Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

New Bike storage area

If your children bring bikes or scooters to school, you will be aware that we have created a new bike stand on the Sandwich Road side of the old verandah block. This area will be our permanent new home for the bikes and will be locked during the school day. We plan to install security cameras when the new cabling has been installed. We are very grateful to one of our parents, Hamish Denny (Drainworkz), for carrying out the the groundwork for this area and donating all of the labour costs. We have temporary fencing in place at the moment, and plan to put permanent, pool-style fencing along this boundary when the fencing for the other part of that area is done. The PTA are currently fundraising for this and other landscaping work which will need doing as the building project progresses.

Learning Conferences

If you have not yet booked your learning conference for next week, this weekend is your last chance to do this. Please go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and use the code b5qec

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT SCHOOL WILL CLOSE AT 2PM ON TUESDAY AND THURSDAY FOR LEARNING CONFERENCES.

 If you are not able to collect your child at the earlier time of 2pm, and would like them to be supervised at school until 3pm, please email or call Jacky in the office. Children will be supervised in the staffroom which is currently in Room 13 (behind the caretaker's garage).
If your child is booked for BOSCO on Tuesday or Thursday, they will be able to go to BOSCO at 2pm.

Tuesday Afternoon Band rehearsal at Hillview Christian School:
The bus from Champion St will return all of the Year 5-8 children to school at 2pm on both Tuesday and Thursday.
If your child has band practice on Tuesday at Hillview Christian School, you will need to arrange for them to get to Hillview for the band practice.

Ngā mihi
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Citizens of the Week

Anekin Monks - Year 8

Anekin, you are a compassionate, supportive member of the Kauri whānau. You display a desire to take on challenges with determination, while encouraging others to do the same. Your warm smile and caring nature makes our hub a much happier place to be. You approach your learning with an open mind and strive to grow. Anekin, continue looking for opportunities to share your ideas and to lead by example. Tino pai Anekin!

Stella Gillman - Year 3

Stella is the best friend and classmate anyone could wish for . You demonstrate our school value, 'We Care' by encouraging those around you to achieve their best and you are  incredibly supportive of others both in and out of the hub. You are an amazing example of what it means to be a successful self-manager.  You approach every learning opportunity with a fantastic attitude. You always strive to produce top quality work by putting your heart and soul into all you do and as a result are a strong role model for others. We just love having you at Beckenham School, Stella!

Sharing our Learning

Hub 20

Kia ora Koutou
We in Hub 20 are very lucky to be a part of two schools.  So not only do we get to be a part of the fabulous Beckenham School, but we are also a part of Ferndale School in Merivale.



Each term we get together with all of Ferndale School to participate in a school wide activity. Through this we get to build our friendships and relationships with our Ferndale peers in a safe and familiar environment.  Last term we held a school picnic at our site in Merivale.  Not only did we share lunch with our Ferndale friends, but there were extra activities that we could join in.  There were games like Giant Jenga, we had sensory activities like bubbles, and the main attraction was all kinds of different bikes.  We loved having the bikes at our Ferndale School.  There were so many different ones to choose from - from trikes, to hand pedaling, and even bikes where our students who use wheelchairs could sit in and enjoy the experience.  Here are some of our students enjoying the bikes.

School Notices

Reminder - Please do not drop children at school before 8:30am

Stationery and Uniform Items

Please note that we are no longer going to be putting stationery or uniform items (hats/mouthguards) onto your accounts. These items need to be paid for at the time of purchase. We now have eftpos in the office for your convenience.
If the cost of uniform or stationery is causing your family hardship, please contact our new finance officer - Vicki Renwick - by emailing accounts@beckenham.school.nz  A local member of our community has donated some money to set up a hardship fund, to support families with the purchase of uniform and stationery items.

FREE Parent Workshop: Tips for supporting Children with Anxiety, Wed 7th June 7:00-8:30pm

• Does your child suffer from anxiety?
• Do you want to know more about anxiety?
• Dow you want to find out more about how anxiety looks in children?
• Do you want to find new ways to help your child?

Canterbury District Health School Based Team are excited to present a workshop offering strategies for parents who want to help their child who is struggling with anxiety.
Time: Wednesday 7th June, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Venue: Beckenham School in the staffroom (Room 13 behind the garage).
Please contact the office or Michelle Maule (Deputy Principal) to book a space; office@beckenham.school.nz or deputy.principal@beckenham.school.nz

J-Rock fundraising

Year 7 & 8 will be selling jelly and ice-cream next week, week 2, to raise money for J-Rock. For Year 1 - 4, purchase tickets, $2, by the flagpole on Wednesday morning. For Year 5-8, bring your $2 on Thursday. Many thanks for your support. This yummy treat will be served up at lunchtime.

