Category Archives: Weekly Newsletters

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 13th June 2025

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Principal's Update

Kia ora koutou,

There's so much exciting progress as we approach the end of Term 2! A heartfelt thank you to all the families who took the time this week to attend a learning conference with their child. We truly appreciate your time and your commitment to strengthening the partnership around your child's learning and aspirations.

I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our PTA for their ongoing efforts in bringing our community together and raising valuable funds to support the purchase of resources that enhance our school. Last weekend’s book and clothing sale in the school hall was a great success. A big thank you to everyone who donated items and took the time to attend the event - we’re grateful for your support!

Matariki is the Māori New Year, marked by the rising of the Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades) in the winter sky. It is a time to reflect, remember those who have passed, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. Families and communities come together to share food, stories, and traditions. Matariki is a special time for learning, connection, and renewal. 

To celebrate Matariki we would like to invite all our community to our Whānau Rōpū hui next Tuesday 17th of June from 5:00 pm. The PTA will be having a Sausage Sizzle on the night for a small koha (donation). 

Outline of the night:

5:00 pm - Welcome & Performance in Māpuna, the Hall - Te Whānau Mahi Tahi.

5:25 pm - Matariki activities begin in Hubs.

6:10 pm - Matariki activities finish in Hubs, whānau to head back to the hall.

6:15 pm - Pōhutukawa and Kōwhai Kapa Haka performance in Māpuna, the Hall.

We hope to see you there!


Have a great weekend.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Cade
Principal / Tumuaki
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Tue 17 Jun - Matariki Evening (5pm-7pm)
Thu 19 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 20 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (Matariki)
Wed 25 Jun -  Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 25 Jun - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 27 Jun - Funky Hair Day 
Fri 27 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 27 Jun - Last Day of Term 2
Mon 14 Jul - First Day of Term 3
Fri 18 Jul - Welcome Assembly, Week 1 (9:15-9:45am)
Wed 23 Jul - PTA Mid Winter Breakfast (TBC)
Wed 23 Jul - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 25 Jul - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Thu 31 Jul - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)

Citizen of the Week

Matilda - Year 6

What a star you are, Matilda! In the Pōhutukawa hub, your independence and dedication shine brightly in all your learning. You tackle everything with such resilience, always pushing yourself to explore new concepts and work diligently. It's wonderful to see your eagerness to understand deeply. Ka pai, Matilda!

Tish - Year 8

 Tish, you consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic. You face each lesson with focus, determination, and a desire to succeed. Always eager to deepen your understanding, you seek clarification when needed, ensuring you grasp concepts fully. Tish, your commitment to growth and learning inspires those around you, creating a positive atmosphere in the classroom. Anō te pai! Fantastic,Tish!

School Notices

New Guitar Tutor - Matthew Stevenson


Hey there! I’m Matt, offering Guitar/Bass/Ukulele lessons.

Pricing: One on one 20min lesson  (tutor and one student) - $24.50
               Two on one 30min lesson (tutor and two students) - $19 per student
Styles: Rock, pop, jazz and most other styles
Suitability: Years 5-8

A bit about me:
I graduated with a Bachelor of Musical Arts from Ara Institute of Canterbury in 2018. With over 10 years of teaching experience, I genuinely enjoy sharing my passion for music. Besides lessons, I work with bands, ukulele orchestras, and various ensembles.

Teaching Info:
My teaching approach revolves around setting goals; at the beginning of each term, we discuss the songs, techniques, and styles students are eager to learn, and we tailor our lessons to achieve those objectives.

To Register Interest:

Student Council

The Student Council is excited to announce a special event to support a great cause (the Kaimanawa Horses) - Funky Hair Day, happening on Friday 27th of June, or the last day of school!

We’re encouraging all students to come to school with their craziest hairstyles. Use hairspray, gel or anything to make your hair as funky as possible! It’s a fun way to get involved while making a difference.

This term, the student council are raising money to support the Kaimanawa horses, a species of horse in the North Island. These wild horses, of which there are about 300, are sadly being slaughtered. The funds we raise will go towards helping them find safe, loving homes.

We ask that students bring a gold coin donation. Every contribution will help provide care and protection for these special animals.

Ngā mihi,
Oscar on behalf of the Student Council

Head Lice

Unfortunately we have had a growing number of cases of headlice reported across the school, spread throughout various age group hubs.

Can you please check your child's head for eggs and live lice regularly and treat accordingly if detected.

The following link has very helpful information about headlice and how to treat it.


Matariki Evening

We would like to invite you to our Whānau Rōpū hui next Tuesday.

Matariki is the start of the Māori new year and a time of reflection, connection and planning for the year ahead. We would like to celebrate with you and your whānau on Tuesday the 17th of June from 5:00pm. The PTA will be having a Sausage Sizzle on the night for a small koha (donation). 

Outline of the night:

5:00 pm - Welcome & Performance in Māpuna, the Hall - Te Whānau Mahi Tahi.

5:25 pm - Matariki activities begin in Hubs.

6:10 pm - Matariki activities finish in Hubs, whānau to head back to the hall.

6:15 pm - Pōhutukawa and Kōwhai Kapa Haka performance in Māpuna, the Hall.

We hope to see you there!


Kupu Māori o te Wīki:

These are our whakataukī (phrase), instructions and kupu (words) for the last couple of weeks. Give them a go! 

Whakataukī: Whaowhia te kete mātauranga - this means to fill the basket with knowledge!

Instruction: Tō ringa ki runga - put your hand up

Kupu: Huarākau - this means fruit.

If you are unsure of the pronunciation of a word, have a look at Te Aka (the Māori dictionary) where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.

BOSCO

BOSCO is looking for new members to join our committee. If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Harriet Takamore via email or pop on in when you have the chance to chat.

You would be joining a lovely bunch of volunteers who are passionate about the service BOSCO provides and being a part of its future.

BOSCO currently has availability each day for before and after school care for regular or casual bookings.

If you have thought about using BOSCO for your tamariki but aren’t 100% sure what we're about or how we work, please feel free to pop in for a chat with Harriet or send through an email with any questions you may have.

A trial session is welcome if you would like your tamariki to give it a go first.

Harriet Takamore
Programme Leader
BOSCO Incorporated
office@bosco.org.nz
027 645 6632


Garden Club Compost

A message from the GARDEN CLUB.

This is to show you what happens to plastic when it goes into the environment. 
Recently the garden club dug into the lovely compost bins & amongst lovely new soil was enormous amounts of plastic.
We found yoghurt potties, zip lock bags, pens, whiteboard markers, bubble wrap, popcorn & chip packets! 
This is all rubbish that was put in the compost bins. It doesn’t break down. 
Some of it can get shredded into little bits of plastic that then damages the eco-system.
We want to use this compost to grow healthy vegetables & give back to nature.

If you want to see it, come look behind the garden shed in the Garden Club area. 
No, to any form of plastic in the compost bins.

