Beckenham School Newsletter, Friday March 31st 2017

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

New House Colours!

We have been consulting with the Student Council and House captains for some months now, about the challenge that the children in Fisher (black) and Tennyson (red) houses face any time that we ask them to dress in 'house colours' as their house colours are the same as our school uniform.

The solution that we have come up with was to change the house colours of Tennyson and Fisher, so that each of our four houses has a colour that is unique, and not part of our uniform colours.

Yesterday we had the exciting moment where the two house captains of Fisher and Tennyson drew their new house colours out of a hat! We had a choice of three colours - green, orange and purple, that were equally appealing to the student body so the way we agreed we would select the colours was through a ballot.

From Term 2, the new house colours will be:
Fisher - Purple
Tennyson - Orange
Heathcote - Yellow
Waimea - Blue
Our next step is to purchase a teardrop flag for each house to use on house occaisions and for when we gather together for house events.

Looking ahead to Term 2

The building work will begin on the hall and foyer from the middle of the school holidays, and the office reception area will also be part of that building area. Jacky and the office reception area will be moving into the Minor Room at the end of this term. We do anticipate that this will be somewhat challenging in terms of space and access and ask for your patience and understanding through this time.

Terms 2 & 3

As we will be into the winter terms and mornings will be colder, we have decided that, for Terms 2 & 3, the Champion St buses will depart at 8:40am from Eastern Tce, rather than at 8:30am. This means that no children need to be at school before 8:30am. The Year 1-4 learning spaces will stay closed until 8:30am to allow teachers preparation time. We ask that you do not drop children at school before this time, as has always been the case prior to the build starting.

Accounts

A statement with Fees and Requests for Contributions for each child has been emailed home today. Please check your inbox carefully - this email will be sent via a different system to the system we use for sending the newsletter - it will come from Beckenham_School@etap.co.nz
We think that some people may be having these emails blocked by their email provider, or that they might go into your spam folders.
Please do check that you have received this, and contact accounts@beckenham.school.nz if you can't locate it.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Thu 6th April
9am-3pm Canterbury Swimming Sports at Selwyn Aquatic Centre in Rolleston
2:15-3pm, Celebration Assembly in school hall.  All Welcome.

Mon 10th April
11:30am - 3pm Pohutukawa Alpine Ice outing

Thursday 13th April
3pm School closes for the end of Term 1

Term 2:
Please note - we have confirmed Monday 1 May as a Teacher ONLY Day.
Term 2 will start on Tuesday 2nd May.

Term Dates

Click here to view the 2016 and 2017 term dates.

Citizens of the Week

Karda Briggs - Year 1

Karda you are a superstar learner and classmate.  You demonstrate your 'I love challenge' attitude by trying new things with increasing confidence and resilience.  Your growing self motivation and positive 'I can' attitude is an inspiration to us all.  Thank you for being a role model for us at learning times when you focus and try your very best. Tino pai Karda.

Annabelle Smith - Year 1

Annie, you are a fantastic learner and friend in Hub 10/11. You have the most beautiful smile, and always look on the bright side of life! You are kind, generous, helpful and always respectful to classmates and adults alike. You put 100% effort into producing top quality work and you are always keen to step up for a challenge. Your attitude is a wonderful example for us all! Thank you for providing sparkle and smiles each and every day for us, Annie. You're a gem!

Sharing our Learning

Kauri Team

Exploring Leadership in Kauri Whanau.

The past month has been a busy and stimulating one for our Year 7 & 8 students. At the end of March we headed off to Wainui for a week full of challenge, fun and bonding. We got all three in bucketloads. Wainui provides so many ways to put ‘we love challenge’ into action. Not that we all ‘loved’ the challenge when it was staring at us in the face, but once we took the plunge, so to speak, the benefits were huge. From soaring on the giant swing, to leaping off rocks high above the ocean, to working with team-mates solving challenges, we embraced the challenge and grew as individuals. For those who weren’t so driven by adrenalin, the challenges came in less confronting forms, such as archery and making bivvies.


On our return to school our focus shifted towards learning about leadership. We are exploring leadership through the lens of the ‘7 habits of highly effective people’ (Stephen and Sean Covey). Week 8 was our leadership week. We immersed ourselves in activities and discussion to develop each of the 7 habits. One of the most powerful learning experiences was listening to and interviewing two inspirational leaders. Mark Inglis had both legs amputated below the knees when he was 23, after being trapped on the top of Aoraki, Mt Cook  for 13 days.  The children listened in awe to the story of his life and were inspired by his proactive attitude. Three days later when they were involved in synergy activities at Spencer Park, one child encouraged another with, ‘You can do it, remember what Mark Ingils told us!’ He left the children with many important messages. These included: you don’t need to be friends with everyone, but you do need to have respect for others; don’t wish for the best, but use what you have and just do it; and your attitude determines your altitude.


The week prior, Ben Atkinson was our guest speaker. I’ll leave it to Sadie McLoughlin to tell you about Ben ...

Ben Atkinson, someone who has sacrificed everything for others. On Monday, I was inspired by this man (as were many others), the man behind ‘Fill Their Lunchbox’. I was inspired by his confidence, and how he was just an ordinary guy, making an extraordinary change in the world. Ben Atkinson is a man who not only knows his many strengths, but embraces his weaknesses.

The social enterprise ‘Fill Their Lunchbox’ was created by Ben. When you buy a lunch, two lunches are made and delivered to the students of low decile schools. Research showed that 28% of kiwi kids lived in poverty, and Ben was not happy about that. Delivering over 616 lunches each week, things started changing. Truancy rates went down. Children behaved better at school.

One thing that REALLY stood out to me was his mindset to think win win. Teaching skills to ex-prisoners from Odyssey House, they helped him by making lunches for deprived children. As well as teaching them skills to use later in life, he gave them a purpose.

The children were fascinated with the fact that, while Ben pays three employees, apart from paying his rent, he doesn’t draw an income. His life is full, he is loving what he is doing, he is making a huge difference, but he doesn’t need money to provide that happiness. We can help Ben to break the poverty cycle, by purchasing a cafe style lunch for ourselves, that also provides two lunches for children in need. Check out https://fill-their-lunchbox.myshopify.com/



Our Year 7 & 8 children are now full of inspiration, experiences and principles. We look forward to watching them bloom into awesome young leaders.  

School Notices

Preparing Your Child for School Seminar

Tuesday May 16th 
7.30 Hillview Christian School Gymnasium
Parents and caregivers of children nearing school are strongly encouraged to come to an evening jampacked with helpful hints and tips of how to interact with preschoolers to maximise learning opportunities in readiness for school. The seminar is being run by Michaela Allen, the Ōpāwaho Learning Cluster leader and supports a pamphlet produced by the cluster  that you will receive at the seminar. The seminar is free but please register using this google form: https://goo.gl/forms/DYXQjYQkyQkaBLbv2
The event is for parents and caregivers of children that attend or are likely to attend an ECE or school in the Ōpāwaho Learning Cluster.

