Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Final Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 13 December 2024, Week 9

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

This is our final newsletter for 2024!

To our tamariki, this year we have noticed our kete values in action in so many ways in every one of you, and we are so proud of you all as you fill your kete for the journey - Whakarite ngā kete mō te haerenga.

Thank you to all our staff. This year we have navigated a year of transition together - what a team. You bring the kete values to all you do and you hold our tamariki central in all the decisions, solutions, learning and fun! Arohina te tangata me te taiao.


Thank you to our whānau, for the support you have shown the kura this year, for working as part of the important team supporting your child. Mā tātou katoa te waka e hoe.


Meet the teacher for 2025

On Tuesday 17th December the tamariki (children) will have some time in their hub for 2025 and meet the teachers who will be in that team. Each child will be given a letter to bring home to you that will have the name of their Home Group teacher for 2025, information on booking a learning conference at the start of the year and stationery information. Please look out for this letter. If you child is away for any reason on this day, the information will be emailed to you.


Year 8 Leavers

On Monday we farewell our Year 8 students. To them we say thank you and goodbye for now. Whether their time with us has been for all their schooling or part of it, they have each brought your own gifts and talents to our Kura as they have filled their Kete for the Journey.


Staffing Update
Congratulations to Jenny Diggle! Jenny has secured a position for 2025 at Te Aratai College working with a Year 9 class.

Jenny started at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto in 2016. During her time here she has worked in both the Junior and Senior school. Jenny has been the leader of Physical Education and has worked tirelessly over the years to support and organise the running of so many sporting events. Thank you Jenny for your empathic, caring approach.  Your incredible expertise in supporting our tamariki in their “whole” learning journey and in the way you are so solutions-focused has been appreciated.  These traits will support your new job at Te Aratai College next year.

Nicky Dunlop will take a Kauri Home Group for Term 1 while we recruit a teacher to start Term 2. 

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 to organise 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.

Below are the dates of the remaining events at kura (school). a reminder that school finishes at 12.30pm on Tuesday 17 December.

We wish you all a safe summer holiday and look forward to seeing you in 2025.

Ngā mihi nui
Jo Smith (Acting Principal / Tumuaki) 

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Mon 16 Dec - Year 8 Graduation 11am
Tue 17 Dec - Last day of Term 4, School finishes 12.30PM

Term Dates

Click here to view 2024 & 2025 term dates

School Notices

Congratulations to...

Principal's Cup for Leadership: Madeleine Dougherty

Madeleine, your leadership is characterised by initiative, care, and leading by example. You are a self-starter who sees a need and steps in to fill it, always seeking ways to make things better—whether through your support of the diversity group or your leadership of the creative writing group. You lead through action, setting high standards for yourself that inspire those around you to strive for their best. Your kindness and empathy are evident in your thoughtful approach to leadership, balancing the needs of the group with those of each individual. Congratulations, Madeleine, on this well-deserved recognition for your exceptional leadership!


Christchurch School of Music Band Directors Cup: Ben

Ben, your dedication to band has been outstanding. Through your involvement with both the Beckenham Tutti Band and Con Brio, you have shown exceptional perseverance, resilience, and commitment to your craft. As a mentor, you have guided younger students with kindness and encouragement, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and community. Your contributions have left a lasting impact, and you will be greatly missed as you move on to high school. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Ben!


Norman Kirk Memorial Prize for Citizenship: Ben Cross

Ben, every one of our school values shines through you in your words and actions every day at kura. 

He taonga te ako. Your thirst for learning is undeniable: You can always be found engaged in discussion, asking questions or engrossed in a book. You strive for excellence in all that you do. 

Nau mai te wero. Ben, you positively vibrate with enthusiasm in the face of challenging maths problems, a competitive game of sport, or really just about any opportunity put in front of you. 

Nā mātou he rerekē te ao. You are an outstanding leader and role model; you can always be counted on to act with integrity. 

Mā tatou katoa te waka e hoe. Ben, you shine when working within a team. You are a leader who leads from alongside, bringing others with you to enjoy success together. 

Arohina te tāngata me te taio. Ben, you are inclusive, kind, caring and respectful to everything and everyone every day.  

Ben, thank you for being such an all round awesome human being.


