Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 3 February 2022

Principal's Patch

Kia ora and Assalam alaykum

Last week, during one of our Staff Only Days, our staff and one of our board members were extremely fortunate to participate in some professional development designed to increase our understanding of Islam so that we can better support our Muslim ākonga (learners) and their whānau. Alongside the session at school, our staff also had the opportunity to visit the Al Noor Mosque. Being culturally competent is an important part of our work, and when we participate in any new learning, we always seek to find broader principles of understanding, including how having faith of any kind can be an important pillar of whānau values.


This morning we welcomed all of our new tamariki and their whānau to our school with our start-of-term Welcome Assembly. 



This would have to have been one of the biggest groups we have welcomed for a long time, with the broadest range of cultural diversity in its make-up. This was evidenced by the 17 flags that were brought in to represent the different cultural backgrounds of our new whānau. We feel incredibly lucky to be able to welcome and be part of such a diverse community.

Reminder to all whānau that Monday the 6th of February is a public holiday and school is closed. We look forward to seeing you all back again on Tuesday.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki (Principal)

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Term 1

Mon 6 Feb - Waitangi Day (Kura Closed)
Wed 22 Feb - PTA Meeting; All Welcome (7:30 – 9:30pm in The Green Room)
Thu 23 Feb - BOT Meeting (5.30-7.30pm- Staffroom)
Fri 24 Feb - Celebration Assembly (10.00 - 10.30am in the Hall)
Mon 6 - 10 Mar - Walk or Wheel to School week
Mon 6-Fri 10 Mar - Year 7/8 Camp - Wainui
Wed 22 Mar - PTA Meeting - All Welcome (7:30 – 9:30pm in The Green Room)
Thu 6 Apr - Last day of Term 1
Fri 7 Apr -  School Holidays begin (Kura closed)

Term 2

Mon 24 Apr - Staff Only Day (Kura closed)
Tue 25 Apr - ANZAC Day (Kura closed)
Wed 26 Apr - First day of Term 2
Mon 1 - Wed 3 May - Year 5/6 Camp - Living Springs
Continue reading

Start of 2023 – Whole School Newsletter

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

A Happy New Year to you all!

Less than a week to go and school will be starting again, with Learning Conferences on Tuesday 31st January and Wednesday 1st Feb, followed by classes starting on Thursday 2nd February.

There is some key information noted below to ensure a smooth start to the year for all:

Learning Conferences - Please book yours now if you haven't done so already.

Each child needs to have a learning conference with you and their teacher for 2023 on Tuesday or Wednesday next week. You need to book a 30min time with your child and their teacher by going to 
www.schoolinterviews.org.nz/code and entering the code f69qr
If you need assistance with booking, please call the office on Thursday morning or during the day on Friday and someone will be able to assist you.

Cyber Safety and BYOD Agreements

To help keep students and our technology safe, we ask that all students and caregivers review and complete the Cyber Safety Agreement each year.

Please read through and complete the 2023 Cyber Safety Agreement with your child/children, explaining it at a level that is appropriate for them. If you are unable to complete the form online, a paper version will be available during learning conferences. Please ensure the (digital or paper) form is completed and returned before the first day of classes.

If your child is in Year 5-8 and will be bringing their own device to school for learning, please also read through and complete the 2023 Bring Your Own Device Agreement with your child/children. A paper version will also be available at Learning Conferences, if required. Please complete and return the (digital or paper) BYOD form before the first day of classes.

Stationery 

If you haven't yet organised stationery, or can't locate the list, you can find the stationery lists here, on the school website. Please only name those items that the list asks to be named.

Sunhat and Drink Bottle

It is important that every child starts school with a named sunhat and water bottle. Sunhats are compulsory when outside during Terms 1 and 4.


Uniform

Please find information about the school uniform here.
The PTA will be opening the Uniform shop at the following times next week:
Opening times next week: 
Tuesday 31st January 2pm to 3pm
Wednesday 1st February 8.45am to 10am
During Term 1 2023: 
Tuesday afternoon 2.45 to 3.15pm
Friday morning 8.45 to 9.15am

They would love to have more donations of uniform items that are no longer needed, and are always looking for people who could help out at the uniform shop. Please contact pta@beckenham.school.nz if you can offer assistance.