University of Canterbury Kiwi Competitions (Years 5-8) (in place of ICAS)

The University of Canterbury is offering our Year 5-8 children the opportunity to participate in the Great Kiwi English, Mathematics and Science competitions. These competitions will be taking place annually and are designed by New Zealand teachers for New Zealand students based on the New Zealand curriculum.

The competitions are administered by the centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) which is a not-for-profit Centre at the University of Canterbury. The competitions are open to all Year 5-10 students in English, Mathematics and Science. Students can enter in one or more subjects. It provides teachers, parents and students an independent, comprehensive record of a student's performance. Your child’s teacher will supervise the online tests which will take place in the last 2 weeks of Term 2 at school.

Certificates will be sent to all participating students and prizes awarded to top students. These will be supplied by the University of Canterbury. For further information, please consult the CEM website www.cem.canterbury.ac.nz
We have decided to offer  The Kiwi Competitions now at Beckenham School, in place of the  ICAS competitions (which are from the University of New South Wales) which we have participated in the past.

Please click on this link to complete the registration details for your child. Alternatively forms are at the Beckenham and Champion St offices, and teachers will also have a handful of paper copies.
Payment for these competition fees, $8.50 per subject, will need to be paid in full by the last day of Term 1 (Thursday 13 April). You can pay with eftpos at the Beckenham site office or online school's bank account (ASB 12-3148-0131641-000) with the reference ‘KiwiCom’  and child’s name as the code.

Competitions will take place between 26 June-7 July.

PTA News


Sports News

Winter Sport: Coaches Required

Kia ora whānau,

With Term 2 fast approaching, we are starting to organise coaches and managers for our Winter Sport teams. As always, Beckenham School enters teams into the Friday Winter Sports competition, and look forward to travelling to Hagley Park to play against other schools in rugby, football, netball and hockey. To enter as many teams as possible we rely on our supportive community to volunteer to coach/manage sports teams, alongside our staff. If you are keen to support us in this we would love to hear from you. Please email expressions of interest to Jenny at jenny.diggle@beckenham.school.nz
We look forward to hearing from you!

Jenny and Gayle

Huxter Mountain Bike Relay - 7th April

The Huxter Mountain Bike Relay event is being held at Mcleans Island on Friday the 7th of April. While this event takes place during school hours, the children will remain the responsibility of their parents for the duration of the event. We know of a few children already entered for this event by their parents and a few more children seeking a racing partner. If your child is interested in this event, please email Jenny to be put in touch with another family who are looking to enter. Please also let Jenny know when you have made an entry so that we can provide a Beckenham sports top and mark the child appropriately on the school roll.

Hanmer 4 Hour mountain bike race results

Huge smiles shone through the mud splattered faces at the Hanmer 4 Hour mountain bike race on Saturday. Hebe Butler, Harper Ford and Walter Mclaughlin worked as a team to complete 9 laps of the Super Junior course, while Isaac Macdonald took on the adult course as an individual competitor. All four children embraced ‘We love challenge’ as they braved the increasingly muddy course for four hours. Both the team and Isaac placed third in their respective categories. Tino pai!


Congratulations to Alex Braun who came an impressive 3rd place in the Canterbury Secondary School’s Cross Country Mountain Bike Series on Wednesday the 8th of March.


Staff Profile

Jacky Sargent - Office Administrator

Beckenham School has been a part of my life now for 14 years from when my oldest child Ruby started..she is now 19 and just flown the nest for a gap year in Melbourne. My younger daughter Julia, also attended Beckenham and is now in year 12 at Cashmere High. I commenced working here in 2012 after working as an Occupational Therapist for nearly 20 years...so a definite career change! The Beckenham School community is a very welcoming and inclusive one and I love being a part of it.  I enjoy outdoor activities including, biking, walking and the odd bit of tramping. I also have started blokarting, great fun down at the beach or racing at Wigram. Mark, my husband, sometimes joins me when he isn't sailing, so the competition is a little more intense on those race days!


Community Notices

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

Aquagym:

459 Cashel Street, Ph: 3810299.  Learn to Swim and coaching.  Book now for April Holiday Courses & Term 2.  Leaders in Aquatic Education.

Beckenham School Newsletter 17 March 2017

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Autumn weather, gumboots and raincoats...

As the rain poured down at the start of this week, we noticed a number of children without raincoats or gumboots, who were getting very wet coming to school. Gumboots are encouraged on very wet days, along with a pair of slippers to wear inside, and an extra pair of dry socks just in case!
Our PTA are happy to accept donations of gumboots AND raincoats that your children have grown out of, to sell on via the second hand clothing area. Please consider having a sort out at home, and bringing into the office any gumboots or raincoats that are still in good condition that your family doesn't need any longer.

Building Update

I was walked through the West Hub for the first time this week. It is a hive of activity with the internal walls being constructed, and doors and windows arriving to be fitted. The electrical and data cabling teams are working their way through the building to get these services in.


Click here for a full building update.

Ngā mihi
Sandy Hastings - Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events


Mon 20th Mar
Year 7 Leadership day
1:30-3pm Elgregoe (Y1-4)

Wed 22nd Mar
School photos at Beckenham School (class and individual) - please see details under school notices

Thu 23 Mar
2:15-3pm Celebratin Assembly - All Welcome

Thu 23rd - Fri 24th Mar
Year 8 Leadership Camp based at Champion Street

Fri 24th Mar
Yr 7 Leadership day based at Sandwich Rd site

Mon 27th Mar
9am - 12pm: Canterbury Duathlon Yrs 5-8 at Ruapuna Speedway

Thu 6th April
9am-3pm Canterbury Swimming Sports at Selwyn Aquatic Centre in Rolleston

Term 2:
Please note - we have confirmed Monday 1 May as a Teacher ONLY Day.
Term 2 will start on Tuesday 2nd May.

Term Dates

Click here to view 2017 term dates.

Citizens of the Week

Lucy Gray - Year 6

Lucy, you are a superstar in our team. You persistently demonstrate a positive and enthusiastic attitude in all areas of learning and you are a fantastic role model to other students. You are a self-motivated learner and constantly strive to improve yourself. You are are very thoughtful and have excellent critical thinking skills which you use to make insightful contributions to our class discussions. Well done for always putting 100% into your learning. Keep up the outstanding work, Lucy!

Emily Eade - Year 6

Emily, you are an outstanding role model at Beckenham School. You ensure those around you feel welcome and you have taken extra care to look out for anyone who needs a friend. You always remain focused during learning time and have been developing extraordinary leadership skills to help support others to do the same. Your passion and positivity is incorporated into everything you do. It is clear that you love learning! We are looking forward to seeing you continue to grow into a leader at Beckenham School. Tino pai, Emily!

