Monthly Archives: March 2021

Home Learning and our Structured Literacy Workshop

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Kia ora whānau,

You will notice that there are some literacy Home Learning resources in your child's reading folder this week. These resources are to support what they are learning in their structured literacy lessons. More alphabet letters and resources, such as heart words will be added. 

If you have queries about the structured literacy programme or are interested to hear more about it, please join us for the workshop detailed below.

The Structured Literacy Approach: Parents and Caregivers workshop - understanding how our children learn to read.

Join us in the staffroom at 3.15 pm or 7:00pm on Tuesday 30th March 2021.

Caroline Morritt, our Resource Teacher of Literacy will explain this approach to teaching reading and writing. Based on the Science of Reading, Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto uses an explicit, systematic structured literacy approach to build a strong literacy foundation.

Decodable books support targeted classroom teaching of phonological awareness and blending and segmenting skills for accurate, automatic reading and spelling. 


Team Kahikatea (Lisa, Charlotte, Amber & Katie) 

Upcoming Events

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Ngā mihi e te whānau, warm greetings to you all.

It's hard to believe that Easter is just around the corner. We have some exciting educational events coming up to finish Term 1. Please read on to find out how you can be involved!

Parent Help Needed: Te Tuna Tāone - Urban Eel

As part of our concept of  'Change' for 2021, we are excited to have the chance to work with the Working Waters Trust on the Te Tuna Tāone - Urban Eel Project on Friday April 9 from 9am - 2:30pm. We will spend the day down at the Heathcote River beside our Ponds, learning about stormwater pollution and habitat destruction of the native longfin eel, and teaching students about the need to take action now to care for our unique ‘Tuna Tāone', or 'Urban Eels'.

The activities will be based around water flow and quality, riparian zone habitats, macro-invertebrates and will include an 'eel encounter' with longfin eel/tuna from our  Opāwaho/Heathcote River. We will need the support of a number of parents to make this day possible. If you are able to help us, please get in touch with your child's homegroup teacher by email. We look forward to hearing from you!

Parents and caregivers workshop - understanding how our children learn to read.

The structured literacy approach. Join us in the staffroom at 3.15 pm or 7:00pm on Tuesday 30th March 2021. Caroline Morritt, our Resource Teacher of Literacy will explain our new approach to teaching reading and writing. Based on the science of reading, Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto uses an explicit, systematic structured literacy approach to build a strong literacy foundation. Decodable books support targeted classroom teaching of phonological awareness and blending and segmenting skills for accurate, automatic reading and spelling. 

Friday Mufti Fundraiser and Last Call for Cheese Rolls

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A reminder from our student council:

Tomorrow is Lots of Socks and Purple Day. You can choose to wear purple, mismatched socks, or both!  

Wearing purple will be raising awareness for people with Epilepsy and letting them know that they are not alone. Wearing mismatched socks will be raising awareness for people with Down Syndrome. So please join us by doing your part and bring a gold coin donation so we can support these organisations together.


Cheese Rolls:

Many thanks to everyone who has put in an order for cheese rolls. You still have time to place your order, as the form will close on Sunday evening. Please click here to order your tasty treats. Thanks for supporting Year 7 & 8 camp fundraising. Your cheese rolls will be made on the Thursday after Easter.





Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 1 Week 8

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 In this post:

  • Technology on Tuesdays
  • Cheese Rolls
  • 'Positive behaviour for learning' focus this week
  • ShowQuest, save the date Monday May 17th
  • Photo Gallery

Technology

It has been great to see the children so organised for technology on Tuesdays by arriving at school by 8:30. Occasionally parents are dropping children directly to South Intermediate. The team at South have requested that our children all arrive together on the bus. We realise a small group needs to be dropped off after a band session. All children who do not arrive with the main group on the bus must check-in at the South office when they arrive. 

