Category Archives: Weekly Newsletters

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 14 June 2024, Week 7

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Learning Conferences
Thank you so much for all your participation and engagement in Learning Conferences.  We gain so much information and insight from this time.  

A wee reminder that you can come in and speak with your child's homegroup teacher during week days.  Please just email and make a time to do this so they can put aside enough time for a successful meeting.
If you have any questions or "nose wrinkles" please make a time to see us so we can work through anything straight away.

Charlotte's Farewell
We had a lovely farewell to Charlotte Verity who has been teaching at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto since 2014.  Charlotte has led many initiatives across our school including staff and student wellbeing, supporting the development of programmes with our students who have English as a Second Language, Sustainability and composting and our Science programmes.
Charlotte is beginning a new teaching adventure at another kura in Christchurch.  All the very, very best Charlotte, we will miss you.

Plogging!
Our wonderful Jacky has been leading us on our "Plogging" journey.  We hope you may be able to help us with this.  Plogging refers specifically to the activity of picking up rubbish while jogging / walking.  Its name is a portmanteau of the Swedish term Plocka upp, meaning "to pick up" and the English jogging.  Jacky has some large tongs and buckets in the office, if you would like to take your child (and their friends) and do some plogging at drop off or pick up time.  Our school environment, and eventually the world, will thank you for it!

Ngā mihi nui
Sue Leadbetter - DP / SENCO

Important Dates

(you can also find the Community Calendar on our website here)

Fri 21 Jun - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
Tue 25 Jun - Matariki Evening at Kura, 5.30-7:00pm
Wed 26 Jun - BoT Meeting, 5:30-7:30PM, Staff Room
Wed 26 Jun - PTA Meeting, 7:30-9:30PM, Green Room
Fri 28 Jun - Matariki (kura/school closed)
Tue 2 Jul - Y0-4 Cross Country Challenge, 12:00 - 3:00pm, Hillview
Wed 3 Jul - Sandy's Farewell Assembly, 2:15-4:00PM, in the Hall, RSVP required
Fri 5 Jul - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
Fri 5 Jul - Last day of Term 2, School finishes 3pm
Mon 22 Jul - First day of Term 3, School starts at 8:55am
Wed 24 Jul - PTA Midwinter Breakfast
Wed 24 Jul - PTA Meeting (AGM), 7:00-9:30PM, Green Room
Fri 26 Jul - Welcome Assembly, 9:15-9:30am, in the Hall
Fri 2 Aug - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
Fri 15 Aug - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
Mon 26 Aug - Staff Only Day (kura/school closed)
Wed 28 Aug - BoT Meeting, 5:30-7:30PM, Staff Room
Wed 28 Aug - PTA Meeting, 7:30-9:30PM, Green Room
Fri 30 Aug - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
Mon 2 Sep - School Duathlon, 12:15-3:00PM
Wed 4 Sep - Kauri Ski Trip TBC
Fri 13 Sep - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
Thu 19 Sep - New Entrant and Year 8 Photos, 9:00-10:00am
Wed 25 Sep - PTA Meeting, 7:30-9:30PM, Green Room
Thu 26 Sep - BoT Meeting, 5:30-7:30PM, Staff Room
Fri 27 Sep - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
Fri 27 Sep - Last day of Term 3, School finishes 3pm
Mon 14 Oct - First day of Term 4, School starts 8:55am

Term Dates: Click here to view  2024 term dates

Citizen of the Week (W6)

Jessica Walker - Year 3

Jessica, you are an exemplary role model in the Kōwhai hub. You have a growth mindset and tackle challenges with a positive attitude! You are kind and caring, and always there for others. You show initiative in the way that you volunteer to help out and find different ways of problem solving. Keep being your fantastic self. Ka pai, Jessica.

Citizen of the Week (W7)

Chester Gardiner - Year 6

Chester, you exemplify each one of our school values. You are kind, creative and personable, making a positive difference in our hub. Thank you for the leadership you show in technology and for being a brilliant role model for others. Chester, you get stuck right into learning tasks, consistently demonstrating a love of learning and challenge. Tino pai to mahi.

School Notices

Stay Well This Winter


As we head into winter, winter illnesses, such as colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses, along with predicted Covid waves, become more common.

As a school, we are conscious of doing all we can to support our tamariki, whānau and community to be as well as possible.