Welcome Assembly - Friday 3 February 9:15am

This is a very special assembly where we welcome everyone back to school, and particularly welcome our new students and their whānau. Families are welcome to attend, and a very special welcome goes out to the families of our new students (including those who started after Week 1 of Term 4 last year). Our PTA will have a cup of tea or coffee available in the hall foyer from 8:45 - 9:15am, After which the assembly will take place. This lasts about 20mins. 


Medication at school?

If your child needs to have any medication held and /or administered at school, we will need you to come into the office and sign a plan for us to do that. A good time to do this is when you come in for your learning conference. ALL medication plans need to be re-signed for the new year. 



Transiton to a new school year...

Finally - by clicking on the document attached to this email, you can scroll through a visual document about the school, and meet all of the staff for 2023.  This will be especially helpful for some of our younger children, and for children who are new to the school or those moving into a new team.

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Tuesday 31 January - Learning Conferences

Wednesday 1 February - Learning Conferences

Thursday 2 February - School starts, 8:55am

Friday 3 February - cuppa (from 8:45am) followed by Welcome Assembly (9:15am)

Term Dates

Click here to view 2023 term dates.

We are all looking forward to seeing you again next week!

Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 9 December 2022

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

...and the final school week of the year is upon us!

It was a wonderful celebration of achievements at our Final Celebration Assembly today. Congratulations to all of the tamariki who were presented with certificates and awards. 
Special congratulations to Lola Harris for being awarded the Leadership Award, and to Cleo Hopkinson for the Norman Kirk Memorial Prize for Citizenship.

We also farewelled the staff who are leaving at the end of this year.
Caitlin Worsfold is moving to Ashburton where she has won a position at Ashburton Intermediate.
Emma Hayes-Smith will be taking on further study, and we hope to see her back as a reliever if she has some spare days!
Kal Walker is moving to Australia to be closer to family.
Emma Glass (Ferndale) has won a new position at South New Brighton School
Gail Beedles (Ferndale) is moving to be at the Ferndale Haeata campus
Nicola Reddicliffe, Jan Malcolm and Tracey Maloney have all had fixed-term positions this year and these are about to end. We hope to see them back in 2023 either in a relieving capacity, or in fixed-term positions if they become available.


On Thursday this coming week, all of our students will be told who their teacher will be for 2023. Following that, each new 2023 home group will spend some time, together with their new teacher, getting to know one another. 

We are looking forward to having our two new teachers, Thomas Woodfield and Bridie Arifeh, visit this Monday, to participate in a Year 7/8 planning meeting. We will make sure that they are introduced to the Year 6 and Year 7 students whilst they are here, as they won't be at Beckenham when tamariki meet their teachers on the final day of school.

On Thursday, each child will be given a letter for you that tells you about their home group for 2023, has information on it about booking a learning conference with their 2023 teacher, and will have a stationery list attached.

If your child is not at school on Thursday for any reason, this information will be emailed to you.

Our office will be closed from 1pm on Thursday for the rest of the afternoon. The office will reopen on Friday for the day, before closing at 3pm for the summer break. There will be staff at school from Tuesday 24th January, and the office will re-open properly again on Thursday 26th January.

Learning Conferences will be held on Tuesday 31st January and Wednesday 1st February, with classes starting on Thursday 2nd February.

Farewell to our Current Board of Trustees Presiding Member - Matthew Macdonald

Matthew Macdonald, who has had a 16 year association with the school, has handed in his resignation as a board member, effective from the eve of the first Board meeting of 2023 as he will no longer have any children at the school. We are extremely grateful for the service that he has given to our board, initially as a trustee, and then as our Presiding Member (Chair).
This leaves a casual vacancy on the Board, which the board have resolved to fill by selection. 
Please see the official notice about this below:

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Board 
Casual vacancy for a parent representative

A casual vacancy has occurred on the school board for an elected parent representative.
The board has decided to fill the vacancy by selection.
If 10% or more of eligible voters on the school roll ask the board, within 28 days of this notice being published, to hold a by-election to fill the vacancy, then a by-election will be held.
Request for a by-election should be sent to:
Matthew Macdonald email: matthew@corehomes.co.nz
Presiding member (chair) 
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Board
by 7 January 2023 


Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki / Principal

Important Dates

Wed 14 Dec - Year 8 Leavers Graduation - 11am - 12noon, followed by Leavers' Lunch
Thu 15 Dec - Last day of Term 4 - School closes at 12:30pm

Term Dates

Citizen of the Week

Isabella Guise - Year 6

Isabella, you are a calm, hardworking, and self-managing learner. You show all our kete values daily and consistently demonstrate a positive attitude in all you do. You willingly help around the hub when you see a need and this is very much appreciated. Ka rawe, Isabella.

School Notices

Free Period Products

The Ministry of Education provides period products free to schools to ensure that tamariki do not miss school as a result of not having these products available. Your child can access these at any time, and is welcome to take a supply home for the holidays. They can come to the office and speak to any of the staff, or you can come in for them. They can also speak to one of the staff in the Year 5/6 or Year 7/8 team. This offer includes both sanitary pads and tampons.

Missing Scooter

This scooter belonging to one of our tamariki went missing from the Sandwich Road bike stand on Thursday the 3rd of November and it hasn't turned up yet - maybe someone took it home by mistake?

We have a whānau keen to see it returned, so if you could please take the time to check your child's scooter and ensure it hasn't been mixed up, it would be much appreciated. If you do find it or have any information please get in touch with the Office.

Library Books and Sport Uniforms

We need your assistance to ensure the return of all sports uniforms and library books before school closes for the year. All sports tops need be returned before Thursday. Each top has a $30 replacement cost. 

Congratulations to...

Keanna Hakeagaiki who has recently come 6th in New Zealand for her weight division in weightlifting. An awesome achievement Keanna! Ka rawe!


Marching award

This past weekend after months of preparation Cammie Inglis and Hayley Rose Ruyters competed in the South Island Marching Championship where their team won First under 12 Technical Team and 3rd under 12 Display Team. These combined totals rewarded the team 1st = Champion Under 12 Marching Team.

Attached is a team photo where there are some more familiar faces with both Jayde and Isabelle Inglis past students in the team too.

PTA News

Community Notices

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

A list of helpful go-to places and websites to support tamariki and whānau in getting the right support:

Community Helplines

1737 - free text and phone counseling 24/7 
Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234 
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 269 4389
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (5–18-year-olds).
thelowdown.co.nz –or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
 
Emotional Regulation:
Feel Brave: Feel brave creates content (books and videos) that helps children manage tough
emotions and reach their creative potential. It was founded by Avril McDonald who is the
author of the award-winning, best-selling Feel Brave series of books which have been translated
into seven different languages and are used and loved all over the world.

Enabling Youth: works with at risk Youth/Rangatahi and young people between 11 and 30 years
of age (Christchurch and North Canterbury) and 12 - 18 (South Canterbury). The "Getting it
Together", programme involves 10 - 15 sessions. The individualised programme operates each
week, with face-to-face sessions and supported learning, while young people are engaged in the
programme. Participants are supported or expected to practice their learning throughout the
week and review their progress with their tutor/clinician at the next session. Tutors/clinicians
are available throughout the week to assist the young people and their whanāu. Some key
challenges Enabling Youth target self-esteem, regulating emotions and behaviours, relationship
management, coping with grief and loss, problem solving and life skills. https://www.enablingyouth.co.nz/

Christchurch Methodist Mission: Work with Adults, Parents, Whānau (mmsi.org.nz)

Kidz need Dadz: Separation or Oranga Tamariki issues, e.g. access to their children. Fatherhood
courses. Anger management courses. Whānau dispute resolution mediation. Emotional and
practical support: for at-home, teen, expectant, and solo dads; with depression, grief, loss,
separation anxiety; for fathers of special needs children. Website: https://www.kidzneeddadz.org.nz/

Pillars: Support for children of prisoners https://www.pillars.org.nz/

\
Grandparents Raising Grandkids: https://www.grg.org.nz/

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 2 December 2022

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

These past two weeks have been a real celebration of our tamariki and their talents.

