The committee comprises of: Matthew McDonald (BOT), Paulette Newton (staff), Amanda Wolt (PTA), Natalie Doering (parent) and Carmel Wade (parent/architect).

The committee has been meeting each fortnight and so far has worked together to:

• Develop a set of guidelines and processes to enable the school to achieve the best outcome for our students. 
• Identified the the purpose of the outdoor spaces so there is a natural a ‘flow’ across the school. Criteria:

1. Reflect the school’s cultural narrative
2. Accessible for all
3. Fun and meet the needs of all students
4. To grow as the school grows. 

• Identified areas across the school for development and begun to create a timeline for these.
• Present and ask for school engagement in the process. We have met with the Student School Council about using the school logo - Matau (hook) - to influence the shape of the renewed play space at the centre of the school. They were very excited about this!

We understand that this will be an ongoing plan that will have a number of smaller projects within it. The costings for each of the projects will need to be worked through. The fundraising the PTA have done will be a wonderful contribution towards getting these plans underway, but we don’t assume for a moment that it will cover the total costs! We will be making grant applications and seeking further funding from a variety of sources. Ministry of Education operational funding that the school receives each year is not able to be used to support significant capital investments such as these.

As the children are the Kaitiaki (guardians) of the school grounds and will be the ones using the spaces, it is essential they have a strong voice in this process. Much of the planning and design work will be developed and generated by the students, which is an authentic learning experience. This is such an exciting opportunity, and one that we know will take time to plan to ensure we get the best outcome possible.

The first area that we hope to develop with the students is Pūkaki (new entrants hub). The students have begun the process of generating ideas for this area. We hope to share the ideas before the end of term and work towards development early in term 1.

We will put regular updates in the school newsletter to keep you informed of proposed plans, and at times we will be seeking your input and ideas and offers of support for working bees as we action different areas across the school.

Principal's Patch

Kia ora e te whānau

What a great start we have had to the term! It's been lovely to see everyone back and to welcome seven new tamariki and their whānau to our school. Along with that, the sun has shone for much of the week!

A group of learners from Pōhutukawa enjoying learning outside in the sun...

Learning this term includes preparations for athletics, Pōhutukawa Camp, Intermediate Hub Production, Firewise programme, and excursions out of school for all teams. On top of teaching, teachers will be busy with assessments and end of year report writing.

Organisation for 2019 is well underway too. As part of this organisation, we are looking at the learning groups for 2019. Because we work so collaboratively, this is a much less complex task than it was when we had teachers and children operating in individual classes in isolation from one another. We can support different social groupings within a collaborative team, without worrying about which 'class' a child in a team is in as the whole team will be working in collaborative space and the groupings will be be fluid and needs based.
If there is a consideration you would like me to be aware of when we are putting learning groups for 2019 together, please email me by Friday 2nd November. We will add your considerations to the considerations we have for all of the children.

We are pleased to have two trainee teachers working in our school at the moment. Lisa Griffiths is in the Pōhutokawa Hub being mentored by Tracy Inwood, and Alicia Northe is in the Kauri Hub being mentored by Hannah Elliott. We value the contribution that they make to our children's learning and we think it is important that our school and staff contribute to the ongoing development of the profession by having teacher trainees in our school.

We have a vacancy in the school office...

Due to an unexpected offer of a job with more hours and more responsibility that she would have been crazy to turn down, our financial officer, Vicki Renwick, will be leaving us in four weeks.
As you will all be aware, the role of a financial officer is critical in the smooth running of a school!
A brief description of the role is below, with more details available on the Vacancies page of our school website.
If you know anyone who is interested in this type of role, please ask them to make contact.

Financial Officer - Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Role Purpose
This is a key administrative role in a progressive and busy, full primary school where efficiency, flexibility, collaboration and initiative are key attributes for success.  The support this role provides to the leadership team enables student learning to be upheld as the primary focus of the school. 
This role is responsible for ensuring all aspects of the school's financial management complies with sector best practice, defined delegated authorities, statutory requirements and policies.  By completing all financial administration tasks efficiently and effectively, this role assists the school to manage its resources competently and responsibly.

