Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto School Newsletter, Friday 28 October, 2023

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Our thoughts have been and continue to be with all of those involved with the Coronial Inquiry into the Mosque shooting that started in Christchurch this week. We know that this will be impacting many families in our community and we send our support and aroha to you all.

Thank you to our PTA!

We want to send an enormous shout-out of thanks to our PTA, both present and past, who worked over many years to fundraise for our outdoor spaces. The final part of the funds that they raised, contributed to the funding for our two new turf areas. Our children are enjoying these new surfaces so much, and we are extremely grateful for the funding that made this possible.

Considerations for home-group placement for 2024

As we start to put together home groups for 2024, we know that you may hold particular information or insight that you want to share that will support the placement of your child for next year.
While our teachers hold a lot of knowledge and understanding around the needs of our children, we are keen to also know if there is anything particular you think we should be aware of as we make these decisions.
As you will appreciate, putting home groups together is a hugely complex puzzle where the needs of all children need to be carefully considered. This means that we are not asking for 'requests' for teachers or for friendship groups as we would never be able to meet all of those. What we are seeking, is to be made aware of anything important you think we need to consider that we might not be aware of. We will add your thoughts to ours, and do the best we can to make sure that everyone's needs have been considered in our process.
If you have anything you want us to know, please email me (not the teachers) so that I have all the information in one place. I will need this information by the end of Week 4 - Friday 3rd November.
email: principal@beckenham.school.nz

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

(you can also find the Community Calendar on our website here)

Fri 3 Nov - Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Fri 3 Nov - 9:30-12:30, Y5-8 Choir at Chch Schools Music Festival Rehearsal
Fri 3 Nov - CHCH Schools Music Festival Beckenham Performance Night
Wed 8 Nov - BOT Meeting, 5.30pm, Staffroom
Fri 10 Nov - Zones Athletics, Hansen Park
Fri 10 Nov - Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Wed 15 Nov - 4pm Voting Closes - Board Elections
Thu 16 Nov - School Closed, Staff Only Day
Fri 17 Nov - School Closed, Canterbury Anniversary Day
Mon 20 Nov - Mon 27 Nov - Year 6 Beckenham Cycle Safe
Wed 22 Nov - PTA Meeting, 7.30pm
Fri 24 Nov - Celebration Assembly, 9:10-9:50am, in the Hall
Fri 24 Nov - PTA School Community Picnic, 5.00-7.30pm, Beckenham Park
Fri 1 Dec - Student Council - Celebrating Diversity and Culture Day (non-uniform)
Fri 1 Dec - Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Thu 7 Dec - BOT Meeting, 5.30pm, Staffroom
Fri 8 Dec - Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Fri 8 Dec - 12:15-3pm, Kahikatea Team trip to Isaac Theatre Royal, Southern Ballet
Mon 11 Dec - 7-8pm Kauri Production, in the Hall
Tue 12 Dec - 7-8pm Kauri Production, in the Hall
Fri 15 Dec - Final Celebration Assembly, 9:45am, in the Hall
Mon 18 Dec - Year 8 Graduation, 11am-12pm
Mon 18 Dec - Year 8 Leavers' Lunch 12:30-1:30pm
Tue 19 Dec - Last Day of Term 4, School finishes at 12.30pm

Term Dates: Click here to view 2023 & 2024 term dates

Citizen of the Week

Cian Scott - Year 8

Cian, you are a natural leader in our Kauri whānau. You look out for those around you and are proactive in stepping in when you see an opportunity to help or support others. We see this on the sports field when you come alongside others to offer advice and encouragement. We see this in the loyalty that you show your friends and the artful way that you are able to use humour to brighten someone’s spirits. Thank you for all you bring to our Kauri whānau. 

School Notices

Board Parent Mid-Term Election 2023 - 3 Vacancies

Instruction on how you vote electronically has been distributed by email to eligible whānau. If you have any problems with this process, please contact our Liaison Officer for the Board Election at reihana.dougherty@beckenham.school.nz

Please take the time to read the candidate statements, and cast your vote. Your participation in this process is hugely appreciated, and essential in the appointment of our representatives to our Board, that represent our school community.

