Principal's Patch
Kia ora koutou
The end of the year is rapidly approaching, with Summer trying to appear on Thursday this week, with a reminder on Friday that Spring weather can be extremely changeable and unpredictable!
The PTA were disappointed to have to postpone the picnic on Friday evening. We are looking forward to having it in the new year - on Friday 9th February - so get that date into your calendars now!
Outdoor Spaces - New Basketball Hoops
There has been huge excitement over the past two weeks as two new basketball hoops and two new netball hoops (in the Year 5/6 and 7/8 courtyard) were finally installed. This brings our current programme of Outdoor Spaces improvement to an end. Our thanks to Gayle McNaughton who has been the teacher leading this mahi, with support from Richard Scott (BOT), a team of teachers and liaison with students. At times it has been a frustrating and slow process (we remember the 'pond' at the bottom of the green slide!), so it is hugely satisfying to now see these projects come together and reach completion.
The next areas we are looking at include:
- shade opportunities within the school grounds
- increasing the footprint of the Sandwich Road bike storage area
- re-designing the main entrance area on Sandwich Road to provide more space and safer movement of people at high usage times
Cycle Safety - Year 6
This week our Year 6 students have been participating in the Christchurch City Council Cycle Safe schools programme. On Thursday they had the additional opportunity to sit in the cab of a large truck to get a front seat view of a driver's blind spots when driving a large vehicle, and thinking about the implications of that when they are on a bike. We are very grateful to the Council and the Cycle Safe team who fund and provide this important programme for Year 6 students across Christchurch.
An invitation to join us
On Monday 4th December at 12noon, we will be holding a special assembly to celebrate the contribution made to our school over the past 27 years by Elizabeth Drummond. Whilst Elizabeth is absolutely not retiring, she will be finishing her permanent full-time role at the end of this year.
You are invited to join us - please RSVP to the office if you are planning to attend.
Showing appreciation at the end of the year.
We are aware that gift-giving is one way that some people choose to show appreciation and that this is particularly so at the end of the school year, and for those who celebrate Christmas.
We talk with the children about the importance of showing appreciation in an ongoing way through words and actions, rather than necessarily through the buying of gifts. Our teachers talk with the children about the value of making and writing cards or small gifts when special occasions do occur. In that same spirit, we do appreciate hearing that what we have done has been appreciated, and we do not expect parents or students to buy gifts for staff.
We are also aware that some groups of children may be organising gift-giving activities between friends at school (i.e. "Secret Santa"). Please let your children know that this is not something we do at school, and that this needs to be something organised outside of school. Our goal is to ensure that our school activities are inclusive of all children and their whānau beliefs and values. Please ask children to keep activities such as this to friendship groups outside of school, where you know one another’s families.
Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Principal - Tumuaki
Important Dates
(you can also find the Community Calendar on our website here)
Fri 1 Dec - Student Council - Celebrating Diversity and Culture Day (non-uniform)
Fri 1 Dec - Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Thu 7 Dec - BOT Meeting, 5.30pm, StaffroomFri 8 Dec - Celebration Assembly, 10am, in the Hall
Fri 8 Dec - 12:15-3pm, Kahikatea Team trip to Isaac Theatre Royal, Southern Ballet
Mon 11 Dec - 7-8pm Kauri Production, in the Hall
Tue 12 Dec - 7-8pm Kauri Production, in the Hall
Fri 15 Dec - Final Celebration Assembly, 9:45am, in the Hall
Mon 18 Dec - Year 8 Graduation, 11am-12pm
Mon 18 Dec - Year 8 Leavers' Lunch 12:30-1:30pm
Tue 19 Dec - Last Day of Term 4, School finishes at 12.30pm
2024
Tue 30 Jan - Learning Conferences
Wed 31 Jan - Learning Conferences
Thu 1 Feb - Classes begin
Citizen of the Week
Isabelle Parrett - Year 8
Isabelle, your involvement in various aspects of school life has been truly commendable. You are a keen hockey player and have shown determination and drive throughout the school competition and Koru Games this year. You have excelled in music, being involved in band, music lessons and choir. We've sincerely appreciated all your hard work, and it's been a pleasure to witness your growth as a leader this year. Tino pai rawa atu, Isabelle!
Congratulations to...
Isla Graham
Science Cup Winner
Isla, your enthusiasm for the living world and marine environment is obvious for all to see. You thrive on discovering new facts about animals and creatures, and your eagerness to share your knowledge with others is fantastic. I always anticipate your moments of enlightenment, when you casually remark, "Did you know…?" You teach me so many new things! During our science lessons, your genuine interest and involvement shines through. You've earned numerous Science Badges, and your work has consistently improved over time. Keep nurturing your curiosity and continue sharing your passion with others. Congratulations, Isla!
