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Beckenham School Newsletter Friday 2nd June 2017

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

I had the pleasure this week of joining Hub 1 on their Art Gallery and Botanic Gardens trip. The children were shown a small number of works at the gallery and engaged in a lot of discussion about those works before returning to the gallery classroom to create their own works. The small group I was with were shown a exhibit that included sculptures of sloths, made from recycled fur coats and gloves. They were quite fascinated with these creatures, and we had a go at making our bodies into the shapes of the sculptures. We took our volunteer guide slightly by surprise, but no sloth were hurt and a trip to the gallery was made just a little bit more memorable!


Preparing for New Learning Spaces

Our teachers are continuing to develop their practice and processes around collaboration as we work towards moving into our new learning spaces. Last week, the 5 teachers from the Y3/4 Kowai team spent a day together, visiting another school that has recently moved into learning spaces very similar to ours, spending time in our new building and then meeting to develop the systems and processes that will be important to have for the successful transition from our current spaces to our new spaces. They are considering the ways that our children learn, and ensuring that there will be consistency from all the members of the teaching team in the expectations and messages that are given to the children.

The West Hub continues to progress with lighting, plumbing, wall and floor coverings and joinery nearly all in. The underfloor heating system is being commissioned this coming week.
Our Year 1/2 teachers from Hub 10/11 had a similar day on Thursday, and the Koru teachers from Hubs 1-4 will have a similar day coming in the next couple of weeks. We appreciate that having a reliever in the class for day is not quite the same as having the teacher with whom the children are familiar, and we believe that giving the teachers sufficient time for this preparation is very important and will result in the best outcomes as we move forward.

Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Mon 5 Jun
Queen's Birthday - school is closed.

Wed 7 Jun
7:00-8:30pm Parent Seminar - Tips for Supporting Children with Anxiety
Free seminar - Beckenham School Staffroom

Thu 8 Jun
5:30-7:30pm Whānau Hui - Staffroom.

Fri 9 Jun
Winter sport for years 5-8.

Fri 16 Jun
Winter sport for years 5 - 8.

Thu Jun 22
Junior Cross Country at Beckenham Park.  1:30 - 3:00pm

Term Dates

Click here to view 2017 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Ruby McNiven - Year 5

Ruby, you are an outstanding role model at Beckenham School. You are a confident and self-motivated learner who seeks opportunities to reflect on your learning and extend and challenge yourself in all areas of school life. The support you give those around you is highly appreciated as you quietly help them to achieve success. Your caring, friendly and helpful nature brings a sparkle to our hub. We are very proud of you Ruby!

Bobbi Gover - Year 2

Bobbi, you are a shining star who radiates 'We Love Learning' and 'We Get There Together'. You are a brilliant self-manager who always ensures learning is your top priority. You are constantly looking for ways to share your knowledge with others. You are kind and caring to all the children in our hub. You support them by role modelling how to do the right thing and listening to them when they need your help. Thank you, Bobbi, for being you!

Sharing our Learning

Pohutukawa Team Highlights

Identity 
Our conceptual learning is focused around understanding that identity highlights the uniqueness and similarities within living things, communities, structures and places. This term, we have developed this understanding further through Science, Visual Art and Health.
As we started our journey last term into the concept of identity, an interest sparked around DNA when we were learning about our whakapapa. This term, we are delving deeper into that through crime scene investigations, individual traits, inheritance and genes. Here are some examples of drawing a dog, created from a unique DNA code:



We are learning about visually communicating our ideas in relation to our identity. This area has been explored through Picasso style cubism portraits. Here are some examples of our ideas:




During Term 1 we developed our understanding around how people’s feelings, beliefs and actions contribute to our own and others’ sense of self-worth. This term, we are building on this concept through focusing on ways to act responsibility to support ourselves and others in negative situations, particularly bullying. We are exploring this through identifying types of bullying, the impacts it might have and what we can do to stop it. Here is one of our groups practising their role play based on a bullying scenario:


Writing
We have been working on making changes to our writing to make it more interesting for the reader. These changes have focused around varying sentence lengths and adding detail such as alliterative adjectives. Here is an example that James has written based on a writing motivation around discovering a dinosaur. We added detail to it collaboratively as a writing group.

Velociraptor

I opened a rattling door and stumbled across the box lying at my feet containing a heavy pistol and some tiny tranquilising darts.
Then I heard a rattling noise. Thud thud! I looked up into the glaring eyes of a 5 foot tall scaly velociraptor! It hissed and snarled at me but fortunately it was in a cage. Then I did what most people would do, I picked up the pistol and pulled the trigger. The dart flew through the air. Whoosh! It hit the velociraptor. It fell to the ground. At night the raptor’s eyes opened wide and its teeth opened. Click! The raptor ran down the street. I woke up then I charged after it. The raptor sprang into the air like a kid on a pogo stick and chomped a man on the leg. He collapsed to the ground dramatically dead. Then I remembered the darts! I pulled the trigger and the dart struck. Once again the raptor fell to the ground. Later, the animal control squad came along. Phew!  

By James Coleman

School Notices

Children's Safety

You may have been aware of two items in the news over the past week around children's safety. The first was regarding an attempted abduction of a child near Parklands School. The second was an item on Stuff and on the Neighbourhood Facebook page regarding a letter sent to parents at Somerfield and St Peters Schools from the Department of Corrections, to advise that a known sex offender was being released into the area. 
As a school we have not been notified by Corrections because our school was not considered to be in the notifiable area.
We appreciate that news like this causes alarm and concern for parents. The unfortunate reality is that there are potentially always people living and moving around our community who may wish to harm children and what these two news items have done is remind us of that.
The best protection parents can give their children is to talk with them about personal safety, and in particular about how to act and respond to potential threats when they are out in the local community without an adult. 
NZ Police have some tips about Keeping Children Safe, as does the website Kiwi Families and we encourage you to regularly discuss your family's plan and expectations around what you want your children to do to help to keep them safe.

