Principal's Patch

Kia ora e te whānau

We'll start with a reminder about the Staff Only Day on Monday which has been in every newsletter since 31st August. School is CLOSED on Monday and we will be working with staff on our planning for 2019.


It's been three weeks since the last newsletter, and there has been a lot happening at school. The weather is certainly keeping us all on our toes at the moment with its extreme fluctuations and changability. Our Pōhutukawa team struck it extremely well for their camp at Living Springs last week. A huge 'thank you' to the teachers and the parents who helped to make that camp such a success.


Our New Entrants had two wonderful days of trips to a farm belonging to the whānau of one of our children. The exploration and discovery of life on a farm and the experience of just being in the outdoors in a different environment was amazing. Every child had their own personal highlights including going on the bus, climbing on the tractor, feeding out hay to the cows, toasting marshmallows, eating sausages cooked over the firepit, playing on the trampoline or the flying fox, collecting treasures like wool from the fence as we walked around the farm, or simply being at the farm with friends.


A group of Year 7/8 students, with the blessing of the local authorities, are working on beautifying the Eastern Terrace ponds toilet block with a fabulous mural. Special thanks to Ira Kirk, a local artist and past parent of the school, for giving her expert assistance with this project.


The Koru Year 1/2 team had a big trip on Friday to the Art Gallery. We will try and include a couple of photos from that in next week's newsletter.

Staff News

Rebekah Stoop and her partner have made the decision to return to their home province of West Otago and are relocating to Tapanui at the end of the year. Rebekah has won a position at Tapanui Primary School and we wish her all the best with her new role. Rebekah started at Beckenham in 2015 and has made a wonderful contribution to our school and the teams she has taught in.

After seven years at Beckenham, Mike Matulewicz has decided to give himself the challenge of moving to another school to further develop his professional capacity and direction in different ways. He has won a position at Heathcote Valley School and will start there in the new year. This school is in the same cluster of schools as Redcliffs School, where Mike's two boys are enrolled, so this move will also give him the opportunity to be a dad on the sideline at local zone sports events. Mike has been teaching at Beckenham since the start of 2011 and has also made a wonderful contribution to the school and the teams he has taught in. We wish him all the best in his new role.

Our school roll is growing and we are on the cusp of having the biggest roll the school has ever had with 488 students at the moment. We have made the decision to grow our Leadership Team next year and to have two Deputy Principals, rather than just one. We currently have an advertisement out for this position, and hope to be able to appoint before the end of the school year.

There will be another newsletter next Friday, which will outline the teaching teams for 2019.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Citizen of the Week

James Stoney - Year 4

James, you are a creative and inquisitive learner. You love the environment and are the expert in the hub on native bird life and all the treasures of the Port Hills. You demonstrate amazing problem solving skills during Discovery and persevere with your learning until you achieve success. You are a loyal friend and always treat others with respect and kindness.

Abigael Cockfield - Year 6

Abby, you are a very kind and caring member of the Pōhutukawa team. You volunteer to help when you see a need and you are always looking out for others. Your quirky sense of humour entertains us, as does your love of drama and performing. Abby, you are articulate and hard working. You are a fabulous role model in our hub.

Family Support

We are very proud to bring you a webinar series we've produced about reducing stress in children. There are 6 short episodes helping to explain stress in children and how to deal with it. The episodes will be released over the next few weeks. The work is based on the research of Kathleen Liberty from the University of Canterbury and her team. We thank Dai Henwood for his time, and the many others who have helped bring this project to you.

Presented by Neighbourhood Trust & Papanui Youth Development Trust.

School Notices

Sports News

Athletics 

We recently held our senior school athletics day. This is an event where our school values are out in force as children put their PE learning to the test and encourage each other to go higher, further and faster. One of many examples of this was the Year 7 girls whose cheers filled the park as each competitor took on the challenge of the ever-increasing high jump bar. The sprint finals were the concluding part of the day with the House Relay providing an exciting and nail-biting finale. In the end, it was Fisher who brought it home with the staff and parents managing a respectable 2nd place, (a vast improvement on last year).

This year, we invited Year 4s who wanted to embrace the challenge of competitive sport to participate in the day. Like the year 5 to 8s, they had been out in the park learning technique and developing their fitness on many afternoons in the lead up to the event. This dedicated practice paid off and there was lots of fantastic technique on display and school records being broken. Above all else, there were lots of smiles; I’m a firm believer that if you look like your having a good time, you’re doing it right.

On Monday last week, over 50 children from Year 5 - 8 represented Beckenham at our zone athletics. The children all did their school proud, demonstrating great sportsmanship and holding their own among the best athletes from our zone. Eleven of our students have qualified from that event, to represent our school at the Canterbury Athletics competition which will be held on Wednesday, December 5th at the new Nga Puna Wai Park in Wigram. This is the first year since 2011 that we have been able to have the Canterbury Athletics in Christchurch rather than having to travel to Ashburton Domain for the day.