Voting closes at 4:00 PM Wednesday, November 15th.

Attendance

Thank you for continuing to be proactive in communicating if your child will not be at school. After the process of marking the morning roll takes place, text messages will be sent out to primary contacts for all students marked as not here ("?").

We appreciate your prompt response to these messages so we can mark your child, or follow up accordingly.

Please remember the roll is taken by teachers at 8:55 a.m., and any students who arrive in class after this time will need to be signed in at the Office.

Sports News

School Athletics Day

It was awesome to see our tamariki out on the park embracing challenge and supporting each other at our school athletics this week. This event celebrates the P.E. learning that our ākonga have been doing over the past few weeks. There were lots of impressive performances of skill and sportsmanship throughout the day from all ages. 

Thank you to the senior students who helped with set up and pack down and to whānau who helped run events or allowed themselves to be roped into our house relay. 

The final school event for our Year 5 to 8 tamariki is long jump, which is an optional event and takes place at Hillview Christian School. Children have signed up for this event through a Google form at school. 

Years 5 and 6 will do long jump next Tuesday morning from 9:00.
Years 7 and 8 will do long jump next Tuesday afternoon after lunch.

We are looking for a couple of adult help to support us with walking the children to Hillview Christian School and running the event. If you are able to support us, please send an email to Steve or Jenny. 

steve.cooke@beckenham.school.nz
jenny.diggle@beckenham.school.nz

Huxster

On Wednesday, a group of children from Years 5 to 8 competed at the Huxster Mountain Bike Relay at McLean's Island. At this event, children work in a team of two to complete as many laps of the course as they can within the allotted time. The sun was shining and the stoke level was high as the children took on this challenge. A huge congratulations to all who took part. 

All the children deserve to feel very proud of their achievements.

Ben and Zach - Third Place Year 5/6 Boys Team
Isabella and Annabelle - First Place Year 7/8 Girls Team

BOT Update

Term 4 Policy Review

Thank you to everyone who submitted their reviews and feedback on our Term 3 policies. Your feedback helps generate quality discussion with Staff, and the Board when looking at the policies and practices within our kura. Your voices and experiences are incredibly appreciated in this process.

This Term, the below policies are up for review:


If a link is inactive on SchoolDocs, our school doesn't have the topic.

How to review
  1. Visit the website https://beckenham.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
  2. Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride)
  3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
  4. Read the policy.
  5. Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
  6. Select the reviewer type.
  7. Enter your name (optional).
  8. Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
  9. Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Example of Policy Review questions
Feedback

You can send feedback on a topic to the school at any time using the green feedback button at the top of the page.
While only a certain number of topics are available for review each term, SchoolDocs users can send feedback about any topic, at any time, directly to the school. Members of the school community can submit feedback to the school to request a change, query information in the policy, or provide implementation feedback.

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto School Newsletter Term 4 Week 1

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

First day of Voting in the Library
... happened this week, to support our students with the concept of using a voting system to have a voice. They were voting on which genre of books they would like more of: Fiction (novels), Non-Fiction, Picture Books or Graphic Novels.

Our tamariki used their vote to provide us with crucial feedback for our purchasing! This is "Youth Voices Matter" in action!

Early indications show Graphic Novels are in the lead. Voting will continue for another week. The students have been very enthusiastic with several discussing the NZ Elections whilst queuing to vote.

