Category Archives: Weekly Newsletters

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 23 February 2024, Week 4

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

On Tuesday we hosted a whānau workshop on 'Parenting in the digital age'.  Rory from an organisation called Attitude, spoke to whānau about supporting tamariki as they negotiate the online world: Social Media - messaging, scrolling or watching, and gaming. The overarching message was to take time to understand the forums your child wants to use, learn how they work and what works well and what are the challenges. Have coaching conversations with your child before they use social media about what would they do if...? How would that make them/others feel? Just as we teach our children to swim and be safe in the water, what do we need to prepare them for before the online world?

He also emphasised the importance of monitoring how long they have screen time. Just like eating food, what are our tamariki consuming/watching? What is too much or just right for your whānau? Screentime can affect the amount of sleep we get so where are devices kept at night time in your house? Do they have a centralised location to get them out of their bedrooms? What are the natural stopping cues in your house? Just like credits on a programme/movie what are the indicators that it's time to switch off? No phones at meal times, no phones before school, what else could you do before going on a device etc.

Rory shared online places to get support such as Netsafe and the Parenting Place websites. He also suggested a Digital contract that whānau could have together and shared this example which can be printed or used for ideas to come up with your own whānau contract about devices.

Overall, stay actively involved. As we coach our children through so many aspects of life as we prepare them for the world ahead, we need to do so with digital literacy.

Leadership Week
The Year 7 and 8 team have spent time this week learning about the 7 habits that can support leadership. They have had activities to support good communication and coming together as a team. Thank you to all the adults who supported these learners with the programme this week. We look forward to them sharing more about what they did and what they learned with the rest of the tamariki. 

Good luck to our tamariki who are taking part in the Weetbix TRYathlon this weekend. We have had just over 60 entrants from our kura alone!

Ngā mihi nui
Jo Smith - Tumuaki (Acting Principal)

Important Dates

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

Wed 28 Feb - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Wed 28 Feb - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM
Thu 29 Feb - School Swim Sports, 12.30-3PM, Wharenui Pool
Mon 11 Mar - Zone Swimming, 9-12.30PM, Wharenui Pool
Wed 27 Mar - Canterbury Swimming
Wed 27 Mar - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Wed 27 Mar - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM
Fri 29 Mar - Good Friday (kura/school closed)
Mon 1 Apr - Easter Monday (kura/school closed)
Tue 2 Apr - Kura/School closed
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)
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

Daniel McKean - Year 6 (Week 3)

Daniel, thank you for always being the best you can be! You encapsulate our kete values with your diligence, your determination, your curiosity, and your subtle sense of humour. You have tremendous mana amongst your peers and it's wonderful to see how you quietly lead the way for others to follow in our team. Tino pai rawa atu kia koe, Daniel.

Citizen of the Week

Daniel Crump - Year 3 (Week 4)

Daniel, you are a role model student, demonstrating the school values each and every day. You have a thirst for learning, an exceptional work ethic and work diligently to achieve goals. You are friendly. Ka pai, Daniel! Keep up the fantastic work!

School Notices

Kia Kaha Waitaha

Our Year 7/8 students decided to send a message of appreciation to the firefighters working in the Port Hills this week. Our thoughts are with them and everyone affected by the fires. 

Walk or Wheel to School Week


In week 6, from Monday 4th March to Friday 8th March 2024, our school is participating in Walk or Wheel to School Week, brought to you by Christchurch City Council. This fun and action-packed week is to promote walking and wheeling to school. There are daily themes and prizes up for grabs for students who participate. For more information head over to the Christchurch City Council webpage. We can’t wait to get started next week!

If students walk or wheel to school 3 mornings or more during the week they will go in the draw to win spot prizes.  Cards that students need to fill out if they are participating will be sent home (pictured below). Tamariki (children) need to write both their name and hub on the back of this card. 


PTA News

Request for help!

If you are available to help set up the tent at Jelly Park Stadium on Saturday night or Sunday morning for the Weetbix Triathlon, please contact Carol at: pta@beckenham.school.nz

Order your yummy hot cross buns now! 

Ordering for our fundraiser is up and running - Our PTA are raising money to help update the Kapa Haka uniforms and replace the school's gazebo which was broken last year.