Our Values
We care
We get there together
We love challenge
We love learning
We make a difference

We are seeking a special person to become part of our school family.

This is a key administrative role in our school, responsible for ensuring all aspects of our school's financial management complies with sector best practice, defined delegated authorities, statutory requirements and policies.   Key tasks include accounts payable and receivable functions, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, HR administration, and maintaining the assets register.
Ideally we are seeking someone who can 'hit the ground running' through their experience and knowledge of financial administration practice, and their commitment to innovate and improve systems and processes.   We are seeking someone who combines an analytical, systematic and accurate approach to their work together with a genuinely warm, positive, flexible and approachable manner.
If this sounds like you, and you'd love to join our school family then we'd love to hear from you…
Applications close 4pm, Monday 12 November, 2018

I will be in Wellington next week at the New Zealand Principals Federation Conference.
I hope you all enjoy the upcoming long weekend. I am looking forward to a busy and exciting term ahead and hope you are too.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings - Tumuaki

Citizen of the Week

Arran Robertson - Year 7

Arran, you exemplify our value 'we care' in the way that you interact so positively and willingly with a wide range of people. From working with the preschool children at Cherry's (who absolutely adored you), to sharing a friendly word with those who need it, you show your emotional intelligence on a daily basis. Thank you for making our hub and school a brighter place. Tino pai Arran.

School Notices

Fridays are House Shirt Days!

Future of Education Seminar

Frances Valintine, founder of MindLab, will be presenting about the Future of Education, Tuesday 30 October, 5pm. St Francis of Assisi School, Innes Road, Christchurch. This is for principals, teachers, board and PTA members, parents and local businesses. RSVP here.
You can find out more about Francis Valintine, founder of MindLab here.

The Great New Zealand Shake Out

Yesterday we engaged as a school with the Great New Zealand Shakeout Earthquake Drill and Evacuation and the children were very calm and evacuated out onto the field with no fuss.


We are also able to take part in the Great NZ Shakeout School Challenge.
Each person who completes the 8 challenges with their families will be in to get some cool prizes.

Some of the challenges include...

• Show someone how to drop cover and hold – inside and outside.
• Check your tsunami zone and plan where to go.
• Store water for three days or more.
• Identify which key household objects need to be secured or made safer through Fix. Fasten. Don’t Forget.
• Find out which natural hazards could affect your family.
• Work out what to pack in a getaway bag for your family.
• Make a plan that includes who will pick up the kids if the adults can’t get to school.
• Make a list of who can help in an emergency

The students have been given a booklet to take home. If your child would like to participate by completing all of the challenges, they just need to bring the booklet back, with each challenged signed to say it was completed, to collect their small prize.

PTA News

Calendar Art

Paper order forms for this will be coming out next week...check out your child's back pack so it doesn't get lost!

BOT Update

Whānau Hui - Māori students achieving success as Māori

The Board of Trustees are seeking support from whānau to help guide their strategic thinking and planning in this area. We are keen to be doing more to affirm the identity and success of our Māori tamariki as tangata whenua and we need your guidance and direction in this kaupapa.

Community Notices

Skeleton Hunt 

Have some family fun at the skeleton hunt this halloween!  Work out the clues to complete the skeleton puzzle with the pieces you find from your adventure to earn your trick or treat.  Too easy?  Each clue requires you to complete a challenge that will test your skills and keep you busy...good luck!
12pm Sunday 28th October, Cathedral Square,  $2 entry ages 5 -14.

"SPOOKED" - A Circus Spooktacular

Presented by Christchurch Circus Trust
October 27th 4pm and 7:30 pm Shows
Tickets $15 from: dashtickets.co.nz
PGR 7 yrs.

The first E Tū Whānau poster competition is now open!

The competition gives people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to win great cash prizes by designing posters expressing values that underpin the E Tū Whānau kaupapa. Their work will be judged by renowned artist, academic and educator, Kura Te Waru-Rewiri and celebrated urban artists, muralists and community art activists, Janine and Charles Williams.

