Category Archives: Kowhai

Kōwhai News Term 1 Week 6

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Kia ora e te whānau,

Wow, we can't believe how quickly Term 1 is going! Our tamariki have settled in beautifully to the Kōwhai routines, and have been showing our school kete values throughout the day.

Maths and Literacy Groups

Our maths and literacy groups have been established, and our tamariki are now settling into these routines and are building momentum in their learning.  

For literacy, if your child is still on the Structured Literacy programme, they will be taking one book home every week to practise reading at home. Once your child has completed the Structured Literacy programme, home learning will consist of reading a chapter book or non-fiction book of their own choice each night. Some students may bring home a journal story or article that they have read in class. All students will be visiting the library each week. The days for each group are as follows:

  • Tuesday: Jordan and Gayle's literacy groups
  • Wednesday: Georgia and Anna's literacy groups
For writing, our tamariki have had the awesome opportunity to write to a penpal from a different school across Aotearoa New Zealand. The focus of these letters was to tell their penpal some information about themselves, as well as about their experience of Walk or Wheel to School Week, which took place last week. We are very excited to receive some letters back! For the rest of this term, we will be focusing on recount writing. 

For maths, we have spent the first few weeks looking at geometry and focusing on 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes and their different attributes, and looking at different types of angles that we may find within shapes. For the rest of this term, we will be focusing on number structure and operations, looking at numbers up to 1,000 and 10,000, as well as looking into addition and subtraction. Problem-solving is also completed at least once a week, opening our tamariki up to open-ended and unfamiliar questions. We have been beginning with some different rapid routines. These include activities like Notice, Think, Wonder, MoveNProve, Revisit and Retain, Which One Doesn't Belong, and some Esti-Mysteries. Have a go at this question below which was a part of our programme this week:


Scooter Skills

Next week, on Thursday 19th March, we will be having our Scooter Skills sessions. This is run by a representative from the Christchurch City Council, and will involve a 45-minute session with groups of 20 tamariki at a time. 
Thank you to all the families who are willing to lend a scooter for the day. We are extremely appreciative! 
A reminder for all whānau that tamariki will need to bring their own helmet on Thursday. Please make sure this is named. What an exciting event!



Kapa Haka Performance

Today our whole hub performed at our celebration assembly. Our tamariki did a fantastic job, and showed our school kete value 'We Love Challenge' by being brave and getting up the front of the whole school to pull off a magnificent performance. Ka pai tō mahi, tamariki!

Recorder Lessons Opportunity

On Thursday morning, Celia, from the Christchurch School of Music, came out to demonstrate the recorder to our Year 3s and 4s. They are offering small in-school group lessons for $97.50 a term starting in Term 2. If your child has expressed an interest please go ahead and enrol using this link: csm.org.nz/enrol-online. Someone will be in touch with you to organise lessons. They will take place on a Wednesday morning, and the children will be in small groups of 4 for a 20-minute lesson.
 
It is important for the children to have a good quality recorder so, if you don’t have a good one at home already, please purchase a Yamaha descant from Music Works at 569 Colombo St. They are currently on special at $14.95.
 
This is a great opportunity to get your child started on their musical journey and the recorder leads nicely into the band programme offered at Years 5-8.



Nut Free Zone

A reminder to all that our hub is completely nut free. This includes any spreads in sandwiches that contain nut products (nutella, peanut butter), any muesli bars containing nuts, slices or biscuits with nuts in them, and any other products that might make their way into lunch boxes that have traces of nuts within them. If you are unsure, please read the back of packets to double check the ingredients. Thank you for your support with this. 


Online Safety: Gaming

Eighty percent of tamariki in New Zealand aged 8-17 have played games online. Games can have many benefits: entertainment, social opportunities, coordination development, problem-solving and multitasking skills. But, most of all, gaming is popular because it’s fun. 


But games can be tough for parents and whānau to navigate. How much gaming is too much? How do I make sure my tamariki aren’t seeing inappropriate content or chatting in-game with strangers?


Today we’re sharing Netsafe’s Online Gaming Whānau Toolkit so you have all the resources you need to keep your kids safe. 


YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/rPN_ev1RSDQ

We hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 


Ngā mihi nui,

The Kōwhai team


anna.reid@beckenham.school.nz

georgia.mckenna@beckenham.school.nz

gayle.mcnaughton@beckenham.school.nz

jordan.pollock@beckenham.school.nz

Kōwhai News Term 1 Week 4

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Kia ora e te whānau,

Here is the latest news from the Kōwhai team!


School Uniform


Thank you for ensuring that your children are wearing the correct school uniform to school each day. Here is the link to the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto uniform guideline. There is an extensive range of reasonably priced second-hand uniform items available through our School PTA Uniform Shop. Please contact the school office for current opening hours.