Absences:

Phone: 3371404, txt 02102794107 for the office.  Or email office@beckenham.school.nz

Scholastic Book Orders:

Unfortunately due to an error on the website orders for the latest Scholastic book issue, some of the ordered books will be delivered to school.  This is not our preferred option and has previously been removed from the website by Scholastic.  It will NOT be available on any future issues.  The only option is to have the books delivered to an alternative address, e.g. your home address.
In an effort to reduce the amount of mail going through the office and the amount of wasted paper we will no longer distribute the paper flyer for each Scholastic book issue during the year.  Instead there will be a link in the newsletter to inform you that the next issue has opened and you can now order online.  Obviously you are able to visit the scholastic website at any time and order books, we will merely be placing a courtesy reminder when they have a new issue of books.
For those of you who have ordered books in the latest issue, and ticked the deliver to school option, you will receive an email when the books have arrived.

Last chance to book for this week's Parent Seminar - Supporting Children with Anxiety

Canterbury District Health Board School Based Team are excited to present a workshop offering strategies for parents who want to help their child who is struggling with anxiety.

This coming Wed 7th June 7:00-8:30pm

Does your child suffer from anxiety?
Do you want to know more about anxiety?
Dow you want to find out more about how anxiety looks in children?
Do you want to find new ways to help your child?

Venue: Beckenham School in the staffroom (Room 13 behind the garage).
This is a FREE seminar. Please contact the office or Michelle Maule (Deputy Principal) to book a space; office@beckenham.school.nz or deputy.principal@beckenham.school.nz

Congratulations to...

Juliette Gray who, back in April, competed in the Alana Haines Australasian Awards (for Ballet),  held every 2 years and biggest comp in Australasia held in Wellington. 163 juniors competed and Juliette was one of the 11 finalists and received the Audience Choice Award and the Auckland week scholarship - a week’s scholarship (including flights) to the Auckland Ballet Academy. There was only one other South Island competitor in the final 11 and the top three places all went to Australian students who are full-time at ballet schools. Congratulations Juliette - you are a dedicated dancer and your persistence and determination have paid off.


Staff Profile - Sue Leadbetter


Kia ora koutou.  I feel very lucky to have joined the wonderful team at Beckenham School this year. Prior to 2017 I taught in Oakura, Auckland, Milton, Christchurch and the UK.  I have also enjoyed lecturing at the University of Auckland, working with parents to help them support their children at home and as a specialist teacher in the Secondary Sector.  I love teaching in all areas of the school and am thoroughly enjoying being  in the Junior School working with the very talented, energetic teachers in Koru team.  I have two gorgeous children Maisy (13) and Angus (11).  Maisy is at Cashmere HIgh School, enjoying making new friends, surfing and playing soccer.  Angus is in Year 6 at Beckenham School and loves surfing, kayaking and soccer. Our days are spent involved in many different active past times!  Lots of fun.  As a family we love spending time with Grandma Honey and Grandad Bruce in Sumner and exploring new outdoor activities around Canterbury with friends and family.  A big thank you to everyone in the Beckenham community for helping me to feel so welcome this year.

PTA News

We hope you've all had a chance to see our Thermometers on Sandwich Road and Eastern Terrace. These are designed to show you the growth of our fundraising efforts for the schools Outdoor Spaces. We are excited to see that red line continue to grow and grow with all of your support.

We have a busy time ahead with some FUN fundraising events to get us all through the winter including this year's first disco, a very special evening planned for all you Ladies out there so stay tuned and our popular Quiz Night is back.  All the information for all our events will be advertised either via our PTA Facebook page or on the PTA News board at the school entrance.  Keep checking for details.

Have you purchased your Entertainment Book for 2017/18? - it's not too late to take advantage of some really amazing deals - or perhaps give one away as a gift.  There are just so many opportunities to save money when using your Entertainment Book here in Canterbury and as far North as Nelson. So purchase one today and start to enjoy some fabulous restaurants, cafes and activities.  You can place your order either at the school office or by clicking on the link below;

https://www.entertainmentbook.co.nz/orderbooks/134x257


Thank you to all of you who helped us shift some stock from our Uniform Room - the green container in the car park.  Many of you got some amazing deals in our Mad May Uniform Sale. Remember our Uniform Room is open every Monday before and after school.

As always we would love to hear any of your ideas to help us build upon our current calendar of fundraising events and you are all welcome at our monthly meetings.  To keep up to date with all the happenings don't forget to join our Facebook page at Beckenham School PTA.

Community Notices

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

Cashmere High Family Fun Day Fair: Kiwi families helping Syrian families...

We are running a family fun day at Cashmere High to raise money to build child-friendly spaces in refugee camps for Syrian kids

DATE: 17 June
TIME: 10am-2pm
LOCATION: Cashmere High School Front Field
PARKING: Some parking available on-site - please enter through Rose Street Gates

What's on:
- Face painting
- Bouncy castle
- Bake sale
- Stalls from local businesses
- Games for kids
- Sausage sizzle
- Raffle

All funds to go to the World Vision 40 Hour Famine

Our goal is to raise $10,000!

https://www.worldvision.org.nz/fundraising/team/cashmere-high-school/40-hour-famine

Starfish Swim School

Bookings for the July holiday program are now open!
10th-14th July.  Cost is $62.50 for the week.
For further details email: info@starfishswimschool.co.nz

GKR Karate 

GKR Karate will be running a Children's Safety Awareness Workshop with an aim to arm our children with education and skills to look after themselves!

Cost of the workshop is $15 per child - available to non-members and GKR members.  Please share this great event and let everyone know about it. Let’s work together to build a safer community for our children.

Save this date and book your kids spots by contacting Anthony via text on 0210308376 or email akaiaruna@gkrkarate.com.


https://www.facebook.com/events/299199960526483/?ti=icl

Female Footballers Desperately Needed!!

Halswell United is in need of more girls aged 13-15 years to play in our U15 team.
This team has a fantastic female coach, they train on Thursday afternoons and play Saturday mornings 9.15am. It would suit new players and players that wish to return to the game.
For further information, please contact Craig Crawford: 021 325 611 or email: huafcgm@gmail.com

Oranga Tamariki

Christchurch children urgently need Foster Carers. If you are interested in finding out more information on how you could help, either as a foster carer, emergency carer, respite carer or a home for life role, please contact 039632149, lorraine.boswell@mvcot.govt.nz.

