Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter September 6th 2019

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou


" Tēnā koutou e te whānau. Next week is Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, or Māori language week! It is an opportunity for concentrated celebration, promotion, and encouragement of our language, Te Reo Māori.
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori is becoming a major fixture on the national calendar and we will be celebrating it at Beckenham te Kura o Pūroto with our tamariki. We hope you will also join us in the celebrations!
The chosen theme for 2019 is again 'Kia Kaha te Reo Māori’. ‘Kia Kaha’ is well understood in New Zealand English with its meaning of ‘be strong’. We often talk about languages as if they are people – talking about language health, strength and revitalisation. So when we say ‘Kia Kaha te Reo Māori’ we’re saying  - ‘Let’s make the Māori language strong'.

What can we do?
  • Encourage our children by asking what Te Reo Māori they have learned at school. Explore the language together.
  • Use what you know. We can raise the status of our language just by using it.
  • Keep improving your own language, and share what you know with your tamariki. Learn a little use a little! "

You might enjoy starting by downloading the free app "KUPU" to have fun with your tamariki (children) learning te reo kupu (words) for objects by taking a photograph and having the app identify the kupu (word)


Congratulations to our Year 3/4 Kōwhai Team

for all the learning that went into their Wearable Arts over the past few weeks, and culminated in their show last night for whānau. The children have had so much fun, learning and problem-solving together to create the wonderful pieces of art that were on show. A special thank you to the staff and parents who supported them with this important mahi (work).

Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Mon 9 - Fri 13 Sep - Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori
Wed 11 Sep - 5:30-7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting, Ferndale Satellite Unit. All welcome
Thu 12 Sep - Cultural Festival, Horncastle Arena 6:45pm (Tickets available through Ticketek
Mon 16 Sep - Whānau Rōpū Hui - 5:30-7pm
Mon 16 Sep - Kauri ski trip - rescheduled date
Mon 16 Sep - Pohutukawa Orana Park trip
Tue 17 Sep - Pohutukawa Orana Park trip
Tues 17-Thu 19 Sep - Koru Games - Year 7/8 teams

Term Dates

Click here to view 2019 and 2020 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Ava Howard - Year 6

Ava, your love of learning shines from within, and sees you searching for challenges. You show focus and detail when completing your learning. You demonstrate kindness and tolerance to others, ensuring you are always surrounded by friends. You are always happy and willing to lend a helping hand. You are a fabulous role model in our hub Ava.

Grace Howard - Year 6

Grace, you have a bright and curious nature, and are always happy to take on any challenge issued to you. You are a self directed learner, and always show independence and initiative when undertaking learning. You have many talents and it is always a delight when you share these with us. You have a sophisticated sense of humour which sees you entertaining many. Tino pai Grace.

Te Paea Huntley - Year 6

Te Paea, you are an absolute joy to have in our team. You show 'We love learning' at all times by giving your best in all areas of school life. You are an incredibly kind and caring friend to others, and you show respect to others at all times. You offer to help when you see a need, which demonstrates initiative and the value 'We get there together'. Thank you for bringing a positive attitude and a beautiful smile to school each day.

School Notices

Whānau Rōpū Hui - Mon 16 Sept 5:30pm

Tēnā koutou e te whānau,
We would again like to offer you a hearty welcome to our Whānau Rōpū hui for Term 3. This term our hui will be held from 5:30pm to 7pm on Monday 16th September in the school staff room.
We are looking forward to getting together again for another great evening to celebrate Te Ao Māori with our local whānau, cook and share some kai and talk about upcoming events as we continue to develop our Whānau Rōpū together.
Nau mai haere mai! Come along, this is a great opportunity to get to know other tamariki and whānau, enjoy a cuppa and some kai, and get involved in this important aspect of our kura.
Ngā manaakitanga noho ora mai,
Steve Cooke and Sampson Karst

School Strike 4 Climate - 3rd rally on Friday, 27 September

The School Strike 4 Climate movement is hosting another rally on the 27th of September at 1 pm in Cathedral Square. This event is an intergenerational strike which aims to put pressure on the New Zealand government and governments worldwide to take effective action to combat the impacts of climate change. Please find attached a document entailing our national core demands and more information about who we are.

The rally will be educational and empowering for students who want to make a difference. The event aligns with the New Zealand Educational Curriculum, of which’s principles of learning include ‘learning to learn’, ‘community engagement’, and ‘future focus’. “Future focus is about supporting learners to recognise that they have a stake in the future, and a role and responsibility as citizens to take action to help shape that future.” (Education Review Office Report, July 2012). 


The strikes focus on empowering young people to realise the impact they can have, as well as supporting everyone attending to realise their role in preventing the damage climate change can, and already is, causing.

We have a number of students in our school who are taking leadership within our community in the area of climate change and sustainability and we are very supportive of the learning and leadership that this involves, and of the difference that they are showing the world that young people can make.

We know that many of our families may want to support their children to participate in this rally. We need you to sign your child out of school that day if they are going to be attending the rally, or to advise Jacky in the office if you have arranged for another parent to sign your child out and take them to the rally.

Junior Neighbourhood Support


Kia ora Whānau,

It is wonderful to have the contact with your lovely children when I come into the school. I am keen to give more awards out to the children who are doing great things in the community to help others, the environment or promote safety. Could you please have a think about the children you know from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto and if you know they are doing some great things please nominate them for an award? They receive a certificate and goodie bag which are presented at school assemblies.
You can nominate them on line at www.nscanterbury.nz

Many thanks
Elissa Smith

Sensory Room

We are in the process of setting up a sensory / quiet work room and would like to know if anyone can help us please?
Does anyone have any of the following you would like to donate to school?
Room divider screen (s)
Material - large pieces or small - different textures.
An ipod that works.
Cook books
Art activity books
Any puzzles
Art resources eg, coloured or sparkly paper, foil, wool, buttons, zips, plastic or wooden trays.
Flower press.
Please bring these items to the office or contact Jacky at office@beckenham.school.nz, Ph: 3371404

What is PB4L?

PB4L Introduction Video
PB4L ‘Positive behaviour for learning’
PB4L School-wide is about teaching behaviour, just as we teach other subjects.
 
“ If a student does not know how to read, we teach
  If a student does not know how to swim, we teach
  If a student does not know how to multiply, we teach
  If a student does not know how to behave, we ......”