Important Dates

Sat 14 Oct - Election Day, Voting Open in the School Hall 
Fri 20 Oct- Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Mon 23 Oct - School Closed, Labour Day
Wed 25 Oct - PTA Meeting, 7.30pm
Thu 26 Oct - School Athletics Day TBC
Fri 3 Nov - Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Fri 3 Nov - CHCH Schools Music Festival Beckenham Performance Night
Wed 8 Nov - BOT Meeting, 5.30pm, Staffroom
Fri 10 Nov - Zones Athletics, Hansen Park
Thu 16 Nov - School Closed, Staff Only Day
Fri 17 Nov - School Closed, Canterbury Anniversary Day
Mon 20 Nov - Mon 27 Nov - Year 6 Beckenham Cycle Safe
Wed 22 Nov - PTA Meeting, 7.30pm
Fri 24 Nov - Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Fri 24 Nov - PTA School Picnic, 5.00-7.30pm, Beckenham Park
Fri 1 Dec - Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Thu 7 Dec - BOT Meeting, 5.30pm, Staffroom
Fri 8 Dec - Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Fri 15 Dec - Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Mon 18 Dec - Year 8 Graduation, 11am-12pm
Tue 19 Dec - Last Day of Term 4, School finishes at 12.30pm

Term Dates: Click here to view 2023 & 2024 term dates

Citizen of the Week

Emily Christensen - Year 4

Emily, you are a wonderful role model in our hub. You are always positive, caring and helpful. You put your best effort into learning and have outstanding self-management skills. Thank you for always demonstrating our school values in everything that you do. Well done, Emily!

School Notices

The sun is out, and our tamariki have been enjoying our newly installed surfaces in the Junior Playground! Don't forget hats are required in Term 4. Please ensure your child's hat is clearly named. 

Earthquake Drill

Next week on Wednesday 18th of October at 12.30pm is our scheduled termly evacuation drill. This term will be an earthquake drill. Drills are held once a term and most of our children are familiar and confident with the process. 

Teachers have been supporting learning and discussions on natural disasters in preparation for this, and there are discussion starters in the daily notices which are read each morning with all tamariki. 

If you are collecting your child early on Wednesday for any appointments etc. Please ensure they are signed in and out at the Office, as usual, to assist in the accuracy of our drill.

Staff Profiles

Please join us in welcoming one of our new Teaching Assistants who started with us this term.

Laura Stewart-Cameron joins our Learning Support Team as a Teaching Assistant and will be working primarily in Kahikatea. 

Laura Stewart-Cameron

"Kia ora. I’m Laura. I enjoy sewing and creating and love spending time with my two children and two dogs. I have a background in early childhood teaching and ballet teaching. I am looking forward to supporting the students at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto."

While we welcome Laura to her new role, we also farewell Amanda Kay who has given her time to our kura, and Ferndale. Amanda is making the move back to the North Island with her whānau, and we wish her all the best with her move and future endeavours!

PTA News

Thanks for all of your calendar orders - orders closed at midnight on Friday 13th October so we can get all the orders out in time for Christmas. 

Planning for our Community Picnic is coming together, we’re looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday 24th November.

Look out for our 2023 Christmas Goodies fundraiser, we’ll have Christmas cakes and honey this year, which should make fabulous presents. More info coming soon! 

And finally, we have our monthly meeting next week, 25th October at 7.30pm in the staff room - it’s always great to see new faces!

BOT Update

Board Parent Mid-Term Election 2023 - 3 Vacancies

At the close of nominations at 12 noon Wednesday, October 11th, the following nominations were received for the parent vacancies on the School Board. 
* Reena Brinner
* Craig Hurford
* Alex James
* Daniel Toledo
* John Richard Ussher
* Darren Webster 
We will now be proceeding to an election. Full candidate statements will be shared with you next week.

Instruction on how you vote electronically will be distributed by email this Wednesday the 18th of October. For those without valid email addresses - you will be mailed voting papers for a paper vote.

Voting closes at 4:00 PM Wednesday, November 15th.
The new Board will take office on Wednesday 22nd November 2023.

Thank you to all of our candidates who have expressed interest in supporting the governance and success of our kura. 

Community Notices

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


Team Social began with two parents who saw a need for social opportunities for young adults with special needs in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Their first event is a disco, so if you love to dance, come along. Ticket price includes food and soft drinks.

