is one of the best activities for improving fine motor skills like balance, agility and coordination. It aids in building physical strength, flexibility and power and it’s so much FUN! Learn how to bounce SAFELY with correct techniques with Mega Airs newest addition to Term time fun! Our Jumpstars 9 week program will have your children safely flipping about in our huge padded playground in no time at all!
info@megajump.co.nz

Vegan Expo Christchurch

Horncastle Arena, Addington
10am – 4:30 pm
Sunday, October 28, 2018

Studies have shown eating excess meat is causing health issues, so whether you are looking at reducing your meat intake by including Meatless Mondays into your family’s diet, or if you already eat a wide range of vegetarian/vegan meals, you will find something at this year’s Vegan Expo to interest you.

Enjoy great vegan food, watch top veggie chefs display their cooking secrets, learn about vegetarian living and enjoy celebrating cruelty-free, pro-planet lives with Christchurch’s vegetarian and vegan community. Whether you are vegetarian or not, you will love the variety of foods and entertainment on offer, which includes a special kid’s zone and activities.

Eftpos and plenty of free parking will be available.
Kids free (12 and under), adults $5 if bought online now (veganexpo.co.nz) or $6 on the door.
More info: veganexpo.org.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veganexpochristchurch


SUMMER FOOTBALL for Kids at Halswell Domain

REGISTER NOW: www.hawkfootball.org.nz/summer
First Kicks / Fun Football Summer – 4-8 year olds
Fri 26th Oct until Fri 14th Dec 2018, 4.30pm - 5.30pm. Cost:  $50.00 (7 weeks)
Halswell Skills Centre (Academy) - (Boys & Girls) 8-12 year olds
Tues 16th Oct until Tues 4th Dec 2018, Cost:  $70.00 per player (8 weeks)
9th-10th Grades: 4.30pm-5.30pm, 11th-12th Grades: 5.30pm-6.30pm
Halswell GIRLS ONLY HUB (Academy) – 12-16 year olds
Thurs 18th Oct until Thurs 6th Dec 2018, 4.30pm - 5.30pm, Cost :  $70.00 (8 weeks)
Halswell Summer 5v5 Tournament – 12-15 year olds
Bring your friends and have some fun - you can register now or register on the day with our coach!
Don't worry if you don't have a team - you can join with new friends each week.
Thurs 31st Oct until Thurs 6th Dec 2018, 5.30pm-6.30pm, Cost :  $20.00 per player (6 weeks)
Questions? Email Sam Bunn (General Manager - HUAFC): gm@halswellunitedfc.co.nz
First Kicks/Fun Football Questions Email Petra Baker: huafcfkff@gmail.com

SPCA Walk your Dog to the Moon

Join us on Saturday the 4th of November at Bottle Lake Forest, for a Walk Your Dog to the Moon launch event! Featuring a group walk with your dog, this is the perfect opportunity to get inspired and meet your fellow moonwalkers. There will be extra surprises on the day, making it the perfect way to kick-start your kilometres.
 For more information about Walk your Dog to the Moon, head to our website www.walktothemoon.co.nz and feel free to get in touch should you have any questions. 

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter August 31 2018

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

What a fabulous week Book Week has been! Thank you so much to all the whānau who have supported the children with their Readathon fundraising and reading goals, with being so creative about costumes and ideas for Book Character Day today, and for taking time to visit the Book Fair.


We had a very noisy and fun Celebration Assembly today. It felt like we had double the number of people in there - each person in costume bringing their 'alter-ego' to assembly. Clearly the alter-egos never go to assembly and had lots of 'getting to know one another' to do!

School Closed Monday 26th November.
Our final staff only day for the year has been confirmed for Monday 26th November. This day has been allowed for from the start of the year, with the actual date to be confirmed.
School will be closed that day. 

