Kōwhai News Term 2 Week 9

Kia ora e te whānau,

We are quickly approaching the end of the term, and it is a very busy time in the hub. Student reports will be available today, and Learning Conferences will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday. If you have not yet booked a conference for your child, there is still time to do so. If you need any assistance with booking, please contact your child's homegroup teacher, who will be happy to help.

Welcome, Kathryn!

We are delighted to welcome Kathryn Sutherland to our team. Kathryn joined us this week and has taken over Georgia's homegroup. She has spent the past week getting to know the children in her class, as well as the wider hub. We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to her contributions to our team.

Descriptive Writing

In writing, we have been focusing on descriptive language, using our senses to describe what we see, hear, feel, smell, and taste. We have been learning how to make our writing more engaging by including a range of adjectives and are beginning to explore similes, using them to create vivid images for our readers.


Midwinter Breakfast

Next Wednesday, the PTA will be hosting a Midwinter Breakfast. If you and your children would like to join in, breakfast will be served from 8:00 am. There will be plenty of warm, delicious porridge for everyone to enjoy!


Funky Hair Day

On the last day of term, the Student Council will be holding a Funky Hair Day to raise funds for Starship Hospital. Children are invited to come to school with a fun and creative hairstyle and bring a gold coin donation to support this worthwhile cause. Please note that students are still required to wear their school uniform.


Staying Safe Online: Scams

People in New Zealand are losing millions of dollars to scammers each year - and this is just the figures reported to Netsafe so the actual figure is likely much higher!
It's important that you and your tamariki know what to look out for to avoid scams. Netsafe have put their best advice together to help you stay safe online and stay away from scams.
Read their scam tips here.


Word Cup Fever

As many of you may already know, the FIFA World Cup kicked off last Friday. The children and teachers in the Kōwhai hub have been enthusiastically following the tournament, tracking match results on our World Cup board and discussing the games together. We have also enjoyed watching some of the matches before school in the mornings. It has been a fantastic way to share in the excitement of this global event and has sparked lots of lively conversations throughout the hub.



Have a great weekend!

From the Kōwhai team


Kahikatea News: Term 2 Week 9

 Kia ora te whānau, 

It is hard to believe that we are almost at the end of another term. 

Kahikatea performed in our whole school assembly last week. The parent turnout was amazing, the kids were so thrilled, and they did so well.

The Kahikatea staff have been delighted by the progress our students have made so far this year. It has been wonderful to see their learning and development flourish, with this growth clearly reflected in their reports.

Reminders:
  • Learning conferences are on Tuesday, the 23rd and Wednesday, the 24th of June. School will close at 1:45pm both days.
  • A reminder to please bring reading folders on a Thursday, as this is the day when we switch books and children take them home. We will collect all readers over the break, so no books will go home in the last week of term. If you have any books at home, please bring them back in so that we are able to do a stocktake.
  • Friday, the 3rd July, we have a wacky hair day. Please bring a gold coin donation.


Here are some of our recent learning celebrations:

Literacy:

The children continue to work hard and remain focused during our whole-class and small-group reading and writing sessions. The writing they are producing is outstanding! Below are some images of students' writing and of  Amber running a whole-class reading session, which the children enjoyed immensely.








Maths:
The use of the Numicon mathematics programme is proving to be a great success. Students are more clearly able to articulate their ideas and findings using mathematical language. They can translate the use of Numicon shapes and rods into problem-solving tasks. Below are some examples of Numicon work we have been participating in this week as we work with recording addition and subtraction problems.















Geography:
We are well into our Geography topic and have spent the past two weeks looking at maps of New Zealand and studying the North, South and Stewart Islands. We have looked at where Christchurch/Otautahi is located, the region of Canterbury and other towns and cities that are important to our tamariki. We have looked at keys and how mountains, rivers, forests, etc, might be marked on a map. We learnt about the name Aotearoa and where it came from, and have listened to the Māori myth of Maui and the Giant Ika (myth of how NZ came to be). Students have spent some time drawing their own maps of N.Z.