We have now introduced two PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning) lessons with our first one focusing on how ‘we move through doorways’. We have had great success with this and the children are starting to think more about how to go outside or inside without bumping into anyone and also thinking about opening doors for others. It has been wonderful to see. Of course, we will need to revisit this so that it stays fresh in the children’s minds. Just last week, we launched our second lesson which is focusing on how we look after our belongings and specifically, how we can keep our cubbies tidy and clean. We have been running a daily cubby competition to see which team has the tidiest cubbies and this is really lifting the game. Cubby tidiness has improved hugely! We will continue to focus on this over the next weeks as we want the children to take responsibility for showing that ‘We Care’ by looking after their things and consequently, our school environment.

As a staff, we are focusing on Active Supervision (duty) which involves being more interactive with the students when we are on duty and pointing out the good behaviours that we can see and thereby moving away from focusing on the undesirable behaviours. We want break times to be a positive and enjoyable experience for all. It is also a great way to get to know all the children too. We are also going to be looking at the ‘hotspots’ we have identified and targeting those areas where issues tend to arise so we can try to preempt anything occurring.

Dental Care during the School Holidays                                      

The Community Dental Service will be providing dental care for children enrolled with our service during the upcoming school holidays.  The clinics will offer treatment and relief of pain sessions by appointment only.   To make an appointment please contact our Call Centre which operates between the hours of 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday throughout the year.

The following Dental Clinics will be open during these school holidays:

·         Woolston Clinic, 11 Hopkins Street, Woolston
·         Hillmorton Clinic, Hillmorton Hospital, Sylvan Street
·         Ashburton Clinic, 38 Elizabeth Street, Ashburton
·         Hornby Clinic, 2 Hei Hei Road, Hornby

The clinics will offer appointments between 8.45am and 3.00pm for school-age and preschool children requiring treatment.
If your child has dental pain as a result of an accident please contact your dentist in the first instance.

To book an appointment at one of our clinics please call 0800 846 983.
Or email commdental@cdhb.health.nz

Sports News

Winter Sport

We had a fantastic run at Weekly Winter Sport this season with only one day rained off. Through participation and belonging to a team, the children have been learning and practicing dedication, collaboration, sportsmanship and resilience in addition to technical sporting skill. We have received many positive comments about the good sportsmanship shown by our children while competing in winter sport, which makes us very proud. Wananae!

A huge thank you goes to all the parent coaches who dedicated many hours to the children’s training and supervision. We couldn’t offer this opportunity without your support.

Results
1st in D grade hockey - Beckenham JA (year ⅚)
1st in C grade netball - Beckenham KA (year ⅞)
2nd in A grade football - Beckenham DF (year ⅞)

Players of the day:
Bianka, Zoe, Bryar
Walter, Josh, Lauren.

Winter Tournament

Congratulations to the year 7/8 hockey team who competed in the Canterbury Winter Tournament last Thursday at Nunweek Park. You all held your own against strong competition.

Sunhats
Looking at the weather today you might wonder if the sun will shine again, but I'm sure sunny days are not that far away.  During term 4 it is compulsory for all students to wear a hat.  These are available for purchase from the school office, the PTA second hand uniform shop and from Mainland Uniforms at 189 Peterborough Street.  Caps are not an acceptable form of sun protection for wearing at school.  Please name your child's hat on the inside.

PTA News

Read-a-thon Collection Extended

Thanks to everyone who set themselves a reading challenge & read over the past two weeks.
It's now time to collect from your sponsors, drop the funds & your cards back into the Office this week. The last day for collection is now Friday 13th September.
Remember all those that return their cards gets a 'scented bookmark' from their teacher & goes into a lucky draw, to be drawn at the next Celebration Assembly.
Return your cards to be in to win- with or without sponsor's funds, we still want you to return your Read-a-thon cards back now.

Twilight Fair 2020 Planning Meeting

We would like to invite you to the first planning meeting for the Bi-annual Twilight Fair in March 2020. It will be held next Wednesday, 11th September at 7:30pm at 154 Fisher Ave- All welcome.

Back in 1969 Quiz: Saturday 14th September

So many amazing things happened "Back in 1969". Let's celebrate some of these 50-year milestones with a quiz.
The quiz will follow the usual format & one category will be focused on all things 1969.
Tickets are $20 each, max. of 6 per team. Supper provided, bar available & prizes galore.
This event is an adult-only event (R18). Doors open at 7pm.
Dress up is optional but sooooo encouraged!!! Prizes for the "Best Dressed".
Profits raised from this event will be used to purchase a Portable Outdoor Sound System.

We have received some wonderful donations- Check out the amazing 'Quiz Prize Pool'.  A huge thanks to all the businesses that have supported this Quiz. If you are able to donate a prize (i.e. vouchers, service, accommodation, etc..) please email the PTA now.  pta@beckenham.school.nz

The annual PTA Quiz always sells out. Book your Quiz Ticket now.

Have you tried Clubbercise yet?

Another fabulous session is scheduled for Wednesday 18th September at 7pm. Come and dance yourself happy to the best Club Anthems from the 90’s till now, get high on the vibes and dance like no one is watching.

The next session is filling up fast, secure your spot now.  Book Clubbercise

Come along sweat, glow & enjoy a Clubbercise Christchurch with Chloé at Beckenham session where neon & glitter get you fitter!!

Three Boys Brewery Tour: Sunday 22nd September, 2-4pm

Calling all Craft Beer Enthusiasts - Come along to the Three Boys Brewery Tour & take up the opportunity to see the inner workings of a locally owned and operated craft brewery. The tour includes tastings of four of their craft beers. You also get to take an etched glass home with you. After the tour, relax in the bar with a quiz, be in to win some prizes & munch on some nibbles. $50 per person. This tour is 75% full so best book now to avoid disappointment. Remember this event is an adult only event (R18). Book now Three Bots Brewery Tour

Beckenham Booty

Bookings are open now for the next ‘Booty’ on Sunday 29th September, 9-11am.
Book Beckenham Booty

The new rate of $20 per car boot space is sure to please. Come along & Re-cycle, Re-use and Re-wear at this cosy community event.

Community Notices

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

How to Raise a Champion: Balance is Better.

A presentation from Sport Canterbury in conjunction with Elmwood Normal School to debunk the myths of what some parents and coaches believe is the way to future sporting success for their child/children. We talk about the word ‘champion’. This does not have to mean you must be the winner or the best at something. To be a champion is to be the best version of yourself and this is the message we will be getting across throughout the evening.

