Monthly Archives: September 2022

Koru Team news, Term 3 Week 7

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 Kia ora koutou,

We hope that this finds you at the end of a lovely weekend with your families, and we look forward to seeing your wee ones with their beautiful, wide smiles, tomorrow morning!

Our focus in this post is on Maths, and in particular on the Maths strand area of Probability. In the first week of the previous fortnight, we focused on developing the language of probability, introducing such terms as 'always', 'perhaps', 'certain', 'possible', 'impossible', 'will', 'might', 'won't', 'will', 'maybe', 'never', 'yes', 'no'. The context for this learning took the form of familiar stories such as Little Red Riding Hood, The Gingerbread Man, Cinderella and Maui Catches the Sun, and the children were asked such questions as 'Do you think Little Red Riding Hood will see a tree on the way to Grandma's house?' and 'Do you think Red Riding Hood will see a hedgehog in the forest?' 

Whatever the children's decisions, they were always asked to justify their thinking.

During the second week, we learnt more about probability by playing card games, such as Memory, using sets of animal cards (including various numbers of animals, at the most, ten cats, ten dogs, six mice and one pig). As we played the games, we thought about how likely it is for 'an event' to happen, for example, 'What are the chances of picking up two cats as opposed to picking up two dogs?' The children were asked to think about such questions as:

  • What card do you think you will turn over next? (given the cards that have already been turned over)
  • Why do you think that?
  • Which cards do you think will be last?
  • Which are the hardest pairs to find?
  • Which are the easiest pairs to find?

In this game, Feeding Greedy Cat, which cat will get the most fish, the blue cat or the red cat?

Was there a lucky colour in your game?

In this game, was it better to be in the team collecting the same cards or the team collecting the different cards?

Which card do you think you'll turn up next? And why do you think that?

Is it certain, possible or impossible for Cinderella to see a hot air balloon on her way to the palace?

Will the gingerbread man always, possibly or never see a tractor on his way to the river?

What are the chances that the first card you turn over is a dog? Why do you think that?

Which card will you choose to turn over next?

Which are the hardest pairs to find? Which are the easiest pairs to find?

Are you collecting pairs that are the same or pairs that are different? Is it better to collect pairs that are the same or pairs that are different?

Which coloured cat is going to get the most fish?

Is there a 'lucky' colour? Was the same colour 'lucky' every time you played the game?

Our Probability focus gave the children an in-depth look at uncertainty and chance, in a variety of situations. They were given the opportunity to acknowledge and anticipate possible outcomes, always justifying their thinking each step of the way. What a lot of fun we had in Maths throughout this last fortnight!

...and one final message - many thanks to you for the continuing support you are giving your children with their learning, by helping them to practise their heart words, their sound cards and their reading at home with you. The difference this makes is invaluable and we certainly appreciate it enormously.

All best for the week ahead!
Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou,
Elizabeth, Georgia, Nicola, Stacey and Jeanette

Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 3 Week 7/8

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 In this post:

  • Speech delivery week
  • Keeping Safe Sessions with Year 8 Boys
  • Ski day wrap up
  • Duathlon wrap up

Speech Delivery Week

Over the past few weeks, the children have been creating their story-telling speeches. In one form or another, they will be sharing their speech this coming week. For most of the children this will take the form of presenting it to their literacy group. Over the weekend, please encourage practise with reading / presenting their speech. On Friday morning, between 9 and 10:30, we will be holding our speech finals in the hall. Parents are most welcome to attend.  

Keeping Safe Sessions with Year 8 Boys

Every year when the Year 8 girls and gender-diverse students are doing self-defense, the boys ask what about us. We see their point. This year, Brad Culver, Megan’s husband has offered his time to take the Year 8 boys for a parallel program on keeping ourselves safe. Keeping ourselves safe falls under the Health curriculum. 

Brad has a background of working with the US and NZ police, a masters in behaviour modification and is a teacher. He has previously volunteered his time in Kauri to teach American Football and Basketball. Brad has designed a program that will cover the following topics.