As a school, we will continue to:
  • Ventilate spaces and keep them warm
  • Regularly clean surfaces
  • Teach/remind tamariki to cough or sneeze into their elbow
  • Teach/remind tamariki to wash and dry their hands regularly, especially after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing, and using the toilet
  • Mask wearing will continue to be optional for those who would like to 
  • Contact whānau if a child is unwell while at school for them to be collected
As whānau, please continue to:
  • Keep your child at home if they are unwell
  • Encourage them to cough or sneeze into their elbow
  • Encourage regular hand washing

Sandy Hastings' Farewell Assembly

You are invited to join us in officially celebrating and farewelling Sandy Hastings from her role as Principal at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto.

We will be hosting a Farewell Assembly for Sandy on Wednesday the 3rd of July.
The Assembly is for the whole school, and guests, and will run from 2:15-3:00PM.
Following the Assembly we will welcome all staff and guests to join us from 3:00-4:00PM for kai (food) and refreshments.

Please would you indicate your attendance by filling in this form, linked here. We would appreciate knowing numbers, for catering purposes, if you intend to join us after the Assembly.

If you have any photos, memories or messages you would like to share, these can be emailed to pa@beckenham.school.nz

NZ Opera "The Elixir of Love" Performance

This Thursday, the NZ Opera "Opera in Schools" tour visited our kura to perform Donizetti's The Elixir of Love. The performance took place in the hall and NZ Opera introduced our tamariki to the world of opera and the story of The Elixir of Love. 

Matariki

Please save the date for our Whānau Matariki Evening which is to be held on Tuesday 25th of June, 5:30 - 7:30PM. Further information about this will come out via HERO.

Kura/school will be closed for the Matariki Public Holiday -  Friday 28th June 2024. 


Matariki, the Māori New Year, is typically marked by the rise of the Matariki star cluster in the appropriate moon phase. Some iwi observe the rise of the lone star Puaka as the beginning of the new year.

Matariki takes place in mid-winter from late May to early July. The dates vary according to tribes and geography. The first public holiday to celebrate Matariki was held in New Zealand on Friday 24 June, 2022.

Each iwi has their own stories and perspectives about Matariki and celebrate Matariki at different times. Some hold festivities when Matariki is first seen in the dawn sky; others celebrate after the rise of the full moon or at the beginning of the next new moon.

Today Matariki is generally seen as an important time to celebrate the earth and show respect for the land. It is also a time to acknowledge those who have passed away and to plan for the year ahead. 

Matariki is a good opportunity for all New Zealanders to come together with Māori communities to learn their stories, culture, and language.

To learn more about Matariki, click the link (https://www.matariki.com/about)

Uniform Donations Welcome

We are running low on bigger sizes in the PTA Uniform Shop. If you have any old uniform of any size your whānau no longer uses, please feel welcome to drop this into the Office.

If you are looking to visit the PTA Uniform Shop, the hours are:

Monday 2:45 - 3:15PM
Friday  8:45 - 9.15AM

Community Notices

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

Free short-film Amnesty event for 2024 World Refugee Day, 2pm, Sunday 16 June

Amnesty International Christchurch/Ōtautahi warmly invites you to our free short-film event commemorating World Refugee Day, held on Sun 16 June at 2pm at the Christchurch Art Gallery. This is an hour of family-friendly short films relating to refugees & asylum-seekers, introduced by Sir Mark Solomon (Ngāi Tahu/Ngāti Kurī) and followed by an informal community-connection opportunity.

Envirokids Upcoming June Activities


Play the Drums

Beginner - learn to play
or
Already Play Drums - improve your drumming skills

Private individual tuition
With an experienced drummer who is a Drumsense certified master tutor
Learn Rock, Jazz, Big Band, Funk Dance and Latin Drumming
Tuition available after school and at weekends
Pupils of all ages welcome.
To arrange a FREE introductory session call, txt or email:
Chris Self
027 436 9930
masterdrumtutor@gmail.com
Ottawa Road, Wainoni

Wellbeing sessions for whānau


Future proofing! - what it takes to grow great adults!
Presenter: Anna Mowat, Director and facilitator for Real Parents
Duration: 1.5 hours (with Q&A)
Date: Tuesday 4th July 2024
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: $18 per person

Webinar Overview:
This is our most popular presentation and where we talk about the absolute fundamentals, the key things that our kids need to thrive and grow into great adults. And they're not all what you might think...

We'll take you through:
What it takes to build a strong, connected relationship with your kids,
Identifying your key parenting style and whether this is supporting your kids' best,
And how we can build a child's self-esteem and confidence!

KidsFest


Now in its 33rd year, the annual event offers a plethora of free and affordable activities for young people throughout the school holidays, from 6–21 July. It takes place in Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, Selwyn and Waimakariri.

“Whether they’re musically inclined, fascinated by technology or love being outdoors, there are literally hundreds of activities on offer to stave off any winter boredom,”

“KidsFest welcomes back perpetual favourites like The Christchurch Brick Show, while also introducing a bunch of exciting new events this year. Browse the full list online at kidsfest.co.nz and start building your own schedule!