Term Dates for 2019

These have now been confirmed. Please put them into your diary!
Check the school website for more details 

Term 1: Thu 31 Jan to Fri 12 Apr
NB: Learning Conferences all day Thursday 31 January and Friday 1 February. Supervision will be provided for families who need it. Classes start Monday 4 February.
Waitangi Day  Wed 6th February
Note that Easter holidays and ANZAC Day all fall during the April holidays in 2019

Term 2: Mon 29 Apr to Fri 5 Jul
Queen's Birthday Mon 3 Jun
Includes one Staff Only Day, date to be advised

Term 3: Mon 22 Jul to Friday 27 Sep
Includes one Staff Only Day, date to be advised

Term 4: Mon 14 Oct to Thu 19 Dec

Welcome to Tyson Grinham from Adelaide

On Wednesday morning next week (5th September) at 9:10am we will be welcoming Tyson to our school with a mihi whakatu. This will conclude by 9:30am. Parents are very welcome to attend. Tyson hosted me at Lockleys North Primary School in Adelaide for four weeks at the start of this term and now we get to show manaakitanga back to him.

Cultural Festival - this coming Monday evening

A big shout out to Sherrilee and our senior kapa haka group, Te Whānau Mahi Tahi, who we know will be amazing ambassadors for our school at the Christchurch Schools Cultural Festival this coming Monday evening at Horncastle Arena.

Ngā mihi
Sandy Hastings
Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Mon 3 Sep - Cultural Festival at the Horncastle Arena
Wed 5 Sep - Aerobics, hip hop and dance competition at Hornby High School  - yrs 5-8
Fri 7 Sep - Final day for Readathon cards to be returned to school
Mon 10 Sep - Pohutukawa Pitch Perfect choir rehearsal at Avonhead school
Tue 11 Sep - Cashmere High School Year 8 Testing at Cashmere High.  9am - 12pm
Tue 11 Sep - Zone Speech Competition - held at Beckenham in the hall. 6-8pm
Fri 14 Sep - Celebration Assembly 10:50 - 11:20am.  All Welcome

Term Dates

Click here to view 2018 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Jack Kelly - Year 6

Jack, you are a kind and caring friend, who entertains many with your jokes and witty humour. You are knowledgeable about a range of subjects, and love nothing more than getting your teeth stuck into research and learning. It has been fabulous to see you improve your self-management skills this year. What a charming and thoughtful young man you are! Keep shining Jack!

Freya Pratt - Year 8

Freya, we love the sparkle that you bring to Kauri Whānau. As a confident, caring and reliable Year 8, you consistently model our school values. You know when to laugh and entertain, and when to get down to focused work. Thank you for the initiative you offer and for being one of our regular, enthusiastic volunteers. You make our hub a safe and welcoming place. Tino pai Freya.

School Notices

Traffic Survey for Beckenham Area

The University of Canterbury is working with the community to find opinions on traffic safety on the way to school in the Beckenham area, especially around Tennyson St. Please take the time to complete the following survey, it should take no more than ten minutes.
https://app.maptionnaire.com/en/4748

Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week 

Exciting news - Beckenham Te Kura O Pūroto is taking part in Keep NZ Beautiful week! Each team will complete a daily litter pick up of our grounds and park during week 8. We will be learning about our role as kaitiaki of our grounds and river.  Stay watching for photos of our efforts.


Sports News

How does participating in winter sport demonstrate our school values?

Every Friday for the past 14 weeks, Year 5-8 students have had the option of participating in one of the following sports: netball, rugby, hockey, and football. Games are held at Hagley Park against other teams from a wide variety of Christchurch Schools

Participating in winter sport is a good way to get weekly exercise. It’s also a great way to get out of the classroom and have some fun!  Recently, we have participated in the Winter Tournament. This was an excellent challenge that we took on. We all gave it a try, which was great to see.

This is how we put our values into action...

We Care - By cheering on teammates and showing good sportsmanship.
We love learning - By learning new sporting skills.
We get there together - By turning up to practices and being a good teammate.
We make a difference - By supporting other age groups through coaching and volunteering to help out.
We love challenge - By competing against other schools, facing the hardest challenges and not giving up.
                           