E Tū Whānau, the movement for positive change, want whānau across the motu to unleash their creativity and have a go at designing A3 sized posters on:

AROHA - giving with no expectation of return , OR
MANA/MANAAKI – building the mana of others through nurturing, growing and challenging, OR
WHAKAPAPA – knowing who you are and where you belong.
“Art and design are powerful tools to communicate ideas, convey emotion, and inspire action. E Tū Whānau is all about taking action to create positive change in our whānau and our communities,” says E Tū Whānau Kaiwhakahaere, Ann Dysart.

The competition has two prize categories. The General category is open to anyone and has prizes worth $2,500 for the winners of each value. The Tamariki category is for children aged 12 years old and under, and winners will receive a $200 gift voucher for each value. A cash prize of $1,500 will also be awarded to the entry that gets the most votes overall.

Entrants may use any medium and enter as many times as they like, but each entry must focus on one value only, not a combination. The competition will run on the E Tū Whānau Facebook page and an online entry form must be completed for each entry. A jpg of the poster design must also be uploaded with each entry form. Entry to the online competition closes on Sunday October 21.

“This competition is open to everyone and anyone, whether you’re a new artist starting out, someone more experienced, or someone who just loves the E Tū Whānau kaupapa and wants to express their feelings visually. Don’t be shy. Just get in there, give it your best go and have fun,” Ann Dysart says.

For more information please contact:

Pamela Fleming, 029 2881 463,   pamela.fleming006@msd.govt.nz

Teresa McGregor, 027 2075 016, tmcgregor@maorimedia.co.nz

Love authentic Latin food? 

Interested in Art? Movies? Music? In to Latin Dancing? Want a place to chill out with Amigos?
Bring your colours!!!
Enjoy our Spanish & Latino Week  in Christchurch!
 Come and enjoy a full week of Latin events. Authentic Latin Street food,  dance performances & workshops, movies, story telling, live music, Art exhibition, and much more  in a colourful and fun atmosphere around our beautiful city.
- Spanish & Latino Week 2018 -
- Christchurch City Centre -
- 15th to 22nd of October -
Spanish & Latino week, proudly sponsored by the CCC,  brings the "LASFF" Latin America and Spain Film Festival, Latino Market Picante, Night in Pijamas at the Library, Language, Cooking and Dance Workshops, Latin Art Exhibition, Fiesta under the Stars and much more

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Last week Te Whānau Mahi Tahi also performed at the Christchurch Cultural Festival. Their performance was, as always, one that made me enormously proud, and demonstrated the commitment and pride that they put into their learning and preparation.

This week we hosted a workshop in our hall for over 60 ESOL teachers and teacher aides from Christchurch Schools. Te Whānau supported the mihi whakatau for this group also and the praise from the teachers and teacher aides for their rousing welcome was wonderful.

With Māori language week nearly at an end for 2018, the challenge for me and our staff and our students, is to keep the reo alive every day and not just wait until Māori Language Week 2019. I invite you all to join us in that challenge.

If you are interested in joining an adult Te Reo Māori class for 2019, now is the time to sign up. The Wānanga o Aotearoa classes were oversubscribed this year and people who didn't sign up early enough missed out. Classes are free. In my class this year there are people from all walks of life including a librarian, electrician, computer programmer, landscape architect, kindergarten teacher, lawyer and a parent from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto!
If you would rather start by learning more about Māori Culture, the Wānanga also offer an excellent correspondence course that provide a wonderful insight into things Māori. This course is also free and you are provided with amazing resources as part of the free course - "He Papa Tikanga"

Citizen of the Week

Anna Wright - Year 4

Anna, youa re a self-motivated learner in our hub who always demonstrates our school values, 'We love learning' and 'We love challenge' in the way you always strive to be your personal best. We value your caring and sensible approach to all situations and the way you include others in all you do. Thank you for making Beckenham te Kura o Pūroto a better place!
Screen reader support enabled.

