Category Archives: Weekly Newsletters

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Thursday 1 April, 2021

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Structured Literacy Workshops this week 

Thank you to all of the whānau who managed to get along to one of our parent workshops this week. We do apologise for the very short notice on these. Caroline had an opening in her calendar at the last minute and we took it. We are hoping to repeat this again during Term 2, with more notice than we were able to give this time. We recorded one of the sessions, and hope to be able to make this available next week.


Sleep Tips for Children

With daylight saving ending this Sunday, 4th April, we thought you might appreciate reading some tips for helping children to get a good night of sleep... We all know how important good sleep is for our children's success, and how poor sleep can negatively impact on learning and behaviour.
The Sleep Health Foundation has put together a number of tips for developing positive sleep habits and patterns for children.

We hope that you all manage to get some quality time with family and whānau over the Easter break. 

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Week 10:
Mon 5 Apr - Easter Monday - School Closed
Tue 6 Apr - Easter Tuesday - School Closed
Thu 8 Apr - 9.00 - 2.00pm, Canterbury Swimming at Selwyn Aquatic Centre
Thu 8 Apr - 3:15 - 6:00pm Miniball Grade C at Pioneer Stadium
Fri 9 Apr - 12.00 - 12.30 Celebration Assembly

Week 11: 
Mon 12 Apr - Learning Conferences - SCHOOL CLOSES at 2pm 
Wed 14 Apr: - Learning Conferences - SCHOOL CLOSES at 2pm
Fri 16 Apr: - Last day of Term 1

Term Dates

Click here to view 2021 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Isabelle Inglis - Year 6

Izzy, you truly make a difference to our team. You are always willing to contribute to our school community and we love that you always think of ways to help and look for solutions. You truly love learning and this shines through to us everyday. The treasure is learning, Izzy, he taonga te ako.

School Notices

Learning Conferences

Week 11 - Monday 12th April and Wednesday 14th April

School will close at 2pm on both days, to allow Learning Conferences to begin at 2:15pm.

Please go onto the School Interviews website and use the code kk64k to book your learning conference. The Learning Conferences are for 15mins each, except for Year 7/8 where you need to book a 15-minute slot, but allow 30 mins (it works!)

The focus of these Learning Conferences will be to update you on how your child has settled into the school year, and to give you a picture of the areas of focus they are working on, particularly in numeracy and literacy. 

Updating Contact Details

A reminder to all parents and caregiver's to please update details or changes with the office. This includes any changes in circumstances, addresses, or contact numbers.

Sunhats

Please remember that Term 1 and Term 4 are sunhat terms. Every child needs to have a school hat at school every day.

Mana Ake “Drop-Ins” are continuing…

A number of whānau have already made great use of the Mana Ake “drop-ins” that are available on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 – 9:30am. These drop-in sessions are here to provide parents with an opportunity to have a private, informal conversation around the well being of their child with one of our Mana Ake workers (kaimahi). If you feel like you would like to attend a drop-in session, please book in a time via the link here: Mana Ake booking  The code to use is 88t39. Alternatively, you can contact Jacky in the office and she will make a booking for you.

Lost Property

In the office we are building quite the collection of watches, and various other items in our lost property pile. If your child is missing something special, please come see us and describe your item - we may be able to reunite you with your treasures! During the school day, children and parents will also have access to the lost property rack for clothing, and the lost property bin for hats. These sit outside the library.

Staff Profiles

Introducing our Kauri Hub teachers. Our Kauri hub supports the learning of our Year 7 & 8 students.

From left to right we have; Jenny Diggle (Sports), Caitlin Worsfold, Megan Culver, Nicky Dunlop (Team Leader), Georgie Jones. It was a challenge to get these busy people together and paused for long enough to take a photo... they are always on the go!

