Important information for parents re internet "Momo Challenge"

Special update - Please monitor your child's online behaviour


Kia ora e te whānau

It has been drawn to our attention today that some of our children are talking about the "Momo Challenge" that has been circulating on social media for a number of months, and is trending again in NZ.

You can read about it on this link from the NZ Herald today.

We are being very vigilant at school and are monitoring our network very closely to identify if children are searching for this to find out about it. At this stage, unless we know about specific children talking about it, we are not going to discuss this specifically with the children as we think that most of them are not aware of it and we do not want to increase their curiosity about it and start additional searching.

Whilst we do not believe that this poses an 'actual threat' to our children, we are very concerned that it has the potential to cause some of our children extreme worry, anxiety and loss of sleep, and that this behaviour can become quite contagious when children talk about it together. 

We very strongly urge you to check in with your child(ren) and regularly monitor their social media and internet usage. As parents, we need to be having regular discussions with our children about safe behaviour on the internet and social media, and talking with them about stuff that we know is circulating. When we have these conversations and explain to them what our responses are, we model to them how they can respond and help them to become astute at identifying 'rubbish' on the internet.

We will continue having ongoing, safety and cyber-citizenship discussions with the children to continue to develop their awareness and competency in safe use of the internet.

Keeping our young children safe in their use of digital environments is a partnership that we are in with you. We each need to stay aware of what our children are engaging in, and having important conversations with them when we have concerns or wonderings about their safety.

Please do let your child's teacher know if you have any concerns or want to discuss anything around cybersafety. We were alerted to this information today by a parent and we appreciate the importance of keeping one another 'in the loop' about these issues as they arise.

Our Koru Whānau

Kia ora to our families,

We have had a wonderful start to the 2019 school year. We warmly welcome families that are new to Beckenham te Kura o Pūroto, and welcome back to those families who have been part of our community for some time now.

Next week, we welcome Kristika Burridge, full-time, into the Koru team. Kristika is going to be the Home Group teacher for our third New Entrant group of children.

Our Reading Programme:
  • We hope you're all enjoying the reading books that have been coming home this week. This is a great opportunity to share time together with your child and celebrate reading (remember, it's of great value to reread the texts which are still in the folders and which have come home earlier in the week)
  • Also remember: Praise, Praise, Praise!
  • In class each week we have a shared book which we read and discuss together several times throughout the week. Sometimes a small copy of this book may come home in your child's reading folder. This book may be at a more advanced level than usual and will possibly need more support from you, as you read the book together with your child
  • It's important that the children pack their reading folders into their bags, and return them to school every day.

The children are loving our Discovery sessions each morning, and are displaying creativity, initiative and cooperation throughout this first part of each day. Discovery Time really supports the development of our school values: We Care, We Love Learning, We Get There Together, We Love Challenge and We Make a Difference. We see each of these values being displayed in a great many ways throughout this time devoted to learning through play.
Working together outdoors to make a ball challenge

Test flying our helicopters

Playing with the animals and magnetic shapes


Team work to create an obstacle course
Testing the obstacle course

Playing the cat game

Long rope skipping

Railway workers building together

Exploring patterns







Correction to School closing date and School Photos

Kia Ora, these are the corrected dates for upcoming events.  School photos and school early closing are on Wednesday 20th March 2019.

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Wed Feb 27 - PTA Meeting in the staffroom.  7:30pm.  All very welcome.
Fri 1 Mar - Celebration Assembly, All Welcome. 12:10 - 12:40 in the school hall.
Mon 4 Mar - Beckenham Outdoor Spaces Meeting, 7:30 - 8:30pm in the staffroom.
Tue - 5 Mar - School Duathlon for years 5 - 8.  In Beckenham Park .
Thu 7 & 8 Mar - Year 8 Leadership Camp at school.
Thu Mar 14 - Zone Swimming sports at Jellie Park 9am - 1pm
Wed 20 Mar - School photos. Learning Group, and Individual photos will be taken (am)
Wed 20 Mar - School closes at 1:45pm

Term Dates

Click here to view 2018 term dates.




Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter 26th February 2019

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

We have had a very warm start to the year and there has been lots of learning taking place in the outdoor spaces that we have available. Friday was our first day of House Games this year, and it was great to see students out in their house shirts, interacting in their Houses with children of different ages and year groups. House activities promote the concept of 'tuakana/teina' - where younger ones learn from the older ones, and vice versa.



The school Y5-8 Swimming Sports was held last week - a huge thanks to Jenny Diggle for the massive work that she does to organise these events. The age group champion results are further in the newsletter.



Paid Union Meeting - School closing early at 1:45pm on Thursday 20 March 

Due to a Paid Union Meeting for teachers and principals on this day, school will be closing at the early time of 1:45pm. Please make alternate arrangements to collect your child at 1:45pm. There will not be any supervision provided at school between 1:45pm and 3pm. BOSCO will be starting at the earlier time of 1:45pm, and if you wish to utilise this, you need to book in advance as there will be limited places available.

