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Kowhai News Week 10 Term 1

Posted on 8 April, 20178 April, 2017 by Paulette Newton

Hi everyone,

What a wet week we have had. The children impressed us all this week by demonstrating wonderful manners even though they had to spend most of the week inside. We are all pleased to see the sun shining once again!

PTA Hot Cross Buns THURSDAY 13th April
On Thursday, the PTA are selling hot cross buns as a fundraiser for the outdoor spaces. Hot crossed buns will be $2.

Circle Time

Circle Time is one of the many things we do to promote well being amongst the students at Beckenham School. Each week for 30minutes, we provide the children with the opportunity to discuss and share how things are going and to provide the time to create solutions to any problems. This week our focus has been around compliments. We discussed how giving and receiving compliments makes you feel. Over the next week we will be continuing to demonstrate kindness to each other and compliment one another when we see great things happening! Hopefully your home will be filled with compliments too!

Class Parties
Each Hub has been working towards individual hub parties this term. The time has finally arrived for them to take place, so here are the details! The parties are all on THURSDAY and the children across our team can wear mufti and bring along a toy and a piece of fruit to make fruit kebabs with.

Team Learning
Hub 5/6 were invited to join the children in Hub 3/4 to talk about the future of our Beckenham school playground. The younger children had designed their ultimate playground and written descriptions. We got into buddy groups to share the learning and the Year 3/4 children gave feedback on their work. This was a fantastic opportunity for us to be big buddies and show some leadership. All of the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Kowhai Top Team Planning

This week we have been working in collaborative groups, planning and designing a Top Team styled event for the children in team Koru. Working collaboratively has provided the children with the opportunity to develop some skills that are necessary for being 21st century learners.

The children have had to articulate their ideas, listen to each other, acknowledge group contributions, problem solve, give compliments and synthesise ideas. Wow!

Next week they will implement their game by running a mini Top Team event. At this time, the children will be learning how to be effective communicators, organised, well planned and give positive feedback to the children in team Koru as they participate in their game. We are sure they will do an amazing job!

Group discussion and sharing of ideas

Hub 5/6 Inspiration Stations

This week in Hub 5/6, the children have had the opportunity to make pom pom pets, replicate one of our new learning spaces using lego, design and create marble runs, paint buddy rocks, make certificates for our buddies, creating comic strips to name a few. These activities provide the children with the opportunity to become effective communicators as they discuss their learning, problem solve, share ideas and take on the roles of tutor and tutee. The discussions this week have been incredible. They children have demonstrated deep thinking and a natural willingness to support and help each other.

Parent Help - We Need YOU!

We would love to hear from anyone who would like to offer their services to help support our Hub programmes. Putting away books, reading with children, playing games are some of the ways you can help. We love having parents in our Hubs and this partnership enables us to add more to our programme to help support our young learners!

THORRINGTON RESTHOME
We have a close relationship with Thorrington Resthome and would love to continue this again this year. We need one parent who would be willing to take 10 children to Thorrington Resthome as a M.A.D Time option each Friday. We are happy for this to be on a roster basis too!

PIZZA MAKING

Each Friday next term, we would love to provide the children with the opportunity to bake pizzas at school. This would involve helping the children in the kitchen to make the pizza bases, create their pizzas and clean up. If this sounds like you, please contact: paulette.newton@beckenham.school.nz

That's all for this week
Kowhai Teaching Team

Pohutukawa Newsletter Term 1 Week 10

Posted on 7 April, 20177 April, 2017 by Amy Buick

Alpine Ice

We are looking forward to our Alpine Ice trip coming up on Monday 10th April. This is just a final reminder that each child will need their:
Jersey
Jacket
Gloves
Warm hat
Morning tea
Cut lunch (please note that there will be no lunch orders available on this day)
Drink bottle
Any special items they may require, e.g., inhaler
Spare change of pants, just incase
Helmet - compulsory (bike, ski etc)
Pants (uniform, or as close to uniform as possible)
Thick socks (or 2 pairs).
It would be very helpful at Alpine Ice if children know their shoe size. Please have this discussion prior to Monday.

Wellbeing Circle Time

Part of our week is spending time in our home groups unpacking wellbeing. This term we have been focussing on wellbeing through understanding concepts around anxiety, family and hub culture, self-belief and identity. There has been a lot of discussion around how thoughts impact on behaviour and possible solutions for when these are negative. The resource that has been guiding these discussions is a book called 'Rising Tide' which has been put out by Worrybug. Your child will be bringing their own copy home next week for you to go through together and have further discussions.

