Kōwhai News Term 2 Week 10

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Kia ora whānau

Here are some key moments from the final weeks of Term 2 in the Kōwhai Team.


Fractured Fairy Tales

As part of our writing focus this term, our literacy groups have been exploring fairy tales and how to 'fracture' or rewrite them to take on a different character's perspective.

The learners in Krystal's literacy group had a surprise this week when Karen brought in a record player from 1960 and played some old-fashioned fairy tales.  They were fascinated by this different form of media that could be used to share stories. 




Pepeha

This term, the Kōwhai students have been developing a digital pepeha. In Māori culture, a pepeha is an introduction that establishes identity and heritage. The children have been learning about the key components that should be included in a pepeha and how to develop, manipulate, store, retrieve, and share this content digitally.


Matariki

Last week, we held a Matariki evening at school. It was wonderful to see so many parents coming to see the kapa haka group perform and share in our Matariki activities.


Canterbury Cricket

Next term, coaches from Canterbury Cricket will be coming to school to teach the Kōwhai children about cricket. The children will have the opportunity to learn and practise the key skills needed for cricket as part of Canterbury Cricket's Smash Play programme.


School Holidays

We hope you have a wonderful time with your children over the school holidays and we look forward to seeing you all next term.

Kind regards

The Kōwhai Team

Kahikatea News Term 2 Week 10

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Kia ora e te whānau,

We have had some fun events over the last couple of weeks, including our wonderful Matariki evening, and our second group's trip to Clip and Climb. 

We also celebrated Sandy at her farewell on Wednesday. It was lovely to hear from educators, students and whānau about the impact Sandy has had at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. We wish her all the best in her new role.

Matariki

We loved seeing so many of our tamariki bursting through the door with excitement after a busy day at school. We had lots of activities happening throughout the hubs, and it was wonderful to see learners and their whānau engaging in these. 

It is a special time to connect with our community and we appreciated seeing so many of you despite the cold weather.
























Matariki Maths

Our learners have explored Matariki through a variety of subject areas over the last two weeks. One of these was maths. Some awesome 2D and 3D stars were created!
 


















Matariki Kai



Clip and Climb

Our second groups to attend Clip and Climb also had a blast! For some, this was a new activity which was a little scary, and for others new goals were met. We were really proud of all of our learners. 

Thanks to all of our Clip and Climb whānau helpers for your support.














Literacy Links

When we teach our learners to read and to spell, we focus on using the 'pure' sounds. For example when learning to read the word 'Sam' we sound the word out as "sssss-aaaaa-mmmm, Sam". See below for a great explanation by Emma Nahna (speech-language therapist) of the pure sounds of New Zealand English and their importance in learning to read and write.


Emma also has some other awesome videos on her YouTube channel, such as how to teach Heart Words and consonant blends, for those of you who would like some more in-depth information in these areas.

This was our final blog for Term 2! If you come across any library or reading books at home over the holidays we would love to have these back next term :). We hope you all have a safe and restful break, and we look forward to seeing everyone again on Monday 22nd July. 

Ngā mihi nui,

The Kahikatea Team

Amber- amber.donovan@beckenham.school.nz

Sarah- sarah.angelo@beckenham.school.nz

Quynh- quynh.nguyen@beckenham.school.nz

Ella- ella.rainbow@beckenham.school.nz

Lisa- lisa.collier@beckenham.school.nz

Pōhutukawa Update, Term 2, Week 10

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

What a wonderful sunny finish to the term today - made extra bright by the rainbow colours worn in support of diversity and money raised for Youthline. A wonderful way to show 'We Care' - arohaina te tangata. We hope you all enjoy some quality family time over the next 2 weeks, and that the students can take the chance to replenish with a well-earned rest after a busy and productive term. Please read on for some important updates, and we wish you a safe and relaxing term break.