  • Assertive communication and body language
  • Standing up to peer pressure
  • How body language and tone of voice can affect the outcome of a situation
  • What can cause some situations to escalate and how to avoid this
  • Being an upstander
  • How to deescalate a situation and keep yourself safe

These sessions will be held on Friday afternoons as this works in with Brad’s availability. The first session was very well received by the boys and Brad was really impressed with their engagement.

A huge thank you to Brad for volunteering his time. 


Ski Day Wrap-up

As I mentioned in an earlier brief post, the children had a fabulous day on the slopes of Mt Hutt and we were so impressed with their 'can do' attitudes, support of each other and progress. We were also grateful for the support of the parent group who encouraged, guided and kept the children safe. Thanks to those who have already returned gear that was borrowed from school. If you still have some at home, please return this ASAP.  We have shared a large folder of photos with the children, after discussions on not sharing photos of others on social media or modifying images. Your child will be able to access and share these with you at home.



Duathlon Wrap-up:

On Tuesday, we had a small and enthusiastic group taking part in our school duathlon. They gave of their best and it was awesome to see lots of big smiles on their faces. Those who have qualified for the Canterbury Duathlon will have already received a Hero message about this event. Special congratulations to Torun, James, Alfie and Rose who won their respective events. A group of 30 seniors helped with the running of the event. They did a great job of encouraging competitors and keeping everyone safe on the course. 









Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto School Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 9 September, 2022

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Next week is Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori language week). This year is extra special as the 14th of September marks the 50th anniversary of the Māori Language Petition. This event led to many of the kaupapa we have today, including Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

E kore e mutu tēnei mea te ako — learning is always constant.

Road Works Update

I'm sure that many of you have already seen the most recent works notice... Yes - it is going to be a long haul again, and, the residents of the whole area, along with the school, will benefit in the long run.
They are installing a new water trunk main. The next stage of work will require the closure of Norwood St from Sandwich Road to Fisher Ave, from Monday next week, until mid-November.

This will mean that you will need to take into account that Norwood St will be closed and make alternative plans if you are driving to school. 

PLEASE avoid doing u-turns and three-point-turns in Sandwich Road at drop-off and pick-up times... it really makes for very dangerous situations at these high traffic times.



Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Mon 19 Sep - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Thu 22 Sep - BOT Meeting (5.30-7.30pm - te Rūma Kaimahi - Staffroom)
Fri 23 Sep - PTA Disco 
Wed 28 Sep - PTA Meeting (7.30-9.30pm in the Green Room)
Thu 29 Sep - Parent Evening with CHS Principal (6-7.15 in te Rūma Kaimahi)
Fri 30 Sep - Last day of Term 3
Mon 17 Oct - First day of Term 4
Tue 25 Oct - Netsafe Workshop for all whānau - St Martins School, 7pm

Term Dates

Citizen of the Week

Mathias Dougherty - Year 6

Mathias, thank you for being such a reliable and conscientious member of our team. You are quick to offer a hand to help others and are the epitome of how we can contribute to help our school community be a better place for everybody. You are a shining example of someone who can always be trusted to be in the right place, at the right time, and be doing the right thing.  Tino pai rawa atu kia koe.

School Notices

Kete Values

We have been celebrating our values for the past few weeks and are getting ready to celebrate 'We make a Difference'. Where students will work together to make a difference in the school environment and strive to create a cleaner and hopefully greener environment. 

If your child is away from school...

Please ALWAYS let the office know, rather than just the teacher. Teachers do not always have time to check their emails or text messages in the morning before they take the roll. You can do this by emailing office@beckenham.school.nz or by texting the school cellphone 021 027 94107
Please ALWAYS give a reason why your child is away. If you tell us they are away but don't give any reason, we are required to mark their absence as 'explained, but unjustified'.

Thank you all for your continued support. Getting clear and timely information from you when your child is away saves our office staff a lot of time.