Beckenham School Newsletter, Friday 19 May 2017

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Another busy fortnight at school saw our Year 7 and 8 students participating in the JRock / Stage Challenge at the Horncastle Arena on Thursday evening. They drew the first performance spot of the night and set an amazing standard for the performers who followed. Those of us lucky enough to be in the audience were immensely proud of them all. Every single one of our Year 7/8 students was involved and there on the night. That is one of the strengths of being a Year 7/8 at Beckenham - everyone takes part. We really do Get There Together.  Special thanks to the teachers in Year 7/8, Jenny, Jarred and Nicky, who supported the students, and to the parents who helped with food on the night.

Parent Seminar coming up: Tips for supporting Children with Anxiety

Canterbury District Health Board School Based Team are excited to present a workshop offering strategies for parents who want to help their child who is struggling with anxiety.

 Wed 7th June 7:00-8:30pm

  • Does your child suffer from anxiety?
  • Do you want to know more about anxiety?
  • Dow you want to find out more about how anxiety looks in children?
  • Do you want to find new ways to help your child?


Venue: Beckenham School in the staffroom (Room 13 behind the garage).
This is a FREE seminar. Please contact the office or Michelle Maule (Deputy Principal) to book a space; office@beckenham.school.nz or deputy.principal@beckenham.school.nz

Building Update

As you will have probably noticed, our West Hub is looking very close to being ready. I was fortunate to have a look inside again this week and the ceiling tiles and wall coverings were nearly all in. The joinery units are mostly in, and carpet is due to go down this coming week. The last major pieces of work will be the installation and commissioning of the underfloor heating system and the final landscaping pathway work around the outside of the building.


The East Hub is also moving along quickly and both are on track to be ready for our Y1-4 classes to move into them for the start of Term 3.

The new Bike Stand are is working well. Special thanks Fahey Fencing who have loaned us the temporary fencing for no charge. When we get the permanent fencing installed, we will be looking to have two gates, an 'in' and an 'out' gate, to improve the flow of traffic at peak times.

Sandy Hastings
Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events (also available on the Community Calendar)

Wed 24 May
Zones Cross Country at Halswell Quarry. Bus leaves Sandwich Rd site at 8:40am

Kowhai Trip to the City

7:30 - 9:30pm PTA Meeting, School staffroom. All welcome.

Fri 26 May
Winter Sport - all games start 1:15pm

Mon 5 Jun
Queen's Birthday - school is closed.

Wed 7 Jun
7:00-8:30pm Parent Seminar - Tips for Supporting Children with Anxiety
Free seminar - Beckenham School Staffroom

Thu 8 Jun
5:30-7:30pm Whānau Hui

Term Dates

Click here to view the 2017 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Olivia Cochrane - Year 8

Olivia, we are so proud to have you as part of Kauri Whanau. The enthusiasm and effort you display for learning, ensures that you consistently strive to give your very best. 'We Care' is a value that shines in you. Olivia, you display empathy towards others, helping and guiding wherever you see the need. You show our value 'We Get There Together' by working productively with a wide range of people, always being aware of what is required and ensuring the group stays on track. Thank you for the fabulous contribution you are making in the Intermediate Hub!

Maia Davis - Year 6

Māia, you personify the value of 'We love learning', with your positive and enthusiastic approach towards all areas of your learning. You demonstrate that you are a fantastic team player through your clear leadership skills, and by being able to view things from different perspectives. You are actively involved in areas outside of the classroom and participate with commitment and energy. Your kind and caring heart is appreciated by everyone in Te Whānau o Pōhutukawa. Keep shining Māia - you are amazing!

Sharing our Learning

Kauri Team - Year 7 & 8

There are a number of advantages of choosing to spend Year 7 and 8 in a full primary school. One of the advantages is the opportunity to participate and contribute, as with fewer children at the same level, more have the chance to get involved. J-Rock is a prime example of this.


Yesterday the Year 7 & 8 team spent an awesome day at Horncastle area, taking part in J-Rock / Stage Challenge. This was the culmination of a term’s worth of learning, choreography, practise, refinement and the pursuit of excellence.  For many schools, participation in this dance event is optional. At Beckenham we expect everyone to be involved. As Maddi said, ‘Some people might say they don’t want to do J-Rock, but when they do it, they would be proud of themselves and they would want to do it again’.  Aside from our lighting technician and our backstage hand, every child stepped out under the lights, in front of a huge audience, and shone on stage. Boy were we proud of them. 

Initially enthusiasm levels weren’t that high, but by the time we were ready to perform, 99% of the children were loving it. As Portia said: ‘It was great; one of my best times at Beckenham.’ Today the children reflected on their experience. They had lots of gems to share: 
‘Don’t say you’re scared, just give it a go and you will have a great time.’ Joe
‘I liked how supportive everyone was, including other schools.’ Rosie
‘It put people out of their comfort zone and made then more confident.’ Sadie
‘We used synergy a lot, to help others.’ Boston
‘It improved my teamwork and leadership skills.’ Bella
‘It was a really cool atmosphere. I liked that we could share everyone’s ideas.’ Olivia
‘Everyone got a chance to be a star.’ Isaac

We are looking forward to sharing our performance, which focuses on our school’s whakapapa, with the rest of the school and our parent community, later in the term.

School Notices

Safety around the buses

We have noticed a small number of caregivers who are dropping/collecting children from the buses who continue to park on the 'no parking' zone opposite the buses. This results in the children crossing the road between the buses, putting them at extreme risk of being hit by a passing vehicle.
We do our best to put systems in place and we rely on everyone to follow those systems to keep all to keep all of our children safe.

Unknown Person

Our school account is receiving regular deposits from an individual identified as Y. E. Rozier.  If this is you, or someone who is paying on behalf of your child, could you please get in touch with Vicky in accounts, Ph: 3371404 or accounts@beckenham.school.nz.

Lunchonline - Daily lunch ordering and delivery system

Thank you to Lunchonline for the service that they provide every day for our families who wish to order lunches. We were one of the very first schools in Christchurch to sign up to this lunch supply system and they and their two suppliers in Christchurch (Sydenham Bakery and Pita Pit) have done a fantastic job of providing lunches ever since.

When we moved to two sites, the orders for each site naturally halved in number and our two suppliers have provided unflinching support through that, committing to keep on delivering around half the quantity to two different sites for the duration of our building programme.