“It’s a great opportunity for children and young people to get out of their comfort zone and have fun experiences during the holidays. Kids can extend themselves in their areas of interest, as well as discover new hobbies and passions.”

Tickets go on sale at kidsfest.co.nz from 9am next Thursday 13 June. Demand will be high, so be in quick!

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 31 May 2024, Week 5

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

A reminder that school is closed this Monday the 3rd of June, King's Birthday.

Mid Year Report and Learning Conference Information

Reports are being published at the end of next week, 7 June, and will be available to view on HERO. Following this, Learning Conferences will be held in Week 7 on Tuesday 11 June and Wednesday 12 June. 

Conferences will start at 1.45pm on both days. To support the availability of staff for these conferences we ask for children to please be collected from school on both days at 1.30pm. Supervision will be available until 3pm for a small group of children. More information about this will come out to you via Hero next week. These conferences will be an important opportunity to connect with your child's teacher and learn more about your child's learning progress and achievement. Your child attends the Learning Conference with you.

Please book a Learning Conference for each of your children by clicking on this link and enter the code usvg6 and follow the instructions. 

If your child is in Steve Cooke's Home Group please book by clicking on this link and enter the code 6ab6s. Steve's conferences will operate slightly differently as he has a professional commitment to facilitate learning for teachers from other schools on those days.

We recommend not booking time slots back to back, in case meetings run over the allocated time.

If you need any assistance to book a conference, please contact Jacky in the office on 03 337 1404 or office@beckenham.school.nz

Ngā mihi nui
Jo Smith - Tumuaki (Acting Principal)

Important Dates

(you can also find the Community Calendar on our website here)

Fri 31 May - Staff Only Day (kura/school closed)
Mon 3 Jun - King's Birthday (kura/school closed)
Fri 7 Jun - Celebration Assembly, 10:00 - 10:30am, in the Hall
Fri 7 Jun - School Disco (details below)
Tue 11 Jun - Learning Conferences
Wed 12 Jun - Learning Conferences
Fri 21 Jun - Celebration Assembly, 10:00 - 10:30am, in the Hall
Tue 25 Jun - Matariki Evening at Kura, 5.30-7pm
Wed 26 Jun - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staff Room
Wed 26 Jun - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM, Green Room
Fri 28 Jun - Matariki (kura/school closed) 
Fri 5 Jul - Celebration Assembly, 10:00 - 10:30am, in the Hall 
Fri 5 Jul - Last day of Term 2

Mon 22 Jul - First day of Term 3

Term Dates: Click here to view  2024 term dates

Citizen of the Week (W4)

Caoimhe Ryan - Year 6

Caoimhe, we love your cheery greetings to the teachers each day, and you are always willing to lend a helping hand to your team. You have a love of learning that is an inspiration to others, and you're always determined to do your very best work. When you put your heart and mind to something, Caoimhe, you are unstoppable! Kei runga noa atu koe.

Citizen of the Week (W5)

Lewis Potter - Year 8

Lewis you are such an enthusiatic and focussed learner, you have a hunger and thirst for knowledge which translates across all curriculum areas. You are an excellent example of someone who pushes and challenges themselves constantly. You are an awesome role model and problem solver. We love having you in our Kauri team!

School Notices

Uniforms

Our 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. We appreciate your support in ensuring tamariki are wearing the correct uniform items to school.

The full uniform can be found on our website, linked here.

Please would you also check the names on your child's jerseys as we have a few missing but named uniform items that may have accidentally been collected and taken to the wrong one home. 

Spare Uniform 

As we head into winter we are noticing the inevitable increase of muddy shoes and clothes as students come back from play and lunch, having played sports and games on the Park (or in the puddles!). If your child is coming home with very muddy or wet clothes, please consider supplying them with a spare pair of school shorts and a spare school top for them to change into once they finish their play. 

PTA School Disco (held in the School Hall)

We’re looking forward to the PTA School Disco taking place on Friday 7th of June in the School Hall... get your dancing shoes and a gold coin ready! The PTA will have chips and popcorn to buy. A named drink bottle of water is recommended.

N/E, Year 1 & 2     2:00-2:45PM
Year 3 & Year 4     4:00-4:45PM
Year 5 & Year 6     5:10-6:10PM
Year 7 & Year 8     6:30-7:30PM

Thank you Lilly-Ann for our awesome Disco posters!

Cyber Safety Information

As our tamariki spend more time online, it’s important parents and whānau help them stay safe. Now is a great time to talk to your tamariki about how we use the internet and digital technology safely.

