Koru Team Blog – Term 1 Week 9

Kia ora e te whānau,

It is incredible to think that we are nearing the end of our first term together, and what a fantastic term it has been!

Today was our school's 'Celebration of Culture' day. This week, the school has focused on diversity, and the Koru team has been learning about what 'culture' means. 










Kiss and Drop

As more children are starting in the Koru team, our hub can feel a little overwhelming for some tamariki in the morning. Please aim to "kiss and drop" your child off at the door rather than entering the hub with them. This will help set your child up for a calm, quiet, and successful transition in the morning. We also have separate doors for our two homegroups to use when entering in the morning, as well as separate lunchbox/drink bottle shelves. Thank you for your support with this!

Mathematics: 

Measurement Learning
Last week, during mathematics, we focused on measurement. This involved children exploring estimation, measuring using non-standard units, and ordering from shortest to tallest using gingerbread people. On Friday, to celebrate our awesome learning, we baked gingerbread teddies. They were DELICIOUS!










Learning Through Play

Box construction continues to be a popular activity in the Koru team. If you have any boxes that you would usually put in recycling, please send them our way! Our children love to stick, colour, shape, cut, paint, and decorate. So far, we have had skyscrapers, a house for a hamster, and a treasure box. Who knows what will be created next!



Playground Boundaries

We frequently revisit the playground boundaries with our children to ensure that they have happy and safe break times. Here is where the Koru children play. Each space has a teacher on active supervision at all times to help your child if they need it. Koru children do not use the park area during break times.






We look forward to seeing you all on Monday. 

The Koru team

katie.mcfarlane@beckenham.school.nz

stacey.mclachlan@beckenham.school.nz

elizabeth.drummond@beckenham.school.nz






Week 9

Term One, Week 9 in Kauri

Farewells

This week we say goodbye to Macie and her family who are returning to the U.S. Thank you for showing our School Values and demonstrating We Make a Difference | Nā mātou he rerekē Macie. You will be missed! 








Last week we also said goodbye to Mikyla who has gone on maternity leave. Thank you for your mahi over this year Mikyla. 

House Games
A big thank you to our leaders who led the whole school in House Games on Tuesday. What a fun afternoon we had out on the field. Our younger tamariki had huge smiles on their faces as they got to know their House Captains and Deputies. Great job!







Inquiry 
 
We have been digging into the '7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens'.

This learning was re-enforced by our Leadership Speakers. 

Habit #6:Synergise - working together and valuing each other in a team. 
Gem Macky emphasised this in the rowing team when she spoke about your actions making the boat go faster. 
Adam Whitlock expanded on this by discussing the hefty financial fine you pay if you are late to practice and play for The Crusaders. 

Our next focus is on Leaders who inspire us and how they demonstrate the 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People'

Students choose their own leader from a variety of backgrounds science, sports, politics, arts and culture. 

Positive Behaviour for Learning- PB4L

What is a friend, what is an acquaintance? 
This has been further discussed in Kauri Team Hui when we look at how we treat people around us. 

Passions
 

In 'Passions' we really see our school values in action. 
 
Check out some of the things we have been doing:




























CYBERSAFETY

Awareness of Online Harm

Many parents didn’t grow up with the internet, so it can be hard to imagine how tamariki may use it. But these days, digital technology is a key part of our young people’s lives. They use it for learning, communicating and entertainment.


Netsafe has released research that looked into parental awareness of children’s experiences of online risks and harm. The research found a mismatch between parents’ awareness and their children’s experiences of upsetting online content.


To check out the research, and other Netsafe resources, visit this link.  





Pōhutukawa News Term 1 Week 9 2025

Ngā mihi e te whānau, warm greetings to you all

Camp

On Wednesday next week, we are going to Living Springs Camp. Now is a good time to make sure your child has all the equipment needed for camp. Please check the previous camp notices for a list of what to bring.

On Wednesday morning, please remember to bring the following into the hub:
  • a backpack that will be worn during the 1 hour+ walk in which contains their lunch, a drink, a coat and any medication they need for the walk in (e.g., an inhaler).
  • a clearly name zip-lock bag/container containing your any other medication your child may have. Please make sure it has clear instructions on how and when to administer it. We will have a lot of medication to give out so please make the instructions really clear and simple to follow. Please hand the medication to your child's teacher on Wednesday morning. 
  • a suitcase/large bag containing their clothing and other items that will be delivered directly to the camp.

AI Art

During CCC (Cool Curriculum Classes), the children have been creating some AI-enhanced artwork. Here are some of their creations:





We are all very excited about camp next week. Thank you for all your support and aroha. 