Year 8 Kete awards


We Love Learning -Harshit Rana and Harriet Parawa

Harriet, your genuine enjoyment of learning is evident across the curriculum and extends beyond the classroom. The way you consistently show your love of learning is outstanding. You demonstrate a huge commitment to personal growth but also show a  willingness to support others in achieving their best. Your success in various subjects reflects your proactive engagement with the learning process. Thank you, Harriet, for embodying the spirit of loving learning. 


Harshit, you have proven yourself as an exceptional learner time and time again. You have a genuine motivation to do well at every task laid before you. Harshit, the way that you put yourself outside of your comfort zone in search of personal growth is admirable. You listen attentively, follow instructions and respond to feedback. These characteristics have resulted in progress and achievements across the curriculum: Your intricate calendar art piece, coachability in ultimate frisbee and basketball, and awesome performance in our production are just some examples of this. He taonga te ako.


We Make a Difference-Hayzel Pole

Hayzel, you are positivity personified. When you smile, it is impossible not to smile back - and you smile most of the time. When ideas are being brainstormed, you are quick to acknowledge the contributions of others. During dance, drama or sport, you build others up. As Junior Neighborhood Support Leader, you have been proactive in actioning ideas to benefit our community and you have been a dedicated and bubbly House Captain for Heathcote. This support and encouragement of others makes a huge difference and promotes a culture of belonging within our rōpu. Thank you for the energy and enthusiasm you bring to kura each day, Hayzel!


We Love Challenge-Holly McIntosh

Holly, you embrace challenge in so many different ways. When the learning is challenging, you knuckle down and persevere to break through any barriers. Physical challenges see you in your element, leading the way and supporting others. You also love to perform and willingly volunteer for speaking roles. Holly, you take challenge in your stride, showing resilience when the going gets tough. Nau mai te whero! You rock, Holly.


Together-Isabella Guise

Isabella, you are a fabulous team player. Your level head and personable nature enable you to work effectively within a range of group dynamics. You are an active participant in many extracurricular activities, which include sport, Te Whānau and leadership. In every rōpu, you fully contribute and play your part in making the group a success. Isabella, you act with integrity, role-modeling our school values and contributing positively to our Kauri community. Thank you for the kindness and inclusivity you show to all. Mā tatou te waka e hoe. 

Caring for our kura

Our fantastic kaitiaki - looking after our environment by choosing to collect rubbish during their play breaks! We get there together! 

BOSCO

BOSCO January 2025 Holiday Programme is open for bookings!

To book head to bosco.aimyplus.com

Any information you may need or help with bookings please contact Harriet

office@bosco.org.nz
027 645 6632

Sports News

Sports Uniforms

If you happen to find any Beckenham Te Kura sports tops hiding out at your house, would you help us out by returning them? We can get them washed a ready for next year.

Yr 5 Canterbury Relay Team


On Wednesday the 27th of November, 22 tamariki, (children) from Beckenham Te Kura O Puroto represented our kura and zone at Canterbury Athletics, held at Ngā Puna Wai. This is a record number of students attending Canterbury Athletics for our kura, (school) and is a testament to the tamariki, (children's) hard work and determination. Well done to all who took part and represented our kura so well. 

A special mention goes to Levi Bunting and Laura Stoney for placing 3rd in their events. A super achievement, well done!

Appropriate Language At School 

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto is a place where we want all of our students and their families to feel safe and happy. It is our values, and the 'culture' of our school (the way we do things) that helps us to create a supportive and mana enhancing learning environment. 

A big part of what makes our school special is how diverse and multicultural our community is. All families prioritise and value different things at home and that makes us unique. 

The language we use at home is very different from family to family. How one family communicates in their home and the language they feel is acceptable, can easily be recognised as taboo or appalling in others. This is why we talk to our students about 'Time and Place'. 

Please support us by reinforcing to your child(ren) that some words that may be acceptable at home are not acceptable at school (or other places). Different places have different rules. 

At Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto, we do not want our tamariki swearing or using anti-social language. Our school needs to be a safe and happy place for all.

The following is a useful article on swearing: Swearing: why do school-age children do it? It can be quite a shock when your child starts to swear. You might be wondering where your child learned that kind of language – and whether they really understands what they're saying. How you react to your school-age child’s swearing now will influence their future swearing behaviour.

Swearing: why do school-age children do it?

When school-age children swear, it’s usually to express negative feelings. It’s often a response to something painful, upsetting or frustrating.

Children might also swear to fit in socially. They might be trying to be part of the group or to stand out by being funny or adding shock value to their talk. Children might also be imitating others when they swear.