New staff
Last week we welcomed Nicola Snook and Lisa Griffith to our staff. Lisa is working in Kahikatea on Mondays, and Lisa will be working full time in Kahikatea from next Monday, when Kristika will move to Koru (New Entrants) to start the third learning group there.

Congratulations to Bruce Rodger, a past teacher from Beckenham whom many families will remember. Last week Bruce was awarded a National Excellence in Teaching Award by Minister Hipkins in Wellington.

School Strike 4 Climate

We are proud of the work that Lucy Gray and other young people in Canterbury are doing, in working together to organise the 'School Strike 4 Climate' on Friday 15th March, from 1pm in Cathedral Square. (click here to read an article on Stuff about the strike)
You can read about what they are planning below.
Whilst this seems like an incongruence, to not be discouraging students to strike, we strongly believe that supporting our students to have a voice, and to stand up for what they believe in and to try and 'Make a Difference', show that 'We Care' and believe that we can 'Get There Together' are completely aligned with our school values. 


As a school, we are not actively encouraging or discouraging this action. The students involved will be speaking to the other Year 7/8 students and will be asking them to think about taking a stand. As an opportunity to learn about having a voice, learning about global issues, and taking a stand, this has much learning associated with it.

If Year 7/8 students are wanting to leave school on Friday 15th March to participate in this rally, they will need to have a parent (or another adult nominated by their parent) sign them out at the office and take them.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Do keep an eye on the school calendar as there is a lot happening over the next few weeks!
You can find the school calendar on our web page through this link.

Upcoming Events

Wed Feb 27 - PTA Meeting in the staffroom.  7:30pm.  All very welcome.
Fri 1 Mar - Celebration Assembly, All Welcome. 12:10 - 12:40 in the school hall.
Mon 4 Mar - Beckenham Outdoor Spaces Meeting, 7:30 - 8:30pm in the staffroom.
Tue - 5 Mar - School Duathlon for years 5 - 8.  In Beckenham Park .
Thu 7 & 8 Mar - Year 8 Leadership Camp at school.
Thu Mar 14 - Zone Swimming sports at Jellie Park 9am - 1pm
Thu 20 Mar - School photos. Learning Group, and Individual photos will be taken (am)
Thu 20 Mar - School closes at 1:45pm

Term Dates

Click here to view 2019 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Archie Arnott - Year 4

Archie, you have made an outstanding start to the year. You consistently focus on doing the right thing and are an extremely caring and helpful member of the team. You work enthusiastically in all areas of school and are a fantastic role model to others. You are an absolute star, Archie. Tino pai!

Layla Wallbanks - Year 6

Layla, we love the infectious enthusiasm for learning that you bring to school each and every day. You have excellent self management skills that enable you to focus on your learning and continue to be a kind and caring friend to all. Tino pai.

School Notices

Scholastic Book Club

The cutoff date for Bookclub Issue 1 is Saturday 30th March.  Just a reminder that all ordering is now done online - no orders are accepted at the office.

Beckenham Outdoor Spaces

There will be a meeting in the staffroom for whānau in the community to come and hear about the proposed plans for the new play area being developed by NE hub.  The meeting will commence at 7:30pm and aim to conclude at 8:30pm. This is the first of the Outdoor Spaces projects that the PTA have been fundraising to contribute to.


Spot prizes for some lucky students caught wheeling or walking to school....rain or shine!

Congratulations to...

Ava Howard for attaining a bronze award in The Royal Commonwealth Society's Queen's Commonwealth Essay competition.   

Sports News

The School Swimming sports took place on Thursday 21 February at Wharenui Pool.  Congratulations to everyone who took part and provided a great afternoon of competitive swimming.
The following students are the age group champions:

Year 5 girls - Lola Harris
Year 5 boys - Tahere Taylor
Year 6 girls - Zoe Clarke
Year 6 boys - Cooper Reddecliffe
Year 7 girls - Abby Cockfield
Year 7 boys - Thomas Lyall
Year 8 girls - Charlotte O'Connor
Year 8 boys - Ben Evans

PTA News

NEW Date for the Top Team Challenge & Family Picnic -Sunday 10th MARCH. Games commence at 3pm.
Teams who enrolled last year, for this weather postponed event, have had their registration roll over.
NEW teams wanting to register can do so by completing this form: https://goo.gl/forms/iznynx1zX1XiydKl2 


The PTA are subsidizing this family event, if the $10 fee to register prevents your family from entering please contact us & we will assist- pta@beckenham.school.nz
What is the Top Team Challenge?- check out the PTA FACEBOOK page for more detailed information.
Who will crowned Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto's TOP TEAM 2019?!!

FIRST PTA Meeting of 2019 & we would love to hear from you. 

Come along - it’s your PTA & we would love to hear your ideas, thoughts, suggestions for this coming year.