Safety Notice from NZ Police

We were contacted today by our community constable who asked us to remind families to talk to children about safety when walking to and from school, and around the community. Children are always encouraged to walk in pairs or groups and report any suspicious behaviour from strangers to parents who should report this to the police.

Sports News

Cross Country

Our Year 5 - 8 school cross country event is taking place next week on Friday the 12th of May. The race will be held at Beckenham Park to enable more whānau to join us and cheer the children on as they run. We would also love to hear from anyone who would be available and willing to marshal on the day. Please email Jenny jenny.diggle@beckenham.school.nz is you are interested. Thank you.

House Face Painting for Cross Country!

For a gold coin, the PTA will be providing house colour face-painting at lunchtime next Friday for the whole school so that everyone can get involved in supporting our Y5-8 cross-country runners!
Bring your $1 to the flagpole before school to get in on the fun!

PTA News

Your PTA have been working really hard trying to come up with ideas for new and exciting events and community fundraisers. As always we would love to hear any of your ideas to help us build upon our current calendar of fundraising events for the year.

The physical environment at school is forever changing with our exciting rebuild and we want to help make it easier for you to see just how hard everyone including yourselves is working and helping towards our fundraising efforts. Early next week you'll see another exciting change at the entrances to the school. Keep an eye out for our amazing looking fundraising thermometers designed to show you how our fund for outdoor spaces at school are coming along. These have generously been sponsored by Lockwood Homes, Bumblebees & Macs Swim School and Blue Summit Construction. We can't wait to see that white thermometer continue to red throughout the year!

Next week we get to support our senior school students as they compete in their Cross Country. If your child would like to have their face painted to support the runners from their house, the PTA  will be doing face painting - war paint style... just bring along $1 to the flagpole next Friday (12th) morning and the facepainting will happen at lunchtime so they can cheer their housemates across the finish line.

For more exciting news and updates for all events  follow the Beckenham PTA Facebook page and keep checking the notice board at the entrance on Sandwich Road…. with a fresh coat of paint we’re hoping this will be more noticeable from next week also.

BOSCO NEWS

AGM 

To parents/caregivers of BOSCO.

The BOSCO 2017 AGM is being held on Monday 8th May 2017 at 5.30pm in the BOSCO Room.

A small supper will be provided as well as dinner and childcare in the other room for anyone requiring care during this time.

Did you know that BOSCO is a not-for-profit organisation and we are run by parents/caregivers of both current and past families?  These parents/caregivers meet once a month (childcare and supper is always provided if required) to have their say in how BOSCO is run and to hear how the programmes have been running over the past month and to focus on the future of all our programmes.

We are looking for new members as few of our current members are moving on.  If you think you would be interested in joining the committee and having your say on how BOSCO is run please contact Yvette for further information.

For catering purposes and to ensure sufficient staffing is available for childcare please RSVP to Yvette if you are able to attend our AGM to hear our financial and programme reports from 2016.

Regards

Yvette Cleall
Manager, BOSCO Incorporated

Community Notices

Cashmere High School Open Day

On Tuesday 23rd May 2017 from 4pm until 6.30pm Cashmere High School will be “open” for all
prospective students and parents.
The Principal, Mark Wilson, will address visitors in the school’s Performing Arts Centre (PAC) at 4pm and again at 5pm. Guided school tours will then be available at 4.30pm and 5.30pm.
The school’s prospectus, enrolment and scholarship forms are available from the school or from the
website: www.cashmere.school.nz
Closing date for Year 9 enrolments for 2018 is Friday 28th July 2017. It is vital that all out-of- zone
applications are received prior to this date, as there will be very limited places available and as a
result any late enrolments will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list.

For further information please phone the school office on 332 9129.

Act2 Drama Group

Audition Call: Ages 5 and up and for all abilities.
The Kidsfest production of the Jungle Book.
Audition date: Sun 14th May, St Albans Community Centre, 1047 Colombo St.  Performance dates: 16-22 July 2017.  Contact Fay on 0210431108 to book an audition.