We all had heaps of fun and are excited for winter sport next year. Thanks for the great season and thank you to all the coaches for all their time and effort. We really appreciated it.

Written by Bella Reddecliffe & Tilly Harris

Congratulations to...

Tilly Harris for being awarded a Sports Scholarship to Cashmere High School. Congratulations Tilly - this is wonderful acknowledgement of your contribution and participation in a range of sports at a very high level.

Charlotte Gray for having been successful in auditioning for the RNZB The Nutcracker end of November! Over 600 children across the country were auditioned and only a select few have been chosen at each centre to perform.

Strum, Strike, Blow ukulele players for the fabulous concert you and the other 1200 children from around Christchurch put on on Wednesday evening this week at the Horncastle Arena

Year 5/6 Rugby Team for finishing top of the league table at Winter Sport. 

Year 7/8 Ski Team for achieving 3rd place in the Primary and Intermediate School’s Ski Race at Mount Cheeseman. There was some very speedy skiing done by Freddie Winsor, Boyd Goldsbury, Winni Goldsbury, Paolo Reid, Ben Evans and Lena Rybaltovszki.


All Winter Sport Teams for the dedication you have displayed throughout the season. Many coaches have commented on the improvement made by their team over the duration of the 14 weeks that weekly sport runs. We are very grateful to the adults who coached, supported and managed a team; the children have gained a lot from working with you.

PTA News

READ-A-THON 2018

We hope you have been travelling off to some far off amazing places through the pages of your chosen book/s and having some incredible journeys.  Don’t forget you have till the end of this weekend to complete your reading target and start returning cards from Monday!
From Monday 3rd September, please return your cards and money to reception.
Remember plenty of prizes to enjoy.


Hollywood Quiz

See you at the HOLLYWOOD QUIZ (https://www.facebook.com/events/723059334691904/) this Saturday- we would like to encourage you all to grab a “WALKING BUS” to our event. And IF you do have to bring the car, your designated driver will receive juice/fizz all night FOC.
Thanks to all those that are attending, we SOLD OUT.
With so many amazing prizes are up for grabs (https://www.facebook.com/pg/ptabeckenhamschool/photos/?tab=album&album_id=712425929101186 ), a Fathers’ Day raffle, 2 exciting LIVE Auctions, 4 Mystery Bags & the return of an old favourite, the Blue Summit Construction COIN SLIDE guarantees you a night of FUN with a capital F (R18 event)
Doors open at 7pm
Bar & Eftpos available-NO BYO please.
Supper & Nibbles provided
Who will have the most “Star Appeal” & win an Oscar for 'Top Hollywood Quiz Team 2018'??


Community Notices

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

Smarttouch 2018


We welcome your entries into the term 4 smarttouch rugby competition run down at Waltham Park. Entries close Friday 28th September. See the attached flyer for dates, times and costs.

Steps to register:

Get a team organised and appoint a team manager and coach.
Enter online using the URL address www.sporty.co.nz/smarttouch
On the Smarttouch home page fill out the touch team manager sign up form and submit it.
You will then receive an email giving you the link to enter your player details.
Remember the competition is social MIXED and you need to have a minimum of 3 girls on the field at a time. Grades: Year 0-2, Year 3-4, Year 5-6, and Year 7-8.

We are all looking forward to a great season,
From the Smarttouch Team.





Mr Science and friends put on a WOW Show! Fun and Educational!