Some children swear because it gets a strong reaction from their parents.

What to do about swearing: immediate action

Speak to your child about their choice of words, rather than ignoring the behaviour. Your child might or might not fully understand a swear word’s meaning, however they understand that words can hurt or offend others.

Your reaction will influence whether your child swears again. Stay calm and explain clearly that the word your child used is not OK. You could also explain that the word might hurt other people’s feelings. This will go a long way towards preventing future swearing.

What to do about swearing: longer-term

It’s a good idea for the adults in your home to discuss and agree on acceptable language, and discuss this with your child. For example, in some families, expressions like ‘Oh my god’ are OK, but other words aren’t. In some families, these expressions won't be acceptable.

If your family has rules about swearing, it’ll be easier to point out when your child is using unacceptable language. For example, you might say, ‘Remember, that’s not a word we use in our home’.

Here are more ideas to encourage respectful speaking and reduce swearing:
  • Explain to your child that some words that are acceptable at home might not be acceptable at school (or other places). Different places have different rules.

  • Think of other words to use if you find it hard to stop swearing, and other ways to handle difficult situations. For example, instead of swearing, you could say something like, ‘I feel really frustrated or angry’. This way you’re modelling better ways of expressing feelings. If your child has heard you swearing, it can also help to explain why you were swearing.

  • Praise your child when you notice them dealing more appropriately with anger or frustration. For example, if your child tells you that a playmate was using swear words to tease, praise your child for walking away from the situation and not using those words.

  • Be aware of what your child watches, listens to and plays with. That means supervising and checking the ratings on TV programmes, movies, music and other multimedia. It’s also a good idea to have the TV, computers and other devices in a part of the house where you can easily see them.
Some children will keep pushing swearing boundaries after being told not to. If you find yourself in this situation, you could try the following strategies:
  • Clearly state the rules. For example, you could say, ‘We use respectful language in this family’.

  • Clearly state that you won’t tolerate any abusive behaviour or language that’s directed towards others.

  • Tell your child what the consequences will be if you hear swear words and follow through with that consequence e.g. loss of privileges on devices.

  • Praise your child for not swearing in situations where they normally would. 
Source of article: raisingchildren.net.au

Community Dental Service - Holiday Clinics January 2025

The Community Dental Service will be closed for the upcoming 2024-25 Christmas & New Year period:

     Closed from: Tuesday 24th December 2024
     Reopen:         Monday 6th January 2025

Four of our community dental clinics will be open during the January School Holiday period:

     Burnside    (96a Memorial Avenue)
     Hillmorton (80-82 Sylvan Street)
     Aranui        (240 Breezes Road)
     Timaru       (18 Woollcombe Street)

If your child is experiencing any dental pain/discomfort, you can call us on 0800 846 983 and/or email: commdental@cdhb.health.nz and one of our clinicians will contact you.

Screen time and its impact on school-aged children

This week, we want to highlight an important research article about screen time and its impact on school-aged children. We estimate that over 90% of the 700+ cases referred to the attendance service involve issues related to excessive screen time, which we frequently observe as a major barrier to school attendance, especially when it leads to insufficient sleep. Notably, children who spend more than three hours daily on social media are 27% more likely to miss school.


Here are three key findings from the study that are relevant to school attendance:
  • Evening Screen Use: Adolescents using screens for more than two hours before bed are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, impacting their alertness and focus in school.
  • Delayed Sleep Onset: High levels of screen exposure are linked to delayed bedtimes, resulting in insufficient sleep and daytime fatigue, which can increase school absences.
  • Age Differences: Older students are particularly affected, with disruptions in sleep patterns that lower their energy levels and academic performance.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING

Health alerts and advice from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora  

Pertussis (whooping cough) awareness and prevention 

A pertussis epidemic was declared across Aotearoa New Zealand on 22 November.   


Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) can be particularly severe, and sometimes fatal, for babies many of whom require hospital care. 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is encouraging those who are pregnant or have regular contact with young babies or preschool children to check they are up to date with pertussis vaccinations. 


Protect against measles 

Measles is a serious and extremely contagious disease that affects adults and children.  

Measles is increasing in countries that Kiwis travel to frequently, including South-East Asia, Europe and the United States.   

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is encouraging vaccination for people who do not have immunity to measles, particularly those who are planning to travel overseas in the school holidays.  



