The changing landscape with regard to our country's efforts to keep Covid-19 at bay has required us to re-examine two important school events that are on our calendar over the next three weeks - the PTA Twilight Fair this coming Friday, and our Year 7/8 camp to Dunedin in Week 9.

In light of the announcements made yesterday by our Prime Minister around the measures that we all need to be taking to promote community health and wellbeing, and the signalling of further measures that are likely to be put in place around events where large numbers of people are gathering, we have made the decision to cancel the Twilight Fair and the Year 7/8 Camp.

Both decisions have been made early to give everyone involved as much warning as possible in this changing landscape. The PTA were about to embark on the busiest week of lead-up to the fair and this decision will give them better time-frames to cancel in. We appreciate that a number of parents had booked leave to attend the camp, and needed as much warning as possible about this cancellation also.

We understand that there will be huge disappointment, particularly from our children, around both of these decisions and we will support them to understand the bigger picture of 'We get there together', as we are sure you will too.

We will be reviewing our school procedures and upcoming events again over the next two days, and waiting for further direction as it comes from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. 

As we get futher information, we will ensure that this is passed on to you. 

Until that happens, school is on as normal, and we look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow.

Ngā mhi nui

Sandy Hastings - Principal/Tumuaki, on behalf of the staff, the Board of Trustees and the PTA

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Staffing news

It is with mixed emotions that I have to advise our community that Nigel Easson, Deputy Principal,  tendered his resignation from our school today, effective at the end of Term 1.  Nigel has won a new position as the principal of Sheffield School, near Darfield and he will start there in Term 2.
I know you will join me in wishing Nigel and his family all the best for their new challenge.

Zone Amendment Consultation

As emailed out to you last week, our Board is currently working with the Ministry to consult with you regarding the proposed amendments to our school enrolment zone. These amendments are detailed on our school website and, if adopted, will likely come into effect from the start of the 2021 school year. The consultation closes on April 4th so do ensure that you have read the documents and had your chance to provide feedback.

Outdoor Spaces update

As you will see when you visit school, the work on our new outdoor play space is really going well. The shape of the different areas that are being developed are starting to take shape and we can all start to imagine what the finished area might look like. Thank you all for your patience with the contractors and for letting them get along with their work whilst we run the school around them!

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy and the team

Important Dates

Citizen of the Week

Niamh Wolt - Year 6

Niamh, you bring a real spark to our team. Your enthusiasm knows no bounds and you are always willing to show that you care by offering your help to others. You use initiative in your learning and you are a fantastic communicator. Tino pai to mahi, Niamh.

School Notices

Using our drop-off and pick-up zone safely

Tennyson St crossing point

Ray and Annette from the Christchurch South Community Patrol team

Canterbury District Health Board Te Poari Hauora ō Waitaha Community Dental Service

Free Dental Care for Children - including special information regarding Year 8 students.
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

Allergy Guidelines

Our full allergy policy and guidelines are available on the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto website under Policies and then search ‘allergy’.

Mana Ake “Drop-Ins” are continuing…

We welcome our new Mana Ake kaimahi to our kura.  Leanne will be running our drop in sessions and acting as a liaison for our school.  A number of whānau have already made great use of the Mana Ake “drop-ins” that are available on alternate Wednesday mornings 4 March 2020 from 8:30 – 9:10am. 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.

LunchOnline - change of delivery days

Sports News

Parent Help

Please, follow this link to indicate if you are able to help out with sport this term.

Extra-Curricular Sports - Mountain Biking

There are two mountain biking relays that have been very popular in previous years. While these events are promoted by Beckenham te Kura O Pūroto and we are proud for the children to represent our kura, the responsibility of the transport and supervision of children at both events is with the caregiver. Entry for both of these events is done by the caregiver on the event’s website. Follow the link below. Please contact Jenny if you have any questions about either of these events. Email confirmation of your entry to Jenny.