We will hear from four guest speakers including Sharon Kearney, John Quinn, Jonelle Quane and Andrew Ellis who will share their personal experiences.
Come along for an informative and enjoyable evening!

When: Tuesday 17th September
Where: Sixty6 on Peterborough
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost: $10
Book your tickets using the following link: How to Raise a Champion tickets


What Now TV

During 2019 we are broadcasting from around the country, show casing a different community each week.  After filming in Wellington & Auckland What Now is returning to Christchurch and I would like to invite your families to be part of the live audience!  All are invited (including adults) to come and experience live tv being made while being part of our awesome audience…& it’s FREE!!   As space is limited, we work on a ‘first in best dressed’ approach.

You are most welcome to include this link in your notices for your families to register online www.whatnow.tv/bonus/audience 

We look forward to joining your community!
Kind Regards

Suzanne Irvine
Audience Coordinator | What Now
whitebaitmedia.com


GIRLS CRICKET – ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING SPORTS

Parents – consider your daughter playing cricket this season in an all girls grade.
Its QUICK – finished by lunchtime Saturday.
Its FUN – they play in an all girls grade and everyone gets a chance to bat and bowl every game
NO EXPENSIVE GEAR NEEDED – the club supplies it all.
St Albans Cricket Club is located centrally at Hagley Park.
The season starts in October and we are now taking registrations for junior girls in years 4-8. For more information see : www.stalbanscricket.co.nz
If interested call/text Barry 027 535 6245 or email on barryvb@stalbanscricket.co.nz

Port Hills Athletics Club

Faster, higher, stronger?
Port Hills Athletics Club will help you get there!
Registration days: 15th September 4-5pm and 17th September 5-6pm
Hansen Park club rooms, Opawa.
Info: Amanda Landers : juniortrack@porthillsathletic.org.nz
Or message us your phone nr. on Facebook (Port Hills Athletics
Club) and we will get back to you!

The International Antarctic Centre School Holiday Programme

Bookings are now open for The International Antarctic Centre School Holiday Programmes. This year we are also adding a special Tech4Antarctica programme for those older students (9-13yrs)

 All bookings are on our website www.iceberg.co.nz - Events and Education

Starfish Swim School

Bookings for the October Holiday Programme are now open!

Week One: Monday 30 th Sept – Friday 4 th October
Email: info@starfishswimschool.co.nz
Or phone us at: 03 3381795
2 Nash Road, Aidanfield

Come swim in our intensive week to refresh your skills in time for summer!

Spring school holiday fun at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

Explore the rejuvenated Arts Centre these school holidays! The arts organisation has an exciting array of school holiday activities for children and families, many of which are FREE! Events include arts, crafts, dance, theatre, fudge-making, poetry workshops, scavenger hunts, busking opportunities at the famous Arts Centre Mākete (now on every Sunday again), and films at the newly-opened Lumière Cinemas.

Visit www.artscentre.org.nz to check out the jam-packed programme

Indonesia Cultural & Tourism Festival

Free Entry, Free Food , Gifts and door prizes.
Sat 7 September 9:30am - 2:00pm at The Grange Theatre, Middletong Grange School, 30 Acacia Avenue, Christchurch.


Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter August 23rd 2019

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Congratulations!

We are thrilled to hear that Beckenham students were awarded two of the four Leadership Scholarships on offer at Cashmere High School for 2020. Congratulations to Ben Evans and Lucy Gray. They are automatically members of the Student Council at Cashmere for 2020 as part of this award, and we wish them all the very best with their leadership journeys.

Calendar Art 

This has been our Visual Arts focus across the school for the first four weeks of this term. This is now being completed and collected in, and the PTA will be sending you information about how to order in the next newsletter.

Physical Wellbeing - Nits/head lice and Gastro Bugs are rife!

PLEASE check your children's hair for nits (eggs) and louse (head lice bugs) weekly, and actively treat them to get rid of both eggs and bugs. We have reported cases across all hubs and these will only disappear if EVERYONE is vigilant and treats them regularly. Please do not be offended if we call you and ask you to come and collect your child if we notice that they have nits - we need to try and stop them being spread from person to person.


Gastro Bugs

We have a number of staff and students currently away sick with a vomiting/gastro bug. PLEASE keep your child at home for 48 hours after the last vomiting (or diarrhea) event to prevent the spread of this bug. 

Swimming programme Review - Kahikatea and Kōwhai teams

We are keen to review the way that we deliver aquatic education for our children. We have had some helpful feedback via email from a small number of parents and we would like to invite those who haven't emailed, to give feedback through this short survey. This survey will close on Monday 2nd September at 3pm.

We would also like to invite all Year 1-4 whānau to a meeting in the staffroom on Tuesday, 3rd September from 2:15pm - 3:00pm to discuss aquatic education options going forward.

Keeping Ourselves Safe

Keeping Ourselves Safe [KOS] consists of a comprehensive range of child protection lessons and resources to help students learn and apply a range of safety skills that they can use when interacting with others. 

At Beckenham, all our teams will be working with this material as part of our Health curriculum this term. 

Constable Ross Mitchell supports our staff with the implementation of this programme and he will be in the school running a whānau information session on Wednesday, 28th August from 2:15-3:00pm.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Wed 28 Aug - 2:15pm - 3pm - Keeping Ourselves Safe Parent Session
Wed 28 Aug - PTA Meeting.  7:30pm
Thu 29 Aug - "Strum, Strike, Blow" at Horncastle Arena
Fri 30 Aug - Book Character MUFTI Day - only a week to go!
Fri 30 Aug - Celebration Assembly.  11 - 11:30am
Tue 3 Sept - 2:15 - 3:00pm - Year 1-4 Swimming programme review meeting
Tue 3 Sep - 5pm - 6pm - Outdoor Spaces Team sharing the Big Play Space Proposal (staffroom)
Fri 6 Sep - Kauri Ski Trip
Wed 11 Sep - 5:30-7:30pm Board of Trustees Meeting, Ferndale Satellite Unit. All welcome
Thu 12 Sep - Cultural Festival, Horncastle Arena
Mon 16 Sep - Whānau Rōpū Hui

Term Dates

Click here to view 2019 and 2020 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Bobby Macdonald - Year 3

Bobby, your inquisitive mind and positive attitude makes you a role model in our hub. We appreciate and value the thoughtful contributions you make to our discussions. These contributions often reflect your extensive knowledge about many topics. You are an active learner who participates in all learning and you always put in your best effort. We love your kind, caring and thoughtful nature and this sees you surrounded by many friends in our hub. Teno pai, Bobby.