Sharing our Learning

Hub 20

Hub 20 have had a great first half of term, with lots of wonderful learning experiences happening. We have been working on a topic called 'Rising to the Challenge'.  The focus for this is around developing our own sense of identity, and finding common interests and skills among our peers.  We are working towards developing friendships, and being an important part of a wider team.  Part of our learning has been to challenge ourselves and see what we are capable of.  We have set ourselves challenges.  Some physical, such as running a three legged race, and to run around the field without stopping.  Some more academic, such as learning languages - these have been very popular!  We are getting to know what we can do ourselves, and what we may have in common with our peers.  Here are some photos from our challenges.



Koru Hub

Kia ora.  The tamariki and kaiako in Te Whanau Koru are continuing to be engaged and involved in learning about our Identity and our Whakapapa. We have enjoyed exploring the 'Me Bags' sent to school.  These bags contained items collected from home that showed the children’s family, where they come from and things that the children are passionate about and good at.
We have heard how everyone’s family is made up, and, what is important to each family.  Hearing of all the places from around the world that our families have come from has helped us understand that everyone’s past is different and we all share some similarities too.
Our investigation into identity has involved wonderful opportunities for the Arts and Te Reo. We asked ourselves ‘What are the ways in which people portray family or whakapapa through art?’
Here is some of our Koru Art that represents our families as we see them.











Our Favourite Colour and Senses Poems - more delving into our identity, what we like and why.

Blue
Blue looks like the deep blue sea.
Blue sounds like a smudgy blue jellyfish swimming fast in the water.
Blue feels like the crumbly, sharp salt in the sea.
Blue tastes like a squishy blueberry.
Blue smells like salt.
Bue makes me feel really cold.
Can you sense my colour?
By Jemma

Orange
Orange looks like a big juicy orange.
Orange feels like hot lava.
Orange smells like gas
Orange makes me feel excited and happy.
By Kacey

Black
Black is like the dark, dark sky.
Black sounds like the wind and feels and smells like ash from the fire.
Ash tastes like nothing.
Can you sense my colour?
By Alyssa




Some Discovery Fun

Making our fingers stronger and practicing our fine motor skills
Deconstruction and reconstruction -
My Memory Scanner: "This machine scans your memories and keeps them in its little brain. When you whisper "Can I have my memory back?" the machine pops the memory back into your brain.  The machine crumples bad memories up and it only gives your good memories back. by Lara.
























“Play is the highest form of research”  Albert Einstein

“In play, the child is always behaving beyond his age, above his usual everyday behaviour; in play he is, as it were, a head above himself. Play contains in a concentrated form, as in the focus of a magnifying glass, all developmental tendencies; it is as if the child tries to jump above his usual level." Lev S. Vygotsky

Calling all Parents, Grandparents and our Community - Good, used toys needed please

We run a fabulous play based Discovery time each morning throughout our Junior School.  In the middle school the programme is extended and broadened to cater for older children’s interests and developmental stages.  Both programmes provide authentic, rich opportunities for the children to explore, discover and investigate whilst strengthening their  essential skills and skills in many areas of the curriculum.

We would like to supplement and build the resources that are available to the children at these times.  If you have any good, used toys we would really appreciate them at school.  The types of things we are looking for are things such as tea sets, dinosaurs, crafting equipment, puppets, trains, cars, blocks, lego etc.  We can give these toys new life and they will certainly make a difference to our children. Thank you very much for your support.

Ngā mihi
All the tamariki and kaiko of Te Whanau Koru...
Rowe and Gail (Hub 10 and 11)
Charlotte, Dorinda and Amber (Hub 1 and 2)
Sue and Caitlyn (Hub 3 and 4)

Congratulations

... to the Beckenham students who competed in the Hanmer Springs 4&8 Hour MTB Race yesterday. Jenny Diggle supported them and said "It rained, we got covered in mud, but the smiles kept coming and they kept going. They all had to dig deep at some point during the event, really showing a love of challenge and some real grit. I rode tail end charlie with one of the students on the last lap, (his fourth of the day) and I had to work hard to keep up with him! I was so impressed with all of them and they all took the time to say 'thank you' after the event.


There was a mix up with the placings and so the team did not get the public recognition we think they deserved and needed after such a tough race. We think they should have placed 2nd or 3rd in the Mixed Super Junior category based on the number of laps they completed. One of the mums is emailing the race organisers to try and figure it out. The team really need recognition for their fantastic biking and awesome sportsmanship."

School Notices

School Photos

School wide photos are happening on Wednesday March 22nd.
The staff photo will be at 8:00am in the hall
It needs to be this early to ensure teachers can be back in class for students who arrive at 8:15am.

Buses to Champion St will be delayed for this morning. 
All Year 5-8 students will need to make their way to the school hall and assemble there for their photos.
Years 7 & 8 will be photographed first and will start promptly at 8:30am - their bus is booked for a 9:00am departure to Champion Street.

Years 5 & 6 will be photographed second commencing approx 9:00am - their bus is booked for 9:45/10am departure.

Please start reminding your students about the photos, especially the students who are regularly dropped off at Champion St and don't take the bus. They will need to be at Sandwich Road site school by 8:30am if they are a year 7/ 8 and by 8:55am if they are a year 5/6.

Disability Parking on Sandwich Road

Please remember that the two cones out on the bottom of Sandwich Road are the best option we are able to create for disability parking (primarily for Ferndale class). This parking is used every day by Ferndale buses, taxis and parents who all qualify for disability parking. We are not able to officially get this designated by the council, however, as the disabled access to the Ferndale class cannot currently go via our school carpark, this access is very important for these users. Please respect this space and leave it for them to use.


Student Council News

Our student council's first event of 2017 was a 'flouro' themed mufti day to support the volunteer firefighters, to acknowledge the amazing efforts that they put into the Port Hills fire in February. The children had a fabulous time, also using the occasion to have our first house event of the year. Over $600 was raised! Thank you all.


Sports News

School Duathlon

Friday March 10th saw a fabulous example of 'We Love Challenge' in action on Beckenham Park, as 60 plus Year 5 - 8 children gave their all, running, biking and running again to complete the school duathlon. While some entered to gain a placing, many entered for the sheer challenge of the event. A huge well done to everyone who gave it a go and crossed the finishing line. A big thanks to the parents who were marshals on the course, cheering the children on, ensuring their safety, but not able to give that hug as soon as their child crossed the finishing line. We couldn't run events like this without you. I'd also like to acknowledge the superb job that the senior students did as marshals. Watching the bike course, it was heart-warming to see the way they supported their peers and ensured that they went the right way. All the best to the 15 children who will be racing at the Canterbury Duathlon next Monday, March 27th.
Nicky Dunlop

Duathlon Champions:

9 year boys: Harper Ford
9 year girls: Hebe Butland
10 year boys: Jimmy Middleditch
10 year girls: Sophia Brown
11 year boys: Joel Kingham
11 year girls: Tilly Harris
12 year boys: Alex Braun
12 year girls: Kaia Joergensen

2017 MountainBike School Team Relay

We would like to encourage keen mountain bikers in Year 5 to 8 to represent Beckenham School in the event below. Participating children would need to be in the care and supervision of their parents or care giver for the duration of the event. Please let Jenny Diggle know (jenny.diggle@beckenham.school.nz) if you enter so that we can provide a Beckenham sports top for your child to compete in.