Community Notices

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

ANZAC Day

Art Classes for Children

Is your child passionate about art? Would they like to extend their creativity through learning a range of new art skills and techniques? Maybe Kat's holiday painting workshops or after-school art classes are just what you've been looking for. Kat's Art Studio is relocating to 171c Waltham Rd. Art tutor Katrina is a professional artist and tutor who has over 10yrs experience teaching children art. For more details, please visit www.katsartstudio.co.nz

Audition Call



Studio One Performing Arts, your local dance school, is currently giving Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Acro lessons in your area. The school’s director is teacher, choreographer & ex-ballet dancer Patricia Paul A.R.A.D. (London). Ballet lessons from 3 years through to Advanced, and all levels in Jazz and Contemporary starting from age 7.
For all enquiries please phone 03 372-9191 or email info@studioone.co.nz

Imagination Station after school LEGO classes are coming to South Christchurch Library, with all our LEGO robotics, mechanics, and movie making fun! In Term 2 our South Christchurch classes will be held every week on Wednesday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, with a cost of $15 per session. Find more info or reserve a space at imagination-station.org.nz
 

Family Day Out!
Event Hire & Placemaking at One Central are proud to present the Family Day Out!
Make sure to bring the whole family for a day packed full of fun! There will be bouncy castles, rides & amusements for all ages, coffee & food, local stalls + heaps more!
Tickets available at Eventbrite.

Can't wait to see you there!

Christchurch Netball, in collaboration with Origin Sport, Mainland Football and Scotty’s Skate Skool are running a FREE multi-sport event on Sunday 11th April starting at 12 noon.
  • The event will be held at Hagley Netball courts in South Hagley Park.
  • The sports participating are Netball, Ki ò Rahi, Skateboarding and Futsal.
  • The will be a free sausage sizzle and fruit for lunch.
  • This event is for young people aged between 5 and 18. Please bring a friend with you, participants do not have to be currently registered with a sport, this is simply an opportunity to have a go, have some fun and enjoy a FREE event and some FREE food.
Register here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/163555





“The Peace Train bike ride attempts bring our whanau together and to break down cultural barriers, especially after the March 15 tragedies in Christchurch.

Join in your whanau and friends in any one of the 4 rides on Sunday 11 April.  Each ride stops briefly at 4-5 faith-based places of worship around our city. All 4 rides end at the Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham St North for afternoon tea at around 4.30pm.

By cycling together and visiting centres of different faiths, we’ll be reminded of the thing we have in common and  the diversity we can celebrate.

For more information:
email kiaora@peacetrain.org.nz
Ian Wells, Meg Christie”




Crusaders VS Highlanders tickets

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We have been kindly gifted 100 tickets from the Crusaders, in partnership with John Jones Steel.

As a part of this initiative, John Jones Steel and the Crusaders have partnered with the Child Cancer Foundation to help raise their awareness and funds. We would love for you to consider donating to Child Cancer in exchange for a ticket. The blue donation bucket is held in the Office.

The details of the game are below:
Crusaders v Highlanders
When: Friday 2 April, 7.05pm
Where: Orangetheory Stadium 

Please express your interest by completing the form linked here. 

Please note the tickets are only for families within the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto community - this is not for the general public.

Reminder – Parent Workshop tomorrow – Structured Literacy

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Reminder: Tomorrow - Tuesday 30 March

Parents and caregivers workshop - understanding how our children learn to read: The structured literacy approach.


Join us in the staffroom at 3.15 - 4:15pm or 7:00 - 8:00pm tomorrow,
Tuesday 30th March 2021.

Caroline Morritt, our Resource Teacher of Literacy will explain our new approach to teaching reading and writing. Based on the science of reading, Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto uses an explicit, systematic structured literacy approach to build a strong literacy foundation.

Come along and learn about the programme and see the decodable books we are using to support targeted classroom teaching of phonological awareness and blending and segmenting skills for accurate, automatic reading and spelling. 

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Friday 26 March, 2021

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Today I have been in Wellington at a meeting of over 100 principals from around New Zealand as part of the New Zealand Principals Federation Annual Moot. This morning the Minister of Education, Chris Hipkins, spoke to us, reminding us that one year ago today was the first day of our Level 4 lockdown. So much has happened across the world since then, and we have continued to work successfully as a nation to keep COVID-19 out of our communities. 
As well as the challenges of continuing to provide education through COVID times, we have been looking today at many of the other challenges that face principals, schools and Boards of Trustees across the country. 
Two of the many areas, where there were united calls for urgent action from the government, were:
  • Removing the inequity of funding and staffing between primary and secondary schools i.e. providing primary schools with the same levels of staffing and release for teachers for preparation and professional development that secondary schools get
  • Urgently providing schools with appropriate and timely support for students whose needs are the most complex and challenging, and whose behaviours often pose a high risk to others.
Just these two calls alone are complex, and require significant budgetary investment from a purse that is increasingly under pressure. We will continue to lobby for these, and other supports for our schools and tamariki.