Let’s look after our environment!
Because ….We Care!




Special Congratulations to one of our Students - Hamish McCrae

Hamish took part in football trials over the April holidays and has been selected by the West Ham United Foundation to go to their Australian National Football Camp 2025 this coming September. There he will be coached by top class coaches from Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Hamish has worked really hard and we are very proud of him!

PTA News

CookieTime Fundraiser



Back by popular demand. The PTA are selling CookieTime Rookie Cookies. Look for an order form in your child’s bag or Online Order Here. Extra forms are available at the office.

This CookieTime Fundraiser features the 25g Rookie Size version of the famous Original Chocolate Chunk Cookie. Made with real Chocolate and real ingredients, this size is ideal for lunchboxes, handbags and coat pockets. 
 
$20 per bag for 20 Individually wrapped delicious cookies.
 
Orders close Thursday 26th June 2025. Please put your paper forms in the box in the office.
Collection will be the 1st week of next term at the School Hall. Date to be confirmed and advised.

Book & Clothing Sale


Thank you for helping us make this event a success. From the donations we received, to the amazing parent helpers. We hope you enjoyed the Sale.

We raised $3,700 towards this year’s fundraising goals.

We have donated the remaining items to local charities, Clothed in Love and City Mission. 

BOT Update

Policy Review

  1. Visit the website https://beckenham.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
  2. Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride).
  3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
  4. Read the policy.
  5. Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
  6. Select the reviewer type.
  7. Enter your name (optional).
  8. Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
  9. Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Community Notices

(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)

School Holiday Drama Workshops - Storybox Drama x Heather McQuillan 

Friday 4 July, 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm
Somerfield Community Centre, 47 Studholme St, Christchurch
$60

Come explore key ideas in Avis and the Promise of Dragons and Avis and the Call of the Kraken through process drama with author Heather McQuillan and Storybox Drama. There will be chocolate and surprises too! 

Find out more and register here:




KiwiVolley School Holiday Programme

Canterbury Volleyball is excited to be running our holiday skills session for Primary aged children through the 2025 School Holidays.

It will be a fun, action packed morning where we will cover all the basic skills of serving, passing, setting and spiking with lots of fun games and drills.

These sessions will be great for any children from Yr 5 to Yr 8 of any ability.

Children will get to learn all the skills in a fun way, play a lot of game like drills and get to meet heaps of new friends while playing volleyball!

All sessions are 10am - 12 pm on the following dates:

Tuesday 1st July + Wednesday 2nd of July 

Tuesday 8th + Wednesday 9th of July

Where: Pioneer Stadium

Cost: $20 per day or $30 for two days per week



SCHOOL HOLIDAYS EVENT - Kid's Winter Retreat!

I am running a Kid's Winter Retreat with some awesome talents in the upcoming school holidays and would like to invite all kids/families in need.

aroha nui
Lou / The Children's Imagination Academy




Badminton Holiday Camp

Term 3 Holiday Camp - Open to ALL ages!

Enrolment for our weeklong high intensity badminton training camp is now open! 
Limited spaces available so get in quick!

Enrolment link below:

*Application closes Friday 4 July 2025, BAPN T&Cs apply*

See you all on court! 
BAPN Team
 
Willie Chen
BAPN | CZW Limited | Director
Mobile: +64 210 224 5655 | willie.chen@mybadmintonshop.co.nz

Hagley College Year 9 2026 Enrolments - CLOSING SOON


Enrolment applications for Hagley College Year 9 2026 are closing soon, on Thursday 19 June at midday – ahead of the long Matariki weekend.

Our close-off date is firm and we will not be able to receive any new applications after this date. We are also aware that our closing date is quite a bit earlier than for many of the other high schools, so I am just hoping to avoid anyone missing out.

If you are keen but haven't put an application in yet, go to:
https://www.hagley.school.nz/enrolment/year-9-enrolment/ and click the button to start a new application as soon as possible.

Any questions can be directed to me any time at the below number or email address. I do also have paper copies of the enrolment form here for families who are unable to apply online (though we may be cutting it a little fine to rely on physical post at this point).

Thank you so much for your support. We really appreciate it.

Ngā mihi

Lisa Amer
Junior College Enrolments
Te Puna Wai o Waipapa - Hagley College
DDI: 03 364 5134
lisa.amer@staff.hagley.school.nz



Matariki at The Arts Centre

With Matariki around the corner, we're letting you know what's on for students and whānau during this special time of year. 

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is working with artists to celebrate Matariki from 7–22 June, with a vibrant programme featuring live performances, visual art, kapa haka, Tīrama Mai, an evening mākete, delicious kai, and so much more.

For tamariki and their whānau, we have a kid’s concert, Matariki for tamariki; wānanga/workshops making whetū harakeke (flax stars), tī rākau and poi making, and porotiti making. There is also kapa haka performances in the Great Hall, an evening mākete (with 60 stallholders over the Matariki long weekend) and Tīrama Mai light displays and storytelling. These events range from being free - $25+BF per child.

We thought you might be interested in sharing details of these activities with your students and their whānau via your newsletters, social media, and other communications channels. Attached is a small flyer you can use.  

The full programme and booking details can be found at https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/matariki-2025/

We hope to you can join us in celebrating.

Ngā mihi,

Arts Centre team


Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāpare (Thursday) 29th May 2025

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Principal's Update

Kia ora koutou,

As you will be aware, our school will be closed for instruction tomorrow to allow our teachers to participate in Rā Kaimahi 2025 - Te Mana o Te Tamaiti (Our Kāhui Ako Conference Day), hosted at Cashmere High School. We appreciate the community’s support in enabling our staff to attend this important professional learning event.

Thank you to the 243 families who have already made bookings for upcoming Learning Conferences. 

As a reminder: 

Learning Conferences will take place on:

Tuesday 10 June - between 1:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday 11 June - between 1:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

On both of the above days, classes will finish at 1:00 p.m. We thank you for accommodating this change to support the facilitation of Learning Conferences. Limited supervision will be available at school until 3:00 p.m. and we will be in touch over the next couple of weeks to confirm arrangements for those who require it.

To make a booking, please go to:
https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code and use the following code: r3wt9

Or use the QR Code below:

Reports 

Next Friday, school reports will be sent out through HERO. As you read your child’s report with them, it’s important to remember that every child grows and develops at their own pace - and that’s not only okay, it’s completely normal. Progress can look different for each learner, and success isn’t always linear. Celebrating effort, curiosity, resilience, and growth - no matter how small - can make a world of difference in how your child sees themselves as a learner. Your encouragement and belief in their potential are powerful tools that help them thrive.

Have a great long weekend. 

