Weeks 1 and 2, Term 2 in Pōhutukawa

Fear Factor

Last Wednesday, our team participated in a writing motivation called Fear Factor. The whole team was outside on the basketball court, ready to participate in some challenges. Names were drawn out of a hat, and there was the opportunity to agree to participation or not, before knowing what the challenge was going to be. It was a bit scary!

The activities were:
Egg Smash - smash an egg on your head. Did you get a hard boiled egg, or was it raw?
Frozen toes - who could get the most marbles out of a container of ice with just their toes?
Eat an eyeball - who was brave enough to eat an eyeball? (lychee, strawberry jam and blueberry!)
Fly fishing - how many flies could be picked off a pile of worms? (currants and Spaghetti)
Pick 2 - pick 2 cards to see which combinations of the following foods you have to eat - chocolate sauce, mustard, 100s and 100s, sardines and hot Japanese peas.

Much fun was had. Many emotions were felt - anticipation, nervousness, disgust, fear, excitement, glee, shock. This was the idea! The piece of writing the students are currently working on is all about an emotion. They are to write about an experience, event or idea, through the lens of an emotion. When the reader reads the piece of writing, they should be able to pick which emotion the writer is experiencing due to the vocabulary, build up and phrasing. If you would like to read what your child has written so far, they have been writing on Google Docs, which means you can view the writing at home.


Bright colourful balloons were dotted around the garden. A  beautiful unicorn pinata was hanging on the small oak tree, a metal baseball bat was lying on the lush green grass beside it. As my friends started strolling through the gate, their heads cocked to the side while they admired my party layout, I felt myself jumping up and down, itching to start the party. 
Introduction by Grace Howard

I felt like wearing black. In the morning, everything had seemed cloudy, and dismal. Under my crusty uniform I wore black. Everything seemed to irritate me. The day just didn’t feel 100%. Why did we have to go to school? Then I probably could have spent more time with my beloved. 
Introduction by Ava Howard

I sat on the grassy field trying to hide the fear that was quickly building up inside me, as I thought about the horrendous cross country. My whole body was shaking vigorously as I waited for the first race to begin, which would remind me how terrifying my race would be. The butterflies in my stomach were  bigger than ever and I started to freak out. Soon my race was called out and I reluctantly stood up and shakily walked onto the school park. I was wishing this horrible day would end so I could go home and relax, but sadly that was not the reality I was facing. Adelene and I  began to slowly walk onto the field, savouring every moment of not running. 
By Vida Gerard

Cross country

What a beautiful day it was on Monday for our school cross country. We felt confident that the students had completed a lot of training, as well as had a walk through of the course, so were well prepared for the race. The teachers were very impressed with the participation level and were so proud of all of the students for trying their hardest and giving it a go. 

Congratulations to those students who finished in the top 6 for their year level, and have qualified for the Zones cross country. Good luck!

CCC (Cool Curriculum Classes)

This term we have changed our CCC topics. The students (in their home group) have a 30 minute lesson each week with each teacher:
Katie - Library
Tracy - Culture (NZ culture and then on to other cultures)
Gayle - Well being/mindfulness
Steve - Music
Rae - Coding

Passions

This term we have offered for passions: sewing, art (collage), sports/games, techy stuff (enhancing Google Slides and adding voice overs) and Japanese.

Winter sport

Winter Sport starts on Friday 17th of May and continues each Friday until mid-August. Winter Sport is an optional event. While there is a competitive element to Winter Sport, the primary focus is on fun and participation. Many thanks to the parents who are volunteering their time to coach and manage teams; we couldn’t offer this opportunity without your support. 

Children who are not participating in Winter Sport will participate in an alternative sports programme at school. 

Football, hockey and netball games will be held at Hagley Park while hockey will be at Nunweek Park. The children will travel to their games by bus and a request for a donation to cover this cost will be added to your child’s account. 

Children will be provided with a polo shirt, football shirt or netball dress to wear for their games. Hockey players will be provided with a stick if they need one. On Winter Sport days, children may come to school in their sports uniform provided that they also have a red fleece or senior jacket that they can wear over the top whilst at assembly. Netball players should come to school in their school uniform and get changed at morning tea. 

On occasion, winter sport may be cancelled due to bad weather. This call is not usually made until 10:30 and so children should come to school with their gear even on days when the weather looks dubious. 

Gear List
The following gear list has essential items that your child will need every Friday. It is a part of their commitment to their team that they come prepared each week. Failure to bring items may result in your child being unable to play. 

All children
A warm layer to put on after their game
Drink bottle
Personal medication (such as inhalers)
No jewellery should be worn

Football 
Football boots (not compulsory)
Shin guards

Hockey
Shin Guards
Mouth Guard

Netball
Hair must be tied back and nails kept short

The children will return to school in time for the end of the school day. 

Staff Only Day on Monday 20 May

A reminder that the school is closed on Monday 20 May, week 4, due to a Staff Only Day.




 

Kōwhai News Week 2 Term 2

Swimming

Reminder that Swimming Lessons start next week and run for two weeks. Make sure you bring your togs, towel and swimming cap to school on Monday.  For full details look at our previous blog posts.

Staff Only Day reminder

School will be closed on Monday 20th May for a Staff Only Day. BOSCO is open for the full day and has spaces available for this teacher only day.
Bookings/Queries can be done via www.bosco.org.nz, or contact Yvette on 0276456632.

Book Amnesty

This term we will be doing a stocktake of our reading books at school.  Please, would you have a really good look for any readers that may be lurking behind the bookshelf at home, under a bed, or (as in our case) the toy box! Please send these books back to school as soon as possible.

Cross Country Photos

What a stunning day we had for the Cross Country - below are some of our wonderful athletes showing "We Love Challenge." Well done to all who competed. Here are our results...

Year 3 Girls - 1st Camryn Inglis     2nd  Holly MacIntosh    3rd Bonnie Hopkinson
Year 3 Boys - 1st Spencer Ingram  2nd Oliver Breitmeyer   3rd Finn Breitmeyer
Year 4 Girls - 1st  Jayde Inglis       2nd Isabelle Inglis          3rd Bobbi Gover
Year 4 Boys - 1st Archie Arnott     2nd Cahlen Stace           3rd Daniel Webster

There will be a Year 0-4 Cross Country Champion Competition, held at Hillview Christian School in week 10 for children who finished in the top placings.















Autumn Fun


Discovery Learning

Our mornings start with exploring and learning through play. There is immense value through talking, problem-solving and making connections with what we know and what we are learning. At this time, children are agents of their learning where they have the opportunity to decide what they want to learn or explore. The role of the teacher is to extend children's thinking by asking questions, providing opportunities to 'dig deeper' though researching, experimenting and testing. 






Passion Fridays

We have started our Passions on Fridays. Here are some photos of our Thorrington Rest Home Group. Making beautiful connections in our Community.





Kitchen Science

Check out our budding scientists exploring how everyday materials found in our kitchens react and change when mixed together! Be prepared - they may want to repeat these experiences at home!

Non-Newtonian Fluid - Oobleck!!!
Is it a Solid or is it a Liquid?



PTA DISCOs Save the dates
Friday 14th June: KIDS DISCO
Saturday 15th June: ADULTS 80s/90s DISCO. More info to come, start practising those moves!!!

That's it for another week in Kōwhai
Kōwhai Teaching Team


Koru Term 2 Week 2

Welcome back to Term 2.
We are called the Koru Team. We are Year 0 and 1 children.

On Monday we had our school cross country fun run. The tamariki were amazing! There were lots of excited children who managed to finish their run with a smile on their face. A big thanks to everyone who came to watch and support our runners.

The children showed all our school values at the cross country:

We love learning - we were learning movement skills and about giving things a go.
We get there together - we cheer each other on and encourage everyone to do their best.
We care - we congratulated everyone not only the people who came first.
We love challenge - we kept trying even if it was tough
We make a difference - we chose a positive mindset. We did it!


































Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 1 Week 2

The children are settling back into routines well this week. Dance for ShowQuest and getting underway with winter sport are keeping us very busy. Please read important messages about these events below. We have our fundraising Bingo Night in less than a fortnight and would love to see more tickets moving.

Bingo Fundraiser


Thanks to the 8 families who have brought tickets for our Comedy Bingo evening on Saturday, May 18th.  This is 8 out of our 105 families. We need more support for this event, which is directly raising money to reduce the cost of camp and ShowQuest. Please encourage your friends and family to come along. It really is a fun night out. Click this link to book tickets.

Many thanks to those who have offered to donate a prize to our hamper raffle. A reminder that these need to be unopened, nonperishable & not expired items: sauces, relishes, chocolates, sweets & pamper items. Please drop your item(s) off in the box that will be on our spotty table in our hub over the next week.

There are other ways to help with this event, including donating prizes. Please click this link to see how you can help.  If you are a Facebook user, please share this link.

Please do your bit and support this fundraising event.


Showquest


Excitement is building as May 21st, our ShowQuest day draws nearer. A reminder that children will be required from morning through to evening. We will bus the children there and they will need to be collected at the end of the evening or after our performance, from the Town Hall. Unfortunately, the performance order is not drawn until 5pm that day, so pick-up time will be notified until late in the day.

Tickets can be purchased from Ticketech.

Please see the following list for the costume requirements for your child. We have yet to hear from anyone who needs support to sort a costume for their child. Please let us know if you do.

  • The Chair Dance - School uniform (red polo shirt, black shorts or leggings). 
  • Teacher (Jain) - Knee length skirt, shirt or blouse, tights, black shoes.
  • Cyber Bullying scene - Girls: black singlet and black leggings. We are providing a white skirt. Boys: white t-shirt and black shorts. Dance slippers or toe savers are preferred.
  • Removing labels - Black long sleeved top and black leggings, shorts or trousers. Children will be barefoot.
  • Finale - School uniform (red polo shirt, black shorts or leggings). 

Winter Sport

Winter Sport starts on Friday 17th of May and continues each Friday until mid-August. Winter Sport is an optional event. While there is a competitive element to Winter Sport, the primary focus is on fun and participation. Many thanks to the parents who are volunteering their time to coach and manage teams; we couldn’t offer this opportunity without your support.

Children who are not participating in Winter Sport will participate in an alternative sports programme at school.

Football, hockey and netball games will be held at Hagley Park while hockey will be at Nunweek Park. The children will travel to their games by bus and a request for a donation to cover this cost will be added to your child’s account.

Children will be provided with a polo shirt, football shirt or netball dress to wear for their games. Hockey players will be provided with a stick if they need one.

On Winter Sport days, children may come to school in their sports uniform provided that they also have a red fleece or senior jacket that they can wear over the top whilst at assembly. Netball players should come to school in their uniform and get changed at morning tea. On occasion, winter sport may be cancelled due to bad weather. This call is not usually made until 10:30 and so children should come to school with their gear even on days when the weather looks dubious.

Gear List

The following gear list has essential items that your child will need every Friday. It is a part of their commitment to their team that they come prepared each week. Failure to bring items may result in your child being unable to play.

All children
  • A warm layer to put on after their game
  • Drink bottle
  • Personal medication (such as inhalers)
  • No jewellery should be worn

Football
  • Football boots
  • Shin guards

Hockey
  • Shin Guards
  • Mouth Guard

Netball
  • Hair must be tied back and nails kept short

The children will return to school in time for the end of the school day.


Science Request


We are in need of some 750ml plastic bottles (Pump style). Please send any you have lying around to school.

High School Info.

If you are interested in attending an Open Night for a particular high school, please check that school's website for details. We only share info that is sent to us.


Cross Country


It was wonderful to see so many of our children giving their best at the Cross Country on Monday. Their support of the younger children was fabulous.









Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Friday 3 May 2019

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to term 2. It has been fabulous to see so many smiling faces this week.
As part of our long term whole school focus on Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L), this term we have a whole school focus on encouraging positive relationships including the use of good manners e.g.
  • Saying "please" and "thank you"
  • Listening as others talk
  • Looking people in the eye when we are talking to them or listening
  • Smiling when we greet people
  • Opening a door for an adult and waiting for them to pass through.
Earlier this week I was showing visitors around the school. When we came to the end of our walk around both parents commented on the way three children had opened doors for them and waited as they passed through. Another example of good manners that is beginning to happen more and more is at the school crossing.  It has been so nice to hear both parents and children say "thank you" to the Road Patrollers for the job they do rain, hail and shine.

We appreciate your help in encouraging manners, be it at school, or at home. 

What can we all do to encourage the use of good manners?
Manners don’t come naturally to children. They need to be “caught, taught and modelled” (Dianne Levy)
Teaching our children good manners encourages gratitude and respect, add assertiveness, confidence, consideration, courage, courtesy, enthusiasm, generosity, kindness, love, respect and self-discipline – to name a few. The list of what we are teaching goes on and the sooner we start the more automatic the response will be.  

When you have time these articles are worth a read

Thank you for all you do as parents to help make our children the best they can possibly be.

Nga mihi nui
Sue, Nigel, Paulette and the team.