Cheese Rolls

Please keep those cheese roll orders coming in. We are up to 157 dozen and would love to hit at least 300 dozen. I have extended the due date for orders to this Sunday. We appreciate those of you who have made the extra effort by contacting people beyond your immediate family to gather orders. My fingers are crossed that there are still a few big orders to come in. 

Many thanks to those who have offered to help with this fundraiser. We are still in need of support, especially for the morning session on our making day, Thursday April 8th, ordering supplies and loaning equipment - chopping boards and electric knives. Please fill in this form if you can help.


Positive Behaviour for Learning

Every week we spend four short discussion-based sessions with the children on PB4L. What we focus on reflects the needs we identify within the group. We thought it would be helpful for you to be aware of what we are talking about so that you can back the messages up at home. Getting there together does make a big difference! 

This week we have explored:

  • What happens when others make a joke about something you feel insecure about? We unpacked vulnerability and shared some insecurities.
  • Apologising and what makes a meaningful and sincere apology. A genuine apology includes a change in behaviour alongside the words "I'm sorry."


ShowQuest

Our ShowQuest Passion group have been working hard to conceptualise and choreograph a dance for our hub to learn and perform at ShowQuest. ShowQuest is a stage performance competition for primary and secondary schools. You may know it by the name Stage Challenge or J-Rock. ShowQuest is a fantastic opportunity for the children to experience the performing arts. On the 17th of May, we will spend the day at the Town Hall. We will have time to rehearse our dance on the stage, opportunities to watch other school’s rehearse and prepare for our evening performance. 

We understand that for some children the idea of performing on stage can seem like something that is well outside of their comfort zone. We know also that there will be others who will be in their element on stage. We choreograph a range of parts in our performance to cater to different confidence levels. The children watched the Passion Group perform the different dances on Monday and now have the opportunity to identify their preferences. 

Our performance for 2021 is based on our inquiry concept of change. The children came up with the idea of exploring how dance has changed over time and so have created their own evolution of dance. This will take the audience from the flapper dance of the 20s, the disco fever of the 70’s, the flamboyance of the 80s, through to the modern-day. Our inquiry learning will sit alongside this with the children learning about key events, inventions and pop culture from these decades. 

Costume, hair and make will work with the choreography conveying the style of the decade. We would love to start collecting iconic items to help with this. If you have any of the following that might fit one of our tamarki and you are happy for use to borrow and use in our performance then, please let us know. 

  • Flared trousers

  • Hoop skirts

  • Leg warmers

  • Fluro leotards

  • Other iconic clothing from any of the featured decades

Photo Gallery


One of our PE options this term is ultimate frisbee. One aspect of this game that is particularly empowering is the self-refereeing by the teams as they play.

Love this image that was taken in our passion photography session last week, when we were learning about how to take action shots.

A small group of our seniors are helping with miniball this term. We have heard wonderful feedback about their positive leadership.


Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Friday 19 March 2021

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

As many of you will be aware, our Term Dates for 2021 have noted that there will be three Staff Only Days (dates to be advised).

We are now in a position to publish those dates and they will be:
  • Friday 21st May
  • Tuesday 8th June
  • Friday 27th August
Please make sure that you add these dates to your calendar. School will be closed for instruction on those dates, to allow for staff to undertake professional development. Schools across the country have been given a set number of Staff Only Days to use for professional development as part of their collective agreement. Each school is able to select the days it will use as it sees fit.

Congratulations to our swimmers who participated in the Zone Swimming Sports this week - we had a record number of children qualify for the Canterbury Swimming Sports. (see results below).

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal


Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Week 8:
Tue 23 Mar - 9.00 - 2.00 Canterbury Triathlon at Eyrewell Forest, South Eyre Road.
Wed 24 Mar - 7.30 - 9.30pm PTA Meeting
Fri 26 Mar - 12.00 - 12.30 Celebration Assembly

Week 9:
Wed 31 Mar - 4:15-5:45pm Kiwi Volleyball at Hillview Christian School
Thu 1 Apr - 3:15 - 6:00pm Miniball Grade C at Pioneer Stadium
Fri 2 Apr - Good Friday - School Closed

Week 10:
Mon 5 Apr - Easter Monday - School Closed
Tue 6 Apr - Easter Tuesday - School Closed
Thu 8 Apr - 9.00 - 2.00pm, Canterbury Swimming at Selwyn Aquatic Centre
Thu 8 Apr - 3:15 - 6:00pm Miniball Grade C at Pioneer Stadium
Fri 9 Apr - 12.00 - 12.30 Celebration Assembly

Term Dates

Click here to view 2021 term dates.