Summer Tournament

Last Wednesday teams from Year 7/8 competed in a fast and furious round robin tournament in the sports of slow pitch, orienteering, tennis and kiwi tag (touch). We met some really polished competition, which tested the children’s perseverance. The orienteering team, which comprised of Gemma York, Santi Montejo, Lucy Gray and Ella Clarke, came second in both the rogaine and orienteering. Many thanks to George York and Simon Scott, who managed teams during the day and to all the parents who helped with transport.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Winni Goldsbury, who came second in the Girls On Dirt Advanced Downhill Race in the under 15 years category. It is impressive enough that she can ride such an advanced track, let alone tackle such terrain at race speed!

Congratulations to Harper Ford who has been selected to represent NZ in baseball.

Also congratulations to Thomas Lyall who, in September, achieved a bronze medal in the Senior boys (11-14 years) under 40kg category of the South Island Judo Championship held in Nelson.

Special Congratulations also go to the following past students of Beckenham who recently graduated from Cashmere High School with the following distinctions:

Thomas Flynn - Head of Sheppard House Award

James Hanlon - Student Representative on the Board of Trustees

Sabine Grey - Leaders of tomorrow Scholarship

Briana Steven - Emerging leaders Scholarship, Engineering high achievers Scholarship, Hugh McDougall Rankin Science Scholarship, The Foundation Pupils All Round Excellence Prize, Cartwright Prize for Academic Excellence in Year 13, Dux.

Sportsperson of the Year - Liliana Braun, also a past Beckenham student.  Liliana is currently in Year 12 and this award is usually reserved for year 13 students.

We wish them all the very best for their futures.

TOP TEAM CHALLENGE & FAMILY PICNIC THIS SUNDAY!

Time to Celebrate!.....We want to THANK everyone for helping us reach our target
Please come along to the BeckenhamTe Kura o Pūroto TOP Team Challenge & Family Picnic - just ONE week away today for some well deserved FUN & GAMES.
Come in a team, $10 per team: https://goo.gl/forms/oPqxEmaeEyG7Ckbz2
OR Come & help: https://goo.gl/forms/6NH4CzeIf4m6Zhe63
OR come & be a SPECTATOR....however you want to participate, make sure you & your family are there.
So lock this date into your calendar NOW: Sunday 25th November from 2pm.
Let's celebrate reaching our OUTDOOR SPACES Target. We got there together & we deserve to have some FUN with a capital F!
The PTA are subsidising this event to ensure ALL can participate. If the $10 fee per TEAM is preventing your family from participating in this Challenge please email pta@beckenham.school.nz & we will assist.

BECKENHAM "We Care" XMAS DEAL:

JUST in time for Christmas & proudly brought to you by the PTA - the BECKENHAM “We Care” Products are available to ORDER NOW ready for Santa to deliver!

All orders will be ready for collection before December 1st, making overseas posting an option.

AND with the XMAS DEAL-FREE Jute Bag for all orders over $30, how can you resist?
Help your school & the environment with these sustainable products. These affordable items will make fabulous gifts for family and friends.

HOW DO I ORDER-click on this link: https://goo.gl/forms/j0Kr9v0JWmSRHrAV2

Community Notices

SURFKIDS

Childrens Surfing  Programme.

Learn the skills of Surfing in a fun, safe environment. All equipment provided and professional instruction from Aaron Lock and team. For kids 8 - 14 years.
Sundays 10am to 12pm.
Dec / Jan Holidays : from 17th Dec, 10am -12pm
Cost $30 per day or $135 for five. Bookings essential.
Venue :Sumner.
Call Aaron on 0800 80 SURF (7873) or register online at surfcoach.co.nz

Starfish Swim School

Bookings for the January Holiday Programme are now open!
Mo 21 Jan - Fri 25 Jan, $65 for the week.
info@starfishswimschool.co.nz.  Ph: 033381795.
2 Nash Road, Aidanfield.

Beckenham Community Christmas Celebration

In the grounds of Beckenham School.
Wednesday 13th December 2018 5.00pm -7.00pm
Free BBQ and/or bring a picnic.
Come and join the Choir, join in or just listen to some community carol singing.
Organised by Beckenham locals for the Beckenham community. BBQ provided by Beckenham Neighbourhood Association.

Community Choir (aka anyone who wants to sing).

If interested in providing a stall complete this form https://goo.gl/forms/wOF708smpAtVSpuG2

Principal's Patch

Kia ora e te whānau

This process feeds into the ongoing assessments for learning that teachers are doing. These assessments support the next learning steps for your child, and the writing of the end of year reports which began this week.

Sound Garden in the Junior play area

There was activity happening in the grassed area next to the junior playground today. Earlier in the year we were gifted some items from the GapFiller SoundGarden project that had most recently been installed on Peterborough St. The two large concrete drums that have been sitting out on the grass are part of this installation.
We have decided to go ahead and reinstate some of the Sound Garden items on a trial basis. This will enable us to evaluate their potential for an ongoing and more permanent place in any outdoor learning space that is designed. We are conscious that they will be quite noisy and a LOT of fun...
Thanks to Gaby Montejo, a parent and one of the artists who designed some of the original pieces, for helping us to reinstate them.