Funded meningococcal vaccines for eligible rangatahi 

Meningococcal disease spreads easily in close living situations and can be fatal within hours. 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is encouraging rangatahi to get a meningococcal vaccine if they are entering their first year of shared accommodation in a boarding school hostel, university halls of residence, military barracks or youth justice facility. 


Support with checking vaccination records 

Advice about vaccines and immunisation records for children aged 16 and under is available from the free vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26, 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.  Māori, Pacific and disability support services are available to provide assistance.  

Community Notices

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

Art Classes for Children

Is your child passionate about art? Would they like to extend their creativity through learning a range of new art skills and techniques? Maybe Kat's holiday painting workshops or after-school art classes are just what you've been looking for. Kat's Art Studio is located at 171 Waltham Rd. Art tutor Katrina is a professional artist and tutor who has over 10yrs experience teaching children art. For more details, please visit www.katsartstudionz.com

It is with great excitement to share with you our BAPN Junior Badminton Summer Training Camp!

Details of the training camp:

Who:                    Players up to 19 years old
Experience:         All levels welcome (beginner, intermediate, advance)
Where:                 Zhu Badminton Centre, Wigram
Date:                    13 - 24 January 2025
Days:                    Monday - Friday (Total 10 days)
Time:                    9am - 3:30pm each day (6.5 hours per day)
Costs:                   $700 for all 10 days or $80 per day

Please see above posters for more information including schedule & training breakdown.

Please sign up via our enrolment form in the link below:
https://forms.gle/2zfXCnLESeVUyLXN6

Limited spaces available so please sign up quick!

Or feel free to get in touch with any questions by contacting Willie at willie.chen@mybadmintonshop.co.nz or 0210 224 5655

*Application closes Friday 10th January 2025*

Website: https://mybadmintonshop.co.nz/pages/coaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BAPNchc

Kahikatea News Term 4 Week 8

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 Kia ora all, 

Can you believe there is only full week of school left?! Term 4 has flown by. The tamariki have worked so hard this year and we are incredibly proud of all the children's mahi. 

Upcoming Events: 

  • Kahikatea Global Grove End-of-Year Performance Dress Rehearsal (for the school) Thursday, 12 December⋅09:30 – 10:30

  • Kahikatea Global Grove End-of-Year Performance ( for Whanau) Thursday, 12 December⋅13:00 – 16:00

  • Final Celebration Assembly Friday, 13 December⋅09:05 – 09:50

  • Meet 2025 Teacher Tuesday, 17 December⋅10:00 – 10:30
  • School finishes Tuesday, 17 December at 12:30pm 

Global Groove 

The Kahikatea production of 'Global Groove' is well underway. The children have been working hard practising lines, making props, singing songs and learning dance moves. Your child's homegroup teacher will have emailed out costume letters. If you have not received a costume letter, please speak to your child's teacher as soon as possible. We are asking that the costumes be at school by the 10th of December at the latest. This will give us time to practise a dress rehearsal, before the whānau performance on Thursday 12th December at 2pm. We hope you can make it!

Assemblies

Friday's final celebration assembly will take place at 9.05am.

End-of-year transitions

There will be lots of opportunities for the children to get familiar with new learning spaces/new peers, during our transition sessions next week. 

Monday 9th December - Koru children will be visiting Kahikatea and getting to know the hub and Year 1s.
Wednesday 11th December am - Year 2s will have a visit to the Kōwhai hub. 
Wednesday 12th December pm - Koru children will be visiting Kahikatea and getting to know the hub and Year 1s.


Kapa Haka

It has been a lot of fun using poi during our Kapa Haka sessions. 






Maths - Fractions Focus 





Our Planet and Beyond: Learning about Space








Transition Visits 


On Wednesday morning our amazing Year 2 tamariki had their first whole group transition visit to Kowhai! Anna welcomed us and we talked about some of the things that we noticed about the Kowhai hub, and we got to spend time with our new soon-to-be Year 4 friends! 
We have another visit next Wednesday morning. Here are some photos of our time in Kowhai....


















Koru Team News: Term 4 Week 8 (6/12/2024)

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 Kia ora e te whānau,

Thank you to everyone who has been applying sun cream before school, we are reapplying before the children go out to Big Play. A reminder that all children need a sun hat every day! If a child does not have a sun hat, they need to play in the shade of the Hall verandah at break times.