We were privileged to enjoy two fantastic concerts last week, and they showcased some of our amazing, talented students. Thank you to the String instrument students and Ensemble, and also Ferndale Kapa Haka. You were both outstanding! 

Thank you to everyone who came along to our Whānau Rōpū Hui & Kapa Haka performance on Wednesday. Whakawhanaungatanga (the process of establishing relationships & relating to each other) is an important part of having a strong school community, and culture. It was really good to have so many whānau here to share kai and support our tamariki performing.




Our tamariki were treated to a wonderful final dress rehearsal of the Year 7/8 production yesterday afternoon. Completely written and choreographed by the students int he Year 7/8 team, this production will be extremely popular with whānau as it takes you on ' A Walk Through The 80s'! There will be two performances next week - on Monday and Tuesday evening, starting at 7pm. Entry by gold coin donation.

It's hard to believe that we are in December already, and that we have just one and a half weeks of school remaining. Please remember that school finishes at 12:30pm on Thursday 15th December.

As many families begin to prepare for the Christmas season, those who would like to add a small bit of Christmas bling to their uniform next week are welcome to do that!


Supporting transitions for all our tamariki

Children who will be moving into new teams for next year are currently in the process of having transition visits to their new buildings, and are meeting the teachers who are in each team at the moment. On the final morning of the year, all of the children will find out who their home group teacher is for the following year, and then each group will go together and spend time with their new teacher/team. Children will bring home a letter on that day, that will have information for you about their new team, their teacher, and about how to book a Learning Conference for the start of 2023. 

School starts next year with two days of Learning Conferences on Tuesday 31st January and Wednesday 1st February, then classes begin on Thursday 2nd February.

Ngā mihi nui

Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki (Principal)

Important Dates

Mon 5 Dec Year 7 & 8 Production (7.00 - 8.00pm in the Hall)
Tue 6 Dec -  Year 7 & 8 Production (7.00 - 8.00pm in the Hall)
Thu 8 Dec - BOT Meeting (5.30 - 7.50pm - Rūma Kaimahi/Staffroom)
Fri 9 Dec - Final Celebration Assembly (9.45-10.30am)
Wed 14 Dec - Year 8 Leavers Graduation - 11am - 12noon, followed by Leavers' Lunch
Thu 15 Dec - Last day of Term 4 - School closes at 12:30pm

Term Dates

Citizen of the Week

Luigi Vallero Reid - Year 8

Luigi, you are such a personable and friendly character. You make a difference by enriching discussions with your deep thinking and broad knowledge. Luigi, you shine as an advocate for diversity. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and encouraging inclusion in others. Our kura is a better place for having you in it. 

School Notices

A Walk Through the 80s!

Next Monday and Tuesday, Year 7 & 8 take to the stage to share their many and varied talents as they present: 'A Walk Through the 80s'. We would love you to join us for what promises to be an entertaining evening. Gold coin donation at the door. 

Community Dental Service - December/January Holiday Clinics

Congratulations to our Y8 Award Winners...

Mathematics Cup: Fergus Macdonald

Fergus your passion for all things maths is quite contagious. You love nothing better than a rich problem to immerse yourself in and you are always keen to share your solutions. You have created two amazing Cantamath projects and earned an excellence award this year with your dynamic wave model. You were part of the team that won the local Cantamath competition in Year 6 and also achieved an impressive result this year. You have qualified for the Final Challenge in Otago Problem Solving in Year 7 and again in Year 8. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and supporting others with their learning too. Tu meke, Fergus!  

Radcliffe Award for Special Contribution to Drama: Katya Atlas 

Katya, your love of everything theatrical is commendable. You earned the respect of your team members and became a role model in Theatre Sports. You were creative, witty and effortlessly ‘improv’d’ your way to an incredibly competitive second place. When you perform, your talent, energy and smile light up the room. Your connection to drama outside of school keeps you busy and always performing. You come by your talent honestly and I imagine we will see your name up in lights one day! As William Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage.” Well, Katya, the world is yours!  