Look at the amazing felted banner our students have been working on with Nicky:


Staying Safe Online: Scams

People in New Zealand are losing millions of dollars to scammers each year – and this is just the figures reported to Netsafe so the actual figure is likely much higher!


It’s important that you and your tamariki know what to look out for to avoid scams. Netsafe have put their best advice together to help you stay safe online and stay away from scams.


Read their scam tips here










Pōhutukawa Team News Term 2 Week 9 2026

 


Pōhutukawa Team News Term 2, Week 10, 2026

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

What a busy few weeks we have had! We look forward to having the chance to connect with you at our Learning Conferences and also see many of you at our Matariki Evening coming up as well.  These connections, and the whanaungatanga that comes with them, are so valuable. They are wonderful chance for the students to reflect on their successes, as well as look ahead to the next two terms. We hope you enjoy some photos of life in the Pōhutukawa Hub over the past busy few weeks. Please take the time to read on for some important information.

Shoes/ Ngā hū

It has been really great to see the students 'stepping up' to show We Care for our school environment by removing their shoes during this wet and muddy season. It really does make a huge difference to our learning space. Our next 'step' in this regard is to continue to work on keeping the shoes in a tidy way. Again, revisiting these expectations at home, as well really helps us to get there together and show kindness to each other for keeping our learning spaces accessible for all, as well as showing We Care for our cleaning staff. A reminder that students can bring slippers to school to wear indoors as well if not having shoes on is a problem. 

Winter Sports/ Hākinakina

Our Winter Sports programme is also now full steam ahead, with all of our students getting some amazing netball, football, flag football and hockey experience! Our teams are enjoying themselves in the South Zone competition and representing Beckenham admirably. A huge mihi, thanks to the parents who are helping out on Thursday afternoons. We simply couldn't do it without your help and support.


Softball Taster Session 1 
"Give it a Go"













BLAKE NZ- Virtual Reality Sessions: Sustainability









Primary Sport Canterbury Zones Cross Country: Nga Puni Wai
Go Chloe!








A nationwide creative writing competition for young Kiwi readers
Every Reader Has A Story … What’s Yours?
Books can stay with us long after we've turned the final page. Sometimes they help us through a difficult time. Sometimes they make us feel understood. Sometimes they open a door into a new world, a new idea, or a new way of seeing ourselves.
How has a book helped change you? 
To help celebrate the inaugural NZ Children’s Books Week: Read Around Aotearoa, the children's book-gifting charity, Kiwi Christmas Books, is inviting
you, the keen young readers of Aotearoa, to tell us a true story about how a book made a difference in your life. Entry
You could win $250 in books for yourself and $500 in books for your school, and have your story published! 


Staying Safe Online: Scams

People in New Zealand are losing millions of dollars to scammers each year – and this is just the figures reported to Netsafe so the actual figure is likely much higher!


It’s important that you and your tamariki know what to look out for to avoid scams. Netsafe have put their best advice together to help you stay safe online and stay away from scams.


Read their scam tips here




Stay safe, stay warm,

Kia Kaha

The Pōhutukawa Teaching Team

Chris, Chloe, Nick, Kate, and Rae



Kauri News – Week 9

 

Welcome back to Term 2!

Learning in Team Kauri - Presentations for sustainability inquiry

This term, our students have been deeply engaged in an inquiry topic focused on sustainability, exploring how our choices impact the environment and looking at ways to protect our planet for the future. Over the last two weeks, students have been proudly presenting their final project outcomes to their peers. These presentations showcase an impressive variety of creative mediums, including hand-crafted models, informative posters, and student-led podcasts, covering a diverse range of critical sustainability topics. We are incredibly impressed by the depth of research, critical thinking, and passion our students have demonstrated throughout this unit.