The Dyspraxia Support Group 

...holds fun groups for children aged between 5 to 13 years of age on Saturday afternoons during term time.  The groups participate in a programme put together and delivered by a team of enthusiastic supervisors.
If you have a child or know a child with Developmental Dyspraxia/DCD who would be interested in attending, please contact Sue on 358 3249 or email dyspraxia.centre@xtra.co.nz.

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Nathan will explore the needs that relate to the development of social, emotional skills, which as well as developing resilience, play a crucial role in the subsequent development of cognitive skills such as literacy. Nathan Wallis is a father of three & foster parent with a professional background in child counselling, teaching and social service management. Until recently he lectured in Human Development at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand and was also a board member and senior trainer with the national body responsible for the dissemination of neuroscientific research to professionals. Nathan is a regular on Radio and Television shows in New Zealand, sharing his expertise on child development.

Teacher Only Day confirmed for Term 2:

We are able to confirm that Monday 1st May will be a TEACHER ONLY DAY. This means that Term 2 will start on Tuesday 2nd May. Please note this in your diaries.

Congratulations!

Some days I get an unexpected email in my inbox that just makes me smile and feel incredibly proud of our students and the generous hearts that they have. This week, I received this email:
"Just wanted to pass on a huge thank you from the team here at Ronald McDonald House South Island to your students, in particular Charlotte and Madeline who recently held a bake sale to raise money for our families." - Phillipa Webb - Marketing and Communications Advisor - Ronald McDonald House.

Mufti Day

Important Dates

Citizen of the Week

Fynn Skelton Year 7

Fynn, you have a big heart and always show that you care. You are very aware of when your peers need support and always display empathy and understanding. 'We love challenge' is a value that you live by. Fynn, you grab hold of opportunities, displaying confidence and growing resilience. 

Sharing our Learning

Pohutukawa Team

We have had a fabulous start to the year in Te Whanau o Pohutukawa. Our inquiry focus is the concept of ‘Identity’. This has allowed many opportunities for us to get to know each other, discover the ways in which we are unique, and the commonalities that we share. During writing, we have been expressing our identity through biographical poems. Here are some examples:


The Year 7 & 8 students have spent this week on Camp at Wainui in the Akaroa Harbour. They have had amazing weather, and challenged themselves to push beyond their comfort zones, supporting one another along the way.
You can read about their adventures on the Kauri Blog...

School Notices

ELGREGOE (Years 0-4)

This year Elgregoe is coming to visit our Year 0-4 children on Monday 20 March. Elgregoe will be focusing on the theme of "YOU be the HERO" which teaches students they can be the solution to bullying.

A hero shows HONESTY, has EMPATHY, is RESPECTFUL, is RESILIENT and looks for OPPORTUNITIES to make a difference.

This show supports the messages we are already giving students to create a positive and bully free environment. Amazing new illusions and puppets, live parrots, and incredible props combine to
deliver a powerful presentation that does make a difference.

The cost to the school for bringing this 1 hour presentation in is $4:00 per child, a request for your contribution for this will be put on your next account.

University of Canterbury Kiwi Competitions (Years 5-8)

The University of Canterbury is offering our Year 5-8 children the opportunity to participate in the Great Kiwi English, Mathematics and Science competitions. These competitions will be taking place annually and are designed by New Zealand teachers for New Zealand students based on the New Zealand curriculum.

The competitions are administered by the centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) which is a not-for-profit Centre at the University of Canterbury. The competitions are open to all Year 5-10 students in English, Mathematics and Science. Students can enter in one or more subjects. It provides teachers, parents and students an independent, comprehensive record of a student's performance.  Your child’s teacher will supervise the online tests which will take place in the last 2 weeks of Term 2 at school.

Certificates will be sent to all participating students and prizes awarded to top students. These will be supplied by the University of Canterbury. For further information, please consult the CEM website www.cem.canterbury.ac.nz
We have decided to offer  The Kiwi Competitions now at Beckenham School, in place of the  ICAS competitions (which are from the University of New South Wales) which we have participated in the past.

Please click on this link to complete the registration details for your child. Alternatively forms are at the Beckenham and Champion St offices, and teachers will also have a handful of paper copies.
Payment for these competition fees, $8.50 per subject, will need to be paid in full by the last day of Term 1 (Thursday 13 April). You can pay with eftpos at the Beckenham site office or online school's bank account (ASB 12-3148-0131641-000) with the reference ‘KiwiCom’  and child’s name as the code.

Competitions will take place between 26 June-7 July.

Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival

Our best musicians need to be part of this!
This is the opportunity for singers and instrumentalists to achieve at the highest level of performance and to excel in their chosen area of artistic endeavour.
If you are interested place an application online – it really is very simple.  Go to the festival website www.musicfestival.school.nz where all the information and application form is available.  There is information on the website that will answer every question of a parent or potential participant.
Please note that applications close on April 13th (last day of Term 1)
To complete your application, you will need to use our Beckenham School code which is pride.

Pohutukawa "Pitch Perfect" Choir

It has been fabulous to have so many Year 5 and 6 students interested in joining choir this year. We will be starting the year with a pop music focus. Once the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival song books are released, we will spend our time learning the songs and perfecting our singing for this. The festival runs from the 25th to 27th October. Students will have the opportunity to perform alongside around 1000 other other children. The CSM Festival is a wonderful opportunity for our children to develop their musical talents and to contribute towards an event that is an institution in Canterbury. There are bound to be many parents that have fond childhood memories of participating in this festival themselves! The theme for this year is ‘Whatever the Weather’.
If your child is keen to be in the choir, they will be bringing home a letter next week outlining our goals and including some information and dates for the Music Festival. If you support them being in the choir, please sign and return the form, and ensure that they understand that they are committing to being in the choir through to the Music Festival in Term 4.
Katie Chapman

Parking and Safety on Sandwich Road

It is drawn to our attention almost every day that a number of people are parking on the broken yellow lines adjacent to the pedestrian crossing at our front entrance on Sandwich Road. 

Parking close to the crossing puts the children who are using the crossing at great risk - they are less visible to oncoming traffic, and they need to step out onto the crossing before they can see traffic that is coming.

We rely on every member of our community to follow the road rules and keep all of our children safe. Please allow a little extra time in the morning to park at a safe distance from the crossing and walk.

Staff Profile

Community Notices

WINTER FOOTBALL SEASON – HALSWELL UNITED AFC

Online registrations are OPEN. For ALL players aged 4 to 70+
The season starts 1st April to end of August (early bird fees before end of March).
First Kicks 4-6 years ($60), Fun Football 7-8 years ($100), 9th/12th Grades ($130) for the season.
Senior Men/Women – Casual Kick arounds Wednesdays, 6.30pm (Halswell Domain).
For more information please visit our website at: www.hawkfootball.org.nz/register
Email: Sam Bunn: huafcGM@gmail.com for information
OPEN DAY (gain information) - Halswell Outdoor Pools, Sun 12th March, 5pm-7pm

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

This week saw our students at both sites acknowledging the 6th anniversary of the Christchurch Earthquakes by again creating a river of chalk flowers and messages of hope on the footpath at Sandwich St and at Hills Road in Edgeware.
We realise that many of our younger children don't have strong memories of the earthquakes, which isn't a bad thing, and we focus on the positive aspects that being a community that works together and whose members support one another.




There has been lots of action on the building site for the West Hub this week as we have seen the wall and roof panels trucked in and then each panel craned into place. The wind provided some challenges but the week's work has been achieved to plan. Next week the iron will go onto the roof.

Change to newsletter frequency

Citizen of the Week

Keira Ryder - Year 2

Keira - you are growing so much as a leader in our hub. You encourage and support your peers in the whole class and small groups. You are putting 110% effort into all learning - it is wonderful to see your passion!  You are respectful to all those around you and make such responsible choices, often helping with tasks before you are asked. Your interest in the environment and the care you show for our world is inspiring. Thank you for all the energy you bring to our hub and school!

Staff Profile

Caitlyn Downing

Kia ora! I am in my third year teaching at Beckenham and my first year teaching in the year one and two team, Koru. I am originally from Greymouth where I grew up with my family swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking, basically anything and everything outdoorsy. This is still a huge part of my life. I have now lived in Christchurch for seven years with my boyfriend, Jake, who is also a West Coaster. We love spending our weekends watching movies and hitting up the new Adventure Bike Park.

Student Council - Mufti Day - 7 March

School Notices

Good luck to all our competitors who are getting out there and giving it their best in this weekends Weetbix Tryathlon.  We're so proud of you all for giving it a go.  HAVE FUN

Celebrating Success:

Luke Menzies

Sports Notices

Community Notices

TimberNook provides innovative nature-based programmes for children designed to foster creativity, imagination & play in the great outdoors.
TimberNook programmes are now offered locally! Amazing outdoor experiences in natural settings –Cracroft Guide Centre (151 Cashmere Road). Limited places for Tiny Ones preschool playgroups, Going Wild weekend club, a range of school holiday programmes, special events & birthday parties. To view programmes visit http://www.timbernook.com or contact Kim via email Kim.Tenebaum@timbernook.com, 027 9340409, fb TimberNook Christchurch NZ South
TimberNook doesn’t entertain – we empower!