You can fill in the paper order form which should be in your child's bag (spare forms will be kept in the school office).   Paper forms can be returned to the box in the school office,. Please make sure any cash is in an envelope, or note clearly the date paid.

OR - order online here.


If you have any questions please contact pta@beckenham.school.nz or via Facebook Messenger.

BOT Update

Term 1 Policy Review

In term 1 we are reviewing topics in the Governance and Management, Parents and Whānau, and Documentation and Self-Review Policy sections. 
Who reviews our policies and procedures?

All reviews are open to board, staff, students, and the school community (parents/caregivers/whānau).
Anyone can review any policy/procedure that has a review button. The board is responsible for board-level overarching policies. 

To start reviewing, click on a topic name above, then click the Start your review button. If a link is inactive, our school doesn't have the topic.

When we review our policies with SchoolDocs, we are reviewing each policy for its content as well as how well the school implements it. To share your comments and rate its implementation, click the "Start your review" button, or see detailed 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 policies up for review.
  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.

Community Notices

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

Christchurch City Council Speed Changes 


Christchurch City Council have let us know they're making it safer for our ākonga (students) to get to and from kura (school) in our area. You'll notice speed signs changing to 30km/h in our area, as well as some changes to line markings in areas around our school neighbourhood.

It's important that everyone takes responsibility for safety on our roads. We can all do this by adjusting our speed to the conditions and speed limits, especially around schools and surrounding suburbs.

To learn more about this project, you can visit the Council's Safer speeds webpage, where there's also a map of which streets will have speed limit changes.




Sea Week is coming up, 2-10 March, and there are heaps of fun ways you can get involved. Activities and events range from creative craft sessions through to beach clean ups.
https://seaweek.org.nz/

Week 2

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

On Friday we came together for our first Celebration Assembly for 2024. We acknowledged the way all tamariki are using the Kete Values as they transition to the new school year - meeting new teachers, settling into hubs, and in the way they have welcomed tamariki who are new to Beckenham in 2024.

We also shared the changes to Senior Leadership for the year. Sandy Hastings is seconded to the Ministry of Education for 2024 in a Leadership Advisor role and will be working with many Principals around Canterbury, so Jo Smith will be Acting Principal whilst Sandy is on leave. The Senior Leadership team will be Jo, Sue Leadbetter (Deputy Principal/SENCO), and Katie McFarlane (Acting Deputy Principal).

Following on from the start of year conferences the focus for the start of the year in Hubs is getting to know each other. Spending time getting to know the staff and the other tamariki in the hub, how the spaces will work and the routines that support the team working collaboratively. This is part of setting up for the year ahead. Along with this is a reminder to all our whānau that the Home Group teachers are always happy to be contacted throughout the year if there is anything you would like to share or discuss about your child. The home/school relationship is important and communication plays a large part in this. So please see your child's Home Group teacher in the first instance. 

If at any stage your whānau contact details change, please contact the school office with these changes so our records can be updated. This includes the emergency contacts we have for your child.

This year, to streamline communication, school newsletters will be published every second week and will alternate with Team Blog posts. Communications through Hero will continue as required.

Ngā mihi nui
Jo Smith - Tumuaki (Acting Principal)

Important Dates

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

Wed 28 Feb - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Wed 28 Feb - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM
Thu 29 Feb - School Swim Sports, 12.30-3PM, Wharenui Pool
Mon 11 Mar - Zone Swimming, 9-12.30PM, Wharenui Pool
Wed 27 Mar - Canterbury Swimming
Wed 27 Mar - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Wed 27 Mar - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM
Fri 29 Mar - Good Friday (kura/school closed)
Mon 1 Apr - Easter Monday (kura/school closed)
Tue 2 Apr - Kura/School closed
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)
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

Myka Orchard - Year 4

Myka, you are a role model student, demonstrating the school values each and every day. You are kind, patient, thoughtful, and a loyal and trustworthy friend. You put every effort into your learning and you readily help others too. Keep doing what you're doing, Myka. You are an absolute star!

School Notices

Bounce and Skip

We love Bounce and Skip! Thank you to our school community for taking such great care of our monkeys when they come to your house for sleepovers! We love hearing about their adventures. This fantastic bag was made by the grandparent of one of our children, to ensure they make it home and back to school safely - how awesome! 