Ngā mihi,
Cade
Principal / Tumuaki
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Thu 29 May - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 30 May - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Mon 2 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (King's Birthday)
Fri 6 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Tue 10 Jun - Learning Conferences (school closes at 1pm)
Wed 11 Jun - Learning Conferences (school closes at 1pm)
Tue 17 Jun - Matariki Evening (5PM-7PM)
Thu 19 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 20 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (Matariki)
Wed 25 Jun -  Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 25 Jun - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 27 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 27 Jun - Last Day of Term 2
Mon 14 Jul - First Day of Term 3

Citizen of the Week

Abigail Brinner - Year 8

Abigail, you are a hard working and tenacious learner. You apply yourself to every task and experience with the same dedication. Your contributions are not isolated to the classroom either as you are a valued member of our school student leadership team. Thank you for being an amazing role model in our team and school. Ka pai tō mahi!

Maya Buckman - Year 4

Maya, you are a hardworking and diligent learner. You consistently show our school kete values each and every day. You are a kind friend, and your caring and warm nature brightens our hub! Thank you for helping others and being an excellent role model! Tino pai tō mahi, Maya!

School Notices

PTA News

Readathon

Thanks for all your support with the Readathon. It looks like there has been some great reading happening and lots of fabulous costumes were seen. We raised $5,163.30 towards this year's school bus trips.

Book & Clothing Sale

Get ready for some seriously good bargains at our upcoming Book and Clothing Sale on Saturday 7th June, 8am – 4pm.

We are needing some parent helpers:

Saturday (7th June) morning, we need some people to help on the checkouts and some floaters refilling and tidying up tables. 

If you are able to help at any time please fill in this form. https://forms.gle/47wyH91WdvMs91Vc9

Thanks everyone who has already donated. Last week for Donations. We are currently collecting up until 3pm Friday 6th June:

- Gently used adult and children’s clothing (please, no rips or stains)
- Books of any genre
- Puzzles (with all the pieces, please!)

Please drop your donations in the boxes at the school office.

Thank you for helping us make this event a success.


CookieTime Fundraiser

Back by popular demand. The PTA are selling Cookie Time Rookie Cookies. Look for an order form in your child’s bag or Online Order Here. Extra forms are available at the office.

This Cookie Time Fundraiser features the 25g Rookie Size version of the famous Original Chocolate Chunk Cookie. Made with real Chocolate and real ingredients, this size is ideal for lunchboxes, handbags and coat pockets. 
 
$20 per bag for 20 Individually wrapped delicious cookies.
 
Orders close Thursday 26th June 2025
Collection will be the 1st week of next term at the School Hall. Date to be confirmed and advised.

Kupu Māori o te Wīki:

These are our whakataukī (phrase), instructions and kupu (words) for the last couple of weeks. Give them a go! 

Whakataukī:
  • He rau ringa e oti ai - This means many hands make light work. So, let’s focus on working together as a team!
  • Mauria te pono - this means to Believe in Yourself!
Instruction:
  • Ka kite anō - this means see you later!
  • Turituri - be quiet!
Kupu:
  • Manuhiri - this is the word for guests or visitors.
  • Hōtoke - Winter (season)
If you are unsure of the pronunciation of a word, have a look at Te Aka (the Māori dictionary) where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.

Matariki Evening

40 Hour Challenge: Go Offline. Make a Difference.

13–15 June | Be Part of Something Bigger

This year, World Vision are inviting the youth of Aotearoa to make a real impact — by going completely offline for 40 hours (or choosing your own challenge) to raise life-changing funds for children in the Solomon Islands.

Why?
Because right now:
  • 1 in 6 children in the Pacific are living in severe child food poverty.
  • Nearly half of kids under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition.
  • 80% of Solomon Islanders depend on fishing and farming for food and income. 
  • World’s 2nd most at-risk country for disasters because of extreme events and sea-levels rise. 
We’re fundraising so communities in the Solomon Islands have what they need to grow strong in a changing climate. Just $28 can provide a family with a vegetable garden — a daily source of food, health and hope.

Our Year 5–8 students will be signing up on during week 5 and starting their fundraising journeys. Let’s get behind them!

40 Hours? Challenge Accepted. 

Sign up. Switch off. Stand up for Pacific kids. 

Child not taking part in the 40 Hour Challenge but still like to donate? Here is a link to our schools fundraising page.


Sports News

Cross Country

South Zones Cross Country Results

What an amazing morning at the South Zones Cross Country! Our Beckenham students truly embodied our school values, offering support to both their Beckenham peers and all competitors.

Here are the results of the students who have qualified for the Canterbury Zones Cross Country:

Year 5: Laurien (3rd) & Chloe (6th)
Year 6: Max (2nd), Haydn (3rd), Jayme (2nd) & Clara (6th)
Year 7: Ben (4th), Zach (5th), Laura (2nd) & Misha (3rd)
Year 8: Bianca (2nd)

Every student gave their best effort! It was a fantastic morning overall.

BOT Update

Policy Review

  1. Visit the website https://beckenham.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
  2. Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride).
  3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
  4. Read the policy.
  5. Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
  6. Select the reviewer type.
  7. Enter your name (optional).
  8. Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
  9. Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Community Notices

(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)

Canterbury Rams Basketball Junior & Senior Holiday Camps

We would like to invite your students who are interested in basketball to attend our upcoming school holiday Rams Basketball Camps.  We have a Junior Camp for School Years 5 – 8 and a Senior Camp for School Years 9-13.  The participants receive coaching from Canterbury Rams basketball players!  The camp is suitable for all levels of basketball players with the emphasis on fun & learning new skills!

Canterbury Rams Holiday Basketball Camps Registration - Camps & Schools - Canterbury Rams

The Rams basketball season is in full swing, if you have never been to a game or would like to check it out please see below our game ticket link.


Christchurch Holiday Program

Looking for an engaging and educational holiday activity? AkoTech's Holiday Programs at University of Canterbury, Christchurch, offer hands-on experiences in coding, logical problem solving, and AI entrepreneurship. Students can explore their interests in project-based learning with technology. Programs run throughout July from 9 AM - 4 PM. Learn more and register at www.akotech.nz

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 16 May 2025

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Principal's Patch

Opportunity for Feedback – Health Curriculum Delivery at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto.
Click here to see what is covered in our Health programme and give your feedback. 

Kia ora koutou,

It is hard to believe we are already a third of the way through Term 2. Thank you to all the whānau members who attended our welcome assembly last Friday. We are privileged to have your children as students at our school, and we look forward to building positive relationships with you over the coming years.

Today, the Readathon culminated in our much-anticipated Book Character Day. The variety of creative costumes on display was truly impressive! A huge thank you to our dedicated PTA for their ongoing efforts to raise funds for our school. We hope everyone was able to get behind the Readathon as our first fundraiser of the year.

Book Character Day

Learning Conferences 

At Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto, we’re looking forward to connecting with you at our upcoming learning conferences, which will take place after mid-year reports are shared on Friday 6 June. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to celebrate your child’s progress, talk about their current learning and next steps, and explore how we can work together to support them both at school and at home.