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Mon 6 May - School Cross Country in the afternoon. This is the corrected date
Tue 7 May - School closing at 1:45pm for Paid Union Meeting.
Bookings/Queries can be done via www.bosco.org.nz, or contact Yvette on 0276456632.
Fri 10 May - Celebration Assembly.  11:00 - 11:30am.  Everyone Welcome.
Thu 16 May - BOT meeting, 5:30 - 7:30pm


Note that school will be CLOSED on both Monday 20th May and Monday 12th August for Teacher Only Days

Term Dates

Click here to view 2019 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Annabel Grantham - Year 4

Annabel, your positivity and enthusiasm radiate through all that you do. You are an active and reflective learner in the way you focus on learning, always putting in your best effort, and seeking feedback to enable you to set new learning goals. You are a polite, caring and considerate member of our hub and your manners and courteous nature are appreciated by many. You are a kind and thoughtful friend to all and we love your willingness to lend a hand no matter the task. Tino pai rawa atu!

School Notices

School Cross Country

We will have our school cross country this coming Monday 6th of May. The senior races (Year 5-8) will begin at 1.30 pm starting with Year 8 and concluding with Year 5. The junior races (NE-Year 4) will begin at approximately 2.15 pm, starting with Year 4 and concluding with NE students. 
We are anticipating that each race will be roughly 10 minutes in duration. To ensure you do not miss your child’s race, we recommend that you are here 15 minutes before the race is due to start. Students can wear their house top or school polo shirt, will need sensible running shoes and a drink bottle. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Paid Union Meeting Early closing - Tuesday 7th May

As you may be aware, the negotiations between our teachers' union, NZEI, and the Ministry of Education continue with no agreement yet in sight. 
As mentioned in the last newsletter (12 April), we are hosting a paid union meeting at Beckenham on Tuesday 7th May (replacing the meeting that was cancelled last term following March 15th events). We will be closing at 1:45 pm on that day and request that you arrange for your children to be collected at 1:45 pm, please.

School 2019 Board of Trustee Elections

Canterbury Education Services (CES) are providing BOT election services for our School in the forthcoming BOT elections. In May, nominations will be called for people to become members of the Board of Trustees.
Key dates are as follows:

Friday 10th May - Nomination forms will be posted to everyone on the school’s caregiver roll.
Friday 24th May - NOMINATIONS CLOSE at noon. An election will then take place if the number of nominations exceeds vacancies. There are three parent vacancies for Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto.
Wednesday 29th May - Voting papers will be sent by post to all on the school caregiver roll.
Friday 7th June - Voting closes at noon.
Thursday 13th June - Votes are counted, and you will be advised of the results.
Friday 14th June - New Board takes office.If you have any questions about our 2019 BOT elections, please contact the school office or one of our current Board members.

Term 2 Interim Reports

Following on from Learning Conferences at the beginning of Term 1, we will be sending out a 
Term 2 Interim Report in week 6, this term. The purpose of this report is to give you an overview of your child's engagement with school, with their peers and with learning so far this year.  
In week 7, we will be holding learning conferences with your child’s home group teacher. At this conference, teachers will share your child's progress and achievement in relation to the curriculum levels and identify the next learning steps.

The format for the Term 2 interim reports will look like this.




BOSCO - Teacher only Day
BOSCO is open for the full day and has spaces available for the teacher only day on Monday 20th May.
Bookings/Queries can be done via www.bosco.org.nz, or contact Yvette on 0276456632.

Scholastic Book Club

Issue 3 2019 is out and will be coming home with your child this week.
Scholastic recommend you submit your order online by Friday 17 May 2019
Close date is Saturday 22 June 2019. 

Book Amnesty

This term we will be doing a stocktake of our reading books at school.  Please would you have a really good look for any readers that may be lurking behind the bookshelf at home, under a bed, or (as in our case) the toy box! Please send these books back to school as soon as possible.

Kauri Fundraiser



Book your tickets now at https://forms.gle/sjYH8az6qr4MUz9QA

PTA News

Save the date
Friday 14th June: KIDS DISCO
Saturday 15th June: ADULTS 80s/90s DISCO. More info to come, start practising those moves!!!


Bookings are NOW Open for the Sunday 26th May Car Boot Sale, located in the staff car park. LIKE @BeckenhamBooty Facebook page for the latest updates
Book NOW: https://forms.gle/WyierMvY94zHcaDK6

Community Notices

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

Jennian Homes Mother's Day 5km fun run/Walk in Hagley Park.
Sunday 12th May.  Join us for a run, walk or stroll this Mother's Day.  It'll be a great start to the day and you'll be doing your bit to help beat heart disease.  All participants receive an event t-shirt designed by Dick Frizzell.  Register online at jennianmothersday.com