Scholastic Lucky Book Club - 2024 Issue Out Now!


Issue 1 is out now, please follow the link below to look at the catalogue online, and to order. Orders close Friday 5 April.

Whānau Evening - Attitude Presents (for the whole school)

We are hosting a whānau evening run by a group called Attitude entitled 'Parenting in the Digital age' This will be held in the school hall on Tuesday 20th February 6pm-7pm. The evening is open to all parents/whānau of Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto.
The presentation covers how whānau can help their young people navigate the adolescent years in a rapidly changing world. If you are concerned with the impact of technology, social media, gaming and their safety online then this presentation will give you the tools and insights you need to confidently raise happy and resilient children.

The content is adult appropriate, please leave children at home.

Please watch this video to find out more:

Want to Try-An-Instrument at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto and join the  Wind and Brass Concert Band? 

At Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto, your child can learn to play an instrument with the Christchurch School Of Music (CSM) Outreach Band Programme. Children who learn music build confidence, increase their learning abilities, sharpen organisational skills and gain valuable social, physical and academic skills. Most importantly, learning an instrument in the band programme is fun!

In our band programme we teach clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, electric bass guitar, percussion/drums and saxophone. Students in Year 4 and above can choose their instrument and join a band. After a few lessons, children join the Da Capo (beginners) band. They rehearse together on Tuesday mornings and have an individual 15-minute lesson (or a 30-minute lesson in a group of two).  Our Tutti Concert Band will rehearse in the hall on Tuesday afternoons from 3pm. Come along, have a listen and see what we are all about.

You can sign up for lessons now by clicking on the enrol button.  For more information email: office@csm.org.nz or the Outreach Band Coordinator at outreachband@csm.org.nz

Lunch Orders

Lunchonline is a lunch delivery service that our families are able to access for their children, which is available on Wednesdays (Subway) and Fridays (Sushi Factory). Please ensure that you update your child's details on their database so lunches can be matched up with your child more easily when they are delivered.

To access this, you will need to set up an account with LunchOnline here.

Pop Up Reminder – To Change Classroom
 
When families first log on in 2024 they will see a “pop up” on the screen to remind them to change their child’s classroom to their new room for 2024.  This pop-up feature will also be used for any other important notices.


We are really hopeful that this pop up screen will prompt most families to update their classrooms, saving time for the office staff.  Many schools also remind parents to do this in their first newsletter.

Sushimeetsdumplings is a local lunch delivery service that our whānau can access on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. 

Trailblazers

Trailblazers is a sports based youth development programme, developed and led by Snr Constable Jo Ryder (youth aid officer, school community officer, parent of neurodivergent tamariki, qualified teacher and certification in Dr Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Sport (an approach that integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology to inform work with children, focusing on how the brain works, develops, changes, and is impacted by developmental adversity, including trauma)

The programme has an emphasis on connection, belonging and movement for mental health.
 
The focus is on fun and friendship, the running is nearly incidental as our packs explore set trails together – supporting one another and often conquering mini challenges as they go!
 
We have a strong number of fabulous volunteers resulting in increased safety and mentorship for tamariki.
 
Priority is given to those impacted by trauma, neurodiversity, or mental health conditions - particularly when those experiences act as barriers to participation and inclusion. We also seek tamariki that are positive supporters of others – the uplifters and leaders in your kura.

Transport may be able to be supported in some instances (please enquire).

The programme starts next Tuesday 13th February and further information will be sent out on receipt of completed enrolment form, or simply phone Jo (number below) for a kōrero to learn more.


Please pop into the School Office to pick up, and complete an enrolment form for Trailblazers.

For any questions, please phone Snr Constable Jo Ryder on 021 192 6674.

PTA News

PTA Picnic

We were gutted to have to cancel the Community Picnic AGAIN! The weather just doesn’t seem to be cooperating with us. We’ll be in touch soon with an alternative plan. 

Uniform Shop

Our second-hand uniform shop hours are changing next week. 
New opening hours:
Monday 2.45 to 3.15pm
Friday 8.45 to 9.15am

Weetbix Tryathlon

There are less than 3 weeks until the Christchurch Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon and that makes it the perfect time to start getting your kids TRY ready with the Get Ready Guide! Entries are now closed!