Ruby Lovelock - Year 8

Ruby, you are such a mature and reliable member of the Kauri Whānau. You take your leadership responsibilities very seriously and can always be relied on to get jobs done without any reminder and with a cheerful attitude. You show great empathy for those around you and are always there for those who need you. Thank you for being such a fabulous leadership role model. Ka pai, Ruby!

School Notices

Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival - tickets now on sale

Beckenham Te Kura o Puroto Year 5/6 choir will be performing on the evening of Thursday 7th November. Tickets are now on sale at Ticketek. This year marks 80 years since the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival began. Titled ‘You’re the Voice’, this year’s programme features songs from the past eight decades of the festival, as well as some new ones. Some parents or grandparents may remember singing some of the songs themselves as children in the massed or representative choirs during their youth! This year is also the first year that the festival will be held in the Town Hall since the earthquakes. We encourage you to get hold of your tickets asap, as the Town Hall has limited seats in comparison to our previous venue, Horncastle Arena.

Sharing our cultures - India

We have many wonderful cultures represented at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. This term, we will be sharing and celebrating our cultures at Celebration assemblies. Last week, Tiya, Ishaan and Sachit shared about India. They taught us how to say 'Namaste' (Hello), what the flag looks like and shared interesting facts. Did you know that India makes the most movies in the world, and is the second most populated country in the world? They also shared some of their family pictures. 




Public Health Nursing Service

What can the Public Health Nursing Service offer you and your family?
The public health nursing service is a team of registered nurses who can:
  • Meet with you at home/school/workplace/café to talk about how to manage health problems in a way that suits your family, and work alongside with you, your child and the school. Deliver School Based Vaccination Programmes.
  • Attend health appointments with you and your child to support you to ask questions and have your questions answered.
  • Support teachers to manage your child’s health issue during the school day by providing advice and care plans.
  • Access further support with your consent, for example for parenting/budgeting/mental health, and follow through to make sure that you have the support that you want.
The public health nurses are very happy to be contacted, and parents can self-refer for support with any health problem. Referral Forms can be found at www.cdhb.health.nz/phn

Anna Marshall (RCpN, PHN)– Registered Nurse, Public Health Nurse for Waltham School, Opawa School, Rudolf Steiner School, St Marks School, St Martins School, St Peters School, Beckenham School, Hillview Christian School.
Ph: 0274336529 E. phnburwood@cdhb.health.nz

Outdoor Spaces

Update and invitation to hear about the proposed plans...

The Outdoor Spaces team have been charged with bringing together feedback and giving input into the ongoing design of our outdoor spaces. The first project they worked on, and have completed, was the Pūkaki Play Space. This is already being well utilised and enjoyed by our children.
The second project was the planting of heritage apple trees to make a small orchard on site. This has almost been completed and Paulette and the children in the Kōwhai team have been the 'activators' for this project, down the western side of the Tahaki building, on the way to BOSCO.



The third, and biggest stage, is the development of the large space in front of Kopua (Administration Building). Being a large space, it has taken lots of thought and planning, and it has been contingent on getting surrounding drainage and asphalt issues worked through, the last of which happened in the July holidays.

You are invited to come and hear the Outdoor Spaces team talk about the proposed plan, on Tuesday 3 September from 5-6pm in the staffroom.

Sports News

The Canterbury Schools orienteering competition 

...is taking place on the weekend of 14th and 15th September 2019.  All students are welcome to enter - no previous experience is required. Children can compete in pairs if they wish. Cost is $12 per child per day.  You can enter one day or both days.
  • Day 1 Sprint | Saturday 14 September 2019 | Old Avonside Girls High & Red Zone | Starts from 12:30pm
  • Day 2 Long | Sunday 15 September 2019 | Spencer Park | Starts from 10am

If you are interested in being part of the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Team please email Sarah Wright tandswright@xtra.co.nz with your name, year group, previous experience and the days you would like to enter, by Thursday 29 August. Parents will need to be responsible for transporting their own children to the event and supervising their children.
See the Peninsular and Plains Orienteering website for further details.


Ski Race Team

Congratulations to our Ski Race Team who competed at Mt Hutt last weekend. The team won third place and Winni won an individual second place.



Winter Sport Players of the Day for Week 3

Football: Jesse, Henry, Oliver, Cleo, Sachit
Hockey: Lucky, Ilia
Netball: Lily, Imedha, Helena, Charlotte

Board Chat - August 

The Board of Trustees would like to first of all thank the entire school community for a fantastic response to the voting for BoT representatives. This was well above the average voter response across Canterbury schools, and goes to show just how active and engaged our whānau community are with our school. 

We would also like to thank our outgoing board members and welcome our 4 new board members: Carmel Wade, Marcel Frei, Lisa Taylor and Jules May. Over the next few newsletters we will endeavour to give you a profile of each of the board members – so you can get to know us all better.

This term has seen the opening of the Pukaki play space. As well as thanking all of the whānau who helped with working bees, as a Board we wanted to say a very big thank you to the PTA, for all the hard work and contributions they have put into enabling this ongoing project. We are certainly looking forward to the next stage of work, and we encourage anyone who is interested to attend the information evening on the 3rd September.

School Donations – Thank you to all those families that have already paid the donation. It is this support that enables the school to provide all the extra activities we believe are important to ensure a holistic education for all our students: trips, camps, swimming, etc, throughout the year. 
Did you know that your school donations are tax-deductible? You can find more information at the IRD website.

Beckenham te Kura o Pūroto Board of Trustees.

Mana Ake news 

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 alternate Wednesday mornings (28/08, ) 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 ku2j6. Alternatively, you can contact Jacky in the office and she will make a booking for you.

PTA News

Scrumptious Cheese Rolls 

Thank you to all those who ordered cheese rolls, chopped onions & helped make cheese rolls. Over 5000 cheese rolls were made!! We now have leftover frozen stock that will be sold at the Beckenham Booty Car Boot Sales till we sell out. So if you have devoured your order & need more, come along this Sunday between 9-11am to restock.

Clubbercise

Another fabulous session this Wednesday-next session will be Wednesday 18th September. Bookings will open soon, check PTA Facebook page for updates.