Outdoor spaces

A group has formed to develop some concept plans for the Outdoor Spaces. We are conscious that our junior playground is looking very tired, the sandpit is now a very exciting 'mud kitchen' (that's a technical term 😉) and the grass area adjacent to the junior playground has unrealised potential. The group includes representatives from the Board, PTA, staff and parents. They will be engaging with the children and the community. We look forward to seeing the amazing fundraising efforts of the PTA being put towards the development of exciting, challenging and creative spaces for our tamariki to learn and play in.

New Staff

We welcome Stacey McLachlan to our teaching staff this term.


Stacey has been working one day a week in our New Entrant area so far this term, and on Monday next week will be working mornings with our other New Entrant teachers as the numbers in our New Entrant groups continue to grow.

Strike Action - Wednesday 14th November

New Zealand’s principals and primary teachers have just voted about what to do to get government action on the current crisis in recruiting and retaining teachers.

We’re agreed - we can’t in good conscience accept the Government’s latest collective agreement offer because it does not begin to address the crisis.

We have therefore voted for an unprecedented second strike. There will be nationwide rolling strikes over a week, and our region will be striking on Wednesday 15th November.

Our school will be closed for instruction on that date. While we regret the inconvenience we know this will cause, we need to send a clear message to the Government that we are standing strong for our students.

Already children’s education is suffering because of the difficulty in recruiting teachers and relievers, and we must take bold steps to turn this around. The Government recently announced a $5.5 billion surplus, so there is no reason to make our children wait while the situation deteriorates further.

Through our union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, we are asking for:

• Smaller classes, so our children can get more one-on-one attention
• More resources and staffing to adequately support children with additional learning needs – this will benefit all children because teachers will be freed to spend more one-on-one time with every student
• A significant increase in teachers’ salaries so that they are properly valued for their qualifications and responsibilities, and as a country we can recruit and retain teachers. 

We appreciate your continued support on this important issue. For more information, please go to http://campaigns.nzei.org.nz/time/ or talk with your child’s teacher.

Ngā mihi nui

Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Citizen of the Week

Archie de Clifford - Year 6

Archie, you are an outstanding role model in the Pōhutukawa Team. Your enthusiasm for learning is evident in everything you do and you are an impressive self-manager. You love nothing more than getting stuck into researching an interesting topic. You bring a wonderful warmth and good humour to all that surround you. Always wonderfully empathetic, you can be relied on to be a fabulous friend to many. Keep shining, Archie.

Lola Harris - Year 4

Lost Property

There is an increasing amount of lost property in the bin which is now overflowing onto the rack.  Please come and check and see if any of it belongs to your children. Remember to name any items of clothing that come to school, particularly hats!

Parking

The issue of parking and congestion around the school at the beginning and end of the school day is an ongoing concern.  Please be considerate of other road users and local residents and use your common sense.  Yellow lines and time limits on parking areas are there for the safety of everyone.  

Sports News

Harper Ford was recently involved in the first ever baseball game in Nelson.  They are actively recruiting more players so if you are keen to give it a go contact Lynn Togerson 0273388918, or Peter Ford 021894126.
Please click on the following link to read about the game in Nelson.
baseball game in Nelson

Athletics Sports today

A huge thanks to Jenny Diggle and all of the staff and parents who assisted with the running of our senior Athletics day today. We were very pleased that we had made an early call to postpone when the rain was bucketing down at 10am yesterday, and today turned out to be a pretty good day. Our children appeared to enjoy the day, and a number of new school records were created. It was also good to see some of the Year 4 students taking the opportunity to get experience in the senior athletics, in preparation for their opportunity to qualify for zone sports this time next year.
Jenny will share some highlights from the day in the next newsletter.

Congratulations to...

...Keanna Hakeagaiki for her recent achievements in gymnastics. This photo was from end of August when she got 3rd overall in the Canterbury Championships for her Step 3 level. She got 2nd in Vault apparatus and 2nd in Floor exercise apparatus.


This competition was her personal overall best for Step 3. She is now starting her Step 4 level. 

BOT Update

Hui for whānau of Māori students

Thank you to the whānau who managed to attend our hui this Wednesday. We appreciate that there was a clash with increasingly popular local Halloween events which prevented some from attending.
The purpose of the Hui was to assist the Board of Trustees with its self review process in the way that the school supports our Māori students to be successful.
We have compiled some suggestions from the hui to feed into our strategic plan. One area we will be giving more attention to in 2019 is the use of Te Reo Māori across our school in a simple and integrated way, so that all our whānau, staff and students can learn and use it together.

PTA News

Community Notices

Patricia Paul School of Dance

The Patricia Paul School of Dance, your local dance school, is currently giving Jazz and Ballet 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, Tumble and Hip Hop starting from age 7. For all enquiries please phone 372-9191 or email info@studioone.co.nz

SwimSmart Survey: Be in to WIN!

You could win a free fun day for your school at Jellie Park (pool and slide) on the 18 December by filling in a short survey around water safety and learning to swim. Each entry increases your school’s chance of winning. Currently only 30% of school age children participate in swimming lessons and the Christchurch City Council’s Swimsmart team are keen to understand parents and caregivers views around water safety and learning to swim.

