Author Archives: Reihana Dougherty

Matariki Whānau Rōpū Hui

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Kia ora e te whānau, 

Haere mai! This Whānau Rōpū Hui is based around Matariki. It is an opportunity for us to connect with each other, celebrate Māori culture and learn about Matariki. See you there!

Please use this form to indicate your attendance to our whole-school Matariki celebration 
5:00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 30th  June (Kōwhai Hub)
and to place your order for our whānau rōpū hangi. 

Ordering Hangi:

Individual servings of hangi are $20 each. (These are large portions and could feed 2.) 
Each serving will have pork, chicken, potato, kumara, carrot and stuffing.  
Vegetarian options are also available. 

Please pay by Monday 28 June at the school office OR into the school bank account 
(12-3148-0131641-00) with "Hangi" and your name as the reference.

Ngā manaakitanga
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto


(Link to form to confirm attendance, and optional food order - https://forms.gle/5MWnTdx2LMdLf7Y2A)

Invitation to Whānau Rōpū Hui

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Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

We would like to welcome you to our first Whānau Rōpū hui of 2021. The hui will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 30th  June, in the Kōwhai Hub. 

The hui will coincide with Matariki, a time of renewal and celebration in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are going to come together to connect, celebrate and learn. 

A hangi option will be available on the night. The kai will be pre-order only and available for collection part way through the evening. There will be a vegetarian option as well.  Ordering information will come out shortly. 

Our Whānau Rōpū hui aims to:

  • welcome both Māori and non-Māori parents and whānau

  • establish and strengthen whānau connections

  • support and encourage Te Ao Māori at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

  • promote student awareness and pride in culture, heritage and identity

  • encourage collaboration and sharing of ideas between home and school

Nau mai haere mai! Come along, get to know other tamariki and whānau, enjoy some kai, and get involved in this important aspect of our kura. Come to the staff room first and get a cup of tea to bring over to the Kōwhai hub if you would like. 

Ngā manaakitanga noho ora mai,

The Te Ao Māori Curriculum Team 

(Elizabeth, Meagan, Steve, Lisa, Megan, Sampson)


Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Friday 11th June

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

What an amazing PTA we have! Three back-to-back Discos tonight with smiles all around from our amazing team who continue to ensure that our children get to have these amazing experiences! Thank you to all of the parents who helped the PTA on various rosters like door duty, selling crisps, sweeping the floor between events! Thank you to all the staff who came along and joined in with their cool dance moves!And a huge thank you to Max and Lou van Tongeren who organised the sounds! What a great innovation to have teams of awesome students doing the DJ-ing! 



Staffing Update

We are delighted to welcome Tracey Maloney back to our staff as she starts on Monday in our New Entrant team, taking our fourth home group.



Have a great weekend everyone!

Ngā mhi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Week 7:
Wed 16 Jun - South Zone Basketball Tournament Yr 7/8
Wed 16 Jun - Strum, Strike, Blow - Christchurch Arena 
Thu 17 Jun - 9am-10am Structured Literacy - Parent Seminar
Thu 17 Jun - South Zone Winter Sport
Fri 18 Jun - PTA Mid-Winter Breakfast (8am-9am)

Week 8:
Tue 22 Jun - 7pm - 8pm Structured Literacy Parent Seminar
Wed 23 Jun - Canterbury Cross Country (Halswell Quarry 9am-2pm)
Wed 23 Jun - PTA Meeting (7.30 - 9.30pm)
Thu 24 Jun - South Zone Winter Sport
Thu 24 Jun - 9am-10am Structured Literacy - Parent Seminar
Thu 24 Jun - Board of Trustee's meeting (5.30pm - 7.30pm)
Fri 25 Jun - Celebration Assembly (12.00noon-12.30pm)
Fri 25 Jun - PTA Sausage Sizzle (1:20pm)

Week 9:
Mon 28 Jun - Winter Tournament (Hagley Park North)
Tue 29 Jun - Year 0-4 Cross Country Challenge (Hillview Christian School, 12noon-3pm)
Wed 30 Jun - Whānau Rōpū Hui and Hangi (more info next week!)
Thu 1 Jul - Postponement date for 0-4 Cross Country Challenge

Term Dates

Click here to view 2021 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Kobe Freeman - Year 4

Kobe - your kind and thoughtful nature shines in all that you do. You have an enthusiastic attitude towards all areas of learning and love sharing your learning and understanding around different topics.  You show a lot of empathy when relating to others and show "We Care" in the hub often. Thank you for being a superstar in the Kōwhai whanau!  Ka rawe tō mahi Kobe! 