Read-a-thon 2019

Your child’s Read-a-thon sponsorship card would have come home last Friday-check those bags for the sponsorship cards. If your child still has not received their card, please contact their teacher.

Their reading journey will end on Friday 30th August & we will celebrate with a ‘Book Character Day’ - so come dressed to school in your favourite book character.

Enjoy your book/books of choice and remember Dr Seuss' wise words, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Beckenham Booty



Only 1 space left at the Car Boot Sale this Sunday 25th August, 9-11am.

It is your last opportunity to book at the special “Winter” rate of $15 (normally $25) Book Now at the following link: Beckenham Booty booking

We have Happy Hounds, Cat Rescue, fundraising for Salvation Army, Chooze2Re-uze Sniff-eze Handkerchiefs, Muslin Wipes, Re-usable Bags, We Care range & of course the Scrumptious Cheese Rolls. Come along this Sunday & Re-cycle, Re-use and Re-wear.

Back in 1969 Quiz: Saturday 14th September


So many amazing things happened "Back in 1969". Let's celebrate some of these 50 year milestones with a quiz.
The quiz will follow the usual format & one category will be focused on all things 1969.
Tickets are $20 each, max. of 6 per team. Supper provided, bar available & prizes galore.

This event is an adult-only event (R18). Doors open at 7pm.
Dress up is optional but sooooo encouraged!!! Prizes for the "Best Dressed".

Profit raised from this event will be used to purchase a Portable Outdoor Sound System.
The annual PTA Quiz always sells out. Quiz Ticket Bookings are now open.  Book at the following link: Quiz Ticket bookings.

Three Boys Brewery Tour: Sunday 22nd September, 2-4pm

Calling all Craft Beer Enthusiasts - Come along to the Three Boys Brewery Tour & take up the opportunity to see the inner workings of a locally owned and operated craft brewery. The tour includes tastings of four of their craft beers. You also get to take an etched glass home with you. After the tour, relax in the bar with a quiz, be in to win some prizes & munch on some nibbles. $50 per person. Over half of the available spots have been booked, so book now to avoid disappointment. This event is an adult - only event (R18).  Book using the following link: Three Boys Brewery Tour booking.

BOT Update

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Community Notices

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

Parenting Week

‘Strategies to help your family through the difficult times and enjoy being together’

‘Neighbourhood Trust is proud to bring you Parenting Week here in Canterbury. It’s happening from the 9th to 19th September and has around 30 events for any stage of parenting. We have a great line-up of experts including Mike King, Pio Terei, Dr Sue Bagshaw, Jenny Hale and Jax Hamilton, all right here.

Our facebook page: Parenting Week, Christchurch www.facebook.com/parentingweekchch has all our events listed and more information.

A separate email has been sent home to you today, with the full programme attached.

Girl Guiding NZ

GirlGuiding NZ is looking for fun, energetic leaders that will provide positive support to girls aged 5 – 17 years old while delivering exciting programmes once a week. Group meetings run for 1 to 2 hours once a week during school terms.  We have developed an amazing programme that uses fun, adventure and friendship to build girls’ confidence and life skills to help grow the next generation of female leaders.  All support and training is provided by a dedicated team to help you do a great job.  You just need to bring a drive and a passion to empower girls and lead them towards a bright future!  If this sounds like you, find out more information here https://www.girlguidingnz.org.nz/join-us/leaders-volunteers




Breeze Walking Festival

Spring is on the way and so is The Breeze Walking Festival, 28 September to Sunday 13 October 2019.
Now in its eighth  year, the festival offers 50 free walks with a range of easy, medium and challenging routes.  Many of the walks combine the chance to learn more about nature, culture, history and new developments around our city and region. 
The opening weekend sees the return of the popular feature walk 'Dogs Day Out' that begins with a guided scenic walk in the red zone, free micro chipping for Christchurch registered dogs, and lots of treats for dog lovers of all ages!
Family Friendly walks include the Wookie walk, Charlesworth Wetland discovery trail, Going on a Bear Hunt, Pukeko Stomp, Gruffalo Explorer, Adventure on Te Ara Ihutai - Christchurch coastal Pathway, The Generation Game and many more.
So get your family and friends together, head outdoors and put some spring into your step with The Breeze Walking Festival.  Bookings are now open!
Pick up a copy of the festival booklet with all the walk details from your local Library, Service Centre or Recreation and Sport Centre, or check out the programme online here.




Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter August 9th 2019

Principal's Patch

Please remember that school is CLOSED this Monday,12 Aug, for Staff Only Day.

Kia ora koutou

It's lovely to see the sun, tempering these cold, winter mornings that we have had lately. 
Our senior kapa haka group, Te Whānau Mahi are in the final weeks of preparation with Sherrilee, for the Cultural Festival on Thursday 12th September. Our ukulele players are also preparing for their participation in the Ukulele, Recorder and Marimba Festival "Strum, Strike, Blow" on Thursday 29th September. Winter Sport, on Friday afternoons, has a couple more weeks to go before that concludes too.

Next Friday our Readathon cards will be coming home with children. This is an awesome fundraiser from our PTA, that really promotes the value of reading. Please look out for the sponsorship cards, and help your child to find sponsors among your friends, relatives, and neighbours!
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Mon 12th Aug - School closed.  Staff Only Day.  Professional development - maths and digitech.
Fri - 16th Aug - PTA Readathon cards go home (two weeks of reading and trying to get sponsors)
Fri 16th Aug - Celebration Assembly.  11 - 11:30am.  All Welcome
Wed 28 Aug - PTA Meeting.  7:30pm
Fri 30th Aug - Book Character MUFTI Day - get thinking about what/who you want to come as now!

Term Dates

Click here to view 2019 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Charlotte Gray - Year 8

Charlotte, your maturity and positive attitude make you an exemplary role model in our kura. You embrace challenge and a love of learning by showing amazing dedication and diligence to all that you do. The effort that you put into learning, leadership and following your passions is awe-inspiring. Charlotte, you are wonderfully empathetic and inclusive to everyone in our team. You achieve all this with a winning smile and an awesome sense of humour. Thank you for all you bring to our team and kura. 