Parents and caregivers workshop - understanding how our children learn to read: The structured literacy approach.

Join us in the staffroom at 3.15 pm or 7:00pm on

Tuesday 30th March 2021.

Caroline Morritt, our Resource Teacher of Literacy will explain our new approach to teaching reading and writing. Based on the science of reading, Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto uses an explicit, systematic structured literacy approach to build a strong literacy foundation.

Decodable books support targeted classroom teaching of phonological awareness and blending and segmenting skills for accurate, automatic reading and spelling. 

Learning Conferences

Week 11 - Monday 12th April and Wednesday 14th April

School will close at 2pm on both days, to allow Learning Conferences to begin at 2:15pm.

Please go onto the School Interviews website and use the code kk64k to book your learning conference. The Learning Conferences are for 15mins each, except for Year 7/8 where you need to book a 15-minute slot, but allow 30 mins (it works!)

The focus of these Learning Conferences will be to update you on how your child has settled into the school year, and to give you a picture of the areas of focus they are working on, particularly in numeracy and literacy.

Partnering to save our Waterways...

On Monday March 22nd, Healthy Opāwāho representatives Cleo Hopkinson (Year 7) and Ben Cross (Year 5) attended the launch of the Community Waterways Partnership, supported by their whānau, Sally Airey from the Christchurch City Council and Steve Cooke. The Partnership is looking to involve the Council, Canterbury Regional Council, Ngāi Tahu, Department of Conservation, Ministry for the Environment, Canterbury District Health Board, universities, schools, industry representatives, river care and other community groups. Their aim, to improve the ecological health, indigenous biodiversity and the amenity value of our urban waterways. Both Cleo and Ben spoke about what their awa, the Opāwaho/ Heathcote river, means to them and to our community, including Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. The charter was then signed by the organisations in attendance, including by Cleo and Ben on behalf of our kura. Sally Airey had this to say about our enviro-superstars:

" Many thanks to you both for speaking at the Community Waterways Launch – and for signing on your school's behalf.  Everyone was very inspired by your passion and enthusiasm for our waterways and the Ōpāwaho and the Beckenham Ponds.  I think your action and speeches were one of the reasons why we had 42 organisations sign up to the Charter!" Tino pai kia kōrua!



You can read more about this project here.

Ngā mihi
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Week 9:
Wed 31 Mar - 4:15-5:45pm Kiwi Volleyball at Hillview Christian School
Thu 1 Apr - 3:15 - 6:00pm Miniball Grade C at Pioneer Stadium
Fri 2 Apr - Good Friday - School Closed

Week 10:
Mon 5 Apr - Easter Monday - School Closed
Tue 6 Apr - Easter Tuesday - School Closed
Thu 8 Apr - 9.00 - 2.00pm, Canterbury Swimming at Selwyn Aquatic Centre
Thu 8 Apr - 3:15 - 6:00pm Miniball Grade C at Pioneer Stadium
Fri 9 Apr - 12.00 - 12.30 Celebration Assembly

Week 11: 
Mon 12 Apr - Learning Conferences - SCHOOL CLOSES at 2pm 
Wed 14 Apr: - Learning Conferences - SCHOOL CLOSES at 2pm
Fri 16 Apr - Last day of Term 1 
Fri 16 Apr: - Last day of Term 1

Term Dates

Click here to view 2021 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Evelyn Pooch - Year 4

Evelyn, you have made an outstanding start to the year. You consistently focus on doing the right thing and are an extremely helpful member of the team. You work enthusiastically in all areas of school and are a fantastic role model to others. You are a star, Evelyn. Well done!

School Notices

Easter Holiday clarification

There have been some questions from whānau about why school is closed on Easter Tuesday. All schools, primary and secondary, across the country are closed on Good Friday, Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday, and always have been, for as long as anyone can remember. I'm not sure what the historical rationale for this is - it is just always the way it has been. When schools used to have three, 13 or 14 week terms a year, Easter always fell during the first term, and the 5 day weekend was a very welcome break during a long term.
When schools moved to four, 10 week terms a year in 1996, the Easter break has mostly fallen within the school holidays at the end of the first term. However, in some years - 1997, 2005, 2008, 2013, 2016, 2018 and now in 2021 - Easter has fallen during the first term, rather than during the holidays.

