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.

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

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

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

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