The Team Social crew will be there to supervise, but you are welcome to bring your own support person if required. We look forward to seeing you there! Jo, Gavin and Aron Harris. 0274264660 The link for tickets is below. 

Cashmere Kea's

Cashmere Kea’s for 5 to 8 year olds: spaces available for next term onwards. Fun and friendship are the cornerstones of the Kea programme. It is filled with a little bit of everything: outdoor activities, games and crafts. 

Meeting Place: Scout Den, Hackthorne Road, Cashmere, Christchurch Meeting time: Monday 5.45pm – 6.45pm Info about prices / contact details for Cashmere Kea’s https://scouts.nz/groups/cashmere-scout-group/ More info about Kea’s in general: https://scouts.nz/keas/


When:  Thursday 19th October 2023, 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Where:  La Vida Centre / CHRISTCHURCH

Presentation:  Understanding Your Brain: Building Resilience & Maximising Learning

'The concept of building resilience in our children is more and more at the forefront of parents' minds. Academic success is in fact a result of resilience and can mean very little without it. In this summary of the evidence and research around what resilience looks like, how it’s fostered and which environments do it the best, Nathan will break down for parents (in his usual ’straight from the hip’ humourous style) exactly what we can do to facilitate our children developing resilience, increase their academic ability and enjoy an overall better quality of life. We will look at how our brains work as a basis for understanding how to achieve this.'

(note: this presentation caters for parents/carers and educators who care for children of all ages.  It is also relevant for us grown-ups!)

More info/tickets available on Eventfinda NZ or by clicking on the link below:


Early bird tickets are still available - until sold out.  Get in quick!


School Newsletter Thursday 6 April 2023

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou


Happy Easter to everyone in our community who celebrates this as part of their family values and beliefs.  For some whānau, Easter is a very important part of their Christian faith and holds a significant place in their calendar. For some, Easter has a variety of family traditions that include hunting for eggs in the garden or around the house, spending important family time together, and lots of indulging in chocolate and Hot Cross Buns. Whatever your whānau do over the long, Easter weekend, we wish you a safe and hopefully relaxing break!

Staffing Update

We have welcomed a number of new students into the school during Term 1, and have more students enrolled to start in Term 2. We are seeing a particular growth in our Year 3/4 team, which was a big team to begin with. Therefore, from the start of Term 2, our Year 3/4 Kōwhai Team will be spreading out and using both their hub and the Pūkaki hub as key learning spaces. We have also been fortunate to have allocated some funding to appoint Kathryn Moore as a part-time teacher to support the Year 3/4 team. Kathryn will be in from 9:30am-12:40pm Monday-Thursday and will be taking Numeracy and Literacy groups in the Kōwhai Team. Kathryn is well-known to our school as one of our current preferred relievers.

Kathryn Moore - Year 3/4 teacher

Reminder - Term 2 starts on Wednesday 26th April

We have a Staff Only Day on Monday 24th April and Tuesday 25th April is ANZAC Day.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Term 2

Mon 24 Apr - Staff Only Day (School closed)
Tue 25 Apr - ANZAC Day (School closed)
Wed 26 Apr - First day of Term 2
Fri 28 Apr - 9:15am - Welcome Assembly
Mon 1 - Wed 3 May - Year 5/6 Camp - Living Springs
Tue 9 May - 1:30-2:40pm - Whole School Cross Country
Fri 12 May - PTA Discos - save the date!
Tue 23 May - Zone Cross-Country - Y5-8, Hansen Park
Thu 25 May - Board meeting 5:30pm Staffroom
Mon 5 Jun - School Closed - King's Birthday
Wed 13 Jun - Learning Conferences (school closing at 1pm)
Thu 14 Jun - Learning Conferences (school closing at 1pm)
Thu 21 Jun - Whānau Hui and PTA Hāngi
Wed 28 Jun - Board meeting 5:30pm Staffroom
Fri 30 Jun - Last day of Term 2

Citizen of the Week

Harriet Parawa - Year 7

Harriet, you are a superstar in our team. You are a motivated learner and always try your best at everything that you do. You consistently demonstrate a positive and caring attitude and are a great friend to others. You have excellent self-management skills, are a positive role model and a ray of sunshine. You are extremely reliable and are always willing to lend a helping hand. We love having you in our team. Well done!