Ella Clarke - Year 7

Tiya Chaudhari - Year 6

Tiya, you are a kind and considerate member of the Pōhutukawa Whānau. You are respectful in the way you deal with others and have beautiful manners. You are a hard worker who always gives your best in every learning situation, and you show fabulous collaborative skills when working with others. Tino pai Tiya. 

School Notices

Keep NZ Beautiful Week 

Pōhutukawa Market Day

On Friday, 21 September, the students in Team Pōhutukawa will be running a market in the school hall to conclude our small businesses unit. The market will be open to all students and families from 11:45 AM to 12:40 PM.
At the market, the Pōhutukawa students will be selling lots of interesting (and delicious) items such as baking, confectionery, drinks, games, challenges and more. Students should still bring their lunch as normal on this day.
Market day vouchers will be sold near the hall entrance before school on Friday morning. Each voucher is worth 50 cents and will be used as currency to purchase goods at the market. Most items at the market will cost between 50 cents and five dollars.
The money raised will be used to reduce the cost of Team Pōhutukawa’s camp in Term 4 and to offset the market day’s expenses.

Talent Show 2018

A big congratulations to all acts selected to go through to our 2018 Talent Show. Our final show will be held on Friday 28th September at 1:30pm. As usual, parents/caregivers and supporters most welcome!

Sandwich Road Closure:

We were informed today that next week on Thursday 20th Sept & Friday 21st September roadwork resurfacing will be carried out on Sandwich Road.  The length of Sandwich Road that the school is on will be closed whilst this work is carried out.  Please read the following for more information.

Uniform

The school uniform has been designed so that many items are easy wear and available to be purchased at most clothing stores where cost and quality is your choice. For your convenience the school has arranged with Mainland Uniforms to stock and supply items that can be worn as school uniform. These can be purchased at the Peterborough Street store (189 Peterborough St) or purchased on line through http://www.mainlanduniforms.co.nz/

If you are purchasing items from another supplier please be aware that only Mainland Uniforms polar fleece jacket and sweatshirt are monogrammed with the school name.

A reminder too that sunhats are to be worn in Term 4.  Hats are available for purchase from the school office or from Mainland Uniforms.  Only bucket style hats are available from the office, they are $10 each.

Tennyson Street Road Safety... Parent Travel Survey

If you live in the local area, especially if you and your children use Tennyson St, and you haven't yet completed this survey, please do take a moment to go online and fill this out.
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.
https://app.maptionnaire.com/en/4748


The recent lobbying by local residents regarding the traffic on Tennyson St has seen the council install the above road signs. If we want more to happen, we must keep lobbying and the information from this survey will help that cause.

Congratulations to...

Tilly Harris as a member of the Canterbury Primary Schools Representative A Netball Team. The team traveled down to Dunedin last weekend to play in the Dunedin Netball Tournament. The Canterbury Primary Schools Representative A team played 5 fantastic games against some very strong opposition of rep teams from down south, including Invercargill, Taieri and Dunedin.

They made the final against Invercargill A, in a close and nail biting game. Canterbury came away with a great win to be given the title of Year 8 Champions for 2018.

LADIES NIGHT RETURNS in 2018..Bigger & Better

"Rock your Body for Summer - Summer styles for ALL shapes"
Lock this date in your calendar: Saturday  27th October

This event will promote women embracing their body shapes while offering guidance on the key areas that many women find hard to shop for: Bras, Swimwear, Jeans & showcase NEW summer upcoming styles for all shapes.
Presenters confirmed so far:
The Fitting Room
Death By Denim
Key Black
Annabel Turley - The Holistic Pharmacist, discussing hormones & libido!!!