A reminder that all children are to bring their sunhats to school each day. We really appreciate your support. As you know, staying sun smart is important. Any children who forget their hats will need to remain under the hall verandah during break times, with duty teachers supporting and reminding students as needed.


Kapa Haka Performance

The Kōwhai hub will be performing kapa haka at our celebration assembly on Friday 13th March. If you would like to see your child/children perform, assembly will be in the hall at 10am.


Top Team

What a fantastic afternoon we had! It was wonderful to see so much energy at Top Team. The true highlight was seeing our school kete values in action. Despite a few splashes and some soggy uniforms, our tamariki were amazing, navigating obstacles, displaying teamwork and cheering each other on with kindness.

Events like this simply wouldn't be possible without our community. A huge thank you to our wonderful parent helpers. Your time and energy ensured everything ran smoothly, and we are so grateful for your ongoing support of our tamariki. Nau mai te whero - We Love Challenge! 

Here are some photos from the day.

Maths & Literacy Groups


We are now full steam ahead with learning in the Kòwhai hub! This week we started learning in our new maths groups for the year. Next week, we will be starting our literacy groups. 


Please be aware that only the children working on the structured literacy programme will be bringing a book home from school to read each week. We continue to encourage all children to read at home and to make use of the school and public libraries to find new and interesting books to read.


Scooter Opportunity


As you will remember, on Thursday 19th March, a representative from the Christchurch City Council will be visiting our school to run a Scooter Skills programme throughout the day. Tamariki will participate in 45-minute sessions in groups of 20. As we are required to supply our own scooters, and it would be impractical to have 100 scooters at school on the day.


We are kindly asking if five more families would be willing to lend a scooter for the day. All scooters would be returned at the end of the day. Thank you to the families who have already volunteered their scooters. If you are able to help, please let your child’s homegroup teacher know. All children need to bring a helmet for the scooter skills day.


Staying Safe Online

As our tamariki spend more time online, it’s important parents and whānau help them

stay safe. Now is a great time to talk to them about how we use the internet and digital

technology.


Netsafe has created an Online Safety Parent Toolkit so parents, families and whānau have

all the information they need to talk about online safety.


If you or anyone in your whānau needs support, you can contact Netsafe.

Have a great weekend!


The Kōwhai Team

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto


 

Kōwhai News Term 1 Week 2

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Kia ora e te whānau,

Welcome to our 2026 blog! We have had a fantastic start to the year in the Kōwhai hub. Everyone is settling in well and becoming familiar with new routines in our new learning space. This year, each child has their own cubby for bags, and after a few early teething problems, we are all remembering where our spots are!

Over the first few weeks, we are focusing on getting to know one another within our homegroups and establishing our daily routines. This time is important for helping the children build a strong sense of security and belonging in their learning environment.

Girls Smash Cricket

Yesterday, all of the girls in the Kōwhai team had the opportunity to take part in a cricket session to encourage them to give the sport a go. They practised their bowling and batting skills through a range of fun games and activities, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

If your child is interested in joining a cricket club, they were given a leaflet with further information. The closest club is based in Beckenham, making it a very convenient option.





Top Team

This is a friendly reminder about our Top Team event next week. Weather permitting, it will be held on Wednesday 18th February in the afternoon at the park and will feature a variety of fun team-building activities.

As some water activities are planned, please ensure your child brings a change of clothes (including shoes) and a towel in their bag to use afterwards.

A big thank you to the parent helpers who have kindly offered their support — we truly couldn’t run events like this without you!

Construction

During Discovery time, many of our children love getting creative and building all sorts of things using cardboard boxes. At the moment, our supply is running low, so we would greatly appreciate any donations of small to medium cardboard boxes or containers.

Thank you for your support!

Water Play

Last week, we managed to squeeze in 2 sessions of water play with the weather not being altogether reliable! The children had lots of fun using their water blasters and sliding on the water slides with washing up liquid added for extra speed!







Discovery

Over the first couple of weeks, we have enjoyed plenty of Discovery time, giving our tamariki the opportunity to explore a wide range of activities while getting to know one another. Outdoor options have included giant checkers, four square, hula hooping, and chalk art. Indoors, children have been busy with marble runs and magnets, construction and Lego building, card making, and Zendoodle art. It has been wonderful to see everyone exploring the choices available and giving new things a go!










Hats

Thank you for ensuring your children bring their hats to school, we really appreciate your support. As you know, staying sun smart is important. Any children who forget their hat will need to remain under the hall verandah during break times, with duty teachers supporting and reminding students as needed.

Cyber Safety

Staying Safe Online


As our tamariki spend more time online, it’s important parents and whānau help them stay safe. Now is a great time to talk to them about how we use the internet and digital technology.


Netsafe has created an Online Safety Parent Toolkit so parents, families and whānau have all the information they need to talk about online safety.


If you or anyone in your whānau needs support, you can contact Netsafe.


We hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Kōwhai News Term 4 Week 10

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Kia ora e te whānau,

Wow, it is so hard to believe we are at the end of the year and this is our final blog post for 2025! What an incredible and busy year it has been with lots of achievements, positive moments and exciting adventures. 

Highlights of 2025

Term 1 was an awesome introduction to our 2025 year. We started our year with water play, getting to know everyone, activities, an awesome Top Team event, exciting science experiments, house games, a special visit from Police Officer Jo, and the wonderful Kōwhai Service Club began. 

Term 2 was a shorter term, filled with lots of fun events. We began our special Pizza Fridays, went to a performance from Strike percussion group, had a Book Character Day, participated in the school cross country, created Miro sculptures, began our technology inquiry unit, followed recipes and instructions during our procedural writing topic, performed at our school Matariki evening, and went on an amazing trip to Ferrymead. 

Term 3 started with a hiss and a roar. We welcomed Jordan into the Kōwhai team, celebrated Maths Week, began learning about Keeping Ourselves Safe (a unit taught in collaboration with Constable Meg from the New Zealand Police), there was a whole school four square tournament, gymnastics sessions at the School of Gymnastics, and we finished the term with Beckenham's Got Talent.

Term 4 has been another busy and fun term. We began the term with a new event, the Scooter-athlon, started hip-hop dance and ukulele sessions, competed in our whole school athletics, took part in our whole school colour run, worked really hard in production groups, leading to a stellar performance, and finished off the term with the school chicks spending time in our hub. 

As you can see, it has been an action-packed year full of wonderful memories being made and some awesome adventures being had. 



Production

On Thursday 4th December, our Kōwhai tamariki shone on stage as they showcased their talents in our Kōwhai Jukebox Journey. It was wonderful to see all their hard work come together in such a vibrant performance, and it was extra special to be able to share this moment with our school community and whānau. We had a special "Production Screening" on Thursday this week to show the tamariki their magical performance! We just want to say thank you to all the whānau for your support, and a massive congratulations to our tamariki for showing 'We Love Challenge' for being brave and giving the performance a go!


End-of-Year Admin

  • Books: Please make sure all literacy books and library books are brought back into school. This is really important as we need these resources for our tamariki to use next year. Thank you for your support with this. 
  • Transition: On Thursday, we had The Great Migration across the school, where each team moved into a new location. We are now where Pōhutukawa was, to the right-hand side of our school hall. We will be in this space from now on.
  • Meet the Teacher: On the last day of school, Wednesday 17th December, our tamariki will meet their new teacher for 2026. A form will come home with the tamariki that has their teacher's name, the stationery list for next year, and questions to consider for our start of year learning conferences next year. 
We hope you have all enjoyed being a part of this year with us. We wish you a and safe and happy holidays, and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!

Noho ora mai rā (Take care and stay well),
The Kōwhai Team



Kōwhai News Term 4 Week 8

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Kia ora whānau!

This week has been a busy week getting ourselves ready for production. The children have been working together and sharing ideas. It has been great to see the collaboration. 

Production

We have had two full rehearsals and it has been excellent to see all our hard work put together. Next week, we have 2 dress rehearsals before performing for the whole school on Wednesday and then we look forward to performing for whānau on Thursday at 11:30am in the hall. The children are all so excited! 

Please can you make sure that your child/children bring their costumes on Monday, ready for the dress rehearsals. If your child is not sure what their costume is, you can either email your homegroup teacher or the dance group teacher. Thank you for your support with this!

Pizza Friday 

Our Pizza Friday has continued to be a highlight for many children. We are so proud of our students for all their hard work in earning this great experience. 




Moving Spaces 

As you may have read from the school newsletter, our hub is moving to Parenga. While this may feel like a big change, we have been drawing similarities between Parenga and the current Kōwhai hub. We are excited to be alongside the Pōhutukawa team next year! The move will be taking place on Thursday 11th December after school hours. This will mean that we will be in our new hub from Friday 12th onwards until the end of term.

Transitions 

We have begun transitioning our students in preparation for next year. The students have had the chance to reconnect and build new connections with the younger/older students who will be in their learning space. Yesterday afternoon, our Year 3's stayed in Kōwhai and the Year 6 children came to join them for a session of Discovery. Meanwhile, the Year 4 children went over to the Pōhutukawa hub to spend time with the Year 5 children whom they will be joining next year. We will have one more session like this in Week 10. On Monday next week, the Year 2 children will be coming to join in a Discovery session with the Year 3's so they can reconnect. Again, there will be one more session like this in Week 10. The children have really been looking forward to this and are embracing the opportunity.

Colour Run 

The colour run last Friday was a highlight for many. It generated such a community feel that was great to see and the children had such a lot of fun! It was also fantastic the way the Kōwhai children also ran with the younger children and helped them round the obstacle course. Congratulations to the PTA for running such a successful event and raising so much money!








Have a wonderful weeekend!

From the Kōwhai team.