Netsafe has created the Online Safety Parent Toolkit so parents and whānau have all the information they need to talk about online safety.

If you or anyone in your whānau needs support, or expert incident advice, you can contact Netsafe through the options below:
  • Email help@netsafe.org.nz
  • Call toll free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723)
  • Online report at netsafe.org.nz/report
  • Text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282

Book Character Dress Up Day

Book Character Dress Up Day last Friday marked the end of our Readathon. Book Character Day is highly anticipated and enjoyed right throughout the school, with staff and tamariki invited to dress up as their favourite book character. The costumes did not disappoint! 

Our colourful Kōwhai crayons!

PTA News

Thank you for getting involved in this year’s Readathon. It has been wonderful to see the tamariki proudly bringing back their forms and sponsorship. I hope some good reading habits have been embedded! We raised a grand total of $4557.30 which will help us towards our fundraising goals of supporting school bus trips and updating the kapa haka uniforms. Thank you to Paper Tree St Martins for helping out with the voucher draw. 

The PTA meet monthly and our next meeting is on Wednesday 26th June so if you think you would like to get involved in helping with fundraising and other fun events around the school then get in touch at pta@beckenham.school.nz

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA

An insight into the PTA experience from the PTA Chairperson

"In 2016, when my daughter started school, I joined the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) with the aim of giving back to the school community that had been so warm and welcoming to our family. 

As a member of the PTA, I quickly became involved and was soon elected as the Chairperson of the organization. Working alongside a fabulous group of like-minded and passionate parents, we dedicated our time to volunteering and providing support to our school whānau. 

As the Chairperson, I led the PTA in developing and implementing initiatives that would benefit our school community, such as fundraising events, community programs. 

Through my involvement in the PTA, I gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of community involvement in education and the positive impact it can have on everyone involved."  Jason Orchard, PTA Chairperson

BOT Update

In Term 2 we are reviewing topics in the Employer Responsibility Policy section. If you would like to review these policies, and give feedback on the content or implementation, please follow the instructions below.
  1. Visit the website https://beckenham.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
  2. Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride).
  3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
  4. Read the policy.
  5. Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
  6. Select the reviewer type.
  7. Enter your name (optional).
  8. Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
  9. Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

This review closes on July 5th 2024, please get your feedback in before this date.

Community Notices

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

Andrea's Sewing, Alterations and Repairs

School Uniform Fittings and Alterations, Repairs
Full Suits and Formal Dresses Fittings and Alterations 
Enquiries Welcome 

My contact details are Ph 0274665646
I am located at 37 Mathers Road Hoon Hay 
My current hours are 8am till 5.30pm  Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri.  (Closed Wednesday)

FREE Event for Students: Swimming Have-a-Go Carnival

Canterbury West Coast is excited to announce our second dedicated "Have-a-Go Carnival" event for 2024 on the 16th June at Taiora QEII Recreation & Sport Centre.

The event is open to any swimmer (of any age) who is not currently registered as a club or competitive swimmer with Swimming New Zealand and is capable of swimming 25m without assistance.

Participation is free, and registration is available on our website. Swimmers are welcome to swim in 25m, 50m, kick, and relay races!

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 17 May 2024, Week 3

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou,

Support Staff Day 

On Friday we celebrated our support staff - Teaching Assistants, Admin Team, Caretaker and Librarian. We are grateful for their mahi (work) and the aroha (love/compassion) they show our tamariki. They appreciate what each child brings to our kura (school) and value their uniqueness.
So we say THANK YOU to our amazing support staff team!                


               
Friday was also Pink Shirt Day. As a nation, this is a day to celebrate diversity and promote kindness and inclusion.

"Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!"

We invited tamariki to wear something pink if they wanted to and what a sea of pink there was in the playground! Homegroups started the day talking about the origins of the day and how it relates to our Kete Values and our daily life, both in and out of school

Upcoming Staff Only Day

Please note that Friday 31st of May has been confirmed as a Staff Only Day. The school will be closed while our Teachers and Teaching Assistants attend professional development with our Kāhui Ako (a learning group made up of other schools and early childhood providers in the local area).

Ngā mihi nui
Jo Smith - Tumuaki (Acting Principal)

Important Dates

(you can also find the Community Calendar on our website here)

Wed 22 May - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Fri 24 May - Book Character Dress Up Day
Wed 29 May - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM
Fri 31 May - Staff Only Day (kura/school closed)
Mon 3 Jun - King's Birthday (kura/school closed)
Tue 25 Jun - Matariki Evening at Kura
Wed 26 Jun - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Wed 26 Jun - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM, Staffroom
Fri 28 Jun - Matariki (kura/school closed)
Fri 5 Jul - Last day of Term 2

Term Dates: Click here to view  2024 term dates

Citizen of the Week

Dylan Batchelor - Year 6

Dylan, you are a good friend and importantly, you are an upstander and a role model in this area. Your love of learning shines through every day. It is exciting to see that you are always keen to increase your knowledge and skills. Ka rawe Dylan.