School Notices

2020 Term Dates (these have also been published and are available on the school website) 

Staff Only Days
Mon 27, Tue 28, Wed 29 January
Term 1
Thu 30 Jan - Thu 9 Apr 100 half days; 10 weeks
Waitangi Day Thu 6 Feb
NB: Learning Conferences all day Thursday 30 and Friday 31 January. Supervision will be provided for families who have requested it. Classes start Monday 3 February. 
Note that Easter holidays and ANZAC Day all fall during the April holidays in 2020

Term 2
Tue 28 Apr - Fri 3 Jul    94 half days; 10 weeks
Queen's Birthday Mon 1 Jun
Staff Only Day, date to be advised

Term 3
Mon 20 Jul - Friday 25 Sep   98 half days; 10 weeks
Staff Only Day, date to be advised

Term 4
Mon 12 Oct - Wed 16 Dec 92 half days; 10 weeks
Labour Day Mon 26 Oct
Canterbury Anniversary Fri 13 Nov

Total half days: 384 (as required by the Ministry of Education)
FERNDALE SCHOOL 2020 TERM DATES

TERM 1 (10 weeks/96 half days)
Monday 3 February - Thursday 9 April
Waitangi: Thursday 6 February
IEP/ITP meetings: 3 days on rotation - closed for IEP/Ts - dates TBC
Good Friday - Friday 10 April

TERM 2 (10 weeks/94 half days)
Tuesday 28 April - Friday 3 July
ANZAC Day Monday 27 April
Queen's B-day: Monday 1  June
Staff Only Day: TBC

TERM 3 (10 weeks/98 half days)
Monday 20 July - Friday 25 September
Staff Only Day: TBC

TERM 4 (10 weeks/96 half days)
Monday 12 October - 18 December TBC
Labour Day: Monday 26 Oct
Show Day: Friday 13 Nov
PLEASE NOTE:
The school year end date may be subject to change due to matters beyond our control. We will confirm the year end date as soon as possible.



Strum, Strike, Blow!

Strum, Strike, Blow! is an exciting amalgamation of the ChCh Marimba Festival and ChCh Uke Fest which will feature over 1000  students playing marimbas, ukuleles and recorders in the Horncastle Arena. The Festival is run by Music Education Canterbury and Christchurch Civic Music Council and is in it’s 7th year!
It is happening on 29th August at Horncastle Arena.
Tickets are $5 and are available to be purchased at the door on the night.
The concert starts at 7pm.

Dogs and students

Please, can we remind families who bring dogs to school at drop-off and pick-up times to be very vigilant and careful about making sure that their dog is always supervised, even when tied up. Not all children are comfortable with dogs and we do want to avoid any situations where children are surprised or hurt by an over-enthusiastic dog, or from approaching an unsupervised dog.

Lost Property

The lost property has been shifting around a bit lately, sorry for any confusion.  It now has a permanent new home.  Overnight it will be in the Library and every morning our lost Property monitors will roll it out to the library deck.  Please check it regularly - currently there are a number of items on the rack and in the bin. Named items are much more likely to be returned than unnamed - please name your children's clothing and lunchbox items, including drink bottles.
These two scooters have been in lost property for a while now - we would love to re-unite them with their owners.  Do you recognise them?


A pair of glasses in a green case was found after school today and handed in to the office:


Sports News

Players of the day for Term 3 weeks 1 and 2

Football: Aarav, Kever, Thomas, Max, Joel, Max, Henry, Sam and George

Hockey: Jonty, Grace, Lucy, Boyd, Stella.

Netball: Zara, Lola, Zoe Lewis, Devina

PTA News

Scrumptious Cheese Rolls (PTA’s Main Fundraiser for 2019)

Some of you may remember the 'A & P Show Tip Top' Fundraiser- this fundraiser would generate approx. $8k-$13k profit. 100+ caregivers would volunteer their time (across the 3 days) to sell ice creams in all weather!
We no longer do this fundraiser & are hoping you will support this Cheese Roll Fundraiser with the same gusto!

We would love to generate funds at a similar level. We need you to please share the ‘Order Link’ with all your friends, work colleagues & family.

These cheese rolls are guaranteed to be delicious & are economic. At $8 per pack (one dozen Cheese Rolls in a pack) OR $30 for four-packs, how can you resist such a scrumptious treat?

Thursday 15th Aug: Last day for orders. Payment also required to ensure the order is made.
Sunday 18th Aug 5-7pm: Collection of your order from the school Hall


Cheese Rolls Order Link

Cheese-Roll-a-thon: Another way to support this fundraiser is to volunteer to help make the Cheese Rolls. If you are keen to assist & have some free time on Sunday 18th Aug, please use the following link to complete a form. Assist with cheese roll making

Read-a-thon Dates



Friday 16th Aug: Check those bags for your child’s Read-a-thon sponsorship card coming home. Your child will then get 14 days to read & collect sponsors supporting your child’s reading journey.

Friday 30th Aug: We will celebrate the end of this reading journey with a ‘Book Character Day’-come dressed to school in your favourite book character.

Mon 2nd Sept: Sponsorship Cards & funds collected can be returned to the school office.

Fri 6th Sept: The final day of collection of the sponsorship cards & funds.

Clubbercise

Whoop Whoop Just 30 Spots left- 70 Gone!!!
Secure your spot at Clubbercise Christchurch with Chloē at Beckenham on Wednesday 21st August at 7pm.  $10 per person (16yr+) Hall doors will open from 6:30pm

Book your Clubbercise Spot Now with the following link: book clubbercise
Or you will miss out on your opportunity to “Glow”.

Beckenham Booty

Filling up fast but spaces still available for the next Car Boot Sale on Sunday 25th August, 9-11am.
Last opportunity to book at the special “Winter” rate of $15 (normally $25)
Re-cycle, Re-use and Re-wear.
Book Now on the following link: Book Beckenham Booty

September Dates for the Diary

Mon 2nd: Sponsorship cards & funds collected can be returned to the school office.
Fri 6th: The final day of collection of the sponsorship cards & funds.
Mon 9th: Calendar Art Orders open online
Wed 11th at 7:30pm: 1st Twilight Fair 2020 Planning Meeting
Sat 14th at 7:30pm: Annual PTA Quiz
Sun 22nd from 2-4pm: Brewery Tour
Fri 27th: Calendar Art Orders close online
Sun 29th: Beckenham Booty

Community Notices

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

Smarttouch 2019 

We welcome your entries into our Term 4 Smarttouch rugby competition.
What: Mixed grade touch rugby
Who: 0 - 8 students
Where: Waltham Park
When: Thurs 24th Oct to 6th Dec
Grades/Times: years 0-2 & 3-4, 4 - 5pm. Years 5-6 & 7-8, 5:30 - 7pm.  $30 per player
Steps to register:
Get a team organised and appoint a team manager and coach.
Online entries open on 19th Aug - use the URL address www.sporty.co.nz/smarttouch
On the Smarttouch home page fill out the touch team manager sign up form and submit it.
You will then receive an email giving you the link to enter your player details.  Closing date for entries, 23rd Sept 2019.