School Notices

Whānau Junior Playground Support Roster

We have a wonderful group of whānau, parents and grandparents, who come along to school during lunch play to support our tamariki in the junior playground. We have had a couple of time slots become available for Term 2. The benefits of being on the 'parent supervision roster' include the opportunity to be a part of the school community, and getting to know other whānau, parents and your child's friends. Please email Katie if you would like to offer your help for Term 2. katie.mcfarlane@beckenham.school.nz

'Kiss & Go' Drop Off Area

A huge "Thank you" to all those who have supported the 'Kiss & Go' zone. This area is for whānau to pull in and drop off or pick up their children kerb side and then leave. We have noticed cars moving on more quickly which has freed up the space for drop offs, making Sandwich Road move more freely.

The area works best when it is just the children getting in or out of the car (on the kerb side).  If whānau need to come into the school please park elsewhere on Sandwich Road and surrounding streets.


Sports News

Swimming Finals

Well done to Emma Vaile, Olivia Yeates, Lily Miller, Lilly-Anne Bone and Izzy Clarke who went to the Canterbury Swimming finals last week. All students represented our kura with pride and should feel very happy with their achievements. Tino Pai!

Community Notices

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


THE MAKE STUDIO 

Craft & Wellbeing workshops for children & families. 
Encouraging creativity and sparking mindful connections through craft.
Based from a friendly little studio in Cashmere.

April school holiday workshops for children aged 5-12 years:

Hot Air Balloon sculpture Wed 12 April  10-1pm  $50
Craft a whimsical hot air balloon from papier mache, complete with a little flying friend. Express your imagination and learn new skills.

Tree House Miniature Thurs 13 April  10-1pm  $50
Design your own treehouse using twigs and found objects, perfect for Lego people and other small toys.

Autumn Nature Table  Fri 14 April  10-1pm  $50 
Celebrate Autumn & connect to the change of season. Make your own beautiful little ritual table topper with crafts such as a snow globe and candles.

Tea Making & Tasting  Mon 17 April  2-3.30pm  $25 
Make your own special blend of tea from herbs & flowers, and package it up beautifully to take home & share. We will talk about connecting to our senses while nourishing ourselves with something yummy!

Party Puppet Tues 18 April.  2-3.30pm   $25
Make a bright festive puppet that moves, using beads, straws and cardboard. This fun craft creates a joyful dancing character to take home. 

Self Portrait Poster  Weds 19 April   2-3.30pm   $25 
You will make a self portrait good enough to frame. We'll talk a little bit about our 'inner worlds' while having fun expressing who you are.

Bookings & enquiries via email hello.themakestudio@gmail.com
Instagram @the.make.studio 
Facebook @theMakeStudioChristchurch

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 31 March 2023

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Today it was "Welcome to the Beckenham Zoo' as we had every imaginable creature turn up at school, complete with smiles, for the Student Council's Dress as an Animal Day. Our amazing Student Council get the top spot in today's newsletter after having organised a stunning day of 'We Make A Difference' today for the SPCA.


A HUGE thank you from our Student Council to everyone who contributed to the SPCA fundraiser today. We were overwhelmed by the volume of donations, including blankets, towels, sheets, newspapers, food and money that was given. We will be dropping this all to the SPCA tomorrow, including just over $600 in cash! Wow! And all of the animals in the Beckenham Zoo had a fun day too! 

Frida, Grace and Rose - Beckenham Student Council

Next week is the final week of Term 1 - with the last day being Thursday 6th April. 