Souths Zones Swimming Sports Results

11 years mixed relay
3rd place Beckenham Team: Tom Woodhouse, Kayden  Pederson, Georgina Cockfield and Tilly Harris
12 year old girls 50m breaststroke
1st place - Juliette Gray, 2nd place - Daisy York
11 year old boys 50m breaststroke 
3rd place - Joel Kingham
10 year old boys 50m breaststroke
3rd place - Jimmy Middleditch
12 year old girls 50m freestyle 
2nd place - Kaia Joergensen,  3rd place - Rosie Zinzan-Dickie
12 year old girls 50m backstroke
2nd place - Rosie Zinzan-Dickie, 3rd place - Daisy York
11 year old girls 50m backstroke
3rd place - Tilly Harris
9 year old boys 50m backstroke 
3rd place - Thomas Lyall
Open girls 50m butterfly 
2nd place - Kaia Joergensen

Congratulations to all our swimmers.

PTA News

Staff Profile

Charlotte Verity-McCormick


Kia ora! I love teaching at Beckenham, with our fantastically vibrant and supportive community and children. I have taught for around 7 years, in Melbourne and then here in Christchurch. My whānau is important to me, and I love spending time with them. I have 3 brothers, one in London, one is Australia and one here in Christchurch...and I have a fur 'nephew'...a gorgeous chocolate labrador called Ghana. In school, I especially love science, reading stories, and learning about our environment with students. Outside of school, I love to travel and am lucky to have been to almost 20 different countries, and I was lucky to live in London for 4 years. I also love going to see my grandparents, being in my garden, writing creatively and getting out for walks in nature. I also love seeing friends, and getting into the swimming pool for lots of laps! Here is a photo of my brother Liam, and I, in Sri Lanka.

Community Notices

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

Sport Canterbury

The April school holidays are fast approaching! Join us for a week of action packed fun and adventure, with plenty of sport, onsite activities, and outings.
To check out the programme details for each venue or register online, go to www.sportcanterbury.org.nz

April 2017 school holiday highlights for full day participants:

Week One: 18th - 21st (Easter Monday is the 17th )
Papanui: enjoy a trip to the Margaret Mahy playground, a rugby skills session with the boys from the Belfast Rugby Club, plus the usual awesome swimming at Graham Condon and trip to Hoyts.
Lincoln: learn new skills with a session from Touch Canterbury and Canterbury Country Cricket and bounce the afternoon away at Mega Air!
Pioneer: Juniors get crafty and make and fly your own kite, swim at Pioneer and join the Seniors for a trip to Hoyts to see ‘Baby Boss’. Seniors get inventive with a session with Science Alive and hit the pool for swimming fun.
Westburn: learn new skills with a session from Touch Canterbury, swim at Jellie Park and take trip to Hoyts to see ‘Baby Boss’. Juniors - scoot, skate or bike around the Westburn Bike Park, using road safety skills, Seniors - have a go at Frisbee Golf.
Swannanoa: learn new skills with a session from Canterbury Country Cricket, swim at Dudley Park and get crafty with kite making and flying.
 Ashburton: sharpen your cricket skills with a session from Mid Canterbury Cricket, swim at the EA Centre, including fun on the inflatables and see ‘Baby Boss’ at the movies.
Week Two: 24 th , 26 th – 28 th (Anzac Day is Tuesday 25 th )
Christchurch Boys High: learn new skills with a session from High School Old Boys Rugby Club, go crazy at the Phat SK8 roller disco, take in a movie at Hoyts. Juniors get crafty and make and fly a kite, Seniors swim at Wharenui.
Rolleston: take on an orienteering challenge at the Halswell Quarry, Juniors enjoy a picnic and games afternoon at Parekura Reserve, Seniors swim at the Selwyn Aquatic Centre.
Register online now www.sportcanterbury.org.nz
Week One registrations close on Monday 10 th April at 5pm (or earlier if fully booked)
Week Two registrations close on Monday 17 th April at 5pm (or earlier if fully booked)
An 8am start option is available at Westburn and CHCH Boys High

Bambino Market

A boutique market for the littlies.  Lincoln events Centre Sun 26 March 10am - 3pm.  15 Meijer Drive, Lincoln

Kids Judo



Mainland Football

If you want to be a better teacher, a better junior coach, a better parent leader…

Mainland Football organise a Junior level 1 coach education on Saturday 18 March at English Park, 127 Cranford Street from 9am to 1pm.
The aims of the JL1 course are:

To be able to understand the Junior Football Framework.
To be able to meet your player needs.
To be able to transfer the principles of effective coaching and a player-centred philosophy to your own coaching.

If you want to be part of it, it’s only 65$ and you can register with the link below:

Mainland Football Coaches Network:             Mainland Coach Education 2017 Registration Form

Mainland Football - GIRLS ONLY & Boys Futsal Holiday Programmes

Age: 6-14 year olds
Dates:  19th, 20th and 21st April 2017
Times: 9.00am – 3.00pm
Venue: St Thomas’s of Canterbury College
Cost: $37.50 per day – 10% discount of second child when registering two or more siblings.

Mainland Outdoor Holiday Programmes

Age: 7-14 year olds
Dates: 26th, 27th & 28th  April 2017
Times: 9.00am – 3.00pm
Venue: English Park
Cost: $37.50 per day ($112.50 for three consecutive days) 10% discount of second child when registering two or more siblings.

More information visit: www.mainlandfootball.co.nz

HALSWELL UNITED AFC - FOOTBALL

SEASON STARTS 1st APRIL - REGISTER ASAP if interested
Online registrations are OPEN. For ALL players aged 4 to 70+
The season starts 1st April to end of August (early bird fees before end of March).
First Kicks 4-6 years ($60), Fun Football 7-8 years ($100), 9th/12th Grades ($130), 13th/18th ($150) for the season
Senior Men/Women – Casual Kick around Wednesdays, 6.30pm (Halswell Domain)
For more information please visit our website at: www.hawkfootball.org.nz/register
Email: Sam Bunn: huafcGM@gmail.com for information


Beckenham School Newsletter Friday 3 March 2017

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

The Ōpāwaho Learning Community Cluster, which Beckenham School is a member of, is very pleased to be able to bring Nathan Mikaere-Wallis to speak to our community.
Please find the details below. Our hall can seat 400 people, and with just the Facebook event that went up earlier this week, over 290 seats have already been booked, so you will need to register immediately if you want to get a seat. To secure your seat go to this link.