To register for Lunchonline, go to their website www.lunchonline.co.nz and click on 'Families' then choose 'Create an Account'. Provided you put in your order by the 8:30am cut-off, the lunch will be delivered to school ready for lunch eating time at 1:15pm that day. You can order for future days, and you can also place a repeating order for a particular day(s).  A recent update to their menu means that you can now order a kids size pita or a regular size pita for the students who require something a little larger.
Each term, Lunchonline sends us a cheque for commission from the total orders that our families purchase. In term 1, this came to $85.36
This money goes into our curriculum funds and may be used for a wide variety of curriculum costs.



Staff Profile

Anne Chin - Learning support/Librarian

Kia ora koutou. I have been at Beckenham since 2001 as part of the support staff. I love working in the school library (in its many different locations) and engaging with the students.

Community Notices

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


Team Hutt

Team Hutt is an outstanding provider of Alpine Ski Race Programs in New Zealand and offer programs from under 8 years of age through to full time athlete programs at FIS level. For the 2017 season they are offering 15 different programs, incorporating more Junior Team Hutt programs, and for the first time a Masters Training program.
Team Hutt’s programs have an emphasis on introducing children at the junior levels to the sport of ski racing (developing a passion and love of skiing) and full programs provide the opportunity for children to advance their alpine skiing skills to a competitive level - right through to the international FIS level. Team Hutt is run by the Canterbury Alpine Sports Trust, a not for profit trust where all funds are re-invested into supporting the alpine programs, and is directed and led by experienced and world class coaches. For more information or to apply for a programme please visit www.teamhutt.com. The first of their programs start on Friday 16th June.

Children's Yoga for 4-6 year olds.

​Would your Child be keen to learn Imagi
nation Yoga?
We have some spare spots at the Huntsbury Community Centre Class, Tuesdays 3:30-4:15pm
Excellent for mind-body-social awareness, managing emotions, developing confidence and self-expression.
From their perspective it's a weekly, super-fun imaginative movement adventure!
Many Children benefit from this nurturing, creative & non-competitive environment.
Contact Lou on 0226 250 321 or hello@siouxiesolar.com
siouxiesolar.com/imaginationyoga


ALICE IN WONDERLAND AUDITIONS!!!

Sunday May 21st 4 - 6 pm at St Ninians Church Hall,
9 Puriri Street, Riccarton.
Catchup auditions on Saturday May 27th 10 - 11 am
Wanted - young performers 7 - 17!
Rehearsals will be weekends May, June. beginning of July!
Show is July 11 - 22 at Elmwood Theatre, Christchurch
Enquiries and registration to Helen at hellnhighwater@gmail.com 
See the Imagine Youth Theatre Facebook Page.
Further information if people want  more detail

Canvas Bag Drama School opens in South Brighton!

Is your child dramatic? Do they love dressing up and acting out stories?
From Term 2 Canvas Bag Drama School will be running 2 classes for children at St Luke’s Church Hall, 212 Pine Ave. To kick-start the opening of our South Brighton Campus we are offering a free trial for the first class.
Don’t delay, places are limited!

Thumbelina: 5 -7 years (Thursdays 3.30-4.30)
Starfleet Class: 8-12 years (Thursdays 4.30 –5.30)

Our classes combine a structured fun-filled social environment with extensive use of improvisation and role-play to develop positive feelings of self-worth and the ability to confidently express thoughts and feelings.
Classes are run by a qualified drama teacher - Gina Fowler
Please enquire at info@canvasbag.nz. or 021 222 7273 or check out our web page for more information.
www.canvasbag.nz

​

Beckenham School Newsletter, Friday 5 May, 2017

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Welcome back to Term 2! I hope that you all managed to get some time to relax with your family over the past two weeks. A special welcome to all of the new students and their families who have started school this week.

Building Update

Our building work continues at great pace and we have been advised that they are making good progress and are well within their completion deadline for the full project. During the school holidays a stormwater retention system was installed. This involved digging a pit in the junior grass area where a network of interlocking plastic 'crates' were placed, then covered back over with topsoil. This is designed to take the stormwater from the roof of the West building, and prevent future flooding. We now have to wait for the grass to regrow before we will be able to utilise that space. We haven't had a chance to go into the West Building for a few weeks, but we are told that it is only 3-4 weeks from completion. The East Building is on track for completion by the middle of the July holidays.

HRS have begun work on the hall and foyer. The hall is getting some exterior recladding work done and the foyer is getting a new frontage, deck and roof. In the past couple of days a small amount of asbestos was found under the hall foyer so on Monday you may notice asbestos removal work happening in this area. The asbestos removal company have provided this information to confirm that this work presents no health and safety concern for our children, parents or staff:

  1. ACM (asbestos contaminated material) located in small section of soil, stones and gravel. This has been immediately isolated / contained awaiting removal of contaminated material to be undertaken on Monday 8 th May.
  2. Air monitoring has been conducted within the isolated area. Work in progress air quality monitoring will be performed as a control measure during the removal and disposal on Monday.

The small area of concern possess no associated health risks and has no potential for accidental airborne fibre release throughout removal works on Monday.
Suspect material is thoroughly wetted and damp and has been isolated under current regulations with 200 um plastic.
Hazardous containing material labels have been affixed to the small stock pile / area of concern.
A COC license holder from AQARL will oversee the removal of this material for immediate disposal on Monday.

New Bike storage area

If your children bring bikes or scooters to school, you will be aware that we have created a new bike stand on the Sandwich Road side of the old verandah block. This area will be our permanent new home for the bikes and will be locked during the school day. We plan to install security cameras when the new cabling has been installed. We are very grateful to one of our parents, Hamish Denny (Drainworkz), for carrying out the the groundwork for this area and donating all of the labour costs. We have temporary fencing in place at the moment, and plan to put permanent, pool-style fencing along this boundary when the fencing for the other part of that area is done. The PTA are currently fundraising for this and other landscaping work which will need doing as the building project progresses.

Learning Conferences

If you have not yet booked your learning conference for next week, this weekend is your last chance to do this. Please go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and use the code b5qec

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT SCHOOL WILL CLOSE AT 2PM ON TUESDAY AND THURSDAY FOR LEARNING CONFERENCES.