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Term 1

Thu 6 Apr - Last day of Term 1
Fri 7 Apr -  School Holidays begin (School closed)

Term 2

Mon 24 Apr - Staff Only Day (School closed)
Tue 25 Apr - ANZAC Day (School closed)
Wed 26 Apr - First day of Term 2
Mon 1 - Wed 3 May - Year 5/6 Camp - Living Springs
Fri 12 May - PTA Discos
Mon 5 Jun - King's Birthday (School closed)
Fri 30 Jun - Last day of Term 2

Citizen of the Week

Banuja Hettiweediya Mudiyanselage - Year 4

Banuja, you are an excellent example of someone who tackles challenges head-on and approaches all that you do with a positive attitude that shines. 'We Make a Difference' is a kete value you demonstrate daily through your passion for helping others along with the proactive approach you take to helping out around the hub. Ka pai tō mahi, Banuja!

School Notices

Financial Statements

You will have received your student's financial statement today.

This is just a reminder that donation payments (including camp donations) are able to be submitted for the Donation Tax Credits from the IRD. This scheme entitles you to claim back 33% of your donation payments, if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Payments made to us today, 31st March, can still be submitted as part of your application for the financial year ended 31st March 2023.

If you need any assistance logging into Hero to view your statement or wish to find out more about setting up payment instalments, you can refer to our website https://www.beckenham.school.nz/ and follow the “Finances and Annual Donation” link in the “Information” dropdown menu.

Payments may be made in part or full to the school bank account - ASB Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Board of Trustees 12 3148 0131641 000 using the child's name as a reference.

The school office also has Eftpos facilities available.

If you have any queries, please email accounts@beckenham.school.nz

Lost Property

A reminder to all whānau to check the Lost Property before the end of term and take your items home.


Whānau Report Feedback - Thank You!

Thank you to those who took the time to complete the 2023 Whānau report feedback survey recently.  We appreciate the time and consideration that you put into this. We are currently working through the feedback.

'Kiss & Go' Drop Off Area

You may have noticed the 'Kiss & Go' signs on the fence at the drop off and pick up area on Sandwich Road (by the bike stands). This area is for whānau to pull in and drop off or pick up their children kerb side and then leave. 

The area works best when it is just the children getting in or out of the car (on the kerb side).  If whānau need to come into the school please park elsewhere on Sandwich Road.

Thank you to all those who have supported the 'Kiss & Go' zone. We have noticed cars moving on more quickly which has freed up the space for drop offs, making Sandwich road move more freely.

Three-point turns on Sandwich Road

Sandwich road is a busy place on either side of the school day. To keep everyone safe please continue along the road and around the block, rather than doing three-point turns or U turns. The road works have moved on from the immediate school block, so access is much easier.

BOSCO

Update for BOSCO whānau:

The government will be making some changes to the childcare assistance grant that will commence on 1st April 2023. What this means is that more families are likely to qualify for this financial assistance under the new guidelines. This is a good opportunity for families who require before and after school care of their children to see if this could help them.

BOSCO provides before school care from 7:30am – 8:30am and after school care from 3:00pm – 6:00pm.

Should you have any questions regarding this please do not hesitate to contact Juanita at office@bosco.org.nz.

Dental Van Visit

One of our Community Dental Service vans will be making a visit to your school soon.
  • Only the children who currently require a check-up will be seen at this visit.
    Please do not be concerned if your child is not called for a check-up this time.

  • The dental therapist will provide a regular check-up and preventative care which may include:
    Cleaning/Scaling (to remove plaque from teeth)
    Dental x-rays (to check for decay in teeth, or presence and position of teeth)
    Fluoride Varnish (painted on teeth to help prevent decay)
    Fissure Sealants (coating put on teeth to prevent decay) if required.

  • If your child requires any other dental care, they will bring home a ‘Care Plan’ which will explain what dental care and appointment times are required.

  • When you receive the ‘Care Plan’ please contact our Call Centre as soon as possible as you will need to arrange a time to bring your child to one of our Community Clinics for this dental care.