Christchurch Libraries

We have been lucky enough to have Kim, from Christchurch Libraries come to visit our team and take each reading group for a 45min lesson around authors, genres, new books and library programmes.

The following are the library programmes available:

Mon - Science Snippets in the Library
Mondays (3:30-4:30) – South Library
Free after school science programme presented by Science Alive! in libraries across Christchurch. Excellent Science Alive educators lead children through interactive activities to stimulate their interest in science, and something to take home every week! Cost: Free No Bookings required

Mon - Maker Space Girls
Mondays (3:30PM – 5:00PM) – South Library - Girls' only version of our Maker Space Workshop.
This dynamic and innovative workshop will explore a range of exciting technologies. There will be four terms: 3D design, Coding and Robotics, Photo editing and Animation, eTextiles and Papertronics
When: Starts week two of every term
Age: 10-13 years Cost: $20.00 per child per term

Thurs - Busy Book Club
Tuesdays (3:30-4:30) – South Library
Explore new books, arts, crafts and technology and have after school fun in the library. Busy book club is a free activity that runs over two school terms. When: Starts week two of every term.
Age: 7-10 years Cost: Free Bookings required

Fri - Minecraft Club
Fridays, (3:30PM – 4:30PM) – South Library
Get creative, start crafting! Build imaginative worlds and battle nocturnal creatures at the learning centres' Minecraft club. Novice or expert, join the club and play with your friends in our very own world. A tutor will be in attendance to supervise and assist if necessary. Starts week two of every term
Age: 8-13 years Cost: $20.00 per child per term Bookings required

Sat - Girls Minecraft Club
Saturdays (2:30PM – 3:30PM) – South Library
Get creative, start crafting! Build imaginative worlds and battle nocturnal creatures at the learning centres' Minecraft club. Novice or expert, join the club and play with your friends in our very own world. A tutor will be in attendance to supervise and assist if necessary. Starts week two of every term
Age: 8-13 years Cost: $20.00 per child per term Bookings required

Roboclub: An after school programme for boys & girls Y4-8.
Learn to programme EV3 Lego Mindstorm
April School Holidays – see website
3D Tinker Workshop
Tuesday, April 18, 2017 (9:30AM – 3:00PM) - South Library Come along to our 3D Maker Workshop and use 123D to create your very own masterpiece.
Age: 10+ years Cost: $30 per child Bookings required - limit of 12

Claymation Library
Discover the process of producing animated movies, in a style similar to 'Wallace & Gromit'. Plan an original story, create your own characters and craft your own movie using digital photography. This course runs over two days. See website for more details.
Bookings are required - limit of 12. Please phone to put your child on the waiting list.
Age: 8-12 years Cost: $22 per child

Autumn Sewing
Tuesday, April 18, 2017 (9:30AM – 3:00PM) - Upper Riccarton Library
Fun workshop to learn the basics of sewing using a machine and create 1-3 projects. Choose a cushion cover, pocket scarf, pencil case or library book bag! You will need to choose and purchase your own fabric and supplies beforehand. Bring in your own sewing machine or borrow one of ours.
Ages: 9-12 years Cost: $15 Bookings essential.

KORU HIGHLIGHTS: Term 1 Week 10

Posted on 5 April, 20175 April, 2017 by Caitlyn Downing

Learning Is A Magical Experience
In hub 3&4 we had our very own Harry Potter visiting to show us his wide-range of magical skills including pulling a bunny rabbit out of a hat. The audience was captivated by this sophisticated techniques and even supported by saying the words abracadabra.

WANTED: Used Toys Still In Good Condition

We have received some quality, used toys over the past couple of weeks. A huge thank you to everyone who has brought them in. We are still on the hunt for more, so please keep us in mind if you are inspired to have a clean out over the holidays. Check out the pictures below of the children focused on their discovery.

Circle Time

Circle Time is one of the many things we do to promote well being amongst the students at Beckenham School. This practice involves the children and teacher sitting in a circle, creating a safe zone for children to share and problem solve together. Some of the topics we have already explored in our hubs are; self-regulation and breathing, compliment giving and kindness, self-management and sharing what's on top.

Koru Celebration Assembly

This week Koru is leading and performing in assembly. We will all be singing Moana's 'How Far I'll Go'. We will also be celebrating Karda and Annabelle who have earned themselves Citizen of the Week. A huge congratulations to Karda and Annabelle! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday 6th April at 2:15pm.

Karda you are a superstar learner and classmate. You demonstrate your 'I love challenge' attitude by trying new things with increasing confidence and resilience. Your growing self motivation and positive 'I can' attitude is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for being a role model for us at learning times when you focus and try your very best. Tino pai Karda.