 If you are not able to collect your child at the earlier time of 2pm, and would like them to be supervised at school until 3pm, please email or call Jacky in the office. Children will be supervised in the staffroom which is currently in Room 13 (behind the caretaker's garage).
If your child is booked for BOSCO on Tuesday or Thursday, they will be able to go to BOSCO at 2pm.

Tuesday Afternoon Band rehearsal at Hillview Christian School:
The bus from Champion St will return all of the Year 5-8 children to school at 2pm on both Tuesday and Thursday.
If your child has band practice on Tuesday at Hillview Christian School, you will need to arrange for them to get to Hillview for the band practice.

Ngā mihi
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events - check out the school calendar for more details

Tue 9th May
2:00-6:00pm Learning Conferences SCHOOL CLOSES AT 2PM

Thu 11th May
2:00-7:30pm Learning Conferences SCHOOL CLOSES AT 2PM

Fri 12th May
1:30-3:00pm.  Yrs 5-8 Cross Country at Beckenham Park
Bring $1 for House theme face-painting!

Wed 17th May
9am -1pm.  Zone Cross Country at Halswell Quarry.

Wed 7 Jun
7:00-8:30pm Parent Seminar - Tips for Supporting Children with Anxiety
Free seminar - Beckenham School Staffroom

Thu 8 Jun
5:30-7:30mWhānau Hui

Term Dates

Click here to view 2017 term dates.

Citizens of the Week

Anekin Monks - Year 8

Anekin, you are a compassionate, supportive member of the Kauri whānau. You display a desire to take on challenges with determination, while encouraging others to do the same. Your warm smile and caring nature makes our hub a much happier place to be. You approach your learning with an open mind and strive to grow. Anekin, continue looking for opportunities to share your ideas and to lead by example. Tino pai Anekin!


Stella Gillman - Year 3

Stella is the best friend and classmate anyone could wish for . You demonstrate our school value, 'We Care' by encouraging those around you to achieve their best and you are  incredibly supportive of others both in and out of the hub. You are an amazing example of what it means to be a successful self-manager.  You approach every learning opportunity with a fantastic attitude. You always strive to produce top quality work by putting your heart and soul into all you do and as a result are a strong role model for others. We just love having you at Beckenham School, Stella!

Sharing our Learning

Hub 20

Kia ora Koutou
We in Hub 20 are very lucky to be a part of two schools.  So not only do we get to be a part of the fabulous Beckenham School, but we are also a part of Ferndale School in Merivale.



Each term we get together with all of Ferndale School to participate in a school wide activity. Through this we get to build our friendships and relationships with our Ferndale peers in a safe and familiar environment.  Last term we held a school picnic at our site in Merivale.  Not only did we share lunch with our Ferndale friends, but there were extra activities that we could join in.  There were games like Giant Jenga, we had sensory activities like bubbles, and the main attraction was all kinds of different bikes.  We loved having the bikes at our Ferndale School.  There were so many different ones to choose from - from trikes, to hand pedaling, and even bikes where our students who use wheelchairs could sit in and enjoy the experience.  Here are some of our students enjoying the bikes.

School Notices

Reminder - Please do not drop children at school before 8:30am

We are not able to provide any supervision of children before 8:30am. Teachers are not all at school at this time and those who do choose to come before 8:30am do so to get preparation done. Classrooms will not be opened before 8:30am. Thank you again for your support in this.

Stationery and Uniform Items

Please note that we are no longer going to be putting stationery or uniform items (hats/mouthguards) onto your accounts. These items need to be paid for at the time of purchase. We now have eftpos in the office for your convenience.
If the cost of uniform or stationery is causing your family hardship, please contact our new finance officer - Vicki Renwick - by emailing accounts@beckenham.school.nz  A local member of our community has donated some money to set up a hardship fund, to support families with the purchase of uniform and stationery items.

FREE Parent Workshop: Tips for supporting Children with Anxiety, Wed 7th June 7:00-8:30pm

  • Does your child suffer from anxiety?
  • Do you want to know more about anxiety?
  • Dow you want to find out more about how anxiety looks in children?
  • Do you want to find new ways to help your child?
Canterbury District Health School Based Team are excited to present a workshop offering strategies for parents who want to help their child who is struggling with anxiety.
Time: Wednesday 7th June, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Venue: Beckenham School in the staffroom (Room 13 behind the garage).
Please contact the office or Michelle Maule (Deputy Principal) to book a space; office@beckenham.school.nz or deputy.principal@beckenham.school.nz


J-Rock fundraising

Year 7 & 8 will be selling jelly and ice-cream next week, week 2, to raise money for J-Rock. For Year 1 - 4, purchase tickets, $2, by the flagpole on Wednesday morning. For Year 5-8, bring your $2 on Thursday. Many thanks for your support. This yummy treat will be served up at lunchtime.

Safety Notice from NZ Police

We were contacted today by our community constable who asked us to remind families to talk to children about safety when walking to and from school, and around the community. Children are always encouraged to walk in pairs or groups and report any suspicious behaviour from strangers to parents who should report this to the police.

Sports News

Cross Country

Our Year 5 - 8 school cross country event is taking place next week on Friday the 12th of May. The race will be held at Beckenham Park to enable more whānau to join us and cheer the children on as they run. We would also love to hear from anyone who would be available and willing to marshal on the day. Please email Jenny jenny.diggle@beckenham.school.nz is you are interested. Thank you.

House Face Painting for Cross Country!

For a gold coin, the PTA will be providing house colour face-painting at lunchtime next Friday for the whole school so that everyone can get involved in supporting our Y5-8 cross-country runners!
Bring your $1 to the flagpole before school to get in on the fun!

PTA News

Your PTA have been working really hard trying to come up with ideas for new and exciting events and community fundraisers. As always we would love to hear any of your ideas to help us build upon our current calendar of fundraising events for the year.

The physical environment at school is forever changing with our exciting rebuild and we want to help make it easier for you to see just how hard everyone including yourselves is working and helping towards our fundraising efforts. Early next week you'll see another exciting change at the entrances to the school. Keep an eye out for our amazing looking fundraising thermometers designed to show you how our fund for outdoor spaces at school are coming along. These have generously been sponsored by Lockwood Homes, Bumblebees & Macs Swim School and Blue Summit Construction. We can't wait to see that white thermometer continue to red throughout the year!