It is hard to believe we are nearly at the end of our school year! We will be beginning to tidy and sort our toys and resources in preparation for next year. You might even notice our walls will be getting bare as we take the children's work off so they can take it home. 

Returning books

We are collecting back all Literacy reading books from Literacy folders, these need to be brought back to any teacher in Koru. Please have a look around home and bring back all reading books to school for our end of year stocktake. You are welcome to keep your Heart Words and sound packs of cards to keey using at home. All Library books need to be brought back to school too. 


Transition Visits

We have been getting to meet and get to know the children who will be starting in Koru next year, as they have their school visits this week. It is wonderful to see how our Koru tamariki are showing all our school values to make our visitors feel welcome and to show them a fun time at school. 'We Make A Difference'. Our Koru children are also having a couple of visits to look around the Kahikatea Hub and see where they might be next year.



Teddy Bears' Picnic:

On Monday, December 16th, we are planning to hold a fun Teddy Bears' picnic, followed by games, out in Beckenham Park.

At 1:20 p.m., children will wash their hands, put their hats on, collect their lunches, drink bottles and soft toys, and we'll head out to have lunch under the big trees near the Big Adventure playground.

Once they have finished eating, children will be able to choose from a variety of game options: parachute games, Duck Duck Goose, or playing on the Big Adventure playground. 

Please ensure that your child has the following items on Monday, December 16th:

  • lunchbox
  • drink bottle
  • sun hat
  • soft toy (teddy bear or other)


Staying Safe Online

As our tamariki spend more time online, it’s important parents and whānau help them

stay safe. Now is a great time to talk to them about how we use the internet and digital

Technology.


Netsafe has created an Online Safety Parent Toolkit so parents, families and whānau have

all the information they need to talk about online safety.


If you or anyone in your whānau needs support, you can contact Netsafe.



Ngā mihi mahana,
Stacey, Georgia, Elizabeth, Nicola


Kōwhai News Term 4 Week 8

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Kia ora whānau,

We are rapidly approaching the end of term and the end of the year and we still have lots to look forward to. 

Hut Day

Next Thursday, we are having a Hut Day. This will start after morning tea as we have a Kahikatea performance to go to first up. The children have been forming groups and designing their huts, thinking about what they will need to bring from home. They will be bringing this list home next week. This could be things like pegs, blankets, old sheets or pillows etc. Every child can also bring a soft toy and a game that they want to play - only with your permission! It is always a fun event and the hub will be transformed into a labyrinth of huts which is impressive to see. Below are some photos from last time to give you an idea.



Peter Pan Ballet

Next Friday, we are excited to be going to see the Peter Pan ballet at the Isaac Theatre Royal. Here is a link to the social story if you would like to look at it with your child to go over expectations and prepare for the trip.


Transitions

Last week, we had transition time with Pōhutukawa when the Year 4 children went over to the Pōhutukawa hub in Parenga to spend time with the Year 5 children whom they will be with next year. The Year 6 children then came over to Kōwhai in Tahaki to join in Discovery with the Year 3 children. This was extremely successful and the children had a great time either connecting or re-connecting with one another. There will be another session on Monday afternoon next week.

This week, the Year 2 children came to visit the Year 3 children and had Discovery together while the Year 4 children had their own programme. This was also great for the children to re-connect with buddies that they spent time with last year in Kahikatea. Again, there will be another session on Wednesday morning next week.

Books

Over the next week, the children's workbooks will be coming home bit by bit in preparation for the end of the year. There will also be artwork coming home and any leftover stationery. If you have any reading books still at home, we would really appreciate if these could be returned to school over the next week too. Thank you so much for you support with this!





Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 29 November 2024, Week 7

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou,

Today we say thank you to all of the people who have volunteered this year: on trips, putting away books, gardening, PTA, Board of Trustees, sport coaches... the list goes on. The help that each of you has provided this year has helped us to provide so many experiences and resources for the tamariki (children).

This time of year always brings a time of busyness. As a kura (school) we begin our end of year celebrations, and at the same time begin the work to prepare for 2025.

Part of the mahi (work) in preparation for 2025 is the organising of Home Groups. Below is a list of the Home Group Teachers for 2025. We also have a number of teachers filling various roles across the school.