Drink Bottles

Please remember that all children need a clean, full water bottle at school every day. Thank you.

Crusaders v Highlanders tickets


We have been kindly gifted 100 tickets from the Crusaders, in partnership with John Jones Steel.
As a part of this initiative, John Jones Steel and the Crusaders have partnered with the Child Cancer Foundation to help raise their awareness and funds. We would love for you to consider donating to Child Cancer in exchange for a ticket. The blue donation bucket is in the Office.

The details of the game are below:
Crusaders v Highlanders
When: Friday 2 April, 7.05pm
Where: Orangetheory Stadium 

Please express your interest by completing the form linked here. Please note ticket numbers are limited and the tickets are only for families within the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto community - this is not for the general public.

Ferrymead Trip - Kōwhai Team - Year 3&4


Kōwhai had a fantastic time at Ferrymead on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. We explored V huts, played a variety of picnic games, baked a delicious cookie in the bakery and experienced school life at the school. The school was very different to Beckenham Te Kura o Puroto - the children were very thankful that schools have changed so much! We ended the day with a tram ride all the  way around the park. What outstanding days they were! 
A huge thank-you to the PTA who funded the buses for this awesome learning opportunity.

Te Mana Raupo Kahui Ako

Parent Workshop 

Parenting to Establish Safety, Connection and Engagement

The workshop will provide an overview of children’s challenging behaviours and how parents/caregivers can better understand the causes and possible ways to prevent and respond.
The overview covers:
  • Understanding challenging behaviours
  • Understanding Window of Tolerance and Arousal and how this contributes to challenging behaviours
  • Understanding how co-regulation & attunement can enhance moments of shared joy
  • Learn a number of useful activities to respond to various behaviours.
This presentation is grounded in relational attachment based principles and philosophies.
This presentation is open to all families in our wider community and is free of charge.

Presented by: 
Dr Petria Thoresen, PhD, a fully certified Theraplay® Therapist and Theraplay®
Maria Lui, SWRB & MNZAC, a fully certified Group Theraplay® Practitioner and Theraplay®

St Martins School Hall
Tuesday 30th March
5:30-6:30pm

To attend, please RSVP to - reihana.dougherty@beckenham.schoool.nz

Mana Ake Virtual Parenting Workshops 

Supporting Your Child in a Digital World
Tuesday 30 March 1.00 - 2.00pm

Parenting Through Big Emotions
Wednesday 14 April, 11.30am - 12.30pm
Wednesday 12 May, 7.00pm - 8.00pm

Helping Children through Grief, Loss and Change
Wednesday 19 May, 11.30am - 12.30pm
Tuesday 25 May, 7.00pm - 8.00pm

Register for these free webinars by contacting manaakefeedback@cdhb.health.nz

Mana Ake “Drop-Ins” are continuing…

A number of whānau have already made great use of the Mana Ake “drop-ins” that are available on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 – 9:30am. These drop-in sessions are here to provide parents with an opportunity to have a private, informal conversation around the well being of their child with one of our Mana Ake workers (kaimahi). If you feel like you would like to attend a drop-in session, please book in a time via the link here: Mana Ake booking  The code to use is 88t39. Alternatively, you can contact Jacky in the office and she will make a booking for you.

Ferg and Freya's Child Cancer Fundraiser

Fergus and Freya are fundraising for the child cancer foundation. They plan to shave off their hair at the end of this. They have both have had family members effected by cancer and want to raise money to help.

Freya is planning on donating her hair to Freedom Wigs to help others in need as well.

Child Cancer Foundation is a cause we're extremely passionate about. They provide life changing support for our little kiwis and their families during their most testing times and every dollar makes a huge difference!

If you would like to support them, you can come along to the front of the hall at 3pm on Friday 9th April and you can contribute to their cause through their Give-A-Little page

Staff Profiles

Introducing our Pōhutukawa Team! Gayle, Rae, Anna and Steve (team leader) are our Year 5 and 6  teachers. Collectively, they have many years of teaching experience and each bring unique strengths and passions to their work. They are great collaborators and this is their third year of working together as a team.

(Left to right, Gayle McNaughton, Rae Marsh, Anna Reid, Steve Cooke - Team Leader)

Please let us know...