There will "Boutique" stalls to shop while enjoying canapés & a glass of bubbles. If you would like to book a stall at the event, please complete this link: https://goo.gl/forms/mKAJ4DnSiRAUPu573

TICKETS on sale soon
Watch the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA Facebook page for more exciting information to come…

Port Hills Athletics Club...

will help your child discover skills and determination they didn’t know they had. Above all though, it’s about friends, meeting personal goals and setting new ones.
Registration days: 16th $ 23th September 3-4pm
Clubrooms @ Hansen Park

Info: Junior T&F Captain
Amanda Landers
027 271 4918
amandalanders1974@gmail.com

NZ Theatre Month

September is NZ Theatre Month promoted by Roger Hall, NZ's foremost playwright. Theatres all over NZ are presenting plays by New Zealand playwrights, as well as workshops, rehearsed readings and talks.

The inaugural Christchurch production is THE ACB WITH HONORA LEE, an adaptation by Jane Waddell of Kate De Goldi's junior fiction novel , which was performed in the 2016 NZ Arts Festival in Wellington to great acclaim.

Top Dog Theatre is presenting the play from 5-15 September in the Rangi Ruru Theatre in Mervale Lane. Performance times are 7.30pm Tuesday, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 6pm Sunday 9 September and Thursdays, with a matinee as well on 8 September at 2pm.

Details and bookings are at www.topdogtheatre.co.nz/

Movie Poster Sale

Design a Leatherman Competition

Drama Classes

Helen O'Grady Drama Academy.  Develoopment through Drama.  Email: enquiries@helenogrady.co.nz

Ph: 0800161131.

Some trends became very clear and we learned that the new format of children directing the learning conferences and a fluid approach to meeting with all of the teachers working with your child (particularly from Years 1-6) had mixed responses from whānau.

This is seen by the results of the graph below (where 1 = not beneficial and 5 = extremely beneficial)

There was also a mixed response to the statement: "There was enough time to talk with the teacher about the learning." seen on the graph below:

We were heartened by the response to the following question about whether the purpose of the learning conference had been met (where 1=not met and 5= completely met):

We were also heartened by the response to the statement "The teacher(s) really knew my child and his/her next steps" 

The next Learning Conferences will be taking place in Week 2 of the new term, on Tuesday 31st July and Thursday 2nd August. Note that school will finish at the earlier time of 2pm on both days to allow for Learning Conferences to happen.

If you want your child to stay at school between 2pm and 3pm on one or both of those days, please remember to let Jacky in the office know (office@beckenham.school.nz) so we can arrange supervision.

To book, please go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz or click on this link and use the code z8vr4

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

We have lots happening in the school as the term draws to an end with the Breakfast and PJ day last week to celebrate the shortest day of the year. Huge thanks to the PTA for the great breakfast, and for getting up so early to feed us all! Thank you to everyone who donated cans for the Foodbanks too. So good to be able to show 'We Care' and 'We Make a Difference'.


Please remember that school is CLOSED this coming Monday for a staff ONLY professional development day.

Reports are written and are in the process of being proofread and printed so that they will be ready for children to bring home next Friday, 6th July.

Citizen of the Week

Charlie Edens-Griffiths - Year 6

Charlie, you delight our hub with your witty sense of humour and quick comebacks. You are a great self-manager, always doing the right thing at the right time in the right place. Your writing is inspirational and a pleasure to read! You are always on task and show focus when working independently. Thank you Charlie for being a fabulous role model in Pōhutukawa.

Lily Cummins-Newton - Year 8

Lily, you are an empathetic and considerate individual in our Kauri Whānau. You are acutely aware of those around you, noticing and responding when a kind word is needed to lift the spirits. You are a loyal friend and you encourage others in the face of challenge. You have a positive outlook on life and your humour always brightens our day. 

School Notices

Our neighbours are trying to keep our kids safe - please help them...!

I had a call from one of our neighbours on Sandwich Road this week letting me know that she, and a number of other Sandwich Road residents, always try to reverse into their driveways so that when they leave their properties, they can see children coming along the footpath.
They do sometimes get negative feedback from parent vehicles parked on Sandwich Road when they do this. They asked that our parents understand that they are doing this to try and keep our children safe.

Teacher Only Day

Just a reminder that Monday 2nd July is a teacher only day.  There will be no classes on this day.  BOSCO is open on this day if you wish to book in for care here.  There is a charge for this service.