Staffing Update Beginning Term 1 2025

Koru (NE)
Katie McFarlane - Team Leader
Stacey McLachlan & Elizabeth Drummond

Kahikatea (Y1/2)
Sarah Junghenn - Team Leader
Amber Donovan
Talia Garrick

Kōwhai (Y3/4)
Anna Reid - Team Leader
Rowena Barker 
Hazel Ritchie
Georgia McKenna
Anna McNeill

Pōhutukawa (Y5/6)
Chris Gaut - Team Leader
Megan Culver
Rae Marsh
Gayle McNaughton
Nick Bruce

Kauri (Y7/8)
Hugo Weaver - Team Leader
Jenny Diggle
Sarah Angelo
Chloe Wilson

Across School Teaching Support
Nicola Reddecliffe - Literacy support Y0-2 and Classroom and Team Leader release
Lisa Collier - Across School Teacher, release, Literacy Support Y0-2
Megan Harris - Classroom and Team Leader release
Laura Williamson - Classroom and Team Leader release
Georgie Jones - Literacy and Numeracy Support
Nicky Dunlop - Release Teacher 

Congratulations to Quynh Nguyen who has been appointed to a Junior school teaching position on the west side of Christchurch.

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 to organise 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.

Below are the dates of the remaining events at kura (school). a reminder that school finishes at 12.30pm on Tuesday 17 December.

Ngā mihi nui
Jo Smith (Acting Principal / Tumuaki) 

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Tue 03 - Tue 10 Dec - Year 5 and 6 Cycle Safety
Wed 04 Dec - PTA Meeting, 7:30-9:30PM
Wed 04 Dec - Kauri production 7pm, gold coin donation towards Kauri fundraising 
Thur 05 Dec - Kauri production 7pm, gold coin donation towards Kauri fundraising 
Thur 05 Dec - House Games (wear your House shirt to school)
Fri 06 Dec - Celebration Assembly 9.45am (NB change of time)
Wed 11 Dec - BOT Meeting, 5:30-7:30PM, Staff Room
Fri 13 Dec - Final Celebration Assembly, 9.05-9.50am, in the Hall
Mon 16 Dec - Year 8 Graduation 11am
Tue 17 Dec - Last day of Term 4, School finishes 12.30PM

Term Dates

Click here to view 2024 & 2025 term dates

Citizen of the Week

Maeve Hurford - Year 3

Maeve, you are a kind and caring student who epitomises each of our school values daily. You are a fabulous role model to others and make our school a great place! Ka pai, Maeve!

Isaiah Kwong - Year 8

Isaiah, you are a shining example of kindness and care, always looking out for others and embodying our school values in everything you do. You are a true role model and inspire your peers with your passion, responsibility and dedication to making our kura a better place. Ka pai Isaiah.

PTA News

PTA Monthly Hui (Meeting) 4th December 7.30pm

All welcome to our final hui of 2024! Please note the change of date from the usual 4th Wednesday of the month. We’d love to see some new faces and appreciate some extra voices and hands to help with our fundraising activities in 2025! Don’t hesitate to get in touch via pta@beckenham.school.nz

School Notices

Scooters

Now that the weather is warmer we are seeing more children biking and scootering to school. Lots of the scooters are or look the same. Please make sure the your child's scooter is easy for them to identify in some way (named, sticker), this will help with collection confusion - when someone accidentally takes the wrong scooter home, leaving their one at school. Please also ensure that their helmets are clearly named.

Panforte

Calls for last orders this Sunday 1 December - this panforte is proudly made by a family from school, and 10% of sales goes towards the school.

It's a great gift, packed with fruit and nuts, preserved with north Canterbury honey, we can cater for gluten free, it won’t melt, lasts for ages and is a great option for people who are going camping, tramping and fishing these summer holidays and of course its super delicious!

Rubbish in the Playground

Plogging!
Our wonderful Jacky lead and inspired us on our "Plogging" journey.  We hope you may be able to help us with this.  Plogging refers specifically to the activity of picking up rubbish while jogging / walking.  Its name is a portmanteau of the Swedish term Plocka upp, meaning "to pick up" and the English jogging.  The Office has some large tongs and buckets in the office, if you would like to take your child to do some plogging at drop off or pick up time.  Our school environment, and eventually the world, will thank you for it!

The most common items found were wrappers, drink containers, lids and straws. 
Here is how you can help students continue their efforts at home: 
Notice and make a point of picking up rubbish as you walk past it, if you can (yes - do wash or sanitise hands after) 
Consider bringing litter free lunch items to school, Wrappers can be removed and left in bins at home. Many families already do this as a way to help our environment.
Volunteer at a local clean-up, run by the Council.