 Here is a link to the survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SchoolSwim18

Mental Health Education and Resource Centre

EVworld South Public Day

EcoSort Open Day

Principal's Patch

Kia ora e te whānau

What a great start we have had to the term! It's been lovely to see everyone back and to welcome seven new tamariki and their whānau to our school. Along with that, the sun has shone for much of the week!

A group of learners from Pōhutukawa enjoying learning outside in the sun...

Learning this term includes preparations for athletics, Pōhutukawa Camp, Intermediate Hub Production, Firewise programme, and excursions out of school for all teams. On top of teaching, teachers will be busy with assessments and end of year report writing.

Organisation for 2019 is well underway too. As part of this organisation, we are looking at the learning groups for 2019. Because we work so collaboratively, this is a much less complex task than it was when we had teachers and children operating in individual classes in isolation from one another. We can support different social groupings within a collaborative team, without worrying about which 'class' a child in a team is in as the whole team will be working in collaborative space and the groupings will be be fluid and needs based.
If there is a consideration you would like me to be aware of when we are putting learning groups for 2019 together, please email me by Friday 2nd November. We will add your considerations to the considerations we have for all of the children.

We are pleased to have two trainee teachers working in our school at the moment. Lisa Griffiths is in the Pōhutokawa Hub being mentored by Tracy Inwood, and Alicia Northe is in the Kauri Hub being mentored by Hannah Elliott. We value the contribution that they make to our children's learning and we think it is important that our school and staff contribute to the ongoing development of the profession by having teacher trainees in our school.

We have a vacancy in the school office...

Due to an unexpected offer of a job with more hours and more responsibility that she would have been crazy to turn down, our financial officer, Vicki Renwick, will be leaving us in four weeks.
As you will all be aware, the role of a financial officer is critical in the smooth running of a school!
A brief description of the role is below, with more details available on the Vacancies page of our school website.
If you know anyone who is interested in this type of role, please ask them to make contact.

Financial Officer - Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Role Purpose
This is a key administrative role in a progressive and busy, full primary school where efficiency, flexibility, collaboration and initiative are key attributes for success.  The support this role provides to the leadership team enables student learning to be upheld as the primary focus of the school. 
This role is responsible for ensuring all aspects of the school's financial management complies with sector best practice, defined delegated authorities, statutory requirements and policies.  By completing all financial administration tasks efficiently and effectively, this role assists the school to manage its resources competently and responsibly.

Our Values
We care
We get there together
We love challenge
We love learning
We make a difference

We are seeking a special person to become part of our school family.

This is a key administrative role in our school, responsible for ensuring all aspects of our school's financial management complies with sector best practice, defined delegated authorities, statutory requirements and policies.   Key tasks include accounts payable and receivable functions, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, HR administration, and maintaining the assets register.
Ideally we are seeking someone who can 'hit the ground running' through their experience and knowledge of financial administration practice, and their commitment to innovate and improve systems and processes.   We are seeking someone who combines an analytical, systematic and accurate approach to their work together with a genuinely warm, positive, flexible and approachable manner.
If this sounds like you, and you'd love to join our school family then we'd love to hear from you…
Applications close 4pm, Monday 12 November, 2018

I will be in Wellington next week at the New Zealand Principals Federation Conference.
I hope you all enjoy the upcoming long weekend. I am looking forward to a busy and exciting term ahead and hope you are too.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings - Tumuaki

Citizen of the Week

Arran Robertson - Year 7

Arran, you exemplify our value 'we care' in the way that you interact so positively and willingly with a wide range of people. From working with the preschool children at Cherry's (who absolutely adored you), to sharing a friendly word with those who need it, you show your emotional intelligence on a daily basis. Thank you for making our hub and school a brighter place. Tino pai Arran.

School Notices

Fridays are House Shirt Days!

Future of Education Seminar

Frances Valintine, founder of MindLab, will be presenting about the Future of Education, Tuesday 30 October, 5pm. St Francis of Assisi School, Innes Road, Christchurch. This is for principals, teachers, board and PTA members, parents and local businesses. RSVP here.
You can find out more about Francis Valintine, founder of MindLab here.

The Great New Zealand Shake Out

Yesterday we engaged as a school with the Great New Zealand Shakeout Earthquake Drill and Evacuation and the children were very calm and evacuated out onto the field with no fuss.


We are also able to take part in the Great NZ Shakeout School Challenge.
Each person who completes the 8 challenges with their families will be in to get some cool prizes.

Some of the challenges include...

• Show someone how to drop cover and hold – inside and outside.
• Check your tsunami zone and plan where to go.
• Store water for three days or more.
• Identify which key household objects need to be secured or made safer through Fix. Fasten. Don’t Forget.
• Find out which natural hazards could affect your family.
• Work out what to pack in a getaway bag for your family.
• Make a plan that includes who will pick up the kids if the adults can’t get to school.
• Make a list of who can help in an emergency

The students have been given a booklet to take home. If your child would like to participate by completing all of the challenges, they just need to bring the booklet back, with each challenged signed to say it was completed, to collect their small prize.

PTA News

Calendar Art

Paper order forms for this will be coming out next week...check out your child's back pack so it doesn't get lost!