Zeke Hood - Year 8

Zeke, your determination and focus, paired with your willingness to tackle challenges head-on and seek guidance when necessary, sets you apart. You've shown initiative by taking ownership of your learning journey, and it's evident in the progress you've made. Your curious spirit shines through in your active participation and thoughtful questioning. Additionally, your friendly manner makes you a pleasure to collaborate with. Keep up the fantastic work, Zeke!

School Notices

Spare Clothing

Just a reminder as we approach wet weather, that a spare change of clothes is something you may want to pack in your child's bag if they are likely to need it.

Beckenham Out of School Care Organisation (BOSCO)


BOSCO provides before and after school care, as well as school holiday programmes.

We currently have space in the mornings and afternoons.

WINZ subsidy approved.
Located within the school grounds.

Any questions you may have please feel free to email or call
office@bosco.org.nz
027 645 6632

Lunch Ordering

Tuesday | Thursday Lunch Ordering

Monday | Wednesday | Friday Lunch Ordering
If you need a Lunchonline account... it’s simple, all you need to do is register an account at:  www.lunchonline.co.nz
  1. Login/Place an Order
  2. Create an account 
  3. Add member/s include name, school and classroom number
  4. Under Lunch Orders select student name – Start order and place your order 
  5. You will be directed to the make a payment page
  6. A pop up will confirm ‘your order has been successful’ or check ‘Order History’ tab
  7. Any queries please call us on 0800 LOL LOL (0800565565)

Community Notices

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

AUT Survey

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 3 May 2024, Week 1

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to Term 3! It has been lovely catching up with everyone this week and hearing about holiday experiences.

Staffing Updates

A few staffing updates to share.

Teaching Assistant
On Monday we welcomed Tim Cleland to our staff. Tim has a background in outdoor education and has volunteered at Beckenham over the past few years. It's great to have him join the team. Tim will mostly be working in the Kauri team.

Charlotte Verity - Year 3-4
Congratulations and farewell to Charlotte! Charlotte has been appointed and has accepted a Teaching Position at another school in Christchurch. Charlotte will take up this position in Week 8 and her last day at Beckenham will be Friday 14 June.
We will be sad to see her go and we wish Charlotte all the very best with this new career adventure.

Temporary cover for Sue Leadbetter & SENCO duties
Sue is currently on sick leave after having had back surgery this week. She is feeling good all things considered, and is now in recovery mode after a successful surgery. We wish Sue all the best for her recovery and look forward to welcoming her back in a few weeks.

Whilst Sue is on leave Laura Williamson will join the SLT team in a SENCo support role. 

Team Blogs

The school newsletter and team blogs alternate each week. The team blogs are a great way to see what your child's team have been focussing on and learn about what is coming up. Sitting with your child looking at the photos and sharing the news provides a conversation starter to hear more about what your child has been learning and doing at school. We encourage you to take the time to sit with your child each fortnight and talk through the learning and events. 

Ngā mihi nui
Jo Smith - Tumuaki (Acting Principal)

Important Dates

(you can also find the Community Calendar on our website here)

Tue 14 May - School Cross Country 
Wed 22 May - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Fri 24 May - Book Character Dress Up Day
Wed 29 May - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM
Fri 31 May - Staff Only Day (kura/school closed)
Mon 3 Jun - King's Birthday (kura/school closed)
Tue 25 Jun - Matariki Evening at Kura
Wed 26 Jun - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Wed 26 Jun - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM, Staffroom
Fri 28 Jun - Matariki (kura/school closed)
Fri 5 Jul - Last day of Term 2

Term Dates: Click here to view  2024 term dates

Citizen of the Week

Ophelia Holton - Year 4

Ophelia, you are an extremely kind, caring and enthusiastic member of the team. You are self-motivated, trustworthy and a wonderful team player. You show all of our school values every single day. Thank you for always being such an outstanding role model. Well done, Ophelia!

School Notices

Food Allergy Guidelines

Across our school, we have a number of children with different food allergies.