Lost Property

Once again the lost property bin is overflowing.  Please come and check if any of the items belong to your children.
As usual at the end of this term we will be removing any unnamed items from the lost property bin and donating them to the PTA second hand store for them to sell.

Mud, Sweat & Tears

Kete Badges: 

We have a new scheme in the Intermediate Hub this year, that encourages the children to put our kete values into action. The children have a selection of actions they can undertake that show they are living our school values. By completing these actions and reflecting on what they have done in their kete blog, they are awarded points, which will earn them a kete badge to sew on the sleeve of their school jackets. Badges are very motivating. Actions include, being part of a sports team, contributing to the Treemendous makeover, taking part in the 40 Hour Famine, completing a science badge ... there are at least 30 actions to choose from, as well as the ability to design one’s own challenge. The blogging encourages the children to be reflective about how each action displays a school value; we have been most impressed with the quality of blog posts.



Morvern, a Year 7 student, has designed her own action for ‘We Make a Difference’. You can support her to make a difference by purchasing her reusable bags...

Hello! I'm Morvern from the Kauri Hub and I am making some bags for Plastic Free July. Plastic Free July is trying to not use plastic for all of July, so it would be awesome if you could play your part and not use plastic bags, but reusable fabric ones. I have made these handy bags in two sizes. You can purchase bags for a gold coin, either one large bag or a bundle of 5 snack bags. Pay your money and select your bags from the honesty box in the school office. 100% of the money will go to Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue, who are saving bull breed dogs lives. Thank you for supporting them!

Congratulations 

Four students from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto participated in a belt grading with Cardinals Taekwondo on Sunday 24th June.  These students needed to demonstrate  perseverance and courage as well as a combination of kicks, punches, blocks and stances, at a demanding 4 hour grading.

The following belts have been awarded:
Paolo Reid - yellow belt with green tip
Luigi Reid - yellow belt with green tip
Amelia Reid  - yellow belt with green tip
Weaver McDaid - white belt with yellow tip

This is a significant personal achievement and we are very proud of them.

Congratulations also to the students from Beckenham who auditioned for the Christchurch Schools' Music Festival . Over 550 students applied for the 330 available places so there was plenty of competition.

The following students were successful:
Bonnie Brookland - flute
Eva Cameron - Junior choir
Charlotte Grey - clarinet
Walter McLoughlin - junior choir
Bella Reddecliffe - viola
Emily Rowe - clarinet
Tom Woodhouse - trumpet

Sport News

Canterbury Cross Country

The postponed Canterbury Cross Country event was held at Halswell Quarry last Wednesday on an extremely muddy and slippery course. Five children from Beckenham attended the event after finishing within the top six placegetters at zone level competition. We had some top 20 finishers, an incredible achievement. At this level, the children are racing against the best of the best from all over Canterbury.  All children put up a fantastic effort against the tough competition. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and love of challenge shown by these five children.

Netball Trials

A special mention to Tilly Harris, who has successfully made it through three rounds of trials towards earning a place in the Canterbury Primary Schools Netball Representative Team. Tilly is an exceptionally dedicated sports person and this achievement is testament to hours dedicated to training. We wish her the very best of luck for the final trial being held this Sunday.

Staff Versus Students Basketball

Youth and agility met age and experience last week in a very tense and exceptionally close basketball game between our Year 8 student and a team of staff. In the end, there was only one hoop it with with the final score at 22:20 to the teachers. Thank you students for a fun game!

PTA News

The PTA are holding their annual disco on Friday June 29th.

Come along prepared to dance to DJ Don.

Year 0 - 3, 4:30-5:30 pm

Year 4 - 6, 6:00-7:00 pm

Year 7 - 8, 7:30-8:30 pm

Entry will be by gold coin donation.

Community Notices

Helen O'Grady Drama Academy

3 reasons to join...communication, presentation, confidence.
Join our after school drama classes.
To enrol please contact us by phone or via our website.
0800161131.  www.helenogrady.co.nz

Matariki Mākete