BOT Update

Whānau Hui - Māori students achieving success as Māori

The Board of Trustees are seeking support from whānau to help guide their strategic thinking and planning in this area. We are keen to be doing more to affirm the identity and success of our Māori tamariki as tangata whenua and we need your guidance and direction in this kaupapa.

Community Notices

Skeleton Hunt 

Have some family fun at the skeleton hunt this halloween!  Work out the clues to complete the skeleton puzzle with the pieces you find from your adventure to earn your trick or treat.  Too easy?  Each clue requires you to complete a challenge that will test your skills and keep you busy...good luck!
12pm Sunday 28th October, Cathedral Square,  $2 entry ages 5 -14.

"SPOOKED" - A Circus Spooktacular

Presented by Christchurch Circus Trust
October 27th 4pm and 7:30 pm Shows
Tickets $15 from: dashtickets.co.nz
PGR 7 yrs.

The first E Tū Whānau poster competition is now open!

The competition gives people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to win great cash prizes by designing posters expressing values that underpin the E Tū Whānau kaupapa. Their work will be judged by renowned artist, academic and educator, Kura Te Waru-Rewiri and celebrated urban artists, muralists and community art activists, Janine and Charles Williams.

E Tū Whānau, the movement for positive change, want whānau across the motu to unleash their creativity and have a go at designing A3 sized posters on:

AROHA - giving with no expectation of return , OR
MANA/MANAAKI – building the mana of others through nurturing, growing and challenging, OR
WHAKAPAPA – knowing who you are and where you belong.
“Art and design are powerful tools to communicate ideas, convey emotion, and inspire action. E Tū Whānau is all about taking action to create positive change in our whānau and our communities,” says E Tū Whānau Kaiwhakahaere, Ann Dysart.

The competition has two prize categories. The General category is open to anyone and has prizes worth $2,500 for the winners of each value. The Tamariki category is for children aged 12 years old and under, and winners will receive a $200 gift voucher for each value. A cash prize of $1,500 will also be awarded to the entry that gets the most votes overall.

Entrants may use any medium and enter as many times as they like, but each entry must focus on one value only, not a combination. The competition will run on the E Tū Whānau Facebook page and an online entry form must be completed for each entry. A jpg of the poster design must also be uploaded with each entry form. Entry to the online competition closes on Sunday October 21.

“This competition is open to everyone and anyone, whether you’re a new artist starting out, someone more experienced, or someone who just loves the E Tū Whānau kaupapa and wants to express their feelings visually. Don’t be shy. Just get in there, give it your best go and have fun,” Ann Dysart says.

For more information please contact:

Pamela Fleming, 029 2881 463,   pamela.fleming006@msd.govt.nz

Teresa McGregor, 027 2075 016, tmcgregor@maorimedia.co.nz

Love authentic Latin food? 

Interested in Art? Movies? Music? In to Latin Dancing? Want a place to chill out with Amigos?
Bring your colours!!!
Enjoy our Spanish & Latino Week  in Christchurch!
 Come and enjoy a full week of Latin events. Authentic Latin Street food,  dance performances & workshops, movies, story telling, live music, Art exhibition, and much more  in a colourful and fun atmosphere around our beautiful city.
- Spanish & Latino Week 2018 -
- Christchurch City Centre -
- 15th to 22nd of October -
Spanish & Latino week, proudly sponsored by the CCC,  brings the "LASFF" Latin America and Spain Film Festival, Latino Market Picante, Night in Pijamas at the Library, Language, Cooking and Dance Workshops, Latin Art Exhibition, Fiesta under the Stars and much more

Principal's Patch

Kia ora e te whānau

Another term has come to an end and we are all looking forward to recharging over the next two weeks. The children have been engaged with amazing learning across the teams with a focus Sustainability.


Congratulations to Caitlyn Downing, one of our wonderful Koru Year 1/2 teachers, who is getting married to Jake during the upcoming school holidays. Today the staff celebrated with her at morning tea time, and we all wished her well in assembly today.

Staffing Update for 2019

As is common at this time of the year, we become aware of some changes in our staffing for the following year. Our Board have received resignations from two of our teachers this term, which they have reluctantly accepted, and we wish both of these teachers all the very best.

Susan Walsh is retiring from full time teaching. Susan is an avid follower of fashion and a keen traveller, and is looking forward to spending more time in pursuit of both of these passions. We do expect to still see Susan back at Beckenham in the future as a reliever and we thank her for the wonderful contribution she has made to our staff since she started in 2013.

The other resignation we have received is from Amy Buick. Amy began at Beckenham as a beginning teacher in 2007 and we have had the joy of watching her grow from a promising young teacher into a highly skilled and effective teacher and team leader. Amy has been on leave this year, and she and her partner have made the difficult decision to move to the North Island and settle in New Plymouth. We are very sad to see this long relationship with Beckenham come to an end, and we wish Amy and her partner all the very best for their new life in the north!