Remember the competition is social MIXED and you need to have a minimum of 3 girls on the field at a time (except for Grades 0-2 which is mixed but any combination of girls and boys). Grades: Year 0-2, Year 3-4, Year 5-6, and Year 7-8.
We are all looking forward to a great season,
From the Smarttouch Team.



Helen O'Grady Drama Academy

DO YOU WANT your child to:
Grow in Confidence
Increase their Self Esteem
Develop Speech and Language skills
Express themselves Creative
Have Fun and Make Friends
Be Part of a Team
We can help Your Child achieve all this
and more ......
St Martins Drama Club
Risingholme Community Centre
For DRAMA with a DIFFERENCE ...
Call Now: 0800-161-131
Email: enquiries@helenogrady.co.nz
Web: www.helenogrady.co.nz


Enter the Ōpāwaho-Heathcote River Network's annual photographic competition.

This is the first year we are offering a schools division with two themes students can choose from. It runs from 9th - 22nd September - World Rivers Day is Sunday 22nd.

The competition is designed both as an e-learning process and a creative activity. It is open to all students (Y3-13) within the Ōpāwaho-Heathcote River catchment. It provides an opportunity for students to be inspired, to innovate and to create. The awards evening on November 1st will provide a chance for student finalists at all levels to share and celebrate their skills and talents alongside the finalists in the Open division.
Entries must be submitted by September 26th. Detailed information about the competition can be found here on the Ōpāwaho-Heathcote River Network website.




Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA Mid Year Newsletter 2019

Mid Year PTA Bulletin 2019

Who are the PTA?

We are a group of caregivers/teachers who meet on the 4th Wednesday every month to find ways to support the school not only financially, through fundraising, but also through events that bring us closer together as a school community.

Last term we enjoyed hosting the New Whānau Morning Tea, the Kids Masquerade Disco & co-hosting, with the Student Council, the Shared Breakfast on the Shortest Day. Amazingly 360 cans of food were donated to the local Salvation Army. Also, the first Clubbercise class was offered, which was a huge success - a sell-out, “whoop whoop”!

We have an extraordinary community at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto and because of this, the PTA can do a great job at supporting the school. Please click on the link Meet your PTA for a breakdown on who we are & what we do. We have a variety of roles, some that can even be done at home.

How does our PTA work?

Each event has a ‘coordinator’ who manages that event with the assistance from other PTA members & volunteers from our school community. Volunteers are sourced either via the PTA Survey (which gets sent out at least once a term via the newsletter) or from google forms sent out via social media.  Please click on the link if you would like to complete the survey: PTA Survey 

How do we decide what to fundraise for?

We listen to your suggestions made via the PTA Survey. We also ask the staff to create a “Wish List”. So far the following has been decided for 2019:

$115k Outdoor Spaces

- $15k contribution to Bike Fences & Mazda Treemendous Space

-$7k contribution to Pūkaki Play Space

-$93k tagged for the upcoming Junior Area Design

Wishlist

- $5k to cover the end of year bus trips for all Hubs (including the Intermediate Hub’s upcoming ski trip)

- Gazebo (Clubbercise profit tagged)

- Outdoor Portable Sound System (Quiz profit tagged)

- Toys/Books for Hubs (Weetbix TRYathlon Marshalls profit tagged)


We will have two long term members leaving at the end of this year & would love new people to come along & see how we work. Why not pop along to our next meeting: Wednesday 28th August at 7:30 pm & check the PTA out?

We have an action-packed term ahead. There is no expectation for families to participate in all the events listed below. Our mantra is “do what you can when you can”- we appreciate all contributions no matter how big or small. We like to offer our families a variety of events to participate in & hope you enjoy some of them this term. Next term will be quieter as we realise it can be a busy & stressful time of the year.

Take a look at these Term Three Events

Scrumptious Cheese Rolls - MAIN fundraiser for 2019


Some of you may remember the A & P Show Tip Top Fundraiser? This fundraiser would generate approx. $8k-$13k profit. 100+ caregivers would volunteer their time (across the 3 days) to sell ice creams in all weather!

We no longer do this fundraiser & are hoping you will support this Cheese Roll Fundraiser as our main fundraiser for 2019. We would love to generate funds at a similar level. Please share the order link (below) with all your friends, work colleagues & family.

These cheese rolls are guaranteed to be delicious & are economic. At $8 per pack (one dozen Cheese Rolls in a pack) OR $30 for four packs, how can you resist such a scrumptious treat?

Thursday 15th Aug: Last day for orders. Payment also required to ensure the order is made.

Sunday 18th Aug: Cheese Roll-a-thon- we will be seeking volunteers to help make the cheese roll orders in the Hall, times TBC.

Sunday 18th Aug 5 -7pm: Collection of your order from the school Hall

 Order now via this Link: Cheese Rolls Order

Clubbercise Christchurch with Chloé at Beckenham is back

Lock in this date -Wednesday 21st Aug at 7pm

What is Clubbercise?- it is a group fitness class held in the dark with disco lights & neon UV body paint. Your class fee includes hire of the Clubbercise branded LED glow sticks that are reused at every class. It is a fusion of dance, aerobics, combat and toning moves to a tracklist of Club Anthems from the ’90s till now, it is exercise in disguise.

Due to licensing requirements, participants need to be aged 16 years or over.

You were all fabulous last time & boy did we glow. Excitingly funds raised from the July class were used to purchase the school a new Gazebo to be used at community events where Beckenham Teams are participating.

Book your spot now to avoid missing out, $10 per ticket.  Book Clubbercise ticket

Read-a-thon

Read-a-thon was enjoyed so much last year we have decided to return to this format again this year. This replaces the Spell-a-thon. Important dates below -

Friday 16th Aug: Check those bags for your child’s Read-a-thon sponsorship card coming home. Your child will then get 14 days to read & collect sponsors supporting your child’s reading journey.