Canterbury Cross Country

Congratulations to our Year 7-8 students who made it through to Canterbury Cross Country. We are extremely proud of their efforts and the way they represented themselves at such a prestigious event. Results below:

AWD

Jacob Hamilton - 2nd (5:07)

Year 7 Girls

Clara Shaw - 87th (14:44)

Year 7 Boys

Haydn O’Connor - 32nd (12:14)

Year 8 Girls

Laura Stoney - 3rd (11:58)

Misha Lee - 45th (13:34)

Year 8 Boys

Ben Stoney - 33rd (11:33)

Year 8 hoodies - preliminary design and fundraising

We are excited to begin the process of designing and creating our special Year 8 hoodies! To ensure these keepsakes are accessible for everyone, the cost to whānau will be kept to just $20 per hoodie, with the students actively fundraising to cover the remaining balance. The students will be heavily involved in the design process to make these shirts uniquely theirs. Further information regarding order forms, sizing, and fundraising details will follow as soon as the plans are finalized.


Bingo Night & Hampers

Get ready for a fun-filled evening at our upcoming School Bingo Night! This exciting fundraising event is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together for an evening of friendly competition, great prizes, and school spirit. All proceeds raised throughout the night will directly support our upcoming school projects and student resources. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time player, come along for a chance to shout "Bingo!" while making a meaningful contribution to our school. We look forward to seeing you there for a night to remember! A big thank you for all our whānau who contributed some amazing items for our Hamper prizes.

Cantamath planning & projects

The 2026 Cantamath competition information has noe become available outlining this year's three separate competitions: the Year 5&6 Challenge, the Year 7–10 Display Competition, and the Year 7–10 Team Competition. Please mark your calendars for two key dates in August: Tuesday, 18th August is the drop-off day for all Year 5&6 Challenge entries and Year 7–10 Displays, followed by the exciting Teams Competition on Wednesday, 19th August. The official theme inspiring this year's creations is "Maths in Nature", while students looking ahead can start brainstorming for the 2027 theme (and 2026 motifs), which will be "Maths in Games". The classes in Team Kauri will be spending some time over the next two weeks to go over expectations and ideas. We encourage whānau to spend some time with their child to work on their projects.

Upcoming Events: Term 2

Week 10

  • Learning Conferences - Tuesday and Wednesday

  • Early finish both days: 1:45pm

  • Bingo Night - Saturday 27th June 7pm in school hall (tickets available)

Week 11

  • Last day of Term - Friday 3rd July

Week 1, Term 3

  • Wednesday 22nd July Matariki Evening 5:30pm - 7:15pm


A nationwide creative writing competition for young Kiwi readers
Every Reader Has A Story … What’s Yours?
Books can stay with us long after we've turned the final page. Sometimes they help us through a difficult time. Sometimes they make us feel understood. Sometimes they open a door into a new world, a new idea, or a new way of seeing ourselves.
How has a book helped change you? 
To help celebrate the inaugural NZ Children’s Books Week: Read Around Aotearoa, the children's book-gifting charity, Kiwi Christmas Books, is inviting you, the keen young readers of Aotearoa, to tell us a true story about how a book made a difference in your life. Entry form
You could win $250 in books for yourself and $500 in books for your school, and have your story published! 

Term 2, Week 10 -  All Ages

Staying Safe Online: Scams

People in New Zealand are losing millions of dollars to scammers each year – and this is just the figures reported to Netsafe so the actual figure is likely much higher!


It’s important that you and your tamariki know what to look out for to avoid scams. Netsafe have put their best advice together to help you stay safe online and stay away from scams.


Read their scam tips here

















Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 12th June 2026

Principal's Update

Kia ora whānau,

School Reports and Learning Conferences

As shared in the last newsletter, school reports will be sent home to families next Friday. Information about Learning Conferences, including how to book a time with your child's homeroom teacher, will be sent out shortly.
Learning Conferences provide an important opportunity to discuss your child's progress, celebrate their achievements, and identify areas of focus for the remainder of the year. We look forward to meeting with you and your child at these conferences.