Mental Health Education & Resource Centre Free Webinars

BOSCO is OPEN for the Staff Only Day

Our BOSCO theme for the Staff Only Day on Monday the 19th of September is Earth Day.
We will be making birdfeeders, leaf mobiles and cute grass head people

BOT Update

Voting for the Parent Election has now closed. The votes will be counted by next Tuesday the 13th, and the new Board will take office on Wednesday the 14th.

Thank you to everyone who contributed by way of candidates, and those who took the opportunity to vote. Results will be shared in the next Newsletter.

PTA News


Get the kids dancing shoes out, 23rd of September is disco time!!!
To keep Covid safe we are running 4 discos and keeping the hubs separate this year.

Year 3&4: 4:00- 4:45pm

Year 5&6: 5:10-6:10pm

Year 7&8: 6:30-7:30pm

New Entrants and Year 1&2 timing is still to be finalised but will be in the afternoon during school time, so the children can be supported by their teachers.

Bring a Gold coin for a donation at the door. Chips and popcorn will be for sale on the night.
Send the kids with their drink bottles so they can keep hydrated!

Community Notices

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

Kelly Sports October Holiday Programmes

Bookings for our upcoming Kelly Sports Holiday Programmes at Hillview Christian School and Hillmorton High School are now available online. 

The focus of our Programmes is to ensure kids are active throughout, with a great mixture of games and activities to suit everyone. WINZ Subsidies are available for families that qualify and we have options of Half Day sessions, School Day sessions and Full Day sessions available.

To register and for more information please visit www.kellysports.co.nz or contact Adelma on chch@kellysports.co.nz for more information.

  

Kōwhai News Term 3 Week 7

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Kia ora koutou /  Mālō e lelei


Happy Tongan Language Week!


Kōwhai Talent Quest

Some of our tamariki have been rehearsing for the Kōwhai Talent Quest which will be held sometime at the end of term. It will be a wonderful opportunity for them to perform and the most striking performances will have the chance to perform at one of our Junior Celebration Assemblies.


Ukulele/Recorder

We will be finishing our ukulele and recorder lessons next week. Kōwhai children have done exceptionally well to learn a new instrument with our wonderful music teachers, Roger and Josie.



Discovery

Last Thursday, we had an amazing open-air concert at Discovery. Check out the photos below:





We have also been putting out a compliment box for everyone to write kind messages to other people in our hub. Anna read some of them out during our team hui and we have seen a lot of lovely reactions. 


Maths

We have been learning about probability and chance over the last two weeks. Here is a cool game called The Sludger that you can play with your child and practise thinking about the likelihood of something happening.


Junior Celebration Assembly

Congratulations to those who received their Kete certificate and/or Citizen of the Week award at our assembly last week.




Cyber Safety

This week, we have started our Cyber Safety unit for Inquiry. The children have enjoyed learning about keeping our online identity and private information safe.


Have a lovely weekend!


The Kōwhai team.


Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto School Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 2 September, 2022

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

The first two days of September have definitely been warm and Spring-like! Long may that continue!

There was great excitement in our Junior playground today as our long-awaited whare arrived and was eagerly unwrapped by a group of Kahikatea students! This new piece of equipment will be enjoyed by many children!

If you come visiting outside of school hours, please remind your children that the whare and the two teepees are not for climbing on.




A special thank you to Bruce Aldridge for answering our call for help in the Newsletter last week and giving his skills and time to help repair our seat. Much appreciated!

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Wed 7 Sep - School Photos
Wed 7 Sep - Board Election Day
Mon 19 Sep - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Thu 22 Sep - BOT Meeting (5.30-7.30pm - te Rūma Kaimahi - Staffroom)
Fri 23 Sep - PTA Disco 
Wed 28 Sep - PTA Meeting (7.30-9.30pm in the Green Room)
Fri 30 Sep - Last day of Term 3
Mon 17 Oct - First day of Term 4
Tue 25 Oct - Netsafe Workshop for all whānau - St Martins School, 7pm

Term Dates

Citizen of the Week

Louis English - Year 3

Louis, you are a shining example of all our school values. The positivity and interest you bring to all learning is wonderful, and you persistently continue until your tasks are complete. Your inclusive nature has helped you make strong friendships quickly, and you continually encourage and build up all those you interact with. You bring fun, joy and light to all you do. Ka pai Louis!