Netball

Christchurch Netball Centre are running an ANZ futureFERNS  FUN Have A Go Day for all children in Years 1-6.
This event is free and showcases the ANZ futureFERNS programmes for Years 1-2, Years 3-4 and Years 5-6.
Parents, caregivers and potential coaches welcome.
Information about the programmes will be available as well as information about clubs in Christchurch and ways you can be involved in Junior Netball.
To register simply follow the link below:
http://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/50158

Child, Youth and Family 

Child, Youth and Family are looking for people, in and around the Hornby area, who are interested in making a difference in the life of a vulnerable young person.
James is a friendly teen with a great sense of humour.  James is mad about cars and would like to be a mechanic when he grows up.
James is a member of the Christchurch City BMX club and by all accounts is quite good and will be competing at competition level.  He is also involved in his local cricket club and attends youth group weekly.  He enjoys playing video games - X-Box and PSP, watching and playing sport, and listening to music.  James takes pride in his room, which is remarkably clean and likes to help with chores around the house.
James would do really well in the care of a local couple who have experience with young people.  He needs someone, who can build his self-esteem, offer opportunities and experiences while at the same time providing consistent and clear boundaries.
Like most teens James behaviour can be challenging, at times, particularly when he is anxious or unclear about what is happening. James needs someone with patience, to help him learn positive behaviours and help to manage challenges positively.
With your support and care James will have every opportunity to develop positively and achieve his full potential.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please call us to discuss fostering a young person and the support package we can offer you. Call Karina Langley for a chat on 03 961 4130 or email karina.langley002@cyf.govt.nz or call toll free on 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459).

Orchestral Extravaganza:

Wed 22 Mar, 7:30pm, Christ's College Assembly Hall.  Free admission.  No bookings required.  Put on by orchestras from Rangi Ruru, Christ's College and St Margaret's College.

Holi Festival

Revel Events and Christchurch Multicultural Council are excited to bring Holi back to Christchurch on Saturday 4th March. We would like to invite you to join in the fun from 11am - 3pm at 221 Gloucester Street, opposite Latimer Square.
This year Holi is all about bringing life, colour and fun to our central city. Cultural fusion dance performances will showcase the many different cultures in our community joining together in celebration!
Holi is a day to forget worries and connect with family and friends. Come along and throw colors, dance, and enjoy DJs, traditional Indian games, cultural performances and festive Holi delicacies. We would enjoy seeing your school there. If you’re interested, the entry to this event is free, colors will be available to purchase $5 for 2 packets. Please see the event here https://www.facebook.com/events/583137945217592/

Southern Cross Irish dance:

Beginner Classes
1ST LESSON FREE
Saturdays 10am-11am (from 4th March 2017 onwards) St Mary’s Church Hall329 Halswell Rd, Halswell
Tuesdays 4pm-5pm (from 28th Feb 2017 onwards) Christchurch Irish Society Hall 29 Domain Tce, Spreydon.
to book, contact Shannon & Argene on 0220403109, southerncrossirishdance@gmail.com
 Great for kids to gain confidence, co-ordination and rhythm, SouthernCrossIrishDance.com

Kia ora whānau

Today our thoughts continue to be with the firefighters and teams who are supporting them. 

Our focus at school has been to reassure our children of their safety and, once again, remind them that school is a safe place and we will look after one another here.

Before lunch we were made aware of the following health warning from the CDHB.

Based on that information, we made the decision to keep the children on the Beckenham site indoors at lunchtime. Champion St was less impacted and they continued on as normal.

We were advised at 1:55pm that the Champion St site had no power and we are aware that power has gone out in other parts of the city. Power was back on again by 2:25pm. Our Beckenham site has had continuous power.

Lack of power, particularly in summer, is not a reason we would usually close the school so we are continuing on as normal.

Our amazing PTA have contacted the fire service, and have posted the following message on the Beckenham School PTA facebook page today:

BOSCO will be carrying on as normal - and will keep the children indoors, using both the BOSCO rooms and the hall. If you need to contact BOSCO, pls call Yvette on 027 645 6632

Kind regards

Sandy and the Team