Next week we get to support our senior school students as they compete in their Cross Country. If your child would like to have their face painted to support the runners from their house, the PTA  will be doing face painting - war paint style... just bring along $1 to the flagpole next Friday (12th) morning and the facepainting will happen at lunchtime so they can cheer their housemates across the finish line.

For more exciting news and updates for all events  follow the Beckenham PTA Facebook page and keep checking the notice board at the entrance on Sandwich Road…. with a fresh coat of paint we’re hoping this will be more noticeable from next week also.

BOSCO NEWS


AGM 

To parents/caregivers of BOSCO.

The BOSCO 2017 AGM is being held on Monday 8th May 2017 at 5.30pm in the BOSCO Room.

A small supper will be provided as well as dinner and childcare in the other room for anyone requiring care during this time.

Did you know that BOSCO is a not-for-profit organisation and we are run by parents/caregivers of both current and past families?  These parents/caregivers meet once a month (childcare and supper is always provided if required) to have their say in how BOSCO is run and to hear how the programmes have been running over the past month and to focus on the future of all our programmes.

We are looking for new members as few of our current members are moving on.  If you think you would be interested in joining the committee and having your say on how BOSCO is run please contact Yvette for further information.

For catering purposes and to ensure sufficient staffing is available for childcare please RSVP to Yvette if you are able to attend our AGM to hear our financial and programme reports from 2016.

Regards

Yvette Cleall
Manager, BOSCO Incorporated

Community Notices

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

Cashmere High School Open Day

On Tuesday 23rd May 2017 from 4pm until 6.30pm Cashmere High School will be “open” for all
prospective students and parents.
The Principal, Mark Wilson, will address visitors in the school’s Performing Arts Centre (PAC) at 4pm and again at 5pm. Guided school tours will then be available at 4.30pm and 5.30pm.
The school’s prospectus, enrolment and scholarship forms are available from the school or from the
website: www.cashmere.school.nz
Closing date for Year 9 enrolments for 2018 is Friday 28th July 2017. It is vital that all out-of- zone
applications are received prior to this date, as there will be very limited places available and as a
result any late enrolments will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list.

For further information please phone the school office on 332 9129.

Act2 Drama Group

Audition Call: Ages 5 and up and for all abilities.
The Kidsfest production of the Jungle Book.
Audition date: Sun 14th May, St Albans Community Centre, 1047 Colombo St.  Performance dates: 16-22 July 2017.  Contact Fay on 0210431108 to book an audition.

The Dyspraxia Support Group 

...holds fun groups for children aged between 5 to 13 years of age on Saturday afternoons during term time.  The groups participate in a programme put together and delivered by a team of enthusiastic supervisors.
If you have a child or know a child with Developmental Dyspraxia/DCD who would be interested in attending, please contact Sue on 358 3249 or email dyspraxia.centre@xtra.co.nz.

Beckenham School Newsletter April 13th 2017

Posted on by

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

We feel some sense of achievement, having made it successfully through our second term of building work, with smiles intact and learning continuing on pretty much as usual.

Building update:

Today has seen the office move to the Minor Room , where it will be for Term 2. The hall, hall foyer and office reception will be part of the building site now, until the end of Term 3. The hall is being partially reclad (at the park end) where it is a leaky building. The foyer is getting a new front - windows and double doors to create a more welcoming entrance to the hall, and a new roof across the foyer and office reception area (which is being retained as an additional multi-purpose space).


The bike stands area will be relocated during the holidays to the Sandwich Road side of Rooms 1-4. Eventually we will put new fencing around this area. For Term 2, it will have temporary fencing.

The staffroom has been relocated from the hall foyer to Room 13 (behind Tony's garage).

For those of you watching the progress on the new buildings, you will have noticed the the West Hub (next to the Toy Library) is looking very smart with windows and doors now in, including the lovely red and yellow windows. The internal work happening in this building is massive with numerous different tradesmen (yes - sadly there haven't been any female tradies on site yet) working on their various trades at the same time. The East Hub has made a major transformational leap this week, going from a concrete pad on Monday morning, to a building with a roof by lunchtime today.
During the holidays, the diggers will be digging a stormwater pit in the junior grass area. This will be filled with a special stormwater retention system, and then reseeded. We do anticipate that this area will be partially fenced off for most of Term 2 whilst the grass is regrown.

Parking continues to be a real challenge and we thank you very much for your patience, and for being prepared to park and walk during this time.
We are continuing to have challenges each day around 2:55pm with the buses not having quite enough turning space from Martin Ave into Eastern Tce, causing additional congestion. If parents could refrain from parking on the river side of Eastern Tce in this spot, it would be a huge help.
The same goes for where the buses park on Eastern Tce. Please remember that BOTH sides of the road are NO PARKING so that our children can get on and off the buses safely, and traffic can continue to move along this area.

Welcome to our new Executive Officer

We look forward to properly welcoming Vicki Renwick to our team at the start of next term. Vicki will be joining our Administration Team to take over the payroll, accounting and minor property management work. Vicki has 12 years of experience in working in primary schools doing this work already and we are looking forward to having her on our team. She has been in doing some hours over the last couple of weeks to support the handover, and is excited about starting full-time next term.

Vicki Renwick - New Executive Officer

Getting going in Term 2

Please remember that Term 2 begins on TUESDAY 2nd May as we have a staff professional development day at Champion St on Monday 1st.
BOSCO are taking bookings for this day for those families who need it. This day does not count as part of our number of days we are required to be open - as we have accounted for this day in the total number of days we will have been open for the year.

As we are going into winter, and the buses to Champion St are running very smoothly, we have adjusted the departure time from Eastern Tce each morning to 8:40am.
This means that no children should be at school before 8:30am please. This particularly applies to children in Years 1-4. The teachers will not necessarily be in the classrooms before 8:30am and, if they are, they do need that time for preparation. We will call you, if children are arriving at school too early. BOSCO may be able to assist in the morning, if you need to drop children off before 8:30am.

Learning Conferences

These will be happening in Week 2 of the term. A separate email was sent out today about how to book these. Please check it carefully, and book straight away, to get a time that will work for you.

Contacting Teachers and Getting Messages to your child... 