During the conference, we’ll check in on how you found the school report and answer any questions you have about this. Your child will also share some of their learning and focus areas in class. There’ll be time to discuss general wellbeing, social or medical matters, and any support we can offer.

We’ll also take a moment to ensure you’re receiving all school and team newsletters, and that you can consistently access Hero. 

Lastly, we welcome anything else you’d like us to know - things that are especially meaningful to your child, or any updates to your contact information. If there’s anything you’d prefer to discuss without your child present, you’re welcome to email their home group teacher directly.

Learning Conferences will take place on:

Tuesday 10 June – between 1:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday 11 June – between 1:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

On both of the above days, classes will finish at 1:00 p.m. We thank you for accommodating this change to support the facilitation of learning conferences. Limited supervision will be available at school until 3:00 p.m., and we will be in touch over the next couple of weeks to confirm arrangements for those who require it.

To make a booking, please click the link here, or go to:

https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code and use the following code: r3wt9

Or, use the QR Code below:
Booking QR Code

Parent Portal - Ministry of Education 

You may have seen in the media that the Ministry of Education has launched a new Parent Portal designed to help you better understand what your child is learning at school or kura, how they are progressing against the curriculum, and how you can support their learning at home.

This site offers a range of helpful resources, including information about the recent curriculum changes that we are currently working through at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto.



Ngā mihi
Cade 

Principal / Tumuaki
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Fri 16 May - Readathon Ends
Thu 22 May - Y5/8 Winter Sport Begins
Fri 23 May - School Cross Country
Wed 28 May - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Thu 29 May - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 30 May - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Mon 2 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (King's Birthday)
Fri 6 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Tue 10 Jun - Learning Conferences (school closes at 1pm)
Wed 11 Jun - Learning Conferences (school closes at 1pm)
Tue 17 Jun - Matariki Evening (5PM-7PM)
Thu 19 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 20 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (Matariki)
Wed 25 Jun -  Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 25 Jun - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 27 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 27 Jun - Last Day of Term 2
Mon 14 Jul - First Day of Term 3

Citizen of the Week

Oscar Wood - Year 8

Oscar, you are an outstanding role model for all of our school values. You embrace challenges with enthusiasm, across the curriculum. You are proving to be a very confident and organised chairperson for our student council. Your ability to work with a wide range of people, with great focus on the task, is an example of your fabulous leadership. Tu meke, Oscar!

Cora Nuttall - Year 5

Cora, your bubbly personality is truly infectious and your passion for learning radiates in all that you undertake. As a fantastic self-manager and a positive role model, you lead by example. Your willingness to always lend a hand in class and take on extra responsibilities makes you such a valuable and inspiring member of our team. Tino pai tō mahi, Cora!

School Notices

Parking in the 3min area on Sandwich Road

A reminder please, that the drop off and pick up area on Sandwich Road (by the bike stands) is a 3min drop-off zone from 8:30-9:30am and 2:30-3:30pm on school days. This means drivers are not able to sit in their cars from 2:30pm waiting for children, or to park cars in this area and go into school. If you arrive early and wait for children, or if you need to get out of your car and come into school, please find an alternative place to park. Having this area just for drop-offs means that the traffic on Sandwich Road moves smoothly before and after school, and this is much safer for our children.

PTA Book and Clothing Sale

BOSCO

BOSCO is looking for new members to join our committee. If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Harriet Takamore via email or pop on in when you have the chance to chat.

You would be joining a lovely bunch of volunteers who are passionate about the service BOSCO provides and being a part of its future.

BOSCO currently has availability each day for before and after school care for regular or casual bookings.

If you have thought about using BOSCO for your tamariki but aren’t 100% sure what we're about or how we work, please feel free to pop in for a chat with Harriet or send through an email with any questions you may have.

A trial session is welcome if you would like your tamariki to give it a go first.

Harriet Takamore
Programme Leader
BOSCO Incorporated
office@bosco.org.nz
027 645 6632

Kupu Māori o te Wīki:

These are our Whakataukī (phrase), Instructions, and Kupu (words) for the last couple of weeks. Give them a go! 

Whakataukī:
- Whakarite ngā kete mō te haerenga! - This means filling our kete for the journey.
- Ahakoa he iti kete, he iti nā te aroha - This means it’s the thought that counts. 

Instruction:
- Titiro mai - this means look at me.
- Whakarongo mai - this means listen to me.

Kupu:
- Aroha - this means love.
- Hīkoi - This means walk.

If you are unsure of the pronunciation of a word, have a look at Te Aka (the Māori dictionary) where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.

Matariki Evening - 17th June

Is your child cycling to school? Take the survey!

My name is Jaimita de Jongh, and I am an MSc student at Lincoln University. As part of a research project into cycling to school, I am conducting a short survey (approximately 5 minutes) among parents whose children cycle to school. Some of you may have already seen me at the school gate this week conducting  the survey among parents cycling with their children. However, I would also like to survey those parents whose children bike independently, without their parents. 

If you are happy to take part in this short survey, you can email me on the email below for a survey link:
jaimita.dejongh@lincolnuni.ac.nz

Or go to the survey directly:

Results will be used to better encourage cycling to school among other parents.

I will also be handing out leaflets about the survey to children biking independently to give to their parents.

Thank you!
Jaimita

BOT Update

Policy Review

  1. Visit the website https://beckenham.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
  2. Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride).
  3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
  4. Read the policy.
  5. Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
  6. Select the reviewer type.
  7. Enter your name (optional).
  8. Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
  9. Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Community Notices

(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)

Coming up for kids and families at the Isaac Theatre Royal in June and July

The Isaac Theatre Royal is gearing up for an exciting lineup of events this June and July, perfect for kids and families. Two standout shows you won't want to miss are the Matariki Glow Show and the Aunty Claus’ Mid-Winter Christmas Kids Gala

Matariki Glow Show

On Sunday 8 June, the Matariki Glow Show will light up the stage with its giant-scale, glow-in-the-dark puppetry. This year, the show tells the magical story of Matariki, sharing the magic behind the Māori New Year. The Matariki Glow Show brings the mythical tale to life with its unique puppets, which glow under UV lights in a black box theatre.

The performance is told in both te reo Māori and English, weaving together themes of whakawhanaungatanga, friendship, and family. It offers a truly uplifting and positive experience for all, making it a must-see event for children and families.


Aunty Claus’ Mid-Winter Christmas Kids Gala

On Saturday 19 July, join Aunty Claus (Santa’s Big Sister) for a merry Mid-Winter Christmas Kids Variety Gala. This fabulous cabaret extravaganza promises to warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. In collaboration with the Isaac Theatre Royal, the multi-award-winning Tessa Waters, the “Undisputed Queen of Stupidity” (TimeOut London), leads this rollercoaster of fun, featuring the best in comedy, cabaret, circus, and drag the country has to offer.