School Notices

Structured Literacy Parent Seminars are back!

If you missed out in Term 1, we have three more sessions coming up that you can choose from:
Join us in the staffroom on 
Thursday 17th June 9am-10am
Tuesday 22nd June 7pm-8pm
Thursday 24th June 9am-10am


Caroline Morritt, our Resource Teacher of Literacy will explain our new approach to teaching reading and writing. Based on the science of reading, Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto uses an explicit, systematic structured literacy approach to build a strong literacy foundation.

Come along and learn about the programme and see the decodable books we are using to support targeted classroom teaching of phonological awareness and blending and segmenting skills for accurate, automatic reading and spelling. 

Road Safety

We were reminded recently of how quickly an accident can happen when we heard of a student from a neighbouring school who stepped out onto the 'quiet street' going home from school and was hit by a car, luckily living to tell the tale. Please do remind your children about using the crossing outside school as the safest crossing point for that part of their journey, and make sure they are well-practiced in looking 'right, left, and right again' before they cross the road. 

Missing Uniform

We have a number of children at the moment with missing items i.e. school polar fleeces. It is an easy mistake for uniform items to land in the wrong bag, so would you please take a moment to check your child's uniform/s and ensure they have the right name on the tag! If you have the wrong one you can drop it to the office, and take a look at our uniform rack filled with lost property that lives under the verandah by the library, during school hours. A great reminder to label your items so they can return to you!

ESOL Update

ESOL students have continued to focus on weather. This week, Kōwhai students looked at how the wind comes from different directions and made and tested their own weather vane.


Last week, we discussed the rain and floods in Canterbury. The students listened to a short story about the different types of clouds and created their own cloud in a bottle.


Mana Ake “Drop-Ins” are continuing…

A number of whānau have already made great use of the Mana Ake “drop-ins” that are available on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 – 9:30am. These drop-in sessions are here to provide parents with an opportunity to have a private, informal conversation around the well being of their child with one of our Mana Ake workers (kaimahi). If you feel like you would like to attend a drop-in session, please book in a time via the link here: Mana Ake booking  The code to use is 88t39. Alternatively, you can contact Jacky in the office and she will make a booking for you.

Pride Week

Next week is National Schools Pride Week. Anne has created an awesome display of books in the library and invited the children to create rainbow art to enhance the display. Today, at lunchtime, the Diversity Group hosted an art session in the Kauri hub where children could create rainbow art with a positive message.  


Strum, Strike, Blow - see our Ukulele players in action...

Best wishes to our Strum, Strike Blow ukulele players who will be performing in this combined schools Recorder, Ukulele and Marimba Festival this week.


Tips for Parents

Every weekend all over the world millions of parents, children and coaches set off for their weekly sporting ritual ‘Match Day’. Many will follow the same process each week and will never question their routine or behaviour… With winter sport beginning, parents and coaches may find this article interesting: The “Unknown Damage” caused from the touchline

Sports News


Teams from Year 5 to 8 enjoyed an afternoon of sport in the sun on Thursday. There was a lovely community feel when walking to our games as we passed teams from other schools heading to different venues. There was strong competition from other teams in our zones and there were lots of close and exciting games. We commend the children on representing our school values on the sports field. 

PTA News - Midwinter Breakfast - this Friday 18 June

Get your PJs on for our annual midwinter breakfast! 
Come to school from 8am for warm porridge and gluten-free weetbix.



Bring a can of food to donate to the City Mission and bring your own bowl and spoon! 

Community Notices

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



Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Friday 4th June

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Please remember that Monday is a public holiday and Tuesday is a Staff Only Day. 
We hope that everyone has a safe and relaxing break.

2021 Family Accounts

We mentioned at the start of the year that we have switched over to a new Student Management System this year. This system will have a parent portal that you can log into and get a range of information through, which will ultimately include student progress and achievement information, notices, and your family account information. It has taken us a little bit longer than expected to get this ready for accounts, however, next week you will be sent information on how to log in to the portal and access your statement. 

Thank you to those people who have already set up a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly automatic payment - it is never too late to do this, and by far the most painless way of making your contribution to the school donation ($150 per student).