We are delighted to announce three new staff appointments for 2019:
Steve Cooke will be joining our permanent teaching staff from Breens Intermediate. Steve and his family live in the St Martins area and we are looking forward to welcoming him to our staff.
Jules May will be joining us as a fixed term teacher for 2019 from Wellington where she has been teaching at St Patricks School. Jules is originally from Canterbury and is looking forward to returning to her home town.
Kate Swan will be joining us to cover the position that Caitlyn will be taking maternity leave from for 2019. Kate has been teaching for a number of years in Auckland and she and her partner have recently moved to Christchurch to make it their home.

Congratulations to all of the children (and staff!) who performed in the School Talent Show this afternoon. Each one of the children demonstrated our school values to the core, and we all were amazed at the confidence, energy and commitment that they brought to their acts.

I wish you all a safe and restful two week break and look forward to seeing everyone again in the new term.
Ngā mihi nui

Sandy Hastings - Tumuaki

Citizen of the Week

Lurandt Wolmarans - Year 6

Lurandt, you are an outstanding role model in the Pohutukawa team. You consistently demonstrate a positive, respectful and caring attitude towards others. You are an excellent self-manager and always put your best effort into learning. You have a witty sense of humour and make our hub a wonderful place to be. Thank you for being such a fabulous leader in our team.

Jemma Sunderland - Year 3

Jemma, you are a positive, enthusiastic and hard working student and you always strive to do your best. Your deep thinking skills and empathy towards others are  highly appreciated in our hub and this sees you well liked and respected by your peers. You are such a thoughtful and caring friend towards others and your willingness to lend a hand or take on extra responsibilities makes our hub a better place. Ka Pai Jemma, you are an absolute star! 

School Notices

Term 4 - Hats required at school please

Piano and Singing lessons available from Term 4

Margot Holcroft has been teaching in Christchurch for more than 10 years with the NZ Modern School of Music.  

She teaches a broad range of musical styles from pop through classical, including music reading and theory.

She will be taking private lessons at Beckenham Tuesdays during school hours. Suitable for students 7yrs old and up.

Lesson cost: $25 per half hour lesson.  Small initial cost for books.

For more information, contact Margot on 0211782418 or 3857825.  mjholcroft@outlook.com

Sports News

Orienteering

The following students who took part in the Canterbury Schools Orienteering Competition on the weekend of 15 - 16th September.
Quinn Clarke, Marcellus Scott, Connor Ingram, Fergus Macdonald.
Anna Wright, Torun Joergensen, Hebe Butland, Zoe Clarke, Vida Gerard.
Gemma York, Florence Gerard, Ella Clarke, Meg Macdonald, Vienna Scott, Charlotte Grey.

The first day of the competition was a sprint event held at South Brighton Domain. The second day
was a long event held at Bottle Lake Forest. The Beckenham team had some outstanding
performances which resulted in joint first place for the Year 6 and Under Boys team and a second
place for the Year 6 and Under Girls team. Ka Pai

Congratulations to...

Roxy Murfin who competed in the Intermediate Schools Sword Fencing Championships last weekend.  Roxy was unbeaten during the rounds and won the final 10-8.

Koru Games

This week, 12 children from Kauri participated in the Koru Games. The three day tournament is the full primary school’s version of the AIMs Games and took place at various locations in the Selwyn district. This is the first occasion that Beckenham has participated in the games and so was an exciting event for all involved. A passion for volleyball has emerged in the Kauri hub after Carisbrook selected the sport for our annual sports exchange during Dunedin Camp. We entered two teams into the tournament, who both played exceptionally well, finishing 10th and 2nd overall. The children demonstrated fantastic dedication in the lead up to the tournament, giving up many a lunch time to practice and hone their skills. On the court they showed great cohesiveness as a team, working together to build an effective attack. A huge thank you goes to Nicola Reddecliffe, Izabel Lyall and Leigh Conley, who gave their time to manage the teams and umpire games during the tournament. 

ITS BACK!
Registrations are now open for the 2018/2019 Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kid TRYathlon Series!

The world’s largest kids TRYathlon series is back.  Open to kiwi kids aged 7-15 years of all sporting abilities, the Sanitarium Weet-Bix kids TRYathlon is a fun day out for the whole family.  Swim, bike and run your way to the finish line as an individual or in a team of two, and receive your very own gold medal from top Kiwi sporting stars.  Go on give it a TRY!

Register NOW to receive the Early Bird Discount price of only $40.00 per participant.  Be sure to link your entry to Beckenham School - the school with the most entries can win LOADS of prizes!!  To register under the Beckenham School Group use the link below;

https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=31841&G=68545

Sunday 24th February 2019
Jellie Park, Burnside

Readathon

A very very BIG thank you from your PTA for all of your INCREDIBLE SUPPORT of our children as they took part in this years Read-a-thon.  We were all blown away by the enthusiasm from all the children and families and just how much money was raised.
Soooooooo… Hats off to EACH and EVERY one of you.  An incredible $9189.10 was raised giving our Outdoor Spaces Fund an incredible boost!!!

Community Notices

We are delighted to invite your school community to the 2018 Hohepa Art & Sculpture Exhibition, held in the last weekend of September. Monies raised from the Exhibition will be used to support adults with intellectual disabilities.  Opening Night tickets are available from our website, https://www.hohepacanterbury.com/events/,  and the exhibition is free to the public over the weekend.  We look forward to seeing you!