Community Notices

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

Festival of Girls and Women in Science

Free tickets for Sunday 11/2/24 at Turanga. Run by UC, Canterbury Museum, CCC libraries etc.
https://events.humanitix.com/festival-of-women-and-girls-in-science-2024





Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 2 February 2024

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

The school has been a buzz over the last week. It has been great to see whānau catching up with each other, with friends, and with staff.

Thank you to our whānau for your participation in Learning Conferences. The connections made have set such a wonderfully positive tone for the start of the year and continue to strengthen our relationships between our kaimahi (staff), whānau and the community.

A reminder that next week we recognise Waitangi Day on Tuesday the 6th of February. The school will be closed on this day.

2024 Staff

Koru Team (NE -Year 1)

Stacey McLachlan (Team Leader)
Georgia McKenna

Kahikatea (Year 1 - 2)
Katie McFarlane (Team Leader)
Amber Donovan
Quynh Nguyen/Lisa Collier
Ella Rainbow
Sarah Angelo
Megan Harris (across team release teacher)

Kōwhai (Year 3 -4)
Anna Reid (Team Leader)
Nick Bruce
Rowena Barker
Charlotte Verity (across team release teacher and learning support)
Krystal Hunt
Anna McNeill

Pōhutukawa (Year 5 - 6)
Steve Cooke (Team Leader)
Gayle McNaughton
Rae Marsh
Megan Culver
Georgie Jones 
Laura Williamson (across team release teacher)

Kauri (Year 7 - 8)
Sarah Junghenn (Team Leader)
Nicky Dunlop
Jenny Diggle
Thomas Woodfield
Megan Harris (across team release teacher/Nicky's Homegroup on Fridays)

Across School Literacy Support Teacher
Lisa Collier

Teaching Assistants
Denise Colville
Faine Kelly
Karen Glithero
Kate Packer
Kerilea Quinn
Laura Cortes
Laura Stewart - Cameron
Matt Hastings
Nathalie Doering
Paul McKinnel
Stacey Hart

Librarian
Anne Chin

Caretaker
Tony Lee

Accounts & Payroll
Rachel Higginson

Office Manager
Jacky Sargent

Leadership PA & Board Secretary
Reihana Dougherty

Senior Leadership Team
Sandy Hastings - Principal on leave
Jo Smith - Acting Principal
Sue Leadbetter - Deputy Principal
Katie McFarlane - Acting Deputy Principal

Ngā mihi nui
Jo Smith - Tumuaki (Acting Principal)

Important Dates

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

Tue 6 Feb - Waitangi Day (kura/school closed)
Fri 9 Feb - PTA School Picnic, 5-7.30PM
Wed 28 Feb - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Wed 28 Feb - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM
Thu 29 Feb - School Swim Sports, 12.30-3PM, Wharenui Pool
Mon 11 Mar - Zone Swimming, 9-12.30PM, Wharenui Pool
Wed 27 Mar - Canterbury Swimming
Wed 27 Mar - BoT Meeting, 5.30-7.30PM, Staffroom
Wed 27 Mar - PTA Meeting, 7.30-9.30PM
Fri 29 Mar - Good Friday (kura/school closed)
Mon 1 Apr - Easter Monday (kura/school closed)
Tue 2 Apr - Kura/School closed
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)
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

School Notices

Request for Corflute

Our wonderful Kapa Haka tutor, Whaea Cath, is on the hunt for some corflute to assist with Kapa Haka and waiata. If you have any excess lying around, or any extra signage / real eastate signage, we would gratefully accept any donations! These can be delivered to the Office directly, or please get in touch with us to arrange! Ngā mihi nui! Thank you!

Sunhat and Drink Bottle

It is important that every child starts school with a named sunhat and water bottle. Sunhats are compulsory when outside during Terms 1 and 4. Please remember to send your child to school each day with sunscreen applied as well.

Medication at school?

If your child needs to have any medication held and /or administered at school, we will need you to come into the office and sign a plan for us to do that. ALL medication plans need to be re-signed for the new year. 