Sensational science demonstrations on stage, audience participation, fun for all ages.
Join us on a magical journey exploring the excitement of FLYING, FLOATING, GLIDING, and SHOOTING!
Mr Science (Sterling Cathman) is a specialist primary science teacher and has been working with kids and teachers for the past 10 years in schools around NZ.
Tickets
www.MrScience.co.nz   or https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2018/mr-science-magical-science-tour/christchurch


Rise for Climate

Trees for Climate Rally.  Pick up a Tree, Plant a Tree Sat 8 September 1-3pm at Victoria Square.
Gold coin koha for your own seedlings to plant where you want, or join our City Council organised planting team and choose seedlings to plant in Grampian Park on 15 Sept.  facebook - 350 Christchurch.

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter 17 August 2018

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora whānau

Last week I had several conversations with parents about the names of our new buildings and the teams in each space. Below is a map which I hope helps clarify any questions about who is where.


The names for the buildings were chosen because they link to our school name ‘Beckenham Te Kura o Puroto’  which translated means ‘Beckenham, the school of the ponds.’

  • Kōpua - Deep Pool of water - The office
  • Tahaki - River bank - The West Hub Yr1/2/3, 4/5/6
  • Parenga - River bank - The East Hub Yr 3 & 4, 7 & 8
  • Kōmanawa - Spring of water - the buildings closest to the ponds.  Our ponds are fed by natural springs.  2 New Entrant Classes
  • Māpuna - Pool - The Hall - When our students come together they form a pool, one body of students.
  • Hangare - Deep Pool in a stream - This building holds our larger PE equipment, Science, Art and Musical Instruments and is also a teaching space.
  • Pūkaki - stream, creek, brook, source - 2 New Entrant Classes

Thank you...

Thank you, thank you, thank you ….to all our community who supported us in the march on the 15th of August, as we carried out our industrial action.
We really appreciated the families, Board of Trustees members  and even a Grandparent who came and joined us on the march through the city.  We also appreciate your verbal support and the support given for action to make our Education System reflect and support the needs of our tamariki and those working within our schools.


Passion Friday in Year 5 and 6  

This part of the Pōhutukawa week has everyone actively engaged in a wide range of wonderful activities that build Key Competencies.  This week some students were working together to bake delicious lemonade scones, next week they will be trying their hand at French toast and fruit salad.  Tracy has talked with our budding chefs about sharing their skills at home too.


Parent help is very important when you embark on a sewing project.  We really appreciated all the parents who came along to help the children with their pieces.  The concentration and hand eye coordination needed meant the theatre was a very quiet and busy place.


The stress balls (balloons with rice inside) were lots of fun to make and took much measuring, squeezing, cooperation and concentration (and a vaccum at the end of the time!)



Sue Leadbetter
Acting Principal

Kia ora from Sandy...

My last full day in Adelaide was spent at the South Australia Primary Principals Association Conference on Thursday, where we had the honour of hearing Dr Pasi Sahlberg, highly regarded educator from Finland, speak.

Pasi noted to the Australian principals gathered that he is watching the reviews of NZ Education system closely and that he holds some optimism for the direction that our current Minister is taking with the removal of National Standards. He talked at length about the Finnish education system where learning through play is a very strong feature of their early primary years and national testing is not a part of the primary system. The Finnish education system is held up internationally as an example of a high performing system that has both high student achievement and a high level of equity of outcomes. Whilst we understand that each education system exists within its own cultural, economic and geographical contexts and another system cannot simply be transplanted into our unique NZ context, we do believe that there is much to learn from the approach that they have towards teaching and learning.
You can hear and interview and read more about Pasi Sahlberg here:

A short interview with Pasi Sahlberg 
"Too much Control: Pasi Sahlberg on what Finland can teach Australian schools."

My four weeks in Adelaide has finished and I am on route back to Christchurch, via a two day meeting of the New Zealand Principals Federation Executive in Wellington on Saturday and Sunday.

I am very much looking forward to being back at school on Monday, and catching up with everyone.