Friday 30th Aug: We will celebrate the end of this reading journey with a ‘Book Character Day’-come dressed to school in your favourite book character.

Mon 2nd Sept: Sponsorship Cards & funds collected can be returned to the school office.

Fri 6th Sept: The final day of collection. Remember to return your child’s Sponsorship Card even if no sponsors funds have been collected, this will ensure they go into a draw to win a prize, drawn at next Celebration Assembly on Fri 13th Sept.

Enjoy your book/books of choice and remember Dr Seuss' wise words, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”


Beckenham Booty

On the last Sunday of each month, the PTA hosts a car boot sale in the school car park. This month we are offering a special Winter rate of $15 (normally $25) to book a space. This is a great opportunity to Re-cycle, Re-use and Re-wear. Book now for Sunday 25th Aug, 9-11am.  Beckenham Booty booking

Calendar Art

This term your child will be working on their art for the annual Calendar Art Fundraiser. Every year, at parents’ request, we offer the opportunity to purchase calendars of your child’s artwork. These calendars make great Xmas gifts to doting grandparents/relatives here & overseas.

And it’s not just Calendars that can be ordered - Cards, Diaries, Mouse Mats & Sketch Pads are all on offer. Photos can also be used instead of the artwork if preferred.

We are excited that this year the order process & art-viewing will now all be offered online & will speed up when we can get your orders back to you. Important dates to note -

Mon 9th Sept: Calendar Art Orders open online

Fri 27th Sept: Calendar Art Orders close online

Twilight Fair 2020 Planning Meeting

The Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Twilight Fair is a Bi-annual event. The next Twilight Fair will be on Fri 20th March 2020. This is the PTA’s largest fundraiser so planning starts this term. We are looking for people to help plan this event. The ‘Fair Team’ breaks into smaller teams - Food, Fair Attractions/Games, Sponsorship & Marketing/Admin teams. Initially, the teams meet once a month, increasing to weekly closer to the event. You would not need to attend every meeting as only one representative from each team is required to be present at the Fair Team meetings. The last Fair, in 2018, made a profit of $17.5k (& it rained!!) - we would love new people to join the Fair Team & help us crack the $20k mark!!

Come along to the first planning meeting this term: Wednesday 11th Sept at 7:30 pm (venue TBC- check the PTA Fb page for updates)

If you indicated via the PTA Survey that you were wanting to help with the Fair, you will be contacted soon.


Quiz

Saturday 14th Sept: Come along to the annual Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA Quiz. Enjoy a night guaranteed to be fun with a capital “F”. The Quiz always sells out- last year’s theme was “Hollywood”, I wonder what this year’s theme will be???

One thing we do know is that all profit raised from this event will be used to purchase an Outdoor Portable Sound System

Three Boys Brewery Tour

Sunday 22nd Sept: Calling all Craft Beer Enthusiasts, the PTA in conjunction with Three Boys Brewery, will be offering a Brewery Tour. More detailed information to come.

We Care Range

We love our ‘We Care’ range, products that help us care for our environment & provide practical assistance in our daily lives. We have Jute Bags, String Vege Bags & Beeswax Wraps to assist you with your war on plastic. We also have a few Beckenham Tea Towels & Aprons left along with the Beckenham Grid A2 Canvas.

We are excited to be working in conjunction with our local Eatery, The Birdwood, to offer the following Deal - purchase a $17 Reusable Takeaway Cup from The Birdwood & your first coffee is free. Every time you refill that cup you will receive an 80c discount. Let's help keep those disposable cups out of the Landfill. These ‘Ideal Cups’ are NZ Made, BPA Free, Leak-Proof, Robust & Barista-friendly.

Order from our We Care Range using the following link Order We Car Range, or pop on down to the next Beckenham Booty Car Boot Sale & purchase direct.



It is a busy term ahead, remember to always check the PTA Facebook Page & the PTA Website for up to date information.


Thank you for your ongoing support


Regards

Leigh, Rachel & the PTA Team

Extra Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Thursday 31 July 2019

Kia ora koutou

This is just a brief newsletter with a couple of important bits that can't wait until next week!

Staffing Update - Farewell and Best wishes to Dorinda

We are sad to have to let you know that we will be saying farewell to Dorinda Hampton from our teaching staff at the end of Week 8. Her last day will be Thursday 12th September. Dorinda has been on our staff in various fixed-term capacities since April 2016. Whilst we are very sad to see Dorinda go, we are thrilled that she has secured a permanent, full-time position at the newly opened Knights Stream School in Halswell.
We are very grateful to Dorinda for the care, expertise and commitment that she has contributed to our school and our tamariki, and we wish her all the very best for the next exciting chapter in her teaching career.

Staff Only Day - Monday 12 August - SCHOOL CLOSED

We have an important day of professional development planned for our staff on Monday 12th August and the school will be closed for instruction that day.
We have had this date published on our calendar and website since March when we were able to get confirmation of the date from the external consultants coming in to work with us.
If you need child care, BOSCO may still have places available - please contact Yvette Cleall at manager@bosco.org.nz or call her on 027 645 6632

During the morning we will be working with staff from the University of Waikato from the Developing Mathematical Inquiries team as part of the second year of our development in this area. Just this week, we have various observers/coaches in from this team, observing and coaching teachers whilst they are teaching maths. The team then deliver another module of the professional development through our teacher session on August 12th.

In the afternoon, we will be working on developing our understanding and competency with the new Digital Technologies part of the Technology Curriculum, which all schools need to be ready to be working with in 2020.

From the Ministry of Education Website:

Digital Technologies in the national curriculum (from the Ministry of Education website)

All schools and kura are expected to be teaching the new digital technologies content from 2020.

The Technology learning area has been revised to strengthen the positioning of digital technologies in the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa. This is for all students from year 1–13. Students have the opportunity to specialise from year 11–13.
The goal of this change is to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to become digitally capable individuals.

The change provides a greater focus on students building their skills so they can be innovative creators of digital solutions, moving beyond solely being users and consumers of digital technologies.

In 2020, the Ministry of Education expects that schools will be using the revised learning area to provide students with even broader opportunities to learn in and about technology, informed by the new content around computational thinking and designing and developing digital outcomes.

“The digital curriculum is about teaching children how to design their own digital solutions and become creators of, not just users of, digital technologies, to prepare them for the modern workforce." Chris Hipkins, 2018

Ngā mihi nui

Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki