T2 W8 – Fri 16 Jun

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Matariki Whānau Hui, Kapa haka & Soup - Wednesday 21 June from 5pm


We would like to invite you to our first Whānau Rōpū hui of 2022 next Wednesday.

Matariki is the start of the Māori new year and a time of reflection, connection and planning for the year ahead. We would like to celebrate with you and your whānau on the 21st of June from 5pm.

5:00 pm - Welcome & Performance in Māpuna, the Hall - Te Whānau Mahi Tahi

5:20 pm - Matariki activities begin in Hubs

6:10 pm - Matariki activities finish in Hubs

6:20 pm - Performance by Pōhutukawa and Kōwhai joint kapa haka rōpū in Māpuna, the Hall

6:40 pm - Free Soup and Bread in the hall for all - bring a mug/bowl and share kai together.

Nau mai, haere mai.

Sandy Hastings
Tumuaki - Principal

Important Dates

Wed 21 Jun - Whānau Matariki Hui, followed by PTA Hāngi
Wed 28 Jun - Board Mtg - 5:30pm Staffroom
Wed 28 Jun - PTA Mtg, 7:30pm Staffroom
Fri 30 Jun  - last day of Term 2
Sat 1 Jul - School Holidays begin
Mon 17 Jul - Term 3 begins

Citizen of the Week

Timon Spill - Year 8

Timon, you are an active learner who asks questions and explores different ideas to extend your knowledge. You are focused during learning times and use your knowledge to support others willingly. You put your hand up for leadership opportunities, and we all appreciate your ICT prowess! Thank you for being a willing and capable helper. You make Beckenham Te Kura o Puroto a better place.

Learning from our Hubs

Pond Restoration - Year 5/6 Team - movie

The Beckenham Ponds is a special place to the community and of course the namesake of our kura: Beckenham te kura o Pūroto. As a school, we have been working alongside the Christchurch City Council with a shared vision of the restoration of these taonga. For the past several years Beckenham students have been planting and maintaining native plants at the ponds, and using the environment for place-based learning opportunities. You may have seen some recent work being done. We hope you enjoy this short movie about this, and why this has our students excited!

Staffing Update

Welcome to Amanda Kay



Amanda started this week working three mornings a week in our Kahikatea Year 1/2 team as a Teaching Assistant, whilst Nathalie is away. Amanda has previously worked as an Occupational Therapist, and has two young children. Spending time with her family and baking take up most of her time!

Farewell to Sonya Watson



We are very sad to be farewelling Sonya Watson in her role as a Teaching Assistant this coming Friday. We wish her all the best as she moves on to a new position.

Congratulations to Sarah Junghenn


We are delighted to be able to confirm that we will hold on to the skills and professionalism of Sarah Junghenn. Sarah has been teaching in the Year 7/8 team for Terms 1 & 2 whilst Jenny Diggle has been on leave. Jenny will be returning next term to Year 7/8.
Sarah has agreed to take the next New Entrant group. She will start full-time in the Koru team in the early part of Term 3.

Community Notices

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

Cashmere Kea’s for 5 to 8 year olds: 

Spaces available for next term onwards. Fun and friendship are the cornerstones of the Kea programme. It is filled with a little bit of everything: outdoor activities, games and crafts. 

Meeting Place: Scout Den, Hackthorne Road, Cashmere, Christchurch Meeting time: Monday 5.45pm – 6.45pm Info about prices / contact details for Cashmere Kea’s https://scouts.nz/groups/cashmere-scout-group/ More info about Kea’s in general: https://scouts.nz/keas/

BushFarm School - Final holiday programme

Kia ora e te iwi,

Some sad news to share unfortunately, Bush Farm will be closing on the 6th Oct this year. As such, this will be the last lot of holiday programmes we will be offering to the public. www.bushfarm.org.nz

Please do contact us if you have any questions about the holiday programmes, or about our closure.



Diamond Futsal. 

We are the first and only futsal-specific program in Christchurch.