Ngā mihi
Sandy Hastings
Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Wed 22 Aug - PTA Meeting 7:30- 9:30pm in Staffroom
Thu 23 Aug - Winter Tournament for years 5 - 8
Thu 23Aug - BOT Meting at school.  5:30 - 7:20pm
Mon 27 - Fri 31 Aug - PTA Book Fair in the Green Room
Wed 29 Aug - Strum, Strike, Blow at Horncastle Arena
Fri 31 Aug - Celebration Assembly.  10:50 - 11:20am in the school hall
Sat 1 Sep - PTA Quiz Night.  See PTA News for further details
Mon 3 Aug - Cultural Festival at the Horncastle Arena
Fri 7 Sep - Final day for Readathon cards to be returned to school

Term Dates

Click here to view 2018 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Theodore Clancey - Year 8

Theodore, we have enjoyed seeing you grow in confidence since joining the Kauri Hub last year. You are such a mature and level-headed member of our whānau and you show our kete values on a daily basis, both in the effort you put into your learning and the way you work with others. Keep up the fantastic work!

Keanna Hakeagaiki - Year 4

Keanna you actively live our school values in all that you do. We love how you come to school every day with a happy, positive attitude and how you are determined to do your best in all things. Your willingness to help and support others with their learning is to be admired and makes you a role model in our hub. You strive to do and be your personal best, and regulalry persist with tasks when the 'going gets tough this often inspires others to do the same'. Your kindness and care brightens up our day!  Tino pai. 

School Notices

Upholsterer Required

We have a round vinyl covered cushion that needs the zip replacing in it.  Does anyone have the skills/necessary equipment to do this?
Please contact Jacky in the office if you think you can help. Ph: 3371404

Pitch Perfect Choir and the Christchurch Schools' Music Festival

Attention families of the Pohutukawa Pitch Perfect Choir… our performance night for the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival is Friday 26th October. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketek. Adult tickets cost $22.00 and school age children are $10.00.

Sports News

After School Orienteering

Do you want to try orienteering? There are several after school orienteering sessions coming up that you might be interested in, four are in the Beckenham/St Martin areas - see below - coaching available and all suitable for beginners and beyond. $2 for a map (can be shared)

Tuesday 21st August Beckenham School - meeting place near the cricket pavilion in Beckenham Park -start times from 3:15pm-4:30pm finish before 5pm

Wednesday 22nd August Christchurch South Intermediate  -start times from 3:15pm-4:30pm finish before 5pm

Sunday 26th August Bromley park event -  Parking at Canterbury Indoor Bowls,  25 Kearneys Rd, Wainoni (Just off Pages Road before Cowles Stadium) Register from 10am, start 11am

Tuesday 28th August Hagley Park - meet in the car park on the northern side of Riccarton Ave (near tennis courts)  -start times from 3:30pm-4:30 pm finish before 5pm

Tuesday 4th September - Thorrington School  -start times from 3:15pm-4:30pm finish before 5pm

Thursday 6th September Hansen Park (meet in the playground besides the sport clubrooms)    -start times from 3:30 pm-4:30 pm finish before 5pm

Thursday 13th September Bottle Lake visitors centre off Waitikiri drive  start times from  3:30pm-4:30 pm finish by 5pm

Congratulations

Orienteering

Congratulations to Gemma York who represented Beckenham in the NZ Secondary School Orienteering Championships over the holidays.  She competed in three categories with her relay team gaining a 4th place.

PTA News



Be a STAR for the night & walk the 'Red Carpet'
Come along to the annual Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA QUIZ & enjoy a night at the OSCARS, guaranteed to be Fun with a capital F!

Saturday 1st  September at 7:30pm

Tickets $20 each
Teams of a maximum of 6
ADULT ONLY Event (R18)
Doors OPEN @ 7pm
Supper provided
Bar Available
Prizes Galore & Auctions throughout the night
An Oscar will be awarded to the Team with most "STAR APPEAL"
Bring cash for raffles & buying answers

Entertainment PLUS PLUS....this event always SELLS OUT, so don't delay booking tickets HERE.


Community Notices

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



For more information visit the Facebook event
or get tickets by clicking here