We are becoming aware that text messaging teachers is on the increase. Whilst this can be a very handy way of communicating with people, we would request that text messaging is not your primary form of communication with your child's teachers. There are many reasons why we request this:

  • Some of our teachers prefer not to give out their personal numbers and we fully support and respect that.
  • Our teachers are so busy that they occasionally leave their phone at home by mistake, or forget to charge it - meaning that they can't check their messages even if they want to!
  • Teachers are very busy during their working day (from 8:30am at the latest, through to 5pm at the earliest) and may not check their phone during this time - certainly not with any regularity. 
  • Sometimes teachers are not at school - they may be on a course, or away sick and if the message is urgent, or for your child, no one is aware that the message hasn't got through.
  • If teaches get text messages when they are at home they often feel compelled to respond immediately. We have asked them not to do that in the interests of trying to separate their work life and home life.
  • Text messages can result in miscommunication which we are always desperate to avoid.
Therefore - if your message is important - PLEASE phone it through to the office and we will ensure that it gets heard and responded to in a timely fashion by the appropriate person.
If your message is not urgent, an email may be appropriate. However, please be aware that it may take a couple of days for a teacher to respond to an email as they can't do this during their teaching time and are more often than not in meetings after school.

And finally...

I hope that you all have a restful break and are able to spend some quality time with your children over the next two weeks. Travel safely, if you are travelling, and we look forward to seeing everyone back in Term 2.

Ka kite
Sandy Hasting
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

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

Tue 9th May
2 - 6pm Learning Conferences

Thu 11th May
2 - 7:30pm Learning Conferences

Fri 12th May
1:30  -3 pm.  Yrs 5-8 Cross Country at Beckenham Park

Wed 17th May
9am - 1pm.  Zone Cross Country at Halswell Quarry.

Term Dates

Click here to view the 2016 and 2017 term dates.

Citizens of the Week

Mahli Boreham - Year 4

Mahli, you are an active learner who asks questions and explores different ideas to extend your knowledge. You are always focussed during learning and you use your strong leadership skills to support others to do the same. Mahli, you regularly give up your time to help others. You put your hand up for every leadership opportunity and we have come to rely on your help, especially with ICT. Thank you for always being so willing to help us. You make Beckenham School a better place. 

Sharing our Learning

Kowhai Team

Get NZ Writing
Hub 7/8/9 have recently been involved in the very exciting Get NZ Writing programme run by Warehouse Stationery. This involved writing a metaphor poem about ourselves in the style of Iain Sharp and writing our favourite line from this poem on a postcard. We also created a poster about our hubs and then sent these posters and all our postcards to 2 different schools in the North Island. They then, in turn, sent their poetry and posters to us. It was very exciting receiving their parcel only a few days later! The children worked hard to create some amazing poems. Here is an example of some of them:

The Luigi Poem

Luigi is a speed train, whizzing through a long tunnel
Luigi is a tall tower, standing up to mean things
Luigi is a meatball, rolling through learning
Luigi is a fast cheetah, running in a race
Luigi is a ginormous tree, each leaf is a shiny star
Luigi is a cuddly teddy, warm and soft
Luigi is a pair of sunglasses, soaking up the sunny day

Fergus

Fergus is my best friend. He has a big brother and sister. Their names are Isaac and Meg. He has blue eyes that shimmer brightly like diamonds. He has short brown hair and a little fringe. Fergus has freckles on his cheeks. He is 7 like me.
Fergus has a dog called Pippi. Pippi is a black and white border collie. He also has a cat and two guinea pigs. Tobu is the name of  his cat and his guinea pigs names are Round About and Ask Him. He says they are going to get a black and white tropical fish and a zebra because all of his pets are black and white!
Who is your friend?
Do they have a pet?
How old is your friend?
Can you answer those questions?

By Quinn Clarke Year 3

My Nana

My nana is very smart. She is tall with grey, spiky hair and she’s got green eyes. She is also very talented. She likes knitting and we like doing art together. Whenever I ask her to play with me she is nice and says “Yes.” She is very loving and she always makes me laugh. Nothing hardly ever makes her sad. She is always happy!
My nana likes cooking and she is awesome! Sometimes we make coloring books for each other and also we color them in. We also do cooking for nanas friends. Only sometimes she is too tired to do anything.
One thing she likes is fashion. Sometimes she lets me get out all her makeup and I can make her into anything I like. One time when I made her into a witch I took her outside and showed every one. Even the people walking on the footpath looked scared of Nana with her witch face on. She lets me do that a lot. I laugh at her when she’s got her beauty mask - on especially when she’s taking it off.

By Layla Jenkins Year 3

Making A Difference

As part of our inquiry into our identity, we have been investigating what makes us unique and special as a School. This has seen us exploring our school values and asking, ‘How can we make a difference to others?’ The children across Kowhai Team have been working in collaborative groups designing activities for a Beckenham Top Team event. Communicating and contributing to discussions, listening to others, problem solving, synthesising ideas have been some of the skills needed to create an original activity. Later on this week, each hub will teach their games to children in team Koru. We hope this experience will make a difference to our buddies through them learning some new skills and developing relationships with their older buddy.


Inspiration Stations
We begin each day with Inspiration Stations. These activities are set up to provide opportunities for the children to explore, communicate, inquire, problem solve, experiment, collaborate and self manage which are necessary skills for 21st century learners. Each session has a particular school value or key competency as a focus. We want to educate the whole child; social, emotional, physical, as well as cognitive.  We believe the best way to do this is to ensure that children have opportunities to explore and inquire. The deep thinking, discussions with others and self direction have resulted in some incredible outcomes and most importantly the children LOVE it! 

School Notices

Dental Care over the School Holidays 

The Community Dental Service will operate an emergency service over the school holidays. This service is to provide relief of pain only and will not undertake ‘routine’ treatment. The service will be available each working day from 8:45am until 12:30pm from the Hillmorton Community Clinic, Sylvan Street, Christchurch for the following times:

Tuesday, 18th April to 21st April 2017 (excluding weekends)
Monday, 24th April
Wednesday, 26th April to Friday, 28th April 2017 (excluding weekends)

This service will operate by appointment only and if we are unable to see your child, alternative options will be given. If your child has dental pain as a result of an accident please contact your dentist in the first instance.
You can phone and make an appointment for the emergency clinic by ringing 0800 846 983.