School Notices

Y7/8 Ski Trip

Yesterday life in Kauri hub began before the sun even came up! The year 7/8 team travelled to Mt Hutt for their annual trip to the ski slopes. We had a large number of beginning skiers as well as some seasoned pros, and some who had never seen snow before. After a focused morning of lessons with instructors, children had plenty of time to practice their skills and have fun with friends. We were amazed by how many beginners were given the green light by experienced skiers to use the chairlift and try out the more challenging tracks. A day of laughter, learning and many yawns on the bus trip home. A huge thank you to all the parents and staff who made this wonderful experience possible! 

Kete Values Week 

Starting from last week the Student Council are running activities to support and encourage our school values and use fun but challenging activities to instil this. Each week we will run a series of lunchtime and classroom activities. Last week we celebrated 'We Care' and it was a big success. This week we'll be celebrating 'We love Challenge' where students of all ages will be given an opportunity to participate in an obstacle course which will be set up for use on Friday lunchtime. We also have a series of classroom activities which the teachers will share with the students, further in the week. Following 'We love Challenge' we will celebrate 'We love Learning' where again there will be interactive tasks that teachers will later in the week share with the students.  

School Photos 

Photos will be taken on Wednesday the 7th of September, these will be done in home groups throughout the day.  Each child will have an individual and a home group photo, as well as any other school groups (Te Whānau Tahi, Student Council, etc.). There are no sibling photos being taken.

Lost Property - a lost taonga!


Please come to the Office to collect this, it appears to have been broken and left in the playground.

Returning Sports Uniform

Winter sport is coming to an end with the majority of students no longer participating. Can we please have sport uniforms that are no longer required returned to the Office.
Cross country and football have finished. Basketball finishes at the end of this term, and only one team each for hockey and netball is still playing. All other sports uniforms should be returned.
(Please see the image below of the various Sports Uniform)

Online Safety Workshop

Te Kura O Hato Matini - St Martins Primary School are hosting a free event for all local parents and whānau about keeping young people safe online. Netsafe's Relationship & Education Advisor, Paula Wistrand, will be talking about the risks, challenges and opportunities of digital technology, and the practical ways we can all help young people to be safe online. The session will look at how parents and whānau can support and enable children and young people to navigate online opportunities, challenges and complexities. 

This will be a great chance to get educated on how we can keep our tamariki safe, and we would encourage you to consider attending.

Tennyson St Safety Measures

Thanks to everyone who has lobbied the Community Board over a long period of time around the Tennyson St crossing area. Special thanks to Ester Vallero, who has driven this lobby for a number of years. Thanks to Cleo Hopkinson (Y8) and Matthew Macdonald (BOT Chair) who spoke at the recent submissions meeting.

Scholastic Lucky Book Club


Issue 6 is Out Now! As you know, we have opted to go digital for our lucky book club so you can see the latest issue online, by clicking here. Or, click on the link below for more information on how to order:

Congratulations to...

Cashmere High School Scholarship winners:

Lola Harris has been jointly awarded the Cashmere High School Sports Scholarship for 2023
Quinn Clarke and Zoe Winsor have been awarded a Cashmere High School Leadership Scholarship for 2023.

Cantamath participants and award recipients

On Wednesday, August 24th our problem-solving teams took part in the Cantamath competition. A big well done to Noah, Weaver, Rose and Frida (Year 7) and Quinn, Fergus, George and Ben S (Year 8) who took on the challenge of solving 20 very tricky problems in 30 minutes, amidst much noise and distraction that comes with the competition. Special congratulations to the Year 8s who scored 75 out of a possible 100 points. 

Another part of Cantamath is the project competition. Here our kura excelled, with a large number of highly commended and excellence awards. We were extremely proud of Noah Palmer who received an outstanding award (only two of these were awarded) for his dynamic model of a trebuchet.