Property Update 

A number of improvements are scheduled for this term and next:
  • Solar Panels - scheduled for installation in the upcoming school holidays 
  • Artificial Turf near Kōmanawa Building - 7 September (Term 3 - Week 8)
  • New Shade Sails for Junior Playground - Term 3 holiday break
You may have noticed that one of the shade umbrellas near the Junior Playground has been removed. The metal structure is currently being rebuilt following damage caused by vandalism and is expected to be returned to the school today.

Unfortunately, the second umbrella was also damaged and will be removed today for repairs.

Third New Entrants Class

Our third new entrants class will open at the beginning of Term 3. This class will be taught by Elizabeth, with Nicola taking on a full-time role in the class she currently shares with Elizabeth.

If you have a child who will be starting school in Term 3 or 4, or know of someone in this situation, it would be helpful if they could be enrolled as soon as possible. This will support us with planning and ensure we are well prepared to welcome them.

Have a great weekend.

Ngā mihi
Cade

Principal / Tumuaki
Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto

Important Dates

2026 Term Dates - Linked Here

Upcoming EventsTerm 2
Mon 15 JuneYear 5/6 & 7/8 Canterbury Softball Sessions
Tue 16 JuneYear 5/6 Canterbury Softball Sessions
Wed 17 JuneYear 5-8 PSC Cross Country Canterbury Zones
Thu 18 JuneKoru team - Junior Park Explorers Trip
" "Whakanui Whaikaha - Disability Play Partnership (Parakiore Centre)
Tue 23 & Wed 24 JuneLearning Conferences (Tue 2pm-7pm, Wed 2pm-6pm)
School finishes at 1:45pm
Wed 24 JunePTA Mid Winter Breakfast
" "Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 26 JuneCelebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, Hall)
Sat 27 JuneBingo Night
Tues 30 JuneYear 0-4 Cross Country Challenge (Zones)
" "PTA Meeting (7:30- 9:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 3 JulyFunky Hair Day
" "Last Day of Term 2
Mon 20 JulyFirst Day of Term 3
Wed 22 JulyMatariki Evening (5:30-7pm)

Citizen of the Week

Moana - Year 6

Moana, you are a kind, caring and enthusiastic learner. You consistently treat others with the utmost respect, and you are an incredibly supportive friend. Thank you for always demonstrating our school values with a positive smile. Well done, Moana!

Zaria - Year 8

Zaria, you are a remarkably capable and positive member of Team Kauri. You role-model our school values, especially 'We Make a Difference', through your willingness to support our school community as a student leader. You show initiative in your leadership roles and foster genuine connections with your peers through your kind actions and words. He tauiraira koe ki ō hoa (You are a role model to your peers). 

School Notices

Save the Date: Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto’s Matariki Evening 

Matariki marks the start of the Māori New Year. This is a time for reflection, connection, and planning for the year ahead. 
We would love to celebrate this special time with you and your whānau on Wednesday, 22nd July (the first Wednesday of Term Three) from 5:30 pm!

More details about the evening will be shared closer to the time, but please see the attached poster for a sneak peek!

40 Hour Challenge – We Need Your Help!

There are still lots of Year 5-8 students who have told us they would like to take part in this year's 40 Hour Challenge but haven't signed up yet.

Please have a chat with your child about whether they would like to be involved and, if so, help them sign up using the link below:

The 40 Hour Challenge takes place from 19–21 June and is a great opportunity for our tamariki to make a difference for children and families in the Solomon Islands.

We have made a fantastic start and have already raised $1,984 towards our school goal of $7,500. Thank you to everyone who has signed up and started fundraising so far.

If your child is not in Years 5–8 but your whānau would still like to support this important cause, donations can be made directly through our school fundraising page here:

Let's keep the momentum going and see how close we can get to our target!

40 Hours? Challenge Accepted!

Sign up. Switch off. Stand up for Pacific kids.

