School Newsletter Thursday 6 April 2023

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou


Happy Easter to everyone in our community who celebrates this as part of their family values and beliefs.  For some whānau, Easter is a very important part of their Christian faith and holds a significant place in their calendar. For some, Easter has a variety of family traditions that include hunting for eggs in the garden or around the house, spending important family time together, and lots of indulging in chocolate and Hot Cross Buns. Whatever your whānau do over the long, Easter weekend, we wish you a safe and hopefully relaxing break!

Staffing Update

We have welcomed a number of new students into the school during Term 1, and have more students enrolled to start in Term 2. We are seeing a particular growth in our Year 3/4 team, which was a big team to begin with. Therefore, from the start of Term 2, our Year 3/4 Kōwhai Team will be spreading out and using both their hub and the Pūkaki hub as key learning spaces. We have also been fortunate to have allocated some funding to appoint Kathryn Moore as a part-time teacher to support the Year 3/4 team. Kathryn will be in from 9:30am-12:40pm Monday-Thursday and will be taking Numeracy and Literacy groups in the Kōwhai Team. Kathryn is well-known to our school as one of our current preferred relievers.

Kathryn Moore - Year 3/4 teacher

Reminder - Term 2 starts on Wednesday 26th April

We have a Staff Only Day on Monday 24th April and Tuesday 25th April is ANZAC Day.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Term 2

Mon 24 Apr - Staff Only Day (School closed)
Tue 25 Apr - ANZAC Day (School closed)
Wed 26 Apr - First day of Term 2
Fri 28 Apr - 9:15am - Welcome Assembly
Mon 1 - Wed 3 May - Year 5/6 Camp - Living Springs
Tue 9 May - 1:30-2:40pm - Whole School Cross Country
Fri 12 May - PTA Discos - save the date!
Tue 23 May - Zone Cross-Country - Y5-8, Hansen Park
Thu 25 May - Board meeting 5:30pm Staffroom
Mon 5 Jun - School Closed - King's Birthday
Wed 13 Jun - Learning Conferences (school closing at 1pm)
Thu 14 Jun - Learning Conferences (school closing at 1pm)
Thu 21 Jun - Whānau Hui and PTA Hāngi
Wed 28 Jun - Board meeting 5:30pm Staffroom
Fri 30 Jun - Last day of Term 2

Citizen of the Week

Harriet Parawa - Year 7

Harriet, you are a superstar in our team. You are a motivated learner and always try your best at everything that you do. You consistently demonstrate a positive and caring attitude and are a great friend to others. You have excellent self-management skills, are a positive role model and a ray of sunshine. You are extremely reliable and are always willing to lend a helping hand. We love having you in our team. Well done!

School Notices

Whānau Junior Playground Support Roster

We have a wonderful group of whānau, parents and grandparents, who come along to school during lunch play to support our tamariki in the junior playground. We have had a couple of time slots become available for Term 2. The benefits of being on the 'parent supervision roster' include the opportunity to be a part of the school community, and getting to know other whānau, parents and your child's friends. Please email Katie if you would like to offer your help for Term 2. katie.mcfarlane@beckenham.school.nz

'Kiss & Go' Drop Off Area

A huge "Thank you" to all those who have supported the 'Kiss & Go' zone. This area is for whānau to pull in and drop off or pick up their children kerb side and then leave. We have noticed cars moving on more quickly which has freed up the space for drop offs, making Sandwich Road move more freely.

The area works best when it is just the children getting in or out of the car (on the kerb side).  If whānau need to come into the school please park elsewhere on Sandwich Road and surrounding streets.


Sports News

Swimming Finals

Well done to Emma Vaile, Olivia Yeates, Lily Miller, Lilly-Anne Bone and Izzy Clarke who went to the Canterbury Swimming finals last week. All students represented our kura with pride and should feel very happy with their achievements. Tino Pai!

Community Notices

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


THE MAKE STUDIO 

Craft & Wellbeing workshops for children & families. 
Encouraging creativity and sparking mindful connections through craft.
Based from a friendly little studio in Cashmere.

April school holiday workshops for children aged 5-12 years:

Hot Air Balloon sculpture Wed 12 April  10-1pm  $50
Craft a whimsical hot air balloon from papier mache, complete with a little flying friend. Express your imagination and learn new skills.

Tree House Miniature Thurs 13 April  10-1pm  $50
Design your own treehouse using twigs and found objects, perfect for Lego people and other small toys.