Huxster Mountain Bike Relay - 4th March

Held at Mclean’s Island, this event is a super fun event where children strive to complete as many laps of the course as they can in the time, (1.5 hours for Year 5/6 and 3 hours for Year 7/8). Year 5/6 children must compete in a team of two, while Year 7/8 have the option of doing the event as an individual or in a pair. Children should be confident controlling the speed and direction of their bike on beginner level singletrack.

Note: This event is much earlier in the term than it previously has been.
Due to its popularity, this event is now being held over two days. Children from Beckenham should enter the South and Mid Canterbury zoned event on the 4th of March.

Hanmer 4 Hour Mountain Bike Relay - 21st March

This event features a variety of options for many age groups. The Super Juniors (6 to 11 years) do a very friendly course through the Heritage Forest. This incorporates a green level single track. Every child must have their own tail end charlie, (an adult riding with them) on every lap. This is a fantastic entry into mountain bike racing for those children who are comfortable controlling their speed and direction on trails similar to those at McLean’s Island and Bottle Lake. Children aged 11 years plus ride the same course as the adults, (and at the same time). This course has more climbing and more technical riding, (think Loess Rider or an easy blue level trail). Children should be confident mountain bikers on easy blue trails. Children compete in a team of up to 4 children. 

PTA News

First PTA Meeting in 2020

If you would like to join the PTA or just offer some help with events when you can, please come along to our first meeting of the year - Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA Meeting on Wednesday 26th February at 7.30 pm in the school Staff room or take a moment to fill in the PTA Survey. Supporting your school's parent teacher association need not be a chore. Get involved, help out at a school fundraiser and have some fun!. You do not have to be a PTA member to attend and there is no pressure to feel like you need to join just because you attend a meeting (There is often good food and always good chat!).

Twilight Fair Headquarters

The countdown to the Twilight Fair is well underway! Fair HQ will Open on Monday 24th February. Located in the Green room, just besides Hall foyer, we will open every morning before school & every afternoon after school leading up to the Fair.

This will be your opportunity to sign up to help on the day, donate quality second hand clothes, books & toys (we set up cut off date to a week before the Fair), drop off prizes/vouchers & sign up for the various competitions on offer. Please NO White Elephant!

Fair Organising Committee is currently running with a small group of dedicated people, but to be able to continue with enough sleep and organise a great Fair we require your support & help. If you can commit to be there during time when HQ is opened, on the day of the Fair or in another way please register @Fair Helpers or email us at pta@beckenham.school.nz.

Looking forward to meeting you all down at HQ next Monday!

Twilight Fair Newsletter #Four weeks

Four weeks to go! In 2018 we raised a fantastic $17,400.00. We aim to smash the 2018 fundraising total and to have great fun! We will publish a regular news-letter to keep you informed so Welcome to our first issue! This newsletter will inform you on a weekly basis with all things Fair: fun activities, raffle, auctions and sponsors. Read on Twilight Fair Newsletter Issue 1.

Kids Connect

KidsConnect is an exciting and inspiring programme for students aged between 9 - 13 years who want to be the best versions of themselves. We incorporate a variety of play-based and creative art techniques to facilitate engaging groups that teach children how to have confidence in themselves and how to get along with and enjoy others. Within our groups we promote opportunities for building friendships and developing a growth mindset, as well as developing skills for co-operative play and conflict resolution. To maximise each student’s learning potential and opportunity to engage, we run small groups (six students per group). We will be running the Air/Hau group in Beckenham (please visit our website for more information). All groups are facilitated by a Registered Child & Family Psychologist.

The Term 1 group will start on Monday 2nd March, and will run each Monday for the rest of the Term in the Green Room (attached to the school hall). The group time is 3:10pm – 4pm. Depending on numbers, we may be able to offer other groups on different days after school. The cost of the programme is $25 per student, per week ($150 in total for six weeks during Term 1). Please register your interest for the Term 1 groups by Friday 28th February by emailing us at info@positiverelationships.co.nz
Lee & Corina Hooper

Sunday 8th March - Run to Remember

Support the wellbeing of all the family, and Life Education and join in the Run to Remember on Sunday 8th March - a 2.5km or 10km option

The 10km course was originally chosen in 2012 for the opportunity it extends to all ages and abilities to run, walk and remember. Following an initial ascent from Victoria Park, the course meanders along the scenic Summit Road, concluding with a descent down Rapaki Track and ending in the event village at Hansen Park. We encourage participants to commit to the event several months in advance, to allow time to get accustomed to the Port Hills terrain.

Sign up by clicking on this link.

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

What a great week it has been, seeing everyone back at school. What's hard to believe is that we are into the second month of the year already!
Our thoughts have been with our friends and the communities of Southland over the past few days. One of our past staff, Rebekah Stoop is now teaching in Tapanui and when I spoke to her on Wednesday they were on their second day of being closed due to the flooding. Not the way that you want to start the school year!

Staff update:

It is with great regret that I have to advise that Paulette Newton will be finishing her tenure at Beckenham at the end of Term 1. Paulette has been a member of the staff at Beckenham for many years, in both full-time and part-time capacities, and currently is the Team Leader of the Kōwhai Team.


Paulette has been successful in winning a position with the RTLB (Resource Teachers of Behaviour and Learning) Service where she will be able to both utilise and continue to grow her expertise in supporting diverse learners, not just in one school but in many schools.
Whilst we are extremely sad to be losing Paulette to our staff, we are very excited for her and the new challenges and growth that she has ahead of her. As a member of the Beckenham Community, and a parent of a child in the school, we know that she won't be a stranger to us.
The position of Team Leader is currently advertised, and we will keep you updated when we have new information about this.

Health Curriculum Review - meeting Mon 17th Feb, 2:30pm

At the end of 2019 we circulated information about our current Health Curriculum review. Thank you to those people who have already engaged with this. We promised to recirculate this at the start of the year, and to also provide a time that you could come and talk with us about it.
We will be holding a meeting on Monday 17th February from 2:30-3pm in the staffroom and invite you to attend.

The review material can be accessed via this link, and we will be going over this and discussing it at the meeting.

Annual Donations 

Earlier this week you should have received a special newsletter from the Board of Trustees about the new annual donation request. You can find a copy of that information on our website if you need it. Please note that we will NOT be requesting further donations from you this year (except for Camps) and plan to budget and work with the single, annual donation requested for each child. We appreciate whatever contribution you feel that your whānau can make towards supporting the rich educational experiences that we aim to provide for our children's learning.

School Website 

Our server is being upgraded this weekend, so the school website will be offline from 4pm today until 9am Monday morning.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates 

Citizen of the Week

Elsie O'Beirne - Year 4

Elsie, what a stunning role model you are! You strive to do your very best in all situations and show our school values in all you do. You willingly help those around you to achieve their best and we love the focussed and persistent way you approach any challenge or learning task. You regularly take on extra responsibilities and can be relied upon to fulfil these a high standard. You are a star, Elsie, and we are so proud of you. Tino pai!

School Notices

Allergies

Across our school, we have several children with different food allergies. To support the wellbeing of these students, we have the following guidelines in place which we ask you to follow:

For 2020, we have no specifically excluded foods. As always, we ask that no child shares their food with another, due to the anaphylactic risk for some our students. Whenever children bring food to school for shared kai occasions, please follow the guidelines provided by the teachers for that event.

We will inform you during the year if specific guidelines for your child’s hub change.  If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them in the first instance with your child’s homeroom teacher.

Playground Update

Our playspace is beginning to take shape thanks to The Greenscape team. The double slide is sitting in the Library ready to be installed on the mound. The concrete river is flowing nicely with some natural rocks to be placed throughout. The digger has been in for the past couple of days getting ready to extend the sandpit, and extra drainage will be in place before our sensory play area is finished. Later in the term, we will need a little help from our children and community with the planting of a few hundred trees and shrubs before our official opening day.

We are all looking forward to having a play (including all the teachers!)