Winter Wellness Reminder

If your child is sick, please keep them home until they are well. This way, we can all work together to minimise the spread as much as possible.

Please call 033371404 or email office@beckenham.school.nz if your child/children are sick.

Staff will continue to promote regular washing of hands, especially before eating, along with ventilating the hubs.

Thank you for your assistance with this.

Celebrating Student Achievement - Pippa!

Trees For Survival Planting Day

Last week, we had the Trees for Survival planting day. We took a group of 29 children, from across Year 5 - 8, and travelled by bus out to a farm in Kaiapoi, and met our sponsors from Accor Hotels, the land owners and their family. 

It was a beautiful day, the children worked incredibly hard, and had lots of fun. 753 plants were planted from our shade-house / Trees for Survival!

The experience was a wonderful example of our values, We Make a Difference, and We Get There Together, as students contributed positively to the environment, our wider Canterbury community and worked alongside others to restore a local area.

A special thank you to everyone involved in making the day such a success!

Staff Profiles

Welcome Kathryn Sutherland - Kōwhai Team

Hello! I'm Kathryn Sutherland. I've recently returned to Christchurch with my family after living and teaching in London for the last 23 years. I've been working at a school in Halswell since the start of this year, teaching in year 6, and I'm really looking forward to starting at Beckenham! 

PTA News

Midwinter Breakfast 

We’re busy organising the Midwinter Breakfast. This is taking place on Wednesday, 24th June, at 8am in the hall. Bring a bowl, a spoon and a can for the City Mission!  

Readathon

Congratulations to all for another fantastic Readathon! There was loads of great reading done, some great work on collecting sponsors and fabulous costumes at the Book Character day. We raised a grand total of $5,224 for the school, ka pai tō mahi!

Bingo Night!

Tickets are available now (via the Kindo app or click here) for a fun-filled night and a chance to win some great prizes. Look out for the accompanying raffle next week, and there will also be a silent auction during the event.

The Sports Corner

Kia ora koutou,

This section of our newsletter will be dedicated to highlighting the successes and challenges our students are experiencing in sports outside of school. We love seeing our ākonga (students) showing our school values, especially We Love Challenge Nau Mau Te Wero in the community. If your child has had a sporting success that you’d like to share with our community, please email me with a short blurb and photo to: kate.mcgregor@beckenham.school.nz - We’d love to feature it in our next newsletter!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kate McGregor
Sports Coordinator

Pōhutukawa & Kauri Weekly Winter Sport: Player of the Day

Another fantastic week of Weekly Winter Sport! It has been great to see our students continuing to develop their skills, work together as teams, and represent our kura with pride each week.

Congratulations to this week's Players of the Day, who were recognised for their effort, determination, and the positive way they demonstrated our school values throughout the afternoon. We are incredibly proud of the resilience, sportsmanship, and encouragement shown by all of our students as they continue to grow in confidence and capability.

A huge thank you to our whānau and volunteers for your ongoing support and commitment. Your encouragement on the sidelines and assistance behind the scenes help make these opportunities possible for our tamariki.

Year ⅚ Flag Football - Ruby & Keira
Year ⅚ Football - Phoenix
Year ⅚ Hockey - Kit, Archie, Freya, Moana & Summer
Year ⅚ Netball - Pyper, Frankie, Florence & Zakyla
Year ⅞ Flag Football - Jeremiah & Tommy
Year ⅞ Football - Amelia & Clarel
Year ⅞ Hockey - Ben, Mitchell & Lily
Year ⅞ Netball - Mia, Hazel, Sristy, Saxton & Seb

BOT Update

Term 2 Policy Review Now Open - SchoolDocs

  1. Visit the website https://beckenham.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
  2. Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride).
  3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
  4. Read the policy.
  5. Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
  6. Select the reviewer type.
  7. Enter your name (optional).
  8. Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
  9. Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
If you don't have internet access, our school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Community Notices

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