Citizen of the Week

Jalori Mathias - Year 8

JJ, we love your inquisitive mind and caring nature. You bring so many innovative thoughts and ideas to group discussions. You are a fabulous self-starter who puts forth great effort into your work. You are very empathetic and a supportive leader in the Kauri hub. You live our school values on a daily basis. Ka Pai JJ.

School Notices

Medication at School

If a child requires medication at school on a long or short term basis, parents/caregivers need to complete a medicine authority form with Jacky or Reihana in the office. Procedures are followed to ensure that it is kept securely, and administered appropriately. 
Any medication that is required to be kept at school on an ongoing basis, expiry dates need to be checked regularly by parents/caregivers. If the school notices an expiry date is due parents/caregivers will be advised.
Parents/caregivers are asked to please update the school on any medical/health information about their child by contacting the school office.

Student Council Fundraiser for Epilepsy and Down Syndrome


Next Friday, 26th of March, the Student Council will be having a Lots of Socks and Purple Day. You can choose to wear purple, mismatched socks, or both!  
Wearing purple will be raising awareness for people with Epilepsy and letting them know that they are not alone. Wearing mismatched socks will be raising awareness for people with Down Syndrome. So please join us by doing your part and bring a gold coin donation so we can support these organizations together.


Mana Ake “Drop-Ins” are continuing…

A number of whānau have already made great use of the Mana Ake “drop-ins” that are available on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 – 9:30am. These drop-in sessions are here to provide parents with an opportunity to have a private, informal conversation around the well being of their child with one of our Mana Ake workers (kaimahi). If you feel like you would like to attend a drop-in session, please book in a time via the link here: Mana Ake booking  The code to use is 88t39. Alternatively, you can contact Jacky in the office and she will make a booking for you.

Junior ESOL Classes 

Junior ESOL classes have started. Kōwhai and Kahikatea ESOL students are enjoying these, and meet twice a week with Teacher Aides Jeanette and Elizabeth.
Recent highlights include: 

Kahikatea children sharing cultural momentos from home, and asking questions about other cultures.



Kōwhai children collecting produce and making salads and playing traditional games.



Staff Profiles

Introducing our Senior Leadership:


Left to right we have; Jo Smith, Deputy Principal. Sandy Hastings, Principal. Sue Leadbetter, Deputy Principal.

At the start of the year, we were very lucky to have our own Jo Smith step into a leadership position with us as acting Deputy Principal. Jo continues to lead our New Entrants team, and has made a wonderful transition into her busy new role.

Sandy Hastings, our Principal, and Sue Leadbetter, our Deputy Principal make up the rest of our Senior Leadership Team. Sandy is just coming up to the completion of her tenth year at Beckenham, whilst Sue has just started her fifth year at Beckenham.

Sports News

Zone Swimming

A huge congratulations to the swimmers who represented our kura at our zone swimming event on Thursday at Jellie Park. The children all did amazingly well against strong competition. There were some races where our swimmers managed to maintain a convincing and impressive lead, and others that were nail bitingly close. The children’s sportsmanship was phenomenal. If there was an award for the most enthusiastic supporters, I’m sure we would win it! Thank you to Nicola Arnott and Karen McMillan for supporting the children at this event. 

Children who placed 1st and 2nd qualify for Canterbury Swimming at Selwyn Aquatic Centre on the 8th of April. 
Due to renovations and limited space, spectators are not allowed inside the pool at this event.