Nathan will explore the needs that relate to the development of social, emotional skills, which as well as developing resilience, play a crucial role in the subsequent development of cognitive skills such as literacy. Nathan Wallis is a father of three & foster parent with a professional background in child counselling, teaching and social service management. Until recently he lectured in Human Development at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand and was also a board member and senior trainer with the national body responsible for the dissemination of neuroscientific research to professionals. Nathan is a regular on Radio and Television shows in New Zealand, sharing his expertise on child development.

Teacher Only Day confirmed for Term 2:

We are able to confirm that Monday 1st May will be a TEACHER ONLY DAY. This means that Term 2 will start on Tuesday 2nd May. Please note this in your diaries.

Congratulations!

Some days I get an unexpected email in my inbox that just makes me smile and feel incredibly proud of our students and the generous hearts that they have. This week, I received this email:
"Just wanted to pass on a huge thank you from the team here at Ronald McDonald House South Island to your students, in particular Charlotte and Madeline who recently held a bake sale to raise money for our families." - Phillipa Webb - Marketing and Communications Advisor - Ronald McDonald House.



Mufti Day

Please note that the date in last week's newsletter for Mufti Day was incorrect. The new and correct date for the Flouro Mufti Day is Thursday 16th March

Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Thu 9th Mar
11am-12:30am.  Kowhai Top Team event
2:15pm - 3pm Celebration Assembly - All Welcome

Fri 10th Mar
1:30-3pm School Duathlon

Tue 14th Mar
Zone Swimming sports at Jellie Park Recreation

Thu 16th Mar
POSTPONEMENT
Mufti Day - Flouro colours - bring a gold coin to raise money for volunteer firefighters

Mon 20th Mar
Year 7 Leadership day
1:30-3pm Elgregoe

Wed 22nd Mar
School photos at Beckenham School (class and individual)

Term 2:
Please note - we have confirmed Monday 1 May as a Teacher ONLY Day.
Term 2 will start on Tuesday 2nd May.

Term Dates

Click here to view 2017 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Fynn Skelton Year 7

Fynn, you have a big heart and always show that you care. You are very aware of when your peers need support and always display empathy and understanding. 'We love challenge' is a value that you live by. Fynn, you grab hold of opportunities, displaying confidence and growing resilience. 

Sharing our Learning

Pohutukawa Team

We have had a fabulous start to the year in Te Whanau o Pohutukawa. Our inquiry focus is the concept of ‘Identity’. This has allowed many opportunities for us to get to know each other, discover the ways in which we are unique, and the commonalities that we share. During writing, we have been expressing our identity through biographical poems. Here are some examples:

Sama
Brave, friendly, kind & loyal
Daughter of Dunya Sabre and Firas Salman.
Sister of Faisal Ahmed and Omar Salman
Who loves nature, her family & her friends
Who feels happy around others
Who is scared of Donald Trump, earthquakes & spiders
Who learnt how to ride a bike in a few days
Who wants to see the pyramids of Egypt & the great wall of China
Born in Egypt, from Iraq, lives in Halswell
Ahmed

Sophia
Amazing, nice, awesome and beautiful
Daughter of Mami and Fraser
Sister to Charissa and Soriel
Who loves dance, sport, art and more
Who feels nervous talking in front of big crowds 
Who is scared of Donald Trump, spiders and insects
Who works hard for distinction in dance
Who wants all the bad to be good
Born in Christchurch, lives in Sydenham
Brown

Archie
Weird, loyal and berry funny
Son of Davina McNickel and Michael De Clifford,
Brother of Louie De Clifford
Who loves Animals (sloths), food (not pumpkins) and FNAF
Who fears rotten food, big McDonalds deals, non-stop little kids plays and Doc McStuffins
Who has achieved a life as a sloth
Who wants to get to night 5 in FNAF 1&2
Who lives in in Cashmere and was born in Christchurch
De Clifford

Kauri Team - on Camp

The Year 7 & 8 students have spent this week on Camp at Wainui in the Akaroa Harbour. They have had amazing weather, and challenged themselves to push beyond their comfort zones, supporting one another along the way.
You can read about their adventures on the Kauri Blog...


School Notices

ELGREGOE (Years 0-4)

This year Elgregoe is coming to visit our Year 0-4 children on Monday 20 March. Elgregoe will be focusing on the theme of "YOU be the HERO" which teaches students they can be the solution to bullying.

A hero shows HONESTY, has EMPATHY, is RESPECTFUL, is RESILIENT and looks for OPPORTUNITIES to make a difference.

This show supports the messages we are already giving students to create a positive and bully free environment. Amazing new illusions and puppets, live parrots, and incredible props combine to
deliver a powerful presentation that does make a difference.

The cost to the school for bringing this 1 hour presentation in is $4:00 per child, a request for your contribution for this will be put on your next account.

University of Canterbury Kiwi Competitions (Years 5-8)

The University of Canterbury is offering our Year 5-8 children the opportunity to participate in the Great Kiwi English, Mathematics and Science competitions. These competitions will be taking place annually and are designed by New Zealand teachers for New Zealand students based on the New Zealand curriculum.

The competitions are administered by the centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) which is a not-for-profit Centre at the University of Canterbury. The competitions are open to all Year 5-10 students in English, Mathematics and Science. Students can enter in one or more subjects. It provides teachers, parents and students an independent, comprehensive record of a student's performance.  Your child’s teacher will supervise the online tests which will take place in the last 2 weeks of Term 2 at school.

Certificates will be sent to all participating students and prizes awarded to top students. These will be supplied by the University of Canterbury. For further information, please consult the CEM website www.cem.canterbury.ac.nz
We have decided to offer  The Kiwi Competitions now at Beckenham School, in place of the  ICAS competitions (which are from the University of New South Wales) which we have participated in the past.

Please click on this link to complete the registration details for your child. Alternatively forms are at the Beckenham and Champion St offices, and teachers will also have a handful of paper copies.
Payment for these competition fees, $8.50 per subject, will need to be paid in full by the last day of Term 1 (Thursday 13 April). You can pay with eftpos at the Beckenham site office or online school's bank account (ASB 12-3148-0131641-000) with the reference ‘KiwiCom’  and child’s name as the code.

Competitions will take place between 26 June-7 July.

Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival


Application to Auditions for 2017 Representative Groups (Junior and Senior Special Choir, Concert Band and  Orchestra) are now open. 
Our best musicians need to be part of this!
This is the opportunity for singers and instrumentalists to achieve at the highest level of performance and to excel in their chosen area of artistic endeavour.
If you are interested place an application online – it really is very simple.  Go to the festival website www.musicfestival.school.nz where all the information and application form is available.  There is information on the website that will answer every question of a parent or potential participant.
Please note that applications close on April 13th (last day of Term 1)
To complete your application, you will need to use our Beckenham School code which is pride.