Autumn Nature Table  Fri 14 April  10-1pm  $50 
Celebrate Autumn & connect to the change of season. Make your own beautiful little ritual table topper with crafts such as a snow globe and candles.

Tea Making & Tasting  Mon 17 April  2-3.30pm  $25 
Make your own special blend of tea from herbs & flowers, and package it up beautifully to take home & share. We will talk about connecting to our senses while nourishing ourselves with something yummy!

Party Puppet Tues 18 April.  2-3.30pm   $25
Make a bright festive puppet that moves, using beads, straws and cardboard. This fun craft creates a joyful dancing character to take home. 

Self Portrait Poster  Weds 19 April   2-3.30pm   $25 
You will make a self portrait good enough to frame. We'll talk a little bit about our 'inner worlds' while having fun expressing who you are.

Bookings & enquiries via email hello.themakestudio@gmail.com
Instagram @the.make.studio 
Facebook @theMakeStudioChristchurch

Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Newsletter Rāmere (Friday) 31 March 2023

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Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Today it was "Welcome to the Beckenham Zoo' as we had every imaginable creature turn up at school, complete with smiles, for the Student Council's Dress as an Animal Day. Our amazing Student Council get the top spot in today's newsletter after having organised a stunning day of 'We Make A Difference' today for the SPCA.


A HUGE thank you from our Student Council to everyone who contributed to the SPCA fundraiser today. We were overwhelmed by the volume of donations, including blankets, towels, sheets, newspapers, food and money that was given. We will be dropping this all to the SPCA tomorrow, including just over $600 in cash! Wow! And all of the animals in the Beckenham Zoo had a fun day too! 

Frida, Grace and Rose - Beckenham Student Council

Next week is the final week of Term 1 - with the last day being Thursday 6th April. 

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Term 1

Thu 6 Apr - Last day of Term 1
Fri 7 Apr -  School Holidays begin (School closed)

Term 2

Mon 24 Apr - Staff Only Day (School closed)
Tue 25 Apr - ANZAC Day (School closed)
Wed 26 Apr - First day of Term 2
Mon 1 - Wed 3 May - Year 5/6 Camp - Living Springs
Fri 12 May - PTA Discos
Mon 5 Jun - King's Birthday (School closed)
Fri 30 Jun - Last day of Term 2

Citizen of the Week

Banuja Hettiweediya Mudiyanselage - Year 4

Banuja, you are an excellent example of someone who tackles challenges head-on and approaches all that you do with a positive attitude that shines. 'We Make a Difference' is a kete value you demonstrate daily through your passion for helping others along with the proactive approach you take to helping out around the hub. Ka pai tō mahi, Banuja!

School Notices

Financial Statements

You will have received your student's financial statement today.

This is just a reminder that donation payments (including camp donations) are able to be submitted for the Donation Tax Credits from the IRD. This scheme entitles you to claim back 33% of your donation payments, if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Payments made to us today, 31st March, can still be submitted as part of your application for the financial year ended 31st March 2023.

If you need any assistance logging into Hero to view your statement or wish to find out more about setting up payment instalments, you can refer to our website https://www.beckenham.school.nz/ and follow the “Finances and Annual Donation” link in the “Information” dropdown menu.

Payments may be made in part or full to the school bank account - ASB Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto Board of Trustees 12 3148 0131641 000 using the child's name as a reference.

The school office also has Eftpos facilities available.

If you have any queries, please email accounts@beckenham.school.nz

Lost Property

A reminder to all whānau to check the Lost Property before the end of term and take your items home.


Whānau Report Feedback - Thank You!

Thank you to those who took the time to complete the 2023 Whānau report feedback survey recently.  We appreciate the time and consideration that you put into this. We are currently working through the feedback.

'Kiss & Go' Drop Off Area

You may have noticed the 'Kiss & Go' signs on the fence at the drop off and pick up area on Sandwich Road (by the bike stands). This area is for whānau to pull in and drop off or pick up their children kerb side and then leave. 

The area works best when it is just the children getting in or out of the car (on the kerb side).  If whānau need to come into the school please park elsewhere on Sandwich Road.

Thank you to all those who have supported the 'Kiss & Go' zone. We have noticed cars moving on more quickly which has freed up the space for drop offs, making Sandwich road move more freely.

Three-point turns on Sandwich Road

Sandwich road is a busy place on either side of the school day. To keep everyone safe please continue along the road and around the block, rather than doing three-point turns or U turns. The road works have moved on from the immediate school block, so access is much easier.