If your child has participated/competed successfully in an out of school event (music, sport, theatre, community service, academic, technology, science, etc) and send us a wee blurb and photo so that we can acknowledge their efforts and success through the newsletter.

Sports News

Hanmer Four Hour

A record number of 28 children from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto took on the challenge of the Hanmer 4 Hour Mountain Bike Relay last Saturday. Children from Year 3 to Year 8 competed in the event. Getting there together as part of a two or three person team, they peddled their hearts out to complete as many 6 km laps as they could in the four hour time frame. It was lovely to hear of a competitor with another team complimenting the Beckenham children on the way that they supported and encouraged each other. A well done also goes to the parents who provided a tail-end-charlie on the 11 and under laps. 


Results
11 and under Male Team First Place
The Beckenham Free Wheelers:
Archie Arnott, Oliver Bilsbury and Tahere Taylor

11 and under Female Team Third Place
 The Feisty Flamingos:
Petra Cooper, Keana Hakeaga’iki and Emma Reedy  

17 and under Mixed Team First Place
Freya Braun, Zoe Clarke and Fergus Macdonald

Canterbury Triathlon



Ten children from Years 5 to 8 took on the challenge of the Canterbury Triathlon on Tuesday at its new location off South Eyre Road. It was a tough course involving a swim in the lake, a bike and a run. It was great to see the children cross the finish line with a smile on their faces. Nau mai te wero! Well done to all the competitors for putting yourselves out there and participating in this endurance event.


Sports Uniforms



A huge thank you to our wonderful PTA who have raised money to buy these sports uniforms for our tamariki.  The uniforms will ensure our tamariki look smart and slick on the sports field / court.  The uniforms cover a wide range of sports and cover sizes from Year 3 - Year 8.
The PTA not only raised money for the uniforms they also organized the design and purchase.  A huge thank you to Belinda Mitchell and her crew for the hours of time put into ensuring we have just what we need.
Ka pai to mahi koutou.

Thank you from the Student Council...

To everyone who supported our Odd Socks and Purple Mufti Day today. We raised $550 which will be donated to Epilespy and Down Syndrome.



Community Notices

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



Motivationz Netball and Rugby Holiday Programme is back this April

Motivationz Netball and Rugby are running a holiday programme. This will be great to compliment your club/school training and help you improve your skills as a player.
 
Age Group:
Netball: school year 5/6 and 7/8
Rugby:  7-8, 9-10 year olds
Location: Graham Condon Centre, 3 Sisson Drive
Dates: 3 sessions - 19th , 20th  and 21st  April
Time: 12.30-2.30pm
Cost: $100
 
Come and join our highly successful MOTIVATIONZ family now!!
Very limited numbers for each age group, Book now!!!!!!
 
Email anthony@motivationz.co.nz for rugby, or rebecca@motivationz.co.nz for netball.
Include your child’s full name, DOB, address and contact phone, or call Anthony on 0212226340

Community Mural Day at Landsdowne Terrace Community Centre this Saturday 27th March.

Bouncy castle, sausage sizzle, bake sale, face painting and more.  Organized by The Landsdowne Terrace Playcentre whānau. Check our Facebook event for details. 

Wild Symphony

Dan Brown, best known as the author of The Da Vinci Code, has recently published his first children’s book, Wild Symphony which features beautifully-illustrated poems about lovable animal characters with accompanying signature tunes.

These tunes have been expanded into a 50-minute musical adventure which the Risingholme Orchestra has been selected by the publishers to present at the New Zealand premiere in Christchurch on Sunday 11 April at 2pm and 4pm at The Piano, 156 Armagh Street Christchurch.


Adults $15 Children $5 Door sales available EFTPOS or cash

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of music and visuals, sure to impress children and adults alike.

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Friday 19 March 2021

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

As many of you will be aware, our Term Dates for 2021 have noted that there will be three Staff Only Days (dates to be advised).

We are now in a position to publish those dates and they will be:
  • Friday 21st May
  • Tuesday 8th June
  • Friday 27th August
Please make sure that you add these dates to your calendar. School will be closed for instruction on those dates, to allow for staff to undertake professional development. Schools across the country have been given a set number of Staff Only Days to use for professional development as part of their collective agreement. Each school is able to select the days it will use as it sees fit.