Food Allergy Guidelines

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

To support the well-being of these students we have the following guidelines in place which we ask you to follow:
  • Students with severe food allergies 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 labeled 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 the food they have prepared. From time to time, there may be an event that teachers have organized that will involve food (cultural or learning activities) and they will have advised families in advance that this will be happening.  
Our full allergy policy and guidelines are available on the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto website under “Information - Policies - SchoolDocs” and then search ‘allergy’. (linked here)

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

Before School

Please remember that classrooms are open to children from 8.30am. This is to allow teachers time to prepare for the day.
Prior to 8.30am, there is no supervision of children. 

If you need to drop your child/ren off before 8.30am, BOSCO provides before-school care. 
Please contact them for more details 
Phone 027 645 6632
Email office@bosco.org.nz

Staff Profiles

A warm welcome to Sarah Angelo. Sarah will be a Home Group teacher in Kahikatea while Katie McFarlane steps into the Acting Deputy Principal role.


"Kia ora koutou! I am excited to be teaching in the Kahikatea team this year. It will be my first year at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. My favourite subjects are Maths and Art. Outside of school, I love to spend time with my teenagers, partner, and large extended whānau. This involves lots of cooking, eating, games, noise, and dogs. I am looking forward to getting to know you all."

PTA News

Uniform

Please find information about the school uniform here.
The PTA will be opening the Uniform shop at the following times:

During Term 1 2024: 
Tuesday afternoon 2.45 to 3.15pm
Friday morning 8.45 to 9.15am

We would love to have more donations of uniform items that are no longer needed and are always looking for people who could help out at the uniform shop. Please contact pta@beckenham.school.nz if you can offer assistance.

Community Notices

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

KiwiVolley


KiwiVolley is a modified game for Yr 7-8 children which can be played indoors, on grass or the sand. 
Canterbury Volleyball runs leagues in Term 1 and 4 which are open to school teams or individual children who we will place into teams.
Our leagues combine both skills and games – the first half of the sessions are skills, and the second half is for games, perfect for those starting out in Volleyball.

St Martins: Thursdays(6x sessions)
Location: Hillview Christian School Gym (150 Wilsons Rd)
Dates: Thursdays, 22nd February to 4th April (no session 21st March)
Time 4:15pm to 5:45 pm 

And our link for further information and registration



Sharpen your basketball skills throughout Term 1 at the Rams and Pouākai Basketball Schools. Join in on the fun with weekly skills & practice sessions led by Tall Black Taylor Britt or Tall Fern Lauryn Hippolite! 

Choose between Monday or Friday at Wharenui Recreation Centre. 
  • Sessions for school years 5–8 run from 4:00pm – 4:50pm.
  • Sessions for school years 9–13 run from 5:00pm – 5:50pm.
The registration deadline is 5:00pm Wednesday, 7th February.


Pouākai Basketball School: https://pouakai.basketball/camps/


Are you looking for an action-packed programme for your boy? If so, we have is an action-packed programme geared for Young Kiwi Men.

Boys’ Brigade 14th Christchurch is a fun filled Christian based programme for boys aged 5-18 yrs old.  We operate in three sections, Anchor 5-7 years, Adventure Section 8-10 years and Delta Section 11-18 years old.  Activities include Crafts, games, camps, outdoor pursuits, leadership training, life skills and lots more. We meet on a Friday night at Beckenham Methodist Church Hall, 52 Martin Ave, Beckenham. New members welcome any time, for more info visit our website for more  www.14thbb.org.nz 

Interested contact Stephen Gregory Ph/Txt: 027 4371565, email: admin@14thbb.org.nz

Singing and Acting Workshops!

Term 1 WORKSHOPS for all abilities!! 
Register for singing or acting skills or BOTH!
Have fun while developing your skills in a fun and supportive environment. Suitable for any experience level, including beginners. We will work with your skillset and take you further.
Payment plans and scholarships available. 
Email luminairescharitabletrust@gmail.com



Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto School Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 15 December, 2023

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

And we are done for 2023! Thank you to all our staff, and to all of you, for the support that is given to ensure that our children have the best opportunity we can give them for learning at Beckenham.

Year 7/8 Production - thanks for the memories!

Last week we were excited to see our Year 7 and 8 students on the stage in their unique and amazing production of "Oh, the Places You'll Go" based on the book of the same name by Dr Seuss. They each put in some amazing performances and there had clearly been lots of creative thinking and practice put in to get the performances to the final stage.