Special Contribution to Music: George Smith and Tahere Taylor 

George, you are a wonderfully talented bass and guitar player, who shows dedication to refining your skills and a real enthusiasm for performing. Watching you jam along, having the time of your life, and being totally immersed in the music brings so much joy. Isn’t that what music is all about? Your development has gone from strength to strength this year and you embrace opportunities to perform and share your music with others. This has included performances with The School’s Music Festival, accompanying guitar with Te Whānau Mahi Tahi, and our Kauri production. Thank you for sharing your music with us. 

Tahere, we love listening to you play guitar and sing our hub. Your voice is a real show-stopper and your technical ability on the guitar is enviable. Tahere, you approach music learning with gusto and focus. Your ability on the guitar has progressed in leaps and bounds this year and is a testament to the time you dedicate to practicing at home. Your music contributions have included performances outside of kura, accompanying guitar with Te Whānau Mahi Tahi, and our Kauri production. Thank you for sharing your music with us.   

Social Sciences Cup: Quinn Clarke  

Quinn, throughout your primary school years, you have shown great enthusiasm for learning about our world and the people and cultures within it. As a junior, you would take great pride in being able to identify the flag that was flying each day. Fast forward to your senior years and you continue to demonstrate impressive knowledge and insight in the subject of social sciences. You bring a blend of curiosity, understanding and deep thinking, which enables you to drive a rich discussion on a range of topics including electric cars, world leaders and a range of real-life and hypothetical social issues. You have maintained your enthusiasm and dedication to Kapa Haka into your senior years, demonstrating a commitment to learning about te ao Māori.   

Taylor Cup for Sportsmanship: Lola Harris

Lola, your dedication and mahi on the sports field has been rewarded with impressive results over the years. While there is no denying your ability as a sports person, it is not what you’ve achieved but how you’ve achieved it that we are recognising today. Lola, you play sport with the utmost integrity and humility. When it comes to proving your capabilities on the sports field, you let your playing do the talking. Kāore te kūmara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka. The kūmara doesn't speak of its own sweetness. It just is. Instead, you use your voice to build others up. You are bursting with compliments to your team and recognition for your opponents. Lola, you lead by example. Your actions set the tone within a team for others to rise to. Lola, you have proved over the years that when it comes to good sportsmanship, you know no other way to be than exceptional. It has been a privilege to share your sporting experiences with you. 

Taylor Cup for Sportsmanship: Quinn Clarke 

Quinn, you have demonstrated an insatiable enthusiasm for sport throughout your primary school years. You are a talented and versatile sports person. At every event and every game, you play to win, striving to give your best and do your bit as part of a team. This tenacity shows respect to your teammates and to your opposition, while your honesty and level head shows respect to the rules of the game. When things don't go your way, you keep your head high, embrace the challenge in front of you and continue to support those around you. A favourite quote of mine says that the sign of a good sportsperson is when ‘they walk off the court and you really can’t tell if they won or lost (because) they carry themselves with pride either way.’ This describes you perfectly. It has been a privilege to share your sporting experiences with you.  

Contribution to Māori culture: Niamh Wolt

'Me he korokoro tūī' – Like the sweet throated tui bird.  
‘Te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngahere. Te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao.’  
- The forest belongs to the bird who feasts on the miro berry, the world belongs to the bird who feasts on learning' 
 
Niamh, these two whakataukī about manu exemplify your mahi this year as a performer and one of our kapa haka leaders.  There is no doubt you are a performer, whose voice, presence and gracefulness have made you an amazing role model for others, and a delight for others to watch and listen to. You express and honour the kaupapa of our various waiata and haka with a voice that is strong, clear and beautiful.  When sweetness is needed, you are a sweetie! When a challenging presence is required you are fierce.  You don’t miss a beat, fully engaged, listening, watching, thinking, learning and absorbing as we practise, and totally “in the zone” when we perform. Not only have you brought these amazing things to Te Whānau as a performer, you have been dedicated, positive, organised, dependable and humble in your leadership role. 
Ngā mihi, wahine toa!  

Contribution to Māori culture: Tahere Taylor

“Ko Mauao te maunga, ko Tauranga te moana”  
Your maunga wears the reflected light of the dawn, but you, Tahere, shine with a light that comes from within.  Everyone can see it – the kaiako, the tamariki and the wider whānau here at Beckenham.  
 