See you this Wednesday 27th February at 7:30pm in the Staffroom.

Community Notices

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

Jadon dance

New year registrations open now

-Ballet, jazz, Hip Hop & Contemporary
-Beginners through to advanced, including adult classes
-Learn in a fun inspirational environment
-50 years combined teaching experience
-Casual to competition level with exams offered
-End of year production
-Studio : Waimairi Community Centre, 166 Waimairi Road, Ilam
Contacts: Donna Head 0210423621 donna.head@xtra.co.nz, Jacqui Tieleman, 021630910.

Dyspraxia Support Group of NZ Inc.

We are a non-profit organisation providing information, education and support to all people impacted by DCD/dyspraxia.  Our organisation started in 1992 and formed our Fun Groups in 1994.
We have three Fun Groups aimed at different ages groups which we run on Saturdays during term time.
Funlink 5-10 years, Funtween 10-13 year and Funteen 13 – 18 year of age.
The groups participate in a programme put together and delivered by our team of enthusiastic supervisors.
If you have a child or teen or know a child or teen with DCD/dyspraxia that would like to come and see if the group is for them pleased contact Sue on 358 3249 or email dyspraxia.centre@xtra.co.nz.

Mindfulness Group for Children

Does your child struggle with anxiety or stress? Would you like to support them to learn skills to enhance their wellbeing?

The Psychology Centre is offering Pause Breathe Smile (PBS), a group for children (age 7-10 years) who struggle with stress and anxiety and their parents to develop skills of mindfulness.  PBS is an evidence-based program, developed by the Mental Health Foundation.
The group will run from 4 - 5pm, starting Wednesday 20th February for 8 weeks at the Psychology Centre, University of Canterbury and requires both child and parent/ caregiver to attend and learn together. The total cost of the program is $160.
If you would like more information, email ann.huggett@canterbury.ac.nz.
To hear kids talking about PBS watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awo8jUxIm0c
For more information about the research and benefits of PBS look at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1707/S00094/pause-breathe-smile-mindfulness-training-will-help.htm

Cashmere Netball Club

Registrations are open for all returning and new players - years 3 upwards.
Please go to our website https://www.sporty.co.nz/cashmerenc to register.
Join our facebook page to keep in touch.

Any questions please email the club on cashmerenetball@hotmail.com.

Sydenham Rugby League Club:

Sydenham Rugby League club welcomes new members to the club for the 2019.
We seek boys and girls of preschool age through intermediate to fill our Juniors division.
We are family focused, community minded club and a great place to join as a beginner.
Come down to our registration day at Bradford Park, Milton Street on 24th Feb 12pm-2pm and see what we're all about.
More info: email sydennhamswans@gmail.com

Stellar Strings

Stephen Larsen at Rangi Ruru, concerts and workshops.
Visit www.rangiruru.school.nz/blog/ for more info.

Cashmere Technical Football Club

Girls Fun Football Fiesta, Whittington Park, Woolston.  4:30 - 5::30pmon Fri 8th March 2019.  Open to any girls ages 4 - 10 with or without football experience.  Register by emailing lisay@ctfc.co.nz

Help Tamariki in your Community

Can you provide a safe, stable home for tamariki until it's safe for them to return home?
All children need a place where they can feel at home, with their wider whānau ro caregivers who can give them aroha, a place of belonging and connection with family, whakapapa, and culture.
Come along to our Christchurch Information Session to find out more about the different ways you can care for tamariki.
Our next session is on:Tuesday, 12 March 6 - 8pm, Grand Central Building, 161 Cashel Street, ChCh
Or get in touch anytime on 0508CARERS (0508227377)
www.orangatamariki.gove.nz



Kauri Team: Two more messages for Week 4

Can you help with a sewing job?

I am looking for someone who can help with a sewing job that should take about two hours. It would need to be done by next Wednesday.  This is for a leadership week activity. Please email Nicky if you can help out.

School Strike 4 Climate

You may have heard or read about a campaign being run by school pupils around the world: School Strike 4 Climate. This is happening across the country (and around the world) on the 15th March.  School students from hundreds of schools in dozens of cities and towns will go on strike from school over political inaction on climate change. They will be joined by adults who will also walk out for the day in solidarity with the students’ actions. New Zealand is joining this strike to urge politicians to act promptly and to make climate action a priority.

Christchurch students are standing in solidarity with students across the country to take a stand against Climate Change.  Students are invited to rally to Cathedral Square for 1pm, to meet and join their voices. There is more information on this facebook page.

On Tuesday, Lucy Gray - one of our Year 8 students who, is leading the organising committee for this campaign in Christchurch, will talk with our Year 7 & 8 team. If your child is keen to be part of this 'strike', we would like you to do the following:

  • Notify us at school that they will be taking part.
  • Arrange transport and adult supervision for your child at the rally.
  • Collect your child from school at 12 noon on Friday and ensure that they sign out.