Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter December 19th 2019

Posted on 18 December, 201918 December, 2019 by Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

What a fabulous send-off we had today for our Year 8 Leavers! With 62 graduates, this is the biggest cohort we think the school has ever had in Year 8. There was laughter, singing, sharing of memories and tears on many faces, along with broad smiles. We are, as always, very proud of these young people who have grown up in our school, many for the past eight years. Our Year 8 Leavers' Graduation is one of my favourite days of the year. It is a huge celebration of the growth and achievements of these fine young people.

A huge thank you today to the PTA and 24/7 team for supporting the prizegivers by providing the Leavers' Lunch for our leavers and their whānau.

Please remember that school finishes today at 12:30pm.

Home Groups for 2020

Today the children will get told about their home groups for 2020. They will then spend some time in their hub for next year, with next year's teachers and their new home groups. EVERY child who is returning to Beckenham next year will be given a paper copy of the letter explaining who their teacher is, AND how to book a Learning Conference for the start of the year.

Please note that we are only sending home one paper copy of the above information. If you do not get the paper copy today, Jacky will be in the office until midday on Friday 20th so you can contact her there to find out who your child's teacher is. The office will open again on Monday 27 January.

Learning Conferences - Jan 30 & 31

The information about how to book the learning conference is copied below, for your reference. You just need to know the name of the teacher your child will be with before you can book.

As we have done for the past two years, we will spend the first two days of Term 1 2020 (Thursday 30th and Friday 31st January) holding Individual Learning Conferences. You need to book a 30 minute time slot where you, your child, and their home group teacher, can meet to get to know one another and to talk about your child's learning. This is your chance to share any particular information you have about your child and the way that they learn. You can share your aspirations, your worries and the challenges and successes they have experienced so far in their learning. It will also be an opportunity for their home group teacher, and the rest of the teachers in the team, to talk with you about how the team will operate.
You need to book a time for this learning conference that will work for you and your child. To do this, you need to go online to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz and enter the password sa3zp. Remember to book your learning conference with next year’s teacher.

If you need supervision for your child on the Learning Conference days, please book this with BOSCO by Wed 22 Jan at the very latest. You can contact BOSCO by emailing Yvette at manager@bosco.org.nz

Stationery for 2020

Your child will also bring home a stationery list tomorrow for next year. If you plan to use the OfficeMax online ordering, do get your order in by mid-January, so that it arrives in time for the start of term. The stationery lists are also available on our school website.

Office Hours

The office will be closed from 1pm today, then will be open again tomorrow (Friday 20th) from 8:30am - midday. It will then be closed until Monday 27 Jan.

There will be staff around school from Monday 20th -24th January, however, the office will not be staffed.

Thank you all for the support you have given to our staff and our children this year. I wish you all a very safe and relaxing holiday season and we look forward to seeing our 2020 students and whānau back in the new year!

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Thu 30 Jan - Learning Conferences
Fri 31 Jan - Learning Conferences
Mon 3 Feb - Classes begin - from 8:55am
Thu 6 Feb - School Closed - Waitangi Day
Sun 1 Mar - Outdoor Spaces Working Bee

Term Dates

Click here to view 2020 term dates.

Celebrations and Learning around the Teams...

Note that our school Facebook page has lots more photos on it, as do the team blogs that you can find on our website...

A mathematical inquiry into geometric design resulted in a new piece of equipment being created by Sammy for our Treemendous area with support from Tony and Pip. Thanks to Matthew Macdonald for the reel.

We had a wonderful farewell for Sherrilee last week - more photos on the Facebook page.

Kauri Team having fun at Corsair Bay on Friday, in spite of the easterly and cool weather.

School Notices

HELP Mini Ball Coach Needed

We are in the need of some wonderful parents who would be interested in coaching a Year 3-4 mini ball team in Term 1. There would only be 8-9 children in a team and practises could take place with before school, lunchtime or after school. We have 26 keen and enthusiastic players, however only one coach. It would be a shame to only provide this opportunity to one team.

If you are able to coach a team in Term 1, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Paulette Newton at paulette.newton@beckenham.school.nz

Outdoor Spaces Celebration!

This week, we have met with Greenscapes who have successfully won the tender to redevelop the main play space. At this stage, the landscaping of stage 1 is likely to begin early January. This will involve the creation of the river, the hill with slide and the pathways in the main play space.
As this is a large area being redeveloped, it will be fenced off while construction takes place. Feel free to pop in to take a look.