Warm regards

The Pōhutukawa Teaching Team

Chris, Rae, Gayle, Megan, Nick, Georgie, Stacy and Laura

Kōwhai News Term 1 Week 9

Kia ora e te whānau,

Welcome to our week 9 blog. What a busy term it has been so far! 

This week, our school-wide PB4L focus has been on Tidying, as well as our words of the week, Co-operation and Responsibility. It has been great seeing our tamariki working together during learning times and at break times, and we are also seeing tamariki taking responsibility for their things and our equipment within the hub. Ka pai koutou!

Library Reminders

We would just like to send out a reminder about library folders. In order to take reading books and library books home, your child/children will need to have a reading folder OR a library folder to put these books into. It is important that your child/children put these folders back into their bags every day after using them at home. 

We visit the library in our literacy groups, and our library times are as follows:

Rowe's Literacy: Monday

Hazel's Literacy: Monday

Anna M's Literacy: Tuesday

Georgia's Literacy: Tuesday

Anna R's Literacy: Wednesday

Thank you for your help and support with this!

Construction Boxes

A plea - if you have any boxes that you would like to donate for our tamariki to use for box construction during Discovery time, this would be greatly appreciated!

Police Officer Visit

On Friday of week 8, the tamariki and kaiako of Kōwhai were fortunate enough to have Police Officer Jo come in and visit. Jo was incredible and answered all questions the tamariki had. Jo showed us the ins and outs of what a police officer carries and needs, as well as letting all tamariki have a look inside the police car. They were also fortunate enough to sit inside! Thank you so much for coming in, Jo. Your visit was absolutely fantastic! Some photos of the visit are below:

















House Games

This week, we had our first House Games for the year. It was awesome seeing the tamariki joining in, working together and giving the games a go!





Cyber Safety: Awareness of Online Harm

Many parents didn’t grow up with the internet, so it can be hard to imagine how tamariki may use it. But these days, digital technology is a key part of our young people’s lives. They use it for learning, communicating and entertainment.


Netsafe has released research that looked into parental awareness of children’s experiences of online risks and harm. The research found a mismatch between parents’ awareness and their children’s experiences of upsetting online content.


To check out the research, and other Netsafe resources, visit this link.  






































Have a wonderful and restful weekend!


Ngā mihi nui,

The Kōwhai team

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Schoolwide Newsletter, Rāmere (Friday) 21 March 2025

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Welcome to our week 8 Newsletter. It is hard to believe we are coming towards the end of Term 1.

Building a Strong Sense of Community and Service

At our school, we believe that community and service are essential to shaping compassionate, responsible individuals. Giving back and practicing reciprocal kindness helps us care for others, and in turn, care for ourselves. When we extend a hand to help someone, we not only improve their lives but also enrich our own, fostering a sense of connection and well-being.

Caring for others is a valuable life skill we encourage in our students. Whether supporting a classmate or volunteering in the community, kindness helps build a more compassionate world. We also emphasise the importance of caring for our environment. Teaching our students to be stewards (kaitiaki) of the planet ensures a sustainable future for everyone.

By nurturing these values, we are preparing our students for a lifetime of compassionate living, where caring for others and the world around them is just as important as caring for themselves.

At last week's celebration assembly, we acknowledged the service of our road patrollers and the contribution they make to keeping our school safe. We also thanked a group of Year 1 students who have taken it upon themselves to be responsible for rubbish collection around the school. Additionally, we recognized the large group of students from across the school who participated in the Weetbix Tryathlon under our school name. These are all great examples of students supporting a strong sense of community at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto.


Celebration of Culture Day 

As you will have seen through a HERO community post, next Friday will be a Celebration of Culture Day at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto. 

Students are invited to wear clothing that represents their cultural heritage on this day, whether it's a traditional outfit, something symbolic, or an item that has cultural significance. We want to embrace and honour the many cultures within our school community.

Throughout the day, teachers will provide opportunities for students to share about their culture, fostering an environment of learning, understanding, and appreciation for one another’s backgrounds.

We are really looking forward to this day of celebration, where the diversity within our community will be showcased and celebrated.