Aunty Claus and her mate Jeff Parsnips invite the whole family to a joyful afternoon of songs, games, circus tricks, bubbles, and maybe even a sheep herding lesson! Fun is guaranteed for all ages, making it an event you won't want to miss.

Both events are set to provide unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Be sure to mark your calendars and get your tickets early to enjoy these fantastic shows at the Isaac Theatre Royal!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Isaac Theatre Royal website.

Workshop for parents from Allen Hou, Asian Community Transformation Trust

Opportunity for young orchestral players

Listening to Families

Listening to families site - https://www.listeningtofamilies.co.nz/

Listening to Families website has a series of videos which provide answers to everyday questions about health and wellbeing challenges facing children and adolescents. The questions the videos answer are real - they come directly from families. The answers are provided by trusted specialists.

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 2 May 2025

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

We hope you had the opportunity to spend some quality time with your children over the holiday break. Our staff have had a restful break and have returned re-energised, looking forward to reconnecting with each other and our students.

Mid - Year Reporting

As you may be aware, our teachers are currently transitioning their practices to align with the refreshed Mathematics and English curricula. They have demonstrated strong commitment and a constructive approach throughout this process.

One challenge we are facing is that consistent approaches to assessment for the refreshed curricula are still being developed and will, we hope, be shared with us by the Ministry of Education in the near future. This creates some uncertainty around how we might best report to whānau about student progress at mid-year.

Our interim plan is to report progress in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics through:
  • Two recent achievements in meeting curriculum expectations
  • A next step toward meeting a curriculum expectation
In addition, your child will receive one learning post showcasing progress in other curriculum areas, along with a general comment outlining your child’s demonstration of our school values and participation in learning during the first half of the school year.

Following the distribution of reports this term, we will be holding learning conferences. Details about how to book these will be shared soon.

Attendance

As part of your child’s mid-year report, you will also receive information about their attendance.

Regular attendance at school plays an important role in your child’s success. There is a strong link between attending school consistently and achieving positive outcomes in the classroom. Supporting student attendance and engagement is a shared responsibility between families and schools.

As a parent or guardian, you're encouraged to help ensure your child attends school each day. If your child needs to be away for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible. It’s important to confirm your child’s absence and share the reason. You can do this through the following communication channels:
Phone: (03) 337-1404 (Press 1 to leave an absence message)
Email: office@beckenham.school.nz
Text: 02102794107

We understand that there are times when students may need to be away from school, and we recognise that each family’s situation is unique. That said, regular attendance helps your child stay connected to learning and peers, and prolonged or frequent absences can make it harder for them to keep up.

If your child is often absent or away for an extended period, we may reach out to discuss how we can work together to support their attendance and learning.

We are here to help. If you're experiencing challenges getting your child to school, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

We’ll work with you to develop a support plan that helps address any barriers to regular attendance.

More information on attendance, including your rights and responsibilities as parents or caregivers, is available on the Ministry of Education’s webpage: Attendance

Building Work

Work on the Kōmanawa block and the building used for the PTA Uniform Shop has progressed well over the school holidays. The renovation of the PTA Uniform Room building was completed today.

We are currently awaiting the delivery of new windows and doors for the Kōmanawa block. Once these have arrived, the remaining work will be completed. The projected completion date is around the middle of the school term.

Readathon

Today marks the start of our PTA’s first fundraising initiative of the year!
Your child will be bringing home information about the Readathon, an exciting event that encourages a love of reading while helping to raise vital funds for our school.

We kindly ask for your support with this fundraising effort. The money raised by the PTA plays a crucial role in helping us provide opportunities and resources that would not be possible without this additional income.

The Readathon will conclude with our much-anticipated Book Character Day on Friday, 16 May.

Ngā mihi,

Cade Englefield
Principal / Tumuaki
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Fri 2 May - Readathon Begins
Fri 9 May - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 16 May - Book Character Dress Up Day
Fri 16 May - Readathon Ends
Fri 16 May - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Thu 22 May - Y5/8 Winter Sport Begins
Fri 23 May - School Cross Country
Wed 28 May - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Thu 29 May - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 30 May - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Mon 2 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (King's Birthday)
Fri 6 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Tue 17 Jun - Matariki Evening (5PM-7PM)
Fri 20 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (Matariki)
Wed 25 Jun -  Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 25 Jun - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 27 Jun - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am in the Hall)
Fri 27 Jun - Last Day of Term 2
Mon 14 Jul - First Day of Term 3

Citizen of the Week

Ross Herbst - Year 4

Ross, you are such a fantastic role model in the Kōwhai hub. You show 'We Get There Together' always by lending a helping hand to both your peers and the teachers. Ross, your enthusiasm knows no bounds and you are always willing to show that you care by offering your help to others.  Tino pai Ross! 

Lucas Joy - Year 6

Lucas, you are an outstanding role model and friend. You have a witty sense of humor and a spot on sense of social justice in knowing when and how to do the right thing by anyone around you. Your curious nature and wanting to do a good job are a fantastic combination helping you to work in a focused and meaningful manner. You are just an awesome human being! He mea whakamiharo koe!

PTA News

Readathon

It’s Readathon Time – Let the Reading Adventure Begin!

The Readathon kicks off today – check your child’s bag for their sponsorship form!

This exciting event is all about getting kids reading every day while raising funds for a great cause. Let’s make it fun and meaningful!
  • Help your Tamariki set a Daily Reading Target
  • Find sponsors to cheer them on
And don’t forget to Stop, Drop, and READ together as a family!

Need another form? No worries – grab one from the Office. 

The Readathon runs for 2 weeks, ending Friday 16th May with Book Character Day - Come to school dressed as your favourite book character and don't forget to bring back your sponsorship form and money.

Let’s turn pages and make a difference! 

Book and Clothing Sale


Time for a Clear Out? We've Got You Covered! 

Our Book & Clothing Sale is happening on 7th June – stay tuned for all the exciting details!

We're currently collecting donations and would love your support:
  • Gently used adult and children's clothing (no rips or stains)
  • Books of all kinds
  • Complete puzzles ready for a new home
Drop your donations in the box at the school office – thank you for helping us make this event a success!

School Notices

Staff Profiles


Hi, my name is Vivienne.  I have lived in Christchurch for the last 30 years.  I have three children and  eight grandchildren.  I enjoy reading,  doing jigsaw puzzles and cooking.  I am really looking forward to spending a lot of my time working with the children who are here at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. 
 
Parking and driver care on Sandwich Road

We know that everyone is keen to keep our children safe as they travel to and from school. To support this, please can drivers NOT try to undertake U-turns on Sandwich Road during the pick-up and drop-off times. We have witnessed some near misses recently and, ultimately, it is our children who are being put at risk.

Please also remember that the 3 min zone on the school side of Sandwich Road is MAX 3mins - not time enough for you to get out of your car and go into school to drop off or collect your child. If everyone can use this area as a drop-off/pick-up point, then all of the traffic will flow more smoothly.