  • Please contact our Call Centre if you want further information on the Community Dental Service, to enrol your child or if you have any specific questions about your child’s dental care (a dental therapist will call you back)

  • Year 8 students: all year 8 students enrolled with the Community Dental Service are transferred from the Community Dental Service to a FREE private dentist from year 9 until their 18th birthday. To help with this transition please ensure you have informed your child of their family dentist (not orthodontist). This will enable us to transfer your child onto the correct dentist for year 9 onwards. More information will be sent home after their year 8 check-up.
To contact our Call Centre: phone 0800 846 983 / email commdental@cdhb.health.nz

PTA News

Hot Cross Buns

Orders for hot cross buns are all in and we're looking forward to delivery day on Wednesday 5th April, just in time for Easter!

Donations

This recent wet weather has resulted in lots of wet feet - do you have old gumboots (especially in larger sizes to fit 11+ year-olds) that you could donate to the uniform room? We will gratefully receive them and save them for a rainy day!

Community Notices

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

Nathan is returning to Christchurch for one night only to present a NEW PRESENTATION.

When:  Tuesday 4th April, 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Where:  Te Aratai College / CHRISTCHURCH
Presentation:  Understanding Your Brain: Building Resilience & Maximising Learning (note: this presentation caters for parents/carers and educators who care for children of all ages.  It is also relevant for us grown-ups!)

More info/tickets available on Eventfinda NZ or by clicking on the link below:


Early bird tickets are still available. Get in quick!




We are very excited to announce the NZSO are returning to the Christchurch Town Hall for Open Doors on Saturday 20 May. Our musicians are going to be running several fantastic events – there will be something for everyone!

Tamariki Time – 10:00-10:45 (Avon Room)

Tamariki Time is a free concert designed for the smallest members of your whānau. Suitable for pre-schoolers or students up to the age of 8 years. This 45-minute concert features various short and instrument demos that your kids will love! Including pieces from the Nutcracker, songs from Encanto and an exciting storytime performance presented by Chris Lam Sam. Have a listen to his catchy Octopus song before the performance!

There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement during the concert and a chance to get up and move to the music. If you are interested in coming along, register you attendance here.


Relaxed Concert – 11:30 – 12:15 (Avon Room)

Our Relaxed Concert is a free accessibility concert designed for audiences with sensory needs who may feel uncomfortable in a traditional concert environment.

There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement during the performance, minimal lighting effects, and a 'chill-out' space is available.

The 45-minute concert features a wide variety of short pieces and instrument demos that will grow your knowledge of the orchestra! We will also perform one of our popular Storytime books live presented by Chris Lam Sam, including his popular Octopus song!

If you are interested in attending our session, please register your attendance here.

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 24 March 2023

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

This week is the start of Ramadan which is a really important celebration for Muslim people and their families. Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic calendar and is observed worldwide by Muslims as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.

We can show support to our friends who are Muslim by asking them about how they observe Ramadan - because each family will probably do something a bit different.

It is important to us that we can support all of our tamariki with the values and beliefs that are important to their families. If your family have a faith, values and beliefs that you want us to understand better, please make contact with your child's teacher(s) or one of our team in the office and we will be very keen to learn more.

Last week we were fortunate to have Jeff from the ASB GetWise programme working with our tamariki, from Years 3-8. 



GetWise is a financial literacy programme for children and it was really heartening to see the children engaging with the programme.
ASB have a website with excellent resources for whānau to support you with helping your children about money and to enable them to develop skills that will last them for life.

Being in a 'House' at Beckenham

Once a child has started at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto, they will be allocated a ‘House’ to belong to. Children from the same family/whānau are put into the same house. Usually, a child will stay in this house for the duration of their time at Beckenham, except if they are made a leader of another house when they are in Year 8.


Each house has its own colour, and there are House Shirts that are an optional part of the school uniform, that can be purchased and worn on Fridays, or sports/special event days as advised in the newsletter.