Cahlen Stace
Band Directors Cup Winner
Cahlen was awarded this for amazing contribution to the school bands over the past four years. Cahlen you truly shine as a talented performer.
BOT Update
We would like to thank all of our candidates for their interest and participation in our Mid-term elections.
School Notices
Scholastic Lucky Book Club - Issue 8 Out Now!
Issue 8 is out now, please follow the link below to look at the catalogue online, and to order. Orders close Tuesday 12 December.
Misplaced Scooter/s
The scooter below was taken home by accident at the start of this month from the school bike stands, which means someone else may have the wrong one too. Please contact the Office if this is relevant to you.
End Of Year Reports
The end of year summary reports are now available through the Hero portal. The end of year report reflects aspects of your child's learning for the second part of the year.
Please take the time to sit with your child and share their report with them, celebrating their learning.
To find your child's report; open Hero, click on their name and then click '2023 report'.
If you need any help accessing the report through Hero please contact your child's Home Group teacher or come into the office for assistance.
Lost Property
We have approximately 30 School Uniform tops in our lost property, the majority are un-named the rest the name is unfortunately unreadable. The lost property is located on the library veranda.
Year 8 Whānau Hui for Ākonga Māori
Cashmere High School has formally invited our Ākonga Māori and their whānau to attend the CHS Year 8 hui to welcome them to their kura. It's a great opportunity to meet some of the CHS ākonga and kaiako before they are welcomed with a pōwhiri next year.
Date/Time: On Thursday 30th November at 5:30pm
Where: Wharenui
Bottles
We have been very generously donated a number of metal drink bottles. If your child needs a drink bottle please send them to the office with a note and we will provide them with one to keep.
Please ensure you name these drink bottles as there may be quite a few that look the same!
Sports News
Sport Tops
With the end of year fast approaching we would appreciate your help in the return of all sports tops that were issued to your children this year for school-related sporting events.
PTA News
Order your Panforte via the link below by the 1st of December, using the code "BECK", for delivery to the school on the 8th of December!
Community Notices
(Notices placed here are contingent on space and do not reflect the views or opinions of the school.)
BNZ Breakers
The school holidays are nearly upon us – keep the kids entertained by taking them to an action-
packed game of basketball.
The BNZ Breakers have 8 Auckland games remaining this season and every single game promises
plenty of fun, giveaways, and entertainment for the whole family. Choose the dates that suit you
HUNTSBURY PRESCHOOL OPEN DAY
Huntsbury Preschool is holding an Open Day on Wednesday 29th November 10-11:30am.
We are a not-for-profit community preschool, who operate out of Huntsbury Community Centre. We are for 2-5year olds and have an amazing nature play area. Come and check us out. 30H Huntsbury Ave. Ph 332 6001.
Jewellery Making Classes
Join us at Workspace Studios for these creative jewellery classes. Make some unique and precious gifts for others - or yourself! 3 hour classes, $115 Early Bird Price, $128 Full Price
2 Dec, 10am - 1pm, Earrings and Pendants
3 Dec, 10am - 1pm, $128 Lampwork Glass Bead Making
9 Dec, 10am - 1pm, Christmas Ring Making
10 Dec, 10am - 1pm, Earrings and Pendants
16 Dec, 10am - 1pm, Earrings and Pendants
17 Dec, 10am - 1pm, Christmas Ring Making
5, 12 and 19 Dec, 5.30 - 8pm, Tuesday Casual Class $59
Use the code Beckenham10 for 10% off your class. Kids aged 12 (or so) are welcome to attend these classes, but any person under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an enrolled parent or caregiver.
Book on our website now!
Exciting Announcement!
Next year, The Malthouse, home to Canterbury Children's Theatre and Malthouse Costumes, is restarting its Drama School! The reformed Malthouse Drama School team is thrilled to offer your child a front-row seat to creativity and confidence-building in the world of drama. With head tutor Briar Patrick, your child will explore the art of storytelling, build confidence, and work collaboratively with others, all while having a big bucket of fun. And because the courses are co-designed by theatre industry veteran Dan Bain, you can rest easy knowing what they’re learning is well worth your investment. Watch as your child's talents blossom in the heart of Canterbury Children's Theatre! Places are limited, so for more information and enrolments, visit malthouse.co.nz or call Head of School, Jenny, on 021 536 692.
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