Have a great weekend.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Cade Englefield 

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Wed 26 Mar - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 28 Mar - Celebration of Culture Day
Fri 28 Mar - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Wed 2 Apr - Fri 4 Apr - Living Springs Camp - Pōhutukawa (Y5/6)
Thu 3 Apr Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 11 Apr - Celebration Assembly (10:00-10:30am, in the Hall)
Fri 11 Apr - Last Day of Term 1
Mon 28 Apr - First Day of Term 2
Fri 23 May - School Cross Country
Wed 28 May - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Thu 29 May - Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Fri 30 May - Staff Only Day (School Closed)
Mon 2 Jun - Public Holiday, School Closed (King's Birthday)
Wed 25 Jun -  Board of Trustees Meeting (5:30-7:30pm, Staff Room)
Wed 25 Jun - PTA Meeting (7:30-9:30pm)
Fri 27 Jun - Last Day of Term 2
Mon 14 Jul - First Day of Term 3

Citizen of the Week

Walter Stallworthy - Year 6

Walter, you are a calming and positive influence on those around you. You consistently demonstrate what it means to be an upstander, living out our values of We Care and We Make a Difference every day. Your dedication and determination to always do your best make you a truly diligent student. Ka pai tō mahi, Walter!

Zakhar Voinov - Year 8

For demonstrating outstanding kindness, respect and responsibility within our Kura. Zakhar, you lead by example, treat everyone with fairness and compassion, and embody the values we hold dear at Beckenham. Thank you for being a role model and an exceptional member of our community!

School Notices

Absence Text Line

Thank you for your patience this term while our text line has not been working. We appreciate you adjusting to emailing or phoning the office about any absences during this time.

We are happy to let you know that our text line is now working again!

Please contact the school office if your child will be absent from school. When contacting us please remember to include; your name, your child's name, the reason for their absence and how long you expect your child will be away from school.

If you do not provide a reason for your child's absence, we are required to mark this as an unjustified absence on their attendance report.

Phone: (03) 337-1404
(Press 1 to leave an absence message)
Email: office@beckenham.school.nz
Text: 02102794107

Cultural Diversity

On Wednesday, the student council organized a whole-school chalk project to advocate for cultural diversity. Years from 1-8 were invited to come and add symbols from their culture. The result is a beautiful mural, just inside the school gates. 

Unity Week: 15th - 21st of March

Launched in 2022, award-winning Unity Week NZ holds a special place in our hearts as we come together to reflect on the lessons of the 15 March mosque attacks and renew our commitment to strengthening our connections with one another.

Unity Week NZ comes to life through a series of impactful events, made possible by the collaborative efforts of Unity Week NZ champions in Christchurch and across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The message of Unity Week NZ is simple: See the humanity in one another, honour the ties that bind us, and respect our differences.

Unity Week NZ embodies the values of Understanding, Nationhood, Integrity, Trust and You. We call on you to commit to building a future where the lessons of 15 March are not only remembered and where unity, compassion, and respect are not just ideals, but actively woven into the lived experiences for everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand.

See more here: https://www.unityweek.co.nz/ideas


Reo Māori o te Wīki

This is our Whakataukī (phrase), Kīwaha (saying), and Kupu (word) from last week. Give it a go! Remember, He taonga te ako, We Love Learning!!

Whakataukī: Mauria te pono - this means to Believe in Yourself!

Kīwaha: He reka! - this means Yummm!

Kupu: Wero -  this means challenge

If you are unsure of the pronunciation of a word, have a look at Te Aka (the Māori dictionary) where you can hear how the word is spoken correctly.

Scooters

Please ensure you are taking your child's scooter home at the end of each school day. There have been a growing number of incidents where scooters are being left at school overnight or over the weekend and are not there on return to school the following week, or morning. This does take a lot of time and resources to investigate each incident so if whānau could please be diligent about ensuring the collection of scooters at the end of each school day, it would be greatly appreciated. Our bike and scooter areas are locked from 9.15-2.45 each school day.

Thanks Qizzle - a new vegepod!

We have been incredibly fortunate to win a new Vegepod and stand from Qizzle following their Back to School 2025 competition! We can't wait to put this to good use and see what wonderful kai our keen Garden Club tamariki can grow with the help of our incredible Teaching Assistant, and garden whizz Lucy! Qizzle is where our stationery packs can be ordered from - https://qizzle.co.nz/

South Zones Swimming

We had our swimming sports earlier in the month at Wharenui pool and selected students then participated in the South Zones last week on Thursday the 13th of March. Our students represented our school amazingly. A special shoutout to the sportsmanlike conduct displayed at the pool, and to Hugo for supporting this endeavour. Congratulations to all the students who took part in both days, and please see below the placement results from South Zones.