Additionally, to keep everyone safe when arriving and leaving school, please do not walk through the staff car park. This area is for staff cars, taxis, and accessibility parking only. 

Offsite Learning Agreements

We are updating our records to reflect the number of children who regularly attend Offsite learning opportunities. Could you please confirm if your child is taking part in any offsite activities by picking up an offsite learning agreement from the Office.  This will then be filled out by you, signed, and returned to school so Cade is able to review and sign these off. This process is a requirement from the Ministry of Education and helps inform our attendance data for your child.

Garden Club

Here are some more gardening club photos from Last Term. The black construction is a vege pod which we won through Quizzle!  Amazing!
Thanks Lucy for supporting our wonderful tamariki and helping our outdoor spaces to look so beautiful.

Kupu Māori o te Wīki

This is our Whakataukī (phrase), Kīwaha (saying), and Kupu (word) for the week. Give it a go! Remember, Nau mai te wero, We Love Challenge!

Whakataukī: He rā whatiwhati kō - This means a day of hard work.

Kīwaha: Ka mau te wehi! - this means That’s amazing!

Kupu: Nui - this means big.

If you are unsure of the pronunciation of a word, have a look at Te Aka (the Māori dictionary) where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.

ESOL News

The Community Partnership team arm of the Ministry of Education organises a webinar for ethnic communities which offers a closer look at an aspect of education in New Zealand.

The Term 2 webinar is 'Navigating NCEA: Literacy, Numeracy, and Your Pathway to Tertiary Study'.

We are helping to spread the word by sharing the registration link with families and community groups that could benefit from this kōrero.

Monday 19 May, from 6:00pm- 7:30pm: Register here

Joseph Houghton from the Ministry will lead the discussion around navigating NCEA.

Food Allergy Guidelines

Across our school, we have a number of 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:
  • All students should only eat lunches and snacks that have been provided by their caregivers.  
  • Bottles, other drinks, and lunch boxes provided by caregivers should be clearly labelled with the name of their child.  Home group teachers and caregivers will decide where the children’s bottles and lunch boxes will be kept during the day to ensure no cross contamination occurs.
  • Parents are asked not to bring food into school to be shared with other children.  Whilst we understand that there are times you want to celebrate special events for your children with their friends at school, e.g. birthdays or being awarded prizes, by bringing food and treats for them to share, we have a policy of children only eating the food that their whānau have prepared and sent with them.  We have a number of students with food allergies and also need to respect the wishes of some families who want to monitor what their children are eating and prefer their children just to eat food they have prepared. From time to time, there may be an event that teachers have organised that will involve food (cultural or learning activities) and they will have advised families in advance that this will be happening.  
  • At the beginning of each year caregivers will need to check the expiry dates on any medication to be held at school.  
  • On the first day of school, caregivers will need to bring their child’s medication to the school office.  Caregivers will need to sign a medicine authority form (School Docs).  The responsibility of monitoring the expiry dates of medications rests with the parent.
  • Caregivers may be asked to come and talk to staff about their child’s specific health needs and ways we can support them at school.
We will inform you during the year if specific guidelines for your child’s hub change. 

Our full allergy policy and guidelines are available on the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto website under Information - Policies - SchoolDocs, then search ‘allergy’.
Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride).

If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them in the first instance with your child’s home group teacher.

Community Notices

(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)

Te Puna Wai o Waipapa - Hagley College Year 9 Enrolments for 2026

Thinking about Hagley for Year 9 2026? 10 key points about us:
  1. We're a Designated Character School. To join us, you must agree to engage with our culture and our values of Whakamarumaru (Responsibility), Mana (Respect), Whakawhirinaki (Trust) and Tika (Integrity). We also need to be confident that Hagley has the resources to support you in your learning, that there is a programme that will meet your needs, and that there is a place for you in that programme.
  2. We have an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
  3. All Year 9 students study Te Reo Māori, Health and PE each week. They also all take English, Maths, Social Sciences and Science. Students also choose from a wide range of Kete Wana courses to complete their programmes.
  4. For students who may find literacy or numeracy challenging, we can provide an intensive acceleration programme within Kete Wana.
  5. We are a restorative school.
  6. Social action and student leadership are actively promoted and celebrated.
  7. Our Targeted Learning class is very small. Only 2-3 places will be available for new students in 2026 due to returning students.
  8. GATE students are able to excel in their specialty fields.
  9. Enrolment for Year 9 2026 opens on 19 May 2025 and closes on 19 June 2025 at midday. It is essential to apply during this time.
  10. A ballot is usually required and will occur in the week of 28 July-1 August 2025. Criteria for priority enrolment for those with family/whānau links to Hagley is on our website www.hagley.school.nz.

Storybox Drama - Afterschool process drama classes

Storybox Drama is a new local business in the area, offering after school drama classes to children 5-10yrs old.
Our classes are perfect for children new to drama. We provide a playful approach, with a focus on story, imagination and creative process.
Our learning is focused around a story, and we unpack the themes and ideas explored in the book over the term.
In Term 2 we will be exploring the story of Oliver and the Night Giants by Kitty O'Meara.

Find out more & enrol here:


Term 2 classes
Wed 07 May to Wed 25 Jun (8 weeks)
Wednesdays 3:30 pm to 4:40 pm, 1 hour
Somerfield Community Centre, 47 Studholme St, Christchurch

$180 

Find us on Facebook, Instagram or email us:
facebook.com/storybox.chch
instagram.com/storybox.chch
storybox.chch@gmail.com

We look forward to exploring the stories with you!

Does Your Child Love Music?

The Muse Community Music Trust runs an after school music programme on Wednesday afternoons for five to seven year olds that builds general musicianship and music literacy skills, through fun games and songs. Our classes are at the Beckenham Methodist Church Hall, 52 Martin Ave from 3.45pm - 4.30pm. We welcome visitors to observe or join in for a trial class. The Muse fundraises to create a scholarship fund for families who can't afford our fee.  See themuse.org.nz/children for more information. 

Maths 

I'm a qualified and registered maths teacher, who is passionate about making maths fun, and teaching young people maths and logic skills. 

I have spaces available for students from years 4-6 to come and learn and play games. If maths is your child's favourite subject, why not give it a go?
Contact Kirsty Frew for more details
Ph/text 0210722939

ACTT Bilingual Seminar - Emotion Validation in Parenting

School Newsletter Mandarin Version
(Title) 你吼的那一刻，孩子在怕什么？
华人父母普遍缺乏对情感发展的了解，而这种缺乏会影响亲子互动，甚至夫妻感情。
本次研讨会将帮助家长理解情绪在大脑发展中的关键角色，学习如何营造“让孩子感受
到安全”的家庭氛围，并提供适合多元文化背景的育儿策略。
 主讲人：
Yvonne 博士 – 英国与新西兰注册心理学家
Judith – Aidanfield小学学校资深辅导老师
 时间：5月17日（六）下午2点
 地点：Halswell Library
 附设5–12岁儿童看顾服务
 免费参加，立即报名：

School Newsletter English Version
Title: Rising Resilient and Secure Children
Join us for a transformative seminar on; Raising Happy & Secure Children”. This seminar aims to bridge the gap between traditional Asian/Chinese parenting and modern approaches to emotional development. Learn about the importance of emotional awareness, validation, and regulation in children, and discover practical tools for nurturing a healthy, emotionally-aware environment at home. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your parenting skills to raise resilient children in a cultural
diverse New Zealand.