Pohutukawa "Pitch Perfect" Choir

It has been fabulous to have so many Year 5 and 6 students interested in joining choir this year. We will be starting the year with a pop music focus. Once the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival song books are released, we will spend our time learning the songs and perfecting our singing for this. The festival runs from the 25th to 27th October. Students will have the opportunity to perform alongside around 1000 other other children. The CSM Festival is a wonderful opportunity for our children to develop their musical talents and to contribute towards an event that is an institution in Canterbury. There are bound to be many parents that have fond childhood memories of participating in this festival themselves! The theme for this year is ‘Whatever the Weather’.
If your child is keen to be in the choir, they will be bringing home a letter next week outlining our goals and including some information and dates for the Music Festival. If you support them being in the choir, please sign and return the form, and ensure that they understand that they are committing to being in the choir through to the Music Festival in Term 4.
Katie Chapman

Parking and Safety on Sandwich Road

It is drawn to our attention almost every day that a number of people are parking on the broken yellow lines adjacent to the pedestrian crossing at our front entrance on Sandwich Road. 
Parking close to the crossing puts the children who are using the crossing at great risk - they are less visible to oncoming traffic, and they need to step out onto the crossing before they can see traffic that is coming.
We rely on every member of our community to follow the road rules and keep all of our children safe. Please allow a little extra time in the morning to park at a safe distance from the crossing and walk.

Staff Profile

Katie Chapman



Kia ora koutou! 2017 is my third year as a teacher at Beckenham School. Prior to this I was a stay at home mummy to Isla (6) and Toby (4). I have taught across a range of year levels and settings in my seven years as a teacher. I feel really lucky to teach at Beckenham School.
I love the way that diversity is celebrated, our children love learning, and we are like a big extended family. I was born and raised in Christchurch and feel proud to be a Cantabrian. 
I love listening to music, walking in the outdoors and spending time with my family and friends. My children and I like to spend our weekends out and about, exploring the many attractions that Christchurch has on offer. 

Community Notices

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


WINTER FOOTBALL SEASON – HALSWELL UNITED AFC

Online registrations are OPEN. For ALL players aged 4 to 70+
The season starts 1st April to end of August (early bird fees before end of March).
First Kicks 4-6 years ($60), Fun Football 7-8 years ($100), 9th/12th Grades ($130) for the season.
Senior Men/Women – Casual Kick arounds Wednesdays, 6.30pm (Halswell Domain).
For more information please visit our website at: www.hawkfootball.org.nz/register
Email: Sam Bunn: huafcGM@gmail.com for information
OPEN DAY (gain information) - Halswell Outdoor Pools, Sun 12th March, 5pm-7pm







Beckenham School Newsletter, Friday 25 February, 2017

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

This week saw our students at both sites acknowledging the 6th anniversary of the Christchurch Earthquakes by again creating a river of chalk flowers and messages of hope on the footpath at Sandwich St and at Hills Road in Edgeware.
We realise that many of our younger children don't have strong memories of the earthquakes, which isn't a bad thing, and we focus on the positive aspects that being a community that works together and whose members support one another.




There has been lots of action on the building site for the West Hub this week as we have seen the wall and roof panels trucked in and then each panel craned into place. The wind provided some challenges but the week's work has been achieved to plan. Next week the iron will go onto the roof.


Change to newsletter frequency

We are always conscious of finding a balance between too many emails and messages home, against not enough communication about what is happening at school.
We have decided that we will put out the school newsletter now as a fortnightly newsletter, with each team sending out a newsletter on the alternate week. This means that you will get a team newsletter next week, and another newsletter in a fortnight.

Sandy Hastings
Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Mon 27th Feb - Fri 3rd Mar
Kauri team camp at Wainui

Mon 27th Feb
2:45 - 3:15pm PTA Uniform Room open

Thu 7 Mar
Flouro Mufti Day to support Volunteer Firefighters

Fri 10th Mar
1:30-3pm School Duathlon

Tue 14th Mar
Zone Swimming sports at Jellie Park Recreation

Wed 22nd Mar
School photos at Beckenham School (class and individual)

Term Dates

Click here to view the 2016 and 2017 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Keira Ryder - Year 2

Keira - you are growing so much as a leader in our hub. You encourage and support your peers in the whole class and small groups. You are putting 110% effort into all learning - it is wonderful to see your passion!  You are respectful to all those around you and make such responsible choices, often helping with tasks before you are asked. Your interest in the environment and the care you show for our world is inspiring. Thank you for all the energy you bring to our hub and school!

Sharing our Learning

Kauri Team


It’s all go in the Intermediate Hub. We are very excited about our camp to Wainui next week. After challenging ourselves, enjoying the great outdoors and developing our collaborative skills in an outdoor setting, we will be launching into our leadership inquiry back at Champion Street.
 

Fridays are always a popular day in our hub, as we get to explore our passions for 90 minutes each week. This term we have four passion groups: code club, photography and movie making, gardening and gaming (outside) and J-rock choreography. We have a group of passionate dancers who are working with Jenny to conceptualise, plan and choreograph a dance routine that will involve our entire hub. This will culminate in an 8 minute dance performance at Horncastle Area, early in term 2, as part of J-rock and Stage Challenge. The team are developing a storyline that explores the whakapapa of Beckenham School. This links to our focus on identity where we are unpacking: Whakapapa shapes identity which can build confidence and awareness of uniqueness. 
Creativity, deep thinking and a love of learning are flowing in our Kauri whanau!



Staff Profile

Caitlyn Downing

Kia ora! I am in my third year teaching at Beckenham and my first year teaching in the year one and two team, Koru. I am originally from Greymouth where I grew up with my family swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking, basically anything and everything outdoorsy. This is still a huge part of my life. I have now lived in Christchurch for seven years with my boyfriend, Jake, who is also a West Coaster. We love spending our weekends watching movies and hitting up the new Adventure Bike Park.

Student Council - Mufti Day - 7 March

Our Student Council have decided that they would like to recognise and support the enormous efforts made by all of the emergency services who have, and are continuing, to work to put out the Port Hills fire. They have organised to have a Mufti Day on Thursday 7th March - Wear FLOURO!
Gold coin donation please.


School Notices

Good luck to all our competitors who are getting out there and giving it their best in this weekends Weetbix Tryathlon.  We're so proud of you all for giving it a go.  HAVE FUN


Celebrating Success:

Whilst we enjoy celebrating student’s successes at school, we would love to acknowledge their triumphs and achievements outside of the school day.  If your child has has been a representative in art/sport/cultural activities or similar  at a local or national level, we would love to hear about it. Please send details and a photo to office@beckenham.school.nz

Congratulations to...