Congratulations to our swimmers who participated in the Zone Swimming Sports this week - we had a record number of children qualify for the Canterbury Swimming Sports. (see results below).

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal


Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Week 8:
Tue 23 Mar - 9.00 - 2.00 Canterbury Triathlon at Eyrewell Forest, South Eyre Road.
Wed 24 Mar - 7.30 - 9.30pm PTA Meeting
Fri 26 Mar - 12.00 - 12.30 Celebration Assembly

Week 9:
Wed 31 Mar - 4:15-5:45pm Kiwi Volleyball at Hillview Christian School
Thu 1 Apr - 3:15 - 6:00pm Miniball Grade C at Pioneer Stadium
Fri 2 Apr - Good Friday - School Closed

Week 10:
Mon 5 Apr - Easter Monday - School Closed
Tue 6 Apr - Easter Tuesday - School Closed
Thu 8 Apr - 9.00 - 2.00pm, Canterbury Swimming at Selwyn Aquatic Centre
Thu 8 Apr - 3:15 - 6:00pm Miniball Grade C at Pioneer Stadium
Fri 9 Apr - 12.00 - 12.30 Celebration Assembly

Term Dates

Click here to view 2021 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Jalori Mathias - Year 8

JJ, we love your inquisitive mind and caring nature. You bring so many innovative thoughts and ideas to group discussions. You are a fabulous self-starter who puts forth great effort into your work. You are very empathetic and a supportive leader in the Kauri hub. You live our school values on a daily basis. Ka Pai JJ.

School Notices

Medication at School

If a child requires medication at school on a long or short term basis, parents/caregivers need to complete a medicine authority form with Jacky or Reihana in the office. Procedures are followed to ensure that it is kept securely, and administered appropriately. 
Any medication that is required to be kept at school on an ongoing basis, expiry dates need to be checked regularly by parents/caregivers. If the school notices an expiry date is due parents/caregivers will be advised.
Parents/caregivers are asked to please update the school on any medical/health information about their child by contacting the school office.

Student Council Fundraiser for Epilepsy and Down Syndrome


Next Friday, 26th of March, the Student Council will be having a Lots of Socks and Purple Day. You can choose to wear purple, mismatched socks, or both!  
Wearing purple will be raising awareness for people with Epilepsy and letting them know that they are not alone. Wearing mismatched socks will be raising awareness for people with Down Syndrome. So please join us by doing your part and bring a gold coin donation so we can support these organizations together.


Mana Ake “Drop-Ins” are continuing…

A number of whānau have already made great use of the Mana Ake “drop-ins” that are available on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 – 9:30am. These drop-in sessions are here to provide parents with an opportunity to have a private, informal conversation around the well being of their child with one of our Mana Ake workers (kaimahi). If you feel like you would like to attend a drop-in session, please book in a time via the link here: Mana Ake booking  The code to use is 88t39. Alternatively, you can contact Jacky in the office and she will make a booking for you.

Junior ESOL Classes 

Junior ESOL classes have started. Kōwhai and Kahikatea ESOL students are enjoying these, and meet twice a week with Teacher Aides Jeanette and Elizabeth.
Recent highlights include: 

Kahikatea children sharing cultural momentos from home, and asking questions about other cultures.



Kōwhai children collecting produce and making salads and playing traditional games.



Staff Profiles

Introducing our Senior Leadership:


Left to right we have; Jo Smith, Deputy Principal. Sandy Hastings, Principal. Sue Leadbetter, Deputy Principal.

At the start of the year, we were very lucky to have our own Jo Smith step into a leadership position with us as acting Deputy Principal. Jo continues to lead our New Entrants team, and has made a wonderful transition into her busy new role.

Sandy Hastings, our Principal, and Sue Leadbetter, our Deputy Principal make up the rest of our Senior Leadership Team. Sandy is just coming up to the completion of her tenth year at Beckenham, whilst Sue has just started her fifth year at Beckenham.

Sports News

Zone Swimming

A huge congratulations to the swimmers who represented our kura at our zone swimming event on Thursday at Jellie Park. The children all did amazingly well against strong competition. There were some races where our swimmers managed to maintain a convincing and impressive lead, and others that were nail bitingly close. The children’s sportsmanship was phenomenal. If there was an award for the most enthusiastic supporters, I’m sure we would win it! Thank you to Nicola Arnott and Karen McMillan for supporting the children at this event. 

