Kauri Whānau Update: Term 3, Week 5

 In this post:

  • Choices & Keeping Ourselves Safe
  • Cybersafety
  • Cantamath
  • Ski Day
  • Duathlon
  • Speech Finalists
  • DigiFest

Choices & Keeping Ourselves Safe

Next week, we will begin teaching Choices and Keeping Ourselves Safe, two programmes from the New Zealand Police. These lessons will be taught by your child's homegroup teacher, with support from Constable Meg Moynihan, our local Police School Community Officer and will continue through to the end of Term 3.

What will children and young people learn?

1. What do I know and what do I need to know about drugs?

Students will identify what they know about drugs, what they don't know about drugs, and what they need to learn to keep themselves and their friends safe from drug misuse.

2. Drugs and the law

Students learn what a drug is, the different classes of drug and the harm caused by illegal drugs. Students explore the consequences of drug misuse and penalties.

3. The good, the bad and the ugly

Students explore the difference between drug use and misuse. They consider safe guidelines for drug use and consider the effects that bad choices about drugs may have on a positive life path.

4. Finding out about abuse

Students need to be aware of what constitutes abuse so that they can recognise if they are being abused and know how to create a safe classroom.

5. Reporting abuse

When abuse is reported, the abuser is stopped and the healing process can begin for the victim. Students learn why it is important to report abuse and to know who, and how, to tell.

What part do parents, caregivers and whānau play?

Parents and whānau are strongly encouraged to support Keeping Ourselves Safe. You can also talk with your child about what they have learnt in Keeping Ourselves Safe and help them with any KOS activities they bring home. Visit the whānau section of the NZ Police Keeping Ourselves Safe website for more information and frequently asked questions.

If you require more information about the Keeping Ourselves Safe programme or wish to discuss the learning, please speak with your child’s homegroup teacher in the first instance.

Cybersafety

During our PB4L sessions through the last couple of weeks we've spent time discussing online safety and how to respond when things go wrong. We have reiterated that with social media, the first and best thing to do is to block and report any objectionable content or accounts. Students and whānau can also make a report to Netsafe via this link who we have found have been very quick to respond to any issues.

Cantamath

The Kauri teachers have loved seeing all the completed Cantamath projects, and thank you to all the whānau who came by to see this year's exhibition. We spent a good while going through them all to make sure we were putting the best ones forward as finalists. If you're interested in viewing the finalists, they are on display at Wolfbrook Arena (formerly Christchurch Arena) on Wednesday 23rd August, from 9.00am to 8.30pm. Please note that no students are permitted at the Wolfbrook Arena on the Tuesday afternoon while judging takes place.

The Cantamath Team competition will take place on Wednesday afternoon at the Wolfbrook Arena. Good luck to our Year 7 and Year 8 teams!

Ski Day

Our trip to Mount Hutt is rapidly approaching, and this week as part of our preparations we shared this social story with students. Please make sure you go through it at home with the children, especially as some may have been away.

Duathlon

Helpers are still needed to make sure this event can go ahead. Please contact Jenny is you are able to support on afternoon of Wednesday, August 23rd.

Speech Presentations and Finalists

This week students have been presenting their persuasive speeches to teachers and peers. The Kauri Hub Final will take place on Thursday August 24th from 9.15am in the school hall, and parents are welcome to attend. After deliberating and discussing at length, the following finalists were selected:

Year 7: Bobby, Finn, Harriet, Ollie, Alex Mu.
Year 8: Christopher, Cian, Dan, Ella C, Ella T, Leo, Scarlett

We understand that some students might find the prospect of presenting their speech in this context particularly daunting, and encourage them to speak with their homegroup teacher if this is the case.

DigiFest

On Tuesday last week, three groups of four students headed to St Mark's School to participate in a learning experience which combined Aotearoa New Zealand Histories with Digital Technologies. Students were taught about the innovations of Ruapekapeka Pa, a gunfighter Pa from the musket wars. As part of this, they took a virtual tour of the site before taking on the challenge of planning and creating their own version using Minecraft Education Edition.