We are really thankful to the PTA for the fundraising they have done to make this happen and are aware that this has been a long time in the making. Here is the play space plan.

The children will be excited to see the changes in the current playground over the holidays. Have a wonderful and safe Christmas!

Beckenham Outdoor Spaces Team

Keeping it cool for our Tamariki!!

Over the holidays we will have a large group of workers installing air cooling units into Tahaki and Parenga ready for the summer heatwave. If you are playing at school, please be aware there may be several areas closed off.

SUPPORTING YOU OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD

Please be aware of the following organisations who can provide support over the holiday period if required:

Parent Helpline 0800 568 856

Healthline Call 0800 611 116

1737 Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Kapa Haka Uniforms

Please return these to the office by Thursday.

PTA News

Uniform Shop hours - January

The uniform shop will be open on Thurs 30th Jan between 10am - 11:30am & 5pm - 6:30pm (the first day of the Learning Conferences).

Congratulations to...

Well done to the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto students who took part in Southern Cross Irish Dance's Christmas show - Sean Pettigrew, Alex Pettigrew, Liv Wilson, Sophie Redmile, and Jayme Scott. You all put on an amazing show!

Community Notices

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

Huntsbury Hill Celebrations

Fri 14th – Sun 16th February 2020
In January 1920, the first sections were sold on Huntsbury Hill. Now, 100 years later, we are celebrating our unique Huntsbury Hill community with a weekend of events for young and old, past and present residents. Come and join us!

* Wine and cheese evening at Community Centre
Friday 14th 6.30-9.30pm
Meet your neighbours, Entertainment, history & photo displays

* Garden party at the Reservoir
Saturday 15th 1pm – 5pm
Market stalls, Performances, food trucks, bouncy castle, zorb balls & mini jeeps.

* Devonshire Teas at Community Centre
Saturday 15th Feb 11am – 4pm
Photo & History displays

* Walking History tour, hosted by Mike Yardley
Saturday 15th Feb 4-6pm & Sunday 16th Feb 10am–12pm
Learn the fascinating history of development on the hill

Huntsbury Residents we need your help!
Can you assist us with Donations, sponsorship/prizes, volunteering your time, ideas or historical knowledge, & contacting past residents?

Registrations for market stalls, performers or walking tours please email Anna: huntsburyevents@gmail.com<mailto:huntsburyevents@gmail.com>
Event details: www.facebook.com/groups/HuntsburyNeighbourhood<http://www.facebook.com/groups/HuntsburyNeighbourhood/>

Play Football throughout 2020 at Halswell United AFC.

The registrations for the Winter Season 2020 are now OPEN for all members
Club Trials dates for Juniors and Youths are also set (starting January/February)

Just head to our website for more information and to register: http://www.hawkfootball.org.nz/Register

Skills Centre+ Registrations (for kids aged 8-12) & First Kicks/Fun Football Registrations (for kids aged 4-8) are open for Summer Term 1
http://www.hawkfootball.org.nz/Programmes/Summer-Programmes

Starfish Swim School Bookings for the January Holiday Program are now open!

Week One: Monday 20 th January to Friday 24th January
Email: info@starfishswimschool.co.nz
Or phone us at: 03 3381795
2 Nash Road, Aidanfield

Come swim in our intensive week to refresh your skills!

CELEBRATION- Work is going to begin in 2020!

Posted on 18 December, 201918 December, 2019 by Paulette Newton

This week, we have met with the firm Greenscapes who have successfully won the tender to redevelop the main play space. At this stage, the landscaping of stage 1 will being in early January. This will involve the creation of the river, the hill with slide and the pathways in the main play space.
As this is a large area being redeveloped, it will be fenced off while construction takes place. Feel free to pop in to take a look.

We are really thankful to the PTA for the fundraising they have done to make this happen and we are aware that this has been a long time in the making. Here is the play space plan for your reference.

We will have our first working bee on Sunday 1st March where we will construct the smaller huts for this area. We will send out a form early in Term 1 asking for assistance with the construction of these.
The children will be excited to see the changes in the current playground over the holidays. Have a wonderful and safe Christmas!