Each house has its own ‘chant’ and tamariki learn this so that they can participate in the house chant at sports and special events, and in Celebration Assemblies, if it is their house that has won the House Points for that fortnight.

You can find the House Chants here, and there are also videos that you can share with your child to help them learn their house chant

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Term 1

Thu 30 Mar - Board Meeting - Staffroom 5:30pm - Visitors welcome
Fri 31 Mar - ANIMAL DRESS-UP DAY for the SPCA (New date)
Thu 6 Apr - Last day of Term 1
Fri 7 Apr -  School Holidays begin (School closed)

Term 2

Mon 24 Apr - Staff Only Day (School closed)
Tue 25 Apr - ANZAC Day (School closed)
Wed 26 Apr - First day of Term 2
Mon 1 - Wed 3 May - Year 5/6 Camp - Living Springs
Mon 5 Jun - King's Birthday (School closed)
Fri 30 Jun - Last day of Term 2

Citizen of the Week

Frida Corin - Year 8

Frida, you have grown as a leader and learner within our kura. You are compassionate and thoughtful. When you step up to lead, the respect and trust that your peers have for you is clearly evident. When it comes to learning, you embrace opportunities to improve by responding to feedback and giving your best effort. Thank you for all that you bring to our Kauri whānau.

School Notices

'Kiss & Go' Drop Off Area

You may have noticed the 'Kiss & Go' signs on the fence at the drop off and pick up area on Sandwich Road (by the bike stands). This area is for whānau to pull in and drop off or pick up their children kerb side and then leave. 

The area works best when it is just the children getting in or out of the car (on the kerb side).  If whānau need to come into the school please park elsewhere on Sandwich Road.

Return of the coffee car

The Coffee Car will be on Sandwich Rd on Mondays and Fridays. A reminder to parents who purchase a hot chocolate for their child, that they will need to drink it before the final bell at 8.55am. 
The coffee car will be at school before 8am and leave at approx 9.10am. 

Thanks!

Community Dental Service - Holidays Notice

Congratulations to...

Hayley Rose Ruyters. On the 16th to the 18th of March at Horncastle Arena, Hayley Rose competed in Nationals for Marching. On the Friday they qualified for the champions in March, on the Saturday they competed and came 1st in technical, 2nd in display and were the under 12 championship team.

Student Council News 

Animal Dress-up Day for SPCA, Friday, March 31st

Beckenham tamariki love animals and so the Student Council has decided to support the SPCA. This coming Friday, 31st March, there will be a dress-up day! Your child/children can dress up as their favourite animal! We would love it if you could help your child to donate one of the following options:
  • Old newspapers
  • Towels, sheets, duvet covers, or blankets (especially polar fleece blankets) – but please NO duvet inners, pillows or pillow cases, mattresses, bean bags, or electric blankets
  • Dishwashing detergent and washing powder
  • Unopened pet food that the SPCA can give out to the community – particularly wet kitten and puppy food
  • Or a gold coin donation!
The student council will be in front of the hall before school starts on Friday, to receive your donations. We can’t wait to see your child in their costume! Thank you for your support.

PTA News

Hot Cross Buns

Orders for hot cross buns are all in and we're looking forward to delivery day on Wednesday 5th April, just in time for Easter!

Donations

This recent wet weather has resulted in lots of wet feet - do you have old gumboots (especially in larger sizes to fit 11+ year-olds) that you could donate to the uniform room? We will gratefully receive them and save them for a rainy day!

Community Notices

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

Sydenham Rugby Club

Sydenham Rugby registrations have started and are looking for players in all grades.  We would love to have you join the Sydenham family.  If interested you can register at https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/175943

CodeCamp April School Holidays

CodeCamp allows children from the ages of 7-12 to develop 21st century skills in a fun and action packed environment. Develop confidence & initiative through design, creativity, solving problems, presenting & collaboration. Create games, apps. 
Waimari School: 17th - 20th April. 
Book Now at https://codecamp.co.nz