To support the wellbeing of these students we have the following guidelines in place which we ask you to follow
  • All students should only eat lunches and snacks that have been provided by their caregivers.  
  • Bottles, other drinks, and lunch boxes provided by caregivers should be clearly labelled with the name of their child.  Home group teachers and caregivers will decide where the children’s bottles and lunch boxes will be kept during the day to ensure no cross contamination occurs.
  • Parents are asked not to bring food into school to be shared with other children.  Whilst we understand that there are times you want to celebrate special events for your children with their friends at school, e.g. birthdays or being awarded prizes, by bringing food and treats for them to share, we have a policy of children only eating the food that their whānau have prepared and sent with them.  We have a number of students with food allergies and also need to respect the wishes of some families who want to monitor what their children are eating and prefer their children just to eat food they have prepared. From time to time, there may be an event that teachers have organised that will involve food (cultural or learning activities) and they will have advised families in advance that this will be happening.  
  • At the beginning of each year caregivers will need to check the expiry dates on any medication to be held at school.  
  • On the first day of school, caregivers will need to bring their child’s medication to the school office.  Caregivers will need to sign a medicine authority form (School Docs).  The responsibility of monitoring the expiry dates of medications rests with the parent.
  • Caregivers may be asked to come and talk to staff about their child’s specific health needs and ways we can support them at school.
We will inform you during the year if specific guidelines for your child’s hub change. 

Our full allergy policy and guidelines are available on the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto website under “Information - Policies - SchoolDocs, then search ‘allergy’. (Username: beckenham - Password: pride)

If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them in the first instance with your child’s home group teacher.

Coffee Car Update

A message from Amber & Gyaltsen: "The Wheel Coffee car is now up for sale! We will no longer be selling coffee on Monday and Friday mornings. 
We sincerely appreciate all the support from the staff who have been regular customers and the Beckenham community. 

Kindest regards, Amber & Gyaltsen"

On that note - if anyone in our community has connections with a Coffee Van or Cart, who may wish to work with us to continue providing a school gate 'pick me up' service a couple of times each week, we would be interested in hearing from you. 

Welcome Assembly

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Welcome Assembly today. Together we welcomed new students and staff, who have joined us since our Term 1 Welcome Assembly, into our Beckenham whānau.

Reminder Period Products Available Here

Ikura | Manaakitia te whare tangata: Period products in schools, aims to provide access to free period products for children and young people in all state and state-integrated schools and kura across New Zealand.

In 2020, Ikura | Manaakitia te whare tangata started with a trial phase in 15 schools and kura across the Waikato, to understand more about providing period products in schools and kura.

In February 2021, the Government announced the expansion of the initiative to all state and state-integrated schools and kura across New Zealand on an opt-in basis. Schools and kura have been able to access products for students since June 2021 with funding secured until June 2024.

Providing free ikura products in all state and state-integrated schools and kura aims to:
  • reduce barriers to school attendance and sports involvement
  • improve child and youth wellbeing
  • reduce financial strain on families and whānau, and
  • promote positive gender norms and reduce stigmatisation of menstruation.
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto opts in to this program. If you have any questions about the availabilty of product, please email or speak to the Office.

Scholastic Issue 3 Out Now

Issue 3 ordering closes - Friday 28 June 2024. Please click the link below to view, and place orders:


PTA News

PTA School Disco

The PTA will be running the disco(s) on the 7th June and the PTA needs you. We are running 4 x Disco (timing below) for the tamariki on the 7th June, these are based on their home groups.

We need 10 x Helper per disco to make sure the tamariki are safe.

If you can help at just one or all of the disco that great. Without your support, we can't run the disco.

The timing of the disco are:

NE - Year 1&2 2pm -2.45pm

Year 3&4 4:00-4:45

Year 5&6 5:10-6:10

Year 7&8 6:30-7:30

If you want to help please contact: Jason Orchard 027 4444-888 [PTA Chairperson] or email us at pta@beckenham.school.nz with when you can help out and some contact details.

Readathon 2024!

Look out for the readathon sponsorship forms coming home from school. This is a great opportunity to help encourage your children’s reading as well as raising some money for the school. The readathon runs for two weeks and we will be collecting forms and sponsorship money and giving out bookmarks during the week of 20th May. There will be spot prizes on Book Character day - Friday 24th of May! 

Keep in touch with the PTA

To stay up to date with the PTA, please check out our Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA Facebook page, linked here. Or come along to one of our meetings - all welcome.

PTA meeting dates can be found in the fortnightly School Newsletter, or on the school calendar - linked here. These meetings are usually held twice a term on a Wednesday night 7.30-9.30pm. 

Sports News

Cross Country

Our whole school cross-country event takes place on the afternoon of Tuesday the 14th of May. The children have been out practising this week, developing perseverance and resilience; it is wonderful to see how they encourage each other. You are invited to join us to spectate and cheer on our tamariki. We start with Year 8 races at 1:30pm. 

Children race in their year groups. 