We have designed this program to engage the community and to increase participation in the game of futsal. We are open to all participants of all abilities that are wanting to give our program and the sport of Futsal a try. 

What is futsal? Futsal is a fast-paced indoor variation of football/soccer that is played inside on a hard court with a low-bounce ball. Futsal emphasizes skilful footwork, quick passes, and close control due to the smaller playing area and fewer players on each team. It promotes agility, technique, and creativity while also developing teamwork and decision-making abilities. Futsal is known for its dynamic nature, high-scoring matches, and exciting displays of individual and team skills.

We have attached our flier for the program we plan to run in term 3 and also included a link to a form that students can fill out if they are interested. 





Kahikatea News Term 2 Weeks 7 & 8

Kia ora koutou,

Wow....it is Week 8 already! We are having a blast in Team Kahikatea! As the weather cools down, please ensure your child has clearly named warm clothing. 

Hero Reports are Live

We have enjoyed being able to share the success of all of our learners! Have you seen your child's report? Have you shared this report yet with your child? 

Learning Conferences

These are coming up this week, on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th June. We look forward to meeting with you all. 

This is just a reminder that school will close at 2pm on both days. Children who are usually booked into BOSCO on those days will be able to attend from 2pm. The school will provide supervision for children between 2-3pm IF NEEDED.

Please see your child's Homegroup Teacher if you are yet to book a conference.

Word of the week

Our word of the week last week was FRIENDSHIP.

Below are some videos we showed the tamariki as we discussed what a good friend looks like, sounds like, and feels like.





He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai - if kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive. 

Fun Run

On Friday 2nd June, some of our Tamariki (and awesome parents) participated in the school fundraising fun run to raise money for Trees For Canterbury. It was a fantastic effort by all, we are proud of you and loved cheering you on as you ran lap, after lap, after lap of the field. Below are some photos that were taken. 












Have you got your 'Maths Eyes'? 

As part of our mathematics lessons, we have been looking at everyday images and asking the following four questions:

1. What do you notice?

2. What do you think?

3. What do you wonder?

4. Where's the mathematics in this picture?

Have a go (both children and parents) with the following image. (It's a great way to see the world through a mathematical lens and to build up the skills of communicating using the language of mathematics.)

Photos from our week:
















Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.

Team Kahikatea

krystal.hunt@beckenham.school.nz

lisa.collier@beckenham.school.nz

katie.mcfarlane@beckenham.school.nz

quynh.nguyen@beckenham.school.nz

amber.donovan@beckenham.school.nz

Koru Team news, Term 2 Week 7

Kia ora, e te whānau,

Important dates:

Learning Conferences. Learning Conferences are this Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th of June, and school finishes at 2pm. Please complete THIS FORM to let us know what you want to happen for your child at 2pm. Every family needs to complete the form, thanks.

Junior Park Explorers: Friday 23 June. This is our new date as we had to postpone earlier in the term due to the weather. 

Matariki Evening and Kapa Haka Performance: Wednesday 21st June. We would like to celebrate with you and your whānau from 5pm onwards. 5pm welcome in the Hall, 5.20pm activities in Hubs, 6.20pm performance in the Hall by Year 3-6 children, and 6.45pm pre-ordered Hāngi available to collect. 

Fun Run:

On Friday, 2nd of June, we had 10 Koru children participate in a student council-organised Fun Run to raise money for Trees for Canterbury. 'We Love Challenge!' Awesome effort everyone!






Learning Through Play
During each school day, our tamariki are involved in Learning Through Play activities incorporating different social competencies, all while the children are engaged in play. Learning Through Play is all about our children choosing and directing their own play, and our job as teachers are to support, nurture and extend them through this journey. 
This can involve:
  • improving social skills, such as turn-taking, sharing, negotiating, and ensuring that things remain fair
  • being aware of; and the use of our school kete values in the classroom environment
  • learning how to work together with others and practise the skills needed to work collaboratively and to be a team player
  • noticing and commenting on how our tamariki are demonstrating the skills we focus on as our 'word of the week' eg. resilience, friendship, kindness, respect, co-operation, and inclusion.