Luke Menzies

Who competed in the New Zealand Schools Kayaking Nationals at Lake Karapiro last weekend.
Luke had a great weekend up at the nationals.  He got two bronze medals.  One in the 200 metre race and his second one in the 100 metre race.  He also got 4th in his 500m race and his K2 200M race and 5th in a K4 200M race.
Luke was presented his medal by Lisa Carrington.

Sports Notices

Beckenham School would like to promote an upcoming mountain biking event in Hanmer Springs that may be of interest to you. 
The Hanmer 4 Hour, run by Hanmer Events, is a super fun event, suitable for children looking to get into competitive mountain biking. Competitors work as part of a team with the aim of completing as many laps of a set course as they can in four hours. The course this year is a mixture of forest trail and non technical single track. 12 year olds may compete as an individual in the under 17 category. There is a separate course for Super Junior Teams (aged 8 - 11 years) that uses tracks in the Heritage Forest. These children need their own Tail End Charlie (an adult to keep up with them) for each lap they do. While these tracks are suitable for children, competitors should be confident riders, who are capable of controlling their speed and direction on single track. 

Hanmer Events are welcoming entries from school teams with a 10% discount on entry fees and a special category for school teams. More information can be found on the Hanmer Events website (www.hanmerevents.co.nz).

If there is a team wishing to represent Beckenham School, I will attend the race to cheer the bikers on and offer support. I will bring the Beckenham School flags and set up an area where the children can relax and re-energise between laps. Children can use Beckenham sports tops as their team uniform if they wish. 

The entry fee is $80 per team, however we do have a special code that will give you 10% off! If you are interested please email me on jenny.diggle@beckenham.school.nz for the code. 

While Beckenham School encourages participation in this event, children will remain the responsibility of their parents for the entire duration of the event. 

Community Notices

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


TimberNook - the Ultimate Sensory Experience

TimberNook provides innovative nature-based programmes for children designed to foster creativity, imagination & play in the great outdoors.
TimberNook programmes are now offered locally! Amazing outdoor experiences in natural settings –Cracroft Guide Centre (151 Cashmere Road). Limited places for Tiny Ones preschool playgroups, Going Wild weekend club, a range of school holiday programmes, special events & birthday parties. To view programmes visit http://www.timbernook.com or contact Kim via email Kim.Tenebaum@timbernook.com, 027 9340409, fb TimberNook Christchurch NZ South
TimberNook doesn’t entertain – we empower!

Netball

Christchurch Netball Centre are running an ANZ futureFERNS  FUN Have A Go Day for all children in Years 1-6.
This event is free and showcases the ANZ futureFERNS programmes for Years 1-2, Years 3-4 and Years 5-6.
Parents, caregivers and potential coaches welcome.
Information about the programmes will be available as well as information about clubs in Christchurch and ways you can be involved in Junior Netball.
To register simply follow the link below:
http://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/50158

Child, Youth and Family 

Child, Youth and Family are looking for people, in and around the Hornby area, who are interested in making a difference in the life of a vulnerable young person.
James is a friendly teen with a great sense of humour.  James is mad about cars and would like to be a mechanic when he grows up.
James is a member of the Christchurch City BMX club and by all accounts is quite good and will be competing at competition level.  He is also involved in his local cricket club and attends youth group weekly.  He enjoys playing video games - X-Box and PSP, watching and playing sport, and listening to music.  James takes pride in his room, which is remarkably clean and likes to help with chores around the house.
James would do really well in the care of a local couple who have experience with young people.  He needs someone, who can build his self-esteem, offer opportunities and experiences while at the same time providing consistent and clear boundaries.
Like most teens James behaviour can be challenging, at times, particularly when he is anxious or unclear about what is happening. James needs someone with patience, to help him learn positive behaviours and help to manage challenges positively.
With your support and care James will have every opportunity to develop positively and achieve his full potential.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please call us to discuss fostering a young person and the support package we can offer you. Call Karina Langley for a chat on 03 961 4130 or email karina.langley002@cyf.govt.nz or call toll free on 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459).

Orchestral Extravaganza:

Wed 22 Mar, 7:30pm, Christ's College Assembly Hall.  Free admission.  No bookings required.  Put on by orchestras from Rangi Ruru, Christ's College and St Margaret's College.

Holi Festival

Revel Events and Christchurch Multicultural Council are excited to bring Holi back to Christchurch on Saturday 4th March. We would like to invite you to join in the fun from 11am - 3pm at 221 Gloucester Street, opposite Latimer Square.
This year Holi is all about bringing life, colour and fun to our central city. Cultural fusion dance performances will showcase the many different cultures in our community joining together in celebration!
Holi is a day to forget worries and connect with family and friends. Come along and throw colors, dance, and enjoy DJs, traditional Indian games, cultural performances and festive Holi delicacies. We would enjoy seeing your school there. If you’re interested, the entry to this event is free, colors will be available to purchase $5 for 2 packets. Please see the event here https://www.facebook.com/events/583137945217592/

Southern Cross Irish dance:

Beginner Classes
1ST LESSON FREE
Saturdays 10am-11am (from 4th March 2017 onwards) St Mary’s Church Hall329 Halswell Rd, Halswell
Tuesdays 4pm-5pm (from 28th Feb 2017 onwards) Christchurch Irish Society Hall 29 Domain Tce, Spreydon.
to book, contact Shannon & Argene on 0220403109, southerncrossirishdance@gmail.com
 Great for kids to gain confidence, co-ordination and rhythm, SouthernCrossIrishDance.com




Beckenham School Newsletter, Friday 17 February 2017

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Our thoughts have been with all of the families impacted by the tragic events of the past five days. We also share with the rest of Christchurch in our appreciation of the tireless efforts put in by the hundreds who continue to work together, in many different roles, to bring the fires under control.

While this afternoon had been planned to be our first House event where the children spent time on the park in their house groups, getting to know the younger and older children in their house group, the rain was so welcome that spending the time singing together in the hall was no hardship at all.

Today we saw the arrival of a large crane onto the West building site as the rafters were hoisted into place.

By Wednesday next week, there will be a bigger crane on site, lifting the pre-fabricated wall and roof panels into place.

Kia kaha

Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Tue 21st Feb - Training Band starts today at Hillview Christian School at 8am. Children need to make their own way there and the bus will collect them for Champion St at 9am.

Wed 22nd Feb - Board of Trustees Meeting (was postponed last week) - Staffroom - All Welcome

Thu 23rd Feb - Yr 5-8 Swimming Sports at Wharenui Swimming Pool.  12:30-3:00pm

Mon 27th Feb - Fri 3 Mar
Yr 7 & 8 Camp at Wainui

Fri 10th Mar
1:30-3pm School Duathlon

Tue 14th Mar
Zone Swimming sports at Jellie Park Recreation

Wed 22nd Mar - School photos at Beckenham School (class and individual)

Term Dates

Click here to view the 2016 and 2017 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Cooper Reddecliffe - Year 4

Cooper, you are growing into your role as a junior leader. You demonstrate the Beckenham School values "We love challenge" and "We get there together" by showing effort and enthusiasm for your learning and by helping others in the hub to complete tasks. You have shown persistence and resilience since the beginning of the term, demonstrating a growth mindset to your peers and teachers. Thanks you for all of your effort so far, Cooper. You are a superstar who makes our hub rock!