Presenters：
Dr. Yvonne Chow – Registered Psychologist in UK and NZ
Judith Keir – Guidance Counsellor at Aidanfield Christian Primary School

Time: 17/May (Sat) 2pm
Location: Halswell Library (Hao Hall)
 childcare for 5-12 years old

 Free seminar – register below：

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 4 April 2025

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to the final newsletter of Term 1! With just one week left before the holiday break, we reflect on all that has been achieved this term. It’s been amazing to see the growth in all of our students. Our staff have worked incredibly hard and truly deserve a well-earned break. We hope you enjoy the holiday time with your children and are able to prioritise some quality family moments together.

Kapa Haka

Every Friday, Whaea Cath visits Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto to support both students and staff in growing their understanding and performance of kapa haka. Learning about Māori culture and enhancing our proficiency in te reo Māori helps us all to become strong and valued Treaty partners.

Recently, under Cath’s guidance, we’ve gone through a process to design new kapa haka uniforms for our school. We are very fortunate that the PTA has generously agreed to fund the first rollout of these uniforms for Te Whānau Mahitahi, our senior kapa haka group. 


Sporting Success

A huge congratulations to two of our Team Kauri students, Zach and Daniel, who placed 1st and 5th respectively in the U13 cross country race at the South Island Mountain Biking School Championship in Methven. Well done, Zach and Daniel - you should be incredibly proud of your outstanding achievements!


A big congratulations to our Year 5/6 Touch Rugby team for winning their division in the local touch rugby competition! The time, effort, and teamwork you've all put in throughout the season truly paid off. We are incredibly proud of your achievements!


Building Work

During the school holidays, building work will begin on the Kōmanawa Block and the PTA Uniform Shop. Perimeter fencing will be installed around both sites, and we are hopeful that all work will be completed by mid-term next term. While construction is underway, the scooter/bike pen adjacent to the Kōmanawa Block will be unavailable for use.

New Staff Members 

At the beginning of Term 2, we are excited to welcome two new staff members to our school. Niquita Dalley will be joining our New Entrants team to support our roll growth, and Kate McGregor will be joining the Kauri team, filling the role left by Jenny at the end of last year. We are thrilled to have Niquita and Kate on board and look forward to them becoming integral members of our team.

Kate

Niquita 
Have a great holiday break.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Cade Englefield
Principal / Tumuaki
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Thu 3 Apr - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 11 Apr - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Fri 11 Apr - Last Day of Term 1
Mon 28 Apr - First Day of Term 2
Fri 23 May - School Cross Country
Wed 28 May - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Thu 29 May - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 30 May - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Mon 2 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (King's Birthday)
Tue 17 Jun - Matariki Evening (5PM-7PM)
Wed 25 Jun -  Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 25 Jun - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 27 Jun - Last Day of Term 2
Mon 14 Jul - First Day of Term 3

Citizen of the Week

Luna Clark - Year 4

Luna, you are an amazing role model in the Kōwhai hub and you consistently show all of the school values. You particularly embrace the value We Love Challenge, putting your best foot forward when facing challenging situations. You are a caring. helpful, inclusive and conscientious student, always putting your best effort into your learning. Congratulations, Luna. You are an absolute star!

Lucy Lee - Year 5

Lucy, you are a superstar in the Pōhutukawa Team! Your positivity, enthusiasm, and dedication to learning inspire those around you. You always put in your best effort and show great enthusiasm in everything you do. Your kindness and thoughtfulness make our hub a wonderful place to be. Keep up the amazing work!

School Notices

Legacy Dance

Reo Māori o te Wīki

This is our Whakataukī (phrase), Kīwaha (saying), and Kupu (word) for the week. Remember, Mauria te pono - believe in yourself and give it a go!

Whakataukī: Whaowhia te kete mātauranga - this means to fill the basket with knowledge!

Kīwaha: Kia Tau! - this means relax, or settle petal!

Kupu: Ngahuru - this means Autumn.

If you are unsure of the pronunciation of a word, have a look at Te Aka (the Māori dictionary) where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.

Community Dental Service - Holiday Clinics April 2025

The Community Dental Service will be closed for some of the upcoming school holidays

Closed On:        Friday 18th April,
                           Monday 21st April &
                           Friday 25th April

Reopening on:  Monday 28th April

Five of our community dental clinics will be open during this School Holiday period:

     Burnside (96a Memorial Avenue)
     Woolston (11 Hopkins Street)
     Rangiora (163 Ashley Street)
     Northcote (24 Tuckers Road)
     Timaru (18 Woollcombe Street)

If your child is experiencing any dental pain/discomfort, you can call us on 0800 846 983 and/or email: commdental@cdhb.health.nz and one of our clinicians will contact you.

General Shelter in Place and Lockdown Information

Please find below our school's approach to managing situations safely when we are required to either shelter in place or move our school into a lockdown scenario. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the information outlined below.

General Whānau Communication about Shelter in Place and Lockdown 

If a situation arises that people need to remain inside for safety, Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto has two levels, Shelter in Place and Lockdown. 

A Shelter in Place directive is issued when the threat is external and not directed at the school. For example, the school may activate the Shelter in Place plan if there is a report of a swarm of wasps, toxic smoke from a nearby fire, or active armed offender in the community (but not in or near the school grounds).

A Lockdown instruction will be less commonly used and is only likely to be issued if the threat is directly to the school or in the school grounds. This will generally happen on instruction from Police.

LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS
Lockdown procedures are determined by Police advice and require the cooperation of students, staff and parents. We ask all parents to please follow the protocol outlined below to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
  • When the school goes into lockdown, all parents will be notified via both a text message (via Hero) and HERO App alert (which will generate an email for those who don’t use the app). Please ensure the contact details the school holds for your child’s caregivers are current.
  • The school will continue to communicate through these channels, plus on the school Facebook page.
  • Students will not have access to laptops or other devices during a lockdown situation. This is for their own protection until the school ascertains the severity of the situation in consultation with the Police.
  • School phones may not be manned, so please do not try and contact the school, or your child. All information will be sent to you through the channels outlined above as soon as it becomes available. We will be doing the best that we can do to keep everyone informed. 
  • The school will remain in lockdown until advised by the Police or other authorised personnel that it is safe to be lifted.
  • Please do not, under any circumstances, come to the school until you are advised it is safe for you to do so. You may be putting yourself and others in danger.
  • Once the lockdown is over, parents will be contacted immediately.
Thank you for your understanding and for taking the time to familiarise yourself with this protocol as we work together in an emergency situation to keep everyone safe.