Aquagym

The Breeze Walking Festival

Mega Air Trampoline Arena

Trampolining is one of the best activities for improving fine motor skills like balance, agility and coordination. It aids in building physical strength, flexibility and power and it’s so much FUN! Learn how to bounce SAFELY with correct techniques with Mega Airs newest addition to Term time fun! Our Jumpstars 9 week program will have your children safely flipping about in our huge padded playground in no time at all!
info@megajump.co.nz

Vegan Expo Christchurch

Horncastle Arena, Addington
10am – 4:30 pm
Sunday, October 28, 2018

Studies have shown eating excess meat is causing health issues, so whether you are looking at reducing your meat intake by including Meatless Mondays into your family’s diet, or if you already eat a wide range of vegetarian/vegan meals, you will find something at this year’s Vegan Expo to interest you.

Enjoy great vegan food, watch top veggie chefs display their cooking secrets, learn about vegetarian living and enjoy celebrating cruelty-free, pro-planet lives with Christchurch’s vegetarian and vegan community. Whether you are vegetarian or not, you will love the variety of foods and entertainment on offer, which includes a special kid’s zone and activities.

Eftpos and plenty of free parking will be available.
Kids free (12 and under), adults $5 if bought online now (veganexpo.co.nz) or $6 on the door.
More info: veganexpo.org.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veganexpochristchurch

SUMMER FOOTBALL for Kids at Halswell Domain

REGISTER NOW: www.hawkfootball.org.nz/summer
First Kicks / Fun Football Summer – 4-8 year olds
Fri 26th Oct until Fri 14th Dec 2018, 4.30pm - 5.30pm. Cost:  $50.00 (7 weeks)
Halswell Skills Centre (Academy) - (Boys & Girls) 8-12 year olds
Tues 16th Oct until Tues 4th Dec 2018, Cost:  $70.00 per player (8 weeks)
9th-10th Grades: 4.30pm-5.30pm, 11th-12th Grades: 5.30pm-6.30pm
Halswell GIRLS ONLY HUB (Academy) – 12-16 year olds
Thurs 18th Oct until Thurs 6th Dec 2018, 4.30pm - 5.30pm, Cost :  $70.00 (8 weeks)
Halswell Summer 5v5 Tournament – 12-15 year olds
Bring your friends and have some fun - you can register now or register on the day with our coach!
Don't worry if you don't have a team - you can join with new friends each week.
Thurs 31st Oct until Thurs 6th Dec 2018, 5.30pm-6.30pm, Cost :  $20.00 per player (6 weeks)
Questions? Email Sam Bunn (General Manager - HUAFC): gm@halswellunitedfc.co.nz
First Kicks/Fun Football Questions Email Petra Baker: huafcfkff@gmail.com

SPCA Walk your Dog to the Moon

Join us on Saturday the 4th of November at Bottle Lake Forest, for a Walk Your Dog to the Moon launch event! Featuring a group walk with your dog, this is the perfect opportunity to get inspired and meet your fellow moonwalkers. There will be extra surprises on the day, making it the perfect way to kick-start your kilometres.
 For more information about Walk your Dog to the Moon, head to our website www.walktothemoon.co.nz and feel free to get in touch should you have any questions. 

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Last week Te Whānau Mahi Tahi also performed at the Christchurch Cultural Festival. Their performance was, as always, one that made me enormously proud, and demonstrated the commitment and pride that they put into their learning and preparation.

This week we hosted a workshop in our hall for over 60 ESOL teachers and teacher aides from Christchurch Schools. Te Whānau supported the mihi whakatau for this group also and the praise from the teachers and teacher aides for their rousing welcome was wonderful.

With Māori language week nearly at an end for 2018, the challenge for me and our staff and our students, is to keep the reo alive every day and not just wait until Māori Language Week 2019. I invite you all to join us in that challenge.

If you are interested in joining an adult Te Reo Māori class for 2019, now is the time to sign up. The Wānanga o Aotearoa classes were oversubscribed this year and people who didn't sign up early enough missed out. Classes are free. In my class this year there are people from all walks of life including a librarian, electrician, computer programmer, landscape architect, kindergarten teacher, lawyer and a parent from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto!
If you would rather start by learning more about Māori Culture, the Wānanga also offer an excellent correspondence course that provide a wonderful insight into things Māori. This course is also free and you are provided with amazing resources as part of the free course - "He Papa Tikanga"

Citizen of the Week

Anna Wright - Year 4

Anna, youa re a self-motivated learner in our hub who always demonstrates our school values, 'We love learning' and 'We love challenge' in the way you always strive to be your personal best. We value your caring and sensible approach to all situations and the way you include others in all you do. Thank you for making Beckenham te Kura o Pūroto a better place!
Screen reader support enabled.

Ella Clarke - Year 7

Tiya Chaudhari - Year 6

Tiya, you are a kind and considerate member of the Pōhutukawa Whānau. You are respectful in the way you deal with others and have beautiful manners. You are a hard worker who always gives your best in every learning situation, and you show fabulous collaborative skills when working with others. Tino pai Tiya. 