Fun in our sandpit


Sorting shapes together

Working together to hold the hoop steady!

We Love Challenge

'We Get There Together'


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


Kauri Whānau Update: Term 2, Week 7

In this post: 

  • Student-Led Conferences reminder
  • Winter Sports Reminder
  • Senior Jacket Check
  • Hagley College enrolments
  • Cheese Rolls

Student-Led Conferences

Thank you to all the whānau who have signed up for conferences on Wednesday June 14th or Thursday  June 15th next week. Reports are available to view on HERO, and these conferences are an important opportunity to ask questions and find out more about progress and achievement.

Please remember that we will be closing early, at 2pm, on Wednesday and Thursday next week. Children who usually attend BOSCO will be able to be there from 2pm. 

If you have not yet completed both of the forms below, please make sure you do that today. Each family needs to fill out BOTH forms, please:

If you haven't already done this, please book a Learning Conference for each of your children by clicking on this link. (The code you might need is 8f6xx)

Then, please fill out this form, to let us know what you want to happen for your child at 2pm. We need this form filled out by EVERY family, please.

Winter Sports Reminder

Due to student-led conferences, Winter Sports will not be taking place on Thursday afternoon of Week 7. Competitive and non-competitive sports will resume in Week 8.

Senior Jacket Check

We have had a spate of Senior jackets going missing over the last couple of weeks. Can you please double-check that students have their correct jacket, and that it is clearly named.

Hagley College: Enrolments Closing Soon

Enrolment applications for Hagley College Year 9 2024 are closing soon, on Friday 23rd June at midday.

Their close-off date is firm and they will not be able to receive any new applications after this date. Please be aware that this closing date is a little earlier than for many of the other high schools.

If you are interested in applying but haven't put an application in yet, please go to https://www.hagley.school.nz/enrolment/year-9-enrolment/ and click the button to start a new enrolment application as soon as possible.

Any questions can be directed to Lisa Amer via lisa.amer@staff.hagley.school.nz

Cheese Rolls

Thank you to everyone who has been involved in our annual Cheese Roll fundraiser. Whether you pitched in directly on the day, or provided equipment, or even if you bought some of the delicious end product, we are incredibly appreciative of your support.

The students worked incredibly hard in shifts throughout the day on Wednesday, as evidenced by the photos below. A sepcial big thank you needs to go out to Nicky, who organised and led the effort.

If you have not received your cheese roll order yet, or if you didn't get part of your order, please get in touch with Nicky via email (nicky.dunlop@beckenham.school.nz). If you still have equipment at school to collect, please feel free to pop in before or after school to collect it, or send an email to your child's homegroup teacher and we will organise for your child to bring it home.




Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto School Newsletter, Friday 9 June

Principal's Patch

Kia ora koutou

Understanding our School Vision

Whakarite ngā kete mō te haerenga!
Filling our kete for the journey
Back in 2015, around the time that the school was being rebuilt, we also went through a process of 'revisioning'. After considerable consultation, the current vision and values, as displayed above, were agreed on. The values are spoken about at school on a daily basis and are well understood by most of our students, and our community.

Today, I would like to talk a little more about our Vision - "Filling our kete for the journey" - "Whakarite ngā kete mō te haerenga!"

The vision links to our school's cultural narrative and our name - 'Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto' - 'Beckenham, the school of the ponds'. These ponds were, in pre-European times, a place of mahinga kai - food gathering and trading. Our vision talks to the metaphorical food baskets that we all carry on our journey through life, and the sharing and passing on of knowledge and skills that will be needed to fill these kete. 

The vision is designed to be inclusive and embracing - each of us, young and old, carry a food basket with us on our life's journey, and we take daily actions, through living our school values of Caring, Making a Difference, Loving Learning, Loving a Challenge and Getting There Together, to support and strengthen one another and ourselves by adding to the food baskets that we each carry. 

Final Reminder: Learning conferences next week...

Please remember that we will be closing early at 2pm on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th June (next week). 

Reports are now available to view on HERO, and these conferences will be an important opportunity to learn more about your child's learning progress and achievement.