Mānawatia a Matariki

It was rawe, awesome, to see so many whānau at our Matariki celebration last week, and to see the kapa haka rōpu up on stage doing their thing. Matariki is an opportunity to reflect on the past 4 seasons, celebrate the present with whanau, and look forward to what is to come as the days get longer... if not warmer quite yet! We have been learning all about Matariki over the past few weeks. Of the 9 stars we acknowledge, 2 are associated with the natural elements of wind and rain. We certainly had those elements in play over the last week or so, and a lot of learning also came with them. It would be wonderful to reflect on this learning with your tamariki over the holidays. He taonga te ako, the treasure is learning.

Stationery

As we are at the halfway point in the year, we'd really appreciate it if you could check with your tamariki about their stationery and what they need. Essential and consumable items that all students require are: HB pencils, an eraser, glue sticks, a highlighter, and a blue pen. We have gone through the students' remaining stationery , and they will be able to tell you what they need. Thanks for your support with this, mā tātou kātoa te waka e hoe.

Canterbury Cross Country

A massive congratulations to Laura, Jayme, Max, Lily and Haydn who represented both themselves and our kura so admirably at the Canterbury Cross Country last Wednesday. The conditions added and extra layer of challenge, with the runners having to battle some rainy, windy, muddy conditions. Fantastic to see so many runners from Beckenham competing, and special congratulations to Laura who finished overall in the 2nd Year 6 Girls' race, and Max who finished 6th in the Year 5 Boys' race. A stellar achievement!

Winter Sport

Thank you to the parents who offered their time to support the teams. We still have 6 more weeks of Winter Sport next term, and let's hope for some sunny weather so more sports can go ahead! Keep an eye on Hero for any cancellations, and we'll look forward to seeing many of you on the sidelines next term.

Head Lice

We are starting to see a few cases of head lice at school. We have linked some helpful information about head lice -here - please read this if you are unsure of how to detect and treat headlice.

Koru Team News: Term 2 Week 10 (5/07/2024)

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 Kia ora e te whānau,

Woohoo!! What an amazing term we have had!! We cannot believe it is already the end of Term 2! Your tamariki are doing so well, as they strive to keep up the momentum with their learning! It's been a very busy fortnight, including our Matariki hui, our Art Gallery Trip, and several children having their transition to school visits. We welcome Millie who started in Week 9, and Audrey who have started on Monday of this week. We are so thrilled to have you in our Koru team!

We also welcome Nicola Reddecliffe to our Koru teaching team. Nicola will be the home group teacher for our third homegroup, as more tamariki (children) start throughout next term. We are so excited to have her back in our Koru hub!


Art Gallery Trip:
What amazing outing we had at the Art Gallery. A massive thank you to the wonderful family helpers we had, we could not have done it without you! The children had such an awesome time, and it was great to see their engagement, enthusiasm, and excitement towards the different activities that were on offer. If you have any photos from the Art Gallery trip, please send these through to your child's home group teacher. Here are some snapshots the teachers took:





We will have the amazing art works our tamariki (children) created, up in the learning space next term.

Matariki Evening:
Thank you to those who attended our Matariki evening. It was a lovely celebration for a special event significant to Aotearoa (New Zealand). It was great to wander around and have a look in all the different hubs and see the wonderful activities that were on offer. It was extra special to see happy smiling faces, and seeing plenty of interactions between whānau (families). We hope you all  enjoyed the evening, and had a lovely and safe long weekend. 


A few reminders for next term:
  • Term 3 starts on Monday 22nd July
  • We will be having a Welcome Assembly on Friday 26th July to welcome all our tamariki (children) who started from Week 2 of Term 2, as well as those who begin at the start of Term 3. 
  • Literacy folders are staying in the hub over the holidays and will be handed back next term.
  • Lunchboxes next term: Can you please ensure your children have minimal wrappers in their lunchboxes. This makes it more accessible for your child and easier for them to eat. If there are wrappers or yoghurt pouches, could these please be slightly cut/ripped so your child can independently open these. Thanks for all your support with this. 
  • If Library books head home over the holidays, please make sure these come back in the first week of next term so that your child can get new ones. 
We hope you have an awesome, safe and restful holiday break, and we look forward to seeing our tamariki (children) back refreshed and ready for Term 3. 

Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou,
Georgia, Stacey and Elizabeth

stacey.mclachlan@beckenham.school.nz
georgia.mckenna@beckenham.school.nz
elizabethgail.drummond@beckenham.school.nz
















    Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāpare (Thursday) 27 June 2024, Week 9

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    Principal's Patch

    Kia ora koutou

    Matariki Evening
    Our thanks to everyone who made our Matariki evening such a success. It was great to see people coming together, having fun, making connections and enjoying some kai (food). We saw 'We Love Challenge' and 'We Get There Together' in action as our Kapa Haka groups performed to a large audience - ka rawe!

    Matariki is a special occasion signifying the start of the Māori New Year. As the Matariki cluster of stars reappears in our night sky we take the time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead. 

    Staffing Update
    From the beginning of Term 3, we welcome back Nicola Reddecliffe to the Koru Team. Nicola will be the Home Group Teacher for the New Entrant roll growth class. 

    On Wednesday 3 July at 2.15pm we have a Farewell Assembly for Sandy Hastings. The Board, staff, tamariki and community will take this time to acknowledge Sandy's leadership during her time at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. Whānau are welcome to join us for this celebration. 

    With one week left of term, it's a great opportunity to thank staff, tamariki and whānau for the mahi (work) and support during the busy last couple of weeks with the Disco, Learning Conferences and our Matariki evening. These opportunities add to the richness of school life.

    We hope that the coming school holiday provides our tamariki with much needed rest, ready for the start of Term 3 on the 22nd of July.

    Ngā mihi nui
    Jo Smith - Tumuaki (Acting Principal)

    Important Dates

    Upcoming Events

    Fri 28 Jun - Matariki Public Holiday (kura/school closed)
    Tue 2 Jul - Y0-4 Cross Country Challenge, 12:00 - 3:00pm, Hillview
    Wed 3 Jul - Sandy's Farewell Assembly, 2:15-4:00PM, in the Hall, RSVP required
    Fri 5 Jul - Student Council Dress Up Day (see info below)
    Fri 5 Jul - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
    Fri 5 Jul - Last day of Term 2, School finishes 3pm
    Mon 22 Jul - First day of Term 3, School starts at 8:55am
    Wed 24 Jul - PTA Midwinter Breakfast 8am to 8.30am
    Fri 26 Jul - Welcome Assembly, 9:15-9:30am, in the Hall
    Wed 31 Jul - PTA Meeting (AGM), 7:00-9:30PM, Green Room
    Fri 2 Aug - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
    Fri 15 Aug - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
    Mon 26 Aug - Staff Only Day (kura/school closed)
    Wed 28 Aug - BOT Meeting, 5:30-7:30PM, Staff Room
    Wed 28 Aug - PTA Meeting, 7:30-9:30PM, Green Room
    Fri 30 Aug - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
    Mon 2 Sep - School Duathlon, 12:15-3:00PM
    Wed 4 Sep - Kauri Ski Trip TBC
    Fri 13 Sep - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
    Thu 19 Sep - New Entrant and Year 8 Photos, 9:00-10:00am
    Wed 25 Sep - PTA Meeting, 7:30-9:30PM, Green Room
    Thu 26 Sep - BOT Meeting, 5:30-7:30PM, Staff Room
    Fri 27 Sep - Celebration Assembly, 10:00-10:30am, in the Hall
    Fri 27 Sep - Last day of Term 3, School finishes 3pm
    Mon 14 Oct - First day of Term 4, School starts 8:55am

    Term Dates

    Click here to view 2024 term dates.

    Citizen of the Week (Week 8)

    Imogen Orchard - Year 7

    Imogen, you are a shining star in our Kauri whānau. You are exceptionally kind and inclusive to all. Imogen, we see positivity, integrity and diligence in everything you do. You get involved, strive for excellence and are wonderfully nurturing towards younger tamariki. What a fabulous role model you are. 

    Citizen of the Week (Week 9)

    Max Richards - Year 4

    Max, you are an outstanding role model in the Kōwhai hub. You are polite, thoughtful and caring and also respectful of everyone. You are a self-motivated learner, showing great focus on all that you do. You are a reliable leader and can be trusted to fulfil any responsibility you take on. Tino pai, Max!