BOSCO

Update for BOSCO whānau:

The government will be making some changes to the childcare assistance grant that will commence on 1st April 2023. What this means is that more families are likely to qualify for this financial assistance under the new guidelines. This is a good opportunity for families who require before and after school care of their children to see if this could help them.

BOSCO provides before school care from 7:30am – 8:30am and after school care from 3:00pm – 6:00pm.

Should you have any questions regarding this please do not hesitate to contact Juanita at office@bosco.org.nz.

Dental Van Visit

One of our Community Dental Service vans will be making a visit to your school soon.
  • Only the children who currently require a check-up will be seen at this visit.
    Please do not be concerned if your child is not called for a check-up this time.

  • The dental therapist will provide a regular check-up and preventative care which may include:
    Cleaning/Scaling (to remove plaque from teeth)
    Dental x-rays (to check for decay in teeth, or presence and position of teeth)
    Fluoride Varnish (painted on teeth to help prevent decay)
    Fissure Sealants (coating put on teeth to prevent decay) if required.

  • If your child requires any other dental care, they will bring home a ‘Care Plan’ which will explain what dental care and appointment times are required.

  • When you receive the ‘Care Plan’ please contact our Call Centre as soon as possible as you will need to arrange a time to bring your child to one of our Community Clinics for this dental care.

  • Please contact our Call Centre if you want further information on the Community Dental Service, to enrol your child or if you have any specific questions about your child’s dental care (a dental therapist will call you back)

  • Year 8 students: all year 8 students enrolled with the Community Dental Service are transferred from the Community Dental Service to a FREE private dentist from year 9 until their 18th birthday. To help with this transition please ensure you have informed your child of their family dentist (not orthodontist). This will enable us to transfer your child onto the correct dentist for year 9 onwards. More information will be sent home after their year 8 check-up.
To contact our Call Centre: phone 0800 846 983 / email commdental@cdhb.health.nz

PTA News

Hot Cross Buns

Orders for hot cross buns are all in and we're looking forward to delivery day on Wednesday 5th April, just in time for Easter!

Donations

This recent wet weather has resulted in lots of wet feet - do you have old gumboots (especially in larger sizes to fit 11+ year-olds) that you could donate to the uniform room? We will gratefully receive them and save them for a rainy day!

Community Notices

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

Nathan is returning to Christchurch for one night only to present a NEW PRESENTATION.

When:  Tuesday 4th April, 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Where:  Te Aratai College / CHRISTCHURCH
Presentation:  Understanding Your Brain: Building Resilience & Maximising Learning (note: this presentation caters for parents/carers and educators who care for children of all ages.  It is also relevant for us grown-ups!)

More info/tickets available on Eventfinda NZ or by clicking on the link below:


Early bird tickets are still available. Get in quick!




We are very excited to announce the NZSO are returning to the Christchurch Town Hall for Open Doors on Saturday 20 May. Our musicians are going to be running several fantastic events – there will be something for everyone!

Tamariki Time – 10:00-10:45 (Avon Room)

Tamariki Time is a free concert designed for the smallest members of your whānau. Suitable for pre-schoolers or students up to the age of 8 years. This 45-minute concert features various short and instrument demos that your kids will love! Including pieces from the Nutcracker, songs from Encanto and an exciting storytime performance presented by Chris Lam Sam. Have a listen to his catchy Octopus song before the performance!

There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement during the concert and a chance to get up and move to the music. If you are interested in coming along, register you attendance here.


Relaxed Concert – 11:30 – 12:15 (Avon Room)

Our Relaxed Concert is a free accessibility concert designed for audiences with sensory needs who may feel uncomfortable in a traditional concert environment.

There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement during the performance, minimal lighting effects, and a 'chill-out' space is available.

The 45-minute concert features a wide variety of short pieces and instrument demos that will grow your knowledge of the orchestra! We will also perform one of our popular Storytime books live presented by Chris Lam Sam, including his popular Octopus song!

If you are interested in attending our session, please register your attendance here.

Kauri Whānau Weekly Update: Term 1 Week 9

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 In this post:

  • No technology
  • Sport term 2
  • Animal dress-up day pics
  • Passions pics

Technology

There will be no technology this coming Tuesday, as they will be setting up new spaces at Christchurch South Intermediate that day. Children are to arrive at school at the usual time, ready to start learning at 8:55.