The Student Council are also running a competition to design a mural for our red bins. These bins are placed around the school to support the little pieces of rubbish that might be around. We still encourage rubbish free lunchboxes.


BOSCO

Gardening Club Updates!

Lost Property

Please check the library for lost property before the end of the year!

The lost property rack is full of unnamed, multi named or illegible  named school tops and unnamed hats. 

Congratulations to our Year 8 award winners...

Sportsmanship
Annabelle Smith
Annie, you are a fierce competitor. You show dedication, resilience and grit at every sport you turn your hand to. What this award recognises is your outstanding ability to balance your competitiveness with inclusivity, humility and respect. As you strive for excellence on the sports field, you never lose sight of your values. You play with integrity and pride, demonstrating awesome coachability and diligence. Whatever the outcome, you show as much joy for the accomplishments of others as you do for your own. Congratulations, Annie!

Sportsmanship
Austin Reddecliffe
Austin, you are passionate about sport! You are a fabulous role model for our younger tamarki - making such a difference to lunchtime games. Hockey, netball and basketball your jam. Austin, you show fantastic coachability, listening to instruction, carrying out drills as explained and working to implement the techniques covered. Your level head ensures you are an eager and fair referee. You seized the opportunity to fill in for other basketball teams and when on the court you ensured everyone was included in the game and supported to do their best.

Science Cup
Lewis Potter
Lewis, your enthusiasm for all things scientific is obvious for all to see. You thrive on discovering new facts about how things work. You have an impressive general knowledge base and this enriches our class discussion by bringing valuable perspectives to our learning environment. Lewis, your eagerness to share your knowledge with others is fantastic; you are always there to back me up or help me out with an explanation. During our science lessons, your genuine interest and involvement shine through. You consistently demonstrate a deep understanding of concepts and a keen interest in exploring new ideas. Keep nurturing your curiosity and continue sharing your passion with others. Congratulations Lewis!

O'Sullivan Cup for Excellence in Art
Maggie Zhao & Cortana Mee

Cortana, you demonstrate an exceptional talent in art, in particular drawing.  With a pen or pencil in hand, you are in your happy place, ready to bring your ideas to life! Your creativity, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for drawing really set you apart. Cortana you have been involved in many art projects and were an art leader this year. You approach each artistic project with dedication, showing strong potential to grow as an artist.  Keep up the inspiring work, Cortana!

Maggie, your passion for art shines through in everything you do. As an Art Leader this year and last, you have demonstrated both leadership and a strong commitment to the Visual Arts. Your talent as a skilled drawer is evident in your work, with each piece showcasing both precision and creativity. Your involvement in school art projects, such as the Elmer project, reflects your collaborative spirit and dedication to bringing artistic ideas to life. Maggie, you continually inspire others with your creativity and attention to detail. Congratulations on this well-deserved award!

Special Contribution to Music
Freyja Schøler
Freyja, thank you for your contribution to music as part of the Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto community. Your participation in the Music Festival Special Choirs (Year 5-8, earning your 4-year medal this year), School Choir (Year 5-8), Kauri Production as a vocal soloist in 2023, and Kauri Choir has consistently shown self-confidence, a commitment to excellence, and a genuine love for music. Thank you for the positive impact you've made through your musical pursuits.

Literacy Cup
Elsie O'Beirne
Elsie, your writing across the curriculum demonstrates skill, confidence, and a wicked sense of humour that truly brings your work to life. You approach each task with a distinctive voice and creativity, whether shaping stories or exploring ideas in other genres. Your ability to connect with your audience through humour and thought-provoking content sets you apart as a gifted writer. Furthermore, you’ve shared your talents as an outstanding co-leader of the writing group this year, showcasing both your leadership skills and your enthusiasm for the written word. Congratulations on this well-deserved award, Elsie!

Mathematics Cup
Bobby Macdonald
Bobby, you are a passionate mathematician who gets absorbed by complex problems. You thrive on challenge and sweep others along with your enthusiasm. For two years in a row, you have qualified for the final challenge in Otago Problem Solving, represented our kura in the Cantamath Problem Solving Competition and achieved Excellence awards in the Cantamath Project Competition. Bobby, the strategies you share for solving complex problems are at a sophisticated level and leave many of us scratching our heads. Thank you for supporting others with their learning. Congratulations Bobby!