The courses vary. The older the children, the longer the course. Years 0 to 4 have courses set on Beckenham Park. Years 5 to 8 have a course that includes Beckenham Park and a loop of Eastern Terrace, Fisher Avenue and Norwood Street. 

Children run in their house top or their school polo. Please make sure that your child wears suitable running shoes. Trainers are ideal. 

If you can help out on the Year 5 to 8 course as a marshal, please fill in this form. 

Winter Sport

We are still looking for adults to help with winter sport. 
We are in particular need of adults to help with Year 5/6 and Year 7/8 football and Year 5/6 and 7/8 hockey. 
If you can help out on Thursday afternoons starting on Thursday 30th May, please fill out this form. If there are people within your whānau who have the time and enthusiasm to help, please pass on the invitation. 

BOT Update

Dear Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto School Community,

We have an update to share with you regarding our school leadership. As you know, at the start of this year, our Principal Sandy Hastings, entered a secondment as Leadership Advisor with the Ministry of Education. Sandy has decided that the time is now right to step away from her permanent role at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto.

Since joining us in May 2011, Sandy has played a pivotal role in guiding our kura through numerous challenges and achievements. Her dedication and leadership have left a lasting impact on our community, and we are incredibly grateful for her years of service.

We will find a special moment to bid farewell to Sandy, celebrate her contributions and wish her all the best for the future. In the meantime, as a Board, our attention will now turn to the process of recruiting a new Principal before the end of the school year.

Thank you for your continued support.

Regards,

Marcel Frei
Presiding Member of the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Board of Trustees

A message from Sandy Hastings:

Having started as principal at Beckenham in May 2011, just after the major February earthquakes, the role has included much more significant change management than I could have ever anticipated. The first two years included managing our way through aftershocks. We experienced the loss of the school library through a fire (2012), and have gone through several years of rebuilding (2015-2018) including the addition of two new roll-growth classrooms (2021) and significant landscaping and playground improvements. Alongside this physical change, I have had the privilege of working with 33 Trustees including seven Board Chairs (Presiding Members), seven Deputy Principals, and over 145 staff. It has always been a privilege to work alongside and lead with these people and our community through changes that also included 13 years of pedagogical shift and changes in government educational priorities. During 2018 our staff supported one another and our ākonga through the tragedy that was the Mosque shootings, and then, in 2020, changed gear to navigate our way through a pandemic. In 2015, we also celebrated the Centenary of the school which was an important milestone.

At the end of last year, the opportunity to take up a secondment in the Ministry of Education as a Leadership Advisor felt like a timely and appropriate opportunity for me, to share much of the learning that I have had over nearly 19 years of principalship with my colleagues in the wider Canterbury and Chatham Islands region. I have now been in the role for a term, and I have been given the opportunity to continue this role for another year, which I have accepted. At the end of that time, I will review what my next steps might be. In the meantime, I am also about to become a grandmother for the first time, to twins who are due to be born sometime in the next eight weeks, and will be coming to live in our home. This has also contributed to my decision to formally step away from the role of principal, to allow me to be more present and available in my new family role.

I have enjoyed, appreciated and loved my time at Beckenham, serving the school community and working with the most amazing people to try and always put our tamariki at the very centre of our decisions, and ensure that each of them achieve the very best possible outcomes. I would like to thank every one of our Board members, staff past and present, and the whānau of the hundreds and hundreds of children who have been through Beckenham during my tenure there, for their support, and for the challenges and opportunities, that have enabled me to grow both professionally and personally. I wish all of you, every success for the future.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings

Community Notices

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






Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 5 April 2024, Week 10

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Staffing update
Congratulations and thanks to Amber Donovan. Amber will be the Acting Team Leader for the Kahikatea team for the remainder of 2024, while Katie McFarlane is the Acting Deputy Principal. Amber is excited to support the team in this role.

Next week is the last week of Term 1 and then it is the April school holidays (2 weeks). The Beckenham team wish all the tamariki and their whānau a safe and restful holiday ready for the start of Term 2 on Monday 29th April. 

Ngā mihi nui
Jo Smith - Tumuaki (Acting Principal)

Important Dates

(you can also find the Community Calendar on our website here)

Fri 12 Apr - Last day of Term 1
Mon 29 Apr - First day of Term 2
Fri 3 May - Welcome Assembly, 9.15-9.30am, Hall
Tue 14 May - School Cross Country TBC
Wed 22 May - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM
Wed 29 May - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Fri 31 May - Staff Only Day (kura/school closed)
Mon 3 Jun - King's Birthday (kura/school closed)
Tue 25 Jun - Matariki Evening at Kura
Wed 26 Jun - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Wed 26 Jun - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM, Staffroom
Fri 28 Jun - Matariki (kura/school closed)
Fri 5 Jul - Last day of Term 2

Term Dates: Click here to view  2024 term dates

Citizen of the Week

Jensen Greig - Year 6 

Jensen, your kind and caring nature is noticed on a daily basis. You have a love for learning new things and for sharing your vast array of awesome knowledge. You bring laughter and fun to the Pōhutukawa hub. Your ability to talk things through sensibly is admirable. Ka mau te wehi!