BOS Team

Outdoor Spaces End of Year Update

Posted on 18 December, 201918 December, 2019 by Paulette Newton

The Outdoor Spaces Team have been busy behind the scenes making the final plans for the development of the main play space. The BOT funded the final design to be drafted by Kamo- Marsh. The school received this in Week 3 Term 4. Since then, we have have a variety of contractors come out to school to price up the development of this area according to the plan specifications. This plan, incorporates the student voice gathered in Term 2.

There have been many challenges with working in this space due the infrastructure underground that needs to be worked around. We had anticipated developing this space with our parent community in the format of working bees, however the complexity of this area has meant we have needed to seek the guidance and expertise of landscaping professionals.

We have so far received two quotes and are currently in the final phase of pricing with Greenscapes. Our aim is to construct the river and hill (mound) and the basic landscaping of paths to be completed over the summer holidays while the children are off site.

The quotes that we have received have allowed us to also apply for grants to action some of the areas in this design. Nathlie is in the process collating this information to be sent off. We have had three companies in to give us quotes on line marking and painted games across the school. We are waiting for all the quotes to come in and again will apply for grants to action these for our tamariki.

We have penciled in working bees for 2020. These can be found on the school calendar and will have confirmed projects assigned to each working bee in early 2020.
Sunday 1st March - 8.30am - 1pm
Sunday 5th April - 8.30am - 1pm
Sunday 31st May - 9am - 1pm

Outdoor Spaces Team

The last week of 2019 in Pōhutukawa

Posted on 15 December, 201915 December, 2019 by Tracy Inwood

Monday 16 December

Hut day!

Last week, the children got into groups, planned what their hut would look like and decided on what materials each child would need to bring to school. If your child can't remember what was decided for them to bring, we suggest any of the following: sheets, blankets, tarpaulins, pegs, tape, string, cushions, decorations, fairy lights, large boxes and any other supplies which can be easily carried to school.

The materials are only to be brought to school on Monday and will need to be returned home at the end of the day, to ensure we are looking after our environment.

We expect to see lots of creativity, innovation, kiwi ingenuity, working together and children having lots of fun.

Tuesday 17 December

House games and school picnic - 12pm!

Our amazing house captains will be organising a variety of games and fun activities for their houses. After the fun and play, we will be having lunch in the park. All whānau are invited to this school-wide event.

Wednesday 18 December

Water fun on the park, after lunch!

We will be attending the Year 8 graduation assembly at 11am, and then after lunch there will be fun and games on the park, with regards to water. The children are invited to bring their togs and any water guns they may have. We will set up the slip and slide and the children can have a fun-filled afternoon. Fingers crossed that the weather plays its part!

Thursday 19 December

Last day, school closes at - 12:30pm!

At 10am the students will be visiting their new homegroup for 2020. They will be told which home group they are in prior to 10am and also given a letter to take home. Hopefully having seen who is in their class and knowing who their homegroup teacher is will ensure the children happily enjoy their break, and that they will be looking forward to the new year.

Thank you from us all for your support, in such a variety of ways, over the year. We have had a lovely year with your children, and hope that everyone has a wonderful break. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing everyone who is returning in 2020.

Gayle, Katie, Rae, Steve and Tracy

Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 4 Week 10

Posted on 14 December, 201914 December, 2019 by Nicky Dunlop

Lots of fun was had at Corsair Bay yesterday. No doubt your children came home with stories of sharks in the bay! Yes, two small sand sharks did come to visit, something we didn't have on our safety plan! Luckily there were only a handful of children on or by the pontoon at the time and we were able to ferry them back to the beach on kayaks. Everyone was buzzing on the way home.

On Tuesday, the children will be bringing school books and stationery home. Please make sure they have plenty of room in their bags.

Victoria Park Walk on Monday:

On Monday we will be leaving school soon after 10am, on our way to Victoria Park on foot. Children may wear mufti, suitable for walking, to school. The must have a sunhat, sunscreen, waterproof layer, water bottle, good sized lunch and any medication they may need, all packed in a backpack.

Year 8 Party:

On Monday we are having a pool and pizza party for the Year 8s at the Cockfield's house (79 Dyers Pass Rd), which is up by Cashmere Primary School. Please check the map below for how to get there, via walking through the school grounds. It would be good to come with togs on under clothes. We are hoping the rain will hold off until evening. We will also have access to the basketball court and playground at the school. Pizza and a drink will be provided. Please arrive at 4pm and arrange pick-up at 6pm. If plans need to change due to weather, we will send you an updated message.