Celebrating our Year 8 Leavers

On Monday, we farewelled our 55 Year 8 students at a moving celebration of their time at Beckenham, where each student had their individual moment to be in the spotlight and to have their achievements celebrated. We are excited to see what the future holds for each of them and look forward to hearing about their journey to high schools in 2024.

Farewell to Dave - Welcome to Andrew

For the past four years, our school has been incredibly fortunate to have worked with 24/7Youth Work and The River church, to enable Dave Bisgrove to work in our Year 7/8 team, for 10 hours a week as a youth worker, supporting our young people.

Dave is moving on to new challenges in 2024, and so our 24/7 relationship with The River church has come to an end. We are very sad to see Dave leave, and wish him and his family all the best for their next adventures. 

This week, we signed a new 24/7YW agreement in a partnership with The Well church, who are based in Sydenham. They will be supporting us with the provision of a new youth worker, Andrew Sinclair who will again be working from the start of next year with our senior team.

We are very grateful for the support of both of these local community churches in caring for our young people.

Nate (24/7YW), Clint Ussher (The Well church), Sandy Hastings & Andrew Sinclair (new 24/7 Youth Worker for Beckenham)

2024 Home-groups and Learning Conferences

Yesterday, if your child was at school, they would have been given a letter with information in it about their home-group placement for next year, a stationery list for next year, and information on how to book a learning conference for the start of the year.
The school year begins on Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st January with two days of one-on-one Learning Conferences. I can see that over 130 learning conferences have already been booked, so get in quickly to get a time that suits you and your child.
To book, please go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and enter the password hs4t3. 
If your child wasn't at school yesterday, and didn't have a sibling to bring home their letter, then Jacky has emailed their letter to you today.

Looking after our school over the holidays

We love that our community use our school grounds and help to look after them during times when school is closed. With the basketball courts, and the playgrounds and sandpits, we know that the school is well-used by many, which is awesome. Please always watch for anything that doesn't look right and, if you notice anything out of order, please let us know. 
If it isn't urgent, you could email me - principal@beckenham.school.nz and I will be checking that email from time to time. 
If it is urgent - eg you notice a door unlocked, or a broken window, then please call the school number and my extension which is 201. If I don't answer that you can leave a message which I should get. If it is urgent or you are very concerned, you can always contact the police.
We very much appreciate everyone looking out for, and being guardians of, our school.

Ngā mihi nui

Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

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

2024

Tue 30 Jan - Learning Conferences
Wed 31 Jan - Learning Conferences
Thu 1 Feb - Classes begin

Term Dates: Click here to view 2024 term dates

Citizen of the Week

Max Girvan - Year 4

Max, you are a superstar example of all our school values. You have amazed us with your ability to take on new challenges in learning. Thanks to your hard work and determined efforts, you have made leaps and bounds in so many areas and we love hearing your original and creative ideas. Caring, empathetic and with a unique ability to bring humour into situations, you are a real team player who keeps us all smiling. Thank you, Max, for the light and life you bring to our kura. 

School Notices

Year 7/8 Camp - 2024

We have made the difficult decision not to have a Year 7/8 camp to Dunedin in 2024. One of the main reasons is that the cost of running a camp for 5 days has become quite prohibitive. The team and Senior Leadership Team will explore other options for Education Outside the Classroom for the Year 7/8 students during Term 1, and more information will come out about what alternative option(s) have been decided on.

Uniform Room - Opening hours 2024

The uniform room will be open from 2-3pm on Tuesday 30th and Wed 31st January (Learning Conference days)
For the rest of the term, it will be open on
Tuesdays 2:45-3:15pm
Fridays 8:45-9:15pm

Pūmanawa Gifted Learners 

Kia ora koutou,
During this time at the end of the year, we reflect on programmes and professional development we have engaged in in 2023.
The Pūmanawa Gifted Learners Focus for 2023 moved from 'scoping and professional learning in 2022, to "wondering" and "case study" projects in 2023.