As Cantamath has not gone ahead for several years due to Cantamath, some of our Year 8s entered two projects - as their Year 7 projects were selected to go into a competition that did not go ahead last year. 

Excellence Awards:

Dynamic Models:
  • Noah Palmer (Outstanding)
  • Rowan Hopwood
  • Fergus Macdonald
Maths Photography:
  • Stella Gillman
Publicity Motif:
  • Daniel Webster
  • Lilian Shelku
Static Models:
  • William Pooch
  • Caitlin McIntosh
  • Lillie Neame
Written Work:
  • Ella Coleman
  • George Smith (Year 7 and Year 8)
  • Quinn Clarke (Year 7 and Year 8)
  • Freya Braun

Highly Commended Awards:

Dynamic Models:
  • Weaver McDaid
  • Timon Spill
Maths Posters:
  • Lillie Neame
  • Emma Elphick
Overall Theme (Maths in entertainment):
  • Weaver McDaid
Publicity Motif:
  • Lola Harris
Static Models:
  • Harvey Graham
  • Katya Atlas
  • Keanna Hakeagaiki
  • Lola Harris
  • Oliver McLachlan
  • Stella Gillman
  • William Pooch
Written Work:
  • Alfie Moore
  • Ashlyn Taffs
  • Frida Corin
  • Jemma Sutherland
  • Ben Scalan

PTA News

BOT Update

Last chance to vote for your Board of Trustees members. There are 3 positions available. Please see below the candidates and their profiles again. Please check your spam for any missed emails from CES that include the voting link.

Voting closes this Wednesday the 7th of September at 4pm.

Community Notices

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

The Great Canterbury Duck Race 2022

On Sunday 6th of November, the Great Canterbury Duck Race will enter its 5th year. Entry to the event is free to the entire community, enabling everyone to have a fun time along with raising much-needed funds for Life Education Trust Canterbury.
There are 3 exciting races starting from the Bridge of Remembrance down the Avon River and past the Terrace Steps to the finish line at Hereford St Bridge.


Purchase a $10 community race duck and $5 will go towards your school's next Life Education visit. Ducks can be purchased at:

Hosting Cashmere High International Students

Performing Arts

Studio One Performing Arts, your local dance school, is currently giving Ballet (R.A.D.), Jazz, and Contemporary (APDA) lessons in your area. The school’s director is teacher, choreographer & ex-ballet dancer Patricia Paul A.R.A.D. (London). Ballet lessons from 3 years through to Advanced, and all levels in Jazz and Contemporary starting from age 7. For all enquiries please phone 03 372-9191 or email info@studioone.co.nz

Torpedo7 Friends & Family for Southern Schools

Offer begins Friday 16th of September!

Up to 60% off for everyone!

The Deal: Save up to 60% off
Valid Dates: 16th September – 2nd October 2022

How to redeem: 
In-store - Show the above flyer. Store staff will either scan the barcode or enter the 3 digit code below the barcode.
Online - See the promo code on the flyer to use at the online checkout: 94A92F91

Terms and Conditions: Discounts are off RRP. If the product is already on promotion customer will receive the lower offer or promo pricing. Not all products are eligible for a discount. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.  Excludes Burton, Electronics, Freight, Gift Cards and Workshop Services.

VALID FROM 16/09/2022 – 2nd October 2022

Climb a tree - get one free


Coming up on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 September on behalf of NZArb, The Tree People is proud to support the South Island Tree Climbing Competition at Orton Bradley Park.

Throughout both days there will be a separate tree climb event set up, especially for children.
Under the guidance of qualified arborists, children can put on a harness and be supported to climb or swing in a tree.

The first 50 children to give it a go will receive a free native tree from Trees for Canterbury.

We invite your community to come along, give it a go, and feel what it's like. Everyone is welcome to stay a while and watch the professionals in action as they compete in 5 different technical challenges.

Please note that Park entry requirements mean no dogs are permitted, and a $5 entry fee applies.


See our website https://www.elementsnature.co.nz/  or Facebook page
Bookings are through https://elements.aimyplus.com
For more info email elementsprogrammes@gmail.com