Sport in Term 2

Thank you to parents who have offered to help with a winter sports team. Winter sports begins next term on the 25th May and runs for the last 5 weeks of Term 2 and then the first 5 weeks of Term 3. We have had a lot of interest in football and netball, but still need parents to help with a team. If you are able to assist please email sarah.junghenn@beckenham.school.nz.

SPCA Fundraiser

A bit well done to the student council for organising a fabulous Animal Dress-up Day today. $600 was raised, and we also have a huge pile of donations.











Passions


Today we came to the end of our term 1 passion sessions. The children have developed skills and a passion for American football, working with our younger tamariki, coding, photography, science and quilling. Next week, we will outline the passions for term 2.











In our photography passion we have been learning about different shots and angles such as close up and low angle. The students have been enjoying exploring and trying new things. Today we learnt about trick photography, it was highly amusing!









Kōwhai News Term 1 Week 9

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Kia ora whānau,

Week 9 over and out! It’s hard to believe we are approaching the end of term 1 already. We want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work of our year 3 and 4 students. They have all done an excellent job at settling into the new school year, adapting to routines and have made the most of opportunities to learn and build connections within the hub. 

Science

As part of our innovation focus for the year, over the past few weeks, the Kōwhai children have been exploring simple machines and their functions. It has been a great way for them to learn about some of the basic principles of physics and engineering, inquiring into simple machines, such as levers, pulleys, and inclined planes. By understanding how they work, they have begun to develop an appreciation for the everyday technology that surrounds them. The children have particularly enjoyed working with their peers to build a functional ramp and experimenting with different materials. It has been great to see them all so engaged in the scientific process and thinking critically and creatively about their ramp design. 






Ramadan

Ramadan celebrations have officially begun. Ramadan typically falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a significant month that holds great importance for Muslims all around the world. It is a time for spiritual reflection, devotion, and self-discipline, where Muslims fast from dawn until dusk and engage in acts of charity, kindness, and worship. We have families who observe Ramadan within our school and wider community and we can support them by asking them about how they observe Ramadan because each family will probably do something a bit different.

Covid Cases 

There have recently been some positive Covid cases within the Kōwhai hub. Being safe from Covid-19 continues to be important to families, students and staff at Beckenham. In order to minimise the risk of contracting Covid or other viruses, we continue to promote regular washing of hands, especially before eating, and we are continuing to ensure the learning spaces are well-ventilated. This week you may have noticed some teachers and students choosing to wear a mask. This is not compulsory and it is up to your whānau to decide whether this is something you would like your child to do. Please continue to keep your child at home if they are presenting with symptoms or if you are concerned that they may be Covid positive. Thank you for your ongoing support with this.

Jerseys

As we approach the cooler months, it is important that your child/children bring a school jersey with them every day. Unless it is raining, students spend their break times outside and will need their jerseys to keep them warm.

School Houses

We have just posted some information on our houses on the school website. Included on the site, are all the words for the chants and a video link below each one if you would like to take a look at them and practise them at home. Here is a link to the site.

Discovery

As usual, the children have been engrossed in various activities during Discovery over the last few weeks. Here are some photos which show you what some of our tamariki have been up to:









Important Camp Information

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

What a fun filled Friday we had with so many creative costumes filling the Hub with colour and excitement for the Animal Dress Up Day. By the looks of the huge amount of donated goods and money, the SPCA will be happy, too! A great way for tamariki to show We Make a Difference. Thank you for your support.
 
Your tamariki should have today arrived home with the gear list for the Living Springs Camp in their school bag. We spent time this week going over this list, the programme for camp, and the Social Story; hopefully, you have been getting lots of excited chatter about it all at home too! We did a quick countdown with the students today at Team Hui, and worked out that there are just 7 school days before camp! Of course, we have Easter, the school holidays, a teacher-only day, and ANZAC day all between now and camp, too, but the excitement is definitely building!
 
We have attached here all of the things mentioned above: the camp gear list, and the camp Social Story, which includes the camp programme. Please go through these together with your tamariki, as the more they are prepared and the more questions we can answer before the school holidays, the more successful their camp experience is likely to be.
 
Finally, thank you to the 85% of whānau who have already filled out the Health and Medical Consent form. Click here for the form. We would really appreciate you filling this in as soon as possible as it gives us a clear picture of the needs of the children on camp and enables us to plan and support them while on camp.
 
Have a great weekend, everybody. Kia pai ngā rā whakatā.
 
The Pōhutukawa Team