Annie, you are a fantastic learner and friend in Hub 10/11. You have the most beautiful smile, and always look on the bright side of life! You are kind, generous, helpful and always respectful to classmates and adults alike. You put 100% effort into producing top quality work and you are always keen to step up for a challenge. Your attitude is a wonderful example for us all! Thank you for providing sparkle and smiles each and every day for us, Annie. You're a gem!

Any allergies to cats?
Next week, Charlotte would like to bring her kitten in to share with the children. If this causes any problems (e.g. allergies), please email charlotte.verity@beckenham.school.nz.

Alpine Ice Reminder

Posted on 4 April, 20174 April, 2017 by Amy Buick

Kia Ora Whanau

We are looking forward to our Alpine Ice trip coming up next Monday 10th April. This is just a reminder that each child will need their:

Jersey
Jacket
Gloves
Warm hat
Morning tea
Cut lunch (please note that there will be no lunch orders available on this day)
Drink bottle
Any special items they may require, e.g., inhaler
Spare change of pants, just incase
Helmet (bike, ski etc).

Alpine Ice recommend that children bring a helmet as a safety precaution. We will be encouraging children to bring a helmet to wear also. If you are unable to get a helmet, please let your child's teacher know. We are also encouraging children to wear their uniform that is easy to ice-skate in. If your child doesn't have any uniform pants, they can wear pants that are as close as possible.

We will be departing from Champion Street site at 11:20am and arriving back at Beckenham School by 3:00pm.

If you have any questions please email your child's home teacher.

Warm Regards

Pohutukawa Team

Kauri Whanau Update: Term 1 Week 9

Posted on 31 March, 201731 March, 2017 by Nicky Dunlop

After an action packed leadership week, we are now settling back into routine in the Kauri Whanau. Hopefully your child has shared with you some of their highlights from last week. Listening to Mark Inglis speak was inspiring. The children were extremely focused and asked great questions. We have often referred back to the wisdom he shared, as it speaks so strongly to the children. The Year 8s impressed us with the way they applied the 7 habits in a wide range of practical activities, during their two day camp. We were also thrilled to hear feedback from the Year 1-4 staff at Beckenham, about how the Year 7 leaders interacted and guided the younger children so positively on Friday.

'Very impressed with the organisation and maturity of all our leaders!'
'The three boys took a group of children outside to play a range of games. The children came back full of enthusiasm and happiness. Gail, from Room 20 had been out there with them and commented on how well they had organised and managed the children.'
'The Year 7 girls were confident and well prepared. They brought positive energy and demonstrated competence and initiative in carrying out their activities. The sensitivity, warmth and understanding that they showed towards these young juniors ignited the connection and respect needed for a productive working relationship. '

Home learning:

The children currently have their final maths home learning for the term. This is due next Friday. We are underway with a leadership inquiry that involves leader research, story retelling and quote interpretation, all with links to the 7 habits, as well as personal reflection. The children will need to spend time on this inquiry at home as well as at school. It is all on google classroom, and can be accessed wherever there is an internet connection. Please ask your child to show you this work and encourage them to spend time continuing their inquiry research and recording at home.

Kiwi Competitions:

If your child is interested in competing in the University of Canterbury Kiwi Competitions, (NZ's ICAS), and they have yet to put in an entry, please click on this link.

Winter Sport: Coaches Required:

Winter Sports starts in Term 2. We are seeking parent helpers to manage/coach teams alongside our teaching staff and are particularly looking for volunteers to support with hockey, football and netball teams. If you are keen to support us in this we would love to hear from you. Please email expressions of interest to Jenny at jenny.diggle@beckenham.school.nz. We look forward to hearing from you!

J-Rock:

We are now underway with the whole team working on our collaborative dance performance for J-Rock. J-rock is the junior section of Stage Challenge, a worldwide dance competition and celebration for schools. Each school puts together an 8 minute performance based on a theme of their choice. To fit in with our learning around identity, our performance will tell the story of our school's history. On either Thursday the 18th or Friday the 19th of May, we will be spending the entire day at Horncastle Arena. The day will involve rehearsals, watching other school's performances, whole group meetings and free time activities. We stay right through to the evening performances. It is a huge and very memorable day. We have done this twice before in 2013 and 2015 and the children have loved the experience. At the moment a number are coming to grips with stepping out of their comfort zones, but in just five days we have seen enthusiasm blossom. Please make sure that the two dates above are marked in your diary; we will have confirmation of which is our performance day very soon.