Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

It has been very busy at school these past weeks as we have been working through a number of changes to our staffing for 2019. We are very excited to have such talented new staff coming on board to compliment our current practice and work alongside us to help our tamariki to grow and succeed. We believe that we have put together some fabulous combinations of talent, new teachers with existing teachers, and we have some teachers moving around our teams too. This enables teachers to share the experiences and learning that teachers in different teams have gained with others and to enable all of our teachers to continue to learn from one another.

In 2019 our roll is expected to be slightly bigger next year than this year, and we have decided to go back to having five distinct teams again. This means that our NE team will be called Koru, and our Year 1/2 team will take on again the name of Kahikatea (a name that they had about 3 years ago before we combined the teams).

The Pōhutukawa (Year 5/6) team will be our biggest team in 2019 so they will be moving over to Parenga next to the Year 7/8 Kauri team (where the Year 3/4 Kōwhai Team are currently). This will allow them to utilise the three classrooms of Kōmanawa and Hangere as break out spaces. Kōwhai (Y3/4) will move into the space in Tahaki currently occupied by the Pōhutkawa Team.

This map may help!

2019 learning spaces:

On Monday this week, at our Staff Only Day, we were fortunate to have our new staff for 2019 join us. Each 2019 team spent the day working together, beginning to learn about the strengths and opportunities that their new team will be able to offer the children. 

We are excited to introduce you to the teams for 2019:

We are currently finalising the home groups for 2019, ensuring that they are balanced within each team. Some teams have already begun a transition process for children - visiting the new hubs that they will be learning in next year, and getting to know teachers around the school who are not currently so familiar to them. This will continue over the remaining weeks of the term. We understand that for some of our learners, change can be a time of heightened uncertainty, so our goal is to smooth this journey as much as possible over the next three weeks.

Ngā mihi nui

Sandy Hastings

Principal - Tumuaki

Library Stock Take December Monday 10

It is time to look under your beds, in your closets, your school desk, behind cupboards and dark places to get those books back to the school library BEFORE December 10.

Congratulations to...

2019 Student Leaders:

Earlier this month we interviewed Year 7 students who applied for House Captain and Student Council Exec positions for 2019. We had 30 people applying and the group interviews saw fabulous attitudes and ideas. Actually, the whole year has been a bit of an 'extended interview', as we have watched how the children responded in a wide range of situations.
Our current Year 7 cohort has an interesting gender distribution, with 18 boys and 41 girls. 3/4 of the people applying for positions were girls. This year we have decided to move away from our traditional approach of having one boy and one girl as captains/deputies of each house.
Being selected as a House Captain means that students may need to change house for your Year 8 year.

House Captains for 2019:

Freddie Winsor
Ben Evans
Emily Eade
Vienna Scott
Maddi McIvor
Gemma York
Sophia Brown
Meg McDonald

Deputy House Captains for 2019:

Jack Barton
Arran Robertson
Dom Hamilton
Ella Clarke
Roxy Murfin
Morvern McDaid
Samantha Maule
Matilda Hindin
Student Council Exec:
Chairperson: Lucy Gray
Secretary: Paolo Reid
Treasurer: Helena Sice

Te Reo Champion (new role): 

Maia Davis

One area our school will be giving more attention to in 2019 is the use of Te reo Māori in a simple and integrated way, so that whānau, staff and students can learn and use it together.  Our Te Reo Champion will play a pivotal role in supporting us all to make this happen.

We have many more leadership positions that will be sorted at the beginning of the school year in 2019.

Sports News

Canterbury Triathlon

The rain poured for the duration of the Canterbury Triathlon at Pegasus this week. Extremely undesirable conditions for a swim, bike and run but this added challenge did not deter our competitors nor did it dampen the smiles. We are incredibly proud of the determination and physical endurance of our six competitors from Years 5 to 8.

Aquagym

459 Cashel Street, Ph: 3810299.  Learn to Swim & Coaching.  Aquagym and Sumner Pool.  Book now for January Holidays and Term 1.  Leaders in Aquatic Education.

The committee comprises of: Matthew McDonald (BOT), Paulette Newton (staff), Amanda Wolt (PTA), Natalie Doering (parent) and Carmel Wade (parent/architect).

The committee has been meeting each fortnight and so far has worked together to:

• Develop a set of guidelines and processes to enable the school to achieve the best outcome for our students. 
• Identified the the purpose of the outdoor spaces so there is a natural a ‘flow’ across the school. Criteria:

1. Reflect the school’s cultural narrative
2. Accessible for all
3. Fun and meet the needs of all students
4. To grow as the school grows. 

• Identified areas across the school for development and begun to create a timeline for these.
• Present and ask for school engagement in the process. We have met with the Student School Council about using the school logo - Matau (hook) - to influence the shape of the renewed play space at the centre of the school. They were very excited about this!

We understand that this will be an ongoing plan that will have a number of smaller projects within it. The costings for each of the projects will need to be worked through. The fundraising the PTA have done will be a wonderful contribution towards getting these plans underway, but we don’t assume for a moment that it will cover the total costs! We will be making grant applications and seeking further funding from a variety of sources. Ministry of Education operational funding that the school receives each year is not able to be used to support significant capital investments such as these.

As the children are the Kaitiaki (guardians) of the school grounds and will be the ones using the spaces, it is essential they have a strong voice in this process. Much of the planning and design work will be developed and generated by the students, which is an authentic learning experience. This is such an exciting opportunity, and one that we know will take time to plan to ensure we get the best outcome possible.

The first area that we hope to develop with the students is Pūkaki (new entrants hub). The students have begun the process of generating ideas for this area. We hope to share the ideas before the end of term and work towards development early in term 1.

We will put regular updates in the school newsletter to keep you informed of proposed plans, and at times we will be seeking your input and ideas and offers of support for working bees as we action different areas across the school.

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