The school will close at the earlier time of 2pm on both days. Children who are usually booked into BOSCO on those days will be able to attend from 2pm. We will provide supervision for children between 2-3pm IF NEEDED... 

If you have not yet completed both of the forms below, please make sure you do that today. Each family needs to fill out BOTH forms , please:
If you haven't already done this, please book a Learning Conference for each of your children by clicking on this link. (The code you might need is 8f6xx)
Then, please fill out this form, to let us know what you want to happen for your child at 2pm. We need this form filled out by EVERY family, please.

If your child is in Amber's homegroup, due to Amber being away, please note we have postponed your learning conferences and a new time will come out in Term 3.

If you need any assistance to book a conference, or if you have changed plans since filling out the supervision form, please contact Jacky in the office on 03 337 1404

Matariki Evening and Kapa Haka Performance - Wednesday 21st June 2022

We would like to invite you to our first Whānau Rōpū hui of 2022. Matariki is the start of the Māori new year and a time of reflection, connection and planning for the year ahead. We would like to celebrate with you and your whānau on the 21st of June from 5pm.

5:00 pm - Welcome & Performance in Māpuna, the Hall - Te Whānau Mahi Tahi

5:20 pm - Matariki activities begin in Hubs

6:10 pm - Matariki activities finish in Hubs

6:20 pm - Performance by Pōhutukawa and Kōwhai joint kapa haka rōpū in Māpuna, the Hall

6:45 pm - Hāngi (for those who have pre-ordered hāngi) in Māpuna, the Hall

Nau mai, haere mai.

Ngā mihi nui
Sandy Hastings 
Principal - Tumuaki

Important Dates

Wed 14 Jun - Learning Conferences - School Closes at 2pm
Thu 15 Jun - Learning Conferences - School Closes at 2pm
Fri 16 Jun - Celebration Assembly 10am, All welcome
Wed 21 Jun - Whānau Matariki Hui, followed by PTA Hāngi
Wed 28 Jun - PTA Mtg, 7:30pm Staffroom

Citizen of the Week

Ella Hamilton - Year 6

Ella, you are a shining example of a student who always shows all of our kete values. You are reliable and show integrity in all you do. You are a self-managing learner and a wonderful help to others, whether it be around the hub or with academic work. Tumeke, Ella.

School Notices

Lost Property

We are accumulating quite a collection of UN-NAMED uniform and non-uniform items in the lost property. When items are clearly named, we always return them back to the children they belong to. Un-named items end up in the lost property, which is displayed each day on the library verandah.


Suggestions for free Workshops from Mana Ake...?

Mana Ake supports children who are experiencing circumstances that impact on their wellbeing or mental health. The Mana Ake team works alongside schools, whānau and general practice when they have noticed a concern about a child’s wellbeing or mental health. 
Children can be referred to Mana Ake via their GP or their school. Whānau are able to access phone drop in service to provide guidance about next steps for their child. 
Mana Ake also offer free workshops to parents and whānau to support positive parenting and information around current issues, e.g. digital safety, anxiety, friendships.

Please take a moment to fill in this survey if you have suggestions for workshops that Mana Ake could offer that would support you in your parenting journey.

Staff Profiles

Steve Cooke joined Beckenham te Kura o Pūroto in 2019, and has been living with his family in Christchurch since 2017. Before that, he lived in Japan and taught English as a Foreign Language for many years. Steve has a love of language and culture and enjoys celebrating, teaching, and learning about these. He also loves a good 'dad-joke' and is always keen to share a laugh.

Gayle McNaughton joined Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto in 2015 and has taught at various year levels. Currently, she is enjoying teaching in the year 5/6 hub. Gayle’s favourite part of her job at Beckenham is the variety that each day brings. She enjoys helping students to experience challenging, rewarding, and fun learning experiences. Gayle enjoys working as part of a team that encourages our children to think critically and creatively. In her spare time, she likes spending time with her family and friends in the great outdoors, enjoying mountain biking, swimming, camping, and walking, as well as snuggling up with a good book.