Sharing our Learning

Kowhai Team

 Inspiration Stations In Hub 7/8/9

We are now starting the day with Inspiration Stations which are proving extremely popular with the children in Hub 7/8/9. We have various stations for the children to work at ranging from Lego challenge stations to play dough creations to puppet plays. We have also managed to include a bit of measurement too. The children were challenged to find the right measurement tool to measure their feet, hands, ankles and wrists and they also compared their heights to one another. It was a bit tricky but they managed by doing it with their buddies and getting there together!


Key Values in Team Kowhai:

For the last two weeks the children have been focussing on our key values of “We care” and “We get there together”. This is really important as we get to know each other and begin to establish our ways of working together.

We have been using kind words like “Can I help?”, “Are you okay?”, “You are awesome!” and we have been practicing kind actions such as Hi 5s, smiling, looking at people when they talk and helping people.

We know how important it is that everyone feels safe and happy in our hubs. One of the ways that we have been practicing this is by participating in our hub Inspiration Stations. During this time the children are working co-operativley on a variety of different activity stations. When choosing a station, the focus is on the two school values, “We love learning” and “We love challenge”. The teacher’s role is to question what  the children are learning and for the children to be able to explain why they have chosen the task and how they know that they are thinking.
“I know when I am thinking because I have to do things much more slowly.” Zoe
“I am challenging myself by trying to make a 3D minion. I’m using my 2D minion as my guide.” Emma and Justine

Mindfulness

In Kowhai team, we believe in the importance of teaching the children how to stay calm and relaxed. Each afternoon we have time to give our bodies a time to stop and for us to think about being calm and relaxed. We are currently learning how to do belly breathing which helps us if we ever feel anxious or upset. This is when we have to breathe deeply so our tummies go right out!

Junior School Leaders


As we are on two sites, the Year 4 students in our team have been given the opportunity to become Junior School Leaders. We have been incredibly impressed with the high level of maturity and reliability the Year 4 children have demonstrated. At present we have children being responsible for being receptionists at morning tea, organising lunch monitors, being milk monitors and sport shed supervisors. Here are some of our Term 1 leaders. In Term 2, we will allocate new leadership roles to provide the children with the opportunity to become a leader if they haven’t already or to try a new role.


Staff Profile

Anna Reid

I have now been teaching for 4 years at Beckenham and enjoyed every minute of it! I love the fantastic community spirit at Beckenham and the way that the children are at the heart of everything we do. I have taught New Entrants up to Year 4 and just love developing relationships with these wonderful children. I am passionate about teaching children to be open-minded and to celebrate and embrace each other's differences. I live in St. Martins with my husband and three daughters. My husband, Ben, is an IT consultant and works at the EPIC centre in Christchurch. My eldest daughters, Maia (16) and Holly (14) go to Cashmere High School and my youngest daughter, Cara (11), goes to St. Martins Primary. As a family, we love to go for tramps and to go swimming and paddle boarding at the beach. I, myself, do a lot of running and have completed 4 half-marathons so far. I also love to just relax and read or do some crosswords and sudoku puzzles.


School Notices

Congratulations


Congratulations to Amanda (our NE teacher in Hub 10/11 last year) and Callum McLean on the arrival of their bonny boy, Arthur.  Mum, Dad and Arthur are all doing well and loving being together as a family.

Lunchonline:

Pita Pit has amended their menu to include a mandatory size option. This is to accommodate the children who find the kids size pita a little small.
The two choices are Regular Size or Kids Size.
The Kids Size is the pita that is currently being supplied. The Regular Size are larger and the size you would order in store.
So, next time you order your Pita Pit, you will be prompted to select a size if you forget.

School Road Patrol:

We still require some more willing parent helpers to support our children by supervising morning road patrol on Sandwich Road. Please contact Michelle Maule on deputy,principal@beckenham.school.nz if you are able to help out with this and keep our children safe.

Sports News

Beckenham School Orienteering

The Beckenham School orienteering group are looking forward to another great year and welcome anyone who would like to come along.

We will be organising weekly orienteering training sessions on Monday afternoons starting on March 13th. We also take part in many events put on by the local orienteering club. These usually take place on Sundays but there is currently a summer series of Tuesday evening events underway. Orienteering is suitable for children from year 5 up to do on their and any age to do accompanied by an adult or older child. If you or your child are interested to try orienteering contact Jenni jennia.home@gmail.com to be added to the Beckenham orienteering mail list. You can come along to as many or as few orienteering sessions as you would like.

The highlight for 2016 was the trip by 5 Beckenham students to the Australian Orienteering champs in Queensland. The group achieved many excellent results with the best being in the relay championships. Seven teams representing various Australian states battled the two New Zealand teams in the 12 and under category; NZ1, including Kaia Joergensen, emerged the victors while NZ2 consisting wholly of Beckenham students, Rosie Zinzan-Dickie, Daisy York and Isaac Macdonald took out second place!

Community Notices

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

Girls Brigade:

The 5th ChCh Girls Brigade Company, part of Beckenham Methodist Church, is looking for new girls.
We meet every Wednesday during the school term at the Church Hall on Martin Avenue.  We enjoy fun activities to share, inspire and develop physical, art, craft social and educational skills.
5-8 yrs meet from 6-7pm and 9yrs and over meet from 6-7:30pm.
Please phone Dianne Claughton: 3322889 for further information.

Cashmere Netball Trials: 

Trials are being held on Sunday 12th March & 19th March for years 6-13. No trials for years 5 and below. Please visit www.sporty.co.nz/cashmerenc for more information.  All trials will be carried out at Hagley Netball Courts.

Highland Dancing Classes

Highland Dancing classes for Boys and Girls are held at the Caledonian Hall, 5 Michelle Road, Wigram, commencing on Saturday, the 1st April.   All new entrants should be at the hall by 9.30am for a starting time of 9.45am.    Boys and Girls from Age 5 years upwards plus any that are due to turn 5 in the near future will be very welcome.     This year we are making a special drive to attract more boys to join our many young female dancers.  The learning of Highland Dancing contributes to children’s bodily strength, musical appreciation and  co-ordination, as well as providing the opportunity to socialise with their peers. Highland Dancing can become a life-time interest. All information on our classes can be obtained by emailing calyhighland@paradise.net.nz or c.cole@clear.net.nz or visiting our facebook page – Canterbury Caledonian Society Highland Dancing or the Canterbury Caledonian Society website – Highland Dancing.   Our Caledonian Society Classes are kept at a minimal cost to accommodate family budgets. All enquiries will be welcomed.