Kauri Whānau Update: Term 3, Week 3

In this post:

  • Tech expectations
  • Ski Google Form
  • Koru Games
  • Cantamath projects
  • Beckamath
  • Calendar Art

Tech on Tuesday

We've noticed that recently students are arriving late on Tuesday mornings. In order to get to Christchurch South Intermediate on time for Technology, students need to be at school for the roll at 8.30am exactly. Those that arrive late risk not being marked present, or may miss the bus entirely. As the Kauri teachers are on classroom release, they are not available to supervise any students who are late to school. Students will be given work to do and will be supervised either in the office or in another hub for the morning.

Ski Day

Thanks to all whānau who have filled in the google form for Ski Day. If you have not yet, please do so as soon as possible so we can organise gear for any students who may need it. You can find the google form here.

Koru Games

Jenny is looking for volunteers to take the Hockey team on Wednesday September 20th at Koru Games. If you are willing and able to help out, please email her.

Cantamath Projects

Thank you to all students and whānau that brought in their Cantamath projects - they all look fantastic. We will still be accepting submissions on Monday, so don't panic if you were away or are still hurriedly finishing things off! 

Beckamath

Last week we held our annual Beckamath competition. Students worked in teams of four to answer problem solving maths questions the fastest. It was an excellent afternoon of competitive maths and running.

Many thanks to Nicky for organising the questions, Nick for running the technology, and the Year 6 students who did an excellent job as markers.


Calendar Art

There are some amazing works of art that have been produced over the last three weeks. Ending our days with quiet art time has been a lovely way to start the term!





Kauri Whānau Update: Term 3, Week 1

Welcome back! We hope you have all had a restful break, and that the first week back hasn't been too much like hard work for the tamariki. We've enjoyed reconnecting and hearing what great things they've been up to over the break.

In this post:

  • Jenny Returns
  • Cantamath Reminder
  • Speeches
  • Koru Games
  • Pyjama Day
  • Bridie surname update
  • Writing extension opportunities

Jenny Returns

This week we welcomed Jenny back to the Kauri Hub. Jenny has been suitably refreshed from her time away, and has had a great first week reconnecting with the Year 8s and meeting the Year 7s.

Cantamath Reminder

By now, children should be underway with their project. Please chat with your child to see where they're at, and give them a gentle nudge if they haven't started yet.

If they're still struggling to come up with ideas, please remind them about the example slideshow on the Kauri Hub google classroom and chat through the categories which can be seen on the notice that went home in paper copy and via Hero.

Please also feel free to email homeroom teachers by Monday so we can catch up with them as well.

Speeches

We are currently teaching persuasive writing in Literacy and  working towards presenting speeches in Week 5.

Some students will be in their element, while other may find the prospect of speaking in front of their peers less appealing. Please check in and see how your child is feeling and encourage them to discuss with their Homeroom or Literacy teacher if they have any worries. We want to ensure that all students feel successful and are appropriately challenged, however this may look.

Koru Games

Jenny is seeking enthusiastic parents to support and/or coach for Koru Games on the 19th to 21st of September. The sports we hope to enter are Touch Rugby, Ki O Rahi, Basketball, Hockey, and Ultimate Frisbee. Please email her if you are able to take part, or if you know someone who might be interested.

Pyjama Day

It was amazing to see the range of designs possible on an oodie on Wednesday. Many of the students were so comfortable in their learning, that maybe should consider a oodie uniform option! We had a really positive feedback from the City Mission when our student leaders took in the donation of cans - thank you to everyone that contributed towards this.


Bridie Surname Update

Please note that Bridie's email address has been updated to reflect her new married name. Please get in contact with her via bridie.harris@beckenham.school.nz

Writing Extension Opportunities

Write On School for Young Writers is offering the following opportunities in Term 3:

  • Antarctica VR + Real Writing:  August 4th in Rangiora
  • Nth Power Poetry:  August 11th in Rolleston
  • Songwriting: August 18th at Tūranga in Christchurch
  • Super Senses: Sept 1 at Tūranga in Christchurch
  • Write for the Ears podcasting: Sept 8 in Rangiora
  • From Beginning to End: Sept 15th in Rolleston

You can find out more via their website.


