Pohutukawa Newsletter Term 1 Week 10

Alpine Ice

We are looking forward to our Alpine Ice trip coming up on Monday 10th April. This is just a final reminder that each child will need their:
  • Jersey
  • Jacket 
  • Gloves 
  • Warm hat
  • Morning tea
  • Cut lunch (please note that there will be no lunch orders available on this day)
  • Drink bottle 
  • Any special items they may require, e.g., inhaler
  • Spare change of pants, just incase
  • Helmet - compulsory (bike, ski etc)
  • Pants (uniform, or as close to uniform as possible)
  • Thick socks (or 2 pairs). 
It would be very helpful at Alpine Ice if children know their shoe size. Please have this discussion prior to Monday. 


Wellbeing Circle Time

Part of our week is spending time in our home groups unpacking wellbeing. This term we have been focussing on wellbeing through understanding concepts around anxiety, family and hub culture, self-belief and identity. There has been a lot of discussion around how thoughts impact on behaviour and possible solutions for when these are negative. The resource that has been guiding these discussions is a book called 'Rising Tide' which has been put out by Worrybug. Your child will be bringing their own copy home next week for you to go through together and have further discussions.


Christchurch Libraries 

We have been lucky enough to have Kim, from Christchurch Libraries come to visit our team and take each reading group for a 45min lesson around authors, genres, new books and library programmes. 


The following are the library programmes available:

Mon - Science Snippets in the Library 
Mondays (3:30-4:30) – South Library
Free after school science programme presented by Science Alive! in libraries across Christchurch. Excellent Science Alive educators lead children through interactive activities to stimulate their interest in science, and something to take home every week! Cost: Free No Bookings required

Mon -  Maker Space Girls
Mondays (3:30PM – 5:00PM) – South Library - Girls' only version of our Maker Space Workshop.
This dynamic and innovative workshop will explore a range of exciting technologies. There will be four terms: 3D design, Coding and Robotics, Photo editing and Animation, eTextiles and Papertronics
When: Starts week two of every term
Age: 10-13 years               Cost: $20.00 per child per term

Thurs - Busy Book Club 
Tuesdays (3:30-4:30) – South Library
Explore new books, arts, crafts and technology and have after school fun in the library. Busy book club is a free activity that runs over two school terms. When: Starts week two of every term.
Age: 7-10 years                 Cost: Free                           Bookings required

Fri - Minecraft Club 
Fridays, (3:30PM – 4:30PM) – South Library
Get creative, start crafting! Build imaginative worlds and battle nocturnal creatures at the learning centres' Minecraft club. Novice or expert, join the club and play with your friends in our very own world. A tutor will be in attendance to supervise and assist if necessary. Starts week two of every term
Age: 8-13 years                 Cost: $20.00 per child per term                  Bookings required

Sat - Girls Minecraft Club 
Saturdays (2:30PM – 3:30PM) – South Library
Get creative, start crafting! Build imaginative worlds and battle nocturnal creatures at the learning centres' Minecraft club. Novice or expert, join the club and play with your friends in our very own world. A tutor will be in attendance to supervise and assist if necessary. Starts week two of every term
Age: 8-13 years                 Cost: $20.00 per child per term                  Bookings required

Roboclub: An after school programme for boys & girls Y4-8. 
Learn to programme EV3 Lego Mindstorm
April School Holidays – see website
3D Tinker Workshop
Tuesday, April 18, 2017 (9:30AM – 3:00PM)  - South Library Come along to our 3D Maker Workshop and use 123D to create your very own masterpiece.
Age: 10+ years                  Cost: $30 per child                                      Bookings required - limit of 12

Claymation Library
Discover the process of producing animated movies, in a style similar to 'Wallace & Gromit'. Plan an original story, create your own characters and craft your own movie using digital photography. This course runs over two days. See website for more details.
Bookings are required - limit of 12. Please phone to put your child on the waiting list.
Age: 8-12 years                                 Cost: $22 per child

Autumn Sewing
Tuesday, April 18, 2017 (9:30AM – 3:00PM) - Upper Riccarton Library
Fun workshop to learn the basics of sewing using a machine and create 1-3 projects. Choose a cushion cover, pocket scarf, pencil case or library book bag! You will need to choose and purchase your own fabric and supplies beforehand. Bring in your own sewing machine or borrow one of ours.
Ages: 9-12 years                               Cost: $15                              Bookings essential.

KORU HIGHLIGHTS: Term 1 Week 10

Learning Is A Magical Experience
In hub 3&4 we had our very own Harry Potter visiting to show us his wide-range of magical skills including pulling a bunny rabbit out of a hat. The audience was captivated by this sophisticated techniques and even supported by saying the words abracadabra.




WANTED: Used Toys Still In Good Condition
We have received some quality, used toys over the past couple of weeks. A huge thank you to everyone who has brought them in. We are still on the hunt for more, so please keep us in mind if you are inspired to have a clean out over the holidays. Check out the pictures below of the children focused on their discovery.























Circle Time

Circle Time is one of the many things we do to promote well being amongst the students at Beckenham School. This practice involves the children and teacher sitting in a circle, creating a safe zone for children to share and problem solve together. Some of the topics we have already explored in our hubs are; self-regulation and breathing, compliment giving and kindness, self-management and sharing what's on top.


Koru Celebration Assembly
This week Koru is leading and performing in assembly. We will all be singing Moana's 'How Far I'll Go'. We will also be celebrating Karda and Annabelle who have earned themselves Citizen of the Week. A huge congratulations to Karda and Annabelle! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday 6th April at 2:15pm.

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.

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!



Any allergies to cats? 
Next week, Charlotte would like to bring her kitten in to share with the children. If this causes any problems (e.g. allergies), please email charlotte.verity@beckenham.school.nz.

Alpine Ice Reminder

Kia Ora Whanau

We are looking forward to our Alpine Ice trip coming up next Monday 10th April. This is just a reminder that each child will need their:

  • Jersey
  • Jacket 
  • Gloves 
  • Warm hat
  • Morning tea
  • Cut lunch (please note that there will be no lunch orders available on this day)
  • Drink bottle 
  • Any special items they may require, e.g., inhaler
  • Spare change of pants, just incase
  • Helmet (bike, ski etc). 
Alpine Ice recommend that children bring a helmet as a safety precaution. We will be encouraging children to bring a helmet to wear also. If you are unable to get a helmet, please let your child's teacher know. We are also encouraging children to wear their uniform that is easy to ice-skate in. If your child doesn't have any uniform pants, they can wear pants that are as close as possible. 

We will be departing from Champion Street site at 11:20am and arriving back at Beckenham School by 3:00pm. 

If you have any questions please email your child's home teacher. 

Warm Regards
Pohutukawa Team