Year 8 Results
Year 8 relay - 2nd (Cooper, Zoe, Fergus and Ilia)
Zoe Clarke - 1st Freestyle and 1st Butterfly
Cooper Reddecliffe - 1st Freestyle and 1st Breaststroke
Fergus Mcmillan - 1st Backstroke and 2nd Butterfly
Connor Ingram - 4th Freestyle and 4th Breaststroke
Ilia Henderson - 4th Backstroke

Year 7 results
Year 7 relay - 2nd (Lola, Soriel, Tahere and Stella)
Tahere Tayler - 1st Backstroke and 1st Breastroke
Lola Harris - 1st Backstroke
William Pooch - 2nd Backstroke
Stella Gillman - 2nd Freestyle and 3rd Backstroke
Soriel Kim - 4th Freestyle
Charlotte Ryder - 4th Breaststroke

Year 6 results
Emma Vaile - 2nd Backstroke and 4th Freestyle
Archie Arnott - 3rd Backstroke
Violet Morel - 3rd Breaststroke

Year 5 results
Jack Sayer - 1st Breaststroke
Spencer Ingram - 4th Backstroke
Annabelle Smith - 4th Freestyle

A special mention goes to Rose Braithwaite, (year 6) who embraced challenge by competing in the open butterfly event. This saw her swimming an incredibly difficult stroke against Year 8 students. Nau mai te wero!

South Island Mountain Bike Championships

Congratulations to Jonty and Morgan who competed in the above event last weekend. There was strong competition with children travelling from all over the South Island to compete in this event. 
Jonty - 3rd place in Cross Country and 10th Enduro
Morgan - 11th Downhill and 18th Enduro



Good luck to all the tamariki, (and adults) competing in the Hanmer 4 Hour Mountain Bike race this weekend. Good luck also goes to the children competing in the Canterbury Triathlon next Tuesday.

Community Notices

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

BOSCO School Holiday Programme

It is almost time for the April Holidays and if you are in need of childcare or just want to relax and know your kids are taken care of and having loads of fun – this is the answer for you! We will be going to Willowbank, the Antarctic Centre, doing a bit of Disco Roller-skating and also play mini golf at Ferrymead. We have exciting crafts planned and also baking. If sports and outdoor activities is what you are after, we have sports and games planned  too. Get in quick to avoid disappointment. Contact Juanita at office@bosco.org.nz for bookings or book online by clicking this link. 

Potential Fisher Ave Closure

In a Beckenham Neighbourhood Association (BNA) newsletter delivered to local residents this week, there was reference to the closure of Fisher Ave to car traffic between Beckenham St and Norwood St as part of the Better Beckenham Project, supported by the Community Board. Work was reported to be commencing in April.

Amy Hart, Community Board Advisor (amy.hart@ccc.govt.nz), has clarified that the decision is tentatively scheduled to take place on 30th March. Amy has issued an urgent investigation into the consultation process undertaken (or lack thereof) and welcomes written submissions to the Community Board with local views.

If you want to know more about the Better Beckenham project, especially the potential Fisher Ave closure to traffic, see below:
  • Saturday 20th March 4pm. At the junction of Fisher Ave and Beckenham St, join Mike and Marise who will tell you all about it and answer any questions

  • Sunday 21st March 4pm. At the junction of Fisher Ave and Beckenham St, join Mike and Dave who will tell you all about it and answer any questions. 

Sydenham Rugby Club

Junior Registrations are open!
To be a part of the greatest, family-focused club, register & pay online by clicking this link.

Under 6 - Under 13 pricing
(which includes use of playing jersey, and game day jacket for the season)
1 child - $85.00
2 children $130
3 children $150
4+ children $180

For more info follow our Facebook page: facebook.com/sydenhamrugby
Or, contact Riki Tahere - rikitahere@gmail.com

Canterbury Rams Season Memberships

Season passes are now up for our Basketball community. There are a number of different options to suit, including family packages with 3, 6 and game membership options. These can be purchased by clicking on this link.