Your feet, like a maunga, are grounded firmly within te ao Māori. Throughout your time at Beckenham you have been able to share the mātauranga that comes from this, in the classroom, the sports field, and on stage. This is where we have seen you shine. Your contributions have been numerous. Your commitment. Your leadership by example. Your hearty voice, your ferocious haka, your pukumahi. Te ihi me te wehi. Playing the guitar to manaaki our rōpū. Your humbleness. Listening, responding and looking for ways to enhance the mana of others. Your presence had such a valuable impact on the mauri of individuals, and the group as a whole. 
The mana and esteem in which you are held by both adults and children is indisputable. Keep shining. Haere tonu e hoa. 
 
Ko ngā pae tawhiti whaia kia tata. Ko ngā pae tata, whakamaua kia tina.  
The potential for tomorrow is determined by what we do today.

Sports News

Canterbury Athletics 

A huge congratulations to the tamariki who represented our kura and zone at Canterbury Athletics on Wednesday. We had an impressive 21 athletes qualify for this event across a range of disciplines. The children lived out our school values as they competed against very strong competition. A huge congratulations to everyone on an awesome achievement. 




Mountainbike Passions Rōpū

PTA News

Community Notices

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

Community Helpline

1737 - free text and phone counseling 24/7 
Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234 
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 269 4389
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (5–18-year-olds).
thelowdown.co.nz –or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626


Brain Play teaches online after-school science & technology classes to Kiwi kids aged 5 - 13, from right across the country! Online topics this term include 3D printing, coding, animation, STEM experiments, LEGO & more. Free trials available for new students. Check out our timetable on our website and use the form to get in touch - https://www.brainplay.co.nz/

Have a Go Session!

On Sunday 11th of December we would like to hold a ‘Have a Go’ session. If you know anyone who might be interested in giving surf a go please invite them down to our normal session from 9.30-11am. I have also included a flyer if you know of any schools, community groups or facebook pages that might be interested in sharing the event.

Kelly Sports Summer Holiday Programmes

Bookings for our upcoming Kelly Sports Summer Holiday Programmes at Hillview Christian School are now available online. 

The focus of our Programmes is to ensure kids are active throughout, with a great mixture of games and activities to suit everyone. WINZ Subsidies are available for families that qualify and we have options of Half Day sessions, School Day sessions and Full Day sessions available.

To register and for more information please visit www.kellysports.co.nz/christchurch-east or contact Adelma on chch@kellysports.co.nz for more information.


Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 25 November 2022

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

With only two and a half weeks of the school year to go, there is still a lot of learning and celebration to get through!
It was a momentous day on Monday to finally be able to open our new Junior Playground. We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for the funding that made it possible, to Richard Scott from our Board, and Richard Garner (Logic Group - project manager) who over-saw the project, and to PLAYCO for making it all happen!
We were grateful for sunny weather for the opening, after a very wet spell over the weekend, and our newest 5-year-old, who had only started school on the 1st of November, had the honour of cutting the ribbon and declaring - 'This playground is now OPEN"


All of the children have been getting plenty of opportunities for exploring the playground and are practicing skills of turn-taking, patience, and of supporting and encouraging one another as they use the different pieces of equipment.

Whānau Picnic and Kapa Haka Concerts - this Wed 30 Nov

The student council are holding an event on the 30th of November, the Whānau Rōpū Picnic
event from 5:00 - 7:00.We will have mini-games and prizes up for grabs. You can bring your own picnic. Our Kowhai, Pohutukawa and Kauri Kapa Haka groups will be performing at the following times:
Year 3-4 - 5:30
Year 5-6 - 6:00
Te Whānau Mahi Tahi -  6:30
We will also play music and hope students can bring families to the community event. 
- From the Student Council

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki (Principal)

Important Dates

Wed 30 Nov - Whānau Rōpū Picnic and Kapa Haka performances (see below for more info)
Fri 2 Dec - Celebration Assembly (10 - 10.30am)
Thu 8 Dec - BOT Meeting (5.30 - 7.50pm - Rūma Kaimahi/Staffroom)
Fri 9 Dec - Final Celebration Assembly (9.45-10.30am)
Wed 14 Dec - Year 8 Leavers Graduation - 11am - 12noon, followed by Leavers' Lunch
Thu 15 Dec - Last day of Term 4 - School closes at 12:30pm

Term Dates

Citizen of the Week

Clarel Caen - Year 4

Clarel, you are a hardworking and motivated learner and always try to do your best. You consistently demonstrate a positive attitude and are a great friend to others. You have wonderful self-management skills and are an excellent role model. You are extremely reliable and make a positive difference in our hub. Well done, Clarel!