Children who placed 1st and 2nd qualify for Canterbury Swimming at Selwyn Aquatic Centre on the 8th of April. 
Due to renovations and limited space, spectators are not allowed inside the pool at this event.


Year 8 Results
Year 8 relay - 2nd (Cooper, Zoe, Fergus and Ilia)
Zoe Clarke - 1st Freestyle and 1st Butterfly
Cooper Reddecliffe - 1st Freestyle and 1st Breaststroke
Fergus Mcmillan - 1st Backstroke and 2nd Butterfly
Connor Ingram - 4th Freestyle and 4th Breaststroke
Ilia Henderson - 4th Backstroke

Year 7 results
Year 7 relay - 2nd (Lola, Soriel, Tahere and Stella)
Tahere Tayler - 1st Backstroke and 1st Breastroke
Lola Harris - 1st Backstroke
William Pooch - 2nd Backstroke
Stella Gillman - 2nd Freestyle and 3rd Backstroke
Soriel Kim - 4th Freestyle
Charlotte Ryder - 4th Breaststroke

Year 6 results
Emma Vaile - 2nd Backstroke and 4th Freestyle
Archie Arnott - 3rd Backstroke
Violet Morel - 3rd Breaststroke

Year 5 results
Jack Sayer - 1st Breaststroke
Spencer Ingram - 4th Backstroke
Annabelle Smith - 4th Freestyle

A special mention goes to Rose Braithwaite, (year 6) who embraced challenge by competing in the open butterfly event. This saw her swimming an incredibly difficult stroke against Year 8 students. Nau mai te wero!

South Island Mountain Bike Championships

Congratulations to Jonty and Morgan who competed in the above event last weekend. There was strong competition with children travelling from all over the South Island to compete in this event. 
Jonty - 3rd place in Cross Country and 10th Enduro
Morgan - 11th Downhill and 18th Enduro



Good luck to all the tamariki, (and adults) competing in the Hanmer 4 Hour Mountain Bike race this weekend. Good luck also goes to the children competing in the Canterbury Triathlon next Tuesday.

Community Notices

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

BOSCO School Holiday Programme

It is almost time for the April Holidays and if you are in need of childcare or just want to relax and know your kids are taken care of and having loads of fun – this is the answer for you! We will be going to Willowbank, the Antarctic Centre, doing a bit of Disco Roller-skating and also play mini golf at Ferrymead. We have exciting crafts planned and also baking. If sports and outdoor activities is what you are after, we have sports and games planned  too. Get in quick to avoid disappointment. Contact Juanita at office@bosco.org.nz for bookings or book online by clicking this link. 

Potential Fisher Ave Closure

In a Beckenham Neighbourhood Association (BNA) newsletter delivered to local residents this week, there was reference to the closure of Fisher Ave to car traffic between Beckenham St and Norwood St as part of the Better Beckenham Project, supported by the Community Board. Work was reported to be commencing in April.

Amy Hart, Community Board Advisor (amy.hart@ccc.govt.nz), has clarified that the decision is tentatively scheduled to take place on 30th March. Amy has issued an urgent investigation into the consultation process undertaken (or lack thereof) and welcomes written submissions to the Community Board with local views.

If you want to know more about the Better Beckenham project, especially the potential Fisher Ave closure to traffic, see below:
  • Saturday 20th March 4pm. At the junction of Fisher Ave and Beckenham St, join Mike and Marise who will tell you all about it and answer any questions

  • Sunday 21st March 4pm. At the junction of Fisher Ave and Beckenham St, join Mike and Dave who will tell you all about it and answer any questions. 

Sydenham Rugby Club

Junior Registrations are open!
To be a part of the greatest, family-focused club, register & pay online by clicking this link.

Under 6 - Under 13 pricing
(which includes use of playing jersey, and game day jacket for the season)
1 child - $85.00
2 children $130
3 children $150
4+ children $180

For more info follow our Facebook page: facebook.com/sydenhamrugby
Or, contact Riki Tahere - rikitahere@gmail.com

Canterbury Rams Season Memberships

Season passes are now up for our Basketball community. There are a number of different options to suit, including family packages with 3, 6 and game membership options. These can be purchased by clicking on this link.