Rae Marsh joined the Pōhutukawa team at Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto in 2019. Her previous lives in architectural draughting and teaching gave Rae a love of technology. She is passionate about sharing teaching and learning in a way that incorporates technology to excite and motivate students. 

Megan Culver joined Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto in 2019 working in the Year 7/8 hub for 4 years. She now teaches with the Year 5/6 team. She arrived in New Zealand, with some of her family, almost 12 years ago and has enjoyed every minute!

Georgie Jones has taught in a variety of different schools both in New Zealand and in England.  She enjoys working with children to develop their strengths, knowledge and confidence.  When not at school Georgie loves spending time with family and friends and enjoying adventures and time in the outdoors.  

Steve Cooke, Gayle McNaughton, Rae Marsh, Megan Culver, Georgie Jones

PTA News

Have you ordered your Hāngī yet?

Only 40 portions still available to order...
This link has the form to order and payment details: https://forms.gle/T2vnwwDcYxLFpzBBA


PTA DISCO Update!!!



We are pleased to announce a new date for the school disco - Friday 4th August!
The PTA needs a band of helpers to make sure that the discos are a success. We run four back-to-back discos starting at 2pm and going through until 7:30pm. Each Disco needs 6 parent helpers to be able to operate security and health and safety, safely and successfully.

New Entrants and Year 1-2, will have their disco from 2.00-2.45. 
Year 3/4 4.00-4.45 
 Years 5/6 5.10-6.10 
 Years 7/8 6.30-7.30

To put your hand up to help at one or more of the discos, please email pta@beckenham.school.nz, or phone Jason Orchard (PTA Chair) on 027 4444 888

Community Notices

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

School for Young Writers - June Holiday Programme

We have expanded our Winter School programme for the July holidays with options for young writers from age 9-17.
In addition to our great workshop offerings we have included four targeted and fully funded classes. Check out the options below and please share with your young writers and whānau.
Bookings are now open and some classes are filling fast. ON OUR WEBSITE

FINDING PEACE IN A FRANTIC WORLD

8 WEEK MINDFULNESS PROGRAMME
Who is this course for?

This course suits a wide range of people including educators, caregivers and parents. It is suitable for beginners and for those who already have a mindfulness practice and want to dive in deeper. The course is adapted from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and is designed for those with busy lives and limited time. 

COURSE FORMAT AND RESOURCES
8 Weeks in person or live online training (1.5 Hours per week)
Home practice (between 10 minutes to 30 minutes per day - whatever you can manage is ok!)
Free guided practices

WHEN/WHERE
In-person at Rāwhiti School, New Brighton, or live online
4.30pm to 6pm, Mondays from 24th July to 11th September.

For more information, follow this link: https://www.mindfuli.org.nz/mindfuli-for-educators 

CodeCamp July School Holidays

CodeCamp allows children from the ages of 7-12 to develop 21st century skills in a fun and action packed environment. 


Develop confidence & initiative through design, creativity, solving problems, presenting & collaboration. Create games, apps. 
Waimari School: 3rd - 6th  & 10th - 13th July
Book Now at https://codecamp.co.nz  
EarlyBird Save15%
Siblings Save 6%

Looking for a summer sport? Want to try something new? Do you like being part of a team?

Then look no further and try Marching! We have teams all around Christchurch and may even train right here at your school. We cater for all ages from 4yrs to 50yrs. If you are looking for a bit of fun, want to find friends and travel NZ then message us now.


Find us on facebook  "Marching Canterbury" or email your interest at publicitymarchingcanterbury@gmail.com"

July School Holiday Programmes

Kelly Sports will once again be providing our Active and Fun Sports based Holiday Programmes across Christchurch this July. All of our Sports based programmes are active, keeping your children busy through a variety of fun games and activities.


As an Oscar accredited programme, families that are eligible can apply for Work and Income Childcare Subsidies and we also offer a 10% Sibling Discount (see online for these discount codes).

For more information please visit www.kellysports.co.nz to check out your nearest venue.