Sports News

Sports Results: Canterbury Duathlon

Our top duathletes competed in the Canterbury duathlon on Monday. That’s right, the day it rained constantly all day! These duathletes are made of tough stuff. Despite the soggy conditions, our 15 children represented the school superbly, flying the ‘we love challenge’ banner. A big thanks to the parents and Tracy Inwood who made sure they kept as warm as possible. Congratulations go to the following children who finished in the top 25 places in their race. There were over 100 competitors in each section.

Girls 9 years: Jain Cooper 7th, Hebe Butland 12th
Boys 9 years: Harper Ford 6th
Girls 11 years: Tilly Harris 25th
Boys 11 years: Joel Kingham 25th
Girls 12 years: Kaia Joergensen 2nd, Amelia Cunningham 3rd
Boys 12 years: Alex Braun 17th

PTA News

Congratulations to

...the students who took part in the Huxter Mountain Bike Event at McLeans island last Friday. After torrential rain on the Thursday, the track was suitably muddy, but the day was fabulous and everyone who took part looked to have had a fabulous time!




Congratulations also to Gail Beedles (one of the amzing Teacher Aide in Room 20) for her team's success in the New Zealand Dragon Boat Association National Championship last weekend... see this article on Stuff about their amazing clean sweep of their categories.

Community Notices

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

Kia Ora koutou,

We have grant money available!
With Support from the Red Cross, the Methodist Mission is going to be able to help fund 180 small street, neighbourhood or community events over the next 14months that promote social connectedness.

We are inviting proposals from individuals, neighbourhood groups, community organisations, churches or resident associations, anyone keen to have a small or medium sized local event. This funding covers the Christchurch, Selwyn, Waimakiri, Hurunui and Kaikoura Districts.

For more information and updates please like our Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/communityconnectionsgrants/?fref=ts

YMCA After School Recreation Programmes Term 2 Enrol now!

The YMCA Christchurch offers a wide range of after school recreational activities to cater for those of all ages and abilities, during school term time.

Miniball & Basketball
Get your child involved and see them develop skills, friendships and a team spirit while also staying fit and healthy.
Gymnastics & Dance
Both programmes are designed to help children develop their motor skills, confidence, balance and body awareness.

All programmes are $95 a term.  To enrol pop in and see us at 13a Bishopdale Court, Bishopdale Mall, or for further information and online booking go to www.ymcachch.org.nz/children/recreation/

Future Ferns (Year 3 to 5)

If your child is still interested in playing netball, registrations are possible via the Cashmere Netball Club. All trials will be held at Hagley netball Courts. Registration available on the day.
 2017 Fees: $100.00

Imagination Yoga News

Yoga Classes for Christ​church Kids!

​School Holidays​ - Wonder Kids Workshops​
Monday 24th April: Yoga & Rockclimbing for 4-6 year olds
Wednesday 26th April:​ ​Yoga & Rockclimbing ​for ​7-11 year​ olds​
Thursday 27th April:​ ​Yoga & Sewing ​for ​6-12 years​ olds​
More info: siouxiesolar.com/upcoming-events

​Term 2 Imagination Yoga Course (IY): The Call of The Wild!
Introduce your Child to the world of yoga, meditation and being awesome everyday.
​Age Groups: 4-6 years and 7-​11 years
Dates: ​Tuesday 9th May ​-​ Saturday 1st July (8 weeks)
Focus: Animal Yoga/Movement, Nature Studies, Body Language & Self-Expression
More info: siouxiesolar.com/imaginationyoga​ ​
​Phone Lou on 0226 250 321​

St Thomas of Canterbury College: 

Open Morning:  Wed 10 May 8:30-10:30am. Enrolment enquiries email: eels@stc.school.nz or  Ph: 3487010, ext 701


St Margaret's College Open Day

12 Winchester Street, Christchurch
Time: 10:30am to 1:00pm
Principal's Address: 11:45am
For further information: 03 353 2563 or enrol@stmargarets.school.nz

Shirley Boys' High School:

Open Night Thursday 25 May 6:30-8:30pm.  Commencing in the assembly hall, entrance off Nth Parade. www.shirley.school.nz

Surfkids Childrens Surfing Programme

Learn the skills of Surfing in a fun, safe environment. All equipment provided and professional instruction from Aaron Lock and team. For kids 8 - 14 years.
Sundays 10am to 12pm until 30 April
April Holidays : 18 - 21 April, 24 - 28 April, 10am -12pm
Cost $30 per day or $135 for five. Bookings essential.
Venue :Sumner.
Call Aaron on 0800 80 SURF (7873) or register online at www.surfcoach.co.nz

YMCA After School Recreation Programmes Term 2 Enrol now!

The YMCA Christchurch offers a wide range of after school recreational activities to cater for those of all ages and abilities, during school term time.

Miniball & Basketball
Get your child involved and see them develop skills, friendships and a team spirit while also staying fit and healthy.
Gymnastics & Dance
Both programmes are designed to help children develop their motor skills, confidence, balance and body awareness.

All programmes are $95 a term.  To enrol pop in and see us at 13a Bishopdale Court, Bishopdale Mall, or for further information and online booking go to www.ymcachch.org.nz/children/recreation/

Futsal Holiday Programmes

Age: 6-14 year olds
Dates: 26th, 27th and 28th April 2017 (WEEK 2)
Times: 9.00am - 3.00pm
Venue: St Thomas's of Canterbury College
Cost: $37.50 per day ($112.50 for three consecutive days) 10% discount of second child when registering two or more siblings.

Keen to play? Click here to register

GIRLS ONLY Futsal Holiday Programmes

Age: 6-14 year olds
Dates: 27th and 28th April 2017 (WEEK 2)
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.

Keen to play? Click here to register

Mainland Football 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.

Keen to play? Click here to register

Activity Zone

Come and have fun at the new Shirley Library After School Club!
There will be technology, games,
crafts, books, and most of all -- FUN!
Every Monday during term time
Suitable for ages 6-10
FREE! Bookings not required, however space is limited
Caregivers please remain in the library during the session


Beckenham School Newsletter, Friday March 31st 2017

Posted on by

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.