Social Science Cup
Alex Mussell
Social studies is the study of people—individually, in communities, and as societies—examining their behaviours and interactions with one another, as well as with the technological and natural environments around them. It’s often the focus of Inquiry-based learning.

Alex, you bring a wealth of prior knowledge to our social studies lessons. Your insight into how individuals and groups operate is impressive, and you have a strong understanding of significant historical events. You connect this prior knowledge to new concepts with ease.

You are naturally inquisitive, always motivated to understand the world around you. Your ability to synthesize information with creative thinking leads to interesting and thoughtful ideas about how we can make the world a better place. The world needs curious, deep-thinking, solution-focused people like you! Congratulations, Alex!

Janne Rowson ICT Award
Mitch Welch
Mitch, you are in your element when you are given responsibility. One of the ways that you have shown leadership at kura this year is through your role as ICT Leader. You have performed this role exceptionally well, demonstrating responsibility, initiative and problem-solving. You can follow protocols when things are running smoothly and you have the technological knowledge to get things back on track when things aren’t working how they should. In addition to running ICT for assemblies, Sandy’s Farewell and other special events at kura, you ran the tech desk for our ShowQuest Performance at the Town Hall. Mitch, this award recognises your passion, knowledge and leadership in ICT and thanks you for your contributions to our Kura. Congratulations, Mitch. 

Special Contribution to Māori Culture (tama)
Bobby Macdonald
Bobby you have been so valuable in our group this year and you absolutely deserve recognition. Our group was small but you would shine in a group ten times the size. You embrace challenges that might terrify others.  Your 100% commitment to additional responsibilities add so much to our performances. Thank you for being such a humble, dedicated, positive, smart and thoroughly likeable member of Te Whānau this year. We will all miss you heaps!

Special Contribution to Māori Culture (kōtiro)
Madeleine Dougherty
Maddie, this year it's been such a pleasure for everyone to work with you. You are the first to go the extra mile to support our group kaupapa in any way you can. It's clear how much you value learning and being part of a team, as well as a leader and role model. On stage you have presence and sparkle that are a delight to see, and off stage your kindness and inclusivity as a leader has been just amazing. What a star you are Maddie. Ngā mihi nunui.

BOT Update

Policy Review

Visit the website https://beckenham.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
Enter the username (beckenham) and password (pride).
Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
Read the policy.
Click the Start your review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
Select the reviewer type.
Enter your name (optional).
Follow the prompts to show that you've read the topic and enter your feedback if you'd like to comment.
Agree to the privacy statement and click “Submit review”.
If you don't have internet access, 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.)

You're invite to our next clean-up in Ōtautahi!

It's been a while but we are finally back with another public clean-up in Ōtautahi, this time around New Brighton Beach and the estuary on the 30th of November.

Thanks to our awesome partner Trumpet (Tiptop Ice Cream); ice creams, giant games, clean-up equipment and good vibes all come free with the day!

Sign up at this link and feel free to share it round!

New Zealand Traveller Declaration

Going overseas this summer? Everyone travelling into, or returning to, New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. 

The New Zealand Traveller Declaration collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information and aims to improve the safety and security of New Zealand. It replaces the paper card you used to fill out on the plane.   

To make your arrival easier, do your digital declaration before your flight to New Zealand. It’s free to complete.

If you’re travelling as a family or group and completing multiple declarations, the NZTD app allows you to copy your travel details into another declaration, making it easier to complete multiple declarations for the same journey. The submitted declarations are then all easy to see within the app.

Head to travellerdeclaration.govt.nz today!

Many thanks for your support.  

New Zealand Traveller Declaration team 
New Zealand Customs Service 

Calling all fathers! University of Canterbury Survey

Take our survey on what it’s like to parent in the 21st century. Every completed survey goes into the draw to win a $100 gift card. Ethics approval obtained by the University of Canterbury Human Ethics.

Follow the link below for more information or to complete the survey:
https://uclpsychology.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vVMTMPpWBy1Dds

Sasha Johnstone (she/her)
Research Assistant
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

Summer Writing School for Teens 2025

We are delighted to be offering our 9th Summer Writing School for teens and once again we have some stellar tutors ready to inspire, guide and mentor young writers. 

Please share this opportunity with your keen young writers.

January 13-17 2025 Ara City Campus, Ōtautahi Christchurch

DETAILS AND BOOKING HERE