South Zone Swimming Results 2025

50m Freestyle

Year 8 Boys 
2nd Place - Kawariki Taylor

Year 7 Girls 
2nd Place - Sarah Welch

Year 6 Boys 
3rd Place - Haydn O'Connor

50m Backstroke

Year 8 Boys 
1st Place - Zakhar Voinov
2nd Place - Kawariki Taylor

Year 8 Girls 
3rd Place - Imogen Orchard
4th Place - Emeline Henderson

Year 7 Boys
3rd Place - Sebastian Blane
4th Place - Samson Nutall

Year 7 Girls
3rd Place - Sarah Welch

Year 6 Boys
2nd Place - Haydn O'Connor
4th Place - Jack Hurst

Year 5 Girls
1st Place - Chloe Sayer
3rd Place - Cora Nuttall

50m Breaststroke

Year 8 Boys
2nd Place - Kawariki Taylor

Year 7 Boys
4th Place - Sebastian Blane

Year 6 Boys
4th Place - Jack Hurst

Year 5 Girls
4th Place - Chloe Sayer

50m Butterfly

Boys Open
2nd Place - Archie Chapman

Girls Open
1st Place - Tish Gillman
2nd Place - Sarah Welch

Celebration of Culture Day

We are excited to announce that our Student Council is leading a Celebration of Culture Day on Friday, 28 March. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate the rich diversity that makes Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto such a special place.

Students are invited to wear clothing that represents their cultural heritage on this day, whether it's a traditional outfit, something symbolic, or an item that has cultural significance. We want to embrace and honour the many cultures within our school community.

Throughout the day, teachers will provide opportunities for students to share about their culture, fostering an environment of learning, understanding, and appreciation for one another’s backgrounds.

This event aligns with our school values:

We Love Learning (He taonga te ako) – We celebrate learning about the unique cultures that make our community strong.

We Love Challenge (Nau mai te wero) – We encourage students to explore new perspectives and challenge their thinking.

We Care (Arohaina te tāngata me te taiao) – We show care and respect for each other’s cultures and traditions.

We Get There Together (Mā tātou katoa te waka e hoe) – We work as a community to create an inclusive and supportive environment.

We Make a Difference (Nā mātou he rerekē te ao) – Together, we make the world a better place by celebrating and valuing the differences that make us unique.

We look forward to celebrating this special day with our students and whānau.

Congratulations Ivy!

2nd place at her Karate Club Championships!

CSM Outreach Recorder Lessons

Join us every Wednesday morning for our engaging recorder lessons, a fantastic way to introduce your child to the world of music! Not only is the recorder a fun and accessible instrument for kids, but it also lays a solid foundation for learning more complex woodwind instruments like the saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon.

Exciting Performance Opportunity: Strum Strike Blow
Our recorder students will have the thrilling chance to participate in the Strum Strike Blow festival in September, where they'll perform alongside hundreds of other young musicians playing ukuleles and marimbas. This event is always a hit!

Enrolment Details:
Cost: $97.50 per term
Enrolment: Visit the Christchurch School of Music website to enrol online. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page to secure your child's spot in our outreach recorder programme.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity!

BOT Update

Policy Review

From time to time we ask you to review one of our policies that come up on our review cycle. A policy for whānau review is the Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries, and Illness policy. You will find it on School Docs at this link. Click on current review, start review and follow the directions. 

Username: beckenham
Password: pride

Instructions for reviewers
  1. Follow the link to the policy.
  2. Read the policy.
  3. Click the "Start Review" icon at the right-hand top corner of the page. A new screen will appear.
  4. Select your role (board member, staff member, student, whānau or other) from the drop-down list.
  5. Enter your name (optional).
  6. Submit your ratings and comments.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can easily provide you with printed copies of the policy and the review form.

BOSCO - April School Holiday Programme

BOSCO April school holiday Programme is open for bookings
Head to bosco.aimyplus.com to register and book
For any further information please contact Harriet
027 645 6632
office@bosco.org.nz

Community Notices

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

Art Competition: Design a frame for one of the city’s favourite paintings!

Ākonga from Years 3–8 are invited to enter a competition to design an imaginative frame for one of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū’s most treasured paintings, Burial in the Winter on the Island of Marken (also known as The Dutch Funeral).

Ākonga from Years 3–8 are invited to enter. One winner will be selected from Years 3–4, Years 5–6 and Years 7–8.

Prize winners must be able to be at Christchurch Art Gallery on Thursday 17 April (during the school holidays), from 10am until midday, and have parent or guardian consent for a photograph of the children to be made available to media for publication. Full details will be provided to the winning entries.

How to enter

1. Download and print the entry form, linked here. Entry forms are also available from the Gallery foyer.

2. Design a frame using any materials – and plenty of imagination! All entries must be on the official entry form.

3. Drop completed entries in the drop-box in the Gallery foyer or hand them to the front counter by Wednesday 9 April. Please get in touch if we can help you by collecting entry forms.

Winning entries will be announced on Friday 11 April.

Entries that do not win a prize can be collected from the Gallery until 1 May. (Entries not collected after this date will be disposed of.)

Any questions? 
Email emma@christchurchartgallery.org.nz.