School Notices

Keep NZ Beautiful Week 

Pōhutukawa Market Day

On Friday, 21 September, the students in Team Pōhutukawa will be running a market in the school hall to conclude our small businesses unit. The market will be open to all students and families from 11:45 AM to 12:40 PM.
At the market, the Pōhutukawa students will be selling lots of interesting (and delicious) items such as baking, confectionery, drinks, games, challenges and more. Students should still bring their lunch as normal on this day.
Market day vouchers will be sold near the hall entrance before school on Friday morning. Each voucher is worth 50 cents and will be used as currency to purchase goods at the market. Most items at the market will cost between 50 cents and five dollars.
The money raised will be used to reduce the cost of Team Pōhutukawa’s camp in Term 4 and to offset the market day’s expenses.

Talent Show 2018

A big congratulations to all acts selected to go through to our 2018 Talent Show. Our final show will be held on Friday 28th September at 1:30pm. As usual, parents/caregivers and supporters most welcome!

Sandwich Road Closure:

We were informed today that next week on Thursday 20th Sept & Friday 21st September roadwork resurfacing will be carried out on Sandwich Road.  The length of Sandwich Road that the school is on will be closed whilst this work is carried out.  Please read the following for more information.

Uniform

The school uniform has been designed so that many items are easy wear and available to be purchased at most clothing stores where cost and quality is your choice. For your convenience the school has arranged with Mainland Uniforms to stock and supply items that can be worn as school uniform. These can be purchased at the Peterborough Street store (189 Peterborough St) or purchased on line through http://www.mainlanduniforms.co.nz/

If you are purchasing items from another supplier please be aware that only Mainland Uniforms polar fleece jacket and sweatshirt are monogrammed with the school name.

A reminder too that sunhats are to be worn in Term 4.  Hats are available for purchase from the school office or from Mainland Uniforms.  Only bucket style hats are available from the office, they are $10 each.

Tennyson Street Road Safety... Parent Travel Survey

If you live in the local area, especially if you and your children use Tennyson St, and you haven't yet completed this survey, please do take a moment to go online and fill this out.
The University of Canterbury is working with the community to find opinions on traffic safety on the way to school in the Beckenham area, especially around Tennyson St. Please take the time to complete the following survey.
https://app.maptionnaire.com/en/4748


The recent lobbying by local residents regarding the traffic on Tennyson St has seen the council install the above road signs. If we want more to happen, we must keep lobbying and the information from this survey will help that cause.

Congratulations to...

Tilly Harris as a member of the Canterbury Primary Schools Representative A Netball Team. The team traveled down to Dunedin last weekend to play in the Dunedin Netball Tournament. The Canterbury Primary Schools Representative A team played 5 fantastic games against some very strong opposition of rep teams from down south, including Invercargill, Taieri and Dunedin.

They made the final against Invercargill A, in a close and nail biting game. Canterbury came away with a great win to be given the title of Year 8 Champions for 2018.

LADIES NIGHT RETURNS in 2018..Bigger & Better

"Rock your Body for Summer - Summer styles for ALL shapes"
Lock this date in your calendar: Saturday  27th October

This event will promote women embracing their body shapes while offering guidance on the key areas that many women find hard to shop for: Bras, Swimwear, Jeans & showcase NEW summer upcoming styles for all shapes.
Presenters confirmed so far:
The Fitting Room
Death By Denim
Key Black
Annabel Turley - The Holistic Pharmacist, discussing hormones & libido!!!

There will "Boutique" stalls to shop while enjoying canapés & a glass of bubbles. If you would like to book a stall at the event, please complete this link: https://goo.gl/forms/mKAJ4DnSiRAUPu573

TICKETS on sale soon
Watch the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA Facebook page for more exciting information to come…

Port Hills Athletics Club...

will help your child discover skills and determination they didn’t know they had. Above all though, it’s about friends, meeting personal goals and setting new ones.
Registration days: 16th $ 23th September 3-4pm
Clubrooms @ Hansen Park

Info: Junior T&F Captain
Amanda Landers
027 271 4918
amandalanders1974@gmail.com

NZ Theatre Month

September is NZ Theatre Month promoted by Roger Hall, NZ's foremost playwright. Theatres all over NZ are presenting plays by New Zealand playwrights, as well as workshops, rehearsed readings and talks.

The inaugural Christchurch production is THE ACB WITH HONORA LEE, an adaptation by Jane Waddell of Kate De Goldi's junior fiction novel , which was performed in the 2016 NZ Arts Festival in Wellington to great acclaim.

Top Dog Theatre is presenting the play from 5-15 September in the Rangi Ruru Theatre in Mervale Lane. Performance times are 7.30pm Tuesday, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 6pm Sunday 9 September and Thursdays, with a matinee as well on 8 September at 2pm.

Details and bookings are at www.topdogtheatre.co.nz/

Movie Poster Sale

Design a Leatherman Competition

Drama Classes

Helen O'Grady Drama Academy.  Develoopment through Drama.  Email: enquiries@helenogrady.co.nz

Ph: 0800161131.