An update
We have been working with Cristy, our Across School Teacher from our Kahui Ako, the Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB service) and Madeline from the New Zealand Centre of Gifted Education looking at the 'why?' and 'what?' of Pūmanawa Gifted Learners.
All staff have shared professional learning with their teams around the characteristics and domains of gifted learners.
Six staff were involved in a case study of six of our gifted learners across the school. Through whānau and ākonga interviews, discussions and a whānau hui we looked at how:
  • Whānau interviews are a powerful way to learn about our ākonga. This is especially important when ākonga are different at home and at school. We don't know unless we ask.
  • Pūmanawa giftedness can look like rapid development through early years milestones and whānau are our best source of evidence for those early years. Faster, longer, stronger.
  • Pūmanawa giftedness can feel isolating and overwhelming for whānau because it can come with challenges as well as strengths, e.g. emotional intensity. 
  • Pūmanawa gifted ākonga present differently and to varying degrees across the range of domains and characteristics. Whānau aspirations for ākonga pūmanwa will sound unique to each whānau and we can expect a diverse range of unique perspectives.


Our whole staff have been involved in a "Wonder Project" where teams shared wonderings and observations about children's strengths, gifts and giftedness. 

Some next steps for us as a school in 2024
  • Develop a definition of Pūmanawa Gifted Learners at our Kura,
  • Build on our identification processes and document these
  • Build on the practice we already action around our gifted learners and the way we can support them to further shine.
  • Build our induction practises for staff to support sustainability of understanding and practice.
A huge thank you to all those involved in the Case Study Project - your contributions were incredibly helpful and heartfelt.
Thank you to those whānau who completed the survey at the end of last year. 
We would appreciate if all whānau would complete this short survey which will support our direction for 2024.
Looking forward to sharing more great news next year.

Ngā mihi nui
Sue Leadbetter
Tumuaki Tuarua / Deputy Principal

Guitar and Ukulele at Beckenham

Those of you who have children who have been learning guitar or ukulele at Beckenham over the past years, will know that Roger Hamilton has been a much-loved itinerant teacher of music here for many years - 18 in fact! Roger has decided to finish teaching and enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

We have a new tutor who will be available to take on students from the start of 2024. His name is Aron Mead and he is an experienced guitar and ukulele tutor, teaching all levels from beginner to advanced. He will be teaching here at school on Thursdays.

He can give children the opportunity to learn understand the instrument competently and confidently whether performance or just jamming with friends. He is able to teach classical guitar, steel string acoustic guitar, ukulele and electric guitar.

You can view his facebook page for my tuition videos demonstrating styles and levels of teaching and song writing examples.  I have a range of techniques and styles from classical, blues, country, rock, folk, and pop. 


If you wish to discuss lessons, please contact Aron through his email: meadaron@gmail.com or by calling him on 021 127 1330

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 School Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 8 December, 2023

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

On Monday and Tuesday at 7pm the Year 7 & 8 production of 'Oh The Places You'll Go' will hit the Beckenham stage. Everyone is welcome to come along and see the fun unfold. It is a show with something to please everyone, singing, dancing, dramatic speaking, even percussion with basketballs. The show runs for about 45 mins and is suitable for all ages. Entry is by gold coin donation, no tickets need to be purchased. Pop it in y our diary and we look forward to seeing you at the performance!

Year 5/6 are Tough Kids!

This week the Pōhutukawa team had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Tough Kids Challenge at South New Brighton. It was a wonderful way to pull-together the concepts of perseverance and 'getting there together' and have a lot of fun at the same time! Thanks to the PTA for providing funding for the buses.

A Year 7/8 Passions project...

One of the options for our Year 7 &.8 passion programme this term has been to make mosaiced fairy doors. The wonderful Heather Fear has guided us through the process. The St Martins Menz Shed generously cut, sanded, hinged and painted the wooden doors. The children have learned a lot about how to piece a mosaic together and their results are gorgeous works of art.



Ngā mihi nui

Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

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

Mon 11 Dec - 7-8pm Kauri Production, in the Hall
Tue 12 Dec - 7-8pm Kauri Production, in the Hall
Fri 15 Dec - Final Celebration Assembly, 9:45am, in the Hall
Mon 18 Dec - Year 8 Graduation, 11am-12pm
Mon 18 Dec - Year 8 Leavers' Lunch 12:30-1:30pm
Tue 19 Dec - Last Day of Term 4, School finishes at 12.30pm

2024
Tue 30 Jan - Learning Conferences
Wed 31 Jan - Learning Conferences
Thu 1 Feb - Classes begin

Term Dates: Click here to view 2023 & 2024 term dates

Citizen of the Week

Thomas McConnochie - Year 5

Thomas your love of learning is shining through. Your curiosity to make sense of the world around you stands you in good stead for the future. You put heaps of effort into increasing your knowledge and skills by asking questions and practising new concepts. Ka rawe, Thomas.