School Notices

Whānau Survey - please contribute your perspective... 

Over the next 2 to 3 years we will be further developing our understanding of gifted learners and how we meet their needs at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. This survey is part of the initial process and helps us with our planning and direction. We encourage all whānau to complete this survey which will be open until Monday 28th November.

Christchurch School of Music

Your child can learn to play a string instrument at school with the CSM Outreach Strings Programme. Children who learn music build confidence, increase their learning abilities, sharpen organisational skills and gain valuable social, physical and academic skills. Most importantly learning an instrument in the Outreach Strings Programme is fun. In the strings programme we teach violin, viola and cello.

Students receive a lesson each week (either individual or in a group of two) and will also have time in a small ensemble. Lessons and the ensemble happen during school time.

Your child will play in concerts at their school and in concerts organised by the Christchurch School of Music with other orchestras, ensembles and groups. The Outreach programme works closely with the CSM Junior Symphony Orchestra (JSO) and all Outreach strings participants are invited to attend the JSO camp each year.
What will it cost?
We teach in your child’s school for 32 sessions throughout the year. Each term can have a different number of lessons depending on the other activities happening at the school and children’s timetables. The cost for the Outreach Strings Programme is $572.00 per year. This is invoiced by term ($143.00). We can also arrange a weekly payment plan if that suits better. If you have a community services card you may be eligible for a 50% discount on the base fee. This is dependent on the availability of grant monies.

Hiring an Instrument
You can hire an instrument from CSM. The cost for a violin is $140 per year ($35.00 per term) and a cello is $240 per year ($60 per term). You can also hire instruments from Sedley Wells and KBB Music. Your school may also have instruments available.

Enrolling
Go to www.csm.org.nz/enrol and choose the Outreach Strings Programme.

Christchurch School of Music
60 Ferry Road
T: (03) 3661 711
E: office@csm.org.nz
or the Outreach Strings Coordinator Anne Robinson at annejohnrobinson@gmail.com

Issue 8 of Book Club is here!


This exciting Issue of Book Club has all the best books to get festive for the holidays and to be ready for summer holiday reading!

It's the last issue for the year, so make sure you place your orders on time to ensure you have books for Christmas gifting and school holiday reading.

Issue 8
Opens - Monday 14 Nov
Closes - Monday 12 Dec

Lost Property

All items in the Lost Property need to be claimed before the end of term. This also a reminder to name all items coming to school with your tamariki. Any items clearly named (first and last) are returned to the child's teacher directly. 

Congratulations to...

Congratulations to our two Theatre Sports teams for their competitions on Saturday 5th November at Rangi Ruru Girls High School. Zoe Winsor, Ashlyn Taffs, Cleo Hopkinson, Oliver Mclachlan and Lachy Mcleod were amazing with their wit and working together to create great improv. Emma Reedy, Stella English, Haile Harmer-Campbell, Reagan Maule, and Katya Atlas were humorous and provided great entertainment while on stage. They were runner-ups in their heat. Both teams worked from the beginning of Term 2 to perfect their skills. Well done to you all!


PTA Update

Help needed please!

Our Uniform room is open this year on Mondays and Fridays after school for 20 minutes or so.
We are in danger of having to close it as our wonderful Jaana who has volunteered for many years is off on a new adventure! 

We are looking for a kind person to take on a shift once a week. It does not have to be a certain day and could even be in the morning before school. It's very easy and a great way to get to know lots of people in the school community. 

It's a great service for the school, so please do email us at pta@beckenham.school.nz or message us on Facebook. 

Ngā mihi 
The Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA

Community Notices

Community Helpline

1737 - free text and phone counseling 24/7 
Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234 
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 269 4389
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (5–18-year-olds).
thelowdown.co.nz –or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626