Citizen of the Week

Briana Kokkinidis - Year 8

Bree, you are such a deep thinker and we so appreciate the richness you add to discussions in our hub. You are full of sparkle and creativity. Organisation, empathy and courage shape you into the wonderful person you are. Ka rawe, Bree!

School Notices

Cheese Rolls

Thank you to everyone who ordered cheese rolls! This fundraiser supports the various Education Outside the Classroom activities planned for Year 7 and 8 this year. Thank you also to the high functioning team who made the rolls, a tremendous effort! We hope you enjoy eating them.

Parking

3min area on Sandwich Road

A reminder please, that the stretch of road adjacent to the Admin building on Sandwich Road is a 3 minute drop-off zone from 8:30-9:30am and 2:30-3:30pm, on school days. This means drivers are not able to sit in their cars from 2:30pm waiting for children, or to park cars in this area and go into school. If you arrive early and wait for children, or if you need to get out of your car and come into school, please find an alternative place to park. Having this area just for drop-offs means that the traffic on Sandwich Road moves smoothly before and after school, and this is much safer for our children.

Eastern Terrace

Please be considerate to bus drivers, and other road users by ensuring you are not parking in the signposted areas that are reserved for bus parking during certain hours. 

BOSCO School Holiday programme

Monday 15th April – Friday 26th April

Closed for ANZAC Day

For all bookings, please follow the steps on bosco.aimyplus.com
New families will need to register as a new parent following the simple steps.
Any issues or questions please don’t hesitate to call or email.

To see an enlarged version of the above Holiday Programme Schedule, please click here.

Remembering the ANZACs

Next week the student council will be selling ANZAC biscuits, with all money going to the RSA. Children bring a gold coin donation on Thursday morning to order their ANZAC biscuit from in front of the hall before school. They will receive their biscuit on Friday in time for morning tea. A lot of fun was had deciding on the perfect recipe! A gluten free option will be available to order. There will also be a poppy badge making activity at lunchtime on Thursday for those who would like to take part.

PTA News

Keep in touch with the PTA
To stay up to date with the PTA, please check out our Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA Facebook page, linked here. Or come along to one of our meetings - all welcome.

Meeting dates can be found in the fortnightly School Newsletter, or on the school calendar - linked here.
These meetings are usually held on a Wednesday night 7.30-9.30pm.

Community Notices

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

ACTT's Mandarin Parenting Seminar

Arts Centre April School Holiday Fun Programme

Methven Scarecrow Trail: Saturday April 13 – Sunday April 28, 2024

The Methven Scarecrow Trail is a hugely popular and fun family event run in the April school holidays. It is suitable for all ages!

Every year, members of the Methven community build scarecrows to a particular theme and these scarecrows, usually around 30+ in number, are scattered around the town for families to find and try to identify the name of the character.  This year's theme is Children's Movie - Animated Characters. Families or small groups purchase a Trail Map/Entry form from the iHub Information Centre and there are sponsored prizes for the most correct entries and for the most popular scarecrows.

Don't forget to like the Scarecrow Trail FB page if possible - this is where we post messages and the results - https://www.facebook.com/MethvenScarecrowTrail/

Starting May 1 free bus fares for 5-12 year olds no longer available

Upcoming fare changes mean 5–12 year olds need to top up their Metro card.

As of 1 May, 5-12-year-old's will no longer travel for free on the bus following the government’s changes to its Community Connect concessions scheme. This is a nationwide change, decided by the new government. Children 4 years old and under will continue to travel for free without a Metrocard. 

Children 5-12 will now need to top up their Metro cards in order to pay the $1 bus and $2 ferry concessions as part of the half-price Under 25 concession from May 1. The Council had already planned for the continuation of the Under 25 concession in its 2022/23 Annual Plan, as part of its flat fare trial.   

All other Metro concessions for Greater Christchurch will remain the same including Community Services Card holders, tertiary students, and Total Mobility customers.

All Greater Christchurch Metro fares can be viewed here.   


April School Holiday program being run by 'Thrive in Sport'

Here is the registration link for people interested in attending.
https://form.jotform.com/Bell_Matt_matt/SHPApril24