Kauri Whānau Update: Term 2, Week 10

 In this post:

  • Farewell Sarah
  • Cantamath project
  • Basketball South Zones
  • Wheelchair Rugby (video)
  • Term 2 highlights video

Farewell Sarah

We've been incredibly lucky to have Sarah teaching in our hub over the first two terms of this year. Thank you to all the students who wrote kind messages in the card we presented as a hub, and thank you to Te Whānau Mahitahi for "Sarah-nading" her in our farewell hui with a waiata and a haka. While we will miss her, we know she won't far as she is joining Koru and starting a new entrants class next term.

We are also excited to welcome back Jenny and hear about her adventures over the first half of this year!

Cantamath

Next term, children will be given three weeks to complete a maths project, and while we will help with ideas if needed, children will need to complete the project at home. Please have a look through this slideshow to learn more. We will kick into this next term, but some students may be keen to get ahead over the break.

Basketball South Zones

Two Year 7 and 8 teams recently showcased their skills at the Christchurch South Zone Basketball tournament on Monday. Despite facing formidable competition from schools such as Hillview, St Martins, Ōpāwaho, and Rudolf Steiner, our girls and boys teams demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, securing third place in the tournament. The students truly embodied the spirit of 'We Love Challenge,' displaying fair play and enthusiasm throughout the day. Thank you to Ibnu and the parents who joined us in cheering on our teams.






Wheelchair Rugby

Nicky's Inquiry group has been looking at innovations for people with disabilities. To culminate our learning, we got in 12 wheelchairs for two days of wheelchair rugby for all the students. This immersive wheelchair experience fostered an incredible blend of education and enjoyment. The students embraced the challenges and discoveries that came with navigating the world from a different vantage point. This was a fantastic experience for everyone (even the staff!). It was great to witness the empathy and understanding they developed. A huge thanks to Nicky for organising this amazing experience.



Term 2 Highlights Video





Kauri Whānau Update: Term 2, Week 9

In this post:

  • Ski Day
  • 40 Hour Challenge
  • Wheelchairs next week
  • Matariki photos
  • Innovation inquiry trip
  • Ngarimu Video Competition
  • NOTE-ABLE Children's Online Instrumental Music Competition

Ski Day

Helpers for our Ski Day in Term 3 are still needed. Please fill out this Google Form if you are able and willing.

40 Hour Challenge

Money and booklets (if students have them) are needed as soon as possible. Please hand them in to the office.

Wheelchairs

On Wednesday and Thursday next week, as part of our learning around innovation we will have a trailer-load of rugby wheelchairs coming to school for children to learn about this sport through maneuvering the chair and actively playing the game. Each homegroup will have a timeslot throughout one of the days to participate. Many thanks to Nicky for organising this fantastic opportunity!

Innovation Inquiry Trip

Nicky's inquiry group headed to the Margaret Mahy Playground on Wednesday, armed with universal design checklists, blindfolds and a couple of wheelchairs to check out the playground equipment. We discovered how tricky bark chips are for wheelchair users and started thinking about modifications that could be done to make some equipment more inclusive. That said, a lot of the equipment got very high ratings on our checklists!




Matariki Evening

On Wednesday evening, we gathered as a school to celebrate Matariki. Te Whanau Mahitahi opened the event with an outstanding performance, and the hubs were filled with opportunities engage in learning around what Matariki is as well as why and how we celebrate it.




Ngarimu Video Competition

The Ngarimu Video Competition for ākonga Māori in Year 7–13 is now open for submissions.
This competition is funded by the Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarship Fund Board for the purpose of providing ākonga with an opportunity to practise storytelling and research, and to learn about the history of the 28th (Māori) Battalion.

Ākonga can submit a three-to-five-minute video in English and/or te reo Māori, and be in to win one of six prizes for themselves and their school or kura.

Entries for the competition close on Friday 8 September 2023.

More information about the competition and last year’s winners can be found on our website.
If you have any pātai, please email ngarimu.scholarship@education.govt.nz.

NOTE-ABLE Children's Online Instrumental Music Competition

NOTE-ABLE was launched in 2020 by Nelson musician and music teacher Joel Bolton with the main goals of showcasing New Zealand’s talented young instrumentalists and inspiring  children everywhere to take up a musical instrument. Find out more here.