2025 Canterbury Primary Schools Swimming'

Congratulations to all of our swimmers who represented Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto at the 2025 Canterbury Primary Schools Swimming! You all swam valiantly!

Gardens

Our children are having more of an input into the gardens.  Building an awareness of looking after our environment, nurturing our special places and growing food at school.
Great heavy work breaks with purpose. 

PTA News

Our fundraising plans are up and running! This year we are raising funds for new blinds for the hall (which should help those disco lights!), new sports uniforms as well as contributing to all the buses needed for camps and school trips. We'll kick off next term with the Annual Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Readathon so look out for sponsorship forms at the beginning of next term and getting reading and planning a costume. 

We are also planning a book sale in June and a Colour Run in November - we're always keen for helpers with these fundraisers, as well as events like the School Disco so if you're keen to get involved don't hesitate to join our Messenger Group or email us via pta@beckenham.school.nz

Uniform Temporary Relocation

From Monday next week (April the 7th), the PTA Uniform Shop will be temporarily housed in the Green Room, adjacent to the Hall. This will take place until the work on the PTA Uniform Room has been completed.

Staff Profiles

Fynn Skelton - Teaching Assistant

Kia Ora Beckenham Whānau! My name is Fynn, back in 2018 I graduated from Beckenham, went on to study at Cashmere High School, travelled the world, experienced a lifetime of amazement, and I find myself back at Beckenham as a TA and am loving it! A bit about me, I’m a massive theatre nerd, music nerd, sports nerd and a regular nerd; I love talking about anything and try to learn something from everyone! Happy to be back in a place near and dear to me!

Kate McGregor - Y7/8 Teacher

Kia ora! My name is Kate McGregor, and I am excited to be joining the Kauri team and working alongside the Year 7/8 students. I recently got married and have a beautiful six-month-old daughter. I grew up locally in Cashmere and have just returned after spending the last two years in Upper Hutt. I love going on walks with my sister and friends, playing and watching all types of sport, and spending quality time with my little family. I am thrilled to be joining the Beckenham whānau. 

Niquita Dalley - New Entrants Teacher

Kia ora koutou,

I'm Niquita Dalley and I'm so excited to be joining the Koru team! Most recently I have been teaching year 7/8 students, but I've always had a soft spot for working with little learners. There's just something special about their curiosity, excitement, and those awesome “aha!” moments when they figure something out — I love being part of that!

Creating a classroom where ākonga feel safe, loved, and ready to give things a go is super important to me. I want my students to feel proud of themselves every step of the way.

My husband Jacob and I have two gorgeous girls, Anastasia and Tallulah, who are both under two — so life at home is busy but full of aroha (and plenty of giggles). When I'm not in the classroom and I get some time to myself, you'll probably find me painting or curled up with a good book.

I can't wait to meet you all and get stuck into this exciting journey together!

BOT Update

Policy Review

From time to time we ask you to review one of our policies that come up on our review cycle. A policy for whānau review is the Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries, and Illness policy. You will find it on School Docs at this link. Click on current review, start review and follow the directions. 

Username: beckenham
Password: pride

Instructions for reviewers
  1. Follow the link to the policy.
  2. Read the policy.
  3. Click the "Start Review" icon at the right-hand top corner of the page. A new screen will appear.
  4. Select your role (board member, staff member, student, whānau or other) from the drop-down list.
  5. Enter your name (optional).
  6. Submit your ratings and comments.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can easily provide you with printed copies of the policy and the review form.

Concerns & Complaints Procedure

BOSCO - April School Holiday Programme

BOSCO April school holiday Programme is open for bookings
Head to bosco.aimyplus.com to register and book
For any further information please contact Harriet
027 645 6632
office@bosco.org.nz

Mana Ake

Tuning into Kids
Term 2 Tuning into Kids Parenting programmes – parents can register directly here: https://manaake.health.nz/tuning-in-to-kids/

Pāpā to Pāpā – A Supportive Drop-in Space – see the flyer below
When: Tuesdays, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Philipstown Community Hub - 39 Nursery Rd Christchurch 8011

Pāpā to Pāpā is a welcoming, drop-in space where pāpā can connect, share experiences, and learn together in a kaupapa Māori setting. Each week, we explore different parenting topics, with a focus on whanaungatanga - building strong relationships and community support. Whether new to fatherhood or experienced, this space provides an opportunity to kōrero, uplift one another, and strengthen our role as pāpā and whānau.

School Holiday Activities

https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/holiday-programmes-events-and-activities/
https://thekindfoundation.org.nz/what-we-offer/holidayprogrammes/
https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/school-holiday-fun/
https://olympia.org.nz/holiday-programme
https://christchurchadventurepark.com/experiences/school-holiday-programmes/

Community Notices

(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)

Storybox Drama - Afterschool process drama classes

Storybox Drama is a new local business in the area, offering after school drama classes to children 5-10yrs old.
Our classes are perfect for children new to drama. We provide a playful approach, with a focus on story, imagination and creative process.
Our learning is focused around a story, and we unpack the themes and ideas explored in the book over the term.
In Term 2 we will be exploring the story of Oliver and the Night Giants by Kitty O'Meara.

Find out more & enrol here:


Term 2 classes
Wed 07 May to Wed 25 Jun (8 weeks)
Wednesdays 3:30 pm to 4:40 pm, 1 hour
Somerfield Community Centre, 47 Studholme St, Christchurch
$180 

Find us on Facebook, Instagram or email us:
storybox.chch@gmail.com

We look forward to exploring the stories with you!

After-School Squash Coaching – Join the Fun! 

Looking for a fun and active way for your child to build skills, confidence, and fitness? Our after-school squash coaching sessions are perfect for beginners and experienced players alike!

Location: Christchurch Squash Club, 52 Colombo Street
Days & Times: After school Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Ages: 9+
All equipment provided

Spaces are limited, so get in touch to book your spot. Contact Tim McVie at coaching@christchurchsquash.co.nz  for more details and to sign up! 

Methven Scarecrow Trail: Saturday April 12 – Sunday April 27, 2025

The Methven Scarecrow Trail is a hugely popular and fun family event run in the April school holidays. It is suitable for all ages!

Every year, members of the Methven community build scarecrows to a particular theme and these scarecrows, over 30 of them, are scattered around the town for families to find and try to identify the name of the character.  This year's theme is HEROES/HEROINES AND VILLAINS (characters from children’s movies). Families or small groups purchase a Trail Map/Entry form from the iHub Information Centre and there are sponsored prizes for the most correct entries and for the most popular scarecrows.

Don't forget to like the Scarecrow Trail FB page if possible - this is where we post messages and the results - https://www.facebook.com/MethvenScarecrowTrail/
Thank you so much for your support!