School Notices

Please return all Sports Uniforms, Library Books and reading books this week!

We would like your help in getting all sports uniforms and school books returned before the end of the school year, ready for stocktake. Library books and Sports uniforms can be returned to the boxes in the doorway between the library and office. Reading books can be returned to hubs. Many thanks!

Guidelines for Lockdown/Shelter in Place

In light of the recent email threats that some schools in the North Island have received during the past couple of weeks, we thought it timely to re-share this information...

If a situation arises that people need to remain inside for safety, Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto has two levels, Shelter in Place and Lockdown. 

A Shelter in Place directive is issued when the threat is external and not directed at the school. For example, the school may activate the Shelter in Place plan if there is a report of a swarm of wasps, toxic smoke from a nearby fire, or active armed defender in the community (but not in or near the school grounds).

A Lockdown instruction will be less commonly used and is only likely to be issued if the threat is directly to the school or in the school grounds. This will generally happen on instruction from Police.

LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS
Lockdown procedures are determined by Police advice and require the cooperation of students, staff and parents. We ask all parents to please follow the protocol outlined below to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

When the school goes into lockdown, all parents will be notified via both a text message (via Hero) and HERO App alert (which will generate an email for those who don’t use the app). Please ensure the contact details the school holds for your child’s caregivers are current.
The school will continue to communicate through these channels, plus on the school Facebook page.
Students will not have access to laptops or other devices during a lockdown situation. This is for their own protection until the school ascertains the severity of the situation in consultation with the Police.
School phones may not be manned, so please do not try and contact the school, or your child. All information will be sent to you through the channels outlined above as soon as it becomes available. We will be doing the best that we can do to keep everyone informed. 
The school will remain in lockdown until advised by the Police or other authorised personnel that it is safe to be lifted.
Please do not, under any circumstances, come to the school until you are advised it is safe for you to do so. You may be putting yourself and others in danger.
Once the lockdown is over, parents will be contacted immediately.

Thank you for your understanding and for taking the time to familiarise yourself with this protocol as we work together in an emergency situation to keep everyone safe.

Mana Ake Parent programmes for 2024... 

The 'Tuning into Teens' programme would be especially relevant and they are offering a Zoom option for early next year - so sign up now to ensure you get a place!



Staff Celebrations

Farewell to Jeanette - an opportunity to contribute...

Our wonderful teaching assistant, Jeanette Amies, is retiring after 18 years service at our kura.  During this time Jeanette has worked with hundreds of our akonga over many, many hours!
We will be celebrating Jeanette's time with us over the coming days including a whole staff breakfast where we will present Jeanette with a gift from our Board and Staff.
Kerilea is making a special book for Jeanette with photos, staff memories and whanau comments.  If you would like to contribute a photo or comment to the book please email your contributions to Kerilea by this coming Tuesday (12th) afternoon.
kerilea.quinn@beckenham.school.nz

Congratulations to Anna McNeill and Georgia McKenna who have just completed their first two years of teaching, and have achieved their full teacher registration. We are immensely proud of their hard work and dedication to our children's learning, and to developing their practice. It was a real treat to be able to celebrate their success last week at a special ceremony. Our young teachers are the future of our education system and we feel very privileged to have the opportunity to support them as they begin their careers!

Anna M & Georgia

Congratulations also to Elizabeth Drummond who is completing 28 years of full-time teaching at Beckenham this year, and is stepping back from full-time work at the end of the year. On Monday we had a lovely celebration assembly just for Elizabeth, which was an opportunity to express to her how much her dedication has meant to our community over this time. Elizabeth will be back in the latter part of next year to take a NE class as numbers grow.

Elizabeth and Andrew, her husband,who is holding the words of a beautiful waiata that Te Whānau sung to her.

Community Notices

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