The school account number is: 12-3148-0131641-00
Please make sure to put your child/children's name and surname as reference.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Week 6:
Mon 7 Jun - Queens Birthday (School Closed)
Tue 8 Jun - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Thu 10 Jun - South Zone Winter Sport (12 - 3)
Thu 10 Jun - Kahikatea City Excursion - Amber & Charlotte's Homegroups
Fri 11 Jun - Celebration Assembly (12.00 - 12.30)
Fri 11 Jun - School Discos (see below for times)

Week 7:
Wed 16 Jun - South Zone Basketball Tournament Yr 7/8
Thu 17 Jun - South Zone Winter Sport
Fri 18 Jun - PTA Mid-Winter Breakfast (7.30 - 9am)

Week 8:
Wed 23 Jun - Canterbury Cross Country (Halswell Quarry 9 - 2)
Wed 23 Jun - PTA Meeting (7.30 - 9.30pm)
Thu 24 Jun - South Zone Winter Sport
Thu 24 Jun - Board of Trustee's meeting (5.30 - 7.30pm)
Fri 25 Jun - Celebration Assembly (12.00 - 12.30)

Term Dates

Click here to view 2021 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Ben Scallan - Year 7

Ben, you are such a highly engaged and responsible learner. You do this by asking questions, contributing ideas and knowledge and always focusing on your learning. Working cooperatively with others is another one of your strengths. No matter who you work with you engage positively and display a proactive attitude. Thank you for the awesome contribution you make to Kauri Whānau. Tu meke Ben!

House Points

We have started a new system of awarding House Points and more information about this will be in next week's newsletter.
The points are awarded across a fortnight and the winning house announced at Waiata each Friday fortnight. Today's winning house was... Tennyson! Congratulation Tennyson team!

School Notices

BOSCO

Looking for something fun to do with the kids these holidays? Look no further – BOSCO is the place to be! You don’t want to miss out on our exciting outings these holidays. We are off to the Airforce Museum, the movies to watch Hotel Transylvania 4, having some LEGO fun with House of bricks and we will also be going to the Winter Circus. Our on-site days will be filled with baking crafts, games and activities at BOSCO. We also have our favourite Wacky Wheels days back too. For bookings contact Juanita at office@bosco.org.nz or book online via Aimy Plus. For two weeks our holiday program will only be open for Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto families.

Cashmere High School Open Day - Important Info

The annual CHS Open Day is this coming Thursday - 10th June (from 4pm until 6.30pm).
There is currently very limited car park space available on site due to some major construction projects impeding on spaces previously used for staff and visitor parking.

It would be a HUGE help if families can allow an extra ten minutes to find a park on Barrington, Rose or surrounding streets as they may find a 'car park full' sign at the Barrington and Rose St CHS entrances this Thursday. 

PTA Disco - This coming Friday, 11 June!

It’s disco time! With thanks to the school seniors for their beautiful artwork, the details are on their poster. Bring gold coins for entry & snacks and don’t forget your drink bottle. See you at the disco!

Staff Profiles


PTA News

Community Notices

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

Time2Talk - Devices & Pornography


Christchurch South Intermediate School is hosting our next event “Devices & Pornography” on Wednesday 9th June @ 7pm. Venue: Christchurch South Intermediate School, 204 Selwyn Street, Spreydon. 

We know these conversations can be awkward, but the challenges are a reality for our young people and without courageous conversations, change doesn’t happen.

This is an awesome chance for parents to not just gain knowledge, but more importantly the skills to have great conversations and support their young people.   Please note this event is for parents/caregivers only. 

This is a free event.  Please register through this link.











Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Friday 28th May

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Rain warning - implications for Monday!

Given how dry the past months have been, and the predicted rainfall, Monday could be a tricky day with plenty of challenges to navigate!

courtesy of Sarah Webber photography

Based on the current Red Alert weather forecast, Monday, is going to be a gumboots and raincoats kind of day! We would urge all students to come to school on Monday with a change of socks at the very least, and extra pants and tops for those who are prone to not noticing that they are getting wet, or who can't resist a puddle! We will keep you up to date with any issues on Monday morning through the school Facebook page and through the email system.

We don't know how the Ōpāwaho Heathcote river will manage given all the recent work that has been done to improve it however, previous events like this have caused it to burst its banks and close Eastern Terrace by the ponds. If your children are walking to school, please talk with them about the safest way to do this to avoid areas of dangrous flooding. If Eastern Tce is closed, Sandwich Road will require ALL drivers to be super patient and careful. Please remember our neighbours and don't park in driveways. Please only cross at the crossing - having children and parents running out from between parked cars in the rain is extremely dangerous.
Consider allowing more time for drop-off. 

Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Week 5:
Thu 3rd Jun - South Zone Winter Sport
Fri 4 Jun - Koru Art Gallery Trip

Week 6:
Mon 7 Jun - Queens Birthday (School Closed)
Tue 8 Jun - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Thu 10 Jun - South Zone Winter Sport
Fri 11 Jun - Celebration Assembly 12.00 - 12.30
Fri 11 Jun - School Disco

Week 7:
Wed 16 Jun - South Zone Basketball Tournament Yr 7/8
Thu 17 Jun - South Zone Winter Sport
Fri 18 Jun - PTA Mid-Winter Breakfast 7.30 - 9am

Term Dates

Click here to view 2021 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Keira Allen - Year 6

Keira, we love the positive and cheerful attitude that you bring to our team. You show perseverance and determination in your learning and have approach challenges with a open, inquiring mind. Thank you for being a great example of how we aim to be a better version of ourselves every day. Tino pai, Keira.

PTA School Disco

It’s that time of year- the much-anticipated school disco! This year the students are taking over; prepare for student DJs, playlists and artwork. We are so thrilled to see them be a part of one of the school year’s highlights.

You’ll need to bring coins to buy snacks, a drink bottle and if kids want to a pop star or rockstar outfit.
See you at the disco!

Mana Ake “Drop-Ins” are continuing…

A number of whānau have already made great use of the Mana Ake “drop-ins” that are available on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 – 9:30am. These drop-in sessions are here to provide parents with an opportunity to have a private, informal conversation around the well being of their child with one of our Mana Ake workers (kaimahi). If you feel like you would like to attend a drop-in session, please book in a time via the link here: Mana Ake booking.  The code to use is 88t39. Alternatively, you can contact Jacky in the office and she will make a booking for you.

Student Council Fun Run - support KidsCan



Our Student Council team are organizing a fun run for Year 0 - 8, to be held during school hours on Friday July 2nd. The fun-run will be held on Beckenham Park and will involve children getting sponsored to run for every lap they complete. A google sign-up form for Year 0-4 children has gone out to whānau and is also here again. Year 5-8 children can sign up themselves and they have been sent a google sign-up form which is also here if you want to help them sign up (they will need to use their school login). 
Sponsorship sheets will be distributed next week to those who have signed up.

ESOL News

This week in ESOL sessions, the Kahikatea and Kōwhai students completed their helicopters this week and demonstrated their flying skills! They practised using positional language, such as above, below, higher, lower, first and last. They also practised using movement language, such as fast, slow, float, fall and fly.


Sports News

Zone Cross Country


Early morning fog cleared into a beautiful day on Tuesday morning for the South Zone cross country. The children arrived in great spirits after the double-decker bus ride to Halswell Quarry. Wet ground upped the challenge in the 2 km and 3 km courses, but this did not deter our runners. The children represented our kura exceptionally well, both in the way they embraced the challenge of the course and the way that they encouraged and supported each other. 

Jack Sayer (5th), Torun Joergesen (3rd) and Jonty Mitchell (4th) qualified to represent our kura at Canterbury's on Wednesday the 23rd of June back at Halswell Quarry.

Congratulations to all our runners. You all deserve to feel proud of your achievements. 

PTA News

Thanks for all that have filled in the PTA survey – we have had a great response so far 😊

Get ready to hit the dance floor!

The disco theme is "Popstars" so the children are welcome to dress up as their favourite rock or popstar!
(We wont be selling bling, but kids are welcome to wear it if they have it at home.)

⭐Popstars Disco Friday 11 June⭐

So we can fit everyone in the hall we have three sessions:

5pm - 6pm: New Entrants and Years 1, 2 and 3

6:30-7:30pm: Years 4, 5, and 6

8pm-9pm: Years 7 and 8

Community Notices

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

Marching Canterbury

Don’t knock it until you try it!
We cater for all ages 4yrs- 30yrs+ We are currently looking for more members to join our teams.

Marching encourages teamwork, discipline, and friendship. It’s great for coordination, posture and brain development. If you would like to see what we are all about and give it a go, get in touch with us at publicitymarchingcanterbury@gmail.com or Kylie Dowers 021930434.

We have teams in all areas of Christchurch.