    BOT Update

    Principal Appointment

    As you will be aware, we are in the beginning phases of appointing a new Principal for Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. An important part of this process is to hear from our community. Your voice and experiences are important to inform the Board's decision making throughout this process. 
    The Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Board of Trustees would really value your input as we embark on this journey, to ensure we appoint the best person for our kura.
    If you would like to contribute to this process, please fill in the form, linked here, by the 12th of July.

    Alternatively, paper forms have been sent home with tamariki today for your completion. Paper forms need to be returned by Friday the 5th of July, the last day of term.

    All responses will be anonymous, and we thank you in advance for your contribution.
    Ngā mihi nui,

    Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Board of Trustees

    School Notices

    Student Council Dress Up Day

    A message from our student council: This Friday, 5th July, the student council is having a dress-up day to celebrate diversity. Tamariki can dress up in rainbow colours and bring a gold coin to donate to Youthline. Youthline is a group that supports the well-being of young people. This is a great group to call for a chat when you are dealing with tricky stuff in your life. 

    Sandy Hastings' Farewell Assembly

    You are invited to join us in officially celebrating and farewelling Sandy Hastings from her role as Principal at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto.

    We will be hosting a Farewell Assembly for Sandy on Wednesday the 3rd of July.
    The Assembly is for the whole school, and guests, and will run from 2:15-3:00PM.
    Following the Assembly we will welcome all staff and guests to join us from 3:00-4:00PM for kai (food) and refreshments.

    Please would you indicate your attendance by filling in this form, linked here. We would appreciate knowing numbers, for catering purposes, if you intend to join us after the Assembly.

    If you have any photos, memories or messages you would like to share, these can be emailed to pa@beckenham.school.nz

    Matariki Evening

    Matariki is a great opportunity to share kai and reflect on the past 4 seasons, celebrating the present with whānau, and looking forward to what is to come as the days get longer. Thank you to everyone who attended our wonderful Matariki evening on Tuesday night. It was a very special celebration, and was awesome to see whānau connecting with our kaiako (teachers), as well as with other whānau. A big thank you to the PTA for having a delicious sausage sizzle, and to our tamariki for their exceptional kapa haka performances. We hope you have a happy and safe Matariki weekend! Mānawatia a Matariki!

    Collectively we raised over $500 in koha, consumed 17 loafs of bread, 2 kgs of pre cut onions, and approximately 380 sausages! Kai (food) is a great way to bring a community together!

    Show Quest

    On Friday the 21st of June, 42 Kauri students performed at ShowQuest, at the Town Hall. The students performed a dance that they had conceptualised and choreographed as a group over Terms 1 and 2. The dance explored the positives and negatives of social media: it can disconnect us from our environment, yet connect us with friends and family. The content we see can inspire creativity, but also give us unrealistic expectations for what our lives and bodies should look like. 

    The children were a delight to accompany to this event and they delivered an expressive and engaging performance.  The energy backstage was super positive and exciting. The children were so proud of their performance, and rightly so. 

    Thank you to whānau who helped at the town hall. 

    The performance can be viewed on YouTube and photos can be seen and purchased on the following link.


    Community Dental Service - Holiday Clinics July 2024

    The Community Dental Service will be closed for the upcoming school holidays:
     
         Closed from: Monday 8th July 2024
         Reopen: Monday 22nd July 2024

    Three of our community dental clinics will be open during the break:

         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.

    PTA News

    With the colder weather well and truly here we are always looking for donations of school sweatshirts and polar fleeces.  If you have been meaning to have a clear out, now is the time!! We particularly need tops in larger sizes. If you are looking to visit the PTA Uniform Shop, the hours are:

    Monday 2:45 - 3:15PM
    Friday  8:45 - 9.15AM

    Thanks in anticipation.

    Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto PTA

    Community Notices

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






    BOSCO school holiday programme.

    Bookings can be made through bosco.aimyplus.com

    Please feel free to contact Harriet with any questions

    office@bosco.org.nz