Smart Watches

CSM Outreach Band Programme

... starts this coming Wednesday, 12th February!
8am Training Band - in the hall, with your instrument and book.
3pm - Concert Band - in the hall, with your instrument and book(s).
Our new CSM Outreach Band co-ordinator is Jody Keehan, and she will be making contact with all enrolled students over the next couple of days. If you have any queries, or haven't heard from her and you think you should have, please email her at outreachband@csm.org.nz

School Policies - Concerns and Complaints 

It is always our goal to work with you to resolve any concerns before they reach the 'complaint' stage, and it is also important that our processes are transparent for you to follow.
You can access all of our School Policy documents through the 'SchoolDocs' website by entering the username: 'beckenham' and password: 'pride' (all lower case) and searching for either 'Concerns' or 'Complaints'.
You can also see a simple flowchart of the process below (also available on the SchoolDocs site:

Uniform and belongings

Some uniform reminders:

Please do ensure that children come to school in full uniform each day. This means black on the bottom (other than the checked skorts) and red on the top, or the dress. On Fridays, children have the option of wearing the House shirts (available from the office for $25).
If you don't have enough uniform for children to have 'one on and one in the wash', please remember that our second-hand uniform shop, run by our PTA has very cheap and good quality uniform items available.
Hats are compulsory in Terms 1 & 4 when children go outside. Please ensure that they have a hat at school each day.

Please name all uniform and belongings

It's barely the end of week 1 and the lost property is beginning to accumulate! PLEASE make sure that all of your child's belongings (uniform items, hat, lunchbox, drink bottle) are ALL clearly named so that they can be returned to your child rather than ending up in the lost property.

Student Health & Wellbeing

Our review of Health and Wellbeing teaching is underway. If you have not yet contributed your feedback and would like to do so, please go to this link before the 12/02/2020. -
We also welcome interested whānau to attend a Community Consultation session on our Health and Wellbeing teaching, to be held in the Staffroom on Monday 17/2/2020 at 2.30pm.
Click here to view the new Health and Wellbeing section of our website for parents. It is packed with useful links, information and YouTube clips you can watch with your child.

Parenting resources from the Canterbury Mental Health Group Alright? : Handy tipsheets on sleep, helping children manage worry, helping children keep calm and lots more.

PTA News

Let the Countdown to the Fair Begin!!  6 weeks today!

Mark your calendars - Friday 20th March 2020 will be our Twilight Fair. Let's showcase our new playground & celebrate with our community!

Calling all Artists, Musicians, business owners & generous souls…..We are on the hunt for donations of prizes, vouchers, cash, food, services & acts to help us to create an amazing Twilight Fair.

If you are a business/person that can help, please click on the link for more detailed information: Beckenham Te Kura o Puroto Fair Donation Form


All funds raised from the Twilight Fair will go towards much needed new school sports uniforms and for purchasing digital technology equipment such as beebots and spheros for our children to learn coding concepts and how to program robots so that they can become creators of digital technology - not just users.

Thanks to wonderful Gail Harris from Platform Design Ltd for our fabulous poster design.

Mindfulness for Children

Does your child struggle with anxiety or stress? Would you like to support them to learn skills to enhance their wellbeing?

The Psychology Centre is offering Pause Breathe Smile (PBS) a group for children (age 8-11 years) who struggle with stress and anxiety and their parents to develop skills of mindfulness.  PBS is an evidence-based program, developed by the Mental Health Foundation, found to improved focus and attention, enhance self-awareness and reduced stress. Our recent pilot group at the Psychology Centre also found that PBS is effective at reducing anxiety and improving coping in children.

The group will run from 4 - 5pm, starting Wednesday 19 February for 8 weeks at the Psychology Centre, University of Canterbury and requires both child and parent/ caregiver to attend and learn together. The cost of the program is $125.

If you would like more information or to register, contact Justine Brougham justine.brougham@canterbury.ac.nz

To hear kids talking about PBS watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awo8jUxIm0c



For more information about the research and benefits of PBS look at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1707/S00094/pause-breathe-smile-mindfulness-training-will-help.htm